Her Culture Issue No. 23: August 2018

HERCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

MARGARET HAMILTON: Spreading awareness of NASA’s first software engineer

BOOK THAT FLIGHT!

Why it’s important to start traveling now.

ARTIVISM turning your passions into change

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE

FOUNDED 2013 WWW.HERCULTURE.ORG

| @HERCULTURE

from the desk of

THE FOUNDER DEAR CULTURE GIRL, We’ve made it to the 23rd issue of Her Culture’s magazine! In 2013, I was a senior in high school. I never even dreamed of what 23 issues of a magazine would look like…but here we are! I’m so proud of the growth we’ve had for the past five years, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store. Our recently-created book club and newly-formulated podcast are just more ways that girls around the world are starting a #CultureRevolution. I’m so happy that you’re a part of it. xoxo, Kate

MY TRAVEL LOG AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

This month, I will travel to: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Next month, I plan on going to: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ I’ve always wanted to travel to: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

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: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

xoxo

ISSUE NO. 23

AUGUST

/SEPTEMBER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREGNANT IN CUSTODY

PERIOD POVERTY

AUNG SAN SUU KYI

INSPIRATION NATION

OCASIO-CORTEZ

INTERNATIONAL BBQ

12

26

GLOBAL COFFEE

42

16

28

SCHOOLS & PERIODS

50

20

33

IMPOSTER SYNDROME

54

WHY TRAVEL NOW?

ARTIVISM

FREEDOM WRITERS

ANNA MAY WONG

WOMEN IN MARVEL

DRESS FOR TRAVEL

KOREAN #METOO

GUN PROTECTION

FCA CAMP

56

68

84

62

72

88

67

76

93

MORE TO LOVE…

MARGARET HAMILTON: NASA ENGINEER…96 FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS…100 MAKE AMERICA MODERATE AGAIN…103 PEACE, PLEASE…106 MENSTRUAL TABOO…108 A WOMEN’S PERSPECTIVE ON TRAVEL…112 THE IMPACT OF “FEMINAZI” ON GIRLS…118 SOCCER: THE WORLD GAME?…120 GENDER ROLES & PAY ROLES…126 THE AMERICAN COLLEGE DREAM…130 PICKING UP THE UNTOLD STORY…134 THE IDEA OF THE CAREER-DRIVEN WOMAN…139

MAGAZINE STAFF EXECUTIVES Kate Avino - Chief Executive Officer Alexis Neuville - Chief of Staff Katie Collins - Chief Marketing Officer Sareana Kimia - Director of International Development Cameron Oakes Director of Partnerships

EDITORS Maanasi Natarajan Sara Miranda

Sorana Bucseneanu

Delisha Mehta

Sumaita Mahmood

Alana Cohen

WRITERS Dakyung Lee Ashni Walia Essie Thomas Camden Morris Melanie Marich Skylar Cale Red Ali Jayden Hutchinson Chelsi Harris Likhita Yegireddi Areej Adnan Kennedy Castillo Diya Pathak Shaye DiPasquale Stephanie Chang Amanda Lopez Anushka Thorat Katherine Chacon Udayammai Ramasamy Elizabeth Meisenzahl Sofia Barrell Emily Pfeiffer Caroline Warman

OUR PREVIOUS ISSUE:

NEWS CULTURE

Pregnant Women Report Mistreatment in ICE Custody by elizabeth meisenzahl HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 13

I

n December 2017, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Thomas Homan issued a change to ICE policy regarding pregnant women in their custody. Since 2016, the standard procedure when pregnant women were in custody was to avoid detaining them based on the health risks posed by detention. However, the new policy allows ICE to detain pregnant women as they would anyone else in order to comply with President Trump’s executive order mandating stricter immigration enforcement.

Although the previous policy did not completely stop the detention of pregnant women — ICE detained hundreds of pregnant women during this time according to a complaint filed by the American Immigration Council — the updated policy will keep more women in custody, and for longer, as they wait for their often lengthy hearings.

In many cases, the detention of pregnant women in the often poor conditions of ICE centers leads to serious health complications. One woman, seeking asylum from gang violence in her home of El Salvador, alleges that her pregnancy became high

PAGE 14

risk after ICE transported her to different facilities more than six times, one of which involved little access to food or restrooms. She experienced vomiting and weakness, but was denied medical attention.

Other women report being shackled around their stomachs during transportation to ICE detention centers.

One woman, identified only as “E” in a Buzzfeed report, stated that ICE officials left her to suffer a miscarriage without any medical care. “They said it was not a hospital and they weren’t doctors. They wouldn’t look after me,” E told Buzzfeed.

Although ICE released a statement saying that appropriate medical care is provided to all detainees, several government officials are calling for the investigation of the consequences of detaining pregnant women. “What they’ve endured is shocking and heartbreaking,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in a tweet. Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Tom Carper (DDE), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Patty Murray (D-WA) have written a letter to the Department of Homeland Security encouraging the investigation of the new policy.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

Despite statements to the contrary by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, RAICES lawyers working on behalf of detained immigrants say that they have never seen the separate housing for pregnant women that Nielsen spoke of before Congress.

Nurses and obstetricians tasked with providing healthcare to the pregnant women have come forward to speak out

against the poor treatment of the women. In addition to the health risks posed by shackling pregnant women’s stomachs, the nurses report seeing the pregnant women only once for a checkup during the entire pregnancy. Despite these obstacles, healthcare providers and lawyers plan to continue to fight for the rights of pregnant women in ICE custody.

How Period Poverty Affects People Who Menstruate Around The World. by shaye dipasquale What comes to mind when we think about “poverty”? Many people associate the state of being extremely poor with a lack of access to food and adequate housing. Unfortunately, this is an incomplete illustration of what living in poverty looks like for people who menstruate.

price of having a period adds up quickly.

When proper products are not affordable or accessible, people may be forced to use only one tampon or pad for multiple days. Other people seek out alternatives to menstrual products, using newspaper, tissues, socks and rags to control their flow. These unsanitary practices can lead to very serious health risks, including yeast infections or toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening illness.

“Period poverty” refers to a lack of access to menstrual products due to financial constraints. Between pads, tampons, cups and pain relievers, the HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

Periods are often systemically oppressive – used as an automatic way to disqualify people who menstruate from participating fully in various aspects of public life. The stigma surrounding menstruation frequently forces people who menstruate to stay at home, to miss work and to skip school.

viewed as “nonessential luxury items” – even though people who have periods have no say in the matter. In Australia, menstrual products are taxed at 10% under a goods and services tax. Slovakia’s basic goods rate places a 20% tax on menstrual products.

Period poverty advocates argue that menstrual products serve the basic biological needs of people who menstruate and should be classified with other unavoidable, tax exempt necessities. Kenya was the first country in the world to abolish its sales tax for menstrual products. In 2015, Canada removed its tampon tax in light of an online petition that garnered thousands of signatures. Unlike the United Kingdom, Ireland levies no value-added tax on tampons, panty liners, and sanitary towels.

This narrative is not isolated to people in developing countries - period poverty negatively affects the quality of life for lowincome people, even in the wealthiest countries in the world. A 2017 survey conducted by Plan International UK found that 1 in 10 British women between the ages of 14 and 21 have been unable to afford sanitary products at some point in their lives. On social media, many people have questioned this statistic, finding it difficult to believe that such a disparity could exist in a country ranked as one of the top 30 richest nations by Business Insider.

Such government initiatives will hopefully inspire other nations to follow suit to take action to fight period poverty. Until then, it is important that everyone does their part to help normalize menstruation. Getting educated on menstruation and sharing the knowledge with others is vital to gaining ground in this ongoing fight, regardless of whether they menstruate or not. The burden of period poverty should not fall solely on the shoulder of people who menstruate.

Despite a nation’s overall “wealth,” there is a growing number of young people who do not have sufficient funds to cover the basic costs of shelter, food and personal hygiene.

Experts say that the average American person who menstruates spends over $70 a year on menstrual products. For people who are experiencing homelessness or food insecurity or are from low-income households, spending that kind of money on disposable products is just not feasible.

Dismantling the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation and circulating accurate information regarding menstrual health benefits all of society. No one should have to put a price on feeling clean, healthy and dignified.

A huge part of the problem is that menstrual products are generally taxed and

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 19

Is Aung San Suu Kyi still Myanmar’s Peace-Keeper? by dakyung lee

N

obel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi is regarded as the modern peacekeeper of Myanmar.

But with the current ethnic cleansing crisis of minorities in the Southeast Asian nation, the Myanmar’s State Counsellor once respected devotion to peace has come into question.

As the daughter born to an influential political family, Aung San Suu Kyi felt an immense duty to serve the people of her country. With many young female activists inspired by her qualities as a true civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi preserved order and harmony in her country and helped create a civil government in a country torn apart from numerous military dictatorships.

Although her activism allowed her to create a name for herself, her protests angered the Burmese government and Aung San Suu Kyi was imprisoned and placed on house arrest multiple times.

Due to her bold and empowering actions, Aung San Suu Kyi became a symbol of hope and prosperity to humanitarian communities around the world. Her reforms in Myanmar

PAGE 22

dramatically increased Myanmar’s emergence as an important nation and also garnered the attention and support of many Western nations.

However, several international communities are currently outraged at Aung San Suu Kyi’s silence on horrible crimes and murders of thousands of innocent Burmese Muslims.

Many other Southeast Asian nations also have primarily high percentages of Buddhist followers. In Myanmar, Buddhism accounts for nearly 90 percent of the nation’s religious makeup. The majority of these Buddhist citizens have started ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya, a Muslim minority. Many of these Buddhist citizens believe that the Rohingya are illegal immigrants who have taken over their land. The Burmese government also refuses to grant citizenship to the Rohingya people. The angry Buddhist mobs and officials have created a hostile environment for the Rohingya to survive in as there are many reported incidents of murder, rape, and arson.

There have already been over 700,000 who have fled Myanmar for

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

for the sake of their lives and are now currently living in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has started to face concerns over limited resources available to the huge influxes of refugees from the Myanmar border. The Rohingya ethnic cleansing has been addressed by the United Nations in its most recent conference. However, there must be more effective policies to ensure no more crimes and forced migrations occur to the innocent people of Myanmar.

has recently lost one of her prestigious human rights awards from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Aung San Suu Kyi has recently addressed the public regarding the Rohingya issue, but she refused to reference the Muslim minority group by their name. Aung San Suu Kyi may have created multiple peace talks and peace conferences for the ethnical diversive country of Myanmar but of the 135 indigenous groups recognized by the Burmese government, the Rohingya are notably absent.

Due to her negligence in the humanitarian issue, Aung San Suu Kyi HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 23

From the refusal to grant citizenship to the Rohingya people and allowing her people to commit inhumane crimes, Aung San Suu Kyi has left her supporters choosing sides. Aung San Suu Kyi must act now and save the innocent Rohingya men, women, and children who have experienced so much discrimination and hate.

The Rohingya must be able to return to their homes without the fear of persecution.

Myanmar cannot be a nation that refuses to stand up for all of their citizens and inhabitants. Our world cannot afford another ethnic genocide, not in Myanmar and not anywhere else.

PAGE 24

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

INSPIRATION NATION how one teacher strike lead to others around the United States by skylar cale West Virginia teachers’ strike began on March 23, 2018, in order to demand a higher pay. West Virginia ranked 48th in the U.S. for teacher pay, meaning that it made less than almost all the states in the country.

The teachers demanded a 5% pay raise, which was a step up from the 1% pay raise they got just a few years ago. The strike also happened because of the PEIA being raised with everything including copays.

Governor Jim Justice signed a bill to ensure the teachers get the pay raise but the bill made cuts into road maintenance and other things the state also needs. The state Superintendent Steven Paine made a statement saying, “all schools in West Virginia will be reopened on March 7.” Most schools did reopen on that day, either two days later or on normal schedule, while some stayed closed to prepare for the students’ return. Because of this work stoppage many students in West Virginia, even though some students did manage to

PAGE 26

get out in late May, some did not get out until June 15th.

This strike helped other states strike back as well. Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina joined in on the teachers’ strike months later. This resulted in Arizona getting a 20% raise and Colorado getting a 2% raise and more spending on schools. Oklahoma increased school funding and teacher raises by 6,000 dollars and support staff raises by 1,250 dollars. Teachers in Kentucky all called in sick to protest against the change in their benefit plan. This forced 20 counties to close schools because they could not get any substitutes. Teachers in the South Butler district went on strike on March 15. They demanded raises and lower contribution rates for health care costs.

North Carolina teachers marched to demand higher funding for classrooms and for higher pay.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

Young Latina Woman Becomes One of The Youngest Nominees for Congress by kennedy castillo

In what was described as one of the most shocking victories of the 2018 midterm election season a 23 year old Latina woman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeated Joseph Crowley in the democratic primary in New York’s 145h congressional district. The victory has resulted in her becoming one of the youngest nominees for congress.

Ocasio-Cortez has never ran for public office before. She is originally from New York City and attended Yorktown High School. In high school she participated in the National Hispanic Institute’s Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session where she became LDZ Secretary of State. She attended Boston University and was an intern with U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. She graduated from college with a degree in economics and international relations. In 2017 she was also honored as the National Hispanic Institute’s Person of the Year by Ernesto Nieto.

PAGE 30

The young politician describes herself as a democratic socialist. Her campaign supports policies such as medicare for all, tuition-free public college and gun control policies. She also supports the abolishment of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. Ocasio-Cortez has also been an advocate for granting Puerto Rican’s further civil rights and is part Puerto Rican.

Ocasio-Cortez will face republican nominee Anthony Pappas in the general election, which will take place on November 6th of this year. Pappas has not actively campaigned, which means it is highly likely Ocasio-Cortez will win the primary election.

If elected she would be the youngest woman to ever be elected into the U.S. House of Representatives.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

JOIN THE HER CULTURE BOOK CLUB! herculture.org/ book-club

WELLNESS

CULTURE

THIS LAND WAS MADE FOR YOU & ME five alternative BBQ foods celebrating different immigrant cultures in the United States by essie thomas

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 33

W

e were taught from a young age that the United States is a “Melting Pot”. Much like the fondue pot of a great restaurant chain, America is based off the principle that once you melt enough of the good things together, a pretty delicious thing can result. As good liberals, my friends and I like to tell ourselves that it’s the new presidency that has changed the tide’s opinion on immigrants, that we are worse now than we ever have been toward the unknown newcomer to our shores. But that’s not really true is it?

As we are a fairly new country in the world, we had to grow quickly, and rise to power with both diplomacy and financial stability. This required a population explosion. We needed new bodies on our shores to do the work that already established Americans didn’t want first dibs on. We needed immigrant labor to work the 17 hour days in Andrew Carnegie’s steel factories, or to drive the railroad spikes of the Vanderbilt family westward.

Immigrants then were viewed as immigrants are now, job stealing opportunists. The reasons for the majority of immigrants that left their home then, are the same reasons the majority of them leave their home countries now: escaping war, extreme crime, poverty, or simply the promise of a better life.

So this summer, while you fight the depression and rage that occurs from just glancing at a recent headline, eat your feelings with these alternative BBQ meal ideas celebrating the different immigrant populations that we are lucky enough to have contributing their delicious dishes to our country!

PAGE 34

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

MEXICAN GRILLED PORK TACOS WITH CILANTRO AVOCADO CREMA Pork is a cheap and efficient meat popular around the world and especially in Latinx countries. Hogs are easy to feed, grow quickly, and are ready to be slaughtered in less than a year. First introduced to the Mexican region after European invaders’ arrivals, the meat is still popular today.

The ground beef tacos from your college “Taco Tuesday” nights have nothing on these bbs! Grease your grill rack with a little olive oil and then turn the heat on to medium and close the lid to allow the grill to properly heat up.

Take a trimmed pork tenderloin and pat dry with a paper towel. Then rub a mixture of salt, black pepper, chipotle chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder all over the tenderloin. Once you place the tenderloin on the grill, close the lib again to cook the tenderloin evenly, turning once and awhile to get an even char all over. In a food processor, combine fresh avocado, lime juice, fresh cilantro, salt, pepper, and fresh crema or sour cream to achieve a creamy, thick sauce. Season to taste. Once the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 150 degrees F, remove the tenderloin from the grill and let rest for seven minutes before you shred or chop the tenderloin. Layer the meat in a warm tortilla, top with a bunch of fresh cilantro, a dollop of the sauce, and a squirt of lime juice for a delicious summer afternoon lunch.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 35

ARABIC KABOB In another area of the world, the previous suggestion would most likely not be appreciated. Pork is considered an “unclean” meat according to Islam, the faith that most immigrants from the Middle East practice.

That doesn’t hinder them from knowing BBQ. Oh, they know BBQ. I have met few Arabic people that don’t take BBQ seriously. Hot coals are cultivated for hours. Meat of chicken, beef, lamb, or mutton is marinated in spices and olive oil, and then skewered and placed over red hot embers.

Someone mans the kabobs, turning them often to achieve the perfect cook.

Even the most ISIS fearing among us could not resist the siren call of that delicious skewer, perhaps dipped in a nice yogurt sauce flavored with fresh mint and lemon juice. Kabob is meant to be eaten fresh from the heat, while the juices of the meat are still steaming and runny.

PAGE 36

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

FILIPINO BBQ CHICKEN BBQ Chicken in the Philippines is not what we think of when we think of BBQ chicken - no sticky sauce in sight. If you show up with boneless, skinless chicken breast, you will not be allowed back to the cookout.

Filipino BBQ Chicken is a double grilled artform. It requires flameless hot charcoals, high even heat, chicken thighs with the skin ON (do not “GOOP” this and attempt to make it healthy - full fat is required for authentic flavor), and a marinade with oyster sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, salt and pepper, crushed garlic cloves, and a smidge of brown sugar.

Marinate the chicken for 4-6 hours in the marinade, then skewer and grill over high heat, turning regularly for that char and brushing them with oil as them cook. Have what they call a “resting pan”. When the chicken is nearly cooked, pull it off the grill and place into the pan. Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the natural juices of the meat to reabsorb into the muscle fibers. After it has finished resting, put them right back on the grill, and repeat the grilling process to achieve a sort of twice grilled, crunchy char to the outside of them. Serve them with a soy sauce, vinegar, and chilis for dipping.

These skewers really pack a punch of flavor and are a nice alternative to the sticky sauced chicken we’re used to in the United States.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 37

GOAN GRILLED FISH Indian cuisine can be scoffed at. It’s not generally taken seriously in the United States. The extent of our knowledge about Indian food tends to be curries and mango lassi. It’s not ENTIRELY our fault that we think this way.

Comfort food in general is not as associated with fine dining. And who doesn’t love a nice, rich platter of Tikka Masala and some crispy, fresh naan.

But Indian food is actually incredibly complex. A great Indian dish could take hours, or even days, to layer the spices and flavors in correctly. Not to mention the extremely different styles of cuisine found within the country.

India has 22 official languages within its borders. That number is just the languages that are recognized by the government. It’s estimated that there are actually hundreds of languages and dialects spoken throughout the country today. With that difference in language also comes a difference in food and culture. Goa is a party town on the western side of the country and sits on the Indian Ocean. Seafood dishes are plentiful here and one of the best things to eat is a grilled whole fish called Pomfret. If you can find pomfret in your local market, snatch that up! It is a delicious and hearty fish, perfect for grilling.

To prepare this dish in the Goan style, you’ll need a whole fish (preferable Pomfret or something comparable), onions, fresh mint, fresh cilantro, limes, oil (tamarind oil is preferred but you can sub your preferred oil), ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, turmeric, garam masala (a dried ground spice blend of cinnamon, bay leaves, and cardamom) garlic and ginger paste, salt and pepper to taste. Wash your fish and marinate it in fresh lime juice, salt and pepper for about an hour. In the meantime, grind the mint and cilantro together with a little water to form a paste and set aside. Chop the onions and begin to saute them in the oil along with the garlic ginger paste and ground spices. Add a splash of vinegar into the pot for acidity. Finally, add the paste of mint and cilantro and fry with everything for another two minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat. Put everything into a food processor and turn on until you have a thick puree. Wash the fish and rub the entire fish with the mixture and place on a grill on high heat. Cook open until the flesh of the fish is opaque.

PAGE 38

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PUERTO RICAN LECHON No, Puerto Ricans are not immigrants. They are U.S. citizens with U.S. passports as they are actually a territory of the United States. But in response to the recent misunderstandings about who Puerto Ricans actually are to us, I decided they should make the list.

Lechon is, in my opinion, pretty damn close to the food of heaven. A whole pig, entrails removed, seasoned with your favorite spices, salt and pepper, skewered whole and turned on a spit over hot coals for hours. Baste frequently to give the skin the crunchy quality Lechon is known for. You won’t be able to do this on your little apartment patio grill, but if you have the space to do it, treat yo’self. Invite all of your friends and family and neighbors over, string up some colorful lights, put on some Salsa music, and have a pig roast. Because this is a special occasion meal. This is a meal that is made with love to feed a large group of people. Don’t forget to buy some Medalla Light beer. And have a great time. Because at the end of the day, all these cultures have something in common, barbeque is a time to have a great meal with the people you love. And we all have that in common, don’t we?

PAGE 40

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

Coffee Culture Around the Globe

by Sofia Barrell

We all know the risks of drinking too much coffee: an elevated heart rate, possible hallucinations and, worst of all, yellowing teeth and bad breath. But,somehow, the average American still consumes 3.1 cups of coffee per day, according to the National Coffee Association.

Even more surprising, especially given these numbers, is that the US ranks only as the 15th largest coffee consumer. But, how do other countries with a much longer history with the caffeinated drink traditionally take their coffees?

PAGE 44

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

ITALY To begin this list, we definitely have to start with the country best known for espresso culture: Italy. Italians have a very particular tradition when it comes to drinking their coffee. A foreigner in the Mediterranean country may notice that in the morning, Italians tend to order milky drinks like Caffe Lattes and Cappuccinos with their Cornetti for breakfast; but, order one of these drinks any time after lunch and you will stand out as a tourist. Typically, Italians only drink black espresso after noon. In fact, espresso is such an essential part of every Italian’s daily life that it is regulated by the Italian government.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 45

ETHIOPIA One of the biggest exporters of coffee in the world, Ethiopia is the birthplace of the hot drink. In Ethiopia, coffee can take up to three hours to brew, and it is done as a kind of ritual coffee ceremony which opens many important Ethiopian events. The legend behind the discovery of the Arabica bean claims that a goat herder saw his goats dancing after eating the bean. He then brought them to a monk who, after discovering their stimulating effects, threw them into a fire which produced the fragrant aroma of the world’s first roasted coffee.

PAGE 46

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

TURKEY Turkey and many other Middle Eastern countries are known for their love of extremely strong coffee. Turkish coffee requires an extremely slow brewing time and uses very finely ground, unfiltered beans. The almost powderlike grinds are left in the coffee when served and you are normally expected to continue stirring as you drink to ensure the strongest and best-tasting coffee. Turkey’s coffee is so popular in the country that it has been added to UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

PAGE 48

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

LATIN AMERICA It would be too hard to list every country in Central and South America but, as some of the biggest coffee bean producers, these countries have strong relationships with the drink. The Spanish Café con Leche, a drink which mixes bold coffee with scalded milk in a 1:1 ratio, reigns in these countries, but they also each have their own coffee drinks. Café Lagrima is a typical Argentinian breakfast drink which is mostly a cup of steamed milk with a dash of coffee. Colombia, one of the biggest bean exporters with almost 560,000 coffee farms, drinks Tinto, a thicker, darker coffee made of the beans that don’t meet the country’s high quality exportation standards. Lastly, Mexico, a country known for its love of cinnamon, drinks Cafè de Olla, a coffee brewed in a clay pot served with a cinnamon stick.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 49

Public Schools to Provide Access to Menstrual Products by elizabeth meisenzahl In 2016, a New York City law mandated that public schools provide access to pads and tampons for students. Now, the rest of the state and several other parts of the country are following suit, passing laws that carve out space in the education budget for access to menstrual products in public schools.

taxpayers shouldn’t bear the burden of paying for menstrual products, even stating concern that girls would “grab the whole box.”

“Let them then. If a girl is so poor that she needs to steal a few tampons, then go ahead,” said one commenter on a Facebook post about the issue.

Supporters also noted that allocating money in the budget for these products would defray the costs of school nurses and administrators, who sometimes pay out of their own pocket to provide lowincome students access to the necessary items.

Two years after New York City adopted the policy, a similar provision made its way into the state legislature. Though providing free menstrual products in all New York public schools became a part of the budget, the process was not without controversy. Critics argued that

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 17

Students themselves weighed in on the debate, noting that not having proper menstrual supplies led girls to skip school out of shame, disrupting their education and putting them at a disadvantage with their male peers.

Another aim of the policy is to fight back against the stigma surrounding periods. “No student should miss a day of school or feel ashamed because they don’t have access to menstrual products,” said Governor Cuomo in a tweet.

New York is not alone, or even the first, in the nation to make such a policy. In 2017, California passed a bill that would require schools serving low-income students to provide free menstrual

products in half the bathrooms.

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia had fought for the policy for years, earning her the nickname “the Tampon Queen.”

Prior to this effort, her last two bills that would have made menstrual products tax-free failed to pass. Finally, however, she was successful in this effort, partially because of New York City’s policy.

In 2017, legislators in Illinois passed a bill requiring pads and tampons to be provided at no cost in public and charter schools, citing similar concerns as the legislators in New York City and California: missed school days and unnecessary shame due to periods. The law went into effect in January 2018.

In other parts of the country, school districts are working to assist students in similar ways, even when no law exists mandating that they provide free menstrual products. Pittsburgh schools have partnered with SisterFriend, a local non-profit, to ensure girls have an equal opportunity to succeed in schools, and will not be held back by a lack of access to menstrual products. “It’s an issue that all schools should be aware of,” Tamara Whiting, founder of SisterFriend, told the Pittsburgh Gazette, “It’s about breaking down all these little barriers that we may not even think of.”

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 53

IMPOSTER SYNDROME: DOES IT AFFECT YOU? by diya pathak Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve the success you have achieved? Or think that maybe you are a fluke and it’s only a matter of time until people take notice that you are not as smart as you made yourself seem? If any of these statements hold true, you are likely facing Imposter Syndrome.

field are more susceptible to this feeling.

With already a glaring gender imbalance between men and women in technology, women feel that they are not as ‘smart’ or as ‘knowledgeable’ as their male counterparts.

With one or two women out of 20 men in a meeting, some are afraid to ask questions or state their opinion as it will make them ‘exposed’ with their lack of knowledge.

Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that you don’t fit in somewhere because you’ve convinced yourself that you are not good enough to be there. You also feel this way when you believe that everyone else knows what is going on, and you barely even know half, if anything at all. Or when you are learning a new subject for the first time, you feel like the knowledge that you have gained is just a subset of the knowledge you think everyone already knows. Over 70 percent of all men and women have felt this way one way or another in their lifetime, causing stress, depression, if not clinical anxiety.

When you facing Imposter syndrome, it is important to understand that if you feel like you don’t understand things and everyone else does, you are most likely wrong! In reality, the same people that you hold higher than yourself may also feel the same way and are also afraid and not confident in their abilities.

If you are facing Imposter Syndrome, the first step is to recognize you are going through it. Finally, remember that you are probably just as qualified as your peers, and you have made it to the position you are in because you deserve it.

While Imposter Syndrome is relevant in most industries today, women in the tech

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 55

Why Traveling Will Open Your Eyes by amanda lopez

W

hen my friend, a young redheaded girl from rural Vermont, told me that her town was 98% white, I was shocked. Hailing from the culture hub that is Miami, I grew up experiencing rich cultures from around the world. All my friends originated from a foreign country.

Hispanic Heritage month merited huge celebrations at school.

Breakfast always consisted of croquetas, or arepas, or tequeĂąos.

Spanish was spoken nearly everywhere. Living here meant always being able to experience something new right at home.

It wasn't until I spent a summer abroad with the program Youth Ambassadors that I realized this wasn't the case nation-wide. Not everyone is able to experience different cultures as much as we do in Miami and other large cities. The program brought together kids from all over the states, from sunny California to southern Arkansas, and I was able to hear many different perspectives about how life is like in

PAGE 58

different parts of America. To me, it was weird that they didn't have a Venezuelan restaurant or a Cuban bakery around every corner and to them it was strange that I did.

Youth Ambassadors took us to Argentina and Chile where I watched the wonder in their eyes at seeing South American culture, how taken aback they were when they had to give a kiss on the cheek instead of a hand shake, how excited they were to try new foods, but most importantly, I watched how they slowly stepped out of their little bubble and experienced the world through fresh eyes. One part of the program was home stays. Prior to arriving in our host country, we were paired with a host family whom we would be living with for a week. We were all intimidated a this prospect, having to live with a foreign family from a culture completely different than ours and having to feel like an outsider. However, for most of us this would be one of the best experiences of our lives.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

My host country group arrived in Argentina after an activity packed week in Chile’s capital Santiago anxious but excited about what the week would bring. Those who didn't speak Spanish as well as others were especially anxious. After being with our host families alone for two days, we were all really excited to reunite. I expected most of my fellow ambassadors would still be a little weary, but instead they were just very enthusiastic and excited for what is to come. They loved eating asada and having empanadas for breakfast and I loved seeing other people experience and enjoy different cultures just as I had growing up.

world. You can explore what your city has to offer or voyage to the hidden wonders of your state. Something as simple as going to a local cultural center or monument helps to enrich the mind and make new experiences.

Travel is enriching. It is empowering.

And, it fills us with knowledge about people and cultures that we would never be able to get from sitting in a classroom. It teaches us about what it is to be human on this vast world.

It's important to get out there see the world and look at life at a perspective other than you own. It makes you understand issues and people and yourself. And, most importantly, the experiences you have while you're travelling shape you into a new more cultured person.

Travelling also does not have to be trips that go far and around the

PAGE 60

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

ART

CULTURE

ARTIVISM: A GUIDE TO PROTECTING YOUR PEACE DURING POLITICAL TURMOIL by red ali

There are several struggles that I face on a consistent basis as a young creative.

If I’m not finding myself subjected to society-influenced fables that I should have a more “lucrative” back up career or battling with my inability to have self-discipline when tackling the intense periods of time spent in the Lack of Time/Motivation/Inspiration Pit of Despair, then I’m probably spacing out with a blank word document blinking back at me because I can’t quite find the words to accurately express how I’m processing current events around me.

While the above struggles aren’t

over the twenty years of being a Black person in America. My identity as a Black womyn is never separated from my art. Having to balance the social responsibility of being aware of the massacres of Black people in a police state, immersing myself in feminist studies while also existing within a female body, and recognizing when my needs aren’t met nor protected in a capitalistic society can be, in a word, exhausting. Art is my way of communicating my inner self to the outside world. My ability to practice and perfect my craft is something in which I take immense joy, so in the words of

accompanied with a How to Be a Legit Artist guidebook, I do have a bit of an

mother Erykah Badu: I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my sh*t.

arsenal of problem solving tools built PAGE 64

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

I’m not only sensitive about my art, however, I’m sensitive about my people, too. Black life is my favorite muse, and I tend to draw from all aspects: from the gold-tinged buoyant curls of smiling girls, the quiet, ashamed masculine tears, to the strength radiating out of the palms of grandmothers. In high school, I thought that my art had to stay separate from any political commentary that I wanted to make, after all, art was meant to provide me with a peace of mind. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that it wasn’t fair for me to put limits on what I could and could not draw inspiration from. What made my angsty teenage heartbreak more valid than the ache I experienced by Mike or Trayvon’s murders? When I used my writing to reflect and delve deep into the political happenings, it was evident that I had (and have) the power to turn hurt into gold.

Usually what people are afraid to talk about, needs to be talked about. I never want a piece that I create to reiterate the status quo. Instead of trying to tackle an entire issue like police brutality or the high rates of childbirth mortality for Black womyn, I do any required research and then explore a specific perspective.

Never prioritize the problems of the world before your well-being.

Yes, while I would love to see my own vision of world peace in my lifetime, my ability to see the beauty of the world stems from the beauty I see in myself which can often become muddled with all the blood, guts, and glory broadcast through an electronic screen. You’ve heard it a million times that selfcare is crucial for artists and activists alike, and it’s true. Sometimes, it is necessary to disconnect from the world for a while in order for my voice to shine through all the rhetoric fed to me from outside sources.

My art is inherently political because my existence is inherently political. But having my art engage with politics does not mean my art cannot provide me peace. When I use my art as a vehicle of activism, I have a few rules:

Question & Expand the Narrative.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 65

Be adamant in the belief that what will be, will be.

It is not my responsibility to create an art piece that is the final key to Liberation nor is it my responsibility to exhaust my energy on social issues

PAGE 66

created long before my time. But it is my responsibility as an artist to continue the dialog my ancestors created so that we are closer to the end of our oppression. I write for those who will never have the chance again to hold a pen. I create for those who just want to be alive at the end of the day. As long as my people keep speaking our truth, we will be alright.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

FREEDOM WRITERS: IT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE by camden morris

Have you ever been in a class with someone

the help of Erin, she made a difference on their

who isn't interested and is miserable being

education and also the rest of their lives. You

there? That was everyday for Erin Gruwell a

may be thinking, okay good story but how can

teacher at a school full of minorities. Teens who

that affect me? Education affects everyone! This

were so deeply rooted in gang violence and just

shows you that you can make a difference in

waiting to get killed or to dropout of school.

today's society and you should. Even if it means

When I heard about this movie, honestly I

stepping out of your comfort zone. Many

wasn't impressed. Until, I saw it. Freedom

teachers and faculty doubted Erin could teach

Writers shows a selfless woman who gives up

them and make them interested. She was

everything, and when I say everything I mean

heartbroken over teachers giving up on these

everything for these teens. Is it worth it? I think

students. She turned her heartbreak into

yes. She loses her husband in the process but

passion and became even more motivated to

she saves lives. She changes the youth of

prove them wrong. The principal wouldn't even

America. Erin gives them books they can relate

let Erin get them any new books so they could

too, she is interested in there lives. That's

better educate themselves. Erin decided to go

something as a minority in there high school

out and spend her own money on the books.

they've never experienced. It takes them awhile

The Freedom Writers inspires selflessness and

to get used to it. Freedom Writers show how

truly being your unique self. It's honestly

adults truly influence today's youth and truly

inspiring and has showed me different cultures

how important education is. Freedom Writers is

and minorities. I believe it can inspire you too.

based on a true story and many of these students wouldn't have gone to college without

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 67

On Anna May Wong: Hollywood’s Asian Poster Girl by stephanie chang

W

hen I think about all the

immigrant home, Wong grew up among

truth left behind by Anna

the same backwards racial stereotyping

May Wong, the first

and prejudice she would face for a

Chinese-American actress

lifetime. She frequented the cinema

to grace Hollywood’s stage, I find myself

after school and skipped classes to

face-to-face with a handful of

immerse herself in what she understood

stereotypes that remain unstripped from

at age nine as a passion for acting. Two

the films of today. The problem that so

years later, she gave herself the stage

often plagues features of Asian-

name Anna May Wong as a merging of

American narratives is a lack of genuine

both her American and Chinese

representation, something especially

identities.

prevalent during the 1930s.

Prior to achieving international In Wong’s time, this translated into roles

recognition, Wong appeared as an extra

along the lines of “dragon lady” or

in countless films, using friends and

“butterfly,” America’s family favorites at

connections to gain spots in anything

the time. This meant a vicious cycle of

shot near her neighborhood. These

playing the villain in an age where only

roles were uncredited; they couldn’t

white women ended up with leading

provide a springboard for Wong’s image

men, while the Asian girl was left to

to develop in front of the public.

wallow in her sins and skin tone.

Following suit, this led Wong to discontinue her high school studies in

Wong, however, attempted to thwart this

1921, earning her first significant part in

reality throughout her career. She

Bits of Life the same year.

turned down roles in her later years that negatively portrayed Asians, starred in

What is perhaps most astounding about

her own television series, and expressed

Wong’s career as she continued to play

her disappointment in interviews

stereotyped roles that varied from

towards the industry’s treatment of non-

subtle to blatantly offensive is her

white actors.

perseverance in a personal vision. The New York Times and numerous other

Born in Los Angeles, California to a

publications praised her for the

laundryman in a second-generation

inventive acts she could create,

PAGE 70

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

acknowledging her captivating on-

the incident surrounding Ghost in the

screen presence. She was the subject of

Shell is a recent example. An upcoming

global scrutiny, making trips to Europe

film with an all-Asian-American cast

and touring East Asia to both act and

happens to situate its story on the

explore the casting options outside of

narrow stereotype of wealthy and

Hollywood’s bubble.

privileged East Asians, funnily enough.

As a woman of Chinese ancestry born

That is to say, how quickly is

into western society, I consider Anna

Hollywood’s attitude changing? Are we,

May Wong’s story something America

as people of color and viewers of our

cannot: a truth to all the barricades her

era’s film history, carefully examining

country was founded upon. Wong’s tale

the perspectives these films are

is often made into tragedy and

attempting to portray? I believe traces of

mourning. Writers and artists alike coin

Anna May Wong’s reality can still be

her legacy as heartbreaking, only now

found in our society, regardless of past

celebrating her performances in which

laws and norms we’ve left behind. I do

many cases outshined that of her white

not think the passage of time gives way

co-stars.

to progress automatically. While movies that treat Asian-Americans’ experiences

Yet, the irony of it all lies in how Hollywood’s representation of Asian Americans continues to fall short; HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

as real and relatable are fast and forthcoming, it is important to reflect on the roots of these developments.

Alongside Wong are Hollywood’s unsung heroes and villains, each a mirror image to the modern leaders and individuals in the movie industry today.

PAGE 71

MARVEL MAKES A STATEMENT: How female superheroes are becoming the leads

by Kennedy Castillo

T

his year Marvel Studios is celebrating

“Captain Marvel”, which will be about Carol

ten years since its first movie Iron Man

Danvers otherwise known as Captain Marvel

in 2008. In just ten years Marvel has

played by Brie Larson. After “Captain Marvel”

become one of the largest movie

Marvel Studios will be releasing a “Black

franchises ever with its most recent movies

Widow” solo movie and it is rumored that they

making up to one billion dollars. In 2012 the

will also release a Ms. Marvel movie.

first Avengers movie was released, and fans were confused when one of the main superheroes in

By including female superheroes in their movies

the movie was excluded from all merchandise.

Marvel is changing the narrative. Young girls (or

Black Widow played by Scarlett Johansson, who

older ones alike) will not only see representation

also happened to be the only female Avenger at

in princess movies, but they will now see female

the time was not featured on any of the

representation in superhero movies too. Girls

merchandise. A few years later fans noticed that

can now see themselves a smart like Shuri,

the only female guardian of the galaxy Gamora

brave like Scarlet Witch and strong like Black

played by Zoe Saldana was also missing from

Widow. Not only will girls being to think of

merchandise.

themselves as smart, brave and strong but seeing female superheroes will also break

In recent years though Marvel Studios has taken

gender stereotypes. It will no longer be

a step in the right direction and has begun to

considered strange for girls to watch superhero

focus on including female characters in the

movies or read comics.

Marvel Cinematic Universe as well. At this point in time Marvel has introduced many more

Hopefully within the next few years Marvel

female characters including; Mantis, Shuri,

Studios will continue to introduce female

O’koye, Scarlet Witch and many more.

characters into their movies such as SpiderGwen, Squirrel Girl and She-Hulk who are all

In July of this year Marvel Studios released

characters from Marvel comics. Until then we

“Ant-Man and The Wasp” the first Marvel movie

will continue to be inspired by our favorite

to include the name of a female character in the

female heroes that are already in the Marvel

title. The movie not only included The Wasp

Movies. We will also continue to encourage girls

played by Evangeline Lily’s name in the title but

to be strong, brave and smart and to break

also presented the character as strong and

gender stereotypes by reading comic books and

independent even without her male counterpart

watching superhero movies regardless of

Ant-Man. In 2019 Marvel Studios will release

gender.

LIVE

CULTURE

How to Dress as a Female Traveler at 5 Popular Sacred Sites by essie thomas

We’ve all been there at one time or another in

his horse to before he ascended to

our lives, that moment when you show up and

heaven. While it is considered Muslim

realize that you are way overdressed or

property, the right of Jewish prayer and

underdressed for an occasion. Your stomach

pilgrimage are still honored. Jews come

drops. Now imagine being on the trip you’ve

to the Wall to lament the destruction of

been planning for the longest time, you pack up

the First and Second Temples and to

for a daytime pilgrimage, and find out there’s a

place written prayers on scraps of paper

dress code for the site you’re touring. Yikes! No

in the cracks of the wall.

one wants a fashion faux pas, especially at a place considered to be very important to a

Dress for Success:

certain group of people. Here are 5 popular

Clothing for both men and women

tourist sites that also have dress codes.

visiting the Western Wall must be modest. Cover your arms and legs in

The Western Wall Jerusalem, Israel Considered to be the holiest religious site in the Jewish faith, The Western Wall, or the Wailing Wall, is a piece of wall left over from the destruction of the First and Second Temples. While the Temple Mount is considered to be the most important religious site in all of Judaism, due to its entry restrictions, the Western Wall has become the most important site for Jews to pray at.

Muslims claim the importance of this wall as a pilgrimage site, too. While Jews consider the rectangular structure that the wall is a part of as the Temple Mount, Muslims believe that it is the landmark that Prophet Muhammad flew

PAGE 78

neutral colored fabrics. There are shawls for women with bare arms and leg coverings available to borrow if you get into a bind and wore shorts, but it is easier (and more hygenic) to just come dressed appropriately. Try a pair of breathable trousers and a top with sleeves and a higher collar. After all, there will plenty of time to show off your legs when you head to the nightlife capital of Tel Aviv. *Traveler Tip - Praying at the Western Wall is segregated. If you are traveling with a man, don’t forget to seperate yourself from him. There are plenty of signs to show you where to go and it is fairly easy to find each other again once you have finished.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

The Vatican - Italy The Vatican is the seat of the Roman Catholic church and the home of its leader, the Pope. The smallest country in the world, Vatican City lies within the greater city of Rome, Italy, and has such cultural sites within its walls as the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums. Considered by Christians to be the rock of the Church, St. Peter was said to be executed on the site of the Vatican. Millions of pilgriams visit The Vatican every year.

Dress for Success: Modesty is always the right choice. As at the Western Wall, visitors will not be allowed to enter if they are not properly dressed. There are plastic cloaks

available for purchase if you are wearing a shirt that doesn’t cover your arms, or your thighs are showing, but they are not cheap. And really, who wants to walk about in the middle of the Italian summer with a plastic cloak over your shoulders? I’m sweating just thinking about it. Women are allowed to wear skirts that fall below the knee or capri pants and a top with sleeves. Bare shoulders are a deal breaker and that’s when the cloaks come out. Dear God, avoid the cloaks! *Traveler Tip - Buy your tickets to the Vatican ahead of time. The tickets have assigned times to them which streamlines the process and allows you to skip lines and go right in.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Varanasi, India

Notre Dame Cathedral - Paris, France Notre Dame Cathedral is a medieval Roman

One of the most sacred sites for Hinduism,

Catholic Cathedral in the heart of Paris and

this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and

is widely known as one of the greatest

sits on the banks of the holy Ganges River.

surviving examples of French Gothic

Many pilgrims bathe in its waters, in an

architecture. The reliquary that the

effort to avoid the burden of reincarnation.

Cathedral houses is said to the hold The

They are make offerings to the water in the

Crown of Thorns, one of the Holy Nals, and

form of food, oil lamps, and flowers. The

a fragment of the True Cross. Not to

temple’s striking gold domes and an

mention it is the setting for one of the great

impressive site. The original temple was

stories in history about a hunchback

destroyed in 1194CE and rebuilt several

servant.

times. The temple that stands today was built in 1780CE. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Dress for Success:

is actually a series of smaller shrines within

While the dress code at the Notre Dame

the structure.

Cathedral is a little more relaxed than previous locations on the list (because

Dress for Success:

France), remember that it is still an active

Women are required to wear the traditional

Cathedral in the Roman Catholic Church.

Hindi dress of a saree to enter the temple.

Save those cute booty shorts for the Moulin

While you may be allowed to enter the

Rouge and opt instead for a maxi dress and

temple if you are wearing long pants, it is

a little cardigan.

seen as more respectful to don a saree.

*Traveler Tip - Access to the Cathedral is

*Traveler Tip - Purchase your saree before

free but bags are prohibited for safety.

the trip. Areas around the temple tend to be

Leave your boho purse in the hotel room

tourist traps and increase the price of the

and take a dainty wristlet for sightseeing

sarees knowing that women will buy them

that day!

because they either didn’t know about the dress code or forgot. Don’t be one of those women. Order your sarees online for a steal and pack them in your luggage.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 81

The Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii Istanbul, Turkey

your shoes upon entry. Wear shoes that can easily slip on and off so you don’t hold up the line. *Traveler Tip - Plastic bags are provided

Every year, over 5 million visitors travel

complimentary for your shoes upon

to this early 17th-century holy site.

entering the Mosque so that you can

Intricately patterened with blue and

easier carry your shoes through the

white ceramic tiles showing scenes of

building without scattering outside dirt.

cypress trees, calligraphy from the

For an environmentally friendly option,

Quran, fruit and flowers, this structure

pack a reusable canvas bag in your

is considered a must see when visiting

travel bag and use this instead to carry

the city between two continents. Unlike

your shoes. Renew, Reuse, Recycle!

the well known Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque has always been a house of worship for Islam and is one of the only

Always be sensitive to others

one of three mosques in Turkey that

when you travel. Remember, even

have the original six minarets.

if you just view sites like these as a must see before you move onto

Dress for Success: This is another site where modesty is

the closest street food stall, there

required. This is an actively used site for

are many people who view sites

the Muslim faith and people use it as

like these as a religious

their place of prayer so long pants or an

pilgrimage and may have saved

ankle length skirt is required. You may

over a lifetime to be able to

wear a t-shirt with short sleeves as you will also need to have a scarf for your head covering. Wrap the scarf around

afford the trip there. Don’t be the person who chooses that moment

your head and smooth over your

to make a statement with a pair

shoulders. The scarf is simply used to

of rainbow hot pants. Instead,

hide your hair from view and is not

immerse yourself in the

required to cover your face. As with any

experience of pilgrimage.

mosque, you are required to remove

PAGE 82

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

THE KOREAN

by Dakyung Lee

who were accused stepped down from their

The hashtag, “Me Too,”

positions.

ignited a movement.

However, famous actor Jo Min Ki suicide From Harvey Weinstein to Ben Affleck,

amidst his sexual harassment allegations

many men have recently been accused of

has prompted certain critics to label the

abusing their power to sexually harass

Korean #MeToo movement as damaging

women. The victims have been silenced for

and insensitive to human lives. In a socially

years but with this movement women have

traditional country like Korea, the #MeToo

been able to speak up and feel empowered

movement risks becoming forgotten and

to shed light on the misdeeds of certain

quickly abandoned. With feminism as an

famous and political figures.

integral part of the movement, Korea may lose the overwhelming support soon.

Although the #MeToo movement started in the United States of America, there are

The #MeToo movement has illuminated the

various international communities who

underlying misogyny of the Korean society.

have embraced the movement. In particular,

The Korean people understand that the

South Korea, a socially conservative

movement has brought many positive

country, has adopted the movement. This

changes. However for these changes to be

comes as a shock to many as the social

implemented permanently, the process will

culture of Korea often brands feminism as

be extremely slow. Korea’s judicial system

“disgraceful” and “dirty.” Through the

has yet to improve its difficult and

#MeToo movement, Korean women have

unapproachable procedures towards sexual

uncovered the misdeeds of high profile

violence cases. Even though the movement

celebrities, poets, film directors, and

may lose its initial strong approval, Korea

politicians.The disturbing revelations of

has seen a change in the public’s view on

sexual harassment and rape have

women and sexual violence. With the

incentivized Korean women to advocate for

Korean public becoming more aware of the

social change and improved women’s rights.

hardships women face in their daily lives

Acclaimed poet Ko Un who was accused of

and supportive in defending women’s

sexual harassment on multiple accounts has

rights, Korea is socially changing for the

had his poems removed from school

better.

textbooks and libraries, and many others

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 85

A NEW STANDARD IN PROTECTION how school shootings across the U.S. have affected the country as a whole by caroline warman

PAGE 88

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

F

or many in the twentieth

were to remember the seventeen killed

century school shootings were

at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High

not as much of a threat, but in

School in Parkland, Florida. On top of

the past eighteen years this

walking out the website promoted

threat has become more

students to wear organ for solidarity and

impactful. In fact, there have been more

do what would draw attention promote

deaths in the past eighteen years than in

change in their community. About thirty

the twentieth century. This has led to

days later on April twentieth another

worrying about going to school and

big walkout occurred. This one was to

thoughts about what could happen to

remember the Columbine High School

the future generations and their

Shooting nineteen years later and to

education. The growing epidemic has

stand outside for thirteen minuets to

sparked a movement of change as the

remember the twelve students and one

Generation Z kids have had enough

teacher killed.

fright for a lifetime when they are trying to begin their lives and they have to

Both of these walkouts led to many

worry about how to stay alive.

walking to their local, state and national capitals to call for change, especially in

Students have joined the fight against

regards to guns. Some called out

gun violence in schools by having

congress, some raised awareness for the

walkouts that have united students

silent and growing problem in their

across the U.S.A. An example of this is

communities, but there is no doubt that

how the Women’s March Youth

the iGen or Gen Z generation has began

Empower website encouraged “students,

to grow the movement for change and

teachers, school administrators, parents

protection while earning an education.

and allies to take part in a

Many of these students have also

#NationalSchoolWalkout for 17 minutes

sparked conversation about the

at 10am across every time zone on

advanced way of guns and their effects

March 14, 2018 to protest Congress’

threw something that past generations

inaction to do more than tweet thoughts

have never had before, on social media.

and prayers in response to the gun violence plaguing our schools and

Students are able to speak out about the

neighborhoods. The seventeen minuets

problem by turning their phone on.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 89

On top of this the younger generation has started talks by asking questions that they couldn’t ask before or at least get the beginning of owners they deserve. Many times questions would be ignored or laughed at because the ones asking were too young and didn’t understand. Now when someone says that we can turn to social media and technology to show that although we shouldn’t be old enough to understand, we have to in order to survive and make a change.

PAGE 90

A new generation has begun to start a even greater fight for their lives and the lives of children getting their education.

The group may be young, but a new standard is being set by the ones who continue to define what it truly means to be protected in America.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

A NEW PODCAST SERIES:

AVAILABLE ON iTUNES & GOOGLE PLAY

FCA CAMP & HOW IT CHANGED ME by camden morris

FCA stands for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, but you really don't have to be a athlete to be apart of it. You don't even have to be a Christian -- it's just about spreading the word of God to everyone.

I've been involved in FCA since middle school, but my junior year of high school, I started getting more involved, leading devotions and speaking the word of Christ. That's when I decided to go to FCA camp. I was not prepared for what was ahead.

At first I was completely exhausted going to bed at 12 getting up at 6. I just wanted to sleep. The third night, well, that's when it all changed. They had this band that would sing covers and they spoke to me. To see so many new friends and sisters and brothers in Christ just letting free and expressing their love for Him, it was truly inspiring. I decided from then on, I wanted to be better. I texted one of my close friends immediately saying, I want to be better.

PAGE 94

What do I mean by that? I want to be a better follower in Christ, daughter, friend, I just want to be better. I want to be a “ fruit cake “. A fruit cake for Christ. I want him to shine through me and to use my life to honor him. Even if I fail daily, he reminds me that he will always be there. I am forever thankful for my FCA Leaders who informed me about camp and how to get a scholarship for it. It was one of the best decisions I made this year, & I hope to go back next year as a huddle leader.

Even if you’re not a follower of Christ, you will understand Christianity better and make so many supportive friendships. I broke down crying one night because I just broke, I broke free of my sins and my mistakes. We are all human and we all make mistakes. FCA Camp is judgement free where we find people we can genuinely relate too.

Look it up, I promise you’ll be amazed.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

Margaret Hamilton: The Founder of

“Software Engineering”

by Diya Pathak

I

t may be hard to believe that

successful ‘landing’ algorithms are still

America’s first software engineer

used in NASA today.

was female. With the great gender imbalance in the technology

Margaret Hamilton is said to be the one

industry today, its women like Margaret

who coined the name “Software

Hamilton that inspire the next

Engineering” as a discipline. Before

generation of girls to pursue a career in

then, computer science was not

STEM (Science, Technology,

considered engineering, if science at all!

Engineering, Math). From her humble beginnings in a small town in Indiana,

In 2016, then-president Barack Obama

to coining the term “Software

gave Hamilton the honor of the

Engineer”, Margaret Hamilton is truly a

presidential medal of freedom for her

hero to all.

revolutionary actions that would change the tech industry as well as her greatest

Hamilton was born on August 17, 1936

technical accomplishment of landing

in Paoli Indiana. She was always

the men on the moon for the first time

interested in mathematics as a young

in human history.

girl and continued with her interest, studying it in college as well. After

We might remember Neil Armstrong,

working on several other projects, such

Buzz Aldrin, but only few know

as developing the software to predict

Margaret Hamilton, the person who

weather broadcast using the PDP-1

made landing on the moon possible.

computer, she later joined the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory at MIT. During her time at the MIT Laboratory, her primary focus was on the apollo 11 mission. Using the Apollo Guidance Computer, she developed software and algorithms that ended up saving the apollo 11 mission from aborting their mission during the moon landing. Her

PAGE 98

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 99

HOW TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS IF YOU’RE NOT SURE WHERE THEY ARE YET by amanda lopez

We’ve all been there. That moment at either

I started by googling the usual ‘high paying

a holiday event, a birthday party, or a family

careers’. After seeing a long list of tedious

gathering when you’re asked “So... what do

office jobs and feeling demotivated, I closed

you want to do when you grow up?”. This is

the search. Still recognizing that the

the point where, with a blank stare on my

prospect of college was looming and that I

face, I shrug and say that I don’t know.

still had to narrow down my search, I began

People, for some reason, are typically

to look all around me not just in my

appalled at this answer “You’re so grown up.

community, but at television shows, movies,

You should know by now!”. Well it’s not

social influencers, YouTubers, anything

that easy. I was never one of those kids that

really. I realized that it’s not as we think,

knew they wanted to be a doctor or

there's so many different aspects to

veterinarian or a dinosaur wrangler. My

everything. Love medicine, but have a

young, analytical brain always over thought

passion for writing? Become a medical

and considered all the factors. Yes, being a

researcher or medical writer. Want to be a

doctor seems cool, but do I really want to

lawyer, but at the same time want to travel

do all those years of medical school? Yes, I

and explore the world? Join the Foreign

want a job that can travel, but what about

Service! There's so many combinations of

settling down and having a family? Yes, I

careers and jobs available all you have to

want something easy, but what about my

know is where to look, but how do you do

expensive tastes?

that? Well, my suggestion is to google and research what your interested in.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 101

What if you don't know what you're

the list. So, explore, use all the resources

interested in? This was my moral dilemma,

around you, take dual enrollment course,

but I found the solution. Explore! Join

participate in summer programs (many of

programs, jobs, classes in a bunch of

the great ones are free or have

different specialties until you find your

scholarships), and keep looking around,

calling. For example, during my time in

trusting that you'll figure it out at some

highschool, I've volunteered at Animal

point.

Shelters, was part of Girls Who Code, did a summer abroad with Youth Ambassadors,

Through my quest of self-discovery

took classes in architecture, design, and

(stemming from the quintessential question

public relations, and was part of Her

of “what do you wanna do when your

Campus High School Ambassadors. None

older”), I discovered it is okay to not know!

of these activities are related to each other

Enjoy your youth! Explore what's out there!

in any way, but this was my time to use all

And, most importantly, don’t focus too

these free resources and explore what was

much on the future, everything will come

out there. To be honest, I'm still not

together at some point. However, I would

completely sure what I want to do when I

still have a back up answer for the family

grow up, but I've certainly narrowed down

events for when the grilling gets too much.

PAGE 102

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

MAKE AMERICA MODERATE AGAIN Why finding the middle ground is often shamed or silenced. by emily pfeiffer

PAGE 103

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

R

ecently, it seems that the two

claim I am subcounsciously a member

sides of the American

of their party. Worse, I get treated like I

political spectrum have

just do not know enough to understand

moved farther and farther

that I am really on “their side”. This

apart from each other. As a result, a

rationalization just makes it seem like

black and white view of political

moderates do not care enough to do

affiliation has taken over our

their research. The reality is, I expose

interpretation of ideological leanings.

myself to conservative and liberal

This has left those in the middle feeling

outlets. The problem is that when it

lost in this battlefield for party

comes to having conflictive ideals about

superiority. Both Democrats and

issues such as immigration, it’s hard to

Republicans claim that compromise and

take a middle of the road approach, and

“reaching across the aisle” is their goal,

even harder to talk about it.

but seem to spend much of their time insulting each other. Worse, those that

While I personally believe in strong

attempt to vocalize neutral or centrist

borders and the value of becoming an

opinions are met with hostility or are

American citizen through the proper

considered to be “sell outs” to the party

channels, I think there should be a

they most identify with. However, by

streamlined path of legalization for

considering the bedrock of what

undocumented persons already residing

political affiliation was meant to be in

in this country, as well as a reformed

this country, it may be those in the

path to naturalization. When I try to talk

middle that present the best possible

to my more liberal friends, any

chance for party reconciliation.

reference to conservative sources is met with disdain and disbelief, and vice

This topic stems from personal

versa. As someone who tries to cross

experience, as I consider myself to be

comparison and trust in a little bit of

socially progressive but fiscally

everything, it’s frustrating to see the

conservative. When it comes to

echo chambers forming with no space

controversial topics, I can often see the

for inclusion.

merit of either side of an argument.

However, I have had friends take one leaning that agrees with their own to

PAGE 104

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

Political parties were not meant to

The disparaging viewpoint both sides

operate in this way, despite popular

have of each other will only be resolved

belief. The existence of swing states

once we as citizens start paying

serves as proof that loyalties are not a

attention to more than the main issues.

line in the sand that must never be

We have to become comfortable with

crossed. Additionally, the states that

self-reflecting on our agreements or

switch political identities are often seen

disagreements to even the slightest

as the most crucial for a win, so why is it

details of things. This may bring

that a moderate viewpoint is often

everyone a little closer to the center, but

overlooked in the media and in everyday

this doesn’t mean political identity

life? To identify as a Democrat or

should fade. It just means that a

Republican in the purest sense means

Democrat who is pro-gun deserves just

to subscribe to a larger ideology of how

as much validation in their own party as

large of a role government should play

a Republican who is pro-choice does in

in the lives of citizens, among other

theirs. Only then can compromise start

factors.

to grow. The thing about compromise is, our idea of it right now is the exact

The problem is that considerations of a

opposite of the only way it can be

bigger picture and a more fleshed out

achieved. Instead of declarations to fight

party platform have been torn to shreds

tooth and nail to get what is wanted,

on the glitzy factor one issue politics

each party has to come to the table with

can provide. By the parties focusing on a

a clear understanding that compromise

few extreme positions, political identity

doesn’t mean both sides get what they

now means conforming to everything

want and everyone goes home happy. It

that comes with that one big ticket item

means both sides giving up a little and

on their agenda. This has led to an

leaving unsatisfied, but they know it is

inability of those within their own

more than nothing and are content with

parties to critique the policies of their

what they did achieve. The best place to

officials. Any dissent is seen as a

start this process is with the people,

vulnerability that the other side will

who have the power to come together

pounce on, and thus no one wishes to

and set an example for officials, showing

rock the boat.

them we can think across party lines.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 105

PEACE, PLEASE! by ashni walia

L

ast month as I scrolled down my Facebook feed, a smile crept on my face as I saw a photo of a poster hung in the Capital city of South Korea that promoted peace with North Korea. Oh, and how I wished it was a poster in Delhi that sought for peace with Pakistan. If you don’t already know, India and Pakistan haven’t really been on good terms ever since Pakistan moved out and there have been very few advances from both sides for a peaceful relationship.

greatly offended the pseudo-nationalists who framed her as an ‘antinationalist’ (who is basically anyone who speaks up against the ruling party these days) and she was consequently given rape and murder threats on her social media accounts.

This is a feminist issue too because men who have raised their voice in a similar manner have never been trolled to the extent Gurmehar was. Many also believed that her views were being influenced by someone else because apparently an Indian woman isn’t capable of having strong opinions.

Everytime an Indian soldier dies on the Indo-Pak border, the Indian media and the politicians go on a verbal attacking spree on Pakistan, hence persuading the Indian population to continue to believe how evil Pakistan is! And the story is no different in Pakistan.

So what can we as regular citizens do about it? WE CAN TAKE CHARGE! When the politicians on both sides of the border are busy distracting us from the real issue, it is us- the citizens of India and Pakistan who can truly bring about change by advocating for peace because who needs hate when we can spread love. And as Gurmehar said in her video, “If France and Germany can be friends after two World Wars, then why can’t we?”

To change this belief there have been several actions taken by the citizens of both countries. The most significant one has been a YouTube video made by a then first year student at The University of Delhi- Gurmehar Kaur. Gurmehar’s father had been a Captain in the Indian Army who had been killed in the 1999 Indo-Pak war when she was just 2 years old. In the said video she talks about how Pakistan didn’t kill her father, but war did. This particular statement HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 107

MENSTURAL TABOO Why it needs its own Wikipedia page by areej adnan

Sometimes, things we consider to be “taboo” turn out to be very ordinary, and necessary, to discuss when the occasion arises.

Periods can be considered one such occasion.

Generally, breaching the topic of periods is only meant for a female audience and definitely not in the vicinity of a male. In certain religions and customs, talking about periods in front of males is a strict no-no and can result in some harsh glares and uncomfortable expressions. Females, unable to talk about this with their respective male partners, resort to a trip to the Target feminine aisle while in discomfort and pain for the that next pack of pads.

And complaining about period pains to people other than your girlfriends? Yeah, not going to happen.

But here’s why that’s a problem: Periods are a natural part of life. A biological course that is not in our control.

They will happen, every month, and they can be painful. So why must women suffer alone and hide it? The simple answer is that

PAGE 110

they shouldn’t. Discussion of periods and period pains should no longer considered “taboo” simply because it involves the female anatomy. At times of discomfort, women will need the care and attention of their husbands and boyfriends as they should when they become sick.

It’s not only a matter of caring, however. It’s a matter of accepting of life of how it is.

There’s nothing that can stop the possibility of getting your period randomly in class one day, staining your jeans. However, we can stop the fear of being laughed at for the stains that you couldn’t stop. We can make it comfortable for the female student and male gym teacher alike when she suddenly needs a pad but can’t find one in her backpack.

For those of us that are too used to it, this might not matter to us. But it matters to the little girl with only a single dad who finds blood on her skirt. It matters to the growing girls whose worst nightmare is getting period stains in her class. It matters to the women who are in too much pain to get up from the bed to head to the store.

We didn’t ask for this, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t talk about it. Whether you’re a female or a male, you have a duty to destroy this stigma around periods to make it a more comfortable life for all those little growing girls learning about it.

So start now.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE ON INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL by shaye dipasquale

PAGE 112

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

Fear is the number one thing that stops people from traveling. Fear of the unknown, fear of plans going awry, fear of not being capable enough. I’ll let you in on a little secret:

different ups and downs, cultivating their own memories and lessons. But I think the act of sharing our personal experiences is important, not only for ourselves, but for those whom we impart our wisdom onto.

Everyone who travels is afraid of something, even if that something is a fear of

When I returned home to the States, I felt compelled to share my experiences in the hopes of dispelling some of the myths surrounding women and international travel. I seek to spark conversations between female travelers and to encourage them to share their experiences with others.

missing out.

There’s a great big world out there waiting to be experienced and explored. Many of us get so caught up in perfecting plans and waiting for the right time that we neglect to seize the moment.

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview two college-aged female travelers about their time spent abroad and pick their brains for insight on international travel.

As someone who spent four months living and traveling around Europe, I can attest that I was nervous to go abroad on my own. My whole life I had heard people say that international travel was lifechanging, but I had also heard that it could be lonely and isolating. I wasn’t exactly sure how I would react to stepping so far outside of my comfort zone, but I knew I would be sorry if I didn’t at least try it.

Traveling is such a personal experience. Everyone goes through HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

At the age of 21, Kira Kuhar has already traveled to three continents.

Most recently, she spent three weeks traveling around South Africa, making stops in Johannesburg and Cape Town. During her travels, she explored the effects of apartheid on the nation and learned about the steps South Africa has taken to solve some of its other conflicts.

PAGE 113

PAGE 114

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

If so, can you describe the experience?

Aileen Ida spent four months studying international affairs and journalism in Brussels, Belgium.

While abroad, she traveled to Italy, the Netherlands, France and Germany. At the end of her trip, Aileen spent a week exploring Scotland solo before heading back home to the States.

KK: It didn’t matter where I was— Italy, Canada, South Africa—I knew that I always had to be aware of my surroundings. However, I never felt like my safety was threatened. So long as you stay aware and are smart about where you go and who you travel with, there nothing to really be afraid of. It’s like when you travel to new places within the states. You have to be on guard, but you don’t have to be constantly afraid for your life or anything. Traveling abroad is no different.

The following conversation has been edited for clarity.

SD: What would you say to someone who states that they are “afraid to travel internationally”?

KK: If someone won’t travel to a country because they are may be afraid of the country’s crime rates or terrorism, then I would suggest that they check out travel advisories on Travel.State.gov. There, the government tells you how safe they think a country is and why. They also tell you if you need to take any precautions. You can look up any country and the advisories are constantly updated so that nothing is outdated.

SD: In your opinion, do you need to speak the native language of the country that you are traveling to?

KK: I think you should have some basic knowledge about the native language. I’ve found that people in other countries don’t expect you to speak their language fluently. As long as you show that you’re making an effort to be open-minded and learn about their culture, they don’t really care what language you speak. When I was in Italy, natives actually taught me a couple of words just for fun!

SD: Did you ever feel like your safety was threatened while you were studying or traveling abroad?

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 115

SD: What tips do you have regarding traveling as a student on a budget?

SD: What would you say to someone who claims that “it is too dangerous for women to travel?”

KK: It doesn’t matter if your trip is a semester long or a few short weeks, don’t be afraid to apply for scholarships or grants. A lot of people don’t realize how much money goes unused for these programs. I’ve found that donors just want their money to be used for a good cause. They don’t mind if you don’t happen to fit all the criteria.

Even if you only match one criteria out of ten, just apply! Your wallet will thank you for it.

KK: If it’s too dangerous for women to travel, then it’s too dangerous for anyone to travel.

SD: What is the best piece of advice you would offer to a first time international traveler?

KK: When you travel, do your research. Know about the place you’re visiting, but also be openminded about the experience. Be confident and show it. I think this advice is universal. It’s not specific to women or to men. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling domestically or internationally. Just don’t have ignorance and you’ll have the experience of a lifetime.

PAGE 116

Discomfort is at the core of traveling.

In a new country or place, we are bound to feel lost, out of place and alone at times. But in these moments of discomfort, we learn how to genuinely experience life. We adjust to using all of our senses to explore and add significance to our interactions. We tune into our intuition and train ourselves to capture the essence of a place for what it is, not just what we want it to be.

Fear is the number one thing that stops people from traveling. Don’t let it stop you.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

The Impact of the Word “Feminazi” on Young Girls

by Udayammai (Meenu) Ramasamy

Even though I was in fifth grade, I remember this moment like it happened yesterday. We were all playing tag at my after school program and my fifth-grade friend (a girl) was it. An eighth grader was also playing and was taunting her telling her that all girls are terribly slow and better at sports. You may be asking why a boy who should be a little more mature was taunting my friend, and that was exactly what I asked him. We both started arguing and I told him that girls

told me it was when girls hate boys. I was shaken, I didn’t want to be known as the boy-hater, especially in front of my crush so for the next two years I stopped arguing with boys who belittled women in general. What I did not bother to learn was that Merriam Webster defines the word Feminazi as “an extreme or militant feminist”.

are exactly like boys, there are some who are good at sports and some who are not. That was when I first heard the word. He yelled out, “I didn’t know elementary schoolers could be feminazis.”

taught me that there was a massive difference between a feminist and a feminazi. Even knowing the difference, however, I stayed low because people who were feminists were not cool. They were looked down upon by people in my school, especially boys.

Two years later, I got a teacher who was a strong supporter of feminism. She

I had never heard the word feminazi so after the game I asked my friend. She

PAGE 118

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

Now I am a rising senior and I have grown enough that one of the first words I use to describe myself is feminist. But some of my friends are not as comfortable. For this article, I asked girls I know if they had been called a feminazi before and 13 out of the 17 of these girls said they had been. They believe that the line between a feminazi and a feminist is very thin. Some still think that a feminist advocates for hatred amongst men.

community because of a fear that was established by their surroundings.

They are afraid to somehow over advocate for feminism so they decide not to embrace it at all. There is also the common misconception that family women cannot identify as a feminist because their significant other might be a male.

While I do believe that there are some “feminazis” in the world, they are a very small minority in this tight-knit group that advocates for equal rights. As women living in this progressive society, we need to become role models to young girls who are still learning from their surroundings. The definition of feminism should be taught from a young age to both females and males, especially how girls should be treated with the same respect given to boys.

Some of them are so uncomfortable that they would prefer to identify with “Equal rights for both sexes” rather than “feminist”, even though both have the exact same definition. While I respect their decision not to identify as a feminist it always irked me at the same time because why would a woman not want equal rights? Many women have been oppressed or kept from this

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 119

SOCCER:

The World Game or the Most-of-theWorld Game?

by Sofia Barrell

W

ith the world cup just

In fact, the United States has

recently ending, we

almost 4 million children registered

Americans may have

with US Youth Soccer, according to

been left with no team to follow or

the United States Soccer

root for, but, still, many Americans

Federation., making us the country

joined the millions of soccer fans

with the highest participation of

around the globe to watch the

youth playing soccer in the world,

world’s most viewed sport. However,

according to the United States

while it may have seemed so

Soccer Federation. Obviously, soccer

popular during these last few

is very prevalent here, but our kids

months, soccer in the US has a

play it in a very different way. In

much different culture and

countries in Latin America, for

tradition to the game played and

example, soccer is something that

loved by the rest of the world. So,

most kids learn to play by

what makes soccer here so different

themselves - they don’t go to soccer

and why is it that way?

camp or pay to be on a local team as is most common in the U.S.; instead,

The most likely reason for the

they play on the street.

unique American mentality when it comes to sports is the way we grow

In most of the world, soccer is the

up watching and playing certain

“everyman’s” sport. People from the

sports. In most countries, the first

lowest income levels are able to play

game kids begin to play is soccer, as

soccer because it requires little to

they learn balance and agility

no equipment, depending on how

through simply kicking the ball

you play it. The U.S., in comparison

around. The same can be said in the

with most of the world, has a

US for very young kids, but as we

relatively high poverty level; just to

grow older, Americans tend to shift

give you an idea, the average person

their focus to other sports.

in the bottom 5 percent of the American income distribution is

Most children in the US start

still wealthier than 68 percent of

playing soccer at a very young age.

the world’s inhabitants, according

PAGE 122

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

to the World Bank economist

Bowl LI (New England Patriots vs.

Branko Milanovic. While these

Atlanta Falcons) broadcasted by

number may seem random in the

NBC in February 2018 had a

discussion of sports, they heavily

viewership of 103.4 million. In

affect the sports available to

comparison, there were only about

children. In the US, there is huge

24 million American World Cup

wage gap which differs from almost

Final 2010 viewers, even though

every other country and which

nearly a third of the world

polarizes the wealthy from those

population watched, according to

less wealthy. Strangely enough,

data by KantarSport on behalf of

soccer in the U.S. is not the sport it

Fifa. This demonstrates the focus on

is in most countries - one available

more “All-American” sports that is

to almost everyone. Here, basketball

prevalent here in the U.S.

has taken over that role. Instead, soccer has become a sport played in

While soccer in the U.S. still trails

suburbs, where the income levels

behind its American ball game

are generally higher. This difference

counterparts like football and

in the types and income levels of

basketball, we are steadily seeing a

people playing the sport also makes

growth in American soccer players

it extremely unlike the soccer we

and enthusiasts as more and more

see played elsewhere, particularly in

people get involved in the game

less developed nations.

each year.

Americans also rely on other sports like baseball, basketball and, most recently, football as their main means of entertainment. For a long time baseball was the “great American ball game” and the sport that would bring in the most revenue and viewership. Today, football has taken its place. Super PAGE 124

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

Gender Roles & Pay Roles by caroline barman

The 21st century is one that has been built

This ideal is continued today with the

on the foundations of new opportunity and

feminist movement which is based on the

equality for all no matter one's gender, race

ideals that women and men should have

size. As much as this ideal is pushed in

continued freedoms. While this movement

society, have gender roles truly changed to

was based on equality, some may say that

fit a changing society?

the movement goes to far and may even put men under women. Regardless there is a

For thousands or even hundreds of years

huge role in society for women, even

before present day women and men had a

though it is no longer in the house. Ever

solid place in society. For women it was

since the 1920’s decision to pass the 19th

staying in the home and taking care of the

amendment women have been changing the

men and children. She would teach them

way society works to a point where they no

their basic skills needed and by doing that

longer have to stay out of society and in the

there would not be a big presence in

home. In fact, 2012 saw only 29% of women

society. Men on the other hand had

staying home with their kids according to

everything to do with opinions and how the

pewsocialtrends.org.

culture worked as they would hold a job and support the family. This all changed in

Although this is less than a third of the

the 20th century when women gained rights

population this is a 6% increase from 1999

to vote and therefore pave the way for new

when only 23% stayed home. A slight

freedoms.

increase could show that these women are turning back to older gender roles in

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 127

society while also focusing on values of the

2001 to 2016. In fact it could be 60 years

21st century by still exercising their right to

later, meaning it could be 2119.

vote.

Men on the other side of all of this have One debate that still captures the eye of the

changed roles as well. Although many are

public is whether or not men and women

still working and providing for their family,

should or do get paid the same amount.

many are not the only one and some may

According to AAUW.org women we’re

even choose to stay home with kids. Even if

getting paid 80% of what men earned.

they work to support their family, they still

While this may seem like a drastic shock

don’t have the full burden of having to

there are many factors that go into this

worry about the weight of supporting the

statistic. Age, race and education all play

family. Now men can share some of the

into this number. More importantly it also

women’s burden too as he can now take a

depends on the jobs men and women have

paternal leave and make it a priority to take

which could mean that if the same jobs

care of the children and house work.

were being chosen by both genders the gap could disappear, but it also could go the

So whether you look at it as a slow

other way and widen the gap.

continuation or a society that never fully changed into something else and might

AAUW says that this gap could disappear as

switch back, there is a change in how

early as 2059 when looking back at trends

society expects men and women to act.

from 1960 to 2016, but this could be even

Lesser strict roles and less expectation to a

longer if you only look at the trends from

new 21st century world.

THE AMERICAN DREAM:

MY EXPECTATIONS FOR GOING TO COLLEGE IN THE UNITED STATES by ashni walia

I

In about 20 days, I am going to pack my bags and move to USA for college. Life as I know it back home in this small town of India is going to completely change.

I feel a lot more nervous with every passing second as the time to finally leave everyone and everything I love comes closer. There are way too many anxious thoughts in my head but I have managed to pen down a few.

PAPERWORK PAPERWORK PAPERWORK!!! - I think people often underestimate how difficult getting a student visa for US is. After filling up forms for hours, you still have to sit through a nerve-wracking interview that decides your entire future! I have done an insane amount of paperwork from applying to schools to getting an I20 and then applying for a visa.

It feels like I have spent the last 7 months of 2018 by just filling up forms. Even the thought of how much more paperwork I’ll have to complete through the next 4 years of college as an international student makes me uneasy.

The good ol’ imperial system At the least it is annoying to know that the entire metric system I was taught in school is basically going to be useless during my time here. Why are pounds written as lb anyway?

English?” Let me break this down, India is NOT all about Bollywood. Yeah, we love our cinema but that doesn’t mean we break into random dance routines in the middle of the day. Oh, and English was the first language I was taught in school, even before Hindi!

Responsibility - As children growing up was the dream, wasn’t it? Well now as reality has started to sink in, I realise how turning 18 wasn’t something that should be celebrated. From learning to cook to doing your own laundry and handling all the bank and doctor stuff without my parents is giving me nightmares already.

But you know what keeps me going? The thought that I’ll be living my dream! A dream that has been mine ever since as a child I saw Shahrukh Khan singing and dancing in Central Park and then magically teleporting himself to the Golden Gate Bridge. That’s what I want to do. I want to stand in the middle of Time Square, see the New York skyline, go to Miami for spring break, get that fancy cowboy hat in Texas, go to a baseball game, see the Hollywood sign, sit in that classroom, get that US education, learn about this fascinating world and pretend to be in a Disney movie. I know it won’t be all glittery and there will be a ton of hard work behind the scenes, but the American Dream makes it all worth the while!

Stereotypes - Let’s not pretend like stereotypes don’t exist! “India is basically Bollywood, right?” “How do you know

PAGE 132

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PICKING UP THE UNTOLD STORY by areej adnan

In a rapidly moving world where our news cycles travel at the speed of light to capture the next biggest scandal in Hollywood or a political breakthrough in Washington D.C., deserving stories meant to be told go swept under the rug, never to be seen in the major spotlight that it earned. Nadia Murad’s story, for example, can only be discovered through extensive digging in piles and piles of the latest celebrity sightings or the next fall fashion line.

Her story is among the thousands waiting for their turn in line, waiting

PAGE 134

for the moment their journey will inspire the next generations.

But because of our fast-scrolling fingers, skipping over headlines and enjoying others, they get lost in the midst.

That’s why it’s our duty to know them, and to make them known. It is our duty, as fellow citizens and kindhearted people, to complete the journey for these stories and bring them to light as they were meant to be. So, if you want to start, start here:

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

NADIA MURAD Nadia Murad is a human rights activists, born in Iraq from a family of Yazidi farmers. When she was 19, Islamic State fighters destroyed the people of her village, killing nearly 600 people (including 6 of Nadia’s siblings) and making women slaves. She herself was taken captive in Mosul, beaten and raped until she finally escaped when her captor forgot to lock the house. Eventually, after escaping, she became settled in refugee program in Germany. More importantly, she became an inspiring symbol for human trafficking victims and refugees. Today, she continues to make a mark on the world as an ambassador for the U.N., attempting to bring comfort who experienced the same pain she had.

LOUJAIN AL-HATHLOUL Loujain al-Hathloul was one of the many women part of the Women to Drive Movement in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, well known for its strict restrictions on women forbidding them to do several things such as drive, recently made a groundbreaking decision to finally allow women to drive. However, the female activists behind the movement that fiercely fought for this rule change remain behind bars, unable to celebrate the victory of achieving what they fought for.

Nevertheless, it is her continued persistence and determination that leads us all to spark a fire within ourselves, and fight to keep that fire going.

TARANA BURKE We might all be familiar with the #MeToo Movement, but perhaps are not as knowledgeable about the woman behind it all. Tarana Burke is an African-American activist hailing from The Bronx, New York.

Before starting the Me Too movement in back in 2006 (before the hashtag days), she founded Just Be Inc, an organization meant for girls between the ages of 12-18 after listening a young victim of sexual abuse. It was after the allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein that Tarana Burke’s movement became an international phenomenon, empowering females of all ages to speak up against sexual harassment and assault.

To do your part, remember these names.

Remember the stories that come with the names and use these stories to tell your children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors so that one day, another young boy or girl would be inspired to change the world. Remember them because all three are examples of fierce courage in spite of obstacles or hardships - thus giving the next person a small semblance of hope to do the same.

Look for the small stories in the sidelines that may turn out to be bigger than the words. History can be made and changed at any time, but it is up to us to determine if we want to change it for the worse or better.

And it begins with just reading.

PAGE 138

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

THE IDEA OF THE “CAREER-DRIVEN WOMAN”

by Emily Pfeiffer

W

omen have been in the workforce

provide for his family and strives hard to

for a long time, and for most of

achieve his goals, while the woman is seen

history their participation has

as the soft-hearted homemaker that attends

gone unrecognized. Only in recent decades

to all the needs of the home. However, a

has the gender barrier in the office started

woman being a workaholic is seen as

to break down. As a result of these new

selfish. Any overtime or eye on the prize

opportunities for women to be promoted

behavior is chided for detracting time from

and gain professional clout, traditional and

caring for a family or supporting a

social ideas have clashed with modern

significant other. By attaching a descriptor

trends. The image of on the “career driven

to the word woman, suddenly it becomes

woman” is a conceptual image of a woman

outside of the norm for my gender.

that is a result of traditional and modern trends coming together. While I consider

Additionally, the distance this creates

myself motivated and put my work and

between women who chose to work in

studies before most things in my life, I find

offices and those who chose to work in the

this term used to describe me and other

home is harmful. While women do have less

women problematic. My male classmates

power in the office space than in the

engage in the same competitive behavior

traditional home, feminism has to reconcile

and prioritize their lives in the same way,

its struggle for progress with acceptance of

but are seldom accused of being “career

past and present practices. It is not only

driven men”. This is harmful in that it

important to make the women who choose

inherently insults the way women are

to “have it all” (which is another debatable

compared to their male counterparts, as

phrase that is in direct correlation to the

well as other women.

term being discussed in this article) feel supported, but also those who choose to be

Being focused on rising up the corporate

mothers and housewives. We are still far

ladder or having ambition is not a

away from it being easy or even comfortable

characteristic that only some girls have. All

to walk this world as a woman, but a good

women have a desire to follow their

starting point is to finally have a frank

passions and make themselves heard. The

conversation as a society. This starts with

repressive backlash that occurs when they

adapting our mindset to realize that being

do is what makes it seem like only a small

motivated is not something that makes a

portion of women are purely devoted to

woman different, but a common trait that

work. A male being a workaholic is viewed

lives up to the natural spirit of feminine

as sacrificial and dedicated, in that he must

strength.

PAGE 140

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

THANK YOU! Thanks so much for reading Her Culture's 23rd 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, Katie Collins, Sareana Kimia, Cameron Oakes, World Reader, The Prospect, MissHeard Magazine, Luna Luna Magazine, Humans of Vietnam, The Wannabe Scientist, Hello Perfect, New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Molly and Fox Magazine, The Fem Lit Magazine, H.E.R.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 23

PAGE 141

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE WWW.HERCULTURE.ORG @HERCULTURE NEW YORK, NY AUGUST/SEPTEMBER ISSUE NO. 23