e r u t l u c r e h Issue 17 / October 2016
OH, MY SPICE! Did you know that some of the spices in your cabinet have strong cultural roots, literally?
BUDDHIST BICYCLISTS
Learn how these nuns are fighting human trafficking one mile at a time.
WORK WITH US!
Positions at Her Culture available now!
THE ADVENTURES OF TRAVEL Even young women can experience life changes 1 through travel; learn how with one girl’s story!
My Travel Log OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016
This month, I will travel to: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Next month, I plan on going to: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ I’ve always wanted to travel to: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ 2
The countries I’ve been to are: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ My favorite article from Her Culture this month is: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ 5 things I’ll remember for my next trip: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ I can start a #CultureRevolution by: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
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xoxo
letter from
THE FOUNDER
Dear Culture Girl, Thank you so much for taking a look at Her Culture’s 17th magazine issue. I am so grateful for your support for the organization, and I encourage you to get involved on a deeper scale. This issue, I challenge you to have an open heart about the world around you. Do research about something you normally wouldn’t think about. I have found that the best way to learn more about my world is to just read little tidbits of information on the web whenever possible. I also encourage you to learn a new skill. I am challenging myself to learn calligraphy as we speak! Find something that will make you happy and peaceful when you are feeling stressed out or down. I promise it will make all the difference! From one girl starting a #CultureRevolution to another, go get ‘em!
Kate
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Her Culture Magazine Founded 2013 www.herculture.org @herculture
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Culture Features
COVER 12
ISSUE NO. 17
OCTOBER
BUDDHIST CYCLISTS
These women are making a difference in human trafficking
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INDIAN SPICES
You have these common spices in your cabinet! 42
TRAVELING YOUTH
Why it’s important to travel while you’re young
/NOVEMBER
NEWS 18
AVA DUVERYNAY
The first WOC to direct $$ movie
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SanFran’s MELTING POT
Learn how this city is leading the way in diversity
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FEMALE AFGHAN FARMERS They’re changing the scene in Afghanistan
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BROCK TURNER How his case contributes to the US’s national rape culture
LIFE 32
THE FINAL FIVE
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WHO IS RBG?
How these fabulous gymnasts have changed the game
A look into the woman’s life and legacy
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MODELING INDUSTRY
Does it really show diversity, or do we still have a long way to go?
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WORK FOR US
Check out some of Her Culture's new volunteer opportunities
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JANE EYRE
…on Feminism
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FOOD ALLERGY CULTURE
You're not alone!
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FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS
College culture could be doing more for them!
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WHAT’S THE ERA?
Equality for women? That sounds cool.
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magazine staff executives KATE AVINO
ALEXIS NEUVILLE
Founder & CEO
Chief of Staff
KATIE COLLINS
MATT MAGGIO Chief Financial Officer
SAREANA KIMIA
Chief Marketing Officer
Director of International Development
editors & writers Ashwini Selvakumaran Catherine Foley Claire Tran Daniela Frendo Grace Halvorson Radhika Sharma Anjali Patel Felecia Farrell Harika Kottakota Isabel Oberlender Kaitlin Hsu Lindsey Taft Michelle Chan Nicole Anderson Olivia Hu Alexandra Curtis Shaye DiPasquale Sherah Ndjongo Simone Lewis Soumya Uppuganti
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BUDDHIST NUNS FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING…WITH BIKES by Shaye DiPasquale 12
The earthquake that shook Nepal in April of last year continues to foster devastating repercussions for those who live along the border between Nepal and India. In the span of three months following the natural disaster, over 700 Nepalese women and children had been smuggled into India, where they were promptly sold into prostitution or forced labor. For the most part, the weak Nepalese government has been unable to effectively protect its citizens and shut down this dangerous hub of human trafficking. Fortunately, more than 500 Buddhist nuns are on a mission to bike ride across the Himalayas to raise awareness about human trafficking and gender equality.
nuns hoped to spread awareness about the environmental issues and the violence that are affecting the people of Nepal and India. Diesel fumes, smoke from coal burning, the burning of waste, and even the burning of incense at temples have all contributed to an accumulation of soot that is hanging over the Himalayas. Gradually, this air pollution is melting the Himalayan glaciers and causing a variety of respiratory ailments among the locals. The nuns hope to teach the villagers that they encounter about the importance of pursuing more ecofriendly lifestyles, such as riding bicycles to work instead of using public transportation. When the nuns come across regions that are plagued by violence and conflict, they host lectures on the importance of acceptance and tolerance amongst all people. However, the number one goal that the nuns hope to achieve by traveling throughout the Himalayan region is to promote female empowerment.
This past summer, the Drukpa Lineage nuns, who belong to an order of Himalayan Buddhism, cycled across various terrains and through all sorts of weather on a “yatra,” or pilgrimage. Their journey began in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal where the nunnery is located and ended in Ladakh, India. By the end of their journey, the nuns had traveled more than 2,500 kilometers.
Gender inequality had been a prevalent issue throughout the Himalayan region – India, Nepal and Pakistan – long before the social and economic damage caused by the Nepal earthquake. According to the World Economic Forum, these three countries
The nuns made stops in remote villages to lead locals in prayer and to share teachings of peace and respect. Along with their mission to address the growing human trafficking crisis, the 13
consistently rank amongst the countries with the worst global gender gaps. The Nepal earthquake economically devastated hundreds of families, leaving the region incredibly susceptible to crime and violence. Mothers and fathers were so distraught that many were willing to hand their daughters over to traffickers, who promised to provide these young girls with opportunities for a better life.
cooking and cleaning, the Gyalwang Drukpa has encouraged nuns to study the same profound teachings that were once reserved for monks. He has also brought in a Vietnamese martial arts expert to teach the nuns kung fu in an effort to bolster their self-esteem and confidence. The “Kung Fu Nuns” are perfect examples of the type of strong, intelligent and empowered female leaders that are necessary to bring change to the Himalayan region. They are proving that women can face a variety of obstacles - poverty, physical challenges and cultural stereotypes that devalue women – and still successfully advocate against the human trafficking crisis. By planting the seed of gender equality in the minds of communities where women and girls are at risk, the nuns are actively inspiring people to speak up and to make a difference. While this one bicycle yatra might not change the entire social climate of the Himalayan region, it just might spark enough change to effectively combat the human trafficking.
The nuns are determined to use their yatra to show women and girls in these vulnerable situations that they have the power to hold control over their own lives. The people of these remote regions place a great amount of respect upon religious practices and those who they view as wielding religious authority. When a group of 500 nuns visit these regions and express the importance of gender equality, the locals are more likely to listen to and respect their teachings. Ironically, the yatra is being led by one of the only males accompanying the nuns on their journey: His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa. Gyalwang Drukpa has emerged as a strong advocate for women’s rights during his tenure by reforming the status of women within the Drukpa Lineage. Rather than confining nuns to domestic tasks like 14
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IT’S TIME TO START A #CULTUREREVOLUTION Her Culture is the first magazine to explore culture through a woman’s eyes. Join us as we celebrate what makes us all unique, and make a change in the world.
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AVA DUVERNAY MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST WOMAN OF COLOR TO DIRECT $100 MILLION FILM BY SHERAH NDJONGO
If the name Ava DuVernay rings a bell, that's because she is one of the top female directors in Hollywood today. DuVernay came into prominence in 2014 as the director of the critically acclaimed film, Selma, a biopic about Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement, which earned several Academy Award nominations.
same name authored by Madeleine L’Engle. What is most important about this particular announcement is the dollar amount of the project, announced recently, now has guaranteed Ava DuVernay to break a major milestone: she will become the first woman of color and black female director to direct a blockbuster movie with a budget of over $100 million.
Earlier this year, Disney announced that Ava DuVernay will direct its upcoming film, A Wrinkle in Time, starring Oprah Winfrey, that is written by Frozen co-director Jennifer Lee and based on the 1964 book of the
In response to the positive reactions to her achievement, DuVernay took to Instagram to highlight the work of women of color whose work is worthy of a similar budget but who weren't 19
but who weren't given the same opportunity. She placed particular emphasis on the fact that her accomplishment reveals one major drawback; movie audiences have undoubtedly missed witnessing the creations of numerous other female directors of color, "[I’m] not the first woman of color capable. Not by a long shot. This should have happened a long time ago with Julie Dash or Euzhan Palcy or Kathleen Collins or Neema Barnette. We need more. And more. And more. More voices. More kinds and creeds and colors of filmmakers. Thanks to Disney for making it so. And saluting my sister filmmakers. Onward for all of us. xo�
Widowmaker. As for something to look forward to, the forthcoming superhero film, Wonder Woman, will be directed by Patty Jenkins. We have to remember that before DuVernay, no other women of color had been responsible for the production of films with similarly high budgets as A Wrinkle in Time, which received $18.1m in California state tax credit from the state’s expanded Film & Television Tax Credit programme. According to Variety, the film received the largest tax credit among the other 28 eligible applicants. The lack of opportunities for women and especially women of color is a problem that serves as a huge setback to everyone who wishes to bring fantastic films to the big screen. Thankfully, Ava DuVernay is just the first of many who we hope will ensure this is a solvable issue. She is taking great strides in ensuring more inclusion in the film industry and Hollywood by devoting her time to providing more opportunities for women of color in film.
This milestone for DuVernay is one that should be paid attention to for various reasons. First, the chances of female directors and directors of color in Hollywood being approached to direct a motion picture with such a large budget are few and far between. Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow was the first to have done so with her 2002 film, K-19 the 20
She started the distribution company ARRAY in 2010, which was originally known as the African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement. The website states, “Our work is dedicated to the amplification of independent films by people of color and women filmmakers globally." She is working on more projects than ever, including an OWN show called Queen Sugar and has shattered a glass ceiling with implications for years to come. Her engagement in A Wrinkle in Time, which is set to be released to theaters on July 28, 2017, as female directors of color may soon begin to follow in her footsteps.
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a look into SAN FRANCISCO’S CULTURAL MELTING POT
aU y m u
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Imagine that you are in San Francisco.
People come to San Francisco from all over the world to experience this unique blend of culture. The city has an unexplainable force that attracts locals and foreigners to start a new life. In doing so, a unique blend of culture is created. The real question is, what is the secret behind this combination of culture?
As you walk down Stockton St. and into the neighborhood known as Chinatown, you realize that you are surrounded by Chinese culture and the aroma of Chinese delicacies. Strolling into the Fillmore District, you suddenly find yourself in a predominantly African American neighborhood. At the center of this neighborhood is Japantown, a popular tourist destination that reflects Japanese culture. Driving down Lombard St., a historical landmark, you arrive at Little Italy and immediately notice the various restaurants and bakeries. Going down Mission St., you notice Latino culture all around you, from the colorful murals to the ubiquitous music.
The answer is simple--cultural appreciation. Whether it is the Cherry Blossom Festival or the Chinese New Year Parade, there are thousands of people that get involved. These people are from various cultures, religions, ethnicities, and backgrounds. No matter who they are, San Francisco has a way to bring them together to celebrate various cultures. In doing so, the city has created a strong sense of cultural appreciation within its different communities. People of San Francisco simply don’t pay attention to social barriers, which is why there is such a strong sense of unity that radiates from the city.
San Francisco, one of the most wellknown cities in the country, is home to many different cultures, as shown in its architecture, museums, music, art, and festivals. The influx of different cultures date back as far as the California Gold Rush, when immigrants first took an interest in what San Francisco had to offer. The immigrants that came for the gold rush eventually settled in different parts of the city, creating neighborhoods where their culture has been undeniably preserved ever since.
At first glance, San Francisco may seem more like a “salad bowl”, where cultures combine but remain distinct. However, the phrase “melting pot”
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is more accurate since different cultures are essentially “melting” into one another, creating an entirely new culture. San Francisco’s “culture” refers to the city’s ability to create a community where people from different backgrounds can thrive amongst one another. As the days get colder, there are many seasonal activities where you can experience the diversity of San Francisco. These include the Castro Street Fair, the International Festival of Short Films, Oktoberfest by the Bay, and so many more. There is no shortage of opportunities year-round to experience the diversity and history that makes San Francisco a city like no other. To the rest of the world, San Francisco is simply a popular city where the Golden Gate Bridge is located. To those that have been to San Francisco, to those of us who have experienced its cultural diversity firsthand, it is much more than that. San Francisco is the heart and soul of the Bay Area. It is one of the first things that pop into your head when you hear the words “cultural diversity”. It is a city of opportunity, new beginnings, and hope. And most importantly, San Francisco is a grandiose cultural melting pot.
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FEMALE FARMERS FIGHT FOR AFGHANISTAN by Shaye DiPasquale
Women farmers in central
vegetables are being introduced to the range of crops grown in the area. The diverse selection of crops is a crucial commodity for the emerging Bamian economy as it works to wean itself off of the financial aid provided by foreign countries.
Afghanistan are effectively improving the economy of a maledominated society by diversifying the local farming industry. The Shibar Valley in Bamian Province is historically prone to famine and malnutrition – for years, potatoes and wheat were the only two crops that were able to be grown successfully in the region. But as the women farmers gradually transform and sophisticate the farming industry, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, beans and other
Female farmers are working diligently to enhance business practices for farmers and to organize unions that account for a more reliable food supply chain at local markets.
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These women realize that agricultural development is a crucial aspect of molding a more sustainable Afghan economy. The World Bank reports that over 80% of the Afghan population resides in rural communities. Agriculture will be a critical component to combating widespread malnutrition and to creating sustainable jobs in these areas.
as farmers were left vulnerable to trader exploitation. Many locals struggled to meet their own basic food needs for the better part of the year. The Afghan government recognized the issue and encouraged the local communities in Bamain to grow a new variety of crops. Local women’s rights activists began forming local farmers unions with the help of the Ministry of Agriculture, which recognized the unions in 2013. The ministry provided sample plots where farmers could learn the best techniques for improving seeds and mastering irrigation methods. There are now eight official farmers’ unions, composed of about 30 female members each.
The next big task for the female farmers to tackle will include linking farmers to local and national markets so that their locally grown crops can compete with cheap imports. Because of Bamian’s remote location, the region’s terrain creates a strong barrier between the crops and the markets they are intended to reach. Once stable connections are made between the farmers and the markets, the agriculture sector will be able to create sustainable new jobs for locals.
In addition to bolstering the farming industry, the women involved in the farmers’ unions are also reaping the benefits of an improved social status and a growing sense of selfempowerment. In a traditionally male-dominated society, women are increasing their economic activity and their handling of cash flow.
In the past, Bamain was known for its production of potatoes – lots and lots of potatoes. Unfortunately, the overproduction of this single crop ended up hurting the local economy,
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In a reversal of cultural norms, men can now be seen walking behind their wives, watching as the women instruct them on how to better their farming techniques. Women are no longer referred to as someone’s mother, wife or daughter. Rather, they are being introduced as “union leader” or “deputy union leader”, depending on their specific role in the groups.
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HOW BROCK TURNER’S RELEASE SHOWS THE OPPRESSION OF RAPE VICTIMS ACROSS THE WORLD BY OLIVIA HU After a measly three month sentence, rapist Brock
definitely plays into his race and social status.
Turner was released from jail, after the judge cut his
Additionally, his wealth definitely contributes to his
sentence short. And while the details may anger you,
early release. With his father in high social statuses,
the message behind this case is even more shocking:
connections may have played a part.
Rape victims are never taken seriously, and somehow it will all come down to their fault. Whether it is
Lastly, the victim is played out as being at fault. The
alcohol, carelessness, or the fact that the rapist is a
fact that people, predominantly women, are told that
star student or made a ‘small’ mistake, victims will
they cannot have fun and go to parties without
always be blamed in some sort of way.
fearing or bearing the fault of a rape is ridiculous. Yet once again, alcohol is the reason behind the
First, I’ll start by providing a few details on the
rape. The girl is the reason behind the rape. Not the
background story to this rape case which has caused
rapist. Why is that?
quite a stir in these past few months. Brock Turner, a Stanford student, white male and privileged athlete,
The fact that Brock Turner is constantly praised for
raped an unconscious girl behind a dumpster, and
his achievements and wealth, and that the victim is
was stopped by two male students before it could get
put down for alcohol shows the injustice not only in
any worse. Turner’s father announced that he didn’t
society but in the court system. It shows how victims
want him to lose his opportunities over one
are oppressed. Yet victims are still blamed for not
‘mistake’, and the judge narrowed the sentence from
coming forward earlier or not at all, because
many years down to 6 months, and finally to 3
apparently we cannot tell that it is hard enough to
months.
face the court injustice, let alone the thoughts and trauma that follow rape. There is enough injustice in
Brock Turner’s case shows so much privilege and
the court system, and I am hoping so passionately
neglect in so many forms. First, media sites refer to
that there will be change soon. For our victims, and
him not by his crime, but by his ability and talent.
for justice.
Brock Turner, Stanford Swimmer. Brock Turner, Athlete. It shows how much privilege he has, and
If you are a rape survivor or victim, I want to wish
that the media is still protecting him. He is also
you the best. I hope it is okay sometime soon, and
shown not in his mugshot, but with him smiling at
that love is sent your way. Best of luck, culture girl!
school, or alongside family members, making him appear to be much less formidable. Media protection
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THE FINAL FIVE: TALENT, TEAMWORK, AND DIVERSITY BY SHERAH NDJONGO
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Before the 2016 Olympic Games kicked off this past August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil anticipation built up as the world waited to be introduced to the athletes who would hopefully carry on the legacy of the goldwinning 2012 USA gymnastics team known as the Fierce Five. After two long nights of Olympic team trials, Martha Karolyi, the renowned USA Gymnastics national team coordinator, along with the selection committee, put together a magnificent lineup that exhibited the best technical skills, versatility, and overall talent to compete in keeping the country's title. In the end, the five remarkable gymnasts who were set to represent the United States at the Olympic Games were Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, Madison Kocian, and Laurie Hernandez.
To understand just how diverse this group is, let's take a look at the athletes themselves. At the ages of 20 and 22, Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman are no strangers to the Olympics as the two had been thrust into the global spotlight as notable members of the Fierce Five, who won gold in the 2012 London Olympic Games. That year, Gabby Douglas became the first black US gymnast and the first female gymnast of color from any nationality to win the team gold medal and an individual gold medal when she placed first in the all-around. Just as honorable, JewishAmerican Aly Raisman made her mark in Olympics history as she managed to secure individual gold and bronze medals in addition to team gold medals four years ago too. She won three medals in London, then making her Team USA's most decorated gymnast.
After the announcement of its official women's gymnastics team, the following was added to the Team USA website, "Team USA will send one of its most decorated and competitive women's gymnastics teams ever to next month's Rio 2016 Olympic Games as it attempts to defend its Olympic team gold medal for the first time in history." It also made note that the team is "one of its most diverse�. While this is undoubtedly true, we shouldn't fail to remember that each team member was chosen to compete for her ability and potential first and foremost. Still, the mention of the team's diversity holds a certain degree of significance. To many who tuned in to watch the Olympics, seeing the diverse faces of this year's team was encouraging and noteworthy as a feat of media representation.
Now for the team's fresh faces, the youngest contender, 16-year-old Laurie Hernandez, is a second-generation Puerto Rican and the first Latina born in the United States to compete in the Olympic Games as a member of the USA gymnastics team since Tracee Talavera in 1984. Furthermore, Hernandez, who is a vital competitor on the national team due to her mastery of each event, is the third Latina gymnast to participate in the Olympics. Simone Biles who has been long expected to dominate at the Rio Olympics became the first black world all-around champion in 2013 and the first woman to win three straight world allaround titles in a row. 19-year-old Simone Biles has won 14 world championship medals, which is more than any U.S. athlete in history. Lastly, at 19 years of age
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Dallas native Madison Kocian had all eyes on her during her impressive performance at uneven bars during the Olympic trials. This was a feat most saw coming as she won the world title for uneven bars in 2015. She would later go on to prove that she is indeed a champion when it comes to the event.
with a score of 15.833. Biles' performance in the vault final is worthy of mention as well. The first vault she attempted got her a score of 15.900, which was 0.367 higher than any other gymnast scored on a single vault. She then topped that with a score of 16.033 to take the gold with an average of 15.966. One day later, Simone Biles won bronze for the balance beam, while American teammate Laurie Hernandez won silver with a score of 15.333. Biles, then finished the gymnastics competition by winning another Olympic gold medal for the floor exercise, while Aly Raisman took home the silver, making Simone the first woman gymnast to win four out of six possible gold medals at a single Olympics since 1968. In general, the U.S. gymnasts displayed an unmatched sort of athleticism with their flawless skills and unique routines.
Now it's clear that the qualifications of the USA women's gymnastics team are at no position to be questioned, and the girls would vouch for that with their winning routines in Rio. The team won the team gold medal, which is nothing shocking when taking a look at the country's previous Olympic awards for the sport. However, the amazing team comprised of Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, Madison Kocian and Laurie Hernandez is already being praised as one of the best American teams ever. With their brilliance, individual achievement, and inspiring unity, they quickly rose above their competition, beating Russia for the top spot by 8.209 points, the largest difference of all time in a major meet using the sport's current scoring system. When their win was made official, the USA national team, led by Raisman, their team captain, announced, “We are the Final Five,� making reference to the fact that the International Gymnastics Federation gymnastics voted on a proposal to reduce Olympic team sizes from five to four starting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and that this Martha Karolyi's final team to coach.
The USA women's gymnastics team is historic in terms of talent and in terms of diversity. It's an inspiration to the next generation, and with Raisman, Kocian, Biles, Douglas and Hernandez having served as the faces of Team USA, they have become positive examples a multitude of young girls can look up to as young women who live out their dreams. Their major success this past summer will play a key role in inspiring a new generation of gymnasts to reach their fullest potential no matter what they look like or where they come from. In short, the USA women's gymnastics team shows that the United States is home to a wide array of races, cultures, and religions. This should be used as a strength to further unify the country, and to see this exemplified by the national gymnastics team who, from different races and backgrounds, worked toward a common goal and achieving it is something worth being proud of.
As expected, the Final Five went on to achieve more victories. For the individual all-around, Simone Biles scored 62.198 points to 60.098 for Aly Raisman, ensuring the two gold and silver medals. Following this, Madison Kocian took the silver in the women’s uneven bars
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HISTORY OF INDIAN SPICES BY ANKITA DUTTA
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TURMERIC Turmeric is a very important part of Indian Culture. It has medicinal value and cosmetic propertie. It is an antifungal and antiinflammatory agent. It is an important part of Indian cuisine and rituals. Turmeric is the native of Southern Asia. Turmeric was mentioned in Ayurveda around 500 B.C. Turmeric was also mentioned in Bible. Turmeric is eaten as a food. Turmeric powder is used as food colorant in Indian cuisine. It was also used by the Buddhist monks and it was the part of Chinese medicine around 1000 years ago. Marco Polo, a famous traveler has mentioned about this turmeric as Indian Saffron. From India it has expanded into China by 700 AD, East Africa by 800 AD, West Africa by 1200. In 14th century Arab traders brought this spice in Europe.
SAFFRON Saffron is known as “Kesar”. It is an expensive spice widely used in Indian cuisine. Saffron gives a dish yellow-orange tint and adds flavor to it. It has several medicinal properties. It helps in digestion. It is basically dried stigma. It is mainly cultivated in dry and warm weather. Kashmir is famous for the cultivation of saffron. The exact origin is not known. There are different views on the history of Saffron. According to a research Persian brought Saffron in India in 500 BC. The name “Saffron’’ has been derived from a Persian word “ Za ffron”. According to the traditional Kashmiri legends two Sufi Saints Khwaja Masood Ali and Sheikh Sharif-u-din Wali brought saffron in the Kashmir region. Historical evidence shows that it was also found in Egypt. Queen Cleopatra and Pharaos have used this expensive spice. Saffron was also the part of Greek and Rome’s culture. Greeks and Romans used t it as perfume and deodorizers. Even people of England also used it in their perfumes. In the early modern era England became the largest producer of this flavorful spice. In the 17th century this spice has lost its popularity in England due to expensive cultivation method.
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WHAT TRAVELING AT A YOUNG AGE HAS TAUGHT ME BY SOUMYA UPPUGANTI Ever since I was a kid, my family and I have been privileged enough to travel all over the world. From Mexico to Singapore, we have been to countless landmarks, museums, restaurants, and famous attractions. From a young age, I have come to love the different people, cuisines, and cultures I’ve grown up familiar with. Traveling has taught me so much about different cultures, and myself as well.
much of the food we regularly perceive as “traditional” or “authentic” is anything but. As a child, I never cared much for this Americanization until my time in Mexico, where I asked a local street vendor for a burrito. Imagine my shock upon discovering that there are rarely any burritos in Mexico! The cultural shock I experienced was mostly caused by the fact that burritos are so deeply embedded in our skewed perception of Mexican culture. Like burritos, there are other common foods that have been Americanized and contribute to our misconceptions about other cultures.
One of the first things you notice when you travel is the amount of food that has been americanized. Chances are, the “authentic” Chinese takeout you eat isn’t really Chinese; it’s most likely to be American-Chinese. This phenomenon, commonly known as “Americanization,” applies to foods from a wide range of cultures, from sushi to pizza. The problem with Americanization is that it alters food in such a way that no longer represents the culture that of which it originated from. For example, sweet and sour chicken doesn’t accurately represent China because it is an American fusion dish and there is no
Cuisine, however, isn’t the only thing that is contributing to these common misconceptions. Many Americans have an underlying belief that people from different cultures are similar to how they are portrayed across media. The media portrays various cultures in a nearly stereotypical way, which causes people to be arrogant to each other. For example, Fresh off the Boat, a popular
Chinese equivalent for it. Traveling to many countries has taught me that
TV show, has gained popularity because of how it shows stereotypical Asian 43
behavior. As a frequent traveller, I’ve had firsthand experience with many different people and their cultures. I’ve learned that the media isn’t always accurate about how they show other cultures. However, growing up with an array of cultures around me has helped me realize that people more alike than we actually may think.
also shows you your privilege. In doing so, it increases your morals and makes you aware of how lucky you are to be who you are. Traveling introduces you to new places while helping you discover more of who you are, essentially broadening your mind and altering your perspective. There is a popular saying by Miriam Beard, which says, “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” There is always an endless amount of places to travel to, things to do, people to meet, and food to eat. The real question is, what’s stopping you from traveling and experiencing this enlightening change firsthand?
Many of us have this idea where we think we have a nearly perfect sense of cultural empathy, but that is false. We all have some cultural prejudices, whether we like to admit it or not. For me, traveling since I was able to walk has significantly lowered my cultural prejudices. Not only does traveling expose you to new parts of the world, it
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LIVE.LEARN.LISTEN. The revolution to cultural podcasts is here Tune-in on the 1st & 15th of every month. We hope to jam out with you. www.herculture.org 45
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LESSONS FROM THE MODELING INDUSTRY 47
by Olivia Hu
G
rowing up as a Chinese-American, I
or black jet hair. I’ve never seen many women with chocolate brown skin or ones that spoke with an Indian accent in movies. Even Harry Potter, which I love dearly, featured only Cho Chang and the Patil twins in the movies, and where every other white character wore beautiful ball gowns and dresses to the Yule Ball, they were put in traditional clothing. The media portrays people of culture only when they are put in their stereotypes or they represent their culture, as if they cannot wear a ball gown if they are not white. I see women shamed for their body every day, whatever shape or size. You don’t see many LGBT/same-sex couples in clothing ads, movies, or commercials. The media today is still far from being diverse, and I myself have grown and have learned many lessons from its ‘lack of diversity’.
looked up to Barbies and cabbage-patch dolls with blonde hair and pale skin that never really resembled my own. In fashion magazines and boards on the sides of bus stations, I saw women who had freckles on their face, and eyes that shone like moonstones in the light, but never the piercing midnight brown I saw in the mirror. After vacationing this summer, it was in the streets of my own culture, where I realized that my culture, and the way I looked, was so much more than what was represented in the media and the model industry. Through the model industry, I have learned so much about the representation in mainstream media, alongside my own personal growth in appreciating a culture with has been oppressed and which the media refuses to portray in so many instances. What I’ve learned, mainly, is that model industries look for predominantly white, skinny, straight girls, which is not exactly diverse. When I speak of diversity, I speak of race, gender, body type, sexuality, etc, and, although we have definitely grown as a society where we accept so many more body types and races, my own struggles stem largely from the lack of my culture’s portrayal.
From being a young girl who didn’t feel worthy enough because I thought the only beautiful people were the ones on the media, to loving my full, evolved self, I have learned so much about diversity in the media, which is to say, not a lot. Firstly, I learned that I am more than just my culture’s stereotypes, that I can be more than just ‘Chinese’. I only ever saw, and still see, roles of Asian actors playing Asian stereotypes.
I’ve never seen a girl with hooded eyes 48
I see models that walk the runway in exotic, bizarre looking Asian costumes. I see Asians in Halloween costumes that portray traditional, cultural clothes. And although it is wonderful that our culture gets some recognition, I grew up thinking that the only time I was worthy was when I was playing some role or stereotype in my culture. I’ve learned that I am so much more. You are so much more than a stereotype of your culture.
and paving the path for more diverse representations. Do we need diversity? Why, of course. A young girl like me would understand nothing but what she sees, and we never want a girl to believe that she is only worthy if she is a certain body type, or if she fits into a particular stereotype. I have grown since then, but that younger bit of me could not. Today, I hope that we can all celebrate a form of diversity outside of the media and model industries.
I learned that I am just as beautiful as the people portrayed in the media/ model industry. Although your sexuality, body type, race, etc. may not be represented often in mainstream media, you are just as worthy. I learned that I am not defined by whether another Asian girl appears in a magazine, because whether she makes it on the cover or not, I will always be me. And no matter what race or body type, we are all beautiful, don’t you think? Lastly, I learned that no matter what, I will always be me, regardless of how the media portrays me. I will never play into the stereotypes, nor ever feel disregarded. The media/model industry is constantly becoming more diverse. We are seeing more people of color on the runways, and on the pages of magazines. We are continually growing
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JANE EYRE ON FEMINISM
by Alexandra Curtis
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J
ane Eyre was required summer
I don’t wish to spoil any more of the book for those who haven’t read it, but the ending provides a twist in which Jane continues to be a powerful woman, leading a household. She proves that being a homemaker does not make a woman weak; on the contrary, one of the most powerful feminist themes of the novel is that if a man needs a woman to take care of him, they are now on equal footing. She is in control.
reading for my AP Literature course this year. I expected a typical 1800s novel, filled with flighty women dolled up in corsets, poofy dresses, and extravagant wigs. Instead, I found a refreshing change; this novel is about a plain, moral, and strong woman who refuses to marry a rich man, despite the fact that she is poor. Jane Eyre is in love with the man, but not for his money, and she makes that very clear. In fact, she only marries the man when she is on equal footing with him, in that she, too, has money.
I would like to thank Jane Eyre for being a refreshingly feminist character, seemingly anachronistic for her time. I would also like to thank Charlotte Bronte for having the courage to write such a revolutionary book, in a time when women were considered the inferior race. Ms. Bronte, you piqued the interest of a high school senior, something certainly not easy, and wrote a message that resonates even in 2016.
Jane Eyre could not be further from the “damsel-in-distress” stereotype of the times. She is her own hero, as she crawls away from a near marriage utterly destitute, and finds herself starving and homeless, at the mercy of strangers, before working herself up to a respectable position as a schoolteacher. Jane still finds this position more desirable than that of a wife seen as a plaything, unable to hold herself as her husband’s equal.
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WHO IS THE NOTORIOUS RBG? BY MICHELLE CHAN At only 5’ 1”, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not unknown for voicing her opinion within the male-dominating Supreme Court. As a prominent feminist icon, she has countlessly fought for gender equality and has fought for the rights of men and women victims alike.
paycheck before retirement, she was completely dumbfounded; after 19 years of working under Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., she discovered that she was significantly underpaid compared to her male counterparts. Yet, when she sued under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Supreme Court refused her relief under the statute of limitations issue.
After teaching at Rutgers University Law School and Columbia University, Ginsburg led the Women’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union of the 1970s, where she argued six influential cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and won.
This is where the Notorious RBG swoops in. Despite the Court’s decision, Ginsburg issued a powerful dissent read from the bench, a very rare action that would highly go unnoticed. She demanded that the entire Congress revise this statute of limitations, and later on worked with President Obama to pass the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009.
Despite having experienced gender discrimination herself, particularly when she was forced to hide her pregnancy from the other Rugers professors, she pursued the fight for gender equality even further. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed her to the Supreme Court of the United States, where she continues to pave the way for gender equality in American society. Having survived pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and the death of her husband, the Notorious RBG never missed a day at Court.
At 83-years-old today, there’s no evidence of her retirement. The Notorious RBG continues to shatter glass ceilings and stands powerful among the Supreme Court Justice and will fight to the end for gender equality. “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Take the 2009 Ledbetter v. Goodyear case. When Lily Ledbetter received her last
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WHAT MY FOOD ALLERGIES TAUGHT ME ABOUT HUMAN NATURE by Alexandra Curtis
I have been allergic to peanuts and treenuts since I was 18 months old. As I’ve grown older, despite the promising studies and hopeful technology, having a food
for what it’s taught me about human nature. Humans are inherently selfish, concerned with how the problems of others are going to affect them. If it makes
allergy has not gotten any easier. I am not grateful for my allergy. But I am grateful
no difference, they’re going to do what’s easiest and best for them. And that’s okay. 56
For me, however, the problem is that it often does make a difference. If I ask my friends if we can dine somewhere where I can eat safely and they say no, it shows me the extent to which they care about me. Making that little switch from one restaurant to another has virtually no bearing on them; a hamburger is the same everywhere. But for me, it means the difference between me being able to dine out with my friends, or me having to sit at home and watch everyone else enjoying themselves on Snapchat stories.
towards my allergy is certainly not relationship material. It all comes down to this: I’ve learned that if people do not respect my food allergy, they do not respect me. This has helped me weed out the negative people in my life who would certainly not support me in other areas beyond my allergy. I am grateful that my allergy has taught me who my true friends are. I used to be afraid to bring up my allergy issue when on dates or with new potential friends, afraid that I’d scare them off before they get to know me past my allergy. Now, I’m proud to use it as a filter, to remove negative people from my life before they could hurt me in ways beyond just allergy insensitivity.
The same can be said for romantic relationships. If guys tease me about my allergy, or constantly brush it off, I can see a lack of concern for me (and in my opinion, a major turn-off), which will manifest itself in other issues down the road. A man who does not show sensitivity
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The State of Female Entrepreneurs in US Colleges by kate avino
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The entrepreneurship scene has been
In that eLab, there is a wall on which there was written in large white letters, “CREATE A TEAM.” Entrepreneurs and startup founders can post job opportunities on the wall for other members of the NYU community to find. Most of these messages are written by male founders seeking other male team members. Instead of opening the playing field for all women, these male founders have an idea, inherently, that males are the best team members. This creates a larger discussion on how women are see in the labor force overall. In acknowledgment of this generalization, I feel a sense of injustice when it comes to leaving women out of the consideration of being a team member, a co-founder, or a leader. As the founder of my own company, this magazine right here, I feel frustrated that women are often overlooked as experienced and qualified.
increasingly apparent in the world today, even though such innovation has existed for centuries. Now, however, colleges across the United States are catering to the entrepreneurial spirit, often offering programs, buildings, and resources to young startups. When someone thinks of a startup or an entrepreneur, it is often accompanied by an expectation of a male dominated field. In my experience, the first person I think of when I think of “entrepreneurship” is Mark Zuckerberg. You may ask, then, what is the landscape like for women? In the age where gender lines are bending and women have more opportunities in the workforce than ever before, entrepreneurship is still centered around males. I am a student of New York University. The college is home to innovation in all sectors economic, political, journalistic, technology, and others. Here, it is evident that entrepreneurship is a force that is strongly supported. There are majors in some of the schools here that specifically focus on such innovation. There is even a space called The Mark and Debra Leslie Entrepreneurs Lab, which encourages entrepreneurship, app development, and team building. It is a 6,800-square-foot facility in the heart of the Washington Square campus “where aspiring NYU entrepreneurs from across all of NYU’s schools and colleges—be they students, faculty, or researchers—can meet to connect, collaborate, and tap into a vast array resources to help develop their ideas and inventions into startup companies.”
Ultimately, though schools like NYU foster entrepreneurship, there is an innate sense of gender hierarchies that are hard to break. It is up to the women of the world to forge their way through and innovate for a better world.
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WHAT’S UP WITH THE ERA? BY MICHELLE CHAN In this 21st century, it is evident that gender equality in the United States has progressed far beyond its intended design; in 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention merely proposed the idea of women’s rights. In 1920, Congress passed the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. In 1963, the Equal Pay Act became a federal law. But to this day, the inherent fundamental law of equal rights ceases to exist in the supreme law of the land.
activist. The Stop-ERA Campaign, headed by Schlafly, swooped in and strongly slowed down the ratification process until it trickled down to a halt. Fast forward to today, our Supreme Court––or more specifically the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia–– has not recognized the ERA as a necessity in our modern nation. Despite the adamant protests of his fellow Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, he remarks that "certainly the Constitution does not require discrimination on the basis of sex. The only issue is whether it prohibits it. It doesn't." In essence, state laws targeting gender equality are enough; we don’t need a constitutional right to tell us that we need gender equality.
The Equal Rights Amendment, or ERA, was first proposed in Congress in 1923 and was later passed by a whopping majority through the Senate and House of Representatives by 1972. Amidst the increasing feminist movement of the 1970s, the proposed 27th amendment only needed the ratification of at least 38 states in order to become a constitutional right.
Oh, how wrong you were, Mr. Scalia. The Equal Rights Amendment would make sure that incompetent judges like Judge Aaron Persky, from the Stanford swimmer case, are held accountable for not only displaying discriminatory actions during the rape trial, but assuring a fair trial for the rape victim as well. The Equal Rights Amendment would make it unconstitutional for women such as Lily Ledbetter to earn much less than their male counterparts. The Equal Rights Amendment would guarantee that legislations like the notable Pink Tax do not penalize citizens merely for being the gender they were born.
It only reached 35 state votes. With the definition, “equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex,” it’s hard to even fathom why the equality of American citizens is not protected at our nation’s most basic law. This amendment has been introduced at every single Congress since 1982 (the original ratification deadline), but to no avail. So what has prevented this from passing? Among the whirlwind of protests and liberation in the seventies, two influential leaders of this issue arose in opposition of each other: Gloria Steinem, proud feminist and tireless supporter of the ERA, faced an equally powerful opposition by Phyllis Schlafly, notorious conservative and anti-feminism
In the words of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, “So I would like my granddaughters, when they pick up the Constitution, to see that notion – that women and men are persons of equal stature – I’d like them to see that is a basic principle of our society.”
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THANK YOU! Thanks so much for reading Her Culture's 16th magazine issue. Without a community of dedicated, sophisticated, culture-enthusiastic women, we would not be where we are today. To keep up with all the latest news and culture stories, please visit www.herculture.org.
Special thanks to: the Mulloy family, the Miller family, issuu.com, Alexis Neuville, Matt Maggio, Katie Collins, Sareana Kimia, 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
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HER CULTURE MAGAZINE www.herculture.org @herculture New York, NY OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 Issue No. 17
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