Opinions
Looking Back on Lina Khan, 21st Century Trustbuster
Lina Khan is a model civil servant. Her relentless litigation on behalf of consumers as chair of the FTC has had momentous impacts for millions of Americans, but her legacy is unlikely to continue under the Trump administration.
The Dried Pen: The War on Education for Women in Afghanistan
By Nabiha Islam
The war on education of Afghan women and girls—based on corrupted Islamic law—that the Taliban perpetuates has persisted for far too long.
TikTok: Safe for Now
The federal focus on TikTok is not in the best interest of the American people, nor does it effectively address problems embedded in social media.
Unseen Tragedies, How the Media Portrays Disasters
The media underrepresents natural disasters that happen in disenfranchised and marginalized locations, prioritizing coverage of disasters in more affluent areas.
Yoon Suk Yeol: South Korea’s Greatest Modern-Day Supervillain
By Seoyeon Yu
South Korea’s impeached and arrested president Yoon Suk Yeol might be responsible for the greatest socioeconomic damage done to the nation in recent history, making him a common enemy of the citizens of Korea.
A Schmearful Goodbye
By Ushoshi Das
Absolute Bagels was an iconic part of New York City’s culinary identity.
Democracy Starts Here: The Power of Local Politics
When national politics feel overwhelming, engaging in local politics—particularly in New York City's upcoming mayoral race—offers a more direct way to impact your community.
Unseen Tragedies, How the Media Portrays Disasters
The media underrepresents natural disasters that happen in disenfranchised and marginalized locations, prioritizing coverage of disasters in more affluent areas.
The Christianization of America
Authenticity and connection alone should drive us to celebrate holidays, but the pressure to celebrate Christmas makes it difficult.
Populism and the Commodification of American Politics
By Mace Elinson
In a nation where politicians make politics a defining factor of our lives, intellectual curiosity is removed from the equation.
The Risks of De-Dollarization in Latin America
De-dollarization may appear to benefit Latin American nations, but it is not a realistic or sustainable economic policy.
Building a Legacy: How Gen-Z Can Lead With Action
By Alexa Leahy
The ever-growing presence of performative activism online coupled with a chaotic political climate makes me doubtful about what our generation’s legacy will be, if we will have one at all.
The Case for Situationships: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Our pessimistic attitude towards situationships creates rushed relationships when, in actuality, situationships can help foster understanding and boundaries from the beginning.

The Dilemmas of Island Dwellers: A Disadvantageous Commute
By Zobia Syed
The NYC DOE should provide more convenient transportation options for students who live in Staten Island, as it has done for students in other boroughs.

Our Undemocratic Democracy
The problems with having a voting system that quiets voices instead of raising them.

Reactions to the First Four Weeks
After nearly a month since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Opinions Department shares their thoughts about his second term.

Chinatown’s Fight Against Displacement
By Angelina Lu
Chinatown is being threatened by exploitation and gentrification, but this isn’t an isolated instance. The same myths and prejudice held against Asian American communities impacts minority communities and cultural hubs across the nation.

Mr. Beast’s Dystopian Games
Mr. Beast’s new game show titled Beast Games, modeled after Squid Game, turns economic inequality into a real-life spectacle where the contestants’ vulnerability is exploited as they fight for $5 million.

South Korea’s Urgent Need for Strong Leadership
By Junseo Lee
With President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and many controversies surrounding presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, it is unlikely that South Korea’s political situation will improve unless there is a more capable presidential candidate.

Addressing Corporate Corruption Without Violence
Social media worship of Luigi Mangione represents an immoral glorification of violence, but the energy his actions created could be channeled into legally and politically addressing the issue at large.
A Loud Argument with My Tween Self!
Embracing our cringey past selves instead of suppressing them gives us the opportunity to grow and find our identity in a changing society.
Loving Unconventionally: A Guide for Children of the American Dream
By Annie Li
A reflection on why immigrant families love, unconventionally.
Beautifully Melancholic: A Tragedy Within Itself
By Nabiha Islam
Romanticizing mental illness undermines the pain it causes many people, perpetuating a dangerous narrative that we as a society must combat.
Bring Back “Video Homeroom”—Whatever That Was
Stuyvesant needs a comprehensive means of recording our institutional knowledge from generation to generation. One idea? A collaborative StuyWiki.
All I Want for Christmas Is Latkes
I struggled with the lack of Hanukkah representation when I was younger, but in recent years I have figured out how to make my own magic by incorporating different traditions into my holiday season.
Why Have Americans Grown Impervious to Political Scandal?
Americans have become desensitized to political scandal. What caused this sudden change?
Ableism at Stuyvesant
Ableist attitudes have become normalized at Stuyvesant, but this doesn’t mean we can’t take action to change them.
Remembering: What I’ve Learned from Collecting My Family’s Stories
Recording my family’s stories has taught me about life, relationships, and the importance of memories.
What About Earth?
By Eli Smith
The world’s most existential problem is ignored by leaders and voters alike, and unless this changes, climate change will have detrimental impacts.
Road to November 2024
By Amaryllis Sun, Joanne Hwang, Myles Vuong
The Opinions Department’s comments regarding the vice presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz, hosted on Tuesday, October 1.

Holding History Accountable
In the debate of whether we should dismantle representations of historical
Looking Back on Lina Khan, 21st Century Trustbuster
Lina Khan is a model civil servant. Her relentless litigation on behalf of consumers as chair of the FTC has had momentous impacts for millions of Americans, but her legacy is unlikely to continue under the Trump administration.

The Dilemmas of Island Dwellers: A Disadvantageous Commute
By Zobia Syed
The NYC DOE should provide more convenient transportation options for students who live in Staten Island, as it has done for students in other boroughs.

Our Undemocratic Democracy
The problems with having a voting system that quiets voices instead of raising them.
The Dried Pen: The War on Education for Women in Afghanistan
By Nabiha Islam
The war on education of Afghan women and girls—based on corrupted Islamic law—that the Taliban perpetuates has persisted for far too long.

Reactions to the First Four Weeks
After nearly a month since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Opinions Department shares their thoughts about his second term.
TikTok: Safe for Now
The federal focus on TikTok is not in the best interest of the American people, nor does it effectively address problems embedded in social media.
Unseen Tragedies, How the Media Portrays Disasters
The media underrepresents natural disasters that happen in disenfranchised and marginalized locations, prioritizing coverage of disasters in more affluent areas.
Yoon Suk Yeol: South Korea’s Greatest Modern-Day Supervillain
By Seoyeon Yu
South Korea’s impeached and arrested president Yoon Suk Yeol might be responsible for the greatest socioeconomic damage done to the nation in recent history, making him a common enemy of the citizens of Korea.
A Schmearful Goodbye
By Ushoshi Das
Absolute Bagels was an iconic part of New York City’s culinary identity.

Chinatown’s Fight Against Displacement
By Angelina Lu
Chinatown is being threatened by exploitation and gentrification, but this isn’t an isolated instance. The same myths and prejudice held against Asian American communities impacts minority communities and cultural hubs across the nation.

Mr. Beast’s Dystopian Games
Mr. Beast’s new game show titled Beast Games, modeled after Squid Game, turns economic inequality into a real-life spectacle where the contestants’ vulnerability is exploited as they fight for $5 million.
Democracy Starts Here: The Power of Local Politics
When national politics feel overwhelming, engaging in local politics—particularly in New York City's upcoming mayoral race—offers a more direct way to impact your community.

South Korea’s Urgent Need for Strong Leadership
By Junseo Lee
With President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and many controversies surrounding presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, it is unlikely that South Korea’s political situation will improve unless there is a more capable presidential candidate.
Unseen Tragedies, How the Media Portrays Disasters
The media underrepresents natural disasters that happen in disenfranchised and marginalized locations, prioritizing coverage of disasters in more affluent areas.

Addressing Corporate Corruption Without Violence
Social media worship of Luigi Mangione represents an immoral glorification of violence, but the energy his actions created could be channeled into legally and politically addressing the issue at large.

Taking the “Christ” out of Christmas
By Mace Elinson
America’s shift from religious aspects of tradition echoes a general shift of American culture and society away from religious influences.
The Christianization of America
Authenticity and connection alone should drive us to celebrate holidays, but the pressure to celebrate Christmas makes it difficult.

Embracing Philosophy in Our Education
By Alexa Leahy
In today’s modern world, it is more important than ever to integrate philosophy into high school curricula to foster critical thinking and strengthen emotional intelligence.

Loving Unconventionally: A Guide for Children of the American Dream
By Annie Li
A reflection on why immigrant families love, unconventionally.

Beautifully Melancholic: A Tragedy Within Itself
By Nabiha Islam
Romanticizing mental illness undermines the pain it causes many people, perpetuating a dangerous narrative that we as a society must combat.
Populism and the Commodification of American Politics
By Mace Elinson
In a nation where politicians make politics a defining factor of our lives, intellectual curiosity is removed from the equation.
The Risks of De-Dollarization in Latin America
De-dollarization may appear to benefit Latin American nations, but it is not a realistic or sustainable economic policy.
Building a Legacy: How Gen-Z Can Lead With Action
By Alexa Leahy
The ever-growing presence of performative activism online coupled with a chaotic political climate makes me doubtful about what our generation’s legacy will be, if we will have one at all.
The Case for Situationships: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Our pessimistic attitude towards situationships creates rushed relationships when, in actuality, situationships can help foster understanding and boundaries from the beginning.
The Polls Were Still Wrong (But Also Sorta Right)
By Muhib Muhib
Donald Trump’s victory means that I was wrong, so what now?

Bring Back “Video Homeroom”—Whatever That Was
Stuyvesant needs a comprehensive means of recording our institutional knowledge from generation to generation. One idea? A collaborative StuyWiki.

All I Want for Christmas Is Latkes
I struggled with the lack of Hanukkah representation when I was younger, but in recent years I have figured out how to make my own magic by incorporating different traditions into my holiday season.

Why Have Americans Grown Impervious to Political Scandal?
Americans have become desensitized to political scandal. What caused this sudden change?

Ableism at Stuyvesant
Ableist attitudes have become normalized at Stuyvesant, but this doesn’t mean we can’t take action to change them.
The Opinions Department’s Reactions To November 5
The Opinions Department reflects on the moments leading up to the 2024 presidential election and their ruminations afterward.

Remembering: What I’ve Learned from Collecting My Family’s Stories
Recording my family’s stories has taught me about life, relationships, and the importance of memories.

What About Earth?
By Eli Smith
The world’s most existential problem is ignored by leaders and voters alike, and unless this changes, climate change will have detrimental impacts.

Road to November 2024
By Amaryllis Sun, Joanne Hwang, Myles Vuong
The Opinions Department’s comments regarding the vice presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz, hosted on Tuesday, October 1.

The Social Responsibility of Singers
The brutal nature of the media and fan bases has been normalized, and singers must take responsibility for inadvertently promoting conflicts caused by releasing extremely personal lyrics.