The Antlerette October 2018 Volume 93 Issue 1
The Importance of Representation in Hollywood Esmee Teresi, Staff You’re so happy you’re Chinese.” Although Yam’s experience is not unique, it is important to understand because it’s experienced by Asian Americans all across the U.S.
There have been tons of exciting and impactful movies that’ve come out in 2018. Although more recently, the film Crazy Rich Asians has made a huge impact on the way people of color and Asian Americans are viewed in Hollywood. The film debuted late this summer and has been a great success being recognized for its significances as an American made film that has an allstar cast that’s exclusively Asian. In the midst of many controversies surrounding films not featuring enough people of all different ethnic backgrounds, Crazy Rich Asians has been exactly what all Asian Americans have deserved. Recently, a thread of tweets surfaced from Kimberly Yam, a Huffington Post Editor, explaining her story growing up as a young Asian American girl and how she was often faced with shame and embarrassment from her peers, teasing her and putting her down for her heritage. Yam went on to say, “You’re 8 years old. Your third grade class orders Chinese food and your father delivers it. You are so excited to see your pops at school…They [your classmates] laugh at him and mimic his accent. You don’t want to be Chinese anymore.” The list of experiences Yam faced goes on and on until it turns to “You’re 25 years old. You see a movie with an all-Asian cast at a screening...You’ve never seen a cast like this in Hollywood. Everyone is beautiful.
Amazon Images Taking an awards ceremony like the Academy Awards for example, they’ve been under fire these last few years due to the lack of representation for people of color. The ceremony has mainly had only white nominees, maybe one or two black nominees. However there is rarely Asian nominees being showcased and celebrated. In order for equal 1
representation to progress it is of the utmost importance that everyone, no matter their race, feels represented. Going back to Kimberly Yam, Asian Americans everywhere have experienced the feeling of ostracism and feeling lesser because of
their ethnicity. However, with a movie like Crazy Rich Asians gracing the silver screen everywhere, representation can finally be rejoiced in Hollywood.
To All the Movies I’ve Loved This Summer Jordan Ritchie, Business Manager We’re now well into the school year and summer’s ended, but it has left its mark with some great films. Yes, Incredibles 2 and Mission: Impossible were box office hits, and rightfully so, but in my personal opinion, these are the films that reigned supreme: 1) Deadpool 2 (May 18): This longawaited superhero sequel grossed $125 million over opening weekend, making it the second-highest R-Rated opener in the U.S., its predecessor being the first Deadpool. Its soundtrack includes the new song, “Ashes” by Céline Dion; and a newer, acoustic–and emotional–version of “Take on Me” by Aha. Though Deadpool had better reception, many fans and critics argue that its sequel was funnier and had a better plot. I definitely agree, and can add that not only did Deadpool 2 have me hunched over laughing, immersed in the action, but also had me tearing up! Ryan Reynolds does an outstanding job at bringing the beloved, snarky character to life and has fans eager for a third installment. 2) Solo: A Star Wars Story (May 25): Many Star Wars fans–including myself– weren’t on board with this film. I mean, how could anyone ever take the place of Harrison Ford? It was an impossible task to begin with, so I did not think it could be made possible by the actor cast: Alden Ehrenreich. However, on opening day, I was proved very wrong and was extremely impressed by his
Amazon Images performance. He possessed the same rugged charm of Ford’s portrayal of Han that had Star Wars fangirls swooning, but still brought some of his own cards to the table to leave his own mark. During an ET interview, Ehrenreich was surprised by Ford himself, who at first wasn’t on board with Solo. However, despite his initial views, when discussing the topic of watching Ehrenreich as Han, Ford said, “I just thought it was spectacular… I just couldn’t be happier”. Neither could I, Harrison Ford. Watching Solo made me–and hopefully -Continued on page 3 2
other fans of the franchise–realize that this wasn’t about anyone taking Harrison Ford’s place as a new Han, but taking a place next to him, respectively and equally, as another actor who’s contributed to playing the legend that is Han Solo 3) Ant-Man and the Wasp (July 6): This was another anticipated superhero sequel released this summer, exceeding all expectations. Paul Rudd returns in this Marvel Rom-Com that blew the minds of fans with its witty dialogue, action-packed scenes, and captivating plot. I had no issues regarding this film, and I think it did a perfect job of balancing the action and the romantic subplot, while still finding ways to insert humor throughout the movie. Its shocking ending, post credits also has fans anxious for the next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 4) The Darkest Minds (August 3): The film based on the YA novel by Alexandra Bracken didn’t do very well in theaters and received a 17% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, readers loved how true the film stayed to the novel. The movie had a slightly slow progression, much like the book, but both had a great ending that left us curious about a possible sequel. I can attest that the books are phenomenal, so if we get a movie sequel, viewers won’t be disappointed and hopefully will have a better outlook on the film, and be motivated to pick up the books. 5) To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (August 17): This movie was released on Netflix, yet received critical acclaim, earning a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on the YA book by Jenny Han, this film became an automatic fan favorite. It promptly put the lead actress, Lana Condor, on the map and made Noah Centineo, who played the love interest, an instant heartthrob. Fans were gushing over their chemistry and are impatient for a sequel. Hopefully you got a chance to enjoy all of these films, but if not, definitely give them a go. Summer flicks of 2019 definitely have a lot to live up to!
Fashion is Gross Emily Kennedy, Editor in Chief I have always kept a keen eye on the clothes worn by those around me, subconsciously taking note of all the trends displayed. These observations are partly taken because of my personal interest in fashion and my unpleasant tendency to become judgmental. My inner assessments are of very little merit, however, so I strongly encourage readers to disregard my irrelevant rambling. If one does care to continue reading, though, do so with the intention of laughing at my scrutinizing, not applying my comments as advice. Trust me, I do not possess the authority to give advice on this subject. My initial assessment during the first week of school was every girl seemed to own an identical pair of pants. These pants appear to always be paired with a tube top, another fashion staple making an appearance this year. Is it too 90s of me to use the term “tube top”? I’m not quite sure what else to call it. Regardless of my knowledge of the current lingo, this pairing seems to be widely enjoyed by many of those in the school’s female population. Since everyone is wearing them, I feel obligated to be repulsed. Now, I may seem condescending with my use of adjectives here, but please know I am also insulting myself, as I am known to wear outfits like this from time to time. Why do I have the audacity to critique these outfits with such intensity, as if I don’t subscribe to this trend myself? Well, I suppose this question can be answered with a quick reference to my first paragraph, in which I establish my lack of credibility in this area. When I wear tube tops, I feel like I’m somehow different from others who wear them that the style implications of the article of clothing don’t apply to me. I do recognize that this perspective is completely irrational. In fact, the individuals I criticize for sporting these outfits probably think the same thing as they put on their Brandy Melville outfits. Is this how trend cycles are born? Have I discovered a fashion phenomenon, or am I just mistaking my hypocritical thoughts for genius? I’m most likely mistaking my hypocritical thoughts for genius.
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The Nationwide Prison Strike of 2018
like animals and should always have a chance to make up for their actions with parole or when they are released; on the other side, people say they are prisoners for a reason and should pay for their crimes with abuse and having most of their rights stripped away. Some demands were also questioned for their subjective absurdity, such as the wage demands. The highest wage for work per hour in prison right now is around $5. To improve this average, they are requesting $36 an hour for their manual labor. Many have shared their complaints with this. According to CNBC.com, the average American only makes $24 an hour. Another point of contempt was how the Jailhouse Lawyers compared the situation to modern slavery. They stated that since prisoners are still people, they should be treated as such. However, according to the 13th Amendment, slavery is illegal in the United States “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction”. We’ll just have to see if they will manage to get what they wanted from the start, or if they will have to compromise. If this protest is successful in its effort, it will most likely change a lot about the general idea of prison itself.
Daniel Thomas, Staff On August 21, 2018, prisoners from across North American countries such as the United States and Canada started a three week strike that is supposed to go on until September 9th. The strike was started because prisoners feel they have been treated poorly in regards to low pay, physical abuse, lack of rights when released, racial discrimination, and lack of education and rehabilitation. According to The Guardian, the protest involves sit-ins, hunger strikes, and work strikes and is being led by incarcerated members of Jailhouse Lawyer Speak, who are prisoners that offer support and legal help for other inmates. Before the strike began, the members released a statement saying “Fundamentally, it’s a human rights issue. Prisoners understand they are being treated as animals. Every day prisoners are harmed due to conditions of confinement. For some of us it’s as if we are already dead, so what do we have to lose?” Along with the statement, they released a list of 10 national demands that included better treatment, better wages, better ways to address complaints or rights issues, having rehabilitation and parole be available to everyone, the end to racial discrimination and incarceration, and having every prisoner be able to vote regardless of sentence or label.
Do You Really Know What’s In Your Food? AdriAnna Delabra, Staff Everyone who eats food in the United States of America has exposure to the health risks associated with the pesticides used on the food grown here. Pesticides are chemicals used to guard the crops from insects. Pesticides were introduced into the United States in the early 1900’s, the most commonly used pesticide in the United States is Acutely Toxic Organophosphate. Pesticides can harm insects, crops, and consumers, and are linked to a range of illnesses. However, there are ways to prevent and lessen the chances of illness from pesticides. --continued on page 5
https://shadowproof.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/09/strikeprisons1.jpg These demands raise questions for the public on how prisoners should be treated overall Some people are saying that they shouldn’t be treated 4
Exposure to pesticides is almost inevitable in today’s society. Exposure can mean eating foods which contain pesticides, or simple things such as frequenting plant and grain stores, gardening and going to the park or camping. Many who work in the agricultural field have a high risk of developing chronic poisoning from touching and breathing in the chemicals they are placing on our food. The people besides the field workers who are most affected are infants and children along with pregnant women. Pesticides do not only affect physical health, they also affect mental health as well, having been linked to the development of Parkinson's Disease, depression, asthma, anxiety, and some forms of cancer.
Protect yourself from the physical and mental effects that pesticides contain.
Seniors’ Future David Roots, Staff After eleven years of assignments, projects, quizzes, and tests seniors can relax knowing that they only have one more year to go. All of the seniors reading this know that this is not true in the slightest. Seniors are being prepared for the real world, and no senior wants to hear or read anything like that because those things are filled with BS: Bogus Stories. If you’re running a hundred-meter dash in Track, never give up at the last ten meters, you push through the pain in your legs and doubts in your head and cross the finish line faster than when you started the race. Like Track, high school isn’t the only race and it’s definitely not the hardest you’ll face. High school is the gateway to the real world and there are many things students can do when they leave. They can get a job, workout, and relax. At the same time, it is possible to spend all of your money, be broke and homeless, live on the streets, and beg for spare change. As shown, even though there are many possibilities after high school, not all of it is good. The people that care for their children and want them to succeed in life usually want to be able to provide a financially stable life. That’s why you hear your family, teachers, and counselors stress about college. It is the best way to earn money in the long run, even if you don’t have a lot now. All of the athletes that want to join a professional sport, get fit, and become famous as soon as possible should be proud of themselves, but they need a reality check. For example, if a high school football player wanted to skip college and automatically try out for the NFL, he would only have a .09% chance of getting drafted by the NFL, and even if he were to attend college and go all the way to senior year, his chance of getting --continued on page 6
https://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/photos/8poisonous-foods-we-commonly-eat/eaters-beware
Though the risks are relatively low for these outcomes, you can do simple things to lower and protect yourself and your family from the chemicals in your food every day. Here’s what to do: do not stop eating fruits and vegetables. Studies have proven that a diet with high contents of fruits and vegetables lowers the rate for obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses. However, rinsing fruits and vegetables does not get rid of all chemicals. Having an organic based diet would be recommended for avoiding pesticides and avoiding conventional insect and weed killers in your household.
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drafted by the NFL is still only 2%. Plus, getting seriously injured lowers your chances of joining the NFL more than either of them. Other sports like baseball, basketball, and volleyball have very similar probabilities of joining a professional sport. I am not saying to give up on your dream, but you need to have a backup plan so if you don’t make it to your professional sport you can still buy food, afford rent, be happy, and be able to try out again. College is the best way to get that leeway. Joining a professional sport is a good dream, but you need motivations to make it a reality. At the same time, joining a college and getting a good degree is physically easier and it’s more likely to get you a job. The path you go down is chosen by you and you alone. Just remember that brain beats brawn, but it doesn’t hurt to have them both.
JOINING A PROFESSIONAL SPORT IS A GOOD DREAM, BUT YOU NEED MOTIVATION TO MAKE IT A REALITY. https://thehockeybuzz.com/the-difference-between-pro-sports-andamateur-sports/
girl know that she can get away with raping this boy again. Of course, if a woman actually were to get raped, then she should report it. Another instance I have seen is the stereotype about single mothers. For instance, a single mother is seen as the poor, over-worked woman with 5 kids, taking care of them by herself while the so called ‘abusive father’ divorced her because he only used her for something, got the result, and left. When in reality, the “poor single mom” could be abusive and only keeps the kids to receive welfare money for expensive stuff, all while not buying food for them to eat. The “alcoholic father”, however, could be the nicest single dad and he is actually working hard to support his kids. The single moms always receive support, sympathy, and understanding while the single fathers are seen as disgusting by society with people giving the opposite effect of support and sympathy. Sure there are really nice single moms and evil dads, but that isn’t the majority of the population, especially according to the article “Why aren’t we talking about abusive moms?” when it states, “ DHHS data in the UK shows that of children abused by one parent between 2001 and 2006, 70.6 percent were abused by their mothers, 29.4 percent were abused by their fathers.” As women, we have to stop using our gender to get whatever we want in this world and actually work hard for our accomplishments. I, as a woman, will work on this as well if we are to share power with men while still having our rights.
Women: We Have Power! We Must Use It Wisely! Tess Sommer, Design Manager Women have been gaining more and more power when they wish to have a say in something political or something sounds sexist. Ever since the 19th of July, 1848, women have been receiving more rights besides their right to vote. However, ladies, just like with anyone who has power, we need to use that power wisely! There are so many cases where women use their gender as a way for them to get whatever they want. An example of this act of injustice is the Bill Cosby case. A famous woman actress named Andrea Constand said Bill Cosby raped her, people like Tamara Green, Barbara Bowman and 60 other women have accused Bill Cosby of the same thing without evidence. Even though evidence pointed towards him being innocent, he was sentenced to jail. Any woman can say that any man raped her because people will automatically remember that men sexually abuse women. Therefore, society strongly believes that the man did rape the girl and his career, life, and family are ruined for the rest of his life, even if he did nothing wrong. However, if a boy said that a girl raped him, people might be inclined to believe that he is lying because of the stereotype that girls are weaker than boys. So, they’d immediately dismiss the problem without another thought, leaving the boy to be traumatized for the rest of his life and letting the
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