Pants

Well, what is suitable? How do we know? By what do we judge? How do we cater for everyone’s cultural view? Is it just a question of aesthetics and personal predilection, fad n’ fetish, one generation reminding the other of its mortality (and dead lack of cool)? Does it actually matter?

‘What is he rabbiting on about this time?’ you may well be pardoned for thinking.
Well, somehow we accept rabbits’ behaviour in their own cultural context – we know and accept what they are like. But put humans en masse and opinion leaps to the tongue of the many as we observe what they do and what they wear to do it and air our considered opinion to anyone who has the misfortune to be nearby and not hearing impaired. We adults go broadcast then.

‘Making out’, ‘hitting on’, or ‘canoodling’, ‘snogging’ or ‘courting’ depending how far back your particular generation goes. It gave offence in the time of Chaucer and does so today. One litmus test is does what you happen to observe two humans doing make you feel uncomfortable? Another is whether what you see is appropriate in the context, here of study and learning amongst many cultures. Or again is it acceptable in our host country because if it is then what is the problem? Does the fact it is in a school that two teenagers are clearly showing affection make the difference, or any difference? Is it relevant to argue that you don’t see teachers cuddling and canoodling? This normally brings snorts of…well…hilarity and horror in more or less equal parts. Is it a relevant metaphor anyway since our upbringing and professionalism would prohibit open displays of luxurious affection on the campus?

The decision we have made in the secondary school is worth stating, for our parents and our students. If two people’s behaviour causes onlookers discomfort then it is not ok. Then one should intevene. Then I do intervene. So does Mr Hall. So does Mrs Zwart; we are in agreement. And so we try to explain exactly why and try to ignore the look of incomprehension at the irrelevance of the argument. It is a rule. So there. 'Private life has the word ‘private’ and what part of ‘private’ is causing you the problem? Break it at your peril. For the greater good. Move on.'

And then there is this extraordinary habit of boys their jeans totally below their…erm… gluteus maximus, for which they were never designed so they look plain silly. Going up stairs behind one there is a strange and unlovely view of the current underwear of choice. And when running they need one hand to keep the jeans from falling down! Ridiculous! In my day… This is a rant and I am not going there.

Did I hear one of you say, ‘Just ban it?’