Opinions
Embracing Philosophy in Our Education
By Alexa Leahy
In today’s modern world, it is more important than ever to integrate philosophy into high school curricula to foster critical thinking and strengthen emotional intelligence.
Populism and the Commodification of American Politics
By Mace Elinson
In a nation where politicians make politics a defining factor of our lives, intellectual curiosity is removed from the equation.
The Risks of De-Dollarization in Latin America
De-dollarization may appear to benefit Latin American nations, but it is not a realistic or sustainable economic policy.
Building a Legacy: How Gen-Z Can Lead With Action
By Alexa Leahy
The ever-growing presence of performative activism online coupled with a chaotic political climate makes me doubtful about what our generation’s legacy will be, if we will have one at all.
The Polls Were Still Wrong (But Also Sorta Right)
By Muhib Muhib
Donald Trump’s victory means that I was wrong, so what now?
The Case for Situationships: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Our pessimistic attitude towards situationships creates rushed relationships when, in actuality, situationships can help foster understanding and boundaries from the beginning.
The Opinions Department’s Reactions To November 5
The Opinions Department reflects on the moments leading up to the 2024 presidential election and their ruminations afterward.
A Loud Argument with My Tween Self!
Embracing our cringey past selves instead of suppressing them gives us the opportunity to grow and find our identity in a changing society.
The Alarming Acceptance of Gun Violence
By Alexa Leahy
Gun violence rises, and recent political events have demonstrated America’s lack of urgency regarding gun control, but this issue must be addressed to provide children and citizens with safe futures.
Trees, Critters and Writers: How Nature Nurtures the Literary Mind
By Joanne Hwang
Through the experience of writing in nature, I found a personal reflection in an unfamiliar setting that helped shape my writing identity.
What the Other Half Would Like to Learn
Stuyvesant should give underclassmen the opportunity to take more humanities courses in order to provide freshmen and sophomores with more exposure to the complex and diverse field of humanities.
Section: Road to November 2024
By Helen Mancini, Joanne Hwang, Myles Vuong
As we head into the fall of this year’s general election, The Spectator is continuing our election literacy project: Road to November 2024, started in Volume 114.
Loving Unconventionally: A Guide for Children of the American Dream
By Annie Li
A reflection on why immigrant families love, unconventionally.
Addressing Corporate Corruption Without Violence
Social media worship of Luigi Mangione represents an immoral glorification of violence, but the energy his actions created could be channeled into legally and politically addressing the issue at large.
Beautifully Melancholic: A Tragedy Within Itself
By Nabiha Islam
Romanticizing mental illness undermines the pain it causes many people, perpetuating a dangerous narrative that we as a society must combat.
Bring Back “Video Homeroom”—Whatever That Was
Stuyvesant needs a comprehensive means of recording our institutional knowledge from generation to generation. One idea? A collaborative StuyWiki.
All I Want for Christmas Is Latkes
I struggled with the lack of Hanukkah representation when I was younger, but in recent years I have figured out how to make my own magic by incorporating different traditions into my holiday season.
Why Have Americans Grown Impervious to Political Scandal?
Americans have become desensitized to political scandal. What caused this sudden change?
Ableism at Stuyvesant
Ableist attitudes have become normalized at Stuyvesant, but this doesn’t mean we can’t take action to change them.
The Social Responsibility of Singers
The brutal nature of the media and fan bases has been normalized, and singers must take responsibility for inadvertently promoting conflicts caused by releasing extremely personal lyrics.
Painting Stereotypes out of the Picture
By Angelina Lu
Devaluation of the arts becomes a trend, and the myth of the “starving artist” is turning into our reality.
Road to November 2024
After a disorienting summer, the United States is just weeks away from the 2024 Election. Considering the short time frame between today and Election Day, it is extremely important for voters to stay updated with current events before they head to the polls. However, as political extremism is on the rise across America, polarization has led to devastating consequences.
The Importance of Physical Media
By Alexa Leahy
In the age of the digital world, it is more important than ever that people continue to collect and distribute physical media.
Defining My Curls
By Sonya Cisse
I refuse to bury the defining parts about myself under the beauty stereotypes I grew up with.
The Polls are Still Wrong (But Getting Better)
By Muhib Muhib
Now that Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee, the Democratic Party’s standing in the polls has markedly improved, but there remain flaws with the polls not being reflected in the real world that should give the Democratic party the optimism it should not be afraid of having.
The Facade of Humble Beginnings
Financial barriers ensure that low and middle-income citizens struggle to campaign and hold elected positions.
Feminism and the Body
By Angelina Lu
Bias and misinformation surrounding women’s health reveal the need for gender-inclusive education and equitable research.
The Threat of Super PACs to Democracy
Super PACs give wealthy individuals and institutions an outsized impact in elections and should have limits placed by our democracy.
Phones Are Not the Enemy
By Ushoshi Das
It is impractical to place an outright ban on student-owned smartphones in high schools.
Embracing Philosophy in Our Education
By Alexa Leahy
In today’s modern world, it is more important than ever to integrate philosophy into high school curricula to foster critical thinking and strengthen emotional intelligence.
Loving Unconventionally: A Guide for Children of the American Dream
By Annie Li
A reflection on why immigrant families love, unconventionally.
Addressing Corporate Corruption Without Violence
Social media worship of Luigi Mangione represents an immoral glorification of violence, but the energy his actions created could be channeled into legally and politically addressing the issue at large.
Populism and the Commodification of American Politics
By Mace Elinson
In a nation where politicians make politics a defining factor of our lives, intellectual curiosity is removed from the equation.
The Risks of De-Dollarization in Latin America
De-dollarization may appear to benefit Latin American nations, but it is not a realistic or sustainable economic policy.
Beautifully Melancholic: A Tragedy Within Itself
By Nabiha Islam
Romanticizing mental illness undermines the pain it causes many people, perpetuating a dangerous narrative that we as a society must combat.
Building a Legacy: How Gen-Z Can Lead With Action
By Alexa Leahy
The ever-growing presence of performative activism online coupled with a chaotic political climate makes me doubtful about what our generation’s legacy will be, if we will have one at all.
Bring Back “Video Homeroom”—Whatever That Was
Stuyvesant needs a comprehensive means of recording our institutional knowledge from generation to generation. One idea? A collaborative StuyWiki.
The Polls Were Still Wrong (But Also Sorta Right)
By Muhib Muhib
Donald Trump’s victory means that I was wrong, so what now?
The Case for Situationships: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Our pessimistic attitude towards situationships creates rushed relationships when, in actuality, situationships can help foster understanding and boundaries from the beginning.
All I Want for Christmas Is Latkes
I struggled with the lack of Hanukkah representation when I was younger, but in recent years I have figured out how to make my own magic by incorporating different traditions into my holiday season.
Why Have Americans Grown Impervious to Political Scandal?
Americans have become desensitized to political scandal. What caused this sudden change?
The Opinions Department’s Reactions To November 5
The Opinions Department reflects on the moments leading up to the 2024 presidential election and their ruminations afterward.
Ableism at Stuyvesant
Ableist attitudes have become normalized at Stuyvesant, but this doesn’t mean we can’t take action to change them.
What About Earth?
By Eli Smith
The world’s most existential problem is ignored by leaders and voters alike, and unless this changes, climate change will have detrimental impacts.
Remembering: What I’ve Learned from Collecting My Family’s Stories
Recording my family’s stories has taught me about life, relationships, and the importance of memories.
Road to November 2024
By Amaryllis Sun, Joanne Hwang, Myles Vuong
The Opinions Department’s comments regarding the vice presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz, hosted on Tuesday, October 1.
The Social Responsibility of Singers
The brutal nature of the media and fan bases has been normalized, and singers must take responsibility for inadvertently promoting conflicts caused by releasing extremely personal lyrics.
A Loud Argument with My Tween Self!
Embracing our cringey past selves instead of suppressing them gives us the opportunity to grow and find our identity in a changing society.
Painting Stereotypes out of the Picture
By Angelina Lu
Devaluation of the arts becomes a trend, and the myth of the “starving artist” is turning into our reality.
Road to November 2024
After a disorienting summer, the United States is just weeks away from the 2024 Election. Considering the short time frame between today and Election Day, it is extremely important for voters to stay updated with current events before they head to the polls. However, as political extremism is on the rise across America, polarization has led to devastating consequences.
The Alarming Acceptance of Gun Violence
By Alexa Leahy
Gun violence rises, and recent political events have demonstrated America’s lack of urgency regarding gun control, but this issue must be addressed to provide children and citizens with safe futures.
Trees, Critters and Writers: How Nature Nurtures the Literary Mind
By Joanne Hwang
Through the experience of writing in nature, I found a personal reflection in an unfamiliar setting that helped shape my writing identity.
The Importance of Physical Media
By Alexa Leahy
In the age of the digital world, it is more important than ever that people continue to collect and distribute physical media.
What the Other Half Would Like to Learn
Stuyvesant should give underclassmen the opportunity to take more humanities courses in order to provide freshmen and sophomores with more exposure to the complex and diverse field of humanities.
Defining My Curls
By Sonya Cisse
I refuse to bury the defining parts about myself under the beauty stereotypes I grew up with.
The Polls are Still Wrong (But Getting Better)
By Muhib Muhib
Now that Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee, the Democratic Party’s standing in the polls has markedly improved, but there remain flaws with the polls not being reflected in the real world that should give the Democratic party the optimism it should not be afraid of having.
The Facade of Humble Beginnings
Financial barriers ensure that low and middle-income citizens struggle to campaign and hold elected positions.
Section: Road to November 2024
By Helen Mancini, Joanne Hwang, Myles Vuong
As we head into the fall of this year’s general election, The Spectator is continuing our election literacy project: Road to November 2024, started in Volume 114.
Feminism and the Body
By Angelina Lu
Bias and misinformation surrounding women’s health reveal the need for gender-inclusive education and equitable research.
The Value of Education is Plummeting
It’s time for a reset on how students have unintentionally forgotten the original intent of the educational system, which has caused them to miss out on the real value behind learning.
