Uniforms in School

[DrgoFx]

Fuck this shit, two threads in an hour!

This is something that's been bugging me for a long time. Uniforms in schools. Being a military brat, so to speak, I have been given a life where I have gone to five different schools across the world, each with their own dress code and cultural influence. From this stand point, I have had experiences with both uniforms and non-uniforms.

Now, I'm not going to make one of those common points of "They restrict students from their freedom!" or "Teens need to express themselves and clothing is a way to do so!" But I've come up with a theory from my own experiences. In the schools that only had a limiting dress code, and not a uniform, I felt more comfortable and accepted, and a bit more happy. I felt like myself there. But in schools where there was a uniform, not so. I actually felt unsure, and the fact most uniforms don't fit me is bothersome because I always felt small with the baggy pants and shirts.

The point I'm making here is maybe uniforms make us a different person? Maybe the idea of a uniform changes something in our brain? When my mother had her navy uniform on, she wasn't my mother. She was a Petty Officer, First Class. I didn't see her as my mother in that uniform, and she didn't act like her either. And I don't act like myself in school uniforms. I get quiet, and a bit more awkward.

From to recent experiences, I didn't feel confident and I was quiet a lot in my new school which had a uniform. After a few months there, and nearing about a month away from me leaving the country, let alone the school, I went to my neighbor's party which had absolutely no one I knew/talked to, aside from the neighbor, but everyone went to my school. I wasn't like how I was at school, at this party I was loud, I actively talked to people, I made jokes, I helped entertain everyone by setting up the gaming station which everyone eventually came around to.

So, what gives? Why do I feel out-of my shell in a uniform when I don't in regular clothes? Could it be "it's not" and I feel like people get wrong impressions? Well like I said, uniforms tend to be baggy on me and I don't think they give a good impression about me since I normally wear slim fitting clothing. So the point I'm making is, maybe uniforms have a weird social effect on some people?

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

I imagine certain cloths can make people feel different because other people view you differently. If you're wearing a martial arts gi and you have a black belt.
People are going to see that black belt and think "This person can kick my arse".

Society sees you differently when you wear a certain uniform, it would make sense that you "feel" different wearing it, or in your mother's case, she is now reflecting the navy and if she acts out, that can't be good for her position.

This can also act in reverse, where if you're wearing a suit, you might feel more confident, and so people clue into that confidence.


Personally I liked school uniforms (in middle school) because I was one of those shy kids and weird by the mainstream standard. The fact that we all had to dress the same gave the other kids less ammunition. At least, in my middle school the kids were mean little bastards.

 

[Suave Charlie]

I didn't mind uniforms, it was nice in college when you got to wear your own clothes to a fairly strict dress code, essentially smart casual, and now in university you can wear what you like.
Uniforms can definitely help you get used to wearing suits like a lot of jobs require.

I think that for uniforms in things like high school it's to take one extra distraction away, you're at school and it's compulsory to attend and the teachers essentially want to maximise the teaching they're giving to you, the responsibility is more shifted to them to make sure you learn rather than in higher education since you've entered into that voluntarily.

But getting older in college the onus is more on you to learn so the dress code is relaxed more, and then in uni where the responsibility is entirely on you to learn then it's not the job of the lecturers to make sure that you're not getting distracted by other people's attire.

Just my take on it.

 

[Rastien]

School uniforms don't bother me, at the end of the day your going to end up in some uniform.

I work in IT support whilst beaten up jean t-shirt and boardwalk shoes arn't exactly a uniform i would still be sacked if i turned up in a mankini or inapropriate t-shirts. It's just getting you used to the fact that no matter what you do your going to have to conform and wear some form uniform.

Everyone has to grow up at some point

I went through school with shirts and blazers state school mind you, loved it. Blazers are amazing, you can stash everything you need for the day in them! Cd player, nintendo advance, smokes,pens jobs done.

 

[Colour Scientist]

I liked having a uniform in school. You didn't have to worry about picking out clothes in the morning and people with certain dress senses or social groups outside of school were more inclined to mix. I mean this for primary and secondary school.

Getting to wear normal clothes in university and college is fine but for first and second level education, I think uniforms are beneficial.

 

[DrgoFx]

School uniforms don't bother me, at the end of the day your going to end up in some uniform.

I work in IT support whilst beaten up jean t-shirt and boardwalk shoes arn't exactly a uniform i would still be sacked if i turned up in a mankini or inapropriate t-shirts. It's just getting you used to the fact that no matter what you do your going to have to conform and wear some form uniform.

Everyone has to grow up at some point

I went through school with shirts and blazers state school mind you, loved it. Blazers are amazing, you can stash everything you need for the day in them! Cd player, nintendo advance, smokes,pens jobs done.

I think a school uniform and a work uniform are for different reasons...I mean, in all honesty you have a higher chance to socialize at a school, and I found that difficult with a uniform. Infact, the last school I went to was solely to socialize, and their uniform played a part in blowing that since I didn't feel comfortable wearing it, which then affected how I acted around my peers.

I honestly don't have much that would raise alarms on the inappropriate level, so I never saw a reason for uniforms. Also, white shirts are a pain. Two of the three uniform schools I went to had white shirts. And they served nothing but sloppy food. Thanks.

 

[DrgoFx]

I liked having a uniform in school. You didn't have to worry about picking out clothes in the morning and people with certain dress senses or social groups outside of school were more inclined to mix. I mean this for primary and secondary school.

Getting to wear normal clothes in university and college is fine but for first and second level education, I think uniforms are beneficial.

I didn't find it very beneficial. Every instance I had it, there was no mixing. People found their cliques easily. And except for one of the three schools, I was pretty much left on my own. Honestly, I had more mixed groups in the schools without uniforms, but then again those were international schools. Two of my uniform schools stated they were international, but they didn't feel like it. Who were my friends in South Africa? An African American, a South African, a Japanese boy, a Spanish boy, a Welshman, and then Myself and two other Americans. In both uniform schools, you either had kids from North America [American, Canadian], the United Kingdoms, or from the local country.

Honestly, the most ironic thing out of any of this was the two more international schools were titled "The American International School of such and such." And I knew more Americans in the simply International Schools.

It might just be my experiences, but uniforms did not help the social factor at all.

 

[Rastien]

School uniforms don't bother me, at the end of the day your going to end up in some uniform.

I work in IT support whilst beaten up jean t-shirt and boardwalk shoes arn't exactly a uniform i would still be sacked if i turned up in a mankini or inapropriate t-shirts. It's just getting you used to the fact that no matter what you do your going to have to conform and wear some form uniform.

Everyone has to grow up at some point

I went through school with shirts and blazers state school mind you, loved it. Blazers are amazing, you can stash everything you need for the day in them! Cd player, nintendo advance, smokes,pens jobs done.

I think a school uniform and a work uniform are for different reasons...I mean, in all honesty you have a higher chance to socialize at a school, and I found that difficult with a uniform. Infact, the last school I went to was solely to socialize, and their uniform played a part in blowing that since I didn't feel comfortable wearing it, which then affected how I acted around my peers.

I honestly don't have much that would raise alarms on the inappropriate level, so I never saw a reason for uniforms. Also, white shirts are a pain. Two of the three uniform schools I went to had white shirts. And they served nothing but sloppy food. Thanks.

Whilst i can appreciate not being comfortable in a uniform, the poor kids are gonna be turning up in well poor kids clothes and trainers and kids will pick on them for it would be my only thought.

I dunno when i was in school they used to be a ball ache but i'm not to fussed eitherway now, as long as they keep the fuck away from my car so i don't need to "scare" one of them again all is well in the world.

 

[IndomitableSam]

School Uniforms (or any for that matter) instantly tell people something about you. It helps define you (good or bad), which is why some people are more comfortable having them on. People know what they'll get with someone in a uniform.

I went to public school, but I taught at a private school with uniforms. I do like the idea. It gives kids less to one-up each other with and really does give them a level playing field. You can't tell if someone is rich or poor if they're in a uniform, and that's really good for the kids. They don't judge on that aspect, anyway.

It also gives a sense of security and community when out in public.

It also gives teachers and easier job - you don't usually have to send kids home for being inappropriate - you mostly just have to tell them to unroll the waistband of their skirt so you can't see if they've waxed or not. Or button up their shirts. Or for the little ones to keep their arms in the sleeves.

Once you hit University, though, dressing normally is best. Gives you a chance to really find your style and settle into one for your career path.

 

[Smertnik]

I never had to wear a uniform, so I can't speak from experience, but I think a uniform can create a form of togetherness and make you feel more attached to your school instead of everyone kinda doing their own thing.
I probably would have liked to wear a uniform in school since I've always been a fan of suites.

 

[DrgoFx]

Whilst i can appreciate not being comfortable in a uniform, the poor kids are gonna be turning up in well poor kids clothes and trainers and kids will pick on them for it would be my only thought.

I dunno when i was in school they used to be a ball ache but i'm not to fussed eitherway now, as long as they keep the fuck away from my car so i don't need to "scare" one of them again all is well in the world.

There were honestly no poor-ass kids in the schools I went to with uniforms. The first school was in the states and these were kids who I don't even think lived down in Florida. I think most of them had two houses, the other being in New York or something. They weren't poor, that's for sure. The second, the school seemed like one for the poor, but again, damn rich and greedy Greeks were there. Not to mention Military Brats spoiled out of their minds. The closest to what you describe was the last one, but in fact it's the "Poor kids" who were the top dogs, the judging rude cases, and the ones that kind of made it difficult for me to socialize.

I do see your point though. Just all the schools I went to with uniforms were private schools. No poor kid's going to be in there.

 

[Esotera]

I think it should be voluntary. I absolutely hated certain elements of my school uniform, but wouldn't have particularly minded wearing the shirt/jumper with jeans and trainers. The most annoying thing was being belittled for what you were wearing - there are more important things to focus on in education than what someone is wearing.

 

[Rastien]

Ah fair

Whilst i can appreciate not being comfortable in a uniform, the poor kids are gonna be turning up in well poor kids clothes and trainers and kids will pick on them for it would be my only thought.

I dunno when i was in school they used to be a ball ache but i'm not to fussed eitherway now, as long as they keep the fuck away from my car so i don't need to "scare" one of them again all is well in the world.

There were honestly no poor-ass kids in the schools I went to with uniforms. The first school was in the states and these were kids who I don't even think lived down in Florida. I think most of them had two houses, the other being in New York or something. They weren't poor, that's for sure. The second, the school seemed like one for the poor, but again, damn rich and greedy Greeks were there. Not to mention Military Brats spoiled out of their minds. The closest to what you describe was the last one, but in fact it's the "Poor kids" who were the top dogs, the judging rude cases, and the ones that kind of made it difficult for me to socialize.

I do see your point though. Just all the schools I went to with uniforms were private schools. No poor kid's going to be in there.

Ah fair my point is kinda mute then if its a private school, State schools its kinda true for which i grew up in =)

 

[DrgoFx]

School Uniforms (or any for that matter) instantly tell people something about you. It helps define you (good or bad), which is why some people are more comfortable having them on. People know what they'll get with someone in a uniform.

I went to public school, but I taught at a private school with uniforms. I do like the idea. It gives kids less to one-up each other with and really does give them a level playing field. You can't tell if someone is rich or poor if they're in a uniform, and that's really good for the kids. They don't judge on that aspect, anyway.

It also gives a sense of security and community when out in public.

It also gives teachers and easier job - you don't usually have to send kids home for being inappropriate - you mostly just have to tell them to unroll the waistband of their skirt so you can't see if they've waxed or not. Or button up their shirts. Or for the little ones to keep their arms in the sleeves.

Once you hit University, though, dressing normally is best. Gives you a chance to really find your style and settle into one for your career path.

...Am I living in some backwards reality here? Honestly, like I said, the schools with uniforms were more diverse then those without. Aside from a few cases, in South Africa my grade was one big happy family. Some of us had our differences but we learned to get around that after a while. When there was no uniform, people judged less. When there was one, and that special day came with no uniform, everyone was judged. Everyone.

I swear, the fact they were "international schools" has got to have something to do with it. My favorite school was the most diverse, and we all got along so well because we embraced how diverse we were, without the need of uniforms. The uniforms in every other school felt like something that tried to force kids together, but it never worked.

Edit: We meet again, poor word choice. As a society, the uniform schools were more divided. Without uniforms, everyone was more together.

I never had to wear a uniform, so I can't speak from experience, but I think a uniform can create a form of togetherness and make you feel more attached to your school instead of everyone kinda doing their own thing.
I probably would have liked to wear a uniform in school since I've always been a fan of suites.

...I've worn suits. Nothing like it. And it never felt like there was a togetherness...It could just be the schools I went to. In Greece, Americans stayed together, Greeks stayed together, and that was that. I didn't fit in with the Americans and Greeks had a language barrier so I was kind of left on my own there. And in the last school, I have never seen a less diverse class in an international school. It's like if your school claimed to be diverse because it was made up of every county in your state.

 

[CrimsonBlaze]

I think that by wearing a uniform, it forces people to judge you by your personality and intellect rather then by your wealth or lifestyle, which in many cases is readily identified with what you wear. Which is probably why the idea of having school uniforms in high school is desirable. However, high school is a time where you begin to come out as an individual, making your own decisions, choosing people that you want to be friends with, and engaging in activities that you find interesting. Breaking out of the mold of conformity and making some choices for yourself is one of the many steps of becoming an individual.

Some people can be completely unique and live their lives the way they want to or others will fall into a certain group or click, making themselves wear a different kind of "uniform" and follow a strict way of thinking.

 

[370999]

Meh indifferent. I wore uniform for my whole time at school but it didn't really matter to me. You just wore it until four and then got changed out of it. Kind of like wearing a butcher's apron if you did that job.

 

[teqrevisited]

I think the uniform effect only really works if you don't know the person wearing it. My mum's a prison officer so she obviously has a uniform. I don't treat her any differently when she's in uniform or not. The same as a mate in the RAF. He's still just a mate in uniform.

Back in school we had to buy two different uniforms because the school decided to rebrand itself as a business and enterprise college... Even sounds ridiculous to me now. Our first uniform was just a polo neck jumper with the school badge on it, our second was proper shirts, a dark blue blazer and tie with logos. It didn't quieten anyone's attitudes. If anything it made us more rebellious. It did invite the opportunity to have tie-whipping fights though. Before that, we'd made do with textbooks and rulers.

 

[DrgoFx]

It didn't quieten anyone's attitudes. If anything it made us more rebellious. It did invite the opportunity to have tie-whipping fights though. Before that, we'd made do with textbooks and rulers.

This. This is what happened with my schools. Uniforms didn't bring us together, or blur the lines between differences. It made us seek those lines and even with the lines, we still bashed each other.

 

[Fractral]

I think it should be voluntary. I absolutely hated certain elements of my school uniform, but wouldn't have particularly minded wearing the shirt/jumper with jeans and trainers. The most annoying thing was being belittled for what you were wearing - there are more important things to focus on in education than what someone is wearing.

Yeah, this pretty much covers my opinions on Uniform. I don't get why we're told to make sure that our uniforms are perfect during a fire drill- when obviously getting away from the fire is more important. Some people even get detentions for having bad uniforms when we have a fire drill- I mean, come on. If it had been a real fire would they have cared about their uniform?

Although, while I don't particularly care about what I wear, I know that many of my friends and the girls in particular find our non-uniform days very stressful, as people judge you on what you wear. So maybe its just that we need a cool uniform, rather than one that looks like it came from the 19th century.

 

[Hero in a half shell]

I never found that uniforms dampened anyones spirits, we never wore them properly anyway if we could help it, and not having to seek out and co-ordinate clean clothes in the morning was something I'm really glad I didn't have to bother with in school.

It's just a bunch of fabrics covering your body, it really isn't a big issue in my opinion.