As the summer months approach, the temperature is rising. Clearly. So why is it a shock that women are wearing shorts and tank tops? School dress codes are a huge issue. Some schools are worse than others, yet I've never come across anyone who hasn't, in one way or another, been affected by their school’s dress code. It's no myth that young and teenage girls are constantly objectified- so why aren't we doing more to change that?
Most schools don't have air conditioning and don't allow their teachers to bring them in. The mornings are often bearable but as the day progresses, it can easily become scalding hot in our classrooms. In turn, we are wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts to, at any cost, stay cool. And we’re paying for it.
Getting dress coded directly impacts young women. Not only is it embarrassing and shameful to be called into the office and reprimanded for your clothing choices, but it takes us out of our classes and makes us miss educational opportunities. Many times, we are given the choice to change, go to in-chool suspension, or leave for the day. Our education is being sabotaged by our schools because of our “inappropriate” clothing choices and it isn't right.
But what actually makes these clothing choices inappropriate? In most cases it has to do with our basic human anatomy. Apparently, our shoulders, legs, back, and chests are majorly inappropriate. We are taught that we need to cover up from a young age. Our anatomy is offensive and we must appease those around us. Yet, I'm failing to see why a shoulder or a leg is distracting my peers. I'm curious as to why my body makes my teachers feel uncomfortable. Maybe I'm missing something- or perhaps I'm not and, shocker, there's something wrong with the society that we live in.
Obviously, some clothing choices can be inappropriate. There are certain lines that shouldn't be crossed! But most of these lines aren't even at an arm's length when we are referring to dress codes. Most dress codes are genuinely absurd. They are meant specifically to shame young women into “modesty.” And if these codes were enforced to male students as well, perhaps it wouldn't be this way. But as of right now, all we are being shown is that it's okay to objectify women and use your own perverse ideals to shame women. There is not and never will be a reason that my shoulder, leg, or back should be a distraction. And it certainly should never make my male authority figures uncomfortable.
My basic human anatomy should not make you so uncomfortable that I have a heat stroke. It's hot out. Let me wear my shorts in peace or just look away.
