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Palo Alto Unified School District Henry M. Gunn High School 780 Arastradero Rd Palo Alto, CA 94306
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PAUSD discrimination suit reaches appeals court Shawna Chen and Samuel Tse
Editor-In-Chief and Reporter
On Jan. 21, the United States Departments of Justice and Education filed an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief supporting the Chadam family in a DNAprivacy lawsuit against the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). The case, which was originally filed in 2013, dismissed in the district courts and appealed on Jan. 14, involved former Jordan Middle School student Colman Chadam, who was ordered to transfer schools after his medical information was divulged to another family without his parents’ consent. The district removed Chadam from Jordan in 2012, when he was 11 years old, claiming that a doctor’s recommendation had caused district officials’ decision to transfer Chadam to Terman Middle School. According to the appeal however, that doctor has never examined Chadam or spoken with Chadam’s parents. Chadam carries the genetic marker for cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disorder in which the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick mucus starting in early childhood. But because he inherited only one marker and not both defective genes, which must be present for a person to actively carry the disease, he is not affected nor does he affect others. The Chadams were asked to fill out a medical form upon registering at the district and included Chadam’s condition. On Sept. 11, 2012, when a teacher mistakenly revealed to another Jordan family that Chadam has cystic fibrosis without permission from the Chadams, the family— named family X in the lawsuit—asked for Chadam to be moved to a different school so that their two children who do have CF would not cross infect. People with CF are generally recommended to keep at least six feet away from others with CF, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A person with the disease can be a carrier of bacteria that is easily transmitted and harmful to others with CF. Chadam, however, “does not have, and never has had, cystic fibrosis and is a healthy teenager,” says the amicus brief filed by the Departments of Justice and Education. This is not the first discrimination lawsuit against the district. In the 2011-2012 year, PAUSD handled four Office of Civil Rights (OCR) cases, two of disability-based harassment, one a claim of race-based discrimination and the last alleging the district’s failure in following procedures in managing accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The district disputed the OCR findings in 2013, with the Board of Education exceeding its legal budget by $110,000 and then-board Vice President Barbara Mitchell accusing the OCR of interviewing students without parental consent even though internal PAUSD documents contradicted her statements. Principal Dr. Denise Herrmann also stated that “the district does incur significant legal expenses throughout each year.”
The case
Though Chadam’s parents presented the district with a letter from one of Chadam’s doctors, who said that Chadam does not have CF and is not “any risk whatsoever to other children with [cystic fibrosis] even if they were using the same classroom,” the district only said its decision to transfer Chadam was according to a letter from an unspecified Stanford doctor. DISCRIMINATION—p.5
Jackie Lou
Low-income students sacrifice for better education
ning of the debt that we started sinking down in,” Fischer said. Fischer’s mother has a high school diploma, while her father attended college for two years in the United States before Every day, junior Karla Henriquez wakes up at around 6 a.m. dropping out due to financial reasons. Fischer’s father now while most of her friends are still asleep. Her parents have to works three jobs so that the family can get back on their feet leave at 4 a.m. in the morning to start their work, so she is left financially—working in maintenance full-time as well as drivby herself to get ready and eat breakfast. At 6:30 a.m., she then ing for Uber and Lyft part-time. According to Assistant Prinhops on a bus for a 40-minute ride to school—and that’s the cipal Heather Wheeler, the challenges that stem from being a easy ride. If she needs to take the bus back home after school, low-income student start with the little details that the average she has to ride three different buses for a total of 1 hour and Palo Altan—who makes one of the top incomes in the nation, 30 minutes before she can according to CNN—might finally step into her home, not notice. “[Some take] it for catch her breath and start granted that somebody could “It’s way too hard to have a life here in Palo Alto her homework. pay to go out to lunch, or pay when you are living on a budget of a home where Henriquez lives in East to get a tutor or pay to go on two parents have low incomes.” Palo Alto. When she was a school trip,” Wheeler said. in kindergarten, there was Henriquez has experienced —junior Karla Henriquez a shooting in front of her these disparities first-hand. local elementary school. Although she was the top student in “My mom has tried to sign me up for free lunches five times, and her class, her parents were scared and did not want to risk her I tried to sign up myself up and my brother up this year, and still safety, so they decided to transfer her to the Palo Alto Unified we just can’t get in,” she said. “The district thinks that my parents School District (PAUSD), where they knew the education was are rich but I can barely afford bringing a lunch from home.” top-class and where they knew she would be safe. “It’s honestly Henriquez faces barriers in the opportunity to further her all about the money,” Henriquez said. “It’s way too hard to have education. “I was nominated for these [programs] made by the a life here in Palo Alto when you are living on a budget.” government and one of them was to go to Washington D.C. and A long bus ride and lofty housing prices are only an ounce of Oregon, but it is so expensive, so I obviously just could not say the struggles that low-income families face in Palo Alto, accord- yes,” Henriquez said. “The money has stopped me from doing it.” ing to PAUSD Director of Academic Supports Judy Argumedo. Argumedo believes high rigor at Gunn can further debilitate Low-income students face obstacles in various aspects of their a low-income student’s ability to thrive academically. “Some academic and social life throughout their high school experience students go out and get extra help from tutors, which gives them and beyond, she says. an advantage. A low-income student is not going to have that resource, and so it makes the gap much bigger,” Argumedo said. The obstacles Henriquez, whose parents do not speak English as their Junior Sally Fischer (name has been changed to protect her first language, is often jealous of students who are able to identity) and her family have had financial struggles for several use their parents to obtain academic support. “My parents years ever since her parents brought her brother to the United have a hard time reading my school material, so at times States from El Salvador. Although Fischer and her parents were they don’t bother,” Henriquez said. “It upsets me, but I grateful to finally have everyone together, it was the beginning can’t be mad at them because I know they try, and if they of financial struggles for their family. “[It] kind of set the beginINEQUALITY—p.3 Deiana Hristov and Shagun Khare
Copy Editor and Sports Editor
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Monthly Highlights: Gunn-Paly Rally and INCLUSIVITY WEek
Courtesy of Cooper Lou
“I wish we had more cheers where [Gunn and Paly] were cheering together. If we had more cheers together we would have felt a little bit more unified, but I think all in all it was really a great way to get both the schools together, since we’re so far away.” —Lauren Wagner (Paly), 10
“I think more people should have been there and maybe the school should have been more public about it. There should be more events with Paly in general.” —Daniel Morag, 11
“I’m glad that they provided a second opportunity to do appreciation grams because they really help to spread the love.” —Jarrod Hsu, 12
“I liked how it was a collaboration between the two high schools as well as a competition, but I think it would’ve been even better if more people showed up.” —Eric Her, 10 Courtesy of Gunn Yearbook
“I feel like [Inclusivity Week] is really important. I love how we’re doing these activities, and the Day of Silence really helps people that are getting bullied.” —Zoe Lew, 9 Graphics by Joanne Lee Photos by Josh Spain
—Compiled by Carolyn Kuimelis
Gunn proposes to combine Algebra 1, 1A math lanes Helen Nguyen
Asst. Business Manager
On March 8, the Board of Education held a special meeting for a laning board study session with the purpose of clarifying common language, deepening understanding and discussing the why and the what, research, practice and some pros and cons regarding ability grouping, laning, tracking and access. The study session was driven by the district’s strive for increased equity, opportunity and choice through Strategic Plan Initiative A3. The purpose of the initiative is to significantly raise the achievement of historically underserved students by ensuring equity of preparation, access and support. Superintendent Dr. Max McGee said that the historical precedent for delaning happened at Palo Alto High School (Paly) when they combined English 9 and 9A two years ago. “Before I arrived—when Dr. Kevin Skelly was superintendent—they had a board presentation regarding combining English 9 and 9A at Paly and apparently not everything went as planned,” McGee said. “Hearing about this presentation and the followup from some of the board members at the time, it seems to me that perhaps there really wasn’t enough background knowledge or big-picture information presented.” McGee said that the board’s recent information session was held in order to look at existing research and hear opinions.
He stated that the study session was really driven by Gunn’s proposal to combine Algebra 1 and 1A and the opportunity to look at the effects of the combination of English 9 and 9A at Paly. As a follow-up, Gunn will bring forward a proposal to combine Algebra 1 and 1A at the April board meeting. McGee noted that the term de-laning is probably a misnomer. “Combining Algebra 1 and 1A is not about delaning; there will still be plenty of lanes in math—even freshmen year,” McGee said. “This is really just combining Algebra 1 and 1A.” Math department Instructional Supervisor (IS) Kathy Hawes doesn’t view the combination of Alge-
bra 1 and Algebra 1A as de-laning either. “I see this combination of courses as a delay of laning,” Hawes said. “By placing all Math 8 students in the same Algebra class, we are giving students an opportunity to experience high school before deciding which math lane is more appropriate, either the advanced lane or the college prep lane.” Hawes says this is especially important now that Gunn is allowing open enrollment. Hawes says the advantage of laning is that it allows students to study math according to their interest level and workload. “For students who are not interested in Science Technology Engineering and Math fields, taking a college prep level class allows them more time to focus on other interests,” Hawes said. “For students who have a strong interest in math and mathematical problem solving, the Advanced and Honors lanes provide a more in-depth study and a greater homework load.” Hawes said that the main disadvantage of laning occurs when students are locked into the wrong track at an early age. “This is why we call our course offerings lanes and allow students to change lanes each year when choosing courses,” Hawes said. McGee said the feedback from the community during the March 8 meeting varied. Most of the parents who spoke, McGee said, were afraid of the idea of de-laning. “Their assumption is that you are taking something away from the kids who are accelerated or advanced, and we made it very clear that this workshop and any further conversations about delaning
was not about removing top lanes; it was about combining lower lanes,” McGee said. Moving forward, McGee wants this decision to go to the board. He believes it’s better to take the community’s opinion into account for this matter, and wants to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to be heard—he is especially eager to hear what students have to say. According to Paly English Department IS Shirley Tokheim, a few years ago Paly recommended that all incoming freshmen take 9A, so for the past two years, all freshmen have taken 9A. “The result of having heterogeneous classes is that all freshmen learn solid, fundamental skills so that when they do have to choose an accelerated or honors course, all students have the opportunity to do so,” Tokheim wrote in an email. Tokheim said that educators know from research that students in lower lanes rarely uplane. “We also know that given the choice, students choose their lanes based more on what their friends choose rat her t han on abilit y,” Tokheim said in an email. “We know that students in Graphic by Elizabeth Zu lower lanes are often not as prepared as students who have access to a more rigorous curriculum.” She said that at Paly, they believe in providing all students the opportunity to experience a rigorous curriculum—without limiting their options. Accoridng to Tokheim, having all students take 9A has been a big success, and she would never support dividing students the way they did in the past. “Heterogeneous classes best serve all students, and as a teacher of 9A, I can say that it’s fantastic to help build those skills with all students together,” she said in an email. Junior Juan Santos agrees with the fundamentals of delaning that McGee brought up. Although he doesn’t view this as a necessary change, Santos believes it will encourage students to academically experiment and challenge themselves. “Putting everyone in the same situation could allow for more experimentation,” Santos said. “I think it would be beneficial for lower lanes because it encourages kids to strive for the higher lane and progress. It gives them the environment to truly evaluate themselves and see where they can go.” McGee hopes that over the course of the next few years, electives and Advanced Placement classes will have a more proportional representation from historically underrepresented groups. “Hopefully we will have more students overall who feel like they can succeed in these more challenging classes,” McGee said. Hawes explained that the purpose of combining Algebra 1 and Algebra 1A is to address one of Gunn’s Western Association of Schools and Colleges goals to increase achievement for all learners, especially historically underrepresented populations. “In the past, only Algebra 1A students have been able to take Geometry over the summer to bridge to Algebra 2/TrigA as a sophomore,” Hawes said. “With this schedule change, all students will have the opportunity to make this bridge if taking calculus in high school is important to their interests and career goals.”
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Friday, April 15, 2016
Low-income students face challenges of attending PAUSD INEQUALITY
could help me I know they would.” The price of a college can limit a low-income student’s college options as well. Both Henriquez and Fischer must face the added stress of prioritizing price over appeal in their college decisions come senior year. “Whatever college offers the best price for you, you kind of have to choose it,” Fischer said. However, out of all the challenges low-income students face, reaching out for help or guidance can often be the most difficult. “In a school where a lot of kids can afford a lot of expensive things, it can be hard to reach out because you’re shy that you can’t pay for something simple like the ACT or SAT test,” Fischer said. “You can be hesitant.” To ameliorate the wide range of obstacles low-income students must overcome, Henriquez believes that it is vital for the district to become more cognizant and involved. “We have to get school supplies. They [my parents] had to buy me a laptop because of all of the homework online,” Henriquez said. “I think they [the district] need to recognize that even if we have enough money so that they think we can support ourselves, we really don’t, because they don’t take into account all the actual things we need.”
Dedication to education
Despite the numerous challenges lowincome students face, Argumedo notes that low-income families demonstrate a dedication to their education. By participating in the Voluntary Transfer Program (VTP)—a program made for East Palo Alto residents, 66 percent of whom are low-income—according to Argumedo, the bus ride provided through VTP from East Palo Alto to Palo Alto can take up to 40 minutes of students’ mornings. “That ride is long, but I think it shows the resilience and determination of the families still choosing to come to Palo Alto,” Argumedo said. “The commitment from the those families and those students to continue to come here for education is that important.” This quality is demonstrated in Henriquez’s family, as her parents moved her to Palo Alto so that she could receive a better education, even changing their work shift to the early morning so that her mother could pick her up after school when needed. Fischer’s family has also made sacrifices to
Adviser Kristy Blackburn
are the students that are labeled troublemakers or they are not like us and people see it as behaviors without really accounting for their lower income,” she said. According to Argumedo, 36 percent of students in the VTP program are not minorities. College Pathways, although not targeted specifically to low-income students, helps bridge the gap between income levels by providing students with resources such as college tours and SAT/ ACT prep. “They (College Pathways) have helped me a lot with things about college and getting to know what the college life is like,” Henriquez said. Opportunities for success “I obviously can’t say I am going to go across the Because it can be hard for students to identify country looking for colleges, so [the college visits] have been really helpful.” Wheeler also distributes a fee waiver card, which covers the cost of transcripts, Advanced Placement tests, yearbooks, dances and grad night. Both Fischer and Henriquez have the fee waiver card, and have found it helpful. College coordinator Leighton Lang noted that families can be hesitant to reach out or recognize their need for financial aid. However, once that step is taken, he says, opportunities can become equal to all students, regardless of income level. “If you are low-income and you have decent grades, you’ll be just fine; you have the same options as anybody with money,” Lang said. In the face of the growing number of Jackie Lou students hiring expensive tutors outside themselves as low-income and reach out for help, of school, Gunn administration has worked to administration has taken measures to de-stigma- increase the number of in-school tutoring options. tize what it means to be from a low-income house- “Flex Time was a response to the idea that people hold. “In our society, talking about money is very were getting tutors,” Wheeler said. In addition, free off-limits and so it’s hard for people to raise their tutoring is available after school in the Academic hand,” Wheeler said. “We try to find ways to make Center to students who request it. it less stressful and reduce the anxiety of students To Argumedo, it is programs like these that so they don’t feel excluded, but also make it a caring have the biggest impact. Acknowledging the situation when they do need the support, so they challenges and dedication of low-income families don’t get that negative feeling about themselves.” within the sea of affluent families in Palo Alto is Some assumptions about low-income students the first step toward creating a more equal educaare that they are primarily from a certain racial tional system. “There are all these little cuts—they group; this, however, is not true. “There is that are not huge—but after you get a lot of little cuts, myth that you are from EPA if you are a certain it really hurts and I think that is sometimes what minority,” Argumedo said. “I’ve had a lot of in- happens to low-income families and it makes it teractions with some students here who are not hard,” Argumedo said. “Sometimes there is a big minorities and are low-income.” She added that the price to pay for opportunities, and I think it is stereotypes surrounding low-income students can worth it for low-income students. We just have to be challenging. “The students I have encountered acknowledge it.”
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maintain a high-caliber education for its children. “You don’t choose the family you are with, so you kind of have to make the best of what you have,” Fischer said. For Fischer, seeing the sacrifices and struggles her parents have endured for her sake has been her biggest motivation through it all. “It has impacted me to try my hardest to achieve more than that (what my parents have achieved), and they have always told me, ‘Try your hardest and you’ll be what you want to be,’” Fischer said.
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I think The Oracle did a great job of incorporating articles that interested many people, like talking about certain sports and athletes as well as interesting stories about twins and triplets at Gunn. —Pauline Her, 9
[The Oracle makes] sure it really appeals to the student community, and not every day we’re going to see something like this in a real newspaper like “Palo Alto Weekly.” —Raj Rambo, 10
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SEC creates school-wide competition to alleviate stress Prachi Kale
Features Editor
Introduced to Gunn this year, Elimination is a game based on the game Assassin. The objective of Elimination is to be the last person remaining with a beach ball. Players must follow a strict set of rules, one of which states that a person may not be eliminated during class or during an after-school activity such as a sport or club. The eliminator must tap the target with the beach ball in order to eliminate them as throwing the ball is not allowed. Balls cannot be stolen and must be inflated in order to count as part of the game. 297 students signed up for the first round and 125 were left after the first week was over. A new rule states that the ball can only be held in the target’s right hand to be considered safe and that the ball must be above the target’s head. The rules will change again when there are 20 people left in the game. Special Events Commissioner senior Mara Greene first learned about the Assassin game during her freshman year. “Everybody in Student Executive Council (SEC) has an impact project that we do; I heard of this game freshman year from other schools, and I really wanted to make it happen at Gunn,” she said. “This year I ran for SEC and I talked about how I really wanted to make a game like Assassin happen. We decided to use mini beach balls because they were a small, easy thing to use and were fun.” Many of the rules remained the same; Greene states that the principle difference between Assassin and Elimination is the name. According to Student Body Vice President senior Cole McFaul, one of the objectives of the event is to make students more enthusiastic during the so-called third-quarter slump. “[Mara] had the idea and she wanted to bring it to Gunn to put it on a larger scale because we all found it really fun and it pumps people up,” he said. “The goal of the event was to break up the monotony of the third quarter and fourth quarter middle-of-the-semester grind.” Greene also believes that the game provides opportunities to meet new people. “We hoped the game would
Photos by Alexandra Ting
Right: In order to eliminate another player, students must tap their target with their beach ball. Left: With the recent updates to the game, students must hold the ball above their head to be safe. relieve stress and add a little spark to your day, and also to meet new people,” she said. “I actually know people have become friends with their target just talking about it. You also reach out and talk to other grades, and I know people were spending lunches on other quads trying to find their people.” Junior Moriah Meyers believes that Elimination provides a way to de-stress at school. “It’s so much fun because it’s a chance to be competitive in a non-school way and it’s a great distraction from school,” she said. “It’s also a fun way to connect with people around campus because you have something in common with everyone who’s carrying a ball around.” Though both Greene and McFaul believe that the game has been going well so far, there are some aspects of the game they would plan differently for the future. “We made the rules kind of loose at first, and then people
started tying the balls to their hands and we wanted to get rid of that,” McFaul said. “The rules have been kind of fluid throughout because we’ve seen things that people do which are illegal, and then we make a post about it saying, ‘All right, you can’t do this anymore.’ It’s really been a trial-and-error process.” Greene agrees that the loopholes proved to be a challenge at the beginning of the game. “Now we have the rules updated and we can get out of the loopholes,” she said. “We might use something different than the beach balls just because a couple of them broke and those people weren’t able to play. It was easy to fix, but it was still frustrating.” No plans have been made currently to carry the game on to next year, but both Greene and McFaul hope that Elimination will continue at Gunn. “I think it’s going really well,” McFaul said. “There’s been a lot of enthusiasm for the event and it’s been a fun event so far.”
New SEL curriculum proposed
should become more sophisticated.” Diversity Commissioner, ROCK co-presReporter ident and member of Sources of Strength At the school board meeting on March senior Ridhaa Sachidanandan says that 8, the topic of adding more social-emotional her role in Student Executive Council this learning (SEL) curricula was discussed to year has mostly been centered around combat stress. It was decided that more SEL mental health. “The majority of the work would be added to the schedule, hopefully and communication would be through the by the 2017-2018 school year. [wellness] commissioner, which would open SEL implements a broad spectrum of the diversity commissioner’s job up as more topics to support students. It primarily of a social awareness rather than a mental focuses on helping students with mental health awareness sort of thing,” she said. health, but it also includes tactics for estabTucker believes that SEL will be vital to lishing a better and more effective learning students not only for emotional improveenvironment. ment, but also academic endeavors. “If you SEL is incorporated to ensure that are not emotionally regulated, you will not students are in learn,” she said. “If a safe emotional we don’t hold space “If you are not emotionally regulated, for that for students, space. According to SEL Teacher you will not learn. If we don’t hold space they won’t absorb on Special Asfor that for students, they won’t absorb what we’re teachsignment Jeaing.” Although a new what we’re teaching.” nette Tucker, SEL SEL schedule has not —SEL TOSA Jeanette Tucker currently exists been planned out yet, at Gunn in forms Tucker suggests havsuch as meditation at the beginning of some ing a more open classroom environment, classes, Adolescent Counseling Services with possible meditation or check-ins at (ACS), Titan 101, English teacher Diane the beginning of each class. Nevertheless, Ichikawa’s yoga class, Youth Empowerment she understands the toll that this can take Seminar training and clubs like Reach Out on teachers. “It can be awkward if you have Care Know (ROCK) and Acts of Random a room of 30 kids and half of them say Kindness. they’re really sad,” she said. “That’s a lot for Tucker includes such measures in her one teacher to take on. We are working on day-to-day classes. “[The students and I] will supports for teachers to have more resources use an emotion wheel on the board and [I’ll] on campus.” have them tell me where they’re at,” she said. Herrmann thinks that the most effective “We’ll do weekend check-ins; I’ll ask them way to use SEL would be as a self-regulating how they’re feeling about the class—we have system. “One of the things that stood out the a lot of conversations.” most to me with all the students and parents An idea brought up at the board meeting I met with is they understand that students was implementing SEL in middle and ele- want to be challenged here,” she said. “And mentary schools. “I think that in elementary [students] know that there’s going to be some school it’s already part of their learning,” stress associated with that, but they want it to Principal Dr. Denise Herrmann said. “[But] be within that manageable range, and when as you get through middle school and high it does get too high to have the tools to take school it sort of decreases, when it just it back down.” Clara Kieschnick-Llamas
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Friday, April 15, 2016
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PAUSD court cases demonstrates district inactivity DISCRIMINATION
“A few weeks later, [Chadam] was removed from class during the school day in front of his classmates and told that it was his last day at that school. Distraught, he walked home without saying goodbye to his classmates,” the Departments’ brief stated. In October 2012, the Chadams filed a lawsuit in state court seeking to prevent the school district from transferring Chadam; weeks later, both parties reached an agreement and Chadam returned to Jordan. A year later in September 2013, the Chadams filed a suit seeking damages, alleging that PAUSD violated the Americans’ with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that “as a result, [Chadam] suffered humiliation, anxiety, deterioration of his grades, and various physical ailments,” with other counts alleging violation of the “federal constitutional right to privacy” and common law negligence. The district moved to dismiss the case Statistics courtesy of Palo Alto Online in court, stating that Chadam’s transfer was not because of his disability but for the protection, health and safety of others. The district court agreed with PAUSD, but the Chadams appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. After the Chadams filed their brief, Chadam lawyer Stephen Jaffe said in an email that the Departments of Justice and Education filed its amicus brief without Jaffe asking them to do so. The Departments’ brief states their reasons for supporting the Chadams. Although Chadam does not have a disability, “[a]n individual meets the requirement of ‘being regarded as having such an impairment’ if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to an action prohibited under this chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not the impairment limits or is perceived to limit a major life activity.” Attorney Rodney Levin, representing PAUSD with a response, stated that “the inquiry is not whether a direct threat actually existed (i.e., cystic fibrosis vs. genetic marker), but rather whether district staff believed there was a significant health/safety risk.” He continued, writing that “[t]his case in part illustrates the heavy burden of student health/safety that school administrators bear” and district officials considered the risks at hand and “understood [them] to be substantial and real.” The threat was not “one of a pet dander allergy,” the district brief reads, but of a “severe medical calamity—enough to prompt a doctor to state that the students ‘must not’ be within the same school environment.” For the safety of all children, “district staff need to be able to make such critical decisions without the fear of reprisal and liability,” Levin wrote.
When contacted for interviews, district officials declined to comment and stood by its media statement: “The Palo Alto Unified School District cares about and is committed to the safety and well-being of its student population. That said, the case is on appeal because the Federal District Court found the claims insufficient to allege fault on the part of the District. PAUSD continues to agree with the ruling of the Federal District Court.” Attorneys Jaffe and Levin both refused to directly comment for the story, citing ethical misconduct. Herrmann, though not involved in the DNA privacy lawsuit, reiterated that the district tries to make the best decisions possible for all its students. In complex cases, not everything is clear cut black and white, Herrmann says; after all, the family, administrators and people involved are the only ones who know the whole picture. “There’s so much unknown that I wouldn’t want to speculate,” she said. “In other circumstances that I’ve been a part of, there’s information that I Ch er y knew, as a principal, that I lK ao couldn’t tell other people because otherwise I would be violating my ethics as an administrator.” Families, however, do have a right to privacy of information, Herrmann says. When requiring communication of medical information, the school requests a process where a family signs the right to exchange information between the school and doctor. “And most families do because they want us cooperating with the doctor: they want us to know what medicine the student is on, make sure that the right amount of medicine is taken and the doctor knows that there’s certain symptoms,” she said. “We take the doctor’s expertise and use that to then make the best educational decision we can.”
be different levels of information that would be accessible to different people. For medical records we have something called a release and exchange from the district so we would send a release and exchange through the family of the student to the medical provider and they can decide if they want us to communicate with the provider, but that provider also provides us one. And then whoever’s name is on the release and exchange is who can have that information.” Students who are supported by an IEP or a 504 are given accommodations that adjust for each student to fit their needs depending on the nature and severity of the disability. “One of the most important things when we look at a student with disabilities is looking at what they need to be successful and also what success means for that student,” Keith said. Keith also says communication is important. “It’s making sure that we’re communicating effectively not just talking to talk and making sure it’s all about the students and so when we are talking about you that we’re talking about you, that we’re doing what you need,” she said. After the multiple disabilities discrimination lawsuits against PAUSD in 2011, Keith states that the district has done a lot to move forward. “I think the biggest thing is moving towards being a more inclusive community and really look at the difference between things being equitable and things being fair, and really making sure students are getting what they need not just getting whatever everyone else has,” she said.
Student experience
Senior Melis Diken, a student with cerebral palsy, says officials higher up on the ladder don’t often take the time to really get to know students with disabilities and how to help them. As illustrated by the current DNA privacy case, Diken says the district will not do anything unless sued. But instead of fighting lawsuits in court, the district should better equip its staff and follow through when students and parents make requests, she says. Diken, who said she often spent lunchtime in middle school ADA & section 504 sitting in the bathroom, says students with disabilities are The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the often misunderstood. Administrators and district officials’ Rehabilitation Act ensures that students with disabilities have lack of communication, she says, can worsen the situation. access to programs, services and activities within a school. An “The teachers and staff often don’t have direct conversations Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document with the students themselves,” she said. that describes the educational program that meets a student’s Diken’s former aide, the school official she says knew her individual needs. best, was not allowed at any of her IEP meetings, she says. “My guess is the district people don’t want to know the problems because they don’t want put the effort in to find a “I think the biggest thing is moving towards being a more inclusive solution,” she said. “But it’s critical community and really look at the difference between things being for them to ask.” equitable and things being fair, and really making sure students are Diken understands that students getting what they need not just getting whatever everyone else has.” are not always certain how to act around students with disabilities. Awareness can change that, she — Assistant Principal of Student Services and Counseling Tara Keith says. “Not only Gunn but the whole district really needs to inform the students around [students Assistant Principal of Student Services and Counseling with disabilities] to say, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’” she said. Tara Keith emphasized that students’ privacy is of utmost importance. “All student records are on a need-to-know basis,” “Invite them to hang out or even outside school. No matter Keith said. “So only the people directly with the student have whether you have a disability or not, every students wants to access to any information about that student, and there would be included.”
Spring Fling 2.0 showcases new activities, modifies traditions Amanda Lee Reporter
Spring Fling 2.0 will be held April 18 to 22 this year as a full week. Spring Fling is traditionally a weeklong event with dress-up days and games for students and staff. Last year, Gunn Student Executive Council (SEC) cut Spring Fling down to Powderpuff, a football game between students, and Block Party, a carnival after school on Friday. This year, SEC is bringing it back with full force. According to Environmental Commissioner senior Jarrod Hsu, the return of Spring Fling is for students to relax and enjoy themselves. “We wanted to have a week in the spring to increase school unity and also to take away from the stress of finals and AP (Advanced Placement) testing,” Hsu said. “After spring break, a lot of people start to feel a third quarter slump, so hopefully this event will combat that slump by increasing spirit and make coming to school more fun.” Reflecting this purpose of relieving student stress, Student Activities Director Lisa
Hsu, Powderpuff will be replaced with a game of Rocks. Dress-ups will be the same for all classes and include more common themes. “[SEC] plans to have daily dress-ups, but they will be simpler dress-ups,” Hall said. “One of the dress-up themes that they had planned is a pajama day, which isn’t very complicated to do so “We wanted to have a week in the spring to increase everybody should be school unity and also to take away from the stress able to participate, of finals and [Advanced Placement] (AP) testing.” and they hope to have more participation —Environmental Commissioner Jarrod Hsu that way.” New, more incluit isn’t the typical lunch game where we sive activities are also in the planning have the four classes competing,” Hall said. stage. “Wednesday’s lunchtime activity is Hsu sa id SEC hopes t hat w it h a going to be a staff-versus-student dodgenon-competitive mindset, more students ball game,” Hsu said. “On Thursday, there will participate in Spring Fling. “We’re will be Capture the Flag or Rocks on the definitely trying to make it a bigger event field, and on Friday, we’re going to shoot a than it has been in past years and also have school-wide music video.” it be more inclusive by letting more people Sophomore Class President Alvin Hom participate in the activities,” he said. “Also, said that SEC is still expecting to hold Block we’re changing a few of the traditional Party. “Currently, we’re in planning stages events, like the block party.” According to right now and we’re planning on having a Hall said that this Spring Fling won’t be focused on class competition and instead concentrate on school unity. “One of the things SEC wanted to try and do this year was not have a competitive type of a week, but something that can just be for fun and people will be interested in doing because
block party after school on Friday that will have food and carnival games,” he said. However, because of a recent outlaw of inflatable bounce houses, the bounce houses will not be used this year. “It is my understanding that a Palo Alto city ordinance was passed that has restricted use of bounce houses and inflatables in the city,” Hall said. “Therefore, the district is complying with the city’s ordinance and has informed both high schools that they cannot rent inflatables for use at school events.” Hall anticipates that students will be as excited about Spring Fling as they are about Homecoming. “I do think that the competition piece of Homecoming brings a level of interest that is difficult to duplicate without competition,” she said. “But I would hope people would just be ready in the spring to do a fun week of dress-ups and activities.” Hom agreed that Spring Fling could be very popular among students this year. “Hopefully, with good publicity, easy themes and fun events, we can revive Spring Fling to its former glory and we can have a good week,” he said.
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Sensationalism misinforms, exploits new voters Shagun Khare Amidst the blur of the 2016 presidential race, one thing is crystal clear: sensationalism is the key to a voter’s heart. “Build a wall!” “Free public college for all!” Ironically, we have all heard these radical statements for months now. This new rhetoric is being amplified by the right and left in the race for the presidency, and every voter is taking notice, especially millennials. For many, these phrases are a spark of lightning in the dark—a hope of something that could never have been imagined in the political scene. However, while hope is certainly justified, sensationalism is not. In an attempt to appeal to voters en masse, both the Democratic and Republican candidates have resorted to extreme views that have increased unproductive partisanism within the voting demographic, but also misled the people regarding crucial issues at the center of national politics. Such misinformation unfairly skews public opinion and, ultimately, voter decisions as well. Since several candidates are focused on reeling in first-time voters, candidates should take special care to be honest and upfront in their proposals; Americans deserve a more comprehensive understanding of political issues, as much of the current sensationalist rhetoric coming f rom both parties would not result in concrete change in the executive office. In politics, ever y word mat ters. W hen presidential candidates come up to the podium and say they support a certain type of legislation or view, they are making a promise to the American people. This promise should be comprehensive—it should consider the feasibility of the issue as well as the impact of the issue. However, when candidates such as Republican frontrunner Donald Trump talk about building a wall like it can be made with Legos, it sends the wrong message to voters, deluding them into thinking it is all really possible. Don’t get me wrong—many of the promises coming from both the left and the right certainly have merit. I am not one to say that someone’s opinions are not valid. However, it is imperative that people know the truth, and appealing to voters by lying and sensationalizing is unfair and immoral on the part of presidential candidates. For instance, extreme left-wing and right-wing legislation are often the least likely to be passed by Congress and ultimately enacted. More moderate proposals, however, are a more pragmatic step toward reaching a political goal. Therefore, rather than completely changing their views, candidates and voters should be more aware and vocal about the logical steps that need to be taken to ensure that a promise made on the campaign trail is ultimately fulfilled. Additionally, sensationalist rhetoric can often misinform voters on vital issues. When candidates make broad, obtrusive statements without the evidence to support it, voters are led to believe a certain stance without a full understanding of the many layers of an issue. In fact, the effect can often be detrimental to the reputation of certain
“we are seeing violence for the first time in over 40 years in the current presidential election.”
Muslims or Mexicans, the demoralization of those communities should outweigh the desire to rile a political base. However, candidates are repeatedly spouting such rhetoric for their own selfish purposes. When the repercussions of candidates’ statements do not affect them or their base, they seem to not care for what the broader impact of their words can be, despite clear indications of how that impact can manifest. For example, supporters
of Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders and Trump have engaged in violent interactions in various rallies for each respective candidate. These types of actions should not be a part of the campaign trail, yet we are seeing it for the first time in over 40 years in the current presidential election. Thus, it is imperative that candidates take caution when they make radical generalizations because they have the power to influence the mindsets and actions of their supporters, who can and have proven to say and act harshly or violently against targeted communities. Choosing the next president of the United States is a major responsibility for American voters, and one that should not be taken lightly. Candidates, therefore, should not exploit the American public for their personal gain. Let us not blur the 2016 presidential campaign any further. Let us instead make it clearer for voters, so that rather than treating the campaign with sensationalism, we can say that the United States treated the 2016 presidential campaign with honesty and dignity. —Khare, a junior, is a Sports Editor.
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YO U T H VO T E R S
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Graphics by Elizabeth Zu
Pandering underestimates millennials’ depth Alex Dersh
The headline: “Leading Presidential Candidates engage in Twitter War.” I never thought I’d hear that about a presidential election. Technology like Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram is being used by candidates to connect with younger voters, project a friendlier image of themselves and seem more “hip” and tech-savvy. Yet this pandering doesn’t succeed in its goal of attracting young voters; just ask selfie-taking Hillary Clinton, who is as unpopular with young voters as tapioca or adult diapers. And I’m not convinced that Twitter-bot Donald Trump is doing himself any favors with his hashtagged broadsides against his Republican rivals. American youth don’t support candidates because of these tricks and clichés; young voters aren’t so tuned out of politics, and they don’t decide who to support based on these displays. They’re an independent and diverse group of people who are not driven to vote based on how many Snapchats they receive from a campaign. Their choices are primarily based on their ideological tendencies and hostilities to establishment politics. Likewise, subjective candidate traits like “authenticity,” “likeability” and whether you’d like to have a beer with them are not decisive factors in how they vote; ideological preference for a candidate trumps relatability. Young voters are more sympathetic to candidates who are not of the mainstream: Pew Research shows that more young people have favorable views of the terms “socialism” and “libertarianism,” and more are bucking the traditional labels of “liberal” and “conservative.” The reason for this is that many young voters, especially those on the left, feel increasingly unrepresented by the party establishments. It is young people who are driving activist movements of today, such as Black Lives Matter and the campaigns of Bernie Sanders and Ron Paul. Before them, the young people of the 1960s infamously took part in activism and protests for civil rights. Each generation has many examples where young liberal voters feel alienated by their leaders, and as a new generation of young people emerges, those that were once rebelling in their youth become the new establishment. Hillary
Clinton is a good example of this: in her college years she spoke out for civil rights, striking an anti-status-quo tone; 50 years later, she is the new establishment, being challenged by a young liberal Democratic base. Young people’s support for anti-establishment politicians has been clear this election cycle. In the Democratic primaries between Clinton and Sanders, Clinton has won voters over 45 in nearly all contests, while losing those under 45 in just as many. In Illinois for example, she lost voters under 45 by 40 points, but won those over 45 by 27. On the Republican side, Jeb Bush did much better with older voters than younger ones; Donald Trump the opposite. And in 2012, Paul was famously popular with young Independents and libertarians. Young people aren’t a monolithic bloc to be pandered to; many care deeply about the issues and hold nuanced positions and opinions that are hard to pigeonhole. However, a common theme in their voting patterns reveals an affinity for outsider politicians and outsider politics. They seek to challenge the establishment, shake things up in our society and government and advocate for issues like justice and equality for the disadvantaged. This theme pops up again and again for the young people of every generation. As for ours, we are no exception. —Dersh, a senior, is a reporter.
Sanders offers most comprehensive education plan Kaya van der Horst Turn on any news channel and it is guaranteed that something about the presidential race will be covered. Although Republicans Donald Trump and Ted Cruz constantly receive airtime, they aren’t saying anything substantial—at least regarding their education policies. Neither Republican candidate even had a section for their education policy on their respective official websites. The closest find
Graphics by Elizabet h Zu
was a 51-second clip of Trump stating, “I will end Common Core. It’s a disaster.” But eliminating policy is easy. A better question asks, “What do you propose to replace that with?” And while Hillary Clinton and John Kasich have more specific ideas about improving the future for young America, these policies are conservative in innovation and will introduce little to no change to the current state. Democrat Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who both acknowledges the importance of education for the future and actually offers a complete plan. The average American college graduate faces $28,950 of college debt; to alleviate this burden, we need a more radical take on the reformation of America’s education. With a plan for tuition-free public colleges and universities, Bernie Sanders’s education policy is by far the most elaborate to be considered as a necessary change from the status quo. The cost of tuition for a college education in the United States has become increasingly unaffordable for middleand working-class families. As of 2016, the cost to attend a four-year public university in California is, on average, $9,139 for in-state students and $22,958 for out-of-state students. Meanwhile, most students in Europe pay little to no tuition for their higher education. For instance, students in Germany will only pay $300 to $2,000 in fees, as most of the universities are publicly funded. Only 3 percent of students attend private institutions, with the most expensive private colleges charging around $27,573. In stark contrast, the average cost of a private education in the United States is $31,231. These outrageous costs of a higher education, along with additional fees for books, housing and transportation leave the
average American student with $28,950 in student loan debt. These financial burdens weigh heavily on young adults entering the job market. Additionally, Sanders wants to reform the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, signed by George W. Bush in 2002. The act aims to improve the quality of education for American students by requiring all schools to administer standardized tests. So yes, Bush is essentially the reason we have STAR tests. However, the NCLB has proven to produce ineffective and counterproductive outcomes. Standardized testing costs $1.1 billion per year and the U.S. has seen an increase in cheating scandals and discrimination against poor performing students since its implementation. Rather than placing an emphasis on test preparation that provides no benefits for students after they leave school, Sanders would reform NCLB in a way that puts an emphasis on valuable skills for the twenty-first century, such as critical thinking and teamwork skills. But now comes a very logical question—how can Sanders make education free if the United States has a $18.2 trillion debt? Sanders proposes to finance his $75 billion a year plan by imposing a fraction of a percent tax on Wall Street speculations. Not only would the plan for a tuition-free higher education be completely paid for, but research has suggested strong evidence linking the cognitive skills of a population to long-term economic growth. Taken together, Sanders’s plan for tuition-free and debt-free college, in combination with his reforms for the NCLB, make his education policy the most attainable. Especially in light of the lack in content and substance for the education plans of the other candidates, there is hope that Sanders may provide a viable path to making excellent education a birthright to all Americans. —van der Horst, a sophomore, is a reporter.
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Accord i ng to the American Civil Liberties Union, under a speech code in effect at Universit y Elinor Aspegren of Michigan, white students in 20 cases charged College campuses have created safe spaces black students with offensive for many marginalized groups. Women, sexual speech. One of these cases reassault victims, LGBTQA+ youth and people sulted in the punishment of a of color now have a chance to feel protected black student for using the term on campus. In this effort to create acceptance, “white trash” in conversation with however, free speech has suffered. a student. The code was struck down Hate speech, as defined by the American Bar as unconstitutional in 1989. Association, is “speech that offends, threatens or Speech codes, like the ones beinsults groups, based on race, color, religion, naing placed on campuses around the tional origin, sexual orientation, disability or other country, not only limit both types traits.” Freedom of thought and expression was of speeches, but they also exacerbate once essential to any higher learning, but now it the problem. By banning hate speech, is threatened by speech codes. campuses are merely driving biases According to the Foundating for Individual underground, where they can’t be adRights in Education, 248 of America’s largest and dressed. Therefore, people who most well-known colleges maintained policies may originally say hatethat restrict a substantial amount of speech ful things will simply guaranteed under the First Amendment in live with their biases, 2012. While speech codes may seem like a valuma ri nat i ng w it h able tool in preventing campus harassment, them until they the fundamental right to free speech should culminate into not be restricted to prevent hate speech. something cataHateful ideas (whatever that constitutes) strophic. are just as constitutional under the First W hen poliAmendment as every other idea. cies suppress To be sure, there are some kinds of speech bespeech unprotected by the First Amendcause of its ment, but these aren’t necessarily hate potent ia l Elizabet h Zu speech as hate speech is defined. For into be offenstance, there is an exception for “fighting words”— sive, the students sufface-to-face, one-on-one personal insults addressed to a fer because they do not learn specific person that are likely to start a fight. the difference between right and A ban on selective hate speech, however, is unconstitu- wrong. It undermines the ability tional. And for good reason—restricting the speech of one for students to understand each other group or individual jeopardizes everyone’s rights, simply and it impedes students’ education. because the same laws used to silence bigots can be used to What, then, is the appropriate response silence everyone else. Under the indivisibility principle, if to hate speech? How do we quell hate speech in a government denies rights such as hate speech, it affects schools without limiting rights? The reason why speech the ability to exercise rights like activist speech. codes are wrong is because it impedes understanding—
therefore, the only way to stop hate speech is to take an educational approach. Universities are obligated to create an environment that fosters tolerance and mutual respect among members of the campus community, an environment in which all students can exercise their right to participate “We must not fully in campus life without being dispunish those criminated against. who are T herefore, u nitrying to do versities must speak out loudly and clearly right.” against expressions of racist, sexist, homophobic and other bias, and react promptly and firmly to acts of discriminatory harassment. This doesn’t mean, however, that universities should punish students. Rather, they should use students who use hate speech as examples, publicly and privately admonishing the individual. And they must make sure that their definition of hate speech stays within the legal definition—we must not punish those who are trying to do right. W hi le t his may not stop hate spe ech, it shou ld teach t hose most impressionable that hate speech is wrong. As American Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Ira Glasser stated in a speech at the City College of New York: “There is no clash between the constitutional right of free speech and equality. Both are crucial to society. Universities ought to stop restricting speech and start teaching.”
“The fundamental right to free speech should not be restricted to prevent hate speech.”
—Aspegren, a senior, is a News Editor.
Faces in the Crowd Should hate speech be protected under the First Amendment?
“Hate speech is protected under freedom of expression, and we shouldn’t change it or we’ll slowly become like Big Brother.”
“No, there are other ways to express disagreement that are not hate speech, bullying or any of that.”
Arjun Srivastava (9)
Cindy Guo (10)
“Yes, to a certain degree. As long as restricting speech keeps people safe, it should be, but if it’s not changing other people’s safety, then it shouldn’t be because that would be a violation of the First Amendment.” Sophie van Seventer (11)
“No, hate speech should not be protected under the First Amendment because it perpetuates discrimination and stereotyping.” Emily Cao (12) —Compiled by Shannon Yang
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Should the government mandate encryption backdoors?
In February, the FBI requested that Apple build a backdoor, or a vulnerabiliy, in the encrypted software of the San Bernadino shooter’s iPhone. Apple refused, arguing that the backdoor would allow the government to access the communications of millions of iPhone users. The case spurred a broader debate regarding the government and Silicon Valley’s role in the balance between security and privacy.
Samuel Tse
After the recent terrorist attack at the San Bernardino Inland Region Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launched an investigation, only to find that the iPhone used by the suspect in the case was locked. Due to the safety mechanisms put in place by Apple, the FBI could not guess the password until they unlock the phone, with the iPhone deleting all of its data after a certain number of password retries. This led to the FBI asking Apple to create a key to disable the phone’s self-destruct function, allowing the FBI to unlock the phone. Apple refused. The FBI did eventually unlock the phone without assistance from Apple and dropped the lawsuit, but the question of whether federal agencies and law enforcement should or shouldn’t have free access to locked devices still remains. Government agencies and law enforcement should have access to locked electronic devices because they have the right to uphold the law and to properly solve crimes. Allowing law enforcement to access devices allows them to access possible evidence to help solve the cases like the San Bernardino terrorist attack. This valuable information can help convict suspects with information such as the locations of suspects and the content of their communications. The victims of crimes should also be given justice and a just ending for their loss. In addition, without the evidence from electronic devices, the suspects may not be able to be convicted, allowing them to walk free without any consequences. The FBI is not asking for the key to unlock iPhones in order to do whatever they want with it. They have justified reasons to search devices. The FBI can also use the program Apple creates to solve other crimes involving Apple products. Apple products are being used more and more around the world and it is only right for criminal investigation units to be able to access those devices to solve crimes. Nowadays, communication of information increasingly happens via encrypted software; software that no government, even with a valid search warrant, can access unless there is a backdoor. The FBI should be allowed to install backdoors to fight potential terrorist attacks before they happen. Although backdoor access to devices can affect the overall security of devices, it is more important to have security over our own lives than security over our devices. As ISIS increases its use of encrypted messaging platforms such as Twitter and Telegram to recruit militants, creating holes in encryption
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Backdoors are necessary to Weak encryption undermines strengthen national security cybersecurity, privacy rights
Matthew Hamilton
remains a priority. Moreover, according to Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, there are 111 iPhones of known criminals that police were unable to crack because of encryption. FBI Director James Comey also cited cases in which murderers and rapists deliberately employed encryption to hide their communications. Universally preventing the government from accessing encrypted communications prevents law enforcement from doing their job, which is to protect the American people. Apple has stated that allowing the FBI to access the iPhone is a violation of our privacy. But Apple’s and other private corporations’ stance
On March 28 the Department of Justice announced that it would drop its case against Apple, stating it had found another way into the device used by the San Bernardino shooter. The case has been used as a symbol for the greater debate over law enforcement access to encrypted communications. Despite the case’s closure, the debate over law enforcement access to encrypted communications has just begun. Lawmakers must realize that forcing
that encryption can never be violated is too absolutist. Not giving the FBI the ability to access Apple’s devices of known terrorists sets a negative precedent that we can never sacrifice privacy for security. We should value public safety above all, even at the cost of a bit of privacy. Allowing the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to have access to our devices can go a long way in protecting American citizens. With backdoor access, law enforcement can effectively prevent possible terrorist attacks and crimes. Our own safety and security as the citizens of the United States should be our priority, not the security of our devices.
companies to place backdoors in their encrypted products should be rejected because it poses no national security benefits, but comes with substantial harms to Americans and the companies they work for. Backdoors—often touted for their security benefits—actually put tech companies at a great risk of a cyber attack. While the backdoor provides access to encrypted data for the government, the same backdoor is left open to be exploited by cybercriminals. Companies like Google and Microsoft have already been hacked because of backdoors. Even the government itself was a victim of a backdoor cyber attack when the Department of Defense used Juniper Systems software that had a backdoor in it. A coalition of tech companies including
—Tse, a junior, is a reporter.
Google, Twitter and Facebook have also called on President Barack Obama to end the abusive policy. It is clear that tech companies are being targeted by hackers because of the government’s reckless practice of placing backdoors into encrypted products. Tech companies are not the only ones that are hurt by the government’s policy of placing backdoors into encrypted products. Any consumer of a product produced by a U.S. tech company loses their privacy. The United Nations has condemned the practice of placing backdoors into encrypted products specifically because the ability to encrypt data is crucial to protect the privacy of consumers and has also stated that any national security benefits are miniscule in comparison to the impact of stripping citizens of their privacy. It is clear that snatching data directly from servers without the approval of the company, consumer or judicial system is a violation of the privacy of Americans. Placing backdoors into encrypted products does nothing but hurt every party involved. Thus, the questions arises: why is the policy in place? The answer lies in the unfortunate use of speculative rhetoric meant to scare U.S. citizens into giving up their privacy in hopes of gaining security. Aside from having a questionable moral basis, the use of national security to force acceptance of backdoors into encrypted products is misguided. Not once has a previous or existing backdoor been used to stop a terrorist attack or solve a criminal case. FBI Director James Comey has failed to cite a single case in which a backdoor aided a terrorism or criminal investigation. In every case where criminals used encryption, whether it be the 111 cases of Manhattan District Attorney General Cyrus Vance or the cases brought up by Comey, not once has a backdoor led to the arrest of a criminal. The San Bernadino case only highlighted the uselessness of backdoors. Not only did the police chief of San Bernardino state that the phone of the shooter most likely did not contain any useful information, the Department of Justice was able to find another way into the phone without stripping every citizen of their privacy. Mandating backdoors costs tech companies cybersecurity while hurting the privacy of Americans. Given the fact that the government and cybersecurity experts cannot cite a single case where backdoors ended up catching a terrorist or preventing a crime, there is no justification for their procurement. That makes backdoors at best unnecessary, but in reality counterproductive on every level of American society. —Hamilton, a junior, is a News Editor. Graphics by Joanne Lee
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ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT De-laning would favor some students over others, limit teachers’ time
are allowed to move on to honors classes in the following years if they choose, their learning will be stunted because they were not given the opportunity to go into an advanced track. It is unfair to cater to simply one population while the other is neglected. Faster learners will become bored with the stale and unchallenging curriculum and will miss out on opportunities that could be otherwise afforded with honors classes. Honors and advanced classes are a great opportunity for the students who can and Lena Ye want to handle them. It allows them to go above and beyond and to learn much more than the breadth of required curriculum by the state and nation. A study led by the Honors classes and lanes at PAUSD start early. In seventh grade, all students are di- Study of Mathematically Precocious tracking students advanced in math showed that vided into two levels of math: Pre-Algebra 7 and 7A. The “A” stands for accelerated, and students who had skipped a grade had more science, technology, engineering and math students are sorted based on a recommendation from their sixth grade math teacher. In accomplishments than those who had not skipped a grade. Students that are adequately eighth grade, the trend continues, and in ninth grade, laning is further expanded with stimulated and challenged can cultivate a love for learning, while those who are forced the division of science and English classes. While the district is currently looking at to match the pace of the slower learners can become resentful and lack motivation. Honors classes enable students to make a choice about their style and rigor of learncombining or eliminating lanes, honors classes are an important fixture of academic curing. These classes allow them to riculum at Gunn and should be upheld. set their own goals and bestow Honors classes enable students to upon them the responsibillearn at their own pace, rejuveit y of seeing t heir work nate their interest in school through. They challenge and hold them responsible faster learners and make for their own learning. academia exciting. Just as G et t i ng r id of t he lower lanes are needed lanes in core subjects in to accommodate slower freshman year will mix learners, higher lanes are students of different needed to stimulate and levels of learning into inspire faster lea rners. t he sa me class. T he The focus on providing proponents of de-laning students with opportunininth grade math cite ties is as equally important that all it will unify for faster as it is for slower all freshmen in terms learners. Faster learners of level of math and will suffer from lack of enable them to choose at tent ion a nd a slower t he fol low i ng yea r pace in regular classes, but which lane they wish students who are not doing to enter. However, after as well will suffer likewise ten years of schooling from feeling inadequate no student is at the same next to the more precolevel anymore. Dependcious students in the class. ing on time spent and In t he end, t he f ight extracurricular activities over la n i ng i n s chool s and summer work and a c ome s dow n to c hoic e . hundred different other The school is designated factors, each student has to educate students a nd a unique knowledge of Elizabet h Zu prepare them for the world and Cheryl Kao math. Forcing all students to that will meet them when they be in the same level class will not level out the inequality. It will only hurt the honors students. graduate. Students need to ta ke responsibilit y of t heir education and learn Teachers will have to ignore the accelerated students and hinder their learning in how to manage t heir time. Wit h lanes, students w ill be able to experiment order to explain concepts to the slower learners. Resources will be less efficiently alwith varying workloads and will learn how to make decisions for themselves. located because teachers must accommodate for students of all different types of learning speed and knowledge. This will only hurt more advanced students, because they —Ye, a junior, is a Sports Editor. will have to keep the pace of the slowest learners in the whole class. Although students
Campus’ expectations of AP exam attendance apply unnecessary pressure
Lisa Hao
With Advanced Placement (AP) testing season just around the corner, 733 Gunn students have already registered for their May exams. Not all students enrolled in an AP course, however, choose to take the exam. While the decision to register for AP exams should be an entirely personal choice, Gunn now requires prospective AP students to agree to the following statement for the 20162017: I realize that by enrolling in an Advanced Placement course I am expected to take the corresponding Advanced Placement Examination in May. This new addition to the AP Class Contract forces the entire AP system at Gunn to adopt the same expectations that specific courses—AP English, BC Calculus—already had in place. Although these expectations have good intentions, they do not allow room for personal circumstances and also value AP scores over application of knowledge. Although people often see AP exams as the grand culmination of all the knowledge acquired and efforts made, sometimes the benefits of taking the exam does not outweigh the losses. The new AP course requirement fails
to consider many factors that influence a student’s deci- acquired knowledge to real situations and personal consion to register for the exam. Financial reasons aside (as fidence—are viable ways to prove that students benefitted Gunn does a terrific job at ensuring that financial barriers throughout their time in an AP course. As a school, we are eliminated as much as possible), students still need to should reject the mentality that tests validate students’ consider time, readiness and the potential gains. Students accomplishments, because that is simply not true. The extend to take AP exams mainly because high scores can often pectation that students should take the test after the course, earn college credit or advanced placement. Many colleges, however, enforces the idea that progress can only truly be however, only allow specific tests and select scores to count measured numerically. The expectation adds pressure for all students to take the AP test, and in turn that pressure as credit or influence placement. Since translates to the teachers. Teachers want their students to most seniors will have committed do well; as the current contract binds students to exam to a university before AP testregistration, teachers will be more inclined to “teach ing, they will also know which to the test.” A holistic advanced course, however, exams matter. In most cases, “We should reject should not abide by a single institution’s stanit does not make sense for dardized testing rubric. A well taught AP course someone to take a test that the mentality provides students with skills that apply beyond gives no credit or benefit that tests the classroom and definitely beyond the test. and takes time, money as validate students’ Although students should not be expected to well as effort to accomaccomplishments.” take the May exam, encouragement is justified. plish. But since the new AP tests often serve as a motivational goal for AP contract has detailed students and one useful measure of improvement. in writing the expectation Instead of establishing a misguided expectation to to register, students feel extra register for the test on the AP Class Contract, adminpressure to do something where istration should state the obvious advantages of a final the cons outweigh the pros. Additionally, the AP test is not the only useful method evaluation. By acknowledging the range of individuals’ that proves a student’s academic success. Although many unique circumstances, the administration can better supteachers promote the May exam as a perfect way to dem- port students in their educational journey. onstrate a student’s improvement, other standards—final —Hao, a senior, is a Features Editor. grades, general skill improvement, the application of
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Friday, April 15, 2016
Gunn comedy club helps make theatre accessible for all
casts and crew. “[The club] exposes me to played the rocketship crew. “It rea more loose way of being an entertainer ally builds companionship among or stand-up comedian, rather than being them, as they’re all doing this thing Almost every month, sophomore Kyle Petersen finds an actor getting into the mindset of his together,” Petersen said. himself at either LifeMoves, an interim housing network character,” Petersen said. The improvisaThe club benefits the members as well; Axelrod says that Laughing supporting homeless families, or the Ronald McDonald tion practice is perfect for Petersen, who Matters has provided her with a House, a home-away-from-home for families of terminally hopes to pursue creative and comedic roles memorable and constructive expeill children receiving specialized treatment. Petersen is like those on the television show, “Saturday rience. “I’ve learned about leadertrying to make a difference in the lives of kids—through Night Live.” ship, organization and communithe art of theatre. The loose structure of each cycle also cation, but the most meaningful Laughing Matters, a club founded in 2015 by senior accommodates amateur thespians. Acpart for me has been interacting Julia Axelrod, brings monthly or bi-monthly theatre skits cording to Petersen, students with no with the children,” she said. “Their and games to youth ages 4 to 16. Each cycle begins with experience frequently join for the flexible responses to the performances Axelrod’s choice of a 10- or 15-minute script pulled from community service hours. “I was blown have been positive and inspiring.” various books or websites. Over the following few weeks, a away by how easy it is,” he said. Though Laughing Matters is committed group of five to 10 students memorize and add Like the young audience for which a relatively new club, established stage directions to the play. they perform, these Courtesy of Palo Alto Online members already recognize “reguAxelrod founded the club afnew actors have an Laughing Matters plays an im“I think [what we do] is imporlars” at their shows, know them by ter she was inspired by a friend unintimidating opprovisation game to prepare for its portunity to enter name and frequently call on them at a performing arts camp who tant because it means a lot to upcoming theatre performance. to participate. Inclusive improthe rich world of found solace in theatre when the kids, and you can see that. ” visation is easy because the skits theater. “The only battling multiple rounds of rarely use costumes or props. “It’s cool that we don’t have downside [to theater] is that it’s cancer. “The idea for Laughing —sophomore Kyle Petersen to raise any money to do [what we do],” Petersen said. “It’s scary to be up in front of a lot of Matters started as a desire to help sick children escape the stress of illness,” she said. people,” Petersen said. “But once you’re up in front of these just something we can do on our own.” Even for long-time thespian Petersen, Laughing Mat“In June, I organized a performance for Ronald McDonald children, you’re not so nervous.” House.” With such outspoken, enthusiastic spectators, it’s impos- ters provides new opportunities for skill and community Most recently, in late February, Petersen participated in sible to forget a greater purpose behind these skits: to expose building alike. “I think [what we do] is important because “Space Trip.” Featuring a race for Mars rocks between two youth to arts and entertainment they may not otherwise it means a lot to the kids, and you can see that,” he said. Yet heroic astronauts and one rival spaceman, the play isn’t encounter. “Oftentimes, it breaks up their days and intro- that gratification is a secondary reflection. In the moment, meant to be fine art. Laughing Matters offers a different the- duces them to theater,” Petersen said. In fact, the club makes only the creative spirit of performance is present. “[Laughatre experience than the annual school productions, which inclusivity of the audience a goal, encouraging children to ing Matters] takes all the scariness out of theatre and leaves require serious dedication and time commitment from their take minor or made-up roles. In “Space Trip,” volunteers the pure fun of it,” Petersen said. Ryeri Lim
FORUM EDITOR
Artist of the Month:
freshman Shayan Hooshmand
The Oracle: How did you get started in theatre? Shayan Hooshmand: I showed no interest for theatre when I was young, but I was always singing, running around and just being crazy. So, in 2010, The Outreach Production from Palo Alto Children’s Theatre held auditions for the play “Stinky Cheeseman.” I was in third grade at that time and my mom forced me to audition. I really didn’t want to do it at first. I actually remember thinking it was one of the worst things in my life at the moment! Afterward though, I really enjoyed [theatre], so I just continued with it. TO: How did you get from Palo Alto Children’s Theatre to Broadway? SH: During the summer when I was in third grade, I started participating in productions hosted by the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. From then on, I attended almost all their main stage auditions. Sometimes I would get big parts, sometimes small, but it really didn’t matter to me; I loved doing all of them. It was around 2012 when I researched for other production companies around the Bay Area, one of them being Broadway by the Bay. I auditioned for “Oliver” there in 2013. I was really nervous to do something outside of youth theatre, but I got in! It was a really great first experience performing with adults.
Josh Spain
TO: What advice would you give to other kids? SH: Audition for everything. Don’t be afraid to take risks. If you go to an audition and bomb it, so what? Learn from it and do better for the next one. Every audition is a learning experience, and that is something I try to teach myself. If you’re confident, then others are confident in you, too. If I hadn’t worked at this for the past few years, I wouldn’t have gotten cast in “School of Rock” and “Oliver.”
TO: How has the Broadway experience influenced you? SH: It was my first real professional performing experience. As a kid who wants to be an actor or an artist, adults will tell you to have a backup plan. It’s a hard job to maintain. This made me feel like I can do it because I already did it as a kid. Being in [the Broadway] environment, although I know it will still be hard, will help me so much when I’m an adult and when I [want to pursue this job]. TO: Which was your favorite out of all the productions you’ve been in? SH: My favorite role was probably Oliver, in “Oliver.” I did this production with Broadway by the Bay in Redwood City. It was the very first show I did with actual adults, not kids playing adults. The other kids in the show and I become really close, and I also became friends with lots of the adults. The whole environment felt more professional and made me feel important, like I had a purpose. It didn’t feel quite the same in a youth production. It felt real. TO: How is Palo Alto Children’s Theatre different from Broadway? SH: Palo Alto Children’s Theatre is a youth theatre company. What’s really great about them is that they’re not-for-profit, so they’re not all about the money. They care about the product of the show, and both the adults and the kids work really hard. Surprisingly, a couple shows I did at the Children’s Theatre were more stressful for me than “School of Rock.” In Broadway, the group of child actors had these caretakers called “Guardians,” or as we lovingly call them, “Wranglers.” They’re the ones who watch and take care of the kids. That took a lot of the stress off me because they were always with me and helping me be responsible.
TO: What were your first Broadway performance and audition process like? SH: My first production for New York Broadway was “School of Rock.” When I auditioned for it in January 2015, the experience was totally different—there were a thousand people in line. I only had 10 to 15 seconds to sing for them to determine if they wanted me to perform again. They called me back the next round where I sang a full song and read a scene. They called me back again the next week for the dance audition and musician audition. Each round they would eliminate more kids, and finally on the last day, they told my mom that they really wanted me to be in the show and they’d find a place for me. I can’t tell you how excited I was leaving the audition room that day. TO: What is one important lesson that you learned from being on Broadway? SH: I learned to be more disciplined. It really prepared me for life in general during the process. I used to procrastinate a lot before. Sometimes, for example, when I had to study for a test, I would wait until the last minute to do it. But now I actually sit down ahead of time and start learning gradually rather than cramming the night before. It’s so important to be prepared in any situation, because then you can use that time you have with others to focus on things you can only do in that workspace. For example, it’s hard to learn the choreography to a dance that has 10 other people in it alone at home, but it’s easy to memorize the song the dance goes to. Being prepared also garners respect, and I feel like I respect myself, too, when I’m prepared. —Compiled by Stina Chang
Band Teacher Todd Summers Growing up in rural Ohio, band teacher Todd Summers was surrounded by a conservative community. Many people in his Midwestern town were religious and had strict views on sexuality. Because of this, Summers struggled with accepting his sexuality throughout most of his early life. Summers first realized that he was gay in middle school. When high school came around, he was surrounded by friends and music—interests that distracted him from the desire to come out in a homophobic community. “In high school, I found my home in the band and in music and that was my comfort zone,” he said. “I was somewhat popular in high school but it was not unusual to be walking down the hall and have someone scream ‘faggot’ at not only me but other people too.” These incidents further discouraged Summers. “[There was] that fear of, ‘What everyone is going to think? What is my family going to think? Am I going to lose any friends?’” he said. “The fear of the unknown was the hardest part.” Summers also did not have anyone to look up to after he realized he was gay. “There were no role models,” he said. “No teachers were out, no students were out. It was just a gigantic pushing into the closet of anyone who had feelings other than heterosexual feelings.” This type of discrimination followed Summers after college to his job as a teacher. “I had a principal from a public school in rural Ohio say to me in his office behind
Junior Maddie Steinberg Pansexuality can be defined as not limiting one’s attraction based on another person’s biological sex or gender. Junior Maddie Steinberg has found comfort in this term to describe her sexuality ever since she publicly came out last year. Steinberg first came out to her father casually in a spontaneous conversation. “I came out to my dad kind of jokingly,” Steinberg said. Steinberg decided to come out to her father during a discussion about her love for people in plaid. According to Steinberg, her father observed that she was into “the lumberjack kind of guy.” She corrected him by saying, “No, girls too.” Steinberg waited to tell her mother until their own personal conversation. Steinberg’s mother had heard about her possibly being gay and asked if it was true. “Okay, I am not coming out of the closet,” Steinberg said. “I am coming out of the kitchen closet because I’m pan.”
Senior Atticus Kelem
Oracle-TBN Liaison
—Written by Janet Wang
After breaking the ice between her parents, not much changed according to Steinberg. “It was pretty great,” Steinberg said. “My parents are very supportive.” When Steinberg came out publicly t h r ou g h a Facebook status, she still kept her joking and creative nature. “Hey fam, in case you couldn’t tell from my excessive jokes about it, I am the gay cousin,” Steinberg posted. Once she came out to everyone, Steinberg found that it was easier to be more open and discuss any feelings she has for someone. “I can talk about who I am attracted to more now and if there is a girl I like,” Steinberg said. Sexuality can be difficult to understand, but Steinberg has gained clarity through her experience of coming
made me,” he said, “I started telling people I was bi[sexual] because I was pretty sure that’s what I was. It didn’t really surprise many people, which I took as a compliment.” Although his news did not Senior Atticus Kelem describes himself as an impulsive per- shock anyone, telling others publicly son, which is why he came out to his friends almost immediately about his sexual orientation helped after realizing he was bisexual. “There was validate his feelings. “The maybe a 30-second gap [between realizing first time I felt like I and coming out] because my internet was truly came out was at down,” he said. Camp Everytown,” he About a year ago, Kelem realized he was said. “Even though it’s a pretty bisexual. “I’d never really bothered thinking historically amazing place to about it much before,” he said. “I was talkcome out, the fact that I came out to a group really ing to a friend who was talking cemented that I was out in my head.” about her crush, a guy,” he said, “I Kelem also used social media to Facebook-stalked him to see who come out to friends and acquaintances. “You just see people in this it was, and I realized I thought he whole new light when they He participated in National Coming was really hot.” Out Day with a Facebook status. “Happy Though he wasn’t interested in know new things about you National Coming Out Day. I came out of and still love you for it. “ a sexual or romantic relationship the house today, then went back inside with another male at the time, —senior Atticus Kelem because it was hot,” he posted. “Also, Kelem recognized for the first I’m bisexual.” time that he was attracted to both males and females. “I realized For Kelem, coming out turned out to be a positive and liberI was something distinctly not straight and I wondered what that ating experience. “I had no expectations for how people would
Gender Sexuality Alliance Club provides safe space for LGBTQ+ Anyi Cheng
closed doors, ‘If people find out about your lifestyle, we will find a way to fire you,’” he said. Once Summers enrolled in graduate school, however, he started coming out. “I started to embrace it, be open with everybody and not have a divide in my life of being out and being in the closet,” he said. “If anyone asked or said anything, I would speak to it.” Summers especially became more open about being gay after he started to date his now-husband, whom he has been with for 19 years. “At that point, I started to realize that all the ridiculousness of being in the closet was silly and I wanted to live my life,” he said. “It was a transitional period for my friends and when we started to go out all together, I would just introduce him as my boyfriend.” For Summers, being gay is just another part of his identity. “If someone asks, I answer and I talk about my husband,” he said. “I don’t hide anything and am happy to not be in the closet. I’m more of a teacher and musician. I don’t see [my sexuality] as defining who I am. It’s just one part of who I am.”
out. “Sexuality is really fluid,” Steinberg said. “Honestly if you are confused, just be chill about it.” Steinberg has seen several benefits of coming out, such as having closer relationships and feeling more open. “As long as you are comfortable with the people you are coming out to, do it,” Steinberg said. “If you know you are going to get a negative response, then don’t do it until you know you can be safe with it. Do whatever makes you happy.” —Written by Cassandra Bond react,” he said. “But nobody was really negative. I was kind of surprised by how good it felt for me. It was like letting my soul run around naked.” Kelem t h i n k s t hat a nnouncing his sexuality actually strengthened his friendships. “It opened up a lot of friends,” he said. “You just see people in this whole new light when they know new things about you and still love you for it.” According to Kelem, he felt accepted and loved by the Gunn community. “At Gunn, everyone will love you,” he said, “I don’t really know anyone who has been homophobically harassed.” Despite Kelem’s generally positive experience, he’s still conscious that homophobia exists. For him, one of the best things about coming out is being able to combat homophobia through example. “Some people will say really mean things initially,” Kelem said, “But when they find out a person they really like is in a group they say they really really hate, they can become a lot more accepting of that group. People are pretty awesome sometimes.” —Written by Akansha Gupta
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celebrates efforts to increase sexuality acceptance
Formerly known as Gunn’s Gay Straight Alliance, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Club aims to raise awareness about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/ Questioning, Asexual/Aromantic, Allies and Advocates (LGBTQA+) community at Gunn and provide support for Gunn’s queer students. Across the nation, GSA clubs at high schools aim to celebrate gender and sexuality diversity. Gunn’s GSA club has had a historical impact on the community, most notably in the Westboro Baptist Church picketing of 2010. Upon the arrival of the Westboro Baptist Church at Gunn, the GSA was one of the forerunners in organizing peaceful resistance against the picketers. Today, the club is still making strong impact. “We try to create a safe space where we c a n talk about gender and sexuality issues,”
Co-President senior Rachel Gates said. At meetings, club members often participate in discussions and forums about different issues facing the LBGTQA+ community both at Gunn and across the nation. “We talk about a lot of different issues that we think are important—for example, we’ve had talks about representation of queer people
so n
Staff and students recount personal experiences with publicly embracing their sexual orientations.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Gl ea
LGBTQA+ community shares coming out stories,
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in media,” Gates said. “It really depends on what the club members want to be working on.” At club meetings, the club co-presidents will also occasionally invite guest speakers to present and discuss along with club members. Outside of club meetings, GSA also hosts other club events. “We have a movie night at least once a year,” Gates said. “That’s always fun.” GSA is also the driving force behind the annual Day of Silence, which respectfully honors the plight of the LGBTQA+ community in their social and civil oppression by encouraging students to refrain from speaking for one day. This year, Gunn’s Day of Silence takes place on April 15.
92%
1924
of LGBT adults reported they believe society had become more accepting in the past 10 years.
The first documented gay rights organization— The Society for Human Rights—was founded by Henry Gerber. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to a political office in California when he was inaugurated as San Francisco city supervisor in 1978.
June 25,
1978
One of the main problems Gunn’s GSA club faces is lack of strong membership. According to Gates, the small size of the club makes it hard for other students to find out about the club’s purpose and reach out. She hopes that GSA’s presence on campus will grow stronger and more interactive in future years in order to continue to educate the community. “At Gunn we try to be as inclusive as we can, but I think a lot of people are still not really aware of the issues about gender and sexuality,” she said. “For example, with gender, we’re still not really talking about it. There’s always progress to be made.” Club members are similarly passionate about raising awareness. “The challenge is convincing people why we should have a club talking about gender and sexuality and convincing them why it’s important,” junior Annabel Marks said. Club member senior Gopika Prabhu agrees. “A lot of people thing GSA is just ‘gay club’ but it’s really a lot more than that,” she said. “Just because Gunn doesn’t struggle with homophobia, it doesn’t mean that it is an all-accepting atmosphere.” Nevertheless, GSA has still helped make progress about LGBTQA+ mentality at Gunn. “It’s helped educate people about how transgender people are just like normal people— something a lot of people aren’t educated about, even in Palo Alto,” Marks said. Check out GSA and Gunn singing Westboro Baptist Church’s hate away: http://tinyurl.com/gunnsings.
Gilbert Baker designed the iconic Rainbow flag. The original flag had eight colors, and each color has its own significance.
Barack Obama is the first sitting U.S. president to publicly support the LGBT marriage rights.
90%
of LGBT teens come out to their close friends.
LGBTQ+ Facts 2004 Comedian Ellen DeGeneres came out as a lesbian on the cover Time magazine with the headline, “Yep, I’m Gay” in 1997.
Hot pink: Sexuality
Graphics by Cheryl Kao, Jackie Lou and Elizabeth Zu
Red: Life
Orange: Healing
Yellow: Sunlight
The first legal same-sex marriage in the United States took place in Massachusetts.
June 26,
2015
Supreme Court rules in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex couples have the right to marry in all 50 states.
Green: Turquoise: Nature Art
Indigo: Harmony
Violet: Spirit
Sources: http://www.oyez.org http://www.gottapark.com http://www.cnn.com https://www.washingtonpost.com http://www.dosomething.org
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Cente
Elizabeth Chung Reporter
Nearly everyone has fear of public speaking. However, it is the severity difference that makes some people more afraid than others. Clinical psychologist Dave Carbonell says that the fear of public speaking can start from one small incident. “Once the person has had maybe one episode where they feel like they are the center of attention and found themselves getting embarrassed and self-conscious, they start anticipating and worrying that it will happen again,” Carbonell said. “Generally, the more they worry about it, the more nervous they become. It becomes a vicious cycle.” Carbonell says that the fear might be severe when people reach the point where they start avoiding public speaking. “Some people pick a college major and a career not based on what they want to do or what their talents are but based on what kind of
Ariel Pan News Editor
You’re at the top of the Reunion Tower in Dallas, Texas when you look down at the ground far below and feel yourself getting light-headed. Grabbing the rail, you laugh nervously and tell your friend, “I’m scared of heights.” Although the fear of heights, or acrophobia, is listed as the third most common phobia by About Health, people often misunderstand the difference between a normal fear of heights and acrophobia. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), to be considered a phobia, the fear must be “out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation.” For example, feeling nervous at the top of a 560-foot tower is understandable, while someone with acrophobia would not even be able to climb a set of stairs without feeling anxious. Palo Alto Therapy Director Ernest Schmidt prefers using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat clients with phobias. CBT consists of two parts, the first
work they could do where nobody will ever ask them to do public speaking and it is a shame,” Carbonell said. “They don’t get to make choices based on what they want in life but based on avoidance.” Instead of trying to fight back the nervousness that ensues with the fear, Carbonell says to accept the nervousness and try to work with it. “Practice speaking in situations and allow yourself to accept the symptoms and do the talking anyway and give the anxiety the chance to subside,” Carbonell said. “That’s what’s often called the exposure treatment. You show up and spend time with whatever you are afraid of and you stay there long enough to learn how to breath and calm yourself down, and over time, it becomes easier. The key element is that the person needs to become willing to practice having the fear and giving it a chance to subside rather than trying not to be afraid.”
being the cognitive, or talking portion of the treatment; the second, more important, part is when the client physically faces his or her fear, also known as behavioral exposure. Schmidt often starts the exposure by having the client watch YouTube videos of people at tall heights before progressing to more difficult “levels,” such as going to the second floor of a building. “The person has to practice getting closer and closer and eventually being comfortable around that thing they are afraid of,” Schmidt said. “You do the cognitive stuff first to help them get the courage and they trust you; then you go help them face their fear and as you’re doing that, gradually their fear starts to come down.” Treatment is mostly based on what the client is willing to do on his or her own. Schmidt usually assigns homework to the client after each session to further the exposure and encourage self-help. Ultimately, Schmidt emphasizes that phobias are a very treatable condition. “My clients, because they come in and they’re motivated and I explain to them the concept, are able to eliminate it completely,” he said.
The Oracle email Q&A with Thomas Tarshis, MD
Photo courtesy of Bay Area Children’s Association
STro
THan
fE a Glossophobia: Fear of
PUblic Speaking
AcroPhobia: Fear of
Heights
The Oracle (TO): Why/how do we develop phobias?
TO: What/how are ways people can deal with them?
Thomas Tarshis (TT): As with all medical issues, it is usually a combination of genetics and environment. For example, if you have a parent with social phobia, you are much more likely to have social phobia yourself. It is also environmental in that if you have a bad experience (especially when younger like age 5 or less) and get stung by a bee, that memory may live on and become a phobia. Kids tend to react to new/dangerous situations by modeling what their parents do, so if you have calm parents, you are less likely to develop phobias.
TT: The good news is that phobias are very easy to treat with therapy. The most studied therapy is CognitiveBehavioral Therapy, in which you practice exposing yourself to the item you are scared of and then change you think/behave (response prevention) and then just keep repeating. This is called Exposure/ Response Prevention (ERP). This therapy can have close to a 100 percent success rate. Sometimes medicines can be helpful—but these should only be used if therapy fails.
TO: Do pla therapy/treatm bias?
TT: Many menta ers do provide this t does require some sp training so people s to ask.
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your
fear of animals misunderstood by others
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Shannon Yang
What Are you Afraid of?
aces provide ment for pho-
al health providtreatment—but it pecial knowledge/ should make sure
TO: Are there easy methods people can use to calm their fears?
TT: Deep breathing (taking three deep breaths, breathing in for one second and out for four seconds) is actually a powerful way to calm ourselves. The key is to find a way to expose yourself to the fear, (i.e. people afraid of spiders can start by looking at cartoon spiders, then real pictures, then a live spider) and practice calming themselves in each situation.
I cannot remember a time when I have been able to run up to a dog, hold it and pet it. Nor have I ever been able to give a cat a bowl of milk. I am one of many people who have this problem, but it is often ignored. Zoophobia, or the irrational fear of animals, is the most common specific phobia. For me, zoophobia changes my everyday behavior. For example, I sometimes cross to the other side of the street if someone is walking their dog or simply if there are squirrels or birds on the sidewalk. As someone who is scared of spiders, I know that I have many people who feel my pain. Bugs are considered annoying and gross by almost any American you meet. If there is a spider in the room, chances are people will freak out and try to get someone to kill it, but they won’t have the guts to do it themselves. According to the Psychological Record and the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, arachnophobia is not only evolutionary, but also cultural. One thing that particularly exacerbates the effects of my phobia is society’s love of dogs. According to fearof. net, cynophobia, the fear of dogs, is not nearly as common as the fear of snakes or the fear of spiders. Dogs are considered “man’s best friend,” and they are widely domesticated in the
U.S. and in Palo Alto. Though arachnophobia is acceptable because spiders are portrayed as monstrous creatures in our society, when I scream because a dog is getting too close to me, the dog owner is offended. “My dog doesn’t even have teeth!” “You have a greater chance of getting killed by a shark than by my dog! He’s very friendly!” “Will you please stop screaming? It’s so annoying!” I remember going to a school-related activity in which we were filming a video. Other students decided to bring their dogs, and people were saying, “Aw, yay! This will make the day so much better!” But inside, I secretly wondered why they were doing this to me. I was the only one in the group who felt this way. People assume that I am a terrible person because of my fear of animals such as dogs. How could I hate these lovely, cute balls of fur? But I’d like to highlight a distinction: I do not hate dogs. I am just scared of them. I don’t want to kill dogs. I find them very cute indeed. But I scream because my body is literally making me scream. I cross to the other side of the street so I can avoid having to scream or run away whimpering. There’s no way I can control my phobia. I will always be scared of dogs, cats, bunnies and spiders. But I try not to let that control my life. I try to let other people understand my phobia before bringing their pets close to me or jumping to conclusions about what kind of person I am. And at the end of the day, I feel okay living with zoophobia. —Yang, a junior, is the Oracle-SEC Liaison.
TO: Why are phobias so powerful?
TO: What purpose do phobias serve?
TT: I think because they are so common—up to 40 percent of people have a significant phobia—they have become powerful in our society.
TT: From an evolutionary standpoint, phobias may have served to help people survive in a dangerous environment—though this is controversial. We do know that fear and stress do serve a purpose and that people with mild anxiety symptoms tend to do well in life and school. —Compiled by Yuki Klotz-Burwell
Graphic by Elizabeth Zu
16
Features
Freshman works as youngest yoga instructor in nation pressed,” she said. “At first, I honestly didn’t think that I was gonna be a teacher; I just wanted to do the program to enrich my practice, learn about the history of yoga and see how a class Freshman Alma Andino-Frydman commutes to San is structured.” Francisco at least once, usually twice per week. The youngest However, Andino-Frydman fell in love with teaching classes certified instructor in the nation, Andino-Frydman teaches during the training program. “Once I actually started teaching, hot yoga and hot Pilates. I realized the rush and adrenaline it gives you just from being At 10 years old, Andino-Frydman attended her first yoga up there and leading people through a practice,” she said. class. Although she recalls her early experiences as difficult, Andino-Frydman was introduced to Pilates later, when she she had been concurrently training for the Death Ride, an in- was 13. She received her certification in February after complettense 129-mile bike ride through the California Alps. Thus, she ing a three-day program at Yoga Source in Los Gatos. There, she began doing yoga regularly at Avalon met Juicy Sanchez, the co-owner Yoga in Palo Alto when she was 11. of Mission Yoga in San Francicso, “Yoga is such a good way to get “I needed something to complement where Andino-Frydman is now [my training] because I was working away from school, from electronics, an instructor teaching inferno hot a lot of my lower body and I needed to Pilates, a high-intensity training in and just be there on the mat.” build core, arm and back strength,” a heated room. “I’ll admit I was a bit Andino-Frydman said. — Freshman Alma Andino-Frydman stunned to learn she was so young, She soon gained interest in the and I immediately had a great adstructures of classes themselves, as well as the teachers. “I’ve miration for her accomplishments and maturity,” Sanchez said. been fascinated for a while with how yoga instructors are such Although Frydman was originally concerned about her great leaders and make their words flow so eloquently,” she said. daughter’s commitment taking time away from school, AndinoWhile in eighth grade, Andino-Frydman decided to enroll Frydman has proved her mother wrong and found benefits in a six-month yoga teacher training program at Avalon. After from her practice. “In such a stressful environment [at Gunn], attending almost every class, four hours every Saturday and a lot of people don’t understand that the most important thing Sunday, and completing the necessary teaching experience, right now, especially since we’re still developing, is your body homeworks and readings, she received the certification to and mind,” Andino-Frydman said. become an instructor. Frydman agrees, and is proud of the positivity her daughter At first, her parents were a little surprised and taken aback has found through her passion. “I’m very happy that she found by the level of commitment the program required. “It was a something like this in her life, which has really helped her cope bit unusual for someone so young to take it, and it’s a big effort with the stress of life and the stress of starting high school,” every week for six months,” Andino-Frydman’s mother Judith Frydman said. “I hope that this ability to be passionate about Frydman said. “But she went to every class and never wavered something and really put the effort into it is something she in her motivation.” keeps for her whole life.” The program taught much more than how to lead a practice, Sanchez also speaks highly of Andino-Frydman, as both a which was one reason Andino-Frydman was drawn to it. “The person and an instructor. “Alma really doesn’t ask for my help training’s a graduate-level program and is very anatomy-based, or support,” Sanchez said. “What I offer her is an opportunity so when I saw that there was a cadaver dissection, I was so im- to teach and to train and develop herself inside of her teaching. Grace Ding
Tech Editor
Photos courtesy of Alma Andino-Frydman
Freshman Alma Adino-Frydman demonstrates yoga positions on a beach. To view more, visit her Instagram account online at www.instagram.com/almayoga. Alma has wonderful presence as a teacher—despite her young age, her demeanor allows for everyone to respect her, and that comes from her own respect for herself and others.” One of her biggest goals is to introduce more students to yoga. According to Andino-Frydman, the physical and mental aspects of yoga can have significant benefits. “Yoga engages muscles you don’t even know that you had, and it just builds so much strength,” she said. “Yoga is such a good way to get away from school, from electronics, and just be there on the mat, be yourself in your own mind and really think into your emotions.”
17
Features
Friday, April 15, 2016
Princess Project provides free prom dresses to students Hayley Krolik
SPORTS EDITOR
Across the showroom, girls in prom dresses pose in front of mirrors and search racks for dresses. One girl rushes over to her friend to coordinate their dresses, while another writes a thank-you note to her fairy godmother for helping her find a dress. According to The Princess Project Community Leader Emily Harborne, these activities are typical at a Princess Project appointment. “It’s a neat atmosphere because there are so many ruffles and colors, which is really beautiful,” Harborne said. The Princess Project was founded by Laney Whitcanack and Kristi Smith Knutson in 2002. Since then, they have been providing teenage girls who cannot afford extra prom expenses with thousands of free prom dresses to choose from. Harborne works with 140 schools in the Bay Area to connect their teens to prom dresses. “Dresses are expensive, and getting ready for prom is expensive,” Harborne said. “It’s a special part of being in a high school, but it’s something a lot of people stress out about. We wanted to make sure that teens that are not able to afford a dress are able to receive one.” Gunn will cover the cost of a prom ticket for those who need it, but does not take care of any extra expenses. The school has participated in The Princess Project for the past three years and this year, guidance counselor and Princess Project coordinator Myesha Compton sent out an email about the program. “If you want the service you can take advantage, so I felt it was appropriate to publicize it to every junior and senior,” Compton said. Twelve Gunn girls participated in the program this year, and the average has ranged from 12 to 17 for the last few years. “I had about four or five come back and show me pictures of the dresses that they got, and seemed really excited,” Compton said. “I know in a couple of the
cases these were girls who would not have otherwise gone or for aid unless they truly need it. “I was actually expecting considering even going to prom just because of the expense.” more students to express interest,” she said. “For me, I want to After Compton received emails from girls who self-iden- figure out a way, other than just publicizing, to destigmatize tified that they needed a dress through The Princess Project, it. People don’t like to feel like they’re getting a handout for she provided them with an entrance ticket and location. The free. I have to figure out how to break down that barrier.” Princess Project contracts with a store Harborne has seen to do a showroom and fitting for the many schools turn students to choose their dresses during The Princess Project a one-hour appointment slot. Female into school events, volunteers, called fairy godmothordering busses and ers, help students choose the taking hundreds of right dresses for their taste and students to an apstyle. “It seemed to go really pointment together. smoothly,” Compton said. “It She has high hopes sounded like a professional for expanding the shopping experience—like project at Gunn in you’re trying on wedding the future. “Gunn is dresses!” a great example of a Both Compton and Harschool where there borne value the program are probably more immensely. “I think acpeople that would cess to disposable income benefit from attendfor prom dresses is not ing; they just don’t a luxury everyone has necessa r i ly k now in this area,” Compton about it,” Harborne said. “I think especially said. for something like prom, Besides signing Photo courtesy of The Princess Project up to receive a dress, especially senior year, I would hate for someone Students at the San Francisco Princess Proj- there are many other to miss out on that op- ect location show off their new prom dresses. ways that the Gunn portunity because they’re unable to afford community can participate in the program. Many schools the extra expenses.” hold dress drives to collect dresses for The Princess Project. Harborne became involved in the Compton received emails from parents asking to donate program due to her passion for mentoring this year, but the donation season was ending at the time. Joanne Lee young women and promoting body-positive “There seems like there are people in our community that messaging among teenage girls. “It can be a really precious want to be a part of it, so I’d like to bring that aspect into moment when picking out your prom dress because it’s the school,” she said. something you’re going to remember for your whole life,” Harborne sees a huge opportunity for dress donations she said. “It’s a cool moment of becoming an adult.” from Gunn. “It’s also really awesome if they want to particiThe self-identification piece of the process is one that pate as a donors so that other teens can enjoy the same dresses Gunn students seem to struggle with. Although it could that have made them feel pretty at a dance before,” she said. seem like students would take advantage of the opportunity, “We’re all about making prom something that everybody Compton counters that Gunn students do not typically ask can enjoy as a community.”
Campus supervisor, Bike Club repair bikes to donate Grace Ding
TECH EDITOR
For the past three years, campus supervisor Karin Delgadillo, known to students as Mr. D, has collected a number of abandoned bikes on campus. On March 30, the first bike was given to a Gunn student, with many more ready to be donated to any students in the school district who may need one. According to Delgadillo, math teacher Toni Smith has recently reached out to parents as well, receiving at least 20 more bikes so far. As a part of his duties, Delgadillo often roams around campus, and noted that he would often see bikes left around. “We have a pretty big campus, so we find a lot of bikes that people either leave or have stolen and just abandoned on our property,” he said. “Sometimes [students] just leave bikes and forget they’re here and they don’t come to get them.” Delgadillo began taking the bikes in after hearing that they weren’t going anywhere. “When I first started here, my former supervisor said there’s a gentleman that comes by and picks up the bikes, and does whatever,” he said. “I got tired of hearing that so I said, ‘Why are we giving them to this guy in the first place? Why don’t we give them back to the students so we can recycle and help students?’” Before doing anything, Delgadillo waits 60 days for any students to claim the bikes. “The process is if you lost your bike or think it got stolen, you’re supposed to go to the main office and make a report, so I can come to check if it’s here,” Delgadillo said. “But some bikes have been here for over 3 years already, and they’re ready to go.” After taking another step forward by removing the serial numbers on the bikes and turning them into the police, Delgadillo received clearance to work on and donate them. Delgadillo loves riding bikes himself and thought that it would be helpful to work w it h Graphics by Joanne Lee Bike Club to prov ide others with the same experience. “[We] give these to the Bike Club so they can teach students how to fix bikes, and we can donate to students who might actually have trouble getting to school and might need a bike,” he said.
According to Bike Club President sophomore Alex Gao, a competitive biker, the club is a place to hang out and discuss biking-related things. Like Delgadillo, Gao appreciates that the bikes collected from campus will go back to students all over Palo Alto who are in need. Although he and other club members have not yet had the chance to fix the bikes, they will be holding bike-fixing workshops. “We have these extra bikes that are just lying around and I want to do something positive and proactive with them,” Gao said. “I wa nt t he community to learn more about f i x ing t heir own bikes.” Since ma ny of t he Bi k e Club members have been busy, senior Zach Seggie, an avid biker unaffiliated with the club, has helped fix many bikes, preparing them to be donated. “[Zach’s] my go-to-guy, and he’s coming in during G periods and bringing his tools,” Delgadillo said. “He’s volunteering his time to do it and I really appreciate him.” For Seggie, the task comes naturally and is something he enjoys. “Getting me to help fix bikes was not hard because I like working on them,” he said. “I work at a bike shop as a mechanic so I know more than enough.” Seggie is also motivated knowing that the bikes are for students who may need them. “Knowing that they are for people that need them is awesome. I think this is something great to do because [the bikes] are unused and left there to die anyway,” he said. “Giving them back to the Gunn community is fantastic.” According to Delgadillo, Bike Club also has loose plans for donating bikes to Africa in the future. “Once we get more bikes, the club wants to send some of them out to a village in Africa and that’s great too,” he said. “But for now, we’re going to focus on getting them out to students in need of them.” Since the end of March, many bikes have been donated already. Students in need of a bike can talk to either Delgadillo or Smith; all they need to do is turn in a signed waiver. Students who have gotten their bikes stolen on campus can ask for and have received replacements as well.
18
Sports
A SHOT IN THE DARK: STUDENTS SPLIT
STUDENT BONDS WITH FAMILY THROUGH HUNTING Paulo Frank Reporter
Hunting is not a very commonly practiced sport in the Bay Area, and with gun control and environmental issues large topics of debate, hunting can be seen as quite controversial. For sophomore Quinn Treadway, however, hunting is important. “It’s been a family tradition for many generations,” Treadway said. Treadway hunts doves on a farmland just outside of Colusa, California. He enjoys going out to hunt because he finds that it’s a way for him to connect with the important people in his life, as well as himself. “It’s enjoyable as a family time, being able to communicate with my parents and local hunters and it’s also a relaxing thing to do,” Treadway said. “It’s a way to connect back to the olden days, when [hunting] was how people had to do things, which I think is cool to be in tune with.” Due to all the restrictions and rules placed on hunting, it is not as wild and dangerous of an activity as thought by some. Hunting is highly regulated and administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “You have to go through a hunter’s education class and a weapon safety class in order to get the proper permits for the ability to hunt a
certain animal,” Treadway said. “There are people that didn’t pass the class. You had to pay attention to what they were teaching you.” Treadway took a weekend-long compact class rather than online classes or weekly lessons. “The class that I took was eight hours for three days,” Treadway said. “On the last day we practiced shooting, gun safety, shot at targets and took a big test that was around 100 questions.” When sharing stories of hunts, Treadway is met with differing opinions and reactions. “They’re not exactly out of proportion reactions; it’s more of ‘I don’t want to hear anything about it; I don’t like that type of activity that you do,’” Treadway said. “Usually people are just like, ‘Cool, awesome.’” For those against hunting, the killing of animals is generally a main concern. Treadway believes it is justified however, because of proper regulations and practices. “There are certain populations of birds that are overpopulated, and hunting actually allows the birds to stick within their proper numbers,” Treadway said. “Estimations are taken every year on how much overpopulation there is, so they can tell us how many birds we’re allowed to kill.”
For example, the California Department of Fishing and wildlife allows a daily bag limit of 15 Mourning Doves in the Sept. 1 to 15 and Nov. 14 to Dec. 28 seasons. These numbers are determined based on estimations of bird populations, and are created to prevent overhunting. For Treadway, hunting isn’t just about the kill; he doesn’t take life away unnecessarily. No part of his kills go to waste if he can help it. “We use just about every part of the bird,” Treadway said. “We eat it and we use the bones for our dogs.” In the Treadway family, hunting has been more upheld as a tradition than as a sport to participate in. “For some people it’s more of a sport,” Treadway said. “I don’t think it’s a sport for me or for us; it’s a tradition.” Hunting has always been an important part of Treadway’s life, and he wishes to hunt with his future family as well. “I definitely plan to continue the tradition,” Treadway said.
SKEET SHOOTER FINDS SPORT THRILLING, SAFE Kush Dubey Forum Editor
For junior Peter Kerr the thrill and uniqueness of rifle and skeet shooting drive his participation in the sport. Rifle shooting involves tests of proficiency using various types of guns. In skeet shooting, in which Kerr specializes, participants usually use double barrel shotguns to break clay discs mechanically flung into the air. Kerr finds skeet shooting especially appealing due to the challenging nature of striking a four-and-a-halfinch target that can be launched from any angle. “The discs are launched in a variety of paths—sometimes they will zoom by on the ground; others will fly right above your head,” he said. Kerr prefers skeet shooting over other sports as multiple skill sets are challenged at once. “The shooter must understand their gun as well as focus its overwhelming power,” he said. “Hand-eye coordination as well as stability are what set shooting sports apart from the rest.” Kerr’s family has always been big on both skeet shoot-
ing and rifling. Kerr was introduced to skeet shooting in eighth grade when he was brought to a skeet range near San Jose with his father. He knew from the start that activity was special and has been participating ever since. “From when I took the first shot, I knew I wanted to get into this sport,” Kerr said. Not only does skeet shooting connect Kerr with his family, it also provides him with an individual rush of excitement. “The feeling of having that much power in my hands gives me a real good thrill and a sense of responsibility,” he said. “I feel the moment—nothing else matters but hitting the clay. I like to say, ‘Head on the stock, eye on the rock.’” While the thrill of skeet shooting is valuable, skeet shooters prioritize safety above all due to the considerable responsibility that comes with handling potentially dangerous firearms. Safety measures taken include experienced shooters overseeing shooting ranges and shooting into hills and away from any form of life. Furthermore, Kerr believes restrictions at shooting facilities ensure that the risk of injury is low. “I have seen countless people kicked out of the range for just turning the gun a wrong way,” he said. “People are very tight about the handling of the guns there.” Kerr believes that one of the biggest misconceptions regarding shooting sports is the media’s connection between mass shooters and law-abiding citizens who occasionally go to gun ranges. “The truth is, is that it’s not the gun and the experience of shooting a gun that makes people go bloodthirsty,” Kerr said. “It’s the mental health of that individual, the environment they grew up in and the amount of responsibility they lack.”
Sports
Friday, April 15, 2016
19
OVER THE MORALITY OF GUN SPORTS PRO
CON
THE RECREATIONAL USAGE OF GUNS IS JUSTIFIED Lena Ye
Janet Wang
According to a poll conducted by Gallup, the top three reasons for owning a gun are hunting, target shooting and self-defense. Recreational usage of guns is prevalent in Western culture; the Olympic sport skeet involves shooting a gun at clay projectiles. The debate over recreational usage of guns usually centers on the fact that it is immoral and dangerous; however, shooting sports breeds familiarity in a monitored environment, improves gun safety and is protected under the Second Amendment as an inalienable right. Guns are associated with danger and increasing exposure to guns is critical to dissolving the stereotypes surrounding guns. Guns arouse interest and attract novices because of its aura of rebellion and risk. Similarly, during the Prohibition Era, when the manufacture, sale, importation and transportation of alcohol was banned, alcohol was romanticized. It was fashionable to spend time in smoky speakeasies drinking moonshine. During the Prohibition era, alcohol usage increased and the death rate of drinking poisoned alcohol soared. A similar stigma is currently associated with guns. Many beginners who are attracted to the unpredictability of guns oftentimes are not educated adequately on firearm safety tactics and thus end up causing accidents. Maintaining legal, regulated routes to using guns will not only improve safety with users because they will be able to shoot in a controlled setting, but will also discourage those who seek to use guns for the thrill of power and peril. Sports with guns accompanied with safety lessons can be beneficial to youth. The United States has the highest proportion of gun ownership of any country in the world and the highest number of guns per capita. There are 112.6 guns in America for every 100 residents. Guns are an integral part of patriotism and America. The prevalence of guns in America is unavoidable, and America should be seeking to proactively reduce accidents rather than try to avoid them altogether. Firearm training will not only ensure fewer accidents in gun sports but also fewer accidents in interactions with guns down the line. According to the National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action, firearm training leads to decreased accidents. More contact with gun sports, and thus, firearm training, will lead to a decrease in accidents. The fear of accidents associated with gun sports is unfounded. The National Shooting Sports Foundation published a report stating that hunting resulted in a lower proportion of injuries than golf or volleyball. According to the National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action, one is 105 more times likely to sustain an injury playing tackle football than hunting, but football is a widely accepted, played and watched sport in America. There is always an inherent element of risk in any sport, but gun sports, accompanied with safety procedures, carry little danger. Shooting sports are defended by the Bill of Rights. The Second Amendment in the United States Constitution states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Although some might argue that the Second Amendment was designed to protect only the use of guns for defense and protection, the clause regarding the security of a free state only refers to the militia. “The right of the people to keep and bear arms” is a distinct and separate clause which is followed by the demand that it “shall not be infringed.” The right to bear arms is unconditionally supported by the Bill of Rights, a document which protects the rights and freedoms of all Americans. The use of guns, whether recreational or not, is defended by the Second Amendment and therefore shooting sports is protected by the Second Amendment. To usurp the Second Amendment is to renounce many of the freedoms and rights granted by the Constitution held dearly by Americans today, such as the freedom of speech and the right to assemble. To infringe upon shooting sports is to infringe upon one’s freedom. In comparison to other sports, shooting sports carries little danger. It educates participants in the safety procedures of handling firearms, familiarizes guns and removes the aspect of freshness and disobedience. Most importantly, the right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment as a basic, fundamental right of all citizens. Shooting sports should be upheld as a safe activity and a principal freedom of every American. —Ye, a junior, is a Sports Editor.
When thinking of sports, many envision kicking a goal, scoring a touchdown or hitting a home run. However, with the popularity of gun sports steadily increasing, recreational activities such as hunting and riflery may become prevalent in the community. These sports use lethal weapons for hobbies and entertainment, often resulting in major repercussions. Through gun sports, people can become numb to shooting and using weapons, accidents can occur and immoral hunting and killing can take place. It is necessary that these sports are limited and discouraged, as they present detrimental factors that result in harmful repercussions. Gun sports cultivate an environment where youth can become desensitized to shooting and using weapons. The prevalence of guns in the hunting town of Rifle, Colorado led to concerns after residents saw that youth from other rural towns were involved in school shootings. Because of this, Rifle High School disallowed students from hunting during the start of the season in fear of a school shooting. This casual use of violence in gun sports can evolve into much more. When people are used to shooting recreationally, they lose sensitivity regarding guns, which can develop into harmful usage in the future. If people are used to killing animals or shooting at targets regularly, they may find comfort in these activities. A craving for power and dominance that guns provide to people may drive some to commit malicious actions. It is unhealthy for youth to rely on these dangerous sports as an outlet for stress, as they are likely to become accustomed to violence at an early age. Additionally, gun sports are no strangers to accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 32,351 Americans were killed by firearms in 2011. However, 591 were considered accidental. When people are exposed to weapons in a recreational environment, they are unaware of the risks and dangers involved. In 2014, a 9-year-old girl accidentally shot and killed her shooting instructor, Charles Vacca, at an Arizona gun range. The girl was first assisted in firing the weapon, but when she tried it by herself, the gun recoiled and a bullet hit Vacca’s head. Moreover, in 2015, a 16-year-old boy was on a hunting trip with family and friends in the Sequoia National Forest when he was accidentally shot in the torso and killed. Both of these tragedies involve youth, which is common in accidental deaths. In fact, John Vernick, co-director of the John Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, says that one in five accidental deaths involve a minor. These accidents, among many others could have been prevented if gun activities were not regularly regarded as a sport. Because these guns are accessible to everyone, people are able to use lethal weapons for any recreational activity without restriction. When our Founding Fathers wrote the Bill of Rights, they intended for the people to use guns for protection and defense—not recreational sporting uses— and it should be kept that way. Though activities like hunting were essential to the survival of the human population in the 1850s when the shotguns were used to kill birds, recreational gun use now is cruel and immoral. These activities are only for the purpose of killing an innocent animal for entertainment. Only some animals are killed instantly, while the majority are left to suffer. In fact, a British study discovered that only 11 percent of deer who had been shot two or more times died. The rest were suffering for at least 15 minutes before dying. In addition, if more people turn to hunting as a hobby, ecosystems can be severely disrupted. For instance, animals like wolves have strong family bonds. Therefore, if one is killed, it devastates a whole pack. This sets off a chain reaction, which affects more than just the wolves. Most hunters kill the stronger male animals, leaving disproportionate male to female ratios and an overall weaker health of the herd. Also, hunting contributes to the extinction of animals. According to Live Science, animals such as lions, elephants and leopards are currently being driven to extinction as a result of hunting. Shooting sports are unnecessary activities that use deadly weapons for the thrill factor. People become desensitized to killing and weapons and many are injured. Guns should not be used in any way recreationally and its prevalence in today’s sporting culture should be eliminated. —Wang, a sophomore, is a Copy Editor.
Graphics by Cheryl Kao and Jackie Lou
20
Sports
The Time I Met...
[INSERT FAMOUS ATHLETE NAME HERE]
When sophomore Will Roth attended the Stephen Curry Overnight Basketball Camp, he had no idea that it would lead to ultimate bragging rights: a victory in a shooting match against Stephen Curry. Roth attended the Stephen Curry Overnight Basketball Camp for the last two years in a row. Going into the camp, Roth didn’t know what to expect from a professional athlete like Curry. Roth was surprised at how present and attentive Curry was. Based on the media’s portrayal of him, Roth said he seemed like a bit of a cocky player. Yet after meeting him, he found that this was far from the truth. “What surprised me most was probably just how down-to-earth he was,” he said. “When I met him for the first time, he didn’t have any problem just talking to me.” Roth even recalls Curry joking around with campers. “He sat with the campers, he laughed with them and poked fun at them,” he said. “He just acted like he was a camper himself, nothing bigger than that.”” During camp, Curry would look over the campers’ drills and work on their technique. After a day of training, all 500 campers would gather in the gym, listening attentively to Curry’s motivational speeches about hard work and dedication. Roth remembers these speeches as one of the most meaningful parts of camp. “It gave me so much motivation seeing what he’s been able
Grace Tai meets...
MICHAEL PHELPS Swimming Legend
Christopher Yang meets...
howard bach Badminton Champion
to do with all the doubters and everything he’s had to endure,” he said. Roth looks up to Curry for his dedication and perseverance. “Something about Stephen Curry that really stands out to me is how he’s built up from nothing and being doubted by everyone, and has now become such a figure that everyone loves, and he’s done it through hard work more than athleticism or pure talent,” he said. Maybe it was that same motivation that gave Roth the ability to beat Curry. On the second day of camp, Curry randomly picked five campers to challenge to a shooting match, and Roth was lucky enough to be picked. He was overwhelmed by excitement, and waited nervously for the three campers before him. When it was his turn, his mind went blank as he stepped up to court. All he could focus on was scoring that basket. Curry got the ball and drove past Roth. He tried to dunk over Roth but missed the dunk. The whole camp watched in anticipation. Curry dared his opponent to shoot, and in one swift motion, Roth scored a three-pointer. The crowd went wild. Curry looked at him and said, “Nice job, kid. Now keep getting better.” Little did he know, thousands more people would see his big win. After returning from camp, he saw a clip of the match on SportsNation. “This was definitely one of the craziest moments of my life,” he said.
Will Roth meets...
STEPHEN CURRY Basketball Star
When junior Grace Tai had the chance to meet Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, she had a reaction that anyone would expect: “It was really amazing, and I was at a loss for words.” In the months leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Tai met Phelps at the Palo Alto Sports Shop and Toy World. “At the time I was on a swim team called PASA (Palo Alto Swim Association),” Tai said. “Our coach knew some people at Speedo and he set up a meeting with Michael Phelps. Our team was lucky enough to get the chance to met him.” Only a few months later, Phelps would go on to win eight gold medals in a single Olympics, breaking the previous record that had stood for 36 years. Phelps has since become the most decorated Olympian in history, winning a total of 22 Olympic medals over the course of his career. Tai’s first memory of Michael Phelps was of his performance at the 2004 Olympic Games. “During that time, he was just starting to make a name for himself,” Tai said. “I was so excited, being a swimmer myself, to be able to meet someone who had swam in the Olympics.” While Tai was quite young when she met Phelps, she remembers him being “very funny and nice.” She remembers going to the event with her brother and taking a lot of pictures. Most of all, she remembers the thrill of being in the presence of such a prominent athlete. “Just seeing a real Olympic swimmer in the flesh, that was so cool to me,” Tai said. Tai credits Phelps with keeping her interested in swimming, eventually leading her to join the Gunn swim team. “Before [the Beijing Olympics] swimming wasn’t very big, and I personally wasn’t completely into it,” Tai said. “At the Beijing Olympics [Phelps] single-handedly made swimming exciting and popular, and it was a really surreal moment. After watching Phelps, I was so motivated—I really pushed myself and I wanted to go to every swim meet.”
Sophomore Christopher Yang never thought he could meet 2005 men’s doubles world champion badminton player Howard Bach. This all changed when he started training at Bach’s badminton club, Synergy. Although Yang originally thought the world-class athlete would be intimidating and unapproachable, Bach turned out to be surprisingly friendly. “I thought he was a really chill guy and an easily approachable guy because he’s really kind around newcomers to his club and he’s also very friendly to people,” Yang said. “He’s really just overall welcoming, especially to beginners.” As members of the same badminton club, Yang and Bach soon grew closer. Bach, a quarterfinalist at the 2008 Summer Olympics, taught Yang all aspects of the game. According to Yang, Bach was a major influence on his skills in badminton. In addition, Bach gave Yang advice on situations in daily life. “He has definitely improved my badminton game by a lot,” Yang said. “He’s also taught me a lot of mental game and strategy and given me lots of tips on handling pressure in life.” Yang is grateful to Bach for providing so much support and guidance. Yang sees Bach as a role model, not just as a talented athlete but also as a kind and driven person. “His dedication and hardwork to the game inspires me and also his accomplishments like winning a gold medal is definitely impressive,” Yang said. “He has inspired me to train harder and also smarter in order to accomplish my goals for my high school badminton career.”
Photos courtesy of Will Roth, Grace Tai and Christopher Yang
Graphics by Elizabeth Zu
—Written by Sabrina Chen, Carolyn Kuimelis and Matthew Oh
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Sports
Friday, April 15, 2016
LGBT athletes overcome barriers in athletics
Jenna Marvet Lifestyle Editor With dripping sweat, sticky skin from the hot sun and beating hearts slowing back to normal after a long day of practice, the Gunn cross country team sat together on the field. Captain at the time and alum Noah Krigel thought to himself, “What if they don’t accept me?” It was time that he embraced it, but he was still afraid. He kept thinking of how he could mention it casually. Maybe, slipping “I’m just not that into girls” into the conversation would work. “I knew I had to overcome the fear “I personof saying, ‘Yes, this is who I am,’” ally have had many Krigel said. That day, Krigel came experiences at Gunn or out to his teammates as gay. Krigel involving Gunn students is now a freshman at California Polytechnic in San Louis Obispo where I am called inapand a counselor at PRISM: peer propriate names such as counseling, where he helps Lesbi‘faggot’ or ‘dyke.’” an, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Asexual and other (LGBTQA+) students —senior Liz Cromarty overcome fears about coming out and accepting themselves. According to the Out on the Fields study conducted in May 2015, America ranks the lowest on many key aspects relating to treatment of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) athletes: American participants said it was least likely for LGB athletes to be accepted compared to other English speaking countries. Fortunately, Gunn is an accepting place for many of the LGBTQA+ athletes that participate in sports here. Senior Rachel Gates came out as bisexual to her volleyball teammates during her sophomore year. “Everyone was very supportive; I got no negative reactions,” Gates said. “Gunn is a very progressive place though; it is a much bigger deal for professional athletes.” Gates’ opinion is shared by others, including National Public Radio journalist Frank Deford who did a piece on the subject in 2007 after former National Basketball Association player John Amaechi came out as gay. While he said that professional sports are not a forgiving environment, he added in the piece “the villains are much more the ones cheering and booing than the ones playing. The bad guys are us.” This negative influence comes from a variety of fans of professional sports. For example, an article published on Charisma News in 2013, written by Jennifer Leclaire entitled, “Why Gay NFL Players should Stay in the Closet,” warned its readers of a “gay agenda” infiltrating NFL entertainment. Leclaire compared professional athletes coming out to that of superhero dramas with gay characters. “Shining a positive
36%
of lesbian women feel they are not at all accepted or only accepted a little in sports
30%
of LGBT athletes report being harassed or attacked for sexual orientation or gender expression
Photos courtesy of Liz Cromarty, Rachel Gates and Noah Krigel
spotlight on gay role models in any industry serves to validate homosexuality, which is clearly a sin,” Leclaire wrote. Some similar sentiment expressed towards LGBTQA+ professional athletes has been present at Gunn, despite positive experiences for athletes like Krigel and Gates. Senior Liz Cromarty, a gay lacrosse and soccer player, thinks that Gunn, while better than some places, has a long way to go in its acceptance of LGBTQA+ athletes. “I personally have had many experiences at Gunn or involving Gunn students where I am called inappropriate names such as ‘faggot’ or ‘dyke,’” Cromarty said. She added that Gunn’s gender-specific uniforms and teams are a place of improvement for gender fluid and transgender athletes. Sophomore Drew Jones (name has been changed to protect his identity), a transgender male who participates on Gunn athletic teams, found the school’s environment to be accepting, but others outside of the area to be less so. “It will get better, but probably not immediately,” Jones said. “No one really cares that much after high school though.” Krigel said that his easy experience coming out and competing as a gay athlete may have been thanks to the sport he played. “Cross country athletes are generally not the stereotypically masculine guys,” Krigel said. “I cannot imagine how difficult it is to come out in other sports, like football.” Gates agreed that each athlete may face different challenges, but she believed it varied from gender to gender and sexuality to sexuality. “I think that gay men face more discrimination in athletics,” Gates said. According to the Out on the Fields report, in youth sports, most gay men felt unwelcome in sports with 54 percent saying they are “not at all accepted” or only “accepted a little” versus 36 percent of lesbian women who felt the same way. Cromarty said that the scariest thing “Cross country athabout coming out to teammates is the letes are generally not the level of physical closeness to them, stereotypically masculine including that of the locker room. guys. I cannot imagine how “Sports are about bodies, and unfortunately since bodies—especially difficult it is to come out female—are so sexualized, many in other sports, like people make the false assumption football.” that since someone is gay, they auto—alumnus Noah Krigel matically would be attracted to their teammates,” Cromarty said. While problems still exist and some barriers are waiting to be broken, Krigel encouraged current students to come out when they feel comfortable and safe with their environment, whether it happens during or after high school or college. “I don’t know all cultures of the current sports teams, but I know that most people are accepting,” Krigel said.
62%
54%
of nfl playerssaid they had teammates or coaches who used homophobic sluRS
of gay men feel UNWELCOME or unaccepted IN sports
Statistics from an Out on the Fields report, ESPN and the 2011 Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
Graphics by Cheryl Kao
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Sports
ATHLETES LEARN, BOUNCE BACK STRONG FROM FAILURES
For senior Laura Morejón, joining the girls’ golf team was not a hole in one. After playing golf as a hobby for several years, Morejón decided to play on the team when she first moved to Gunn as a senior. “It was way harder than I thought it would be,” she said. “Being a senior and bad among my teammates was hard because I wasn’t able to be as good as them.” Throughout most of the season, Morejón struggled with feeling inadequate and felt incapable of mastering the necessary golf skills in general. “One day, I broke down into tears because I didn’t see any improvement,” she said. “[My coach] was like, ‘You will improve; you just need to keep practicing and persevering.’ I felt like golf was bad for me because I felt bad every single day because I wasn’t good at it.” However, she slowly learned that she was able to get more out of the team than just practicing golf. “Half way through the season, I figured out that even though I wouldn’t be able to improve to my teammates’ level before the season ended, I could make a good time of it,” Morejón said. “I became very good friends with my teammates and made practice a very fun time. I made a change in the team, and that’s what matters.” Morejón emphasized that she felt as though she could make a difference on the
team, no matter her skill level. When the team participated in the Central Coast Section (CCS) championship, even though she did not qualify, she acted as the assistant coach to help her teammates out. “Even though I didn’t play at CCS, I think I made an influence on my teammates,” she said. After the season finished, Morejón acknowledged that her perseverance and dedication paid off. “I felt sadder when the season was over than when I was having a hard time at practice, so that’s how I know it was worth it,” she said. “Sometimes I didn’t feel like I was good enough, but going to practice didn’t feel tiring; it felt exciting and I always wanted to meet up with my teammates. Sometimes you gotta fail; that’s life I guess.” Morejón recommends that everyone try at least one sport during their time in high school. “School sports are very scary but they help you develop socially with someone who has at least one interest in common with you,” she said. “If you are in a situation like mine, you will still learn a lot just from one season and it’s totally worth it.” —Written by Yuki Klotz-Burwell
Junior Dana Zhao was a national champion in acrobatic gymnastics, but the road to success was not easy. Chosen to represent the United States for the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championship her freshman year in Sofia, Bulgaria, Zhao had to go through intense training for preparation. “I remember getting up at 4 in the morning because we had morning practices and I had to come to school and had to go back to practice after,” Zhao said. As the member of Team USA, Zhao was nervous since it was her first time competing internationally and she ended up mak ing mistakes. “Basically, I fell twice when I was competing,” Zhao said. “I had three routines a nd I fell on two of them on the same skill. It was really disappointing because that skill had been really strong leading up to the competition and even during warm-up and I was fairly sure that we would make it.” When she came back home, Zhao had nationals coming up before the season finished. Although quitting before the season is looked down upon, she wanted to quit. “I was tired of practicing,” Zhao said. “I practiced really hard leading up to the competition and I didn’t do very well.” During the time of hardship, her coaches helped her get back on track. “I actually made up excuses to get out of practice and I think my coaches caught on,” Zhao said. “They talked to me and somehow I found the motivation to start practicing hard for
the nationals and the next few months, I tried to work hard even though I wasn’t into it anymore.” Her hard work paid off and she ended up placing first in the nationals. Zhao believes that although she quit acrobatic gymnastics the year after, it has definitely shaped the person who she is now. “Even though I am not doing anything physically challenging as gymnastics anymore, I definitely do things that are out of my comfort zone, like academically cha llenging,” Zhao said. “The whole experience of persevering shows up in my life. I go for different things and try to accomplish new things.” To the people who are in a similar situation as she was after the international competition, Zhao encourages them to persevere. “Things don’t always go as planned, but keep pushing through and you’ll get there,” Zhao said. “Just keep going, even if you feel like you are not getting anywhere, just keep going up to an extent.” —Written by Elizabeth Chung
Photos by Alexandra Ting
Check out junior Leila Tuma's story of OVERCOMING an athletic INjUry AT gunnoracle.coM
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Lifestyle
THEORACLE
Students explore expressions of global cultures Q&A with kathak dancer senior Ridhaa Sachidanandan The Oracle (TO): What kind of dance do you do? Ridhaa Sachidanandan (RS): I started off doing Bollywood dancing and then I stopped during sophomore year because my team went to college. And I have also been doing kathak, [a Hindu story-telling dance], since I was six. TO: Why do you like this type of dance? RS: Well, I like all types of dance but I just started off with those. I want to learn more in college but I like dance because you don’t really remember anything while you're dancing. It is a really good stress reliever. It is a lot of fun—endorphins and whatnot.
TO: Do you feel more connected with your culture? RS: Yes, definitely. Mainly because by doing dance you end up becoming immersed in the culture. I get invited to different activities outside of dance like Holi. Also kathak and Bollywood are huge parts of Indian culture. For example my teacher learned from some famous teachers, so it is a great feeling to see his name on the big screen and say, “Hey, I met him! He taught me.” TO: Have you learned more about your culture? RS: Yes. Well, the big things of Indian culture are the multiple cultural events and then religion. From kathak you learn a lot about the culture because the dance is a form of storytelling. So, my teacher will teach us how to show ladies walking with a pot and how ladies do their sari.
TO: Why is dancing important to you? RS: Dance is important to me, not just because it is a stress reliever but because it is a huge part of my culture. Especially the type of dance I do. And it has created this society that I am a part of now. Because I do dance, I made a lot of friends, and it has just become a really big part of my life. Not just the dance itself, which is huge to me, but teaching it and everything else is also.
ing?
Cher yl
Kao
TO: What inspires you to keep on dancRS: It’s a great feeling just dancing in general. It’s good exercise seeing as I don’t exercise in any other way. But I also love teaching. It’s really great when you see a kid start to become excited about dancing. And that itself is a huge inspiration for me.
TO: What draws you to kathak? RS: I think it’s because I find it to be really beautiful. A lot of it is really graceful and I think the fact that it is so subtle. It’s a way for me to express myself without feeling inhibited. Usually at school you can’t really express how you are feeling a lot of the time. But with dancing, if you feel sad you can put on a sad song and dance to it. TO: Do you think Indian dancing has evolved? RS: Yes. You can definitely see how kathak is being incorporated into Bollywood dancing now. But one thing I like about Photo courtesy of Ridhaa Sachidanandan kathak is a lot of has remained the same over centuries. So it’s cool to learn that it is part of the Indian culture from the past. And then Bollywood is the kind where everyone is super energetic and pumped all the time. —Compiled by Naina Murthy
Korean dramas broaden perspectives International music shows diversity Indonesia
Grace Ding For a while now, I have looked forward to watching my first K-drama, or Korean drama. Up until about a year ago, I had been fundamentally against watching or listening to anything that was in a language I couldn’t understand. I especially thought that Korean idols and actors all looked pretty much the same, mostly due to the prevalence of plastic surgery. Although I still believe that to a certain degree, I opened myself up to the K-pop world around a year ago and gradually got more into it. As for K-dramas, I’ve been aware of their popularity for many years, starting from when I lived in China. I had always associated the audience with lazy and shallow people who spent all day eating in bed. Since I am quickly matching that description more and more and have barely watched anything with depth since the beginning of high school, I thought that maybe it’s finally my time. I decided to watch a show called “My Love from the Star,” a fantasy romance, after many friends recommended it as a classic within K-dramas and assured me that it would be dramatic and emotional, my two most important criteria. Before I even started watching, I already almost gave up. I went to the website my friend had told me to use and though I’m fairly sure my Wi-Fi was fine, the show wouldn’t load. So I tried a bunch of different sites and was so excited when one worked, until I realized it had Spanish subtitles. When I finally found a website that streamed the drama smoothly
with English subtitles, I settled down and prepared myself for an adventure. As I had expected, it was a little hard at first to get used to not understanding the dialogue and having to read the subtitles. A few minutes in, I realized that I could not tell if some of the hilariously exaggerated things the actors were saying were sarcastic or not. Sometimes I would laugh out loud at the way things were said, having no idea if they were intended to sound funny. I encountered another challenge through my attempts to multitask. Admittedly, I was not able to become gripped by the plot immediately and was a little bored by the slowness. At one point, I had started playing games on my phone, but then realized I was not understanding anything just by listening. I had to go back to reading the subtitles, at which point the website I had so much faith in started glitching. Due to continued Wi-Fi and loading issues, I wasn’t able to watch more than two episodes, which is probably a good thing since if I became too far in and too emotionally invested, I’d probably end up sacrificing my grades, health and sanity. Overall, I was able to conclude that Kdramas are not as different from American shows as I had thought. I’m definitely planning on finishing this show, probably during the summer. Although I may not have instantly become obsessed, I’m happy that I became more open-minded to a common interest that millions of people share. —Ding, a sophomore, is a Tech Editor.
Why it’s unique: Influences from United States/United Kingdom but also from other Asian countries Special characteristics: Lot of love songs; popular culture is intertwined with music since many popular songs are from soundtracks of movies or TV dramas Instruments: gamelan, kendang Songs: “Bawalah Cintaku”—Afgan, “Laskar Pelangi”—Nidji, “Sempurna”—Andra & the Backbone, “Terima Kasih Cinta”—Afgan, “Bukan Cinta Biasa”—Afgan
South Africa
Why it’s unique: Blend of influences from America/other English speaking countries and Africa; multilingual (like the country) Special characteristics: Languages (especially English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa); really good indie music that isn’t well known outside of the country Instruments: kalimba, mbira Songs: “Teenagers”—Desmond and the Tutus, “Jika”—Mi Casa, “Run Jozi”—AKA , “Let’s Fall in Love, Some More”—Al Bairre, “Down South”—Jeremy Loops
Brazil
Why it’s unique: Different genres; represents a diverse population with lots of different tastes and interests; very distinct from other Latin American music (different language, instruments, styles, etc.) Special characteristics: Specific genre called sertanejo is super popular; originated in the countryside; lyrics about life; typically performed by duos (usually male) Instruments: pandero, reco-reco Songs: “Chuva de Arroz”—Luan Santana, “Esqueci Você”—Henrique & Diego, “Essa Mina É Louca”—Anitta, “Sossegui”—Jorge & Mateus, “Não Me Toca”—Zé Felipe, “Romântico Anônimo”—Marcos & Belutti —Compiled by Katie Russell
Graphics from Creative Commons License
Lifestyle
Friday, April 15, 2016
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Thrift shopping offers alternative to modern consumerism Fashion industry impacts environment, wallet Where to get your thrift fix The impact of fashion is tremendous. against buying secondhand in the past, While it is an attractive industry in both it is proving to be increasingly popular. a literal and figurative sense, the journey As thrift shops carry items previously from material to product has echoing en- owned, the prices are much cheaper. A vironmental and social consequences. long-sleeved shirt that ranges from $20 Fashion is one of the most polluting to $30 dollars could cost under $10, often industries in the world. Just to make the times $4 or $5. Some items may be lightly jeans sold in the United States, over 400 worn or brand new. billion gallons of water are polluted per Saving money can benefit the buyer year. The World Bank estimates almost 20 by allowing them to splurge on purchaspercent of global industrial water pollu- es. By taking this initiative, this lifestyle tion comes from the treatment and dye- will help one better appreciate the value ing of textiles. of clothing and subsequently everything Greenhouse gases are also emitted we own. during the clothes Besides being manufacturing and cost efficient, thrift transporting proshopping also has Over 99 percent of the clothing cesses. These figures benefits to fashion. not only capture the thrown away in the U.S. can be re- Current trends are world of high fash- cycled or reused, but sadly more iterations of past ion but also depict than 85 percent ends up in landfills. trends and buying the reality of fast lifetime. second hand opens fashion to which up a world of exmost of us subscribe. Fast fashion is trend perimentation. Thrift store customers driven, timely, yet temporary; it is em- have access to classic and unique finds. bodied by brands such as Forever 21, Gap Thrift shopping may seem like a dauntand Zara. ing task. To ease into it, buy basic clothing One way high school students can second hand. Some thrift shops will not mitigate the harmful effects is by buy- have the latest trends and styles, but going ing secondhand. Over 99 percent of the into the store with a fixed goal of buying clothing thrown away in the U.S. can be necessities is manageable and practical. recycled or reused, but sadly more than Plethoras of dress shirts, bags and jeans 85 percent ends up in landfills. These ma- are available at most thrift stores. terials do not just go away. Certain synWhatever the personal motivation thetic fabrics made from nonrenewable may be, thrift shopping can be integrated fossil fuels biodegrade at a very slow rate in one’s life with a little effort. while emitting harmful chemicals. While there may have been stigmas —Written by Evalyn Li
How to have a successful thrifting trip
1) Always bring a little more money than you plan to spend. 2) Be creative; you can use items for purposes other than its main one. 3) Inspect the items before purchase—some might be damaged. 4) Have patience—sometimes it takes a while to find the perfect item in mind. 5) Bring your smartphone if you have one—you can search up the brands of the items to make sure you are paying a good price. 6) Wear clothes that are easy to switch out of so that it’s convenient to try on clothes from the store. 7) Try different thrift shops—you might be surprised by good items you have never seen in other thrift shops. —Compiled by Deiana Hristov Creative Commons License
The Shop 785 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 The Shop is definitely higher-end for a thrift store, occasionally offering brand names such as J. Crew, Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren, with prices anywhere from $10 to $250. While these prices may seem expensive to a high schooler on a budget, The Shop has frequent sales, marking items down to 85 percent off. In The Shop you can also find cool antiques such as typewriters and vintage maps. The Shop is run by the Junior League, a women’s group in San Francisco, so part of their profits go to promoting the end to human trafficking and women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields.
Goodwill 4085 El Camino Way, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Located on El Camino, Goodwill is close to Gunn, making it a great place to pick out a last-minute costume if you are short on time. Apart from a variety of clothes, Goodwill also sells household appliances, records and jewelry. Clothing-wise they have a lot of options, although be prepared to spend a good chunk of time digging through the stacks to find that perfect piece. It is on the more pricey side for a thrift store; however, Goodwill donates part of the profits back to charity.
Savers 875 Main Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 Savers provides shoppers with the true thrift shop experience. They boast low prices, a large selection of clothes as well as a variety of kitchen and home appliances. When it comes to clothes, Savers is much cheaper than Goodwill, and although it takes some sifting, one is sure to come away with a few fashionforward items. When shopping here for things that aren’t clothes, make sure to check that it is intact and not missing a piece or two. Although further than Goodwill, Savers is worth the drive. Cheryl Kao
—Compiled by Sherry Chen
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CALLING ALL SUPERHERO FANS: A LOOK AT
The evolution of the most popular superheros
1940: 1940: Batman vows to never use guns to kill enemies.
1976: Superman and Spiderman meet for the first time as seen in the comics.
1952: Superman and Batman team up for the first time ever.
1943: Kryptonite is introduced for the first time.
1971: Superman breaks comic standards by showing dangers of drugs for the first time.
1977: Television series “The Amazing SpiderMan” is released.
1955: Krypto the Superdog is introduced in the Superman comic.
1978: Portrayed by Christopher Reeve, Superman is brought to the big screen for the first time.
1979: Spiderman becomes the highest-selling Marvel comic of its time.
Today: 2016: The Batman vs. Superman movie is released in theaters.
2012: New Spiderman movie reboots and revamps storyline.
2008: “The Dark Knight” is released with a $35 million budget.
—Compiled by Jack Mallery
Graphics by Joanne Lee, Naina Murthy and Elizabeth Zu
27 T H E E M E R G I N G S U P E R H E R O C U LT U R E Friday, April 15, 2016
Uncovering unconventional superheros Diversity in comics has long way to go
Kamala Khan
Try this for a change: a young, female, Pakistani-American Muslim Avenger. She’s blazing a trail for minority and female comic figures, making her mark as a new iteration of Ms. Marvel, who is the female counter-weight to Captain Marvel. Her powers include selfhealing and regeneration, elasticity and ability to alter her appearance.
Elinor Aspegren
Hourman Bordering clichéd and trite, Hourman is a DC Comic superhero who has the ability to see visions of the near future (one hour in the future, to be exact) thanks to a special hourglass. Don’t take his advice on how he obtains his super strength and agility: he takes a special drug called Miraclo.
Graphics by Elizabeth Zu
Oracle Formerly known as Batgirl, Barbara Gordon becomes known as her excellently named alter-ego Oracle after being paralyzed by the Joker. As a paraplegic, she uses technology and gadgets to connect superheroes around the world so they can work together. She is a member of the Justice League and Suicide Squad.
—Compiled by Alex Dersh
‘Superman vs. Batman’ movie released: who will win the fight? Tone Lee This is it. This is what DC fans have been craving all year. With the original announcement of the movie “Batman versus Superman: Dawn Of Justice” in June 2013, the highly anticipated movie aired across the country on March 24. According to Forbes, a business website, “Batman versus Superman” has accumulated $296.686 million after 17 days, surpassing the original “Man of Steel.” While the comic for the fight was published a while back, the movie takes a slight turn from the book to keep its viewers in suspense. Mul-
tiple other DC characters were introduced in the movie such as Wonder Woman, Aqua Man and The Flash. However, many speculate that the movie will be the start of the Justice League to combat Marvel’s Avengers, which have taken the movie scene by force. In my mind, I saw Superman winning. With the power to shoot lasers out of his eyes, superhuman strength and the
ability to fly, I just couldn’t see Batman damaging Superman at all. Batman is exceptionally strong, but my prediction was that the Kryptonian would take the win but spare Batman’s life. The only chance Batman had, in my opinion, was if he managed to harvest some Kryptonite and kill Superman while he wasn’t paying attention. Then I watched the movie and it all made sense. Maybe Batman takes Lois Lane captive and makes Superman submit. Maybe Lois Lane dies in the crossfire and causes Superman to go insa ne a nd t h i r s t for blood. The only way to find out is to watch the movie. —Lee, a junior, is a reporter.
On the final episode of TV show “Daredevil” season 2, Karen Page writes a column for the “New York Bulletin.” In this column, she writes, “What is it, to be a hero? Look in the mirror and you’ll know.” I’ve been reading comic books and watching comic-inspired television shows since I was 13. At first, they acted as an escape from the harsh life of middle school—I didn’t have many friends, I didn’t do much after school besides homework and in general, I loved to read. Soon, however, they were more than an escape. They were an inspiration. I was always interested in public service, and seeing heroes emerge out of normal people gave me the incentive to pursue this as a passion. Peggy Carter wanted to end Nazi oppression and therefore joined the French Resistance as a teenager, becoming a highly reliable and competent agent. Janet van Dyne underwent a biochemical process to become Wasp in order to bring her father’s killer to justice. More, what inspired me about these two was not that they had greatness thrust upon them, but that they also were resilient in their failures. Peggy Carter bounces back after love interest Steve Rogers’ death, eventually becoming a member of Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division (SHIELD) and battling Red Skull. Kamala Khan, the new Ms. Marvel, still has to go to high school, deal with her parents and discover her identity, all while dealing with newfound powers. More than being an everyday hero, I could still be a hero and fall down, just as long as I got back up again. And it would be okay if it took me a while to get through a struggle. What’s so great about comic books is probably the sense of power you feel vicariously through them. Comic books are one of the best examples that there’s more to being a woman than the traditional stereotype—that a woman can actually save the world. The best example of a kickbutt comic book woman is Kate Bishop, who is the third Hawkeye (and first woman to take up the mantle). She quickly shows that she can do everything that Clint Barton (the original Hawkeye) can. Best of all, she’s relatable and refuses to be objectified. She’s one of the few perfect role models that the two comic giants have. That’s right, in a world where women are 51 percent of all people, female characters make up only 30.9 percent of the DC universe and 30.6 percent of the Marvel universe, says 2014 research by Five Thirty Eight. And oddly enough, Marvel and DC know this. As “Thor” writer Jason Aaron said in an interview with Five Thirty Eight, “Over time, we started to appeal to the same, dwindling fans. I don’t say that derisively, because I’m at the heart of that dwindling group of fans, and always have been.” It’s easy to figure out that he’s talking about white men—but Aaron forgets the 11,200,000 women who self-identify as comic book fans on Facebook—that’s over 46 percent of the 24 million fans. If Marvel and DC are worried about their dwindling group of fans, maybe they should start to expand their focus on female characters. Knowing who is buying what is vital for any modern day business, and in order to insure a future for this great form of literature, we need to know and keep in mind this changing demographic. After all, as Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) said, “Women seem like sissies because you don’t know their true strength.” Every publisher should be thinking about the strength of women— and demonstrating that through their comics. —Aspegren, a senior, is a News Editor.
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media’s effect on culture a look at how media influences our perceptions and everyday actions
the psychology Today, we are exposed to media on a daily basis. We use apps on our phones, watch movies and TV shows, listen to music and post on social media. But all this exposure may be taking its toll. Research by psychologist Albert Bandura has shown that we learn to behave in a pro- or anti-social manner. Because of this tendency to imitate, we are more likely to identify with characters we see on our screens and repeat their behavior. The media also construes social norms about what’s acceptable and appropriate in society, says Revision World. Upon consuming mass media that distort these norms, we also become less inhibited in our own actions. On one hand, breaking a norm that is unhealthy can result in positive impacts, but breaking one that exists to retain order and
the status quo can lead to harm. Media portrayal of violence has further desensitized human beings. In a 1975 experiment by Drabman and Thomas, young children were shown a film that was either violent or nonviolent. They were then told to watch the behavior of two younger children through a TV link. When the other children began fighting, participants who had watched the violent film were slower in calling for help than those who had watched the nonviolent film. Used correctly however, media can influence for the good. Educational programs like Sesame Street carefully consider the material used in broadcasts so that they can best promote emotional, social and intellectual development. It all depends on what you choose to watch.
—Written by Shawna Chen, Arjun Sahdev and Kathleen Xue Photos courtesy of Creative Commons License
Nonstereotypical ethnically diverse individuals are often less their race because of the distorted portrayal of race in movies, TV shows and music. Society’s expectations have been chiselled by the media, forcing people to perceive Indian males as scrawny, innocent computer geeks; Latina females as sassy, rebellious renegades; and Asian males as stoic, calculating sidekicks. However, this is strikingly far from the truth—it tarnishes the image of a motley group of unique individuals. For example, in the movie “The Green Hornet,” Britt Reid, the white hero, is accompanied by Kato, the masterful Asian sidekick. Kato is a martial arts expert who barely speaks any English and is constantly under Reid’s shadow. This follows a major trend set by the media, that the majority of heroes in Western movies are white, muscular men, and rarely does one ever see other individuals from different ethnicities. The fact that it seems uncanny to have an African or Asian actor star as James Bond, proves the very fact that the media has narrowed the audience’s mind, contributing to well enforced stereotypes that deprive the audience of an equal, balanced environment. This is further demonstrated in ABC Network’s TV show, “Blackish,” in which a black family is depicted as “white” because it is well off. The name, “Blackish,” signifies that the bougie black families are not in fact black, but only somewhat black. This can perpetuate the stereotype that if black families are not well off, they are more black. In pressing times when racial prejudice lingers, shows like “Blackish” only contribute to the distorted image of the “quintessential” black family. Additionally, this bigotry is influenced by Western music as shown in many of Katy Perry’s music videos. Perry often shows blatant cultural appropriation, such as when she dressed as an Egyptian in her music video of “Dark Horse” and had her backup dancers—all non-Egyptians—dress as pharaohs. She additionally sported the corn rows hairstyle as she ate watermelon in her music video for the song “This Is How We Do.” Perry is perpetuating the idea that other ethnicities only serve as costumes, and are not actual people with meaningful cultures and backgrounds.
body image From the creation of mankind until the past couple of decades, plumpness was seen as wealthy, beautiful and fashionable due to the scarcity of food. Ever since the inception of fast food, however, obesity became increasingly widespread, and began to be linked with poverty; and those who could control their weight—those who valued health and maintaining a healthy weight—began to rise in popularity. The American movies had always painted their female protagonists as pretty, young and white and male protagonists as chiseled and white. With the advancement from black-and-white to color movies, the industry began to have higher and higher expectations of its actors and actresses. For instance, Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart would have no place in today’s movie industry—Monroe is four sizes too big to be considered for any currentday female lead role, and Bogart is simply too plain. Yes, both of these actors whom we revere as the original stars, would not be able to compete in current-day films using today’s impossible standards.
With models posing in almost every billboard we pass, and movie stars acting in films that millions of people watch, it is no wonder that since 1995, the prevalence of eating disorders has doubled among males and females. In fact, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, the body type seen in leading advertising models is only naturally possessed by 5 percent of the population. Yet 41 percent of women want to become thinner and 25 percent of men want to be more muscular due to the standard projected on magazines, commercials and films. Though the media is not completely responsible for the increasingly insecure population, its portrayal of size zero women and muscular men does not exactly help the cause of appreciating one’s natural beauty. We all have a long way to go, but hopefully in tomorrow’s world the media can choose a diverse group to represent the people—wholly and realistically—and we ourselves can grow to love our bodies as they are.