MINIMUM WAGE DEBATE

RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE: WHAT DO HIGH SCHOOLERS THINK? BY BRIVAN IBRAHIM

Recent political events have left many Americans uneasy and wary of bringing up the topic of politics. Differing opinions have caused tension in the U.S. for a long time now, but avoiding the topic will not solve anything. In order to truly combat the division that has taken place, it is necessary to face the issue head-on. Since President Biden began running for office, he has made it clear that he plans to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Many people completely support this, believing it would aid struggling families, while others claim it would only hurt small businesses. Opinions of high schoolers in North Royalton are no different.

Any student nowadays would agree that political opinions are seldom brought up or discussed. In fact, teachers, as well as students, are often encouraged to not discuss anything political in order to promote an unbiased environment and avoid offending anyone. However, while contrasting views may sometimes cause controversy, they are crucial to the development of a socially aware individual.

A junior at North Royalton High School weighed in on the issue. “I know a lot of people feel uncomfortable talking about politics because of everything that’s been going on lately. But I think as long as we’re respecting other opinions, we can talk about our different views,” the student said. Speaking about his own political beliefs, he said, “When Trump was running, me and my parents supported him because we knew his policies would help our family business grow. If Biden raises the minimum wage, I don’t think our bakery would survive.” His dad, a graduate of Kent State, opened a bakery in Strongsville just four years ago. Although they’ve managed to make it through the pandemic, they don’t believe they can make it through a wage raise.

However, not everyone agrees with this. Olivia Johnson, a senior who is homeschooled but takes College Credit Plus classes at Tri-C, said, “I don’t think it’s fair that some people are only getting paid 8 or 9 dollars an hour. That’s barely enough to live a comfortable life.” Indeed, under the current minimum wage of $8.80 in Ohio, an adult with more than one child would be living below the poverty level. Many like Johnson believe that a rise in the minimum wage is essential, especially with recent financial problems that families are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a matter of fact, research conducted by Cleveland State University found that families in Cleveland and its suburbs have been hit harder than most other large metro areas in the United States. For most of these families, the future remains unclear and uncertain, with this raise in the minimum wage being their only hope.

In North Royalton, political opinions about wages are diverse and varied among teens, representing the general public opinion of the United States. Despite their differences, these students can learn from and respect one another, a characteristic that everyone should embody. By uniting despite disagreements, everyday Americans, as well as politicians, can overcome any obstacles they face.