Devil's Advocate (Volume 39, Number 1, September 2022)

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

INVENTING REALITY

Teenagers fuctuate between their own reality and what is presented to them through various mediums.

By KATYA SNIRIOVA, Staf Writer

ADVOCATE

Adviser: Larry Knight

Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Hiott

Managing Editor: Ty’Hana Aldridge

Business Manager: Tatum Register

Photography Editor: Denise Soriano

Digital Media Editor: Cameron Kight

Layout and Design Editor: Jillian Williams

Assoc. Digital Media Editor: Sarah Bernardo Assoc. Photography Editor: Spurthi Nrusimhadevara

Videographer: Carlos Alvarez

Podcast Engineer: Rowan Kershner

Section Editor (Arts & Ent.): AnaSofa Girardot

Section Editor (Features): Samyuktha Sridhar

Section Editor (Opinions): Zoey Larson

Section Editor (Sports): Raza Cottey

Staf Writers: Kendall Ford, Grace Larson, Shravya Nalla, Amani Okero, Cliona Joy Piligan, Katya Sniriova

Staf Photographers: Anusha Anna, Cindy Lam Staf Artist: Hawi Said

Contributing Advocates

The Devil’s Advocate is searching for contributing writers, photographers, artists, and flmmakers. Contact Editor-in-Chief Sarah Hiott at sarahhiott275@gmail.com, Opinions Editor Zoey Larson at zoeylarson16@gmail. com, or Digital Media Editor Cameron Kight at camikight301@gmail.com.

Ads and Sponsorships

The Devil’s Advocate is dependent on our advertisers and our sponsors. When you purchase an ad with us, it reaches a diverse student population that can help your business. We can also design your ads. Our prices are: $45 (1/4 page), $70 (1/2 page), $135 (full page) $150 (back page). For an additional $5 fee, we can advertise your business on our website or podcast. Contact Business Manager Tatum Register at tatiereg627@ gmail.com or newspaper adviser, Mr. Larry Knight, at knightl1@duvalschools.org.

Teenagers romanticize their lives based on false realities depicted in today’s media.

Student Life

4

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?

Stanton students depict the challenges they face while developing a sense of identity during adolescence.

Features

12

INVENTING REALITY

Teenagers face the hardships of life by romanticizing aspects of real-world experiences.

Opinions

22

IN A MAN’S WORLD

The Editorial Board explores a female-led newspaper inside of a man’s world.

23

Sports

THE BODY HAIR DEBATE

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18

THE POWER OF SUPERSTITIONS

Though women’s body hair has been debated in society, the individual decides what is acceptable for themself.

Arts and Entertainment

6

BEREAL?

Advocate Snapchat: @scpnewspaper Stanton students’ cars can reveal a part of the driver’s personality in their unique personal space.

: @scpnewspaper STUDENT SPACES: AUTO EDITION

BeReal is a new social media app, encouraging teenagers to share impromptu unedited photos.

Stanton athletes explain the impact their superstitions have on their mentality going into a game.

20

UNITED BY OUR UNIFORMS

@scpnewspaper EQUALLY HUMAN

Printed at Florida Sun Printing

Please recycle this magazine.

@scpnewspaper The representation of disabilites in media continues to increase and break stereotypes.

Athletes discover what it means to be a Blue Devil, discussing how uniforms refect pride in their sport.

photo by Anusha Anna

cover photo by Anusha Anna

@devilsadvocatenewspaper centerfold photo by Anusha Anna

Photos by SPURTHI NRUSIMHADEVARA,

LOSING

Stanton students depict the challengesthat are faced while developing a firm senseof identity during this stage oftheir adolescence.

youknow are

I Sso c i A ti N

BeReal...?

By KENDALL FORD, Staf Writer

An integral part of the life of a Stanton College Preparatory School student is their interaction with social media. Whether it be TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, students use these platforms to share a glimpse of their personal lives with the world. Though diverse in format, each application provides the ability to present a perfectly curated image of a person, sometimes at the expense of staying truthful and providing the full picture of their life.

Founded in 2020 by former GoPro employee Alexis Barreyat, BeReal is unique in the way users interact with and connect through it.

“For BeReal, there is an alarm that goes of and you get a notifcation every day at a random time to take a picture of yourself and what you are doing,” said freshman Addison Kline. “On other apps you do not get a notifcation every single day at diferent times; on Instagram [it is only] if someone starts a live or posted after a long time, but besides that you do not get notifcations.”

Student users, other than Khanolkar, are also noticing how BeReal allows people to connect on a deeper level through social media. By removing the façade of perfection sometimes promoted by social media algorithms, the app serves as a window into the personal lives of many students. This rawness provides insight into the aspects of others’ lives typically obscured by a lack of time spent together.

“Everyone’s daily life is not just full of the glamorous things or the best shots, people show their ugly side, people show what their everyday life is like,” said Khanolkar. “So, I [feel that] it is a bit of a reassurance that I am not the only one going through struggles [and day to day activities], it’s all of us.” network, BeReal. With the phrase “Your Friends for Real,” BeReal has quickly risen to fame in the social media sphere as a countermovement to overly glorifed posting.

For many, the ability to show only the good and avoid the bad is what makes social media so appealing. The duality of this appeal is that for others, the process of compiling only the best images can be tiresome and anxiety inducing. Out of this highly edited environment arose the social

Instead of users deciding when to post, BeReal dictates the posting schedule. At a diferent time, each day, everyone who has the app receives a notifcation to share a photo within a specifed two-minute time frame. The suddenness of the notifcation coupled with minimal time to prepare for the post creates a social media platform that capitalizes on the simple, everyday activities of its users. Often this unpredictable alarm can catch people at an ordinary or inconvenient time, and it is this unadorned authenticity that attracts thousands of users.

“BeReal is diferent because it actually shows you what people are doing in real time,” said senior Ibrahim Maidani. “It is very unedited and all the pictures that are taken are in real time instead of apps like Instagram or Snapchat. Those type of things you usually see people post are usually edited or taken on a diferent day.”

Students like Maidani enjoy the platform for its innovative minimalism which returns to the basics: a stripped-down, unfurnished photo sharing app. With a lack of flters, the simplicity of BeReal removes the culture of posting posed and heavily altered photos. To achieve the status of a social media infuencer is virtually unattainable since the app does not show user likes. The only features outside of posting photos are sending reactions and comments. By removing aspects normally vital for a successful social media platform, it returns truthfulness to the social sphere.

“The purpose of the app is to be on time because we get to be as genuine as possible,” said junior Vineet Khanolkar. “I think it is cool because it shows that other people also share their normal stuf. People go through their regular daily lives.”

Sophomore Ava Campbell posts a BeReal at a concert.

One of the top trending apps in 2022, BeReal’s humble origins as a modest answer to social media culture now extend beyond borders to the Stanton classrooms.

photo courtesy of Priya Patel

photo courtesy of Ava Campbell

New social media apps are encouraging Stanton students to share impromptu unedited photos.

Unlike other social media sites, BeReal is said to prioritize being in the moment through its minimalistic design and two minute limit photo times.

The commonality experienced within the app extends social connections outside of the classroom. By showing communal experiences, there is a sense of normalcy experienced by many students. When the rigidness of a school environment is removed, students can connect through similarities in their personal life such as watching television, playing sports, or working.

“It is diferent because by letting yourself out, you can see other people,” said freshman Javee Bercasio. “You can’t look at other people on BeReal [until you post something of your own].”

The features within BeReal create a transactional environment where sharing personal qualities allows users to get to know each other better. Some students feel this is important because whether it be due to course scheduling, workload, or attending diferent schools, they can become confned to their personal bubble, making it challenging to stay connected with friends that they do not see daily.

To counteract this, some Stanton students are integrating the app’s daily notice as a medium to stay connected. BeReal’s consistent fow of candid photos works as an unconventional daily check-in between friends they might not see otherwise.

“I have a lot of friends that came to this school, but I don’t have a lot of classes with them, and I don’t text them that often,” said Kline. “But with BeReal I can see what they are doing and see if they are having a good day or not.”

With students like Kline consistently sharing photos with others on the platform, the app can curb social isolation which may arise from the intensity of many students’ lives. Unlike other mainstream social networking apps, BeReal removes the process of efortfully reaching out to friends, providing an undemanding method of keeping friends involved in each other’s private lives.

Stanton students are also giving BeReal other roles besides simply fostering more genuine connections. The app’s usage is being expanded as students integrate it into their academic lives; showing and seeing peer’s productivity on the BeReal platform functions to incentivize consistent productivity. Images shared on the platform can impact some students’ views on the quality of their life.

“Sometimes it makes me feel like I am not doing enough in the day and will motivate me to do things in the day so other people will think my day is a lot more interesting than it really is,” said Maidani.

When students like Maidani use BeReal, the platform can push students’ social spheres into

their private lives. With the possibility of personal activities being shared at any moment, it urges some students to continuously be productive and camera ready. The anticipation of an impromptu photo can infuence people to do things not only for themselves, but in the hopes that others will see them.

“Sometimes it makes me feel frustrated because if I had a really good day and did a lot of stuf and the timer didn’t go of,” said Kline. “But other times if it goes of at the right time it makes me feel happy and excited.”

For users similar to Kline, by being consistently productive throughout the entire day, they can increase their chances of the notifcation appearing at a good moment. This possibility often incentivizes continuous productivity within student users.

Despite all this individual innovation in how BeReal is used, the two-year-old app has remained rather unchanged since its initial introduction in 2020. With its position in a rapidly changing atmosphere, its stagnancy could pose a threat to its future success. Though simplistic in design, its lack of features could cause the app to lose its appeal.

“I think it will improve but eventually it will die out unless they add more updates to it. The only concept is looking at other people’s stories,” said Bercasio.

With the pressures of school, politics, and a social life, some fnd BeReal to be one of the newest ways of unifying people through embracing the often mundane truth. Its creation of an environment of authenticity is credited for the app’s rapid success in topping the social networking charts of many app stores. As it has been adopted into students’ lives, it has fostered connections that span beyond the classroom and motivated consistent daily productivity. Though not entirely solidifed within the social sphere, the app has helped some people be real within a virtual world.

ToTime BeReal.

47% of Stanton students believe BeReal is more authentic than most social media sites.

47% of Stanton students use BeReal.

*results are based on data collected from a Devil’s Advocate Instagram survey.

Stanton seniors Srila Parikh and Rikitha Ramesh use BeReal.

photo collage by Cindy Lam

photo by Cindy Lam

Equally Human

By CLIONA JOY PILIGAN, Staf Writer

The media, in both movies and shows, has incorporated diverse depictions of characters to relate to its widespread audience. Still, in major industries like Hollywood, there has been a lack of disabled talent. Similar to how the media generalizes mental illnesses, disabled characters often follow stereotypes. In light of this, writers and actors are making eforts to accurately display disabilities in settings that make the characters relatable and complex to viewers.

in the flm industry. In 2021, director Chloe Zhao reached out to actress Lauren Ridlof for an untitled Marvel project, asking her questions about her interests and upbringing. Later on, Ridlof was ofered the role of a deaf heroine named Makkari in the 2021 flm, “Eternals.”

“Most recently in ‘Eternals,’ one of the main characters was deaf,” said Ms. Brianna Wilson, sponsor of Stanton’s American Sign Language club. “Often, the deaf community is the token representation because it is one of the easiest disabilities to work with.”

While flms have included more representation in recent years, some television shows in the past have done the same, albeit with criticism from advocates. In 2009, the comedy-drama series “Glee” introduced Artie Abrams, a wheelchair bound character. In the episode “Dream On,” Abrams dreams of dancing as an able-bodied person but quits his dream of professionally performing. Abrams’ doubts about becoming a disabled dance performer may cause students to believe that physical disabilities are burdensome, rather than normal.

breakthroughs in disability representation on screen. In 2021, the movie “CODA” was popular for disabled representation, as the three main deaf roles in the flm are played by deaf actors. They used their own experiences to add richness to their roles, like Troy Kotsur improvising ASL to convey his character’s humor, and exaggerating his eyes for emotive reactions.

“It is important for disabled actors to improvise because it makes the character seem more natural,” said junior Alexus Mills. “It also allows others who are disabled to relate to these characters.”

The deaf community, however, found some faws in the flm. In 2021, deaf activist Fischtrom Beacom in the American news show Today said that the able-bodied main character Ruby uses sign language like a “beginner.” Because grammar difers between ASL and English, the flm’s dialogue may appear awkward to deaf viewers. Some think the flm focuses on an overused plot of deaf people struggling to enjoy music. Despite these criticisms, “CODA” received an Oscar award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The representation of disabled characters in the media can provide accurate portrayals of those with disabilities to students at Stanton College Preparatory School. Recognizable shows like “Seinfeld” and “Switched at Birth” introduce disabled characters to their broad viewers. Yet, few shows convey disabled actors.

In a 2020 Nielsen Holdings report, 26% of the American population has a disability, ranging from mobility problems to cognitive difculties to sensory issues. However, Nielsen revealed that 34% of people who are disabled believe the media lacks disability inclusion. This sentiment is also felt by faculty within the Stanton community.

“I think that the industry and broad media, in general, have made strides in certain areas of representation lately, but the representation of disabled actors and characters is still lagging,” said Stanton flm teacher Mr. Brandon Cox.

While Mr. Cox noted there are few movies with disabled actors in Stanton’s flm curriculum, disabled people are fnding ways to be involved

“Some disabled characters wish to permanently remove their disability because they want to be viewed as a human being, not as an obstacle,” said junior Tristan-Kay Torreda.

As some characters view their disability as a bu den, others overcome it, sometimes through gaining superpowers. In the television show “Daredevil,” character Matt Murdock, played by Charlie Cox, is a blind vigilante in New York. Some aspects of the show correctly depict some of the diferences in a blind person’s life, such as reading braille documents and using a probing cane for mobility support. However, Murdock casts these tools aside at night as he can track heartbeats and breathing when fghting villains.

“In particular, characters [like Murdock] that are blind, can turn on a switch in their heads, [and] see infrared or electricity,” said senior Jordan Grossman. “I do not particularly like that because if they can see those things, they are not blind at all.” While other forms of media may not accurately portray disabled characters, there have been

Amid the growing representation of characters and actors with physical disabilities, the media may still depict harmful stereotypes. As disabled people confront labels and lack of inclusivity on screen, individuals can use their voices to advocate for the authentic representation of disabilities in the media.

C I N E M A

Stanton students watch CODA, a movie with renowned disability representation.

The representation of disabilities in media continues to increase and break stereotypes.

photo by Cindy Lam

photos by Cindy Lam

“A disabled person is still a person; their physical body parts do not defne them.”

Kioni Jones.

Equally Human – Kioni Jones, 12th

Student Spaces:

AUTO EDITion

Senior Hazel Joseph holds her keys with her name on it to match her vehicle’s customized license plate.

In the mud lot, Senior Yasmine

Yasmine Khatib shows of her minivan, fondly dubbed “Bert.”

By KATYA SNIRINOVA, Staff Writer

REALITY

As students go through high school, they experience various situations, events, and interactions, which they may romanticize.

As humans attempt to break from their sometimes uncomfortable reality, there is a need to mold oneself in the image of others. For this generation’s youth, the pressures of high school life and adolescence sometimes result in a search to escape reality through the invention of another. In more recent times, Stanton College Preparatory School’s student body is no exception to this phenomenon as some students romanticize their peers’ lives and situations.

“I would defne [romanticization] as taking a circumstance and manipulating it to make it seem more grandiose than it actually is,” said senior Kiersten Kelne.

Keine’s view is not uncommon. The Oxford Dictionary defnes the verb romanticizing as “to deal with or describe in an idealized or unrealistic fashion; to make (something) seem better or more appealing than it really is.” Due to the media teenagers consume, high school is not a mirror image of their expectations. Books, movies, shows, and social media, all represent these fctionalized versions of reality. These mediums can infuence teenagers to idealize real world situations they may face.

“It is not very good to always [take] what you see on television or on social media and try to apply that to your life, because they make hundreds of takes, and try over and over again to get the right shot, and that does not apply to life,” said sophomore Laila Cromity. “You only have one chance, and it is not always achievable.”

Recently, social media has become readily accessible to youth and this increasing exposure poses a greater infuence on their development. As a result, social media can create an atmosphere around audiences which normalizes teenage problems and becomes a forum for them to romanticize various problems within their lives. Content creators on various social media platforms document portions of their lives which refect themselves in aesthetically pleasing ways.

“On TikTok, [videos are] scripted and some kids can think of that as real and they bring it into their life, [but people on TikTok] only record certain parts of their life,” said freshman Ethan Nguyen. According to a poll conducted in September by the Devil’s Advocate, 70% of Stanton students use TikTok. With a user total of 1.2 Billion, TikTok and social media infuencers alike play a large role in the lives of young media consumers. Such content being present in teenagers’ lives may encourage certain behaviors being labeled “normal.”

Currently, there are a multitude of controversial topics featured on social media, but one issue largely prominent among teenagers is mental health. According to a recent statistic found by the

found by the Ofce of Population Afairs, “many adolescents experience positive mental health, but an estimated 49.5% of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.” When social media showcases negative aspects of mental health in an idealized manner, teenagers may undermine the seriousness of such issues. This inability to decipher a problem, such as mental illnesses, can possibly lead to faults in teenagers’ lives.

“Sometimes [media] romanticizes things that should not be romanticized,” said sophomore Isabel Helaena.

The increasing trend of being the “main character” encourages teens to place their lives in the fctional situations depicted on screen. Shows like HBO’s “Euphoria’’ showcase the stories of teenagers who experience challenges in their everyday lives, including substance abuse, transphobia, and toxicity within relationships. However, the portrayal of such controversial topics brings discussion among viewers about the extent to which these issues are being accurately represented. A 2020 article published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that “by 12th grade, about two-thirds of students [had] tried alcohol [and] about half of 9th through 12th grade students reported having used marijuna.” When issues such as substance abuse are represented in a television show, they may show a substance addiction as less damaging, and infuence teenagers’ perception of right from wrong. In relation to reality, the scenes shown on television, in flm, and online can cause teenagers to develop a sense of denial to their surroundings.

“In the case of denial, it can involve not acknowledging reality or denying the consequences of that reality. In some cases, it can prevent you from accepting help or getting the treatment that they need,” said clinical psychologist Kendra Cherry, in her article “Denial as a Defense Mechanism.”

When attempting to escape the reality of personal or academic problems, teens may turn towards denial as a defense mechanism. The denial of situations around oneself can prove harmful in various aspects. Whenever teenagers indulge in the neglect of their issues they may fnd themselves “feeling hopeless or helpless,.” Cherry continued, “[while] on some level, you know there is a problem that needs to be addressed, but you feel that nothing you do or say will make a diference.” Combating obstacles in an unrealistic manner, along with the resources available to this generation, could infuence the forming of a wall between denial and actuality.

While the aftermath of seeing problems in an idealized light can be proven harmful to teenagers’

infographic by Samyuktha Sridhar

lives, the common attempt to escape reality can be benefcial towards adolescents. Within high school, teenagers are presented with inevitable obstacles, some of which may foster “healthy romanticization.”

“For me [romanticization] is positive, to other people it might be negative, it depends on how you see it. I see it as positive because it makes me feel good [about myself],” said junior Tyrell Lloyd.

At Stanton, the intense pressure and academic atmosphere may encourage teenagers to escape the reality of their curriculum. Regarding the videos found online, teenagers will fnd content demonstrating an embellished form of homework.

“I personally romanticize doing work because I can motivate myself and feel more productive,” said Helaena. “I would stumble across videos of people studying and I’m like ‘Oh I want to look that productive’ so it motivates me to do my best.”

With the rigorous programs Stanton ofers, students require a wide set of skills to complete all their assignments. These skills can vary from time management to a well-versed sleep schedule. Students take various approaches to complete their assigned workloads. Whichever method students choose to aid them in their work, a motivational drive is the foundation for any productive work

session. For example, some students record timelapses of them completing their assignments to help maximize their efciency.

“A lot of my friends know me for posting little timelapses of me studying, but that wasn’t my idea, originally. On YouTube I found this video of a girl timelapsing,” said sophomore Shivani Jha. “So I decided to start doing that and it really helped me overall because I was able to focus

focus more, get more work done, and accomplish [it all] in a shorter amount of time.”

As Helaena and Jha feel most productive when they envision their workload in an glamorized fashion, other students at Stanton receive similar quantities of assignments that require them to fnd their own technique to maximize efciency. Academic motivation does not have to derive solely from videos or timelapses. A dominant service used among younger generations is music providers, like Spotify and Apple Music.

“A key task for adolescents is to understand who they are as individuals, and music helps defne us,” said music therapist Andy Freedman in a 2021 article published in Princeton House Behavioral Health Today.

Music may also serve as a means of escaping reality for teens, whether that be from scholastic stress or personal situation. Specifcally, music allows students to promote healthier habits and provide temporary relief from daily struggles. Streaming music gives young individuals a break from the constant changes in life.

“I really like to listen to music so just listening to songs helps me romanticize certain things, like studying,” said senior Kania Coman.

Romanticization and the trend in attempting to escape certain aspects of life is a growing practice among the current generation of teenagers. Idealizing reality can serve as a tool to relieve students of the constant stressors within their lives. However, it is possible to lose themselves in the illusion of their own idealized existence, which can leave teenagers severed from reality and within a state of denial. While there are both negative and positive impacts, maintaining a sufcient balance between romanticization and an acceptance of reality can create a healthy equilibrium in which teenagers have the freedom to grow and develop.

Teenagers romanticize the lives of characters in movies to escape their reality.

photo by Anusha Anna

photos by Anusha Anna

By SHRAVYA NALLA, Staf Writer

Although practice and preparation are considered to be one of the main causes for an athlete’s success, superstitious beliefs have also helped many famous athletes thrive during their competitions. Athletes across the nation have superstitions, and practicing these beliefs can alleviate some of their pre-game nerves and anxiety. American tennis star Serena Williams has various superstitions ranging from tying her shoelaces a specifc way to wearing the same pair of socks to every tennis match. As an athlete, the superstitions she partakes in has given her the confdence to win 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

Similarly, student-athletes at Stanton College Preparatory School have various superstitions they put into practice before their competitions. These sports-driven students believe by completing these rituals, their chances of winning the competition are signifcantly higher. Superstitious beliefs often place athletes in a mindset dependent on the completion of these tasks. However, if they are unable to practice their superstition, they may become nervous about their abilities to win.

“I have lucky bracelets that I believe will help me play better and I do not think I would do good without them,” said senior golf player Angeni Kabilan. “I’m defnitely more confdent when I have [my bracelets on] because I have the mindset that I am going to hit good and far.”

Kabilan feels she would be at a disadvantage without these bracelets because she has confdence in herself while wearing them. Athletes often trust superstitions to give them strength and confdence, which can help promote a positive mental attitude.

Similar to Kabilan’s experience, senior swim captain Zahir Miller, also has a few superstitions which heavily afects her performance at swim meets. Miller always drinks out of her favorite water bottle and wears a few of her lucky bracelets during each race. She stresses the importance of these items, claiming she wouldn’t be comfortable performing without them.

“[My superstitions] get me in a good head space, and in a good vibe,” said Miller. “It hypes me up because I know I did everything I needed to do to

to prepare for this moment.” This optimistic mindset allows Miller to feel more prepared before her swim races, which can raise her confdence.

Junior Tristen Deditch, a defensive end for the Stanton football team, always does a quick prayer with his teammates before each football game. He believes that praying enhances sportsmanship among the players and their performance on the feld. Praying is a way for athletes to cope with any overwhelming nerves they might have before an important game. It can give athletes the positive mentality they need in order to gain momentum and strength during competitions.

Senior volleyball player Justice Lofton always eats something healthy before a volleyball game. She believes healthy food gives her a boost of energy and puts her in the right mindset, helping her volleyball skills shine. She chooses not to eat fried food in the belief that it could disrupt her mindset towards her performance during a game. According to the Better Health Channel, pre-event meals are an important factor in an athlete’s preparation before a game. However, eating high-fat-content meals can result in an increased risk for digestive discomfort. Lofton is convinced she would not be able to play her best if she ate unhealthy food before a competition. Her superstition has signifcantly helped her

confdence and mentality toward her volleyball games.

Superstitions ranging from wearing jewelry to eating specifc meals have helped Stanton athletes achieve their sports dreams. Although some superstitions have not been scientifcally proven to help athletic performance, they can help put minds at ease and improve confdence levels. Nonetheless, Stanton sports fans and athletic coaches can also have superstitions regarding a specifc sports team at Stanton.

Senior Zahir Miller believes the braclets she wears and water bottle she uses during swim meets have an efect on how well she preforms.

photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadevara

Stanton athletes explain the impact their superstitions have on their mentality going into a game.

As a fan of the Stanton football team, sophomore Rishi Chindalur wears his favorite Crocs before every Stanton football game. This practice gives Chindalur a sense of trust and faith in the ability for the Stanton football team to win while he cheers them on from the stands.

“I went to a Jacksonville Jaguars football game when I was little with my Crocs on and the Jaguars won,” said Chindalur. “I thought that if I wear my Crocs to the Stanton football games they would

“You want to rely on hard work and of-season training, but to rely on superstitions is not a great idea,” said Coach Crider.

Similar to Coach Crider’s opinion, Kabilan believes sports players should focus on their training because it can be a benefcial practice to help enhance their athletic skills. Superstitious beliefs will not provide athletes with the necessary skills to excel the most during their games.

example, junior cross country runner John Syla does certain exercises, such as strides, which are short periods of fast running, and toe-touches, to help him prepare before each race. This simple preparation is a type of practice that is vital before a game, as it can help improve their athletic skills.

Similarly, sophomore tennis player Sharini Krishnan dedicates eight hours a week to playing tennis because she understands the importance of practice. However, Krishnan also believes superstitions have a signifcant impact on the outcome of her tennis matches. Krishnan has a lucky shock absorber she uses before each tennis match. This small device is placed on tennis rackets to reduce any vibration from the tennis ball. This gives her hope and confdence that she will always hit good shots because of the “luck” of the absorber. The use of the shock absorber is a required practice for Krishnan because she believes the confdence and faith she gets from it will lead her to a path of victory. Overall, dedicated practice and superstitious beliefs have helped Krishnan become a successful tennis player at Stanton.

play better, so I went to the frst football game of this school year practicing the same superstition and they did in fact win.”

Superstitions can also be a benefcial practice for Stanton coaches to help them gain a sense of control over the competition.

“One of the superstitions I always remember is Coach Steve Stone, for the boy’s soccer team always brings out the lucky mints [at halftime] for each coach,” said Stanton Athletic Director Christopher Crider. He considers this a “fun little tradition” coaches look forward to during games.

There is a clear correlation between sportsrelated superstitions and athletic performance levels. Superstitious athletes are likely to play better because of the signifcance they give to these superstitious beliefs. A study conducted in 2010 by authors Lysann Damisch, Barbara Stoberock, and Thomas Mussweiler proves that making superstitious gestures, such as crossed fngers and “good luck” chants, can help boost the performance and confdence of the participants in multiple memory and motor dexterity-related games.

Although superstitions can have a slight impact on an athlete’s performance, focusing on such beliefs may steer them away from success. Reliance on superstitions can cause players to become reluctant to practice their sport because of the high hopes they have for these rituals to give them the triumph they need.

“Athletes should believe in their own abilities because your ability is what is going to carry you,” said Kabilan. “ In the end, it is your hard work and the amount of practice you put into your sport.”

According to the Youth Alive Magazine, practice such as exercising can put an athlete out of their comfort zone; therefore, practice and training can result in an increase in self-confdence. For

Superstitions are often considered an important aspect of sports because they allow athletes to feel as if they have control over the results of their games. Knowing they completed these rituals gives them the reassurance they deem necessary to excel during their games. Sports competitions often feature competitiveness and certain pregame superstitions can help athletes feel stronger, allowing them to become more efcient at handling this athletic pressure. These practices give athletes a sense of secureness in their sport, infuencing their perspective in regards to their capabilities and skills. These practices can feel necessary to sports fans and coaches because it allows them to have confdence and certainty in their team’s capabilities. Athletes feel superstitions are a mandatory practice, convincing them their skills and rituals will help bring their team to victory.

infographic by Raza Cottey

With a shock device on her tennis racket, sophmore Sharini Krishnan is able to alleviate the nerves she has during her tennis matches.

photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadevara

By GRACE LARSON, Staf Writer

As student-athletes prepare for their sporting events, they lace up their shoes and throw on their jerseys. Looking at the Stanton College Preparatory School logo emblazoned on their jersey, they are instilled with a sense of pride. They feel accomplished, knowing they have earned their spot on the team. As a player gains experience in their sport, they become attached to both the game and their uniform. Throughout the years of playing for Stanton, athletes begin to develop a sense of appreciation for their sports attire, which holds a great signifcance in their relationship with the school.

Students feel a deeper connection to the athletic program when wearing their jerseys. This attire allows athletes to feel more connected to their school and sport. On other campuses, these unique designs set apart Stanton athletes from their competitors. While wearing these uniforms, athletes are reminded their athletic performance serves as a refection of the school.

“I am an advocate for Stanton when I’m on other campuses,” said senior volleyball player Madison Mina, whose relationship with her uniform reinforces this belief and furthers her own confdence. “I think I have a level of authority. I have a chip on my shoulder, and being in uniform feels empowering for myself to be a part of a group.”

Mina feels the jersey’s design allows the team to feel more unifed and connected to the school. In addition, her uniform provides her with a sense of security, allowing her to feel confdent in her own abilities. This helps to characterize her identity, as she grows more comfortable and proud of her role in representing Stanton.

An athlete’s character is further defned by the color of their jersey. Athletes wearing the traditional blue, white, and black sportswear feel it allows them to better represent Stanton, resulting in a deeper sense of school pride and spirit.

“I think [the uniform] looks good, especially the full uniform with all our school colors, [and] ‘DEVILS’ plastered across the front. It showcases school spirit,” said junior cheerleader Tara Smith, who feels the design of her outft allows her to strengthen feelings of pride among students.

Junior cross country runner Quanté Février had similar things to say about her jersey. She feels the design, which features the school colors and a Blue Devil symbol, promotes inclusivity, allowing students to bond over their involvement in Stanton sports. Teammates may relate to one another

through their shared athletic identity. When athletes wear their uniform, they feel involved within the school community, connecting to Stanton life and culture.

“I like how the design makes you feel like a Blue Devil,” said Février. “It lets you feel like a part of Stanton because without the uniforms you wouldn’t feel like a part of the team.”

Some uniforms promote unity, while others aim to promote individuality, allowing athletes to personalize their jerseys with the selection of a number. Athletes grow to feel a connection to this number, adopting it as a refection of their character and performance. These students often fnd themselves choosing the same one each year.

“I wore [jersey No. 15] in middle school, [and] I was honored to wear No. 15 again. It’s my number, [and] it’s special for me,” said senior wide receiver Gabriel Stanley, acknowledging his uniform’s role in helping him represent the school. “When I put on my jersey, I feel confdent, like I’m representing Stanton, so I want to give [my] best and be the best person I can be.”

Jersey numbers can go beyond the refection of an individual person—their meaning can be found in other people, symbolizing the player’s relationship with friends and family. These numbers can take on deeper meanings, holding greater personal signifcance.

“For the past two years [I have] been No. 7,” said senior volleyball player Alaina Castengera. “My sister was No. 7 during my sophomore year, so I wanted to take it after her, [and] continue it on.” While to some a jersey number may be nothing more than a design, to others it tells a story. It goes beyond the refection of athletic performance, and begins to express an athlete’s personal sentiment. An attachment forms as the jersey begins to take on a more personal meaning.

Jerseys often hold sentimental value, allowing players of all sports to feel connected. The feeling of wearing a uniform can be empowering for athletes, as they dress to represent their school. This allows them to boost morale among classmates when they compete. Additionally, students may feel the design of the jersey is representative of their identity. The number or color they wear emphasizes who they are, becoming a refection of their performance and character. The clothing becomes a symbol of the love they have for both their sport and the school. Athletic uniforms may enhance players’ confdence, boosting feelings of pride among students.

Junior cheerleader Tara Smith feels a connection to her school while wearing the cheer uniform.

Senior wide reciever Gabriel Stanley has had a personal connection with the number 15 throughout his career.

photo by Denise Soriano

photo by Denise Soriano

Athletes discover what it means to be a Blue Devil as they discuss how their uniforms display their pride in their sport.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

Est. 1983 I Stanton College Preparatory School

Sarah Hiott Ty’Hana Aldridge Tatum Register Cameron Kight Denise Soriano Jillian Williams

2022-2023 Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Business Manager Digital Media Editor Photography Editor Layout and Design Editor

iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate serves as the ofcial newspaper of Stanton College Preparatory School. It is produced quarterly by members of the Journalism class. The editors reserve the right to edit any material submitted into the paper for content, grammar, length and accuracy.

iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate is a public forum for student expression, which encourages free exchanges of opinions concerning controversial and noncontroversial community and school related issues. The advertisements and ideas expressed within the newspaper are not necessarily those of the newspaper staf, Stanton administration, or the Duval County Public School Board.

iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate accepts advertisements from all businesses in the Stanton community. The ad contract can be given to a staf member or newspaper adviser Mr. Larry Knight.

iiiiiReaders may contact any staf member or the adviser at (904) 630-6760 or at knightl1@duvalschools.org.

Letter from the Editor

This issue’s feature story covers the prevalent issue of drifting into the daydream of a protagonist persona. Whether you survive or thrive throughout high school, it is easy to wish for the same plot as Ferris Bueller or Cady Heron, fulflling your redemption arc or identifying your own villain origin story. However, it is important to appreciate reality and accept that life is not a movie.

At Stanton College Preparatory School, students are held to a high academic standard, making it difcult to prioritize stress-relieving activities. When watching flms where the main character is the varsity quarterback, head of the Student Council, and maintains a 4.0 grade-point average, students face unrealistic expectations for their high school career. This can lower self-esteem when comparing oneself to such a falsity. Teenagers must be conscious of the diferences between a fctional character and themselves and not let movies defne their lives.

Movies have been designed with an exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution progression to satisfy viewers by the ending. Life, though, is a roller coaster of emotion – twists and turns which should not and will not conform to plot design. The protagonist’s exaggerated plot only highlights the joy of real life and facing an unknown future. Don’t let fction defne your reality.

In a Man’s World

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD

As the world continues to evolve and new ideas and perspectives rise to the forefront of citizens’ minds, barriers continue to break within our country’s borders. Although gender diversity is on the rise, the journalism feld remains majority male. However, in Room 204 at Stanton College Preparatory School, an all-female Editorial Board is leading the Devil’s Advocate into its 39th production year. We intend to strive for creativity and ingenuity as we lead the staf to produce print and digital content and leave a legacy for our publication and school.

Despite consistent male leadership in America’s newsrooms, the profession has seen an increase in female journalists. A 2022 study conducted by Syracuse University concluded the national population of female journalists is now 41%, compared to the 22% population 50 years prior. The approaching equivalence between female and male journalists is revealing the changing world; yet Room 204 constantly outpaces the general trend.

This year’s all-female Editorial Board is a major shift from preceding Devil’s Advocate Editorial Boards that were typically led by both male and female student-journalists. As representatives of the media on campus, the board serves to establish a model for young women who may want to pursue a career in journalism.

Although the majority of the Devil’s Advocate staf is female, the Editorial Board’s leadership in both the print and digital areas is also aided by several instrumental male members, whose contributions are not unnoticed. From Videographer Carlos Alvarez and Podcast Producer Rowan Kershner to

Sports Editor Raza Cottey and Staf Writer Kendall Ford, Room 204 is flled with brilliant, diverse minds that efectively contribute to student journalism. With a dynamic of creativity and teamwork, the entire staf upholds a legacy of excellence paved by their predecessors.

With such a change to the newsroom comes an advanced perspective on the direction of the publication. Being guided by a female-led board, the staf seeks ways to amplify the voices of minorities. This issue’s Arts and Entertainment article, “Equally Human” highlights the issue of underrepresentation of disabled people in the media. This topic is often disregarded in our society and was meticulously cultivated within our pages to give a voice to those who deserve to be heard. Publishing diverse news stories and relevant topics are encouraged to not only help educate the minds of Stanton students, but to also revitalize the face of journalism to the public. As journalism faces increasing criticism in society, Stanton’s Devil’s Advocate dedicates its services to ethical journalism for the masses.

We should also acknowledge the all-female led executive board of The Phoenix, Stanton’s yearbook. On the surface, a female-led leadership team may not seem meaningful in terms of scholastic journalism, but we strenuously advocate for student-run publications across the city, state, and country to embrace the leadership of female journalists. At Stanton, the journalism feld is generating a new future for media. As members of Generation Z, the women of Room 204 are paving the way for a new culture as we lead our majority female staf with confdence into the new production year.

photo by Anusha Anna

artwork by Hawi Said

The Body Hair Debate

By AMANI OKERO, Staf Writer

Body hair, especially on women, has been under debate for centuries with the patriarchal world making it taboo. Body hair should be subjective and normalized because it protects people from diseases and skin damage, as well as helps control body heat. The acceptance of body hair has now become a part of the feminist movement; however, others still believe hairlessness equates to beauty and cleanliness. So, where do people draw the line about body hair positivity and shaming, how does this vary from person to person, and what negative efects do society’s opinions have on women’s bodies?

According to YouGov, a British market research company, 66% of British men and 62% of British women think it is unattractive for a woman to possess leg hair, while only 5% of the combined groups think leg hair on men is unattractive. These unequal views prompt women and young girls to harm their body by going to extreme lengths for the silky-smooth fnish.

Charles Darwin’s ideas about body hair aiding in natural selection in humans became popular in the 19th century, causing scientists to dig deeper into body hair and its health implications. This causes negative associations to be made with body hair, including diseases, criminal activity, and insanity.

As journalist Marianna Cerini stated in her 2020 CNN article, “Why Women Feel Pressured

Growing body hair has been a sign of support for women’s rights since the emergence of second-wave feminism, but the theory that women need to be hairless in order to be seen as clean still makes some women go hairless. Because of this, women have started being pro-body hair to show they can be just as hygienic with hair on their body. Younger girls can also learn that having their hair grown out doesn’t mean that they aren’t feminine or beautiful. This also does not mean women and young girls who prefer to go hairless are any less of a feminist because they are doing what makes them comfortable.

The humiliation of being pro-body hair or no body hair can start anywhere from home, to workplaces, and even in educational establishments. People can often feel pressure from society and their peers to shave their bodies just to be accepted in their friend group or by society’s standards.

Shaming people who choose to grow their hair because others don’t like the way they present themselves is only unnecessarily bringing people down. On the other hand, embarrassing people with no hair and claiming they can’t be feminine while being hairless is counterproductive to the movement, as it in a sense degrades them by policing how they choose to be feminine.

For a long time, society has had way too much of a say on women’s personal choices, which has caused negative health impacts. The public tends to think the perfect female must fulfll unrealistic expectations with having no hair and other physical features. This has prompted women to feel disgusted with their body hair and in their own skin.

to Shave,” women’s rising role in society has caused women to think they have “to be hairless to be considered worthy of attention was a heteronormative way of controlling their bodies – and, inherently, their selves – through shame.”

While some hold this position, body hair should not scare women and young girls due to societal pressures, but should prompt them to look deeper into the issue and know they are their own person, not a property of society, and can choose to express themselves in any way.

Overall, women have endured many struggles to get where they are today and to feel like they have complete control over their body rather than

society. Women should not feel like they need to be hairless to please the world or feel like they have to grow their body hair out to be included in the feminist movement. Each woman should be able to embrace what makes them comfortable without having to cave into worldly pressure from unrealistic beauty standards.

Columns published in the Devil’s Advocate represent the views of the writers, not those of the newspaper.

photo by Anusha Anna

infographic by Zoey Larson