Public schools need uniforms

Those who agree with me will have to agree with this too: Suggestive clothes, very tight clothes revealing midriff, short skirts showing too much leg and gang colors look equally inappropriate at a school campus. School is for learning and too often clothes get in the way of that goal. That is why uniforms should be adopted for all students from kindergarten to high school.

People are divided when it comes to introducing uniforms and dress codes at schools. It's not such a complicated issue, after all. There are compelling reasons to introduce uniforms at schools and the argument that it curbs self expression is a myth. There are so many avenues available for students for self expression and creativity. They could write articles, join debate clubs and indulge in any form of art that interests them. Let us not forget that sending children to school has one purpose, learning - a word with vast meaning that is prone to multiple interpretations.

If dress sends a message about attitudes, then what kind of message should students be sending? That they belong to a certain gang; that they are interested in drawing attention or to stoke some kind rivalry at a place meant for learning?

There is no disagreement that the majority of the students dress appropriately and know why they are at school. While we admire the sincerity of this majority, dress code is essential for the small group of students who sometime stray out of sheer ignorance. Wearing uniforms may bring all-round success at schools. I know I am a responsible driver; I know the majority of the people out there on the road are responsible, but still we need red lights and the California Highway Patrol for that small group of people who may cause trouble.

I did not like uniforms when I went to school but there was no choice. However, over a period of time, I began to look at myself differently. When I wore those clothes it reminded me of a certain purpose. It instilled in me a sense of discipline that I still carry with me. More than anything, we constantly reminded the community that we had a sense of purpose. At school, it ironed out the differences between students.

There are different ways for schools to achieve a well-defined and widely acceptable dress code. The first task is to convince parents and involve parents who see the positive sides of uniforms in spreading the message. School authorities should educate students by giving concrete proof of the benefits of dress code.

Youth will listen to the voice of reason. Every grown person carries nostalgia about school life. When the San Mateo High School building faced demolition, we saw hoards of its alumni pleading to save their alma mater. Why? Not just because they had a wonderful time, but because what it had given them; because it laid the foundation on which they had built their lives and careers.

The teens at schools are not rebels without a cause, they rebel because they do not have a direction and sense of purpose. It is the collective responsibility of the community to assure them that they are being given the tools and wares to build their lives the way they want; they need to be made aware that school uniform is part of this package.

Dress codes are part of a larger order; a social discipline and sends a powerful visual message. It is not a plot to quell the fundamental rights of students. It is an effort to make them stand out and thrive upon their own strengths. Students need not fear losing their creativity or freedom to express themselves.

Ram Venkatraman's column appears every Friday.

He can be contacted at ram@smdailyjournal.com.