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Letter From Birmingham Jail: The Standardization Of Our Education System

1246 Words5 Pages

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” once said minister and activist Martin Luther King Jr. in the Letter from the Birmingham Jail. Where to start with inequality is anywhere and everywhere -- no one in the world is permitted to stand idly by while others are persecuted. For this essay, it all starts in our education system. In this society, the standardization of public systems has stomped our creativity and given way to unopposed prejudice. Our world, our innovation, starts with our students, and pushing them into conformity is no way to begin the stages of adolescence, of which soul searching is a hallmark. In no conceivable way does a school dress code efficiently allow a sense of self to flourish and develop - suffocating …show more content…

Many pro dress code arguments do not fully provide all factors affecting changes in violence in the school, violating the integrity of the evidence - like this statement by Sociology Professor David Brunsma, “Uniform policies may indirectly affect school environment and student outcomes by providing a visible and public symbol of commitment to school improvement and reform. They are not the sole factor responsible for the numerous behavioral and academic outcomes attributed to them.” The evidence on school uniforms working is shaky. It is similar to the stress created by uniforms - they could even be counterproductive. It is typical - the stricter the authority, the more rebellious the teenager. The more pressure you add on to a collective group of kids, the more they all wish to rebel, act out in some way. And it is not like putting certain clothes on people will suddenly stop gang violence. As the industry evolves, there are more and more markers for social inequality for bullies to pick apart. Taking away individualized clothes does not fix the half of …show more content…

In particular, the opinion that many hold is that parts of dress codes target male clothes, or even that arguments against dress codes come from an idealistic view of the world. Some dress codes have baggy pants, “gang related” clothing, and hoodies pointed out - typically male clothing, and while victim blaming is wrong, but it is the easier way to prevent having victims. However, this fails to understand that so-called “male” clothing is really targeting racial minorities instead. Not only that, but the moment society begins to try to focus on a pessimistic view of the world instead of an optimistic one is the moment it begins to

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1045 Words | 5 Pages

According to an article written by Dr. Alan Hilfer, a child psychologist, in January 2012, the decrease in violence doesn't have much to do with school uniforms, it is more likely that violence rate had more to do with discussion of violence and school uniforms, it is more likely that violence rate more to do with discussion of violence and school awareness, (Kokemuller). While they make thses surveys and experiments, they make students more aware of violence and obviously, violence becomes a highly-discussed matter. Just like Kokemuller and Dr. Hilfer agrees, forcing students to wear the same thing has little to do with the dropping violence rates therefore the damage uniforms will do to students' individuality and learning, outweights its so-called good

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450 Words | 2 Pages

Violence doesn´t help, because school uniforms would have to constantly be replaced if they were torn apart due to students having fights. The schools probably believe that enforcing uniforms would be safe for the students, but in reality it just makes it worse like an increase in inappropriate assault, etc. The third reason school uniforms shouldn´t be enforced in schools is due to students´ lack of expression, and increase in bullying, and imposing a fee is Families with low-income families have to deal with meeting school-related costs like uniforms, even though their kids attend free-tuition schools (¨School Uniforms¨). Schools shouldn´t have uniforms costing around hundreds of dollars if families don´t have the right amount of money to pay for the uniforms. If schools give free-tuition's then they shouldn´t impose an expense on uniforms, they have to stay true to their words and not take advantage of that.

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This article also focuses on the behavior problems with children not wearing uniforms. The article shows how when students wear different clothing bullying occurs in the school. Bullying has become a main issue in schools because the kids are not getting along. This article also gives information about how bullying can cause a lot of absences in school, a lot of referrals to the office, and even expulsion from school. I will use this information in

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Although theft can happen because of expensive items, it is not fair for students to have to buy more clothes to fit the dress code when they have nice clothes at home that they spent a lot of money on. Dress codes make you only shop for clothes that can be worn, but what about all of the clothes in your closet that your family paid for? In an article published by Gale called “School Uniforms and Dress Codes”, it states “If all students are wearing the same or similar clothing, they spend less time focusing on how they look and analyzing their peers” (Gale). Students care about how they look at school, but they also care about what others are wearing and if it is cool or not. However, if everyone was wearing the same outfits or clothing pieces, then everyone would look the same and not wear what expresses themselves.

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1024 Words | 5 Pages

Lapolla highlights some of the main trends for young women dressing for school today as well as the females’ thoughts on them when she writes, “For others, fashion trends that included plunging necklines, cut-outs and tightness were off limits because of the strict dress codes. Those in the focus group also stressed these trends as challenges.” Fashion-forward items often lack the utility and modestness desired by school dress codes, putting unneeded pressure upon females to look appropriate while still feeling attractive. Another example of this issue in schools is the fact that in schools with uniforms, only select items are approved including the following: polo shirts, skirts (always worn with tights) and khaki pants, resulting in many students feeling trapped in their clothing. Though it is claimed that they are for the overall satisfactory of everyone involved, strict dress codes do little to ease females who have it forced on them.

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725 Words | 3 Pages

One significant way students express themselves is through clothing. Students use their clothing to portray their emotions and how they feel. To take away a student’s right to choose their clothing is the same as taking away their right to express themselves. School dress codes often cause racism toward students and can cause unnecessary expenses; therefore, they should not be

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487 Words | 2 Pages

Critics argue that dress codes can stifle individuality and self-expression, as they may force students to conform to a particular set of standards and limit their ability to express their personal style. This argument often arises when dress codes have overly strict or gendered policies, disproportionately impacting female students. It is crucial for schools to create dress codes that are equitable, inclusive, and respectful of students' individuality while still maintaining an appropriate learning

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561 Words | 3 Pages

Uniforms can not prevent bullying because they do not change the student’s personalities. The text also states, “Teachers assume that if everyone wears the same thing, no one can make fun of each other for what they wear. That may be true, but your clothes are not who you are” (Doyle 1). There would still be bullying if the students wore the same thing because, your clothes do not prove who you are. School uniforms do not solve the problem of

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505 Words | 3 Pages

According to Robert Garot “Implemented to battle distractions of student culture that are thought to interfere with the school’s mission of developing the inner and more abstract aspects of character and competency, school dress codes ironically sustain a collective focus on the outermost, material layer of the self. ”(1)Many students are not allowed to wear what they choose because of dress codes. Students should feel more comfortable to wear what they want. Which will cause them to do better in

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977 Words | 4 Pages

Every girl has been told to follow the dress code from the age of five through middle school. Most dress codes do not discriminate, although there is more of a need to understand that all female students will dress differently nowadays. “Another reason to abolish school dress codes is that it limits students’ self-expression, and freedom. Clothing isn’t just a piece of fabric, it’s how students express themselves and find their identity. Some feel that schools target students of a different race, ethnicity or cultural background that prohibit things like durag or dreadlocks.”

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A school in Boston put a dress code in place when administrators though some students were more interested in designer names then schoolwork. The policy would save teens and parents money by making such dress unnecessary. Teachers during a study of adopting a new uniform policy noticed that “the school takes on a quieter, studious atmosphere. They’re more focused on their assignments.” (Boutelle 36) Students are not able to judge others on what they are wearing.

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781 Words | 4 Pages

Not having to wear uniform can also prevent bullying, 14% of students killed themselves because of bullying, and 7% attempted it.uniforms do not solve problems, but uniforms do not help students get good grades. Most students wear clothes to express themselves, they should be able to express their feelings and show their

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1198 Words | 5 Pages

Envision waking up every morning to put on the same outfit and walk out the door, stress free. People would not have to worry about what fits, or what is fashionable at the time. Schools would not have to worry about inappropriate clothing but at the same time, that clothing may be a way for a student to express himself. Many schools view uniforms as a solution to several problems, but many schools view uniforms as a lack of self expression. School uniforms should continue, even though children may not get to express themselves, because they prohibit violence, provide cheaper lifestyles, and promote better education.

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1000 Words | 4 Pages

This shows uniforms can remove distractions from what students wear. School uniforms create a level playing field among students, reducing peer pressure and bullying. When all students are dressed alike, competition between students over clothing choices and the teasing of those who are dressed in less expensive or less fashionable outfits can be eliminated. Research by the Schoolwear Association found that 83% of teachers

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764 Words | 4 Pages

Many high schools have implemented dress codes that set rules for what students can and cannot wear while on school premises, and yet many people disagree with these policies. Though arguments can be made for either side, a dress code can have a very positive outcome for all parties involved. A fixed dress code promotes professionalism in a learning environment, and contrary to popular belief, it does not limit a student’s freedom of expression. Last but not least it encourages equality and acceptance among their peers. A dress code can be reasonable if used in proper situations that require certain attires.

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