CLUB SUCCESS
FCCLA and the Pepper Box both received prestigious awards. NEWS, Page 3
PLAY REHEARSAL
The cast and crew of “A Christmas Carol” are preparing a show for December. SPOTLIGHT Page 4,5
SPORTS CAPSULES Check out how the fall sports finished their seasons. SPORTS, Page 8
THE PEPPER BOX RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL
ISSUE 3, VOLUME 44
9100 ST. CHARLES ROCK ROAD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63114
NOVEMBER, 2017
Women seek change after reporting past assaults Sexual harassment allegations against famous men have sparked a movement for all
By TABITHA PEEBLES The Pepper Box Staff Within these past months, more than 70 allegations against the famous American film producer Harvey Weinstein have surfaced on account of his history with sexual harassment, including three allegations of rape. Several women, including supermodels and actresses, are all sharing their stories on their interactions with Weinstein. These cases of sexual misconduct perpetrated by a public figure seem to constantly receive national attention. Examples of some these figures who have been more recently accused include: Kevin Spacey, Louis CK, Brett Ratner, Russell Simmons and American politician, Roy Moore. Although Weinstein’s actions may have made a bigger impact in the media, the shock prompted from these other men’s unbecoming behavior promote people to wonder why someone would violate another person in this manner. These inappropriate actions induced from Weinstein have clearly affected his life in numerous ways despite his retractions. Some of these include his expulsion from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences along with being expelled by the organization behind the Oscars. The feelings aroused by Weinstein’s actions are causing many to question how someone could get away with doing this to so many women over the years.
Sexual assault is more common than people might believe. 11,364 claims were filed just in 2011, with 83.7% of those of those claims being filed from women according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Since #MeToo went viral in early November following the Weinstein allegations, Twitter has reported more than 1.7 million women and men using the tag in more than 80 countries. Guidance Counselor Shauna Cunningham spoke about how this viral movement can conclusively give people the gateway they need to reach out with their stories. “I feel like this movement is very Coralis Bobe empowering and it will A representation of the #MeToo movement that has resurfaced after sexual ultimately help women harassment and assault allegations of prominent male figures. The hash tag started who have been sexually trending on social media and women were sharing stories to bring awareness. assaulted and abused in Understanding this begin,” Cunningham said. seen in the survey when having a voice as well as campaign and knowing Understanding the 81% of women said that remind them that they’re that it can affect students statistics when it comes to they’ve experienced sexual not alone. This is their gives the counselors sexual harassment should harassment in the verbal moment of redemption,” the opportunity to put help keep women aware form, 44% from unwanted Cunningham said. themselves in the position of their surroundings and touching and 25% from Although this viral to relate as well as give know when to report any lewd texts or emails. campaign became popular solace to those students inappropriate encounters All things considered, just recently, it actually who need it. they may face. the topic of sexual assault is originated more than 10 “The impact of this According to a something that shouldn’t be years ago with activist, movement will allow Cosmopolitan survey pushed aside nor ignored. Tarana Burke. In Burke’s women to feel confident amongst 2,235 full-time With the recognition that interview with CNN enough to come forward and part-time female the matter is receiving in she speaks about how and be empowered employees, 1 in 3 women the media, the pathway this movement, rather survivors instead of between the ages 18-34 for better perspective is than a viral campaign, victims. This hashtag have been sexually harassed obtainable to those who’ll established itself from will also hopefully send at work. Only 29% reported use the information to deeper trauma that she, a message from men and the violation, while 71% bring more mindfulness to as well as the women women that sexual assault did not. Another reason for its severity. around her, experienced. will not be tolerated. the lack of awareness on “Being strong enough The controversy started Although silence and this issue is solely because to confide in someone you from this hashtag has shame can continue to people aren’t aware of the trust can also put a halt to allowed women to come hurt on the inside, telling different forms that sexual the abuse. Therefore, there’s forth and not be afraid to an adult about one’s story harassment come in as power in telling one’s story share their stories as well can connect them with well as noticing it when and counselors are here to as raise recognition to the the resources they need it happens. Examples of help those who need it,” significance of the issue. in order for healing to be these different forms were Cunningham said.
Boy scouts decision allows girls to join By ALLY BOTH The Pepper Box Staff On Oct. 11 2017, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) came out with a statement officially allowing girls to become a part of their program beginning on Jan. 1, 2018. Girls all across America are now able to earn the Eagle Scout award for the first time in a little over a hundred years. The Eagle Scout award is an award that boys have the opportunity to earn until they are eighteen years old. To get the Eagle Scout, members have to go through a long process of finishing awards prior to
the Eagle, and then proceed to earn merit badges that concentrate on certain life skills. Sophomore Brendan Stock has been in the BSA for the past five years, and said that attaining Eagle Scout status is a true honor that must be earned, regardless of whether a girl or boy was trying for it. “The Eagle Scout Award is the best of the best and only three percent of the Boy Scouts ever make it to their Eagle… it’s a lot of hard work and dedication to the program,” Stock said. The final step in order to attain Eagle Scout status is to go to a board that is dedicated to the Eagle Scout Service Project to get the project approved.
When the project is complete, the Scouts go back to the board and show that they have adequately completed it. Since the process is so long to go through (usually lasting about a year) it is considered to be an impressive achievement. The Eagle Scout has been an advantage that men have had for the past century and now it will be equal grounds for both genders. Junior Sara Phillips has been in the Girl Scouts of America for the past eleven years giving her ample personal experience of the Girl Scouts. “If I had been younger SEE GIRL SCOUTS PG2
INDEX NEWS..................Front Page Check out
OPINION....................Page 2 information NEWS.........................Page 3 SPOTLIGHT................Page 4 SPOTLIGHT................Page 5 SPOTLIGHT................Page 6 SPORTS......................Page 7 SPORTS......................Page 8
from this issue, as well as additional content from the Pepper Box and KRHS on ritenourlive. org