NationStates Jolt Archive

What's your stance on school uniforms? I don't mind them myself, but they seem pretty unpopular. What's your take?

Stupid idea. I'll wear what I want and not knee high socks, a tie and a vest. I think it takes away an individuality and makes us all little robot, only gender to tell us apart. I'd leave my school if they implmented uniforms.

Stupid idea. I'll wear what I want and not knee high schools, a tie and a vest. I think it takes away an individuality and makes us all little robot, only gender to tell us apart. I'd leave my school if they implmented uniforms.
I don't mind them at all...and quite frankly, I'm glad that we have them, I can't help but be distracted some times in classes...

I am firmly against them. I will dress however I choose within reason, and my current choices are certainly more than reasonable.

Been there; done that.

One advantage is that you don't have who has the latest and greatest $100+ sneakers, etc.

I'm thoroughly against school uniforms

I am not sure of my particular stance on this issue, because I can see it from either side.

One one side - I think they can be a good idea because then there is not a "competition" issue. For example, "Oh, she doesn't wear XXX brand of jeans, she is such a loser." Etc. There is not the brand-name pressure that there generally is without the uniform (in my experience anyway).

On the other hand - I don't particularly like them, because they do take away "creativity" or whatever. You don't get to make your own clothing choices, and that kinda stinks. However, a lot of schools have variables, like you can wear fun socks, or funky jewelry. And you can always do whatever you want with your hair. A friend of mine went to private school and had uniforms, but like once every two weeks they had like "Jeans Day" and could wear a t-shirt and jeans.

So I guess I don't really know where I stand, those are just my two opinions. :)

I liked not having to worry about what to wear in the morning. I'm overwhelmed by all these decisions now! :D

I certainly see the logic behind them, but am strongly against them. They try to force people into conformity and restrict freedom of expression. We may as well make everyone where identical masks--ever seen Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II"? That can be applied further than just hurtful and sarcastic teachers, and was intended to. If we were ants, we wouldn't have this trouble. But we aren't, and are not designed to be. We are not complete social animals like ants and bees are. Education needs to become less standardised, not more.

It's an interesting topic. Adults seem to favor the idea more often than not, where as kids tend to not favor the idea. My oppinion, from the view of a late teenager,(sort of in between adults and kids) is that;

A.) The success of uniforms depends on the student population
B.) I personally believe that uniforms would be a good idea if the students were involved in choosing/designing them.

School uniforms up to the age of 14 or 16 makes a lot of sense. Children will always be vile to eachother, so instead of creating a culture where one must be able to afford the top brand names to be respected it is in my view better to enforce uniformity.

A.) The success of uniforms depends on the student population
B.) I personally believe that uniforms would be a good idea if the students were involved in choosing/designing them.


Good points. I have to agree.

Education needs to become less standardised, not more.
I agree with that in more cases than just this.
I helped to tutor a mentally handicapped child while in middle school. I still feel terrible about what they did to him. They just sent him through with everybody else in normal classes. They justified it by saying he said he wanted to be like everybody else, but he told me the truth. He couldn't learn in the normal classes and he really wanted to be able to, no matter what that would take. But they just wouldn't do it, they wanted him to go through the standard process.

I'm sorry, I can't continue this train of thought right now. I hope the above post made some vestiges of sense.

For me - hell no. I'll wear what I bloody well choose.
For cute guys - very much yes. School uniforms = very good.

But then, I'm just making sure my ticket to hell is nice and booked, I think.

I agree with that in more cases than just this.
I helped to tutor a mentally handicapped child while in middle school. I still feel terrible about what they did to him. They just sent him through with everybody else in normal classes. They justified it by saying he said he wanted to be like everybody else, but he told me the truth. He couldn't learn in the normal classes and he really wanted to be able to, no matter what that would take. But they just wouldn't do it, they wanted him to go through the standard process.

I'm sorry, I can't continue this train of thought right now. I hope the above post made some vestiges of sense.


The education system definitely needs to go under a huge reformation. At my past job I worked with children with special health care needs...they really do want to learn, they just need someone who is willing to spend the time to HELP them learn. They are good kids...and it is HEARTBREAKING to see how other "typically"-developed children treat them. :( Makes my heart hurt as I think about it.

In 30 years time you'll look back and realise that the photos you have of you in uniform are the only ones that don't look dated.

In 30 years time you'll look back and realise that the photos you have of you in uniform are the only ones that don't look dated.
I hate photographs of me.
I like to burn them.

I'm for uniforms. (Without the strict rules on hair etc.) Uniforms encourage pride in one's school. It's easy to choose what to wear in the morning. One learnes to tie a tie properly. Also, the school looks much 'cleaner' when the pupils wear the same uniform. Oh, and there's less competition concerning clothing. Why people would compete for status using 'casual' clothing is beyond me. Spend money on tails, not casual clothes. It's so paradoxical to spend copious amounts on casuals.

The education system definitely needs to go under a huge reformation. At my past job I worked with children with special health care needs...they really do want to learn, they just need someone who is willing to spend the time to HELP them learn. They are good kids...and it is HEARTBREAKING to see how other "typically"-developed children treat them. :( Makes my heart hurt as I think about it.
Yeah...
That was one of the first things that showed me that the problem we have extends deeper than everyone thinks.
I tried to help him. I couldn't do it well though. I'm not a teacher, never was. I had enough trouble myself that I practically could have been thrown into some program or other if I wasn't extremely good at acting okay.
It was so sad when I left and he stayed... I never heard what happened to him since. All I know is he left the local school system. I hope his parents figured out the problem and got him somewhere that he could be happy.
I somehow doubt it though.

I personally think that uniforms are a good idea. The convienience of just having to reach for a reasonably clean uniform definately beats having to co-ordinate clothes daily. As for the "uniforms stifle individuality" argument, I've always thought it pretty sad if an individual needs to resort to clothes to express themselves. The school uniform for boys at the school that I am enrrolled in involves the choice of a blue or white golf shirt, grey dress pants, and a blue informal sweater. I, however, am vexed that the shirt and tie and dress sweater were canned, which I would gladly wear. But I do know someone who knows some guys who know.....

I don't mind them at all...and quite frankly, I'm glad that we have them, I can't help but be distracted some times in classes...

I think i would be more distacted if the girls at my school had uniforms! lol

I think i would be more distacted if the girls at my school had uniforms! lol

No distaractions for me. No girls!

Retarded! I will never quit wearing what I've always worn: a plastic bag over my head and one sock.

I'm for uniforms. (Without the strict rules on hair etc.) Uniforms encourage pride in one's school. It's easy to choose what to wear in the morning. One learnes to tie a tie properly. Also, the school looks much 'cleaner' when the pupils wear the same uniform. Oh, and there's less competition concerning clothing. Why people would compete for status using 'casual' clothing is beyond me. Spend money on tails, not casual clothes. It's so paradoxical to spend copious amounts on casuals.
Graet. Now we're a minority of two! :D

Graet. Now we're a minority of two! :D

Oh well, two is better than one. I'd hate it if shirts and ties were ommited from our uniform. Wearing a suit makes one feel more important. ;)

I'm against, even with uniforms there will be other ways for students to differentiate each other.

I'm lazy . Uniforms require no work. I'm all for it.

[QUOTE=Kryozerkia]QUOTE]
A Torontonian, eh? The uniform I've been referring to is the Marshall McLuhan CSS uniform, located at Avenue and Eglinton. You may have seen it.

I'm against, even with uniforms there will be other ways for students to differentiate each other.

Of course there will, but how does that argue against uniforms? Surley it supports wearing uniforms.

As a purveyer of chaos, I am against all uniformity.

With rare exception, schools seem hellbent on standardizing our kids. Standardized testing. College preparatory curriculums. Zero Tolerance policies.

School uniforms? At live-away schools. Private schools. Fine.
But not at regular old public schools. The last thing I want to encourage is a dress code. I like chaos. Clothing gives us something to pick on (bad taste, poorness). That may seem a bit callous, but kids are going to pick on eachother. Simple as that. I'd rather it be our clothes and/or family budget than on my skin color or odd odor.

I'd like to see a clothing optional school. Don't look at me like that! Why not? Some parents are naturists. Some parents don't raise their children with the standard prudish values about clothing. I bet there would be a niche for a clothing optional private school or two.

School uniforms are a bad bad idea, as they'd lead to the further deindividualisation of society.

I'd like to see a clothing optional school. Don't look at me like that! Why not? Some parents are naturists. Some parents don't raise their children with the standard prudish values about clothing. I bet there would be a niche for a clothing optional private school or two.

Wait... in this day and age of 'never mind about teaching kids about sex, we'll just hope they don't do what comes naturally' sex-education... you want to let teenagers roam around naked together? Can we say 'steep hike in unplanned pregnancies'?

If you meant in primary/pre-schools, then *shrug*, guess I can't argue there.

As a purveyer of chaos, I am against all uniformity.

With rare exception, schools seem hellbent on standardizing our kids. Standardized testing. College preparatory curriculums. Zero Tolerance policies.

School uniforms? At live-away schools. Private schools. Fine.
But not at regular old public schools. The last thing I want to encourage is a dress code. I like chaos. Clothing gives us something to pick on (bad taste, poorness). That may seem a bit callous, but kids are going to pick on eachother. Simple as that. I'd rather it be our clothes and/or family budget than on my skin color or odd odor.

I'd like to see a clothing optional school. Don't look at me like that! Why not? Some parents are naturists. Some parents don't raise their children with the standard prudish values about clothing. I bet there would be a niche for a clothing optional private school or two.

I can agree with that. I am a nonconformist in many ways, but I pick my battles. I adhere stricktly to our dress code; shirt always tucked in, shoes polished, etc. but I'll let my damn hair grow as long I like. As for the clothing optional, well, I dislike the nudity taboo, but I wouldn't attend a school like that. Baby steps, baby steps.

With rare exception, schools seem hellbent on standardizing our kids. Standardized testing. College preparatory curriculums. Zero Tolerance policies.

I hate zero-tolerance policies. Far too much personal experience with them...

I think uniforms are a good idea up to a certain age. At 12-16, kids are just plain evil, and will happily bully a kid who can't afford the latest styles or who dresses differently. After that, they tend to mature and schools have a more community atmosphere where everyone is friendly to each other (At least in my school. Then again, I hear there's still those stupid rival sub culture things in American schools right up to 18?) and so uniforms are not needed.

School uniforms are a bad bad idea, as they'd lead to the further deindividualisation of society.

I'm not sure that's valid. What a person wears shouldn't hamper their individuality. How the school educates and disciplines its students is much more fundamental. The regulated uniform just encourages comradery amongst the students, emphisising that they're all in this mess together. ;) (Just my opinion.)

Like...I grew up in one of the smallest towns ever. Sixteen people in my graduating class. There was pressure to "dress cool" all the way through high school. There were like 9 girls in my class, and if you were like the one person not wearing designer jeans on a given day, you were ridiculed to no extent. It was f-ing ridiculous. For real. Reasons like that are reasons I think uniforms are good. But as you will see by my first post on this thread, I see it from both sides, so I am not taking a particular stance.

I think uniforms are a good idea up to a certain age. At 12-16, kids are just plain evil, and will happily bully a kid who can't afford the latest styles or who dresses differently. After that, they tend to mature and schools have a more community atmosphere where everyone is friendly to each other (At least in my school. Then again, I hear there's still those stupid rival sub culture things in American schools right up to 18?) and so uniforms are not needed.

I've been thinking about this point, and I'm not sure I agree.

People are ALWAYS bastards (well, some people are). It doesn't stop at 12-16 year olds. The sooner children learn to say 'screw you, you pompous twat, I'll do what I like because I damn well WANT TO', the better. I'd much rather teach my child to say "Yeah, well maybe my clothes aren't designer brand, but at least MY clothes don't look like an expensive potato sack on ME" rather than trying to convince them the world is really a wonderful place full of nice people...

Stupid idea. I'll wear what I want and not knee high socks, a tie and a vest. I think it takes away an individuality and makes us all little robot, only gender to tell us apart. I'd leave my school if they implmented uniforms.


-i think that response is foolish. school uniforms are pretty cool. i mean, lets analyze his concept.

-individuality: as if to imply his clothes made him an individual. first of all, its not what you wear, its who you are. a book is more than its cover. second of all, so your saying that your expressing your indivivduality by becoming, basically, "a billboard for nike".
-school uniforms, aside from usually looking good, tend to create a sense of pride for a school, and destroy foolish fashion competitions.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon
(side note: this may have already been covered, i apologize if it is repetition in the thread)

I think uniforms are a good idea up to a certain age. At 12-16, kids are just plain evil, and will happily bully a kid who can't afford the latest styles or who dresses differently.

With the proper methods of discipline and upbringing, this behaviour can be eradicated. Personally, I'd hate to be considered 'normal'. I'm an individual, unique, and if youths today are too immature to accept that, I'd have to question whether I was at the right place. Uniforms to 18 suit me fine.

I'm not sure that's valid. What a person wears shouldn't hamper their individuality. How the school educates and disciplines its students is much more fundamental. The regulated uniform just encourages comradery amongst the students, emphisising that they're all in this mess together. ;) (Just my opinion.)
I'd have to disagree, everything we do is a representation of individual choice. And to encourage camaradery, and that is not good for individualism. Just group loyalty.

What's your stance on school uniforms? I don't mind them myself, but they seem pretty unpopular. What's your take?
I like uniforms.
They bring unity and keep those bratts who always wear the "normal" clothes
out of school
Uniforms also take out competition for best clothes
They keep people looking nice rather than that clothes that people wear today.

-i think that response is foolish. school uniforms are pretty cool. i mean, lets analyze his concept.

-individuality: as if to imply his clothes made him an individual. first of all, its not what you wear, its who you are. a book is more than its cover. second of all, so your saying that your expressing your indivivduality by becoming, basically, "a billboard for nike".

If that's your objection, what if he weren't becoming a fashion plate? What if he just wanted to wear whatever the hell he feels like?

-school uniforms, aside from usually looking good, tend to create a sense of pride for a school, and destroy foolish fashion competitions.

I don't know about it. That could be a good thing, but it depends. In most schools I have been in some of the kids have had to fight pretty hard to keep from getting destroyed by the current people in charge of the education system, and I feel no need to be proud of any of that. Of course, if your school happens to actully be a good place, school pride is very nice.

I've been thinking about this point, and I'm not sure I agree.

People are ALWAYS bastards (well, some people are). It doesn't stop at 12-16 year olds. The sooner children learn to say 'screw you, you pompous twat, I'll do what I like because I damn well WANT TO', the better. I'd much rather teach my child to say "Yeah, well maybe my clothes aren't designer brand, but at least MY clothes don't look like an expensive potato sack on ME" rather than trying to convince them the world is really a wonderful place full of nice people...

Damn straight! I return to my previous statement: Why spend money on casual clothing? I'd get the cheapest rubbish I could find. (OK, with a few exeptions.) If people ridicule this, then we'll see whose laughing when they turn up to an event marked 'formal' in a cheap lounge suit.

I also like uniforms because they remind me of some british boarding schools
American schools need uniforms

The pro-uniform part of me wants to point out also that uniforms keep little boys from dressing like "wannabe gangsters" and keeps little girls from dressing like little hoochies. Have you SEEN some of the little girls clothes they sell at the mall???? There is no way in H### that I would let my hypothetical kids wear some of that stuff in public, let alone at school.

Plus, uniforms help with the issue of dress-code enforcing, because everyone is wearing basically the same stuff. Instead of making sure girls aren't wearing too-short shorts, or showing way too much skin, or that anyone is wearing innapropriate advertisements (at my school we were not allowed to wear shirts advertising tobacco or alcohol), they will be able to focus their attention on other things like learning/teaching.

So that is my little rant about that.

(I think I am becoming more pro-uniform the more I think about it...but I don't necessarily think it should be enforced in public schools).

I like uniforms.
They bring unity and keep those bratts who always wear the "normal" clothes
out of school
Uniforms also take out competition for best clothes
They keep people looking nice rather than that clothes that people wear today.
What's so wrong with "that clothes that people wear today"?
I doubt you would approve of what I wear, but I don't really care. Does it really matter if I don't look the way some person wants me to?

Damn straight! I return to my previous statement: Why spend money on casual clothing? I'd get the cheapest rubbish I could find. (OK, with a few exeptions.) If people ridicule this, then we'll see whose laughing when they turn up to an event marked 'formal' in a cheap lounge suit.

I get a lot of my best (non-cheaply bought) clothing from my mum - she kept all her old things, so now I have some great, good quality clothing :D

Plus, most (not all, but certainly most) designer casual clothing looks like dogshit anyway. And I get the small amount of non-crappy designer wear I own from those direct-factory outlet warehouse thingies.

I have better things to spend my money on that clothing. And for me that includes formal wear. I have enough formal dresses to last a life time (ie, three)

I'd have to disagree, everything we do is a representation of individual choice. And to encourage camaradery, and that is not good for individualism. Just group loyalty.

I think the world needs a bit more loyalty - group or otherwise. One can surley be a completely self-sufficient, nonconformist individual and have strong ties of loyalty to friends and organisations. Gaining respect for other people and belonging to something should really only help build individual character.

If that's your objection, what if he weren't becoming a fashion plate? What if he just wanted to wear whatever the hell he feels like?



I don't know about it. That could be a good thing, but it depends. In most schools I have been in some of the kids have had to fight pretty hard to keep from getting destroyed by the current people in charge of the education system, and I feel no need to be proud of any of that. Of course, if your school happens to actully be a good place, school pride is very nice.


-what if he werent becoming a fashion plate? so what? your missing the point of the objection. the point is that clothes dont make you who you are, YOU make you who you are, and what clothes you wear is irrelevent, unless its a cultural thing, in which case schools tend to make exceptions.
-destroyed by the current education system? that makes little sense, please elaborate. moving on, im not talking about how the school treats one student. im talkigna bout a general environment, and a general atmosphere in the school that destroys fashion competition, and treats each other with a certain level of respect. a way of identifying, and perhalps even a way to meet new people. children can get a feeling of prestige out of it, like armies get a feeling of prestige out of their flag. they can say "thats what im defending, thats who im representing" and they can have some honor in it.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

School uniforms are a bad bad idea, as they'd lead to the further deindividualisation of society.

Like there's any freaking individuality anyway? Open your eyes, man.

-what if he werent becoming a fashion plate? so what? your missing the point of the objection. the point is that clothes dont make you who you are, YOU make you who you are, and what clothes you wear is irrelevent, unless its a cultural thing, in which case schools tend to make exceptions.
-destroyed by the current education system? that makes little sense, please elaborate. moving on, im not talking about how the school treats one student. im talkigna bout a general environment, and a general atmosphere in the school that destroys fashion competition, and treats each other with a certain level of respect. a way of identifying, and perhalps even a way to meet new people.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

Um... actually, my clothes are a BIG part of who I am. Emotionally, at least. Certain outfits reflect certain moods, and I need to be able to alter my style depending on my confidence for the day (some days skirts = hell no, others I'm all up for fun with knee-high boots).

I'd never go to a school with a uniform. I just think it's ridiculous. I can build a strong connection to my school (if it's worthy of that), without letting a school council and some boring adults decide what I'm allowed to wear.

I get a lot of my best (non-cheaply bought) clothing from my mum - she kept all her old things, so now I have some great, good quality clothing :D

Plus, most (not all, but certainly most) designer casual clothing looks like dogshit anyway. And I get the small amount of non-crappy designer wear I own from those direct-factory outlet warehouse thingies.

I have better things to spend my money on that clothing. And for me that includes formal wear. I have enough formal dresses to last a life time (ie, three)

Sounds like a good way to go to me. I'm just ranting because certain people who attend my school think that they can show off their 'aristocratic' (doesn't exist in Australia, upper-middle class or new money at best) status by wearing brand name t-shirts on casual days. If one wants to display status, wear something appropriate and don't kid yourself.

As far as I'm concerned, private schools can do whatever the heck they want. Because they're, you know, private.

Public schools? No way should they wear uniforms. It does promote conformity, which is not a good thing at all. Whoever said that clothing does not change who you are was wrong, I think. I know I feel different depending on what I wear. When I wear a suit, or a tuxedo, I feel very formal. When I was in marching band in high school and I wore my uniform, I was no longer an individual; I was part of the band. School uniforms do the exact same thing. They really serve no purpose except for school officials to say, "Look how neat and organized our school appears! All thanks to these uniforms!"

So yeah. Down with school uniforms (in public schools)!

What's so wrong with "that clothes that people wear today"?
I doubt you would approve of what I wear, but I don't really care. Does it really matter if I don't look the way some person wants me to?
If it's not too inapropriate then I do not mind.
I think that this issue is just like all others:
if it is offensive do not wear/do it

Sounds like a good way to go to me. I'm just ranting because certain people who attend my school think that they can show off their 'aristocratic' (doesn't exist in Australia, upper-middle class or new money at best) status by wearing brand name t-shirts on casual days. If one wants to display status, wear something appropriate and don't kid yourself.

Of course Australia has an 'aristocratic' class! What else would you call bartenders here?

Anyway, yes. People would wear designer wear just because it's designer wear should be shot on sight (not really, calm down all you people about to flame me). That's the thing - I don't want to wear individual clothing so I can tell other people I'm an individiual... I want to wear it because I am one, and I like different clothes on different days.

And personally, I'm glad I learnt at an early age that the best way to deal with people of the "*sniff* those aren't designer jeans" type is to say "No, they aren't. Who the hell cares?" If I'd gone to a school with uniforms, perhaps I'd be in for a rude awakening when I'd enter the real world.

Also, it sounds like even schools with uniforms have the 'designer snob' syndrome, because they have casual days. I don't see the damn point in those cases. They obviously aren't achieving much in the way of bullying-prevention. Unless they think the snobs are going to forget who Those Who Don't Wear Designer Wear are over a measly couple of days....

Um... actually, my clothes are a BIG part of who I am. Emotionally, at least. Certain outfits reflect certain moods, and I need to be able to alter my style depending on my confidence for the day (some days skirts = hell no, others I'm all up for fun with knee-high boots).

I'd never go to a school with a uniform. I just think it's ridiculous. I can build a strong connection to my school (if it's worthy of that), without letting a school council and some boring adults decide what I'm allowed to wear.


i think your under the impression that schools have one year round permanet uniform, which is not the case. they have seasonal and style based variations of the uniformed theme.

'and if your clothing actually decides that much about you, then your dissapointingly weak-minded. clothes dont make the person, a person makes the clothes. either you actually are weak minded, or your using that excuse as a reason to show off your clothes in some foolish fashion show, designed to make people who dont dress like you feel lesser.'

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

-what if he werent becoming a fashion plate? so what? your missing the point of the objection. the point is that clothes dont make you who you are, YOU make you who you are, and what clothes you wear is irrelevent, unless its a cultural thing, in which case schools tend to make exceptions.
-destroyed by the current education system? that makes little sense, please elaborate. moving on, im not talking about how the school treats one student. im talkigna bout a general environment, and a general atmosphere in the school that destroys fashion competition, and treats each other with a certain level of respect. a way of identifying, and perhalps even a way to meet new people. children can get a feeling of prestige out of it, like armies get a feeling of prestige out of their flag. they can say "thats what im defending, thats who im representing" and they can have some honor in it.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

I wholehartedly agree.

Um... actually, my clothes are a BIG part of who I am. Emotionally, at least. Certain outfits reflect certain moods, and I need to be able to alter my style depending on my confidence for the day (some days skirts = hell no, others I'm all up for fun with knee-high boots).

Hmph, Women. (No offense, just kidding) Personally, I couldn't care less what I wear (except in the case that proper ettiquette demands certain dress codes). Socrates, one of the greatest minds in recorded history went around unshaven, wearing rags. Presentation may be important for first impressions, but it decides nothing of one's identity mentally, spiritually, or emotionally. (In my case, anyway.)

If it's not too inapropriate then I do not mind.
I think that this issue is just like all others:
if it is offensive do not wear/do it

The problem is... offensive to who?

Sure, t-shirts with 'Fuck the establishment' on them are in poor taste (in the sense that they lack forethought, at least).

But say I want to wear a short skirt and knee high, high-heel boots. You might think that's offensive. I'll tell you to look away or close your damn eyes. I'm 17 and I'll wear what I want, as long as it doesn't break any of the set guidelines (none of which deal with skirt length or high heels at my school). If you don't have a say in what someone wears in the real world, why are we coddling children in schools? I agree with the need for some rules (no obscenities is always a good one...), but you have to keep in mind that a bunch of stuff *might* be considered 'offensive' by some people and not others.

I think uniforms are a good idea up to a certain age. At 12-16, kids are just plain evil, and will happily bully a kid who can't afford the latest styles or who dresses differently..

A little statistic I learned in my debate class. One of the main reasons that people want to put uniforms is schools is because they think that uniforms decrease the amount of school voilence. Turns out that the vast majority of school related violence (upward of 85-90%) auctuly takes place after school hours, when students can go home and change clothes, meaning that uniforms would not help this at all. So after school, the kids are bound to wear something else. And what if a kid goes out in public after school in their uniform b/c they cant afford any better clothes? Yah, like they wont get mocked for that.

Frankly the thought of school uniforms is a horrible idea and if anybody disagrees then I ask them. Have you ever heard of fascism? No, then what about Communism? Anybody who knows what I'm talking about knows that these are by and by bad words both created by the government to keep the people in check by making them all the same and equally under the thumbs of the ones on top that make all their choices for them. So a person may be made fun because they are not waring the new trend but that is what comes with the freedome of speech and expression, for instance i hate Micheal Moore with a passion but if he was ever imprissoned for saying what he does i would be one of the first people protesting it. Tho I do not agree with what you say sir I'll defend to the death your right to say it.

Of course Australia has an 'aristocratic' class! What else would you call bartenders here?

Anyway, yes. People would wear designer wear just because it's designer wear should be shot on sight (not really, calm down all you people about to flame me). That's the thing - I don't want to wear individual clothing so I can tell other people I'm an individiual... I want to wear it because I am one, and I like different clothes on different days.

And personally, I'm glad I learnt at an early age that the best way to deal with people of the "*sniff* those aren't designer jeans" type is to say "No, they aren't. Who the hell cares?" If I'd gone to a school with uniforms, perhaps I'd be in for a rude awakening when I'd enter the real world.

Also, it sounds like even schools with uniforms have the 'designer snob' syndrome, because they have casual days. I don't see the damn point in those cases. They obviously aren't achieving much in the way of bullying-prevention. Unless they think the snobs are going to forget who Those Who Don't Wear Designer Wear are over a measly couple of days....
My school has uniforms and we have NOO!!!! casual days

Frankly the thought of school uniforms is a horrible idea and if anybody disagrees then I ask them. Have you ever heard of fascism? No, then what about Communism? Anybody who knows what I'm talking about knows that these are by and by bad words both created by the government to keep the people in check by making them all the same and equally under the thumbs of the ones on top that make all their choices for them. So a person may be made fun because they are not waring the new trend but that is what comes with the freedome of speech and expression, for instance i hate Micheal Moore with a passion but if he was ever imprissoned for saying what he does i would be one of the first people protesting it. Tho I do not agree with what you say sir I'll defend to the death your right to say it.
What if we are fascist/socialist/communists!?!?!?!

Most places with uniforms usually do give you a LITTLE bit of an option in what you wear. Yes, they pick what you can choose from, but usually there are like 2 or more different colored shirts, ones that button all the way up, or ones that are polo cut, long-sleeved or short-sleeved, you usually get a sweater thing, and you have like 2 or 3 different color bottoms (generally khaki, navy, or black), either pants, skirts, or shorts. So at least you can mix and match to an extent.

I wear a uniform at work, and I make it work. Different colored shirts, somedays wear the sweater, etc.

I wholehartedly agree.



Hmph, Women. (No offense, just kidding) Personally, I couldn't care less what I wear (except in the case that proper ettiquette demands certain dress codes). Socrates, one of the greatest minds in recorded history went around unshaven, wearing rags. Presentation may be important for first impressions, but it decides nothing of one's identity mentally, spiritually, or emotionally. (In my case, anyway.)

Hey, a lot of the time I don't care either. I have a pile of various jeans and t-shirts for just those occasions (literally a pile... I'm not too big on organising cupboards and wardobes)

But sometimes I feel bubbly, or kinky, or goth-y, or punk-y, or any *number* of things. And it's wonderful being able to dress up to match those feelings.

Especially when I go from bubbly to goth-y overnight. White sparkly tops to black corsets in 24 hours! Go me ^.^

I personally think that uniforms are a good idea. The convienience of just having to reach for a reasonably clean uniform definately beats having to co-ordinate clothes daily. As for the "uniforms stifle individuality" argument, I've always thought it pretty sad if an individual needs to resort to clothes to express themselves. The school uniform for boys at the school that I am enrrolled in involves the choice of a blue or white golf shirt, grey dress pants, and a blue informal sweater. I, however, am vexed that the shirt and tie and dress sweater were canned, which I would gladly wear. But I do know someone who knows some guys who know.....

I hate you! :mad: I was going to comment on the whole if you need clothes to express yourself bit... But... now I wont! THANKS!

Been there; done that.

One advantage is that you don't have who has the latest and greatest $100+ sneakers, etc.

No you just have the who has the most expensive uniform, who has the best hair, the best skin, the best eye glasses, the most perfectly done ironing, the shirt with the least ring around the collar. Kind of like the stinking corporate dress code only even less fun!

My school has uniforms and we have NOO!!!! casual days

Sounds horrible. I'd go mad.

Actually, no. I'd refuse to go to the school in the first place.

No, it'd be far more effective for us to march in formation from class to class. I mean seriously....hurry the **** up, I gotta get to Biology on the other side of the school!

My uniform: white polo w/ logo or white oxford, school's khaki pants, blue vest w/logo, black belt, khaki socks, black,polishable shoes.
I like these uniforms

Sounds horrible. I'd go mad.

Actually, no. I'd refuse to go to the school in the first place.
I really do not mind
especially since my regular clothes are much like my uniforms ;) ;) ;)

Frankly the thought of school uniforms is a horrible idea and if anybody disagrees then I ask them. Have you ever heard of fascism? No, then what about Communism? Anybody who knows what I'm talking about knows that these are by and by bad words both created by the government to keep the people in check by making them all the same and equally under the thumbs of the ones on top that make all their choices for them. So a person may be made fun because they are not waring the new trend but that is what comes with the freedome of speech and expression, for instance i hate Micheal Moore with a passion but if he was ever imprissoned for saying what he does i would be one of the first people protesting it. Tho I do not agree with what you say sir I'll defend to the death your right to say it.
Uh, Japan has mandatory school uniforms for students in junior and senior high school. They are neither fascist nor communist. They do however, regard conformity to be more important than individuality. Take that for what it's worth.

Uh, Japan has mandatory school uniforms for students in junior and senior high school. They are neither fascist nor communist. They do however, regard conformity to be more important than individuality. Take that for what it's worth.
They also have an entirely different culture, based on respect. First off, our culture here has NOTHING to do with respect.

Ah yes, uniforms, because Japan is such a model to follow. Schoolgirls may look good in uniforms, but only a wapanese wearing the thickest rose-colored glasses would seriously advocate them. The only thing I like about Japan is their manga (which should be in socialist hands. We are tired of our creepy propaganda posters and punk music. We want better art-forms).

They also have an entirely different culture, based on respect. First off, our culture here has NOTHING to do with respect.


-thats one of the many reasons why america sucks.


--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

Ah yes, uniforms, because Japan is such a model to follow. Schoolgirls may look good in uniforms, but only a wapanese wearing the thickest rose-colored glasses would seriously advocate them. The only thing I like about Japan is their manga (which should be in socialist hands. We are tired of our creepy propaganda posters and punk music. We want better art-forms).


gee thats a prejudice stereotype. i actually know a lot of japanese people, myself included, who support school uniforms. maybe you should take a hint from the japanese culture and use some RESPECT by thinking about what you say before opening your big mouth. and no, manga doesnt belong in socialist hands, its a part of japanese culture, hundreds of years old.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

-thats one of the many reasons why america sucks.


--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon
i would not say that america sucks
but their culture is not that great
I really do not like their pop culture
I do not really like their many freedoms
we should be more strict

gee thats a prejudice stereotype. i actually know a lot of japanese people, myself included, who support school uniforms. maybe you should take a hint from the japanese culture and use some RESPECT by thinking about what you say before opening your big mouth. and no, manga doesnt belong in socialist hands, its a part of japanese culture, hundreds of years old.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon
You know a lot of Japanese people? What a coincidence, so do I! In my experience they tend to support school uniforms in a "that's the way it is" sense more than a "that's the way it should be" sense. And, as has been mentioned before, the Japanese example is not what one should be basing their arguments about school uniforms on.

i would not say that america sucks
but their culture is not that great
I really do not like their pop culture
I do not really like their many freedoms
we should be more strict


side note: ill indulge your response with one of my own, despite its irrelevancy to the thread. i hate america because:

-slavery
-the native american genocide
-dishonorable war tactics (seven years war comes to mind)
-vietnam draft and innapropriate reasons to go to war
-current iraqi oil wars
-hiroshima/nagasaki
-americas lack of tolerance towards other cultures, and the ignorance/arrogance towards things it treats that it knows nothing about
-japanese internment camp
-they elected bush -again-
-starting WW1 via the invasion of phillipeans and guam
-it 'brainwashes' its children to be patriotic americans
-its constant hypocritial actions

-this post is only a reply to the person who commented, and should not disrupt the current thread. your cooperation is appreciated

-The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

My Thoughts On School Unifrom Is That Is Stupid To That Fact That Makes Think Wow I Cant Wear What Want I With Someone On My Butt All The Time. I Like To Breath And Not Be Choking For A Tight Shirt That Is In My Pants And A Belt That Makes My Stumach Hurt For It Has To Be Tight. I Think School Uniform Takes Away Our Freedom And Our Right

You know a lot of Japanese people? What a coincidence, so do I! In my experience they tend to support school uniforms in a "that's the way it is" sense more than a "that's the way it should be" sense. And, as has been mentioned before, the Japanese example is not what one should be basing their arguments about school uniforms on.

that doesnt change the unfair, prejudice stereotype you made in your post. learn some repsect.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

that doesnt change the unfair, prejudice stereotype you made in your post. learn some repsect.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon
I have not made one unfair, prejudiced stereotype in this thread about any nationality. I think you're mistaking me with someone else.

I have not made one unfair, prejudiced stereotype in this thread about any nationality. I think you're mistaking me with someone else.


oh right. i did. my apologies, that was directed at the twit who made the "japanese wearing thick red glasses" comment.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

I thought this was about uniforms

I thought this was about uniforms
Something tells me this thread will end up going in circles, since no one seems to have come up with any new and original reasons for or against school uniforms.

i would not say that america sucks
but their culture is not that great
I really do not like their pop culture
I do not really like their many freedoms
we should be more strict

I wish Australia stoped taking the crappy culture of the US and started taking some of the many positive aspects. Australians have no voice, they just put up with crap. E.g. we can be pulled up and breath tested for alcohol when driving (I've heard this doesn't happen in the states), petrol costs over $1 per litre, our best produce is exported!, and our whole industry has been sold oversees to britain, europe and the US mainly. University fees are ridiculous and Australians on average are in far more debt than any other country in the world. This from a nation which, not so long ago, was the richest in the world, with an exchange rate of approx. $AU1 = $US1.20. WTF!

Something tells me this thread will end up going in circles, since no one seems to have come up with any new and original reasons for or against school uniforms.


i agree, all this thread has accomplished is verifacation that people dont always agree.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

I wish Australia stoped taking the crappy culture of the US and started taking some of the many positive aspects. Australians have no voice, they just put up with crap. E.g. we can be pulled up and breath tested for alcohol when driving (I've heard this doesn't happen in the states), petrol costs over $1 per litre, our best produce is exported!, and our whole industry has been sold oversees to britain, europe and the US mainly. University fees are ridiculous and Australians on average are in far more debt than any other country in the world. This from a nation which, not so long ago, was the richest in the world, with an exchange rate of approx. $AU1 = $US1.20. WTF!
Yeah well we Americans deal with the crap just like you guys do. Just that a lot of us also happen to be the source of the crap.

TIMEOUT! Lets not start bashing peoples countries becuase someone had to say the words "America" and "Sucks" in the same sentence...

Anyway. Uniforms. Every school i ever attended (3 Primary and 2 High Schools) had a uniform. All my friends from other schools had uniforms. No-one gave a crap really. The idea that uniforms are oppressive tends to be proclaimed by people who dont wear them and are unfamiliar with the culture of wearing them. As for smothering individuality, well, when everyone wears what they want we see petty discrimination based on fashion. In a uniform wearing environment the only way to get to know how you classmates are different is to GET TO KNOW THEM. People tend to judge less on appearances and more on content (this means it may take weeks for you to discover everyone else is a jerk). :)

Imagine working at a bank and one day going into work dressed causual and telling the boss that " I not going to wear a jacket and tie because it hurts my individuality!"

* FIRED *

My Thoughts On School Unifrom Is That Is Stupid To That Fact That Makes Think Wow I Cant Wear What Want I With Someone On My Butt All The Time. I Like To Breath And Not Be Choking For A Tight Shirt That Is In My Pants And A Belt That Makes My Stumach Hurt For It Has To Be Tight. I Think School Uniform Takes Away Our Freedom And Our Right
I Think We Should Try Capitalizing Proper Nouns And Words At The Beginning Of Sentences Only Instead Of Capitalizing Every Word. It Makes Posts So Much Easier On The Eyes.

Like this.
It's really not *that* hard to do, or rather, not do, is it?

Something tells me this thread will end up going in circles, since no one seems to have come up with any new and original reasons for or against school uniforms.

I think we have established that we either think that private schools should have uniforms and government (some public schools are not government owned) schools can do what they like. OR that government schools should definately not have uniforms and private schools can do what they like. Am I up to speed?

I Think We Should Try Capitalizing Proper Nouns And Words At The Beginning Of Sentences Only Instead Of Capitalizing Every Word. It Makes Posts So Much Easier On The Eyes.

Like this.
It's really not *that* hard to do, or rather, not do, is it?

You'd think it would take *less* effort than the Capitalize Every Word Strategy, wouldn't you?

I wish Australia stoped taking the crappy culture of the US and started taking some of the many positive aspects. Australians have no voice, they just put up with crap. E.g. we can be pulled up and breath tested for alcohol when driving (I've heard this doesn't happen in the states), petrol costs over $1 per litre, our best produce is exported!, and our whole industry has been sold oversees to britain, europe and the US mainly. University fees are ridiculous and Australians on average are in far more debt than any other country in the world. This from a nation which, not so long ago, was the richest in the world, with an exchange rate of approx. $AU1 = $US1.20. WTF!


well...aussies have some guts though. in every world war, britian has had canadians and australians fight by their side, and tended to equip them with some pretty poor equipment(not because britian is bad, just because wars cost money that it has to focus on its own military), and every time, you guys step up to the challenge. whether it be guerilla warfare in gallipolli during WW1, or poor equipment supplied to canada to get help fighting hitler in WW2, you guys get the job done when you have to. take pride in your british heritage, and ignore the american assimilations.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

Imagine working at a bank and one day going into work dressed causual and telling the boss that " I not going to wear a jacket and tie because it hurts my individuality!"

* FIRED *
That's a good point, except you voluntarily took a job at this hypothetical bank. Not so much the case at public schools.

And Nova, that's pretty much where we're at.

Yeah well we Americans deal with the crap just like you guys do. Just that a lot of us also happen to be the source of the crap.

Just make sure you keep your civil and political rights. In Australia you get arrested for questioning the government. (If you have any chance of gaining public opinion.) Of course, that's not really what they arrest you for. Yeah right! Crap from an uncontrolled population or crap from a totally mindless government. Hmm, I'm not sure which is better.
In the capitol of Australia, pushbikes have right of way on the major roads, no kidding.

That's a good point, except you voluntarily took a job at this hypothetical bank. Not so much the case at public schools.

And Nova, that's pretty much where we're at.

The role of a school is to prepare children/teens for the real world. Must places have a unform or a strict dress code so you don't really have a choice no matter were you work and its not voluntarily whether to work or not( well, unless you have welfare, i'm not going to get into that.)

I think we're neglecting the culture element. The culture will have a strong impact on what benefits/problems are created by uniforms.
America has a very strong culture of the individual (possibly the strongest in the world) and as such the idea that you HAVE to wear something that you didnt decide on is quite offensive right? (i mean in the US they dont even HAVE to vote).
Very different in Japan, and Australia for that matter...2 nations with lots of school uniforms. The point is i dont think we're going to get a universal opinion...uniforms just grate against some peoples culture

You'd think it would take *less* effort than the Capitalize Every Word Strategy, wouldn't you?
Exactly why I can't see why anyody is doing it...
Ack, where'd the common sense go? WHERE??

I Think We Should Try Capitalizing Proper Nouns And Words At The Beginning Of Sentences Only Instead Of Capitalizing Every Word. It Makes Posts So Much Easier On The Eyes.

Like this.
It's really not *that* hard to do, or rather, not do, is it?


Thank you.

Holy crap. I just wasted my 200th post on a "Thank you." I should have given a speech or something.

JK.

well...aussies have some guts though. in every world war, britian has had canadians and australians fight by their side, and tended to equip them with some pretty poor equipment(not because britian is bad, just because wars cost money that it has to focus on its own military), and every time, you guys step up to the challenge. whether it be guerilla warfare in gallipolli during WW1, or poor equipment supplied to canada to get help fighting hitler in WW2, you guys get the job done when you have to. take pride in your british heritage, and ignore the american assimilations.

--The Dominion Of Wentworthian Hegemon

Believe me, I most certainly do. I have ancestors who fought in both - Artillery. and I am proud of our brittish heritage. (and 8th generation Australian - which is very rare in Australia) I'm saddened though as I watch out culture die away.

The role of a school is to prepare children/teens for the real world. Must places have a unform or a strict dress code so you don't really have a choice no matter were you work and its not voluntarily whether to work or not( well, unless you have welfare, i'm not going to get into that.)
And yet so far most Americans have managed to adjust to the uniforms of the "real world" with little or no difficulty.

Believe me, I most certainly do. I have ancestors who fought in both - Artillery. and I am proud of our brittish heritage. (and 8th generation Australian - which is very rare in Australia) I'm saddened though as I watch out culture die away.


it wont die away. your proof that it wont. congrats.

--The Dominion Of wentworthian Hegemon

:) Dont worry, its not dead. As long as we maintain our long standing tradition of not taking the world too seriously (and smashing the English at all the sports they invented) then we'll be OK.

I think we're neglecting the culture element. The culture will have a strong impact on what benefits/problems are created by uniforms.
America has a very strong culture of the individual (possibly the strongest in the world) and as such the idea that you HAVE to wear something that you didnt decide on is quite offensive right? (i mean in the US they dont even HAVE to vote).
Very different in Japan, and Australia for that matter...2 nations with lots of school uniforms. The point is i dont think we're going to get a universal opinion...uniforms just grate against some peoples culture

Hmm, that's a good point. I like that fact that Americans don't have to vote. I wish our government would assimilate that into our system. I mean, a fine for not voting? Come on.
Another thing that's crappy in the land of Oz: Voting. One doesn't have to be a citizen to vote. No kidding. In the US, they lock you up for voting if your not a citizen. Here, no one cares. (except people who don't voice their opinions.)

Well I dont think I would like to wear the uniforms myself. However some of those hot girls would look pretty nice in those uniforms.

it wont die away. your proof that it wont. congrats.

--The Dominion Of wentworthian Hegemon

Thanks, I do my best.

Anyone have an opinion as to how formal a uniform should be?

Anyone have an opinion as to how formal a uniform should be?
I figure if you're gonna have a uniform, you might as well go all the way. Blazers, ties, nice pants for boys. Something similar but obviously more feminine for the girls.

Yup. A nice formal looking uniforms, that look smart sharp and trendy.

Probably have several 'types' of uniforms so that students can mix and match to fit their personality.

I'm actually 'for' school uniforms.

Those were best times, when we actually mixed equally doing foolish things together like playing truant and dissapear to play basketball, soccer or run away to the cybercafe.

Nowadays in uni, suddenly there's a huge gap between the nice looking and the shabby. Because they don't have $$$ to buy branded clothes.

The individuality argument is pretty retarded. Kids all try to be the same as each other anyway. Except for the weird kid with the hood that sits muttering in the corner of the playground collecting stones.

I am surprised at the number of ppl that have said...if my school had uniforms I wouldnt go there... Since when do kids decide where they go to school. That is the parents decision. If your school had uniforms, you would go and you would wear them and you would bitch and gripe just like you are doing now.

I think school uniforms are a great thing. It helps lessen the stigma attached to poor children who cant afford the latest fashions. It also proves to be quite cost effective for everyone, as you only have to buy 3-5 sets of inexpensive clothes and wash them all once a week. In communities where gangs are a problem, it also helps lessen that gang violence because you cannot wear gang attire. Kids will always find a way to show their alliegance (rarely do kids have individuality what they have is an alliegance to one group or another (cowboys, goths, punks, ravers, whatever...)). If they cannot choose their own clothes, then they will simply display their alliegance through their haircut or choice of makeup.

All the schools I've been to have had school uniforms and they don't bother me at all.
I think its a good thing.

gee thats a prejudice stereotype. i actually know a lot of japanese people, myself included, who support school uniforms. maybe you should take a hint from the japanese culture and use some RESPECT by thinking about what you say before opening your big mouth. and no, manga doesnt belong in socialist hands, its a part of japanese culture, hundreds of years old.

Where did I say that the Japanese were genetically inferior to white people? No where. I don't like American culture, either, and if you'd like, I'll bash it, too. As a socialist and feminist, I emphasize with the plight of the Burakumin and OLs.

As for manga, I had no idea that pacifism, existentialism, and psychoanalysis were actually invented the Japanese 300 years ago and used to write the first versions of Trigun and Eva. All this time, I thought socialists like Leo Tolstoy, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Wilhelm Reich were the inventors or key players in those ideas.

There's also the fact that Japan took the American artform of rap, which is hardly fair if socialists can't have manga. We socialists may have terrible art, but we have had a far greater impact on art in other cultures than you would like to know. Next time you read War and Peace or Nausea, remember that those books were written by hardline socialists.

What's your stance on school uniforms? I don't mind them myself, but they seem pretty unpopular. What's your take?

I work in a school and our catchment area takes in affluent pupils and poor pupils, the uniform helps blend the two together without the "haves" looking down on the "have nots".

Kids are notoriously cruel to each other and if one of the poorer kids didn't have the trendiest gear on they would get crucified by the all the kids sporting the latest footwear/jeans/tops etc.

A uniform doesn't need to take individuality away though, our kids can choose between a variety of colours for sweaters, socks, skirts/trousers.
The only time they all look alike is when they are representing the school like at a choir recital or outing or service, then they all wear a shirt and school tie.
I cant imagine anything worse looking than school kids all dressed in hoodies,goth gear or torn jeans representing their school at some concert or something.

Take it from someone who had to wear one, the suck. No kid would rather wear a uniform than his/her own clothes. Some schools do it becuase they don't want to have rich kids with way better clothes than the poor kids. Like the uniforms aren't too expensive for the poor kids? Yet they still have to afford them if they want to go to school. Uniforms take away a kid's self-expression too. They accomplish nothing.

I don't entirely buy the arguments that uniforms save money on expensive clothes because kids still need clothes to wear outside of school.

And I'm pretty much anti-school uniforms. I actually quit a job because of uniforms, so there's no way I'd put my kids through that crap.

Take it from someone who had to wear one, the suck. No kid would rather wear a uniform than his/her own clothes. Some schools do it becuase they don't want to have rich kids with way better clothes than the poor kids. Like the uniforms aren't too expensive for the poor kids? Yet they still have to afford them if they want to go to school. Uniforms take away a kid's self-expression too. They accomplish nothing.


The uniforms in Scotland are not too expensive for the poorer kids, we have a thing called a clothing grant for uniforms, if your parents earn below the average you get a grant to buy a uniform for your kids.

How exactly do uniforms take away self-expression?
self expression has very little to do with clothes and more to do with who you are!

Most of the kids (and it is the kids) who don't want a school uniform end up wearing one in another form anyway i.e. they try to fit in with whatever fashion their group adopts, so you end up with a group of goth looking kids, a group of grungy looking kids, a group of designer junkies and a group of kids who are scared to come to school because their parents cannot afford to buy them all the designer gear.
There are other ways to set yourself apart from your fellow students, hairstyles, make up etc without turning up each morning looking like a clone of the latest fad.

I'm not to keen on the full-blown uniform thing, mainly because they're almost always expensive and hideously ugly. My school did quite a good job of compromising: ages 11-15 wore a white shirt/blouse and black trousers/skirt, and 16+ whatever (within reason) they liked. Seemed to work quite well; one white shirt looks much like another and I don't recall anyone walking around in Armani.

I've never been convinced by the individuality argument. If yours is genuinely stifled by clothing restrictions, then...well, god help you. Maybe you can express it through your choice of mobile phone covering instead.

Take it from someone who had to wear one, the suck. No kid would rather wear a uniform than his/her own clothes. Some schools do it becuase they don't want to have rich kids with way better clothes than the poor kids. Like the uniforms aren't too expensive for the poor kids? Yet they still have to afford them if they want to go to school. Uniforms take away a kid's self-expression too. They accomplish nothing.

No kid? Well, maybe not a baby goat, but I rather enjoy our uniform, the whole suit - tie, blazer, etc. I even like the knee-high socks. ;)

Why do you all insist that a uniform has to have knee high sock and a vest and stuff? My schools had uniforms our high school colour was blue so our uniform was navy pants/shorts and a light blue t-shirt and/or a navy jumper, in summer there were also dresses avalible for the girls and ofcourse black shoes, socks were a non-issue.
Im sure a comprimise could be reached.

Well....a few years ago i moved out of a school where we had to wear uniforms. I cant agree or disagree with this.

On one note, uniforms are good because they create less "categories"a dn when everyone is wearign the same thing nobody cna be classified by what they wear and where they shop. This is very good because then there isnt as much discrimination.

On the other hand, wearing what you want to school can be a great way to express yourself. adn its fun to shop and copy ppl's ideas. btu i think overall, it doesnt matter. i personally didnt mind them and sometimes its hard finding something to wear and trying to find clothes that ppl will think "are cool"

Why do you all insist that a uniform has to have knee high sock and a vest and stuff? My schools had uniforms our high school colour was blue so our uniform was navy pants/shorts and a light blue t-shirt and/or a navy jumper, in summer there were also dresses avalible for the girls and ofcourse black shoes, socks were a non-issue.
Im sure a comprimise could be reached.

it's not a uniform with out knee-high socks! :p Gee, we have to wear the knee-high socks when we're wearing trousers! :D (not that anyone does - except a friend of mine who used to wear garters to keep his socks up under his trousers! :D Ahh... the benefits of private a school education.
Personally, If I had to wear a uniform, which I do, I'd prefer the full getup. :)

I'm mostly against them, though I do see how they can be a good thing. I've never really liked "forced equality", which is why I don't like the idea of a school uniform. I even think we should be allowed to go barefoot or not depending on our own choice (with reasonable exceptions such as workshop, chemistry labs, ect.)

But I also see how they can be a good thing. Almost every time (in America, at least) when a school has adopted a uniform policy, disciplinary issues dropped. And if I do decide to break the rules, it'd be a bit tougher for the administration to pick me out . . . they wouldn't be able to use what clothing I was wearing to get a description.

it's not a uniform with out knee-high socks! :p Gee, we have to wear the knee-high socks when we're wearing trousers! :D (not that anyone does - except a friend of mine who used to wear garters to keep his socks up under his trousers! :D Ahh... the benefits of private a school education.
Personally, If I had to wear a uniform, which I do, I'd prefer the full getup. :)
*shudders*
the only reason im glad I went to a public school

I like to learn about people through their actions, not their material possesions. Personally, I wish we had uniforms.

Plus it would reduce exclusivity of cliques.

I like to learn about people through their actions, not their material possesions. Personally, I wish we had uniforms.

Plus it would reduce exclusivity of cliques.
I actually liked the fact that there were cliques.
It meant nobody would talk to me. I don't like to be bothered.

It depends on what they look like I reckon. Our uniform is pretty casual, and u only get in trouble unless u totally change it, but one school I know has a yellow, purple and brown uniform. Not a good look. :eek:

When people say that they want individuality, and then hate uniforms subsequently, I believe the strongest that they need uniforms.

In the real world, individuality is nothing. One must be a part of the group.

Secondly, in the real world one is going to have to meet standards. Some of these standards are in clothes. For a successful, professional, t-shirts simply aren't successful. The earlier we can get children to learn this the better.

However, on the other hand, this is childhood. We can't have such a rigid dress code/uniform policy as an adult would.

If a generally popular uniform is made (no ties, none of that formal stuff), then the students will learn the concept of group unity and conformity without the angst.

One thing I like about uniforms is that they destroy any preconcieved biases.

When I had to wear a uniform (I was only in the school for two years, parental military involvement), I couldn't distinguish who was a nerd, jock, gangsta, goth, etc., so I made friends with everyone.

When I saw one of my friends afterschool in his actual clothes, I can say pretty firmly that my own problems--my biases--simply wouldn't have permitted me to talk to someone like that under normal circumstances.

And now I don't judge people like that.

I go to a private school, and our uniforms are nothing but solid color t-shirts/collared shirts(your choice) with the school emblem on them, and whatever pants you want to wear(within reason).

In the real world, individuality is nothing. One must be a part of the group.
Whoa...
Sounds a bit '1984' to me...
Individuality doubleplusungood.

i have to say i feel that school uniforms do take away your own personality and i HATE being lost in the masses choosing what i wear may not be that big a deal but it is where i draw te line my old school tried uniforms and my friends and i protested outside the building for a month untill they changed it back

To address a few points:

Expression
Yes, you can have school uniforms with a variety of different colours, shirts, pants, skirts, etc. However, what you can wear is still dictated by someone else, and thus your choice is limited to what someone else says. If you wish to go outside those bounds, you can't, thus curbing expression. Also, in my experience, schools with uniforms tend to decrease options available as soon as it may become apparent that a way to differentiate between students based on dress becomes available, with the reasoning- I'm guessing- being that they don't want people "made fun of" because they don't have that particular kind of accessory.

Cost
In my school (in my last year of high school uniforms were implemented, but I did not have to wear one), uniforms cost- in total- $500. That's hardly inexpensive. Add to that extracirricular clothing and it's easy to see that the price for clothing goes up, not down. Add to that the fact that clothes get ripped, faded, exchanged (by rules), stained, etc. and the cost can more or less become yearly.

School Pride
This would be an easy argument to make if one actually wanted to go said school- but since in most cases people do not, then this argument is moot. Wearing a particular piece of clothing does not instill pride and spirit- a positive atmosphere and experience does. At my school, that did not happen.

Elimination of Bullying
As others have said, getting rid of clothing discrepancies does not get rid of bullying- having dealt with 14-15 year-olds (Grade 9's), I know that they can be crafty, and they'll simply find new ways to push around the "less favourable". Also, I'd like to state that when I was in Grade 9, much of the bullying didn't revolve around clothes, even though we did not have uniforms.

Furthermore, clothes do not change a person, so if one is volatile, the fact that they're in a school uniform will not change that. In fact, my law teacher was telling me about her old school- which had uniforms and gang violence for a while- did not improve at all because of uniforms. In fact, it got worse. The school administration put in uniforms and hid behind them, neglecting to effectively control the school. Drugs were still dealt, violence was still present and bullying was still rampant, with the school doing little about any of it. The principal would just sit in denial and refuse to believe anything bad was happening, instead of actually acting on it.

Other notes
In fact, I'm anti-dress code as well: it is my firm belief that human rights- to the core- have to be respected. If it says "freedom of expression", you follow it- no alterations to meet some sort of "moral need". If you don't like what someone's wearing, don't look. It's that simple. Uniforms and dress codes are simply "Band-Aid" solutions to even bigger problems: teachning them to accept themselves for who they are and how to respect one another. Simply dealing with what people are wearing literally just hits the surface and does not get to the root of the problem, which is what really solves the problem. Arbitrarily deciding what clothes are right ostensibly makes everything look all right when it really leaves too much to be desired.

I never had to wear school uniforms, and there was no such thing as a dresscode, either. Both sides have advantages and disadvantages, I don't really think it makes much of a difference either way (to me, it wouldn't).

i spent first half of my school years wearing uniforms (elementary, 1 year of middle school, no casual days, although friday uniform was more "athletic and casual"), and the latter half in a public school w/o a dress code.

i'm for uniforms. individuality was expressed through creative accessories, from hair clips, hair cuts, little trinkets to put in shoe laces/ids (which we had to wear around our necks), tiny brooches, etc...i think this is a more creative and expressive way of depicting individuality rather than the current trend of today to wear store bought clothes which were inspired by celebrities and other peers (which of course isn't individuality in my opinion). and i don't deny there are exceptions to this, congrats to you. :)

also, instead of the "cool kids" being the idols (whoever were the ones that can get away anything short of a murder and the ones that are able to buy the latest/most expensive trend) students most recognized by other students most were the ones achieving or exceeding expectations academically, athletically, and just over all being a good person. i think it created a motivation to actually study harder and express their individuality through other mediums such as artistically, or specializing on a certain subject, rather than adapt the cool kid persona.

then again, my uniform stage was when i was in asia...