Introduction
To begin with, it is necessary to state that the present-day world has been overloaded with different types of information. What is more, every one of every sort tends to have their own opinion on everything they come across. The proverb says: “Many men, many minds.” Therefore, it is important to develop critical thinking and be able to treat the contrary position in an unbiased way (Elbow, 2006). This paper aims to consider one of the most topical issues, express an opinion on it and discuss the opposite opinion while avoiding being biased.
The Author’s Opinion
The question under consideration is whether students should wear school uniforms. From my viewpoint, it is not necessary for a student to wear school uniforms. My reasons for such an opinion are as follows. First, each person is unique, and clothing can be considered as one of the means to express individuality. It might be wise to teach a child from the early age what clothes it is suitable to put on when they go to school. It is crucial to avoid miniskirts, shorts and bright colors in the classroom. However, it is no use to force children to wear all the same clothes. Second, wearing uniforms does not happen to affect the child’s academic result. It does not help to prepare for an exam nor succeed in it. Therefore, the uniform is something supra-academic which is not actually required when it comes to knowledge and skills acquisition and the ability to apply them. Finally, uniforms prove to be expensive. It might be better to spend the money on a nice piece of clothing which can be worn not only to school (McDaniel, 2013).
The Opponent’s Opinion
Now it is necessary to consider the opposite opinion and discuss it. First, “school uniforms may deter crime and increase student safety” (Should children have to wear school uniforms?). This position helps me to realize that, apart from individuality, there is a critical matter of personal security. If I believed this view, I might have justified the viewpoint that children should wear school uniforms regardless of their uniqueness. This is due to the fact that I assume that the safety is the uppermost. This idea might be true if certain research has been conducted and a corresponding conclusion has been drawn. Second, “school uniforms keep students focused on their education, not their clothes” (Should children have to wear school uniforms?).
This opinion assists in comprehending that clothes might distract attention. If everyone wears the same clothes, all the attention is more likely to be paid to the study. If I believed this view, I would not have stated above that clothes do not affect the academic result. This idea might be true if the child is more interested in clothes than in the study. Finally, “school uniforms create a level of playing field among students, reducing peer pressure and bullying” (Should children have to wear school uniforms?) This viewpoint enables me to understand that family budgets are different. Some parent can allow buying their kids fashionable clothes, while other cannot afford it. It might entrain envy in children from the early age. If I believed this view, I would prefer children to wear the uniform to school. This idea might be true since schools tend to have not only mixed-abilities classes but also classes where children come from various backgrounds. It often happens that some parents are prosperous, whereas others live in poverty. The latter cannot afford much, so their children will not wear fashionable clothes to school and might be bullied by children whose parents are wealthy.
Conclusion
To sum it up, it is to note that the paper has considered one of the most topical issues. It has presented the author’s opinion, and afterward, discussed the contrary opinion. To draw a conclusion, it is necessary to underline the importance of critical thinking.
References
Elbow, P. (2006). The believing game and how to make conflicting opinions more fruitful. ProCon.org. Web.
McDaniel, T. R. (2013). “Making the school uniform decision: Is it right for your school?” Kappa Delta Pi Record, 49(4), 162-167.
“Should children have to wear school uniforms?”ProCon.org. Web.