Why We Need To Talk About School Dress Codes
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why We Need To Talk About School Dress Codes

We all hate them. It's time to get to the bottom of this.

113
Why We Need To Talk About School Dress Codes
YouTube

Reader Dear,

I know. Everyone dreads them. Girls because they can't show their shoulders and how anti-feminist that is. Boys because they imply that they're pigs. Teachers and principals because they make them feel uncomfortable (especially the male ones).

But this is all old news. You're probably wondering what I've got my panties in a wad about.

The fact that the issue has been so blown out of proportion suggests that there's some underlying, root problem to the debate about school dress codes. Whether it be the more extreme implication that young men can't control themselves at the sight of a bare shoulder and may be driven to sexually assault a young woman or the more innocuous assumption that such dress can be distracting to boys in the classroom, the issue calls for some deep examination and knowledge of human sexuality. Which is something I believe most schools -- and people in general -- lack.

One day I asked a more conservative friend of mine about his opinion on those pesky dress codes. Now, before you start drawing lines in the sand, reader dear, pay close attention to the nature of his explanation: the way he described the dilemma of a male's in-school-spaghetti-strap experience was more or less comparable to a girl having a hot steaming piece of chocolate cake plopped on her desk in the middle of her menstrual period. The sight...the smell...the taste...as you imagine this, ladies, you are more likely than not thinking, "How on God's green earth am I supposed to take an exam with this sitting in front of me?"

Reader dear, I hope you have realized that this is no fire-and-brimstone, listen-to-your-Bible admonition against sporting your favorite summer garb in September, but cold hard biology. Turns out, in the words of psychologist Leon F Seltzer, "men's brains are designed to objectify females" and "exposure to such erotic stimuli immediately activates the parts of their brain related to getting an erection." Indeed, men's bodies are hardwired to register visual cues in a way that goes straight to in-between-their-legs, which women should realize not only can put men in an embarrassing social situation but also causes them to experience a racing heart and inability to concentrate, as per my friend.

Ladies (or gents), I understand if you're a die-hard feminist who would love to flaunt her stuff in the halls, or on campus. But this issue is about more than just sociocultural values and women's oppression. This is about biology, and creating a respectful and accommodating environment for everyone. Where there is concern for men's self-control, I see a call to mothers and sisters to teach our sons and brothers about how to treat -- and think of -- women. Where there is concern for women's oppression, I see a call to teach girls that there are more ways to express their blooming sexuality than letting it all hang out, especially in an academic setting. And above all, I see a call for better sex ed in our schools.

I love to wear me the occasional cut-off top. But honestly, I almost never wear one to class. Yep, even in college. It's out of respect for my instructors and colleagues, and has nothing to do with my stance on feminism (which is a fairly strong green light). I'd love it if you were to take this article as a green light to start a conversation. Together we can calm down an overly-heated debate and make schools a smarter and safer place.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50574
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32332
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955619
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180701
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments