Dress Codes at HBCU's
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Posted By: Sid Holmes on September 14, 2007 The author sez: Morehouse College’s new president is requiring all incoming to own and wear maroon blazers with the Morehouse insignia, a desire to make being smart cool again while bringing morality back to the forefront of the college’s mission. His charge to freshmen was to “Look the part. Act the part. Talk the talk and walk the walk.” Since when did being smart have anything to do with being well-dressed? http://www.afamreport.com/ (Click on: ‘College Greek’ at the top, scroll to Dress Codes at HBCUs?) If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
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Can a poorly-dressed individual be as competent as a well-dressed one? Of course, but his competence would generally cause him to realize the benefit of being professionally dressed when the occasion requires it. For better or for worse, success in the business and academic world depends upon being able to demonstrate responsibility and attention to detail. Your attire is one outward demonstration of that. Before someone knows you or says a word to you, they have already made a judgment by what they see. In the case of Morehouse students, the people in question are young African-American men, a group which already suffers greatly because of negative stereotypes and judgment based upon appearance. We claim to respect our HBCUs because they inspire dignity and pride, and develop the "home training" that distinguishes our graduates. Why is it seen as conformist to require our students to dress professionally for PROFESSIONAL events? Nobody said students must wear a shirt and tie to the Cafe, or on their spare time; simply that they must wear a suit jacket to formal events. Some would claim that students should already have good judgment about how and when to dress up; unfortunately there are many that do not, and I can testify to this from experience. There was a time when a young man's father would take him to the tailor to buy his first suit, show him the proper way to tie a necktie and polish his shoes. It was a sign of respect, not selling out. When you look polished, people know that you consider yourself worthy of respect. Today, many young men do not have someone to fill that role. This is why our HBCUs sometimes step in and provide that guidance. Because although we may give each other the benefit of the doubt, the rest of the world will not. Morehouse, Hampton, Howard, and the other HBCUs that set standards for appearance are preparing students for the real world... one which is not forgiving and certainly judgmental. Much respect. Monday, September 17th 2007 at 4:09PM |
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