e r u t l u c r he
Issue 16 / August 2016
GIRL POWER Women in the military are strong forces for our world
THE HISTORY OF INDIAN DESSERTS
Learn about some delectable treats of one of the sweetest nations on Earth
4,409 MILES LATER 1
How one girl’s journey to Italy changed her perspective on family, food, and faith.
My Travel Log This month, I will travel to: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Next month, I plan on going to: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ I’ve always wanted to travel to: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ 2
The countries I’ve been to are: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ My favorite article from Her Culture this month is: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ 5 things I’ll remember for my next trip: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ I can start a #CultureRevolution by: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
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letter from
THE FOUNDER
Dear Culture Girl, I am so happy to welcome you to Her Culture’s SIXTHTEENTH magazine issue. We have come a long way since we started, and I am truly grateful for your support along the way. As CEO of Her Culture, I get a lot of questions about how I do what I do. I usually answer first with, “I answer about 500 emails a day,” and then follow with a small chuckle, and then conclude with “I’m just trying to help the next person succeed.” Her Culture is a company that is dear to me not because we have compelling content - which we do - but because, rather, it empowers women across the world to be the best versions of themselves. It encourages women to dream big dreams and succeed on their own terms. I do what i do by setting up the next woman to help the next woman. That is my job, my only job. It is the one of which I am most proud.
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Take some time out these next two months and think about how you are empowering the next woman to be heard. Encourage her to speak if she feels afraid to. Allow her to share on her own terms, but let her know that you're there for her. Be the next leader of your own #CultureRevolution, and I’ll see you again soon to hear all about it. All my love,
Kate
Her Culture Magazine Founded 2013 www.herculture.org @herculture
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Culture Features
COVER 30
ISSUE NO. 16
AUGUST
Indian Desserts
The history of some very sweet treats.
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Women in the Military
These women are the true definitions of “girl power”
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4,409 Miles
How one girl’s journey to Italy changed her for the better
/SEPTEMBER LIFE
NEWS 28 14
Brexit Changes the World
What happens now?
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A Deadly Practice
How stoning women in Afghanistan needs to end.
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#TONYSSODIVERSE How the musical theater industry is becoming all-inclusive
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Refugees in Italy How the country can help them, and how they can help the country
DIY Culture: Summer Treats
Keep it cool this summer with these easy recipes
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Moraa University
The university that’s paving the way for women
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Liberal Vs. Conservative
What it means to be different from your family
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#PrayForIstanbul
Why the world didn't watch
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Behind ‘She’s the First’
A look into girls' education
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Asia-Pacific American month
Why it’s important for the US
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The Language of Music
What better way to communicate?
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Intersectionality
Feminism for Chinese women
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Natural Hair Journey
It teaches a lot
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Artists of Costa Rica
You’ll want to see these paintings
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Understanding male idols
Why do we follow them?
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What is “Black Girl Magic?”
No, Beyonce is not the only one in the movement.
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magazine staff executives
KATE AVINO
ALEXIS NEUVILLE
MATT MAGGIO
Founder & CEO
Chief of Staff
Chief Financial Officer
ABBY SMITH
DAKSHAYANI SHANKAR
Chief Marketing Officer
Chief Content Officer
MEREDITH BOWMAN
Chief Digital Officer
editors & writers Ashwini Selvakumaran Catherine Foley Claire Tran Daniela Frendo Grace Halvorson Radhika Sharma Anjali Patel Felecia Farrell Harika Kottakota Isabel Oberlender Kaitlin Hsu Lindsey Taft Michelle Chan Nicole Anderson Olivia Hu Alexandra Curtis Shaye DiPasquale Sherah Ndjongo Simone Lewis Soumya Uppuganti
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HOW BREXIT CHANGES THE WORLD by Michelle Chan
W ith the sudden and surprising outcome of the United Kingdom’s Brexit Vote, it’s hard to understand reality amidst the confusion. The referendum to leave the European Union has only spurred more chaos, with David Cameron, Prime Minister of the U.K., announcing his resignation along with nearly the entire shadow cabinet announcing their resignations as well. As the U.K. and the rest of the world starts to settle down few weeks later, what impact is to come in the future? What has happened so far:
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There have been mixed feelings within the United Kingdom of whether the decision was, in fact, the right solution. Voters in support of Brexit deemed it a necessary solution to maintain Great Britain’s national identity and counteract against immigration, while voters opposing Brexit advocated that staying in the European Union would benefit their country’s economy and strengthen the British pound. Nevertheless, both sides have been rattled by the reality of this decision. One pro-Brexit voter even said in disbelief, “I’m a bit shocked to be honest. I’m shocked that we actually have voted to Leave, I didn’t think that was going to happen.”
The world economy has been in immediate turmoil, and world politics have been majorly disturbed. The British pound has dropped by more than 12%, from slightly above US$1.50 per British pound before the vote, to just below US$1.30 afterwards. The United Kingdom currency was deemed as the “worst performing” in the world, since it has lost the most amount of value than any other country this year. While British stocks remain a mixed result, the potential for a recession within the next year has begun to form. Most Brits have lacked confidence in their nation’s ability to maintain a strong economy. In global matters, Japan, France, the United States, and more countries have had falling stocks immediately after the damage, especially those with stocks invested directly into large businesses in the United Kingdom and the European Union. But what will happen in the near future? While the Brexit decision has had a huge impact on the international economy, it is beyond certain that it will have an impact on relations between the U.K and the EU as well as relations between the U.S. and both countries. Because the U.K. is no longer a part of the EU, there would need to be separate trade relations between the U.S. and the EU, versus the U.S. and the U.K. However, it is impossible for the United States to commence mutual trade relations without favoring one over the other. As a result, expected political and 13
market tension between those countries could potentially ensue. Some experts have proposed theories of what could happen in the next five years. Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, suggests that “in five years, there will no longer be a United Kingdom.” In other words, he believes Scotland will become independent and join the European Union, and Northern Ireland will become a part of Ireland. Other experts, such as Laurence Kotlikoff, an economist at Boston University, have more radical hypotheses. Not only does he predict that other European countries or states could opt for similar referendums to leave the EU, but he believes extremely rising tensions could ensue between such nations. With the provoking nationalism of the U.K. referendum that could possibly inspire similar actions among other nations in the EU, Kotlikoff warns that “we could yet see European countries doing what they have done to for centuries–– physically attack one another.” Brexit may seem to only affect British national politics. But the reality that many fail to understand is that the effect is much bigger. From world stock markets fluctuating drastically to commerce relations changing between European countries, this decision could lead to an entirely new beginning.
IT’S TIME TO START A #CULTUREREVOLUTION Her Culture is the first magazine to explore culture through a woman’s eyes. Join us as we celebrate what makes us all unique, and make a change in the world.
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A PRACTICE AS OLD AS TIME NEEDS TO NEAR ITS END: The History of Stoning Women in Afghanistan by Shaye Dipasquale Under the Taliban government of the late 90’s, stoning was viewed and used as a legitimate punishment for adultery. The cruel practice involves placing the alleged perpetrator into a ditch while men throw stones at the person until he or she dies. In order for the stoning to be condoned under Islamic law, there must have been four eyewitnesses to the alleged adultery. When the Taliban government finally fell in 2001, the newly established government quickly signed on to various international human rights conventions. The new government of Afghanistan pledged to begin effectively protecting human rights in the country, especially the rights of women. But even in the twenty-first century, Afghani women are still being stoned to death due to outdated religious teachings and beliefs that allow men to exert the power that they hold over women. 17
The practice of stoning goes against international human rights standards, including prohibitions on torture and cruel and inhuman punishment. On December 10th, 1948, member nations of the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) with hopes of combatting human rights abuses in the international community. Nearly 70 years later, Afghanistan, an original signatory of the UDHR, is standing in direct violation of Article 5: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” In Afghanistan, the penal code, which was passed in 1976 and is currently in force, makes no provision for the use of stoning as a punishment. It is hard to keep an accurate and up-to-date record of the number of stonings of
of women in Afghanistan, since most of the incidents occur in remote villages and are carried out with the approval of the village elders. The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission estimates that in 2015, three women were stoned to death in areas outside of government control. While the practice of stoning is officially banned in Afghanistan and there is no indication that any of the instances that have occurred were condoned by the government, the growing number of isolated reports of executions by stoning in Afghanistan is alarming. Just last year, 19-year-old Rukhshana was stoned to death by Taliban militants in the remote province of Ghor. Rukhshana was targeted because she had left her husband, after being illegally forced to marry him, to run away with her lover. When she was just a child, Rukhshana had been engaged to a different, older man. When she finally reached marriageable age, Rukhshana fled with her lover Mr. Gul instead of marrying her fiancé. She was later caught, brought back to her village and forced to become the third wife of a 55-year-old man. Once again, Rukhshana ran away with her lover in the hopes of evading her arranged marriage. When the pair were caught again, there were severe punishments dealt out in accordance with Islamic law. Mr. Gul was sentenced to 100 lashes by the Taliban, as he was unmarried and
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Rukhshana was condemned to death by stoning, as she had committed adultery. Rukhshana’s tragic murder sent shockwaves throughout the nation, particularly among civil society groups who had created a solid presence in Afghanistan since the ousting of the Taliban in 2001. The Afghan civil society fears that ultra-conservative Islamic values that were once enforced by the Taliban are slowly encroaching upon the country again. The practice of stoning is celebrated by some Islamic scholars, who claim that it has a justified place in Islam. Sayed Jafar Adeli Hussaini, a prominent religious scholar, has even made remarks regarding stoning to the Huffington Post. “Stoning is aimed at curbing the prevalence of prostitution and illegitimate sexual relations. It prevents children’s lives from going downhill,” Hussaini says. In 2013, former Afghan president Hamid Karzai even proposed reintroducing stoning as a punishment but was fortunately met with international condemnation. The election of Ashraf Ghani as president has yet to lead to any real improvement in the area of violence against women. Most Afghan women who are currently behind bars have been accused of moral crimes, such as running away with a lover or fleeing an abusive relationship, and they are often subjected to invasive “virginity tests” while in prison.
Thus far, there has been severe Western condemnation of these stonings that have been orchestrated by the Taliban. The American Embassy in particular was quick to release a statement in response to the horrific murder of Rukhshana, stating, “The United States stands with the people of Afghanistan in condemning violence against women.� As more and more nations take a stand and speak out against the cruel punishment of stoning women in Afghanistan, perhaps the nation will do away with the practice once and for all.
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#TonysSoDiverse Broadway’s Emphasis on Representation in 2016 by Sherah Ndjongo
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here are many ways to describe the 70th Annual Tony
Awards, but host James Corden summed up the event perfectly with a humorous and well-received remark made during his opening monologue, "Think of tonight as the Oscars but with diversity." While the comment was meant to be light-hearted, it holds some truth. And if the night's nominations aren't enough to convince you of how accurate his joke was, the events that unfolded later on that evening are definitely more than enough proof that this particular Tony Awards ceremony is one that will go down in history. This year in Broadway was quite a memorable one. Many credit this to the booming popularity of Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking historical musical Hamilton, the production which has become a cultural phenomenon and the most crucial musical of our time with its clever merging of hip hop and the traditional musical form. Its use of a talented cast made up almost entirely of people of color to paint a portrait of United State's history played a major role in showcasing the diversity of Americans in a positive light, while sparking the interest of audience members of all kinds. Along with Hamilton, Eclipsed, the first play to be completely written and performed by black women, and the revival of The Color Purple, based on the classic novel by Alice Walker revolving around the lives of black American women in the 1930s South displayed the incredible talents of numerous actors of color. The 70th Annual Tony Awards received its highest ratings in fifteen years and it was simply the icing on the cake when actors of color won all four musical acting categories for the first time ever. Among the big winners were Cynthia Erivo, who won Lead Actress for The Color Purple, and Hamilton stars Leslie Odom Jr., who was named Lead Actor, Renée Elise Goldsberry, who won Featured Actress, and Daveed Diggs, who took home the Featured Actor award. The Color Purple won Best Revival of a Musical and Hamilton won Best Musical and 10 other awards with creator Lin-Manuel Miranda collecting both the Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score awards. Overall, 14 separate nominees were actors of color. It's been a few decades since an achievement remotely similar to this last occurred. The most recent time three individual actors of color, Cleavant Derricks, Jennifer Holliday, and Ben Harney, won three musical performance awards for their outstanding roles was in 1982 for Dreamgirls. In 1985, actors of color won all of the musical categories, but Lead Actor and Actress in a musical awards weren’t handed out that year so the awards ceremony was not quite as impressive. Therefore, 2016 is undoubtedly a huge milestone for the world of theater. While the award show was live, little time passed before comparisons between the Tonys and the Oscars flooded in. Many viewers took to social media using the hashtags #OscarsSoWhite, which trended only a few months ago as a
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negative response to the Academy Award nominations, and #TonysSoDiverse to once again call out the lack of diversity in not only Hollywood but also the wider entertainment industry. When observing the 2016 Oscars nominations and winners and comparing them to those of the 2016 Tonys, the main distinction is that the Tonys chose to honor shows that had actors of color in lead roles and those which highlighted the experiences of a variety of minority groups in the United States and beyond. The winning shows have made it clear that audiences do want to witness the works written by people of color and their audiences relate to these stories personally. These productions also confirm that they can garner incredible buzz and acclaim, which can greatly increase opportunities for actors of color on Broadway. With four musical acting awards having been swept by actors of color, there is more diversity among the Tony winners in one single night than in the past nine Oscar ceremonies. But are the Tonys truly more diverse than the Oscars? There's no question that the 70th Annual Tony Awards deserves a round of applause in celebration of the giant leaps forward has taken on Broadway this year. This doesn't mean that all has been taken care of. Yes, the Tonys have truly done a much better job when it comes to representation compared with the Oscars, but they have miles and miles to go to recognize the talents of people of color and give them a space to perform. Ninety-five percent of all of the show’s nominees were still white, despite the hype surrounding the fact that the number of people of color who received acting nominations at the Tonys was at an all-time record high this year. However, 2016 appears to be an outlier with many diverse shows just happening to occur at the same time, and only time will tell whether there will become a continuing trend of inclusion in the productions put on doing the 2017 season. When it comes to diversity, this is just one step. So, what direction will this year’s winning plays and musicals lead to? While Broadway can’t be expected to make a huge change right away, it definitely can make enough of an impact to inspire actors, directors, and writers from all backgrounds to have a voice in an industry where their stories and experiences are often ignored. It's exciting to witness Broadway beginning to break down barriers, simultaneously capturing the attention and hearts of audience members. With musicals and plays like Hamilton, Eclipsed, and The Color Purple shaking things up on Broadway, the Tonys are teaching Hollywood a lesson in lesson or two about diversity one note at a time.
HOW ITALY CAN HELP REFUGEES, & HOW REFUGEES CAN HELP ITALY There are currently countless refugees wandering the planet searching for stable, perhaps, nonexistent environments, to safely raise their children and permanently settle in. Italy has the potential to become a place where refugees are able to not only survive but also live successfully. Though many nations including Italy have been allowing refugees to live on their soil, it is ideal that all countries offer living space for refugees. Many arguments regarding safety, overpopulation, and inadequate resource availability arose after the proposition. Individuals tend to forget that refugees are just people like us, trying to survive in a world of terror. Others should at least offer whatever they are able to , in order to provide help to their fellow citizens. Within this knot of devastation, Italy has the potential to offer a positive light for both its inhabitants and refugees. According to The Guardian, Italy’s population is gradually decreasing. The ratio of the elder generation to the younger generation, is significantly larger than that of the younger people. In order to ensure Italy thrives in the future, the nation is in need of a young, reliable, and innovative population. Allowing young refugees to enter the country and become citizens can serve a dual purpose by helping Italy grow economically and help families obtain a sustainable way of living. Access to education can establish stability for the upcoming generations. Offering education to children will help rope Italy back on a path to achieve long term growth. By following these examples, Italy’s economy will be able to prosper, and successfully compete within the world market. On the other hand, refugees are also getting the assistance and resources that they deserve. Regardless of the benefits refugees can bring, a nation’s primary goal should be to help those fleeing their homelands for the betterment and survival of humanity. 22
BY ANJALI PATEL
One of the ways refugees can become self sustainable and help Italy’s economy is by introducing their culture through small businesses. Making and selling traditional art and clothing along with opening up restaurants with authentic food are just some of the ways refugees can provide for their families. Allowing refugees will also increase the diversity of Italy. Over time, Italian culture and food will intertwine with the various cultures and customs of the refugees. As people come together mixing traditions of culinary practices, architecture, and anything that falls within the realm of the arts, an enriched culture will emerge. This will naturally occur throughout the years. Cultural infusion can also lead to the development of new technologies as more innovative ideas are born. This will help Italy progress and also help future refugee descendants thrive. Luckily, Italy has taken the initiative to house refugees. According to the Los Angeles Times, Italy allowed for the entrance of 110,000 refugees throughout most of 2015. Numbers may have increased. Hopefully, Italy will continue to accept refugees onto its land as it will benefit thousands of lives. Italian citizens must strongly recognize the struggle refugees have been enduring and how Italians can help them. Most refugees are more than willing to build a stable future and receive an education. Italians must also recognize how refugees can help them in order to build a productive and safe future for all. Altogether, Italians and refugees can gain from each other. However, the full potential must be recognized from both sides in order to acquire the largest outcome.
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by Shaye DiPasquale
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keep it cool. by Kaitlin Hsu
Ever since middle school, I often suffered from intractable nosebleeds during the summer - which meant I spent a lot of time holding my nose and tilting my head backwards, instead of relaxing and having fun. My mother diagnosed me with ⽕火 氣⼤大, which roughly translates to “high internal heat.” Even though I don’t fully subscribe to the Chinese theories of “yin and yang” and the importance of balancing your immune system with “hot” and “cold” foods, my nose bleeds did, in fact, gradually lessen after I began eating more “cold” foods, such as cucumber. Other symptoms of ⽕火氣⼤大 include sore throat, acne and mouth sores. By incorporating the following recipes into a diet, one can mitigate these problems and stay cool during blistering hot summers.
MANGO PUDDING _______________________ 3 mangoes 2 teaspoons of gelatin powder 5 oz. of milk 2 oz. of heavy cream, chilled 1/2 cup granulated sugar ……… 1. 2.
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5. 6.
Soak gelatin in cold water until soft Heat the soaked gelatin, sugar, and half of the milk over slow fire. Keep stirring until sugar and gelatin dissolve completely. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Dice fresh mango. In blender, combine mango cubes and add leftover milk, blend until very smooth. Combine mango mixture with heavy cream and the milk mixture prepared in Step 2. Stir until even. Strain the mixture. Pour the mixture to a container or ramekins. Place in refrigerator for around two to three hours until completely set.
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MUNG BEAN TEA _______________________ 1/2 cup of mung beans 6 cups of water 5 tablespoons of white or brown sugar ……… Soak beans overnight in water. Drain. Place in a large pot and add six cups of water. Bring to a boil, add sugar, stir, and simmer for one hour. Serve hot or cold.
SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD _______________________ 1 cucumber 1 teaspoon of salt 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar 2 teaspoons of sugar 2 teaspoons of soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil 2 scallions 1 garlic clove Red pepper flakes ……… Chop one cucumber. Sprinkle with one teaspoon salt; let sit 10 minutes Slice scallions and mince garlic. Whisk one tablespoon rice vinegar, two teaspoons each of sugar and soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, sliced scallions, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Drain the cucumber and toss with the dressing. Season with salt and top with chopped cilantro.
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THE HISTORY OF INDIAN DESSERTS by Ankita Dutta India is a paradise of some delicious desserts. No Indian celebration is complete without sweets. These treats have reached American and European countries for celebrations. Here is a list of some of the most popular Indian sweets. If you are big fan of desserts, you will definitely want to know about the history of these Indian sweets.
PAYASAM
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Payasam has been served over centuries. It has different names in different regions. In Southern India it is known as “Payasam,� derived from the word Peeyusham meaning ambrosia. It is mainly prepared with vermicelli, milk, sugar and cardamom. This dessert is an essential part of a South Indian wedding. In Eastern India, rice is used instead of vermicelli. There is a story behind this dessert. Lord Krishna (the eighth avatar of Vishnu) took the form of an old sage and challenged the local king to a game of chess. The king was a master player and readily accepted his challenge. The king asked the sage what he wanted if he won. The sage replied that he wanted the same amount of rice grains for each square of the chess board. He wanted that each pile of rice would have double the number of grains of the previous pile. The King finally lost the game and calculated the amount of the rice grain that the sage had won. The king was surprised to see that he would have to pay 18,447,744 trillion tons of rice. The amount was beyond his imagination. The sage revealed his true identity and told him that he did not have to pay this amount immediately. The sage said that this amount should be served as Payasam freely in the temple of Ambalappzha to the pilgrims. This is how Payasam started its journey from Ambalappzha to the whole of India.
RASGULLA Rasgulla is a popular juicy sweet of India. It is made from mainly Chhana/cottage cheese. Round balls of Chhana are soaked in sugar syrup. You will be surprised to know that this famous juicy sweet was made in Baghbazar, Bengal. It was invented by Nobin Chandra Das, a confectioner in Bengal. He is considered “the Father of Rasgulla”. He had a sweet shop in Bagbazar. One day Bhagwandas Bagla, a businessman, came in Nabin Chandra’s shop and asked for a glass of water. It was the first time he tasted the Rasgulla there and he was delighted to taste this sweet. Rasgulla came into limelight after this incident and later it has won the hearts of millions. His legacy was carried forward by his son Krishna Chandra Das. He made Rasmalai from Rasgulla by soaking it in dense milk. Later Rasmalai also gained popularity. Another view is that Rasgulla originated in Puri, Orissa. It was a part of Rath Yatra-a religious festival in Puri. There is a debate on its origins.
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GIRL POWER: Women in the Military by Nicole Anderson 36
ecently, I was in a parade for the celebration of America’s Independence. I’m sure if it was on any other day I wouldn’t have made a fuss, but this meant that I was working on a welcomed day off and I had to wear my uniform and lace up my boots. I don’t want people to think that I am not a proud woman to serve in the military - because I am - but there is something strange to me about letting people know my identity. Think of it like a superhero. You don’t see Wonder Woman in her suit flying around unless she is needed to protect the people. That is how I saw it. Not that anyone needed saving, but I felt like my identity had been exposed. Reflecting on that day, I do feel quite silly.
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The role of a woman in the military has been noted since 1775 and has continued to grow over the centuries, but has shifted drastically since the Rosie the Riveter days during World War II. By 1945, more than 2.2 million women were doing far more extensive jobs than ever before, from working on the building of ships and aircrafts to providing logistic support to soldiers; all roles that were designated for men. Although women had proven they were just as capable as men, the military was seen as a “man’s job” and her employment was only seen as valuable if a war was occurring. I always remember learning about this time in history and questioning: Where did the woman go? After this historic time for women, you don’t hear much about their role in the military, if at all. In fact, the only women who served in 37
the military were the few thousand nurses. During this time in America, society couldn’t grasp a concept that included women and military in the same sentence. It wasn’t until 1942 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt, after much debate signed a bill which authorized the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines to accept women. It is not any surprise they were given clergy work. However, they proved that they had the capability of performing almost any task that a man could do. After many more debates were had, bills were signed, and policy changes instituted, women were able to become more involved in the military on a deeper level, just as they are today. But there is still some more work to do. During the parade there were a lot of people thanking me for my service and in turn I thanked them for their support. As I was walking the streets, there were a lot of prior service men wearing their command cap. s we locked eyes, they would give me a nod and along with that, “Thank you for your service ma’am.” It didn’t just feel like it was any gesture to your predecessor. It felt like someone acknowledging me, a woman who was bold to join. As I continued on, there were a lot of women who saw me wave my American flag and would do the same too, shouting, “You go girl!” or “That’s right, girl power!”
4,409 Miles by Alexandra Curtis
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When my parents told me we’d be taking a vacation to Italy this summer, I had no idea that I’d end up seeing a lot more than just Roman artifacts or ancient statues. I’ve grown up as one-fourth Italian, knowing little about the language or how my greatgrandparents emigrated to America. However, my mother was determined to use our vacation as an opportunity to discover more about our heritage. She set out to troll the depths of Facebook, tracking down obscure family members. She came back with the information that our family hails from Sora, about an hour east of Rome. Despite all of the cousins, aunts, and uncles to which my mother reached out, she could not locate anyone who knew of living relatives in Sora. This did not dissuade her; my family and I knew we were just along for the ride. My mother decided to make Sora our last stop before Rome. Her plan was to drive into the small city, locate the registry office, and attempt
to track down our family members, all in one day. There was no doubt that it was a futile attempt, but it was the idea of connecting to something far bigger and deeper than us that kept my mother’s flame burning. As we approached Sora, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Relief in knowing that this is where a part of me began. In society, we are always so focused on where we are going, our future, that we sometimes forget it is equally important to know where we come from. We were 4,409 miles from home. To imagine our ancestors making the trek to America, sacrificing themselves for the sake of a better life, for the sake of their descendants, left an indescribable feeling. Even though we were unsuccessful, I’ve become inspired. Perhaps, one day, I can unite future generations across the Atlantic Ocean. Until then, here is one of our traditional family recipes, passed down from my greatgrandparents in Sora:
Italian Cookies Ingredients: 4 beaten eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup Crisco, 4 tsp baking power, 1 cup orange juice, 1 orange rind Directions: Mix together, shape into small ball, roll in powdered sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes or until done. 39
Earlier this year, first lady of Afgahnistan, Rula Ghani revealed to the public news that the government will open its first women's university in Kabul, the capital, in an attempt to make a commitment first introduced by President Ashraf Ghani while running his political campaign during the 2014 presidential election cycle come to life. This promise became a reality when Rula Ghani, who has been a long-time outspoken and influential supporter of women's education, officially inaugurated Moraa, the first all-women’s university in Afghanistan's history, this past May. In the words of the first lady, "Building a university for girls is one of the promises of Mr. Ghani that he vowed during presidential campaigns and now we are on the eve of its implementation. Those girls that are not allowed to study at other universities can continue their higher education in this university." In Afghanistan, any advancement to education - particularly women's education - should be greeted with celebration.
are not able go to co-educational institutions,” assured Ghani. Mark English, president of the American University of Afghanistan, a co-educational college, addressed the audience present at the inauguration with, "The American University always supports anything that is going to advance the education for women in Afghanistan. We are willing to give all of our support in terms of helping develop programs, and helping to increase their resources so that we can get this initiative started." With this said, there will be a wide variety of courses available to take at Moraa covering numerous diverse fields such as mathematics, business administration, and computer science. As for buildings, the school will be complete with a large dormitory. Farida Momand, the Minister of Higher Education, mentioned that in addition to the complex housing up to 960 students, it will provide a training center for the treatment of cancer as well.
Moraa, Afghanistan's First AllWomen's University, Provides New Educational Opportunities
To understand why, here are a few facts regarding education in Afghanistan. 50% of the country's existing schools don't have a formal building and fall by Sherah short of necessary resources. Furthermore, the female literacy rate in Afghanistan was recently found to be at approximately 20%. Not to mention, millions of girls are discouraged and stopped from even attending primary school, and in relation to this, the Taliban targets and attacks schools where girls are working to receive an education because extremists believe education for women should be forbidden. A statistic reported by Tolo News states, “currently there are about 36 state-run universities along with 126 private educational institutions in the country – all of which are co-educational.” Women could attend one of these open universities, but in general, total enrollment in institutions like these is still not up to par. Ghani and like-minded Afghan women activists hold the belief that having an all-women's university will provide better access to educational services for female students who don't have the choice of attending a coed college, “the establishment of the [Moraa Educational] complex, which includes a college and university, in Kabul will help boost women’s educational capabilities and help female students who 40
Moraa should be commended for making grand efforts in ensuring more women are at an equal playing field when it Ndjongo comes to education in Afghanistan. The reality that founding this school will surely count as a first step toward changing the country of Afghanistan's overall view of women's education can't be ignored, and even though there are miles to go, progress is already being made. For instance, the percentage of women attending institutions of higher education is believed to have increased significantly from about 20% to 35% of the students as of lately. With Moraa serving as major milestone, hopefully there will be news of similar achievements soon. All in all, Moraa and everything that it stands for is announcing that women in Afghanistan shouldn't be denied the right to gain an education due to factors ranging from inaccessibility to being threatened. Education is something valuable that should not be taken for granted or denied in every corner of the globe. By founding more institutions like Moraa, a message is being relayed to women in Afghanistan that no matter what circumstances they face, they will be given the chance to value their time in the same way as men.
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BEING LIBERAL WHILE GROWING UP CONSERVATIVE: Learning to form your own opinions by Olivia Hu Growing up, I had always been raised in a conservative environment. As a younger, unclear, not-yet-exposed-tothe-world child, I wasn’t able to make my own. Instead, I formed my opinions on what I had been taught to think and what I had been raised to be; in school, at home and within my group of friends. However, as I continue to grow and see the world through my own eyes, I am steadily learning that the morals I was taught may not exactly be what I believed them to be. Some may call this ‘just a phase’, an angry teenager’s perspective of the world. Whatever it is, I have learned to form my own decisions and perspectives on various attributes of life. By being more open to all genders, sexualities, beliefs, identities, races, I’ve opened my mind to the diversity of the world we live in. I’ve learned that every person has a plethora of different sides to them, and that we are more than one side, one crevice. Humans are such 43
complex, multi-faceted beings that we simply cannot judge others based on one aspect of their life. This is why I am finally breaking the walls of my conservative childhood and choosing to be more liberal. I was raised to believe that I cannot possibly hang out with those who came from a different cultural and social background than mine. So, if you are also in doubt about the way you have been conditioned to think, I encourage you to join me on this five-step journey on learning your true self.
ASK QUESTIONS Would you think this way if you hadn’t been raised to do so? Would you still have the same faith/religion? Would you accept this person if you hadn’t been taught not to? Would you have a different set of friends or dress differently?
Learn to question everything, and learn to question yourself. Are you really the person you believe you are, or are you just a replica of what people want you to be? Learn who you truly are through inquisitive thinking.
SEEK NEW WORLDS If you have been taught to never wander through streets frequented by homeless people, or to stay away from ‘dangerouslooking’ people, dare to break the boundaries. Who knows until you’ve tried, right? If you have never been to church and do not believe in something of a godly nature, try going to a ceremony close by. Perhaps you will connect with something or someone there. Seeking new worlds will not only allow a new light to be shed, but it will also enforce your opinions and let you see things through a new lens.
FIND LIGHT IN THE INTERNET Although the internet has its fair share of disrespectful and oh-so-crazy people, there are actually very enlightening, open-minded articles online. Many people are more than willing to publish stories about their personal experiences and offer advice. The internet connects people from all walks of life, and by opening yourself to it all (even the bigotry), you can allow yourself to examine different sides to every story. 44
TRAVEL Get on a plane, train, or bus. Alternatively, go on a long road trip. By traveling, you are seeking new worlds not only mentally/emotionally, but also physically. You will be surprised with the different etiquette, culture and generally different ways of life. This will somewhat shape your mind and perhaps allow you to seek new paths. Expect culture shocks: whether it is France, Italy, China, India, or even just the downtown of your city. Different environments equal different people and different ways of thinking.
MEET SOMEONE NEW Easier said than done, but it is doable. Somewhere along the way, you will be forced to make conversation with someone who has contrasting backgrounds, race, identities, or generally a different style of life. The difference will allow yourself to open up and affirm your opinions. Whether it is the coworker you never really got the chance to meet, or the man on the street in crazy trousers in downtown, you will definitely gain new perspectives.
LIVE.LEARN.LISTEN. The revolution to cultural podcasts is here Tune-in on the 1st & 15th of every month. We hope to jam out with you. www.herculture.org 45
WE CAME TOGETHER TO #PRAYFORPARIS…
BUT WHAT ABOUT ISTANBUL? by Shaye DiPasquale 46
n January 5th, 2015, two masked gunmen opened fire on the offices of the French satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris, killing 12 people and injuring 11 other in the building. The world stood in solidarity with the victims of the attacks by stating “Je Suis Charlie”, I am Charlie.
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On November 13th, 2015, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks led by gunman and suicide bombers – which targeted a major stadium, restaurants and bars -- left 130 people dead and hundreds wounded. People worldwide immediately united around the simple hashtag, #PrayForParis and updated their Facebook profile pictures with a filter of the French flag. We felt the pain of Paris, as it suffered the blow of two tragedies within the span of a few months. We read every news report to learn the details of the attacks. We made posts to express our condolences, asking others to #PrayForParis. We stood together, as a united front. We were Charlie. We were Paris. On October 10th, 2015, two bombs were detonated outside Ankara Central railway station, killing 103 civilians and injuring 500 people. This attack officially surpassed the 2013 Reyhanli bombings as the deadliest terror attack in modern Turkish history. On March 13th, 2016, a bombing took place in Ankara, Turkey, blowing up the surrounding bus stops, buildings and cars. Over 37 people were killed and 125 people were injured. And on June 28th, 2016, a triple suicide bombing and gun attack at the 47
Istanbul Airport killed more than 40 people and injured more than 200. For a country that faced not one, not two, but three horrific terrorist attacks by the Islamic State group in less than a year, Turkey was not granted the same worldwide outpouring of love and support as Paris. Turkey received significantly less international media attention, meaning less people were even aware of the severity of these attacks. Facebook did not provide a filter that let users easily modify their profile picture with an overlay of the Turkish flag, like it had done as a result of the Paris attacks. Across the globe, beautiful tributes to France were made at some of the most iconic buildings and towers in the world. London’s National Gallery, the London Eye ferris wheel, Toronto’s CN Tower, Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Berlin’s Brandenburg gate, Taiwan’s Taipei 101, Sydney’s Opera House, Mexico’s Angel de la Independencia monument and San Francisco City Hall were amongst the many famous sites to light up in the blue, white and red colors of the French national flag. Only a handful of countries paid tribute by lighting up buildings or monuments in Turkish flag colors, including the the Municipality of Melbourne building, Mexico’s Foreign Affairs building and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The World Trade Center, which lit up in the French flag colors after its attacks, did not light up in Turkish colors.
But why? Why did the world not stand in solidarity with Turkey in the same way it had stood with Paris? Why didn’t #PrayForTurkey fill social media feeds and saturate the internet? When citizens of Western nations thought about the victims of the Paris attacks, they envisioned their family members, their friends, their neighbors and most importantly, themselves. As West citizens, they could identify and empathize with France, a fellow Western nation. The Paris were viewed as being average, everyday people whose lives were tragically ended in unwarranted, deadly attacks of terror. But what some people neglect to realize is that the victims in Ankara and Istanbul are no different. They were the same average, everyday people that one would have seen on their way to work in the morning. They were the same average, everyday people who were just going about their daily lives. They were the same average, everyday people whose lives were tragically ended in unwarranted, deadly attacks of terror. They just happened to be Turkish. Terrorism has no religion, no nationality and no color. Those who died in the attacks in Turkey were no less victims of terrorism than those who died in the attacks in Paris. ISIS is a jihadist militant group that follows a fundamentalist, Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam. They are a terrorist group that threatens nations with political violence, the type of violence that serves narrow political views, not the type of violence that is ordered by any particular religion. ISIS 48
doesn’t discriminate when it comes to seeking out victims – whether you are American, French or Turkish, whether you are Christian, Jewish or Muslim, does not matter. The types of attacks that ISIS leads have one simple agenda – create fear and chaos in the world. From the mosque bombing in Yemen that killed 130 people, to the beach resort shooting in Tunisia, to the bombings in Brussels, ISIS has succeeded in directing and executing attacks around the world. And in order to truly stand as a united front against this terrorist organization, we must stand in solidarity for every victim of every attack in every nation. We are Charlie. We are Paris. This is all true. But we are much more than that. We are Yemen. We are Tunisia. We are Egypt. We are Brussels. We are Ankara. We are Istanbul. We are every person, city and nation that feels the wrath of ISIS. And we all stand together, united in the face of terrorism.
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Behind ‘She’s the First’ a look into girls’ education by Kaitlin Hsu She’s The First is an organization that provides scholarships to girls in lowincome countries, housing chapters in high schools and colleges across the United States. At first, when I heard that my friend Julia was starting a She’s The First chapter at our school, I was dismayed -- we already had a club centered around feminism, and my previous experience with it was lackluster. Miscommunication and unhealthy competition abounded in Fem Club, and I didn’t want her to double the chaos. However, after discussing the topic with Julia, she convinced me that She’s The First would have a much greater impact on our school community, as well as on girls all across the globe, because of the organization's mission. She’s The First helps countries where only 33% of girls have an opportunity to earn a secondary education, something that we often take for granted in America. Educated girls enables their participation in the workforce, substantially increasing a country’s GDP and helping its economy. Arguably more importantly, educating girls can help lower maternal mortality rates, delay childbirth and improve hygiene to slow the spread of disease. 50
Our school’s She’s The First chapter would have much stricter and clearer goals than Fem Club, such as fundraising tuition and school supplies for a female scholar across the globe, instead of simply holding meetings for uninspiring discussions that broadly touch on feminism. She’s The First is not only a cleaner and tighter organization, but also one that provides many opportunities for cultivating interest in women’s empowerment. Every year in August, chapters are invited to send one representative for a weekend-long conference in New York to discuss current issues relating to female education and feminism. The regularly scheduled fundraisers, such as the annual spring Sweat for STF campaign, also helps create a tight-knit bond between members of the chapter. While our school’s She’s The First chapter was only recently approved, I hope to involve our greater school community in it’s mission - female education -- and slowly unpack the intricate details of feminism.
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What we can learn from
ASIA-PACIFIC AMERICAN MONTH by Michelle Chan
In 1992, Congress declared the month of May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Following the rise of Asian immigration to the U.S. and the continuous model minority myth, it’s a wonder why this month of representation is often overlooked by many members of the Asian American community. Why haven’t we organized ourselves to fight for our visibility and contribution to American society? Why is it that we are unaware of our own history in the United States and the discrimination and hardships our ancestors faced on their pursuit of the American dream? This is why Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month is important. By dedicating a month to our heritage, it brings light to our cultural pride and educates us on how we can come together to promote diversity in society today. It makes us educated on why our representation is important to ourselves and other communities. This year’s theme significantly marked the underrepresentation of Asian Americans in the entertainment industry. If you look through various news outlets, you’ll hardly see any stories relating to Asian Americans––whether it be film reviews or politics in mainstream media. Many advocates of Asian American representation have spoken out about racial inequality for this month of May, including Constance Wu on her significance as Jessica Huang in the ABC sitcom “Fresh off the Boat.” In the New York Times article, “Asian-American Actors Are Fighting for Visibility. They Will Not Be Ignored”, these celebrities let the world know why promoting a multicultural cast on the big screen is crucial to the future of America. As Star Trek’s George Takei famously notes, “Hollywood has been casting
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white actors in Asian roles for decades now, and we can’t keep pretending there isn’t something deeper at work here.” I’ve realized that our community often hesitates to speak up. If we get bullied for having monolids or are labelled for being good at math, we learn to suck it up. Because staying silent is better than adding fuel to the fire, right? I don’t know if it’s just our culture, but it is a common discrepancy. Upon this past year’s whitewashing controversy surrounding Emma Stone’s portrayal of a ChineseHawaiian main character in the film “Aloha,” the general public, from newspaper critics to Twitter users, exploded with criticism of how absurd it was for a blatantly white woman to portray a person of color. But then it died down. And it became something of the past. It’s important to show our future generations that they DO have a chance. Whether it’s in the film industry or medical industry, our diverse population needs to be shown that their opportunities should not be limited because of their race. They should reach for the stars and be confident in who they want to be and take pride in their own unique selves. To my fellow members in the Asian American community, this is why we need Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. We need our children to know that they can defy the model minority myth and shouldn’t be ashamed for wanting to pursue careers in the humanities. We need them to know that they aren’t weak or submissive because of ingrained societal stigmas. We need them to know that they can become film-makers, artists, neurosurgeons, comedians, architects, teachers, and anything they want to be. We need our voices to be heard.
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Music is A Language Like No Other by Alexandra Curtis Webster’s Dictionary defines music simply as “an agreeable sound”. However, it also defines music “the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity”. How can something be so straightforward and yet so complex? Music is special. It transcends race, gender, and age. I would argue that music is the most universal language. No matter where you come from, everyone understands the beat of a drum. The strains of a violin. The strum of a guitar string. People have been using music to express themselves since the dawn of time. Music can be a formal language, found in the charming classical performances of the London Philharmonic, or a casual language, present as friends sing along to their favorite song. Regardless of the form music takes, it is inarguable that music is a language in itself. I began learning the language of music at a young age, taking my first piano lessons at age four. We did not have a piano at home, and I took lessons through a program called Kinderkeys, designed to give young children their first exposure to music. However, I did not become proficient in the musical language until third grade, when I 55
began taking violin lessons through school. I’ve been fluent ever since. Playing the violin has taught me more than just how to play in rhythm or what dynamics are. I’ve learned discipline, through countless hours of practice. Focus, in sitting through long orchestra rehearsals. Music has even taught me to be confident in myself. I have never been a star athlete or an incredible artist, so I’ve clung to my identity in music. Much like a person of Spanish heritage might grow up proud of their Spanish roots, I’ve defined myself in terms of my musical prowess. Languages are lasting, and music is no exception. I am happy to say that my skill on the violin is something I’ll have forever. Whereas an athlete may lose their athletic talent as they grow older, I will always be able to sit down and play. And, no matter where I go, I know that music will be understood. At a time when our world is in turmoil, people can find solace in music. It can be comprehended. It is universal, in grief and in joy. Victor Hugo said it best: “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”
INTERSECTIONALITY: How Feminism Plays Into Chinese Girls’ Lives
by Olivia Hu
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Traditional values, morals, and etiquette Intersectionality plays a part in Chinese are integral parts of growing up as a girl girls lives, because they are oppressed in Chinese culture. Many values are both due to gender and ethnicity/ instilled upon them in a young age. The culture. This interconnected weave culture is so traditional that many involves both traditional values and also alternative beauty standards are stereotypes, that affects Chinese girls in condemned. Sexual identities are still not one way, but multiple. very traditional as well as the typical idea that the girl is to be sweet, shy, Because these traditional values are nice, and calm. The aggressive or angry instilled upon girls, they are actually girl is frowned upon. Sometimes, girls used to it, and in fact, do not question it are even aborted because parents (fear is a factor). They are also raised believe that only boys will be ‘useful’ in and many follow the stereotype of a the family, working hard, while the girl sweet girl, and therefore would not seek would just be for equality. married off to “Intersectionality plays a part So, will Chinese another family. Babies are left in in Chinese girls lives, because girls join the bags on the they are oppressed both due feminist streets. Feminism movement? The to gender and ethnicity/ widely breaks answer is yes. Of down this course! There are culture." stereotype, but the still many girls ideals of equality still play in widely that are looking for equality. Because of because of some of the traditional the oppression that they face, they are values that are still prevalent in Chinese fighting even harder to break down the culture. The question is: Will Chinese barriers. They need feminism more than girls still join the feminist movement ever. Girls are continuing to fight for even though it directly breaks down equality and women’s empowerment in traditional values? hopes that perhaps they will receive the equal treatment of the boys in the This is something called nation. Talk about girl power! intersectionality. According to Wikipedia, intersectionality is the To all Chinese girls who are still living interconnected nature of social in a culture that oppresses them categorizations such as race, class, and through traditional values and morals, gender as they apply to a given keep on fighting. Fight like a girl! individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. 57
5 Things My Natural Hair Journey Taught Me About Life
by Felecia Farrell 58
Credit: Kelly Simpson
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I still remember the day I had my Big Chop. I had just finished my freshmen year of college. A few hours after turning in my last final I was sitting in a old wooden chair at a friend’s house, the pair of scissors in her hand hovering above my head as she prepared to make the first cut. Flash forward five years to today and I am still navigating this natural hair journey while learning some unexpected life lessons along the way.
LESSON 1: YOU CAN NEVER PLEASE EVERYONE Immediately after my Big Chop I felt like a completely new person. Liberation is the best word to describe the feeling. In the inches of chemically straighten hair that lay in a pile at my feet were years of internalized insecurities and culturally accepted standards of beauty. In my uncontainable excitement I believed that those around me would share the same sentiment, but that was not the case. My parents thought that my drastic change of hairstyle was a phase that would eventually pass, a result of freshman-year stress and a much needed catharsis. Some of my friends loved it while other people I knew simple gave me strange looks as I passed them on campus. Ultimately, I needed to decide to decide what I valued more, the opinions of others or my own happiness. 60
LESSON 2: YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO LOVE YOURSELF UNLESS YOU EMBRACE WHO YOU REALLY ARE Even after I had gathered enough courage and finally chopped off my relaxed hair I had to learn to deal with the unchartered territory that was my natural curls. I would open magazines for quick tips, tricks, and how-to’s, only to find that virtually nothing within the glossy pages applied to me. Curly, coily, wavy, kinky, spirals. Black hair is a spectrum of textures, lengths, and curl patterns that I was not seeing represented in the media I was surrounded by. I soon realized I needed to create my own standard of beauty and stop trying to squeeze myself into a box that was not meant for me. In life, it can be so easy to try to follow the crowd and try to fit into the mold, but our individuality is what makes us interesting. Embracing your uniqueness is the first step to loving your authentic self!
LESSON 3: IF YOU DON’T SET BOUNDARIES, PEOPLE WILL SET THEM FOR YOU “Can I touch your hair?” I cannot even begin to count the number of times that I have been asked this question. Typically, the person’s lips have yet to finish forming the question before their hand is halfway in route to my scalp,
already invading my personal space without bothering to wait for me to respond. It was as though my new haircut was all I needed to qualify as a mobile petting zoo, open to the public for no charge. I know this question usually stems from pure curiosity and it may seem like a simple example. However, one thing that is true about life is the fact that how we let people treat us says a lot about how we feel about ourselves. We must each determine our tolerate threshold or tolerance threshold in our personal, public, and professional lives. Boundaries are the means by which we keep our sanity.
LESSON 4: YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO HIDE FROM YOURSELF I cannot say that I always love my hair. There have been nights when I have wanted to cut all of it off so that I do not have to deal with it. There have been moments when I love it and cannot imagine life without it. The truth is that no matter what insecurities and doubts we wrestle with when we are alone, we have been conditioned by society always “be okay”. We often put up perfectly painted facades smiling as though we have our life together and woke up with our eyeliner perfectly placed and flawless. But the same way that my hair will never be able to grow without its coils, you will never be able to become the best version of yourself without first acknowledging your flaws and not-so-perfect parts. In the 61
moments when you are alone with yourself, you have to be willing to face your true self. No matter what the doubts we internalize they all boil down to the same question “Am I enough?”.
LESSON 5: ENJOY THE RIDE Some things are simply out of our control. There are days when I wake up and my hair does exactly what I want it to – curling the way I like it to and staying perfectly in place for the entire day. There are other days when my hair simply refuses to cooperate, wayward spirals springing out of place and the manifestation of an uncontrollable frizz that causes me nothing but frustration. With hair and in life you cannot plan everything. There are days when you will wake up and everything goes smoothly, like when your professor gives the class on a paper without being asked or you were able to get things done on your to-do list. There are other days when nothing seems to go according to plan – you miss your train, or you forgot your umbrella when you rushed out the door to work. But remember: the not-sogood days will make you cherish the great days. With the right perspective and a grateful attitude, you will see the world from an entirely point of view.
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THE ARTISTS OF
COSTA RICA by Anjali Patel
When individuals think of Costa Rica, images of rainforests, wildlife, and greenery often pop into their minds. Costa Rica is extremely biodiverse and known for its many conservation efforts. However, the arts are usually undermined when people think about the country. Costa Rica’s art scene may not be as tremendous compared to that of other nations but it does exist. Bringing lesser known artists and art forms into the spotlight can help others expand their creative eye and develop an appreciation for new styles of expression. It is the creators themselves who utilize multiple perspectives and techniques that make Costa Rica’s visual art so diverse. Here are a couple of notable Costa Rican artists. 63
Gonzalo Morales Såurez According to Go Visit Costa Rica, Gonzalo Morales Såurez grew up in Costa Rica and attended college in Spain. This particular artist has produced several hyper realistic pieces. Many of his paintings resemble portraits of individual people in various settings. Although some of his works are more dramatic than others, they all have this indescribable essence of mystery with just enough clarity to draw viewers in and drive them to glance just a little bit longer. A notable work from this artist which can be found here reflects a young woman with two braids rolling down her shoulders wearing a red tank top. The background is dark with a glass vase containing a green plant and white specks, which look like sparkles bursting out of the glass. There is something about the color combination and the woman’s gaze like glare that makes the painting so remarkable.
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Jorge Gallardo Go Visit Costa Rica reports that Jorge Gallardo often created images of ordinary Costa Rican citizens living their normal lives as people. Many artists have dedicated large amounts of time and energy into painting pictures of the famous few who live lavish lives full of comfort and fine dÊcor. It is nice when appreciation is given towards ordinary inhabitants pursuing practical trades and lifestyles. This type of art portrays the significance and necessity of minimalism prevailing in the future. Jorge Gallardo’s palette consists of bright colors and lots of greens and yellows. One of his noteworthy paintings comprises of a man and a woman wearing simple white clothing under an umbrella on the beach handling fruits and fish. This painting gathers some of Costa Rica’s valuable physical assets including the variety in fresh foods and the beautiful beaches.
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Tony Jiménez There is no reason the natural world cannot be combined with the creative world. Art gives many artists such as Tony Jiménez an outlet to use natural materials to create 3D works. Go Visit Costa Rica explains how this artist takes wood from natural resources and uses it to build sculptures, often of the human body. Since he uses wood, Jiménez’s work embodies natural tones and colors. The material and elegant structure of his work makes his art appear real and alive as opposed to artificial and dead.
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WHY ARE ALL OF MY IDOLS MALE?
by lindsey taft Throughout my life I’ve been a self-proclaimed nerd. My early interest in musical theater continued to expand and turn to TV shows, movies and books. The posters of these characters cover the walls of my bedroom, but there is one distinct detail that I’ve noticed: they’re all male. I look back on them all and think about why I chose these particular men in the first place. An onlooker would probably say I picked them simply because they were attractive. While that might have been true at the beginning, there must be a deeper reason as to why these men resonated with me so strongly. First, I was interested in Sherlock Holmes, the BBC series specifically. He was portrayed as a calculating machine without emotion who could solve puzzles incredibly quickly. I discovered him when I was still in high school, an emotionally charged point in my life, where I often wished I could turn all of my feelings off. There was a comfort in someone with such incredible focus that all the trivial parts of life just faded away. At the same time, I discovered Doctor Who, played by Matt Smith. This was a bit of an opposite approach than Sherlock: he felt things deeply, but instead of shutting off emotions, he does his best to do right by people. His whimsical personality gave his world a feeling of escapism, something else I also needed at that time. More recently, I started watching Supernatural and immediately was drawn to Dean Winchester. His self-loathing was a common theme in his story arcs, which I resonated with due to mental health struggles I’ve had in the past. We shared the responsibility of being the older sibling and 69
he helped me learn how to be tough in this world. There were very few regular female characters on Supernatural, and most that did turn up were villains. So there are reasons as to why I chose these men, but why did it all have to be men? How come in my vast Netflix journey I haven’t found more than one or two female characters I relate to with all my heart? There’s been a theme in media today of “the strong female character”, which has caused an unnecessary rift in creating women in movies. They are either strong, tough, and have nothing shake them, or they can be vulnerable and emotional, simply for the male character to have some reason to show a hole in their thick armor making them seem more relatable. There seems to be no in between. Also, these characters are all considered brooding and at some points antiheroes. One would never describe a female character as brooding or as an anti-hero. If a woman were to behave in that way, she would probably be disliked and considered annoying, but if a man behaves that way, it creates sympathy. Women portrayed in the media need to be allowed to feel the entire spectrum of emotions and have variety in their behaviour. The reason why I tend to relate to the men so much is that their emotions actually have an effect on the story and their decisions, whereas women only seem to be the voice of reason that never gets listened to. There have been improvements in the past few years, such as Emmy Rossum’s Fiona Gallagher on Shameless and Imogen Poots’ Kelly-Ann on Roadies. But there should be more: it’s easier to relate to characters when they behave like humans.
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WHAT EXACTLY IS “BLACK GIRL MAGIC?” by Felecia Farrell
Google “Black Girl Magic” and you will find search results from The Huffington Post, CNN, Essence Magazine, Elle, The Guardian, and BBC. The images labeled with the hashtag are those of Beyoncé at the Super Bowl, black students at celebrating at graduations, little brown girls playing with their friends, Viola Davis accepting her Emmy, and so much more. The phrase Black Girl Magic, as many other phrases that call attention to race, has created some controversy throughout the nation, and even among the Black community. The feelings that people have about the phrase lay across a spectrum of emotions, and both sides of the spectrum have made valid points about why it should or should not be used. In “Here’s My Problem With #BlackGirlMagic,” a widely circulated article in Elle magazine, Dr. Linda Chavers passionately voiced her opinion on why the phrase does more harm than good for the female members of the Black community. Chavers passionately described why she believes that the phrase is more damaging than helpful to women and girls of color because it suggests that they are not human, but something different, impervious to pain, heartache, and fear. She also addressed the fact that for a long time physicians believed that Black women were incapable of feeling pain, even going so far as no give them little to no anesthesia during surgeries, Dr. James Marion Sims being one of the more prominent physicians to practice from his framework. Chavers’ vivid references to Black women such as Sandra Bland, Renisha McBride, and other Black women whose lives have been tragically cut short paint the picture of a world in which the lives, creativity, and existence of Black female bodies are not as valued as those of their counterparts. 71
While Chavers draws attention to many, there are others who believe that she and those like her have failed to grasp the deeper meaning of Black Girl Magic. Ashley Ford in particular responded to Chavers in her own Elle article “There’s Nothing Wrong with Black Girl Magic.” Ford countered that the negative trope of the strong black woman, incapable of feeling human pain and discomfort was placed on Black women from an outside group. To Ford and those like her, Black Girl Magic serves as a symbol of self-love and empowerment because it originated from within the Black community, serving as a reminder of the uniqueness of Black women everywhere. Throughout history and in today’s culture women of color face colorism, misogyny, sexism, negative stereotyping, classism, and overt racism. Although Black women are not the only group working to overcome these challenges, in recent years Black women have felt increasing pressure to be shameful and hide parts of their identity. However people feel about Black Girl Magic, it cannot be denied that it has given some women and girls of color a new positive lens through which they view the world and their own self-worth. It is when one group believes themselves to be better than others that it becomes an issue; be it racial, ethnic, class or otherwise. For many, Black Girl Magic is a phrase that encompasses the style, purpose, spirit and essence of all that they hold so dear. It has become a celebration of Black culture, heritage, melanin, and kinky hair. And if the phrase is able to send such strong shockwaves throughout an entire culture, there may just be something magical about it after all.
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THANK YOU! Thanks so much for reading Her Culture's 16th magazine issue. Without a community of dedicated, sophisticated, culture-enthusiastic women, we would not be where we are today. To keep up with all the latest news and culture stories, please visit www.herculture.org.
Special thanks to: the Mulloy family, the Miller family, issuu.com, Alexis Neuville, Matt Maggio, Abby Smith, Meredith Bowman, Emily Kern, Dakshayani Shankar, World Reader, The Prospect, MissHeard Magazine, Luna Luna Magazine, Humans of Vietnam, The Wannabe Scientist, Hello Perfect, New
“Streets of Afghanistan� by Mountain2Mountain
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HER CULTURE MAGAZINE www.herculture.org @herculture New York, NY August/September 2016 Issue No. 16
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