... uniforms meant one thing: Catholic school. It was a mill town with a large contingent from Eastern Europe, so there were lots of parishes, and Mass in every Slavic language known (and some non-Slavic ones, too). The "parochial kids" also uniformly (heh) carried their books in leather clamshell briefcases like the one daddies might take to work -- if they worked in an office (most didn't).

In the present instance: I don't get the Great Leveler philosophy behind homogenizing the look of rich and poor students. Those distinctions show up in other ways -- and uniforms, as well as school supplies these days, are not subsidized. Seems more of a burden to the poor than an equalizer.

I also am disturbed by the greater demands for uniformity. I don't know what it's like elsewhere in the country, but here (as you know, Jody) schools not only propagate lists of what the child shall have on the first day of school -- cataloged by grade level! -- but retailers have begin bundling the items together in shrink wrap and selling them as complete packages. I pass them in the grocery store and shake my head.

What really drives the urge to deindividualize? Schools usually cite discipline, but isn't it as much convenience? After all, it's a lot easier to herd sheep than to herd cats.