OPINION
INDEPTH
We're seeing more diversity at the movies. Pg. 4
STUDENT LIFE
Some ways you are being manipulated.
BEAR
How LGBTQ+ students and advocates express their support. Pg. 10
Pg. 12
WITNESS
never again BRANHAM HIGH SCHOOL
APRIL 2018
@bhsbearwitness BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
WHAT STUDENTS, FACULTY THINK ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY In a survey of 170 Branham students: 60% feel unsure about their safety on campus 15% feel unsafe 20% feel confident that they are safe
#BlackLivesMatter • #DefendDaca • #MeToo • #TimesUp #StephonClark • #ICantBreathe • #OscarSoWhite • #JeSuisCharlie
NEWS ANALYSIS
Gun-reform movement overshadows those for minority groups ANNALISE FREIMARCK AND JULIA KOLMAN Staff Report
T
GUN DEATHS 38 out of every 100,000 Americans die year from gun violence. TWENTY TWO of the 38 deaths are of black people. (57 percent of gun violence deaths)
he posters read “Books, not bullets,” “Am I next?” and “Fear has no place in schools,” all promoting safety on campus. But interspersed among these homemade signs calling for gun reform were those promoting minority issues signs of raised fists, painted with phrases such as “Black Lives Matter” and “Defend DACA.” Junior Jessica Silva was one of the many Branham students to participate in the March for Our Lives movement in Downtown San Jose. She said that she marched for school safety, but as a Latina student, she also marched for minorities whose lives are lost to gun violence each year. She is among the many minorities who, while support-
ing the #NeverAgain movement, also want to draw attention to people of color who feel that the gun violence that their communities face is often overlooked. “People of color are forgotten,” she said. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, black children are 10 times more likely to be killed in acts of gun violence than white children. From 2002 to 2014, gun-related homicides of black children was at a rate of 3.5 for every 100,000, whereas white children’s gun-death rate was at .4 for every 100,000. “It’s brown and black people that have been targeted, and it’s disgusting. It’s disturbing,” said Silva. Some in these communities point out that the movement that started in Parkland, Fla. would not have taken off had most of the victims been students of color. Since
WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DOING TO IMPROVE YOUR SAFETY? Marc Taylor, school liaison officer “I definitely recommend having some kind of door-locking mechanism. All of the school districts are using different things and now that more and more events are starting to occur across the country, schools that didn’t have a locking device are looking into it”. What Branham is doing: Putting in doors that lock on the inside and installing wrought iron fences to make the campus less open.
SEE MINORITY • PAGE 5
What do I do in a code red situation if I’m not in class? Recommendation: 1. IDENTIFY the threat 2.Determine WHERE threat is in proximity to you 3. If threat is: a. Far away, RUN to a safe place b. CLose/you don’t know, find a place to HIDE c. confronting you, DEFEND yourself Vice Principal Justin Ponzio
GUEST OPINION
After historic walkout and march, don't let momentum die DANIKA CHO AND HANA TZOU
Guest Writers
TWELVE are of those who are white (32 percent). FOUR are of those all other ethnicities combined. OTHER DATA Black men are 13 times more likely than non-Hispanic men to die from gun violence. — Source:Kaiser Family
arch 14 marked the beginning of M a revolution. From Parkland, Fla. to Washington
D.C. to our own community here at Branham, students mobilized for public safety. Our federal government sent thoughts and prayers, but failed to pass laws that would protect us against gun violence. Because of their inaction, we had decided to take a stand. When we first started our petition for Branham’s March 14 walkout, we weren’t expecting the amount of support it would generate. We were originally
Juniors Danika Cho and Hana Tzou were the principal organizers behind Branham's March 14 walkout. Please see page 12 to read about the pair, as well as other activists.
unhappy with the ambiguity of the messages sent out by our administration and decided that we were still walking out no matter the consequences. Within days, we had over 100 signatures and had caught the attention of not only Principal Cheryl Lawton, but the school board as well. We were overwhelmed and disoriented by the sudden onslaught of people looking to us for political leadership. When the administration approached us, they helped us understand that they, by law, were obligated to disassociate with partisan issues. Despite this, they were supportive of our right to civil disobediSEE GUESTS • PAGE 5
What Branham is doing: Having code red drills during all times of the day to increase situational awareness. What is the role of our police officers on campus during an emergency situation?
MORE COVERAGE ABOUT CAMPUS SAFETY EDITORIAL PHOTO ESSAY OPINION Background checks Photos from March Arming teachers 24's March for Our will help further weed puts further stress on Lives in Downtown out good intentions faculty, increasing risk from bad ones. San Jose. of accidents. Page 3 Page 2 Page 3
ARTS Some scientists see a link between games and violence. Others don't. Page 10
Annalise Freimarck/Bear Witness
INSIDE
Campus briefs.................................2 News.............................................. 2
Editorial..........................................4 Bulletin Board.................................3
Science and Technology..................6 Science/Tech Briefs.........................6
InDepth...........................................7 Student Life....................................8
Expert opinion: “Their role is to identify what needs to be done and if there is an active shooter, they’re first on the scene, they’re the first responders, so they would be the first to engage and try to apprehend the active shooter. Not only that, but they would be our best source of information for all units coming in”. Officer Marc Taylor Branham currently has two Officers on campus. Is our school safe? Expert opinion: “Schools are very safe; police departments all around America are trying to improve relationships with schools so that the staff feels safe and properly trained and to get officers on campus so that students feel safe’. Officer Taylor — Atticus Ahearn, Julianne Alvares and Taylor Susewitz
MiniReviews.................................11 Sports.............................................9
Arts & Entertainment...................11 The Back Page...............................12
2
BEAR WITNESS
|
APRIL 2018 |
NEWS
“The Branham Family is important to me and I want to be able to make it stronger.” Heather Cooper on being Classified Emplyee of the Year in Santa Clara County
Campus roundups
with ASB and $10 without.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ debuts
The PAL leadership class hosted Kindness Week this week, dedicated to activities that foster good deeds toward other students. Lunch activities included writing kindness cards, water balloon tossing, friendship bracelet making, knot making, and a school picnic, which will take place today.
Branham’s yearly spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors, will be in the PAC at 7 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday. The musical, directed by drama teacher Christina Plank, features the lives of employees working in a flower shop on Skid Row, in which a certain plant changes the people’s lives. The main character, Seymour, will be played by senior Savidu Geevaratne. Tickets are on sale now - $7
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
April starts on a kind note
Talks start on major cafeteria remodel
How would you like your cafeteria
to be two-stories tall, have a cafe as well as study rooms and a charging station? That may be a reality in the near future as school administrators and representatives from the architecture firm Sugimura Finney discussed the possibility of revamping the cafeteria. Other planned amenities will include a counseling center as well as a grab-and-go menu.
Taco truck comes to campus
Starting this month, there will be tacos selling in the quad for three
dollars. There are two options for students to choose from (two meat choices, not sure what) and they come with lettuce and cheese, with the option of additional salsa.
More safety drills planned in April
Teachers and faculty members discussed safety protocols and cemented plans for lockdown procedures Wednesday at their monthly staff meeting. Among the new protocol include an evacuation procedure, which require all students to
PHOTO ESSAY
T
CALLS TO ACTION
he rain did not dampen the spirits of the more than 5,000 who took to Downtown San Jose on March 24, one of more than 800 protests around the country. Many marched to demand stricter gun laws, and an end to school shootings. Photos by Annalise Freimarck
s
A protester holds up her hands with the message “Don’t Shoot,” a plea common in protests against police brutality as well as school shootings.
In the wake of the Parkland, Fla. shootings, demands for policy change did pave the way for actual changes in gun ownership as private companies such as Walmart and Dick’s SportingGoods raised the age of firearm purchases to 21.
Bear Witness Editor-in-Chief Julia Kolman Managing Editor Michaela Edlin Production Editor Rosalie Gonzalez
Editors News: Annalise Freimarck Opinion: Julianne Alvares Science and Technology: Taylor Susewitz Student Life: Uzor Awuzie Sports: Ryan McCarthy Entertainment: Jocelyn Pierce Copy: Anastasia Langner, Mahta Delshad Online: Aaron Deans Photography: Atticus Ahearn In-Depth: Julia Marques Da Silva
A student holds up a sign for Carmen Schentrup, one of the 17 students who died at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Staff Writers Azura Gutierrez, Catherine Monroy, Matthew Follo, Omar Ababneh, Shlok Gore, Sydney Uyeda Adviser: Fitzgerald Vo Mission Statement The Bear Witness is committed to providing accurate, timely coverage of local and world news while connecting these events to the lives of our diverse student body.
meet in the football field to a phone tree,where staff can communicate with each other promptly. Other safety measures include new intercoms and communication networks, to be implemented in the fall.
Staff, teacher of the month awarded
Spanish teacher Leticia Molina and College and Career Center coordinator Patricia Perez were awarded teacher and staff of the month.
— Compiled by staff reports
Coach gets top honor in Santa Clara UZOR AWUZIE
Student Life Editor
t was over a month ago when volleyball I Coach Heather Cooper was out of town, and received a call from Principal Cheryl
Lawton, who told her she was going to be recognized as Santa Clara County Classified Employee of the Year. Cooper, locally known as “Coach Coop”, has gained the attention of students from all over campus from her generous involvement with students’ curriculum. As the boys and girls volleyball coach, athletic administrative assistant, and former specialized academic instruction teacher, she will be recognized at Heather the District’s March meeting, as Cooper well as the Santa Clara County Volleyball Office Of Education on May 16. coach “To be truthful, I am still trying Cooper has to get my head around it,” Coo- been with per said. “I feel very honored but Branham since when it comes down to it I really 2007. enjoy helping the students, teachers, ancillary staff. The Branham Family is important to me and I want to be able to make it stronger.” Many believed she deserved this award, considering her love to help the Branham community. Landon Jacobs, sports director and close associate worked with Cooper for 10 years. Varsity volleyball player and junior Ava Schroeder said Cooper is a dedicated coach and worker that gives her all whenever she can. “She can turn into your second mom any point, which is what I think truly has an impact on people,” Schroeder wrote. “She believes in people that don’t even believe in themselves and pushes everyone to be and do their best.” Heather Cooper first started working at Branham in 2007 when she took over the Girls Volleyball Program. Two years later, she began to work in the Special Education program, which ultimately resulted in her involvement with Best Buddies, a club to promote more interaction with students in special education. From there, her interest turned toward leadership, where she could connect with students on a social level. After taking a break from teaching, she focused more on the different sports of the school, and eventually acclaimed the position of Athletic Administrative Assistant. The “Support Services and Security” category states that a nominated employee must be “directly related to security of students and/ or property or work which has duties that are not covered under any of the other categories”, such as campus security monitor, health aide, or community outreach assistant, according to the board’s website. Cooper has fulfilled the requirements in various ways, from working with kids in the special education program, to training athletes in volleyball. “I want to be an outlet for students so that they’re able to just be who they are and [who] lets them know that they can do anything that they put their mind to,” Cooper explained. But her involvement doesn’t stop there. Cooper plans to help lead the Link Crew organization, where juniors and seniors have the opportunity to interact and create a more friendly environment for freshmen. While her future plans toward the school are unclear, her dedication for helping students will always remain. Contact Us Instagram: @bhsbearwitness Twitter: @bhsbearwitness Website: www.bhsbearwitness.com Phone: (408) 626-3407 Email: bhs_journalism@yahoo.com
BEAR WITNESS
|
APRIL 2018 |
3
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
1,675 teenage Americans (ages 13 to 19) were killed using a firearm in 2016, while 2,829 more were killed in vehicle accidents.
OPINION
BRANHAM, UNDER THE GUN Editorial | The opinion of the Bear Witness editors
Background checks are essential in lowering death count ince the beginning of 2018, there have S been 17 school shootings, the most notable occurring in Parkland, Florida. This
Why does the U.S. require so much training to operate cars, which kill thousands, and not apply such restrictions to gun ownership?
has spurred a historical movement known as March for Our Lives, started by survivors of the Parkland shooting. These empowering high schoolers have reignited the debate over school safety, and have spurred a series of gun safety measures. Sporting goods stores such as Dick’s and Walmart have raised the age to purchase a gun to 21. Florida, with its Republican Gov. Rick Scott, enacted the same legislation, bucking the National Rifle Association. California has the nation’s toughest gun laws, which include a 10-day waiting period to purchase a gun (there is none in the U.S.), and next year will require background checks for ammunition. Background checks before purchasing guns should be more extensive in order to ensure
the owner of the gun will handle it properly and prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands. In California, in order to acquire a firearm, according to the State of California Department of Justice, the purchase must be made through a California-licensed dealer, the buyer must be 18 to buy a rifle or shotgun, 21 for a handgun, and wait a 10-day period in order to receive said-gun. The buyer must also have a clean criminal record and be a U.S. citizen. These background check laws vary from state to state, but as a whole, they should be stricter in order to stop another fatal tragedy. In addition, we believe that anyone purchasing a gun should have to go through a mandated training period, in which they are taught gun safety. Many states do have laws which mandate some kind of gun safety course; for example, Texas requires applicants to demonstrate
shooting proficiency, and their trainers can hold such tests until they deem it safe for the applicant to carry a gun. However, this is simply not enough, as these laws vary from state to state. In order to purchase a gun, one must know how to safely use a gun to prevent deadly accidents. In order to drive a car, one must pass a permit test, drive for a period of time with an instructor, and then pass their actual driving test. This is seen as mandatory and rightfully so; cars can lead to destructive accidents with high likelihoods of fatality. So why does the U.S. require so much training for machinery with the capability to kill, and not apply such restrictions to other types? Ultimately, in order to prevent tragedies, accidental or not, our country as a whole should adopt consistent background checks and provide mandatory gun safety lessons. In doing this, many innocent lives will be saved.
Catherine Monroy/Bear Witness
BULLETIN BOARD
Securing Branham Do you feel safe at school?
ANASTASIA LANGNER
Not all the fire alarms work, and there is only one exit, which makes us crowded so it won’t be safe to come out of campus in an emergency. Francis Hunceker Junior Compared to previous schools, Branham does a lot more to educate the students. Hunter Miramontes Senior
Copy Editor
irearms should not be the focal point of F America’s national education system, and congruently, educators should not be appointed I feel pretty safe at school, mainly because everyone else doesn’t seem very scared. Emily Datta Sophomore
I feel fine, everyone has to think for themselves, and you shouldn’t live in your fear and you should just focus on school and class. Nick Corriere Senior Nobody has given me a reason not to feel safe at Branham; I feel pretty safe at this school. Emi Holland Freshman
Arming teachers doesn’t belong in safety equation
Nothing bad has happened yet, and I guess I feel nothing bad will happen. Ariana Sobhan Freshman
as the shields of American students. As much as President Donald Trump attempts to clarify his previous suggestions - rather than “give teachers guns” in general, only supply them to “20 percent of teachers” - gun-related school incidents following the Parkland shooting on Feb. 14 and common sense point against the concept entirely. On Feb. 28, just two weeks after 17 lives were gunned down at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, a high school teacher in Georgia’s fired a handgun and caused a schoolwide evacuation. Though he barricaded himself in his empty classroom and appeared to have had no intent on harming students, the level of threat was enough to send the students into a rushing panic and get the teacher arrested. A few weeks later, on March 13, a teacher at Seaside High, about an hour away from Branham, fired a semi-automatic handgun in a packed classroom. He had aimed the weapon up to the ceiling to ensure it was not loaded, as it was intended to be used for a demonstration on self-defense. Though his intent was not malicious, the danger students were exposed to was preventable, if the class had used a digital presentation or worksheets rather than exposing the weapon to students.
Both these situations show the possible consequences of educators with firearms, with the additional stress a teacher will experience with a weapon in their possession (alongside that of grading tests, evaluating assignments and working with students) and in the accidents that may murder children and faculty if a weapon is not handled properly 100 percent of the time. While neither of these outcomes is certain if on-campus personnel are armed, the probability of student or teacher deaths by bullet wounds invariably jumps when guns are added to the situation. Outside of the physical evidence, there are also the common sense considerations on where these propositions leave teachers: Will they feel secure and prepared enough to pull the trigger and take another life? Will police officers and security personnel outside of the school campus be able to determine if a teacher is an ally or a threat? How much will the psychological health of teachers decline, knowing the responsibility to kill could be enforced any time between the first bell and last period? What happens if a teacher makes a mistake, and leaves the gun exposed for a student to take and use at their disposal? Most of all, how can teachers be expected to do their jobs if they keep an eye on the classroom door and a hand wavering over their weapon of self defense? Solutions are present and debatable, but one issue that should be tabled and removed from the sparked conversation on guns and education, is to keep guns out of educators’ hands.
4
BEAR WITNESS
OPINION
|
APRIL 2018 |
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
“The lack of representation in media ties into the lack of confidence, as well as motivation.. DANGERS OF RISK ASSESSMENT
When estimating risks, we’re way off the mark
AARON DEANS Online Editor
hat poses a greater risk, being shot by a W toddler, or dying in an earthquake? If you picked getting shot by toddler, you’re
right. Seismologists estimate that over a century, about 40 people a year die from earthquakes, compared to one American a week being shot by a toddler. According to these studies, people overestimate dangers beyond our control, whereas those in their control are underplayed. This is consistent with a recent AP Environmental Science survey that students conducted showing that the Branham community is ay off in estimating risk.
Branham’s AP Environmental Science class recently performed a survey to examine people’s perception of how serious certain risks are compare to how serious they actually are. While the risks of some issues, such as being overweight, were accurately estimated on average, the risks of other issues were notably underestimated or overestimated. People perceived the risk of natural disasters as 8 on average (out of a max value of 10), but the actual risk level is 1; the risk that comes with being unmarried, 6 out of 10, was underestimated as 3 out of 10. According to teacher Kori Reynolds, APES students identified a particular trend: the risks perceived as highest were the ones that were most publicized. “There is high-perceived risk on topics that are highly taught, educated, publicized, where-
as other hazards, such as being male or poverty or being single, aren’t advertised and therefore, their risk is not correctly perceived,” she said. As the APES survey shows, the media can throw off our perspective of risks so that we overestimate some and underestimate others. A significant example of this is the threat of guns compared to that of car crashes. In 2016, 1,675 teenage Americans (ages 13 to 19) were killed using a firearm in 2016, while 2,829 more were killed in vehicle accidents. Yet, the misconception is that gun violence, is deadlier. The mass tragedies at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the Pulse Nightclub in Florida and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut are all too familiar and receive lots of press and attention, rightfully so.
DIVERSITY IN THE ARTS
However, car deaths involve fewer people per incident. When gun violence takes the lives of innocent people, the media is quick to take notice and spread the word. In response, many students have spoken against this issue. While these efforts are well-intended and worthy of applause, a particular problem remains. However, when shootings become too much of a focus, other threats to the lives of Americans are underestimated. These statistics on threat of guns versus that of vehicles suggest that in order to cut down on teen deaths, we need to do more than cut down on gun violence. Improvements must be made in issues such as vehicle safety concurrently to further reduce teen deaths.
SANCTUARY LAWSUIT
Trump’s spite shows in fight against state President has an immigration problem, and lawsuit won’t help SYDNEY UYEDA Staff Writer
Azura Gutierrez/Bear Witness
Coco
The Pixar feature atures all-Latino voices, including actors Benjamin Bratt, Gael García Bernal and 12-year-old Anthony Gonzalez.
Black Panther
The superhero movie with a majority black cast is (as of now) the fifth-biggest grossing movie ever in North America, as well as the biggest superhero movie ever.
Wonder Woman
It’s th first superhero movie with a female lead and a female director Patty Jenkins
LOOK UP TO THE STARS Lead roles for minorities are sources of aspiration UZOR AWUZIE
Student Life Editor
n the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, I a young girl stands in front of the official portrait of former first lady, Michelle Obama, in
complete awe of her presence. The photo, shared on social media by her mother, melted the hearts of people from all over the country, including the first lady herself, who expressed the importance of representation for little girls just like 2-year-old Parker Curry. “I’m also thinking about all of the young people, particularly girls and girls of color, who, in years ahead, will come to this place and they will look up and they will see an image of someone who looks like them hanging on the wall of this great American institution,” Obama said in a speech. The idea of representation isn’t ideal across the country. The people we grow up with on the TV screen - those laugh with, cry with, and admire have an impact on us. We live in a society where factors such as gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation, influence our life experiences and the issues that we face. This can become a problem for young children, who have more of a tendency to idolize the stars they see on TV. A study conducted by YouGov discovered that many Americans don’t believe that the popula-
tion in media accurately displays the population of minority groups today. Of the 1,220 adults surveyed, 37 percent believed women had enough roles available, just two points more than those who believed blacks had enough parts available. However, far fewer believed that there were enough representative roles for 23 percent for Latinos, 21 percent for Asians, and 18 percent for LGBTQ populations. Films such as “Black Panther,” “Coco,” and “Wonder Woman” proved to be successful in the box office and in the communities of minorities. Disney donated $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in celebration of “Black Panther’s” financial success. The donation will support the organization’s youth STEM programs and use the one-time grant to establish new STEM centers to educate kids and teens. The program takes a particular focus on Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, which are more minority-dominated areas. In the media, representation can often be misinterpreted. It’s more realistic to see characters and people who embody you. If minority or underprivileged groups are depicted by the majority group, it is often done in a very narrow or stereotypical manner. The lack of representation in media ties into the lack of confidence, as well as motivation, that young people of minority groups experience following their path in life.
Diversity by the numbers
The UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report nalyzed the representation of minority groups in Hollywood.
14 percent lead actors of color in film
78.1 percent roles featuring white actors
12.5 percent movie roles featuring black actors
2.7 percent roles featuring Latino actors
2.3 percent roles featuring Asian actors Source: UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report
President Donald Trump is not big on immigration. That’s no secret. From suggesting a wall being built on the Mexican-American border to strengthening immigration laws, Trump has clearly expressed his disapproval of immigrants. However, he took his negligence to the next level earlier this month when he filed a lawsuit against California, merely because of their “sanctuary state” laws. These laws, which were revised back in 2017, protect undocumented immigrants and were put into action on Jan. 1, in order to attempt to reverse Trump’s immigration laws. Trump’s decision Sanctuary states to sue California explained merely based on their sanctuary laws is unjustified. What’s a sanctuary The lawsuit was state? ignited when Oakland May- Jurisdictions that limit or Libby Schaaf their cooperation with warned immigrants that the the national governfederal govern- ment’s effort to enforce ment was goimmigration law ing to have ICE raids, where they would send au- The Government’s thorities out to concerns obtain illegal immigrants and The Federal Government arrest them. believes the laws are She believed making it difficult for she had every right to inform the officials to capture the public, telling and deport illegal the Washington immigrants Times: “I did not give specific information that could have endangered law enforcement. […] I encouraged people to not panic but to know their rights, to know their responsibilities, and to know about the unique resources that are available in this community.” President Trump was agitated to hear this news and, along with his administration, filed a lawsuit against the state, directing it against Gov. Jerry Brown, along with attorney general Xavier Becerra. Trump has no qualified reason to sue California. The laws are only intended to help and provide services for immigrants and to educate them on their rights. It is explicitly stated that California will not give immigrants invincibility against the authorities, that it is not “a blanket protection from authorities,” according to the official law. What Schaaf did was issue a warning, not a protection against immigrants. She was warning them of incoming chances of deportation, and she wanted them to know their rights as human beings and as immigrants so they know their rights if they were to become detained and taken to court. Trump has never been a fan of immigrants, and suing a state because of their sanctuary laws is not going to fix his immigration problem.
BEAR WITNESS
|
APRIL 2018 |
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
FROM THE FRONT PAGE MINORITY | Movements for minorities fail to get widespread traction the Parkland shootings, more than 70 teens have died in shootings, many of them in urban areas, and have received little national attention. English teacher and Latino Student Union co-adviser Michael Espinoza said race has always played a big part in mobilization efforts gaining momentum. “If we were to have a walkout for Trayvon, I don’t think Branham would be willing to coordinate something like that,” he said, referring to Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old black student who was killed by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, in 2012. In 2014, after police shot and killed Mike Brown, a Ferguson, Mo. man who was unarmed, the Black Lives Matter group organized a protest, called the Freedom Ride to Ferguson. After 15 days of organization, the protest gathered
around 600 people and the movement spread to 18 cities to take more action. In contrast, the recent gun reform protests have gained massive support on social media, with an estimated 800,000 marching in Washington D.C., and thousands marching in each 800 cities across the country and globally. Movements for minority populations, while still discussed today, have been overlooked compared to the swift momentum that March for Our Lives has gained in just over a month. Minority groups statistically face gun violence more than any other group. Espinoza said that these populations feel vulnerable to violence concerning his Latino identity and community. “I don’t have a choice in not being brown,” Espinoza said.
Parkland survivor and activist David Hogg has also acknowledged that his black classmates have not received the same media attention that other survivors have. His school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, is 59 percent white, 20 percent Hispanic and 12 percent black. Senior Delina Stifanos, who is black, supports the March For Our Lives movement, but feels disheartened gun violence on black people is talked about as much as the #NeverAgain movement. She pointed to the death of Stephon Clark, a Sacramento-area man who was shot 20 times by police who said they mistook his phone for a gun. This has prompted outrage in the community, but has not gained traction as a nationwide movement. “Why isn’t anyone talking about this?” she voiced. “This is also a part of gun reform, so I feel frustrated.”
Lily Salinas, LSU co-adviser and English teacher, said that her students who are minorities sometimes hesitate to speak out about injustices that affect their community, and said that she wants to empower students of color to advocate for their beliefs. She noted that many of her students had wanted to attend the March for Our Lives, but were reluctant due to participate due to personal reasons. When people don’t see others like them participate, Salinas said, it takes more effort to get out of one’s comfort zone and take part. This is the dilemma that she sees her minority students face. “Whether or not you participate, either one takes courage,” said Salinas. “It takes courage to make that choice. It takes courage to choose to participate or to choose not to.”
GUESTS | Walkout shows we can beat stereotype of apathetic teens ence and wanted to ensure maximum organization. When ASB leaders Mac Francini and Tori Mok contacted us asking to assist in the behind-the-scenes process, we realized that this walkout could actually happen. With the essential of safety in mind, we set to work organizing a movement that we hoped would be both powerful and peaceful. Utilizing social media, as well as Mac’s and Tori’s leadership skills, we were able to make the topic spread virulently throughout our community. While exciting, the organization process was time-consuming and strenuous. The Saturday before the 14th, one of us took the SAT and one of us had a dance competition, and we still held a meeting to finalize plans. Our lives weren’t put on hold so that we could generate change, but by Wednesday, March 14, we had planned everything: written and revised speeches, bought orange ribbons to pass out, made signs clamoring for change, and even recruited gracious students to help guide their peers to the quad. All we had to do was wait. When the first people started walking into the quad at 10 a.m., we held our breath in anticipation. We couldn’t believe our eyes when a few minutes later, we were looking out into a sea of somber faces. Seeing Branham united for school safety brought on a myriad of emotions; while one of us was immersed in pride and satisfaction, the other was stifled by disgust directed towards Congress. Our classmates and peers were filling the quad, eyes ablaze with fear, and our government could not see beyond
Taylor Susewitz/Bear Witness Senior Mac Francini and junior Hana Tzou listen to Danika Cho addressing the students at the March 14 walkout. The three, along with ASB president Tori Mok, helped organize the rally. the partisanship plaguing this nation to fix an issue affecting every student at our school. Our student body’s participation in activism only validated the fact that every resident of the United States, including every student, has the right to an opinion about how their government is functioning. Our status as teenagers often causes us to encounter a stigma that labels us as
young, naive, and incapable of understanding politics. It’s hard to gain respect from authority figures as we’re dismissed and ignored without a second thought. But just because we cannot vote doesn’t mean that we aren’t entitled to our opinions, especially those that concern our fundamental safety. We must remember that teenagers just like us started this movement- not
adults, not lawmakers. We are the change. It starts now. We urge you, the students of Branham, to use your own voice and defeat the stereotypical notion that high school students are politically apathetic. The worst thing students can do now is stay silent. Involvement in politics can take many forms, and solving this issue does not require drastic measures; in fact, just watching or reading the news contributes to change. The more informed we are, the more the conversation spreads. Staying educated also encompasses local politics. We have recently joined Shay Franco-Clausen’s campaign for city council because she has provided a platform on which we can express our concerns and help influence our local government. Most importantly, we cannot express enough the need for students to register or pre-register to vote. Young voters only amounted to 19 percent of the electorate in 2012 according to Pew Research. In order for legislature to be passed, we must use the power of democracy and our constitutional right to vote to enact change. On March 14, we walked out. On March 24, many of us marched for our lives. But this movement is far from over; in fact, it is only in the fetus stages of development. We still have so much further to go, so much more legislation to enact, but the students around the country need support from their peers right here in Branham’s community. You can make a difference- we all can- as long as we stay vocal and united. Let’s keep our voices loud. Let’s continue the revolution, together.
6
BEAR WITNESS
|
APRIL 2018 |
Sounds like falling rain and mountain creeks decrease the fight or flight response
Tech bytes DNA editing can save endangered species Scientists are considering using of a gene-editing tool known as a gene drive to save endangered species. It can copy and paste itself into the genome of an organism. (A genome is the complete set of genetic instructions in an organism.) Once the gene drive is inside the genome, it could alter the genes of an invasive species and kill the species in places it doesn’t belong. Another popular tool, known as CRISPR/ Cas9, has also been proposed as an option. The Cas9 component is an enzyme and a molecular scissor that cuts DNA. This tool can be used to insert genes in specific locations in plants and animals. Scientists hope to use these tools to help save animals and plants. Wearable brain scanner understands how neurons “talk” Scientists have created a mask-like instrument that can transmit brain signals. When the wearer is moving, the scanner can detect magnetic fields emitted by communicating neurons. This method allows magnetoencephalography (MEG) scientists to understand and study brain behavior while people are in motion. When neurons interact with one another, their weak electrical current generates a small magnetic field. This instrument can measure those magnetic signals to learn how the brain works. Some challenges still remain, like movement restrictions, but scientists are working towards overcoming them to get the most accurate results.
Science briefs Google partners with YouTube to teach children about fake news Google wants to invest $10 million with YouTube to teach kids how to spot fake news. YouTube will work with science channels like AsapSCIENCE and SmarterEveryDay, both of whom have over 12 million subscribers cumulatively, to help with the initiative. The goal is to teach kids how to tell what is fact and what is fiction when they’re reading news articles or watching YouTube videos. The program is being established at a time dominated by false information, a prevalent issue on social media platforms used by the younger generations. Google and YouTube hope to combat fake news and put an end to it. Fortnite is now on iOS The biggest game globally has now made its way onto iOS, expanding their networking system. Fortnite is a battle royale game in which the objective is to survive and be the last one standing. The game quickly became an international success, raking up millions of players. The mobile game is not yet open to the public and is only accepting a number of players to start with through a waiting list on their website. The game is not yet available on Android. — Compiled by Omar Ababneh
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY
TUNING IN TO STUDYING JULIA MARQUES DA SILVA InDepth Editor
NO ONE MELODY FITS WHEN IT COMES YOUR LEARNING
usic is a part of life. StuM dents listen to it while exercising, driving, in class, and also
while studying. With different genres and beats it’s hard to pick the right type for focusing. Music can activate the left and the right side of the human brain at the same time, which maximizes learning and improves memorization. But even with these known benefits, many are still unsure if music can maximize their learning capabilities. A lot of students struggle with staying engaged with their school work. For some, like junior Faith Grandey, music can help with staying focused and engaged. “I feel like I’m going to get bored if I’m just doing my homework,” said Grandey. Similar to many others, music helps Grandey feel more focused while working. This benefits many students because humans have two attention systems: a conscious and an unconscious one. The conscious system enables the mind to concentrate and maintain focus on the task at hand; on the other hand, the unconscious attention system shifts the attention toward anything that is likely to distract us that our brain senses might be important. Distractions could be anything from background noise to other people’s conversations around us. When students are trying to concentrate, this unconscious part of the human brain becomes especially more harmful during a study session. The unconscious part of people’s brains become more alert to background noises, ultimately leaving music to help with preventing these distractions. A number of students also use music as a way to relax while studying. Freshman Daniela Guevara uses music to calm down while studying. “It calms me down because I’m usually stressing out about whatever I’m studying for.” said Guevara. According to ULoop, music can regulate a listener’s mood and is able to lessen depression and anxiety levels. This benefits students greatly who struggle with depression or anxiety because stress can cause irregular sleeping habits, diet, and fatigue that will exacerbate their learning. If the music is positive then it should have a positive effect on people’s learning. Picking the right music to effectively study with is also a challenge. Small details about the genre like tempo, lyrics, and volume would harm a someone’s concentration. Dr. Masha Godkin reports that classical music would be the best music to listen to because of its it has the right tempo and volume. English teacher Tobie Schweizer understands the importance of what type of music to listen to while focusing on a task. She said that she can listen to music while completing tasks, but prefers piano music since lyrics can be distracting. The main concern about music is the lyrics. Especially with activities with memorization and reading, lyrics is found to be very distracting with some implications of the student paying more attention to the lyrics rather than what they need to be working on. Studying comes down to personal preferences and what specific activity the student is trying to achieve, depending on the cognitive load.
NATURE SOUNDS aid concentration by soothing the brain. Sounds like falling rain and mountain creeks decrease the fight or flight response that one’s body is programmed to do. Popular soundtracks for studying include .ainfall, birds chirping, and the sounds of forests at night
Michaela Edlin/Bear Witness VOLUME The volume of a song matters. The human brain can concentrate the most efficiently at around 40 decibels, and most sounds above that are considered as distracting, or even harmful if they are above 80 decibels.
SONG LYRICS Songs with lyrics are often associated with being distracting because the words divert the listener’s attention away from the task and into deciphering the song’s meaning. Try listening to classical music or the instrumental versions of songs.
TEMPO Studies show that some work better when listening to music at the tempo of 60 BPM. This tempo relaxes the listener’s mind and allows heightened concentration. The other portion respond better to upbeat music. Faster songs get the listener more enthusiastic do do work, and therefore increase the concentration.
BEAR WITNESS
|
APRIL 2018 |
7
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
INDEPTH "What information consumes is attention. A wealth of information means a poverty of attention" — Herbert Simon
PAYING ATTENTION TO
Amazon
Disney
Vans
ebay
Ray-Ban
Tesla
Sony
IBM
Netflix
(AND PROPAGANDA)
Advertising. We are constantly bombarded by it, and often falling for it. The college emails filling up your inbox. The smoking ad you get when you click on a video. The military ads on that make you seriously consider getting Premium. As a student, and a demographic you have many companies, organizations and other sources trying to get your attention. IT'S NOT ALL BAD Despite a generally negative connotation, propaganda is not
ADVERTISING VS. PROPAGANDA BRANHAM'S BRAND AMBASSADORS
Both try to convince you of a message. Advertisers, created by commercial companies, are selling you a product, while propaganda, created by nonprofits and government groups, are trying to convince you of an idea or a concept. Both use similar techniques to grab your attention.
ISABELA DUMO WAVE AND FIN
TECHNIQUES IN PROPAGANDA
he role of advertiser has T reached the student body, as some have begun to promote
products from different outside companies, especially those from clothing businesses. Students are now able to sign up to promote companies in exchange for the company’s merchandise at discounted prices. Junior Isabela Dumo is one of these Branham students who advocates for outside companies. She sponsors Wave and Fin, a beach clothing company, as well as other companies that support environmentally friendly production. “When you are an ambassador for a brand they will usually send you free things every month or two depending on what they are doing,” said Dumo. “You get your own code to give to friends and family so they can get discounts on clothes. You also get a portion of what is bought with your code.” Other than Wave and Fin, Dumo also advertises for other companies that donate their profits to other organizations that help less fortunate people in third world countries. “I’ve only publicly advertised for Wave and Fin, but I also advertise some companies that give back to other people or organizations that support protecting the environment.” Dumo said that “over 200 people” have bought things from her companies with her code. As for the quality of the clothes themselves, Dumo supports the company mostly because of their well-made products. “I wouldn’t want to be buying or advertising clothes that won’t last," she said. — Ryan McCarthy
OTHER AMBASSADORS KENNEDY EATON, 9 AIDA DANCE, ballroom shoes JACOB LOW, 11 GRAIN THEORY, Kendama items GINA HOSN, 11 SERENGETEE, global fabrics
SKEPTICISM AS A SKILL
Wikimedia Commons A woman portrays Rosie the Riveter.
a bad thing by definition. The well-known "Rosie the Riveter" poster created by Howard Miller in 1943 was used to encourage women to join the work force during World War II. It has become a famous symbol of feminism in the U.S. and is still frequently used to advocate gender equality both inside and outside the workplace. Propaganda can advocate a variety of different viewpoints.
FEAR Fear plays on and heightens
people’s insecurities in order to promote someone or something. Example: “The Real Cost” ads on YouTube depict disturbing, often unrealistic and exaggerated, scenarios in order to galvanize support for the movement against smoking. These ads use fear to promote their viewpoint.
Courtesy FDA
CARD-STACKING
Wikimedia Commons
GLITTERING GENERALITIES
The act of referring to words or ideas that evoke a positive emotional response from an audience. Virtue words are often used. Example: Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as well as every other major political candidate, often try to brand their campaigns with simple words that evoke a feeling and require further introspection. "Change," Obama's 2008 campaign, doesn't exactly explain what kind of change. Similarly, Trump ran on "Make America Great Again," but does not elaborate which era was "great."
Card stacking involves selecting the best details when promoting a product or idea, while leaving out or at least dumbing down the unfavorable details. Sometimes politicians who are running for an office might paint a positive picture of all the good things they plan to do, but their ideas have gaping holes where issues haven’t been addressed. Example: In branding Coke Zero, the Coca Cola Co. highlights zero calories, but doesn't cite studies that link diet soda use to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and early death.
TESTIMONIAL With testimonials, companies
hire celebrities to support their products by starring in commercials. Many people are familiar with commercials featuring well-known singers, actors and models. By associating a product with a popular figure, companies make their product, and themselves, look more credible. “This person you love but don’t even know uses this product, so should you!”
PLAIN FOLKS
YouTube screen grab Von Miller, top, hawking for Old Spice and Taylor Swift for Apple.
articularly because of social media, people tend to P believe what they read - until they’re trained not to, according to teacher Nancy Freschi.
“I’ve heard people repeat false information because they saw it on the news or social media,” she said. Freschi said that learning to be skeptical about the news can be a real benefit. “For students, it’s hard to develop skepticism because they’re just starting to get news and media exposure,”
Companies may appeal to the common people using the plain folks technique. An ad might feature an “average Joe” who experiences everyday problems o make the situation look relatable and thus make the product look attractive. Example: Sprint recently hired "everyman" spokesman Paul Marcarelli from Verizon ("Can you hear me now?"). He says that a 1 percent difference in performance isn't enough for customers to pay more for Verizon.
she said. “If you haven’t figured that out [how to be skeptical], that puts you in a precarious situation.” In her AP Lang classes, Freschi’s students spend time determining if sources are credible. She makes it a point to teach not being gullible as a skill. In cases where we can’t tell who or where news and media are coming from, “we can’t be sure of credibility.” Amid being bombarded by the voice of the media, it’s important to train ourselves to fully process what the
Oral-B
Sprint
news is telling us. This involves comparing it with other sources to check for conflicting messages. Teacher Barbara Arduini also explores propaganda in her English classes. “I encourage skepticism and research before making a conclusion,” she said. She encourages students to look for logical fallacies, such as being selective about facts, in order to uncover bias and propaganda in the media. — Aaron Deans
BANDWAGON It's based on a simple idea: If everyone loves it, so
should you." The idea suggests that if a product is popular and widely accepted, it must be good. Many companies will advertise how long they have been around or how many people have used their resources in order to make them look reliable. Example: Dental hygiene-related ads often use consensus-building among credible professionals to lure consumers to buy their products.
"If you haven’t figured (how to be skeptical), that puts you in a precarious situation." Nancy Freschi
8
BEAR WITNESS
STUDENT LIFE
UP DOWN
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
ASB candidates went through an interviewing processes to get accepted into the 2018-2019 leadership class. This established them as candidates for the upcoming elections, after declaring what positions they wanted to run for. They then filled out paperwork to declare their platform. They will be campaigning the week of April 16 with elections on April 20.
Presidential candidates Clarabelle Walkup “I want to improve those areas [around school] and improve school morale and make an overall better place for students to be.” Qualifications: Served as communications director last year
APRIL 2018 |
“I realized it is [CPR] important because anyone can come across a scene where they might need to perform CPR. It is a life-saving skill.” Junior Jocelyn Franklin, CPR certification instructor
Candidates for ASB leaderhip Conner Ngo “My platform consists of cultivating school spirit because there’s always room for improvement on that and also increasing communication and collaboration between the staff, admin and students.” Qualifications: Freshman class president, sophomore class president, ASB VP
|
Joey Perez “Becoming ASB president is the best way because you’re the person in charge and the person that will be leading everything. I think I’m ready to take on that responsibility” Qualifications: Three years in leadership
Vice presidential candidates Kylie Delaney “I’ve grown up with the Branham community always around and I’ve loved some of the stuff that’s come out of it. If I were to make it to the executive board, I’d want to help improve and continue the Branham community.” Qualifications: ASB student leadership
Candidates for secretary
Candidates for treasurer
Allie Yusim “I think there are a lot more resources we can give to group leaders in terms of more effectively running events. There’s better feedback we can get from them when events are over to make them even better.” Qualifications: Three years of leadership
Alice Chang “I’d like to see that costs are covered. I know that clubs have been hit by reduced funding. Their numbers are dwindling and I want to see a rebirth for clubs.” Qualifications: Junior class representative
Cole Gillis “There is a big lack in diversity in populations at certain events. It’s always just that hiphop clique in the quad. We’re not really reaching out to that community and I want us to change that.” Qualifications: junior class secretary, athletic commissioner
Derek Hogan “My number one goal as a leader is to show appreciation to my peers because I believe that when someone feels appreciated, they will be willing to work even harder then next time you need them.” Qualifications: Three years in leadership
SIDE
Students wear badges, pins to show support for LGBTQ+ peers
THE MONTH IN REVIEW
MICHAELA EDLIN Managing Editor
ride, fashion and drag are all ways that P LGBTQ+ people have expressed themselves within a primarily cisgender, heterosexual
BOTC captures class spirit with weeklong activities
Branham’s annual Battle of the Classes week was during the week of March 19-23, which included dress-up days, lunchtime activities, and after-school competitions. Mismatch day, the BOTC night rally, and the Bruin Beauties competition proved to be the most popular, with sophomore Joel Silva and seniors Kunal Dutta and Shaya Zarkub emerged victorious in the Bruin Beauties pageant. Lunchtime activities included a class dodgeball competition and a line dancing course with school counselor Joyce Davis. MORP concluded the week, as the event was held in the gym due to weather.
Depressed MORP turnout a depressing sight
Branham’s annual MORP dance had a surprisingly low turnout this year, with less than 200 attending the event. The event was squeezed into the main gym at the last minute due to weather concerns, but there was still a noticeable absence of students. The event included many inflatables for attendees to race on, including an obstacle course and tug-of-war. The DJ booth was student-led, as the funds raised from ticket sales was not sufficient enough to bring a professional. Leadership will look to balance the deficient funds with Prom coming in May.
Michaela Edlin/Bear Witness Students showcase their stickers and pins such as “Challenge Homophobia.”
Bit of Hollywood at Best Buddies dance JULIA MARQUES DA SILVA
Bestselling author speaks at Branham
Eric Lindstrom, author of the award winning novel “Not If I See You First”, visited Branham on March 14 to speak about his experience as an author. He graduated college as a mechanical engineer, but soon shifted his focus to writing, beginning his writing career as a video game manual writer. His passion for writing inspired him to publish his first novel, “Not If I See You First” in 2016. He had written several other full length novels before publishing the book, and plans on publishing some of those before continuing to write new novels. — Ryan McCarthy
T
InDepth Editor
he Best Buddies program at Branham is preparing for its annual prom. The event is going to be held Saturday in a banquet hall at Three Flames restaurant. Best Buddies Club secretary and junior Nicole Sweeney said that the night will feature a red carpet, photo booth and dancing, referring to the Hollywood theme. Sabrina Staskal, a Best Buddy member a senior, has been to the Best Buddies prom before in previous years. She recalls making new friends and bonding with them during the dance. “It’s been really fun to be with all of my friends and dancing with them, talking to them about a lot of stuff,” said Staskal.
Many of the volunteers going to the dance said that they are most excited to bond with their buddy and meet other buddies from different schools in the district. They say that some of the best parts of the dance is that all of the people who come are welcomed. Sweeney, said that a buddy from last year’s dance said that it was the best night of his life. “Hearing those things really emphasize how important every student deserves the opportunity to experience high school and all the amazing things that come with it, like prom night,” she said. The Best Buddies Club has opened this dance to anyone who wants to attend, even if they aren’t involved in the club.
society and this same idea has been expanded to attachable fashion. Especially for teenagers, customizing items with stickers, patches and pins is especially common, however this is especially true for queer students who don accoutrements that express their identities. “I like to express my support and identity through decorating with stickers,” junior Ten Sanchez said. His water bottle is adorned with pride stickers. He also finds solace in general personalization of his items. He bought a jacket solely for the purpose of decorating it with patches. Senior Jamie Merriam has done the same by filling up a backpack completely with pins. “I can’t do a lot about how I look, but I can change how my backpack looks,” Merriam said, in reference to why they started to fill the backpack with pins and also the fact that, “I did it in protest of my mom, who had been homophobic.” “The punks were very queer,” Merriam said, siting the punk movement as the origin for the current DIY movement taking off in LGBTQ+ circles. Merriam has bought some of their pins online, but has made most of them, like the pronoun pin, while others were gathered at events and from campaigns. Because most retailers don’t have pronoun, pride or any other queer related pins, patches or stickers, most people either make them on their own or buy them on online retailers with individual sellers like eBay and Etsy. Stores like Hot Topic and recently Target have carried such adornments in store. Allies have also picked up on this movement, like senior Caroline Ware. Everyday she brings her Hydro flask to school with a sticker that says, “Black lives matter, trans lives matter and queer lives matter.” “It’s a way to show support,” Ware said.
A FRESH BREATH OF AIR
Junior is a CPR instructor, surprising older students OMAR ABABNEH Staff Writer
t’s 8 a.m. on a Saturday and junior Jocelyn I Franklin walks into her garage, embraced by a group of adults and teenagers, ready to teach her CPR class. “Hello, welcome,” she says. “I’m Jocelyn and this is basic life support CPR. Today I’ll be teaching you the skills to perform high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation.” She begins teaching her course, starting with scene safety and compressions. The usual things one learns in these three-hour classes. Franklin is a certified CPR instructor who teaches her own classes, having already taught 10 classes since September. Some adults look at her surprised at her age. “I’m probably the youngest instructor they met,” Franklin said. “Many people question my knowledge. It’s not common for a high schooler to teach [CPR] at my age.” Her audiences range from 5-year-olds to middle-aged adults. She has taught CPR at churches, the YMCA, her house, and any or-
ganization that asks for a class. She has even taught and helped Branham students become CPR certified. One of those students, junior Sasha Mariniuk, had only positive things to say about the course. “I loved the whole program. It was a lot of hands on work which is probably the best way to learn what to do. She [Franklin] was very professional,” Mariniuk said. Jocelyn had always had medical interests, and her interest for teaching CPR first started when her father took her to a Bay Area EMS training event. She had helped him teach, and that inspired her to begin teaching her own classes. “I realized it is [CPR] important because anyone can come across a scene where they might need to perform CPR. It is a life saving skill.” To become a certified instructor, Jocelyn had to take a 16 hour class through the American Heart Association, a nonprofit organization focused on efforts to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. It took a lot of work and was difficult, but to her, it was fun and worth it.
BEAR WITNESS
|
APRIL 2018 |
9
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
SPORTS
“I’ll believe it when I see a hole in the ground.” Swimming Coach Dave Mackey on the timely construction of a new pool.
Sports briefs
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT | EDDIE KIM
COOL RUNNING
Scores updated as of March 30 Badminton Branham lost its last game at home against San Jose. They are now 11-1 for the season. Next game: 4/3 vs. Willow Glen, 4:00 PM
Aubrey Tibbils The junior participates in three sports, including field hockey, soccer, and swim. She also plays in a hockey club outside Branham.
In just his first year, speed-skating sophomore is ranked second in state
Varsity Baseball Last game: Branham won its last game at home against Live Oak, 6-1. They are now 7-6-1 and 2-2 in the Mount Hamilton League. Next game: vs. Leland, 4:00 PM JV Baseball Last game: Branham lost its last game at Live Oak, 8-7. They are now 7-5 and 3-1 in the Mount Hamilton league. Next game: 4/3 @ Leland, 4:00 PM Varsity Softball Last game: Branham lost its last game at Oak Grove, 1-0. They are now 2-4 and 1-2 in the Mount Hamilton league. Next game: 4/16 vs. Silver Creek, 4:00 PM JV Softball Last game: Branham won its most recent game at home against Santa Teresa, 13-12. They are now 5-0 and 2-0 in the Mount Hamilton league. Next game: 4/4 @ Pioneer, 4:00 PM Varsity Volleyball Last game: Branham won its most recent game at Los Gatos, 3-0. They are now 9-4 and 4-1 in the Mount Hamilton league. Next game: 4/4 vs. Westmont, 6:00 PM JV Volleyball Last game: Branham lost its most recent game vs. Willow Glen, 2-1. They are now 5-8 and 1-2 in league play. Next game: 4/6 vs. Leland, 5:00 PM Tennis Last game: Branham won its last game at Prospect, 4-3. They are now 6-2 in the Mount Hamilton league.Next game: 4/3 @ Pioneer, 3:15 PM Swim Last meet: Branham faced Silver Creek in their last meet. Next meet: 4/5 @ Lincoln, 3 PM Track and Field Branham lost in JV and Varsity boys and girls, but won in JV girls in its first meet of the season against Willow Glen. Golf Last game: Branham faced Piedmont Hills in its most recent match. Next meet: 4/2 @ Westmont — Compiled by Julianne Alvares
Sports, school compete for time Top athletes share how they stay atop studies
Eddie Kim/Special to Bear Witness SYDNEY UYEDA
E
Staff Writer
very four years, the Winter Olympics reintroduces American audiences to speed skating. It’s a struggling sport here (the U.S. has not earned a medal in the last two Olympics), but wildly popular in South Korea and the Netherlands. Sophomore Eddie Kim is aiming to help reverse this tide. He has the medals to prove it from the Western Regional Championships in speed skating, where he placed second in the state. He first got into it when, during a trip to South Korea two years ago, he and his brother watched a speed skating competition on TV. Their mother encouraged them. “(We) would watch it on TV and he said ‘Oh I want to try this’ and so he did,” Kim said. “I wasn’t really interested… and after two months I said ‘why don’t I try this out?’ and I tried it.” Him said that it didn’t come naturally to him. “I didn’t like it at first, but my mom
said ‘You’re going to like this sport, just keep doing it,’” he said. “So I continued and ended up enjoying it.” With his mother’s support, Kim continued to speed skate and he said that he now loves it. He practices on the weekends in Oakland and sometimes in San Jose, while focusing on school during the week. Eddie estimates that he’s been in “eight or nine competitions” in his first year of speed skating. He just competed in the Western Regional Championships, where he placed second in the state, first in his racing group and first in his division. He traveled with his dad earlier this month to compete in Valencia, just outside downtown Los Angeles. While speed skating may be overlooked recently in the U.S., it is one of the most popular sports in South Korea, Kim’s ethnic homeland. In the 2018 Olympics, Lee Seung-hoon placed first in the 10,000 meter race, giving South Korea the gold medal. Seeing the speed skaters compete in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang makes Kim push harder to be like the skaters he sees
on TV: “I want to be like [them]... watching them makes me really want to be like them one day when I become better.” “I’m trying to be like J.R. Celski for example,” referring to the American speed skater. “I just really want to be like him one day” Speed skating has been around since the 17th century, but it was not until 1924 that the sport made its Olympic debut. The Dutch would skate to and from villages in order to deliver messages to others. This eventually evolved into speed skating. Short track speed skating, Kim’s primary competition, is when a group of individuals race around the ice, but instead of having to skate around the 400-meter track used in traditional speed skating, he only skates down a track that is 111 meters. Eddie is proud that he has achieved success in just his first year. He views skating as a hobby, and enjoys skating at high velocity. “The wind you feel when you skate real fast, it’s like, ‘Aw, yeah!’ he said. “It feels good to skate real fast.”
J
Grade: Sophomore Sport: Speed Skating Achievement: 2nd place at Western Regional Championships Future Goals: To be like J.R. Cleski, an American short speed skater Average speed: 10-15 seconds per lap
SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION
Shallow pool limits swimmers’ options AARON DEANS Online Editor
hanks to the AA Bond that is helping T to renovate the campus, Branham will soon have its pool completely redone.
The current pool will be taken out and replaced with a larger one expected to be done by March 2019. Until then, Branham’s team of over 100 swimmers will continue working out in the current pool, only 3 feet 6 inches deep. A shallow pool presents multiple disadvantages for the team. Students can’t dive into the water, so they get less practice with racing dives. Coach Dave Mackey said that the shallow pool presents hurts Branham’s competitiveness. “We can’t have any home meets because it’s out of the rule in the handbook, that you cannot dive if it’s under 4 feet,” he said. During the 2017 season, Branham was able to host a few meets because some rival teams were also having their pools redone. Competitors had to start in the water, taking away the possible advantage of the initial dive. Sophomore Ben Aronson said the shallow pool has been a consistent problem, especially for the less-experienced swimmers. “As far as flip-turns go, some people are afraid that they’ll hit their head,” he said. “As an experienced swimmer, it’s not a problem for me; it’s just without being able to practice dives and having a short distance with minimal lanes, it’s detrimental and crowded sometimes.” The pool’s remodel is scheduled to begin soon after school ends. The renovated pool will be deeper (13 feet) and will be 38 meters by 25 yards, about the length of the pool and diving pool end-to-end. Because of the increased depth, Mackey said a water polo team is possible, but other schools will have to form teams in order to
Atticus Ahearn/Bear Witness Freshman Eliza Ford practices her racing dives in the diving pool, instead of the racing pool, which is 3 feet 6 inches deep. The shallow pool means that Branham can’t host home meets. start a league. The construction of the new pool is expected to cut into next year’s swim season, as Mackey is not optimistic it will be done on time. “I’ll believe it when I see a hole in the ground,” Mackey said. Junior Evan Gao said that having to do this could be a problem for swimmers. A new pool will be a major asset to the swim team, expanding the participation they can take on a league level, both in terms of holding meets and diving. Construction is scheduled to begin in June. l year. The renovated pool will be deeper and larger and will include diving blocks. Aronson said he was looking forward to the new pool. “We’re supposed to have a deeper pool so we can play water polo, which I’m excited about,” he said. Mackey also mentioned a water polo team
MAHTA DELSHAD
as an added possibility, but other schools will have to form teams in order to start a league. “With a shallow pool, you can’t have a water polo team,” he said. “We have to wait for everybody in the district to have a team, just based on Title 9 and other district rules.” However, the construction of the new pool will likely cut into next year’s swim season; if it does, swimmers will have to go to another campus to practice. Junior Evan Gao said that having to do this could be a problem for swimmers. “People are generally very busy, and are going to have to figure out rides and stuff. It’s not as convenient,” he said. Nevertheless, a new pool will be a major asset to the swim team, expanding the participation they can take on a league level, both in terms of holding meets and diving. Construction is scheduled to begin in June.
Copy Editor
asmyne Umpierre, a varsity sprinter in track and field, spends three hours at the track six days a week and has competed in state championships for the last three years, as well as in the nationals. “I’ve been running since I was six years old… and will be running track throughout college,” she said. Umpierre also takes five classes, including AP Literature and psychology. She manages her academics by staying up late to study. “I have to manage my time, not procrastinate, and not get behind,” she said. For student athletes, balancing sports with school can often mean having to stay up into the late hours or doing homework “I have during pracmantices. Other top age my student ath- time, not letes find it just as chal- procraslenging to tinate.” balance academics with Jasmyne athletics. Ten- Umpierre nis player and Senioe senior Kameron DeHart has to focus on school despite practicing about 20 hours a week, which includes both school practices as well as individual offcourt training. “Tennis is my number one priority,” said DeHart, who plays in tournaments about twice a month in the Sacramento/Stockton areas in addition to school matches. To keep up with homework, he often times does homework during practices or breaks. For some, like junior Aubrey Tibbils, who plays sports all year long, including field hockey, soccer, swim and hockey, figuring out how to balance time-consuming athletics with school is a lifestyle. “I have learned that some nights are simply more difficult than others,” said Tibbils. “Some nights, I will stay up into the late hours as late as 3 [in the morning].” Many students like Tibbils balance their school work with their extracurriculars and make sure they maintain free time by setting goals for themselves. Tibbils says that working hard during the week allows her to relax in the weekends. “For me, it’s just about balancing it out,” Tibbils said. “I want to get the most out of my high school experience, and for me, that means getting the right grades, experiencing all the extras, playing sports, and socializing with friends, and all of it seems easy if I keep a good balance, because then I’m most happy.”
“
10
BEAR WITNESS
|
ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Mini Reviews
Bite-Sized Opinions
Book
APRIL 2018 |
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
“Women are coming more into the light of directing, which was overshadowed by male figures before.” Stacey Yavorski, sophomore” MOVIE ANALYSIS
IN THE DIRECTORS’ SEATS
Not If I See You First Eric Lindstrom It’s the beginning of junior year for Parker, a blind girl recovering from past tragedy and humiliation with a list of rules to keep herself isolated. When an ex re-enters her life, and her past’s grief and rekindled romance threaten to overwhelm her, Parker must face the strife head-on, not only for the people who love her but also for herself. Since a fundamental facet of writing is removed from the equation entirely (sight), it is admirable to see Lindstrom delve into other sensory areas and Parker’s internal monologue to keep the reader engaged. — Anastasia Langner
Food
McDonald’s Updated $1, $2 and $3 Menu The $1 menu employs the classic McChicken Sandwich, Cheeseburger, and Sausage Burrito. These items deliver the same delicious taste, but for only one dollar. The $2 menu consists of the Buttermilk Tenders, Sausage McGriddles, and Bacon McDouble. One can look forward to robust flavors and hearty satisfaction for a cheap price. Finally, the $3 menu brings forth the Triple Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwich, and the Sausage McMuffin. These items need no introduction, and customers can look forward to getting these at a significantly cheaper price. My favorite thing about this is the great variety and cost of these items. This initiative hopes to create a more diverse and open menu for customers to enjoy. — Shlok Gore
Video Game
Kathryn Bigelow First woman to win Best Director Oscar for “The Hurt Locker” (2009).
Patty Jenkins The first female director of a superhero franchise, “Wonder Woman.”
Notable movies “The Hurt Locker,”“Zero Dark Thirty” (2012), “Detroit” (2017)
Notable movies “Monster,” (2003) “Wonder Woman” (2017), “Wonder Woman 2” (2019)
“I like high-impact movies.”
“You do what you believe in.”
Ava DuVernay The first black female director to direct a movie with a $100 million budget (“A Wrinkle in Time”)
Greta Gerwig Actress-turn-director earned accolades for the semi-autobiographical “Lady Bird.”
Notable movies “A Wrinkle in Time,” (2018) “Selma” (2014), “13th” (2016)
Notable movies “Lady Bird,” (2017) “Frances Ha” (2012, also co-writer), “Isle of Dogs” (2018, as voice) “(Directing) is a reverse-magic show.”
“We all want to see ourselves.”
Female directors share stories, fantastical and otherwise, that resonate with all audiences JULIA KOLMAN Editor-in-Chief
ophomore Stacey Yavorski has been busy. S She recently directed a scene of the musical “Into the Woods” at the Ohlone Theater Festival in March, a dance number in the recent faculty musical revue, and several numbers at the same theater showcase last year. Yavorski is finding herself in good company in the arts as female directors such as Greta Gerwig are gaining attention for bringing women’s voices to audiences. She finds it important to see other women in the roles she is in, and plans to continue in her career. “I’m really glad that women are coming more into the light of directing, which was overshadowed by male figures before,” Yavorski said. In recent months, women have strived to reshape the film industry by bringing attention to sexual abuse in Hollywood and gaining a presence in directing, acting, and production. Throughout the 2018 awards season, director Gerwig was widely recognized for her work on her movie and original screenplay “Lady Bird,” with nominations for Best
Director and Best Picture. This is an accomplishment for Gerwig herself, and implies opportunities for other women in film, not only in directing. Playing Audrey in the upcoming musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” senior Caroline Ware believes that there has been a shift since more female directors have become recognized. “It’s harder for women to be directors because when they tell people what to do, they are often perceived as bossy and pushy,” said Ware. Ware has also directed for the faculty musical and previous theater showcases, and plans to major in theater. In the 90 years of the Academy Awards, there have only been five female nominees for best director; the first woman was nominated in 1977. In 2009, “Hurt Locker” director was Kathryn Bigelow has been the only woman who has won this award. In addition to her Best Director nod for “Lady Bird,” Gerwig was nominated her work on the movie, which was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Actress in a supporting role. Although “Lady Bird” did not win any Academy
Awards, the film has brought attention to the lack of female representation in the film industry, and the growing presence women have in leadership roles in Hollywood. Female-directed films are more likely to hire women for acting, editing, and production, Time reports, helping them share stories with that resonate with a larger audience. Gerwig’s film stars Saoirse Ronan as Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, who navigates her own life at her all-girls Catholic school and her relationship with her mother. Ronan has said that after seeing Gerwig’s work on “Lady Bird,” she has gained an interest to go into directing herself. For women, it is crucial to see characters that resonate with them in film, as well as know that other women are behind the production. Critics have noted that the film doesn’t feature a major storyline, and the issues presented are not new to coming-of-age narratives: a teenager’s complicated relationship with her mother, a girl’s decision to lose her virginity. For female viewers, the character’s experiences, along with the woman-led details behind the scenes, resonate as personal, realistic and relatable.
Mixed findings on gaming, violence
By the numbers
Popular teen past-time is again a target of political scrutiny SHLOK GORE Staff Writer
Fortnite Epic Games Fortnite is a third-person battle royale game in which the objective is fight and be the last one standing. The play space (map) slowly shrinks to force people in to combat. It is survival-based, and collecting as many resources as possible and the best guns gives the player a higher chance of winning. Fortnite is more than a game to many, and teaches many needed survival skills. The game has become a world sensation, with over a million players on the servers. — Omar Ababneh
n the wake of the numerous the I recent mass shooting, politicians look towards the possible causes, as
they have done since the massacre at Columbine High School in 1999. After the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School, President Donald Trump held a conference with the media and several government officials to discuss the impact of violent video games. The overall sentiment of the meeting, and among groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, was that violent video games encourage aggression and the tendency to be violent among those who play them. Even though there are many strong feelings for this topic, the link between violent media and violent behavior is weak. Whitney DeCamp, an associate professor of sociology at Western Michigan University, says
the evidence points to an “insignificant” link between playing video games and violent behavior. In fact, according to the Entertainment Software Association, which represents the U.S. video game industry, youth violence has declined to a 40-year low even though violent video game sales have skyrocketed. Sophomores Siddharth Singh and Abhinav Das are both frequent players of M-rated video games, such as “Call of Duty” and “Battlefield.” These games encourage the player to pursue missions similar to those in real military combat. Tasks that players need to complete in order to progress frequently require firing guns on an enemy army, or bloody insurgencies into unknown territory. These games also happen to be Das and Singh’s favorite. The two are well aware of the potential effects of these games can have on them when it
comes to violence, but they have yet to see these effects on themselves. “I don’t think these games necessarily have an effect on me in terms of aggression,” says Singh. “I wouldn’t feel the need to pick up a gun and do whatever they do in ‘Battlefield’”. After violent effects, desensitization is another issue that has been brought up by both critics and parents alike. When exposing individuals to bloodshed on-screen in the form of a video game, it is suggested that playing these games softens users to the idea of taking lives, therefore making these horrific acts less and less of a conscious impact. Das agrees that these games lead to the desensitization of the youth. “I think that because the main point of these games is to kill, kids who play grow more accustomed to guns and there could be a little bit of desensitization that goes on due to that,” he said.”
97% 85%
Teens between the age of 12 and 17 who play video games. The proportion of games that have violent content.
American Academy Delaware School of Pediatrics Survey The academy found In survey of 6,900 a substantial link teens, survey conbetween games, cluded violent games aggressive behavior. are not a predictor.
BEAR WITNESS
ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT
|
11 APRIL 2018 | BHSBEARWITNESS.COM “I was interested in seeing what actually went on inside the human body and what it all looked like,” Senior Emma Tucker
EXHIBIT REVIEW
A place for almost every ‘Body’ How plastination works
Fixation Preservation solutions are used to kill bacteria and keep tissues from decomposing.
TAYLOR SUSEWITZ
r. Branham has been M one of the most recognizable events in the past
Removal of material Body fat and water is dissolved in a bath of very cold acetone. Forced impregnation Tissue is evntually eplaced by the polymer. Posing The specimen is held into place with wires and clamps. Finishing up The last step of plastination is hardening.
Body Worlds Decoded Cost: $19, includes admission to Tech Museum Exhibit closes in 2027, so you’ve got some time to see it.
Atticus Ahearn/Bear Witness The plastinated exhibit called the “The Baseball Player,” helps demonstrate how muscles help provide balance as the force of a swing can propel the body. Photo Editor
espite spending 100 percent of our time inside D of our own bodies, they are almost as mysterious to us as they would be to a stranger on the street.
A decade ago, an average person would learn more about what happens beneath the skin from images and digital recreations online. With the help of scientists, doctors, artists and financial supporters, the human body has been deconstructed for the public eye to finally gaze upon. In October, cadavers and real human specimens found their temporary home on the second floor of The Tech in downtown San Jose. The exhibit, titled Body Worlds Decoded, is one of 13 worldwide, only two of which are in the United States. Each of these Body Worlds exhibits features plastinated cadavers (real corpses that have donated their bodies to science) and they all have different themes that promote a healthier you. Earlier this month, senior Emma Tucker visited the exhibit out of sheer curiosity. “I was interested in seeing what actually went on inside the human body and what it all looked like. We all have ideas of what everything is supposed
to do, but you don’t really know until you see it for yourself,” she said. Body Worlds Decoded features eight full-body displays, over 60 individual specimens, two visualization screens, a digital anatomy table, and even a few pieces of artwork that tie the art and medical fields together. Upon entering, visitors can check out a tablet that creates an educational alternative reality that corresponds with each display case. These various tools are rarely available to educators, so teachers are encouraged to bring their students. Body Worlds even offers textbooks and other educational materials in hopes of reaching more young people. Jessica Overby, Branham’s anatomy and physiology teacher, said that she hoped to take her class there for a field trip. “I think [the exhibit] is awesome because my students only get to see pictures from the textbook. This is real,” she said. Half of the exhibit is focused on the brain, bones and respiratory system. Because these specimens are from real bodies, the exhibit is able to provide samples that were affected by common diseases before death, such as blackened lung from a smoker. In others, there are labels pointing to the affect-
ed areas of the sample where something like a tiny mass or a small discoloration is slightly visible. For example, the brain of a stroke victim has a white label pointing to a dark blood clot. This aspect of the showcase prompts the general audience to be more introspective and take better care of their bodies. As for the full-body, fairly healthy models, they are shocking at first glance. Each model is posed differently, based on their hobbies and jobs when they were alive. For example, a baseball player poses with the bat over his shoulder, but all his skin has been removed so every muscle, bone, and organ is visible as he flexes. A few have added eyebrows or eyes, but the rest of the body has been frozen in time via plastination. Other models, like flamenco dancers and an opera singer, are also on display. The opera singer draws many spectators due to his enormous lungs that confirm where the immense power of his voice came from. Although it has only been at The Tech for a couple months, this exhibit is here to stay for the next 10 years for $19. With a relatively inexpensive price to educate oneself, students shouldn’t miss the opportunities the exhibit presents to understand the human body.
New mural to be completed in May AZURA GUTIERREZ Staff Writer
he 2D art upper-class students will have the T mural placed on the back wing of school. The mural will consist of nine panels with designs they created. The panels originally started off as a collaborative project in art teacher Tina Prates’ Art 2 and 3 classes. Chosen pieces are part of a 3x3 panel. This is not the first time Prates had proposed a mural, she said, but this year her proposition was accepted. The Parent Student Teacher Association is funding the project. The main purpose of the panels is to be removable so they can be taken off the wall and moved if necessary. They will have a varnish over the top to pre-
Inclusive contest still draws only guys Science & Technology Editor
Dissection Careful removal of the flesh and connective tissues can take up to 1,000 hours.
ATTICUS AHEARN
BRUIN BEAUTIES
vent from vandalism. The panels are currently in the middle of painting and are planned to be finished by early May. Principal Cheryl Lawton believes that by having the mural, more culture will be brought to our campus. “The mural will bring a more exciting vibe to campus opposed to the boring yellow walls,” said Lawton. She explained that if these panels turn out well and aren’t messed with by students, she would love to see more panels phased in over the years. For students this created an opportunity for them to leave their mark on campus. Junior Abrielle Terzian said, “It’s nice to be able to show the rest of the school what the art wing does and it’s also nice to have my own art of campus.” She is just one of the many students to participate in the design and construction of the mural.
Azura Gutierrez/Bear Witness Senior mily Nakken works on part of a collaborative work that will form a large mural when finished. The mural was funded by the PTSA.
few years. It wasn’t until this school year that the name was changed to Bruin Beauties to become a more inclusive event, as opposed to limiting itself to only male students. Choreographer of this year’s Bruin Beauties and junior Kylie Delaney was able to provide some information as to why this change had occurred. “Though the name was originally Mr. Branham, we wanted the event to be inclusive to all genders and what people identified as.” The goal of the event, according to Delaney, was to remove obstacles so that anyone can participate. This small change was done in hopes of progressing towards equality throughout the Branham community, as well as to evoke feelings of acceptance and inclusion. Senior co-hostess of this year’s Bruin Beauties Bella DiMaggio supported the change, done to reduce the limits for those who could participate. “We just wanted it to be more inclusive to everyone, because people see ‘Mr. Branham’ and think, ‘oh, I have to be a male to participate in this event,’ but we wanted it to include everyone if they wanted to do it. We didn’t want to limit anybody.” Although the name change didn’t seem to attract any girls in this year’s Bruin Beauties, co-hostess and senior Helen Nguyen has high hopes for years to come. “Since this is the first year we’ve changed the name, I feel like girls weren’t really up for doing it, but if we continue it for a few more years then that will change.” Leadership adviser Christina Hillman seconded this decision, claiming that the Leadership crew intends to expand Branham’s events to be as inclusive as they can possibly be. “We just wanted to encourage participation and make everyone feel like they were included.” Hillman said she was very proud of this year’s Bruin Beauties, though the timing of the show itself was a bit off for the attendees. Hillman believes that “there’s always room for improvement,” as she continuously views things with a growth mindset. Participants from all grade levels participated, demonstrating their hobbies, talents. These included advocating for charities they would donate to if they won. This year’s Bruin Beauty victors included seniors Kunal Dutta and Shaya Zarkub in first and second place, as well as sophomore Joel Silva coming in third. The participants also had the opportunity to speak out about what they thought was important in the beginning of the second half. Senior Paul Smith spoke out about wildlife on Earth, stating that, “The biggest thing that we forget is that we are not the only species on this planet.” Junior Troy Pesavento educated the audience on cancer and its effects. The name change from Mr. Branham to Bruin Beauties was done to encourage participation, and those involved hope to spread equal opportunities in the future.
12
BEAR WITNESS
|
APRIL 2018 |
BHSBEARWITNESS.COM
THEBACKPAGE
THE YOUTH IN REVOLT
CAUSE WAYS Branham's activists
The U.S. is no stranger to influence from student activism; protests and posters line the fundamental fabric of our nation’s history. From university students and the racially marginalized citizens of the 1960s, to present-day high school students rallying for a myriad of issues related to school safety, younger generations are known to vocalize thoughts on issues that they care about. — Anastasia Langner & Jocelyn Pierce
Hana Tzou Danika Cho junior junior Organized walkout for gun safety Danika Cho and Hana Tzou were the two primary organizers behind Branham’s participation in National Walkout Day on March 14. School administration previously offered a different outlet for students to express their feelings, including an advisory period dedicated to discussing gun safety, a campus-wide moment of silence, as well as a discussion at the football field during lunch. Cho and Tzou did not want a student-led movement to be run by school officials. “The movement was about being led by teenagers,” Tzou said. The two created a petition to show student unity. Branham’s walkout had about 300 participants
1968 | Romina Iranmanesh senior Petitioned to change dress code At the start of this school year, female students felt targeted by the stricter enforcement of Branham’s dress code. Off-theshoulder shirts, crop tops and shorts appeared to be the main points of contention. Senior Romina Iranmanesh. Rather than simply joining the sea of complaints, she decided to take action. She made a petition against the dress code, receiving an abundant amount of signatures and comments. “Off the shoulder tops and a millimeter of visible stomach should not be things that girls should get punished for,”she said. While the petition didn’t accomplish much in terms of actual changing of the dress code, Iranmanesh is still glad she gave students a platform to vent their frustrations. “I did it to make the voices of all the students be heard… It gave them a way to voice their opinion,” she said.
David Wilson/Wikimedia Commons An anti-war demonstration took place in Chicago as the city was preparing to host the Democratic National Convention.
THE VIETNAM WAR In 1960, the Students for a Democratic Society and other student-led groups set out to end the Vietnam War, initially protesting on college campuses. The movement gained traction as the war dragged on and the death toll (to 15,000 in 1967) and military spending grew (federal deficit spending hit $25 billion a year).
GREENSBORO COUNTER SIT-INS The Greensboro sit-ins started by four black college students in early 1960 remain a notable part of the Civil Rights Movement. The students sat at the “whites only” counter as a silent and nonviolent demonstration, provoking strong reactions. Approximately 300 joined them, while others dumped drinks and food onto the protesters. They helped push the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which desegregated public venues.
WOMEN'S RIGHTS Feminist Kate Millett founded sexual politics in 1970, rousing insight into how women should control their own bodies and not allow themselves to be silenced by patriarchal systems. While her beliefs were met with initial negative reception, female students invested in Millett’s ideas and sought improved conditions for themselves and their bodies. Female sexual liberation, reproductive rights and access to abortion led conversation of women’s rights in the decades following.
VIOLENCE
RACISM
WOMEN'S RIGHTS
#NEVERAGAIN The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14 was the last straw for its survivors. Their protests through social media and in the state legislature erupted onto the national scene, bringing discussion of school shootings and its fallout to the political forefront. The survivors helped establish the #NeverAgain movement, including school walkouts and marches on city halls to voice the urgency for school safety.
BLACK LIVES MATTER The battle for racial equality was sparked once more with 2013’s Black Lives Matter. Its issues were propelled into the spotlight in 2014, when 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by police officers in Ferguson, Mo. The protests’ focus on police brutality and bias against African Americans pressured national discussion on the existing prevalence of racism not just in the police force, but in the U.S. overall.
#METOO Allegations of sexual harassment and assault by female celebrities against powerful male figures cultivated the #MeToo movement. The overall premise invites silenced victims to speak out against their perpetrators, and ranges from Hollywood actors to university students. On the student level, #MeToo is designated to attack schools that prevent victims from outcrying hazing, underlying misogyny or on-campus sexual violence, including date rape drugging or assault
Bridget O'Shea junior Fighting animal mistreatment Once Bridget O’Shea went vegan, she never looked back. She educated herself on “the meat industry and how brutal it is,” she found the decision to switch to veganism quite simple. “A lot of people don’t make the connection between the food that’s on their plate and the suffering that’s behind it,” she said. O’Shea once participated in a slaughterhouse vigil with Direct Action Everywhere, a vegan organization in the Bay Area that, among other things, tries to purchase animal from slaughterhouses. For anyone interested, O’Shea recommends first educating yourself. “Once you are interested in going vegan, you have to commit and eliminate the excuses,” she said. “But if you can educate your parents on how harmful the meat industry is, they’re usually a lot more open to it.” — Jocelyn Pierce
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
2018 Statistically, 18- to 29-yearolds are the least likely to vote, making up only 19 percent of the national electorate, and only 42 percent of those registered to vote
Fitzgerald Vo/Bear Witness San Jose was among 800 cities that patrticipated in the nationwide March for Our Lives event held on March 24. Students came out in droves to voice frustrations and demand safety in schools.
actually voted in the 2016 election. This raises the question: How can students get involved in government?
PRE-REGISTERING TO VOTE Contact your local DMV or go online at www.registertovote.ca.gov
VOTE IN UPCOMING ELECTIONS Both the statewide direct primary (June 5) and countrywide midterm elections (Nov. 6) are coming up.
VOLUNTEERING FOR CAUSES YOU SUPPORT Visit www.isidewith.com/ polls/social to identify your passions, regardless of which "side" you're on.