TheRestCould

Wearing off the Worn-out Cultural Norms

Amidthis progressing modernization, change is constant, particularly sociological perspectives that are altered around time. Transitions that either change for the betterment or breaking the norms. Specifically in fashion which is symbolic and dynamic. In relation, cross-dressing now is timely and a revolutionary style however, will this be either welcomed or pushed as unorthodox?

Clothing is a gesture that emblems one identity. A channel of non-vocal communication, and a subtext as a bridge of expression and an act of connecting. As time passes, new trends are shaped and also issues to be highlighted. One is an expressive form of clothing called crossdressing, it is where people opt to choose opposite sex style from their assigned sex-proper, most are exceeding beyond stereotypical fashion or in transvestite.

Crossdressing had long existed as a concept in history. Furthermore, it had also been studied and stated as an act of gender mockery, comedy, and disguise as this purpose are prominent in the war period. In this time, it is now a figure of expression and freedom of identity. Majority of school’s cliché are inclined in an established theme, a fixed layout, and uniformity. In light of the present-day approach with this kind of style, is my school ready to exceed beyond social construct?

In spite of a traditional approach in dressing, we are still boxed in a normative perspective. “We must stick to the implemented dress code as suggested by the school’s protocol” implied by a student. In addition, “Our school’s system is conservative, thus girls are prohibited to wear crop tops, yet how much more so to boys” quoted by an anonymous crossdresser. As stated, it is evident that the school or rather our educational systems are not yet open for this profound issue.

The level of formality clashes in response to certain student’s casual attire. Embodied under Sara Duterte’s statement that “Public school students will not be required to wear uniforms for the school year 2022-2023” in response to the post-pandemic’s impact. Additionally, the outbreak is also an outlet that catalyses youth’s ideology. As I adhere mostly from supporting students, I sentiment that it is to convey inner confidence and freedom of expression. Nowadays it is now concocted from this issue, of which is socially appropriate and inappropriate. Now our world is a cultural pot mixing traditional and modernity. As I see from today, society’s attitude towards authentic crossdressers or in complex, the community is gradually connecting. Still, crossdressing is not a privilege or to be boosted out of hand. But to answer the question, are you in favour of crossdressing to be allowed in our schools? It depends on the situation and approach. Talking about their conformity, yes, I agree, but still with moderation.

Early in the morning, we would be awakened by the alarm, prepared to leave for school and longing to learn something in our classrooms, but in a blink of an eye, everything had changed, we were suddenly imprisoned in the four corners of our room, asking when will we break free from the shackles of online class and our modules. We spent more than two years of our lives exclusively seeing PowerPoint presentations, tiles of faces, and mountains of modules. Since not all of us are privileged, have the desire to wake up each day eager to learn, and have the resources, adjusting to a virtual classroom was extremely tough for all of us students. Ameera May Lumiguid, a grade 11 student, is one among the students who visions pandemic as the time when she felt she was swollen by darkness. Concentrating during the online discussions was one of the difficulties she encountered throughout the lockdown, along with sleeping during classes, missed lectures, and other habits she established as a result of being in this type of learning environment, but this was not her main adversary during the lockdown.

Given how draining it is to be glued to your device, mental health has become increasingly important, especially for distance learners like Ameera. Her perception of being alone was mostly a result of her lack of social engagement, which eventually had an impact on her academics and left her lacking the will to attend class and pass her requirements.

Nevertheless, after suffering in the jail of the virtual world, she discovered the key to unlocking the doors of the chambers where she felt down: face-to-face classes. Although she was apprehensive about the transition period, she was relieved when her regular classes were back. She eventually discovered that inperson discussions were much more beneficial to her than those in her online class since she could focus better at school. In time where shackles of the past that’s been dragging us down and locking us into our limitations, adjusting to a new environment is the way we survive every predicament.