MARCH 2019 1
TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF Eva-Delilah Wieland
ART CURATOR Channing Smith
DEPUTY EDITOR Cassie Hurwitz
PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Max Goldberg
ART DIRECTOR Lauren Chung WUD PRESIDENT Mills Botham WUD PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE DIRECTOR Fernanda Martinez Rodriguez WUD PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE ADVISOR Jen Farley ON THE COVER Reilly Koch by Saya Inoue SPECIAL THANKS August 414 State Street Madison, WI 53703
CREATIVE DIRECTORS Geordon Wollner Reilly Koch FASHION EDITOR Ashley Mackens LIFESTYLE EDITOR Molly Rapozo CULTURE EDITOR Haidee Chu ARTS EDITOR Naomi Gallagher SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING DIRECTOR Lindsey Young FINANCIAL DIRECTOR Maggie Brennan WEBMASTER Anna Soboleva
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STAFF WRITERS Allyson Konz Ariana King Gloria Requena Kate Lawless Katie Herrick Samaaya Jayamaha Isabella Bryne CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Olivia Stack Bhavini Persaud Bella Mandarino Angela Zhai MODELS Reilly Koch Samantha Krusic Gracie Comeau Alejandro Gonzรกlez Nathan Hahn Aileen Barretto Zoe Weisbrod ART Channing Smith Reilly Koch Angela Zhai PHOTOGRAPHY Saya Inoue Josh Redfearn Max Goldberg Jordan Biagomala
TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2019
LIFESTYLE
5 14 16 17 40
JUST RELAX
How to ground your pulse
THE LAW OF ATTRACTION What it is and how to practice
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18
URBAN LANDSCAPES
38
ARTERY GALLERY
The street art of EKG
The (heart) beat goes on
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
Switch up your routine with group fitness
FINDING PURPOSE
A recommitment to self-discovery
LIVING WITHOUT A PULSE
A broader look at depression and its meaning
CULTURE
19
ARTS
AN INSTANT SOCIETY
FEATURED
6 20 30
READY, SET, STYLE! OUTSIDE-IN, INSIDE-OUT UNDERCURRENT
The rundown on instant gratification
THE HEART OF THE AMERICAN IDENTITY How diversity unites us
FASHION
15
LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD
28
CHARGE IT UP
How the Law of Attraction relates to your style and attitudes
LED clothing for the ‘lit’ fashionista
MARCH 2019 3
LETTER FROM THE DEPUTY
Good Vibrations I’ve been thinking a lot about reluctance lately. Call it hesitation, apprehension or fear—but I’ve been reluctant about my impending graduation. I have never been a very bold person, often shying away from confrontation and overly bright lipstick as a means of protecting myself. I have moments of confidence, of course, but typically struggle with the desire to do something remarkable and the fear of making a fool of myself. Distancing myself from the possibility of uncomfortable moments, awkward situations and embarrassment, however, removes the chance to have a truly fantastic time. I’ve realized, as scared as I may be to try new experiences, that doing so is the only way to move forward. After much debate over the theme of this month’s issue, Moda’s Editorial Board landed on Pulse. As always, this idea resonated differently with everyone on staff. For some, pulse became literal— ways to both quicken and slow your heart rate, feeling as though you’re living without one and anatomical hearts—as well as figurative, translating to the law of attraction, LED clothing and the beat that defines different cities. This final topic hits particularly close to home for me as I navigate my last few months of college, which will end in a terrifying departure from Madison—the place I have called home the last four years. As a high school senior, I chose UW–Madison as my college of choice because I felt a connection to the city’s pulse from just one visit. Throughout my time here, Madison has provided me with lifelong friends, fantastic food and a top-notch education. Plus, of course, Moda. The bold choice to attend a Moda meeting during my freshman year, with nerves in my stomach and worry in my heart, set me on the path to my (not-so-)future career. As I rush to complete all the tasks on my Bucky list—one final UW Fashion Week, a few more pitchers on the Terrace and my last Jump Around during graduation—I do them as bravely as I can, knowing that I must fully utilize all the life, vitality and pulse Madison emulates. I’ll be learning a new city’s atmosphere soon, but Madison’s will always be a part of my identity. As you page through our March Monthly, I hope that pulse shines through—and that it helps remove one layer of reluctance from your heart. Cheers, Cassie
4 MODA Photo by Saya Inoue
LIFESTYLE
JUST RELAX BY OLIVIA STACK, CONTRIBUTING WRITER ILLUSTRATED BY CHANNING SMITH, ART CURATOR
There seems to be a common misconception that to attain a state of relaxation or Zen, we must go on some fancy yoga retreat in the far away mountains or to a fabulous spa to find the relaxation we desire. However, there are steps you can take to bring Zen into your everyday life.
may not know how to focus their thoughts without getting distracted by the music blasting through their roommates’ headphones—trust me, I’ve been there. Whether I choose to meditate formally or informally, I use the same basic three steps.
The three best ways to obtain an everlasting state of relaxation and positivity are to practice meditation regularly, focus on positive relationships and find what makes you truly happy.
Ever since taking my meditation class, I try to meditate once a day—this could be in a formal setting where I sit in silence and close my eyes, or it could be in an informal setting where I am mindful and aware of my surroundings while walking up Bascom Hill. A lot of the time, I use guided meditations that I find on YouTube. These are really helpful for beginners who
Now that you have a few moments every day to focus solely on you, the next step is to focus on your relationships with other people. It is very hard to ground your pulse and remain relaxed if the people you choose to let into your life stress you out or make you doubt yourself. Do some deep self-reflection by picking out the people who often make you sad or always want to tear you down instead of lift you up. Your happiness—as sad as it is—is very much dependent on the people in your life and how they make you feel. No one who makes you doubt your awesomeness is welcome to stay in your life. So, get rid of their asses and find someone better—someone who wants nothing but to love and support you. Why? Because you deserve it.
I know what most of you are probably thinking—mediation is only used by the biggest yogis out there and seems like it’s only made for certain people. I had this same perception my whole life—that is until I took a class that began and ended with a five-minute meditation. Since then, I realized what a big help meditation has been in slowing my pulse, calming my racing thoughts and, overall, grounding me on the basis of gratitude. So, where do you start? There are many practices, forms and techniques of meditation to explore. Speaking from a beginner’s perspective, I’ll share with you how I have experienced it so far, so that you can start your Zen journey right by my side. Just remember, meditation and mindfulness are processes—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
and exist, but then choose to let them go and maintain a clear and unpolluted mind.
1. Begin to focus your attention on your breath. Do not try to slow it down or speed it up, just focus on its natural state. 2. Then, begin to explore your surroundings. Start by focusing on how your chest lifts then falls as you breathe in and out. Alternatively, focus on the air on your face, arms and legs; or, do a scan of your whole body, one part at a time. 3. Lastly, clear your mind of any worries or reoccurring thoughts. Simply recognize that they are there
To bring this relaxation guide to an end, let’s talk about finding what makes you truly happy. You know that one thing you choose to do whenever you’re stressed with exams or are in a fight with a friend? Maybe it’s taking a bath with a Lush bath bomb, or watching Grey’s Anatomy for the third time, or going for a long run to calm your racing thoughts. Whatever it may be, find it, notice its importance to your happiness and choose to do it whenever you feel your pulse begin to race. In that moment, choose to put all other obligations aside and focus on you. All the techniques to maintain a happy and relaxed life are right in front of you. It may take time to integrate these acts of self-love into your life, but it is worth the wait. So, hold on tight, focus inward and enjoy the ride.
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re
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eady... set... style!
REILLY KOCH PHOTOGRAPHED BY SAYA INOUE DIRECTED BY EVA WIELAND, CASSIE HURWITZ AND LINDSEY YOUNG
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ATHLETIC WEAR IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH BORING COLORS AND STANDARD SILHOUETTES.
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KICK INTO HIGH GEAR BY CONTRASTING STRONG SHADES AND STRIKING PATTERNS— NO BLACK LEGGINGS REQUIRED. 10 MODA
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LIFESTYLE + FASHION
T HE LAW O F
ATTRACTION 14 MODA
W H AT IT IS & HOW TO PRACT I C E BY KATE LAWLESS, LIFESTYLE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ILLUSTRATED BY CHANNING SMITH, ART CURATOR The first time I heard about the Law of Attraction was in the 2013 movie, “The Bling Ring.” It was mentioned as part of a joke about Leslie Mann’s character who taught her children that by envisioning positive things, they could will them into existence. Because it was a joke, I didn’t think much about this idea of attracting things we want into our lives. Then I started seeing YouTube stars talk about the Law of Attraction. Amy Lee, Margot Lee, Sam Ozkural and Caitlin Bea all claim the Law of Attraction is part of achieving their success and happiness. It seemed like this worked for them, even if what they had “willed into existence” were Coachella tickets. I was inspired to look a little deeper into this so-called law.
can also be linked to Karma, which is the belief that people’s actions in previous lives shape their present existence. The Law of Attraction was first publicized in mainstream media by TV writer Rhonda Byrne’s novel “The Secret,” which was given major coverage by Oprah Winfrey. The title of the book refers to the Law of Attraction, which is described as the magnetic power of our thoughts.2 Simplified, the Law is that “like attracts like.”3 Theoretically, you should be able to magnetically attract whatever kind of thoughts you’re consistently practicing.
daily exercises to attract your dream life. These exercises include being grateful, meditating, doing random acts of kindness and using positive statements and affirmations when talking about yourself and your goals.4 After doing this research, the Law of Attraction doesn’t seem all that far-fetched anymore. It’s simple and stems from a long spiritual tradition that preaches kindness to others and self-love. It expresses values of selfdetermination and self-sufficiency because the law implies that your mindset is responsible for what happens in your life.
The Law of Attraction is “the ability to attract into our lives whatever we are focusing on.”1 The idea stems from Buddha’s teaching, “what you have become is what you thought.” This
It’s actually really simple and not nearly as mystical or strange as “The Bling Ring” made it out to be. The official website of the Law recommends practicing simple,
The Law of Attraction can also be understood as the idea that positive thinking and staying focused on your goals can lead to achieving whatever you’ve put your mind to. Coupled with hard work, the Law of Attraction can be an amazing form of self-discipline and self-love that could yield awesome, positive change in your life.
1 “What Is The Law Of Attraction? And How To Use It Effectively,” The Law Of Attraction, July 8, 2012
2 “Law of Attraction,” Thesecret.tv 3 Ibid
4 Katherine Hurst, “30 Law of Attraction Exercises To Help You Manifest More (With Examples),” The Law Of Attraction, January 16, 2019.
So how does it actually work? How can we begin using the Law of Attraction?
FASHIO N ’S TAK E : LO O K G O O D, FEE L GO O D BY ISABELLA BYRNE, FASHION STAFF WRITER Let’s bring the Law of Attraction into your closet. It’s time for spring cleaning—get rid of the clothes that no longer make you feel good. Wearing something that makes you feel unhappy won’t bring any good feelings into your life. Whether it’s that shirt with holes you’ve been resistant to toss for years or a pair of jeans that don’t fit right—it’s time to let it go. Practice gratitude by saying thank you to the happiness that it once
brought, then move onto better things. In fact, bring these clothes to your nearest Goodwill to lift the spirits of someone else. Think about what you want to bring into your life, starting with how you feel walking out the door in the morning. Confidence is everything. Clothes that help you feel like your best self will allow you to exude that confidence in various aspects of your life, particularly with work and relationships. If you’ve made
progress and can allow yourself to splurge a little bit, treat yourself to something nice. If it puts a smile on your face, bring it into your life and wear it with confidence. When you feel good, you do good in your life. Remember to practice gratitude with the things that once made you happy, and focus on what you want to bring into your life. The power of positive thinking can change you. After all, you attract the vibes that you give off!
MARCH 2019 15
LIFESTYLE
LET’S GET
Physical SWITCH UP YOUR ROUTINE WITH GROUP FITNESS
BY BHAVINI PERSAUD, CONTRIBUTING WRITER ILLUSTRATED BY REILLY KOCH
Sometimes the motivation to work out just isn’t there—going to the gym is hard enough, and can be even harder when you’re alone and responsible for your own work. Enter: group fitness. Group fitness is an engaging way to try a new workout with friends and get motivated with your peers.
group fitness has the perfect classes to get your heart rate up. Classic highintensity cardio classes, or HIIT, focus on combining muscle conditioning with that cardio component. The Tabata classes make use of HIIT intervals while also placing a heavy focus on core work.
The only thing you really need to sweat about is the workout—UW–Madison’s Natatorium offers a variety of classes for a $5 drop-in or $30 full semester fee, so it’s cheap compared to other gyms and is right on campus. There are 11 classes to choose from—ranging from Group Strength to Tabata to Zumba— so you’ll never get bored with a class.
Typical strength training can be found in the group strength class and Train 360, where instructors will lead you through various workouts. Yoga Strength also utilizes weights, but in conjunction with yoga poses.
If cycling is your jam, there are a few variations. One option is classic cycling—biking on a stationary bike to music. You can also choose Rhythm Ride, which is similar to classic cycling but focuses more on following the beats of the music you’re biking along to. Maybe you love high-intensity—
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out of the typical workout rut. Or, jump in the pool! Deep Water is a cardio and muscular conditioning class that is lowimpact, so not as taxing on the body. I’ve tried both the Powerflow class and the cycling class, and they were fantastic. Each class had a good flow to them—they began by easing you into the workout, ramping up the intensity and then giving a proper cool-down at the end.
Powerflow pulls from other forms of exercise—in this case, Pilates— and adds it to yoga for a boosted experience. If you love traditional yoga, there’s a class for that, as well.
Sometimes the class is hard to follow, as they don’t always go in-depth into poses or exercises, but that’s the beauty of group fitness! Look around the classroom and you’ll see several people modeling the workout for you. Everyone is your teacher and provides great motivation.
If you’re looking for something a little fiesty, try Zumba! A dance class— although, no experience in dance is needed—to awesome music from all over the world is a great way to break
Utilize the awesome resource that is group fitness—it’s cheaper than most gyms and is a great way to switch up your workout routine when you get in a rut or need a little bit of a push.
LIFESTYLE
finding P U R P OS E BY BELLA MANDARINO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER ILLUSTRATED BY CHANNING SMITH, ART CURATOR
When I was in elementary school, one of my teachers told me to put my hand over my heart. I was instructed to feel it pump, acknowledging its tireless effort to keep my body alive. She told me that the pulsing feeling in my hand was my purpose. Every day, when we wake up and still feel that strong, consistent pulse running through our bodies, we know we have a purpose.
part of everything. I searched all over campus for whatever made my heart race with excitement.
College is the time in life where real responsibilities are minimal and freedom is exponential. It’s a time to explore the world beyond our hometown bubbles, to soak up knowledge and to embark on adrenalinefilled adventures. But most importantly, it is a time to figure out our purpose.
One year ago, I couldn’t have told you I would be where am I today. This year, I quit two of the organizations that I thought were a part of my purpose here at UW. And the truth is, they were. If I hadn’t joined those clubs, I would not have gained knowledge from those new experiences. More importantly, they helped me realize that I was not spending time with my passions.
Throughout these years, we try to discover who we are and what we are meant to do with our lives. When I began college, I knew that I would need to start figuring out what I wanted to do in the “real world,” now that I would soon be entering it. Within the first few months, I changed my major three times, joined— and quit—multiple clubs and already made—and lost—friends. I felt such an intense pressure to know who I was meant to be that I tried to be a
Finding your purpose doesn’t happen in an instant. It won’t magically dawn upon you once you step into college or the “real” world. Finding your purpose comes slowly; more information is revealed about you the more you explore your life. It takes new experiences, meeting new people and learning more about yourself and others to discover your place—and what makes you feel alive. And that place is not static.
Now, I look back on the beginning of my journey and realize how I tried to wring purpose out of an 18-year-old who knew nothing about the world.
This year I have decided to dig inside myself to find my real passions and dedicate time to them. Every day we will find more places where we see ourselves—as long as we look. We discover what our passions are, what we love and what gives the beat of our heart meaning.
MARCH 2019 17
ARTS
URBAN LANDSCAPES THE STREET ART OF EKG BY SAMAAYA JAYAMAHA, ARTS STAFF WRITER
Street art is no stranger to Manhattan’s vast landscape of skyscrapers, warehouses and hidden alleys. Since the height of the American graffiti movement in the 1980s—when big names such as Keith Haring and Jean Michel Basquiat reigned—street art has become a vital characteristic of multiple cities, pulsing across the landscape and providing cities with a definitive lifeline. The art of graffiti isn’t just limited to the states. Cities across the world boast their own lists of cryptically named, often anonymous artists. Most are probably aware of famous contemporary artists such as Banksy and Shepard Fairey, who have been sharing their iconic images with the world, but there is a boundless network of unknown street artists supplying new ideas and energy to the street art scene. In particular, the New York based artist who works under the pseudonym EKG has actively contributed to the array of urban scrawl for over a decade. Because graffiti is illegal, EKG remains anonymous along with many other street artists. Although it may be initially difficult to notice his neon
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orange linework between the other sketches and scribbles strewn across the Big Apple, people gradually began to take notice of his distinctive zigzagging EKG symbol. In an interview conducted during his Brooklyn Pandemic gallery showing in 2013, EKG shared his reasoning and attraction to the particular symbols utilized in his pieces. “As a younger artist, I made attempts to go to the darkest places for inspiration,” the artist stated. “At a certain point, though, when I was dealing with a bad depression, I decided to try to expel all the negativity, violence, sex and profanity from my work. While researching new motifs and subject matter, I found science to be the most rewarding and uplifting.” In closer examination of his work, this attraction to science is exceedingly evident; illustrations of astronauts float between vast scribbles of atoms, mathematical symbols and numbers. EKG has also stated that pop art innovator Keith Haring was one of his biggest influences, but he initially refrained from sharing this fact in fear of someone accusing him of stealing concepts from Haring’s
pieces, particularly the floating atom. Now, however, EKG is upfront about this influence. “He had a worldwide popularity that stems from the warmth and accessibility of his icons,” EKG said regarding Haring, “but he was also brilliant at creating multilayered and mystifying compositions. As a matter of fact, it feels good to be able to celebrate his genius.” In an era where sleek, clean developments in urban architecture and landscape are deemed as preferable and superior, there is an inclined sense of importance and significance when observing the gritty, raw essence of street art. There is a sense of authenticity that is unattainable in any other form. The sharp orange marks of EKG’s work are organic and provide NYC with personality, but variations and plays on his designs can be implemented in other cities and have contrasting, unique effects. EKG’s work is versatile in its function and storytelling. In combination with the unending layers of other graffiti added over time, the street art tells a thrilling narrative of different cities and the electrifying artistic pulse that keeps them alive.
CULTURE
AN INSTANT SOCIETY BY ALLYSON KONZ, CULTURE STAFF WRITER ILLUSTRATED BY CHANNING SMITH, ART CURATOR I am no stranger to buyer’s remorse. In fact, we go way back. I could be wandering through a store and the next thing I know, I’m at the register with the blouse from the front of the store that I have to own. I buy it, take it home and realize I don’t really want it anymore—I only bought the shirt because I wanted it in that very instant. The impulse had overtaken me. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has felt like this. Immediate gratification disguises itself in all sorts of ways, anywhere from the way we consume media to the covert marketing techniques companies use to get us to buy that blouse. It has created a cultural shift in Americans’ expectations and levels of patience, especially among Generation Z. The microwave, believe it or not, is one of the culprits behind instant gratification. The ability to make food within a matter of minutes changed not only the way we eat but also the way we consume media, perceive the world and form expectations.1 Our parents’ generations had fast food and technological transformations like the microwave; the millenials had fast entertainment. Both have prepared Gen Z to command the digital world at the tips of their fingers.2
further engage the audience and to keep them hooked. There’s psychology behind this. Dopamine is a chemical our brain produces to reward satisfactory behaviors; meeting social expectations is among these behaviors.3 Smartphones help trigger this social stimuli. The anticipation of a notification and receiving texts from a friend can both release dopamine, which in turn motivates users to continue checking their phones.4 The same logic follows with posting an Instagram picture in hopes of getting likes and comments of praise. The lure of instant gratification exists not just in our phones, however. After all, appealing to instant gratification is a great marketing strategy. Uber capitalizes on our impatience when we could very well take the bus, just as food delivery apps appeal to our desire for convenience when we could very well go pick up take-out ourselves. And think about shopping. There are one-day sales that you “can’t miss” or insider deals that pressure us to buy products; Amazon Prime offers two-day guaranteed shipping because we feel that buying something that will arrive quickly is a form of congratulating ourselves.
For one, apps and media platforms started using push notifications to
Adweek writer Simon Pugh calls this marketing technique the “instant gratification inflection point,” the point at which consumers can order anything, anywhere and expect it to come as quickly as possible. We tend to overconsume as a result because we believe this accessibility could bring us joy, even if it doesn’t.
1 Jessie Cavolt et al, “The Microwave,” History of Tech. 2 “An (in)convenient Truth: Gen Z and the Culture of Instant Gratification,” Sapho.
3 Trevor Haynes, “Dopamine, Smartphones & You: A Battle for Your Time,” Science in the News. February 27, 2019. 4 Ibid
Needless to say, technology and the internet have changed the way we consume information; consumers are adapting new media habits platforms actively encourage.
When it does, we are rewarded for our expectations. When our expectations fall short of reality, it can leave feelings of anxiety and stress. Lack of self-control and short attention spans are just some of the results of a world full of instant gratification devices. On average, Generation Z has an attention span of 8.25 seconds— that’s roughly equivalent to that of a goldfish.5 This makes sense why Twitter videos and Vines can be short yet just as engaging, if not more, than a longer video. It’s easier to get to the punch than wait around. A fast paced society doesn’t call for slow delivery. While instant gratification isn’t inherently bad—it allows for traits such as independence, self-motivation and personal responsibility—there are a few ways to slow it down. Practicing mediation, self-control and minimalism are a few ways to restrain the impulse of overworking yourself and buying things that you really may not need. Next time you’re online shopping or fighting an uncontrollable craving for Trader Joe’s Dark Peanut Butter Cups, take a moment to recognize the impulse that is driving these desires. Practicing self-reflection is a great way to start noticing how instant gratification affects you and your daily habits. And of course, if you still want to eat those Peanut Butter Cups after thinking about it, do it. 5 Ibid
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O UTSI DE- I N , I NS I DE- OUT
Teased by an oscillating winter, we cra perfect for the milder weather to com around th 20 MODA
SAMANTHA KRUSIC PHOTOG DIRECTED BY ASHLEY MA
T
ave a spring’s pulse. These jackets are me, but for now you can just wear them he house.
GRAPHED BY JOSH REDFEARN ACKENS, FASHION EDITOR
MARCH 2019 21
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CULTURE
The of the
Am e r i c a n Identity BY ARIANA KING, CULTURE STAFF WRITER
Since its beginnings, the United States has projected itself as a champion of freedom, liberty and equal opportunity. It makes the generous promise of class mobility in the form of the American Dream. Generation after generation, Americans have been indoctrinated with these lofty ideals, but do our most cherished principles truly make up the blood that pumps America’s heart? The answer depends on who you ask. Most Americans would probably
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agree that freedom, liberty and equal opportunity are American ideals. But the reality of these ideals is different for everyone. Often, mechanisms for social stratification such as class, race, disability/ability, sexuality, gender identity and ethnicity affect how people experience and conceptualize what it means to be American. Other times, our experiences differ by region. Since the Civil War, Southern and Northern cultures have sought to distinguish themselves from the other.
Even within these two sub-groups, each state has certain character traits of its own. After all, no one outside of Wisconsin calls a water fountain a bubbler. Given the heterogeneous nature of our “united” nation, it may be difficult to find something that ties Americans together. However, the one American cliché I didn’t mention is America’s reputation as a “melting pot.” Since its first days as a British colony, the United States has been a safe haven
for immigrants. Admittedly, not all Americans have ancestors that immigrated here, but each and every American life has been affected by immigrants—the millions of individuals who left their homeland to seek out a new life. This desire and will to start a new life in a foreign land, some argue, lies at the heart of what it means to be American. However, there are differences in whether this fierce determination to chase after one’s dreams in a foreign land is negative or positive. Leslie Bow, UW English and Asian American studies professor, says while many call this attitude “the frontier spirit” and view “conquest as positive,” some also believe in “the frontier myth” and view “conquest as violent.” “Academics have long talked about the frontier myth as driving ideas of American identity,” Bow adds. “Richard Slotkin, a US historian known for this concept [of] ‘regeneration through violence’ suggests conquest became the hallmark of settler colonialism. Asian American author Bharati Mukherjee appropriates that notion for recent immigrants, suggesting that being ‘American’ denotes a specific set of character traits: ambitious, greedy with hope, willing to leave others and the past behind.”
arrive in the United States does not mean they are not influenced by their customs, traditions and experiences of their past. The question of assimilation is still a struggle for many immigrants. For American citizens of color, the dichotomy between the dominant culture and their individual culture can evoke identity crises—both external and internal. Defining your own identity is hard enough when you’re caught between two cultures, but it’s even more difficult when people draw conclusions about you based on preconceived beliefs. The challenge can be particularly daunting for children of immigrants because the further removed they are from their cultural heritage, the more Americanized they are perceived by others.
“ IN ADDITION TO BEING AMERICAN, EACH INDIVIDUAL BELONGS TO OTHER IDENTIFYING GROUPS THAT DISTINGUISH THEIR AMERICAN EXPERIENCE FROM THAT OF THEIR PEERS. ”
In “Two Ways to Belong in America,” Mukherjee contrasts the different ways she and her sister adjusted to life in the U.S: “America spoke to me—I married it—I embraced the demotion from expatriate aristocrat to immigrant nobody, surrendering those thousands of years of ‘pure culture,’ the saris, the delightfully accented English. She [Mukherjee’s sister] retained them all. Which of us is the freak?”1 While glamorous at first glance, Mukherjee’s glorification of assimilation as the defining aspect of a “true” American character only diminishes the significance of immigration in 1 Bharati Mukherjee, “Two Ways to Belong in America,” (New York, NY: New York Times, 1996), 272-275.
this country. By defining the “heart” of American as assimilating to the dominant culture, Mukherjee ignores how immigrants have historically influenced how we conceptualize different intersectionalities of identity, the existence of subsets of American culture and American culture itself. Take Wisconsin state culture, for example. If a large German population didn’t settle in Milwaukee, Wisconsin wouldn’t be famous for its beer.2 But no culture is a static entity.3 Assimilation into American culture looked a lot different 20 years ago than it does today; behaviors and attitudes that
render someone “American” in one era may render someone foreign 15 years later.4 That said, “complete” assimilation is not possible because there is no uniform definition of a “normal” American. In addition to being American, each individual belongs to other identifying groups that distinguish their American experience from that of their peers. For one, immigrants can both identify as American and a member of their nation of origin. Just because immigrants 2 Ronald Machoian, “Lesson 7: Strategic theorists and their address of strategic culture” (lecture, International Studies 401 course at UW-Madison, Madison, WI, February 14, 2019). 3 Ronald Machoian, “Lesson 5: The ‘West and Anti-West,’ a reality or product of imagination?” (lecture, International Studies 401 course at UW-Madison, Madison, WI, February 5, 2019). 4 Ibid.
This generational gap could insert new meanings to the legacy of American frontier spirit. Immigrant parents braved the unknowns for a new life; but their children, brought up within an American cultural context, may not inherit the “frontier spirit” from their parents. Even if the “frontier spirit” survives through generations, the idea that immigrant groups are united around a uniform set of attitudes or beliefs is misleading because there are major differences in how immigrants experience life in America—they carry identities other than being an immigrant. There is no universal definition nor way of personifying the so-called frontier spirit because the diverse nature of immigrant groups informs different ways of conceptualizing the idea.
While interpretations of the frontier spirit may differ, we are all united by the belief in the American spirit, the American dream—whatever our own interpretations may be. Even as individuals, together we make up the blood that pumps through our nation’s heart—a nation fundamentally founded on diversity and diverse interpretations on what makes each of us American.
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FASHION
Fashion is known for constantly bringing up the wildest trends and showcasing them in creative ways on the runway. The latest innovation arises from the intersection of technology and clothing, which merge to create a bold, modern look with LED outfits. While this type of clothing was initially designed for performers and celebrities, many companies are bringing the idea of LED-enhanced clothes into more attainable markets, allowing the average consumer to get their hands on their own technologically advanced piece.1 The futuristic fashion design brand CuteCircuit is the favorite LED clothing line among Hollywood stars. Being pioneers in the field of wearable technology, its co-founders view clothing as “an intelligent second skin enabling the wearers to connect with each other in a more intuitive and intimate manner.”2 Katy Perry was the first celebrity to pull off one of their designs at the 2010 Met Gala, where she wore a one-shoulder, pale pink and white gown lined with colorful, flashing rope lights.3 After that undeniable success, the company decided to go over the top by dipping into the world of digital apparel, designing the firsttime-ever high-couture digital dress for Nicole Scherzinger, which would display real time tweets during her live performance.
CHA R G E IT UP BY GLORIA REQUENA, FASHION EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GRACIE COMEAU AND ALEJANDRO GONZÁLEZ PHOTOGRAPHED BY JORDAN BIAGOMALA 28 MODA
The company’s next big move involves clothes which change their light and color based on the wearer’s movement. The idea behind this innovation is to encourage the owner of the piece to move more and showcase the different available colors. Seen from a workout perspective, we might be witnessing the next revolution in exercise. The New York-based company Switch Embassy aims for a more affordable set of digital apparel options. Their interest in displaying electronic apparel with cutting edge smart fabrics and textiles led to the creation of the TshirtOS project, which is projected to make a huge statement 1 Lulu Chang, “LED clothing may be the next big fashion statement,” digitaltrends.com, June 15th 2015. 2 “Biography,” cutecircuit.com 3 “Katy Perry Met Costume Institute Gala 2010: Flashing Lights,” The Huffington Post.
in tech fashion.4 This state-of-theart piece allows you to broadcast whatever message you want on your shirt, spelling out emotions across your chest. If you are searching for a unique way to express yourself, LED clothing could be the way to go. When it comes to accessories, what better way to stand out than placing flashing lights all around your body? That’s exactly how the company FlashingBlinkingLights was started! Their mission is to offer a wide variety of inexpensive items to light up any space or outfit you could possibly think of. The founders of the company realized that LED lights were the perfect party detail. Not only were they an attention-grabber, but the blinky lights made people smile—the main goal of FBL.5 Believe it or not, there is continuous work being done to make lightemitting diodes wearable. The future of LED fashion finally seems brighter and virtually limitless. As this technology evolves and becomes more readily available, we can expect illuminated clothing to be a staple in our night-out outfits. We are ready for high-tech fashion! 4 “Biography,” switchembassy.com 5 “Our story,” flashingblinkinglights.com
I I I UNDER CURRENT I CREATIVE DIRECTION BY REILLY KOCH, GEORDON WOLLNER AND MARIA DAYNEKO ART DIRECTION BY REILLY KOCH
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NATHAN HAHN AND AILEEN BARRETTO PHOTOGRAPHED BY JORDAN BIAGOMALA
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LIFESTYLE
G A L L E R Y
A R T E R Y WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY ANGELA ZHAI, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Sometimes it can feel like our hearts are jumbled masses of floating tissue—so disorganized that it’s a wonder they continue pushing life through our bodies. Like a collage made of magazine and newspaper clippings, they seem fragile and messy, held together by a thin layer of glue but easily ripped apart at any given moment. Other days, it can be easy to forget that they’re even there
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as the hours pass in a blur of color and sound—your heart a spectator amongst utter commotion.
joy outward, bathing indulgently in moments of delectable happiness that seem endless.
And yet in other moments, our hearts practically exude energy, pouring out emotion in different forms: laughs, kisses, lines of poetry, strokes of paint, jumps and twirls alone in our rooms while blasting music. It feels like we are radiating light, pulsating
Sometimes our hearts shatter, and we’re so broken it feels hard to breathe. Instead of happiness, we radiate pain. But slowly and surely, the parts are glued back together. Our hearts beat steadily on.
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LIVING WITHOUT A
pulse
BY KATIE HERRICK, LIFESTYLE STAFF WRITER ZOE WEISBROD PHOTOGRAPHED BY MAX GOLDBERG, PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR
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I like to describe depression as a pit. Some days you’re climbing up out of the pit and the light is so close. Other days you slip and fall and you’re in the very bottom of the pit, a place where everything seems dark and anything happy seems miles away. Some days I feel like a zombie. I don’t feel any emotion at all; I physically cannot. You can tell me something horrible and I know I should feel bad but I will feel nothing, no matter how hard I try. Other days I feel everything. Happy, sad, angry. Just breathing and existing makes me want to cry. One minor inconvenience will happen and suddenly I’m insanely and uncontrollably sad. This might seem confusing for people who don’t understand depression. Some days you can’t “just get out of bed.”
Some days you can’t eat, sleep or talk without feeling an immense amount of unexplainable pain. These days, however, do not mean that there aren’t days where the only pain you feel is from smiling too hard. Everything is seemingly perfect and you can’t imagine being happier. The existence of bad days doesn’t mean that there can be no good days or that there will be no good days. No “happy” person is always happy, no sick person is always sick; you can’t have completely polar days without feeling the opposite as well. When I was first struggling with my depression I rationalized my illness away by telling myself that because I had good days and because I was able
to be happy I couldn’t really need help that badly. Who cares if my lows were so incredibly low? I had good days too. I felt that to even think I wasn’t okay was discrediting other people who had it worse. Other people had more bad days than me. I shouldn’t get help for only some bad days, I needed to have all bad days.
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I felt that I had to “earn” my depression. I needed to be suicidal all the time in order to “deserve” medication or therapy or any help at all. I thought that I was only allowed bad days. You can’t really have depression if you went to a party last Friday and had fun. The reality is: illness affects everyone differently. Think of depression like the flu. When you’re sick you may need to puke three times a day. Your friend with the same strain of flu may not puke at all. There is no standard amount of pain you will feel, just like there is no standard amount of happiness you will feel. No one made a rulebook for depression or anxiety. We don’t know what is coming tomorrow or the next year or even in the next hour. Support yourself or your friends who need a day off; support yourself or your friends who are having a great day. You would never ridicule someone with a broken leg for needing to stay home. Not everyone can, or will, understand your mental illness—sometimes, not even you. Every day is different and every day is new. The only thing you can do is continue to fight. Fight to be happy, fight the guilt you may feel while being happy and fight to understand yourself and your needs. Understanding that depression doesn’t define a person, that it does not need to affect all of life’s decisions is an important step in understanding what depression really is. Some days you’re living without a pulse. Other days you are the pulse: living, breathing and making the most of every opportunity and minute. There is nothing wrong with that.
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