Uniform No Bar to Individuality

* Re Dana Parsons’ July 23 column, “Is He Fighting Uniformity or Dressing Up a Lost Cause?”:

John Greek’s daughter was all excited about her first day of school until she got there and found she was the only one not wearing a uniform. Greek could not bring himself to “let” her wear a school uniform. In his view a school uniform does not encourage individuality, something he values highly.

As a teacher, Greek should know that for young people (and most others) there is always a “uniform” requirement. This requirement may come from school, work, parents, the fashion industry or peer groups, but it does exist.

Greek [should] buy his daughter the uniform. If she elects to wear it then she will be expressing her individuality, not his.

PATRICIA THOMSON

Stanton

* John Greek caused his daughter unnecessary pain by using her to deal with his own issues. More importantly, he missed the opportunity to teach her a lesson of greater value: Individuality has everything to do with who we are and the unique gifts each of us has to contribute. Individuality has nothing to do with how the fabric on our backs was cut or dyed.

MARLYS HARPER

Irvine

* I agree with John Greek in principle. Individuality should be cherished, nurtured and respected. But “things” are a superficial way to show individuality. Our school system represses individuality and creativity in so many important ways.

I think students do focus on clothes, not as a way of expressing individuality but rather to show what group they belong to: gang [members], the nerds.

Perhaps uniforms would eliminate this false identity and divisiveness and encourage students to develop real individuality.

JAMES C. DALY

Laguna Beach