Teenager ( Boy )
( America ) : Hi, my name is Jason. I'm 16 years old. I go to Aoyama Gakuin High School. I've been under stress ever since I started attending this school. The teachers are always telling me what to wear and what not to. One time during Summer, I used to wear clothes like jeans, a muscle shirt, and sandals because it was hot. However, the teacher came to me and told me to go to the principles office. I asked the teacher why I had to go. Apparently, it was because I was breaking the dress code for school. When I heard this, I had mixed feelings about the dress code. On one hand, I understand the need for some guidelines to maintain a sense of professionalism and create a focused learning environment. However, I also believe that dress codes can sometimes be restrictive and unfair. By adhering to a dress code, we are taught to present ourselves in a certain way, which can be important when entering the workforce or attending formal events. It can also help minimize distractions caused by inappropriate or revealing clothing, allowing everyone to concentrate on their studies. On the other hand, dress codes can sometimes feel overly strict and arbitrary. Many schools have policies that dictate the length of shorts, the width of shoulder straps, or even the style of shoes that students are allowed to wear. These rules can be frustrating, as they limit our ability to express our individuality and personal style. Teenagers are at an age where we are discovering our identities and experimenting with fashion, so being told what we can and cannot wear can feel suffocating.
Reference: Pendharkar, E. (2023, May 17). School dress code debates, explained. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/school-dress-code-debates-sexist-explained/2022/12
(Japan) : Hi, my name is Kazu. I’m 16 years old and I go to Gunma Kokusai Academy High School. I recently moved to Japan from the United States. I always put my hair up in a man bun because my hair is long and naturally light brown. When I arrived at the school on the very first day, the teacher called me over and asked me about my hair color and my hairstyle. The teacher said according to the school dress code, I had to cut my hair short. As for my hair color, I told the teacher that it was my natural hair color and they said it was fine. I was very surprised about this because, in the United States, we had no such dress codes for hairstyles. I believe that Japanese dress codes are tougher than American ones. Although I am aware that this school requires students to wear uniforms, I think that easing the dress code will encourage greater individuality. But I also recognize that some people value the sense of equality and unity that uniforms and dress codes create among students.
Reference: Baseel, C. (2020, December 30). Dumb Japanese school dress codes. Japan Today. https://japantoday.com/category/features/opinions/Dumb-Japanese-school-dress-codes
Adult ( Men )
(America) : Hi, my name is Noah. I’m 26 years old and I am currently working at a marketing company. In our work environment, everyone uses their first names and there is a comfortable and casual atmosphere. I love the environment at work. I have no particular issues with the dress codes, either. The more uncommon business casual and business professional clothing can be worn by my boss. The majority of people are dressed really casually and simply.
(Japan) : Hi, I'm Takashi. I'm a "salary man" at an organization and I'm 26 years old. I have been working for this company for 10 years. Before I came here, I used to work at a company located in the United States. I always feel anxious after work since I have to maintain my professionalism the entire time. No matter the weather, I have to wear ties and suits in either blue, gray, or black. "Business casual” as it relates to dress codes does not exist in my company. Because working in suits all day is uncomfortable, this is incredibly stressful. Summer makes it even more difficult to focus at work. The dress codes were more flexible and more open when I was living in the United States than they are now. It makes me want to go back to the United States.
References: Merchant, Y. S. (2018, April 6). 5 major differences between Japanese and American workplaces. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/differences-between-japanese-and-american-work-culture-2018-3#in-both-countries-employees-work-long-hours-and-take-few-breaks-5
(Nanako McIntosh)
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