IN-DEPTH//
Confronting the fear of the outsider BY ERIC WU AND HEDY ZHOU
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enophobia, commonly known as the fear of outsiders, has recently risen to prominence in light of political discussions and global conflicts. When unchecked ignorance and rumors are left to fester, people begin to view certain groups differently simply based on their ethnicity, religion, sexuality or any other identifier. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, unfamiliarity with other cultures, races and identities can often lead to misconceptions, oftentimes resulting in fear and contempt. Even in an era as advanced as the 21st century, xenophobia still feeds on one’s fears and anxieties, even those of the well educated. It is amplified by widespread media sources and gossip and is often projected violently and cruelly upon groups unfortunate enough to garner such attention. The United States’ 2016 election season, which has been fraught with talk of Islamophobia, is a prominent example of xenophobia in today’s society. Republican candidate Donald
Trump has taken the liberty of accusing Muslims of being terrorists and has suggested profiling them or even deporting and banning them from the country. Though these issues may not seem pertinent to the Bay Area, xenophobia is still clearly reflected within the community. On Sept. 7, a student at Fremont High School was arrested due to anti-semitic and anti-islamic remarks and threats on social media. Dozens of students were pulled out of school by parents fearing for their child’s safety. The apprehended suspect later stated that he made the remarks in an effort to intimidate a group of students; his crude attempts at terrorizing them, however, were considered hate speech
and thus a criminal threat. The community in the Bay Area may be diverse, but a sense of superiority over specific and commonly targeted minority groups still exists. Xenophobia most commonly stems from a person’s upbringing. Young children are heavily influenced by the beliefs of those who raise them and as a result learn to live according to those thoughts, actions and morals. If the individuals surrounding a child’s early development hold certain biases, children can be easily influenced to live their lives with the same thoughts and resulting xenophobia. These fears often go unnoticed and unaddressed until more life experience and self-awareness is acquired. Even so, changing
ignorant stereotypes can be difficult in adulthood, as many people have grown up with these prejudices since childhood. Senior Andy Long first came out as transgender to his supportive friends and then his family two years ago. Before he realized his identity, however, he was raised with religious ideals that shunned such notions. “I grew up Mormon, and it was really hard [to come out] because it’s drilled into your brain that you’re not supposed to crossdress, gays are an abomination, things like that,” said Long. “When I came out to my family, my mom wasn’t really accepting of it at first. She really didn’t understand the whole transgender thing, but we worked it out and she’s finally starting to accept me as who I am now.” see XENOPHOBIA page 11
ART ILLUSTRATION BY HEDY ZHOU
SPORTS//
Marching band looks to end on a high note
BY MEHEK KAPUR
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ain or shine, the Lynbrook Marching Band and Colorguard practice for countless hours on end in order to execute their show to the best of their ability. Members must focus on technique, tone quality, character and tempo, among numerous other aspects that come together to create a fast-paced eight and a half minute show complete with visual and musical appeal. Band and guard members practice three hours every Monday and Wednesday and seven hours every Saturday in order to prepare for tournaments, shows and football game halftime performances. Their practices usually start off with physical training, such as push-ups, planks and runs, followed by a rehearsal of visual effects and music with their instructors. They end each practice by
running their full show, Conquer the Dark, demanding than last year’s show, but our which features a wide variety of pieces, achievements this season have been really ranging from Brahms’ Lullaby to Christina amazing,” said junior Rahul Khare, assistant Drum Major. Perri’s I Believe. This The members have gotyear’s show is dedicated to Mona Schlieper, guard “IT ISN’T THE PLACINGS I’M ten closer to each other, as instructor and terminally THE MOST PROUD OF. IT’S being part of Marching Band Colorguard requires orill wife of show designer THE LEVEL OF ARTISTRY... or ganization, responsibility Ryan Schlieper, who has THEY’RE REALLY RISING TO and trust. been designing MarchTHE CHALLENGE.” “Marching Band is kind ing Band and Colorguard of like a huge family, since shows for many years. MICHAEL PAKALUK we spend so much time toThis year, the leaderBAND INSTRUCTOR gether, we have to learn how ship team focused on imto interact with each other, proving teamwork, team we learn trust and really motivation, coordination and cooperation within each section and as build meaningful friendships,” said senior Brian Lin, head Drum Major. “Being the leada whole. “Overall, it’s been a really amazing time ers of this team has really helped us bond this year. Our show this year is a lot more with our members.”
The 2016 season is winding down to an end after an accomplished seventh place finish out of 27 total competitors at the Bands of America (BOA) Northern California Regionals, which took place on Oct. 22. Other notable achievements include placing third place overall and first place in their class at Cupertino’s Tournament of Bands on Oct. 8. “They placed really well, but it isn’t the placing I’m most proud of...it’s really the level of artistry. The dedication, responsibility and level of performance they’ve demonstrated,” said band instructor Michael Pakaluk. “They’re really rising to the challenge, so that’s what I’m the most proud of.” The Marching Band and Colorguard will be performing their final shows at the Western Band Association (WBA) Tournaments at Independence High School on Nov. 5 and James Logan High School on Nov. 12.