英语听力—环球英语 1217 Debating School Uniforms

 　　Voice 1

 

　　Thank you for joining us for today’s Spotlight¹ program. I’m Liz Waid.

 

　　Voice 2

 

　　And I’m Rebekah Schipper. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.

 

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　　Some wear blue.

 

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　　Some wear green.

 

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　　Some wear skirts.

 

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　　Others wear pants.

 

　　Voice 1

 

　　What are we talking about?

 

　　Voice 2

 

　　School uniforms! Children all over the world wear special clothes to school. Uniforms make all the children of the school look the same. Some people believe that it is good to make children wear the same clothes to school. But other people believe that school uniforms are a bad idea. Today’s Spotlight will discuss the debate about school uniforms.

 

　　Voice 1

 

　　Recently, in Germany, school officials sent two young girls away from school. The girls were wearing Muslim burkas, or head coverings. Officials of the school did not think the girls should wear the burkas to school.

 

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　　After the incident the country’s Justice Minister suggested an idea. She said that a national school uniform would solve the problem. Every child would have to wear the same kinds of clothes to school. The Justice Minister said that the uniforms would hide the differences between rich and poor children.

 

　　Voice 1

 

　　But many people in Germany believe that the school uniform is a bad idea. They think that it is linked to the Nazi² era³, when Hitler was leader, during the Second World War. Hitler killed many innocent⁴ people during the war. Many children worked for Hitler. They wore special uniforms during Hitler’s rule. So, many people in Germany today do not like what uniforms represent. The uniforms make them remember the time of Hitler.

 

　　Voice 2

 

　　Germany is not the only country debating about uniforms. You can find debate about school uniforms all over the world! In fact, legal courts in France have had to settle many cases over school uniforms! In 2004, France finally had to pass a law. The law banned children from wearing any religious clothes or symbols to French State schools. This ban included symbols from any religion. The children were only permitted to wear the school uniform.

 

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　　These kinds of court cases make many people wonder about how religion and education mix. Many people believe that children should be able to wear religious clothes to school.

 

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　　But the debate about school uniforms is not just about religion. Children in Japan wear uniforms. Their uniforms model army uniforms from other countries and from different time periods! Many boys’ uniforms look like nineteenth century Prussian army uniforms. And many girls’ uniforms model European navy⁵ uniforms!

 

　　Voice 1

 

　　The uniforms have nothing to do with Japan’s own military past. And they do not represent Japanese culture either. But, Japan established its education system in the eighteen seventies [1870s]. At that time Japan looked to countries like Germany, France, and Britain for ideas. So today, Japanese school uniforms still model those old ideas. This concerns many Japanese people. They do not like the uniforms and what they represent. Many people want to create new uniforms that are more Japanese.

 

　　Voice 2

 

　　This example from Japan leads into the next reason why many people do not like school uniforms. They believe uniforms take away individuality. That is, uniforms do not let children express who they are. These people believe that children should wear what they want to school. Choosing clothes is a way to express yourself.

 

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　　The BBC website asked people what they think about school uniforms. One man from Singapore had this to say,

 

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　　“Students, especially teens, should let their creativity flow. One’s character can be seen in the clothes they wear. Students should have the freedom of showing other people who they really are.”

 

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　　Other people believe that uniforms cost too much money. Susan works⁶ for the United Nation’s children department in Kenya, in Africa. She says that uniforms are a mixed blessing⁷ for many poor families. She says,

 

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　　“The idea behind the uniform was that it brings students together. Rich children and poor children look the same. But, in truth, uniforms often cost parents more than what they can pay for. Many children only have one uniform. The uniform may be the only clothes they have. By the end of a school year the uniform often looks old. This can bring shame to a child.”

 

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　　So, are school uniforms a bad idea? Well, there are many people who think that school uniforms are a very good idea! Vinod is from Kannur in southern India. He said,

 

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　　“Individuals will always shine. It is the majority that needs looking after. Children should not feel afraid because of differences in society. In uniform everyone looks the same. There is no religion, no rich, no poor. All are equal.”

 

　　Voice 1

 

　　Peter is from San Diego California in the United States. He said

 

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　　“Uniforms often cost less money and are easier to provide than popular clothing.”

 

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　　EunYoung Cho is from Seoul, Korea. She said

 

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　　“There are good reasons for wearing uniforms. Students feel united and attached to their school. Poor students do not have to worry about their old looking clothes. All students can save time by not having to choose what to wear in the morning. Uniforms do not (prevent) individuality. Individuality does not come from one’s clothes. It comes from what is inside a person.

 

　　Voice 1

 

　　And Fasahath is from Madras, India. She said

 

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　　“Uniforms have to be sensitive to different cultural values. Simple solutions are seen in many schools in India. The uniforms for schools include different designs for girls. There are two kinds. One design fully⁸ covers the head and body of the girl. The other is usually a skirt and a shirt. The girls can choose to wear either design. The cost is pretty much the same for both designs!”

 

　　Voice 2

 

　　So are school uniforms a good idea for children? Or are they a bad idea? The debate is sure to continue as long as schools and children exist!

 

　　Voice 1

 

　　Sometimes during a debate or conflict there is no clear answer. In situations like these it is good to remember what is most important. Is a child’s individuality most important? Is the child’s right to wear religious clothing or symbols most important? Is making sure all children get along together most important? Or is a child’s education most important?

 

　　Voice 2

 

　　Education is very important. And every child deserves⁹ a safe environment where he or she may learn. That could mean sending children to school in a uniform. Or it may mean children go to a school where there are no uniforms. But always remember what is most important. Remember that the debate should never be more important than the education.

 

　　Voice 1

 

　　The writer and producer of this program was Rebekah Schipper. Computer users¹⁰ can hear more Spotlight programs on our website at www.radio english.net. This program is called “Debating School Uniforms.”

 

　　Voice 2

 

　　What do you think about school uniforms? Please e-mail us your comments at radio @ engish . net.

1 spotlight   

n.公众注意的中心，聚光灯，探照灯，视听，注意，醒目

参考例句：

• This week the spotlight is on the world of fashion.本周引人瞩目的是时装界。
• The spotlight followed her round the stage.聚光灯的光圈随着她在舞台上转。

2 Nazi   

n.纳粹分子，adj.纳粹党的，纳粹的

参考例句：

• They declare the Nazi regime overthrown and sue for peace.他们宣布纳粹政权已被推翻，并出面求和。
• Nazi closes those war criminals inside their concentration camp.纳粹把那些战犯关在他们的集中营里。

3 era   

n.时代，年代，纪元，阶段

参考例句：

• We are living in the information era.我们生活在信息时代。
• We are living in a great historic era.我们正处在一个伟大的历史时代。

4 innocent   

adj.无罪的，清白的；无害的；天真的，单纯的

参考例句：

• I'm not quite so innocent as to believe that.我还不至于简单到相信那种事的地步。
• I was very young,and very innocent.我那时非常年轻，幼稚无知。

5 navy   

n.海军，海军人员，海军军力，藏青色

参考例句：

• My brother is in the navy.我兄弟在海军服役。
• He has transferred from the army to the navy.他从陆军转到海军。

6 works   

n.作品，著作；工厂，活动部件，机件

参考例句：

• We expect writers to produce more and better works.我们期望作家们写出更多更好的作品。
• The novel is regarded as one of the classic works.这篇小说被公认为是最优秀的作品之一。

7 blessing   

n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿

参考例句：

• The blessing was said in Hebrew.祷告用了希伯来语。
• A double blessing has descended upon the house.双喜临门。

8 fully   

adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地

参考例句：

• The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气，然后全部呼出。
• They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。

9 deserves   

v.应受，应得，值得( deserve的第三人称单数 )；应受报答；应得报酬；应得赔偿

参考例句：

• A wilful fault has no excuse and deserves no pardon. 不能宽恕故意犯下的错误。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• He is the only poet in this country that deserves the name. 他是这个国家唯一的一位名副其实的诗人。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

10 users   

用户，使用者( user的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The new software will prove a boon to Internet users. 这种新软件将会对互联网用户大有益处。
• Ramps should be provided for wheelchair users. 应该给轮椅使用者提供坡道。