Nova: November 2019 Issue

EDITOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2019

LIFESTYLE

KEEP CALM & (PACK YOUR) CARRY ON

Must-have items for air travel

IT’S JUST MY FACE

The stigmitaization behind RBF

GLOW FROM WITHIN

Boost your confidence by caring for your skin

BEAUTIFULLY LONELY

Becoming comfortable with being alone

NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY

Embrace nostalgia this November

SEE THE SIGNS, SUPPORT THE CHANGE

How to support a friend in a toxic relationship

WHEN I GROW UP

Coming-of-age stories don’t properly capture the messy reality of growing up

ARTS

WOMEN OF THE FRESHMAN XXL

How the emerging women of the rap industry exhibit ultimate star power

LENS FLARES IN CINEMA

Hollywood’s love for flashy films

FEATURED

SUPERSONIC THE SWAN SONG

CULTURE

WE SHOULD SEE OTHER PEOPLE

And by other people I mean therapists — Quartz won’t cure your depression

GROUND YOURSELF IN THE SKY Guide to acing long-distance flights

STAR-CROSSED LOVERS: FACT OR FICTION

Do soulmates exist? Or is attraction just a chemical reaction?

CONSPIRACY THEORY GUIDEBOOK

We all known the moon landing was fake — let’s dig deep into some other popular conspiracies

LOST IN SPACE

Honoring those that have been overlooked in the history of space exploration

REBIRTH? NEVER HEARD OF HER

We must hold companies responsible for their controversial actions

ART ED, REVITALIZED

The importance of valuing and funding arts education for our students, schools and communities

FASHION

THE BEST BRA FOR YOUR BUST

Moda’s guide to findding the most inclusive, diverse bra brands

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FASHION STUDENT

Following a student in UW’s fashion design program

MADHAPPY

The explosion of two optimistic fashion designers

SUDDEN brightness a

Dear Readers,

Typically, our November issues tend to center around the idea of gratitude and thankfulness — that specific type of warmth that can only be associated with returning back to our homes before winter fully settles in. This year, we wanted to do something different — something new.

By definition, Nova describes the process of “a star showing a sudden large increase in brightness, and then slowly returning to its original state over a few months.” We wanted to hone in on this visual of a sudden brightness; the idea of something entirely new bursting into our atmosphere—our lives—and captivating us all.

I asked our staff to look into their own lives and seek areas that touch upon rebirth, fate, energy, revitalization or anything that begins dark and turns to light. What is shiny and new, and why is it that way? What’s important right now? What aren’t we paying attention to that we should be?

Our Culture Editor, Katie Herrick, discussed why so many are so quick to turn to crystals and alternative self-help methods rather than therapy; why seeking professional help should no longer feel like a weakness, but a strength. Our Lifestyle Editor, Kate Lawless, compared traditional coming-of-age stories that we know and love to the messy, nonlinear and (certainly not perfect) reality of growing up. Culture Writer Alexandria Millet calls for a rebirth of arts programs in schools, discussing their importance in developing skills that can be cross-utilized in various facets of our educational, professional and personal endeavors.

With ‘Nova,’ we wanted to not only discuss these new elements and pressing questions in our lives but challenge them. In this issue we not only talk about being alone but why that’s important for inner growth and maturity; not only where the idea of soulmates came from but why they don’t have to be exclusively romantic; not only trending brands in the industry but those that push boundaries in addressing and supporting mental health.

This is not to say that there isn’t value in taking the time to reflect on all that’s around you this month. But, afterall, selfreflection is a form of self-growth for a reason. Use the power of nostalgia to not only transport you back in time but as a blueprint for the future. There exists a certain power and enlightenment in looking towards the new and mysterious, the unknown and the impossible—the omniscient. Use this as fuel for not only embracing what the universe can newly manifest but as fuel to take matters into your own hand— to create the new, the change and the excitement that our society needs and that you dream of.

Cheers,

KEEP CALM & PACK YOUR CARRY-ON

MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR AIR TRAVEL

By Kylie Wagner, Contributing Writer Illustrated by Keely Bradish

Will you be traveling home over the holidays? Do you have an exciting trip planned for winter break? Whether flying domestic or internationally, here are some in-flight essentials that will make for a pleasant travel experience.

Sanitizing Wipes

If you are a germaphobe, or simply do not want to get sick, it may give you some peace of mind to wipe down your seat and tray table before getting comfortable. According to Time, these are actually two of the dirtiest places on a plane and can contain virus-harboring bacteria including cold viruses, human parainfluenza viruses and norovirus.1 They are rarely cleaned unless a previous passenger wiped them down beforehand. If you think about it, passengers from all over the world are using these planes all day, every day, not thinking about wiping it down for the next traveler.

Gum

If you know, you know. You just cannot fly without a pack of gum. Nothing is worse than when pressure builds up in your ears and you just can’t get them to pop.

Snacks

Buying food at the airport can be extremely expensive. Save your money (and time) by picking up your favorite snacks at the grocery store before your trip. A lot of people do not realize that you can actually pack a container of fruits and vegetables from home. This is an easy, healthy option that will help you use up the last of your perishables before your trip. Most airports require travelers to put their food items in a separate bin when going through

1 Zorthian, Julia. “5 of the Filthiest Places to Avoid on Airplanes”. Time (2017).

security, so it is best to have food in a container or resealable bag to ensure there is no contamination.

Reusable Water Bottle

The great thing about a reusable water bottle is that not only will your water will stay cold for the whole flight, but you can also use your water bottle throughout the remainder of your trip. Just make sure you are careful when opening your water bottle mid-flight because the pressure can build up and cause water to spray everywhere if you do not release it before taking a drink. It is so important to stay hydrated when on the ground, but even more so when in the air. The low humidity levels in the cabin are the primary reason why it is so easy to become dehydrated while on a plane, especially on longer flights.

Noise Canceling Headphones

Whether you are planning to listen to music or podcasts, watch a movie or take a nap, you need headphones that are going to block out the noise. Airplane engines are loud (and so are other passengers) and often make it nearly impossible for you to hear through airplane-provided earbuds. Noise-canceling headphones play an essential role in drowning out this noise to get some sleep.

Melatonin

Goodnight

If you are flying internationally, you may want to bring melatonin, especially if there is a major time difference. When traveling, your circadian rhythm can get thrown off schedule. Taking extra melatonin sends a signal to your body that it is time to sleep, which is helpful when you are out of your normal routine.2 It may also aid in combating

2 “Melatonin and Sleep”. National Sleep Founda tion (2019).

jet lag during your trip. Olly is a great brand that offers melatonin in gummy form and is available at Target, Amazon and CVS.

Electronics & Chargers

Whether it’s a phone, tablet or laptop, have at least one device you can download music, movies and games to before your flight. Digitally download your books and magazines to save space in your carry-on. DO NOT forget chargers for whichever electronics you decide to take so you may use them for your trip and the flight home. Make sure to bring a portable charger as well because, shockingly, not all planes have outlets for passengers’ devices.

Sunscreen

Most people do not realize that you are actually supposed to wear sunscreen when you fly. Dr. Marisa Garshick told Travel + Leisure that “UV rays don’t have to travel as far to cause damage and can be much more intense at higher altitudes.”3 Lather up with your favorite SPF before taking off!

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Medications

Always pack your medications in your carry-on. You do not want to risk losing them and having to panic in a new city or country when you land. Plus, throwing in things like Advil for general headaches and injuries, as well as Dramamine for any sort of motion sickness, might be helpful for the remainder of your travels.

While exciting, air travel can be stressful and hard on your body. Not only will these items make for a more comfortable travel experience, but some give you the best chance of staying healthy while on-the-go. ·

3 Fisher, Claudia. “Why You Should Bring Sun screen on Every Flight You Take”. Travel + Leisure (2018).

WE SHOULD SEE OTHER PEOPLE

AND BY OTHER PEOPLE I MEAN THERAPISTS—QUARTZ WON’T CURE YOUR DEPRESSION

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

We all know that one person. They heal themselves with crystals, they don’t believe in vaccines and their house always smells like essential oils and weed.

Now, it is none of my business how other people live their lives—something I live by—unless, of course, their actions affect others. While this may seem like harmless behavior (aside from the vaccines—vaccinate your fucking kids), there is a lot more to it than what it appears to be at the surface.

Essential oils and crystals aren’t the cure-all for your problems. They’re not going to make everything better. Gardening, meditating, drinking more water and eating three meals a day may help your basic health, but they will never magically make your depression go away. They are not, and never will be, permanent solutions to real long-term mental health issues.1

As a society, it seems as if we are so obsessed with healing ourselves in every way except going to see a real medical professional. Obviously, caring for mental health varies person-toperson—my roommate likes to run when she is feeling upset, something that would most definitely put me in a worse mood.

1 Heid, Markham. “You Asked: Do Healing Crystals Actually Work?” Time. Time, October 5, 2017.

Accessed November 2, 2019.

Why do we do everything to care for our mental health except what is sometimes the best and most effective option? Why is therapy such a loaded topic? Why are we so hesitant to take recommended and prescribed medication for psychological pain?

Cue the crystals. Crystals are relatively free, easy to find and “work” on the first try. It is believed that holding or placing crystals on your body allows them to interact with your energy fields, or chakras, promoting emotional, spiritual and physical healing.2

Yes, this is great in theory, but various scientific studies have proven that the only positive effect crystal healing actually has is the placebo effect. Users believe it will work, therefore, their body unconsciously adjusts to make it work. Furthermore, when users are told what effects crystals can have before trying them, they are more likely to report feeling those sensations.3 So, technically, there is an effect, but only if you wholeheartedly believe in their “powers” and your body is feeling cooperative.

So, instead of doing the hard thing, we hide behind the idea that taking St. John’s wort every day or carrying three different crystals will make a difference, despite multiple studies

2 Ibid.

3 Ibid.

proving it won’t.4 While it was both shocking and humorous to type in “ways to cure your depression” on Google and find that the next three recommended searches were “at home,” “naturally” and “by yourself,” it was also really, really concerning.

Feeling lesser, or being viewed as lesser, because of mental illness is a stigma that is very present in our society. This stigma is constantly in conversation— “stop shaming others,” “there’s nothing wrong with getting help,” “don’t be ashamed”—but other than constantly being criticized, the stigma isn’t really budging. We all want to heal ourselves on our own, to be happy without relying on someone else. As a human race, we have always championed strength, and seeing a doctor would appear to be admitting weakness.

Herein is where the irony lies: seeing a doctor is the opposite of a sign of weakness. I wholeheartedly believe that almost every single person on 4 Nall, Rachel. “6 Herbs and Supplements for De pression.” Edited by Debra Rose Wilson. Health line.com. Healthline Media, August 7, 2017.

this earth would benefit from therapy—some problems are too big for your friends to try to listen to and solve. Your friends won’t—and, frankly, can’t— have all the answers, advice or right thing to say all the time, nor should they have to.

Despite my belief that everyone should see a therapist, I also wholeheartedly believe that most people never will. Opening up can be scary—I get that —but the real reason we are all so scared of therapy is because of what it implies. It is a lot easier to charge your crystals in the sun and have everyone think you are a “hippie” than it is to start seeing a therapist and have everyone think you are “crazy.”

Pride isn’t the only factor at play though—we must also recognize that therapy, psychiatrists and medication are not affordable options for most people. Therapy is expensive, waiting times are long and it cane take several tries to find the right therapist.

I would understand if it was lowincome communities and individuals being forced into alternative, lesseffective methods, but we all know this isn’t the case for the majority of crystal users. When I described the person in the first paragraph, did you think of someone white? I did.

Why do privileged white people use crystals and refuse to vaccinate their kids? They are ones that can actually afford the therapy, treatments and medications. Yet, Karen from your hometown does nothing but share articles on Facebook about every other way to solve depression but seeing a health professional.

I know I said it isn’t my business how other people live their lives, but insinuating that the “real solution” to depression and anxiety is to just “smile more” is disrespectful to every individual with suicidal ideation, fighting every day to just wake up and leave bed. Everyone’s relationship with depression is different and not everyone can, or should, “fake it till you make it.” That isn’t how depression works.

There isn’t just one thing that will make everything better, no magic cure-all. Crystals may be a beneficial addition to therapy, medicine or whatever works best for you, but they shouldn’t be your main treatment. No one should have to resort to oils, crystals or some other hobby to fill the hole made by lack of access to psychological professionals.

We shouldn’t have to find something to fill the hole in the first place. It is incredibly dangerous to not push people towards methods of mental illness management that actually work.

So, I can sit here and say “stop using crystals,” but that’s not 100 percent fair. What I can sit here and say though, is this: go to therapy. (Also, vaccinate your fucking kids.)·

A GUIDE TO ACING LONG-DISTANCE FLIGHTS

By Ariana King, Culture Staff Writer Illustrated by Andie Almond

When I was 11, I took my first trip outside of the United States. As I waited nervously for takeoff, my dad handed me some gum.

“It’s going to be okay,” he said, putting his hand on my shoulder. I nodded, but I had my doubts.

Already anxious at 11 years old, I was convinced that a one-in-a-million flight accident would happen to us. Needless to say, it didn’t. However, it isn’t uncommon to have anxiety around flying. According to Live Science, the most common causes of flight anxiety are hearing about previous crashes or accidents, claustrophobia and panic.1

Between 2.5 and 6.5 percent of Americans suffer from aviophobia: a severe and irrational fear of flying.2 A large part of this fear stems from their discomfort with the lack of control they have on the plane — they can’t get off if their anxiety becomes too overwhelming or take action to prevent an accident.3

So, what can you do to keep calm during a flight? If your flight anxiety is only slight to moderate, sleep medications like Benadryl can help take the edge off.4 However, if your fear of flying is so severe that it prevents you from flying at all—even to visit family or take a business trip—cognitive behavior therapy can be helpful.5

While it may seem easy to try and keep yourself “in the present” by taking in every finite detail of your surroundings, it’s actually more harmful to microanalyze the situation because it teaches your brain that you are actually in a dangerous situation.6 This is due to an imbalance between the prefrontal

1 Jeanna Bryner. “What’s Behind the Fear of Flying.” Live Science.com. Last modified June 2, 2009.

2 Jamie Ducharme. “Why Some People Have a Crippling Fear of Flying — and How They Can Overcome It.” Time.com. Last modified July 6, 2018.

3 Ibid.

4 Jeanna Bryner. “What’s Behind the Fear of Flying.” Live Science.com. Last modified June 2, 2009.

5 Ibid.

6 Jamie Ducharme. “Why Some People Have a Crippling Fear of Flying — and How They Can Overcome It.” Time.com. Last modified July 6, 2018.

cortex and the amygdala, which is in charge of scoping out potential threats and getting the body ready to fight them if needed.7 When you microanalyze a situation, it simply feeds the anxiety, making the prefrontal cortex unable to calm down and your hyperactive amygdala able to find unreal threats everywhere.8

What can you do to prevent the amygdala from overreacting and adversely affecting your ability to feel safe on airplanes?

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, there are eight keys to combat flight phobia that do not rely on the usual quick fixes, such as over-the-counter sleep medication or alcohol.

First, it’s important to not only accept your anxiety but know your triggers. While this doesn’t prevent you from being anxious entirely, knowing what sets you off beforehand can help you manage anxiety before or when it arises. Knowledge about what to expect during the flight, particularly in times of turbulence, is also crucial for managing anxiety. If you know what to expect, you can focus more on reacting to challenges instead of worrying about all the bad things that could happen.9

The next step is to separate fear and danger. It’s important to remind yourself that anxiety throws common sense into a loop and is only a fear—it does not represent actual danger, even if that’s the signal it sends to your brain.

To help alleviate this sense of fear even more, tell those around you how they can help and keep you grounded.10

Last but not least, the severity of a phobia goes down with exposure, so each and every flight is a valuable and important step to making anxiety more manageable.11

7 Azab, Marwa. “The Pain of Worry: The Anxious Brain.” Psychology Today. Last modified Novem ber 29, 2018.

8 Ibid.

9 Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

“8 Steps to Overcoming Your Fear of Flying.”

Anxiety and Depression of America.org. Last modified 2010-2018.

10 Ibid.

11 Ibid.

“IF YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT, YOU CAN FOCUS MORE ON REACTING TO CHALLENGES INSTEAD OF WORRYING ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT COULD GO WRONG.”

Along with these science-driven tips, I personally recommend any sort of distraction that either makes you feel comfortable, energized or happy.

On my recent flight to France—a quick eight hours—I took comfort in watching familiar movies and keeping myself grounded by focusing on my sense of touch. I also listened to my favorite hip-hop songs because it made me feel powerful in a place where I didn’t have much control. The music reminded me that I was brave for studying abroad and that, no matter what happened, I was doing all I could to cope.

Anxiety is truly a matter of management rather than finding a “cure.” Be patient with yourself and know that all you can do is your best. Really, that’s all you can ever do, even when you’re not thousands of feet up in the air.·

it’s just my

THE STIGMATIZATION BEHIND RBF

By Elise Andersen, Deputy Editor Graphic by Maddie Freitag

“Why do you always look so mad?”

“I was super intimidated by you before I met you.”

“You should smile more.”

These are just a few of the many remarks I get regarding the resting state of my face. You see, I seem to have developed a serious case of Resting Bitch Face— better known as RBF—over the past 22 years of my life. Although often unaware of it, this seemingly meaningless trait of mine has gotten me in trouble more than once.

Both directly and indirectly, peers and strangers alike make comments on the way my face naturally falls, saying that I look angry, irritated or simply expressionless. Arguments have started over the way my face spoke for me, and I most definitely have turned people away simply by my expression.

The symptoms of my RBF include the corners of my mouth turned slightly down, my eyes in a deadpan stare and my left eyebrow slightly lifted. To the general public, I understand why this expression might appear unhappy, condescending or bitchy. The truth of the matter is that this is simply my face.

I have tried to be conscious of the way I position my mouth, or how wide I open my eyes to express my contentedness; an understated smile and bright eyes might be more appealing to those who see me. But no matter how hard I try to reverse my diagnosis of RBF, it’s never before someone makes an unsolicited comment about it.

Why should I try to make an effort to change the way I naturally appear? If it takes more effort for me to subtly smile than it does to let my lips fall slightly, why should I spend hours in the mirror practicing how to look more “approachable?” Society is constantly preaching to “love the things you cannot change about yourself,” so why do I feel such strong a social pressure to change the angles of a few features of my face? The name itself—Resting Bitch Face— implies that only the female population suffers from this condition. Men do not experience RBF, at least not by name.

“WHY SHOULD I TRY TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO CHANGE THE WAY I NATURALLY APPEAR?”

When we see a man looking serious or stern, it’s normal and enhances their “manliness.” Studies have shown that men are perceived as more attractive if they look serious, while it’s the opposite for women.11 The diagnosis of RBF implies that women should look happy, all the time.

This phenomenon only deepens the inherent sexism that exists within our society. Women are constantly critiqued for how we look and act. Our skirts are too short, our voices are too high or too low, and, of course, we’re not smiling enough. Society tells us that there’s always something that could be fixed, and that through fixing these things we’ll be less annoying, more pretty and ultimately, more respected.

Constantly being harassed by old men on the street who shout, “You’d be a lot prettier if you smiled,” or having someone come up to me in a social setting and ask, “Are you okay?” are just a few side effects of RBF. While I appreciate genuine concern if I look displeased, why do I have to smile all the time just to show that I’m happy or having a good time?

President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeon Dr. Scot Bradley Glasberg states, “the mouth tends to denote a lot of expression.” As science has long proven, humans make judgments based on facial expressions. Studies even show that friendly-looking faces are less likely to be accused of crimes, and people who appear “happy” are deemed more trustworthy.2

Because of this, many women who suffer from RBF find themselves suffering in professional and social settings. Some feel as though they have to train themselves to look

1 Jessica Bennett, “I’m Not Mad. That’s Just My RBF,” The New York Times, August 1, 2015

approachable during meetings, or even put out a disclaimer about their natural facial expression before engaging in communication.

A growing number of women are going as far as surgically correcting their permafrowns. It’s disheartening to know that so many nice, friendly — not bitchy— women are resorting to such extremes in order to please unfair societal standards.

Although first impressions might be a little bit easier if I had a more “welcoming” appearance, I’ve come to realize the power that comes with having a serious face. I could continue to stand in front of the mirror, measuring exactly how much my lips need to be curled in order to make myself appear happy while also being careful not to “try too hard,” or I could just embrace my natural features. Deciding to own my RBF instead of being ashamed about it is just another step in my personal journey towards self-love.

Having an unconventional, “stern” expression has allowed me to be taken more seriously. I feel as though I can win arguments and fully embody my evergrowing confidence simply by the look on my face. From a young age, we’re told not to judge a book by it’s cover, so why do we do it with people? The right people will overlook my RBF instead of making a preconceived judgment and take the time to get to know the woman behind my physical appearance.

So, for all of you women out there who have been ridiculed, told to smile more or been characterized as “mean” because of your RBF, you are not alone. For now, rock what you’ve got and find the power in breaking outdated beauty norms.·

SUPERSONIC

AileenBarretto

photographed by Molly Jacobs , StaffPhotographer

DirectedbySarah Troy, Assistant FashionEditor

Women of the Freshman XXL

HOW THE EMERGING WOMEN OF THE RAP INDUSTRY EXHIBIT ULTIMATE STAR POWER

By Lauren Feiges, Contributing Writer Illustrated by Jade Christensen

This year, more women than ever before made XXL’s Freshman Class list of emerging artists in the rap community.1 Of the 10 spots available, three were filled by women: Megan Thee Stallion, Tierra Whack and Rico Nasty. Although securing a spot is a difficult task in general, the women of the 2019 class list faced an especially challenging feat: how do they stand out from other female rap artists in a way that both complements and exceeds the personalities and talents of the men on the list? In my opinion, effortlessly.

These women delivered exceptionally curated styles, despite sharing a beat with their male classmates, shown through their strength, delivery and vocal abilities. To put it simply, they stand out because they went above and beyond superstardom.

Megan Thee Stallion

If you were on social media at all this summer, you most likely have heard the tagline, “Hot Girl Summer.” Megan Thee Stallion, a Houston native, coined this infamous phrase of Summer 2019. Megan’s personal brand reflects the essence of the “Hot Girl” in the sense that she encourages women to be their most fearless, flawless and baddest selves. Megan’s fast flows and hype beats lands her squarely in the category of contemporary rap.

Thankfully, “Hot Girl Summer” was not even Megan Thee Stallion’s hottest season yet, as she carries her momentum into the rest of the year with new projects, interviews and possible tour dates. Megan’s exuberant confidence and “IDGAF” attitude about others’ opinions show us all that individuality and style are the main keys to success as a young woman in a male-dominated industry.

It is precisely Megan’s personal confidence, along with her impeccable originality in her style, that has landed her a spot in XXL’s Freshman Class of 2019. In their annual Freshman XXL cyphers, Megan stood out. Her fast rhymes on her cypher as well as her slick lyrics in her recent project “Fever” screamed domination over many of her counterparts.

“XXL Freshman Class 2019: Made For This”, XXL Magazine. June 20, 2019.

Tierra Whack

Often criticized for her unconventional album graphics and video visuals in her recent singles “Only Child,” “Wasteland” and “CLONES,” Tierra Whack capitalizes on her eccentric and fast verses that highlight her star power. In her cypher, Whack ditched the beat completely and chose to freestyle with just the power of her words and her mic. Although a cypher can technically be with or without a beat, Whack took her verses to the next level, allowing her to stand out on the cypher. Whack’s power to drop the beat and expose herself and her words in the way that she does takes an extraordinary amount of confidence and skill. While Whack possesses the same power that Meghan has, she exhibits it in a different format. The stripped-down and raw quality of her cypher showed that Whack has next-level confidence.

Rico Nasty

Known for her wild neon hair clips, dark lipstick, gothic leather accents and fake face tattoos, Rico Nasty is on a whole other level by letting people know that she isn’t afraid of receiving criticism or playing by her own rules. Rico Nasty gains power from her style and personality quirks, as well as her ability to change the status quo: her cypher had the fastest cadence of the whole set compared to her male counterparts. This assuredness, paired with her straightforward style of rapping, sets Rico Nasty apart from the other outstanding women of 2019’s Freshman XXL. Rico knows she’s different, and chooses to stand out in order to advance her career and image.

Overall, one thing that we know about the future of rap is that strong, individualistic women are in. It is far beyond time that smart, stylish and creative women like Megan, Tierra and Rico take reign of the previously male-dominated culture. This crossover from male to co-ed features on the XXL Freshman Class list forecasts the positive future for women in rap, showing that they deserve to be topping the charts right beside their male counterparts. It is hard to envision anyone else with as much energy, flow, style, confidence and determination as the women who are trailblazing this new era of rap.·

Star-Crossed Lovers:

FACT OR FICTION

DO SOULMATES EXIST? OR IS ATTRACTION JUST A CHEMICAL REACTION?

By Gylf Forsberg, Culture Staff Writer Illustrated by Channing Smith, Art Curator

The concept of “soulmates” is not novel to the twenty-first century. Rom-comesque love stories, star-crossed lovers and the idea of destiny controlling one’s love life and relationships can be seen throughout society for time immemorial.

Is love purely destiny, chance or a bit more scientific? Can we boil attraction down to a series of chemical reactions firing through our synapses at lightning speed, or should we leave it as the idealization painted across movie screens?

One of the first depictions of soulmates comes from Plato’s Symposium, a work that outlines several different views of what love is and where it comes from. One of the most interesting viewpoints of romance comes from the philosopher Aristophones and his depiction of soulmates.

Aristophones details that in the early periods of earth, humans were not built as they are today—they had four arms, four legs and two faces joined along the spine. There were three forms of these early humans: one composed of two suns, one of two moons and one that was half moon and half sun, with the children of the sun being men and children of the moon, women.1

As these beings developed, they frightened the gods. Zeus decided to split each being in two and forced these new half-beings to walk the earth until they found their other half. If they found their other half they would live together for eternity.2 This story exemplifies the idea of soulmates as each individual having one person in the world that they are destined to be united with for their entire lives.

This idea of soulmates can also be seen in the Jewish religion. Bashert, a Yiddish word for “destined,” describes the divine destiny set forth by God. One element of this idea is encapsulated in the view that all marriages are made in heaven and set forth by an omnipotent figure. The idea of bashert claims that each individual on earth is destined to marry another,with this marriage already having taken place in 1 Plato, and Alexander Nehamas. Symposium. Indianapolis: Hackett, 1989.

2 Ibid.

“YOUR SOULMATE CAN BE YOUR BEST FRIEND, PARENT OR EVEN A COWORKER.”

heaven. These marriages are destined for each individual, with their soulmate being the one person God intended them to marry.3

Several people, however, take the idea of soulmates past the traditional sense of romantic love and extend the pairing to different realms of connection. Some will say that everyone has a soulmate, someone that they just click with. But it doesn’t necessarily always have to be a romantic partner. Your soulmate can be your best friend, parent or even a coworker.

Some people just click with others in a more pronounced way, with senses of humor complementing each other and ideologies aligning. This predisposition to connection can be thought of as the essential element of a soulmate.

Regardless of who your soulmate is or what context you love them in, there is the question of, if soulmates exist, how do they work? Is it purely based on destiny and the stars aligning to find your perfect match? Or does it have more to do with the chemical reactions that occur when we see someone that we love?

Several studies point to the smell of others being the first thing we are attracted to.4 Pheromones are known to have a large effect in mate-choosing and sexual attraction in animals. In essence, humans are animals, so we cannot deny the fact that this likely plays a role in the attraction we experience 5

This scientific explanation of attraction is exemplified in one study where 3 Levin, Sala, and Sala Levin. “A Talmudic Date with Destiny.” Moment Magazine - The Next 5,000 Years of Conversation Begin Here. Moment Magazine, October 7, 2019.

4 Hadhazy, Adam. “Do Pheromones Play a Role in Our Sex Lives?” Scientific American. Scientific American, February 13, 2012.

5 Ibid

women were asked to smell shirts worn by men and assign a value of attraction to each man.6 This study disconnects appearance and personality from attraction, leaving all elements of attraction to be based on chemical compounds and reactions. In most cases, the subjects assigned the highest attraction score to the man who they were most dissimilar with in terms of DNA. This is due in part to the fact that evolutionarily beings want to shuffle their DNA as much as possible when choosing a mate to create offspring with.7

Looking at these studies begs us to ask whether the chemistry involved in attraction creates a situation where one person is more suited to us— although we may be unaware of this. It is likely that the chemical component of attraction has an effect on love, but that would invalidate attraction between individuals who have limited contact with each other.

Like many forces of this world, love and attraction are multi-faceted and are affected by many different elements. It may be true that all of these elements can shuffle to create the most attractive combination, which manifests itself in the individual in front of you. Although, does this combination only occur once? Or are there several people out there who can have a successful relationship with you?

Just like many fragments of human existence, attraction may remain unexplained. Do soulmates exist? There will continue to be a debate on the existence of soulmates, but the truth is, they make for a very entertaining plotline.·

6 Ibid 7 Ibid.

The Best Bra for Your Bust

By Martha Daniels, Contributing Writer Illustrated by Channing Smith, Arts Curator

Bra Bust

Because women’s bodies come in many shapes and sizes, so do their chests, often making it hard to shop for bras. Up until recently it was rather difficult for the average woman to find a bra that is comfortable, flattering and functional. Stereotypically, lingerie companies hyper-sexual bras and underwear with the use of small models with overly sexy and impractical bras. Thankfully, more and more brands have begun to step away from the exclusivity maintained by companies like Victoria’s Secret. These brands are making strides towards diversity in not only skin tones, body sizes and sexuality, but in cup size too.

AERIE

Aerie is an underwear and lingerie brand that has taken the lead when it comes to size and model diversity. Some of their most recent campaigns included models of all sizes, skin tones, skin conditions and even disabilities. For example, they have models with Crohns, diabetes, down syndrome and an amputee. Along with their impressive inclusivity, the brand has a large range when it comes to the actual sizes of their bras.

Range: 30A - DDD, along with XL sizes for women with wider chests Top Rated: Aerie Real Sunnie Full Coverage Lightly Lined Bra, Aerie Real Power Plunge Push Up Bra Other popular bras: Their bralettes! Soft, comfy and come in a wide variety of colors.

THIRDLOVE

Launched in 2013, the brand ThirdLove has 78 different sizes for their bras. The brand is an online-only store done with the intent to avoid dressing rooms and awkward interactions that come with undergarment shopping, as well as to provide greater accessibility.

More importantly, most of ThirdLove’s sizing is done by taking measurements from real women rather than automated and outdated size charts. Their site also features a Fit Finder: a short quiz that asks you questions about your cup size, breast shape, what type of bra you are looking for and what issues you’ve had with bras in the past. After collecting this data,

it recommends you a variety of styles based on the results of your survey.

ThirdLove also uses a diverse group of models in their photos. Just by scrolling through their top-rated bras you will see that no two models look alike. Additionally, when browsing their site, you also have the option to see what each of their products might look like on women of different cup sizes.

Range: Band size: 28-48, Cup size: AA-I Top Rated: 24-7 Classic T-shirt Bra This bra comes in a wide range of neutral colors and is offered in the full size range. The reviews rave about how comfortable and practical the product is. One owner wrote that she even forgot she was wearing a bra. This bra wins top rated for ThirdLove with 4.5 stars and almost 40,000 reviews.

Other popular Bras: The Pima Cotton Plunge Bra, Lace Contour Plunge Bra and Seamless Striped Wireless Bra

Soma

Since 2004, Soma strives to make comfortable and practical bras for women of all body types. They promise a perfect fit, 90% satisfaction and personal fittings. Soma offers a large size range as well; their band sizes range from XS to XXXL. Like the other brands mentioned, Soma has a feature called “Bra Fit,” which allows customers to find their right size, style and shape.

Soma also offers a device called the SOMAInnofit, which is able to precisely measure one’s bust. It’s also simple to use. You can use this feature it in store, or order it online for $25. The device looks like a sports bra, and once turned on and placed over one’s best fitting bra, it will begin to measure. Users can get their measurements immediately just by downloading the brand’s app. Once the process is complete, the app will also give consumers a selection of Soma bras curated just for them.

Range: Band size: 32-46 , Cup size A-H or XS-XXXL

Top rated bra: Enbliss Wireless Bra

Other Popular Bras: Vanishing Back Full Coverage Bra, Embraceable Full Coverage Bra

Glow from Within

BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE BY CARING FOR YOUR SKIN

By Sydnie Albert, Lifestyle Editorial Assistant Jessica Katz photographed by Meghan Veith, Contributing Photographer

We all want to feel and look our best. A good starting point for both selfcare and revamping your beauty routine is with skincare. We need to be aware of how our skin is affected by both external and internal factors so we can manage these factors and feel our best. Our skin is our largest and most visible organ. It’s important to take care of it for both your mental and physical health.1

What you put into your body affects the outside of your body, or your skin. The first thing anyone will tell you about obtaining radiant skin is to drink water.2 Water helps clear acne, brightens and tightens the skin and promotes faster healing. Fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, such as tuna, and beans are just a few healthy foods that can still adhere to a budget.3 Look for fruits and vegetables that are in season, as they will be the most affordable and most fresh; like apples, pomegranates, oranges, grapes, kale, mushrooms, potatoes and pumpkin.4

Living a healthy lifestyle is also about correcting deficiencies in the vitamins your body needs to function. There are 13 different vitamins that are essential for your body: A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12.5

1 Way, G. (2019, October 21). “My Skincare Rou tine Got Me Through My Divorce”.

2 Manna Hydration. (2018, April 11). 10 Amazing Skin Benefits from Drinking More Water.

3 Magee, Elaine. “Cheap and Healthy: 15 Nutri tious Foods for About $2.” WebMD, WebMD, 1 Dec. 2012

4 6 Great Benefits of Eating What’s in Season. (n.d.).

5 Canada, R. D. (n.d.). 13 Essential Vitamins Your

Each of these has a different function that maintains the body and keeps it healthy, such as strengthening hair or lowering cholesterol. Deficiencies in these vitamins can cause the body to not function at its fullest potential, causing further complications, such as Keratosis Polaris and hair loss, to name a few.6

Keep your skincare consistent and simple with only a few products. Consistency helps keep your skin clean and treated, whether it’s for acne, dark spots or wrinkles.7 Change your sheets once a week to help keep germs and dirt from clogging the pores on your body. Make sure to change out of your clothes and shower right after a workout.

Always take your makeup off at night to let your pores breath. Follow up by washing your face with a cleanser specific for your skin type. After, you’ll want to exfoliate and remove the dead skin to allow other products to be absorbed by fresh skin. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are great exfoliators to help brighten the skin.8 One of my favorites is the Biore Charcoal Acne Scrub.9 This product has small exfoliating beads that remove the dead

Body Needs to Stay Healthy.

6 Day, J. A. (2017, May 3). Vitamin and mineral deficiency: The Johns Hopkins Digestive Weight Loss Center.

7 Michelle, & Michelle. (n.d.). Why Consistency is KEY When It Comes to Skincare.

8 What Causes Dull Skin - How to Get Healthy Looking Skin - Truth In Aging. (n.d.).

9 Kao Corporation. “CHARCOAL ACNE SCRUB: BIORÉ® SKINCARE.” CHARCOAL ACNE SCRUB | BIORÉ® SKINCARE.

skin cells and dirt off the face. It has salicylic acid and charcoal to help heal and brighten the skin, treat acne and dark spots and prevent new blemishes from developing. This scrub is sold at any drugstore, it’s inexpensive and lasts a long time after your purchase.

Both Neutrogena and Cetaphil are two brands that are gentle on the skin. You, as the buyer, know all the ingredients. This can be key when it comes to steering clear of overwhelming your skin with harsh, unnecessary chemicals. Both of these products are dermatologist recommended, and have products for every skin type, for every time of the day and for every problem.

Once you remove the impurities, you’ll want to treat the skin by adding vitamins and nutrients. Serums are the perfect way to do so, plus, they’re customizable. They can contain various ingredients to treat your specific skin type and needs. Next, treat any acne with a spot treatment. Lastly, moisturize your skin. Consistent and ample water intake combined with a high-quality moisturizer will leave your skin feeling and looking plump and radiant.

Luminous skin takes time but will be worth it when you feel and look comfortable, confident and at your best. Take the time to find the right products, listen to your body and treat your skin with kindness and care.·

CONSPIRACY

THEORY

GUIDEBOOK

WE ALL KNOW THE MOON LANDING WAS FAKE—LET’S DIG DEEP INTO SOME OTHER POPULAR CONSPIRACIES

Gylf Forsberg, Katie Herrick, Ariana King, Gabrielle Gronewold and Amanda Jentsch, Culture Team Graphic by Lindsey Swiggum

Paul (And Everyone Else) Is Dead

One of the biggest conspiracy theories in the music industry took flight in October of 1969. On a radio show, a listener called in and urged the show host to play the Beatles’ “White Album” backwards. Upon playing it backwards, the show host and listeners were able to hear several clues about band member Paul McCartney being dead.1

When played in reverse, the introduction to “Revolution” supposedly says, “Turn me on, dead man.” At the end of “Strawberry Fields Forever,” John Lennon supposedly says, “I buried Paul.”2 After this discovery, along with other speculation surrounding several other Beatles’ moments, the conspiracy gained traction.

For example, on the cover of the “Abbey Road” album, each of the members of the band is dressed differently to supposedly reflect different individuals in the funeral process. John, wearing white, was the clergyman, Ringo in black was the mourner and George donned blue jeans occupying the role of the grave digger. Paul, however, was the only one without shoes—stepping out of sync with his bandmates.3

While this analysis seems a bit far fetched, the idea of a celebrity being replaced upon death has been resurrected throughout the years with several other individuals in question.

Beyoncé, Britney Spears and Megan Fox, to name a few, have all been accused of being a series of clones. Miley Cyrus and, most notably, Avril Lavigne have been assumed to be dead and replaced by an old body double and a best friend, respectively.4 Perhaps the strangest celebrity conspiracy theory switchup is Katy Perry being an adult JonBenet Ramsey5...WHAT?!

1 Sheffield, Rob. “‘Paul Is Dead’: The Bizarre Story of Music’s Most Notorious Conspiracy Theory.” Rolling Stone, October 11, 2019.

2 Ibid

3 “Conspiracy Theories.” Time. Time Inc., Novem ber 20, 2008.

4 Bartleet, Larry. “Nine Conspiracy Theories about Celebrity Imposters.” NME. NME, May 17, 2017.

5 Zuppello, Suzanne. “13 Most WTF Stories of 2016.” Rolling Stone, June 25, 2018.

Mattress Firm Is A Coverup For Money Laundering

Take a minute and count—how many mattress stores are there in your hometown? How many times have you driven past a Mattress Firm and then seemingly 12 seconds later driven past another?

Don’t believe me? Look at Google Maps. Madison alone has six Mattress Firm’s total.6 Even some of the smallest cities have almost 10 stores. Experts say you should replace your mattress every 8-10 years, so why do we need a Mattress Firm on each corner of a four-way intersection?7

This conspiracy states that Mattress Firms are just coverups for money laundering. If you’re unfamiliar, money laundering is the practice of concealing the origins of money obtained illegally. The name comes from the Mafia’s history of buying laundromats and using the ambiguous profit amounts to their advantage when illegally claiming the money they made from buying and selling drugs or weapons.8

When we really think about the storeto-sales ratio for mattress stores, the math just doesn’t add up—especially with the rise of new popular mattress shipment brands like Casper. In 2015, there were 39 million mattresses sold in the United States.9 The United States population is roughly 329 million people.10 That means that, theoretically, roughly a little more than 1 in 10 people buy a mattress each year. Even when you consider hospitals, hotels and guest bedrooms, it doesn’t seem like enough mattresses to warrant 2,500 Mattress Firm stores across the United States.11

What evidence is there besides the sheer number of stores? In 2016, Mattress Firm was sold to a South

6 Google Maps. Google.

7 “7 Mattress Myths Debunked.” Restonic, Mat tressBlog.

8 “About Business Crime Solutions - What Is Mon ey Laundering?” Money Laundering.

9 “ISPA Releases 2015 Mattress Industry Report of Sales and Trends.” BedTimes Magazine, June 24, 2016.

10 “Population Clock.” Census.gov. United States Census Bureau.

11 “About Mattress Firm.” Mattress Firm. Mattress Firm, n.d.

African retailer, Steinhoff, for $3.8 billion dollars, confusing everyone.12 Mattress stores are dying out, why pay almost $4 billion for a chain that is soon to die?

Since then, Steinhoff’s stocks have drastically declined. In just one day they dropped 62 percent. Yet, there continues to be multiple stores in every single city, many with new openings. Not only that, Mattress Firm has not published their full-year accounts in the past few years due to “accounting irregularities.” As if all of this wasn’t suspicious enough, multiple top executives and chairman have resigned in the past few years.13

Something fishy is happening, periodt Why couldn’t it be a coverup for money laundering? As Mattress Firm proudly boasts: “Mattress Firm has the largest geographic footprint in the United States among multi-brand mattress retailers.”14

The U.S. Government Spread Aids

To this day, conspiracy enthusiasts theorized that AIDS was created by the United States government as a bio-weapon. It all stems from a theory in which the Soviet Union and East German officers led a misinformation campaign against the U.S. government. Spreading the rumor through Indian and Soviet newspapers, they claimed that the U.S. army created the virus in a lab in Fort Detrick, Maryland.15

Eventually the rumor made headlines around the world. While the U.S. government refuted the claims, this original misinformation campaign has served as a basis for the root of the AIDS conspiracy theories.16 While many variations of the AIDS conspiracy theories have subsided as more and more information is available on how the disease is

12 Hanbury, Mary. “A Wildly Popular Conspiracy Theory about Why There Are so Many Mattress Firm Stores Is Starting to Sound Less Crazy.” Business Insider. Business Insider, January 23, 2018.

13 Ibid.

14 “About Mattress Firm.” Mattress Firm. Mattress Firm, n.d.

15 Nattrass, Nicoli. “Understanding the origins and prevalence of AIDS conspiracy beliefs in the United States and South Africa.” Sociology of Health and Illness.

16 Ibid.

actually prevented and transmitted, the belief that AIDS is a genocidal tool against the black population is still prevalent amongst the African American community today.17

This is, according to PhD student Jacob Heller, due to the fact that increased information is only effective when people trust their sources of information.18 Because of the social context and prevalent racism in the U.S., a sense of trust and confidence is missing between many African Americans and the medical system in general.

Because of this, simply spreading more information about how AIDS is truly transmitted won’t be as effective with African Americans as it is with other demographic groups. Thus, for Heller, these conspiracy theories don’t reflect ignorance, but rather a significant distrust stemming from the racial hierarchy in our country.19

To solve this issue, it’s clear we need to accept and then seek to understand the social context that fosters these conspiracies. It is only then that we can make significant progress in HIV/AIDS prevention amongst African Americans.

The Clintons Are Mass Murderers

In 1993, Linda Thompson, a lawyer and a divisive member of the patriot movement,20 released “The Clinton Body Count: Coincidence or the Kiss of Death,” a list of 34 deaths all seemingly connected with the Clintons. In 1994, William Dannemeyer, former Republican congressman from California, pared the list down to just 24 names and sent it to congressional leaders during his senate race.21

Today, numerous versions of this list are in circulation, claiming that the Clintons are connected to almost 50 deaths of colleagues and civilians

17 Heller, Jacob. “Rumors and Realities: Making Sense of HIV/AIDS Conspiracy Narratives and Contemporary Legends.” American Journal of Public Health 105 no. 1 (2015).

18 Ibid.

19 Ibid.

20 Jason Vest. “The Spooky World of Linda Thompson.” Washington Post, May 11, 1995.

21 Dylan Matthews, “The conspiracy theories about the Clintons and Jeffrey Epstein’s death, explained.” Vox, August 10, 2019.

close to them. The theory spikes in popularity after each death of a friend or affiliate of the Clintons, bringing it back into conversation.22

Most recently, eyebrows were raised after convicted sexual predator, Jeffrey Epstein, died by apparent suicide while in jail. During the Clinton administration, Epstein was seen at several White House events. After Clinton left office their relationship only deepened as the two traveled together for years. When this information spread, heads turned and #ClintonBodyCount began to rapidly trend on Twitter, getting people talking once again.23

After all this time, this theory continues to be intriguing to talk about, but when discussing serious situations, like the friendship between Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein, the theory can take away from real crimes, possible involvement and true relationships.

It’s important to note that the theory’s originator admitted there was no hard evidence to back up her claims. She did, however, admit the deaths were likely caused by “people trying to control the president,” which brings to light another topic and list of suspects.24

The Illuminati Are Everywhere

The Illuminati originated in the 15th century, claiming to have gained “higher enlightenment” from some form of higher power. The group began as “the Alumbrado”—from the Spanish word alumanados—and were mainly based in Spain with Italian roots. In fact, one of their earliest leaders was a woman named María de Santo Domingo, who claimed to have prophetic visions of, and communications with, Jesus Christ.25

The movement then migrated to France, Germany and Poland where similar groups were founded. In these

22 Snopes. “Clinton Body Bags.” Snopes, January 24, 1998.

23 Dylan Matthews, “The conspiracy theories about the Clintons and Jeffrey Epstein’s death, explained.” Vox, August 10, 2019.

24 Snopes. “Clinton Body Bags.” Snopes, January 24, 1998.

25 The Editors of the Encyclopedia Britannica. “Il luminati.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., August 29, 2019.

countries, additional connections with the Masons were made, birthing the group known as the FreeMasons. This group is not officially on historical record until the eighteenth century, but it is speculated that they have been involved in various historical events before then, such as the French Revolution.26

The modern conspiracy of the Illuminati as mysterious overlords, however, was created in a 1960s text titled “Principia Discordia”. This text encouraged, tongue—in—cheek of course, the worship of the chaos goddess, Eris, and the playing of practical jokes and hoaxes. Robert Anton Wilson, a writer, took these ideas and began circulating stories of a group called “the Illuminati.” His editorial letters, books and stage plays build this theory into the social phenomenon it is today.27

The official conspiracy theory states that various public figures—politicians, religious leaders and even musical artists—are part of this mysterious society, from Thomas Jefferson to Beyonce.28 Believers in the theory cite various symbols of the Illuminati as indicators of its omniscient presence in our society. These symbols range from pyramids, the all-seeing Eye of Providence and the number 666.

While some celebrities embrace the idea of being suspected of secretsociety involvement, others protest against it. Prince was one of these people, accusing “mysterious figures” of trying to control the world by pumping chemicals into the air. He passed away due to an “accidental overdose” in April of 2016, the same year that Beyonce released a song acknowledging the gossip of her being an Illuminati leader with Jay-Z.29

Is there a secret society made up of well-known celebrities? Did they kill President Kennedy and Prince? Do you believe it?·

26 Ibid.

27 Sophia Smith Galer. “The accidental invention of the Illuminati conspiracy.” BBC.com. The BBC. August 9th, 2017.

28 “What is the Illuminati?” Theweek.co.uk. 13 September 2019.

29 Ibid.

BEAUTIFULLY LONELY

BECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING ALONE

By Olivia Stack, Contributing Writer Graphic by Courtney Cotey

It seems that society has begun to give loneliness an almost pitiful connotation. Eating in public alone, walking to class alone and going to the library alone all seem to signal to others that you have no friends. There exists this mentality that if you’re not surrounded by friends all day, every day, can you even survive? Yes, this might be a little dramatic, but isn’t it a little sad that, as a result of societal expectations, loneliness almost always seems to result in pity?

Forbes claims that having social interactions is just as important as solitude: “Studies show the ability to tolerate alone time has been linked to increased happiness, better life satisfaction, and improved stress management. People who enjoy alone time experience less depression.”1 Intentional loneliness is one of the most important aspects of one’s life and growth process. It teaches us independence, how to be happy with ourselves and increases productivity levels.

1 Morin, Amy. “7 Science-Backed Reasons You Should Spend More Time Alone.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 7 Aug. 2017.

Building alone time into your everyday routine will allow you to navigate life and problem solve on your own, building your independence and selfcapability. For example, I made a decision this semester to start going to the gym by myself in the morning. At first, it was extremely hard to motivate myself to get up and out of my warm cozy bed to walk a mile to the gym… alone. However, as I started doing the walk and making it an everyday activity, it got easier.

“Being alone does not have to mean you are lonely.”2 Once you are able to understand this concept, being alone will lead you to self-acceptance and understanding. “Being alone helps you form a clear understanding of who you are, what you know and what’s right for you.”3 It allows you to build self-reliance and trust, causing your self-esteem to increase as a direct result. Enjoying time with just yourself — being okay with choosing to sit in

2 Kushner, India. “Why Spending Time Alone Is the Best Gift of Self-Love You Can Give Yourself.” The Tempest, 14 Mar. 2019. 3 Bradberry, Travis. “7 Amazing Things That Hap pen When You Spend Time Alone.” Entrepreneur, 4 Mar. 2016.

bed and watch a movie alone — proves to yourself that your company in its solitude is enough to feel content.

As a college student, it is essential that we are productive with our school work and other demands. Alone time has a huge helping hand in increasing productivity levels. Forbes claims that “being surrounded by people kills productivity,” as you can become easily distracted and begin talking about what you are going to wear to gameday rather than studying. It happens to all of us, trust me. We must gain some self discipline and choose to be alone — to pursue the things we need to finish in the most efficient and effective way possible.

There is no rule saying that we must be with people all of the time. Once we are able to understand this and accept it, we will become at peace with our decisions. I challenge you to take this advice: choose to be alone, independent and productive — choose yourself.·

A Day In The Life Of A FASH

Illustrated and written by Sarah Troy, Fashion Editorial Assistant

Running around like a chicken with its head cut off. That’s the best way I describe a normal day in my life.

Despite what you may think, us fashion students are just like you. We wake up, scramble to get to class and, yes, sometimes we even wear sweatpants. Actually, we wear sweatpants a lot.

At 6:30 a.m. my first alarm goes off. It’s still dark outside, and through my window I can see the Capitol still lit up from the night. At 6:40 a.m. my second alarm goes off, 6:50 a.m. goes the third, until it is 7 a.m. and I finally have the willpower to leave the warm comfort of my sheets. Then comes my favorite part, picking out my outfit for the day. Depending on my mood and motivation, my outfits vary from extremely casual to over the top extra-ness (which I live for). Dress for success. That’s my motto. Whether I have a test or presentation, if I dress my best I will always do my best. Unless I am exhausted and only want warm leggings or sweats, I try to wear something I am most confident in to make it through my day.

My mornings are spent getting ahead in all of my classes. I complete my homework in advance to make time for working in the studio. I leave to catch the 80 around 8 a.m., my hands overflowing with supplies, bags and books. I get to my first fashion class, Patternmaking, usually an hour or two early to work on projects. Once class starts, I spend two and a half hours learning about draping fabric and drafting patterns to make my ideas come to life. I spend my entire day in the School of Human

Ecology (SoHE), finally finishing my day with my fashion illustration course at 7 p.m. For another two and a half hours, I learn how to draw fashion figures and technical flats. By the time I come home, which is usually around 8 or 9 p.m., I have pencil and marker all over my hands, plus the occasional Band-Aid from needle mishaps.

What differs from the Fashion Design and Textiles major in comparison to other majors is that the assignments often require weeks of meticulous work that must be done in the studios. Our classes are two and a half hours long, and after class the projects take weeks to finish. It is impossible to complete our homework the night before like one might for an essay or worksheet of some kind. We cannot bring the materials we need from SoHE to our homes, such as sewing machines. Instead, we spend countless hours in the studio working on projects. Every seam, tuck, pleat, dart and hem must be perfect, or it will be reflected in a lower grade. If you are creating an original design, it can be even more difficult because without the help of a professor you are doing guess work to complete the project.

Although I am usually trapped within the walls of SoHE’s studios, I have grown close to my classmates. The chances of being alone in a studio are slim to none. There is always another student working hard on something. As creators, us fashion students have a desire to make our ideas come to life, and we will do everything possible to do this. Many of us have spent entire nights working in the studio perfecting our ideas.

Although sleep is a foreign phrase to me, the end result is so worth the time and effort spent. There is no greater feeling than being able to take something I made and actually be able to wear it, knowing that no one else in the world owns this product created by my own two hands. Watching a piece come to life is just one reason why I love fashion design with all of my heart. I wake up everyday motivated to work towards this satisfaction.·

Lost in Space

HONORING THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED IN THE HISTORY OF SPACE EXPLORATION

By Amanda Jentsch, Culture Editorial Assistant Graphic by Kaitlin Banafsheha

Everyone knows the big names in space exploration such as Neil Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin. But what about the others? Those whose work made leaps into outer space for mankind yet failed to make news headlines? The following are six people or groups whose names and contributions have been lost in the void of society’s memory.

Dr. Nancy Grace Roman

This badass lady served as NASA’s first Chief of Astronomy when she planned the satellites and rockets that launched America into space and history. She coordinated grants to keep the program going and connected with top-notch researchers around the nation. Dr. Roman was also responsible for bringing the Hubble Telescope project to fruition, which has given society beautiful, neverbefore-seen pictures of deep space. Dr. Roman gave NASA her all before passing in 2018 at the age of 93.

Valentina Tereshkova

The only non-American on this list is Valentina Tereshkova, who was the first and youngest woman in space. As a Soviet cosmonaut, Tereshkova retired from space exploration after her 71-hour spaceflight to pursue politics. Later in life, she was awarded the United Nations Gold Medal of Peace for her role as a representative of the Soviet Union. Tereshkova has also stated that, despite being 82 years old, she would jump at the chance to lead a one-way trip to Mars.

Ed Dwight

NASA in the 1960s was, unfortunately, severely lacking in diversity. To combat this, President Kennedy hand-selected Ed Dwight to become the first African-American astronaut. Dwight faced severe racism from his colleagues in the space program, and after President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, he resigned from the program, preventing him from actually making it into space. After working as an engineer and in real estate, Dwight turned to art, designing and sculpting monuments that highlighted African-American history. Some of his work is on display in the Smithsonian Museum. It would take another 15 years for an African-

American (Guion Bluford) to venture into space.

Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan & Mary Jackson

Many may recognize these ladies from the Oscar-winning movie “Hidden Figures.” Dorothy Vaughan was NASA’s first African-American manager, supervising the “human computers” that computed calculations for NASA. Vaughan quickly became an expert in computer programming. She retired from NASA in 1971 and passed away in 2008.

Mary Jackson was the first AfricanAmerican female engineer. Jackson earned her degree after fighting for the right to take engineering night classes at an all-white school. Later in her career, she took a demotion from her engineering position to manage the NASA women’s program. Jackson worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for women within the United States space program. Jackson passed away in 2005.

Katherine Johnson is a gifted mathematician who computed the calculations for America’s first orbital flight—as featured in the film—and helped with the communication between the lunar landing modules and the vehicle that stays in the moon’s orbit. On top of those achievements, Johnson conducted immense research and became the first woman to be listed as an author on a NASA research report. Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2015.

Michael Collins

While most recognize Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin from the Apollo 11

moon landing, many are unaware of their third crewman: Michael Collins. The moon landing required three crew members, two of which actually walked on the moon and one that remained in orbit. On July 20,1969, Michael Collins was the crew member that remained in orbit. Despite his less publicized role, he was a vital member of the crew. After that mission, he retired from NASA and went on to be the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs during the Vietnam War, the director of the National Air and Space Museum and the Undersecretary of the Smithsonian Museums.

The Astronaut Class of 1978

The Astronaut Class of 1978, also known as the “Thirty-Five New Guys,” earned their nickname after being the first new training class of astronauts in a decade. This class was also remarkable due to the number of American “firsts” it included. In this class was Sally Ride, the first AfricanAmerican woman in space, as well as Ellison Onizuka, who became the first Asian-American in space — among many others. Four members of this class, including Onizuka, perished in the Challenger disaster. These four were awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the highest NASA award.

While these figures may not have been the ones to plant the American flag on the moon, they were still key to the field of space exploration. They set the stage for others alike to follow in their footsteps — to ensure that spaceflight was an achievable goal for minorities. Their stories continue to inspire society today.·

“THEY SET THE STAGE FOR OTHERS ALIKE TO FOLLOW IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS — TO ENSURE THAT SPACEFLIGHT WAS AN ACHIEVABLE GOAL FOR MINORITIES”

The Swan Song

Directed by Maria Dayneko, Creative Director, Nina Waech & Kaitlin Banafsheha

Mara Johnson photographed by Josh Redfearn, Staff Photographer

NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY

EMBRACE NOSTALGIA THIS NOVEMBER

By Isabella Byrne, Contributing Writer

A bittersweet feeling of nostalgia for your recent past. A wistful desire to escape your current reality to briefly revisit fleeting memories of people, places and conversations that you miss.

It’s during this time of year that autumnal nostalgia kicks in. It comes from the happy memories you have from your childhood during the fall season that makes you feel warm inside, giving you that cozy feeling where all you want to do is sit and reminisce.

Maybe an old picture or a familiar scent sparks a memory of an exact, previous moment in your life. Maybe it’s the smell of banana bread that transports you back in time, creating a mental image of walking into your home after school and seeing your mom baking. Or perhaps, it’s the song you and your best friend always listened to when you drove around your hometown, singing at the top of your lungs.

As November sneaks up on us, we continually ask the question: “Where’s the time going?” The month boxes us into a time of transition. This feeling of transition makes us feel as if escapism is something to be ashamed of, as if we must be present in this time.

It is crucial that you let yourself feel these emotions and look at them with a positive light. Use this time of the year to be grateful for the experiences you’ve had, appreciate the moments you are currently in and have hope for what is to come. Embrace these feelings of nostalgia that may make you feel a little sad, but let them excite you for what this new season holds.

November is a time of awakening and action, encouraging us to reflect on everything that has occurred in our lives and led us to this moment in time. We must allow ourselves to grow and move forward by living in the moment.

A sentimentality for your past is a human tendency, as is looking towards the future. Let the good memories put a smile on your face because you will have those forever. Let the unpleasant feelings do the same; recognize that you are no longer at that point in your life. Be present with the new people you have brought into your life, the ones that make you laugh until you can’t breathe. Appreciate the moment you are in right now because years down the road you may be wishing you could go back. Let go of what no longer serves you and believe what is coming for you is far more exciting than what you have let go. It’s the beginning of a new chapter.·

REBIRTH? NEVER HEARD OF HER

COMPANIES

CONTROVERSIAL ACTIONS

By Gabrielle Gronewold, Contributing Writer

We’ve seen it happen a million times. A company or brand does something controversial, gains negative media attention and jumps into crisis PR mode to reinvent their image.

Afterwards, more often than not, people soon forget about the occurrence all together and consumers continue to spend without a second thought. This may be great for capitalism and the wallets of big businesses, but what does it mean for the consumer and society as a whole when we let brands get away with unethical work and scandals with relatively no harm or long-term repercussions?

Victoria’s Secret is especially notable for their controversial actions and advertising. The company is notorious for photoshopping images of unrealistic body types, using a non-diverse pool of models and running controversial ads.1 In 2014, Victoria’s Secret ran a campaign for their Body Collection products centered around the slogan, “The Perfect Body.” All of the models were tall, skinny and mostly white.2 As one might guess, many were outraged over the negative impact it had on society and body image for teens, immediately calling Victoria’s Secret out on their unethical actions.3

At the beginning of 2019, Gucci released a turtleneck sweater that was pulled off shelves after widespread complaints that the article of clothing resembled blackface.4 In photos, the black turtleneck sweater came halfway up a white model’s face with a cut-out lip pattern

1 The Daily Telegraph. “Victoria’s Secret The Perfect Body campaign.” The Daily Telegraph, 2014.

2 Ibid.

3 Ibid.

4 Amy Held. “Gucci Apologizes for “Deep Offense”.” NPR, 2019.

over the mouth, making it easy for consumers to speculate a wrongdoing. Images of the garment went viral online, and, again, many took to social media to call the brand out on their disrespectful actions.5

Gucci responded to public outcry by “deeply” apologizing, claiming they “consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision.”6 Yet, as the months have passed, Gucci seems untouched, evident by every influencer still sporting Gucci on Instagram.

Victoria’s Secret Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek made a similar, halfhearted apology after he told Vogue he would not consider using transgender models in their fashion show, “because the show is a fantasy.”7 Razek made a similar excuse for not using plussized models in their famous runway show back in 2000 — “no one had any interest in it.”8 The aftermath of these comments rightfully resulted in outrage and lead to many questioning Victoria’s Secret’s ethics, once again.9

Razek responded to the backlash by saying, “My remark regarding the inclusion of transgender models came across as insensitive. I apologize. To be clear, we absolutely would cast a transgender model for the show.”10

Victoria’s Secret has been steadily dropping in sales over the past few years and the recent actions from their executives have not helped the brand’s reputation. In the first quarter of 2019, Victoria’s Secret store sales were flat and the brand experienced a 5 percent drop in comparable sales.11 However, the Victoria’s Secret parent company, L Brands, isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. L Brands exceeded Wall Street’s earnings expectations for 2019’s first fiscal quarter and raised the low-end of their earnings expectations for all of 2019.12

5 Ibid.

6 Ibid.

7 Glenn Garner. “Victoria’s Secret Exec Apologiz es.” Out, 2018.

8 Ibid.

9 Ibid.

10 Ibid.

11 Ashely Turner. “L Brands 1Q 2019 earning’s.” CNBC, 2019.

12 Ibid.

“WE SHOULD BE HOLDING THE COMPANIES WE FEED BOTH OUR MONEY AND MEDIA ATTENTION TO ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS.”

Some brands, however, might not be able to get away from their mishaps as easy. In fact, Juul—the most popular e-cigarette brand on the market, with a 75 percent market share—has recently been under fire for their deceitful marketing towards teens.13

When Juul launched in 2015, their advertisements primarily appealed to youth, using young attractive models often pictured partying and socializing in trendy, colorful fashions.14 During this time, Juul rarely advertised their product as an alternative to cigarettes, something their mission statement has always claimed their product is intended for.15

Juul is now facing repercussions for their actions as an outbreak of injuries related to vaping has started, resulting in 1,604 lung injuries and 34 total deaths as of October 22, 2019.16 Currently, 50 organizations are pressuring the Trump administration to take action and place a ban on flavored e-cigarettes in the hopes that teens will turn away from the product.17

As Juul dominates most of the e-cigarette market, it is safe to say they will take the biggest hit if a ban like this goes through, both financially and socially.

However, Juul is attempting to cover up their prior mistakes and avoid a flavor ban all together. When looking at Juul’s website, their current advertising utilizes middle-aged cigarette users who are sharing their personal stories

13 Bonnie Herzog. “Wall Street Tobacco Industry Update.” Wells Fargo, 2019.

14 Kathleen Chaykowski. “The Disturbing Focus of Juul’s Early Marketing Campaigns.” Forbes, 2018.

15 Ibid.

16 CDC. “Outbreak of Long Injury.” CDC, 2019.

17 Kristen Rogers and Michael Nedelman. “50 organizations pressure Trump.” CNN, 2019.

of switching to Juul.18 They even include a savings calculator to help cigarette users calculate the money they will save if they make the switch. They also have a “Juul Community” feature for past cigarette-turned-Juul users to share and talk about their experiences.19

This may be a single step in the right direction for Juul, but it does not reverse the damage they have already done. According to a study in September of 2019, 27.5 percent of high schoolers are now vaping.20 When looking back at Juul’s previous marketing strategies and advertising, it is clear that Juul is a key player in this epidemic.

Companies like Juul, Victoria’s Secret and Gucci cannot be allowed to walk away from the problems they have created with only a slap on the wrist. When society allows companies with social power and economic influence to be disrespectful, unethical and ignorant we are only adding to the problem. A simple apology that is already a part of a pre-planned media package is not enough.

As consumers, we should be holding the companies accountable for their actions. Brands should not be allowed a “rebirth” after they repeatedly make mistakes, suppress society and hurt people with their words and actions. We need to put our money where our mouths are. If you don’t stand for it, don’t buy it.·

18 Juul. “Home Page.” Juul, 2019. Accessed Octo ber 29, 2019.

19 Ibid.

20 Angelica LaVito. “CDC says teen vaping surg es.” CNBC, 2019.

A

rt Education, Revitalized

THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUING AND FUNDING ARTS EDUCATION FOR OUR STUDENTS, OUR SCHOOLS AND OUR COMMUNITIES

By Alexandria Millet, Culture Staff Writer

Art: the very thing that gives society meaning and life. It is the genius of Picasso, the brilliance of Missy Elliot or the artistry of Viola Davis that makes us look at the world differently.

For many of our favorite artists, their careers started in their school’s theatre, at the potter’s wheel of the art room or behind the drum set in the band room. Early education offered them their first laboratory for creativity.

In the last 20 years, art education has been devalued across America in the name of STEM and standardized testing. Some districts have even been forced to cut arts programs entirely due to budget constraints.1

Think of all the creative genius this next generation will miss

1 Basmat Parsad, Maura Spiegelman, Jared Coo persmith, “Arts Educa tion in Public Elemen tary and Secondary Schools 1999-2000 and 2009-10” Na tional Center for Education Statis tics. 2012.

out on because no one ever will hand them a paintbrush, script or musical instrument. Students deserve the arts and the arts deserve the talented minds and skillful hands of students.

To value the arts is not just to name it important, but to fully fund it. Art education deserves a rebirth.

Research backs this opinion, proving the arts create skills beyond just an eye for design. Students who take art classes develop collaboration skills, confidence, cultural awareness, empathy and critical thinking. These skills transfer to their core classes and their future careers.2 Sitting in an extra math class may not help a student become a doctor as much as playing Mozart in music class.

Unfortunately, many students are not given the opportunity to evolve these skill sets because there is no room for an art class in their schedule. The number of K-12 students enrolled in arts courses has decreased drastically in the last decade.3 Why? One answer is the increased pressure and focus for students to succeed in the common core subjects.4

Lindsey Greenman went to school in the suburbs of Milwaukee and was always on the science track. Greenman, despite taking two hard sciences each year, still tried her best to make room for art.

“My school had good options for the arts, [but] there wasn’t really room if you were taking a lot of sciences courses. So, there wasn’t enough room in my schedule to take artsy classes,” Greenman said.5

It is unfortunate that Greenman and students alike are forced to choose

2 Daniel H. Bowen, Brian Kisida, “Investigating Causal Effects of Arts Education Experiences: Experimental Evidence from Houston’s Arts Access Initiative.” Houston Education Research Consortium. 2019.

3 Nick Rabkin, E.C. Hedberg, “Arts education in American: What the declines mean for arts participation.” National Endowment for the Arts. 2011.

4 Jennifer DiBella, “Special Report on Education 2012: Arts Education at the Core.” Theatre Com munications Group. 2012.

5 Greenman, Lindsey. Interview with Alexandria Millet. Personal Interview. Madison, October 11, 2019.

between things that should be equally present in their academic journeys’. Research shows that greater art education leads to fewer disciplinary infractions and higher attendance, graduation rates and test scores.6

What about art just for art’s sake? The arts create room for expression and exploration. Even if art did nothing for a student’s academics, art has the capacity to make someone more human. At the very least, it is an opportunity for students to explore other interests and talents beyond the traditional classroom setting. So, why are we consistently denying students this cathartic and valuable escape?

In 2018, Wisconsin ranked 48th in art spending across the nation.7 As a state, we have decided that art education does not matter. Furthermore, the access to variety and stability in arts programming between poor and rich districts is incredibly divergent.

There is a clear equity gap between schools with high and low levels of impoverished students when comparing the availability of art education and richness of offered courses.8 The lack of public and political concern for this gap says that some students are worthy of the benefits of the arts while some are not.

When art is revitalized in schools, students are offered an escape from the anxiety of core classes. Bleak hallways are made beautiful again by showcasing student artwork, and students are given another reason to want to come to school the next day.

Art education is not a luxury, but a necessity for public education. Art opens the door to greater thinking, beyond the here and now. Art can spark new things. Art education has merited a rebirth.·

6 “Arts Education Makes a Difference in Missouri Schools.” Missouri Alliance for Arts Education. 2010.

7 “FY2018 State Arts Agency Revenues Report” National Assembly of State Art Agencies. 2018. Accessed October 2019.

8 “Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: 1999-2000 and 2009-10.” National Center for Education Statistics. 2012.

SEE THE SIGNS, SUPPORT THE CHANGE

HOW TO SUPPORT A FRIEND IN A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP

By Jessica Katz, Staff Writer

At the lowest point in my life, I thought I needed someone else to prove my worth. This feeling led me to get into a rather toxic romantic relationship. I knew I wasn’t happy, and my friends nudged me to move on, but I felt trapped. In an odd way, I got comfortable; I feared change.

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but it becomes toxic when the negative moments outweigh the positives. It can then be draining and detrimental to your mental, emotional or even physical health.1

Toxic relationships exist on a broad spectrum. Some can be incredibly severe, involving physical violence, abuse or harassment. Some can be more subtle, like feeling caught up in a partner that continues to bring you down and causes you to neglect your other relationships.

I’ve watched many of my friends go through these experiences, and it’s difficult to know how to help them. I didn’t want to damage the relationships I had with these friends by pushing them too hard to focus on themselves — to be in relationships that were healthier and happier. I feared if I was too pushy, I’d scare my friends away and they’d run back to their toxic partners.

If you are friends with someone in a toxic relationship, it is crucial to

1 Ducharme, Jamie. “How To Tell If You’re In a Toxic Relationship — And What To Do About It.”

TIME, June 5, 2018.

support them in leaving the situation in a safe way.

This process can begin with a difficult conversation. Consider where, when and how to talk to your friend. You want to try to make them feel the most comfortable, not under attack.2 Take a moment to help your friend recognize if their happiness or selfesteem has been brought down, or if they feel overdependent on their partner. Try not to seem accusatory or judgemental. Ask your friend about any concerns they have in their relationship, and simply let him or her explain how they are feeling.

If they get the chance to open up, they won’t be as defensive. Listen to your friend and acknowledge their emotions. Simply saying, “I’m sorry, that sucks,” can make a person feel a lot better. Let your friends know that they are not alone in their situation.

Once you’ve shown your support, start to voice your own concerns. Continue to remind them of your intentions— that you want the best for their wellbeing and are coming from a place of compassion.3

If you see warning signs of violence, abuse or harassment, advise your friend to seek help. You can go about this in many ways: sit with them while

2 Huang, Catherine, and Rareș Sămărtean. “6 Ways to Help Your Friend in a Toxic Relationship.” Psych2Go, March 13, 2018.

3 Larocca, Courtney. “8 Signs Your Friend Is In A Toxic Relationship & How To Talk To Them About It.” Bustle, April 18, 2017.

they speak to a trusted adult, go with them to a crisis center or help them make a list of therapists in the area. Your job as a friend is to push them in the right direction. From there, a professional can take over.

You can also encourage your friend to work on their self-esteem. A toxic partner can make one feel unlovable — remind your friend of all the things you love about them.4

It can be extremely difficult for anyone to leave a toxic relationship on their own. Women may fear the negative consequences of disobeying a controlling partner, while men may fear coming off as weak if they feel belittled. When these feelings are present, people in toxic relationships ignore their partners’ manipulations and, instead, blame their unhappiness on themselves.5

It’s crucial to be there for a friend as they work towards leaving their toxic relationship. While you show your support, set boundaries for yourself as well. Recognize that these conversations can take a toll on your own mental and emotional health too. Taking care of yourself and others at the same time can be tricky, but with the right amount of care and caution you can achieve positive change for you and your friends.·

4 Huang, Catherine, and Rareș Sămărtean. “6 Ways to Help Your Friend in a Toxic Relationship.” Psych2Go, March 13, 2018.

5 Fuller, Kristen. “Overcoming the Aftermath of Leaving a Toxic Relationship.” Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, May 18, 2018.

THE EXPLOSION OF TWO OPTIMISTIC FASHION DESIGNERS

By Kasey Busiel, Fashion Staff Writer Kasey Busiel photographed by Jessica Tenenbaum, Contributing Photographer

With busy schedules bursting with school and work obligations, it is easy to distract ourselves from the negative emotions that continuously cloud our minds. We suppress these feelings and lock them away in order to deceive others into thinking that we’re always “fine.” Instead of hiding from words like ‘depression’ and ‘anxiety,’ we should have honest, healthy conversations about these difficult topics as a society. It is time to promote self-love and mental health in all aspects of our lives. This is exactly what the founders of Madhappy are striving to do.

Celebrity stylist Noah Raf and his brother Peiman Raf took their love for fashion and developed a unique line that promotes positivity and mental health awareness. The brand, named Madhappy, launched in 2017 and has two physical locations: Melrose Place in Los Angeles and Howard Street in New York. They also host many pop-up shops in places such as Miami and Aspen.

Madhappy emulates an inclusive streetwear/loungewear style. Their line consists of oversized hoodies, tees and sweatpants and also includes an array of “Mh” accessories such as hats, totes and vibrant pins. It is no wonder why their eyepopping colors and uplifting slogans like “local optimist” and “love chain” exploded amongst the millennial generation.

To commemorate Mental Health Awareness Day on October 10, the creators released a limited 2019 rainbow hoodie that reads, “Mental Capacity. It’s ok to not be ok.” If that sweatshirt design wasn’t cool enough, the proceeds from the sweatshirt were donated to the Jed Foundation — a foundation that protects emotional health and works to prevent suicide. Madhappy’s website explains that every person wearing the apparel is a walking billboard to promote the cause.

Not only did the brand capture the hearts of the public, they recently caught the eye of French powerhouse Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH). The conglomerate has reportedly become the biggest investor in Madhappy’s $1.5 million seed round.¹

Madhappy is unlike any other brand under the LVMH name. Louis Vuitton has a reputation for being one of the most exclusive and luxurious names in the world. Investing in a streetwear company with a lower price point and an immensely inclusive audience seems very uncharacteristic of the LVMH parent company. According to Fast Company, an inclusive start-up culture is “resonating with twentysomethings, and LVMH seems to be betting that this is the kind of brand the next generation of luxury

consumers are looking for.”1 Instead of falling behind or exploiting this new trend, the luxury powerhouse is collaborating with authentic streetwear creators in order to educate and open themselves up to a new fashion culture.

The Raf brothers are making waves in the fashion industry not only for their popular designs but for their positive platform. The duo are using their passion and growing recognition not only to develop their business but to break down the negative stigma surrounding mental health. The cocreators realize it is almost impossible to be happy all the time. Life pushes everyone down once in a while, but by creating an inclusive community of support, people are better able to help each other get back up again.

Madhappy’s website best explains it: “We must pursue a better version of ourselves and the world around us while still recognizing that everything is fine just as it is. Sometimes we’re mad. Sometimes we’re happy. However, in spite of all this, or maybe because of it all, we can always be Madhappy.” 2·

1 Elizabeth Segran, “The future of fashion is optimistic as LVMH bets on a mental health-fo cused streetwear label,” Fast Company, October 10, 2019

2 Madhappy, https://www.madhappy.com/

WHEN I GROW UP

COMING-OF-AGE STORIES DON’T PROPERLY CAPTURE THE MESSY REALITY OF GROWING UP

By Kate Lawless, Lifestyle Editor Illustrated by Channing Smith, Arts Curator

Young adult movies and books promised that the transitional years of our late teens and early twenties would be ripe with adventure. That we’d fall in love with strangers, make crazy memories with our tight-knit groups of quirky friends, get into our dream colleges and go on to get our dream jobs.

These kinds of coming-of-age stories follow the protagonist on their journey from childhood to adulthood.1 There are ups and downs, but in the end the main character learns an important lesson and is ready to go forth into the next period of their life, wiser and better than ever before.

The reason we are drawn to this kind of dramatic irrealism is that it’s an escapist fantasy that we can project ourselves into. The characters are our age and share the same hopes and dreams. We use their stories to escape our own anxieties that come with growing up.2 Unfortunately, life doesn’t work out the same way as it does in the YA novels we love. Growing up is a lot messier than it is in these stories. There usually isn’t one specific moment where you suddenly feel like a real adult, where everything magically falls into place.

1 Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Bildungsroman.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Ency clopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed October 22, 2019.

2 Bey, Bridget, “Cancer as Metaphor: e Metaphor ical Implications of Romanticized Illness in Young Adult Fiction” (2017). English Honors Theses. 27.

Even the kinds of coming-of-age stories popularized by authors like John Green and Sarah Dessen romanticize the ugly parts of the transition from childhood to adulthood. They write about characters who are dealing with domestic abuse, parents divorcing, struggling with body image or disease; yet there is still this prevailing theme of idealizing these kinds of challenges. These stories show the kinds of struggles that many young people face, but with an unrealistic twist — there is always a nice, clean, happy ending.

Unlike coming-of-age stories, there isn’t a clear and concrete end of your childhood or the start of your adulthood. The good news is that you’re never really done growing up. You are always learning, changing and improving as a person. Yes, there are setbacks, some bigger than others, but maturity looks different for every person. Your life might not live up to the standards set by the books we loved in middle school, but that’s a good thing. You’re going to make mistakes, to regress and then grow again — adding a hundred different facets and feats to your personality and life; all of which are

making you into a more interesting, complex adult. Being an adult is more about learning to take responsibility for your actions than reaching milestones that western culture has invented.

So, don’t worry if your life doesn’t feel like a Netflix romantic comedy, or you haven’t had any sort of epiphany about what you’re going to do with your life. Growing up is not an event that happens when you turn 18 or 21. Instead, it’s a process of change that differs for every person.·

LENS FLARES IN CINEMA

HOLLYWOOD’S LOVE FOR FLASHY FILMS

By Ben Mohlke, Contributing Writer

Bright lights and eye-catching visuals have been a staple of Sci-Fi films for a long time. The ‘lens flare,’ a glare generated from pointing a light directly at the camera lens, is a particularly common effect in the genre. Popularized by films such as “Star Wars” and “Star Trek,” lens flares are often used to add a greater sense of realism to a scene by implying a larger light source, such as a star, outside the frame. But not only do lens flares become less effective when overused (in the first “Star Trek” movie a fan counted its use 721 times)1, this cinematic effect actually makes the Sci-Fi genre less accessible to those sensitive to strobe-like visuals. Given its exclusionary nature, is it safe to say that this emblem of science fiction has officially run its course?

J.J. Abrams, the director of the first “Star Trek” movie, is a huge proponent of using lens flares and beaming, flashy lights. His work in classic films like “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” and “Mission: Impossible” is well known. When you picture “Star Wars,” for example, it’s impossible not to picture glowing lightsabers colliding and sending sparks through the air. The flash of a lightsaber is just one example of 1 Dylan Browne, “Every Lens Flare in Star Trek”, Bluray Addict Youtube Channel, May 1, 2013.

Abrams’ style that has given so many other directors inspiration for their work.

Although J.J. Abrams has been critiqued for overdoing the lens flare effect, this added touch has had a huge impact on the aesthetic of SciFi as a whole. Later filmmakers saw Abrams’ use of lights and took it to the next level. A great example of Abrams’ influence is Zack Snyder, a filmmaker involved in famous titles such as “Watchmen,” “Justice League” and “Suicide Squad.” He took advantage of these current visual trends set by Abrams, as well as the ever-improving technology of the industry, to create light-filled movies that barrage the senses with stimuli.

Consequently, one might argue that the trends we see in modern-day cinematography are a logical step forward from Abrams’ aesthetic. Looking at any Marvel movie, for example, the influence is obvious. These wildly popular films are packed with flashing lights and weapons, explosions, and the dead giveaway: lens flares. In fact, this aesthetic is so important to the Marvel Universe that even most of their movie thumbnails feature glowing lights or lens flares.

For photosensitive viewers, however, this cinematic trend can put one at risk of a migraine or even a seizure as to not feel left out of the genre. To combat this, the hit Netflix Sci-Fi series “Stranger Things” decided to include a sensory warning for the first time this July. The beginning of episodes stated “Some scenes have a strobing effect that may affect photosensitive viewers.” Other Netflix shows full of bright flashing lights, such as “Money Heist,” could benefit from putting sensory warnings as well.

This warning label is a step in the right direction for people with epilepsy, but a more profound change for the cinematic world would be to move away from this flashy aesthetic altogether. Plenty of movies are visually stunning and thoroughly engaging without stooping to the overuse of flashes and explosions; just look at any Wes Anderson film. Visual techniques that are more subtle, like shooting from unique angles, can transform the mood of a film while keeping it equally engaging. Flashy, overdone effects like strobe lights should be kept to a minimum for our photosensitive friends, and, like curse words, lens flares are more effective when they are saved for just the right moment ·