EDITORIAL North Pointe – Wednesday, March 20, 2019 – 3

EDITOR'S DESK
Disproportionate stigmi — why talking about
NORTH POINTE
ADAM SCHWARTZ

race should never feel like the elephant in the

“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and
room, but always does MY TURN
SYEDA RIZVI
teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring We habitually connect ideas that help our brains
freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all form patterns. It’s part of the way we learn to rec-
students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may ognize when things just don’t seem to fit; oddballs,
be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless peculiar instances, abnormal behavior. These so-
or offensive.” cial patterns lead us to sort people into one catego-
BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY
ry, and when someone doesn’t quite fit the pattern,
they are branded with stigmas generalizing their
Syeda Rizvi Michael Hartt Emily Widgren entire identity.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PAGE EDITOR PAGE EDITOR Our instinctive behavior when we see traits
Sofia Ketels Abi Murray Hannah Zalewski outside of our cultural norm is to group all people
MANAGING EDITOR STAFF REPORTER PAGE EDITOR associated with that abnormality together. I’m go-
Maggie Carron Amelia Nowicki ing to reach out a little past everyone’s comfort
PAGE EDITOR Adam Schwartz
PAGE EDITOR STAFF REPORTER zones just a little bit, but bear with me. We see a
Arzoo Chhaya Brooklyn McWhorter black man rob the local convenience store, gun in
PAGE EDITOR WEBMASTER hand. A black woman smoking weed. And sud-
Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe denly, it turns into a stereotype. A stereotype that
Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members black people are unsuccessful, have no purpose
who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do and exert criminal-like behaviour. It certainly is
not partake in that meeting or vote. not true, and I’m not saying that it is. But that’s the
label they are given in society, and Grosse Pointe
is certainly no exception.
My name is Syeda Rizvi. I’m obviously not
white, and maybe I’ve seen more minorities af-
fected by stereotypes than the average white Grosse
Pointer. But from what I have seen after moving to
America is that stigmas tend to be blown out of pro-
portion, and the majority race is never affected as
severely as any minority.
It is a great thing to be sensitive to race, mindful
of other cultures’ practice and religion. But why is
it, that talking about race feels like it’s taboo? In
ninth grade, we were discussing our ethnic back-
grounds in class. After explaining that I am Paki-
AMERLIA NOWICKI stani, and that no, it is not in the Middle East, a
classmate asked me if the people in Pakistan are
educated enough to speak English. There are many
OUR EDITORIAL technical problems with this question — for one,
the ability to speak English does not determine
Taking a break versus
your intellectual ability. You can be just as intel-
ligent in another language. But I chose to ignore
this, because at least the question was being asked
instead of assumed. If it gives someone the oppor-
tunity to learn more about another country, than
what’s the harm? Pakistan actually comes third
in the list of countries that have the most English
speakers (according to www.k-international.com),
while nearly half the population speaks it as a sec-
ond language. But here’s the interesting thing: this
student was almost immediately denounced by
my teacher. I suppose they assumed I would get
offended, maybe insulted on the grounds of a lack
of sensitivity. I appreciate the sentiment; however
we can’t learn to address issues of race if we only
ever tip-toe around conversation.
The solution to the disproportionate stigmi
each race faces compared to the “average white
American citizen” is obviously not to create more
stigma revolving around white people. It’s to
eradicate stereotyping completely. The first step
we can all afford to take, especially in a commu-
nity like Grosse Pointe that has a white major-
ity, is to step up and address issues of race face-
to-face. Only by understanding the other side’s
perspective do you come to realize that we have
lot more in common than you initially thought
you saw. And you can only understand the other
perspective when you ask about things you don’t
know, when you take the initiative to understand
what someone else goes through.
We need to stop being so touchy about race. This
awkwardness shouldn’t settle in the room every time
someone brings it up. Yes, be respectful, but I think
that in high school, we’re all mature enough to draw
the line between outright insults and trying to be-
come less ignorant about things that truly do matter.
Addressing a
communication problem
We’re going to work with an
endless amount of personalities.
With advancements in technology
infiltrating our lives in more ways
than one, we now have numerous
ways to communicate with each
other. Anything from a simple
text message to a Snapchat
notification can kick start a
conversation, but at what cost?
These advancements are already
creating inconveniences regarding
how we communicate and interact
with each other face-to-face.
Real-life interaction is the key
to success, and it’s essential that
students learn how to work with
each other in person. The work
field expects that you have the
ability to present yourself and talk
to a group of people in a sufficient,
professional manner. The rise of
technology is usually a good thing,
but it’s making people, especially
high school students, too laid back
and unwilling to go the extra mile
to interact with others.
When we get into a professional
field, we will be expected to work in
groups and talk to individuals who
aren’t our favorite people. This is
why the need for communication
and physical interaction at a
young age. It is so important to a
successful future for us. We can't
go far without knowing how to

taking the blame talk to each other.

Individuals are more likely to
say something online that they
Despite the preachings of balance, the line between wouldn’t normally say to someone
pacing oneself and pure laziness has become blurred in our in person. This is the online
busy world. As we grow older, we begin to understand what disinhibition effect — there is
“balance” means through collaborative group projects and a lack of restraint we feel when
“eat, sleep, repeat” schedules. We also learn how easy it can we communicate with others
be to blame somebody else for our own misfortunes. online. We need to be able to take
Unfortunately, this carries over into our academic lives. responsibility for what we say, not
Kids today are quick to blame teachers for their poor grades always hiding behind a screen
without bothering to consider the idea that it may have " Honestly, the most "The most dangerous " Momo, because where we aren’t seeing any kind
been their own fault, thus eliciting unnecessary emails to dangerous is the internet challenge kids think it 's real." of emotion or reaction from the
teachers from angry parents. After all, it’s the teacher’s snow challenge in my opinion is the person we’re speaking to.
fault for not constantly checking in on them, right? Wrong. because you could Tide Pod challenge, We all react differently when
Teachers should not be held “guilty by association” because get hypothermia ." only because they we see an emotion or expression
we weren’t up for doing our homework. are poison." on an individual. However, online,
For many students, the stress of giving 100 percent in we’re care free and seem to forget
multiple aspects of their lives — like sports, school and Ada Johnson Jennifer Owens Mercia Grundy that on the other end there is an
social lives — means that by the time they get home, all FRESHMAN FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE actual living human being who has
they’re looking for is a break. Once the next day rolls feelings and emotions just like we
around, the realization of not having homework done hits YOUR TURN: What internet challenge do you think is do as well. Since we have a lack
them like a brick — and whichever teacher is associated the most dangerous? By Kylie Duke of physical interaction when using
with that assignment is put on a mental dartboard. technology, it halts our ability to
However, the worst part of this situation is that it is not read and analyze situations on the
an easy fix. In the circumstances of today, it’s much more spot, which is a vital component
difficult to distance oneself from stress-triggers due to the in the development of our social
invasiveness of society and technology, so trying to break interaction skills.
up a schedule to seem more manageable is near impossible. Face-to-face communication
It’s difficult to say “no” to more opportunities, but there’s also helps with interpersonal
a certain point where we get worn out, and by then any skills among individuals. From
motivation we may have had disappeared. freshman year in high school to
Although time management seems like more of a distant when we retire from whatever
dream than a reality, there are things we can do to ease kind of career we decide to pursue,
our own stresses that don’t involve blaming our teacher we’re going to work with an
for failing the tests we didn’t study for. Something simple endless amount of personalities.
that can be used as a great first-step is owning up to our "Momo challenge." " I think the most " I ’d have to got with Some people naturally aren’t as
mistakes. When we fall short, we need to start addressing dangerous challenge the t ide pod challenge good at communicating unless
our issues head-on instead of hiding behind somebody is the cinnamon because I think it 's you see them and ask face-to-face
else because not only is it unjust to them, but also to us, challenge and the ridiculous that people about an issue that you’re having.
as we’re teaching ourselves that it’s okay to have a non- snow challenge." would eat laundr y As high schoolers we need to
consenting scapegoat. detergent ." understand this, and the best way
We also need to start thinking to ourselves, “Is this is through the group projects that
really worth it?” before picking up a new project or joining Dana Turner Taylor Morton Sean McCarrol we do. These are mini-jobs that
yet another club. If we begin to examine our current JUNIOR SENIOR SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER force us to deal with different
situation prior to committing to something new, we can kinds of individuals. You learn
avoid pressure and the inevitable “snap” of our mental state. who you work well with and who
Understandably, we’re doing everything we can to thrust Comments should be directed to the student you don’t work well with. The best
ourselves into the eyes of colleges, but we can only do so EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: editors, who make all final content decisions. part about this is that it’s a mini-
much as individuals, and our collective fear of failure can Syeda Rizvi The views expressed are solely those of the job — you aren’t stuck working
drive us mad. authors or the student editorial board and do with the same group of people for
MANAGING EDITOR: not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe
What we need to understand is that we can’t necessarily Sofia Ketels Public School System. twenty years, but instead, get a
slack off, either. Drawing that fine line between what’s taste of what it’s like to be apart
within our capabilities and what’s too much for us is critical BUSINESS MANAGER: We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic of a group and learn how everyone
in achieving personal success and avoiding a motivational Victoria Wittenberg Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press communicates. Communication
decline. Taking accountability for our academic accidents Association, National Scholastic Press Association is key to success and some people
WEBMASTER: and Student Press Law Center. We subscribe
will also help prevent a hostile student-teacher environment Brooklyn McWhorter to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and won’t step up unless you hunt them
while promoting healthy learning. iStockphoto.com. down and do it face-to-face.
The prioritization of our extracurriculars can also PAGE EDITORS: Physical communication not
help us reach that sanctuary of equilibrium every day. Maggie Carron, Arzoo Chhaya, Michael Hartt, One copy is available free to all community only allows one to see reactions
Adam Schwartz, Emily Widgren, Hannah Zalewski members. Additional copies may be purchased.
Procrastination is a major detriment to our mental health, from others, but also enhances
Our editorial policy and advertising rates are
so breaking up major projects or reports so they STAFF REPORTERS: available online at northpointenow.org. The North how they would deal with
correspond with our sports and social schedules Colin Duffy, Kylie Duke, Farrah Fasse, Ray Jason, Pointe is printed on 100% recycled paper. different kinds of individuals
eliminates feelings of resentment for teachers that Julia Magnan, Abi Murray, Amelia Nowicki either in a workplace or in school.
“put too much on our shoulders.” CONTACT US Not everyone is going to be easy
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When you need a break, take a break. However, this INTERNS: Giacobi Bush, Niklas David, Ray Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 to work with and that’s why it’s
doesn’t mean you should drop everything and throw on Hamilton Email: gpnnorthpointe@gmail.com essential to hold your ground.
a facemask whenever we’re asked to do something. The Phone: 313.432.3248 Don’t be a different person when
The North Pointe is edited and produced by Twitter: @TheNorthPointe
problem with modern self-care is that it’s promoted in a way Website: northpointenow.org you’re communicating with
Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe
implying that we should use it whenever we feel the least North High School and is published every two them via email than if you were
bit stressed, but that’s simply not the case. It’s more difficult FACULTY ADVISER: Allison Dunn speaking to them face-to-face.
weeks. It is in practice a designated public forum
than it sounds, but before looking for a place to point our without prior review. You shouldn't ever type something
fingers, we need to look in a mirror — and this will help out that you would be afraid to
us feel more comfortable with taking responsibility for our say to that person physically.
own mishaps.