So
“[...] Thank you so much for dealing with me for the past year in particular, as I know your schedule became increasingly packed toward Christmas, and I hope my essays were intriguing enough to keep you awake at 3am. Once again thank you so much and I know this letter doesn’t do you justice for the love and care you poured toward my applications!”
- C.C., CIS, Class of 2019, University of Chicago
“Under her guidance, I managed to get into my first-choice college that I firstly would not have applied to had I not consulted with Antonia, and secondly would never have dreamed of getting into. The college process was by no means an easy one, but having an admissions counsellor definitely streamlined the journey and I cannot imagine having gone through it successfully without Antonia’s direction.”
- S. Ma, CIS, Class of 2018, Barnard College, Columbia University
“[...] It was with her help that I managed to not only get into an Ivy League school but also properly understand what I wanted to get out of my college experience well in advance of my peers. If I were to go through the entire application process again I’d definitely choose to work with Ally!”
- J. Cheng, CIS, Class of 2013, Cornell University
“Antonia could not have made me feel better prepared and confident in my college application process. Using both an extensive knowledge of the industry and an instinct for what I wanted in an essay, she structured a one of a kind admission journey for me. [...] Thanks to Antonia, I’m in my dream school.”
- E.M., HKIS, Class of 2020, Oxford University (Wadham College)
Editor-in-Chief: Tanya Wan
Business & Administration: Helen Song
Sherry Shen, Olivia Zheng, Coco Ren, Melanie Cheung
Chinese: Joyce Sun
Sherry Wong, Emily Ma, Rebecca Zhang, Hangzhi Xiong, Jennifer Chen, Celine Shi, Lily Luo
Features: Aviva Wang
Hanyi Zhou, Albert Hou, Jonathan Hui, Jamie Zhou, Natalie Cheung, Charlize Chung, Dora Zhao, Elise Sze
Illustrations: Yi-Mei Liu
Cici Cai, Renita Tang, Isabelle Zee, Katie Chiu, Sherry Liu, Isabelle Gu, Angela Guo, Sydney Jan, Monica Sun, Bella Lent
Layout: Michele Liu
Aidan Kwong, Katy Su, Mae Wang, Bella Lent, Cici Cai
News: Elliot Yuen
Josephine Wong, Ian Lam, Ashley Ziyi Chiu, Nathan Wu, Konnor Wan, Zachary Yuan
Photography: Jake Chan
Hannah Yuen, Nicholas Gao, Miya Ruijs, Miah Cheung, Caitlyn Tang, Cici Cai, Elly Gao, Kai Sheen Chen, Sonia Shum, Lucas Lee, Rachel Pang
Social Media: Candice Hui
Rachel Luo, Adelene Chan, Vivian Fan, Olycia Ho, Gigi Xiao, Sophia Wang, Caelyn Chang
Sports: Katherine Law
James Guo, Sofia Finnemore, Kian Chan, Thomas Cheung, Ava Mak, Richard Qiu, Melody Zhang, Nicole Wu, Amelia Oram
Website Development: Benjamin Szovati Coulter
Sherry Shen, Coco Ren, Nicholas Gao
Guess where the hard copies of Xiao Hua would be without the B&A team! That’s right. Absolutely nowhere. Thanks to the members of the B&A team running around Causeway Bay and Central during the mid-term break, you’re (probably) reading this while holding the magazine right in your hands.
Enjoy this issue and remember to s(low) d(own) my chingu(s)
Photography, to me, has always been the most powerful of art forms – a simple motion of clicking a shutter capturing a moment, frozen in time. It's a way to connect with the past, to preserve memories and share them with others. And I hope our photography has been able to do just that: telling a story for others to see.
Molière once said: ‘The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.’ While this quote fittingly identifies with our theme, I would also use it to describe my Features writers - their ingenuity, dedication and passion to the process have reaped pieces which brim with profundity. Getting to personally know each of them and staying up late to edit their work has truly been a labour of love!
Slowing down was something our social media team never did. From frantic designing on Canva to filming Vogue interviews, our social media team has worked hard this issue to help connect the XH community to the CIS community. So a special thank you to my media team members and we hope you enjoy this issue!
(I would also like to thank everyone for the immense support on our media platform.. I mean, who knew you guys would like anagrams so much?)
That feeling you get before scoring a goal, the takeoff phase when jumping a fence, that stride before crossing the finish line– those are the moments where everything slows down.
Enjoy, and take some time to slow down and read this issue of Xiao Hua crafted by a wonderful team of writers and editors!
Hi I'm Elliot and I like News because it's a form of writing that doesn't simply exist within a bubble. Instead, it influences and is influenced by the world around it. I hope that the articles that my News writers produce can have a positive effect, while simultaneously allowing our readers to learn and explore.
Thanks to everyone from the Chinese XH team, and hope everyone can Slow Down and enjoy this issue.
Head of Illustrations
stop and smell the flowers except its stop and metaphorically smell the wonderful illustrations this team has produced because CIS has a modicum of talent ig
Theme is ‘Slow Down’ but the layout grind never stops
Enjoy this issue folks
It is fantastic to be working with Xiaohua this year and creating a digital home for the incredible articles produced in this issue and all those before. On behalf of the web development team, we hope you all enjoy the new Xiaohua website once it is launched.
Here in Hong Kong, you grow accustomed to the city’s frenetic lifestyle. You rush through your day with an eye on the clock (or Google calendar; any fellow fanatics?), you take your shots of coffee and steps up the stairs two at a time, and you try your very best to stay afloat in a society driven by deadlines and deliverables.
What Asia’s world city––really, any metropolitan city in the world––suffers from is a devout adherence to ideals of productivity, achievement, and delayed gratification. We measure success in numbers: grades, service hours, absurd acceptance rates; we take superficial accomplishments and call it contentment. Such demands, of course, come at a cost, spawning exceptional quantities of busywork, unnecessary stress, and “meaningless jobs”, which Albert Hou eloquently covers in his article.
So: slow down. For Xiao Hua’s twenty-seventh issue, we’re hitting pause; if only for a moment. When we feel stressed or overwhelmed, it’s easy to become confined to a myopic worldview framed by arbitrary timelines and expectations, all while our little planet continues steadily rotating about its axis. Let’s rewind: time to reexamine the world around us, whether that be the ethics of community service (Elise Sze), the value of student debt cancellation (Ian Lam), or the wide-ranging implications of involution culture / 內卷 (Hanyi Zhou).
Our writers have also zoomed in on the big picture to explore the smaller details: enjoy an in-depth analysis of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career (James Guo), or a trip down memory lane to scrutinise the Dork Diaries series––this time through the lens of femininity, race, and identity (Charlize Chung). When we slow down, or “brake, before it’s too late” (Natalie Cheung), we gain some much-needed
perspective. Issue 27 of Xiao Hua strives to do just that: offer a range of perspectives and a good read with which you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
To paraphrase Rilke from Letters to a Young Poet: “Honour the questions, and live your way into the answers.” What is success? How can we, as Lily Luo puts it, 放慢腳步，尋一份「清歡」?
Consider Leisure by William Henry Davies: “A poor life this if, full of care,/ We have no time to stand and stare.” Even if it’s just a Pomodoro break, go stand and stare; spend the five minutes you’d otherwise splurge on Instagram reels to go for a walk, chat with your friends and family, or learn a new skill.
Now, one more quote––the last, I promise––from Waymond (the best character) in the phenomenal A24 film Everything, Everywhere All At Once: “The only thing I do know is that we have to be kind. Please, be kind. Especially when we don’t know what’s going on.”
Slow down. Be kind. Check out the magazine.
Ihope you are as excited as I am about the school year 2022-2023! We have face-to-face learning, community days, Year 10 students in Hangzhou, Interschool sports competitions, assemblies, day trips, CCAs, concerts and a school Drama Production. It is as if we are finally back to normal!
Three years ago, school as we knew it stopped. Covid had appeared, and with it, our lives changed dramatically. Suddenly we had to teach and learn online, found ourselves working in solitude, and faced a lack of community connection. Forced into this new situation, we had to slow down, we had to take each step at a time, we had to think carefully about what we were doing, why we were doing it and how we were doing it. Our experience reinforced the need to slow down, live in the present, and be grateful for what we have. Human nature has a tendency always to want to be looking for the next big thing to happen, the next experience in life, the next opportunity.
We could learn from Simon and Garfunkel's famous lyrics: “Slow down, you move too fast, You got to make the morning last”. Lao Tzu, a Chinese Philosopher, had a similar message when he said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Why then do humans feel the need to rush? We obviously miss out on so much as we charge ahead on the next task. New parents are a good example of this. They can’t help but look towards milestones, the first tooth, the first step, the first word, the first day of school, then, suddenly, it is High School graduation, and they wonder how that happened so quickly; where did the time go?
The Xiao Hua team has recognised this by selecting the theme, Slow Down. What a reminder to all of us! We are all being challenged to slow down, to
take our time, to enjoy where we are and what we are doing, and not constantly to look to the next challenge, the next new thing. Xiao Hua is asking each reader to stop, reflect and contemplate what it means to slow down. Surely the last three years have taught us this.
Ask yourself, how will you meet their challenge? I plan on prioritising my days; I can have fewer meetings, spend more time connecting with people, disconnect from technology more often so I can communicate with others in person, and learn to be comfortable doing nothing and not rushing about. These are my plans; they seem quite simple, but I believe they will impact my well-being. What will you do to slow down? What action will you take to ensure your well-being?
Thank you to Xiao Hua, for giving us this challenge. For forcing us to slow down and think about this topic. I am honored that Xiao Hua asked me to write these introductory words for the latest issue of Xiao Hua and I know that readers will join me in congratulating the Xiao Hua team for continually ensuring the high quality of this amazing publication. The Xiao Hua team is a group of dedicated, extraordinary students who write about so many important issues for us to consider, and I know you will enjoy reading this magazine as much as I will. Thank you to the Xiao Hua Team!
Now, slow down, curl up, and spend the next hour reading this phenomenal publication.
34 | The Ivy League, 985, and 996: Recognizing Involution and Taking Steps for the Better
37 | Heart or Height? Let's Think Critically About Community Service
39 | How Dork Diaries Shaped a Generation of Adolescents
43 | How do our dietary habits affect greenhouse gas emissions?
45 | Will debt cancellation solve the rising toll of student debt?
52 | Slowing Down: You, Me, and Meaningless Jobs 58 |
59 | Do we matter in the fight against climate change?
62 | Gender Stereotypes in Sports
64 | 圍繞伊麗莎白女王的去世
|
雲：老師好！請介紹一下您自己。
陳：我是在北京出生的，從小在北京長大，在北 京上小學、中學和大學，90年代初去了美國。我 和先生在美國讀書，2001年從美國到香港。到目 前為止，我將人生分為三大階段：北京、美國和 香港。今年是我在香港第21年了。從身份來講， 我特別特別想強調的是，更注重於我在家庭當中 的身份。最初，在北京的時候，我的身份是女 兒，一直在父母的關愛之下長大，所以我覺得父 母對我的關愛讓我至今都覺得我應該把一種長輩 的愛，或者是母親的愛，給我的下一代。在我的 成長過程中，我從父母那裡得到了很多知識、關 愛，雖然父母已經離世了，但他們給予我的特別 多的溫暖，一種留在心裡，我也一直想把這種溫 暖給我身邊的人。
後來我結婚了，結果當然就是一個妻子的角色， 我跟我先生兩人有個很平等的關係，兩人互相支 持，在這個為人妻的角色中，我感到的是一種幸 福。之後當然是為人母，我是一個家庭觀念很重 的人，這個階段的我會覺得，我從父母那裡得到 的愛，要同樣傳遞給我的女兒。作為一個母親， 我一直在提醒自己，我要把什麼樣的情感、關 愛、支持、愛護和理解，給我的女兒。對我而 言，這三個角色，女兒也好，妻子也好，母親也 好，都讓我有一種幸福感。在來香港之前我也做 過老師，這個角色我一定不會不提的，從家庭到 事業，一直想把我得到的溫暖給家人、給身邊的 人、給我的學生。
雲：對，我們也會覺得非常溫暖。
劉：我其實也感到這種溫暖–– [一個同學]今天 早上說您有“mommy vibes”。
雲（傻笑）：您有“mommy vibes”！
Yi-Mei Liu 劉亦眉
Tanya Wan 雲天穎
Layout: Michele Liu
陳：我先生也說我在學校釋放母愛！
雲：您在漢基教學多久了？學校有沒有什麼巨大 改變？
陳：這是我第21年在漢基教書了 –– 哇，我來 漢基的時候你們都還沒生啊！對，有特別多的 變化，當然，從表面上看，有新的教學大樓， 學生和老師也越來越多了，方方面面都有很多 改變。我越來越覺得受到的關愛也很多了。一個 特別巨大的變化是最近我們一直在談“well-being” （「精神健康」），我深深地感覺到一種幸福 感，“well-being”好像無論是對老師還是對學生層 面，都感受到有了一種溫暖。
劉：所以它們以前是不管的？
陳：以前至少沒有普遍提出來，現在感覺好像方 方面面不管對學生，還是對老師，各個層面上大 家都在提。
雲：但提到了會有影響嗎？
陳：應該會有吧，我確實覺得方方面面都重視起 來了，也是挺好的。
劉：您認為漢基學校有何獨特之處？有何可改善 之處？
陳：漢基在所有人心目當中，一提起它的獨特 之處是什麼，就是“bilingual”，它比其他的國際 學校更重視中文。這點可能是每個人都意識到 的。我在香港做老師20幾年了，在國際學校中， 漢基的中文是最強的。這真的是我們獨特的一 個地方。談到改善之處，我還是覺得既然我們 有這麼特別的、不一樣的特質，可以把“Chinese International School”中的“Chinese”突顯出來，更 能夠在不同的場合之下，多一些中文的元素。包
括活動、演講等不同的場合，不但在文字上，要 在方方面面做到普及吧，比如介紹中國傳統的一 些節日等等。
雲：嗯，OK。您最喜歡教哪一個年級的學生？ 應該是12年級吧。
陳：OK。這麼說，我肯定會得罪很多人呀，所 以我肯定不能說是12年級。（開玩笑）要比較圓 滑來說，所有的孩子我都喜歡。確實，相對來 講，年齡大的孩子有些成熟的思想，會有很平等 的溝通。我每次走進12年級的教室，都會有一種 比較平等的感覺。雖然你們是我的晚輩，但是感 覺到能夠有更多思想上的共鳴、交集，思想火花 上的交流。而這又是從哪來的呢？那就要提到低 年級的孩子們了，這些都是在他們的身上一點一
點地培養出來的，所以教這些孩子的時候，會更 能體會到孩子們的一種天真、無邪的感覺，他們 沒你們那麼大壓力，他們看上去會更高興，這高 興的情緒能感染到我。相反如果你們整天愁眉苦 臉的，也會感染到我，所以我盡量在班上情緒高 昂一點。從小孩子的身上你就會看到天真無邪帶 來的歡樂，對你們我更注重一種交流，不管是生 活上的交流還是思想上的交流。所以各有各的特 點，真的，我都喜歡。
劉：所以說了半天我們還是最好的。那麼，您覺 得大陸和香港的教學制度主要有何不同之處？
陳：對...我說的也可能比較片面，不夠全面，因 為我所說的大陸是過去的，而說香港也不夠那麼 全面，因為我只在香港的國際學校而沒有在本地 學校教過書。那麼以我小時候的經歷和現在的經 歷會覺得在大陸讀書的時候是更注重於一種平面 式的，老師會叫做「2D」和「3D」的差別。我 在大陸讀書的時候，「大陸」更注重於知識、技 巧的培養，要多做練習，其實到了香港這麼多年 我在漢基學校越來越覺得，我是從一種受2D教 學模式的影響走到了3D的教學模式。3D教學除 了有2D的技巧、知識，更在於強調概念。我們 整天在談概念驅動，概念教學，再加上“critical thinking”（批判性思維），所以我感覺兩地不同 的教學模式是從平面到了立體，也深深地覺得這 種立體式的教學其實是特別特別好的。包括你們 平常寫文章的時候，我特別想讓你們有一些思 想、有一種思考上的能力表現在文章裡面。除此 之外，我也特別希望你們不只是在課堂上學習知 識，那些可能會忘記，現在特別想要你們帶著課 堂的知識，走向社會，在社會當中運用到，在自 身生活中用到，作為自己的能力和本事。這是以 我的個人經歷，我感覺香港和大陸在教學上不太
雲：談到「大陸」，您對於現代「內卷」及「躺 平」的現象有何看法？您覺得我們漢基學生「 卷」嗎？
陳：這兩個詞也是去年網絡特熱的詞。我也是在 網絡上學到的，覺得很形象。其實這是一種當今 的社會現象，可能因為人在一個越來越追求高效 的環境壓力之下所產生的兩個詞。我當然覺得不 應該這樣，但我們是社會中的一份子，有時候不 可避免地被「卷」進去。但在社會當中，不管「 卷」也好，「躺平」也好，在每一個人的生活當 中要盡量做到––你們覺得是什麼––
雲：舒緩？
劉：Work-life balance…
陳：對，一種平衡。那麼關於我們漢基學生有沒 有「卷」，你們覺得呢？是有些人還是全部人「 卷」？
雲：我覺得我「卷」。
劉：嗯，人是不同程度上的「卷」。
陳：你會覺得越來越「卷」嗎？
雲：我覺得以前12年級的學生可能沒有我們現在 這麼「卷」。
劉：你以前有沒有注意到學生們像我們這麼「 卷」？
陳：我也覺得我現在的學生們挺「卷」的，但也 因人而異，我希望能從一個更積極的角度，大家 都特努力、特用功、特勤奮。你們覺得這「卷」 是什麼意思？是「我非得比你好」、「我非得比 你強」、「我非得得7分」嗎？
劉：就是...不只是努力，已經過度了––雲：麻木了––
劉：對，就是你整個生活就圍繞著學習。
陳：你們怎麼看這個現象呢？
劉：就有時候我看人為一個考試複習的時候...
雲：好像失去了那種“perspective”（角度）了...
劉：然後有些人有五六個課外班...
陳：對，對。我不完全了解你們怎麼去看這些事 情，我也不是特別好評價，可是我就覺得我們漢 基的孩子應該更平衡一下學業和學業以外的各方
面，愛好也好，哪怕是休息也好，不要因為學習 而喪失了跟朋友聊天、到路上走一走、跑一跑、 看看電影，或者是和父母在一起的時間，去彈一 彈樂器，去健身...千萬不要以一件事為中心，那 就是在卷，這是毫無疑問的。我們的生活真的 不只是學習，應該是方方面面的。一個人的學業 固然重要，但能力的培養更加重要，做你喜歡 的事，讓你的能力有所提高。你academics（學 業）上差0.5和1分真的有那麼重要嗎？你的能力 也好，你的情懷也好，你的見識也好，你整個的 vision...也好，真的是在功課學業上用功就可以 擁有的嗎？我真的不希望看到大家「卷」，我希 望大家有一種平和的心態，平衡自己的學業與其 他。你說不定有一天從平和的狀態當中，發現新 的天地...
有一個數學家，他叫張益唐，他解了數學上的很 多難題，攻克了數學上的很多難關，每天都沈 靜在緊張的狀態中。他有個朋友告訴他不用天天
這樣，所以就把他請到家裡，聊天、 釋放情緒，這位數學家就在朋友家住 了幾天。他說，有一天在朋友家裡， 早上起來的時候，看到後花園有兩隻 野鹿，看到這個祥和的畫面之後，他 滿腦子的問題突然就迎刃而解了。當 然，這樣的結果也是出於e他平時的 積累，但為甚麼是在這樣的輕鬆的狀 態下，解決了問題了呢！聽完這個故 事，我就覺得大家有一種平衡才好。 但怎麼能平衡呢？真正能做到的是心 理上的，從心理上的平衡。一方面， 人不要自以為是，覺得什麼都在你的 掌控之下。另外一方面，人也不要太 自卑。 最重要是做好自己，跟自 己比。自負或自卑都不要有，就是 一種平衡，做好自己。多思考，多見 識，成為一個有會思考，有思想火花 的人。
雲：那我可以不看那個魯迅十篇文章 老師，我寫卷一卷二時候感覺很 「卷」，怎麼辦？
陳（笑）：你寫卷一卷二感覺很「 卷」，這是什麼意思，我聽不懂！這 啥意思？（故作不懂，笑）
雲：就是 我寫了四個小時 不，Paper 1 寫了 四個小時，Paper 2 我懶了，寫了一個小時。 劉：我都沒有計時。
陳：太不balanced了！你說很「卷」是在於寫了 很多小時還是感覺看別人寫的比你好...
雲：我覺得問題是我雖然非常享受學習中文，有 時候那個 IB 的要求就令人沒那麼投入了，因為 你一直寫著寫著一直想著「喔，我2024年需要寫 這篇文章只有一個小時，我現在也寫不完，怎麼 辦？」就這樣會有點緊張。
陳：嗯，是這樣的感覺。說實話，我對你們已經 是特別特別滿意了，真的。我一直是非常非常 respect學生能在這個班上，要讀 “bilingual”（雙 語）的文學，有這種effort。所以千萬別「卷」 ，真的不要「卷」。我現在寫四個小時，可能我 現在沒有熟悉這種分析文章應該怎麼寫。有所進 步最重要，無論是在理解能力上，還是在寫文章 時時間的控制上，能看到自己的進步才是最寶貴 的。你們現在只是在12年級，DP剛剛開始，一 步一步的，慢慢慢慢的，會不斷進步的。我絕對
相信你們有這個能力。
陳：你看，你們別這麼不自信啊！競爭雖然很 大，但在這樣的競爭之下，我們自己做到我們最 好的就已足夠了。我教你們的時候，很想你們去 享受這個班的氛圍，享受文學，享受這種學習狀 態，學習魯迅的作品也好，學習契訶夫的作品也 好，你們還知道世界上有這麼有名的作家，有寫 過這樣如此偉大的作品。欣賞文學的激情、欣賞 文學的能力，這是我想你們帶出課堂，走向社會 的東西。你們以後步入社會，上班工作的時候， 誰還在意Paper 1？在意的應該是我們通過學習， 培養出來的能力和情懷，對吧！
那天，我跟幾個朋友一起吃飯，有個朋友說「哎 呀，這個年月真的是...我們下一代怎麼辦呀，救 救孩子吧。」說完，問我，「冰梅！這句話出自 於哪裡？」我愣了一下，沒想到他會這樣問我。
但還是回答：“是魯迅《狂人日記》的結尾”。當 然，在生活中不會有人整天這樣問你問題，但有 些東西，會讓你很享受的。我希望大家能享受學 習的過程。分數固然重要，但是享受生活，享受 文學，享受你們在十二、十三年級所經歷的。
不一定你真的拿了“七七七”就是最好的，對嗎？ 什麼是真正的幸福自己才知道。我拿了45分，我 又怎麼樣呢？除了academics，如果我什麼都不 懂，什麼都不會欣賞，什麼都不會享受，這樣的
劉、雲：（震驚了，老師說得太對了）
劉：當作一位出版作者，您認為寫書很難嗎？ 陳：寫書真的很難很難很難。很辛苦很辛苦。在 Covid的這一段時期沒地方去，不出門，才能夠 沉下心去做一件我喜歡的事情。我現在回想起來 是一個很難的過程，但其實也是一個很享受的過 程。之前我沒有利用一個特別完整的時間，特別 安靜的時間，來沈澱一下我這麼多年在做什麼。 這本書讓我把這幾年的一些教學心得，寫下來。 一方面我希望對需要的人有所幫助，另一方面， 對我自己來說，我自身的滿足感和成就感遠遠大 於書出版本身。這個滿足感來自於我能夠靜心來 做我喜歡的事情，對我這麼多年教書經歷，做一 種總結。特辛苦，但是我特別享受，所以我希望 你們，DP學生，特別苦，但是也特別享受。
雲：那本書叫做什麼？在那裡出版的？
陳：《語言與文學課程 概念驅動的教學指導》
劉、雲：好！謝謝老師！ 陳：好，謝謝！
Kick Action connects students’ passions in martial arts, digital arts, filmmaking, engineering, and technology to democratise self-learned spiritual and social empowerment for marginalised communities. Notably, Kick Action initiated the first student-led self-defence program, as well as the first domestic worker martial arts performance in Hong Kong.
by invading Japanese forces. Such spiritual empowerment is much needed by marginalized community members, who endure a dominant sense of inequality in the resources they can access and the level of discrimination they face. Every Sunday, coaches of Kick Action execute mixed martial arts, a combination of Taekwondo, Boxing, Grappling, and Jujitsu, demonstrations and lead tutorials for participating domestic workers.
Beyond weekly coaching, Kick Action HK raises awareness for
the problems domestic workers face through campaigning for community inclusion. This comes in the form of producing film documentaries, speaking at events led by non-governmental organisations (including the Unite 2030 HK, World Economic Forum, and HELP for Domestic Workers), and conducting interviews with domestic workers to highlight their stories and amplify their voices. Kick Action HK makes the martial arts more accessible for domestic workers through not only community inclusion campaigns
For example, Taekwondo was established and invented by Koreans during Japan’s annexation. Karate was born in the Okinawa Islands as a form of self-defence, at a time when weapons were banned
"The martial arts were historically founded on combating oppression and spiritually leveraging practitioners."
and social media promotions, but also through Martial Arts performances, which are ~5-minute showcases of Domestic Workers’ wood-breaking abilities.
Notably, Kick Action HK’s first Martial Arts performance was showcased at the 2021 KIDsforSDGs x United Nations International Youth Day event, which is an exemplification of direct community inclusion and representation for domestic workers.
The Kick Action community is incredibly tight-knit, often celebrating coaches and domestic workers’ birthdays, alike, together. This has brought Kick Action volunteers to view service not only as an opportunity to share their joy or passions but also to appreciate and develop egalitarian attitudes towards service - the idea that they, too, can learn from domestic workers’ lived experiences and wisdom.
In the IB, you get to choose to study English and Chinese Language A as either a Language & Literature (Lang Lit) or Literature (Lit) course. That is, your options would be English Language & Literature, English Literature, Chinese Language & Literature, and Chinese Literature.
All rising Year 12 students must select either English Language & Literature or English Literature, whereas Year 12 students who studied Chinese BSL or BHL in Year 11 are not subject to making this selection, and rather remain in their existing courses (unless changes between Language B Standard Level/Higher Level are made).
In Language & Literature, you study both literary and non-literary works. That means you might be looking at, say, Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry one day and then memes the other.
In Literature, you study only literary works––as the name would suggest. So that would mean studying Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry one day and then Machiavelli’s prose nonfiction the other.
Literary analysis forms the foundation of both courses; you will need to become familiar with breaking down meaning from different texts and articulating your interpretations through essays and orals.
Yi-Mei (English Lang Lit HL, Chinese Lit SL): First, to set things straight, there is no objectively “easier” course. Both courses have the same assessments, and follow similar criteria. However, you may end up finding one course easier than the other – it depends on your personal preferences and your way of thinking. Lit has a stronger focus on depth: you will have to find meaning in things which may seem insignificant or unclear, though there are a handful of literary devices which can be applicable to almost any text you come across. On the other hand, Lang Lit emphasises breadth: you try to pick out as many noteworthy aspects of a text as you can, and you can’t memorise these the same way you might memorise literary devices, though they tend to be more intuitive and easier to explain. I personally found Lit to be the easier option, as I am a lot more familiar with analysing Lit texts from past years, and do not quite know what to write about when presented with a Lang text, which is why I stringently avoided Chinese Lang Lit. But if you struggle with finding meaning in a couple of vague words, or feel comfortable talking about design choices and intended effects, you may find Lang Lit to be easier.
Tanya (English Lit HL, Chinese Lit SL):
I’ve taken both courses––Lang Lit and Lit––for Chinese, and switched out of Lang Lit to join Lit towards the end of October. The reason why I took Lang Lit in Chinese in the first place was that I made the faulty, albeit commonplace, assumption that Lang Lit is easier, and I wanted to minimise the amount of Chinese I would have to write because I’m lazy. It really isn’t easier; at least I don’t think so. While the texts you read are different, the calibre of writing required for the analysis is pretty much the same. I also switched because I enjoy literature more: I find the study of 魯迅 and 契訶夫’s short stories (as an example) more engaging than the study of speeches (演講), which is under Lang Lit’s purview. So there’s not really an “easier” course as such.
Some IB students are here to give you a quick rundown!
Yi-Mei (English Lang Lit HL, Chinese Lit SL): This is going to sound unhelpful, but pick whichever one you will enjoy. You want to look forward to your classes, because it will motivate you to spend time on them. I originally was going to do both Chinese and English Lit, but had a lot of fun analysing films and comic strips in Y11, so I switched to Lang Lit. While there are some differences between the two as to how to approach a Lit and Lang text, as Tanya mentions below, it’s not a major problem as long as you are aware of them.
Tanya (English Lit HL, Chinese Lit SL):
If you’re in Chinese A, select the same course for both English and Chinese. In my opinion, it's easier to get a grip on the concepts for either Lit or Lang Lit as opposed to both Lit and Lang Lit. In terms of writing analytical essays, it does seem like there are some differences between the courses––for instance, the Lit classes I take focus on thematic analysis, whereas the Chinese Lang Lit class I was in previously went by techniques, or literary devices, in guiding the analysis. But that might not apply to all Lang Lit classes. Either way, I think keeping the course you take aligned across both languages will make your life easier in general. Then again, that’s just my experience; this won’t apply to everyone.
Yi-Mei (English Lang Lit HL, Chinese Lit SL):
Friendly reminder that whatever decision you make now is not final! As mentioned above, both Tanya and I switched between Lit and Lang Lit. In fact, I changed 4 of my subjects after the start of Y12, and it is more than manageable (though tomorrow's math test may prove me wrong). So go for either one, and do not overthink the decision. Don’t waste mental energy with pointless fretting! The Y12 teachers do a great job of easing students into the IB, and I promise it will just feel like a continuation of Y11.
Tanya (English Lit HL, Chinese Lit SL):
In terms of choosing between Lang Lit or Lit, do note that Lit involves some more reading, simply because it’s focused on literary works (no memes or cartoons, sadly). At Literature Higher Level, you read 13 texts over two years; at Standard Level, you read 9. So far, it’s been fairly manageable, and I’ve enjoyed it because I like reading (most of the time). So think about what interests you more––the non-literary works or the literary works––and then go from there.
If you’re a Year 11 student, don’t let the course selections at the end of the year frighten you––you’ll have plenty of time to change your courses at the start of Year 12, and quite a few people in our year did so all the way until the end of October! If you’re a Year 7 student and you’re reading this, STOP! Go read something more interesting––you can worry about the IB when the time comes around.
I'm scared...I don't know which course I should pick! And the IB seems terrifying.
PAWS was formed by a group of students with a shared interest in changing animals’ lives for the better. It is also the first studentled animal related service organisation within CIS - one of the first schools to work with several animal charities. Our service aims to provide support to the wider wildlife community, especially animals left neglected in shelters, through physical volunteer work at shelters (cleaning and feeding), dog walking, and volunteering on adoption days. Through close contact with these animals, we strive to forge relationships with them, improve their quality of living, and advocate for animal welfare through public adoption events whilst promoting kindness, compassion and respect for all animals with the hopes of putting an end to mistreatment, abuse and abandonment.
Like most countries around the world, Hong Kong has faced more than two years of Covid-19. But behind the stories of the destructive virus on human lives is a lesser-told story: that of the animals who have largely been excluded from discourse on Covid-19 and emigration. Various animal welfare organizations in the city have raised concerns over the increasing number of animals given up to shelters due to the emigration crisis. As airlines had cut the number of flights to and from Hong Kong due to tough quarantine requirements, those wishing to fly with their pets faced fewer options, longer waiting lists and costs of up to tens of thousands of dollars. Many chose to abandon their pets instead, overwhelming dog shelters, which are running at full capacity. In addition, shelters are short on volunteers
When we think of pets, the picture of purebred dogs and cats often comes to mind. But many are unaware that rabbits happen to be the third most neglected animals in Hong Kong and that mongrels (dogs that do not belong to one officially recognized breed) are the primary victims of the pet abandonment surge. To that end, PAWS works in collaboration with two local shelters in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Rabbit Society (HKRS) and Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), so that volunteers can care for neglected rabbits and dogs and strong, treasurable bonds can be
built between volunteer and animal.
Although the PAWS community was established relatively recently, our passion for helping animals and the connection with the sheltered animals are equally as strong. Students who volunteer with PAWS use this time to not only provide a pleasant living environment to our beloved animals, but also form close-knit and inseparable bonds with them and spread the word that we should “Adopt, Don’t Shop”.
The clock strikes 12, and you find yourself still enthralled in a heap of books, playing the all-too-familiar game of “How long can you stay up until you fall asleep on your desk”. The only entities that seem to be accompanying you in this midnight silence is the glaring stare of your desk lamp, daring you to stifle your yawns and swallow your tears. You curse yourself as you make yourself another coffee, chugging another tin of Red Bull, treating each sip of liquid as a life-saving elixir. For the past two years, you’ve been priming yourself for the ultimate bloodshed, as have your fellow peers, to earn a place behind the golden gates of an Ivy League that appear routinely in your dreams. You’ve been burning night oils for the week yet the only flame that seems be extinguishing is you. But the end is so near, just one more push, and you can finally taste your hard-earned victory.
Fast forward a decade, you just finished another case at your prestigious law firm. Your hands burn as they make contact with your steering wheel seared by the excruciating sun, yet you don’t pay any heed to the pain. You drive on, as snippets of a feud between you and your colleague ignite your dormant anger. Still in thought, you park your car in the driveway. Out of the corner of your eye, two kids chatter on their bikes, smiles on their faces that remind you of a morning glow. You sigh in exasperation, contemplating as your youth slowly slips through your finger cracks, your aging body the sacrifice in the tumultuous tug of war with life.
In the 21st Century, your 9-5 day job and your 45 IB grade seem to be the dictators in your lives, morphing the harrowing reality of people sacrificing their souls into “running an endless race” that probably won’t end until decades later. People are operating on caffeinated shots just so they can step on the gas at 30 miles per hour on a seemingly infinite highway.
But what if your body is operating on a low gas meter and your foot is tired from pressing on the same pedal? Before a car runs out of gas, it
will display signs of “fuel starvation”. When cars are running out of gas, it shows engine sputter, intermittent power surges, and in some serious cases car breakdowns. Oddly enough, this can be applied to humans as well. Remember the cramps you get right before making a speech in front of your year group? The sudden urge to empty your bladder before an assessment? The tormentful itch on your hands that seems to get redder after you finish a group project? Also the headaches that affect your concentration? The above stated might just be symptoms, worsened by stress.
Living in a society that still stigmatizes discussions surrounding mental health, it can be daunting for someone to muster the courage to open up about the emotions and feelings that they are experiencing. This can lead to them internalizing and compressing those tiresome feelings within themselves, contributing to their worsening mental well-being. There is evidence to suggest that stress can be a contributing factor to a multitude of health problems. Stress can worsen the conditions of heart disease, asthma, obesity, diabetes, headaches and gastrointestinal problems.
It was only a few weeks ago when I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The doctor clarified that those with high self-standards and expectations in their pursuits often struggle with IBS, in particular students and adults working in a high-stakes working environment. I had been struggling with this since Primary, yet it was only until now have I identified the cause of these problems. Even though this is a functional disorder, it does not constitute that suffering from this is easy. Though one may be able to seek time periods of normality, when stress becomes part of the academic life, it can lead to untimely symptoms of bloating, constipation, cramping and
" Stress is the common term that people often use to describe the pressure and tension that they are experiencing. "
With almost half of Hong Kong secondary school students experiencing signs of depression, it is undeniable that there are external and internal factors that negatively contribute to their physical and mental well-being. One recent study also discovered that those with stress related to their jobs had an 80% higher chance of developing depression within a few years than those with lower stress levels. When every member of this society neck-deep buried in their work or academics, the daunting combo duo of depression and anxiety can impact one’s ability to operate.
Because no two people are the same, people’s causes of stress and their reactions towards it can be vastly different. Some people are simply more reactive to stress than others, as there are differences in temperament (a series of inborn personality traits that may be existent during infancy) that can lead to some people being naturally resistant in face of stressful circumstances. Others may feel differently, with feeling more threatened and feeling less equipped to cope with such emotions.
With stress factors being so deeply integrated into their personal lives (with work and academics), directly leading to outcomes revolving finances and privilege that can eventually affect their future, people may be susceptible to ignoring the existence of these emotions present in their lives at such a level of intensity. This can lead to emotional detachment where people are unable to fully process the emotions that they are experiencing within themselves, or even fail to engage with such feelings with others in their lives. With the
lack of compassion from themselves and others, they can easily be sent into a point of breakage.
These people are slaving away with their lives, ignoring the warning lights and blatant alarms that their bodies are ringing. But what is truly causing people to pay them no heed, and how do people cope with the stressors in their lives?
If you are an avid appreciator of poetry, then you would have heard of the poem “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou. In her poem, she powerfully illustrates the effects of oppression by juxtaposing the predicament of a caged bird and a free bird. Taking inspiration from Ms Angelou, for my interviewee, society can lead people to be subject to emotional oppression and repression, both externally and internally.
Our society can be a place of ruthless judgment. With precedents of rewarding those who are most “hardworking” and punishing those who lag behind, it can be speculated that being understanding and accepting of others is an important aspect that we as a society lack. With the ideology of encouraging people to sacrifice their wellbeing and souls to achieve a so-called higher standard of living, they may be coerced into believing that putting their emotions aside. Yet it is fundamentally flawed that whilst the refrainment of mental health discussions is encouraged, the act of someone opening up about their struggles can be seen as a burden and inconvenience to both them
and others is truly appalling. Not only does this stigmatize the discussion of mental health, it also worsens the physical and mental well-being of those who face high stress levels.
In response to my question of “If you had to use a metaphor to describe your life, what would it be?”, a Year 11 student had replied with “A cage“. In their lives, people undergo events that have varying levels of significance in one’s life. This is a normal phenomenon, as developmental processes people experience mold people into the beings that they are, as humans are creatures heavily influenced by their personal surroundings and encounters. For most people, life is not a linear road up the peak, filled with troughs and amplitudes that increase the level of difficulty of the climb. In face of such difficulties, particularly in instances where they do not have a concrete support system of friends and family to rely on, some people may feel trapped and alone in their lives, to fight an invisible enemy that seems to be throwing boulders and obstacles on their shoulders and ways of betterment. The feeling of restrictment and suffocation can be intense, when they feel like the rest of the world has turned their back on them, where the inability to escape can eventually lead to the mentioned disorders and health issues. Yet some people are masterful at masking their issues, that they could
be driving near the side of an abyss and no one would be able to discern the direness of their situation.
This is why we as a society need to stop once in a while, and put our foot on the pedal.
There is a term “deceleration” that describes the car driver’s act of slowing down a car without the anticipation of losing control over the car. Yet again, this can be eloquently used in the context of humans. As humans operate the steering wheels of their lives, they make active decisions that involve important aspects, including determining whether risking their emotions and state of physical and mental wellbeing would have a significant impact on their lives. For some people, ignorance of such emotions may signify to them productivity or being resilient to being “on track” with their lives. But this is a misconception with dire consequences. This is not a dichotomy, where adopting one aspect means the complete dissertation of the other. The act of taking a break is not an elimination of productivity or a disruption in your daily livelihood, it simply means providing you with a small window of time and breathing space where you can indulge in the rare instances of thought recollection.
Taking a break can bring benefits beyond one’s prediction. This can even sound foreign in the ears of those who value their profession or academic lives over that of their personal one, which can often limit their ability to come to recognize that they are in need of a temporary escape from their daily stressors.
Research has found that taking breaks throughout the day can bring positive impacts in one’s daily life. Whilst taking breaks can help prevent stress and help to maintain performance, it also helps reduce the need for a long recovery at the end of the day, which can allow a person to complete work more efficiently. Another study also discovered that by taking lunchtime breaks, even the short time period of detachment from work will allow a person to temporarily relieve themselves of the stress levels caused
by work and increase energy levels over time. Additionally, having social breaks can be partially beneficial in facilitating recovery, the process of returning your mental and psychical function systems back in control. It can help a person reset their moods, enhancing positive mindsets and wellbeing, allowing them to experience comfort and soundness of mind. By engaging with others to discuss experiences or even just snippets of your day, it allows you to connect with a larger community and form a positive association with feelings afterwards.
Another aspect of breaks are mini-breaks. These can be short-lasting ones that last for a few minutes, like taking a few minutes to look outside your window to enjoy the view, or taking a short 15 minute stroll along the promenade near your work place. By indulging in something else other than your work for a short period of time, it can still have an effect on increasing your wellbeing and future productivity.
These tiny steps will help you keep track of your progress and whether you are truly making an attempt to distance yourself from your stressors, even momentarily.
Different individuals can have drastically different interpretations of life, as everyone’s experiences are unique in their own way. The optimistic view of using “sapling” and “clouds” while contrasted with “cage” to symbolize life encapsulates the essence of Maya Angelou’s poem. In a life where people can be trapped, it also allows them with opportunities to grow and to break out of the bars. In a life that is constantly changing and morphing, it can only be assumed that humans will have to change along with it, or else you’ll be left behind. Yet none of that would be possible, if a person has lost the spark and has burnt out.
Taking advantage of public holidays and integrating short breaks into your busy life will bring you significant benefits in increasing your emotional and mental wellbeing. Rebuilding your energy and freeing yourself of such burdens temporarily will eventually lead to increased positive levels of happiness.
The stresses that stem from these changes in your life can be overwhelming or even suffocating, thus it is more than crucial to be able to acknowledge that your body does not run on infinite fuel. By having a more balanced emotional health, it will allow for more space for growth and help you realize your full potential. It is pivotal to listen to the signs that your body is alerting you to pay attention to, and learning how to cope with the stressors around you and providing yourself with a healthy outlet of releasing the negative pentup emotions that you are experiencing, may be beneficial for you in the long run.
It is easy to neglect such breaks even if one has the intention, when one gets too consumed by work or frustration. This is why it is essential to hold yourself accountable of regularly stepping away from the stressors, such as agreeing with your friends to a short tea break, setting alarms on your phones, plan something you enjoy doing and noticing the benefits it brought you, or keeping a note near you that reminds you to take a break.
“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” This famous quote from Poet William Ernest Hanley from “Invictus” is of such philosophical wisdom. You are the ultimate decision-maker in your lives, and the fate of your soul can only rest in your hands. Whether you choose to enact change by making slight alterations to your schedules, slipping in seeps of breathing space in your airtight day will allow you to recover after an intense period of your life.
Life is not a highway. It is a road with twists and turns, no matter your destination, it will still take strife and effort to achieve the assets that you have gained. You cannot operate on the same car to drive you for the rest of your life without taking the time to refill the gas tank or recharge. Everything around you is changing, and there is nothing in your way that prevents you from taking a short break, and admire the place that you have come to. Because dear reader, you deserve to rest in times of the 21st Century. Take a break, before it’s too late.
"With taking breaks, it will allow your body and mind to decelerate during times of anxiousness, particularly when major events are occurring in your life. "
Across
By Chloe Wong | Layout: Michele Liu
3. Where do CIS students go to study in Year 10?
4. Who is the Head of Sports for Xiao Hua?
6. Which subject uses colour pencils in their exams?
8. What is never switched on in the seniors’ common room?
10. To _ _ _ _ and to serve
11. What is the name of this magazine?
13. What is important for our mental health?
1. What does the D in DP stand for?
2. Vision…?
5. Which company is in charge of our food?
7. What is our mascot?
8. What is the name of our SCE team?
9. What is the space on the 5th floor called?
Lights, 10. Seek, 11. Xiao Hua (spacing disregarded), 13. Flexi Down 1. Diploma, 2. Thirty-three (hyphen disregarded), 5. Chartwells, 7. Phoenix, 8. Lighthouse, 9. Atrium
Students for Science (SFS) was founded on the dream of providing free and fun science education to all students across Hong Kong We specialise in working with the refugee community and we are currently partnering with the NGOs of Branches of Hope Refugee Union, RUN HK, and Christian Action Centre SFS began by organising a refugee science summer camp in the summer of 2021 which saw over 70 participating refugee students During our summer camp students learnt simple scientific principles such as gravity, pressure, and chemical reactions through conducting simple experiments and culminated in each student designing and launching a model rocket Seeing our success in the summer camp, at the start of the 2021-2022 school year, we began holding 4 in-person lessons per week with different refugee organisations and teaching an in school CCA to raise money for refugee groups To date, we have raised over 9,000 HKD from the CCA to fund refugee organisations with more science equipment for kids When the fifth wave of COVID-19 hit Hong Kong as schools and refugee centres shut down, all in-person service lessons came to a halt Still determined to help refugee students find their passion for science in the depths of social isolation we began designing science kits, science experiments packaged in a box that can be used by refugee students at home to further their interest in science To date, SFS has delivered over 280 science kits to refugee families across Hong Kong
Arnold was a student who felt that the science kits really helped him develop his passion for biology. In a whatsapp message from Arnold s parents, they expressed that Arnold was mind blown when he saw for himself from our science kits that seeds in darker environments germinated faster than seeds in the light.
As we start the 2022-2023 school year, the scientists at SFS are more determined than ever to continue to provide free and fun science education to our local community!
At the crack of dawn, students push themselves up from the comfort of their beds and make do with what they can with six hours of sleep. School begins at eight in the morning, but morning training, whether it is volleyball, swimming, or football, is an inescapable morning routine for many. When school begins, every second of lunch break is spent on the third floor in the library, rushing to complete the next period’s homework, last minute revisions for the summative assessments. School finishes at 3, but far from done, we are sent to various extracurricular activities -- Chess, Kung Fu, piano, cello, debate, singing … Then back at home at 7pm, rushing through dinner in 30 minutes, sitting down in front of the desk, and there is homework. If we are unlucky, one more tutoring class is still waiting ahead. A familiar day to all of us. But have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I doing this?”
Involution culture literally translates into “inward curl”, or 内卷 (neijuan) in Chinese. It is a social
concept that describes “the experience of being locked in a competition that one ultimately knows is meaningless”, according to Xiang Biao, an anthropologist at the University of Oxford. It originates from the Latin term “involutum”, which originally means “to turn or roll up”. The term was first discussed by authors such as Clifford Geertz and other Indian sinologists. Although the term “involution culture” itself may only have become popular in recent years, it is in fact a term that originates decades ago. The original concept of involution culture was used in agricultural settings, which Clifford Geertz introduced in his book Agricultural Involution, published in 1963. It described the process of the sawah (a type of rice farming) development in Indonesia by increasing intensified internal competition rather than bringing real changes in cultivation. The modern term of “involution culture” was first coined in social media in September 2020, when a video of a student from Beijing’s Tsinghua University riding a bike whilst stud-
ying at midnight became popular on Chinese social media. This was followed by the numerous examples on social media, from students staying up to the ticking of the clock and studying for the next day’s tests to workers in the high-tech industry working “996”, which refers to working from 9am to 9pm, six days a week. Since then, the concept of involution has been extensively used to describe today’s prevalent phenomenon of people excessively competing on things (that are often trivial) -- and the result of this involution is that there is no real improvement or evolution.
The involution culture has permeated our lives whether we notice it or not. A recent Chinese television series called “加油妈妈” (jiayoumama) depicted the lives of kindergarten kids who had to commit to extracurricular activities imposed by parents in an attempt to be accepted into prestigious primary schools. Despite the seemingly exaggerated scenes in the show, it in fact depicts the true reality of the young genera-
tions. From birth, children enter the rat race that requires them to excel at all aspects in order to achieve the highest level of success compared to those around them. Apart from children, adults are also gradually becoming trapped in the vicious cycle of involution culture. The “996” work schedule of 9am to 9pm, 6 days a week, meaning working 72 hours a week, is not uncommon, especially in places in mainland China. However grueling, they have to clench their teeth and carry on, in order to have a shot at a raise or promotion that may seem insignificant to many. Reactions from the public concerning this work schedule varied. On the supporting end, Chinese business magnate Jack Ma voiced that workers should look at the 996 work schedule as a “huge blessing” that allows them to “achieve the success [one] want[s]”. Richard Liu, founder of an e-commerce company, stated that “slackers are not my brothers”. The media, however, was not in accordance with these views. Beijing Daily directly criticized their statements by saying that “it’s aimed at disguising reduction of salary of lay-off”, and other media condemned the 996 schedule as a complete misinterpretation of what the “hard working” work ethic is.
The involution culture, ironically, has even spread to places that are supposed to be utopian. Dali, a small town in Yunnan, China, is known for being a utopian place with beautiful scenery and a laidback lifestyle. After masses of parents brought their children there over the holidays to take a break from the involution culture at school, the endless cycle of competition found its way there as well. “Interest classes”, which included competitive horse-riding, competitive golfing, competitive logging, and more, were offered to differentiate between the “average” and
“accomplished” children. Whenever there are people, there is involution – there is no way to escape.
One of involution culture’s most significant impacts on people is mental health. A discussion thread called “985 trash” was created on Chinese social media platform Douban, which refers to a group of 39 prestigious Chinese universities, including Peking University and Tsinghua. The thread discussed how stressed and anxious those students at 985 universities were, how they felt that they were trapped in the vicious cycle of studying and the pressure of being better than others to get better grades, better internships, and better jobs. The impact of the involution culture is also evident here in Hong Kong. In a 2020 survey conducted by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, 52% of the 3,600 secondary school students surveyed reported symptoms of depression. Their top concerns were grades, heavy schoolwork, and too many exams.
hours later. In the weeks following this incident, an employee from the same company jumped to his death while visiting his parents. Yet the response from the company did not show any grief or sympathy: “Who hasn’t exchanged their life for money?”
Why do we still feel obliged to participate in this vicious cycle of the rat race, despite the amount of stress and anxiety brought by this involution culture, ? A new Chinese TV Series called Dakao (大考), set at the start of the COVID pandemic, sheds light on this question. It detailed the unimaginable efforts students had to put in to receive good results in the Chinese university entrance exam, gaokao, during the pandemic. In the series, a student from an impoverished mountainous area studied for hours everyday, barely sleeping or resting. He saw his efforts as “necessary” and “crucial” to stand out from others, to get the limited resources, to succeed. “As a student from a poor family, I need to put in even more effort than those from rich families so that I can make my family proud and forever change my fate”, he pledged at the pep rally to mark the 100-day countdown to gaokao. Although dramatized, this is a vivid reflection of the reality of the involution culture.
This is hardly surprising considering nowadays students are mostly defined by their numerical grades. These numerical grades, along with lists of extracurricular activities are often what determines their future. Apart from the struggles of young students, adults also face high levels of mental stress and anxiety. In December of 2020, an employee from the Chinese company Pinduoduo collapsed from mental and physical exhaustion and burnout, dying just
Interestingly, the involution culture not only affects our well-being as individuals, but also changes the world’s stereotypes of us as a collective culture. In almost all the articles on involution culture in various media, different authors almost exclusively focused on instances of involution culture in Asia, and more specifically, China. Examples of employees from Pinduoduo or the Chinese 996 work schedule were all Chinese and Asian-centric. Some may argue that involution culture is particularly prevalent in China and
“As a student from a poor family, I need to put in even more effort than those from rich families so that I can make my family proud and forever change my fate”
Asia due to its widely-used form of meritocracy. But whether or not the portrayal of involution culture primarily being a problem in Asia is true, the exclusive coverage, and usually in a negative light, on how Chinese or Asians in general are trapped in involution culture reinforces the Asian stereotypes. Asians are typically viewed as being (overly) academically oriented. The rise of involution culture reports in the media creates an echo chamber where the media perpetuates the idea that Asians are obsessed with intense competitions. However, there are, in fact, many examples of involution in the West, from Elon Musk’s work schedule of working 16 hours a day to elite high school students’ intense study schedule and over-the-top sports training. The involution culture is, in fact, rampant in the West as well. Yet the media only discusses the involution culture as an abnormal social phenomenon in Asia.
With these apparent detrimental effects of involution on our well-being, is there a way out, or are we forever stuck in the endless cycle of involution? The first step is to recognize that happiness and mental well-being are the most important thing. Strike a balance between
work and personal life. Even though it sounds cliche, we often forget to practice it. Richard Carlson, an American author, once said: “If we would just slow down, happiness would catch up to us.” Simply slow down. Instead of relentlessly practicing a piece for your piano grade 8 exam, play your favorite song and let those beloved music notes slip through your fingers and into your heart. Instead of trying to set your next 100-meter butterfly record, feel the water drops splashing on your face and yourself sliding through the waves. Instead of studying in the library during recess, have a hearty laugh with your friends under the sun, feeling the warmth wrapping around you.
But, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to find meaning in what we do. But what is meaningful and relevant? Positive psychology is a research area that aims to address this question by exploring what the most important aspects of life are and what makes life worth it. Martin Seligman, a founder of positive psychology, suggested that finding meaning in doing things is one of the most important steps to happiness and success. It doesn’t mean slacking off – it means finding passion in what you do, finding
what excites you or interests you, and finding what you think serves a good purpose. Perhaps rather than aiming for Ivy Leagues, choose a school whose vibe fits you the most; rather than studying law, medicine, or economics because these jobs guarantee a good income, follow what your heart desires and your dreams as a child. Lacking meaning makes people feel empty and question their self-worth. No matter if it’s work or study, if we can’t find meaning in what we do, how do we justify the tremendous effort we put in? If we don’t have passion in what we do, how do we find the courage and tenacity to persist?
After all this, however, what’s most important is that we acknowledge the existence of involution culture. If generations upon generations were to continue to involute in an endless cycle without ever realizing what’s happening, we may never be able to change. The next time you revise for exams all day with only a few hours of sleep, feeling exhausted and stressed; the next time you wake up at 5am to train for your competitive swimming race, unable to keep your eyes open, ask yourself (or your parents): Can I slow down?
Am I doing something I love? Am I doing something meaningful?
By
Community outreach is essentially based on the idea of lending a helping hand into society and trying to make it a more empathetic place. ere is an extensive range of services that support the implicit needs of every community, including health, well-being, representation, and advocacy. e term “community service” su uses the CIS hallways. At our school, it is mandatory to participate in services for the community’s social welfare. Members of the community have been supporting them in distinctive ways: starting initiatives that strive to connect communities or addressing and raising awareness for prevalent issues. However, some may criticize that this is mainly based on extrinsic motivation. In Harvard’s guidebook Turning the Tide II, an ethical guide to college admissions, it was stated that high school students are “caught up in a kind of community service Olympics, a contest to see who can get an edge in their applications by tackling the most formidable problem”.
e ethos of community service is rooted in the idea of voluntarily participating in them for the greater good of others, which implies intrinsic motivation for those who take part in it. However, community members can be spread thin, participating in their own form of “community service Olympics”. ere is a general myth that spending hundreds of hours on community outreach allows them to discover golden renown. ere isn’t a problem that one wants to do anything to get into a college, neither is doing something for personal growth. Instead, consider the advice from the Turning the Tide II guide: “What makes service meaningful and what matters to the deans is whether service is chosen based on authentic interest and is immersive, meaningful, and sustained.”
In this Olympic race, people need to slow down and appreciate the process. is provides opportunities
for community members to explore what they’re truly passionate about. It is vital for individuals to understand how to empathize with members from di erent communities. Starting by exploring the di erences between yourself and what shapes others through daily interactions, followed by nding the similarities that you share with them. Additionally, confront your natural inclination because you shouldn’t discriminate against others. A er understanding these steps, it’s important to note that developing this skill requires commitment. I spoke to Justin Kim from KickAction and he emphasized the four steps. “ e rst and foremost priority is looking at the needs of the community.” In the process of starting his community service, “I overcame that barrier of being scared that people wouldn’t want to join in on my classes”. He did so by “talking with the communities I wanted to empower in the rst place… asking them, talking to them as humans about their day to day experiences and what they think about a martial arts program.”
Once community members have an understanding of which community they are empathetic towards, they would need to devote valuable time, e ort, and energy. When “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes’’, they understand their perspectives and how they can best support the underrepresented or underprivileged groups. e meaning of privileged is having the resources that others do not have to get ahead in life. Being underprivileged leads to being underrepresented, which is not having proportional representation. We can use our privilege to assist them.
Ultimately, community outreach success is not dependent on whether or not you are intrinsically or extrinsically motivated. What’s most bene cial is being devoted to serving the community and using passion to generate sustained impact.
The year was 2015, and I had just received my first ever Dork Diaries book; vibrant red cover and titular character fondling a charm necklace welcoming me with open arms- Dork Diaries 6: Tales From A Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker. Immediately, the pencil-drawn stick figures with black text written formulaically on black lined paper would become a space of solace to which I would regularly return. In fact, I would rotate through a neatly-kept stack of books, immersed in the writing of a fourteen-year-old girl named Nikki. Whether it was her romantic plights with sweet love interest Brandon, or the catty backand-forths with her arch-nemesis MacKenzie, reading about a dorky American teenager girl so authentically herself was everything to mea growing adolescent prone to angst - and so many others. Yet, my ramblings on the series cannot go without mention of their contributions to the growth of cultural discord within me that were a result of the Western texts I mainly read. This article will discuss the overall lore of Dork Diaries and the implications of the seemingly trivial texts on my own cultural identity.
Written by Rachel Renée Russell, Dork Diaries garnered major success,with more than 45 million copies sold worldwide. The series is written in the form of a diary belonging to fourteenyear-old Nikki Maxwell, who lives with her wacky parents and younger sister Brianna. At school, Nikki is friends with two girls - the sweet Chloe and Zoe - and develops feelings for a guy called Brandon, whose affection she clashes with MacKenzie for. There are many ways in which this dynamic appeals to the adolescent and teen demographic, much of which has to do with its overall charm, the characters and the content.
I would suggest that the personalization of the series creates a layer of trust with the reader, which is developed over each book as we look into her fictitious, yet unfiltered, experiences and emotions that feel as though they are written directly to and for us. Additionally, the graphic elements of the text are detailed and create visual markers for readers to truly immerse themselves into her life. The witty authorial voice spanning each diary along with the traits of secondary characters are reinforced with each event she pens- allowing readers to rely on the stable dynamics of the characters according to Nikki’s narrative of them. Through these dynamics, Nikki becomes a character
we can relate to, which may also be a result of Russell taking inspiration from her own daughter’s life. The antagonization of MacKenzie as she continues to mistreat Nikki and her friends creates an evil vs. good imbalance, wherein we root for Nikki as the underdog and hope for retribution on her behalf. We see Nikki weave through challenges of high school, such as a taunting mean girl she refers to as a heartless ice queen and “a pitbull in glittery eyeshadow and Jimmy Choos”. Nikki’s depiction as the “nice girl” allows readers to relate to her, opens up the possibility of even being her! We want to see her struggles in order to validate our own, to see ourselves represented in a mainstream character who remains herself despite external pressures, or in other words, to let our “inner DORK[s] shine through”. Finally, Dork Diaries allowed me to revel in my femininity (though there is something to be said about the series’ subtle criticism of the “girly girl”) at a time when my own internalized misogyny manifested in a judgement of books directed at a female demographic. I was able to bask in these stories without feeling critical of my femininity.
When I say “subtle criticism of the ‘girly girl’”, I’m mainly referring to
the villainization of MacKenzie. I am aware of the irony, especially considering how I just mentioned that the series itself embraces femininity and as a result, allowed me to embrace my own; nevertheless, this train of thought still deserves consideration. The series implicates hyper-feminine traits as antagonistic through the adjacent antagonization of Mackenzie. Given her status as the sole force-against-evil-main-character who readers are meant to root for, Nikki’s dorkiness and her position as being unlike the popular girl is celebrated. As previously mentioned, this can allow readers to feel confident in themselves and live authentically, but also creates something similar to a grading criterion for girls to adhere to (a binary of what they should and shouldn’t be). This can undermine the work the series does in preaching the message of letting our “inner DORK shine through”. Another aspect of the series I find myself disagreeing with is the competition between MacKenzie and Nikki for Brandon. I recognize that the squabbles over Brandon are part of the drama and one of the series’ main appeals, however, this is
centered heavily on gaining validation from Brandon as they yearn for him to reciprocate their respective feelings. This perpetuates the idea that romance and attention from boys (who may or may not be bland and lacking substance) should be lauded and prioritized above all else.
In order to assess whether or not I was alone in my overall opinions on the series, I interviewed peers from different age groups to grasp the influence that it has served over these 13 years of publication. In response to my question “why did you read Dork Diaries?”, one peer I spoke to noted the romanticized aspects of high school, or, in his words, “what you do want in your life”, as opposed to the other mainstream middle grade series he brought up: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which was “what you didn’t want”. He remarked on this romanticization of school in relation to the progression of Nikki’s life from “average to fantasy”; how a seemingly average high school student was rewarded despite being “boring”. Another peer noted that although reading hyperbolized tales and “scandals” of a teenager be-
fore becoming a teenager herself was highly fascinating, the series did contribute to unrealistic expectations of how their own teen experience would be. This was further supported by another student who claimed that the series “drastically changed the way they interpreted the events of their every day life” as they “chased” the series’ ideals. They mentioned projecting the character archetypes present in the books to people in their life and wanting to become the “quirky main character”, which they refer to now as a “cringey phase”. I can see how this may be beneficial for some as it allows for individuals to choose a narrative for themselves and establish ideals, but it can ultimately be harmful in it’s distortion of reality and real-life interactions.
I then proceeded to take this question to a group of year five students to gain the perspective of people either currently in or having recently been in the midst of a Dork Diaries phase. They responded to the same question of ”why did you read Dork Diaries?” with “because it’s a story with a boy”, “the pictures look good”, and “it’s fun to read”. After specifying the question to “how do you think Dork Diaries has affected the way you view secondary and high school?”, another Y5 student promptly responded with how the series makes them “excited to grow up and go to secondary”. Here, we can see the active implications of the series as it romanticizes the high school narrative and leads to warped views. In comparison to the responses from those in year twelve, their answers lack the hindsight provided as a result of having experienced secondary school.
When the idea to write this article first came up, I knew that I wanted to reread what I remember as my favorite book: Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not so Graceful Ice Princess. Upon re-entering the universe, I realized how comforted I felt. Each line scribbled with smiley face counterparts peppered throughout were a warm embrace; the hyperbolized descriptions of a crusty eye-boogered monster re-
minded me of winter and, strangely, of this one Commercial Press that was replaced by a dim sum restaurant. But despite this overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, I also became privy to new sensations and emotions only accessible by my growing up. To me, now nearing the ripe age of seventeen, reading Nikki’s exaggerated speculations on what others thought of her became exhausting, and her continuous lamenting felt uncalled for and over-the-top (granted, she is fourteen and I am no longer the target audience). Here, Dork Diaries becomes a divisive series: you either despise her antics and catastrophization, or you can’t help but relate to her ver-
bose, deluded tendency to overthink. Regardless, having read this book at both eleven and sixteen, I remain as self-conscious and self-critical, so I can see myself returning to it for years to come.
Now that there’s been some explanation as to why Dork Diaries is beloved by many, this part of the article will indulge in the conversation of the growth of unease within my cultural identity as influenced by the reading of the series. Growing up and going to an International School where the language of instruction was mainly English, it’s no surprise how Dork Diaries - a series set in an American high
school- had the power to exacerbate the westernization I was undergoing. Books set in and about people in the West populated my bookshelves, costing me an unmarred linkage with my roots and identity. To this day, I notice that the majority of the books I read are all written by American or British authors. Though these texts are not necessarily centered on teenagers and their drama-infused experiences like they were before, I realize that my use and construction of language and writing, and my ingrained methods of thinking and analysis, have all been dictated by the West. Then came the ingrained notion that America was in simple terms, “not like other
countries” and far superior to the city I was living in. Simply put, this came from the setting of the series being the US and the way Russell would integrate America-specific places into the story lines. This distorted view of the West manifested in my neglect of the Cantonese and Mandarin language, a desire to be American, and a distaste for myself and my family. It fills me with sadness and shame whenever I think back to past versions of myself who would dismiss the cultural significance of Hong Kong. The shame is present in the way I question myself before speaking to a fluent Cantonese speaker- what if I use the wrong inflections or place emphasis on the wrong parts? Will they hear the American twinge in my voice?
Will they think I’m a terrible person who has forlorn her Cantonese identity in conquest of a Western one? I feel it when I try to watch TV and get confused because they’re speaking too fast; where I find myself turning to my mother, sheepishly seeking a translation; she’ll answer patiently, unjudgemental of I, who since birth, has never been able to properly communicate with her in her native tongue. Again, I went to other students to ask for their opinions in hopes of finding shared experience. In response to the question “has the series had any impacts on your cultural identity”, one peer was able to articulate their “deep-rooted desires of becoming an All-American girl”, and attaining that “cheesy high school
experience”. I view this as a vital part of my own reading experience and another reason as to why the series was so appealing to me. Similarly, I remember wanting to live in the US and settle in the suburbia of Dork Diaries with my quirky family and friends, untethered to the apparent constraints of my Hong Kong roots.
Ultimately, the question of whether this series’ contributions to my development did more good or harm remains unanswered. I can laud the series’ for its entertainment value whilst simultaneously questioning the impact it had on my cultural identity. Regardless, the series continues to hold a special place in my heart, as I’m sure it does for many others.
By Josephine Wong |
Photography by Hannah Yuen | Layout by Maegan Wang
As of May 2022, 140 million tons of meat have been consumed globally, with the number still increasing with each minute that passes by. The average annual global meat consumption for the past several years has reached approximately 350 million tons, which is double the amount compared to 1988, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Many of us are not aware of the negative impact of how meat consumption continues to raise greenhouse gas emissions, adding to the burden of climate change. In fact, the food we eat is responsible for onethird of all greenhouse gas emissions, and agriculture and landscape shifts have increased food production systems in developing countries. This establishes the idea that as industrialized farming grows, emissions continue to rise, thus we need to do something to slow down on food-related emissions.
As aforementioned, one of the underlying causes that have an effect on climate change is the increase in livestock farming in the agricultural sector. There is a direct correlation between food production toll and deforestation along with a meat-heavy diet. This is due to the huge amount of land being cleared to make space for cattle and the large-scale farming of animal feed. Such livestock farming generally takes place in the globe’s most naturally valuable and vulnerable areas, such as the Amazon –– the world’s richest and most-varied biology reservoir, the area that is responsible for producing more than 20% of the world’s oxygen. In addition, the land sector accounts for 70% of the global total food emissions. The ecological footprint of farming livestock largely stems from the highly inefficient resource use in the production process of animal products. An example of this includes meat and milk, as it uses vast amounts of energy, water and land in their production. However, only a small portion of the food consumed by cattle is converted into meat or dairy for human consumption, whereas the rest goes to waste, making the entire food production cycle
unsustainable and inefficient, thereby wasting natural resources.
On the other hand, another dimension of meat’s unsustainability is the amount of methane emitted in the production process. The gut microbes living in digestive tracts release methane when grazing animals digest grasses and other human-inedible forage. Methane that comes from ruminants accounts for approximately 40% of all livestock-related greenhouse gas emissions. It is one of the most crucial issues that have yet to be resolved, and right now animal scientists are working to reduce the amount of methane produced by grazers with a forage-based diet, such as how some feed additives or supplements can inhibit methane-producing microorganisms. However, if no human-edible food were fed to livestock, scientists have calculated that the world could only be able to produce around 20 grams of animal protein per day for everyone –– enough for a three-ounce piece of meat or cheese each day. This would direct a huge shift in our meat-based diet, especially for individuals in wealthy countries who would have to get used to eating less meat than they currently do. However, meat consumption fluctuates every year–– with the total 2022 per capita meat consumption forecasted to reach 222.4 pounds which are 0.2 pounds lower than last year but 10.3 pounds higher than the 2012-2021 average. Individuals in some countries have made an effort to reduce their meat consumption; the average North American now cuts down on about 70 grams of animal protein a day –– well above their protein requirement –– and the average European on 51 grams. This is extensively less than what most individuals consume nowadays, of around 100 grams of animal protein a day (which is nearly twice the recommended amount). There is an existential dilemma as to maintain the ecological balance for animals if we were to alter their forage-based diets, along with reducing our meet consumption simultaneously.
Alternatively, there are tangible solutions that can be acted upon to reduce meat consumption in an efficient and sustainable manner. Firstly, the introduction of taxes on animal products – this step has been called forwards in several European countries such as Denmark and Sweden and is currently being initiated in Germany. In fact, meat taxes could actually help us eat better at a lower cost, and taxing meat and dairy means that animal farms will have to pay for the greenhouse gases they emit in 2025 and later. According to Max Springmann, who is a senior researcher of the Environmental Change Institute, this implementation also includes redirecting subsidies for animal agriculture to fruits and vegetable production, along with alternative plant-based protein. European countries are actually starting to consume less meat overall, this is due to the heightened campaigning in recent years by environmental changemakers over the environmental toll of meat production, and The European Commission estimates a 4% decline in per capita meat consumption by 2031, which is a huge decrease. One person going meatless a day would cut down to 1600 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per year, and a two-thirds vegan diet would cut down to 740 kilograms of carbon dioxide, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions by a lot.
Ultimately, cutting down on meat consumption and implementing new policies in the agricultural sector and food market (i.e. charge more tax on animal products, altering forage-based diet for grazers and more) can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as methane. In recent years, a lot of countries are already switching to dietary habits that incorporate less meat on a day-to-day basis, as well as more vegan-based food production. Such direct actions would not only slow down the effects of climate change, but it will also benefit the agricultural sector and establish a food production system that is efficient and sustainable for human consumption.
We are all familiar with the idealized path laid out and preached to us: primary, secondary education, college, and maybe even a master or doctorate degree. Education is crucial to having a flourishing individual career and a functioning society, that’s why parents are willing to ‘invest’ hundreds of thousands into a child’s future. However, when we zoom in on college education, one thing is increasingly clear, by the time college students graduate, most students will be leaving with more than a tacky black robe and a random piece of paper, they’ll be leaving with mounting, compounding, excruciating…
Living in a so-called meritocracy, where merit and hard work is rewarded, requires a fine social mobility social system. And the education system is intended to facilitate the foundation of this system, a ticket to a middle class life for those who have merit and determination. With 75% of jobs in America now requiring a bachelor’s degree, you almost have to go to college to get a middle class job. It reflects the same point: college is crucial when it comes to social mobility.
The problem is that there is a paywall set up on the path that disrupts the system, namely by expensive colleges, and so people are paying for the price of going to college.
The situation is that millions of new college students are being pumped through the student loan system, while current borrowers are struggling to exit this debt trap. You ask any college student on the street, and they will most likely have some amount of student debt, this is because 44 million Americans now owe a combined 1.7 trillion USD of student debt. That is more than credit card debt and auto loans, and is only second to the mortgage debt. What’s more is that this number has only trended one direction: up, where the total student debt has more than tripled since 2006.
This boils down to one thing: college tuition, and it’s incompatibility to society. Average tuition prices have doubled over the last 30 years, but average wages have only grown by around 20%. This means that student loans debts are increasing, and it is taking longer and longer to pay them off, creating rippling effects on the individual, the economy, and the fundamentals building blocks of society.
And it begs the question of whether or not college is even worth going to anymore. Is it the best investment we can make? And how can we fix this taxing issue? Below, I will be examining the issue of the student debt crisis in America and subsequently President Joe Biden’s recent proposal of student debt forgiveness.
What is the Biden administration’s solution to the problem? Student loan forgiveness, a comprehensive plan targeted to make student loans more manageable by ‘forgiving’ pre-existing loans and protecting borrowers.
At its core, it targets relief to millions of Americans drowning in student loan debt, by forgiving debts and extending the pause for monthly student loan payments. The monthly loan pause will be extended through December 31, 2022, and below is a chart that shows the specifics of the loan forgiveness
ness initiative will advance racial equality.
It is a given that black students need to borrow disproportionately more than white students due to their family backgrounds. Therefore, they are more severely affected by the growing issue of student debt. Ashley Harrington, Federal Advocacy Director and Senior Counsel at the Center for Responsible Lending explains that the colored population often requires more education and certifications to receive the same positions and wages in comparison to other groups. This means that they have to take on more debt to receive those certifications, and this is “preventing wealth building… and it is something that is impacting not just individuals, it’s impacting their families, their communities.”
Furthermore, the program aids undergraduate student loans, cutting monthly payments to 5% of a borrower’s discretionary income. And it fixes the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PLSF), where people who have done public service are given credits to forgive loans. And also includes attempts to strengthen the accountability of colleges, publishing annual watch lists and requesting such actors to submit improvement plans.
Instead of introducing the classic arguments presented showing the severity of the issue, this will outline the arguments of how this will help both people of color and college graduates who were promised a good life.
1. The student debt forgiveness directly helps current and future college graduates and students.
Statistics provided from the White House shows that if all borrowers and eligible recipients claim their relief, it will provide relief to 43 million borrowers, including canceling the remaining balance for 20 million. As seen, the relief in fact directly helps such groups from their mounting debts.
3. The student debt forgiveness will revitalize the economy amidst an economically difficult period.
Student debt like any other forms of debt prevents consumer spending and slows economic growth. A study published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found that “a significant and economically meaningful negative correlation” can be linked between student loan debt and bankruptcy rate of small growing businesses.
So to put simply, when a significant amount of debt is flowing throughout the economy, people can’t engage in the economy, and when that happens, the economy stagnates.
There have been minor claims surrounding the untold consequences of this transformational policy and further claims that it is “illegal for the executive branch to create a 500 billion program… without statutory authority”, highlighted by Frank Garrison, lawyer at Pacific Legal Foundation. But these knitpicks and small issues mentioned do not hold weight in this extensive issue at hand, rather more convincing arguments have been made by the conservatives.
1. The student debt forgiveness plan costs an astronomical amount of money, something that can be spent more effectively.
As stated previously, this generation of college graduates are having to pay the growing amount of student debt, preventing them from achieving milestones such as getting engaged or having a family. This is apparent in many economic markets, including the housing market, where the Federal Reserve reported that student loan debt prevented about 400,000 young families from purchasing homes. Forgiving and eliminating such debt would help foster a healthier, most productive, more socially beneficial system.
2. The student debt forgiveness is an opportunity to rectify racial inequality.
Reports from Urban Institute study says that as black students are twice as likely to receive Pell grants, the forgive-
The committee for a Responsible Federal budget and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania economic model both found that the debt forgiveness bill will cost more than 500 billion over a decade. This whopping sum of money, and a chunk out of the federal budget, as argued, is unfairly provided to these college students and can be put to better use. A taxpayer’s dollar spent on one thing is a taxpayer’s dollar that can’t be spent on something else; Instead
**The Pell Grant is a financial aid program for students who need to go to college, limited to low income students and for those who have not earnt their first bachelor’s degree.“Forgiving and eliminating such debt would help foster a healthier, most productive, more socially beneficial system.”
“These American people are just being thrown under the bus, they sacrificed for nothing, and that is simply injustice. ”
of failing to help blue collar workers of varying income who never went to college, but on something that can benefit the majority of American people.
2. The student debt forgiveness throws responsible and exemplary American citizens under the bus by rewarding irresponsibility.
Minority leader of Senate McConnel argues that this forgiveness program is plainly “a slap in the face” to everyone who sacrificed and did their due diligence to be debt free. These include any American who has been responsible for their own money, paid their debts, and furthermore those who “chose a career path or volunteered to serve in our armed forces to avoid taking debts”, said McConnel. These American people are just being thrown under the bus, they sacrificed for nothing, and that is simply injustice.
3. The student debt forgiveness plan is a fundamental abuse of the debt and loan system in America.
Student loans promote the idea that adults and the population do not need to be responsible for their own actions. Matthew Noyes, a columnist at Lone Conservative perfectly articulates that this debt forgiveness reflects the belief that “people are entitled to a college education and other peoples’ hard work. It codifies in policy the idea that adults are not responsible for their own actions”. In a free society, one should be responsible for taking on debt, and thereby paying it off.
College education is gatekeeping the middle class, social mobility and the American Dream, and it needs to be fixed; Many arguments against this plan, and any reform to fix this issue for the matter are simply insignificant to the scale of social mobility. No cost is too much to preserve the essence of American ideals.
The student loan forgiveness program is one step of many that needs to be implemented, and as certified planner Douglas Boneparth stated, it “is an opportunity to re-examine the fundamentals like cash flow”. However, it is my opinion that this set of reforms and relief will ultimately be merely a band-aid to a gushing wound of a structurally unsound social infrastructure. Without major fundamental reforms and regulations on college tuitions and loan borrowers, the problem will simply continue to exacerbate.
Socially, and on a government level, though I recognize this will be excruciatingly difficult, regulation of large financial institutions and educational institutions is the only viable path. On an individual level, not only do we have to be more inclusive towards millions of people suffering from student loan debts, we need to be careful not to fall in the quicksand of student debt.
It is futile to discuss the merits and reality of college debts in society, as it will most definitely be crucial for the large majority of the population. But by understanding the cost of college education even in the arguably strongest economy and country in the world, then can we really appreciate the importance of education.
“No cost is too much to preserve the essence of American ideals.”
“We need to be careful not to fall in the quicksand of student debt.”
默认闹铃无情的电子音拉开了又一 天的序幕。一束逃逸的光穿透厚重 的窗帘映出一条灰尘纷飞的银丝 带，飘在空中。太阳射出的箭矢直 指藏在被子里的沈青石，透过眼罩 刺穿眼皮。手机在桌上震个不停， 带动几只散落的水笔也“咔哒咔哒” 地跳。
昏暗狭小的房间内寒冷刺骨，只有 被褥里尚存一丝余温。沈青石在被 窝里打了个喷嚏，但还是自欺欺人 地翻了个身，把被子当作盾牌拉过 头顶装睡。直到手机都忍无可忍， 停止了无用的催促，他才长叹一 声，慢吞吞地爬出温暖的床。 又到早晨了。
他哆哆嗦嗦地勉强起立，不情不愿 地换好随意搭在椅背上的衣服，随 手一抓，把窗帘扯开一个口子，勉 强照亮了面前的一小片空间。
窗边枯萎的绿植——说真的不如称 之为“黄植”——长期缺乏太阳，无 力地耷拉着头，伸长过于细长瘦弱 的茎徒劳地追逐着过远的光。软弱 的叶子被窗帘带起的风刮下一片， 在空中短暂地挣扎了一小会儿，最 后却还是任命趴在了花盆的土壤 上。
沈青石一看——啊，好几天没浇花 了。过会儿解决。
被子枕头都是乱糟糟的一团，堆在 一起像个巢。乍一看未免不雅，仔 细一看，更是不雅。但沈青石实在 是提不起力气管了。
……叠不叠？
他犹豫一秒，拎起花盆，转身就走 去洗手间，草草洗漱一番，又给绿 植灌了些水，把它摆在阳光下。实 在是因为者小草饥寒交迫过得太 差，不知为何，令他忽然有些感同 身受——但其实它活得这么差，完 全是自己的失职。
……沈青石无法继续进行这个念 头。
拎起双肩包把它挂在左肩上，正要 出门，却突然想到：
为什么不叠被子？ （真可耻。）
一瞬，沈青石都被自己的想法惊到 了。一阵强烈的慌乱卷席而来，他 不由自主收回了刚抬起的腿，被钉 在原地，试图驳倒心底的那个声 音——又没有人在乎。没人管，没 人看。不叠被子也许、确实，有些 不妥，但我的生活已经那么烂了 诶，与那更宏观的糟糕现实比起来 不叠被子算啥。那为什么要多花这 份力气呢？
想到这节，他重新开门，跨过了门 口暗淡发灰的地毯，锁好门，按下 电梯。沈青石在楼道里默默站了几 分钟，忽得猛地一回头，冲回家中 胡乱叠好被子，再才匆匆跑回楼 道——只见电梯已经不知不觉来了 一趟，又走了一回。
* * * 学校生活乏善可陈。
沈青石没吃早饭，忍着淡淡的饥饿 撑过了一上午。天知道他多想睡 觉——尤其是第一堂课，脑袋总是 一点一点的，一个不慎，意识就飞 速下沉。都是靠拼命叫嚷着，内在 只剩胃酸静静腐蚀着自己的胃，沈 青石才熬过了最为痛苦的第一堂 课。
第二堂课，他也便不想睡觉了，但 还是无精打采，脑子里空空如也， 一点想法都没。沈青石按部就班地 走进课室坐下，不言不语，只是听 着老师讲话。就这么浑浑噩噩地听 课倒也勉强跟上了进度。
午休是他一个人坐在一处隐蔽的楼 道度过的。他本来想看看手机，打 开锁屏后却顿感无趣。掏出了书， 却又忽然不怎么想翻开封皮。最 后，透过楼梯口还未被扎眼的绿色 建筑网子遮起来的栏杆，他静静看 了许久马路上来往的巴士。
在倒数第二堂课发生了一件小插 曲。沈青石对标准答案有一个小问 题，带来了一番他觉得毫无意义的 困扰——问不问？这只是一个小问 题，全班估计就他一个纠结这种细 枝末节的小事。但不问又感觉有些 不妥。毕竟是来上课，还是需要花 些力气的吧。
……算了，这算什么啊，就问个问 题也能难倒你吗沈青石。
他刚刚迟疑着举起手，身边就有同 学打翻了保温杯，不锈钢砸在瓷砖 上发出“咣当”一声巨响，顿时吸引 了全班的注意。大家都炸开了锅， 老师忙着维持秩序，班上的人借此 机会，霎时便开始叽叽喳喳地讨论 些杂七杂八的话题。沈青石突然就 没了提问的欲望，只是把问题先写 下来。
嗯，过会儿邮件问吧。
（那封邮件他最后也没发。）
放学后，沈青石独自走下楼梯，戴 上耳机，随便选了一首歌，好隔绝 周围人群的喧闹。鼓点声过于刺耳 夸张，他又把音乐关了。
他身心俱备地到家。他爸爸在客厅 里穿着掉色的粉色T恤衫，神态严 肃，全神贯注地对着电脑看视频。 沈青石对此视若无睹，默默收好钥 匙，直径走回房间。两人没什么交 流。
书桌一如既往地乱。沈青石随手将 书包扯下肩膀，让它自由落体在床 上，扯开拉链拎出电脑，便开始上 网。
|他随即一头扎进网络的世界麻痹自 己。
在无处不在，庞大的网络世界中， 他的大脑总是会被大量的杂碎信息 冲垮，不自觉随着大数据的洪流飘 啊飘，到哪里，在哪儿停都不由自 己决定。但这只是自欺欺人的想 法。沈青石他分明清楚，自己正处 于一个恶性循环中。沉迷于毫无创 新的快餐短视频中，清醒地看着自 己停不下来。清楚现状，却又无力 脱离。一方面唾弃着毫无出息的自 己，另一方面放任自己盲目地随波 逐流，在现实中无法稳定地立足， 就在这不用动脑不用思考的舒适圈 眷恋地停留。
过了好一会儿，他才猛地想起，明 天还要上学，明天还有作业。他勉 强打起精神新建一个文档，草草写 了几句便随手一按保存，瘫在座位 上，什么都不想干了。
突然，小组作业专用的群聊闪了 闪。大家有两种情况会真正愿意在 那里发消息——一是作业刚刚布置 下来，需要确认分工（死线将至， 推卸责任也就方便些），二是在 作业快交的时候，不得已才想起 来互相沟通交流。这次是第一种情 况——物理的研究报告刚布置下 来。
沈青石刚打开群聊，电脑就猝不及 防，彻底黑了下来。
没电了。他又忘记给电脑插上充电 器了。
太失败了。
这时候，一整天压下的负面情绪才 彻底卷席而来。恍惚间沈青石站了 起来，凑到窗前，探出头看楼下的 车水马龙，看巴士在眼前呼啸而 过，看行人在十字路口的匆匆。
他忽得感觉自己好似跑轮上的仓 鼠，永无止境地被逼着奔跑、奔 跑，对什么都充满了迷茫，对一切 都摸不着头脑，也没有终点、目 标。哈！奔跑、奔跑，也不知是为 何而过，是在为了什么在奔波。未 来什么的，明明近在咫尺，在脑海 里却只是一个看不见摸不着，缺乏 实感的概念。过不了多久就要结业 考试了，过不了多久就要离开校园 了，怎么就是提不起劲呢。
他走回桌前坐下，翻开课本，看了 没两页就开始神游天外。打开文 档，打了两个字就开始发呆，过一 会儿又回头把这两个字删了。就连 一个周后的单元大考，每每想起， 也是恹恹的提不起精神，连一块蔫 巴的咸菜都比自己有奋斗的动力。
该怎么为了自己都不清楚的东西努 力啊。为什么大家都有了目标啊。 我什么时候会有目标呢？哪怕心中 一件必须完成的小事也好，好歹给 自己些动力啊。
啊啊，好累，好烦。
沈青石往后一躺，伸手把电脑推 开，趴在桌子上，将头枕在一侧胳 膊弯。
这一天什么时候结束啊。入夜了就 好了，可以睡觉，可以快进到下一 天。但那样，到了明天，明天又有 什么意思呢？明天就会更好吗？空 想着明天就能重燃什么希望，终于 愿意起床主动面对新的一天了吗？ 进入睡眠前，躺在床上的那一两个 小时，是沈青石他一天中唯一属于 自我的一段时光。世界就是他自己 与自己的思绪作伴，没有人扰人清 梦。白天他一个人会孤独，但晚上 一个人是他在独处。没有暗自批判 他的人，没有来自父母的压力，没 有生活上的烦恼。不会感觉正面情 绪都被太阳蒸发掉了，感觉自己不 希望想的一切都被从阴影里揪出来 烤成灰。不会感觉黄昏时分，沐浴 在夕阳下，来去匆匆的人潮过于冷 漠。不会感觉一切都太快了、节奏 太不安稳了、生活充满了太多不不 确定。不会在迷茫的无意义奔波中 迷失了自我。
偶尔他也会想，我失眠，是不是不 舍得这段时光。诚然，他中意睡 觉——内心毫无波澜，什么都感受 不到，好似自己不再存在，也便不 需要经历任何挣扎。什么都没有， 可是好过一团糟的现实千百倍呢。
他不确定最后什么时候吃了饭，上 了床，机械性地睡了觉。
夜色静谧，包容了一切。
Jobs are the lifeblood of modern society. They produce goods and services, provide financial income, and create positive social externalities, or benefits to society. It would be difficult to envision a world without street cleaners and garbage collectors, teachers and professors, firefighters and policemen, musicians and artists, and even hairdressers and gardeners. These jobs are meaningful and necessary in maintaining a happy and healthy population.
However, there exists a large number of jobs that can be considered "meaningless". Consider, for instance, corporate lobbyists and corporate lawyers, telemarketers and PR researchers, hedge fund and private equity managers, as well as many clerks, bureaucrats, or those in middle managerial and administrative positions. It's difficult to imagine what positive externalities such professions generate beyond personal profit and advancement.
This is precisely the focus of a book I read titled "Bullshit Jobs: A Theory" by anthropologist David Graeber. It asserts that such "meaningless jobs" are increasing in both scope and quantity. This challenges common conceptions of the capitalist system and human psychology, which tell us that these jobs should be eliminated as firms attempt to reduce operational costs or as people gravitate toward jobs they genuinely enjoy. How do we explain this discrepancy?
But before addressing that question, we must first ponder: what is a "meaningless job?"
It can be argued that all forms of paid employment have value: it provides financial income that allows for the purchase of goods and services. As such, there can be no "meaningless jobs'' - there is always a party that benefits. However, if we think instead in terms of positive social externality, it would be apparent that many jobs are, in
fact, pointless - and thus should not exist.
This means that the definition of a meaningless job is subjective, as it is futile to properly quantify a concept as abstract as "social value". We would have to rely on the judgment of the employee. Again, it may be argued that the growing complexity of the modern economy from production to distribution results in highly specialized tasks that makes it difficult for workers to determine their contributions to their enterprise or to wider society. However, such cases are few and far between - people generally know what they're doing.
This leads us to Graeber's definition of a meaningless job: "a form of paid employment whose existence cannot be justified by the employee."
So, where can we see such "meaningless jobs"? What forms do they take?
You may have thought of doormen and concierges, or maybe even receptionists. They are paid full salaries with the ostensible purpose of performing simple, repetitive tasks such as opening doors and answering phone calls and the occasional errand of arranging a meet or greeting a guest. Their actual job is to emphasize the importance, influence, and legitimacy of their employer or superior. Graeber refers to these jobs as "flunkies"jobs that can easily be reassigned or automated, but are perpetuated by people's need for recognition.
Another category of meaningless jobs would be "goons". "Goon" jobs typically have an element of aggression or deception. Take, for example, corporate lawyers. They're there to protect companies from legal risks and lawsuits - from other corporations, through other corporate lawyers. Moreover, judging by the controversies surrounding large corporations today, they're not successful at ensuring the legality of transactions or
Image credits: Brain Zifflawyers. Moreover, judging by the controversies surrounding large corporations today, they're not successful at ensuring the legality of transactions or partnerships of companies either. Telemarketers, digital advertisers, and PR professionals, on the other hand, frequently re ect that their work seems deceitful. They manufacture demand and sell people things they don't require. They may even mislead the audience to the true quality of the product or service they are marketing.
"Duct tapers" are an odd bunch. It's di cult to categorize entire jobs into this group, as they are scattered in the nooks and crannies of modern enterprises as "assistants", "coordinators", and various other titles. They exist to mitigate faults, gaps, and shortcomings in the rm that could easily be resolved or automated but are not.
The growing emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility have produced an entire new class of meaningless jobs - "box-tickers". They are a means for organizations to claim they have ful lled a obligation that they haven't, and consists of tedious exercises such as form- lling and report-writing which never achievesand may work against - its ostensible purpose.
Lastly, "taskmasters". Taskmasters are made up of middleor upper-managers that assign work to subordinates, and are separated into two types. The rst type are "unnecessary superiors", which applies in cases where intervention and supervision is not required. The second type is even worse. They attempt to create and delegate meaningless tasks and even produce new meaningless jobs. Similar to box-tickers, they draw people away from meaningful work and tasks and force them to partake in bureaucratic rituals - just to appear, ironically, busy.
Skip a hundred, or even two hundred years ago, and we would see that most of these jobs wouldn't have existed. Explaining its emergence and prevalence would require a close look at economic and social trends in recent centuries.
Economies largely consist of three main sectors: the primary sector (agriculture and mining), the secondary sector (industry and manufacturing), and the tertiary sector (services).
Over the last few centuries, we have seen a decline in the primary and secondary sectors in the economies of developed countries, which is matched by a growing tertiary sector - a pattern re ected in the economies of several developing but fast-growing countries as well, such as China and India.
At the end of the industrial revolution in 1840, the tertiary service sector took up 22.40% of the labor
force. Over the next 175 years, it almost quadrupled to 83.52%. On the other hand, while the secondary manufacturing sector stayed relatively constant, the primary agricultural sector had a sharp decline from 63.07% to 1.63%. In short, the tertiary sector expanded tremendously - while the primary sector was reduced to, e ectively, thin air.
John Maynard Keynes, an English economist widely acknowledged as the founder of modern macroeconomics once predicted that developed countries such as the United States and Great Britain would be able to enjoy 15-hour work weeks owing to technological advancements that would increase e ciency and reduce labor.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. Average working hours have largely remained unchanged, in America or otherwise, hovering between 40 - 44 hours. From the graph above, we can also see that while productive work in the agricultural and industrial sectors have been reduced due to increased automation since the 20th century, the service sector has ballooned dramatically, signifying the creation of many new jobs.
While the agricultural and manufacturing sectors produce and maintain tangible goods, the services sector provides actions or experiences. Examples of service jobs include waiters, doctors, cleaners, dockworkers, truck drivers, and writers. One may argue that the dramatic rise of the service sector is due to the rise of consumerism, where people choose to work more to consume more, resulting in both a greater demand and supply for such services. However, a closer inspection raises many questions: how can such services, according to Statista, account for almost two-thirds (65%) of global GDP today?
The above graph shows a four-sector structure of the economy. The quaternary, or fourth sector is shown as "information", which includes largely jobs such as managers and administrators, consultants and advisors, IT professionals, clerks and accountants. In the modern day, we have dubbed this the FIRE sector, which stands for nance, insurance, and real estate.
It's important to note that while "actual" services have experienced no signi cant change from 1860 to 1990, oating around 20%; the information sector has experienced signi cant growth. From 1910 to 1990, it has experienced a greater than threefold increase from 15% to 50% of the economy, and forms the bulk (70%) of the tertiary services sector we are so familiar with. In recent years, America's service sector continues to expand, albeit at a slower pace due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the following recession. As mentioned earlier, the growth of the tertiary sector is a global phenomenon. According to Statista, it had increased by 3.75% over the past decade in terms of GDP share.
A recent YouGov poll surveying Americans tells us the following: in 2015, 59% of working Americans polled felt that their job made meaningful contributions; in 2021, the number is reduced to 55%.
As established at the start of the article, we are inclined to trust the verdict of the employee or worker in question when discussing whether or not a job is "meaningless". Based on the aforementioned poll, a cursory observation would tell us that 45% of adult Americans are working meaningless jobs.
We can take this a step further. Many jobs in the agricultural, industrial, and "actual" service sectors have a positive, tangible e ect on society. Although such work may not be rewarding or ful lling, it is di cult for
anyone to consider being a farmer, bus driver, or retail worker as meaningless. On the other hand, jobs in the FIRE and information sector are much more contentious. Moreover, the increase of meaningless jobs is matched by an increase in the tertiary sector - and by extension, the quaternary sector - which indicates a correlation between the two factors.
This hypothesis is supported by two separate sources: Source 1, "Taxation and the Allocation of Talent", a 2017 paper from a group of well-known US economists; and Source 2, "Social Return on Investment Analysis", by the think tank New Economic Foundation. In short, they calculated the externalities, both positive and negative, produced by a variety of professions of various incomes. Here are some interesting gures relevant to this analysis:
Professors Lockwood, Nathanson, and Weyl in their 2017 paper "Taxation and the Allocation of Talent" quanti ed and calculated the social externalities, or the e ect on society, produced by a range of professions for every dollar paid. The data indicates that jobs from the quaternary sector create neutral or negative social externalities - they often cause more harm than good. This is backed up by another study, "Social Return on Investment Analysis" from the UK think tank New Economic Foundation. The set of jobs analyzed was di erent, but the conclusion is the same: many jobs from the quaternary sector are not only meaningless, they are also detrimental to society as a whole.
More than anything else, jobs give human beings a sense of agency and meaning in life - it allows us to exert our in uence upon the world through work. A job where you do little, if any, work for a hefty paycheck seems like an amazing deal at rst, but for many, being forced to pretend to work in a job of no social value at all is demoralizing and frustrating.
Take Mia, a secondary student from CIS who worked as an intern in a local non-governmental organization.
Albert: What was your previous profession?
Mia: I worked as an intern at an NGO. I can't disclose the name of the NGO, but its primary goal was to help young girls and high school students gain work experience through o ering part-time jobs.
Albert: So the organization as a whole doesn't produce any tangible product?
Mia: Yeah, it doesn't actually do anything. I signed up because it claimed that its website required a renovation, but that was really just an excuse.
Albert: So what did you do? What were your responsibilities?
Mia: I was a copywriter, and was in charge of writing the content for the NGO's website. I was supposed to compose stu for their "About Us" page such as their mission and vision statements, past events, and current endeavors.
I invested a lot of time and energy into this job. I spent hours and hours rewriting their original draft, which was full of typos and errors, and even went overnight once just so I could nish on time. I also had lots of meetings and conferences where I pitched my draft to higher-ups. It was stressful to balance work with school.
Albert: Sounds like a demanding job. What makes it pointless for you?
Mia: Despite all the e ort I put into it, they didn't read or open it even once. They had lots of encouragement to give during those meetings, but no feedback at all. Moreover, I didn't get anything out of it. It's not like I'm expecting monetary compensation - let's be real, it's an NGO - but I thought I would receive a certi cate or something, not just a clap on the back. I also lost a better internship opportunity to a big tech corporation because of this job.
Albert: What was your response? How did this make you feel?
Mia: Not only was I surprised and disappointed, I also felt indignant and cheated. I think organizations and corporations do this so they can claim they are "helping the youth" or "supporting the community" and gain a better public image and ful ll their CSR. Meanwhile, I got nothing out of it. My draft was never used, and I never got my certi cate which they promised.
Mia had the unfortunate role of being both a ducttaper and a box-ticker. She was only an intern in the organization for three weeks, but its e ects are apparent. Not only was the work physically and mentally
exhaustive; the realization that it was all for nothing made her feel slighted and frustrated. One could imagine the e ects of such a job over a longer period of time.
So far, we've seen the scope and the severity of this phenomenon - but no idea of why meaningless jobs are proliferating. A capitalist system is intrinsically rooted in the pursuit of pro t - rms and organizations should always be seeking ways to increase e ciency and decrease costs. Meaningless jobs should be the rst to get the ax - why would corporations hesitate in redistributing wealth to reward and encourage productive workers, increase capital, or ll the bank accounts of the wealthy elite?
As you can see, up until 1979, there existed a "Keynesian bargain" between workers, employers, and the government. There was an understanding that increased pro ts from increased productivity would be partially or wholly redistributed back to the workers. However, after the 1980s, this bargain had disappeared. Instead, the money has gone towards creating hordes of administrative and managerial sta
Take the healthcare industry, for example. Whilst physicians have increased by 150% since 1975, healthcare administrators have grown by a staggering 3200%. Another example can be found in educational
institutions. According to NCES, between 1985 and 2005, the faculty-to-student ratio has remained largely the same, with increases of 50% and 56% respectively. On the other hand, the number of administrative sta tripled with an increase of 240%. Even accounting for new educational technologies and methodologies, did the process of teaching, learning, and assessing really get twice or thrice as complicated to warrant this growth?
Coupled with our observations on the rise of the quaternary FIRE and information sector, it can be concluded that our political-economic system is shifting the focus away from producing, transporting, and maintaining goods and services, but rather the appropriation and distribution of resources and goods within the system. Instead of a simple hierarchy of employer and employee, we see the creation of increasing tiers and ranks in between, managers and administrators of all shapes and sizes with the ostensible purpose of "increasing e ciency".
This shares interesting connections with medieval feudalism, where a lord grants land to a lesser noble in return for knights, food, or gold; and the process is repeated with another vassal. A large amount of the population is tasked with funneling resources up and down this system. Thus, it can be concluded that our modern socio-economic system is based not on capitalism but on some type of managerial feudalism where the allocation of wealth and position is based on political rather than economic reasons.
Moving on to the second question: If such jobs are so meaningless and pernicious, why aren't people speaking up against them? Why do the vast majority of human beings toil day after day for a job they don't care for? And why are productive workers, who often receive poorer compensation, not rebelling?
To nd the answer to this question, we must rst
understand our attitude towards work. It is ingrained in the human psyche from an early age that "work" is the antithesis of "play". Hard work and sacri ce of personal pleasure is the prerequisite for nancial reward, social status, and material grati cation.
If you won a hundred-million dollar lottery, would you still work? A 2004 study examined 185 lottery winners in the United States. According to its ndings, 63% continued working full time in the same job, 10% started their own business, while 11% worked part time instead of full time. In sum, around 85% of the subjects surveyed chose to remain in the workforce.
These people could have led carefree lives of luxury and opulence with the amount of money at their disposal; indeed, if work was only a means towards an end - a way for people to accumulate resources and experience towards personal projects beyond the economic, none of them would have kept working. It's obvious, then, that work has greater signi cance to humans.
Throughout time and space, work is considered the way for people to mature, build character, and de ne their own identities. The Bible says that God created Adam to work, and that work glori es God in turn. In countries across the world, centuries ago, parents sent their children to serve, work, and apprentice in other households, under other masters to learn new skills and build character. Modern economists and anthropologists agree that humans want to work because it forms their inner self and provides them with dignity and purposesomething money can't buy.
In fact, a large reason why work is believed to have these properties is precisely because they are dour, miserable, and painful. According to economist Alfred Marshall in the book Principles of Economics, "We may de ne labor as any exertion of mind or body undergone partly or wholly with a view to some good other than the pleasure derived from the work". We're not supposed to enjoy or revel in our work, that would be "play". We are digni ed and exalted precisely because it is so degrading and hateful.
Moving on, we can see how it is precisely this psychology that led to the quiet dissolution of the "Keynesian Bargain" and the oppression of productive workers.
Unlike the other half of the working population, productive workers in the primary, secondary, and tertiary ("actual" service) sectors have the privilege of being employed in jobs that are valuable, meaningful, and o er intrinsic values and rewards. Thus these people should not be rewarded for further productivity, or paid higher wages. Why should you be compensated
for doing something you love - e ectively, "playing"?
Productive workers are often underappreciated and overlooked, have lower wages than people in the quaternary sector, and are the subject of ruthless corporate capitalism. We reward people with meaningless jobs, and punish those with meaningful jobs - all because of a misplaced sense of moral envy, where feelings of resentment are directed towards a person because their behavior is seen as upholding a higher moral standard. It's plain to see that there's something very, very wrong with our society today.
So, what can we do about this?
A pragmatic response would be the complete elimination or automation of all meaningless jobs, and using Universal Basic Income to redistribute the extra pro ts back to the population, who will be free to pursue any path they desire. They may simply indulge and be of no value, certainly - but that would be no
di erent than working a meaningless job. Instead, as so many studies have indicated, it is likely that they would pursue a meaningful project or personal work of some kind that could result in positive externalities for society.
But more importantly, meaningless work is a warning for us to slow down and reconsider the society we live in. Many of the ideas and feelings touched upon in this short article - and by its inspiration, "Bullshit Jobs" by David Graeber - are not revolutionary discoveries, but rather inherent impressions, suspicions, and notions lurking in our own psyches that just need to be found and expressed in an organized, logical manner.
Work, again, is the most important part of human life. It could be boring, pernicious, and damaging - but it can also be fun, engaging, and signi cant. It's time for us to rethink our attitude towards work and labor, and reset our ambitions and goals for the future.
What do you want to be?
那时我懵懂，日子在片片虚无、纯白的梦境中悠悠而 过。日夜都化作光影，朦胧的交织，虚虚的掩住深棕 色的眼瞳 。混沌的听觉让世界放慢数倍，只是那树 丛在拂动之间的沙沙交错尤其入耳。那时，风在影影 绰绰的暖阳下，拥有着虚幻的、似水一般的形状。
后来，我开始注意到身边的车水马龙，发现一年有四 季的分别。春天的柳絮总旋转在树丛之间，绵绵白白 的，一团团随着风落在我小小的手中。我在柳树细长 的阴影下，缓慢认真的感知周围的存在。
夏天是晶莹的海浪，初夏的蝉鸣。碧绿的叶与朦胧的 影交叠着，光线便丝丝缕缕地阳洒。我站在荫凉处， 捧起一缕光，悠然仔细地听夏日的声响。
秋天给空气带来凉丝丝的香气，每个早晨都是甜丝丝 的。我知道那是桂花的淡雅清香。墨绿的树丛中点缀 着一簇簇淡黄色的花，总是越开越多，沉甸甸的把树 枝压弯，最终染成清丽的黄色。我在树下，把桂花和 那澄澈的露水一同摘下，幸福耐心的闻出秋天的色 彩。
冬天是无瑕的、纯净的白。是我即便无知年幼，也不 忍打破的，几乎完全静态的安宁。偶尔落在睫毛上的 雪花，让冬天的白那样模糊。我在纷纷扬扬的雪花 中，平静安然地望。
直到四季不再有区别，不过是周而复始的奔波。落叶 的凋零突然开始加速。春天的复苏，不过是秋天凋零 的华彩。时间已经遥遥领先于我的意识，我甚至看不 清紧紧跟随而来的下一个秋天，再下一个秋天。我记 不起梦境的颜色，清风的形状。我踏出的每一步，都 在与天与云赛跑。行走在道路上，我不再注意身旁的 车水马龙，仅想着那几千、几万个目的地。而那一千 一万条独一无二的道路，毫无区别、毫无色彩。
直到某天晚上的闲暇之余，我深陷柔软的沙发，不过 安安静静的听了一首慢歌。轻合上双眼，温了一杯热 牛奶，浓郁的乳白色。轻轻吹一口，热腾腾、雾蒙蒙 的蒸汽四散开来，润湿凑近的脸颊，雾气虚虚蒙住深 棕色的眼瞳。
然后我开始怀念。怀念那种悠闲、缓慢的浪漫。
By Jonathan Hui |
Try taking a word from the English dictionary and repeat it a dozen times. Have you done it? Well, if you have, you’ll soon realize that the word starts to sound hazy and strange; it loses its meaning and turns into nothing more than a meaningless amalgamation of syllables. Semantic satiation is the psychological term which describes this phenomenon, and climate change is the two words that we are becoming desensitized to. Everyday, it seems like we are crossing a new record, a new threshold, some point of no return. Despite climate change being one of the most pressing issues of our time, the cacophony of doom from the media has led people to cope with the issue through two ways; We either deny the problem by convincing ourselves that we won’t be as affected as others. Or, we simply spiral down into hopelessness and label climate change as an unfixable and unconquerable problem. Unfortunately, it is true the system we live in does perpetuate environmental harm, and it does make it difficult to curb our environmental impact in our dayto-day lives; companies that label themselves as “green” for the sake
of marketing without any change for the better, and the capitalist strive for economic growth and consumption all inflict soon-to-be irreversible harms for our planet. But instead of going on a long-winded rant about why climate change is important and delving into statistics of doom and gloom we are wellversed in, I feel it is paramount to discuss individual change — Why we, as. individuals, can’t really change anything, why we should try to change anyways, and why our current style of climate change messaging is just not working.
Carbon footprint. Although the term signifies nothing nefarious and seems almost even noble in its cause, the term itself was actually popularized by oil giant BP. It is a fact that BP popularized the term in an ingenious ad campaign to shift environmental blame from large oil companies to the general public. "This is one of the most successful, deceptive PR campaigns ever," said Benjamin Franta, who researches law and history of science as a J.D.-Ph.D. student at Stanford Law School.
The notion of carbon footprint seems reasonable at first. After all, we (as consumers) do cause pollution by eating meat, or driving a gasolinepowered car. But the problem is that it's physically impossible for you to reduce your carbon footprint to even double the global average. Built into your carbon footprint are all sorts of things you have no control over, such as highways and bridges, ramps, military, and other public services. The majority of your carbon footprint consists of fossil fuels burned on your behalf. The best example showcasing just how little we can do came a few years ago, when the worst pandemic in a century hit. Many of us were forced into quarantine, unable to go out, drive to work, or fly on planes. Despite this, carbon dioxide emissions only fell by 6.4%, a far cry from what is needed to bring notable change.
Another piece of evidence is when MIT researchers calculated the carbon footprint of a homeless person without a car, home, or job. The ”homeless person who ate in soup kitchens and slept in homeless
shelters" still indirectly emitted 8.5 tons of carbon dioxide in one year. "Even a homeless person living in a fossil fuel-powered society has an unsustainably high carbon footprint," said Stanford's Benjamin Franta. "As long as fossil fuels are the basis for the energy system, you could never have a sustainable carbon footprint. You simply can't do it." One of the reasons this ad campaign is so brilliant is because it's partly true, oil companies manufacture the oil, and we do consume it. But in order to get anything done, BP and other fossil fuel companies have to admit some real culpability and make genuine moves to reduce their massive carbon footprint. The point is to blame the consumer as much as possible, knowing that the consumer cannot control the situation and ensuring that nothing changes.
What’s even more outrageous is that BP regularly lobbies against regulations that would force them to make fuel cleaner. They claim they want a carbon tax, yet they spend millions making
sure the carbon tax gets shot down. They've conspired with other fossil fuel companies to slow down electric cars and more fuel-e cient modes of transportation. It leads us to the inescapable conclusion that we, as consumers, are not free to choose between fossil fuels and a cleaner alternative because fossil fuel companies have rigged the system.
We have become too xated on our own actions that we've forgotten who the big players are: the people who are producing the oil and actively creating propaganda to guilt trip people and create more public confusion. We can’t just keep believing that personal action alone is able to do anything. So aside from reducing our own emissions and waste, something more in uential that everyone could do is vote for leaders who have plans to slash fossil fuel emissions, invest in the development of electric vehicles, or mandate buildings to use less energy would make enormous contributions. Beyond that, the public must also pressure
governments and politicians to take action on the big fossil fuel companies -- whether that means going to rallies or calling for action online.
What do I do now?
This may sound contradictory, but, despite what I’ve just told you, I still believe that we should strive to take individual action. Chances are, you’ve probably heard of the carbon footprint campaign before. But we must be careful not to use the powerlessness of individual action as an excuse to abstain from doing the right things for the environment. The problem is, when we use “individual change is useless” as an excuse and adopt this mindset, we risk an overcorrection for the carbon footprint problem. Yes, it is true that individual change is (for the most part) insigni cant, but pitting personal action against collective action in a zero-sum game is unhelpful. Because the fact is, the climate movement needs both political lobbying and individual action for real change to take place.
It’s di cult to nd a balance between political and individual action. While one’s time would be better spent advocating for renewable energy rather than, say, planting a tree, it is also indispensable for us to at least make an attempt to align our actions with our role as public citizens. When you make the choice to take public transport or avoid eating meat, you are making a statement that your actions matter, and that it’s not too late to avoid climate catastrophe. Climate activist Naomi Klein has said “The very idea that we, as atomized
warming and were reported to be less likely to take action on their carbon footprint.
One conclusion for why this is the case is that, with any stimulus, individuals are likely to become desensitized to them through long term exposure; The public has a limited pool of worry, especially when confronted with more instability, uncertainty, and threats in our world today. This means that when people hear a lot about the problem but are led to believe that they are inconsequential and unable to change things, they will try to cope psychologically through selfdenial or detachment from the issue, leading to a surge in hopelessness. Additionally, Feinberg and Willer from UC state that “because dire messaging regarding global warming is at odds with the strongly established cognition that the world is fair and stable, people may dismiss
the factual content of messages that emphasize global warming’s dire consequences. But if the same messages are delivered coupled with a potential solution, it allows the information to be communicated without creating substantial threat to these individuals’ deeply held beliefs.”
Knowing this, it seems like we should be shifting away from communicating about the problem and more about the solutions and hopeful messages. However, this doesn’t mean that we should replace doomerism with baseless optimism. Because, the truth is that climate change is still placing our entire world in an increasingly dire situation that gets worse day-byday, and the worst part is, we won’t even be the ones who are most a ected by this change. In fact, the richest 1% of the world’s population are responsible for more emissions
than the poorest 50%. Yet, the poor will still be most a ected by the detrimental impacts of climate change; Farmlands turning into deserts, sea level rises threatening homes. These things can really happen anywhere, but the poorer countries are just not equipped with the resources to adequately deal with these crises. So for me, knowing this just lls me with a feeling of indignation for these people, and I can’t help but question why any of us think that we are above our responsibility to change our lives for the better. Not only for ourselves, but for the betterment of our world.
I hope that this article has planted a sprout with new insights in your head. The point is not to convince you to believe everything I’ve written, but just to provide one more viewpoint that you’ve hopefully found helpful.
By Nicole Wu | Photography by Caitlyn Tang | Layout by Cici Cai
Gender bias is an issue in sports that must be addressed and rooted out. Those who follow tennis may recall Serena Williams, the recently retired GOAT (greatest of all time) of women’s tennis and the sports world. Williams was described as having a meltdown when the umpire issued hevr three penalties for showing indignation on the court at the 2018 US Open Finals in which she lost to Naomi Osaka. “When a woman is emotional, she’s ‘hysterical’ and she’s penalized for it. When a man does the same, he’s ‘outspoken’ and there are no repercussions,” is what tennis legend and social activist, Billie Jean King shared on Twitter. In fact, referring to women as ‘hysterical’ is rather groundless.
The word ‘hysteria’ used to be a formal diagnosis only for women with an ‘emotionally charged behavior that seemezvd excessive and out of control’. This suggests that when a woman is showing emotion that is out ovf the ordinary, she’s sick and off balance. There is something wrong with women having emotions when being angry is a perfectly normal human behavior and a natural response when one feels unfairly treated or humiliated. However, many people would think the opposite when a male athlete rages. His rage just reflects his masculinity and his determination. He is given all the freedom to show aggression and to “let it all out”. Denying female atvhletes to feel anger not only dismisses their right to have their legitimate concerns addressed but dehumanizes them. We have to slow down and ask ourselves why gender bias continues.
Studies have shown that in sports, women continue to be objectified. The sports in which women can fit the traditional feminist roles are more popular. In gymnastics and figure skating, female athletes wear revealing outfits and put on glitter and make up. They are not marked just for their skills but also for their smiles or facial expressions. Commentators will sometimes make remarks on how pretty they look. Meanwhile, women who pursue more physical sports such as Judo are considered “manish”. The objectification in sports deprives women of the right to play to their best abilities without having to deal with negative criticisms that have to do with how they look or not conforming to what society expects from them. In fact, not just Serena Williams, but Sorana Cirstea, Romanian tennis player, just recently revealed that her old sponsor, Adidas actually told her that it was better for her to just look pretty and be in the top 20 than to be world number one. We should remind ourselves when watching female athletes in make-up with perfectly toned bodies showcasing the latest sports trend that we are admiring them because of their dedication and athletic abilities more than anything else, as these women deserve the respect that any sportsman has earned through hard work.
decision by the umpire. A subdued Diana Taurasi would agree with the referee on every call. Megan Rapinoe would stop all aggression on the soccer field for fear of being labeled an ‘emotional lesbian’.
In recent years, female athletes have earned worldwide recognition for their abilities and excellence. Female participation in sports not only as players have increased. For example, in the NBA, we are seeing more female referees than we have ever in the past. Like their male colleagues, female referees, too, suffer verbal abuse for making bad calls. These bad calls are always related to the fact that they are women and are “too emotional” and ironically biased. The bias exists because they are female who are doing what the male is also doing.
If we slow down to reflect, the idea that women are way more sensitive than men quickly falls apart. Think about how many male athletes shed tears when they win a medal in the Olympics. When have they ever been expected to hide their discontent and misery in a loss? Feeling angry is also considered abnormal for women. Why do different standards apply to men and women? Imagine calling Steph Curry or legendary Michael Jordan hysterical every time he got a technical or shouted.
What would happen if female athletes dolled up and stopped competing with passion and emotion? We would have a stoic Serena Wiliams simply accepting every
二零二二年九月八日英國時間下午 三點十分，大英國協王國軍主暨英 聯邦元首女王伊莉莎白二世，在巴 爾莫勒爾城堡去世，享年96歲。女 王的去世代表著一個由女王伊莉莎 白二世的舊時代墜落，同時代表著 一個由國王查爾斯三世統治的新時 代漸漸崛起。女王的逝世，在全世 界的市民眼中，被概括為「倫敦橋 倒了」。(London Bridge is down) 而正正從這個時刻開始，英國就放 慢了腳步。
回顧起女王的死因，雖然最終的調 查結果是因老化而去世，但是其實 許多醫生也認為在此之前，她已狀 況不佳。二零二二年二月的時候， 女王確診了新冠病毒（COVID-19 ）。儘管只是輕微的感冒症狀，她 在四月與皇家倫敦醫院一名需要使 用呼吸器的確診者視像談話時，曾 經提及自己在確診期間感到筋疲力 竭，可知在當時，人們已預知這個 「倫敦橋」遲早會倒塌的。 女王逝世之後最大的損失 就是英國的經濟損失。在女王去世 前，英鎊暴跌、通脹暴漲、赤字失 控和央行緊縮早就帶出英國正在面
By Celine Shi | Illustration by Isabelle Gu |
Layout by Cici Cai
臨一場東南亞式金融危機。而就在 九月二十六日，英國新政府應來了 近五十年來最強減稅，英鎊暴跌約 八百點。在沒有英國女王的統治之 下，英國能否控制著成為了許多市 民的關注點。
要知道，英國新的首相伊 莉莎白·特拉斯（Liz Truss）於九 月六日剛剛上任。新首相對政府的 措施不一定熟悉，因此所有的壓力 都到了她的身上。人們常說，遇到 困難的時候不要慌，需要冷靜，因 此英國也變成了放慢腳步的狀況。
女王肯定是英國成為這樣的基本原 因，但是這樣的經濟狀況發現的原 因還有很多，例如烏克蘭與俄羅斯 的戰爭等等。新首相能否解決這個 嚴重的問題，就取決於她能否同時 間保證有一定工作人員幫忙操作。
為何關乎於工作人員呢？沒有工 作人員，靠首相一個人是不可以 操作的。女王逝世後，皇家宣布了 家哀悼期，它將持續到葬禮後的七 天。雖然只是十七天，但是面對許 多工人或商店暫停營業或工作，掐 指一算，英國在這期間經濟會受到
多大的影響啊。根據英國廣播公司 （BBC）報道，在英女王國葬日的 時候，英國境內一千三百個麥當勞 分店因想要大眾把時間專注給女王 的尊重敬意而關閉一日，另外特力 屋、ikea和奧迪等店也宣布當天暫 停營業，可知當天的收益會大大減 少，後果不堪設想。
再者，目前英國有很多愛國的市民 仍然接受不了女王的死亡，有些嚴 重的甚至辭去了工作。加上英女王 去世前幾個月前的失業者加起來， 英國所有的公司都在經濟狀況下努 力地解決問題。全國正處於悲哀的 時期，既然公司沒有權利強迫員工 在這段時間加班熬夜，他們就只能 選擇放慢腳步，慢慢應對此刻的問 題。
英國女王是歷史上在位最長的君 主，因此影響力巨大。她的逝世， 為全世界的人們帶來了悲哀，在英 國面臨嚴重經濟困難的時候雪上加 霜。回憶起她曾留下的足跡，再看 看現在的災難，英國不得不放慢腳 步⋯⋯
我们每个人都是一棵小草， 使肥者是他人，亦是自己。
喜怒哀乐是变幻莫测的天气， 油盐酱醋是大地，也是空气。 家人朋友是和煦阳光， 生活琐事可成雷电风雨。
小伤小痛无伤大雅， 长期压抑却逐渐萎靡； 生老病死是自然规律， 掌握节奏方能游刃有余。
其实，想的再多， 小草的生长都在于自己。 让自己呼吸一下吧， 给自己放个假——
要的不止是“活着”，而是生活。
By Emily Ma | Layout by Cici Cai
朱光潜先生曾言：“现代人的毛病是勤有余劳， 心无偶闲。 ”对此我深表赞同。
无时无刻不拥挤的道路、此起彼伏的刺耳鸣笛、 马路上行色匆匆的人群、店铺的吆喝叫卖、震天 响的摇滚乐、倍速播放的视频无不凸显着当代 生活的“快节奏”。在中国式家长耳提面命的嘱咐 与热切期愿下，“焦虑”在年轻一辈的社会开始盛 行。买房还贷，养儿孝老，这是每个中国年轻人 逃不掉的“人生必修课程”。随之而来的，是在网 络掀起阵阵热潮的热门话题“内卷” “躺平”。 在 我看来，所谓的“躺平化”可以说是这些被称作社 会蛀虫的年青人对于社会发展畸形而导致的病态 风气的无力反抗，其中也更是体现了中国社会文 化愈来愈烈的“消耗感”与“疲惫感”。然而，究其 根源，“躺平”不过是对自我无法满足的欲望的掩 盖。人们对生活的初心被无限的物欲追求吞噬， 直至日益枯萎。
古人有云：“书似青山常乱叠，灯如红豆最相思” ，与其追逐永无止境的欲望，何不放慢脚步，享 受慢生活的风韵？尤记得我曾经读过林清玄先生 的散文集《人间有味是清欢》。当初只觉其清淡 儒雅的文笔风格为人惊叹，但如今细细回想，其
间有味是清欢》。当初只觉其清 淡儒雅的文笔风格为人惊叹，但 如今细细回想，其中那份生活哲 学更令人深思。清欢，此题出自 苏轼的浣溪沙：它意为清淡的欢 愉，欲望的解绑，它是对于平静 疏淡生活的愉悦之情，对于生命 最纯粹的欢喜。它如同茫茫雪夜 里的一盏粗茶、古刹里的声声钟 鸣、槐夏的一坛梅子酒般，用至 纯的简朴洗涤着人世间满地的污 浊。
中那份生活哲学更令人深思。清欢，此题出自苏 轼的浣溪沙：它意为清淡的欢愉，欲望的解绑， 它是对于平静疏淡生活的愉悦之情，对于生命最 纯粹的欢喜。它如同茫茫雪夜里的一盏粗茶、古 刹里的声声钟鸣、槐夏的一坛梅子酒般，用至纯 的简朴洗涤着人世间满地的污浊。本书不同于文 人墨客大多伤感悲秋的感慨，其中描写的最贴近 现实的朴素，有时往往能引起人们最大的共鸣。 林清玄先生写道，“真实的人生却没有人能拿一 百分，工作不会一百分，爱情不会一百分，婚姻 不会一百分，人际关系不会一百分，健康状况不 会一百分…… 没有完美的人生，才是人生的真 情实景; 人生永远不变的，就是每天都在改变。” 这个世界最美好的事物，都是语言文字难以形容 与表现的。与其每日生活在苦闷中，自缚手脚， 懊恼于昨日的失误，倒不如淡然、洒脱些。在一 篇篇散文中，他向读者诠释了光的形状、时间的 流逝，下至路边的夕阳、摊贩上的红心番薯...... 果真，只要慢下来，用心看，世界就是最取之不 尽的欢乐！
本书不同于文人墨客大多伤感悲秋的感慨，其中 描写的最贴近现实的朴素，有时往往能引起人 们最大的共鸣。林清玄先生写道，“真实的人生 却没有人能拿一百分，工作不会一百分，爱情不 会一百分，婚姻不会一百分，人际关系不会一 百分，健康状况不会一百分…… 没有完美的人 生，才是人生的真情实景; 人生永远不变的，就 是每天都在改变。” 这个世界最美好的事物，都 是语言文字难以形容与表现的。与其每日生活在 苦闷中，自缚手脚，懊恼于昨日的失误，倒不如 淡然、洒脱些。在一篇篇散文中，他向读者诠释 了光的形状、时间的流逝，下至路边的夕阳、 摊贩上的红心番薯......果真，只要慢下来，用心 看，世界就是最取之不尽的欢乐！
人们常言，不忘初心，方得始终。然而，经受现 实的打击下，那些曾在初出社会也雄心壮志的年 轻人早被折磨地千疮百孔，已然将曾经稚嫩的想
法抛之脑后，更别提坚守初心了。从近年在短视 频平台大火的视频博主李子柒中不难看出，“清 欢”已经成为人们奢侈的向往。在她充满诗意美 的视频里，观众得以一瞥乡村的原生态之美：一 袭粗布麻衣的女孩手脚麻利地收割作物、制作竹 器、炒茶酿酒，将生活简单的点滴融进视频里。 其干净质朴的布景，清雅的田园生活激发着人们
情感的共鸣，展现了“采菊东篱下，悠然见南山” 的理想之境，令人心向往之。因此说，放慢脚步 有时也是一种原始的积累。所谓“慢”，是让我们
浮躁的心灵得以沉静、得以审视吾身，更好的面 对和解决生活中的困窘。而作为芸芸之下的渺小 众生，我唯愿得闲之时，停伫生活，或与三两好 友闲坐，酌几杯佳酿，几盏烛火之下话话家常， 治愈你我。
疲倦的人啊，慢些走。生命的真谛并不在于到达 终点，而是路途上的人间烟火、生命的每一个瞬 间。何不慢下脚步，觅一份独属于自己的“清欢” ？
By James Guo | Layout By Katy Su
For Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo, things were never meant to be this way. When it was announced that football’s all time record goalscorer and five-time Ballon D’Or winner would return to his former club while rumored to have declined the attempts of rivals Manchester City to sign him, the general consensus of the football community was that Cristiano Ronaldo had helped Manchester United cement their place as title contenders having finished second in the 2020/21 premier league season prior to his arrival.
However, since Ronaldo joined the club, the magnitude of Manchester United’s decline has been startling. Ronaldo himself produced eye-catching moments, including stunning hat tricks against Norwich and Tottenham and respectable goalscoring numbers for the 2021/22 season - scoring 24 goals in all competitions - whilst playing for a struggling United side as they lumbered to a sixth-place finish. Yet simultaneously, Ronaldo also drew heavy criticism from pundits and fans alike as they debated whether or not his ego and reluctance to work hard defensively were creating more problems than his goals could solve.
From the perspective of those in charge of the club, Ronaldo’s presence was correlated with underperformance. Highly popular manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a former teammate of Ronaldo’s, was fired merely 13 matches after Ronaldo’s arrival due to floundering results. Short-term interim replacement Ralf Ragnick, credited with developing the heavily used tactic of “gegenpressing”, took over the reins in November. By January, he made a private request to the Manchester United board to sell Ronaldo in order for the team to progress. The request was denied.
e Ronaldo dilemma now rests with new coach Erik Ten Hag. e Dutch coach originally rallied to keep Ronaldo at the club, but a er their 4-0 humbling at the hands of Brentford in just his second match in charge, Ten Hag told the United executives that he would not stand in the way of Ronaldo leaving. Ronaldo has not started in any of the next 5 premier league matches for Manchester United.
As for Ronaldo, he made it abundantly clear to the club back in July that he wished to move on from Manchester United due to their failure to qualify for the Champions League in the upcoming season. In an interview to the magazine “France Football” in 2019, Ronaldo revealed further evidence of his drive to compete only at the highest level. He stated that, if things were up to him, he would only play the big games. “ ose of the national team and Champions League,” Ronaldo said. “It’s those types of games that motivate me, with everything at stake.” It is di cult to envisage the idea of Ronaldo being content with sitting on the bench in Premier League games and only getting to start in xtures against Moldovan club Sheri Tiraspol and Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League.
Yet, with all the drama surrounding Ronaldo’s desire to seek new pastures over the summer, the highest-paid player in the history of the Premier League has not received any o ers from Champions League clubs. e only formal approach that Ronaldo received in the summer window was from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, a club that does not meet Ronaldo’s principle of playing at the highest level. However, as Ronaldo has only scored a single goal in eight premier league games, it is uncertain whether or not Ronaldo will accept a similar o er to that of Al Hilal, should it arrive in the winter transfer window.
Has time nally caught up with the seemingly evergreen striker? As Ronaldo nears his 38th birthday, his time playing at the highest level may soon be over. Given that strikers usually peak when they are around 25-27, it is outstanding how Ronaldo has managed to continue breaking records at his ripe age of 37. Even when a vast majority of Ronaldo’s younger former teammates have chosen to hang up their boots, he has continued to push his body to the limit every week in order to continue pursuing his footballing dream.
Cristiano Ronaldo is truly a one-of-a-kind football player, one that married his mercurial talent with his unprecedented work ethic. He holds the record for the most Ballon d’ors for a European player (5), most goals and assists in the Champions League (140 and 42), the most goals in the UEFA European Championship (14), the most goals in the FIFA Club World Cup (7), the most goals in a single Champions League season (17), the most international goals (117) and the most appearances for a European national team (191). His record of 817 senior goals is also the highest managed by anyone in history.
For much of Ronaldo’s career, he was compared to the only other player that could rival his greatness - Lionel Messi. Rather than acknowledging the fact that they are both supreme players and should be recognized for their own achievements, both were heavily scrutinized when one struggled to match the other’s output. As Ronaldo’s career is clearly heading towards its twilight, instead of criticizing his decline in the quality of his performances, we should slow down and take a step back to appreciate how remarkable it is for Ronaldo to still be stepping onto the pitch at his age and treasure his nal years as a football player.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to evolve a childhood game into a global sporting phenomenon? Snowboarding is one of the biggest winter sports in the world, and its popularity has been skyrocketing recently. Today, snowboarding is a sport enjoyed by millions globally and has become a mainstay in the Olympics since 1998. To explore the humble origins of this sport, we must learn from the inspiring journey of Jake Burton Carpenter, the father of snowboarding, the inventor of the modern-day snowboard, and arguably its greatest ever ambassador. As an avid skier and “snurfing” athlete since a young age, Jake took these concepts further to create his own interpretation of “surfing on snow”, thus creating a new sport, revolutionizing a whole industry, and redefining his own life journey. Jake founded Burton Snowboards in 1977 out of a Vermont barn based on a vision of the future. Burton would later evolve into an iconic snowboarding brand that produces world-leading apparel, merchandise, and equipment that is widely recognized as some of the, if not the, best. Jake’s journey had its incredible highs and soul-searching lows, just like the snowy slopes in Vermont where Jake prototyped his first snowboards before sharing his passion with the rest of the world. As in snowboarding and life, sometimes it is necessary to slow down on the way up before accelerating with exhilarating speed on a spectacular ride. While Jake is no longer with us, his baton of inspiration and joy has been passed on to millions of individuals globally who love the sport and enjoy it in their own ways. There are many lessons we can draw from his life, which is so deeply intertwined with the art of snowboarding.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to evolve a childhood game into a global sporting phenomenon? Snowboarding is one of the biggest winter sports in the world, and its popularity has been skyrocketing recently. Today, snowboarding is a sport enjoyed by millions globally and has become a mainstay in the Olympics since 1998. To explore the humble origins of this sport, we must learn from the inspiring journey of Jake Burton Carpenter, the father of snowboarding, the inventor of the modern-day snowboard, and arguably its greatest ever ambassador. As an avid skier and “snurfing” athlete since a young age, Jake took these concepts further to create his own interpretation of “surfing on snow”, thus creating a new sport, revolutionizing a whole industry, and redefining his own life journey. Jake founded Burton Snowboards in 1977 out of a Vermont barn based on a vision of the future. Burton would later evolve into an iconic snowboarding brand that produces world-leading apparel, merchandise, and equipment that is widely recognized as some of the, if not the, best. Jake’s journey had its incredible highs and soul-searching lows, just like the snowy slopes in Vermont where Jake prototyped his first snowboards before sharing his passion with the rest of the world. As in snowboarding and life, sometimes it is necessary to slow down on the way up before accelerating with exhilarating speed on a spectacular ride. While Jake is no longer with us, his baton of inspiration and joy has been passed on to millions of individuals globally who love the sport and enjoy it in their own ways. There are many lessons we can draw from his life, which is so deeply intertwined with the art of snowboarding.
chandise, and equipment that is widely recognized as some of the, if not the, best. Jake’s journey had its incredible highs and soul-searching lows, just like the snowy slopes in Vermont where Jake prototyped his first snowboards before sharing his passion with the rest of the world. As in snowboarding and life, sometimes it is necessary to slow down on the way up before accelerating with exhilarating speed on a spectacular ride. While Jake is no longer with us, his baton of inspiration and joy has been passed on to millions of individuals globally who love the sport and enjoy it in their own ways. There are many lessons we can draw from his life, which is so deeply intertwined with the art of snowboarding.
Aside from his obvious accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur, charismatic individual, and elite athlete, Jake Burton is a positive role model, who exemplified resilience and sporting spirit. He had a true athlete’s mentality which pushed him through adversity to come out stronger. Jake was born on April 29, 1954, in New York, as the youngest of four siblings. Jake experienced early life trauma which may have triggered a determination to succeed, almost as a coping mechanism to overcome the pain. When he was just thirteen, his older brother died serving in Marine Corps in Vietnam. Four years later, his mother passed away. It was around this time that Jake decided to work extremely hard to become an overachiever in academia and sports.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to evolve a childhood game into a global sporting phenomenon? Snowboarding is one of the biggest winter sports in the world, and its popularity has been skyrocketing recently. Today, snowboarding is a sport enjoyed by millions globally and has become a mainstay in the Olympics since 1998. To explore the humble origins of this sport, we must learn from the inspiring journey of Jake Burton Carpenter, the father of snowboarding, the inventor of the modern-day snowboard, and arguably its greatest ever ambassador. As an avid skier and “snurfing” athlete since a young age, Jake took these concepts further to create his own interpretation of “surfing on snow”, thus creating a new sport, revolutionizing a whole industry, and redefining his own life journey. Jake founded Burton Snowboards in 1977 out of a Vermont barn based on a vision of the future. Burton would later evolve into an iconic snowboarding brand that produces world-leading apparel, mer-
Aside from his obvious accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur, charismatic individual, and elite athlete, Jake Burton is a positive role model, who exemplified resilience and sporting spirit. He had a true athlete’s mentality which pushed him through adversity to come out stronger. Jake was born on April 29, 1954, in New York, as the youngest of four siblings. Jake experienced early life trauma which may have triggered a determination to succeed, almost as a coping mechanism to overcome the pain. When he was just thirteen, his older brother died serving in Marine Corps in Vietnam. Four years later, his mother passed away. It was around this time that Jake decided to work extremely hard to become an overachiever in academia and sports.
Aside from his obvious accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur, charismatic individual, and elite athlete, Jake Burton is a positive role model, who exemplified resilience and sporting spirit. He had a true athlete’s mentality which pushed him
Photo Credit: Vermont Buisness Magazine
Photo Credit: Vermont Buisness Magazine
through adversity to come out stronger. Jake was born on April 29, 1954, in New York, as the youngest of four siblings. Jake experienced early life trauma which may have triggered a determination to succeed, almost as a coping mechanism to overcome the pain. When he was just thirteen, his older brother died serving in Marine Corps in Vietnam. Four years later, his mother passed away. It was around this time that Jake decided to work extremely hard to become an overachiever in academia and sports. He ended up graduating from Marvelwood School as the valedictorian of his class (1972). More setbacks were faced when he tried out for the University of Colorado Boulder Ski team and got rejected. He later left the University of Colorado due to being lonely and sad and tried to pursue a career in horse training. That career ended on its first day, as he quit on the spot after witnessing horrific cruelty towards horses as they were prepared for racing. Jake was a values-driven individual who refused to compromise on his beliefs. There would be more twists and turns on this slow start toward becoming a legend of snowboarding, a sport that did not yet exist at the time. Later in life, Jake suffered serious injuries on the slopes and fought valiantly against the early stages of cancer. Despite all that life threw at him, he maintained an athlete’s mentality of never giving up on all of his pursuits. Ultimately, he was able to find success on his own terms and create a lasting legacy that outlived his spectacular life.
Harboring an innovative mindset that allowed him to “think outside the box”, Jake dreamed of an alternate reality and created it through trial and error. After graduating from NYU university, he worked at a small investment banking firm, working for 12-14 hours a day in a job he simply did not enjoy. He always had a vision that surfing on snow could become a sport, and decided then that he would pursue it with everything he had. He left a stable and well-paying job in finance to pursue a dream that held no promises. Having enjoyed the snurf board from the age of 14, Jake took inspiration from the snurf board and turned it into an actual sport. In 1977, he founded Burton Snowboards in a barn in Vermont. However, it was a slow process to invent the modern-day snowboard - it took Jake three to four years. While relentlessly prototyping new designs in the barn, Jake worked as a bartender by night to make ends meet. He experimented with different prototypes ranging from a furniture-mak-
ing angle (steam-bent solid ash) to boat construction (fiberglass chop) to surfboard construction-inspired designs. Eventually, the modern-day snowboard as we know it - with straps for the snowboarder’s feet on the board - was born. In many ways, Jake’s innovation was built on top of the inventor of the “snurfer”, Sherman Poppen, an engineer who invented a toy for his daughters a couple of decades earlier by fastening two skis together and attaching a rope to one end for control. While snurfing had a niche following, snowboarding became a worldwide phenomenon. Human innovation is often iterative and built upon prior progress as our species evolves to move forward as a collective. Jake’s innovations were pivotal in forming a new sporting movement. Even after successfully creating modern-day snowboards, product development was still one of Jake’s biggest passions. Taking a piece of gear and asking: How can we make it better? He couldn’t keep his hands off, and no detail was too small. Jake continued to push innovation in the snowboarding industry. He and his company invented new board technologies such as “step on” to alleviate the difficulties of adjusting straps manually on the snowboard.
Unfortunately, Jake passed away in 2019 after valiantly battling many bouts of cancer. Jake’s journey allows us to reflect on the art of “riding” through life. As a boarder — whether is snowboarding, surfing, or skating, you ride through the elements and would need to adjust your positioning based on the external environment to keep your balance. There will be flat ground, smooth slopes, big waves, pesky rocks, and sometimes even snow covering your goggles. As Jake went through life, he had to adapt and adjust, as one would on the slopes. Sometimes, the only thing guiding you is the belief in your heart and the determination to pursue a dream. In life, we all have to keep our balance while navigating the terrain with all its twists and turns, things that are often out of our control. Sometimes, we need to accelerate and try our hardest to achieve a breakthrough, and at other moments we need to slow down and trust the process while maintaining our balance. Jake taught us that it is acceptable to fall but unacceptable to stay down. There will be many ups and downs, but all of them count. Thank you for these valuable lessons, and ride on, Jake!
According to the Better Health Channel, the biggest physical benefit of sports is that it increases one's cardiovascular fitness, helps one's bones grow healthily and improves coordination and balance (Health). Aside from this, sports also motivate us to get up and move in a fast-evolving world where sitting for long periods is becoming more and more common. Therefore, today I would like to share with you what I, along with Sports Brief, deem to be the world's strangest sports in order to try to draw the attention of those who are not already involved and enjoying the benefits of more ‘everyday’ sports.
First on the list is shin-kicking. Though not obvious from its name, it is a sport that involves kicking your opponent's shins until they can’t take it anymore and drop to the ground. This game originated in England — specifically the south, where it remains a popular sport even today — around the 1600s. The game also involves an extra twist: the referee and the two opponents must all wear lab coats (for an unknown reason) whilst trying to bring each other down (Kogi).
Next on the list of strangest sports comes Chess Boxing, which, though you may have heard of before, still remains an alien concept at least to me. Chess Boxing started in Gloucester (not the road in Hong Kong but rather the county in England) in the 15th century. This sport involves two players alternating between a round of speed chess and a round of boxing, each hoping to hit their opponent hard enough while boxing so that their thinking will be impaired for chess and/or confuse them with
a chess move so much that they aren't paying their full attention in the following boxing rounds. But how does the game end, you may ask? Well, depending on whether a knockout or checkmate is achieved first, the winner is decided (Kogi).
In the third spot is a sport called Cheese Rolling — a sport where people literally try to chase cheese. Having yet again originated from a place near Gloucester, we can now say beyond a reasonable doubt that the people of Gloucester seem to be gifted at inventing objectively strange sports. Cheese Rolling involves participants running down a hill in order to try to catch up with a Double Gloucester (local type of cheese) round cheese that can weigh up to 9 pounds (4kg). This means that the cheese can accelerate up to 70 miles per hour; and to make it even harder, the wheel of cheese gets a one-second head start (Kogi).
Next up is a sport called Toe Wrestling where the opponents do just that — wrestle with each other's toes. Having originated in Staffordshire, Toe Wrestling was first played in 1974 and has remained popular in that area since then. Regarding the specifics of the game, the opponents need to lock each other's toes and then attempt to pin the other person's foot down — much like in normal wrestling though that isn’t just feet (Kogi). Given the complex nature of the game, would you believe it if I told you that this game was actually invented by four friends in a pub?
沒人教過你如何喘息。 自記事起，身後是長輩「跑快一些，要爭第一」的教誨，再大一些，來自同齡人 和互聯網的壓力讓你無法停步，即使前方一片迷霧、諸多未卜。你親身經歷現實 的殘酷，知道只有大步向前才能爭得三分尊嚴，於是隨著大流前進，逐漸忘記努 力的初衷，邁過終點線的那一刻嚐不到成功的喜悅，滿心只是沒有落在人後的慶 幸。活在這座水泥造就的森林，城市桎梏了你的心高氣傲，你和其他樹木進行長 久又毫無意義的角逐，遏止最後一點野蠻生長的自由心性。你追逐月亮，貪薄弱 的光，筋疲力盡之際發覺遙望的月才最柔和。 打小我便是融不進大海的那一滴水。我沒有音樂體育樣樣精通，沒有上午三 節數學補習、晚上語文拓展，朝九晚五的時間表讓白領也自愧不如。我會凝視身 邊人無法遮掩的黑眼圈，滿腹疑問：人生是否充滿目的性？是否只是為了一個又
一個的里程碑而奮力奔跑，而缺乏自驅力？ 沒人教過你如何放鬆。
For the last sport on this list, I wish to discuss Quidditch. For the first time (as a Harry Potter fan), I wish to stress that this sport is 100% a case of ‘good-strange’. Born from JK Rowling's writing, it was first actually played in real life at a college in Vermont in 2005. In case you aren't already an aficionado, the sport involves players imitating broom-flying by gripping broomsticks between their legs while attempting to throw balls through circular hoops at each end of a field (Kogi).
I hope this has been an enjoyable read, that you have learnt a lot while having a laugh and that you are now inspired to take up a sport if you haven’t already!
近年冥想和呼吸訓練的舒緩壓力方式盛行。然而在車水馬龍之間，停步便等於退 步，你不甘人後，即使在冥想之際仍心心念念著待辦清單上仍未打勾的事項。你
自記事起，身後是長輩「跑快一些，要爭第一」的教誨，再大一些，來自同齡人和互聯網的 壓力讓你無法停步，即使前方一片迷霧、諸多未卜。你親身經歷現實的殘酷，知道只有大步向前才 能爭得三分尊嚴，於是隨著大流前進，逐漸忘記努力的初衷，邁過終點線的那一刻嚐不到成功的喜 悅，滿心只是沒有落在人後的慶幸。活在這座水泥造就的森林，城市桎梏了你的心高氣傲，你和其 他樹木進行長久又毫無意義的角逐，遏止最後一點野蠻生長的自由心性。你追逐月亮，貪薄弱的 光，筋疲力盡之際發覺遙望的月才最柔和。
沒人教過你如何喘息。 自記事起，身後是長輩「跑快一些，要爭第一」的教誨，再大一些，來自同齡人 和互聯網的壓力讓你無法停步，即使前方一片迷霧、諸多未卜。你親身經歷現實 的殘酷，知道只有大步向前才能爭得三分尊嚴，於是隨著大流前進，逐漸忘記努 力的初衷，邁過終點線的那一刻嚐不到成功的喜悅，滿心只是沒有落在人後的慶 幸。活在這座水泥造就的森林，城市桎梏了你的心高氣傲，你和其他樹木進行長 久又毫無意義的角逐，遏止最後一點野蠻生長的自由心性。你追逐月亮，貪薄弱 的光，筋疲力盡之際發覺遙望的月才最柔和。
打小我便是融不進大海的那一滴水。我沒有音樂體育樣樣精通，沒有上午三節數學補習、晚 上語文拓展，朝九晚五的時間表讓白領也自愧不如。我會凝視身邊人無法遮掩的黑眼圈，滿腹疑 問：人生是否充滿目的性？是否只是為了一個又一個的里程碑而奮力奔跑，而缺乏自驅力？ 沒人教過你如何放鬆。
近年冥想和呼吸訓練的舒緩壓力方式盛行。然而在車水馬龍之間，停步便等於退步，你不甘
人後，即使在冥想之際仍心心念念著待辦清單上仍未打勾的事項。你選擇性地聽取心靈雞湯，每個
打小我便是融不進大海的那一滴水。我沒有音樂體育樣樣精通，沒有上午三 節數學補習、晚上語文拓展，朝九晚五的時間表讓白領也自愧不如。我會凝視身 邊人無法遮掩的黑眼圈，滿腹疑問：人生是否充滿目的性？是否只是為了一個又
人都是獨立的個體，無從比較各自的人生，然而職場、學校，樣樣都充滿了惡性競爭，這社會教你 拿命去搏渺小而又轉瞬即逝的虛銜，為短暫的休養冠上「躺平」這一惡名。你只得拖著殘軀一瘸一 拐隨著大流向遠在視線外的終點線，看周圍人眼色，靈魂空虛脆弱。
一個的里程碑而奮力奔跑，而缺乏自驅力？ 沒人教過你如何放鬆。
疫情爆發前選擇了國內一個三線城市作為旅遊地點。既沒有過多的名勝，便也沒有催命般的 紅綠燈，沒有推讓你衝前的人潮，沒有四周令人焦慮的目光。按自己最為舒適踱步，如此便處處皆 是風景。是否慢節奏會剝奪人們的幸福感知程度，所以人人疲於奔命？答案你我瞭然於心。
你還年輕，你前途坦蕩。你可以觀遍人間妍蚩好惡，再回到原地，感悟清澈。
近年冥想和呼吸訓練的舒緩壓力方式盛行。然而在車水馬龍之間，停步便等於退 步，你不甘人後，即使在冥想之際仍心心念念著待辦清單上仍未打勾的事項。你
It is 8:00 am. A resident opens their curtains and is greeted by the sound of helicopters, rockets filling the sky, a Kalashnikov going off. They look around, panicked, searching for a shred of normalcy, when a man yells an explanation through the hubbub: the Russians are here!
This is not a work of fiction. This was the reality of the 24th of February, 2022, in Kiev, Ukraine.
The Russian offensive shocked the world by launching the largest land war Europe has ever seen since the last dictator decided to flex his might and “reclaim” territory for glory. While the illegal invasion of Ukraine was unprecedent ed, what most surprised Western analysts was the ferocity of the Ukrainian defenders. While they may have been under-equipped and un der-trained, they stood for freedom and liberty, and fought ferociously and staging ambushes, with everyone from grandmas concocting Molotov cock tails to young men taking their grandparents’ old hunt ing rifle and setting out to fight the Russians.
Russia was once known as one of the most dominant military powers, second only to the United States of America. However, it turned out that corruption has turned the once-almighty bear into a shadow––a sliver of a shadow, if that––of what the great power once was. The Russians opened with a grinding assault in the east of Ukraine, where war had been raging since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea following a popular revolution. This attack gained little ground and was an obvious feint, meant to draw the attention of Ukraine; later that day, an armoured spearhead raced towards the Ukrainian capital in a three-pronged attack assisted by para-
troopers, who dropped in to capture Ukrainian airfields and set up a forward operating base. This base would serve to bring in more forces and link up with the remainder of the Russian forces in the hopes of blitzing any existing defences, cutting off the Ukrainian capital, and capturing or killing the president, Vlodomyr Zelensky. After facing stiff resistance from the Ukranians, coupled with a counteroffensive, the Russians were effectively pushed back.
In the south of Ukraine, battles raged on. While the Ukranians fought hard, they were no match for the fire superiority they faced, and every attack they attempted was repulsed with significant amounts of artillery and bombings. It was said that the Ukranians used 7,000 rounds a day; Russia had been using approximately ten times that. That was before Ukraine began receiving long range Western weapons. Until then, the majority of weapons provided had been anti-tank weapons like the Javelin, or short range anti-aircraft weapons such as the Starstreak. Although these weapons helped to level the battlefield, it did not and could not tip the scales in favour of the Ukranians.
Enter the HIMARS. The HIMARS was a guided rocket launcher that could launch a rocket from up to seventy kilometres away, outranging even the most advanced Russian artillery. They were capable of shaping the battlefield and destroying the depots that house Russian artillery shells as well as bridges that kept the Russian military well-supplied. The Ukrainians directed their energy towards moving the artillery shells to the south of the country––to Kherson––where they continued to telegraph an offensive and ramp up their artillery. In the meantime,
the Russians doubled down on their indiscriminate artillery barrages; it seemed like both sides were looking at a slow slugging match between the two militaries.
In mid-September, the Ukrainian counter-offensive was finally launched, but made little progress. Slightly north of the counter-offensive lay the Kharkiv oblast, a land which had seen light combat in the beginning of the war. By September there had only been some light skirmishes, with the Russians moving elite units to bolster the defence in Kherson. There, the Ukrainians found an opportunity to charge the enemy and encircle some of the best units remaining, ultimately forcing the Russians to flee
in a panic, leaving behind their gear and equipment. Within just ten days, the Ukranians recaptured what the Russians had taken over months of fighting.
This is seen as a turning point for the war––perhaps, then, there is hope in Ukraine’s future. While many were sceptical of the Ukrainians at the beginning, their ferocity has caused many to admire their courage and continue to provide support. And, hopefully, worldwide support will not flag as time goes by: this war will define the geopolitics of the 21st century and the future of humanity.
On September 8th, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully in Balmoral Palace at the age of 97. The Queen was the longest reigning British monarch of all time, weathering through 70 years of tumult with the influx and efflux of Prime Ministers, the British Empire losing much of its holdings, financial crises crushing economies and wars erupting. Through all those years, her reputation remained largely untarnished. Her steadfastness projected a quiet strength that the United Kingdom could draw from. She lived a humble lifestyle, striving to serve the public, preserve the Commonwealth, and contribute to charities. Her simple yet tasteful pleasures like her hunting expeditions and love of Corgis made her very relatable to the general populace. In public, she was known for her iconic hand waves and elegant fashion that never failed to impress. People revered the Queen for her intelligence, self-possession and sense of duty. For over half a century, she remained a symbol of benevolence for the British monarchy. Her death shocked many and brought skepticism about how her heir, King Charles III who had lived under her shadow for most of his life, would be able to fill in her role. At 73 years old, he would go down in history as one of the oldest royals to ever ascend to the throne. The world can only speculate how King Charles would be able to preserve the monarchy in a modern world where Kings and Queens are antiquated.
King Charles’ age may pose a question for the continuity of the monarchy since younger citizens do not seem to be as staunch supporters as the older generation. According to data from YouGov, a global public opinion and data company, 86% of elderly citizens aged 65 and above have steadily felt positive about the monarchy, while the younger generation seemed much more fickle. In 2015, the majority of citizens aged 18-24 expressed support for the monarchy, but only 35% of them remained supportive just prior to the Queen’s death. Data shows that the volatility of support for the monarchy over the past 40 years is correlated to incidents and scandals of the royal family. For instance, Princess Diana’s death and her alleged mistreatment by the royal family were highly controversial, resulting in a dip in support for
By Nathan Wu | Layout: Aidan Kwong
By Nathan Wu; Layout by Aidan Kwong
the monarchy. On the contrary, the Queen’s first visit to Ireland in 2011, which symbolized reconciliation between the two countries, raised support for the monarchy. More recently, the controversy that erupted from Prince Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle and his later withdrawal from Royal Duties caused the support for the monarchy to reach a record low of 31% among the younger population. Even provided that there are no scandals, the youth of the country’s support of the monarchy is still scant. Interestingly, the middle-aged population tends to have a more positive view of the monarchy than they did when they were 30 years younger. Therefore, not all hope is lost for King Charles. He still has the support of the middle-aged and the elderly, and as Brexit has shown, this group is collectively a more powerful political force than the younger voters.
As the Crown Prince, King Charles had openly expressed his concern and passion for climate change. Unlike the Queen who never accepted any press conferences, Charles attended the 2021 COP26, an annual United Nations Climate Change conference. He was recognized internationally for his involvement in climate affairs. In fact, he and President Biden met to discuss solutions and ways to encounter problems that arise from our warming planet. John Kerry, President Biden’s climate envoy commented, “I hope King Charles will push for action on climate change.” Indeed, King Charles has been active with sustainability to reform the ways industries operate while taking into account the Earth’s limited resources. He established Sustainable Markets Initiative as well as an educational institution called “The Prince’s Foundation” which teaches people sustainable ways of designing and building. He has also expressed his deep views on hedgerows, fast fashion, and organic farming. The King often worries about the world he leaves behind for his grandchildren, and aims to alleviate the burdens that we put on the planet. Many hoped that his role as king would alter the monarchy to being more vocal and passionate about political issues.
Yet, that hope appeared to be short-lived, as King Charles also recognizes his role only as a symbolic head with limitations on the expression of personal views. He withdrew from COP27, a global Climate Change Conference in November despite his recognition at the previous conference. Being the king, he understands that the public does not want a campaigning monarch and that staying vocal about affairs can jeopardize the future of the royal family. In an interview with the BBC in 2018, when asked about how he would serve as king, King Charles responded “I'm not that stupid. I do realize it’s a separate exercise being sovereign…the idea that somehow I'm going to carry on exactly in the same way is complete nonsense.". Despite his pointed response, King Charles has been praised for his wisdom in embracing neutrality. After all, critics have ridiculed him as a “serial hypocrite” for urging the public to cut their carbon footprint while taking a helicopter ride to watch a polo game and taking long rides in a luxury plane after telling the people to end their “age of convenience”. As king, such controversy would not stand.
Gone are the days when monarchs decided on political affairs. Tracing back to history, King Edward VII engineered Entente Cordiale which formed an alliance against Germany, and his son, King George V, insisted on Britain joining the First World War. King Charles faced his first major challenge in the political turmoil surrounding former Prime Minister Liz Truss whose economic policy of reducing inflation and saving the economy by readopting fossil fuels. Indeed, he refrained from offering any comment or opinions on the matter.
Many still argue that the survival of the monarchy depends on its ability to evolve with the changing political sentiment. The strategy of remaining aloof has proven that it would not endear the royal family to the younger generation. Perhaps King Charles should offer his opinion on some of the popular issues, even if technically his opinions have no real political consequences. Doing so would certainly impress the younger generation. The idea of sustainability has risen in popularity over the past decade, as being eco-friendly generates a feel-good factor for many GenZ-ers and has been significantly influential on people’s lives. A recent study by The New York Post even reveals that 92% of people are more inclined to vote for a leader who would enforce regulations to fight climate change. King Charles should be aware that simply taking the same neutral stance that his mother had in the past 70 years might not be as effective now. He should understand that advocating for solutions to climate change would not position him as a controversial person when the large majority of the population shares the same stance. Overall, the survival of the monarchy owes largely to its ability to evolve with the public, so sovereigns should show support for issues that the majority believes is right.
For now, the Queen’s memory is still fresh in people’s minds and the voices for the monarchy to be abolished are almost inaudible. However, the recent political turmoil and the unideal support from the younger generation do seem to suggest that maybe change is needed for King Charles III to step out of his mother’s shadow and bring something to the table. For his own legacy and for his service to the Commonwealth, being more vocal might be his contribution.
By Zachary
Thirty years ago, smartphones didn’t exist. Four decades earlier, no one even owned a computer. Think about that—the first personal computers arrived about 40 years ago. Today, two-thirds of the US owns a glowing, handheld computer. The 21st century has seen rapid changes, especially in the field of technology. Almost every day we are bombarded with new pieces of technology that are sleek and shiny and make us want to buy them. This article will explore the downsides of technology’s rapid evolution, and the need to slow down and deeply contemplate technology's rapid development.
In 2018, Samsung decided to release 13 models of phones, and LG released 16 models of phones. Of all the 13 phones Samsung released, there were only slight changes in size, camera quality, and battery. The number of new models produced each year is increasing, yet people still are crazy about the newest versions. Here’s the secret though: releasing new models annually means that manufacturers don’t usually have time to make more than incremental improvements from year to year. Do we need a new car every year? A new television? A new refrigerator? A new phone every year just won’t add much value to users. For example, we can probably already predict what the iPhone 15 will look like next year. Ready? The screen, battery, and camera will all be better. But guess what? Because Apple does
such an amazing job making devices, your iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, X, XS, and XR should still work just fine. People spend a lot playing catch with all of these technologies, buying all the new models, while ignoring the fact that all of this money spent can be put to better use than lining the tech companies’ pockets. Moreover, we haven’t talked about the 53.6 million tons of electronic waste produced per year worldwide, out of which the 416,000 phones tossed aside in the US every day surely play some role (especially given that less than 20% of smartphones sold end up being recycled in the end). Why don’t we just slow down, as citizens and as companies, and think about the necessity of all of these new models? Why don’t we slow down, and think about the consequences of producing so many electronic devices, which have a huge carbon footprint? Are we so addicted to consumerism that we can’t wait for more substantial changes in a few years' time?
Recent lightning-speed advances in information technology also threaten privacy, reducing the amount of control over personal data and opening up the possibility of a range of negative consequences as a result of access to personal data. At the center of all the concern is the internet’s lifeblood: personalized advertising. Today’s personal advertisements create a constant bombardment of information that pressure us to buy unnecessary material things, tells us how we should look, and can influence us to
Yuen | Layout: Aidan Kwong and Michele Liudevelop unhealthy lifestyle habits. Moreover, personal data is now the new gold. Every single action we do online is being monitored, recorded, and sold. Unbeknownst to us, big data companies are profiting billions of dollars (274 billion in 2022) from selling people’s personal information and search histories. The scope and purpose of data mining have even been described as “surveillance capitalism”. And this industry is growing at huge rates, with predictions that it will reach 600 billion dollars by 2029. However, not only is our every move monitored by companies, our own governments are also spying on our daily moves. The all-too-famous revelations of Edward Snowden demonstrate that nothing is safe: telephone conversations, internet searches, and electronic payments. It has been revealed that a program by the US government named PRISM spied on and collected data of citizens without consent, collecting activities and records from 534 million phones in 2018 alone. Furthermore, because of the rapid advance of technology, facial recognition is really common among our mobile phones. People rarely give their consent or are even aware that they are being tracked. They also have no idea how their images are being used. For instance, when you enter most retail stores, there is a security camera to prevent theft. However, that camera might be doing a lot more than just preventing theft. It could use your face in other databases so the store can market to you and create a behavior profile that connects your in-store and online activities. Even though there are countless benefits to the rapid advances in technology, thanks to it, people’s security and privacy are constantly being breached, without our knowledge and consent. At this stage, it is imperative to review and reflect on what we have created and address the concerns and ethical dilemmas we are facing.
But it doesn’t get better. From smart assistants like Siri and Alexa to face detection in unlocking our cell phones, everywhere we look today, artificial intelligence stares back at us. Some of today’s tech giants believe that AI should be more widely utilized. Even though there are benefits to the use of AI, there are still many ethical and risk assessment issues to be considered before this can become reality. One rising star in AI technology is self-driving cars. There's no denying that the number of autonomous vehicles on the road will increase dramatically in the future. But the question is, should we be concerned? Obvi-
ously, yes. Even though some say that self-driving cars are safer than human-driven vehicles, statistics point the other way. Statistics have shown that there are 9.1 driverless car crashes per million miles driven, which is a lot higher than the one of human-driven vehicles (4.1 crashes per million miles driven). Moreover, there is also an ethical concern about entrusting human lives to AI, and allowing AI to make decisions over our lives and deaths. Some argue that AI could help create a fairer criminal judicial system, in which machines could evaluate and weigh relevant factors better than humans, taking advantage of its speed and large data ingestion. AI would therefore make decisions based on informed decisions devoid of any bias and subjectivity. However, are we willing to allow machines to sentence humans to the death penalty, and give AI control over our lives? It is unwise to prioritize AI decisions over human judgments. In fact, it is found that AI can easily be affected by the surroundings, and develop a particular bias. Let’s not forget that with AI, many people risk being jobless due to their work being taken over by AI, and many more job opportunities will be gone in the future. These include warehouse workers, clerks, fast food workers, delivery people, and many more simple jobs that actually can create a lot of jobs. Moreover, another alarming aspect of AI is its use in autonomous weapons. Aside from being concerned that autonomous weapons might gain a “mind of their own”, a more imminent concern is the dangers autonomous weapons might pose when falling into the hands of individuals or governments that don’t value human life. It will also be incredibly hard to hold anyone accountable when civilians are caught in the crossfire.
AI and technology have never progressed as quickly as in the 21st century, and it is expected to continue at this breakneck speed. While technology and AI definitely have transformed lives in miraculous ways, there are some serious ethical dilemmas to solve. Instead of rushing at this pace, there is no harm in slowing down and reflecting on our own creations before things get out of hand. We should actively address all moral and ethical concerns, and try to allow both technology and humans to coexist. Because the future is approaching practically at the speed of light, it’s crucial to calculate the next steps of mankind.
The GOAT of the NBA has long been a heated discussion. Whether that be in terms of game statistics, player competitiveness, fitness––you name it, it’s probably been debated. Brilliant players have been no strangers when it comes to the NBA’s near 80-year history. In fact, with the sheer volume of players the NBA has held, it’s difficult to compare them to determine the greatest or the most impactful. So instead of determining the single best player of all NBA history, a more effective approach is to determine a GOAT of a decade.
The player who brought the Minneapolis Lakers to five NBA champion titles, with a career average of 23 pts, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, is non-other than George Mikan. He was the first dominant NBA legend– the first NBA player inducted into the NBA hall of fame, the first standard for all future basketball centers.
Standing at almost seven feet tall, Mikan was big, strong, and a force to be reckoned with. He was so dominant that even the NBA had to change their rules. Most notably, they widened the standard free-throw lane from 6 to 12 feet, a rule later dubbed “The Mikan Rule”.
The Boston Celtics carry a league record of 17 championships. Of those 17 rings, 11 were won by the almighty Bill Russell.
In his NBA career of 13 years, Russell possessed 5 MVP and 12 All-Star selections, and averaged 15 pts, 22.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Russell, along with his teammate Bob Cousy created a record of 8 straight championships from 1959 to 1966.
Though some may argue that the game statistics of other players, such as Wilt Chamberlain who had a season reaching up to 50 pts and 30 rebounds, are the greatest of this decade, Bill Russell ultimately set a record amount of championship rings, a record that has yet to be broken.
Beyond the court, Russell was an activist fighting against racial inequality both in and out of professional sports. In February 2011, Russell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom to affirm his efforts as a civil rights activist. Today, Russell’s legacy has not, and never will be forgotten– not only was he a trailblazer for the sport, but he was also a trailblazer for the civil rights movement.
In his 20-year career, Kareem Abdul Jabbar (also known as Lew Alchindor,) averaged 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, with a total sum of 38387 points, the highest ever in NBA history.
The 7ft 1 giant first pushed the Milwaukee Bucks to numerous victories, then went on to the Lakers with
teammates Magic Earvin Johnson and James Worthy to create one of the greatest and most iconic dynasties of all time, winning 5 Nba titles and 1 Finals MVP.
After retiring from basketball, Jabbar has become a beacon for social justice activists globally, with the Kareem Abdul Jabbar Social Justice Award being established for those who thrive in the fight for social justice, just like him.
Basketball in the 80s was mainly a fight between 3 teams: The Pistons, Lakers, and the Celtics. These teams were fiercely competitive rivals, with all three having turns winning championships. But in the end, the Boston Celtics proved to be the victors, perhaps because of one of the best small forwards in NBA history: Larry Bird.
Bird averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, and was a player that could play every position on the court.
He won 3 championships in the 80s , was a 3-time MVP, 12-time all-star, and was also the best 3-point shooter of the time, a time when long-ranged shots were rarely seen.
Larry Bird was not only known for his on-court performances, but also for his trash-talking. He exuded intimidation and strength with his unflappable confidence in his ability. In an All-Star shootout content, Bird famously challenged his competitors, saying “who’s playing for second?” The result of this was a crushing win from Bird, where his competitors couldn’t even come close.
The 90s were dominated by the red and black Bulls because of one factor. The man, the myth, the legend: Michael Jordan.
In his career, Jordan stopped numerous players, many of which were basketball legends, from earning championship rings, with some notable names including Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, and Charles Barkley. Jordan’s years of playing earned him many achievements, to mention a few, this included six championship rings, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, and the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Aside from basketball achievements alone, Jordan is also known to be a wildly successful entrepreneur, being the CEO and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets, a major spokesperson for brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, Gatorade, and McDonald's, and the creator of
the iconic shoe brand “Air Jordan”. Jordan’s legacy proves that an NBA player's career does not end on the court, in fact, it can grow and be successful in the years following retirement.
Kobe Bryant’s influencial “Mamba Mentality” has shaped the current generation of basketball players, emphasising the importance of grit and hard work.
Kobe averaged 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game, won 5 Championships, 1 MVP, 2 scoring titles and 2 Finals MVPs. He had won all 5 of the championships in the 2000’s, but many speculate that number could have been way bigger if him Shaquille O’ Neal had played together for longer. Although he may have had the most missed shots in NBA history at 14,481,
Kobe himself has said, “you miss 100 percent of the shots that you don't take”, a testament to his dedication and unshakeable resolve.
Lebron “The Chosen One” James, is one of the most talented players of all time. Dominating the game since entering the league in 2003, he has played the NBA finals for 8 years straight. Of that he has won 4 NBA finals, all of which he was crowned MVP.
James posts an average of 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Even at the age of 37, James has continued to average 30 points and 8 rebounds, showing how in the modern day NBA league, age is not seen as a barrier.
Throughout the NBA’s 70-year history we have experienced many eras, from the purity of the 50s, the domination of the Celtics in the 60s, the powerful Giants in the 70s, the Magic Bird era in the 80s, the Black and Red dominance in the 90s, the outstanding shooting guards in the 2000’s, and the 3 point era from the 2010s to 2020s.
Although the GOAT debate is well and good, it is undoubted that the GOATs of each era have all influenced one another, shaping the future of basketball and inspiring the generations of players to come.
生活有時候很匆忙。对于早上不到5點的街上 送貨的人們，在廚房裏揉麵的人們来说，他 們的一天已經開始了。有些人一日復一日的 工作，坐在辦公室裡趴在桌子上熬夜寫文件 的人們，對於他們而言，是在和時間賽跑， 因為時間永遠都不夠。當然，許多學生這時 候也起床，塞一口麵包往家門外跑，趕上那 第一班巴士。
我又何嘗不是呢？早上第一束光亮起，便起 床，急忙的吃早飯，刷牙，洗臉，扎頭髮， 有時匆忙的忘記帶外套，飯盒。。。然後就 是一個小時的路程去學校。就算在空隙之 間，我們也永遠不會停止思考--“我今天考 試還需要複習什麼？”“昨天我這一題答錯了 大家今天肯定會笑話我。。。”“今天還會有 多少人得新冠，來不了學校？”我們無時無刻 的思考，腦子在火速趕往，前進。因為我們 知道，如果不前進，就會落後。 但是真的是 這樣麼？我們总是求快，也許冷却的就是人 与人之间的热情。和珅人人皆知。他的一生 总在“忙碌”着，不停地追逐名利、金钱，快 速前进的步伐未曾停过，然而，他却是孤独 空虚的--没有推心置腹的朋友，没有真情至 善的亲情，沒有嚮往的事情……都是因为他
过于匆忙和快速，无视身旁的一切，一生辛 苦追逐，却换来后人的唾弃，千古的罪名。
但是，在這個同時，如果我們不不停忙碌
著，我們不就是失去了人身的目標了麼？就 拿我前幾天來說吧。放期中假，功課不是那 麼打緊了，於是就晚睡晚起，每天抱著電 腦，雖然有很多要做的作業，但是卻“明日 復明日”的推遲著。漸漸的，我覺得生活失去 了一些期待，每天循環著同一些事情，沒有 任何目標，反而“放慢”速度讓我失去了生活 的精神和成功的快樂。取而代之的反而是一 些短暫的快樂，比如說看小說，雖然消遣了 時間，但是一讀完便沒有了以往的期待，便
沒有的每天嚮往短暫的快樂。那麼從骨子裏 散發出的快樂又怎麼得到呢？匆匆的每一天 讓我們沒有時間呼吸，去重新認識自己，但 是“放慢節奏”又讓我們失去了自覺性，目標 性，又回到了最初的迷茫，不知所措。
在反省的過程中，我發現，最重要的是適 當，在追求人生各種目標的同時，還要懂的 做自己喜歡的事情，注意自己的身體狀況。 乔布斯，这个世人皆知的“苹果”首创人，他 凭着敏锐的触觉和过人的智慧，凭着执着和 坚强，凭着一股“拼命三郎”的精神，始终引 领着电子产品的世界潮流，给我们带来了一 个又一个惊喜。然而，他的生命却意外定格 在了2017年，定格在了他56岁这一年。如果 这个被人称为神经高度紧张的工作狂，这个 凡事必躬亲的管理者，平时能放慢脚步，注 意工作节奏，讲究松弛有度，劳逸结合，不 过度透支自己的身体，那么他这个“苹果”又 怎会这么早就坏掉?
人生是一个奋进的过程，我们始终在路上， 从来都没有一个明确的终点。但这并不意味 着我们每天都在匆忙中度过，也不意味著“ 放慢”速度就會有所失去。生活在喧嚷的城市 间，同样也能享受到安宁。也許是在在冬日 温暖的午后，睡个美美的午觉，或是读一本 好书，品一杯香茗。這種小事情能讓像陀螺 一样的生活更加自由。所以，我们不妨经常 慢下脚步，不一定要長時間的流蕩，但是多 看看身边的风景、多品味人世的滋味、多保 护自己的身体就夠了。所以，请慢些，再慢 些吧!
I don't know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
— The Summer Day, Mary Oliver
