The results from the implementation of uniforms have convinced many school boards to adopt similar philosophies. However, these results seem superficial and fantastical while limiting one's freedoms. How can a shirt or tie maximize learning and level economic differences? How can it be the solution to the problems, which schools are facing?
Uniforms were first implemented to level or conceal economic differences of individuals in a school. Well, do they? Schools tend to sign contracts with certain clothing companies to manufacture these uniforms. These companies monopolize this market, raising the prices of uniforms to their desire. An average uniform in Toronto costs approximately $200. For financially challenged families, the price can be quite burdensome. With their limited funds, they have to sacrifice other important expenses for their children to afford one or two sets of uniforms. Children from these families have to wash their uniforms more often, thus reducing the quality of it.
Students of Nan Hua High School gathering in the S...
Japanese school uniform, Yohohama, Japan
Women and men in uniform, circa 1917Therefore, the economic differences in schools can be simply seen through the 'cleanliness' or the 'condition of a shirt'.
The economic difference in schools is only a small part of the controversy to uniforms. Many people, especially students, feel that uniforms are a violation of their rights and freedoms. Throughout history, clothing has been a key symbol of cultural and religious identity. It has evolved, in today's context, as a form of art and self-expression. Uniforms suppress that need. It imposes conformity upon students. If uniforms seem so promising, then it is truly a menace to expression. It forces students to wear undesirable clothing, destructs confidence in certain students, and denies the right for students to have a personal identity and expression (through their clothing). Regular clothing does not infringe these rights (if it is not offensive or cause harm to others). If implemented, uniforms...
Uniforms
You've apparently done a good job in thinking about this issue and your strong feelings on the subject are obvious. The media is primarily privately owned in most free societies and cannot be compelled to instill a certain set of values in youngsters. Because much of the media is a for-profit enterprise, programming will be chosen for reasons other than properly raising children. Parents bear primary responsibility for conveying a set of values to their children but must compete with influences such as peer groups, advertisers, and Hollywood. Uniforms may not be workable in many public schools and there does not seem to be an easy solution to the vexing problem of lagging student performance.
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