In the first amendment in the United States Constitution, all American citizens are given the right of freedom of speech and press, and every student is taught of the enormity of sacrifice our forefathers put forth just to give us that right. Freedom of speech is as valuable to Americans any other unalienable right, and is viewed as the last right to be taken away by an unjust government before rebellion ensues and among the first to be retaken as the unjustly governed take control. As previously mentioned, we are all taught about our rights and how to use them, but why is it that in various activities and classes over at Davis High we are discouraged to voice our opinion? Even our prized school newspaper is censored to an extent, which, when thought about, gravitates an air of incredulity. The sole purpose of the Davis Dart is to inform and entertain the readers on current issues that affects the students. To censor our paper would be to omit a portion of information on the issue, which in other words is omitting the truth, which in other words is lying. The newspaper isn't the only one suffering from this hypocritical backlash, the Davis High Marching band has entered into a recent conflict of heated debate. This conflict is a highly sensitive issue to both arguing parties, so without further ado I send my opinion and bias hurling through the air into this agitated minefield.
The Colorguard. An all female section of the marching band which just so happens to include some of the most attractive girls from Davis High School, is restricted by the Colorguard advisor to an all girl bus for all bus trips to competitions and so forth. This injustice infuriated the male portion of the marching band, which just so happened to be on good relations with the Colorguard, a few of us anyway (I know I'm on really good terms). To counter this horrible decision, the few of us who really cared about this situation designed a petition, to use simple civil disobediance to respectfully disagree and present our opinion to the advisor. The Colorguard agreed with our petition wholeheartedly, but were cautious to sign. As the number of signatures grew, the power behind our cause gained momentum and we were sure to sway the Advisor and show her the error of her ways. Unfortunately she caught word of the petition before we could present it to her and she announced that if there was anyone on Guard who had signed it they would be removed from the Colorguard. Fortunately none of the Colorguard had signed it, but that does not justify the harsh ultimatum thrown at the Guard like that. I don't know if you can see the same injustice I see everytime I hear that, or feel the anger that I do everytime someone is denied their rights to freedom of speech and freedom of press. Oh don't worry, it gets worse. Being a group not easily discouraged, this band of kids and I went to the top-Dr. Homer. We described our situation and presented him with our petition bearing the signatures of over a hundred people, the voices of over a hundred people screamed from those papers, demanding justice from our underserving oppressors. Our mentors are here for us, we are not here for them! No longer will I slave away under the cracking whip of these "advisor's" forked tongues as they continue force their will upon those unwilling to receive it. These people, whose power hangs in the hearts of their pupils, depend on respect which is expected to be given without prerequisite nor trial run. We hold the power! We can turn this around with the slightest of ease, and make things how we want them! This band talks of synergy, well let's see some unification. Our director is there to direct us, not to dominate us. We are the band, we march on the field, we win the awards! Why not run rehearsals, set up are own system of legislation? Now is the time to take control, and govern over ourselves instead of take orders from a distant director. Like the colonies of an infant America, we must grow and fight for independance, for our right to do things our way. This is the call, final and desperate, we must cry out against it now or cry because of it later. The choice is up to you, whether we live for life or live to live, this is your time.
No comments:
Post a Comment