Abstract This paper discusses how professional dress of the teacher affects student behavior in the middle school. Specifically, it discusses the contention that a simple way that middle school teachers can improve the effectiveness of their educational services delivery is by wearing professional attire. The paper analyzes the literature, draws conclusions and provides recommendations.
Table of Contents:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Importance of Professional Attire for Middle School Teachers
Practical Realities and Constraints to Professional Attire General Professional Attire Guidelines for Middle School Teachers
Conclusion and Recommendations
Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ensures that right of all American citizens to wear just about anything they damn well please in their private lives, but this part of the Bill of Rights becomes cloudier when middle school teachers step across the schoolhouse door. Even assuming that a middle school district does not subscribe to a formal dress code for its teachers, the research was consistent in showing that students who perceive their teachers to be attired professionally performed better academically and behaved better as well. Since these positive outcomes directly relate to virtually all middle school teachers' goals, it just makes good sense to use this simple but effective approach to delivering improved educational services in the middle school classroom today. The research also showed that it is not impossible for even the most fashion-impaired teacher to develop a sense of what types of dress are appropriate in the classroom and some common sense will go a long way in making these decisions. In the final analysis, the same concepts of professional attire that apply to other professions are just as important to the teaching field, and in some cases, it would seem that they are even more important because they provide a win-win outcome by helping young people learn more effectively by providing a classroom environment that is more conducive to learning."
Abstract This paper moves through different historical events and shows how due to the necessity, society's attitudes towards fashion changed accordingly. It examines events such as the world wars when women joined the work force and had to dress appropriately and the move to more relaxed work attire in the current market.
From the Paper "Fashion is not just art, it is a measure of social attitudes for a particular period in history. Today, a woman cyclist will most likely be wearing spandex and skin-tight bicycle shorts. Her male counterpart will be wearing the same. What is acceptable now would have been scandalous in our mother's time. This paper will illustrate through example that fashion is a reflection of societal attitudes."
Abstract This paper discusses the way women were represented in paintings of the period 1875-1915. It shows that women were revealed in one of three ways; they are either nudes or semi-nudes, working women (urban and rural) in relaxed or revealing clothing, or fashionable women (respectable or otherwise) whose adherence to the strange costume of the bourgeoisie contorts and reveals their bodies in bizarre ways. The writer discusses how the implications of bourgeois dress for women in this period are manifold and painters' various approaches to costumed women bring out the range of meanings in this form of attire.
From the Paper "Leaving aside the complex questions of men's direct dominance in fashion choices, the fashionable female figure of the nineteenth century possessed various attributes that intensified by the mid-1870s. In the period when crinolines dominated and into the 1860s the fetishistic emphasis of male voyeurs was "decidedly on the feet [but] by the mid-70s it moved with even greater decisiveness to the corset" and this fashion was to prevail until the advent of World War I (Kunzle 135). As the corset's importance increased so dramatically waists were lengthened, skirts tightened, and the hip-contour was defined and revealed as never before. The French magazine La Vie Parisienne offered guidance to the women who were subjecting themselves to the new fashion (and no little delight for the male voyeur whose tastes could be formed by the journal as much as his wife's or mistress' were). The magazine promoted the new fashion and, in hyperbolic fashion-magazine language, raised the corseti?re to the dignity of a sculptor."
Tags: fashion, clothing, attire, bourgeois, nude, art
Abstract The paper gives the background of the controversy surrounding dress codes in schools, from students who claim the restrictiveness to sources that cite the declining level of violence where dress codes are enforced. The paper specifically argues the case in order to decrease the occurrence of gang-related attire. The paper includes a detailed example of a dress code and recommendations to school districts for implementation.
From the Paper "The dress code provides a balance between an individual's First Amendment right to free expression and the school's responsibility to provide a safe and secure educational environment. Schools have a responsibility to customize their individual dress codes to address the needs and standards of their communities through use of a process that ensures input from students, parents, faculty and staff, as well as other interested community members. On the other hand, students and their parents or guardians have a responsibility to be aware of the school dress code and to conform to its requirements. Finally, the principal of each school has a responsibility to interpret and enforce the policy stated herein."
Abstract This paper discusses how a person who knows the rules of social etiquette will feel better about himself and will also make those around him feel respected and important. The rules of social etiquette help people learn not to act on their first, natural impulses. When young men fail to do so, sometimes they get in trouble with the law. This paper explore the importance of social etiquette among young males, especially African-American males and offers guidance in business and personal etiquette.
Outline:
Older Rules of Etiquette
Basic Rules of Social Etiquette
Cell Phone Etiquette
Email Etiquette
Introduce People Properly
Business Attire Table Manners
From the Paper "Bill Cosby, in his famous, controversial "Pound Cake" speech, noted that "we are in a new time, where people are behaving in abnormal ways and calling it normal..." He said that although racism is still present in society, it is not an excuse for young African-American men to stop trying to act in a manner that they should. By remembering their traditions and learning personal responsibility, Cosby said that young African-American men can be proud. Part of this involves learning the rules of social etiquette. Young men, regardless of their race, need to take responsibility for their own actions. Ultimately, they must learn and decide to behave in a way that correlates with polite society."
Abstract This paper looks at the article of clothing as a symbol of the Korean history and culture. It follows the development of this traditional dress through the history of Korea and shows how it evolved. It links the hanbok with beauty, respect and tradition. It is also compared to other traditional forms of dress in the region - the sari from India and the kimono from Japan.
From the Paper "?Clothes make the man. Pretty feathers make pretty birds. The tailor makes the man.? So proclaims a Korean proverb (Holt, 1999). One of the cultural distinctions among Asian countries is the style of clothes - unique and completely different from Western attire with which we are often surrounded. Millennia of civilization caused the evolution of costumes to reflect: the cultural mores of the times, the climactic conditions, the physical geography of the region, and the occupation of the populace. Each country has its own costume: In India, the sari for women and dhoti for men, the dazzling and delicate Kimono of Japan, the curvilinear Chipao of China, and the Aojai of Vietnam. Each of the country's costumes portrays its characteristics and tradition. (Kahlenberg, 2001)"
Analyzes the themes of four plays "Absence of War" (David Hare), "Indian Ink" (Tom Stoppard), "The Caretaker" (Harold Pinter) and "Shadow of a Gunman" (Sean O'Cassey).
2,074 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 65.95
Abstract This paper examines four plays from around the globe and analyzes their central themes. The paper shows how David Hare's "Absence of War" introduces audiences to the British political system and the total lack of personality in its leaders. In "Indian Ink", by Tom Stoppard, the paper discusses the play's emphasis on the colonial era in India and power relations in the world. The paper looks at the psychological state of the characters in Harold Pinter's "The Caretaker" and the way their attire contributes to this state. Finally, the paper shows how Sean O'Casey, in his play "Shadow of a Gunman", shapes his material the distinction between illusion and reality.
From the Paper "The play involves an ongoing series of interactions among these three. Davies and Aston conflict almost from the moment they arrive in this room, for they are very unlike and react differently to everything that happens. Mick, on the other hand, serves the role of goad, seeming to come from nowhere and to place demands. In the First Act, Mick is only seen twice, both times in his leather jacket, signaling a certain fascist mentality in his dress. His behavior confirms this as he enters silently, twists Davies's arm, and searches through Davies clothing, all as if he had the right to do so and should never be questioned."
Tags: George, Jones, Whitehall, Cenotaph, Flora, Crewes, Nirad, Das
Abstract The works of the renowned Dutch master Vermeer (1632-1675) are comparable to Japanese art due to their dual appreciation and representation of unfilled space. He depicts subtle shades of luminous highlights, all incorporated within a meticulously ordered arrangement. The paper discusses the paintings "The Geographer", 'The Woman Holding the Balance' and 'The Music Lesson' - all of which echo ideas established by Japanese art. It shows that these paintings reveal an era where the general interest lay in exquisite furniture, beautiful women and extravagant attires. These carefully observed and accurately drawn paintings of the 17th-century were branded by a geometrical sense of balance, order and refinement; their suggestiveness analogous to the Japanese design.
From the Paper "The Japanese aesthetic, Wabi-Sabi, is the ability to discover the beauty of imperfection. Similar to Zen Buddhism, Wabi-Sabi cherishes qualities that are earthy, modest, rustic and unassuming. Ordinary items are appreciated for their seeming beauty, such as budding flowers. Many Japanese landscape paintings portray nature when it's growing instead of when it's full-blossomed; it allows for our imagination to finish what it began. It stirs up the internal quintessence of an object but only provides a subtle presence; rationale is secondary to perception; mood means more than an accurate depiction. This deliberately suggestive style allows for the beauty incompleteness and omission to be valued."
Abstract Moogunghwa (Rose of Sharon) is much loved as the national flower of Korea, because it symbolizes the strong and simple spirit of the Korean people which has endured the nations' long and often difficult history. Korea is known as the "Land of the Morning Calm". The beauty that can be found in Korea's culture can be seen in the people's attire and masks, religion and rites of passage and its arts, crafts and music.
Abstract It emphasizes the influence of Queen Victoria's 40-year mourning period for Prince Albert, and goes into the social psychology of the veil, as well as the color black. The paper concentrates on women's mourning garb, but also mentions the fact that men's mourning clothing was not that different from their usual formal attire.
Abstract Examines the use of courtesy and its direct relationship with specific issues, such as proper attire, use of non-gendered and racially or culturally respectful language, avoidance of discrimination, sexual, and other forms of harassment.
From the Paper "Etiquette refers to any special code of behavior or courtesy. As Shaw and Barry (p. 5) have pointed out, in contemporary Western society, it is usually considered appropriate to use courteous phrases when requesting ..."
Abstract The characters of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" are largely members of a falsely created American aristocracy. But some of the higher aspirations of this decadent elite for truth, beauty, and, more importantly, a secure sense of home and identity, mirror the far less decadent, but equally passionate desires of the members of the all-female book reading society found in "Reading Lolita in Tehran". This paper shows that Jay Gatsby desired to improve himself by "making himself up" to be worthy of the love of the faithless Daisy Buchanan. He did this through bootlegging, purchasing fine shirts, and securing a home in Great Neck, Long Island. The paper shows that, similarly, through a shift in attire and place, the women of Azar Nafisi's book wished to reinvent themselves by casting off their chadors and the external social and moral strictures that restricted them in their theocratic, Islamic educational framework.
From the Paper "The girls revealed the hidden colors of concealed banned clothing, from under chadors, colorful as Gatsby's fine shirts that he showed to Daisy, concealed in his drawers. ?Recovering himself in a minute, he opened for us two hulking patent cabinets which held his massed suits and dressing-gowns and ties, and his shirts, piled like bricks in stacks a dozen high.? (Fitzgerald 91) Yet like these Iranian women, Jay Gatsby too has a hidden past and life, of his mundane Midwestern beginnings, as well as his criminal past. Gatsby keeps this boring past hidden life, filled with the shame of wealth he has not inherited, concealed under the colors of his shirts, while the women of Tehran keep their colorful plumage and reading a secret under cloaks of blackness that hide their faces and light. But like Gatsby, too, ?it was not until I had reached home that I realized the true meaning of exile,? writes Nafisi. (Nafisi 145)"
This paper discusses the changing world of American women's fashions as an aspect of the various women's reform movements from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Abstract This paper explains that dress was an outward indication of ones wealth and social standing; however, changes within society were often directly reflected in attire. The author points out that the layers of uncomfortable and restrictive clothing were both a symbolic and a physical tool which kept women from being active participants in man's world. The paper relates that the invention of the sewing machine allowed the general public access to fashion as they could make their own clothing and contributed to the "Ready to Wear" industry, which forever changed the face of clothing in America and established New York City as the country's fashion capitol. 2 Illustrations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Women's Lives
Reform
The Victorian Era
After the Civil War and the Corset
Magazines and Fashion
Women's New Roles
The Work Force and Fashion
Sewing Machine
Immigrants
Textile Mills
New Thinking
Consumer Influence of Cosmetics as Fashion
After the War
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Victorian Era was a period in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that was largely recognized as a period of rigid and unyielding conservatism. Even though it was celebrated as a time that maintained a high standard of morality, beauty, and social grace, the overall Victorian society actually tended to be rather oppressive -- especially regarding women and their position within the society. This was a time when people owned few clothes. A typical country woman might own only three or four dresses with one being dedicated to church and social events. Men also were conservative during this period. A husband would usually only own two or three shirts with one or two of summer and winter trousers. Shoes were even very scarce compared with items of clothing and were only common for men that worked outdoors. Women and children would definitely be the last to receive shoes. Thus fashion can be thought of as very limited at this juncture."
This paper discusses the use of symbolism to portray the stereotype of the American male hero in Steven Spielberg's "Indiana Jones" trilogy, especially "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981).
Abstract This paper explains that not only are there actual symbols present in Steven Spielberg's "Indiana Jones" trilogy, especially "Raiders of the Lost Ark", such as Indiana's most feared enemy, the snake, but also the movies themselves serve as a symbol of American pop through the Hollywood's glorification and stylization. The author points out the symbolism in the main character Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford, who is a young, powerful educated man, coming from a civilized background with a catchy nickname "Indy", which all heroes must, and dressed in his classic American archaeologist attire of leather jacket and bullwhip. The paper concludes that the Indiana Jones trilogy continues to be an incredible success because it is so easy for the American population to relate to Indy, a hero who never failed, and because it reflects American pop culture of adventure, power and heroism.
From the Paper "It is very possible for even one trailer that is a mere one minute and fifty seconds long, to encompass so many different symbols, that have significance all throughout the movie. The clip that portrays the most symbolism in the shortest amount of time is definitely the part of the movie when Indiana Jones finds himself fighting a town full of Arabs in the middle of a marketplace in Cairo, all in order to rescue Marion. First and foremost, this entire sequence is filmed to fully capture the role of having a damsel in distress, as Indy is fighting in attempt to save Marion. Secondly, a very apparent form of symbolism appears in the background of the shot, where the entire marketplace is full of Arabs who are all wearing turbans and sandals, a very stereotypical image of the people of the eastern culture living in that region. The most noticeable glorification of the American culture becomes very evident when Indy is facing a large Arab man with a sword, who is prepared to fight him."
Abstract This paper analyzes John F. Kennedy's inaugural address given on January 20, 1961. It discusses the style of the speech, particularly his effective use of oratory and rhetorical techniques. It looks at the way in which his language and also his unique voice and persona caused the words to remain in the listeners' mind. The paper also discusses Kennedy's body language and attire while delivering his speech. It combines all of these aspects to describe the success of his presentation.
From the Paper "What is most striking about the speech is how much it asks of its listeners. It is easy to listen to, because of its effective use of oratory and rhetorical techniques, like rhetorical questions, parallel sentence structure, and intense, physical images that paint a picture for the listener. This is especially important in an age before television was common in all households, to satisfy listeners far away as well as the immediate, watching audience of the speech in front of the Capital. Yet the speech also demands that young Americans press themselves to answer the call to liberty, to pick up the set-down torch of the previous generation, and bear the burden of giving back to their nation. The effectiveness of the speech was sufficient that Americans listened with pleasure not simply to the image of themselves they wanted to have of peaceful and freedom-loving people, but that they were also inspired to exceed their own comfort zones and the expectations they had for their future."
