In turbulent moments in history when extremism is on the rise, it can become increasingly challenging to find common ground with others, especially for students in Irvine, who are always exposed to a diversity of viewpoints.
Though divisions are not new to this country and can be seen throughout history, such as during the Civil Rights Movement or the Vietnam War, the presence of social media exacerbates the issue. Misinformation, echo chambers, and disagreements over plain facts are some of these dangers that students are subjected to, feeding into the ever-widening political gap.
Many students, like Senior Liv Thoennes believe this leads to a lack of communication between different groups on campus. “People have been more divided politically because people tend to take extremisms… it doesn’t allow people to think about what the other side is thinking,” Thoennes said.
This lack of understanding can be seen clearly in debates online and on campus between students over prevalent issues in the country, like immigration, LGBTQ rights, abortions, and the Gaza genocide, amongst others. Critical discussion of topics such as these is extremely important, but many have noted that often these differences are not treated with respect.
It is impossible to have a productive conversation when either party holds disdain or a lack of empathy for the other. Most recently, the public was divided online over Charlie Kirk’s death, leading to many heated exchanges on platforms like Instagram between Woodbridge High students, some even going as far as publicly calling others “degenerates,” amongst other insults.
This occurs on campus as well, with many students, like junior Kurtis Stenson, agreeing that it is common for others to allow their political disagreements with people to affect their treatment of them. “Allowing political beliefs and values to change the way you respect others is when certain lines need to be drawn with politics in educational environments,” Stenson said.
Though it may seem extremely challenging, countless students still strive to navigate politics effectively and maintain friendships in spite of these challenges, within reason. Students such as junior Aashni Garg believe it is important, and completely reasonable, to interact with people with opposing stances. “I do think it’s possible for people with differing political beliefs to be friends, but I think they need to have boundaries, as is the case with every relationship,” Garg said.
Having connections with people who hold a variety of opinions is essential to broaden one’s perspective and foster empathy for others. Interacting only with those who have the exact same ideas can lead to a narrow mindedness that leaves one stuck in potentially harmful ideas, lacking the opportunity to grow or change one’s mind. But, these discussions are only possible if people are met with enough respect to feel secure enough to have them.
But, despite this call for productive political conversation, students still recognize that in some cases it is important to draw the line on creating friendships across the divide. For many, some issues are too essential to their core values to associate with those who disagree.
“It’s possible to become friends if you’re not literally disagreeing over a genocide or the fact that minimum wage is supposed to be a livable wage, given that people disagree in the present day about basic human rights,” alumni Amber Wang said.
Furthermore, students believe it is impossible to cultivate connections with people whose stances invalidate one’s own or others’ humanity or identity in any way. Though it is crucial to explore other’s viewpoints, many agree these stances are just too hateful and harmful to even consider, since they depart from politics and enter the realms of prejudice. And, they are understandably unwilling to be friends with someone who wishes to deny them of their own rights, or even existence.
“I feel like there’s been an extreme blur between politics and human rights,” Stenson said. “If someone’s views step away from politics and begin to step into harmful positions, that is where the friendship must end.”
Despite all this, there is hope for Woodbridge High to navigate these issues, and much progress has already been seen. For instance, teachers have gotten involved to help alleviate the issue. Namely, they guide students on identifying misinformation, support students’ ability to have effective discussion, and teach students to evaluate information independently without being overly influenced. This can be seen in activities such as Socratic seminars, research projects, and argumentative essays.
In the Education Week article, “Schools Are Now Political Battlegrounds. We’ve Been Here Before” author Lauraine Langreo asserts that education is critical.
“Schools should teach media literacy and critical-thinking skills so students can evaluate on their own any information they read or hear…schools should develop students’ ability to engage with different perspectives,” Langreo writes.
Moreover, especially in Irvine, which prides itself on its diversity, everyone gets the privilege to meet people from many different backgrounds which shaped their opinions, allowing students to not be blinded by their own limited personal experience.
As author Tess Brigham explained in her Forbes article, “How Expanding Your Perspective Can Transform Your Life,” this openness can lead to a greater sense of empathy and fulfillment. “Instead of immediately rejecting opposing viewpoints, we could look for the humanity in others, understanding that their experiences have shaped their beliefs,” Brigham writes. “This type of empathy can lead to real dialogue and problem-solving, rather than further division.”
Finally, many students use the internet and social media to inform themselves on current events and a variety of viewpoints. They use their platforms to raise awareness on issues important to them, express themselves, share their stances. This helps increase students’ interest in and knowledge of politics, while giving them insight on other students’ opinions and allowing them to thoughtfully form their own.
All of these efforts contribute the kind of healthy political engagement that is crucial for conserving a democracy dependent on an informed public–and to a healthy school culture which thrives because of its differences, not in spite of them.
