It was interesting to read Edward Morris’ “Tuck in that Shirt!” for two reasons. One, it definitely took findings Karin Martin in “Gendered Bodies” to a different by adding in the elements of race and class to the equation. Secondly, the article reminded me of my high school experiences.
Just reading the title of this article made me cringe and think back to hearing my high school’s administrators yell that to me and my classmates. Our uniform policy was similar to the one at Matthews Middle School. We had to wear a blue polo (with the school’s logo on it), khaki/tan pants, a black or brown belt, and black or brown shoes (casual or dress shoes preferred). I forgot this most important part: the blue polo had to be tucked in at all times, no exceptions! If you were caught with any other variation of the uniform, you could expect to be in detention after school.
When the student body tried to challenge the uniform policy, we were told the exact same thing that the students at Matthews Middle School were told. My favorite explanation: “the uniform is preparing you to enter the professional world.” I always thought that this was a bit much but reading Morris’ article made me think about this in a different context. Considering that my school was located in a lower working class neighborhood on the southside of Chicago and that the school was predominately African-American, I guess school’s administrators felt that we had to be groomed for the professional world.
If you believed in the stereotypes most of us were involved in gangs, had hostile attitudes and had no idea how to “properly dress”. This is what bothered me the most about Morris’ article. From what I read, it seemed as though the administrators and teachers at Matthews Middle School operated their institution based off mostly negative stereotypes of their student body’s race, class and gender. This is extremely upsetting because these are the people we trust to teach nation’s children. These are also the same people who are telling students not to believe in the same stereotypes that they operate on. It’s very contradictory. The fact that there are teachers who are scared of their students because the fit the “model” of a typical gangster is simply ridiculous.
I also found it interesting that Morris points out that White and Asian-American students are treated the same. Though it very much possible that these students can possess hostile attitudes and be involved in gangs, they are look upon as harmless. This supports to idea/theory that Asian-Americans are the “model minority”. This leads me to think about Thomas, the Latino student that Morris points out in his research. He’s treated differently than his Latino comrades because he dresses neat, follows the rules and was look upon as more cultured in the eyes of the school. This made me think of myself because I was the “Thomas” in my high school. I do wonder how my experience would have been different had I wore baggy “dickies” or anything other visual triggers of “gangster’. I think it’s safe to assume that my high school experiences would not have been the same!
Just reading the title of this article made me cringe and think back to hearing my high school’s administrators yell that to me and my classmates. Our uniform policy was similar to the one at Matthews Middle School. We had to wear a blue polo (with the school’s logo on it), khaki/tan pants, a black or brown belt, and black or brown shoes (casual or dress shoes preferred). I forgot this most important part: the blue polo had to be tucked in at all times, no exceptions! If you were caught with any other variation of the uniform, you could expect to be in detention after school.
When the student body tried to challenge the uniform policy, we were told the exact same thing that the students at Matthews Middle School were told. My favorite explanation: “the uniform is preparing you to enter the professional world.” I always thought that this was a bit much but reading Morris’ article made me think about this in a different context. Considering that my school was located in a lower working class neighborhood on the southside of Chicago and that the school was predominately African-American, I guess school’s administrators felt that we had to be groomed for the professional world.
If you believed in the stereotypes most of us were involved in gangs, had hostile attitudes and had no idea how to “properly dress”. This is what bothered me the most about Morris’ article. From what I read, it seemed as though the administrators and teachers at Matthews Middle School operated their institution based off mostly negative stereotypes of their student body’s race, class and gender. This is extremely upsetting because these are the people we trust to teach nation’s children. These are also the same people who are telling students not to believe in the same stereotypes that they operate on. It’s very contradictory. The fact that there are teachers who are scared of their students because the fit the “model” of a typical gangster is simply ridiculous.
I also found it interesting that Morris points out that White and Asian-American students are treated the same. Though it very much possible that these students can possess hostile attitudes and be involved in gangs, they are look upon as harmless. This supports to idea/theory that Asian-Americans are the “model minority”. This leads me to think about Thomas, the Latino student that Morris points out in his research. He’s treated differently than his Latino comrades because he dresses neat, follows the rules and was look upon as more cultured in the eyes of the school. This made me think of myself because I was the “Thomas” in my high school. I do wonder how my experience would have been different had I wore baggy “dickies” or anything other visual triggers of “gangster’. I think it’s safe to assume that my high school experiences would not have been the same!
I didn't realize until reading Garrett's post, but the idea that schools must instruct their students on how to dress in preparation for the professional world seems a little bit ridiculous. I believe that this idea of the "professional world" is subjective and limits students in terms of the paths that they choose to take in the future. When students are told to look well-groomed at all times and are forced to wear a polo, khaki pants, and dress shoes in order to create a setting of professionalism that one will encounter in the future if they are to achieve success, this sends a message that success is confined to one specific life path. This also subtly teaches students that success is defined by the prestige of their occupations and a prestigious occupation can only be achieved if one wears the "appropriate" attire. This idea also plays on the notion that the monitoring of uniforms in schools can "stifle [an individual's] ability to express creativity," (42). If a student finds that s/he is passionate about a job in a field that does not require one to maintain an air of professionalism, s/he may have been taught in the school that this job may not lead to success and achievement because it doesn't fit within the boundaries of professionalism that has been established through uniforms.
ReplyDeleteI too find it interesting how these teachers operated with such extreme stereotypes in mind. I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that the teachers treated each student differently simply because of their race. Why were White and Asian-Americans less scrutinized even though they exhibited some of the same behaviors as the more "dangerous" minorities? Sure having a tucked in shirt is neat and presentable, but it became central to the discipline system of the school, and even detracted from the overall environment of the school. As one student said, they felt like a "prisoner" even though they were in middle school. This being an inner city school, the atmosphere felt more like a correctional facility, which mirrors the stereotype that minorities are more likely to get caught up in the prison system.
ReplyDeleteI agree that strict uniforms, such as khakis, dress shoes, belts, and polos which are meant to prepare students for the "professional world" confine students to a strict path into the future. I too cringe at remembering my teacher's saying, "You won't get a job with your hair dyed that color or with your shirt untucked like that." Uniforms put the idea in student's heads that professional attire is key in getting a "real" professional job. I think teacher's put way too much emphasis on keeping children "neat" and "proper". Morris's article is deeply shocking in pointing out the stereotypes teacher's assumed based on student's class, race, and gender. But it no way do I think uniforms are the solution. Freedom of expression is necessary in society and for these children to discover themselves.
ReplyDeleteThe teachers in my school never looked down on any of the students due to race, class, or gender. The teachers were very nice and friendly to their students but I do agree with you in the fact that society does look down on others due to race and class. I felt judged when I would go to my job in 42nd street with was predominantly consisted white men and women going to work. I would dress and act just as they did but it still wasn’t enough to be held at the same standards as they were. I felt as if I was less than them and to this day I still do not want to work in the business world.
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