Pixabay – chayka1270

Tension is rising in our country, especially between the Republicans and Democrats.

The world we live in is messed up. People are spewing violence and hate throughout our cities, regardless of their race, sex or religious beliefs. Why is this happening?

The Republicans would blame it on the Democrats. The Democrats would blame it on the Republicans. Who is right? In my opinion, both are. We are all to blame for the violence in our cities. We are all human. We all have an innate sense to stand up and fight for what we perceive to be right.

But how far can we go with that sense? How far is too far?

Conservatives tend to think liberal media is saying all non-liberal thinkers are white supremacists who want to kill black people. Furthermore, they believe because this idea is repeated so much, people are starting to believe it, resulting in protests and riots.

On the other side of the spectrum, many liberals tend to downplay the riots as simply violent protests against racism. The far left would criticize the right for not caring about social injustice.

Here in Bettendorf, there are no riots. But that does not mean there is no division. Senior Ahriyana Creighton from Bettendorf High School stated, “As I share my opinions it tends to be shot down before I can even say why I feel the way I do… People think that my opinion doesn’t matter since it doesn’t match theirs.”

So what should we do as high schoolers to help end the division?

First, do not be afraid to share your opinion. Since everybody is equal, we should all get a chance to have our own opinion and share it, any way we desire (as long as it is legal).

The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

You are, by the highest authority in the land, allowed to speak what you want. And here, you would not be harmed for doing so. Do not be afraid.

Deputy Jamey Fah, the PVHS resource officer, affirmed the safety of our school: “Creating a safe and secure learning environment is what Pleasant Valley High School is trying to achieve for all students… If you find ways to support your opinion in a way that is cognizant of the impact its delivery will have on others you will likely find yourself on safe ground.

“As always, if a student is not feeling safe at school I encourage them to reach out to myself, their teachers, the school administration or a counselor.  If they are concerned about anonymity they can always reach out via P3Campus and submit a tip.  Of course if a student is in immediate physical danger 9-1-1. Providing a safe and secure learning environment is of the utmost importance to everyone at the school.”

Second, be respectful of other people’s opinions. They will be different from yours at times, but the world will not end because they disagree with you. They deserve the right to speak their mind just as much as you do.

Third, listen to other people’s opinions. They might have information that you do not have that influenced their opinion. They might have a point you have not thought of. Try to understand why they think what they think, rather than condemning them.

After expressing her own frustrations, Creighton noted that “Listening to both sides is important to matter what you believe. So when I listen to opinions different than my own I try to take it all in and understand why they feel the way they feel… It’s not okay to tear down one’s beliefs just because you feel a different way.”

Fourth, keep learning. The more you know, the better your opinions will be. As high schoolers, we are at a point where we are most susceptible to outside influences. Do not trap yourself in a little ideology bubble. Take the time to understand what other opinions are on the subject.

Creighton ended by observing how “important [it is] that as a young generation we do our research; we don’t need to just be taking everything people post on Instagram… Doing the research also makes you a better citizen because you know what is going on in the world.”

Maybe, after doing the research on the subject, you decide to change your mind. Which is okay. Or maybe you want to keep your opinion. Which is okay too.

But this is my opinion, which I am willing to share, in the hopes that some people will read it and find the point which I am trying to make: do not let different opinions destroy our country, our community, our school and our relationships.