In Praise of School Uniforms

Are school uniforms an idea whose time has come?

In Praise of School Uniforms

 

By Elton Camp

 

As school opens again this fall,

For a terrific idea I issue a call.

It’s one we have often heard before

But the unreasonable against it swore.

 

That uniforms will be required

Is an idea that’s truly inspired.

I now issued a demand

Its scope we do expand.

 

Of elitism it would remove the perception

If all must wear them, without an exception.

With all dressed just the same,

No child would feel any shame.

 

Individual rights will be swept away.

Oh, let us seek for that glorious day.

That garb is related to work and success

Is a concept we should want to suppress.

 

Needed regimentation we mustn’t confuse

With individual rights, clothes to choose.

The arguments for uniforms is strong

Thus, to ignore them would be wrong.

 

Childrens’ requests for the latest style

Parents could then dismiss with a smile.

“We no longer do that way.

Dress the same every day.”

 

“Because father’s president of the bank

Gives you no right to any special rank.

The town drunk’s child might feel bad

If better than her, kids like you are clad.”

 

And it is a cause of needless grief

When clothes show religious belief.

The holiness girl short skirt must wear.

About her inane ideas what do we care?

 

Allow no whining about a skull cap

“Forget you are some Jewish chap.

When you come to school in this day,

You will then do exactly as we say.”

 

On her absurd “rights” we tread

The Muslim girl’s covered head.

To her it will be a relief

To escape foolish belief.

 

Establish a standard and hold it high.

What others may want we will deny.

Big Brother knows just what is best

As to how a child should be dressed.

 

Now, here is the needed key to the idea’s success:

School employees in uniforms, too, must dress.

The superintendent should wear no finer.

Than another whose job we consider minor

 

“Clothes make the man”

The idea we should ban.

We should drive to extinction

This type of needless distinction.

 

If principal and janitor wear the same

No jealousy will clothes then inflame.

Equality is the overriding concern.

One that students just have to learn.

 

When the coach is in the gym,

We might cut some slack for him.

But when he comes out the door,

He must wear a uniform as before.

 

If teachers need not waste time deciding what to wear,

For their classes they will have more energy to prepare.

And think of all the money they will save.

Perhaps their pay we could rightfully shave.

 

Congress should pass a national plan

Then enforce it throughout the land.

School officials the courage may lack

To keep all their local codes on track.

 

The time for school uniforms is here.

Now let us act without qualms or fear.

When all are dressed the same.

Its success people will proclaim.

 

 

Reviews

my i do agree on the neccessity of school uniforms. however where ive grown up, i've learned about many cultures, religions and perhaps there's always more meaning to their reasons. like the persuasiveness of this poem. its very strong!