Kodak is back in business

Nolan Redhead

Around one decade ago sales of 35mm and medium format cameras fell dramatically. Well-known camera companies around the world halted production of film cameras and made the switch to digital. Fast forward to 2023, film cameras are making a comeback. Due to the increased demand silence. However, most of the students who expressed a distaste for this kind of environment also agreed that there should be some limits on what can and can’t be said in school. for film cameras, Leica decided to restart production of their new line of 35mm cameras. Even Kodak is joining in and launching new cameras as well, reviving the once-bankrupt company.

58% of our student body believes that anyone should be able to state their opinion no matter what the opinion is. Many students shared that everyone should feel safe to express any opinion they have. One student said that while some views are hateful and harmful, the students with these views will never be able to learn and grow out of those views if they never share them. Of those who responded that not all opinions should have a presence, many argued that not all opinions are productive and respectful, and should therefore not be stated. One student remarked that spouting opinions such as “the Holocaust is not real,” is not only inaccurate but also morally wrong.

Fifty eight percent of students believe that teachers are in the right to share their opinions and beliefs in school. Some argue that because teachers are in a position of authority, their opinions greatly influence adolescents and silence the minority opinion. Others argued that like all people, teachers have opinions, and there is a way to share those opinions in a way that broadens students’ minds instead of narrowing them.

Personally I like film photography, I feel like it brings me closer to the photos I take. It also forces me to make sure I get the perfect photo. Because as some of you know, you can not exactly edit negatives with Photoshop or Lightroom. I encourage everyone to purchase a cheap film camera and take some photos with it.

If you have any film photography you would like submitted to the May edition of The Howler, Send your submissions to thehowler@ allendalecolumbia.org. •

Fostering an environment in which we can have open discussions is dependent on our ability as students to have these conversations ourselves. The Howler asked the student body the following question: “Do you think AC has prepared you to be respectful and productive during discussions of these topics?” 38% of students answered yes, 38% answered no, and the other 24% said it depended on the class. From these results, it seems that most of our student body does not feel fully prepared to have these tough conversations inside or outside AC. One student reflects they had to take their own initiative to teach themselves how to have controversial conversations because school never gave them that opportunity. It was noted that Mr. Hunt’s Democracy and Discourse class was a great way to practice communication skills. However, this is only one class and it is usually taken by seniors. That being said, it is important that these skills are fostered in every grade.

Do discussions about controversial topics belong in school settings, and how do we know if opinions have gone too far? The more we looked into these questions the more questions arose. Is it possible that we have created a culture within our school and society in which we quickly cancel and shut down those who disagree with us? Can we all share our opinions in ways that are not hateful or harmful? Who gets to decide what crosses the line? When should we begin learning the skills to listen to people with different opinions, and whose job is it to teach that to us? Students want to answer these questions but it feels like this topic is constantly being pushed into the dark. Now more than ever we need leaders who are willing to listen and speak actively and respectfully. AC’s slogan is “First Here, Then Anywhere,” but if we’re not learning to have civil discourse, then what are we meant to do anywhere else? •