“Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy – but mysterious. But above all black says this: ‘I don’t bother you – you don’t bother me,’” wrote Yohji Yamamoto in his 2011 autobiography My Dear Bomb, but it seems the governing board at one Texan school aren’t familiar with this statement, since they’re bothering students by banning all-black outfits on campus.
Parents of kids attending HE Charles Middle School in El Paso last week received a letter outlining the ban, which linked wearing black from head-to-toe to poor mental health and depression, and recommended they discourage their children from heading off to school in completely black looks. The colour was also linked to ‘criminality’ in the letter, with the campus improvement team also advising against hoodies and sweatshirts with large pockets, which could be used to conceal items.
The letter has sparked backlash from the kids and their parents alike, with many sharing it on social media and telling the school rather than stopping its students from wearing what makes them feel comfortable, it should be focusing on stuff that makes the kids depressed in the first place, like bullying, safety measures, and boring, uninspiring lessons.
At a time when teens are experimenting with their personal style and using it to express who they are as well as find their tribes, stopping them from doing so stifles both burgeoning social skills and creativity. Plus, as Ann Demuelemeester once said “Black is not sad. Bright colours are what depresses me. They’re so… empty. Black is poetic,” which, as a life-long fanatic of black clothes (hi!) can attest, is a big mood.
Head here to read an archival Another Man article which traces the history of black clothing.