School Uniforms
...order and learning," President William Jefferson Clinton stated, "I believe we should give strong support to school districts that decide to require young students to wear school uniforms." He cited several incidents where student's desire for another's fashionable attire has led to extreme forms of violence (Clinton 1996). This exemplifies one of the many implications of a necessity for school uniforms. Many advocates claim that school uniforms curb violence, limit the potential for gang members to wear representative colors, deter theft, and install students with stronger work ethic and school pride, among many other things. Critics, however, argue that school uniforms violate Americans First Amendment right to Freedom of Expression and do nothing to curve violence, theft, or promote school safety (Paliokas and Rist 1996). Furthermore, critics argue school uniforms have no influence on ones academic achievement, behavior, or attitude towards school (Brunsma 2001a). While the arguments for each position are varied and numerous, there are more practical, historical, and unbiased ways to approach school uniforms and their impact on academic achievement.
Fashion and Where We Get It
Most people believe fassion is a concept belonging to the 20th and 21st century; however, many Roman historians note the stress placed on ones clothing and appearance. Many historians describe in detail the different Indian and Chinese- imported linens, silks, and dyes and how each represent different families, social classes, and even occupations. This creative multi- faceted representation, which has transcended sex, centuries, and cultures, has grown to include religious, traditional, occupational, and symbolical representations. Still today, fashion designer contribute in this cyclical process by looking to the designs of clothing from centuries ago and recreate concepts, styles,...
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