Monday, February 8, 2010
I spend at least five minutes every morning choosing what to wear to class.
Picky? Yes.
On days when I get stuck staring into my closet for 15 minutes, unable to find the perfect ensamble, I miss my uniformed student life from back in Macao.
In Macao, as throughout much of China, students are required to dress in neat and clean uniforms.
In Chinese culture, unlike the preferred individualism in western world, collectivism is embrazed. Uniforms are thought to engage students and construct positive school images.
The Chinese uniform is pretty simple. Girls dress in white with a belt and dark blue ribbon tied below a round collar. Boys wear white T-shirts, with ties in winter months, dark gray long suit pants. White socks with black shoes are standard footwear for both boys and girls.
Girls basically look like angels and guys look like gentlemen.
Naturally, most parents are in favor of uniforms. The uniform essentially plays the role of a chaperone; With uniforms on, students are constantly reminded to behave themselves. A sense of responsibility is attached to the image of the uniform.
Sounds great, right?
I didn't used to think so. When I had to dress in a specific way every day, my uniform represented a boring, old-fashioned image. I felt constrained and too recognizable by others.
My friends and I couldn't wait until after school when we could strip out uniforms and hang out in cozy, casual wear.
Now, I am able to wear whatever pleases me. However, I quickly discovered the good sides of wearing uniform.
Not only do uniforms relieve the stress of picking out an outfit, they also remind me of unique memories.
When I were little, I dreamed to have more freedom to behave as a "little adult". I rebelled, I always wanted more and I wished to break away from the cage and leave the childhood playground.
Now, though, I find myself wishing it was possible to rewind back to more innocent days. I realize that my uniform-adorned school days weren't so bad. I had pure but solid friendship, naive but memorable puppy love and a busy, but joyful, life.
It's ironoic that when I finally received the freedom I once so desperately craved, I now yearn for a little more naïveté and restriction.
However, this can never be. Life must go on.
My uniform, as well as those memories, have to be placed back in my closet. I can't hold every single treasure in my hands, but I know I can place them in my heart forever.
— Ho is a junior from Macau, China, in journalism.
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Comments
Ho: Uniforms help keep memories alive
I don't know if I would say that Chinese culture embraces collectivism so much enforcing it. In the absence of a Communist ruling party, would things be the same?
Ho: Uniforms help keep memories alive
*enforces.
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