This is my argumentative essay on Dress codes! Enjoy! :) February 23, 2024 Should Dress codes be implemented and enforced by schools? Do you think that dress codes are repressing, or that they enforce decency? Dress codes should not be implemented and enforced by schools because they are sexist, racist, and bolster religious intolerances. Dress codes reinforce racist standards of beauty and dress. As the National Women’s Law states; ‘Black girls face unique dress and hair code burdens…some schools ban styles associated with black girls and and women, like hair wraps. Black girls also face adults’ stereotyped perceptions that they are more sexually provocative because of their race, and thus more deserving of a punishment for a low-cut shirt of short skirt.’ And ‘“Targeting styles of clothing that are mostly associated with a particular minority group is discriminatory. When styles such as ‘sagging pants’ are the issue, we are putting a burden predominately on black males,” says Marci Kutzer.’ [nea.org] Even though the Equal rights movement is still active and strong today, people of color still face many injustices, such as the adults’ stereotypical perceptions on black girls. Thus, dress codes reinforce racist standards of beauty and dress. Dress codes are sexist, with most of the code based on girls. The National Women’s Law says; ‘The average [school] dress code includes more rules for how girls should dress than how boys should dress.’ And that ‘Girls in school are frequently dress coded for ‘too short’ shorts and skirts, ‘too thin’ tank top straps, leggings, and other articles of clothing that might be a ‘distraction to boys.’ [nea.org] The fact that schools are forcing unfair dress codes upon girls because it is a ‘distraction to boys’ is disgusting. They’re assuming that girls are sex objects that need to be covered up, and furthermore assuming that boys will not be able to control themselves around girls. And so, dress codes enforce sexist standards of beauty and dress. While some may argue that dress codes enforce decorum and a serious, professional atmosphere that is conductive to success. How ever, dress codes bolster religious and cultural intolerances. As the National Women’s Law claims, ‘A five-year-old Native American Texas boy was sent home for a dress code violation because he wore his hair in a long braid according to tribal religious code, which states that hair must not be cut except when in mourning.’ [nea.org] Only in 2019 did congress change the 1837 rule that banned headwear of any sort, year there is still so much religious intolerance in schools still. In conclusion, dress codes bolster religious intolerances. Dress codes should not be implemented and enforced by schools because they are sexist, racist, and bolster religious intolerances. If you want a better today, tomorrow, and future for everyone, then there should not be dress codes. To sum up, dress codes are prejudiced and should be stopped. Sources: https://www.procon.org/headlines/dress-codes-top-3-pros-and-cons/ https://nwlc.org/issue/education-title-ix/
