School Uniforms, Cool or Cruel?
Posted: Thursday, August 06, 2009
by Steven Rogers
Watching my daughters grow is one of the greatest things I have had the pleasure of seeing. I, like many fathers, always search for ways to improve their life experience. I say this, because as I was watching television with my girls I saw a back to school commercial. I was taken aback as the kids in the cafeteria of a high school turned down the lights and paraded up and down the lunchroom tables like they were models on a catwalk. Have you seen this? I thought to myself, 'Is this the high school experience I want for my girls?' No! I want my girls to gain recognition based on their own merit not the perceived social stature associated with a trend or name brand of clothes. That's when my thoughts drifted to school uniforms. Could this be the answer to my future potentially fashion faux pas teens?
I would suggest they do so with their artwork, singing voice, athletic ability, or writing talents. Mary Ellen a teacher at a catholic school tells this story.
"Two years ago my student council officers were giving tours to prospective parents on an open house day and the kids were in uniform. A father asked the kids if wearing their uniforms didn't stifle their creativity, their individuality. I held my breath but figured the truth would be worth hearing. Without missing a beat, one of the boys said that the uniform allowed him to present his creativity in other aspects of his life. Another chimed in that her work spoke for her as a person and that without having to focus on clothing, she wasn't so preoccupied by it. Phew!!!"
The only other really valid argument I heard was," Uniforms are an unnecessary expense and can create an economic hardship themselves." I personally find this ridiculous. You would have to buy clothes regardless of what brand you get, but being the kind of person I am I did a little research. The average pair of blue jeans cost is around 50 dollars. You can get a cheap pair at Wal-mart for around 17 dollars. Shirt prices were a little more difficult they ranged between five dollars to 35 dollars depending on cut and brand. Let's average one outfit to cost 65 dollars for one pair of pants and one shirt. These prices were found at Hollister, Old Navy, American Eagle, and Wal-mart. To compare this with the price of school uniforms, I went to Sears, as they are readily available to most communities. I found that the cost of pants/ skirts usually required by schools ranged from 7 to 20 dollars and white shirts between 10 and 18 dollars. If we take the middle ground we get 27 dollars. Economically it just makes sense. It was brought to my attention that some families couldn't afford the 27 dollars, families that get their clothes from good will and from donations. Well I contend that those resources would still be available. There will always be a church to help under privileged kids and people will donate their kids' uniforms as they out grow them.
Psychology Today reported a case study in September 1999 about the following effects from the switch to uniforms in 1995:
Overall, the crime rate dropped by 91%
School suspensions dropped by 90%
Sex offences were reduced by 96%
Incidents of vandalism went down 69%
All these seem like good things. But I want you to think about one final thing before making up your mind on the subject. The military, football teams and most employees all wear uniforms. Why? To express whom they are! It is a matter of pride. It builds comradery, and to the people who say it denies them personal identity I say the school uniform helps students realize that a person's unique gifts and personality traits go deeper than their apparel and aren't diminished by uniform dress. School uniforms will defiantly be a major contributing factor when deciding schools for my girls.
Steven is a self proclaimed right wing Christian extremist. He is a former Marine and currently work in the laboratory of a cancer research and treatment facility. He is the father of three and is referred to as genius by his wife (mostly as a sarcastic term of endearment!)
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Congrats on winning the Persuasive Contest! I agree you should have won over me. A very good article. I hope many more will now read it. I agree with SW's announcement about the time you took to research your topic.
What's great about this is you were persuaded yourself and can give your girls the best in this important area. My sister is a retired principal and she fought to move to uniforms and no jewelry. This was in high school. Kids were being harmed because of theft. They'd snatch a necklace or bracelet as they ran pass a student wearing this stuff. All of this stopped when jewelry was prohibited.
Again, Congrats Steven!
Congrats on winning this contest Steven. I had to wear school uniform all through school and most people over here (UK) are just used to it. All schools have different uniforms and it helps distinguish school from school also. Well done.
Good persuasive article. Covered the subject well with arguments on both sides addressed and position well supported with research and numbers as well as personal opinion. I happen to be in agreement with the position taken by the author. However, the simple strength of the article was marred for me by an amazing number of errors in spelling and grammar. Poor attention to the details of writing results in my feeling as if I am stumbling as I read and detracts from my respect for the author. I tend to be more likely to question the clarity of an author's thinking when I find his writing unclear. This comment is offered in the hope that future contributions will be more carefully proof-read before being put into print!You are correct. There were several mistakes that I overlooked. I have become far too dependant on spell check, but that is changing as this site is continually inspiriting me to improve.
Steven,I did not have a chance to read this until now. Excellent article and well-worth the award!You are so correct. I wish all schools required uniforms, especially in high school. Maybe more work would be accomplished because at this stage, I question what , if anything, our children are learning. Just a thought.Nancy
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