EQUALTIME c e th
n a h
i e g
e u ss
Letter From the Editor
C
hange is terrifying. It’s difficult, sometimes annoying, and usually inconvenient – but also inevitable.
2020 completely changed our lives, and we’ve had to come to terms with countless new beginnings and endings. But as much as change can hurt, it’s important to remember that with it comes incredible growth.
I wouldn’t say that Fall 2020 lived
up to my initial expectations of what my senior year of college would be like. Still, I learned so much from working with this incredible team of writers, editors, designers, and models. We’ve had to change almost everything about our usual process, from taking our own photoshoots at home to editing remotely
While it can be tempting to head into 2021 just wishing for a do-over, remember that you are extraordinarily resilient for making it through 2020. So here’s to all of the new changes that this year will bring – and may we all continue to grow stronger because of them.
via Zoom, and I am beyond proud of the end result.
This issue documents some of the
biggest changes we had to face this year, like graduating in a pandemic (p. 24) and navigating social justice issues (p. 26).
2 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
Sarah Felbin, Editor in Chief @sarah_felbin
EQUALTIME Editor in Chief
Sarah Felbin Managing Editor
Sophie Little
EDITORIAL Health & Fitness Editor Betsy Hart Beauty Editor Sophie Schlosser Lifestyle Editor Mallory Carlson Features Editor Lily Menk Fashion Director Ashley Wachtfogel Fashion Editor Molly Baron
Creative Director
Sarah Felbin CREATIVE Designers Charlotte Kho Emily Baird Christin Tetteh Emily Steinberger
CONTRIBUTORS Tara Bolosan Toluwanimi Fajolu Claire Zoller Christine Zhang Hayden Ginder Karoline Leonard Charlotte Kho Caitlin Brady Caitlin Johnston
Special Thanks
Harriet Brown Equal Time is not responsible for the individual opinions expressed within. Equal Time is published twice an academic year at Syracuse University. All contents within are copyright of the respectful creators. No content may be reproduced without the written consent of the Equal Time editorial board.
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 3
Table of Contents
HEALTH BEAUTY LIFESTYLE FEATURES FASHION 4 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
Small space? Don’t sweat it. Manifestation 101 #TrainingWithTing
p. 8 p. 10 p. 12
Maskne Less is More The Eyes Have It: The Beauty Shoot
p. 14 p. 15 p. 16
Routine Reset Neutral Territory
p. 20 p. 22
So You Graduated During a Pandemic... Now What? Collegiate Crusaders A Year Like No Other
p. 24 p. 26 p. 30
The Necessary Accessory COVID Couture WFH: The Fashion Shoot
p. 32 p. 34 p. 36
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 5
y d r e ay v E them n A
it is vital to the survival of humanity’s embrace.
unifying mankind into one euphonious melting pot. Not everyone appreciates all music, but music transcends all cultures, ages, and demographics.
s
It has healing powers, all while being an innate part of our DNA that is essential to our very being. It’s a form of time travel, a superpower that grants us access to the past and a glimpse into the future.
Music for the highs, the lows, and everything in between Story by SOPHIE SCHLOSSER Illustrations by EMILY STEINBERGER
Music is unity. It is a breeding ground of commonality,
Music provides connection between generations. It tugs at our heartstrings with its intrinsic ability to latch onto human memories. By triggering sense memories that stimulate emotion, music allows us to be present in our thoughts, breath, surroundings, and state of mind.
The magic of this auditory sensation is not
derived from the words sung or the beats played, but Can music be any one thing, or is it all the things? Is it the blaring dance track pounding through your chest as you whiz past the Manhattan skyline? Is it the romantic standard a young woman hums down the aisle while wearing the white dress she has dreamt about since her 12th birthday? Or is it the monotonous elevator music that seeks to fill the empty space between you and an adjacent stranger?
Is it the crescendo that builds in a horror
movie while your eyes are shielded by a blanket? Is it the starving artist on the street corner beatboxing atop his cardboard stage? Or is it the bystanders’ c h a n g e c l a n k i n g i n t h e a r t i s t ’s h o l l o w c u p ?
Is it the triumphing voices of the Grateful Dead at
their Woodstock finale? Is it the sharp hum of a Parisian violin bow striking its delicate strings on a summer night? Or is it the sounds of a weeping country brought back together by the harmonious words of the National Anthem?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you
are correct. Music is everything: love, pain, life, loss, peace, power, and truth. Because of its profound effect on the human condition, music is a unique medium of emotional expression. It is the universal language of the soul – people not only thrive off it, but
6 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
rather the memories and emotions touched. Every individual experiences it differently. Music is the ultimate communicator, a guarantee of at least one shared language. It never forgets, helping shape both the depth of our character and the breadth of our persona.
Music is the rhythm of the soul, flowing in our
bodies like warm blood pumping through our veins. Music helps define life – it came before us and it will inevitably remain after us. The evolution of instruments was conceived in the earliest stages of human life, as seen in the simple act of cavemen beating sticks together to create sound. Whether it’s drumming fingers or tapping toes, the human body is the extension of an instrument that creates music and enriches our lives.
Where would society be without it? We
thrive off of music in so many ways. It envelopes us at weddings, concerts, and movie theatres. A day without The Beatles is like a day without sunshine. Theatre relies upon music and our curiosity relies upon theatre. Performed in 1605, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was as much a musical as it was a play. Music is progress. Music is technology. Music is advancement. Music is our culture. Use the playlists below as your healing power – your musical compass.
Mellow Melt: Channel your inner zen. Find peace and slow down the chaos in your mind. Whether driving, working out, or at a coffee shop, I have found the music in this playlist to be timeless and perfect for every moment of the day. With the soothing vocals of rising female artists such as Pip Millet, Jorja Smith, and Koffee, it’s nearly impossible to refrain from sinking deep into a melodic trance.
Main Character Charisma: This next playlist is not meant to just be heard, but rather to be blasted on the days when you need a reminder that you are the leader of your own life. The selected songs will elevate your mood, while making you feel like the star in a famous music video about your life. With elite top hits like “Runaway” by Kanye West all the way to classic throwbacks like “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, this playlist is an ultimate go-to for escaping the dog days.
Chrysalism: Or, according to the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, “the amniotic tranquility of being indoors during a thunderstorm, listening to waves of rain pattering against the roof like an argument upstairs, whose muffled words are unintelligible but whose crackling release of built-up tension you understand perfectly.” With powerful singles from artists including Coldplay, Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, and Beachhouse, this playlist will propel you straight into an emotional journey of philosophical reflection and understanding. Whether you’re trying to piece back together a broken heart or you’re plagued with a senseless urge to wallow in your deepest sorrows, the remedy for all broken parts can be found here.
Fast Lane: Meant for one thing and one thing only: joy rides. There is such an understated beauty in combining two basic arts of self-reflection – music and driving. Painstakingly created for nights of intense contemplation and aimless driving under a starlit sky, this collection of music will stimulate existential epiphanies about both your own mind and the wider universe. With futuristic songs by rising female artist 070 Shake as well as groundbreaking singles from Mac Miller, the master of musical intellect, this playlist will serve as a much-needed awakening to reality.
Behind Closed Doors: These songs probably should have been added to your sex playlist, but must have slipped your mind. After a deep analysis of Spotify’s Top 20 sex playlists, some with extremely unfortunate playlist names such as “Babymaking” and “The Nasty,” I uncovered the most popular sex tracks to date – all included in this ultimate hook-up playlist. From classics like Doja Cat’s “Bottom Bitch” all the way to a concerningly large portion of Travis Scott’s “Astroworld,” it’s the perfect mix of varying music genres for sex. Enjoy. Sorry, not sorry.
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 7
Health & Fitness
Small space?
Don’t sweat it. How to turn your dorm into the new Planet Fitness Story by CLAIRE ZOLLER | Illustrations by EMILY BAIRD
8 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
B
eing a full-time student and
apps like Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club
maintaining a fitness routine is
will give you countless options for working out.
challenging, especially during a
Many of these videos require little to no equipment,
pandemic. Going to the gym can be
so they can easily be done in your dorm room.
risky right now, so making the switch to at-home
Even with limited space in a single, there
workouts is a fun and safe way to fill some free
are so many ways you can get active at school
time in between classes or release anxious
and take fitness classes. One interactive fitness
energy that has built up throughout the day.
group on campus at Syracuse and other colleges
Jolie Smith, a sophomore at Syracuse
is CHAARG, whose main goal is to make working
University, explains that working out helps
out enjoyable. CHAARG strives to encourage
her create a sense of normalcy in the midst of
women to take care of their bodies, as well as
a pandemic. “I think it’s important right now
their mental health and overall well-being. During
because everything is uncertain, and having one
these anxiety-ridden times, they offer members
thing that is certain gives comfort.” Daily life is
both virtual and in-person, socially-distanced
overwhelming at the moment, and starting some
workouts such as Zumba and yoga. Ellis Stanton,
at-home workouts is a great way of coping with
vice president of media for CHAARG at Syracuse
the stress. Dedicating an hour a day to working
University, explains, “At first the new restrictions
out gives Smith some control over her life, and
were a challenge, but now we are doing it mostly
a means to relieve her anxiety. After spending
virtually. This has allowed us to reach out to girls
hours upon hours in a dorm room, it begins to
who are staying home and other chapters as well.”
feel claustrophobic; she recommends getting out
by going on a walk, a run, or a quick workout.
amount of stress and anxiety that can cause
The pandemic has brought a heightened
“Everything is uncertain, and having one thing that is certain gives comfort.”
The Internet is a great place to find at-
people to either fall into old bad habits or
home workouts from people like Alexis Ren from
struggle to find healthy ways to help cope
“Ten Minute Ab Workout” or Blogger Cassey Ho @
with their emotions. Next time that you find
blogilates. There is a video on YouTube for every
yourself struggling to focus in class, try doing
workout you can think of, whether you have ten
a workout video or going for a walk, as it will
minutes or an hour. Instagram, Pinterest, and
help keep you sane during this chaotic time.
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 9
Health & Fitness
Manifestation 101 You’ve seen it on TikTok, and we’re here to explain Story by CHARLOTTE KHO | Illustration by CHARLOTTE KHO “Manifestation” has become a buzzword, quickly
says. “I had been manifesting the whole time, just by being
rising in popularity on social media platforms. But
aware of what’s in my mind and what I was feeling.” She
despite its overnight success, a lot of questions still
also stresses that gratitude and optimism are equally
remain about the concept. Does it really
as important as intentionally focusing one’s thoughts.
work? How can you apply it in your own life?
In addition, Maple says a common misconception
According to Psychology Today, manifestation
with manifestation is that there is no work put
is the awareness of how our beliefs,
into it. For her, the work comes with the intent she
thoughts, and mindset influence our
puts into manifesting the changes she wants to
experience. Essentially, it’s about
see. Her thoughts and desires are the driving force
“focusing on what you desire, and attracting it
behind her work ethic. For people like Maple, it’s that
through what you think , say, and do.”
focused energy that gives manifestation its power.
Madi Maple, a life
coach and social media i n f l u e n c e r, i s a n e x p e r t o n m a n i f e s t i n g . To h e r, manifesting positivit y in one’s life is all about “where your attention goes, energy flows.” Maple first discovered manifesting after a bad breakup. “I realized I needed
“ When we focus on what we desire, we have the ability to create that aspiration and it will come back to us. ”
to take control of my life for
N ow,
many
college
students are tr ying out manifestation. Allie Schuster, a sophomore Public Relations major at Syracuse University, has been working on adding manifestation to her daily routine through journaling.
“That’s something that’s
been super helpful for me,” she says. “I’ve been trying to write
myself,” she says. “I was out of college, freshly broken
down my manifestations at the beginning of each month,
up with, had no idea what I was going to do with my
things like school, relationships, goals. I do the 3-6-9
life and so I started to take my intentions very seriously,
method, where I write down one broad manifestation three
my thoughts and my feelings and I started to do a lot
times, then that same manifestation but a little bit more
of innerwork on myself and when I started to do the
specific six times, and then finally a very detailed scene I
innerwork, I noticed that my whole outside world changed
want in my life nine times. I haven’t seen any results yet,
too.” Now, she works to help others transform their lives.
I’m just starting out, but it does give me a sense of hope.”
Maple didn’t realize she was manifesting, but she
Thinking about diving into the world of manifestation?
noticed that having intentional thoughts and desires
Maple and Schuster offered some helpful tips and tricks
helped create her reality. “Just by changing what I think
to help you understand this new phenomenon a little better.
about, my whole outside world completely changed,” she
10 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
For beginners, Maple recommends just simply
changing your mindset. Start by asking yourself some simple questions. “I ask myself, ‘If I had that desire, how would I act? How would I dress? What would I say? Who would I hang out with?’” Maple says.
Schuster suggests making a quick trip to the store.
“It’s super easy to go to Target or Michael’s and find a simple notebook and to sit down, and take ten to twenty minutes to intentionally visualize and dream about what you want
Books: • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle • Manifest Now by Idil Ahmed
and write it down,” she says. “I also like to look at my journaling throughout the week, especially when I’m feeling off, because it reminds me of what I’m working towards.”
It’s as simple as understanding your desires
and intentionally working towards making them a reality. If you’re ready to make some serious life changes, we’ve compiled a list of helpful resources to get you started. Happy manifesting!
Podcasts: • Manifestation Babe, hosted by Kathrin Zenkina • Manifest Daily, hosted by Dheandra Nicolette • The Sarah Prout Podcast, hosted by Sarah Prout
People to follow: • Madi Maple @madimaple • Summer Monae @summer. monae • Sia Natara @mamasolaris • Leeor Alexandra @leeoralexandra
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 11
#TrainingWith Ting
Health & Fitness
1
How one woman’s workout videos changed our outlook on fitness Story by TOLUWANIMI FAJOLU | Illustration by CHARLOTTE KHO Chloe Ting is a name that has recently gained some
different from other fitness personalities that I had
fame. Ting is a 36-year-old Australian YouTuber
seen. Working out with her was more like I was taking
and fitness personality whose workout videos
a workout class with a friend that was struggling with
and fitness programs went viral over quarantine.
me. You know you are in 2020 when you’re “friends”
Ting’s seemingly overnight success is a testament
with a virtual trainer that you’ve never met. Ting’s
to the changed conversation surrounding women’s
somewhat sympathetic tone of voice made the process
fitness over the decades. In the ‘80s, Jane Fonda’s
of working out seem more relaxing, which is beneficial
videos were so revolutionar y because women
for people who don’t respond to an aggressive trainer.
were not supposed to be “Fit and Strong,” despite
what the title of one of Fonda’s workouts might
recommendations, which is also how Meris Rosenberg,
suggest. Those videos weren’t as accessible as
a sophomore Biology and Forensic Science major at SU,
workout videos are now, and today’s versions are
found her. “I’m glad I watched her videos because it gave
definitely less grainy. Fitness workouts videos are not
me something to do. I did the two-week challenge. I gained
“She was doing it to make people feel better physically and mentally, not just to make money.”
some muscle, but it got too repetitive, so I decided to do
a new phenomenon, but this craze is different.
I decided to begin my fitness
journey the week before what was supposed to be spring break. I had picked up some unhealthy habits and I wanted to stop having such a toxic mindset toward working out. During quarantine, I fell down a rabbit hole of workout videos. Something about Chloe Ting was
12 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
I stumbled upon Ting through my YouTube
more free weight full-body workouts,” says Rosenberg. There were also other aspects of her videos that people gravitated to. “The instructor talked more through it, which motivated me more. But I didn’t have all the time in the world to get the results that I saw other people were getting,’’ says Jamie Vidallion, a Towson University nursing major. Some knew about her and her challenges,
1
but didn’t par ticipate. “I never followed up with her challenges because it didn’t seem interesting enough to me, so she didn’t really impact me, ” says
1
sophomore Loise Kabui, a Biology major at Towson University.
Those who did participate in Ting’s challenges
benefited physically and mentally. “It gave me some
1
form of mental stimulation and made me feel like I did something productive,” says Christin Tetteh, a sophomore Political Science and Communications major at SU. Ting and other fitness bloggers are also making workouts accessible to more people. “She was doing it to make people feel better physically and mentally,
1
not just to make money,” says Tetteh. Ting’s videos and programs are free on her website. With 15 million subscribers, her following has become a community. “[Ting] is so active right now... it feels like everyone was suffering together,” says sophomore Cassidy Finnerty, an Intelligence Analysis major at York College of Pennsylvania.
This
community
seems
to
be
more
accepting of different body types. “It was nice to know that people of all sizes were doing her challenge,” says Tetteh. This can be seen both in
1
the diverse body types that make transformation videos on YouTube and in Ting’s personal experience. Ting has multiple videos about gaining weight and has been open about how hard it is to keep the ideal fitness blogger body type. All the transformation videos have similar endings that emphasize that, even if participants didn’t lose any weight or inches
1
off of their waists, they still benefited mentally.
Ting is also very honest in her videos. She
prefaces her workouts by saying that while people may have different experiences and results, the goal is just to do the best you can. Once you continue the workout videos, it becomes less about the number on the scale and the inches on the tape. You start to realize that setting a physical goal for yourself can also be beneficial for your mental health. Most importantly, Ting’s videos are about improving yourself – whatever that means to you.
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 13
Beauty
M A S K N E 14 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
What it is and how to combat it. Story by CAITLYN BRADY | Illustration by CHARLOTTE KHO Everyone was on top of their skin care
in the areas covered by the mask.”
game during quarantine. With all the
time in the world to try new products
the utmost importance to make sure
and do face masks, our skin was thriving.
we are keeping ourselves and those
But now that we’ve launched into a
around us safe. As a result, we are
new normal, our beautiful skin is stuck
all susceptible to maskne, especially
sweating under a mask all day. For a lot
those of us with oily, acne-prone skin.
of people, that perfect quarantine skin is
an impossible luxury to maintain, and the
recommends the following: “Wear a clean
dreaded maskne has reared its ugly head.
mask daily, avoid wearing cosmetics
“Maskne” is defined as the acne that occurs
underneath the mask, cleaning the skin
from wearing a protective face mask.
twice daily (once daily with a glycolic
Exper t Theresa Setter shared
acid wash to clean the pores), don’t pick
some insight about maskne and gave
at any acne, and eat a healthy diet.”
us tips on how to treat it. Setter is a
board-certified Nurse Practitioner who
but if it does occur, Setter recommends
is nationally certified in the practice of
certain treatments such as a HydraFacial
Dermatology. She is also the founder and
or a chemical salicylic acid peel. She also
CEO of Revitalize CNY in Fayetteville, NY.
suggests using a glytone wash or a topical
According to Setter, “maskne
cream. Brands like Cetaphil have some great
occurs due to the occlusion of pores
facial cleansers with the ingredient glytone.
with a mask, in some cases cosmetics
and a mask, repeated exposure to
be something we are adding on to
bacteria and oils on masks worn
our mountain of stress and anxiety,
daily without proper cleaning and
so make sure you’re prioritizing your
sanitizing, or excess moisture and friction
skin’s needs on your self-care days.
Wearing a mask daily is of
To keep maskne in check, Setter
It’s good to try to prevent maskne,
Fighting off maskne shouldn’t
less is more how the no-makeup look has transformed the beauty industry Story by KAROLINE LEONARD Since quarantine, friends and family aren’t the only things we’ve been distancing ourselves from. Jeans, haircuts, and makeup have all fallen by the wayside as we’ve adjusted to Zoom meetings and WFH life. Spending more time alone has led to women wearing less makeup and focusing more on skincare – but this transition began long before COVID-19.
According to The NPD Group, a market research company, makeup sales rose by
only 1% in 2019, which is a stark contrast to the 13% increase in skincare sales. Even major vendors who sell makeup products took a hit. Neiman Marcus experienced a 3.5% decline in new makeup arrival sales, as stated in Vogue Business. So, what caused the switch?
now that we’re working from home and staying indoors, our typical makeup routines just aren’t practical anymore.
Piper Sandler, an investment banking company,
surveyed almost 10,000 U.S. teens this fall. Their Taking Stock with Teens study found that women are opting for a no-makeup look, which has been especially true for younger generations. The study also reported a 12% increase in skincare spending for men. As a result, consumers are more likely to buy items that Vogue refers to as skincare-adjacent products, like concealer, tinted moisturizer, lip gloss, setting spray, and mascara. Piper Sandler’s study also reported that younger generations have become more environmentally
c o n s c i o u s, c h o o s i n g t o b u y p ro d u c t s t h a t a re c r u e l t y- f re e a n d l ow i n c h e m i c a l s.
Influencers are another reason for this switch, especially those in the skincare industry. Names
like Skincare by Hyram, The GoldenRx, and Chemist Confessions are flooding social media with skincare tips and product recommendations. With influencers making a name for themselves by posting critiques, tutorials, and product reviews, their audiences are being exposed to a new side of the beauty industry. Using the same techniques as makeup artists, skincare influencers are working to be current, trendy, and minimalist. Influencers are also pushing skincare for all, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity.
Now that we’re working from home and staying indoors, our typical makeup routines just
aren’t practical anymore. All of this has only aided the decline in makeup sales while also boosting the skincare industry. Coty, the parent company of brands like Rimmel and Philosophy, has experienced a 62.8% decrease in their revenue in 2020 so far. Moving forward, Vogue expects that the skincare industry will continue to rise as women focus more on self-care. This is bound to cause even more of a decline in sales for the beauty industry, possibly eliminating many big brand names in the process. mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 15
Beauty
the eyes have it make a statement with bright, bold colors (that match your mask, of course). Models: McKenzie Wentzell Toluwanimi Fajolu Isabel Duncan 16 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
Camila Paez
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 17
18 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
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Routine Reset Lifestyle
Instead of clicking “Next Episode,” try one of these five ways to recharge Story by TARA BOLOSAN | Illustration by SARAH FELBIN It is no question that COVID-19, and now virtual learning, have kept us inside for too long. Our usual routines are definitely out of the question, so we’ve had to get creative. Quarantine had us finally picking up hobbies we’ve always wanted to try because – let’s be honest – what else were we going to do? From new activities to new perspectives on life, two college students, Gianna Garza at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Lolei Brenot at University of Southern California, are learning new ways to cope with being indoors this school year. Here are five tips that they picked up to help them branch out indoors – keep an open mind and they just might help you, too!
20 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
1 3 5
Try to complete at least one meaningful act once a day. This is a fun take on getting your body moving. If you plan at least one meaningful movement for the day, it helps give your day purpose. Brenot says “sometimes I feel like I’m going through the motions in my routine, so when I’m planning out my week, I try to pick one activity where I know I’m doing it for a self-care
purpose.” It might be going for a walk, practicing yoga, or doing anything else that gets you up and out of your room.
Learn how to cook “adult” food. Since we were at home for so long, dining hall food was not an option. Learning how to cook “adult” food for your family is a good way to see if you can make it on your own. “I know after I graduate I can’t be eating easy-to-make mac and cheese. So, learning how to cook my
Nana’s traditional Italian recipes has been fun to make for my family and future dinner parties,” Garza says.
Take a moment to breathe and reconnect with yourself. Sometimes we forget to take a second to collect our thoughts. Taking a break to breathe deeply calms the nerves and prepares
2 4
Become a plant mom. Might as well spruce up your space with a plant if you’re spending more time there! Plus, going to a nursery can be a fun way to get some fresh air. Garza and Brenot both agree that this little bit of extra responsibility can be beneficial.
Keep a to-do list. “I keep a to-do list because there are times where I am overwhelmed with all my assignments and daily tasks that I need to write it down so I can see what needs to be done,” says Garza. Periodically checking things off a list during the day is one way to make sure you are
staying on task. It’s also another activity that keeps you engaged with your work throughout the day.
us for the next task. Deep breaths are just one relaxation technique that helps reduce stress, and you can do them
anytime, anywhere. Brenot and Garza say their Apple watches help remind them to breathe and that they appreciate these little check-ins throughout the day.
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 21
Lifestyle
Neutral Territory A new and improved way to love yourself Story by KAROLINE LEONARD | Illustrations by EMILY BAIRD Body positivity feels like a new movement, but a quick Google search will show that the concept has actually been around for decades. In 1969, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance was founded to promote a new culture in the way people talk about weight. The phrase “body positivity” then emerged in 1996, and with it came a movement to encourage people, especially women, to accept all weights, shapes, and sizes. With this in mind, women strive to feel body-positive every day, even when they don’t, creating a feeling of guilt and exclusivity w i t h i n t h e m ove m e n t .
This is where the
body neutrality movement steps in. Anuschka Rees, author of the body-neutrality manual Beyond Beautiful, writes that “the body neutrality movement seeks to separate happiness from one’s appearance.” As the movement grows, more and more women are encouraged to accept
22 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
that some days are better than others and that they should not punish themselves for feeling down about what they look like.
Sam Car tina is a registered
dietician, influencer, and owner of Nourish Lift Repeat, a health and wellness website and program that provides information and personalized nutrition plans to better help her clients succeed in their food freedom. She first learned about the movement through the clothing company Aerie’s campaign to stop editing their models. With body neutrality becoming a buzzword of sorts, Cartina continues to promote the movement via her social media and website.
“Body neutrality is like self-worth;
both come from within and allow you to be yourself regardless of your appearance,” says Cartina. “The body neutrality movement is so empowering because thoughts about their bodies no longer consume women.”
Car tina works as a nutritionist,
providing clients with plans and the tools they need to better fuel and strengthen their bodies. She routinely offers advice to her followers and anyone looking to get involved in the movement, explaining how she practices the movement in her own life.
“Body neutrality is a non-linear
helpful to first find a neutral relationship with
“Body neutrality is like self-worth; both come from within and allow you to be yourself regardless of your appearance.”
your body than trying to love it immediately.”
journey. Gratitude has played a considerable
from women who originally advocated
role in my progress. Know your thoughts
for positivity and have now switched to
and emotions that you are feeling are
neutrality. Kujala believes that society
valid, but your body is not the problem,”
and the world around us have created
she explains. “You can improve your body
the perceptions about size and weight,
image issues but not by changing what’s
giving them more value than they deserve.
on the outside; you have to change how
you treat and view yourself from the inside.”
appearance by listing the things I’m grateful
for about my body and what it does for
With the increasing support of body
The body neutrality movement has
grown in popularity on social media platforms over the years, with the hashtag grossing more than 78,400 posts on Instagram. These posts come from influencers, dieticians, athletes, and users alike. Even though the body positivity movement still exceeds the body neutrality movement, body neutrality has gained significant suppor t, often
“I turn my attention away from my
neutrality, women are beginning to move
me,” Kujala explains. “It’s time for
away from the body positivity movement.
us to turn our gaze away from our
Even though it has good intentions, many
stomachs and stretch marks and
women believe that body positivity puts
turn it upon this
too much of an emphasis on how one
beautiful
looks, telling them to simply love the skin
that
they’re in, which many find hard to do.
to experience
every
Leea Kujala is an influencer and
we
life get
d a y,
advocate for the body neutrality movement,
turn it upon
especially when it comes to how body
this
positivity and body neutrality affects someone
world in which our
who is recovering from an eating disorder.
bodies give us the
possibility to live.”
“The problem with body positivity
beautiful
is that it still gives a lot of value to the body and appearance. It can also spread the idea that you should be loving your body all day every day which is completely unrealistic,” Kujala says. “Also, if you’re someone trying to improve your body-image, it’s much more
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 23
Features
So you graduated during a pandemic… n
ow
w
ha
t?
How three students picked up the pieces of their senior year Story by CAITLIN JOHNSTON | Illustrations by EMILY BAIRD
As her friends packed their bags for spring break
and said their “see you laters,” Tara Kielty had a bad
year, the class of 2020 had
feeling that this was going to be more like a final
high hopes for their job search
goodbye. She had been watching the coronavirus
as America was experiencing an
pandemic make its way across the globe since the
incredibly low unemployment rate
beginning of 2020, and it was in this moment that she
at just 3.7%, according to the National
finally realized her senior year was coming to an end.
Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
“Before spring break, all of my friends were
Going into their senior
In March, their hopes faded as
saying ‘We’ll come back after, don’t worry,’” says Kielty,
the pandemic swept across the globe,
a 2020 Syracuse University graduate. “I remember
resulting in universities shutting down for
being like, ‘Guys, we are not going to come back.’ And
the rest of the semester, job losses, and
that is where it hit me and I thought to myself, this is it.”
an economic downturn. As graduation
24 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
approached, the class of 2020 faced the worst job market
me. In my head I know the main reason is COVID, but
America had seen since the Great Depression and an
there is still some self doubt in the back of your head.”
unemployment rate of 14.7%, according to the NCSL.
Seniors graduating from college were entering
of Wisconsin–Madison, had her plans for optometry
adulthood in unprecedented times while also missing
school solidified before COVID-19 came into the picture.
out on experiences they had looked forward to since
their freshman year. Plenty envisioned a bittersweet
for a long time that I was already accepted at my
graduation surrounded by friends and family before
optometry school that I wanted to go to,” Breliant says.
venturing off on their own. Instead, most of the class
of 2020 received a twenty minute Zoom celebration
missed out on the lasts of her senior year and a
and moved back in with their parents indefinitely.
big graduation ceremony. She did find the bright
Kielty had time to process her early exit as
side to this whole situation, however, and shared
a senior because she realized that spring break
some words of wisdom for this year ’s seniors.
was ultimately the end of her college experience.
“I just realized that I wasn’t going to have my ‘lasts.’
says. “Be happy that you have this time to work on
My last night at DJ’s with my friends, my last flip night at
your goals. You don’t have the distractions of whatever
Faegan’s, my last day of classes. You think about these
else is usually going on in your life. Yeah, it sucks that
things since freshman year and in a second, it all fell away,”
you don’t have that all going on, but at the same time
she says. “But now after all the worry and fear, and how
it’s kind of a good time to have an excuse to get your
shitty it was, I am okay. I didn’t need that last night at DJ’s.”
work done and not worry about missing out on things.”
Kielty’s optimism is due in part to her unexpected
Rachel Breliant, a 2020 graduate of the University
“By the time the pandemic hit, I had known
Despite her post-grad plans, Breliant still
“Enjoy the time to learn about yourself,” she
Tara Kielty is optimistic about her future and
stay with her parents. She moved in with them shortly
thankful for the time of growth she went through. She
after graduation and still lives there today. Kielty is
says she feels for this year’s seniors and the uncertainty
thankful for her parents and their willingness to help
of everyday, but encourages them to see the positives.
her. Things are looking up, because after months of
searching, she found a job that is taking her in a direction
matter what happens, get to make your impact
much different than she had planned, but she is still
on the world and do what you were meant to do.”
“ Yo u w i l l i n e v i t a b l y,” K i e l t y s a y s , “ n o
able to help others like she had always wanted to.
Similarly, Ashley Bouma, a 2020 Olivet
N a za re n e U n i v e r s i t y g ra d u a t e , s p e n t m o n t h s struggling to find a teaching job. Around mid-August, things turned around for her and she received a call from an elementary school offering her a job.
“It is hard when the future is so unknown,”
Bouma says. “I started to think maybe I had gone for the wrong career, since no school was trying to hire
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 25
Features
collegiate
CRUSADERS this is not your mother’s revolution Story by SOPHIE LITTLE | Illustrations by SARAH FELBIN
A
t the time of publication, there have
and (most importantly) my dog after six months
been almost half a million deaths from
spent together in lockdown. Additionally, the virus
the coronavirus in the United States and
has encouraged the world to become more health-
millions more around the world. The pandemic
conscious. There are hand sanitizer dispensers at
has impacted our job security, mental health, and
every corner of Syracuse University’s campus, and
quality of life. Multiple pop culture icons have
most people are fully embracing the concept of
passed away, including Naya Rivera and Kobe
social distancing. These lighthearted but meaningful
Byrant, and the political unrest in America is
examples of positive outcomes from this year shed
reminiscent of the Civil Rights Movement during
light on what’s important in life, and stand as a
the 1960s. Needless to say, the song “F2020,”
reminder in an otherwise stressful world that it’s
which debuted on TikTok, became an overnight
okay to take a break from our chaotic daily routines.
hit and launched the band Avenue Beat’s career.
But there is more to 2020 than petty family drama or
obsessively washing your hands – there is also politics.
When the ball dropped in New York
City’s Times Square at midnight on January 1,
2021, it was easy to look back on 2020 and
in 2016, there has been immense divisiveness and
deem it a total shitshow; however, let’s take a
political unrest in the United States, but nothing
moment to reflect on this year beneath the surface.
can compare to the events of this past summer.
Quarantine gave many families the
Trump’s embarrassing response to the coronavirus
opportunity to reconnect with each other. Personally,
by dismissing it as “bad flu” and criticizing social
it had been six years since all four members of my
distancing outraged many Americans, and
household lived under one roof, and although it was
caused a loss of faith in the federal government.
hard at times, overall, it was a valuable experience.
When George Floyd’s violent murder was caught
Now, I feel much closer to my mother, father, sister,
on camera and shared around the world, the
26 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
Since Donald Trump was elected president
country finally had enough and took to the
streets, with young people leading the charge.
who is also passionate about issues of race.
Political activism among college students
In addition, he advocates for climate change,
skyrocketed. Students were reposting resources on
reproductive rights (he interned at Emily’s List, a
their Instagram stories to demand justice for George
pro-choice political action committee for Democratic
Floyd and other Black Americans like Breonna Taylor
women), and voting, especially at the local level.
who also lost their lives at the hands of the police.
“One pearl of wisdom,” Hill says, “is don’t discredit
They were organizing Black Lives Matter protests
your local elections, especially with things like racial
that required masks and encouraged maintaining six
injustice. State level laws impact criminal justice.
feet of distance from others when possible; they were
Most prisoners are in state prisons.” This past
using the attention on racial injustices in the United
fall, he was outspoken during his state’s Primary
States as an opportunity to bring awareness to other
elections, and was happy that Ed Markey was
social issues, like climate change or the dangers of
re e l e c t e d a s S e n a t o r fo r M a s s a c h u s et t s.
fast fashion. In conclusion, the summer of 2020 was
a watershed moment that will be immortalized in our
who has been an activist since high school, when she
history books for future generations to appreciate.
helped campaign for Hilary Clinton’s presidency. She
And much of the progress is owed
explains that having a “female candidate was a big
to the work of bright , young, and eager
moment in my life,” and that Kamala Harris running
college
emails,
as vice president in the 2020 presidential election
signing petitions, and registering to vote
is “also very emotional for me.” One issue she is
are just a few examples of the efforts being
passionate about is government-funded programs,
made by Gen Zers across the country to create
like public housing. Last year she volunteered for
change. Now, students have returned to their
Hillview, an afterschool program in her area for
college campuses either virtually or physically,
kids who live in public housing. She explains that
bringing their passion for activism with them.
“things like public housing are so important, and
food stamps.” Unfortunately, government-funded
students.
Sending
Anna Harvey is a junior at Trinity College
who is studying Political Science and plans on getting her law degree. She is especially passionate about issues of race, and is a strong believer in young people using technology to their advantage. “Our generation,” she says, “uses platforms like TikTok and Instagram to make people more aware of what’s happening in the political dome.” Social media plays a huge role in activism among college students nowadays, with the sharing of informative graphics and petitions rising in popularity since this past summer.
Robby Hill is a sophomore at Yale University
Ellie Wolfe is a sophomore at Bates College
“Our generation uses platforms like TikTok and Instagram to make people more aware of what’s happening in the political dome.”
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 27
programs are an issue often forgotten by college
going to impact Trump because he will die relatively
students, but Wolfe realizes that it’s critical to be
soon, but college students have our whole lives
“extra aware of government-subsidized programs.”
ahead of us. Our lives will be significantly affected
by policies made today about climate change.”
“It’s important to understand the differences
between political issues and moral issues,” says
Harvey. “I understand why some students don’t
is the reason young politicians like congresswoman
wanna be involved with politics, it’s tiring, but some
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are so popular among Gen
issues transcend politics.” Many student activists
Zers. Harvey, an aspiring lawyer, says “she is the
share the same sentiments as Harvey, such as Hill,
bridge to our generation [Gen Z] and millennials. I love
who explains, “my political ideology is don’t be
that she is unapologetic in the way she goes about
“You can go a long way in life with the mentality ‘don’t be an asshole.’”
policy making, and how she holds herself in Congress.”
Ever y activist I spoke to agreed that
representation politics matters, and that doesn’t just mean age. It also means race, gender, or sexuality. It’s impossible to truly understand the significance of certain issues for a group as an outsider. White folks can’t truly feel the impact of racism, men can’t truly feel the impact of Roe v. Wade, and older folks can’t
“How do we talk about anything other than climate change?”
an asshole. You can go a long way in life with the mentality ‘don’t be an asshole.’” This next generation realizes the distinction between issues of human rights and issues of income taxes. Systemic racism and the Black Lives Matter movement, for instance, are issues of human rights. To disagree with BLM would be to disagree with the American ideal of equality, and ensuring that there truly is “justice for all.”
The importance of thinking about the future
Contrary to the misconception that college
truly feel the impact of climate change, and the sense
activists hate America, young people love their country
of impending doom with what’s to come in our lifetime.
and are actually striving to create a better future for
themselves and their children. When talking about
climate change haunts my nightmares, and for
climate change, Wolfe says, “climate change is not
obvious reasons. According to NASA’s website,
28 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
As a Gen Zer myself, I can confirm that
Carbon dioxide levels are at their highest in 650,000
for the Green New Deal, and the website has a whole
years at 414 parts per million, 19 of the 20 hottest
page dedicated to explaining the proposed legislation.
years have happened since 2001, global average sea
level has risen around 7” over the past 100 years,
an issue that is important to activists on college
and 7 years ago Arctic summer sea ice shrank to
campuses these days. Whether it’s criminal justice
the lowest on record. Hill exclaims, “how do we talk
reform, reproductive rights, or voter suppression,
about anything other than climate change? How big
there are thousands of dedicated young people
a threat it is to the future of humanity from every
working to make the world a better place. Yes, 2020
possible standpoint? It is the greatest threat to the
has been a shitshow, but it has also been a milestone
world.” Although it’s easy to feel helpless about
year. Young people like college students stepped up
climate change, college students have remained
to the plate this past summer and did not disappoint.
strong advocates for taking care of our planet.
Wolfe’s good friend at Bates College, Leah
are ways to get involved on your own college campus.
Zukosky, has helped bring the Sunrise Movement
“Chances are,” Hill explains, “there are already
to their campus. “The Sunrise Movement,” Wolfe
people doing work for things that you are passionate
explains, “is a national movement focused on climate
about. Look at existing orgs and email someone.” At
change that has different branches at high schools
Syracuse University, there are plenty of opportunities
and colleges. Bates just started one this year, and
to do fulfilling work with clubs such as Circle K
Leah is the head of getting new members.” According
International, Enactus, and SU’s chapter of the
to the Sunrise Movement’s website, it has over 400
NAACP, it’s never too late to get involved. As Harvey
“hubs” across the country, and strives to stop climate
says, “we need to normalize these conversations
change while also creating “millions of good paying
because they’re about much more than politics.”
Climate change is just one example of
If you are moved by stories of activism, there
jobs in the process.” The campaign is a huge advocate
“Chances are, there are already people doing work for things that you are passionate about. Look at existing orgs and email someone.”
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 29
Features
A Year Like No Other Tackling (and talking about) today’s big issues Story by HAYDEN GINDER Illustrations by EMILY STEINBERGER
2020 has been a year of devastation, transition, and
movements like Black Lives Matter strictly from behind
change. With the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter
their screens for the eyes of their followers, but they
movement, the fires that raged throughout the West
also fail to engage in social justice movements in depth.
Coast, the explosion in Beirut, and the pandemic
spreading across the globe, it seems as though the world
Executive Director of the Arcus Center for Social
is in a constant state of disarray. While information
Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College in Michigan.
is easily accessible through social media, does the
According to her, while performative activism is by no
oversaturation of aesthetically pleasing infographics
means the end goal, it’s at least a first step towards
really help us facilitate meaningful conversations with
understanding social justice movements. Brock explains
friends, family, and peers about the state of the world?
that performative activism can help combat serious
We’ve had time to think, process, and educate ourselves.
issues through what she calls “good propaganda.”
How can we take things a step further and dive into
a deeper level of engagement with the social justice
change people’s hearts and minds even if it doesn’t
movements that are the driving forces for change today?
change policy,” Brock says. “But, of course, the
By now, you might be familiar with the term
ultimate goal is to change policy, to change systems,
“performative activism.” According to an article from
to change actions.” This leads to the next step, which,
Medium, performative activism is “a form of activism
according to Brock, is to “take the per formative
used to increase one’s social capital or personal gain
into action” by listening to BIPOC voices and ideas.
rather than genuine support towards a movement, issues,
or causes.” Not only do performative activists support
graphics from a place of good intent. Mia Cleary, a
30 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
Lisa Brock is the Academic Director and Acting
“It can work to inform people, it can work to
There’s nothing wrong with sharing informative
21-year-old social activist and organizer at Florida
eye to eye with, can be difficult, these discussions
International University, explains that social media, at
are necessary. According to a 2019 study from Pew
its best, enforces power in numbers by implementing
Research Center’s Election News Pathways project, 45%
consistent pressure on government officials. Posting,
of Americans reported that they stopped talking about
however, may also serve as a one and done. After posting
politics with people because of something they said.
an aesthetically-pleasing graphic, someone might decide
that their work is finished and fail to continue to research
parties need to be open to engaging in thoughtful, respectful
social justice movements and the issues behind them.
dialogue. Once tempers start to rise and one side starts
According to Cleary, people can take self-
to antagonize the other, there’s little hope for any sort of
education beyond the performative. To do this, she says
resolution or understanding the other person’s point of view.
people must commit to remaining consistent in their
self-education and involvement with a particular cause.
Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University,
“Whether it’s taking on a personal responsibility
emphasizes that once you decide whether you want to
to read literature, read books, read information, or being
engage in a conversation with someone, it’s important
actively involved in local organizations, particularly
to approach them with an open mind and a calm
grassroots organizations that help assist different
demeanor. After that, try to remain focused on the issues
causes that might be important to you,” Cleary says.
by “referencing the frameworks that guide you, and
Another
way
to
better understand social justice movements is by forming personal connections with those who are closely involved with a particular movement and then listening to those people and their suggestions. Form study groups with friends and family to learn more about
The most important thing to remember is that both
Rashmi Gangamma, an Associate Professor of
“Listen to the marginalized voices, let those voices set the agenda, and figure out a way you can support that agenda.”
the roots of social justice
being willing to listen when the other person speaks as well.” This means clearly and calmly explaining why certain issues matter to you — let the other person know why and how your values correspond with cer tain movements. Lastly,
although
expressing feelings of anger, sadness, or disappointment is okay, don’t resort to name
issues, listen to what members of different movements
calling. Remember, the other person is a human being,
are asking for, and above all, be open to learning in order
too. But according to Gangamma, if things escalate
to understand the deeper role of solidarity in activism.
too far, you might want to reconsider whether you
“The first role of solidarit y is to listen
should continue the conversation at all. If all parties
to the people that you’re working with,” Brock
are willing to listen, there is still no guarantee that the
emphasizes. “To listen to the marginalized voices, to
argument will be resolved. But you might be able to
let those voices largely set the agenda, and for you
walk away from the conversation with greater insight
to figure out a way you can support that agenda.”
or a deeper connection with your friend or loved one.
After taking concrete steps to educate yourself
While it can be frustrating to wait, change doesn’t
on what you can do to be meaningfully involved in
happen right away. By engaging in conversations with
social justice movements, you can still go beyond that
people about the urgency and importance of social
by working to educate your friends, family, and peers.
justice movements, supporting and lifting up BIPOC
While having conversations with a loved one,
voices, and listening to others, you can be a part of
especially a family member who you may not see
this generation’s most pivotal moments in history. mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 31
Fashion
the necessary accessory how to make your face mask the star of your next great outfit Story by CHRISTINE ZHANG | Illustrations by EMILY STEINBERGER
32 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
W
earing a face mask every
about clashing or being over the
me straight away, I’m not as worried
day can be annoying for
top. She says that she doesn’t really
about people knowing me and
fashionistas because
feel restrained by the fact that she
judging my style choices. With the
they have to reconstruct their
has to wear face masks on a daily
mask, I feel like I can finally express
amazing style. That being said, some
basis. In other words, she wears
myself without fear of judgement.”
of them have successfully used face
whatever she wants. For people who
masks to up their accessory game.
aren’t afraid of the color wheel, Chi
campus are keeping their outfits
Below, three SU students prove
recommends “getting a bunch of
on point while wearing face masks.
that face masks can be stylish.
masks in as many colors as possible,
Think of your mask as a part of your
Chris Ruan is a junior
because then you can always find
outfit instead of something purely
majoring in Economics. She describes
one that matches the color palette of
practical. If you are still unsure
her style as cozy and sporty. During
the outfit you are wearing that day.”
about how to do that, start with
the pandemic, Ruan continues to
Katherine Nehring is a junior
color. Try to match it with the outfit,
wear items she already owns and
majoring in Sociology. She always
or just choose a mask that will go
loves. She only wears face masks
wears two masks because that’s
with everything! Wearing a mask
that are white so they don’t clash
what makes her comfortable, and
doesn’t have to limit your fashion
with the colors of her outfit. Ruan
the outer one is always black, since
game. Instead, experiment with your
has also changed the way she
black goes with everything. Nehring
look (since your face is covered)
shops for clothes. “Since I have to
says that she tends to experiment
and let ever ything else shine.
wash my clothes more frequently
more with her style at the moment
in order to prevent viruses and
because “the mask gives me more
gems, I now only buy clothes
anonymity than before. Nowadays,
that are sturdy or affordable.”
since I know people cannot recognize
Clearly, fashionistas on
Sammi Chi is a junior in
the Communication and Rhetorical Studies department. She is a huge fan of bright colors and doesn’t care
Chris Ruan
Sammi Chi
Katherine Nehring mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 33
Fashion
COVID Couture Masks are moving from safety pieces to statement pieces Story by CLAIRE ZOLLER | Illustration by CHARLOTTE KHO
Over the past year, masks quickly went from
to best help consumers. Many fashion brands
a medical necessity to a fashion statement.
are launching different initiatives to help people
They have transformed into a way for people
who have been affected by the coronavirus.
to read who you are, whether you are wearing
For example, Coach is donating 100% of their
a disposable mask or a designer brand mask.
proceeds from mask sales to Feeding America.
The array of options people can choose from
Because of the pull these companies have,
means they are able to express another aspect
it’s important that they are taking advantage
of their personality in their day-to-day outfits.
of their voice. Another strategy that many
The fashion industry, like many other
fashion companies have tried is making their
industries, has not been immune to the effects
own reusable masks to encourage social
of the pandemic. Fashion has moved towards
distancing. However, major brands aren’t the only
necessity, and sales are in decline. Major brands
businesses meeting their customer’s new needs.
have massive platforms; however, companies are
in disagreement about how to use their influence
were some of the first to start making masks. Many
Individuals and locally-owned businesses
COACH
34 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
people are making an effort to buy their masks
she got from her aunt. She says, “I definitely feel
from local stores. Alex Chruma, a sophomore at
better wearing this mask because although we
Syracuse University, says she got her face mask
live in crazy times right now, it is still important to
from a friend’s business in Long Island. Chruma
attempt to live a normal life and wearing this mask
explains that she was impressed with the hard
gives me a sense of normalcy.” Zafrin explains that
work her friend put into designing and making
because this is the new normal, she wants to be
them. Supporting local businesses is key, especially
able to at least wear a mask that is cute. For her,
in the fashion industry, because many stores
reusable masks feel like a safer option. The mask is
are shutting down due to the coronavirus. Small
customized, so she knows that it is well-made and
businesses need more help than ever before, so the
protective. Wearing face masks that reflect who
next time you shop, consider buying from that local
you are allows people to feel a sense of individuality
boutique rather than chain stores like Forever 21.
and encourages people to keep wearing them.
Others are splurging on designer masks,
Companies are looking for ways to give
whether they are from high fashion companies or
back during this time of crisis. Buying locally
custom made. People choose to wear these masks
is a great way to support your community
as a way of expressing themselves. In general,
and help small businesses thrive. Spending
clothing and accessories are means of making
on masks doesn’t just benefit you. Next
a personal statement. For some, designer face
time you’re tempted to purchase a snazzy
masks are another element of their unique style.
mask from a local brand, definitely consider
Ellie Zafrin, a sophomore at Syracuse
investing. Regardless of whether you buy from
University, has a custom Gucci facemask that
a friend or Gucci, wear your mask with pride.
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 35
Fashion
36 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
wfh
our models show us their favorite ways to work it from home.
Models: Eliana Koenigsberg Camila Paez Calista Abring Nathalia Ciresi Olivia Ciancio
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 37
38 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 39
the new business casual
The coronavirus pandemic has turned our day-to-day lives upside down. Everything from concerts to sporting events to school has been cancelled or altered in the last six months, but our schedules are not the only things that are drastically different. Our fashion and beauty trends have changed significantly too, and what we were wearing last year likely doesn’t even cross our minds as something we would wear now.
Of course, no account of
quarantine would be complete without the infamous Zoom. It has helped us stay connected with our friends and family as well as allowing us to work and take classes from home. But with all its benefits, Zoom has also caused us
loungewear fanatics, rejoice!
to really only care about how we look
Story by BETSY HART | Illustration by SARAH FELBIN
putting on our favorite pair of jeans for
from the waist up. Gone are the days of the perfect outfit. Now, we change from
our pajama sweatpants to our work sweatpants—or maybe a pair of leggings if we’re feeling fancy.
With the pandemic, we are spending more days staying at home and fewer days
wearing a bra. While there are many women who opted to go braless before quarantine, many more have joined them as we spend so much of our time inside. If the only people that are going to see us are our roommates and maybe the Grubhub delivery guy, what’s the point?
A year ago, many women were strutting down the streets in their highest heels. Now,
you won’t catch most people in shoes that aren’t slippers or sneakers. When your biggest outing of the week is going grocery shopping, ditching the heels seems like the obvious choice. I’m sure one day we’ll get back to wearing heels more regularly, but for now, I’m sticking with my Nikes.
Another result of the pandemic has been the normalization of wearing a face mask
everywhere you go. Wearing a face mask is important to make sure we keep ourselves and others safe, but it has made us alter our makeup routines. This time last year, we were making a statement with bold lipstick colors. Now, there’s no point. Between your lip color being hidden and the risk of getting lipstick on the fabric, face masks have made all lip products pretty much irrelevant.
Trends come and go, but the pandemic has caused unprecedented reasons for a style shift.
Coronavirus has brought uncharted waters and changed everything about us, from head to toe.
40 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
Me, myself, and I Has COVID-19 ruined the “hook-up culture” as we know it? Story by TARA BOLOSAN Illustration by SARAH FELBIN
up culture has led to loneliness or resorting to dating apps as a way for a new personal connection. Taylor even talked about how “hook-up culture is technically dead because of having to be exclusive with a new fling due to not contracting COVID from other flings.” It seems like the pandemic has made dating more normal and the thing to do if you truly want to cure the dry spell.
Let’s face it: this pandemic has reduced most of our sex lives to nonexistent. Now, hook-up culture is mostly absent due to the pandemic. So, I sent out a survey to ask women about how they’ve been coping with their dry spell ever since we got back to school. The questions ranged from “what is one thing that has saved you from the dry spell?” to how women are using dating apps as a virtual way to meet new people. Here are some results as to how the coronavirus has totally killed the mood.
Women have pure willpower to make it
through the pandemic before they find a lucky person to make their waiting worthwhile. Of course, they have been exploring with their love for porn and pleasuring themselves with their trusty sidekick (vibrators). About 77% of respondents reported that masturbation has been one of the only things that has kept their sex drive in check. COVID has really taken a toll on people
Are we missing out on the opportunity of finding
the love of our lives in COVID? Valentina says “she feels like she’s walked past the love of her life in a mask on the way to class or on Zoom.” What is a girl to do but fantasize about the cute boy on Zoom? We have to be the ones to take the initiative to cure our dry spells the only way we know how. Unless you have a boyfriend – but, even then, making time to see your beau has proven to be difficult. Izzy was frustrated that she hasn’t seen her boyfriend as much as she would like, but mentioned that their conflicting schedules have prevented them from spending a lot of time together. So it seems that not even committed couples are immune.
Plain and simple, COVID has laid a wet blanket
on love, and it is leaving us a little hopeless. You’re not alone in thinking love is dead, or that there are slim chances of finding any new prospects in this game of love. Our sex lives are on pause, so grab your phone and lock your doors for some self-loving tonight. We’ll make it through this dry spell – in solidarity!
by feeling disconnected from the world around them. Violet reported that she “has had a lack of attention from everyone and anyone – women and men alike!”
When reflecting on their answers, some of
these women were proving the fact that COVID has made meeting new people very difficult. Their social circles have become smaller due to concerns about contracting COVID, but this has made it difficult to find new potential partners to talk to. “What if I’m missing out on a cute new entanglement?” Dorothy explained as we discussed how hook-
mag.syr.edu/equaltime | 41
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42 | EQUALTIME FALL 2020
Swipe right Update your dating profile with these easy tips Fortunately, you don’t have to be a comedian to write the perfect introduction to yourself. A sentence or two is plenty, and if it makes other people laugh, that’s just a bonus. Try including your favorite hobbies, When’s the last time you updated your Tinder or
interests, TV shows, or movies. This makes it easy
Bumble profile? We’re willing to bet it’s been at least
for others to spark up a conversation with you. Or,
a few months. If you’re looking for a way to get an
include a question and ask viewers to message you
easy leg up on the local competition, then a quick
their answers – a “would you rather?” works great for
profile redo is just the thing. Read on for some of our
this. Don’t feel compelled to type out your life story!
favorite ways to market yourself just a little bit better.
Something that shows you’re fun to talk to is enough.
Try not to be so hard on yourself.
Focus on your photos.
It seems obvious, but the most important part
Putting yourself out there can be scary.
of any profile is your photos. Aim for three or four that
Nobody likes rejection, and many of us prepare for
show you at your best. Make sure all of your pictures
the worst before it even happens. Part of being
are in focus with decent lighting. Solo shots and group
genuine online is being confident in everything you
shots are both great, but aim for a balance between
have to offer, so don’t sell yourself short. Avoid self-
the two. Too many solo shots can make your profile
deprecating comments and instead, focus on the
look fake, while too many group shots can make you
things you like best about yourself. An easy way to do
hard to identify. Other people are only spending a
this is to pretend that your best friend is filling out your
few seconds on your profile, so you want to stand
profile for you. What would they say are your best
out immediately! Posing can be difficult, and selfies
qualities? Why do they like spending time with you?
don’t always turn out the way we want them to. Just
(Feel free to text them for advice – we’re sure they
remember to let your personality shine (and that
would love to help you out!)
portrait mode is your friend!)
Write an eye-catching bio.
Whether you’ve been a part of the dating
app scene for three days or three years, it’s never a bad time to revamp your profile. These simple steps
Let’s not beat around the bush – bios are hard.
can set you apart from the crowd, which is never a
What should you write? How funny should you be?
bad thing, right? So grab your phone and get ready to
Do you even sound funny at all? Or just awkward?
show those dating apps what you’re really made of!
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