Your Opinion is Your Problem

          Hey readers, so today I'm getting a little serious and I know that's probably not going to be believable to those who know me and for some it may be boring but I really just need to go off about this because it frustrates me to hear and see these things (Also, please don't take this as a personal attack). I will be talking people and their opinions, because sometimes (most the time) I really don't care to hear the negative things that people have to say.

           I will begin with teachers speaking on the issue of political controversy. Let me make it clear, the First Amendment (which gives Americans the freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition) gives public school teachers protection to an extent. One scenario which teachers are protected is on social media; if a teacher were to repost an article favoring a political candidate than they would be protected under the Bill of Rights, but if they were to print that article out and share it with their students, trying to convey them to vote or spread that opinion, then they would not be protected. This all according to American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, which states "Some courts have ruled that schools cannot discipline teachers for sharing words or concepts that are controversial as long as the school has no legitimate interest in restricting that speech and the speech is related to the curriculum". This is just saying that a teacher can share controversial topics, articles, and/or beliefs as long as it pertains to what the students are learning about and is not for the soul purpose of getting students to believe what they do. "To teach and educate students according to guidelines provided by the National Curriculum Framework under the overall guidance of the competent education authority; To teach and educate students according to the educational needs, abilities and attainment potential of individual students entrusted to his/her care by the Head of School or Head of Unit" are the two overall functions of teachers outlined by The Ministry for Education. I've now read about 23 articles, personal accounts, court cases, and education reports, all which state in variations, that teachers may not blatantly spread their beliefs, whether it be religious, political or whatever, to influence their students. Though it
seems that "influence" has many translations throughout the internet. What I mean by "influencing students" is them trying to get you to believe what they do purposefully. I think purposefully is the game changer because of course your teachers are going the influence you, especially if they are someone whom you enjoy having.

          The only reason I bring up this issue is that I've had some recent encounters with my teachers and it bothers me that they are wasting my time to tell me their opinions which, first of all, don't pertain to the curriculum, secondly, are irrelevant to me, and thirdly, aren't right/allowed. For example, in one of my classes it was stated by the teacher that Mrs. Obama should run for President. I don't even know where to begin, the first thing that hit me is why, but because I don't want to exclude any of my readers beliefs I will keep my political views (very conservative, which doesn't mean I support Donald Trump) out of it. The next thing that was said was by the student next to me, also very conservative, who stated "Why, the Obamas need to no longer be in the White House", which led to THE TEACHER giving us an in-depth explanation about what he believes. I would also like to point out that I was not innocent in this because I did state few general states but backed out when I saw a chance and that I understand that it seems that the teacher was "baited" but the teacher is responsible at that point to shut down the conversation. Though, can you guess what they did? They decided to give the other student and I a list of opinions, which lasted nearly 3 minutes (feeling like a lifetime), but I will give him the fact that there were pertinent facts against the student which were protected under the First Amendment but they were followed with opinionated statements like "...which made our country a better place" and "...was great". This was an immediate turn off for me towards the conversation, and not because it was an opposing belief but because we had already begun class and yet this "argument", more like a small dispute, was still going on.

          Just understand, I am not bashing teacher, they are absolutely 100% entitled to their opinion, outside the classroom. I strongly believe that a great way to learn in a class is to view both sides, whether it be an equation, argument, piece of literature or maybe even just a conversation. Though, it is necessary for teachers to remember that we are NOT at church, so we aren't there to here them preach. I would like to give a shoutout to teachers, though, because this is not all teachers and it's only a very small amount that do this, which doesn't make you a bad teacher, it's just annoying. I appreciate teachers and hold them in the highest regards because some of the most amazing people I've ever met are teachers and deserve to know that they are respected by their students.

          This brings me to another bothersome topic (haha, I bet you though I was done). Students/peers and their need to tell everyone "who they're voting for", even though they are like 15, 16, and 17, and can't even vote! Someone told me once that "Your opinion of me is not my problem", well in reality your opinion of anybody is not my problem, no matter how juicy the gossip or how amazing the story. Don't read this wrong, I love some good gossip, I mean look at me I write my own blog, and gossip isn't just going to suddenly disappear out of thin air but if it's something slanderous then just keep it to yourself. I'm telling you right now, so many people think I'm fake... SO MANY PEOPLE... but I don't even care because I know who I am and I know how it feels for garbage about you to be spread, but the one think that irks me is when people just tell me anyway.

          I've been in several situations where there are groups of students just talking about stuff that is irrelevant and stupid because in reality who cares if "Tina is a slut because she has slept with 4 guys today" or if "Mark is ugly" (both fake people and situations), but like who cares? First of all, calling anyone ugly is just rude, are you kidding me this is common sense. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion but there comes a point when you have to sit back and look and see if your comment is really so crucial/important that you NEED more than anything to tell others.

        I guess in reality, though, this whole blog is just my opinion, but I hope you guess enjoy what I write! Also remember my new project and if you want to be a part of Sojourner Life's: Everyday Fashion Statement Part 1 then contact me! Thanks again and please don't chew my head off for this.