Dress codes are established in a variety of settings and
schools are one of the most popular. Typically, these regulations are put in
place to help keep a respectful and appropriate environment for students. These
regulations usually are focused on clothing that could be considered revealing
and/or a distraction for other students. Keeping a safe and comfortable school
environment is what administrator’s desire for their students, but dress codes
have been used to target young women more so often than men.
These codes generally focus on things such as: short skirts,
revealing shorts, tube tops, halters, backless tops, spaghetti straps that are
less than one inch, and exposed undergarments or midriffs. Almost all of these
regulations are focused on the apparel of women and deemed inappropriate for a
school setting.
It’s regularly when these codes are broken, young women are
told to change or they are removed from class to find extra clothing from the
school’s nurse’s office. These steps are usually taken so that these young
women’s apparel isn’t distracting to other students.
How distracting can a spaghetti strap top be in a class
where everyone is doing their work?
How can we tell young women to ‘cover up’ parts of their
bodies that aren’t actually considered inappropriate in other public settings?
How is it that the only students who are being distracted
are those being pulled from their class rooms in order to change?
By teaching these young women that their bodies are a
distraction and should be covered is cultivating harmful lessons. These dress
codes are telling young women that their bodies are dangerous and sexualized,
even when they aren’t trying to be. It also is sending a message that since
their clothing can be distracting, that their male counterparts aren’t capable
of restricting themselves from objectifying women’s bodies. Not only does that
send the message to young women but it is also allowing young men to think that
doing these things are acceptable.
School’s should have more lenient dress codes and provide a
safe haven for all students and their
chosen forms of expression. Yes, that means the way they dress!
I am a full believer in finding ways to express someone's individuality, however I am a strong believer in dress codes. Who says that males are the only ones distracted? There are women who look at other women as well... it does not only send a message to young men. A second point is that in the "adult" world of a job there are uniforms and strict dress codes to look professional. It is called being realistic and realizing when there are appropriate times for any gender to wear a specific type of clothing. A male would not wear shorts and a tank to be a defense attorney in court. Just like female teachers would not wear spaghetti straps to class. There are certain places to wear certain clothing. At school is a time to be professional, but also creative. There are many ways to be an individual while wearing the proper attire. Coming from a private high school background, there was no issue is finding ways to be expressive.
ReplyDeleteHear, hear. Let's slide all the way down the slippery slope and allow everyone free expression. Heat the buildings sufficiently and allow equal rights for nudists. Then we'll see how distracted and disrupted the teenage girls are when the boys around them are saluting feminine appearances.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why most news stories about dress codes involve females is because they are make better copy. A story about a teenage male being told to stop wearing a wife beater or tight junk-revealing pants is not as photogenic. Not to mention that males are less likely to use clothes to "peacock" and thus to gain the attention of the other sex. (Or is it "the other gender"? I can't tell these days.)
I must abide by a dress code at work. It's purpose is *not* to create a respectful environment, but instead to create an environment where women can engage in productive work without being distracted by unwanted attention, and men can engage in productive work without being distracted by unwanted arousal.
Because that's the way biology works.
I completely agree with you that school dress codes focus almost selectively on the way women dress as a "distraction." I mean when a woman sees an attractive man she is expected to forget about that and focus on what she is doing, so why are boys different? I agree with a dress code from the standpoint that students go to school to learn. They should dress appropriately so that they are comfortable for the weather, and so that they do not have to constantly adjust themselves. This is true for both boys and girls.
ReplyDelete"when a woman sees an attractive man she is expected to forget about that and focus on what she is doing, so why are boys different"
ReplyDeleteBoys are different because they have more testosterone in their system.
I am all for expression, so I find it pathetic how strict dress codes are.
ReplyDeleteTo help strengthen your argument, including visuals of the outfits students got in trouble for wearing would've been really beneficial! :)