Vast multitude of political views at Carrillo

Bella Zarate, senior, speaks during JSA meeting (Photo: Myiah Lucio, The Puma Prensa)

By Ella Chong, staff writer

Here at Carrillo there are many students who have formed strong personal political opinions. Though politics are polarizing, meaningful conversation about them is beneficial in helping us understand each other. I took some time to interview my more politically-inclined peers and discover what has helped them formulate their political stances. My interviewees differed in their stances but shared a common thread of welcoming respectful discussion with anyone, which I found to be incredibly inspiring. 

Senior Ellison Acosta leans left, supporting Green Party ideas because she believes the advancement of infrastructure and anti-environmental technologies are the root of larger systemic issues. Acosta registered as a Democrat though, acknowledging that third-party candidates are often not taken seriously. She is an anomaly in her right-leaning family, so she believes where she grew up had more of an influence on her as all of the states she has lived in have been blue. Being a woman has shaped her views, and she said, “I don't support people or policies that directly harm me…my friends, or my family,” mentioning as an example the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Acosta said, “It just so happens that most of the people and platforms that harm me (and many other minority groups at that) come from the Republican party.” She believes the government functions best with progressive policies, but said, “I believe that discussion is the best way to broaden your views, especially when it is with those who disagree with you.” While she is not outrightly vocal, if politics come up she doesn’t shy away from discourse.

Showcasing different views, junior Gabriel Sitton is a Republican. “Everyone in the United States should have equality of opportunity under a smaller, less controlling government,” said Sitton.“Equality of outcome is very different because it is up to those who reach for their success and put in the time, work, and effort,” he said. Sitton doesn't believe his race, sexuality, ethnicity, or culture have impacted his beliefs, but his family history has, and mentions family members who have served for the country. He believes he will always remain conservative, but added, “If it came down to a Democrat president who I thought was the better choice, then I would vote for the Democrat.” Sitton is happy to have a respectful conversation with anyone, and said, “I am a conservative Christian male in California, which for some people doesn't go over well because they have already made up their mind on who I am and what I stand for.” Sitton believes politics don’t make him who he is, and stated, “just because people are Republicans, conservatives, right-leaning…it doesn't make them racist, homophobic, misogynistic, [etc.].” He believes anyone can be those things, no matter their political affiliation.

Sofi Pardo is a Senior and moderate Democrat who supports Republican stances of low taxes and limiting the budget deficit, but finds purpose in Democratic topics such as abortion rights, gun policy, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC rights, and accessible health care. Her parents were her initial influences, being Democrats. When she began taking government classes she started basing her thoughts off of her morals, and now lovingly bickers with her father on proper pronoun usage, gender, and personal expression. Her Mexican heritage and queer identity primarily shape her beliefs. “I tend to push most of my energy into fighting for an equitable future for all minorities, with a strong emphasis on the Latino community,” said Pardo. She added that her atheism causes her to base her thinking in rationality, not religion and stated, “I take what I identify with and what is most meaningful to me into my politics since they are often threatened by conservative agendas.” Pardo tries to form her opinions with a mix of reliable news and personal morals but added, “I would be lying if I said the [liberal] media I digest does not influence my politics.”. Pardo is upfront about her beliefs, and said, “You can't understand all of me without seeing what motivates or angers me,” and additionally, “My ideas are me, and I love to share myself!” Like Sitton, she shares a message of wanting discourse devoid of assumptions. 

Sophomore Shravan Sundaram leans liberal and has strong opinions on many different issues. He said, “I wake up one morning and marvel at the possibility of owning an entire rifle collection, and later in the day I might bash gun owners in my head.” His main beliefs remain constant, and he said, “I am heavily opposed to the idea of "affirmative action" used by some college admissions officers, as well as the overturning of Roe v. Wade. I also strongly support police reform, and oftentimes, limited government.” Sundaram’s views are mostly formed through social media and being the child of two middle-class Indian immigrants, which results in his leftist stance. He said his race additionally leads him to believe affirmative action tactics are discriminatory towards white and Asian people. “Why should I have to work extra hard to get into a decent college because of my race?” Sundaram asked, also inquiring, “And why are Blacks and Latinos looked down upon as too "impoverished" and too ‘uneducated’ to do as well in school?” He expects his wider perspectives to be constantly evolving, and stated, “if your political beliefs remain permanent…you have been living inside an ideological echo chamber all your life.” As for how he consumes his political knowledge, he said, “I try not to get stuck ingesting news from only one content creator to avoid extreme bias…being spoon-fed to me.” Sundaram mentioned Junior Senate of America, Carrillo’s political debate club also known as JSA, saying it is where he can be politically vocal. Outside of JSA, he said, “Please, for the love of God, don't be that person.”

Another JSA member is Senior Gemma Ahern who leans far left and is a registered Democrat. Ahern supports reducing military spending, implementing universal health care, improving public education, reforming the justice system, protecting the environment, and promoting equality. Her parents laid her political foundation, but in recent years her friends, social media, and community hold more influence. Growing up in Santa Rosa, with the prevalence of homelessness and fire destruction, has made her especially passionate about government sponsored mental health support and fighting climate change. Ahern stated, “I grew up Catholic, and…that's been foundational to my beliefs rather than contrary to them.” From Catholicism, Ahern drew messages of always being kind and offering help to others, even those who society deems “unworthy.” This forms her main belief that the government should take responsibility in improving the world. Ahern noted, “I tend to be rather idealistic with my vision of the future, [and] I know changes I want to see happen soon are often not practical or feasible to implement.” She is vocal, and said, “I'm not the kind of person to keep quiet when I'm passionate about something.” Ahern added that her opinions are flexible, and she is open to changing her mind for a convincing argument.

Notoriously vocal Senior Rami Nacouzi comes from a large family with strong opinions.“Having original opinions on politics is rendered impossible, thus I am a reflection of this amalgamation of people’s beliefs,” he said. He calls himself a social-libertarian and said, “I believe that every individual is entitled to natural rights (Life, liberty, and property) that should not be trespassed against by any governmental body.” He added, “I believe individuals have the right to bear arms, have abortions, marry whoever they want, and have true equality.” As for how his identity shapes his views, Nacouzi attempts to live life as a “good” catholic, while understanding that others may not align themselves with the same religious beliefs. He welcomes change but believes his intrinsic values of God, family, and equality will remain constant. He holds strong opinions on many topics, and stated, “God granted us free will and by golly, I will use it.” Nacouzi also has a strong dislike of party politics, and said they cause the great harmony of civil discourse to be lost. He acknowledged that realistically he must vote for political candidates who do not truly represent him, calling it the “price a person must pay to live in a great democracy,” and concluding that he is forced to be an unsatisfied democrat.

These individuals are politically-minded and their views vary due to personal experiences and situations. The beauty of politics is that they open up discourse, solving problems and harboring unity. Ingesting such vastly different perspectives often inspires people to do some research of their own and gives hope for the diversity of American democracy. Though political discussions often result in agitated arguments, opening up about such topics is vital to progressing as a society. So start talking to your peers, conversing with them beyond the daily niceties, and grow as a person in the process.