The Deal with Do Rags

[Sophist08edLady]

We must also remember that College is supposed to prepare young adults not only academically, but also socially. There was a time when college trained individuals stood out from the crowd because they were dressed in accordance to the schools dress policy. Many HBCU's had these dress policies and enforced them until the late 60s. I think more schools should implimate dress policies when attending class. This will put more focus on the business at hand...education. Therefore I believe that when a student is attending classes, he/she should be dressed appropriately...no do-rags, scarfs, hats, pajamas, slippers, stripper clothes etc. in the lecture hall. But when someone is on their own free time they should be able to dress how they wish.

[TonyB06]

I support the president's move 100 percent. Look like the professional you're studying/training to be.

[ladygreek]

Then how do you reconcile those that do not attend HBCUs and are not subjected to dress codes with the success they still achieve in life?

At my school we were allowed to be comfortable in our dress. That did not affect what we learned about life after college. Nor did it negatively affect our academic prowess. Not to mention that in corporate America today, many industries have relaxed dress codes anyway. For example, my daught who is a senior brand manager for Frito-Lay does not wear suits to work.

I see dress codes at HBCUs as being rather pretentious and separating the haves from the have nots.

Now if that do rag was covering up a conk, then that is a whole 'nother issue - LOL.

[RedefinedDiva]

I see that some of you have never been on the Souhtern University campus on "Pretty Wednesday" LOL!!

I SWEAR that I have seen more breasts, butt, legs and thighs on a COLLEGE CAMPUS than I would see in a strip club! I have seen guys walking around with their pants to their knees. It's utterly ridiculous!

While I don't agree with a dress code, per se, I do believe there should be some sort of regulation. Though everyone should be able to express themselves freely through their dress, some folks take things too far. If you are "evolved" enough to be attending college, it's about time to modify your dress to match your vocational aspirations. One should not come to class like they have just finished their shift at the Nasty Kitty Gentlemen's Club, nor as if you and your homies are "riding dirty."

Tighten up that appearance!!!

[pinkies up]

Originally Posted by RedefinedDiva

I see that some of you have never been on the Souhtern University campus on "Pretty Wednesday" LOL!!

I SWEAR that I have seen more breasts, butt, legs and thighs on a COLLEGE CAMPUS than I would see in a strip club! I have seen guys walking around with their pants to their knees. It's utterly ridiculous!

While I don't agree with a dress code, per se, I do believe there should be some sort of regulation. Though everyone should be able to express themselves freely through their dress, some folks take things too far. If you are "evolved" enough to be attending college, it's about time to modify your dress to match your vocational aspirations. One should not come to class like they have just finished their shift at the Nasty Kitty Gentlemen's Club, nor as if you and your homies are "riding dirty."

Tighten up that appearance!!!

Co-sign. LMAO (Nasty Kitty Gentleman's Club...)

[Sophist08edLady]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Then how do you reconcile those that do not attend HBCUs and are not subjected to dress codes with the success they still achieve in life?

Actually dress codes originated at Ivy League Schools. Hence the "Oxford" shirt. It was once common practive for students at Yale, Harvard and Princeton to be required to wear a collard shirt, tie and jacket to classes. I don't beleive that everyone should be dresses in 3-piece suits to go to class, but businees casual attire is appropriate. Club-wear should def not be in class rooms. I also don't believe that this should be just at HBCUs, but in all places of higher education.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by Sophist08edLady

Actually dress codes originated at Ivy League Schools. Hence the "Oxford" shirt. It was once common practive for students at Yale, Harvard and Princeton to be required to wear a collard shirt, tie and jacket to classes.

I understand that and to me it was pretentious and used to separate the "elite."

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

I understand that and to me it was pretentious and used to separate the "elite."

There is separation in all walks of life. We're (read: within-race) not all the same people when you get to specifics. There will always be some divergence to go along with all of the convergence in experiences.

The cream of the crop isn't just about performance. People will also rise to the top based on their cultural proficiency and that includes style of dress and speech. It's what people in my field call cultural capital, social capital, and human capital. You portray a certain image and are able to network, then you will be given the opportunity to show of your knowledge and skills, as well as develop your knowledge and skills.

The big issue with this is that it is based on dominant group ideals. Cultural capital is about the style of speech and dress that the dominant group values.

[PhrozenGod01]

Unless the student was the one presenting for a class, I wouldn't be suprised if he rebelled rather vehemently. At my alma mater, I would have laughed in the president's face for an order as ridiculous as that. Not only is it my right to wear whatever I want, but it is rather sexist to state that only women can wear scarves or do-rags. Some of the brightest students in my mangement school wore pajamas to class every day if they didn't have an interview or presentation. I find that is more important that the student showed up to class. I wore do-rags in school but still got my work done, always spoke properly, and treated everyone with respect. No one ever hassled me about what I wore and I respected them for that.

Maybe I'm real heated about this issue because I went to a huge public university, with progressive liberal ideas, or maybe I just really have a problem with authority figures who treat adults like children.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Then how do you reconcile those that do not attend HBCUs and are not subjected to dress codes with the success they still achieve in life?

At my school we were allowed to be comfortable in our dress. That did not affect what we learned about life after college. Nor did it negatively affect our academic prowess. Not to mention that in corporate America today, many industries have relaxed dress codes anyway. For example, my daught who is a senior brand manager for Frito-Lay does not wear suits to work.

I see dress codes at HBCUs as being rather pretentious and separating the haves from the have nots.

Now if that do rag was covering up a conk, then that is a whole 'nother issue - LOL.

I'm not really bothered by doorags but I wouldn't date a man who still wears one out the house. And you're WRONNNNGGGG for the conk joke.

I rarely see bruthas wearing doorags around PWI college campuses. It happens but these were usually 1) underclassmen and/or 2) student athletes. Similarly, I didn't see too many girls walking around with scarves on their heads or looking like they are going to the club.

Relaxed/comfortable/casual dress code isn't the same thing as people walking around looking like "hoochies and hoodlums." You won't see a doorag or a hiked up skirt with stilettos at most jobs. And, no, I don't think that every dude in hip hop gear or a doorag looks like a hoodlum...nor does every girl with a short skirt and stilettos look like a hoochie (I wear short skirts and stilettos when the occasion sees fit ).

[06pilot]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Then how do you reconcile those that do not attend HBCUs and are not subjected to dress codes with the success they still achieve in life?

At my school we were allowed to be comfortable in our dress. That did not affect what we learned about life after college. Nor did it negatively affect our academic prowess. Not to mention that in corporate America today, many industries have relaxed dress codes anyway. For example, my daught who is a senior brand manager for Frito-Lay does not wear suits to work.

I see dress codes at HBCUs as being rather pretentious and separating the haves from the have nots.

Now if that do rag was covering up a conk, then that is a whole 'nother issue - LOL.

How do you equate a dress code as seperating the haves from the have nots? Youare assuming that the haves will dress a certain way and the have nots will dress a certain way. I know plenty of upper class rich people that have kids that where do rags baggy pants and what not. I know people inth ehood that dress very professionally and try to dress like they are about business. SO wher eyou come from has nothing to do with your dress.

On the subject. I agree with a dress code. It sets a precedence. The reason predominantly white schools dont enforce it is porbably they dont care or are afraid of offending students since we live in a sue happy society these days. But like the previous poster said college is about more than just an academic education it prepares you togo into the professional world and workforce. SO you might as well learn to look the part.

[firecracker08]

At my PWI, I wore whatever I wanted including pajamas and the occasional headscarves. Depending on the school's mission, it may be within their policy to have people take off doo rags. But honestly, there must be other problems/issues at a school aside from dress codes.

[AKA2D '91]

Originally Posted by firecracker08

At my PWI, I wore whatever I wanted including pajamas and the occasional headscarves.

Since you said a PWI, I can believe it, but why? (rhetorical)
And... aw nevermind! (sigh)

ETA: The above is not limited to PWIs. Over the years, I've seen the way folks walk over to the cafe in their headscarves, pajamas, and slippers. (sigh)

[PhrozenGod01]

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

Since you said a PWI, I can believe it, but why? (rhetorical)
And... aw nevermind! (sigh)

ETA: The above is not limited to PWIs. Over the years, I've seen the way folks walk over to the cafe in their headscarves, pajamas, and slippers. (sigh)

At home I tend to eat in my pajamas, so if I'm at school hundreds of miles away, I wouldn't want to feel homesick. I am old enough to know that it wouldn't be appropriate to wear pajamas on a date or to a job interview. I just don't see the need for someone's subjective view to be forced down my throat. If I have an intramural football game after class, I should be able to come to class in sweats if I want. I'd make sure they didn't stink or anything like that. If people don't like the way I look, they don't have to look at me.

In the corporate world, some companies have stricter dress policies than others. What is considered business formal at one company, might not even qualify as casual at another. In a university setting, students should be free to find themselves. It seems rather scary to have administration telling students how to look. What's to stop faculty and staff, then, from dictating how students think and feel? Most college students are adults and should be accountable for their own actions. They should learn, themselves, that dressing a certain way yields a certain type of treatment. It should not be up to the top brass of the university to "teach" that.

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally Posted by 06pilot

How do you equate a dress code as seperating the haves from the have nots? Youare assuming that the haves will dress a certain way and the have nots will dress a certain way. I know plenty of upper class rich people that have kids that where do rags baggy pants and what not. I know people inth ehood that dress very professionally and try to dress like they are about business. SO wher eyou come from has nothing to do with your dress.

On the subject. I agree with a dress code. It sets a precedence. The reason predominantly white schools dont enforce it is porbably they dont care or are afraid of offending students since we live in a sue happy society these days. But like the previous poster said college is about more than just an academic education it prepares you togo into the professional world and workforce. SO you might as well learn to look the part.

Just wanted to say "ditto" to your thoughts. And I agree with the poster that stated that do-rags are the male equivalent to wearing rollers outside in public IMO. Just because you "can" do it, doesn't mean you "should". Appearance does matter in our society. Now I'm not saying that every campus should have ladies/men stepping out in suits, high heels and dresses (although some do on various campuses) but at least be presentable.

I'm glad that universities are now starting to take into account dress codes (I believe it is Hampton's business school that is now requiring its students to dress in business attire a few days a week) because thats how it is when you work for someone else and if this is what you're going to college to prepare for, you should be learning all the skillsss you need to suceed, both academically and culturally (in terms of working for someone else).