Task 4: What do I believe in?

Dress Code Decoded

Over the years dress code has made such a great association with school that it gives the inaccurate impression that dress code is an integral part of student life and success. While policies vary in specifics, they generally target unprofessional and “inappropriate” clothing. These policies are supposedly in place to provide a better learning experience for students. Advocates of dress code insist the policy protects students from the likes of teasing and bullying, “distractions,” and unprofessionalism. When put this way, it may seem like there are nothing but benefits to be reaped from the policy. As a student who has been subject to dress code policies varying in degrees of severity, however, I can attest to the negative costs for students associated with this practice, which include financial costs, limit to expression, and discrimination. 

Dress codes can vary from unenforced regulations to strict uniforms, which is why they can be such a controversial topic. More strict dress codes can require students to shop from specific stores and wear specific materials, which are often much more expensive. This can cause strain at home for children who come from low-income homes or have body image issues. Built up negativity surrounding clothing can create resentment against school and its other necessary policies. I also think that although schools are professional institutions, for high schools and levels of education below that, school should maintain a casual atmosphere, where students are comfortable in their learning environment, including the clothes that they are wearing. Students should be comfortable in expressing who they are in every way available to them, especially since they are at such a fragile age where they need the room to experiment and discover themselves. Dressing themselves also allows students to open their minds to and accept different styles of dressing, which would make their school experience one that encompassed growth in character and not just knowledge. Acceptance seems to be an area of difficulty for schools with dress codes, which seems to cause the greatest problems for marginalized members of the  students body, such as females and those of different sexual identities. With the great variety in female clothing, many female students’ clothes can be deemed as inappropriate because of the over-sexualization female that is so deeply engrained in our society and culture. Often this is cited as the primary reason for a dress code. Hidden in the dress code is heteronormative culture that discriminates against those of varying gender identities, by only considering the majority of the population. Culture and people have evolved, as should the policies that effect them.

Dress code is an outdated and unnecessary policy that stirs up more controversy and trouble for students than the policy’s few, unsubstantiated benefits are worth. Perhaps if supporters of dress code could understand the added strain dress code policy puts on students through financial costs, limit to expression, and discrimination, they would realize that school policies needs to continuously be adapting to better serve students as time progresses. School boards, like the Peel District School Board, who have allowed use of technology in classes for several years now are leading the way for more traditional school boards like the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, which had previously refused to adopt its policy to better accommodate student needs. Hopefully in the future, school policy regarding dress code will be adapted to better accommodate the needs of students, especially those who receive the brunt of its negative effects. 

 

Task 3: Who am I?

Hey,

I'm not an Indian or a terrorist, and I practice Christianity not Islam.

Being a girl doesn’t make me sensitive or moody during that time of the month.

I’m not related to the only other brown person you know, although I'm sure they're really, really nice.

I am the eldest child in my family, but I’m not necessarily bossy.

I speak English and Urdu and know some basic words in French.

And I am polite, but not by saying, “Sorry!”, all the time.

I can proudly say I work at Tim Hortons, Canada’s best coffee shop.

I believe in feminism not misogyny; diversity not assimilation, and that nature is magnificent, especially our Great Lakes.

Winter is the most beautiful season, our wild animals are just as important to us as our pets, and we wish each other “Happy Thanksgiving” in October not November!

Canada is the second largest landmass! The first nation in multiculturalism! And the best part of North America! (and maybe the world)

My name is Ina and I am a second-generation Pakistani Canadian!

Thank you.

Here is an audio link:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzBFWrqBgJOXd2duS0h4UURhaGM

Task 2: What has influenced me?

Every individual person on this planet has their own unique personality. This is because each person has a different set of experiences, beliefs, and talents. Culture plays a big role in shaping people. It helps them develop likes, dislikes, interests, beliefs, and friendships, and also increases knowledge and awareness. All the cultural influences in my life are important to me because they have helped shape who I am today and will continue to play a role in my growth as a person.

Food is an essential that humans cannot live without, and so, it makes sense that my taste in food and what has influenced it, are a big part of my life. I was born in Canada, but my parents immigrated here from Pakistan so I have grown up eating a lot of Pakistani food. This food is very flavourful and spicy, which is why I cannot bring myself to eat food that is on the blander side of the spectrum. This is why I often find myself eating Pakistani or Indian food, but is also why I also like food from other cultures that is also flavourful, such as, Greek food, Middle Eastern food, Mexican food, and Oriental food. One place that has influenced me greatly is a Greek restaurant called Souvlaki Hut. The servers at the restaurant are Greek, along with the décor inside the restaurant, and of course, the food. I feel that this has helped me learn a lot about Greek culture and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Greece, its people, and its culture. 

Greek food

Fashion has played a significant role in society for a very long time and is important to people. For many people, their clothing and how they dress, reflects how they see themselves and how they want to be seen by others. Many clothing brands are famous because they have a certain image, which is what people want to reflect by wearing their products. Living in Canada, wearing modern, westernized clothing is very common and thought of as the neutral standard by which all should dress. This is a standard that I also abide by, but I do like to dress in a bit more sophisticated manner than is considered typical. I think this is because I live very close to Toronto which is known for its high fashion. Some clothing stores I like to shop at are Banana Republic, Zara, and Simons. One place that has greatly influenced my fashion sense is Simons, which is a Canadian clothing store, because they have many kinds of different of clothing styles at affordable prices. Simons helped me find and develop my fashion sense and continues to help me maintain it. 

Simons

Although, people may take architecture for granted, it plays a big role in everyone’s life. In Mississauga, where I live, there are many buildings. There are many malls, buildings, houses, religious temples, and other structures all over the city. The oldest architectural structure in Mississauga is a house that was built in 1822 and is preserved as a historical site by the city. Mississauga is also famous for its Marilyn Monroe buildings, that are supposed to be shaped like the famous pop culture icon’s curvaceous body. Also, Mississauga City Hall was built similarly in structure to the farmhouses that once occupied most of the city. It is this city’s architecture that has helped me to appreciate both old and modern art forms.

Leisure activities are important for all people, because it gives them a chance to develop and enjoy hobbies, and relax and have fun from all of their everyday stresses. Common leisure activities in Canada are boating, kayaking or canoeing, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, skating, hockey, running, yoga, and many more. One leisure activity that has greatly influenced me is yoga, at Moksha Yoga Square One. It has helped me to become more fit, flexible, and happy. It has also helped me to better understand meditation and the religions that use it, and has also helped me to appreciate different ways of exercising both the mind and the body. 

Entertainment, whether it be in the form of movies, television, music, books, plays, radio, or anything else, is a big part of the lives of people of all ages. Most people have grown up consuming various forms of media through several different mediums. So, as a society, we have been exposed to entertainment from the moment we are born and are continuously encouraged to further consume it in life. It is something that is important to people because it has helped shape their personality. Going to the movies, watching TV, listening to music, going to concerts, and reading are all things that I enjoy and have always been encouraged to do so by society. Seeing, hearing, and reading about different kinds of people in different kinds situations at different locations and different time periods through all this entertainment really helps me to better understand humanity, gain better perspective of my place among people, and develop interests. 

Living in a country like Canada is truly a blessing because of the diversity and multiculturalism. Being exposed from a very young age to so many different kinds of people all from different places has really made me care for people and respect them. It has also made me learn a lot about different cultures and how they are a part of the Canadian lifestyle and identity. My immersion in Canadian culture and all the cultures that are a part of it, along with my Pakistani background, have influenced me greatly and have helped me become who I am today.

Task 1: Where do I live?

Mississauga is a beautiful, diverse, and lively city. Located in the province of Ontario, it is known for its close proximity to the city of Toronto and its own individual personality. Established as a town in 1968 and a city in 1974, Mississauga, lovingly called “Sauga” by its residents, is the sixth most populous city in Canada. 

This is a city well-known for its mayor, Hazel McCallion, who served 12 consecutive terms and held her position as mayor for 36 years. Also, Canada’s most famous and trusted airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, is located in Mississauga. It is also home to Canada’s second largest shopping mall, Square One, and the popular Marilyn Monroe buildings. Among the numerous parks throughout the city, Kariya Park has a special significance because it is named after Mississauga’s sister city in Japan. Being a city that is so close to the 5 Great Lakes, there are many beautiful lakeside attractions and activities that people can do at many locations, including the Port Credit Lakeshore Harbour and Marina. Although these attractions are vital to the city, what makes Mississauga such a wonderful and memorable city is its people and I am glad to call it my home.

Marilyn Monroe buildings in Mississauga

According to the 2011 Census, the population of Mississauga was 713,450. Males took up 48.9% of the population and females took up 51.1% of the population. The largest part of the population is people aged 45 and above. The population continues to grow at a steady rate. Mississauga is home to all kinds of people, from all kinds of places. This city is very accepting of and welcoming to immigrants. According to the 2001 Census, 59.3% of the city’s population was White, 14.9% was South Asian, 6.2% was Black, 5.9% was Chinese, 4.0% was Filipino, 1.9% was Arab, 1.6% was South-East Asian, 1.5% was Latin-American, 0.8% was Korean, 0.7% was West Asian, 0.3% was Aboriginal, 0.3% was Japanese, and 2.4% was other minorities. 

Mississauga has come a long way. A city that used to be predominately inhabited by white people is now home to one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in Canada. Mississauga encourages immigration and tries to make sure everyone’s needs are being met, people are happy and feel welcomed and accepted. Mississauga has a large Muslim community and they are often under scrutiny because of the misconception others have of associating all Islam believers with terrorism. Despite this, the city does all that it can to make sure its people are treated with respect and love, and that their rights are not infringed upon. 

In Mississauga, 66% of people are employed, 5% are unemployed, and the remaining 29% are not in the labour force. More than half of the population is working and only 5% are not working which says a lot about the integrity and hardworking nature of the people of Mississauga. Those who are not in the labour force, whether they be children, seniors, disabled people, or those on welfare, Mississauga makes sure that its people are cared for and protected. It has an ageing population but has a planned budget for the health care needs, services, and anything else that the seniors will need. It is ready to care for and accommodate the needs of its people, making sure that they always receive the best in care and services. 

This wonderful city is home to many people and has helped shape them as people. Mississauga always strives for greatness, to continue to improve and better itself for its people. This is a city that focuses on its people, catering to their needs, letting their voices be heard, and encouraging and helping them to do and be the best that they can. I don’t know who I would be without this city, and so I will always feel proud to say that I live in Mississauga.