Saturday, August 29, 2009

Hazwani

Did you say dress code? There's a dress code in COLLEGE? I can't believe this, please tell me more about it.

Why would a university have a dress code? I am pretty sure there isn't a dress code here. Probably you just ... can't show up topless if you're a girl. Like, you can't break the indecent exposure laws that New York City has, but I don't think there's any sort of dress code. I wouldn't go here if there was one.

There was some orientation weekend thing here but I was working so didn't go.

In response to Princeton:
I don't have a problem with being distracted in school. I *like* being creative with my clothes and seeing how other people are creative and express their personalities with their clothes. Honestly, if someone is distracted by how other people dress, then they should work on themselves, not impose restrictions on other people. That's like only a few short steps away from saying if a girl dresses like a slut, she deserves to be raped. Is that something you'd really agree with?

I perform best on tests when I have studied enough in the days leading up to the test, and have gotten at least five hours of sleep. The way I dress makes no difference in my test scores. You really think that if it's six degrees out and I'm forced to wear a skirt instead of being allowed to wear broken-in jeans, that I'd be able to concentrate on a test when my legs are freezing? Or if it's 98 degrees I'd be able to pay attention in class if I'm forced to wear a tucked in, button down long-sleeve shirt rather than a tank top?

Princeton, why are you looking at a girl's ass when she bends over? If you kept your focus on your book or your teacher you wouldn't notice whether or not a girl was wearing underwear. And honestly, how often does that REALLY happen? I just finished four years of high school in New York City and didn't see or hear of that happening at all.

I haven't noticed any sort of dress code at my college Princeton, and honestly if there was one promoted I wouldn't go there. I really don't believe in them at all, and I say that as someone who grew up in an area with a lot of gangs, and someone who grew up without enough money for designer labels.

If the problem is people making fun of people who aren't as well off, then the solution is not to forcibly level the playing field, but to teach compassion and tact to the people who are rude. A dress code is just a band aid over a bullet hole.

Lastly, Princeton, I did do a bit of research on dress codes in colleges, and what I found is that it's discussed a lot in India, and a little at religious colleges in the U.S. Being that I'm like the least religious person ever, I would never go to a religious college. I'm sure they would view me as living in sin and hate all my piercings. Obviously I wouldn't apply to or attend a religious college. Or one in India if they were going to tell me what I could and could not wear.

7 comments:

Princeton said...

Dress codes are a good thing. It creates an environment with less distractions. On top of that studies show that when students dress up for exams, tests and presentations they perform better. If you dress for success, you will be more successful.

Plus it allows more people to be comfortable in the class room environment. I don't want to show up to class and see a girl bend over and her skirt is so short that you can visually see that she isn't wearing underwear.

Honestly though, you should see the dress code at my school. I PROMISE you, that whatever dress code is at your college is a joke compared to the manual of how to dress at my school.

Look up the benefits of having a dress code and try to open your mind to it a little.

Best wishes,
Princeton

miSz tUna said...

I'll elaborate more regarding the dress codes soon. Thanks for actually addressing it. :)

Anonymous said...

Some people prefer environments where everyone dresses modestly and/or uniformly.

Some people prefer to dress how they please regardless of how it compares to how others dress and are not concerned with how those around them dress.

It's important to understand and respect both preferences. It's important not to force one's preference on others. It's important to be able to choose for one's self a school where one's particular preference is the practice.

And it had sounded like Hazwani was describing not a dress code as we understand that phrase in the United States but rather a wearing of school or class colors during orientation week.

miSz tUna said...

Ok, I created the post already. It's set to be released tomorrow (1st sept) so you can check it out later :)

Anonymous said...

i preferred no dress code in college, I wasn't distracted by how others dressed.

I hope things get routine for you with classes/work/home, once you get into the routine i think you'll feel more at ease, getting through the newness of it all can be stressful. take care!
-Lil'sis

Amber Lee said...

Hey! I'm on my honeymoon, but I thought I would weigh in. Yes, they are mostly at religious colleges. I chose to go to a religious college who didn't have one, BUT, the profs could set their standards. Just so you are aware, that is the standard. Profs rule your world now. Especially ones with tenure. They can tell you to wear long sleeves and skirt, and if you don't: well they can simply tell you to get out. if they have a absence policy then your screwed. Or they might assign work while you're gone that you aren't allowed to make up. This is at religious, elite private, and state funded. There is no touching the tenured. As you get farther into college and smaller classes, "dress code" might -or might not- become more of an issue. More profs and peers will notice you. You will have to network for the best internships. Basically, you are on a first impression job interview everyday for the next 4 years.

miSz tUna said...

Just to respond to your comment, yeah, malaysian students are in uniforms for years.

Starting with some kindergartens (4-6 years old, depends on the parents), primary schholchildren (7-12), secondary schoolchildren (13-17, sometimes up to 19 for those who does his/her sixth form).
Some people just can't wait to finish school because of that.

Personally, it's fine by me. I don't have to go through the hassle of finding a nice, and appropriate items to wear day after day. Or worry about whether I look good/slutty/trashy/preppy or whatever. What to wear each day is a sure thing. Makes life so much easier.