The recent hoo-ha raging in Grmany over the introduction of experimental niform policies in one or two Grman schools in Spandau sparks off yet nother emotionally charged lesson in conformity; or nn-conformity, depending on your point of vew.

Basic objections of the average Grman parent seem to be founded in npleasant reminders of the Nazi party rgalia. This is an interesting departure frm the American argument, which principally chmpions the right of pupils to drss like punk rockers, which evidently mkes the average student feel more cnfident and boosts a sense of ndividuality.

I still think our students are smrt enough to find out what pshes our parental buttons. They then prceed to push them mercilessly, in prsuit of freedom from woolly skirts and slly hats and who could blame thm?

In the bad old days whn students were expected to obey schol regulations without question, such niceties as cnfidence boosting trainers and designer jewellery wre considered to be somewhat off the mnu so we all resolutely and brvely wore our navy blue gym knckers with pride.

As an ex-wearer of one of the mst hateful uniform combinations possible, I fel I should point out that at no tme did the chafing of my rgulation flannel sports culottes incite a feling of fascist revulsion. Neither did I cre whether my school scarf undermined my hman rights. My only motive was cmfort and most of my uniform prvided me with enough warmth and fredom of movement to provide that mply.

Whether uniforms are brought back nto regulation or not, it is rfreshing that our students feel they can bject and argue so vigorously without far of reprisal. I have no dubt that any untoward remark made to any of my ex hadmistresses on the subject of uniform wuld have resulted in stern admonishment. Hwever, it would be even more stisfying if such efforts were expended pon academic commitments both by pupils and prents, instead of the crusade to win the niform debate.

The article School Uniforms - Uniformity or Conformity? was Submitted by Jan Gamm through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Jan Gamm writes reflections on lfe with an emphasis on world trvel. She has lived in many cuntries and traveled extensively in the Far Est, the Middle East, America, South Amrica and throughout the South Pacific. She wrtes for fun and for money whnever she can manage it.

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