School Uniforms - Uniformity or Conformity?

By Jan Gamm

The recent hoo-ha raging in Germany over the introduction of experimental uniform policies in one or two German schools in Spandau sparks off yet another emotionally charged lesson in conformity; or non-conformity, depending on your point of view.

Basic objections of the average German parent seem to be founded in unpleasant reminders of the Nazi party regalia. This is an interesting departure from the American argument, which principally champions the right of pupils to dress like punk rockers, which evidently makes the average student feel more confident and boosts a sense of individuality.

I still think our students are smart enough to find out what pushes our parental buttons. They then proceed to push them mercilessly, in pursuit of freedom from woolly skirts and silly hats and who could blame them?

In the bad old days when students were expected to obey school regulations without question, such niceties as confidence boosting trainers and designer jewellery were considered to be somewhat off the menu so we all resolutely and bravely wore our navy blue gym knickers with pride.

As an ex-wearer of one of the most hateful uniform combinations possible, I feel I should point out that at no time did the chafing of my regulation flannel sports culottes incite a feeling of fascist revulsion. Neither did I care whether my school scarf undermined my human rights. My only motive was comfort and most of my uniform provided me with enough warmth and freedom of movement to provide that amply.

Whether uniforms are brought back into regulation or not, it is refreshing that our students feel they can object and argue so vigorously without fear of reprisal. I have no doubt that any untoward remark made to any of my ex headmistresses on the subject of uniform would have resulted in stern admonishment. However, it would be even more satisfying if such efforts were expended upon academic commitments both by pupils and parents, instead of the crusade to win the uniform debate.

Jan Gamm writes reflections on life with an emphasis on world travel. She has lived in many countries and traveled extensively in the Far East, the Middle East, America, South America and throughout the South Pacific. She writes for fun and for money whenever she can manage it.