“Express yourself.” “Never let anyone dim your light.” “Everyone is unique.”
Phrases we’ve all heard and yet, and still, during our 13 years of school and education and then, in some situations, work, there’s always an argument to whether or not wear uniform.
Whilst some argue it takes away our sense of freedom and the ability to express our true selves, others believe that uniforms allow the sense of equality as everyone is wearing the same/similar clothes and therefore, are all judged on the basis of their personality and not what they’re wearing. However, as some may say that instead of being judged based on our outfits, but rather our races and, unlike clothes, one cannot remove their race and ethnicity. Whilst “we believe and say we live in a “free”, “equal” and “non-discriminating” world. Yet the prejudices against the races will never go away.” A pessimistic but realistic view from a student of just the age of 15, “changing our clothes isn’t going to do anything to our skin colour. It’s not going to do anything to how we look. You can’t expect equality just by changing someone’s clothes, you need to change society’s mindset and views for that, not clothes.”
Whereas, another student had been quick to reply to the above statement, “but you can’t attack society’s views, the entire idea of uniform is to form a sense of equality in the sense that everyone is part of a group. Everyone wearing that outfit or following the same dress code, whatever it is. It shows that, everyone is together, it gives off the sense of unity. Like, yes, I work with you. I accept you, therefore I work aside you. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender and age. It’s the same. I understand that there’s no real equality in society, but that’s looking at the bigger picture, not looking at the actual reason uniforms are used. I agree with the fact that your race, religion, age, gender, could affect how people perceive you, but I think the fact that you’re wearing the same clothes, it takes away that sense of, ‘oh look at how ugly their clothes are.’ ‘Look at how cheap their clothes are.’ You can’t disrespect or insult someone’s financial situation or even insult their fashion style because, look, they’re wearing the same thing.”
Like these students had laid out their arguments, one can argue that, whilst it may be a hassle to buy and wear these outfits, we may be decreasing the chances of someone being stigmatised. Though some may still be discriminated against for various other reasons, the prejudices against someones personal preferences or financial situations are effectually hidden and aren’t noticeable if the dress code is correctly adhered to. As well as this, creating an effective subculture in which everyone is treated and wearing the same.
However, others can argue that there’s no excuse for trying to control and hide our unique qualities. If we are materialistically deprived or have ‘bad’ fashion senses. So be it. These things make us all unique and instead of being criticised or self-conscious about these things, one should embrace their differences and go about their life. The subcultures created at work or school should reflect real society. Where no one is the same and this should be reflected everywhere we go.
Overall, the debate over whether or not uniform is needed or not is long and one shouldn’t think that this debate would end as there are so many reasons to why we should and shouldn’t wear uniforms. However, we must all take into consideration, do you really have enough variations of clothing that would last you for however long you need to go without a uniform. How long would it take you to choose an outfit every day? And would the outfit be practical? Like a uniform is made to suit your situation from a day to day basis.
Saima Ali
The Sydney Russell School
