Essay Sample about Dress Code Discrimination

A dress code is a set of guidelines on how to dress in a certain setting, such as a school, business, or even a cultural group. When you mention a place or an occasion has a dress code, you're referring to a set of guidelines that restrict what sort of attire is acceptable. A dress code conveys uniformity and a sense of belonging. Dress codes should, in most situations, promote a sense of comfort, however, discrimination in dress codes is an issue amongst many individuals. Dress code discriminates against women, religious groups such as Muslims, and POC. 

To begin with, dress codes can be discriminatory toward women. The vast majority of clothing codes are aimed at women. While certain regulations apply to males, such as "no profanity or inappropriate imagery on clothes," these rules have nothing to do with their physical appearance. Women's restrictions, on the other hand, usually focus on their bodies, such as "no exposed stomach," "no exposed shoulders," and "no tank tops." Why is it that only women's bodies are subjected to a strict dress code? Women are taught from an early age that their bodies should be disguised by dress regulations. To expose one's skin is to be "skinny." They convey to young girls the idea that their bodies are seductive. Dress codes that prohibit cleavage and thighs educate females that their bodies are objects and a source of distraction. Dress codes teach women that their bodies are distractions and objects that must be hidden from males in order to create "a comfortable learning environment." Schools frequently sexualize parts of a woman's body that are not inherently sexual, such as her stomach and shoulders. This is bullying women into being self-conscious about their bodies. Allowing individuals to wear whatever they choose, whether it's tank tops, crop tops, shorts, skirts, or hoodies, would be a far more equitable approach.  While not all males are to blame, a significant number are complicit in the sexualization of women. Instead of teaching women to cover their bodies, young males should be educated to appreciate women. A dress code should be put into place to encourage women to feel more secure and at safe at school rather than discriminating against women. 

Furthermore, dress code discrimination can also be seen affecting religious groups. To elaborate, a school gym where it may sometimes be necessary to wear shorts or other revealing attire. This gym instance has happened to a lot of people. When Ifrah Jama was in 7th grade, her PE teacher wouldn't let her wear a skirt or dress in class because it didn't follow the gym requirements Ifrah was a Muslim student and would only wear modest clothes. Most school gym uniforms consist of a short-sleeved t-shirt and shorts that don't always align with different beliefs and customs. This causes a problem for Muslim girls who will either have to compromise their religious beliefs or sacrifice their grades. Many people believe that dress codes are solely for those who wear revealing attire, yet even the most modest people are subjected to them. My aunt, for example, was frequently sent home from school due to her headscarf. Her headscarf, according to the school, made it difficult to recognize her as a student. The hijab was consistently compared to a hoodie. She received dress codes each time she wore her hijab because of "safety reasons" . Not only does the clothing code discriminate against women, but it also discriminates against religions. 

Moreover, dress codes can be discriminatory to POC. They instill in young black children the belief that their natural hair is unsuitable. In some schools, the dress code includes a hair policy. These are plainly discriminatory since they prohibit black hairstyles such as tight braids and dreadlocks. These styles of hair are often seen as unprofessional in environments filled with straighter hairstyles. Not only do black people face dress code discrimination so do others of color. 

In conclusion, dress codes can be seen as discriminatory to women, religious groups such as Muslims, and POC. Schools and businesses need to reevaluate what they view as a viable dress code. Dress codes go way back and can be seen as outdated. When enforcing a dress code it is important to consider anyone who may be affected.