The OP’s essay is supposed to be his own idea and work product, and is a method by which the college can get a better picture of the applicant’s originality, thinking and writing style. It’s dangerous for the parent (or anyone else) to try to micromanage this since it could sabotage the student’s chances, and this is only the first of many, many things the student will be doing, the parent being completely unable to micromanage. That said, as many have pointed out, the student has to weigh the cost/risk of disregarding his parents’ wishes or trying to submit it in a secret way. If he can just get into college/get it paid for by them or in other ways, no parent will have the energy/opportunity to find out what the student is up to on campus. It will become a tiny / forgotten issue down the road although as said, indicative perhaps of bigger issues in the family.
My mom suggested a few topics to me, but I ended up not writing about any of them. While they were ideas that were unique to me, they could have been topics that seemed like a “sob story” or revealed unflattering topics. So I went on my own path and I think my essay turned out well, while having a flair of me. My mom proofed it today, and said nothing negative or threatening about the topic. While your parents do know you well, it is important to be independent. I would definitely suggest doing what others have said, and having other people look at it. It may not be as controversial as your parents think it is, and you could maybe even use what others say about it to convince them it is actually a good idea. Use your gut–ultimately the essay should speak to you. If it’s not something you’re proud of, or something that you think reflects you, you shouldn’t submit an essay like that.
In another thread, a high stat kid didn’t get into a state school and many mentioned it could have had something to do with his listing being in a student organization for Trump. Perhaps the parents are seeing a red flag like this, something that is risky to include, and maybe their judgement is just wrong, but it is how they feel…if the GCs gave it a green light it seems it should be good to go. Cutting him off is ya, just silly, but their prerogative.
@blueskies2day I just looked at the post. Most the comments said that the post was fake
An update, I gave it to my GC and he absolutely loved it!
Good luck transmitter2342. My D didn’t want me to read her essay but I did (on the sly) and I so wanted to tell her to make changes but I did not. There are some schools she can’t contemplate why she wasn’t accepted…I think I know why but I’ll never tell.
I am so happy to hear that! That really means a lot because GCs read A LOT of college essays. Have you told your GC the situation with your parents? Have you asked your GC for advice on how to talk to them about this? Hopefully, the GCs reaction will give you the confidence to stick to your plan and use this essay.
@brantly Thank you for your support! I did not mention my situation to my GC. Do you think I should?
Yes, I think you should. She what kind of advice he/she has. You don’t have to follow the advice if you think it won’t be appropriate for your situation, but just see what he/she has to say.
I agree, talk to your GC. I think your parents’ fears are unfounded, and your topic would help more than hurt you given what admissions committees are looking for.
Will do! @intparent @brantly
@brantly @intparent Another update, I tried talking to my parents about, but they aren’t willing to give in, and I’m forced to draft another essay. I think I’ll try to have my teacher and GC talk to them, but I’m short on time.
FWIW, DS wrote an essay that his dad thought was "stupid ". I liked it but thought it needed polishing. HIS CC thought it was perfect as it really explained him and reinforced what recommenders had said, etc. At 2 schools, when he went back for accepted students day, people from admissions sought him out to tell him his essay had been one of their favorites. GO figure. BUT the point is that in our case, the CC got it right. NOT us parents!
Send that essay. Trust your instincts.
College admissions aren’t ‘general public’. I Know that right now trying atmosphere is polarized, but I can assure you college adcoms will absolutely appreciate it at a minimum and will likely really like it.
Update: I talked to my parents and took a majority of the advice given to me on how to approach them. I even emailed several people at my list of colleges in regards to my essay, and they all encouraged me to send my essay, yes I went that far. At first, I didn’t show them the responses I got, I told them that my teachers and GC liked it and they didn’t think of it as much, and proceeded to drone on and on about how they got their graduates degree etc. Then I don’t know what happened but I just completely broke down from all the stress, grades, etc (not trying to seek any sympathy or pity) and proceeded to show them the responses I got; they finally gave in. I would like to thank you all so much for helping me approach my parents in the most respectful, yet productive way. It finally worked! 
I’m very happy for you!
@transmitter2342 I’ve been following this thread and have been rooting for you!! I’m so happy that you’ll be able to submit the essay you’ve written. Please keep us updated on your admissions decisions!! Best of luck!!
Thank you!! @outtahere2017 @AroundHere
Yay! Good for you. Glad you persisted and prevailed.
One question: When you say that you “emailed several people” at your list of colleges, do you mean admissions officers? You explained your dilemma, and they encouraged you to send the one you wrote?
Congratulations for your persistence in doing what’s right - both in behaving calmly with your parents, and in standing up for yourself. Do keep us updated on what happens!