Destination
The Americas
Be There.
Brazil By Nathan Blancher
Table of Content ARTS SECTION Timeline...................................................................................................................pgs. 2-3 A Great Destination for an Adventurous Traveler.......................................................pg. 5 Surviving in Salvador ..................................................................................................pg. 6 Family Fun to Explore in the Heart of Peru...................................................................pg. 7 The Perfect Honeymoon................................................................................................pg. 8 Safe Passage................................................................................................................pg. 9 Top 10 Activities.....................................................................................................pgs. 10-11 Top Seven Northern and Southern Movies............................................................pgs. 12-13 Top 7 Cities for Food Trips..........................................................................................pg. 14 Mind Your Manners......................................................................................................pg. 15 Bring America Home..............................................................................................pgs. 16-17
NEWS SECTION
Gold Mines in Colombia .........................................................................................pgs. 20-21 Protests in Venezuela Threaten Public Safety....................................................pgs. 22- 23 People Say Talk Is Cheap, But Is It?.....................................................................pgs. 24-25 Police Strikes in Bahia, Brazil..............................................................................pgs. 26- 27
1
THE AMERICAS 1492: Christopher Columbus discovers America.
1776: The Declaration of Independence is signed, and the U.S. becomes its own country.
1917: The U.S. enters World War I against Germany.
1861: The Civil War begins.
1533: The Inca Empire falls to the Spanish.
2
1941: Pearl Harbor is bombed and the U.S. declares war against Japan.
OVER THE YEARS by Michael Karl
1946: The Cold War begins.
1963: John F. Kennedy is assassinated.
1955: The Vietnam War begins.
1969: Neil Armstrong walks on the moon.
3
2001: On September 11, terrorists fly two planes into the World Trade Center towers.
2011: Osama bin Laden is killed by Navy Seals.
Travel 4
A Great Destination for an Adventurous Traveler By Spencer Chunn In Costa Rica there are many things for a tourist to
activities. There are surfboard
through the tropical forests. To
rentals and lessons for
take a break from these
do. Tamarindo has many
activities, you can visit the
attractions and has many
tennis facility, or the golf
things to do as a tourist and
course. You can zip-line
as an adventurer. Tamarindo
through the through the
is located on the west coast
forests which gives you an
of Costa Rica, on the Pacific
aerial view of the forest floor,
Ocean. For the adventurous
and all of this is just a few
traveler, Tamarindo is a great
minutes from Tamarindo
travel destination because of its
A view of the famous Tamarindo Beach.
many activities, restaurants,
minutes away. While you can enjoy all of these activities
bars, and different styles of
any beginners and if you are an
during the day, at night you can
lodging. In Tamarindo, someone
experienced surfer, you can surf
take a break and dine out at the
that is looking for an adventure
along the beaches. You can go
different variety of restaurants,
can do many things in the area,
on sailing tours of the beaches
go to one of the many bars, or
such as exploring the long
and reefs around Tamarindo.
go to one of the nightclubs all in
stretch of beaches, or doing
There is both diving and
the city and enjoy easy going
different water sports and water
snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean
times. For lodging, you can stay
along the beaches and exploring
at fine Bed and Breakfasts, a
reefs. You can also go
rental house, a hostel and all
offshore fishing by chartering
things in between. In
a boat for a day. On the land
Tamarindo, you can explore the
you can explore various
beaches, do a wide variety of
tropical forests and volcanoes
activities, eat at many
with tour guides. You can go
restaurants, and stay the night at
mountain biking, rafting, and
something that fits your budget.
go on ATV tours throughout
Overall, Tamarindo is a great
the area. In addition, there is
place to visit for an adventurer
horseback riding tours
because of its many activities to
A map of Tamarindo.
5
do.
Surviving in Salvador By Nathan Blancher Salvador, Bahia, has one
Portuguese architecture. This is
This would be the ideal time for
of the most rich and vibrant
the area is where most car thefts,
a tourist to explore the historic
cultures in all of Brazil. The
muggings, and people using, or
side of the city.
north of Brazil is the “soul” of
dealing drugs would be. In fact
In lower Salvador, more
Brazil, and one of the most
the chance of safely walking
modern architecture, was
notable places in the north, is
home at night in upper Salvador
designed by Brazil’s wealthiest
Salvador. This city has rich
is only 1.79%!
citizens. This side of Salvador is
!
African and European roots that
filled with luxurious hotels and
are known for song and dance.
beaches, excellent Afro-Brazilian
Yet that same rich culture
cuisine, and a generally lower
sometimes has a negative effect
crime rate, this area is a good
on those who are not apart of it.
atmosphere for tourists. Lower
Occasionally, Afro-Brazilian
Salvador is also home to
people have been known to act
All Saints Bay. A chain of about
violently against cultures or races
One of the many upper class hotels of lower Salvador.
50 small islands great for a beach getaway, diving, horseback
that are different than their own. But this can usually be avoided
There are not many ways
riding, and wind surfing. One of
by trying to immerse yourself in
to stay safe, so if you plan on
these islands is Itaparica.
their culture.
touring upper Salvador, don’t
Itaparica Island is one of the
forget, Tuesday nights are Terca
places thought by the residents of
two different sides. Upper
da Bençao, or Blessed Tuesday.
island villages to be home to the
Salvador, known as Pelourinho,
This is a very good way to
fountain of youth. Many sick and
which is home to older, historic
immerse yourself in the culture.
injured people as well as those
Afro-Brazilian drummers take
who just wish to live forever,
over Pelourinho, with song and
come to drink from this spring.
Salvador is divided into
lead a procession of dancing
All Saints Bay and
tourists and locals through the
Pelourinho are definitely
city's center, depositing them
interesting places to visit. So if
into packed bars along the way.
you choose to venture into Salvador, remember, stay safe,
Historic Portuguese Architecture of upper Salvador.
6
and stay young.
Family Fun to Explore in the Heart of Peru By Michael Karl In Cusco, Peru, families
and Machu Picchu acted as a
can have a taste of historic
retreat for royalty to escape
Incan culture while still
to. However, in 1533, Cusco
enjoying modern festivities.
was defeated by the Spanish
Parents and kids of all ages will
and in 1572, Machu Picchu
enjoy this city at the heart of
was abandoned. Nowadays, the
Peru. It retains its culture from
city of Cusco is filled with
worth your time. The three
the Inca Empire, which is
Spanish influence, as seen in the
layers of walls are composed of
reflected in the art, architecture,
architecture. It is bustling with
giant stones, with many theories
and festivals. However, the
churches and temples, such as
about how the stones were
Spanish influence also
the Qurikancha. Also, the kids
carved. You can visit the Plaza
contributes to the culture,
will love the classic Peruvian
de Armas, where festivals and
especially in the cuisine. There
cuisine available across
ceremonies take place. Children
are many different ways to
different markets. The largest
and adults will also enjoy the
experience Cusco, and any type
market, the San Pedro market, is
Pre-Colombian Art Museum,
of kid or adult will love some
host to a variety of unique
where Incan artifacts such as
part of the unique culture.
products.
ceramics, jewelry, and carvings
The ruins of Machu Picchu stand on a secluded mountainside next to Cusco, Peru.
more
now rest. In addition, you can
primary gateway into Machu
adventurous type, the
visit the Maras salt mines and
Picchu, which is considered part
Sacsayhuamรกn fortress is well
other, smaller ruins.
Firstly, Cusco is the
For
the
Cusco has an enormous
of the region. Machu Picchu is the lost Incan city from
amount of variety in the
hundreds of years ago. Its
activities available. For kids
ruins remain and relics
of all ages, there is
from hundreds of years ago
something to do. You can
lie. Your children will love
have fun whether your kids
to explore the untouched
our adventurous or
Incan ruins and learn about
conservative. If you plan on
the history of the Inca
visiting Cusco, bring the
Empire. Cusco was once the capital of the Incan Empire,
The Plaza de Armas has been host to many historic events and festivals for years.
7
kids and enjoy the activities that the city has to offer.
The Perfect Honeymoon By Jasmine Bellow Maui is a beautiful,
to Wailea Beach to go for walks
costs approximately $110.00 per
tropical island in Hawaii and the
and watch the sunset. Kapalua
adult. While this may seem
perfect place for newlyweds to
Beach and Waikiki State Park are
expensive, couples will
enjoy their honeymoon. This
beaches in Western Maui. Kite
experience the Hawaiian culture
gorgeous island was named the
Beach is one the most famous
include music, dance, and food.
second best honeymoon
beaches, in Northern or Central
Da Kitchen Cafe,
destination by U.S. News Travel.
Maui, for kite surfing.
Flatbread, Coconuts Fish Cafe,
After months of planning for the
Kitesurfing was first originated
Old Lahaina Lu’au, and Fabiani’s
big day, the couples could find
on Kite Beach. Also, there are
Pizzeria & Bakery are some of
lots of rest and relaxation by
many waterfalls, and the tallest
the most favored restaurants in
getting couples messages and
one is in Wailua.
Maui. Travaasa Hana, The Grand
watching the sunset on the beach.
There are many activities
Wailea Resort Hotel Spa, and
Approximately 2.2 million
couples could delight in such as
Fairmont Kea Lani are the top 3
people visit Maui each year. In
tours, hikes, horseback riding, art
hotels commonly used for
2010, the population of Maui was
museums, biking, dinner and a
honeymoons in Wailea, Maui.
144,444 people. The weather in
show, and parks. The number one
The best time to travel to
Maui is very pleasant and has an
attraction in Maui is a reenacted
Maui is during the months of
average temperature that ranges
performance of Burn’n Love by
April, May, September, October,
from 75 to 85 degrees
Elvis. Couples who are on a
and November.
Fahrenheit. Maui is the second
budget can take the bus instead
largest Hawaiian island and is
of renting a car and go to the
729 square miles. Maui has 33
ocean instead of renting a hotel
miles of beaches. Makena Beach,
room with an ocean view.
or Big Beach, has been voted to
However, no matter what
be the most popular beach in
is your budget, your visit
South Maui. It has orange sand
would not be complete
and blue-green water. Little
without attending a Luau.
Beach and Wailea Beach are a
The Old Lahaina comes
few other famous beaches in
highly recommended and
Southern Maui. Many couples go
lasts about 3 hours and
8
Voluntourism: A form of tourism in which travelers participate in voluntary work, typically for a charity. Safe Passage is an organization based in America, to help the children of Guatemala who live in poverty. Second Passage allows Americans to travel to Guatemala and participate in Voluntourism help these children.
These Children are deprived of schooling and homes. They usually have no other option but to live in bumps, or trash heaps.
Second Passage allows these children to experience things like listening to music and going to the zoo.
To help with the fight to end poverty visit safepassage.org
9
Top 10 Activities In Peru, explore the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu lies in the valley of many surrounding
mountains. Walk the Incan Trail and explore the surrounding area. If you are early enough you can watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu.
Also in Peru is an activity called sandboarding. In the coastal town of Huacachina there are desert tours and sandboarding is part of the tour. Sandboarding is riding down a on a board and is very similar to snowboarding. Easter Island, a mysterious island around 2300 miles off the coast of Chile. While at Easter Island you can view the sculptures of giant heads and other activities such as hiking and horseback riding. A little closer to the mainland, you can swim with the sharks at the Galapagos Islands. If visiting the Galapagos islands, there are various activities such as diving snorkeling and swimming with hammerhead sharks. If you fear large marine life, this is not the activity for you. New York City is full of things to do as a tourist. Take pictures around the Statue of Liberty, attend a Broadway show, look at the famous Manhattan skyline from a helicopter tour or from inside one of the massive skyscrapers. The Grand Canyon was formed over millions of years from the Colorado River carving its way through the rock. Taking a helicopter tour of this massive canyon is one of the greatest activities to do while in North America.
10
in the Americas After Exploring the Grand Canyon relax and experience the great city, Las Vegas. Casinos, Restaurants, Hotels, bars, nightclubs, Las Vegas has everything that a tourist could want. Las Vegas Strip contains many of the cities mega hotel-casinos and each one is very different. In Canada lies the famous Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is
a massive waterfall on the border of the United States and Canada. Niagara Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in the world and is a great destination for tourists to visit.
Yellowstone national park is the most well known national park in North America. Yellowstone is located on a giant hotspot under the Earth and this hotspot contains around half of Earth’s geothermal land features. Yellowstone has many geysers and hot springs. Yellowstone is a great spot for a tourist that loves the outdoors. Swimming with dolphins in Honduras is a widely known activity for people traveling to Central America. This activity is great for the tourist that loves swimming and is fascinated by different types of animals.
11
Top Seven Northern 50 First Dates (2004) starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, is a romantic comedy filmed in Hawaii. Adam Sandler (Henry) is a veterinarian who falls in love with a beautiful girl, Drew Barrymore (Lucy), but when he sees her the next day, she does not remember him. Adam discovers she has short term memory. Everyday her memory is erased, and Henry is determined to get Lucy to remember him and to fall in love with him. It is a great movie to see!
Cloud 9 (2014), starring Dove Cameron and Luke Benward, is an action romance movie between snowboarders. Dove Cameron (Kayla) is a learning snowboarder with much potential who is underestimated by her coach, her father, and her teammates. She finds one person who believes in her and helps her show her potential, Luke Benward (Will.)
Are We There Yet (2005), starring Ice Cube, Nia Long, Aleshia Allen, and Phillip Bolden, is road trip comedy filmed in Portland, Oregan. Ice Cube (Nick Persons) must transport a woman’s, who he likes, children across the country to Vancouver.
12
And Southern Movies
Rio 2 (2014), starring Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Bruno Mars, and Jamie Foxx, is a American 3D computer animated musical adventurecomedy film. Jesse Eisenberg (Blu) and Anne Hathaway (Jewel) live in the forest with Jewel’s family and their three children. Although Blu tries to fit in, he struggles while facing a revengeful Nigel and his new father-in-law.
Pocahontas (1995), starring Irene Bedard, Mel Gibson, Christian Bale, Judy Kuhn, is an animated epic musical romance-drama film. Pocahontas falls in love with Capt. John Smith and they struggle to prevent an all-out war.
Up (2009), starring Ed Asner, Bob Peterson, and Jordan Nagai, is an American 3D computeranimated comedy-adventure film. Russell and Carl travel by a floating house to Paradise Falls unaware of the struggles lying ahead of them.
Motorcycle Diaries (2004), starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Jean Pierre Noher, and Mia Maestro, is a biography about 23-year-old Ernesto Guevara, who would several years later become internationally known as the ionic Marxist guerrilla commander and revolutionary Che Guevara.
13
Top 7 Cities for Food Trips By Michael Karl There are many ways to explore the cuisine of North and South America. Here are several cities that are a must visit for culinary experts and eager explorers. 1. New Orleans, Louisiana, is home to classic seafood, a variety of Southern spices, and many sugary treats. Whether you are enjoying beignets in the French Quarter, or having fine dining at Commander’s Palace, New Orleans’ “classic Creole cuisine” is right for you. Ceviche is a popular dish found commonly along the coast of Peru.
2. Lima, Peru, is the perfect spot to try ceviche, a dish composed of fish marinated in juices along with spices. Look for restaurants along the coast of Peru to serve this national dish.
4. Mexico City, Mexico, is home to fresh fish and seafood across many restaurants. Two such restaurants, Pujol and Biko, are fancy restaurants ranked among the best in the world.
3. San Paulo, Brazil is home to many delicacies, such as the pastel (dumpling filled with beef and cheese). Below the many skyscrapers, you can find small restaurants and food stands with enjoyable Brazilian food.
5. Chicago’s food offerings are some of the best across the U.S. With deep dish pizza and some of the top ranking burgers across the entire U.S, Chicago is a great stop for classic American food. 6. In Santiago, Chile, many of the ingredients for the food comes straight from local farms. One famous market, Mercado Central, has a variety of seafood with local spices. There is also a vast collection of wines. 7. Buenos Aires is a city known for its different meats, and is such called a carnivore’s paradise. Buenos Aires is a paradise for students who want to enjoy some classic cuisine.
A pastel is a stuffed dumpling found commonly in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
14
Mind Your Manners in the Americas By Spencer Chunn When visiting foreign countries
In Brazil, personal space is very
in the left hand. You should keep
in North and South America be
small and when you meet for the
around an arms length of
sure to use the correct etiquette
first time, shake the other persons
personal space and try to avoid
and try not to offend someone by
hand. The people are loud and
body contact.
using the wrong gestures. Here
do not expect restaurants to be
hands in your pockets while
is a helpful guide to know the
quiet. While eating, always use a
talking, as it is considered rude.
customs of many of the main
fork and knife eve while eating
countries that tourists visit.
foods such as sandwiches. Again,
In Mexico greet others with a
yawning and stretching in public
brisk handshake. It is expected
is considered rude.
that you arrive half an hour late
In Argentina, do not back away if someone is to close. There is not
Do not put your
at social events.
Mexico has a
much room and they may take
In Canada, shaking hands with
slow paced lifestyle. When
this as an act of being un
eye contact is expected, but in a
paying at restaurants hand the
friendly.
Restaurants open for
casual situation waving and
credit card or cash to the server.
dinner around 8 p.m. and for the
saying hi is okay. When showing
It is rude to put it on the counter
most part most people will eat
up for an event, arrive later than
in front of them.
around 9 p.m. Hold your fork in
expected to give the host extra
Mexicans will stand close. Do
your left hand and knife in right
preparation time. Canadians
not back away, it will be seen as
hand as usual, but do not put
accept both eating with the fork
either shy or rude.
your knife down when eating.
in right hand when the knife is
Yawning and stretching in public
put down and eating with the
is considered rude.
knife in the right hand and fork
15
In public,
Bring America Home,
1. Dream Catchers Dream Catchers are a large part of the history of the native people of North America. They are believed to catch bad dreams and stop them from getting to someone who is asleep.
2. Statue of liberty Snow Globe The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and The United States. A snow globe is just one memento that can be collected.
3. I Heart NY Shirt New York is one of the most famous cities in The United States. An I Heart NY shirt shows that you have not only been to NY, but have embraced its culture.
16
Six souvenirs you don’t want to miss 4. Canadian Hockey Jersey Due to Canada’s location in the north, the climate is bone chilling cold. And one of the most famous sports in the cold weather is Hockey. If you drop into Canada make sure to pick up a hockey jersey.
5. Greda Greda is a rare type of clay that Native south americas make potter with. Greda gives anything that is cooked or stored in it a special flavor that can only be found in South America.
6.Peru of the Incas, Postcard
Peru is filled with beautiful scenery and the once powerful Incas are the native people of this land. Why not bring home a piece of this scenery.
17
By Nathan Blancher
Just a Touch Away... 18
NEWS
19
Gold Mines in Colombia are Exploding With Activity, But Safety Issues are Arising By Spencer Chunn enforce the laws on gold mines
25 disasters since the beginning of
Recently an illegal gold
which allows for the criminal
2014; there will probably be many
mine in Santander de Quilichao,
gangs to dig hazardous mines
more because the criminal gangs
Colombia collapsed causing many
without proper support which can
do not demonstrate safe
casualties due to poor safety
causes major disasters both killing
procedures when drilling holes for
measures. The landslide occurred
and trapping many people.
their mines which will make the
on April 30 and 3 victims were
The criminal gangs in
supports buckle in the tunnels and
found the day of the incident.
Colombia sell gold because of the
will eventually trap and kill more
Since then nine more victims have
high income, but the mines that
people. In order for this to stop,
been found at the mine.
they run are not safe and can lead
the government and law
Throughout Colombia, there have
to major disasters for the people
enforcement needs to step in and
been many safety issues with
they are forcing to work in their
shut down all of the mines without
many of the gold mines because
mines.
licenses in order to keep the
many are not licensed and are
licenses for their mines and so
workers safe.
illegal.
they run them under the radar so
have been a major industry in
they are not caught.
Since the
Colombia, but the government
mines are run by criminal gangs
mines are run under the radar, the
cannot prevent all of the criminal
that sell the gold for
owners do not keep a record of the
gangs from running mines without
workers.
This gives no way of
licenses because of the large
making gold the main export of
knowing how many people were
number of mines, and because
Colombia. The mines are not run
in the mines when an accident
small villages are dependent on
safely by the gangs which leads to
happens.
gold mines, legal or not, to
many disasters. There have been
have been 25 different mine
around 25 mining incidents with
disasters with more than half
The safety issues will
over half of the mines being
being from unlicensed illegal
continue to be present in many of
unlicensed and not following the
mines.
the mines in Colombia.
proper precautions when running
15,000 gold mines in Colombia
because the Colombian
the mines.
are illegal because the owners do
Government cannot contain the
The
not have permits to run them.
number of illegal gold mines
Colombian government does not
Because there have already been
which is why there will be many
Most of the unlicensed
times the price
of
around 20 cocaine,
The gangs use the
people and sell the gold.
The gangs do not have
In the past year there
Since about half of the
10 20
The gold mines
provide jobs to their families.
This is
disasters to come until they shut down unlicensed gold mines. Though gold mines bring in $33 billion each year in Colombia, the process of extracting the gold is dangerous and when the mines do not follow safety precautions they can become extremely dangerous. As long as
Family members watch as rescue workers dig through the earth to find any people left behind from the disaster.
the mines are operating, people from surrounding villages will work there to
though they are at a high risk of dying.
support their family even
Tabasco hot sauce, available at a local retailer, or online at tabasco.com 21
Violent Protests in Venezuela Threaten Public Safety By Michael Karl In Venezuela, violent
spread, the country is becoming
also allegedly shot
protests have occurred against
more and more stricken with
and detained unarmed
president Nicolás Maduro.
violence.
protesters. As a result of this,
Recently, there have been
The protests have occurred in
the people in the region are
allegations that police
public squares, and have started
starting to divide into two major
threatened and tortured
a danger to the public.
sides. Harsh conflicts between
protesters. Over the past few
Protesters have been in
the two sides have been a
months, some of the Venezuelan
possession of dangerous
danger to the public. To worsen
public has strongly disapproved
weapons, explosives, and illegal
the situation, the main
of the government. Protests
drugs. There have been a
opposition politician to the
have led to many deaths,
reported 243 arrests, 40 people
president was arrested. The
injuries, and arrests. The Human
killed, and hundreds of injuries.
Venezuelan public is starting to
Rights Watch believes that
In addition, the violent police
split into two groups, and a
many victims were treated
forces have been a threat to
“house divided against itself
harshly by the police and the
public safety in Venezuela. The
cannot stand”.
National Guard. However,
Human Rights Watch has stated
The first reasons for the protests
Venezuela’s government has
that “security forces employed
included inflation, growing
denied all allegations of abusing
unlawful force” against
crime rates, and scarcity of
the protesters. As conflicts
protesters after they interviewed
products. As of late, protesters
97 protesters.
have shown hatred toward the
The reports
president and the government.
have stated that
At first, protests were small and
the government
the reasons were minor. Protests
used death
even began to decrease until the
threats against
claims of abuse came about.
victims and, in
When allegations of police
the worst cases,
maltreating citizens arose,
used electric
protesters were angry.
shocks and burns. Police Police forces attack a protester in Venezuela.
22
T h e protesters are demanding “ l i b e r t y, democracy and sovereignty”. They believe that the police forces are infringing their A protester attempts to jump over a wall of riot shields.
rights through the
recent
allegations. Protests have grown and will continue to grow due to the recent actions of the Venezuelan government. In addition, Venezuela has completely ignored the U.S. government’s threat to impose sanctions. The Venezuelan government has reacted worse
and worse to the allegations,
police force and that he will not
even insulting the U.S. for siding
admit to “false” allegations.
with the opposition. "It's hardly
T h e Ve n e z u e l a n
worth responding to the stupid
majority has become more and
things the imperialist elites in the
more affected by this hazard. The
north do. They can keep their
protests will continue to increase
threats and stupidities,” said
n intensity. Venezuela
President Maduro. He said that
is split and will struggle to stay
he will continue to defend his
undivided. In the future, Venezuela’s government will need to clear up the allegations and the protesters will need to become more peaceful. If this does not happen, more and more conflicts will grow. Venezuela is in danger of becoming a hostile country.
Ad by Spencer Chunn
23
People Say Talk is Cheap...but is it? By Jasmine Bellow There is an old saying,
their playoff game Saturday with
or privately is always appropriate
“Talk is cheap,” however, on
the Warriors, according to Coach
because once words are spoken,
May 1, 2014, Donald Sterling,
Rivers.” Never in the history of
they cannot be taken back no
the owner of the Los Angeles
the NBA has an owner been
matter how they try to fix it.
Clippers basketball franchise was
forced to sell his franchise
People will believe the first thing
fined 2.5 million dollars for
because he made inappropriate
they hear.
making racist comments about
comments. It is important for
Many news anchor
African Americans. Sterling was
people to be mindful of the
men and women and NBA
recorded making inappropriate
words they speak and who they
announcers addressed Donald
comments towards African
are saying them to.
Sterling’s racial remarks with the
Americans. Now, he might have
Sterling was having a
public and shared their views of
to sell his NBA franchise which
private conversation with V.
what is appropriate or
he has owned for 33 years. This
Stiviano when he made
inappropriate for his behavior.
event has created dialogue across
inappropriate comments about
According to cnn.com, “Over a
the U.S. about race and racism.
African Americans. She was
dozen companies -- including
Since the recording by
recording the conversation for
State Farm, Virgin America,
V. Stiviano, his girlfriend, many
purposes not clearly known right
CarMax and Red Bull -- halted
powerful leaders in America have
now.
their sponsorships with the
taken a stand against racism and
TMZ released an audio tape
Clippers over the remarks, CNN
discrimination. Adam Silver, the
recording of the conversation
Money reported,” they seemed to
N B A c o m m i s s i o n e r, f i n e d
between Sterling and Stiviano.
be satisfied with the action taken
Sterling 2.5 million dollars,
The audio recording has Sterling
by Commissioner AdamSilver
issued a lifetime ban against
requesting Stiviano not to bring
because they did not discontinue
Sterling from attending any
black people to his games and
their sponsorship for the LA
against Sterling from attending
not to take pictures with black
Clippers team.
any Clippers’ games or
people and post them on
Although Donald
interacting with the team on any
Instagram, which seems racist.
Sterling made racist comments
level, and is seeking to force
People should remember
about African Americans, it is
Sterling into selling his franchise.
choosing their words wisely and
unconstitutional to force him to
Also, “members of his own team,
carefully when speaking publicly
sell his business because he said
the Clippers, debated boycotting
6 24
something inappropriate.
Sterling asked “Am I
free speech, but people
person? Do I have any freedom
in leadership should
of speech?” In the U.S.,
choose words that are
Americans have a right to free
not offensive to those
speech, but people in leadership
they are leading. In
should choose words that are not
addition, it is illegal to
offensive to those they are
record someone without
leading. In addition, it is illegal
their knowledge,
to record someone without their
especially if the purpose is to get
knowledge, especially if the
them in trouble.
purpose is to get them in trouble.
Donald Sterling made inappropriate statements and now he is suffering steep
financial
consequences and has become a social outcast. In the future, smart people will reconsider making inappropriate remarks. It is good that our nation is not afraid to confront Although Donald Sterling made racist comments about African Americans, it is unconstitutional to force him to sell his business because he said something inappropriate. Sterling
the ugliness of racism head on but it is unfortunate that it takes hurtful situations like this one to force us into dialogue. It is becoming more and more clear that talk is not so cheap after all.
asked “Am I person? Do I have any freedom of speech?” In the U.S., Americans have a right to
25
Donald and Stiviano at a Clipper’s game.
Police on Strike in Bahia, Brazil By Nathan Blancher Police strikes in Bahia, Brazil have led to a major rise in looting and murders. But this is not the first incident when police protests have broken out. The police originally went on strike in 2012 to raise their pay, but their offer was not accepted. Now the police are on strike again and do not plan to end their protests until their offer is accepted. During the upcoming World Cup, in which, Brazil is due to host 6 matches, there is concern that the attending fans of the event will be in danger, and possible not even come out of fear. The
Brazilian
Government feels that they have no choice but to send in their military to protect the citizens while the police are protesting. Bahia is already infamous for its crime, and during this crisis,
there is more danger that ever
they decided to take action.
before. The government realizes
Unfortunately, for the police, the
that football fans, that would
Brazilian Government does not
attend the world cup, are already
have the same perspective. In
intimidated by the general crime
fact the police’s plan to protest
of Brazil. The U.S. survey of the
may backfire and lead to criminal
crime rates in Brazil have gone
charges of anyone who
up since these protests. And the
participates in the strike, or in
murder rate recorded by The
any protests. The Brazilian
Brazilian Government has also
Government believes this will
gone up. Also schools and
deter the police, but the police
hospitals are being closed. With
force continues to defy their
the absence of police in an
government. Not knowing what
already, densely crime filled area
to do, the government concluded
there is a major affect to
the solution to their problem was
everyday life. If the police do not
to send 16,000, fully armed,
return to their jobs soon those
troops with sixteen armored
effects could be long lasting.
vehicles, in full combat gear, to
The police believe their
the streets of Bahia. The soldiers
salary is too low for the amount
were given a “collective warrant�
of work they are required to do,
to search the citizens and their
because the crime rate in Brazil
homes. This action was taken to
is so high, even compared to
ensure that the military can keep
other countries in South America.
the citizens safe. The police do
Because their request was denied
not plan to end their protest until their demands to raise their pay are met. With the world cup just around the corner, Brazil wants to end this strike as soon as possible, even if their methods are unorthodox.
26
The military police of brazil try to contain a local riot lead by police on strike
The
Brazilian
take to pay the police as much as
Government plans to keep the
they are petitioning for. If the
military in Bahia until the
issue is not resolved before the
protests are over, and they feel
2014 World Cup the effects could
that the citizens are safe. But the
be devastating to the fans, and to
military may scare away football
the gross income of each game.
fans just as much as the rise of the crime rate. The Brazilian Government wants to end this “situation� as soon as possible. But at the same time do not feel that they can handle the loss of the amount of money it would
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