For this roundup of student comments on our writing prompts, we asked teenagers to reflect on how their generation is fighting for democracy, to tell us if they have ever grown anything and to muse about if they would take a “flight to nowhere.”
Thank you to all those who joined the conversation from around the world, including teenagers from Thessaloniki, Greece; Ithaca, N.Y. and Burlington, Vt.
Please note: Student comments have been lightly edited for length, but otherwise appear as they were originally submitted.
_________
Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy?
Students had a lot to say about the challenge to “redeem the soul of our nation” issued in John Lewis’s Op-Ed, written shortly before his death to be published upon the day of his funeral. They shared their own thoughts on democracy and what they believe their generation is doing to make a difference.
Responses ranged from their takes on the current democratic system to personal accounts of hands-on civic engagement. And while many noted social media as a primary means of political self-expression, students’ opinions on its efficacy as an instrument of change varied.
Defining Democracy for My Generation
Democracy is taking part in your government to make your nation a better place for future generations. The fact that we are involved in our democracy at such a young age is incredibly inspiring. A large part of our democracy is the right to peaceful protest. Our current police system makes it difficult to feel safe when going to support a cause such as Black Lives Matter and this needs to change. John Lewis said “Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble” because most of the people I know cannot vote yet, we must participate in democracy through other ways, such as protesting and spreading awareness on social media or standing up to racist family members.
— Claudia, Valley Stream North High School
To me, the words “Democracy is not a state, it is an act” mean that the essence of democracy resides not in a state that claims to be democratic, but instead in the people who choose to exercise their power in government. I believe that, even though most of my peers cannot vote, my generation is incredibly involved in politics. My generation has realized the power of their voices — that power that is so essential to democracy. My generation has exercised their freedom of speech to push for change, making speech not only a freedom but a catalyst for justice.
This year, as chaotic and volatile as it’s been, has been a giant step forward for the young people of this country. Just a year ago, myself among many many others who aren’t yet eighteen couldn’t care less about politics because “If I can’t vote, what does it matter what I think?” But within the past year, we as a county have watched our ideas of societal normals be turned on their heads and we’ve been exposed to such polarizing ideas and realities that we no longer can’t have an opinion and our own thoughts. I don’t see this as just an age where I start to gain an understanding of politics because I’ve watched those even a few years younger than me become so educated and exposed to what’s really going on around us. We as American people have watched the horrific killings of black Americans by the hands of law enforcement, watched our president refuse to offer his sympathy to problems, watched as American cities become battle grounds, and realized our everyday lives will never ever be the same. Young people aren’t blind, we see what’s going on in front of us, and it’s not something we can be indifferent about. So it’s no longer “If I can’t vote, what does it matter what I think?” It’s now “What do I think? So I can vote and make a change when I’m eighteen.” Even without voting, young people have been protesting for what they believe in. So the way I see it, the future is safe with the hands of our young people who no longer see themselves as just such.
Democracy is the freedom of choice. It is the freedom of change, and a key to be utilized to mold a brighter future. I see our democracy our ability to hold an opinion, popular or not. It is the skin that protects our vocal cords, and the microphone that keeps our voices from being drowned out. It secures our vote and allows us to use that vote to speak out against injustice. The most important part of our democracy is the respect it secures for our human rights, but in the end it is an opportunity, and that opportunity can be ignored. If we do not take the initiative to nurture and cultivate our democracy it will grow weak. Even a tool as powerful as democracy is worthless when left unused.
— Aldon Aquarian, Cass High School, GA
Making the Political Personal
The biggest threat to democracy is not being open to listening and hearing out someone, regardless of whether you want to agree or disagree with them. I feel that the nuances of many issues are lost in this way, as people are too quick to judge those different from them. Having healthy and open discussions with each other is the key to keeping our democracy alive. Personally, I thoroughly enjoy having conversations with people whose ideologies and opinions greatly differ from mine as I gain perspective and understanding
— Lucy Wu, Valley Stream North High School
A few years ago I became passionate about the Israel Palestine conflict. I wanted to do anything I could to help so I began the search for an activism group that was seeking to help those most hurt by the conflict, the Palestinian peoples. I found a group called Kids for Peace and the next thing I knew I was on a plane to Washington, DC. I had two weeks there where we would meet with professors, religious members, and people who came from both sides of the issue. They were all able to help us form our strategy to convince Senators why they should support our emergency relief bill for residents in the conflict area. We spent days in congress lobbying to dozens for Representatives and Senators trying to convince them to help those we thought needed it the most. A few months after the trip we heard the news that $50 million in aid had been approved. It was extremely rewarding for me to know that something that I took part in would go on to help so many people who didn’t have a voice of their own.
— Summit Sularz, Burlington, VT
Mr. Lewis echoes Martin Luther King’s sentiment about having a moral obligation to speak up and act when we see injustice. I agree with this idea, as tolerating injustice leads to a passive society that is willing to make minimal reforms to flaws in its political system. Many ordinary people have been speaking out against injustices. Currently, attention is being drawn to the racism in the United States justice system … I participated in direct action against anti-black racism through protests, monetary contributions to organizations, and introspection into my own racial biases. However, becoming an anti-racist is a lifelong process, and I will have to continue to make efforts throughout my entire life.
— Karina Johnston, Glenbard West HS
My generation has turned to their platforms to inform about topics including racial justice, climate change, COVID updates, economic issues, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the Trump administration … Although social media is a great informative tool, the real work — the work of Dr. King and John Lewis and the strengthening of democracy — takes place in one’s house, community, school, place of worship, workplace, and, most importantly, at the polls and in the legislative process. For underage people, there are various ways to contribute: become a poll worker, help the campaigning process, advocate for policies in local government, engage in voter education, encourage older peers to vote, research candidates, volunteer to help register people to vote, etc. For those over 18, they can and should use their vote. This is how we rise to the challenges. This is how we strengthen our democracy.
— Caitlin Balón, South Burlington, Vermont
Using Social Media: Activism, Slacktivism, and Cancel Culture
I believe that my generation is doing its part to maintain democracy in the United States. Since the Black Lives Matter movement took off to the levels it did in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, people in my grade have been voicing their opinions on the things that need to be changed in our society on a daily basis. They have been using platforms like Instagram and Facebook to voice their opinions on the ongoing injustice in our country. Even though they still do not have the right to vote yet, they still have voiced their opinions through social media — the exact thing that civil rights icon John Lewis called on our generation to do. Lewis said that he knew he wanted to fight for change from the young age of fifteen, which is about the age that people in Gen Z are right now. Democracy, by definition, is allowing the people to have a say in social issues, and people voicing their opinions on social issues is the perfect example of democracy, as the great leader John Lewis did before his recent death.
— Sam Casas, Glenbard West HS, Glen Ellyn, IL
I believe that our generation has risen up to the challenges that Mr. Lewis described in his essay. Especially in the past few months, all around the country our generation has taken part in and organized protests against police brutality and the social injustices we see in our country today. Our generation is using social media, which the past generations did not have as much access too, to make sure that our voices are heard and accounted for. Senator Lewis was strongly against violence and I believe our generation is doing a good job of peacefully protesting for change. With the 2020 election approaching this November, our generation is pushing everyone who is eligible to vote to do so, doing their part to strengthen the democracy and let their voices be heard. Our generation still has a lot of work to be done: however, I believe Generation Z is on the right track.
I feel like Generation Z isn’t doing enough to strengthen our democracy and our community on a day to day basis. Many people think that going online and posting about the problems in our nation is going to help. I believe that instead of posting beliefs and thoughts online, a person should go out and get involved in the community. They should offer up their time and effort to help out instead of just complaining about it on social media. I’ve been included in many community service projects and I believe that that is the best way to make a difference in communities. Instead of trying to impact others by your words online, go out and put forth the effort needed to truly make a difference. In this case, the saying, “actions speak louder than words,” is true upon many levels to better our democracy, nation, and communities.
I feel like our generation isn’t doing enough to instill the power of our democracy to its fullest capabilities. Gen Z has a tendency to use cancel culture to ruin the lives of those who have a difference in opinion from theirs — which is what our country has fought for countless amount of times. This makes life very hard for those who have a difference in opinion from what the societal norm is. Although sometimes I personally don’t agree with these people’s opinion it’s important for them to be able to feel comfortable while expressing their beliefs. Politics have created a very toxic for our generation and even though it’s important to be informed and have an opinion kids should not be divided among themselves because of a difference in opinion because only together will we create change.
— Mohammad Khan, Glenbard West HS, Glen Ellyn, IL
_________
Have You Ever Tried to Grow Something?
Most students responded to our Student Opinion question Have You Ever Tried to Grow Something? with an enthusiastic “Yes.” Sure, we heard about some things that didn’t grow, like a Venus flytrap whose owner forgot that insects alone didn’t meet the plant’s hydration needs, but for the most part students’ responses hit notes of optimism — for the harvest, for time in the garden with family, even for a better future.
Sharing the Harvest
I believe gardening is an outlet for relaxing and rekindling your connection to the Earth and nature. If I could have a garden I would place it in the middle of home-towns park, giving access to anyone who wants it. The majority of the plants would be fruits and vegetable so people can have access to fresh and local produce to help the environment.
… I think for most families each year they plant a couple tomato plants, maybe some jalapeños in their backyard. And then forget about it until things start to grow. That used to be my family, but this summer my little sister had brought some life into our previously dull garden … After I began to help my sister, I realized that all my neighbors had amazing gardens in their backyards also, we would go over and bring some of our vegetables, and they would give us some of theirs. This created a sense of community through all of us. We could all appreciate and care for each other’s gardens.
— Katie O’Connell, Glenbard West High School
I would sometimes even help my neighbors garden and plant flowers. Although growing these foods only saved a few dollars, the sense of community and bonding experiences which came with it are priceless. I think gardening is very important as it can be a stress reliever and bring people together. During a time like this when the world seems to be more divided than ever. Small things like getting together with family and neighbors to garden can help build lasting bonds between people.
Cultivating More Than Plants
When the pandemic first hit and we went into quarantine, collectively the consensus was that it would be a short reprieve from our daily lives. How wrong we were. As the days went on people got tired of watching TV and scrolling online and many of us chose to use this newfound time for self improvement, to pick up the hobbies we always said we didn’t have time for. For many people gardening became a new infatuation, myself included. I think when we saw how out of control our lives were getting and how unpredictable everything became we chose something we could control, but would also reap rewards. Gardening requires time, planning, a bit of luck, but most importantly it requires a sense of patience. During a time where we didn’t know when our crazy new lives would end and our old normal return we wanted to find a sense of peace and patience as a people, and I think gardening brought that to many.
— Rylee Spangler, Lubbock-Cooper High School
Caring for plants is equal to caring for ourselves and the others. When you try to grow a plant and you focus on the process, step by step, with eyes wide open you can learn many truths of life. It takes time for a plant to grow and you need to take care of it every day. The same thing is applicable to people. It takes time to grow your inner self and much effort too. Planting can teach us to be patient and calm. Can, also, teach us how respectful we must be for the water and sun, and for the right way to use both of them in our everyday life.
With our schedules so jam-packed these days, gardens can teach us how to be patient and how to work hard at nourishing a living thing to produce, well, produce, that will taste far better than money can buy. They teach us how to take time to slow down and to get our hands dirty for a good cause. I know this first-hand. Every summer, our family transforms a seemingly useless plot of dirt into a flourishing, full-of-life garden, that gives us juicy, bright red tomatoes; sweet, pleasantly green cucumbers; bitter, deep purple eggplant.
— Mia Gialo, Glenbard West High School
Finding Reasons to Be Grateful
I’ve spent my whole life gardening with my family, and it’s something that has only increased in importance to me as I’ve grown up … Now, I’ve realized that growing my own produce benefits the planet by saving CO2 emissions from transportation, and how it allows me to choose not to use pesticides or herbicides on my food. Beyond that, the 7 soil-filled squares in my backyard have made me realize everything that goes into a single fruit or vegetable. It has forced me to recognize the weeding, watering, and worrying that produces a handful of tomatoes, and has led me to appreciate the people who work tirelessly to cultivate the crops I find in the grocery store.
— Kate Bachman, Glenbard West HS
Caring for plants gives you a sense of belonging because in a way, you pour part of yourself into that plant. It seems to give you a sense of purpose, and when you see it’s final progress, you get to know that you had a part in its growth and life.
Strengthening Connections to Family
Gardening has always been important to me. My grandfather and I connected this way … He brings me plants and herbs when he can and I water whenever I go over to his place. The patience and feeling of success while planting a garden is what truly keeps me going. Now I work as a florist and work with plants almost everyday. This part of my life is also a part of who I am and represents a strong relationship with my grandfather. It has truly shaped me as a person-I think that’s beautiful.
I love planting things mostly because when we moved to our new house my mother made it a mission to get me out of the house. We started a garden in our backyard and ever since then it has become a time where we could talk about all sorts of issues and better our mother to daughter bond. It may seem like such a careless activity but, it’s really the only time I’m with my mom. We go out to buy out tools and soil and come home and plant them while we talk.
_________
Would You Take a “Flight to Nowhere”?
Some airlines have begun offering “scenic flights” for passengers longing to travel again; these so called “flights to nowhere” land in the same place they depart from. We asked students what they thought about these flights and whether or not they would take one.
While many expressed the desire to go see the world and to rescue the airline industry, they simultaneously were alarmed by the waste of resources, the effects on climate change and the potential for spreading Covid-19.
A New Way to Travel
Personally, I feel like taking a flight for the scenery of it would be a new ingenious way for people to view different monuments and different natural landscapes. For example some different landscapes and monuments are really too large or too far apart to be enjoyed and appreciated the way they should be. Imagine if you could take in the Grand Canyon from a new angle. Or if you could have the opportunity to see an entire city in all of its glory from above. Also, a lot of scenes you don’t take in how beautiful they actually are until you see them from above. For example, you don’t really realize how scenic and beautiful a small town is until you can see it and all the other small towns around it from the same place. Another new opportunity that could arise from scenic flights would be tours. Imagine being a tourist in Europe and being able to see some of the most beautiful monuments and landscapes in the same world within a few hours.
Good for the Airline Industry
As an aviation enthusiast, these kind of flights sound like a lot of fun, and good for the industry. COVID has hit the aviation industry hard, as travel is seemingly impossible in some situations. Airlines have resorted to fly purely cargo flights using temporarily cargo configured passenger aircraft, which allows the airline to generate a little bit of revenue and keep pilots paid. These flights to nowhere are likely a similar solution. Pilots can get in valuable paid flight hours, and the airline is still making money. Beyond that, it creates an opportunity for aviation and travel enthusiasts to get back in the air. I would love to try one of these sightseeing flights at some point. It allows me to have at least some return to normality, while also supporting the industry I find great interest in.
— David Manzke, Glenbard West High School
I think the flight-to nowhere is an excellent idea to revitalize the airline industry. Traveling the world was once one of my favorite hobbies to do, however with the current lock down measures I am not able to explore the world. A flight to nowhere would give me the opportunity to see wonderful places and provide airlines with some financial stability and income. This would have a trickle down effect to allowing people in the travel industry to keep their jobs and support their families. Overall a great idea to see a place from the skies!!!!!
Good for Mental Health
I think that these flights are a good idea. People are so worried about health and cost it these times, yet a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. These flights are good for some people who can afford it (probably not many). Personally, I wouldn’t. It seems a bit too expensive, and I get airsick. But it seems like a good idea for some people who need a break. Some people are saying that it’s a waste to not be going anywhere, yet know that it isn’t healthy to just be staying at home, and it’s not like anybody can actually go anywhere. From a mental health perspective, it is a good idea.
This idea of flights to nowhere seems crazy when you look at it from the surface. Why waste our time if we’re not actually going anywhere? Looking deeper, this idea of flights to nowhere could be a solution to something we’re all missing in this season of COVID 19. Lots of people have felt cooped up and restless. All we have to focus on is the fear of what is happening in our world and we’re stuck dwelling on the things that were taken away from us. Trips, friends, family, the summer we were all waiting for and now our new school year. We want to get out, fly away and leave our problems on the ground at least for a few hours. Flights to nowhere provide us with this little escape. We’re able to feel a sense of normalcy and the excitement that comes with traveling … Flights to nowhere seems unnecessary at first but under further inspection it is just the right medicine to cure our trapped and restless hearts.
— Kyrah Maas, Glenbard West HS
Risks Outweigh the Benefits
Though it’s true airlines that have been suffering from this year’s pandemic may benefit from these flights, I still believe they are more detrimental than helpful in the long run. The aviation industry plays a large role in global carbon emissions which worsen climate change; the industry is especially problematic because there aren’t any solar powered or electric powered planes compared to cars’ increasing reliance on renewable energy.
(A)lthough it would be a great experience, I feel it is irresponsible to conduct such flights. Airplanes are terrible for the environment because they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into our atmosphere which contributes to global warming tremendously. Going on trips to nowhere would only be wasting resources. We are also still in a pandemic and going to airports to go on needless flights can increase your risk and other people’s risk to contract the coronavirus. We need to be responsible with our actions and these “flights to nowhere” are extremely taxing on our environment and can be a risk to the health of others. Ultimately, I would agree that the risks outweigh the benefits-we need to protect our planet and our health before worrying about aviation companies and personal pleasure.
I think the flight to nowhere travel is a waste of resources and harmful to the environment. Yes, it is nice to see different places and I see the appeal in reminding ourselves what it was like to travel, but flying is extremely harmful to the environment, and releasing greenhouses gasses into the atmosphere should not be taken lightly. I understand that many airlines need money and this is one way to earn it, but flying without a purpose does more harm then good. Not only is it harmful, it exposes passengers to COVID-19. The transmission rate indoors is much higher than it is outdoors, and it’s not like you can open the window on an airplane! While I do recognize what others are saying about missing the feeling of travel, there must be a better, safer, less harmful way to do it!
— Amelia, Julia Masterman School
Better Ideas for Travel
One of the main things I like about travel is exploring new places. Airliners have just been a useful, and slightly annoying, way to rapidly get to my destination. Besides, being on a plane right now seems like a bad idea. How can an airplane, with recirculated air and seats close together, not help COVID to spread? Another negative, the extra carbon-dioxide released into the atmosphere. These already hard to accept emissions become unjustifiable. So instead of taking one of these flights, look at some satellite photos of cool places on earth. Then use a more environmentally friendly method to go to a pretty spot near your house.
— Jacob F.R., Oneonta High School
There are many alternatives to flying that travelers can partake in: hiking, road trips, or camping. These alternatives not only reduce carbon output but are also very safe and allowed within most state guidelines. Unfortunately, for those who really want to be cramped in a middle seat, flying should wait, as the pandemic is not going anywhere soon.
— Andrew Carlson, Glenbard West High School, Glen Ellyn, IL
Taking Flight Through Poetry
Attention, please
______ Airline is
Now Boarding
Flight to nowhere
Please come to gate 3
x2
Temperature: normal
Mask: on
Emotion: ready
Passport and ticket ready
Pillow and mask
Prepared to go nowhere
Seatbelt on
And zoom!
We go on
Up in the air
To nowhere with you
Departing and arriving
In the same place
A journey in the sky
Though no reason why
To some
Maybe a needed vacation
To others
A waste of money and time
Attention, please
______ Airline is
Now Boarding
Flight to utopia
Where we can
Take our minds off
From the corona
Even though it is just a moment
It is time to remember
What I would have done
In a no-COVID summer
So bored
And scared
We all need some rest
Whether on
Earth or land
May peace be with you
Wherever you land
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