VOL. XIII, NO. 2
OCTOBER 8, 1971

Mutual Respect Is Needed On High School Level
There are very few things today that can be considered non-controversial. But the very old tradition of pep rallies fits into this elite group. A pep rally is a harmless thing that does not criticize or exclude any particular group.

Last year pep assemblies at Maine West were made non-mandatory and open to those who were interested. Those who enjoyed them went and those who didn't stayed away. So what has happened to the pep rally? There were two groups who were doing what they wanted, and yet one has been cut short; why?

There are many "causes" that different student groups have taken for their own, such as that of ecology. They expect to be respected for their interest in this area, but many refuse to respect the others for their interest in sports. Each group is following its own beliefs and should be equally condoned.
 The basic feeling behind a pep rally is that of pride. Pride is a universal virtue that should be precious to all of us. It doesn't matter whether this pride is in oneself or in the school.

Admittedly the cheering pep rallies of the past may be outdated, but this does not mean that they should be disbanded. The interested students can modify their assemblies to fit their needs and wants.

Almost every student and teacher at Maine West would agree that they are for the cause called peace. A pep assembly is not all that important, but it is a very small way of unifying people. And if we cannot respect people for their own beliefs on the high school level, I have little hope for the future of this whole country.