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PCA Newspaper: The New and the Old (Part 1)
17 years ago
General
NaNo Novel: Here Falls The Thunder
(Note, this journal really only applies to those members of the PCA, and unless you're bored, or happened to be interested in some random IC event, then you don't need to read this)
The following is from an article written in the Pokemon Combat Academy's school newspaper, under the Opinion's column, a section edited (and sometimes written by) Riou Hotaru.
The New and the Old, Part 1: Freedom of Expression
A fine day to you, my fellow students here at the PCA. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'm sure you all have plans on how to show that special someone that you care about them, even if they might not necessarily know you do. This makes this the perfect time to discuss an issue that has recently come to my attention as a major concern among the student body: the ability to express oneself as an individual.
There was much grumbling and unrest when the new dress code was unveiled, and much of the student body disapproved of suddenly not being able to wear their favorite attire on campus. Which was understandable, as this was part of the means that we students use to personalize ourselves as individuals. However, for many, it simply wasn't acceptable. Shortly after Winter Break, we returned to school to find that a uniform policy had been enacted, forcing all of us to wear pretty much the exact same thing.
And that apparently was the straw that broke the Camerupt's back. Students voiced loud protests and outrage and the "complete destruction of originality". But I have to ask, is it honestly such a crime to be asked to wear a set of modest attire while on campus? Admittedly, this change of policy effects me very little, given I already wore suits and ties to begin with. But for many, it was a radical change.
So, who was to blame for this shift of policy? While discussing this issue with a friend (who will go unnamed due to my respect of him and his beliefs), he brought up his stance that the teachers were the ones at fault, for being lazy, or otherwise uncaring and indifferent to the situation. In response, I countered that it was the fault of the students, who were unwilling to follow a simple set of rules. We both believed one party or the other to be wholly responsible for the whole affair, but in hindsight, it was likely the fault of both sides.
It'd be unfair to say all the teachers are lazy and indifferent, but it's true that likely some of them are more lax than others. But I doubt any of them simply don't give a Rattata's ass (no offense to you rodents in the audience!). And at the same time, while there are students who defy the rules, there are those who do their best to go along with the rules and want to do right by the faculty.
But to that same regard, I've noticed that students, especially when forced to improvise, are rather adaptable creatures, crafty to a shocking degree. I once saw a girl in my class, who a top that showed too much cleavage, and too much midriff, more than would be ever considered tasteful. She hid it in class by wearing a jacket that fell in line with dress-code standards, which allowed her to hide her inappropriate garments, and the teacher was none the wiser. As soon as she was out of class, she took the jacket off and went back to showing off her body.
She was later caught by a teacher when on the way to her next class, but the point is clear: students will go to great lengths to try and get around the rules. It's clear that if they want to break the rules, they will. This makes me somewhat confused. Is the wearing of uniforms for a few hours, just during school hours, really such an unbearable burden? I was accused by said friend, of not understanding what it meant to have personal freedom. He said that his anger came from the fact that he was no longer allowed to be himself that he was just like everyone else.
While this is a valid point, what about the small minority that wishes to conform? I am, myself, one of these individuals. All my life I've been singled out, different from everyone else for my beliefs and habits. You have no idea what a godsend it was to come to PCA, and to finally be just another face in the crowd! For once I wasn’t different, I wasn’t a black Mareep anymore! I was another student, just like everyone else! For me, the expression of personal style comes in private, or around my good friends. And it isn’t in just my clothes either. It’s in my words, my body language, even my fighting style. I see this fixation on clothing or hair color, and it boggles my mind. I mean, if you, like my friend, worry about grades, home life, your future, and your significant other, shouldn’t you be relieved that you aren’t burdened by having to decide what to wear every morning?
But regardless of that, the time period during which you have to wear these clothes, is miniscule compared to the 24 hours of which the day comprises. Once school is done, you are free to wear whatever you please! Why then is it such a bother? Another friend present with me at the earlier argument made a point that wearing these uniforms somehow made it difficult for students to focus on their work. But is there proof of this? I would think it would be infinitely more distracting to have to stare at a fellow student’s barely clad body, then to stare at a covered sweater/vest combo. Is this distraction stemming from some personal insecurity at having to wear these clothes? If that is true, I would love for someone to come forth and say so. While it is fine and dandy to make claims and assumptions, without proof, there is nothing to back these claims up. If a student were willing to give me concrete evidence, I could consider this.
But, my final opinion on the matter? That the uniforms, like the dress code, are ultimately beneficial, and in the long run, it will not take away from us or our individuality. We are kids yes, we are Lucarios, Absols, Eevees, Polis, Gardes and Gallades. We are Bugs, Fighting, Dark, Psychic, Water, Fire, and Flying. We are ‘mon, with lives and dreams and hobbies and fantasies. But when we are in school, we are PCA Students, we are the embodiment of that principle. We are better than most, we are talented, smart, bright, full of energy and ambitions. While we are in class, we should try to be an example of that ideal, and live up to that standard. Even if we don’t agree with it all, we should be role models for those before us, and those who will come after.
(Those who wish to reply should reply in the form of a letter or email sent to the editor)
The following is from an article written in the Pokemon Combat Academy's school newspaper, under the Opinion's column, a section edited (and sometimes written by) Riou Hotaru.
The New and the Old, Part 1: Freedom of Expression
A fine day to you, my fellow students here at the PCA. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'm sure you all have plans on how to show that special someone that you care about them, even if they might not necessarily know you do. This makes this the perfect time to discuss an issue that has recently come to my attention as a major concern among the student body: the ability to express oneself as an individual.
There was much grumbling and unrest when the new dress code was unveiled, and much of the student body disapproved of suddenly not being able to wear their favorite attire on campus. Which was understandable, as this was part of the means that we students use to personalize ourselves as individuals. However, for many, it simply wasn't acceptable. Shortly after Winter Break, we returned to school to find that a uniform policy had been enacted, forcing all of us to wear pretty much the exact same thing.
And that apparently was the straw that broke the Camerupt's back. Students voiced loud protests and outrage and the "complete destruction of originality". But I have to ask, is it honestly such a crime to be asked to wear a set of modest attire while on campus? Admittedly, this change of policy effects me very little, given I already wore suits and ties to begin with. But for many, it was a radical change.
So, who was to blame for this shift of policy? While discussing this issue with a friend (who will go unnamed due to my respect of him and his beliefs), he brought up his stance that the teachers were the ones at fault, for being lazy, or otherwise uncaring and indifferent to the situation. In response, I countered that it was the fault of the students, who were unwilling to follow a simple set of rules. We both believed one party or the other to be wholly responsible for the whole affair, but in hindsight, it was likely the fault of both sides.
It'd be unfair to say all the teachers are lazy and indifferent, but it's true that likely some of them are more lax than others. But I doubt any of them simply don't give a Rattata's ass (no offense to you rodents in the audience!). And at the same time, while there are students who defy the rules, there are those who do their best to go along with the rules and want to do right by the faculty.
But to that same regard, I've noticed that students, especially when forced to improvise, are rather adaptable creatures, crafty to a shocking degree. I once saw a girl in my class, who a top that showed too much cleavage, and too much midriff, more than would be ever considered tasteful. She hid it in class by wearing a jacket that fell in line with dress-code standards, which allowed her to hide her inappropriate garments, and the teacher was none the wiser. As soon as she was out of class, she took the jacket off and went back to showing off her body.
She was later caught by a teacher when on the way to her next class, but the point is clear: students will go to great lengths to try and get around the rules. It's clear that if they want to break the rules, they will. This makes me somewhat confused. Is the wearing of uniforms for a few hours, just during school hours, really such an unbearable burden? I was accused by said friend, of not understanding what it meant to have personal freedom. He said that his anger came from the fact that he was no longer allowed to be himself that he was just like everyone else.
While this is a valid point, what about the small minority that wishes to conform? I am, myself, one of these individuals. All my life I've been singled out, different from everyone else for my beliefs and habits. You have no idea what a godsend it was to come to PCA, and to finally be just another face in the crowd! For once I wasn’t different, I wasn’t a black Mareep anymore! I was another student, just like everyone else! For me, the expression of personal style comes in private, or around my good friends. And it isn’t in just my clothes either. It’s in my words, my body language, even my fighting style. I see this fixation on clothing or hair color, and it boggles my mind. I mean, if you, like my friend, worry about grades, home life, your future, and your significant other, shouldn’t you be relieved that you aren’t burdened by having to decide what to wear every morning?
But regardless of that, the time period during which you have to wear these clothes, is miniscule compared to the 24 hours of which the day comprises. Once school is done, you are free to wear whatever you please! Why then is it such a bother? Another friend present with me at the earlier argument made a point that wearing these uniforms somehow made it difficult for students to focus on their work. But is there proof of this? I would think it would be infinitely more distracting to have to stare at a fellow student’s barely clad body, then to stare at a covered sweater/vest combo. Is this distraction stemming from some personal insecurity at having to wear these clothes? If that is true, I would love for someone to come forth and say so. While it is fine and dandy to make claims and assumptions, without proof, there is nothing to back these claims up. If a student were willing to give me concrete evidence, I could consider this.
But, my final opinion on the matter? That the uniforms, like the dress code, are ultimately beneficial, and in the long run, it will not take away from us or our individuality. We are kids yes, we are Lucarios, Absols, Eevees, Polis, Gardes and Gallades. We are Bugs, Fighting, Dark, Psychic, Water, Fire, and Flying. We are ‘mon, with lives and dreams and hobbies and fantasies. But when we are in school, we are PCA Students, we are the embodiment of that principle. We are better than most, we are talented, smart, bright, full of energy and ambitions. While we are in class, we should try to be an example of that ideal, and live up to that standard. Even if we don’t agree with it all, we should be role models for those before us, and those who will come after.
(Those who wish to reply should reply in the form of a letter or email sent to the editor)
My friends and I made it a point to try and stay with fashion and style. In truth its part of our grade to design and maintain various student's team uniforms as well as casual wear. This doesn't mean we indulged the student body to flash their "student bodies". True its fun tio see what we could get away with, but we always tried to keep our designs modest and let the student's abilities stand out.
The new dress code was sudden. Too sudden in our opinion. As stated earlier, many of the students are interested in design and the rules of the dress code do not state whether the code extends to battle uniforms. Like the sword of Damocles, it's like a loophole that extends to both faculty and students. We keep our clients as modest as they will allow, but whats to stop a faculty member from raising a stink if they find one outfit inappropriate. They can easily state "Its against the code" and bam... more drama for the school.
My team and I have no problem with a more modest dress code. "Less midrift?" OK, sure. "No Hip huggers?" Can do. We can make hip flattering outfits that cling to the body and still keep it PG. The point is to look presentable without looking tart-y.
We don't want to cause trouble, but we don't want to feel like we are being punished for a crime we didn't even know was committed.
Hugs and smooches,
Dan da Man
Fab_4 (a) PCA.edu
(( Oddly on topic http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1895112/ <-- With color ))
It is true, the dress code did feel sudden. Would it surprise you that the dress code already existed during the previous administration, but was never actually enforced? Imagine my surprise when Principal Aubtraum actually cited the rules and regulations from the book.
To be honest, I find nothing wrong with your position, in fact it's commendable that you went out of your way to work within the guidelines, while still allowing for creativity and imagination. And it's not that it's a crime you didn't commit. Rather I use the metaphor, "One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel", whether we followed the rules or not, enough of the student body flaunted and broke the rules. And we can't make exceptions for a select few, if we do that, that where do we draw the line?
Still, a one Penny Cartego didn't mention that perhaps, if we can show our school spirit, show we can follow the rules and behave, perhaps some of these restrictions can be relaxed or even lifted. Still, I did see the rather interesting designs you have done for Florrit, and a few others, and I applaud your efforts to even work within the stringent rules of the uniform. Perhaps your efforts to think inside of the box will inspire others.
Much affection and thanks,
Riou Hotaru
I understand the distress that is created. My friend, Florrit, is a Smeargle who basically can no longer show the footprint on her back due to the dress code, and now the uniforms. It's terrible to see her so miserable, but as soon as she's done with school, off it comes! It's really that simple. I mean, we're 'mon who take beatings in the ring, and deal with the mind-games and powertrips of some of our fiercest opponents. What's a bit of clothing to the likes of us?
I also understand, the issue is one where both sides have a point, and perhaps fault is a bit too strong of a word. Responsibility, perhaps? I mean, not every student intended to break the rules, just as not every teacher ignores them. But there has to be some accountability. If no one was at fault, then there entire thing would've been a random accident, and while I wish that perhaps that was so, people did make the conscious choice, on both sides. Still, it's good to see that my readers are reasonable individuals. I was worried the student body consisted of radicals.
However, if you truly insist upon saying that I'm "in bed with the administration", then you may wish to avoid Part 2 and 3, lest your brain simply explode.
I myself, am uncertain where to lie on the school's uniform stance.
There is an issue of apparel in religious matters that is uncomfortable, but not something I want to stand on.
Call it childish, but is it wrong to believe in a little love?
Something about Principal Aubtraum's approach was a little unnerving when first we were all gathered in the meeting hall, something how suddenly there was a line drawn between staff and students.
I was never here long enough to get a full taste of Principal Felinduce's methods, but there was something a little more personal, something a little more intimate, that a student could learn, and would find the system was built in a way they could best grow with.
A uniform is perhaps a sign of conformity, and a sign of how much the system's changed, that it's no longer an individuality, but a factory-printed education, firm and decisive - not that this is a bad thing perhaps for a few less responsible students - that makes it more inaccessable, that some students may not find their full potential.
There are good reasons and bad reasons for uniforms, I've met for instance, many students under scholarship who find the spare clothing a blessing in disguise, and a way to get away from class divides of big brand names or getting rid of fashion fads, but in the end, it all just seems a little uncaring.
I don't doubt our school's ideas, I just wonder if their method wasn't a little heavy handed.
Please continue these editorials, I enjoy taking time to relax in bed - something that unfortunately occurs more times than I'd like it to! - and give a little thought to issues for the school.
Reader,
Magician_of_Hope[at]pcamail.com
You're absolutely right, there isn't a damn thing wrong with a bit of love. Unfortunately, deciding who gives first, or even where to meet in the middle is virtually impossible to do. As for not wishing to bring religion into this, thank you. It's bad enough the students are so divided, I would hate to bring religious values into the mixture, for fear of the bonfire that would start.
I was here over a year and a half under Felix's rule, and while I'll save my honest opinions for that time, I'll tell you that, despite what you might think, the system wasn't nearly as accomodating as it seemed. But I'll save this for a later editorial. Do stay tuned for the next ones.
You make an excellent point, the decision did feel a little forced. But the dress code was always a rule, it was in the very rules and regulations booklet you recieved upon arriving at school, simply that it was a rule which was never seriously enforced, if at all. The decision to suddenly enforce the rule much more strictly may have seemed sudden and out of the blue, but it was really (in my opinion) quite inevitable. As for students, it's true, not every has the luxury of wealthy parents or corporate sponsors, and thus, the spare clothing is a godsend. For others, it's treated like a burden.
I'll do my best, but I should warn you, the next two parts of this small trilogy will only get a bit hotter and perhaps more controversial, but I am warmed by the fact you wish to keep up with the issues.
<Bane> To be honest, while I don't have a problem with the uniforms, per say, I just find it strangely depresssing. It's like getting a painting and stripping away all detail and colour from it. It just becomes bleak, lifeless, and cold.
Honestly the dress code has little effect on me in the big picture, and merely caused minor uproar amoung my close group of friends... but I can't help but wonder if this is going to be a snowball effect with new rules like this or students rebeling against the new rules to indavertantly cause a catastrophy (Sorry for sounding like a prophet of doom... it's a force of habit).
But I've had a bad feeling, one of many actually, about what's been happening on campus lately and normally that means things are only going to get worse... or I'm paranoid. What do you think?
Best Regards.
Unlucky.
Indeed, it does tend to be a snowball effect doesn't it? One student gets upset, then another and another? Or they think like a snow ball effect, soon believing their right to breathe will be taken away.
But never fear, even if things do get worse, they will always get better. Remember the old saying:
"It is darkest just before dawn."
Sincerely,
Editor
I have to say that I'm surprised at how the vast majority of students, who have shown a great amount of creativity with working within the guidelines of battle uniform design, seem to be unable to show that same amount of creativity when faced with guidelines for their day-to-day outfits. Having looked over the dress code, I've noticed that there is a substantial amount of potential "gray area" to work with in how to make an acceptable uniform that still shows a fair amount of individuality. One just has to be smart in how to make use of it.
Firstly, one rule is rather misleading in its wording (and hopefully it will be corrected soon). You are NOT required to wear the school-supplied polo shirts with the school's logo embroidered on it, they are simply being provided by the school for those who didn't have the means or time to find an acceptable alternative. In fact, your shirts aren't even required to have the school's logo on it at all if you don't want them to. All that's required is that they're white and button up in some fashion (polo, dress shirt, uniform shirt, etc.)
Speaking of logos, did you notice the rules say that any team or club logo registered with the school is allowable? And you know how independent students are allowed to register their own personal logo as they aren't on a team? Did you also know that students who ARE on a team are also allowed to register a personal logo, in case they split from their team and go indy? And finally, did you notice that there are no restrictions mentioned on the size or positioning of said logos (with common sense applied, of course)? I think the Smeargles in the audience can see where I'm going with this...
Also note that while there are restrictions on the colors of pants or skirts, a pair of jeans, khakis or in some cases even cargo pants would still be within acceptable range provided they're not baggy, torn or faded.
Got a necklace or brooch or other piece of jewelry that you think might be a bit too flashy, but you can't bear to go without it because your sweetheart gave it to you or it was a birthday gift? So long as you can keep it concealed when you're indoors, then odds are they won't make you go without it. Out of sight, out of mind after all! Also, those of you who wear jewelry with an Everstone set into it might want to ask about getting permission to wear it if it's elaborate in design, after all if you're wearing it to keep from evolving then you have a legitimate reason to keep it on you.
Those aren't the only ways to work within the system and still express yourself, but I hope that the rest of the folks reading this will have a good idea of how to approach this now. Just use a little common sense and creativity, folks! Don't think of this as a restriction, think of it as a challenge... and if there's one thing I know a PCA student can do, it's rise up to meet any challenge they face up to!
Regards,
Eddie Bischoff Jr.
e_bischoff[at]students.pca.net
Well, you certainly have pointed out a number of gray areas indeed! But I would advise against too much exploitation. If people wind up using these loopholes, it's quite possible that a crackdown might occur that would be total and complete. And I would hate to see what would happen then. But you bring up another valid point. Working within the system should be viewed as a challenge, not as a limitation. Perhaps you should speaking with the Designer Dan that I replied to earlier! I'm sure he and his comrades would appreciate any assistance in allowing for personal expression within the rules!
Sincerely,
Riou
I have found the recent reactions to the dress code to be amusing. I've seen my fellow students get rather upset with them, some embrace them, and others flat out rampage. I personally don't see what's wrong with them; I like 'em. They've allowed me to understand what this 'fashion' nonsense you organics constantly go (as the phrase was explained to me) "tits out" for.
The only reasoning I can come up with is the purely organic teenage response to stand up to authority that asserts itself. It's what they do. It's going to happen, regardless of any logic, reason, or amount of sedatives you put into the water to keep them pacified.
Ultimately, it comes down to which side is willing to give first. I do not see Aubtraum giving in at all; his will is truly admirable. Unfortunately, he's also proven that he is not above using force. I do remember when he introduced himself to us. I do not like or want to process where that will lead.
All I can say is pass the snack food and get the camera. Some TV channel's gonna want footage for one of those moronic "when organic things attack" specials, and we can all appreciate a quick bit of money.
Superiorly,
NERO
digital.perfect(a)mail.pcu.edu
You're not the only one who finds the reaction amusing at times. However, what concerns me, is the sometimes hateful words that spew from the students mouths as a response to the dress code. Also, you're right, it is the nature of the teenager to rebel, but I wish they wouldn't go to such extremes over wearing polo shirts.
As for taking sides...I doubt it will come to such a overly dramatic climax. While Mr. Aubtraum is certainly not against taking more forceful measures, he's never done so preemptively, only unless provoked. I certainly doubt it will come down to a fight. Also, I would ask that you don't simply sit on the sidelines and watch. If you don't wish to participate because you don't wish to be involved, that's perfectly acceptable. You're not obligated to choose a side. But please don't just sit back for your own personal entertainment.
This... is well written, but I find several of the points questionable, if not all together faulty. First of all, for all that can be debated on theoritcal and highly subjective benefits of Uniforms, NONE of those reason were the offical stated ones.
According to Mr. Aubtraum, the uniforms were instated because students were still violating the new dress code he instated when he took office. This, I personally find to be mind-bleeding ludicrous reason; adding more restrictions does nothing to prevent the old restrictions from being broken. If our Principal was truely concerned with the way we were dressing, he would have enacted tougher penalties and gotten the staff to better enforce the already sufficeint rules.
As for you argument that it's such a small part of our day? An unacceptable action is still unacceptable, regardless of how long it takes.
-Adin LeFeu
Team Guardians