Editorials and Personal Columns

Editorial ideas: 

1. standardized testing and whether it actually accurately tests what we have learned, the stress it puts on students, espec. those who have different ways of learning 
2. dress code; whether it really is sexist, whether it has an actual practical function, double standards of the dress code enforcers
3. treatment of mentally ill students (all mentally ill students) and ways for teachers to make schoolwork more do-able for them—communicate with them respectfully about what sort of stressors make schoolwork more difficult for them, triggers for panic attacks or other kinds of episodes, etc. NOT just students with anxiety & depression since they are less "scary" than bipolar students, or other disorders that cause a student to act "weird" or "crazy"

I read a lot of different social justice blogs (or media outlets that have similar opinions) because it's something that I am very invested in, and I try and stay educated on as many such topics as I can. I also check the tumblr blog thewritingcafe (and others like it) a lot because it always has a lot of different resources for fiction writers like myself and it updates regularly. 

Peer reflection #1 - Opinions Piece

1. Who wrote the story?

Hera 

2. What is their story about?

Their story is about children having access to cell phones, the internet, and social media at increasingly earlier ages. 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

Hera thinks that "younger children are gaining access to many things that they definitely definitely shouldn't be at their age." 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

She did mention that kids might need phones to be able to text parents and such, yes. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, she states her opinion very clearly and strongly. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

First person. 

----

1. Who wrote the story?

Kelsie

2. What is their story about?

Their story was about the Ebola hysteria that is taking the US by storm. 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

Kelsie thinks that "it's idiotic that people are getting so freaked out about contracting Ebola because there have only been 3 cases in our country."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

She does briefly talk about how it's understandable to be afraid of getting Ebola, but the chances are very slim. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, she definitely takes a stand and is very clear with her opinion on the Ebola panic. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

First person. 

First Opinion Piece

Is the fight for marriage equality distracting us from more pressing issues facing the LGBTQ+ community?

As of recent, 32 US states have legalized marriage equality. This is, of course, a huge civil rights achievement, but should whether “the gays” can marry really be at the forefront of people’s minds considering the violence LGBTQ+ people still face in our country?

Every year in America hundreds of members of the LGBTQ+ community are kicked out of their homes, abused, assaulted, and murdered simply for their identity. Many of these people are under the age of 18. And yet every time one of these hate crimes manages to make the news, it’s the newest marriage equality bill or the most recent straight celebrity getting applauded for their “moving performance” as a member of a community they are not a part of that “straight allies” are stumbling over themselves to share on Facebook.

Are pictures of Neil Patrick Harris and his husband at the altar more important than news of a transgender teenager being set onfire while sleeping on a public transit bus?

Supporting gay rights has become a sort of badge that straight people can wear to prove to everyone how progressive they are—but should they really get applauded for not being a bigot? It isn’t that hard to do; it’s one of the most basic attributes a somewhat decent person should have.

Most mainstream media outlets and high-profile gay personalities present the marriage equality fight now as an end-all be-all solution to the oppression LGBTQ+ people face in America.

I fear that when all 50 states have passed the marriage equality bills, the fight will be seen as over except by those who are still most affected by the cis-heteronormative systems still in place in our society. Namely, trans people, especially those of color, disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community, people who already suffer from other forms of marginalization.

That’s not to say that marriage equality isn’t an important issue, but when members of the LGBTQ+ community are targets for harassment, abuse, assault, and murder, I feel like it shouldn’t be our top priority. After all, one can’t get married when they are found beaten to death with a fire extinguisher or murdered by their own father because of their sexual orientation.

So should the fight for marriage equality be put on hold? No. However, I am calling for awareness to be raised about hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people in America. Russia and Uganda aren’t the only countries with deeply ingrained homophobia, and it’s time for people, especially those who don’t experience it every day to be educated about it.

Straight allies, use your privilege to help amplify the voices of those who are silenced by society. Get educated about trans issues, don’t give all of your attention to Neil Patrick Harris and Ellen DeGeneres. They are not the only ones who should have a say in these sorts of issues just because they’re famous and align with society’s idea of the “right” kind of gay person. Instead watch interviews with Laverne Cox or Janet Mock, two women who are more well-versed on LGBTQ+ issues on a more broader scale. Don’t ignore what LGBTQ+ people have to say just because it makes you as a privileged person uncomfortable. Educate yourself.

Vocabulary: 

LGBTQ+: an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The + stands for the letters left off for brevity's sake; there are many other identities that fall under this umbrella. 

queer: originally a slur intended to degrade gay people, has now been reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community itself. 

cisgender: "not transgender"; someone who identifies with the gender assigned to them at birth. 

(cis-)heteronormantive: the idea that being heterosexual and/or cisgender is the "normal" way to be. 

Current Events Quiz 10/24/14

1. Why were multiple same-sex schools started in AISD? Page A1 "New single-sex schools…"
Schools that historically struggle are converting to all-girls or all-boys to try and raise test and attendance numbers. 

2. What is the name of the first person who is the first confirmed case of Ebola in New York City? Page A3 "Physician in New York…"
Dr. Craig Spencer.

3. Who is the current favorite to become the new governor of Texas? Page B1
Greg Abbott. 

4. What is former UT football star Vince Young's new job title? Page C1"Vince Young, diversity salesman"
Vince Young is now a salesman. 

5. In the Tech Extra section, on page SA3, which one of the 4 items in the main story on the page would you like to own and WHY?
I'd want the PowerArmour from BuQu Tech because it's a case that can charge an iPhone without adding extra bulk. 

Read BOTH of the articles on page A11 at the top under the headline Balanced Views. What arguments are both making about the current political situation in the United States? Why do you think there are titles "From the Left" and "From the Right" on those two stories? Why would the newspaper put this in on the opinions pages? What the the newspapers goals doing this?
Both of the articles are about Ebola and the US's efforts (or lack thereof in one's opinion) to stop it, as well as how it's affecting how people will choose who they vote for in upcoming elections. One believes that Obama's discrepancies in what global crises he does and doesn't focus one (Ebola and ISIS, respectively) is causing many people, even staunch Democrats, to question whether he really cares about his citizens. The titles "From the Left" and "From the Right" indicate the author's political alignment, "left" being liberal, "right" being conservative. This is in the opinions section because the writers' pieces are rooted in their own views and the political party which they identify with's views on what is happening in the US. This is an effort from the Statesman to compare and contrast different opinions and allow the reader to decide who they agree with. 

SNO Online Papers

Current Approach to ISIS Lacking, Igaramkin HS, Anchorage, Alaska

1. Who wrote the story?

Noah Alexander.

2. What is their story about?

Noah's story is about the US government and media's approach towards ISIS. 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

Noah thinks that "we are identifying and mislabeling this issue [of ISIS] incorrectly." He attributes this to the media's sensationalist reporting on the Islamic State, and the government's rash statements about them without actually addressing the actual problem. 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes, he did say that he knows ISIS can pose a threat to the US and that they are dangerous, but he still stands by his opinion that ISIS, while being reported on constantly by the news, is largely being handled irresponsibly by the government. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, he stated his opinion clearly and even says outright that he "still stands by his opinion." 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes, he quotes sophomore Sean Gardeline. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

1st person. 

My Suggestion to the GOP, Westlake HS, Austin, Texas

1. Who wrote the story?

Jacob Prothro. 

2. What is their story about?

Jacob's story is about the Republican Party and how they are driving away young voters. 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

He thinks that the GOP's "outdated views of gay rights, abortion, and drug legalization" are driving away young voters who would otherwise vote for them for the sake of their economics. He says that if they updated their platform to "a party that represents the best of both worlds, instead of the extremes of both sides."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes, he addressed several different viewpoints one might have on this topic, but he always made it back to his own opinion. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

As stated above, he always is clear about what his own opinion is. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

1st person. 

PDA @ School, Woodrow Wilson HS, Long Beach, California

1. Who wrote the story?

Victoria Sanchez. 

2. What is their story about?

The story is about PDA at school. 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

Victoria thinks that PDA at school "might be attractive for the ones doing it, but it's definitely not for those watching it." 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No, not particularly.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, she certainly made a stance. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes, she quoted junior Jesus Bautista. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

1st person. 

Personal Essays

1. What was one idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section that you can use as you start deciding on a topic?
The writer gave the idea of writing about nursing your mother with Alzheimer's. 

2. What was one idea the writer gave in the Opinions Pieces section that you should remember as you are writing your piece?
The writer said that details will draw your readers in, while general statements will not. 

3. List three suggestions the writer makes in the Personal Essays and Crafts section that you will use as you write.

• write as evocatively as possible; use all of the senses
• you need more opinions than facts; this isn't an academic essay
• avoid philosophical rants that your readers can't relate to

Current Events Quiz 10/20/14

1. Where could one go to find out where they should vote and what hours they are open? Page A1 "Voters asked to..." (HINT: the answer is on this page)
One can go to their county website, as listed in the article. 

2. Why is Whole Foods launching a series of national ads? Page B9 "Whole Foods launching…"
Whole Foods is trying to emphasize the high quality of their produce and other items as well as the low prices to the whole nation, as it's trying to escape its reputation of being expensive and exclusive.

3. What change could encourage football teams in Class 6A (which Bowie is in) to win their districts? Page C1 "District football champs…"
District teams are now going to have a home-field advantage in the first round of playoffs; the higher seed will have the advantage of playing at home. 

4. What kind of things might one find at the City-Wide Garage Sale? AND where and when is it? AND have you been? Page D2 "...been to the…"
At the City-Wide Garage Sale you can find a large variety of things, from furniture, antiques, or clothing. It's at the Palmer Events Center at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 

5. Read the first letter to Dear Abby on page D5 (it is at the bottom) about halloween costumes. Do you agree with the advice and should the little girl wear the costume she wants?
Yes, I think it's perfectly fine for the little girl to have the toy pistol with her costume (though it's understandable that it's not allowed at school). I see little boys with toy weapons included in their Halloween costumes all the time, and I think that there is somewhat of a double standard here, since it's hardly ever questioned when little boys want to have the plastic pistol with their cowboy outfit. 

Short Answer:

Today begins early voting across the city. There are a number of important issues on the ballot and the last few days of the newspaper have been filled with information, advice and commentary. In addition, mailboxes across town have been filled with flyers and advertisements from people running for office. Do you think voting is important? Do you know if your parents vote? What do you think you are supposed to do as a responsible citizen in a democracy? Do you have any ideas what some of the major issues are this election? Do you think local elections play any role in the bigger national political process?
Yes, I do think that voting is important, though on a national scale I am rather uncertain as to whether the layman's opinion really makes a difference at all. There was a study at Harvard done a little while ago that determined that, technically, America is not a democracy at all, but on oligarchy (rule by an elite group) because of how little regular citizen's votes count and how much influence politicians and the 1% have on the outcome of elections. I do know that my parents vote, however, though I find it a bit odd when people say it's an American citizen's "duty" to vote. I believe it's their choice, but I don't see a clear reason as to why someone would willingly choose not to vote. Yes, I do think that local elections do play a role in the national political process, since everything in a nation's political climate is connected in some way, and it's impossible for local politics to have no effect whatsoever on a national scale. 

Opinions Writing Preview Activity

Dress code? What's dress code?

1. Who wrote the story?

There is no author name given. 

2. What is their story about?

The story is about the current controversy over Bowie's dress code and whether it's worth it to show your disagreement with it by breaking it.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

The author thinks that "The dress code is frankly, stupid," but if we "want to get rid of the dress code," we have to "do it in a mature way."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes, they did mention the other side's opinion, describing how it's ridiculous that legs or shoulders are seen as "distracting."

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

I found it a little difficult to determine which side they were on—they condemned dress code, calling it "stupid", but then went on to say that protesting it is immature. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

They wrote in 2nd person. 

Counselors have electives saying "Et tu, Brute?"

1. Who wrote the story?

Managing Editor, Ashlee Thomason. 

2. What is their story about?

The story is about the issues with the current system students have to go through to get their schedules changed and how it can be fixed. 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

The author thinks that "the scheduling system [should] be updated to a more flexible system than can allow students to make quick, easy , accessible alterations to their schedules," and that it would also "make the counselor's lives much easier." 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Not really, though since this is less of a debate and more of a proposal of an idea, it doesn't seem necessary. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, she proposed the idea of more efficient schedule changes very clearly. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

She wrote in 1st person. 

The Summertime Blues

1. Who wrote the story?

Student Life Editor, Gabby Bourgeaucq

2. What is their story about?

The story is about summer homework and the unnecessary stress it creates. 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

The author thinks that summer homework is "an insane thing to make students do" because "What's the point of having a summer break if we have to spend a lot of our time reading, writing, annotating, and studying?" 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes, she says that she understands why teachers think that summer homework is a good idea, and she even proposes a possible compromise—summer homework for extra credit. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, she stated her opinion very clearly while still recognizing the other side of the debate. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

She wrote in 1st person. 

Racism here at home

1. Who wrote the story?

Online Editor, Justice Capello. 

2. What is their story about?

The story is about how the protests in Ferguson are not an isolated event, and about how racism is still thriving in our society. 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

The author believes that as the people of a republic we should be able to show our discomfort with a certain events, policies, or actions we deem unjust" and that "The truth is that racism still exists in our society today whether we like it or not, and it is our job as citizens of the United States of America to ensure that equality is spread and practiced worldwide."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes, he did mention the people who think that violence is never the answer in regards to the Ferguson protests, but he says that he believes in certain situations, it's justified. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, he was very firm in his opinion, even though it is one that could be potentially controversial.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes, he quotes the Constitution at the beginning of the story. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

He wrote in 1st person. 

School improvements lacking

1. Who wrote the story?

Staff Writer, Michelle McDonagh. 

2. What is their story about?

The story is about the improvements that have been made to the school this year, and the ones that need to be made.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

The author's direct opinion on the topic is that "our school needs a lot of changes that have not bee completed to make this school look and feel good as good as I know it can be." 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

She did mention that there have been some improvements made to the school this year, and the graphic included with the story addresses any concerns about funding for these types of projects. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, she stated her opinion clearly as well as proposing ideas as to how to fix the things the school is lacking with minimal cost, such as the idea about volunteers coming to paint the rails. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No. 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

She wrote in 1st person. 

A. What do you think the major differences between a hard news story and an opinions piece? Come up with at least three.

1. There are very few quotes. 

2. Opinions pieces are just that, the author's opinion instead of the usual objective point of view of a hard news story. 

3. They are usually written in 1st or 2nd person. 

B. Why do you think there aren't very many photos on this page?

Most photos that would add to an opinions piece are either graphics or comics, because actual photos usually are to document the news being reported on, not opinions. 

C. What are three topics you think would be good to write an opinions piece on?

1. Marriage equality

2. Standardized testing

3. Required Science Fair projects

Earthquake Story

A powerful earthquake rocked San Francisco Bay area residents on Monday morning at 8:12 a.m., PDT.

The earthquake, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, caused a building housing McHenry’s Auto Supply in Hayward at 2342 Plum Street to collapse partially, killing two people and injuring six others.

“I was eating my breakfast when the room started rolling. I dove under the table just as I heard an explosion outside and a chunk of cement flew through my kitchen window. That’s when the screaming start across the street,” Hayward resident, Mike Beamer said.

The names of the dead are being withheld while the notification of their families is pending, and three of the six people injured were seriously hurt enough to be transported and hospitalized at the Hayward General Hospital. There have been no other reports of serious injuries in Hayward, however.

Beamer’s apartment is just across from McHenry’s, and he said he felt a rolling motion that lasted for about 30 seconds, with a big jolt coming in the middle.

There was a quick response to the collapse of McHenry’s auto shop, twenty-one fire personnel, twelve police officers, and five American Red Cross workers arriving the on the site of the collapsed building.

The personnel arrived within four minutes of the quake, said Hayward Fire Department public information officer, Jennifer Vu.

 The earthquake was felt by people as far north as Redding and as far south as Los Angeles. Firefighters used ropes to stabilize the auto shop, conducted a search of the building for victims, and a gas line had to be capped after a gas leak was detected.

The earthquake was a “strong one,” said Menlo Park’s U.S. Geological Survey scientist, Penny Gertz. Its epicenter was beneath the Hayward Hills along the Hayward Fault, which runs beneath the hills.