Fashion is what most people wear every day to show off their style and sense of self to the World.  The response that is triggered in peoples’ minds when they look at a person’s style depends a lot on what that person wears.  But, how much can a person really tell about another person based on simply on what that person is wearing rather than getting to know them?

Most schools have a dress code that students must follow or they will pay consequences like detention or a phone call home. When you see a guy who sags his pants or a girl who wears a shirt that’s above her belly or waist, you might be inclined to label him a “thug” or her something that we’ll leave unsaid.

I’ve had to deal with the issue of people judging me simply for the clothes I wore rather than who I truly am. Back in middle school, a rumor went around that I was told to be “emo,” which is a person who wears all black and has a huge grudge against the world. When I heard about the rumor, that people assumed that I was emo because I wore black all the time, I wanted to tell people that wasn’t the case, that I love all music including rap and would never be a person who despises the world.

Issues with school dress codes have caused frustration for teachers. You may have heard a teacher say, “Young man, pull up those pants.” or “Young lady, cover your skin.” This can be viewed as either a situation of judgment or an example that teachers care about the students’ appearance on their campus. To clear the air, teachers say those things because they care and want students to know – for moments like job interviews – that what you wear does matter.

Almost every day, people judge others on appearance not knowing who a person truly is. To me, it is plain rude to judge a person quickly without knowing him or her.  Of course, some fashion trends are hard to understand, so I hope the people who sag their pants know the meaning of the style and don’t let it fully define them.