Hot Topic (No, not the clothing store)
by Maressa Zahirah Manaff
Welfare Sub-Committee
University Representative of OCUOur school’s dress code saga has caused an apparent stir amongst our students and the members of the public, but has anyone ever stopped to think that it is perhaps the fault of us students, that the institution had to enforce such strict crack down, knowing that the rules were in place long ago, and students have already been breaking it from day one?
Here’s my take on the situation.
The mere fact that our students are given the freedom to choose their own fashion in school does not mean that they are allowed to disrespect the lecturers and Professors who come to school every day in business attire to look professional and at the same time respect the University and the students. Is it really necessary for us to wear thong-slippers and shorts that belong on the beach? (Let’s not forget how Singapore has suddenly become the world’s sloppiest nation, with a large number of its population wearing only t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops most of the time.)
Not only do the educators need to be respected, the school also has the right to uphold a good image, and it wouldn’t look good if a foreign visitor walks into the school to see a myriad of fashion parades, instead of an educational institution. School is where students prepare themselves for the working world – would it be deemed right for a working professional to come to the office wearing such attire, with rainbow-coloured hair? If not, why not break the habit now?
Okay, let’s not just look at it in that perspective – what about the distraction it may cause within the classroom?
Imagine that svelte, pretty girl in your class wearing a pair of the tiniest white hot-pants that’s on the market, walking into the classroom. She chooses a seat right in front, and lo and behold, she’s wearing hot red lingerie that is visible through the shorts.
Of course any hot-blooded young man would react to that – and it would become the talk of the day, which sadly, has to take place while the lecture is going on.
So why not impose a uniform altogether?
This is due to the fact that the school would rather treat us students as intellectual young adults who are responsible enough to choose their own dressing. At the same time, it lays down a set of guidelines to follow. But as I’ve said before, the only reason why MDIS would implement the controversial move to, as far as, give warning to expel students is because students have already been breaking the rules far too often for far too long.
The problem here is that we forget that we are now higher education students, be it those taking their Professional Certificates, their Diplomas or even our Undergraduates and post-graduate students and we are naturally expected to understand that rules and regulations are everywhere, and schools, whether public or private, should not be an exception. I’m sure those who drive would remember to drive on the left side of the road, because it is a rule, whether you are driving a taxi or your own private car. Same thing applies here – dress appropriately, whether in a local university or private institution.
Sadly, the school has also had to apply the “summons” part because most of us forget to follow rules.
As students, we should all learn to be responsible enough to respect the social situation we are in, and dress the part - going clubbing and hanging out by the beach or in Orchard Road are not the same as going to school.
It really isn’t all that difficult to just wear the appropriate clothes.
We should realize that freedom has been bestowed upon us and we should not overstep boundaries to cause simple guidelines to be turned into hard-cold rules, as like what has happened.
Here are simple ways to overcome the culture shock:
· For those who come to school wearing shorts for comfort, you could perhaps opt for a comfortable pair of baggy jeans, or if it’s too warm in Singapore, a pair of knee-length Bermuda or shorts would do you great. [You could try finding great deals on such items at http://insanejane88.livejournal.com !]
· For those who come to school in their tiny skirts and shorts, and wear low, revealing tank tops for fashion, might I suggest that you flip through your magazines and perhaps opt for longer-hemmed skirts and a nice top that cuts a few inches higher than chest level? [You can try getting some style tips, or even buy them from http://ohliq.livejournal.com/] (On the bright side, you won’t be ogled at by ghastly men in the MRT on your way home, but perhaps the higher-classed gentlemen would steal a glance your way! ;))
· For ladies with fashion facial piercings, you could start wearing beautiful make-up that suits your facial features to prepare yourself for the working industry, and as for the guys, you’ll look better without it anyway! (For those with tattoos, hide them under long-sleeves or men’s arm covers! [http://www.coloradocyclist.com/img/product/full/a/assxrywf.jpg] )
· For those too used to flip-flops, you could possibly try wearing sandals with back straps that look classier and are still comfortable. [Look for one here: http://www.birkenstock.de/birkenstock/shopintegration/fersenriemen_e.php]
Covered shoes are great on rainy days, too! It keeps your feet warm in those cold classrooms!
[Psst! Did you know that you can make your own sandals out of an old tyre? Look it up here: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1624711/how_to_make_your_own_sandals/]
· And lastly, if you’re looking to have coloured hair, why not take natural shades, instead of the obscene techni-coloured ones that make heads turn in disgust rather than in awe?
