10.02.2019

Winthrop University

Wednesday

October 2, 2019

Rock Hill, SC

Serving Winthrop and Rock Hill Since 1923

Warren: ‘dream big, fight hard’

Tate Walden/ The Johnsonian

Sen. Elizabeth waves to rallygoers and supporters at Clinton College on Saturday.

Presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren visited Clinton College Warren shared a bit about her background to relate with the audience. She shared how she was the youngest of three and that she had “much older” brothers. By the time she made it to middle school she was the only child left in the house. Her dad worked multiple jobs and during her time in middle school he suffered a heart attack — leaving him unable to work. She expressed how her family lost a lot of things, like their station wagon, and soon it would have been their house.

However, her mother, at fifty years old, after crying and chanting that they “would not lose this house” Warren said that “she wipes her face, pulls that dress, puts on her high heels, and walks to the sears and gets a full time minimum wage job. That full time minimum wage job saved our house and more importantly it saved our family.”

“If you want to know who I am there it is, and I thought for many, many years that’s the lesson that my mother taught me. It’s no matter how scared you are, no matter how hard

Kiki Todman todmank@mytjnow.com On Saturday, Sept. 27, Sen. Elizabeth Warren held a rally at Clinton College. Though it was scheduled to be an indoor event, the large amount of community leaders, press, teachers and students flooded the campus center which pushed the event outside.

Though the weather was steamy, the crowd was animated and excited as they awaited the arrival of Warren on the outdoor stage. The event started with a few introductions from the 13th president of Clinton College, Lester McCorn who is from the very state that Warren represents, Massachusetts.

Warren took the stage and the crowd erupted with loud cheers and chants. She began her speech sharing how she came to South Carolina with her family, as opposed to last time and said, “I’m delighted to be here with all of you and bless you one and all for standing out here in the sun to try to save our democracy.”

it looks, when it comes down to it you reach down deep you find what you have to find, you pull it up and you take care of the people you love,“ Warren said.

“It was years and years later that I came to understand that wasn’t just what my mama taught me, this is what millions of people across the country do every day,” Warren said.

Warren addressed some of the problems with how the government runs, more specifically in who the government works for.

“We have a government that works great, works fabulously, for giant drug companies just not for people trying to get a prescription filled. We have a government that works great for giant oil companies that want to drill everywhere. Just not for the rest of use who see climate change bearing upon us,” Warren said. “We have a government that works great for big gun manufacturers just not for those who worry about the safety of our children.”

“Here’s the deal: when you see a government that works great for

Striking for the planet

those with money and not for everyone else that is corruption, pure and simple, and you need to call it out for what it is,” Warren said.

Warren explained her three step plan on what she’s going to do if she wins the presidency. Step one aims to attack the corruption head on.

“First part [of step one] end lobbying as we know it. Stop the revolving door between Wall Street and Washington. [Have the] United States Supreme Court follow basic rules of ethics, and just one more have the people who run for federal office put their tax returns online,” Warren said.

“The next step is structural change in the economy. So think of it this way, we’ve got these giant giant corporations now that have swallowed little business, medium businesses, and what used to big businesses.

The problem is they have too much power,” Warren said. “Washington can’t survive as a democracy when you’ve got that kind of power in the hands of the corporation it’s time to fight back.”4see Warren pg. 3

A local high school student organized a climate strike at Fountain Park

Flyers began appearing around the campus of Winthrop University leading up to Global Climate Strike Week, which ran from Sept. 20 through 27.

The premise of the week is to support those participating in climate strikes and demand an end to the age of fossil fuels.

A local climate strike was held at Fountain Park in downtown Rock Hill at noon on Friday, Sept. 27.

“This week should have more emphasis on its importance,” said Chris Van Aller, a political science professor and faculty advisor to Model U.N. at Winthrop.

Students from around Rock Hill came together with signs and shirts to support the cause. They held signs which bore phrases such as “honor thy Mother,” “climate change is not a hoax,” “rise now or swim later” and simple drawings of peace symbols.

Students marched with their signs to the Rock Hill office of Sen. Lindsey

Graham to sign a petition for action in response to climate change.

“I am marching for my future children and grandchildren’s future,” said Sarah Kelley, a freshman early childhood education major. Kelley said she was at the event to “be a part of something bigger” than herself.

Kelley emphasized that she wants leaders around the world to “Wake the [expletive] up” about the implications of climate change.

Elynora Johnson, a freshman psychology major, said that she was happy about the turnout to the climate strike and shared her fears about climate change.

“If I have children, I do not want to bring them into a world where they cannot breathe,” Johnson said. To law makers and leaders, Johnson had a simple message, “[expletive] you.”

Rock Hill-area students who came out to the event to do their part in making a change expressed their anger with lawmakers and concerns about a changing climate.

“College educated people are very important to this cause,” Van Aller said in response to the event and the role that young people have had in bringing these issues to light.

Sarah-Isabel Pointdexter-Ibarra, a 17-year-old senior at Rock Hill High School, organized the climate strike at Fountain Park. She was inspired by the actions of 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg, as well as the number of South Carolinians who care about the topic but aren’t as informed. PoinKevin Seabrook/ The Johnsonian dexter-Ibarra posted about the Students made signs for the protest. event on the Fridays for Future website. Fridays for Future is a holding lawmakers accountable. global youth movement of climate “Just because it will not affect you strikes around the world inspired by because you are old doesn’t mean Thunberg. you should just forget those who will Pointdexter-Ibarra posted flyhave to live in this world,” Poindexers around Winthrop’s campus and ter-Ibarra said of lawmakers. skipped a class Friday to attend the Van Aller urged students who event. She said that she wants to want to make a change to write letters educate people on the importance of to lawmakers.

Sports

A&C

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•pg.8

Volleyball recap

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The intimidation of submission

4see Climate pg. 2

Opinion The vape generation

•pg.10

Index: News 3 | Science & Tech 5 | Sports 6 | Arts & Culture 8 | Opinion 10

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3Climatefrom front While that may seem like not a big deal, letters are read and are taken as opinions of a larger group.

“Climate strikes are important to the future,” Van Aller said. “The step I worry about students taking is being active in politics.”

These climate strikes are reminiscent of the Occupy Wall Street 9/30/2019 protests, which made headlines across the country but ultimately had little-to-no effect on the issues that were being protested against.

October 2, 2019

theJohnsonian

Van Aller said that he hopes for a should act, Van Aller said that he leader like former U.S. president does not think anything substanFranklin D. Roosevelt to spark tial will be done in the immediate inspiration in the people. One of future. However, he spoke on how Van Aller’s areas of expertise is there is still hope and last-ditch environmental security which is efforts do exist to postpone effects becoming more of a concern. Enof climate change temporarily. Van vironmental security examines the Aller went on to talk about how relationship between environmen- authoritarian governments, like Free Printable Sudoku Puzzles, Medium #1 tal events and the way they affect China, have made more strides in people. While there have been sev- the fight for environmental secueral projected time frames warning rity, as they have implemented big citizens about how quickly they efforts in solar panels and other

forms of energy conservation. Van Aller stressed the importance of education on the matter as well as importance of college-educated people passing that knowledge and information along. He also noted one of the greatest setbacks in the fight for environmental safety.

“Americans are in love with cars,” Van Aller said.

Victoria Howard contributed to this story.

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About The Johnsonian

Editor-in-Chief Anna Sharpe https://www.memory-improvement-tips.com/printable-sudoku-puzzles-medium-1b.html sharpea@mytjnow.com The Johnsonian is the weekly student newspaper of Winthrop University.

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Letters, cartoons and columns reflect the opinion of the authors and are not necessarily the opinions of The Johnsonian Staff.

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Managing Editor Assistant Sports Maggie Claytor La J’ai Reed claytorm@mytjnow.com A&C Editor Ad Manager Laura Munson Victoria Howard howardv@mytjnow.com Photography Editor Tate Walden News Editor Matt Thrift Assistant News KiKi Todman S&T Editor Savannah Scott

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October 2, 2019 < Warren

from front

Tate Walden/ The Johnsonain Attendees cheered as Warren said “Dream big, fight hard.”

Tate Walden/ The Johnsonain Elizabeth Warren answered crowd questions after the rally.

The way to achieve this structural change, she said, is by doing a wealth tax. This means that there would be a 2 percent tax on income totaling more than $50 million.

“Your first $50 million free and clear but your $50 million and first dollar you have to pitch in two cents for every dollar after that. Now, I want you to think about it this way, you’ve been paying wealth tax pretty much forever it’s just called a property tax,” Warren said.

With these tax dollars, Warren said universal child care and prekindergarten, raises in wages for preschool teachers and child care workers and an expanded Pell Grant would be possible.

“We can do all of that for our littlest babies and we can do more that same two cents can do that plus we can provide tuition free technical school, two-year college and

democracy” “It’s time to roll back every racist voter suppression law in this country, stop political gerrymandering,” Warren said.

While many of the onlookers went to take pictures with Warren, we approached a few of the Winthrop students that were there to get their opinions on the event.

Kayla Jenkins, a sophomore special education major, said the wealth tax was the part of Warren’s plan that stood out to her the most.

“I think the rally went really well.

She did an amazing job not only talking about her plans but outlining how she wants to achieve them. The plan that stuck out to me the most was the 2 [per]cent tax on the rich.

So for anyone that makes over $50 million. I really liked it because it’s not like we are asking them straight up for half their wealth, but asking

four-year college for everyone who wants an education,” Warren said.

“And there’s more, we can actually make college accessible to people who come from poor families. We can expand the Pell grants in every direction and give an opportunity to all of our kids. Plus we can cancel student loan debt for 95 percent of the people.”

Part three in Warren’s plan involves living one’s own values. She stressed that “hard work[ing] people are entitled to retire with some dignity. We can increase payroll taxes on the top 2 percent, extend[ing] the life of social security for decades to come. [We can] increase the social security monthly check by 200 bucks for everyone and increase disability payments by 200 dollars a month,” Warren said.

Part three of Warren’s plan emphasises the need to “protect the

them for 2 cents and 2 cents of what they make over $50 million will add up for the economy while not putting a big hole in their pockets,” Jenkins said.

Paris Williams, a junior political science major, said that this rally influenced her vote towards the Warren campaign.

“I’m more likely to vote for her since I was able to see her in person, I still want to hear other candidates but I think she’s a good candidate and she is for the people and it shows in everything that she does.

Also, I would like to see her go against Trump because she is strong and always ready for a challenge,” Williams said.

The rally ended with Warren answering questions from the audience and she signed off with her campaign statement.

“Dream Big, Fight Hard.”

A roundup of crime on campus Here is a rundown of calls WUPO has been recieving in September Matt Thrift thriftm@mytjnow.com On Sept. 19, an officer with the Winthrop University Police Department spoke with a Winthrop student making a complaint of harassment.

The student told a WUPD officer that ever since her roommate moved out, she has been harassed by her which had resulted in a “no contact order from the Dean of Students.” The harassment extended to the victim’’s mother according to the report.

The officer wrote that the victim’s mother had received “threatening comments” from the victim’s former roommate and a friend. Another Winthrop student also reported harassment. A WUPD officer spoke with the student who had been accused of harassment. She told the officer that the problems started when she confronted the victim because she was “tired of coming in to the

room and seeing her having sex with different guys.” She went on to say that she had threatened to slap the victim in a text message conversation because she was “tired and upset about the situation.” The officer explained the law about harassment to the student and told her not to have any contact with the victim.

On Sept. 23, a Winthrop student spoke with a WUPD officer to report a hit-and-run. She told the officer that her car had been damaged in the parking lot of the Courtyard apartments. WUPD reviewed surveillance footage from the parking lot and saw a man get into a vehicle, back up, strike the victim’s car and drive to another parking space.

According to the report, the man got out of his vehicle, looked at the damage to the victim’s vehicle, then walked away and entered a building. The man was identified and was contacted by dispatch who had him

Matt Thrift | News Editor thriftm@mytjnow.com

go to the WU police station. The man told a WUPD officer that he had left his insurance information at the victim’s vehicle but said that he had not been contacted so he filed with his insurance company. A WUPD officer “pulled up the surveillance footage” and “advised” the suspect that he had not placed his information at the victim’s vehicle and had “left instead.” The suspect then “changed his story and advised he came back later on in the day with his information.” The suspect was unable to provide the officer with the “exact time” that he placed his information on the victim’s vehicle. The suspect then received a citation for leaving the scene of an accident.

On Sept. 28, a WUPD officer responded to Dinkins Hall “in reference to a suspicious male in the area.” The officer had been advised that a male was walking around the lawn in front of Dinkins “while a campus event was underway.” The

suspect flagged down the officer and asked him for a ride to Fountain Park. After the officer asked him what he was doing campus, the man “became defensive and started speaking in a low tone of voice.”

The man was unable to provide the officer with a form of identification. When a second WUPD officer arrived on scene, the suspect “became agitated stating that he was a beast and was going to sue the [responding officer].” WUPD issued the suspect an “indefinite trespass notice” before releasing him. WUPD later discovered that the suspect had given them a false name. Officers compared the photograph of the suspect that was taken at the scene and found that the suspect had previously been entered into the trespass database. The suspect “is charged with false information to police.” Officers attempted to locate the suspect at his listed address but were unable to locate him.

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The meme that stormed Area 51 The modern power of memes has been proven to be underestimated David Botzer staff writer Are we alone in the universe?

This question has floated around for as long as humans have existed.

If we are not alone and aliens have visited Earth before, many people expect that the government is hiding evidence of this in Area 51 in Nevada. This suspicion has become so popular that Area 51 is more associated with aliens than being an intensely secretive Air Force base.

Recently, this suspicion has been the driving force behind a popular meme.

The meme itself stemmed from a joke Facebook event titled “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us.” The original event was dated to take place on Sept. 20 from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. local time. Before its original poster, Matty Roberts, took the event down, it gained over 2 million responses of “going.” The popularity of the meme even caught the eye

of the military, which issued a warning that lethal force would be used if the need arose.

If this warning was not enough, according to an interview Roberts did with USA Today, the FBI came to ask him lots of questions. Roberts worked with them to report anyone who tried to radicalize the joke event. He eventually got the idea to take the whole fiasco and turn it into a music festival titled “Alienstock.” However, Roberts eventually backed out of hosting the event in fear of it failing.

On the morning of when the event was supposed to occur, nearly 100 people gathered outside the gates of Area 51 according to The Guardian. Those who gathered chatted with guards and carried signs.

Some of those in attendance even wore tinfoil hats and alien-related costumes. Later in the day, hundreds of people attended events like the proposed Alienstock, including “Area 51 Basecamp” in Hiko, Nevada, and festivals in Rachel and Las

Correction:

Vegas that laid claim to the Alienstock name. Each of these events included musical performances and even included activities such as an area where visitors got to pretend to break into Area 51. Ultimately, only two people were arrested; one for public urination and another for ducking under one of the Area 51 gates.

The “Storm Area 51” meme has spread far since its original posting in June, including to Winthrop. The university’s own mascot, Big Stuff, got it on the joke by posting on his official Instagram, @the_real_ wubigstuff, a video of him nearly being kidnapped by “aliens.” Students on campus were willing to give their thoughts on the event including English major, Tabitha Webb. Webb said, “I thought it was great. I was there for the memes, but I will admit it did get out of hand towards the end.” When asked if she would have attended given the means to, Webb responded with, “I would go just to watch.”

Thomas Roberts, an early childhood education major, believed that if the effort was put in, “we could [have] done better as a society. We could [have] taken over Area 51.”

Roberts said he would have attended if he could have.

Graphic design major Shariq Turner-Carter thought the event as a whole was “very stupid. It was a stupid idea and it ended exactly as I expected it to: with no one fully committing to the idea.” He also made it very clear that he would not have attended the event.

With this meme blowing up as much as it did, beyond the Internet in some capacity, unlike similar Facebook joke events, it brings to question how far memes will go in the future. A simple joke post made in June blew up into actual festivals only a few months later. It remains to be seen if this is a one-off or the first of many memes to result in real-world events.

The article which ran in the Sept. 25 issue of The Johnsonian under the headline ‘Run, hide, fight’ was incorrectly attributed. The article was sourced from the Palmetto Report which can be found at palmettoreport.wordpress.com

Winthrop University: ranked Winthrop University appears on two new rankings for American colleges

When it comes to choosing a university, incoming students wants to learn the ins and outs of colleges based on major, cost and environment.

According to Winthrop University’s website, the university was recently ranked in “Money Magazine” for the second time in a row on the magazine’s list of Best Colleges for Your Money for 2019. Winthrop President Dan Mahony commented on the efforts of the university and how the ranking is reflective on Winthrop’s mission of affordable and diverse education.

“Receiving this third-party endorsement by ‘Money Magazine’ for two years in a row reinforces Winthrop’s goal of keeping the cost of college within reach for families, a goal that is prioritized in the Winthrop Plan, the university’s strategic plan. I appreciate Winthrop’s faculty and staff and members of the Board of Trustees for their efforts to ensure we offer a high quality educational experience that is accessible to all students,” Mahony said.

According to US News and World Report 2020 Best Colleges on Sept.

9, Winthrop has risen from 25th to 17th in the regional universities for public and private institutions in the South, ranked eighth in public universities and tied for tenth place for most innovative schools. Mahony noted how the rankings are important because they raise awareness

about the university, making it more likely for Winthrop’s accomplishments to reach potential students.

“While we do not chase such rankings, it’s always a source of pride and accomplishment to see our campus’ hard work recognized in prestigious publications like U.S. News & World Report,” Mahony said in an email.

Lee Clark, Human Experience’s administrative assistant, said that rankings don’t just show people one university to be the best, they also provide students with information on the school and the quality of the education.

“These rankings are not the goal of our work, but they do give quantitative proof that recent projects at Winthrop are moving this university in the right direction to provide quality education for diverse students,” Clark said.

Mahony sent an email to faculty members at Winthrop on both rankings to congratulate their focus on education and on the students.

“These achievements affirm our commitment to educating students in a well-rounded, student-centered culture. As always, I appreciate your work to make these recognitions possible,” Mahony said.

Guy Reel, department chair for the university’s mass communication department, was among the recipients of the email. He noted how the rankings are a draw for potential students and how they affect the administration.

“These rankings are a plus for Winthrop and certainly are a good

Kiki Todman | Assistant News Editor todmank@mytjnow.com

public relations tool for the school as it recruits and retains students. The university has made a remarkable rise in the rankings, which shows the success of the administration’s endeavors to provide the best possible learning environment for our students,” Reel said.

Winthrop’s Director of Communications and Marketing Julia Longshaw explained how the rankings from various third party platforms like “The Princeton Review” and “Money Magazine” are a good way of marketing the university.

“These third-party rankings validate what we at Winthrop already know: that Winthrop provides its students with an exceptional education at an affordable cost,” Longshaw said.

Both rankings are valuable recruiting tools to bring students to Winthrop University and see how they can further their education at the university.

“Prospective students consult a variety of factors when considering where to go to school. Rankings are only one of those factors, but I suspect for many students they are very important in their considerations.

So that should help with recruiting,” Reel said.

Though quantity and quality are different things, the rankings show the commitment and efforts of the Winthrop faculty from other universities on how they appeal to new students and how they will apply

Olivia Esselman/ The Johnsonian those skills after graduation.

“One of the things that sets Winthrop apart from some other institutions is that every faculty and staff member is dedicated to helping our students achieve success. As they proceed on their journey of personal discovery they will find that, along with rigorous academic preparation, Winthrop is helping them develop as compassionate leaders and engaged citizens,” Longshaw said.

Though rankings are not the mainbreason that students choose universities, Winthrop professors looking to continue improving themselves and have merit bring the university as a national standard to other colleges.

“I hope that these rankings will help some of the potential students who are still deciding between colleges. Rankings are not usually the primary reason a student chooses a college, but it may be that small extra push for a student who is weighing their options,” Clark said.

Amanda Hiner, an associate professor of English at Winthrop, said in an email that she was “pleased” with how the rankings reflect on the university.

“According to the National Survey for Student Engagement, our students score significantly higher than the national average for student engagement on campus and in the community, for undergraduate research and for applying critical thinking in their learning,” Hiner said.

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Rock Hill’s iMAGINE STEAM October 2, 2019

The nonprofit iMAGINE STEAM put on it’s second annual festival

Savannah Scott

scotts@mytjnow.com Every kid’s dream is to play with hand-controlled robots and cars, do fun science experiments and art projects.

But what if all of these activities were free?

Families, students and the community of Rock Hill joined together on Sep. 28 at Fountain Park to celebrate and enjoy the second annual iMAGINE STEAM Festival.

Organizations from around the area joined to create an environment for children and parents of all ages to enjoy what STEAM learning has to offer.

“It goes back to the question of what is this whole STEM and STEAM concept. It’s more than the acronym itself. It is the way in which our kids learn and need to learn,” Susie Teague, director of the iMagine STEAM Festival, said.

“In learning in that manner it [teaches our kids] that everything is not in silos. That we are not a silo system and [our kids] are more likely to be prepared for what's to come later in life and

available for our kids as they [grow]. It's a prime opportunity for this area.”

Some of the tents that were set up included Winthrop’s own STEAM programs. Students and professors volunteered to put on science projects that kids and parents could enjoy.

One of the projects included sugar paper. Kids could enjoy putting paper in sugar water and see it dissolve as they stir it.

“I think it’s great seeing Courtesy of Treva Hammond the parents putting their kids in a great position while they are young,” Tynasia Foster, there are so many opportunities a sophomore biology major, out there for our kids that we can said. “Bringing them out here prepare them for.” and seeing the cool stuff that is The nonprofit organization has happening will keep them involved been putting on festivals in the in science and help better them as Greenville area for about six years before they started doing it in Rock they grow.”

With Winthrop students and Hill. faculty volunteering, it allows the “So I live in Rock Hill and community to see what Winthrop seeing how successful the one was has to offer. in Greenville and how well the “Winthrop is a great sponsor community responded I felt like and partner and they do amazing our community would respond things when they are here. The well too,” Teague said. “There's schools that come out here are so much that is growing [in our doing amazing things and it’s so community] that's going to be

important for everyone in our community to see what is going on,” Teague said.

The festival has grown in the past year, and it would not be where it is today without the help of the community.

“It takes a team to get the job done and the city has been fantastic in helping. So all of the tents are nonprofit [STEAM programs] in schools or business industry partners,” Teague said.

“What they are doing is fun and encouraging kids to pursue something that is [related to] STEM and STEAM.” The organization and festival has grown and the organizers hope it will encourage students to look into careers that involve STEAM. “The whole point is just to get that knowledge out there. There's so many careers in the STEM field [that are] worth exploring and it would be great to see our kids grow here, go to school here, and get a career here,” Teague said. “To see the talent in our own community is wonderful. We have a great place here with the three counties and we should really make sure that shines for our state.”

Due to Virtual Reality’s advancements, the use of a lot of restrictive devices will now be gone. VR will now allow users to perform motions as they are in the realms of the device. Oculus Go only has users download the app on their mobile phone and only need wifi access.

Advancing Virtual Reality Exploring new trends in Virtual Reality and how it applies to Winthrop students

Joseph Calamia staff writer It may be a long way from creating full-on game systems that have interactive worlds all in the comfort of one’s home, like in the movie “Ready Player One.” However, today’s advancements in virtual reality do take realms of science fiction into these systems.

VR consoles are reaching high trends in 2019. They are mostly being used to focus on ways that virtual reality can be incorporated in teaching and visualizing.

It is becoming more adapted into everyday life for video games, according to aBernard Marr, a futurist writer for Forbes.

This trend has also sparked interest in individual students and organizations on Winthrop’s campus that are looking to see the potential in using the new technology.

VR has been a household name for gamers with games such as “Beat Saber” and “Super Hot” and it is evolving gaming.

“The idea of virtual reality is simple, and a great many popular games currently available for VR consoles are simple enough for a wide audience to pick up,” Matthew Hoshauer, a sophomore computer science major, said. “VR also provides an avenue to reexperience dear to heart titles to invigorate the love of those games again.”

One of the ways that Winthrop’s Competitive Gaming Club is able to use VR is by reaching out to students to visit their monthly meetings to try out some of the new video games it has to offer.

“VR is definitely making its way to the mainstream, even onto this campus, and in our very own

club,” Hoshauer said.

VR consoles are becoming more innovative in transporting viewers of the realms of their favorite

games.

Although VR is currently costly, the advancements of technology have allowed VR consoles like the Vive and Oculus to be more affordable to consumers. This is how gaming consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are becoming more affordable today, as technology continues to make new strives.

“As VR technology advances, the price of older models will obviously become more accessible,” Hoshauer said.

Winthrop students are using VR technology because it immerses players with games such as “Beat Saber.” This appeals to gamers and has them look at the technological advances of VR consoles like the Vive and Oculus compared to regular console games.

“VR games provide unmatched immersion and new ways to enjoy video games that are popular that consoles cannot provide. The reason the title was [and still is] so massively successful is because of its innovation” Hoshauer said. “ Players are able to play a rhythm

game through the use of their own hands [via very accurate motion sensor controllers] and become far more immersed than using

people to learn about and enjoy VR experiences for the first time.”

Combining video gaming with VR allows players to not only feel immersive worlds with new games, but also it shows a sense of wonder to how VR is progressing outside the realm of entertainment.

With the technology being adopted by companies like Walmart to train employees and Facebook's recent purchasing of Oculus, VR will is becoming a facet of everyday life.

“I think VR will become Elizabeth Talbert/ The Johnsonian increasingly popular and will likely surpass console gaming in the future as VR technology a controller and watching TV or is perfected and reimagined,” monitor.”

Hoshauer said.

Advances aren’t just becoming Though technology is advancing mainstream in the United States, today, there are still consoles but countries all over the world that need work on making their are utilizing the potential in VR. technology more innovative and Japan opened a VR focused improve on what can be done with amusement park called Mazaria it. in the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo. “[VR] is going to go real far, but The amusement park features it’s going to take a lot of time to do multiple VR games such as “Mario it,” Curran Cannon, a sophomore Kart Arcade GP VR” and games undeclared major, said. based on hit anime such as “Neon A change is coming not just to Genesis Evangelion” and “Mobile video games, but also with how Suit Gundam.” These types of individuals interact with the world games help make players feel like and with how this new technology they’re in those specific worlds by will be used to find creative creating immersive environments. solutions to train and adapt “The video game industry in human ingenuity.

Japan is massive, so it doesn’t “VR has already vastly exceeded surprise me a major city like my expectations; I didn’t think Ikebukuro would receive a theme we’d have easily accessible VR park on [the new] technology. games until well into my 20s,” I think this is an incredible Hoshauer said. “The future of marketing stunt, and is likely to be VR is ambiguous, but I would be incredibly fun for tourists enjoying willing to bet the next step in VR the mall,” Hoshauer said. “To is being able to interact with other someone not so knowledgeable on VR players fluidly with much less video games, especially VR, this bugs.” is a wonderful segway to allow

Savannah Scott | Science & Technology Editor scotts@mytjnow.com

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SPORTS theJohnsonian October 2, 2019

Winthrop Lacrosse team releases spring schedule Winthrop Lacrosse releases their upcoming schedule for the Spring 2020 season

Joseph Calamia

staff writer

Basketball isn’t the only thing that will keep Winthrop sports fans glued to their seats and cheering, there is also another sport that gives fans a rush of thrill with frenetic action and quick plays.

According to Winthrop Athletics, Winthrop Women’s Lacrosse released their spring 2020 season schedule to let their players and athletes know when the home games are. The schedule states that the lacrosse team will play seventeen regular season games, ten of them at Eagle Field, and open up the season with three non-conference games.

Junior midfielder Lauren Morris noted that the lacrosse team’s players are deep in training to improve their teamwork skills.

“With the regular season still being so far away, training has not changed much at all since the schedule release. Fall is all about

getting comfortable playing with one another and being able to improve our skills as a team,” Morris said.

Junior exercise science major Olivia Deaver commented on how the team will be playing conference matches this semester to prepare for the upcoming spring.

“I am excited to play some teams in our conference during the fall to get a feel for them. The spring season is full of new non-conference games which we are so excited about. And we cannot wait to go on a winning streak straight into conference play,” Deaver said.

One of the biggest changes to the lacrosse team this upcoming season is the addition of the new freshmen players to the team.

“Having freshmen make up almost half of our roster is a challenge along with a potential huge benefit.

Overall, just learning to get together with all the new faces that have joined the team this year,” Morris said.

Instead of being seen as a disadvantage, the team is looking to train both the new recruits and themselves to new rules and strategies for the upcoming season.

“Every season is challenging, but this year we have a lot of new faces, and I am excited to see how they will embrace the new rules of college lacrosse.” Deaver said.

Much like their previous season, three of the matches this season, such as California and Fresno State, are not in the Big South Conference.

“Playing non-conference teams allows us to be ready for conference play. Non-conference games are all about working out the kinks within our team so we are as prepared as possible to crush it in conference,” Morris said.

Despite this, the lacrosse team will be focusing to improve themselves before the Big South with matches in Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and a spring break match in Florida.

“We will have some hard competition to compete against this

Kevin Seabrook/ The Johnsonian season, but I am excited to see what our team can accomplish,” Morris said.

The upcoming season will not only give new members of the team goals to aspire to, but veteran players to improve themselves from the previous season.

“My goal for the team this season is to have as many healthy bodies as possible. Due to injuries in the past we have been limited with girls that are able to play. Having enough healthy bodies to have subs will be a huge benefit to our game,” Morris said.

Overall, the lacrosse team is ready to work hard in the fall and strive to win the Big South Tournament in April to show the Eagle spirit on the field.

“I am excited to crush it this season with the new squad. I think that this year will be a very successful season and I am excited to see how our team handles the tough competition scheduled,” Morris said.

Recruitment in Rock Hill NCAA selects Rock Hill to host recruiting camp

Beneshia Wadlington & Gweneshia Wadlington

staff writers

Rock Hill has been selected as the 2020 NCAA Recruiting Camp Southeast location.

The NCAA College Basketball Academy is designed to give male student athletes within the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022, a taste of what it’s like to be a college basketball player. The academy receives input from NBA coaches helping to develop the boys academy.

To attend the academy, you must be considered for an invitation, and register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, after nominating yourself [himself]. According to the program’s webiste, 2,400 players will be selected for the academy with about 600 players selected from each region. Each session will contain about 300 players, where players can only attend one of the aforementioned sessions. During the Academy, participants will partake in activities such as drills, games, and life skill- like sessions.

College basketball coaches will also be in attendance on July 23-28.

“We are ecstatic to put Winthrop University, the City of Rock Hill and Visit York County on display in this wonderful opportunity to host the NCAA College Basketball Academy,” Dr. Ken Halpin, vice president for intercollegiate athletics said.

“Being awarded this opportunity is further evidence of Rock Hill’s commitment to being a leader of sports tourism in the United States.”

Winthrop University, along with the University of Utah, Wichita State University, and the University of Connecticut, will serve as host sites for the second annual NCAA College Basketball Academies.

The deadline for nominating and applying to the academy will be on Sunday May 5, 2020 at 11:59 pm.

Students will be notified of their acceptance via email no later than Friday, May 31, 2020.

For the community of Rock Hill, York County, and Fort Mill this is a big deal that can mean growth for the community.

Malik Frazier, junior political science major, is excited for this

Gabby Gardner | Sports Editor gardnerg@mytjnow.com

potential growth.

“It means a lot that they chose Rock Hill, SC to host the NCAA Basketball Academy.

It shows our determination to continue to bring amazing events to the good town that our citizens can enjoy.

We are continuing to grow here in Rock Hill which help us to host amazing events. It also shows that we are a top destination when it comes to hosting events. It’s a huge plus for us here in Rock Hill,” Frazier said.

Junior sports management major, Justin Rhodes, is not as convinced of the possible impact on the city.

“It would be a good start for exposure, but I feel the impact won’t be that great for Rock Hill,” Rhodes said.

“Well I don’t really have any ties to Rock Hill since I’m not from here so it’s not that big of a deal to me but it definitely brings exposure to the area,” said Isaac Smith, a junior

Elizabeth Talbert/The Johnsonian

sports management major.

“I think it would be good for us as sport management majors because that gives us more internship opportunities in the PESH department as a whole, especially because we would get work without some of the best known high school basketball players in the country,” said Morris Buckery, a junior sports management major.

The selections will be taking place from July 20th-26th, 2020.

theJohnsonian

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October 2, 2019

Killing it

Volleyball is burning up the court La J’ai Reed

reedl@mytjnow.com Winthrop Volleyball has gotten off to a hot start this season and these ladies have no intentions of slowing down.

In their most recent nonconference matches, the Eagles successfully took on Furman (27–25, 21–25, 25–13, 25–22) and Appalachian State (25–19, 25–23, 23–25, 25–21).

The team’s roster, which includes five seniors this season, brings a lot of experience to the floor. Senior outside hitter, Jace Kleffner, is one experienced player who had two strong games against Furman (eight kills and two blocks) and against Appalachian State (12 kills and one block), and she credits her personal gains to her teammates.

“The games could not have been won without the collection of everyone,” Kleffner said. “I cannot be successful if my teammates do not do their job and everyone did their jobs. Our team is incredibly successful if we are disciplined in our positions and that leads to The Eagles display their excitement after a big play. everyone’s success.”

Kleffner notes that the months conference is to add whatever I can Hein led the team in kills in the leading up to the season aided the to my team in whatever capacity is match against Appalachian State. team tremendously. needed,” Kleffner said prior to the “The captains and upperclassmen “Preseason was so successful, the conference opener. did a very good job working on our coaches matched us up against very The match proved to be a battle, relationships and showing how skilled teams which forced us to up but the Eagles came out on top, things work here at Winthrop,” our play,” Kleffner said. “The teams claiming the match in four sets (24– Gomez Hein said. “Our preseason we played in our preseason line-up 26, 25–12, 25–22, 26–24). was mainly focused on our are really skilled teams, and they Kleffner looks to carry the relationships, knowing each other prepared us for conference.” collective team energy into the rest better and trusting us on the court.”

Along with the Eagles’ stellar of the season.

Gomez Hein hails from Chile and record, the team currently holds the “Support and heart is what this praises the team for her welcome. top spot in the Big South volleyball season is all about for me,” Kleffner “My experience has been great,” standings. The Eagles were said. “I love my team and my Gomez Hein said. “I love my predicted to rank third amongst coaches and I am confident this teammates and I have felt a part of the 10 Big South teams during year’s championship is ours for the this family since the minute I got preseason rankings. The current taking, but it starts now.” here. I feel really welcomed and success of the team displays how While the seniors are often have not even had time to miss my focused the Eagles are on their seen as the leaders for a team, country.” game, rather than the preseason recognition is not reserved for just Gomez Hein has certainly made predictions. the veterans. her mark on the team and just as The team opened 2019 conference Camila Gomez Hein is a her teammates, she is ready to build play against Presbyterian College on sophomore who transferred to on the winning streak.

Friday, September 27.

Winthrop from Georgia Southern “Our goal is to win the conference, “My mindset going into University after one season. Gomez we have been doing a good job in

La J’ai Reed/ The Johnsonian the preseason and now it is time to show that when conference starts,” Gomez Hein said in the days leading up to the start of conference play. “I’m pretty confident in this team, I know we will do a good job, we have to keep working hard and believing in each other.”

The Eagles have provided fans with thriller matches at Winthrop Coliseum.Volleyball pushed for another Big South win versus Charleston Southern (26– 24, 32–34, 25-17, 25–16) on Saturday, September 28.

The Eagles went 7–3 in their September matchups. The win over Charleston Southern, boosted the Eagles to remain perfect at home as they enter October.

Following three weeks of road play, the Eagles will return to Winthrop Coliseum on October 18.

Swinging back into the season A quick look into the softball season for the Eagles

Morgan Alexander

staff writer

Fall practice has begun for the Winthrop Eagles softball team—a team that looks prime to continue the momentum that was built from the team last year that exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Last season, under the leadership of Coach Windy Thees, the Lady Eagles finished 30–25 (14–10 in Big South conference play) and were able to make a run in the Big South Tournament, ultimately coming up one game short of the title.

Comfort and experience are what will lead the Lady Eagles to success this year according to senior outfielder Tori Walker.

“I have very high expectations,” Walker said, “It is our second year with our head coach, so we are a little more comfortable and knows how she expects us and wants us to play.”

The Winthrop Eagles’ softball team lost key members such as their middle infielders Blake Wallert and Brooke Ellison. They also lost their top pitcher in Kiley Majette, who threw 400th strikeouts in her career. Morgan Lowers in also gone from last seasons’ team after being a key top of the lineup bat for the Lady Eagles after batting a career average .305.

“We definitely lost some key seniors last year that were strong on the field and in the lineup,” Walker said. “Replacing them will be tough, but I think the group of girls that

“The group of girls that came in this year have the confidence and motivation to be the best players in their positions throughout the whole conference.”

-Senior Tori Walker

“I think that hunger and drive will really come out this year and we will not settle for second best again.”

-Senior Tori Walker came in this year have the confidence and motivation to be the best players in their positions throughout the whole conference.”

Although the Winthrop Eagles’ softball team lost some key members, they also have some contributors returning as well. Fresh off of a complete game shutout against USC Upstate in her last start, Bella Roy looks to compete to be the staff ace this year. Another starter looking to be another ace for this team is Madyson Watson. Watson finished with a career-high 15 wins, including a perfect 9-0 against the Big South Conference. Senior third baseman Ashley Westbrooks and Senior left fielder Tori Walker looks to bring stability in the middle of the lineup.

The softball team looks to propel in the Big South Confer-

ence Standings. With powerhouses Longwood and USC Upstate looking to be the favorites coming into the season, The Lady Eagles expect to shock the conference once again after finishing so close to a conference title. The team comes into the season with an edge. Walker believes that it is this drive and edge that will put the Winthrop Lady Eagles over the top.

“I think that hunger and drive will really come out this year and we will not settle for second best again,” Walker said. “All I have to say is the Big South better not sleep on Winthrop Softball this year.”

The Lady Eagles continue Fall Ball on Saturday, Oct. 5, as they play host to USC Sumter at noon and Lander University at 2 p.m. in a round-robin tournament.

La J’ai Reed | Assistant Sports Editor reedl@mytjnow.com

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October 2, 2019

Winthrop’s creative writing department is calling all writers for their submission party

the students in attendance and also answer any questions about the process.

According to Téa Franco, When it comes to art, a creative writing departshowing it off can be scary. ment intern and mass comThe fear of rejection is munication major, part of somethi ng that every artthe purpose for the entire ist faces throughout their event is to take “some of career. This is especially true the intimidation out of the with writers, who may pour process. Franco believes lots weeks, months, even years of of students have “wondertheir life into a piece of work. ful things they have written Creative writing professors either in their classes or on Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Somtheir own, but don’t know mers understand that and are what the next steps are or, if hosting a submission party they do know, are intimidatfor all interested. ed by them.” She encourages The goal of the submis“everyone who has a story sion party is to give writers they want to share with the at Winthrop a chance to get world to come. It might seem together with fellow writers like a long shot to get your and submit their work to work accepted for publicaliterary magazines together. tion but myself and several Hoffman and Sommers, who other of my peers have been are both published authors published with the help and and have been in several guidance of our professors, literary magazines, will be in as well as by being involved attendance to help encourage in this community of writ-

ers.” Franco believes that this event is not just about the submissions, but also about connecting with other writers and giving students the “drive to get your work submitted with the help of our professors.”

One student who knows how intimidating it can be to submit a piece of work is Joaquin Macias. Macias, an English major, stated that to him, “submitting is a lot like posing nude, because you’ve spent weeks, months, sometimes even years crafting this piece of art and it becomes a part of you, so when you submit, especially the first few times you do, feeling that you’re rending yourself to these strangers can be intimidating. It’s hard enough to just show your art to people sometimes and in the submission process, you’re asking to be judged and often you’ll get rejected.

I’ve only been trying to get published for a year now and I’m near 40 rejections to only two acceptances, which is normal even for the best writers because editors aren’t just looking at quality, but at space, theme, cohesion, personal taste, etc. So knowing that when sending off a piece of art, you’re likely going to be told no, it’s hard. It’s hard to be vulnerable to people who don’t care about your feelings, so being in an environment where you’re with a group of people who’re either as inexperienced in this posing for the editors as you or more experienced, then it feels more right. Writing is a solitary activity, so submission is often a solitary activity. Having a community makes it easier.”

The Submission Party will be held in Bancroft 264 on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 5 p.m.until 6 p.m.

Music department presents concert on the lawn Annual concert returns with “A Musical Showcase” A popular free cultural event presented by the department of music is back, featuring percussion, winds, jazz and vocal performances. The music department’s student ensembles will perform their annual Concert on the Lawn on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 2

Laura Munson | A&C Editor munsonl@mytjnow.com

to 5 p.m. While the performance has previously taken place at Byrnes Auditorium, it will be performed in the amphitheatre this year with Tillman Auditorium as the rain location. The event also coincides with Winthrop Family Day, and is included as an optional afternoon activity for students and their

families.

The event, titled “A Musical Showcase,” will feature Winthrop Wind Symphony conducted by Lorrie Crochet, Winthrop Symphonic Band conducted by Doug Presley, Winthrop Swingin’ Eagles Jazz Ensemble directed by Tracy Patterson, Winthrop Percussion Ensemble and

Winthrop Choral Ensembles conducted by Jeremy Mims.

Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic lunch.

For more information, go to www.winthrop. edu/cvpa/MUSIC/ upcoming-performances.aspx

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Tate Walden/The Johnsonian

A creepy, kooky preview of “The Addams Family”

The lovable gang of oddballs is coming to Winthrop this week for the fall production of “The Addams Family,” directed by Matt Ferrell.

The show runs from Oct. 2 to Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. in Johnson Theatre.

The story follows the exploits of the Addams, father Gomez, mother Morticia, their son Pugsley, their daughter Wednesday and uncle Fester. The main character in this story is Wednesday Addams, now eighteen years old.

Wednesday has fallen in love with a boy named Lucas Beineke, and she begs her family to try and be normal for one night

so she can impress him and his family.

Junior musical theatre major Shannon Bradley plays Morticia, the matriarch of the family.

“She is very elegant, she always walks with poise, but this version of her is a little bit different from what audiences are used to seeing her as.” Bradley said. “While she does keep her composure, she does get a little frazzled in this show.”

Bradley also describes working to balance Morticia’s calmness with her anger, as well as maintain a mature, motherly presence.

“The research for Morticia was difficult. Because as I said, in the movies she’s portrayed as very calm always, and everything is easy for her. Not many places do you see her get angry, and she gets angry in this show so that’s been a challenge,”

said.

“I love how confident she is. She’s so in control, which is kind of humorous because she’s really the head of the family.”

Bradley said. “My favorite part of the show has to be the tango. She and Gomez have just gotten in a fight, and [the tango] is them making up. It’s just so powerful, it’s their love, it’s the fire reigniting.”

Freshman musical theatre major Gillian Huntley plays Wednesday. “[Wednesday is]very morbid but she has a lot of feelings. She just doesn’t show them on her face. She’s very deadpan, but after act two she kind of changes because she falls in love with Lucas.

She totally flip-flops and she has too much emotion, and she shows expression all the time,” Huntley said.

According to Huntley,

the musical version of Wednesday is different from the character portrayed in the movies.

“In the movies she is deadpan all the time, with no expression on her face at all. In the musical, you have to find a mix of the deadpan and the expression.”

Director Matt Ferrell said he chose the show for several reasons.

“I knew we could cast the show so that’s always important when you are looking at a season. I like the fun score and thought the music is fun, and a spooky musical would be a great way to introduce the Halloween season. I love the subject matter of the musical and wanted to explore the whole world.” Ferrell said. “‘The Addams Family’ is a musical about how we define families and how everyone’s family is quirky underneath every-

thing. It’s also a love letter to the characters created

by Charles Addams, and just continues the saga of the Addams Family.”

Ferrell said.

Ferrell said the show’s music sets it apart from others he has directed in the past.

“It’s a whole different genre. Andrew Lippa wrote the score, and uses various styles of music throughout. It’s themed for different characters. Gomez always has a Spanish flair to his music, Fester’s music tends to be vaudevillian, Wednesday’s music is very contemporary pop.

It sometimes feels more like a variety show than a musical,” Ferrell said.

Tickets for “The Addams Family” are $10 with a Winthrop ID and $15 for the general public. The show is also an approved cultural event.

Coming Soon in Music A P P R O V E D C U L T U R A L E V E N T S C O M I N G T H I S M O N T H I N T H E D E P A R T M E N T O F M U S I C

Faculty Series: Jeffrey McEvoy, Baritone

Oct . 7 at 7 :30 p.m.

Ba rn es R ecit al Hal l Student Series: Madeline Bailes, Clarinet

O c t . 6 at 7 :30 p. m.

Ba r n e s Re cita l Ha ll

Lizzy Talbert/ The Johnsonian

Faculty Series: Hollis Ulaky, Oboe with the Rhodora Trio

Winthrop Jazz Ensembles directed

by Tracy Patterson

O c t . 2 1 a t 7 :30 p. m.

B ar n e s R e c it al Hall

Oct . 8 a t 7 :3 0 p . m.

B arn es Re ci tal Ha ll

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OPINION

theJohnsonian

The vape generation October 2, 2019

The generation that was expected to eradicate cigarette use, has now turned to new ways of getting a nicotine high Abi Perito

staff writer

Cigarettes and nicotine have always had a strange way of infiltrating our society and wreaking havoc. And now the anti-smoking campaign of our childhoods has been disregarded for a small little electronic vape—a device that was made for the purpose of being the “healthier alternative.” Just a little heads up, it definitely isn’t.

Why is it that people who grew up knowing the cost of smoking cigarettes, having seen the repercussions through adults and relatives, decidedly ignored the warning signs before they even reached 18 years old? I can always remember the first time that I saw a Juul; I was hanging out with my friends and somebody pulled it out, making the promise that it was “totally safe” and nothing like cigarettes because it didn’t contain tobacco.

This led me to question why people really thought cigarettes were unhealthy. Was it really the tobacco that repulsed people? It definitely couldn’t have been all of the chemicals that pose a risk, and those same, dangerous chemicals definitely aren’t also found in the “safer” e-cigarettes. Vaping poses similar risks as smoking cigarettes, even without having overwhelm-

ing amounts of tobacco in their products.

Although no long-term studies have been done, as these e-cigarettes have only existed since approximately 2003 and weren’t normalized until the 2010s, there are much more recent accounts of what damage these devices can do to people.

As of Sept. 19, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has made account of 530 cases of lung injury and 7 deaths related to vaping across the United States. Since the CDC has made this statement,

Victoria Howard | Opinion Editor howardv@mytjnow.com

Mason Foster/The Johnsonian

state investigators have begun to look back on other, similar deaths to see if they were caused by vaping.

By marketing their product as “safe”, e-cigarette companies such as Juul and SMOK have been able to put nicotine products in the hands of the younger generation, the one that was supposed to eradicate smoking. The high demand for these products was aided by the companies’ use of fruity flavors that were enticing to teenagers.

Cigarettes are no longer marketable to the public. There have been

too many anti-smoking campaigns that displayed the health risks of smoking tobacco cigarettes, risks that stay with someone for their entire life. This is where the e-cigarette companies stepped in and took over the market.

In 2017, the CDC said that only 14% of adults were smoking cigarettes. Compare this to a 2018 survey conducted by the National Institution of Drug Abuse that said 42.5% of high school-aged kids had admitted to smoking an e-cigarette at some point.

These rates have continuously grown over the past 5 years, and nothing is going to stop them unless punitive action is taken against the large corporations that are risking the health of our younger generation for their profit.

The Trump administration is pushing this initiative by placing a ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. Following this annoucement, the CEO of the Juul company, Kevin Burns, has stepped down from his position and has been replaced by K.C. Crosthwaite, a former chief growth officer for a company that produces Marlboro cigarettes. Juul has also taken the initiative to remove all print, digital and TV advertising and will comply wholeheartedly on any anti-vaping legislation that is passed in the future.

theJohnsonian

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October 2, 2019

Listen to the voices of the children Children from across the globe are crying out for action against the effects of climate change Victoria Howard

howardv@mytjnow.com

One of the biggest names in the news for the past two weeks has been a 16-year-old Swedish girl.

Greta Thunberg rose to international fame when in August 2018 she spent days she was supposed to be in school sitting outside the Swedish parliament building with a sign which read, “School strike for climate.”

Her movement pushed forward from there and has had a profound effect around the world, starting the #FridaysForFuture movement, which calls for students to strike every Friday until action is taken to begin combating the effects of climate change. On Sept. 23, Thunberg made a powerful speech at the

United Nations Climate Summit.

“We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you,” Thunberg said.

On Sept. 20, an international climate strike took place. All over the world, children and adults left their normal Friday routines behind and shouted for their governments to hear them and to listen.

Thunberg is not the first child to advocate for changes to regulations of pollutants. Mari Copeny, better known by her handle @LittleMissFlint, has been advocating for her community since she was only 8.

Now, at 12, she has continued to call for action from her peers and those she is supposed to look up to.

“No, our fight to save the planet

didn’t start today with the #ClimateStrike, and it doesn’t end today either,” tweeted the @LittleMissFlint account administered by her mother following the international climate strike. “Many of us have been putting in the work for years to save our planet. Don’t just amplify our voices today, but every day and support our solutions to save us.”

Even in Rock Hill, teenagers are speaking out and standing up for what they know to be true. Sarah-Isabel Poindexter-Ibarra is a senior at Rock Hill High School and has organized two climate strikes in the city during the UN climate summit.

“There are so many ways in which our communities can change to be more conducive for [helping] the

crisis and to alleviate all the people who are most affected,” Poindexter-Ibarra said at the second strike on Sept. 27. “Climate justice is not just about the horrible consequences that climate change will bring, it’s also about realizing that the people who will be most affected are those living in poverty and those who can do the least about it.”

These children are caught in the middle of childhood and the fear of not being able to grow into their adulthood. It is unethical that we continue on this way.

In fear of the power that teenagers can hold, prominent figures in politics and the media have attempted to discredit Thunberg after her speech to the UN. Laura Ingraham, a host on Fox News, compared Thunberg and other child activists to cult members in the movie “Children of the Corn.”

President Donald Trump sarcastically tweeted that Thunberg “seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!”

Others have suggested that Thunberg herself is just a tool for propagandists and that she should not hold any power. While it is likely that Thunberg has a team supporting her, this is the case with every other person in the public sphere.

Thunberg, Copney and Poindexter-Ibarra all represent a new generation: a generation that demands to be taken seriously despite criticisms—a generation that stands up for what they believe in. We must listen to the voices of the children because they will not be silenced.

Despite critics who fear the power that they hold, these children will change the world, hopefully before it’s too late.

Elizabeth Talbert / The Johnsonian

‘The Princess Bride’ Remake?

Inconceivable!

Rumors of a“The Princess Bride” remake spark controversy

Lily Fremed

staff writer

Why do people—or in this case, Hollywood companies—think they need to fix things that are not broken? When it comes to the possibility of remaking the classic film “The Princess Bride”, there are two reasons: Hollywood is greedy, and they are running out of ideas. This staple in the film industry is beyond amazing; it definitely does not need to be redone and potentially ruin the franchise’s name.

For those unaware, “The Princess Bride” is a fantastic 1987 motion picture following the challenges, adventures and humor in finding true love. Robin Wright and Cary Elwes played the main characters, Buttercup and Westley, who try to find their way back together with the help of some unexpected friends. With so many classic quotes like “My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die,” and “Inconceivable!” this film is already iconic and there is no need to recreate this original masterpiece.

Not to mention, this film is based on an adventurous romantic comedy novel published in 1973.

Even more reason to not remake it; the movie is already a slight variation of the book, so it does not need to be altered a third time.

After hearing the rumors of a remake, leading man Elwes put a spin on one of his lines from the movie to express his opinion in a tweet: “There’s a shortage of perfect movies in this world. It would be a pity to damage this one.

Cue a virtual round of applause for his subtle sassiness.

Even the slightest thought of reproducing this film is outra-

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox geous. Many have watched this movie for as long as they can remember, making a simple solution to deciding what movie to watch with family or friends.

Do not mess with perfection.

As a compromise to redoing a fan favorite, maybe the production company could make a sequel.

That way there is no one trying to replace the brilliance of the original actors and story. Although a sequel

would come out close to thirty-five years after the first, if it is terrible, oh well. At least it will become a laughable, forgettable movie instead of ruining the name of the original.

One main reason there cannot be a remake of this story is that a few of the amazing actors who provided epic quotes, scenes and narrations are no longer with us. For instance, someone cannot replace the incomparable André the Giant who played Fezzik. Due to his massive size, André sadly died at the age of 46, but people will never forget his immense talent and lovable charm.

Other famous voices such as Peter Falk, who is reading the story to his grandson, and Peter Cook, the clergyman with his unforgettable phrase, “Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday”—are irreplaceable.

Growing up in Southern California, my brother and I had a blast searching the area for filming locations, and movies will always be one of my favorite ways to relax. My family and I still enjoy watching many classic tales together like “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid.” These, along with “The Princess Bride”, are classics that families cherish and money-hungry industries should not replace them.

Therefore, there should not be a remake of “The Princess Bride,” but instead, a whole new story, able to capture audiences with the same passion as this one did.

theJohnsonian

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October 2, 2019

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