Opinions
Race To The Top: Exploiting Stories and Statistics
By Annie Li, Myles Vuong, Yuna Lee
As the world is engulfed in conflict and crisis, we must stop exploiting real-world situations for our gain, whether it's through Speech and Debate or through our lives.
Take Student Government Elections Seriously
By Joanne Hwang
It’s time for students at Stuyvesant to take government elections seriously and prioritize policy and candidates who demonstrate real dedication in order to successfully foster a school community and effectively prepare students for the future.
Protect Our Community Green Spaces
Urban green spaces are critically underlooked in New York City, but their potential benefits are too great to ignore.
Unlucky Numbers
By Mace Elinson
Dive into manipulative tactics corporations employ in order to increase participation in an unwinnable game.
A Facade of Empowerment
In a world where digitization of the body positivity movement diminishes the value of personality over physicality, a neutral approach to self-worth is key.
From Club Supermarket to Club Co-op
At the Bronx High School of Science, there’s only one book club. Could Stuyvesant benefit from being less ambitious?
Add More <F> Express Trains
By Muhib Muhib
<F> Express service has been a novel rarity since 2019, but it can and should be expanded now.
Confronting the Stigma
By Anonymous
Stigmatization and misconceptions of antidepressants have considerably undermined their possible benefits.
The American Political Middle Ground DOES Exist
By Eli Smith
The hyperpolarized American political and social landscapes perpetuated by media organizations and politicians do not reflect the true beliefs of Americans. We need to form connections with one another and move past our disagreements to reach political resolutions.
All Eyes on Rafah
A Tiktok influencer’s insensitive choice of audio regarding the Met Gala set alight a block movement. In order to force acknowledgement and support in Gaza, users have been blocking celebrities who’ve chosen to stay silent on the humanitarian issue.
Coquette Disease
By Angelina Lu
With the rise of social media and life’s aesthetics, the harmful effects of these trends highlight the need for change
The Double Standard At The Heart of Anti-Zionism
While the boundaries of hate speech when it comes to most minority groups are clear, treatment of Jews is an unfortunate double standard.
The Failure of American Oil Sanctions
The United States’s indiscriminate use of harsh oil sanctions has undermined their effectiveness as a tool to achieve foreign policy objectives.
Study Drugs and the Danger of Fabricated Truths
We should pay more attention to the normalization of study drugs based on preconceived notions about prescription stimulants.
Bring Back the Paper SAT
By Ushoshi Das
Switching to the digital SAT was the wrong move for the the College Board.
Tact, Trickery, and Textiquette
By Virgenya Zhu
The newfound expectation for constant digital availability from our peers is not as productive as it seems.
Anonymity Examined: The Opinions Department’s Reflections
In light of discussions concerning the “Black and White” Opinions article, the New York Post response, and questions raised by the Stuyvesant community surrounding the necessity of anonymous writers, the Opinions Department asked its writers—the core of The Spectator’s argumentative works—to share their thoughts.
New York’s Sidewalk Scaffolding: A Tale of Urban Intrusion
Scaffolding is a scourge on the streets of New York City, and the problem can only be fixed by holding building owners accountable.
Get in the Kitchen!
Stuyvesant students are very academically intelligent, but out of the classroom and in the home, they are left to their own devices without a formal education in domestic living, causing a gap in their knowledge of basic tasks.
Moments of Stillness: Reflections on the Eclipse and Urban Connection
The eclipse facilitated a profound moment of mutual connection for New Yorkers. Can we find this unity elsewhere?
How to Celebrate Passover During a War
Honoring Passover, Eid, and other holidays, whether through the lens of hope or grief, is especially vital to this moment in time.
Dear America, Stop Overreacting!
America has a history of overreacting in times of crisis, leading to illogical and discriminatory measures.
The Road to November 2024
By Amaryllis Sun, Helen Mancini
Many of the current Stuyvesant seniors and some juniors will be eligible to vote in the 60th presidential election on November 5, 2024. In the midst of college applications and the hectic life of a Stuyvesant student, it can be difficult to keep up with the tumultuous American political landscape. To address this, The Spectator is starting a new election literacy project. As this historic election unfolds, the Opinions Department will publish polls, facts about the candidates, key swing state updates, and other content throughout the election season.
The Dilemma Between Testing Dates and Religious Holidays
By Nabiha Islam
For the past couple of years, the New York State Exams have been administered during Eid following Stuyvesant not providing a “No Testing Day” the day after a religious holiday.
Shining a Light On Migraines in School
Stuyvesant needs to take care of its lights to take care of its students.
The Polling is Wrong
By Muhib Muhib
Recent polling shows bad news for Democrats in 2024, but raw election results and other fundamental events show something different. It appears the latter is right.
Chinatown is NOT for Sale!
By Anonymous
As the new jail in Chinatown begins construction, residents fear what the building could mean for the neighborhood's future.
The Long-Needed Embracing of Islam in the West
Explaining the positive change in mentality when it comes to Islam in the Western world.
Loving Latin
By Myles Vuong
The Latin language is oftentimes relegated to elite scholars and antiquated religious clergy, yet we should appreciate its timeless texts and the experiences that come from the class.
The Road to November 2024
President Biden’s State of the Union Address in early March addressed many of the major problems the United States currently faces involving our Congress, involvement in international affairs, reproductive rights, and more. Politicians will be forced to address these issues not only in the midst of the presidential election, but also within the upcoming years as city and state elections will inevitably occur.
Are Fairytales PG-13?
By Elma Khan
Fairy tales have much darker underlying themes than they appear to have and should be taught to students much more carefully, in a way that acknowledges their problematic aspects.
El Salvador’s Drastic Crime Rate Reduction: At What Cost?
By Nabiha Islam
Although El Salvador’s new president aims to crack down on gang violence, it is important to consider the costs of mass incarceration.
Big Pharma, Big Oil, Now There’s Big Chicken: The Monopoly of the Poultry Industry
Although city consumers like us are far removed from the chicken industry, we must still address the monopolistic greed and exploitation of American farmers.
Race To The Top: Exploiting Stories and Statistics
By Annie Li, Myles Vuong, Yuna Lee
As the world is engulfed in conflict and crisis, we must stop exploiting real-world situations for our gain, whether it's through Speech and Debate or through our lives.
The Double Standard At The Heart of Anti-Zionism
While the boundaries of hate speech when it comes to most minority groups are clear, treatment of Jews is an unfortunate double standard.
Take Student Government Elections Seriously
By Joanne Hwang
It’s time for students at Stuyvesant to take government elections seriously and prioritize policy and candidates who demonstrate real dedication in order to successfully foster a school community and effectively prepare students for the future.
Protect Our Community Green Spaces
Urban green spaces are critically underlooked in New York City, but their potential benefits are too great to ignore.
The Failure of American Oil Sanctions
The United States’s indiscriminate use of harsh oil sanctions has undermined their effectiveness as a tool to achieve foreign policy objectives.
Unlucky Numbers
By Mace Elinson
Dive into manipulative tactics corporations employ in order to increase participation in an unwinnable game.
A Facade of Empowerment
In a world where digitization of the body positivity movement diminishes the value of personality over physicality, a neutral approach to self-worth is key.
From Club Supermarket to Club Co-op
At the Bronx High School of Science, there’s only one book club. Could Stuyvesant benefit from being less ambitious?
Add More <F> Express Trains
By Muhib Muhib
<F> Express service has been a novel rarity since 2019, but it can and should be expanded now.
Confronting the Stigma
By Anonymous
Stigmatization and misconceptions of antidepressants have considerably undermined their possible benefits.
The American Political Middle Ground DOES Exist
By Eli Smith
The hyperpolarized American political and social landscapes perpetuated by media organizations and politicians do not reflect the true beliefs of Americans. We need to form connections with one another and move past our disagreements to reach political resolutions.
All Eyes on Rafah
A Tiktok influencer’s insensitive choice of audio regarding the Met Gala set alight a block movement. In order to force acknowledgement and support in Gaza, users have been blocking celebrities who’ve chosen to stay silent on the humanitarian issue.
Study Drugs and the Danger of Fabricated Truths
We should pay more attention to the normalization of study drugs based on preconceived notions about prescription stimulants.
Coquette Disease
By Angelina Lu
With the rise of social media and life’s aesthetics, the harmful effects of these trends highlight the need for change
Bring Back the Paper SAT
By Ushoshi Das
Switching to the digital SAT was the wrong move for the the College Board.
America Needs Better Comprehensive Sexual Education
By Joanne Hwang
The implementation of comprehensive sexual education is essential for ensuring the health and empowerment of the youth in a politically fragile environment.
Moments of Stillness: Reflections on the Eclipse and Urban Connection
The eclipse facilitated a profound moment of mutual connection for New Yorkers. Can we find this unity elsewhere?
How to Celebrate Passover During a War
Honoring Passover, Eid, and other holidays, whether through the lens of hope or grief, is especially vital to this moment in time.
Dear America, Stop Overreacting!
America has a history of overreacting in times of crisis, leading to illogical and discriminatory measures.
Tact, Trickery, and Textiquette
By Virgenya Zhu
The newfound expectation for constant digital availability from our peers is not as productive as it seems.
The Road to November 2024
By Amaryllis Sun, Helen Mancini
Many of the current Stuyvesant seniors and some juniors will be eligible to vote in the 60th presidential election on November 5, 2024. In the midst of college applications and the hectic life of a Stuyvesant student, it can be difficult to keep up with the tumultuous American political landscape. To address this, The Spectator is starting a new election literacy project. As this historic election unfolds, the Opinions Department will publish polls, facts about the candidates, key swing state updates, and other content throughout the election season.
The Dilemma Between Testing Dates and Religious Holidays
By Nabiha Islam
For the past couple of years, the New York State Exams have been administered during Eid following Stuyvesant not providing a “No Testing Day” the day after a religious holiday.
Anonymity Examined: The Opinions Department’s Reflections
In light of discussions concerning the “Black and White” Opinions article, the New York Post response, and questions raised by the Stuyvesant community surrounding the necessity of anonymous writers, the Opinions Department asked its writers—the core of The Spectator’s argumentative works—to share their thoughts.
New York’s Sidewalk Scaffolding: A Tale of Urban Intrusion
Scaffolding is a scourge on the streets of New York City, and the problem can only be fixed by holding building owners accountable.
Shining a Light On Migraines in School
Stuyvesant needs to take care of its lights to take care of its students.
Get in the Kitchen!
Stuyvesant students are very academically intelligent, but out of the classroom and in the home, they are left to their own devices without a formal education in domestic living, causing a gap in their knowledge of basic tasks.
Reimagining Writing at Stuyvesant
By Joanne Hwang
Students should advocate for a departure from traditional English education and an entrance into diverse literary genres and creative writing assignments in order to foster innovation, creativity, and personal growth within the school community.
The Polling is Wrong
By Muhib Muhib
Recent polling shows bad news for Democrats in 2024, but raw election results and other fundamental events show something different. It appears the latter is right.
Chinatown is NOT for Sale!
By Anonymous
As the new jail in Chinatown begins construction, residents fear what the building could mean for the neighborhood's future.
The Long-Needed Embracing of Islam in the West
Explaining the positive change in mentality when it comes to Islam in the Western world.
Loving Latin
By Myles Vuong
The Latin language is oftentimes relegated to elite scholars and antiquated religious clergy, yet we should appreciate its timeless texts and the experiences that come from the class.
The Road to November 2024
President Biden’s State of the Union Address in early March addressed many of the major problems the United States currently faces involving our Congress, involvement in international affairs, reproductive rights, and more. Politicians will be forced to address these issues not only in the midst of the presidential election, but also within the upcoming years as city and state elections will inevitably occur.