Expression Through Clothing and Music

       Students have a right to express their self’s at school whether it’s through clothing or music. That is their right. Although many students express themselves too far, it is still their right. College is a hard time for students, trying to figure out where they fit in and if they can make it through the semester. Sometimes expressing style is something that makes you feel comfortable. James Hinmon should never have been judged for the way he wore his hair or his clothing. It should have been that all that mattered was if he was doing well in school. And the teachers should not have ignored him because of these reasons. Expressing oneself is how we make it in life, letting out true colors shine. Dress is a way of expression and one should not be stereotyped for that.

     College students have stressful times from exams to just making friends. Most of the time it can come down to what genre of music you listen too. That is another way in them expressing themselves. Although Rap music gives off certain themes or an idea that does not always mean that someone is going to fall into that way of life. It sometimes can mean that it is a way for someone to relate in life. Maybe it was something they went through and one of the favorite Rap singers or groups has a song that relates. Therefor one should not be stereotyped for the way they dress or the music they listen too. Although, when going for an interview it requires a certain dress code; if one was to go for an interview, there would be a chance of not getting the job because of the way they had dressed.  Wearing baggy jeans and a big chain necklace to an interview is not the way to get a job.

     Expressions are everywhere in clothing or music and it can have some effect on people; Clothing, in general. Although one does wear certain clothing in school they should not be locked out of getting conversation with their instructor. However, there should be some kind of boundary when it comes to certain situations.  Students should not be turned down due to the way they dress or the clothing that they wear.  Even down to rap music, some just like it for the beat and others find a way to relate to it. Teachers have to do their job and even though most are from different generations they have to see that students have to express themselves.  James Hinmon has rights to dress the way he wants and wear his hair the way he wants his only human and he had to express himself.

The article relating to this topic can be found in Pop Perspectives pages 559-566.

Gray-Rosendale, L., & Evelyn, J. (2008).  " The Miseducation of Hip-Hop- Discrimination in Education" (Pgs. 559-566).Pop Perspectives: Reading to Critique Contemporary Culture. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.