Opinion Editorials

Opinion/Editorial Article(s):

Moo Deng: Thailand’s Viral Hippo 

By: Ryan Zhao 

Who is Moo Deng and why is she famous? 

Moo Deng, a Thai pygmy hippopotamus who resides in Khao Kheow Open Zoo, isn’t just any ordinary zoo animal. Moo Deng’s unique name translates to the Thai Dish, “bouncy pork.” Born on July 10th, 2024, she became an internet sensation at just 2 months of age! You may be asking yourself: “How was a hippo able to make its way into mainstream media?” Well, it was all thanks to the efforts of zookeeper Atthapon Nudee. The Thai zookeeper frequently documented clips of the hippo’s most adorable and happy moments on Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. The hippo’s infectious positivity and outgoing personality touched the hearts of thousands of online viewers. 

The influence of Moo Deng’s fame was not only present on the internet, but also present in the zoo itself. Following the rise of Moo Deng’s popularity, the Khao Kheow Zoo saw a record-high surge in its number of visitors. As mentioned by the South China Morning Post, “The animal boosted visitor numbers at Khao Kheow Zoo in Chonburi in Eastern Thailand by 50 percent between September 1 and 19.” 

Controversy surrounding Moo Deng’s fame 

Although Moo Deng’s popularity has resulted in great success, it has also caused many controversies. Reports say that people admired the Thai hippo so much that Khao Kheow Zoo established a 24/7 live stream so that people from all around the globe could see it. Many workers at the zoo and people online worried that Moo Deng’s popularity was being exploited to the point where Moo Deng was devoid of any privacy. Another concern was that people may try to kidnap Moo Deng due to her increasingly high value. As a preventative measure, the zoo had to install security cameras to ensure Moo Deng’s safety.  

Reevaluating Drug Policy: New York’s Urgent Call for a Public Health Approach 

By: Sabrina Huang

Are Freshmen Getting Enough Sleep?

By Alina Shakeel

The Rise Of Artificial Intelligence: Is AI beneficial to Society?

By Rashell Gutierrez Meza

What is Artificial Intelligence?

We constantly hear about AI through movies, TV shows, and social media. However, do we really know what it does? Artificial Intelligence (AI), invented by computer scientists, Alan Turig and John McCarthy in the 1950s, is the completion of complex tasks done by computer systems. McCarthy, who is often referred to as the father of AI, coined the term “Artificial Intelligence” as part of a research project in 1955. McCarthy’s study aimed to train a machine that could mimic human intelligence. 

"Although we don’t know where Artificial Intelligence will be in the future, it is predicted to reach $1.81 trillion USD by the end of this decade."

Should October 14th be called Columbus day or Indigenous People Day?

By: Shahruz Sadriddinov, Timothy Chen, Justin Chen

What is Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day?

 Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day is a national holiday that celebrates traditions surrounding Native American customs and heritage. Ever since the holiday became official, many people have debated over whether or not this special day should be called Columbus Day or Indigenous People Day. According to statistics, there is a clear divide between the two options- 55 percent of people call the day Indigenous People’s Day, and 45 percent of people label it as Columbus Day. The name is derived from Columbus’ voyage to the New World (America) on October 12, 1492. It was believed that he was the first to ever find the New Land, although experts believe there had previously been inhabitants.

Why should it be called Columbus Day?

 In August 1492, Columbus, along with 90 men, set sail across the Atlantic Ocean to find a new path to Asia. However, this plan did not go as expected. Columbus ended up discovering the Americas where numerous events unfolded- some even created by Columbus himself! The Columbian Exchange is one of the most notable examples. This exchange involved trades between Native Americans in the Americas and Europeans. If Native Americans desired something that the Europeans had, they would offer something exclusive from the Americas to the Europeans. These exclusive products included potatoes, maize, tomato, tobacco, and much more. 

In return, Europeans would offer domesticated horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, technology, etc. Of course, this trade benefited them both equally in their own ways (Native Americans with better technology and stable food supplies, and Europeans with new crops, and items from the Americas). Eventually, this would begin to formulate the beginning of our nation’s history as well as numerous events to come.

What’s the controversy surrounding this name?

The name “Columbus Day” falls into a lot of controversy when it’s mentioned.

This holiday celebrates Columbus’s arrival in the Americas for the first time, yet it also hides lots of dark and sinister secrets in the shadows of his achievements.

Most are unaware of the backstory of Columbus’ work in the Caribbeans. Although Columbus discovered the Americas, he took advantage of Native Americans for labor. During his stay in the Americas, there were a lot of horrific acts of terror on the Native American lands.

Why should it be called Indigenous People’s Day?

The reason why it should be called Indigenous People’s Day is because Columbus actually landed in the Caribbean. The Natives (Indigenous people) lived in the Caribbeans way before Columbus even arrived there.

 When Columbus’ crew did eventually arrive at the Natives, the people treated them graciously, giving them a place to live and taught them how to farm, too. However, Columbus saw this as a threat and went back to Europe. He gathered many reinforcements and went back to go on a bloody massacre, killing many Native people on the land they lived on. 

The unfortunate Natives that met Columbus and his crew were the Taino people. The Taino people were not only killed, but also turned into servants for Columbus’ crew, so there were very few chances of a rebellion starting. Another way Columbus controlled the Taino people is by bringing some of the Taino people back to Europe to work for them, usually in farms, mines, or personal jobs. Columbus’s crew also brought many diseases over, such as smallpox, measles, influenza, chickenpox, typhus, mumps, and whooping cough. Columbus and his crew were immune to these diseases, however the Taino people weren’t, leading the Taino population to greatly decrease.

Conclusion

The option of calling October 14th “Columbus day” or “Indigenous People’s Day” is based on personal preference. As established before within the article, this topic has been debated ever since the holiday was created. Some want it to be officially called Indigenous People’s Day, because of the crimes Columbus has brought upon the Native population. Others want the day to be officially called Columbus Day because of the new changes Columbus brought when he discovered the Americas. Overall, the option of calling it Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day is really just up to you. Each side of this debate has its own reasons, so choose the one that best resonates with you.

Should Art and Music Classes be Mandatory in Schools?

By: Brianna Zogby

    Can you imagine a world without art, books, music, or movies? Art constantly surrounds us; it’s the purest form of human expression, bringing people together and making them feel understood. Art is what makes us, us. 

Art constantly surrounds us; it’s the purest form of human expression, bringing people together and making them feel understood. Art is what makes us, us. 

My proposal is to give students the option to take either a mandatory music or art class and have said class occur at least once a week after the regular school day ends. For instance, a student could sign up for an art class that takes place on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:00 p.m. At New Utrecht, we have set dismissal times, so depending on your schedule, you could sign up for a different period. As a student myself, I understand that having a lot to do each day is stressful, and I wouldn’t like having an extra class every day. However, by having the classes occur weekly, instead of daily, would lessen the pressure and stress on students.

The Simon Snow Trilogy: A Book

By: Amna Ahmed

 Are you interested in a fantasy twist on the Chosen One trope? Or maybe a murder mystery novel would be more for your taste? Possibly even a  romance novel? Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow, published in 2015, ventures through the story of the Chosen One, Simon Snow, in his last year at Watford’s School of Magicks. As Simon continues his battles against the Insidious Humdrum with his best friend Penelope Bunce, he has to juggle his schoolwork, his relationship with his girlfriend, Agatha Wellbelove, and track down his vampire roommate, Tyrannus Basilton Grimm-Pitch. 

Through plot twists and revelations, Carry On introduces a unique perspective on being a Chosen One: after being abandoned by his parents at an orphanage, Simon was unexpectedly adopted at eleven years old and enrolled into a school full of mages, creatures, and magical missions. His adoptive father sends him on errands to fight against monsters, often leaving him battered and bruised. Additionally, his roommate, nicknamed Baz, has his fair share of battering and bruising Simon, but has gone missing since the beginning of the Eighth Year. While searching for Baz, Simon learns that his girlfriend Agatha is secretly spying on him and has intentions of breaking up. Out of nowhere, ghosts suddenly appear, revealing hidden family treasures, secrets, and the culprit to a murder that took place over ten years ago. 

I had never read a book so clearly queer and confident in queerness.

This book was written so well that by the last sentence, I was nearly weeping. The ending will leave you craving the last book, as it creates an air of suspense and mystery as to what will happen next. Any Way The Wind Blows continues off from this rather ambiguous ending, placing the characters back in England with all of their unsolved personal problems. As Simon continues to struggle with his relationships, this time running away from the problem completely, he discovers there’s a new Chosen One in play, who promises to make the World of Mages magic stronger and better. As Baz parts from Simon, he discovers his step-mother, Daphne, has become indoctrinated into the new Chosen One’s fanclub cult, and hasn’t visited her family for days. 

Meanwhile, Penny helps Shepard get divorced from a demon who he had promised to marry through an idiotic ritual he had done in his bedroom. This book contains a lot of character-building and serves as a perfect ending to the trilogy. Recently, there have been additions such as Snow for Christmas, where Baz introduces Simon to his family and shows how their relationship is after the events of Any Way The Wind Blows. My Rosebud Boy is also another interesting read, where Baz and Simon are situated in an alternative universe. This book series has helped me with getting  through most of my high school life and I would recommend it to everyone I know! 

The Dark Side of Subway Surfing: NYC's Dangerous Trend

By: Sabrina Huang

What is Subway Surfing and why is it dangerous?

Subway surfing has become one of New York City’s most dangerous urban fads. Each year, more teens are drawn to this risky activity– climbing on top of subway trains and posting videos on social media for a thrill-seeking audience. The consequences, however, are stark: injuries, fatalities, and a public safety crisis that the city is struggling to control. In recent months, NYC officials have redoubled their efforts to curb this deadly trend, but social media’s influence has only fueled the fire. With young lives at risk, it's crucial to confront the factors that perpetuate this trend, and prioritize a safer alternative for New York’s youth.

The statistics are alarming. In 2024 alone, the NYPD arrested 163 individuals for subway surfing, up 22% from the previous year, highlighting the prevalence of this activity despite numerous campaigns against it. Although arrests have surged, so have fatalities: five individuals have already lost their lives this year due to subway surfing. These deaths are not just statistics. They represent real people, often young teenagers, whose lives are cut short in an attempt to chase fleeting social media fame. The figures echo a disturbing reality. While the authorities are working tirelessly to deter subway surfing, the influence of social media continues to lure young people into this lethal game.

The MTA has taken various measures to dissuade teens from risking their lives: launching the "Ride Inside, Stay Alive" campaign to raise awareness about subway surfing’s dangers. This initiative, designed with input from young people to appeal to their peers, spreads a stark message across stations and trains, aiming to reach those tempted by this dangerous activity. Alongside the campaign, the NYPD has stepped up its presence in known surfing hotspots, particularly on the J and 7 lines, which traverse elevated tracks and provide easy access for daring climbers. Still, the increase in arrests and continued popularity of subway surfing suggest that these measures are struggling to overcome the social allure and intense rush that drive this dangerous trend.

 For many teens, subway surfing is not just a thrill but an escape from stress and a means of expression in a world that often limits their voice. However, the cost of this self-expression is tragically high. 

At the heart of this issue is a deeper question about youth safety in the digital age. It's clear that a one-sided approach, focusing on only enforcement, isn’t enough. There must be a concerted effort involving parents, educators, social media companies, and community leaders to help young people find healthier, safer outlets for their energy and creativity.

In the end, subway surfing’s popularity is a symptom of broader challenges faced by NYC’s youth in a digital world that amplifies risky behaviors. While the city’s campaigns and police crackdowns are vital steps, they will only make a lasting difference if they are combined with deeper social support and accountability from the platforms that promote this trend. Protecting young people from this dangerous phenomenon requires collaboration, awareness, and a renewed focus on creating a safer environment—both online and offline—before more lives are lost to the allure of subway surfing.