Unisex uniforms allow more freedom

I took issue with Phil Hickin’s letter (August 5), concerning the proposed introduction of nongender-specific uniforms in schools.

He started by lambasting the idea of gender-neutral uniforms as conformist (as if they’re any more conformist than gender-specific ones), then proceeded to wag his finger at minorities.

Uniforms are not magical garments that allow students to express every facet of their individuality; in fact, they are the opposite. A school uniform is designed to remove idiosyncrasy from the wearer, to unite students.

Hickin is quick to point a finger at minorities, but doesn’t seem to know which minority prompted this change. I’ll name them for him: the transgender community.

These are people who don’t agree with the arbitrary gender label given to them at birth, and instead, decide to be themselves, and change it.

Many schools, however, think they know better, and force these students into wearing the wrong uniform: the crown of thorns that they try so hard to escape from. That’s the reason for this proposition.

I agree with Hickin that our schoolchildren should be who they want. Stop forcing them into the rigid two-gender system which many don’t fit into, and introduce unisex uniforms. JORDAN BARRETT

Wilton [abridged]

Japan was losing, but almost certainly would not have surrendered. Its historic belief was that to surrender was a disgrace while to die fighting for your country was an honour.

Remember there were several million Japanese troops in China who would have been brought back to the homelands for the final years of the war.

I read of one Japanese military leader saying they should prepare for 100 million deaths (no doubt including Allied fighting men and prisoners) in the final struggle. LES ALDRIDGE

Tawa