Hillgrove Gets Political
JaMonet Rice
JaMonet Rice
In this day and age, it is getting easier and easier to spot conversations about politics. Whether it is in a Starbucks, at local parks, family gatherings, or even libraries, it seems more and more places are getting political. However these new places to discuss do not come without consequences. Over the past few news cycles, various politicians and citizens alike have been thrown out of restaurants and various places for expressing their political beliefs. Nevertheless, as more and more places become open for politics , there is one place that is still steadfast in considering politics a taboo subject: school. At least until now.
Last week, it was announced that Hillgrove had started its first meeting of The Young Republicans Club, sponsored by our very own Dr. Steinhauser. The meeting occurred on Monday and multiple things were discussed including Clubs that deal with or concern politics are usually frowned upon but with 2018 becoming more open and less socially constrained, schools could mark the beginning of another change in our youth. So the emergence of this club was a bit of a surprise considering that many people think of schools as a place that is free from the nuances of political discussions. Keeping in mind that teenagers can be very impressionable and can be swayed to see a topic or issue from only one perspective. This is why teachers are discouraged from discussing their own political views. Does the creation of this club contradict that? Can this be interpreted as a sign that school is changing the way they view politics’ place in school? This new club has also sparked interest in the creation of a Young Democrats Club since there are those who want it to be fair and balanced.
At the end of the day, one must think about whether the clubs could cause tension due to their opposing views. Teens might have a hard time keeping their feelings in check, especially if they feel like their being challenged or attacked for what they believe in. They do not have the same practice as adults, who are more constrained when it comes to their views or ideologies and have decades of practice when it comes to sharing those views. Nevertheless, it looks like politics will be hanging out at Hillgrove at least for awhile.
Last week, it was announced that Hillgrove had started its first meeting of The Young Republicans Club, sponsored by our very own Dr. Steinhauser. The meeting occurred on Monday and multiple things were discussed including Clubs that deal with or concern politics are usually frowned upon but with 2018 becoming more open and less socially constrained, schools could mark the beginning of another change in our youth. So the emergence of this club was a bit of a surprise considering that many people think of schools as a place that is free from the nuances of political discussions. Keeping in mind that teenagers can be very impressionable and can be swayed to see a topic or issue from only one perspective. This is why teachers are discouraged from discussing their own political views. Does the creation of this club contradict that? Can this be interpreted as a sign that school is changing the way they view politics’ place in school? This new club has also sparked interest in the creation of a Young Democrats Club since there are those who want it to be fair and balanced.
At the end of the day, one must think about whether the clubs could cause tension due to their opposing views. Teens might have a hard time keeping their feelings in check, especially if they feel like their being challenged or attacked for what they believe in. They do not have the same practice as adults, who are more constrained when it comes to their views or ideologies and have decades of practice when it comes to sharing those views. Nevertheless, it looks like politics will be hanging out at Hillgrove at least for awhile.