Hipster Glasses Banned in Brooklyn School: 'Buy Simple Glasses'
A Jewish Orthodox school in Brooklyn has officially banned students from wearing thick, black-framed glasses in fear that their students are becoming too "modern."
Parents received a letter from the Bobover Yeshiva B'Nei Zion school in Brooklyn last week, stating that children who attended the school would no longer be allowed to wear thick, black-framed "hipster" glasses. The school backed its position by stating that it was attempting to avoid students from turning to "new modernism."
"We are asking that everyone buy simple glasses," the letter to parents, which was acquired by The New York Post, read. "What we have to commit ourselves to is we have to stand on top of this and not tolerate the new modernism."
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The thick-framed glasses worn by celebrities like Justin Timberlake, for the sake of fashion and not necessarily out of need, have become popular amongst teens attempting the nerdy look. Taking a visit to the past, the retro-styled glasses were popular in the '50s and '60s amongst a much less popular crowd. But now people have taken to the glasses in attempt to "look smart" says one Amazon user. In addition "helping out any outfit" the glasses also give the perfect "Clark Kent" look, users raved.
But the Bobover school, which teaches grades 4-12 and caters to the Bobov Jewish community, has little appreciation for its students following such a trend.
"It doesn't matter what age- a student cannot come to yeshiva with these glasses," the letter stated.
People outside the situation appeared outraged by the suggestion, calling the ban a "violation of rights." But for those within the community, who are already required to maintain a traditional Hassidic dress, the ban comes without offense.
"What one kid does, another will copy. The school doesn't want a domino effect," Nafle Frank told The Post. "Style is not a sin, but the culture is to stay away from new things and to keep them the way they were."
