Technolandy

Day 122 (of 2024/24) school uniforms remix 2025

https://apple.news/AWiTenAsGTeqvE7_YQJJUmg

“Wearing a uniform helps to create an environment of equality, reducing the pressure on pupils to keep up with the latest and often more expensive labels or brands,”

And knowing that uniform mindsets are different than dress codes. I’ve been thinking about this recently as I further ponder some thoughts on identity – especially as it ties to schooling… in particular what ought we do better that some of our social competitors do (eg gangs). 

This week my ties and bowties were featured in some direct and indirect commentaries… 

Pro: my continuation of #bowtietuesday is well received – both in the sense of my collection of wooden ties and that in general, I am wearing bowties! They are still seen as a bit of fun in the weekly clothing cycle.

Con: there is a connection between colonial standards of clothing and those who don’t trust the unofficial uniform – or as I tease them behind the scenes, the wearing of ‘colonial nooses’ in my more traditional variety of ties… when this was brought up in a meeting, I made an offhand comedically intended remark and a few others said (as I have heard from many environments where day one I was told ‘we don’t really wear ties here’) you’re different – ties work for/with you! But there is the stereotype of the teacher wearing a tie that gets a bit too much praise from our older community members… but is also enjoyed by the youngers (I had a student comment that I never wear the same tie twice, and he knows because he’s been keeping track) though of late, I am more willing to repeat some key ties and bowties that I really really like!

Pro: I had a parent come and find me to see what tie I was wearing because it made her smile to see the variety I have (they are not all comedic or cartoony or … anything – but the variety is a mix of ones my dad wore many decades ago to some very fancy ones that I find when thrifting… .I don’t recall the last time I paid full price for a tie (my shoes on the other hand, I likewise have a variety to go through, but did pay full price for my Nike FlyEase Go’s – that after about 5 years+ of being my ‘daily drivers’ (walks etc) are finally starting to see the tread fade and starting to wear out… but I find it harder to get rid of old shoes than old ties…

Con: As principal, should I model some different clothing choices… I usually do either ‘unofficial sports jersey friday’ or ‘nerdy t-shirt friday’ – but a few days back wore my contacts and our school hoodie and hat and a few students admitted that they thought I was a stranger in the commons area! And of course, being a bit of a disruptor, I started the year highlighting some clothing choices that are of course, against many many school rules: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianlandy/video/7415256501943635206

How does your school uniform (we all gave our own style…) change? Usually after spring break, I would shift to more shorts and collared shirts… but over the decades it seems it’s been later and later before summer wear has been as necessary as in my youth – probably can blame HAARP… At least my symbolism as to what I wear is being better recognized by my own school team – I’ve heard an allusion to liking figuring out why I’m wearing what I’m wearing ~ or knowing there is a reason I’m wearing particular clothes (such as my tribute to spring training starting for the @mariners. What does your school uniform communicate?

Why do you wear what you wear when you wear it..? always a reason! now go overthink it!