He is very interested in “current affairs”, in particular he is a big Donald Trump supporter, believes Socialism/Communism is the road to ruin, believes that “Climate Change/AGW” is a huge hoax designed to bankrupt the US and enrich our competitors. He believes that “Diversity” is just Orwellian speak for segregation, and that the only true form of freedom is individualism as envisioned by our founding fathers and expressed in the Constitution.
In touring CA, he noticed signs proclaiming classrooms as “Safe Spaces” and “Check your white priviledge”.
Will my son be bullied by students and teachers for speaking out against these “virtural signalers”??
He is happy to debate his postions and provide support for his positions. He is happy to listen to opposing positions, but he will happily point out false premises and “fake news”.
I hope others will add insight. my guess is he will likely be made to feel uncomfortable for believing things that are demonstrably false but not bullied. What I mean is he’s going to meet people who 1) won’t just let it go 2) can match his debate skills and poke holes in the falsehoods. I’d say it will probably/hopefully be good for him.
I’d also say there are a lot more people around here who are liberal but not socialist than the general news would have you think. There’s far more diversity of opinion than anyone in power understands.
Beyond his political views, is he easy to get along with? Does he have an outgoing, fun, welcoming personality? This will be the key.
One of my kids is as liberal as they come and she’s great friends with a boy who is very conservative. They are basically the yin and yang of their class. The difference is how they interact with each other. They don’t “debate” just to “win” and they both are pretty social and outgoing.
Political “moderate” here. He will likely get sniping, of the type in post #2, but it sounds from your OP that he can handle it and dish it back. It will definitely be good for the school that he goes. There will be situations where he will have to dial it back and/or be ambiguous about what he really thinks. If he enjoys debate and is psychologically secure, then I would say go for it. There are moderate/libertarian/conservative students on all campuses. But obviously this would have to be his decision.
I’m assuming the OP posted examples to frame the context of the question, rather than start a political debate, which would get the thread shut down.
The majority of students at most BSs (like most colleges) are liberal in their politics, but have advocates for all political views. Based on my son’s comments about political clubs and discussions at his BS, those who are thoughtful and respectful of others opinions and are not constantly seeking to argue (even if considered respectful) are not marginalized. But like in adulthood, nobody really wants to be around the person that just can’t stop harping on a topic, whether it’s politics, religion, etc.
Bullying (which would include mocking) is a separate issue and most (if not all) schools have strong policies against such behavior, whether it’s regarding politics or any other characteristic.
It really comes down to how the institution handles students that hold views that challenge the beliefs held by most at this purported very liberal school. We’d all like to believe that diverse opinions would be protected, respected and debated, but we know that isn’t always the case.
I’d suggest finding someone that has attended the school and share beliefs similar to your son to see how they were treated.
Kids may not bully, but Climate Change is a hot button among young people regardless of one’s position on the liberal-conservative spectrum and may cause a lot of intense debate.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Just so we’re clear on concept, the OP is asking if the kid will be mocked and/or bullied. S/he did not ask for anyone’s views on climate change, which would be considered as off-topic posts and will be dealt with accordingly per ToS.
MX is neighbors with CA and I’ve had interactions with and heard enough about CA to get somewhat of a perspective.
CA and MX are both largely liberal schools, and your son certainly is going to have a hard time finding supporters or other kids with the same perspective. I would not go as far as bullying at all, there is a level of respect that is demanded of students and I have yet to see it crossed due to simple debates. Since (at least I find) MX and CA such similar schools maybe I can offer a perspective of a conservative kid at MX. Liberals are certainly the majority on campus and I have heard a few remarks commenting “oh X is a Republican, or X is a supporter of Trump”, but as far as friendship goes, conservatives are not segregated or excluded (and I feel arguably its easier for guys). Now yes, your son will have to time after time debate and try to prove his points, but the teachers would never go further then pointing out a fallacy and never actually belittle a student.
Regardless, your son is a member of society and will eventually go out into the world where he will have to defend whatever his views are. Prep school is going to be no different. I believe Prep schools are a great place to challenge your beliefs and that’s how you grow. However if you or your son would prefer a homogenous community of beliefs or of majority support, then I would not recommend CA (or most talked about BS in this forum)…
Bullied? Probably not? But he WILL feel the pointy end of a lot passionate, smart arguments from kids that are disgusted and horrified by perspectives like “climate change is a hoax.” I would be surprised if he didn’t feel some level of ostracization. If he has the exact right kind of personality, maybe it will not be an issue. But making those sorts of argument IRL at most boarding schools is likely to produce rough social sailing, although he may find a pocket or two of like-minded thinkers.
^ Per @skieurope’s comment, this isn’t about rightness or wrongness. As far as that goes, the person with the minority position is typically the better debater, because they have to do it more often. I remember growing up as an athesit/antitheist in a religious community and I had to deal with this all the time. Looking back, I don’t think my arguments were all that great, but I would still “win” debates more often that not, because the other side just wasn’t ready for me.
Your son is young…I can remember reading Atlas Shrugged as a 17-year-old and seeing the world in a whole new light…in later years, I cringed.
I don’t believe that well-thought-out conservative (or liberal) stances will hurt anyone . On the factual front, he’ll just need to work on his defense. (it’ll be good for him
@SouthernHope Well-stated. It’s better to be wrong when young and right when old than the other way around.
Edit: Hillary Clinton joined the “Young Republicans” shortly after starting at Wellesley, having been a “Goldwater Girl” in HS. “Zeal of the convert”, etc.
My impression is that BSs are alive with energy and opportunity for debate on many topics, including politics. As an example, my son told me that a new club, “The Young Anarchists” had their first meeting several weeks ago. The “Young Democrats” and the debate club cancelled their meetings that night to attend, with the “Young Republicans” and many other students. Per his description, it was a fun meeting filled with debate and many different views.
Will he be bullied? No. May he hear perspectives that may change his mind? Yes. Will he realize that some of the vocal and visible affirmation for difference isn’t “virtue signaling”, but critical support for marginalized students? Hopefully!
My son, a political liberal and very interested in current events, roomed for 3 years with a young man whose views are at the opposite end of the political spectrum. They are the best of friends and spent many happy hours arguing with each other. This was not at Concord Academy, but I assume the climate is similar there, and I am sure that if your son treats others with respect, listens to their views, and engages in serious argument, he will have the favor returned by most people.
That would not be a good fit. Yes, he will be made to feel uncomfortable and the discussion will not likely be two sided, you state your opinion and I state mine and we agree to be civil. I wish I could say otherwise. Civil discourse is on life support in this country for people who do not agree with some agendas.
