Before I say anything, I must thank all of you who are taking the time to read into an issue that is a localized example of what I believe to be one of the inherently fallible traits of mankind, intolerance, that is preparing to pose more of a threat than ever to American principles. One week ago, Sarurday November 3rd 2007, I read the district guidelines concerning appropriate and inappropriate hairstyles and proceeded to cut my hair in a fasion that I did not perceive to be either distracting or bizarre. This haircut bore striking resemblences in pattern to a mohawk which IS outlined in the Manatee County District Policies as a "bizarre" or "distracting" hairstyle. However, since I once wore my hair like this over the summer and had more individuals than not insist that not only was the haircut not in bad taste, but rather "neat" or "cute". In fact, I had several individuals tell me the haircut was not in fact a mohawk at all, for it was not of longer than "average" length, now was it spiked. Upon arriving at school Monday I was greated with inquiries as to whether or not I thought I was going to get in trouble or not? was it a statement? and usually an assertion by the inquiring individual that the haircut was not a distraction to them, that it looked some synonym of good, and that it should not be an offense that it did not merit consequences because it was in good taste. Now I suppose that the even things done in good taste or that are not aesthetically offensive can be considered bizarre. Furthermore, the simple fact that I had individuals inquiring about consequences in the hall, before school, during lunch, downtime, etc. makes the style a distraction. However, is it the style or the possible consequences that are more of a distraction? I attended school for three days with this style, with no trouble from teachers or administrators. The style was even approved by officials who shall remain anonymous. Midway through the fourth day of my sporting this haircut I was confronted by the Principal at BRHS. He jokingly suggested that I even the hair out. His manner was lighthearted and ultimately respectful, so I figured that I would honor his wishes. That afternoon was busy, as all are for a senior and AP student, and I began the day with three goals. 1) Attend my standing appointment with my gym parteners and complete my regularly scheduled weight training. 2) Get my hair cut. 3) Complete my Senior Project note cards which were do the next day. It was not until after my workout that i realized I had forgotten to make arrangements to deliver a check for $280.00 that was to be a deposit on repairs that would make my vehicle driveable, so that I may stop having to drive the secondary vehicle at my household which is on a lease that has already gone over its lease mileage. By the time that was done it was imperative that I begin work on my Senior Note cards so that I may improve an uncharacteristically poor grade in my AP Literature class, seeing as how the results of the first semester of senior year figure prominently into college applications. Upon returning to class on Friday, all was well until I arrived in the aforementioned AP Literature Class. Ironically, I was called out of the class in which I am currently struggling the most to be sat down in a conference room with the three Vice Principals of BRHS as well as the Principal. The proceedings were ultimately one-sided. Said Principal proceeded to use a combination of rhetorical questions and, what I perceived as condisending and accusational, tones to make it clear that his interpretations of county policies were not open to question. His word was, in fact, final and despite my assertions that I perceived homework and family obligations to be of higher priority than a haircut and that the majority, if not entirity, of individuals with whom I spoke did not find the haircut distracting I was sent to "Time-Out" for the rest of the day and threatened with suspension if the style remained on Monday. After gauging the perspective of my peers and other authorities and comparing them with this one particular individual and then comparing and contrasting the events that transpired and the way the chain of command within BRHS workds with the American government I came to several important conclusions concerning the improvement Manatee Couny School District policies and their enforcement in BRHS and how these ideas correlate with American values that may be essential to the very survival of our nation's future.

 Before I introduce these conclusions, it is vital that everyone reading this understand that I believe whole-heartedly in living lives guided by principles ofrespect, self-discipline, compassion, integrity and tolerance and that one would do well to carry themselves with dignity, grace, kindness, and accountability. I am not sure how many of you would agree, but the beauty theirin is that we live in a nation that affords us the opportunity to disagree as long as these disagreements are not asserted violently and/or destructively. We should all be thankful to live in a nation that undoubtedly affords American Citizens more lifrestyle choices and opportunities on a daily basis than many living in other nations will have in their lives. However, I don't think that we as citizen of this nation have not yet earned the right to claim America to be a cultural and ideological melting pot, without being greatly hypocritical. The metaphor of a melting pot suggests that the ingredients blend together to form one cohesive substance in which each ingredient adds a unique taste and texture. This nation has not yet learned how to appreciate, or even truely except, the unique flavor and taste each component adds to the mix. Throughout America's history, and even pre-history, each component of this society has fought visciously to assert their interpretations and values ahead of those of all others. Such conflicts occured when early colonists in North America and conquistadors in South America took it upon themselves to wipe out entire nations of Natives. Further examples include the cultural/economical/militray conflicts between the North and South U.S. during the civil war, complete segregation that lasted into the 60's and the list goes on. The point is, yes we have a great deal of freedom and opportunity in this country, but what is the point of living in a diverse nation, and being free if we don't use our voices to do good and further cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, or at least tolerance? How can I believe that this country really rewards hard work and excellence, is diverse and free, and supposedly embraces diversity when it allows its educational facilitators to dictate all interpretations of what is reasonable? How is the atmosphere at BRHS condusive to promoting American values at all? I do not believe that Americans can continue to diversify and expand into global markets without not only appreciating, but simply respecting the diversity within our own people. America is entering a new age that will find the stars and stripes no longer flying from the global, technological and economic pedastal. As a national proletariat we have allowed our representatives to be condescending and domineering in foreign relations for far to long and we're in danger of allowing the same thing to happen in our school systems to our own children. It is time for a change. It is time to take a step toward progress that takes us down a road of past, present, and future and leads us across the globe. As it stands, I believe that the interpretations of BRHS's main representative which goes wholly unchecked is decidely un-American. I see the policies as being domineering and encouraging apathy. How can a student population that doesn't believe it can change the mind of it's own principal, change the world? How can those never taught to question be expected to uphold democracy and diversity if we are implored to keep our heads down? I believe that now, as America sits on the edge of its throne, its time to check our national ego. It's time that this first generation of the new millenia took some accountability and learned to stop shouting, to quite the tantrums, to set aside discrimination, to forsake political apathy, and to lead this nation into a near era with dignified discussion as opposed to berating monologues, with an open hand rather than an iron fist, to seek accountability within ourselves, to look up and out upon a world in which we are blessed with much and have an opportunity to uplift ourselves and each other by our own free will. I believe that our new generation ought to have the opportunity to walk down the street converse, collaborate, and compromise and even share humor with an entire populus of diverse, dynamic, and ultimately loving individuals no matter their race, skin color, or hairstyle. If the diverse becomes the norm, if we can appreciate the idea of the individual, and if we can begin to makes compromises when we interpret the ambiguous in a world that will never stop being subjective and ultimately imperfect to all, then we will survive this dethroning, and find it easier than we may have thought to co-exist with our internationational neighbors. If you believe that a nation united by the common thread of individuality and responsible freedom of expression would form a stronger student and even faculty community, and you feel that the philosophies championed by Manatee County District policies and enforced by BRHS representatives stand in the way of that, then I encourage you to use my site as a point of collaboration.

My immediate goal is to draw attention to the issue of Self Expression through a silent, legal, and dignified protest. From there I want to discuss the possibility of an annually elected student comittee that would be able to meet with the school district and discuss the state of self expression in our school system, as well as have a say in drafting district policies governing self expression.  All forward progress must start from somewhere, what better place than here? what better time than now? Just remember, you will be returned only that which you put forward and the manner in which you proceed will determine the respect you are give. Consider it.