We don't need no thought control

Nadine MelamedStaff WriterAs a moderate Republican in Santa Monica, I’m a rarity. The one in a million. The homeless man with the golden voice, so to speak. Most Republicans in liberal environments, including myself at times, try to hide their beliefs to avoid awkward political conversations with their friends from fear of dispute. Many Republican youths in Santa Monica are afraid to admit to and to adhere to their genuine beliefs. They fear the automatic assumption that all Republicans are Sarah Palin-loving, anti-drug, hippie-hating “mavericks.” This, of course, isn’t true.Living in the extremely left-wing Santa Monica is my choice. I can control much of what I’m exposed to. For the most part, I can steer my own path — that is, except for in school; school is inescapable. (Believe me, I’ve tried. Security is everywhere). What I am subject to at school is not my choice at all.Many teachers express their political views freely. They display colorful photo arrangements of their political idols, even with the occasional life-sized cutout. And under our country’s Bill of Rights and its rules towards freedom of speech, they are allowed to. What worries me is when teachers become too political, especially those teachers who have no immediate connection with a political school subject such as U.S. Government or History. “I think being politically aware is not just something that should be relegated to social studies classes,” English teacher Kristine Haenschke said. “But an instructor needs to draw the line and not push his or her agenda on the students.”Even if I’m in a situation where a teacher is relaying all of my personal ideals, I still disagree with the over-inclusion of political conversations. This isn’t to say that a respectful display of one’s political opinions is unacceptable. Teachers should just be more cautious about what they say (and frankly, preach) in class. No matter how much they dislike it, they must curb how negatively they cast the other party in front of students. Imagine how uncomfortable it is to be forced to sit in class and have your political party or one of it’s figures bashed by a teacher, an adult from whom you both learn from and respect. It’s not professional.These issues also have the potential to detract from having a healthy learning environment. When a teacher’s political views become too overpowering, many students are afraid to speak up for what they believe in. This fear may also extend to the student’s graded work. Their written content may be altered to better please the teacher, and ironically enough, the students would be losing their freedom of speech and self-expression in fear of repercussions, such as a lowered grade. “Even though I’m a Democrat, I’ve felt like I had to write either in more liberal or more conservative views just so that my teacher wouldn’t mark me down,” senior Jahmekya Birhan said.Teachers and school administrators may argue that students are permitted and encouraged to write their true opinions on the assigned topic. “Here at Samo, I think most teachers grade fairly based on arguments and evidence. It’s great for discussion ... even if it’s not a part of curriculum,” social studies teacher Robert Alvarado said. Other social studies teachers would agree. “It’s best to be upfront, so I say ‘here are both sides.’ I always ask my students to defend with proof,” social studies teacher Rose Ann Salumbides said. But realistically, many students would not sacrifice their grade for a few divergent essays and exams; it’s just not worth it.High school is the most crucial time for  freedom of speech and self-expression. It’s when teenagers truly begin becoming aware of their surroundings and further solidifying their identities. However if teachers continue to be too expressive about their own beliefs it may reverse independence and promote conformity.As a teacher, be proud, realize your position and maintain your professionalism. Give the students some room to breathe. Pink Floyd said it best: “We don’t need [any] thought control. No dark sarcasm in the classroom. Hey, teachers. Leave [the] kids alone.”nmelamed@thesamohi.com