No Yoga Pants Dress Code At Western High Creates Controversy; I’m Supportive

I'm arguing with some women that disagree with the new dress code at Western High School that prohibits Yoga pants, leggings and stretch pants.

The arguments are clear, I think.

THEM: Girls clothing isn't the problem.  Boys inability to focus is the problem.

ME: Girls clothing isn't the problem.  Boys inability to focus is the problem.

So, you see where this argument gets dicey.

To elaborate, it's 2015, so I really don't think this is a girl/boy issue.  Right?  I mean, let's not even refer to each other as "girl" or "boy."  Well, what I mean is, we're all "people."  And this could just as easily be a girl/girl issue or a boy/boy issue.  I mean, if a boy is wearing stretch pants, which would be against the rules, he could very well be a distraction.  I mean, I know if I were wearing stretch pants I would definitely be a distraction.

So, if a person does something that creates a distraction for another person, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we're not placing blame, right?  It's not about demonizing a person for "being themselves."  (I love wearing stretch pants because it makes me feel... ready to learn!)  But, it's about pointing out that in a public space, it's important that we have respect for those around us, right?  So, if a person finds something that you do distracting -- it's not your fault -- maybe, but, the respectful thing to do is to make the necessary adjustment so that that person is comfortable.

This all sounds right to me -- and very 2015.  Very PC.  Ya know, changing what we do to accommodate others.

Okay, you got me.  I'm throwing a little sarcasm out there.

"They" argue that a person that views a person in any manner other than that which they prefer to be viewed (perhaps as a person dressing comfortably to obtain the best educational experience possible) is disrespectful.

"Me" (or "I") argue that looking at someone once, twice, thrice -- and subsequently being distracted does not make one disrespectful.  It makes them...well...distracted.  Unable to focus.

See, it seems that we generally agree on the problem.  But, we don't agree on the solution.

"They" think the solution is to call the problem something other than what it is.

"I" think the solution is to fix the problem the fastest and most logical way possible.

It's going to be a lot faster and easier to calm the ether by following a set of basic attire guidelines, applicable to all "people," rather than try to, ya know, change human nature.

Let me bring it on home by saying that I'm supportive of sensible, reasonable solutions.  That might be implementing a dress code specific to certain garments, or it might be putting everyone in a uniform.  It's a lot easier to change what someone does versus what someone thinks.

I'm also supportive of letting people wear what they want to wear and telling kids that they're going to have to learn to deal with distractions.  (Besides, after a short while of trying to avoid staring at a person's butt in stretch pants -- that butt isn't going to be that interesting anymore.)

What I'm not supportive of is calling this something it isn't.  (You're so 2015.)

When I tell my daughter that her skirt is too short, I am not attacking her.  I am not belittling her or reducing her to her choice of clothing.  I'm respecting others and, oh yeah, I'm protecting her.

Yes, instead of putting locks on our doors, let's just teach criminals not to break in.

Knock it off.

Be reasonable.

Besides, you may be a distraction for all the wrong reasons.  Just sayin'.