Application Of Feminist Therapy With Immigrant Women

Application of Feminist Therapy with Immigrant Women Isabella Dzidefo Asamoah University of Colorado, Denver Abstract In this paper, I discuss the use of feminist therapy in working with immigrant women. Immigrant women in the United States continue to be excluded from immigration conversations and face similar if not more stressors upon migration. Feminist theory acknowledges the experiences of immigrant women and considers various aspects of their wellbeing including their immigrant status. The use of feminist therapy with immigrant women empowers them to examine the many ways societal conditions have contributed to their distress and provides them with the tools, skills and resources to make personal and societal change.†¦show more content†¦Thus, I believe that immigrant women face additional stressors and experience stressors differently than their nonimmigrant counterparts. According to Sinacore et al., (year) immigrant women in the US experience additional stressors due â€Å"ethnicity, gender†¦ adjustment with social, economic and cultur al factors† of their new country. The limitations imposed due to immigrant women’s sociopolitical status as less than to men and those women born in the US, has harrowing consequences. Thus, therapists’ use of feminist approach provides a framework in understanding the mental health concerns and the psychological oppression imposed on both gender and immigration status (Yakushko and Chronister, 2005). As such, the work of feminist counseling is to conceptualize and explain some of the common experiences and difficulties associated with the social roles women endure (cite). From gendered violence to limited economic resources and opportunities to unrealistic media portrayal, immigrant women are at risk of developing and suffering from emotional and psychological trauma. Women are forced to ingest the stereotypical demands of society, they become burdened and are averted from living self-defined and meaningful lives (Yahushko and Morgan-Consoli, 2013). Feminist practitioners see many of the experiences and difficulties expressed by women to be associated with the societal roles that women (and men) play and find that they can be limiting to theirShow MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesHartman Strom, Political Woman : Florence Luscomb and the Legacy of Radical Reform Michael Adas, ed., Agricultural and Pastoral Societies in Ancient and Classical History Jack Metzgar, Striking Steel: Solidarity Remembered Janis Appier, Policing Women: The Sexual Politics of Law Enforcement and the LAPD Allen Hunter, ed., Rethinking the Cold War Eric Foner, ed., The New American History. Revised and Expanded Edition E SSAYS ON _ T WENTIETH- C ENTURY H ISTORY Edited by MichaelRead MoreImproving the Lives of HIV Positive People7695 Words   |  31 PagesBehavioral Health offers mental health internships that provide training in a co-occurring disorders facility. Interns would get the opportunity to participate in the screening/ intake process as well as experience psychoeducational groups and individual therapy. We are currently certified as field instructors for University of Maryland at Baltimore and McDaniel College. If you attend another college and are interested in BBH as a field placement please contact Lindsey Miner at 410-962-7180 extension 204

Critical Pedagogy The Study of Oppression in Education

In the education world, the topic of critical pedagogy will be introduced to many. Before one can discuss critical pedagogy, one must know the meaning of it. Critical pedagogy is known to many as the study of oppression in education. It includes how issues of sex, race, gender, culture, and other social factors shape education. Critical pedagogy is also known by many as how teaching and learning takes place. An example of critical pedagogy is when students are able to ask why and respond or challenge questions that are asked in a free manner. When thinking of critical pedagogy, one must think of going beyond the first level of the meaning of a word, topic, or issue. When it comes to social philosophy and its place in curricula,†¦show more content†¦Because I felt that certain skills were more important than others for students to make a successful make a living in today’s society, I had to teach certain lessons at different times. Some schools are on block schedu le, which is a shorter time span to cover material. Because the school I had taught at was on a block schedule, I had to make sure students learned and understood certain concepts. Most of those concepts that I taught were also need for students to know for the next level of math that students would have to take. I made sure that the students that were going straight into the workforce had acquired the math skills needed as well as those that were college bound. As an aspiring educational leader, I constantly have balance my personal philosophy with conflicting philosophies of colleagues, policy makers, parents, and so forth. Because currently, I am a school counselor and I always try not to impose my true feelings upon others . At times I may not agree with the person I am having a counseling session with, but I still do not impose my beliefs on the person. My education and training helps me to show my conflicting views in a tactful way. It also helps me to not be as confro ntational as others may be seen as. At times I have to express my educational philosophy to get others to think of certain issues in another way. Some persons may not think of another way that an issue can be viewed unless they are asked or given another way to doShow MoreRelatedThe Components Elements Of Education1597 Words   |  7 PagesEducation comes in different philosophies and is a crucial element in every civilization. When a country is oppressed, one of the first things the oppressor tries to take over and get control is their education. The reason is because with education, one can give or withhold any kind of information and shape the nation in the way they see appropriate. With the exception of oppressed individuals, education teaches their society who they are, what is the nature of their environment, and how does theRead MoreThe Humanities Curriculum Project: A Case Study1237 Words   |  5 Pagespresent aim of secondary education is to reflect enduring values suc h as commitment to the virtues of honesty, trust, duty and justice, because they contribute to a healthy and sustainable society. In order to illustrate how the United Kingdom chose to cope with the challenges of globalization, the Humanities Curriculum Project is an interesting case study. The key question as posed by Director Stenhouse was how to better address the aspirations of secondary education for everybody,  regardlessRead MoreDifferent Types Of Adult Learning1744 Words   |  7 Pages Emancipatory Education Project Name: Course: Instructor: Date: Introduction Emancipatory is among the different types of adult learning. The aim of it is to give freedom to the learners to limit their control and options in their lives and enable them to take actions which bring change to their political and social change. Emancipatory learning emphasizes that the transformation in a learners life can only take place in an adult’s life because it is only in adulthood or adolescence thatRead MoreAnalysis Of Paulo Freire s Pedagogy Of The Oppressed1735 Words   |  7 Pages In this paper, I am going to analyze the views expressed by Paulo Freire in Pedagogy of the Oppressed by using the four elements of theories of human nature. I am also going to express my opinion on Freire’s ideologies as explained in the first three chapters of his book. I will assert that Freire has provided thoughtful insight in terms of the four elements, but I will also assert that I do not fully agree with Freire’s ideas and insight then state the reas ons for my opinions. My conclusionRead MorePrimary Roles Of A Grade 7 And 8 Teacher1519 Words   |  7 Pagesultimately, our actions† (Brooks and Brooks, 1999). The seeds of racism, sexism and oppression, I believe are planted at an early age of childhood. The parents of grade 7 and 8 students, of an elite private school of a higher social economic status, presented an objection to their children learning about social inequalities. Parents of the students feel their adolescent children are not ready to tackle these issues of oppression, rather continue to focus on learning skills they feel will lead to future successesRead MoreCritical Whiteness in Education1173 Words   |  5 PagesTheoretical Framework of the Study As seen in the previous literature, empirical research in the last twenty years reveals the positive student outcomes associated to service-learning. However, as Susan Jones (2002) argues, student’s ability to actively participate in all aspects of their service-learning experience depends on â€Å"the intersection of the student’s own background. . . , developmental readiness for such a learning experience, and the privileging conditions that put a college studentRead MoreTheoretical Framework of the Study1189 Words   |  5 PagesAs seen in the previous literature, much of the empirical research in the last twenty years has focused on documenting the positive student outcomes associated with service-learning. Despite this focus, only few studies have also explored the role individual characteristics play in participation in such outcomes. Susan Jones (2002), for example, finds that the student’s ability to actively participate in all aspects of her/his servi ce-learning experience depends on â€Å"the intersection of the student’sRead MoreCritical Whiteness in Education Essay1179 Words   |  5 PagesTheoretical Framework of the Study As seen in the previous literature, empirical research in the last twenty years reveals the positive student outcomes associated to service-learning. However, as Susan Jones (2002) argues, â€Å"the student’s ability to engage with all aspects of their service-learning courses depends on the interaction of their own sociocultural backgrounds, developmental readiness for such learning to occur, and the privileging conditions that situate college students in communityRead MoreLiterature Review: Ideas of Social Justice and Equity in Psychology and Education1121 Words   |  5 Pagesadvancements, range, globalization, along with the eco-friendly environment. Literature review The ideas of social justice as well as equity have actually been considerable in conversations of social change in psychology, in education, as well as in social along with cultural studies (see likewise Curry-Stevens, 2007; Drury and Reicher, 2009; Moely, Furco, and Reed, 2008; Peterson, 2009). The writing alogn with advocacy of Ivan Illich, Paulo Freire, civil rights leaders, and feminists throughout theRead MoreTeaching in Australia1785 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Teaching: Complexities In Teachers Work In Australia The objective of this study is to discuss important complexities in teachers work. According to Churchill, et al (2013) The commitment to teaching brought to the studies and careers of teachers confirms that todays teachers and teachers previously genuinely love to learn and have a great desire to teach. Churchill et al (2013) states that this deep commitment to humanity and making a difference in the lives of the next generation are among

Brian Franks Essay Example For Students

Brian Franks Essay Dr. Dave BorkowskiIntro to LiteratureMarch 6, 2003 The Talk of the TownWhat makes a man a man, and a woman a woman? This is an easy questionto answer, but sometimes we draw lines that arent really there. There arepeople in this world that are innocent and others who follow the sinfulways of true life. Now, when we think of men, we think of leaders, who arestrong people and they can protect the weak and the innocent, from thosewho are sinful. When we think of women, we tend to think of the nurturingthat helps raise children to love. Think about the awful things that happenduring war. Each person who is born in the world has to have a mother. Themother teaches her child to love and to cherish life and people. Then whydo they let them go to war? The horrors of war and the meaningless behindit show up in the Vietnam War. United States Marines, Army, Navy, AirForce, and other forces as well, must keep this country alive and fight forits freedom. Without these fighters the world as these p eople know it,would end. There has to sacrifice right? Well, two Vietnam veterans andtheir mother will tell you their stories about how and what went throughtheir minds, then and now. Good Evening. My name is Ron Kovic, and I am, or I should say, was amarine in the United States Marine Corp. I served my country and I realizedthat I dont know what to feel for it any more. I had lost faith in myreligion, my family, and myself. It has been rough times to think aboutwhat had happened over there, but it bothers me to this day.Oh Ron, please dont lie to the people like this, Rons mother said. Mom, why would I lie about the truth?I dont know what happened to you over there, but you have gone nuts. Areyou on drugs?Am I on drugs? Mom I am your son, how can you say that Im on drugs!I wasnt saying, I was asking you. Youve changed a lot from my littleboy, I once knew.Did it ever occur to you that Im not your little boy anymore? Forgoodness sake, Im almost thirty now. I had one hell of a time out thereand all you can say to me is, Are you on drugs? Maybe you should thinkabout what I did, what happened to me! You act as if you dont care! Im ina goddamn wheelchair! Why the hell dont you come to your senses? War isreal. It kills people. Innocent people, Mom! I killed innocent people!I never raised you to do that. Thats your fathers doing, not mine. Dontblame me for that!Oh bull! You told me to go! You told me you had a dream. Now your dreamhas become a nightmare. You cant face the facts mom. Your little boy isdead! Not dead as in dead, but dead as in gone. Im lost. What I did inVie tnam made me see the real world! I killed someones sons and daughters. I killed them! They arent alive anymore! And for what reason, huh? Why? SoI could come home and you could boast about me being a hero. Im not a damnhero! Im not your little boy! I shot one of my own men. I shot a freakingmarine! What for? Whyd he have to die? Im a lost cause! Im a failure!Youre not a failure, a small voice could be heard from the corner of theroom. Victor Marquez and his mother, Angelina, enter the room. Ron andVictor were war buddies in Vietnam. Ron recognizes Victor immediately. .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f , .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f .postImageUrl , .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f , .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f:hover , .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f:visited , .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f:active { border:0!important; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f:active , .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u4350c658275a9d6f8124be61d643d53f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Corporal Punishment Is Physical Abuse EssayIts not your fault you killed those people.It is my fault and it is my problem that I have to live with for the restof my life. Yea thats right, lucky me! I have a life to live! Sure, whythe heck not. I live in pain and suffering of what I saw and did and my ownmother, my own freaking mother cant see eye to eye with me! Why go on? Whydidnt I die?You killed innocent people. So did I. I burned bodies and whats worse, Iloved it! I loved what I did for my country and Id go back in a heartbeat. Yea, it was tough. But get over yourself. Whats done is done. Moveon. You killed people so that we can have the freedoms we have today. Without those freedoms, we can not fight, we can not stand up for ourbeliefs, and we can not live.Youre a sick man, you know that, Victor. You piece of crap (Ronstarts to tear up and lose control.)Angelina Marquez stands up and says, Mrs. Kovic, you have to understandwhat these boys went through. They killed and slaughtered innocent people. Yes they were fighting for us. Thats me and you, Mrs. Kovic. Our boysfought for us and there is nothing that would make me happier than to havea boy grow up and save us from the evils of this world. If my boy had tokill millions of people just to eat, then so be it. Our boys are alive;cant you be happy about that at least? Cant you see that your son put hislife on the line for you? I have lost my faith in Jesus and in god. I haverealized that people live and die. There are no reasons, they just happen. Wars are fought because people disagree, not because god told them to doit. You have to understand that people have minds, and that life is notgiven to us, or taken from us, life is death. To be alive is to die, and todie is to re-grow as grass for the world. There is nothing more than that,Mrs. Kovic.There is a saying in the military, There are no atheists in foxholes,now that might be true before you die while at battle, because you want tobe somewhere else, but that fact is if you live, you lose all hope. Youcant think god will save you. Why would he? You killed people. Isnt oneof the commandments, though shall not kill? So why have war? Why fight?Ron said. Ron, you are my son, but I cant have you not believe in god, for thebetter of our family. You show a bad influence to your brothers andsisters. I cant think that I raised you to be this way. Ron, you have tounderstand why I feel this way. I feel this way for the better of ourfamily. So they dont see the realities of the world and how horrible itis. I look at you and see a disaster. I dont want my family to think thatthat is what life is like. Not all lives have to be happy, some arent. What you have realize is that its better to be ignorant than unhappy.Mom, I am your son. Ive seen the real world. Ive seen what can happento, even the best of people. I dont believe in god, because I see too muchevil the life. You must understand that I am alive and because I am alive,you have to believe that god saved me. Thats what you think, that godsaved me. Did he? I feel that god saves no one. No one can save anyone. IfI could save anyone in my life, Id save myself. Not you, not dad, not mybrothers or sisters, or my damn country! Id get rid of the horrors I sawand the horrible things I did. Then maybe youd be in your own dream worldand we can all be happy again, but life is a bitch and death is itsmother.The group continued to talk and it seems that no one will ever getthe upper hand. It seems to me that what people see, hear, and do make aperson who they are. If you are one way, the only way to change that viewis to see it, but sometimes you cant prove it, you just have to bel ieve.

Uniforms In Public School Essay Example For Students

Uniforms In Public School Essay Quality education is critical to the future of Americas children. However, wecannot educate our children in schools where weapons, gang violence, and drugs,threaten their safety. Many local school districts have made uniforms animportant part of an overall program to improve school safety and discipline. Students resort to violence and theft simply to obtain designer clothes or namebrand shoes. This instills a fear among the students and teachers. It is nosecret that violent behavior has become a problem in public schools. For thisreason more and more public schools are entertaining the idea of uniforms to getthe minds of their students off of fashion and onto their education. Manyparents and students support the uniform issue because they feel it makes allthe students equal in the eyes of their peers and teachers. However, manyparents feel that just like installing metal detectors, uniforms are asimplistic solution to a far greater problem. Some experts believe uniformspromise to cut down crime and reduce violence, but only if we take away thatstudents individuality and freedom of expression. What does this promise?Uniforms have been used in an effort to try an reduce crime, and at the sametime, remove peer pressure amongst students to try to fit in so they canconcentrate on their s chool work. President William Clinton agrees with thissaying If uniforms can help deter school violence, promote discipline, andfoster a better learning environment, then we should show strong support to theparents that try them.(21) By mandating uniforms in public school, schoolofficials hope to see a reduction in crime and violence. According tostatistics, there are notable decreases in school violence and illegal offensesafter the enactment of a school uniform or standardized dress code policy.(Lewis)Can uniforms really help in deterring violence and crime? Many parents andteachers say yes. Supporters of uniforms say social and economic classes wouldno longer be revealed by students clothing and the school system will havemore of a sense of community.(Nittel) Providing that a childs clothes doesmake a difference in school violence, then uniforms are exactly what ourchildren need. Some parents feel uniforms will put the students emphasis onschoolwork instead of dressing cool, and they will help to lower schoolviolence. Almost five years ago, the Long Beach School District made headlineswhen it became the first school district in the country to make uniformsmandatory for its elementary and middle school students. According to Phoenixschool officials in Long Beach, California, attendance and test scores improved,incidents of students fighting decreased by 50%, student crimes decreased by 36%and student suspensions decreased by 32% after they enacted a uniformpolicy.(Will) Also other there were other steps to improve student behavior. We will write a custom essay on Uniforms In Public School specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Increasing the number of teachers patrolling the hallways during class changes,were also taken by the district around the same time the uniform policy wasintroduced. Dress codes were initiated in private schools as a standard. Asviolence, competition between students, and distractions from the educationalsystem increased in public schools, administrators began to consider uniforms asa solution to the problem. In Baltimore, Maryland, school administrators found a44% drop in assault and battery charges, a 50% reduction in assault with adeadly weapon, a 41% cut in occurrences of fighting and a 74% drop in sexualoffenses. They also found drug abuse to be down by 89% and vandalism had droppedby 8%.(Stacey) These results and others caused many school districts to consideruniforms for their own schools. Uniforms seem to give students a sense ofresponsibility. It says that clothing is not that important. With thisrealization the students began to forget about their clothes and refocused thei rattention on education. Consequently their test scores and attitudes improved. One teacher stated that I have never seen so many children change theiroverall attitude in the classroom in just a matter of a few weeks. Studiesshow school uniforms are more successful in elementary schools, where studentsare not so intent on their individuality.(Stover) And, experts recommend placingstudents in uniforms at a young age so they become accustomed to a program. Thisallows there to be no focus on material items and the childrens focus remainson education from the start. Stover(1990) states that most supporters ofuniforms agree the program will not succeed unless school officials gain thesupport of a large majority of parents from the beginning. President BillClinton endorsed school uniforms in his 1996 State of the Union Address, andthis endorsement was followed by the distribution of a United States Departmentof Education Manual on School Uniforms to the nations 16,000 schooldistricts. This manual is used as a guide to help schools incorporate uniformpolicies and stan dardized dress codes into their extensive safe school programs. The decision whether to adopt a uniform policy is made by states, local schooldistricts, and schools. For uniforms to be a success, as with all other schoolprograms, the parents and teachers must be involved. The following informationfrom Time Magazine, provides parents, teachers, and school leaders in whether toadopt a school uniform policy. 1. Get parents involved from the beginning. 2. Protect students religious expression. a. A school uniform policy mustaccommodate students whose religious beliefs are burdened by a uniform policy. 3. Protect students other rights of expression. a. A uniform policy may notprohibit students from wearing or displaying expressive items, as long as theydo not disrupt the rights of others. 4. Determine whether to have a voluntary ormandatory uniform policy. 5. When a mandatory school uniform policy is adopted,determine whether to have an opt-out provision. a. This means parents givetheir children the consent to opt out of the school uniform requirements. As a result of this manual, many local communities are deciding to adopt schooluniform policies. California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland,New York, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia have enacted school uniform regulationsMany large public school systems including Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dayton, LosAngeles, Long Beach, Miami, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, Phoenix,Seattle, and St. Louis have schools with either voluntary or mandatoryuniform policies, mostly in elementary and middle schools. Many educators saythat uniforms are more cost effective than regular clothing (LaPoint). Theaverage cost of uniforms is $65-75 per year for a set of three uniforms. Theycan be purchased at discount stores, department stores or uniform suppliers. .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 , .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 .postImageUrl , .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 , .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32:hover , .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32:visited , .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32:active { border:0!important; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32:active , .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32 .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc7fb4905dc37b7d1a09f389dea0ffe32:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Bipolar Disorder 4 EssayBesides saving parents hundreds of dollars, school uniforms help to erase thelines between social classes. The uniforms help to create an equality betweenthe have and the have-nots. However, there are a number of parents, teachers,students, and agencies that strongly oppose the concept of standardized dresscodes and uniforms. Unnecessary disciplinary actions on students often becomecounterproductive, creating rejection and sometimes rebellion against schoolofficials. For these and other reasons the American Civil Liberties Union havesided with parents and students in the fight against uniforms in public schools. The American Civil Liberties Union(ACLU) adamantly criticized Bill Clintonsschool uniform experiment because it like virtually every other uniformpolicy in the country, applies only to elementary and middle school students,and not to teenagers (Siegel). Their argument is that adolescence is a timewhen the student wants to express his or her individuality and thereforeuniforms should not even be considered in the high school. According to LorenSiegel, Director of the Public Education Department, and the American CivilLiberties Union, implementing mandatory school uniforms is dangerous becauseit gives the community a false sense of security. It is like putting a smallbandage on an enormous wound, instead of attempting to find ways to truly dealwith the bleeding. By instilling a uniform policy, the ACLU feel that,students will become agitated by the uniforms and find other ways of expressingtheir individuality. The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that clothing is a mode ofself-expression a nd as such, protected under the First Amendment. Therefore, sayexperts, public schools must offer parents the right to decline to have theirchildren wear uniforms. Those students that do not wear them cannot be punished. For a public school uniform policy to be legal, it has to have an opt-outprovision (Siegel). This means that every child has the right to a publicschool education, and that right must not be unconditional without compromise ofa school uniform policy of standardized dress code. Lack of group identificationis considered one of the significant reasons opponents of the school uniformsand standardized dress codes use. Lewis(1996) argued that uniforms preventstudents from finding membership with other students with similar identities.Critics complain that the uniforms will lessen childrens individualism andcreativity, which infringes on his or her rights. If given a choice, it is hardto imagine that most or even many teenagers will opt to wear the uniforms. Withall the wonderful statistics about how uniforms are helping to improve violence, is there another side? Yes, the American Civil Liberties Union ofMassachusetts reported that due to the new release of uniforms in Laurence Highschool, attendance of students has dropped rapidly and 600 students have beengiven detention and 200 suspended. This did exactly the opposite of whatuniforms are suppose to accomplish. If policy makers are serious aboutfinding solutions to the problem of school violence, maybe they should ask thereal experts: the students themselves. The ACLU recently conducted a series offocus groups with high school students asking them what would help reduceviolence in school. Uniforms did not make the list. Their suggestion: 1. Sinceschool violence mimics that of society at large, schools should seriouslyconfront and discuss issues of racism and cultural conflict. 2. School entrancesshould be secured. 3. More extracurricular activities and clubs should beestablished. 4. Open-mike assemblies should be held to give students theopportunity to express themselves. 5. Conflict resolution programs should betaught. 6. Programs to help students find part-time jobs should be established. 7. Safe corridor programs should be supported to protect the safety ofstudents as they go to and from school. Political leaders seem to be adamantlypromoting uniforms. They are doing this while there are crumbling schoolbuildings, overcrowded classrooms and decreasing education funds. Attractive,modern and safe school buildings, small class sizes, schools with well stockedlibraries, new computers and an assortment of elective courses like music,drama, and art are the kinds of changes that would produce long lasting anddramatic improvements in student achievement. But by doing this that wouldrequire the government to get involved more than they want. So they nextpossible source is uniforms. The ACLU argues that the government is trying tofind a quick fix to problems in the schools with the use of uniforms. Theysay that the solutions of the problems of school violence, low morale and lowself-esteem, inappropriate appearance and more, should be found with thestudents themselves (Siegel) . Also, by adding increased police officers andteachers patrolling the hallways, the students would be better behaved. Adolescence is a time when young people want to express their uniqueness andindividuality in many different ways, the most influential form of expressionfor them is fashion. While younger children may be amenable to uniforms might even like them teenagers are different. (Siegel) Norman Isaacs, theprincipal of Millikan Middle School in Sherman Oaks, California., has voicedopposition to uniforms, saying that students need to learn to make choicesand decisions based on internal values, rather than functioning with arbitraryrules that set the limits for them. Only then, he says, can they learn tothink for themselves and develop self-discipline. Others also argue thatstudent dress serves as a barometer of what is going on with the studentand can signal problems such as drugs, gang membership, or sexual abuse. Uniforms would eliminate a warning system that lets teachers and administratorsidentify and rescue students who need help. Lastly, a uniform policy penalizeseveryone instead of focusing on the small percentage of kids causing theproblems. Most reports on the uniform issue indicate that the elementary andmiddle schools are showing great improvement, however, by not using them in thehigh schools, where crime is worst, do uniforms help at all? There are nostatistics on how uniforms are doing in high school. This is because no one isusing them in public school. Townsend (1996, p?) explained that the olderstudents get the less they will like the uniforms. This is what kept theprincipal of Long Beach High and the board of education from institutinguniforms in the high school. We feared it would be an invitation to opendefiance and civil liberties. Its well-known that adolescence is a timewhen young people want to express individuality. So the thought of wearinguniforms in high school is on e to be avoided. Seigel(1990, p ?) states thatof course as several political cartoonist have pungently observed, teens arealready in uniform baggy pants, T-shirts and baseball caps worn backward.But these types of uniforms are clothes that the teens chosethemselves, and are not chosen for them. For these reason says Seigel, (1990,p?) school administrators and teachers know that teenagers will rebel againstuniform policies; that is why they have been reluctant to put them in the highschool level. Required uniforms present a real dilemma. If the junior or seniorhigh school is a place that the students genuinely likea place where they arerespected, where they are proud of their achievements and those of others, andwhere they are consulted about the value of uniforms, they may well accept them. .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 , .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 .postImageUrl , .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 , .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78:hover , .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78:visited , .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78:active { border:0!important; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78:active , .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78 .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ucc73e0b3f1f0140ee6f0c823f87c0f78:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Mrs Dalloway-Time Essay(Howe II) In the earlier years, little children, who have not yet learned toquestion adults, will almost certainly accept them. But students in secondaryschools without are likely to find ways to rebel against the enforcers ofrequired uniforms. Could uniforms work in the high school? According to KateDunnagan of Broughtan High this is not true. According to Dunnagan studentbodies are developing and changing constantly. Students wear what is flatteringand comfortable. It could be embarrassing to wear the same outfit as everyoneelse and look bad in it. The shape or design of a standard uniform may not beright for every individual. It appears the reason s for not implementinguniform policies in the high schools are simple. Teenagers will reject them. Nolonger young enough to be persuaded, teenagers express themselves on how theyfeel, and to them uniforms feel wrong. Adolescence is when they discover whothey really are, and what styles they like. They can not discover this bylooking like each other day in and day out. So what does this then say to theelementary and jr. high students? That once they reach high school they wonthave to wear uniforms, and they can go back to their old ways? How does thishelp? It doesnt. With this attitude crime and violence will only get worse. High school will become a place of freedom of uniforms, instead of the learningenvironment that uniforms are suppose to provide. Conformity helps students tobehave better, learn, and achieve more in and out of the classroom (Forbes,Malcolm, p26). The self esteem of a child is increased when he or she learns andfeels equal to his peers. Little information was found regarding the thoughtsand views of students themselves. However, last year students at Briton Middleschool in New Jersey polled 5 senior classes, asking them how the felt aboutuniforms. One student responded saying This is just another tactic to tryand remove more of our privileges. (New Jersey Times, p23) In addition toparents, school officials and governments authorities having input, so shouldthe students that will be wearing the uniforms. Problems at home, at school, atchurch, and public places occur when attire worn by children become adistraction and a disruption in their environment. When this occurs othermethods mu st be devised to get the students mind off of material things andback to school work. These methods must begin with the parents. If parentsmonitor what their children wear then they can solve many problems that mayoccur. Are uniforms a good idea for your district? According to Dr. Hilfer,strict dress codes are not for everybody Some schools thrive onpermissiveness and individuality, while others have to be more restrictive tocontain a restless student body. Before making a uniform decision, hesuggests that schools carefully consider their unique populations; what kind ofmessage they want to send to their students; and whether or not the think theirchildren will go for it. Dr. Hilfer warns, By instituting a uniform policy,schools are taking away kids individuality schools need to decide if thatsacrifice is really worth making. It is apparent that no single program oraction alone, will solve the problems facing public schools today. Schooluniforms and standardized dress codes must b e a small part of a larger programto eliminate violence, competition, and distractions from education. Schoolsmust incorporate dress codes along with other programs to help remove violence,and at the same time build self-esteem and school pride among the students andteachers. Finally, it will take the cooperation of parents, students, and schoolofficials to make this program work. Ultimately, the goal for all us is to putthe minds of students off of clothes and back on education. BibliographyPolacheck, Karin, (1995, September 28). Uniforms Help Solve Many SchoolProblems. Long Beach Press-Telegram, (Online) 13 paragraphs. Available:http://www.lbusd.k12.ca.us/uniform/uniformp.htm. Stacey, Julie, (1995, August22). Todays Debate: Dressing For School. USA Today (Online) 15 paragraphs. Available: http://www.lbusd.k12.ca.us/uniform.uniformg.htm. Siegel, Loren. Pointof View: School Uniforms (Press release online). American Civil Liberties Unionweb page, http://www.aclu.org/issues/student/pres.html U.S Department ofEducation, (1996). Manual on School Uniforms. (Government document). U.S. Houseof Representatives. House Bill Number 2532 (Online). Available: http://www.dos.state.fl.us/fgils/feds.html(No date). Associated Press, (1995, September 9). New Dress Code, Rule Shake UpMemphis School. The Chattanooga Times (Newspaper article), 18 paragraphs. http://www.hcrhs.hunterdon.k12.nj.us/english/willie/uniform3.htm http://www.bcsd.org/bhs/trap/oparts/march02.htmhttp://www.kidpub/School_Uniforms-Chelle.html http://inet.ed.gov/updates/uniforms.htmlhttp://www.aclu.org/congress/uniform.html http://inet.ed.gov/PressReleases/02-1996/whpr26.html