School Uniforms

[RatherBeFlyin]

I haven't heard this topic discussed since I was like in grade 7. So what is your opinion? Should we have them?

[Jiggy]

I chose undecided cause I dont really see a problem with it, however, they are VERY expensive, so I think if it is gonna happen then they have to figure out a way to do it for free, otherwise, forget it.

[SHG]

Absolutley not. Our clothes what make us unique and expresses our individuality.

[Carter]

I had a uniform in Jr High and prefered it to the none uniform in High School.

[lord_rupert]

I have always worn uniform, maybe part of the English public school tradition. It didn't do my individuality any harm whatsoever, made dressing in the morning a whole lot easier, gave us a collective identity, no bullying over what clothes we wore and looked smart too.

ROO :D

[Carter]

I have always worn uniform, maybe part of the English public school tradition. It didn't do my individuality any harm whatsoever, made dressing in the morning a whole lot easier, gave us a collective identity, no bullying over what clothes we wore and looked smart too.

ROO :D


I miss mine.

[lord_rupert]

Uni is just as much as a uniform lol, will be exchanging the traditional jeans and uni crested sweater for business suit soon...

ROO :D

[JGallagher]

You go to a CSTC and wear a uniform every day and dont say noting about it. So why not one at school. I wear one and it dont bother me one bit.

[RatherBeFlyin]

You go to a CSTC and wear a uniform every day and dont say noting about it. So why not one at school. I wear one and it dont bother me one bit.


True, but that's only for a few weeks. School is for 10 months!

[Wood]

You go to a CSTC and wear a uniform every day and dont say noting about it. So why not one at school. I wear one and it dont bother me one bit.

Ya, but I choose to go to a CSTC and I choose to but on that uniform. School isn't a choice, its manditory. I'm therefore against it in public schools, if you want to go to a private school or a catholic school that has a uniform that reflects your family's ideology that's good. However, school is about preparing you to be responsible citizens, and in a democracy conformaty isn't a virtue. People should be able to express their own culture, religion, societal views through their clothing. Its called freedom expression, obvously it isn't absolute but it shouldn't be so distinctively specified either.

[Earlam]

Ya, but I choose to go to a CSTC and I choose to but on that uniform. School isn't a choice, its manditory. I'm therefore against it in public schools, if you want to go to a private school or a catholic school that has a uniform that reflects your family's ideology that's good. However, school is about preparing you to be responsible citizens, and in a democracy conformaty isn't a virtue. People should be able to express their own culture, religion, societal views through their clothing. Its called freedom expression, obvously it isn't absolute but it shouldn't be so distinctively specified either.

Exactly.

Schools don't have the right to tell you much of anything. Their function is to prepare you for life in society. They don't have the right to tell you what clothes to wear. Just like they have no right to tell you what music you like, what authors you enjoy reading, or what food you like. They don't even have the right to tell you what's right and wrong (although they do. Shouldn't, though).

In your life after school you will get to choose what clothes to wear, will you not? Even if a job requires a uniform, you can always quit if it upsets you.
So how do uniforms prepare you to enter society?
What would be the point?

[Carter]

10 months is not all that long. You start to forget you are wearing a uniform!!!

[The Blue Tory]

I liked uniform better...

Simply because it was a lot easier in the morning... not having to think when you last wore something, or what to wear, considering it was the same kind of clothing everyday...

school uniforms are something that aren't appreciated unless you've worn them

And also it is called a "hidden curriculum" in addition to the skills learned, it teaches you that 1. every one is equal 2. to look at the person inside not the superficial part

[lord_rupert]

In your life after school you will get to choose what clothes to wear, will you not? Even if a job requires a uniform, you can always quit if it upsets you.
So how do uniforms prepare you to enter society?
What would be the point?

Sorry geographer on the loose again.

Trust me there is a uniform in every sector of employment, every activity. It might not be in formal guidelines - you will wear this hideous wal-mart uniform or whatever but throughout life you will find you are governed by conventions.

Conventions that tell me it is unacceptable to wear my jeans to go to work in banking - convention says I will wear a shirt, tie, suit and smart shoes, convention tells me I cannot attend a formal function in my suit, but must wear my dinner jacket, convention tells me that if I wish to go shooting I will wear tweeds and use a twelve bore - not a Hawaiian shirt and a sub-machine gun.

The fact of the life convention means that whatever we do we are subject to uniform rules.

[funkyfairy]

I wore a uniform from kindergarten to year 12, it was good, the only thing I had to worry about was finding my lost socks out of the pile that 4 kids create.

And it was just as warm and comfy as anything else, it just meant I had to wear a skirt or dress most of the time.

By having to wear a uniform at school by the time I joined cadets I was over it, and new how to look after it, blahblahblah. By the time I'd joined cadets I'd been ironing for 4 years because of my uniforms, it was no worries.

And not only private schools wear them over here either. Public schools (as in ones run by the govt) usually have uniforms as well, and most kids wear it, or a variation. Example: Some kids wear jeans but a button up school shirt/blouse or polo shirt with it. They might wear the skirt and shirt but they'll wear runners instead of black lace up school shoes.

[Pilot]

I put undecided.. why? Not all schools have the same circumstances.. For instance, where I attend a professional pilot training school, we wear uniforms (or at least we're supposed do, I always do)

The whole thing about making everyone look the same is great in my mind, however, if there are fees assocaited with that, how many aren't going to able to afford those?? For some families, what may seems even as pocket change, could be the difference between having a meal or not..

posted by lord-rupert

"Trust me there is a uniform in every sector of employment, every activity. "

not really. Microsoft, Google, and many other top companies actually don't have a dress code. (Maybe that leads to happier workers, better productivity? :) )

[lord_rupert]

not really. Microsoft, Google, and many other top companies actually don't have a dress code. (Maybe that leads to happier workers, better productivity? :) )

Conventions theory would argue that their casual dress was a form of convention.. fitting in by dressing down rather than wearing a suit... :D

ROO

[ArmyBoatswain]

I hate uniforms. All except my cadet uniform... I'm so ironic...

[SHG]

Uniforms in public school will never happen. There too expensive and not everyone can afford them.

[lord_rupert]

State schools (non-fee) in the UK - I think I am correct in saying all wear uniform, although this is often waived for sixthformers.
It doesn't have to be a pure wool blazer, straw boater and the like but can be as simple and cheap as white shirts, tie, jersey, skirt/trousers and sensible shoes.

[Earlam]

Conventions theory would argue that their casual dress was a form of convention.. fitting in by dressing down rather than wearing a suit... :D

ROO

Yes, there are conventions that must be adhered to in post-school life.
But you have to adhere to conventions in school life as well. You can't walk around in a shirt that says "WHITE POWER!" with a large swastika on the back at school. There is a dress code, declaring what is acceptable and what is not. I have no objection to dress codes or conventions.

However, that is not the same thing as a uniform.

[Carter]

Uniforms in public school will never happen. There too expensive and not everyone can afford them.

I wore a uniform at a public school.

[ArmyBoatswain]

Uniforms in public school will never happen. There too expensive and not everyone can afford them.
Pfft...That's what you think.I'm in a public school and we're getting uniforms next year...

[Embarking Crazy Drummer]

I don't think no one should have to wear school uniforms cause it takes away individuality. I mean who would all want to be the same.

[Bugler]

I attended a Catholic high school for grade 8, an wore uniforms. Everyone still had thier own "identity". Uniforms consisted of school-crested golf shirts, shweat shirts, v-neck sweaters, regular sweaters, and dress shirts. For pants, you could buy any kind of khakis, or black pants, as long as they werent jeans. Girls could wear skirt too. people still showed their individuality; students who were hilgy acedemic would usually be seen in dress shirt with dress pants, or golf shirt tucked in, while others would let their shirts hang out. More athletic kids would usually wear sweat shirts, etc. it wasnèt the whole 9 yards with blazers, and ties and all, but it still had us looking smart. I moved to a public school the year after, and I would much rather wear a uniform every day. No having to worry about what to wear everyday, and it can actually be a bit easier on the pocket book. Obviiously, therre would have to be some gov't subsidization, b/c soem families just wouldn't be able to afford it, but I think unifroms were the way to go.

[Carter]

I don't think no one should have to wear school uniforms cause it takes away individuality. I mean who would all want to be the same.


No. You are wearing a designer clothes. One thing I realized, uniforms created character and additude individuality. Clothes is really all about money.
If you have money you get ""better clothes" however if you do not have all the money you do not have the "better clothes".With uniforms you are not hiding your self eather.

[Pyro]

At my current school, I'd love a uniform!
You see, we have certain regulations in the form of a dress code - Girls must wear skirts that come no higher than the bottom of the knee, stockings or high socks, and shirts with collars and sleeves; boys must wear non-jean slacks, and collared shirts, tucked in. All are to wear dressy shoes, no tight clothing is to be worn, and no mid-rifs, cleavage or shoulders are to be shown.
Now, in a normal public school, I wouldn't mind a uniform, but I'd probably prefer not; at this school, I would much prefer a uniform, so you would not have to worry about infractions on the dress code - resulting in detention and a trip home to change...

[The Blue Tory]

let me say this on behalf of all the current and former GTA Catholic secondary school students...

The worst part about uniforms, are those lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnnnnnnng lineups at McCarthy's lol

[Peregrine005]

A couple days ago the Principle of my school made this big announcment and had handour sent home about "Proper Dress and Apperance." About halfway through thr announment, everything was biting back laughing because it was so out of touch.

[The Blue Tory]

It's true though... These kids are seriously dressing as if they have no morals...

[RatherBeFlyin]

I wish that we had uniforms at Auburn because there are so many chunky girls with big stomachs that parade around in realy tight tops that show off their whole stomachs, and it looks real gross.

[lord_rupert]

Lol at Ashley!
As well as our uniform of trousers, blazers, shirt, tie, jersey and shoes there were also certain regulations that went along with that - no hair shorter than a grade three or long so it was on our collars, sleeves shouldn't be rolled up, tie should be tied with a windsor knot and be long enough etc.. We also had rules governing the way we behaved. It hasn't turned me into an automaton, but hopefully into a gentleman..

ROO :D

[aduff]

You also must remember that uniform is a key safety measurement in school, especially in british schools. If someone does not belong they are instantly recognisable as they are dressed differently.

My school inisted on white shirt and trousers in 1st - 4th year (6th to 10th form in england I think) and insisted on a school tie for fifth and sixth year to set an example to the younger pupils.

I had to wear a blazer in sixth yera as I was head boy and it didn't bother me.

[Wood]

10 months is not all that long. You start to forget you are wearing a uniform!!!

Exactly! That's not a good thing. A lot of people use their clothes as a social comentary, to talk about their own ideals and to forget about that in a way is to forget about who you are.

Now I'm not even one of these people, clothes aren't that important to me. However, I'll defend their right to express what they want. As it is a freedom of expression issue it is only valid if it achieves a significant government objective that could not be achieved by a less obtrusive means. Thinking about that objective and relating it to why we wear uniforms in cadets, the reason has to be to styfle indivuality, to give people something tangible so that they feel as part of the collective whole. School's aren't really concerned with the other issues, except for the distinction between the richer kids and the poorer kids, which appears to be shrinking on its own.

[Scuba_Guy]

Some school uniforms are not that bad to wear. What do they look like?

[Sarah]

i believe strongly that at least my school would be better off with uniforms.
Theres alot of pressure for young students to wear the "in" clothes even at the young age of 9 like my sister who refused to step out of the house in any thing that doesnt have a expensive label. My older brother too was always a slave to what was "in". It actually in the end would end up to be alot cheaper then what parents have to buy for their children. Also my school doesnt have a strick dress code so people show up in PJs and half naked. I can ignore the PJs but the half naked girls who are so concerned about their body they dont eat is what concerns me. I say go a head with uniforms are school would be a better safer healtier place. I dont want to have a sister scared to eat at school because she has to fit into the half naked group

[Kass]

I grew up wearing a uniform, and I never really thought anything about it all through primary school. When I hit high school and there were people who whinged about it and I thought about it and I decided I prefered to wear a uniform. The thing is, its not that expensive. There was uniform available if people couldn't afford it, and places like st vinnies always had our school uniform too, so its not like it was that over the top.

I like the uniforms because they made it easy, the looked good and put everyopne on a equal platform. There were ways in which people could express their individuality, but that was mostly through joining groups and expressing themselves.

[funkyfairy]

Quite a few of the schools in Sydney actually have the girls shirts designed so they're not supposed to be tucked in. That's what they did to our uniform when they got sick of the seniors leaving their shirts out.

It's not really all that expensive for a uniform. I had 2 summer dresses, a few winter shirts, and a winter tunic plus my jumper and blazer, and my PE shirt, skirt and tracksuit all through junior high school (7-10). A few things like the dresses mum bought second hand, then I gave it to my sister when she started school and I'd grown out of it, or became a senior and wore a different uniform for year 11 and 12.

So that works out to be about $800 (give or take a bit) for 6 years. Then mum saved money when my sis started school because she didn't need to buy everything new. Mum would have spent all that if not more for normal clothes if we didn't have a uniform...more because my sister probably would have refused to wear what I wore.

Below you can find pictures of what the girls wear and what the brother school next door wears.

Bethlehem College (http://www.bethlehemcollege.nsw.edu.au/whybethlehem.shtml)
De La Salle College (http://www.dlsashfield.nsw.edu.au/)

Many of the state schools are similar, but are more relaxed.

As for social commentary, you've got after school and all weekend for that. I used to even just wear my bucket hat and sunnies on my head. It's all you need. You can decorate your bag or your pencil case or whatever else, clothes aren't the only way you can have your say.

[UnluckyLove]

I used to think that wearing uniforms would be great because you wouldn't be judged on how you looked (I used to be really insecure and bullied, and how I looked I think had something to do with it). But as I got older, I can't imagine them taking away my identity. I think it'd be fine for like Public School, but high school is different. You've mostly figured out who you are, and for some people it's hard and takes a while, and now here are people trying to take that waya from you??? My friend isn't allowed to wear her hair the way she wants to becuse of her uniform, but I CAN wear it liek that, because I don't have a uniform. It's taking away your identity. Sure, some people don't exactly have "cool clothes" but they don't really need them, because what's cool is only cool for a little while, so anybody that had "cool" clothes won't have "cool" clothes in say, 2 months when the style changes again.

EC

[canoe instructor]

I liked uniform better...

Simply because it was a lot easier in the morning... not having to think when you last wore something, or what to wear, considering it was the same kind of clothing everyday...

school uniforms are something that aren't appreciated unless you've worn them

And also it is called a "hidden curriculum" in addition to the skills learned, it teaches you that 1. every one is equal 2. to look at the person inside not the superficial part

I wish that statement actually applied to my high school..i attended a catholic high school for 5 years, i had no problem wearing a uniform, it was a heck of alot easier waking up in the morning and just throwing on a kilt....but the equality thing..it never existed in our hells..i mean halls...instead of removing the judgment it got bloody worse..judgment by the backpack you had, the dress shoes you wore, etc etc..it got very superficial and so trivial...and the kids were so mean to each other...other than my harsh, critical high school..uniforms are a god send....
Cheers
CI Harris
ORCA Flatwater Instructor/ Canoe Tripper I
HMCS Ontario Athletics Staff 2003 and 2004

[Ching]

Below you can find pictures of what the girls wear and what the brother school next door wears.

Bethlehem College (http://www.bethlehemcollege.nsw.edu.au/whybethlehem.shtml)
De La Salle College (http://www.dlsashfield.nsw.edu.au/) .
Those are snazzy uniforms! I think that all school uniforms should involve ties and sport jackets and such... it looks good. It also invokes a level of pride in the school that is, frankly, very lacking in my school.
I'm not opposed to the idea of school uniforms. I don't WANT them, but I don't NOT want them. If they decided to introduce them into the public schools, I wouldn't rebel. There are too many good reasons FOR uniforms to really oppose them. On the other hand, if the girls had to wear pleated pants, I would definitely rebel. RESIST PLEATS EXCEPT ON KILTS!

[funkyfairy]

Pleated pants???? Please explain :confused:

And Emily, you saw those, most public schools have something similar even if it is only a certain colour shirt and a tie for the seniors with a certain colour pair of pants and the school jumper. Heaps of guys wear button up shirts already anyway. And it's easier to get uniforms cheap and stuff....our school had a uniform shop which was the only place you could buy everything except the socks and shoes, and people notice and care a lot less if you wear a second hand uniform than a second hand 5 year old out of style flannelette shirt...you get the drift.

I would have hated to have tried to look "cool" every day going to an all girls school.

[Lettie]

School uniforms, i was a debater through out years 9, 10 and 11 and this topic was raised many times.. and as i got older the most superficial views on school uniforms were thrown out the window and the more respected, more substantial arguements came in...

I went to a PUBLIC i repeat PUBLIC all girls high school, with a uniform. the same all the way through year 7 till 12, except when you hit senior school (year 11 and 12) our jumper ( a v-neck wollen sweater) changed from navy blue to maroon...

Mentone Girls' had very high expectations of our appearance, in the area that my school was situated we were surrounded within a 10 minute radius of 7 differnt schools... being 4 private schools, Mentone girls' grammar, mentone boys grammar, st bede's and Kilbreda... not to mention the other state schools like sandy high, beaumaris high, and sandy tech (which didn't have a school uniform)

we all still kept our individuality, i for one, was ALWAYS a musical student, everyody knew i sung, and that i was part of and lead nealry every singing music/band in the school.. i didn't need to wear a t-shirt that explained that on it..

visit Mentone Girls' Seconday College (http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au) for a look and see what my school uniform was like...

i was proud to put it on each morning, and although i didn't tuck my shirt in or do my t-bar's up properly, i still looked good and looked like everyone else..
you could still tell who the 'indiviual' punks were, by there make up, and the music they listened to... you could still tell the rebels, that never turned up to class.. always misbehaved and were always on the oval smoking...

personally i think kids complaining about school uniform is just another excuse to complain about something... wishing that everything was their way.. if they dont wanna wear a uniform... DONT enrol at a school that has one...
if it's that big of an issue and you really want to waste your time on something that you have no control over anywya, because if thats the policy of the school you choose... tha'ts what you'll wear... choose to do study from home.. it is available....

[wingnut]

well I have and still am wearing uniform at school..... I must admit here in Australia the Private schools are A LOT stricter on uniform than the state schools.
umm i dont have a pic of my uniform at the moment........but when i was going for my scholership at some of the boarding schools in sydney their uniforms were very what you may call "suffisticated".
check them out:
The King's School Sydney (http://www.kings.edu.au/)
SHORE (S.C.E.G.S) (http://www.shore.nsw.edu.au/)
The Scots College (http://www.tsc.nsw.edu.au/)
Knox College (http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/) Newington College (http://www.newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au/)

and there are more will post soon

[funkyfairy]

No offence Todd, but most of those school uniforms are reasons NOT to wear one! :p

Those are the uniforms that support the "it's not affordable" and "I can't express myself" arguments. At $60 for one of the most ridiculous looking hats ever, I'm glad I'm not a boy and my parents didn't want to send me to Knox.

[wingnut]

HASNT ANYONE HEARD OF SCHOOL SPIRIT AND PRIDE!!!
and yes kristi I know they are dear!
I know that for me to go to King's without Uniforms and textbooks etc would be $30,000 a year. then you have to pay for uniforms and the Uniforms at Kings are worth a Mint!!!

[Ching]

Pleated pants???? Please explain :confused:

You know... pants with pleats in the front of them, to allow for "extra space" in the back... Old lady pants. They're just not right for anyone.

[runnerchica]

I don't think that school uniforms are a bad idea at all. When I look around my school I see everyone dressed pretty much the same anyway. Even the people who try not to look like anyone look like each other. You can usually tell which clique people are in by the way they dress. We're in school to learn anyway so it's not important what we're dressed like... that's what the weekends and afterschool is for. It's 5 hours a day, 6 if you include lunch. Not that big a deal to me.

[RatherBeFlyin]

I don't think that school uniforms are a bad idea at all. When I look around my school I see everyone dressed pretty much the same anyway. Even the people who try not to look like anyone look like each other. You can usually tell which clique people are in by the way they dress. We're in school to learn anyway so it's not important what we're dressed like... that's what the weekends and afterschool is for. It's 5 hours a day, 6 if you include lunch. Not that big a deal to me.


so which school do you go to? I go to Auburn, and we're not as preppy as people make us out to be, LOL.

[partying2hard]

i like my school uniform.it taught me 2 express myself through different medians plus its comfy just a straight navy blue shirt white polo shirt and a sweatshirt

[Geotech]

I went to a Catholic High School, I hated it, wore my uniform, but i never wore it properly, ie: i was suppose to wear dress shoes, i wore my orange skate shoes, i wore a hoodie everyday. Now its not cause i wanted to stand out, it was a comfort factor, later it was a way of self expression, i had a band in high school and played alot of music, no clothes are not the only form of self expression, but they do relay alot of things.

On the flip side the were a good thing, cause i went to school with alot of rich kids, and since everyone looked the same, the people who came from less money stable homes were not a target for the crap that sometimes can plague highschools.

Being from a catholic highschool we also had jelwery polices that angered me, i am irish by hertiage, i also am into druidism, i have a necklace i always wore depicting a druid symbol (for protection, and fearless nature), now i was actually suspended from school for 30 days my grade 12 year cause i refused to not take my necklace off, my catholic teachers felt it was a symbol of witchcraft, which it can be, cause it is one that comes up frequent in duid witchcraft, but its also a standard celtic symbol).

Uniforms are fine as long as lee-ways are made for some self expression.

[Chappy]

In reality does it actually matter if you wear school uniform or not? In the end you're in the same classes, get taught the same content, and sit the same tests.

My school has a uniform, but if that changed I wouldnt really care (along with quite a few others). Sure people would try to wear the "in" brands, but if people are so concerned about the lable on the inside of their jeans they really need to find something better to do with their time.

[Bright Eyes]

I went to a high school that didn't have much of a dress code persay. The first time I heard about one was in grade 11 when the "back-less shirt" came into fashion. Our principal sat the student body down at the beginning of the year to say, "Alright. We have a new rule that tops must meet bottoms all the way around. Not that you don't look good in what you're wearing ... but just ... not at school ..." People were also forbid from wearing giant chains (huge links) on their clothing, tanktops without straps, and there was this one girl that liked to lead her boyfriend around on a dog collar and chain. But that was about it. I just hated it because people were so shallow and clothes are such a status symbol.

I've started student teaching at a Catholic school (boy's school) that has a dress code that is rather strictly enforced. You get detention if you don't have a good excuse for breaking it. All the boys have to wear dress shoes, a jacket/pants suit, a collared dress shirt and tie. It is AMAZING the amount of variation that you get. As far as I can tell, they're allowed to wear pretty much whatever shirt or tie they want. One kid has an intriguing collection of bowties. Another guy wears this one sweater vest over almost everything. They just find really unique ways to express themselves (although most involve pairing plaid with paisley, unfortunately for fashion's sake). But ... it's a mode of expression ... I guess.

I like uniforms now that I've seen it in action. :)

[Lola]

I wore uniforms for junior high, and honestly, I couldn't tell a difference between when we had them and the 3 months in grade seven when we were waiting for them to come and were allowed to wear our own clothes. Maybe it would have been different if we were a coed school.

[Vicki]

I wear a uniform to school. I have no problems with it...but I picked the pj one, because I would seriously shower the night before and wear them to school!

I think uniforms serve as an equalizer in high schools. You don't have to worry about what matches well, what's cool, or whether or not you can afford to buy the newest fashion, because it's all the same. At my school, there's lots of options of what to wear (red shirt, white shirt, rugby shirt, long sleeves, short sleeves, turtle neck, etc...) but I still love it. I guess I could get used to wearing civies to school, but I much prefer uniform and I always will.

[VickiReece]

I wouldn't mind wearing a uniform. I'm used to wearing my cadet uniform that it sounds like a great idea. I know in my highschool the majority of the student population wants to wear uniforms but the downside is the cost. My brother is in a school with uniforms and it costs over $500 a year to buy a new uniform. But not everyone grows like a giant every five months!

[Desiree]

I think because we are cadets we are used to wearing uniforme and dont mind them as much as civilians.... now if you put that post on a civilian site you would probably get a diffrent outcome. But personally i`d love to have unifrome at my school, but in a small town like mine where its seperated french and english high school and we allredy get beat on because we are french. Uniformes wouldnt do a good thing for my school.

[Halee]

I think that uniforms would cut down on a lot of bullying problems. It's ridiculous to make fun of someone that looks exactly like you do.. :p

[TiffanyAbbott]

uniforms would be kind of neat.. I hate waking up and trying to find something to wear.. I think uniforms would make my mornings so much easier.

[DORT]

Yes.

Cause then you can spend all your money on less clothes, or many better clothes. I enjoy school uniforms, and you can still be unique in them and still have uniformity.

-cdort

[Pyro]

Hmmm.... I find the opinions expressed here very interesting in that - on most chat boards, I doubt you'd get the same response. ;) Being cadets (and cadet-related-type-folk), we're all accustomed to the idea of uniformity, and therefore a good number of people are all for school uniforms. I'd hypothesize, though, that if this thread were in a different kind of forum (as in Non-Cadet) there would be a much more voiced objection to the idea. :)

[Bright Eyes]

Why would we want to ask their opinion?

Non-cadet people are losers. :p

[Pyro]

Why would we want to ask their opinion?

Non-cadet people are losers. :p

I wasn't suggesting we actually do it :rolleyes: Just noting the difference.

[Goulet]

As long as I won't have to wear a skirt, i'm 100% for this.

[Globemaster]

most of the female private schools in vancouver wear "kilts", not "skirts". (according to my sister, theres a difference)

don't see too many downsides to wearing a uniform as i've wore one all though highschool. its kinda like a cadet uniform in a way. you get lapel pins for achievements and different ties for grades etc etc and like buglar said, theres still tons of way students can show their indivisuality

[Gopher]

Yes there is. Men wear kilts women wear a skirt. She is most likely wearing a pleated skirt.........similar to a kilt but different.

For example kilt=long skirt=no so much
Kilt= slit on right leg skirt=slit on left leg

sorry just a pet peave of mine.

[Linden Softley]

I wore a uniform, like all english public schools. black trousers, white shirt, school tie, black blazer. girls wear same, but navy blue. V-neck jumber optional. also, we had about 3 'free dress days' a year - £1 going to a charity from each student.

Now im in college, mornings have turned into a scramble for anything that passes the smell test (ok, maybe not that desperate...but you know...)

[Murrdawg]

What!???!!! Any of you who chose school uniforms as yes, are crazy. Where would our uniqueness and individuality go?

[Bright Eyes]

Maybe if you spent less time concentrating on your uniqueness and individuality in your outer shell, then you'd develop more as a person.

Not YOU specifically.

[TiffanyAbbott]

What!???!!! Any of you who chose school uniforms as yes, are crazy. Where would our uniqueness and individuality go?

on vacation, with my mind and dignity


I wish we had a school uniform , that would rock my socks, not haveing to worry about what I'm going to wear to school.. it would be like .. nice.

[Moron4Life]

Pyjama Pants!!!

[stefcheng]

I didnt like my school uniform all that much. But then again, I didnt like looking around at school when we had dress casual days, because the girls seemed to think that one day a month they had to express themselves for a months worth of uniform. So the fashions were scary... like 11 year olds looking a cross between hookers and drag queens. too much makeup and not enough clothes, but they wore ugg boots with their mini shirts because it was cold.

I like uni, I can wear my pjs and no one says anything. Or one day a week I have to wear steel capped boots and my really comfy coveralls.

[galarnyk]

I've worn a uniform every week day of my life since kindergarten and I really dislike when people say "how can you live like that?!" or something along those lines because honestly Its not that bad!!! First, You don't have to go shopping to buy new outfits when a new style comes out and you don't have to spend money to look cool. I love my uniform because I'm not judged on the way I look. It may be awesome to wear casual clothes to school but I wouldn't trade my uniform for it :) believe me..its not as horrible as it may seem!

[Ms.Chop]

i miss wearing a uniform..
easy to pick out cloths... sweater or no sweater?
you dont have to spend AS much money on cloths.. because ur not worried about..
oh i dont have enough cloths to go thru a month.. etc.. etc..
and as someone stated already.. it teaches u about looking at the person inside of you..
people dont judge you by the cloths you wear at school.. (ex if your less fortunate)..
it's jus way easier on ur life.. and if ur so worried about dressing in 'normal' cloths everyday... goto a diff school.

plus.. u can still look diff by doing ur hair.. wearing a diff sweater, vest, long sleeve polo shirt, short sleeve polo shirt... long sleeve dress shirt.. short sleeve dress shirt....
and it's not ALL that boring.

[_-AmBeR^HaIgHwAy-_]

my school is instating uniforms this coming january... were an all girls school and alot of us were sick of seeing other girls dressed inappropriately at school...but also alot of people were complaining about losing our individuality...so as of right now the uniforms won't be strict.... we are allowed to wear any sort of pants, shoes and accessories... and there are 4 different types of shirts we can buy with the school logo on them.... its not that bad but i think its a good way to work people into the idea of uniforms.. i think its a great idea to have school uniforms and i can't wait!

[army_gurl_74]

What!???!!! Any of you who chose school uniforms as yes, are crazy. Where would our uniqueness and individuality go?

What do you think of your cadet uniform then? You are still you while you are in your uniform, right?

Some food for thought.

[Scoopable]

Now that I am out of school all I have to say is, go for it. Do it, make it a national law that all schools must require uniforms... cause I won't have to wear em :D

[Thib]

I just finish reading the thread but there is something I don`t understand. Did the youth or society today became so superficial that the way we dress is what make us unique? Is it the cloth that you buy that make you what you are?


At work I wear a nice green uniform, like all the rest of the guys working there (with the exception of the 2 or 3 civilian). After looking at everyone I find that they are all unique individual. The uniform dosn`t change that, it only say to what organisation/unit/school we belong to. So I guess wearing a uniform for 0700 to 1600 for a full year dosn`t take our unique individuality away why would it do it for a school year?

[TiffanyAbbott]

my school is instating uniforms this coming january... were an all girls school and alot of us were sick of seeing other girls dressed inappropriately at school...but also alot of people were complaining about losing our individuality...so as of right now the uniforms won't be strict.... we are allowed to wear any sort of pants, shoes and accessories... and there are 4 different types of shirts we can buy with the school logo on them.... its not that bad but i think its a good way to work people into the idea of uniforms.. i think its a great idea to have school uniforms and i can't wait!

I think that that's an awesome Idea... if it wasn't my last year in school I would so transfer, we have a dress code at my school but it isn't enforced, I was so jealous when I saw you guys on tv the other day I think it's freakin awesome .... btw you looked amazingly happy on tv :rolleyes:

[V-Spy]

Funny how we just had this debate in my law class. Well studies have shown that schools with uniform policy have a tendency to do better academically. Like a lot of people said in the previous posts, you woudn't have to worry about what you have to wear in the morning, and yet you still have that sense of individuality through your different hair style, believe it or not you could make uniform very unique (pushing the envelope a bit but still stay within the boundary). My school have uniform as it's a Catholic School, but we have golf shirts, grey dress pants, dress shoes, but I'd even go for the white dress shirt, tie, and blazer. Now the issue about cost, yes I agree it could be quite expensive but if we implement it widely across the province or city, then we could work something out with the supply company.

[RE Hopefull]

I just finish reading the thread but there is something I don`t understand. Did the youth or society today became so superficial that the way we dress is what make us unique? Is it the cloth that you buy that make you what you are?

Excellent point, you don't need materialistic things to show off your individuality, even with a uniform you can tell who people are, just by the way they act.

Those people who you wouldn't normally talk to because of their clothes, to your own disadvantage, become people you could talk to, just because of a uniform. Individuality should not be expressed in material things, as material things are, by their very nature, limited.

[S.Vance]

Not all school uniforms have to be expensive. I went to a public high school and we had a Dress Code rather than a uniform. You were only allowed to wear Khaki or Navy blue pants, no denim, and white or navy blue shirts. None of your clothing was to have a visible label or any writing on it. If you came to school with some that didn't fit into the dress code they had a teacher you had to go see and explain and get some "loaner" clothing.

The next year the other high schools in the city were voting to change to the same thing, it just never flew. 8 years later it's the largest high school in the city. The parents like how their children are not judged by how much designer clothing they have.

[Kmart]

I personaly HATE the thought of uniforms in school but............they are a great idea! I'm just glad I am now out of school so i don't have to worry about it.

[Legionnaire]

I personally voted for no because:

1) It would probably mean me wearing a tie, and I hate ties.

2) I kinda don't go for a plan that says, basically, "Let's rob kids of their individuality and put them in matching(and usually horrible looking) outfits." I mean, for cadets it's ok to wear a uniform, because it's something I signed up for. But I go to school to learn, and not to be governed in anything that doesn't affect said learning, like what clothes I wear.

3) Costs money. And I'm like a Scotsman, I pinch every penny.

There ya go. Why I don't like uniforms at school.

[Juice]

School uniforms only rob you of your indivisuality if you allow them to. You can be you whilst wearing a uniform. Are you not you at cadets?

JB

[Legionnaire]

School uniforms only rob you of your indivisuality if you allow them to. You can be you whilst wearing a uniform. Are you not you at cadets?

JB

As I said, I understood uniforms was part of the process when I joined the program. But at school, I'm there to be educated. And since telling me what to wear has absolutely ZERO things in common with said objective, why should it happen? I just don't see the connection.

[Juice]

As I said, I understood uniforms was part of the process when I joined the program. But at school, I'm there to be educated. And since telling me what to wear has absolutely ZERO things in common with said objective, why should it happen? I just don't see the connection.
You're missing the point of what I said, and didn't answer my question. How do school uniforms take away from your individuality? Are you less like you when you look like everyone else? You can still be you if you wear the same thing as everyone else. It's pretty superficial to define your individuality based on your clothes.

JB

[Legionnaire]

You're missing the point of what I said, and didn't answer my question. How do school uniforms take away from your individuality? Are you less like you when you look like everyone else? You can still be you if you wear the same thing as everyone else. It's pretty superficial to define your individuality based on your clothes.

JB

It's not that they take my individuality away, it's the fact that they're trying to do so. It seems a waste. And even if my clothes don't define me, it's still an ok form of expression. Anyone who knows me can tell you I'm not a big fashion slave, yet I still like the liberty to choose what to wear, if for nothing else than for comfort.

[Juice]

It's not that they take my individuality away, it's the fact that they're trying to do so.
How do you know that they're trying to take your individuality away? Does it say that on the pamphlet? Were you told this by the principal of your school? Face reality Dave, school uniforms are not a conspiracy to try and steal teenagers individuality.

It seems a waste. And even if my clothes don't define me, it's still an ok form of expression.
Which caters to the rich. Uniforms help put everyone on the same level as far as clothing goes. We all know that rich kids in high school love to show off how rich they are with the clothes they wear, which alienates the kids that can't afford the clothes. At least when everyone is wearing the same thing, it takes that away, and gives everyone a fair opportunity to interact with each other, because no one will know who the poor kids are or who the rich kids are (to a certain extent, at least).

JB

[Legionnaire]

How do you know that they're trying to take your individuality away? Does it say that on the pamphlet? Were you told this by the principal of your school?

One of my principals actually said that, in fact.


Which caters to the rich. Uniforms help put everyone on the same level as far as clothing goes. We all know that rich kids in high school love to show off how rich they are with the clothes they wear, which alienates the kids that can't afford the clothes. At least when everyone is wearing the same thing, it takes that away, and gives everyone a fair opportunity to interact with each other, because no one will know who the poor kids are or who the rich kids are (to a certain extent, at least).

JB

You get match/point with that one. I'm just saying for me, as I have never had that problem, and since at the school I went to that was not a rampant problem, I have to say no to the issue. My school mostly had cultural issues.

Your argument also raises the question: Are we preparing kids well for life later by saying in school everyone is equal, when in the real world it's undeniably different?

[Juice]

One of my principals actually said that, in fact.
Well then, your principal is clearly missing the point of school uniforms. It's not to steal kids individuality, because of the kid is enough of an individual, he/she would not need clothes to define him/herself.




You get match/point with that one. I'm just saying for me, as I have never had that problem, and since at the school I went to that was not a rampant problem, I have to say no to the issue. My school mostly had cultural issues.
It varies from school to school. My high school never had uniforms, and you could definitely see the rich vs the poor. In some cases, the clothing that was worn by the rich kids was so flashy, some people actually argued that it was detracting from their learning, and even some teachers were saying that it was hindering their ability to concentrate on the whole classroom. Learning in a classroom and having effective teaching is more important than trying to make sure everyone understands that this kind of equality doesn't exist in the real world.

Can you now see why I am in favour of uniforms?

JB

[Legionnaire]

Well then, your principal is clearly missing the point of school uniforms. It's not to steal kids individuality, because of the kid is enough of an individual, he/she would not need clothes to define him/herself.

Yeah, he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, shall we say.


It varies from school to school. My high school never had uniforms, and you could definitely see the rich vs the poor. In some cases, the clothing that was worn by the rich kids was so flashy, some people actually argued that it was detracting from their learning, and even some teachers were saying that it was hindering their ability to concentrate on the whole classroom. Learning in a classroom and having effective teaching is more important than trying to make sure everyone understands that this kind of equality doesn't exist in the real world.

Can you now see why I am in favour of uniforms?

JB

Yes I can. And as you said, it varies from school to school. And our school didn't really need them, so that's why I always found the whole topic rather pointless for me.

[S.Vance]

What makes a person individual? Is it the clothing they wear?

In my opinion it's your confidence and how your view yourself as a person that gives you individuality. Not the fact that you wear a t-shirt that says NIKE on it, just like everyone else does.

In my high school we had dress code, but you still knew who was in what cliques just by how they carried themselves and what part of the school they hung out in during the lunch hour.

[TiffanyAbbott]

Which caters to the rich.



I disagree, just because someone may not be rich does not mean they can't dress nicely and look good, I could care less about brand names. I remeber a few years back I had this awesome student teacher and she had like an awesome taste in fashion, we asked her where she bought her clothes, she told us frenchys, and other used clothes stores. She was still in university and what not and could not afford all the "popular" brands and what not.

[Fufu_65]

just becuase YOU dont care about brand names doesn't mean other people don't. At my school rich vs. poor is a HUGE issue. I live in an area in hamilton where there are A LOT of rich kids and A LOT of immigrants..it's a good balance. But when we get to school it's a problem. Clothes basically define our cliques, and i coudl sit here and lie to you and tell you that im not part of it..but i'd be lying. Im different then most ppl because i've been at both sides of the spectrum..refugee poor, and upper middle class...so i know what its like to only have hand-me-downs and get made fun of *trust me it sucks*...so at my school there isn't really any MAKING fun of..so much as outcasting. The rich kids hang out with the rich kids and the poor kids hang out with the poor kids. Just because clothes define so much in a teenage society nowadays *which is RIDICULOUS*. I dont REALLY care where my clothes come from, except if my dad bought me something ridiculously ugly then i'd blame it ont he store. but otherwise i dont really care. My friends however are a different story if it's not from A&F, AE or Hollister it's USELESS! in their opinion.
that is why i voted FOR uniforms *dont know if that mumble jumble up top really made sense prolly not*

that and it'd be SOOOOOOOOOO much easier to get ready for school..eventhough it only takes me 20 minutes anyways but tah'ts 15 minutes icould spend sleeping!~!!!

-SS

[hoochie_sailor]

I agree with Fufu 65, if all the schools get uniforms you won't really have to worry about people making fun of what you are wearing to school because everyone is pretty much wearing the same thing, i'm guessing the girls will wear skirts or something and guys pants but pretty much the same, anyways, it will be good for the people who can't buy the desiner clothings. If we do get them they should be cheap because if families that have more then one kid in school and isn't rich or whatever will have to pay a lot of uniforms and plus they still have to pay for their kids to go to school and stuff, or they could be free! everyone loves free stuff, and you won't have to take the longest time in the morning or descide at night what clothes you want to wear, you'll know what you have to wear...And my friend in Ontario he told me the school he goes to has to wear uniforms and i was like well people will want to make theirs look different then other peoples, but he told me that they can get in HUGE trouble if they do,so... everyone looks different in their uniforms or whatnot but they still are the same..

[cadet_ja]

You go to a CSTC and wear a uniform every day and dont say noting about it. So why not one at school. I wear one and it dont bother me one bit.

I agree, wearing a uniform at camp was not bad at all. Wearing one at school would simplify getting dressed in the morning and would give the school a better image.

[Bubbles]

I'm for wearing school uniforms.

It's much easier to identify those that don't attend the school and maybe be more safer too.

[Marie-Paule_757]

I think that uniforms are totally dumb in a way,

I'm from Quebec, and well it's probably the same everywhere else....the reason why they wanna put uniforms in the school who don't have them all already is because they are too many infractions in the dress code of the school, they are too many girls show off too much skin: Their shirts are too tight and not long enough to cover their belly, and their cleavage, their pants have a way too low rise etc....they wear the ''Britney Spears'' look at school...

But the point is, i know what i'm talking about because one of my friends goes to a private school where they have uniforms and she told me about it, even if they have the uniform, there's still some girls who find ways to commit infractions to dress code, for example, they cut their skirts to make them shorter, they roll their shirts up to show their belly , they undo the buttons ont their polo shirts to show their breast cleavage and bla bla bla....so even the uniform doesn't even prevent them to commit infractions in the dress code...

I always dress very decently, the most skin i show is my arms (when i wear t-shirts or tank tops) and my legs (from about my feet up to my knees, when i wear shorst or skirts) so in an another, if they would put the uniforms, everybody who respects the dress codes would get sorta ''punished'' just becaus of the couple of people who don't respect it...It's dumb

But at the same time , i do agree tht a uniform would make it easier to dress in the morning and that it might also give the school a better image and stuff and that might solve a little bit the problems of people getting harrassed at school because they don't wear the ''cool'' clothes...