Spreading the Voices of Terriers
HOBACHI ONLINE DISTRIBUTION
Decemeber 9, 2022 at Redlands High School)
This is Hobachis first online edition of the newspaper. This page is the Opinions Section where we've released three stories.
OPINIONS
THEY'RE HERE TO STAY
By Quinn Vaughn | Staff Writer
They're Here to Stay
By Quinn Vaughn
A Redlands East Valley post featuring drag queens sparked contention at an RUSD school board meeting on October 26. Activists and parents alike flooded the town hall doors incensed by this deemed “inappropriate” material. They were appalled that the school board and thus hometown had ostensibly supported the promotion. Although it is apparent that the post contained no educational pertinence, this was not the prominent reason for civic indignation. These individuals were simply intolerant of the exposure of lgbtq+ content to their children.
This sentiment became increasingly overt as the meeting progressed. Parents began to disclose their discontent with the library’s book selection at Redlands High School which features a selection of lgbtq+ books in celebration of diversity. However, these parties condemned the portrayal of queer characters under the guise that the entirety of the selection contained salacious content. Not only is this claim inaccurate but it simultaneously exposes the systemic issue of the hypersexualization of non-straight relationships, only exacerbating the issue of prejudice towards the lgbtq+ community. In addition, these so-called “pornographic” titles such as the Black Flamingo, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Two Boys Kissing, etc. are included within the library's selection simply for leisurely reading; it is not as though these titles have been integrated into our English curriculum. Meaning that individuals have the option of whether to expose themselves to these books or not.
However, renowned titles such as A Brave New World and The Invisible Man are part of our school’s English curriculum and depict accounts of sexual assault. That is not to say this material shouldn’t be exposed to students because it is important that the youth are cognizant of the realities of our world, however, it proves that explicit content is not the issue that the parents of Redlands have with lgbtq+ books.
The truth remains that there are lgbtq+ students within the school district and always have been. The removal of material representing these minorities will not change that. Exposure is inevitable, whether through interactions, experiences, or texts. Our society is shifting toward acceptance of this fact, therefore, banning lgbtq+ books, clubs, symbols, etc. will not be sufficient in sheltering the youth.
Where's the Love?
By Victoria Van Stee
Most of us have heard about how well our football team did this season. In fact, a lot of us went to the football games themselves to support our team. A lot of us went to scream, to shout, to let our school pride be heard at these incredibly competitive games. But where’s the love for the arts?
How many of you actually know about the competitions the choir does? The competitions that marching band does? I’m sure many of you know about the concerts that they do, but do you ever show up to one?
It seems as if the arts only get love from the friends of the people within the activity. A lot of the people who show up to theater productions are friends or family of the people who took part in the production. Many of the people who went to the marching band competitions were just family of the people in the marching band. Not very many people outside of that come to support our arts, who deserve just as much support, if not more, than our football team does.
I personally do not know a single person on the football team. Or any of the cheerleaders. But that doesn’t stop me from going and supporting our mediocre team. I show up to participate in the school spirit that those games generate. Mostly, I come for the marching band and to talk to my friends, but I still show up and support our team. I’m sure plenty of the students come for some of the same reasons.
So why don’t we give the same support to activities like choir, band, theater, mock trial, speech and debate, and more? Those students work just as hard to hone their craft in order for the final product to be viewed by others. Yet, not a lot of people show up. For example, during the theater's Children’s Theater Festival this year, only around 80 RHS students came and saw the shows. That is more students than in years past, but it’s still a pitiful amount. The theater students put in a lot of time and effort to make the shows as smooth as possible, but not a lot of people show up to see them. Or with the marching band, they went to state finals recently, for the first time ever, and did you see anyone outside of the marching band and their friends talk about it? Exactly.
Part of the problem is that these activities and competitions are not well known among the student body. Of course the students know about the football games, they’re a staple in America’s high school culture. You’d have to live under a rock to not know about them. The ASB this year has gone above and beyond with featuring different clubs around campus and garnering them support, but it doesn’t really go beyond that. They had a whole week where they promoted the theater productions around school through tons of posters and media presence around it. Outside of that, there hasn’t been much promotion for other arts. At least, not that I’ve seen.
On top of that, the arts need more funding, if possible. A lot of the materials that are used by the various arts are outdated or run down. Theater operates in an auditorium that desperately needs some fixing. Some rooms in the auditorium have dangerous chemicals or places that are risky to stand in due to water and termite damage. Band (last I saw) uses terrible stands with a lot of different… quirks to them. To my knowledge, no real professional photos have been taken of choir or band in more than a few years now. At least, not any that are displayed on the official RHS or RUSD website. If you go onto the RUSD website and look at the “music” page, you will see photos from 3 to 4 years ago, or from even longer ago.
Another part of the problem is that people just… don’t really seem to care that much about school spirit anymore. It's been a huge problem since Covid hit. I admittedly was never one for school spirit in the traditional sense, but now, without it, it seems glaringly obvious that something is missing in the student body. We’re all more or less just trying to pass tests or get on with our lives, without really taking the time to actually enjoy the process. Something killed the pride that we used to have in our schools.
I don’t know how to fix the school pride issue. I don’t have any ideas as to how we could market our arts better so that more people come and support them. All I ask is that you try your best to go and support the arts, even if you don’t know anyone there. Enjoy the band's beautiful winter melodies at their upcoming concert, listen to the choirs sing their hearts out with incredible dedication, or go support the various showcases that the performing arts and visual arts have. All it takes is a couple hours out of your day once every few months. I can guarantee that you won’t regret taking the time to support our wonderful student body, especially when you see their finished products for the year.
Sewing : A world of benefits
By Harsirat Kaur
As a visual art sewing should be brought back to schools. In the 1950s, the sewing class used to be taught to students. They were required to learn basic sewing techniques. It was shut down to some budget limitations but it should be bought back. Now fundraisers and the school can provide money for this program. Also, there are so many benefits to sewing.
Kids or anyone can save money because they do not have to fix their clothing by a tailor, they know how to do it themselves. For example, if a shirt is unfitting for the person, they will be able to stitch it up themselves. Many adults who have acquired their businesses in this industry have made plenty of money through hard work.
Adding to this, it is a meaningful skill that you should learn and have to use. Sewing uses the skills of concentration and full focus on individual details. Sewing is a fun skill that makes kids more creative.
Do you know a student that Mrs. Nelson, an amazing Biology and Environmental Science teacher can sew? She says “When I was growing up in a family of five kids, we could not afford a lot of clothes. If we wanted clothes that were in style we would sew them (dresses, skirts, blouses, shirts, pants, jackets, etc.) I started sewing when I was in fifth grade. We were required to take one semester of sewing and one semester of cooking in junior high (seventh through ninth grade). By the time I was in a sewing class I was already making my own clothes.
It is fun to create something that is unique and different from others. I used to create stuffed animals (three dimensional), and made Halloween costumes.Yes, I do think it is a useful skill; you don't have to throw away a shirt just because you can't sew on a button or fix a snap. putting in a new zipper is tricky but useful. When I went to school, only girls got to take these classes, at least now everyone could have the opportunity to create. I do think it is important, it offers options for students who may not like our elective choices we offer now.”
Another amazing teacher Mrs. Casey, who can sew outstanding things says, “ I really enjoy creating and selecting different patterns, fabrics, yarns, colors. AS well as designing my own patterns. It is special to be able to give something I have made as gifts.I have made MANY things. My slogan for knitting...." if I'm a sittin, I'm a knittin". I make knitted beanies, scarves, fingerless mittens & slippers. I sell these to "finance" my very expensive hobby of showing my horse. Through sewing, I have made many shirts, dresses, suit jackets and winter jackets. I made my own "show shirts" when I compete with my horse. Recently (2020) I made nearly 1500 masks. They were donated to 5 local hospitals as well as clinics across the US (even New York). Many were also provided to family, friends, friends of friends, friends of family, co-workers, friends of co-workers...... The money I received as donations for the masks was then given to a dog rescue group called Woof Project (specializes in Belgian Malinois). I was able to donate $2500.00Absolutely! I have saved alot of money that I would have spent had I purchased the clothing. Sewing/knitting are great skills for anyone to have. These are definitely skills that are considered vocational, which schools used to offer.”
Leading next with an interview of a talented ninth grader Teagan Tolman who has experience with sewing says, “ I started sewing when I was around 6 years old. I love sewing but with school I’m not able to sew that often. I’ve made clothes like rompers, dresses, and pants and also finger puppets for my sister. I think that sewing at school would be really cool!”
It also connects families, the adults or seniors teach the youth. It may be a common interest shared by relations. This involves older people and connects kids with grandparents.
Sewing is a remarkably popular hobby. Kids should be taught this at school because this is an enjoyable sport and relaxing. Kids can express themselves through sewing by designing fabric as they wish.
Sewing is also exemplary for mental health. It reduces stress and helps our body function better, studies show that it releases good feel hormones. As well as other hobbies such as sports, crafting, and cooking, it is also known for lessening or completely ending depression or similar health issues.
Sewing is a very old sport but it has evolved. There has been a wide range of machines used to sew. It is made to suit the interest of youth. Sewing is a wonderful skill and hubby that should be reintroduced into high schools.