Ignorance Denies Truth, Reality
by Abbey Moland
I have overcome the shock that yes, there are many Marian girls who participate in activities such as smoking, drinking, using drugs and having sex. I am positive many of my fellow classmates could vouch for this statement. I would even guess that most of us could even project a pretty accurate percentage of Marian girls who are regular participants.
As the Network staff, we attempted, as part of our in depth spread, to anonymously survey the student body with a detailed, voluntary questionnaire concerning everything from alcohol and drug use to sexuality. The survey was not approved by the administration due to concern that publishing results may lead bad press for Marian. I do not disagree with this deferral. In fact, I do agree with the fact that the best place to display this information is not in the school newspaper. It would also be very irresponsible of the Network and the administration to publish such information without first preparing a very detailed, responsive plan of action. I am not sure, however, that any of us are quite prepared to confront the reality of this information. It is my personal feeling that Marian girls display averages substantially lower than the national averages, but I am also aware that there are some students who feel the opposite is true. We cannot assume that because we go to such an academically accelerated, Catholic, all-girls school that we are immune to these problems.
This can no longer be denounced as normal, adolescent behavior. Reality craves immediate attention and action. Underage drinking, smoking, drug use and casual sex is extremely widespread. It is nothing new. But our society refuses to acknowledge the existence of these problems because there is a question of maintaining a certain reputation . It is almost as if everyone knows about the reality of this condition, yet heads are still being turned in the other direction. Society should be concerned about providing students with the information and the support they need to make more appropriate decisions, and should seek to prepare alternative weekend activities.
Students do not realize the severity of the problem, nor do parents, teachers or the school administration. Alcohol is easy to get. Drugs are very accessible. Sex is hardly contemplated before carried out-- even in an all-girls, private, Catholic school. We cannot act surprised anymore when we hear of a Marian girl being given an MIP or cited for drug paraphernalia if we do not attempt to recognize that this behavior is a habitual occurrence. To ignore these realities is to condone them Ignorance can no longer be the excuse. Students must realize that there is more to life than conforming to a particular social scene. Parents, who are possibly in the most denial, must realize that it is very possible their daughters are willing and regular participants. Schools must also acknowledge this . The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging the fact that there is one. It is time to address the reality at hand. Oh. And for the record, the administration did approve this one.