PC
The PIRATE CLIPPER Magazine Fall Isssue. Platte County High School
The
Crew
Participation in student section has created a renewed energy
Culver’s Opening
Platte City will be adding a new restaurant into the mix in mid Nov.
SEC vs. Big XII
Two juniors commit to large Division 1 baseball programs
Letter from the Editor
Pretending Brooke Zenner Editor-in-Chief
F
Perfection
rom the moment we were first put on this earth, we have been stereotyped by our gender; boys are placed in blue blankets and girls in pink. We are told how to act, behave and dress based on our gender. Society lays out our personality, behaviors, physical appearance and occupation, once again, decided by our gender. This is called the gender biases. Gender biases not only describe stereotyped characteristics of men and women, but they also set certain standards for how men and women should think and behave. Members of each gender who fail to stay within these standards are often punished. For instance, there are specific expectations on how a perfect woman is supposed to look and behave. We are supposed to be thin, sexy and submissive along with a long list of other “attractive” characteristics. Those who vary outside of these boundaries are called trashy, fat, fake and several other names I am not allowed to mention in school. Women are often stereotyped as weak and are likely to fail in a competitive work environment simply because they are not as tough as men. Women are commonly viewed as only useful when in the kitchen or doing laundry. I hear high school boys say, “Shouldn’t you be in the kitchen?,” or, “Why don’t you be useful and make me a sandwich?” This is not necessarily their fault; it is just what is seen in movies, advertisements and songs undermining women and their value. This is not a women-specific issue. Surprisingly enough, society has created their view of the perfect man. Some of the characteristics that fall into this perfect man include: tall, handsome, successful, affirmative and basically an exact replica of Calvin Klein models. Once again, the men who fail to follow these guidelines are called womanizers, cheaters, and liars. Along with these demeaning names, is another list of words I’m not allowed to say in school, nor want to. These expectations, for both men and women, are effects from the media. In magazines, movies, television shows and advertisements genders are made to look perfect; and those who are not perfect in the media’s eyes are punished. In various gossip magazines, celebrities who are the least bit overweight are broadcasted across covers calling them fat and obese. Society has chosen those who are impossibly skinny to be the spokeswomen for all of America, when
2 letter from the editor
in reality, no one is that skinny. Photoshop experts already skinny models even more skinny because that is what women are supposed to look like: skin and bones. The same goes with men. Men are shown wearing little to nothing in advertisements. These men have flawless abdominals and perfect hair, and now this is what society views as the ideal man. However, these stereotypes are not realistic. What needs to be done is as simple as pointing out what is wrong with these stereotypes. From magazines and television to film and the Internet, the media is filled with negative gender stereotypes. If you see someone making sexist jokes or downgrading someone due to their gender, then stand up. No one can fit into the perfect expectations we have surrounding each gender. It is time to understand that what we have been taught and constantly see is not real. This issue is further discussed by Opinion Editor Zoe Mayne in her editorial called *Insert Whistle*.
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Table of Contents
Letter from the Editor
2
Pretending Perfection
Society has set a basis for how members of each gender are supposed to act
Feature
Culver’s Opening
4
We are the Crew
13
Cat calling is an issue that has grown more prevalent in the halls
14
Donald Trump is the frontrunner of the Republican presidential race
5
Foreign Exchange students are introduced to PCHS
*Insert Whistle* The Comb-over Billionaire
New Culver’s will bring more diversity to Platte City restaurants
Foreign Friends
Opinion
The Pirate Clipper Staff
6
Brooke Zenner
Zoe Mayne
Aaron Samuels
Kianna Castro
Skylar Koontz
Jake Nicholson
Reviews on new albums from The Weeknd and Mac Miller
Alysse Maxwell
Ian Byrd
9
Zachary Regan
Michael Boydston
Student section support has grown throughout the years
A&E
Album Reviews
Editor-in-Chief Feature Editor
8
Coffee Critic
Reviews on two coffee shops located in Kansas City, Mo.
A&E Editor
Sports
Fall Sports Round-up Athletes from fall sports share their stories from this season
Assistant A&E Editor Sports Editor
Opinion Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer
Who we are:
10
SEC vs. Big XII Jared Wilson and Justin Mitchell commit to Division 1 baseball programs
12
The Pirate Clipper is a student-run newspaper dedicated to informing students on current local, national and worldwide issues without bias. Opinions and editorials do not reflect the views or opinions of the Platte County staff, school, administration or adviser. For questions or concerns, contact adviser Kari Johnson at johnsonk@platteco.k12.mo.us. Letters to the Editor:
The Pirate Clipper will strive to meet professional journalism standards. We report news accurately, objectively and fully in-depth. We will acknowledge mistakes and correct errors in content when brought to our attention. Letters to the editor are subject to be condensed for space and grammar. They will not be subject to editing for content. Anonymous letters to the editor will not be accepted. To contact the Pirate Clipper, email PCHSpirateclipper@gmail. com or deliver letters to Room 23. Follow the Pirate Clipper on Twitter:@PCClipper Instagram:@thepirateclipper The Pirate Clipper is a member of the Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Missouri Interscholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll.
piratestudentmedia.com 3
s ’ r e v l e u n C i s i Cu
Jake Nicholson Staff Writer
P
Newest addition to Platte City’s fast food options opens mid-November
latte City has a wide assortment of fast food restaurants including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Jimmy John’s, Sonic and Arby’s. Adding to the variety of restaurants, a Culver’s will be opening in November. Opening a national restaurant is a long and lengthy process that can take several months. “The Culver’s of Platte City was approved for construction in May 2015, and we began construction in June. The first two months were spent demolishing the used car building and preparing the site itself for a Culver’s. The 4,400 square foot building has been constructed very quickly since the walls first started going up in August,” said Platte City Culver’s
manager Mark Schuler. Culver’s plans to open on Nov. 12. It will be located between Roberts Chevrolet Buick and Taco Bell. Culver’s is entering the final stages of its development. One of the last steps in the process is hiring employees. “We currently have 10 people who have applied, but we still need several more,” said Schuler. Many of the local restaurants could be affected by this change. The one that could be hit the most by this is Dairy Queen due to the similarity in menu items. Dairy Queen employee and junior Daulton Bennett is not worried about losing business. “They have frozen custard, but we have actual ice cream,” said Bennett.
Photo by Brooke Zenner
According to Bennett, people will choose the business that has been here the longest. According to Culver’s employee Macaulay Koontz, Culver’s will not struggle at all. “I feel like they have a big advantage,” said Koontz. According to Koontz, Culver’s has more options on their menu, such as fried chicken and pizza than other fast food places. The restaurant is also more family oriented so it has more privacy in the booths and is larger in camparison to other fast food restaurants. “We look forward to serving Platte City, other local communities and travelers on I-29,” said Schuler.
Photo by Aaron Samuels
Culver’s is in the final stages of construction, both inside and out. Construction began in May with the destruction of the used car shop next to Arby’s.
4 feature
Foreign Friends
New foreign exchange students hit the halls, set sail for a year of American schooling Aaron Samuels Feature Editor
T
hree new foreign exchange students walked into classrooms, experiencing American education for the first time. Sophomores Reem Halaby and Kotchakorn Tansakul and junior Luis Sousa walk alongside of students who have been living in the U.S. for most, or all, of their lives. According to Halaby, she chose the U.S. because the education system is superior. “This school is very larger, and has more technology than Egypt,” said Halaby. Tansakul chose the U.S. for the same reason as Halaby. “(The American education system) is the best,” said Tansakul. “It is better than Thailand by a lot.” Tansakul came from the number one school in Bangkok, where she was not allowed to use a calculator. According to her, there were eight different periods during the day, of which there was little to no choice in classes. Sousa, who is Brazilian, has visited America in the past, going
to Chicago and Orlando. “I like the U.S., and I have been here sometimes,” said Sousa. Sousa said he prefers the United States to Brazil. “In the U.S. you can actually walk down the street without getting robbed,” said Sousa. The students do not limit their experience to just the classroom. Halaby likes that America has more high school sports than Egypt and takes advantage of it by running cross-country. “Running cross-country is very, very awesome, but it is very, very hard,” said Halaby. Sousa is on the soccer team. “I have always liked soccer,” said Sousa. “I have played it since I was 5 and never stopped.” Tansakul, who plays the piano, likes music because it is a form of expression, and it is easy for her. The foreign exchange student program is not an easy one to be admitted into. “We have about two or three exchange students per year,” said
Luis Sousa, Brazil
principal Chad Sayre. “We get a profile and an application [of the student].” According to Sayre, there is strict criteria a student must meet to be accepted into the program. “There is financing issues involved,” said Sayre. “There are a lot of hoops to jump through.” According to Tansakul, there are several tests a student must take in Thailand in order to become a candidate for the program. “In Thailand, the SLEP (Secondary Level English Proficiency) test and the ELTIS (English Language Test for International Students) test are English tests,” said Tansakul. “They rank the scores and take maybe the top scores.” After selection, the process of finding a host family and making the big move begins. “They let you choose the country,” said Sousa. “I chose the United States and chose random city and random state. The family chooses you, and you know like a week [prior to arrival].”
Reem Halaby, Egypt
Kotchakorn Tansakul, Thailand
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WE ARE THE
CREW Photos by Brooke Zenner, Aaron Samuels
“
As an athlete, I know how big of an impact the student section can have on our performance and attitude during a game. The student section is there through the highs and lows of every game and is always there to cheer us on or pick us up, whatever we need. Kenzie Polley
6 In Depth
�
Ian Byrd
Staff Writer
Michael Boydston Staff Writer
Friday nights are filled with lights from the field and screams from the student section in the football stadium. The student section is named The Crew, and they are known for tailgating and even painting themselves for game nights. Senior football team member Lloyd Lockett uses the section as support to help him in tough situations. “When things get rough, it’s great to still have the crowd on your side cheering for the team,” said Lockett. “Last Friday [Aug. 28] against Central when we were down 34-17 I remember looking to the stands and getting amped up by seeing all the support we still had.” Sophomore Kenzie Polley is a proud supporter of the student section. “I think the student section is such a big part of our sports because it gives us an opportunity to come together and show the support we have for our athletes,” said Polley. “The student section has grown over the years because the students’ part in it has made it such a big deal and so much fun to be a part of.” The section is there for students to have fun and enjoy themselves, but it’s importance should not be overlooked by the students. “Personally I’m really proud to be a part of the PC student section every Friday night because we have so much fun in the stands, and I feel like it really helps hype our boys up,” said Polley. Polley, who is an athlete herself, knows how much the section can
impact an athlete’s playing and confidence. “As an athlete, I know how big of an impact the student section can have on our performance and attitude during a game,” said Polley. “The student section is there through the highs and lows of every game and is always there to cheer us on or pick us up, whatever we need.” Head football coach Bill Utz knows the importance of the section to the students who go to the games and those who participate in
“
When things get rough, it’s great to still have the crowd on your side cheering for the team. Lloyd Lockett
”
them. “It gives the team and school more motivation and makes it a fun experience for everyone,” said Utz. “The student section is very important for a high school atmosphere.” While Utz illustrates the importance of the student section as a coach, he was once a part of it. “I was a part of the basketball student section when I was in school,” said Utz. Utz noticed how the section changed this year and what the students are doing to support. “[It’s] very loud, students having a great time, and students are starting to travel to away games,”
said Utz. “Their support, gives the athletes something to play for, and messes with the opposing team,” said Utz. Utz is not the only coach who knows the importance of the section to the school. Coach Chris Stubbs said the section has always been a huge part of the school and a great way to support it. Making everyone get involved makes a sporting event even better to watch. “I think our section has always been strong, but everybody loves a winner so it’s always the strongest when we are,” said Stubbs. “I like all the coordination between the students with matching clothes and themes. They are really embracing that college-type feel for sporting events. I hope it carries over into the winter sports,” said Stubbs. It was not so long ago that the section was not up to the standards they are today. Students used to not be as proud or showed as much support as they do now. “Three or four years ago the section was put on the end zone, and it wasn’t all that great for the students to watch the game,” said Stubbs. Making an area for students to be passionate and be themselves makes for a better chance that everyone present will enjoy themselves. The section currently resides in the stands next to the band in area B. “It helps everyone feel like they are a part of it even if they aren’t involved with the sport they are supporting,” said Stubbs. “I always like to tell students it’s not the football team, it’s their football team.”
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Album Reviews
The Weeknd: Beauty Behind the Madness
Alysse Maxwell
Assistant A&E Editor
Twenty-five year old Toronto native, the Weeknd released his long-awaited second studio album, “Beauty behind the Madness,” on August 28. This album not only contrasts his last unsuccessful project “Kissland,” but contrasted his whole discography. In this album The Weeknd gives us more of an outlook on the man he is and not so much the lifestyle he lives. The Weeknd proved he could accommodate both the pop and R&B fans. Songs such as “Can’t Feel my Face” and “Dark Times” which features Ed Sheeran and “Prisoner” featuring Lana Del Rey- makes The Weeknd seem more relatable and not so much the dark angel who gave us “Wicked Games” in 2012. He counteracts his upbeat pop songs with hits such as, “The Hills,” “Often,” and the Kanye West produced track“Tell your Friends.” These such songs sound vaguely familiar, he gives us insight into his lifestyle as a player, not a lover. It is evident he tried to gain more fans with this project, which he did considering it was his first #1 on the Billboard charts, but whether this was his best project yet is a little up in the air. It is obvious he has changed, but whether it was for him or he is just a sell-out who wants to be more mainstream is for fans to decide. You can listen to this album on your preferred music streaming service and/or purchase it in your local store’s music section.
Rate:
Mac Miller: GO:OD AM Mac Miller released his highly anticipated and heavily advertised studio album, GO:OD AM. Miller does a good job of always expressing his true self through this album without creating something that’s already been done. Miller has proven that he’s a fun personality whose music never gets boring. Every song has its own moral and story. He even surprises fans with a collaboration with the hardcore Chicago native trap rapper, Chief Keef on “Cut the Check.” It’s easy to underestimate him as some wannabe dope boy rapper, but he continues to prove he can hold his own in songs such as, “When in Rome,” Miller keeps a constant flow over a loud thumping beat, saying, “I’m at the top of my game.” In this song it seems as if Mac is done with trying to remain humble and is here to tell you and your favorite rapper who’s the best. Just when we’re hyped over his hard hitting tracks, Miller counteracts them with songs such as “ROS,” and “Brand Name.” In these two songs Mac talks about his meaning of love and what really matters in life. When it seems that the old Mac who gave us “Donald Trump,” and “Party on Fifth Ave,” is nowhere to be found,”100 Grandkids” and “Break the Law,” prove us wrong. Mac’s album is the perfect combination of fun, self-reflection, inner desires and everything that comes with being a person. That is why this album, just like Miller deserves endless accolades and respect. Mac has proven he can only get better.
Rate:
8 a&e
Coffee Critic
Small coffee shops around Kansas City-metro area being discovered by more teens Zoe Mayne
Starbucks: a large chain
Opinion Editor
Broadway Starbucks 16 oz. Cafe Mocha $4.00 $3.95 16 oz. Black Coffee
$2.25
$2.05
16 oz. Cappuccino 16 oz. Iced Mocha
$3.75 $3.75
$3.75 $4.20
Grade: C
Here the coffee is dripping with mediocrity and each cup varies in quality. Something majorly lacking here is their lack of presentation in their drinks. There is no coffee art or designs atop their beverages which is very common trend in lots of other coffee shops. They do offer a wide menu to choose from that also includes non-caffeinated drinks, which is a major plus. But a downfall is that their prices are expensive for the quality of the product they are offering. For example a 16oz. white mocha costs $4.65. A key element which can make or break a coffee shop is the atmosphere. Normally, Starbucks is a boisterous space filled with chatty people and loud, obnoxious sounds. After school and in the mornings it is crammed to the brim with people, and the wait time for coffee feels too long to be worth it. Overall this place is a solid C because it is simply average and a solid place to go if you just want to grab some coffee with friends before or after school or need to tame a caffeine craving.
Grade: This small hole-in-the-wall is located in Westport, AKansas City, Mo., and is a popular spot for people all over
Broadway Cafe: a local place
the area. Here the coffee tastes real and authentic which cannot be said about all places (hint: Starbucks). The coffee is always a good balance of bitter and sweet and leaves behind no unpleasant aftertaste. Like Starbucks they offer a wide variety of caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks on their menu, and their prices are similar in range, but Broadway’s seem to match the quality of their drinks more. The execution of their drinks is very nice as they do coffee art and designs atop their drinks. They also offer the option of getting your drink for “here” or “to go” and you can be served a glass mug to use while vegging out on a couch or at one of their various tables. Inside the atmosphere is calm and there is a feeling in the air that makes visitors feel welcomed. The building is very spacious and feels very open inside compared to the usual cramped feeling in Starbucks. It can be loud however due to the machines and the inflow of people which can be a downside at times. Lines can also grow to be rather long, but the majority of the time things move rather quickly. Overall this place is a solid A-; it has many advantages over a large Photos by Zoe Mayne chain. It can be inconvenient to drive to the city just for a coffee, especialBroadway Cafe is a small coffee shop in ly on a school day, but it is a great place to go with friends on a weekend downtown Kansas City, Mo. The cafe opened and to hangout and sip good coffee. in 1992.
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Fall Sports
The Pirate Clipper Staff
Volleyball
Boys Soccer
Softball
When a team has success in a season, they are pressured to have the same success in the following season. This year’s volleyball team is no different. Senior Rylie Collins was a part of the conference and district championship team last year, working hard to repeat. “Seniors have had to step up their roles,” said Collins. “We have also put a lot of faith into our underclassmen to step up as well.” With underclassmen being heavily relied on this year, seniors are required to fill a leadership role. “I have put a lot more thought into everything I do,” said Collins. “Putting the most effort into making myself and others better is something that every leader should strive for.”
After playing on an injured hip for a year, sophomore Chandler Peterson received the news early this season that he might not be able to continue playing. Doctors told Peterson he had an extra bone on his femur and hip that was tearing into his cartilage. Peterson was told that he would need surgery. Peterson made the choice to hold off on his surgery until after soccer season. “I didn’t want to give up on my team so I decided to have surgery after high school season,” said Peterson. Even though Peterson is playing in pain, he thinks he made the right choice to wait. “When we get the win it feels good that I played through it,” said Peterson.
Mallory Stoner has the passion and determination that makes a good softball player. She has played since she was little, starting with T-ball. Through her long career, she has accomplished much. ”My biggest accomplishment was earning first- team all- state last year, and as a team, taking second place at state last year,” said Stoner. Stoner said she brings her leadership and abilities to the team. What motivates her is her determination to be successful and the feeling of winning. Stoner received St. Joseph News-Press Athlete of the Week and the team finished the season 16-10. Stoner will continue her softball career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney next year.
Photo by Kevin Burns
Photo by Brooke Zenner
Photo by Aaron Samuels
10 sports
Football
Last year, the varsity football team had an 8-2 season. Junior and safety, Kevin Neal, is entering his second year on varsity. “I think we’re tighter on and off the field, which leads to more success,” said Neal. On and off the field, the team works hard in the classroom, weight room and on the field to become a better team, along with being better students. “We want to make ourselves better people first, then better players second,” said Neal. Neal has had four interceptions and plans to play the same performance throughout the season. “The best thing about my sport, is the passion by far,” said Neal.
Photo by Ian Byrd
Round up
XC
Sophomore cross-country runner Rebekah Geddes has been described as an important part of her team. Geddes, who has been running since 7th grade, has had a string of accomplishments. “My biggest accomplishment was earning a personal record at the state course,” said Geddes. Geddes is driven and has a main goal to run at a Division-1 college. “I guess it’s just something I do and love,” said Geddes. Though this is her ultimate goal Geddes always sets goals to accomplish along the way. At districts, Geddes won the Class 4 District 8 championship race. Overall, the team finished eighth.
Photo by Gretchen Morris
Girls Golf
Freshman golfer Jesselyn Shipp plays on her own time regularly with her sister, dad and grandpa. “I enjoy playing the sport because it’s not always a competition against other people,” said Shipp. “You’re constantly trying to beat your personal best.” Shipp was the only state qualifier. “The feeling of being one out of seven freshmen at state was an amazing feeling,” said Shipp. “I was extremely proud of myself.” She missed the cut line to advance at state by a few strokes, but according to Shipp, that won’t hold her back come next season. “I’m more than ready to be back at state next year,” said Shipp.
Photo by Nicole Reed
Boys Swim Girls Tennis
Last swim season, sophomore Caden DeLay was one of the only freshmen on the varsity team. DeLay was a part of the team’s first conference win since 2008. “My goals for this season are to help my team win conference again, and to grow and prosper as an individual,” said DeLay. DeLay is one of the swimmers on the edge of qualifying for state. He is less than a second in both the 100-meter breaststroke and the 50-meter freestyle. DeLay is working on figuring out what he is best at. “Every stroke is my good stroke, I’m just trying to find out what I’m really good at right now,” said Delay.
Entering the season, there were high hopes for this girl’s tennis team. With returning starters juniors Stephanie Laures and Rachel Valentine, expectations were met. They finished the regular season 13-2 as a team, securing a co-conference title in the process. “[During the offseason] I worked hard with a lot of different competition,” said Valentine. Valentine made it all the way to the individual district tournament finals where she finished 2nd. Tying the best finish in school history with Taylor Laures in 2012. “Next year I will be more focused and practice more often in the offseason,” said Valentine.
Photo by Gabriella Reynolds
Photo by Sarah Smith
piratestudentmedia.com 11
SEC
Big XII
VS
Two student-athletes take their education, talents to the next level
Kianna Castro Staff Writer
At a Glance ...
MIZZ 20
Jared Wilson
1
CONF. CHAMPS
22
Champs
2
National
“You’re going to fail more than you are going to win, so it always pushes you to your limits,” said junior Jared Wilson when asked about his favorite part of baseball. Wilson verbally committed in late August to play Division 1 baseball at the University of Missouri. Wilson, a life-long Tigers fan, was recruited as a pitcher and has been the starting varsity pitcher since he was a freshman. “I’ve been watching Mizzou’s sports evolve since I was a little boy,” said Wilson. “I’m just ecstatic that I get to go play at my dream school.” Wilson was 4 years old when he started to play baseball and is excited for his future in the sport. “I’ve had so many ups and downs that have made this journey so exciting, so I can’t wait for more of those moments,” said Wilson. Wilson began his recruiting journey in the summer of his sophomore year. “My journey wasn’t very lengthy, but it had a lot of bits and pieces of experiences and stress,” said Wilson. “I had to be sure I was making the right decision, but I think I always knew I was going to commit to Mizzou.” The MLB is the next step for baseball players. “I think the MLB is a dream of mine, but of course education comes first in my mind,” said Wilson. “I want to make sure I have a good education to fall back on before I begin to make those decisions; it’s all just about timing.”
12 sports
OU
Justin Mitchell
After two and a half years of recruiting, junior Justin Mitchell, committed to play Division 1 baseball at the University of Oklahoma. “[It was] hard but worth it,” said Mitchell. He was recruited by five colleges including Arkansas, Missouri, Missouri State, Notre Dame and Oklahoma. Mitchell was recruited as a catcher and has played that position since he was 5. He started as the catcher on varsity for two years and has been playing baseball for a total of 11 years. Mitchell has many people in his life willing to give their opinion on where he should continue his baseball and educational career. “Ultimately it was my decision where I wanted to go so I did not let anyone influence me,” said Mitchell. “I waited for the moment where I knew it was the one.” Recently his family was struck by something Mitchell described as devastating. Earlier this year, Mitchell’s grandfather, Loren Dale Mitchell, lost his battle with cancer. While on his visit to Oklahoma something caught Mitchell’s attention. The Sooners home baseball field’s name is Loren Dale Mitchell Park. Mitchell called it “a sign.” The University of Oklahoma is also named one the coolest campuses in the United States, according to ESPN. Mitchell explained it as “extremely beautiful.” “It just felt like home,” said Mitchell. “Boomer Sooner.”
*Insert Whistle*
With cat-calling a prevalent issue in the hallways, students call for reform
Zoe Mayne
Opinion Editor
From the moment students walk into school until the moment they step outside the building they should feel comfortable and safe. Inside these four walls students should be allowed to be themselves and not fear ridicule or harassment from their fellow peers. The peers being referred to here in particular is the male portion of the student body. I am not intentionally trying to single them out, but according to the Oxford Dictionary cat calling is when a man, “Makes a whistle, shout, or comment of a sexual nature to a woman passing by.” This behavior is something that I have all too often heard or seen occur in the halls. Teens reciving an education at school should know that the comments they are making or their actions are inapropriate and offensive. While walking through the halls, I have heard my fair share of inappropriate comments exchanged between friends. While that is not particularly something I would like to hear throughout my day it is merely an inane conversation. There does come a point, however, when a conversation of mindless banter crosses the line.Why whistle at a girl in the halls and tell her in a crude voice she looks hot? If someone is truly adamant on informing this girl she looks nice, walk up to her and compliment her in a polite manner. I have been on the receiving end of cat calling, and I was left feeling highly embarrassed and uncomfortable. The school year just began, and I was walking through the halls wearing an almost kneelength skirt with a solid color t-shirt simply keeping to myself trying to figure out what class I
had next. As I walked past a group of four boys one of them made a comment on my appearance loud enough so I would hear it. I shook it off and kept walking, but they preceded to say more and even throw in some whistles. This is a school, and I am here to learn; not to feel objectified by some group of boys. There were others in the hall, and some looked in my direction, but no one spoke up. Why would anyone? It has become acceptable at this school for such behaviors to happen. Teachers and students are turning a blind eye and becoming indifferent. Why are we turning a blind eye? I think we are doing this because no one wants to start a confrontation, and no one wants to have to raise an issue with this, then be thrust into a big ordeal involving the cat callers, the counselors, etc. Another reason people are not standing up about this issue is often attributed to what the girl (the target) was wearing. If she is wearing more revealing clothing (such as very low-cut shirts and shorts/skirts that don’t properly cover their extremities) it can be claimed by the cat callers that she was asking for it, however that is a sorry excuse for someone’s actions. A person’s attire should never determine how she is treated, or how she it talked to in the hallway. To start tackling this issue teachers and students need to face it head on and acknowledge its awkward presence in the room. When a student is walking in the hallways and sees something of this nature happen, speak up and inform a teacher or counselor of the incident. Even if you are not
the intended victim of the cat call, you have a duty to report the incident and not just be an indifferent bystander. You have a voice, and if you use it you will be heard. If telling a teacher is not the approach you want to take, you can go Sprigeo, a website that is dedicated to reporting bullying/sexual harassment, which is what cat calling is considered. I understand that to some, all the steps needed to be taken to report cat calling seems like an awful lot to simply call someone out, but if people start doing this we can hopefully crack down on cat calling. It will never go away fully because some people will simply not hold their tongues, but we can try and exterminate it the best we can. To the people doing the cat calling: reflect on your intentions and realize your actions are not appropriate for school. You are not portraying actions that show you are a mature young adult and someone who understands the power their words can have. Students, you have to use your voice when you see cat calling happen regardless if it is to you, to a friend or even to a stranger. It is simply not okay to slide this issue under the rug and become a bystander because that makes you a factor in this issue. Report it, report it, report it. This is the key, and we all hold part of the solution in our hands and now it is up to the students and staff to decide whether or not we use it. Stand up, raise our voices, and use that key to come together as a school and solve this issue.
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The comb-over Billionaire Donald Trump, Republican candidate for the 2016 presidential election, stirs controversy about his plans if he were elected to office Aaron Samuels Feature Editor
At the center of the presidential race is a figure so authoritarian, his presence can only be described with his name. Donald J. Trump is a real estate mogul, businessman and a capitalist in the most American sense of the word. He can now add presidential candidate to his list of titles. In the race to the White House, none are more outspoken than Trump. He is known for being profoundly blunt and not using, as Fox News’s Megyn Kelly puts it, a “politician’s filter”. Trump, himself, says one of the biggest problems America has is political correctness. I hear students say they do not like Trump solely because he is hurtful in his speech. Let me illustrate an issue that will prove Trump’s point.
14 opinion
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is one that has sparked controversy, and rightly so. The movement was started in the wake of the death of Michael Brown, and several other incidents that the BLM movement claim are the result of police brutality. Many protests have occurred in support of the movement. One such protest occurred in Ferguson, Mo., in which a group of BLM activists were videotaped chanting, “Pigs in a blanket, fry ‘em like bacon,” with “pigs” being a derogatory term for the police who were escorting the march. Another protest was the National Action News Network (Al Sharpton’s civil rights organization, very similar to BLM) protesters who marched through
New York City chanting, “What do we want? Dead Cops! When do we want them? Now!” Now, even after these heinous protests, President Obama’s senior advisor, Valerie Jarrett, met with three BLM officials in the White House during September. In reply to a Tweet sent by one of the BLM officials, Brittany Packnett, on September 17, Jarrett said, “Great meeting, Brittany. Truly appreciate your leadership!!” Leadership? What kind of leader allows its followers to incite the assault, and even murder, of innocent police officers. This issue is a direct result of the political correctness Trump is referencing. When the federal government starts endorsing hate groups, just because
Republican GOP polls Donald Trump 24%
Other Candidates (7) 26% h us B Jeb 8% o arc o M bi Ru 9%
Ben Carson 23% r dC e T % 10
uz
Poll information from Foxnews.com as of Oct. 22 they claim to be for civil rights, but, in reality (and caught on video) are marching down the street wanting dead police, there is a problem. Now, before delving into another issue, I want to say, I do not agree with everything Trump says, such as some of his disparaging comments about women. However, I do think he has some very valid points on other issues. Illegal immigration is one of Trump’s biggest talking points. He reinforces the idea that it is imperative the U.S. creates a secure border with Mexico. On illegal immigrants, Trump has said, “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” Trump’s plan includes a wall spanning the Mexican border, immediate deportation of all illegal aliens in the U.S., and tripling federal immigration control agents, among other elements. I wholeheartedly agree with Trump that America needs to secure its border and eliminate illegal
immigration because it is a serious 2009. Of those crimes, 25,000 problem that results in innocent were estimated to be for homicide. people dead. Additional crimes Take for examincluded sex crimes ple, the death Illegal immigration (71,000) and car of Kate Steinle. thefts (81,000). Ilis a major issue fac- legal immigration is Kate was murdered by an ing the nation, and a major issue facing illegal immithe nation, and it it needs to be han- needs to be handled grant who had been deported properly, so that dled properly. five times. The senseless violence shooting took does not continue. place in San Trump has said Francisco, a many more things ‘sanctuary city,’ a city that refuses that I could address, but if I did, to comply with federal deportation this editorial would read more like laws. In the U.S., there are more Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear And than 200 cities, counties, and Loathing On The Campaign Trail.” states that provide sanctuary for Instead, I will end by saying this, illegal immigrants. This is a pracTrump has a few very good ideas, tice that needs to be immediately such as his immigration reform eliminated, and would be under plan. However, while Trump is not Trump’s immigration reform plan. afraid to speak his mind, he can go Steinle is not the first, nor the overboard with his speech, as seen only one, who has been killed by in some of his comments about an illegal immigrant. According women. In my opinion, while some to the Government Accountability of Trump’s points need to be heedOffice, a 2011 study found that 2.89 ed, he is not the best candidate for million crimes were committed the Republican ticket. by illegal immigrants from 2003-
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