FOR: Henna Tariq ‘11-
Many debates have been made about this subject—about whether or not it is wise to enforce the use of school uniforms. Students and some schools believe that school uniforms are a way of limiting one’s creativity. Creativity in fashion can easily be expressed during the remaining 16 hours of the day. What many students don’t see are the benefits of having uniforms in school. Having uniforms is time-efficient and money-efficient.
Many students struggle to get up in the morning as it is. And when they get up they spend their time worrying about what they are going to wear. This process is a very time consuming and tedious task. Uniforms are a simple solution to get ready in the morning. Plus, students look much more neat and professional.
Students will focus more on their studies than their clothes. No boys will be distracted from their test when a girl with an ultra short skirt sways into the room. No graffiti-ed T-shirt will ever cause a commotion.
Uniforms are also much more affordable to get than buying a new wardrobe of clothes every year or, for some people, every semester. This is a good way for families on a budget to save money on their children’s clothes.
Fellow uniform advocates also argue that uniforms will decrease the violence in schools due to gangs.
School has now become a popularity contest than about education. Students worry more about having the latest fashion trend or the most modern name brand rather than actually paying attention in the classroom. In this kind of rude awakening, we are forced to raise the question of whether or not the school is doing its part in fixing the situation. Uniforms will water down the cast system the student body has created amongst themselves.
Although the great debate continues to rage on more and more schools are considering changing their schools dress code and enforce uniforms, one thing is for certain—uniforms also illustrate a sense of family and community of the school they represent. And isn’t that what CSI strives for so badly?
AGAINST:Katherine Foote ‘12
What happened to individuality? Why should it be taken away from us? As you can guess, I’m not pro uniform. Uniforms take away our individuality and freedom to express ourselves without the use of words.
The clothing we put on for the day normally reflects our mood, personality, and attitude. They give us the chance to experiment with different styles to see what truly suites us. For some, clothes are just means to improve self-esteem, and develop an identity. I previously attended a Catholic school that required a uniform. At first, I didn’t mind it too much. However, as weeks turned into months, I soon became incredibly bored. There was nothing out of the ordinary; everyone wore the same thing every day! I soon became restless waiting for the next Dress Down Day, Sneaker Day, anything that would add some color and vibrancy to the dull blue uniform.
After high school, people aren’t going to stop judging you. The feeling of self-consciousness will forever be a part of everyday life, but how people handle it makes the difference. Someone who has decided what they were going to wear and is confident with the choice definitely going to have an advantage will have more self esteem and personality than someone with a uniform.
Having uniforms in a school does have its positives. It’s a lot easier in the morning to wake up and put on your uniform instead of searching for something. This saves time that you can use to make sure you’re organized and ready for school. A uniform takes the pressure off of some students that are very self-conscience and can’t stand the thought of being teased for what they decided to wear. If everyone is wearing the same thing, there is less competition and pressure to keep up with the ever changing trends.
Although uniforms have their positives, they have never been my thing. There is no variety and it’s very bland. Some people might say that clothing is too small to have such an effect; however, little things have a tendency to build up causing it to greatly impact life.
