I believe that T-shirt slogans could be a microcosm of school culture. They certainly have their own “little world” of catch phrases that showcase attitudes, ideas and opinions. I’ve written about t-shirt slogans before. I’m sometimes amused and other times flabbergasted at the things parents allow their children to wear to school. Second grade girls wearing heels or see-through blouses. Third grade boys with pants so big they’re in danger of falling down. However, it’s the t-shirt slogans that continue to keep me entertained.
Here is a sampling of t-shirt slogans I’ve noticed this past week at school.
“Born to be wild.â€
Okay, that’s fairly innocuous. However, I’ve noticed a trend towards t-shirts slamming sisters. I haven’t seen the corresponding slogans slamming brothers - just sisters. I believe in good old healthy sibling rivalry. Being one of seven children, I’ve experienced enough of that myself. However, I’m not so sure that the following t-shirts are particularly healthy.
“3 Things I’m Good at:
*Video games
*Watching TV
*Annoying my sister
“If you think I’m annoying, you should see my sister.â€
Have you noticed how the word “annoying” is becoming overused?
According to my 5-year old granddaughter the following t-shirt contains a BAD word – the dreaded “S†word for preschool and kindergarten children.
“Do you want to know how to keep stupid people busy? (see back of shirt)”
And on the back of the shirt: “Do you want to know how to keep stupid people busy? (see front of shirt)â€
Be careful! I had a bowl of attitude for breakfast!
Then there are the typical - the silly - the nonsensical - the brandnaming:
“Know what I mean, Jellybean?â€
“Will work for jewelry.â€
“It’s time to duel! Yu-Gi-Oh!â€
“Real blond”
“Angel”
“Soul Sisterâ€
If t-shirt slogans are a microcosm of school culture, then school culture is, at the same time, silly, sarcastic, mean, brand-conscious, defensive, arrogant, and sweet.
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October 4th, 2006 at 6:26 am
I always admired the girl in my school who, no matter how often she was asked never to wear it again, constantly showed off her “MISS BITCH” shirt.
October 4th, 2006 at 4:56 pm
We were just discussing this in my school too! One of my less literate and ESL students wore a shirt to schools that stated “Not the brightest crayon in the box.” I was sad that he wore shirt with that on it and mad at his mom for letting him even own the shirt. Then I realized that she probably didn’t understand it either and I was sad for both of them.
October 6th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
“If t-shirt slogans are a microcosm of school culture, then school culture is, at the same time, silly, sarcastic, mean, brand-conscious, defensive, arrogant, and sweet.”
Well, of course it is!
I haven’t been seeing too many T-shirted younger kids, but once at a bulk store, I saw an older girl (perhaps 15-16) wearing a T-shirt reading “Fetish”… as I passed by, I looked back to see if there was anything on the back. Nothing on the back of the *shirt*, but her thong underwear, clearly visible above her jeans, was inscribed with “Sex Bomb” in Magic Marker. Now, I usually consider myself “sex-positive”, but that’s somewhere beyond “flaunting it”.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I know I’m a little late to this posting here- but I agree- the T-shirts are a scary indicator of our culture.
I teach preschool- and am starting to see parents dress their 3 year olds in similar slogans.
I agree with Spangler- it is sad when the parents let the children OWN some of these shirts!
August 24th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
I once put a t-shirt that read “I only cry when ugly people hold me” on my infant.
Every person who held her laughed so hard that it would send my child in giggling fits.
Lighten up people.
August 25th, 2009 at 3:36 am
I absolutely LOVE that! Next grandbaby that’s born, I’m getting a “I only cry when ugly people hold me” shirt for him/her.