Opinions
The Ivies are Losing Their Edge, But We May Have Another Option
For high school students in New York, it may be time to stop fixating on the Ivy League and start researching to look at other options.
Subway Surfing: A Dangerous Phenomenon
By Joanne Hwang
Subway surfing isn’t just a risky trend—it’s a reflection of the struggles of today’s youth manifesting in dangerous actions, a call for change in the mental health field, public transportation, and a lesson in the way society handles teen-related issues in New York City.
Letter to the Editor
By Abel Bellows
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel” by Anonymous.
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel” by Anonymous.
The Road to November 2024
Most of the current Stuyvesant seniors and some juniors will be eligible to vote in the 60th presidential election on November 5, 2024. In the midst of college applications and the hectic life of a Stuyvesant student, it can be difficult to keep up with the tumultuous American political landscape. To address this, The Spectator is starting a new election literacy project. As this historic election unfolds, the Opinions Department will publish polls, facts about the candidates, key swing state updates, and other content throughout the election season.
The “Pay-to-Win” Justice System
In the capitalist society that we live in, being wealthy gives defendants an advantage in getting away with crimes.
Reflections on the Irish Hunger Memorial
This piece was written in response to an extra credit assignment assigned by history teacher Mr. Hanna. The assignment asked students to visit the Irish Hunger Memorial in the Battery Park City neighborhood of Manhattan and to write a reflection on how it made them feel.
The 2024 Election Is A War of Attrition
Both voters and the candidates are taking extreme, and often illogical, measures to garner support. The actions ultimately reduce the election to a mere competition rather than a collective effort to select a candidate who will best utilize their position to improve the state of the country.
We Need Snow Days!
As snow becomes a rare occasion, making and treasuring memories from snow days becomes more and more valuable.
Bun Cha Obama: Authenticity in Food
By Myles Vuong
In a world where “authentic food” is overused and influential, it is time to change how we approach cultural foods.
On Being Multicultural
Being multiracial has expanded my perspective in so many ways, though many people who don’t understand it can be detrimental influences. Still, one has to pave their own way.
The Merits of a Merit-Based System
The current college admissions system is inequitable and robs high schoolers of their childhood: a merit-based system is the solution.
Why Do Movie Moms Keep Dying?!
How can women envision their future when our media is obsessed with killing moms?
Are Our Parents Right?
The streaming business is oversaturated with too many shows that prioritize media buzz over content, leading to a decrease in the quality of television.
Letter to the Editor
By Melody Huang
A letter to the editor in response to “Revisiting the Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” by Sofia Sen.
Questioners: The Invisible Culprit of Controversial Answers
Although the public and the media can be very quick to chastise political and academic figures for giving evasive, unethical, or politically unstrategic answers, we should carefully examine what was being asked of them in the first place, and determine the fairness and intention of these questions.
Night Court—Navigating the Ethics of Watching Others Hurt
By Alexa Leahy
In night court, even though the person watching on the wooden pew gets to observe the trial as if watching a show, there lies a real person on the other side of the barrier whose real life could be breaking down.
Addressing Our City’s Crisis for Migrants
The ongoing migrant crisis in New York City has been frequently observed, complained, and written about for the past couple months. For these reasons, the Opinions Department compiled a spread of Opinions writers' takes on various questions to gain a glimpse into the Stuyvesant perspective.
Peace is Possible
In a time when those in power benefit from Jewish and Muslim division, the biggest act of resistance is to understand that Jews and Muslims, religiously, fundamentally, historically, and currently, are ready for coexistence and peace.
Thrift Culture: Threading The Needle
By Virgenya Zhu
A look into the thrifting trend, and what it means to partake in it ethically.
Why Not Teach Every Student to Read Well.
Reading proficiency in students across the nation and globe is shockingly low, and it’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
The Intro Class Dilemma
Stuyvesant should implement exams that allow students to test out of introductory courses.
Privilege In Publishing
By Elma Khan
Publishing industries must create changes to ensure that all authors get equal opportunities to share their literature.
“Are You Okay?”: Jewish & Muslim Connection
As war and conflict between Israel and Palestine intensified, I began to search—and find—moments of peace within my Stuyvesant community. The world needs more of this, especially now.
Fear Not: A Meaningless Life is a Positive Life
By Nabiha Islam
Nihilism is not pessimistic; rather, its values can be optimistic.
The Doom of Doomscrolling
As short-form content spreads, fueled by its addictive nature, it cultivates a variety of ramifications, including negative emotions, shorter attention spans, and a societal shift toward superficial engagement at the expense of critical thinking and meaningful connection to the world around us.
Stuyvesant’s Stunted Sports Culture
Instead of looking at athletics as contradictory to Stuyvesant’s academic reputation, we should recognize them as an extension of it—another example of Stuyvesant students’ boundless talent and willpower to succeed.
Dolphins and the Intermediate Value Theorem
Math classes should incorporate more creative assignments.
“Girl” Crunching and Munching
By Alexa Leahy
The unintentional consequences of trends such as “girl math” and “girl dinner” have led to the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes for women of all ages.
Now Might Be the Time for Art to Embrace AI
By Sasha Kirby
Art is a reflection of its environment, and as AI inevitably expands into every professional space, it will find its way into the art industry.
I Have Something To Confess
By Virgenya Zhu
The culture of school gossip pages leads to the crossing of boundaries and establishes potentially dangerous patterns of social pressure. So why does it never seem to be fully left behind?
Oil Doomsday?
The recent $60 million oil deal is a sign that the fossil fuel industry doesn’t fear its replacement.
That’s My Sport
Imperialism has stripped popular sports of their roots, and misremembering the history of these sports will only perpetuate this imperialistic damage.
Grieving Palestine Through an Islamic Perspective
By Anonymous
We must remember that like us, Palestinians are humans too, and we cannot ignore the immense suffering they are going through and the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza—the time to educate ourselves and take action on this issue is now.
Democrats Have Ousted Their Chance at Political Influence in the House
Though the unanimous vote from Democrats alongside the eight far-right Republicans to oust McCarthy in October was far more unified than the GOP, it may not have been the smartest decision in the long term.
French Fries for Happier Children
By Ushoshi Das
The recent city budget cuts have unnecessarily affected public school meals.
The Ivies are Losing Their Edge, But We May Have Another Option
For high school students in New York, it may be time to stop fixating on the Ivy League and start researching to look at other options.
Subway Surfing: A Dangerous Phenomenon
By Joanne Hwang
Subway surfing isn’t just a risky trend—it’s a reflection of the struggles of today’s youth manifesting in dangerous actions, a call for change in the mental health field, public transportation, and a lesson in the way society handles teen-related issues in New York City.
Letter to the Editor
By Abel Bellows
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel” by Anonymous.
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor in response to “Black and White: The Withheld History of Palestine and Israel” by Anonymous.
Night Court—Navigating the Ethics of Watching Others Hurt
By Alexa Leahy
In night court, even though the person watching on the wooden pew gets to observe the trial as if watching a show, there lies a real person on the other side of the barrier whose real life could be breaking down.
The Road to November 2024
Most of the current Stuyvesant seniors and some juniors will be eligible to vote in the 60th presidential election on November 5, 2024. In the midst of college applications and the hectic life of a Stuyvesant student, it can be difficult to keep up with the tumultuous American political landscape. To address this, The Spectator is starting a new election literacy project. As this historic election unfolds, the Opinions Department will publish polls, facts about the candidates, key swing state updates, and other content throughout the election season.
Addressing Our City’s Crisis for Migrants
The ongoing migrant crisis in New York City has been frequently observed, complained, and written about for the past couple months. For these reasons, the Opinions Department compiled a spread of Opinions writers' takes on various questions to gain a glimpse into the Stuyvesant perspective.
Peace is Possible
In a time when those in power benefit from Jewish and Muslim division, the biggest act of resistance is to understand that Jews and Muslims, religiously, fundamentally, historically, and currently, are ready for coexistence and peace.
The “Pay-to-Win” Justice System
In the capitalist society that we live in, being wealthy gives defendants an advantage in getting away with crimes.
Thrift Culture: Threading The Needle
By Virgenya Zhu
A look into the thrifting trend, and what it means to partake in it ethically.
Reflections on the Irish Hunger Memorial
This piece was written in response to an extra credit assignment assigned by history teacher Mr. Hanna. The assignment asked students to visit the Irish Hunger Memorial in the Battery Park City neighborhood of Manhattan and to write a reflection on how it made them feel.
The 2024 Election Is A War of Attrition
Both voters and the candidates are taking extreme, and often illogical, measures to garner support. The actions ultimately reduce the election to a mere competition rather than a collective effort to select a candidate who will best utilize their position to improve the state of the country.
We Need Snow Days!
As snow becomes a rare occasion, making and treasuring memories from snow days becomes more and more valuable.
Bun Cha Obama: Authenticity in Food
By Myles Vuong
In a world where “authentic food” is overused and influential, it is time to change how we approach cultural foods.
On Being Multicultural
Being multiracial has expanded my perspective in so many ways, though many people who don’t understand it can be detrimental influences. Still, one has to pave their own way.
The Merits of a Merit-Based System
The current college admissions system is inequitable and robs high schoolers of their childhood: a merit-based system is the solution.
Why Do Movie Moms Keep Dying?!
How can women envision their future when our media is obsessed with killing moms?
Are Our Parents Right?
The streaming business is oversaturated with too many shows that prioritize media buzz over content, leading to a decrease in the quality of television.
Why Not Teach Every Student to Read Well.
Reading proficiency in students across the nation and globe is shockingly low, and it’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
The Intro Class Dilemma
Stuyvesant should implement exams that allow students to test out of introductory courses.
Privilege In Publishing
By Elma Khan
Publishing industries must create changes to ensure that all authors get equal opportunities to share their literature.
Letter to the Editor
By Melody Huang
A letter to the editor in response to “Revisiting the Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” by Sofia Sen.
Questioners: The Invisible Culprit of Controversial Answers
Although the public and the media can be very quick to chastise political and academic figures for giving evasive, unethical, or politically unstrategic answers, we should carefully examine what was being asked of them in the first place, and determine the fairness and intention of these questions.
“Are You Okay?”: Jewish & Muslim Connection
As war and conflict between Israel and Palestine intensified, I began to search—and find—moments of peace within my Stuyvesant community. The world needs more of this, especially now.
Fear Not: A Meaningless Life is a Positive Life
By Nabiha Islam
Nihilism is not pessimistic; rather, its values can be optimistic.
The Doom of Doomscrolling
As short-form content spreads, fueled by its addictive nature, it cultivates a variety of ramifications, including negative emotions, shorter attention spans, and a societal shift toward superficial engagement at the expense of critical thinking and meaningful connection to the world around us.
Can I Eat This?
In this article, I explain why it is necessary to increase the options for food for Muslims and halal certification.
Xi Jinping: A Respected, Callous Leader
By Myles Vuong
Though Chinese President Xi Jinping may be a repressive and authoritarian leader, we must recognize that his policies and reforms only further the national and personal interests of China.
Stuyvesant’s Stunted Sports Culture
Instead of looking at athletics as contradictory to Stuyvesant’s academic reputation, we should recognize them as an extension of it—another example of Stuyvesant students’ boundless talent and willpower to succeed.
Dolphins and the Intermediate Value Theorem
Math classes should incorporate more creative assignments.
“Girl” Crunching and Munching
By Alexa Leahy
The unintentional consequences of trends such as “girl math” and “girl dinner” have led to the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes for women of all ages.
Now Might Be the Time for Art to Embrace AI
By Sasha Kirby
Art is a reflection of its environment, and as AI inevitably expands into every professional space, it will find its way into the art industry.
I Have Something To Confess
By Virgenya Zhu
The culture of school gossip pages leads to the crossing of boundaries and establishes potentially dangerous patterns of social pressure. So why does it never seem to be fully left behind?
Oil Doomsday?
The recent $60 million oil deal is a sign that the fossil fuel industry doesn’t fear its replacement.
That’s My Sport
Imperialism has stripped popular sports of their roots, and misremembering the history of these sports will only perpetuate this imperialistic damage.
Grieving Palestine Through an Islamic Perspective
By Anonymous
We must remember that like us, Palestinians are humans too, and we cannot ignore the immense suffering they are going through and the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza—the time to educate ourselves and take action on this issue is now.