society; stigma and hypocrisy

Why the Stigma?

You don’t belong to that group, why are you here? Many seem to be capable of recognising that it is statements like this that are preventing forward motions within society towards the ‘utopia’ that we all strive towards. So, if this is the case, why is it so ingrained within us to stereotype others and place them in the large box titled, ‘different’?

Typical of our human nature, the idea of stigmas are so contradictory to our apparent moral compasses. Unlike other issues that have blown out as a result of our technology boom, stigma has been a fundamental aspect of global societies, made more acute by travel and encounters with ‘The Other.’

With that, comes the question of why we subject others to hurt, after having been hurt ourselves? It is this that has sparked the whole train of you hurting him who hurt her who hurt them who hurt me and it seems to be a never ending cycle in which no one takes responsibility or attempts to put an end to it all. Well, as summed up by Sandra D Wilson, ‘hurt people hurt people’ and maybe this is able to give us true insight into our human experience and why we are driven to exclude and stigmatise those who fall in the category of ‘not like me’.

Is it possible that the stigmas we project are to hide our insecurities by bringing others down? If this is the case, can we reverse the damage? Or, at the very least, stop the cycle of projecting stigmas?

Perhaps the best way to help slow the spread of stigmas is to become aware of what they are and how they impact others. But not merely aware, but attempting to truly understand what it would feel like. This is easy enough to say, but unfortunately harder to do. We forget quickly and learn slowly. It’s like having one of our pastoral care *intense* periods where everyone leaves feeling like they are going to miraculously change and refuse to ever do anything wrong again. But that period is short as we realise that the rest of the world hasn’t changed. Saying this isn’t to appear morbid and present humanity in such a way that we feel we can never improve. It is to show the importance of education and create awareness about what it is like. Perhaps, if we take on the challenge of ‘little and often’ we can start to make a change. Perhaps, if we all take off the rose coloured glasses we can see our world as it is, but more importantly, as it could be. Take today to stop before you stigmatise, to pick up on the inconsistencies in our world and work to act justly and with purpose. If we work together, the ‘different’ can become the ‘wonderful’, and the ‘Other’, become the ‘Us’. Sarah Waters an

d Azaria Jones

Why the Hypocrisy?

Hypocrisy is a feature of life that we have all been made endlessly aware of. Though it is frustrating to live within these regulations, it is a regular factor of life that circumstances and rules will seem contradictory or even hypocritical in their implementation. Likewise, we often judge celebrities or icons through a similar lens- if they say one thing, why are they acting differently?

Though it often feels like these figures that we look up to or see regularly are more hypocritical than most, it seems that the opposite is true when we apply it to our own reality. As the famous writer, Rafael Sabatini once wrote- “hypocrisy is the very keynote of human nature.” Though potentially morbid in its implication of a lack of ability to trust our companions and those in authority, it can also be applied to one’s self. When was the last time you found yourself going against your own word? It could have been when you chastised someone for a small lie after lying to someone yourself, when you questioned why someone was judging another unfairly and then judged someone yourself, or even when you promised you’d never listen to the most popular boy bands and now you are a solid fan. While for some, this might be hard to recall, for most it should be a simple enough task. We all unknowingly go against our own opinions or statements often, and yet we still hate it when others do so. Even our opinions on hypocrites are contradictory. But according to psychologist Robert Kurzbanth, this is normal. In fact he believes it is a part of our very nature as he states, “hypocrisy is the natural state of the human mind”.

So how can we combat this? Though it may be the ‘human condition’ in a sense, hypocrisy is not necessarily a bad trait that we must change in order to live an ‘honest’ life. Though this may seem strange, it has been proposed that hypocrisy in itself is not always a bad thing. Rather, sometimes it can present as a positive change of heart. But forgiveness and ability to change also plays a great role in the human psyche. Though mistakes and contradictions with oneself may be inevitable, it’s the behaviour leading on from that decision that makes the difference. It’s when we interact with others that we understand how our behaviours may be negative or misleading, and it’s through calling each other out on this behaviour that people often recognise it. This step of communication is essential- however, like everything else, must always be handled with a certain sense of humility.

Anviti Sinha There are over 7000 languages in the world, and we all have one language in common: the language of food. As I was thinking about what I wanted to write about for the Social Issue of the Scope Magazine, I couldn’t help thinking about the social aspect of food. Food for fuel. Food to make us happy. Food to bring people together. A major aspect of our social interactions as humans is based on food. Food is something that we can rely on. Something that we all care about.

If we look back in time, we have always used food as a chance to socialise with others. Examples of when food brought us together in the past are the large feasts in the Roman Empire, or the tea ceremonies in Japan. These ancient traditions all around the world have carried on all of these years to now. In India, there are specialised dishes that are cooked for specific social events as well. Why do we like going out for brunch with our friends, or eating birthday cake with our loved ones? It’s in our history!

There is also such a cultural dimension of food. Each different part of the world has developed different cuisines suited to the specific cultures and traditions. Food shows the multicultural and multiracial world. There is such diversity of food around the world, which gives us chances to learn about different cultures as well, as we try foods from them, and understand food in social interactions with each other. There have been so many people who have visited specific cultural places in larger cities, such as Little India, or Little China, to understand these cultures and foods.

If you think about it, whenever we meet new people, we always ask them to meet us through a sort of meal. You must have heard the phrases “wanna get some coffee and have a chat?”and “we would love it if you could meet us for dinner”. This is because we recognise social interactions with sharing food together. Having a good meal with a loved one increases the emotional value of that situation. Having the memory of having a good meal with someone is really just the icing on the cake if the social interaction was positive and meaningful. “How was dinner last night? It was great! The food was amazing”.

Food is such an important part of our identities. It shows who we are as people, and something quite important about it is that it brings people together. It is actually scientifically proven that eating the same food as someone you've just met can help build trust and closeness. So go and cook with your family, and get lunch with your friends. I bet you won’t regret it!

‘the PLC lens’; short film challenge

1st place: Lovely; a stop motion film, Kaitlin Mungall

A beautiful stop motion film capturing the emotions within the popular culture song, ‘Lovely’ by Billy Eilish, feat. Khalid.

Highly commended: War Story

Maddy Mitchell, Tilly Almond, Kaitlin Mungal, Bel Freeman

Highly commended: Bees

Anviti Sinha

Binudi Vithana

As a society, we tend to follow general conventions of style and fashion. Normally, out in the street, you would expect to see people wearing fairly normal clothes.

Sandals with Latex Socks

Ever worn some nice l ooking sandals? Ever accidentally ruined them with socks because of the fear of cold feet? If so, these latex socks with sandals are just for you! Gucci makes pairs of these socks and sandals to sell, and some celebrities have been known to wear them.

Meat Knee Patches

Would you like your pants well done or medium rare? Meat knee patches are basically like having the knee rips in your jeans patched up, not with fabric but with meat! You’ve surely heard of the remedy for black eyes, right? Just place some steak over your eye! Maybe this was used to treat knee grazes…

Roller Skate Heels (or Wheel Heels)

This is the grand design of Saint Laurent. This famous fashion designer created wheel heels. Basically, roller skates, but with heels. Even though they look cool and edgy, and cost over $2000, you will probably have one chance only to use them before breaking your leg!

Cage Trousers

Fashion Nova’s “cage trousers” were baffling shoppers worldwide. Strips of faux leather were sewn together to form two cage-like structures. These pants are high waisted and cost approximately $70.

Eye Tattoos

Eye tattoos change the colour of the eye. These scleral tattoos are incredibly dangerous and must never be tried, even if the application is by professional hand. Dye is injected into the white part of your eye. This is actually illegal.

Kimberley Blake

“Please wear your mask before…” One of the most common phrases is 2021, we’ve heard this endlessly. Wearing masks has become a very recurring ‘trend’ or necessity - it’s almost become strange to be able to see when people smile. Though this common requirement has it’s pros and cons, the easiest method of making the good-out-of-bad is, of course, humour.

Endless videos of people forgetting they aren’t wearing a mask covers our feeds as they wiggle their tongue about in a strange fashion when choosing what brand of chocolate (the ever difficult decision- Lindt or Cadbury?) or their unsociable scowls contrasting their now ever-smiling eyes. Furthermore, it has become an utter fashion statement - no longer is it reserved for the extremes of catwalk or surgical ward, ‘the mask’ is a common household item, as necessary as your shoes and socks (I pray you all wear socks and shoes together, always). But it is not the most extravagant masks which are the most sought after, no, it is the common blue surgical mask that everyone wishes to acquire. Easy to breathe through, not weird enough to draw attention (for those introverts) and easy to start a conversation about (for those extroverts) the blue masks seem to strike a chord with the common public. Yet still, there are drawbacks. Acne, difficulty in speaking loud enough and - most importantly - the problem of how bad your own breath smells after breathing it in all day. But we are here to solve that problem. The list featured in this article gives several, deeply insightful suggestions on how to cure your boredom and dissatisfaction with the common mask by using it in several innovative ways. After all, why stop at one thing, when you can do so much more?

Top 5 things to do with a mask

1. Wear it as a mask 2. Wear it as a hat 3. Wear it as a headband

4. Cut it up to make another mask 5. Colour it in

Looking back maybe 5 or so years, if you knew that you would be on Farmer Wants A Wife, what would your reaction be? Will: 5 years ago I could never have done it. I was so busy and was living a pretty wild life in the outback on cattle stations. I don’t think I would have been completely surprised I did it though. But if you asked me back then I would have declined. Andrew: No way at all would I have ever thought I would find myself on a reality TV show. I don’t think I had even heard of FWAW. Alex: I would have laughed! It’s not something I had ever planned- it just all fell into place! Rachael: Never thought I’d do FWAW because I assumed I’d be married with kiddies by now! I was always extroverted, but not as confident nor was I “doing things for me”. I still post things on social media as I always would, and knock back anything “influencer” selling things, as I’m aware how strong and influential that is and I am not about that. I’m about making people smile and feel valuable and worthy in being completely themselves and I don’t believe that’s found in a product. Krissy: Haha 5 years ago I was living in NSW working at a different zoo...my reaction would be definitely not haha!

Coming from a rural school whose students witnessed many of the effects of these natural disasters, were you and your property affected by the drought and bushfires, and to what degree? How did you cope mentally? Will: These last fires did not get us, so I think I’m really lucky there. And the drought was terrible, but driving through NSW you saw how much worse it was up there so I have nothing to complain about. Andrew: I’ve seen our property be affected by a couple different droughts. Things were pretty bad when I was younger and we went through a long and really bad drought. In the more recent one, I definitely felt the effects. I guess you just have to try and stay positive and get through it. There have also been a lot of government initiatives to help farmers through such as transport subsidies and low interest loans which have helped out in the harder times. A lot of people close to me got affected by the recent fires but we were very lucky. One day when we were told that the fire was going to hit us, I remember looking at a map at the local fire shed which showed we were completely surrounded and in the impact zone. The sky was black at midday. But the southern winds that were predicted didn’t happen and so we weren’t hit. Others were not so lucky. How did you cope knowing that during your journey on Farmer Want A Wife, it would end with you potentially finding love and yet also potentially breaking someone’s heart? Will: I was excited at the prospect of finding someone, but was very ill prepared for having to let people down. I found that very difficult and it still saddens me. Andrew: It’s not a great feeling. On one hand you find happinesses on the other you let someone down. Which didn’t sit well with me. I guess you just had to keep reminding yourself that you just had to be true to yourself, and that unfortunately that was the nature of the show and that the girls understood that going into it.

Coming from an all girls school (we know how girls can sometimes be), was it difficult to have a house full of girls? Andrew: Haha not really to be honest. There was a producer that lived in the house with us, who’s name was Nic. He was an absolute legend, and the girls and I got on with him really well so I wasn’t completely outnumbered!

Alex (Farmer Ma t )

Farmer Will

Krissy- (Farmer Will)

Farmer Andrew Did you face any sort of media critique after becoming known on the show? Alex: No I was lucky enough not to face any criticism from the media coming off of the show! The only comments I received were about my age and how young I was. It never bothered me because I know I am very mature. Rachael: Yes I sure did! I have very healthy boundaries and believe TV brought out some emotions in contestants and farmers that I wasn’t going to let slide. A lot of women (heartbreakingly) called me names like a trouble maker, or a viper and sneaky and dramatic... all these horrible names when I NEVER was mean- only standing up for being treated OK. Unfortunately, you get called dramatic as a woman if you stand up for yourself. It’s a way many people have kept women small in history. Women are still fighting for equal rights, and unfortunately it is still a problem. I would get things like “farmers want someone who’s not emotional and gets the work done” which says to young women, stay small and quiet and you’ll get picked... I also got “You wouldn’t get friend zoned all the time if you were more feminine (less ‘jokey’)” x Krissy: I didn't get much negative feedback after the show, but in saying that, I didn't really read anything on socials or comments or anything. I got asked to do a few interviews but they all have to get approved by channel 7 first.

Rachel- (Farmer Andrew) What was it like changing environments and moving to a farm? Alex: It was a pretty easy transition for me as I come from a small town in South Australia but the isolation was a bit of a shock. You are surrounded by such beautiful scenery which made it all worth it! Rachael: I grew up in Mangrove Mountain so it wasn’t a shock at all to me! I did miss my family and friends and the beach. But I think finding your person and a community you can help out and be a part of is worth moving for. Krissy: I didn't really change environments too much as I worked on a farm at the time, the only big change was probably the weather. It was very hot where we were.

Was taking over the family farm always what you wanted, or were there other options you highly considered?

Andrew: I always knew eventually I would end up back at the farm. My parents had a chat to my brother and I before they committed to taking over my grandparents farm, on top of the one they already owned. They basically asked us if we saw ourselves on the land, because we would be more than likely taking on the debt as well, which was fine with us. I did go to university and did a bachelor of management, and lived and worked in Canberra for a little bit but I never saw myself sitting behind a desk and knew I would always end up back at home.

Do you see the agricultural industry moving towards a place of mutual gender bias?

Andrew: Yeah definitely, and I think it already is going in that direction which is a good thing. Only last week in the shearing shed two of the shed hands were women, and around where I am from that is not an uncommon thing. I think with advancements in technology as well and farm work becoming less labour intensive and easier on the body will continue to encourage women into the industry.

And finally, the most important question, pineapple on pizza? Yes or no? Andrew: Pineapple belongs on a Hawaiian pizza. And that is it, because you know what you are getting. Don’t be sneaking pineapple on my supreme pizza for a weird surprise. Alex: THE BIGGEST YES! How could you not?! Rachael: The big question!! I eat whatever’s on my plate. I don’t know why but I eat everything except fancy things.. like oysters and those nemo eggs on things.. I have meat lovers or vegetarian (oh the contrast) and neither have pineapple. But if I got ham and pineapple I’d love the pineapple… Krissy: It's a yes from me!

Glaceon Glaceon is a cool gal. She’s the kind of person who seems intimidating from afar, but is very nice once you get to know her. Looks cute without hair :)

7/10

Jolteon The goodest boy out of all the eeveelutions. His face? His smile? Everything is perfect. Also looks vaguely like a feral Pikachu, so I’m not sure how I feel about that. 8/10

Vaporeon One of my favourite water types! I love her design and her smile :) The way she sits! So polite! Vaporeon knows how cute she is, and embraces it to the max. There is nothing but goodness in her heart. 11/10

Flareon

Flareon looks like somebody used the bucket tool on an eevee and made her red. Very basic, that’s ok! Just not in this case. Reminds me too much of Doritos to like her - You’d probably get cheese scented powder all over you. 5/10

pokemon

review

Leafeon Leafeon has a pretty name. As a grass type, she gets a bad rap for being weak against a lot of the common types. I don’t mind though! She looks like a little forest spirit and I love her.

7/10

Espeon One of the prettiest pokemon in the game. The little ear tufts, the eyes, the Mewtwoish tail, all very pretty. Psychic types have a lot of variation, but Espeon seems right at home next to any of them. 9/10

Umbreon With the name “Moonlight Pokemon”, Umbreon looks and sounds very cool. Dark-type pokemon often have great designs, and Umbreon is no exception.

7/10

Sylveon Sylveon is the newest eeveelution, and is by far the most popular. Her design is super cute, with pink and blue bows and very kind looking eyes. Who could hate her? Not me.

13/10

what miraculous ladybug character are you?

Bethany Eickhoff and Hattie Gilpin

1. If you could travel to any city in the world, where would you go?

A. London B. Paris C. Armidale (...why?) D. San Francisco E. Tokyo

2. Pick a colour

A. Green � B. Pink :-) C. Black because you have a god complex D. Periwinkle (you’re different) E. Blue :|

3. Is the glass half empty or half full?

A. Nothing is ever really empty because a glass half filled with water is also half filled with air :-D B. Half full :) C. Half Empty :( D. I’ll agree with whatever anyone else says :) E. I don’t care as long as I can make music when I blow on it :D

4. Pick an animal

A. A ferret B. A baby sloth C. A predatory whale D. A butterfly E. A squid

5. What kind of music are you into?

A. A lot of rock but anything with a good beat to dance too is also good B. I Won't Hold You Back by Toto… also hard rock C. I’m not really into music :/ D. Anything if the lyrics are good :) especially when it's remixed to sound like there's rain in the background E. Whatever vibes at the time, I don’t really have a specific type but rather many (I have a playlist for everything)

6. Be honest what did you waste your time on during online school

A. Netflix B. Snapchat/Instagram C. Some extensive and pointless project you never finished D. Schoolwork?? ? E. Music/walking/mindfulness because

Mental Health

7. Pick a spice

A. Cinamon B. Nutmeg C. Flour D. Ginger E. Turmeric

8. Your friends think they know you, but deep inside, you’re:

A. A roleplayer B. Losing it C. Evil D. Obsessed with creating or viewing fanfiction/fanart E. The same person <3 honesty is a virtue

9. It's raining and you see your friend about to walk home. What do you do:

A. Give them your umbrella! You don’t want them catching a cold. B. Offer to share your umbrella while you walk them home. C. They can perish D. You didn’t bring an umbrella either, guess you’ll both get soaked but at least you can laugh about it later! E. Give them your raincoat and offer to walk them home.

10. Do you even watch this show? A. Religiously B. I was forced to watch it by Madame

Peters C. No (yes) D. Like years ago?? E. No lol I’m just here for the vibe

Mostly A’s - Cat Noir

You’re suave and easy to get along with, a bit of a flirt but who says that's a bad thing? Under your charming personality you're a lover at heart. You’re naturally optimistic and that's what people love about you, but please, for the love of croissants, get your eyes checked.

Mostly B’s - Marinette

You’re sweet and kind to everyone but people often mistake that for weakness. You're a creative soul and people like your naturally optimistic personality. You’re a great friend and a good listener but it's important that you learn to lean on your friends as well.

Mostly C’s - Hawk Moth

Cold and calculated, you are highly cynical about the world around you. Whether it's a secret butterfly obsession or reclusive tendencies, don’t be afraid to reach out to others to share your interests (you might be surprised!).

Mostly D’s - Nooroo

You have loser energy but people like that. Don’t be offended, you’re kinda underrated, keep it going <3 You’re sensitive and empathetic and have a great instinct for people. Trust your gut!

Mostly E’s - Luka

You seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to people. However you have the personality of seaweed. You’re multi-talented and no one can put you in a box. People are lucky to have you :)

cartoon corner

Hattie Gilpin

crossword

Across

3. According to Myer Briggs, ____ do not actually exist. 6. _____ 'is not necessarily a bad trait that we must change in order to live an ‘honest’ life.’ 7. A common misconception about introverts if that they are bad at _____ ______ 10. A key woman in terms of supporting body positivity

Down

1. There are three different types of conformity; identification, internalisation and ____ 2. A very colourful species that is going extinct 4. _____ _______ has proven to be a beneficial method of treatment for people of all ages 5. In our fast paced world, we tend to forget to 'stop and smell the ____' 8. Diagnostic imaging techniques have been influential in the medical world, making treatment safer and less _____ for patients 9. This is commonly used to bring groups of people together and can be a way to identify yourself as a part of a cultural group.

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Azaria Jones Sarah Waters

IN THE SCHOOL EDITOR Maya Hess

NEWS AND OPINION EDITOR Georgie Swales

ARTS EDITOR Bethany Eickhoff

FEATURES AND HUMAN INTERESTS EDITOR Emma Thompson

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Heidi Martin

CONTRIBUTORS Abby Eastment Alannah Williams Annicha Waters Anviti Sinha Bel Freeman Binudi Vithana Bella Waters Chiyo Brown Chloe Clark Emma Dauparas Fifi Inberger Hamna Sheeraz Hattie Gilpin Huna Moghaddar Kaitlin Mungall Kimberly Blake Lauren Williams Maddy Mitchell Makenzie Roberston Nevada Guiance Seraphina Katta Tilly Almond Zoe Martin COLLEGE QUIZZES EDITOR Kate Mabbot

CARTOONIST Harriet Gilpin

COVER ILLUSTRATOR Bethany Eickhoff

ILLUSTRATORS Anviti Sinha Bella Waters Hattie Gilpin

PHOTOGRAPHER Chloe Clark Abby Eastment Binudi Vithana

ADVISORS Mr Mitchell Clendinning Mrs Kate Clynch