I was just reading Byron's school thread and I was wondering..the majority of schools here in the U.K the kids wear a school uniform. However, as far as I know and correct me if I'm wrong, in the States they dont. Do you think wearing a Uniform is important, or doesn't matter?



Does it help in terms of promoting a sense of identity or belonging, or do you think it's better for the child to not wear a uniform?

Your views!!!
[Edited 1/27/05 2:45am]

Hmm...
I'm not sure what I think about it.
For one, some kids can't afford to buy uniforms. Also some people look very bad in uniforms.
But, then again, it eliminates some of the bad signs of class. Everybody looks the same, nobody looks richer or poorer according to their clothes.
Also it makes sure nobody comes to school with nasty looking tasteless clothes.

Usually, its only private schools that require uniforms, and even that is waning.

Heavenly said:

I thinks so too. Uniforms can be expensive initially but not wearing one can be even more so. I didn't mind wearing it in fact at least I didn't have to decide every morning what I was going to wear for that day and if it was cool etc.

we used to have a day in school now and again when we were able to come in with no uniform...everyone was at pains as to what they were going to wear

Tom said:

Are you for or against uniforms Tom?

I know here in Victoria most private schools have a uniform and state schools are also adopting them... Personally I think they are a great idea- yes they are expensive initially however civies in the long run cost parents alot more. From the teenagers that I know there is a certain image they have to adhere to within their social group - and damn those clothes can cost a fortune.

All schools in Philadelphia have moved to uniforms within the last couple of years. Originally, only Catholic schools required uniforms. I personally think that's for the better. Everyone knows kids get teased if their parents can not afford the latest designer clothes and shoes, which can be hard emotionally. Uniforms at the very least elimate that somewhat.

1sexymf said:

A lot of schools here in Detroit are doing it too.

Uniform exist to keep everybody at the same level.So, if your the poor kid, parents need'nt worry about having to kit you out in the newest gear every day. Hopefully, the child will not get picked on either (although this still happens).

Lleena said:

Hmmm...post a pic of you in a school uniform and I'll be better able to offer an opinion.

I wore a uniform first through eight grade. Brown courderoy pants and a white polo shirt. We also had green sweaters - gross.

I would've had a FIT had anyone tried to make me wear a uniform through any of my teen years. Fashion can be a quite creative form of self expression. I was able set myself apart from the masses or just blend into the scenery depending on my whim. Still do.

I wore a uniform in grammer school and in high school... the uniform was more relaxed in High School.. I wish i had kept it.. From what i understand, its a turn on for men.. the whole short skirt and knee socks and collared shirt thing..

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[Edited 1/27/05 11:59am]

BabyCakes said:

See, I'd have never worn one then. But I would now. I actually have a bit of a collection of plaid and/or pleated skirts.

Lleena said:

some schools in the US do require uniforms.


i see both sides; uniforms are good because they reduce competition in the 'looks' department among teens, at a time when meqningless criteria of this type can make or break a child's social standing.
uniforms are bad because they stifle independent self-expression

Lleena said:

There are plenty of private schools here (I think you call them "public" schools ) where the students wear uniforms.

Uniforms are especially important on female students for, without them, what would wives and girlfriends wear in the bedroom when they want to fulfill their significant others' pedophilic fantasies?

Lleena said:

I had to wear chocolate brown polysester pants and canary yellow knit tops as my uniform for 9 years of Catholic school. Butt-ugly doesn't even begin to describe what we had to wear...

I suppose they're practical and cost-effective, but they also generate alot of resentment from the students...

In elementary and junior high school uniforms are probably a good thing. The kids don't have an "identity" yet. If they do, it's almost always a phase, and we don't need 5 year old Britney Spears and Good Charlotte worshippers dressing like their idols to learn their ABCs. And at that age is when most teasing takes place.
But not in high school. I've been piercing, shaving, spiking, dying and wearing chains and spiked collars since ninth grade. I found people who were "like me" to hang out with almost immediately (material self expression, however shallow it seems, is very helpful). Also, high school is filled with two things: fashion whores with designer clothes and the punks, Goths, and various nonconformists. Neither one would be caught dead in a uniform on.

CarrieMpls said:

Carrie in school uniform.

JDINTERACTIVE said:

We all wear a uniform at school here in Australia. If you work out the costs, getting a uniform each year is cheaper than buy a different set of clothes to wear each day.

On the one hand you don't have to worry about gangs as much or the clothing peer pressure obviously.

Still seems like you're losing a sense of self and expression, but I never had to deal with the uniform thing.

CarrieMpls said:

Why is your phone switched off?

JDINTERACTIVE said:

Cause I'm at work, silly.

CarrieMpls said:

oh.

2the9s said:

Good idea!!



When I first opened this thread I was hoping for so much more....

bkw said:

You wanna see me in a uniform?

althom said:

I've already seen those wanted photos on the news.

bkw said: