A&E

Trauma turned TikTok: Does Gen Z take it too far?

By Mackenzie Zent Staff writer

As one of the youngest current generations, Gen Z is known for many things, one of which is making jokes out of serious topics. From current events to mental health, nothing is off limits.

This trend has really taken off on social media, especially on TikTok.

Gen Z wastes no time in filming a video for a TikTok when there is a major current event or political matter happening in the world.

Usually, these videos are making a joke out of the situation, adding humor to it to make viewers laugh.

While scrolling on TikTok, users flip between seconds-tominutes-long clips ranging from dance trends to videos taken inside of active war zones.

This transition is incredibly jarring, but users have become used to it.

Additionally, the coverage on the app allows users to learn about major events as they are unfolding from diverse perspectives.

Recently, there have been many videos on fear of being drafted into the war in Ukraine.

Many Gen Z women have made jokes about their true place being in the kitchen and doing the housework to avoid the draft.

While this may seem like slight internalized misogyny, it is just to make themselves and others laugh during such a heightened state of tension in the world.

This is one of the biggest reasons Gen Z makes jokes out of serious subjects: to make hard situations easier.

Gen Z was born into and grew up in a post-9/11 world, and many of us graduated high school and entered college during a global pandemic.

These circumstances are not normal, and when the whole world seems to be going up in flames in front of you, what more can you do than try to make yourself feel better about it?

We are living in a time period where nothing is certain for the future.

The pandemic has been happening for two years, and sometimes it can feel nearly impossible to see the end.

High school and college experiences have been forever altered, and there have been many events people have missed out on.

By making jokes on social media and laughing at a reality that no one could have possibly predicted, it helps bring the generation together and share similar experiences.

If everyone is going through something together, it makes everyone else feel less alone.

These events are happening in the most formative years of people’s lives; it is natural to develop humor as a coping mechanism.

Perhaps Gen Z does this to feel like they do not have to deal with the repercussions of serious world and political events.

For many people, the war in Ukraine, political issues and mental health can be scary, and they need to find a way to deflect what is really going on. By making jokes and memes, it might make some of these things easier to deal with and digest. To look at the big picture, this way of thinking and acting is harmless.

A lot of these events are difficult to talk about and deal with, so if making jokes about them makes it easier, then that should not be a problem.

This is not done by any means to belittle or invalidate serious topics but rather to consume them in a familiar way.

That being said, it is understandable if not everyone agrees with using humor to cope with serious situations; everyone processes things differently.

Most of Gen Z has a great sense of humor, and it is nice that people can come together online through shared experiences and hopefully feel a little less alone.

This aspect of Gen Z is something that has allowed the youth to cope with harsh realities, so meme culture is incredibly important to the group identity of the generation.

2021 films to be awarded at Oscars

By Emma Coppolo A&E editor

The 94th Academy Awards will commence March 27, at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center in California to commemorate the film achievements of 2021.

The awards are always an incredible display of celebrity fashion and socialization, but this year’s movies ensure a tight race.

“The Power of the Dog” has an unbelievably star-studded cast. It features talents such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons.

Cumberbatch is nominated for “Actor in a Leading Role” for his portrayal of rancher Phil Burbank.

Based on Thomas Savages’ novel, the film follows Phil exercising his fear-mongering behavior to scare off Rose (Dunst), brother’s (Plemons) wife.

The film has already generated quite the buzz after winning several Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes.

The American Film Institute has already named “The Power of the Dog” as one of 2021’s best films, and a solid performance Sunday is expected.

Steven Spielberg’s take on “West Side Story” was one of the most anticipated movies of 2021 for several reasons. Firstly, the original 1961 version is an absolute classic.

Its main star, Rita Moreno, the original Maria, appears as Valentina in Spielberg’s version.

The cameo tied together the 1961 and 2021 stories in an interesting and effective way.

The film garnered controversy when Ansel Elgort was cast. Following sexual assault allegations years prior, many believed that Elgort was an inappropriate choice for the role of Tony.

Regardless, the timeless story of the Sharks and Jets, gangs at odds during a time of culture clash in New York City, won viewers’ hearts once again.

It has nominations in several categories, including Ariana DeBose as “Actress in a Supporting Role” and Spielberg himself for “Directing.” If all of its nominations are clinched, “West Side Story” could seriously sweep some major awards at the Oscars.

Andrew Garfield is nominated for “Actor in a Leading Role” for his portrayal of Jonathan Larson in “Tick, Tick… BOOM!” The film depicts the playwright’s struggles in New York City as he tries to craft a successful play.

This biopic is filled with celebrity cameos from the Broadway world and fantastic music.

Garfield’s dedication to the film undeniably stoked much of its success.

The parallels between his performance and actual film of Larson performing are eerily similar. Additionally, Garfield learned to sing specifically for this role.

His performance is absolutely stellar, and his achievements in the past few years in the film industry have been incredible, as well.

While he is matched against some of the biggest names in the industry for the award, he is certainly one to watch.

Jessica Chastain is nominated for “Actress in a Leading Role” for her performance in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.”

This biopic examines the rise and fall of Jim (Andrew Garfield) and Tammy Faye Bakker’s televangelism empire.

The couple is now infamous, but the film works to show all aspects of the eventual spiral.

Chastain’s performance is absolutely incredible, and she looks shockingly similar to the woman she portrays.

Linda Dowds, Stephanie Ingram and Justin Raleigh are nominated for “Makeup and Hairstyling” for their work on the film.

“The Eyes of Tammy Faye” is bound to be an underdog this Sunday.

Whether watching it for the fashion, interviews or awards, you should absolutely tune in this Sunday at 8 p.m.

Contributed Photo

Andrew Garfield and Jessica Chastain as Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”.

Hurst Hot Take: ‘Good Trouble’

Contributed Photo

Promotion for Freeform’s hit spin-off “Good Trouble”.

By Mackenzie Zent Staff writer

One of the best shows on Freeform is, in my opinion, “Good Trouble.”

Made as a spin-off of the hit show “The Fosters,” it follows two sisters, Callie and Mariana Adams-Foster, as they navigate their new adult life.

For people who have watched “The Fosters,” “Good Trouble” is really cool because the audience sees Callie and Mariana grow up from crazy teenagers to professional young adults.

One thing that differs from the original show is that “Good Trouble” is set in Los Angeles, instead of San Diego.

Because of this, we do not get to see Callie and Mariana’s other siblings or parents as much; however, the actors do make guest appearances throughout the seasons. While the show lost some of the main characters from “The Fosters,” it gained many new ones.

Callie and Mariana live in a communal living apartment with people they were strangers to until they moved in. After adjusting, they learned to love their neighbors and their lofts.

The show follows the storylines of these new characters, and it is packed full of drama.

It is refreshing for people who have watched “The Fosters” because we get brand new storylines, but still the same drama, jokes and characters we love like Callie and Mariana.

Something I love about the show is that they talk about important topics like police brutality, race, eating disorders, body image, women’s rights and more, while still making it entertaining to watch.

It can be difficult for writers to have consistent storylines and tackle all of these issues at once while tying the show together and making it enjoyable, but the writers of “Good Trouble” are definitely able to do it.

This show is rich in diversity, and everyone is sure to find a character they relate to and maybe learn something new because of it.

The representation “Good Trouble” brings to media is also great because it is so important for people for have characters that they identify with on TV.

One example of this is that there is a non-binary character named Lindsay who becomes a reoccurring character starting in season two. There are not many mainstream shows that feature non-binary characters, so that makes it even more impactful and important to see Lindsay consistently.

Without giving too much away, there is a love triangle between Lindsay and two other characters that was very intense to watch.

Another great aspect of “Good Trouble” is that it is led by strong women. Mariana works in tech, and something we see throughout the seasons is her struggle as a woman in STEM and how she navigates the workplace in a male-dominated field.

It is really interesting to see the types of oppression she faces and how she is able to deal with it and overcome it.

I think it’s really important to show young girls who may be watching this that science and technology is not just for men.

“Good Trouble” is on every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. on Freeform and available the next day on Hulu.

If you like drama, suspense, and a show that will make you laugh, “Good Trouble” is for you!

The 814: The Juice Jar

By Nadine Fox Staff writer

Looking for a great place in town to grab a juice, smoothie or healthy lunch?

Check out the Juice Jar, located at 2620 West 8th Street.

They have a variety of healthy foods and drinks with many dietary restrictive options.

Heidi Lutz, owner of the Juice Jar, opened her store to restore her health due to her Crohn’s disease.

She had been off medication for four years thanks to juice and healthy foods, so her main goal is to educate people and help them fuel their body with many plant-based products.

They have many vegan and gluten-free, nutrient-dense choices to suit everyone’s individual dietary needs.

One of their most well-known items is their smoothies. Some popular flavors include their newest flavor: the chocolate covered strawberry smoothie.

The ingredients listed are strawberries, banana, cocoa powder, maple syrup and almond milk topped with whipped cream if you like (both dairy & non-dairy available).

Another fan-favorite is called the “Commodore Berry”. Apple, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries pile into this smoothie, delivering a load of antioxidants, fiber and Vitamin C.

A perfect pick-me-up for coffee lovers is “Morning Mocha,” which has banana, coffee, chocolate protein (vegan or gluten-free), cocoa powder, coconut sugar and coconut milk.

“Polar Bear,” which is made up of almond milk, bananas, organic peanut butter, vanilla protein and blueberries, is one of the simpler options. Regardless, it’s just as delicious as the others and perfect for picky eaters.

There is also an option for the addition of alternate ingredients, like chia seeds, honey, kale, oats, spinach, cinnamon, flaxseed, protein powders and peanut butter. It does come at a slight up-charge, but it is worth it.

One popular juice is called the “Immunity Booster”, which helps reduce inflammation associated with seasonal changes due to the high amount of vitamin C and phytocompounds that strengthen the immune system and reduce allergies. It is vegan, dairy, gluten and nut free.

If the Erie weather has been as brutal for you as it has for me, this drink is perfect.

Some of their popular breakfast items are avocado toast, gluten free oatmeal with organic oats, vegan breakfast sandwiches and whipped feta toast.

A few of their lunch items include vegan burgers, jackfruit tacos, sweet potato fries and vegan and gluten-free soup.

While the Juice Jar is mostly known for its drinks, its food definitely has its own merits.

Many of their options are difficult to find anywhere else in the area; there are plenty of options if you are looking for a change in pallet or a friendly cafe atmosphere.

The Juice Jar is open for breakfast Monday through Friday. They are also open for lunch Monday through Saturday.

You can pick up or have your order delivered to you which is super convenient for busy college students on the go!

While the Juice Jar certainly has choices geared towards health-conscious patrons, they’re just as delicious as options anywhere else.

Their wide assortment of options and fantastic execution of them makes the Juice Jar a place definitely worth visiting.

The Juice Jar logo portrays it’s healthy aspect of food.

Contributed photo