Not Your Average Dance

So, as we all know, New Trier's Homecoming dance was last night and has really gotten the student body stirred up about it. Everyone has the opportunity to attend the first dance of the year while having to deal with the drama of getting a date, buying the ridiculously overpriced tickets, getting a group to go with, finding an elaborate restaurant to dine at, renting out a stretched limo, and finding a house to keep the after party going the rest of the night. At almost any other high school, public or private, the routine is nothing close to that of a trevian. There are no dates, dinners, or party buses equipped with a sound system, mini bar, and strobe light. Also, the guys are not in charge of paying for all these luxuries for both themselves and their dates. Is it chivalry? As much as we would love to believe it, it's pretty clear what it is: tradition. Why do New Trier kids still feel the need to maintain this pricy custom?
As American teenagers, we value the ability to make unique choices. Sure, the upperclassmen have the freedom to choose which theme to dress up as at the dance, where to eat, who to ask to the dance, and how to get there. Why can't students choose to break the structured and elaborate tradition we have been presented with all together? We're choosing to spend all this money on one night, but do we feel like we have to? Why do New Trier students feel the need to create such an elaborate Homecoming night while kids across the rest of the country treat it so casually?

24 Hours of Reality

Tomorrow is 24 Hours of Reality, an event that I find extremely important for others to participate in. It will address global climate change, an inconvenient truth that is taking place across the globe. This event will be airing in 24 different time zones, 13 languages, and will last 24 hours. I think it's important to watch this short film before you continue reading, to ensure the understanding of the event and what it's purpose is.

This video was actually shown to me by my father--a man who is on a mission to save the world (and is also obsessed with hybrid cars, recycling, LED light bulbs, and vegetarianism). Although many would argue that he will have virtually no impact on a world full of gas-guzzling Hummers, they are wrong. The purpose of this day is to inform the public about HOW to make a difference: joining together to shrink our carbon footprint by everyone doing their part. They're not saying everyone should sell their cars or never turn on a light switch again. The event is promoting small alterations in each person's daily routines across the globe, removing an immense about of greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the carbon footprint. Sounds super simple, right? This straightforward strategy has had some trouble catching on, especially in the United States of America.

The U.S. is the second largest contributing country to the world's carbon dioxide emissions. Although we are a very large country with many inhabitants, we are a very wealthy and advanced one as well. Why can we not adapt our relatively care-free lifestyles for the benefit of the world and our futures?American's are supporters of efficient and economically appealing investments--such as buying a hybrid car. LED lightbulbs are also a great buy. Although they are slightly more expensive than other types of light bulbs, they last up to 50,000 hours (42 times longer than incandescent light bulbs).

There are countless pieces of technology that should appeal to the American population, but global climate change is still a challenge we are struggling to conquer. Is the reason we cannot seem to make a change in our carbon footprint the lack of caring? Our reluctance to change? Our American tendency to focus on the individual effects versus the big picture? Or are none of these possibilities correct?

Don't forget to tune in Wednesday, September 14th at 9pm!
Here's the link to the website: http://climaterealityproject.org/the-event/

The Right to Bare Arms

This previous week, it was brought to the attention of both students and parents at New Trier High School  that the student dress, one that is supposed to encourage "adolescents to develop their own style of dress" (Tim Dohrer, principal of the school) has been taken advantage of, and by doing so has tainted the learning environment. Students and parents were notified both in advisory discussions and via email. The administration addressed the problems caused by girls with "low jeans, short skirts, short shorts, crop tops, strapless or backless shirts, see-through tights, and revealing tank tops that...are inappropriate for an educational setting" (Dohrer). The scandalous attire worn by the students of New Trier even made WGN News and the Chicago Tribune.
Although the administration has a valid point in its complaint on promiscuous dress and the repercussions of it, our culture in many ways has embraced this right of individual and unique dress. The appeal of American culture to many is the ability to make choices. Ranging from freedom of speech to the right to bear arms to the freedom of religion, many are probably wondering why kids can't wear the clothes that are sold to them in department stores. Provocative dress is also endorsed and even glorified today in pop culture. Sexualized women and what they wear is broadcasted daily in commercials, movies, and magazines.
While I don't approve or encourage dressing in this manner, I don't believe everyone should be penalized for the actions of a select few attending the school. I feel it's a right to wear the clothes you choose and a responsibility to dress appropriately in an educational environment. I find attire to be a defining characteristic of a person and a great way to express yourself as an individual. Hopefully, more students will be able to both express themselves through their dress while making sure they are not becoming a distraction in the classroom setting.