Authors J–

Dear Editor[s],

I am writing in response to the article “Polarizing Politics” that was recently published on your website. I found the article to be well-written and informative, but I also have some concerns about its overall message.

The article correctly points out that the current political climate is highly polarized and that this has led to a breakdown in civil discourse and a lack of compromise. However, the article seems to place the blame for this solely on the shoulders of politicians and political parties.

I believe that it is important to recognize that the issue of polarization is a complex one and that all of us, as citizens and members of society, have a role to play in addressing it. We should all strive to be more open-minded, to listen to and engage with differing perspectives, and to avoid demonizing those with whom we disagree.

Additionally, I think that the media plays a role in perpetuating polarization by focusing on sensationalism and conflict rather than on constructive dialogue and solutions. We, as consumers of news and information, have a responsibility to seek out and support media outlets that promote civil discourse and understanding.

In conclusion, while the article provides a valuable analysis of the current political climate, I believe that it is important to recognize that polarization is a problem that affects us all, and that we all have a role to play in addressing it. By working together and actively promoting civil discourse, we can build a more united and harmonious society.

Sincerely,

[Anonymous student]

•••

Dear student,

Thank you for your thoughtful response to “Polarizing Politics.”

I agree with your point that polarization affects us all as members of both the RCDS community and society as a whole. While your proposal to promote civil discourse is provoking, I find it hard to believe the RCDS administration could effectively do so.

Political debate is often avoided in classrooms and in community settings at RCDS, as the article noted. In settings such as community meetings, however, addressing polarization would have the opposite effect of its purpose: to bring together the RCDS Upper School. 

Furthermore, civil discourse can manifest in a myriad of ways: through social media, in conversation, or even sometimes in the classroom (though rarely). How would RCDS actively promote these conversations– by facilitating them? Though civil discourse surrounding politics has been tentatively initiated during advisory periods in the past after particularly divisive moments, such as the January 6th Capitol Insurrection, students are rarely encouraged by faculty to engage in conversation with their peers about political beliefs. Regardless of how successful or ineffective these conversations could potentially be, the administration would likely have to answer to unhappy parents after the fact. 

Though I agree that students could be better prepared for difficult conversations concerning political beliefs and similar topics, I find it unlikely that the administration would effectively create such opportunities for students. Additionally, I believe there is a great value to engaging in civil discourse independently; if students are taught that there will always be a facilitator in their conversations, they will leave RCDS wholly unprepared for the real world. 

Sincerely,

Crop Editors

The letter to the editors was written by ChatGPT. The response letter was written by Julia Marrinan. For the full answer key and instructions given, click here.