By Preston Bellini | City of MacArthur, Cameron County

The Ethics Discussion that took place within Todd Wehr Hall on Sunday involved ethical discussion on two topics: abortion and gun rights. The point of this discussion was to lose political affiliation, openly discuss one’s own values, and become enlightened through learning of others values.

While you typically would expect discussion involving teenage boys to be chaotic, it was quite docile and the discussion had many unique points — one being whether these topics were societal or self-issues.

The discussion about gun rights accented this point as whether the recent flux of gun violence and school shootings were influenced by societal influences or one’s own self. One hypothetical situation brought up was the stigmatization of mental illness by society which, as a result, could have caused those living with a mental illness to not seek professional help resulting in this flux.

The other primary topic discussed was the morality of abortion. There were many points people spoke to on the topic, but the general consensus in the room was that it was strange for men to be discussing the reproductive rights for women.

Women have fought for this reproductive right so it can be interesting and potentially odd for men to be discussing the rights of women.

Overall, the topics discussed were an amazing experience to understand the views of others.

The discussion led to great conversations between citizens, but the main point of the session wasn’t the context within the discussion, it was more about leading conversation and being respectful of others viewpoints.

This ideal is essential for life beyond Badger Boys State and will help to be successful with school, jobs and life in general.

The next discussion will be Wednesday, June 14 from 4p.m.-4:45p.m. at Bear Auditorium in Farr Hall on the topic of President Trump’s first year.