Priscilla Aguilar

Mr. Smith

English-IB HL 1

April 29, 2021

Global Issue Category: Cultural, Identity, and Community

Global Issue Investigation: The effects of sovereign dress code policies have on young women.

Thesis: All throughout America, young women are ordinarily sexualized as a result of their
clothing, consequently developing a sense of discouragement as well as a deficiency of self
expression.

Authorial Choice:

1. Panel Depth: In the twelfth panel, I was able to utilize panel depth and illustrate the
prominent character, Julie, in the foreground meanwhile, the other three students are in
mid ground. I intentionally did this in order to demonstrate how the dress code is strictly
enforced on students, especially young girls, yet the school will allow athlete “uniforms”
that reveal the same skin exposure. Not only does this portray prejudice, but it also
discloses that schools and administration will allow it when they desire and becomes
beneficial for them.

2. Subject to Subject Transition: In panels 10 through 11, I utilize a subject to subject

transition in regards to illustrating how a different perspective, yet same experience, will
reveal the inequality between girls and boys. The outrageous policies that schools have
frequently focus of feminine bodies despite having numerous male students acquire
identical attire. Women constantly feel objectified because countless individuals will
express that their clothing is too provocative and distracting, but few will strive to teach
boys how to obtain self control along with respect.

3. Emanata: Through the use of an emanata, Julie is demonstrated as questioning what the
school administrator is disclosing to her. The lack of understanding displays the
sexualizing of young women because boys will “get distracted” while also possessing the
inability to respect a female's body. The administrator is also a symbol of how many
individuals will have an absence of acknowledging that all bodies are different; an item
could be a violation on one body, but have a completely contrasting appearance to
another.
4. Splash & Graphic Weight: The final panel is to exemplify the significance of shaming
young women as well as it’s everlasting effects. Graphic weight is implemented in order
to exhibit how Julie’s self esteem, along with courage, is beginning to diminish. Julie is
illustrated in black and white, meanwhile, her closet is full of color to display the contrast
between how Julie was in the beginning compared to her second day of school. The
inequality of dress codes, along with shaming them, guides young women into believing
that their bodies and choices of clothing is responsible for the behavior of men.