Uniforms: School and Beyond

Uniforms: School and Beyond

by: Radhanath Thialan

            Believe it or not,  “Are You a Model? No Wait, You’re an Idiot who Got Dressed Up To Go To Class” and “Are You Homeless? No You're the Idiot Who Didn't Get Dressed for Class” are actual groups on Facebook (Zypher)!  Without our awareness, as humans, we tend to judge people all the time from what we see through the naked eyes.  Susan Boyle once commented after her she performed in Britain’s Got Talent stating “there is not much you can do about it; it is the way they think; it is the way they are” (Belluck), because before she sang, people judged her by her outfit and appearance.  In the school years, many children are bullied due to what they wear.  “Almost 3 million students have said they were pushed, shoved, tripped, even spit on,” President Obama said. “It’s also more likely to affect kids … the clothes they wear… (Roberston and Graham).”  To prevent all the unnecessary bullying, schools should have a school uniform policy.    

            Instead of shopping at Hollister or Abercrombie & Fitch and other branded stores to buy new clothes again because you do not want to wear the same clothing daily, why not invest the money in school uniforms instead? School uniform may be expensive at the beginning when school reopens, but if we think on a long-term basis, it actually helps save costs exponentially.  Fashion is a never-ending trend that changes from time to time.  North Dakota State University conducted a survey in 2010 concluding that each American household spends 3.8% of their income on clothing, roughly $2,000 per year, per household (Sennebogen).  On the other hand, school uniforms are usually long lasting and cost about $100 - $150 for one set including sweaters and jumpers.  If a child buys a set of two and wears them alternately, the household will have to spend only $300; if the child did not outgrow, the uniform will be able to last for two to three years.  If you have younger siblings of the same gender, you can even pass the uniforms on to them and save another $300.  Isn’t that a huge savings!  Parents also need not fear anymore about their child fitting in with fashion as wearing uniforms can help resist peer pressure to buy trendy clothes. 

Fig1.  This comic shows that a cheapskate asking his girlfriend to wear school uniforms because it helps save money (Bryant). 

            Discrimination and bullying is a big issue in schools nowadays.  “There are about 71% students that report bullying as an on-going problem” (“Bullying Statistics” 2010), and this eventually leads to fear and suicides.  According to Donavan, about 80% of high school students are bullied in school physically and online in some way of fashion (Wailing 190).  If school uniforms are the standardized outfits for all school children, it is able to reduce fashion bullies and discrimination in school.  Due to assured rules in wearing the school uniforms such as tucking the polo shirts in and the skirts not to high above the knees, or there will be certain consequences, students tend to be more disciplined.   Self-discipline in portraying oneself is very important especially in the business world.  Would you want to go in for your first job interview with your shirts dangling out your belt with a tie slinging off your unbuttoned collar?   First impression is always important, and starting young would be a good idea.  There was a survey conducted in 2013 about trends of wearing school uniforms that stated classroom discipline went up by 85% and image in the community by 83%.  This causes less hassle for both teachers and parents, as everybody is now equal (Alexandria). 

            A school with proper school uniform policies provides a safer environment.  As mentioned above, fashion bullies will decrease.  Most of the school curricular requires two field trips a year, with school uniforms worn, children will not get lost easily.  It is easier for the teachers to assure safety during their trip; for example, if a student wonders away from the pack they will be easily spotted.  Moreover, it is also easier for teachers and school staffs to identify when there are intruders in the building.  According to Alexandria, the school safety increased by 75% just by having school uniform policies.  School reputation is also a very important factor for schools to bring up their respective names.  Students with school uniform are to follow certain school rules wherever they go.  With the school rules inherited while in school uniforms, students involuntarily represents the school with a good image.  “School pride increased by 77%” in schools with uniform policies and they have a better reputation in society most of the time (Alexandria). 

            The benefits of enforcing school uniform policies in school do not end there.  Parents also commented that they do not have to tolerate their children with wardrobe battles, and it saves time to prepare them for school every morning (Lowe).  A little move can make a big difference; hence, all schools should take action in making their students wear uniforms to school.  Even tough some opposition will disagree by saying that this policy will take away a child’s individuality and not allowing them to portray their inner self, ask them if a their child will be in school for 24 hours.  Wearing school uniforms for 7 hours a day will not take away a child’s individuality, you have another 10 hours wearing whatever you like (putting 7 hours aside in your pajamas).   School uniforms not only save costs, it also prevents bullying, ensures self-discipline, school safety and spreading the respective school names.  Let education be our first priority in school and put fashion aside, stop judging others with our naked eyes.  Put on your school uniform. 

Works Cited

Alexandria. "National Survey of School Leaders Reveals 2013 School Uniform Trends." NAESP. 30 July 2013. Web. 23 July 2014. <http://www.naesp.org/national-survey-school-leaders-reveals-2013-school-uniform-trends>.

Belluck, Pam. "Yes, Looks Do Matter." The New York Times. The New York Times, 25 Apr. 2009. Web. 26 July 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/fashion/26looks.html?pagewanted=all>.

Bryant, Adey. "Justin, When You Said You Wanted to See Me in My School Uniform..." Cartoon Stock. 13 Nov. 2007. Web. 25 July 2014. <http://www.cartoonstock.com/cartoonview.asp?catref=abrn640&ANDkeyword=school+uniform&NOTkeyword=&TITLEkeyword=&categories=All+Categories&artists=All+Artists&mainArchive=mainArchive&newsCartoon=newsCartoon&vintage=vintage&colorOption1=colour&colorOption2=blackWhite&orientationOption1=portrait&orientationOption2=landscape&cp=3&limit=12>.

"Bullying Statistics 2010." Bullying Statistics. 2014. Web. 24 July 2014. <http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-statistics-2010.html>.

Lowe, Lindsay. "School Uniforms on the Rise: Do You Think They're a Good Idea?" Parade. 4 Sept. 2013. Web. 25 July 2014. <http://parade.condenast.com/152563/linzlowe/school-uniforms-on-the-rise-do-you-think-theyre-a-good-idea/>.

Robertson, Sara, and Edward Graham. "Educators Take a Stand During National Bullying Prevention Month." NEA Today RSS. N.p., 2 Oct. 2013. Web. 26 July 2014. <http://neatoday.org/2013/10/02/educators-take-stand-against-bullying-during-national-bullying-prevention-month/>.

Sennebogen, Emilie. "What Does the Average Family Spend on Clothing?" HowStuffWorks. 10 Oct. 2011. Web. 24 July 2014. <http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/budgeting/average-family-spend-on-clothing.htm>.

Walling, Donovan R. "Bullying: Three Books Delve Behind the Statistics." Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services 19.3-4 (2008): 189-98. Web. 25 July 2014.

Zephyer. "What to Wear to a College Class." College Fashion. N.p., 14 Aug. 2008. Web. 26 July 2014. <http://www.collegefashion.net/college-life/what-to-wear-to-a-college-class/>.