SCHOOL UNIFORMS: Yay or Nay?

[ZeroAX]

Looks like we could use some uniforms around here to create some order.

I vote for Sega inspired ones. I know it will oppress the Nintendo fans, but I don't care, Sega does what nintendon't and that's an important lesson in life.

[Forlorn Drifter]

Looks like we could use some uniforms around here to create some order.

Everyone should have the same avatar. Then we can choose who is superior.

[BoneSnapDeez]

I've worked at three public schools.

I see no reason for uniforms. I don't have a problem with a strict general dress code though.

Not to get off topic, but my wife (from Mass.) was shocked to see how casually teachers and staff are allowed to dress in the state of Maine. Seems as if as long as you're dressed up more than jeans and a t-shirt you're all set. I could have gotten away working every day dressed in tan cargo pants (or shorts in warm weather), a polo shirt, and sneakers.

[oxymoron]

Again, do you have kids?

Not me, but I don't think having kids is required to understand the potential benefits of school uniforms.

I think otherwise. Especially as the husband of a teacher who has been teaching for over a decade.

I'm fine with clothes being a form of expression when you are a grown adult. Kids, however, need structure. They need rules. And as someone who is slightly successful, I would say kids need to learn early in life how the game is played.

Uniforms do not prevent bullying, but they lower the occurrence of it. It's cheaper for parents, and gives the opportunity to really express themselves during the weekend. It strongly strengthens personality in my view as kids have to depend on their personality, not their clothes to gain popularity.

If everyone looks the same, who will stand out? The person who is deemed as superior by his or her peers. School is a job, not a playground (well, besides recess). Dressing with professionalism doesn't equal assimilation. It means you have to work harder to stand out and not just get a shitty haircut and get 10 gauge earrings.

Also, our government is happy to help with the costs of school uniforms, if not provide for them outright. No worries about being bullied for wearing skips.

What is the Pro argument for NAY on uniforms? I haven't heard a decent one yet. If your clothes are who make you...sad sad state.

I'm speaking from a students perspective as i'm still in high school. I clothes give a sense of individualism. They allow me to tell who people are in a glance like who's a goth, a skater, stoner, prep and so on. Also earlier I said It's un-American and I was being serious. It's a big part of our culture to be individuals. That's what makes us unlike any other. We have Muslims, Christians, atheists, blacks, whites, Asians and as a country support each other to stay true to our roots. Forced school uniforms would diminish a piece of our culture.

[CRTGAMER]

Great thoughtful discussed Thread!

Having two kids now both of College age, I am kind of mixed on the uniforms or not. My kids had to wear them in Elementary and Middle School, but High School allowed regular clothes as long as not too showy to disrupt a class. However, I did not have to wear a uniform when I was a kid. There were "clicks" of jocks, popular kids and bookworms, I think uniforms would probably not neutralize the territory. I was in the group of "shoppies" who wore grubby jeans, we tended to hang around the now obsolete vocational shops of Welding, Metal, Wood and Auto Shop.

I am for the uniforms only if they are more up to date and most important, comfortable and only for Elementary and Middle School. The 50s skirts and slacks really have to go. Keep it modest say to a "Casual Friday" with cotton clothing to make it comfortable with an up to date style.

I am definitely against any government funded support for uniforms, ends up costing the Tax Payer five times as much versus a Wallymart run. I do think High School should not force uniforms.

[ZeroAX]

If you are going to introduce uniforms, then at least in high school it should be a sailor type uniform, with the girls choosing the length of their skirt like Japan

[BoringSupreez]

Nay for uniforms, but yay for (reasonable) dress codes.

That's for public K-12 education. Private schools should do what they want and adult educators shouldn't be telling people what to wear.

[Er!X]

Luke, i have a kid, and i'm a nay-sayer. And thats just because i never had a school uniform, and there was no negative vibe about dressing the way you liked at our school.

Just curious, what are you trying to prove with your question about having kids?

[CRTGAMER]

Luke, i have a kid, and i'm a nay-sayer. And thats just because i never had a school uniform, and there was no negative vibe about dressing the way you liked at our school.

Just curious, what are you trying to prove with your question about having kids?

For me, the question has merit. A different perspective when it is something that deals with your own children.

[ZeroAX]

Luke, i have a kid, and i'm a nay-sayer. And thats just because i never had a school uniform, and there was no negative vibe about dressing the way you liked at our school.

Just curious, what are you trying to prove with your question about having kids?

For me, the question has merit. A different perspective when it is something that deals with your own children.

But would you really change your mind over something like this? It seems to me that you are pretty much in favor or against it, not a lot of people stand in the middle on this subject, and those who do are 99.9% of the time found in countries that DO have mandatory school uniforms. (which means they are pondering whether it should be changed or not, not if it should be introduced in the first place)