Dress code

Here is a paper that I needed to write for one of my classes. Any critics?

What is the use of covering my body? It would be rather unconventional to ask any random someone this question. However, it seems as though people on a daily basis are asking this very question with the way they dress. It appears that people ignore the true purpose of clothing. This purpose can be summed up into two simple points: to provide warmth and protection for the body; and to ensure that modesty and purity is protected. The common place trends of low necklines, high, tight fitting tops, and sagging pants, make us question why they want to conceal just enough to give urge to the onlooker to want to see more. I think that this is ludicrous. Questions on modesty have lead certain institutions to adopt standards of dress that seek to promote an environment of high dress standards. Two of these, namely Southern Adventist University (SAU) and Wichita State University (WSU), have to a certain degree, similarly modest dress codes. However, the reasons, purposes, and situations for which this code is applied differ between the two Universities. 

SAU has adopted the dress code for the reasons outlined in its handbook. “As a Christian educational institution, Southern has established a dress code emphasizing modestly, cleanliness, neatness, and professional appropriateness.” SAU has very strong spiritual implications for the code of dress. SAU has come to the conclusion that in order to promote a society of spiritual growth, it is best to avoid the distractions that come with immodest dress. Students should learn how to dress appropriately so that when they leave the campus, their fashion can be a Christian testimony to the world. WSU has adopted the dress code for a vastly different reason. (Although SAU does claim this as one of their reasons it is not their primary focus.) The purpose of the dress code at WSU is to look professional at job interviews. Both Universities have similar specific rules such as: modest skirts for women, no baggy pants for men, and both should keep sleeveless and sloppy clothing at home. Although they differ in their policies of jewelry, makeup, etc., they both seem to agree that a better social experience is created with the enforcement of a modest dress code.

Dressing modestly is not always easy in our present time. It even may be a bit distasteful or even aggravating, yet the fact remains that modesty encourages a better Christian experience and professional life on campus. Though not always easy or pleasant, a good dress code has, from my experience, enhanced spiritual life here at SAU. Although WSU may not require a dress code for every occasion, it certainly benefits the people who apply for jobs. In the world of business, or any line of professional work, there is a set standard for good dressing habits. Even though there are slight variations on the different dress codes, both SAU and WSU help benefit students for a better life tomorrow.