One of the most controversial and relevant topics in high school is dress code. The central argument of the issue is how dress code sexualizes one’s body, as it deems bare shoulders or exposed knees as ‘distracting’ or ‘inappropriate’. Before making a conclusion about dress code, however, consider this statement: “Don’t attack the idea, dismantle the ideology.”
Some schools, including Suburban, have a dress code to establish professionalism and what they define as self-respect. In other words, it’s there for the benefit of the students. According to Dr. Fuhrman, Vice Principal at YSHS, “How you dress is a reflection of your communication.”
In Suburban specifically, a dress code is enforced in order to prepare its students for a professional career — teachers are simply thinking about what is in their students’ best interest.
Whether a positive or negative thing, first impressions rely heavily on appearance. In Suburban, students are reared for success, and every aspect of their behaviors and appearance are trimmed to set them for it.
It is not the practice of dress code that should be criticized, but rather the reason behind it. Within the context of modern society, dress codes are needed; but if body sexualization were to be eliminated, then and only then would dress codes be unnecessary. Dress codes are not the problem; body sexualization is.
Body sexualization is a problem that needs to be tackled from the very bottom. As with any issue that involves personal opinion and even religion, there’s no way to eliminate it without someone being offended or unhappy. It’s also very difficult to unteach something that’s been taught for centuries; nevertheless, it needs to be done.
Many body rights activists contribute body sexualization to things like music and other media. Just search the lyrics to Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” and it’s plain to see how bodies are being sexualized, shamed, and objectified.
While the media continues to put this negative image on bodies, schools are working to protect individuals from the negative attention people might get from that image. Although dress codes are not to many students’ liking, it’s obvious that schools are simply trying to protect their students as well as prepare them for a professional world, where unfortunately, one’s attire can make or break his or her success.
Many girls are tired of being told their bodies are offensive. By: Desiree Jones