Statesman December online issue by LHS Statesman

LINE

D ecember 2018

V ol . 53, N o . 4

The H

an outlo

Hate U Give:

ook on today’s society by Genna Sheriff

WARNING: Spoilers ahead! “Thug Life” is an album and mantra by the late Tupac Shakur. The meaning of the acronym, “The Hate U Give Little Infants [expletive] Everybody,” influenced Angie Thomas as she wrote her bestselling novel to help further explain how the hate African Americans face affects us all. “The Hate U Give” focuses on a 16-year-old named Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) who grows up in a predominantly black neighborhood in Georgia, named Garden Heights. Her parents, Maverick (Russell Hornsby) and Lisa Carter (Regina Hall), send Starr and her two brothers to a school outside of their neighborhood in a privileged, predominantly white community where she becomes “Starr Version Two,” a less “ghetto” version of herself. One night after a party in Garden Heights, Starr leaves with her friend Khalil Harris (Algee Smith) when, during a routine traffic stop, Khalil is asked to step out of the car. Once Khalil exits the vehicle, he reaches for a hairbrush which the officer claims he thought

was a gun. At this point, the white police officer shoots Khalil without any questions asked. With Starr being the only witness, she feels the pull from her community to speak out while others, like King (Anthony Mackie), who runs the local drug operation, push her not to speak up. The media quickly grabs Khalil’s story, and Starr becomes conflicted between her double life. She has to choose whether to speak out for her community or keep quiet to protect her image at school. Balancing the funny and light moments with the dark and conflict driven ones was not an easy feat, but one that was definitely accomplished. The film has a perfect blend of Starr’s teen life with feuding friends and relationship conflicts and Starr trying to discover who she wanted to become while ultimately informing about racism and injustice. “The Hate U Give” leaves its audience rattled because of its unique and personal look at the lives of people affected by police brutality. Detailing different types of people and their responses after a police shooting gave the audience an

opportunity to see both the positive and negative sides of the spectrum. It’s one thing to see it on the news, but it’s another to sit through two hours watching the injustice personally affect people. By focusing on the fact that injustice can no longer be ignored, the movie urges the audience to use their voice and not let anyone try and stop them. Throughout the whole movie, viewers are taken on an emotional roller coaster, captivated from start to finish by the extremely powerful narrative and its message. As the credits begin to roll viewers are left unsettled. “The Hate U Give” opens viewers eyes to many different topics and when in the end everything comes full circle, they are left reflecting on all that they had just watched. The feelings viewers are left with urge them to stand up for injustice and not let their voices be suppressed. If you have not had the chance to see it, drop what you are doing and go to a theater to buy a ticket. Sit down, keep an open mind and watch as the story unfolds. This movie needs to be seen by people everywhere.

DESIGN BY LILY HIATT

‘Honey’:

Robyn makes a sweet comeback

T im o thy S tol p ,

e nt e ta in m e nt e d itor

Eight years since her last solo album, Robyn reclaims her place in the world of underground, melancholic dance pop: the throne. With a considerably foreground reputation, Robyn’s fascination with synths and bizzare sampling sets her apart from many of her contemporaries. Robyn is often compared to Icona Pop or Lykke Li, both for having the same nation of origin, Sweden, as well as their similar grasp of the happysound, sad-lyric effect. While the attributions make sense, the queen of Swedish subverted pop is certainly Robyn. The global sensation that she became and continues to be is not solely indebted to the human brain’s craving for the quirky, but Robyn’s own.

From the beginning of her career in the late 90s, Robyn has been a young songstress and experimentalist. “Honey,” her newest rendition is no exception, but takes on near-masterpiece strength from the years of practice and creativity. In recent years, the revival of American fascination with Scandinavian (and Icelandic) music has bolstered the resurgence of the oddly club-friendly hit song. Robyn, perhaps superbly aware of the tideshift, capitalizes on what she does best. Take for instance, her titular single, “Honey,” which has garnered seemingly nothing other than critical praise. “The feeling you get when you listen to Robyn—the instant sense of obliteration in the surge of synth and

strings—is almost too powerful,” wrote Jia Tolentino for The New Yorker. “I’ve always understood the music of the 39-year-old Swedish pop star to be something like a club drug: a substance that drastically increases your likelihood of dancing and crying simultaneously.” Beginning with “Missing U,” the album skyrockets into the euphoric experience that Robyn is known for. The first song is essential Robyn material. As the album continues, Robyn veers into the silkier, slower side of her persona; on earlier records, where beats chopped and defined the vocal performance, Robyn’s lyrics and mouse-like voice are the star of the show. “Honey,” the track which catalyzes the second half of the LP,

takes listeners to their final destination in the album: the beach. As it would seem, with clear lyrical and title references (the song “Beach2k20”), Robyn’s final four songs are meant to depict a bright summer scene. However, it would not be a Robyn record without a conflict of emotion and sound. “And the waves come in and they’re golden,” sings Robyn. “But down in the deep, the honey is sweeter. / And the sun sets on the water / But down in the deep the current is stronger.” The push and pull that Robyn constantly plays around with in lyrics, sound and personality is a spectacle that she continues to develop. With “Honey,” the artist dives into a more sensual, summery set of sonic stories. At times random, others inviting,

Photo by Konichiwa Records

“Honey” is an album intended to innovatively express the bizarre balance of happy and sad that is often experienced in the same setting. The Swedish songstress is back after eight years and arguably better than ever with an album to savor like honey.

DESIGN BY KATIE OSMUNDSON

Blast from the past : LHS alumni Palmer :

by Caroline Sudbeck

1.) What

activities/functions did you participate in at LHS? I played volleyball and basketball, and ran one year of track. I also was in Spanish Club & SALSA (I think).

2.) Do

you still participate in any of these activities? I am the volleyball coach now and I help with International Club.

3.) Is

there an activity/function that exists now that you wish you could have participated in? Puppy club!

4.) What

is the most memorable moment from your years at LHS? It seems cliché, but probably winning the state volleyball tournament.

5.) What 2008

year did you graduate?

6.) What

has changed the most at LHS from when you graduated? It seems like students have a little more freedom and flexibility than when I was in school.

7.) Which

subject/teacher had the biggest impact on your life? My Spanish teachers Señorita Roberts & Señora Tollinger were awesome. They led me to where I am now.

8.) Did

you ever think you would come back to LHS as a teacher? I did not think it would happen, but could not see myself anywhere else.

9.) What

was your favorite thing about being a student at LHS? It always felt like there was somebody for everybody at school.

10.) What

is your favorite thing about being a teacher at LHS? Getting to be around so many different kinds of people.

Pabst :

1.) What

activities/ functions did you participate in at LHS? I was in the Marching Band and I cheered for basketball.

2.) Do

you still participate in any of these activities? In a way! I still coach cheerleading at Augustana University.

3.) Is

there an activity/ function that exists now that you wish you could have participated in? YES! Competitive cheer and dance started 6 years after I graduated.

4.) What

is the most memorable moment from your years at LHS? Some of my most memorable moments from high school are from a Marching Band trip we took to NYC to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade.

5.) What

year did you

graduate? 2003

6.) What

has changed the most at LHS from when you graduated? Technology

7.) Which

subject/teacher had the biggest impact on your life? I don’t think a subject had a big impact on me, but I had some amazing science teacher here at Lincoln. A few of them that still work here!

8.) Did

you ever think you would come back to LHS as a teacher? No, in high school I wasn’t planning on being a teacher.

9.) What

was your favorite thing about being a student at LHS? I enjoyed getting to see my friends, and participating in marching band and cheerleading.

10.) What

is your favorite thing about being a teacher at LHS? Working with my awesome students!

CARTOONS PROVIDED BY MARYAM RAUUF DESIGN BY BRITA QUELLO

A run from home

by Ethan Kolb

in Hertford, England. Growing up, he gained a fascination with music at an early age. He moved to Bristol in 2011 to study at a Music, something people can music school called the ‘British and not go without. With thousands of Irish Modern Music Institute.’ In artists, several choices of albums 2013, he released his first EP, “Did and millions of songs. After a while You Hear the Rain?” After BBC music starts to become dry and played his song regularly, he gained repetitive about drinking, having popularity. In March of 2014, he sex and smoking weed. But George released his first album, “Wanted Ezra brings a fresh new twist to the on a Voyage.” It hit number three music scene, adding a new light for on the UK Albums Chart before contemporary folk music. climbing to number one in October While I do listen to rap/hipof 2014, four months after it was hop on the occasion, my favorite released. It spent a total of four genre of music is indie folk music. weeks at number one and was the George Ezras music dabbles in third best selling album of 2014 in genres of modern, light folk music. the UK. His baritone voice creates a warm While he has not released many feeling, almost like being at home albums to the public, his voice is on a snowy day, watching a movie known around the world from his in front of a fireplace. Ezra released famous song, “Budapest.” Ezra’s his first album in 2014. After new album consists of 11 songs, topping the charts with the album, each different from the last song. he took off to an isolated location His album covers his emotions, in England and boarding houses ranging from the happiest of songs in Barcelona to help ease the social to the drowning time of “sad boi” anxiety that was built from his fame hours. Not only are the songs and success. diverse, but they keep the listener Ezra was born June 7, 1993, wanting more. PHOTO BY COLUMBIA RECORDS

DESIGN BY MORGAN MCDONNEL

Learning to

above stereotypes

by Mara Fendrich

Reaching Independence with Structured Education, better known as RISE, is a program throughout the Sioux Falls School District and is dedicated to providing students with learning disabilities the education they require. Students in RISE are taught together in classes where the teachers can focus more on the needs of the individuals. The rest of the staff and students often refer to it as the “cluster” room, a term that some would be surprised to learn is considered offensive Programs like RISE are always in need of more support. LHS, in particular, has a severe lack of staff, making it harder to pay attention to each students’ needs. “We do move from class to class, but we only have 3 teachers,” said Drake Bachmeier, a RISE teacher. “Most of our students are self-contained, which means they don’t really leave our area. I teach math, I teach social studies and I teach vocational skills. Another teacher teaches language arts, reading and a foods class. And then another teaches science and vocal skills.” Russell Fjellinger, better known as Mr. FJ, has recently left his job at LHS after having

worked for the school district for 11 years. FJ spent the majority of his career assisting and teaching children with special needs, and was a RISE teacher for multiple years. “While going to college, [the place I worked] which is now very politically incorrect, was at that point, called ‘Crippled Children’s Hospital and School’ which has now changed to LifeScape,” said FJ. “I worked with kids with disabilities. That’s why I came to Lincoln, to work with kids with disabilities, but I don’t like the word disability because to me it’s negative. We all have abilities. We all have talents. Everybody does.” Attempts to have the student body empathize with these students tend to fail catastrophically. “Spread the Word to End the Word” aims to educate high schoolers about the harmful words used against people with cognitive disabilities. Unsurprisingly, it only makes students more likely to use those derogatory slurs for the shock value. No lesson is truly learned and people are left with the same misconceptions about special education. One of the major misconceptions is that it’s limited to students who have both physical and mental handicaps.

“If your IQ is below the [average], 70 or below, you can be in the RISE room. But what comes along with that is we can [receive students with] other disabilities,” said Bachmeier. “ You can have [a physical condition such as] tourettes and not be in this room, but you cannot have a cognitive disability and not be in this room.” In addition to misbeliefs regarding which type of students find themselves within the program, many LHS students are ill-informed when it comes to what the students are really like. “I’m all about inclusion and I think the students here are just like everyone else,” said Bachmeier. “They have a different cognitive level, but they still strive to have the same friends that everybody else has. They strive to have that social interaction that everyone else has. We really try to push social norms.” No one is being forced to spend time with the students in their classroom or to be their close friends, but any and all of the small gestures count. Actions such as greeting others in the hallway or asking them about their day makes a much larger difference than one may think.

DESIGN BY CHLOE ROBINSON

PUPPIES: one husky load? by Cameron Rhode

Puppies: baby dogs, tiny and fluffy and viewed by many as the cutest creature in the world. While cute, puppies come with baggage. Puppies need constant attention which, when underprepared, makes owners like LHS English teacher Mr. Pastrano begin to get a bit of buyer’s remorse. “[Puppies] are really high maintenance,” said Pastrano. “It’s not a negative, because as people we’re high maintenance. [Puppies] just depend on the timing. My wife and I have a three-year-old, so him plus a puppy was bad news bears.” Although a puppy may need constant attention and to be taken outside almost every hour, men and women alike are still lured into canine ownership. Some of the reasons dog owners adopt puppies are: to rescue them, to have a loyal companion or all of the above. “[I got a puppy] really for the companionship,” said Pastrano. “They always say they’re man’s best friend. They are cute and they are fun to play with. [Dogs] are kind of like children in the

sense there is a lot to learn. If you get a good puppy, there is that sense of loyalty to you and the family.” New owners often look past the chores that it takes to own a pet. Puppies are still new to the world when owners regularly adopt them at about eight weeks old; dog lover and LHS English teacher Aubrey Windish loves almost everything about dogs. “I love adorable things to take care of and puppies need a good home,” said Windish. “I love that puppies are kinda clumsy, and everything is new to them. My dog is almost seven, and yet when she discovers something new, it’s like the most amazing thing in the world. One simple thing like a treat makes them so happy. What’s not to love about puppies?” Few canine owners love puppies for everything they do; Windish is among the majority. “I do not like how puppies are naughty,” said Windish. “They are like toddlers, they cannot be left alone for any moment otherwise they get into trouble. If food is on the counter, they’re gonna try and get it. ‘What’s

this I’ll chew it? What’s this I’ll pee on it?’ That is the life of the puppy.” Puppies continue to affect the lives of owners all around the globe; those puppies bring joy to their owners.

DESIGN BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAMERON RHODE

SFSDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STATE REPORT CARD: N SHOULD WE L I S T E N? by Lauren teller Op/Ed Editor

32 In a recent report from the South Dakota State

Department of Education, it was estimated that

only 32 percent of Sioux Falls District students are readily prepared for college. This report is based on the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s average ACT scores, AP

classes, standardized testing scores and the num-

ber of dual credit courses taken by individual high school students during the 2017 to 2018 school year.

14 STATESMAN

This report comes with a response of shock and questions about the components that play into the state’s

report each year. In the past, the district ranks well above the national average among AP exam passing rates and ACT test scores. In fact, in 2017, LHS’ average ACT score was 23.7, which is 2.5 points higher than the nation’s average of 21.2. LHS, which plays into one third of the district’s score, surpasses the national average in AP exam pass rates.

“We have the 5th or 6th highest passing rate in America, right here in South Dakota,” said LHS principal Robert Grimm. “If you remove Lincoln High School from those test scores, South Dakota goes from 6th to 15th. We light those up, which means that our students are more than prepared for what is the rigor of college.” Grimm feels that the assessment from the state is not an accurate measurement of the district’s collective preparedness. He holds onto the belief that the values of the state board do not align with that of the district’s. For example, one test given to many districts within the state has a high passing rate, but is not given to students within SFSD, automatically dropping the score. Grimm advises the school district to consider how they should value this assessment.

“If I give a test, a generic test, and everybody passes, not everybody passes the AP exams, because there is a level built, you have a certain number of students that are supposed to pass and a certain number that aren’t,” said Grimm. “So, I think that they need to look at what the measurements are, what are the tools that the state values, do we value the same tools, do we value the same assessments and standards of measurement, and if so, then we should be on the same page. But if we are just taking a test to get a score, then I say that we just keep doing what we are doing.” Grimm finds proof in the success of the SFSD by looking at the graduation rates of Sioux Falls alumni. He estimates this number to be high, along with the high success rates of students who graduate from high school and take pathways other than college. Programs in the district such as CTE and other career-oriented courses help to give them a strong foundation for their future after their K-12 education.

“I think personally, that if your pathway is college, which, you have to remember, only about 48-50 percent of the students in Sioux Falls go on to college… I think you are very well prepared for college,” said Grimm. “Some students choose other pathways such as the military, technical school or [to go] directly into the workforce, and those are all noble causes as well. This is a valuable component in the well-rounded education that SFSD provides for its students that has been overlooked by the report. The mission of the district is “to educate and prepare each student to succeed in a changing world.” Nowhere in this statement does it explicitly state that the district is aiming to send each student to get a post-secondary education. The ability to provide students with a sufficient education that enables them to succeed in today’s world should be accounted for in a holistic fashion, based on their ability to prepare students for whatever their path may be. Too often is our society focused on higher education, whereas the fact of the matter is that many students choose not to attend one. Our district accounts for many of the areas that others in the state overlook. The true measurement of the effect of a SFSD education will only be revealed by the success of its students, no matter where their path takes them.

“What we are doing is right; what we’re doing works,” said Grimm. “What we are doing as a school and a district, Roosevelt and Washington are lighting it up just as much as we are, but we might be better [laughs], but I wouldn’t give a test just to get a test. I just don’t find that to be of any value.” Design by Margaret Meierhenry

STATESMAN 15

by Johnathan Smith

rep ats

for

Basketball season is upon us! Well, not officially. While the official season for LHS basketball has not yet begun, hopeful players have been taking to the court the past few weeks in order to work on their game and impress the coaching staff. Jeff Halseth, head coach for the LHS boys varsity basketball team, believes that these open gyms greatly benefit players who are trying to make the cut. “[The players] get a chance to come and work on their game a little bit,” said Halseth. “They don’t have to play a game, so they can work on different moves, on ball handling, etc. But if they want to get in a game and work on competitiveness, then they can get in a game.” Open gyms are an opportunity for players to improve their craft without the restrictions that a normal practice carries. While it is not a completely unregulated ordeal, the relative free reign that is given to the students is a process that Halseth uses to

Season

Open gyms

romising

evaluate prospective players. “We try to give them a few guidelines before games start,” said Halseth. “One day it might be I’m looking for some offense, one day I might be looking for some defense. But what it boils down to is how well these guys play together as teammates. We play different teams, different games all the time. What I look for is whoever they’re mixed up with, how do they play as a team?” Halseth also believes in the importance of getting underclassmen, who have not been able to show off their skills to varsity coaches before, involved in open gyms. “We don’t know them very well when they come in, so it’s a chance for us coaches to watch them and evaluate a little during the preseason,” said Halseth. The players know full well what begins after the open gyms come to a close. In the first few weeks of practice, competition will increase as prospects duke it out for roster spots. Halseth understands that

the opening days of practice are a chance to see what his players are made of. “We throw a lot at them,” said Halseth. “That’s part of our tryout process. We’ll see who is picking things up as fast as we need to see them pick it up. We want to see how well they communicate to each other. It’s a lot of drill session in the first couple of weeks.” As for the upcoming season, Halseth is optimistic. Last year, the Pats were ranked third heading into the state tournament. After a disappointing first round loss, LHS ended up finishing last among the eight teams participating. As a result, Halseth has a laser focus on his teams aspirations heading into the new season. “Our goal every year is to get to the State tournament,” said Halseth. “That’s number one in my mind. Whatever happens when we get there depends on the goals of these guys. Our goal each game is to get a little better than the previous game.”

DESIGN BY GEORGIA CONLIN

Remembering Stan Lee By: Timothy Stolp

At 95, Stan Lee passed away on Nov. 12, 2018, leaving behind a legacy spanning nearly a century and whose impact will remain for centuries more. The loss of the comic-book artist and writing legend, who made cameo appearances in every modern live-action Marvel movie, marks the end of an era. In other ways perhaps, it is the passing on of the torch. Lee’s influence extended beyond the first generation that read his comics and became a national phenomenon. In recent years, the dominance of Marvel movies at the box office has revitalized the household characters that he, along with Jack Kirby, created. As Todd Leopold, Lisa Respers France and Brian Lowry write for CNN, the media powerhouse that Lee created gained its notoriety for good reason. “Marvel revitalized the comics business with a series of flawed, more human superheroes,” said Leopold, France and Lowry. “Its figures lived in the real world—a few were based in New York City, with all its dirt and clamor—and struggled with everyday challenges, whether it was paying the rent or wondering about their purposes in life.”

The magnitude of separation between a superhero and the average person was sized down for the Lee warrior. This method of humanization bridged the gap between the entertainment of action and the moral arc of a hero. The philosophy behind it was tried and true prior, but in Marvel’s iteration became something intangibly tangible. The superhero became human and not at the same time. Though unexpected, it was an important story. Through its many iterations, Marvel established itself as a beacon of hope in the dark. “The characters’ impact…is indisputable,” said Leopold, France and Lowry. Undoubtedly, Lee’s characters reflected the charisma and energy of the man himself. Though he was not without his flaws or always the cheeriest, Lee championed a universe overtly resonant with our own. It was one willing to change as needed, but stuck fast to the principle of overall goodness. As LHS, the nation and indeed, the world mourns the death of an icon, hope for new artists to inspire in trying times grows. With generations of ground work, Lee has left the world with a strong foundation to pick up where he left off. Excelsior!

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CC DESIGN BY NICOLE SCHMITZ

Constantly ch cause com by: Xander Donahue The new schedule at LHS has caused some controversy ever since school started. Students and faculty alike are finding themselves confused by the constantly changing periods. Many at LHS have expressed concern with the changes that have been made to how the week runs. Instead of having ad room every day, cuts have been made so that it is only twice a week. Because of this, the regular school week has an altered schedule. During Tuesdays and Thursdays ad room is in session, Mondays and Wednesdays do not have ad room and Friday has the usual altered schedule due to first period starting later than the other days. It might read somewhat simple, but juggling the fluctuating schedule has proved difficult for many. “Well, I think that compared to last year, it’s a lot more confusing,” said LHS senior Jonathan Overstreet. “I frequently have to [check] the schedule in my phone… Times were simpler last year when I did not worry about missing class.” Students are not the only ones who have been confused about the period changes. Band director Dan Carlson has also expressed how he feels about the new agenda. “The one thing that I still struggle with is just keeping track of what day it is. And it is tough to remember where we’re at with the whole thing,” said Carlson. Despite the fact that every day seems to be a sort of a maze to work through, there are actually some good qualities about it. Ad room had already been questioned in years past because of how much time it takes up, but nothing was done about it. When Grimm came to LHS,

hanging classes mmotion however, the rules finally changed. So why did Grimm want to get rid of ad room? “Because I don’t like ad room,” said Grimm. “I wanted to do away with it completely and just have our regular Monday through Thursday schedule and our Friday collaboration schedule. But some teachers love ad room so I split the difference.” Even though people are disorganized due to the change, some still see its value. “I like the fact that we’re not spending as much time in ad room,” said Carlson. “I feel like there are necessary things we need to communicate during ad room. And then there are times when there’s a lot of sitting around and a lot of time maybe not being so well spent.” Both Carlson and Overstreet admitted to being discombobulated by the way school has been running, but both seem to have an understanding as to why changes were made. “I think that I’ve never found ad room to be very necessary… cutting away ad room for two days a week is totally fine with me,” said Overstreet. It might be a hassle for teachers to check what time classes are supposed to end every day, but for the most part everything is fairly straightforward. The reason that the school days were altered was to better the academic efficiency at LHS as a whole. Hopefully people start to catch on to how things are gonna flow from now on, even though it is confusing. “But we’re all pretty smart,” said Grimm. “It’s not that hard.”

Design by Nayeli Ayala

PHOTO PROVIDED BY INSYNC PLUS

by Xander Donahue

Bradley Cooper, actor and now director, perfectly captures a plethora of ideas, feelings and emotions in his beautiful and groundbreaking film, “A Star is Born”. “A Star is Born” is about a famous singer/ songwriter Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), who finds himself meeting a struggling musician, Ally (Lady Gaga). Maine falls in love with Ally and he urges her to start performing and writing songs. Ally soon starts a career and Maine helps her along the way while also struggling with his inner demons. The film was co-written, directed and stars Cooper. Even more impressive is that this film was Cooper’s directorial debut. Most would not suspect this, however, given that the movie is directed wonderfully. Part of what makes Cooper’s directing style so enjoyable is how beautifully he crafts each scene. Most of the film is shot in close-ups, making it more intimate and personal experience. The way he chooses to frame each scene adds the film’s overall beauty, thus creating an enticing and realistic world. One of the best parts of the film is how well Cooper depicts the world of music. Getting this right was an essential part of making sure the movie was good, given that music plays a substantial role in the film. All of the performances in the movie focus primarily on the characters and the emotions they express while their performing. There is a distinct lack of shots showing the audiences and how they react, again creating a more secluded and intimate world between the audience and the characters. The movie features a fantastic and unique cast. Cooper and his co-star Lady Gaga, completely steal the show, both offering incredible performances. The scenes are performed so well that it doesn’t seem like there was a script at all. Part of the reason the dialogue is so believable is because the two actors have such great chemistry. The film also features performances from comedians Andrew Dice Clay, and Dave Chappelle, who both, surprisingly play more

serious characters. For the most part, the movie is relatively realistic and entertaining. There was some dialogue that came across as unrealistic or cliche, but the movie made up for it in its beautiful and mesmerizing visuals. The only real problems I had with the movie was its pacing and the way the film ended. The way the film ended was fine story-wise, but as the movie went on it became more and more trite. Towards the last half of the movie, I found myself being taken out of the world due to choices some of the characters were making and the way they were being depicted. Nevertheless, the movie still ended on a strong note. The pacing of the film felt a bit off right from the beginning. Although much time had passed since we were first introduced to the characters, where they were and where they were going seemed to arrive all too fast. Bold decisions were made and life-changing events were happening so quickly and so often to the characters that I had a hard time keeping track of what to feel. This way of telling the story, however, made the film that much more interesting. It didn’t take ages to get to plot points and it didn’t wait for its characters to come to terms with the events that were unfolding, which made the story more believable, in a sense. In short, the pacing and the sometimes cliche screenplay did not take away from the movies overall enjoyability. This dramatic and enticing film has a little something for everybody. It’s dramatic, romantic, funny, tragic, and features an amazing soundtrack. Sure some of it may seem a bit cheesy, but Cooper sure knows how to tug on the heartstrings in the right way. So next time you find yourself in the mood to watch a great film and maybe even get a little emotional, “A Star is Born” will not disappoint.

DESIGN BY SOMER LUITJENS

Best

by Genna Sheriff

Buddies

Budding new club in the making:

While speeding through the halls to class, students can find teachers and other students from the special education program walking among them. Even though much of the student population takes notice of those students and teachers, not many stop and say “hi” to them, let alone try and make a connection. Several students in the special education program do not have many opportunities to befriend other students. For junior Mitch Eichacker, this is a problem that he wants to help solve through a new club called Best Buddies. “It’s for students with special disabilities, but I call them special abilities,” said Eichacker. “It gives those students a friend they may not be able to have because they were born different than everyone else.” According to bestbuddies.org, Best Buddies is dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At LHS, Best Buddies will pair those students with intellectual and developmental disabilities with students in general education. The goal for matching one student with another is to help encourage both students and let them know they are not alone. “I wanted to start it because I know that there is a huge population of students with special abilities at Lincoln,” said Eichacker. “Giving them an opportunity where they can become integrated with the help of a friend is something that I really wanted to do.” Although Best Buddies has not had its official start, adviser Drake Bachmeier met with the team of students to plan out the club kickoff and the upcoming events. With over one million people impacted by Best Buddies,

it is obvious this program has accomplished a considerable amount. The outcome of bringing the program to LHS should impact not only be visible to those involved, but the student body as a whole.

DESIGN BY NYAH THAEMERT

SERVING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM by Caleb Miller

They are one of the most influential characters in our lives each day. They push us, drive us and scare us to become our best selves. Our teachers. And while LHS has a large variety among its staff as far as interests and personalities go, among its ranks exists some of the most committed teachers of all. Teachers that have put themselves beyond the classroom and have been willing to give the ultimate sacrifice in order to preserve our schools, our cities and our nation. The teachers that have served in the armed forces.

Glenn Tolle is an English II teacher as well as the adviser of the LHS Chess Club. He was able to serve our nation for exactly 28 years, four months and one day. Coming out as a Lieutenant Colonel, he has gained many lifelong skills, many of which, he hopes to use in the classroom. “I learned patience, a good sense of humor, toughness and a respect for time,” said Tolle. He has had a passion to serve his country, but his choice in serving was not something new in his family. Rather, it has almost been a tradition with many of his ancestors to bring themselves to the front lines. “It’s considered a duty in my family to put on the uniform,” said Tolle. After serving, he was able to transition into teaching. Going through the program Troops to Teachers, an organization that encourages

military personnel to become educators, he went from serving abroad to serving the communities right here at home. And while it has obviously helped him as an individual, he believes that there is a greater purpose in mind with the program. “When less than one percent of the US serves in the military, it is important to get a military presence in the classroom so that the nation can appreciate the culture and the service of those that have put on the uniform,” said Tolle. He also hopes to bring more values to students while being such an important person in their everyday lives, and he is not the only one. Michael Jones teaches personal finance and helps manage the school store. And although he sees patriotism as a large issue for our generations of today, he hopes that he can provide an understanding to the students of our nation’s values so they may better recognize what it

stands for. “When I see people doing the pledge, I’m kind of torn because people should understand what the pledge is about and not just stand up and just say the pledge,” said Jones. But while they are both hoping for those students to realize the values that make this nation great, they are confident in its youth and what they will be able to do with the country’s future. “I think that this generation really has a lot of hidden possibilities that people don’t realize. It’s very easy to focus on the negative things that youth do, but they’re learning who they are and I’m very confident that the overwhelming majority of the students here at Lincoln High School, and this generation as a whole. When they get to become adults they will learn what this country’s about, what it stands for and the opportunities that it offers everybody within our borders,” said Jones. DESIGN BY KATHRYN SWEETER

AERE PERENNIUS MORE LASTING THAN BRONZE

by Justin Schriever While the city of Rome was founded 2,771 years ago on April 21, 753 BC by Romulus and Remus, everything from their structure of government, the way of life, and yes, even their language still resonates today. When people think of Latin, they either get very intimidated right away, think it is unnecessary or immediately joke and compare it to Pig Latin. However, most people do not realize that there are actually two types of Latin: Classical and Ecclesiastical. While the major difference between the two denominations of Latin is the way the words

are pronounced, Classical is what Caesar and Mark Antony spoke, while Ecclesiastical is the Latin in the churches; students at LHS are taught Classical Latin. LHS has been blessed to be touched with the Latin gift. Lynn Thomason (one of only three certified K-12 Latin teachers in SD, while being the only AP Latin teacher in SD) has been teaching Latin at LHS for 15 years now, while teaching Latin at OGHS every Thursday night as well. However, the process of becoming the Latin teacher at LHS was “a challenging time.” “Mrs. Healy was very ill and then passed away

after suffering from breast cancer. I try to honor her legacy every single day and to not forget that I have this fantastic job because of her,” said Thomason. Despite working with Latin every day for the past 15 years, Thomason has had a much bigger relationship with Latin than most would expect. “I started taking Latin in 7th grade,” said Thomason. “I just loved it. Latin helped with everything from vocabulary to periodic chart symbols make sense to me.” Thomason went on to get a degree in Latin. “College and postgraduate Latin is phenomenal,” said Thomason. “Classes are small and the professors are of such high caliber. Immersion programs are also available.” Despite truly being a beautiful, underestimated language, Latin continues to prevail in more ways than none. For example, 60 percent of English words and 90 percent of two-or-more-syllable words derived from Latin origins. On top of that, the calendar, the division of time, to the capitol buildings are all modeled from the Roman Empire. If someone thought it stopped there, he or she would be wrong. Latin is the parent language to French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish; moreover, students who pursue a law, medical or science career are highly recommended to take Latin, as most of their terms are derived from Latin. Again, the benefits of taking Latin do not stop there. “Much research has been done on the benefits of taking Latin,” said Thomason. “They range from higher test scores to knowing the basis of scientific, medical and legal language to learning English to problem-solving. AP Latin has huge advantages for college credits.” One of the 148 students at LHS taking advantage of the benefits of Latin is Jadyn Cummins, an LHS

junior and Latin III student. “I want to be in the medical field, so that helps with medical roots,” said Cummins. While Cummins admits there is a lot of studying, hard work and fast-learning, she always feels as if Thomason is always there for her students. “She really is involved,” said Cummins. “She tries to help students and make sure they understand. She says no stress and to text and call her for help, except on Sundays from 1-5 [that is her nap time].” However, Thomason wants to really emphasize that Latin does not live up to its bad reputation of being difficult to learn. “Most students realize that Latin isn’t as difficult as its reputation and come to appreciate how much it helps them,” said Thomason. “I notice that because hearing it always makes me smile.” Along with students realizing the inaccurate representation of learning the language, Thomason has another favorite reason for being a Latin teacher at LHS. “I will always love my lightbulb moments,” said Thomason. “When a student perseveres to comprehend something, their face goes from a total frown and puzzlement to a smile and enlightenment. That makes my day and keeps me going.” Being a teacher for 15 years offers a lot of memories to reflect on. “I am blessed to have taught here and to have taught my son,” said Thomason. “Three former students are now doctors. Three former students are now Latin teachers. Three former students have children named IsabeLYNN, RaeLYNN and JaeLYNN. I can’t believe it!!!” One thing is guaranteed to stick with Thomason, and it happened to be created by the students, parents and herself: a Latin family. “I would hope that they develop their potential and have fun doing it,” said Thomason. “Be nice and helpful to others. Latin students are a family.” Photos: 1. Freshman, Quinlan Miller and Latin Teacher, Lynn Thomason in Latin IA. 2. Freshman Isaac Schroeder and Latin teacher, Lynn Thomason in Latin IA. PHOTOS BY ETHAN KOLB DESIGN BY KATIE KROEZE

Music for the mind by Caroline Sudbeck

Every day I see large amounts of people listening to music while they are studying, and I am always curious as to what type of music people choose. Typically, I am the type of person who studies best when things are quiet. However, I sometimes need music and that particular boost of energy that accompanies it, in order to get things done in a timely manner. Music helps me feel motivated, and when I study without a beat, I often find myself becoming disinterested. While I love listening to music, it is perplexing to me how people are able to concentrate when they listen to music they know every word of. I immediately reject stations like today’s pop hits when picking what music to study to because I get distracted when songs are too catchy.

Finding the right music is very difficult for me, as I often prefer silence in replace of music altogether. However, I have come to the realization that music actually benefits you in way that the silent studying tactic does not. Listening to a welldesigned playlist is essential if you are looking to maximize your concentration. Music can help you stay engaged in material in front of you and become more productive. “Our brains are wired to respond to music. And since our brain sends signals to every part of our body, music can affect us in a variety of ways,” said Belle Cooper in her article ‘8 Amazing Ways Music Affects and Benefits our Brains.’ “On a physiological level, our breathing and heart rate will mirror the beat of a song.” When we listen to music, we

activate both the creative left, and logical right sides of our brains. Activating both sides of our brains helps us solve problems. Additionally, music provides calming effects, which can reduce stress and lead to an overall better mood. Below I have provided some playlists that I personally use while studying. Each of the playlists have their own vibe and persona based upon how you are feeling on a particular day or for certain subjects. The types of music we listen to are largely affected by our personality; therefore, you could potentially test these playlists out to determine what type of music is best for you. You may even find that the best music is actually no music. Whatever you ultimately deduce is important because we are all wired differently when it comes to our studying rituals.

Playlist #2

Playlist #1

“Groove is in the Heart” Deee Lite

“Attaboy” De Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile – Yo-Yo Ma & Stuart Duncan – The Goat Rodeo Sessions

“Stayin Alive” The Bee Gees “I Wanna Get Better” Bleachers

Piano cover of the song “Carl and Ellie”, initial theme of the Disney-Pixar film “Up”. “La Vie en Rose” Louis Armstrong “Overture” ‘Cosi Fan tutte’ Mozart “Run Boy Run” (instrumental): Woodkid “Concerto No. 1 For Cello And orchestra, Op. 33: Allegro non troppo” De Camille Saint- Saéns- Yo-Yo Ma, Lorin Maazel & Orchestre national de France “Outro” M83

“The Mission: Gabriel’s Oboe” De Ennio Morricone- Ennio Morricone, Yo-Yo Ma & Roma Sinfonietta- Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone (Remastered)

“My Type” Saint Motel “Sweet Talk” Saint Motel “Come Out of a Lady” Rubblebucket “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” Tears for Fears

Pump You

Mozart Effect

“Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prélude” Yo-Yo Ma

“Under Pressure” Queen & David Bowie “Midnight City” M83 “Never Gonna Give You Up” Rick Astley “The Cure” close to me “Lose Yourself to Dance” Daft Punk “September” Earth, Wind, and Fire “Culture Club” Karma Chameleon “Take On Me” A-ha “It Hurts” Bad Bad Hats

Design by Easton Plourde

Playlist #4

“Used to” Mutemath

“Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl” Wet

“Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” Tame Impala

“Same Drugs” Chance The Rapper

“Doses and Mimosas” Cherub

“Let Her Go” Passenger

“Lovers” Anna of the North “Heaven’s Only Wishful” Mormor “Cool Out” (feat. Natalie Prass) Matthew E. White “Girl” Beck “Bring You Down” Flume “Madness” Muse “Time to Pretend” MGMT “Kids” MGMT

Calm You Down

Modern Upbeat

Playlist #3

“Holocene” Bon Iver “Pillow Talk” Wild Child “Days” The Drums “Heartbeats” José González “Another Love” Tom Odell “All I Want” Kodaline “Somewhere Only We know” Keane “Lost in the Light” Bahamas

“Electric Feel” MGMT

“Ain’t Nobody Taking my Baby” Russ

“Let It Happen” Tame Impala

“Here Comes the Sun” The Beatles

“The Less I Know the Better” Tame Impala

“Hurt Somebody” Noah Kahan & Julia Michaels

“Get Closer” Life in Film

“Crazy Bird” Wild Child “Towers” Bon Iver \

L H S V. W H S : forever rivals by Caleb Miller

Glances are exchanged and recognized as the eyes of an LHS Patriot meets those of their opponents, but from them emerges one crowned rival, the WHS Warriors. From opposing ends of the gymnasium to Howard Wood Field, the conflict between two schools within just ten minutes of each other cannot be clearer. In a bit of history, WHS was built from Sioux Falls High School as a better way to accommodate students in 1908. 58 years later, another school was built and named after President Abraham Lincoln. Ever since then, the two schools have battled it out to see who will be the best. With the football season championship finishing up the totality of fall sports, the two high schools are revving up their winter athletics, and the clash has already begun. It seems, though, that students believe the battle in-between is actually able to boost athletes in their performance and give them a positive influence. “It makes kids want to get involved with sports and want to win,” said LHS freshman Ruby Metzger. Although WHS football competed in the state

championship this year, LHS golf, tennis and cross-country took those state trophies home for LHS, it is obvious that both schools have different areas of expertise. Although, for Tupak Kpeayeh, it is not all about trying to beat each other. “It’s just a group of guys and a group of girls coming together and playing at their maximum level,” said Kpeayeh. Kpeayeh is a WHS senior and is noticeably involved with athletics as he is the running back for the WHS Varsity Football Team. He believes that the rivalry, which he has been very close to for the last four years, all goes back to sports. “Nobody wanted to lose against each other, so they leave everything out on the field or on the court,” said Kpeayeh. With the long-running rivals, it becomes a concern that it might cause issues of sportsmanship between athletes. But as far as it goes with WHS Volleyball Coach Kelly Schroeder, it may not be as much of a subject, at least for his players, as the public believes. “I know that after the game and even before the game our girls are talking to each other because they played together when they were in

middle school, playing club together and seeing each other throughout the four years,” said Schroeder. Looking past the LHS and WHS rivalry, and even past the other well-known competitor RHS, lays the upcoming high school planned to open in 2021 or 2022. With a fourth high school being added to the district, there will be new foundation for fresh rivalries. “I think we, being Washington, Roosevelt and Lincoln, all might have kind of like a standard for them,” said WHS freshman Molly Mullen. But overall, the teams should, and have, worked hard at preserving good sportsmanship and using the rivalry as another way to enjoy the four years of high school. The coach’s message to his opposing team is simple. “Good luck, and let’s go have some fun,” said Schroeder.

Design by Emily Shank

“Adulting is hard,”: take a break with for Millennials by Cameron Rhode

Monopoly is the infamously long board game that ruins friendships; Monopoly for Millennials is a twist on the classic board game by Hasbro. Monopoly for Millennials throws out the main idea of Monopoly: money. Instead of winning by having the most money, you win by having the most experiences because, as the game reminds us, “Forget real estate, you can’t afford it anyway.” The destinations act like property: once you land on it, you buy it and get paid in experience chips and non-liveable income when another player enjoys your destination. However, the light-hearted game is not without some controversy. The Monopoly Man, also known as Milburn Pennybags, is dressed like a stereotypical millennial. He is rocking Ray-Bans and headphones with a to-go cup of coffee in hand. Pennybags, also, proudly sports a participation, medal, another staple of the

millennial experience. The pieces that you play as share the same theme as the rest of the game with the pieces available consisting of a bike, a hipster camera, sunglasses, a hashtag (yes, a hashtag), and multiple emojis. “Well, avocado toast is our ‘fav,’ Ray-Bans are ‘on fleek’ and cameras because, ‘pics or it didn’t happen!’” said Hasbro. “The struggle is real for Millennials, so we chose items that we felt were relatable, but would also make fans of all ages. LOL.” The player who has the most student loan debt goes first, and the game is played until players run out of experience chips. The game has realistically small amounts of money because of the aforementioned student loan debt. Like all Monopoly games, there are never enough $100 bills, this box only containing five. Hasbro has seen a bit of backlash for their newest game, although, at the time of posting, it has more good reviews than bad on

Amazon. “We created Monopoly for Millennials to provide fans with a lighthearted game that allows millennials to take a break from real life and laugh at the relatable experiences and labels that can sometimes be placed on them,” said Hasbro.“With many of us being millennials ourselves, we understand the seemingly endless struggles and silly generalizations that young millennials can face (and we can’t even!).” If you are interested in purchasing the game, you can find it at Walmart and on Amazon for three times the listed price. The game is intended to be fun for the whole family, including millennials. “We think the game is ‘lit’ and didn’t intend for it to be ‘salty,’” said Hasbro. “Whether you hit up the artisanal coffee bar on the weekend, live in your parents’ basement or just have a sense of humor, this game’s for you.”

DESIGN BY PARKER HIBBARD

O P I N II O N

Oh, the climate is a-changin’ by Timothy Stolp With the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change’s most recent report, we should all be slightly panicked: Time is not on our side. I know: I’m a Gen-Z, liberal hippie who predictably goes cuckoo every time he reads the headlines about global warming. Yet while all of this is arguably true, the urgency expressed in new scientific revelations demands our attention, if not priority—regardless of party, generation or any of other difference. Global climate change is a bipartisan issue that affects every nation on Earth, but in certain circles maintains the reputation of a balderdash theory. The opposite is true as David Wallace-Wells of Intelligencer explains the chilling details his latest article. “Hundreds of millions of lives are at

stake[…] should the world warm more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, which it will do as soon as 2040, if current trends continue,” said Wallace-Wells. “What has been called a genocidal level of warming is already our inevitable future.” Climate change is a bigger threat than we are treating it as. The rate at which the problem is escalating is exponential as we continue to ignore the dire tone that scientists and climate activists have been taking in recent years. Consider that the IPCC, established in the late 80s, began as a way to counteract what was happening. Now, the department is attacking the issue in terms of slowing it down. “It’s not that the news about climate has changed,” said Wallace-Wells. “But that the scientific community is finally discarding caution in describing the

implications of its own finding.” The ad hominem counterargument against global warming will only continue to contribute to the climate catastrophe we are headed toward if attitudes do not change. For those who are aware but unsure of how to take action, it is important that we educate ourselves on the simple ways we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, we must call for change that Wallace-Wells claims “requires a complete rebuilding of the entire energy infrastructure of the world, a thorough reworking of agricultural practices and diet to entirely eliminate carbon emissions from farming, and a battery of cultural changes…[.]” The scientific community is screaming for action. If we remain deaf to their pleas, we may be putting our lives at risk.

weekly horoscopes BY: CHARLIE TURNER

Astrology may not be accurate all the time, but when I spoke to the stars directly, they told me, “The stars? Wait, you were talking to me? Uh,” and “Can you get out of this Home Depot? We don’t know who you are.” Here is your week, according to the real-life questions I had answered by the stars. Capricorn: Tough choices are heading your way this week, and you may have to step out of your box. No matter what happens, it is definitely the week to ask your mom to stop crying over her divorce.

Aries: Yes, the Wal-Mart employee will indeed ask you how your week is going, however, he did not want to hear the story of how your elevator pitch for a live-action “Garfield and Odie” rom-com got you kicked out of the movie theater.

Leo: A liar and a cheater will try to tell you that you cannot make a living out of telling strangers that you are random famous people and begging for money. They are most definitely lying.

Pisces: New information is coming towards you, and although sharing the insight you get is very important, it is more important to stop and ask yourself just why and how you know so much about digesting full, uncracked eggs.

Cancer: I think this quote from online personality Gage Gramlick sums your week up, Cancer. “You’re sure this is off the record? Okay, “The Nut Job” was, and still is, my favorite movie. Yeah, I pretend it’s “The Boss Baby” to seem all tough inside, but after a long day of hating scuba diving, I like to sit down, crack open a Juicy Juice (Apple Crunch, of course) and laugh my a** off to “The Nut Job,” and if I’m feeling a little crazy, “The Nut Job 2.” Anyway, what was the question? Oh, no, I don’t believe in climate change.”

Virgo: Sometime this week, sacrifices will have to be made. Say goodbye to grandma.

Gemini: The stars say something good is coming your way for once in your sad, sad life.

Sagittarius: Life will throw whatever possible to get you down, Sagittarius. Get ready for so many lemons.

Libra: You may finally learn single-digit addition this week, so it is a good time to call up your dad and ask him to come home. Aquarius: The goat creature you encountered in your ominously vivid dream is vital to a quest you must embark on this week, but definitely not in the way you might think.

Taurus: No matter how hard this week gets, remember you can get free refills on same-day visits at McDonald’s, and that is what matters most. Scorpio: Stop trying to solve your own problems. Blame them on someone else and move on.

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recreational smoking. Congress took action later that year to ban the use of marijuana in the U.S. After this, the arrests for marijuana-based crimes increased, especially when it came to people of color. Due to the fact that because the majority of the people using pot were Mexicans and African Americans, this led authorities to discriminate (more than usual) against them. The 21st century, although we are beginning, as a society, to look at marijuana more “light-heartedly” we still seem to have a problem with the war on drugs,

by Yairis Alvarado

Since the early 1900s, marijuana has been gaining popularity in the U.S. Cannabis is the world’s most commonly used illegal drug. A MaristPoll suggest that more than 50 percent of adults in the U.S. have tried the drug at some point in their lifetime and one in eight smoke it regularly. The war on marijuana has always been a controversial topic. With the idea of legalization of it being talked about more often, people have begun to question: What started the whole war on marijuana? Entering the 1900s, more Mexicans began to migrate to Northern America due to the political disorder in their home country. With them, they brought the concept of smoking weed leisurely and after that, it became popularized. An article released by New York Times writer, Brent Staples explains that the federal prohibition of marijuana came during a period of national hysteria about the effect of the drug on Mexican immigrants and black communities. Concerns about a new, foreign drug and immigrants coming in led to a notion of xenophobia and an increase in systemic racism in the 1930s, drove law enforcement, the border patrol and eventually legislators to demand the drug’s prohibition. “Police in Texas border towns demonized the plant in racial terms as the drug of ‘immoral’ populations who were promptly labeled ‘fiends,’” said Staples.

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specifically, affecting our minorities. Mandatory minimum offenses for possession of weed is half of the arrests, according to the FBI. Drug

“Cannabis: A History” written by Martin Booth goes in to details with the whole ordeal by describing that in 1937, Commissioner of Federal Bureau of Narcotics, Harry Anslinger was noticing the fact that while a mass amount of immigrants moved in, Americans were still intimidated by them; he used this to his advantage. As the government warned him of cutting funding, he testified to Congress that since immigrants coming were “insane and criminals” it had to be due to their

sentences for black men were 13.1 percent longer than drug sentences for white men between 2007 and 2009, according to a 2012 report from the US Sentencing Commission. The Sentencing Project explained the differences in a February 2015 report: “Myriad criminal justice policies that appear to be race-neutral collide with broader socioeconomic patterns to create a disparate racial impact… Socioeconomic inequality does lead people of color to disproportionately use and sell drugs outdoors, where they are more readily apprehended by police.” DESIGN BY TAYLOR ERICSON

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DEAR

MIGRA

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by Yairis Alvarado As a child, I had immigrant parents, immigrant family members and immigrant familyfriends around me. At all times. Every day. Growing up in a Spanish home was dangerous at times. They are always yelling. They can be loudly complimenting the menudo, while loudly asking for the cilantro to be passed around the table. Obviously, with my conditions, I have adjusted to loud volumes, from listening to bachata music blaring in my uncle’s car to my mom yelling at my brother to take out the garbage. However, one sound I can’t seem to shake is crying,

whether the person is quietly weeping or a child throwing a tantrum, I can’t help, but to think of you. I am very familiar with you and your actions. As a child, my Guatemalan family members talked about everything. They would talk about how María gets her nails done every three weeks, but can’t keep up with her car payments, how my aunt’s young soul will get her in trouble, or how somebody got deported while they were working. ‘La migra’ were the only words

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that would have the power to tone down my extremely loud parents’ booming voices. Luckily, my parents had papers. The family and friends around me did not. As a child, I was never really affected by the Migra. My family had papers. They were all lucky. They were lucky that they didn’t have to see a police officer in a public setting and not panic. They were lucky that if they got stopped by the police, they had legal documents to show. They were lucky that they never had to worry about the safety of their American-born children being alone if they were to be deported. They are lucky and will

continue to be lucky. Coming home, as a child, was the best part of a school day. Being a first-grader was pretty darn tiring. So, coming home was a highlight. Plus, 95 percent of the time, we had guests. During my childhood, I had always been a great impersonator of,“Lupita,” my all-time favorite character of the Spanish soap opera, “Rebelde;” therefore, this was the perfect excuse to put on my “Elite Way School” uniform and showcase my talent. It was April, 27, 2006. The 27th was a Thursday and Thursday meant library day so I was excited to show my mom my new findings. I launched myself out of the bus, walked into the house and my young mind immediately was trying to understand what was going on in my living room. As a child, I saw my mom with three children, who I had only ever seen full of life, crying in her arms, as their mom was placed in handcuffs by you. In handcuffs. As if she were a threat to herself or her children or anyone around her. Like a criminal. I remember thinking of every time that woman put me to bed, every time that woman danced in the kitchen with my mother while cooking dinner. I thought of all the times that woman had been a positive and uplifting influence, and they were all erased by the intense image of her in handcuffs. My mom, with her broken English, tried to talk to you and reason with you, but she was silenced. As a child, I saw

my mom silenced. As a child, I saw you stride with pride as you pushed the woman out of our house. As a child, I saw Roberto, a four year-old, Mya, his twin and Eduardo, a one year-old, cry for their mother as my mom tried to distract them. All I could think about was why someone would do this. Why would someone decide that this woman shouldn’t get to have the experience in partaking in her “American Dream.” You removed those children from their mother. Without any remorse. You showed up and instead of asking her to turn down the music, you heard the broken English and commanded her to hand over her nonexistent papers. The day were I could no longer handle a weep, was the day, that as a child, I knew I needed to speak. Speak for the undocumented immigrants who couldn’t speak because of fear. Immigrants leaving their native land, somewhere where they find themselves comfortable, to find better opportunities and fulfill their American Dream. Migra, you changed me. I saw a side, that as a child, was scaring. However, yet again, my family is lucky. I am not Roberto, Mya or Eddie. My mom wasn’t taken from me. I didn’t have to relocate to Missouri so I can live with an uncle that I had only met once. I didn’t have to enter the foster care system because the uncle I had finally become comfortable living with was becoming more and more abusive. Roberto,

Mya and Eddie have since then moved to Texas to live with their mom’s cousin who was willing to adopt them all. They, finally, got lucky. But you broke them. They will always remember you. Migra, as a child, you made me realized how lucky I am. As a child, you made me realize that not everyone is as lucky as I am and because of that, fighting for minorities is a strong passion of mine. So, migra, I write this letter to tell you thank you. Thank you for making me who I am today. The thought of your supporters who don’t mind the fact that families are being seperated is fearsome and, as a teenager, I don’t want to live in a fearsome world. Please reconsider your priorities. I beg, immigrants aren’t aliens. They are people wanting better for themselves and their families. Hearing the stories of you losing over 1,000 of the 7,000 children you were deporting makes me wonder if you really think that you should be in charge of them. Hearing the tear gas stories, hearing you put children in court with no parent involved, hearing you put them in cages, hearing you isolate them from humanity makes me want to fight even more. ICE, you need to clean up your act and realize that, people like me, are fed up. People like me are done with no apologies of your horrendous actions. Either you change, or we get louder. Sincerely, another annoying liberal teen who needs change.

No ser humano es ilegal. ARTWORK BY MARYAM RAUUF DESIGN BY GAGE GRAMLICK

SHRED THE

integrity vs by Timothy Stolp Entertainment Editor

The work of world-renowned and anonymous street graffiti artist Banksy sold at an auction for £1.4 million (roughly $1.8 million in the U.S.) this last October. If that statement seems paradoxical to you, you are not mistaken; it is indeed riddled with inconsistency. However, the story does not stop at the high-priced countercultural art sold at a premier auction, Sotheby’s, in London. Almost immediately after the auctioneer declared the piece sold, the auction-goers watched in horror as the wall-hung canvas started to seemingly fall out of its frame. It only got worse as it came out the other end sliced like tear-off tabs from a protest flyer on a college bulletin board. It’s this peculiar detail of the tale that feels oddly surreal. Frankly, it seems phony and an awful way to communicate a message. If it isn’t phony, it’s at least the latter of the two. Scott Reyburn of NYT reported on the suspicions surrounding the events that took place at the Sotheby’s auction. “The frame would presumably have been rather heavy and thick for its size, something an auction house specialist or art handler might have noticed,” wrote Reyburn. “Detailed condition reports are routinely requested by the would-be buyers of high-value artworks.” Throughout his article, Reyburn plucks at the loose threads within the accounts of both Sotheby’s and Banksy himself. The fact that a painting made by Banksy in a frame he made was brought to an institution steeped in wealth and capitalism doesn’t add up. The lack of basic functions of auctioning for the sale of Banksy’s piece leads many like myself to believe that it was some form of an inside job. Furthermore, the unclear source of the

power driving the shredding to occur is left open. Overall, the evidence doesn’t amount to a working reality and I’m struggling to find the silver lining in that. On the one hand, there is something to be said about the broader audience Banksy was able to reach with such a demonstration. On the other, I can’t seem to reconcile Banksy working with or even simply selling his art to the fat cats his very art ridicules in order to get a point across. Defining the establishment of Banksy as the most prominent graffiti artist internationally was his resounding declaration of the power of the individual. The nonconformist attitude simply disappears in this act: Selling out gives away the message to highfalutin art collectors, the very faction he desperately wants to do away with. The question, how does quality change the lens through which you see something, recurs throughout one’s life. As the question appears in this case, I draw parallels to other current events like the Kavanaugh appointment or commitment to safety against guns. In either of these instances, the character of the person or promise in question is not all it’s chalked up to be and I can’t help feeling dejected by the hidden reality of each example. The same rings true in Banksy’s story. Ultimately, despite the initial hilarity of headlines and score for idealism, further inspection led to my frustration at the tainted reputation of an urban folk hero in my eyes. Whether or not the Sotheby’s sale of the Banksy for a lofty price was a hoax, the situation degrades the framework that built up the artist’s subversive aura. Perhaps, I shall consider one idea the silver lining of this scenario: Getting your message across should never come at the cost of shredding it in the process.

influence

DESIGN BY HANNAH HANSEN

design by Chloe Crissman Photo by Bob Bekian

Slaves to Sony by Mara Fendrich

Here’s some food for thought: Michael Jackson hated Sony. The king of pop was never one for bad-mouthing others, but the record label he severed ties with after accumulating billions for was one exception. With an endless amount of singers alluding to the hidden evil of the music industry, it’s no secret that companies often abuse their power over the artists in contracts with them. And when Jackson left Sony, it’s unlikely the situation ended well. “The way [Sony gets] revenge is to try and destroy my album! But I’ve always said, art — good art — never dies,” said Jackson at a 2002 concert where he voiced his grounds of war with the company. “And Tommy Mottola is a devil!” He wasn’t kidding. Around that time, Mottola was the CEO of Sony Music Entertainment and the ex-husband of singer Mariah Carey. Their divorce had taken place four years prior, and rumors about the true nature of their relationship had been coursing through Hollywood ever since. Mottola, 20 years her senior, had Carey signed to Sony when she was 18; they got married five years later. “I’m not supposed to say what I’m going to say right now, but I have to let [everyone] know this…Mariah Carey, after divorcing Tommy, came to me crying,” said Jackson. “She was crying so badly I had to hold her. She said to me, ‘This is an evil man, and Michael, this man follows me.’ He taps her phones, and he’s very, very evil. She doesn’t trust him.” It’s commonly believed that at the time, Carey became a “slave” to Sony and lost complete control over multiple aspects of her life. She’s far from the only figure in music to have said experience. Kesha’s infamous legal dispute with music producer Dr. Luke uncovered shocking insights about the music industry to the public eye. In 2014, the singer sued Dr. Luke for the alleged

emotional, physical, verbal and sexual abuse he treated her with since she was signed to his label in 2005. During the trial, Kesha revealed appalling details of her time with the label, including Dr. Luke’s verbal abuse towards her when she broke life-threatening diets and how she lost complete control of her public image. The label she was signed to fell under Sony. “I got offered my freedom if I were to lie,” said Kesha in a social media post. “I would have to apologize publicly and say that I never got raped. This is what happens behind closed doors. I will not take back the truth. I would rather let the truth ruin my career than lie for a monster ever again.” The theme of slavery within the music industry is even more prominent than one might expect. Members of musical groups such as Fifth Harmony and BTS have been hospitalized regularly due to exhaustion. As chance would have it, both groups are signed under Sony. “[Management makes] decisions on a regular basis to [expletive] us over, to make us literal slaves!” said Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jauregui in a leaked audio of the group members in which they were rumored to be on the verge of tears. “We’re doing [expletive] labor every day and we see nothing!” Hollywood was left in shock in the aftermath of 2017’s “Me Too” movement, in which important figures such as Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey were exposed for sexual misconduct. While artists are legally required to remain tight-lipped about these dark truths, there’s always hope that cruel leaders in the music industry can be taken down in a similar fashion to the film industry. Kesha and Carey breaking free of their chains may inspire future artists to do the same, showing the world that they are stronger together and that their voices will be heard.