It’s 2021, and we find ourselves once more in a situation where young women are being told they should be embarrassed of their bodies. They are advised to cover up, as if being confident in their own skin is a crime. Heaven forbid they should dress as they like, lest they distract boys from their studies or, even worse, contribute to a culture where young men are not held accountable for their actions. Apparently, appearing in a yearbook photo in what someone deems “trashy” attire is a fate to be avoided at all costs.
This troubling reality was highlighted when over 80 photos in the Bartram Trails High School yearbook were edited, and unsurprisingly, all of them featured young women. Christina Langston, the school district spokesperson, noted that the yearbook coordinator, a teacher named Anne Irwin, decided to alter these photos without informing the students. The edits were only revealed once the yearbooks were distributed, and according to Langston, this is standard procedure. Previously, students who didn’t meet the dress code were simply excluded from the yearbook, so, in a twisted way, the edits were meant to be a “favor” to the girls.
The school’s dress code is typical for many high schools in America, and it’s clear that the rules are far more stringent for girls than for boys. While boys are told to wear pants at the waist and avoid revealing clothing, girls face a laundry list of restrictions. Spaghetti straps and cold shoulder tops? Not allowed. Midriffs and cutouts? Absolutely not. The length of skirts and shorts must adhere to a specific standard, and makeup should be kept minimal. The absurdity continues with the expectation that girls should not wear leggings, which one mother previously claimed were a distraction.
This double standard has left many young women feeling marginalized. Riley O’Keefe, a 15-year-old student from Bartram Trails, shared her disappointment over the altered photo, stating that the school is shaming girls for their bodies. She noted that while girls faced scrutiny, boys in Speedos were featured in the yearbook without any edits. Riley’s mother, Lisa Harper, expressed concern that the school’s actions send mixed messages to their daughters, making it difficult for them to embrace their changing bodies.
Despite the painful experience, Lisa hopes this situation will serve as a lesson for her daughter and her friends about standing up for what is right. “It’s important they know their bodies are beautiful and to be confident in who they are,” she stated.
As we navigate this outdated double standard, it’s crucial to allow girls the freedom to dress comfortably, even if it means hinting at their natural shapes. They deserve the autonomy to express themselves without fear of judgment, just as boys are afforded the same freedom.
For more insightful discussions on this topic, please check out this blog post as well as resources from intracervicalinsemination.com and ASRM.
Search Queries:
- Why are schools enforcing dress codes for girls?
- How to empower young girls about body image
- Understanding school dress codes
- Body positivity in schools
- Navigating high school dress codes
In summary, the ongoing practice of body-shaming young girls in schools continues to be a significant issue. The recent incident at Bartram Trails High School highlights the need for a reevaluation of dress codes that unjustly target girls while allowing boys greater freedom. It’s essential for schools to foster an environment where all students can feel confident in their bodies, promoting acceptance and self-expression.