17 minute read
SEEING YOURSELF
Lack of Black representation in American media leads to negative stereotypes
MICHELLE WAN STORY MARISSA FINNEYGRAPHIC S enior uredo agada, who is Black, said she feels the impact the media can have on people in the Black community. DIVERSITY IN HOLLYWOOD Take a look at the amount of diversity in Hollywood actors and directors in 2019 Uredo said she feels like she carries a burden from her childhood to now, Latinx 4.3% Native 0.5% Asian 3.4% Latinx 2.7% Native 0% and she said she thinks it’s unfair Asian Black whenever Black people are portrayed 5% 5.5% negatively in the media.
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“Growing up, I feel like I am being represented as a specific way and I just feel the pressure that I need to change and act the way people think of me so I could be accepted into society,” Uredo said. “I feel very insecure because I knew I couldn’t change myself being born into this ethnicity group.”
Uredo’s feelings aren’t unfounded. For many years, Black representation has been limited in the media, seen as only 19 out of more than 350 Oscars given for acting roles have been awarded to Blacks. And even when Blacks are represented, they have often been portrayed with negative stereotypes. A University of Illinois study found that when media outlets did a story on families living in poverty, they featured Black families 59% of the time—a statistic that contrasts with the fact that only 27% of families living below the poverty line are Black.
Freshman Eva Kilpatrick said she feels the same way as Uredo.
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Black 15.7%
White 67.3% White 84.9%
Overall cast diversity
“I feel like the representation of the black people is very negative, even when the matter of the issue isn’t. The media for the most part adds a negative connotation to issues regarding black ethnicity being represented,” Kilpatrick said. “I also think the film industry is (excluding) minorities (in the) media. They could try to hire more people of color and minorities for behindthe-scenes work, not just on-screen work, because not only can bringing more diversity in cultures onto the film industry help with the
PALLEVI PILLAI SPEAK-UP
Directors for top films UCLA COLLEGE SOCIAL SCIENCES SOURCE
portrayal of Black (people), but the diversity could add different perspectives to the project by giving a real-life example of different jobs in the film industry that isn’t just being an actor or actress.”
Social studies teacher Ken Browner said he tries to help Black students who are dealing with these problems.
“I feel bad for the students,” he said. “They shouldn’t be experiencing these traumatizing experiences.” H
This story package was originally published on Sept. 25, 2020
BY THE NUMBERS 34% of the 72nd Emmy Award nominees for acting categories were Black
LA TIMES SOURCE
What changes do you want to see in how black people are being portrayed in the media?
I think that there is definitely room for improvement regarding the portrayal of Black people in the media, such as making these portrayals less stereotypical, as many depictions of Black people almost always involve a stereotype. I would also like to see a story where the Black family’s story doesn’t revolve around other people. Additionally, I would also like to see more black families portrayed in commercials because a lot of the time they do not show black families in commercials.
FEW AND FAR BETWEEN
Athletes remark on new regulations for spectators at games, reflect on pros, cons
ANDREW CAITO, ALIVIA ROMANIUK STORY LUKE MILLER PHOTOS
Around the world, sporting events are beginning to resurface, but with COVID-19 precautions in place, these events look far different than usual. Professional leagues, including the MLB, the NBA and the NHL, are conducting events without spectators. On Aug. 23, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the biggest sporting venue in the world, ran the Indianapolis 500 with all of its 235,000 seats empty.
Locally, the IHSAA has decided to allow spectators to attend sporting events under certain guidelines. For example, attendance can not exceed 250 people, social distancing must take place and schools must follow the guidance of the local health departments.
CHS Athletics Director Jim Inskeep said the coaches and athletes have been doing an excellent job with the new guidelines, but athletes have mixed reviews on these changes.
“I find that as the weeks go on, students and coaches are becoming
CHEER THEM
ON: Many students gather on Friday, Aug. 28 to watch a home game for the Carmel Greyhounds against Cathedral. The Hounds lost the game 44-28; however, on Sept. 11, the Hounds won in a double overtime thriller 45-44 over Pike High School. Many students gathered to show energy, despite the 250 spectator limit set by the IHSAA. Athletics Director Jim Inskeep said he finds players are becoming more and more accepting of the changes. more and more comfortable with the changes,” he said.
Lauren Rainbolt, varsity soccer player and junior, said she is disappointed the team had to make some adjustments, but understands the new precautions are necessary.
“We usually have a big student section cheering us on, but because of COVID, we had to decrease the number of people at the stadium. So that has changed a lot from our games last year,” she said. In particular, Rainbolt added she missed pack-the-house night.
On the other hand, Cara Naas, varsity cross-country runner and freshman, said she had mixed feelings about the new spectator rules in cross-country.
“I liked that there weren’t people in your face cheering,” she said. However, Naas added she did miss having her family at the meets.
Cross-country spectator policies operate on a meet-by-meet basis. Some meets allow limited spectators, while other meets do not allow any spectators.
ZACHARY OSBORNE,
VARSITY FOOTBALL
PLAYER AND JUNIOR
Inskeep said sporting events at this school have gone smoothly.
“We’re fortunate because we have a facility where people can stand in a lot of areas and watch the match, or they can bring in their bag chairs, which we have allowed at any of our event venues this year,” he said.
Inskeep added that there is signage at CHS venues reminding spectators of social distancing and wearing masks.
Furthermore, at home football games, there are lines six feet apart in the student section separating students while requiring them to always wear a mask.
Zachary Osborne, varsity starting quarterback and junior, said the players participate too.
He said, “Along the sidelines we are staying spaced out even more than usual. They allowed us to move down the sidelines ever further now lowering the risk of kids having to quarantine.
“We are faced with a challenge every Friday, and we face it in the best we can while having to deal with all of the (social distancing) guidelines.”
While these guidelines are not ideal, athletes understand their necessity.
“The worst regulation is being six feet apart,’’ Rainbolt said. “I’m a very social person, and I like to get to know the people on the team. It’s really annoying, but I want to have a season...so we just have to follow the regulations provided for us.”
Inskeep said he agreed.
“I think everybody understands that there are changes that have to take place in order for us to have seasons and to have students in the building for the school year,” he said. “There is disappointment, for sure, but we’ve also tried to think about... ways in which we can deliver those
BY THE NUMBERS 27
teams from the NFL have 0 fans to start the season this fall
2.5 THOUSAND fans allowed at Colts home games
50%
capacity that is expected at the French open tennis tournament
5THOUSAND fans projected to be allowed for the PGA tour in 2021
ESPN SOURCE contests and games to a greater audience because we have those limitations in place.”
At the end of the day, coaches and athletes said they are glad to be competing again, despite the changes.
Inskeep said, “We spent so much time this spring and then summer to get to that first day of team practices... when teams could get back together and start working out.
“There was so much time spent, with our protocols and the way we were going to be making changes, so to actually get to Saturday, Aug. 15, and to have so many of our teams competing on that day in our venues and on the road, was really kind of a special thing.
PLAY ON: Lauren Rainbolt (right), varsity soccer player and junior, plays in the second half of her soccer game against Lawrence North High School on Sept. 8. Although Murray Stadium can only hold 250 people right now per IHSAA requirements, Rainbolt said she understands the precautions for keeping people safe.
“I wasn’t sure we were going to get there at that point this fall and have sports and now that we’re about two months into it, (it) definitely looks different but I can tell you that once a whistle blows, it looks just like it always has.” H This story was originally published online on Sept. 21, 2020
FROM A DISTANCE
View an example of some of the regulations and precautions of sporting events this fall season Official Rules
PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK
Different families must remain six feet apart during games There should be no more than 250 people on a set of bleachers Number of fans should not exceed 50% normal capacity All ticket sales are made online
Bleacher seating doubled from last year
Signs promoting social distancing
PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK 6’ 0’’
NATHAN HUANG GRAPHIC INDYSTAR, IHSAA SOURCES
Scan this QR code to view stories from ESPN about spectator limits for going to national sports games
CHALLENGING ROUTES
Athletes, coaches adapt to new COVID-19 safety guidelines, prepare for possible quarantines
HANNAH BAER STORY NICK BECKMAN PHOTOS
With the COVID-19 pandemic, rules are constantly changing and new challenges occur every single day. For athletes like Baron Smith, varsity football player and senior, playing during a pandemic comes with its difficulties, but these athletes are trying to adapt to the endless possibilities and make the best out of the current situation.
Smith said, “I think (the challenge is) the team atmosphere: not being able to hear people’s voices as clearly, not being able to see people’s faces, smiles. The energy is just completely different than it used to be because everybody is covered up. It’s just a different energy than Carmel football is used to.”
With contact sports such as football, there is always a possibility of an athlete spreading COVID-19 to other teammates, which would require some athletes to be quarantined or possibly suspended from all practices. Hence, athletes are taking all the necessary precautions in order to avoid that possible situation.
“I personally take responsibility in being a senior leader and reminding the guys to stay distant," Smith said. "I know I have to lead by example so I make sure I wear my mask and I make sure nobody’s near me so that if somebody does get (COVID-19) and they have to trace back, then I won’t be a part of it and as many guys as we can get will be able to play."
Due to the constant possibility of an athlete contracting the virus, coaches run practices differently this year than in the past. By following these
STAYING OPTIMISTIC:
Baron Smith, varsity football player and senior, gives his team a thumbs up after a football game. Smith said he and his team are trying their hardest to stay safe and distant while also trying to practice to the best of their ability. Smith said the threat of getting a game canceled each week is very possible, but he tries not to think about it in order to play his best. new precautions, coaches are hoping to reduce the number of positive cases.
“We’re constantly thinking about spacing out and just keeping distanced,” Smith said. “Coach is always trying to remind us (about social distancing).”
With the new restrictions, coaches have been open to adapting to any and all situations. Frank Dixon, head women's soccer coach, focuses on reminding the athletes about the new safety precautions and guidelines that come with practicing during a pandemic. These coaches are also ready for a situation where an athlete would need to be quarantined after a possible positive case.
According to Dixon, Aaron Bosket, the strength and conditioning coach, has put together an athome workout session for the
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How has COVID-19 changed the way you play your sport?
DANIEL KIM SPEAK-UPS CALLUM MCKEOWN , ETHAN KATZ SUBMITTED PHOTOS
“It hasn’t really changed the way I play (soccer) as much as the opportunities lost due to the cancelations. Masks are required on the bench and when putting on our gear, but (not while playing).” Sophomore Callum McKeown
“We are required to wear masks whenever (we’re) not playing and because of social distancing I can’t shake hands with my opponent or high five my partner while in a match. Luckily with tennis there is not much contact so COVID-19 has not drastically changed the way I play.” Junior Ethan Katz
women’s soccer team. Dixon also discussed the possibility of an athlete testing positive for COVID-19 and the ways he is working to keep those numbers minimal.
Dixon said via email, “When we selected teams, I kept more players on each team in case we had any players who had to quarantine because they came in contact with someone with COVID-19 or tested positive themselves.”
Even though COVID-19 has had a major impact on sports, coaches are still working on keeping the season as normal as possible. There is always a possibility for cancelations of games, but many coaches, like Dixon, plan to just focus on the current moment.
“We are taking the season one day at a time. Things change so rapidly that you need to be prepared for the 24 hours in front of you and not worry about what comes after that day,” he said via email.
Similar to Smith, Morgan "Mo" Ulrey, women’s varsity volleyball player and senior, has also had to become familiar with the new adaptations
FRANK DIXON, HEAD WOMEN'S SOCCER COACH
along with the endless possibilities that can happen with playing during a pandemic. She talked about the effects of the virus on practice and how things have changed this year.
Ulrey said, “Honestly we’re just being very careful like definitely wearing masks in practice. We’re definitely doing six feet apart when we’re in huddles or when we’re around each other, we space out.”
Since COVID-19 affects the amount of time athletes are allowed in the gym or field, athletes like Ulrey are focused on making the most out of the limited time they have.
“When we get in the gym, we’re doing our business, we have a lot to cover and we are very focused and
ROLE MODEL:
Baron Smith, varsity football player and senior, leads his team out of the locker rooms. Smith said he takes the responsibility of being a leader and reminding his team to stay distant. Smith said he wears a mask whenever he can to set an example and to lessen the spread of COVID-19 so that many players can get out on the field.
we are just playing until we can’t. And we are hoping we don’t have to have that happen,” she said.
For athletes and coaches, working through a pandemic is a difficult task, but they are doing their best and making the most out of the current situation. Even with the challenges, Smith is staying positive.
Smith said, “We just try to prepare like normal. We know there’s a threat of getting canceled every week, but we try to avoid thinking about (games getting canceled) and just practice to our fullest no matter what. And if we get canceled, we get canceled, but at least we tried our hardest.” H This story was originally published online on Sept. 21, 2020
PATH TO DIVERSITY
Despite CCS district making new changes to promote diversity, administration still must take additional steps for better racial inclusivity
HILITE STAFF EDITORIAL SELAM WACLAWIK PHOTO ANDREW CAITO Q & A
Over the past summer, representatives from the CCS district met with a new organization, Carmel Against Racial Injustice, to discuss educational reforms and racial equity within the school district. In light of this, the district has announced plans to incorporate several steps to promote equality.
According to Assistant Superintendent Tom Oestreich, the district plans to create a diversity website, form an equity and inclusion advisory committee, and continually listen to members of the school community.
“The district strives to create an ‘Identity Safe’ classroom. In order to get there, we’re looking to create, in the very near future, an equity and inclusion advisory committee,” Oestreich said. “Additionally, we’re creating a website to recognize that we certainly can get better, and in our equity and inclusion, we’ll work with every school within the Carmel Clay district and listen to their perspectives.”
The HiLite staff praises the district for its work in promoting racial inclusivity and commends its efforts. However, while we recognize this is a step in the right direction, there is more to be done to increase racial inclusivity and to make students from all backgrounds feel comfortable, respected and safe.
OUR STANCE
The district’s steps for inclusivity are commendable, but more must be done to make people of color feel more comfortable
With this, there are a variety of actions the administration should consider taking to make their school more welcoming. To start, we recommend the district take action and hire more diverse staff members to make every student feel represented at Carmel.
Currently, all of the administrators at CHS are white and the majority of teachers are also white. In order for the district to be welcoming to all races, students must see themselves represented. Taking this crucial step could lead to making more students feel comfortable enough to approach an adult if they are victims of racial bullying.
Students must feel comfortable enough to approach their teachers, and they may not feel so if the adults in their lives cannot relate to their background. In order to make this happen, the district must diversify not only the administration but also the teaching and counseling staff.
Furthermore, we suggest that the school adjusts the curriculum to incorporate more black history and step away from its primarily eurocentric curriculum. The current curriculum too often focuses on teaching certain historical events and topics and skips over or lightly covers others of equal if not more importance.
We must look at the history of our country holistically, learning about both the good parts as well as the harsh realities of our history to improve and correct them now.
As part of the student body, we have seen first-hand some of the negative social repercussions students of color have faced when they try to embrace their culture and express themselves. As a result, many
DID YOU KNOW?
Racial diversity in schools leads to positive outcomes for students of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SOURCE students fear openly expressing their experiences with racism at school.
To that end, we recommend the school district be clearer on the expectations of student behavior and consequences that follow racist bullying. In order to execute this, the HiLite staff recommends the district lay out a specific course of action to ensure that fair punishments be given out to any racial bullying and make this school a safe space for people of color. H This editorial was originally published online on Sept. 23, 2020
Q&A
selam “selamawit” waclawik, co-president of black student alliance and senior What is racial injustice like at CHS? I have dealt with microaggressions such as being stereotyped and compared to every black person. The racial injustice in our school could be a lot better; I wish staff would talk more about it. What do you think should be changed regarding race at school? I wish the school would talk more about the racism and tensions within our school. I wish they would really get down to what it is, the history of it, the future of it and what it looks like today. What is your overall message? My overall message is to educate yourself. You will never get enough education about racism, racial tensions and race. Really educate yourself with the topic, and don’t be afraid to dive into it.
