Our first visit to the American high school was very impressive, and the very first sight we saw was that many couples were hugging each other in the hall. That was exactly what I imagined and like the one scene of the movies. It seemed students are free and they are not restricted. But afterwards, I learned they also have school rules even if these are different from Japanese rules. Why do we have school rules? I think school rules are strongly influenced by the cultural differences. Japanese schools have much more school rules than American schools and we are used to it, but since the Americans value freedom, they don’t agree to be bound. We are going to write about dress code and school uniform, the relationship of boys and girls and others based on our view.
In Japan, we have school uniforms and many rules related to appearance. For example, using makeup and coloring hair are not allowed. Since Americans have many races, it is difficult for schools to set students’ hair color. Of course, in Japan, we can’t wear jewelry or accessories. Also, it is banned not only to wear earrings but also having our ears pierced. There are restrictions of hair style, too. If our hair is long enough to reach our shoulders, teachers make us tie or cut our hair. Finally, we have to wear school uniforms in designated styles. We can’t wear the skirts shorter than our knees, we must button up the shirts until the top. As you can see, we have many detailed rules. On the other hand, American schools don't have as much rules about appearance as Japanese do. Instead of school uniforms, American schools have dress codes. That includes the length of skirts, print on the shirts, banning of hats and bandanas, and more. Bandanas are considered as symbols of gangs, so sometimes it cause a trouble. Each of them is made to protect students from the dangers, and to not make other students uncomfortable.
I think school rules are made depending on the situation. When I was a high school student, we didn’t have any rules about the relationships between boys and girls. Therefore, I was surprised to know American schools have the rules to restrict the behaviors such as kissing in the hall and inappropriate actions in the school. These rules are based on Public Display of Affection (PDA), but we don’t even have the thought like that in Japan. I think the biggest reason is the national character of Japanese people. Most Japanese are too shy to show such behaviors in front of the people, and because of that we don’t need to make the rules.
Besides the rules about appearance, we also have the rules relate to our life styles and the ideas of values. We can get driver’s license after we become 18 years old in Japan, but almost all high schools don’t allow students to get the license because students go anywhere they want by car though it’s a dangerous place and they can’t concentrate on their own studies. But in America, cars are necessary to live. But most important reasons are children want to be independent from their parents and also parents consider their children almost adults.
Making the rules is very closely related to the national character and the background of the country. It’s easy to unite the appearance by the rules in Japan, and it’s always has been thought that being united improves the team spirit and make it mighty. In America, however, there are many people who have different races, and people respect their identities and individualities. These differences make the rules different and that’s why every country has characteristic in their rules. But the importance of having rules is making life comfortable and that root is the same anywhere.
In Japan, we have school uniforms and many rules related to appearance. For example, using makeup and coloring hair are not allowed. Since Americans have many races, it is difficult for schools to set students’ hair color. Of course, in Japan, we can’t wear jewelry or accessories. Also, it is banned not only to wear earrings but also having our ears pierced. There are restrictions of hair style, too. If our hair is long enough to reach our shoulders, teachers make us tie or cut our hair. Finally, we have to wear school uniforms in designated styles. We can’t wear the skirts shorter than our knees, we must button up the shirts until the top. As you can see, we have many detailed rules. On the other hand, American schools don't have as much rules about appearance as Japanese do. Instead of school uniforms, American schools have dress codes. That includes the length of skirts, print on the shirts, banning of hats and bandanas, and more. Bandanas are considered as symbols of gangs, so sometimes it cause a trouble. Each of them is made to protect students from the dangers, and to not make other students uncomfortable.
I think school rules are made depending on the situation. When I was a high school student, we didn’t have any rules about the relationships between boys and girls. Therefore, I was surprised to know American schools have the rules to restrict the behaviors such as kissing in the hall and inappropriate actions in the school. These rules are based on Public Display of Affection (PDA), but we don’t even have the thought like that in Japan. I think the biggest reason is the national character of Japanese people. Most Japanese are too shy to show such behaviors in front of the people, and because of that we don’t need to make the rules.
Besides the rules about appearance, we also have the rules relate to our life styles and the ideas of values. We can get driver’s license after we become 18 years old in Japan, but almost all high schools don’t allow students to get the license because students go anywhere they want by car though it’s a dangerous place and they can’t concentrate on their own studies. But in America, cars are necessary to live. But most important reasons are children want to be independent from their parents and also parents consider their children almost adults.
Making the rules is very closely related to the national character and the background of the country. It’s easy to unite the appearance by the rules in Japan, and it’s always has been thought that being united improves the team spirit and make it mighty. In America, however, there are many people who have different races, and people respect their identities and individualities. These differences make the rules different and that’s why every country has characteristic in their rules. But the importance of having rules is making life comfortable and that root is the same anywhere.