ABOLISH School Uniforms!

Dear Harry,

I agree with you about your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms," because I liked how you pin pointed some of the major issues that go against uniforms, and how we don't need them in our school lives. I also enjoyed how you talked about people getting uniforms at work.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "It's to prepare you for real life." this stood since you also said are used in jobs that give you very low salary per year. I think this is true because other jobs like office workers only have to wear either any clothing they want or suits, not a uniform.

Another sentence that I agree with is "If it's 60 degrees and we are freezing, don't tell us to put our uniforms on." This stood out for me since the sweaters they sell at my school aren't warm enough and it's way too thin.

I do strongly agree with you that uniforms destroy our uniqueness or our individualization. One reason I say this is because kids could no longer express themselves. Another reason I agree with you s that kids would get bored or wearing the same uniform almost every day.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because your piece or work is important, yet it includes a bit of humor in which keeps the reader's attention. You also include how this would affect our future or how kids could compare to adults. I would like to see what you write next and what you would write about.

Dear Harry Kong:

I strongly agree with, "ABOLISH School Uniforms!", because it makes perfect sense, and I already see it in my school.

One sentence you wrote that stood out to me was: "Self-identity is smeared, recognition is distorted, and self-esteem is shatterd." I believe this to be true, because kids in uniform school have no pride; not to mention they cannot express themselves, being the so so-called "diverse" city people say we live in.

Another sentence that I admired was: "Is that right? We are not smart enough to wear our own clothes? We must follow your stupid school rules just so the school rating goes up?" This stood out to me because many schools who start uniform policies are low-budget, and have very few "good kids". In your post you talked about "specialized" high schools; many of the kids going into the schools do not have uniform simply because the school doesn't think they need one.

I strongly agree with you that it is a stereotype. One reason I say this is because schools believe that uniforms will "shape" bad kids, in hopes they will even come close to those in "specialized" high schools. Another reason I agree with you is because specialized high schools don't have uniform; that is proof enough.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because this is a hot topic, and many people will have something to say. Those who wear uniforms, and those who don't. It would be good to see your thoughts on others opinions.

Dear Harry,

I agree with your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms", because I hate uniforms too! I hate the uniforms rule of our school. It makes me look like i don't know anything about fashion.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is:"Uniforms should be ABOLISHED from school, it only causes more conflict between teachers and students, and why do student only wear uniforms?" I think this is so correct because I always get into a lot of trouble because of my uniforms and I hate when a teacher keeps on telling me to take off my sweater. I think is so not fair, because that teacher doesn't ave to wear those ugly uniforms.

Another sentence that I liked was: "It's only $20!" This stood out for me because $20 is not that much of money, but I don't want to spend my money on uniforms. 20 dollars can do a lot of things, you can eat, play pool, buy stuff, go to the park. Why do I have to spend my money on those ugly uniforms?

Your post reminds me of something that happened to me. One time, i was wearing uniform to hangout with my friends after school. I felt like I'm the ugliest one of them, because of my school uniforms. They told me i looked like I'm in J.H.S student actually i was a freshman. I think uniforms make me look so dump and children! i HATE uniforms!

Thanks for your witting. I look forward to seeing what you write next time because i love your writting and i think you are very brave to tall everyone what you think. I love the way you stood out for yourself and i will keep on look forward of what your writhing next.

Dear Harry,

I loved your post "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because I completely agree with you. You even gave me some reasons that I didn't even think of. The uniform thing is stupid and they don't give us any good reasons. I also think its undair that only the students wear uniforms while the teachers don't. They are trying to say they are better than us. WE ARE ALL EQUAL.

One sentence that you wrote that stood out for me is "Is it hard to give reasons for such a idiotic rule?" I think this is correct because the teachers give us stupid reasons like "It's a school rule". I want a valid reason. If they can't give us a valid reason then they should not have the uniforms.

Another sentence that I agree with is "This school does contain many 18+ students!" I laughed so hard when I read that because it's true. If this is supposed to be a good school, then why are so many kids failing? Sure a lot of students don't have potential and don't want to learn but it is the schools job to motivate them.

I do agree with you about the the McDonald's part. I didn't realize this until I read your post. Now I am outraged because your statement is true. And then the school says that "They have high expectations for us" I don't believe that.

Thank you for your wonderful post. I look foward to your other writing because you make your point very clear and you back it up very well.

Dear Harry,

I admire your post ABOLISH School Uniform! because it speaks for everyone. But it's too bad that it probably won't work. You see, these people are too stubborn to realize this. They're what you say "Blinded by the Light,", focused on one thing they can't see whats in front of them.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "If the school's image is more important than the definition of "school" then please rename it to...oh.. I don't think such a place exists yet, maybe a concentration camp?" There wasting time by doing this, like North Korea (OMG they have concentration camp, see the similarity!!!!!!!!!!!) They can save of all of us a big migraine and stop telling us to do this. I mean, when you guys start tightening the leash (case you don't know, get strict) we start doing stuff like this. we start complaining, teachers get pissed off, students then get pissed off, and in the end we all have a headache and nothing happens.

Another sentence I liked was: ""It's to prepare you for real life." Not! It just makes it look like we are going to work in McDonald's. Notice that all the prestigious jobs have no uniforms, while low-end jobs, Wal-Mart, McDonald's, are all FORCED to wear uniforms. Notice any correlation? Thank you for telling us we will be working in those low jobs and making 20,000 a year. Thanks for the incredibly motivational information. Thanks." Makes a good point(need to give this guy a high five..)uniforms aren't "professional" you know whats "professional" is a god damn suit and tie.That's looking professional, another fun fact most other uniform schools have some sort of suit and tie.

Dear Harry,

I enjoyed your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because I think you have the courage to stand up and say what you think. I hate uniform too.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "FREEDOM is revoked and happiness seems illegal." I agreed with you because I think school is a place of happiness, but actually no. Everyone should have the freedom to wear anything they want.

Another sentence that I liked was: " I GUARANTEE not a single student likes the idea of uniforms." This stood out for me because is true 100%, there isn't any student who will tell you that they like uniform. They only do it to so that they have the power and they can do what ever they want, to show that student don't have no right.

I agree with you that school uniforms need to be abolish. One reason I say this, is that I really do not like wearing uniform. Another reason agree with you is that they think that we are stupid to get into good school and we are made to be future McDonald's employee.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because I think that you shown your felling and your not scare to tell them out. i t was nice reading your writing.

Dear Harry.

I enjoyed your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms," because it agrees with my thoughts in a more exaggerated manner. Also, it made me think about other reasons, other than the unattractive appearance of the uniforms, why uniforms are unnecessary.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "Secondly individualization is destroyed. Self-identity is smeared, recognition is distorted, and self-esteem is shattered. FREEDOM is revoked and happiness seems illegal...and why do students only wear uniforms? The only difference between a teacher and a student is the spelling." I think this is powerful because it shows the importance of your reasoning. This expresses how just by the wearing of uniforms could ruin how students can express their personalities and force everyone to be the same.

Another sentence that I liked was: "Notice the definition does not include the word "uniform" anywhere. It clearly states that school is an "institution for learning." The only thing we learn from having uniforms is that we are dumb and we can't stand up for ourselves." This stood out for me because it proves a point that school isn't a place for the teachers to be obsessive about what clothing the students are wearing but rather the quality of work they're learning.

I do agree with you that uniforms should be abolished. One reason I say this is that individuality should be valued. Another reason I agree with you is because we should be allowed to express ourselves and not all be the same, dull looking students.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because your writing expands on my own opinions.

Dear Harry,

I'm in love with your post, because I kind of have the same feeling, but maybe I just got used to school uniforms. I said I'm used to it, because when I was back in Hong Kong and China I wear school uniforms, but it's so much better.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "One more thing, for anyone who says, 'That's life.' That's your life not mine." I think that's funny, because I was kind of thinking of the same thing, maybe close but not the same.

Another sentence I liked was: "Take the sweater off." It stood out, because the something happen to me. It's winter come on. It's cold, and there's no heat.

I agree with you but there is something I want to add. I said this, because uniforms is not always bad, some uniforms I don't mind wearing.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you do next because your writing is fun to read. Because of my uniform, I was mistaken as a worker in Toy's R Us and in Circuit City. It's funny.

Dear Harry,

I loved your post "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because it went right to the point of what most students dislike about the school and its mandatory uniform. Uniforms hold us back from our creativity and unique self.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me: "If its 60 degrees, and we are freezing, don't tell us to take the sweater off." I think this is interesting because some students don't want to buy sweaters with the school logo on it because it's a waste of money. You could have used $30 or $40 on books or something important.

Another sentence that I observed was: "First it causes pressure on already poor families, and don't try to tell us, "Its only $20!" Everyone give me 10 dollars, if its nothing." This stood out for me because some families could have be going through rough times and need all the money they have to buy important supplies like food and clothes.

I do agree with you because it seems ridiculous to get scold for wearing a sweater which has the school but doesn't have the logo. One reason I say this is because some students have black,blue and or white sweaters but since they don't have a logo its taken away. Another reason I agree with you is because a sweater with a logo makes it a waste of money if your only going to use it for one school year.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because your points are very interesting. Maybe with what you wrote could help change the schools mind about the sweater issue because not all of us like wearing logo sweaters. Also not all students agree with uniform which is a great point you can up with, this is good because it lets people express yourself about the uniform issue. Great topics and hope to hear more about it!

Hi Harry,

It is really rare to see someone putting this amount of emotion into a post here. I am also surprised to see that no one has said "OMG man you're going mad hard" in school or in this post yet. I wanted to tell you, "Good job!" in school, but I decided not to. For anyone who is having a problem with what this guys was saying, whether you're a student or not, first your must scroll up, read the post five more times, and get clear which part of the post is sarcasm and which part is not, which part is his main point and which part is not. For someone who doesn't even know, this brave fellow here, just doesn't even bother making a comment. Okay? Great, going to my own point now.

Personally, i do not hate the uniform that much. But I would definitely prefer not wearing them if only I got to choose. I believe many of us are like this. I don't know about the conspiracy and stereotype part so I would refrain making a comment about that so I won't be making a fool out of myself. Maybe when someone actually walks on the street in our school uniform and people would go like, "Oh hey that boy/girl is from East-West!!!" yea, big deal. Like that's something really honorable for others to see. In the first year, I can understand; we need the uniform to be separated with IS237, but when it comes to now, it just became more and more unreasonable. Again, if you're in this post, you should know why. If not, like I said, you have something better to do than reading things like this.

Another purpose for the uniform is to keep the students unified. I don't know about Korea, but if you came from some Asian country like China and Japan, you would know. In those places, as students, we won't have much freedom anyway. I can understand in those schools, it will be pretty reasonable to have uniforms. But this is America. Trying to set up an Asian-style discipline-is-everything school in America will equal epic failure. Yes, you heard me. EPIC FAILURE. They negated the main point from education to discipline. My dearly beloved you-know-who, you have lived in Asia for too long, you smell like a Communist. Oh, did i say any names? No? Okay, great.

I would like to see some specific people's face when he/she saw Harry's post. We all get what was he talking about in this first paragraph, don't we?

I hope someone will actually read the comments. Really.

Dear Harry,

I loved your post, "Abolish school uniforms!" because you took the words right out my mouth. I totally agree with you that we come to school to learn and learning does not include wearing uniforms.

One sentence you wrote that stands out to me is: "'Take off your sweater. Button it up.' seriously?" I think this is annoying. The teachers or people who work in the school tell us to take off the sweaters and unzip our sweaters which is pointless. Why should they enforce a rule that they don't follow? They should be glad that we wasted our money on the uniforms and that we actually wear them. It doesn't matter how we wear them at least we are wearing them.

Another sentence that I agreed with was: "I've noticed that all the "specialized" schools in NYC don't have uniforms, while normal schools do." This stood out to me because I've noticed this too. This does make us feel like we aren't smart enough.

I agree with you that only low-end jobs wear actual uniforms. Some jobs have a dress code but they are not limited on what to wear like uniforms do. This only makes students feel ashamed of their school. Then the faculty in the school wonders why students have no school spirit.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because, your writing is interesting. You can also state the facts and your not afraid to state your opinion.

Dear Harry,

I strongly agree your post, "Abolish School Uniforms!" because as a classmate with you, I understand that everybody doesn't like uniforms. I also think that students do not have to wear uniforms.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "If its 90 degrees in the classroom and your poor school can't afford air conditioning, don't tell us to put our uniforms on. If its 60 degrees, and we are freezing, don't tell us to take the sweaters off." I think this is absolutely right because it it REALLY cold in the winter and we can only wear school uniforms. We even can't wear sweat shirt.

Another sentence that I agree was: "school is an "institution for learning." This stood out for me because I think we come to school for study but not for wearing uniforms.

Your post reminds me of something that happened to me. the teacher in our school always tell me to take off my sweat shirt off. It's really annoy, if the weather is not cold, why would I want to wear sweat shirt?

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because I think your post is funny. It keeps me attention and I think it keeps everybody's attention in our school.

Wow, I mean that takes a lot of guts to say because many people don't care about this issue, but deep down are feeling the same way you are. They are draining the creativity right out of us and trying to make excuses for it, but everyone knows that it's phony.

Harry, I really enjoyed your post. I agree with you that  uniforms destroy one's identity and individualization.  Having to wear a uniform every day, we are unable to see each ones style and choice in clothing and accessories. But a positive thing about uniforms is that since everyone is wearing basically the same clothes, there wont be judgment on what one is wearing. But I don't like that the uniform is so expensive. It does "causes more pressure on already poor families, and don't try to tell us, "Its only $20!" Everyone give me 10 dollars, if its nothing."  But anyway, if our school wasn't sharing the same building with IS 237, maybe uniforms wouldn't be needed. The reason we need uniform is to identify students that goes to East-West and students that go to IS 237. So Harry, I think that's the reason for having uniforms. 

Dear Harry,

I totally agree with your post. Nobody wants to wear uniforms in school, especially at EWSIS. I can relate to you when you say: " If its 60 degrees, and we are freezing, don't tell us to take the sweaters off." Right now during the winter, it gets really cold. Our uniform consists of a half-sleeved polo. I am always told to take my "hoodie" off even though it is freezing. My "hoodie" is of a school color, yet I still have to take it off and freeze. Whenever I tell the school officials I'm cold, they tell me to buy a long sleeved uniform shirt or sweater. But hey, it really is a lot of money. Money doesn't grow on trees.

I agree with you about how uniforms destroy individualization. I, just like you, have experienced what it is like in a specialized high school. There is no uniform policy there. Everyone wears what ever they feel, as long as it's appropriate. Through their fashion, they are able to express themselves. I like how you compared school uniforms to our futures. The top notch jobs do not require any sort of uniform. But in McDonald's and all those odd jobs, it is. Uniforms really do take away individuality. The way the uniform policy is run in EWSIS is as if we are run by dictators. What really is the purpose of wearing it? Because it's school policy? That is how dictators run their nation. Everything they order must be implemented and we must follow.

Dear Harry,

DUDE I agree with your post 110%. It's really unfair and not equal.

I'm speechless with your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because it's something you hear every day from students, and nobody tries to make a difference. I also like your honesty and your arguments. It's very true and some things you said need to be heard. I like that.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "If its 90 degrees in the classroom and your poor school can't afford air conditioning, don't tell us to put our uniforms on. If its 60 degrees and we are freezing, don't tell us to take the sweaters off." This stood out for me because this is bitter and extremely true. We already are getting yelled at for the uniforms, and now we can’t wear white, blue, or black plain sweaters anymore. I mean not a lot of people can afford a $25- $30 sweater.

Another sentence that I adored was: "Now, teachers, your response? Is it that hard to give reasons for such an idiotic rule? Is it hard to give reasons to why something that does not work should be continued? Give reason to why having us suffer is good? Give me a reason, and I will refute it. Other students are either too scared to stand up for this issue, or are oblivious. Uniforms, why are they here? Don't pick on my wording either, I know some examples are extreme, but my point is clear." This stood out for me because I thought the truth and honesty, again, is amazing. Every time somebody asks the teachers why we have to wear uniforms and they always give us the same lame excuses and there’s no point in asking it again. Teachers should find a better reason and not an obnoxious one.

I do thoughtfully agree with that because you’re honest and not afraid to say what’s on your mind. One reason to say this is because there’s not a lot of people who speak their minds in public because their scared or shy. Another reason I agree with you is because your post is very detailed and correctly written.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because it will probably be diligently written and truthful. I can’t wait to see what else you’re going to say and how you express yourself.

GREAT JOB!

Dear Harry,

I enjoyed your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because it expresses the opinion of the masses perfectly. I would never be able to gather and type my own feelings on the subject coherently. You're stubborn and that's a wonderful thing to finally see.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "Thank you for telling us we will be working in those low jobs and making 20,000 a year." I think this is wonderfully sarcastic because your point comes across clearly and mockingly. A perfect way to begin breaking down any opposing arguments as well.

Another sentence that I admired was, "If the school's image is more important than the definition of "school" then please rename it to...oh.. I don't think such a place exists yet, maybe a concentration camp?" This stood out for me because, while all of your post was audacious, this line was that and genius.

I agree with you that the school needs to stop pushing the uniforms. One reason I say this is that you're very right when you say they "ruin self-image." There is little room for expression with a limited wardrobe of a black or blue shirt and, depending on your preference and gender, pants or a skirt. Another reason I agree with you is the health issues. Honestly, we're on the top floor in the middle of summer, and we aren't allowed to take off our jackets if our shirt doesn't have an emblem?

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because you're eloquent. Throughout the entire post everything was expressed thoroughly and properly. You are also strong-willed and opinionated, it's highly admirable. I applaud your abilities.

Dear Harry,

I like your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because everything that you said is true. Teachers don't understand when it's cold or hot since they can wear what ever they want. They don't have to worry about looking like a low-job person. Like the uniform is not even nice its ugly and made out of cheap fabric.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is "Notice that all the prestigious jobs have no uniforms, while low-end jobs, Wal-Mart, McDonald's are all FORCED to wear uniforms". I think this is a great example about uniforms. Every time we ask teaches why do we have to wear uniform they said its to make us look professional, and to teach us how to dress for prestigious jobs. Uniforms are only used for people that have to stand out but not in a good way, for example in a company the workers don't use uniforms but the people that clean the building have to use uniforms.

Another sentence that I agreed with is " Why are uniforms still here? Answer me that, teachers! I want a real answer, not the "because its school rules," or the "our school, our rules" excuse." This stood out for me because the school don't listen to us or to our proposals. Every time we ask a teacher why cant we wear something else why do we have to wear uniforms? They say ask the principal and when we ask him he says to write a letter. What if we write the letter? I bet you his not even going to read it because they don't care about what we have to say.

I agree with you that uniforms should be abolished. One reason I say this is because we are all tire of uniforms and of not having our individual style. Another reason I agree with you is because a lot of people feel the same and finally someone spoke up and gave a chance to all the other people to write and make their opinions clear.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because you have good examples and your' able to make your point clear. Also because it seems that your not afraid to speak your mind which is a good thing. I also find it interesting.

Dear Harry,

I am so glad I found your post because for the first time, since having a Youth Voices account, I am incredibly interested in what someone is saying and even more excited to state my opinion.

I, myself, wear a uniform at my school. However, I attend a private school so I guess we can't say we're poor in a way, but many students that go there struggle to pay tuition and are there on scholarships. So it's not as "rich" as one would think. But yes, we wear uniforms. I understand where you come from in wanting to be rid of uniforms. At my school, certain people make it their job to walk around just looking for something wrong with your uniform, and it's over the most RIDICULOUS things! Shirt tail, buttons, shoe's, sweaters...and the consequences aren't so great, usually detention. I personally feel that they should be more worried with the education we are getting and not if our shirts are tucked in.

With that said, I also have to disagree with you on your statement. I like uniforms because it makes my life so much easier in the mornings when I wake up and don't have to figure out what to wear. Everyone looks the same so know one can be judged by what they're wearing. I think sometimes people get to stuck on the idea of "Uniform" and forget the purpose it often tries to serve, equality and pride (something along those lines) in the institution you are attending and therefore representing. I know you said you don't want people telling you "That's life," so I won't because that's not the point. But it isn't the end of the world either. Just try to stay focused on what matters, your EDUCATION, that's what I do.

I am highly interested in a response from you and look forward to having further discussion.

Thank you for writing a post that I can relate to.

Epic. Truly epic. I wonder what would happen if everyone just refused to wear a uniform. What can the tyrants do? Two days after writing my post, a staff member came barging into the class, confiscating sweaters. Oh wait, it's 40 degrees outside. Oh, did I mention she said: "Its only 20 dollars." LOL? All I have to say, I have predicted everything the school will say. The school is in a check-mated position. Make your final move. I already have mine.

This may be only viable for certain people, but I AM 18. I can refuse to wear a uniform. They cannot force me into detention. Calling my parents is as useless as telling me to wear it. Guess what, I am going to rebel. I am not saying that everyone should rebel, but I don't want to wear a uniform, and I won't.

Dear Harry,

What you say is completely true and I understand how you feel. However I want to correct you. It's not the students who are stupid in the case of wearing the uniform it's the D.O.E and the security of the school. They are the ones who are stupid. They need to be able to recognize their own students to make sure that no outside "intruders" enter the school. I can see that the uniforms might be used during big school trips that require some way of being able to scan for students in huge crowds, but we are in school. There is no point.

Another reason they gave one time for uniforms was to create "equality" so that no student feels ashamed that their clothes are not as good as other people's. If they are honestly that poor to not be able to afford a 12 pack of plain shirts for like $20, how will they afford seven shirts that are each like $10+ which now increases the stress on the family, as you stated in your post.

I hope to see more posts from you, Harry. You make good arguments on topics that matter.

Dear Harry,

I agree with you with the uniform policy, because it is dumb.  I really don't think that it's because of the reason that they give us: that poor people can't afford these good clothes so they are making us wear this.  First of all, I think that these clothes are expensive already. How does that make sense that they are saying poor people can feel more comfortable in our school environment if everyone wears a uniform. Last year the prices for our uniform was moderately high.

I think that wearing a uniform is a destruction of bringing out the individuality in our school, and is making us feel like we are in place that we are detained and we are being punished for something.

I think there is no point for us to wear uniforms. I think that if anything, at least we can go back to the policy we had before, because really, this year I will say this uniform thing got really out of hand. I think this year was the last straw for us seniors. We went through three, now going through four years of wearing uniforms, and now the rules got even more strict when we had no problem with it last year. Thanks for sharing this with us Harry!

Dear Harry,

I really enjoyed reading your post. Your argument and explanations were very clear. I think that you definitely proved your point on why there shouldn't be uniforms.

I dislike that there are uniforms, but what aggravates me more then not wearing uniforms is not being able to wear sweaters on a cold month. The uniforms are expensive and eventually the money accumulates to a whole new wardrobe. I am so bothered when teachers defend uniforms with the response, "You chose this school, so deal with it." I personally did not choose this school, and I know a handful of people who also were not aware.

The only thing I can see positive coming out from the idea of uniforms is people won't antagonize you for not being able to afford the latest style or brand. We are only in school for a couple of hours so I can't see why we would loose out identities. We are who we are, with uniforms or without them.

Wow Harry I couldn't agree with your post more, and I find it kind of sad that it took you--ONE person--to finally get everyone to talk, but it's a start. I think your post is strongly backed up with good examples of why we should get rid of uniforms.

Harry, I totally agree with you about the whole uniform thing. However, I'm a bit sketchy as well, only because its easier for me to get dressed in the mornings. I HATE the fact that some staff members come around acting as if they are some kind of AUTHORITY figure, trying to change the uniform policy. I have to wear sweaters because I'm cold. I'm not even wearing random colored sweaters. My sweaters are the uniform colors. Last year I remember the Dean saying that we can wear sweaters those colors. Now this year they feel as if they can make up a brand new policy.

I'm not one to not listen to rules or be defiant, however, if I feel something is wrong and that I am right, I'm not going to listen. I'll stand up for what I believe in. This is my senior year and if they think that I'm going to buy all these uniforms and listen to their rules, their obviously mistaken.

I'm going to come to school if I'm freezing in my sweater that matches the uniform or with a sweater under my clothes. I'll be damned if they say anything at all to me. They could call my mother if they feel I'm being rude. I honestly don't care, she'll be on my side anyway!

Oh Harry,

You are a genius, a total genius.

I must agree with you. After reading your post, I am left with no other choice but to agree with you. I also hate uniforms, but now I hate them even more.

I love how you write. It's like you're talking to me. I can imagine you talking when I read your writing.

I agree with you completely, and I'm ready to rebel with you! Just let me know what you want me to do.

I'm prepared to do anything to back you up! ABOLISH UNIFORMS!!!

It was fun reading your essay. But I sure as HELL do NOT agree with you when you say: "it look like we are going to work in MaDonald's."

First of all, if you REALLY think you're going to end up becoming a McDonald's employee by wearing an uniform or will be working in a low pay job, that's YOUR life, NOT mine. Don't be pushing what you think you're going to become in the future onto me or other people.

Second, a uniform has NOTHING to do with what jobs a person will get! (I'll finish this at home since the period is about to end.)

Third, BEFORE you posted this on Youth Voices, I bet 95% (or more) students in the school never had the thought, "Oh he's right, since I am wearing an uniform, I might be working in McDonald's, or a low paying job."

I agree with you, Harry that the school should abolish the uniform. The uniform we buy is not cheap. It also costs money so we can buy normal clothes in cheap price.

One sentence that stand out for me is: "It's 60 degrees, and we are freezing. Don't tell us to take the sweater off." It stands out for me because sometimes I really feel cold and I can't wear my sweater or hoody.

Another sentence that i appreciated was: "All specialized school in NYC don't have uniforms." So why does our school have a uniform code. This stand out for me because I don't like uniform and not all my friends in other high schools have uniform code in their high schools.

I don't really agree with where you said "every student who wears a uniform is labeled as stupid" and can't get into good school. You also wear uniform, so this means that you are also stupid like other students who wear the uniform. Another reason I disagree is because no student have fights with teachers because of uniforms.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because i really like this topic about abolishing the uniform. Your reasons against uniforms will bring me back to see more about your thoughts.

Dear Harry,

I enjoyed your post, “ABOLISH School Uniforms!” because I agree, along with countless other students, that we shouldn’t have to wear uniforms. I do concur, some of your examples were a little extreme, but were valid.

One sentence you wrote that stood out for me was: “Secondly individualization is destroyed.”  I think this is completely true.  Today I witnessed a couple of staff members walk into the class and confiscate every one's sweaters, jackets, scarves,  and accessories. I wanted to ask them why do we even wear uniforms. I thought taking everyone's things was unnecessary, and I thought they were abusing their authority.

Another sentence I liked was: “...or the “our school, our rules” excuse. When I first came to this school I thought the uniforms were a way to differentiate us from the Rachel Carson students because we co-occupied the 4th floor. This year we occupy the whole 4th floor, and don’t share it with anyone. Again, and again I question myself asking why do we have to wear these uniforms? I am through with questioning myself, and I agree it is time that we question our  “superiors.”

I strongly agree with you that the teachers do seem puzzled when they are asked about the uniforms and when they answer, they’re responses are very common: “Because we say so.” That might not be exactly how they say it, but that’s how it translates.  Another reason I agree with you that they worry too much about uniforms and have little concern when it comes to more important things.

Thank you for writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because I enjoyed what you wrote. I think what you wrote was brilliant and direct.

Dear Harry,

I disagree mostly, yet I also agree with you. Here are my reasons why.

I agree with you a little bit because I find it so ridiculous how much money we waste buying uniforms and I hate wasting money on it. Trust me I came from a private school. Ever since 1st grade I had to get uniforms and I got a new one in 6th grade and another new one for 9th and another one for 10th. My mom wasted a lot of money with me and my brother and I feel bad for her too. :[ But I rather her waste money for something I am going to wear for four years in a row instead of buying different outfits every single week. I also agree with when its cold how we can't wear our sweaters and we have to be freezing in class. I hate that. When it's hot you should just wear shorts or a skirt with short sleeves. That's not a big deal. So stop making it one.

But I mainly disagree with abolishing uniform. You guys have it all wrong. Harry I don't mean to offend you but uniforms don't make you dumb or smart. If we had no uniform people would be worried more about their outfits and looks instead of school work. Trust me, it's bad without uniforms. When you have uniforms. we all look equal so no one looks hotter or better than the other. It's because we all look the same. So they require uniforms to make their work easier and our lives easier. We go to school to learn, not to look all stylish.

I also hate that you think uniforms make you dumb or smart. That has nothing to do with clothes. You are smart if you know what you want in life if you do well in school. If your dumb your dumb. That's just how it is. Clothes don't make you all of a sudden dumb or smart it has to do with your brains.

We shouldn't complain. We should just deal with it and let it go because it won't change anything. Plus, it isn't worth fighting for.

Dear Harry,

I really agree with your blog thingy because hey, what the hell? I HATE UNIFORMS! To even buy this year's uniform, my mom had to pay a lot. I think about 80 or 90 dollars. My dad was pissed off and then called the school a bunch of curse words, then left to work. I agree with my dad.

One sentence that stands out for me is: "..all the specialized high schools in New York City don't have uniforms, while normal schools do." I think it's true. why can't they have uniforms? It's not fair. If i were in charge, I'd let all the normal kids in the normal schools wear what they like, meanwhile those, specialized people can wear uniforms, because they're "specialized." Take that!

Another sentence that i noticed was: "It's only 20 dollars." No! when i got my uniform, it was way more than 20. Lairs. This stood out for me because it's true.

I do agree with you that they make us feel stupid, because really, they do. Why can't they feel our pain of wearing it? It's so annoying. I'd bet they'd feel the same thing if they wore them instead of us.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because it's actually interesting. But still what you say about the uniforms is true.

Dear Harry,

I agree completely with your post, "Abolish School Uniforms!" because I agree with the comments you made. Not once did I disagree. For example, you said "Individualization is destroyed." We can't express ourselves through clothes if people around us are wearing the exact same thing.

Another sentence you wrote that stands out to me is: "It's to prepare you for real life." I disagree about that comment as well as you do. It is true the only real places that really wear uniform is fast food places. I believe just using a name tag to prove your working there but to also spread your individuality by what you wear at the same time. It describes a lot about the person.

Another quote I agree fully with is: "Seriously? If its 90 degrees in the classroom and your poor school cant afford air conditioning,don't tell us to put our uniforms on. If its 60 degrees, and we are freezing don't tell us to take our sweaters off." This stood out for me because our health matters much more than stupid materialistic things. We won't even be using the uniforms for the rest of our lives. So it is useless after school.

I do absolutely agree that all the specialized schools in NYC don't have to wear uniforms, maybe because the teachers trust them. Thinking that they are the only ones to express themselves freely, instead of all the others who go to regular public schools. It is true the only difference between a teacher and a student is the amount of knowledge.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to more of your opinions in one of your writing pieces. You're a straightforward individual, and it seems you don't hold back your thoughts on a topic, especially when you suffer for it. You stand up for it. I'd really like to see your thoughts about topics such as this. I can relate to this one fully.

Dear Harry,

I think your post was very well written. Not only did it tackle the arguments teachers make, but it also brought up new ones. I agree with you that the school is taking self identity away from us. Each year, it gets more and more ridiculous. For example, this year, no student is allowed to wear sweaters that don't have the emblem on them. If a student did not own a East-West sweater, then they are asked to buy one. But for what? So we can waste another 20-40$ on a sweater we're only going to wear for a year?

You wrote: "Why are uniforms still required? First it causes more pressure on already poor families, and don't try to tell us, 'It's only $20!' Everyone give me 10 dollars, if it's nothing." I liked this quote very much because it's true that some families can't afford to buy new uniforms every year. Also, because I'm a senior this year, I have to pay for other senior activities such as prom, trip, etc. Overall, your post was awesome.

Dear Harry,

I really liked this post. It was great. The way you told off the teachers in this post is really cool, and I agree with you 100%.

It's not right that we are treated similarly to McDonald's employees, or some loser at Wal-Mart. The way we are nagged by the teacher to enforce the uniform code is ridiculous. They have even gone to the length of telling us to take off our school emblem sweat shirt to see if we have the school emblem shirt. As long as we have the emblem, WHAT SHOULD IT MATTER? They should be happy I have the emblem on in the first place. It's understandable if its something like the student walking around the hallway with their street shirts out in the open. But they think they can just walk on into our classrooms where our teachers don't yell at us about uniforms, and check us at most three times a day, to every class.

Another thing I liked about your post was where you compared us to other schools, private schools to be specific. They do wear uniform, but not all of them. And it doesn't have to be private schools specifically. There are regular schools that are doing better than us without uniforms. Some students believe that this is the worst school that they have ever been to. It is the same for me. If it weren't for my Japanese Language class, I would be hung up in Townsend Harris. When I looked at this schools profile in the book of high schools, I picked this one and this one only out of all of the Queens schools. I thought this school would be great. It turns out I was wrong. Looks really can be deceiving. Teachers are wondering why we think these things when its mostly their fault.

We are teenagers. We think we are too old to be yelled at like babies, by teachers who most of the time think that they're better then us. I'm only wondering how. They already went to college and passed school. We still have time to choose. We can be successful and not even finish school. Chris Rock didn't finish school because he dropped out of the 10th grade. Now he's rich and still making money!!!! Even though it helps for different jobs than being a comedian and everything, you don't have to. But I'm getting beside the point. Sorry, anger got a hold of me. Teachers are always fighting students about the uniform code. They made us, and our parents sign a contract about the uniform code. Only thing is, we are following the code, they are just mad that we are finding the loopholes in our contracts.

And they should stop telling us the "Our school, our rules" concept. We make up the school. If it weren't for us, there would be no school. If it were up to us, we would go to another school, and then you COULD have your school, all to yourself. Then when we spread word of how the school rolls, no one will want to come. People will get laid off, and then the school will be demolished, making room for something more useful than a school no one wants to go to. They can put that on their "School image". The more they fight us, the more we dislike them, the worse our attitudes get and then the school image will plummet. And all of this starts out with the constant bickering of school uniforms.

Lastly, I don't think teachers have an excuse for you, because they know your right!!! But they don't care. They want you to think what they think is right. To take away our individuality and self esteem. But Its not going to work on you is it? I didn't think so. So keep thinking what your thinking and show those teachers how to exploit a loophole.

This Is My Life And I Plan To Take Charge Of It!

I like your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because it's honest and straightforward. I think we have all felt like that one time or another.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "If its 60 degrees, and we are freezing, don't tell us to take the sweaters off." I think this is so true because it happens in school. Today, when it was freezing cold in school and they were telling us that we cant have our sweaters on, that was just cruel.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because this was an interesting post and it's how most of us feel about uniforms.

Dear All Who Comment on Harry's Discussion:

• I completely understand where your coming from. I am the last person who would want too wear a uniform. I am not disagreeing with you, but after I saw this video and read some of your comments, I would say uniforms aren't really all that bad.
  
• As you can see wearing uniforms or just even tucking in your shirt may prevent a lot of gang violence that could come from intruders or even concealing weapons. I don't know about you, but I've had my share of coming in contact with gangs because I wear a cretin color a lot or even because i had nice sweeter on that they wanted.
   
• But don't get me wrong, I feel it would be better if we can still dress comfortably in school. We could learn more instead of fidgeting in our sets because the company messed up our shirt size. Or even because someone makes fun of another person because he or she still wears the same shirt or pants from three years ago.
   
• Why buy a uniform if you're just throwing it away once your time at the school is up? What I like to do with my clothes after I am done with them is give them to the less fortunate. But would I give a sweaty old uniform shirt that I have been wearing for five days out the week, for the past 4 years?
   
• Instead I would feel better about myself if I could give up an outfit that I only wore maybe once a week, for the past 4 years or so. Instead of wearing uniforms I say we make it a policy that we can dress down and where what we want to, but it has to be appropriate. Meaning no mini-skirts or short shorts, no extremely baggy cloths, no holes in the clothing, and nothing showing cleavage. This way we wear whatever we want, but still respect our peers.
   
• In order to tell which child attends the school, we could be asked to wear our school ID card around our necks so it is visible for everyone to see.

 

Dear Harry.

I was glad that you wrote the post "Abolish School Uniforms!" because just today I got my plain black sweater taken away from me just because it didn't have the school logo on it. I was very angry! The fact is that I can wear a plain black or blue sweater, polo, or jacket if my classmates or I don't have the school uniform. This is getting ridiculous with these school uniforms.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: " If its 60 degrees and freezing, don't tell us to take off the sweater." I personally think it outrageous that teachers are telling us to take off your sweater that they need to see the logo, or when a staff member takes our sweaters away when he/she knows it's cool. Now since it's cold and teachers, deans, principals, and others want to take sweaters, students can catch an attitude with them and eventually lose students, money, business, etc.

Another sentence that I agree on is: " Why are uniforms still required?" This stood out for me because my school isn't a religious, or enforcement school. Why are we wearing uniforms for high school? Be serious. If you want your high school to be successful stop treating us like religious, enforcement, or middle school students.

I totally agree with you that high school uniforms for high school students who aren't in specialize schools in New York City. Another reason I agree with you is noticing the correlation with the low-end jobs at places like McDonalds, and the high schools who try to make themselves look good.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because this can change the independence of these victims from high school uniforms.

I agree with you! We are not stupid kids! Well, maybe some people are, but just because we are in a private school or something doesn't mean that we can afford it or we're stupid.

The uniform for my school costs about 1000 bucks because it's from this company called Flynn & O'Hara. The sweatpants are gross and tight. The sweaters are itchy as hell, and the blouses are cheap polyester crap. And we have to pay 50 bucks for that? Waste of money!!!

The Principal is strict regarding uniforms. If you don't have the correct clothing, they give you a pair of clothes to change into. Some of the teachers let it go and others bark orders telling you to take this off, put that on, buy this, buy that, blah, blah, blah.

Today for instance, it is like 20 degrees in this school because there is no heat. The teachers are wearing their warm sweaters while we are freezing in the gym shorts we have to wear, freezing our butts off. Some teachers let us wear our non-uniform sweatshirts. Others yell at us to take them off. All I'm saying is that we need to have our freedom to choose our own freaking WARM Clothes!

I agree with you a lot. I hate uniforms, and why don't teachers wear uniforms? It's boring and not expressive. I really hate school uniforms.

Dear Harry,

I agree with your position on uniforms and our school's way of enforcing the uniform policy. I do not like how the school's trying to make up a whole new policy and force the seniors to go online and spend $40 (or plus some more with shipping charges) on something that will be discarded as soon as the final winter months at EWSIS are over.

Seriously, uniforms are not worth all the trouble and conflict and argument that go on every day between students and teachers. I understand that when they first implemented the uniform system it was to differentiate kids from EWSIS and IS 237 or for whatever other reasons, but now the uniform policy has deviated from its original form and purpose and now it's just plain ridiculous especially with the way they are enforcing it.

Though I wholeheartedly agree with your opinion, I do believe that since we had uniform codes since the very beginning of the school, and we put up with it for three years now, I think it seems quite pointless to stress this argument now. We only have a couple of months left at East-West. I don't disagree with wearing the uniform itself, but again I don't understand the sudden change of the uniform policy that now makes every seniors to go buy a $40+ sweater in order not to freeze in classrooms. When I first came to this school in the beginning of 11th grade, I already had to spend $200 on uniform shirts, dress pants and the blue, black, or white sweaters. I certainly don't want to spend any more of my money on school clothing.

Harry, I really liked your writing. You made your point very clear with valid arguments. Of course, your examples were quite extreme but they chimed well with the argument you were stressing.

Keep on writing dude. I mean it! =]

I strongly agree. Thank you for revealing everyone's opinion regarding the uniform.  School is an "institution for learning." and we are now wasting our time to discuss and argue about something that has nothing to do with learning. We are also wasting our money on something that doesn't teach us anything at all.

This year the school is becoming more ridiculous. We can't even wear jackets even though we are wearing our uniforms underneath. Or we need to buy new uniforms even if we're going to throw them away after a few months. Rules need to be changed because when everything is developing, they remain constant and become too inflexible to be applied, not because the "ruler" feels like changing it for limiting our freedom as much as possible.

Our country is a democracy, but our school seems more like a monarchy. Maybe abolishing uniforms sounds too extreme, but at least please don't give us rules as ridiculous as "an undershirt has to be the same color as the uniform" or "Jackets worn over the uniform are prohibited."

I just got a letter regarding the uniform policy in my mail box today. They actually listed every single example that is forbidden. I think if they had spent that much time on discussing college stuff instead of the uniform policy with us, we would all have done with everything and been so positive that we would all get into college.

Although I think some of your statements are a little bit extreme, I strongly support your position. Maybe I'm just not the type of person that is brave enough to say out loud all my feeling of opposition against the school policy. Yet your post states everything I want to say. Thank you Harry!!!  And now my quesion is no longer why we have to wear uniform, but why we don't abolish uniform.

Harry,

Kudos to you. I don't think anyone else can summarize everyone's feelings about the school uniform in a more calculative and effective way. However, I can only say I agree with you if we are talking about East-West School uniforms. There are plenty of schools that use uniforms, so that the students can peacefully work towards their academics. I don't think this necessarily means that the schools think we are stupid and will eventually get employed in fast food restaurants. I mean a suit is considered uniform for business practices, so that kind of beats your point.

East-West School takes the uniform to an extreme. I hated how the school said we knew how that there was a uniform policy before applying, but a majority of the seniors found out about it after we were accepted. So they shouldn't put any responsibility towards the seniors. Also, after three years of putting any shirt we wanted under our uniforms, how can they take back our small freedom all of a sudden?

They bring up the issue that whatever clothes we want to wear is unacceptable because this will define our economical backgrounds. "First it causes more pressure on already poor families, and don't try to tell us, 'Its only $20!' " Just wow. 20 dollars for one shirt means a person has to buy at least 3 shirts plus a sweater of 30 because the school is definitely not warm for just shirts. This isn't even an investment. One staff member said, "Well, you buy clothes every year." What a waste of money for school. I came to a public school not to worry about spending money.

I especially agree that uniforms that are supposed to protect our self-esteem actually breaks it. Going outside of school, walking around with a huge globe on my left breast, screams embarrassment.

Seriously, someone should make a petition because basic yelling and questioning does not bring us anywhere.

Dear Harry,

I agree with you post "Abolish School Uniform!" because you i feel that you made a lot of strong points. A lot of what you said was true and you also pointed out some things I was not aware of before I read your post.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "We are stupid, so we must wear uniforms." I think this statement is absolutely true because they give students in specialized schools get special treatment cause their scores is better than others.

Another sentence that i noticed was: "Individualization is destroyed, self identity is smeared, recognition is distorted and self-esteem is shattered." This stood out for me because I felt that what you said was true. If everyone comes to school dressed the same there's no way you can be yourself and let people see you for who you are.

I do absolutely agree with you that if the students have to wear uniform, so should the teachers. It's only fair that everyone be held to the same standards. Just because the teachers already received their degree doesn't mean that they don't have to follow the rules.

Thanks for writing. I look forward to what else you have to say. The topic you chose to talk about was a good topic because it's something that the students complain about every day.

This is more directed more towards East-West, though I dislike uniforms in ANY school.

Since my post, I assume everyone got mail from the school clarifying what is and is not allowed. Apparently the uniform policy is to keep us "safe" in a shared building,  You do realize we are sharing with a middle school right? 

One thing I noticed that the staff 99% ignored: on the discipline sheet from the mail, code B02, last 2 lines "whose parents have not secured an exemption." I guess someone should play with this school code. :D

I'm going to highlight some lines from other students' comments that I think are good examples of loathing; 

• I think if they had spent that much time on discussing college stuff instead of the uniform policy with us, we would all be done with everything and been positive, and we would all get into college.
• Our country is a democracy, but our school seems more like a monarchy.
• I came to a public school not to worry about spending money.
• We make up the school. If it weren't for us, there would be no school.

Oh yeah, no one so far gave any counter arguments against me. The few people who disagree are just mis-reading it. Of course, this is mostly a student community, but there are some staff members. Come on, I'm still a student. All those years of college and graduate school must mean those who uphold the rule can refute my arguments?

"Education... has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading."
-G.M Trevelyan

Now they are saying that we are allowed to wear a sweater, but it just has to be open so they can see the school logo. They don't even know what to say anymore. Now they send a letter to our houses describing the school policy. Not even private schools act like this. Now they say that we can't even wear heels or hoop earrings. If they continue like this, next they are going to tell us how to fix our hair and what to eat. This rules are getting so pathetic it's not even funny. They said they want us to have school spirit. How can we have school spirit if this school keeps on getting whack? A lot of us can't wait to leave this school and not ever come back, not even to visit.

Dear Harry,

I liked "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because you had many good points on why uniforms should be abolished. I also liked how you took what the school said and said not. You found so many good reasons on why there should be no uniforms. Now that I think about it, the prestigious jobs don't have uniforms. Also, I checked many stores and the workers wore uniforms and the shirts were cheaper than the uniforms the school sells.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "'Health first?' Not." I think this is funny because it is true. The teachers make us take off our sweater when it is freezing cold. I caught a cold because I couldn't wear a sweater. So, I had to miss 2 days of school and everything was chaos when I got back. I didn't take some quizzes so it was marked 0 until I took it. Why can't we leave our sweaters on? Is the world going to end if we have our sweaters on?

Another sentence that I liked was: "Don't try to tell us, 'It's only $20!' Everyone give me $10, if it's nothing." This stood out for me because $20 for one shirt is a lot. Also, a long-sleeved shirt costs even more. When winter comes were forced to wear long sleeves because we can't wear sweater. I can buy shirts for way cheaper at Queens Mall.

I agree with you that school uniforms should be banned. One reason I say this is because I feel like we should get to wear what we want. Another reason I agree with you is school uniforms seem pointless because the image of the school doesn't matter. A school isn't a school of its looks.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because it has good points and you wrote about a problem that almost everyone in the school faces. I will read all your interesting posts because you express your opinion with emotion.

Good stuff, Harry, I definately agree with you on this issue. I too would prefer to not wear uniforms, but this is East-West. Nothing is going to change. I find it quite odd, yet very interesting on how EWSIS loves to do absurd and ridiculous things all the time. The uniform policy and situations have gotten very out of hand lately and last time I remembered I thought I was going to school to learn instead worrying about how I look when I'm in the building. Seriously things need to change around here. And now they are creating a new school uniform policy. LIKE SERIOUSLY! COME ON! Why fix something that isn't broken. Why do we need to change so drastic to outrageous actions? 

Harry, you pretty much spoke for the whole school, if not at least for MOST of the school by submitting this post. It was very cool as well to see you stand up the way you did at muster last week too. It's time East-West started getting things shoved down their throats with no questions asked. 

I totally agree with you, for example in my school we wear uniforms. And honestly I don't get the point. My school is a public school and we have uniforms, and we even have ID cards. What's the whole point? I never ever heard of any public schools having uniforms. I guess it is a policy for my school, but why the ID cards then? We have ID cards in my school so we should have to wear school uniforms, but then at the same time I guess school uniforms are not that bad because I guess there is less competition and we could learn more. About 50% I disagree and 50% I agree. The uniforms should be restricted!

Dear Harry,

I agree with your post, "Abolish School Uniforms!" because i don't like uniforms either. I really don't see the point of wearing uniforms. I don't like looking like everyone else.

One sentence that you wrote that stands out for me is: "I've noticed that all the specialized schools in NYC don't have to wear
uniforms, while normal schools do". I think this is true because there are some specialized high schools that don't wear uniforms. Some teachers tells us that the reason we wear uniforms is that we needed to look professional, but the specialized high schools are better and smarter and they don't where uniforms.

Another sentence that stood out for me was: "It causes pressure on poor families." This stood out for me because it is true. The uniforms are expensive and the sweaters are even more expensive. Some families can't afford it. Plus they already have enough problems.

I agree with you that uniforms causes conflict between teachers and student. One reason I agree with you is that a lot of students. One reason I agree with you is that a lot of students complain to teachers about wearing the uniforms. Another reason is that some students don't even wear uniforms to school and then they get in trouble by the teschers. Then the students start to complain ti the teachers.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because you made a lot of good points. I also think that your post might have the teachers thinking about uniforms.

I agree with you, Harry. The sweater thing in the a winter was just a little bit too much because we do get cold inside the school and is not correct for us not to be allowed to wear our sweaters. However I disagree with the summer shirt thing because it's really not that bad if your only wear your uniform, but if you are wearing multiple layers than that's a different story. I also disagree with your McDonald's theory however it might look like we are like them it doesn't mean we are.

Your post was very strong and has a lot of good points, but some of the points don't make a lot of sense, like the McDonald's part. Just because we wear uniforms, it does not mean that we are going to go into a low paid job, like $20,000 a year. That would be bad, but that wouldn't be the thing. I do like your point about the over-18 people, and the student and teacher part that was a part that I liked and that was really a strong point in your essay.

Dear Harry.

I enjoyed your post, "ABOLISH Shool Uniforms!" because it really touched on something that most people have had a problem with since the start of the school year, me especially.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "Notice the definition does not include the word "uniform" anywhere" I think this is extremely true because the object of a school is not to limit the child's growth through self expression, it's not to discipline, and it's not to control. The object of a school is to teach the students that inhabit it. I don't know what to think when the issue is whether someone is wearing a black solid sweater or not. This was absolutely fine last year, but now it's an issue. This doesn't differ in any way from the baggy over-sized, required East-West sweater. Why should it be taken away when its absolutely freezing outside? I have more of a cough when I'm inside the school then when I'm out.

Another sentence that I liked was: "First it causes more pressure on already poor families, and don't try to tell us, "Its only $20!" Everyone give me 10 dollars, if its nothing" This stood out for me because its absolutely true. Since when did spending our money, especially in a time like this and when the school requires so many other things to be paid, become okay? WE ARE SENIORS. I don't plan on going to any baggy clothing conventions in the future, so I definitely will not be requiring this stupid uniform. There is absolutely NO WAY I would ask my mother to buy me another school uniform when I have a college tuition to worry about.

Your post reminds me of something that happened to me. Once upon a time back to almost four years ago when I went to the open house for East-West, a certain principal told my mother and I that uniforms were not required. You know how kids make a big deal of the first day of high school? My mother and I went out to go school shopping only to find out the first day of school that I had to pay another 17 dollars for some hideous school uniform that would fit a man, not a small girl.

Thanks for your work on this. I look forward to seeing what you create next because I feel you touched on a topic that a lot of people are concerned about.

Hey Harry,

I'm definitely agreeing with you. Although I think the idea of having uniforms is not wrong, shouting, screaming at us and forcing us to take off our own clothes is way over the line. If wearing uniforms is the school rule, why blame on us again while we have our uniforms on but just covered by a sweater that even zipper off? We do fellow the rule, just give us a little space! If we all get sick because our sweaters are taken away, I think the school won't be very pound of their decision.

Rules are made by people, and they should be changed when people meet different situations. If the rules are too strict, the rules should be change or abolished. Otherwise, no one is going to fellow the rules again.

Dear Harry,

I agree  with your idea of "Abolish[ing] School Uniforms!" because I don't think that our school should have uniforms. What makes us different than other that we wear uniforms? How does  it make us separate from the other schools? And the other reason I agree with you is we are wasting money to buy the clothes that we are able to wear in school.

Dear Harry,

I think this is now my favorite post of all the post on Youth Voices. I enjoyed reading your post  "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because it has deep feelings that every kid that wear uniform can relate to. I know I can relate to it. I've been wearing uniforms my whole life, from elementary until I graduate from high school. I am tired of wearing uniforms. People always say  "Well at least you won't have a hard time getting dressed in the morning." What if I do want to have a hard time? I love fashion. I love looking my best at times, but wearing a uniform limits that. I like picking out what I have to wear the night before school.

Like I said in the first paragraph, I think this is the best post I have ever read. every line of this post, I loved, but the line that I love dthe most is the very last line which is: "One more thing, for anyone who says, 'That's life.' That is your life, not mine." I am so using that line. People say, "That's life" the most when people say that's not fair. Now I have a phrase to back me up.

Yo Harry,

I agree with your post because these uniforms are very pointless and its changing who we are I feel. This post is probably the best on here because its a real topic that we have to deal with every day, and it's the most relevant.

One sentence that stands out for me is "First it causes more pressure on already poor families, and don't try to tell us, "its only $20. I think this is smart because most teachers say the same thing, that its only $20 but that's not the point.

Dear Harry,

I agree with your post "Abolish School Uniforms!" because I find it useless to get the kids to wear the uniform to know we are in the EWSIS school. I don't think that wearing uniforms should be that big of a deal is  not like the school people are going to get us when we are outside school, but that of taking the jackets away is stupid because we are wearing the uniform.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is." Then again, the school DOES contain many 18+ students, so that is out of the picture." I think this is true because I am going be 18 in two months, and that in some countries I would be classified as an adult, with complete rights. Still, if not wearing the uniform means staying in school for detention, I'd rather wear that shirt and follow the rules

Another sentence that I liked was: "It's to prepare you for real life." This stood out for me because its how low they have fallen to get us to wear that uniform and that of McDonald's. It's very funny.

Your post reminds me of something that happened to me. One time when I went to detention for being late and almost all of the people that were there were in for not wearing that uniform I found it ironic how even though the kids had the uniform they stupidly didn't wear it. That is just asking for trouble

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because it's somewhat true what you say about the school and its nonsense policies. I find it interesting how they go hard on dumb stuff that doesn't matter too much. It's just school

I agree with you that uniforms should be abolished, but only if people can handle the policy of no uniform. I understand that there is really no need for a uniform, but for some people it is a good thing that there is uniform in the school. I was watching a documentary about school and I saw what a school looked without a uniform. It was not pretty. There are some people who can't handle there being no uniform, and yes we have people like that in our school. I am not trying to be an advocate for uniforms. I am just showing that there is another side to this argument and that it must be addressed. There is never one side of an argument there are always two. I think that there shouldn't be a uniform, but I do really see the benefit of it. There are some people who are poor and can't afford the name brands, and some people in our school would make fun of them for it. So don't just look at one side of this argument.

Wow.  I can honestly say this was an interesting read.

To begin, I would simply like to ask if you have ever been to a public school, or a school without uniforms? If not then I think it would be difficult for you to be able to understand the pros and cons of school uniforms.

Although it may seem you are spending so much money on school uniforms, in reality you are spending hundreds of dollars less than if you went to a school that did not have uniforms. Especially with our uniforms you can buy simple necessities like pants, oxford, sweater and be done with school clothing shopping for the year.  However in schools without uniforms you need to go shopping whenever the season changes to complete your school wardrobe. Not to mention, comparing uniform shops prices with regular clothing store prices, it would seem the uniform suppliers are a lot more friendly to those who are consistently tightening their wallets.

Also uniforms are helpful in serving as a equalizer among students.  Although I would like to write more, class is over so I need to leave now.

Thank you for your post!

Dear Harry,

I agree with your post your, "Abolish School Uniforms!" because I also think uniforms should not be allowed in public school, especially in high school. In uniforms, everyone in school is the same, but when we wear what we normally wear and like to wear, we have different personalities and look different from others.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "Quite frankly I've had enough of uniforms. 'Take the sweater off.' 'Button it up.' Seriously?" I think your are right because i am sick of teachers saying unzip your jackets. I am sick of deans taking your jacket away when it is so cold in the school. I bet no one in school likes uniforms.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because I might agree with something you have to say or I will learn something new.

I agree with you, but only to some extent. Uniforms were a part of this school since the start. If you go to the school directory its says "uniform school." If people do not where it, people will get in trouble and we students will get more lectures, which are pointless.

The thing I am against is school officials telling us to buy sweaters when we are seniors. This is dumb. The school policy last year was in fact better than what is now.

You wrote: "Remember, if it's 90 degrees in the classroom and your poor school can't afford air conditioning. Don't tell us to put our uniforms on. If its 60 degrees, and we are freezing, don't tell us to take the sweaters off." I agree here again because the weather is unpredictable. Are the school officials going to just take away sweaters just like that and let us feel the cold and get sick? Last week, when the sweaters were being taken away, that was way out of line. that was disrespectful to students and their rights.

Now the Question is: What's right? Well students have the right "as determine their own dress within the parameters of the Department of Education policy on school uniforms, except where such dress is dangerous or interferes with the learning and teaching process." This an be found in the Department of Education website. On the day when sweaters were taken or any other day was the school uniform bothering someone's learning? Was it dangerous to someone's heath? Was is such an eye sore that people were hauling crates of sweaters down the hallway, and students were cold and CRYING?

I do not mind the uniforms because it's a school rule. A rule is a rule, but the feedback is so repulsive. For the love that all that is good, the school should stop with the stupid uniform thing, if they can not be changed, JUST MAKE IT BETTER, MORE OPTIONS THAT STUDENTS CAN BE HAPPY WITH.

Dear Harry,

I absolutely loved your post, "Abolish School Uniforms!" because it basically explains how I feel and so much more. I'm stunned that you like to speak up for yourself and your letter showed it.

One sentence that you wrote that stands out for me is: "One more thing, for anyone who says, "That's life," that is YOUR life, not mine." I think this is a great sentence because it proves a short but very clear and understandable point.

Another sentence that I thought popped out was: "Take the sweater off." This stood our for me because they say that in this school all the time. It's ridiculous how they don't understand. A child might have a certain condition or might be sick and when they tell you to take the sweater off, you have no choice? I personally think they need to take a chill pill.

I do agree with you because I feel the same way. Another reason I agree is because teachers and adults of authority shouldn't have a say in what we can and can't wear. For example: Jeans. Seriously? It's not like they're provocative like a low cut shirt. Chill out please.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because this caught my eye!

Dear Harry,

I totally agree with your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because you're absolutely right. Uniforms are just stereotypes. And they're so freaking pricey. An oxford shirt costs 30 bucks. -_-

One sentence that stood out to me was when you said: "I've noticed that all the "specialized" schools in NYC don't have uniforms, while normal schools do." Not many people realize that but it's true. Specialized high schools DON'T have uniforms as opposed to public school like ours. And why? Who knows? So that every one's equal and no one makes fun of any one for wearing these types of clothes or those shoes. Another reason is to identify us. I think they can identify us with our crappy looking pricey shirts. That's it.

Another sentence that stood out to me was: "Why are uniforms still required? First it causes more pressure on already poor families, and don't try to tell us, "It's only $20!" I don't even know how much money I've wasted on school uniforms. They're so pricey and ugly as well. At least lower the price.

Your post reminds me of the everyday life in East-West. As you walk down the hallways you'll hear teachers telling students to take this off, zip this down, fix this and that. It's not even that serious. I understand that the school has a uniform code, but can you be a little more lenient?

Dear Harry,

I agree with your post, "Abolish School Uniforms!" because I don't like uniforms either. I really don't see the point of wearing uniforms. I don't like looking like everyone else.

One sentence that you wrote that stands out for is: "I've noticed that all the specialized schools in NYC don't have to wear uniforms, while normal schools do." I think this is true because there are some specialized high schools that don't wear uniforms. Some teachers tells us that the reason we wear uniforms is that we needed to look professional, but the specialized high schools are better and smarter, and they don't where uniforms.

Another sentence that stood out for me was: "It causes pressure on poor families." This stood out for me because it is true. The uniforms are expensive and the sweaters are even more expensive. Some families can't afford it. Plus they already have enough problems.

I agree with you that uniforms causes conflict between teachers and student. One reason I agree with you is that a lot of students. One reason I agree with you is that a lot of students complain to teachers about wearing the uniforms. Another reason is that some students don't even wear uniforms to school and then they get in trouble by the teachers. Then the students start to complain ti the teachers.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because you made a lot of good points. I also think that your letter might have left the teachers thinking about uniforms.

Dear Harry,

I enjoyed your essay, "ABOLISH School Uniforms!" because it was what I feel also about school uniforms. It is so TRUE. I think in all schools, we should abolish school uniforms.

One sentence your wrote that stands out for me was: "...uniforms reduce welfare of students, labels every student as "too stupid to get into good schools" and "future McDonald's employee..." I think this is a very interesting comment because it really amuses me. And also that is very true, now that I think about it.

Another sentence that I liked was: "The only difference between a teacher and a student is the spelling." This stood out for me because it is a fact. There should be uniform for teachers also...NOT only the students.

I do agree with you that UNIFORMS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED. One reason I say this is uniforms are too expensive. Another reason I agree with you is we aren't able to express our selves as much.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because the way you express your feelings and thoughts makes your essays interesting.

I agree with you Harry because these uniforms are dumb and why should would we be forced to wear something because of the school rules? Our school isn't even private and we have to wear uniforms. It just doesn't make any sense at all. I also feel that when it gets cold and we have to take off our sweaters, that this isn't fair. The heat is never on when it's cold, and the air conditioner is never on when we are hot. Uniforms should be banned and never seen, at least not at our school.

Dear Harry,

I agree your post, "ABOLISH School Uniforms" because I think the school should follow the policy from last year. You can't change the policy like that, and just take our sweaters for no reason.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: " 'Health first?' Not. If looking organized to no one but yourselves is more important than a student's health, might as well change it to "We are adults. You are children." Then again, the school DOES contain many 18+ students, so that is out of the picture." If the teachers take our sweaters and make us sick, then what will the school? I am a student over 18, and I think that it is not and adults and children problem. It is a student and school problem. We have different ways for this thing.

I think this is bad because the school didn't listen to what the students were saying and change the school policy. It will make most of the students hate the school, because the students' opinions are  important for the school. If we have a good rank for graduation, then the school will have more students come to our school. This is the first year for 12th grade.

Another sentence that I disagreed was: "So, uniforms reduce welfare of students, labels every student as 'too stupid to get into good schools' and 'future McDonald employee.' " This stood out for me because there are some big companies that still require employees to wear uniforms. I think that uniforms are not bad. What was bad was for the school to just change the policy with no reason.

Your post reminds me of something that happened to me. I have been wearing uniforms for more that 14 years already. When I came here, I thought I wouldn't wear a uniform again, but I was unlucky. I think the style if the uniform is bad. It makes all of us not want to wear the uniform.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because you ideas is good for us to discuss.

Harry, it's Corey again. Before I said that I agree with your post (of course), but I didn't give reasons because the period was over. I agree with this post because since 9th grade we, the students, have asked teachers why do we have to wear uniforms? They would give us answers like "I don't know. Ask Mr.Sherman." Or "It's the school policy." They never gave real reasons. Teachers try to make it seem like they fought to get us to stop wearing the uniform, when in all actuality they didn't care at all. I want to see every single teacher in the building wearing the uniform every day, all day, faithfully. Not a suit and tie, the EWSIS uniform, no sweaters, no nothing.

This is a great post discussion. Even though nothing will change, this was good for us to all talk and comment.

Omg! I totally agree. Like with "teachers should wear uniforms too if that's the case." I've been wearing uniform ALL my life except for pre-K and now I'm in 7th grade. This is not right! We should wear what we feel comfortable in. Also we can't even wear our own sweaters. Like seriously? It's getting very much annoying. I don't even understand why some schools have uniforms. Okay here's what I've heard from my previous teachers:

If you get lost in a trip we can find you. [We are not little kids anymore. We know how to not wonder off.]

People outside of school are going to respect you more. [No they won't. They don't even know us.]

You look better in a uniform [NO ONE LOOKS BETTER IN A UNIFORM!]

No one will be fighting about who is wearing better clothes or not. [Who cares what people wear; mind your own business.]

And so much more. I'm just getting sick and tired of our uniform also. Well I love your post. It made me think and everything. I love the examples and everything. Good Job :)

Dear Harry,

I don't feel that it is that much of an issue. I understand your diatribe. I totally get what your talking about, but if people or you are going to let clothes or fabric ruin your so-called "self image" that you think you've worked so hard to build, then you have the problem.

Clothes don't make the person. It's the mind and how you think. If I was witty enough, I would walk around naked and that would define who I am. I am fed up of all this high school, teenage amalgam involving low self-esteem and such. If you want to create yourself, you do that. If you don't want to, don't.

High school is nothing compared to real life. There is no need to even try to do what everybody else is doing. I have a lot of good points that I would like to express, just like you, but within this place, there is not really much of an ear. We sit here and we waste all this time putting up these little fits like this one and it gets us nowhere. Yeah maybe a little attention comes your way, but it goes quickly, as you've noticed.

This little post also has not brought us any changes in the uniform policy. As a matter of fact, this post didn't fulfill its sole purpose, which was to stop uniform wearing. I'm guessing that since we are kids, people see our mouths as small and insignificant. When we "grow up",then our mouths, all of a sudden, are huge beyond reason. It is great that you put this up, but all you basically did was yell at the computer and people out there with earmuffs on. It's sad but true.

I strongly agree with your argument. But there all students who actually like uniforms but most of them I think will probably vote for regular clothing. Anyway, in my elementary school you had a choice either or not you could wear uniform. Which is fair, the ones who would like to could and the ones who did not like it wouldn't. My school does not have that rule sadly, but I have had a couple of ideas that maybe you can share in your school.

1. The school could have one or two days of the week where they can show off their new clothes and styles.
2. Once a month you can have a fashion walk for all genders in the lunchroom or auditorium, it will be a great activity for the school and a great way for kids to end the day.
3. There is always extra uniform in the nurse's office or the office. If the school thinks you are dressing really against school dress code then you must change into clothes that are in the office. 

Share these ideas with your school and maybe you will have more luck than the girls in mine. Also thank you for taking something that everybody complains about but never really does anything so thank you.

I strongly agree. In my school we have uniforms too and id cards. I feel its no use to wear our id cards.Like our sisters are going to put our uniform on and try to be us. it's either uniform or i.d.i perfer i.d. We need too know the real reason why we need to wear uniforms. We need frredom, uniforms doesn't do any thing for us. Didn't teachers and other people try to be your selfs, express your selfs. How can we do that if we have uniforms. Many people only or mostly express themselves by clothes,But NO! We have to wear uniforms.

You are totally right.  I just wrote a new What's Up about school uniforms. Maybe you can check it out?  I totally hate school uniforms. I think that they are itchy and boring.

I totally agree. I mean I hate wearing school uniforms because when I wear it I feel fat. I also don't feel like myself because I can't wear what I like to wear. When I am wearing my own clothes, I feel more like myself and I feel happier. And what's bad about wearing school uniforms is that the name of the school that you go to is on it, and people can see that and can hunt you down or kidnap you because they know what school you go to and that's dangerous. 

I feel the same way you do. I think uniforms aren't necessary. I think people do that just to let other people know about their school so the adults make their children go to that school and the school and district get more money from trips and school activities.

Dear Harry:

          I really liked your post "ABOLISH school uniforms!" because I agreed with it alot.  THe uniform codes are getting a bit out of control, and in this economic crisis, not everyone can afford to buy new expensive uniforms,

          One sentence you wrote that stood out for me was "Secondly, individualization is destroyed."  I agree with this alot because teacheres surpressing individuality in students are just wrong, and it makes us lose a sense of originality that we should be able to express as young adults.

         Another sentence I agreed with was: "If its 60 degrees, and we a re freezing, dont tell us to take the sweaters off."  This stood out to me because it is something everybody has been agreeing on, yet the school has not fixed the problem. 

        Your post reminds me of every time a staff member in our school complined about my uniform, or the way I dressed.  It frustrates me because I follow the code of solid colors only, and I wear the uniform shirt everyday, and they still complain because of the way I try to express myself. 

I admire your Abolish School Uniforms article, because you are actually speaking for other students in the school. In your article there are many parts that stands out to me. It makes me think "That's right!" I'm tired of hearing "take the sweater off." and "Button it up" type of sayings a well. I don't see the reason why can't we wear a sweater or a jacket when we feel cold. It wasn't a school rule during my freshman year. Every year the uniform policy changes.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me:"It's only $20! Everyone give me 10 dollars, if is nothing." This kind of shocked me in a way, and I can't agree more. The school makes it sound like it's nothing, bu they need to know we only wears our uniforms during school. Other days we were regular days.

Why do we need to buy new uniforms every school year the old ones are still good to wear. The policy keeps on changing, we need to keep spending money on these clothes. If they really want to make this rule work, but not publish a private school.

Dear Hkong:

 

Im in love with your post, on"Abolish Uniform," because I am that type of person that likes to be my own being subject to wear a certain color or suit every single day just rubs me the wrong way. I agree with you a 100% on Abolishing Uniforms we are all unique individuals and should wear what we want when we want but in an appropiate way.
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "We must follow your stupid school rules just so the school rating goes up?" I think this is so true and unbelievable ridicolous because at the same time we the students do make the school what it is based on academics and principal, uniform is not included in this order once there's principal and order in a school everything should go smoothly uniform is not a form of disapline all it does is cause the students to rebel against it. 
Another sentence that I found interesting was: "If looking organized to no one but yourselves is more important than a student's health, you might as well change it to, "We are adults. You are children." I got a laughter out of this one.This stood out for me because adults or the staff is always trying to dont talk and give authorization to us students who only look to them for guidance and help. Instead of being some what of a friend to us they belittle us and take who we our and what we do for granted, not all but some. Some school rewards for good and others care more about thier school physical apperance than the students that attend thier. Some schools just desserve to be shut down because thier interest is never in the students.

 

Thanks for your work on this. I look forward to seeing what you create next, because I feel we share the same thoughts and ideas on the Board of Education based upon mandatory uniforms and the school worrying about thier ratings going up. You know what they say great minds think alike . Goodbye until next time Hkong.

 

                                                          
                                                                                                  Your Friend,                                                                                                        LatanaEBCHS

 

WELL, I HATE UNIFORMS BECAUSE OF THE COLORS. THEY ARE SO DULL AND DONT REPRESENT OUR BRIGHT SCHOOL AND i AM ASTHMETIC WHICH MEANS WHEN ITS VERY WARM i CAN'T BREATH AND i STILL HAVE TO BE TOLD TO TAKE MY SWEATER OFF!! I TOTALLY AGREE!!

THANK YOU, WHOEVER YOU ARE, YOU ARE MY NEW GOD(ALTHOUGH I AM ATHEIST).

I H8 UNIFORMS!!!!!!!!! THE FIRST TIME I SAW UNIFORMS I THREW A CHICKEN WING AT IT. I CRIED WHEN I WAS FIVE ABOUT THEM!!!!!!!!!! WAAAAA [lol] I WATE UNIFORMS!!!!!!!!!!! xD

Abolish School Uniforms~! three simple words

Valerie

Agreeing with hkong for some incredible points. I apppriciate the evidence you put out. I like how you mentioned that the low-end jobs have uniform and put that image on us. BUT, dont you think that it would be much easier if we were to wake up and just put on clothes that are already decided for you? I mean it sometimes takes hours to just pick in outfit, ITS NOT ONLY GIRLS!!! Anybody.

Ok. Uniforms are the worst thing ever. They make u look fat and their so itchy!!!! And u can't express yourself because u can't wear what u want 2 wear. People don't really know how u act or what u like 2 wear because your forsed 2 wear clothing that u hate. I think every school should let u wear what u want to wear. Then people would act more like themselves.

Harry I know I posted before on this topic, but since I agree so much im just going to post again. I hate wearing school uniform it sucks so much. Ive been wearing it since the 9th grade. but umm bbl il post back at another time with a continuation.

That is so true. Uniforms suck! We do have our own clothes and I don't think it's fair that we have to wear uniforms. I hope they change that rule soon.

yeah i agree with you they should let kids and teens wear what they want cause what if its like my school and the uniforms are like 40$ 4 a single shirt it makes sense not to do that cause what if someone passes out from the cold because the school has like no heat half of the time so they will either get sick or like go crazy I TOTALLY AGREE WIT YOU

haha that was quite a fun diatribe, You are of course correct in saying, "If it's 90 degrees in the classroom and your poor school can't afford air conditioning" that uniforms can be rather irksome, in my school we weren't allowed to role our sleeves up on a hot day, their argument being that, "why don't you just but short sleeve shirts" which is frankly ridiculous, what if we can't afford it?

But I would say something about you saying that school unifroms abolish identity, which i don't think is really true, Because  your clothes are anot all that defines you and if it that is pitiful, any person character should be able to shine through whatever kind of clothees they're wearing.

Secondly, and please don't think this in contrast to the point i made in my second paragraph, but often uniforms are the less expensive choice, if you're poor and you only say have 2 or 3 seperate outfits wouldn't it be demeaning to have to wear them to school for a year, so now your child is embarassed, and you have to purchase new clothes, but if its just one school uniform that is all you need to have, one set of everything and washing machine to wash them, day by day.

I was very interested by your post about school uniforms because I am a teacher at a private Catholic high school which requires school uniforms that students frequently complain about.

Something you wrote that interested me: "We are stupid, so we must wear uniforms. Is that right? We are not smart enough to wear our own clothes? We must follow your stupid school rules just so the school rating goes up?" I think this is a common response because most students are not explicity told the real reasons for the uniform requirement. You may not believe it, but schools implement uniform policies for reasons that are perfectly logical!

I don't completely agree with you that your teachers and administrators assume their students are "stupid," and this is why they must "wear uniforms." What does intelligence have to do with "wearing one's own clothes"? School uniforms do not mark you as "stupid"; rather, they mark you as a proud scholar of the institution you are attending. They help distinguish the learning environment as one of respect and dignity.

Most of my students find relief in the fact they do not need to "plan" out their school outfits everyday or spend more money on clothes just to impress their peers.

Thank you for your thoughtful and provoking post.

 

I agree with you totaly. I love the idea that you are independent. but the thing about wearing non uniform clothes is that people are very judgemental about what others wear and being one of the people that has never really fit in as much as the other people, i dont really like the fact of people being picked on. by the way, u are a really good blogger. :o)

i wuz here <3

OMG SO TRUE! ITS ABOUT TIME SOME1 STANDS UP 4 EVERY1 OF US WITH THESE USELESS UNIFORMS..IM SHOWING UR ENTRY 2 MII TEACHERS AND C WHAT THEY SAY ..THANX FOR EXPLAING IT ALL IN AN AWSOME SHORT PARAGRAPH....BTW I TOTALLY AGREE WITH U!

At my school, it can get cold during the winter time. Kids wear sweaters that aren't school uniform sweaters. The teachers tell them to take it off, which makes no sense. So what if it's cold out? Are you going to let kids be cold? Some teachers go as far as taking the sweater if they see it.

 i totally aggree w/ all of u guys, about all the uniform arguments. and all the facts u wrote. so true...

 i way agre with u and at the same time disagree with well first i wear my normal clothes under my uniform to take of the uniform when school finish and wear my own clothes and i disagree with u because the only reason they want us to wear uniform is to not make fun of the others kids clothing and beleave me it happens alot

Dude you are so right school uniforms are wrong people should be able to show there idividuality freely.

I've never really thought of it to such an extreme, but after reading your article I agree!

I HATE school uniforms. There anoying, ugly, baggy and so not comfortable!!!!

i actually agree because its a waste of money

 I agr33 wiFF  yu we shOUlDn't w3ar uNifOrMs B?c den We Cant exPress Our selves and expressing YOur self is wat make yu.. yu .