Game of Words: View vs. Counter View 2.0

“School uniforms must be mandatory”

VIEW
School uniforms must be made mandatory for students.
As the word says, they create uniformity and a sense of equality. Uniforms eradicate peer pressure to wear the latest, expensive gear. Therefore, the students will not be bullied and judged based on their appearance.
When there is a uniform in place, students will not waste time in the morning deciding what to wear. Most students tend to spend a lot of time determining what wear so that they look ‘nice’. This should not be the mentality. A student’s primarily focus should be on their studies rather than their clothes.
By dressing everyone the same, the focus is shifted away from appearance and back to their academics.
Schools defend compulsory uniforms on the grounds that they improve behaviour, build spirit, develop a student’s sense of belonging and define the school’s identity in the community.
Maintaining control and dignity in school is essential. The character and mentality of the student is formed during this period which makes it extremely important to keep them under a watchful eye. When in uniforms, students get a feeling of being under a strict provision which in turn makes them pay attention to their studies, do their homework regularly and build better friendships.
There is no break from the casual clothes battle during the summer holidays, so the students are relieved of not having to lay out a predetermined outfit every day when they return to school. Therefore, the main worry of the student can be focused on his/her educational achievements, rather than what to wear or how to look.

Impana Rajeev

18SJCCB244

COUNTER-VIEW
School uniforms should not be made mandatory for students. The reasons behind making uniforms mandatory in schools is for safety, recognition and standardization. However, there is no positive correlation between wearing uniforms and academic achievement.
In place of uniforms, a dress code can be set to give the students the freedom of choice and a sense of responsibility. When a person is comfortable in what they wear, their confidence level automatically increases. This results in a corresponding rise in their performance levels.
Uniforms can have a negative effect on a student’s self-image. They fit the students differently, thereby affecting those who are not too confident about their body structures, leading to a dip in their self-esteem levels.
Instead of making ’what the students wear’ a topic of discussion, the focus must be on respecting everyone's expressions whether it is their opinion or their style. Uniforms promote conformity not individuality.
Many a time, students are not in the financial position to afford uniforms. When uniforms are not compulsory, the burden is lifted and they can choose to invest that same money in other areas of concern.
It brings down the creativity, responsibility and freedom of the students. It increases pressure on financially dependent students and reduces the importance of actual understanding. In conclusion, clothes should not define your personality and hence, uniforms must not be mandatory.

Aarushi Asrani (18SJCCB230)