School Uniforms and Inappropriate Elementary School Attire

[HYHYBT]

Tattooing a 9-10 year old? How are real tattoos at all appropriate for someone that young?

I didn't say they were appropriate, only that I'm surprised it actually qualifies as abuse. Lots of things are inappropriate without being abusive.

[Ree]

I was responding to this thread in CS.com and suddenly it wasn't there anymore, probably because of a lot of the debates and discussions that sprang up in it.

For the record, the mods did not delete that CS thread. The original thread was deleted by the OP.

Just wanted to keep the facts straight.

[BookstoreEscapee]

For the record, the mods did not delete that CS thread. The original thread was deleted by the OP.

Just wanted to keep the facts straight.

I was thinking it odd that it would have been deleted for the debating. Usually they just get closed...wouldn't have thought things would get heated enough over dress codes to get deleted all together!

[Lace Neil Singer]

In a lot of English schools, there is a uniform; and believe me, there are loads of stuff that kids can do to customise uniforms. When I was at my secondary school, there were several customisations that were popular:

Biro tattoos
Friendship bracelets
Sewing cotton bracelets
Coloured laces
Knee high socks
Ties tied so that the little piece stuck out at the top
Ties with all the white part removed
Heart shaped earring studs
Paperclip necklaces

There were probably more, but those were the most popular. Also, makeup and jewelry wasn't allowed, but still worn; skirts were rolled up to make them shorter; girls took liberties with school shoes, getting shoes like Doc Martens or ones with a little heel on them. The teachers would have to be punishing every single girl to enforce a strict dress code on the unform. They didn't bother.

And for the record, uniforms don't stop bullying at all. Bullies are basically nasty, mean people who will pick on hair, weight, height etc if their victims are wearing uniforms. They don't really need any reasons. And yup; uniformed kids still form cliques.

[Greenday]

In a lot of cultures, that would be very appropriate. It is not considered normal in ours at this time, but it wasn't that long enough that a 10 year old laboring in a coal mine was totally acceptable. What is and what is not acceptable changes over time, usually by people doing things that are initially outside the accepted norms of that society.

Mind you, I am not saying I personally approve of this. I am merely pointing out that such a thing is not universally unacceptable or even that odd.

In this era, in this country, it's not at all appropriate. That's what my statement is based on.

I didn't say they were appropriate, only that I'm surprised it actually qualifies as abuse. Lots of things are inappropriate without being abusive.

Permanently etching ink into a child's skin can easily be deemed abusive.

[flutes_and_fabric]

I was thinking it odd that it would have been deleted for the debating. Usually they just get closed...wouldn't have thought things would get heated enough over dress codes to get deleted all together!

Since my other reply was deleted, I'm going to say again that I didn't actually delete my thread. Not sure who did, but it wasn't me. I'm not sure why it was deleted though b/c I haven't gotten any message about it yet.

[Ree]

Since my other reply was deleted, I'm going to say again that I didn't actually delete my thread. Not sure who did, but it wasn't me. I'm not sure why it was deleted though b/c I haven't gotten any message about it yet.

As I pointed out in PM...according to the note on the deletion stamp, you did delete your first thread at CS, but I deleted the repost, as you had already posted it over here.

Your repost on this site was merged to an existing thread, as they were pretty much the same topic.

I hope that clears up your confusion.

[flutes_and_fabric]

As I pointed out in PM...according to the note on the deletion stamp, you did delete your first thread at CS, but I deleted the repost, as you had already posted it over here.

Your repost on this site was merged to an existing thread, as they were pretty much the same topic.

I hope that clears up your confusion.

I'm not confused. I really don't like my post being merged because I do not like the uniform debate since I get too much of it at work. It may be a similar topic, but uniform policy is not the only point to be argued in this thread as the merge would imply. Members have to read through 4 pages of uniform debate before getting to my post which is supposed to be a commentary on bad parenting. Having uniforms at this particular school would not solve the issue, so there is no reason for it to be here.

[Jester]

After all, how many restaurants specify "jacket and tie for men"?

While I have been to restaurants and clubs that have certain dress codes, I have never been to one that dictated a dress code that draconian. And the gods willing, I never will.

One thing I love about living in Key West is that I can go to any bar, club, or restaurant wearing just what I am wearing right now...a t-shirt and shorts. Some of the fancier places have some limits on that (no tank tops or cut-off denim shorts for guys), but the fanciest place in town will welcome me in sandals, cargo shorts, a goofy t-shirt, and a ball cap, and give me just as good service as if I showed up in my most GQ outfit.

One of many reasons this is my kind of town. And why South Beach....isn't.

Permanently etching ink into a child's skin can easily be deemed abusive.

A lot of things can be "deemed abusive." Some people deem spanking to be abusive. As an uncle and a person who has lots of friends with children, I happen to know that sometimes Hand-to-Butt communication is the only kind that works for misbehaving children. I am not talking about beating, mind you, but about a healthy attention-getting swat. Admittedly, this is not spanking per se, but I am not opposed to that in its punishment form either. Hell, there are people out there who will make an argument that my parents abused my sisters and myself when we were kids by smoking in the house and car when we were there.

My point is that a lot of parents would not think that tattooing is abusive. You do. At the moment, it is against the law, but a lot of things are against the law that you or I might deem silly, as some of these parents might deem that law silly. And remember, societal norms and mores change...and laws often follow.

[AdminAssistant]

Eh, I don't feel sorry for men when it comes to dress code. A button up and a tie has to be more comfortable than a skirt, hose, and 3 inch heels.

[BookstoreEscapee]

My point is that a lot of parents would not think that tattooing is abusive. You do. At the moment, it is against the law, but a lot of things are against the law that you or I might deem silly, as some of these parents might deem that law silly. And remember, societal norms and mores change...and laws often follow.

Is it against the law if the parent gives permission? I guess it might vary by state.

[Greenday]

Okay, I don't get it. What's so uncomfortable about skirts? I've found them to be VERY comfortable. They aren't the least bit restricting. My junk can hang more freely. What's the fuss over wearing a skirt?

[Jester]

Eh, I don't feel sorry for men when it comes to dress code. A button up and a tie has to be more comfortable than a skirt, hose, and 3 inch heels.

I have yet to see a workplace that has a dress code that requires 3 inch heels. At least, a workplace that doesn't have a DJ, a light system, and brass poles.

Is it against the law if the parent gives permission? I guess it might vary by state.

I don't know the laws. I believe that a tattoo shop probably needs the tattooee to be 18, but I don't know if the law precludes the parents or a relative from giving the minor a tattoo.

At 39, I am neither tattooed, a tattoo artist, a cop, or a legislator, so I am not exactly an expert on the subject.

[Lace Neil Singer]

Okay, I don't get it. What's so uncomfortable about skirts? I've found them to be VERY comfortable. They aren't the least bit restricting. My junk can hang more freely. What's the fuss over wearing a skirt?

Having to wear one. I personally love skirts; I wear a skirt or dress when I go out, often with tights, sometimes with knee highs, if weather permits, then with bare legs and sandles.

However, when I was at school, I hated wearing skirts and dresses and whenever I could, I wore trousers. That was cuz of being made to wear a skirt at school. Incidentally, I've never worn a skirt of that type before; ie, a bang on the knee skirt. My skirts and dresses are always extra long or extra short.

[telecom_goddess]

Well since this seems to cover several topics now I want to add my piece finally.

Tattooing... I have two and if the kids wanted one past the age of say 13 but under 18 I would give my permission...I don't find it abusive. Hell my kids have done their own tattoos on their feet and stuff already.

School uniforms...I think they are a waste of time. Like some have said it doesn't stop bullying and it just forces kids to all be the same and suppress individuality.

Dress code...I'm lucky in my work ....even though we are supposed to be "business casual" I wear capris most days, comfortable shirt and athletic shoes. I hate dressing up and since I'm in the corner on my computer all day I don't see why I should.

Another note on that...why do golf courses have dress codes and not allow shorts?? I never understood that, especially on hot days...wtf.