The Bolles Bugle Staff
Table of Contents: Political: Pg. 3-18
Nonpolitical: Pg. 19-37
Co-Editors-In-Chief: Avani Bansal Sarah Scherkenbach Online Editor: Ian Peiris Technology Editor: Thomas Keaveny Copy Editor: Taylor Ford Design Editor: Ava Sickler Creative Director: Su Ertekin-Taner Social Media Editor: Megan Howard Condributing Writers: Grace Albaugh Amber Bansal Isabel Bassin Katie Creveling Atticus Dickson Elliana Emery Cameron Gratz Aisha Hasan Riya Kar Tyler Schimpff Clariss Valdivia Sara Wasserman Ian Wilkinson Advisor: Ms. Jacobson Questions or comments, contact: jacobsona@bolles.org or bollesbugleonline@gmail.com
Editorial Policy: The Bolles Bugle is the newsmagazine created by the journalism class at The Bolles School. Our publication focuses on increasing community awareness of in-school events and topics relating to the five news values: relevance, proximity, timeliness/novelty, conflict/controversy, and human interest. Content in the Bugle is the responsibility of the editorial staff and not meant to reflect the views of the school’s administration or the student adviser. Please reach out to our faculty advisor, Ms. Jacobson, with any questions or comments. She can be reached at jacobsona@bolles.org or at bollesbugleonline@ gmail.com. Copyright 2009-2019, The Bolles Bugle
Dear Reader, Thank you so much for picking up (or digitally accessing) this special issue of The Bolles Bugle! It is one of our favorite issues to produce because of the way we get to use our critical thinking skills, and we are excited to share it with you. Our issue is divided into two sections: political and nonpolitical. As a reminder, editorial cartoons are meant to address a specific point of view, and please note that not everybody will agree with the message of every cartoon; however, we strive for a balance of representation on the political spectrum. It is extremely important to us, especially now, after the recent events in Washington D.C., that we remain just and balanced for our readers. We encourage you to use your critical thinking skills with both what you see in the media world and what you view in our cartoons. If you have never before interpreted editorial cartoons, no need to fret! Cartoons are successful in conveying their message because they utilize five important components, which allow their message to be clear: 1. Visual Symbols and Metaphors: Symbols and metaphors are often used to represent people, groups, ideas, and much more. 2. Visual Distortion: Distortion/exaggeration is often used to help promote the point of view of the cartoon. If one political leader towers over another, it implies a power imbalance. 3. Irony: This form of humor mocks or undermines the face value of something and is another popular aspect of editorial cartoons. 4. Stereotypes and Caricatures: Stereotypes are used as generalizations of groups of people for the purpose of conveying the message of the cartoon. Caricatures exaggerate certain aspects of an individual either to make fun of them or to allow the reader to clearly recognize the figure. 5. Argument: As the most important quality of editorial cartoons, an argument allows the reader to see into the artist’s perspective, invoking the viewer’s critical thinking and reflection skills. For this year’s editorial cartoon issue, we used images drawn from stereotypical portrayals in movies of how people track conspiracies on bulletin boards using newspaper clippings, string, and other items. We have many more exciting projects coming your way! If you would like to stay-up to-date on Bugle-related news such as Coffeehouse or issues as well as some behind the scenes content, please check out our Instagram @thebollesbugle and our website, bollesbugleonline.com. Avani Bansal Co-Editor-in-Chief
Sarah Scherkenbach Co-Editor-in-Chief
POLITICAL CARTOONS
Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris is currently being hailed as a civil rights icon by liberal organizations and liberal people. However, her supporters are forgetting her questionable acts in regards to criminal justice from when she was District Attorney of San Francisco. For example, according to The New York Times, she fought to uphold wrongful convictions. Harris also was the main proponent of a bill that allowed the state to prosecute the parents of students who often missed school, which disproportionately included lower income single parents. She also opposed a police reform bill that would require her office to investigate all shootings involving police and that would impose statewide body camera regulations. I chose to represent her track record as a shadow because it is looming and large, yet many barely even notice it.
Atticus Dickson Contributing Writer
“Glass Ceiling” is a metaphor for the invisible barriers of gender bias women face. When Harris was elected to be VP, she shattered the glass ceiling by being the first woman, Asian-American, and African-American to take office. In this cartoon, she is drawn breaking the glass ceiling with a hammer labeled “100 years” to reference 1920 and the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote. Harris wears a superhero cape and wields Thor’s hammer, and the caption refers to the popular Marvel franchise The Avengers, “Voters… Assemble!” to depict her as a superhero because she is an inspiration for many across the country. My goal for this cartoon was to capture the inspiration Harris gives to women across the country. As 2020 is the 100th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage, Harris’s election reflects the assembled power of female voters.
Amber Bansal Contributing Writer
It is said that in the year 64 CE, Emperor Nero of Rome played his fiddle while the city burned. In other words, he created a useless noise while his citizens suffered. There is much speculation as to whether or not this actually happened, but nonetheless, it is an apt metaphor for President Trump’s use of Twitter during the events of his term like COVID-19, the recent attack of the Capitol Building, and many more events.
Atticus Dickson Contributing Writer
This cartoon depicts two of Trump’s tweets, comparing the photos of the events they’re describing and the difference of language used. During the Black Lives Matter protests, Trump called the participants “thugs,” even though the very large majority of protests were peaceful. During the recent riot at the Capitol, he called the rioters “patriots”. However, those individuals were participating in the exact opposite of patriotism by attempting an attack on their own government. They were violent, and four people died. The cartoon points out Trump’s blatant hypocrisy and support of the event.
Isabel Bassin Contributing Writer
Most people know Donald Trump’s famous idea of building a wall between the US and Mexico. Since his term as president is coming to a close, we noticed a wall was built; not one meant to keep illegal immigrants out of the US, but rather Trump out of the White House. During the presidential election, mailin ballots piled up against Donald Trump, causing him to lose his chance of fulfilling a second term. This cartoon depicts the image of Donald Trump being kept out of office by the 81,283,098 votes against him.
Grace Albaugh Contributing Writer
The Bolles Bugle Writers
In the award-winning musical Hamilton, the phrase, “Never gon’ be president now” is repeated during the song “The Reynold’s Pamphlet” after the public is made aware of Alexander Hamilton’s infidelity through the publication of The Reynolds Pamphlet. During the number, Thomas Jefferson, a rival of Hamilton, dances on a desk in celebration while Hamilton stands off to the side as copies of the pamphlet fly around them. In this cartoon, the 2020 election is similarly portrayed with President Trump dancing on the desk and Joe Biden off to the side, while papers labeled with some of Biden’s biggest mistakes surround them.
Politics are like relay races in the sense that people on different “teams” must work together to reach a certain goal. This cartoon, however, is critical of the Republican party, who carried Amy Coney Barrett to the finish line of being a Supreme Court Justice, whereas Stacey Abrams is shown passing her torch onto Kamala Harris as they fairly compete.
The Bolles Bugle Writers
Religion
Petition
Judic
ial Ap
point
ment s
Speech
Assembly
Press
During Amy Coney Barrett’s Confirmation Hearing back in October, she was asked to name the 5 freedoms given under the First Amendment. She could only name 4 of them: speech, religion, press, and assembly. This cartoon symbolizes the death of the 5 freedoms since the newly appointed Supreme Court Justice could not even name the 5 freedoms given to every US citizen by the First Amendment. The shovel in front of the gravestones reads, “judicial appointments” since President Trump has appointed 217 Supreme Court justices, federal circuit, and district judges in his presidency.
Avani Bansal Co-Editor-In-Chief
Kamala Harris’s famous words, “I am speaking” have empowered girls and women around the country. Since the Vice Presidential debate, Harris’s words are seen on shirts, mugs, sweaters, and more. The cartoon shows 4 women in different stages of life, baby, toddler, teenager, and Kamala Harris all saying “I am speaking” in scenarios where women’s voices are overlooked. The final caption is “We are speaking” to represent the empowerment of women.
Amber Bansal Contributing Writer
This cartoon depicts the idea that the Democratic Party is using President Elect Joe Biden as a puppet to carry out their own ideologies. Many Americans believe, regardless of political party, that Biden will not make his own decisions in office, but rather represent the face of the Democratic Party. Although one can argue that every president acts as a face for their political party, some believe that Biden’s platform is being entirely controlled by others.
Katie Creveling Contributing Writer
During the BLM protests last summer, many representatives of the Republican Party voiced their dismay at the supposedly widespread violence during BLM focused protests. The thing is, according to Time only 7% of BLM protests became violent. Since the Republican Party’s symbol is the elephant, and elephants are purportedly afraid of mice, I chose the mouse to represent the miniscule 7% with the elephant examining the mouse representing the Republican Party. The protestor behind the elephant represents the 93% of protests that have been peaceful.
Atticus Dickson Contributing Writer
MAGA Biden Harris
Covid
This cartoon depicts two parents fighting over politics while neglecting their children who are playing with matches. The parents represent American citizens, and the children are symbols for global issues. The goal of this cartoon is to point out how people get so wrapped up in fighting about their political beliefs, they ignore other critical issues that are manifesting and deserve attention.
Climate Change
Isabel Bassin Contributing Writer
This cartoon illustrates the idea that a lot of people voted for a candidate not because they believed the person they were voting for would be a great president, but because they did not want the other person to win. Some people voted for Donald Trump because they did not want Joe Biden to become their president and vice versa. I thought this would make an interesting cartoon given that this year saw record turnout for any U.S. presidential election in history, and it makes sense to explore the reality that voting against candidates may have played a role in this record-breaking election.
Tyler Schimpff Contributing Writer
I Ain’t Never Seen Two Young Presidential Candidates...
It’s Always Both of Them Gotta Be Old.
If you’re a highschooler with a phone, you almost definitely have Tik Tok. Back in October, a young man with striking facial features, Jordan Scott, released a comedy Tik Tok in which he said “I ain’t never seen two pretty best friends, it’s always one of them gotta be ugly.” After going viral, people began making their own “I ain’t never seen two *blank*” videos. At the same time, the 2020 presidential election was underway and many critics pointed out how both the candidates were quite old. With Donald Trump at age 74 and Joe Biden at age 78, their ages became the laughing stock of political memes.
Megan Howard Social Media Editor
This cartoon depicts the idea that President Donald Trump could pre-emptively pardon himself, his family, and his business associates such as his attorney Rudy Giuliani. This idea of having a presidential pardon tucked away for whenever you need to get yourself out of prison is comparable to one of my personal favorite board games: Monopoly. In this game, you can pick up a card that can be used to get yourself out of jail whenever you want, and that is exactly what Trump would be doing if he were to award himself a pardon. The clemency process will have become about granting favors to keep those you like as well as yourself above the law instead of carefully reviewing federal offenses and granting a second chance to someone who may merit it, which was the original intent of the President’s power to pardon.
Tyler Schimpff Contributing Writer
2021
No! Please! Come back!
This cartoon depicts Trump after he has left office. He has lost his platform because he is no longer president, as news organizations and social media are shown walking away from him. He pleads for them to come back and pay him more attention, even offering them money. Twitter has already banned Trump’s account, and multiple media organizations are shifting their focus to the new president and his administration.
Isabel Bassin Contributing Writer
Trump has been known for denying the severity of the pandemic no matter the evidence shown to him, whether it is the number of cases in the US or the 365,000 deaths as a result of the virus. Over the past nine months, Trump has also been known to challenge Dr. Fauci (Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) on his opinions/ facts regarding the current state of this virus. The cartoon depicts Trump and Fauci in a baseball game setting where Trump is a pitcher throwing a baseball labeled “misinformation” directly at Dr. Fauci’s (the umpire’s) face. This is symbolic of the dynamic between them over the last nine months and touches on their baseball history, with President Trump mocking Fauci’s baseball ability.
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ti ma
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Avani Bansal Co-Editor-In-Chief
This cartoon of a magician pulling a Rudy Giuliani rabbit out of a hat depicts the idea that the Trump administration has been claiming election fraud and foul play ever since losing the 2020 presidential election but has not been able to provide evidence to back these claims. President Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, is notable for having claimed that the election for President of the United States was not, in fact, a loss for Trump. Giuliani frequently made claims that he had “substantial evidence of fraud” that it “will be irrefutable that @realDonaldTrump won in a landslide.” and yet no credible evidence was ever brought to light. Despite the Trump campaign filing over 60 lawsuits aimed at challenging the election results, none of these have ended well for Trump and yet he still refused to concede the election until just recently. Whenever they are asked for evidence, they merely have Giuliani appear before cameras and rephrase any of the many claims he has made without providing factual data to support these claims.
Tyler Schimpff Contributing Writer
Making informed decisions is good, right? As citizens of the United States, isn’t it important for us to strive to procure and present accurate information, to make those informed decisions? Recent events have proven that news sources present information based on their agenda, not facts, restricting our ability to find accurate and factual information. As a result, it is difficult to make a quality decision without going to sources with varying points of view. In this cartoon, the major news providers are shown carrying presidential candidate Joe Biden to victory through their selective reporting of information.
Ian Wilkinson Contributing Writer
[insert new explanation]
First name Last name Contributing Writer
Inspired by the popular game “Among Us” where players work to uncover an imposter by voting them out, this cartoon uses the voting screen and chat of the game to portray the 2020 election as a game itself. It also incorporates some common arguments and phrases of key players during election time and exemplifies the fact that the 2020 election had one of the highest recorded youth voter turnouts in modern politics.
Sarah Scherkenbach Co-Editor-In-Chief
Long has it been said that Georgia is one of the stereotypical “red southern states”. I’d argue that only a small percentage of people that keep up with politics would’ve seen a switch like this coming - hence the man spitting out his cereal upon first notification of the Georgia switch (both in overall state color as well as Senate seat color).
Thomas Keaveny Technology Editor
In Trump’s last days of presidency, he is pardoning everyone possible from illegal activity, including his kids- Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Tiffany Trump. So far, he has pardoned about 100 people, but he still has time in his presidency to pardon more. While he is preventing his family from going to jail, there are over 70,000 migrant children locked up in cages. The priorities of President Trump are centered around himself and his family to prevent them from prosecution after his term ends.
Avani Bansal Co-Editor-In-Chief
I don’t know who thought Doge, a viral image of a dog, should be the entity to represent this type of meme, but here we are, and I guess I should follow suit. “Oh boy I can’t wait...” or “Oh boy do I love being…” memes typically represent someone, something, or a group of people that lacks critical information in the present moment. In this particular case, this version of Doge is a Trump supporter, and is unaware that on November 12th, two critical states - Arizona and Georgia - of Trump flipped Blue/Democratic.
Thomas Keaveny Technology Editor
2016
2020 NOT MY T EN PRESID
This cartoon points out the hypocrisy from both political parties. In 2016, after Trump won the election, many democrats protested his victory, saying “not my president”. Now, in 2020, Biden’s victory is still yet to be accepted by many republicans, which has even led to an attack on their own government. The roles have reversed.
Isabel Bassin Contributing Writer
What a loser.
The Bugle Staff Writers
Yeah, and a sucker.
News coverage of Donald Trump’s alleged comments calling fallen soldiers “suckers and losers” caused hurt within the military community (especially to members of Gold Star families). An anonymous source stated that on November 10, 2018, the president decided not to visit the Aisne-Marne cemetery in France, calling WWII fallen American dead “losers.” According to the Military Times, a senior Defense Department official confirmed the president’s statement. In an editorial addressed to President Trump, New York Times journalist Dana Canedy wrote, “Tell them [Gold Star children] that their mom or dad — or anyone who has made the ultimate sacrifice — is more of a hero than you will ever be. Humble yourself.” Based on her Op-Ed and on the hypocrisy of President Trump’s words dating back to when he insulted war hero John McCain during the 2016 campaign, and his alleged comments at the cemetery in 2018, the idea for this cartoon was born. Surely, if the dead at Arlington National Cemetery heard such comments, they would not accept these comments lightly, so ironically, considering the results of the 2020 election, the name calling was flipped. Many members of our community have friends and family (or they, themselves) have served and the Bugle has only respect for the military.
When Biden was first confirmed as president-elect, dog lovers of America were excited because there would be dogs in the White House. The Biden’s have two German Shepherds, and one is a rescue dog, the first rescue dog to be in the White House. Unfortunately, one morning while playing with his dog, Biden tripped and broke his foot. In a society filled with conspiracy theories, many based on the smallest of details such as how a person on video touches a hat or the color of a shirt, this cartoon attaches deep political significance to Biden’s accident, implying that the dog is a Russian agent, bent on destroying the new first family, one game of fetch at a time.
Taylor Ford Copy Editor
This cartoon illustrates the two, very different responses of Americans to countries in which the coronavirus and its new, more deadly strain originated. Many Americans blamed the Chinese for the first heard of COVID-19 as virus as they first heard of virus as the Wuhan Flu or the Chinese virus by politicans claiming that the pandemic was a result of Chinese espionage. This is NOT true. However, when the new and more deadly strain of coronavirus emerged in Britain and began to spread, Americans reflected not on British culpability but on the ingenuity of British scientists in trying to defeat the new strain through vaccination instead of calling it the “English flu”. This double standard is emphasized in the mock headlines of the newspapers. This cartoon is a photo illustration using online clipart images.
Su Ertekin-Taner Creative Director
This cartoon compares President Trump’s recent phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to one made by a mafia boss to extort or bribe an official. In the call, President Trump asks Raffensperger to “find” 11,780 votes for him, exactly the number that would hand him the election. He even threatened Raffensperger with criminal charges if he did not overturn the election, and told him he was taking “a big risk” when he refused. This is similar to scare tactics used by the mafia to force the compliance of local officials in racketeering or other conspiracies, such as election fraud.
Cameron Gratz Contributing Writer
Amber Bansal Contributing Writer
This year, the United States is more divided than ever. The ripped flag symbolizes the division in our country due to political and social issues such as the election and minority group protests. President Trump has incited violence, raised doubts about the election, and not accepted his loss causing the division of the country. Shown in the cartoon are his broken scissors, symbolizing the damage he has done, but that he cannot do anymore. The thread to repair the flag is labeled Biden, who will lead with respect, decency, and honor, values he said are essential in his speech after The Capitol riot.
NONPOLITICAL CARTOONS
Doing online school is definitely an aggravating, draining, and frustrating task. This cartoon displays the happiness we had in the beginning and the distress we feel now. In March, it shows online students are doing great in the form of a joyful child. In August, it shows the restlessness of online students in the form of a frustrated teenager. In December, it shows the exhaustion in students through the form of an old man. In conclusion, as more time goes by, the more unbearable online school gets.
Aisha Hasan Contributing Writer
Finally, the disastrous year 2020 has come to an end. Though there is hope for 2021, it doesn’t mean our problems will go away immediately. For example, COVID-19 is still raging, so as we start this year let’s be more cautious. In the cartoon, there is a man running from 2020 and a giant Coronavirus. He is running to 2021 in hopes there is no Covid-19, only for there to be a stack of Coronavirus waiting for him.
Aisha Hasan Contributing Writer
March 2020
August 2020
December 202o
The above image, exhibit A, was made mid December of 2020, representing how 2020 was basically a dumpster fire but there is a light at the end of the tunnel - hoping for a better 2021. At the time of writing this, January 8 of 2021, things aren’t looking too good; exhibit B, the image below.
Thomas Keaveny Technology Editor
As we head into 2021, global warming is increasing significantly. In 2020, there were many debates on this topic as well as denial of global warming at all. This cartoon illustrates a different perspective on the phrase, “The world is your oyster,” which is usually used in a positive and inspirational light. As the older generations continue to ignore this problem the planet’s clock lessens.Looking at the cartoon, inside the oyster there is the earth on fire representing a pearl. Also the sharp teeth on the oyster showing the earth’s future opportunities are crumbling.
“The world is your oyster”
Aisha Hasan Contributing Writer
Like all past generations, Gen Z’ers use characteristic language in their everyday lives. Often, Gen Z phrases empower individuals, describe working habits, or allow teens to react to jokes/comedy. Phrases that Gen Z’ers use include “hit different,” “let’s get this bread,” and “umm...chile”. “Hit different” refers to feeling a different emotion or vibe from the same experience. “Let’s get this bread” refers to energizing oneself to be successful and/or make money. “Umm chile” is a play on the spelling of the word “child”. This phrase expresses shock or upset at a questionable action. In this cartoon, I reinterpreted common Gen Z phrases portraying them literally in the form of images. Through the cartoon-making process, as a Gen Z’er, I began to question the ridiculousness of these Gen Z phrases when put literally. This cartoon is a photo illustration made with online images.
Su Ertekin-Taner Creative Director
Media piracy is a regular activity for many teens. This cartoon depicts the difference between traditional piracy and digital media piracy. The pirate ship is grand and dramatic, while the student on his laptop appears mundane and ordinary, much like media piracy itself. Ironically, the kid could be pirating a movie about pirates, feeling alive and free without ever leaving his chair.
Cameron Gratz Contributing Writer
The word “Scammy” comes from the Grammy’s. The Grammy’s have received a reputation from many celebrities for being fake and only using certain artists for fame in order to gain more money, hence the word “Scammy”. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, etc, have called them out on either using them or being completely unfair. So when an artist receives a “Scammy” award (aka Grammy), it doesn’t actually have any value or meaning to it. They are just receiving a fake and worthless award.
Elliana Emery Contributing Writer
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of hybrid learning is communication. Because the virtual world is inherently disconnected from the classroom, communicating with muted online students can be difficult. The idea for this cartoon stems from a real-life experience, when a teacher repeatedly called on an online student who would not respond. Much like ghosts, only partially involved in the tangible world, online students are only half-immersed in the classroom experience, with technology as the only bridge to their education. Similarly, the process of summoning a virtual student is similar to calling upon a ghost in a seance, which I depicted in my cartoon.
Ian Peiris Online Editor
All online students have different rituals before, during, and after school hours. They may work in nondress code clothing, pet their pets under the desk, or stretch while participating in class. Whatever the activity, each online student’s school experience greatly differs from that of an in-person student. In this cartoon, I point out and hyperbolize the ways in which online students participate in classes from home. This cartoon is a photo illustration using online images.
Su Ertekin-Taner Creative Director
With the restraint of dividers, students may feel like they are in literal bubbles. While these safety restrictions are necessary, they can definitely cause a sense of disconnect in the classroom. Several teachers and students have equated the dividers to fishbowls, and this cartoon depicts what it’s like to look at a classroom of students behind the clear screens. A teacher is shown taking attendance and fish representing students reply in bubbles.
Here!
Here!
Here!
I’m taking attendance!
Sara Wasserman Contributing Writer
More weight!
As Giles Corey from The Crucible once said “More weight.” Many juniors feel that each AP or honors class they take adds more and more pressure to their chests. More weight is added to juniors as they begin to start taking standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. While students already know the pressure their classes apply on them, they still sign theirselves up for copius amount of extracurriculurs.
The Bugle Staff Writers
Every decade has its fashion trends; while the 70’s showcased an inclination towards tie dye shirts and bell bottoms, the 2000’s favored a more casual style, featuring track suits and low rise jeans. However, in the age of COVID, the people have adopted a new form of low rise fashion: the low rise mask. Sitting right under the nose, the low rise mask emphasizes breathability, covering only the mouth while leaving the nose completely exposed to the COVID-infested air. This fashion choice has become increasingly popular over the past few months, and with it a steady influx of new cases. But people shouldn’t worry about safety when it comes to trending fashion, right?
Ian Peiris Online Editor
Students have undoubtedly had to adapt and evolve to new circumstances this year. The cartoon illustrates the struggle to see past the desk dividers and view the board or presentation. In the cartoon, the student is attempting to read the board over the tall divider. A year later in 2021, the student is seen learning about the theory of evolution, and at the same time evolving to their own new environment by growing a giraffe neck.
Sara Wasserman Contributing Writer
This past year COVID-19 has brought virtual learning onto our campus. Getting used to it has been a challenge for both teachers and students while there have been many benefits to online school there have also been many downfalls. One aspect of school that has become shockingly common is cheating. Virtual learning has made it very easy for students to cheat and has caused the Honor Code to be compromised.
Honor Code Pledge: On my honor I pledge that I have neither given nor recieved unauthorized help on this work.
Grace Albaugh Contributing writer
We’ve all been buried under a boat load of work, right? Or had a teacher stand over us, asking when we’ll be done with an assessment or class worksheet? Like layers of snow, piling on and building on itself during a snowstorm, homework began to pile on as the semester came to a close. In this cartoon, the teacher is able to easily walk over the snow, while the student has to trudge and grind his way through the snow mounds (i.e. his work), only given a tiny shovel, a small pencil among legions of paper and online documents, to help him on his way.
Ian Wilkinson Contributing Writer
This particular piece is drawn to illustrate how the virus is impacting our normal lives and how people are now accustomed to wearing masks even doing the littlest things in fear of getting infected and infecting others. Because the virus is still rampant during Christmas time this year, traditions have changed, and people are more accustomed to seeing masks, meaning seeing someone without a mask could be considered as “weird”.
Clariss Valdivia Contributing Writer
“I don’t trust the COVID vaccine. I have no idea what’s in it. Probably weird chemicals that make your face fall off.”
“Anyways, who wants to hit my vape?”
The rushed COVID vaccine caused much skepticism among members of both political parties. While I understand the fear, there are far worse things that people put in their bodies, such as vapes. As many of us know, vaping devices have toxic chemicals such as toluene (causes headaches), nickel (causes cancer), formaldehyde (causes cancer), and many more. I thought using the vape would make the message stronger, as compared to using a Big Mac.
Megan Howard Social Media Editor
The cartoon exemplifies how distraction via technology has impacted the environment through a romantic dinner scene. The guy on the date is hyperfocused on what is happening on the screen of his phone whereas the Earth, his date, is burning away and in a clear state of distress while questioning why he is not doing anything to fix their relationship. The primary focus of the image comments on the current state of the world while we, as a whole, choose to ignore it and instead turn our attention to other things.
PUT THAT THING DOWN! DON’T YOU CARE ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP?
Sarah Scherkenbach Co-Editor-In-Chief
With the recent launch of Space X’s new rocket, people are beginning to wonder if we’ve completely given up on the planet. Most continue living their lives, only to worry about what will come tomorrow. However, as problems arise, we have to start thinking about how we are affecting the future. The California fires are still blazing as strong as they were last year. Sea life is being reduced every day. The glaciers have nearly disappeared, while some inhabited areas are said to be underwater in the next few years. It’s time we stop pushing away our problems and start looking for a solution.
Riya Kar Contributing Writer
“You are now muted,” the overly cheery and annoying robot voice of Schoology Siri greets as every user attempts to mute themselves after signing into class. However, Schoology Siri is not wrong in the land of online learning, as many online students find themselves struggling with participating and having their voice heard. Not wanting to interrupt and trying to be polite is detrimental to learning when online, as teachers are often focused on the in-person students and inadvertently neglect the raised hands of their online pupils. This cartoon portrays this situation by depicting students who clearly have questions (demonstrated by both their raised hands and the question-filled public chat) but employs irony; instead of Big Blue Button alerting them that they are muted/unmuted, the teacher is saying, “You are now muted,” symbolic of the seemingly forever state of muteness when online.
Sarah Scherkenbach Co-Editor-In-Chief
Slow computers have undoubtedly made online learning much more frustrating. The cartoon shows the long journey from clicking the echo test to finally joining the conference, an online transition that can seemingly take forever when you’re about to be late to class. A student makes their way through the vast desert to finally reach the conference and join class.
Sara Wasserman Contributing Writer
Often, when teens voice our troubles and concerns, we are met with adults telling us to focus on the positives in life, as opposed to commiserating, or even to give us strategies to solve the problems in our control. While the adults mean well, when a teenager is suffering, telling them to feel better can feel like the least helpful response. I chose to represent these problems as demons from various artworks dancing and flying around the younger person in the photo while the adult unhelpfully and unsympathetically tells them to just “focus on the positives!�
Atticus Dickson Contributing Writer
The everyday activities of online students includes waking up thirty minutes or less before class begins, dressing in sweatpants for the school day, eating during class, but most importantly‌ adventures with Schoology. Online students as per their name do not have the burden or maybe the delight of walking from class to class. Instead, we have the online version of a bustling hallway: Schoology. Refreshing conferences is often our version of waiting to walk through the door into an inviting classroom. However, waiting to join a conference may be the most patience requiring aspect of all of online school. For this reason, many online students resort to refreshing a class page repeatedly until a sign of life appears on the screen (or the conference opens). My cartoon portrays a hyperbole of the pains of refreshing a screen: a student has refreshed the school so many times and with such vigor that his/her finger breaks.
Su Ertekin-Taner Creative Director
Recent events have led many of us to believe that, among rising conspiracies and rumors, the social media and news don’t have as much merit as they once possessed. Instead of a bullseye, the arrows are shooting to land on truth. However, they can’t seem to hit the center, showing how each of these sources miss their mark when it comes to honesty.
Ian Wilkinson Contributing Writer
Due to COVID-19, seating has been quite odd this year. In order to keep social distancing and minimize contact, tables have been limited to 2-4 people. The once over crowded tables are now a hot commodity - first come, first serve. With many students being back in person, where to dine for lunch has become a hot topic among many students. While most students can always find a place to sit, it does become frustrating walking from location to location while hungry - one could say trying to find an available table makes them hangry.
Megan Howard Social Media Editor
This cartoon is based on all the events that we have witnessed from 2020. We must compare the bad events: COVID-19, Australian bushfires, Kobe Bryant and his daughter plus 7 others dying in a plane crash, the killing of George Floyd, and the raiding of the Capitol building, with the good like Jupiter and Saturn being the closest since 800 years ago, Justin Bieber releasing an album, and scientists finding possible microbial life on Mars. So even though there were many negatives on which we focused mostly on, there were also positives. We are entering 2021 hoping that the positive events will outweigh the negative ones.
Elliana Emery Contributing Writer
Ever since Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez called it quits in 2018, fans have been voicing their anger towards Hailey Bieber, the wife of Justin Bieber. For about three years now, she has received nothing but hate messages from not just Selena’s fans but also Justin’s. This happens a lot when people continue to hold onto the past and let that take over. As well as interfering with others’ lives without really knowing them personally but thinking they have the right to judge and bully them. There are two clocks shown which one is the date Selena and Justin officially broke up for the last time and the other shows the date Hailey and Justin got married. A fan is defending Hailey when her and Justin we not together yet, then dragging her down when they were. Fans should not try to get involved in their idol’s lives because they have no right and are not apart of it on a personal level.
Elliana Emery Contributing Writer
Because of schools and businesses opening up during the pandemic, a lot of people believe quarantine to be over. But with talk of a second lockdown, the cartoon depicts a girl returning to her room with all the first quarantine objects (the bed, toilet paper, and sweatpants) once again asking if she misses them.
Clariss Valdivia Contributing Writer
“There is no Planet B,� is a popular environmentalist slogan, highlighting how humanity needs to protect the earth if we want to survive in the long term. However, billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have been investing heavily in space flight technology. In the future, they plan to sell tickets on these spacecraft to wealthy tourists, and eventually to space settlers. This cartoon portrays the inequality between most people, for whom there really is no Planet B, and the ultrawealthy, for whom there might yet be. Additionally, the irony is that the people with the financial means to escape the earth are the ones most responsible for its pollution.
Cameron Gratz Contributing Writer
One of the COVID-19 symptoms is loss of smell, and because scented candles have a very strong scent, the cartoon depicts a candle with the scent “if you can smell this, you should have worn a mask”.
Clariss Valdivia Contributing Writer
Just chillin’ with the boys
The comic represents a futuristic era of humans that go from planet to planet-destroying its resources and life as if it were a norm. Earth happens to have a perfect balance that allows it to sustain life. However, we are constantly destroying that balance as we live our busy lives. We happen to push it to the back of our minds thinking it’s something for the next generation to worry about, but the Earth is falling apart quickly. We no longer know if Earth will be inhabitable in the next thousand years or in just a few decades.
Riya Kar Contributing Writer
“Junior year is the most important year of high school.” We’ve all heard it, especially when thinking about college applications. We expect to do more during 11th grade, hoping to boost our chances at getting into a good college. But now that COVID has canceled all of our opportunities, it’s easy to fear that we aren’t doing enough. My goal for this cartoon was to stress the anxiety which comes with an altered junior year through concocting silly accomplishments to replace what we feel we should have completed.
Ian Peiris Online Editor
Since last spring, the pandemic has altered everyone’s lives. For the students that have remained online during the school year, it has been especially difficult. The saying “The days are long, but the years are short” has a whole new significance. It feels as though each day is simply a day, going through the motions. At the same time, it feels surreal for online students that one semester has already been completed. This cartoon illustrates the time we all feel that we have lost.
Katie Creveling Contributing Writer
Covid numbers have been rising, but a new trend of ignorance has started. The internet has shown videos of this ignorance and how these people are hurting their community. This comic shows the ‘Karens” that refuse to wear masks in stores where it is mandatory. They go around giving misinformation that this dangerous virus, which people are dying from, is a lie, fake. These people are laying waste on the actions of doctors and nurses putting their lives on the line in order to contain this spreading virus. Of course, the comic shows the consequences of their actions as they themselves get the virus that they called a “hoax”.
Where is your manager! Covid is a hoax!
Cov id +
Achoo
Riya Kar Contibuting Writer
When people are asked, “How are you?” Their go-to response is “I’m fine.” The harsh reality behind this simple exchange is that people say they’re fine when they are not. It’s common for people to silently fight their own battles and not share even when prompted. People keep a lot of thoughts and feelings to themselves in fear that they will bother people if they do share, or that their feelings will not be taken seriously. This cartoon shows those hidden thoughts and feelings surrounding both people giving light to what they are never going to say.
Taylor Ford Copy Editor
THE EDITORIAL CONSPIRACY Bugle Staff Members were implicated in what is now known as the Editorial Conspiracy, on [REDACTED], 2021. The staff allegedly committed a wide variety of crimes across Jacksonville, and are believed to be connected to a series of high profile robberies. No fingerprints were found at the crime scenes, however, a witness by the name of
[REDACTED] claims to have seen Ian Peiris in the window of the getaway van. There is no photographic evidence, and the van itself remains unfound. Peiris maintains that he was asleep at his home throughout the event. His siblings, [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] support his alibi. Additionally, there was a woman dressed as a horse riding a horse alongside the van. Both Anna Jacobson and
Taylor Ford are notorious horse girls, and considered likely suspects. Several high- level hacks were also detected throughout the city. Ian Wilkinson has been seen dressing as Neo and performing actions in slow motion. He may be traversing the Matrix. Thomas Keaveny, Bugle’s usual go-to tech guy,
was preoccupied with his [REDACTED Iced Tea addiction. The Bugle Staff was taken in for questioning on the 8th of January, at 4:00 PM, and have at long last been convicted for many of their past crimes. The Conspiracy remains under investigation. Further detail requires Level 4 clearance or higher.