Volume 107, Issue 1

The Spectator The Stuyvesant High School Newspaper

Volume 107 No. 1

September 9, 2016

stuyspec.com

9/11: Fifteen Years Later

Courtesy of Wall Street Journal

Mika Simoncelli / The Spectator

Eric Contreras Named Interim Acting Principal Eric Contreras assumed the position of Interim Acting Principal on July 26, 2016, five days after former Principal Jie Zhang officially retired from the Department of Education (DOE).

Contreras was a former social studies teacher, principal of Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts and the Sciences, and has been the executive director of social studies at the DOE for the past two years, where he helped reshape the curriculum to meet new state standards. He is also the parent of a recent Stuyvesant alumnus.

“The Pulse of the Student Body”

For the first time, all of the freshmen walking across the Tribeca bridge were born into a world transformed by 9/11. Many of them, as well as many of us upperclassmen, are unconscious of the fact that 9/11 drew a line through our history books, dividing time into pre-9/11 and a post9/11. Most of us only know the latter world, and so as the 15th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, we will skip back through time, remembering that day and exploring what came after.

A full length interview with Contreras can be found on page 8.

Content starts on page 20.

Incoming Freshmen vs. Outgoing Seniors: Spectator Surveys 2016 95%

52%

75%

of freshmen believe they will be among the top 50% in their class

of freshmen partook in academic dishonesty during middle school

of surveyed graduated seniors at Ivy League schools had GPAs above 97

of surveyed graduated seniors would choose Stuyvesant again

By Julia Ingram

Courtesy of NY Daily News

By Julia Ingram

complicate hiring teachers or making purchases for the school.

“Sometimes you’re frustrated because the efficiency is affected,” she said. “As challenging as my new job will be, I think I will have more authority on things that I don’t have here.”

As superintendent at the New York Military Academy, a private boarding school in Upstate New York, Zhang will work on restructuring and expanding the school, which nearly shut down in June 2010, and filed for bankruptcy in March 2015. In September 2015, however, the school was auctioned off to a group of Chinese investors, who reopened it in November to a small group of students.

“They started looking for a new leader. Some people told me about the news, said you have a lot of potential, they have confidence that I can go there and reboot the whole place,” Zhang said.

Her first step in improving the school will be to recruit more

students. “When I go I will start assessing. [I] definitely [want to] make it bigger, but not as big as Stuyvesant,” she said.

When asked what the most rewarding aspect of being Principal of Stuyvesant has been, Zhang quickly responded “the students.”

“Having spent four years with very gifted, talented students and having worked in a school where both of my children went [...] was really the most rewarding thing,” she said.

It makes sense then that in her time as principal, Zhang made an effort to respond to the needs of Stuyvesant students.

Maintaining an open-door policy throughout her time at Stuyvesant, she was open to hearing out students’ concerns and prioritizing their academic and emotional needs. “Even though sometimes I don’t have the perfect answer to a question, I want to make sure people aren’t frustrated because they aren’t heard,” she said.

On pages 14-19

Rodriguez-Tabone Takes Principal’s Position at Queens High School; Damesek Takes Over as APO

Principal Jie Zhang Retires from the DOE

After spending four years at Stuyvesant, former Principal Jie Zhang announced on Monday, June 13, that she would be retiring from the Department of Education (DOE) and taking a new position as superintendent at the New York Military Academy starting next fall.

Zhang had worked with the DOE for 28 years as a math teacher, Assistant Principal, Regional Network Instructionalist, Network Leader, and Principal, and officially retired on Thursday, July 21, a date significant to her as the anniversary of when she first came to the United States.

In her time as principal, Zhang focused on putting school funding back into the classroom. She increased the number of classes of many Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, and AP Computer Science. She’s also augmented the technology within classrooms through measures such as adding additional SMART boards.

Zhang, along with the Parent Association, also obtained a number of grants in the past four years, enabling renovations to the theater and plans to upgrade the robotics lab. Funds have also been obtained to introduce a new computer lab on the fourth floor and a new drafting room on the tenth floor.

However, bringing changes such as these was not always easy for Zhang. “I definitely had internal resistance,” she said.

Resistance came not only in the form of opposition from students, but also from Teachers’ Unions and the complex bureaucracy of the DOE, which can

89%

Former Assistant Principal of Organization (APO) Saida Rodriguez-Tabone resigned from her position to serve as Interim Acting (IA) Principal at the Queens Metropolitan High School in early August. Former Assistant Principal of Data and Technology Services Randi Damesek has taken her place.

Rodriguez-Tabone worked as Stuyvesant’s APO for three years. Her responsibilities included managing the budget and coordinating testing, absentee coverage, professional development, staff supervision, and school facilities. “Anything that falls under the domain of operations for a school is the APO,” IA Principal Eric Contreras said.

Rodriguez-Tabone wanted to take a position in Queens to be closer to her family. “It breaks my heart because I love Stuyvesant, but the number one reason, and really the only reason, is to be closer to my three kids,” she said. “It’s a wonderful school. I’m going to miss it.”

Damesek served as Stuyvesant’s APO from September 2002 to June 2013, before former Principal Jie Zhang switched her position to Assistant Principal of Guidance. About three months later, however, on September 3, 2013, Damesek was removed from Stuyvesant fol-

lowing the release of a Department of Education Office of Special Investigations report on the June 2012 cheating scandal.

The report included allegations that Damesek failed to carry out the duties entrusted to her as a testing coordinator. Prior to the start of the 2015-16 school year, Damesek was cleared of all charges against her and assumed the title Assistant Principal of Data and Technology Services.

Contreras decided that Damesek’s experience and familiarity with Stuyvesant made her the best candidate to take over Rodrigez-Tabone’s position. “I want to create the fewest disruptions for the operations of the school so that students don’t feel the change,” he said.

Damesek agreed. “There’s a certain comfort in having someone step in who’s already done the job, especially with a new principal,” she said.

Rodriguez-Tabone does not expect the change in administration to greatly affect the school either. “Students are the ones that really drive change within a school,” she said.

Damesek will also continue to carry out the responsibilities of her former position of Data and Technology Services, which included maintenance of technology within the buildcontinued on page 4

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 2

News NEWSBEAT Calvin Lee (‘16) won a sil-

ver medal in the International Olympiad in Informatics in Kazan, Russia, in August.

Muslim Students Association placed first overall The

in the National Muslim InterScholastic Tournament from Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31 at the University of Toronto in Canada. Shahjada Islam (‘16) and Islam Elsaid (‘16) placed first in the prepared essay and math olympics categories, respectively.

StuyPulse,

Stuyvesant’s robotics team, competed in the China Robotics Challenge in Shanghai, China from Thursday, August 4 to Tuesday, August 16.

Dr. Oliveri Replaces Ubieta as Language AP

By Anne George with additional reporting from Julia Ingram Former Assistant Principal (AP) of World Languages Arlene Ubieta resigned from her position in late August after accepting a new role in the Language Department at one of the Department of Education’s (DOE) District Offices in Queens. Interim Acting (IA) AP of World Languages Dr. Ernest Oliveri has taken her place.

Dr. Oliveri was the AP of Security and the AP of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program (which included their language program), at Washington Irving High School, an underperforming school that closed in 2015.

Dr. Oliveri discovered his interest in world languages when he began to learn the language of his family’s heritage, Italian, in college. “My parents are Italian. They didn’t speak Italian in the home. I heard it in my grandparents’ home,” he said.

“When I went to University I studied Italian, and when I graduated college, I got myself a Euro-pass and I traveled to Italy, just me and my Italian. I fell in love with it, it’s a beautiful country and a beautiful language.”

Dr. Oliveri continued his language studies after college, building on his high school Spanish when he met his wife.

“I married a Spaniard,” he said.

“It was really an affair of the heart that brought me back to the study of language.”

At Stuyvesant, Dr. Oliveri will be teaching the new fifth-

year Spanish elective, Great Films From the Spanish Speaking World. “One of the ways I improved my Spanish was by looking at Spanish films. One time I got ahold of a [Spanish] film and I looked at the film for three months with the script in my hand,” he said. “[Films are] a very good way to learn [a] language and it really helped my fluency.”

Dr. Oliveri also hopes to expand the language opportunities offered to students. He created a fourth-year Latin class because an Advance Placement Latin course will not be offered this year. Moreover, he is arranging a Japanese film festival with Japanese teacher Chie Helinski.

“There are other ways to learn a language in a culture other than being in a classroom.

There are dimensions to a language [other] than learning to conjugate verbs and learning vocabulary. There is culture and I would like to expand that [at Stuyvesant],” he said.

Dr. Oliveri will maintain his interim status until the DOE’s C-30 process for permanent hiring is completed. Under this process, an AP candidate must be approved by both IA Principal Eric Contreras and Superintendent Marisol Bradbury.

Ultimately, Dr. Oliveri hopes to be accessible to both the students and the staff. “I hope the students will feel free to come in and share their highs and lows with me,” he said. “It is my job to help them through that and [I want to establish] the same [relationship] with the staff.”

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and NASA

WORLDBEAT The Uzbekistani government confirmed that President Islam Karimov, one of Asia’s most authoritarian leaders, died on Friday, September 2, from a brain hemorrhage. Karimov has no clear successor.

In response to the migrant crisis, Hungarian police are advertising for 3,000 “border hunters,” who will provide reinforcement to the 10,000 police officers and soldiers currently patrolling a razor-wire fence built to keep immigrants out.

Brock Turner was released on Friday, September 2, after serving half of his controversial six-month sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman at Stanford University.

Georgetown University

officials announced on Thursday, September 1, that Georgetown will be offering preferential admissions status to descendents of nearly 300 slaves sold by the university in 1838, in order to atone for the university’s ties to the slave trade.

Officials in Ohio declared a public health emergency on Friday, September 2, after a powerful opioid, Carfentanil, which is normally used to tranquilize elephants, hit the streets and caused a record spike in overdoses in the Midwest.

Category one Hurricane Hermine hit St. Marks, Florida, on Friday, September 2, but weakened to a tropical storm as it moved further inland.

Hundreds of people have been arrested and at least three people have died amid the protests occurring in Libreville, Gabon, after the sitting President Ali Bongo was declared winner of the disputed election. The U.S. Department of State announced on Wednesday, August 31, that it is requesting that the Gabonese government release the individual results from each polling station.

The first commercial flight from the U.S. to Cuba in more than half a century landed on Wednesday, August 21, representing the thawing relationship between the two countries.

After the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 launched in late August, dozens of users reported that their smartphones caught fire or exploded. In response, Samsung has recalled the device.

A Closer Look at Zhang’s Impact on the Student Body

By Grace Cuenca, Sasha Spajic and Selina Zou In the wake of former Principal Jie Zhang’s resignation, we decided to interview alumni who were students under her administration and/or under former principal Stanley Teitel’s administration. We hoped to examine Zhang’s policies within the context of the policies of her predecessor, and track how the school changed over her four-year principalship.

Interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity

How receptive were the principals to the student body’s complaints?

“There wasn’t a lot about which Teitel seemed to care, if it came from the SU. A lot of complaints came from an increased feeling that we were being regimented in manners that were unprecedented. Where the Jinx [Cozzi Perullo] administration [prior to Teitel] had been more lax about whether students could leave the building during free periods, or whether they hung out in the hallways, there was a definite sense of the Teitel administration controlling where and when students could gather.” —Marley Lindsey (‘10), Former SU President “Zhang made more of an active effort [than Teitel] to make students feel as if their concerns were important. The first year that Zhang became principal, I was very surprised to hear that she was personally helping with programming requests.

People were saying that if you were turned down by the AP, to go to her because there was a chance that she might make the change you wanted anyway.

She was genuinely dedicated to helping students.” —Linda Trey

(‘15)

What policy changes did the principals implement?

“The big one that stuck in my mind [...] is where students could or could not congregate and when. Of course, we were also reminded that it was now public school policy that phones could not be brought into buildings.

There was also a sense that the atmosphere of Stuyvesant was something to be preserved: during my orientation, Teitel said all students at Stuy had to pick two of three options: school, friends, or sleep. While he may have been joking,the fact that he was describing this as something to be proud of stuck in my mind.

On another scale, Teitel was responsible for cutting participation in the Discovery Program, which was a direct line for underrepresented minorities into schools like Stuyvesant.

While his reasoning was that the increased number of specialized high schools reduced his ability to select students, I do not recall his making any effort to replace the program for helping balance the racial dis-

parities at Stuyvesant.” —Marley Lindsey (‘10) “During my freshman year, [when Teitel was principal,] no one went out to lunch. It wasn’t allowed, but during my junior year, when Zhang was principal, my Student Union fought for that to be changed. We had a trial period at first where only the upperclassmen could go out, but it was later extended to all students.” —Kimberly Wong (‘15)

What was the dress code like under your administration?

“During Teitel’s time, staff supervising the scanners had the authority to reprimand students as they swiped in. In the warmer months there would be girls on the bridge pulling sweatpants over their clothes before entering the school.

This changed under Zhang, maybe as a response to the student body’s negative reaction to stringent enforcement of the dress code.” —Linda Trey (‘15) “I think the dress code was the same but the enforcement seemed to change. When I was an underclassman, with Teitel as principal, I remember being really scared to have anything

above my fingertips and to wear tank tops because I knew that those guards were very rude about it. But when I was an upperclassman, I stopped caring and I don’t think I ever got stopped by the guards.”

—Kimberly Wong (‘15)

Did

you find your principal approachable/easy to talk to?

“While I never sought Teitel out directly, any time I happened to be speaking with him, it was not an unpleasant experience. You definitely had to make an effort to get access though, unless you happened to be in his once-in-a-bluemoon physics course.” — Marley Lindsey (‘10) “Teitel was my freshman year physics teacher, so I felt very comfortable talking to him.

It was nice that he had such a passion for physics and teaching that he still taught even as a principal. In regards to Zhang, I was a member of Chamber Choir while I was a student, and she joined us in my junior year. She would take time out of her busy day to come to rehearsals, which made her more relatable.” —Linda Trey (‘15)

What

is one policy/issue that you wish your principal could have improved or handled better?

“Teitel was most concerned with the preservation of Stuyvesant’s reputation as the “best and the brightest” at the cost of everyone who struggled to maintain the façade. Even his last act as principal––attempting to hide the cheating scandal––was done in the name of keeping Stuyvesant’s sort of exceptional identity. The loss of the Discovery Program, the reminders that having fun was at the expense of studying, the refusal to cut any slack for students—none of this was healthy for a student body.” —Marley Lindsey (‘10) “I wish Teitel handled the Regents cheating scandal better. Maybe if he was more strict, the whole situation wouldn’t have happened. Or if it still had, I wish the steps he took afterwards were sufficient for him to keep his job. Although I respect Zhang and loved Stuy under her authority, I wish I got to see more of Teitel around.” —Kimberly Wong (‘15)

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 3

News From the Archives: Zhang’s Policies, Through Headlines and Polls Compiled by Sonia Epstein

October 30, 2015

October 3, 2012

Four-Digit IDs to be Discontinued Starting Next Fall

Academic Honesty Policy Revised for New School Year

November 18, 2015

February 5, 2013

Sophomores Allowed Outside During Free Periods Mandarin Program Expanded with New Hire

Physics Research Reinstated

April 22, 2013

December 2, 2015

Seniors Permitted Outside During Frees

AP Exams Free but Mandatory

October 1, 2013

January 25, 2016

Boutique Changes Prohibited During Program Corrections

Programming Office Strives to Annualize Core Classes

October 31, 2013

February 12, 2016

Administration Removes Students from Half Floor

Are you in favor of the administration’s effort to annualize classes?

Science and Robotics Lab Upgrades in Preliminary Stages

November 21, 2013 Administration Bans Concealing Face Paint

March 4, 2016

December 9, 2013

Freshman Allowed Out During Free Periods: Concluding a 15-Year Battle

March 28, 2016

Out for Frees Policy Extended for Juniors

Students Request Renovations, Administration Responds Detention System Implemented

December 9, 2013 Naviance: Streamlining the College Process at Stuyvesant

April 22, 2016

March 18, 2014

Are you in favor of the policy eliminating AP waiver forms?

Re-storing School Spirit [School Store Reopened]

June 6, 2016

December 10, 2014

SU Begins Planning for Revised Homework Policy

$300,000 Grant Approved for Renovations to Stuyvesant Theater

51+49+A 19+81+A February 12, 2016

February 3, 2015

April 22, 2016

Are you in favor of the administration’s effort to annualize classes?

Cell Phone Ban to be Lifted at Stuyvesant

February 12, 2015 Behind the Increase of In-Class Finals

Are you in favor of the policy eliminating AP waiver forms?

Yes 18.7%

March 4, 2015 More Classes to be Annualized

October 2, 2015 Freshman Algebra I/Geometry Double Period Class Discontinued Students Required to Take One or More AP Exams to Graduate [With Stuyvesant Diploma]

*0.5% of students chose not to answer this question

No 51.6%

Yes 49.4%

No 80.8%

October 16, 2015

Student Tools to be Replaced by eSchool Data

Zhang’s Four Years in Review

By The Spectator News Department

The Spectator surveyed all current sophomores, juniors, seniors, and members of the Class of 2016 via its Facebook page to invite them to reflect on their experiences with former Principal Jie Zhang. Ninety-one students responded.

How well do you think Zhang represented the ideas, opinion, and spirit of the faculty and student body?

19.8%

13.2% 11%

9.9%

1 (poorly)

3.3%

3.3%

2

3

3.3% 4

5

35+36+18101A 25+38+18910A 9.9%

12.1%

Never

35.2%

17.6%

36.3%

6

7

Do you feel that Zhang made herself accessible to you?

1.1%

22%

2.2%

How often did you meet with Zhang over the course of the 2015-2016 school year?

8

Once or twice Three to five times Five to ten times More than ten times

9.9%

25.3%

8.8%

17.6%

38.5%

Completely Sometimes A little Not at all I don’t know

10 9 (exceptionally well)

Some students chose to comment on their experiences anonymously. Responses are included below, and have been condensed and edited for clarity.

“I really respect that Principal Zhang always left her door open for students to walk in at any time. Not everyone had a reason to use it [...] but having that option there really made her seem like someone much closer than a principal. Any time we had a problem with how the school was being run, we had someone who would eagerly turn an ear to us and listen to what we had to say [...] For me, it allowed me to trust that the administration would (for the most part) make changes that the student body was actually in favor of.”

“[Zhang] made a lot of requirements for [Advanced Placement courses] APs, thus making it harder for students to take classes they wanted. [I felt she was] not involved with the student body and did not attempt to connect or make changes students wanted.”

“While I’ve never been able to speak to her personally, from her actions and others’ interactions with her, Principal Zhang seems to genuinely care about the students. She helped revive the jewelry design class, which was canceled due to the fact that it was “artsy” and wasn’t needed. She believed that it was important for students to have a way to be creative and I appreciated that very much.”

“Ms. Zhang was a fabulous principal, and I’m really going to miss her.

When you talk to her one-on-one you realize how deeply she cares about the students in the school. She remembered me from visit to visit and would go out of her way to help me.

It’s a shame that most students in this school never got to know her as well as I did.”

Rodriguez-Tabone Takes Principal’s Position at Queens High School; Damesek Takes Over as APO continued from page 1

ing, such as SMART boards, eSchoolData, and Stuyvesant’s website. Contreras hopes to hire a technology intern to support her in this area as well.

Additionally, Damesek will

be relocating from her office in room 270 to room 207, previously Assistant Principal of Health, Physical Education, Safety, and Student Affairs Brian Moran’s office. Moran will be moving to room 103, previously Rodriguez-Tabone’s office.

“I’m hoping to make [room

207] a welcoming space for parents coming in,” Contreras said.

He also hopes to station staff in charge of safety at both points of entry in the school, with Moran on the first floor and the deans on the second.

Damesek worked in room 207 for 11 years until Zhang

relocated her in April 2013, to place Moran closer to the security guards and take advantage of the SAVE room inside of the office, which houses suspended students. At the time, some students speculated that it could represent a shift in power. However, Contreras stated that his

positioning of the offices was purely pragmatic. “It’s an operational decision,” he said.

Regardless, Damesek is happy to return to an APO position. “I like to contribute to the school as much as possible,” she said. “I’m excited to be back in my old position.”

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 4

News Student Union Financial Report: Fall 2016 Intro by Grace Tang and Raniyan Zaman

Starting this year, the Student Union (SU) will release finance reports to the student body as part of an initiative to be more open about its actions. A full report will be released each fall, and smaller updates will be released at the start of each spring term.

The reports are part of a larger initiative by the SU for greater transparency. “We want to show more students what the SU is about. There is a lot of mystery surrounding student government and a major goal of this project is to [...] show people what occurs behind the scenes,” senior and SU Chief Financial Officer Adi Kapoor said.

The financial report shows the SU’s revenue and allocations, income, expenses, and profits from SING!. It also traces the distribution of funds to fundraising events and items such as clubs, dances, and SU products. These graphs, as well as explanations from the SU, are included below.

Financial Report by Tahseen Chowdhury (SU Vice President), Kenneth Chu (Budget Director Revenue Building), Adi Kapoor (CFO Revenue Building), and Stiven Peter (Budget Director Financial Report)

Yearly Beginning Balance $154,254.89 $143,561.90

What is the yearly beginning balance?

This is the amount of money the SU starts off with at the beginning of each year.

How and why has this value changed across 3 years?

Slight changes are to be expected, but the steep dropoff between 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 can be attributed to heavy expenditures from the previous year.

What can be inferred?

The more an administration spends, the lower the next year’s beginning balance will be. This explains the dip before the 201516 school year—the 2014-15 administration spent over $160,000.

$10,1701.99 $96,761.26

2013-2014

2015-2016

2014-2015

2016-2017

Yearly Revenue $150,788.71

Yearly Allocation $150,789.28

$165,858.34 $136,191.67

$94,027.50 $148,534.48

2014-2015

2013-2014

2013-2014

2015-2016

What is yearly revenue?

Most of the yearly revenue comes from SING!. The SU also makes money from apparel sales, dances, and Junior Prom. Clubs also raise revenue, but not by much. In addition, any profit a club makes is always returned at the start of the new school year. This year, the SU also increased revenue after a sponsorship with Kweller Prep, a tutoring company. In previous years, some revenue came from minor prizes from school competitions or other associated activities.

How and why has this value changed over 3 years?

Despite what the graph shows, revenue has not fluctuated much. The difference between the 2013-14 school year and the 2014-15 school year is under $2000, and the difference between 2014-15 and 2015-16 is only $1.57. This small increase in revenue shows that the Kweller Prep sponsorship and increased SING! revenue (where most of the year’s revenue came from) did not successfully increase the year’s overall revenue.

What can be inferred?

We expect an increase for the 2016-2017 school year. The SU is introducing new ways to make money, like sponsorships, so the SU doesn’t have to be as dependent on SING!

2015-2016

2014-2015

What is the difference between allocations and expenses?

Allocations are the amounts of money the SU gives to clubs, SING!, Junior Prom, dances, and SU products. Expenses are the total amounts of money these organizations spend. Clubs can spend money not given to them by the SU, but by PA donations, apparel sales, transfers from other clubs, etc.

What are yearly allocations?

Yearly allocations are all SU expenditures, except for those made by clubs on their own.

How and why has this value changed over 3 years?

SU expenses were highest during the 2014-2015 school year when the SU spent a lot of money funding the school. Computer programs, travel fees, and competition prize money all contributed to the drastic jump. 2015-2016 saw a slight decline in expenses, but the jump in club funding kept the number relatively high.

What can be inferred?

We expect that the SU will spend less money, since it plans to not spend money on unnecessary items. However, the new SU revenue plans may lead to expense hikes.

29+43+9154A 31+23+29125A 42+35+6134A Allocations 2014-2015

2013-2014 4%

2015-2016 4%

5%

15%

13%

12%

29%

6%

31%

42%

9%

29%

35%

23%

43%

SiNG!

Clubs

Analysis of 13-14 This year, the SU spent equal amounts of money on clubs and SING! Its next priority was J-Prom, then SU products (which are extra expenses made by the SU), and then dances.

SU Products

Analysis of 14-15 The SU spent more on SING! than on clubs, and almost quadrupled spending on SU products. These products included the “Woo Peg” sweatshirts, a costly and ultimately ineffective effort to increase school spirit. The SU also bought other apparel that didn’t sell well, and paid for the Big Sibs’ and ARISTA’s t-shirts, recycling bins, pizza for the blood drive, candy to distribute to students, and a new cash register.

Junior Prom

Dances

Analysis of 15-16 Allocations for SU products shrank dramatically from 2014-15, a year, as noted above, of excessive and/or unnecessary spending. This left the SU with more funds to support SING! and clubs.

How and why have allocations changed across 3 years?

Some years, clubs may request more funds requests for funding from clubs, and sometimes the SU decides to have a more extravagant SING! It depends on each administration.

What can be inferred?

The SU will likely capitalize on SING! due to its success last year, all while ensuring each club gets the funding it needs. SU products may also see a change, depending on the needs of the new administration. Other than that, the general breakdown will be similar. continued on page 5

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 5

News Student Union Financial Report: Fall 2016 continued from page 4

Money Given To Clubs

SING! Expenses $52,281.34

$48,242.36 $40,327.25

$57,048.83

$37,778.02 $27,133.39

2013-2014

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

What constitutes money given to clubs?

Every year, funds from the beginning balance are given to clubs.

Clubs apply to the SU to receive money for products necessary for the club’s proceedings, like board games for the board games club.

The SU also funds travel expenses for clubs that go to competitions.

How and why has this value changed across 3 years?

The funds allocated to clubs varies by the amount of clubs, how much money each club asks for, and the amount of money each SU wants to set aside for clubs.

What can be inferred?

Allocations to clubs will likely decrease this year because the current SU hopes to cut down on funds that are left unused by each club.

2014-2015

2015-2016

What are SING!! expenses?

SING! expenses come from the purchase of apparel, playbills, technical tools, and concessions. For the 2015-16 school year, an additional expense was recorded for DVD production. The SU also issues reimbursements to those who spend money on costumes, which usually accounts for a large portion of SING! expenses.

However, the heftiest SING! expenses are the staff supervisor salaries, which the SU pays to any administrator who aids in the production.

How and why has this value changed across 3 years?

The increasing SING! expenses can be explained by an increase in production costs for the elaborate performances that have been staged in the past few years. For example, costume charges for fiscal year 2013-14 were much lower than those of subsequent years. There were also fewer technology expenses, such as sewing machines and lights, and the set production value was much lower; the majority of SING! expenses for that year were actually from sweatshirt and shirt production.

What can be predicted about this year?

The expenses for this year’s SING! will most likely remain between $50,000 and $60,000, but will be closer to $60,000. Expenses will largely be dependent upon the number of SING! supervisors and the costs of their salaries.

Concessions have become more expensive in the past two years, which could raise production costs. Other expenses may include purchasing new sewing machines, though these are long-term investments that would serve future years.

SING! Revenue

SING! Profit

2015-2016

$81,611.14

$24,562.31

2015-2016

2013-2014

$59,216.57

2014-2015

$49,181.93

2013-2014

What is SING! revenue?

Revenue from SING! primarily comes from ticket sales. The SU also makes money from apparel and concession sales, and, last year, DVDs. SING! dues also contribute to revenue.

Last year, dues for each grade averaged to $4000.

Why has this value changed across 3 years?

SING! revenue has been climbing since the 2013-14 school year. This trend can be explained by an increase in SING! ticket prices during the 2015-16 school year, and, on lesser scale, by the DVD sales that took place during SING! 2016. SING! dues also affect revenue, as they are dependent on the number of students participating in each production for that year. 2015-2016 saw an increase in the price of dues which also affected the increase in revenue.

What can be predicted about this year?

SING! revenue is likely to increase or remain stagnant depending on the ticket prices for next year. Dues will most likely not change.

By Shameek Rakshit Junior Julian Rubinfien won the National Genes in Space competition for designing an experiment to study how space travel affects aging. His experiments will be performed on board the International Space Station (ISS).

In May of 2016, Rubinfien was selected as one of five finalists out of over 900 students from across the country. This past July, he was invited to present his experiment at the ISS Research and Development Conference in San Diego, California.

At the end of the conference, Rubinfien’s proposal was chosen as the winning experiment. It is scheduled to be sent to the ISS on December 30, 2016.

Additionally, miniPCR, a biotechnology company and partner of the Genes in Space competition, will donate new laboratory equipment, including a thermocycler and an electrophoresis chamber, to Stuyvesant High School.

Rubinfien first learned of the competition from biology teacher Jessica Quenzer.

“I cannot remember not being interested in science [...] it’s always been tremendously attractive to me as a discipline,” he

$6,935.23

$22,048.54

What is the SING! profit?

The SING! profit is the expenses subtracted from the income.

How and why has this value changed across 3 years?

SING! profit usually wavers between $7,000 and $8,000. However, an increase in ticket prices and dues in 2015 increased the total revenue to $24,562.

What can be inferred?

Because increased ticket prices quadrupled SING! revenue, ticket prices will most likely stay the same so that the SU can maintain its budget. Profit is dependent on both revenue and expenses, so slight changes in either trend will affect the future.

Student Sends Research Into Space

said.

Upon learning about the competition, he immediately threw himself into preparation. “I read through textbooks and research journals so I could get a better idea of what molecular biologists are currently interested in.”

The process of designing the research project was often difficult and required extra focus and diligence.

“The reading was the most challenging part, especially because I was mostly reading through academic journals,” Rubinfien said. “At first, it would take me five minutes to get through a few sentences, because [the journals] aren’t written for laymen. It was kind of like becoming fluent in a new language.”

After spending days research-

ing the most promising aspects of space biology, Rubinfien decided to study how changes in telomeres, the protective structures located on the ends of chromosomes, might adversely affect the process of aging in astronauts during spaceflight.

Research suggested that the shortening of telomeres is associated with aging and death. Rubinfien hypothesized that space travel would disrupt regulation of the lengths of telomeres and that this could contribute to the premature aging sometimes experienced by astronauts.

The experiment was designed to use organ buds—small, functioning, three dimensional pieces of an organ—grown in-vitro (in a test tube) to measure the lengths of telomeres in space over time.

“I learned the importance of creativity. You don’t often think about that in the sciences, but in this case, designing the experiments is really about creativity.”

—Julian Rubinfien, junior

Courtesy of Julian Rubinfien

2014-2015

Junior Julian Rubinfien takes a selfie with NASA astronaut Josh Cassada.

Rubinfien believes that the competition has honed his skills as a scientist and provided him with valuable experience for the future. “I learned the importance of creativity [...] you don’t often think about that in the sciences, but in this case designing the experiments is really about creativity,” he said.

“If you want to contribute something new, you have to understand what has been done, understand what hasn’t been done, and combine those to try to fill in some of the gaps [...] I think

it’s an extremely valuable skill to have once you get the hang of it and I’m working toward that.”

Rubinfien wants to encourage other students to participate in the competition. “It’s tremendously special and I’m so glad to have this opportunity.”

“Practicing science brings one in contact with something bigger and more important than oneself,” he said. “More students at our school should have the opportunity to contribute to science in one way or another.”

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 6

News Feminine Hygiene Product Dispensers and Disposals Installed in Bathrooms

By Ilona Cherepakhina and Jessica Wu Pad and tampon dispensers and disposal bins have been installed in the women’s bathrooms in Stuyvesant as a result of a city-wide effort to make female hygiene products more accessible.

This initiative found success with the passage of the Menstru-

al Equality Bill by the New York City Council on June 28. The bill requires that the Department of Education (DOE) install tampon and pad dispensers in the bathrooms of all public middle and high schools.

The DOE spent $3.7 million on the initial installation and predicts that it will cost $1.9 million annually to keep the dispensers stocked for all schools.

The lack of feminine hygiene products has been a subject of discussion in the Student Union (SU) for some time. Last spring, senior Anna Usvitsky and junior Kevin Boodram made it a part of their campaign for the SU General Elections, and seniors Namra Zulfiqar and Enver Ramadani and Laszlo Sandler and Max Bertfield all included it in their Senior Caucus campaigns.

“It seemed to be a part of our platform that people really supported and were responding to.

There really wasn’t that much work that needed to be done [by us],” Sandler, who was elected Senior Caucus President, said in an e-mail interview. “I hope this installation brings comfort to the student body.”

Though students could previously access pads and tam-

pons from the nurse’s office, there were few disposal bins within the bathrooms and many students were left discarding the products improperly or unhygienically.

“I’m just incredibly glad that something so long overdue has finally been accomplished.

It’s a win for student government, and a win for feminism,” Zulfiqar said.

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The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 7

Features Meet the New Guy: A Conversation with IA Principal Eric Contreras

By Sophie Watwood I was in the office before he was, sitting on the couch, glancing around the room, marveling at how completely unchanged it seemed since Principal Jie Zhang had left. It didn’t end up mattering that we started late, half-way through the allotted time—he let us go a half hour over, too.

What are your main concerns and anxieties about starting a new year here?

I want to make sure that I listen to the needs of all of the constituent groups, and then figure out a way to make all of those needs coherent. I’ve had initial meetings with the student government, the SLT, the cabinet, but I want to get to know more of the constituent groups—clubs, teams, teachers, students that do different types of research [or] are on the robotics team. I want to know what is really important to you and how I can support that, because leadership is about creating a vision and aligning resources to support that vision, but that vision has to be connected to the needs of the people that you serve.

Are you nervous about the job?

I’m eager and excited. I don’t know if nervous is the word for me. I feel eager to start the work. I feel eager to see students come in on the first day, and talk to them, and get to know them. One of my goals is to be in classrooms and to engage in the learning and see what’s happening in classrooms and outside of them.

How do you plan on engaging with students on a face-to-face basis?

Contreras: A number of ways.

Being in classrooms, having an open door policy where students can come in anytime and talk to me. I want to make sure that I attend one of the meetings with each of the clubs and listen to [their needs]. I want to have ongoing meetings with the student government.

As interim acting principal, do you know how long you’re going to be here?

I don’t. That’s up to the SLT and the Human Resources process.

Can you and will you apply to be the permanent principal?

That’s my plan.

Of all of the events we have as a school (SING!, sports games, spirit days) which are you most excited to witness as interim principal?

I want to go to all of them. Our student body has such varied interests. If you really want to know Stuyvesant, you have to participate in the full dimension of its experience. Part of being a principal is knowing that your days are long, but they are also filled with meaningful experiences.

What do you see as the strongest aspects of Stuyvesant High School?

Student body. I was just at an event, and we were talking about the Sun’s corona with a student here, I think he’s a junior, and its effect on cell phone service, and we had a fifteen minute discussion just on that, and then I’ll talk to another student about Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson— “Who was most instrumental in shaping our early county?”—and we had a half hour debate.

[The journalist and Contreras have their own debate over the legacies of the Founding Fathers.]

Do you like the musical, “Hamilton”?

Yes. Yes, the problem is getting the songs out of my head. [Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda] has an ability to shatter this schema of what a musical is. He makes it hip-hop, but in “Take a Break,” when the son is doing the scales in classic form, it’s like a prerehearsal piece, or in any of the songs that the king sings, they almost evoke the Beatles with their melodies, and then he is able to cut quickly into hip-hop. He’s very gifted in not feeling like there is a juxtaposition but a seamless composition of forms.

Do you like musicals in general?

Contreras: The more popular ones, like Fiddler. I like theater in general, though. I just saw “The Taming of the Shrew.”

[Having seen the performance in question twice, the journalist and Contreras discuss the feminist and political undertones of the staging.]

That’s exactly the kind of conversation you can have at Stuyvesant, whether it is about “The Taming of the Shrew” or the Sun’s corona. It’s a place where you feel excited about being an intellectual. You feel excited to go from conversations about science to theater to history to literature.

What specific actions do you hope to take to improve the school?

That’s something I need to do in consultation with staff, but the open question I have is, “Are we doing enough to manage the stress of students?” My ideas are to work with [Assistant Principal (AP) of Guidance Casey] Pedrick to figure out if the guidance schedules allow for students to have access all the time to someone. We’re looking to hire a social worker this year, for the first time, to add to the guidance office. We’re looking to see if, over time, we might want to have a freshman set of classes where the guidance counselors come around so that there is a conversation around managing stress and work at Stuy, but I want to be careful to say that I come with ideas for possible plans, but I need to work with the APs and

Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal

Sophie Watwood: What was the process to getting this position?

Eric Contreras: It’s a series of conversations with the superintendent. I had been a deputy superintendent to the specialized high school network. So I had been able to see [the principal’s work] at a number of specialized high schools: Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, here, and a number of selective high schools, like Eleanor Roosevelt and Townsend Harris.

Then, my daughter came here as well and graduated. The thing that struck me about Stuyvesant was this feverish excitement around intellectual thinking and activity. It’s unique. It’s special.

And so to be able to come back to this environment as a principal was a privilege.

What was the most important part of your career leading up to this position?

I’ve been a teacher. I was a teacher for eight or nine years. As a teacher, I was a fencing coach, a golf coach. I was a yearbook advisor. I had very good outcomes, whether it was regents scores or AP exams, but most importantly I [sought] to create classrooms that were engaging and meaningful. You have to have a solid foundation in that before you can be an administrator. Every one of the roles I’ve had as an educator have been instrumental in shaping who I am and what kind of administrator I can be at Stuyvesant.

the staff here and the students to make sure that these plans make sense.

How do you feel about the underrepresentation of black and Hispanic students at Stuy?

Having a student body that is representative of the rich diversity of NYC is an important goal as an educator. I believe that supporting students in middle schools is key. We need to actively collaborate and get input and ideas from Stuyvesant students, alumni, middle schools, and prospective students and their families as we develop preparation programs that begin earlier in middle school. I’m actively working with the Alumni Association to support a Saturday preparation program.

The program has already started this summer. I want to develop a mentorship program for students who are enrolled in our summer preparation programs for middle school students. I want to create a middle school consortium of identified partner schools and work with SLT and alumni to explore possibility of hosting and supporting Dream and Discovery programs at Stuyvesant.

What book has influenced you most in your life?

I’m a history person, so in college I was a research assistant that did the research behind two books for a prominent professor. A lot of my academic reading has been around social sciences and history.

[Contreras gets up to get a few books off the shelves in his office.] “[The book is called] ‘The Power Broker.’ It is about Robert Moses and New York City. Robert Caro is the author. I happen to like the history of the growth of cities and urban design and architecture and city planning.

He was the person behind shaping the modern infrastructure for New York City. We would not be here right now if it weren’t for his work across decades, behind the scenes.

It speaks to idealistic vision, but his challenge was, in doing that, he sometimes used eminent domain to spill through [and] divide neighborhoods. So one example is the Cross Bronx. When he built this expressway, [he] ended up gutting entire communities, but then the argument in the book is that without that thor-

oughfare, New York City wouldn’t have the trade and the commerce that it has as a modern city. For me, it is an important book because it teaches that [in] leadership, you have to be a visionary, you have to be able to take strong action, but the caveat in the book is what’s most important: you can’t just do without consulting and talking. That was his Achilles heel. I believe in doing things with people, not to people.

What do I not know about you that I should?

I was a ranked fencer in high school. I love to swim, too. I find swimming is meditative. I actually think that there is an evolutionary piece, like you’re back in the ocean, or a deeply Freudian developmental piece, like you’re back in the womb. There’s a certain thing about the translucence of water that’s meditative, and you don’t hear anything. All you see is light underneath the water, and I could just do 40 laps, and I’d go somewhere else.

Do you feel like you talk about work more than you should?

Yeah, because my number-one priority is making sure Stuyvesant is being supported, gets all the right resources, [and] is moving along. My number one, from morning to night here, is making sure that I support the endeavors of not only the students but [also] the staff here, and that’s all-consuming, and it should be.

I always tell people who are considering the principalship that it is a lifestyle, not a job. You have to be there for your students all the time, and the school becomes your number-one priority.

Left or right-handed?

I’m a leftie.

What’s your favorite classic rock song? (laughing) I like the Stones. “Start Me Up” is probably my favorite Stones song. When I was a teenager, I used to like a band called R.E.M. [The journalist is briefly distracted by her childhood love of R.E.M.] I remember going to the music store and buying the vinyl for what probably is my favorite L.P., which is called “Documents,” and there are so many good songs in there. This is what I liked at your age, but I can listen to all forms of music. That’s one of the things I like about Stuyvesant: students here like a variety of things.

Do you like rap?

I do like rap. I probably listen more to classic rock and classical music. I happen to like world music too, like there is a form of music in Haiti called kompa music that has an interesting blend of European melodies with some African rhythms, and French influence because it was a French colony.

In people, what do you look for and what do you avoid?

Kindness is important to me, respect for difference of opinion.

I find a willingness to listen and be kind and receptive even if you disagree. I enjoy the arts. When I was the Executive Director for Social Studies, I did a lot of work with museums, including the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and I’ve done a lot with the MoMA and the Met, combing endlessly through primary sources and secondary sources to build an entire curriculum for K through 12 from scratch. The work was endless, but I enjoy being around people that appreciate music, cinema, and visual arts. What I don’t like is someone who is abrasive [or] doesn’t respect difference.

Do you have a spouse?

I do. She’s very kind. She’s very thoughtful and super smart, and that’s really important to me.

She’s a psychologist. At night, we’ll do our reading together.

Do you like to read?

I’ve always made time to read.

When I was a child, my mother would take me to the library every Saturday, and then I worked there, and then I was a research assistant. To me, reading has always been the best way to go somewhere else. I don’t know if I’m being a Luddite, but I do find that reading requires a certain level of patience [that is not found as much today].

In reflection on the past hour, how do you feel about interviews?

I think they’re great. I told you, my favorite part of this job is going to be my daily encounter and connections with students, by far. I think we, at Stuyvesant, are doing the work together. I am the school leader, but I want to keep a close ear on what the students are thinking and what they need.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Page 8

The Spectator â—? September 9, 2016

Comic adrian’s inferno

1

2

4

3

8

To Be Continued...

[ T_h_e_ S_p_e_c_T_a_t_o_r_ c_o_mi_c_ b_o_A_r_d ] Editors Yujie Fu Christine Jegarl

Writers Jarett Lee Daniel Tam

Artists Alisa Chen Rachel Zhang Angel Zheng

5

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The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 9

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“Colette helped guide me through the admissions process while also advising me on what would help and hurt my chances.

As a first-generation Asian-American I was at an extreme disadvantage during the college application process.

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In the end, her advice and aid helped me attain a full scholarship, something I wouldn’t have dreamed possible.”

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Call or email Colette Brown for an appointment to begin personalized individual college admissions advisement. Her strong belief is that it is not enough to get it into the right school, but also fit into the right school for you.

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The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 10

Editorials Staff Editorial

Three Realistic Ways to Improve Graduation Requirements Stuyvesant’s graduation requirements should be tweaked so they no longer prevent us from taking advantage of the school’s valuable course offerings, or lead us to overload our schedules and sacrifice our health for the classes we really want to take.

Many of Stuyvesant’s most unique course offerings—from forensics to New York City history—are often oversubscribed because of Stuyvesant’s immense student body. Required courses give students fewer chances to take these classes because they take up the periods that could have been used to pursue interesting electives, and students graduate without getting as much out of the school as they could have.

Here are three changes the new administration could make to benefit the student body.

Move Health to Freshman Year Right now, juniors are required to take a term of health. However, by the third year of high school, students who would have encountered the issues health covers—depression, high levels of stress, drugs, alcohol, sex, et cetera—already did. However, these students made their decisions without the information and guidance that health class provides.

If freshmen took health, they would be armed with knowledge that would help them more successfully navigate a brand new and often scary environment. Stress management is a topic that is especially important for students to know about early on.

Moving health to freshman year should be simple, because freshmen often have two free periods in their schedules, and health could take up one of them.

Juniors could be required to fill the slot where health once was with an elective or an AP class. This would allow students to take advantage of the courses offered to upperclassmen and pursue areas that interest them.

Have the Ability to Swap Drafting For Any 5-Tech Sophomores currently choose between two terms of computer science and one term of computer science plus one term of technical drawing (drafting). Juniors who took both computer science terms take drafting, and juniors who took drafting already choose from classes called 5-techs, which include jewelry design, graphic arts, and more.

We suggest giving students the choice of taking any 5-tech instead of drafting. This way, they would have more selection and would have the opportunity to pursue more of the unique tech classes offered by Stuyvesant, many of which allow them to pursue art at Stuyvesant. Students would still be incentivized to take drafting because it’s a prerequisite for architecture and interior design.

Juniors who fulfilled their sophomore year technology requirement would simply take another 5-tech.

The drafting department has been dwindling at our school, as more teachers from the department retire and fewer are replaced.

If teachers keep leaving, it will be impossible for an entire class to take drafting. While drafting is not for everybody, eliminating the department entirely would be a mistake. Drafting courses broaden students’ understandings of spatial reasoning and provide a basic introduction to architecture and engineering.

The Spectator The Stuyvesant High School Newspaper

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IN

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Kerry Garfinkel We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and length. © 2016 The Spectator All rights reserved by the creators. * Managing Board

A Note to Our Readers: The Spectator will now accept unsolicited Op-Ed pieces written by outside students, faculty, and alumni. These columns, if selected, will be published in The Spectator’s Opinions section. Recommended length is 700 words.

Articles should address school related topics or items of student interest. Columns can be e-mailed to specreaderopinions@gmail.com.

Do you want to reflect on an article?

Or speak your mind?

Write a letter to the editor and e-mail it to letters@stuyspectator.com or drop it in The Spectator box in the second-floor mail room.

Do Away With Chorus and Band Lunch Chorus and band lunch should be illegal—and they technically are. The Department of Education mandates that all students have a lunch period, but when Stuyvesant students want to fit extra classes into their schedules, they opt to eat lunch in their music classes instead.

However students aren’t really allowed to eat in band lunch. Students with chorus lunch have a bit more freedom to eat (though, they are rushed), but only at the beginning of the semester before rehearsals move to the auditorium.

Having a period a day to wind down and relax helps curb mental exhaustion, especially after periods and periods of challenging classes. Students should not have to fill their schedules to the point where they can’t even fit in a lunch period, and the fact that we allow this to happen shows a disregard for mental health.

People choose chorus and band lunch because they need to fulfill graduation credits on top of their academic interests, so we hope that, with looser requirements, it will no longer be necessary for us to undermine our health to take the classes we want.

VOICES Would you like to share a personal narrative with the school? Whether it’s an essay you’ve written for class, or a piece you’ve been working on by yourself, if it’s in first-person and it is nonfiction it could get published in The Spectator’s issue-ly Voices column!

Send your stories into voices@stuyspec.com, or email us with any questions or concerns you have.

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 11

Opinions

Julie Chan / The Spectator

England, Are You Sure?

By Kofi Lee-Berman When it comes to Brexit, you win some, you lose some.

Then you lose a lot more.

The citizens of the United Kingdom made an unprecedented decision on June 23, 2016, voting to leave the European Union.

“Brexit,” a portmanteau of “British exit,” refers to the longstanding movement for UK secession from the EU. With a narrow “leave” victory in June’s referendum, Britain has chosen to step out of one of the most influential international communities. It’s been called the most isolationist action any country has taken in decades.

Millions of UK citizens are now uncertain about their future.

The potential for social and economic damage is undeniable; Brexit poses a direct threat to global financial markets and the rights of immigrants.

The United Kingdom hasn’t yet enforced the referendum’s results. For now, Brexit remains a declaration that Britain should handle its own affairs independent of the numerous regulations and restrictions that come with

EU membership.

So Brexit isn’t an action—not yet, at least. And it doesn’t have to be. The UK acted too soon and in ignorance of Brexit’s global effects. But there’s still time to roll back this brash decision. The UK should hold another referendum, giving its citizens another chance to proceed or turn back.

An American might ask, “So what?” Yes, Brexit is a decidedly isolationist action. But the UK has every right to leave the EU, and its citizens have spoken. So why does it matter to anyone else?

That’s the first misconception about Brexit—that an isolationist action will have only isolated effects. It might, perhaps, if the British economy weren’t deeply intertwined with that of the EU. But, it is; half of all UK trade flows through Europe. For decades, the Agreement on the European Economic Area has provided the UK easy access into worldwide markets.

Those markets, which are extremely sensitive to change, have reacted negatively to the very notion of Brexit. June’s referendum sent shivers through the London and New York stock markets alike. The pound plummeted to a 31-year low in just one day as the world realized the implications of a fully independent UK, one less involved in the global economy.

Pro-“leave” campaigners have argued that Brexit would end pesky EU membership fees totaling several hundred million euros. And Brexit would— except Britain would now have to pay similar fees to trade with EU members. Though the UK’s imports would still be subject to regulations set by the EU, Britain’s loss of a seat in the EU legislation would make it powerless to modify those regulations. In one stroke Britain will achieve the

worst of both worlds.

To make matters worse, Brexit could fragment the UK. Scotland firmly voted to remain. The region almost declared independence in its own 2014 referendum. Now, Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a second referendum is “highly likely.”

The implications of Brexit go beyond simple economics.

June’s results indicate that England’s citizens want to seal off their country from foreign involvement. An independent UK can tighten its borders with less outside interference. Beyond being simply isolationist, Brexit is an anti-immigrant movement.

in global politics? Should our country take the UK’s path in the coming election, we too may find ourselves mired in a new era of isolationism.

Let’s reexamine June’s referendum. It’s likely that the 52-48 “leave” results don’t reflect what British citizens or politicians actually want. Nobody expected these results—not even UKIP, whose leader perplexingly resigned after the party’s victory in the referendum. He wasn’t alone; Prime Minister David Cameron also resigned in the wake of the vote. A model for post-EU British trade and politics was never fleshed out by anyone.

The referendum appeals because it is tangible: for once, the people will be in control. For once, there will be a concrete result from the vote.

In light of the migrant situation that has unfolded in Europe over the past year, it’s downright xenophobic.

So it’s no surprise that Brexit is the brainchild of UKIP (UK Independence Party), the openly anti-immigration party often compared to Donald Trump for its hardline border policies and far-right conservatism. That may be an exaggeration, but Americans should still consider the domestic implications of UKIP’s success. What was considered an ultra-right political actor has become mainstream in the United Kingdom. Is the same thing happening here? Is Donald Trump a one-off success whose power derives from his shock value, or does he reflect a deeper trend

Perhaps, much like with Trump, Brexit has gained ground because people are tired of business-as-usual and politicians’ broken promises. The referendum appeals because it is tangible: for once, the people will be in control. For once, there will be a concrete result from the vote.

That’s the second misconception behind Brexit, however.

Voters ticked “leave” expecting to see concrete results. But the Brexit referendum never was a plan of action, merely an expression of opinion. Though it would obviously be undemocratic, the UK government could stall indefinitely. If no concrete post-Brexit plan is introduced, nothing will happen, and the UK will eternally remain “about to leave.”

Alternately, the UK government might nominally honor Brexit by formally leaving the EU but retaining trade agreements like those of Norway and Switzerland. It would save face for UK politicians, but is still ultimately undemocratic. The UK government asked its people whether they should leave and the people said yes. To feign secession but maintain the status quo is too easy an out for a government that never bothered to plan for the aftermath of a “leave” vote.

The UK should not simply leave the European Union. Nor should it simply stay, or pretend to leave while changing nothing.

It should, instead, hold another referendum—not an opinion poll dressed up as a referendum, but one with binding political power.

If the citizens of the United Kingdom still want to leave the European Union, they will, and they won’t have to worry about the loopholes June’s referendum left open.

The UK voter body has had a long time to think about their decision. Recent news coverage— extensively detailing both sides of the argument—means that this time around, many voters will be more educated regarding the consequences. If the political and economic reaction of the country after the referendum is any guide, then millions of English citizens might want to change their mind.

A revote would be an opportunity for the nation as a whole to take back its decision.

Yes, holding another referendum will make the UK government look indecisive. But it’s only fair, when a people is on the verge of taking the most isolationist action in decades, for its government to stop and ask them one last time, “Do you really want to do this?”

Jensen Foerster / The Spectator

The Issue with Optimism

By Stephen Nyarko Democrats have, in recent memory, been the champions of perpetual change and progress, but this election year shows a marked change in the way they present the State of Our Union.

Seen most prevalently at their convention, but also present throughout Clinton’s campaign, Democrats have marketed the United States as “the greatest country on Earth,” in the words of Michelle Obama.

Now, this is not necessarily a problem for their overall election strategy. Barack Obama has been in office for two terms now, and to present his presidency as anything less than a success is extremely damaging politically.

And for their base, for whom Obama’s approval rating is close to 90 percent according to recent polling data, the past eight years have objectively been a success.

However, many Americans

have been left behind in the post-Recession recovery. The white working class has seen the low skill manufacturing jobs they relied on for decades to provide easy and steady streams of income disappear to countries where employees are willing to work longer hours for less pay to make the same goods. Millennials with college degrees are finding a job market with fewer opportunities for the middle class lifestyle they had expected.

And these arguments are not simply the manufacturings of populist candidates. According to a study out of UC Berkeley, real income growth among the top one percent was 27.1 percent from 2009 to 2014; for the bottom 99 percent it was just 4.3 percent.

And, while manufacturing employment has shown consistent growth since 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is has yet to reach pre-recession levels.

Reminders of the immense strides this nation has made in confronting social issues around race, gender, and sexuality in the past eight years fail to counter perfectly valid arguments on wage stagnation for the middle class, the concentration of wealth at the very top, and immigration issues. The almost exclusively white populations supporting the grievance candidates of Trump and Sanders simply haven’t felt many of the changes the Obama administration can truly call their own.

For Hillary Clinton and the Democrats, the way to victory in November to embrace the strategies of either Trump or Sand-

ers: the complex issues facing social and economic mobility in the United States can’t be solved by simply vilifying Wall Street or Mexicans. The way to victory may infact be the optimism they are pushing.

But as a way into the future, the Democratic party needs to embrace, and not alienate, those voters that aren’t succeeding in this supposedly fantastic America.

By continuing to push their optimism down the throats of those not receiving the benefits of the past eight years’ progress, establishment liberals and Clinton in particular are only cementing the long held belief that they are east coast elites that cannot relate with and do not care about the plight of the white working class.

While the white working class may be shrinking and demographic shifts are certainly in favor of the Democrats, middle income whites are still a crucial voting bloc in the race for the presidency and will be for decades.

And, on the local level, voters want local candidates: if each and every Democratic candidate is tied to the naive optimism of an east coast foreigner, gubernatorial and state legislative races will tilt even

more conservative.

At this point in the presidential campaign, with just one month to the election, it would be ineffective to switch to a less optimistic campaign. However, once Clinton is in office, her first priority should be to reach out to all those disaffected communities with stagnating economic opportunity.

It is not enough to simply tout economic numbers and complain when the American public doesn’t respond as expected.

Seventy-three straight months of jobs growth doesn’t mean anything to the auto worker losing his job or the college-educated,

Yujie Fu / The Spectator

out-of-work millennial with tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

Clinton needs to visit economically depressed areas and outline clearly, with working class supporters in the background, her economic plans that will systematically and directly address the issues of the working class.

Social progress or faraway statistical success has very little to do with feelings on the ground.

An economically centered stump speech early in her presidency might bring Clinton’s image back into the real world, if only a little bit. The solution is not optimism—it’s the economy, stupid!

Page 12

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Opinions

Elena Sapelyuk / The Spectator

Screening the TSA

By Eliza Spinna Flying out of the U.S. is notoriously frustrating. The Economist estimates that, because of long lines, surly security staff, and potentially intrusive pat-downs, 67 percent of people departing from the U.S. have a better experience at international airports.

But the recent attacks on airports in Istanbul and Brussels have refocused travellers and politicians on a concern of greater weight than mere convenience: how safe is air travel from terrorism?

In the wake of 9/11, Americans have been increasingly willing, perhaps even eager, to waive their rights for the sake of safety.

An Associated Press survey found that two-thirds of Americans believe it’s fitting and important to sacrifice some freedoms, including privacy, to fight terrorism.

Politicians responded to this pressure by implementing safetyoriented but often privacy-limiting policies. From the National Security Agency’s newfound abil-

ity to read private emails without warrants to Stop and Frisk, most of us are regularly subjected to these reactive procedures.

One problematic post-9/11 government creation is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), founded in November 2001 to, as its mission statement asserts, “protect transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.” Despite the 7.5 billion dollar budget the TSA allocates to airport security, it is marginally effective at best.

The Department of Homeland Security found that 96 percent of contraband evades airport security. In the fifteen years since its creation, the TSA allowed over 25,000 security breaches. Further, the TSA makes little effort to improve this statistic. Corrective action is only taken for 53 percent of breaches. I have witnessed this ineptness firsthand. On a recent vacation, a sharp large pair of scissors in my carryon passed through JFK’s scanners without detection.

Part of the reason the TSA is so ineffective is its allocation of funds. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security found that the TSA routinely wastes its budget on malfunctioning or illdesigned technology. On one occasion, it spent over $30 million on screening machines that did not work.

The screening machines that are deemed fit for use cannot detect objects concealed at a person’s sides. This necessitates the addition of metal detectors and pat-downs to ensure that dangerous items are not overlooked, creating a time-consuming security assembly line.

The wasteful spending doesn’t stop there. The Washington Post found that one TSA executive was paid a salary of $180,000 and bonuses amounting to $90,000 in a single year: a lot of money for a person whose agency cannot even meet its mission statement’s basic goals.

Beyond failing to meet security goals, the TSA participates in racial profiling. Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT) is a program that gives TSA officers the ability to investigate anyone exhibiting behaviors that fall into the flexible category of “suspicious,” such as rigid posture or blinking a lot.

Despite the one billion dollars the TSA spent on this program, it has yet to catch a single terrorist. Worse yet, Boston’s Logan Airport’s TSA employees estimate that 80 percent of passengers pulled from security lines

by SPOT officers are minorities: mainly Muslims, South Asians, and Arabs, as well as Hispanics. Similarly, the Department of Homeland Security’s list of “indicative behaviors of suicide bombers” used by SPOT to identify potential threats includes “clothing is loose” and “clothing is out of sync with the weather,” which seems like a thinly veiled attempt to profile Muslim women wearing burqas.

An excellent solution is privatization. Private companies are more likely to strive for efficiency and customer service because they are profit-driven and competitive by nature. In desperate need of assistance, the TSA recently created the Screening Partnership Program, which lets airports contract with private companies for the administration

of screenings. The Government Accountability Office found that the private security screeners had far greater success detecting contraband than their governmentemployed counterparts.

Privatizing also means better cost-effectiveness. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure predicted savings of one billion dollars and the ability to screen 65 percent more passengers over five years if U.S. airports used private security.

These savings could pay for more inspections to hold companies accountable and for research to develop better screening technologies.

Privatization would also combat racial profiling. The TSA is government-run, and therefore has greater employee protections and union ties than a private company. Union membership in the public sector is 35 percent while that of the private sector is less than 7 percent. Thus, it is

far more difficult to fire government workers who have multiple legal complaints of profiling filed against them, as many current TSA officers do. Conversely, private companies can fire employees repeatedly involved in the justice system because of profiling complaints. Such companies can also be replaced if inspections find systemic racial profiling, i.e. training officers to be suspicious of Muslims.

Fear has a way of influencing individuals, including policymakers, to make ill-considered snap decisions that have long-term unwanted effects. The TSA is part of a trend, just one of a plethora of reactionary policies and agencies politicians created hastily after a crisis. Even in a time of extreme turmoil, it is critical to remain rational and think through an issue before voting for politicians who create policies that will hurt us down the line.

Lynne Wang / The Spectator

Jessica Wu / The Spectator

The Search for Turkish Democracy

By Matteo Wong Tens of thousands of government officials detained, and hundreds of them raped or beaten. Though this sounds like a description of an ISIL attack, it actually describes the state of human rights in Turkey, a nation that is supposed to be promoting freedom by fighting ISIL. This July, a faction of the Turkish military launched a coup d’etat. Though the coup failed, Turkish President Recep Erdogan took advantage of the ensuing instability and fear to declare martial law—which suspends ordinary laws in favor of total military authority—and launch a series of purges. Within only ten days of the failed coup, the Turkish government had suspended upwards of 50,000 public officials and detained at least 10,000, per Amnesty International. Hundreds of these officials have been raped or beaten, and the Turkish government is refusing to allow independent organizations to monitor human rights violations.

Erdogan’s aggressive crackdown seems to be solely aimed at increasing his authority— physical beatings are completely unnecessary to restore order, but are very useful for instilling fear in potential challengers. Despite this, the U.S. government has responded in favor of the Turkish government, and The New York Times reports that President Barack Obama gave the Turkish president a direct phone call to offer his support.

Our leaders cannot see beyond their hope in Turkey as one of the few remaining fixtures of the American dream of global democracy. As a series of Islamic nations transform into authoritarian regimes, to many, Turkey represents the quickly fading possibility of stable Muslim democracy, and is crucial in encouraging liberal governments throughout the Middle East. Even President Obama has expressed great hope in Turkey’s future, and in 2009, President Obama chose to make Turkey the first Muslim

American airstrikes against ISIL bases in Syria and parts of Iraq are launched from Turkish air bases.

U.S. military officials feared that a coup d’etat would threaten the U.S.-Turkey alliance, and thus supported Erdogan. In fact, officials at the Pentagon have expressed a vested interest in maintaining friendly military relations with Turkey and supporting Erdogan’s government, regardless of human rights abuses.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise—the United States has supported violence in the name of democracy before. During the Cold War, the CIA armed several Islamic groups to defeat Russia and promote democracy in the Middle East, thereby ignoring the violent tendencies of these Islamic groups. The U.S. government’s actions cost many lives, and even helped to create Al Qaeda and ISIL. Clinging to President Erdogan as the last hope for “liberating” the Middle East undermines the liberal ideals of justice and free-

However, clinging to President Erdogan as the last hope for “liberating” the Middle East undermines the liberal ideals of justice and freedom. country he visited while in office.

Moreover, with much of the Middle East falling to ISIL and extreme violence, Turkey has taken on an even more vital role in spreading democracy: many

dom. President Erdogan has never been particularly democratic.

He has used military repression to stop protests, most famously during the Gezi Park protests, uprooted anti-corruption cam-

paigns and employed severe censorship, such as banning access to Twitter and Youtube due to incriminating leaks. Now, martial law is acting as a powerful

tunnel vision on terrorism, the U.S. must recognize that injustices occur in many forms, even in already established democracies, and that they should never

Within only ten days of the failed coup, the Turkish government had suspended upwards of 50,000 public officials and detained at least 10,000. vehicle, giving Erdogan complete power and enabling the government to commit terrible acts of violence.

In the name of freedom, the U.S. has turned to a blooming dictatorship for assistance. The decision may seem justified— after all, ISIL has killed tens of thousands and dispossessed millions, and President Erdogan was democratically elected. But, though fighting ISIL is important, the “War on Terror” does not justify suspending the rights of an entire nation.

Turkey signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the early 2000s. However, recent detainments and beatings show that President Erdogan’s government has no respect for the agreement. If the U.S. government were to continue supporting the Turkish regime, it, too, would be disregarding international law. To truly fight oppression, the United States cannot blindly continue its grand battle for freedom and democracy. Instead of having a

be supported.. There must be a focus on maintaining accountability for all global actors, like Turkey, and ensuring that the label “democracy” is synonymous with freedom.

One way to make Turkey accountable for human rights violations would be to publicly condemn Erdogan’s aggressive search for power and hold him to international law, namely the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Another strategy could be to downgrade relations, such as decreasing dependence on Turkish air bases in order to send a clear signal that Turkey has taken a step in the wrong direction. A pre-condition for increasing relations could be allowing independent human rights monitors into Turkey. Regardless of the direct action taken by the government, American leaders—so-called “leaders of the free world”—cannot continue to turn their backs to select forms of oppression in order to further their naive fantasies.

The Spectator ● September 9 , 2016

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Page 13

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 14

Freshman Survey Freshman Demographics

By Shaina Peters Introducing the incoming Class of 2020. Divided closely down the middle in terms of gender, the freshman class has slightly more boys (51.3 percent) than girls (47.8 percent) and very few people identifying as other. While boys still outnumber girls, the gap has narrowed since last year, when boys represented 53.6 percent of the freshman class and girls represented 44.9 percent.

Race is far less representative of the New York City population. While blacks and Hispanics represent 67.6 percent of students in the New York City Public Schools system, together make up only 1.6 percent of the freshman respondents. At Stuyvesant, Asian students make up 75.3 percent of the incoming class, and white students represent 17.5 percent of the population. Of the incoming freshmen, a vast majority of students (86.4 percent) are U.S. citizens.

Stuyvesant students are very diverse in terms of religion, representing Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, with a significant number (24.5 percent) practicing other faiths, likely Buddhism or Hinduism.

The most common response, however, was atheism or agnosticism, which a little over a third of the incoming class marked as the religion with which they most identify.

Nearly 70 percent of the students surveyed identified as middle or upper middle class, with relatively few falling on the ends of the spectrum. It should be noted, however, that freshmen may not be fully aware of their actual socioeconomic status; indeed, 20 percent responded that they didn’t know.

Among those who identified themselves as upper class or upper middle class, most were white.

Almost three-quarters of the class has parents with college or post-college education, but what is perhaps more striking is that a quarter of the class will soon surpass or has already surpassed their parents in terms of education.

When it comes to sexual orientation, most students (86.7 percent) identified as straight. And at this point in their lives, 6.5 percent are still unsure.

Citywide data taken from schools.nyc.gov

Race Other

1.0% Upper Class

19.7% Uppermiddle Class

5.1%

17.5%

22.2%

Middle School

High School

8.8%

Associate’s Degree

9.6% Lower Class

Family’s Socialeconomic Status

49.6% Middle Class

Gender

51.3% Male 47.8% Female 0.9% Other

Legal Status

Parents’/Guardians’ Highest level of education

5.5%

White

9+50+201A 20.0% I don’t know

37.0% Bachelor’s Degree

0.4% Other

26.9%

Post-college education

0.9% Visa

Hispanic 1.3%

6.2%

Dual Citizenship

Black

6.0%

Permanent Resident

0.3% 75.3%

Asian

86.4%

U.S. Citizen

Applying to Stuyvesant

By Anne George More than half of the freshmen attended selective public schools, while 39.6 percent attended zoned public schools. Only 4.5 percent of students went to private school, while even fewer students went to parochial school. Home-schooled students formed a minority at 0.1 percent.

The majority of students who attended a selective public school were white (64.3 percent), while the majority of students who attended zoned public schools or parochial schools were Asian.

While most students (27.9 percent) studied for the SHSAT six months to a year before the exam, a surprising 21.2 percent of students studied for over a year. Only 4.1 percent of students did not study.

The majority of students who studied for over a year were Asian, while the majority of students who did not study were white. The students who prepared for the most time were largely from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, while the students who prepared for the least amount of time were largely from upper middle class backgrounds, possibly because they had the option of going to prestigious private schools.

The incoming class largely utilized preparatory classes to study for the SHSAT. Most of the students who went to preparatory classes, including the SHSI program, were Asian. Additionally, 14.5 percent of students self-studied. Students who prepared for the largest amount of time studied through preparatory classes, while students who prepared for the least amount of time self-studied.

A prominent 51.4 percent of freshmen said that parental pressure played some sort of a role in their decision to attend Stuyvesant. Relatively few students had no say in the decision to attend Stuyvesant, but of these students, the majority have parents whose highest level of education is high school. Of the students who made the decision to attend Stuyvesant by themselves, the majority were black, Hispanic, or other. For upper middle class students, parental pressure did not play as significant of a role as it did for middle class and lower class students.

Not at all, it was entirely my choice

A little, but it was my decision

24.8%

51.8%

20.4%

It was entirely their decision

3.1%

Asian students were almost 3 times more likely than white students and more than 2 times more likely than students of other races to start studying for the SHSAT more than a year before the test.

Did not study

5.5%

Less than one month before the exam

21.1%

20.2%

27.9%

Method of studying for SHSAT

68.9% Preporatory class (not SHSI)

1-4 months 4-6 months 6 months-1 year before the exam before the exam before the exam

4.5% Private School

39.6% Zoned Public School

When did you start studying for the SHSAT?

4.1%

14.5% Self-study/ preparatory books

5.6% SHSI preporatory school

1.2% Parochial 0.1% School Homeschool

To what extent did a parent/guardian pressure you to come to Stuyvesant?

A lot, but in the end I accepted what they wanted

14+69+683A 54+40+41A 7.6% 3.4% One-on-one Other tutoring

21.2%

More than one year before the exam

Students who identified as “lower class” were by far the most likely to start studying for the SHSAT more than a year before the test. Students who identified as “upper middle class” were the most likely to start studying for the SHSAT between one and four months, or less than one month before the test.

Type of middle School

54.5% Selective Public School

Selective public schools were the most popular with white students.

Zoned public schools were the most popular with Asian students.

Private schools were the most popular with students of other races.

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 15

Freshman Survey Middle School Academics

By Sonia Epstein

Male students were more likely to answer: “strongly agree” “agree”

Freshman responses to hours spent on homework per night during middle school fall in a normal distribution, with the mode (36.5 percent of the respondents) at one to two hours, and the extremes at less than half an hour or more than three hours.

Our results show that time spent on homework is largely independent of race or type of middle school, but is correlated with gender, with 41.6 percent of females spending over two hours on homework a night, while only half as many males reported the same.

These responses are in line with freshman responses to the statement “I have a strong work ethic”: while much of the class (68.4 percent) agreed or strongly agreed, females were more likely to do so.

Females were also more likely to sleep fewer hours a night, a possible outcome of spending more time on homework. Nearly half of all females reported getting less than 7 hours of sleep in middle school, compared to the roughly 30 percent of males who answered the same.

The most popular subjects this year were math and science, which gained 41.3 and 26.6 percent of votes, respectively. This is a reversal of last year, where 45.1 percent of the class favored science and 24.9 percent of the class favored math.

Less than 10 percent of the respondents prefer English class, with a majority of them being female or white. STEM subjects were, overall, more popular among males.

In general, the incoming class is filled with eager students. Nearly three-quarters of the respondents agreed that they are active participants in class (with boys and white students more likely to do so) and outside of the classroom, the students are no less inquisitive; over half replied that they consider themselves aware of current events.

“I participate in my classes frequently.”

Strongly disasgree

Strongly agree

33.9%

25.0%

34.9%

5.3%

0.9%

Female students were more likely to answer: “neutral” “disagree” “strongly disagree”

Middle School Life and Identity

By Sophie Watwood The class of 2020 is both social and innocent. 67.6 percent of freshmen self-reported as sociable.

Students identifying as white disproportionately perceived themselves as social, comprising more than half of the “strongly agrees.” People of color skewed towards the neutral category. This upholds common stereotypes that white people tend to be less reserved.

Females were more likely than males to watch more than three or even seven hours of television a week. Males were more likely to watch less than three. Predictably, the students who watched more than seven hours of television a week often got fewer than six hours of sleep.

Similarly, those who spent more than three hours a week on Facebook often got less than six hours of sleep a night, and those who didn’t spend time on Facebook, but got fewer than six hours of sleep, usually reported having some other form of social media. Furthermore, a full 43.4 percent of incoming freshman didn’t even have Facebook, and those who did usually spend less than one and a half hours on it a week.

Asian students spent the most time on Facebook, comprising everyone who spent more than three hours on Facebook a week. 72.2 percent of white students didn’t have Facebook, suggesting a stark cultural difference.

65.3 percent of students said that they were opposed to the use of recreational drugs in high school.

Asians were most strongly opposed, while white students were the least opposed. Christians were also more radically opposed than any other group.

Interestingly, more than half of the freshmen partook in academic dishonesty at some point in their middle school careers, but luckily, 73.7 percent said that they would rather sacrifice a good grade than cheat.

“I consider myself to be a sociable person.”

Strongly disasgree

Strongly agree

18.8%

33.7%

33.9%

10.7%

3.0%

How many hours a day do you spend on Facebook?

4.4% More than 3 hours 8.6% 1.5-3 hours

23+21+4484 22.6% I don’t have a Facebook account

43.6% 0-1.5 hours

20.8% I don’t have a Facebook but I use other social media.

White students were about 20 percent more likely to strongly identify as sociable than students of color.

Freshman Expectations of Stuyvesant and Future Plans Choose the extracurricular you will be most likely to dedicate yourself to in the next four years.

23+30+1071911A

10.8% Other/Unsure

23.0% Academic Clubs/ publications

19.5% Arts (visual or performance)

7.4% Community Service

29.5% Sports

9.9% Debate/Government

60+7+12822A

When I am older, I hope to go into: 22.2% Other/ Unsure

8.7% Finance/ business/ management 1.7% English language studies 0.9% Foreign 6.8% language Social studies sciences

59.6% STEMrelated fields

By Liam Elkind The results of this portion of the survey largely reflect the incoming class of 2020’s optimism for their upcoming years at Stuyvesant, with over half the surveyed population noting that they feel prepared for the academics at Stuyvesant.

In breaking down these results, we found that males and selective public school students were slightly more likely to say they felt prepared for Stuyvesant than females and zoned public school students were.

Notably, of those who made the decision to come to Stuyvesant themselves, free from parental pressure, about two-thirds reported that they were confident for Stuyvesant’s academics. On the flipside, only 38.1 percent of the students whose parents had made the decision for them felt ready for Stuyvesant.

When asked how they thought they would stack up against the rest of the class academically, the students were charming idealists: 95.1 percent of the grade believes that they will be in the top 50 percent of the class.

Again, males expressed more confidence than females in this field, with almost 75 percent of men expecting a top 25 percent rank, whereas only 61.6 percent of women expected the same. Additionally, white students were slightly more confident than those of other races, with 80 percent of white students expecting a class rank in the top quarter.

The students’ expectations for how much sleep they will get were more realistic, almost saddeningly so: students expected under six hours, with 5-6 hours as the most common choice at 39.9 percent. For reference, only 7.2 percent of students got fewer than six hours of sleep in middle school, with a quarter getting over eight hours. Fewer than two percent of students expected to get more than eight hours of sleep, even though the National Sleep Foundation recommends eight to ten hours of sleep nightly for teens.

Males typically expected more sleep than females, and other races typically expected more sleep than incoming Asian students, with a majority of Asian students (64.2 percent) expecting fewer than six hours of sleep per night.

Interestingly, those who expected to perform more poorly in school (in the bottom half of the class) were much more likely to expect less sleep, with 46.9% expecting fewer than five hours.

We asked incoming students if they expected to attend an Ivy League University, MIT, or Stanford when they graduated from Stuyvesant. 65.3 percent of students agreed or strongly agreed that they might. For reference, 17.4 percent of the graduating seniors we surveyed are attending an Ivy League University this coming school year, though Naviance data shows that this number is closer to 10 to 15 percent.

White students and those coming from upper-class families were much more likely to expect a college education at one of these schools, with a remarkable 85.7 percent of upper class students anticipating an elite college. Students with parents who had a post-college education were also more likely to expect attendance at one of these schools.

Incoming first-year students also responded to what extracurricular activity they would be most likely to participate in. While the five main categories (academic clubs/publications, debate/government, community service, sports, and the arts) each had fair representation, sports was the most popular activity at 29.5 percent, and community service was the least popular at 7.4 percent.

16.2 percent more male students than female students want to go into STEM-related fields. continued on page 16

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 16

Freshman Survey Freshman Expectations of Stuyvesant and Future Plans By the end of my Stuyvesant career, I predict that I will be among: Top 10 percent

Top 25 percent

Top 50 percent

Bottom 50 percent

18.8%

47.7%

28.7%

4.9%

54.4% feel prepared for Stuy academics.

continued from page 15 These results affirmed popular stereotypes, with males taking a much greater interest in sports than females, and females taking more interest in the arts than males. Other activities had equal interest from both sexes.

White students reported a higher likelihood of participating in sports than other students, with 45.0 percent saying it would be their first choice of an extracurricular. Asian students, on the other hand, were most likely to choose an academic club or publication.

In line with Stuyvesant’s reputation as a math and science school, 59.6 percent of students want to go into a STEM-related field. The next largest group, 22.2 percent of the incoming class, said they were unsure or had a choice other than those provided. Of the small remaining pool, 8.7 percent want to pursue finance, business, or management and 8.5 percent are interested in social studies.

Only 1.7 percent of students wish to pursue English language studies, making STEM fields 35 times more popular than English.

Males were notably more likely than females to want to go into a STEM-related field, with 67.7 percent of males selecting this choice, as opposed to 51.5 percent of females. By contrast, 10.7 percent of females want to go into a social science field, whereas only 2.9 percent of males do. There was no notable racial disparity in career ambition.

Senior Survey Senior Demographics: Understanding Who We Surveyed Race Multiracial Hispanic

12.4% 1.2%

White South Asian

By Sonia Epstein

26.1% 15.5%

East Asian

Gender

47.8% 49.7% Male 2.5% Other

In conducting the Senior Survey, we did not have the luxury of being able to gather the whole Class of 2016 together, as we did with the incoming Class of 2020 Freshman Survey.

Instead, we sent the Senior Survey to the entire senior class via stuy.edu e-mail and publicized it on Facebook. Thus, only students who check those platforms and chose to complete the 25-question survey in their own time are represented here.

The 161 students who did respond to the survey are split rather evenly between males (49.7 percent) and females (47.8 percent), with more students identifying outside the gender binary than we found in the freshman survey (2.5 percent versus 0.9 percent). This could be a result of our sample size, or a reflection of shifting gender identities among high school students.

Racially, our results were an approximate reflection of a typical Stuyvesant class, but skewed more toward white students (26.1 percent of the responses), with a smaller proportion of Asian students 44.7% (60.2 percent), few Hispanics (1.2 percent) and no black students.

Because we conducted the Senior Survey online, we were able to add more than five answer choices (the limit on the Scantrons used for the Freshman Survey). This allowed us to break down the large group of students blanketed under the term “Asian” into students of East and South Asian backgrounds (44.7 and 15.5 percent, respectively).

Additionally, 12.4 percent of our respondents were multiracial.

Female Those surveyed also represented the religious diversity of the class, though they were perhaps disproportionately Jewish (12.4 percent versus 5.4 percent of the freshman surveyed).

Five percent identify as Buddhist and 3.7 percent identify as 1.2% Hindu, statistics we don’t have from the Freshman Survey, where Parochial 3.7% students of these religions are lumped into the “Other” category.

School Other Of those surveyed, 82.6 percent identify as heterosexual, and 12.4 reported that their perceived sexual orientation changed 8.7% over high school (5 percent were unsure if it had).

Private Most students (86.3 percent) came from public schools, with School 8.7 percent coming from private schools.

A vast majority of those surveyed (80.1 percent) identified their socioeconomic status as somewhere on the spectrum of 39.1% Type of Selective middle class. Students at the other ends of the spectrum, from Public lower or working class and upper class families, comprised about Middle School 13 and five percent of those surveyed, respectively.

School The most notable difference between freshman and senior responses to this question was that by senior year, only 1.9 per47.2% cent of students responded that they were unaware of their soZoned Public cioeconomic background—with freshmen, that number was 20 School percent.

13+16+352952A 39+47+914A 1.9% 5.0% I don’t know Upper Class

13.0% Lower Class

29.2% Uppermiddle Class

Family’s Socialeconomic Status

34.8% Middle Class

16.1% Lowermiddle class

Senior Survey: Stuyvesant Academics Stuyvesant GPA

By Danielle Eisenman Almost 90 percent of the graduated seniors who took this survey had GPAs over 90. The GPAs were heavily concentrated between 85 and 97. A mere 4 percent of students had averages below 85, and even less—2.5 percent—had averages at the other end of the spectrum, above 97.

Perhaps the rarity of college applicants with averages above 97 is what makes them so impressive to Ivy League schools, which are among the most elite colleges. The fact that 75 percent of the respondents attending Ivy League schools have GPAs above 97 goes to show that having the highest grades really does matter.

Other top ten schools like Stanford, MIT, and the University of Chicago are just as selective (if not more) than the Ivies. However, the respondents attending these schools are more likely to have slightly lower averages (between 95 and 97).

The schools that are most popular with Stuyvesant students—SUNYs and CUNYs—are the most popular with respondents whose GPAs hover around the schoolwide average (between 85 and 89). Of the students who filled out our survey, zero students with GPAs above 97 are attending SUNYs. Just over half of the respondents attending SUNYs and CUNYs consider themselves lower-middle class, which makes sense, given the affordability of in-state tuition.

However, class was not a barrier: more than a quarter of students attending Ivy League schools consider themselves to be lower or working class. This can probably be attributed to the popularity of scholarship programs for low-income students, like Questbridge, and the abilities Ivy League schools have to “meet 100 percent of demonstrated financial need” with their financial aid.

In addition, the fact that so many low-income students are attending Ivy League schools goes against the stereotype that everyone at these schools is extremely privileged. However, it may also be because 43 percent of Stuyvesant students receive free lunch (and even more receive reduced lunch), meaning that many members of the student body come from low-income households.

The graduated seniors are currently figuring out what they will be studying in college, and just over half of them said that their academic focuses changed during their time at Stuyvesant. While the nature of being a teenager encourages change, so do inspiring teachers. The common wisdom at Stuyvesant is that there are definitely bad teachers, a good amount of average ones, and a couple really amazing ones. Most students said they had either two or three teachers who strongly impacted them.

Below 70

0.6%

70 - 79.999

0.6%

80 - 84.999

2.5%

85 - 88.999

8.1%

89 - 91.999

23.0% 40.4%

92 - 94.999 95 - 97 Above 97

22.4% 2.5%

How many teachers have you had at Stuy that have strongly impacted or inspired you?

0

3.2%

1

3.2% 58.9%

2-3 26.6%

4-5 More than 5

8.2%

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 17

Senior Survey Senior Survey: Student Life and Identity

By Blythe Zadrozny

60 percent of those surveyed never partook in sexual activity.

How many all-nighters did you pull at Stuy?

More than 6

15.5%

4-6

10.6%

2-3

21.7%

1

13.7% 38.5%

None

Students didn’t seem to get much sleep. Most health organizations recommend that teenagers sleep for at least nine hours a night, but only 1.2 percent of respondents slept more than eight hours a night as upperclassmen.

The lack of sleep could contribute to lower GPAs, since zero respondents with GPAs below 85 slept for more than 6 hours a night, while many with GPAs over 90 did.

Whether or not students partook in academic dishonesty also seemed to affect their GPAs. Zero students with GPAs over 95 saw frequently partook in academic dishonesty, while the majority of students with GPAs below 89 partook in academic dishonesty at least frequently. Although it is worrisome that only a minority of students never committed academic dishonesty, things like cheating and copying homework are common occurrences in many high schools where the stakes and stress levels are as high as they are at Stuyvesant.

Stuyvesant’s focus on grades and academic success was especially apparent when students were asked about how often they partook in illicit activities. A substantial majority of students leaving Stuyvesant never partook in sexual activity or the use of substances such as marijuana, prescription or study drugs. The exception is alcohol, as 42.1 percent of students had at least tried it.

The vast majority of graduated seniors surveyed ultimately were glad to have attended Stuyvesant.

Although the specific numbers changed based on GPA, college enrolled in, and number of inspirational teachers, no variation saw a majority of students who thought they should not have attended Stuyvesant.

86+14+A

Were you diagnosed with a mental illness during your time at Stuy?

95 percent of those surveyed never smoked cigarettes.

How many “mental health days” did you take?

30.6%

None

92.5 percent of those surveyed never used study drugs.

13.7% Yes

28.1%

1-3 4-8

21.9%

96.3 percent of those surveyed never used prescription drugs recreationally.

6.3%

8 - 11 More than 11

13.1%

86.3% No

75 percent of the respondents attending Ivy League schools had averages about 97.

89.4 percent of those surveyed would choose Stuyvesant again.

Comparison Highlights Freshmen vs. Seniors: How Different Were They, Really?

Demographics Comparison Religion Religion incoming freshmen identify with 34.5% 24.5%

22.6% 13.0% 5.4% Christianity

Islam

Judaism Agnosticism/ Other Atheism

There were about 17 percent more atheists and agnostics in the outgoing senior class than the freshman class.

Outgoing seniors were less likely to identify with Christianity and Islam than their freshman counterparts.

Chr

Religion outgoing seniors identify with 51.6%

16.8%

12.4% 5.6%

nity

istia

m Isla

3.7% ism

a Jud

5.0%

5.0%

m m/ uism ddhis ticis s Bu o Agn theism A

d Hin

r

e Oth

Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation of outgoing seniors

Sexual orientation of incoming freshmen 86.7%

0.9% Heterosexual

Homosexual

4.0%

6.5%

Bisexual

Unsure

1.9% Other

The outgoing seniors were about...

7 percent more likely to identify as bisexual.

2 percent more likely to identify as gay.

4 percent less likely to identify as heterosexual.

82.6%

2.5% Heterosexual

Homosexual

10.6%

3.1%

Bisexual Unsure

1.2% Other

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 18

Comparison Highlights Freshmen vs. Seniors: How Different Were They, Really?

Academics Comparison Favorite Subject Did your favorite subject change while at Stuyvesant?

Favorite subject of incoming freshmen 41.3%

52.8%

36.0%

26.6%

11.5%

9.2%

8.4%

11.2% 3.1%

Math

Science

English

Other

History

I don’t know

Unsure

No

Yes

Future Plans Type of college, if any, I will attend next fall:

Freshman responses to “After I graduate from Stuyvesant, I think I might attend an Ivy League University, Stanford University, or MIT.” 41.3% 31.0% 24.0%

Strongly agree

Agree

Neutral

While about 65 percent of freshmen expect to go to Ivy League schools or other top 10 schools, only about 35 percent of the outgoing senior respondents did.

2.7%

0.9%

Disagree

Strongly disasgree

26.1% 18.6%

17.4% 9.9% 5.0%

4.3%

0.6%

e ts Y l 10 / gu rch Ar r ea y Lea rsity eral ge on-N hoo esea y r Top l UNY Y Y p Iv ive Lib lle N Sc r R rsit he oo S N a G te he e Ot Sch CU Co Un Sta Ot Univ

By Julia Ingram

Academic Preparedness Senior responses to “My middle school prepared me for the academics at Stuyvesant.”

Freshman responses to “I feel prepared for the academics at Stuyvesant.”

44.4%

35.8%

38.0%

24.5% 13.2%

10.0% Strongly agree

5.3%

17.6% 8.8%

2.2%

Neutral Disagree Strongly

Agree

disasgree

1(poorly)

2

3

5 4 (exceedingly well)

Academic dishonesty Freshman responses to“In middle school, I partook in some form of academic dishonesty.”

Senior responses to “At Stuyvesant, I partook in some form of academic dishonesty.”

46.4%

46.3%

41.5%

28.8% 21.3% 9.4% 3.8%

0.9% Frequently

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

18.0%

Frequently Sometimes

Rarely

Never

r

he Ot

low the stereotype of the sleepdeprived Stuyvesant student.

While 42.1 percent of the seniors recorded they got between five and six hours of sleep as upperclassmen (30 percent got the same amount as underclassmen) only 7.2 percent of the freshmen answered they slept less than six hours per night in middle school. Instead, the vast majority of freshmen—nearly 70 percent—got between 6 and 8 hours of sleep in middle school.

However, responses to questions about illicit behavior were strikingly similar to that of the seniors: 64.9 percent of freshmen strongly agreed that they are opposed to the use of alcohol by high school students, while 57.1 percent of seniors answered they had never drunk alcohol, and 65.3 strongly agreed to the same statement about recreational drugs, with an even larger 81.3 percent of seniors having never done drugs.

On the other hand, the amount of freshmen who never partook in academic dishonesty during middle school—nearly half—is comparable to the number of seniors who said they “rarely” cheated during high school. Only 28.8 percent of seniors never partook in academic dishonesty while at Stuyvesant.

Among the most significant differences between the incoming freshmen and graduating seniors’ responses were with regard to religion. The percent of students identifying as agnostic or atheist increased from 34.5 percent to 51.6 percent, perhaps an indication that many students abandon their family’s religion as they go through high school.

Answers to the academicsrelated questions also differed drastically. While a combined 65.3 percent of incoming freshmen agree or strongly agree that they will attend an elite university, only 35.4 percent of seniors polled will actually attend these top colleges. Naviance data shows that this percentage is even smaller.

Additionally, the percent of freshmen who agreed that their middle school prepared them for Stuyvesant was nearly double that of the seniors. This is to be expected—freshmen often have unrealistically optimistic expectations for Stuyvesant, with 95.2 percent of the Class of 2020 anticipating they would be within the top half of their class.

A comparison of the amount of sleep middle schoolers versus high schoolers seemed to fol-

Student Life Comparison Sleep Average amount of sleep I got as an...

Average amount of sleep in middle school

42.1%

Underclassman

35.9% 31.4% 29.8% 25.2%

22.7%

20.9%

10.6%

7.2%

Fewer than 6 hours

Upperclassman

32.3% 25.5%

9.8%

4.6% 6-7 hours

7-8 hours

8-9 hours

More than 9 hours

3.1% Fewer than 5 hours

5-6 hours

6-7 hours

7-8 hours

1.2%

More than 8 hours

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 19

Comparison Highlights Freshmen vs. Seniors: How Different Were They, Really?

Student Life Comparison Alcohol Freshman responses to “I am opposed to the use of alcohol by high school students.”

Senior responses to “I drank alcohol during high school.”

57.1%

64.9%

16.1%

24.0% 7.5%

8.4% Strongly agree

Agree

Neutral

19.3%

1.6%

1.0%

Disagree

Strongly disasgree

Frequently

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Drugs Freshman responses to “I am opposed to the use of recreational drugs, like marijuana, by high school students.”

Senior responses to “I used marijuana during high school.”

81.3%

65.3%

19.4% 11.0%

Strongly agree

Agree

Neutral

2.6%

3.8%

6.3%

8.8%

1.6%

Disagree

Strongly disasgree

Frequently

Sometimes

Rarely

ADVERTISEMENT

Never

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 20

9/11: Fifteen Years Later

Living and Teaching September 11, in the Classroom and on the Stage

By Annie Thoms On the morning of September 11, 2001, I emerged from the subway station to see Chambers Street filled with people, all looking up. I looked up too. Both towers of the World Trade Center were on fire, smoke billowing from the gashes left by the two airplanes which had crashed into them minutes before. From those gashes flew swirls of paper, and small black objects fell from the windows. After a moment, I realized that the small black objects were people. I caught my breath and turned down the hill, toward school.

Moments from that morning are burned into my memory: The way the building shook as the first tower fell. Meeting my freshman homeroom in the cafeteria, one girl crying beneath her hijab; two other girls, who had met only days earlier, trying to comfort her. Walking down the stairs as if for a fire drill, understanding for the first time the purpose of fire drills, feeling oddly normal even as one of my colleagues yelled, “This is not a drill! This is a real emergency!” Walking north on the West Side Highway, watching students disperse in small groups. Looking back at one point to realize that the second tower had fallen.

I was 25 years old, at the beginning of my second year of full-time teaching. I was deeply aware in those moments—I think we all were—that the world had changed irrevocably. It is a strange thing to know this at the moment it is happening.

There is the emergency, and then there is the aftermath. Students posted stories of their journeys home on online message boards (social media in its infancy). Spectator reporters and writers met at the house of their faculty advisor, Holly Ojalvo, to write and edit their incredibly powerful 9/11 issue. We were out of school. We were back in school holding shortened classes from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Brooklyn Tech, sharing their building for two weeks. We were back at Stuyvesant by the second week in October, trying to return to normalcy while air quality testers roamed the halls and a barge of smoking rubble sat in the river just north of our building.

In the months following the attacks, I worked with a small group of students to create and perform the play “with their eyes.”

Ten student actors interviewed 23 members of the Stuyvesant community—students, faculty, and staff—recorded, transcribed, and edited the interviews, and performed them in the character of the interviewees. Each interviewbased monologue used the actual words and speech patterns of the interviewee, complete with pauses, “like”s, and “um”s. The completed play was a patchwork of individual experiences: a senior who had to move out of his apartment near Ground Zero, furious at the tourists who came to take pictures of the site; a pregnant English teacher; a security guard who saw his life flash before his eyes; a Muslim student worried about racial profiling. “with their eyes” was performed at Stuyvesant in February 2002, and published as a book

by HarperCollins in September

Courtesy of books.google.com

of that year. The experience of working on the play and the life of the book have shaped my relationship to the events of September 11 over the last 15 years in complex ways.

At Stuyvesant in 2001-2002, the creation of “with their eyes” was controversial. Many students felt that they had been interviewed enough by local media and wanted to get back to their normal lives; they didn’t want to dwell on the experience or relive the day. Performances of the play went well, and those who came largely found it moving and effective, but we never sold out a show. In response to student objections, the STC put on a second Winter Drama that year: a production of Shakespeare’s “As You

O’Callahan, and Chantelle Smith worked together to collect stories from across the Stuyvesant community. Each student actor played two or more interviewees, often crossing racial and gender lines in their portrayals. Our rehearsals were intense, but also filled with humor – the only way to deal with such heavy material. As a group, we have come together in whole or in part for a reunion every year since 2003.

The publication of “with their eyes” became a means of connection with other communities around the country. It has been produced at high schools from Kansas to Florida, from Washington to South Dakota, and by two repertory companies in California and Missouri. Indi-

I was deeply aware in those moments—I think we all were— that the world had changed irrevocably. It is a strange thing to know this at the moment it is happening.

Like It.” Those of us involved in creating the play cemented a deep connection. The student director, Ilena George, and two student producers, Lindsay Long-Waldor and Michael Vogel, worked with me to bring together a diverse group of actors, representative of the racial, ethnic, and age diversity of the student body. Freshmen Taresh Batra and Carlos Williams; sophomores Cathy Choy, Tim Drinan, and Chris Yee; juniors Anna Belc and Shanleigh Jalea; and seniors Marcel Briones, Liz

vidual monologues have been used widely in speech competitions, and portions of the play have appeared twice in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Through videotaped productions and a few lucky in-person visits, members of the original cast and I have been able to see some of these productions. It is incredibly moving to know that the stories we gathered in the aftermath of tragedy have spoken to so many people. (It’s also fascinating to see how people across the country perform what they believe to

be a New York accent.)

For many years, I used “with their eyes” in my classroom: sometimes, I would teach a monologue or two in Freshman Composition or Writers’ Workshop on the anniversary; each semester, I used it as a mentor text in my Women’s Voices course when I asked students to interview women in their lives for a Monologue Project. (Dr. Moore has taught a version of the Monologue Project in her Freshman Composition class, in conjunction with reading “The Joy Luck Club.”)

The experience of teaching “with their eyes” at Stuyvesant has changed over the years. At first, with students who had been present on September 11, it felt almost too close – these students had their own stories of that day and knew the interviewees. Some found the play compelling, but others chose to read an alternate text rather than revisit what had been for them a traumatizing experience. Then that began to fade: there was the first year when none of the students in my class had been there, though they remembered September 11 as middle-schoolers. The first year they remembered it as gradeschoolers. The first year when most of my students didn’t have a personal memory of the day at all. “with their eyes” has become, over the years, a time capsule rather than a reflection of our community.

In 2011, the STC put on a 10th anniversary production of “with their eyes”. I met with the cast and helped to facilitate visits from some of the play’s original cast members and interviewees.

Together, we toured the newlyopened World Trade Center Memorial. During the conversations around that visit, I was struck by the way the students involved in the revival spoke about the play helping them understand their parents’ stories of September 11. Ten years later, the experience was already a generation removed.

Time works in funny ways in a high school, at once very slow and very fast. I first entered Stuyvesant as a freshman in 1989 in the old building on East 15th St. I first entered the new building, our building on Chambers St., as a senior in the class of 1993.

This fall, I am returning to the classroom after three and a half years on child care leave. For the first time since I began teaching at Stuyvesant in 2000, I will begin the school year knowing none of the students in the building.

I will come back, as many of my colleagues on the faculty and staff do every year, with the memory of that morning in September of 2001 still fresh in my mind. I will walk past the plaque on the first floor commemorating the loss of nine Stuyvesant alumni on September 11, among them my high school classmate Marina Gertsberg. I will be grateful that this year’s anniversary falls on a weekend rather than a school day. As I do every year, I will hope for cloudy skies, not the clear blue I remember from the day of the attacks. I will plan, and teach, and grade, and look for ways to get to know my students’ stories this year, to keep history in mind while re-joining our community as it is now.

Overture Kevin Zhang, sophomore I saw this huge plane it was… it looked much bigger than the first one, it just, it looked like one of those jets, you know, in the movies, you know, Air Force One or something, one of those big jets.

It was one of those and it just hits – It hit the building right there. …

Katherine Fletcher, English teacher I noticed it enough to say to my class what was that sort of casually I wasn’t scared or alarmed I just sort of said what was that and someone said thunder and I was like no it’s not thunder it must have been a truck it was like the sound of a truck like hitting something on a street or you know how sometimes you’ll hear something like that. …

Juan Carlos Lopez, School Safety Agent I got this weird transmission the strangest transmission in my life that a plane hit the World Trade Center and I ran into the computer room to see.

I haven’t gotten back into that office.

The recollection of what I saw is framed in that window, like if I had to draw you a picture I would have to draw the window frame as well.

I’m a little apprehensive, just looking at these banners I get a little choked up.

So I – I fear going into that office I might lose my composure.

But it’s been long enough that maybe I could go into that office and take it in but I, I – you know in a way I don’t feel ready, I don’t. ...

From “with their eyes”: September 11th: the view from a high school at Ground Zero, ed. Annie Thoms, HarperTempest 2002 Copies of “with their eyes” can be found in the school library and the English Department.

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 21

9/11: Fifteen Years Later

Don’t Hate, Commemorate

By Ahmad Alnasser

us too. I won’t stop until I cut your head off, you [expletive] terrorist.”

All of this just because I had a beard—not even a real beard— and my skin was darker. My entire commute home, I could not get her voice out of my head. The thought that my little brother, who will be a freshman at Stuyvesant this fall, might also be threatened with this ignorance made me sick to my stomach. The thought of my fellow Arabs and Muslims dealing with this made me nauseous. I did not think it could get worse than that.

But it did.

During the summer before my junior year, I was on my way home from a summer program, waiting for the D train to arrive. While waiting I saw a man, whom I could tell was Arab, approaching various people and asking for directions.

And the first thought that came to my mind was “Wow, I hope he doesn’t blow up the subway or something.”

I stopped. Had I just said what I thought I’d said? I could not believe that those thoughts had formulated in my mind, the same mind that was disgusted by those very same remarks. I did not know where they came from, and I did not want to know where they came from.

I went up to the man, shook his hand as warmly as I could, and made sure he, my brother, knew exactly where he needed to go. But I still felt dirty, the type of dirty that could not be washed off.

Build a Wall, Burn a Bridge

By Annie Feng When the Twin Towers fell, I was a toddler on the other side of the world. I had no idea what a profound effect that moment would have on my future and the futures of so many others. In fact, I remained entirely unaware of the tragedy until I first arrived in New York.

Like many foreigners, I picked up a travel guide. “Best of New York” was old and outdated, published in 2001. It told me about the Top of the World observation deck.

I learned how high it was and how many floors the buildings had, and then I learned that they no longer towered over Lower Manhattan.

It was then that I began to understand.

When the towers fell, the nation was united in a moment of profound grief—the American people reported more trust in the government than since the 1970’s.

However, this unity was short lived as debate now rages over the correct approach to terrorists and how much privacy we are willing to sacrifice for safety.

The threat of terrorism remains constant in the minds of the American public. With each successive attack, security tightens, defense spending climbs, and the American psyche is a little more shaken. The revelations about government surveillance and the National Security Agency have caused public confidence to plummet. Terrorism has instilled a paranoia and anxiety in American society that festers and manifests in growing distrust.

The United States has been closing itself off, trying to use immigration laws as a weapon in the War on Terror. Deportations have nearly doubled, disproportionately affecting Mexican nationals, who make up 70 percent of all cases.

9/11 led to funding being poured into increasing militarization along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Though it has received less media attention, the Department of Homeland Security has also increased screening of buses and trains along the Canadian border.

In addition, the U.S. has made it more difficult for people to obtain visas or become citizens.

The Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of

2002 and the Homeland Security Act raised entry requirements and required all non-residents to give biometric data each time they enter the country. This is the sole reason that my fingerprints are now on record. The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, Patriot Act, Real ID Act, an expanded definition of terrorist activities, and naturalization delays worsened the situation further for foreign nationals and even lawful permanent residents.

Foreign students and other people with valuable talents and skills are finding it harder to set foot on American soil, nevermind live the American dream. Fear warps the American attitude towards those they perceive as “other,” from turning away war-ravaged refugees to giving voice to those who demand we build walls and close ourselves off from those that don’t look like us (or, at least, the majority of us).

Regardless of military efforts, terror is winning in people’s hearts and minds.

Regardless of military efforts, terror is winning in people’s hearts and minds.

As Canadian citizens here on a visa, immigration is a touchy issue in my household. Before 9/11, our relatives already living in the US obtained a Green Card with relative ease, and our move here seemed like a sound decision.

While our lives here are not nearly as hard as some, we still harbor doubts about our choices. We came to the U.S. in 2009, and after more than seven years of my parents’ hard work, I am still applying to colleges as an international student, disqualifying me from many scholarship opportunities. During Stuyvesant’s college night, I asked about merit scholarships, mentioned to a college representative I was not a U.S citizen, and watched her face fall like a lead balloon.

I remain hopeful for a scholarship, and I plan to travel during my

college years regardless. Studying abroad is one of the things I look forward to most about college, despite long lines, cancelled flights, and occasionally being stopped for deadly bright pink safety scissors.

In my opinion, experiencing different cultures is worth the discomfort. I am excited to see more of the world and spend time in a foreign country, progressing my education and broadening my worldview.

There is much to gain from an education abroad, especially with increasing globalization. Learning to cooperate with other cultures can be crucial to success in one’s career. Personal gain aside, studying abroad and traveling in general is an important form of soft diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Due to recent headlines, European destinations traditionally considered safe for American students, have redirected American students to other programs or sent students home.

However, unrelenting news coverage may be exaggerating the risks of traveling abroad. After 9/11, everything is looked at with a skeptical eye and media tells us we can no longer afford to be trusting.

However, Americans abroad are far more likely to die from an automobile accident than a terrorist attack, according to Time Magazine. While it’s impossible to guarantee safety, studying abroad does not automatically increase an American’s risk of dying, and there are signs of hope that the U.S. is not entirely closing itself off.

The New York City tourism that had plummeted in the aftermath of 9/11 has largely rebounded, with more foreigners and Americans coming and going than before the attack. This cultural discourse has been severely hurt by the distrust that terrorist attacks has engrained into the American public, but such exchanges have enriched and built this country from the very beginning.

Perhaps it’s idealistic, but in a world of growing extremism, having positive experiences with different philosophies could help reduce the intolerance that fuels terrorism. If terrorism is psychological warfare on a society, than being cowed into staying home sounds like a battle lost.

Courtesy of Ahmad Alnasser

It’s almost ironic how I wasn’t even in the United States on that dreadful day in September, and yet I, along with many people, consistently get blamed for it. To top it all off, I find myself being ostracized for causing a war in a country I have never even been to. I’m certainly not alone in this: there are people across the world who bear the brunt of something that does not relate to them. But being Arab and Muslim in a post-9/11 society is challenging, and what makes it worse is that this is the case no matter where you are in the world.

As a child in Jordan, my mother would watch a show that resembled “Full House.” It followed an Arabic family and their daily lives, and it never particularly interested me since it was just a regular sitcom, depicting regular people.

However, after moving to America in 2004, I began to notice that few Arabs playing “regular people” could be found on television. I distinctly remember watching an episode of NCIS with my father when I was about seven, and in this episode, all the antagonists looked the same—they were all Arab Muslims. It became apparent to me that they were Muslim after a cutscene showed them praying together.

What confused me the most was their purpose for including such a scene, which had no relevance to the plot. Why did it matter that

they were Muslim? In hindsight this was a major problem, especially for younger kids. Somebody watching this on TV would surely begin to associate Muslims with terrorism.

And kids did, and they still do.

To the boy in middle school one year above me, calling me a “terrorist” appeared to be the most creative thing that he could think of.

Immediately after saying that, with a cruel grin on his face, he highfived his friends and went on with whatever he had to do. Personally I was not amused, nor was I surprised; I did not expect him to say anything else.

That was just the tip of the iceberg. Since Stuyvesant is in Manhattan, a contrast to my largely Arab community in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, there are more people who were affected by 9/11 and thus more likely to view my culture and appearance negatively. I vividly remember during my sophomore year, while I was walking to the train station, a woman followed behind me, shouting insults and slurs. I tried ignoring her for what seemed like an hour, but she would not leave me alone.

I was taken aback that someone would berate me, a 15-year-old boy, for something I never did.

She followed me all the way to the bottom of the stairs of the City Hall R Train Station, the stench of hatred following right behind her. What really infuriated me was when she said, “You’ve killed our troops, and now you’re here to kill

This is what hateful rhetoric does: it conditions people. It teaches people to say and think things that they otherwise would not believe. The media can make people hate themselves, and it can just as easily incite violence. When you watch enough TV shows and movies with a Muslim as the villain and are told by enough people that you’re a terrorist, you begin to believe it.

My father was in Tribeca at the time of 9/11 and tried to help others get to safety. He did what anyone would do that day, regardless of race or religion, and what he

got was a lifetime’s worth of hate.

That day in 2001 is a day everyone remembers as a tragedy, and they should. However, my word of advice, mostly to politicians and the media, is to emphasize solidarity and peace, not hatred of a group of people. Maybe it’s a little too late to stop some people from hating unjustly, but the least we can do as humans is preach peace, lest we have a generation growing up remembering 9/11 as the event that brought hatred as opposed to an event where innocent people lost their lives to extremists.

The Cost of Breathing

By Sonia Epstein

“Run, and run north”

By the time Marilena Christodoulou arrived at Stuyvesant on the morning of September 11, the kids were gone.

She had been driving down through the confusion on Fifth Avenue, flashing the Stuyvesant Emergency Team pass she had been issued as President of the Parents’ Association, unsure of why she, just a parent, should be allowed through, unsure of what she would find at Stuyvesant when she arrived.

What she found was a nearly empty building.

A little after 10 a.m., as the second tower had been about to fall, the administration defied Board of Education (BOE) instructions, flung open the northern doors of the school, and began evacuating the students by the hundreds.

“They told the students to run, and run north,” Christodoulou said. “There was no evacuation plan, there was nothing, nothing, nothing.”

Freshmen tried to stick together, or found an upperclassman or a teacher who could help them navigate the unfamiliar city. Some were crying, and some walked stonefaced; some kept their eyes trained forward until they had reached the Upper West Side, and some looked back to see the bridge become engulfed by an avalanche of smoke.

Christodoulou spent the next two days answering parents’ phone calls.

“There were kids who didn’t go home for two days—they couldn’t— so they slept at some other kid’s house. Phones were down, satellite services were down, and they could not reach their parents since cell phones were not allowed in school,” she said. “And that was the first thing that was horrible.”

Four Weeks Later

By September 20, students and staff were relocated to Brooklyn Technical High School. Their foster school was welcoming, but fitting classes for an extra 3,000 students posed a logistical nightmare, as well as potential safety hazards.

Ultimately, the administrators decided to hold classes for Brook-

lyn Tech students from 7:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and classes for Stuyvesant students from 1:30 p.m. to 6:23 p.m.

It was draining, to say the least, and parents began pressuring the BOE for a return to Stuyvesant.

Stuyvesant, however, was being used as a staging center for first responders. The BOE would have to regain control of the building, and before reoccupation, the PA wished to address concerns about contamination that may have occurred with the infiltration of the dust cloud on the morning of 9/11 and subsequent exposure as first responders traipsed in and out of the building. Clean-up concerns centered upon potential contamination of the ventilation system, the carpets, the seat upholstery in the theater; every crevice of the building posed cause for legitimate worry.

“You had a very fast-changing, uncontrolled situation in terms of the potential for contaminants to find their way into Stuy,” said David Newman, a former industrial hygienist at the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) and member of the PA. While some parents just wanted the students to return to a regular classroom schedule, others felt that addressing health risks should take priority.

“It was the beginning of a very long and bitter and divisive conversation within the parent body, largely through the arena of the [PA], whether Stuy should reopen,” Newman said.

NYCOSH took small samplings for asbestos. “They were not what’s called representative, not a comprehensive environmental assessment or sample,” Newman said.

“We [found], not high levels of asbestos, but they were unacceptable […] we were quite confident they did not exist prior to 9/11, so we were fairly concerned.”

With pressure from the PA, the BOE agreed to conduct a full asbestos abatement program prior to the students’ re-entry. The BOE also provided verbal assurance that the ventilation system had been cleaned, filters had been upgraded, continued on page 22

Page 22

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

9/11: Fifteen Years Later continued from page 21

and outside-air intake had been blocked. It promised that the swimming pool would be drained and cleaned, sidewalks and the Tribeca bridge would be cleaned, a dust control strategy would be implemented, the school would be monitored for contaminants, and the results would be shared with an expert hired by the PA. But the BOE, of course, was not required to await the PA’s evaluation of cleanup protocols or test results.

And so on October 9, less than one month after 9/11, the students returned to Stuyvesant.

Fire Burning, Cauldron Bubble

The air was cooling, the way it does by October, but the familiar crisp walk down Chambers Street was transformed that fall. First there were the police checkpoints, five of them, and then four blocks to the left was the pile, and the fires that would burn until February. Directly to the right, at Pier 25, right outside Stuyvesant’s doorstep, was the barge, where hundreds of trucks dumped thousands of pounds of debris for daily transportation away from lower Manhattan.

Inside the school, students were visiting the nurse with headaches and nosebleeds.

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Christine Todd Whitman, had assured the city within days after 9/11 that the “air was safe to breathe.” President George Bush had called for “a return to normalcy.” Wall Street was up and running, and the smartest kids in the city were back in school.

Things would be okay.

But walking down Chambers Street told a different story. “You had workers in hazmat suits at the corner of Chambers and West Street,” Christodoulou recalled.

“So it was safe for a fourteenyear-old […] to breathe everything, but an adult at the same location had to wear a complete moon-suit with a respirator? It made no sense, so it was clearly a lie.”

Galvanized by concern, the PA successfully pressured the BOE to implement daily monitoring of the air inside and outside of school. It also hired H. A. Bader Consultants Inc., an environmental consulting engineering firm, to review the BOE’s test results and protocols.

The samples, taken inside and around the school, were tested for contaminants released by the excavation operations and fires at Ground Zero which are known to pose significant health risks: asbestos, lead, crystalline silica, dioxins, carbon monoxide, diesel and gasoline exhaust, PCBs, heavy metals, and benzene and other volatile organic compound.

The measurements were ambiguous at times: at some locations, results were within the EPA’s regulatory limits. At others, contaminant levels were higher outside of Stuyvesant than at Ground Zero. The push went both ways, and progress was slow.

By November, the BOE had drained and cleaned the swimming pool and cleaned the bridge, but trucks continued to rumble past Stuyvesant with debris. Filters were upgraded, by January, to a more effective design, but not to one that was effective enough. And the BOE still had not cleaned the ductwork of the mechanical ventilation system, the primary route of entry for outdoor contaminants, despite the PA’s persistent requests.

The same tension between the PA and BOE could be found amongst parents. “A fairly substantial percentage of parents […] felt that the issue of potential environmental contamination and health harm was nonexistent and sidetracking their kids from having an opportunity to receive a quality education at Stuy,” Newman said.

“There was a just as substantial, if not more substantial, percentage of parents [who] felt that the most important thing at that point in time was ensuring the health of their kids,” he said.

Parents of all viewpoints were faced with a gut-wrenching decision of whether to send their children back to an environment that could potentially be harmful to their health, or to sacrifice their seat at the best school in the city based upon, as of yet, unproven concerns.

“There were all kinds of crazy fights. People would say, ‘Well, David, your daughter’s at school.

I’m sure you wouldn’t send her to school if there’s a risk.’ Well, there’s a question of how much risk,” Newman said.

It was at this point that the parent, teacher, and student activism at Ground Zero schools and among Ground Zero workers and residents, combined with their local representatives’ efforts, sounded a collective voice that could no longer be ignored by the EPA. The EPA’s ombudsman hosted public hearings, during which members of the community— first responders, workers, residents, and parent and student representatives from schools like Stuyvesant—shared their anecdotal experiences. The hearings, which lasted hours, bolstered by the white paper, ultimately caught the attention of former Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), who insisted upon a Senate field

“I had the experience of being rejected from basically every health plan in the state [of California] over concerns about my 9/11 exposures.”

—Lila Nordstrom (’02), founder of StuyHealth

“Part of my role, as far as I shaped it, was to ensure people understood what the risks were and were not. We didn’t want to understate it, but we didn’t want to overstate it either. It’s very hard to talk about the concept of risk.”

And so testing continued, arguments grew louder, requests were rebuffed, and each morning, as autumn progressed to winter, the students and teachers continued down Chambers Street, hoping that the destruction of 9/11 had ended on 9/11, or preferring not to think about it at all.

“Our children are getting sick.”

The conversations brewing within the PA represented just one layer of emerging activism.

At the office of Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Class of ’65 and former SU President, the activity was feverish.

“It was an event unlike any we had ever experienced as individuals in the office,” Nadler’s Chief of Staff, Amy Rutkin, said. “There was the same amount of heartbreak and fear that every other New Yorker was feeling, except that we had the added responsibility of representing Ground Zero.”

Whitman’s pronouncement that the World Trade Center (WTC) air was clean was met with the same skepticism among the Nadler staff as it was at the PA. The staff was worried, and began pouring tremendous effort and resources into drafting a “white paper,” which detailed evidence that the federal government had lied about the state of the environment in lower Manhattan.

The biggest challenge proved to be garnering the right attention. “There was a national prerogative to get everything back and functioning, to show our country’s resilience after 9/11,” Rutkin said. “So as we were making these statements, there were many people, many business interests, that were not happy, because in essence we were threatening things like economic activity.”

Republicans controlled the House of Representatives at the time, and so Nadler was not in the position to schedule a hearing. He would need the attention of the Democrat-controlled Senate.

hearing.

The hearing took place on February 11, 2002, before the Senate’s Subcommittee on Clean Air, Wetlands, and Climate Change.

Nadler, Christodoulou, the BOE, and a slew of environmental and health experts testified.

“Our children are getting sick,” Christodoulou said at the hearing, calling for the relocation of the Pier 25 barge and comprehensive cleaning of the Ground Zero schools and ventilation systems.

“We are also concerned about the possible delayed health effects (like cancer) 10-20 years from now from exposure to the chemicals in the air,” she said.

Next to the measurements and testimony brought against the government, “the board of education looked like fools,” Christodoulou said. “People started laughing. It was a joke. It was a sad joke.”

essary.

By that time, the outdoor air quality had improved, but measurements taken inside the building showed that contaminants were still entering: samples from ducts and unit ventilators contained lead dust at two to thirty times EPA regulatory guidelines, though, according to PA reports, the BOE withheld these results for six weeks, only releasing them under the PA’s threat of litigation At the same time, the PA initiated its own health study, reporting that of the hundreds of families surveyed, two-thirds of students had suffered new incidences of illness since their return to Stuyvesant.

Entering into June, the BOE agreed to clean the ductwork and unit ventilators, as well as upgrade the filters over the summer.

According to Christodoulou and the PA minutes from the time, the BOE thereafter reneged on the agreement, but following threats of litigation, reversed the decision.

And so over the summer, the BOE cleaned.

“But kids like Peter, my son, who were there for a whole year, were exposed,” Christodoulou said.

Four Years Later

Lila Nordstrom (’02) would be graduating from college soon, and, as most college students realize at some point, she would have to find herself health insurance.

But in 2006, and as a member of a Stuyvesant class that had attended school in the immediate wake of 9/11, things were a bit more complicated. It was preAffordable Care Act, so the price of health insurance was sky-high, college graduates could not stay on their parents’ health plans, and, in some states, it was legal to discriminate based on perceived pre-existing health conditions.

“I had the experience of being rejected from basically every health plan in the state [of California] over concerns about my 9/11 exposures,” Nordstrom said.

“I was still suffering from bad asthma symptoms but no one in my family had adult asthma, and my medicine was $100 a month. […] By 2006, we knew that we had been sent back too early. I was just looking at how that might affect our lives, not just for health reasons, but also financially.”

Nordstrom started to become involved in the survivor community, and soon realized that there was well-funded research and activism among first- respond-

“There was a national prerogative to get everything back and functioning, to show our country’s resilience after 9/11.”

—Amy Rutkin, Chief of Staff to Congressman Jerrold Nadler

Four Months Later

Following the hearings, the PA considered legal action. It consulted Richard Ben-Veniste, a prosecutor on the Watergate Task Force and a graduate of Stuyvesant’s Class of ’60, who provided his services to the PA pro-bono.

Despite controversy within the PA, in April 2002, the parents ultimately voted, by a margin of two to one, to authorize the PA to proceed with legal action if nec-

ers, local workers, and residents, but not among former-students at Ground Zero schools, many of whom had dispersed after high school.

Faced with the reality of affording health care, Nordstrom started an organization called StuyHealth as a way to reach out to other students in similar situations, advocate for 9/11 legislation, and promote research.

“I felt like it was important that there be someone from out

actual cohort who was connected to those discussions, so we wouldn’t be a missing link in the conversation,” she said.

First responders were getting sick, but there were still questions about the health affects of attending Stuyvesant. “People were rightfully concerned about what the trajectory for people with our exposure looks like,” Nordstrom said.

And already, there were cases.

Like Nordstrom, Amit Friedlander (’02) was about to graduate college. He had a job lined up, and plans set to travel the world.

And then a couple of days before his flight, he went for a routine check-up at the doctor’s.

“It took a few weeks to get a diagnosis,” he said. “While you’re waiting for a diagnosis and you know you might have cancer, that’s really scary.”

Friedlander was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a white-blood-cell cancer. While the diagnosis was unexpected— he had assumed the fatigue and illness he experienced while in college were simply a result of hard work—he immediately thought back to his nightmarish senior year at Stuyvesant. “[At the time,] it had made logical sense that [the air] might not be clean, but we didn’t know for sure and there weren’t that many people who were willing to switch schools,” said Friedlander, who was not only in his last year at Stuyvesant, but also Senior Caucus President.

But four years later, he was confident that his exposure was the cause of what later became six months of cancer treatment.

Friedlander became involved with StuyHealth, speaking out about his own illness to alert others to the fact that people were getting sick. “All those years I’d been showing symptoms, and I’d never stopped to think, ‘maybe this is something more serious,’” he said. “So I wanted other students to at least be more vigilant.”

Now, ten years later, Friedlander is recovered and out of remission.

Since Zadroga

In January of 2011, President Barack Obama signed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, establishing the WTC Health Program, which provides health benefits to those affected by the September 11 attacks.

“Needless to say, that was no small feat,” Rutkin said. “I’m very proud of the work we did. I personally lament that we failed to get the EPA itself to take a fullfledged responsibility, but in lieu of that, I’m glad that we at least have the government taking responsibility for the damage they did with the Zadroga bill.”

Within Nadler’s office and at organizations like StuyHealth, much of the current activity centers on helping people navigate the WTC Health Program.

Nordstrom, who has become a liaison for alumni with questions about these issues, estimates that at least six students from her graduating class have been diagnosed with cancers or autoimmune diseases believed to be related to 9/11 exposure.

Then there are the numerous students who have more common problems, like asthma, a chronic cough, or gastrointestinal issues.

“It was […] a terrible lesson in government,” Rutkin said. “[Seeing] the government at its worst, what it’s capable of doing.”

And yet, in other ways, the process represented what government can be, in the best of situations. Toward the end of our interview, I asked Christodoulou if she had ever anticipated becoming a central figure in the 9/11 cleanup effort, or finding herself testifying before Congress.

“Of course I didn’t,” she said.

“I didn’t bargain for this. But you have to fight for what you believe in. That’s what we do in this country.”

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 23

9/11: Fifteen Years Later The Evolution of Ground Zero by Mika Simoncelli

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Page 26

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Arts and Entertainment Gängeviertal: Hamburg’s Counterculture Center

All images courtesy of Nadia Filanovsky

Travel

By Nadia Filanovsky “Does anyone know what a squatter is?” My counselor, Cedric, was looking to one of us to answer.

I raised my hand.

“A squatter is someone who illegally lives in an abandoned house. Legally, they can’t be kicked out, at least in the U.S., so it creates a weird grey area,” I responded.

I only knew this stuff from urban ecology.

From there, we went to meet a squatter, who would be giving us a tour of the squatters’ complex he lived in.

The complex takes up less than a square block and consists of a collection of near-dilapidated buildings. This community is a haven for artists. It’s home to the counterculture of Hamburg, Germany, where I was spent a month abroad this summer. It’s called the Gängeviertal.

The Concept of the Gängeviertal The concept of the Gängeviertal is very simple: to be independent of monetary commitments and to just focus on your art and your community.

I found this concept revolutionary, almost—coming from a school and an environment and a city where everything is so elitist, where prestige is so important.

In our world, we’re so focused on finding the right path to an Ivy League school that we often forget the world that exists around us. I’ve found that a lot of people don’t stop to listen to or to care for the people around them. This isn’t usually malicious, but rather the product of being so goal-oriented that we forget that there’s a world filled with other people experiencing so many different things than we are.

But at the Gängeviertal, the whole point is to focus on those around you, to slow down your

lifestyle, and to take in not just your experiences, but those of everyone.

New York is similar to Stuyvesant. It boasts the best fashion, the best food, the best musical theater. New York is for people who care about prestige. In a sense, it’s always been that way, because back in the city’s earliest days, actors with stars in their eyes came here to find fame.

But there’s an aspect to old New York that I find very similar to the Gäneviertal, and that’s that it was an old school artists’ paradise. New York used to be a place for all artists to come and live cheaply and immerse themselves in their art, and it’s sort of crazy to think that the city’s so rich now.

But the Gängeviertal has a communal aspect that New York never had. The concept of the Gängeviertal is that it belongs to the artists. As such, all the walls are covered in new graffiti works (though, there are signs telling artists to respect the work and not tag or graffiti over other people’s pieces), there are sculptures placed all over outside, and there’s work everywhere inside. And because the complex is contained within a single block, the feeling is much more intimate.

The First Encounter The first time I was at the Gängeviertal, Cedric guided us down a really nice, modern-looking block to meet our tour guide, Anton. As we turned toward the block where the Gängeviertal was located, all I could see was a parking lot.

But, all of the sudden, everything looked completely different.

There were bikes everywhere (in varying conditions), and there was a faint smell of plaster in the air. We entered one of the communal centers, and I saw pieces of fabric hanging from the gazebo where we sat.

“Look behind the gazebo,” Cedric said.

Behind us was an astonishingly detailed 40-foot graffiti mural of a dissected spider on the building.

The Gängeviertal has two communal buildings. One is dedicated to the artists’ studios. There’s a stage, a dance studio, a screen printing studio, and a penthouse photography studio. The whole building sort of smells musty with air that may or may not be slightly toxic to breathe.

The other communal building houses the kitchen. Outside, there are some benches covered in homemade tiles and walls covered in murals.

The concept of the Gängeviertal is that it belongs to the artists.

Each of the few remaining buildings has a gallery on its bottom floor. These galleries are nothing fancy, but they’re open to the public. The people of the community—some artists, some not—live upstairs.

The artists who live in the complex use the studios for free.

Sometimes, they hold workshops to help introduce the others in the community to their own forms of art. However, the studios are also rented out to provide income for the Gängeviertal. But it’s all flexible. Since the goal is to provide a place for artists to work if they can’t afford to elsewhere, new art-

ists can bargain down the already cheap studio prices. This is particularly helpful for experimental theater groups who want a place to try and fail and try again with their art.

Anton explained his frustrations. The Gängeviertal tried to get some government funding, but they didn’t get the money because there was always the question, “How much revenue will this generate?” That question went against the entire goal of the community, which was to experiment and to be a community.

A Concert at the Gängeviertal And it really was close knit. I spent a lot of time there throughout the rest of my trip. At the concert I went to, everyone seemed to know each other. (The concert hall even had a “pay what you want” policy for all drinks to accommodate everyone.) It was an intimate feeling, and it was interesting to observe as an outsider, because everyone else seemed to know each other from the community.

Everyone was there to immerse themselves in good music and see people they knew and loved. Nobody really dressed up, but everyone seemed very fashionable. Their hair seemed a bit greasy, they all had a pair of nice leather boots. The general attire was similar to that of any concert, but the hairdos may have been a little crazier.

And the music, like everything else there, was edgy and indie.

Last Visit to the Gängeviertal I went back once more. Cedric was friends with a screen printer named Klaus, so we also got to go back and screen print on our own clothes for free. When we got there, we waited in a stairwell by the studio. Giant paper mache busts of an elephant and a horse had just been installed. The lights flickered a bit, but never for long.

Klaus taught us how the whole process worked, even though his English wasn’t great, and brought us sodas (I had one called Spezi, which is a mix of Fanta and Coke that nobody in the U.S. has figured out is actually delicious), and held our screens along the way when we needed help.

Printing things on your own clothes and then getting to wear them around makes you feel quite indie, yourself. The designs were symbolic of the avant-garde nature of the Gängeviertal, ranging from an intestinal tract to Snoop Dogg to a bold-letter print that roughly translates to “Shut up,” but a bit more explicitly. After I had finished printing my four tshirts, I had really fallen in love with the community.

The Takeaway This whole thing made me realize that we should really appreciate artists. My parents are artists, so we’ve always bought local paintings, sculptures, and screen prints, and I’ve always gotten hand-made earrings for my birthdays. But supporting local artists really is important, because all art starts at the local level. Local art is what eventually gets massproduced.

So, instead of buying a knockoff of some local artist’s thing, you could support your local artists. The attitude of appreciating handmade goods exists in Europe, but not so much in the U.S., since we’re so consumed by what’s cheapest.

I admire this community and what it stands for: living with very little, giving back to the community, and appreciating those around you. We should all pay attention to the counterculture and nonmainstream art culture around us—whether it’s small, experimental theater or graffiti artists— because it’s the underground and the counterculture that give rise to the new mainstream.

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 27

Arts and Entertainment Music

By William Lohier Some of us were watching TV. Some of us were partying or eating dinner with family and friends.

Some of us were even settling down for a long, well-deserved night’s rest. To most of us, it seemed to be just the end of another day.

That is, until Beyoncé broke the entire friggin’ universe. Again.

First, let’s backtrack a bit. One winter day, two and a half years ago, The Queen, without prior warning or promotion, blessed us with the self-titled visual album “Beyoncé.”

Despite the album’s lack of advertisement, it quickly became the fastest selling album in iTunes history, selling 430,000 copies within 24 hours of its release and over 5 million copies worldwide. “Beyoncé” also sparked the On the Run Tour, Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s joint tour, which, over the course of 21 shows, grossed over $100 million.

Since then, Beyoncé has been relatively silent, not appearing for interviews and remaining absent from the public eye. This silence was broken on February 6, when Beyoncé dropped the single, “Formation.” She then performed alongside Coldplay and Bruno Mars in the the Super Bowl 50 halftime show the next day.

The months after saw a flurry of activity including baby rumors, divorce rumors, album rumors, and a new athleisure brand called IVY Park, a joint effort between Beyoncé and Topshop. It’s safe to say the world was getting in formation for Beyoncé to drop something new.

And on April 16, when Beyoncé announced through social me-

“Lemonade” Changes the Game dia a project called “Lemonade” was due to air that Saturday, April 23, on HBO, the internet whipped itself into a frenzy of speculation.

Until, on that Saturday, Beyoncé exploded the twitterverse and gave us a reason to actually use the lemon emoji (yes, it exists) on our phones: “Lemonade.”

First released as an hour-long, uninterrupted visual album on HBO, it was later released as a more traditional album featuring the full hour-long film at the end on iTunes and Jay-Z’s streaming service, Tidal. The album was described by Tidal as “every woman’s journey of selfknowledge and healing.”

While each song has its own merit, the songs paint the narrative of a woman when strung together. Perhaps this woman is Beyoncé herself, in a relationship with a cheating husband.

“Lemonade” immediately enraptured viewers not only with its stunning visuals, but also with its heartfelt and deeply personal music. Unlike Beyoncé’s previous visual album, which consisted of separate videos for each track, “Lemonade” consists of one long video featuring songs interspersed with snippets of poetry by Somali-British poet Warsan Shire. The visuals are stunning, following a (flawless) Beyoncé through a complex montage of images that are augmented by her singing and the poetry.

The title “Lemonade” comes from a short clip at the end of the tenth track, “Freedom,” in which

Elizabeth Woolridge Grant was dressed plainly in a blue shirt and jeans. She didn’t look like she belonged in some of the clubs and bars where legends like Lady Gaga and Jay Z started their careers. Not many of us even recall hearing about the album created by Lizzy Grant, this young girl who spoke quietly despite her robust voice.

That’s because fame didn’t happen for Grant, but fame did happen for someone called Lana Del Rey, a name associated with mysterious and seductive sadness.

Yet, Grant and Del Rey are the same person. However, Del Rey’s persona is nothing like Grant’s. It isn’t simply Del Rey’s soaring vocals and seedy self-styled videos that set her apart from Grant, but her ability to use depression as a publicity strategy.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Del Rey was quoted saying, “I wish I was dead already,” and this became the headline. This incited discussion about whether Del Rey’s words were simply a reflection of how she felt or a statement that crafted her image.

Regardless of her motivations, her discussion of mental health has become a double-edged sword.

Many attribute the new dialogue about mental illness to such media recognition. Yet, at the same time, the media itself is creating the very ignorance and stigmatization we are working to break down.

What is most daunting about the media’s depiction of mental illness is how it is marketed and characterized. Oftentimes, we associate the mentally ill with traits like violence, irrationality, and a blatant disregard of personal space.

“Orange is the New Black” (2013-present) character Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren is a female inmate who lacks social skills and

Anika Hashem / The Spectator

and “Redemption,” each with its own song and set of visuals.

The album debuted atop the Billboard Hot 200 (and is now second to Drake’s “Views”) and is irrefutably Beyoncé’s most personal work thus far. The tone is immediately established when, in the first track, “Pray You Catch Me,” Beyoncé’s voice cuts through rounded harmonies, singing, “You can

taste the dishonesty, it’s all over your breath.” These opening lyrics embark the listener/viewer on a journey that follows Beyoncé as she smashes things with a baseball bat. The smashing spree continues through the second song, “Hold Up,” to the fourth song, “Sorry,” where she proudly declares, “Suck on my balls.”

The album embraces vulnerability in the tender and soaring vocals of the ballad “Sandcastles.”

It riles the listener with the fiery verses of “Freedom,” which features Kendrick Lamar. Finally, the album tentatively arrives at a place of acceptance and reconciliation in the penultimate track “All Night.” Surprisingly, “Formation,” the last track on “Lemonade,” and one of the best selling tracks on the album, is only included as a kind of epilogue, and is featured in the video only as a snippet accompanying the credits.

“Lemonade” has been accepted by most listeners as a parallel to Beyoncé’s marriage with rapper and business mogul Jay-Z. In fact, many interpreted the lyric, “He better call Becky with the good hair” as a reference to JayZ’s alleged cheating with fashion designer Rachel Roy. This caused the the BeyHive to viciously attack and insult Roy via her Instagram, as well as mistakenly target the completely innocent celebrity chef

Rachael Ray, much to the amusement of media outlets.

As well as being very personal, “Lemonade” is also Beyoncé’s most political album to date. Somewhat foreshadowed by the highly controversial “Formation,” which sparked outrage over its protest of police brutality, “Lemonade” highlights the lives and struggles of black women. Throughout the hour-long video, Beyoncé is portrayed surrounded by black women of all ages. The list of cameos is extensive, but a few standouts include Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy, Academy Award nominee Quvenzhané Wallis, tennis player Serena Williams, and the mothers of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and Trayvon Martin, all holding pictures of their deceased sons.

“Lemonade” is truly made by and for black women in a way that none of Beyoncé’s previous albums have been. It is an ode to black women and to women in general who have been cheated on, hurt, and forgotten, but have survived, and are stronger for it.

With “Lemonade,” Beyoncé completely shatters the mold of what can and cannot be done in an album. With “Lemonade,” Beyoncé not only markets to women of color, a group often underrepresented in mainstream media, but empowers them. She shows her most vulnerable self and emerges with newfound respect from viewers and listeners alike in a stunning display of power, sensuality, playfulness, and a kind of wisdom and understanding that transcends the music.

We’re All Mad Here

Thinkpiece By anne george

Jay-Z’s grandmother, Hattie White, proclaims at her 90th birthday party, “I was given lemons, but I made lemonade.” The video itself follows an almost chapter-like setup, flowing seamlessly between sections labelled “Intuition,” “Denial,” “Anger,” “Apathy,” “Emptiness,” “Accountability,” “Reformation,” “Forgiveness,” “Resurrection,” “Hope,”

suffers from emotional outbursts.

Despite the television series being based on a true story, “Crazy Eyes” is depicted extremely different from her real life inspiration.

Unlike the woman on whom she is based, not only does “Crazy Eyes” have stereotypical traits that we commonly associate with mental illness, but she’s also presented as a black woman, while her real life inspiration is Caucasian.

At first glance, it is very easy to dismiss “Crazy Eyes” as comedic relief within the cutthroat environment of Litchfield Penitentiary, but simultaneously, her name alone portrays the stigmatization of mental illness that has become inherent in pop culture. Reflecting on how she is constantly misunderstood and viewed as inferior, Crazy Eyes says, “I should have answered the questions in the reverse of how I felt. The opposite of me is better.”

All too often, not only do we label the real-life mentally ill with negative characteristics because of the media’s portrayal, but we heavily stereotype mental illness by visualizing the mentally ill as disproportionately African American.

This racialization of mental illness, which has been encouraged by the media, historically had profound effects on already oppressed and marginalized communities by delegitimizing protests against oppressive social structures. For example, with the end of slavery, schizophrenia diagnoses increased among the black community, not because the members were at any increased risk for the disease, but because mental illness was used as a weapon to continue to dismiss people of this community.

Today’s media must take into account how drastically the racialization of mental illness can affect minority groups.

The media frequently portrays women with mental illnesses as intent and conscious of their choices. Their actions are often portrayed as malicious rather than stemming from an illness in which the audience should sympathize with. However, at the same time, men with almost identical traits are often portrayed as admirable protagonists who are conquering their illness.

In the film “Gone Girl” (2014), when Amy Elliot Dunne marries Nick Dunne, her life seems to be finally shaping up. Yet, when Amy finds that Nick is cheating on her, she puts her grand scheme for retaliation in motion.

Amy’s character represents the skewed social attitudes about mental illness and women because no one can really pinpoint whether she suffers from narcissistic personality disorder or if she is simply a woman scorned.

Either way, Amy is presented as a psychopath who remains unconcerned by how her actions affect anyone around her as long as she

is still cast in the spotlight. Despite her husband Nick’s infidelity and abuse, the viewer often is sympathetic to his situation, while easily disregarding Amy’s pain and motivation.

When mentally ill white males are depicted in pop culture, their personalities are viewed as relatable to the human condition.

White males have been cast for roles from serial killer Dexter to beloved stockbroker Jordan Belfort, and both are highly intelligent and exude charisma.

In another instance, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film “Psycho” (1960) presents Norman Bates, a schizophrenic white man who can only be described as creepy and scary. Yet, mentally ill white males who are presented in pop culture with these negative traits are treated as outliers and specified cases, and these traits are viewed as not intrinsic because of their gender or race.

That said, mental illness is not always portrayed in a negative light in pop culture. Lana Del Rey sculpts suicide as a romantic and ethereal experience as she croons in “In the Sun,” “Baby, couldn’t stop, it was suicide/ Headed for a cliff, eyes open wide.” Such glamorous lyrics have teens yearning to have a disorder, especially depression.

Christine Jegarl / The Spectator

Yet what the media often fails to present is that depression isn’t solely overwhelming emotions of angst, but can feel like nothing.

The media takes the terror out of mental illness. Of course, we shouldn’t regress to a state where mental illness is a taboo, but we do need to become aware of the depth and many faces of mental illness, instead of allowing it to remain behind the pictures of pills that are tagged “#beautiful,” “#softgrunge,” and “#romantic” on our Tumblr dashboards.

The next time we engage with pop culture concerning mental illness, it is important that we take note of how it depicts these circumstances and who it depicts. At the end of the day, our discussion oftentimes reinforces or resists the stereotypes and stigmas surrounding mental illness. We must reject our ideas about mental illness and truly educate ourselves on mental illnesses and the very real effects they have on lives.

Similarly, both casting directors and celebrities alike must think about whether their actions are furthering the romanticization and stereotypes that surround mental illness. Singers like Del Rey need to understand that their audience is comprised of teenagers, who are often blindly trying to emulate the words, choices, and actions of their musical idols, without truly understanding the consequences that follow.her most vulnerable self and emerges with newfound respect from viewers and listeners alike in a stunning display of power, sensuality, playfulness, and a kind of wisdom and understanding that transcends the music.

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 28

Arts and Entertainment Film

By Ben Shapiro There should be a new ratings system for movies called “BC.” This would not keep teens out of movies, like the “R” system, but specifically invite us to see a movie “Before Critics” write up their opinion about a film and ruin it for everybody.

Often, American film critics don’t find the same things funny as high school students. And they want everything to have some hidden English elective film class meaning, while we just want to laugh.

I suspect that is part of the reason that comedic actor Ricky Gervais is one of the first big name stars to release his movies directly to Netflix in the US instead taking the usual movie theater route. His newest film is “David Brent: Life On the Road” (2016), about his character on “The Office” TV se-

Film

By Emily Xu

ries becoming a rock star. Gervais is going to put it on Netflix first in the US, while it premieres in British theaters for the UK audiences.

This the second time he is going with Netflix first for his American audience. Given the way the American critics unfairly ravaged his other Netflix film, Gervais is wise to give his movies over to the populist home viewing movie fan, who is willing to select something that catches his/her eye, without consulting the critics.

A few months ago, I saw the premiere of Gervais’s new film, “Special Correspondents” at the Tribeca Film Festival. It’s about two radio journalists who lose their plane tickets and passports on their way to cover a war in Ecuador. In an attempt to fake their news coverage, they set up a makeshift recording studio in the upstairs room at an Ecuadorian restaurant in New York and, with the

help of some computer-generated Worst of all… just one tomato war sound effects, they pull it off. from Rotten Tomatoes.

The Tribeca audience loved the Were we watching the same film and laughed straight through, film? which is why I was gobsmacked Clearly, there is a disconnect when I read the intensely negative between the viewer response to the reviews from US film critics. film and the critics. The press gets “I l l - c o n c e i v e d behind Gervais’ acerbic satire marks a wit when it is directcareer low for ed toward celebw r i t e r- d i re c rities and corpotor-star Ricky rate America. But Gervais,” said there is a “dish it the Hollywood out but can’t take Reporter. it” quality to the “G e r v a i s American media offers up a and they simply plot as condon’t like a movtrived as his ie that seems to toothy ‘savcriticize them. age grin,’” and, I r o n i c a l l y, “Gervais to drop after the movie, one of his biggest Gervais was asked bad-taste bombs by a journalist if he yet,” said Screen was making a stateDaily. ment about the lack Lynne Wang / The Spectator

To Do Justice

tures of the victims still hang on the walls like perverse decorations. As Pheng walks through the museum’s halls, Siv masterfully encapsulates the internal conflict plaguing him, focusing on the way his jaw twitches and the way his eyes are hard as he looks at the photographs.

In the end, however, it is not the court that brings justice to the Cambodian American survivors.

It’s the son of the killer, the very one who stood by his father’s side when the audience first meets him. And Siv, who traveled to Cambodia in hopes of understanding the history that unfolded when he was a young boy, also develops as a character.

As someone who didn’t know about the Khmer Rouge or was even

Cheap-Ass Food Tandoor Palace

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When we think of Indian food, we usually expect one thing: flavor. Tandoor Palace not only delivers on that, but also provides quality food at a cheap price.

2 Piece Vegetable Samosa Price: $5 This boldly-flavored vegetable samosa costs half as much as it does at most places and will satisfy you with both its affordability and its deliciousness.

Naan Price: $3 This naan is perfect for bread-lovers. It’s soft, buttery, and a little bit sour.

Any dessert < $5 For the “grand finale,” all the desserts are the perfect balance of sugary sweet, refreshingly cool, and shockingly cheap—none go over $5.

Courtesy of Cliff Hutson

aware that a mass genocide had taken place in Cambodia two generations before me, I considered Siv’s documentary to be a revelation. It delves into the past, present, and future of the country. Siv rightfully recognizes that the past cannot be changed, but it must be used to educate future leaders.

As Sarit Bay said, “It’s not about us personally. It’s about the next generation. We want them to know the Khmer Rouge leaders were wrong.”

Inevitably, the importance of generation is heavily underlined in “Daze of Justice.” Siv’s own mother Teddy refused to talk about the genocide with him for years. And, as seen in the film, many other survivors are unwilling to break the silence.

But Siv asks the important question: “Why can’t I talk about it?” With his documentary, he has

Food

Courtesy of Keep Recipespes

Yujie Fu / The Spectator

opened up an ever-important intermediate between the generation that went through the Khmer Rouge reign and the generations that will wonder about it.

Along with this theme, the universality of pain is also skillfully incorporated by Siv, who produced, directed, wrote, and edited the film.

Unexpectedly at one point, Pheng breaks down in front of the Cambodian Americans. He confesses, “Even me, the son of a Khmer Rouge, have suffered too because of that history.” This humanization of Pheng is monumentally important in helping the survivors achieve closure.

Siv knows exactly what the audience needs to see to truly understand the journeys of the victims. At Choeung Ek, a mass gravesite also called the Killing Fields, Marie Chea cries for her sister and mother, who were killed by the Khmer Rouge. Though this scene is hard-hitting and almost impossible to watch, Siv rightfully includes it in his documentary. Marie’s raw emotions cut to the very hearts of the audience, and make them pray along with the survivors that the victims will finally be granted justice after thirty-five years of silence.

One of the most refreshing things about “Daze of Justice” is that it does not focus on any sole survivor seeking justice. For the most part, attention is dispersed among the Cambodian Americans, who each have their own stories. This impartial spotlight is highly symbolic; it represents how the country cannot heal until every single citizen is healed.

Unfortunately, as of August 2016, there are no resources online to watch the documentary.

However, it was screened at the Asian American International Film Festival on July 24, 2016. Additionally, Siv has won several indie film awards for “Daze of Justice.” Even though Siv is not well-known as a filmmaker, he has stitched together this moving, tragic story of Cambodian Americans on the search for closure, years after the Khmer Rouge genocide and accompanied by the most unlikely of acquaintances Siv’s noteworthy documentary delivers the unembellished feelings of five people greatly affected by the actions of Pol Pot and his Communist party. There are no double takes, no rehearsing of reactions— just grief, sympathy, and joy exactly as they are experienced.

of authenticity in the American press. He assured her that the media connection was just a backdrop for the story. He said his true message is that people are getting too desperate for fame and that the line between famous and infamous has been erased, claiming that, “People will display an open sore just to get media attention.”

Gervais wasn’t out to complain about the press, after all. He just wanted to make people laugh.

Though that is quite enough for the likes of me, a worn-out student taking a break for a week, and though it was enough for the Friday night goodtime audience at the Tribeca Film Festival, the press needed this movie to be something more than it is intended to be.

Surely, they jest.

Check out “Special Correspondents” on Netflix and let me know what you think.

Courtesy of Su’s Recipes

No one wants to talk about it.

Not even filmmaker Michael Siv’s mother, Theodora “Teddy” Yoshikami, who lived through it. And in Long Beach, California, home to the country’s largest Cambodian community, less than a handful of people are open to reliving their experiences and attending the trial against three Khmer Rouge officials. This case, Case 002, and the journeys of the brave Cambodian Americans, are the subjects of the stellar independent documentary “Daze of Justice.”

In the late 1970s, Khmer Rouge, the Communist party in Cambodia, under the leadership of Pol Pot, was responsible for the genocide of nearly two million of its own people. The Chairman of the Khmer Rouge was Kaing Guek Eav, also known as “Duch.” Under his rule, a school was turned into a high-security prison, where thousands of men, women, and children were killed.

Siv experienced the Khmer Rouge firsthand.

However, he escaped Cambodia with his mother, Teddy, when he was five years old, leaving behind the rest of his family. His reunion with his brother and father after more than 20 years is captured in Spencer Nakasako’s documentary “Refugee” (2003).

Now with his video camera, Siv films the story with professor Leakhena Nou as she searches Long Beach for survivors who are willing to talk about their suffering and testify in court. Many are shocked and not immediately ready to open up about the memories they have tried to forget, but, in the end, Leakhena is left with five people: Sophany Bay and her husband Sarit Bay, Sarem Noeu, Marie Chea, and Siv’s own mother, Teddy.

The Cambodian Americans’ journey takes the most unusual twist when Hong Sui Pheng accompanies them to the trials and ceremonies. Pheng is the son of Duch, the very man who ran a prison and slaughtered 12 thousand people within its walls.

Though Pol Pot is dead and Duch was sentenced to life in prison, the remnants of their unspeakable reign are still in Cambodia. The former high school turned prison still stands, though it is now known as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The original beds and chains are still in the rooms, and the pic-

How Can They Trash Ricky Gervais?

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 29

Arts and Entertainment Get a Life: The Cultured Edition

Events Calendar

14

Wednesday

ONGOING

Film screening “Harlem International Film Festival”

Art Show “A Photographic History: 1843 to the Present” Brooklyn Museum

Television Premiere “American Horror Story” Season 6 Premiere

September

Play “Sense & Sensibility” The Gym at Judson

Thursday

Art Show “Rembrandt’s First Masterpiece” Morgan Library and Museum Until 9/18/2016

Fashion Show New York Fashion Week Lincoln Center Until 9/15/2016

Netflix’s new original series, “Stranger Things,” is a mix of scifi, fantasy, and ‘80s heaven. The show follows a government conspiracy and the disappearance of Will Byers in 1983. The series stars Winona Ryder (known for her role in “Edward Scissorhands” and “Beetlejuice”), and David Harbour. It was created and directed by the Duffer brothers, who are known for directing sci-fi and horror movies and shows.

The show follows Hawkins, Indiana as strange things occur in the seemingly average small town. Neighborhood boy Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) disappears, leading his friends and family on a wild goose chase involving strange visions, electricity, a parallel universe, and the appearance of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), a young girl made into a government experiment. The mystery entraps the people of Hawkins.

Surprisingly, the standout performances came from the entourage of younger actors. Brown, especially, does an outstanding

art show

“Proust’s Muse” Television Premier Parade “Steuben Parade” The Museum at FIT “Once Upon A Until 9/24/2016 Time” 5th Ave Season 6 Premiere

film screening

“Blair Witch Sequel” Select Theaters FOOD FESTIVAL “New York Coffee Festival” 69th Regiment Armory Until 9/18/2016

21

Wednesday

24

film screening

“Urbanworld Film Festival” C 34th St. Theater and SVA Theatre Until 9/25/2016

SAturday art show

“Free Museum Day” Select Museums

Evan Hansen Is The Anxious Teen We Needed in Theater

interpret Evan’s letter as Connor’s suicide note. Evan develops a lie about being Connor’s secret best friend, which spirals into a movement against suicide called The Connor Project. As the audience watches the movement unfurl on social media websites brilliantly projected onto the stage, we watch Evan deal with his newfound popularity and how he keeps his secret from his overworked mother and his crush.

Despite Evan’s deception, his morality is complex, and the story often features his own conscience, represented by Connor himself, debating whether he is doing this for the Murphys or just to milk his long-awaited peer recognition. Many of the characters in the show have similarly complicated morals.

While Evan’s friend Jared is often very rude to Evan and acts obligated to be his friend rather than genuinely interested, he does help Evan forge past emails between Evan and Connor, depicted in the comical song “Sincerely, Me.” His classmate Alana, who creates The Connor Project, comes across less as a genuine social activist and more as an overachiever

using Connor’s death and Evan’s input for brownie points. Zoey Murphy, while still falling into the territory of “obligatory love interest” for Evan at times, gets a beautiful moment in the song “Requiem” where she questions whether she should mourn the brother that routinely abused her.

This musical is significant in how it discusses mental illness

Christine Jegarl / The Spectator

and how it is treated in the media.

Connor and Evan, two mentally ill outcasts with different living situations and coping mechanisms, prevent the “aggressive and scary” or “shy and awkward” stereotypes from representing mental illness by presenting them simultaneously.

The Murphy family as a whole brilliantly showcases the different perspectives a family has when dealing with a mentally ill child: the mother coddled Connor without discipline, the father was too aggressive and didn’t take him, and the sister distanced herself from Connor altogether. Evan’s fake perspective on Connor as a truly good child forces them to question the way they treated him and whether he loved them underneath his aggression. (Whether Connor really did love his family, however, is impossible for the audience to decipher, as we barely see any scenes of him with them, especially positive ones.)

Evan, however, offers a look into the actual life of a teenager living with depression and anxiety and his relationship with his peers and mother. Heartbreakingly, Evan worries he is an embarrassment

and burden to his mother, and that she would rather he be normal. Platt conveys Evan’s constant neuroses very well, with even his singing voice sounding confused and desperate, but nevertheless melodic and powerful. The treatment of Connor’s suicide satirizes how people without mental illness sensationalize and monetize suicide, particularly how Alana, who barely knew Connor, declares herself president of his memorial to feed her own ego.

“Dear Evan Hansen” frames powerful character development in a plot that keeps building until it hits its inevitable climax. The messages regarding mental illness, however, stuck with me most. It’s rare to see mental disorders portrayed well in musical theater (the only popular example coming to mind being “Next to Normal”), and juxtaposing two families’ experiences with it while keeping the mentally ill characters very distinct is a great step towards familiarizing the public with different viewpoints. It fits well into a Broadway season that has already offered shows with diverse casts and hopefully will continue doing so, especially regarding neurodiversity.

“Stranger Things:” A Sci-Fi Thriller Wrapped in ‘80s Nostalgia

Television

By Nusheen Ghaemi

sunday

SAturday

FRIDAY

8

Theater

Social conformity, understanding others, and the digital age all play major parts in the lives of teenagers today. This is why the new musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” moving to Broadway in December after a sold-out run at the Second Stage Theater, is so relatable and moving to the contemporary audience. The show explores two different families, both struggling with their children, brought together by a misunderstanding that blows up into a national movement.

The protagonist, Evan Hansen (Ben Platt from “Pitch Perfect”), is socially incapacitated, and through his rambling, somewhat pathetically comedic manner of speech, he manages to charm the audience, even if he cannot charm his schoolmates. After the first day of school reminds him of his loneliness, he writes a letter to himself.

His unstable weed-smoking classmate, Connor Murphy, takes the letter from Evan and keeps it when he reads the part about Evan’s love for Connor’s sister Zoey. The next day, Connor’s parents beg to speak with Evan, revealing Connor killed himself that night, and they mis-

25

FRIDAY

16

Musical “Cagney the Musical” Westside Theatre Upstairs Until 9/25/2016

By Jenna Bawer

23

17

job of portraying her character’s development despite the fact that she has few substantial lines.

Eleven begins the series as a timid, scared girl, but, by the end of the series, she sacrifices herself and faces her fears.

Three neighborhood boys overcome obstacles in their search for their lost friend while managing to tell a captivating tale of friendship. Each character brings

Emily Wu / The Spectator

something different to the group: Lucas is the skeptic, Mike is the idealist, and Dustin is the logical one. It is hard not to fall in love with their charismatic, emotional performances.

While Ryder’s performance as Joyce Byers—whose son, Will, is missing—is poignant and emotional, I was much more invested in the younger characters. Though good performances are expected of veterans like Ryder, because the story itself relies heavily on the younger characters, their stellar performances shine brighter.

The show works because not one of the main characters is onedimensional. Even the bad boy, asshole character is given depth.

All the characters go on their own rollercoasters of emotions as they grapple with understanding what is happening around them. The Duffer brothers dedicate screen time to developing even the seemingly minor characters, even if it doesn’t seem to contribute to the overarching story—a storytelling technique reminiscent of “Twin Peaks” (1990-91).

The effort the Duffer broth-

ers made in directing the series is clear—any viewer can see how each shot is very deliberate and precise. The series weaves together many recurring themes and motifs, such as the use of “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash, which works to contextualize the series in time. However, it also helps symbolize the plight of many of the characters who are unfulfilled and unhappy living in a small town.

Another more subtle theme is the recurring use of grid patterns in many of the scenes. This is meant to represent a prison, which further symbolizes the town. The show has been called an homage to Steven Spielberg and Stephen King, but it contains a plethora of other references to “The Goonies,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Alien,” among others. While sometimes it seems the show has too many references, it retains its originality through character development and interactions.

Though “Stranger Things” is a story about a fantastical (and creepy) creature, and a young girl who can move things with her

mind, the show manages to stay grounded in reality. While there is never a straightforward explanation for the show’s parallel world called “The Upside Down,” the storytelling manages to bring the world and its monster to life.

For the majority of the show, the world remains mysterious and keeps its intrigue. We only gain more information as the characters do, and it is a gradual reveal.

However, we are still left with enough questions at the end of Season 1 to keep interest in what will happen in Season 2.

The synth-pop theme song, dynamic characters, and compelling story work together to make “Stranger Things” an original hit.

“Stranger Things” manages to appeal to a wide variety of viewers, and hook them into its weird, horrific, yet charming worlds. A show worth binge-watching, “Stranger Things” is only one of Netflix’s ventures into the past with the recent releases of a new show “The Get Down,” which takes place in the 1970s, and a reboot of the 80’s sitcom “Full House” (“Fuller House”).

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 30

Arts and Entertainment Film

By Eliana Kavouriadis One of this year’s hottest summer blockbusters was both a heartwarming throwback and a refreshing step forward for female representation in comedy and film. A female-led reboot of the classic 1984 movie “Ghostbusters” graced the big screen with four of the current industry’s most talented female comics—Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, and Kristen Wiig—as the new ghostbusters.

Though the film received passionate opposition from some bitter fans of the original “Ghostbusters,” the remake’s exceptional cast, hilarious one-liners, and epic ghost-fighting scenes made it a hit.

The movie begins with Erin Gilbert (Wiig), a physics professor at Columbia University, reuniting with a past friend, Abby Yates (McCarthy). Joined by Abby’s assistant, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann (McKinnon), and later by MTA worker Patty Tolan (Jones), the ladies begin a career of ghostbusting and paranormal research. Soon they discover a looming threat and realize that the fate of New York City—and possibly the world—lies in their hands.

Although the ghostbusters deal with matters of life and death, nuclear reactors, and powerful supernatural forces, the movie never loses its light-hearted tone. The film balances action-packed, special effects-heavy fighting sequences with upbeat hilarity in a way that is unique to the “Ghostbusters” franchise. As it did in the original, the reboot’s flashy animation, abundance of slime, and setting of a ghost-illuminated New York City provided an excellent backdrop for climactic action scenes.

Proton packs, or large steel backpacks containing the latest of ghostbusting technology, were

Ghostbusters: Friendship, Hilarity, and a Lot of Slime

used again, as were several other gadgets featured in the 1984 film.

Of course, the reboot added some new gadgets, which were created on a whim by Holtzmann’s chaotic brilliance.

The original and the reboot differed more in comedy than in spectacle. In the reboot, a few jokes did fall flat, but the comedic genius flying off of the walls in every scene— in the form of high quality, yet absurd cheesy slapstick—more than compensated. Like the original, the reboot’s cast was composed of well-established comedians with strong personalities and heavy ties to “Saturday Night Live.”

Wiig and McCarthy as the two leads had a dynamic that was everything you would expect from those two comedians in particular. Add Jones’s brash, deadpan wit into the mix and out comes a whirlwind of hilarity, sass, and sharp dialogue.

However, it was McKinnon who gave the most mesmerizing performance. Her performance as lovable oddball Dr. Jillian Holtzmann was eye-catching, complex, and memorable. Although Holtzmann does not have many lines, McKinnon’s improvisational choices were unpredictable and iconic, creating some of the most memorable moments in the movie.

One such moment is when she dramatically licks a gun before using it, and another is when she dances unabashedly in front of Erin—whom she shows clear romantic interest in throughout the film—while holding lit blow torches.

Minor characters like the ghostbusters’ secretary, Kevin (Hemsworth), and Cecily Strong’s character also hit every comedic beat.

Ultimately, under the direction of Paul Feig, the “Ghostbusters” (2016) writers and cast were able to create something original. The

Crossword

script, written by Feig and Katie Dippold, also adds a fresh femaleoriented flair to “Ghostbusters.”

For instance, the four ladies are frequently shut down due to their gender, and they have to go the extra mile to prove themselves.

Not all of the sexism the ghostbusters face is subtle: the film’s main antagonist makes blatantly misogynistic remarks, as do random internet commentators. One comment on a video they post online reads “Ain’t no bitches gonna hunt no ghosts!” Along with the

ated many. This anger quickly became prevalent on numerous social media platforms and stirred a large controversy covered by many news outlets during the time of the film’s promotion.

Ultimately, the controversy that unfolded goes to show that representing women in this unconventional way is a significant milestone in popular film. As McKinnon mentioned in a “Ghostbusters” interview, although the film industry likes to pride itself for being progressive, it often lags be-

Karen Lai / The Spectator

floating phantasms plaguing the city, casual sexism is treated as another hurdle that these ladies have to overcome.

Sadly, the sexism in the film is similar to the sexism the film itself faces. The official trailer was bombarded by dislikes and angry comments communicating an extreme opposition to female ghostbusters.

The fact that female characters not created for the male gaze, not doing traditionally feminine things, nor even having romantic plotlines were to lead a blockbuster infuri-

hind social progress due to a fear of taking financial risks.

However, regarding societal progress, it was worth the risk. This film appeals to an audience who doesn’t often get to see themselves onscreen.

Young girls and women over 40 alike can be inspired by a story of female physicists and engineers that are persevering in order to save their city—a story told through experiences relatable to them and with jokes specifically geared towards them.

Another element to this film that appealed to women in particular was the heartwarming tale of female friendship. In the words of Dippold, “Ghostbusters” was largely about “four weirdos coming together to form a club and learning to belong to each other.”

While there was a little animosity among the ladies, sisterhood was a valuable part of their relationship, and was integral to the film’s plot. This element of sisterhood is comparable to the element of brotherhood in the 1984 “Ghostbusters,” but the sisterhood in the reboot was stronger, because the film was meant to be uplifting and empower women.

Ultimately, the movie successfully delivers the distinct combination of luminescent special effects and SNL comedians cracking jokes about science and the supernatural that mainstream audiences fell so deeply in love with 32 years ago.

Moreover, it delivers this combination with an entirely new, more progressive spin that celebrates ladies of varying age, background, body type, race, and sexual orientation.

This film was not created to critique or rival the 1984 classic, but rather to pay homage to it by bringing a different perspective to the “Ghostbusters” franchise. Cameos of the original ghostbusters appear throughout the reboot as a respectful nod to the original comedy that has wowed and inspired several generations.

The reboot will hopefully have the same impact on the younger generation and the generations to follow, inspiring future female comedians and scientists alike.

While both films are comedic masterpieces, the most recent “Ghostbusters” also acknowledges the immensely important and understated fact that hey—girls can do this stuff, too!

Back-to-School

ACROSS Across 1. Our old principal 3. People think Stuy students are always...

5. Main attraction of the sixth floor (no, not the sophomore bar) 7. The dreaded month we all return here 9. Our new Math AP! 12. The poor gorilla that was killed when a threeyear-old climbed into his cage :(

Answers for Issue 1

Across 1. ZHANG 3. STRESSED 5. LIBRARY 7. SEPTEMBER 9. JOHNSON 12. HARAMBE

1. Best bagels around Stuy 2. AKA Gourmet Market 3. Blackboards are a thing of the past, now we use this 4. Stuy holds a fair for these activities/papers at the beginning of the year 6. The cooliest school newspaper around 8. Our new principal 10. Muji sells really cute types of this item 11. Hopefully you won’t see too many wheely ones..

Down 1. ZUCKERS 2. FERRYS 3. SMARTBOARD 4. CLUBSPUBS 6. SPECTATOR 8. CONTRERAS 10. NOTEBOOK 11. BACKPACK

DOWN

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 31

Arts and Entertainment Video games

By Benjamin Shapiro

may be giving way to a whole new ”walkaround” video game genre.

Not only does it seem to be twisting the world from whence it came, but it’s bringing about some actual difference in the physical world, which is something that has almost never been accomplished with other large video game franchises.

My own experience with the game was nothing short of what you hear in the many fun and positive accounts everywhere online. Playing with my good friend, junior Sam Ramos, I embarked on a three-and-a-half hour journey that taught me exactly why this game is so massively successful.

We started our journey going through the quick tutorial and catching a Charmander, which we agreed was a good choice.

Mere minutes into our adventure, we were already gripped by a decision. Which direction to walk? North, toward Stuy, or east, toward the Brooklyn Bridge? Both directions seemed promising, the in-game map displaying groups and groups of bright pink lures.

A critical decision, however: one location could bring us glory, yet the other could bring us annoyance and some overly abundant Magikarp.

As we played, the game continuously taunted us by inform-

All episodes of the highly anticipated fourth season of “Orange is the New Black” came to Netflix this June, bringing back the superb acting, skillful storytelling, and heart-pumping drama that has come to be expected of the show. Within the confines of 13 episodes, Season 4 was able to deliver a layered narrative up to par with, if not better than, those present in previous seasons. It included the same lighter, more comedic aspects that gave Season 1 its edgy humor.

Anyone who found themselves enthralled with the character dynamics, carefully crafted backstories, and tremendous performances that made the previous seasons of “Orange is the New Black” a success, would be just as impressed with the fourth installment.

This season went in new directions, bringing in aspects of the Black Lives Matter move-

er beyond simply giving people something to do and further popularizing the Pokémon franchise. This game actually made people go out of their way to walk around, and actually gave people either the courage or the motivation to interact with complete strangers for one simple, common cause.

That may seem trivial to those who didn’t grow up in Manhattan, but this is the first time I ever saw groups of strangers going out of their way to help other people whom they were competing with. This experience made me feel better about our society in general. If watch the news, you would think we are a city of violence, racism, and homophobia.

But when you play Pokémon GO, it seems like most everyone has a friendly, cooperative side.

Now that this side had been revealed by the hit game, it became apparent that, if translated into a larger, more meaningful scale, this deep ability of many to treat strangers better than, well, strangers, could be used to really improve our world. I know all of this seems silly, coming from an experience I had in some mobile game, but just think about it. If people can do so well together for such a small cause, with enough effort, don’t you think this could

be projected onto larger issues? If you think big enough, it’s totally possible.

So, Pokémon GO. A revolutionary game idea? Just another fad? Or is it something bigger?

Something that can demonstrate the best side of humanity that secretly exists under the surface?

Is it just something to waste a little bit of time on the subway, or is it the start of the emergence of a better part of society and a better way of getting things accomplished? That’s up for you to decide.

“Orange is the New Black’s” Fourth Season

Television

By Zovinar Khrimian

ing us of rare Pokémon nearby, which then translated into us having to make more of these decisions. Though a player could always go back in the other direction, the game seems to lure you further in the other direction with more promises of rare and fresh Pok‎éStops, where we could stock up on items and log new locations in our achievements.

We ended up going toward Stuy and finding a bunch of Magikarp.

Figures.

Though we didn’t find anything good on the trip to Stuyvesant, we encountered something on our way back that really showed me what this game could do besides entertain. In a group of four lures clustered closely together in our very own Nelson A. Rockefeller Park, Sam and I found dozens upon dozens of people sitting around. At first, we thought it was just some normal evening in the park, until I heard someone call out, “There’s a Haunter over here!” and then, “Oh, there’s an Eevee over here!”

We quickly realized that this was an unofficial gathering of Pokémon GO players that we had only stumbled across due to the sheer amount of lures active in the area.

I realized something more: this game really does have pow-

Courtesy of souvenirs.nyc

Pokémon GO wasn’t on the minds of many of us, or really any of us here in the U.S. before it came out in early July. I remember waking up that Wednesday morning, July 6, like it was any other usual morning. I got on the computer and saw a single article announcing the release of Nintendo’s latest craze. In a mere few hours, the game spread faster than wildfire. I’d never seen something catch on that fast.

When I got back on the computer a few hours later, that one article had bloomed into dozens upon dozens of raves and reviews. If this isn’t the epitome of popularity, I don’t know what is.

There are few things adored by gamers and geeks that can cross from their realm into the world of mainstream entertainment. Pokémon, definitely, is one of those few things. I have never seen something make such huge advances into the lives of “regular” people in all my years of being a certified video game addict.

It’s almost surreal.

I see people sitting next to me in the subway, clad in their expensive business suits or their classy blouses, playing this game.

This latest Pokémon game is changing everything; I think it

Pokémon GO and the Quest for World Peace

ment, incorporating racial dynamics that raise stakes between inmates at Litchfield Penitentiary. One of the central characters, Piper Chapman, finds herself accidentally stirring up white supremacists within the prison.

While there is an obvious seriousness surrounding this and how potentially dangerous it is for the inmates of color, the nature of Piper’s unlikely involvement provides a layer of comic relief to lighten the tension it creates. Furthermore, this storyline gives the women of color at Litchfield a chance to express their experiences with issues that had only ever been touched on before.

This series of events also contributes to a stronger foundation for the heated finale.

The idea of a prison riot was on the horizon for much of the season, often in response to the prison staff’s increasingly questionable practices of. The prison was privatized at the end of Sea-

Anika Hashem/ The Spectator

son 3, and the following series of changes dramatically decreased the inmates’ quality of life.

Along with this season’s discussion of racial conflict, the critique of the private prison system became part of this season’s social commentary. This not only served to encourage a critical look at a flawed justice system, but also allowed for dynamic character development among the prison staff, especially that of the commissioner, Joe Caputo.

Because of his position of power at Litchfield, Caputo faced challenges that created ethical conflicts for the audience to ponder alongside this pivotal character.

The closing episodes of Season 4 became engulfed in tragedy when the prison finally erupted in a riot, and, in the chaos, a correctional officer accidentally suffocated a young black inmate.

While the lack of intention was clear, and the CO in question is often referred to as “one of the good ones” due to his consistent respect for the inmates, the inmate died because of his negligence and lack of training.

We struggle with the characters as they face the tragedy, unclear about who’s to blame. The situation at least partially addresses the real-life concerns of dealing with malpractice at the hands of officers in the justice department.

However, the show does not address the brutality and racial profiling that dominates debate on this issue. In addition, many activists are outraged because they feel that this inmate’s death wasn’t necessary, and that the show (whose writers are mainly white) was exploiting “black death” for shock value.

That said, the inmate’s death is more than just gratuitous tragedy. It leaves us with grey areas to contemplate.

The interpersonal and internal conflicts that try nearly every major character were key in creating tension at Litchfield Penitentiary. The underlying conflict between the inmates and the prison personnel was ever-pres-

ent, making the divisions within the prison population second to the systemic flaw that dominated much of the inmates’ strife.

This was addressed by the idea of a “common enemy.” It seemed that the inmates were on the cusp of a riot for the majority of the season. Having to deal with

tchfield, the more relatable they become.

No matter what direction “Orange is the New Black” decides to take with the socially conscious material, it will certainly not be one-sided. Giving us a full scope of perspectives is part of what makes the storytell-

No matter the direction “Orange is the New Black” decides to take with their socially conscious material, it will certainly not be one sided. Giving us a full scope of perspectives is part of what makes the storytelling in “Orange is the New Black” so effective. constant abuse and inhumane treatment diminished the occasional confrontation between inmates. All the inmates needed was a final straw, which made its entrance during the penultimate episode.

Inevitably, the tension that mounted throughout the season was released, leaving us with a lot to absorb in anticipation for Season 5.

Themes that found their ways into the forefront of Season 4 are undoubtedly going to appear in Season 5. How these topics are integrated into the possible resolution of the conflicts that close Season 4 is dependent on the characters that approach them.

The format of “Orange is the New Black” facilitates our understanding of how varied perspectives can be, as no one character is the protagonist. Furthermore, as Season 4 proved, flashbacks have a remarkable ability to sway our opinions and impressions of the characters at Litchfield.

As we look back at how and why the characters ended up at Li-

ing in “Orange is the New Black” so effective.

Season 4 of “Orange is the New Black” triumphs in toying with our emotions, our relationships with the characters, and our understanding of what is true about Litchfield and those who reside there. There is nothing black and white about what happens within the prison walls.

Because of its striking finale, Season 5 could spin in any direction, bringing intense grief or overwhelming satisfaction to the viewers. Most likely, it will bring both, as “Orange is the New Black” won’t settle for simplicity. It is the complexity in every storyline that makes this show such a standout on the Netflix platform.

The chaos that marked the cliffhanger ending of Season 4 will inevitably come into play early in Season 5. But, as striking as the finale may have been, viewers will carry the softer, more tender moments of Season 4 equally close in anticipation of what comes next.

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 32

Arts and Entertainment Summer Film and TV Round-up

By The Arts & Entertainment DepartmenT

Whether you were in theaters watching bad sequels or lounging at home with Netflix originals, this summer’s on-screen scenes have probably kept you busy enough to not start those college essays. The Arts & Entertainment department’s critics share their take on movies and T.V. shows that came out over the summer. Ratings are out of five.

FINDing dory suicide squad

RATING:

By Tiffany Chen The highly anticipated sequel to “Finding Nemo” (2003) reaches its mark as a stunning, well-animated movie. With returning favorites, Nemo, Marlin, and Dory, along with new characters such as the pessimistic seven-legged octopus Hank, the film can make you giggle and cry at the same time. The film also touches on the struggles faced by those with disabilities. While these serious themes are difficult to execute while keeping the film kid-friendly, “Finding Dory” does a fine job with the touchy subject. All in all, it is an amazing stand-alone film and a solid sequel.

Taylor Choi/ The Spectator

Anika Hashem/ The Spectator

The Secret Life of Pets

RATING:

By Victoria Huang

RATING:

By Jongyoul Lee Unusual for a movie targeted at young children, “The Secret Life of Pets” features a homicidal bunny, an underground gang of animals, and a handicapped dog. Yet, instead of intimidating children, these unusual pets demonstrate the power of teamwork and forgiveness as they explore the vast city of New York. Filled with relatable moments for pet-owners, this cute film may not bring tears to everyone, but definitely draws laughter from the audience.

Vivian Ma/ The Spectator

stranger things

Despite a plot that had so much potential, “Suicide Squad” fails to meet expectations and instead inserts too many villains with very little actual violence. We follow a group of antiheroes as they are forced to take down a witch. If they disobey these orders, they die. Seems interesting, right? However, the most outstanding parts of the movie are Margot Robbie’s portrayal of the ditzy yet ethereal Harley Quinn and Will Smith’s performance as Deadshot. And those are only two of the ten supervillains in this movie.

Star Trek Beyond RATING:

By Julia Arancio

RATING:

By Sunny Zhao With a lot of television programs going on a seasonal hiatus, summer can be boring for avid fans. However, with a Netflix account, you can binge-watch the new original “Stranger Things.”

Set in the 1980s, this must-see brings that era back to life in acute detail. The show is like a mix of “10 Cloverfield Lane” and “Super 8.” Behind a seemingly mundane reality, a sinister aura and dark secrets have you constantly searching for answers. With an amazing story and cast, “Stranger Things” will leave you in awe of just how strange things are.

Anika Hashem/ The Spectator

I’ve never understood Sheldon Cooper’s obsession with “Star Trek,” and the thirteenth movie of the franchise has not changed my opinion. Despite trying to tackle challenging issues like aging and being a leader through the lense of Captain Kirk, the whole movie feels like a two hour-long action sequence.

Sadly, the film does not go “beyond” the restrictions of the genre––nor does it leave the audience with anything other than temporary amusement.

Christine Jegarl / The Spectator

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The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 33

Arts and Entertainment Naked and Famous

Music

By Cheyanne Lawrence Kanye West’s “Famous” music video, released on June 24, is reminiscent of an old horror movie, with an eerie nightvision lens panning slowly over the “sleeping” wax-figure bodies of George W. Bush, Donald Trump, Anna Wintour, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian West, Ray J, Amber Rose, Caitlyn Jenner, Bill Cosby, and himself.

West took a huge risk releasing this video, as the sexually suggestive arrangement of the bodies is almost as controversial as the nudity, which he defends by saying, “We were very careful with shots that had [something] sexual to take them out.”

The video was filmed over a period of three months and cycled through four different formats and several different collaborators, but most of the general public was understandably bewildered when it was released.

West describes “Famous” as “a comment on fame.” He sought to recreate Vincent Desiderio’s “Sleep” painting with a modern twist, and, in doing so, attempted to bridge the gap between hip hop and art. The use of wax figures to represent celebrities, arguably the most disturbing part of the video, thought-provokingly critiques the “exploitation” of celebrities.

West seems to be saying that under the sheets, without all the glitz and glamour, celebrities are just like us.

While he seems to have good intentions, the “Famous” video is still problematic. The most concerning part of the video is

Theater

By Nusheen Ghaemi July 9 marked almost a year after “Hamilton,” the smash-hit Broadway musical, premiered on Broadway. July 9 also marked the end of the original production’s actors’ one-year contract.

In light of this, several of the main actors have decided not to renew their contracts and are leaving the production.

that it perpetuates rape culture.

Some have criticized the video for romanticizing abuse. First, there is the presence of Bill Cosby, an alleged rapist, next to a sexual assault victim, Amber Rose. And Rihanna appears next to Chris Brown, who infamously physically assaulted her in 2007.

Sexual assault and physical abuse are issues that should not be treated lightly, especially by someone who’s been accused of misogyny to the degree West has.

Overall, he displays apparent entitlement to the naked female body, and subsequently, sex, in his lyrics and music video. The first lines of the song insinuate that Sw i f t o w e s him sex because he believes he made her successful.

West then places her naked body next to his in the music video. His relationship with Swift has always been troubled, but his showing Swift nude in his video is an extremely risky move.

Upon the song’s release, the line from “Famous,” “I made that bitch famous” caused quite a bit of controversy, and the subsequent events created a

Lin-Manuel Miranda Alexander Hamilton, ten-dollar founding father without a father Miranda has two upcoming projects with Walt Disney Studios, composing music for

Tiffany Zhong/ The Spectator

ring to “those people along the way who are going to try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame.”

In July 2016, Kim Kardashian posted a recording of the phone conversation between West and Taylor online, in which Swift can be heard approving West’s lyric, describing it as a “compliment” and a show of friendship.

Is this his version of revenge?

Whatever it is, it’s crude and uncomfortable. West has the responsibility of sending messages not only to a large platform, but to a young daughter who will have to grow up in a world he influences.

It is also possible, however, that these bodies were deliberately placed in this arrangement to point out to the public how difficult it is to be an abused celebrity under the constant scrutiny of the entire world and facing media backlash for simply speaking out.

Then, there are the legal issues. Can West be sued? And even if the law protects “Fa m o u s” as a work of art, does that still excuse his portrayal of nonconsenting women’s naked images? The fact that these are not their actual bodies does not make it acceptable.

West could have used his own (and his wife, Kim Kardashian’s) body in the “Famous” video, but he chose to take a risk and use ten other “famous” people, some of whom are strangers.

Therefore, any legal repercussions are his own fault.

The music video shocked me. Given that West is the post-

er child for shocking, I shouldn’t have been. He has taken huge risks in his career. He’s not afraid to interrupt live speeches on television or marry arguably the most controversial woman in Hollywood or hurt the paparazzi from time to time, so something like this is right up his alley. In the end, I think the risk was worth it.

In true Kanye fashion, this video and the ambiguous concept behind it straddles the line between brilliant and insane.

“Famous” is a solid song, mainly due to sampling of Sister Nancy’s dancehall song “Bam Bam” and featuring Nina Simone’s vocals, but it wouldn’t receive half the attention it does if it weren’t for the music video.

Maybe this is intentional on West’s part and we’re all falling for his marketing ploy––but West has referred to himself many times as an artist, even naming one of his albums after Pablo Picasso. Art isn’t supposed to be understood, and the ambiguity of “Famous” leaves the viewer uncertain of what he’s trying to say about the state of the contemporary celebrity and that may be the exact point.

Good art is risky, and no one in the music business has taken more risk than Kanye West.

Even being Kanye West is a risk.

But all those risks seem to have paid off. West shows that celebrities are more exposed than the average person by displaying the vulnerability of people normally seen as untouchable.

In “Famous,” he offers a glimpse into his world, the world of celebrities that might not be all that different from ours.

What Comes Next for Hamilton Stars? the animated film, “Moana” and starring in the “Mary Poppins” sequel, “Mary Poppins Returns.”

His “Hamilton” understudy, Javier Muñoz, will replace him on Broadway. However, Miranda has also assured fans that he will be reprising the role: “I have written this insane part that I can’t seem to get tired of, that is new every night. This is

“Hamilton” has already proved its popularity and with all these new productions planned, that popularity doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon.

For some of the actors, “Hamilton” was their Broadway debut, and even for the veterans, the show’s popularity has upped their profiles and opened new possibilities that they are now deciding to pursue. Just after the musical won 11 Tony awards and its popularity continues to rise, it loses many of its most important players.

hugely infamous scandal. West justified himself, saying “I called Taylor and had a hour long convo with her about the line and she thought it was funny and gave her blessings.”

In response, Swift’s spokesperson denied that West asked for her approval for the controversial lyric. In Swift’s 2016 Grammy Awards victory speech, she referenced the lyric, refer-

a role I will be going back to again and again. I know it feels like the end of the world to a very small number of people now, but I plan to revisit this role a lot.”

Phillipa Soo Elizabeth Schuyler, Hamilton’s wife Soo is starring in the musical adaption of the popular indie film “Amélie.” The show will be having its second production in Los Angeles in the winter, and then will come to Broadway next year.

Leslie Odom Jr. Aaron Burr, Hamilton’s arch

nemesis Odom currently has no upcoming big projects, but will be traveling and promoting his recently released solo jazz album.

He announced his departure on a livestream from Facebook, saying, “I’m excited to have a blank page again.” He added, “I’m excited to go out and find something new.”

Renée Elise Goldsberry Angelica Schuyler, Hamilton’s sister-in-law Goldsberry is set to star in a new Netflix original series in the fall. The show, “Altered Carbon,” is a 10-part sci-fi drama.

will begin, and later that year, the musical will head across the pond to London.

“Hamilton” has already proved its popularity, and, with all these new productions planned, that popularity doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon. This trend can be seen in the show’s ticket sales, because the tickets continue to be in high demand.

The show’s influence on pop culture is only growing. There is currently a

Daveed Diggs Marquis de Lafayette, Hamilton’s french ally during the Revolutionary War Thomas Jefferson, founding father and Hamilton’s political enemy Diggs has joined the season 3 cast of ABC’s series, “Blackish.” He is also reported to be starring alongside Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson in the movie, “Wonder.”

Furthermore, he will be starring in HBO’s sports doping mockumentary, “Tour de Pharmacy,” opposite Andy Samberg.

“Hamilton” itself is also moving on to much more: in spring of 2017, the production is going on a national tour.

In September, a Chicago run

Yujie Fu/ The Spectator

“Hamilton” mixtape in the works, which will include covers, interpolations, and songs cut from the final musical. The likes of Busta Rhymes, Queen Latifah, Regina Spektor, Common, and Chance the Rapper are contributing to the album.

This is not the first time the show has had to deal with actor changes. Since “Hamilton’s” off-Broadway debut at Public Theatre, the role of King George III has been replaced three times—Darcy James, Jonathan Groff, Andrew Reynolds, and now Rory O’Malley. The new cast announcements hold a lot of promise—all of them are experienced and acclaimed actors.

For those who are upset they will never get to see the original cast, Miranda has announced that the original production will be filmed, though he did not reveal how or when the footage will be released.

For “Hamilton,” the show will go on. But all those risks seem to have paid off. West shows that celebrities are more exposed than the average person by displaying the vulnerability of people normally seen as untouchable. In “Famous,” he offers a glimpse into his world, the world of celebrities that might not be all that different from ours.

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 34

Humor These articles are works of fiction. All quotes are libel and slander.

By Gilvir Gill and Shaina Peters

a good source of memes for the following weeks. It also inspired Kevin Durant to “Brexit” the Oklahoma City Thunder in a move that showed less companionship towards his former teammates than Brexit Leader Nigel Farage showed to the EU Parliament.

The next major political event was the Republican National Convention, a huge event, featuring well known stars such as Fear and Anxiety. And that one guy from Duck Dynasty. And also Scott Baio, I think.

On the first day, I was excited to see the cast. Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s wife, Melania Trump, gave a speech that intrigued me with her emotional story about growing up as a black girl in Chicago.

The second day was my personal favorite, because I skipped it to attend a chess tournament.

The third day, former presidential candidate Ted Cruz revealed to the world that he knew the word “conscience,” but Donald Trump one-upped him by proving he knew the phrase “People actually voted for me.”

We wish we could report on

Sometimes, it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on in the world, especially when there are much more interesting things to do, like ending hunger or catching Pokémon. However, if you’re confused, fret no more! The Humor Department is here to bring you up to speed.

This summer was an eventful one, smeared with political controversy, the 2016 Olympic Games, J. Cole going platinum without features, and the retirement of Yankees shortstop Alex Rodriguez.

To kick things off, Britain decided to leave the European Union (EU). The European Union, as British citizens would learn a day or so after leaving, was the politico-economic union of 28 member states located primarily in Europe. Shortly after this major change occurred, everyone talked about it, predicted England’s end, and just kind of forgot about the whole thing.

At the very least, the Referendum and its outcome became

the final day, but unfortunately, halfway through Trump’s speech, a black Muslim immigrant Hillary Clinton clone from Mexico broke into my house. Fortunately, the only things she stole was my job.

The Democratic National Convention and a leaked e-mail scandal occurred on the Democratic side, causing the chair of the Democratic National Committee to retire. But, as yet another liberal propaganda publication, The Spectator will not comment further on this.

When Hillary Clinton won the Democratic nomination in a very fair race against Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, she also announced her Vice President pick.

While Trump’s running mate Mike Pence introduced himself to the world by saying he’s a Christian, a Conservative, and a Republican, Tim Kaine introduced himself to the world by saying he’s not Mike Pence.

Outside of politics, Pokémon GO was released on July 6 and took the world by storm. Suddenly, people around the world were stepping out of their homes for the first time in years in hopes

Maszlo to Run for Principal

to do as principal. I want a puffy orange chair, though. Maybe I’ll ban homework?” Sandler said.

“I’d like to install carpets on all ten floors. I’ve gotten some pretty gnarly wounds from tripping everywhere, and I’d like to prevent such accidents from happening to my peers,” Bertfield said.

Rumour has it that large cardboard cutouts of Sandler’s face will be used to advertise the campaign.

Generous donations from the I Have Created This Club to Look Good For College Club and the Names That Start With M Are Cool Club have made the purchase of a small cardboard cutout of Sandler’s face possible. In addition, a donation box has been set up outside of room 222. All proceeds will go to upgrading Sandler’s cutout to a medium-sized board.

Maszlo backers will be gathering in front of the guidance counselor offices to protest Contreras’s appointment.

“This goes against the very principle of democracy. How can someone become principal be-

fore we vote him in?” senior Jeffrey Wang said. “We should at least have a Rock-Paper-Scissors match before we let the new guy in!”

The movement has gained much support, and many with little to no prior knowledge of Maszlo are now interested.

“Yeah, I’m not really sure which one’s president and which one’s vice president,” senior Benson Li said. “’Principal Maszlo’ sounds way better than ‘Principal Contreras,’ though.”

However, it seems that not all students are so apathetic. Much of the student body is interested in Bertfield’s carpeting plan. In addition, as many as half of the supporters want Stuyvesant’s water to be dyed different colors.

Although Contreras has not yet commented on Maszlo’s intention to become principal, he does agree that he’ll make an excellent waterboy. The long-time teacher intends to support creating a colorful drinking supply, even if he is unable to act as principal.

Phone Ban to be Lifted for Pokémon GO

By Mihad Khondker

The administration has lifted the ban on cell phones because much of the faculty—Assistant Principal of Student Affairs Brian Moran, especially—is addicted to Pokémon GO, the mobile game sensation that came out on July 6.

“With everyone playing Pokémon GO, it’s impossible to distinguish students from teachers,” Moran said. “Wouldn’t it be embarrassing for me to attempt to snatch

at the Olympics were underwater hockey, reposting memes about Harambe the Gorilla, and fixing poverty in Brazil.

And, finally, school has started. We have new freshmen, new classes, and a new principal. The programming office, however, has not changed and will continue denying requests from last year.

Political Rallies Appear Suspiciously Close to Pokéstops

a phone, only to find out that it belonged to chemistry teacher Gabriel Ting?”

The student body is enthusiastic about the end of phone confiscations.

“I’ve been eyeing that Magikarp nest here for a while, but now that I’m allowed to use my phone whenever I want to, I can finally save up for a Gyarados,” sophomore David Ramasammy said.

New principal Eric Contreras also admires the new plan, since he

had spent all his time going to Central Park and playing Pokémon GO before becoming the principal of Stuyvesant. He’s already made it to Level 35 and has dominated every possible gym near Stuyvesant. And yes, he’s Team Mystic.

“I’m really glad that the administration is supportive in these times of crisis,” Contreras said.

“That’s why I’m glad to work here.

I also just could not ignore the amount of Magikarps here.”

Nancy Cao / The Spectator

Last school year, Laszlo Sandler and Max Bertfield, collectively known as Maszlo, were elected as Senior Caucus President and Vice President after running three years in a row. Since the duo’s inauguration, they’ve set their sights on a bigger prize.

Jie Zhang left Stuyvesant after four years as principal, leaving the position open. Eric Contreras, parent and important DOE person, is the new Interim Acting Principal.

Senior Caucus President Laszlo Sandler and Vice President Max Bertfield (known as “Maszlo”) hope to challenge Contreras’s appointment and run for principal themselves.

“Contreras is a good man. We have nothing against him. Perhaps we’ll nominate him for office waterboy if we get into office,” Bertfield said.

The campaign’s main concern is convincing authorities to allow an election.

“In October, Maszlo will present to the Board of Elections and the administration their argument for why students should be allowed to run for principal,” senior and campaign spokesman Yvonne Pan said. “If successful, expect to see them on the ballot for principal.”

For now, students are asked to sign the petitions “Let Maszlo be Principal” and “I like Laszlo and Max” on Change.org. For some mysterious reason, the majority of appeals end up in the shredder before being considered by authorities, but Sandler and Berfield are pumped from all the virtual support.

However, Maszlo doesn’t have much of a campaign.

“Gosh, I don’t know what I want

of catching a CP 1022 Pidgey. As it turns out, the whole app was just a scheme to prepare people for the upcoming Summer Olympics.

Michael Phelps won his 23rd gold medal in what seemed to be his 23rd Summer Olympics. The U.S. also brought home gold in swimming, shooting, and uneducated political discussion. Notably missing from the list of sports

Xin Italie / The Spectator

By Wendy You

Cien Huang / The Spectator

Summer in Review

By Karen Chen While wandering the streets in search of a Vaporeon, senior Amy Chen noticed something fishy about the location of Pokéstops.

“You know, I’ve never really noticed how close Pokéstops were to Trump Tower and Hillary Clinton’s campaign headquarters,” Chen said.

Findings regarding other cities seem to agree with Chen’s observations. Campaign officials discovered many of the delegates at both Republican and Democratic National Conventions appeared to have one priority in mind: catching all the Magikarps for the coveted Gyarados. Unsurprisingly, convention attendance increased dramatically after an Aerodactyl appeared on the Republican convention floor. Republican delegates absentmindedly submitted their votes while playing the game as a means of trying to ease the pain of voting for Trump.

Is this some sort of campaign strategy? Chen believes that whatever it is, it’s successful.

“I was looking for a Dratini when I crossed a ‘New Yorkers for Trump’ rally. I ended up marching with them in order to hatch my 5 km egg,” she said.

Attention on candidate Donald Trump seemed to increase after players discovered that the Trump Tower is a Pokéstop and a gym. The tower’s webpage has added a banner stating, “We only house the

best of the best Pokémon—no Pidgeys nor Rattatas here!”

The Pokémon GO hype concerning Trump reached its peak (no pun intended) when a mountain climber from Virginia scaled 21 floors of Trump Tower allegedly looking for a Magmar.

When he was finally pulled aside by the NYPD, the man reportedly said, “I was looking for something with fiery red-orange hair, duck shaped lips, and an inclination toward using fire-based attacks on opponents.”

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has had less success utilizing Pokémon GO to gain support from the youth. The candidate allegedly stated that she is on Team Instinct.

“We can only hope that her team’s popularity won’t reflect her own,” Chen said.

Clinton’s campaign headquarters found itself running low on funds after its leader used most of them to buy lures to attract prospective voters to her rallies.

“I only wanted people to Pokémon GO ‘Go to the polls.’ What’s so bad about that?” Clinton said.

However, Mrs. Clinton seems to think her well-memorized knowledge of all 151 Pokémon will come in handy.

“I played Pokémon GO when it first came out,” she had casually mentioned in front of a graduating college class. “Matter of fact, I played it the first time it came out.

Pokémon GO Purple, right?”

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Humor Editor Laszlo Sandler resigned from his position on Friday, August 19, after being told that as per The Spectator’s charter, politics and satire could not live together in harmony on the Editorial Board.

Sandler, the newly-elected Senior Caucus President and fifth-longest serving member of the Editorial Board, was forced to make a decision between remaining president for the school year or remaining as Humor Editor for an additional term.

“Politics has no place in satire,” said Haim Saban, Hillary Clinton’s top financial backer and owner of satirical news source The Onion, on which Spec Humor is modeled. “The worst articles arise when politicians try to influence people for their own gain. I mean, really, do you trust today’s readers to differentiate between

articles making fun of regular students and political satire?

Of course not. They’re one and the same.”

Senior and Spectator Editor-in-Chief Danielle Eisenman says that the policy is necessary in order to keep The Spectator neutral. “We strive to emulate impartial news sources like HuffPost, Breitbart, or Fox News,” Eisenman said. “Do you really think they would ever let political ideals spin the way they present information?”

The Spectator’s other Editor-in-Chief, Sonia Epstein, added on to Eisenman’s statement. “We desperately wanted to keep Sandler as an editor, but since we follow The Spectator’s charter very closely, there was nothing we could do,” said Epstein, speaking to the same school newspaper that up until very recently had de facto ignored said charter’s policy about having only one editorin-chief. “We have to adhere to

the charter very strictly. Stuyvesant students would be distraught if we did otherwise.”

Freshman and Spectator charter enthusiast Lydia Burke said that The Spectator was doing the right thing by forcing Sandler to pick one. “In all my years at Stuyvesant, I’ve noticed that students care about only two things: their averages and The Spectator’s charter,” said Burke, donning a homemade t-shirt with all four sections of the charter written on it. “Most students have memorized [the charter] to the letter.

If a member of the SU were to be on [The Spectator’s] editorial board, as Humor Editor, no less, I fear what would happen.

Students would be livid. There would be pandemonium.”

Sandler also made his thoughts on the matter very clear to The Spectator. “It’s not like not being editor will prevent me from writing articles attacking my political

opponents,” said Sandler, citing fears that now, as a politician, he would have used The Spectator to slander his political enemies, something he has never, ever done before regarding a certain club and a certain Boodram.

Sandler’s political enemy agreed with Sandler. “This is a quote of me saying something that sounds really stupid so [Sandler] politically gains,” Sandler’s political enemy said.

“Because of this quote, he has surely gained an advantage!”

Other, more rational students don’t see why Sandler is making such a fuss. “He knew what was going to happen when he ran for office,” senior and Features Editor Lizzy Lawrence said. “To try and make his resignation appear the fault of The Spectator is utterly ridiculous. Then again, what else should one expect from a Humor Editor?”

Stuyvesant alumna Anna-

Humor

Yujie Fu / The Spectator

By Laszlo Sandler

Humor Editor Resigns After Being Told Politics and Satire Do Not Mix

Page 35

belle Gary (’16) agreed with Lawrence. “He should really stop making such a fuss about something that is his own fault,” Gary said. “And besides, he was never really that funny anyways.”

Spectator Visits Comic-Con

By Alec Dai and Laszlo Sandler

Beloved Alec, I have quite a problem on my hands. You see, recently I ran for Senior Caucus President—and won! Can you believe that? I put my name on the list as a joke, and now, all of a sudden, people are talking to me about “responsibilities” and “work” and “DON’T MESS UP PROM OR I’M GONNA KILL YOU” and things like that.

Weird, right? Especially for someone who has never even learned what the “S” in SU stands for. It has certainly taken some getting used to.

Anyway, here’s where the problem comes in: For the past year and a half, I have been a Humor Editor for The Stuyvesant Spectator.

However, the editors-in-chief are saying that I’m not allowed to be both president and Humor Editor, citing “the charter,” whatever that is. This seems a bit fishy to me.

I haven’t seen any boats, buses, or planes near Stuyvesant recently, so what on Earth could they be chartering? Now, I need your help.

I promised to leave The Spectator while running for office, but I’m having second thoughts. Do I stay as Senior Caucus President, or do I resign and remain Humor Editor? Thank you in advance. I have never been in more dire need of advice.

Love, Laszlo Sandler President, Senior Caucus Stuyvesant High School President Laszlo, I really cannot believe you won Senior Caucus President. Like, I really cannot. Seriously, I just cannot. It’s nice knowing the “deez nuts” candidate of Stuyvesant’s Senior Caucus was the one who won the election. This really restores my faith in humanity. PSA: Please always vote, or things like this happen.

Trust me, after working with you for a year, I know you have no idea what the words “work” and “responsibility” mean. But you’re not even supposed to have

this problem, because you should not have even run for SU in the first place. It’s not even about The Spectator’s charter; it’s about how a Humor Department jokester is going to be the Senior Caucus President of the Serious Union.

Anyway, here is where my genuine advice comes in. I do agree that this charter does seem fishy.

Where is this mysterious charter?

Who holds onto this “existing” charter? Why is there a charter to begin with? And, like you said, what on Earth could they be chartering? The boat you guys wanna use for Senior Prom?

I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised if The Spectator has to step in in order to get prom planned. It’s not just because you would be a terrible planner, but also because all the students at Stuyvesant who hold some sort of leadership position feel the need to assert their non-existent powers on the people.

It’s just like the situation with the Big Sib chairs. There was this incident over the summer, and my older brother just decided that his chairs were in charge of my entire family. No one gave him that power!

However, no matter how fishy the charter seems, you knew of its magical powers. It’s like the Illuminati...or Noah’s Ark. Regardless, you were well aware of the fact that you shouldn’t have run for Senior Caucus. Now, you are the president, and you made a promise. As much as I would love for you to resign, I know it’s not going to happen.

So leave, just LEAVE ME. But it’ll be okay, since you’ll be back to edit. (I need you. I’m incredibly lazy and busy, and you are incredibly good at editing, because you have been on Humor for an incredible amount of time.)

Good luck, and may Laszlo and Alec forever make magic happen, Alec Dai Editor, Humor Department of The Spectator Stuyvesant High School P.S. DON’T MESS UP PROM OR I’M GONNA KILL YOU.

I have attended Comic-Con since I was in the womb, and this year was no different. The only thing that was different this year was that it was held in Cleveland. They decided to hold it in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, something I can only guess to be a tribute to the success of Fallout 4. The new venue was awesome but it required a whole lot of extra security and angry protesters with a whole bunch of “Tuck Frump” signs. I didn’t know what those were all about, but I think he’s an OK streamer.

Day 1 had a lot of commotion. Guys in suits were screaming and running around like it was the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. It turned out a lot of the people I asked about the commotion were actually Wall Street multi-millionaires. I never expected to find hundreds of bankers running around a convention like this, but at least it wasn’t as weird as the people dressed like cowboys. Not only did hundreds of people look the part, but they all talked and acted like cowboys

too. The only thing missing was their guns, but even the airsoft ones had to be left at home. In place of their guns, they brought all sorts of memorabilia with the same four words: “Make America Great Again.” Maybe it’s a new Read Dead Redemption expansion pack, but I’m not into RPGs enough to care.

The next day, they decided to take a poll of all 50 states that attended. It was terrible. There were no panels for about three hours, and the entire arena shut down. No panels, no demos, just nothing but the states saying how much they like the Don of the Old

Christine Jegarl / The Spectator

Dump. I don’t know what superhero that is, but since it’s from a dump, I’d assume it’s from Marvel.

The next day was all speeches and panels. I couldn’t find the Walking Dead Panel, so I got stuck with the bad ones: Game of Thrones, Tokyo Ghoul, and a speech from a guy who looked like a cross between Alien and Predator. He started getting booed after he told people to “vote their conscience,” which is silly because they already voted for the Don. We finally got to hear the Don speak on the last day. All that hype for the boss of the mafia, and he sounded more self-centered than Narcissus himself. Not only that, he looked like he mixed up a cookie recipe with tanning booth instructions because “bake until golden brown” should not apply to a human being. His hair was even worse–not only did it look like a farmer dumped hay on his head, but it must have seeped into his brain, because he started to sound like the group of farm-

ers cheering behind me. This capped off a Comic-Con that was unlike any other, but I hope it doesn’t stick around.

Michael Phelps Joins Class of 2020

By Michael Xu

With his athletic career behind him, five-time Olympian Michael Phelps has joined Stuyvesant’s Class of 2020 as an incoming freshman. He managed to score a 740 on the Seldomly Held Swimming Athletic Test (SHSAT) without doping, with a full score in the butterfly section. His first choice was Riverdale High School, where students have swimmingly good classes in the Hudson, but he was placed at his second choice, Stuyvesant. His teammate Ryan Lochte was admitted to Brooklyn Tech instead, where he has since claimed to have been robbed.

For Phelps, a good swim is never far away with swim gym.

Phelps was away at the Olympics during Camp Stuy, but despite multiple appeals to the programming office, including evidence of several Olympic golds and world records, Phelps was unable to drop swim gym.

“They said that I couldn’t just drop a class, unless I pester the

Christine Jegarl / The Spectator

Christine Jegarl / The Spectator

By Michael Espinosa

principal 35 times and have my parents call another 100 times,” Phelps said. “On the bright side, I really want to get into Stanford, maybe with a swimming scholarship, so I need this grade booster. I’m going to show off all of my amazing skills all the time, and I’m sure all of my teachers will love that.”

Phelps has been spotted with his now-signature “Phelps Face” all the time. Phelps finds it easier simply to give his death glare during group projects or after getting a poor mark.

“When I’m with my homies, and they don’t cop me the homework, I give them the ‘Phelps

Face,’” Phelps said. “That solves the problem, and sometimes gets me halal.” In honor of “Phelps Face,” the Student Union will host a death glare contest between history teacher Josina Dunkel and Phelps.

Naturally, Phelps has the stereotypical “freshman backpack,” complete with all 28 medals. He finds history to be his most challenging subject thus far.

“I just can’t fathom why I’m not the answer to ‘Which Korean god is credited with the creation of the Earth?’” Phelps said.

With plans to hopefully make the swim team, Phelps is well on his way on his journey at Stuy.

Page 36

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

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The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 38

Sports Wild Free Agency Sees Wade Leave Heat and Durant Sign with Warriors

By Tahsin Ali The 2016 NBA offseason is one that will never be forgotten.

After a massive television deal, the National Basketball Association (NBA) salary cap skyrocketed from 70 to 94 million. Fans witnessed many teams in the league throw huge amounts of money toward players, resulting in many unexpectedly eye-popping contracts.

Typical role players have signed massive contracts; Timofy Mozgov (Lakers/four years/$64 million) and Kent Bazemore (Hawks/four years/$70 million) now make more than the league Most Valuable Player (MVP) Stephen Curry ($11 million per year). These deals only got the wheels going for the rest of a wild free agency.

Many significant players traded in their jerseys for new uniforms: Dwayne Wade signed with his hometown Chicago Bulls, leaving the Miami Heat after playing for them since 2003, Derrick Rose was traded to the Knicks, Jeremy Lin returned to New York with the Nets, and the biggest prize of the offseason, Kevin Durant, signed a deal with the already-talented Golden State Warriors team.

In the Eastern Conference, NBA Champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers, have kept the core of their team intact while the rest of the conference has made moves to threaten them.

The Toronto Raptors re-signed

their superstar Demar Derozan to a five-year $139-million deal. After an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, they look to make a deep run in the playoffs this year, however, this will be hard after key players Bismack Biyombo

After a mediocre season and a title drought, New York Knicks General Manager Phil Jackson has completely transformed the team. Jackson traded for former MVP Derrick Rose, and signed many other veteran players,

Warriors became even more dangerous. The Warriors added former league MVP Kevin Durant to their team of all-stars, which includes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

Many fans were disgruntled over Durant’s trade, having hoped that he would try to trump the team that beat him in playoffs rather than join it.

and Luis Scola signed with new teams.

The Boston Celtics made a huge splash in the offseason signing center Al Horford to the squad. This veteran presence will certainly boister the young team.

The Indiana Pacers also added a former Hawk to their team, trading for point guard Jeff Teague; pairing Teague with Paul George and many new faces, the Pacers look to go back to the top of the Eastern Conference.

Despite many losses to their team, the Atlanta Hawks signed center Dwight Howard in hopes that he can return to elite status.

such as center Joakim Noah, and guards Brandon Jennings and Courtney Lee. Injuries are the biggest concerns for the Knicks, but if these new signings stay healthy, pairing them up with superstar Carmelo Anthony and rising star Kristaps Porzingis will give the Knicks the opportunity to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Chicago Bulls made up for the loses of Rose and Noah by pairing up their key player, Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo, and, of course, Wade.

In the Western Conference, the record-breaking Golden State

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Many fans were disgruntled over Durant’s trade, having hoped that he would try to trump the team that beat him in playoffs rather than join it. Other fans feel that the NBA is simply unfairly skewed toward the Warriors this year.

However, the Warriors lost many key role players, and team chemistry could be an issue. The rest of the conference did what they could to compete with the “super-team warriors.”

The San Antonio Spurs saw future Hall of Famer and franchise star Tim Duncan hang up his jersey this offseason, but signed

Pau Gasol, who will join Kawaii Leonard and Lamarcus Aldridge.

The Spurs are in prime position to make a run at the title.

The Los Angeles Clippers kept the core of their team, but next offseason Blake Griffin and Chris Paul will become free agents, which could threaten the team’s cohesiveness.

The Memphis Grizzlies signed a much-needed scorer in Chandler Parsons and look to return to the playoffs this year, as they also re-signed guard Mike Conley to a huge five-year $153-million contract.

Conley was not the only top point guard signed to a huge deal, as Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook was resigned to a three-year $85-million contract extension. This deal was made after Durant fled the Thunder, in order to keep at least one superstar on the team.

Westbrook might not have his usual partner in crime, but he will be playing with many young and rising athletes such as Victor Oladipo and Steven Adams. Additionally, Westbrook tended to play his best when Durant was not with him, and looks to use this opportunity to shine. Many predict that he will be the next league MVP. This upcoming season, we will see many familiar faces wearing new jerseys. After a wild offseason, fans are excited to see how this season will play out in the fight for the Larry O’Brien trophy next summer.

The Spectator ● September 9, 2016

Page 39

Sports What You Need to Know for the 2016 NFL Season

By Max Onderdonk The smell of summer fading marks a sad moment for many people, but the cooling air brings the excitement of another football season for others.

Training camp has been underway for over a month, and fans have been teased by preseason games featuring only glimpses of their teams’ stars.

While the 2015-16 National Football League (NFL) season marked the end of an era, as legends such as Peyton Manning and Calvin Johnson retired, it was also the beginning of a new era, led by the astonishing feats of the Panther’s flashy and funto-watch Cam Newton and the most successful quarterback in history at his age, Russell Wilson. Despite Newton’s success last year, the Panthers still fell to Manning and the Denver Broncos in Manning’s final Super Bowl.

Preview

Following Manning’s retirement, the Broncos may run into a bit of trouble this season.

To start the season, they will fill Manning’s role with unproven quarterback Trevor Semien.

Nonetheless, the team still has an amazing defense, even after losing a few pieces to free agency, so the Broncos are still the favorite to win the American Football Conference (AFC) West.

The AFC North’s favorites at the moment are the Pittsburgh Steelers, which have been plagued by injuries in the past two seasons prior to the playoffs, leading to earlier exits than many had expected.

This year, they enter the sea-

Playoff Predictions from the Sports Editor

son with their second receiver, Martavis Bryant, suspended for the season, and their star running back, Le’Veon Bell, once again suspended for three games, both for violating the league’s drug policy.

Despite this, the connection between quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown, arguably the best receiver in the NFL, should be able to carry this team to success.

In the AFC East, the New England Patriots are once again the favorites, despite Tom Brady’s four-game suspension following the Deflategate scandal. The Jets brought back journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, and he will look to repeat the work that led the Jets to a 10-6 season, only this time looking to secure a playoff berth.

In the National Football Conference (NFC), the Carolina Panthers will look to bounce back from their Super Bowl loss. They will be led by last season’s Most Valuable Player, Cam Newton. Despite losing star cornerback Josh Norman to free agency, the Panthers remain among the favorites to return to the Super Bowl out of the NFC. The NFC West will be a battle this year between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals, which are thought by many to be the two best teams in the NFL. The Seahawks are led by Russell Wilson and their strong defense known as the “Legion of Boom.”

The Cardinals had an amazing season last year before being knocked out by the Panthers in the NFC championship

game. This year they’ll look to win the Super Bowl behind quarterback Carson Palmer and their phenomenal defense, led by cornerback Patrick Peterson and cornerback/safety Tyrann Mathieu.

In the AFC, I predict an ultimate championship face-off between the Patriots and the Steelers. Both teams appear to be far ahead of the pack going into the season, and despite Tom Brady’s suspension, he is still arguably the most successful quarterback in playoff history.

The Steelers, on the other hand, have had chances to make it to the Super Bowl, but have always been unlucky with late season injuries: Le’Veon Bell injured his knee two years in a row, backup running back DeAngelo Williams injured his ankle, wide receiver Antonio Brown hurt his head, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered from a mild shoulder injury.

This year, the pieces are all set up for Pittsburgh to make a run at the title. The team’s defense is coming together around phenom linebacker Ryan Shazier, who was crucial in a playoff victory for the Steelers last season.

With the loss of the former Patriots’ linebacker Chandler Jones and the aging of their lineman Rob Ninkovich, Roethlisberger will be able to feast on the weak pass rush of the Patriots. Furthermore, the Patriots’ run game is in question following the injury of running back Dion Lewis.

Brady’s ability to throw deep

has diminished, which will prevent him from being able to take advantage of the Steelers’ weak cornerbacks. Thus, I predict that the Pittsburgh Steelers will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

In the NFC, the Panthers were the dominant team last year. But with the loss of Josh Norman, their defense won’t have the same playmaking ability this year. They will have a lot of trouble competing with the Cardinals and Seahawks.

The Cardinals had what looked like a dream season until things started to crumple with a finger injury to Carson Palmer, which greatly affected his throwing in the playoffs.

This year, however, they are back with the addition of Chandler Jones and right guard Evan Mathis, and their running game will be improved by having running back David Johnson, who is starting for them all season.

The Seahawks still have some offensive line issues to address, and they will have to say goodbye to running back Marshawn Lynch, who was the staple of their offense in their two Super Bowl appearances.

While running back Thomas Rawls looked good last year in limited time, the Seahawks simply don’t stack up well enough with the Cardinals this year in order to defeat them.

With the Cardinals moving on in my predictions, they will then defeat the Panthers in the NFC Championship game to face off with the Steelers in Super Bowl LI, a rematch of Super Bowl XLIII in 2008, in which the Steelers defeated the Cardinals.

The Cardinals’ current offense clearly parallels that of

the 2008 team. Carson Palmer and Kurt Warner are both veterans at the height of their career looking for a Super Bowl win (Warner already had one, while Palmer is looking for his first).

The Cardinals are led by a team of great receivers, but instead of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald being at the height of his hall-of-fame career as he was eight years ago, he is instead looking for a ring just before he retires.

The Cardinals’ defense, on the other hand, has changed a lot, from an average one in 2008 to likely one of the best in 2016.

Led by a fantastic secondary and a front seven full of stellar veterans, they are a force to be reckoned with.

On the other side, the Steelers have changed a lot in these eight years. Only four players remain from that Super Bowl winning team, and Ben Roethlisberger is of course the centerpiece of both offenses. Assuming full health, the Steelers have arguably the best offense in the league, while they were in the bottom-third in offensive efficiency in 2008. On the flipside, in 2008, the Steelers had among the best defenses in the league, while this year they are expected to be only just above average.

While the Steelers are very capable of beating a good team like the Cardinals, they will likely be overmatched in this game on nearly every level. This season will undoubtedly be another wild one, filled with excitement and unexpected performances, but I predict that, at the end of the day, Arizona will take home its first Lombardi Trophy.

Wild Card Round (6) Ravens def. (3) Texans (4) Broncos def. (5) Bengals

Divisional Round (1) Steelers def. (6) Ravens (2) Patriots def. (4) Broncos

Conference Round (1) Steelers def. (2) Patriots

Super Bowl LI Cardinals def. Steelers (34-30)

(3) Packers def. (6) Vikings (5) Seahawks def. (4) Cowboys

(1) Cardinals def. (5) Seahawks (2) Panthers def. (3) Packers

My Prediction

(1) Cardinals def. (2) Panthers

NFL Retirement Class of 2016

By Gurpreet Singh 2016 marks the end of an era in sports. The most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, and the man widely regarded as the fastest on earth, Usain Bolt, are most likely attending their final Olympics.

Jenny Gao / The Spectator

Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees is retiring after a celebrated but controversial career.

Two of basketball’s greatest players of all time, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan, are calling it quits.

Many of these athletes (perhaps with the exception of Bolt and Phelps) were at the denouments of their careers. On the other hand, the National Football League’s (NFL) retirement class of 2016, which consists of an astonishing 43 players, is full of athletes that had many more productive years left in their careers and also includes its share of potential Hall of Famers. Here are four of the most notable ones.

Peyton Manning: If one ranks quarterbacks merely based on stats, regular season performance, and advertising, Peyton Manning is arguably the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). He holds the single season and career records in passing touchdowns and yards. He also holds the single season records for completions and attempts. He was named Most Valuable Player five times, two more than any player

in the history of the NFL. Along with all these achievements, he went out on top, winning his second Super Bowl to end his career. Look for his name when the new Hall of Famers are announced in 2021.

Charles Woodson: The only player on this list who announced his retirement before the season started, Woodson is

Christine Jegarl / The Spectator

one of the all time greats on the he was selected for six Pro Bowls defensive side of the ball. He was and three First Team All-Pros. primed for greatness even before He also holds the single-season his NFL career began, when he record for receiving yards with became the very first, and to this 1,964 yards in 2012. This potenday, the only, defensive Heisman tial Hall of Famer was a onceTrophy winner (given to the best in-a-generation type of player, college football player). He was but in the end retired due to his a nine-time Pro-Bowler, three- team’s mediocrity and inability time First Team All-Pro and the to win.

2009 Defensive Player of the Marshawn Lynch: Another Year. He also finished his career player with an iconic nickname, in the top five for career inter- “Beast Mode,” was as unique a ceptions and pick sixes. He will person as he was a player. The undoubtedly be a Hall of Famer five-time Pro-Bowler is perhaps in the near future. most-known Calvin Johnfor his litson: Also known eral groundas Megatron, shaking run this athlete’s in the 2010 retirement was playoffs or one of the, if for the play not the bigthat he didn’t gest, surprises run in Super of the NFL Bowl 49. Howseason. This is ever, to the because at the non-football time of his refan, he is probtirement, he was ably just the guy still considered a from the “here top five player at so [he] won’t get his position. In fined” meme. his short career, Christine Jegarl / The Spectator

September 9, 2016

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The Spectator SpoRts

Rio 2016: Olympics Recap

U.S. Gymnasts Reign in Rio

By Ray Jones The United States women’s gymnastics team continues to dominate. Following a team gold medal in London in 2012, the first since 1996, and the second in history, the squad took home another team gold, beating secondplace Russia by an astounding margin of more than eight points, the greatest margin since a new scoring system was implemented in 2006.

This year’s team, which was selected in early July, consists of three-time world champion and four-time national champion Simone Biles, London veterans Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas, young star and junior national champion Laurie Hernandez, and bars specialist Madison Kocian.

These five women proved why the United States team has been the most dominant team since the Soviet teams of the 20th century.

The team was led by Biles, who began her performance at the team competition by cleanly executing one of the hardest vaults in the world, earning her the highest vault score in the competition: a 15.933.

By the time she competed floor (the final event for the U.S. gymnasts), her team was leading by such a large margin that she needed fewer than 10 points to clinch gold. She scored a 15.8 Biles would continue to impress two nights later during individual all-around competition.

She came in as the gold-medal favorite, expected to follow in the footsteps of U.S. all-around champions Carly Patterson (2004), Nastia Liukin (2008), and Douglas

(2012).

She was more than up to the task. She performed stellar routines on all four events, which, when combined with her unparalleled difficulty scores, landed her comfortably in first place with a total score of 62.198, beating Raisman by more than two points.

Returning for a second Olympics is rare in the sport of gymnastics, but both Raisman, 22, and Douglas, 20, did so this year.

Raisman, who won gold on

Yu Xin Zheng / The Spectator

floor exercise and bronze on balance beam in addition to the team medal in 2012, looked stronger than ever.

On qualification night, she finished second all-around to Biles, which landed her a spot in the allaround finals. There she took second again, a redeeming moment after having lost the all-around bronze medal in a tie-breaker in London. She took another silver in the floor finals, behind Biles.

Douglas, who made history four years ago as the first U.S. gymnast to win gold in the allaround and team events at the same Olympics and as the first black gymnast to win an individ-

Bolt and Eaton Repeat Gold

By Dean Steinman

Usain Bolt

It almost seems unfair to race against Usain Bolt in an Olympic sprint. When Bolt, 29, took a brief look around him and realized he was far ahead of the other runners during the 2016 Rio Olympic 100meter semifinal, he did something most focused athletes couldn’t afford to do until crossing the finish line: he cracked a smile.

This image sparked the creation of hundreds of internet memes, and his subsequent gold medal solidified his case as one of the most dominant Olympic athletes of all time, becoming the first person to win three Olympic gold medals in the men’s 100-meter.

Bolt’s combination of a stellar reaction time (0.165 seconds), long stride length, and quick acceleration enabled him to set the world record time of 9.683 seconds in the 100-meter. Bolt then won gold in the men’s 200-meter and men’s 4x100-meter relay (needless to say the races weren’t close), giving him nine career Olympic gold medals and a triple-triple; a win in the 100meter, 200-meter, and 4x100-meter at three consecutive Olympics.

The charismatic face of Jamai-

can sports proclaimed that the Rio games would be his last, though, and is ready to retire as the greatest sprinter of all time.

Ashton Eaton

After winning the 1912 inaugural decathlon, an event where athletes compete in 10 track and field events and vie for the highest combined point total, Jim Thorpe was declared the “World’s Greatest Athlete” by King Gustav V of Sweden. The name stuck and has been passed down to each Olympic decathlon champion ever since, and was given to Ashton Eaton of the U.S. after his performance in the 2012 London Olympics.

In his attempt to repeat gold, he placed first in long jump and the 400-meter, handing him a fiveevent total of 4,621 points and an expansive lead after the first day of competition. Eaton then went on to place second in the 110-meter hurdles and fourth in the pole vault and 1500-meter. Though the current world record holder didn’t post a career high in points, he set an Olympic record with 8,893 points and got to walk away with a second gold medal in the decathlon, something only two others have ever been able to achieve.

ual gold medal, performed well, too.

She finished third in the allaround on qualifications night, but because of a rule prohibiting more than two participants from the same country from competing in an individual final, could not join Biles and Raisman.

Laurie Hernandez, a successful junior gymnast in past years, only just became a senior elite gymnast this year. In Rio, her gold medal in the team round was the first medal won by any athlete born in the 21st century.

She handled the pressure of performing on a world stage with the confidence of a seasoned athlete, winning silver on balance beam behind Sanne Wevers of the Netherlands.

Madison Kocian only competed on the uneven bars, scoring a 15.866 in the qualifying round and then an incredible 15.933 during team finals, to help boost her team toward gold.

At the individual bars finals, she was narrowly edged out of the gold by Russia’s Aliya Mustafina (the London bars gold medalist), taking silver instead. Of all her bar routines at the Olympics, She went three-for-three with stuck landings.

Overall, the U.S. women’s team took home an astounding eight individual medals, in addition to the team gold. This should come as no surprise, seeing how they have dominated over the last five years. They’ll look to continue this success over the next four years, looking toward Tokyo 2020.

U.S. Men’s Basketball Steamrolls to Another Gold

By Arya Firoozan

After back-to-back gold medal wins in both the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics, expectations were high once again for the 2016 U.S. Olympic squad. The team was headlined by superstars Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Paul George. However, missing from the American team were the two best basketball players in the world: the Cavaliers’ LeBron James and the Golden State Warriors’ three-point sharpshooter, Stephen Curry. They both elected to rest during the offseason in preparation for perhaps what will be another epic showdown between the Cavaliers and the Warriors.

Once again, the men delivered, winning the 15th gold medal for U.S. men’s basketball and its third in a row under head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who will now be replaced by the San Antonio Spurs’ coach, Gregg Popovich. But there were many other headlines across this year’s Olympic run, including Carmelo Anthony surpassing Michael Jordan in scoring at the Olympics and David Robinson’s career Olympic rebounding total.

Team USA started off preliminary group play slowly. The players’ lack of cohesion and chemistry was painfully apparent as there were multiple defensive miscues and turnovers that wouldn’t have usually occurred. They beat France by a score of 100-97, a game in which San Antonio Spurs’ guard and perennial all-star Tony Parker did not play because of an injured toe.

The French took advantage of a string of U.S. turnovers early in the fourth quarter to come within four points, but then they traded baskets the rest of the way, where the U.S. finally prevailed.

In their game against Serbia, they narrowly won by a score of 9491, and that was only after Bogan Bogdanovic of the Phoenix Suns missed a wide open three pointer at the end of regulation play.

After hanging on through these two games, the U.S. clamped down

and played with much more focus. They went on to handily beat Argentina in the quarterfinals by a score of 105-78, and they beat powerhouse Spain by a score of 82-76.

In the finals, they were once again matched up with Serbia.

However, this wasn’t a repeat of the game they had played against each other just 10 days prior. After leading by one point late in the first quarter, the U.S. pulled ahead to lead 52-29 at halftime. The team held Serbia to 38 percent shooting and forced 18 turnovers. Durant finished with 30 points and DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings chipped in with a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds. The final score was 96-66.

Immediately after the goldmedal game concluded, Carmelo Anthony was asked if he would be coming back for another Olympics with Team USA. His response? “No. No, I think I’ve given enough to Team USA Basketball,” he said in the news conference. “As much as I’m going to miss it, it’s time to pass it along to some of the guys who was on our team this year, but also to the younger guys coming along and give them an opportunity to be a part of something great.”tain and senior Edward Ansour kept things simple and went with very quick finishes that caught both of his opponents off guard. Stuyvesant won the epée matchup 45-10.

With the conclusion of their first game, the Bulldogs look ahead to more challenging matches this season. Their main contender during the regular season is the Nest+M’s Eagles. The Eagles have a very formidable foil team and coach Winston says it will take a lot of training before the Bulldog’s foil team can be ready for the upcoming game.

Winston is also looking forward to the playoffs where schools like Benjamin M. Cardozo High School and Staten Island Technical High School will be playing. With all these challenges in mind, the Bulldogs will be practicing more than ever, with the hope of becoming city champions.

Michael Phelps’s Final Olympics

By John Park After Michael Phelps’s worldclass performance at the 2012 London Olympics, it seemed as if the world had witnessed the last of his dynamic swimming career. Following his last event at the London Olympics and winning his 18th gold medal, Phelps made his retirement clear, stating, “I’m done. I’m finished. I’m retired.”

But Phelps returned to the swimming pool in the spring of 2014 and later qualified for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. A true veteran coming into the Olympics (having qualified for the Olympics since the age of 15), Phelps was elected captain for the U.S. swim team and the flag bearer for the U.S. at the opening ceremony.

Phelps’s first event at Rio was the 4x100-meter relay. In 2012, the U.S. got second to the French in this event, and was looking for redemption in Rio. Phelps swam the second leg of the relay, giving his team a lead over the French and ultimately helping it secure the gold medal.

Two days later, he competed in

the 200-meter butterfly, a highlyanticipated event. In the London Olympics, South African swimmer Chad le Clos had edged out Phelps and stole the gold from him. Since then, le Clos has been taunting Phelps in the media and on

Melaine Chow/ The Spectator

social networks.

However, it was le Clos who was humiliated when he failed to place any medal at all in the 200-meter butterfly; Phelps was redeemed with the gold.

Phelps’s pattern of gold continued: his team won the 4x200-meter freestyle relay and the 200-meter individual medley, where he raced against his long-time teammate and rival, Ryan Lochte.

Many sports announcers

doubted if Phelps could win the 200-meter individual medley, but their doubts disappeared when Phelps began his freestyle, pulling away from the rest of the field and swimming towards his 13th individual gold medal.

This feat was said to break the 2,186-year-old record held by Leonidas of Rhodes.

Phelps’s gold-medal streak came to an end in the 100-meter butterfly, where he tied for silver. He was outperformed by Singapore’s first gold medalist, Joseph Schooling, who was a fan of Phelps since the age of 13.

Phelps ended his career with his last event in the 4x100-meter medley relay, where he legged the butterfly. In a thrilling leg, Phelps got the lead for anchor leg Nathan Adrian, who maintained the first place position for the last gold medal of Rio Olympic swimming.

Five Olympic appearances, seven world records, 28 medals, and 23 gold ones: what an impact Phelps has had on the sport of swimming.

If, unlike in 2012, Phelps is serious about retiring, Olympic swimming has just witnessed the end of an era.