For Richer, For Poorer

A few days ago in class, we talked about the financial standings of voters and their presidential preference. Voters for John McCain and Barack Obama were clearly from a certain economic standing. Those making under 100,000 dollars a year voted for Obama. Those making between 100,000 and 200,000 dollars a year voted for McCain. And those making over 200,000 dollars a year voted for Obama, as well. This is different from past socioeconomic trends relating to Republican and Democratic voting. Usually, voters making more money tend to lean Republican. This is especially odd because Obama has been clear in his plans to raise taxes for the more wealthy. So why would these voters elect a candidate who would raise their taxes? Do their beliefs that he agrees with override their wish to keep their cashflow steady? This is what I hope is true. What do you think is the reason that voters in specific socioeconomic groups voted for a specific party or candidate?

Take it off!

Today in American Studies, we talked about how Mr. Bolos's daughter was asked to remove a political pin she was wearing. As a child in a public middle school and with the pin being completely unoffensive, how is this fair? She is not defying school rules, nor showing disrespect. And this is not the only example. Earlier this week I witnessed a school administrator asking a student to change shirts because of its political message. The student refused and the administrator told the student that it was okay for that day but not to wear it again. How does an adult have the right to tell a student what they can and cannot wear when their clothing or accessory is not profane in any way? That's the thing; they don't. Do you think a student should be able to walk through the hall wearing a McCain hoodie or an Obama pin without being stopped or is this kind of apparrell inappropriate for school?

My 50 yr old mother is piercing her nose!

A few days ago I got a nose stud in my left nostril. This is something I've been wanting for some time and I'm excited and glad that I finally had it done. However, I am not here to talk about how much I love my new jewelery. I'm here to talk about the ideas and stereotypes people have about body piercings, tattoos, and the people who are involved with these things. Before going to Chicago Tattoo Factory, my dad kept joking about how disgusting and embarrassing it was. He told me not to get it pierced repeatedly, but I had my heart set. He told me it would affect getting a job, getting into college, and things of that nature. How could one little nose stud have such a huge impact on my future? And if that were true, then what about the people with tattoo sleeves and piercings in their chest, neck, or different places around their face? The stereotypical tattoo parlor is small, dirty, and disorganized; the people: rude, haven't showered in days, uneducated. However, Chicago Tattoo Factory was exactly the opposite. It still had the same vibe as most, but it was huge! It was absolutely spotless and completely organized. There were stations surrounded by a counter that made its way around the entire room. Everything was placed perfectly where it should be. And the most spectacular part was the people who worked there. They were completely professional and explained everything clearly and more than once. They even gave me and my mom free shirts that were really cute. When we got home, we put the shirts on and went up to my dad. He still looked disgusted and asked how dirty the tattoo parlor was. My mom and I explained that it was amazing! My dad started to laugh, told us to stop joking around, and walked away. How is it that he can't even begin to believe that piercings and tatoos aren't just disgusting things and that places where they are done aren't either?

I missed an assignment... I'M GOING TO FAIL HIGH SCHOOL!

The idea of getting into college seems to have been twisted in the minds of New Trier students. This constant thought that if you fail a test, miss a few assignments, fail a class or (god forbid! ;]) don't take all level 4's, then you won't get into college or a good college is absolutely ridiculous. Having one of these "problems" does in no way guarantee your acceptance at a college. This includes the other way around. Passing a class with flying colors does not guarantee getting into your top school. The stress on getting into an elite school is one that is extremely exaggerated at our school. Coming from Waldorf, a small private school in Chicago, I got a different perspective on academics and college admissions. It's not about getting into Harvard or Yale or even Madison or Indiana. It's about going somewhere that you love. Somewhere that has a good department for what you are interested in. Somewhere where you feel comfortable. Getting into any college is an accomplishment. Sure, it's okay to be disappointed when you don't get accepted somewhere. But remember that this is not because your dog ate your French homework that one Thursday morning.

Yes, your grades are a large part of applications and acceptance. But also, the college you go to or don't go to does not determine the rest of your life. Remember, being able to say that you have a college education at all is more than most people in the world can do.