A take on the teacher's take

Sabrina HodjatiContributorThis article is in response to the past Teacher’s Take Segment featured in the eighth issue of “The Samohi.” Personally, nothing gives me more pleasure than opening up my student newspaper to be greeted by the condescending smirk of Mr. Graham Lockett. Finally, I remember thinking to myself, a teacher who understands the nuanced hashtag culture of my generation. His efforts to relate to our generation are made more impressive by the extent to which he embodied the media; in fact, he’s blended in so seamlessly with the sentiments of my television that I almost can’t differentiate between him and the local self-entitled FOX anchorman.It really is refreshing to know that the apparel adorning my butt is not only being disparaged and criticized by much of the student population of SAMO, but also by authority figures. Mr. Lockett, I apologize for the burden your delicate eyes must bear while witnessing the atrocious “homeless yet rich, legging-pants, weight-restricted shorts” attire of the female student body. And might I add that you make a compelling argument when you write “Just…no”. Honestly, why didn’t it occur to me before that my lower body offends the male faculty of the school? I’m seriously considering removing the lower portion of my body altogether, as well as my curves and extra 20 pounds of weight that prohibit me from wearing “Rihanna shorts”. Perhaps insurance companies will cover the surgical expenses, as it will prevent the future deterioration of mens’ eyes.While I am clearly disappointed enough to write a response, I am aware that many will interpret your article as light-hearted and relatable humor. I also acknowledge that your intentions were not to make your female students uncomfortable by any means. Unfortunately as an authority figure and adult over the age of 21, there is little justification for your intended actions evoking a negative and unintended response. I can’t help but question the legitimacy of your claim that your piece is simply a taste of the real world, and that our mushy teenage hearts should learn to harden in order to eventually face reality. Your rationale brings up a common misconception: exposing the students to the criticism that their fashion choices will inevitably face as soon as they emerge from the liberal Michigan gate into the cold and ominous workforce will cause them to develop a thicker skin. The main flaw is the assumption that the teenage population is exempt from self-esteem problems and is as capable of developing tough skin in response to criticism as, say, a 25 year-old balding Chemistry teacher. Teenagers are prone to such issues as anxiety, depression and general low self-esteem because of our often-undeveloped coping skills. Regardless of my confidence in a new outfit, I may begin to judge every deliberate hole in my surprisingly expensive hobo shirt. Confidence is a rare entity in our demographic, and its development is only hindered by further criticism. An important part of high school is the ability to express oneself through “irrational” fashion choices without complying with the mundaneness of socially acceptable attire. And by the way, ask any Rich Homeless Coachella-attending reincarnation of Rihanna whether she would wear her school outfit to an interview. I’m guessing the response would be “no” or “nah” depending on who you ask. This generation has some common sense.What I am calling into question is not the validity of your opinions or your right to have them, but rather your decision as a teacher to share them. Before my opinion is categorized and dismissed as another left-wing-Santa Monica-feminist, PMS-induced craze, allow me to point out that your article caused some widespread and justified shock. Why even risk instigating this discomfort? For humor?  For “character building?” The berating of girls’ clothing choices is a sensitive subject, and rightfully so, because it is reminiscent of the archaic notion that beauty and brains are mutually exclusive. A woman should not wake up in the morning and decide whether she will receive respect from a teacher or wear shorts. Authority figures should at least offer students a safe haven in their classrooms, for it’s true that many of us will have our outfits policed in the future by people determining our payrolls and will have to refrain from the booty shorts for 40 hours a week.