The Legend Volume 19 Issue 5
March 2016
Represent Although we do not live in a postracial society, attitudes on racism seem to be progressing. Pg. 16
News Zika Virus Outbreak pg 3 Supreme Court Justice pg 3
Features
Half-and-Half pg 4 African American pg 5 Stop Making Generalizations pg 6 A Cultural Barrier pg 7
Lifestyle Prom Tips pg 8 Around the World pg 9 Spring Break Hotspot pg 10 To DIY For pg 11
Opinions
Call Me Colorblind pg 14 Racism pg 16 Female Representation pg 20
Sports National Signing Day pg 23 Suncoast High School 1717 Avenue S Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Editors
Contact Information Phone: 561-494-2651 Fax: 561-882-3443 Any opinions that are printed in “The Legend� are not necessarily the opinions of the adviser, administration, or the school district. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the editorial board.
March2016
Staff Writers
Kristen Unico Kaylee Clemens Claudia Laukien Jordan Young Ameenah Rashid Yana Rankine Alexis August Traci Lowe
Co-Editor-in-Chief Co-Editor-in-Chief Design Editor Features Editor Lifestyle Editor News and Opinions Copy Editor Adviser
Mindjina Courage Asyjah Dudley Maria Fahmy Zanne Hanna Marisa Hart Monica Kramer Eda Kutsal
Austin Lent Alex Levine Jaylynn Lowery Alyssa Selimov Jimmie Smith Simrun Waghray Dayalis Zamora
News3
The Zika Virus Outbreak Little is known about the new outbreak of the Zika virus, and prevention is becoming imperative. Marisa Hart Recently the spread of Staff Writer the Zika virus has become a
worldwide issue. The main concern of the Zika virus is how little is known about this infectious disease and how serious the effects of it could be on pregnant women and their children. Also it has been very difficult finding out how many people have contracted the virus and 80 percent of cases will be undiagnosed in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. The Zika virus has not been studied enough in order to fully understand all the effects that it has. According to the World Health Organization, it is not known if the Zika virus is directly associated with microcephaly , a condition in which babies are born with small heads or their heads stop developing once they are born. Unfortunately, there has been a spike in
cases of this condition which correlates with the spread of the Zika virus.
The Zika virus is currently active within these purple areas.
A research project has been launched in Brazil in order to try to find out the exact effects of the Zika virus on pregnant women and their children. According to
NPR, a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is collecting blood samples from pregnant women and their children in order to find out if they have been exposed and how serious the symptoms are. They are also trying to find out if microcephaly could just be caused from the pesticides used to kill the Zika virus spreading mosquitoes. Right now there is no vaccine that can protect against the Zika virus. Precautions from getting the virus have become imperative in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Some ways to decrease the chances of contracting the disease, according to the CDC, are to wear long sleeves and pants and use insect repellent if traveling to a country that has been infected by the Zika virus. photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org
The Search for the Next Supreme Court Justice It is unclear who will appoint the next Supreme Court Justice to fill the vacant justice seat. On February 13th, Supreme Court Justice Marisa Hart Antonin Scalia passed away from natural causes Staff Writer
in Shafter, Texas. With the loss of a Supreme Court Justice an issue has occurred concerning who will pick the next court justice. President Obama has the ability to appoint a new Supreme Court Justice throughout his presidential term, even though this year is an election year. The Senate is trying for a majority conservative Supreme Court and plans to block any nomination that President Obama will make, according to The New York Times. Therefore, the Senate is pushing for the newly elected president, next year, to make the decision, hoping a Republican candidate is chosen that would pick a conservative justice. The issue of deciding who should pick the Supreme Court Justice is caused by the political differences between the Senate and President Obama. According to the Washington Post, Obama would most likely pick a liberal Supreme Court Justice, while the Senate, with the majority being Republican, are pushing for a more conservative justice to be appointed. Antonin Scalia was known for being a very conservative Supreme Court Justice. If Obama were to appoint the justice, then liberal court justices would become the majority in the Supreme Court. Without the support of the Senate, Obama would not be able
to appoint the next Supreme Court Justice of his choice. As reported by the Washington Post, he would need the support of 14 Republican members of the caucus in order to appoint a liberal justice. Waiting until after the presidential election may be ideal for the Senate because of the chance a Republican president could be elected and then appoint a conservative Supreme Court Justice. There is no set date of when the next justice will be appointed. Until then the Supreme Court will consist of eight justices. According to CNN, issues are occurring now with the Texas Abortion Law, where if the Supreme Court Justices are equally divided on the subject and there is not another justice there to split the decision, no national precedent will be set and the law will be passed. photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org
March2016
Humans of
Suncoast Paula Moreno (12) Do you have any interesting plans for Spring Break? “During Spring Break, I am going to be lucky enough to travel to Europe. I love history, and we are visiting interesting and enriching sites, like Normandy and Buchenwald Concentration Camp. It’s an incredible opportunity to put life into perspective and have fun while learning.”
Al Amin Hadis (12) What about Prom night are looking forward to the most? “I am excited to be with all of my friends for my last high school prom. I feel like I will share a lot of laughs that night with the people around me. Since this is the last time all of us seniors will be together for a dance, I hope to make it a memorable night.”
Senior Taylor Reichel discusses what it is like to be biracial.
half-and-HALF Biracial.
photo by Jordan Young
Mixed.
Jordan Young Multiethnic. Black and Features Editor White. Senior Taylor
Reichel has seen and heard it all, whether it was written on her Common Application or coming from the mouths of confused students trying to figure out just what her caramel-colored skin means. Reichel’s father is German and Swedish; her mother is African-American and Native American. And she is both. Not every school in Palm Beach County, however, upholds the same standards of diversity that Suncoast does, so Reichel was a lone wolf for much of her time as a student. “Growing up, I didn’t really meet anyone who was biracial until I was in middle school, and even then, she was the only other person in the whole school. It was really different for me because I was involved in different activities, and there were kids of just one color; I didn’t really fit in with either side,” Reichel said. At school, Reichel is surrounded by one of the most diverse student bodies in a 100 mile radius; however, many of the students are not necessarily multiethnic. They may hail from all four corners of the globe, including Malaysia and Poland, but they only belong to one race. Unlike Reichel, their identities are contained within one box; thus, at times, she still tends to feel like a rainbow fish in a pond of trout and bass.
“I don’t feel that everybody at school truly understands what it means to be diverse because they look at me, and all they see is a black girl; they don’t see that I’m also white. When they meet my dad, they’re so surprised and say that I don’t act white; I act black. But what does a black person act like, in all honesty? I can be anyone I want. They don’t understand what it means to be mixed,” Reichel said. Reichel’s home, on the other hand, is a place of cultural blending and the embracing of heritage. Her Swedish family comes down from the north a few times a year, and her grandmother cooks traditional Swedish dishes. Sometimes her father will conduct impromptu lessons of the German language, but according to Reichel, the language has not stuck. Her mother’s family, though, lives in Florida, which makes for year round family bonding. “My home life is pretty balanced I would say because I’m not forced to draw from both sides; they’re just available for me,” Reichel said. Chocolate milk is both milk and Hershey’s Syrup mixed together to make something entirely new. Just as Reichel is both black and white. Both at the same time. “It’s not something that’s all or nothing. I’m both, not just one,” Reichel said.
Features5
“If You Are From Africa Why Are You White?” Junior Max-Olivier Ducoste and Sophomore Darin Goldstein challenge labels and express what they think it means to be African American. As Darin Mindjina Courage Goldstein fills Staff Writer out his personal information for the PSAT, he carelessly writes down his name, date of birth, and address. This robotic task does little to excite Darin as he quickly scribbles the information for what felt like his millionth time. He reaches the word “ethnicity” and though this word is as familiar as the others, he pauses for a moment. He hovers his pencil over the box next to African American with no real intention to check it. The moment of curiosity passes when he catches a glimpse of his pale skin. No one could question that he was born on September 27, 1999, but how many eyebrows would be raised if he publicly claimed a term associated with people whose skin color is entirely different from his own? As he scolds himself for allowing his irrational longing to distract him from his exam, Darin places a halfhearted check mark next to white. Even though he has checked this box several times, he can never do so mindlessly. In most dictionaries, the word African American is simply defined as “a black American”or “an American of African and especially of black African descent.” This title which gained popularity in the 1980’s does not sit well with everyone. Some object to the definition because they believe that the African culture is too rich to be defined as a color. Others disapprove of the phrase because Europeans are not referred to as European American, so the term almost implies that blacks who were born in America are only half American. Many people today who “fit” into the definition of African American feel disconnected from it, finding it hard to accept a label that is associated with them only because their “ancestors” were
taken from Africa 600 years ago. This is the same mindset that Junior MaxOlivier Ducoste has, who was not born in America or Africa. “No, I do not believe it’s a proper term for me because not all black people come from Africa, I’m just Canadian. Canada is a great country; it’s really cold, but I like it. I love it! It’s my homeland, and I’m proud to be a Canadian.” Sophomore Darin Goldstein who was born in Cape Town is dissatisfied with the term because many do not view him as African American. Goldstein states, “I was born in South Africa, but have lived in the United States for most of my life. I love Africa, and I want to be able to claim it. I’m more than just the color of my skin.” This raises the question: What does African American really mean? Most just view it as an inoffensive politically correct term, but is it causing more harm than good? It is with the same ignorance where we classify every light-colored person as white when they come from many parts of the world, we call every black person African American, but they come from the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Haiti, Brazil, Cuba, France, The Dominican Republic, Colombia, and a countless amount of other countries. Society’s attempts to classify people puts limits on our freedom of expression, but Darin and Max-Oliver have refused to be generalized. Even though African American is a common phrase that has been around for a while, its definition is not set in stone. As Goldstein states, “The definition of African American needs to be changed because it should not be dependent on your skin color. Instead, the term should be based according to the place where you were born.” Photos By: Mindjina Courage
March2016
Features6
STOP MAKING
GENERALIZATIONS
Everyone has been called something that they are not, but that does not mean it is okay. Ameenah Rashid Lifestyle Editor
Faysal Rahman
Bangladesh
“Nobody likes being classified incorrectly, we all want to be recognized for who we are, and it gets annoying when people assume you speak “Indian;” that’s not even a real language.”
Sauleh Ahmed
Pakistan
“I define myself as Asian American, not Middle Eastern because Pakistan is in Asia and my parents were born in Pakistan, but I have been mislabeled many, many times. Since I was in elementary school.”
photos by Ameenah Rashid
An Authentic Kaylee Clemens Co Editor-in-Chief
St. Paddy’s Day
for the Unauthentic Irish
The Irish boast, “There are only two kinds of people in the world: The Irish and those who wish they were.” So, for those who wish to be authentically Irish this St. Paddy’s Day, here is some advice.
Try the food Although, it is typical that the Irish have big old fashioned dinners on St. Paddy’s day, you do not need cornbeef and cabbage to feel like a real Irishman. While you are browsing all the shelves of shammrock cookies and green iced cupcakes, consider picking up a loaf of Irish Soda Bread. Just make sure you are prepared to be impressed!
Learn the Sayings The Irish love their proverbs, so learn one to say with a toast, for after the parade. A particuarly famous one is: “May you die in bed at 95, shot by a dangerous spouse!”
March2016
Attend a Parade
The Irish are known for their love of parades! So, if you want to feel authentic on March 17th, attend a parade wearing green. Do not be surprised if you see police in the parade, Irish immigrants have a reputation for joining the force.
Say it Right If you actually want to pass for an authentic Irishman on Saint Patrick’s Day, it is imp0rtant that you do not fall for a rookie mistake. If you are going to shorten the holiday’s name, say St. Paddy’s, never St. Patty’s!
Features7
A Cultural Barrier
Student and immigrant, Michel Grace recounts his experiences in war-torn Egypt. It had happened in Egypt Dayalis Zamora before, but now it had Staff Writer
reached Michel Grace’s home. Armed men were breaking into houses, stealing valuables and injuring families, and were now wandering along Michel’s neighborhood street. The sound of glass shards further breaking beneath shoes, the coolness that came with the Egyptian sun setting beyond the horizon, all accompanying the uneasiness Michel was feeling. Fear was gripping Michel as his father rushed out of the house, protecting his family and home. Michel did not want him to leave and risk his life for the sake of his loved ones, but he knew it was his father’s responsibility. Deafening gunshots sounded throughout his neighborhood, but his father was all right. When Michel talked to his friends, they had all experienced an equally troublesome night. It happened often, after all. Sophomore Michel Grace said, “I’m a Christian, a Coptic Orthodox Christian, and in Egypt, there’s a lot of persecution and stuff happening, especially when the Muslim Brotherhood grew. So that’s why my parents decided to come here, for our safety and for us to have faith in God and not live in fear.” There had been political reasons, as well. Before Grace left Egypt, the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 had began on January 25, creating a rift between the military-controlled government and its people, who wanted a democratic government. The president at the time, Hosni Mubarak, finished a three-decade long presidency when he finally stepped down in February of 2011 due to the revolts. The resignation was met with cheers by pro-democratic protesters, but the dangers in Egypt were not over. Coptic Orthodox Christians did not get along well with the Muslim Brotherhood, a sect of the major religion in Egypt. Similar to ISIS, this small group would eventually take over the government. This would soon dissolve, however, as the first democratic election was held in 2012, appointing Mohamed Morsi president. Due to continual citizen unrest, after the June 2013 Egyptian protests, army chief General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi became the current Egyptian president. “For six months, my journey was very difficult for me. I didn’t know what to do in class, I didn’t know anything. The first time we did the Pledge
of Allegiance, it was kind of shocking, like I’m not going to do that. With time, I started doing it and got used to it and the system. I didn’t understand the American jokes that were being told. The whole class would laugh, and I would just sit there and think, ‘What’s so funny?’ Now, I listen to English music and can speak better English than I used to,” Grace said. As much as Americans want to believe that Egyptians travel to school on their camels, the education system in the United States is not dissimilar to Egypt’s. Both countries study alike subjects in school while learning several languages, including British English and French. The only downside is that Egypt’s public school education system offers less of a diverse and effective curriculum; its courses are more censored than if you were in a religious Egyptian private school. “In Egypt, I went to a private school because public schools are a mess. Egypt is not a wealthy country but it’s still not a poor country. Education is best given at private schools.” The biggest alteration in Grace’s adaptation to America is the change in society and culture. America is well-known amongst the nations to be a liberal country, where there is a separation between church and state, and government does not interfere as much in your life as other countries. In Egypt, the government, its laws, and social norms are heavily influenced by the Islamic religion. “Everything is different -- food, the traffic, the relationships. There isn’t much freedom in Egypt; you must have a God and you must worship Him.” When asked about the turmoil happening in the Middle East, Grace replied, “It’s sad because my family and friends and even people I don’t know but who are still my people are getting killed. Like, friends of friends are dying. Every time I log on to Facebook, a friend of my friend is dead or suffers from the war.” Grace speaks to his family and friends in Egypt every day through Facebook, but there are things that are not mentioned. It is as if they are someone’s silent goodbye, the words uttered when they will not see their family again. “I’m on my way to success right now, and I miss all of you. I’m coming back soon. I’m going to make Egypt better.” Photo courtesy: Wikimedia
March2016
Lifestyle8
The Perfect Prom Checklist A short list to start the night off right!
1. Flowers
Before you meet your prom date for some pre-prom picture madness, make sure you have the key prom accessory: flowers! Prom tradition states that a girl receives a corsage from her date, and a boy receives a boutonniere.
A Friendly Guide to...
A Fierce Prom
Here are some helpful tips for an unforgettable Prom.
Kaylee Clemens Co-Editor-in-Chief
s,
ie ad
L
The Name Brand Problem Remember, regardless of how much money you put into your dress, jewelry, or shoes, your most attractive asset is you. Everything about your prom getup should show you off and flatter you, not the other way around. It does not matter if the shoes are cute or the dress looks good on the model. If this was about the dress, you would be on a runway. You are attending your high school prom, so even if it means you need to drop the name brand, make sure you are advertising the real goods.
Ge
ntl
The Matching Game
2. The Limo Not everyone takes a limo to prom, but if you intend on arriving to the party with your squad in tow, it is neccesary to have a solid transportation plan. So, either book a limo and check up on it, or be sure to fill up your car with gas beforehand!
3. Know the Details Saturday, April 2nd 8 pm- 11 pm Harriet Himmel Theatre 600 S Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Pick your Feature Often you may have heard that less is more, but do not let this advice deter you from a dramatic look. The rule is: you can pick your lips or your eyes. Only one can be dramatic, unless you are planning to channel your inner Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games.If you are going for a dark smokey eye, balance it with light lips, or consider rocking red lips with some neutral eye makeup.
Matching your date is a part of prom tradition, so if you are capable of doing it, go for it! If they are wearing a red dress, look into red vests. Although, if they are wearing a light grey tinted mauve three shades left of periwinkle, consider coordinating colors instead. If all else fails, go classic in black and white.
Suit or Tux What is the difference between a suit or tuxedo? Asking your prom date this is like her asking what the difference is between the Broncos and the Panthers. Yes, it is a big deal, and your prom date is team tux. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia
March2016
em
en
,
Around the World
Traveling the world introduces cultural awareness and provides for a thrilling experience. Traveling the world opens one’s eyes to different cultures, people, and interactions. With the Monica Kramer opportunities and obstacles that it entails, traveling the globe can make people find themselves and Austin Lent discover who they truly are. Visiting new places will make an individual realize there is more to life than Staff Writers just what they can experience at home.
Rome, Italy
Rome, the capital of Italy, is located close to the Mediterreanean Sea. Rome’s architecture and culture was influenced the Ancient Roman Empire. Exciting places to visit in Rome include the Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Rome is also known for its exquisite cuisine and variety of foods.
Rosario, Argentina
Rosario is located along the Parana River and is a great cultural center in Argentina. The many Basilicas in Rosario reflect its great relationship with the Catholic religion. The mosaics and paintings found in many of these places represent its 20th century influence. Rosario is a city of culture, but it has also developed into a modern day urban center.
Sydney, Australia
Paris, France
The Sydney Opera House is an icon in Australia’s modern and ancient history. The Opera House is located on the Sydney Harbour, which enhances the overall experience. The Bondi Beach is located just outside of Sydney and is known for its transparent waters.
Paris is a global center for art, culture, and fashion. A major attraction in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, which attributes to the name “The City of Lights.” Paris contains boutiques that cater to many different consumers, including high-end shops as well as flea markets.
Japan is known for its magnificent religious sites including Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, Christian churches. Its capital, Tokyo, has an incredible mix of modern and traditional architecture.Tokyo is the most populous city in the world. The neon-lit skyline is an icon in Japanese culture. The city has a vibrant food scene with incredible Japanese cuisine.
Located in Western Russia, Moscow has a variety sights to see. The many cathedrals located in Moscow are icons of the city and clearly represent its 15th century influence. Red Square is a popular attraction because of its central location and its mix of modern and ancient architecture. The Moscow zoo is another exciting place as it shows the great biodiversity that Russia has.
Tokyo, Japan
Moscow, Russia
photos source: flickr.com, wikipedia.org, meow.fr
March2016
Lifestyle10
Spring Break Hotspot
Visiting Mizner Park in Boca Raton will ensure a memorable vacation while staying in Florida. Monica Kramer Mizner Park is a great place to visit Staff Writer
over spring break with a group of friends or to spend time with family. Located in downtown Boca Raton, Mizner has the stores and restaurants that everyone loves. Similar to Cityplace, its outdoor setting makes for a spirited atmosphere and environment. Mizner Park can be visited at any time, as it has plenty of activities during the day and night. Some of its most popular shopping attractions include LF, Kendra Scott,
and Lord & Taylor. The large number of activities makes Mizner attractive to all as there is something for everyone to enjoy. Many top rated restaurants are located in Mizner Park such as Racks, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Yard House. Other exciting dessert options include Sloans, Le Macaron, and Starbucks. The restaurants located in Mizner Park receive great ratings from most customers as their experiences are unlike any other. Ipic is a VIP movie theater located in Mizner Park that is known as the
“Ultimate Movie Experience.” Ipic has deluxe leather seats that come equipped with pillows and blankets. Food and beverages can also be directly ordered and delivered to one’s seat during the movie. Ipic is has outstanding customer satisfaction making it is a great place to visit and watch a new movie. Ipic can personalize the experience to any group. A unique feature of Ipic is the restaurant Tanzy, that offers a sit down dining choice as well as an express option to eat in the theater. Eating, shopping, and seeing movies is not the only way to enjoy Mizner Park. Many well known artists have concerts at the Mizner Amphitheater, which is located on the north end of Mizner Park along with the exceptional Boca Raton Museum of Art. Visiting Boca Raton’s Mizner Park will help you make the most out of spring break. Its many activities, shops, and restaurants make for a very entertaining and exciting visit. Boca’s Mizner Park. A variety of stores, restaurants, and outside activities make Mizner Park exciting. photo source: wikimedia,com
Streaming on Apple Music Apple Music, the new streaming platform offers a unique alternative to Spotify and other services.
With digital sales slipping and Austin Lent Staff Writer streaming reaching record highs
in 2015, Apple introduced Apple Music to break into the streaming industry. Apple has always been an innovator in the technology industry, but the company has fallen behind Spotify and other popular streaming services in leading the future of music. Apple Music is not the breakthrough that iTunes was, but it allows the company to reach into the lucrative platform. The service caters the music to each individual listener’s likes and dislikes. The trial begins with the user selecting favorite and least favorite music genres and artists. Based on the responses, Apple Music recommends albums and playlists. Some of the playlists combine a variety of artists for a specific time or event, while others introduce artists with their biggest hits. Also, Apple Music is the only service that provides music videos without required advertisements, To distinguish itself from other competitors, Apple Music offers exclusive songs and music videos for streaming. For example, Selena Gomez’s music video for her song “Hands to
March2016
Myself” was only available on Apple Music before reaching Vevo and Youtube a month later. Similarly, Taylor Swift partnered with Apple to produce the two-hour long 1989 World Tour Live, which is only available on Apple Music. This was a successful effort as the number of free trial subscriptions spiked shortly after its release. Apple Music may not be the most popular streaming service, but it is definitely changing the streaming game. On average, the artists, producers, and songwriters earn more per stream than they do on Spotify, but the company is able to keep its $9.99 monthly fee lower than the $19.99 unlimited subscription for Tidal. While Apple Music is far from groundbreaking, it succesfully matches the quality from rival services, like Spotify. Apple Music is worth its free three month trial, and listeners can decide if they want to continue their subscription. photo by: Austin Lent
To DIYfor
Summer Break Edition
Before hitting the beach this spring break, why not spice up your old, boring flip-flops?
Claudia Laukien Spring break is almost here! I think we can all agree that we are looking Design Editor forward to an escape from Suncoast-induced stress and to roasting in the sun
at the beach. And personally, I am also looking forward to wearing my flip-flops everywhere. But mine are boring. Really boring. So, for this issue, I have a review of the DIY flipflops found on Wilma Boekholt’s blog, By Wilma. Please note that the instructions I have provided here are slightly different from those she provides directly in her blog.
Making the yarn: Materials: You have two choices here. You can either use store bought yarn, • Old pair of flip-flops or you can make your own ‘yarn’ out of an old t-shirt. If you chose • Yarn or old t-shirt the t-shirt option, simply cut out long strips from the sleeves. Give them a • Scissors little stretch, and they are ready to use!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Making the flip-flops: 1. Remove the plastic straps. 2. Stick three strands of yarn through one of the back holes, and tie a tight knot on the underside of the flipflop with these three strands. Then braid the three strands together. 3. Stick a strand of yarn through the front hole. Loop one end of the yarn around your braided strap. Stick that end back through the front hole with the strap still looped through it. Tie a tight knot on the underside of the flip-flop with the two ends of the yarn. 4. Stick the remaining end of your braided strap through the remaing back hole. Tie a tight knot on the underside of the flip-flop. 5. Trim away the extra yarn from the knots on the underside of the flip-flop. 6. Carefully, slightly loosen your braided strap at one of the back holes until you can push two strands of yarn halfway through the braid. Braid the four strands together.
Photo courtesy: Claudia Laukien
7. Tie a tight knot at the end of the ankle strap, and trim away any extra yarn. 8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to make the other ankle strap. Tips: • Cut out longer pieces of yarn than you think you will need for the straps. They will become shorter once you braid them together. • To make your straps thicker, use multiple pieces of yarn to make one strand. My yarn was very thin, so I used four pieces of yarn to make each strand in the braid. • Add a little extra glue to the knots if you are nervous about them coming undone. • Add beads to the yarn to make them more funky. Overall, Wilma’s DIY flip-flops work really well and look great! I will definitely be wearing them to the beach this spring break, and I highly recommend you give them a try! Source: http://bywilma.com/diy/diy-flip-flops/
March2016
Lifestyle12
Tube got jinxed
With original content dying, it is time to see what has diminshed the interesting aspect of YouTube. Jimmie Smith Staff Writer
“People came to understand that art isn’t supposed to mean anything. It’s supposed to just confuse you and make you feel stupid.” Ethan Klein
“Back at it with the Vine Compilations.” You know that one person in your English class that thinks he did an original project, but in reality he just got on wikipedia, then sliced and diced the information, and turned it in for a grade. Well, that is practically the object of these channels. These people actually had the determination to get these small six second video clips and put them together for a 15 minute video. Do the math, that is about 150 clips. Also, they usually appear in our recommended section while we are watching a video that is completely unrelated to our search. While the “Damn Daniel” craze was just innocent, the vine compliations are filled with stale racial stereotypes, obvious sexual content, and ridiculously bad acting. The thing is that we, teenagers, have short-attention spans; therefore we would sit there watching this nonsense while we are procrastinating on our own projects. To quote Dj Khaled, “Congratulations, you played yourself.”
“WHAT’S UP GUYS, (insert YouTuber name here) IS HERE!”
Ever since Pewdiepie crashed into the YouTube party and is now practically the king of YouTube Gaming and YouTube itself, some of the more recent gaming channels are now acting too much. I mean their fan base goes rabid every time someone gives out constructive criticism. In addition to all of this, most of the female gaming channels take advantage of the teenage boys’ hormones by presenting themselves in provocative clothing or by acting desperate. This would lead the boys to the false hope that most of the girls that play video games look like models. In reality, they look like regular everyday people. The most annoying thing about this is how there was a time when none of this happened, no drama, no mature content (other than the games, of course). It was just people who uploaded videos on Machinima, videos of playing games with their friends, or doing walkthrough videos. It is just a shame.
(Insert Clickbait Title Here) Ahh...Buzzfeed you and your wonderful clickbait titles. Since the dawn of the Internet, clickbait usually gets us baited. They also have thumbnails that have some sort of sexual appeal, the all caps title, and the precious usage of over exaggeration enough to get us hyped to see the deceitful video. Some channels parody this, but it is quite disheartening that some channels do this and upload like 5-10 videos a day. That is like throwing some of the cafeteria’s mashed potatoes at the ceiling and hoping it does not fall. Honestly, what is up with people forgetting to press the caps lock key? IT’S NOT THAT HARD.
March2016
“It’s just a prank, bro!” Do you ever notice that these ‘pranks’ feel a little bit scripted? That is because they are. ‘Pranks’ on YouTube were once genuine as there were the practical pranks like the airbag, egging, or the classic buttered floor prank. However, it has evolved into something that is rather disappointing. Now, we have ‘pranks’ (GONE SEXUAL), (GONE WRONG), and what not. The worst effect it has on us is that while they have the money to create this facade, the smaller channels will think that this real and would get arrested for the ‘prank’. They have now evolved into ‘social experiments’. YouTube is now filled with kissing pranks, ‘social experiments’, and the holy grail of them all: Pranks in the Hood (GONE WRONG). While the infamous phrase is a staple to YouTube’s and prank culture, it is really hilarious to see these ‘pranksters’ and ‘social experimenters’ trying pull these stunts and trying to out-do each other. To quote from SoFloAntonio, “Everyone’s been playing checkers, but I’ve been playing chess for years.”
Reaction Videos™ Fine Bros. have recently received a lot of heat for their attempt to monopolize on the “reaction” genre on YouTube. While they stopped, there is worse to come. See, some of these channels are doing illegal activity, specifically copyright infringement. They literally have a box where they put the original video, in its entirety without any transformation from the user (Fair Use), and say usually a sentence or two during a 10-16 minute video. They also have the nerve to steal money from original content creators that used their video in their video that is under Fair Use. Also, they practically leave their mouth open hoping a fly would come out of it from boredom. Be careful, I heard if you have an allergy reaction, you could get sued by the Fine Bros.
“IT’S TIME TO STOP!” YouTube has come a long way from the precious YouTube Poops to the almighty Keemstar, but if there is one thing that really has to change it is the YouTubers. Most of them produce so much cringey material to the point that the site has become a cesspool of corporate domination (talking about you Merlin CDLTD), hyperactive adults and kids, and now the constant meme of a guy with white vans. Why? Just why? Let’s hope that all of this non-sense is just a phase and that YouTube is having an identity crisis. Becasue if it does not, then I rather go back to the “cat videos” era of YouTube.
Lifestyle13
Cute Easter Cupcakes Decorate delicious cupcakes easily to treat yourself and others for Easter. Jaylynn Lowery Staff Writer
Easter Bunny
Top cupcakes with white frosting and coconut flakes. Cut large marshmallows into slices, dip into warm water then pink sugar. Use marshmallows to form ears chocolate chips for eyes and a pink jellybeans for a noses.
Easter Chicks
Top cupcakes with white frosting and yellow food colored coconut flakes. Place chocolate chips for eyes, and sugared candy orange slices for noses.
Easter Nest
Top cupcakes with white frosting and toasted coconut flakes. Then add a few candy eggs or jellybeans in the center of each cupcake.
Photo credits: http://www.creationsbykara.com/
March2016
Opinions14
It’s a touchy subject
Some things are hard to talk about. Alexis August As a black girl, (yes. I said black Copy Editor not African American. It is okay
to say black.), I have seen racism first hand and can tell you it still exists. People become uneasy when race or racism is involved in a conversation. But if we never talk about it, how can racism be erradicated? When is the right time to talk about it? Many were not expecting Dr. Robinson’s speech at the IB diploma ceremony, and it sparked quite a buzz around school. Teachers and students were saying it was not the right place and had nothing to do with the ceremony. I disagree. Dr. Robinson’s speech addressed many problems in our society that she was hoping our generation could fix. It may not have been what you wanted to hear, but everything she said was true and you were not ready to hear it. This is how we have to confront these issues: people have to be blindsided by the facts because no one is going to want to sit down and talk about them. At the Super Bowl, Beyoncé’s halftime performance of her song “Formation” - seen by many as a “pro-black” song - sparked an outrage among some police officers, and even political figures, specifically former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. They said her song was racist and that she was promoting the Black Panthers when she held up the black power fist during her performance. They even went as far as holding a protest outside of the NFL headquarters. Overreacting even more, cops in Tampa and Miami were debating whether they would work security at her concert because of her “anti-police” message. First of all, Beyoncé’s song was written to dispel rumors about her family and her culture, and to encourage women to support each other. In the video, Beyoncé references Hurricane Katrina, the black south, police brutality, feminism, and African-American culture. It was not intended to bash the police or other races as some have claimed; Beyoncé said in a People magazine interview that she “wanted people to feel proud.” The messages in her song about the police were anti-police brutality, and if the officers in Tampa and Miami claim they are refusing to work her concert because of her message, they are basically saying they are pro-police brutality. Beyoncé’s performance was not racist; she was supporting her culture, not trying to downplay the legitimacy of other cultures. People feel threatened when they think their privilege is in question. That is why people do not like discussing race. They either get uncomfortable, like with Dr. Robinson’s speech, or they feel threatened and lash out with protests and mean-spirited tweets, such as in Beyoncé’s case. Racism is not over and it needs to be addressed, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you.
March2016
Call Me
C olorblind
People frequently state that they “do not see color” or that they are “colorblind.” This, unfortunately, is not true. “I don’t see color.” Eda Kutsal This is a phrase I hear Staff Writer
often, as well as “I am colorblind,” used interchangeably by well-meaning people, who simply wish to convey that race and/or skin color are not important to them when encountering other human beings. Many people who use these phrases are doing what they believe is proving they do not have a racist mentality. This is a statement of probable good character; however, it may not come across like most people think. By “colorblind” people do not actually mean that they cannot see colors such as red or blue; rather, they are suggesting that they are not racist, because they don’t register skin color at all. This ideology is commonly popular among young people, especially those who tend to believe that racism is a problem within the older generations and will soon vanish. According to a survey done in 2014 by MTV and David Binder Research, almost three-fourths of millennials believe that we should not see the color of someone’s skin, as though it is a choice. Nearly 70 percent believe they have achieved this and are now actually colorblind; and the same percentage believe that we make society better by not seeing race or ethnicity.
Despite popular belief, being “colorblind” does not make someone “not racist”, but instead, makes them ignorant. As amazing as it would be for racism to be eliminated through the mentality of being colorblind, it is simply unattainable. People are not born racist, they are raised that way. The way someone is brought up, the people they hang out with, the location they live, it all influences one’s mentality. Simply put, the phrases “I don’t see color” and “I am colorblind” are just impractical. “It’s not about seeing color, it’s about looking past prejudice associated with color,” said Junior Dylan Lewis. Basically, skin color is not the problem here. Instead of focusing on creating a “colorblind” society, people should be working to create a society in which people are not afraid to see the color of someone’s skin. It is important to celebrate our cultural differences and take advantage of the diverse society around us. It is not everyday we get the opportunity to interact with people from all around the world. So, instead of working towards a monochromatic society, let us work towards society where people can be proud of their identity and the skin they are in. Being colorblind is not all it makes itself out to be. photo source: wikimedia.org
Opinions15
Opposites Attract
When talking about relationships, is saying that opposites attract really a justifiable statement? Simrun Waghray When relationships are discussed, people Staff Writer
usually put away the science and say that the best relationships are formed between those who are similar to each other. It is definitely true that people of the same culture have several aspects in common, and in turn will have more to relate to and less to fight about. But not all human beings are looking for a friend or significant other just like them. According to love and relationship expert, Taryn Hillin, fifty-four percent of millennials have dated outside their racial group. Many look for someone who is of a different culture, and for someone that they can learn from.
“Some people don’t like to date people of the same nationality. I think people attract other nationalities because they probably see something in them, that they don’t see in their culture,” said Freshman Tytiana Moreland. When making a friend or finding a significant other, culture, nationality, and background do not usually come into the picture. Befriending someone is based on a special connection that you might discover when you talk to them. Though people can plan out the perfect life with their perfect partner, whom you actually choose depends on that special connection that determines how well you get along with that person. So do
opposites attract? “I think they do. It depends if somebody else is curious in a different culture. However, if somebody really likes the way their certain culture lives, they might not be open to the idea of other cultures,” said Junior Andrea Stein. So ‘opposites attract’ is definitely a valid point, but it depends on who you ask. While some people choose to stay within their own culture, when it comes to friends and significant others, a vast number of people choose the opposite and wish to venture out into different cultures. Source: se.365psd.com
Amy: Still Stuck Behind the Name The documentary on the life of Amy Winehouse fails to emphasize her importance as an artist. Zanne Hanna You can know a household name, but you can Staff Writer never truly know what lies behind that name, or
in the case of Jazz singer Amy Winehouse, the person who is still stuck behind her name. The documentary Amy, directed by Asif Kapadia, attempted to unstick the R&B/soul artist with the name that in her last years was mediatized with negative images of Winehouse’s alcohol and drug abuse. Released in 2015, Amy has since won forty film awards, including the 2016 Academy Award for Best Documentary. However, all this success glosses over the fact that the way Winehouse is represented through most of the movie does not cover her life as a whole. According to the Guardian, Winehouse’s family distanced themselves almost completely from the making of the film before it was entered into the Cannes Film Festival in 2015. A spokesperson for the family claimed that “they feel the film is a missed opportunity to celebrate her life and talent and that it is both misleading and contains some basic untruths.” Contrarily, Kapadia and the other film makers claimed that they were just puzzling together her story based on what they found from personal footage and over 100 interviews conducted of her closest friends and people in the music business, including her husband Blake Fielder-Civil. As an audience, we are torn and unsure who’s side to take on this: the family who knew Winehouse’s every waking minute versus film directors who did not but have plenty of proof as to who the real Amy Winehouse is.
But if we did that, if we picked a side in this corrupt battle, then we would all be failing the very name Amy Winehouse, who Jazz singer Tony Bennett recognizes as someone with the same importance as legendary female vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. As an audience, we should not worry so much about the truths behind her tragedy, but about the relevance of her songs. About halfway through the documentary, the audience cannot even remember that Winehouse is such an important figure in music because the film is so focused on footage found about how her parents separating and her boyfriend (now husband), Blake Fielder-Civil, were the main causes of her addiction. The movie is so intent on capturing Winehouse’s disliking and almost embarrassment of fame, showing videos later in her career of her smacking down paparazzi cameras and making comments when two fans asked to take a picture with her. What the movie should have paid attention to was her talent, all the many gigs she played at intimate Jazz clubs, her songwriting, and how picking up her guitar, singing, and writing were necessary for Winehouse. It was the ultimate escape for her before drugs and alcohol ever were. So, whilst I commend Kapadia on all his recognition for making the film, I find myself filled with disappointment, not because he failed to capture Winehouse’s story in the best way possible, but because he left the audience thinking that footage is only proof of Winehouse’s story being foremost about her drug abuse, and not enough about her music.
March2016
Opinions16
[RACISM]
:the
systematic oppression of another race
“”
First, it’s the physical appearance. My skin tone is darker than the average Egyptian.The second comes [when] people assume that I practice Islam. Even though I come from an Arabicspeaking country, Egypt has the greatest population of Christians out of all the Arabic nations. Junior Pierre Giraboldi
What is w ro n g with “All Lives Matter?”
March2016
Instead of throwing my head against the wall, I’ll actually take the time to answer
Yana Rankine this: On behalf of black people everywhere, yes, we know that all lives matter; it’s not News and like we miraculously arrived at that conclusion after this phrase was said. However, Opinions Editor I think the lack of understanding that comes from when someone states “Black Lives
Matter” is that people assume they are saying “Black Lives Matter More!” As a fellow black person, I can confirm this as not true. When we state this, it’s more like we are saying “Don’t forget, Black Lives Matter, too!” It seems like a no-brainer right? Duh, black lives matter, so do the rest of us and that’s where the red flag arises. Here’s why: You wouldn’t go to a Susan G. Komen breast cancer campaign and chant, “Fund the research of all campaigns,” right? It’s rude, and, after all, one can draw the rather obvious conclusion that, although the campaign is directed towards the awareness of breast cancer, it is not stating that other diseases shouldn’t be recognized and funded as well. See where I’m going with this? Saying all lives matter is so frowned upon by people of color (POC) because it’s another way of muting the issues from that racial group. It’s not only Black Lives Matter, it can be Hispanic Lives Matter, Asian Lives Matter. We all matter; however, POC tend to specify that their race matters because it has not been treated as if it matters as much as other races. It’s not something to be defensive about when someone says it. They aren’t saying that we all don’t matter; in fact, it is not implied anywhere in saying that. They are just simply stating that people shouldn’t forget that their lives matter, too, because after witnessing all the social injustices done to their racial groups on the basis of racism, it can be questionable at times. So again, for the people in the back saying “all lives matter,” you’re just contributing to the problem, so stop.
Coachella is coming up in May, and if you’re one of the 90,000 people that are Ameenah Rashid Lifestyle Editor lucky enough to attend, you will see lots of great artists, lots of people, and lots
Opinions17
of cultural appropriation. Those headdresses that go so well with those festivalinspired outfits contribute to the cultural appropriation of Native Americans, who wear them, and have been for hundreds of years, to indicate the respected members of their tribes. If you are a teenager that has internet, then chances are you know Kylie Jenner. At 18 years old she has 52.8 million Instagram followers, which is an enormous fan base of girls and boys who look up to her. But Jenner’s influence has been used to display cultural appropriation rather than cultural appreciation. Her famously big lips resulted in a trending “Kylie Jenner lip tag” that left many young people with serious injuries that had to be fixed with stitches, according to Inside Edition. Her infamous cornrows, that she “woke up with,” were an adaptation of the styles of groups that are marginalized, but she made them seem “cool.” These styles, like big lips, have previously caused women of color and of other races to feel bad about themselves before they were considered desirable. But because Kylie Jenner, a white girl with millions of followers, has them, it is immediately labeled cool. This is the difference between appropriation and appreciation. It is okay to appreciate a culture and spread awareness, but it is not okay to take something from a minority for a frivolous reason.
What is cultural appropriation?
“”
I feel like people generalize me based on my skin tone. Not all dark tanned people are Indian. It’s like saying all fair-skinned people are Caucasian. Cubans can be fair-skinned, too! Junior Hannah Blandon
If you have ever taken a history class then you know the story: almost 400 years ago, the Pilgrims came to America. In case you forgot why they came to America, the answer is this: religious tolerance. It has been 400 years and yet, religious tolerance, a fundamental right and the reason behind the very first immigration to this country, is not available to all citizens of America, the land of the free. According to a poll conducted by the Washington Post, almost half of Americans have a negative view towards Islam, an eight percent increase from what it was before September 11, 2001. The fears associated with Islamophobia are being amplified during the current election season, and the same rhetoric that was used against Jews in the early 1900s, is being used against Muslims by presidential candidates. Republican front runner Donald Trump said he wanted to register all Muslims in the US and close American mosques, according to Politico. But rather than speaking against these statements, which contradict the idea of religious tolerance that America is known for, people are responding positively in the polls. In the same poll, it was found that only 24% of likely Republican voters opposed Trump’s plan. These statistics are alarming, but what is even more alarming is the lack of religious awareness Americans have. Men that wear turbans, Sikhs, have been discriminated against because they they were assumed to be Muslim, just because they have brown skin and wear somewhat traditional clothing. In a group of 180 Sikh students surveyed in Fresno, California, a third said they were bullied because their peers thought they look like terrorists. The lack of knowledge intolerant Americans have about the variety of cultures is especially prevalent when they mislabel the people they are discriminating against.
Ye s ,
religious intolerance still exists.
March2016
Opinions18
This year’s #Oscarssowhite controversy is a misdirected approach to inequality in Hollywood. The big winners at this Alex Levine year’s Academy Awards Staff Writer were Mad Max Fury Road and Spotlight. Ending a night where Mad Max won 10 Academy Awards, Spotlight notched the award for Best Picture, beating out the likes of The Revenant and Room. This was quite a surprise for anyone who had been listening in on this year’s Oscar buzz about the top actors and movies nominated, who would be there, and maybe even who would not be there. Whether you watched the Academy Awards or not, it is unlikely you saw Michael Moore, Will Smith, or Spike Lee on Oscar night, because they were not there; whether black or white, some stars just did not go. The reason for this is simple enough to them. This year is the second year in a row that no black actors and actresses have been nominated for an Oscar, which has sparked a controversy that coalesced into a number of empty chairs at the Oscars and a single hashtag: #Oscarssowhite. As someone who has done my homework and who understands the problem to a greater degree than just reading a few tweets of #Oscrassowhite, I can say that there is some merit attached to the issue of racial inequality in the film industry. The latest statistics on the film industry taken in 2014 point out that nearly 75% of all actors and 90% of all directors currently working in Hollywood are Caucasian. Up to 94% of the Academy Awards voting pool is Caucasian. Yet, I could not be more
March2016
opposed to #Oscarssowhite; here is the reason why. Though it is true that the Academy Awards voting pool is racially polarized, it is not their job to be diverse, it is their job to choose the year’s best movies. I admit there were some very good movies this year starring, directed by, and written by African-Americans. I watched Beasts of No Nation; Idris Elba played an NDF commandant from the Sierra Leone Civil War fantastically well. I may not have watched Chiraq from Spike Lee, but I’ve heard enough interviews about it to know its portrayal of violence in inner city Chicago is one of the best made in years. In fact, Straight Outta Compton was up for Best Screenplay for its portrayal of the rise of the N.W.A. My point, though, is this: by saying the Oscars are “racist” for not choosing a Straight Outta Compton for Best Picture or Will Smith from Concussion for Best Actor, not only are you discrediting the movies and actors that were nominated, but also the merit of experienced actors, directors, and professionals of the film industry who have worked for years in the film industry and who, only through invitation, have joined the Oscar voting pool. It is true that there are problems with the Academy Awards nomination system; an institution of its size always has problems. While the majority of the Oscar voting pool being white may reflect inequality compared to the country as a whole, this racial trend is proportional in Hollywood. White men are the majority
within the Academy because white men are the majority in the film industry. The people who are granted entrance into the Academy Award voting pool are those already in the film industry, which means that as long as Hollywood remains mostly white, the Oscars will too. There are problems with the Academy Awards nomination system, that is true, but you also have to recognize the system for what it is, a reflection of the Hollywood film industry, a deeply racially polarized institution. Since the beginning of this controversy, I have maintained the belief that the majority of those actors, actresses, and directors boycotting the Academy Awards this year are just sore losers for not being awarded a nomination. The biggest names among those who will not be attending the Oscars this year all produced or starred in movies that did not receive nominations. Will Smith was not nominated for his performance in Concussion, Spike Lee lost out on a nomination for Chiraq, and Michael Moore missed being nominated for Where to Invade Next. If the issue was really about equality in Hollywood, why target the Oscars; why not go to the source? The Academy Awards voting pool cannot be racially equal without the Hollywood doing the same; they are intrinsically connected. In the end, then, #Oscarssowhite misidentifies the issue. To get to the heart of the film industry, attack Hollywood, not the Oscars. photo by: http://playfmnetwork.com/
Opinions19
Disney Then and Now
Disney has poorly represented their viewers in the past, but have things really changed. Alyssa Selimov Disney is an influential part of most Staff Writer kids’ lives in the United States, and the company focuses almost entirely on entertainment. The problem with this is that Disney in the past has not paid attention to representing their viewers, racially or culturally. Even to this day Disney has not represented all racial and cultural groups. Snow white and Cinderella are two examples of movies with predominantly white characters. Both of these stories are from Brothers Grimm’s folk tale collection and are two of the first movies made by Disney. Though Disney may not have written these stories, the characters’ races could have been altered in order to be more representative. Disney is seen by many different racial groups and the lack of representation is insulting to the global community. The first Disney movie that did not include a white main character was Aladdin; but for the most part, the Arabic culture in the movie was westernized. The main character, Aladdin, had an American accent and his nickname did
not represent his culture, he went by the nickname Al. Disney seemed to advocate the old analogy that the United States is a melting pot, implying the assimilation of different cultures into an Americanized culture. Today, the United States is being compared to a tossed salad, a mixture of different cultures and races that make up this country without compromising one culture over another. Luckily, Disney is starting to reflect many new beliefs in today’s society with their recent movies, like The Princess and the Frog. This movie represents the New Orleans culture fully. Astonishingly, the main character is a black woman that was not helplessly waiting for her knight in shining armor. Racial diversity and feminist ideas are seen in the movie. Disney movies are now moving into a modern mindset, including: racial equality, culture appreciation, and even equal gender roles. All Disney needs to work on now is to include characters that represent the LGBTQ community.
We Are Diverse It is very important for our schools to have the most culturally diverse environment possible. Maria Fahmy One of Staff Writer attributes
the many that are advertised about this school is our cultural diversity. On my first day of school in ninth grade it was very obvious how diverse the school was; there were a lot of countries represented by our student body and many events, like the Heritage Assembly that allowed the students to express their cultures and show other students their talents. Teachers and students were very adamant about valuing each and every culture with its share of beliefs and traditions, which resulted in a very educational and accepting environment. “I love the way our students respect each other for their minds and their ideas that they have and not the package
it comes in like they respect each other from the heart and not their skin color,” Mrs. Kara Macsuga said. Many believe that cultural diversity has a negative effect on the community. According to a study by Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam, the greater the diversity of a community, the less trust the neighbors have for each other. However, this is most likely because of stereotypes and misconceptions. Everyone has fallen for a stereotype once in their lifetime, and even though more people now know the abnormality of a true stereotype, they still unconsciously act based on the misconception. This is why it is imperative for students to be subjected to a culturally diverse environment at a young age to prevent
them from growing up in the middle of all the lies of stereotyping. Multiculturalism is essential to every student’s education, because it teaches them about different cultures from around the world and various points of views. Interacting with divergent ethnic groups, races or even nationalities makes students learn from each other and to respect other ideas and perspectives. Also, it makes them more culturally aware of the world and all the negative and inaccurate stereotypes. Multiculturalism makes students more interested to learn more languages and to look for more information about the diversity of the world we live in. Look around school to admire Suncoast’s cultural diversity. photos source of: commons.wikimedia.org
March2016
Opinions20
Female Representation: The Heroine or Another Love Interest
In books and movies, the archetypes of strong independent women and love interests dominate. You have probably seen movies or have read Asyjah Dudley books that often depict the heroines as strong, Staff Writer
the everyday life of a women from a third world country. Often these women are overlooked, and it would benefit everyone kick-butt, independent women who are able to to view the struggles that other people suffer on a daily basis. save the world without a man. For example, Katniss Everdeen However, is there a certain reason why women such as the from The Hunger Games Trilogy or Tris from The Divergent aforementioned are not truly represented in the media as much Series. When was the last time you have seen a movie where the as a fictional heroine? female lead is neither a love interest or the heroine? When discussing the previous questions with my peers (males Not all women are and females), they as fierce as Katniss all came to similar Everdeen or as strong conclusions: as Tris, but rarely do entertainment. No you view a movie or one wants to view a read a book that has a movie that depicts shy female character the harsh realities or even a quirky of life, they would female lead whose rather watch a goal is not to save movie that is everyone or the world nothing but sheer from post-apocalyptic entertainment. destruction. Often, the Even if that means female characters are the depiction of a either depicted as the certain gender or love interest of the lead group would be male character or the reduced to nothing seemingly independent but stereotypes. In woman who does not the case of female need a man but ends representation in up in a relationship the media, women Independent woman or love interest? Katniss Everdeen, the female lead of The Hunger Games, fights for a greater cause and anyways. Yes Katniss, ends up in a relationship with Peeta Mellark, the male lead. are only seen as I’m talking about entertaining if they you. Although these are love-interests heroines fight for greater causes they still find a way to end up or a strong, “independent” heroine. in a relationship. Another conclusion my peers suggested about the frequency The aforementioned statement made it appear as if the of strong characters always needing to “find love” by the end female character, no matter how hard she works and regardless of the novel supports the stigma of male supremacy. To clarify, of her individual work will always need the validation/approval regardless of the female character being strong without a man, of a man in the end. I personally would prefer to see a movie entertainment boosts up the storylines by adding romance into or read a book where the female lead is quirky and shy and the story. Often, the men are added as motivation for the female ultimately avoids relationships as there are bigger problems lead, as simply wanting to save others is apparently not enough. in the world. Having a female lead who focuses on school or Regardless, the media should represent females in all of their mental disabilities would be refreshing to see in the world of forms and not limit them to simple archetypes. We, as women, entertainment. More likely than not, the apocalypse will not come in diverse forms, shapes, sizes, and have individual occur during our lifetime; therefore we should be focusing on quirks that separate us from one another. We should focus more realistic everyday problems that are often overlooked. In on portraying characters that reflect realistic female traits the media, we should have more of a realistic depiction of life as opposed to focusing on traits emphasized for dramatic opposed to fantasy. purposes. Not all of us are ready to face the apocalypse, and not I am most certainly not saying that we should rid the world of all of us strive to be the love interests. We should focus more on entertainment or fantasy, but we should take the time to focus other aspects of women that deserve to be portrayed and not on reality for once. I would love to view a movie that focuses on suppressed in the media. photo source: flickr.com
March2016
Opinions21
The Affirmative Action Myth Is it really awful or are people angry because they did not get accepted into their dream college? Jimmie Smith According to Webster’s Dictionary, the full definition of Affirmative Action is an active Staff Writer effort to improve the employment or educational
opportunities of members of minority groups and women. It also promotes the rights or progress of other disadvantaged persons. Affirmative Action is the term that is twisted because usually the wealthy class tarnish the meaning as an excuse for not getting a job or college they want; and minorities and women are usually blamed when it is not their fault. Affirmative Action was created from the constant discrimination that women and minorities received for over 250 years. The problem is not that Affirmative Action is dated, but it is being used as an excuse to put the minorities and women in difficult situations. People think it gives a huge boost, but in reality they are compared by having an equal or better GPA, not lower. The nearimpeccable cases from the Supreme Court (Gratz v. Bollinger and Grutter v. Bollinger) explains how the 14th Amendment of the Constitution does not mean that minorities automatically receive benefits to beat their majority colleagues, but rather equal the battlefield. However, according to the US Bureau of
the Census 2010,”Women continue to earn 77 cents for every male dollar.” Affirmative action is not a cheat device, but rather a tool to help minorities get a better chance of getting a job or into college. “Several studies have documented important gains in racial and gender equality as a direct result of Affirmative Action (Bowen & Bok 1998;Murrell & Jones, 1996).” The 14th, 15th, and 19th Amendments give everyone the same rights, technically, but when people have a viable source of power, they would do anything to keep it. It is because the majority of us are scared that a certain group would get more attention and; therefore, their power would be lessened. It is human nature. Affirmative action is not just a racial controversy, but rather a human controversy. People who are mentally disabled, poor people, everyone who does not have the resources to make it deserve a chance. Though few people may abuse this system, the majority do not. There is never going to be peace on this issue, but if there are two things that minorities and women have that is patience and willpower. courtesy of commons.wikimedia.com Source: understandingprejudice.org photo
Cam’s Controversy
Hatred of Cam Newton by opposing teams and fans is about his showboating, not his race. Famous Alex Levine touchdown Staff Writer
for his celebrations almost as much as his touchdowns, Carolina quarterback Cam Newton’s dabbing has become a cultural phenomenon over the past year. Since the mid 2015-2016 season, Cam’s moves have sparked a controversy, though, leading many to support him, others to say that he is a shameless poor sport, and some to say that this issue is really about race. I first heard about this controversy surrounding Cam Newton on SportsCenter a week before the Super Bowl. Host John Anderson and his pundits sided with Cam, but there was no one to side against him. In fact, it was hard for me to figure out where the issue even began. It seems that the controversy started with a write-in letter posted in a Tennessee newspaper bashing Cam’s actions. It was swiftly followed by almost universal dismissal of the idea that Cam
had done something inappropriate. The controversy even veered towards being about race. The main reason this issue has
veered towards race is because of Cam Newton, himself; in an interview with the Charlotte Observer, Cam said that he believed the hatred directed to him from opposing teams and fans was due to his race. Controversy related to race and
gender seems to be a revolving problem through major league and college sports over the past few years, but what he and his supporters do not understand is how much true fans love their teams. Fandom drives people to do many things; hating Cam Newton is surely not the most radical thing a fan has done before. If you were a Tennessee fan who watched his worst in the league Titans get pulverized at home by a quarterback who dances at every chance he can get, would you not be mad? I certainly would, and that is where the controversy started. It has nothing to do with Cam’s race; it has to do with his showboating. Nevertheless, people need to understand that Cam Newton represents the future of the NFL. Though I understand those people who hate his showboating, they have to accept that there are going to be a lot more players like Cam in the future. photo by: usatftw.files.wordpress.com
March2016
Sports22
March2016
Sports23
National Signing Day
Kristen Unico Co-Editor-Chief
Six scholar athletes will continue their career in sports at their future universities.
Allison Tilton
Alondra Medina
Dr. Linda Cartlidge, Coach Mike Via, and Coach Kelli Erianne stand behind Allison Tilton as she signs with Tufts University (Division III) to play softball.
Alongside Medina are Coach Kelli Erianne, Dr. Linda Cartlidge, her soccer coach Terry Robinson, and her father as she signs to Palm Beach Atlantic University (Division II) for soccer.
Katherine Aucamp
Francesca Vandersluis
With her family by her side, Katherine Aucamp signs to Denison University (Division III) for volleyball.
Vandersluis’s coaches stand behind her as she signs to University of North Florida (Division I) for swimming.
Jade Virgo Matthew Dame The girls’ Varsity basketball team and her coaches support Jade Virgo as she signs to St. Thomas University (Division II) for basketball.
Family and friends accompany Matthew Dame as he signs to Columbia University (IAA) for football. photos by Kristen Unico
March2016