One of the most significant issues for modern schools is the question of the appearance of students. Whereas children would most likely enjoy dressing the way they want, teachers and educational authorities tend towards seeing students wearing standardized uniforms. There are many opponents and proponents of an obligatory enabling of school uniforms, both coming up with reasonable arguments in favor of their claims. However, to my mind, students should not be forced to wear uniforms, as it can negatively affect their personalities.
Wearing school uniforms is a significant obstacle for a child’s self-expression. It is not a secret that children are much more artistic than most adults; besides, in high school, teenagers often experience an increased need to be unique and special. The clothes one wears is one of the most available means of self-expression, and school uniforms do not allow students to demonstrate their individuality. Research shows that students who were forced to wear school uniforms were more likely to use makeup earlier than their peers, and later, to use more extreme accessories to alter their fashion (short skirts, mohawks, piercing, and so on) (WiseGEEK).
Another serious reason not to make students wear uniforms is when children look different and express different outlooks, it encourages them to be tolerant to those who differ from them, and to accept alternative lifestyles (Examiner.com). This is especially important considering one country can be inhabited by the representatives of different cultures, religions, and so on. Therefore, allowing students to dress according to their liking will encourage them to tolerate and accept people of other cultural, social, and religious groups. At the same time, a forced introduction of school uniforms results in a loss of diversity and a lack of tolerance towards strangers and people who are different from the majority.
The last but not the least argument refers solely to the financial aspect of the issue. After the economic crisis of 2008, many people around the world, including the United States, started to experience difficulties with their financial condition. School uniforms may cost significant sums of money, so some parents cannot afford to buy the required clothes for their children. On the other hand, not enabling obligatory school uniforms allows parents with lower incomes to be satisfied about their children’s appearance (Examiner.com).
The use of school uniforms is a contested subject in debate circles. Introducing obligatory school uniforms will have several negative consequences. In particular, school uniforms interfere with a child’s self-expression, create obstacles for cultivating tolerance and acceptance towards people of other lifestyles and outlooks, and school uniforms may be rather expensive for some people, considering the economic crisis of 2008.
References
“What are the Pros and Cons of School Uniforms?” WiseGEEK. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013. <http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-school-uniforms.htm>.
“The Pros and Cons of Kids Wearing Uniforms in School.” Examiner.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013. <http://www.examiner.com/article/the-pros-and-cons-of-kids-wearing-uniforms-school>.
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