SMARTER THAN YOU THINK

This morning I spoke to a group of students on the LULAC student advisory council at Hillcrest High School about media, journalism and writing. The bonus for me was hearing the takes on the demonstration/rallies at City Hall earlier this week. Far, far better than listening to anything on Mark Davis rant-radio.

One young woman said she thought it would have been better for protesters to have used the U.S. flag, not the Mexican flag. Those who waved the latter, she said, “didn’t know anything.” She said that meant that the marches were to show why immigrants wanted to be a part of the U.S., and that the Stars and Stripes would be a symbol of that love for this country, whereas the Mexican flag sent a message that would only turn people off. Smart girl.

A young man who had been at the City Hall marches said he was proud to have taken part, and thought it was important for people to stand up for what they believe. He said that students had to take the initiative because in many cases, parents were intimidated by either being absent from work that day or retribution from the DISD. Also smart.

All the kids at the meeting were bright, well-spoken, ambitious.

As for civil disobedience, if that’s what the marches and class-skipping were, seems to me it’s good to see young people take that much interest in society. Unless I misremember much of American history, it’s part of the tradition the immigrants wish to join.