The things that bothers me most about uniforms is the show Gossip Girl. Seriously, like any of those girls would ever be allowed to get away with those 'alterations' (i'm looking at you Little J), let alone the makeup, or the untied hair, or whatever. Especially if it's private school! I know- realism, GG, never the twain shall meet, but as someone who once had her ear studs confiscated for not being 'plain' enough, the disregard for the small details bugs. #dresscodes
The Morehouse event leading up to this was probably a lot of fun. The students there are generally pretty snazzy dressers and super smart (I always thought it would be a good place to look for dates if I ever needed one), but I would guess there would be a sizable gay population there. I wonder if Spelman's dress policy similarly rules out men's clothing. #dresscodes
I went to an all-girls uniform school, and while most girls opted to wear the skirt, we were allowed a lot of options (comparatively), like khaki pants. Sure, they were fug and I never wore them (itchy polyester), but lots of girls did, and I appreciated the fact that we weren't only allowed to wear skirts and skorts. #dresscodes
All this with school pictures always makes me wonder what my school would have said if I'd asked to wear the tuxedo for my senior portrait. I could have definitely worn one to prom without anyone saying anything. Our administrators selectively enforced rules (skinny girls could get away with wearing tank tops but heavier girls like me would get yelled at and told to put on our sweaters or go home whereas since I generally kept my nose clean, the assistant principal told me exactly what class I wasn't allowed to knit in anymore when someone's mother complained) and I strongly suspect I could have worn the tuxedo shirt, but a boy asking for the drape would have been in trouble. #dresscodes
I'm a disappointed at this statement from Morehouse College, if not shocked. There are some interesting dynamics going on in Atlanta right now on several fronts. Atlanta is divided on racial lines, as indicated by our current race for mayor. We also have large populations of athletes, soldiers and conservatives (fields not known IN GENERAL for openness towards those of alternate sexual preferences) as well as a large gay population. People seem to mix well on the surface, but there is an underlying tension that is threatening to come to a head when nobody is looking. #dresscodes
"No wearing of clothing associated with women's garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at college-sponsored events."..."The image of a strong black man needs to be upheld."
I think someone who wears clothes that may not conform to society's gender norms because he feels said clothes represent him the best, despite outside pressure and hostility is pretty damn strong in my opinion. #dresscodes
@Grim Reaper of the Forest: Some smart-alecks at my high school came to school in mini skirts one day, and there was nothing the administrators could do. It was clever, but a unisex dress code would've spared my poor eyes. #dresscodes
"The image of a strong black man needs to be upheld." Yeah, better worry about that image. That's part of the reason why the HIV epidemic is so bad among young black men. Can't be facing up to the fact that you're gay, gotta uphold that image of a strong black man.
An administration might argue that cross-dressing was, by its nature, distracting. I'd say, maybe for the first week. But then you get used to it.
Yup. But here's the thing I've never, ever understood as an adult (though as a child I would have protested it to the death): Why aren't uniforms just common practice? Polo shirts, khaki pants for all I say. It's insane. Considering the amount of crazy I think being a parent entails, I would be advocating the hell out of a policy that would make my life easier (a morning without fighting over clothes)! But that said, it's also good for other reasons, like eliminating class issues and taking the equation of clothing out of education. #dresscodes
@Trulymadlyme: I agree, I would also have hated it as a kid but it makes so much sense to have them in schools (especially public ones). Give the kids basic options and some wiggle room for any religious reasons kids would need an adjustment (ie a girl in a khaki skirt if her religion dictates pants a no-no) and done! I know the underprivileged school i attended would have been helped by uniforms. #dresscodes
@RubyPenelope: It's just odd. As an adult, I don't see a reason why this isn't common place unless there is a secret cabal made up of Hollister, Abercrombie, American Eagle, and the GAP fueling money to school board elections. I mean. Seriously?! #dresscodes
@Trulymadlyme: I'm sure uniforms help obscure class issues, and make it harder for kids to be teased about their clothes, but there will always be ways for the rich to showcase their wealth--whether through accessories, cars, or just mentioning their pool.
The problem isn't that some kids have ratty shoes and get picked on--it's the people who are doing the picking. Teaching kids that bullying and teasing is wrong should be the priority--not making us all look the same. #dresscodes
@Trulymadlyme: Agreed. I had school uniforms growing up and it made things a LOT better. Of course, the rich kids always find a way to show that they're rich, but at least you don't get constantly made fun of because you're not wearing genuine Abercrombie and are wearing the Walmart knock-offs instead. And as far as I can tell, I don't have any stunted creativity from not being able to express myself through the clothes I wore to school. #dresscodes
@Trulymadlyme: While I'm a total clotheshorse and love being able to dress however I want now, I loved having uniforms in school just as much-- it took me fifteen minutes to get ready for school, and it was awesome. #dresscodes
A kid at my daughter's school showed up yesterday dressed as a geisha, complete with yellowface makeup. While I think some of these bans may go over the top, I do believe there are some parents who don't have the sense to come in out of the rain and may occasionally need a gentle reminder of basic common sense. #halloweencostumes
11/16/09
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11/16/09
Reading and writing and 'rithmetic,
Taught to the tune of a machine gun…
:(
11/11/09
Second thought: Gah, I'm stupid.
Third thought: But....if this trend continues, what will become of the Van Wilder franchise?!
11/10/09
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11/09/09
I think someone who wears clothes that may not conform to society's gender norms because he feels said clothes represent him the best, despite outside pressure and hostility is pretty damn strong in my opinion. #dresscodes
11/09/09
11/09/09
11/09/09
See "Prevention Challenges / Stigma": [www.cdc.gov] #dresscodes
11/09/09
11/09/09
Yup. But here's the thing I've never, ever understood as an adult (though as a child I would have protested it to the death): Why aren't uniforms just common practice? Polo shirts, khaki pants for all I say. It's insane. Considering the amount of crazy I think being a parent entails, I would be advocating the hell out of a policy that would make my life easier (a morning without fighting over clothes)! But that said, it's also good for other reasons, like eliminating class issues and taking the equation of clothing out of education. #dresscodes
11/09/09
11/09/09
11/09/09
The problem isn't that some kids have ratty shoes and get picked on--it's the people who are doing the picking. Teaching kids that bullying and teasing is wrong should be the priority--not making us all look the same. #dresscodes
11/09/09
11/09/09
10/30/09
10/30/09
So no Lindsay Lohan costume then?
(I'M KIDDING. BAngieB's gonna take a hit out on me.) #halloweencostumes