I have a confession. I wear words on my bum. Since I work from home, at my own computer, sometimes 14 hours per day, my “work suit” consists of whatever is most comfortable, and that often means tracksuits with words like JUICY or SKECHERS on the rear. (Juicy is more of a descriptor here, haha)

Diva Jr.’s school does not allow clothing with words on the bum. It’s part of the dress code.

Now, I fully support Diva Jr.’s school: I chose it, I researched it, and I like love it. Since I minored in education, including volunteer work and in-class practicums, I like to think I’m pretty well versed in the crap that teachers and administrators have to deal with day in and day out. One of those things is the constant second guessing of parents. Don’t get me wrong, parents have a right and responsibility to question, but holy lord, it can get a little tiring!

But, today, I’m second guessing…. Diva Jr. has a super cute Skechers Track Suit, too. It’s comfy, it’s warm, and honestly, it’s perfect for gym class days (freedom of movement, etc). But, she can’t wear it.

So, what do you think? Do these outfits sexualize little girls? Does words on the bum really say “look at my bum!”? Or, is making a big deal about words on the bum what is actually sexualizing it? Or perhaps, it’s the whole distraction thing… Would third graders really be distracted by this? Would the distraction come, from, say…sounding it out? Or, is it a respect issue? Does allowing Diva Jr. to wear these pants suggest to her that there is some kind of lack of respect for her own body?

Diva Jr. doesn’t associate her rear with…well…anything but bathroom jokes. So, she was truly puzzled today when I told her she couldn’t wear the fuzzy tracksuit because it had words on the bum. Her response was “So”….

So?

Technorati Tags: school uniform, school clothes, juicy, skechers, kids clothes, tracksuits, work clothes, controversial parenting

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