The Monarch: February 2018

Inside:

SLACTIVISM Opinions p. 12 Serving the Archbishop Mitty Community

Volume 27 Number 3

February 2018

Introducing: The iGen

By Malavika Ramarao, Kayla Riggs, & Marko Ristic Staff Editors Born between 1995 and 2012, current Mitty students are part of a group who arrived long after the Baby Boomers and Generation-Xers, and are often mistaken for Millennials.

We are also a group that has never known a time without the invention of the internet. Many of us have had a social media account for over half of our lives. And we are part of a generation who will someday become leaders of this nation.

There is now a name for us: We are the iGen. On January 11, San Diego State University Professor of Psychology Dr. Jean Twenge, visited Mitty to discuss this prominent, new generational shift with an audience first of faculty and later in the day of parents, informing them of the unusual patterns that surround this particular collection of adolescents.

Dr. Twenge’s research, brought together in her book, IGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood--and What That Means for the Rest of Us, goes well beyond what is typically heard in mainstream media. We’re often told to put our phones down. Dr. Twenge provides the data as to why perhaps we should.

Throughout her presentation–and in her vast writing on the subject–Dr. Twenge provides alarming statistics and information about our generation’s use of technology.

The technological revolution, Twenge asserts, has shaped our growth and development as children, but it also has fundamentally affected the culture we live in.

The truth is that, at our age, we have likely heard about the negative aspects of excessive screen time, but we simply dismiss it because we can’t consider a world––or a life–– without this technology.

As ASB President John Lahey explains, a comparable example is the sleeping initiative. “Everyone in the school has probably heard that we should have 9.25 hours of sleep every night, but every time a group hears this statistic, the response is laughter.”

High school students simply don’t have enough hours in the day. Despite efforts to combat such behavior, for too many it is still common to stay up past 11 or 12 on our smartphones rather than sleeping and taking care of ourselves.

Many cannot imagine life any other way.

However, as Dr. Twenge argues, excessive use of technology affects more than simply our sleep patterns; it also negatively influences our psyches.

According to the statistical information gathered by Dr. Twenge and others, the effect of technology upon the mental well-being of iGen has been significant, with anxiety and depression levels rising dramatically since 2012, the same year that smartphones became widespread. Although correlation is not causation, the clear increase in mental health disorders with the rise of the smartphone cannot be ignored.

According to a “Monitoring the Future” survey, teens who spend more time on their devices are more likely to be unhappy than those who spend more time on other activities.

Data indicates that students now spend on average around 6 hours a day communicating with others virtually, instead of conducting face-to-face conversations. Looking around, one can see this: teens gazing down at their phones

On the Inside

is commonplace, even when they are supposedly “hanging out” with their friends.

One photographer, deemed “The Theme Park Guy,” captured this through pictures he took at a show in a Chinese amusement park seven years apart. In 2010, the guests were seen smiling with no devices in sight, engaged by the performance before them. By 2017, almost every visitor was buried behind a screen, relatively serious and no longer smiling.

Social interaction has changed––and not for the better, Dr. Twenge asserts. Teens now spend more time talking with their friends online instead of in-person, which, according to Dr. Twenge, has had a drastic effect upon the iGen’s communication skills: “Adolescence is a key time for developing social skills; as teens spend less time with their friends faceto-face, they have fewer opportunities to practice them. In the next decade, we may see more adults who know just the right emoji for a situation, but not the right facial expression.”

This ultimately leads to a decline in teenage relationships and dating, says Twenge. With fewer people having a real dialogue with others, friendships are less likely to form.

According to Dr. Twenge, “only about 56 percent of high-school seniors in 2015 went out on dates” while, “for Boomers and Gen-Xers, the number was about 85 percent.”

Unsurprisingly, this statistic also connects to the number of adolescents engaging in sexual activity. Though this is largely viewed as a positive aspect of the iGen, this factor is, to say the very least, unprecedented. Dr. Twenge explains that “the average teen now has had sex for the first time by the spring of 11th grade, a full year later than the average Gen-Xer.” She adds that “The teen birth rate hit an all-time low in 2016, down 67 percent since its modern peak, in 1991.” Yet even these clear positive developments indicate a detachment prevalent in our technological society.

Another positive development that Twenge addresses is the declining rate for underage drinking and drug abuse, resulting in a safer population. So clearly, iGen is in some ways safer and healthier than generations that came before.

In terms of our connectedness and our mental health, however, according to Dr. Twenge the consequences of technology are a cause for concern.

One solution Dr. Jean Twenge offered during her presentations was that parents should start limiting electronic use, perhaps taking away electronics at a set time. But when it comes time for parents to decide between taking away their child’s iPad or letting their child stay up to finish that essay due tomorrow, many would struggle with making that decision for health over education.

A question raised by Twenge’s research is this: When does current technology change from being a tool offering innovation and growth to a potential danger that compromises our mental well being and our ability to connect to one another?

Through it all––her graphics, pictures, and numbers–– Dr. Twenge identifies three underlying themes that all connect to the iGen’s unprecedented nature: technology is altering three areas of our lives: our culture, our use of time, and our mental health. And, as Dr. Twenge writes in her article featured in The Atlantic, these trends “appear among teens poor and rich; of every ethnic background; in cities, suburbs, and small towns.” And they emerge in no other generation but the iGen, an assortment of teens who resemble a book that has not yet been fully opened.

News...................................1-3 Justice.................................4-6 Arts & Entertainment........7-9

Focus................................10&11 Opinions..........................12&13 Sports...............................14&15

Photography..................16-19 Art and Comics...................20 Quality.............................1-20

Page 2

February 2018 • News

Countdown to Monarch Madness

By Jenna Mollerus However, he says it was all worth it Staff Writer when he was able to watch the work from The Greatest Night to be a Monarch his class come together to make an energetic is back. On March 1, 2018, at San Jose and spirited routine, especially the battle Civic Center, this year’s Monarch Madness section. will feature the freshman in Guardians of “It’s fun to watch the climactic fight bethe Galaxy; the tween good and sophomores with evil,” says Blair, their original “Jade Cox and I take on The Wild made the battle West; the juniors dance for Ghostas they explore busters all from new dimensions scratch, and it in The Twilight was one of my Zone; and the favorite dances seniors showing to choreograph: you a new side I still have it of the Harry Potmemorized and ter series by Tom pull up the song Marvolo Riddle, on SoundCloud Lord Voldemort. to dance to it.”

With all the Apart from usual excitethe activities ment, magic, during Monarch and Monarch Madness–from The four class themes to be featured in the madness the games to the pride–accompanied by games, dances to the roar– class murals, choreographed class dances, anyone who’s attended can agree that nothand a Roaring finale–this year’s Monarch ing compares to the underlying spirit of what Madness will again be an unforgettable it means to be a Monarch. experience.

Evans captures this perfectly: “I think In preparation for the night, classes and the beautiful thing about Monarch Madness their reps have been hard at work prepar- is that it takes a group effort by the class ing—which according to Spirit Commis- to make a win. You’ll see team members sioner Blair Evans can be a difficult yet work their hardest in games, perform the extremely rewarding task. He explains that, dance perfectly, keep up the beat with each in the past, he has “spent hours trying to class’s Roar, and scream as loud as they can figure out dynamic and stylish choreogra- to wind up on top.” phy to make his Monarch Madness dance Who will win this year? You’ll have to stand out.” be there to find out.

Student Spotlight: Teja Veeramacheneni

By Soo Min Cho Teja says, “Just like how images News Editor help me synthesize important scientific Many know him as a student who concepts, I wanted to make sure the vifrequently stands up in monthly assem- sualization tools researchers utilize to blies. Some know him as a close friend. investigate neurodegeneratives diseases However, he is simply a high school would be the best quality possible.” senior who has a pasFittingly, he ension for science, math, tereded in the Regenspeech and debate, and eron Science Talent helping others.

Search competition, He is Teja Veera prestigious national amacheneni. competition for science As a child, Teja and math. His project was always interested is a Novel 3D Waveletin science, whether it Based Co-Registration be through experiments Algorithm with Imor simply questionproved Accuracy for ing the world around Fusion of PET and MRI him. In eighth grade, Brain Scans. he created a baseball His interests in helmet to help better Alzheimer’s disease protect athletes––his inspired him to create a Senior Teja Veeramacheneni daring eighth grade self PET-MRI co-registrabelieved that he could tion algorithm that can compete against a multimillion-dollar display brain scans in 3D. The project company’s design. From this experience, earned Teja a place among the 40 finalhowever, he learned that he needed a ists last month, and he will as a result be mentor who could guide him through his traveling to Washington D.C. in March interests and research. to present his project to the public, to By 2016 Teja was employed as a meet with scientists, and to compete for researcher at the Brain Health Alliance, recognition and monetary awards. The a nonprofit organization that researches minimum award is $25,000, and the and seeks cures for Alzheimer’s disease maximum is $250,000. through software innovation. Recognizing Teja is considering Stanford and MIT his ability to learn best from visuals, Teja as his top college choices. He hopes to chose to participate in image processing pursue a major in Computer Science and for his research. a minor in economics and math.

MAPx: A New Beginning

By Irene Park Staff Writer Archbishop Mitty is filled with voices that want to be heard. From advocating for our rights to implementing social justice, these voices are making themselves heard through a new program, MAPx. MAPx is an initiative founded

by MAP, our school’s social justice organization that traditionally travels to Washington D.C. and Sacramento to advocate in four areas: human trafficking, environmental justice, immigration, and criminal justice. MAPx, however, provides an opportunity for students to come forward with any issues that they are passionate about, and then they are provided with the materials and networking they need to voice their opinions and make a difference. As evidence of this MAPx with now address gun violence following the most recent school shooting .

MAP President Katie Petersen states how MAPx allows “Students [to] bring their ideas about how to implement social justice into our Mitty community.

We help them bring those actions to life and we give them the tools and resources necessary to do that.”

MAPx is trying to plan a sandwichmaking event in which students can create teams and compete to see who can make sandwiches the fastest. These sandwiches will eventually be sent to Saint Justin’s Food Bank, where they will be distrib-

MAP in Washington, 2017 uted to the homeless and food insecure families. MAPx is also considering ideas such as a postcard campaign to respond to current events.

MAP members are excited to see how MAPx will act as a sounding board for our Mitty community.

“We probably have around 40 active members [in MAP]––which is great, but MAPx is going to be able to spread awareness on a level that can influence a lot of Mitty students, which is something that MAP has not traditionally been able to focus on,” says Petersen.

In the large scheme of things, MAPx is anticipating that Mitty scholars will have the motivation to pitch ideas to the program, no matter how little or big they may be.

If you are interested in the kinds of issues MAPx addresses, contact Petersen or Ms. Megan Walker or Mr. Mike Accorsi about joining MAPx and having your voice heard.

Student Spotlight: Chase Paparotti

By Nathan Chou & Aashish Achanta Cabrini, by producing documentaries about Staff Writers their food drives and parish events. These It all started with Finding Nemo, the documentaries are really exciting for me first movie that Mitty junior and filmmaker because they allow me to use filmmaking in Chase Paparotti watched, his first step in a way that makes others aware of the poverty a journey through the world of filmmaking. that currently exists in our own city.”

“My mom told me that it was the first One of Chase’s favorite projects was movie I had ever sat through and that I had when he captured an event for an organizaloved every minute of it,” says Chase. tion called Blue Star Moms, where the mothFrom that ers of military moment on, workers gathChase was enered to share amored with their pride and the world of faith built on cinema, and a common expepassion to derience. velop his own Chase’s skills in the shots are modfield soon beern and artistic, gan to develop. full of dynamWhen ic yet stable Chase made movement, and Junior Chase Paparotti his first short when coupled film in eighth grade, this love truly took with thoughtful dialogue and steady music, shape. “That’s kind of what skyrocketed it he create pieces that feel whole and unique for me,” Chase says, looking back at that to the viewer. first, pivotal project. “After that, I began to As Chase continues his foray into film, move into different aspects of filmmaking he has begun looking into how movies can and as I got older I began to look at different be used in business, even going to compafacets of cinema.” nies such as Cisco to “learn how they use Chase is currently making a variety film and broadcasting to communicate with of films, the majority of which are styled their employees.” in the form of short documentaries. Most For Chase, it all ties back to Finding often, Chase makes these movies for local Nemo and a childhood love of cinema. charities, documenting events like food “That’s what got me into it,” Chase redrives and telling stories of change through flects, “seeing movies when I was young…” his camera shots and overlaid interviews.

“I can honestly say that I feel the most “I have made short films in the past that comfortable and alive when I am immersed have dealt with bullying and how that plays in art. For me, that particular art form is filmout in a school setting,” says Chase. “I also making because film is a universal language help out at my old school, Saint Francis that speaks to everyone.”

News • February 2018

Page 3

One Man Two Guvnors

By Lauren Vu Although One Man, Two Guvnors is playful and easy-to-watch, defiant messages of Staff Writer feminism are included that challenge societal norms and resonate with the crowd. Dolly, a Rich with history and humor, One Man, Two Guvnors seized Mitty’s Kinkade Theater confident and bossy bookkeeper, refuses to let Francis objectify women, handling his clumsy for its short run. Slapstick and satirical meet remarks in such a sarcastic, passive-aggressive the Swinging Sixties in this warm-hearted way that a chorus of “oooh”s arose from the comedy, full of clever visuals and actors. audience at the performance I attented.

Set in 1963 Brighton and London, the Senior Madelyn Davis and junior Shanaya play follows Francis Henshaw’s (junior ConSales were both unapologetic in the role, nor Sherry) struggle in serving two guvnors, possessing an aura of confidence. The views both of whom have dubious motives. Behind they represent and express are relevant today, melodramatic proposals, rumors of a murdered allowing One Man, Two Guvnors to contain twin brother, and suspicious cash dealings not only humor but also an additional morsel stand nostalgic sets that scream the sixties of substance. with their earthy palette and Victorian-inspired Along with the outstanding performances wallpaper. of the actors, the play also had its own skiffle Despite the shady circumstances, humor band, The Craze. The Craze contributed to overpowers evil in this farce. Modern quips the sixties atmosphere, and it also entertained are cleverly slid into the conversation to pull during set changes. The music sometimes the play into the present, and references to the drowned out the voices of the vocalists a bit, audience tear down the fourth wall separating Senior Willow Patel and junior Connor Sherry starred in One Man Two Guvnors. but it also allowed audience members to use actors from viewers. these transitions to talk with each other or Sherry seamlessly weaved audience comment on the play members into the fabric of superbly rehearsed and improvised performance. Whether it One Man, Two Guvnors undoubtedly provided a joyful experience. The actors clearly be wheezing about hummus sandwiches, shoving carrots into a woman’s mouth, or dump- have bright futures and the set and technical aspects of the play were superb ing water onto the same woman and running, the play and Sherry’s performance were a With so much conflict in the world today, One Man Two Guvnors was a relief for the continual surprise. mind and heart.

AMHS ROBOTICS

By Claire Kim Staff Writer After months of preparation, Mitty’s Robotics Team qualified for the CalGames in the fall. Starting strong, the team was chosen by the Team 100’s first pick after the qualification round, finishing with 10th place and a spot in the playoffs.

The team started preparing for the CalGames during the summer, where individual members worked to repair robots from their previous competitions. Within the course of a few months, the team was able to repair its robots and design them to better achieve specific goals. As the teams was completing this project, mentors Mr. Fairley trained several students on welding, a useful skill that would better help the team during its later building processes.

When school started, Robotics started to recruit new members to become a part of the 2017-18 team, and it was quite a success. Interested students were able to choose a department for their preference based on presentations given earlier in the month and everyone seemed to find one to their own liking.

Once they were all settled, they learned basic techniques and were taught how to safely utilize tools within the robotics lab. Now, they were able to work hands-on with the robots. The crew’s main goal was to take its already made robots and improve upon them even more

in an effort to boost their performance.

With the help of the new recruited members, they completed several checkpoints. Through this vigorous yet exciting process, the team was able to create exceptional robots and pursue very high results leading it to great success.

Mitty’s Robotics Team is largely student-led, which encourages students to be leaders and to teach one another throughout the process. Rather than placing priority on their accomplishments, the team strives to create strong relationships and to build individual skills together. Whether it’s utilizing technical logic or creative thinking, the team urges one another to learn and be active in the activities it offers.

An amazing team of mentors helps to educate rookie members as well. When build season rolls around, the students drive the creative and building process behind their robots and enhance them to be even better than before.

Mitty’s robotics’ Co-President senior Emily Genevriere says, “It is important to keep in mind how much work rookies are doing in the robot, so it is imperative to have them be introduced to how the team functions during the fall so they will be better prepared in the coming spring.”

Educating new members not only helps each as individuals, but also improves the entire team’s performance.

Life Corps:: Building Commuity

By Claire Lee Suratos believes that leading retreats “has required Staff Writer me to take on a leadership role and be able to facilitate “Joining LIFE Corps,” senior Abigail Suratos ex- conversation in a small group, which is something that I plains, “was one of the best decisions I have ever made didn’t think I would have been able to do when I was still throughout my four years at just a shy freshman at Mitty.”

Mitty.” LIFE Corps—Living Furthermore, LIFE Corps In Faith Experience—is an opmembers attend Base Commuportunity for seniors to take on nity (BC) meetings every 6-8 a more active role in the Mitty weeks where they eat dinner, community and become more read a bible passage, check in involved in the Campus Minwith one another, and particiistry program. pate in some activity that corBeing a member of LIFE responds to a holiday such as Corps means attending more Valentine’s Day. meetings, leading retreats, helpUltimately, LIFE Corps ing out at liturgies, reading at members see grow in them a assemblies, leading Freshman desire to grow closer to God Life Corps members decorate pumpkins together. and be of service to the commuOrientation, and more.

Every LIFE Corps member has the opportunity to lead nity—seeking to bridge a life of faith with a life of service. at least one retreat, some having the opportunity to lead The goal is that these students grow to learn, as our more. Leading retreats challenges seniors and to share sto- liturgical theme suggests, that love is everywhere and that ries about their personal lives to people that have never met. love really is the evidence.

Volume 27 Number 3 Advisors

Mr. Mick VanValkenburg & Mr. Craig Whitt

News

Soo Min Cho, Kayla Riggs, Malavika Ramarao, & Marko Ristic

Opinion

Supna Kapoor, Trisha Karani, Tiina Otala, & Danning Yu

Justice Awareness

Surabhi Bhupathi, Amelia Kinsella, Nichole Lim, & Jennifer Prince

Focus

Stephanie Jue, Prerita Pandya, & Brenna Schumacher

Arts & Entertainment

Madeline Aguirre, Alora Cisneroz, Anna Krause, Emily Isabella Ordonez, & Alexis Rambac

Sports

Rishi Nair, Giuliano Orsi, & Matthew Scott

Photo

Sofia del Cano, Grace Chung, Bansi Patel, & Kela Sowell

Art & Comics

Keili FitzGerald, Ella Garfunkel, Jiwoo Song, & Nichole Wong The views expressed in articles within The Monarch are not necessarily those of the editorial staff, the moderators, or Archbishop Mitty High School.

The Monarch endorses the free, reasoned, and civil exchange of ideas.

Archbishop Mitty High School 5000 Mitty Way, San Jose, CA 95129

Justice Awareness

Something Rotten in the State of Iran

2018

1979

By Alyssa Jain Staff Writer Riots. Soldiers. An increasing number of deaths and arrests. All are indicators of the rising tension in Iran as escalating protests rock the country. Protesters first took to the streets of Mashhad, a large Iranian city, in late December of 2017. This relatively small demonstration snowballed into a movement that is now tens of thousands strong. But why, exactly, are these protests happening, and what do protesters hope to achieve?

One source for the protesters’ frustration is the prevalent economic hardship in Iran; in recent years, the unemployment rate has risen to 12.5% and as high as 45% among younger workers. Additionally, the cost of basic necessities has skyrocketed as a result of inflation. According to Alice Nazari, an Iranian immigrant with family in Iran, these stresses have ignited widespread frustration among Iranian citizens, especially in light of recent failures to revive the economy.

“Their lives are very hard,” she says of the protesters, “There’s a lot of conflict and poverty. The price of food

is too high, and people can’t feed their children.” Nazari sympathizes with the protesters and expresses her hope for a positive outcome, as well as an end to economic difficulties. Though the economic downturn is a significant source of stress, political grievances are also at play.

Many Iranians blame corrupt government policies for the financial crisis and are calling for the president, Hassan Rouhani, to step down. Anger at suspected political corruption and the unsatisfactory government response to many of the current hardships Iranians face is evident in the protestors’ slogans. Footage of the protests depict activists chanting “Death to the dictator!” and similar anti-government sentiments as they march through the streets.

For some, these protests spark a frightening case of déjà vu. The escalating turmoil brings back memories of the Iranian Revolution, which took place in 1978 when Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini overthrew the Shah and proclaimed Iran to be an Islamic Republic.

Like today’s protests, the revolution arose as a response to financial instability and economic issues such as infla-

tion, as well as widespread frustration with the government.

Under the regime of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi in the 1970s, many groups faced socio-political repression.

These stresses inspired thousands of students and young, unemployed Iranians to take to the streets. This demographic of Iranian youth is once again prevalent in the recent protests. Continuing the growing list of similarities between the Iranian revolution and the modern unrest is the government’s violent response to the anti-government protests. Thousands were killed in demonstrations during the revolution, and thousands more were executed.

In the wake of that crisis, thousands of Iranians fled the country, seeking refuge in European nations as well as the United States. However, many more stayed behind or returned once the conflict died down.

Now Iranians are having flashbacks of the events they escaped decades ago. It is unclear whether the Iranian government will address the protesters’ concerns or simply try to squash the protests, but it is unlikely that Iranians’ dissatisfaction will die down until something is done to remedy the growing issues they face.

Deepwater II

Cyclone Gita ravages Fiji on February 14, 2018.

CYCLONE SEASON

By Akhilesh Balasingam Staff Writer In recent months, Fiji has been struggling with the severe effects of climate change.

The main island has faced several cyclones, and its southern islands are being threatened by rising sea levels. Climate scientists predict that these islands will be completely submerged in thirty years. By that time, economists predict that Fiji will have lost nearly 50% of its annual GDP to cyclone damage alone. When this is compounded with the high probability of mass flooding, Fiji will almost certainly become economically unstable.

In response to this impending crisis, Fiji’s prime minister and current president of COP23, a UN organization dedicated to slowing climate change, Frank Bainimarama, predicts that Fiji will need a total of 4.25 billion dollars to recover and fortify the islands against future inclement weather. While Australia has invested a reported 300 million dollars in the Pacific nations, the aid Fiji has received is still far from the targeted amount.

When this fund is met, Fiji plans to construct new, environmentally sustainable housing to serve the growing population.

One of the biggest investments needed on Fiji is for road infrastructure. Annually, a reported 228 million dollars is spent on roads rendered unusable by erosion alone. With foreign aid and loans, Fiji hopes to strengthen its roads, enabling quick and easy access between storm-devastated regions.

The healthcare sector has also been hit hard due to water-borne respiratory diseases that have become rampant as a result of the extreme flooding. Particularly, typhoid fever affects a wide swath of the archipelago, with bottled water being the only source of clean drinking water.

President Bainimarama’s presence at the COP23, and the situation described, has drawn attention to the severity and universality of climate change, plaguing all countries, regardless of whether they are developed or not.

By Aalok Patwa Staff Writer 2010 was an event-filled year. The American economy began to improve, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, and Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement.

But on a darker note, the world witnessed the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Despite hopes of lucrative corporate profits, reality struck in the form of a catastrophe that cost the lives of seventeen individuals and ruined the sanctity and health of ocean life.

This event threatens to repeat under the guise of President Trump’s desire to expand drilling operations. The recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows oil companies to lease Section 1002 of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, 1.5 million acres reportedly rich in fossil fuels.

However, the area had been specifically preserved since 1980 when President Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act; the act sustains hundreds of species of important wildlife.

Proponents assert that the economic gains outweigh any concerns. Arctic drilling would produce 1.4 million barrels of oil per day, more than daily imports from Saudi Arabia.

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke stated the law would blaze “a new path for energy dominance in America.” In addition, the expansion would increase

the number of jobs available in the sector.

Balanced against this are heavy environmental concerns. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management calculated a 75% risk of an Arctic oil spill. Such a tragedy could threaten the entire Arctic ecosystem, harming marine life and land mammals alike.

Furthermore, drilling almost assures the demise of species such as the porcupine caribou as their habitats are seized by corporations.

Finally, the topic of climate change looms ever larger, for drilling discharges astronomic levls of greenhouse gases such as methane and black carbon. The detrimental effects of oil drilling in the Arctic could extend hundreds of years into the future.

The effect of ramping up oil drilling in coastal areas must be considered before taking any further action. Drilling could bring about short-term economic benefits, but it also poses a direct threat to the global environment.

Closely considering the benefits and consequences of such an action is essential. All in all, history must not repeat itself — the events of 2010 cannot happen again.

Justice Awareness • February 2018

FIFTY LITERS LEFT IN CAPETOWN

By Isabel Newcomb Staff Writer In the last three years, rainfall in Cape Town, South Africa, has dramatically diminished. This decresase has resulted in \\severe drought that is threatening agriculture, tourism, and the ability of the average citizen to obtain drinking water.

Page 5 The shortage is due to a deadly combination of climate change, a growing population, heavy water consumption, and poor water management by the city.

According to CNN, the city has just over three months until the taps run dry, which is projected to occur on April 12, a day the city is referring to as “Day Zero.” Day Zero will be the point at which the dams reach 13.2% capacity, and the government will shut off the taps, forcing residents to wait in long lines to receive a meager ration of twenty-five liters a day.

This is clearly one of the most severe urban water crises in modern history, affecting nearly 4 million people living in the city. Recently, the daily water ration was lowered from eighty-seven liters to fifty liters per person (portioned out in the chart at left), which also roughly translates to all the water in a five minute shower. Authorities are at a loss for any solution, long-term-term or short, and are saying that the only option is to wait for the inevitable Day Zero and attempt to survive on rations.

As the situation becomes more and more dire, the world is watching to see how people will be affected by this restricted access to drinking water. Who will bear the brunt of this in a metropolis divided by both race and socioeconomic status? Will it become a matter of who can pay more? Will authorities to identify the marginalized groups and communities that will be the most severely impacted, and ensure that they are not forgotten?

USA Gymnastics: Called to the Bar

By Anika Nguyen and Khanh Tran Young girls, put into positions of vulnerability by the grueling conditions of the sport, Staff Writers thought the ex-team doctor to be a friend. By offering candy when it was prohibited and 2017, the year of reckoning for sexual abusers, did not stop at Southern California’s leaving nice comments on their Facebook posts, Nassar was able to gain the trust of more epicenter of the ‘Me Too’ movement. Unfortunately, sexual assault does not solely oc- than 250 children, only to then violate that trust. cur in backroom dealings with struggling actresses, or even in the secretive confines of Despite long-circulating talk among young gymnasts of the disgraced doctor’s ‘special corporate America. On the contrary, treatments,’ such as ungloved molestait occurs anywhere perpetrators see tion under the guise of physical therapy, an opportunity to assert power over Nassar’s position in the organization victims—some as young as six—who alongside institutional disregard for feel hopeless and voiceless in the face victims of abuse allowed him to violate of that power. the sanctity of children’s lives for over Larry Nassar, former doctor for two decades. the USA Gymnastics national team Though the nature of Nassar’s and Michigan State University, was crimes paints a sordid picture for sentenced 40-175 years on January 24 young women, the case’s handling in for sexual abuse. Nassar was accused the judicial court points to a hopeful by more than 256 women and more than future for women. One hundred and 150 spoke at his sentencing hearing. fifty-six of Nassar’s survivors, united These women included gymnasts in their determination and perseverSimone Biles, McKayla Maroney, and ance, provided strong and effective Aly Raisman, all of whom have repimpact statements at their abuser’s resented the U.S. in recent Olympic trial with Judge Rosemarie Aquilina’s Games. encouragement.

A total of 156 survivors testified Finding strength in numbers, the against him in court. Nassar was first women who were once preyed upon accused by Kyle Stephens, a family found a platform to defeat their childMembers of the Rio Olympics team have spoken up as victims of Larry Nassar’s abuse. friend, for sexual abuse beginning when hood monster. she was only 6 years old.

Unlike similar cases in which child molesters may get twenty-five years, Aquilina Stephens explained that these allegations were ignored by her parents who forced her delivered the maximum sentence of 175 years to Nassar, effectively signing, in the judge’s to issue a public apology to Nassar. In an interview with the BBC after testifying, Stephens own words, “his death sentence.” recalled, “He forced me to grow up really fast. It was such a benign action until you grow Although a time where abuse is no more has not yet arrived, it is important to acup and realize it was a vile thing.” knowledge the progress that has been made.

Unfortunately, to be treated by Nassar was then seen as a privilege. He was known In the words of Aly Raisman, “My dream is that one day, everyone will know what as the “best of the best” by many, and his stature made him a powerful figure in the gym- the words, ‘Me too,’ signify, that they will be educated and able to protect themselves... nastics world. so they will never [again] have to say the words, ‘Me too.’”

Born From Drugs

By Farrah Ballou Staff Writer Opioid addiction, an epidemic that includes heroin and prescription painkiller addiction, is currently sweeping the United States and is the number one cause of accidental death in the U.S., killing more people than guns. However, the wrath of opioids is being hurled at unsuspecting newborns and causing horrifying effects.

With an increase in opioid addiction among the population comes an increase in the number of pregnant women taking drugs and by extension the number of babies who are born addicted to opioids.

According to Reuters, every nineteen minutes, one such baby is born in the U.S. In fact, the Tennessee Department of Human Services states that the number of babies born addicted to opiods in the first decade of the millenium has now multiplied by ten.

When a pregnant woman takes highly-addictive drugs during her pregnancy, her baby grows dependent on them, and when it comes time for birth, the baby is still dependent on the drug even though he or she is no longer receiving the drug through the placenta. This causes the baby to be born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which causes withdrawal symptoms in the child such as seizures, tremors, unwillingness or inability to eat, as well as a virtual allergy to light or any sort of physical contact.

To combat these symptoms, hospitals will need to implement pharmacological intervention using methadone or morphine. In fact, 50-70% of babies born with NAS need such help.

Indeed, based on observations and maternal reports, babies exposed to methadone have increased motor rigidity, dysregulated motor patterns, and less activity. These symptoms are seen in toddlerhood and are connected to less social responsiveness and poorer social engagement. Furthermore, these babies are at higher risk of negative cohabiting experiences such as exposure to violence, poor nutrition, and continued maternal drug use.

This tragic situation is only being perpetuated by the lack of regulations that causes thousands of mothers and their children to suffer under opioid addiction everyday, lost and confused on how to gain healing from the withering abuse that drug intake creates.

These babies are inhibited from leading a normal life from the day of conception when their fate is mapped by the brutal grip of opioids.

Page 6

Justice Awareness • February 2018

STEMINISTS AGAINST STIGMA

By Katherine Day and Katherine Rejer Staff Writers It’s time to change the cult of domesticity to a cult of intellect. As our society is making rapid technological innovations, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math fields) is becoming increasingly important. However, despite their appeal and popularity of STEM, many young women continue to shy away from STEM. Nationwide, there is a disparity in the female-to-male ratio within STEM subjects.

This is shown in the national percentages of female students taking AP STEM tests: in Calculus BC, girls make up 41% of students, while in Physics C: Mechanics, they make us an even lower 26%. Furthering this trend, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism yields only 23% female enrollment, while Computer Science A has 19%. These statistics are striking, especially when combined with data on overall STEM enrollment. Currently, 40 percent of bachelor’s degrees earned by men are in STEM compared to 29 percent for women. In computer science, women now earn less than 20 percent of bachelor’s degrees.

While STEM is clearly male dominated, there are a few exceptions. Calculus AB and Chemistry both have almost equivalent male and female enrollment. In fact, there are three courses that are actually female dominated, those being Biology (59%), Statistics (52%), and Environmental Sciences (56%). However, these classes are traditionally viewed as “easier,” less technical STEM courses that do not lead to the same opportunities or success one might find in fields such as computer science or mechanical engineering.

Why does this disparity exist? According to the American Association of University Women, there is an implicit bias against females in STEM subjects. Despite advances in gender equality, unconscious stereotypes continue to inhibit female potential. From a young age, boys are conditioned for these courses with Legos and science kits while girls are offered Barbie dolls and play kitchens.

And this carries over into high school. Teenage girls in challenging STEM classes are often harder on themselves than boys are because they feel that it takes more for them to be successful in the STEM world.

NIGERIA: PUTTING AN END TO POLIO

By Sophia Kaltsas Staff Writer After decades of experiments and vaccinations, the cumulative efforts of science, government, and philanthropy have produced impressive results. In 2017 only 4 out of 195 countries had recorded polio cases, down from 125 countries just thirty years ago.

This was a massive global success, but even more so for Nigeria, which in 2012 was responsible for 50% of worldwide polio cases. Nigeria was able to accomplish this feat with a loan from Japan for $76 million, and in the last two years used these funds to completely eradicate polio.

Polio, a deadly, paralyzing disease that affects the legs through infection of the spinal cord, was not recognized until epidemics in the 1900s, causing the disease to be one of the most feared and mysterious of the 20th century. The rise of the epidemic brought an awareness of the disease that prompted government action, donations, and scientific breakthroughs.

The need to eradicate polio catalyzed an age of medical philanthropy based on the idea that one did not have to be wealthy to make a difference, as polio vaccines only cost about 14 cents. With direct funds raised through small donations, a 99% effective polio vaccine was invented in 1955, with the last case of polio in America recorded in 1979.

Without such funding, second and third world countries have taken longer to eradicate the disease. Fortunately, with the assistance and charity of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, over 1.1 billion children have been vaccinated and thereby protected for life.

The Gates Foundation has recently joined with the GPEI and committed $3 billion to buying polio vaccines for African countries such as Sudan, Chad, and Somalia. The Foundation made a deal with the Nigerian government to pay off their debt to Japan once they reached their goal of 80% immunization and complete eradication. In 2018 this goal was accomplished and the Foundation announced that it would finally pay for the $76 million loan received from Japan six years earlier.

The end of the transmission of polio in Nigeria is vital to the wider elimination of the disease due to the fact that Nigeria no longer poses a threat of contamination to other West African countries. The end goal of one of the world’s biggest medical-philanthropy campaigns is finally in sight. However, the world is not safe from future epidemics until that last 1% has been taken care of. One vaccine only costs 14 cents, so literally every cent counts. All donations made toward GPEI through the Rotary Club will be matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation. With enough support, the remaining polio-endemic countries will be able to follow Nigeria’s example, bringing about a new age of human health.

Mitty prides itself on providing high-quality academics, so how do our percentages compare to those of the nation?

In terms of math subjects, Mitty is about the same as the national average. The accompanying graph illustrates this comparison. In fact, the only STEM subject at Mitty that fails to meet or exceed the national average is AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.

In this class, the national enrollment of females is 23% but at Mitty the enrollment is a just 4%, with only a single girl in a class of twenty-three.

This is Dr. Greg Scott’s AP Physics: Electricity and Magnetism class, in which senior Emily Genevriere is the only female. From her experience, Emily testifies, “Although the gender ratio in physics does not bother me, it is kind of sad that more girls did not decide to take physics. However, I don’t think this is indicative of a bigger problem at Mitty because in past years, the number of girls taking this class has been significantly higher.” She continues, “The gender ratio in the workforce does need to become more equal, and taking AP science and math classes in high school is the first step towards it.” As Emily looks forward to the next chapter of her life, she plans to continue to pursue STEM in college.

The gender difference represented in classrooms across the nation has led to a workforce that fails to integrate women into STEM careers. Currently, according to the Department of Commerce, only 24% of workers in STEM fields are women, and only 2.5 million of the 9.2 million STEM degrees are held by women.

However, the future looks bright for aspiring female scientists. Thanks to advocates for gender equality, social norms are changing, and the gap between female and male expectations is being bridged. Each year, more and more female students enroll in STEM related classes, and we grow nearer to a future of more equal representation of men and women in all fields.

Regardless of race, background, or gender, every person is entitled to opportunities with which to make the most of his or her talents. Helping those around us fulfill their greatest potential only helps society progress as a whole.

Imagine how much more we could achieve with both genders behind our innovations.

LIBERATING LIBYA

By Avani Mylvara and Roshni Varma Staff Writers Last December, a video of a man being auctioned off for $400 went viral, revealing the reality that is the Libyan Slave Trade and leaving the world in shock that such institutions still exist. In North Africa, the country of Libya is the major transit point for more than 150,000 migrants and refugees fleeing to Europe as a result of economic hardships and violent conflict. However, the Libyan Coast Guard has recently been funded by the European Union and ordered to stem the flow of refugees into Europe by cracking down on the exodus. This has led to prison overcrowding, and detention centers that are now plagued by robbery, rape, and murder, setting the stage for an extortion machine that takes advantage of unsupported migrants and allows them to be sold to smuggler “owners” as mere commodities, for purposes ranging from farm labor to prostitution.

As a result of an international backlash in reaction to videos of auctions and victims of prostitution, Libya has launched a formal investigation into its slave trade.

However, internal fracturing within the government makes tangible progress hard to achieve. The Libyan government is still reeling from instability caused by the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings A Libyan coast guardsman stands on a boat during and is currently the rescue of 147 illegal immigrants attempting to reach split into warring Europe off the coastal town of Zawiyah. factions run by local militias and gangs. As a result, slavery is more profitable than ever in this lawless land—it is high reward with little risk.

Fortunately for migrants, in mid-January, Libya has finally negotiated a deal with the European Union and other African leaders that addresses the terrible state of its detention centers and provides assistance to vulnerable refugees. The government will open a transit center to house such refugees before they move to a third country, and will allow for reparation of individuals being abused in detention centers. Countries such as Germany, France, Chad, and Niger are working with Libyan authorities to evacuate tens of thousands of refugees from detention centers where they can currently be easily exploited.

This temporary solution is merely a band-aid on the larger issue, but it does signal a shift towards greater global cooperation to end one of the most evident violations of human rights that exists in our world today.

Arts & Entertainment Local Museum Spotlight Your A&E writers travelled around the Bay Area critiquing popular local museums.

Here is what they found.

M o IC

By Madeline Aguirre A&E Editor

Bampfa

By Joanna Jain Staff Writer

Located just across the street from UC Berkeley’s main campus, the UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, or BAMPFA, offers an extraordinary experience for art lovers of any kind.

The museum is unique in its interactive style: old films are projected onto several large canvases hanging from the ceiling in the gallery, and grainy film plays on small TVs mounted on the wall, with headphones available for listening.

In fact, every BAMPFA exhibition encourages visitors to experience art in a different way.

Upon walking through the doors, one is immediately drawn to the Art Wall, BAMPFA’s space for commissioned artworks by international artists. The museum’s most recent art wall is a mural by young South African artist Karabo Poppy Moletsane—her first exhibition in an American museum. The mural displays four larger-than-life portraits of people from the streets of Johannesburg, each face composed of striking features and vibrant colors. Geometric shapes provide a stark contrast to organic lines that surround the portraits, adding motion and definition to the mural.

The faces in the mural radiate power and life. Descend down the wooden steps into the forum to gaze up at the mural and examine each brushstroke, or view the faces at eye-level from the ground floor walkway—Moletsane’s portraits carry history in their faces and quiet pride in their stares. The artist draws inspiration from Afrofuturism in her aim to celebrate the diversity and voice of South African art. In a city full of vibrant cultures, Moletsane’s striking contribution to the Art Wall celebrates community and diversity in a wildly distinct way.

The BAMPFA Way Bay exhibit celebrates the voice of the Bay Area with a sweeping array of film, paintings, and sculptures. The exhibition’s Postcard Print Series features postcards of paintings, poetry, and photographs by Bay Area artists, and encourages visitors to take a card and “send these words into the world.” Way Bay also offers a collection of archival films and videos commemorating San Francisco’s driving cultural forces.

Another distinctive aspect of BAMPFA is the Art Lab, where visitors to the museum can make and share their own art.

The walls of the Art Lab are plastered with drawings made by visitors. A sign on a bookshelf filled with paper sculptures and flyers about upcoming exhibitions reads, “take a flyer and leave some art.”

BAMPFA emphasizes the effect of art on community and encourages visitors not only to view art, but to watch it, hear it, make it—to be a part of it. So if you’re touring the city or visiting the Cal campus, make sure to include a trip to BAMPFA: it’s well worth a visit.

Despite the name, it was never really meant to be a traditional “museum.” Rather, the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) succeeds by appealing to a generation of digitally-focused millennials who are always on the hunt for photo-ops that could gain them new Instagram likes, and by transporting these millennials back into the childhood world of sweets.

The museum recently opened a new pop-up location in San Francisco, so you’ve probably seen plenty of pictures of your friends and peers in pools of sprinkles or among gardens of gummy bears, happy and carefree in the dreamy, lush settings. These pictures are not deceptive; the Museum is designed to make each visitor feel like a kid again, so every whimsical element is designed to be as bright and colorful as those summer days when your most pressing concern was missing the ice cream truck.

The Bay Area’s edition of the Museum of Ice Cream is based out of a historical San Francisco bank. There’s a stark contrast between the dull exterior of the building and the almost overwhelmingly bright and colorful interior. After being corralled into a small room with about twenty strangers, you are immediately forced into interaction with those around you, creating a team name (mine was Sprinkle State Warriors!), and choosing a team captain. You are then taken by a staff member—each of whom is named by his or her favorite ice cream flavor—down into the basement of the building, where you are met with a large, very pink bank vault. Rather than trying to hide the vault (a reminder that the building was originally a bank), the MOIC creators embraced and modified it to fit the playful atmosphere of the Museum, a testament to the creativity needed to alter the original concept to the different pop-up locations, which have included Miami, New York City, Los Angeles, and now, San Francisco.

Each room in the MOIC is unique, oftentimes incorporating a sweet treat to be served as an edible representation of the room itself. Examples include cherry-flavored cotton candy to accompany the cherry cloud wonderland, Pop Rocks to be eaten after conquering the bright pink rock climbing wall, and tiny servings of vanilla ice cream to resemble the horn of the white unicorn placed in the rainbow room.

With the ticket price at $38, I wasn’t sure that this experience would be worth it. But after shaking sprinkles out of my hair, getting cotton candy stuck to my fingers and finding myself lost in the nostalgia of being a sugar-high-seeking kid again, I can confidently say it was. My only source of frustration: that I didn’t think of this multi-million dollar idea first.

SFMoMA

By Anna Krause A&E Editor

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, or SFMoMA as it is affectionately referred to, is a must see for art lovers at any level of experience. The exterior of the museum is engaging much like the art within its walls, from a front that showcases brick walls and an iconic circular checkered tower, to a back that includes a newly-built, elaborate, white-rippled facade, designed to evoke images of San Francisco fog and waterfronts. The museum boasts a permanent collection with works by such revered artists as Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, Frank Stella and Frida Kahlo, as well as impressively coherent and complex collections of various artistic movements. Each floor is dedicated to a certain movement, and the works within are carefully, seamlessly organized, yet varied enough to remain interesting.

Right now, the MoMA has several incredible exhibits well worth checking out. On the fifth floor courtyard, in place of the usual statue garden, reside six of Louise Bourgeois’ magnificent and terrifying spiders. These range in size, with a 3-foot piece crawling precariously up one wall and a 15-foot spindly-legged creation in the middle of the floor. Louise Bourgeois’ work is complex, haunted and whimsical. Though the statues are disconcerting, they are more importantly reverent; Bourgeois viewed spiders––and her mother, whom they are a tribute to––as incredibly clever, misunderstood creatures. Though the spiders photograph well, nothing beats the ability to observe in person every tiny nick and abnormality in their disproportionate legs, every crook of their caged torsos. There is something commanding about standing under these towering, cruel pieces of metal––a feeling the artist undoubtedly intended.

The museum also boasts an impressive exhibition of works by Robert Rauschenberg, an absolutely bizarre, incredibly innovative artist. The collection does a fantastic job of demonstrating his diversity of mediums, featuring everything from paintings to sketches to experimental performance art to recordings of choreography to textile. All these are interwoven with interesting commentary on the artist’s personal history. Rauschenberg had close relationships with such major artists as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly and Josef Albers, and he influenced each and was influenced by each, which is made apparent through his art. At times––specifically, when staring into a giant vat of bubbling greenish-grey mud intended as a commentary on the way we see robots––one’s ability to take Rauschenberg seriously is tested. But the exhibition certainly eliminates doubt about Rauschenberg’s talent for pushing boundaries.

The MoMA is one of my favorite places in the Bay Area. The way the works are physically organized and their descriptions make the museum incredibly accessible and engaging, even if you know nothing about art. But it is far from simple; within each collection is evidence of complexity, depth and thoughtfulness if you are willing to look for it. I highly recommend a visit.

Page 8

The Streaming Stumper Once upon a time, the way people listened to music was through CDs. One could “burn” a playlist from their computer to a blank disc or buy a CD album at a store. This seemingly vanished when new innovations in technology allowed for a more convenient way to listen to music, as with Apple’s iPod. Since the dawn of Apple’s iTunes Music, the experience of purchasing music has evolved dramatically, from downloading music onto pocket-sized electronics to the present state of music streaming subscriptions.

Other music streaming providers such as Spotify and Pandora have recently made big strides in making their services user-friendly and convenient.

However, the price tag for these services may be a major obstacle in the future if they do not change their strategies soon.

Apple Music and Spotify have demonstrated immense success in the past few years, with Spotify raking in a $2.2 billion in revenue in just the first few months of 2017, according to Alfred Lee of The Information, while Apple Music is experiencing similar success, according to Recode.

By Nikolina Kesovija Staff Writer

But despite the tremendous growth of the music streaming industry, streaming companies still face high operational costs, which may bode poorly for investors in the long run, says Cherrie Hu from Billboard. Streaming companies endure heavy costs, including licensing fees and technological operating costs, that can be hard to negotiate or eliminate.

Some suggest that Spotify and other musicstreaming providers could follow the example of Netflix and offer more personalized plans for users in order to create some diversity in choice for consumers, and thus attract more subscribers. However, the two companies are still far too contrasting in their services to mimic each other’s business operations.

Ultimately, it’s too soon to pinpoint just how successful music streaming companies will be in the future. But based on their popularity, one thing is certain: the sky is the limit when it comes to the music industry’s innovations.

Who knows, maybe mixtapes will make a comeback!

From book to screen “You have to read the book before you see the movie!” If you don’t say this yourself, chances are you know someone who does, adamant that the book is undoubtedly superior to the movie.

But are they right? What are the benefits of book to movie adaptations and what are the costs?

Since the very beginnings of the motion picture, literature has served to provide inspiration for countless adaptations—some of which have become classics, others of which have earned this genre a wary eye. While some may consider book-to-movie adaptations to be a mark of unoriginality, others see them as the natural cycle of storytelling, one platform to another. Either way, book-toscreen adaptations are a phenomena that are unlikely to go away anytime soon.

While it may seem that a movie’s creative process would be made more simple by a pre-established plot, adaptations face many potential pitfalls in attempting to translate a story to screen.

Part of this difficulty is the inherent differences between the two mediums. For one, books have the freedom to communicate their story through hundreds of pages, while in films, this same story must told in a mere 130 minutes.

This time constraint, if not maneuvered carefully,

February 2018 • Arts & Entertainment

By Alora Cisnorez Staff Writer

can threaten the integrity and effectiveness of the story: scenes must be left out, world-building sacrificed, and characters can come across as hollow and unexplored. This dilution of the book’s story can leave the film feeling unsatisfying, especially to those who have carefully read every page of the original book.

Another aspect of films that can pose as a challenge is the limited means of communication.

While books can include means such as internal monologue, narration, and differing points of view, films are mostly limited to dialogue between characters.

This dependence on dialogue can often render the movie medium to be a passive and less demanding experience, sacrificing the intimacy brought about by the book’s version.

Despite these challenges, if done successfully, adaptations have the power to allow a story to be told to a wider audience while offering a new, unique understanding of the story.

Often, the most effective adaptations are the films that are not designed to be absolute replicas, but created as faithful interpretations with their own voice. Films that manage to find balance in maintaining the original spirit of the book while allowing for some creative flexibility become the most powerful of their kind.

Boba Around the Bay

By Emily Isabella Ordonez Staff Writer

ly enj oy bob a.

Not to be tota lly bas ic, but I real nev er ord ere d a drin k Stil l, I’d be lyin g if I said I’ve irat ion from Ste ven I did n’t like . So, dra win g insp d aro und the bay, Lim ’s “Wo rth It” seri es, I trav elle ts reco mm end ed by hitt ing up all the hot bob a spo my frie nds .

g

tin a R r a t S My

Service: 1- I’d like to speak to the manager 5- I trust you with my life.

Atmosphere: 1- PLEASE let me leave 5- Get it for the ‘gram Tea: 1- I’m throwing this away 5- I’d sell my soul for this.

Pearls: 1- Denser than an AP textbook chapter 5- Sweet candy goodness Price: 1- There goes my college tuition.

5- My mom would be so proud.

Teaspoon

Service: Atmosphere: Tea: Pearls: Price:

y day u’re there ever as Yo it. ve lo u Yo ere w You know it. st? The atmospht for the be e th it is ut after school. B e service was adequate, bu It didn’t cheerful and thg, the tea was disappointing. s sweet$4.50 price ta e peach, more like ambiguouwords, really taste lik sum up the place in a few ness. If I had to good enough.” they’d be “just

Happy Lemon

Service: Atmosphere: Tea: Pearls: Price: If you ever wan Lemon may be ted to step into a Sanrio cart and bright, and the place for you. The decor oon, Happy chip with your they give you a plastic, lem was adorable I arrived when order number on it. Staff wason-shaped served me anywthe cashier was about to leav amazing; disappointing, ays. Their house milk tea fla e, but she vo but damn if I di ing it. dn’t feel cute w r was hile drink-

Pekoe

Service: Atmosphere: Tea: Pearls: Price:

After seeing many a flex post geo-tagged from this shop and having local boba connoisseur, junior Jon Telebrico, recommend the place to me, I had high expectations. The wait was long, but as someone who’s sat through 85-minute classes, it’s survivable.

Additionally, the interior was very stylish. Pekoe was definitely more of an ExpeRiEnCe and a place to hang with friends than a quick drink run, but if your goal this semester is time management, stay far away.

Beauty Trends: Korean VS. American

Although makeup fads come and go, certain trends remain consistent in the U.S. and in South Korea. Because of the stark contrast in beauty standards of these two countries, the makeup trends of each are almost paradoxical. As a KoreanAmerican who struggled with fitting into both worlds of beauty, I attempted to uncover the reasons behind these particular beauty standards.

The most telling difference in the beauty standards of the U.S. and South Korea is the preferred skin tone, which is a standard deeply embedded in the historical roots of each culture. In South Korea, paleness was once a mark of prestige indicating affluence, away from labor under the harsh sun. But in the U.S., copper

skin was considered youthful and healthy, especially on the West Coast. This standard originated from sun tanning—a leisure activity that only the wealthy could afford to partake in. Many Koreans with “sun-kissed” skin apply BB cream or foundation that is one or two shades lighter than their own skin tone in order to achieve the “pale and dewy” effect. In the U.S., people pursue natural hues of foundation with yellow undertones, and many

use bronzer to give themselves a healthy golden glow.

Another characteristic beauty standard of both countries is faceshape preference. In South Korea, an oval face shape with soft doll-like features is coveted, while American trends indicate a preference for a V-shaped face with angular features.

Beauty products have been developed in both countries to fit these standards. Koreans prefer low-pigmented glitter eyeshadows and subtle pink or peach blushes to

By Jennifer Park Staff Writer

create a natural flush. Small lips are also associated with purity, which explains the popularity of red and pink lip stains that create gradient lips. In the U.S., there is more emphasis on defining the facial features, which has led to styles like highlighting and contouring. These techniques produce a sharper and more eye-catching look.

Winged eyeliner and matte lipstick in darker tones emphasize and define eyes and lips.

The makeup trends in America and South Korea are inextricably tied to their respective cultural and historical roots.

Although these traditional beauty standards are unlikely to change, our evolving societies, now even more interconnected, make the future of makeup a realm of new and exciting possibilities.

February 2018 • Arts & Entertainment

Page 9

monarch critics

Zac & Mia

With only 12 episodes at a brief 10-15 minutes each, the mini series Zac & Mia is a realistic depiction of two teens who are brought together through one of the most inexplicable illnesses: cancer.

Zac suffers from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and ultimately weakens the ability of the immune system to fight infection. And Mia, a prom-obsessed primadonna, suffers from a tumor in her leg.

After an angry confrontation with his hospital room neighbor involving her blasting of melodramatic music, Zac meets Mia—and realizes that they’ve met before.

From that point forward, the two begin a journey filled with a cliché mix of laughter, butterflies, tears, and fights. Only this story doesn’t feel so cliché, and that’s what’s so special about it.

Most teens could more or less relate to the high school lives of Zac and Mia before they are diagnosed: concerned about their appearance, overwhelmed by grades, pressured to succeed, while somehow manag-

By Olivia Yankovich Staff Writer ing to be social and popular. So when they are diagnosed with cancer, the ways they handle it are close to exactly how any one of us teenagers would.

You may wonder how much more predictable it can get: fatal sickness followed by accidental love––the works. This plot might sound super familiar (*hint, hint* The Fault in Our Stars), but the difference between Zac & Mia and John Green’s novel is the depth and rawness of Zac and Mia’s emotions.

The Fault in Our Stars is an idyllic romance. Zac & Mia is not. Zac & Mia is a story of two average teens who face something no one imagines having to go through— it’s emotional, it’s puzzling, and it’s an arduous fight.

I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I can tell you how thoughtful and emotional this miniseries is.

Whether you’ve been directly or indirectly affected by cancer, you know that the struggle is taxing and tedious. Zac & Mia does an incredible job of incorporating hope and emotion into the reality of a possibly fatal illness like cancer.

Call Me By Your Name A Luca Guadagnino film is one marked with passion and filled with liberation, and his latest masterpiece Call Me by Your Name is no exception.

Guadagnino, the director, is not a household name; his movies are not for everyone, as his style is daring. With prolonged shots, Guadagnino keeps his camera work still, quiet, and focused, making the emotion clear and the feeling one that resonates deeply.

Contrasting that, Guadagnino has his actors showcase their outward passion, as he moves from an inward emotion filled with steadiness to one with physicality, tension, and desire. Evoking a more rich and complex feeling from the audience, Guadagnino boldly takes the two opposing approaches.

His latest triumph brought him four Oscar nominations and a great deal of fame.

The film, set in 1983, centers around two men, Elio and Oliver, and their growing love for one another. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, the plot revolves around Oliver, a graduate student

In a Nutshell

By Gursimran Mavi Staff Writer After waiting two years to watch The Death Cure, the end of The Maze Runner trilogy, I left the theater slightly dissatisfied.

Despite a strong opening and multiple action sequences, the movie’s pace was slow and dragged out, making the two and a half hour film seem uncomfortably long.

However, the movie did consist of several action-packed scenes that had viewers at the edge of their seats, managing to fulfill the expectations that had been promised by the fast-paced trailer.

For those who hadn’t watched the first two movies recently, the story could be hard to follow as well. Since the overarching conflict was the main focus of this movie, important character development was sacrificed—a huge disappointment. And even then, some of the most poignant parts of the book were left out, including fan-favorites that focused on supporting characters.

Despite these shortcomings, the all-star cast delivered strong performances, especially Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Rosa Salazar, and Ki Hong Lee. The movie’s release was intended for last year, but O’Brien was seriously injured on set while performing one of his stunts. His injuries took months to recover from, so this cast does deserve respect for sticking with the movie even when its future was bleak.

Due to the lack of integrity to the novel, however, the film’s faults overshadow the elements that did deliver, making the movie a real disappointment for faithful fans of The Maze Runner trilogy.

By Rose Gatlin Staff Writer The original Netflix series End of the F***ing World follows two teens, Alyssa and James, as they run away from home to find something better, with little to guide them other than the hope that the future will be better than the homes they left behind. Alyssa leaves in search of the father she has not seen in years, James accompanies her to fulfill his self-proclaimed title of “Psychopath,” eyeing Alyssa as his prospective first victim. While neither finds what he or she set out for, Alyssa and James find a companionship in one another that neither has ever experienced.

Alyssa and James are defined by a youthful idealism: that somewhere in the future their perfect lives await them.

But instead of waiting, the pair actively seeks it. They are alike in their desire to leave home, but different in the way they experience life, which allows them to see the world in a new light.

The violence that characterizes the show does not exist simply for the sake of entertainment, but rather reveals how Alyssa and James cope with their past.

It is through these pasts that End of the F***ing World tackles difficult themes and issues from traumatic family life to sexual assault, never failing to create an utterly captivating experience that leaves the audience in awe as the credits roll.

By Audrey VanValkenburg Staff Writer

studying with Elio’s father and spending the summer in Italy. As Oliver first steps out of the car, we see Elio react, and the clear interest the two have for one another carries from start to finish. However, given the time period, circumstances make for a more complicated love story.

The movie presents itself as a true work of art as Guadagnino masterfully stages the film to reflect the intricacy of the plot. Shot in Italy, the pleasing scenery serves to further the movie’s wistful mood and tone.

The film’s variation in music also mirrors the true depth of its different layers: Call Me by Your Name’s soundtrack is not limited to any specific genre, but rather represents an accumulation of masterpieces, whether they be a calming piano piece, a smooth Italian ballad, or an ’80s pop anthem.

Call Me by Your Name has complexity, beauty, and heart. Armie Hammer as Oliver and Timothée Chalamet as Elio demonstrate a touching chemistry, and the unpredictable love which stems from true passion makes for a remarkable film.

By Taytianna Leggett Staff Writer Alone Together, starring comedians Esther Povitsky and Benji Aflalo, is the newest teen comedy on Freeform, tackling topics such as popularity and the blurred lines between friendships and romantic relationships.

Both friends struggle to make it in Los Angeles and fit in with the confusing and status-obsessed crowd. Ester and Benji often find themselves in awkward situations trying to adjust to L.A.—and it mostly ends with both of them explaining how “THEY’RE JUST FRIENDS.” Alone Together does a good job of using satire to explain the extreme social stigma that can await one in Los Angeles. While Ester and Benji are trying to fit in with the crowd, they often revert back to themselves, affirming the importance of staying true to yourself.

The show does an amazing job maintaining an awkwardness between the characters, forcing them to recognize and even joke about their own flaws. The two friends are very relatable, often moping about how little money they have and how single they are. Even with the amount of complaining they do in the series, Ester and Benji seem quite content with the fact that no one else will get them like they get each other. This kind of friendship is what makes the series so entertaining.

If you’re looking for a relatable, lively comedy-drama, Alone Together is worth a watch. It airs every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. on Freeform.

Good morning, Mitty What is your main focus for today? travel

5-Star Destinations Worldwide Ireland

By Stephanie Jue If you want to enjoy traditional beef stew, taste freshlybaked soda bread, breathe the crisp air of sprawling green farms, and explore decaying ruins of a century’s former glory, consider visiting Ireland. Try renting a car (keep to the left of the road!), staying in bed and breakfasts, and visiting even the smallest of towns (which are chockfull of history, delectable eats,and hidden treasures) to truly immerse yourself in the rich Irish culture.

Newagen, Maine

By Brenna Schumacher Picture this: a breathtaking coastal view of the Atlantic Ocean, tall dewy conifer trees, brilliant green lichen, and fragrant cranberry bogs. If this sounds like the place for you, check out the quaint seaside town of Newagen, Maine.

Newagen boasts all of the small town charms–wonderfully sweet people, inviting shop windows, and more. For all the omnivores out there, be sure to try some freshly cooked, tantalizingly sweet and savory Maine-style lobster.

Cancún, Mexico

By Prerita Pandya Take a dip into the beautiful cerulean blue waters of Cancύn at the tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Nestled between the coast and the Nichupte Lagoon, Cancύn is the ideal blend of natural and urban appeal.

Take a day trip to Chichen Itza to witness the might of the Mayan culture or spend a day at the beach taking in the golden sun as you enter paradise.

Kenya

By Bansi Patel For an exotic vacation that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, consider visiting Kenya. The landscapes in Kenya range from grasslands to exotic beaches. If you want to see the clearest blue water and purest white sand, visit any one of Mombasa’s many beaches. The water is warm and filled with stunning marine life. Camels roam the beaches and fresh coconut water is available every few feet.

Hacks to Pack

for your dream vacation

By Katie Anstett and Lauren O. Vu Staff Writer

With spring break quickly approaching, lots of students are envisioning the idyllic vacations and dream trips they’ve booked. Yet the upcoming break also means the stressful ordeal of perfectly packing everything needed—especially if packing is postponed until the last few hours before a flight! These simple hacks will improve the travel experience and make well-deserved vacations as enjoyable as possible: • Make sure necklaces and bracelets don’t get knotted in a suitcase by threading them through plastic straws to keep the chains tangle-free.

• Prevent the bottoms of shoes from staining the other items in a suitcase by wrapping them in a shower cap or plastic bag. This ensures that clothes stay clean.

• Place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of any shampoo or conditioner bottle before screwing on the lid to prevent spillage in luggage.

• Keep electronic chargers from getting lost and tangled by storing them all in an empty sunglasses case.

• Afraid of a waterlogged phone while enjoying a restful day at the beach? Place phones in plastic bags. The touchscreen is still usable through the plastic, and dirt and moisture will not seep in.

• Store socks inside sneakers or boots to keep them from getting lost, to maximize space, and to ensure shoes hold their shape.

• Plan out outfits in advance and pack each one in a tightly sealed plastic bag. This saves space and creates a neat and organized suitcase.

An Adventure Through Time

By Kristie Park Staff Writer The concept of vacationing was born in 1869, a year snuggled amidst a period of reconstruction after the Civil War. It was the year that William Henry Harrison Murray published Adventures in the Wilderness, otherwise known as Camp-Life in the Adirondacks, a guidebook that fostered the idea of escaping the chaos of city life by unwinding amidst nature. Delivering compelling lecture tours throughout the Northeast, Murray kindled curiosity within the American audience, urging people to experience the liberating feeling that an excursion to the Adirondack Mountains could give. Six years later, over 200 hotels and camps had been established in the mountains, and stagecoach services traversed the land while steamboats navigated the lakes and rivers. By 1900, several of the fabulously wealthy families, including the Carnegies and Vanderbilts, built private camps in the wilderness, utilizing their riches to enjoy the thrill of hunting and fishing in raw nature without the disturbance of crowds. The idea of “vacating” the city to enjoy nature ran rampant throughout the nation, and the prim British “holiday” was replaced by the more lax American “vacation.”

Today, vacationing is more luxurious, accompanied by thoughts of crystalline beaches and exotic foods.

For many, the idea of the “perfect vacation” has morphed into a costly adventure, complete with expensive airfare and lavish hotels—luxuries that are not available to everyone. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Why not return to the roots of vacationing and simply spend some time amidst nature?

Most urban cities have parks and gardens, areas of greenery that offer to compensate for the frenzied rush of the city. In fact, nature has been scientifically proven to lower the stress levels of city-dwellers. A study by Gregory Bratman, a graduate student at the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources at Stanford University, examined the cognitive effects of walking in a natural environment. As a group of volunteers was randomly assigned to either take a walk along the highway or stroll through a leafy portion of the Stanford campus, researchers scanned the blood flow throughout the volunteers’ brains, monitoring activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex. As expected, there was much less brain activity within volunteers who had walked through nature. They exhibited significant improvements in a questionnaire assessing their mental health compared to those who had walked along the highway. Put simply, they were more relaxed.

So how does one enjoy a cost-efficient yet enjoyable vacation? Based on both science and the origins of vacationing, one can take a relaxing stroll through areas filled with nature, such as the Municipal Rose Garden or the Japanese Friendship Garden—both of which are only fifteen minutes away from Mitty. A simple walk can atone for the serenity absent in the life of a student, and with a quieter subgenual prefrontal cortex, one can be much more relaxed and prepared to tackle school life once again. After all, a vacation at its core is a period of relaxation: a moment to escape the frenzy of one’s daily life and appreciate what one has.

Around the World with ECJ

By Yusra Arub Staff Writer

Phileas Fogg and his genius assistant Passepartout fulfilled the ultimate childhood fantasy: they traveled the world in 80 days. Their comical circumnavigation of the globe not only makes us laugh but also brings out our innate hunger for exploring a world beyond our own. Travel experiences can completely transform us; our identities disappear, and we discover our most curious, open-minded selves.

Luckily, as Mitty students, it is possible for us to experience such life-changing experiences due to the variety of programs ranging from day-long retreats to weeks-long ECJ trips that visit places like Appalachia, South Africa, and India.

For senior Cameron Lahitette, who participated in the ECJ India trip last year, the experience with his classmates in Delhi, Bangalore, Mysore, and Agra made him “aware of something new in the world that we don’t see near Mitty.” His trip to India was wildly different from his summer travels to France. With the absence of technology and radio, he and his peers were forced to “sing the same three songs on the bus,” allowing them to get to know each other on a more personal level. During the trip, they built homes for the poor, stayed with impoverished children, and immersed themselves in the beautiful Indian culture, language, and lifestyle. In the eyes of the Indian children, Cameron was nothing more than a teenager who had traveled across the world to gain a better understanding of their struggles. In the eyes of Cameron, the children were not the subject of his classroom or a cause, but simply children of a different background. Spending two weeks in a new world allowed him to gain a newfound understanding of people that he had only known through the news or through books.

Traveling is a humbling experience that draws us closer to the people we love and allows us to form new relationships with people we have never met. In our daily rush from school to home, we carry with us a singular identity and perspective formed from our limited experiences with family, friends, and the narrow reaches of our city. It’s easy to forget that there is a world outside of our own that is so much larger than our everyday struggles. Thus, traveling to new places–whether that is France or even just a trip to San Francisco–forces us to unlock our childlike curiosity and constantly be amazed by new sights. In this way, we become humble as we open up to different perspectives and ultimately learn to embrace them. With this in mind, the next time you travel, forget the little toils of life back home and be ready to immerse yourself in a novel world that, to your surprise, may change you. In the words of Jules Verne, “Make the tour around the world.”

Travel Traditions

By Malavika Ramarao Staff Writer Some people take precautionary measures to ensure the smoothest travel possible. Travel insurance, travel agencies, emergency contacts, and extensive research are just some of the elements that comprise the travel plans of the most prepared and vigilant travelers. My family is sure to go the extra mile to guarantee a safe and comfortable trip by taking the following precautionary measures: • A blowtorch and a long, thin nylon rope are two essential items my family needs while preparing to pack before any major trip. It is essential our checked-in baggage be tightly bound in rope with ends singed via a blowtorch, which prevents slippage of the rope.

• We always put locks on our bags–even if customs and immigration cut them off–because we believe that the worst way to begin a trip is to eventually spot a suitcase among the other checked baggage only to find that it has been split apart during the rough transfer process with clothing and personal items spewed out for everyone to see.

• A superstition we have is to never–under any circumstances–sit on the baggage during the trip, as this can only end terribly. On a trip to Costa Rica, my brother accidentally rested on his carry-on bag. The next day he twisted his ankle, fell terribly ill, and had to be medicated to stop vomiting.

• My family takes paranoia to another level when it comes to leaving a hotel room. We strip down all the sheets and throw them onto the couch, and it’s not until we have someone crawl under the beds and check every single drawer that we are finally convinced nothing has been left behind.

No matter how tedious or insane all these precautions may seem, I am a firm believer that they have saved my family from disaster on several occasions, from nearly having my personal belongings sifted through because my bag broke open to almost leaving my house keys behind in the hotel room. Whether pure superstition or merely common sense, my family’s travel traditions make every journey an unforgettable memory and a safe–albeit tiring–experience.

OPINIONS Opposing Viewpoints: Slacktivism

From Slacktivism to Activism Slacktivism: Playing Pretend

By Helena Getayalew Staff Writer The term “slacktivism,” a portmanteau of the words “slacker” and “activism,” refers to a rather lazy method of advocating for an issue. This concept typically carries a negative connotation since it implies that nothing is really being done to create tangible change in society. However, it is important to realize that revolutionary change is gradually created through accumulated small victories, and slacktivism is, in fact, a first step in the right direction.

Creating public awareness inspires social and cultural change. Slacktivism isn’t meant to be a facade, but rather a passionate and accessible method of advocating for an issue.

It is not only utilized by online users with large followings to bring attention to important social issues, but also as a tool capable of educating the masses, particularly youth.

Indeed, technology has contributed to creating more social and political awareness among younger people due to information being readily available. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 75% of teens have access to a smartphone, and thus are heavily influenced by online media. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are popular among adolescents, so the content on these platforms is consequently where many youth get their information and form their opinions. Thus, slacktivism is actually productive in that it is nurturing the most socially aware and involved generation in history. For this reason, slacktivism is of the utmost importance; such awareness is contingent on the consistent activism on mainstream social media platforms.

Just last month at the 75th annual Golden Globes, celebrities from all backgrounds came together in solidarity for victims of sexual harassment by wearing black. Sure, you can argue this action didn’t actually do anything, but it’s important to realize the effects of a collective symbolic act—even one as small as wearing the color black—can have an immense impact on society.

The purpose of being a slacktivist isn’t to directly and immediately change social structures, but rather to generate public support and awareness about an issue. This is arguably the most important thing an individual can do to advocate for change because a socially and politically aware younger generation will lead to a conscious and informed society in the future.

In considering whether slacktivism works, Laura Seay of The Washington Post writes that “the more attention a cause receives, the more likely public officials are to pay attention to that cause, and thus the more tangible benefits (like legislation, a policy change, or money allocated to help victims of a crisis) there will be.” The benefits of slacktivism are long-term. Even though it may take longer to create tangible change, these impacts will be just as meaningful and lasting as that of “real” activism.

The goal of any type of activism is to inspire societal change, and slacktivism does this by stirring public support. Legal policies are often not enough to create a change in the minds of people, which is why public support is a unique game changer in social activism.

Furthermore, policy-makers and politicians are representatives of the people; if the vast majority of a nation’s population supports a reasonable and constitutional policy, then lawmakers’ should consider that policy. There are already discussions about prohibiting non-disclosure agreements in light of recent sexual harassment scandals and growing support for the #MeToo movement. So maybe the slacktivism at the Golden Globes did accomplish something, and just maybe individual slacker activists can help bring change too.

By Supna Kapoor Opinions Editor It is often proclaimed that because of the rise of technology and social media, the turn of the century has brought with it one of the most socially aware generations. While this may be true, it can also be said that the rise of technology and social media has brought about one of the most passive generations when it comes to political participation.

The lethargy of our generation has led to a phenomenon known as “slacktivism,” defined as “...actions in support of a political or social cause but regarded as requiring little time or involvement.” Some notable examples of slacktivism include the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and the more recent wearing of black at the Golden Globes.

Though slacktivist acts don’t bring about any direct or tangible change in the terms of new legislation or the restructuring of oppressive social institutions, they are championed for creating awareness of issues that too often fail to reach the public eye. While at first glance this seems reason enough to pardon the fruitlessness of slacktivist acts, the emergence of social media has turned slacktivism into an inauthentic practice abused by millions of users trying to paint themselves to the public as philanthropists or passionate activists.

Because of slacktivism, people are beginning to “advocate” for social issues in quick and effortless ways, often spurred by shallow intentions. Certain individuals hide behind their slacktivism, hoping to prevent suspicion and dissociate themselves from their injustices because of their surface support of a certain issue.

A prime example of this is James Franco, who sported a Time’s Up Pin and all black at the Golden Globes this past month.

To the uninformed eye, Franco seemed like any one of the many other empathetic actors and actresses proclaiming their solidarity for individuals of sexual harassment, yet his slacktivism was surrounded by an air of cruel irony.

In 2014, James Franco was caught trying to seduce a seventeen year old girl.

Additionally, five more women including actress Ally Sheedy have since accused him of sexual harassment and misconduct.

Because of the “accessibility” of slacktivism, someone like James Franco was able to wear a mask of hypocrisy, which in future situations could have proven to be dangerous.

Furthermore, the weightlessness of slacktivism allows it be a tool of manipulation.

Oftentimes slacktivist acts are performed due to social pressure. To illustrate this, Franco’s slacktivism at the Golden Globes could have very much been to mask his own personal guilt, or it could have been because he knew choosing not to participate would have resulted in a backlash from Hollywood.

The answer to the problem of slacktivism lies in direct advocacy, such as contacting your local and federal representatives about changes you would like to see in legislation or donating to organizations whose causes you are passionate about.

In order to bring about any real and worthy change, effort and time needs to be expended but not as much effort or time as you may think. Simply sending an email or calling a legislator takes less than five minutes and can bring about tangible results that will not result from slacktivist acts.

With that being said, Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times call us to think of slacktivism as a gateway drug: “It exposes people to causes and sometimes gets them hooked. And while it doesn’t always solve problems, it tends to build awareness of crises— a necessary but not sufficient step to getting them resolved.”

Marijuana: Pros and Cons of Legal Use

By Emy Tobin Staff Writer Weed, Mary-Jane, the Devil’s Lettuce: all street names for marijuana. Some support it and some despise those who use it, but should we allow it? Recently, recreational marijuana use has become legalized in California and eight other states, though it remains a federally prohibited substance.

Right now, citizens need to look past what we want to be true and formulate our opinions based on the facts. A major problem with marijuana is that we simply do not know the long-term effects of its consumption and use. Recent studies by the National Institute of Drug Abuse suggest that using cannabis can cause major damage to the brain, decrease cognitive function, diminish memory, and bring about actual changes to the structure of the brain. Ten percent of those who have tried marijuana become dependent, and those who begin using as teens are much more likely to become dependent. Over time, users’ bodies grow tolerant to the effects of the drug and progressively need more of it to feel the same effect. So, yes, those who begin using as teens are much more likely to become dependent. And just

as with harder drugs, marijuana users can have withdrawals which include anxiety attacks, sleeplessness, and irritability.

On the other hand, marijuana can also have positive effects. While some may argue that marijuana is a gateway drug, the opposite can also be true. A rehab facility in Los Angeles has successfully utilized marijuana to help addicts quit stronger drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

Marijuana has been employed to treat chronic pain, Alzheimers, anxiety, and more.

Legalizing marijuana also creates fiscal benefits. Once legalized, marijuana can be a source of tax revenue. In Colorado, the legal marijuana industry has accounted for $121 million in taxes in the first half of 2017, bringing in money for public schools and agencies overseeing the sale and production of marijuana.

This in turn creates a more regulated industry, which promotes the legal sale of a higher quality product.

So marijuana has both benefits and drawbacks. Although using marijuana brings with

it potential harms, Californians now have the legal right to buy one ounce of cannabis per day.

Thus, even though you might think marijuana is bad, that does not entitle you to stop those age twenty-one and older in California from using it.

Opinions • February 2018

Page 13

Correcting Political Correctness

By Lucas Sant’Anna Staff Writer The term “politically correct” has a long and divisive history in America. The phrase was popularized in the 1990s by right-wing politicians and has since evolved into a weapon used on both sides of the political spectrum, meaning anything from “respectful” to “conformist” to “hypersensitive” to “linguistic jujitsu.”

In recent years, the concept of being politically correct, or PC, has been at the forefront of many debates, whether among politicians, friends, or family members. Our president, Donald Trump, frequently criticizes PC culture, calling it America’s big problem and purposely trying to act politically incorrect in defiance. On the other end of the spectrum, the slightest mistake in phrasing can cause huge outcries on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, turning well-meaning celebrities into public scapegoats. The country has become polarized over this issue, with some doggedly adhering to strict linguistic guidelines and others completely abandoning the concepts of respect and self-moderation.

With parents who have opinions nearly opposite to mine about PC, I’ve been in the middle of the debate for many years. On the one hand, talking about social issues like feminism, LGBTQ rights, and race can feel as difficult as walking through a minefield. It

seems that some people are just waiting for me to make the slightest misstep in order to label me a misogynist, and any debate over a social issue is reduced to petty squabbles over word choice. On the other hand, I find myself cringing when I hear people saying blatantly disrespectful things about marginalized groups, especially when doing so knowingly. It seems as if the issue has become a choice between all-in or not-at-all, and neither side is good enough.

Despite how frustrating it is, we cannot simply dismiss political correctness. Doing so would reinforce existing cultural prejudices and entitlement. Robin Lakoff, a linguist at UC Berkeley, asserts what we should do: “I really wish that the term would go away. I think rather than PC we should see trying to talk this way as behaving courteously—… civility.”

Lakoff gets it exactly right—the aim of the movement is simply to respect and include groups that have been pushed to the sidelines for centuries. However, it is equally important to acknowledge each other’s humanity and remember that until we develop telepathy, we are stuck with the imperfect tools of language.

PC culture, rather than fostering healthy debate and allowing people to listen to the other side, has at times made people like our president say things merely to draw a reaction. Maybe it’s time to focus less on being politically correct (or incorrect) and more on listening, respect, and compassion.

Bittersweet Hershey’s Kisses

Faith in Healthcare

By Sydney Hwang Staff Writer With February came Valentine’s Day, and by extension, the season of chocolate.

Just about every Target or Safeway was packed to the brim with delicious chocolate morsels to give to a loved one or a friend.

The basic staple of the holiday is definitely the Hershey’s Kiss, and these delicately wrapped silver and pink candies could be found everywhere. For a classier option, you might have reached for a Lindt truffle or Ghirardelli square, but there’s something that ties all of these gifts together, and unfortunately it’s a far cry from sentimental appreciation.

H e r s h e y ’s a n d Lindt, which owns Ghirardelli, source their cocoa beans from farms in West Africa known to utilize child labor and slavery, a truth that has been carefully hidden from the public eye. In fact, sixty percent of the world’s supply of cocoa beans is produced within Ghana and the Ivory coast and almost all of it is illegal.

The most popular chocolate, Hershey’s, is harvested by the hands of small children. Modern-day slavery does exist, and approximately 2.3 million West African children are being forced to work in cocoa farms that deliver raw ingredients to popular

chocolate companies like Hershey’s, Mars, and Nestlé. These children are exposed to hazardous pesticides, handle large machetes to split open cacao pods, and earn as little as $2 a day—if they are even paid. Knowing this, purchasing an inexpensive Hershey’s chocolate bar for a special someone might actually be offering indirect support to an illegal, cruel industry.

What should we do instead? A better, more ethical option is available at most grocery stores: simply search for chocolate with a Fair Trade stamp clearly marked on the wrapper. Some notable brands include Theo Chocolate, eatingEVOLVED, and ChocoLOVE, which prints love poems on the inside wrapper of their chocolate bars.

Yes, they may not be as cheap as the big brands, but as a former cocoa slave stated, consumers of these brands “are enjoying something I suffered to make… they are eating my flesh.”

The extra cost is worth it. Choosing to buy exclusively Fair Trade certified chocolate takes money out of companies that utilize illegal labor sources.

Make your future Valentine’s Days more special by supporting ethically harvested cocoa and giving your loved ones the chocolatey gift they deserve.

By Trisha Karani Apprentice Opinions Editor The First Amendment states that freedom of religion, speech, and press are inherent freedoms of all Americans. But can these freedoms interfere with anti-discrimination policies?

Recently, President Trump established the Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom within the Department of Health and Human Services, which aims to aid health care workers who religiously or morally object to certain medical procedures, effectively reversing Obama’s policy requiring all healthcare workers to participate in healthcare.

Even the Hippocratic Oath aligns with the Obama policy, including phrases such as: “benefit of the sick” and “prevent disease whenever I can.”

Currently, the division claims their goals include “[protecting]...religious freedom” and “[guaranteeing] that victims of unlawful discrimination find justice,” but otherwise, no information has been released. Will the department allow certain health care workers to be exempt from participating in certain procedures? Or will the department decide that some religious views are applied while others are not? We simply don’t know.

Furthermore, the term “moral” does not refer to any specific faith but rather an individual’s personal beliefs, so the danger of such vague, unclear guidelines is imminent.

In the past, free reign for refusal on religious grounds has proven to interfere with anti-discrimination policies. In the 1960s, many businesses and schools refused to comply with racial integration due to misguided religious convictions that God wanted the races to be separate. And in the healthcare industry, modern day examples include refusing to treat children of samesex parents or to prescribe birth control to women.

Thus, the policies that promote freedom of one group begin to threaten the freedoms of other groups. Moreover, due to the wide scope of personal beliefs, the implementation of these policies could quickly devolve into restricting health care for people of certain gender identities, sexualities, or even races. Hence, rather than decreasing discrimination within our society, such policies open the gates to a whole slew of issues. Despite the attempt at inclusion, the new Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom promotes exclusion, allowing the American healthcare system to become one of liberty and justice for some.

President Winfrey, Celebrity in Chief?

By Chaelee Park Staff Writer With the election of former reality television star and real estate mogul Donald Trump in 2016, the notion of celebrities turned politicians has gained unrivaled attention in the past year. What began as celebrities utilizing their platform to speak out about the current administration has evolved into a consideration of running for president by some, including Katy Perry, Kanye West, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Throughout history, we have seen that celebrities, partially due to their fan bases, have often excelled in their political pursuits. For example, in the 1984 presidential election, former actor and California Governor Ronald Reagan carried 49 out of 50 states, defeating former Vice-President and Senator Walter Mondale. This pattern of a celebrity defeating a more conventional politician repeated itself in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s run for Governor of California in 2003, Al Franken’s run for Senate in 2008, and our most recent election, making it clear—to voters and candidates alike—that celebrity politicians are very much a reality.

So is this in America’s best interest?

Following her moving Golden Globes speech on topics ranging from racial injustice and gender inequality to the importance of a free press, Oprah Winfrey has been floated as a potential candidate for the 2020 presidential election. Already, Reese Witherspoon, Seth Meyers, and civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. have vocalized their support for the

self-made billionaire, whose accomplishments include her generous philanthropic efforts, like her $40 million donation in support of education for women and children. The allure of hailing Oprah Winfrey as the president of our nation can be deeply compelling given that so many see her as the epitome of charisma, inclusivity, compassion, and perseverance—all qualities an ideal presidential candidate should possess.

Despite these admirable qualities and her commitment to justice, Oprah’s lack of experience in the political field should have us reconsider her readiness for the presidency. In a 2014 survey of members of the American Political Science Association, Abraham Lincoln was named the most successful president in the history of the United States. Due to his numerous years involved in American politics as a senator, Lincoln was able to lead our country with conviction and passion during the tumultuous Civil War era, demonstrating the importance experience in American politics.

Oprah, despite her profound passion for creating a more just America and her ability to deliver deeply compelling speeches, lacks the political experience necessary. Although her progressive mindset is evident, the absence of expertise in international and domestic policy, coupled with her undisclosed opinions on specific issues such as foreign policy and taxes, should cause us to reconsider her capability to be one of our nation’s preeminent leaders.

We must look beyond the public image of celebrities and delve into their political stances in order to ensure that our future leaders are well-versed in politics and governing.

SPORTS

Women’s Basketball: Continued Dominance

By Matthew Scott Sports Editor The Archbishop Mitty Women’s Basketball Team continues to sustain its excellence. Even with the loss of key senior talent from last year, the team has looked better than ever.

Led by a backcourt of Penn State commit senior Karisma Ortiz and five-star junior recruit Haley Jones, the team has dominated their competition, winning by an average of 36 points per game en route to a 24-0 regular season, including 14-0 in WCAL play.

But now they face the rest of CCS without standout forward and USD-bound Nicole Blakes as Blakes tore her ACL during the team’s last regular season game. Coach Phillips told the Mercury News, “Nicole is handling herself with such incredible grace and positivity. She is just amazing, and the kids couldn’t be more supportive.”

The Monarchs came into their first CCS game on Friday as the clear favorites—and it showed.

They ran over Saint Francis en route to a 70-26 victory and have rallied behind Blakes’s injury. They were scheduled to clash with East Side College Prep in the semi-finals on Tuesday, with a victory leading to a likely match-up against powerhouse Pinewood out of Los Altos.

Mitty started the year strong with victories over top teams Millenium, Saint John’s, and Saint Mary’sStockton as they emerged victorious in the Nike Tournament of Champions. From there, they smothered the West Coast Jamboree and entered league play with the #1 national ranking.

Ortiz has dominated at the point guard position, averaging 14.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, while Jones has averaged 21 and 9. The duo has been backed up by a strong

Junior Haley Jones advances the ball down the court. cast including seniors Blakes and Krissy Miyahara (14.86.6 and 7.6-1.8 respectively), and junior Ania McNicholas, averaging 6.7 points per game.

Looking to the future, the team shows no sign of slowing down, as showcased by strong play from sophomore Ashley Hiraki and freshman Hunter Hernandez. The system that Coach Sue Phillips has perfected has allowed the team to maintain its dominance season after season even with a constantly changing team as old talent graduates and

new talent rises to take its place.

Want proof? Coach Phillips has accumulated 22 WCAL titles, 19 CCS titles, 12 Nor-Cal titles, and 6 State Championships to compliment a win percentage of .830 during her time at Mitty.

The team looks set for the future, but for now, its focus is on the playoffs. With WCAL locked up, the team now looks to CCS, and a state championship that eluded the Monarchs last year.

Asked about how the team maintains its focus while moving through a dominant season, Ortiz said “We have learned to love the process and never take a day for granted. For many of us we have learned the hard way that no game should be taken lightly and that we have to win one game at a time.”

Coach Phillips has taught them not only lessons on the court, but lessons in life as well. The grueling workouts they are subjected to throughout the offseason cement the team-first mentality in everyone’s mind regardless of skill level. Ortiz states that, “It’s always been about the team. I have one goal this year and it’s to win state. I could care less about the awards and nominations that may come along the way, those aren’t my priority... this team is.”

This star-studded cast has received attention and accolades all year, but the team still faces a tough schedule ahead as playoffs begin. The players have kept their composure through thick and thin, and they continue to get better every day.

Adds Ortiz, “This team is full of competitors. No game can be taken lightly despite the team and what their record is. We have a target on our back, but we enjoy knowing that. To be completely honest, we still feel as if we are underrated. We go into every game having an “underdog” mentality and willing to leave everything out on the court for the win.”

Remembering Tyler Nii

By Giuliano Orsi Staff Writer Any tragedy connected to the Mitty community doesn’t go unnoticed, but in the case of Tyler Nii, it hits very close to home. The 27 year-old varsity tennis coach was enjoying the last few days of his holiday break when he signed up for a tandem skydive above Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown, New Zealand, on January 10.

The conditions weren’t perfect but passed the expected standards to allow for the tandem jump to be on schedule. In tandem skydiving, you’re strapped to a professional instructor who will be with you the whole way down until the parachute is released. It’s not exactly clear what went wrong, but during Nii’s jump with his instructor the two had to separate and both landed in the icy cold Lake Wakatipu.

It’s typical safety protocol in tandem skydiving to separate from each other, and this is exactly what occurred early in the afternoon during their jump. The instructor was rescued quite soon, as three locals heard the radio SOS call and used a boat to find him. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, and was able to

fully recover. Yet, the search for Nii was much more difficult, as he didn’t have the same radio signal on his body that could be tracked. After three hours of unsuccessful searching by the local Coast Guard, the rescue was suspended until a later time. As many as twelve boats were involved at a time, but there was simply no luck in their favor, and Nii was assumed dead later that day.

Nii’s spirit will not be forgotten here at Mitty, as his impact was felt immediately during the first few days of his arrival. In 2013, Nii came to fill in the junior varsity coaching spot for women’s tennis and was able to build lasting relationships with his players both on and off the court. When the position for coach of men’s varsity tennis was open, Nii filled that without missing a beat and became one of the most well-respected individuals in the Athletic Department at Mitty.

Mitty Sports Editor, junior Rishi Nair says of Nii, “I knew Tyler for practically all my four years at Mitty and I grew to see him for the amazing person he was.

Tyler not only gave me tennis advice that improved my game, but he gave me life advice that has changed who I am as a person.”

College Commits Chloe Cacoyannis Soccer; UCSB Paris Fox Soccer; Rice Sophia Mendoza Soccer; Cal Poly Natalie Meyer Soccer; Sonoma State Hailey Prentice Soccer; St. Mary’s Brianna Robles Soccer; Seattle Hailey Smith Soccer; Washington State Jake Serpa Soccer; USF

Sports • February 2018

Page 15

Women’s Soccer: Shooting for Goal

By Derek Jones Staff Writer Women’s soccer celebrated Senior Night on Feb.15 with a 4-0 victory over Valley Christian. This rounded out an undefeated season for the Monarchs, who began CCS play with a 9-0-1 WCAL record, coming off of a five-game winning streak. The team kicked off CCS with a 2-1 victory over Menlo-Atherton to advance to the CCS Open Division Semifinal.

No strangers to success, seniors Paris Fox, Sophie Mendoza, Hailey Prentice, and Chloe Cacoyannis have been varsity members since their freshman seasons in 2015, during which they picked up a CCS Championship and caught their first glimpses of the competitive landscape of Nor-Cal women’s soccer. The following season, the team experienced a bit of a dry spell—but that only made them more competitive, all the more hungry for victory. Last year, the team’s determination brought them to the top of the WCAL, and after repeating that feat this season, Fox, Mendoza, Prentice, and Cacoyannis seek to finish where they started: at the top of CCS. Over the years, these Monarchs have been huge contributors to the team, and it certainly shows in this year’s stats. Playing Division Chloe Cacoyannis shoots to score.

1 at Rice University next year, defensive player Fox has shown her versatility over the last few months, scoring 12 goals from the midfield position. At her side, Cal Poly SLO-bound Mendoza is a huge asset, leading the team with an impressive 12 assists.

But, of course, they aren’t alone in their success. Although lacking the tenure that the others may boast, forward and fellow senior Hailey Smith has more than proved herself a vital piece of the Monarch squad this season, currently topping the team’s scorers with 13 goals. The personal prowess of these players combines with the team’s deep bench to produce a powerhouse; not only are they now projected to win CCS, but they’re also ranked 4th in California, and 7th in the nation.

With so much recognition and such high ambitions, one must look towards the coaching staff. Head Coach J.T. Hanley has led the women’s soccer program for over a decade.

Recognizing the journey the program has taken to get where it is—including an injury taking Cacoyannis out of play for much of this season—players remain inspired and confident in their ability to achieve their lofty goals.

By Rishi Nair Sports Editor This year, the Mitty Men’s Soccer Team enjoyed a dominant season, one that ended far too soon with a 2-0 loss to Burlingame in the CCS Open Quarterfinals, the team’s only loss of the season. With a record of 14-1-6 overall and 9-0-5 in league, the team ranked 12th in the state and 60th nationally at one point.

Head Coach Cesar Sanchez, who has enjoyed success throughout his career at Mitty, is eagerly prepared his team for the rigors of the season. Coach Sanchez was hoping to add another CCS title to his accomplished career with his last title coming in 2016.

The team included eight graduating seniors, including captains Jay Houston, Josh Robertson, Jake Serpa, and Jota Yamaguchi and they all did their part to end their Mitty careers on a high note. Robertson led the team in goals with eight, Yamaguchi and junior Owen Byrnes follow with six goals each. Juniors Oscar Toulet and Byrnes led the team with seven assists each, and senior goalie Matt Rose had eight games this season without giving up a single goal.

The team finished a point behind Saint Ignatius (which they tied earlier in the season 0-0) for the league title.

Mens Basketball: Finishing Strong

Wrestling: Pinning the Competition

By Rishi Nair Sports Editor After a rough start to the season, Men’s Basketball finds itself in familiar territory: on a quest to defend its CCS title from a year ago. The team had to go 7-7 in league to qualify for the playoffs, and after an 0-4 start to league, the task was daunting. However, things started to click, and the Monarchs reeled off a five-game win streak, including key wins versus Saint Ignatius and Bellarmine.

Following that, though, the team dropped three straight games leaving them at 5-7, needing victories over Valley Christian and Sacred Heart to qualify for CCS. As senior Hekili Jordan put it, “The season has been up and down, people counting us out most of the time, but our coach just told us to trust the process and stick together.”

And that’s just what they did. With a 50-47 win at Valley Christian, the Monarchs were looking for one more victory to give them a playoff berth.

They would have to do it on senior night against Sacred Heart, and seniors Riley Grigsby, Donavan Wilson, Ethan Matus, Charles Meng, and Hekili Jordan were not going to let this one slip. Meng hit a critical three-pointer to give the team a two-point, and after Sacred Heart tied the game, Jordan was fouled with 0.7 seconds left, needing to hit a free throw to secure the victory. Jordan delivered, giving the team a 56-55.

Seeded #7 in the CCS Open Bracket, the team drew a 23-1 Menlo Squad in the first round. With a career best 30 points from senior Riley Grigsby, the team handled Menlo easily, 80-58. Says Head Coach Tim Kennedy, “The guys came in laser-focused for the game and executed on both ends of the floor. Riley Grigsby was in attack mode and did a great job finishing at the rim & distributing to his teammates.”

By Giuliano Orsi Sports Editor Winter means it’s time for our Mitty wrestlers to prove their skill on the mat. Led by seniors Evan Friend, Charles Baguley, Tyler Laton, Cameron Rendon, and Dominic Torregroza, the boys have put together one of the more consistent groups across the board and have been living up to the expectations.

At the WCAL championships, multiple wrestlers made their way to the finals in their respective weight categories. Sophomores Jake Barbeau at 145 lbs, Andrew Forman at 154 lbs, and Davis Salom at 285 lbs all finished second. As for the seniors, second-place finishers include Baguley at 162 lbs, Friend at 172 lbs, and Torregroza at 222 lbs. As a team, Mitty took 5th place overall, with nine wrestlers earning a spot in CCS competition that will again give them a chance to prove themselves.

The absence of injured senior Cameron Rendon was certainly felt, as his victory in WCAL last year at 115 lbs offered a true glimpse of a potentially bright future in bigger competitions.

“I think wrestling more than any other sport breeds a strong brotherhood,” said Rendon about his connection to the team. “Each match is one-on-one, but at the end of the day teamwork plays a major role in the success of each wrestler. In and out of practice we all push each other to get better and better. We all know that it’d be impossible to do anything on our own. In matches, we know that we aren’t just wrestling for ourselves. Everything we do we do it for the team. That’s what makes us strong.”

Senior guard Charles Meng looks to score against Bellarmine.

The Monarchs defeated the Bells, 67-56 in front of a packed house as part of a successful playoff push.

Senior Josh Robertson moves the ball up the pitch.

Men’s Soccer: 2-0 Loss Ends Big Year

Senior Charles Baguely battles for position.

Page 16

February 2018 • Photography

Featured Photographer:

Emilio Zertuche 1. What’s it like being the school photographer? Which events do you photograph?

It’s an incredible experience to be able to capture the various highlights of a year at Mitty. Whether it’s a sporting event or a liturgy, an ECJ immersion trip or a vacation photo project, looking at the high school experience from an artistic standpoint is an opportunity many people overlook. I get to capture Mitty at its best, and it truly makes me appreciate the amazing community we are surrounded by.

2. Are there any photographers that have influenced your style?

I never really admired the work of any one particular artist or photographer, even in the early stages of my photography. My inspiration often comes from drawing or even watching people walk by on the street. I have begun to realize that we are surrounded by art; everything from clothes to cars—even coffee mugs— all of it is part of a creative process. Photography is just my way of trying to see something that others don’t.

3. What’s your favorite subject to photograph?

Honestly, anything interesting. I like to keep my options open for change, so I can challenge myself to reach every aspect of the medium. Everything from portraits, artificial lighting, street photography, architecture, candid images, auto photography, sports, birthdays, weddings, landscapes, plants, wildlife, astrophotography, even film photography—all of it is so interesting because they’re the same idea, translated into different tastes.

4. Explain your photo-taking process for portraits.

For the longest time, portraits were all about the subjects in their natural state. Everything from lighting to appearance to perspective had to evoke the idea that they were not aware of the camera, and thus it was really them, not a false representation. As I’ve begun to incorporate artificial lighting into my photos, I like to turn the subject’s attention towards the lens; using solid-colored backgrounds and specific outfits, the idea has broadened to incorporate a connection with those looking at the image. I want the stark shadows and focus on the faces of the individuals to draw the audience in; I want the picture to look back at them.

5. What’s your favorite lens to photograph with?

It’s definitely my 50 millimeter lens. It’s very versatile as well as accessible, and its wider aperture of f/1.8 allows for a crisp focus on a particular subject. It works great even in low light, and it’s overall just a fun lens to use.

Meet the Editors: Bansi Patel

junior, 16

Bansi is founder and president of the Photography Club. She enjoys taking macro and architecture photos; her favorite places to photograph are San Francisco and the English countryside.

Additionally, her favorite subject to photograph is leaf veins.

Grace Chung Her style, which consists of bright images that capture little moments, is inspired by photographers such as Carly Morris, Alexsey Reyes, and Annegien Schilling. website:https://bansipatelphoto.wixsite.com/bansipatelphoto instagram: @purplechocolate21

junior, 16

Grace Chung is a nature photographer recognized by National Geographic, the Royal Photographic Society, and more. Her award-winning images are on touring exhibitions across Europe and the UK. Through her photos, Grace seeks to

capture intimate and authentic animal behaviors to connect her audience to the wildlife around them.

Her favorite subjects are bighorn sheep and black bears.

website:

gracechungphotography.com

Photography • February 2018

Page 17

Fauna Through the

Glass

By Grace Chung Photography Editor

The most effective photographs are the ones that tell a story: this is no different for wildlife photography. Through a surge in endangered species and increasing concerns about global warming, wildlife photography has become more important than ever, each image catering to a distinct animal with its own story.

Because of its modern relevance and increasing popularity as a tool for spreading awareness, wildlife photography has become a vital skill for new and advanced photographers worldwide.

Equipment: Since wildlife is usually encountered from a distance, a long telephoto lens on a DSLR is essential to taking quality images; using glass of at least 300 mm is recommended. Additionally, a tripod or monopod is required to keep heavy camera gear stable when photographing.

Lead room is an essential compositional rule when photographing wildlife in motion, such as the river otter above. Space should be left in the direction the animal is facing to prevent the subject from appearing cramped within the frame.

Behind the Scenes In the image on the right, I photograph wild moose in -27° F weather after sunrise at Yellowstone. Elusive animals such as wolves and moose can generally only be seen during the early morning and late evening, when they are most active.

The same animals can be photographed in two different ways. The image on the left uses a narrower aperture to feature the black bears’ interactions with each other and their surrounding environment. The image on the right uses a wide aperture to focus on one particular bear cub for a portrait-style picture.

Camera Settings: Individual settings typically vary based on the kind of picture one is trying to take. For example, ISO is one particular medium that fluctuates greatly depending on the lighting and the amount of clarity sought.

However, there are some primary rules for aperture and shutter speed that beginners can employ when starting wildlife photography.

In general, close-up portraits should be shot with a wide aperture such as f/5.6 to blur out the background and focus directly on the animal. This will obscure any surrounding distractions and emphasize the subject. Contrastingly, photos that intend to capture the animal with its wider environment should be shot with a narrower aperture such as f/11 to cover all the details of the wildlife and the background.

The shutter speed for wildlife photography should almost always be fast, as most animals are flighty and quick in their movements. A general shutter speed of 1/500 seconds or faster is recommended to prevent blurry images.

It is best to prepare these settings before you go out to take pictures. Wildlife is often skittish, and there is usually no time to adjust your settings once you find an animal.

Ethics: As photographers, we must act responsibly and photograph in an ethical manner that puts the welfare of the animal first. For the safety of the animal (and the photographer), a good general rule is to stay at least 25 yards away from most animals and 100 yards away from larger predators.

When done in a responsible manner, photography can be a groundbreaking instrument to inspire change. A single photo has the ability to connect two completely different species in a profound way, inciting action. Famous wildlife photographers such as Joel Sartore, Steve Winter, and Paul Nicklen have all used photography to spread global awareness and even initiate environmental legislative reform. Likewise, new wildlife shutterbugs can harness the power of photography to help protect the animals we cherish and share our planet with.

7,500 Species and Counting

By Alexa Richman and Chloe Bell Staff Writers Joel Sartore, photographer and founder of animal protection platform Photo Ark, has reached an audience of millions through his vividly simple nature photography, expressing the importance of conservation in our expanding environment.

At an early age, Sartore took an interest in wildlife preservation, which he soon intertwined with the medium of photography. After attending the University of NebraskaLincoln to pursue a degree in journalism, Sartore partnered with National Geographic and contributed to Audubon, The New York Times, and The Smithsonian Institution in an effort to spread environmental awareness.

His photography captures wildlife that he works to protect, as seen through his documentary project, Photo Ark. The

This image of a wild bighorn ram munching on a flower utilizes eye contact to draw the viewer into the photo. It also uses a wide aperture of f/5.6 to soften the background and focus on the sheep’s quirky and amusing behavior.

A fast shutter speed of 1/2500 was used in the photo above to capture the flight and quarrel of magpies gathering to feast on a dead coyote. project strives to record endangered species before they die out and raises awareness for this overlooked cause.

Sartore created Photo Ark in 1995 in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. With the support of National Geographic, he aimed to inform people of all ages about the importance of biodiversity through photography, while simultaneously inspiring them to donate and help save species that are in danger. Twenty-three years later, Sartore still supports the project by traveling around the globe to photograph species in need of protection and engage the public through events and exhibitions. He has traveled to over forty countries and taken pictures of more than 7,521 species for the project, which is expected to conclude in 2020.

Sartore utilizes his passion of photography to voice his beliefs, gathering a following that identifies with those beliefs as well. His hard work has paid off as he has successfully raised awareness for thousands of animals in need while simultaneously tapping into his natural passion.

C ON CR E

Page 18

Pilar Luiz

Darren Scorsur

Vedya Konda

Lizzy Mau

Carmen Read

TE

February 2018 • Photography

Photography • February 2018

Page 19

Pilar Luiz

Abigail Mathews

Mia Taxin

Sofia del Cano

Dasha Efremov

Jungle

The Decision Timmy, for the last time, pick the ice cream flavor!

It doesn’t matter!

The Art Page if that earthling boy picks vanilla,

But mom–

fire the death ray.

Yes, commander.

Now.

The Great Victory of Mankind

Cailey Larmore

Jiwoo Song

Ida Jorda

Check Out our QR code for artwork by Jiyeon han

Keili FitzGerald

Hanna Chang

Hanna Cheng