I represent the teens and youth in Palo Alto, and the wider Bay Area, who hold conservative values. We are a silent minority, and oftentimes you may not see our political views and social values. We are the people who sit next to you, who enjoy boba and lunch together, who gossip with you. We are not what you may think we look like. We are not all white. We are not all from gun-owning families with middle-aged parents who wear a MAGA cap wherever we go. We are not all Christian evangelicals who seem out of touch with today’s society and morals. We are not all “brainwashed” by our conservative parents. For example, I am Taiwanese-American. My parents are consistent Democratic voters. In contrast, I am a conservative. Our political values don’t align, yet we still love each other.
With the rise of “cancel culture,” and the new phenomenon of “wokeness,” we are afraid to share our values, afraid of our identity, and afraid to hold political discourse because of the fear we have of being rejected or “canceled” by those around us. If we dare say that we are pro-life or go even so far as to say that we believe there are only two genders, an unspeakable belief, we are instantly labeled as hateful, bigots, deluded, or brainwashed. Once, wanting to open a political discussion, I asked a friend of mine who attends Gunn, “What is a woman?” He instantly shot back, “I do not know and I will be canceled if I answer that question,” and ended the conversation. The reality is, we are not intent on encroaching on other people’s rights or hating on others. We are just your fellow classmate, friend, brother, or sister.
I believe that we, as humans, are more than just trying to yell louder than the other side, and refuse to sit down and have discussions on what has become a sort of taboo in our society: sensitive political and social issues like the death penalty, abortion, gun rights, and even LGBTQ+ topics. It breaks my heart when someone claims that they would never associate with a Republican. We are afraid to speak out.
I believe that we, as humans, are capable of sitting down and having discussions on topics like these without calling names at each other, to understand each other’s views and still be as connected, no, even more connected than we first were. My hope is that we, as conservative teens in Palo Alto and the Bay Area, historically one of the most liberal areas in the United States, will be empowered to speak out for our beliefs, and not be afraid, in a culture where people listen.
My hope is that we, as conservative teens in Palo Alto and the Bay Area, historically one of the most liberal areas in the United States, will be empowered to speak out for our beliefs, and not be afraid, in a culture where people listen.
To my fellow students who lean liberal, you fight for what you believe is love, tolerance, acceptance, and freedom. Yet, “cancel culture” goes against that. My plea to you is, if you are fighting for your interpretation of “Love is Love,” and “No Human is Illegal,” be open to listen to us, the conservative side, and have a discussion. The key for fruitful discussion to happen is for teens in Palo Alto to be able to listen to the other side.
To my fellow teen conservatives, I plead with you also to listen to those who lean to the left. As we fight for what we honestly believe to be the right to life which starts at conception, those who are pro-choice fight for what they honestly believe to be women’s rights. We need not necessarily condone their view, but we must see where they come from and be able to have a discussion on it. However, just as important is speaking out. Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, pro-choice students staged a walk-out, so why can’t we, as pro-life students, stage a March for Life rally, young and unafraid? Let us rise up and show the world what we believe, and be proud of our views. My fellow teen conservatives, we are the new face of conservatism in America. Soon, the old generation will be no more, and we will be the next to fight.
I do not necessarily argue for unity. Many issues are so important that we cannot compromise. What I do argue for is for both sides to listen to each other, and yet be unafraid to speak out, as humans with civility, not as brute beasts. Not like those who stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, with gallows prepared for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Not like those who marched in front of the houses of Supreme Court Justices following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, one of whom was planning to assassinate Justice Kavanaugh. I am calling you, whoever you are and what you believe in, today to not only be able to fight for what you believe in, but also be able to listen to the other side, so that we may sit down and hold fruitful discussions with no fear of being “canceled.”
A former US president once said: “Never cease to be proud of who you are and the principles you hold dear and stand by. Wear your values as a badge of honor. Go out, have a great time in life, remember your duty, honor your history.” Today, let us listen thoughtfully, and speak boldly.
Connor Chin is a sophomore at Ocean Grove Charter School. In his free time, he enjoys playing the violin, studying competitive chemistry, and playing soccer.