Fresh Thoughts 2018

Introduction

Fresh Thoughts is a collaboration between the students of the Graphic Design League under the direction of Stephen Fischer and the Writing Program directed by Michelle Niestepski.

Lasell students are required to take Writing I, usually during their first semester of college. All students in Writing I classes were invited to submit an essay for publication in Fresh Thoughts. We received a large number of submissions and had to make challenging decisions about which essays to publish.

Faculty teaching Writing I this year included Vincent Bisson, Kevin Farrell, Ted Hoffman, Gavin Hurley, Sara Bartlett Large, Orah LevinMinder, Courtney Malpass, Christine Meade, Dan Murphy, Annie Ou, and Cathleen Twomey. Instructors worked closely with student writers throughout the semester to help them develop their thoughts and ideas into essays and to polish their writing.

Many thanks goes to Lee Means for her editorial assistance, Paul Clohisy his art direction and production of this publication, Taylor Smith for the cover design, and to the students of Professor Stephen Fischer’s Typography I course for their typographic illustrations: Daisy Bocanegra, Makayla McKenna, Lillian Baker, Meghan Burgess.

3

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of Professor Diane M. Donatio who passed away unexpectedly during the summer of 2005. Professor Donatio, Diane to all who knew her, taught Writing and Communication courses at Lasell College for eleven years. She was an exceptionally talented teacher who dedicated herself to student success. Students loved her classes and were constantly trying to get into them even when they were full.

Although Diane loved teaching all of her courses, she particularly enjoyed Writing I and Writing II. She relished working with first year students and constantly pushed her students to do their best. Because of Diane’s belief and support, her students worked hard and felt proud of the essays they wrote and how their writing improved over the course of a semester.

Because of the generosity of Diane’s family and friends, we are able to give awards to outstanding essays from Writing I. Selecting the award winners is always a difficult task. As one faculty member said, “If Diane were here, she would have wanted to give every student an award because she would have found something great in every essay.” We certainly know that Diane would have loved to read every essay in this book, and we hope that you enjoy it as much as she would have.

4

Table of Contents Diane Donatio Writing Awards

First Prize:

Tipping the Scales: To Tip or Not to Tip in the USA

by Josh Slawsby................................................................................ 6

Second Prize:

The Impact of Plus Size Models on Consumers of the Fashion Industry

by Morgan Trumbull...........................................................................9

Third Prize:

L’union Fait La Force/ Unity Makes Strength

by Emmanuella Jean-Louis.............................................................13

Honorable Mention:

Did Russell Westbrook Deserve MVP?

by Daniel Comastra..........................................................................15

Contributing Writers

Adventure by Lindsay Appleton................................................................................................... 18 Make it Stop by Malcom Avore.................................................................................................... 20 Laser Volleyball by Anthony Del Trecco, Conor Leary-Watson, and Teri Lee............................. 22 Ready for the Lights by Emily Despeteau................................................................................... 26 Gilded Age Mansions by Olga Gradova...................................................................................... 28 Homosexual Households Should Be Allowed To Adopt by Annabelle Haskell............................ 30 Uncovered by Roth Kehinde....................................................................................................... 33 The Sucess in Failure by Sierra Kelly......................................................................................... 36 A Stance on Gun Control by Sarah Kuhn.................................................................................... 38 Sterotype of a “Black Girl” by Jasmine Michel............................................................................ 41 Alive by Amanda Miller................................................................................................................ 42 Privilege Speaks Louder Than Words by Breiyah Smalls........................................................... 45 Learning to Love the Life I Live by Allison Straehle.................................................................... 47 Food Pollution by Olivia Tata....................................................................................................... 49 The Tradiiton and Culture Behind the Moana Movie by Diana Tran........................................... 51

5

Tipping the Scales: To Tip or Not to Tip in the USA Josh Slawsby The American gratuity system, where it is customary to tip between 15-20% for decent quality service, is looked at as a friendly appreciation system that supplements and rewards individuals in an industry that almost always has lower wages. On the contrary, tipping can be seen as an archaic system that makes little economic or managerial sense, one that leaves payment and earnings of the employees up to the public who voice their opinion monetarily, often leading to discrimination and unease.

Now and then, this topic pops up, whether in managerial dealings within individual establishments, large sectors of the industry, the news, the public eye, or at the guest’s table itself. There have been a few recent moves to address this issue by industry leaders such as Danny Meyer, the manager of Union Square Hospitality Group, who operates a plethora of venues including many known NYC hotspots such as the Daily Provisions, Martina, Studio Café. These and many more of their restaurants have begun and will continue to eliminate tipping in their establishments in a move to pay a living wage to employees, a move that Meyer is calling “Hospitality Included.”

There are, of course, the critics and supporters. One critic is Richard Cohen, an opinion writer for the Washington Post, whose article “In Defense of Tipping” explains why tipping should stay a part of the American restaurant experience. On the other side of the coin, Elizabeth G. Dunn from The Guardian wrote an op-ed article titled, “Ban Tipping: This Custom Is Awkward, Unfair and Just Plain Bad Economics” about the downfalls of an archaic and outdated structure of tipping. In both of these editorial articles, the authors make personal claims and vivid remarks on how tipping impacts and would affect individuals if it is removed. The columnists use credible, emotional, and logical appeals to sway and drive the reader toward a decision on the issue at hand.

In both articles, the authors focus on an audience that consists mostly of people on the public or consuming guest side of the hospitality industry, rather than workers or industry professionals. They also align and maintain

6

First Place

themselves as being part of this guest group, though they also maintain a connection to the staff as citizens that should be taken care of within the industry. Cohen wants to impart a sense of familiarity and fondness toward tipping while maintaining that it benefits the staff member and the guest since, after all, it is a business transaction that both parties should be happy with if service is on par. In contrast, Dunn maintains that tipping benefits neither the individual being “served” nor the staff and certainly not the employer. She argues that all that it does is maintain prejudice and inequality and the practice makes little logistical or economic sense. Both authors hope that their own appeal of credibility and arguments about tipping impact the reader profoundly.

The writers use personal credibility to make points and arguments toward their view; they use their life experience and positions to convince the audience to listen. In his article, Cohen states his previous history within the industry: “I was once a waiter—and a busboy, and a shortorder cook and a dishwasher.” This serves to convince the reader he knows what it is like be waitstaff. However, with a current background in political writing, he does little to help that case. Early in the piece, he gets slightly off topic and ineffectively states a tipping flaw about sexual harassment, which raises a case against tipping, but then tries to argue for it to be preserved even with that glaring flaw. This mixed background and loss of focus on the issue could to some degree hurt his credibility in the long run. Dunn approaches ethos differently using her current professional experience in food journalism to create her credibility, thus furthering that her opinion on the subject is of value. She states, “As a person who writes about food and drink for a living…I hate tipping.” Dunn creates a position of authority on the matter, essentially saying the reader should listen to her. In both articles, these authors try to establish that they have experience in the field so that they can make strong overarching opinions about tipping. Again, Cohen might lack this draw because he has little experience and a career in a different field. Cohen might make up for what he lacks in experience by coming across as a good man with good character. His friendly outlook, relatable real story and

fondness for waiters may help readers to trust his judgment and take what he says seriously. Dunn, on the other hand, creates an expert opinion on the subject to further her position against tipping. Here, her ability to take a clear spot of authority on the topic and use it effectively makes her argument and opinion in some ways stronger than her opponent’s.

These opinion writers both appeal to the emotion of the reader, using pathos by playing to the audience’s humanity and often guilt toward waitstaff while they dine out. Individually, Cohen and Dunn create some of their scenes to prompt reader sentiment to reaffirm their respective aversion/approval towards tipping. They do this in a way that supports their arguments and plays on the nature of people wanting to help and take care of a slightly marginalized group within a large business sector of the country. Cohen creates a feeling by saying, “Still I love tipping . . . He’s my agent. He looks out for me . . . The Waiter is my wingman . . . A healthy tip is like a pat on the back.” While stating his love for tipping, Cohen slips in the feeling of comradery, a common humanity that he feels forms within the dining experience when tipping. He makes a situation that the reader could agree with and draws on

their own past experiences with a pleasant waitperson.

This positive, purposeful language creates and frames the reader’s reaction to whatever Cohen says next.

In this same way, Dunn primes the audience and draws upon the reader’s aversion and feeling toward math, saying “I hate it for the postprandial math it requires of me.” Here, Dunn appeals to the emotional aversion some people have toward math and the process of tipping. She goes on to suggest why people should dislike tipping based on her experiences and theirs. She responds approvingly to restaurateur Bill Perry banning tipping at his new DC restaurant, The Public Option, where Perry is paying a living wage, which she suggests will cut down on prejudice and better support a working individual. Dunn also uses negatively charged words to convince readers.

She does this throughout her work and once says, “I hate tipping. I hate it because it’s an obligation masquerading as an option, and a bizarre singling-out of one person’s compensation, just dangling there, clumsily, outside the cost of my meal.” The use of the strong emotional buzzword, “hate” along with its repetition primes and conditions the reader to form an outlook that will align with what comes next, before really absorbing the material itself. Throughout their articles, Cohen and Dunn use this form of animated language to elicit a reaction; they do this with the same intent and reasoning.

While Dunn and Cohen argue for their position, they use logical methods picked somewhat carefully to make their point and disseminate their “idea of the tip.”

Cohen, for instance, provides a definition and background of tipping, stating that “the practice originated with European aristocracy, whence the term itself comes— ‘To Insure Promptitude,’ thus TIP.” While instilling the origins of “tip” on the reader, Cohen tries to impart an understanding of the custom and the guiding essence of the reason for tipping. Dunn rebuts in a similar manner using the same logical premise of definition, drawing to the conclusion that tipping

Illustration by Daisy Bocanegra

7

is an old-fashioned idea rather than a valuable tradition.

She states, “We should know better by now. Forget merely inefficient; tipping is irrational from an economic perspective. Standard economic theory says that we only give something if we’ll get something in return. Leaving an optional payment after service . . . benefits a diner in no way.” She defines the act of tipping as nonsense by referring to the standard practices and rules of economics, which further decreases the readers’ impression of tipping.

Next, Dunn goes even further to declare the real reason we tip and uses an analogy to point to its utter absurdity: “So why do we tip at all? . . . One argument that you tend to hear a lot from the pro-tipper crowd seems logical enough: the service is better when waiters depend on tips . . . Well, if this were true, we would all be slipping a few Benjamins to our doctors on the way out their doors, too.”

This well-thought parallel effectively compares tipping at eateries to hospital and doctors’ visits, insisting that if popular belief were true about increased service, we could incentivize anyone in a service position to treat us better.

She explains that this view is incorrect because better service is not intrinsically linked to tipping. We do not tip for other services, such as doctors and they do an excellent job because they are well-compensated up front. Instead of tipping these experts we compensate them appropriately for what they do, and they do so to completion.

This explanation and next comment by Dunn continues to point out the problems of tipping by use of deduction, saying, “You may think that, as a customer, wielding the power of the tip entitles you to special treatment.” Dunn cites statistics that prove an exceptional service job on average only elicits a two percent difference in tipping.

Thirty-percent of waiters realize their performance affects their tips little; rather, there is an element of prejudice that is often associated with race, body language, and gender that impacts the tip. In this case, Dunn tries to disprove the good in tipping systematically. She debunks why people incorrectly hold to the tipping custom and discredits this so-called power over a server, which rarely constitutes better service. Throughout her editorial, Dunn efficiently uses facts, statistical data, analogies, and general notions to lead the readers to her very same conclusion. Though notable, she does so with little reference to any source information, but maybe she almost does not have to what with her experience and self-established position created within the article.

In the case of this debate, these writers hold polar opposite views on the gesture of tipping, Cohen saying it should

8

remain and Dunn wishing to abolish it in more restaurants.

Though they both fail to find a somewhat apparent middle ground, thus proliferating an all or nothing fallacy; that is simply not accurate. The industry could pay a living wage, do away with standard tipping, and incorporate a new optional appreciation culture that leaves a “server appreciation” spot on checks that are not required, but appreciated: a leave what you can/what you want system.

Though both make a strong case defending their respected ideas on the matter, Cohen’s “In Defense of Tipping” falls slightly short since his appeals do not convince the reader effectively. He plays the role of the editorial writer with an affection for a custom already fading by the wayside, writing outside of his normal sphere with a letter to the public about the practices of the past and wistfulness for it to stay as it is. On the contrary, Dunn, with the opposing view, skillfully backs her claims with experience and evidence shown throughout her editorial, “Ban tipping,” evoking logic and using strong phrases toward the “archaic tip system,” trying to prove that the practice benefits no one in particular.

Works Cited Cohen, Richard. “In defense of tipping.” The Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2015, www.washingtonpost.com/ opinions/in-defense-of-tipping/2015/10/19/16f1cd36768c-11e5-a958-d889faf561dc_story.html?utm_ term=.97ac70551d6f. Accessed 18 Nov. 2017.

Dunn, Elizabeth Gunnison. “Ban tipping: this custom is awkward, unfair and just plain bad economics.”

The Guardian, 19 Mar. 2014, www.theguardian.com/ commentisfree/2014/mar/19/ban-tipping-restaurantsdebate-bad-economics. Accessed 18 Nov. 2017.

Josh Slawsby is a Hospitality Management Major. He is from Hingham, MA and is currently a bartender at a golf club in Cohasset.

The Impact of Plus Size Models on Consumers of the Fashion Industry

Morgan Trumbull

Second Place

As one of the largest industries in the world, the fashion industry is consequently one of the most influential factors of body image on individuals in society. Plus-size models have created controversy because while they positively impact consumers’ body satisfaction and lessen their social comparisons, these models are often blamed for promoting an unhealthy body type and lifestyle. Many scholars such as Elizabeth Bryant recognize that plus-size models are making a positive impact as well as a more prominent presence in the fashion industry and will continue to do so, especially as the majority of the population are now heavier than ever before. Other scholars have conducted case studies that have discovered the presence of these more realistic plus-size models in the industry have a beneficial impact on fashion consumers because their anxieties about their body, as well as the social comparisons they make about themselves, significantly decrease. In order for society, particularly those associated with the fashion industry, to fully understand and embrace the plus-size modeling industry, they must become educated and exposed to the positive effects for consumers’ health, as well as the fact that plus-size models are often much more physically fit and healthy than those of thin models.

There are many scholars who have conducted studies or interviews to get a better understanding of the plus-size modeling industry as well as the impact that it has on fashion consumers. Elizabeth Bryant recognizes many signs that point toward the industry moving toward more full-figured women and argues that this progression must continue for many reasons, including the fact that the number of obese individuals has drastically increased and anorexia is a major problem in the modeling industry, in which overly thin models create an unrealistic expectation for consumers. Similarly, scholars Russell Clayton, Jessica Ridgeway, and Joshua Hendrickse analyzed and completed studies on this same issue in which their experiments utilized science and technology to analyze women’s heart rates and mental comparisons when they viewed images of a variety of models. The results indicated that female consumers proved to have the greatest body satisfaction and the least amount of social comparisons when viewing the more realistic, plus-size models.

Illustration by Makayla McKenna

9

On the other hand, scholars Cinelli and Yang had a slightly different perspective in two different studies they conducted, which examined incremental theorists, who hold a flexible view of their body and entity theorists who have a fixed view of their body size, as well as how these two different types of individuals react to plus-size models.

Finally, Czerniawski went into depth about a twenty two month long ethnographic study she conducted which gave a first hand account of the fashion and modeling industry. Czerniawski not only discovered how brutal and materialistic the industry is, but she also learned how difficult it often is for plus-size models to be perceived as legitimate throughout countless interviews, photoshoots, fittings, and castings. After considering the viewpoints of the scholars, I believe that the fashion industry and society as a whole must break down the “fat shaming” stereotype that has been created. This must begin by individuals becoming more educated and exposed to the reality of the plus-size modeling industry. The reality is that there is a plethora of beneficial effects for fashion consumers both mentally and physically when exposed to more realisticsized models in the media, as well as the fact that plus-size models are often much more healthy and fit than average sized models.

released last month (September 2006) by France’s TNS Sofres polling agency, for example, found that 12.4 percent of French adults were obese-nearly a 10 percent jump since 2003,” (Bryant, 2010). While it is crucial for a change to occur that moves toward acceptance of more diverse and heavier models, rising obesity rates should not be the driving factor of this movement. This is similar to arguing that there should be more skinny models because anorexia rates are rising. Obesity is a negative and life-threatening disease both mentally and physically, and therefore, the terms obesity and plus-size models should not be related terms. Using plus-size models to justify obesity will only negatively impact consumers and result in a larger obesity problem worldwide. Therefore, the change toward more plus-size models must be driven by an ideology that promotes health, being fit, and eating food that provides a sufficient amount of nutrients to one’s body. This image of diversity in physical appearance, yet still being healthy, must be the platform of the plus-size modeling community.

This will not only benefit the mental health of consumers due to the fact that their bodies will be able to relate more to those of models, but it will also be extremely beneficial to their physical health because plus-size models will be promoting health and exercise.

I agree with the scholar Bryant in her article, “PlusSize Models are Becoming More Visible in the Fashion Industry,” when she provides many reasons as to why plus-size models have become more accepted in society and argues as to why this progression must continue.

Bryant suggests that the changing attitudes in the fashion industry may be a sign toward more acceptance of a more full-figured appearance through many different examples and specifically the reference to plus-size model Johanna Dray. The article specifically states a quote from the 31-year-old plus-size model, Johanna Dray, “I think the fact that I work as a model, that I appear in magazines, really reassures many women,’ Dray said. ‘It sends them the signal they have the right to be themselves,” (Bryant, 2010). This direct quote from Dray is one of many pieces of evidence that proves that plus-size models positively impact the consumers of fashion. In this particular case, Dray states, “It sends them the signal they have the right to be themselves.” This displays that women’s mental health improves and their anxieties about their body are more at ease when viewing models that they feel that they can relate to. When consumers feel like their body type is being represented, it not only benefits their mental health, but it most likely will encourage them to purchase the product that is being advertised.

I agree with the scholars Clayton, Ridgeway, and Hendrickse in their article, “Is Plus Size Equal? The Positive Impact of Average and Plus-sized Media Fashion Models on Women’s Cognitive Resource Allocation, Social Comparisons, and Body Satisfaction,” when they argue that the media is the most influential and persuasive transmitter of body ideals, as well as their findings that indicate that in order to increase body positivity, campaign producers must continue including more realistically-sized fashion models in advertising. The authors proved their stance by completing experiments that used science and technology to analyze women’s heart rates and mental comparisons when they viewed images of a variety of different sized models. The article states, “We found overwhelmingly that there is a clear psychological advantage of depicting the non-ideal body type in media campaigns. Participants in this study reported engaging in the least amount of social comparisons and having experienced the greatest amount of body satisfaction when viewing plus-size models. In contrast, and in spite of wanting to be thinner, women reported engaging in the greatest amount of social comparisons and having experienced the least amount of body satisfaction when viewing thin size models,” (Clayton, Ridgeway & Hendrickse, 2017). These scholars’ findings provide a clear and supported argument as to why this change towards plus-size models needs to occur for the physiological benefit of consumers. These results suggest that incorporating more realistically-sized fashion models will more than likely have benefits regarding health outcomes, and dejection-related emotions such as low body satisfaction for fashion consumers. I completely agree

However, I do disagree with one particular argument that Bryant makes, specifically about the influence of rising obesity rates. She specifically argues, “Expanding waistlines may help drive the change. Obesity is becoming a fact of life in Europe, as it is in the United States. A survey

10

with the scholars’ process of the experiment, as well as the evidence, however, to further this research and provide more evidence, scholars should define more clearly exactly what body dissatisfaction and social comparisons are, how consumers begin feeling this way, as well as to the extent it negatively impacts consumers’ mental health.

On the other hand, I do not fully agree with the scholars Cinelli and Yang in their article, “The Role of Implicit Theories in Evaluations of “Plus-Size” Advertising,” when they conducted experiments analyzing both incremental theorists and entity theorists. Incremental theorists hold a flexible view of their body size, meaning they may believe they are thinner than they actually are or strive to lose weight in the future. On the contrary, entity theorists have a fixed view of their body size, meaning that the individual does not expect or want it to change and truly is in touch with the reality of their body size. The scholars went further into this, stating, “Among entity theorists, who believe that their body size is relatively fixed, perceived similarity to the model appears to largely depend on the objective similarity between the model and the consumer. However, incremental theorists, who believe their body size to be relatively malleable, appear to imagine themselves as thinner than they actually are, leading them to perceive similarity with the model when she has an objectively smaller body size,” (Cinelli & Yang, 2016). Unlike most of the other articles, this article’s in-depth experiments ultimately found that there is not a concrete solution, meaning that plus-size models do not necessarily fully impact consumers in a positive manner. While I do agree with some points that the scholars argued, overall the scholars stated that plus-size models do not necessarily positively impact all fashion consumers’ mental and physical health. Their experiment simply displayed that entity theorists are attracted to models that represent their body type and incremental theorists were drawn to the models that were thinner, leading the scholars to state that only entity theorists are positively impacted by plus size models. However, they failed to recognize the fact that the reason as to why incremental theorists are drawn to thinner models and are in denial about their actual body type is because of the narrow standards of beauty that has been integrated into society through the media. Therefore, if plussize models became normalized and even glamorized in media advertisements, those that are incremental theorists may become more accepting of their true size and begin to discover the beauty in diversity of sizes. Consequently, all fashion consumers would be positively impacted by the portrayal of plus-size models in the media.

Finally, I fully agree with the scholar Czerniawski in her article, “Disciplining the Corpulence: The Case of Plus-Size Fashion Model,” with her findings in the twenty-two month long study that she conducted, which took a deeper look into every aspect of the plus-size modeling industry in New

York City. The author analyzed and conducted research throughout these twenty-two months by experiencing several first-hand accounts of the industry, one being the author herself being a model in a photoshoot and enduring the pressures that models experience, as well as learning the value that is placed on their physical appearance through observations, conducting intensive interviews, attending model castings and fittings. The author stated, “Today, the term “plus-size” evokes controlling images of fat and lazy folk who sit glued to their television screens, as portrayed in the 2008 Pixar film, Wall-E. In the film, humans feed on fast food, have robots cater to them, and hover around on chaise lounges to the detriment of their own muscles that have atrophied to the point of immobility.

While this is an exaggeration for movie effect, and plussize models do not match that level fatness, these popular images perpetuate fat myths and reaffirm contemporary bodily aesthetics,” (Czerniawski, 2012). This particular point proves the “fat shaming” stigma present in society is often very inaccurate. Even more so, this study proved that plus-size models have to work even harder than straightsize models because they not only have to stay fit and take care of their physical appearance, but more importantly, they have to fight this stigma. Plus-size models must prove to society that they are worthy and beautiful, which is something that thinner models do not have to prove.

Therefore, a plus-size model engages in an aesthetic, emotional, affective, and physical labor process that involves an intense amount of discipline, time, and energy.

After analyzing and considering the viewpoints of scholars, I recognize the concern for promoting an unhealthy body image and lifestyle because obesity is similar to anorexia in the fact that it is not only physically dangerous, but it can be life-threatening mentally. However, the issue of obesity is often not the reality when it comes to the plus-size modeling industry. In fact, the majority of plus-size models eat extremely healthy foods in sufficient amounts, unlike thin models who often do not eat enough. In addition, plussize models often have consistent workout regimes that keep them toned and fit. The fashion industry must begin to deteriorate the stigma that shames plus-size individuals by accusing them of being lazy and unintelligent. Instead, the plus-size modeling community must relate itself with an image of promoting health, fitness, as well as diversity in individuals’ physical appearances. If society, particularly those in the fashion industry, became exposed and educated on the reality of plus-size models’ health, they may be more willing to accept and embrace them as more legitimate models for advertising. Consequently, this will greatly benefit fashion consumers’ mental health because they will have greater body satisfaction and make less social comparisons.

While society often criticizes the plus-size modeling industry in a negative way due to the perception that

11

plus-size individuals are unhealthy, the reality is often that plus-size models are extremely fit and healthy, as well as impact fashion consumers in a much more positive way both mentally and physically than average-sized models.

In a society where there are countless individuals who lack confidence and self-worth because their bodies are not being represented in the media, it is critical to bring light to this industry in order for people to gain the respect and confidence for their body that they deserve. As a worldwide community, it is important to encourage this progression of more acceptance, diversity, and realistic portrayals that the plus-size community is developing.

References

Bryant, E. (2010). Plus-Size Models Are Becoming More Visible in the Fashion Industry. In R. Espejo (Ed.), Opposing Viewpoints. The Fashion Industry. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.

(Reprinted from Plus-Size Models Gain New Ground, San Francisco Chronicle, pp. E-1, 2006, October 15) Retrieved from http://libraries.state. ma.us/login?gwurl=http://link.galegroup.com/apps/ doc/EJ3010660209/OVIC?u=las&xid=eb5e249b Cinelli, M. D., & Yang, L. (2016). The role of implicit theories in evaluations of “plus-size”

12

advertising. Journal of Advertising, 45(4), 472-481. https://doi.org/10.1080/00913367.2016.1230838 Clayton, R. B., Ridgeway, J. & Hendrickse J. (2017).

Is plus size equal? The positive impact of average and plus-sized media fashion models on women’s cognitive resource allocation, social comparisons, and body satisfaction.

Communication Monographs, 84(3), 406-402. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637751.2017.1332770 Czerniawski, A. M. (2012). Disciplining corpulence: The case of plus-size fashion models.

Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 41(2), 127153. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891241611413579

Morgan Trumbull is a Fashion & Retail Merchandising major. She is from New Hartford, CT and a fun fact about her is that she has swam with dolphins, sea lions, and sea turtles before!

L’union Fait La Force/ Unity Makes Strength Emmanuella Jean-Louis

Third Place

January 12, 2010, faces were disfigured, hospitals were filled up, unable to receive patients. Cemeteries closed because they had no more place to bury the dead. Wives were turned into widows, children into orphans, and the healthy became paralyzed from the waist down. When the citizens of Haiti woke up that morning none of them knew that some of their lives would change for the better, others for the worst; I still remember the day crystal clear as if it happened yesterday.

of horror. The entire town was extremely silent, no one said a word. It was as if time has stopped. Our pets were nowhere to be found. The sky was blank as a sheet; it was as if the animals sensed beforehand that a disastrous event was about to take place. The air was white as snow, polluted by the debris that devastated our country. The wall that protected our house was crumbled to the ground. My uncle’s face was filled with pain when he saw the wall he had built with his own hands had collapsed to the ground.

I was on my way to shower when I heard my favorite cartoon playing in my aunt’s room. She was sitting on her bed while her son was playing in the room. My grandmother was standing near the bookshelf talking to my aunt, and my baby cousin was sleeping in my room. My towel was still wrapped around my body when I entered the room with my eyes fixated on the TV screen. At that moment, we all were focused on the TV which surprised us when it shut off, accompanied by an ear-splitting sound coming from outside. We did not have the time to think what the sound was because instantaneously, the ground started to shake vigorously, swaying the house from side to side. We grabbed each other’s hand and started repeating “Jesus sauve nous,” which translates to English as “God save us.” I remember staring at my reflection in the mirror and seeing the fear in my eyes as I repeated “God please save us.” Objects from the bookshelf started falling all over the room. Luckily, my grandma was able to move before they fell on her.

The ground was still shaking continuously, when one of our neighbors came running up the stairs breathlessly, her body covered in dust and blood begging for help. Her clothes were ripped, and her hair disheveled. Minutes later she collapsed in front of me, her eyes rolling strenuously, her body shaking uncontrollably. We could not bring her to the hospital for it was not near and driving was not an option. Luckily, my aunt was a nurse and tried to save her until we could bring her to a hospital. Later, we found out that she got hurt trying to save a child.

Minutes after the first seismic waves, the shaking of the house started to diminish. I shockingly walked to my room to grab my baby cousin to run outside. When I arrived outside words cannot explain the disastrous events that unfolded before my eyes. My eyes could not erase the pain I saw people went through, nor my brain the images Illustration by Lillian Baker

13

We went out on the street, where I saw kids coming from school, tears streaming down their face with the uncertainty of the safety of their parents. Dads carried their injured daughters to the nearest hospitals. Groups of people started singing Christian hymnals begging for God to intervene on our behalf. We all were outside when I realized that my grandfather was not among us. I felt my heart racing and my head spinning. I ran back inside the house barefoot searching for him frantically and screaming “Grandpa! Grandpa!” Inside, the floor turned into dust, deep cracks on the wall, and the furniture was broken. I made up my mind that I would not leave the house without my grandpa. Fortunately, he was already outside.

That night, we all slept on the cold pavement. Friends, enemies, rich, poor, we were all on the floor, praying, supporting, comforting, and holding one another. The sky was red as scarlet; it was as if nature could feel our pain.

The air was cold as if it was a winter night. It was never cold in Haiti, but that night, we were trembling because our bodies were not used to the cold weather. I remember telling myself, I’m going to die without ever seeing my father, who was living in the U.S at that time. There’s no way we’ll make it. My thoughts were interrupted when a man walked past us screaming that the three-floor school my cousin Sancia went to had crumbled to the ground and that no one survived. Tears started to pour down my family’s face, grieving for my cousin. Our neighbors said no, we must go to the school with equipment to break down the rubble to try to save her. I stayed with my grandparents while my aunt and our neighbors went to save Sancia. Her arm was severely injured, but she made it out alive.

After a sleepless night, everyone tried to find out if their family from other states were okay. I remember seeing the pain in their eyes, some weeping silently, while others could not contain it. One of my cousins, the one who survived the crash at her school, started to cry excessively, her shoulders shaking, her hands trembling. I asked her “what is it, why are you crying suddenly?” She could barely respond to my question. Her body was shaking so uncontrollably that I could feel her agony. As a sensitive child, I simply wanted her to feel better. I put my tiny arms around her as she continued to sob on my shoulders.

When she finally calmed down I could barely understand what she was trying to tell me. I could only hear that my other cousin Chilène had passed away. We did not find her entire body, only parts that helped us identify that it was hers. I remember begging for the tears to come, but instead it was as if all the tears in my eyes had dried up. Guilt and shame filled up my heart, questioning myself… Why couldn’t I cry for my cousin? She deserves at least one tear, but my body was unable to grieve for her. All I could offer was my guilty conscience, and a broken heart.

We did not tell one another I’m sorry for your loss, we did

14

not have to. We each understood one another’s pain. Our eyes spoke instead, rather than our mouth. None of us felt alone because we had each other. We relied on one another.

That night, it was around 10:00 p.m., when one of our neighbors came to us shouting and screaming, “We must get out of here, another wave is coming, and the pavement will crack and open up.” Sleepily, we grabbed all our sheets from the pavement, and started to walk with no knowledge of where we would go. I remember imagining what it would feel like having the ground open up to swallow us, Will I feel the pain? Will my bones be crushed? Will it be a quick death? Will I lose a limb? Weren’t we safer on the pavement? Where are we going? So many questions but I knew to remain silent. The last thing I wanted was my aunts and grandma getting upset at me. I quickly tried to dismiss my negative thoughts and tried to replace them with positive ones. No matter how optimistic we tried to be, powerlessness overpowered us. There were no complaints because we knew better than to waste our breath. We did not have a say in what we were enduring. We could only accept the situation and do our best to survive.

Looking back at this memory made me relive that dreadful day all over again. But this time I could write it without tearing up, which means that I have healed. That tragedy has left me scarred. I suffered with post-traumatic stress for a year. I struggled with the guilt of not being able to cry about the horror that hit my country, but I realized that I was in shock all these years. It wasn’t until two years ago that I could cry openly about the loss of my cousin, and the pain I had endured at that time. My grandparents passed away a year after the earthquake due to the aftershock. I used all the pain as my fuel to keep moving forward. Everything I do, every decision I make, the actions that I take, I go back to that day and remember, that I survived for a reason. I was given a second chance, a chance to better myself, a chance to help others, a chance to help my family in Haiti, a chance to make a name for myself. This tragedy has brought my family closer because we realized that we can see today but tomorrow is not guaranteed. We make every day count as if it was our last. Ever since that day I told myself, a person can either go on with life or let it go on without them.

Emmanuella Jean-Louis is a Law and Public Affairs major with a minor in Political Science.

She is from Norwalk CT, she speaks three languages, and is a singer/songwriter.

Did Russell Westbrook Deserve MVP? Daniel Comastra

Honorable Mention

“Why Russell Westbrook Should Finish Second in MVP”

by Sam Quinn and “Russell Westbrook was the Only Real NBA MVP Choice” by Zito Madu are two articles that attempt to prove why Russell Westbrook should have been MVP last season. Quinn, who writes for thesportspost. com, discusses why Westbrook should not have won MVP and Madu explains why he should on sbnation.com. Their articles are intended for NBA fans who care about who gets MVP. Both authors use ethos, logos, and pathos in their articles to convince NBA fans why they are right.

Quinn uses ethos to establish his credibility by providing hyperlinks throughout his article for any fact that might be questioned. However, he does not have a biography to tell more about himself.

Although he does not make many mistakes in his writing, one big one is he wrongly defines what a triple-double is. He claims, “to average one, a player needs to average at least 20 combined assists and rebounds per game” (Quinn).

This is inaccurate because the real definition is when a player gets double-digit numbers “in three of the following statistical categories: points, total rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks” (“Triple Double”). This hurts his credibility because he wrongly defines the main reason Russell Westbrook won MVP. Despite this, he positively affects his credibility by acknowledging how “remarkable” Westbrook’s season was, being able to average a triple-double. Admitting this illustrates to the reader that he is not completely biased, which aids his ethos.

Madu, who supported Westbrook winning MVP, constructs his credibility with links to all of his sources. He also has Illustration by Meghan Burgess

a biography on sbnation.com to tell a little more about himself. In his article, Madu impresses by making minimal mistakes and backing up his points. Like Quinn, Madu gives credit to the other perspective of the argument: “There is nothing bad that can be said about James Harden… He had a fantastic season of his own” (Madu).

Recognizing the fact that the people on the other end have a legitimate argument for why Russell Westbrook does not deserve MVP, improves his credibility because it shows his willingness to be openminded. Madu’s credibility gives the reader confidence that he knows what he is talking about.

When comparing Quinn’s credibility to Madu’s, it is a close race. Both authors use ethos to their advantage, establishing their credibility with efficiency. Despite a valid effort from Quinn to make as credible of an article as possible, Madu did everything Quinn did and more. They both cited all their facts, and they both understood why someone would argue against them. Nonetheless, Madu did have a biography on sbnation.com and did not inaccurately define a major point that anyone supporting Westbrook would make. Taking everything into consideration, Madu’s article was more credible than Quinn’s.

Regardless of making points based on an incorrect definition of a triple-double, Quinn uses logos very well in his article. Quinn backs up his statements with factual evidence from the past. He uses induction, or multiple examples, and an analogy in his article to prove that not everyone who put up the same kind of numbers Westbrook

15

did went on to win MVP. For example, he mentions where Oscar Robertson finished in the MVP race the year that he averaged a triple-double: “He finished in third. Why? Because the best defensive player on Earth was great on offense and won 60 games (sounds an awful lot like Kawhi Leonard, doesn’t it)” (Quinn). Quinn uses statistics to further his use of induction by saying, “when ESPN did their annual player rankings before the season, they had Steven Adams at No. 36. Care to venture a guess as to where the first non-Harden Rocket appears? It’s No. 86, Eric Gordon” (Quinn). By using induction, an analogy, and statistics to prove just a couple of his points, Quinn’s use of logos is very effective.

Madu uses logos almost as effectively as Quinn. In the first two paragraphs, Madu does not waste time, getting right to the point with his use of induction. He mentions a four-game stretch over the course of a week in which Russell Westbrook relentlessly put up points to give his team a fighting chance. Madu says, “They lost by 12 to the Rockets, when Russell Westbrook scored 18 points in the fourth quarter… they beat the Mavericks a day later… and Westbrook scored 16 of the Thunder’s last 18 points. In the fourth quarter overtime against the Magic… he scored 26 points” (Madu). Madu uses statistics and induction to convince his readers right away, and he does it well. Madu also uses an analogy, mentioning “why none of the other candidates – Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Lebron James – could possibly measure up” (Madu). On top of using induction, statistics, and an analogy, Madu also explains a cause-and-effect relationship between Russell Westbrook and the Thunder. Madu introduces us to Russell Westbrook as the Thunder’s savior: “The Thunder needed Westbrook to have a once-in-a-generation season, otherwise they would be lost” (Madu). He is stressing the importance of Russell Westbrook, going as far as to say that the Thunder would be lost without him.

Looking at both authors’ use of logos, Quinn prevails. In multiple instances, Quinn provides numerous examples as to why Russell Westbrook should not be MVP. Although Madu does a good job of this for the other side of the argument, Quinn does it in more ways. They both provide tons of statistics, analogies, and induction. Even though Madu uses a cause-and-effect relationship to prove his point, and Quinn incorrectly defines a triple-double, Quinn still uses way more factual evidence to back up all his points whereas Madu relies more on emotion to sway his audience.

The last method of persuasion in the articles is pathos.

Quinn uses pathos in his article to emotionally attach the reader to his side of the story. One speculation for Westbrook getting as many rebounds as he did is that he did not defend shots; instead he let up open shots to get in position for the rebound. Quinn calls this move by

16

Westbrook “stat padding of the highest order” (Quinn). This gets the reader’s attention because no NBA fan wants to be a fan of a selfish player, and that is what Quinn attempts to make Russell Westbrook look like. Quinn does it again when he says, “It genuinely feels like their goal as a team is to win Westbrook the MVP, not win the Championship.

Even though it seems like Quinn is attacking Westbrook for no reason, he backs up all his statements with facts, such as the fact that “Westbrook contests the fewest shots in the NBA among players who play at least 28 minutes at 3.6 per game” (Quinn), which is very appealing to an NBA fan.

To persuade his audience, Madu uses tons of pathos. He gets his readers excited when he talks about Westbrook.

At the beginning of the essay when talking about the same four-game stretch, Madu says, “he silenced the Nuggets with another incredible comeback and buzzer beater” (Madu). The way Madu talks about Westbrook makes it seem like he pulls off these incredible performances on a nightly basis. Madu does it again calling Westbrook’s games “consistently ridiculous performances” (Madu). He also emphasizes the importance of Westbrook’s season: “The theme of the Thunder this season was a simple and urgent plea: ‘Westbrook, please save us’” (Madu). This makes NBA fans feel like the only reason the Thunder were who they were is because of Westbrook, and to people like Madu, that is true.

Although Quinn’s article provides multiple examples of pathos, Madu’s play on words gives his article an extra boost of emotion. The sentences put together by Madu in an attempt to positively define Westbrook’s season were more emotional than anything Quinn said about other MVP candidates. This was how Madu was going to persuade his readers because he did not have as much factual evidence as Quinn; Madu relied on describing Westbrook’s games in an attractive way, instead of stating facts like Quinn does.

The list of logical fallacies for either article is not very long.

In Quinn’s article, the only noticeable logical fallacy he uses is hasty generalization. When Quinn talks about “great players leading horrible teams to mediocre records and putting up huge stats along the way” (Quinn), he goes on to say, “Do you know what these guys have in common? They didn’t win MVP” (Quinn). In this instance, Quinn is using hasty generalization because he is saying that Westbrook should not win MVP because a few good players before him with similar seasons also did not win MVP. Madu uses more logical fallacies in his article than Quinn does.

He uses a false analogy to try to compare Westbrook to Harden: “Just as you do not judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, Westbrook should not have been judged by the standards of Harden” (Madu). Madu’s attempt at comparing Westbrook to a fish is an unlikely one, and does not fit in well with his article. The example of cause given earlier in Madu’s essay, could also be considered

false cause. This is because he tries to say that without Westbrook, the Thunder would be lost. If the Thunder lost Westbrook would they be as good? Probably not, but they still would have been competing for a playoff spot.

Both authors created valid arguments as to why Westbrook should or should not have been MVP. Quinn more effectively used logos and used fewer fallacies, and Madu did a better job establishing his credibility and using emotion to engage the reader. After analyzing everything, Quinn created a better argument for why Westbrook should not be MVP. Although he is less credible because of something as small as not having a biography page, he cites all of his facts. Madu relied too much on emotion, trying to make Westbrook’s season appear bigger than it was, without using facts outside of his triple double, which is why Quinn better proved why Westbrook should not be MVP.

Works Cited

Madu, Zito. “The NBA MVP race actually wasn’t that complicated.” SBNation.com, SBNation.com, 30 Mar. 2017, www.sbnation.com/2017/3/30/15119374/russell-westbrooknba-mvp-james-harden.

Quinn, Sam. “Why Russell Westbrook Should Finish Second in MVP.” The Sports Post, 12 Apr. 2017, thesportspost.com/nba-mvp-russell-westbrook-second/.

“Triple Double.” Sporting Charts, 2015, https://www. sportingcharts.com/ dictionary/nba/triple-double.aspx.

Daniel Comastra is a Sports Management major. He is from Cumberland, RI and is very interested in sports.

17

Adventure Lindsay Appleton As Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines.

Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” And Mark Twain was right. Adventure is key, not only to our happiness, but to unlocking our childhood dreams.

Starting from a young age, we are surrounded by stories of adventure. Whether it be Peter Pan and his adventures in Neverland, Where the Wild Things Are, or The Wizard of Oz, we were raised on the idea of being explorers and traveling to these beautiful, magical places. But as we grow, we begin to realize these are just stories, fictional books filled with just words on a page. At least that is what we’re accustomed to thinking.

Today, so many adults’ minds are focused on work and our routine-filled lives. But where did the little kid go? The kid who tugged on their mother’s pants in the costume store, begging her to buy the little red cape so that they could become a super hero, or wearing the pirate eye patch and pretending to sail the world. Where do those creative and adventurous minds go?

Everyone craves adventure. Many people believe that we should never stop searching for our next adventure. No matter how minimal the adventure may be, getting outside and exploring places that we have never been is a gift, a gift that we have all been offered for our whole lives, so why waste it?

We all have a tendency to be repetitive in our daily lives.

Wake up, eat, go to work, pay bills, eat, go to sleep…it is a cycle that many people do not have the drive to escape from. Adventure gives us an incredible opportunity to step out of that comfort zone, the comfort zone which has had its grip on our choices and decisions since we locked our childhood spirit away. Some consider an adventure hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro, while others consider an adventure driving to a new town and stopping at little stores they have never heard of. It does not matter what we think of as an adventure, because every time we step through that barrier and do something that may be uncomfortable to us, we give ourselves the opportunity to grow, to learn and to better ourselves, even in the smallest way.

18

Emma Lemke in her article, “Why it’s Important to live Life with a little Adventure” says, “We only live once.” I know it’s the cliché saying that everyone goes on about, but it’s true.

Why spend our lives holed up in a little town with work that is actually pretty insignificant and wait for the adventures to come to us…and unless you don’t take that little step— that little risk—you will never experience adventure and, in return, life.” The saying “You only live once” has become very cliché to a lot of people. But why? We really all do just have this one life, this one opportunity to make our lives something more than work, more than being stuck in the same town for our whole lives. But it is up to us to find it.

One of my biggest fears is being eighty-five, looking back at my life and not feeling content. I hate the thought of having regrets for the things that I never did, the things I was too scared to do. That is why being adventurous is so important to me, because living with regret and having that fear of truly living my life, is no way to live at all. We have to drive to towns we’ve never been, visit museums we have never even heard of, buy that plane ticket to California, and go on a cross country road trip. We have to force ourselves to learn how to speak another language fluently, and photograph cultures and countries all over the world. I know I will never be content if I am not doing those things, no matter how small they may be.

I know I am not the only one who feels the same way, but sometimes, when I look at the people around me, it feels as if I am. The worry, the constant stress over the ordinary and the routine, it is just hard to see. We were not put on this earth to sit at our desks our whole lives. We were not put here to watch the clock tick by and wait for the adventure to find us. We were put here to watch the sunrise on the coast of California, we were put here to learn how to surf, to learn a new language and travel the world practicing it. Routine will kill us, slowly and internally. That little kid inside us will disappear without the adventure we all seek.

As John Krakauer stated in his book Into the Wild, “so many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality, nothing is more damaging to the

adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.”

Krakauer’s book inspires so many, by just telling the story of a young man’s incredible adventure. Chris McCandless graduates at the top of his class in college, and instead of finding a career and a structured path to follow, he dropped it all and took off on a journey to Alaska.

That does not mean we all have to go to Alaska like Chris did in Into the Wild, but we are so exposed to this societal expectation of having a good career and making money to buy lots of things we do not need and wasting our lives trying to live up to those expectations that others create for us, that we are just watching our precious lives pass us by. These expectations ruin us. They are the reason we aren’t all doing the things that most of us truly want to be doing. We can’t live a routine filled life, and at the end of it say that we truly lived. “Because if all we ever do is get up and go to work and come back home and maybe go to

parties on the weekends, that’s not living at all, that’s just existing,” as said by Rick Warren in his TED talk, “A Life with Purpose.”

Being adventurous does not have any pre-requisites or requirements. It only demands a mental drive and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. It really, truly is up to us to choose the life we live. We have to unlock the childlike spirit inside of us once again and focus on what life is truly about. We must, “catch the trade winds in our sails. Explore. Dream. Discover…” Before it’s too late.

Lindsay Appleton is a Communications major studying Radio and Video Production. She is from a small town in Vermont and plans to work in film and entertainment media.

19

Make it Stop Malcolm Avore Written by the Editorial Board of the Boston Globe, “Make it Stop” is an argumentative essay that was written after the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando in support of an assault weapons ban. The essay begins with a description of the attack in Orlando, and describes the differences between today’s gun ownership and technology and that of Colonial America, before delivering the thesis: “These weren’t the guns, and this wasn’t the American, that the Founders foresaw. That is why we need a new assault weapons ban, written for the realities we face in 2016.”

The editorial board’s supporting reasons in their argument were that a ban would reduce the violence of some crimes, that a majority of Americans now support an assault weapons ban, and that a ban on machine guns has worked at regulating them, and could work for semiautomatic weapons. “Make it Stop” is a well-structured essay, with many strong reasons supporting the main argument, yet it misses out on driving home these reasons with purpose, which is why it is not a completely effective argumentative essay.

While I agree with the argument put forth in “Make it Stop” I believe it isn’t as strong an argument as it potentially could be because of the supporting reasons put forth and how they are used in the argument. Beginning the argumentative essay with a description of the attack and the differences in Colonial America and our current times before giving the thesis of the essay was an informative way to begin the argument. By leading with these facts about the different firearms and their firing capacity, it gives a reader the knowledge and insight to see that our world is very different to the one that the Thirteen Colonies were present in. Leading with the facts of the shooting that caused this essay to be written was also a part of what made the introduction of the essay so effective. While the introduction of the essay was very effective at setting the grounds for a strong argument, the supporting information that followed did not fulfil the potential that the beginning of the essay had shown.

With the first supporting reason, the argument starts to wilt.

The argument that there would be fewer fatalities and a lower severity of violent crime is one that is an important

20

reason as to why assault weapons should be banned, yet it is not backed up by facts or statistics by the editorial board.

They state, “Would a better ban on semiautomatic assault weapons reduce the nation’s overall amount of violent crime? Research suggests not, but it would clearly reduce the violence of some crimes, particularly mass shootings like those in Newtown and Orlando.” This argument carries weight in the argument if assault weapons should be banned or not, yet no numbers are used to prove this. The only factually backed up piece of this statement is that research suggests that there would be no impact in the amount of violent crime in the US. The following sentence is an opinionated claim and states that the violence of crimes, or severity, would be diminished by an assault weapons ban. Had this argument been backed up by any form of statistics it would have carried more power in the argument for an assault weapon ban.

The second reason of a majority of Americans supporting an assault weapons ban is similar in the first reason in that it isn’t backed up thoroughly by facts. The editorial board uses a poll run by CBS in the days following the Pulse Nightclub shooting. They use a percentage of how many Americans support an assault weapon ban when they say: “But millions more Americans want assault weapons banned outright – 57 percent now support a federal bill to do so.” This poll is used very effectively in the argument that the majority of Americans favor an assault weapons ban, but there are some important figures missing that could bolster the argument and make it an even stronger one. The first number that was left out, whether on purpose or because it wasn’t available, was how many responded in the poll. Along with the number of responses to the poll, how many were asked would be important to see if there was any kind of response bias. Finally, an added statistic that showed the breakdown of how many people from each party responded and what their stance on passing a law is would add to the argument. Like the supporting reason before it, the majority of Americans being in favor of an assault weapons ban is a very effective first step, yet it wasn’t as strong an argument that it could have been due to the lack of supporting statistics and facts.

The final supporting argument, that an assault weapons ban would work like the machine gun ban of the past, is the most flawed. The holes in the argument begin with when the machine gun ban was implemented, in 1934.

The editorial board of the Boston Globe does little to explain how this ban has worked over the years since its implementation, and only explain that “it could rightly regulate the semiautomatic rifles as well.” If the writers of this essay were to go further in depth as to how this ban has been effective against the use and obtainment of machine guns they could have further developed their argument for an assault weapons ban. Statistics could also have been used to strengthen the argument, whether they are of how the ban has worked against machine guns, or how a ban against assault weapons might impact their use and availability.

While I agree with the argument put forth in “Make it Stop,” I believe the supporting arguments are lacking in their potential impact. With a solid introduction, the essay was set to have a sound, clear argument, yet it had a lack of statistical and factual evidence that could have enhanced the essay. “Make it Stop” is a well-structured essay, with many strong reasons supporting the main argument, yet it misses out on driving home these reasons with purpose, which is why it is not a completely effective argumentative essay.

Malcolm Avore is a Finance major. He is from Farmingdale, ME and has a black belt in Isshinryu Karate.

21

Laser Volleyball: Shooting for the Stars As Told by the Players Anthony Del Trecco, Conor Leary-Watson, and Teri Lee

The sports season is in full swing at Lasell College, and already a few seasons are in the books. The women's volleyball team at Lasell College had a great run worthy of the history books making it all the way to the semi-final game, falling just short.

Regardless of that, it was a season to remember with milestones being achieved and records on the verge of being broken. There is also anticipation for the men's team to see the court when their season gets served up in the spring. A young team with potential and a team that looked like an all-powerful force. This is the volleyball program at Lasell College, always striving for the best, and incorporating each player to come together as one cohesive team when the game is on the line. So far, the athletic center (also dubbed the “Laser Dome” by some) has felt an energy like no other with the crowd helping to propel the team in the biggest moments. Their momentum was ignited after dominating the quarter final over Regis in a game to the best of five sets with the first set’s score coming in at 25-9, and eventually becoming a victory in straight sets fueled by the play of the seasoned veterans with the help of some new faces. Lasell College is a division three school in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) and has shown that they are able to compete as the women's team secured the fourth seed

22

when it came time for the postseason. No matter which team you see on the court on any given night, one thing remains the same; they will not go down easily.

We were fortunate enough to get some of the players from both teams to sit down and answer a few questions for us about the team, the games, and the program as a whole.

What people may not know is some of the players have come a long way to play for Lasell College. The women's team has players who came all the way from the West Coast, including a few that we interviewed. Allie Jo Amos, #2, is a first-year student who came all the way from Prescott, Arizona to play at Lasell. She was recruited to play and is excited to be a part of the fashion program and to explore Boston. “I have always been a defensive specialist, so that is where I always play in the back row. I’m a specialist for passing and for defense, so I chose that position due to my physique and size, and I’m quick to the court. That’s the skills you need to be a defensive specialist and that's what I was recruited as for the team because that’s what they needed for the program.” As a rookie and consistent server, she performed very well. She recorded 34 aces, or serves that scored because they hit the ground on the opposite side of the net due to errors from the opposing team such as letting it drop or being unable to successfully receive the ball. She also racked up 164 digs, or passes off of hits, 2 kills, or attacks that went to the other side of

the net and scored, and she played a total of 100 sets in 32 matches. Before the season started, the girls traveled to Puerto Rico, which is something she enjoyed. “I loved going to Puerto Rico for one of our tournaments; that was the highlight of the season. We got to explore the island, play volleyball, and compete. We did awesome.” The trip was also a great way to start building chemistry within the team, and on the court it showed how in sync they were.

This also contributed to some creative dance moves, handshakes, and celebrations (as pictured on the cover page) that always put a smile on everyone's face.

as you want with them, they love to have fun, they love to cheer, and we really are like a family with a close bond.”

While the men's team is still practicing before the season, Jordan feels very optimistic about the team. “I enjoy the team we have now, I think the freshman are starting to feel more comfortable and everyone is getting a lot closer.” The men have no seniors, but a lot of freshman, and hope a young team can help them make a run for the ages. Jordan also took the time to reflect on the previous season. “Last year’s season was incredible, I will never forget the guys I played with and the tremendous success we encountered.”

Olivia Addington, #1, is a communications major in the public relations concentration. She was a captain this season as a junior from Orange County, California. She has proven to be the best player in program history in quite some time by putting up incredible numbers over just three years. Olivia credited the coaching staff of doing a great job in preparing the team for games. “Mary Tom did a great job out of the background work and Patrick Tom was really great at physically being on the court with us and teaching us what to do, and I think that they supported us whether it was volleyball related or just personal stuff.” Allie Jo agreed with her teammate about feeling support from the Lasell coaches, and is excited for her sophomore season.

Improvement is important in every program, and each player had an idea of what it takes to get better, what they need to do to get better, and what they would change about the program. Olivia had her own take of something that could be done to help the team and athletes as a whole on the Lasell campus. “I just wish that they fed athletes better.

That’s more towards the dining hall I guess and Chartwells, but I just wish that they fed us better because we eat so much and getting food is so important.” She makes a good point with this, especially when the team returns home after a long away game, these players are bound to want something to eat. The answers on how to get better in the sport were simple. “Just lots of reps” Olivia tells us. “It’s not an easy sport to go off and play by yourself to get better.

You really do need more than one person, but any rep that you can get with a volleyball, that's just going to make you better whether it’s just you just constantly setting to yourself, or constantly passing to yourself, it will make you better.” Jordan went right to the point with his answer when he told us “Just like anything else, hard work determination, and passion” which was echoed by Greg. Even as a firstyear player, Allie Jo has a good idea with this as well. “It takes practice every day, definitely lots of repetition for passing, and defense, and also training off season with conditioning and weight lifting.” When we asked her what she would do to improve the program, she said “What I would change is definitely incorporating training and conditioning during the season, because we rarely did any of that and we had many injuries throughout the season, so I think having stronger muscles and being conditioned will prevent that.” Jordan circled back to what he said earlier with his idea to improve the program. “If I could change anything about the program it would be to expand our funds on recruiting. That way we could establish a larger team in terms of numbers and keep growing the program.”

For the men, Jordan Aprea, # 7, a junior from Newington, Connecticut believes that coaching is a strength at Lasell as well. “I think the coaching staff is well rounded at Lasell” says Jordan. “I have a lot of support from the coaches.

One area of improvement would be better assistance in terms of the administrative side.” By this, Jordan means that ordering gear and getting better at recruiting could help improve the program. When it came to his position, he added “I enjoy the position I play a lot. I chose the position and succeeded at it so the coaches felt I was most helpful there.” Greg Montero, #17, is a first-year player from New Bedford, Massachusetts. He is a marketing major with a minor in graphic design. He agreed with his teammate about enjoying his position (the right side) and feeling the players have support from the coaches, but admits he does not like them except for one person on the staff, and would change that about the program.

The women's team on the court looked like a well-oiled machine. Olivia and Allie Jo believe that a big part of that were the teammates they played with this season.

“Absolutely love them” says Olivia. “They’re like the loud annoying family members you love to have. Sometimes you can’t get rid of them, but you also don’t want to be rid of them either.” Allie Jo echoed this, and especially being from far away, she credits them for making her feel at home and included. “I love my teammates. We’re like a family. They were awesome because I’m from Arizona, so I wasn't able to go home every weekend like they are. So, it was so fun to have them, they are so supportive. You can be as silly

When it came to themselves and a challenge with the game, the players were very open with us. Greg said that he really needs to work on his footwork, and Jordan said his biggest struggle was “passing float serves.” Allie Jo’s biggest struggle comes on game day. “My biggest challenge is definitely being mentally prepared for the game because volleyball is definitely a mental game, and you have to have the mindset of doing it. For example,

23

I always have to have the perfect mindset to pass a ball perfectly, especially on serve receive. Olivia’s response was a surprise due to her dominance on the court, but it also shows it does not matter how many years you play, the game can still get to you. “Since I played middle when I was in high school club, I never played backrow whatsoever. So, my biggest challenge since being moved to the outside of playing all around is definitely my defense.

Serve receive to this day still scares the crap out of me, but I definitely just have to go in being confident, and if I make a mistake, just have to shake it off.”

Earlier, we mentioned that Olivia Addington was one of the best players in the program in recent years. In her time at Lasell, her numbers have been out of this world. Her stats from this year include playing in 34 matches, and 117 total sets. As an outside hitter, she had a hitting percentage of .187, and had an amazing total of 440 kills this season.

This season, she also broke the program record for most kills in a five-match set with 25. We now go back to the quarter final match we mentioned earlier. Going in, she had 990 career kills, and 1000 is a huge milestone for a player here. She got going early with 4 in the first set, 5 in the second, and the first point for Lasell of set three was Addington’s 1000th kill, and she finished with 11 on the night. The crowd went crazy and the team was ecstatic.

She is only the third player in program history to reach that

24

accomplishment. If she has a season next year like she had this year, she will shatter the all-time kill record for the program’s history. What is even more shocking is that this was not her natural position. “I was recruited as a middle blocker, and then my freshman year Mary Tom switched me over to an outside hitter, and I absolutely love it. I never want to go back or be anything other than an outside hitter.

So, I didn’t necessarily choose it, but I think she saw my potential for it and went with it, and it's worked out ever since.” Addington averaged 3.76 kills per set overall, had 35 service aces, 317 digs, 7 assists, 1394 attacks, and 25 blocks overall while starting 28 matches this season. She came to Lasell because she was being recruited up and down the East Coast, and she wanted some place with four seasons, and when it all came down to the choice, Lasell was her favorite. The rest is history. “This was our best season since I’ve been here, and we went the farthest that we have in years” she said as she reflected on the season. “It was just really fun. We really connected. The senior class was really big. There were seven of them, and I’ve been with them for three years, so we were really close, and then the freshman class that came in they were really awesome. And I guess next year we’re really looking forward to seeing what new things a new coach can bring for us and just the potential for the program to get better.”

The picture below is of Olivia getting the game ball she got her 1,000th kill with.

We ended by asking the players about the crowd and Lasell’s biggest rival in the sport. “A loud and crazy atmosphere at the games is definitely one of the best feelings,” Jordan tells us. “The qualities from the crowd is definitely the loud cheering for sure,” says Allie Jo. “That always just brings a fun atmosphere, and brings the intensity to a lower level so it feels calmer, and just knowing you have the fans to support you.” Having not played in a Lasell game yet, Greg was able to reflect on his high school experience and said that he enjoyed it when the crowd trash talked, and this was seconded

by Olivia with a laugh and a smile. “We always love any support that people give. This sounds bad, but I love when they heckle the other team, when my friends will heckle the other team or do chants or cheers at them. That's always hilarious or if we’re doing a chant and they tag along with what we’re saying, that always just gets us really hyped up.” Needless to say, that part of the interview with her had to be stopped due to uncontrollable laughter.

When it came to Lasell’s biggest rival in the sport, everyone we spoke to had a different opinion. Greg being a first-year student who has not played yet did not know the answer to this, but Jordan was able to tell us “Lasell’s biggest rival the past couple of years has been either Rivier or Wentworth.” Allie Jo had a different look on this question. “For Volleyball, it would definitely be Mount Ida, since they’re our town rivals; they’re a very close matchup to us, like same skill level, so it’s a good rivalry.” Finally, Olivia gave her answer. “Our neighbor rival is always Mount Ida, but every year we seem to pull it together and beat them and not let them win. We’ve always disliked JWU (Johnson and Wales) and that’s just because their the champions, and they’re the ones to beat. But if we have to say our top rival past those two would probably be Simmons because they’re the ones who knocked us out of quarter finals last year, and they are pretty similar to us playing wise and player wise, so they’re definitely the ones to beat.”

Overall, all the players we talked to believe the program will be successful in years to come. We could not have done this without having the input and insight they provided to help complete this project, so we give our thanks to Olivia Addington, Allie Jo Amos, Jordan Apera, and Greg Monterio for their help and to contributing to the piece. As the men continue to practice, the excitement

builds as to what they will do this season. For the women's team, all we can say is “wow” as we look forward to next fall. The program’s future is looking bright and Lasell College is proud to have hard working athletes who always perform the best on the biggest stages. The players the

program have exemplify the phrase Laser Pride, and show it every day. Stay tuned to what these teams will be doing in the future because once you start watching, you will not want to stop.

Pictured above: Allie Jo Amos (far right) and other members of the team celebrate on the court and embrace Olivia Addington after her 1,000th on Halloween night during the quarterfinal against Regis. Quite the treat for fans, family, and broadcasters.

Anthony Del Trecco is a Sports Communication major. He is a commuter student from Chelmsford, MA. and he was a part of the 100th class to graduate from his high school.

Conor Leary-Watson is a Criminal Justice major. He is from Bethany, CT and is 6 feet 7 inches and plays volleyball.

Teri Lee is a Marketing major. She is from Cranston, RI and her favorite football team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.

25

Ready for the Lights Emily Despelteau down with expert precision, moved into a split, and hung there with poise while the audience, bathed in darkness, gasped. I felt the tight fabric around my waist and could hear the oohs and aahs of family and friends watching me; my heart skipped a beat.

I know you aren’t supposed to care what others think of you, but I couldn’t help wanting to impress every person in that auditorium. As the song closed and I prepared for the last trick, I knew I had to bring it home. I was exhausted, but what was one thing more? I pulled myself up, and went to flip upside down, but I couldn't. I lowered myself and tried to calm my shaking abdomen. ‘It’s just my nerves,’ I thought. I raised myself and attempted the move again, but to no avail. I frantically looked to my friend’s face on the silk diagonal from me and whispered, “I can’t.” That, I remember vividly. Two little words, just five letters, but so much power.

In the pitch-dark, the only things I could hear were whispers from the audience and my heartbeat threatening to rip out of my black lace costume. I felt for the silks for the fourth time; they were still in my right hand. I had been practicing for my aerial dance recital for months, and I couldn’t wait to show everyone the routine I had strenuously rehearsed.

The lights came up and the bass of the music throbbed through the auditorium. I was anxious. I was excited. I was ready. I climbed as far as I could before becoming lost in the beams of the ceiling. Twisting into my first pose, I dropped in a flurry of fabric, my body almost reaching the floor. I extended myself as far as I could, flipped upside

26

I dropped to the floor and exited the stage as quietly as I could, traveling in the shadows behind the other dancers as the stage lights faded behind me. That was the moment this photo was taken. I was chased from backstage to the hallway and into the bathroom by the applause of the audience. But how could it be for me? I fell to the cold tile and broke down, gasping for breath as the hot tears streamed down my face causing my fake eyelashes to come unstuck. The other dancers came trying to convince me that no one noticed, or the moves that I did perform were amazing. But it didn’t help. I was so confident in myself, and it felt as though that confidence was falling apart, crumbling like a building after an earthquake, the debris suffocating me.

Full disclosure; I had always been one to give up easy.

While I did try my best with everything I did, I never had that “fire in your heart” kind of motivation. Yes, I performed well, but I felt that I should have been able to complete that routine. I did not look past the pain in my arms and the ache in my legs. When I was faced with that single misstep, I panicked and lost hope. That was what made me understand that things worth doing aren’t easy. While

that failure broke me down, it was worth it, because as I stood with shaking knees, I saw my eyes change in the reflection of the bathroom mirror. I saw the person I was melt away into a mature, determined person who was ready to conquer the world. I now strive for greatness, and leap for it when it is just out of reach. I pull myself up the extra inch, and do something great with it. Because sometimes you need to break down a jumble of Legos in order to make a bigger and better tower. This photo reminds me of my failure; however, it is also a reminder of how far I have come as a dancer since that recital. I kept dancing after that, and I have improved my technique

immensely. I am now more confident, more fluid, and stronger. From that one moment on, I promised myself I would never say, “I can’t� again. Now when the lights come on, I am ready.

Emily Despelteau is a Fashion Design major with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. She is from Exeter, NH and made her Junior Prom dress.

27

Gilded Age Mansions Olga Gradova For six weeks out of the year, Newport's Bellevue Avenue served as a summer playground for some of America's wealthiest families of the Gilded Age. Located in Rhode Island, Newport of the 19th century was considered to be "American Eden," known for its beautiful views of the ocean and wide, open spaces (newportmansions.com). There, the Vanderbilt and Brewster families build three magnificent "summer cottages" so grand and opulent that today we consider them to be masterpieces in history. Every year, The Breakers, Elms, and Marble House attract millions of visitors, each hoping to experience a glimpse of wealth of the Gilded Age. Coined by Mark Twain in the late 19th century, the term Gilded Age described a period of time in America where corruption and social standing were masked by "thin gold gilding" (M. Twain). The line between the wealthy and the poor was drawn in bold, leaving room for greedy and vulgar displays of power and money. It was also a time of rapid economic growth, as the United States pushed forth and led the world in industrialization. Household names like Carnegie, Vanderbilt and Morgan emerged, leading to the formation of America's first billionaire, John D. Rockefeller.

The Gilded Age brought about inventions like air brakes for trains, making the railroad safer and faster, the formation of the American Telephone and Telegraph company in 1885, known today as AT&T, and the great Thomas Edison established electricity (Digital History). Soon, the nation once described as one of farmers and craftsmen became one of the have and have nots, as everyday workers struggled to survive while the emerging financial and industrial aristocracy lived in unprecedented wealth.

Tucked away from other mansions on Bellevue Avenue lies the crown jewel of Newport, The Breakers. Built in just two years between 1893-1895 for twelve million dollars, (equivalent to $310 million in 2017,) The Breakers was commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt as a summer cottage for his family (Newportmansions.com). The 70room cottage, roughly 125,339 square feet, got its name from the continuous breaking of the waves against the cliff it sits on. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the architect

28

behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art's great hall and the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, the Breakers is one of the most visited museums in America. At the time of completion, the Breakers was the biggest, most opulent house in Newport. The Vanderbilts, who had money but not pedigree, built this cottage to surpass European nobility, a common desire during the Gilded Age. Commissioned in 1888 and completed just four years later, Marble House was built for William Vanderbilt, Cornelius' younger brother, and given to William's wife as a 39th birthday present. Located just down the street from the Breakers, this "summer cottage" was slightly more modest.

The fifty-room mansion cost $11 million to build ($290 million in 2017,) $7 million of which was spent on the cost of marble (newportmansions.com). In a time when the average worker's annual salary was just under $400, Marble House was the epitome of a house built during America's Gilded Age. Drawing inspiration from the Palace of Versailles, Richard Morris Hunt themed the interior in French-style.

Edward Berwind, owner of the Berwind and White coal company, which was the main supplier of coal for the Pennsylvania railroad, had the Elms built in 1901 for the cost of 1.5 million (newportmansions.com). Engaging the architect behind the Duke University campus, Horace Trumblaeur, the house was constructed to resemble the Chateau d'Asnieres of France, with the house grounds being some of the best in Newport. The 48-room mansion is consistent with the Gilded Age housing with its richly decorated decor, opulent stone statues throughout the grounds and the beautiful lime brick outside.

Once owned by "American royalty," today these mansions are all owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County. It's main mission? To "protect, preserve and present an exceptional collection of house museums and landscapes in one of the most historically intact cities in America" (newportmansions.com). PSNC acquired the Elms and Marble House in 1971 and Breakers in 1972. As the Gilded Age came to an end, taxation took effect and the

"summer cottages" were no longer practical, nor were they affordable to maintain. The sheer number of staff required to run such households became too expensive, and most families decided to sell their properties to the historical society.

www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/gilded-age/timelineterms/%E2%80%9Cgilded-age%E2%80%9D-coined.

Filled with beauty and opulence, Gilded Age summer cottages were the perfect display of new money. The architecture was stunning, the design complex and beautiful and the owners were on a mission to display their wealth. Today, these mansions are open to the public to remind us of the grand change that once swept our nation. They are perfect time capsules of the moment when American aristocracy truly experienced "European wealth."

A step inside the Breakers, Elms or Marble House instantly transforms you to the American Gilded Age, a time when art, beauty and opulence were to be displayed, not hidden.

www.newportmansions.org/.

“Newport Mansions.” The Preservation Society of Newport County,

“Newport Mansions | Experiencing the Gilded Age.” New England Today, 13 Aug. 2017, www.newengland.com/today/travel/ rhode-island/newport-mansions/.

Works Cited Digital History, www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/era.cfm?eraid=9.

“Gilded Age" coined.” The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History,

Olga Gradova is an International Business major with a minor in history. She was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

29

Homosexual Households Should be Allowed to Adopt Annabelle Haskell

Adoption agencies have the right to choose safe households for the adopted child but a safe household can have different meanings to different people. An article written by Liberty Council believes that gay and lesbian couples should not be allowed to adopt because such a household would not be a safe environment for the adopted child. However, I believe that children that are adopted into homosexual households are given the same opportunities for healthy growth and even more opportunities for learning the importance of diversity. Homosexual households offer the same peace and stability that heterosexual households do for children that have suffered separation from their birth parents. Adoption agencies should determine whether or not a family can adopt based on the health and stability of the household; the sexual orientation of the parents should not be a relevant factor in this determination. The most helpful and healthy environment for the growth of a child is one where the parents have a healthy relationship, the child is physically and mentally safe, and the child is supported.

Homosexual couples are just as capable as heterosexual couples of providing a healthy environment for an adopted child.

Healthy relationships are important for the development of a child but are not affected by the sexual orientation of the people in the relationships. Liberty Council states that, Having both a mother and father in the home provides children with four models of these boundaries: (1) A role model of a stable heterosexual marriage relationship, (2) A role model of a mother and father coordinating co-parenting, (3) A parenting role model of a father-child relationship, (4) A parenting role model of a mother-child relationship. A same sex household deprives children of three of those four models and therefore, by definition, places children at a disadvantage.

According to this excerpt, all children need to be exposed to a healthy heterosexual relationship in order to learn what they should strive for in the future. The author believes that without these models of heterosexual relationships in a household a child will be at a disadvantage in life. No

30

one can assume that all children will follow the exact paths and the sexual orientations of their parents. Therefore, models of healthy heterosexual relationships are of little importance in a household today. However, I do believe that models of healthy relationships in general are very important for a child to grow up around. This means a happy and supportive environment that encourages the growth of the child. A couple models a healthy relationship by communicating, supporting each other, and working together in order to successfully raise a child. It's important for a child to grow up with a model of a healthy relationship in their home but it should not matter if the relationship is heterosexual or homosexual. As long as the parents can model a healthy relationship for their child to grow up in then the child will learn from it and feel supported in their home.

The criteria of a stable and peaceful house for an adopted child is not defined by the sexual orientation of the parents but by whether or not the household is a safe place mentally and emotionally for a child. Liberty Council states, "Since children being placed for adoption have already suffered separation from their biological parents, it is particularly important that they be placed in an environment that is most likely to provide stability, continuity, and peace of mind" (1). The author believes that homosexual households will not provide the correct environment for children that have been put through difficult situations.

The author is using pathos here to make the audience feel sympathy for the adopted children. The author also uses pathos to get the audience to feel more inclined to agree with him that, with the idea of safety in mind, it's okay to ban groups of people from adopting. A stable and peaceful household has very little to do with the sexual orientation of the people running the household, but has to do with the state of the parents’ relationship. For example, a household with a happy and healthy relationship would be more beneficial for a child's mental and emotional health to grow up in. Therefore, the state of the parents’ relationship and household is more of an indicator of the healthiness of the home for a child than the sexual orientations of the parents.

A child being raised in a homosexual household is not put at a higher risk of suffering from mental illness than a child raised by heterosexual parents. Liberty council states that there are potentially "problematic outcomes for such children (...) who might identify themselves as homosexual...One study (‌) indicated that '[s]ame-gender sexual orientation is significantly associated with each of the suicidality measures'" (2). The author of the article is using logos to try and add believability to their point of view.

The author believes that children raised in homosexual households are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues; however, this point does not make sense because even though mental health and homosexuality may be linked to each other that does not mean that it can be brought on by being raised in a homosexual household. Being raised by homosexual parents does not affect the sexual orientation of the child. Children that identify as homosexual most likely weren't raised or told to be homosexual. Anyone can be susceptible to mental illness and it can't be brought on or taught by growing up in a same-sex household. If the author of the article had added some evidence about children raised in same-sex household that identify as homosexual and suffer from mental illnesses, the point would have been stronger.

The parenting style and personality of the adoptive couple is what determines what the child is exposed to while growing up. Liberty Council believes that an adopted child being raised in a same-sex household is more likely to be, "exposed to homosexual paraphernalia, pornography, and political activity, or [be] exposed to a household that does not restrict sexual relationships to marriage"(3).

The point the author is making is that being raised in a homosexual household is negative, in their opinion, for the child because he or she could be exposed to a list of things that some people may consider negative. The author is relying on pathos here to garner an emotional support from the audience. They want the audience to feel bad for the adopted children that could be exposed to all of the negatives they listed. It is unfair to assume that a large group of people will expose children to negative things or what the author considers negative. Whether or not the parents will expose the child to these things does not have to do with the sexual orientation of the parents.

How the parents decide to raise their child is what decides the things a child is exposed to. Stricter parents, whether they be heterosexual or homosexual, will not allow children to be exposed to these things and will watch them more closely. While parents with looser parenting styles will allow the child to discover things on their own, keeping minimal watch over them. The parenting styles, not the sexual orientation, determines what the kids are raised around and what they are exposed to.

The history that supports past heterosexual adoptions and their outcome has no effect on whether or not same-

sex couples should be allowed to adopt. Liberty Council states, "The conjugal family has been 'the preferred site for the placement of children in adoptive homes, because this family form, although imperfect in particular instances has been the most successful both historically and currently.'"(1). The author believes that oppositesex households are the most appropriate place for a child to grow up in because it has proven to be the most successful. They believe that the safety of the adopted child should not be risked by allowing homosexual couples to adopt. They use logos by including a quote to add more evidence to their point so that the reader will feel more inclined to agree with them. Even though same-sex couples don’t have as much of a history with adoption as oppositesex couples, they still deserve the right to adopt. Just because they don't have a history with adoption doesn’t mean that their home will be harmful for a child to grow up in. They deserve the right to adopt and provide a loving home for a child that needs it.

The risks for the child that come with adoption are based off of who the potential parents are not their sexual orientation. Liberty Council believes that, "In light of the vulnerability of the children needing placement and the continuing disagreement among child development experts about the effects of homosexual parenting on children it is in the best interest of the children to exclude homosexuals from adoptions"(3). The author believes that the outcome of homosexual parenting is too unclear to allow them to adopt.

According to them, homosexuals should not be given the chance to adopt because of the potential risks involved for the child. There are going to be potential risks with every adoption that occurs no matter the sexual orientation of the couples adopting. The risks come from the parent's personalities, relationship, and/or what their household is like. If the adoptive parents have good personal qualities, a healthy relationship, and a safe environment for a child, there are going to be little to no risks to the safety of the adopted child. Banning homosexuals from adopting will not remove the possible threats to the safety of the adopted child. The exclusion of homosexuals from adopting will just lower the number of healthy and safe households for adopted children.

Determining whether a home is a safe and advantageous place for an adopted child has nothing to do with the sexual orientations of the adoptive parents. The health and future of the children depends on what the adoptive parents are like, their personalities, and households. In order to make sure the adopted children are put into a family that will support them and their future, adoption agencies should allow anyone who wishes to go through the process of adoption. If same-sex households were excluded from adoption then a great amount of loving and healthy households are taken away from adopted children that need them. Therefore, they shouldn't allow a large group

31

of people that could potentially provide a great home for an adopted child to be counted out because of their sexual orientation.

References Liberty Counsel. (2012). Gays and Lesbians Should Not Be Allowed to Adopt. At Issue. Are Adoption Policies Fair?. Retrieved from http://libraries.state. ma.us/logingwurl=http://link.galegroup.com/apps/ doc/EJ3010503224/OVIC?u=las&xid=d42b0d47

32

Annabelle Haskell is a Fashion Design and Production major. She is from Gloucester, MA and has been figure skating since she was five years old.

Uncovered Ruth Kehinde Every day within the first month of summer, I would wait impatiently by my mailbox to see if there were any letters for me. I was frustrated when I would check the mail and see my name wasn’t in front of any of the envelopes.

However, at long last, that day came, when I received an enormous envelope. I heard in most cases, if you apply to something and get a small envelope in the mail, it implies you didn’t get accepted. However, if there’s a huge envelope, at that point you definitely know that you got accepted. When I opened it, I was excited to discover my acceptance letter to a program that prepared students in high school for college by taking a college course for a month in the summer. I was overwhelmed with joy not only because I got to go away for a month -not being stuck in my house all day within the summer - but it was the start of preparing for college. This program I was accepted to is called Junior State of America (JSA) and it was being held at Princeton University. The college course that I was put into was called Honors Speech and Political Science.

At the time, I had never heard of Political Science. I had heard of Living Environment Science and Earth Science but never had I heard of Political Science. The only thing I knew from that course title were the words Honors and Speech. And from being in honor classes in my freshman year of high school, I could imagine what Honors Speech was. That terrified me for the reason that I know how to carry a conversation but only when someone else starts it.

Overall, I’m not too great with talking to people. I can talk to someone in a one on one conversation but if I’m talking to a whole crowd, I don’t think I would be able to do that because...

1. I never experienced that before and 2. If I ever did, I’d probably faint.

When I first moved into my dorm, I met my roommate, Anji, as well as two other girls across the hall. Anji was chill and nice as the weather that day. Her personality was something I wanted more of due to how invigorating it influenced me to feel. She spoke out each of her words carefully as if she had something on her mind. She looked

at you with her big brown eyes like she wanted to tell you more than what she was initially saying yet she would just finish what she needed to say and walk away. It was as though she didn’t want to be at a place conversing any longer than she needed to. To be honest, I respected that.

She reminded me of me. With me being shy plus shaky whenever I would talk to someone, I would rather vomit and have an excuse to leave than continue a conversation any longer than it has to be.

“HI NEIGHBOR” A girl yelled across the hall, waving her hands like she was fanning the air.

Her loud voice scared me; having me startled by how bold and brave she was by just yelling at a stranger like me.

She had braids in her hair that went all the way down to her shoulders. She was round; her shirt cropped, showing her belly button. Her pants were as short as she; exposing her short legs. When she smiled, you could see how uneven and crooked her teeth were. Her smile was wide and welcoming but not something you wanted to stare at for too long.

“My name is KEYanna.” She emphasized on the ‘key’ part of her name’; silently telling me that was what she wanted to be called. When she spoke, her signature move was to flip her hair as if a fly was buzzing around her whenever she opened her mouth. Although all hair on individuals are dead cells, I still felt sorry for hers.

I smiled as well, greeting her and her roommate. Her roommate was quite the opposite; having her long hair sway back and forth naturally whenever she spoke. Her face was small; freckles as small as the stars in the night but her skin was very pale, as if she never stepped outside.

Everything about her seemed so mysterious. When she smiled, she didn’t show her teeth. She just curved up her lips like she was hiding something but made it look so effortless to smile in such a way. Her thin eyes exposed her eyelids, showing her colorful red eyeshadow. It made her look festive; like she was ready for any event that would come her way. I learned her name was Sarah. She didn’t

33

say what her name was; she had her name tag on the right side of her chest. The way her name was written on the tag was cursive, like a celebrity’s autograph on a fan’s arm or CD. The way the words were curved into one another looked put together so elegantly. It was as though she didn’t need to introduce herself. The way her hair swayed and how she presented herself was as if she expected for people to know who she was just by her presence.

I found out Anji, Keyanna, and Sarah were also in the same college course as me so it was nice to know some people in my class. Once we started with the course, our teacher, Professor Torrence was very entertaining.

With her being the first college professor I ever had, she reminded me of Keyanna: loud and short. She didn’t wear business clothing like I expected for any college professor to wear. She wore flip-flops, sweats and a tank top. Her hair was dark purple but her nails were blue. Her walk was straight as her back; head high like a skyscraper, showing she did what she wanted not caring about other people’s opinions. Throughout her lecture, she made it very clear that she wanted the class to write and present a speech on the prompt of: ‘Write a speech as if you were to run for president’.

When she said that, I bit my lip- something I did whenever I would start to overthink. If someone were to say hi to me I would say hi back but bite my lip afterwards, overthinking about whether or not I said hi too awkwardly or too loudly. I know- I’m complicated.

It’s no big deal I told myself. I can totally get through with this. As I looked around my classroom, I saw there were many people. People with different faces, different stories to tell. The only thing that they had in common was their eyes. Although they’ll have different color eyes, I imagined all of their eyes looking straight at me judging me on how my mouth moved, examining the words that I spoke. I wish I didn’t overthink so much to the point where I think about eyes- it’s an annoying battle being stuck in my stupid thoughts.

Before I had to do Professor Torrence’s speech, JSA had a policy where every student had to do a debate pertaining to a world conflict to other students in the program. I got a world issue about fossil fuels. With doing this debate before presenting my speech, I thought it would be a great practice. I wanted to believe this debate will be no problem but knowing me, I’ll probably make one. I looked up some sources to use in my argument and told myself I’d just wing it.

When I got to the debate room, I only saw four people in the audience chairs. Four individuals didn’t seem that bad talking in front of. Still being nervous, I went into the bathroom. I looked into the mirror and examined my face features. This is what people see- not just my small shaped

34

nose and my unshaped eyebrows, but my dark brown eyes. People look at my eyes all the time but I’m afraid that someone would look just deep enough and see the total failure I am. I wish I could look profoundly enough into my own eyes and tell myself I’m not. But I looked away because I can’t look for too long; I tend to dislike what I see. I contemplated internally, Perhaps that’ll change if I actually accomplish something without overthinking about it a thousand times. Speaking publicly isn’t even going to be that bad. I repeatedly said in my head as if the reiteration would hypnotize me into actually believing it. The sound of a toilet flushing intruded my musings having me walk quickly out of the bathroom before I could see the person coming out of the stall.

I finally got back to the debate room and my jaw literally dropped. The whole debate room that was once quite empty when I first arrived, was now filled up. I looked up to see who my opponent was on fossil fuels on the opposing team and I saw that it was Sarah. My heart was signaling me that it was definitely going to jump out of my chest because dying seemed like a better choice than standing up to a huge crowd and talking about fossil fuels, especially against Sarah.

My stomach dropped when I heard someone say, “Ruth, you may start off. You have five minutes.” I looked down at the platform and played with my fingers. I then looked up and opened my mouth but nothing came out. At that moment, I thought about all the advice I was given to traverse public fright.

My favorite childhood show popped up into my head, a show called, Shake It Up. I remember in the first episode, one of the main characters, Cece Jones, was trying out for a dance channel team and her technique to overcome her public fear was to imagine everyone naked. But with her, seeing the crowd of how many people she had to dance in front of, made her freeze, envisioning not the audience naked- just herself.

I tried it and it worked. Pretending everyone was naked provided an inside joke that distracted me from being apprehensive. I began talking, the words finally deciding to come out of my mouth. As I referred to my index cards, it was going well for the most part. When I glanced into the crowd, I looked at people’s faces and saw one person make a face of disarray; another person yawned and another was on their phone. And at the moment, my mind froze and everything I wanted to say went blank. Looking back on it, I don’t even think I knew what kind of things I said. My mouth just kept moving and my mind went dead.

Confused on why these people were doing this, I contemplated on whether or not anything I had to say was even vital. I didn’t even finish my argument. The overthinking came over me, causing me to just stand there.

As I looked at the crowd, they looked back, waiting for me to proceed yet little did they know, I wasn’t going to. My face felt hot as if my dark skin had a temperature of its own. I felt water come down my face. As I went to wipe it off, I realized that I was crying. I was frozen in time unable to prevent my tears from coming. I heard a ring go off and that’s when I realized it was over. And in that moment, I was exactly like Cece Jones. I was the one that was naked, revealing vulnerability, stripped and showing my fond failure.

I sulked off stage, sitting down in one of the seats. I was too ashamed of looking up and kept my head down. As I continued to weep, I still felt as if everyone’s eyes were burning on me, melting me away with their judgmental eyes.

By that time, it was Sarah’s turn. When she spoke, everything she said sounded well put together; like her cursive writing on her name tag from when I first met her. It was as though she was born to say everything so perfectly.

I peeped up to see the crowd and even though I was relieved that no one was looking at me, I observed that no one was on their phones, no one yawned. Everyone’s eyes were directly at Sarah. It was as if her words were a spell and everyone was falling for it.

I looked over at Sarah and looked closely at her eyeshadow to see it was a different color. It wasn’t red like she usually had it. It was purple this time. It had two shades- light and dark with glitter spread on both of them.

With having everyone listen to her every word so closely, it was as though she already won, as if her words were her signature but also her crown. At the end of the debate, the majority of people voted for her side, having her win. It was like the audience already made their choice before she or I even spoke.

When I left the room, no one asked if I was okay. No one came to see if everything was alright with me. Everyone went over to Sarah and congratulated her. I wasn’t wearing any eyeshadow or any makeup whatsoever. The only thing that was visible was my pure dark sweaty skin- nothing important to actually see. The fact of the matter was, I had lost. As much as I hated to admit it, I was jealous of Sarah.

I was jealous of not only her confidence in public speaking but her sense of power, how she lifted her audience with her words. At that moment, I stopped crying, shutting out my weakness. I hated how I couldn’t finish my debate nevertheless know what I was saying before I froze. I made the mistake of not taking my first speaking assignment seriously. And from that day forward, I promised myself I would focus on my fake presidential speech for my Honors Speech and Political Science college course. I did what I didn’t do before, which was prepare. As I prepared, I practiced in my dorm, speaking in front of my stuffed animals, pretending they were my audience. I cared about

how I wanted my audience to feel when I spoke and how my words would come out and the emotion they would portray.

And so the day came and I was, unlike the other speech, ready to speak in front of my audience. My name was finally called after so many prior, having my index cards ready. I went up on the stage and before I started, I looked at Professor Torrence, feeling a wave of confidence wash over me. I didn’t feel like I was Cece Jones. I felt like Ruth Kehinde. I had my own technique to get through my speech. I had what I didn’t have before, my confidence.

And to my surprise, when I spoke, I was almost as loud as Keyanna. Every person looked at me, listening to what I had to say. I didn’t feel like I was Sarah because I wasn’t her. She had her own strategy of doing her own speech and I had mine and that’s what made my public speaking a success.

I looked my audience into their eyes, not caring if they looked deep into mine because I didn’t cry or freeze.

Instead I smiled, having the lovely sound of applause fill my ears. It made my ears ring in a good way because my audience put their hands together to clap for me. People took their time to come up to me, including Sarah, to state how they liked my speech. I never experienced such support from so many people before. To hear that my audience liked my speech made me feel special because that’s all it was- mine.

I learned that in order to overcome my fears, I had to face my audience with confidence. Looking back as a college freshman now, I can see it was very beneficial for me for college readiness. I realized that in order to do the best I can in presenting I have to first prepare. I don’t compare my technique to others; I trust in my ability to do the best I can to discover new strengths within myself. JSA gave me the capability of looking up to myself to do things better.

After the program was over after the month of July, I then knew what I wanted to pursue my career in, journalism.

With me knowing how to be confident and comfortable with communicating with people, I can use my words; written and orally, having my audience be intrigued in both.

Ruth Kehinde is a Journalism major with a minor in Political Science. She is from Brooklyn, NY and is a black belt in Shotokan karate.

35

The Success in Failure Sierra Kelly “If you work hard enough, you can do anything you want.

You will be able to accomplish any dream depending on how many hours of strenuous effort you finesse. Blood, sweat, and tears may be extracted due to your level of commitment, but I promise that you can succeed in even your most far-fetched dreams.” This is what we are taught while growing up; that everything will work out as long as the effort is there. But what if this isn’t true? What if I told you there isn’t always a participation medal at the end of a race? What if I told you, sometimes working hard gets you absolutely nowhere? Everyone tells us to follow our dreams because we will succeed in them, but nobody warns us about the chance of failure. The reality of this is what led me to a mind-altering transition in my life, which I will never forget.

When I was young, I never had to work hard at any sport because natural athleticism was a prominent gene in my family. I was in the shadows during practice yet still dominant in games. At the high school level, freshman year, I played on junior varsity for soccer, basketball, and track, and the natural dominance during games was beginning to fade away. The idea of competition was new to me, but I was beyond excited to take it on. The common phrase, “if you work hard enough, you can do anything you want” came to be a recurrence in my life, as it was repeated by coaches, parents, friends, teachers, and anyone else who could have influenced me. I listened to these people in my life and worked my a*s off to achieve my goal of being the best I possibly could.

Sophomore year came around and although my skills improved, I still only made junior varsity for soccer and practiced with varsity for basketball. My heart was focused on soccer. I wanted to make varsity and I wanted to be a star. The summer going into my junior year I worked harder than I ever had before. Countless times a day I would reflect the ball off of my bedroom wall and back to my foot within less than a second, and it made my touch unbelievable. At the hottest peak of the day, I put on my running sneakers to face the intense radiation of the sun, and it made my stamina incomparable. As the sun went

36

down, I went to the fields and shot the ball into the back of the net even if I couldn’t see past my two feet through my dark surroundings, and it made my shot untouchable.

Junior year I made varsity, but I wasn’t done yet. I wanted a goal. My coach put me in for a short ten minutes, but within that small time, I achieved something big. I hit the ball with all the hard work and dedication that I had in me and watched it soar through the crisp air, over the defender’s heads and past the goalie’s hands. The whole world froze.

Everything around me disappeared besides the ball and the net. Nothing else seemed to matter. I heard the sweet sound of the ball skimming through the back of the net and saw it hit the ground which made the turf dance. There was a moment of complete and utter silence, and then reality for everyone in that stadium set in. The crowd went wild and my teammates ran over and hugged me in celebration. In that moment, everyone in my proximity felt exactly what I did, because they too realized that sometimes hard work does allow them to achieve their goals.

Junior year soon came to an end which made me anticipate what senior year held. Senior year was going to be my year, so I worked even harder. The past ten years of practice was for this one moment; to play varsity soccer my senior year at Somerset Berkley Regional High School. I ran countless suicides from goal line, to mid field, digging my cleats into the soft grass and ripping it from the ground.

I weaved the ball through miles of orange cones, moving it with just the right amount of energy for it to stay with the flow of my feet. I encountered three agonizing concussions from putting all of my physical strength into these games.

I kicked the ball from the top of the goal box thousands of times, forming the ball to my foot, and giving it all my strength to let it soar through the sky and into the white net.

I would sweat in the intense heat for hours, allowing the sun to absorb my water and burn my skin. I pushed myself beyond limits that I had yet to know existed. I poured my heart and soul into everything that I did, just for this one moment. The one thing I didn’t practice for was dealing with rejection.

Sometimes even when we put our absolute most into one thing, there are outside factors that will stop us from achieving what we want. These are the things that we have no control over and must find a way to cope with. I sat bench my entire senior year. I watched my team lose every single game and I could do absolutely nothing about it because my coach refused to put me in. I dominated in practice, yet hid in the shadows during games. I knew I could help my team win games but an outside force stopped me from doing it, which is when I hit rock bottom.

My coach played favorites and only put the same eleven girls in. When I asked him what I could improve on, he responded with, “It’s not you. I just have to work on the lineup.”

When he said there was nothing I could improve on to get in the game, I was absolutely lost. The man that once told me to work hard, now told me that it will get me nowhere.

Every game, my teammates and parents watching on the sideline would ask me why I wasn’t playing over some of the girls. I never had a reply to that because I was as confused as they were. I put my time and energy into soccer for years but for some reason it didn’t help me at all. My senior year of soccer is when I transitioned from thinking that anything is possible, to realizing not all dreams come true. Although this transition sounds like a negative one, it gave me an outlook towards the future which will allow me to recognize rejection and cope with it. While I sat bench, and watched my team play the game I love, it brought out my worst emotions. At this time, I didn’t realize that some things just don’t work out and there is nothing you can do besides deal with it. I was faced with anger and sadness. Every day I would blame myself for not being on that field, and I found every little problem about myself that it could be.

When I sat bench my senior game, (the last soccer game I would ever play and coaches always start and play the seniors all game), I was destroyed. That completely demolished every last spec of self-confidence that I had for myself. On that day, I remember that the crisp October air bit my skin and the cold metal bench sent a continuous shiver up my spine. My emotions overpowered these sensations, which soon became numb. My once cold body was now flushed with heat. My leg shook uncontrollably and my fists clenched so hard that my knuckles went white.

Embarrassment and anger streamed from my eye, down my cheek, and onto my lips, leaving me with the salty taste of defeat. Everything I wanted was on that field. I now look back at this situation and realize that it was not under my control whether I played or not. It was my coach, the outside force that dictated everything.

There are going to be people in life who just don’t like me or see no potential in me, but that’s just life. I can either cope with the rejection, or let it affect my attitude towards myself and others. For example, in a few years from now when I get a job, I may be faced with a situation similar to that one. Someone may get a raise over me, even if I am better and work harder for it. It’s not me who dictates which one of us gets the raise; the boss chooses. The boss may just like the other person better than me, or maybe that person has worked there longer and is the safer bet.

Whatever his or her decision is, I have no way of changing it. I can’t let the boss’s irrational decision affect me; I would just have to cope with it and continue working hard.

There are many other scenarios that will happen throughout my life that I can’t change. From my senior year in soccer, I now know how to cope with things and understand that not everyone can win, even if they deserve it. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t work hard for what you want in life, because most of the time it will work out for you, but you need to be aware that failure and denial is a small risk in exchange for that hard work. Someday when I have a superior voice towards people, I will tell them, “If you work hard enough, you can do anything you want; but be aware being turned down is a risk you are taking that you may have to cope with.” As life goes on, I continue to work just as hard as I did with soccer, but just with a little more caution of denial.

Sierra Kelly is a Fashion Retail and Merchandising major with a minor in Fashion Communications. She is from Somerset, MA and in third grade she had to write a paper about the best invention; she chose to write about the toilet.

37

A Stance on Gun Control Sarah Kuhn

On June 12, 2016, a gunman opened fire inside an Orlando, Florida nightclub resulting in the deaths of fortynine people and the injury of fifty-eight others. Dismay and outrage to this violence caused several to voice opposition to gun laws, specifically those that don’t prevent assault weapons from being available to the general public. The Boston Globe’s Editorial Board was among those to voice concern as expressed in an editorial piece entitled “Make It Stop.” The piece drew national attention from the public and other news outlets including CNN, Huffington Post, and NBC. It was an opinion essay that called for the ban of assault weapons and identified government leaders, monetary greed, and advanced technology as the obstacles to implementing the change needed to end mass killings in the United States. Fast forward to October 1, 2017, when a gunman used assault weapons to open fire into a crowd of 22,000 concert-goers in Las Vegas, Nevada, this time resulting in fifty-eight deaths and 546 injured. The Boston Globe’s Editorial Board republished their original article online, maintaining their original 2016 position, but this time with an editor’s note imploring that the conversation has to remain active and citing legislators that are key in regulating gun control. The October 3, 2017 online essay, with its statistical evidence, factual information, identification of key players in the debate, and rationale for the need for change, is compelling as it identifies and illustrates that our nation has done little to deter mass shootings. The overall strengths of this essay are derived from its consistent message about an ongoing societal problem, its emotional appeal to a wide audience, and its presentation of a mix of statistics, graphics, and strong persuasive language, yet, the authors fluctuate regarding the type of gun control they are advocating for which detracts and distracts from their larger arguments.

The attraction to and appeal of this article is undeniable.

The bolded, opening three paragraphs are powerful and include, “This page argued for the reimposition of the assault weapons ban in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando in June 2016, imploring our readers, neighbors, and political leaders to help end the carnage. One year and

38

three months later, nothing has changed and there have been ten more mass shootings.” As it is a reposting of a reaction to a problem identified earlier in time, there is an assumed credibility that the original argument is valid and has not been properly addressed as the issue is ongoing. It also implies that, with the lack of change, readers need to become more active and accountable in fixing the problem.

The authors question, “When is the right time to talk about gun control? The day of a mass shooting. And the day after that. And the day after that. Until the killing stops.” The lack of change being identified as a root cause for ongoing tragedy lends itself to a rally cry of the need for reader involvement. Further, identifying a blatant conflict in society, particularly when individuals are outwardly threatened or harmed, is guaranteed to evoke an emotional response from the public. These items, in addition to the influential authoritative title “Make It Stop,” with an illustration of an assault rifle, commands attention to the authors’ appeals for the need to ban assault weapons in the United States.

In the remaining opening paragraphs, the authors state their claim that civilians should not be able to own “weaponry capable of visiting such violence on other people” (referring to mass shootings in Las Vegas) and identify, “The United States is home to 5 percent of the world’s population, nearly half of the civilian-owned guns, and more than 30 percent of its mass public shootings.

Assault weapons vastly increase the death toll from such crimes.” While these statements do lend support to their beliefs they also raise conflicting ideas. The authors fail to make two distinctions. First, if the claim is that weaponry capable of visiting “such” violence on others is limited to assault weapons, how is that distinction drawn? How is gun violence towards one, a few, or several any different other than in number of casualties? The death toll makes one type of gun and the resulting violence worse than another? Second, if the focus is on assault weapons then why include a reference to civilian owned guns? Not all civilian owned guns are assault weapons. The authors are stating they are arguing one type of gun availability, but highlighting a statistic that is a larger classification of

weapon types. Though the figure of 30% of mass shootings occur in the United States is relevant to the argument, the statistic of civilian owned guns detracts from the point being established and provides the opportunity to question author intent and expand the debate.

Following the introduction, the article has been purposefully composed of parts that appeal to different types of readers.

It is interesting that the structure puts the text features, including statistics in oversize print, a visual comparison model, an interactive graphic, and text boxes above the written argument and appeal. By highlighting the visual features first, attention to the main points are established before expanding more upon those points. The factual statistics following the expiration of the assault weapon ban and the interactive graphic are highly effective in supporting the position of needing to ban assault weapons.

They back the thesis by showing and telling specifics in factual detail. The senatorial reference including voting history and/or positions with contact links is an effective outreach to encourage immediate public involvement. By including this chart, it identifies that the authors have taken time to research and understand beyond the surface of the problem to where the problem may be remedied. In other words, it goes beyond identifying a problem--it helps to propose steps to take to work towards progress and resolution. The comparison model, showing the difference between the Boston Public School Systems 2015 budget and the 2015 revenue from guns and ammunition, is the weakest of the visuals. While this identifies a striking disparity and infers there are issues with priorities, it references all guns and all ammunition and does not maintain the authors’ focus on assault weapons. If the problem lies with assault weapons/ammunition, then statistics cited should be relative to those items. Inclusion of revenue related to guns outside the assault weapon class is misleading and threatens the credibility of the argument. As this is the second instance where all guns have been referenced, it causes the reader to question the true intent of the essay and the beliefs of the authors.

Within the editorial section of this piece, the beliefs of the authors become more detailed and focused through their written words. The opening paragraph, drafted in 2016, accurately predicts the events of October 2017 and this strengthens the validity of the position and points being made. They identify and explain how Second Amendment laws were drafted at a time when the capability of weaponry was much different than what it is today. In stating, “These weren’t the guns, and this wasn’t the America, that the Founders foresaw. That is why we need a new assault weapons ban, written for the realities we face in 2016,” they have relied on logical arguments concerning circumstance and change that necessitate updating laws. In addition, here they clearly distinguish assault weapons from other types. Noting “the federal government limits duck hunters

to weapons that carry only three shells, to protect the duck population. But you can buy an assault weapon in seven minutes and an unlimited number of bullets to fire with it” the authors reference actual laws that differentiate between weapon styles and the apparent discrepancies in handling and availability.

While the authors primarily rely on logical reasoning, there are a couple of things that detract and distract from the argument. They infuse some opinion based statements including, “In the end, of course, the NRA and the zealotry it fans are only symptoms of the country’s unhealthy gun fetish.” In this and other statements about the NRA, the authors weaken the case they are making. Sticking to the logic to propose change is more effective without opinion that is potentially inflammatory. They also take a risk by including, “Would a better ban on semiautomatic assault weapons reduce the nation’s overall amount of violent crime? Research suggests not, but it would clearly reduce the violence of some crimes, particularly mass shootings like those in Newtown and Orlando.” Making the distinction between “reducing the violence of some crimes” versus reducing overall amount of violent crime isn’t likely to appeal to the masses. Opposition could use this to bolster their defense that change would need to have an overall impact otherwise, its implementation is not fully effective.

If the end goal is to “Make It Stop” then why are we talking about reducing the violence of some crimes? Isn’t the directive to eliminate it from happening in the first place?

The statement conflicts with the authors’ plea.

There is no doubt that I agree with the position to “Make It Stop.” The mass shootings occurring in this country are terrifying and I don’t believe people should have accessibility to assault weapons. There are laws that need to be updated and legislators and the people they represent have responsibility to work together to enact change if the situation is to improve. In these ways I agree with the authors. However, the authors subtly allude to a bigger problem, which is that there is inadequate gun control in this country. They share overall guns/ammunition revenue, identify background check obstacles, cite the United States is home to half of civilian owned guns, and say Americans have an unhealthy gun fetish. The authors have failed to convince me that banning assault weapons is a comprehensive solution to what appears to be a much larger problem. The authors identify that assault weapons contribute to the problem. The last line of the article reads, “Unless this nation wants to see more mass killing in our schools, churches, theaters, nightspots, and office buildings, we must address the casualty quotient, which vastly increases with the use of semiautomatic assault arms.” If we must address the casualty quotient, which admittedly increases with assault weapons, are we really getting to the heart of the problem? There may be more shock value and media coverage in a mass killing but every

39

death from gun violence is equally important and counts.

The casualty quotient from gun violence is not limited to assault weapons and banning assault weapons, though a step in the right direction will only make it partially stop.

Reference Stop gun violence: Ban assault weapons.

(2017, October 3). Retrieved from http://apps.bostonglobe.com/graphics/2016/06/make-it-stop/

40

Sarah Kuhn is a Psychology major, hoping to minor in Education. She is from Waxhaw, NC and she has a passion for art and photography.

Stereotype of a “Black Girl” Jasmine Michel

I am an African American teenage girl. My hair is kinky, and I like to have it braided by my mother or sister. I live in a community of hatred, gangs, and violence, but that does not define me. The color of my skin reflects many stereotypes. During childhood, I was uncomfortable with the color of my skin. I felt this way because during elementary and middle school, I was taught the history of African Americans suffering through slavery and poverty because of the color of our skin. That history told me that I could not change the perspective from which people see African Americans. I always felt I needed to prove something because people expected the least from me.

world we live in today?” Ms. Valentine asked. She glanced around the room with a minority of blacks and looked for hands being raised to answer the question. Sitting in the back corner of the room I assumed she would not even think about choosing this quiet African American girl. As she waited in a moment of silence thinking of who to choose, she took a good look in the back and called the name, “Jasmine.” I looked around at my third grade class as if that wasn’t my name. I did not know the answer, so I stared at Ms. Valentine and waited for any of my other classmates to volunteer to answer the question correctly. This moment affected who I became entering high school.

As a child, I questioned why African Americans were given a violent image when history shows other people were the ones hanging and abusing African Americans. I also wondered why people use the phrase, “leave the past in the past,” or “move on to better things,” when the past is always being taught in school and is a part of the present.

Throughout my years of high school, many people would have never guessed that an African American teenager has a 3.6 GPA and wants to go to college to earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. The image of an uneducated black girl, the image of a violent lifestyle, the image of a girl suffering through poverty-- I own all of these images and they can be overcome. I want to show my accomplishments of becoming a black, well-educated young woman, the same way Barack Obama demonstrated that a grown black man could become president. My intelligence is now defined by having confidence on applying knowledge and solving problems. I am an honor roll, hard working, and educated student.

A teacher once asked me “Would you ever assume that a police officer would believe you have a 3.0 GPA?” I responded by saying “No,” and when she followed up by asking why, I answered, “because of the color of my skin.”

In that moment it occurred to me that I hadn’t given thought to how others viewed me, yet at the same time, I had given deep thought to it. With respect to my education and skin color I know that I am an innocent victim to stereotypes that others use to judge me before I can even prove otherwise.

This living experience has made me reflect on why stereotypes continue and why I will not let them define me.

Throughout elementary school I thought I was not intelligent based on the stereotypes I had learned. In middle school, I received honorable mention. However, to me, my grades did not reflect my intelligence. I was hardworking but I could have done better by participating in class and trying to understand the work. I wanted the easy way out because I was afraid to be seen as an unintelligent and uneducated girl. What was most embarrassing for me was when my teacher would pick me randomly in class.

“What was Malcolm X’s influential speech that inspired the

Jasmine Michel is undecided with her major.

She is from Boston, Massachusetts and has had love for basketball since she was 6 years old.

41

Alive Amanda Miller June 2016, something came over me. I was standing in the high school I had known for years, for the very last time. A room full of anticipation, students dressed in their newest outfits slightly wrapped with their bright green graduation gowns, running around to find their usual friends, and fresh cologne lingering in the room. Teachers shouting, “This is it, you have your whole life ahead of you.” Almost every student seemed so excited… almost. However, I felt everything I’d known leave my body like a rush of adrenalin, and suddenly I couldn’t breathe; a feeling I found myself unfortunately familiar with.

“Media Class of 2016,” an unfamiliar voice called over the intercom to be lined up.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” my classmate whispered to me.

We hurried over to the Welcome Center before we reached the gym. I was class president. I led my class out to finish their high school career, and I almost felt bad for it. There were students I couldn’t lead out to get some peace in finishing high school. I felt like I left with an unfinished job.

Flashbacks hit me of the entire year, reflecting where I was at in that present moment and where I’d seen myself in the past. High school resulted in feelings of being unwanted and unneeded, also allowing an unknown feeling creep in my body and take over like I was the host of a new living cell. I noticed the first feeling too of finding solitude and peace in death; this was what my high school career seemed to summarize as.

Almost immediately following graduation, I felt everything go downhill. I felt everything I knew in my life and everything I felt comfortable with slowly dissipate from my body without any hope of recovering anything tangible.

I immediately took a year off. I dropped all my classes at the community college in my city a week before they started, which seemed like the most embarrassing thing. Comments from others that I would fail to return to my education, and if I could successfully place myself somewhere at least, slightly appropriate. As if I would end

42

up as a stereotypical college drop out and be sitting in my parents’ basement playing video games on the couch, I don’t even like video games.

All of my friends were going away to school or working successful jobs, and I? I was staring at myself in the mirror hating everything. I stood still in my freshly painted green room, decorated full of flowers, plants, and life because life imitates art, right? Except I couldn’t even pretend to feel alive. I stood there for what felt like hours every night, thoughts racing through my head of unworthiness, contemplating ways to get rid of the pain. Pain that felt like an unknown creature had been sitting on my chest all day, forcing me to stop breathing because I couldn’t control anything. Pain that also clouded every good intention I’d ever known and turned every good thing about me around… Ultimately, I often questioned what I could do to end my life.

I had high hopes throughout the first six months of my gap year that I would find opportunities to reach my goals of becoming a ballet dancer and prove everyone wrong. A dream I worked twenty-four hours a week in the studio for, only to be told not to eat this or not to eat that as if I was some body someone else owned; but they did own me, right? I gave up everything for this ideal dream career; I’m sure I could give up a little bit of weight. Focusing on my eating habits turned into something utterly different. Nights of eating a little and being okay with it, turned into forcing myself to throw up a French fry because I decided to treat myself and couldn’t even bare it. I was unsure where this would stop, if it even could stop.

It was Christmas Day of 2016, my house filled with bright red and green lights. Outside, icicle lights wrapped around my house. My mom and dad love to decorate for the holidays, Christmas especially. It brings a sort of nostalgia throughout the environment. Decorations sorted out that have been used Christmas after Christmas for the last 25 years. We could look at them and watch in our heads my brother, Jacob, and I growing up. However, I felt off this whole day, even though I found myself surrounded with

everyone I loved, minus one, and loud laughing lingering through the air. It’s my favorite time of the year and I was supposed to be happy, but I wasn’t. My dad imitated the chocolate mousse cake my Nana would make every year, and I refused to eat it. Not because I felt as though I owed it to my thin lean body not to, but because I couldn’t bear to taste something that reminded me of my past; I missed her, of course. I remember sitting down at that dinner table, evidently at the head of the table where I always sat my whole life. Plates being passed around right in front of me with slices of the delicious cake gently placed on the old Christmas china. Layers of chocolate mousse followed by a rim of pastries my nana and I used to call, ‘old lady fingers.’

This only reminded me of every detail about her and the sweet chocolate leaving my fork in past Christmases. The image of watching my nana standing in her kitchen making the chocolate mousse cake haunted me for the entire evening. She would only bake the cake with the thought of me in her head because I seemed to be the only one to beg her every year to make it, despite her challenges and lack of energy. I wanted to taste something that would continuously force myself to associate something to her just in case… I found myself pulled back from my imagination and once again I felt a shortness of breath, but it was different.

That night, I tried to kill myself. I remember laying on the bathroom by myself and completely alone, something that didn’t feel new. I kept thinking what I thought would be my final thoughts. I remembered everyone I loved, everyone I hated who, in the moment, I no longer found the will to dislike. I remembered details of my freshly renovated bathroom. The way you could see the paint meeting the dark wood frame trimming the bottom of the wall, and the way you could still see old sawdust gently lying on the new white floor tiles. The next thing I knew I was woken up in a hospital bed, forced to drink this thick black drink called charcoal, in order to rid my system of what I just ingested in myself. I felt it glide down my throat like tar, leaving a grit texture in my mouth that I could barely handle. I wasn’t sure if I would throw up reacting to the taste of this drink or whatever was in my system trying to escape just so I would stay alive. The whole hospital experience seems like a giant blur to this day, as if I was watching everything through someone else’s high prescription glasses. I knew I needed help, but I was against everything. It was as if something, a part of me, wanted to be stuck there in my own solitude.

My very first step into recovery was attending Arbour HRI hospital. I went in at the end of February until the beginning of May. I was terrified, a feeling of nervousness and unsteadiness lingered in my stomach, like bugs crawling up a tree rapidly moving. It felt like I had been there for a year because I had experienced what seemed like all four seasons. February and March brought piles of snow, while

April brought new leaves forming and cold brisk air. May had days that felt like dry summer afternoons. I learned a lot while I was at this program. We read upon certain skills that they called DBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, created by Marsha Linehan in the 1980’s. I felt almost betrayed that I was just learning about this now. I had years of therapy trying to rid the demons in my head with no avail until I discovered this method of thinking. It changed how I viewed everything. I felt like I absorbed every material like a wet sponge touching fresh dish soap. I learned about radical acceptance, mindfulness, and having a nonjudgmental stance towards myself, especially, but also to the important people in my life. I grew a knowledge and love for reading up on mental health such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Throughout my stay at Arbour we were told to journal almost every thought we had. Of course, I’ve heard of it and perhaps I tried it for a day, but never to the extent where I thought I would be as of now. We started off writing on small loose leaf paper in our group room that seemed to barely hold five people, but we somehow fit twelve. The hot room filled with cheesy quotes of getting better and staying alive that seemed to typically spark an unusual anger, oddly enough inspired me that day. I sat there with the loose sheet of paper and my favorite .05 micro liner pen in a chair in the corner of the room, because not everyone can see you when you’re in the corner. The first assignment I was obligated to write was about the demons in our heads. I remember leading my way into my free writing describing how whatever was in my head resembled me, my mom, or even my best friend only with a different look to them. In my head they weren’t people I loved or myself, rather people I couldn’t recognize and constantly spelling the word death in my head over and over again. Eventually, I brought myself back to my reality and looked around at the quotes on the wall and remembered, I’m alive and I’m okay with knowing I’m alive. This led an unusual interest in feeling ‘free’ in my writing.

Following my free writing assignments, I knew I couldn’t keep writing on some ‘throw away paper.’ So I went to the bookstore, bought my favorite thick black journal, and slowly started to fill it up page by page. Not just of however I was feeling, but whatever I saw, whatever I created, whatever I liked to create in the future. It gave a certain ease and peace to my mind. Being able to separate every thought I had and lay it out all on paper was a brand new form of coping to me. June summer days in the park writing with my friends, reminded me of how life can be beautiful despite everything. The will to fill something up and finish it was the complete opposite of my typical everyday thinking.

As of today, four months after my last day at Arbour, I still find myself feeling like I have taken ten steps back in my treatment and recovery. However, I force myself to

43

remember the skills and qualities I learned while being shaped into the person I am throughout my three month stay at Arbour HRI. I gained qualities and an interest in journaling; allowing myself to free write how I feel and creatively spin it around and decorate each page how I’m feeling in that moment. My skills in writing have improved and my ability to pay attention to detail in my writing seems to have given me more of a purpose to my existence.

I’m fortunate enough to teach those in my life who may be struggling slightly or intensely the skills that I learned myself, tools that everyone should learn. I feel as though the struggles and challenges I faced from over a year’s time has formed me into who I am. A person I can actually say I admire. That’s not to say what happened was a good thing, but it has resulted in good opportunities to help myself, introduce good people into my life, and a new

44

perspective on how I view life in general. Life is worth living, and knowing that, I am forever grateful.

Amanda Miller is a Freshman in the Fashion Communications Major. She is a part of HerCampus and the Empty Bowls Club.

Amanda is from New Bedford, MA and loves the ocean that surrounds her city. In her free time, she enjoys playing her ukulele and penny boarding at home with her dogs.

Privilege Speaks Louder Than Words Breiyah Smalls

The first editorial that I read was by Bari Weiss and it was published by The New York Times, which is a fairly good source. The author gives Eminem credit for risking his career and possibly losing fans to voice his opinion on Trump and people who support him. Weiss first makes it a point that Eminem’s rap was different from those before him. The title of the article being “What Makes Eminem’s Anti-Trump Rap Different” (Weiss) already tells me Weiss is going to address the obvious, which is that Eminem is white. Weiss talks about how African-American artists had attacked Trump on previous songs, but those artists’ messages didn’t make as much of an impact. Weiss even adds lines from artists’ songs such as YG, Kendrick Lamar, and Aminé. Their lines were much more impactful and addressed major issues, but as Weiss said they were just “preaching to the choir.” This means only people of color are hearing what they have to say so it is never really reaching its true audience, which is Trump supporters.

When Eminem addresses all these issues that are currently happening, “there’s a good chance Trump voters are actually listening” (Weiss). This is because suburban whites make up the majority of Eminem’s fan base. Eminem knew who listened to his music and this is exactly why he made the video. Eminem knew his message would get to all the supporters of Trump and he knew they would stop listening to his music because he goes on to bash Trump.

One thing that stands out is at the end of the article where Weiss talks about how when the Dixie Chicks spoke up about the president at the time, their number one single fell off the charts. They then went on to build up a new fan base with “politically tinged concert” (Weiss). Weiss brings up a theory that this could be for publicity, but then says it would be wrong of us to assume such things even though he has an album coming out next month. Weiss closes his article with “rappers with huge followings have a platform to change the minds of others.” This is to bring up the fact that a lot of artists have huge followings that make for a good way to spread a message.

A big thing that I noticed Weiss addressed was the fact that there has been an abundance of African-American artists who addressed Trump through songs and it seemed like few cared to listen. Only the people it applied to and people of color were the ones who listened, but they are already well aware of what is going on. When Eminem made an anti-Trump rap it got millions of views in the matter of a day because he is white. I think it also shocked people because he was white and hated Trump. Although Eminem knew what he was doing when he made the song and he knew who listened to his music, it still isn’t right that most people ignore the fact that there were people who tried to do the same thing and no one listened because they are a person of color. I appreciate the fact that the author addressed those who tried to address certain issues and were not heard.

Weiss seems a little biased when he uses the word “overshadowed” to talk about how Eminem’s rap got more views and attention than artists’ raps in the past. The word makes you think that the other raps before Eminem’s no longer matter because his is getting all the hype and attention. I think that is what he wanted everyone to know.

Weiss wants to make sure people know that others had the same concept in their raps and that they should not be forgotten or ignored just because Eminem revealed a rap addressing the same issues that went completely unnoticed.

The next editorial I read was by Molly Roberts and was published by The Washington Post. It was about Eminem and his freestyle about Trump and it analyzes his lyrics more in depth. The article’s title mentions that the freestyle “wasn’t meant for the resistance” (Roberts). After reading just the title the reader should already assume the article is going to talk about how the rap was directed toward people who support Trump and how his “real targets are the fans he addresses in the final lines of his verse” (Roberts).

Basically, the rap is directed to fans who support Trump.

Eminem is really putting his career on the line because

45

“disowning Trump supporters is a strong statement when those people are your supporters, too…” (Roberts). He could potentially lose a majority of his fans because they may also support Trump. Roberts goes on to address the fact that Eminem fits into the category of “white working class.” His fans can relate to him and his music and that is the main reason they listen to him. His audience is majority “white working class” also, which makes perfect sense as to why he chose to speak on problems that are being ignored.

This article addresses his previous songs and how they are extremely violent and how conservatives and liberals were at each other’s throats. Roberts talked about how “Conservatives were quick to call out liberals who talk big game about women’s or LGBT rights for fawning over a rapper whose work has flown in the face of both causes” (Roberts). It is saying that conservatives questioned liberals who supported Eminem because he bashed causes they also support on previous songs. The other critique came from the left specifically addressed in a tweet by Keith Olberman how he doubted rap for 27 years, but he is now a fan and how it was the “best political writing of the year.” This ,I believe, is a form of sarcasm. This is a point that was not addressed in the other editorial on how political parties felt about the rap.

A major point that this article only quickly addressed and failed to go into depth about was the fact that African American artists have tried to address major issues in their songs and how they were being ignored or not reaching their desired demographic. It does address the fact that black artists pour more emotion into their raps unlike Eminem’s where some lines weren’t very moving. They just quickly mentioned that black artists have tried in the past, but didn’t go into detail in how they were going about it.

These two editorials give the same rundown of the situation, but they seem to interpret it in two completely different ways. The first article talks about how black artists in the past tried to address major issues, but the only people who listened were the people it applied to.

The people who support Trump were not going to listen to a black artist and whatever they had to say. The second

46

editorial talks about black artists for a split second, but doesn’t address the fact that Eminem’s rap gained a lot of attention from the media because he is white and the black artists were ignored because they were black. It failed to address that race also plays a role and not just class.

Both editorials addressed the fact that Eminem’s fans relate to him and that is why they listen to his music. That is why Eminem made the freestyle because he knew who his listeners were and he knew a lot of them supported Trump.

He chose to put his career on the line to address major issues that Trump was completely ignoring. The fact that he said in his song that they were with him or against him and how it stirred up controversy because his fans were basically offended. They were shocked that he would talk about Trump so harshly and it got his fans talking about it.

Both editorials had bias and left out certain things that might contradict their opinion or take away from the main point. They each used the fact that black artists tried in the past, but one left out some details. Then on the other hand one article left out the controversy between political parties.

Each editorial had different views on the same situation and made it work to their advantage.

Works Cited Roberts, M. (2017) Eminem's Anti-Trump Freestyle Wasn't Meant for the Resistance. The Washington Post, Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/ wp/2017/10/11/eminems-anti-trump-freestyle-wasntmeant-for-the-resistance/?utm_term=.d619a48ab1fc Weiss, B. (2017) What Makes Eminem’s Anti-Trump Rap Different. The New York Times, Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/opinion/whatmakes-eminems-anti-trump-rap-different.html

Breiyah Smalls is a Criminal Justice major.

She is from Boston, MA and has danced for 5 years.

Learning to Love the Life I Live Allison Straehle

When I used to hear the word “happiness,” I got a feeling of envy. Different thoughts rushed through my head such as “wish I could relate” and “why can’t I be happy?”

Growing up, I always knew I was different from other kids.

I was never as outgoing, energetic, or happy as all the kids around me. I always seemed to take more offense to classmates just joking around with me. All of my friends looked forward to big events and social outings, but I got sick from the thought of them. It seemed as if all of my friends were friends with everybody, but when I tried to make conversation with someone I had known forever, I would get an ambush of anxiety and would pick my skin until I felt bone. I always knew I was different, but the depression inside my head was telling me that there was nothing wrong; I was just weird.

Going through middle school, I experienced times of very deep sadness. I was constantly tired and everyday felt like I was running the Boston Marathon just to get out of bed. I had convinced myself that I was just different. I didn’t think anything was wrong. Everything changed when I was in seventh grade and my sister was admitted into a psychiatric hospital. My parents had a “wake up call” and realized that their kids were not just “different.” It was deeper than that.

It wasn’t like my parents didn’t believe us or that they didn’t care, but instead they grew up with very little knowledge of mental illness. My parents came from a time of “just snap out of it” and “you’re just having a bad day.” I don’t blame them for not recognizing my illness, but instead am grateful to expand their knowledge and open their eyes to depression and anxiety.

My treatment began at the end of middle school, but it almost felt like the start of the rest of my life. I entered a musty smelling office with bare walls filled with people sitting uncomfortably on lumpy couches. I was there to see a psychiatrist and a counselor for the first time in my life. I felt my entire body turn cold and goosebumps forming on every surface of my body. I was very used to this feeling, but something was different. My face turned a dull color that you only saw on very sick people, but I wasn’t sick. I was depressed. My mind was racing faster than New York

drivers in the fast lane of the highway. I wasn’t just sad, but a completely different person. I was no longer the happy little girl you saw playing softball, dancing around in the dirt in the infield of her favorite field. Now, I was the girl that gave up her only passion. My softball games and practices were now replaced with doctors’ appointments and therapy.

I was never good at talking about my feelings or problems.

My counselor tried everything she could, but I was not improving. I started to feel hopeless and like I was never going to get better. I grew a relationship with my psychiatrist and gained trust. I opened up to her slowly and she learned a lot about who I was. My parents, but mostly my mom, had a set mindset on medication. My mom had always been very against me taking prescription meds.

However, I had tried everything I could possibly do without medicine. As a group, we all decided that I was going to start taking medication at the end of 8th grade. Since my doctor learned so much about me, she accordingly put me on a medicine she believed would help. I began taking the medication throughout the summer and I noticed I felt completely better. I wasn’t sure if the medication was working or if I was simply happier without the stress of school. I felt cured and like I was all better. I made a quick mistake. I hated being the girl taking medicine and I felt weird. Since I thought I was cured and hated taking the medicine, I began to pretend to take my prescription. I would take it from my dad and then run to my room and hide it in a drawer.

As high school began, I surrounded myself with a lot, but great, friends. I seemed to have gained some confidence over the summer. I started going out more, socializing, and getting more involved. I presented myself better and began to actually care about my appearance. A little into my freshman year, I met a boy. He was older than me. I was completely blinded by the fact that someone was actually attracted to me that I ignored the horrible things people tried to “warn” me about. I should’ve listened. Everything was perfect at first, as it always is. He knew exactly what to say and when to say it. He told me he loved me pretty early, and at the time I was beyond thrilled. Looking back

47

at it now, I should’ve seen the signs. He started to get possessive. If I went out, he picked out my outfit, telling me “all your clothes are too tight on you, you really going to wear that?” There was no such thing as going out without him. My passwords were his passwords. I was forced to cut all ties with my guy friends since “you can’t be seen talking to another guy when you’re in a relationship.” Later on, things progressed and he was physical. I knew I couldn’t stay with him, so I ended things. He did not take it well and began spreading horrible things about me. I came to find out he was cheating during most of our relationship with my best friend.

I dipped. I had never felt a feeling like this before. I used to think that heartbreak was just an expression. I could literally feel my heart break through my chest and fall into my stomach. My best friends had known what was going on, since most of these comments were posted on Twitter.

I was not answering my phone, simply because I was drowning in a puddle of salty tears. My friends then called my mom because they were worried. My mom came into my room and I won’t get into details but after that comes the better days.

I was admitted to an impatient program. I expected it to be in a creepy building with mean workers and no windows.

Instead, it was actually the opposite. All the walls were painted a different vibrant color. All the furniture was cushioned and new looking. There were actually windows everywhere, with a beautiful view of Providence. All the workers were young and super helpful. They always had a smile on their face and could manage to get all of us to put one on our face too. We went through different days meeting with different people. We did a whole bunch of activities that didn’t seem related to our illnesses at all, but managed to teach us a lesson through them. We learned a bunch of coping skills and how to manage our illnesses. I was put back onto medicine and I realized I shouldn’t have messed around with that kind of thing.

When I was finally released from impatient, I transferred into an outpatient program. It was in an old brick building and only about 15 kids were in the partial part of the building at a time. We did a number of different group therapy activities and then after lunch we had tutors come in while we worked on our school work. We were with the

48

same small group every day, talking about pretty personal things. As you would think, we all became a family. I still talk to all of these people to this day.

This was an extremely difficult time in my life. However, one thing never changed; my best friends. If it wasn’t for this group of friends, I could honestly say I would not be here today. While hospitalized, each and every one of them wrote me cards and drew me pictures. When I was released, I came home to some of them hiding in my room.

I was beyond relieved to have human contact again and be able to hug the people that “saved my life.” I came to terms with how incredibly lucky I was and how many people loved and cared about me. A quote to perfectly describe this feeling is “I can say with great certainty and absolute honesty that I did not know what love was until I knew what love was not” by P.T. Berkey. To this day, I am forever thankful for these amazing girls. For all they’ve done for me, it’ll take me the rest of my life to repay them.

Going through all of these different group sessions and learning about what everyone else is going through really opened my eyes. I was happy. I finally felt what happiness was. I was laughing again, smiling again, and going out again. I started trying harder in school and I got a job. I missed an entire term my freshman year but I made it up and I still came out with honors every single term. I felt like I turned my life around. I was no longer having sleepless nights just because I was going over everything wrong with me in my head. But instead, the only sleepless nights were the ones while I was out having fun. I began seeing myself in a whole new way. I felt better in my skin and no longer felt like everyone else was judging me. To this day, I still use everything I learned during my treatment. But the most important lesson I learned was how to love the life I live.

Allison Straehle is a Fashion Communications and Promotion student. She is from Norwood, MA and comes from a very large family consisting of over 45 first cousins.

Food Pollution Olivia Tata

Do you know where all of the food on your plate came from? Many people are unaware of the journey their food went on to reach them. There is a chance most of the food you are eating did not come from where you live. In the article, “Environmental Cost of Shipping Groceries Around the World” written by Elisabeth Rosenthal, readers learn that those kiwis in your refrigerator could have come all the way from Italy, and you would have no idea. Food companies are able to pay a labor cost that is cheaper than their own country to have your fruit enter their stores. Those kiwis had to be packaged by a farmer and transported thousands of miles just to get to you, however, people are not aware of the environmental cost of all of that travel.

With transportation comes pollution and with pollution comes global warming. Nothing is positive when it comes to global warming. While some may think it is financially smart to have food shipped from country to country at a cheap rate, they are not thinking how this transportation increases the rate of pollution to our planet.

We live in a world of globalization, marketing goods, and services worldwide. People are focused on the business aspect and how they can get the most out of the money they have. With goods at such a fair price, nobody is paying attention to the price tag of the accumulating pollution made from transporting these goods. Due to this environmental damage, “Now, many economists, environmental advocates and politicians say it is time to make shippers and shoppers pay for the pollution, through taxes or other measures” (Rosenthal). The writer of the article, Elisabeth Rosenthal, is trying to use ethos by saying these professionals are using solid reasoning and good arguments. Also, these advocates are trying to use pathos to display their argument. Consumers will most likely not make a change to their habits. To deal with this environmental damage, raising prices will serve as a wakeup call to them. Having a solid understanding as to how this is causing destruction to our environment is one of the first steps everyone should pursue.

There are many different reasons why different countries export and import food. The United States is not able to produce every kind of vegetable or fruit throughout every season of the year. It is not physically possible due to weather conditions in the winter season. For example, it is impossible for a state like Massachusetts to produce strawberries year-round. They would not survive the frequent snowstorms. China is able to take advantage of the opportunity of supplying services to surrounding countries. Multiple countries go to China for help with providing food or services to their own country because China has a cheaper labor rate than their own, which makes the final price tag of their goods and services cheaper. By the definition of economics, people take advantage of their scarce resources to satisfy their unlimited wants. People want and expect to have access to anything, at any time, to appease their many wishes.

Our country does have scarce resources when it comes to food, so by importing fruits and vegetables to our country, it makes it convenient for consumers.

In many ways people are contributing to pollution. In spite of this being a problem, it is fixable. An example of this is the transportation process that the article gave, “Cod caught off Norway is shipped to China to be turned into filets, then shipped back to Norway for sale” (Rosenthal).

Norway goes through this process only because China has cheaper labor rates. Even though this saves them money, it is not beneficial to the environment. This seems like a very tedious practice, so why not just do the process in their home country? By performing this without exporting and importing, the cod will most likely be fresher by the time it gets to the market.

Another example used that included logos proved that about 95% of supermarket food in Britain is imported to their stores. Multiple countries also have a soaring percentage of how much food they import to their supermarkets. A British food consult explained in the article that, “‘we’ve educated our customers to expect cheap food, that they can go to the market to get whatever they want, whenever they want it. All year. 24/7’” (Rosenthal). This

49

percentage could easily begin to decrease if they grew a majority of the fruits and vegetables that they sell. As a matter of fact, many other countries could begin to offer fresh produce that they have grown. By learning about the high percentage of imported food, hopefully it would make people think before they buy. It would be smart for consumers to learn about when food is usually produced in their own country. This way when their local farms are producing goods, they can create a better alternative by going to them for local fruits and vegetables. Drastic measures have to be taken to fix our environment to make up for lost time.

If you look at environmental patterns, it is quite noticeable that they have tremendously changed over time. Recently, our world has had some of the worst hurricanes and earthquakes. With such rare events like this occurring, it’s questionable that this could be caused from increased global warming. Weather patterns are unregulated, causing there to be warm days in the fall season. The reasoning behind the odd occurrences is “pollution — especially carbon dioxide, the main global warming gas — from transporting the food” (Rosenthal). If you do not realize the danger this can cause to the environment, you should start preparing for a contaminated future that can’t be reverted.

With the use of pathos in the article, it almost guilts the reader into changing their ways. Imagery is shown so that the reader can visualize the repetitive food transportation that takes place every day. The goal is to create an emotional response from the audience, who disregarded any type of idea as to how their food got to them.

One example of the rate of pollution affecting our world is our ocean. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the Atlantic Ocean has been accumulating trash at an alarming rate. There are also four other currents that are circulating around in different parts of the ocean that are also collecting trash. Most of the trash that is accumulated is plastic material. Plastic is not biodegradable, meaning that it does not decompose over time, leading it to continuously rotate around the current. Many sea creatures are mistaking this plastic for food, which eventually kills them when it is consumed. As a result, fisheries will not be able to catch as much fish as they were originally able

50

to, leading people to not have as many options for picking what type of fish they want. To protect our oceans from being contaminated, people need to be wise about throwing their trash away in garbage cans. Normal trash can take years to decompose, and the more we freely throw our waste on the ground, the more we are going to make our earth into a trashcan. Now they are able to see what is happening and are encouraged to take action.

Consumers need to become educated about knowing how their food got to them. With this new profound knowledge, they will be able to question themselves the next time they pick up a kiwi and wonder where it came from. Also, shoppers can begin to process the thought of how they are contributing to the pollution with their carbon footprint. It would be best for everyone’s sake to compose a new plan as to how they can get their food to their plate using less transportation. Just from consumers changing their habits, a group effort can be made to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is contributed to pollution. There are many ways that pollution is created, but awareness can now be brought and first steps can be made to making our world a better place for us all. Even though some may think there are financial benefits to have food shipped from country to country at a cheap rate, an understanding needs to be portrayed as to how transportation accumulates the rate of pollution to our planet.

Works Cited Parker, Laura. “The Best Way to Deal With Ocean Trash.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 16 Apr. 2014.

Rosenthal, Elisabeth. “Environmental Cost of Shipping Groceries Around the World.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 25 Apr. 2008.

Olivia Tata is a Finance Major. She is from Shrewsbury, MA and her favorite flavor of ice cream is cookie monster.

The Tradition and Culture Behind the Movie Moana Diana Tran

Disney’s recent movie Moana started a controversy, since it was one of Disney’s first attempts in showing the ancient traditions and cultures of the pacific islanders in Hawaii.

The directors Ron Clements and John Muskers wanted the story to be as accurate as possible to the ancient tales told of Maui in order to preserve the culture behind it. This ancient Hawaiian story of gods and goddesses is shown through the main characters of Moana and Maui and also through the storytelling in the movie. By focusing in on the little details from the tattoos on Maui’s body to his figure and looks and Moana’s as well, these details affect the movie as a whole on how this ancient story is retold and passed down.

In the movie, it tells the story of Maui, who is known to be a demigod, and is also able to shapeshift into any object or animal. Maui was known to be a hero before he stole a gem from the island. This caused the island to become cursed and he is seen as being far from a hero. The other main character, Moana, who is the daughter of the chief the island, is set to become the next chief, but she rebels from her parents and goes against their wishes by leaving the island in order to save the island. It has been cursed and since, slowly dying, with no fish coming to the island and crops rotting out of nowhere. So, with her little sidekick chicken and little pig, she sets her journey trying to find Maui, and complete the journey together. It becomes a rough path to find him and he refuses but eventually gets persuaded into helping her since it will help clear his name and he could be a demigod once again. With the many obstacles, they find their way to the island and meet Te Fiti, who is burning with anger and fire because Maui stole her gem which had caused the curse. Moana, who is the chosen one, returns the gem to Te Fiti, who resembles Moana, and she becomes happy once again and everything is at peace afterward. The island has been lifted off its curse and filled with life again.

Clements and Muskers’ main focus became trying to tell the story of Maui, an actual myth told by islanders, correctly. They wanted to present him in the right way.

Also, throughout the movie they focused on the details from how islanders lived in their everyday lives, to what they would live in and to how they would have to hunt for their own food. Clements and Muskers attempt to try and depict Maui’s story as close as they can. Throughout the movie, it reveals his tattoos and the stories behind most of them.

This is very important to the islanders because tattoos are an expression of their identity and personality. It shows the accomplishments and achievements they have gone through.

Although some of the audiences might disagree, the message Moana portrays is wrong. For instance, the main character, Maui, is portrayed as a demigod but his looks consist of him being on the bigger side and many of the viewers will get the wrong perception of Polynesians. This was Disney’s first film that is focused around Polynesians, and this was their attempt to re-create their tradition and culture. In one of the reviews by New York Times, according to Robert Ito, he said “Maui was so large that online critics thought Disney’s version looked more obese than Olympian, feeding into negative stereotypes of Polynesian men and women” (par.11). Other movie critics believe Maui looks like an unhealthy obese Polynesian and falling into one of the American stereotypes, which is to be believed that Polynesians are considered as lazy, overweight, and unhealthy. But others believe that he is just a demigod who is built strong and well, and shows the culture well even through his puffy thick hair.

On the other hand, some of the audience believes that Moana’s appearance is more realistic and relatable compared to the other Disney princesses. Her appearance is supposed to represent the culture of the Polynesians through her long, thick, curly hair and slightly thicker appearance. In one interview from Vanity Fair, they interviewed the directors of the movie, Ron Clements and John Musker, about how they came upon the idea of Moana’s looks. Both directors had traveled to Polynesia in order to research the culture and traditions. When creating the character Moana, they said they were inspired by the

51

“beautiful, powerful women in Polynesia” (par 11), and this is why Moana does not look or act like any of the other Disney princesses. Musker explains that, “We really did want her to feel like she had legs that could really swim and scale a tree and jump off a cliff. She could really believably carry all that stuff, and it wouldn't look like she'd be overpowered by her own environment but that she could physically take charge and command a boat across the ocean. That she wouldn't be knocked over in those mighty oceanic breezes,” (par.12). While both directors really wanted to get the culture right, they also wanted to make sure the main character was fit and could realistically be in the right shape for this role instead of the usual shape of the Disney princesses, which is thin.

Another way the directors preserve the culture and traditions of the Pacific Islanders was through the main cast of the movie. Clements and Muskers chose actors who had roots in the Pacific Islands. The main cast of the movie was Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Rachel House, Jemaine Clement, and Nicole Scherzinger.

Since they had roots to the islands, they were able to help voice their input and help shape the performance. For example, Cravalho who voices Moana, was able to voice her own ideas and knowledge of the stories she grew up with of the demigod Maui (Vanity Fair).

In many of the interviews I have conducted about this topic and idea, many of the people I have interviewed seemed to have similar thoughts on the Disney movies. Their thoughts revolved around how Disney portrays the main characters of the princesses in a very good way. They understand the message being thrown at them even with the clichés

52

and how the message speaks to them. They believe that the Disney characters are like “role models” to them and look up to them. In the many Disney movies, they have portrayed many messages from Moana and the journey of a girl going beyond her parents and still accomplishing it overall and to The Little Mermaid and that message to read the fine print and be careful whom you trust. Although one interviewer noticed how not every single race or culture has been shown in Disney movies, but reflects back on people should not get offended and instead should “go out and write their own character.” With these interviews, it shows how Disney has a big influence among the people who do watch it, and the message it gives off.

Overall, Disney’s first attempts in showing and preserving an ancient tradition among Pacific Islanders had both positive and negative reviews. Moana which has been nominated for many awards from Oscars to the Golden Globes, is a unique and relatable movie set for all ages from young and old. This is a must-see movie with the many lessons that set it apart from the other Disney princess movies.

Diana Tran is currently an applied mathematics major but plans to double major in finance and have a minor in Business. She is from Worcester, MA, and an interesting fact about her is that although she has a horrible memory, she can remember all of the lyrics to her favorite songs.

53