Our society has evolved into one that cradles and encourages individuality among its citizens. Parents, teachers, higher authorities try to instill in us, us being today's youth, how we should try to develop our own opinions and have a sense of self-awareness. This is why I get upset and confused when schools try to mandate uniforms for their students. Clothing is one of the major ways the youth of today publicly represents individualistic expression. Style communicates so many messages to the individual's peers about how they see themselves and how they want to be seen. What right do schools have to try to take that distinctiveness, even personality from its students? Yes uniforms present certain benefits such as equality and practicality so that all students are at par with one another and do not have to compete and spend lots of money on unnecessary clothing and accessories. It just seems hypocritical of the educational system to introduce the idea of conformity through clothing when one of the main messages they try to portray to their students is individuality. That's not to say that students can wear anything, everything, or nothing to school. Certain limitations and dress codes should be followed for appropriateness. However, students should not be forced to wear uncomfortable ties and annoying skirts which have the potential to squash their sense of creativity and personal expression.