Winter Issue 2023

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

As students of the University of Nevada, Reno, we came to the University wanting to learn. What we did not know is that life gives us so much to learn. Insight Magazine is constantly evolving and has thrived for excellence throughout the years. With our team now settling into the positions they were helping out with as volunteers, we decided our main goal was to create a magazine that we are each proud of. Endless conversations about what our team would like to do with the magazine resulted in many trials and tribulations. With this being said, we learned many lessons throughout the creation of this issue of Insight Magazine.

In this issue, we have created content that mirrors the interests and opinions of the community from the students’ perspectives capturing the theme of “Elegance.” Elegance, to us, is more than a fleeting aesthetic; it is a philosophy that embraces grace, refinement, and an appreciation for the finer things in life. Throughout this issue, we invite you to contemplate the significance of elegance in our fast-paced world. How does it shape perceptions? How does it influence our choices? And, most importantly, how can we create and appreciate elegance in our own lives?

Our talented team and our volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring a collection of written and visual stories about art, fashion, design, and nuances of everyday life that not only entertain but also inform, inspire, and enrich the perspective on topics that interest the student body.

As the pages of another edition of Insight Magazine unfold before your eyes, with great pleasure and excitement, I extend a warm welcome to you as you delve into the Fall 2023 Issue of Insight Magazine.

- Makenna Skowronski

The INSIGHT Team

Volunteers

Madison Wanco - Writer

AunaMari VillaReeves - Writer

Bryan Henley - Illustrator

Emma Torvinene - Writer

Fabian Andrew Moreno Jr. - Writer

Jude Fliegler - Illustrator

Samantha Wagner - Writer

Sophia Martinez - Photographer

Models:

Gina Hoang

Jerad Doré

Anthony Thomas

Skylar Jory

Yazmin Tirado Copy Editor

Jace Ouchida Art Director

Clayton Posey Photo Editor

Zoey Cambley Staff Writer

Hanna Villegas Copy Editor

Makenna Skowronski Editor-in-Chief

About the Magazine

In your hands is the latest edition of Insight Magazine. Our hope is that you will see a reflection of yourself in these stories in some form, whether through the written pieces, photography, or designs. This issue is a result of a tremendous amount of hard work, collaboration, and love. It is also a representation of a student publication decades in the works (with origins as Artemisia, the former yearbook of UNR, dating back to the 1800s).

Insight Magazine is proud to have placed fifth in the category of People’s Choice and eighth in the category of Feature Magazine at the 2020 Associated College Press Journalism Convention.

Thank you for supporting us. We hope you enjoy these stories as much as we enjoyed creating them. If you are interested in getting involved with us, visit insightunr.com or our Instagram, @insightmagazineunr.

Leaders of Student Media

Tuning In: Wolf Pack Radio

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Biggest Little Art Scene

Tastes of the Biggest Little City

Staff Dutch Bros Orders

Hidden Gems of Reno

The Girlification of Girl

The PinkPantheress Effect

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Headlines

How Barbie Took Over

Horror is for the Girls

Is It True?

Nella Larsen’s Passing

The Resurgence of Dystopia

The Leaders of Student Media

Samantha Wagner

Take a look around the campus, look a couple feet below the bulletin boards covered in brochures and flyers. Even at The Laughing Planet, look to your left and check the cart by the door; it won’t be a platter of snacks or free merchandise. But if you made it in time, you will see the unbridled, transparent voices of the students reading their poems. From the black and white Sagebrush newspapers, to the colorful artwork of the Brushfire literary journal, to the modern, pictorial covers of Insight Magazine, these works are written for students by students. These forms of media allow students to express their thoughts, passions, issues, and emotions through mere paper and ink. Student media interconnects the campus, entwining the lives of the people and giving life to creativity and hidden thoughts. These magazines and newspapers are rich with culture and knowledge, they are the eyes and ears of the university along with being tasked to animate the creative minds of the student public. These publications breathe life into the halls and buildings of UNR, and it simply couldn’t be done without the leaders of student media.

Editor-in-Chief of Brushfire Literature and Arts journal, Phoebe Coogle, said “we’re here to create the campus life and atmosphere that people want.” She also says editors are “fostering a sense of community and belonging for UNR students.” Since fall of 2022, Phoe-

be has been in charge of managing the literary publication through coordinating events, operating finances, copy-editing submissions, and handling the social media. As versatile her job requires her to be, Phoebe called attention to her Brushfire team and how talented the writers and artists that she has worked with are in creating a journal, “we have so many talented creatives on campus and being able to highlight them feels so important and fulfilling.” Along with the monthly poetry nights Brushfire holds for student poets at Laughing Planet, this publication offers students the opportunity to be officially published and recognized by an accredited journal. It is an important outlet for expression, but in a broader sense, it is an opportunity within the publication industry. “[Brushfire] isn’t just printing poems and art, it’s committed to showcasing the voices of current and past UNR students,” Phoebe stated. “This helps to foster a sense of community and place, not just for English or Arts departments but for the university as a whole. Brushfire helps bridge the divide between the sometimes disparate colleges here at UNR — because no matter someone’s major, they can flip through a journal and gather a bit of inspiration from what their peers create.”

As Phoebe regulates Brushfire, Editor-in-Chief of the Insight Magazine, Makenna Skowronski takes on an alternative aspect of media. Makenna said, “my job is

Makenna Skowronski

Phoebe Coogle

to help my team and the students of UNR create vivid photography as well as informative, entertaining, and insightful stories that capture student life to the fullest.” She has been involved with the magazine for two years and encourages students who are interested in writing, photography, multimedia, advertising, and public relations to use the magazine as “a stepping stone for their careers.” The magazine is diversely designed to encompass community entertainment as well as student profiles and social issues. The team is uniquely and vastly composed of not only writers, photographers, and copy editors, but also graphic designers, illustrators, public relation specialists, and models who are featured throughout Insight. “The best part of being editor-in-chief is my team!” Makenna exclaimed. “I have had a great support system throughout the process of the magazine and they are wonderful individuals who are not just dedicated and hardworking, but also radiate positivity and kindness throughout our ups and downs throughout the publication.”

As differentiating these publications may seem, the passion to uphold the voices of the students as well as highlighting the power of a creative team seems to hold true to all of the Editor-in-Chiefs. “The best part, out of everything, is my staff,” said Executive Editor, Emerson Drewes, of The Nevada Sagebrush. “Going into the newsroom and seeing one of their faces, chatting with them, helping them with stories, brings me so much pride and joy. We truly are a part of a larger whole, we are a family. I would do anything for any one of them.” Since April of 2022, Emerson has been overseeing the newsroom, editing stories, delegating tasks, and dealing with logistics involved with publishing The Nevada Sagebrush. “Every decision, story, staff hiring, financial decision goes through me,” Emerson commented. “I take much pride in my job and I take it very seriously.” After the detrimental impact the pandemic has caused for the student media, it is vital, now more than ever, for these publications to revive the art of storytelling and reporting for not just the staff, but for the university as a whole. “The biggest challenge,

by far, has been funding. When I became editor I was told we had two years left,” Emerson proclaimed. “The struggle with funding will be consistent if we do not put in place any kind of consistent form of funding, like a student credit fee, we will go away.” The Nevada Sagebrush has provided a full transparent perspective of the issues and events happening on campus. It is a classical, but nonetheless, effective form of reporting that continues to serve its purpose. Emerson explains how important reporting is for the university and how especially monumental it has been in the current year.

“This year has been extremely pivotal in the university landscape, and being able to assist the News Editor (and my best friend), Jaedyn Young, on such important topics such as Title IX and the ongoing lawsuit with Feiffer Fan has been such a privilege and honor. We have stayed up late at night talking about the most ethical ways to go about it from all sides. We have consulted the newsroom to see if they are comfortable with the coverage— because, after all, what we put out reflects on all of us. Seeing the impact and important, objective information we have put out to keep the campus community in the know has been very emotional, but really rewarding. However, I can hardly take any credit, Jaedyn Young has been the most instrumental in this process.”

The power a paper has can never be truly expressed through a single article, but it can at least shed a light on the immense work, dedication, and ambition a writing staff must have to take on such an essential student role. These Editors-in-Chiefs don’t just distribute work to the public, they are enveloped, consumed, inspired by the work and writings of others. They take on a monumental responsibility of providing a voice for those who may not be able to speak on their own. They bring ideas to life and breathe them onto their publications for others to see. The editors encourage expression and individualism and keep the community alive by becoming a bridge for such a vast community. They are leaders of student media, and are revitalizing the power of the written word.

Emerson Drewes (photo by Zoe Malen)

Aden Oster

Tuning In: Wolf Pack Radio Shows

Hanna Villegas

Podcasts give people the ability to curate their auditory experiences, allowing them to select from a vast and diverse array of content. Whether it’s to seek intellectual stimulation of a scientific discussion or the guilty pleasure of a juicy gossip session, there’s a podcast for everyone! Podcasts offer me a refreshing escape from the heavy metal music blasting through my AirPods or my familiar lo-fi playlists. I do have my trusted regulars in rotation whether I am driving or writing a paper last minute, such as “The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya,” “In Our Time” by the BBC, and “Suburb Talks.” The world of podcasts never ceases to offer new, exciting, and fun listens and you have the ability to explore different types of shows here at UNR.

Wolf Pack Radio is one of four student media on campus and gives students the ability to use a platform to express themselves and reach a wider audience. The general manager of Wolf Pack Radio, Aden Oster, oversees all the podcasts and shows that are made at UNR. Wolf Pack Radio shares programming with KWNK, which is a radio station that currently broadcasts 24/7 at 97.7FM in the Reno area, and streams online at kwnkradio.org/listen. All the shows are curated and created by students, showcasing current interests and diverse perspectives. It’s an opportunity to get an introduction to the world of journalism, music, radio, and other forms of media. The application to begin your own show as a “DJ” is open every fall and spring semester. If you are not interested in hosting a radio show or podcast, you can listen to the current students who are creating their own shows. I had the privilege of interviewing UNR’s very own Wolf Pack Radio show hosts, who bring a unique blend of music, talk, and

personality to the UNR community.

ButterFly Effect Hosted by Kara Koshy

Can you tell me a bit about your podcast and what it’s all about?

I have a show called the butterfly effect on Wolf Pack Radio, and I get to play music I really love for an hour each week, which is so special. My show is not about anything specific, but I do follow a theme each episode. For example, I had themes that included topics such as love, languages, zodiac, and fall. I like to play music that centers around pop sounds and motifs, such as pop rock, indie pop, hyper pop.

What inspired you to start your radio show, and how did the idea come about?

I was inspired to start my show when I was a freshman since I was looking for clubs to join. I went through the list of clubs online, and I found out that UNR had a radio station, and I became determined to be a part of it! I listened to a ton of shows over the summer before I applied and basically stalked them at the club fair. I had a really hard time deciding on what I wanted the show to be about. I kept going back-and-forth on names, and then I found ‘Butterfly Effect” when I was a freshman during the spring semester. I was daydreaming about being a part of Wolf Pack Radio and I decided to write out the name on a whim, and it just kind of stuck.

Do you have any tips or advice for fellow students who are interested in starting their own podcasts?

I would say just jump right in and try because it never hurts. I also recommend listening to your episode, because sometimes you notice little editing mistakes that you wouldn’t notice if you weren’t listening. For example, my first semester, I didn’t listen to my show for a few weeks, and then I decided to listen and I realized that my volume wasn’t loud enough. So when I was editing, I turned the volume up on all of my audio and it made the show sound 100 times clearer. I know sometimes it’s weird to listen to yourself, but it can be really beneficial. You want to be able to do a show with longevity. One of my first ideas for a show was one where I talked about movie scores, but I think it would’ve been hard to continue on with that, because I would’ve had to watch a new movie each week and I have become very busy, so that’s not very plausible. My last piece of advice is to ask for help. Getting a second pair of eyes or a second opinion about something can make all of the difference.

What podcasts or radio shows do you listen to for fun?

I’ll listen to a ton of Wolf Pack Radio shows because I honestly really enjoy them. My favorites are “Just Every 15 Minutes,” “The Deconstruction Zone,” and “Milking It.” I also really like the community radio station KWNK. They’re always playing amazing music. I’m not a huge podcast person. I prefer to listen to music, rather than talking, but I enjoy “The Bald and the Beautiful podcast with Katya and Trixie Mattel.” Also the “Always Sunny Podcast” with the guys from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

In Your Orbit Hosted by Jianna Savoye

Can you tell me a bit about your podcast and what it’s all about?

My show is called “In Your Orbit,” and each episode I explain what’s happening astrologically that week. Then I play music that reflects the week’s astrology. The type of music varies but it’s usually a mix of indie, alternative rock, and punk.

What inspired you to start your radio show, and how did the idea come about?

I started my show last semester. I kinda just saw that WPR was looking for DJs and I was like “hey, that

sounds cool” and I applied. Having a podcast or radio show had never really crossed my mind before actually applying. I chose to do a show based around astrology because it’s always been a hobby of mine and it’s something that I know a lot about.

Do you have any tips or advice for fellow students who are interested in starting their own podcasts?

If you’re interested in starting a podcast, WPR hires new DJs at the start every semester. I think it’s a good way to get introduced to everything and have resources to record!

What podcasts or radio shows do you listen to for fun?

I listen to podcasts constantly and I always need something playing in the background. On WPR, I like the “Butterfly Effect,” “Indie Jam Session,” and “Humming Happy” a lot! My favorite Non-WPR podcasts are “Normal Gossip” and “Pick Me Up I’m Scared.”

JustEvery15Minutes Hosted by Trinity Rae and Maddie Gauthier

Can you tell me a bit about your podcast and what it’s all about?

Our podcast is called “JustEvery15Minutes,” and it’s a hybrid between a talk show and a music show. We usually have a topic for each episode that we talk about for fifteen minutes, then we listen to fifteen minutes of music, then repeat that pattern until our hour of airtime is over. We tell people that listening to our show is like being on a FaceTime call with your best friends because we talk about topics that other college students are interested in: advice for the semester, tips for fighting seasonal depression, restaurants that we love in Reno, and anything else that’s been on our minds during the week!

What inspired you to start your radio show, and how did the idea come about?

We met when we were randomly assigned to be suitemates our freshman year of college. We started college in 2020, so we spent a lot of time in our dorm together, and we didn’t go out much. When our sophomore year started, we decided that we wanted to get more

involved on campus since we had been so isolated the year prior. We tried playing rugby, but that did not end up working out for us when winter came and it got cold. But when Trinity saw an ad that Wolf Pack Radio was looking for new shows, we knew it would be perfect for us! We both love music, but even more than that, we love to talk. The choice to start a talk show was very easy, and I’m glad every day that we decided to do it.

Do you have any tips or advice for fellow students who are interested in starting their own podcasts?

Maddie: My biggest piece of advice is to be honest with your audience, because they can tell when you aren’t being genuine. It’s okay not to have all the answers about something–Trinity and I definitely don’t–but we’re honest with our audiences about the fact that we’re figuring things out as we go. Our goal isn’t to be “experts” telling people that we have all the answers; we just want to further the conversation and build a community based on shared experiences. Your audience will appreciate you more if you aren’t pretending to be something or someone you’re not.

Trinity: The best advice is to have fun! If you’re doing it for yourself and as a hobby, I wouldn’t stress out about the show being absolutely perfect. Maddie and I do this to relieve some stress throughout the week and honestly to just hang out. Don’t sweat it and just enjoy what you’re doing.

What podcasts or radio shows do you listen to for fun?

Maddie: My favorite podcast of all time is called “Marlon and Jake Read Dead People.” It’s hosted by Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James and his editor Jake Morrisey, and they exclusively review books written by dead authors. This is because their reviews are so scathing that no living author could handle them. I’m an English major, so I love hearing them talk about books, and I get a lot of great recommendations (and anti-recommendations). Plus, they’re hilarious, so I get a good laugh out of it too.

Trinity: I don’t listen to many podcasts actually, but one that I will frequently come back to is “Suburb Talks.” It’s hosted by Nick Grajeda and he has all of his friends come on and talk about relationships and life. I think I gravitate towards that podcast because they’re college students just like me so it’s easy to relate.

Interviewing all the podcasts and radio show hosts was an insightful experience into the realm of student radio. It was amazing to see the level of passion these hosts have! College radio is undoubtedly a place for self-expression, and community building. I encourage everyone to give the shows listed in the interview a listen and immerse yourself into UNR’s very own student media. Who knows, maybe it’s time for you to create your own show?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s Clayton Posey

Modeled by Skylar Jory

Biggest Little Art Scene

Zoey Cambley

When I first thought of Reno I had this idea that it was just a small town with Tahoe being the only cool thing and that it basically would be an off-brand Las Vegas. Never did I think that this town was a thriving little arts community. Coming from a bigger city, Las Vegas, with a designated arts district I had yet to learn what I would stumble upon in this biggest little city. From the moment I stepped into Midtown after move-in day, I saw what an expressive community Reno is. Murals on alleyway walls, music making its way through the streets, and posters everywhere for open mike night, community organizations, pizza nights, a bar crawl–anything that really meets your fancy you can find posted on stands.

I have always longed to belong. To be around like-minded individuals that wish to create like I do. To sit by the Truckee River and paint or trade poems like secrets. What has shocked me is that I have found that here in Reno. I always thought I would have to travel far and wide to find an artistic city, who knew I would happen upon it by chance? There are great resources to get involved with the arts in this community, you just have to know where to look.

For instance, did you know you can go to The Nevada Museum of Arts for free? Any student who shows their student ID gets free admission into a world of various art styles. You can expose yourself to Afrofusion with the “Atlantica: The Gilda Regions” exhibit by April Bey or venture into Latin textiles and multimedia art with the “The Journey” exhibit by Guillermo Bert. These amazing exhibits are on display for months at a time and new ones are always popping up, so you can always visit the museum in every season.

Want to take your garage band to the next level, have you been working on your new pop album and want to finally perform it, or do you simply want to support local music? Or are you an artist looking to display your new pieces? All of this can be found at The Holland Project, which has been up and running for the past 16 years and is a local non-profit that you will also be supporting. They have a great exhibit for “Fresh Meat” where people under 21 can apply to be in the showcase. Similarly to the Fresh Meat exhibit, there are nights when a collection of new artists can perform. The Holland Project is constantly hosting nights for local bands to perform, which usually only cost $5 to $15 and are for all ages, always.

These places sound amazing, but maybe you’re looking for something a little close to home and another platform to be creative. There is the delicious Laughing Planet restaurant just across the street from campus that hosts weekly events for various arts. Not only are there the famous Wednesday jazz nights that go on each week but there are also poetry nights every first Tuesday of each month. The poetry nights are thrown by Brushfire, the literature and art student publication. I have gone to both events and loved the sense of community that is cultivated there. The multicolor lights illuminate all the performers as the various plants wrap around the restaurant as you eat some chips and salsa and hear a multitude of talent, it is an experience I recommend to everyone. So take a stroll down the street and listen to the melodic joy of jazz students playing their hearts out or join in chanting “where they at, where they at, where they at” on poetry night to announce new performers.

Part of life is creating or experiencing magnificent creations. It is the expression of life itself and how people see the world. We can look at other people’s art in order to understand our own. We can use art to produce happiness, deal with grief, express anger, and pour out all our love on a page. That is why it is essential to find art in one’s community.

At first glance, Reno may not seem it has all that much to offer, but after finding these treasure troves of escape I couldn’t think more of the opposite. Reno is a bustling city full of life and artistry, where anyone can find a medium they wish to use as an outlet. Whether that is spoken word or loud punk music, you can find it all on Virginia Street, so take a gander and find a world of possibilities to create.

Tastes of the Biggest Little City

Yazmin Tirado

The power of food is endless, it brings people together and celebrates the good things in life. Restaurants everywhere work to put forward unique flavor profiles that bring people back for more; Reno is no different. For the foodies in Reno, there are many restaurants offering delicious dishes to appease your taste buds. Whether you are looking for a refreshing drink on a hot summer day or a warm bowl of soup to nourish your body, it can all be found in the biggest little city.

Arario, located in the heart of Midtown, offers a variety of Korean dishes combined with other international cuisines. For those moments when you’re craving a yummy appetizer, their Kimchee Fries dish is perfect. Loaded fries are a popular dish in American cuisine, but Arario brings a Korean twist to the dish with the use of kimchi, bulgogi, and teriyaki sauce. Another tasty fusion of international cuisine can be found in their Bulgogi Pasta. The dish combines ingredients from Korean, and Italian cuisine to create a delicious bowl of pasta. The dish is made of beef bulgogi, mushroom, olive oil, romano pecorino, garlic, and a toasted baguette, resulting in a delightful Korean-Italian fusion.

Another spot with unique flavors can be found at the Truckee Bagel Company. The small cafe is located in Midtown and brings delicious “New York style” bagels and sandwiches to Reno. Foodies can build their own classic breakfast sandwich or explore the flavors of their special variety bagels. Spinach asiago, spicy cheese, and chocolate chip are just some of the special bagels available at Truckee Bagel Company. The cafe also offers unique cream cheese flavors that range anywhere from

sweet to savory. Their raisin-walnut, sun-dried toma to and salmon spreads can elevate a simple bagel and cream cheese breakfast to a flavorful breakfast.

Just across the street of Truckee Bagel Co. sits Boba T, a cute little boba shop. Boba T offers a variety of tea flavors, toppings, and juice flavors that people can choose from to customize their boba drinking experience. Whether you’re a milk tea enthusiast or looking for a more fruity, green tea, Boba T has it all. The shop also doubles as a social space to dive into a new book, catch up with friends and even play some board games. The tables in the cafe hold various board games like Jenga and Connect Four for you to enjoy with your loved ones while you sip on a cup of refreshing boba tea.

A hearty, warm bowl of soup is always good to comfort the soul. Luckily for Renoites, a delectable bowl of soup can be found at 999 Pho. Located on Kietzke Lane, the restaurant offers mouthwatering and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. 999 Pho’s menu offers a variety of phos for foodies to explore through. Beef, chicken, and oxtail are some of the meats customers can choose from and a fresh plate of cilantro, onion, bean sprouts, and jalapeno is offered with your bowl of pho so you can fix it to your liking. If pho is not your cup of tea, 999 Pho also offers other staples like banh mi, a popular Vietnamese sandwich. All worries disappear as you enter 999 Pho as you’re greeted by the savory smells from the kitchen, and the easygoing ambiance of the restaurant.

Our Go To Dutch Bros Orders

Picked by Insight Staff

Makenna

Iced Galaxy Fish

Rebel

Jace

Golden Eagle Chai

Clayton

Shark Attack Rebel

Zoey

Golden Eagle

Hanna

Peach Tea

Yazmin

Tiger’s Blood

Reno’s Hidden

Jace: bibo coffee co. 717 S Center St

Yazmin: Sundance Bookstore

Picked by Insight Staff

Hanna: Golden Flower 205 W 5th St

Zoey: Aladdin’s Market & Kitchen 1180

Clayton: Scoopers

4040 Kietzke Ln

Makenna: Süp

669 S Virginia St

Illustrated

The Girlification of Girl

*Trigger Warning: Eating Disorders* Zoey Cambley

Ilove my girl dinner I bought with my girl money, which I will enjoy while watching my favorite babygirl Cillian Murphy slay it up on “Peaky Blinders.” Now try explaining that sentence to a Puritan, you’d probably get stoned to death for sorcery. The revolution of girl as an identity has spread into pop culture, mainly through TikTok.

Over the last year, there has been an explosion of the infamous girl dinner, which can be anything from an assortment of chips, random veggies or fruits, maybe a chicken nugget or two, and possibly cheese you picked up on a whim from Trader Joes. However, some girlies on the internet claim a hit from their puff bar and a Coke Zero is also girl dinner. At first, girl dinner was celebrated for the romanticization of creating an easy meal without the hassle of having to cook a real meal that includes real ingredients and multiple steps rather than just throwing a few things in an airfryer. Girl dinner is another concept for not having to “adult”, which is more of a millennial term, and depicts the struggle of gaining grown up responsibilities. No one likes having to go grocery shopping every week or trying to figure out how to do taxes without accidentally committing fraud. Yet, girl dinner has quickly turned into the glorification of skipping meals and is being used as an excuse to promote disordered eating. However, I am not trying to diminish girl dinners because the trend has created a community, by producing a space where people can collectively giggle over what they threw together as a makeshift meal. Although it is good to remember and acknowledge how girl dinner became extremely convoluted with toxic eating patterns, it can also be a fun trend people can participate in.

Similar to girl dinner there is girl money, which made its way around social media around the same time. Girl money is about finding ways around the realities of spending money and redefining what finances are on a personal level. Some principles for girl money are: cash is free money because it doesn’t leave your account, if you’re returning something then you are making a profit, and little treats like a Chai from Starbucks or dinner with the girlies counts as money spent for survival. And of course any sort of deal means you’re saving money insteading of spending, especially if you would’ve bought the item with or without the discount. Girl money gets a lot of hate because it may seem silly and not at all in tune with reality, but in this financial climate, can’t the girlies pretend that it does? To think women have gone from having their husbands sign off on a credit card for them and having all the bills in a man’s name, to now finally being in control of their own finances. Women can strategically budget how to pay for their own bills and still have money left over for a little treat, which is kind of girlboss. Girl money promotes women becoming more economically independent with their spending habits, which is quite profound when you think about how women were not allowed to be in control of their finances a couple of decades ago. Therefore, girl money is foundationally feminist.

The whole concept of girl systematically goes against normative gender roles because you don’t have to be a girl or a woman to identify with such things. Girl dinners are not dainty little meals, and girl money shouldn’t be diminished because it does not follow society’s capitalist principles that are set in place today. Girl dinner and money go against what being a girl and

femininity looks like.

Finally, there is the concept of babygirl or babygirlification, which has limited toxic masculinity towards ultra-masculine men seen in pop culture. A prime example of this concept was seen with Cillian Murphy for the summer with the release of “Oppenheimer’’ and how he is this ultimate manly man, yet is referred to as a babygirl by people on Tiktok who make edits of him. Using girl, as a label becomes a way to tackle toxic masculinity and how we view it to be this blueprint for men to act. Contradicting masculinity with the term babygirl diminishes the weight this toxicity holds because babygirl points out how ridiculous it is for society to value harmful stereotypes, such as the expectation for men to be tough and unemotional. Additionally, babygirlification denounces gender roles through a hysterical lens, because who would’ve thought Henry Cavil is just a little babygirl?

Furthermore, the girl trends have paved the way for introducing girl as its own identity that isn’t necessarily confined to being a girl or female-identifying. Girl is a form of living, it is not limited by traditional feminine socialization. It reclaims what it truly means to live in this society and find some sort of happiness without the pressures of what it means to be an adult. Girl is a satirical takedown of how people define femininity and masculinity. I have even seen debates on TikTok that theorize the concept of girl may mark a new wave of feminism. Girl is its own way of living that promotes a more inclusive view of how to be a woman or a person,who connects with not having the energy to make a full meal or wanting to reason how they should spend their money.

While I recognize girl as a movement it will probably quickly fade into the background as other trends arise. But girlification should still be recognized for its accessibility to feminism. Young people seeing funny videos of girl dinners may strike an interest in them to learn why they’re amusing–-they can see how girl dinners go against feminine diets, while also highly perpetuating them on the opposite side. Studying girlification is inherently riveting since it has become its own identity that is not limited by a binary because anyone could have their own version of this dinner. Girl is a great introduction to learning more about the history of how women are socially conditioned into their feminine

roles. Adopting girl identity is not only a celebration of girlhood but one of self-determination. Girl has a long way to go before it can be studied in Women’s Studies classes as a new wave of feminism, but I think the possibility of girlification taking over is exciting. It is pertinent to recognize girl as a term that encapsulates how multiple identities can be included within the label.

The PinkPantheress Effect

Fabian Andrew Moreno Jr.

Take a look inside your heart, is there any room for me?

PinkPantheress and Ice Spice are two of the latest in a growing line of breakout artists navigating their newfound celebrity from TikTok virality. In November 2022, PinkPantheress released “Boy’s a Liar” to moderate success peaking at #5 of the Hot 100 Bubbling Under Chart. Three months later, Pinkpantheress collaborated with budding artist Ice Spice (who already had two Hot 100 entries for ‘In Ha Mood’ and ‘Gangsta Boo’) for a remix and accompanying music video titled “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” in early 2023. The laidback 2000’s-inspired music video has now garnered over 160 million views and the remix shared both artists’ first Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 entries, peaking at #3 on the Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200. The collaboration is the fruition of ingenious marketing tactics that leveraged Tiktok virality to break into mainstream chart success, pivoting towards a new standard practice for success in today’s music industry.

Olivia Rodrigo, Omar Apollo, Doja Cat, and Lil Nas X are among the few artists who have been able to similarly leverage viral audios of their songs on TikTok into their biggest mainstream hits to date. PinkPantheress and Ice Spice’s success is the most recent example of how music artists in the next decade are expected to ‘make it big.’

Because you only want to hold me, when I’m looking good enough.

In the simplest terms, music artists were traditionally signed to record labels where their responsibility was

making music and the record labels handled distribution and marketing. As social media became the most popular medium for user engagement and user-generated content in the early 2010s, engaging in participatory culture became the standard practice for artists. The trailblazer for utilizing participatory culture in the digital age goes to Justin Bieber during the early days of Youtube.

In order to understand participatory culture or the culture of user-generated and shared content as a tool for an artist’s success, we need to look at the come-up of an unknown small-town Canadian boy to international teen popstar Justin Bieber. Bieber’s mother Pattie Mellette began uploading videos of Justin Bieber in 2007 to Youtube. Former music executive Scooter Braun stumbled upon one of Justin’s videos in 2008 and by 2013, Bieber garnered multiple platinum singles, broke and created charting records, and Bieber’s tour movie “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” held the record for highest grossing tour film of all time until “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” in 2023.

Did you ever feel me? Would you ever picture us?

Since Bieber already had an established following on Youtube, Braun fostered a parasocial relationship with Bieber’s fans in order to keep them drawn to his celebrity. This specific practice of interacting with fans perpetuated two myths about Bieber’s fame. The interactive environment Braun and Bieber created perpetuated the first myth that anyone can reach Bieber’s fame if they upload videos to Youtube. The second myth is that Bieber’s fans are responsible for his fame. In conjunction these two myths keep fans interested and

make them personally “reliable” for Bieber’s continued success. In reality, it’s corporate practices masquerading as participatory culture. By allowing fans to “participate” in Bieber’s success, Braun and Bieber created the blueprint for how artists interact with fans in the digital age and how that relationship can be used as a catapult to stardom.

With the understanding of participatory culture and Bieber’s trailblazing use of the culture, there’s a new shift in the way social media plays into the discoverability of artists nowadays. With Tiktok coming to the scene and disrupting how quickly and strong virality can be, the standards for established artists and unknown young artists have completely shifted into hyper gear to keep pace with the algorithm.

I won’t have to hold my breath, ‘till you get down on one knee.

PinkPantheress shunned the idea of waiting to be discovered so she took matters into her own hands. In an article by the Evening Standard, PinkPantheress details strategically studying the TikTok algorithm before us ing it to gain virality. By posting snippets of songs and fostering user engagement on each of her teasers, she created a demand for her unreleased music and a god speed rise in celebrity. Unknown to PinkPantheress, she’s created the newest blueprint for relevancy during the TikTok era, the PinkPantheress Effect.

With the PinkPantheress Effect becoming the most proven successful marketing tool, labels are requiring established artists to post on TikTok in order to create “organic” interest in new music. For young artists dreaming to be signed, they must prove their worth to labels with an established following or viral moment before any papers are signed. Artists such as JoJo and Halsey have spoken out about the pressure record labels place on artists to fulfill TikTok quotas and doing the record label’s “jobs for them.” Meanwhile, artists like Hemlocke Springs and Ice Spice intentionally grasped the promising virality of TikTok and bent it to their will by following PinkPantheress’ method of teasing songs and sharing catchy audios of new music.

Good eno-o-ough, good eno-o-ough.

The PinkPantheress Effect on TikTok shows incredible promise to young artists as it closes the gap between virality and a foot in the door. The flip side is this practice creates the condition for established artists to

The Eras Tour on the Big Screen

Madison Wanco

Taylor Swift the Eras Tour” concert film was supposed to make its cinematic debut on Friday, October 13th, which Swifties would point out as no coincidence as 13 is Taylor’s favorite number. However, Taylor unexpectedly released the film in theaters on the 12th for early access.

The film has been a concert-like experience for fans. The film is a taping of Swift’s “Eras Tour” concert while she was performing in Los Angeles, although some of the clips came from different nights that she performed in L.A rather than only using footage all from the same night.

The film is perfect for fans who did not get a chance to see the “Eras Tour” in concert due to the high demand to get tickets for the tour. Although tickets to the concert movie come at a steep price in comparison to other movies shown in theaters, they are still wildly more affordable than trying to buy resold tickets for the tour.

The “Eras Tour” showcases music that Swift wrote throughout her seventeen years working in the music industry. She did an excellent job of including a lot of the iconic hits that span her music career. Considering she does not typically sing songs from her first self-titled album as it is not in the set list, she sometimes will still include songs from it within her two surprise songs she sings during each performance. In the movie, she included “Our Song” from her debut album.

Although she made sure that she had at least a little bit of content representing all of her albums throughout the film, she still cut various hits from the film. The movie did not include, “The Archer,” “Wildest Dreams,”

“Long live,” “No Body no crime,” “Cardigan” and the spoken version of “Seven,” all of which are included in the original tour set list. Although having “Long Live ‘’ play during the film credits was a great way to sneak the song in. I think that it is likely that she cut certain songs so that the movie would not be as long as the actual concert. Although some great songs were cut from the film, I still appreciate that at least one song was included from all of her “eras” which are represented by her albums throughout her music career.

The concert goes on for three and a half hours, while the movie is two hours and forty-eight minutes. I think that dialogue could have been cut to be able to fit more songs into the film. Although it is really cute seeing Taylor Swift speak to her fans attending the concert during the film, I think that cutting some of the dialogue to fit in at least one more song that was performed in concert would have worked, especially since some of the dialogue is addressing Los Angeles specifically during the movie. My boyfriend, who I attended the screening with, even suggested having an intermission in between just like the “Gone with the Wind” films did in the past so that the movie could span the entire length of a full concert. Perhaps there will be a director’s cut or a deleted scenes version of this film in the future.

What has been interesting about these showings is that the crowd plays a major part in the experience of the viewing. Some theaters have quiet and seated audience members, others have ones who are standing and singing along, while others have ones who gather down in front of the screen while dancing and interacting with the film.Similar to the “Eras Tour” concerts, fans

have been dressing up to view the movie in Taylor Swift themed outfits and concert attire. Fans also exchange friendship bracelets to simulate the concert experience. Swifties behaved in the way that Taylor Swift wanted as they treat the screenings in the theaters as if they are a real concert. Overall, this movie is perfect for anyone who enjoys Taylor Swift’s music and the concert experience that the ”Eras Tour” has created.

Headlines Clayton Posey

Modeled by Skylar Jory

How Barbie Took Over the World

Emma Torvinen

In what has been coined “the year of Barbie”, the movie “Barbie” has been nearly impossible to avoid. This summer pop culture was dominated by all things Barbie: music, fashion, even ice cream was turned pink to match the pink theme of the movie. What made “Barbie” such a success, was that success justified? Does “Barbie” mark a turning point in the resurgence of girly movies?

“Barbie” first started getting attention because of the people who were reported to be involved. The announcement of Greta Gerwig as director was exciting for people before they knew anything else about the movie. The success of Gerwig’s previous films and their portrayal of female characters made the Barbie movie compelling for the public. As more information was released, excitement for the movie only grew. With a huge ensemble cast featuring beloved actors who seemed unlikely to be starring in a movie together, interest was piqued for anticipating audiences.

Gerwig ensured the soundtrack can be listened to by anyone, even those who have never seen “Barbie.” Some of the biggest pop artists who have gained popularity over the last several years are featured on the soundtrack of the movie like Lizzo, Dua Lipa, and Billie Eilish. Many songs are intertwined with the plot of the movie itself, while also fitting into the respective artist’s sound. The Dua Lipa song, “Dance the Night,” is undeniably fun Barbie pop as well as a classic Dua Lipa sound. Another notable moment in the soundtrack is a remix of the 1997 song “Barbie Girl.” The version on the soundtrack repurposes a well known song that helped shape Barbie’s image to fit the fresh take on Barbie that the movie is exploring. Many of the songs

on the soundtrack gained popularity outside of the movie. Billie Eilish’s song “What Was I Made For” was embraced, especially on TikTok, as the background to videos examining women’s oppression and women’s history. The life of the “Barbie” soundtrack outside of the movie itself truly shows the influence of the movie. Its climactic scene featuring “What Was I Made For” led the song to live a life outside of the movie that was directly inspired by the scene it is in, but also takes a deeper look into the movie’s subject matter. The soundtrack sets the mood of the movie, and helps create memorable moments in the film that set it apart from other movie soundtracks.

While the soundtrack from the movie was released before the film itself, it helped gain audiences interest for its release. Another source of great anticipation for the movie were pictures from the set that surfaced. Photos featured Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, playing Barbie and Ken, rollerblading in bright late 80’s early 90’s inspired outfits. Fashion has an increasingly large impact on the reception of works of pop culture. An emphasis on aesthetics means how the movie looks, and particularly the clothes actors wear in the movie will have an effect on its public reception. The “Barbie” costumes immediately made an impact. Many people have fond memories of playing with those dolls as kids. Which has led to lots of people planning and anticipating “Barbie” costumes that will dominate Halloween in 2023. The extravagant and bright costumes bring childhood toys to life, while also becoming personal fashion inspirations.

The diverse group of Barbies in the film represent the original goal of Barbie, to show girls that they can do anything. In the “Barbie” movie when Barbie travels to the real world, and the human characters travel to Barbie land, which has been overtaken by Ken’s patriarchy, real world struggles are grappled with. The brilliance of “Barbie” is the movie’s ability to blend the girly Barbie image with a real life portrayal of women’s struggles in a way that is accessible for audiences of all ages. The use of an iconic toy as a lens to examine humanity and femininity makes for an interesting and thought provoking movie. However, “Barbie” has faced criticism from some who argue the movie tends to promote a limited perspective on feminism. “Barbie” was not trying to take a deep dive into feminist theory, the movie instead makes the ideas of feminism fun and accessible for all types of audiences.

The “Barbie” movie is indicative of a shift in the film industry. Popular media in the 90’s and 2000’s was dominated by movies similar to “Barbie.” Some of the most popular, and still beloved today, are “Clueless” and “Legally Blonde” both of which were made by and for women. Those types of movies, often labeled as “chick flicks,” fell out of popularity to make way for action franchises like Marvel and Star Wars, but with the “Barbie” movie chick flicks are back with full force. “Barbie” represents a return of girly movies while also perhaps guiding them into an explicitly feminist direction. “Barbie” does not try to make the argument that girls can do anything boys can. Instead the film begins to create and provoke people’s imagination of a world where girls can live in the absence of patriarchy. “Barbie’s” influence, apparent through its impact on music, fashion, and film, was most important in the conversations it created.

Horror is for the Girls

Yazmin Tirado

The grandeur of horror has long been reserved for men. Men are the faces of franchises and the bosses on set. The prestige of the horror genre was also a man’s world. Throughout the expansive history of the Oscars, about twenty horror movies have received an award and were all catered to or were created by men. The lack of recognition of women in the industry speaks volumes to how women’s contributions to horror are valued. The disregard of women’s contributions is something to be left in the past. In the past couple of years, horror fanatics have been graced with productions that demonstrate how women have impacted the genre for the better.

“Yellowjackets,” a show created by Ashley Lyle and her husband, depicts the glory and gore of teenage girlhood and adult womanhood in a manner that has not been done before. The story begins with a high school girls’ soccer team journey to a national championship title. While on their trip to the game, the plane crashes into the middle of the Rockies. The girls are immediately plunged into survival mode, facing situations only the devil himself could conjure. The turmoils of highschool girlhood transform from puberty, childish crushes, hallway gossip into cannibalism, occultism and betrayal as the team has to fight for their survival. The show is split into two timelines, one is where the girls’ soccer team is surviving in the woods and the other is of the survivors as adults set decades later. The dual timelines are not unique to this show, but “Yellowjackets” utilizes the duality to specifically portray the different stages and mindsets of women as they grow, which previous horror productions have not accomplished. The dual timeline grants viewers a representation of the multiple stages of life that a woman can

experience.

One of the standout performances of the show comes from Sophie Nélisse, who plays teenage Shauna. Her character represents all the girls who want nothing more than a sense of belonging. Leading up to the crash, viewers see Shauna’s character struggle to keep up with her best friend Jackie, who is the epitome of the girl-next-door trope. Her battle with jealousy and comparison to Jackie are present throughout her entire character development. For almost every woman,

jealousy and comparison to others are things they can do in their sleep. Even while the characters are forced into mind-bending situations, the anxieties of girlhood remain present, creating a space for teenage girls in horror productions. The cast of “Yellowjackets” also had the privilege of including horror icon Cristina Ricci. Famous for her role as “Wednesday Addams,” Ricci shows viewers a more mature, polished side of her work as she portrays adult Misty. Misty is the representation of a quirky, unhinged, delusional, character that every horror enthusiast needs. She always takes things one step too far, but it is all with the intention of supporting her favorite girls. The impact of Misty’s actions are a topic of contention among “Yellowjackets” fans, but her dedication to her friend is never questioned.

The past year also brought the revival of the Scream franchise. The most recent release from the franchise, “Scream VI,” highlighted the performances of Jenna Ortega as a final girl, a classic horror character trope. The final girl describes the female protagonist that is the last one standing, the character that has beat the scary monster against all odds and managed to es cape the serial killer through wit and instinct. Orte ga’s character, Tara Carpenter, has to fight to escape the infamous serial killer Ghostface after he returns and targets the Carpenter sisters. Her performance re minds viewers that young women are not confined to stereotypical damsel-in-distress roles, and are capable of portraying powerful and interesting protagonists. Ortega’s character is a prime example as she is a force to be reckoned with as she tests the limits of what she will do to survive.

There is no conversation about the iconic women of modern horror without mentioning Sophia Wilde’s performance as Mia in “Talk to Me.” Following its 2023 release, “Talk to Me” received raving reviews, becom ing a top contender for the title of scariest movie of all time. This A24 production tells the story of a group of friends who use an embalmed hand to connect with the supernatural. The theme of young adults messing with the occult for entertainment is not new, but Wil de’s performance alone reimagined the possibilities of this theme. I used to vehemently oppose watching any thing that deals with possession because of my super stitious family values growing up, but even I was not safe from being sucked into the world of “Talk to Me” thanks to Wilde’s performance. In the trailer alone,

Wilde portrayed a type of possession that was malicious to its core and captivated me to a point where I could not turn away.

The incredible performances of people like Sophia Wilde and Sophie Nélisse had the power to turn a superstitious viewer like myself into a lifelong horror fan. Seeing characters represent different parts of myself, like the anxieties of womanhood and curiosity of adolescence, encouraged me to delve deeper into the horror genre. The representation of women in this genre can, hopefully, inspire other girls and women to find their space and create their own art in the endless world of horror. Whether it is performing ritualistic killing of a teenage girl or giving into possession through an embalmed hand, women have portrayed incredible characters that are turning the horror genre on its head.

Is It True?

Clayton Posey

Modeled by Gina Hoang

Modeled by Anthony Thomas

Photos by Sophia Martinez

Nella Larsen’s Unveiled Vision

*Spoilers Ahead* Hanna Villegas

Passing,” a novel by Nella Larsen which has been adapted into a film, is a significant work that contributed to the cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. The novel was initially published in 1929 and is a narrative that revolves around two childhood friends, Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield, who reunite later in life. Both the film and novel are set in 1920s Harlem, New York. The film came out in 2021 and marked the directorial debut of Rebecca Hall, a talented actor turned filmmaker.

In the film adaptation the character Clare, portrayed by Ruth Negga, assumes the role of “passing” as a white woman. Raised by her religious aunts, Clare navigates a society that would perceive her as white despite her African American background. Irene, played by Tessa Thompson, spots Clare after many years which prompts them to talk to each other. Their reunion is marked by Clare’s recognition of Irene with the affectionate nickname “Rene” and sets the plot in motion. As they catch up, Irene is candid about her decision to pass as white. As they decide to reconnect, the two friends reconvene in Clare’s hotel room, where they are introduced to Clare’s husband, John Bellew. His derogatory language, referring to Clare as “nig” and suggesting Clare has become darker over the years, serves as a jarring reminder of the harsh racial prejudices of the era. John is unaware of Clare’s ability to pass, Irene’s response is a strained and uncomfortable laugh reflecting her astonishment at Clare’s daily confrontation with racism. The reunion initially appears to be a joyful and heartwarming moment but is swiftly overshadowed by the pervasive racism both characters must confront.

An interesting aspect of Clare and Irene’s relationship that continues is Clare’s desire to reconnect with the lifestyle she left behind when she committed to passing. This decision leads Clare to be around Irene but with an underlying tension. After Clare reunites with Irene she begins sending her a letter, one that Irene ignores because she does not want to be around Clare, assuming she hates the choice she has made by passing. Irene neglects Clare’s letter and is interrupted by a visit from Clare. Irene tries to make Clare understand their reunion could have harmful consequences. If Clare is around Irene she risks exposing her secret to her husband, who remains unaware of her ability to pass as white. Irene emphasizes to Clare to not just think of herself but also her child, Margery.

As Clare and Irene reconcile throughout the movie Irene believes her husband, Brian, is exceptionally close to Clare, almost too close. Towards the end of the movie, Clare and Irene’s relationship becomes more strained as Clare views Irene as invasive. The ending of the movie begins as the trio Irene, Brian, and Clare head over to a party hosted by Felise, Irene’s friend. As the party commences Irene lights a cigarette and then the cigarette butt falls out of the window she leans on. Within the next five to ten minutes, Clare’s husband John barges his way into the party and bangs on the door. As he forces his way through the door he confirms his suspicions that Clare lied about her white background. He now sees she is a black woman passing as white. As John becomes agitated, he goes towards Clare aggressively, leaving the audience uncertain whether his intention was to harm her or simply grab her. However, as he lunges for Clare, who is standing near the window where Irene was smoking, Irene intervenes by placing her hand in front of Clare at the edge of the window, presumably to protect her from being assaulted. Clare, despite this, tragically falls to her death. Similarly to the novel, the cause of Clare’s fall remains unclear. Audiences do not know whether

Irene pushed her, if she simply fainted, jumped out of the window, or was pushed by her husband, John. As the movie concludes, Irene is confronted by an officer who asks about what just transpired. Irene suggests Clare jumped out of the window to evade her husband and his anger. Yet, Irene’s husband Brian contradicts this by stating John had pushed Clare to her death. The camera then pans to John Bellew, who gazes into the distance with a sense of sadness. Whether his sorrow is due to him knowing his wife ‘passed’ or because she died remains uncertain.

The ambiguous ending of both the novel and its film adaptation has left readers, audiences, and critics engaged in “Passing” for decades. The film serves as a compelling adaptation of the novel’s inexplicable ending, leaving viewers with unanswered questions and feelings. By critically considering the film and its ending, viewers gain insight into the complexities of the Harlem Renaissance. Clare and Irene’s unusual friendship and enmity dynamic are noteworthy, as they shed light on discourse surrounding racism and the challenges of ‘passing.’

The black and white film adaptation of “Passing” elicited mixed feelings and even disapproval among audiences. Nevertheless, it’s the discourse and conversations stemming from this film’s criticisms that lead me to believe these discussions are precisely why Nella Larsen wrote “Passing” in the first place. One comment expressed admiration for the lead actresses remarkable performances while also noting their physical appearances may not conform to the stereotype of African American women passing as white. This commentator also raised questions about the unexplored attraction between the two women, delves into Irene’s inner thoughts, and the role of the Harlem community in the film. While I acknowledge certain aspects of the movie may have left this commentator with unresolved feelings, I believe the lingering questions are intentional, both in the movie and the novel. The unresolved aspects of the story are meant to provoke discourse, which is a purpose of literature and media. The film’s ability to spark such passionate discussions and diverse viewpoints underscores its importance in exploring complex themes. In the end, through these conversations, audiences can truly appreciate the depth and impact of both the movie and Nella Larsen’s original novel, “Passing.”

The Resurgence of Dystopia

Samantha Wagner

We have grown up in such a monumental time, where film and music have shaped our lives and embedded fantastical ideas of the future. Take a moment to recall the films and books that have relished our elementary days; what entranced our generation? Was it the endless sword battles between Olympians in camps far beyond our modern world? Or was it the dangerous games that plagued a futuristic country, with teens being forced to kill and compete for their lives? We grew up in a dystopian renaissance; a time where technology of the 21st century intertwined with completely new possibilities for the future.

Film directors, authors, even musicians have barely begun to grasp the idea of what society could become. In response to this surge of new ideas and possibilities created the infamous and most boundless genre: dystopia. When did this genre become such a dominating element in entertainment? Dystopia has been around since the 19th century with the publication of “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells, but it rose in popularity, arguably, in the late 20th century with the publication of “The Giver” by Lois Lowry, which critiques the harsh structure of society and its consequences on a futuristic community. Dystopia reached its peak in entertainment in the early 2010s, with the production of prominent book adaptations like “Percy Jackson,” “The Maze Runner,” “Divergent,” and “The Hunger Games.” Viewers are captivated by these stories, imagining these alternative worlds like future possibilities that, in turn, heightened social issues and way of life. All these films alter people’s perception of society, revealing the underbelly of the modern world that is consumed by war, violence, injustice, and poverty. So why are we so captivated by dystopia? And why is it reviving itself af-

ter nearly a decade since its peak?

Like a phoenix being reborn from its ashes, dystopian films have returned once again to consume our generation, with “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” released November 2023 and the television show, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” coming out a month later. People eagerly anticipate returning to the dystopian era, and reuniting with these nostalgic young characters. As a generation, dystopian characters have resembled and even magnified the struggles we have experienced growing up; from discovering our own identities to realizing the issues, and injustices occurring around us. While nostalgia plays a prominent role in the success of dystopian films and novels since its resurgence. The dystopian genre brings comfort in more ways than one.

Dystopia is like a warped mirror of reality, this genre unveils societys’ weaknesses while simultaneously exposing individuals’ desire to escape from common life. On one side, people learn to appreciate our own reality by viewing a more disastrously extreme and evil society. On the other hand, dystopia becomes a wake up call, heightening the terrible injustices that shape our world and magnifying it into something unfathomable. Similar to a warning from the future, dystopia reveals what life could be like if human agency was completely eliminated by governmental structure or higher powers. Dystopias can convey rising tensions and imbalance between classes, which could lead to the reaping of young children, forced to compete and fight to the death for their districts, like what is shown in “The Hunger Games.” Better yet, a fatal disease wipes out the majority of the population, leaving the immune

to be entrapped in a maze infested with creatures, in order to test their strength and to find a cure like in the “The Maze Runner.” The possibilities are endless for dystopias, and whether that insights comfort or uncertainty, it is addictive and completely limitless to the imagination.

While critics debate and pull apart a dystopian film to analyze the weaknesses of society, many viewers are simply admiring the exciting adventures developing within the story. Deep down, people truly enjoy the dystopian genre because it urges us to seek more than what people live for. The idea that one can be removed from their common life, forced to find adventure and go beyond the familiar is entrancing.

Many individuals desire to be like Katniss Everdeen, Percy Jackson, Hermione Granger, or Harry Potter in their worlds, but to do that, they have to break from their familiar cycle and be forced to overcome incredible challenges. In an odd way, many people who place themselves in dystopian worlds want to be tested in their resilience and find something worth fighting for. Whether it means finding out you are a wizard, a child of a Greek god, a tribute, or even the cure, it is exhilarating to imagine oneself into dystopian worlds. Nonetheless, dystopia will forever be a nostalgic memory, a present escape from reality, a cautionary tale of the future, and entirely infinite.

Gossip

Clayton Posey

Modeled by Jerad Doré

Rebranding To Stay Relevant

AunaMari VillaReeves

IIn an attempt to stay relevant, Victoria’s Secret has decided to rebrand themselves. Their original brand, which would feature thin and tan models, is no longer what consumers want to see. Consumers are demanding autonomy and that Victoria’s Secret be more inclusive of other body types.

Victoria’s Secret was awfully late to the punch when they finally decided to change their image. They did not choose to rebrand themselves until 2021, and this was only because many consumers had begun to speak out and make it clear that they were more loyal to brands that featured diversity and inclusion in their advertisements and that would be where they spend their money. Seeing as how Victoria’s Secret did not have this inclusiveness or diversity, their sales had started to plummet. In order to fix this, they knew they needed a change. This change, however, was not the female empowerment that consumers were looking for.

Greg Unis, a brand executive at the company, is looking to focus more on sex appeal rather than female empowerment, stating that “sexiness can be inclusive.” He’s not wrong in stating this but using sex appeal as a reason for finally being more inclusive is misguided. This is not to say that consumers do not want to see that someone who is plus-sized or transgender or athletic be sexy, but they don’t want the main focus to be on sex. They want to see women who are happy in their bodies and have no shame showing it.

Victoria’s Secret attempted to show this by bringing back the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which premiered on September 26, 2023. The show featured many of the brand’s original models, including Adri-

ana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, and Gigi Hadid. Along with these models, the show also included more diverse models like Adut Akech, a South Sudanese model, plus-size French singer Yseult, and Honey Dijon, a transgender DJ and producer.

After the cancellation of the fashion show in 2019 that occurred due to low viewership and many years of controversy, a 2020 investigation by The New York Times revealed the brand highlighted a “culture of misogyny, bullying and harassment.” Bringing back the fashion show was a way to demonstrate that the brand was no longer like this, but their feminist makeover did not seem to have much success, so they chose to revert back to their “sexiness” style of branding. Even though the show had good reviews, their sales did not reflect the praise. Part of this could be due to the fact that even though the fashion show is working on being more inclusive, the main highlight of those shows, the Victoria’s Secret angels, were not a part of the rebranding.

Many people consider Victoria’s Secret’s choice to leave the angels out a mistake. Women like the aesthetic of the Victoria’s Secret angel and just want for it to be shown that anyone can be an angel, not just the typical Victoria’s Secret model. Choosing not to bring back the angels seems to be sending the wrong message. It implies that not anyone can be an angel, but hey, at least they finally hopped on the diversity, equity, and inclusion train, even though it did not seem to have the desired effect of raising their sales. So, Victoria’s Secret is back to trying to sell sex while still trying to show women empowerment and feminism, but they’re risking having the original problem of women being objectified in lingerie in order to please men.

How to Combat Fast Fashion

Zoey Cambley

Go into your closet. What do you see? What kind of labels does your clothing have? What’s the stitching like? Small? Probably child labor. How does the material feel? Like microplastics? Do you know the weight of your closet? And I’m not just talking about the physical weight, the weight of the labor that went into your clothes, and the weight of its imprint on the planet. This is not to shame you if you own something from fast fashion companies like Shein or H&M, but to make you aware of your clothing’s impact.

An online article by Bloomberg cites that 10 percent of global carbon dioxide output is due to the fashion industry. Most of it is because of fast fashion, but highend brands also contribute to this by setting the trend cycle so high and using some of the same labor practices and materials. The trend cycle used to be every 20 years. Pop culture trends would pop up after two decades or so, officially becoming vintage or retro. It seems that the trend cycle is anywhere between five and 10 years. Now, I am even seeing a resurgence of 2014 and on and it hasn’t even been a decade in between.

Microtrends and social media are to blame for accelerating the trend cycle. On TikTok, there is a new “girl” every week–clean girl, cinnamon girl, tomato girl. Each brings in a new style that must be bought along with new makeup products and an entire matching lifestyle. Every time we scroll there are ads for Cider or some other fast fashion brand that try to convince us that we need this new top or pair of shoes.

You’ve probably heard a hundred times to stop shop-

ping fast fashion because you are destroying the planet, but how does one really go about that? In this financial climate, it is hard to find sustainable well-priced clothing. One website and app that I use is called goodonyou and you can search certain brands to see how they score sustainably and ethically. It then recommends better brands if the one you are looking up doesn’t have the best score. There is also a list of fast fashion shops on the website Sustainably Chic to help people remember which brands and stores they shouldn’t shop at.

I understand how some sustainable brands are more expensive, and sometimes that is just not an option for some people. That’s why I always recommend shopping at thrift stores. You can search for all the golf dad shirts and mom jeans to your heart’s content. Scavenging in your friend’s closet is another great way to wear new pieces ethically. Going to a concert and need a new outfit for one night? Go hit up your friend’s closet, with their consent of course, and pick out the blouse that you’ve been eyeing since you met them. Now you are wearing something completely new to you without creating another cost in your wallet and for the planet.

However, my biggest advice for combating micro trends and your fashion consumption is to find your own personal style. I know it is hard to narrow it down–believe me I have all sorts of conflicting fashion choices in my closet beefing as we speak–but if you have a foundation to build upon you’ll be less likely to be in a cycle of following every new trend. This can be done by getting down to the basics–finding what style of jeans or pants you like and getting some solid color clothing to start as a base–-then you can expand to finding what patterns speak to you or what textures

feel nice. Finding one’s personal style involves trial and error and even a little influence, but it is about seeing what colors make you beam with happiness or shoes that encourage you to catwalk through your daily life. I know it is fun to dress with the times, and sometimes you should, but having your own style perfectly curated guarantees that you are going to spend less. It also ensures that you are less likely to throw away clothes because they’re “not in style” anymore, and instead be a time capsule of your personal style.

Every piece of clothing I have has a memory attached to it. From my favorite red dress that I found at a thrift shop in Carson City to my mom’s jean jacket from the ‘90s. I know it is hard not to covet what you are seeing on social media all the time, but clothing pieces with history are far more valuable than something you bought from Forever 21. I’m not saying throw out the clothing you got from fast fashion, but be conscious from now on. Wear those pieces from Shein or try to repurpose them in a way that they will actually get used. Just be aware of your fashion footprint and do better. We only get one Earth and I would rather not be suffocated by polyester clothes.

The Coquette Aesthetic: an Ode to Girlhood

*Trigger Warning: Pedophila & Eating Disorders*

Zoey Cambley

Bows, ballet slippers, frilly socks, pastel pink, pearls, ribbon galore–this “coquette” aesthetic exploded for Spring 2023 fashion and bled into other aesthetics over the last year. Coquette is the ultimate expression of girlhood and being a girly girl. The aesthetic is characterized as delicate as lace, and dainty like a light pink blush. The trend incorporates light sweaters, corsets, Mary Jane’s, sweetheart necklines, pouty lips, and sweet expensive perfumes. Movies like “Black Swan” highly influence Coquette with an integration of ballet core, and “Marie Antoinette” with its elements from the Renaissance era.

The aesthetic is highly correlated with the singer Lana Del Rey for her previous style influence with the “Vintage Americana era” which is like the red version of the coquette. Lana Del Rey’s red coquette style has cherries, gingham prints, and heart-shaped glasses, but still has a central girliness entrenched in the style. Lana Del Rey now has partaken in the coquette trend with her recent album “Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” showcasing her with a sweet little bow on her head that matches the softness of the album.

I have read and seen a lot of controversy over this aesthetic and want to discuss each side of the style—on one hand, people think coquette is the reclaiming of hyper-femininity and celebration of girlhood. But the coquette aesthetic is filled with a lack of diversity, feeding into the male gaze, and pedophilic connotation. The basic definition of a coquette is “a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men” according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, and at its foundation, it is associated with being flirty.

When the coquette trend became popular many people noted how similar it is to the “Loita” aesthetic that occurred in the 2010s. However, one article from a fashion website, Byrdie, claims “while the early 2010s version was about young women infantilizing themselves with ultra-girly style, 2023’s interpretation has the opposite mindset” and further explains how the style now is celebrating femininity. In this framework, coquette actually denounces women centering what men find attractive, and rejects being girly and childlike for a man’s pleasure. Instead, the coquette aesthetic allows women to be in touch with their girlhood and proclaim that they are girls-girl with their armor of pearls and cute little bags.

Vogue Business wrote an article on the trend and discussed both sides of coquette. Vogue references some TikToks and how people are saying, “it’s about claiming back all of the things they were told were frivolous and silly. Making it a thing of empowerment, personal style, and identity. You can like pretty and whimsical things and still be a serious person!” This translates to the aesthetic that Sofia Coppola was trying to emulate with “Marie Antionette” and how it is fun to be a girl, play with clothes, and eat cake, but you will be destroyed for it–albeit the actual events were a tad more complex than this. I can see how the coquette style is just another aesthetic that has ultra-feminine principles and can be very fun to dress in. However, it is hard to not talk about the other implications of the trend and the controversial takes surrounding coquette.

The trend is highly connected to the “Lolita” aesthetic, which is pretty much the vintage americana style,

because of a girly flirtatious attitude that is associated with coquette. The 1997 film version of Lolita is what has been used to emulate the style the most because of the babydoll outfits and bows that Lolita wears that largely fit the coquette trend. Her attitude of being innocent, and an actual child also correlates with the girliness that coquette is built upon. The movie has been highly critiqued for romanticizing grooming and not denouncing how pedophilic the relationship was. Furthermore, the “Lolita” trend is a Japanese fashion trend that follows the same style as coquette. The Lolita trend is connected to the sexualization of little girls, and the romanticizing of an age gap or power-play relationships.

A critique of the coquette aesthetic is the method that the style has been made popular through the celebration of white women who have a smaller body type. Although it is not the women themselves who bolster this narrative of being girl-like, it is no surprise the fashion world and internet culture celebrate thinner bodies more. When the trend is discussed on forums like Vogue or Nylon they associate it with celebrities who all fit the stereotype—Lily Rose Depp, Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney. An article titled “The Dark Side of Coquette” on a website called Cherwell discusses

the issue of coquette and how women of color are not represented in this trend, and that the body standards of being smaller in height and skinny encourage disordered eating.

The main issues the coquette style has illuminated are the difficulties of being a woman and the challenges of having to dress a certain way without becoming completely convoluted by the male gaze or society’s harmful stereotypes. I love seeing how some women have turned the coquette aesthetic into an ode to girlhood and femininity with the celebration of pastel pink and supporting other women. This reclamation is similar to the “Bimbo” trend and how women have turned stigmatization into a normalization by taking back the aesthetic, and transferring it into the female gaze. However, it’s worth noting that the coquette trend has added to harmful body issues, and is associated with pedophilia for its characteristics. Yet, I do not think the fault lies in people who follow coquette but lies in the media and society for perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The liability lies in the term “coquette” itself because it sets the tone for being flirtatious, adding to the male gaze. A better label needs to be attached to the coquette aesthetic, one that celebrates femininity instead of sexualizing it.