lipstick boy
Mother of middle-schooler insists: A main reason why "school" exists is to enable my son to express his style
It's his right to wear makeup, lipstick, and nail polish (if not black then pink). [Well, one thing it does teach the other kids at Garfield Middle is forbearance because it takes character for them to refrain from regularly ass-kicking the kid.] WCPO-TV (Cincinnati)
It's his right to wear makeup, lipstick, and nail polish (if not black then pink). [Well, one thing it does teach the other kids at Garfield Middle is forbearance because it takes character for them to refrain from regularly ass-kicking the kid.] WCPO-TV (Cincinnati)
Comments
In part I have to agree with the dude's right to "do his thing" but, I also have to agree that the other kids get to "express themselves" too. Of course now the school board will restrict everyone from wearing make-up to school (except, of course, the teachers and admin staff).
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 09/26/08 at 08:09 AM
Much as I hated wearing a uniform during the couple years I attended Catholic school, I think it's actually a good idea. As avmayes said, school is a place to learn. It's not a fashion show. You can be an individual after school.
Posted by BikerPuppy on 09/26/08 at 11:32 AM
avmayes614 - you are a man after my own heart! My children's rights are whatever I give them.
I say stick all kids in uniforms, and let them express their individuality on their own time.
May I just point out here that I'm all about individuality - I had tattoos (two) before it was "popular", and I'm married to a biker with piercings and tats all over.
I say stick all kids in uniforms, and let them express their individuality on their own time.
May I just point out here that I'm all about individuality - I had tattoos (two) before it was "popular", and I'm married to a biker with piercings and tats all over.
Posted by KW in Dallas, TX on 09/26/08 at 12:09 PM
It is his right to express himself. It is also the school's right to decide that certain behavior or attire is disruptive to the education of other students, and you can't tell them to just ignore it...that wont work! I think for his own safety he shouldn't be allowed to dress like that, since he seems hell bent on getting his ass kicked. Not saying he deserves it, but let's be realistic, it's going to happen! Then his parents will sue the school.
Posted by Jules in Connecticut on 09/26/08 at 12:14 PM
I don't think a school is the correct venue for individuality. Kids are there for a purpose...to learn. School is not for personal [removed]except within the confines of the schools rules and regulations) nor is it for socializing. It is for learning.
As a former public school student, I would have kicked his ass. In fact what's his address...I'm heading there right now. I just need a plane ticket, hotel reservations and a baby sitter...oh forget it!
As a former public school student, I would have kicked his ass. In fact what's his address...I'm heading there right now. I just need a plane ticket, hotel reservations and a baby sitter...oh forget it!
Posted by Madd Maxx on 09/26/08 at 12:42 PM
Count me as another who sees school as an educational venue, not an environment to play dress-up.
As a formerly homeschool student and a parent who has entertained the idea of homeschooling my own children...I often get the question, "What about the importance of learning to be in a classroom environment??"
I usually just say something like, "Well, when I went into the "real world" and had to work a job...there was no raising my hand to go to the bathroom or sharing crayons with my neighbor. I don't really see that failing to sit in a room full of kids my age has stunted me in any way."
Apparently, all this kid has learned by being in a classroom environment, is that he should hide his squinty eyes (which would be better seen by cutting his hair) and his yellow teeth (toothpaste anyone?) with makeup. He hasn't learned the importance of education over personal appearance.
As a formerly homeschool student and a parent who has entertained the idea of homeschooling my own children...I often get the question, "What about the importance of learning to be in a classroom environment??"
I usually just say something like, "Well, when I went into the "real world" and had to work a job...there was no raising my hand to go to the bathroom or sharing crayons with my neighbor. I don't really see that failing to sit in a room full of kids my age has stunted me in any way."
Apparently, all this kid has learned by being in a classroom environment, is that he should hide his squinty eyes (which would be better seen by cutting his hair) and his yellow teeth (toothpaste anyone?) with makeup. He hasn't learned the importance of education over personal appearance.
Posted by Maegan on 09/26/08 at 01:32 PM
This isn't a new problem. Guys have always wanted to look like girls, meeting with various levels of success and resistance.
http://lileks.com/institute/dorcus/dress.jpg
http://lileks.com/institute/dorcus/dress.jpg
Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 09/26/08 at 03:02 PM
KW and avmayes, not all of us bikers conform -- I got no tats, no piercings outside my earlobes, and I wear a full face helmet. My puppy/passenger on the other hand....
Posted by BikerPuppy on 09/26/08 at 03:57 PM
He had the tats and piercings as a way of expressing himself... his biker friends are mostly just regular dudes.
Posted by KW in Dallas, TX on 09/26/08 at 04:49 PM
Remember a few weeks ago, about the mom who insisted the school allow her son to "express himself", then he got murdered, and now she's suing? I'm just sayin....
Posted by lostinthevalleygirl on 09/26/08 at 07:49 PM
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