Freedom of expression doesn't mean freedom from consequence

Self expression...we all want it but not everyone has the common sense or decency to know when to put that aside to adhere to the rules and laws in place to make us a civilized society. In our example today we are going to talk about dress codes...in public schools. We all had them growing up. They changed with the times to allow or prohibit certain things as fashions changed.

One thing that didn't change was the fact that you were expected to adhere to the dress code when you went to school and your parents made sure of that.

 

It's not a difficult concept. Dress codes are in place to avoid distractions to the learning process because we all konw there are enough things in school to divert your attention from why you are really there.

 

In this story, several yearbook pictures were photoshopped to cover up some additional skin or to correct dress code violations. Parents, student and even rape prevention advocates are in an uproar because of it. Are you kidding me?

 

The problem I see today is that kids will push that envelope as far as they possible can on the grounds of "freedom of expression" and a large portion of parents encourage this. I will never understand why an adult would give their blessing for a child to knowingly break a rule/law just to express themselves. If you want to express yourself...do it on your own time.

 

In school, as in life/work, you will be expected to follow certain rules and if you don't, you will be terminated (one way or another). School is where you are supposed to start learning the skills of interacting with others, following instructions/rules and working toward a goal.

 

If we continually allow our children to break those rules we are going to end up with a world full of self-centered, entitled brats that think only of themselves.

 

OH WAIT! TOO LATE!

 

 

Lord knows they have enough of these horrible examples in the world of pop culture to learn from. How about if we, as parents, teach them that they cannot do whatever they want or they will face consequences. You may be free to express yourself but you are not free from the consequences of your actions.