The way we dress presents positive or negative images to others.  Many of us go through great difficulty to change our hair, facial features, physical features, and styles of clothing so that we can fit in with our peer groups.  Are we so concerned with what fads will make us popular that we ignore the negative images we may be presenting by the way we dress?  What if we were to go on a job interview wearing some faddish clothing, do you think that we would get the job?   Teens have been so influenced on what is faddish that maybe we have forgotten what proper dress is.  Most teens wear certain clothing only to look stylish in their friend’s eyes. If their physical features do not meet the expectation of others, then they will be classified as nerds, geeks, fags and etc. by their peers. 

 Most of us dress the way we do because the fashion industry has made us feel that we have to look a certain way to be accepted.  Another fact to consider is when we become parents.  Would we want our daughter to leave home wearing a skimpy outfit that exposes all her womanly attributes or have ours sons dressing in attire that does not depict their true character and upbringing, so they can be fashionable?  Junior Lauren Johnson said, “I don’t think the way that some women dress today with the short skirts and tight tops is appropriate for our up and coming younger generation because I am sure that the ones who dress like this would not want to see their kids dress the same way.”  I have heard of teenagers who wear certain styles of dress being harassed constantly by the police because the police view them as being gang associated.  Adults place negative stereotypes on us simply because of the way we dress.  Think of all the stereotypes that are associated with women who wear skimpy outfits and with men who wear their pants falling off their behind. 

With all the magazines, commercials, and billboards illustrating only beautiful, sleek, and sexy women, society has presented the image of how the acceptable woman should look.  Senior Wendy Garcia stated, “I really think the media influences us in the way we want others to look and they project the image that if you’re not in style with the latest fashion, then you’re a loser.”  We all know that most men look for a woman who has a great body and vise versa.  Our first concern is a person’s outer appearance and secondly or thirdly their personality.  How often have you wondered why one person is with another or why do we criticize how someone looks without knowing anything about him or her?  We desire so much to be seen with someone who looks great, to be associated with a cliquish group, and to be accepted that we forget that appearances are only skin deep. 

Women should accept the fact that all are not born the same and do not have the same look.  They should learn that makeup is not their solution to looking better.  No matter what people may say, their character and what is in their heart is the only thing that will gain them the true rewards.  Men should realize that if they do not have the perfect body they are not going to die or be rejected by a virtuous woman.  Sophomore Whitney Levin stated, “Some girls prefer respect over looks while others prefer looks over respect.  But as for me, I will always pick the person that respects me rather than someone that looks good and treats me bad.”  Our basic attitude should be to appreciate one another for who we are and not for how we dress or physically look. 

                 I think that if all of us spent less time trying to impress others or be in the in-crowd, we would be better off.  So, you be the judge.  Should we continue to be fashionable or should we be exhibiting a positive image that speaks for who we truly are?  

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