Should we have uniforms in the traditional Vietnamese dress (áo dài)?

Previously, the ao dai was mandated as the uniform for female students in some schools. However, in recent years, it has mostly been used only on special occasions or during extracurricular activities.

Schoolgirls in flowing white ao dai dresses - Photo: NAM TRAN

School uniforms are limited to simple outfits such as shirts, sweaters, and matching trousers or skirts.

Recently, at a seminar honoring and preserving cultural heritage on digital platforms organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club, a representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Heritage Association presented an idea for a project to bring the Ao Dai back to schools so that younger generations of Vietnamese people can become more familiar with this traditional garment.

And when students wear the traditional ao dai dress, they may be more mindful of their behavior, contributing to a reduction in disruptive and violent behavior among students.

First and foremost, it must be affirmed that all activities and initiatives aimed at honoring the Vietnamese ao dai should be supported because it is not only a traditional garment but also has high symbolic value and embodies the national identity.

In some ways, the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) and the custom of wearing it on important occasions and holidays have a positive impact on young people's awareness of respecting traditional values.

However, honoring and promoting the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) requires consideration of its appropriateness, feasibility, and potential negative impacts. Specifically, the proposal to reintroduce the ao dai to schools as a student uniform is difficult to implement.

The specific nature of educational activities in schools only allows for clothing that is neat, lightweight, comfortable, and easy for students to move around in while studying and participating in activities.

It is because of this reality that many schools that previously required female students to wear the traditional ao dai dress on a daily basis have had to adjust their regulations.

Currently, some schools only require female students to wear the traditional Vietnamese dress (áo dài) on the first day of the week during the flag-raising ceremony and during certain solemn school events.

The mandatory requirement to wear the traditional Vietnamese dress (áo dài) could also pose difficulties for students from less affluent backgrounds, as the cost of an áo dài is higher than that of a regular school uniform.

Students in rural and mountainous areas will face difficulties wearing the traditional ao dai to school. Compared to other types of uniforms, the ao dai is also less likely to be reused by others.

There's another, more important point: honoring and promoting a traditional value through coercive regulations will be less effective than through proactive communication.

In reality, we still see students wearing traditional Vietnamese dresses (áo dài) riding motorbikes with 3-4 people, without helmets. For convenience, some female students tie the two flaps of their áo dài together or tuck them into their pants. There are still students who wear áo dài to skip school or engage in behavior that is considered immoral and unethical.

Therefore, the "áo dài" (traditional Vietnamese dress) doesn't necessarily dictate behavior. To change young people's behavior, we must change their perceptions and let them internalize the values ​​they should cherish, love, and be proud of.

Instead of bringing the ao dai back to schools as a mandatory uniform, there should be more activities to help young people understand the meaning of traditional clothing, and know how to use it appropriately, at the right time, in the right way, and in suitable situations and contexts.

And mandatory dress codes should only be implemented for major events, competitions, and student performances.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-nen-dong-phuc-ao-dai-20241207080041437.htm