Social justice
INSIDE: RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY... CONTRACEPTION... GANG CULTURE... THE WAR IN UKRAINE... CULTURAL APPROPRIATION... NO PLACE LIKE HOME... BREAKING MEN STEREOTYPES...
Photography and design by: Iara Goncalves
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Find us : @carbononcampus Read more on: www.carbonmagazine.co.uk SOCIAL JUSTICE
Editors ‘ Note In this edit we bring attention to human diversity, inclusion, and social justice. These are all important component of a liberal arts education. It exposes us to the richness of human aspirations and achievements, and strengthens our understanding of the essential and equal dignity of all human beings. It forces us to confront instances of oppression, and to recognise that the experiences, beliefs, and practices of various people and cultures have been at times misrepresented or underrepresented in society, and shows us how particular interests and privileges may contribute to these. It helps us make the world more peaceful, and more harmonious.
Alexa
Cover by: Antonio Pires (@a.ntna)
I truly believe that our generation was born ready to fight injustice and we work hard to shed light and open up more eyes about it. All students should care about what is going on in the world and make conscious efforts to bring about change. Tell us what you are doing. leave a comment and we’ll share your efforts. Join us on @carbononcampus for a discussion, leave a comment and we’ll share your efforts!
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Editor - Alexa Toth Deputy Editor - Iara Goncalves SubEditor Editor- Alexa - Ellie Atherly Toth Social Media - Leah Payne Deputy Editor - Iara Goncalves
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Art director - tierney rocks/jenna Sub Editor - Ellie Atherly hunt Editor - Alexa Toth Picture editor- Leah - ollie lles Social Media Payne Deputy Editor - Iara Goncalves Art director - tierney rocks/jenna hunt Sub Editor - Ellie Atherly Editor - Alexa Toth Picture editor - ollie lles Social Media - Leah Payne Deputy Editor - Iara Goncalves Art director - tierney rocks/jenna hunt
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Editor - Alexa Toth Deputy Editor - Iara Goncalves Sub Editor - Ellie Atherly Social Media - Leah Payne Art director - tierney rocks/jenna hunt Picture editor - ollie lles
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8-9 The Truth About The Ukraine War 10-11 Combatting closed minds in Eastern Europe
12-13 Stop Gang Violence 14-15 Return of the rudeboy 16-17 Culture, not costume 18-19 Stop violance against women 20-23 Breaking man stereotypes 24-25 Marsha P.Johnson 26-27 Say no to a ‘summer body’ 28-29 Contraception 30-31 Fast Fashion-Our social responsibility
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THE TRUTH ABOUT THE WAR IN UKRAINE
The facts, figures , and grim truth about whats really going on in Ukraine, and how we can mobilise ourselves in the fight for peace.
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Russia’s attack on Ukraine has stretched on for more than two horrifying weeks, a relentless bombardment through the country’s cities and towns that has led to more than 500 civilian deaths and forced over 2.5 million people to flee the country, after the demolition of the country’s infrastructure and life as Ukrainians knew it in their peaceful country completely flipped upside down. Underground Bunkers and safe corridors to flee are a gruesome reality for the families and people of Ukraine, everything that appears in our worst nightmares are a horrible real life event, young or old, everybody is affected, and scared, by the actions of Vladimir Putin. They are a inconvenience to the power hungry dictator, ripping peoples lives to shreds in his path without looking back. Lets take a look at why this is happening in 2022, understand whats actually going on, so we can know what we can do to help. Donetsk, and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine broke away from government control in 2014, separatists in eastern Ukraine are separate from the majority of people in the rest of the country, in regards to language and culture; they mostly speak Russian, and would rather be a part of Russia. Since the breakaway in 2014, the separatists have been fighting the Ukrainian army and many thousands have died as a result of this. Ukraine believes Russia has been helping them with money and weapons to aid attacks, which is something Russia firmly denies. Flight MH17 was shot down in E Ukraine during this flighting back in 2014, killing everybody onboard, and devastatingly 80 children. An international investigation showed that the missile that struck it down was brought in by Russia and fired back by Separatists. Putin recognises the two places in Ukraine as independent, and has sent his own troops in there as ‘peacekeepers’ however the British government says this is nonsense, and this is why we believe the Ukrainian invasion has begun. Putin’s Goal in all of this is to stop his neighbouring Ukraine joining the military club of 30 nations called NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
-UK to deny Russia and Belarus access to Most Favoured Nation tariff for hundreds of their exports, depriving both nations key benefits of WTO membership -UK government publishes initial list of goods worth £900 million - including vodka - which will now face additional 35 percent tariff, on top of current tariffs. - to ban exports of luxury goods to Russia alongside G7 allies. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “Our new tariffs will further isolate the Russian economy from global trade, ensuring it does not benefit from the rules-based international system it does not respect. These tariffs build on the UK’s existing work to starve Russia’s access to international finance, sanction Putin’s cronies and exert maximum economic pressure on his regime.” The capital Kyiv has been invaded by Russian troops, with major loss of life suffered by the nation at the hands of Russia, will this war stop soon for the sake of the innocent lives lost at the hands of Putin? We watch on in despair for Ukraine What can we do to help? The British Red Cross has set up a crisis appeal. It said: “Your donation could help someone affected get food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water.” Set up earlier this month by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), the appeal is raising funds to provide accredited and registered Ukrainian charities with medicine, food and vital services. Read, learn, and spread trusted information online and with friends and family.
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Words and design by: Ellie Atherley
Countries suchas France, America and the UK have threatened, and followed through with various financial punishments on Russia, and Russians living abroad In these countries. Russia supplies 40% of European gas and 60% of Germany’s gas, this information is relevant following Germany’s decision to pull the plug on the new, and yet to be used gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. The petrol prices in the UK are soaring again because of the sanctions from the UK on Russia. The UK has also put sanctions on 3 Russian billionaires and 5 Russian banks,
with more to come. Putin has banned Instagram in its country, taking away a real life, and real time source away from people in the country and isolating it away from any unbiased news. With Facebook and Twitter now being heavily monitored and censored by leaders. The Uk has also put sanctions on Chelsea football club as it is owned by a wealthy Russian billionaire, blocking the transfer of players, the sale of tickets to non season holders, the sale of merch, and more.
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[No]Place Like Home
e p o r u E n r e t s a E n i s
d n i m d e s o l c g n i t t a Comb
EASTERN EUROPE IS VIBRANT, WELCOMING, FULL OF ART AND HISTORY, AS A TOURIST ENJOYING YOUR TIME IS VERY MUCH GUARANTEED. IF YOU`RE FROM A WESTERN, RICHER COUNTRY YOU CAN HAVE A CHEAP BUT QUALITY HOLIDAY. AS A PERSON FROM EASTERN EUROPE, HUNGARY TO BE SPECIFIC, I DO APPRECIATE ALL THE THINGS I HAVE ACCESS TO. THE COUNTRYSIDE, CITIES FULL OF HISTORY, ART NOUVEAU ALL AROUND BUDAPEST, THE LAKE IN MY HOMETOWN THAT SHAPED MOST OF MY CHILDHOOD, I COULD GO ON AND ON ABOUT HOW THAT PLACE MADE ME WHO I AM AND HOW MUCH HAPPINESS I FEEL WHEN I THINK BACK TO THOSE TIMES. PLUS BEING ABLE TO TRAVEL AROUND MOST OF EUROPE WITHOUT TOO MUCH FUSS IS A GREAT THING. WHY IS IT THAT MOST OF THE EE CITIZENS ARE NOT PLANNING ON MOVING BACK HOME THEN? REPORTS SAY THAT NOWADAYS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR WORK AND BETTER MONEY IS INCREASING SO WHY MOST OF US FROM OUR GENERATION IS NOT KEEN ON MOVING BACK? 10
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It`s hard to fit into a society where the head of the governments` mentality is outdated, agreeing with the actions, the corruption,the discrimination, the old school system where they try to educate children with propaganda is nearly impossible. Talking about Hungary specifically, health care is very neglected which doesn`t seem to change in the near future, unfortunately. Mental health in Eastern Europe is not taken seriously at all, getting help, going to therapy, going to mental hospitals is still a big taboo and you`ll have more people turn their back on you than the ones supporting you because you`re just simply “being dramatic” and “wha people will think if I`m associated with this person”. Small village mentality on half of a continent really. Low empathy and low emotional intelligence goes from generation to generation because mental health was always a stigma. Loads of children are often traumatised from a young age because of broken families, and that is neglected most of the time because most of our parents haven`t dealt with their traumas either and we can`t even blame them because mental health awerness was even worse in their generation.
Poland`s abortion law is another thing that just brings tears to your eyes when you think about the women of the country. Abortion in Poland is only legal if the pregnancy was a result of a criminal act or if the woman`s health or life is at risk. Very sad to see that not only we`re going backwards but all these politicians tend to be very hypocritical while bringing all these laws in.
Dorina B., 22, Hungary
For the extreme racism and the lack of solidarity, I don`t even have to go back far in time. EE has no trouble helping the white, Christian people during the war, and of course, there`s nothing wrong with that because we help the ones in need, right? The problem with this is that the attitude immediately changes towards middle eastern refugees who are in fact also looking for help and shelter from the terrible wars in their countries. We saw multiple videos of Ukrainians not letting black people board trains to flee the country. Sad to see that discrimination is still on people`s minds while being in the same country in the same horrible situation and it just shows that racism has no boundaries.
Our generation was born ready to fight against injustice, and the youth of Eastern Europe is becoming more and more aware of these problems. Our governments fail to give us opportunities in business and politics but it`s not for long, these old politicians will come and go for a while but it`s very much our time to make things change and see the positive effects.
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Words and design by: Alexandra Toth
Raging homophobia, misogyny, and violation of human rights are very real and frequent problems over there. In 2020 the Hungarian government ended the legal recognition of transgender and intersex people which means the sex recorded at birth cannot be amended. Transgender people will be denied the right to change their gender marker and identity. Being forced to carry around documents with gender markers that do not match the identity can be very dangerous for these people and will lead to further discrimination. How could young people trust a government that clearly doesn`t mind risking the safety of its people? In 2021 there was a small victory achieved tough, people who began changing their gender markers on legal documents before March 2020, (when the new ruling was brought in) can complete the process.
“The problem is that open-minded people barely get a chance because of the lack of free speech in the press and media.”
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OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, GANG VIOLENCE, ESPECIALLY IN LARGE CITIES, HAS RISEN TO THE FOREFRONT OF THE MEDIA. GANGS ARE A WELL DEFINED GROUP OF YOUTHS BETWEEN THE AGES 10 AND 22. TO BE CONSIDERED A YOUTH GANG A GROUP MUST BE INVOLVED IN A PATTERN OF CRIMINAL ACTS. 12
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Youth violence is a serious public health problem that can have a long-term impact on health and wellbeing. A report from the uk cross goverment, has been made to provide intensive support and to tackle gang youth violence. The report goes on further to highlight the importance of gang violence not being a task for polices alone but for the local areas, local agencies, teachers, doctors and youth workers having a vital role to play. The government has already set in motion a number of reforms to address the entrenched eductational and social failures that can drive problems like gang and youth violence. This report sets out detailed plans for making this happen and the first thing that will need to be set out is by providing support to local areas to tackle their gang or youth violence problem. Also by preventing young people becoming involved in violence in the first place with a new emphasis on early intervention and prevention pathways out of violence and the gang culture for young people wanting
Figure 1
There’s many reasons as to why alot of youths decides to join gangs. Elaine Thomas is a youtuber who mentors youths in london. As a mentor, she’s around alot of youths who deals with these experiences and in one of her videos, she talks about the reason behind youths wanting to be part of a gang and how we should still treat them as human beings. She states“When we see many young people getting into gangs, it’s mainly for protection, enjoyment, respect, money, or because a friend is in a gang. Youth are at higher risk of joining a gang if they engage in delinquent behaviors, are aggressive or violent, experience multiple caretaker transitions or have many problems at school”. She later on goes on to further her reasoning by saying that “What we really need to do is look at a young person and see them as an individual and still see them as a child regardless of if the person has an angry face or attitude problems and to still show them respect and to be persistent in the way we should care for them”.
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Words ands design by: Hema Dixons
to make a break with the past and lastly, punishment and enforcement to suppress the violence of those refusing to exit violent lifestyles. Another statistics to do with gang violence shows us how youth violence disproportionately impacts Black or African youths and young adults as they are at higher risk for the most physically harmful forms of violence compared to White youth and young adults. Figure 1 illustrates youth homicides and nonfatal physical assault-related injuries result in nearly $21 billion annually in combined medical and lost productivity costs alone. Figure 2 also shows how long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of violence. Addressing the root causes of violence is critical to reducing high rates of violence in communities of color.
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RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY British heritage wear has emerged as the latest trend this season. Skinheads and hooliganism, however, do not bode well for british history, but their origins started off as a mere celebration of two different cultures. What went wrong? As ‘British Heritage' wear reaches a new peak, with the likes of Fred Perry shirts, cardigans, football scarves and namely Union Jack print - extending to a more fluid audience recently - it is important to note the history of the movement and where the style evolved from. Trend cycles have rotated and one of the more prominent, but arguably still quite niche, trends is perhaps what you’d expect to see in the archives from back in the day. However, tailored wear, polo shirts and flat caps — ‘football hooligan’ style if you will – while of course evolving from menswear has filtered through to women’s and everything beyond, creating a new ‘British Heritage’ movement through garments worn. This in turn has created controversy, with individuals who express this particular style online being told they ‘dress like a racist’, which is ironic once the history of the ‘British Heritage’ style is explored. This new approach to fashion is predominantly a
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direct reference to Jamaican ‘Rudeboy’ style and finds its roots in the 60s. This style originated in Kingston Jamaica, when the youths rebelled by ‘Americanising’ their approaches to fashion and music; listening to jazz and R&B and wearing mohair suits, shiny shoes and thin ties. This was a way of portraying the hope and challenges about to be faced in a newly independent post-colonial state. In the 70s there was a revival of this look with the introduction of ska. Caribbean migrants who lived in the UK amongst white working class locals, who resided in communities plagued by poverty and social unrest, shared the same love for music and fashion. The socio-political climate is essentially what inspired punk at the time - skinheads, distressed clothes - and Union Jack flags, a print reclaimed by black punks after its colonial connotations. This led to the fusing of reggae and punk together in a way that influenced British subculture, fashion and music - street style was therefore synonymous with the world around them,
and like punks, impossible to separate from politics.
This is where the grey area was established, and the subculture became synonymous with controversy and a less colourful picture of the individuals who indulge in this look. As the inclusive youth group grew, the right wing racists of the time decided to appropriate the style originally invented by young English and Caribbean working-class people. The skinheads turned into a Neo-Nazi group and became overbearing leading to the deception we see today when it comes to this culture.
Rather than remembering the group that redefined the style, it is important to commemorate the original rudeboys, punks and skinheads who essentially founded the style in the innocent merging of their two cultures, which will hopefully be celebrated through this new wave of British Heritage wear.
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Words and design by Jordan Ricketts
This was a widespread movement that led to artists like Bob Marley recognising the coexistence of ideologies in the UK. Bob Marley went on to record his album, Exodus, in West London, where he would spend his time with local black punks like Don Letts who worked with The Clash. Pioneers of the punk movement were noticeably inspired musically by Caribbean culture, and through their fashion, which is what the trend we see today is a visual representation of.
It was clear how easily racism can affect workingclass politics; what started off as an alliance between white and black people of the time ended up being reconstructed by hate groups, which oitlived the original sunculture. It is now associated with ‘football hooligans’ and racists was first worn by those who celebrated Caribbean culture. This is why we now, even if it be subconsciously, have the wrong affiliation to what the style means and the types of people wearing it.
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Culture, not costume Culture is what makes a person especially for minorities living in the western world. Exploring the premise and problems of cultural appropriation and its importance for these minority communities. As a society in the age of mass globalisation, exposure to so many beautiful different cultures and identities is inevitable. However, this calls for comfortability and sometimes overstepping of boundaries. That is when issues like cultural appropriation come to light. WHAT IS CULTURAL APPROPRIATION? Cultural Appropriation appears when a person adopts cultural aspects that do not belong to their culture. This could be fashion, trends, speech, iconography, and more. It is especially controversial when the member does not acknowledge the origin of said aspect or if the member is a part of the dominant culture. For example, braids originating from African culture being renamed “boxer braids” and being used as a new trendy hairstyle. Now onto the glaring issue...
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THE PROBLEM? The issue with cultural appropriation? It gives an impression that one’s culture is only acceptable once it has gotten validation from the dominant culture. Ethnic minorities have been oppressed and ridiculed for decades for these features of their culture and suddenly it is the latest trend and everyone wants to be a part of it. Most of the time, this embrace of culture is not genuine. Using different cultures is often for commercial gain and hinders people of that culture. A musician might wear stereotypical AfricanAmerican style and speak with drops of AAVE (African-American vernacular English) to tap into the Black Gen-Z audience and put on a character. However, a black person who has the same level of talent may not gain as much as their counterpart, who is putting on this character. Cultural Appropriation also ties into issues of assimilation and Ethnic-Fishing. So what do the two mean?
WHAT IS ASSIMILATION? Assimilation is the process in which a minority group or culture adopt the values, behaviours and styles of society’s majority group or culture. This can either be a full adoption or just parts. In simpler terms, it is the need of a group to fit in because they will not be accepted or thrive without fitting in.
WHAT IS ETHNIC-FISHING? Projecting a racial identity that is not the same as your own. The term started off with black-fishing which is characterised by using makeup, Photoshop and sometimes surgical procedures to appear black, mixed race or ethnically ambiguous. However, any ethnic minority group can be exploited in this way. The term stems from the racist practice of blackface. It involves a white person putting on dark makeup and exaggerated features to mock those of black people in what was meant to be comedy.
It is all a calculated way of stripping one of their identity and telling them that their culture is not as good as the majorities. Taking something that has caused ridicule to said ethnic group and making it the norm without identifying the oppression and hurt behind these cultural features. Alisha Gaines, PhD, an associate professor of English at Florida State University says “That taps into a long history in this country of people [equating] what is ‘cool’ with ‘Blackness,’ without having to deal with the consequences of being Black, like the racism and state violence,”. Acknowledging the hurt, oppression and stories behind different cultural aspects is key to avoiding cultural appropriation. Don’t reclaim somebody else’s story as your own and try to rewrite it to fit what you think is acceptable. Be respectful of other cultures, even if they may differ from yours, and please don’t dress up as a Native American for your summer festivals.
Words and design by: Rokeya Rodney
Assimilation has been a hinderance for many minority groups for a long while. Black women having to damage their hair because natural styles are not seen as ‘professional’ in the workplace or school setting. East Asians changing their names to something western to avoid ‘confusion’. The so-called ‘civilizing process’ of Native Americans between 1790 to 1920.
Just like blackface, black-fishing is like a costume that you can take off. Benefitting from the appearance of looking racially ambiguous and, as Leslie Bow, PhD, says,“objectifying otherness”.
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Reproductive justice
for
Women
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Though its 2022 and you’d think as a society we should have developed complete and utter equality, women still face an imbalance of fairness and respect. Women around the world are still faced with inequality in accessing contraception, safe abortion and pregnancy prevention methods, alternative childbirth options and liberation from sexual violence. Photography inspired by Barbara Kruger
Stop violence
against
Words, design and photography by Immi Sturgeon. Modelled by Ellie Atherley
Women
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MEN MEN MEN
BREAKING MEN STEREOTYP Do you know what are the stereotypes forced onto the male gender? Here is a “BRIEF” list: - Heterosexuality/Homophobia - Masculine Gender Roles - Physical Attractiveness - Self-Sufficiency - Hypersexuality - Acting Tough - Aggression and Control
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MEN MEN MEN
PES
When it comes to gender, stereotypes cause unequal and unfair treatment based on this particular aspect. This is called sexism. The most important thing we have to realise is that bias and stereotypes impact us all equally - it doesn’t matter if you’re a man, a woman or non-binary. All of us are constricted by stereotypes and punished if we function past our orthodox gender roles. As a society, we expect men to be strong and tough, “be a man” and “suck it up”. We have all heard someone say to a guy: “you’re being a girl” or “crying is for girls”. This particular type of expression affects men’s vulnerability. It expresses this idea that men are not allowed to cry or to express their feelings. Men are also more vulnerable to the third-person effect, in which individuals see media as having a major influence on others than on themselves. We see gender stereotypes and men being judged all around us every single day. It’s our job to rise and come together to battle against what is the norm. You can start the fight today with basic and simple steps such as: being a living example of what you are against; speaking up whenever you see these rules being applied and used against someone; and most importantly, giving it a try you never know how good you might feel when you step out of the box the world has placed you in. We all deserve to feel EQUAL and VALUED as a person.
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B Ra ke t he
nor
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Words,design, and photography by: Iara Amaral; Models: Joao Santos, Vasco Lourenco & Jake Jones
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The story of Marsha P. Johnson and the stonewall riots.
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Words and design by: Ellie Byrne
Marsha P. Johnson was an AfricanAmerican gay man and drag artist from New Jersey, their activism in the 1960’s and 70’s had a huge impact on the LGBTQ+ community. At the time, being gay was considered a ‘mental illness’ in the US. Gay people were threatened, beaten and abused by police and shunned in society. Marsha stated the ‘P’ stood for ‘pay it no mind’ which was a phrase they used when peopled commented on their appearance and life choices. Marsha is known as the main leader of the stonewall riots. This uprise began on June 28th 1969, when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village. The raid sparked a riot among people at the bar and local residents as police roughly hauled employees and customers out of the bar, leading to six days of protesting and clashes with law enforcement outside the bar, in neighbouring streets and in a park nearby. The stonewall riots served as one of the first catalysts for the gay rights movement in the US and around the world. The 1960’s and following decades were definitely
not welcoming times for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender americans, in fact solicitation of same sex relations was illegal in New York city. For this reason, LGBTQ+ individuals flocked to gay bars and clubs, they acted as a place of refuge where they could express themselves and socialise without worry and fear. However, the New York State LIquor authority penalized and shut down these clubs or anywhere that served alcohol to known or suspected LGBTQ+ individuals, stating that the gathering of homosexuals was ‘disorderly’. Thanks to activist’s efforts, these regulations were overturned in 1966, and LGBTQ+ members could now be served alcohol. However, engaging in gay behaviour in public (anything from holding hands to dancing and kissing) was still illegal, so police brutality at gay bars continued, but usually corrupt cops would tip off mafiarun bars before the raids occured, allowing owners to hide the alcohol and hide other illegal activities.The Stonewall riots are a vital part of gay history as it led to the creation of many organisations. On the one year anniversary of the riots, thousands marched from the stonewall inn to central park in parade.
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SAY NO TO A ‘SUMMER BODY’ “Alexa play my summer body workout playlist”
Ever wondered where the term ‘summer body’ came from? and why we hear it year in and year out when it gets to that awkward time between spring and summer? If you have, or have felt the pressure from society to get in shape as the clothes get smaller each summer… Read this The term summer body refers to the slim, toned physique society craves each year and perpetuated by the ‘oh so positive’ social media. According to the Urban Dictionary, the term means “The fucked up thing that society created and expect everybody to have each summer and if they don’t, well then your suddenly are “fat, chubby, obese”. They certainly didn’t hide their feelings in their definition added back In 2014. This means we’ve welcomed this term into our vocabulary for over 8 years. And were tired. Women and men, women especially, deal with marginally definite and specific body standards every day, which is miserable to say the least, and these body standards are subject to change with the micro trends which come in and out of fashion. Currently the big bum and small waist trend is in which is tough to achieve without religiously hitting the gym or the surgeon’s office. The Front Climbing Club says “A ‘summer body’ is a made-up phrase to indicate that the human body should look a certain way during a specific time year. And generally, this phrase is associated with health practices that aren’t always in a body’s best interest –
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such as losing unnecessary weight or prioritizing diet over nutrition.” This is an interesting take on the phrase which actually focuses on the impacts this fad can have on the actual health of the body, and not just the turmoil which this unique pressure can have on the mind. To achieve The ‘Summer Body’ were neglecting our actual needs over the surface level appearance of ourselves, refusing to acknowledge the nutrition our bodies need to carry us through the intense workouts needed to trim down on our weight, and not getting the protein and fats needed to fuel our muscles, and instead eating less and doing more, leaves us with not a lot to work with.
Every year, as the weather gets hotter, and clothes get smaller, the media we consume is swarmed with ‘protein shake’ this, and ‘calorie deficit meal plan’ that, its time for influencers and advertisers and even our own loved ones, to take the narrative into their own hands and strive towards acceptance of ALL. We are told if we want to look and feel good this summer we need to trim down, and stay that way all summer long, to be desired and even just accepted. What type of life is it when you can’t enjoy what we have of summer in England, or if you’re lucky enough, to enjoy a holiday. because its 2022, and we know that there is not just one standard of beauty and the conversation of mental health becomes more transparent and verbalised, we know how heavy these things can weigh on individuals.
The power of plus, an online body-acceptance platform created by writers Shammara Lawrence and Gianluca Russo, uses their Instagram to address these standards and the apparent fat-phobia in society. Speaking to Allure Russo told “In the coming months, we’ll be providing resources to help with mental health, size-inclusive practitioners, weight discrimination lawyers, and more, Additionally, we’ll be launching a networking program within the plus-size community to connect several industry leaders in fashion and beauty with the next generation.” Mobilising ourselves against the toxicity in society in regards to appearance acceptance is something we can all get involved in, no matter who we are, or what we look like.
I like the idea, it motivates people to do excersize and try to get fit- Callum , 20, America
We asked you what a ‘summer body’ means to you... I think summer bodies can be good and bad as it its a great way to motivate people to become healthier with what they eat and going to the gym but its also something that can really play on peoples mental health. - Leah, 19, Surrey
Words and design by: Ellie Atherley
As a registered dietitian, I pay close attention to the conversations that others in my field are having about dieting, weight loss, and healthy eating. I started hearing more and more about intuitive eating, and seeing more concerning evidence that dieting for weight loss wasn’t an effective solution for many people. I learned about how, as SELF has reported, it’s common for people who embark on weight loss diets to gain weight back (and sometimes even more than they lost in the first place). I also noticed that my patients who wanted to lose weight were locked into ways of thinking about food that were punishing and exhausting—to be good was to rigidly follow a set of norms, and to be bad was to cheat or fail at following those impossibly high standards. - Jessica Jones, M.S., R.D., C.D.E. Very overrated, just a fad that people think is expected of them - Rosie , Somerset
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CONTRACEPTION 28
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Should girls feel forced to be on contraception ? Or should they do what feels right for there body ? Contraception is a sensitive and controversial topic for many girls as well. Some girls are forced to be on contraception by their partner or the person they are sleeping with, some girls are forced by parents and some genuinely feel its a good idea and works for their body. CONTRACEPTION “the deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy as a consequence of sexual intercourse. The major forms of artificial contraception are: barrier methods, of which the commonest is the condom or sheath; the contraceptive pill, which contains synthetic sex hormones which prevent ovulation in the female; intrauterine devices, such as the coil, which prevent the fertilized ovum from implanting in the uterus; and male or female sterilization”
The Oral Contraceptive Pill It’s the little tablet taken once a day. The oral contraceptive pill is the most commonly reported method of contraception used by Australian women. There are a few different types of pill to choose from, so it’s about finding the one that’s right for you. The combined pill contains estrogen and progestin and mini pill contains only one hormone, a progestin. Intrauterine Device (IUD) This small, T-shaped device is made from made of material containing progesterone hormone or plastic and copper and is fitted inside a woman’s uterus by a trained healthcare provider. It’s a long-acting and reversible method of contraception, which can stay in place for three to 10 years, depending on the type. The Contraceptive Implant In this method, a small, flexible rod is placed under the skin in a woman’s upper arm, releasing a form of the hormone progesterone. The hormone stops the ovary releasing the egg and thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. The implant requires a small procedure using local anaesthetic to fit and remove the rod and needs to be replaced after three years.
3 Girls very diffrent experinces on the pill -
Boy 4 - “I don’t think it’s fair that I am expected to have to wear a condom when girls can make it easier
Girl 1 - “I have never ever been on any type of contraception and have been sexually active for 3 years, I have a very sensitive body and when I used to take the pill to stop your period when I went on holiday it would affect me really badly and make me sick. So, I never wanted to try just because I knew it would make me feel bad and I heard so many horror stories from people. I had a boyfriend for two years and he never pressured me to go it we would just use a condom and be extra safe, now im single it’s a lot harder to be safe as you can’t always trust boys and some boys don’t agree with girls not wanting to be on the pill” Girl 2 - “ I went on the pill when I was 14 before I was sexually active because of my period and it helped my periods a lot, and I have never, so far three years later, and now sexually active, never had any bad side effects and luckily I am very good at remembering to take it. I personally have had a very good experience from it and I know im lucky as a lot of girls don’t, but it does worry me sometimes cause I know being on it for a long time can affect you so I don’t know what I will do down the line”
other ones, they are the ones that can get pregnant not me so why should I have to wear it ? they are the women”
Boys opinions on girls taking some form
Boy 5 - “ When I first started dating my girlfriend she was on the pill and it affected her badly and she decided to come of it and I was all for her doing what her body needed, so we went from never wearing a condom to wearing a condom and being very careful and I didn’t mind at all as I knew she was in pain”
of contraception, here are five boys different onions on this topic ...
Boy 1 - “I personally don’t mind what girls take or do as it’s their body and I know that girls can have bad side effects from it and it can affect them badly so I think it’s up to them and im happy to wear a condom and just be extra careful” Boy 2 - “I don’t really like
In this society to many girls
wearing a condom as I don’t find it
are being pressured to be on
comfortable personally so I always
contraception and by people that
prefer the girl im getting with to be
should not have an
one some type of pill or something, so
like a boy or even parents.
before I sleep with a girl, I will be
Contraception effects all girls
truthful ,I do ask if they are on the
differently and everyone has
pill, as I don’t want a baby ”
different experiences on it, if you
opinion on it
feel as though you are being forced
Boy 3 - “ My ex wasn’t on the pill
or pressured by anyone to be on it or
or anything so we would always just
to get on it then please find someone
use a condom and my friends would
you can talk to and stand up for
always mock me and say just get her to
yourself.
go on the pill and I never understood
Words and design by: Nicole Hardy
Girl 3 - “I am 25 years old and went on the pill when I was 15 when I started being sexually active with my boyfriend at the time, he never forced me I just wanted to for my own sake and also for my periods. Then when I was 24 I started to get very bad migraines and headaches all the time and I would always pass out and have to miss so many days at work and it caused me to become depressed. Doctors told me it is just a phase and I would be okay, until one day I was rushed to hospital and they found something wrong with my brain and loads of tests later they found out it was connected to the pill I was on”
and just take the pill or one of the
why they cared so much and i would always try and explain to them that it’s not up to us it’s their body they can do what they want. It made me realise that boys really do just care about them self’s and just want sex and to be honest it made me embarrassed to be a boy.”
SOCIAL JUSTICE
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Fast '
What is Fast Fashion? It is a term to describe items of clothing replicating recent catwalk trends and high-fashion designs which are being mass produced by low costs. 20-30 years emerging in the 90’s early 2000’s fast fashion production has gotten quicker, ' cheaper, trend cycles have been speeding up at speed. Normally someone would grow out of their clothes which means they buy more but for people who believe in fast fashion they buy clothes to even wear once. Some fast fashion launch between 600 to 900 new styles each week. Fast fashion know days is impossible to avoid. Popular fast fashion brands include, Zara, Shein, Boohoo, Fashion Nova, H&M, Pretty Little Thing, Uniqulo, Primark, Topshop, GAP. One of the reasons why fashion fashion Is bad, is because it produces more carbon emissions than aeroplane travel and shipping worldwide combined. Garment workers from the UK mostly from marginalised communities, who are notoriously overworked and underpaid. Another reason why, A third of the microplastics found in the oceans come from our clothes. The materials that come from our clothes include synthetic textiles and microplastics. Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimetres long which can be harmful to this ocean an aquatic life.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE
Our social r The aquatic life that is harmed our zoo plankton which is a very important food source for many larger animals such as fish and whales which would consume the zoo plankton which have been consuming the microplastics. People have been getting more environmentally conscious and becoming more aware and driven to buy sustainable products. Sustainable products all higher quality items that last longer. Consumers have more options than fast fashion which can be hard to resist. this means buying less, buying second-hand clothes, buying from sustainable brands or even making your own clothes. A world without fast fashion would mean more long lasting and better quality clothes. Education on how to mend broken clothes if fixable instead of burning them. Paying workers fairly for the time they have worked. There are too many clothes out there and in people’s wardrobes where fast fashion would be hard to completely stop as cheap clothes ah irresistible in some people’s eyes compared to the expensive clothes in high and shop windows.
Fashion
responsibility '
Ways to resolve Fast Fashion. 1Have a clear out, having a clear out through your wardrobe means you can get rid of the clothes that you no longer wear, and it also means that you can find clothes you forgot you had meaning you can have more use out of them. This means as well if you donate your clothes to charity people who don't like fast fashion can buy your secondhand clothes. This also means that your clothes won't go to landfill and it will go to a good home 2Play dress up, it says that 20% of the clothes you have in your wardrobe is only worn and 80% is left out so obviously cleaning out your wardrobe means you like the clothes in there so you can use different combinations of clothes meaning that you can use all of them.
4Have a rule, before buying a piece of clothing think to yourself would I wear this 30 times and if the answer is NO then there is no point buying the piece of clothing as it's just wasting the product that will only be worn a couple times. 5Try a vintage sale as all the clothes are second hand and have had a good life before going to be sold.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Words and design by: Tierney Rocks
3Wear and repeat with pride, there is no shame in wearing outfits again this can mean going out outfits or even casual ones. Lounge outfits can be worn on repeat in your own safe environment at home well no one can see you. Statistics show that 33% of women now consider clothes old after wearing them three times.
We can do better!
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