Charm: Fall 2019 Print Issue

EDITOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRINT 2019

CULTURE

SOMETIMES CHARM ISN’T ENOUGH

Privilege allows some people to coast through life while others must work

WHEN SWIPING RIGHT IS ALL WRONG

A look into the disillusionment of dating and relationships in queer spaces

PRINCE CHARMING ISN’T PERFECT

The ideals we’ve had for young love aren’t real, but it doesn’t mean love isn’t amazing

NOT SO CHARMING

How Disney stereotypes racial minorities

CHARM WITHIN THE CLASSROOM

The importance of representation in the education profession is more than a black and white issue

DIVINATION, CHARM AND TAROMANCY

The history and how-to on the ever popular tarot cards

WEDDING SUPERSTITIONS

Unveiling the meanings behind our age-old traditions

SPELL THE TEA

A brief history of the “witch” who found a solution for 17th-century women in need of a divorce

LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE’S LUCKY CHARMS

Holy grail makeup, accessories and skincare products our Lifestyle Section swears by

NOTE TO SELF

Falling back in love with yourself

HOME SWEET HOME

From city to suburb: how I found the charm in a small town

WHO DO YOU KNOW HERE?

Networking is your best shot at career advancement

MAKE YOUR MOVE

How I swept Prince Charming off his feet

ODE TO WINTER

Winter is the new fall

FASHION

THE CHARM OF CHANEL

A look at some of the most magical runway shows to ever grace the fashion world

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BIRKIN BAG

Is the world’s most exclusive handbag worth it?

CHARM YOUR WAY THROUGH AN INTERVIEW

Tips to make your business casual looks feel a little more stylish

EMBRACING INDIVIDUALITY

IN HIP-HOP

The emergence of LGBTQ+ artists within the hip-hop industry

TO WEAR OR BE WORN

Do we wear jewelry, or does it wear us?

THE UNCANNY VALLEY

The eerie charm of the illustrated people of Big Tech

FEATURED

MAGNETIC

BLISS

Dear readers,

I’ve recently been in a state of limbo where I’m constantly daydreaming about my movie-like experience abroad last semester, worrying about my future after leaving Wisconsin and still trying to stay present to soak up every bit of my senior year.

Each of these elements pulls my heart and mind in three different directions, putting me in a dream-like state. Combined with the hectic feeling this time of year usually harbors within students, most days I feel like I’m floating through my daily routines at a high-speed pace, never really fully living in one moment or another.

Every self-help book screams at us to slow down and live in the present. But with midterm after midterm, paper after paper and meeting after meeting, it’s no wonder that the only way I can destimulate my brain from a chaotic day is by allowing waves of nostalgia for my previous life in London to rock me to sleep.

Why do I feel guilty for being reminded about the past? Why do I feel shame in not going to every social outing? I’m constantly thinking to myself, you have to get real with yourself, Lauren, those times were in the past. You’re missing out on your senior year. Your first entry level job isn’t going to be bright lights in a big city.

I’ve found that the best way to lessen this seemingly overwhelming triality is to start romanticizing even the smallest of things in my life. Even with bigger picture “problems” weighing me down, seeking out those things that make life seem more charming and making a point to acknowledge them helps distract me from not feeling as present as I can be.

You aren’t going to wake up every day feeling energized and ready to tackle the day, but if you look forward to that first smell of fresh coffee wafting throughout your apartment you might start to believe you could be a morning person. Your mundane class routine can feel special when you’re walking through a freshly fallen, untouched blanket of snow. You can redeem long days when you look forward to applying a good moisturizer or finally laying down in clean sheets.

These smaller details bring us back down to earth. They can remind us that even amidst chaos or mundanity there are still charming things to be found right in front of us. Recognize the smaller things in life that bring warmth even for just a second during a hectic time. Romanticize them. Play them up as if they’re the most valuable, incredible thing to happen in your day — you’ll start to believe it for yourself.

Ebbs and flows in life are inevitable. Allowing ourselves to romanticize aspects of our lives can help us feel rooted when we’re experiencing unavoidable ups and downs and tugs in different directions.

A little bit of charm goes a long way. Right now, I invite you all to let the infinite ways the Moda staff emanates joy into the world — their innate ability to charm everyone around them with their heartfelt and honest anecdotes, their ability to make everyone comfortable in the face of a camera and their gorgeous graphics. Moda moments have brought me endless dashes of charm throughout my past four years here on campus. I can only hope we can share a few with you, too.

Cheers,

SOMETIMES CHARM ISN’T ENOUGH

PRIVILEGE ALLOWS SOME PEOPLE TO COAST THROUGH LIFE WHILE OTHERS MUST WORK HARDER

By Ashleigh Perry, Special Events Coordinator

We carry our privilege around with us every day. Traversing complicated landscapes is made easy or difficult according to the baggage we bear. While some people’s baggage is lighter than others, we all have one thing in common: the ability to change what our future will hold.

When we are young, we are able to coast through life — we’re small, adorable and ignorant. Our mistakes are forgiven and our opportunities abound. As our school years progress, many of us lose that ability to get by so easily.

Yet, some of us do retain it, perhaps for the rest of said person’s life. Physical attractiveness, family status and where you live are just some of the social lubricants that allow people to escape from the consequences of their choices.

Unlike many of my peers, I never had access to those kinds of privileges. Though we came from the same places, I was far too young to realize the generations of oppression that came before me affecting my seemingly innocent future — how my skin color, my gender and the combination of the two would hold me down so much. From this, I learned that privilege had a specific color and gender.

What happens to the people whose baggage is so light and arid that instead of it weighing them down, they can use it to fly? They easily float over the challenges that others drown in. When they don’t make the sports team they want, their parent knows someone who can help. When they can’t get into their dream school, their parents can make a donation to help and the acceptance letter magically appears. When their family name gets them the job, the house, the lifestyle.

For some of us, the weight of our baggage — who we were born as — weighs us down and crushes any chance that we have to breathe. We’re not like the people who have enough money, an able body, or the right skin color that lets them get by with mediocrity.

Some people will never break free of the circumstances weighing them down. Some never have to stop and think of what is contained in the baggage that they carry. They benefit from their good looks, their whiteness, their heterosexuality and their conventional, Eurocentric attractiveness. Society is institutionally built to favor them — it tells us that these people are the “norm” and what we should all aspire to be. Whoever is not congruent

with them must struggle and trudge through life, getting overlooked — if they’re ever looked at at all.

As we grow older, we begin to notice and to loathe other people’s baggage. It becomes a lynchpin of resentment and internalized contempt. We see people who have been handed things their whole life as they continue to charm their way into opportunities that others have to work tirelessly for, until their knuckles are bloodied. No matter how hard one may try, there are certain bricks you cannot turn into feathers.

When we are staring down the barrel of adversity and bias, it’s every brick carrier’s duty to stand up for themselves and for future generations. You see, those feathers can be passed from generation to generation just as our bricks can; our struggles are not just our own, they are our mothers’, sisters’, aunts’ and all of the rest to come.

Though rising above is never as easy as it seems, doing your best is a protest to the system that works to hold you back. Bricks build strong foundations, whereas standing on a bed of feathers can only hold you for so long.·

THE charm OF CHANEL

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST MAGICAL RUNWAY SHOWS TO EVER GRACE THE FASHION WORLD

By Elise Andersen, Deputy Editor Graphics by Jade Christensen

Modern-day Fashion Week has proven to be about much more than the clothing designs themselves. Runways have become a combination of red carpet shows and Hollywood movie sets, with the most iconic fashion labels spending millions of dollars on their stage design and model cast, all in an attempt to out-do one another.

Above all of this noise, one label continues to rise to the top with their avant-garde shows: Chanel. Over the last 35 years, Chanel, under the creative direction of the late Karl Lagerfeld, has left the fashion world in awe with his utterly fascinating runway design.

Extravagant seasonal productions became Lagerfeld’s signature. From recreating the Eiffel Tower, to transforming the runway to a beach shore complete with rolling waves, it seems as if there wasn’t a conceivable idea Lagerfeld couldn’t orchestrate. In every show, the inside of the Grand Palais, one of the most famous museums in Paris, was made unrecognizable by the mastermind himself.

In honor of Lagerfeld almost one year after his death and his ever-lasting influence on the fashion world, Moda takes a look back at some of his most spectacular runway sets.

Fall/Winter 2017 Ready-to-Wear

Proving that there was no idea that he couldn’t pull off, Lagerfeld pulled out all the stops with this space-themed show, which featured a life-size, Chanel-embossed rocket ship in the middle of the runway. At the end of the show, the rocket ship actually took off—smoke included—and rose 33 feet into the air to the tune of “Rocket Man” by Elton John.

The collection itself was also inspired by outer space, complete with futuristic metallic boots, spacesuit-esque dresses and galactic prints.

Fall/Winter 2018 Ready-to-Wear

In an ode to his favorite season, autumn, Lagerfeld created a mystical forest for his FW2018 collection. Models strut down a runway lined with majestic mosscovered trees and layered with crisp leaves. A backdrop gave the illusion that the forest continued on indefinitely.

Black lace gowns were topped with oversized scarves and black fur coats. Classic Chanel tweed touches were incorporated into ankle-length skirt and blazer combos. Garments were embroidered with branch-like stitchings and rust-colored beading to emphasize the natural surroundings.

Spring/Summer 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Bringing the South of France to the Parisian city center, the Grand Palais was transformed into a Mediterranean beachside getaway with lifeguards, it’s own ocean (complete with rolling whitecaps) and a tiki hut.

Models strut down the sandy runway carrying their shoes in hand, decked out in straw hats, bathing suits and pastel-colored handbags. Classic Chanel pieces, such as tweed and suiting, were reinvented for a more summery feel. To close off the 20-minute day at the beach, Lagerfeld took his final bow on a mini boardwalk.

Fall/Winter 2020 Ready-to-Wear

The last show that Lagerfeld worked on before his death in early 2019 took place within the fabricated streets of an Alpine village. Complete with a mountain backdrop, ski chalets topped with a light dusting of snow and smoke billowing out of the chimneys, this dreamy scene was nothing short of a winter wonderland.

Models were outfitted in faux fur skirts, houndstooth sets and Chanel’s signature black and white checked bouclé jackets.

During the finale, the models walked to the beat of David Bowie’s “Heroes” as they bid farewell to Lagerfeld.·

LIFESTYLE’S

THE HOLY GRAIL OF MAKEUP, ACCESSORIES AND SKINCARE PRODUCTS OUR LIFESTYLE SECTION SWEARS BY

Photographed by Seth DeGier, Staff Photographer

Winter is here and Moda’s Lifestyle writers have the ultimate guide to the products that make us feel confident to strut through the streets of Madison during the most wonderful (and coldest) time of the year. This winter it’s all about the products that make us shine on the outside to match our inner glow.

The Ordinary Serums, Lauren Chung, Editor-in-Chief

The Ordinary’s serums were, as dramatic as it sounds, life-changing. In combination, these two serums gave me clearer and brighter skin through their incredible poreminimizing and ultra hydrating properties. Because of this, I look forward to applying the few drops needed to make me look and feel (quite literally) comfortable in my own skin every morning and night. Who says selfcare only has to be during a mental breakdown or busy period in your life? These two gems are the everyday self-care items I absolutely cannot live without.

Becca Highlighter in Pearl, Kate Lawless, Lifestyle Editor

I only really started to get into makeup my junior year of high school. I had a friend who knew everything about makeup. She always looked perfect. When I asked her what kind of highlighter was the best, she told me to buy from Becca. The Pearl highlighter pictured here is the one I got at Sephora on Black Friday when I was 16. As someone with very pale skin, this blinding white highlighter makes my eyes and the high points of my face pop without looking dirty on my skin. I use it to highlight everything from the tip of my nose to my brow bone for a wintery Snow-White-esque aesthetic.

Tarte ‘Lights, Camera, Splashes’ Mascara, Sydnie Albert, Lifestyle Associate Editor

If there were one makeup product I could not live without, it would be mascara. My all time favorite is Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Splashes. I find this to be the perfect everyday mascara because of how natural it makes my lashes look. It’s also waterproof! This mascara is the best defense against the windy, rainy, snowy Wisconsin weather. Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Splashes gives me the ultimate confidence boost. Even when I’m wearing no makeup other than this mascara, I still feel fearless.

Fenty Gloss Bomb, Kate Lawless, Lifestyle Editor

I hopped on the newly revitalized lip-gloss trend when I purchased Fenty Gloss Bomb. The Fenty makeup line had just dropped and everyone was raving about it, but not knowing much about makeup, I figured the best product for me would be a lip gloss. It’s shimmery, it’s not too thick, and it applies beautifully over a bold, matte lipstick — what more could I ask for?

Lush Charity Pot, Shelby Evans, Staff Writer

Whenever I need to feel like my most confident self I wear this lotion. Lush’s Charity Pot has a light and soothing scent, and moisturizes my skin extremely well. Not only is it an amazing product, but the money I used to purchase it goes to a fund that helps grassroots

charities all around the world. Because Charity Pot is a bit expensive, I only wear it on special occasions, like when I am feeling homesick, have an interview, a big test or even a first date. This lotion never fails to make me feel like a million-bucks!

Buxom’s Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Gloss, Jessica Katz, Staff Writer

My absolute favorite makeup product is Buxom’s FullOn Plumping Lip Polish Gloss in the shade Sugar. This gloss is neutral-toned, but still plumps up my pout and has a bit of shine to add pizzazz to any look. After applying this gloss, I instantly feel confident. My favorite facial feature is my lips, so when I apply this shimmery product, I get to show off something I like about myself. The gloss may be a subtle change, but I could not go out without rocking it.

Wisteria Blue Perfume by NEST Fragrances, Kate Lawless, Lifestyle Editor

Growing up, I never really wore perfume or any kind of body spray. I got this perfume on my 20th birthday. It felt like an important milestone, a new decade of my life and I wanted to get something that made me feel like an adult. Honestly, I bought it because I liked the bottle and it matched the clothes and kind of make up I wore, but the scent is beautiful too.

Bean Pendant, Lauren Chung, Editor-in-Chief

My bean necklace was a gift given to me by my mom after I graduated high school. As it mimics The Bean in Chicago, the necklace is a constant reminder of my home and family. Whenever I’m anxious and stressed, I reach up to feel it between my fingers and I am immediately relieved. My bean keeps me humble and grounded, constantly reminding me that wherever I am and no matter how chaotic things in my life can get, I always have a bit of the love from my home with me.

Stud Earrings, Kate Lawless, Lifestyle Editor

The little diamond studs I wear in my second piercings were a gift from parents. They gave them to me at the end of my 18th birthday dinner celebration in our kitchen. My earrings are a reminder of my family, the end of my high school career and the love of the community I have back home in Minnesota. While I may switch out my first piercings for hoops or other earrings, my studs will always remain a constant in my accessories.

Circle Necklace, Kate Lawless, Lifestyle Editor

My grandma gave me this necklace with a circular charm at my high school graduation. She chose this because the circle is supposed to represent her unending support and love for me. “My grandma has always been my biggest cheerleader and the most enthusiastic support of everything I’ve accomplished. This piece of jewelry is a special reminder of the impact she’s had on my life.

·

A LOOK INTO THE DISILLUSIONMENT OF DATING AND RELATIONSHIPS IN QUEER SPACES

By Gylf Forsberg, Culture Staff Writer

I’ve always wanted that happy ending. I’ve longed for the handsome, yet elusive, man coming to sweep me off my feet, the “Prince Charming” with impeccable timing to take me away from whatever difficulty is taxing me at that moment. I’ve always wanted to have that happy ending with the romantic plotline leading up to it. A new, timid guy who arrives without warning, and suddenly we slowly fall in love through a series of mishappenings.

I believe that I have had this idealization because I grew up surrounded by romance, in both real and fictional manners. On Friday nights I would lay in the living room with my mom and

watch all of the romance moviesー— I know, can you think of anything gayer?ー”Pretty Woman” with Julia Roberts, “Notting Hill” (also Julia Roberts) and “Steel Magnolias” (still Julia Roberts).

As I got older, I started searching through the thousands of films on Netflix for romance movies with queer storylines. I found many, most of which were not in English, but all had a common theme.

Movies like “The Way He Looks,” “J’ai tué ma mère” and “Jongens” all developed a storyline with very little conflict to compromise the romantic progression of the plot. The conflicts were often reconciled within minutes, progressing to a seemingly happy

ending. What I’ve experienced in the dating world, particularly within queer spaces, is, more often than not, far from the fiction painted by these films.

In the gay community, I’ve experienced that dating does not often lead to a happy ending, but rather a slow fade out. I’ve often heard of the “what’s next” complex where people choose not to fully commit to something because they are concerned about what may come next. What if something better comes along?

This “what’s next” complex can manifest when one partner treating another as a placeholder. Relationship coach Melinda Carver

Courtesy of Lia Lip

describes placeholders as “viewed as a necessity for sex, wedding dates, or until something better comes along.”1 Is this a commitment issue with only particular individuals? Or is this more of societal construct that is carried in the cis-male homosexual community? Why is it that dating means something different in queer spaces than it does in larger heterosexual spaces?

These dating issues are common across the queer community. Different obstacles face individuals with varying identities in different ways. While I believe that I do face issues with dating relating to my sexuality, I must remember that my experience is still painted with the privilege of cis-white homosexuality. The queer community is a beautiful and diverse personhood, with intersections of race, sexuality and gender identity and expression. Each of these complex identity combinations experience varying degrees of discrimination. Issues in dating follow many of these same inequalities.

Self-identifying, nonbinary transwoman, Quin King, described her experience in dating and particularly dating apps: “to start, dating apps do not cater to trans people...they pander to [us], like rainbow capitalism.” 2 She specifically points out an issue with Tinder, in which the user is allowed to select their identity non-binary, cis-female, etc. However, these identity choices are not reflected when others are swiping and viewing their profiles. This forces non-binary individuals to choose one gender.

This issue may drive some to move to other dating apps that may not require a specified gender. However,

2 King, Quincy. Interview by Gylf Forsberg. Per sonal Interview. Minneapolis, September 28th, 2019.

King states that gay dating sites are not much better, “Grindr is even worse...You must deal with people focusing solely on your genitals, weird fetishization.”3

The misunderstanding between trans individuals and the cis-male majority on these dating apps leads to a much larger issue. Transwomen, particularly those of color, are killed at a rapid rate. According to the HRC, in 2018, 26 trans persons experienced violent deaths, with a majority of them being black.4 5 This fear and violent discrimintation often pushes trans individuals away from gay dating apps. King states, “[It puts you] in

of heteronormative relationships and the world of gay dating. “It’s hard to transition between the two sides…[they are] so different from each other, with guys I feel like it is a quick, casual, ‘catch me culture.’ Whereas with women, it’s much easier to establish a connection. A real emotional connection.”7 It’s often difficult for individuals who identify as bisexual to feel connected with either the hetero- or homosexual dating realms.

Bisexual individuals may feel that it may be imperative to mask their true identity — that with homosexual partners they need to hide their attraction to the opposite gender and vice versa. Individuals feel as if they must compartmentalize their feelings based on who they are currently interacting with.

“I feel like when I’m with guys, I’m covering my feelings and [my sexuality],” Hengu shares. It’s evident that within the bisexual community they must split themselves between homosexuality and heterosexuality, rather than wholly existing in the bisexual identity.

this kind of limbo state, where you don’t fit in on gay dating sites, but you also don’t work on the straight ones either.”6

This state of limbo is also felt by many other members of the queer community. Aman Hengu, who describes himself as bisexual, tells me that he has often felt himself straddling the line between the culture

Are these dating issues a byproduct of our time? A time with several dating and hookup apps at our fingertips. Or are they a byproduct of our age? An age in which we have an air of invincibility and carefreeness, urging us not to worry about the future. Will these issues change over time? Or will it remain the same as we grow older, eventually just getting lucky and finding the one.

All things aside, to Prince Charming, if you’re out there, I’m still waiting. ·

6 King, Quincy. Interview by Gylf Forsberg. Per sonal Interview. Minneapolis, September 28th, 2019.

“EACH OF THESE COMPLEX IDENTITY COMBINATIONS EXPERIENCE VARYING DEGREES OF DISCRIMINATION. ISSUES IN DATING FOLLOW MANY OF THESE SAME INEQUALITIES”

Disney movies taught us there was always a prince for the princess — one perfect person out there meant just for you. These movies portrayed the idea that finding love in our own lives would be perfect and magical. I’d lay in my bed watching these movies over and over, waiting until I was old enough for my own prince to come.

The idea of a perfect “prince” was displayed in books as well. These distorted our ideas of romance, as we could imagine ourselves as any character we wanted. We ended up falling in love with these characters, their stories and their perfect portrayals of romance. Love seemed almost unattainable.

The stories I immersed myself in made me want to emulate that same kind of love in my own life. When my first kiss was under the stars, lying down in the field behind my highschool, I thought I had it. Although that ‘love’ was fleeting, it followed the storylines I was familiar with. It even ended the way it does in the books, with longing stares in the hallways. While it was not true love, I was sure that I had gotten a glimpse of what being in love was like.

The day I met the boy I’d fall in love with, I laid in bed blasting love songs with my eyes shut, letting butterflies overwhelm me. Our first kiss was in the pouring rain,

PRINCE CHARMING ISN’T PERFECT

By Amaya Jean Muñoz, Contributing Writer Amaya Jean Muñoz photographed by Nicole Golownia, Staff Photographer

but we didn’t care; it was love. That same romantic moment that happens in every movie happened to me, too.

I was sure that he was the one the movies told me I would meet.

When he told me he was going away for college, I held a tighter grip on what we had. The ideas I had for our future were unmoving — we were meant to be. But no matter how tightly I held him, I never felt close enough. We fell into habits that we couldn’t see were unhealthy. Eventually he saw it, but I didn’t.

The day before he left, we sobbed together in the stairwell of his building. I went home and scrolled through dozens of forums on how to make long distance relationships work. I came across the “Turkey Drop,” a phenomenon where people who’d left for college came back for Thanksgiving and broke up with their hometown loves.

That didn’t happen to me because we didn’t even make it that far.

Before he returned home for the break, he called me and ended it. My knees dropped to the floor. I sobbed and begged for him back, my little sister watching. I didn’t care who knew my pain — I’d never felt pain like that in my entire life. It wasn’t romantic or beautiful,

it was the most raw and disgusting emotion I’d ever experienced.

I lived in a dream state after that. I cried in my classes and in the lunchroom. I cut off my hair I’d grown out my whole life. It didn’t feel real. That wasn’t supposed to happen — not to us.

Love’s reality was so different from the fabricated things the movies ingrained in my head — the things I’d always put in my head. Our love had its moments that are still beautiful in my eyes today, but it was never perfect like the movies depicted, and he certainly wasn’t there to “save” me.

I’ve realized that there is no “meant to be,” there are just some people that you can make things work with. When something’s broken, Prince Charming isn’t going to wait outside your doorstep and serenade you with flowers. It might not be able to be fixed, and that’s okay.

Sometimes the pain gets real. Sometimes love is not what we expect, or want. We need to remember that just because what movies depict isn’t “real” doesn’t mean that your own experience with love won’t be beautifu.

You know you’re not perfect, so why would Prince Charming be?·

THE IDEALS WE’VE HAD FOR YOUNG LOVE AREN’T REAL, BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN LOVE ISN’T AMAZING

EMBRACING INDIVIDUALITY IN HIP-HOP

THE EMERGENCE OF LGBTQ+ ARTISTS WITHIN THE HIP-HOP INDUSTRY

By Ben Mohlke, Contributing Writer Illustrated by Lindsey Swiggum

The hip-hop industry has recently had a surge of artists who are unafraid to show their true colors. These artists are gaining acceptance from fans and artists alike because of their ability to express themselves in raw, honest ways. Hip-hop culture is slowly becoming a place that celebrates individuality; it applauds artists who have the courage to reveal their unadulterated personalities to the world through their music.

Artists today write lyrics that tell us that they are proud to identify as gay, dress differently, inhabit a body that defies society’s beauty standards or does not fit the mold set by others. This is a change from the ‘tough guy gets all the girls’ rapper stereotype, which can be hurtful, misogynistic and homophobic. The cultural shift from masculinity towards a more open, accepting environment is clearly seen in introspective lines, such as these from Tyler, the Creator’s “Garden Shed”:

Truth is, since a youth kid, thought it was a phase Thought it’d be like the phrase; “poof,” gone But it’s still goin’ on

Tyler’s discussion of being gay and struggling to accept himself is

extremely bold, especially for a hiphop artist in the genre’s current climate. The fact that “Flower Boy,” the album in which this song is featured, topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart shows how strongly fans connect with this newfound freedom of expression.1 This shift in culture allows fans to get to know their idols personally, and not just on a superficial level.

Hip-hop overall is slowly becoming more open-minded, as artists representing identities that were once ignored and forgotten by the mainstream are coming to the forefront of the scene. A growing number of artists including Tyler, the Creator, Princess Nokia, Frank Ocean, Kevin Abstract, Syd tha Kyd and many more are serving as the voices and role models of LGBTQ listeners.

Kevin Abstract, a member of the hiphop group BROCKHAMPTON, sings about his sexuality often. He doesn’t hide or sugarcoat the topic, making him a strong role model for gay fans. On the BROCKHAMPTON song “Something About Him,” Kevin sings:

There’s something about him

His car ain’t nice and flashy (yeah yeah) There’s something about him

1 Rebecca Schiller, “Tyler, the Creator on ‘Flower Boy’ Hitting No. 1: ‘This is Awesome’”, Billboard, Dec 21, 2017

Yeah, his attitude is like magic (yeah yeah)

There’s something about him I know I got to have it

Many artists have become, and will continue to become, proud of their sexual orientations as time goes on. Soon, they will see the culture around them changing. In an interview with Brown University, Princess Nokia said, “I have so much masculine energy … I’ve got more chin hairs than a baptist church lady”. By expressing their nonconformity, artists such as Princess Nokia will encourage fans to be brave and share their stories with the world as well.2

Nonetheless, there is still a long way to go in hip-hop when it comes to complete acceptance of all sexual identities and orientations. Even with the emergence of these stylistically and culturally groundbreaking class of artists, there still exists a whole range of misogynistic and homophobic lyrics across the genre.

In the future, look out for more of these artists who bring an unapologetically honest glimpse into their day-to-day struggles, and keep embracing the expression of individuality.·

2 Sofia Robledo Rower, “Princess Nokia In Con versation at Brown University”, Brown University Youtube, May 16, 201

Directed by Maria Dayneko, Creative Director Assistance from the Creative Team: Nina Waech & Rebekah Jia Bella Ramirez & Ella Guo photographed by Annika Ida, Photography Director, Audrey O’Neill, Staff Photographer & Molly Jacobs, Staff Photographer Makeup by Meghan Vieth and Maria Dayneko

the truth about the

IS THE WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE HANDBAG WORTH IT?

By Sarah Troy, Fashion Editorial Assistant Graphic by Courtney Cotey

The Birkin bag. You might have heard its name in pop culture, songs, magazines and TV shows. The infamous Hermés purses are some of the most expensive bags in the world. Priced at $9,000 to half a million dollars, these bags are the epitome of luxury, status and wealth.

In 1983, the English actress Jane Birkin boarded a flight from Paris to London.

On this flight, Jane dropped all of her things while attempting to place it in the overhead compartments. While complaining about the poor design of her bag, the passenger sitting next to her just so happened to be Jean-Louis Dumas, the Chief Executive of Hermés. For the duration of the flight, the two sketched purse designs on the back of an air-sickness bag. About a year

later, Dumas designed a bag for Jane inspired by their conversation. Dumas asked if he could name it after Jane, and thus the Birkin was born.1

It wasn’t until the 90’s that the Birkin bag gained momentum in the fashion world. Soon enough, the Birkin became the next “it” bag of the century.

1 “Hermès 101: The Birkin Breakdown.” Rebag. Accessed October 21, 2019.

As with most things in the fashion industry, the media was quick to take part in catapulting the popularization of the Birkin. The craze for the exclusive bag even made it on screen in “The Sex and the City.” When protagonist Samantha Jones realizes the enormous waitlist for the bag, she soon becomes obsessed with getting her hands on a Birkin. She resorts to dropping a celebrity friend’s name in order to get ahold of it.

It is exactly this ultra exclusivity that drives the image and reputation of the Birkin, and is what makes it so iconic.

The Birkin is highly functional, considered the perfect day bag and seals completely to prevent anything from spilling inside and outside of it. However, Hermés does not include any of its own branding on the Birkin itself. Big logos and monograms are exempt from the bag, leaving only the elegant design of the Birkin to speak for itself. Made from a multitude of exotic animal skins, it is simply its precise design and allure of exclusivity that elevate the status of the Birkin.

In the early 2000s, rumors of the Birkin waitlist spread.2 To make the product feel exclusive, Hermés had customers wait until they were next in line to be given the chance to purchase a Birkin bag. Hermés later got rid of their waitlist, yet today it is still challenging to get your hands on the elusive bag — you either have to be important or wealthy enough to be worthy. Even if you’re lucky enough to afford a Birkin, you do not have any control over the color or size of bag you receive. At Hermés, the bag is considered a work of art, which is why it is so coveted. The bags are handmade by workers who have been trained for years on their technical skills before actually producing any bags.3

The Hermés house is so secretive that they will not release their production numbers to the public. However, in 2014, it was estimated that 70,000 bags were made for global supply.4

2 Ibid.

3 Kim, Irene. “A Handbag Expert Explains Why Hermès Birkin Bags Are so Expensive.” Business Insider. Business Insider, June 13, 2019.

4 “Hermès 101: The Birkin Breakdown.” Rebag. Accessed October 21, 2019.

Because no one knows these numbers for certain it makes the bag feel extremely untouchable, leaving people to assume there are only a few available on the market. The Birkin is the master of playing hard to get.

The most expensive Birkin bag sold for half a million dollars this year5 —

It was the Hermés Himalaya, featuring diamond-encrusted hardware. While some people make a one-time investment in a Birkin, others have extensive collections. Individuals like Jamie Chua, Kylie Jenner and Jeffree Star have entire sections of their closets dedicated to their Birkin bag collections, proudly signifying their ultimate eliteness and wealth.

Hermés’ system has resulted in a thriving resale network, while also maintaining the exclusivity of the bag.

A study conducted in 2019 compared the value of the Birkin bag to gold and the S&P 500.6 It discovered that overtime the value of a Birkin bag is, in fact, a safer investment than gold or the S&P 500, and will provide greater monetary gains in the long run. Since 1980, the value of the Birkin bag has increased by 14.2% per year and has much more stable growth compared to the S&P 500 and gold.7 Many factors go into the value of a Birkin, including the leather, hardware and year of design. Yet, no matter the age or condition of the bag, the Birkin most always maintains or exceeds its original value, making it an amazing commodity. For some reason, these bags are immune to the ever-changing environment in both fashion and the economy.

However, we must ask the question, what are these luxury bags doing for the environment? Hermés uses calf, crocodile and ostrich to make their Birkin bags.

On the Hermés website, the company has a section addressing their environmental contributions.8 They state they use ethically-sourced diamonds, and use every piece of animal skin to eliminate waste. What they fail to address is a discussion on where the skins come from and how these materials are obtained.

PETA pulled away the curtain and found out what really happens at these factories. In a Hermés slaughter house located in Texas, investigators found alligators trapped in tanks where they were denied sunlight, clean water and fresh air. In Zimbabwe, Nile crocodiles were confined in concrete pits, left to suffer until they are killed. These crocodiles can live up to 30 years in the wild, but in these facilities they are typically slaughtered around three years old. In the Western Cape of South Africa, PETA studied an ostrich slaughter company that sourced skins to Hermés. The eye witnesses claimed to see the workers forcibly push the animals to the “kill floor,” sometimes causing the workers to slip from the violent handling. 9 The ostriches are then stunned with an electric shock to the head before their necks are cut — the birds next in line watch and wait for their turn.10 While Hermés claims they practice sustainability by using all of their materials, does that justify sourcing their bags through horrid and unethical means? Are their sustainability practices really doing much for the environment if innocent and exotic animals are still suffering at the hands of these bags?

Our environment is becoming increasingly endangered every day. New issues are brought to light that are pressuring not only the average person to make lifestyle changes, but major companies — both within the fashion industry and elsewhere. With this environmental and societal pressure, will the infamous Birkin bag last? Or will Hermes and their customers let go of the need for status and supreme reign? Will luxury companies such as Hermes opt for vegan materials in the production of their goods? Only time will tell. ·

9 “PETA’s Push for Exotic-Skin Ban Heads to Her mès Boardroom.” PETA, June 5, 2017. 10 Ibid.

NOT SO CHARMING

HOW DISNEY STEREOTYPES RACIAL MINORITIES

By Ariana King, Culture Staff Writer Illustrated by Madeleine Freitag

Imagine this: you’re cuddled up with your mom having a Disney movie marathon. The images of beautiful princes and princesses surround you along with the idea of a “happily ever after.”

Flash forward 15 years: you’re now a college junior. You’re alone on the couch watching the movies your mom taught you to love. They should comfort you, but they don’t.

Because even the princesses who look most like you are archetypal and stereotypical, and thus, not like you at all.

It’s common knowledge that there is a lack of representation in Disney films. The majority of Disney princesses are fair-skinned and reflect European beauty standards. On the rare occasion that Disney introduces a princess of color, they are subject to racial and cultural stereotypes that reinforce a whitedominated culture.

Take “Aladdin” for instance, which portrays Arab people as either exotic or barbaric. The chorus in “One Jump” features vicious looking swordsmen who look more barbaric than your average white villain, such as the handsome, buff Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast.”

On the flip side of this brutalization, Princess Jasmine reinforces the idea that Middle Eastern women are “exotic.” Jasmine is the most scantily clad of all her Disney princess counterparts, sporting an outfit that is not historically accurate but rather pleases Western viewers.1

In addition, Jasmine’s extreme desirability is evident when she becomes the object of Jafar’s sexual affections, using that to her advantage to try and help 1 Michelle Juergen. “9 Harmful Stereotypes We Never Realized Our Favorite Disney Movies Taught Us.” Mic.com. Last modified April 25 2014. Accessed October 3, 2019.

Aladdin throughout the film. That said, it’s clear that the portrayal of Arab people as either barbaric men or vivacious exotic women in “Aladdin” conform to ignorant Western perspectives.

This carries true in “Pocahontas” as well. Throughout the film, Pocahontas goes to extreme lengths to keep peace between her tribe and the English colonists. The burden Pocahontas bears in proving to John Smith that her people aren’t savages — queue “Colors of the Wind” — paints her as not only a princess, but a model minority.

Unfortunately, Tiana, Disney’s first black princess, was also subjected to racial stereotyping. Tiana, unlike her white counterparts, was not pursued for her beauty and spent

In an ideal world, the cast of Disney princesses would be rich and diverse. Women of color would have a leading role in the creation of these princess’ — from the story arc, to the princesses’ personalities to the casting and costume design. While these Disney princesses stories may address the injustices faced by racial minorities, they would not be defined by it. That is to say, a black princess’ story would neither be about fighting racism nor caricaturistic. At the end of the day, Disney should give justice to its fans of color and create space for racial minorities to play a pivotal role in creating the princesses that are supposed to represent them.

So far, this vision has yet to become a reality and Disney has failed to create truly representative characters of color. This lack of representation in Disney films is only a byproduct of the prevalent racism in society.

Today, there are still people who subscribe to the idea that princesses must be white. Even though Disney cast a black Ariel for the new live action film, many fans were unwilling to accept it. 3 I, however, am not one of them.

half of the movie as a frog. This proves that characters of color are not given the same treatment as white characters. 2

What I find most telling is that Prince Naveen only pursued Tiana when he thought she was a princess. Even more telling is that would not have happened if Charlotte, a white friend, hadn’t lent her a crown for a costume party. This is just one not-so-subtle suggestion that black women are not worthy enough on their own, needing a white person’s help to become “princess material.”

2 Jessica L. Laemle. “ Trapped in the Mouse House: How Disney has Portrayed Racism and Sexism in its Princess Films.”

It’s about time Disney cast a black actress to play a princess. People of color should be represented in leading roles and know that what they can achieve is not defined by their race. I grew up without Asian role models in the media and it made me feel even more isolated within the Asian American adoptee community. I do not want the new generation to feel isolated by the same unrepresentative experience.

So, of course, I support the casting of a black Ariel as long as Disney doesn’t change the attributes of the original character to “reflect” the color of the actress’ skin.

·

3 Julyssa Lopez. “Everything We Know About Disney’s Live-Action Remake of The Little Mer maid.” Glamour. Last modified August 7, 2019. Accessed October 3, 2019.

“YET THIS LACK OF REPRESENTATION IN DISNEY FILMS IS ONLY A BYPRODUCT OF THE PREVALENT RACISM IN SOCIETY.”

note to self

By Allyson Konz, Art Director Allyson Konz photographed by Emma Gray, Staff Photographer and Jessica Tenenbaum, Contributing Photographer

The first time I noticed I had stretch marks, I was at the beach with my family. It was a peaceful summer day in northern Wisconsin, and my brothers and I were trying to soak up as much of the nice weather as possible. Growing up, I never thought about when this day would come. My body was a body. For all I was concerned, it helped me swim from one side of the pool to the other. I remember looking at my legs that day and thinking, oh no, this can’t be what I think it is. Immediately, I wanted to hide my thighs from the world. I felt ashamed. I thought to myself, what happened? I thought it was my fault. Somehow, I slipped into the naiveness of my teenage years, and I blamed myself for that.

We live in an environment cluttered with comparison. Unfortunately, it seems to feel like the weight of comparison has followed me into college. For awhile, I lived under the false assumption that I was the only teenage girl with stretch marks on her legs; that being tall was a curse and my stretch marks were the sins that proved it.

I bought into this lie that I had convinced myself to be true, and my self-image suffered because of it. The moment I started believing my stretch marks and my thighs were normal and beautiful was the moment I began self-

21 MODA note to self

healing. The less I compared myself to others, the greater my mental health improved.

Stop looking around. Look up. Rest easy in the fact that you are not the only one in this world with stretch marks, stray hairs, cellulite, discolored skin, whatever it may be. Your self-worth isn’t contingent on the things you least like about yourself.

Our bodies are just that — bodies: a collection of fibers, bones and muscles that work in perfect harmony to ensure that we make it through each day. With that being said, our bodies are so much more than a collection of organs working together by perfect chance. Our bodies hold a perfect creation of personality traits and quirks, memories and experiences that amount harmoniously to you and I. That is so much greater than how your skin has grown or changed in the past ten years.

Of course, falling back in love with myself hasn’t been easy — some days those stretch marks bother me more than others. I remind myself that my stretch marks are signs of growth, that the lines on my skin are simply a reminder that I am a growing, functioning and beautiful human being. And I’m okay with that.·

home sweet home

FROM CITY TO SUBURB: HOW I FOUND THE CHARM IN A SMALL TOWN

Written and photographed by Shelby Evans, Lifestyle Staff Writer

Two summers ago, I, born and raised a city girl, moved to a rural, small town. While I did not have a whirlwind romance with a local boy, I had something better: I fell in love with the charm of my small-town community.

My experience with this new, small town is straight out of a Hallmark movie. Everyone knows everyone, you cross the street just to say hello to your neighbors and the people around you feel like family.

When I first moved there, I was the young, new person in town. Naturally, people were very interested in me. Within the first week, all of the regulars at the restaurant I worked at made an effort to get to know me, and, over time, I came to know many of them well.

I got into the habit of introducing myself in association with my grandfather. Nine times out of ten, people recognize me because I’m his granddaughter. He’s on the town’s planning commission, the rec-center board and the board for the community theatre. He works at the bookstore, and volunteers all summer to help organize the sailboat races. Like many of the people in my northern Wisconsin town, he has a hand in everything.

I made my first friend in my new home when she came into my shop to get coffee and I complimented her shirt. She then complimented my pants and we’ve been friends ever since. It was that simple. By the end of the summer, I had friends ranging from 16-year-old Emily to 50-year-old Danielle.

On Tuesdays during the summer, the locals gather in the park by the lake. They picnic, socialize and listen to live music from their favorite local artists. The band members might include our high school band or English teacher.

My grandfather took me to my first music night in the park. After one song, my younger coworker came over and insisted I come to hang out with her and her friends for the rest of the concert. At the end of the concert, she wouldn’t let me walk the half-mile home and wouldn’t take no for an answer when she offered to give me a ride. Although they’re three years younger, I’m still friends with the people I met that night. Age doesn’t matter, connection does.

On my last night of my second summer, my grandpa and I ate at our favorite restaurant. Three people saw us sitting there and turned around to come inside the restaurant to talk to us. They wanted to know when I was

leaving and if I was coming back for Apple Fest.

Apple Fest is one of those small-town celebrations that everyone in the town looks forward to all year. The town of 1,200 people accepts thousands of tourists for the weekend. There are carnival rides and the downtown streets are lined with street vendors. Artists from all over Wisconsin come to sell their work.There is apple picking at the dozen orchards that scatter the land outside of town. Apple pie, apple donuts, apple dumplings and apple cider are everywhere. All this in the name of the fall apple harvest. Of course, I wouldn’t miss it.

**

I used to insist that the city was the only place for me. I loved the feeling of anonymity in the crowded streets. Now I can’t imagine a life where I don’t know all the shop owners and locals on the street. The best days are when I stop for three different conversations just walking from the grocery store to the coffee shop.

This is why I love my small town. It has an inherent charm — a magical air that makes you never want to leave.·

HBO’s “Euphoria” first aired in mid-June of this year. The powerfully chosen cast, visually gorgeous cinematography, carefully sequenced episodes and boundary-pushing plot captured the hearts of many teens and twentysomethings around the country, including, of course, Moda's Editorial Board.

“Euphoria” is more than a beautifully shot show with an incredible soundtrack. What captured the hearts and minds of “Euphoria” fans alike, elevating the show above previous teen-dramas, was the utter honesty and realness when depicting the trials and tribulations of being a high schooler in our modern age. From domestic violence, to drug abuse, to rehab, to exploring sexuality at young ages, to depression, to body dysmorphia, to online dating, to toxic masculinity’s effect on both boys and girls. The creators of the show hardly shied away from detailing each and every trouble, each perpetuated

with the aid of social media in a manner that felt almost too relatable at times. These details were all encapsulating. They’re details that might feel miniscule on the outside looking in, but feel quite home-hitting to those of us who are growing up in our modern day as we speak.

Even moreso, “Euphoria” did justice to their plotlines with their diverse cast. With Zendaya, an African American actress, as the lead, Hunter Schafer, a trans actress, and Barbie Ferreria, a plus-sized model, it’s no wonder that the issues “Euphoria” brings to light feel that much more powerful, relatable and monumental.

Moda’s Editorial Board wants to pay homage to the charm that “Euphoria” incited amongst all of us. We channeled our inner Rue, Jules, Kat and Maddy to own ourselves through all things glitter. ·

Allyson Konz, Annika Ide, Ashleigh Perry, Elise Andersen, Emily Bian, Lauren Chung, Kate Lawless, Katie Kerrick & Maria Dayneko photographed by Annika Ide, Photography Director, Audrey O’Neill, Staff Photographer & Seth DeGier, Staff Photographer

Makeup by Ashleigh Perry, Brittany Malsack, Ingrid Zhou, Lizzy O’Leary, Maria Dayneko & Riley August

CHARM WITHIN

By Alexandria Millet, Culture Staff Writer

Courtesy of Raw Pixel

The school bell rings as students flood into deteriorating hallways. There is not enough space for the hundreds of students to fit in the stairwell, nor their overcrowded classrooms. A student is coughing in the cafeteria but he can’t go see the school nurse because she is only there on Mondays and Wednesdays. News just surfaced across the courtyard that another music class is being cut.

This is a reality that many underfunded schools in America face. The funding disparities from district to district, due largely in part to local property taxes, makes access to resources available only to the most wealthy of districts.

However, through the chaos of an underfunded and unresourced school, a student can still find the support of a good teacher in a cozy English classroom or a high-energy gymnasium.

The attributes students ascribe to a good teacher comes from their own experiences. The best teachers are charismatic, engaging, honest and caring. They are more than a nice person. He or she intercedes for students in a system that has never been made for them to succeed.

Many marginalized students are swept aside in classrooms and are counted as collateral damage to a broken school system. A good teacher can break this cycle.

Often, a good teacher who can break said cycle is one that reflects the image of marginalized students. For example, black boys who have black teachers are 13 percent more likely to consider college.1

In America, only seven percent of teachers are black and only two percent are black males. Based on these statistics, how do we expect students of color to feel empowered in the classroom when they don’t experience the charm of a teacher who shares their complexion?

The importance of representation in the educational profession is more than a black and white issue.

When remembering her experience with her Latinx teachers growing up, Rocio Velasquez, a Latinx student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared how her third grade language arts teacher was a guiding light to her.2

“I looked up to her because she reminded me of my mom. I felt like she understood who I was.” Velasquez said.

This teacher saw Valasquez performing well in the classroom. This teacher also saw that Valasquez was frequently the last one to get picked up in the

mainstream settings.3 It encourages teachers to learn about their students so that the context they come to connect with students is not just on an intellectual level, but personal as well.

Personally, this looked like my high school gym teacher, a white woman, who took a special interest in knowing my full story as a black girl. She went beyond her job description to make an intentional connection with me because she cared.

The charm of a good teacher is formed when they know the life of a student does not begin or end when they enter a classroom. Rather, when in the classroom, these teachers foster a place of high expectations, liberation and equity.

“I feel like [my teacher] made me forget that I was marginalized, not in the ‘I’m not a black women’ type of way, but that I am capable regardless of my identities,” Trinity Cross, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said remembering her ninthgrade math teacher.4

afternoon because her parents were working, and stayed with her on those days. Velasquez said she supported her in both her highest and lowest moments.

However, this is not an ability reserved by teachers of marginalized identities, but rather something all teachers can aspire to do in their classrooms.

Culturally relevant pedagogy, a term coined by Gloria Ladson-Billings, is a form of teaching that calls for engaging learners whose experiences and cultures are traditionally excluded from

All students in K-12 schools deserve to be not only heard and seen, but deserve justice in their education. This begins with realizing the utmost importance teachers have on students, and respecting this importance with the pay and regard they deserve. It means recruiting and retaining teachers of color on college campuses so that the impact can follow students throughout their entire educational career. Schools should hire full-time librarians, nurses and social workers so teachers can truly focus on the atmosphere of their classroom. The charm of a teacher goes a lot further when it is supported by a well-funded education system. ·

4 Cross, Trinity. Interview with Alexandria Millet. Personal Interview. Madison, September 28, 2019.

“THE CHARM OF A GOOD TEACHER IS FORMED WHEN THEY KNOW THE LIFE OF A STUDENT DOES NOT BEGIN OR END WHEN THEY ENTER A CLASSROOM. RATHER, WHEN IN THE CLASSROOM, THESE TEACHERS FOSTER A PLACE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS, LIBERATION AND EQUITY.”

DIVINATION, CHARM AND TAROMANCY

THE HISTORY AND HOW-TO ON THE EVER POPULAR TAROT CARDS

By Katie Herrick, Culture Editor Illustrated by Channing Smith, Art Curator

We all know our astrological star sign. Maybe even our enneagram personality number or Meyers-Brigg four letter combination — but what about some of the lesser known ways to glimpse into our future like tarot cards, psychic readings or oracle cards?

Tarot cards have been used since 1440, although their original use was just a simple French card game. Lovers of the occult discovered the game after spreading to Italy and other countries in Europe under different names, such as tarocchi, tarot, tarocchini and triumph. In 1781, they officially transformed them from a simple game to a divination tool, marking Tarot’s entrance to occult philosophy forever.1

Tarot cards today are used only as a form of divination, looking at potential outcomes in life or influences on a certain person or event. The technical term used for Tarot card reading is taromancy. Some view taromancy as a religion, while most consider it as a subsection of cartomancy, or divination through cards in general.2

Tarot cards come in packs of 78 cards that are split into two main groups. The first group holds 56 of the 78 cards and the second group holds the other 22.

The first group is called the Minor Arcana, meaning “lesser secrets”. Like a regular deck of playing cards, the Minor Arcana consists of four different suits with 14 cards each: four face cards and 10 cards ranking one to ace.3 The four suits depend on the country of origin and year, but can be anything from swords, batons, coins, cups, wands, rods or staves.4

Where Tarot cards differentiate, however, is with the addition of the Major Arcana, or “major secrets”: a separate 22 suitless card set with special names and figures that are numbered I to XXI with only the fool unnumbered.5

1 Obringer, Lee Ann. “How Tarot Cards Work.” HowStuffWorks Science. HowStuffWorks, August 29, 2018.

2 Beyer, Catherine. “How Do Tarot Cards and Readings Work?” Learn Religions. dotDash, April 9, 2019.

3 “Tarot.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, October 8, 2019.

4 Ibid.

5 Ibid.

These cards all have special meanings that, depending on the order in which you read them, can give you answers to posed questions or any of life’s various trials and tribulations. Depending on your reading, your card will either be read upright, taken at its literal, obvious meaning, or reversed, the opposite of what it appears to be.6

Catherine Beyer from LearnReligions stresses that “tarot readings are intended to arm the subject with additional information so that they may make more informed choices. It is an avenue of research for subjects who face difficult choices, but should not be seen as any guarantee of ultimate outcomes.”7

A reading begins with a reader laying the cards in a spread. The two most common spreads are the Three Fates or the Celtic Cross.8 Each card will be flipped over and used to interpret a certain area of life or question. The following is a brief pekk into what each special card means in its upright reading as well as reversed.9

THE MAGICIAN: willpower, desire, creation, manifestation OR trickery, illusions

THE HIGH PRIESTESS: intuitive, unconsciousness, inner voice OR lack of center/inner voice

THE EMPRESS: motherhood, fertility, nature OR dependence, smothering, emptiness

THE EMPEROR: authority, structure, control, fatherhood OR tyranny, rigidity, coldness

THE HIEROPHANT: tradition, conformity, morality, ethics OR rebellion, subversiveness

THE LOVERS: partnerships, duality, union OR loss of balance, one-sidedness, disharmony

THE CHARIOT: direction, control, willpower OR lack of control/direction, aggression

STRENGTH: inner strength, bravery, compassion, focus OR self doubt, weakness, insecurity

THE HERMIT: contemplation, inner

6 “Tarot Card Meanings List.” Labyrinthos. Laby rinthos Academy, n.d. Accessed October 8, 2019.

7 Beyer, Catherine. “How Do Tarot Cards and Readings Work?” Learn Religions. DotDash, April 9, 2019.

8 Ibid.

9 “Tarot Card Meanings List.” Labyrinthos. Laby rinthos Academy, n.d. Accessed October 8, 2019.

guidance OR loneliness, isolation

WHEEL OF FORTUNE: change, cycles, inevitable fate, OR no/clinging to control, bad luck

JUSTICE: cause and effect, clarity, truth OR dishonesty, unaccountability, unfairness

THE HANGED MAN: sacrifice, release, martyrdom OR stalling, needless sacrifice

DEATH: end of cycle, beginnings, change, metamorphosis OR fear of change, holding on, stagnation, decay

TEMPERANCE: middle path, patience, finding meaning OR extremes/excess, lack of balance

THE DEVIL: addiction, materialism, playfulness OR freedom, release, restoring control

THE TOWER: sudden upheaval, broken pride, disaster OR disaster avoided/ delayed, fear of suffering

THE STAR: hope, faith, rejuvenation OR faithlessness, discouragement, insecurity

THE MOON: unconscious, illusions, intuition OR confusion, fear, misinterpretation

THE SUN: joy, success, celebration, positivity OR negativity, depression, sadness

JUDGEMENT: reflection, reckoning, awakening, OR lack of self awareness, doubt, self loathing

THE WORLD: fulfillment, harmony, completion OR incompletion, no closure

THE FOOL: innocence, new beginnings, free spirit OR recklessness, inconsideration

Each deck has a distinct visual aesthetic as well. Graphic designers, historians and artists have all studied, designed and created new interpretations of each of the cards in a set, making collecting Tarot sets not only a religion and form of divination, but also a form of expression.

As a society we love to discuss how hard our lives are because Mercury is in retrograde or Virgo season is ending, but we are so quick to dismiss psychics and other forms of non-scientific or survey-based readings without a second glance.

Whether you believe in divination or cartomancy or not, we can all admire the history, art and story-telling that Tarot cards and taromancy represents and demonstrates.·

Courtesy of Fancy Fabrics & Props

WEDDING SUPERSTITIONS

UNVEILING THE MEANINGS BEHIND OUR AGE-OLD TRADITIONS

By Amanda Jentsch, Culture Staff Writer Illustrated by Andie Almond

Oh, weddings. We love to dream about them but we hate to get asked about them by countless relatives at family gatherings. Either way, so much has changed about marriage since our parents’ and grandparents’ days.

First, people are getting married later. According to the New York Times, the average age to get married in 2017 was 29.5 for men and 27.4 for women, compared to 23 and 20.8, respectively, in 1970.1 Our younger generation is placing a greater emphasis on our career, financial stability and experiencing the world before settling into married life. Secondly, the legalization of gay marriage in 2015 has allowed more couples to finally solidify their relationships in the eyes of the law.

Even with the transformation of what marriage may look like demographically, there is still a constant: no one wants bad luck on their wedding day. Whether you have a wedding to plan or simply like to fantasize, the following are a few of the traditional methods of guaranteeing a successful day — and life — with your true love.

THE BRIDAL PARTY

Who will stand by your side on the big day? That’s up to you to decide — but there is a method to the madness in why we have bridesmaids and groomsmen. Bridesmaids are meant to all dress alike to confuse evil spirits that may attempt to ruin the day, so that by the time the spirits figure out who the bride is, the ceremony is already complete.2

1 Rabin, Roni Caryn. “Put a Ring On It? Millennial Couples are in No Hurry.” The New York Times. May 29, 2018. Accessed September 27, 2019.

2 Forrest, Kim. “The History of Bridesmaids.”

The groomsmen, on the other hand, are present as a more aggressive defense mechanism against a decidedly less supernatural threat. The groom and his groomsmen stand to the right in order to have their sword arms free in the event that a challenger may arrive to disrupt the wedding.3

BLOOMING BOUQUETS

On your wedding day, be sure to avoid peonies and yellow roses, which symbolize unhappiness and jealousy, respectively. Rather, bouquets and arrangements should include buttercups, which represent good luck and protection against evil (to help out those evil-spirit-battling bridesmaids), or hydrangeas for honest, heartfelt emotions and understanding — a fine foundation for any marriage.4

SAVE THE DATE

Let’s be real, the wedding industry is overhyped and overpriced. Venues cost much more on Saturdays, as they’re the most popular day of the week to get married.5 However, an English nursery rhyme about wedding days reads:

“Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday the best day of all; Thursday for crosses, Friday for losses, And Saturday no luck at all.” 6 WeddingWire. February 26, 2019. Accessed Sep tember 27, 2019.

3 Specktor, Brandon. “The Bizarre Reason Brides Stand on the Left at Weddings.” Reader’s Digest. 2019. Accessed September 27, 2019.

4 “Our Official Guide to the Symbolic Meanings of Wedding Flowers.” The Knot. 2019. Accessed September 27, 2019.

5 “The Pros and Cons of a Friday or Sunday Wed ding Date.” The Knot. 2019. Accessed September 27, 2019.

6 Yannuci, Lisa. “Wedding Lore and Supersti

So, perhaps avoid the bad luck and the ridiculous price by choosing a day that embodies what you wish for in your relationship.

THE ONE EVERYONE KNOWS

“Something old. Something new. Something borrowed. Something blue.”

It’s the age-old checklist to a charming wedding and life ahead with your sweetheart. The saying holds that “something old” and “something borrowed” should both come from a family member or close friend that has a successful, long-standing relationship in the hopes that the luck rubs off on your own.

“Something new” indicates a bright future awaiting you at the end of the aisle. The “something blue” of represents love and fidelity — key ingredients in a healthy marriage as well as additional protection from the Evil Eye.7

Whether you believe in these superstitions or not, the care that goes into planning a wedding is sweet and heartfelt, like all marriages aspire to be. In the end, these traditions are simply that: traditions. The true goodluck charms don’t lie in the flowers, the dress, the day, but rather in the love and effort the two people committing to each other put into their relationship each and every moment beyond the day they say “I Do.”·

tions.” Mama Lisa. April 24th, 2012. Accessed September 27, 2019.

7

“Here’s Where the ‘Something Old, New, Bor rowed, and Blue’ Traditions Come From.” The Knot. 2019. Accessed September 27, 2019.

WHO DO YOU KNOW HERE?

NETWORKING IS YOUR BEST SHOT AT CAREER ADVANCEMENT

By Kate Lawless, Lifestyle Editor

Courtesy of Flickr

According to a 2016 study, the majority of people get jobs through networking.1 This means old-fashioned, face-to-face conversations and getting recommendations from people you know. It might be easier to scroll through Indeed or Handshake and apply to jobs from there, but studies show your best shot at getting an interview is by knowing someone at the company.

Networking succeeds because humans are naturally social creatures.2 We want to help one another, especially people we already know or who are similar to us. This is a mutually beneficial relationship.3 Your mentor feels helpful and gains social capital if you get the job and do it well. It reflects well on them when you are successful, and makes them feel good to help you along the way.

Search for people who are willing to give you advice and be part of your career journey, not just someone you can call once, get a referral from and then never speak to again. To successfully build your network, you need to let people know that they are valuable and you appreciate them. Expanding your network in an authentic, non-exploitative

1 Adler, Lou. “New Survey Reveals 85% of All Jobs Are Filled Via Networking.” LinkedIn, February 29, 2016.

2 Young, Simon N. “The Neurobiology of Human Social Behaviour: An Important but Neglected Topic.” Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience: JPN. Canadian Medical Association, September 2008.

3 Seidman, Gwendolyn. “Why Do We Like People Who Are Similar to Us?” Psychology Today. Sus sex Publishers, December 18, 2019.

way will serve you much better in your career and life.4

Everyone knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone else, who would be willing to help you. Ask your parents, family friends, friends’ parents, even your professors if they know of anyone who works in your area of interest that would be willing to give you career advice.

You can start by getting an introduction to professionals in your area of interest through your department career advisor. Just ask them to shoot some alumni a quick email to introduce you. Go to all of the career fairs on campus, especially ones that are specific to your major’s department. That way, you’re more likely to get one-on-one attention and be remembered by the people you talked to.

Once you’ve found someone willing to advise you, what kinds of questions should you ask them? The key is to not ask for too much, especially at first. Do not send them a list of questions over email. Unless you are asking them in-person, don’t ask someone to refer you for a position or write a letter of recommendation, either. Instead, ask exactly what kind of assistance they would be willing to give you, like proofreading your cover letter or maybe discussing their company’s culture over over a cup of coffee.

4 Sethi, Ramit. “Ramit’s Definitive Guide to Build ing Your Network (with Scripts).” I Will Teach You To Be Rich, April 25, 2019.

Once you’ve established that initial connection with the company you want to work for, how do you keep that mentorship going? It’s simple: through authentic, consistent and personalized communication.

After every meeting, send them a sincere and specific thank-you note. Tell the person that you followed their advice and give examples how. If someone told you to join an organization to gain more relevant experience, tell them how the first meeting went and what you learned. Mentors want to know that their time and energy weren’t wasted on giving you advice. They want to know you did what they told you to do.5 After the initial thank-you note, follow up every once in a while. By keeping this dialogue of gratitude going, they will be more likely to help you again in the future.

Yes, this kind of career development takes time and energy. It’s not enough to randomly submit your resume online in hopes you’ll be noticed. Unless someone has recommended you or you have insider knowledge of the company, chances are that your resume is just going to be another one in the pile. Networking, like every good relationship, takes work. The reward is not only career success, but a support system that will help you be your best self.·

5 Sethi, Ramit. “Ramit’s Definitive Guide to Build ing Your Network (with Scripts).” I Will Teach You To Be Rich, April 25, 2019.

Directed by Sarah Troy, Fashion Editorial Assistant Allegra Abrams photographed by Josh Redfearn, Staff Photographer

CHARM YOUR WAY THROUGH AN INTERVIEW

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS CASUAL LOOKS FEEL A BIT MORE STYLISH

Written & Directed by Kasey Busiel, Fashion Staff Writer Ella Guo photographed by Sarah Jane Spreng

Let’s face it, interviewing for a new job can be an intimidating process. As winter reaches full swing, university students are beginning to shift their mindsets from football gamedays to the overwhelming responsibility of finding a summer internship or post-graduation job. Although it may seem like a daunting task to dazzle your interviewer with your unmatched charisma and experience, it’s important to remember to stay confident and believe in yourself.

While you may not enter the meeting feeling 100% unshakeable, throwing on your favorite boss

b*&!$ outfit will help you leave some of your nerves at home. Business attire can sometimes be difficult to conquer, but it doesn’t have to match that stuffy or stiff connotation it normally has. In order to charm your way through an interview and become a force in the office, here are some polished outfits to keep in your closet.

Colorful sweaters and patterned pants are the perfect duo for any business look. A black and white design on the bottom combined with a pop of color on the top is a flattering way to stand out amongst the black and white suits flooding a corporate office. Throw a white button-up underneath your sweater to add dimension and layers during the colder months — there’s nothing like having a crisp white collar to top off an outfit! Complete the outfit with a fun pair

of booties. (Who says you can’t wear white shoes after Labor Day?)

Power Suits. Power Suits. Power Suits. Who doesn’t love a trendy power suit? A form-fitting monochromatic jacket and slacks are a clean and professional look that will always impress your interviewer. To break up the single color of the look, add some personal accessories. Layered metal necklaces take any outfit to the next level.

To add a feminine touch, rock a pastel skirt. Keep the skirt at calflength instead of one that falls all the way to the floor to avoid too much fabric swallowing half of your body. The flow of the skirt creates a graceful motion as you power-walk down the halls to your interview. Pair the look with a clean, white blouse and simple nude heels.

It’s almost impossible not to talk about oversized blazers when styling business attire. Although everyone appreciates a perfect fit, an intentionally oversized blazer adds a chic and versatile touch to any suit. Pair the oversized blazer with form-fitting trousers and a similar colored mock-neck sweater. Black is always a sleek, go-to color to keep as the base of an outfit.

These pieces are staples to any business casual outfit, but don’t forget to add your own personal flare. Find what makes you most confident and combine them with these classic pieces to help you nail your next interview!

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MAKE MOVEyour

HOW I SWEPT MY PRINCE CHARMING OFF HIS FEET

By Jessica Katz, Lifestyle Staff Writer Illustrated by Channing Smith, Art Curator

We tend to be envious of what we can’t have, while simultaneously unappreciative of what we do have.

In high school, I so desperately wanted a boyfriend. My closest friends gossiped about everything from flirty Snapchats to romantic date-nights. It seemed like every girl had a stampede of boys chasing after her.

Then there was me. I never had a boyfriend, went on a date or even had my first kiss. I just wallowed in my loneliness and waited for my Prince Charming to sweep me off my feet.

I questioned my lack of male attention. What was the “it” factor that made other girls so desirable, but not me? I spent so much of my energy focusing on comparing myself to others that I forgot to appreciate my own beauty.

I wanted a boy to act as a magic potion that instantly brought me happiness. That was my biggest mistake. How could I find happiness within another person when I couldn’t find happiness within myself?

I had to shift my mindset and focus to boosting my self-esteem. Over time, I found ways to make myself feel beautiful. For the first time, I gained a confidence in myself that allowed me to go after the things that I wanted.

It was at this peak of my internal happiness that I not only found the confidence to be ready for a relationship, but that I made the first move.

Peter and I went to high school together, though I didn’t notice him

until I saw him share the music he listened to on Instagram. With my newfound surge of confidence, I sent Peter a DM.

From there, the conversation flowed. We realized that we’d both be attending UW-Madison, had a passion for music and wanted to see Tame Impala at Lollapalooza instead of Childish Gambino.

I caught feelings for Peter quickly, so I advanced our communication to Snapchat. I wanted to show off by sending cute selfies, but still wanted to stay true to myself in our conversations. I didn’t overthink my actions; I wasn’t afraid to respond too quickly, Snapchat him twice in a row or send goofy filters. I wanted him to

like the real me, not an unauthentic version of myself.

As time went on, Peter and I found out we had even more in common. The next obvious step was asking him on a date; and with a little push from my friends, I did.

I’m not going to lie, asking a boy out is nerve-wracking. A million doubts swirled through my mind: What if he said no? What if he didn’t like me back? What if he thought it was weird that I was asking him out?

Conventionally, females don’t usually make the first move. In fact, in a study done by Psychology Today, males ask out females on first dates an average of four times a year, while females average zero.1 We’re seen as pretty toys waiting to be picked off the shelf by a strong, dominant male — that we’re insecure, and need a guy to prove our worth.

We need to remember that those are just average. In reality, I was confident in myself. He could reject me, and I’d be hurt, but I had enough self-esteem to know that his rejection wouldn’t knock me down. I mean, after all, the queen is the most powerful piece on the chessboard.

Peter said yes, and we’ve been together since that first date. He’s kind, thoughtful and romantic. He brings me up by treating me how I know I deserve to be treated. Most importantly, I don’t rely on him to feel beautiful — I maintain my internal happiness and appreciation for myself.·

1 Mills, Michael. “Why Don’t Women Ask Men Out on First Dates?” Psychology Today. Sussex Pub lishers, April 30, 2011

TO WEAR OR TO BE WORN

DO WE WEAR JEWELRY, OR DOES IT WEAR Us

By Grace Bezek, Contributing Writer

Jennifer Crupi, a metalsmith, consciously creates sleek and beautifully mechanical pieces of unconventional jewelry that are not only visually captivating, but are meant to leave the viewer pondering the relationship between the body, jewelry and the way we communicate nonverbally.

Bracelets, rings or necklaces might be the first pieces that come to mind when one thinks of jewelry. However, Crupi’s work reaches far beyond these classic accessories. In the spring of 2019, I had the privilege of attending an oncampus artist’s talk at UW-Madison, where I caught a glimpse of Crupi’s metalsmith and jewelry practice.

Crupi’s metallically engineered pieces are incredibly ornate. One of her collections, titled Ornamental Hands is comprised of four silver, handworn pieces meant to accentuate the hand, and train it to rest in a series of positions that are recognized as being

charming or elegant. Each of these positions include very feminine and pure gestures of the hands that are prevalent in biblical scenes. Ornamental Hands: Figure One is a piece entirely engineered by Crupi, down to even the smallest screws. The piece assumes the hand into a marionnette position and acts as an unconventional bracelet. Like the other three pieces in this collection, the work aims to guide the body into a certain orientation, touching on the notion of strict beauty practices. Just as a woman wears a corset to train her waist, someone may wear these pieces to train their hand. This is a juxtaposition that Crupi poses to the viewer in order to challenge preconceived notions of both beauty standards and traditional jewelry.

Crupi’s work in Power Gesture is another hand-piece engineered from both aluminum and steel, however, it does not emulate the idea of bodily restrictions as does Ornamental Hands: Figure One. Instead, this piece

accentuates the body language of an authoritative figure. When explaining her vision for Power Gesture, Crupi gives examples of how people in a position of power tend to assume the gesture of putting their hands and fingers together in front of the torso in order to communicate that they have the upper hand in a social situation. Politicians, for instance, demonstrate this power gesture during debates or when addressing a mass of people. Crupi made this piece not only to create an apparent air of confidence in the wearer, but to draw upon the psychological theory that consciously assuming a gesture will make one believe they did it naturally, thus actually fostering an internal selfassurance within the wearer.

Crupi’s aesthetically charming and thought provoking work will surely continue to pose this question for years to come: Do we wear jewelry or does it wear us?·

“Figure One” Courtesy of Jennifer Crupi

ART

an ode to WINTER

By Sydnie Albert, Lifestyle Editorial Assistant Photographed by Meghan Vieth, Contributing Photographer

Pumpkin spice lattes, haunted houses, cozy sweaters — what’s not to love about fall? Fall aesthetic makes us happy and inspired; we’re excited about the new school year and upcoming holidays. When the cheeriness of autumn is over, it can be hard to keep up the same enthusiasm. As the snow falls (and stays for months on end) and the temperature drops to extremes, sometimes we can fall into a seasonal depression.1 Despite the negative association that winter holds, there’s more to be said about this special time of year.

Winter is more than just a time where trees are bare, animals hibernate and kids trudge to school through the snow. Yes, it may seem dreary outside, with the slush and gray skies, but there’s also a certain charm to the winter season. It’s a time for family, nostalgia and baking. It’s about investing in your own happiness — taking the time to slow down to enjoy the people and things around you.

Even though it’s cold out, there are still many enjoyable outdoor activities. You can go ice skating on a pond or an outdoor rink. You can go sledding and

1 Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disor der) Symptoms, Causes, Treatments. (n.d.).

tubing, or even snowshoeing through the woods. There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of getting into snowball fights, building snowmen and making snow angels. Or you can make a fire at night and make S’mores. That’s the beauty of winter: it can make you feel like a kid again.

If you prefer staying inside, have a girls’ day. Relax by watching Hallmark movies, baking delicious cookies or eating homemade beef stew — filling the whole house with an incredible aroma is enough to bring warmth into the winter. Sit by the fire to keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate and binge-watch your favorite show. Or, unwind by starting a book club! It’s the perfect way to escape, even just for a little bit.

If staying inside makes you feel stircrazy, but you don’t want to deal with snowy activities, there are still plenty of options. Meet up with your friends in town to go bowling, to the movies, the mall, or rollerblading. Many of us can feel trapped between home and work in winter, so break that routine and change your scenery. Have dinner or lunch at that one place you’ve been dying to try.

41 MODA an ode to

Sometimes winter isn’t necessarily about physically doing things. Sometimes it’s about the simpler things. It’s appreciating the charm of old buildings covered in snow, and twinkle lights in trees shining bright in the city. It’s about those moments that make you feel like nothing else matters.

Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, New Year’s and many more holidays happen during the winter season. This is the perfect time for delicious food, reuniting with family and celebrating traditions where you can reflect on yourself and the past year. These times are about the memories you create, the appreciation you show and the smiles you can put on others’ faces — a time to be kind to those around you, and to celebrate the actions you do and the words you say.

Yes, winter can represent darkness and destruction, but I like to think of it as a time to breathe. To feel as if it’s okay to do nothing; a time when we don’t develop FOMO. We live in a fastpaced society that mandates we must always be doing something. Winter gives us a reprieve from that feeling, a true opportunity to relax. When spring finally comes, we will feel rejuvenated again, ready to conquer the world.·

4

SPELL THE TEA

By Ally Steinberg, Contributing Writer Illustrated by Channing Smith, Art Curator

The majority of witches were thought to be pagans doing the Devil’s work, but many were natural healers whose profession was misunderstood.

Witch hysteria began in Europe during the mid-1400s. By the 1600s witch hunts became common and usually ended in execution by means of burning at the stake or hanging.2 Most of the women accused of wicked behaviors were single, widowed or women on the margins of society. As outcasts, they often buckled under the pressure and confessed while being tortured.3 Eventually, this hysteria spread to the Americas, causing women to be tried for witchcraft not only in Europe, but all over the world.

Giulia Tofana was one woman who was tried for witchcraft after killing hundreds of men in 17th-century Rome after using her makeup business as a front to sell poison.4 The deadly concoction she sold, called Aqua Tofana, was laced with arsenic, lead and belladonna. These ingredients helped aspiring widows kill their husbands without a trace.5

1 “History of Witches - HISTORY.” Accessed Octo ber 3, 2019.

2 Ibid.

3 Ibid.

“Meet The Woman Who Poisoned Makeup To Help Over 600 ....” Accessed October 8, 2019.

5 Ibid.

During this time period, arranged marriages were not only common but often forced by family, and divorce was not an option. Once married, husbands had almost complete control over their wives, leading to abuse, maltreatment, prostitution and endangerment due to constant childbearing. Unfortunately, there was no legal protection for these women. The only way for them to be free from their abusive husbands was with the death of themselves or their spouses.6

Tofana provided a quick and discreet solution to these terrible circumstances. Her concoction could kill a man with as few as four drops dispersed out over a matter of days or weeks to avoid suspicion.7 With one or two drops, the husband would fall ill, and after three or four, he would die.

The combination of ingredients also masked the known symptoms of poison, such as seizures and intense pain. It was completely tasteless, odorless and colorless. It was the perfect poison to mix into a glass of wine or water.8

The first batch of the poison was disguised as a typical cosmetic powder, easily displayed on a dresser with no suspicion. Later, she sold it in small vials with the image of Saint Nicholas of Bari, appearing to be a simple religious healing oil.9

6 Ibid.

7 “Aqua Tofana: slow-poisoning and husband-kill ing in 17th....” Accessed October 3, 2019.

8 Ibid.

9 Ibid.

Aqua Tofana poisoned over 600 men over the course of about 50 years without being caught — until one client got cold feet. The client had already dropped the poison in her husband’s soup when she immediately regretted it and stopped her husband from eating it.10 The suspicious husband forced his wife to tell the truth. He then turned her over to the Papal authorities in Rome, where she confessed and pointed the blame towards Guilia Tofana.11

When Tofana was informed of the whistleblower, she immediately fled to a church to ask for sanctuary. It was granted, but a rumor soon spread throughout Rome that Tofana poisoned the water at the church.12 The church was stormed, and the Papal authorities obtained and tortured Giulia until she confessed to poisoning men. In July of 1659, Giulia Tofana was tried for witchcraft and executed along with her daughter and three of her employees in Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori.13

After Tofana’s death, Aqua Tofana continued to be used for many years in Naples, Perugia and Rome.14 Many of her clients were able to avoid punishment by manipulating men of the church. They claimed ignorance by stating they only used the potion as a cosmetic, despite “accidental” deaths within their homes.

What can we learn from all of this? Maybe it’s a good thing divorce is an option.·

10 Ibid.

11 Ibid.

12 Ibid.

13 Ibid.

14 Ibid.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE “WITCH” WHO FOUND A SOLUTION FOR 17TH-CENTURY WOMEN IN NEED OF A DIVORCE

ART

THE UNCANNY VALLEY

THE EERIE CHARM OF THE ILLUSTRATED PEOPLE OF BIG TECH

By Elm Stephenson, Arts Editorial Assistant Illustrated by Riley August

In our current moment, more and more of our lives are led in cyberspace. As we spend more time on the internet, the way we are represented online feels increasingly intimate. This experience is framed by large tech companies that provide us with the online services we use every day. As is true with all companies, these firms have a visual program that they utilize in their branding and advertising, meaning the online representations of the users are occluded by these corporate desires. Big Tech, for example, represents people as colorful, oddly proportioned blobs who are cheerful and content to exist within their online worlds. The question is — are we?

Tech platforms initially gravitated to design influenced by real objects — a school of design called skeuomorphism. Since users were not yet proficient at navigating digital interfaces, designers incorporated elements of real objects, such as the textured, three-dimensional camera utilized by Instagram, to familiarize people with new technology.

As people became more accustomed, however, design shifted away from these real-life analogues and began to incorporate a clean, minimalist aesthetic that favored sharp lines and blocks of color. This movement, called flat design, is the current look incorporated by the tech world.

The sterility of flat design has prompted many tech companies

to populate their platforms with illustrations of people using their services. Interestingly, there seems to be a stylistic similarity in the aesthetics of these people. The figures are rendered using simple geometric shapes to form their bodies. These shapes often feature smooth, curved lines, creating a general sense of softness. Deep, varied hues fill the shapes, suggesting a playful happiness. The body proportions of the figures are not realistic, as many of the figures have enormous arms or long legs that are divorced from anatomical correctness. All of these stylistic choices produce inoffensive, happy figures with unspecific bodies.

This cheerful yet dysmorphic aesthetic has permeated across the tech world, populating the spaces of digital commerce with garish figures. They may be dancing to music in a Spotify advertisement or building something in the background of a Google help page, but they are always industriously working or enjoying the confines of their digital environment. The aesthetic is designed to remain unnoticed and unacknowledged, as it ultimately aims to engender familiarity and comfort on a tech platform by setting the user at ease.

The rationale behind this style may appear sympathetic, as it aims, in part, to represent the diversity of humanity. Representation has become a hot button issue in the world of tech, and in order to ensure that there is no systematic

bias against minority groups, tech companies have elected to depict bodies with inhuman proportions to avoid exclusion. While there is a certain nobility to these attempts at representation, it has resulted in truly odd illustrations that unsettle more than they invite.

In an attempt to produce human bodies that everyone can get behind, Silicon Valley has revealed the corporate motivations that undergird their plastic cheer: the combination of the unrealistic bodies and their carefree demeanor evokes an artistic language of control and deception.

Silicon Valley wishes to present a sense of ease and belonging on their platforms, which, in the age of reckless and dishonest data collection, is a little hard to swallow. This saccharine layer of charm and bodily abstraction presents the user as a malleable avatar bound to the logic of Big Tech.

The aesthetics of internet corporate art reflect an attempt to mollify concerns surrounding the exploitation of tech companies. However, it only further clarifies this exploitation. Tech companies only care about the user insofar as the user feels comfortable enough on their platform to provide them with data. In this way, the visual program is as neoliberal as Big Tech itself — thoughtful and considerate, yes, but only in a way that serves itself and maintains its power over its users.

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