Do you think this is a bad example to use in my paper?

I'm writing a persuasive essay on why we should wear uniforms at my high school. My teacher said I should add an emotional appeal in my paragraph about equality. In the paragraph I talk about how uniforms cause less chance of judging and cliques. As an example, I thought about writing a tiny bit about the Columbine massacre, which I've done a little research on before. The boys targeted anyone with a white hat (as well as many other classifications) but certain clothing was one thing the boys looked for. So, do you think I should put it in my paper, or is it too extreme? After all, massacres like Columbine don't happen very often.

Do you think this is a bad example to use in my paper?
Well, not really bad, but not very emotionally strong as well. Unless you are able to zero in to your point on the boys targetting anyone with a white hat. were they looking for equality? If I were you, I'd look for emotional appeal through equality meaning kids should be in school not to dress up and show off, rather to learn and equally gain with what the school can provide. A uniform should conceal the background of a person, what race, family, income bracket, group or whatever....
Reply:That could be a good example, but I might want to give example based on what is happening now in your school.





But in my opinion, would uniforms really solve the problems in today's school?
Reply:I think that it would be a bit too extreme. Perhaps an appeal to finances and leveling that playing field would be more in order.
Reply:Personally, although your perspective on uniforms and the Columbine massacre may be correct, I think it's best to leave it out, unless your teacher equates "emotional appeal" with "sensationalism", which, sadly, they sometimes do. Your point may be "right-as-rain" but the inclusion of such an ugly event in American history takes away from the core reasons as to why school uniforms were originally used. I can say, as one who went to Catholic schools from around 1956-1966, and wore uniforms all that time, that issues such as the pathetic columbine incident NEVER crossed our mind. It was a matter of de-emphasizing the individual for the achievement of the common goal: a good education, and it worked, and still works. So, that's my opinion, for what it's worth. God Bless you.
Reply:And why not? I think it's a completely valid point. Just because it doesn't happen often, doesn't mean that it's not an important factor. I didn't know that, and something that's not commonly known is a definate plus in writing any paper.





Good luck with your paper!
Reply:I don't think it's a valid example for your paper. I do not think it's too much to cite Columbine, but I am not quite sure that I see the connection to your argument. School uniforms are a good thing because then that way high school killers would have to find another way to select their victims? Is that what you're saying? If you want to cite Columbine as an example then it should be as an example that high school cliques can cause real damage to people - meaning the killers - but I don't think that's a very strong argument.





Don't think just about popularity and cliques - think about the idea of economic equality. If school is a place where you're meant to learn, without distraction, and be judged solely on the merit of your work, then think about how much it would level the playing field if everyone had to wear the same clothes.





Just watch any John Hughes movie from the 80s for an emotional appeal on classism in high school.