Dress code has always been quite a controversial topic among thousands and thousands of schools. Half believe that the dress code is quite absurd, diminishing the rights of the youth, while the other half believe that these rules are certainly required for a good foundation of learning. Although both points of view have different pros and cons, which one has a better outcome? And even as schools now relax the dress code, was the removal of this collection of rules a good choice?
But before anyone can argue for or against the dress code, they must certainly know why exactly the dress code was put into place. However, for that conclusion to be made, a variety of facts must be taken into; clothes are forms of expression, emotions, and sometimes even reflect the influence of popular culture in a society. But as new trends emerge and the freedom of the youth is greater, people can take advantage of their opportunities to wear more exposing or inappropriate forms of clothing. This isn’t always a bad thing, but for many school administrators, this is a very distracting choice that may be a concern for other peers and students. The freedom the students are given is perceived to be a villain for some school districts and students, resulting in the need for a set of rules that limit the fashion choices of the students.
This leads us to society’s first point-of-view: the dress code is a hero. The reason for this perspective on the dress code is because the code is enforced solely to prevent the excessive visibility of skin and body, which diverts the focus of many students. Body shaming is a practical issue in America and wearing very exposing tops or unusual clothing does make many students very susceptible to it. Thus, the dress code is protecting parts of the body of all students from any excessive visibility. Specialists have also observed that dress codes have been proven to “promote a more serious school atmosphere which emphasizes academics and promotes good behavior,” according to Kosher Casual. Without strict dress codes, the school believes that it is practically letting down its guard and potentially letting go of high academic standards and good behavior.
Many also believe that the dress code is a wonderful way to respect the cultures of every individual, considering that many parents follow strict cultural views on how their child should perceive the world. Some parents may not want their children to view certain clothing styles. In that sense, dress codes respect the decisions of the community and also allow students to excel in other areas of their lives.
Now, this perspective does consider the concerns of the school and the academic aspect of having a dress code, but there are still many people remaining that are impacted negatively by these limitations. They believe that there is a stronger impact on students emotionally than the academic benefits of removing the code, which leads us to society’s second point-of-view: the dress code is a villain.
As mentioned before, clothing is a form of self-expression and one’s happiness. Many students definitely feel more comfortable in certain clothes than others, and not allowing one to dress up in something their body prefers is quite damaging to one’s confidence. No matter how short or exposing an outfit is to the rest of society, it still brings a great sense of confidence and pleasure to one. Taking that freedom of expression right away just tears away the safe zone the school tries to establish within the building. It’s very necessary for students to feel safe in their own school building and to reflect their unique personalities through their outfits, but for many students, the dress code isn’t allowing these individualities to show. Similarly, dress codes teach students that their bodies and figures must be hidden at all times. What comfort is this bringing to students with a lack of self-confidence? Comfort is most important for many students, and it is the school’s responsibility to make them feel most comfortable at the place they spend their time week-long at.
Dress codes are helpful, but ironically very damaging at the same time. It is important that students are able to express themselves through clothing, but it’s also necessary that a serious school environment must be preserved through dress codes. And furthermore, it’s important that dress codes don’t limit students, but also that students don’t receive more freedom than they can handle. The pros and cons of the dress code are unquestionably confusing, controversial, and hard to settle on to get one unified opinion. There isn’t quite a correct answer to whether these rules are a villain or hero, as a matter of fact.
But something that we can for sure understand is that although one thing may seem one way, we may forget to consider the other aspects of it. Nothing is ever completely good or completely bad in this world, similar to the dress codes present in schools. It’s all eventually up to us to determine how we feel about and perceive what’s being discussed. The dress code is a blessing and curse in many ways, but whatever you truly believe deep down in your heart will answer this burning question: is the dress code a hero, or a villain?
Sources
“5 Benefits of a School Dress Code.” Koshercasual.com, 2021, www.koshercasual.com/5-Benefits-of-a-School-Dress-Code_b.html. Accessed 31 Oct. 2021.
Comments