STRIKING / adjective: attracting attention by reason of being unusual, extreme, or prominent.
instagram / @ strikemagazine
website / www.strikemagazines.com
email / strike@gmail.com
EDITOR’S LETTER
On my last night working as a hostess at a West Village Mediterranean restaurant this past summer, a customer stopped me as she was leaving. She humbly told me that she was a prominent and successful businesswoman and that for some reason, unbeknownst to her, she felt drawn to give me a quick spout of advice if I were open to it. I, of course, happily obliged. Through all the counsel she showered me with, the last bit is what stuck to me the closest. “Whatever you do, no matter where you are, just make a difference—promise to make a difference.” As a 21-year-old girl, the weight of this message was not lost on me. Though I knew not what precisely this meant for me big picture, what I did know, is that I had to do something now. Thus, is the birth of our Volume 6 theme: Americana. Defined as, “materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture broadly,” Americana felt like the perfect fit, perfect timing, and perfect way to begin this ambiguous difference-making. In the following volume, you will find a fusion of politics, history, art, fashion, and culture. Beginning the issue with music, we struck inspiration by Elvis, Woodstock, A$AP Rocky, and Florida’s very own— Tenny Rudolf, a talented artist not bound by just one single craft. Things then take a darker turn as we expose American kryptonite such as vaping, fast food, aliens, and religion. We found it highly critical to tackle heavy subjects like climate change, gun control, and 9/11 before asking ourselves the big question: What does it mean to be American? This issue means so much to me, and I may only hope that it inspires you—no matter who you are, what you do, or where you are— to make a difference too. --- JANNA MCCABE
Contributors lisa osorio
“My love of visuals comes from bringing beautiful ideas to life. Whether it’s executing my own vision or helping someone execute theirs, creating is therapy. The planning, the process, and the product are all parts of the experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything!”
chase adler
“I find inspiration through my own growth. This is what motivates me, finding ways to improve every single day, to better myself, never settling for the feeling that this is just enough.”
alexis poulos
“What keeps me motivated is the challenge that comes along with turning a vision into a physical creation. Though it doesn’t come easy, it never fails to teach me more about myself, my craft, and the world around me.”
lily fox
“The idea of photography is still pretty crazy to me. Getting to capture a moment in time is a really special thing that I’ve cherished for so long. I draw inspiration from a ton of different photographers like Sarah Bahbah and Jessica Kobeissi.”
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Thank You Very Much,
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A$AP Rocky,
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Three Days,
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Tenny Rudolf,
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American Gothic,
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Re: God,
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A Close Encounter,
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There’s No Place Like Home,
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They’re Melting,
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Yusra Siddiqui,
58
West World,
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The 2nd,
69
Day of Black Sun,
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What Does It Mean to be American?
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American Pie,
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Decade Recap,
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Closing,
joey flanagan, lisa osorio
chase adler ellie rill, alexis poulos gilly mckendree alexis poulos
emily waters giselle parks ana monticelli
gillian mckendree, lily fox saadiyah qureshi
lily fox, brittyn dion
haley hauk-landon, brooke waldron teaghan skulszki
alexis poulos tabitha labrato
holly wilson
Volume 6
Table of Contents
savannah tindall, lisa osorio
Editor In Chief, Janna McCabe Managing Editor, Hali Azpeitia Director of Productions, Grace Alexander Art Directors, Gabriela Llanes, Megan Guasto Business Director, Lauren Kacperski
Production Assistants Anna Barger, Ellie Cissel
Blog Editors Gillian McKendree, Giselle Parks
Marketing Director, Natalie Pearson
Staff Writers Joey Flanagan, Teaghan Skulszki, Brooke Waldren, Saadiyah Qureshi, Emily Waters, Alyssa Goldman, Haley Hauk-Landon, Holly Wilson, Kailen Bender, Ana Monticelli, Ellie Rill, Ellen Dominy, Brittyn Dion, Tabitha Labrato
Marketing Assistants Clara Trednick, Reese Jackson Public Relations Director, Lyra Durr Public Relations Assistant, Haley Hansen Art Assistants Martha Mendoza, Samantha Shear, Lindy Miller Layout Assistants Teaghan Skulszki, Gabriela Llanes, Saadiyah Qureshi Fashion Directors William Tamayo, Amy Brecker, Lucy Hurley, Emily Russell Fashion Assistants Stefania Stolaj, Virginia Weibel, Mary Delo, Ally West Beauty Director, Amy Dantin Beauty Assitants Cameron Fricke, Helen Trawick, Genevive Book Writing Director, Savannah Tindall
Digital Director, Emily Jensen Digital Director Assistants Diane Fish, Carson Howl Digital Assitants Popi Tsalickis, Ashley Freeman, Morgan Salzseider, Isabella Puskas, Lucy Kealy, Mason Spence, Sloane Kiely, Ava Courtney Media Director, Alexis Poulos Media Assistants Lisa Osorio, Chase Adler, Dharbie Jens, Alex Pagan, Libby Bekins, Jai Brown Social Media Director, Christina Diniaco Merchandise Director, Frankie Recchio Website Director, Rachel Weinstock
THANK YOU How the “King of Rock and Roll” still translates into our modern day.
What is the American Dream? For some people, it’s dressing up as Elmo and standing in the middle of Times Square, or for others, it’s going hair to toe in Elvis avant-garde. Through time, the act of looking like Elvis has become this theatrical performance or entertainment that people use to make a career for their one shot at life in the United States. Although Elvis didn’t come from another country and start from nothing, he still came from a poor life and decided to make something of himself beginning with the guitar he was gifted at eleven. After college, Elvis had to move from job to job to collect enough money to make a record. Elvis was just a boy from a small town in Mississippi, but it was his hard work and determination that brought out that chase to achieve his dreams. But take a closer look at Elvis’s career, and you’ll notice that it wasn’t just his variation of music styles, including rock and roll, gospel, and country. Elvis didn’t play dumb when it came to his charm and good looks, but in reality, he used these as tools to pursue not only the ears of America but their eyes as well. Through gyrating hips, a whole lot of hair gel, and some smooth-talking, Elvis left the music industry for acting until his comeback
in the late 60s that would truly set the tone for Elvis as an American icon and influencer. It was Elvis’s comeback television special where he met costume designer Bill Belew who would go on to create famous styles including Elvis’s slick black leather outfit and his outlandish, sparkly, bejeweled, and tight 70s jumpsuits with capes and eye-catching belts. Ultimately, it became this version of Elvis that would go on to fill the streets of Vegas for years to come. But in the end, is Elvis the definition of the American Dream, or was he just a successful musician to leave this world in a state of an unfortunate loss? Elvis died of cardiac rest, and it has been rumored that it was due to the consistency of drug abuse. In contrast to this longstanding accusation, America only remembers him for his hard work and strong influence on the style and culture of the American people. Even in the most recent Spring 2020 runway shows we see brands like Saint Laurent utilizing the “disco collar” or this past year, we watched the pleated trouser and workwear style come back into trend. In reality, it’s this and the impersonators that are why Elvis is the epitome of the American Dream.
VERY MUCH
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by joey flanagan photographer lisa osorio fashion editors amy breker, william tamayo
Elvis’s death wasn’t reflected as a tragedy, but as a symbol of hope and a void to fill for the American people. It’s his unfinished business that leaves impersonators with this workload to complete. Through extravagant imitations, lesser fortunate Americans are doing more than just begging for pennies on the street for a quick picture. In reality, there are people making hundreds, even thousands of dollars toward a shockingly pleasant salary, possibly without a college degree.
If we look back, Elvis came from an impoverished existence in the middle of the country and decided to use talent, looks, and style to make a name for himself. Look up Shawn Klush, and you’ll find a man who grew up as a fan of Elvis’s music only to be named the “World’s Greatest Elvis.” This man, lucky to have a decent singing voice, took on the persona of Elvis and applied this to his career and can safely say that he has succeeded the American Dream as he takes on concerts across the country and even in other nations. If this still isn’t proof that Elvis represents the picture of success for America, there’s also going to be a biopic in the next few years staring Austin Butler as Elvis. Impersonating Elvis about 40 years after his death, Butler is continuing the legacy that is an iconic singer and entertainment to this day that proves Elvis is the American Dream.
to the right is A PHOTO OF ASAP ROCKY HOLDING BRAS AT 16
ROLLING
photographer chase adler
LOUD.
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The grandfather of all music festivals, Woodstock, acted as a catalyst in a revolution of music, peace, love, and drugs.
Days by ellie rill photographer alexis poulos fashion editors lucy hurley, emily russell
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he Woodstock Music and Art Festival has become one of the most defining movements in American history. Occurring back in 1969, Woodstock, originally titled “An Aquatic Experience: 3 Days of Peace and Music,� was a three-day celebration that festival-goers spent camping under the stars and rocking out to their favorite bands. During that time, the United States was fighting the controversial Vietnam War, causing great unrest and protest at home. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, and Woodstock was the perfect opportunity for people to escape and spread a message of peace and unity. The main draw to the festival, besides escaping political unrest and the free price tag, was the three ingredients that formed the foundation of the entire event: sex, drugs, and rock n roll. Although there were last-minute schedule changes, poor weather, and an overpopulated venue, over fifty years ago, half a million hippies descended onto a field in Upstate New York and redefined not only their generation but the standards for American society itself.
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Those magical three days of peace and solitude were also a part of a pivotal time for the music industry, bringing together 32 bands to create a single music masterpiece. Richie Havens started off the festival on August 15, 1969, with an iconic two-hour set. Originally, Havens was only scheduled to perform for 45 minutes. However, after running behind schedule, organizers pushed a guitar in his hand and Havens improvised, kicking the festival off. Creedence Clearwater Revival became the first band that agreed to sign on to perform at the festival, and if you know their most famous song, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” it is understandable why many bands were quick to follow suit. Also signing on were legendary Jimi Hendrix, The Incredible String Band, The Grateful Dead, and The Who. The performers left audiences screaming for more, lighting a passionate fire inside that only their eclectic melodies could expunge. Attendants held onto this passion and lived up to their mantra of “making love, not war,” and quite literally made love wherever and whenever. Max Yasgur, the owner of the 600-acre dairy farm in which Woodstock took place, spoke to the audience on the final day of the festival and said, “you’ve proven something to the world. That a half a million kids, and I call you kids because I have children who are older than you are, a half a million young people can get together and have three days of fun and music and have nothing but fun and music. And God bless you for it.” Woodstock soon became synonymous with the counterculture movement in the ’60s. Drugs of all kinds were being used and abused during this time; however, cannabis was considered the most prevalent substance. Due to its freeing feeling, smokers attending Woodstock enjoyed the plant in public with no hassle or second thought. Law enforcement, aware of the large crowd of festival-goers enjoying the plant, was lenient to the participants mainly because there were too many to control. This led to the trend of normalization of recreational marijuana use in public, and many people brought this new perspective home with them. Although the use of marijuana had not been fully legalized, the mindset towards the plant had shifted and caused many to advocate for the federal legalization of the plant. The evolution of marijuana has been a long, controversial topic. Cannabis has developed exponentially in comparison to ways of consumption in the ’60s. Marijuana has been consumed medicinally and recreationally for thousands of years. Many users still partake in the traditional methods of consumption using water pipes, bongs, or rolling joints to consume the plant.
However, recent inventions have introduced new, potentially dangerous, methods of burning. The creation of wax pens, also known as a dab pen, is a pen-style vaporizer for cannabis concentrates known as wax and dabs. These are oils, composed of highly concentrated marijuana extract, that are processed down further into a dab that is then smoked. These pens have become quite popular as they are easier to use on-the-go and don’t require as much preparation as traditional methods. However, companies warn they are accompanied by serious health concerns. Researchers at the John Hopkins University Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit performed an experiment on 17 healthy individuals who smoke and vape various amounts of marijuana. The results concluded that “no matter the dose, those who vaped marijuana [opposed to smoking the marijuana flower] reported more powerful effects, including serious impairment in their reaction time and overall cognitive abilities.” Deciding to partake in marijuana is a personal choice; however, choosing the most harmless, effective method is an essential step in the process. Nowadays, the stigma against marijuana has dissipated, encouraging scientists to research the different strains of the plant. The most recent discovery, cannabidiol (CBD), has been an enormous step forward in the science world. CBD is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant. It is a naturally occurring substance whose healing powers impart a feeling of relaxation and serenity. Unlike its cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is not psychoactive. Doctors all over the world are prescribing CBD to their patients in the form of oils or edibles to relieve pain or feelings of discomfort. If it weren’t for the powerful movement brought on by Woodstock in the ’60s, the normalization of marijuana medicinally and socially might not have been possible. Although the use of medicinal marijuana is federally legal in several states, including New York, where the Woodstock festival was held, many still consider weed to be a dangerous substance. Currently, there are 23 states that have passed laws legalizing the use of the plant recreationally. Many classify marijuana as a gateway drug and claim it leads to other addictions. Although cannabis may not directly cause users to partake in other substances, the sensation lowers the user’s scope and opens the door to experiment further. It may cause users to feel a sense of reliance on the drug and overuse the substance in a negative way.
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The Woodstock Music and Art Festival was a defining moment for American society and future generations. For most of us, it’ll always be an eclectic legend, one our generation sadly could not be a part of. But for a half million-lucky individuals, it blossomed the greatest moments dancing barefoot and being guided by the stars. An occasion that has endured over 50 years of controversy, yet remains a remarkable memory for us all to reflect upon. In 1969, Woodstock brought together people in a celebration of love, music, peace, and harmony. Fifty years later, we are still talking about it and blessing the day Jimi Hendrix walked onto the stage, closed out the festival, and started the social change we are experiencing today. Because of the peace movement in the ’60s brought on by a half a million like-minded individuals, America has endured much social change and shaped into the country we are so proud to call home today.
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TENNY RUDOLPH
by gilly mckendree
While he is an incredibly busy man majority of the time, whether it’s between organizing events, putting together shoot wardrobes, or developing his sound, Strike Magazine has had the amazing opportunity to pick the mind of none other than Teddy Rudolph, the artistic jack-of-all-trades enriching the North Eastern Florida art scene- and gaining traction fast. To start, when asked to describe his experience as an artist based in Jacksonville, FL, he reveals: “Being in Jacksonville has both helped me bolster my craft, as well as given me barriers to try and knockdown. One thing here is that I’m surrounded by so many likeminded creatives who have the same goal of making Jax’s art scene bigger and better, which helps me not seem manic trying to do it all on my own (lol). On the other hand, though, Jax’s art community is still small, and while it may be growing (no shade at all), I’ve had to miss opportunities for bigger jobs.” One thing Tenny has done for the Jacksonville community is orchestrated and hold his “PROM” event, a music and art exhibition. Stating, “I thought a decade’s themed prom would’ve ended 2018 with a bang” to which it did, with its slogan reading, “Happy Endings, New Beginnings!” PROM resulted in over 300 people filling the room with supportive enthusiasm and good fun; leaving us at Strike Magazine to dream about the next PROM, and making travel plans thereof. With that being said, though, it’s easy for budding artists to feel like their effort is futile, to which Tenny says,
“Patience and consistency is probably the most important mantra to have, especially in the beginning. Keep going with your craft! This isn’t an overnight success; continuing to work hard at making your craft better, in turn, helps others see your work for what it is, and how much time and effort you’ve put into it.” So, to test Tenny’s creative process, we wanted to know what, if anything, from the every-day, could serve as inspiration. “Well, I’m super intrigued by people passing by. I love people watching (ok but not in a creepy way alright), I enjoy seeing how people engage in conversation with others or even their style of mannerisms. That’s what I usually end up basing a lot of my workaround; it gets the ball rolling.” Luckily for us, he reveals that his favorite place for his brainstorming tactics mentioned being Memorial Park, located in the historic Riverside of Jacksonville, FL, where he’ll peruse around while mentally tying up the loose ends to a project. He also mentions how more ideas have been coming to him from dreams, so keeping a journal by your bedside to record those half-conscious ideas may be helpful later on. When extending off of this, we asked how might American culture inspire him or any creative, and we’re faced with a most resounding input. After a small laugh, he says, “I mean…it’s cute, but it doesn’t inspire me in the way a country is supposed to be inspiring me. I’m more inspired by the change that we need to be seeing, which is why I’ve become more inspired to create safe spaces for people to feel comfortable in, as well as doing work that people can relate to amongst each other.” 27
“Well, I’m super intrigued by people passing by.” - tenny rudolph
This “American Dream” concept that has been so religiously exalted within the dialogue of the country seems to be deconstructing itself over the years, which could be a sigh of relief to the masses. “I feel like the American Dream is truly what you make it out to be; there’s no cookie-cutter aspect about it anymore. There are different levels of success, as there always has been, that people are becoming either uncomfortable or comfortable with. It’s all up to what you want and what you’re satisfied with!” Additionally, he goes on to note how a personal sense of style can translate into your crafts. Wearing what you feel good in will help in the self-confidence department, but it also allows an artist to be sure of themselves--especially when editing or designing. When you’re confident in the way you’re presenting and expressing yourself, being surefooted when publishing or finalizing your work follows suit. 28
So, what happens when you hit a creative block? Oftentimes these phases seem like a bleak bout of tunnel vision to an artist, so how do you muscle through it? “Honestly, taking a break. I’ve learned to stop overworking and know when to give both my project and myself a breather. There is no strong-arming a creative block; you just have to ride it out as gently as possible. Explore a little and expand your mind for when that block is over!” Going off of his personal experience, he suggests cutting off communication with everyone for a few days to focus on creating the best, unfettered, work. Additionally, he urges creatives to stop asking for second opinions by mentioning, “I notice that it tends to slow me down when asking other people
can’t be anything. Don’t let these boogers tell you that you’re going to amount to nothing just because you didn’t apply yourself to boring-ass high The creative journey is a never-ending one and school classes. You are powerful, and those same will teach you more about yourself than you deemed people who doubted or tried to tear you down will possible. Regardless of your skill level or successes, be kissing your ass in a few years. I’m not even there is always more room for both intrinsically and kidding.” externally growing as a person and creative. [about my work] because art is subjective, and what I make is for myself.”
“Throughout this entire process, the two biggest things I’ve had to acknowledge and refine for myself are organization skills and time management. For example, I chose to work with film photography as my medium, and that requires a lot of time management skills and patience. When just starting, I would dedicate my entire roll of film- 24-36 exposures worth- to one singular shoot (lol at me). Since then, I’ve learned to take my time on every shot and minimize the amount I take to about 6-10 shots per shoot, allowing me to stretch a roll of film for multiple rather than just the one. Now there’s a lot less wasted time, money, and effort, and for that lesson, I am thankful.” While he may have begun with film photography, he’s proven his chops in varying other fields, especially with his debut album “Pulp.” Just from one song alone, “Savior” has reached 27,776 streams. Breaking these barriers, though, doesn’t always go so smoothly. Celebrities like Rihanna have been faced with the toxic ideology for years that artists cannot permeate different industries after being successful in one. When asked for his opinion n this matter, it’s clear that nobody should ever be forced to ‘stay in their lane.’ “Don’t ever allow yourself to listen to that, it is so incredibly false! I believe in people being naturally multifaceted, why should we compartmentalize talent? As long as it’s going well and you’re not losing sight of each goal, then go for it.” So naturally to finish out, we asked Tenny what he would tell himself back in high school, knowing what he knows now, and his answer did not disappoint in the slightest. “I would tell myself to keep fucking going. Don’t let any of these snotty nose kids tell you that you 29
Am G
merican Gothic In a society based upon temptation, it’s easy to give in.
photographer alexis poulos
fashion editors lucy hurley, emily russell
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RE: GOD Get in touch.
by emily waters
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RE: URGENT REMOVAL
From: lil_miss_dramatic33@hotmail.com To: god@gmail.com Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 4:32 PM EST
Hi God, Never tried this before, but thought I should give it a whirl. We need to talk about Fila Disruptors. I think you put them here as one big joke but, surprise, people actually wear them. They look like Lego blocks, and it’s not a good look. So, if you could just do your thing and make them go away, I think the world will be a better place. Thanks in advance!
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RE: Please please pleaseeee
From: lil_miss_dramatic33@hotmail.com To: god@gmail.com Date: Friday, October 4, 2019, 3:05 AM EST
Hey God, me again. Yes, I know its 3 in the morning, but I didn’t think you were the judgy type. I wanted to thank you for thinking of fast food. Your mind >>>. Just a thought, but what if you made french fries a healthy snack?? With less calories??! It would help me out more than you know (or maybe you do? I don’t know how that all works yet). xx.
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RE: RIP Vine
From: lil_miss_dramatic33@hotmail.com To: god@gmail.com Date: Sunday, October 27, 2019, 11:11 PM EST
GodMy friends & I were wondering if you were ever planning on bringing Vine back. I know you enjoyed watching us do stupid stuff on that app, and so did everyone else. Plus, when we make a Vine joke at my sorority house, the girls born in the 2000s don’t know what we’re talking about, call us old, and then go back to watching Tik Tok. Best
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RE: Juulers Anonymous
From: lil_miss_dramatic33@hotmail.com To: god@gmail.com Date: Monday, November 14, 2019, 9:44 AM EST
Hey God, Hope you’ve been well! Not sure if you’ve seen what’s been going on down here, I know it can get hectic where you are sometimes. There’s this thing called the Juul, and it’s pretty crazy how many people are addicted to it — just wondering if you know the possible side effects because no one down here can get their shit (am I allowed to curse when I’m talking to you?) together and figure it out. Let me know ASAP.
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A
A CLOSE ENCOUNTER illustration tabitha labrato by giselle parks
A bright light woke me up.
I knew it wasn’t a car. We don’t get too many of those driving by these parts. We just moved into this little farmhouse in the spring – a fresh start with the winter thaw, as mama put it. The house was old, but lovingly crafted, and for us, it would do. A little way away, down the dirt road that cuts through the rolling hills like a path cleared by a scythe, a family has lived on a farm for generations. There lives an older couple with a son, on a neat little patch of Nevada farmland the size of a handkerchief square. The family raises chickens and goats, and on Saturday mornings, they sell eggs and milk in town. They introduced themselves to our family when we moved in, their new neighbors up the road, over dandelion tea, and warm honeyed cornbread at their breakfast table in the kitchen. On the little television set they kept on the counter beside the toaster oven and the bread box, a newscast was muted. Thick, black letters scrolled across the bottom of the screen as the closed captioning attempted to keep up with the broadcast picture: a newscaster stood in front of a chain-link fence crowned in barbed wire, enclosing a nondescript military base. Nevada was notorious for being home to old military nuclear test sites, and I got the sense that conspiracy theories spread faster than wildfire in a drought around here. I didn’t pay much attention to the television – the captions were only mostly accurate, something about an abandoned government facility being renovated and reopened. I turned my attention back to the tea and the kind family we were in the company of.
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The memory of the news segment lurked at the back of my mind in my groggy haze, awoken by the bizarre light. It began as a glow – like a sun rising in the early morning hours. I wasn’t a light sleeper by any means, but still, I jolted awake with a start when the lights grew to daylight bright, filling the entirety of my room. A glance at my alarm clock on the table by my bed told me it was 3:11 AM. My little bedroom flared bright and dazzling, and my eyes opened with a snap. The glow-in-the-dark stars and planets sticky-tacked to my ceiling stared back at me, still emitting a faint green glow around the edges. The light was blue-white, sterile; I felt exposed by the blinding glow. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I wandered to my window and pushed aside the curtains, wondering what our quiet neighbors had suddenly decided to do at three in the morning. I always slept with my window open, the Nevada summer air carrying the smell of sweet dessert pear, cactus flower, and thunderstorms into my room each night. The light streaming through my window was bright as the high school’s stadium floodlights on Friday nights. I tried to peek through the window to see what this was all about, but my eyes hadn’t yet adjusted from the darkness, and I was momentarily blinded by the harsh sting of the invasive light coming from next door. Was it me, or was it getting brighter? I fumbled at the window with the curtains until my eyes had adjusted enough to look outside – The light faded. I saw where it was coming from, but now I wasn’t so sure I wasn’t still asleep like maybe this really was a dream. As if pulled into a funnel, the light went from daylight-bright to a hazy glow in the night, a cone of misty neon drifting like an aura … from a flying saucer. Silent, so still, the night air was quiet – not a single leaf rustled in the wheatfields that sprawled between my farmhouse and the next. And yet, perched and waiting, an aircraft hung near the grain silo next door, in between the mill and the house. So still and silent, it seemed to just glide there in place. An electric hum vibrated through the air, almost unnoticeable, fluttering my curtains and tickling my face with the hair that hung around my cheeks. I almost didn’t believe what I was seeing; until I noticed my cat perched by the windowsill, also star44
ing wide-eyed in awe at the spectacle outside my window. Animals are funny like that – they are intelligent but primal, acting on instinct and id alone, and because of this, they are keen on seeing things humans are blissfully unaware of. But what I saw at this very moment made no sense, regardless of whether or not my cat could also see it happening: in the light of a waning full moon, under the fuzzy glow of the unidentified flying object stationed midair above their house, my neighbors were being abducted. Figures, so lithe and graceful and working under the cloak of shadow, carried sleeping bodies back aboard the peculiar craft. Before I knew what was happening, the light swelled and grew once again, turning its attention… on me? Did it know I was watching? My cat hissed at the sudden light, skittered off the windowsill and under my bed, back to where it was dark and cozy and untouched by the searching white light that flooded my entire room. I stood in front of the window, silhouetted in a halo of light coming from this bizarre craft – that now had its sights set on me. The tall figures had taken the neighbors up into the strange, which was now soundlessly gliding toward my bedroom window. Over wheat fields that separated the two farmhouses, the UFO made no sound, left no breeze, disturbed not a single stalk of wheat in the still night air. It was as if the world itself was holding its breath in awe and, somewhere, instinctually, in the pit of its stomach, fear — gut-wrenching horror, dread, and confusion – but an afterthought all the same. The craft grew nearer, and I felt rooted to my floor, unable to move or flee, stuck only to watch in mixed fascination and the feeling that something bad was most definitely about to happen. The light disappeared as soon as it had appeared. Like flipping a switch, the light that had been growing in presence suddenly vanished, extinguished. The sounds of the Nevada night returned: cicadas sang, I blinked in the sudden darkness, the only light coming from the moon outside and the glow-in-thedark stars on my ceiling, softly glowing dimly in the night. Awareness returned to me slowly, like I was regaining each of my senses one at a time. Why was I standing by my open window in the middle of the night? Had I been sleepwalking again?
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
My mom always says that there’s no place like home. Home has always been perfect for her, and she never wanted it to change. Home was her whole world; it treated her to all her big milestones like her first kiss and her first heartbreak. The skies were always blue, trees always emerald green, and ruby red roses bloomed by the picket fence. It was a red brick home with black shutters where the yellow sun was always shining and the bluebirds singing This home belonged to her parents before her and the generations before them. Her home was her’s for all of her life. My mom says that there’s still no place like home, but her home is not the same for me. She argues with me; she says that our house and backyard is her home. On the property where our quaint little abode sits, you can always see a rainbow, and it rains exactly when the plants need it. A house is anything that touches the hands of a family--a swing in the back yard used by my brother when he was little. Our home spans beyond the cornfields that we would hide in when playing after school. Our house is the grand piano that our grandpa bought when he was young and played his whole life. Our home surrounded this piano. Every birthday party ended with his playing and singing, and everyone would wake up to his melodies instead of an alarm clock.
But home has to be bigger than that. Home needs to be all the oceans and all the animals that have ever lived in them. Home needs to be all the waterfalls and mountain ranges that should still be explored. Home needs to encompass where we all live and where we visit, the whole planet is our home. My generation knows that there once was a place like home, but we spouted toxins into the air like confetti and melted our oceans as if it were a sport. We chose convenience over renewables and empty land over naturally flourishing habitats. There was not enough courage to change the actions that we knew were wrong. We needed to be bold to put limits on the destruction of our planet, but we have since tucked our tail between our legs. The people we trusted to be in charge lacked the brains to do what is right. There was not enough heart to put humanity in front of profits, and as our dreams of home melt, we feel our hearts breaking. My mom thought that there would always be a place like home, and there is hope that one day, there still can be. Our home is what we will miss the most, but it doesn’t have to disappear yet. We can bring the technicolor back into our black and white home. If we want a place like home, we have to fix it, and it will take more than just a click of our heels. by ana monticelli 45
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we’re off and away. going, going, going. seeking and searching; finding that wonderful wonderful wonderful wizard.
photogrpaher lily fox beauty editor amy dantin by gilly mckendree
Melting
aplenty previously passing that elusive rainbow over the stream it’s out there, don’t you know? within our reach.
finding oz, forever searching, yellow spanning far beyond what I can bear to see
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feverishly trying to rectify lost ground poppies skewing direction cant find home;
backtracking only helps so much.
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Yusra Siddiqui wasn’t influenced by anyone. Now, she’s writing her own pathway to success. by saadiyah qureshi
YUSRA S
Even though we are about to enter the year of 2020, the fashion industry still lacks diversity. Recently, there has been a steady, continuous increase in diversity because minorities are starting to voice their opinions and infuse their cultures into their style. During my time in New York, I met many of these types of individuals who took their style to a whole other level and weren’t afraid to show it. Yusra Siddiqui is one of those unique individuals I met. I had been following her on Instagram for years because of her unique taste in fashion. As a Pakistani, she has inspired me not only through her fashion but through her story and her determination to make her voice heard in the fashion industry. Yusra Siddiqui is a significant fashion influencer on Instagram. Over the years, she has been contributing to various platforms such as Who What Wear, Martha Stewart, NYLON, Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, The Daily Front Row, and Buzzfeed by interning with them throughout her college career at LIM college in New York City. I had the great pleasure of interviewing her. We talked about how she initially got into fashion, her influences, favorite trends in fashion now, the impact of her cultural background on her style, and any advice she has for minorities aspiring to make it in the fashion world. She provides a different perspective to fashion and emphasizes the need for diversity in the industry as there is still much work to be done. The bottom line for her is to make her voice heard.
electives. I actually had no idea what I wanted to do or even wanted to go into the fashion industry. I never told anyone, but when I started taking these classes, I realized there was so much more to fashion than the design side. There was a whole industry of media and marketing. I wanted to promote brands and their missions. I also wanted to incorporate writing into my career, and from these classes, I realized a career in fashion was viable. My friends and I started a fashion show at our high school, and it was really fun as well as eye-opening because I realized I loved being behind the scenes. I knew I could organize and promote different things fashion-wise, which led me to apply to a bunch of different fashion schools. This fashion school happens every year now at my school. Who is your number one fashion inspiration? Give me one industry and one person. This is hard because I have so many inspirations. There is not just one person or brand that inspires me. Lindsay People’s Wagner is one of the people I love because she stands up for the diversity of empowerment of black women.
STRIKE: Hi, Yusra! I am so glad we were able to meet in New York and discuss all things fashion. You continue to inspire me and show me that there is a need for minorities’ voices to be heard in this harsh industry. So how did you get into the fashion industry? What got you interested in the industry? YUSRA: I got into the fashion industry because in my high school, they had fashion as an elective, and there were 3-4 classes that I took as fashion
SIDDIQUI 55
She started as an intern at Teen Vogue and then became a beauty assistant. She was laid off, which is when she ended up working for the Cut has an editor. Years later, she is the Editor in Chief of Vogue, which I think is crazy because she was an intern, and she got fired. I love the way she has changed the landscape and flow of Teen Vogue. She hired people that knew about diversity. For example, how different beauty products work on different skin types. She makes sure to include a diverse population. The main reason she inspires me is that she isn’t afraid to raise her voice about what is right and is a strong figure I will continue to look up to. She is my goal in life because she started as a bright-eyed intern, and now, she’s leading the direction of the industry. She’s not afraid to change up things, call out people, and make her voice heard. So that has inspired me because it’s an intimidating industry. I look up to so many people, but I look at a lot of TV people when creating my outfits. I love looking at movie characters and have a Pinterest full of Tv/movie characters whose style I want to emulate. Some of them are Rachel Green, Blair Waldorf, Audrey Hepburn. Ralph Lauren just released a collection that was inspired by Rachel Green. She is my current Fall inspiration.
love writing. I took AP English and took creative writing classes throughout high school. This industry involves incorporating your voice, and this is how I raise my voice in the industry. I love how you can take an idea or a trend and write about it in your voice, making it completely different than another person’s voice. You get to tell your story through fashion because some things can get misconstrued. I used to be a marketing major, but the writing aspect for me was missing. The whole premise of it is journalism, and I feel as though people think it is dying out, but it is continuing digitally. I love how the industry is changing and moving so quickly, but you always have your voice attached to it. Is writing what you want to focus on from here going on? Yes, my goal is to become editor-in-chief for a magazine and continue to write fashion articles. I also want to be able to be a part of the marketing side of the magazine and promote their brand. What keeps you going when obstacles come along?
If I am ever stressed out, or I’m like I can’t do this, What made you want to start your blog and I think about what I’ve done, and I think about the creatively create content for Instagram along with end goal, and if I let this one problem stop me, I’m other platforms? not going to reach the end goal. I think about how one day I am going to be a writer. I think you have I started my Instagram in high school and had an the choice to keep going. I know I am in control iPod Touch. I enjoyed dressing up to school, and of my future and am the only one in my way. So I eventually, I started taking pictures of my outfits. choose to keep going. When I would go to school, my classmates would call me “that fashion girl,” which is how my Ins- What do you hope to do in the future? Career tagram handle of “that girl Yusra” comes from. It goals? wasn’t a personal account; it was more of a way to show pictures of my outfits. It became a creative and I want to be the editor-in-chief of a magazine one fun thing I did in high school. This led me to contin- day. I have been working under editors and found ue to create content and become more creative. that I love everything that they do. What are you studying? And what do you What are some of your current favorite fashlike the most about it? ion trends? I am majoring in fashion media at LIM in New York, I am really into cowboy boots that come up to your and it is a fairly new major. My favorite part about mid-calf. I think it changes an outfit when you wear the major is that I can extensively write because I them with regular jeans. Another trend would be the 56
different shades of green, which is a very hot shade right now. My favorite is emerald green. Before, I never used to play with color, but now I am excited about incorporating this color. Also, I love the all-leather look: with leather top, pants, and jacket. I think it adds another level of texture to your outfit, especially when you pair it with sweaters. It creates a really powerful outfit. Do you incorporate your cultural background and your style? As of recently, yes, because everything that is in fashion here is in fashion in Pakistan. I love the Kurtis or tunics because they are so boxy and are made to be more for covering looks, which I like. I have been trying to wear them out more outside of cultural events because if fashion companies can appropriate it and copy the style, then why should I be afraid to wear it out. I love to wear them in my day to day with jeans or with a cute pair of pants. I like to wear the top in different ways by adding a belt. They also are made for hotter environments and extremely comfortable. Some people think there is a divide because it is more of a cultural outfit, but I love mixing styles. Even when I wear Pakistani dresses, I incorporate my fashion element to it. I take things, for example, from Zara or a jumpsuit and create fusion outfits. It shows both sides of the spectrum and shows where I am cultural. Mixing the 2 is a great option for me because I can show both sides of my fashion style. As a Pakistani Muslim woman, did you find it hard getting your foot into the fashion industry? I do not think it was hard because I was a student, but it was intimidating. I was given opportunities through my school. The offices I worked at were majority white, and there was no diversity. None of them treated me badly, but sometimes I wondered if I was going to make it or not because some of their conversations made me feel that way. I didn’t know how to talk about partying and drinking because I do not do those things, and my thinking was different as I had a different cultural background. I wanted to fit in, which made it very intimidating to work in this industry. They were very friendly, and I do not
think it was hard getting in, it was just the part of trying to fit in with the people in the industry. I eventually learned to be more comfortable with myself. I think it was just a growing process. Did anyone influence you to where you are right now on your journey to doing everything? No one influenced me. It was just the people I saw, and they had that effect on me. As an intern, you are looking at everyone and I saw every part of the industry. I was able to pick and choose which part I wanted to focus on and able to talk to different people in the industry. After working with different Editors, I realized I wanted to do what they were doing. That is why I encourage people to do internships. It is much harder to change what you do when you are already working, so starting early is the best way to find what you love. Any advice to minorities trying to make their mark in the fashion industry? My advice is to keep pushing and to let the obstacles keep you from getting into the industry. There is still a lack of diversity and it is important to keep pushing. For example, there is a Haitian designer Curvy Jean Raiment, who blew up, and he isn’t afraid to speak his voice, which is what we as minorities need to do. Keep pushing, it is going to be rough, and along the way, you have to stand up for yourself. So much of the change in the fashion industry is made by people of color, and they are people who keep on pushing. You need to just keep at it, and it is less intimidating then you think. If you let yourself succumb to your fears, you won’t be able to reach your goal. Every mistake will come with growth, and every fear you can turn into a learning lesson. I remind myself that my fears are not real and always look towards what I can do better and what I can do to help this industry. Once you get there, you will feel as though you have made a change.
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West WORLD photogrpaher lily fox fashion editor amy brecker, william tamayo
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Two opinions. One divisive topic. Education is the first step.
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Today’s political climate allows for little forgiveness. Hot-button political issues, like gun control, have carved a divide between both sides of the debate. Katie Householder, chair of her university’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, argues that the only way to break down these barriers is to have these honest conversations, in which you endorse understanding, rather than unrealistic solutions. Householders formed this chapter of Young Americans for Freedom because of the deepening of this divide. She vouched that “conservatives are way too concerned to step up and advocate for what they believe in.” Householder’s goal was to empower young conservatives to “own who they are and what they believe.” Between her academics and internships at Florida State University, Householder organizes legislators and activists engaged in the conservative movement to speak at Young Americans for Freedom meetings. Fueled by her ambition, Householder manages it all. Open to political discussions of all kinds, and not afraid to speak her mind, Householder and fellow organization members were enthusiastic to speak on gun legislation.
PROPresident Trump has said that he’s ready to take action but has not offered any specific solution. He does commend the policies enforcing background checks, one being Bipartisan Background Checks Acts of 2019. Within President Trump’s argument, he makes it a partisan issue by stating that he won’t “take your guns away” like Democrats plan to. Householder offers that solutions are found in “taking the politics out of it and looking at what’s good for the state of Florida, eventually looking at what’s good for America.” With extreme solutions, “things get polarized and ends in the debate instead of taking it and saying ‘Where are these mass shootings happening? Why are they happening?’ and finding the root of the problem.” Gun advocates are often criticized for not caring about those affected by gun violence, but Katie argues that it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Rather, a fellow member of Young Americans for Freedom chimed in saying, “that regardless of what you want to call politicians every single one of them are impacted, feel true empathy, and want something done to prevent this horrible stuff from happening.” The issue is- what can be done? Householder says, “My biggest thing with regulation and gun control is that we don’t need machine guns in our front yards, but once we start regulating, where do we stop? Where do we draw the line? And that’s something that once you start, it is a snowball effect.” Householder boiled down the multi-faceted argument against gun regulation in a simple statement: “It’s not that we just don’t want to get rid of our guns, it’s that we want to be able to defend ourselves and stay safe.”
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by haley hauk-landon
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by brooke waldren
In today’s high crime society, it’s easy to see that assault weapons and the discussion of gun violence is at the forefront of every political debate. It can often be challenging to decipher the right and wrongs when it comes to gun control, but thanks to an interview with Elysse Vernon, Director of Public Relationships for Florida State University’s College of Democrats, we were able to discuss the power behind guns but even more so, the people that are behind the firearms themselves and how we as a community can come together to prevent such violence from increasing. Prevention begins with acknowledging “new things in the news every day that we have to fight for - protecting those who need protecting,” according to Vernon. When discussing the frequency of mass shootings, with school shootings, in particular, these tragic incidents are “normalized” in American society today because “we have become so desensitized to it,” and the NRA has such a powerful influence in our world, especially within the Government. Will our society ever change if the Government continues to look past political issues as significant as gun violence? The road to reliable gun control begins with the “crucial” enforcement of background checks. Speaking on behalf of the College of Democrats, Vernon solidifies the notion of people, not products. “We don’t want to take everyone’s guns away – it is the people who are obtaining them illegally, or that have a history of domestic violence or mental health problems” that do not deserve the luxury of carrying or purchasing these products. The urgency of stricter gun laws becomes even more urgent when mass shootings take place at public schools and take the lives of innocent children. After this tragic act of violence using an assault rifle, “Jamie’s Law” was created. Named after Jamie Guttenberg, whose life was tragically taken during the Parkland shooting, Jamie’s Law enforces that the same people prohibited from buying guns are also prohibited from purchasing ammunition. Although this is a small step, Vernon acknowledges that “any progress is progress” and should never be under looked by the people. “Not knowing what side of the aisle you are on,” whether it be a Republican or Democrat, all being American Citizens, we must protect, honor, and “inspire others.”
A solemn relection on the day that changed everything.
by teaghan skulzski The city is covered in smoke, with the towering buildings barely coming into view. A dust storm engulfs the sidewalk, and your throat starts to close and swell from the immense smoke. It looks like a snowstorm is taking over the city, but is it merely ashes. The world as we knew it would never be the same. New York City, for the first time, was covered in a world of darkness. As millennials, we experienced September 11th in our youth. We saw the events unfold on the news, not grasping the entire situation as young children. All we saw were strangers crying on national television, yet we somehow felt a connection to
these faces we’ve never seen before. The world before 9/11 is unknown to us, almost a myth of what America was. For better or for worse, we may not ever fully understand or know what America’s mindset, security, and perceptions were like. What we do know is that we must accept our change, stop dwelling on the past, and look towards a brighter future. We may not know a world before September 11th, but we do live in the post-world today. A time of significant change overcame not just our country, but our entirety of the planet. Concerning travel, the world adjusted in precaution of the untrodden threat 69
“In the days after 9/11, we looked for someone to blame. Starting September 12th, Americans lived in fear, and immense fear turned into hatred.”
tof terrorism. In a pre-9/11 world, traveling was a breeze. Shoes could stay on while going through security and you only had to show up a half-hour before your flight. TSA was non-existent, with airport security being owned by private companies. But those are small changes compared to the entirety of the world after 9/11. A month after the September 11th attacks, former President George W. Bush signed the Patriot Act. Ultimately, giving the government more control over our privacy and the full right to interfere with one’s daily life if they suspected an act of terrorism. Some believe this act jumpstarted the government listening to our daily lives through cellphones and laptops. Privacy, especially with the dawn of social media and an increasingly tech-focused world, remains a prevalent issue today. In the days after 9/11, we looked for someone to blame. Starting September 12th, Americans lived in fear, and immense fear turned into hatred. Americans were looking for an out, and sadly, anti-Muslimism violence increased significantly after the 9/11 attacks. This hatred befell outside our country as well. Former President George W. Bush declared the Gulf War, which is currently the U.S. military’s longest campaign. The casualties from the war affect both the U.S. and Afghanistan, with “about 140,000 Afghan lives, 2,400 U.S. military lives, and the lives of 4,000 U.S. contractors (lost), as of November 2018.” Acceptance and forgiveness were the last things we were ready for. Mr. Rodgers’s idea of “love thy neighbor,” which our parents grew up on, was forgotten. We lived on a divided front. A second 70
civil war brews inside our walls, blaming innocent people for other individual’s actions. Currently, we are experiencing another side of terrorism--Domestic terrorism. Motivated by hate and revenge, domestic terrorism has only increased in the United States, specifically mass shootings. Nineteen occurred in 2018, and eleven have already occurred in 2019. We saw a South Florida high school lose 17 of its students and faculty in just one day. We saw our very own city, Tallahassee, turn a peaceful yoga studio into a frightening near-death experience. Terrorism hits hardest at home, especially when it’s from our home itself. With September 11th and other terrorist attacks creating an immense fear in our fellow citizens, we have to learn from our past (even if it hurts) and fight for our future. Terrorism may seem very much out of our hands, but it is not. We let Terrorists win when we give in to fear. These acts of hatred win when we hurt others because of the false beliefs it instilled in us. It has been almost 19 years since 9/11, and all we have to show for it is a war, casualties, prejudice, and domestic terrorism. It is our job as the next generation not to be afraid and live open-minded to those who surrounded us. When we consider the September 11th attacks, our perception needs to focus on those who fought to save lives rather than take them. We need to use these everyday heroes as our inspiration to keep fighting on. The war on terrorism ends when our beliefs open up. To live free is to fight.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE
American creative director janna mccabe photographer lisa osorio by savannah tindall
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n?
It’s difficult to pin down one correct definition of Americana. The melting pot of the world and the land of promise, it attracts a range of people to call this country home. With diverse population comes a multitude of authentic American experiences, constantly changing the premise of Americana. Where
is the disconnect between what we view as American and the Americans themselves? To gain better insight of our own country, we hit the streets, asking strangers how they defined being an American. What follows is a glimpse into their lives and a raw look inside what truly defines this nation. 73
CAROLINE DEJTIAR
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Caroline Dejtiar has a bicultural identity, as she is a first-generation American born in Fort Lauderdale, and her family is from Argentina. As a child of immigrants, Caroline grew up in a household filled with Argentine traditions, that foundation allowing her to appreciate more of what this country has to offer.
“I guess I just define it as having endless opportunities,” she says, “Like you can work for whatever you want and live anywhere you want, and that’s something that is hard to find in a lot of other places. That said, I feel like the average American is very career driven and that’s a big factor when it comes to their life choices.”
PAMELA L. PUGUH
On her way to catch a flight, we stopped Pamela L. Puguh. After quickly powdering her face, she poses for a photo and says, “When I think of America, I think of freedom, I think of opportunity for all, freedom for all. I think of it as a great place.�
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MARY CLARE SWASON
Mary Clare Swason is a volunteer at the state capitol museum. In the hours that she spends there, her eyes wander through each exhibit, fruitful with American iconography. It should come as no surprise that America means history to her. “My grandma has been a really big influence on me, and she is real-
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ly into genealogy and family history. So if we have supper together on Sundays, she is like telling me about how everyone came over from Germany and from Sweden three generations ago and settled in Nebraska, and now we are in Florida. So I guess it just means the lineage of your personal history.�
ly, he grips his father’s leg as we ask him the same Jonathan Thompson and his family are in town for question. Three seconds of silence pass and his father the FSU Alabama State game. With his arm around laughs and encourages him to give just one word. his young son Joshua, he says, “Being an American Joshua looks up at us with a hint of a smile as he means freedom and the power of choice. It means tries to rack his brain for a singular word to capture being able to navigate throughout the world with- a nation of 200+ years. He does sum it up though, in out certain restraints in other countries.” We all look an almost universal way: “Ummmmmmm, I don’t down at Joshua and ask him the same question. Shy- know.”
JONATHAN THOMPSON
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American Pie Total time: 1 hr 30 min Prep: 20 min Cook: 1 hr 10 min Yield: 1 (8-inch) pie
Ingredients / 4 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries 1 to 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 4 tablespoons cornstarch 1/8 tablespoon almond extract (optional) Your favorite pie crust or pie dough recipe for 2 crust pie 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, to dot 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, to sprinkle
photographer alexis poulos
Step 1 / Place cherries in medium saucepan and place over heat. Cover. After the cherries lose considerable juice, which may take a few minutes, remove from heat. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cornstarch together. Pour this mixture into the hot cherries and mix well. Add the almond extract, if desired, and mix. Return the mixture to the stove and cook over low heat until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and let cool. If the filling is too thick, add a little water, too thin, add a little more cornstarch. Step 2 / Then, preheat the the over to 375 degrees Farenheit
Step 3 / Use your favorite pie dough recipe. Prepare your crust. Divide in half. Roll out each piece large enough to fit into an 8 to 9-inch pan. Pour cooled cherry mixture into the crust. Dot with butter. Moisten edge of bottom crust. Place top crust on and flute the edge of the pie. Make a slit in the middle of the crust for steam to escape. Sprinkle with sugar. Step 4 / Bake for about 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool.
A long day at the ballpark cheering on the Yankees.
McDonalds for dinner for the third time this week on your road trip across the country.
Everyone fighting to achieve the American Dream.
Reminiscing on nights at the drivein theater
Immigrants beginning a new life.
Cash singing his heart out at the Grand Ole Opry.
A girl in red shoes swept away to Oz on a quest to find the Wizard.
Nights at a musical festival feeling the thump of the beat in your chest
Another word for where we came from, where we are going, and who we are.
by holly wilson
STRIKE MAGAZINE FALL 2019