Sidebar
Dear
Ms. Roche,
I don’t like Bishop’s because I get beat
up at school when I’m trying to get my popsicle like those kids at La Jolla
High that go to Rigo’s. Even though I don’t like popsicles because they drip
all over my hands because your campus is way too hot for me, I still get in the
line of sweaty people and emerge with bruises and permanent scars. The mix of
pushing, shoving, and name-calling that occurs in those Fun Friday frozen treat
lines is exactly the type of bullying Mr. Chang warned us about in his
presentation. And, Ms. Roche, how dare you allow those seniors to play country
music? Do you have any respect for people like myself who don’t think Luke
Bryan is a total babe? You are very cunning, trying to reward students for
their hard work with time to relax, listen to music, and relieve their stress.
But I see past your base scheming. It is all a plot to make us miserable. Ms.
Roche, stop being nice to us because everything
is your fault. And let me wear spaghetti straps and sport a bare midriff, for
goodness’ sake. Bishop’s sucks. Oh, and so does the Dungeon. They never go to
any games or do anything.
Sincerely,
Dan Forssman
Now, before I reply to the article written on
Friday I want to make a couple things clear. First, I’m not attempting to be
condescending or rude. I simply have an opinion about the article that I’d like
to convey. Second, I understand what the intention of the article was, but I
believe that it was poorly executed and was unintentionally hurtful to certain
parts of the Bishop’s community.
I first read the article in Mr. Mulgrew’s English
class. We discussed the contents and came to the conclusion that, again, while
we understood the intent, it came off as sarcastic in an unkind way. Calling
this campus “foodless” was probably the point that I was most upset about. The
kitchen staff comes in every morning to the cold and loud “Dining Pavilion” to
make food of a high quality for almost 1000 people. Most schools don’t have the
kind of luxuries ours does with the burrito bar, soup of the day, daily fresh
salad, sandwiches, etc. Also, talking to Ms. Roche in that manner was pretty
disrespectful. She does more than you can even imagine for this school and for
us to be happy here.
As for the attack on Fun Fridays, I can’t see how
that is a legitimate argument. Fun Fridays are something our school sets up to
make us happier. They are purely for our enjoyment. No one is obligated to set
up Fun Fridays, and by the same token, no one is obligated to participate in
them. Also, when you are a senior, feel free to blast whatever music you would
like. But for now, while my class is applying to college and getting through
midterms, we should be allowed to play whatever type of music we want (being,
of course, appropriate and not even that loud)
Free dress, I understand, is accompanied by a
dress code. But let’s be real here. For the past few weeks, I, at least, have
been as cold as an Egyptian after the first snow in 112 years. And even if I
could wear whatever I want, I would rather wear my jeans and hoodie than shorts
and a tank top. Also, I really doubt we are deficient in Vitamin D here in
sunny San Diego when it is the middle of December and, looking outside right
now, I can’t see a cloud in the sky.
I could start a rant now on how there are children
in Africa who would love your sticky drippy popsicle, but I’m sure everyone has
heard of this argument before. It is true though. We are so privileged here
that if all you have to complain about Bishop’s is the free dress, popsicles,
and music, it’s probably a pretty darn great school. And it is.
I do commend the author of the piece for writing
such a bold article, and I really hope this response does not make her stop
questioning authority because that’s one of the most important qualities a
person can have. But just be sure that the actions you are questioning are
actually well worth your time and theirs.
Your fellow “oppressed” student,
Noor
Hamdy ’14 The Voice of the Offended
This message is approved and supported by the
Senior Class.
