Morehouse: from your closet speaks truth
House of Legacy Eternal
walkin the category of Ultimate Boy realness
Personally, I find sagging pants, du-rags, grills and accessories distasteful; however, I stand by people’s right to be self-expressive, particularly when it comes to ‘cross-dressing.’ In talking about Morehouse College dress code, I have to give props to Frank Leon Roberts for his post on the Root. In Morehouse’s efforts to preserve its legacy, it created a dress code which hinders student self-expression.
The “Appropriate Attire Policy” is the product of Robert Franklin, President of Morehouse; it is his attempt to create the modern “Renaissance Man.” In his words, “[he]…hopes to have the next generation of Morehouse graduates live up to the school’s legacy-
walkin the category of LEGENDARY legacy
(read: tradition) as seen in notable alumni such as Martin Luther King, Jr, Spike Lee, Samuel Jackson, Maynard Jackson and Saul Williams.” The pattern is made clear when you look at these alumni together. All of these men are presumed heterosexuals and successful; ironically, some of these men are respected due to their efforts to unmask bigotry when encased in tradition. Yet, this facet of these men’s legacy, left to the Morehouse Administration to pass along to its students, seems all but forgotten. It seems that when the bigotry deals with ‘traditional masculinity’ and preferred styles of dress, it is understood as being corrective and beneficial for the Morehouse men, and thus goes unchallenged. For example, Morehouse men don’t wear dresses, purses, grills, du-rags, sagging pants and heels; they wear pants, Oxford and polo shirts, and nice loafers.
Miss Ultimate Nerd Realness
This black male respectability sentiments were echoed by TJ Holmes, CNN anchor, and Dr. Steven Perry, Educator and Author. Whereas Holmes and Perry were careful in their language to never directly comment on the cross-dressing, they implicitly let us know that it is too far across the line of acceptable male behavior, especially at Morehouse. I was disheartened by the statements of the Vice President of Student Services, Dr. William Bynum. He said to national media, “[w]e are talking about five students who are living a gay lifestyle that is leading them to dress in a way we do not expect in Morehouse men.”
I don’t know about Dr. William Bynum’s knowledge of Morehouse men, but we who are in the Life know differently. The running jokes among my gay friends are that you can always find a dateable guy (read: gurl) at Morehouse College, or you go to Morehouse to get the best college-grade Trade in town.
All jokes aside, I have a huge problem with Dr. Bynum’s comment. Not only does it allow professors, administrators and other students to police GBTQ students’ clothing and gender performance, but it gives credence to homophobic past actions (Aaron Price, the gay-wedding basher, and the experience of Jason Harrell ). When an Administration creates a rule to point-out “five students who are living a gay lifestyle that is leading them to dress in a way [the Morehouse Administration] do not expect” it is like declaring open season on transgender, transsexual and intersex students of Morehouse.
Admittedly, I am not a Morehouse man, and I never considered going to an HBCU. So the importance of maintaining legacy is something that fails to rise to a level where I can understand the dress policy as a necessary evil. I am deciding to close this out with youtube videos of black males taking a stance on the Morehouse Dress code.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpLkv3OxzHo&feature=related
XemVanAdams response to Moorehouse house Dress Code.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwQKmiCmMws&feature=related
A black male responding to XemVanAdams.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR-ieZSzaxE&feature=related
A black male talking about why he supports the dress code and he is specifically against guys wearing dresses because it is distracting.
Supernerd — how appropriate!!!!
Really brief…
I dont agree entirely with Morehouse’s policy regarding appropriate attire. I dont disagree entirely either. But I will add balance to the arguments made in the blog.
Morehouse is a private school, and particularly if it hinders priority numero uno and dos — academic instruction and student safety, then I believe Morehouse administration is well justified in making such decisions and enforcing them.
Public schools regulate attire all the time.
True, I can see where some might call the policy homophobic. Keep in mind that Morehouse administration has said no to sagging jeans, du-rags and other “thug” attire, also.
Morehouse certainly has a legacy to uphold as well.
While there is something to be said about the freedom of expression, my mom always says that there is a time and place for everything. School isn’t the place to make a fashion statement. Though Morehouse administration might seek to police attire on campus, they cant really police what a student does outside of classroom instruction or off campus, so, there’s your freedom of expression.
Lastly, just a word about stigma as a double-edged sword, and how “politically-correct” people have to be careful that their words and actions aren’t causing undue stigma and perpetuating intolerance.
The fact that there are men of different sexual orientation at Morehouse is no secret. However, I dont think it helps Morehouse’s reputation or the administration’s reaction to the situation when outsiders continually put the school on blast for the actions of some of its students. Many people, including the writer of the article and friends, have labeled Morehouse as the gay school. I’m sure that what we see in the form of a policy policing attire comes in part as a reaction to this undue stigma.
Thoughts?
Shout out to the sexy men at Morehouse!!!!
Supernerd — how appropriate!!!!
Really brief…
I dont agree entirely with Morehouse’s policy regarding appropriate attire. I dont disagree entirely either. But I will add balance to the arguments made in the blog.
Morehouse is a private school, and particularly if it hinders priority numero uno and dos — academic instruction and student safety, then I believe Morehouse administration is well justified in making such decisions and enforcing them.
Public schools regulate attire all the time.
True, I can see where some might call the policy homophobic. Keep in mind that Morehouse administration has said no to sagging jeans, du-rags and other “thug” attire, also.
Morehouse certainly has a legacy to uphold as well.
While there is something to be said about the freedom of expression, my mom always says that there is a time and place for everything. School isn’t the place to make a fashion statement. Though Morehouse administration might seek to police attire on campus, they cant really police what a student does outside of classroom instruction or off campus, so, there’s your freedom of expression.
Lastly, just a word about stigma as a double-edged sword, and how “politically-correct” people have to be careful that their words and actions aren’t causing undue stigma and perpetuating intolerance.
The fact that there are men of different sexual orientation at Morehouse is no secret. However, I dont think it helps Morehouse’s reputation or the administration’s reaction to the situation when outsiders continually put the school on blast for the actions of some of its students. Many people, including the writer of the article and friends, have labeled Morehouse as the gay school. I’m sure that what we see in the form of a policy policing attire comes in part as a reaction to this undue stigma.
Thoughts?
Shout out to the sexy men at Morehouse!!!!
Great post. And thanks for the nod. Keep up the smart work.
-FLR
Great post. And thanks for the nod. Keep up the smart work.
-FLR
I am one who has very clear beliefs about what I feel the moral standard of society should be. However, I realize that in an ever changing world my “strict standards” which are based on my Christian upbringing and personal convictions about what I think God wants to see from His children may not be politically correct,but I FULLY support Morehouse and its policy regarding dress code on campus. I do not see this policy as being politically incorrect and/or discriminatory! You may ask why not? And to answer this question I say: because it is a private institution that when established its founders had their own personal vision of what type of school they wanted to open. As is the case with most HBCUs, Morehouse not only has a legacy but tradition that alumni and founding members hold sacred to their hearts. This tradition is part of the reason they decided to start and attend the College. So my question to those who are against the dress-code policy is, why would you choose to go to a College that doesn’t represent YOUR beliefs or viewpoints? Instead of trying to change Morehouse’s policy that is based on the tradition and legacy that it does not seek to hide in its admission process, you should go to a school that fits your beliefs or views! ie I am black and chose not to go to an HBCU because of some of the traditions,etc that are characteristic of such schools as Morehouse that I felt would hinder me in the moves I wanted to make in society as a whole outside of the black community.
I am one who has very clear beliefs about what I feel the moral standard of society should be. However, I realize that in an ever changing world my “strict standards” which are based on my Christian upbringing and personal convictions about what I think God wants to see from His children may not be politically correct,but I FULLY support Morehouse and its policy regarding dress code on campus. I do not see this policy as being politically incorrect and/or discriminatory! You may ask why not? And to answer this question I say: because it is a private institution that when established its founders had their own personal vision of what type of school they wanted to open. As is the case with most HBCUs, Morehouse not only has a legacy but tradition that alumni and founding members hold sacred to their hearts. This tradition is part of the reason they decided to start and attend the College. So my question to those who are against the dress-code policy is, why would you choose to go to a College that doesn’t represent YOUR beliefs or viewpoints? Instead of trying to change Morehouse’s policy that is based on the tradition and legacy that it does not seek to hide in its admission process, you should go to a school that fits your beliefs or views! ie I am black and chose not to go to an HBCU because of some of the traditions,etc that are characteristic of such schools as Morehouse that I felt would hinder me in the moves I wanted to make in society as a whole outside of the black community.
Hi ManofDistinction,
ManofDistinction, You make several good points about the following: schools chief goals, there is a time and place for everything, and freedom of expression not being compromised outside of school time. I think there is something to be said about propriety and being able to code-switch, to consciously move between one’s professional and one’s private worlds. I agree that all of those things should be taken into consideration before judging if the Morehouse administration is wrong for making a dress code at a private institution, which a student can choose always not to attend. Yet, I stand firm on that the school’s Appropriate Attire policy is bigoted in that it was created to make five students (plus those countless others in their thug gear) align with a style of dress appropriate for a someone or something else.
The distinction I make between thug apparel and wearing women’s clothing is that it (cross-dressing) might be linked to being transgender, or transsexual, which has to do with either sex or gender identity. For example, a Morehouse student ‘cross-dresser’ could be saying, “I am not a man dressing as a woman for shits and giggles, or for the purpose of being difference. I am a transgender man performing the gender that I see myself as.” Another student could have a desire to say, “I am transsexual and I am in the process of figuring out surgically how to transition, since social I have been living as a woman.” I think it is these critical dialogues that are happening in college and certainly earlier these days especially with the whole intersex reality that society at-large tries not to address. Dressing like a thug, I find it to be just a fashion statement and possibly a cultural statement, which does not hold (in my eyes) the same gravity as sex and gender identity and expression.
While I was at the U of C, we have a fair number trans-folks and quite possible a few intersex people present. We had plenty of men wearing women apparel to class. I did not find it distracting; I found it refreshing and daring. The University never–to my knowledge– singled out this community to silence their self-expression and the u of c too has a legacy as well to ensure.
I agree with you that outside labeling does have some bearing on how swiftly and/or appropriately Morehouse (and an institution in general) ‘corrects a reputation problem.’ I, however, feel compel that gay, transgender, transsexual and intersex folks have the right and responsibility to tell their unsung stories of life in these Universities that pretend they do not merit self-respect and consideration.
Where do you think the middle ground can be found? I am still lost as to what the students should do to retaliate.
Hi ManofDistinction,
ManofDistinction, You make several good points about the following: schools chief goals, there is a time and place for everything, and freedom of expression not being compromised outside of school time. I think there is something to be said about propriety and being able to code-switch, to consciously move between one’s professional and one’s private worlds. I agree that all of those things should be taken into consideration before judging if the Morehouse administration is wrong for making a dress code at a private institution, which a student can choose always not to attend. Yet, I stand firm on that the school’s Appropriate Attire policy is bigoted in that it was created to make five students (plus those countless others in their thug gear) align with a style of dress appropriate for a someone or something else.
The distinction I make between thug apparel and wearing women’s clothing is that it (cross-dressing) might be linked to being transgender, or transsexual, which has to do with either sex or gender identity. For example, a Morehouse student ‘cross-dresser’ could be saying, “I am not a man dressing as a woman for shits and giggles, or for the purpose of being difference. I am a transgender man performing the gender that I see myself as.” Another student could have a desire to say, “I am transsexual and I am in the process of figuring out surgically how to transition, since social I have been living as a woman.” I think it is these critical dialogues that are happening in college and certainly earlier these days especially with the whole intersex reality that society at-large tries not to address. Dressing like a thug, I find it to be just a fashion statement and possibly a cultural statement, which does not hold (in my eyes) the same gravity as sex and gender identity and expression.
While I was at the U of C, we have a fair number trans-folks and quite possible a few intersex people present. We had plenty of men wearing women apparel to class. I did not find it distracting; I found it refreshing and daring. The University never–to my knowledge– singled out this community to silence their self-expression and the u of c too has a legacy as well to ensure.
I agree with you that outside labeling does have some bearing on how swiftly and/or appropriately Morehouse (and an institution in general) ‘corrects a reputation problem.’ I, however, feel compel that gay, transgender, transsexual and intersex folks have the right and responsibility to tell their unsung stories of life in these Universities that pretend they do not merit self-respect and consideration.
Where do you think the middle ground can be found? I am still lost as to what the students should do to retaliate.
Hi Frank LR,
First, thank you for the acknowledgement. I am glad you liked it. I really dug your article in the Root (which is why I did cite it..hahahaa). I wanted to ask you some questions:
1)What are your thoughts on Safe Space, the morehouse gay group, that reportedly gave the nod to Dr. Bynum to go through with Appropriate Attire Policy?
2) Are the students of Morehouse in an uproar about the dress policy?
3) Have you spoken with Dr. Bynum’s fav-five that he singled out?
Sorry to bombard you with questions bro, but it seems like you know wassup over there.
Hi Frank LR,
First, thank you for the acknowledgement. I am glad you liked it. I really dug your article in the Root (which is why I did cite it..hahahaa). I wanted to ask you some questions:
1)What are your thoughts on Safe Space, the morehouse gay group, that reportedly gave the nod to Dr. Bynum to go through with Appropriate Attire Policy?
2) Are the students of Morehouse in an uproar about the dress policy?
3) Have you spoken with Dr. Bynum’s fav-five that he singled out?
Sorry to bombard you with questions bro, but it seems like you know wassup over there.
Hi Davis,
I feel you on the critique about being an informed consumer and taking one’s business (read: money) elsewhere. I support that as a possible solution to the problem. I wonder, however, if that would solve anything in terms of the relationship between the Administration and the students. I think the question at the heart of it…is this Policy consumer(read: student) driven.
I don’t believe it is supported. Even if it is by a large majority, what about those five students who dress in women apparel?
Hi Davis,
I feel you on the critique about being an informed consumer and taking one’s business (read: money) elsewhere. I support that as a possible solution to the problem. I wonder, however, if that would solve anything in terms of the relationship between the Administration and the students. I think the question at the heart of it…is this Policy consumer(read: student) driven.
I don’t believe it is supported. Even if it is by a large majority, what about those five students who dress in women apparel?
I think people with they pants hanging down below there waste is a bad influince for kids in the community which can effect them when they grow up.
I think people with they pants hanging down below there waste is a bad influince for kids in the community which can effect them when they grow up.
I THINK ITS VERY VIOLATE FOR KIDS
I THINK ITS VERY VIOLATE FOR KIDS
Hi Robert Higgs,
I hear you, sir. I agree with you that people who sag their pants set bad examples for the kids in the community. In terms of Morehouse, what do you think about the attire policy?
Thanks for commenting! Get at me with a reply.
Hi Robert Higgs,
I hear you, sir. I agree with you that people who sag their pants set bad examples for the kids in the community. In terms of Morehouse, what do you think about the attire policy?
Thanks for commenting! Get at me with a reply.
In what why do you think it “violate for kids?”
In what why do you think it “violate for kids?”
Gender politics in the black community is more convoluted than any other LGBT issue IMO. But honestly let’s face it, the face of Morehouse has changed in the past decade. How do you describe a Morehouse man now? A Divided hoodie from H&M, a purple American Apparel t-shirt, dark demin Levi’s from Urban Outfitters, and rainbow Nike SB Dunks. The artistic spirit of the school does not match the academic facade it presents. And a stroll down the campus will not encourage some black men from seeking admission just based off of how people look…
Except for gay men. So many guys at Morehouse have gone there just because they know they’ll be in a space with other black gay men. Eventually(as its already happened) the presence of gay men will bring trans/post-gendered students. So we have a group of people who fight to be recognized as another gender asking to be recognized as the male gender. It’s a weird place for Morehouse right now and honestly I believe they have every right to remain a place that portrays a male portrait(didn’t say macho, just said male).
On the flipside, the AUC has a multitude of issues to deal with. Gender politics shouldn’t be that high considering Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark are truthfully one university.
Gender politics in the black community is more convoluted than any other LGBT issue IMO. But honestly let’s face it, the face of Morehouse has changed in the past decade. How do you describe a Morehouse man now? A Divided hoodie from H&M, a purple American Apparel t-shirt, dark demin Levi’s from Urban Outfitters, and rainbow Nike SB Dunks. The artistic spirit of the school does not match the academic facade it presents. And a stroll down the campus will not encourage some black men from seeking admission just based off of how people look…
Except for gay men. So many guys at Morehouse have gone there just because they know they’ll be in a space with other black gay men. Eventually(as its already happened) the presence of gay men will bring trans/post-gendered students. So we have a group of people who fight to be recognized as another gender asking to be recognized as the male gender. It’s a weird place for Morehouse right now and honestly I believe they have every right to remain a place that portrays a male portrait(didn’t say macho, just said male).
On the flipside, the AUC has a multitude of issues to deal with. Gender politics shouldn’t be that high considering Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark are truthfully one university.
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