Summer is coming up and unlike here in the united States, many countries have specific cultural clothing they have to wear despite the weather. The clothing is what mostly makes them stand out in a crowd and you can tell where they are from. Dealing with the heat and clothing takes a lot of courage, especially when everyone around you is wearing tank tops and shorts.

This issue is more common for girls than guys because girls care about their appearance more. Unless you fit into a group of people who are dealing with the same case as you, you might not struggle as much. Reality is, AHS is one of the most diverse schools in Fairfax County and it’s almost impossible not to mix with other cultures.

“I personally think that a girl should wear what she thinks helps her express her true personality.” said sophomore Dwashema Liburd. “As long as it’s kept appropriate.”

In some cases, that’s a good thing. In others however, not so much. People from some areas have to wear a scarf but that also reflects their religious backgrounds. They wear something called a hijab which covers their head along with clothing that isn’t supposed to reveal their skin except their face, feet and palm of their hands.

Other people wear something called a Punjabi suit which is almost like a long sleeved shirt reaching their knees as well as pants and a light scarf around their head. Girls from different families don’t always want to wear what their parents tell them to but sometimes it is forced which is why we must respect it if we don’t know the true reason behind it. For others, it is based upon their religious or cultural background and for that everyone has different beliefs and opinions.

“I think it’s a right and way for people to express themselves and it shouldn’t be taken away,” said junior Scotty Mathewman. “Everyone should be allowed to wear what they want no matter what you believe in.”

Freedom of expression is important because it reflects our personality and how we like to think and act. It shouldn’t be forced and it shouldn’t be taken away either. We must respect opinions and beliefs because what might seem normal to some people is strange to others.