VRNT
V a r i a n t
M a g a z i n e
LETTER FROM
the Editor Dear Reader, Well, we did it. Never in a million years did I imagine this would be how we did it, but we did. %PP XLMRKW GSRWMHIVIH - XLMRO ]SY [MPP ½RH XLEX XLMW issue is unique in many ways and is possibly one of our best issues yet. At the beginning of this semester, we had trouble deciding on a theme. Every topic was simply too broad or XSS WTIGM½G .YWX EW MX WIIQIH PMOI [I LEH I\LEYWXIH EPP SJ our options, our Head of Hairstyling, Mikaela Woods, suggested a ‘dream’ theme during one of our meetings. That idea became our foundation. In a matter of minutes our members KVI[ GSR½HIRX ERH FIKER WYKKIWXMRK MHIEW JSV WLSSXW EVXMcles and looks. That was my favorite meeting of the year, and I cannot wait for you to see how we brought all of those ideas to life. 3R T ]SY´PP ½RH 6EGLIP 1EVO´W VIWIEVGL SR HVIEQ relationships and how the media portrays unhealthy behavMSVW MR PSZI .SVNE &YXX [VSXI EFSYX HVIEQ MRXIVTVIXEXMSR ERH how placing value on the little movies that play in our head as we sleep can affect a person. Her article can be found on T 8LIR SR T 1EVKEY\ %YKMIV HMWGYWWIW XLI LMWXSV] SJ XLI ‘American Dream,’ how it has changed and what it means to our society. Our Head of Styling, Sophia Munoz, branched out by writing our fashion piece, which can be found on p. This semester, our writers challenged themselves in new [E]W EW XLI] [IVI JSVGIH XS ½RMWL XLIMV EVXMGPIW ZMVXYEPP] when in-person collaboration was no longer an option due to COVID-19. I don’t believe they could’ve done a better
NSF ERH -´Q TVSYH SJ XLIQ JSV WXMGOMRK XS MX Our creative team stepped up to the plate, as well. I have never seen shoots run so smoothly, and was impressed by LS[ IEWMP] XLI] [IVI EFPI XS FVMRK SYV ZMWMSR XS PMJI &PEM^I ,EVX SYV 4LSXS )HMXSV WLSX JSV TVMRX JSV XLI ½VWX XMQI XLMW WIQIWXIV His work can be found on p. Our styling team created comTPIXIP] WYWXEMREFPI SYX½XW XS FI TEMVIH [MXL 1YRS^´W IHMXSVMEP piece, but we unfortunately were unable to showcase them due to COVID-19. Sean Yuan put together impressive videography work that can be found on our Instagram (@vrntmagazine), and Lindsay Katz, with the help of her growing design team, showed up with spreads that left us speechless. (put in designer name and page number??) The perseverance, leadership and communication skills that I witnessed as our Variant family worked relentlessly, despite the pandemic, to complete our beloved Dream Issue is something I will never forget. Some of our members were forced XS PIEZI GEQTYW WSQI PSWX NSFW ERH SXLIVW PSWX TVSJIWWMSREP development opportunities. At the same time, we were forced to navigate a virtual/remote learning system that has proven to FI UYMXI HMJ½GYPX &YX [I OITX XLI HVIEQ EPMZI 7IIMRK XLMW SVKERM^EXMSR´W HVMZI XS ½RMWL [LEX [I WXEVXIH LEW FIIR MRGVIHMFP] inspirational. I couldn’t thank this team and our supporters enough for their hard work. I am incredibly optimistic about the magazine’s future and am eager to see what our members create in the years to come. &IWX
V
VARIANT MAGAZINE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MORGAN COOVERT EXECUTIVE EDITOR AARON HART ASSOCIATE EDITOR MADISON SALYER À CREATIVE DIRECTOR KHÁNH-VY TRÂN
CHIEF OF PHOTOGRAPHY OLIVIA BATES COPY CHIEF GABRIELLA HAYES PHOTO ASSISTANT MARIN COOK EDITORS JORDAN SCHMITT, JUSTINE ORR, PHOTOGRAPHERS MADISON SALYER, BLAIZE HART, LILY ROBY, ELLIE ROBERTO ANNIE KAUTZ, ALEX PIEKARSKI WRITERS OLIVIA ADDIS, ZOIE LAMBERT, RACHEL MARK, DIGITAL TECH ELLIOTT MAGENHEIM SOPHIA DAUGHERTY MUÑOZ, JORJA BUTT, MARGAUX AUGIER HEAD OF PUBLICATION DESIGN LINDSAY KATZ HEAD OF VIDEOGRAPHY SEAN YUAN DESIGNERS KENZIE KRESS, LINDSAY KATZ, NAILA LATHAM, VIDEOGRAPHERS SEAN YUAN, SOPHIA DAUGHERTY MUÑOZ MADELINE LANE, OLIVIA DUTKEWYCH, MADISON STEPHY, HEAD OF STYLING SOPHIA DAUGHERTY MUÑOZ CAMELIA POST, EMMA DENGLER, JONATHAN PIERRON STYLISTS SOPHIA DAUGHERTY MUÑOZ, ZACH REYNOLDS, CO-HEADS OF MAKEUP JOHANNA ANTONUCCIO, RACHEL HELLWARTH, AEDEN GOTHAUS, OLIVIA GORDON CARLY ROSEN CO-EVENT COORDINATORS ADELINA MILLER, JENA CATALANO MAKEUP ARTISTS JOHANNA ANTONUCCIO, CARLY ROSEN, HEAD OF PUBLIC RELATIONS JONATHAN PIERRON MARGAUX AUGIER, KYRSTEN MAZZAFERRO, PUBLIC RELATIONS JONATHAN PIERRON, LOGAN BARRAGAN, OLIVIA ADDIS,NAILA LATHAM, CHERI MARSHALL, ASHLYN ANSEL, EMILIE BURCH, MATHEW PINO, CATIE BUGOS, JO’NAI SPATES, LAURENÀRUDOLPH, GABBY BELL COURTNEY THROCKMORTON, JULIE MEYERS HAIRSTYLISTS KHÁNH-VY TRÂN, LAUREN RUDOLPH, TREASURER DOMINIC MONK NIA CALDWELL, OLIVIA ADDIS, LUKE AMSDEN, PHOTO EDITOR BLAIZE HART TAYLOR ABREU, JO’NAI SPATES, VICTORIA KELLEY WEB EDITOR MARVIN DOTIYAL HEAD OF ADVERTISING RACHEL LEYA
MODELS LAUREN RANDOLPH, AEDEN GROTHAUS, MARAYA BROWN, TAYLOR ABREU, JO’NAI SPATES, CHERI MARSHALL, JENA CATALANO, ABIGALE CLARKE, JORDAN ASBERRY, BLAIZE HART, LILA GAGNE, MADDY SALYER, LOGAN BARRAGAN, NIA CALDWELL, KENNEDY RASBERRY, OLIVIA ADDIS, LUKE AMSDEN, MARGAUX AUGIER, JONATHAN PIERRON
STAY CONNECTED WITH US!
VRNTMAGAZINE.COM
MORGAN COOVERT editor-in-chief
AARON HART executive editor
MADDY SALYER associate editor
KHÁHN-VY TRÂN creative director
DOMINIC MONK
GABRIELLA HAYES
treasurer
copy chief
OLIVIA BATES photo chief
LINDSAY KATZ
head of publication design
JONATHAN PIERRON head of public relations
JENA CATALANO co-head of event planning
ELLIOT MAGENHEIM digital tech
ELLIE ROBERTO entertainment editor
ADELINA MILLER co-head of event planning
SEAN YUAN
head of videography
CARLY ROSEN co-head of makeup
BLAIZE HART photo editor
MARIN COOK
JORDAN SCHMITT
photo assistant
lifestyle editor
LILY ROBY feature editor
SOPHIA MUÑOZ
RACHEL LEYA
head of styling
head of advertising
JUSTINE ORR local editor
MARVIN DOTIYAL web editor
JOHANNA ANTONUCCIO co-head of makeup
The Fast Fashion Fiasco and a Utopian Solution
Head in the clouds
The Space Between American Dream or American Dreamt?
Deciphering the Minds Code
The one where the honeymoonphase ends
Variant Arcana
Sweet Dreams
AWord on covid-19
Fast Fashion Fiasco And a Utopian Solution The
Written by Sophia Daugherty Muñoz Illustrated and designed by Olivia Dutkewych
Fashion is philosophical. It starts conversations and arguments; it can bridge two ideas or be the wedge that divides opinions. 8LI EVX SJ HVIWWMRK WTIEOW XS GYPXYVEP ERH WSGMEP MHIEW XLEX VI¾IGX ERH WXMQYPEXI XLI human consciousness. It is a key to understanding who one is. *EWLMSR MW E PY\YV] 8LI IRXMX] MW RSX IWWIRXMEP XS LYQER survival, but why would we want to live without it? The idea is ER I\XIRWMSR SJ I\TVIWWMSR XLEX MW FSXL YRMUYI ERH FIEYXMJYPP] LYQER *EWLMSR MW E JSVQ SJ EVX QEOMRK MX IRXMVIP] WYFNIGXMZI &IEYX] ERH WX]PI PMIW FIRIEXL XLI LYQER WTMVMX *EWX JEWLMSR MW ER I\TPSHMRK QEVOIX SJ QEWW TVSHYGIH GPSXLMRK XLEX VITPMGEXIW XVIRHW ERH HIWMKRW GVIEXIH F] PY\YV] HIWMKRIV brands like Chanel, Versace and the rest of the big names one [SYPH ½RH ¾MTTMRK XLVSYKL :SKYI 8LIWI JEQSYW JEWLMSR LSYWIW introduce new trends on the runway each season. Once they hit the runway, designs are reproduced quickly and cheaply by retailers such as ZARA, H&M and Topshop. This cyclical process is known as the trickle down theory of fashion. In a way, it democratizes fashion by making it readily accessible to more people. However, the consumerist construct that created and sustains the fast fashion structure perpetuates waste by encouraging people to buy more for less. This idea is deceiving to consumers alike. Consumers of fast fashion believe they are saving money by purchasing cheaper items when, in reality, they are investing in E WLSVX XIVQ I\TIVMIRGI 'LIETP] GSRWXVYGXIH GPSXLMRK HSIWR´X last.
This works in favor of companies who depend on consumers to dispose of outdated trends in order to buy new products. The growth of fast fashion has FIRI½XIH XLI IGSRSQ] FYX GVIEXIH ER I\TIRWMZI problem that the current and future generations need to address before it is too late. Not only are these fast fashion chains ripping off the consumer, they are ripping off the artists and designers who have spent time meticulously crafting GPSXLMRK ERH MHIEW 9VFER 3YX½XXIVW LEW FIIR WYIH by artists on multiple occasions for copyright infringement. However, many companies get away with stealing designs because there is very little copyright protection for fashion design. Clothing is considered a “useful item” under copyright law. With that said, if the clothing doesn’t replicate logos, brand names or original prints, then it isn’t considered unlawful. Ever wonder who is making most of the cheaply produced clothing found in stores like Forever 21 ERH 3PH 2EZ]# -X GER FI LEVH XS ½RH XLEX SYX ERH looking at the tags attached to the garment only gives you the location of origin. Most of the time, the tag will say “Made in China, India or Indonesia.” These EVI NYWX E LERHJYP SJ GSYRXVMIW XLEX XLI [IWXIVR [SVPH I\TPSMXW JSV GLIET KSSHW ;SVOMRK GSRHMXMSRW MR QSWX SJ XLIWI JEGXSVMIW EVI I\XVIQIP] HERKIVSYW ERH LEZI proven to be deadly on multiple occasions. The worst case happened in April of 2013 when ER IMKLX WXSV] JEGXSV] MR &ERKPEHIWL GSPPETWIH SR MXWIPJ OMPPMRK [SVOIVW ERH MRNYVMRK QSVI XLER 2,500 others. The hazardous working conditions are SRP] E JVEGXMSR SJ XLI I\TPSMXEXMSR XLEX SGGYVW 8I\XMPI workers are often forced to work 12-14 hours a day,
7 days a week, for wages that are anywhere from half XS E ½JXL SJ [LEX XLI PMZMRK [EKI MW 8LI PMZMRK [EKI represents the bare minimum a person can survive on. Although it is banned by law in most countries, The International Labour Organization estimates that 170 million children engage in child labour. Child labour is very TSTYPEV MR XLI XI\XMPI MRHYWXV] FIGEYWI MX MW E PS[ WOMPP NSF that doesn’t require a lot of training. This happens in very TSSV GSYRXVMIW [LIVI ½RERGMEP MRWIGYVMX] JSVGIW QER] children to work for their families survival. In these areas, unions and the idea of unionizing is often condemned with violence and death. Considering these conditions, it’s RSX LEVH XS WII XLEX XI\XMPI JEGXSVMIW STIVEXI F] QIERW of institutionalized enslavement that is evil and repulsive. -HIEPP] XLI JEWLMSR ERH XI\XMPI MRHYWXV] [SYPH RSX I\TPSMX QMPPMSRW SJ PEFSVIVW MR SXLIV GSYRXVMIW 4VIJIVEFP] there would be a fair trade agreement that all companies [SYPH LEZI XS EFMHI F] 9RHIV XLMW EKVIIQIRX XI\XMPI laborers would be unionized and represented, ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages and the respect of basic human rights. There are companies now who are paving way for change. Ethical fashion isn’t in the foreJVSRX ]IX FYX MX HI½RMXIP] WLSYPH FI &VERHW PMOI )ZIVPERI prioritize ethical production practices that don’t harm the environment or it’s workers. They brand themselves by being “radically transparent” while designing clothes that are made to last. The rise of social media and technology has only made the pressure to purchase more material goods, clothes in particular, penetrating and hard to ignore. When shopping online, be weary that companies have 2
databases that track browsing and purchase history. They use this data to advertise directly to the individual’s patterns of consumption. There EVI WMQTPI [E]W XS HMWEFPI XLMW WSVX SJ HEXE XVEGOMRK XLEX EVI WTIGM½G XS each mobile device. It has never been cheaper or easier to purchase clothing online. The switch to online shopping has affected the performance and relevancy of shopping malls across the country. A report by Credit Suisse estimates that 22-25% of shopping malls would close between 2017 and 2022. Maybe this isn’t the worst thing, considering shopping malls VITVIWIRX XLI %QIVMGER PMJIWX]PI SJ I\GIWW ERH GSRWYQTXMSR ,S[IZIV XLI GPSWYVI SJ XLIWI PEVKI WLSTTMRK GSQTPI\IW PIEZIW E PSX SJ TISTPI unemployed and a lot of space unused and abandoned. Malls are essentially where the old American dream has died and where something new and beautiful can be born. The health of our Earth is the most pressing issue that touches everyone who inhabits the world. Humans have created an overwhelmingly large and lasting impact on the world, which hasn’t been incredibly positive. The United State’s consumeristic construct that is perpetuated by the fashion industry is killing our environment. The United State’s capitalist economy promotes mass production, QEWW GSRWYQTXMSR ERH ER I\GIWWMZI EQSYRX SJ [EWXI 7IGSRH XS SMP XLI GPSXLMRK ERH XI\XMPI MRHYWXV] MW XLI PEVKIWX TSPPYXIV MR XLI [SVPH 8LVSYKL XLI MRXIRWMZI YWI SJ [EXIV ERH I\GIWWMZI TVSHYGXMSR SJ TPEWXMG combined with 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, the fast JEWLMSR ½EWGS MW ½PPMRK SYV GPSWIXW ERH OMPPMRK SYV [SVPH In an ideal world, large manufacturing companies who control the fast fashion industry such as H&M , ZARA and Fashion Nova would invest in making up-cycling “trendy.” Upcycling is the art of repurposing used clothing and recycled materials to create new clothing. It is a creative and sustainable practice that could be easily introduced to XLI QEWWIW 6IG]GPIH JEFVMGW ERH EPXIVREXMZI ½FIVW WYGL EW LIQT ERH FEQFSS EVI EPWS KVIEX EPXIVREXMZIW XS IRZMVSRQIRXEPP] I\TPSMXEXMZI processed fabrics like polyester and cotton. 8LI PIEHIVW SJ XLI JEWX JEWLMSR ½EWGS LEZI IRSYKL VIWSYVGIW XS revolutionize the fashion industry while simultaneously changing the [SVPH JSV XLI FIXXIV &YX XLI] LEZIR´X ERH XLI] [SR´X YRXMP XLI GSRsumer demands it. In the United States, money talks. There needs to be a collective concern for this issue and it needs to be spoken; not with words, but with action. The minor things you do on a daily basis can create big change collectively. Think about what kind of change you can make in your life to help bring awareness to this issue. Start with evaluating your purchasing. Consider eliminating fast fashion purchases or simply cutting down on how much money you invest in that industry. UP-CYCLE UP-CYLE UP-CYCLE! Find functional uses for old clothes SV XYVR ER SPH TEMV SJ NIERW MRXS E SRI SJ E OMRH WGEVJ 7IPP SV HSREXI your old clothes instead of throwing them in the dumpster. Fast fashion is out of style. Our generation has the creative ability to turn the problem of having too many clothes into a fashionable future. Together, we can bring sustainability in-style. 3
“Through the intensive use of water
and excessive production of plastic combined with 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, the fast IDVKLRQ ¼DVFR LV ¼OOLQJ RXU FORVHWV DQG killing our world.”
4
head in the clouds
Photographed by Alex Piekarski Designed by Camelia Post
5
the Space Between
Written by Zoie Lambert Designed by Naila Latham
7
W ith
over 14 million listeners on Spotify, Grammy Award [MRRIV . 'SPI MW PMZMRK XLI HVIEQ Known for singing about various topics ranging from relationships to childhood, Cole is one of the numerous ar tists that uses music to discuss the concept of lucid dreaming. In his song “Fire Squad,” Cole highlights how lucid dreaming is a lifestyle rather than a nighttime practice. While lucid dreaming, an individual can recognize that not only are they dreaming but are able to control the dream. Awareness and control are the two biggest aspects of lucid dreaming. For those who haven’t had XLI TPIEWYVI SJ I\TIVMIRGMRK PYGMH dreams, it may be a hard concept to grasp. According to howstuffworks.com, PYGMH HVIEQMRK [EW ½VWX TVEGXMGIH F] 8MFIXER &YHHLMWXW [LS MRMXMEPP] GEPPIH this concept dream yoga. Tibetan &YHHLMWXW WXERH SR XLI TVMRGMTPI XLEX a lucid dreamer should recognize the dream world for what it is — simply a dream. The most recent pioneer in the study of lucid dreaming is psychophysiologist Stephen Laberge . Laberge is an impor tant figure at the Lucidity Institute, where he teaches classes on how to lucid dream. Although his classes are effective, there is one thing that can teach lucid dreaming better than the LMKLP] UYEPM½IH 7XITLIR 0EFIVKI ° music. In the spring of 1990, the power metal band Queensr yche recorded a popular song about lucid
vdreaming called “Silent Lucidity.” The song is a metaphor for how people either live their lives fearlessly or in fear. “Fear is your worst enemy in dreams,” 0EFIVKI I\TPEMRIH MR ±0YGMH (VIEQMRK 8LI 4S[IV SJ &IMRK %[EOI %[EVI MR Your Dreams.” “If you allow it to persist, it will grow stronger and your selfGSR½HIRGI EW [IPP EW ]SYV PYGMHMX] [MPP grow correspondingly weaker.” Likewise, in “Silent Lucidity”, Queensryche sings about how the human brain can easily trick people and control their moods through negative dreams. Many may use lucidity as a stepping stone to escape these bad dreams. A nightmare about falling off of a tall building to death can quickly be rerouted to being a dream about having superpowers or doing the impossible. Though the song is the antithesis to what lucid dreaming entails, “Wake Up” by Travis Scott ft.The Weeknd is a great song for learning how to lucid dream. Like Scott, many people dream about things we want to happen in life. This actualization is not far from reality when lucid dreaming. Unfor tunately, lucid dreaming is not for ever yone. Several tr y to master it but fall shor t due to factors out of XLIMV GSRXVSP .YMGI ;VPH VETTIV SJ XLI well-known song
“Lucid Dreams,” is unable to master lucid dreaming due to his sleep paralysis, a condition in which people get caught halfway between unconsciousness and consciousness, unable to move SV XEPO -R XLI ½VWX ZIVWI SJ LMW WSRK .YMGI ;VPH XEPOW EFSYX having dreams without any control. “It’s scar y, you can be laying VMKLX RI\X XS WSQIFSH] ² .YMGI ;VPH said in an interview with Genius about his sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming. “If they’re not paying attention, they won’t even know you’re having it.” According to livescience.com, many TISTPI I\TIVMIRGI LEPPYGMREXMSRW HYI XS WPIIT TEVEP]WMW 7MQMPEVP] .YMGI ;VPH sings, “I still see your shadows in my room” to illustrate how sleep paralysis makes him see shadows and have hallucinations. Imagining the trauma .YMGI ;VPH YRHIV[IRX HYI XS WPIIT paralysis should push more people to lucid dream so that they are in more control while sleeping. It is ironic how lucid dreaming happens when the brain is asleep but still relies on par t of the brain’s consciousness. Lucid dreaming lives in the in-between of sleep and consciousness. With unconscious thoughts—malevolent or benevolent — being brought to light, dreamers are offered a chance to get to know themselves better. As the word dream has become less of a fantasy happening at night but a real-life aspiration one can have, lucid dreaming is a playbook on how to conquer one’s fears and hopes in reality.
Written by Margaux Augier Photographed by M arin Cook Designed by Kenzie Kress
AMerican dream or american Dreamt? ,MWXSVMER .EQIW 8VYWPS[ %HEQW originally coined the term “American dream” in his book, The Epic of America, in 1931. He used the term to refer to “that dream of a land in which life should be better and rich and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.” %HEQW´ HI½RMXMSR SJ XLI %QIVMGER HVIEQ HMHR´X RIGIWWEVMP] I\GPYHI GIVXEMR WSGMEP SV economic classes, races or ethnicities, but as the image behind this term evolved, so did its meaning for generations of Americans. Originally, the American dream was made possible by the geographic, economic and political factors of the United States. Simply, the U.S. is a large landmass with abundant natural resources all under control by a single government and supported by a free market economy. The American dream focused largely on the breadwinners of nuclear families in which a mother and father have children in one suburban household that, according XS KVEHYEXI SJ (,&; 7XYXXKEVX (ERMIP 7GLmJIV ±¾SGO XSKIXLIV PMOI EXSQW EVSYRH E RYGPIYW ² 8LI XIVQ HIWGVMFIH ER I\TIGXEXMSR SJ SRI X]TI SJ HIZIPSTQIRX HI½RMRK WXVMGXP] stereotypical suburbia as “American.” Yet, as the U.S. progresses away from the commonplace ideals of the nuclear family, the country continues to shift toward values of intersectionality and diversity in race and WI\YEPMX] 8LYW QER] %QIVMGERW QE] UYIWXMSR XLI I\MWXIRGI SJ XLMW SVMKMREP HVIEQ ERH [LEX truly makes it American. What was once an ideal to many has now evolved into a concept unique to each
individual. The American dream was once only made possible for white landowners in the U.S., but the concept of inalienable rights was so compelling that these rights were eventually granted to non-property owners, slaves and women. Through the continuous ½KLX JSV IUYEPMX] XLIWI VMKLXW HI½RIH XLI American dream, subsequently altering the future of America itself. In essence, without inalienable rights, there is no dream. President Abraham Lincoln granted the dream’s equal opportunity to slaves. President Woodrow Wilson supported the voting rights of women in 1918, which led to the addition of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote. Years later in the Roaring Twenties, the American dream morphed into a customary goal of acquiring material goods. Following the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression, the phrase arose in advertisements for intellectuality - books, plays, sermons, articles and more. A decade later, post-World War II, former chaplain of the U.S. Senate Peter Marshall said, “Religious liberty to worship God according to the dictates of one’s own conscience and equal opportunity for all men are the twin pillars of the American dream.” Marshall’s vision of the American dream focused largely on equal independence and opportunity. Similarly in 1963, Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech, in which he encouraged a future that was “deeply rooted in the American dream.” At this moment, the dream stood as a symbol of equality for all. 10
President Lyndon & .SLRWSR JEGMPMXEXIH this symbol of equality in 1964. He bolstered the American dream through his promotion of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibited employers from discriminating against employees based on race, color, REXMSREP SVMKMR VIPMKMSR WI\ ERH even pregnancy. Two years later, .SLRWSR I\XIRHIH XLIWI VMKLXW XS GMXM^IRW SZIV the age of 40 through the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. Additionally, President &EVEGO 3FEQE KVERXIH GMXM^IRW XLI PIKEP FIRI½XW SJ QEVVMEKI VIKEVHPIWW SJ WI\YEP SVMIRXEXMSR MR .YRI SJ 'PIEVP] XLIWI PIKMWPEXMSR IJJSVXW LEZI furthered Americans’ capability to achieve the American dream, but that’s not to say the U.S. isn’t still battling equality. The concept of the American dream was so largely sought after because of its enticing appeal to a better life. Candidly, the American dream’s VEXMSREPI TSWIH EW JEY\ QSXMZEXMSR JSV TISTPI XS live out their best lives. Without any tangibility, the American dream became a catalyst for success, regardless of social class, race, gender, disability, or the like. As a whole, America’s politics have made the American dream more attainable for minorities, but do people still care about achieving the American dream as they did a century ago? We asked the general public about this topic by utilizing a platform that has altered the idea of the American dream itself: technology. On Feb. 29, VARIANT posted a poll on its Instagram story asking viewers, “Does the American HVIEQ WXMPP I\MWX# ;L] SV [L] RSX#² 3YX SJ XLI 61 responses we received, the results were distributed quite equally. 49.2% of respondents ERW[IVIH ]IW XLI HVIEQ HSIW WXMPP I\MWX ERH 50.8% of respondents answered no, the dream HSIW RSX WXMPP I\MWX %GGSVHMRK XS E VIGIRX WYVZI] F] XLI 4I[ 6IWIEVGL 'IRXIV MR XLI QENSVMX]
11
of Americans believe they are on their way to achieving the American dream or have already achieved it. In contrast with the general public, the Athens community, namely Ohio University students, appeared evenly split between pessimism and optimism of the dream’s current I\MWXIRGI Of the individuals that answered yes, we gathered further responses stressing the importance of labor: “You can conquer anything with hard work and determination, your only set back is yourself,â€? and “The American Dream is about becoming successful through hard work.â€? On the contrary, we also received “yesâ€? answers that seemed more realistic and understanding of the American dream’s transformation over time: “The desire to rise above your current situation and ‘succeed’ is still prevalent but it means something much different than it used to.â€? Other answers implied the idea that the American dream will continue to change in unforeseen ways: “The American dream slightly changes over time FYX WXMPP I\MWXW MR E ZEVMIH [E] ² Of the respondents that answered “no,â€? we VIGIMZIH STMRMSRW XLEX VIžIGXIH XLI RIKEXMZMX] toward the economic factor of the American dream and disregarded the principles promoted by MLK and Marshall. One response read, “[People] don’t strive for equal opportunity. Their new vision of success centers around wealth.â€? Another said, “It never did. [It was] always ‌ a rouse to trap people in the capitalistic ideals of what life should be.â€? Other responses were critical of the societal hurdles to accomplishing the dream: “The institutional systems that ‌ I\MWX QEOI MX MQTSWWMFPI JSV ?TISTPIA XS QSZI up.â€? Some responses denoted the inability to ascend economic classes: “Systematic barriers oppose [people] of low socioeconomic status to advancing in society.â€?
Although these convoluted developments of the American dream have shifted its meaning in the modern world, this change doesn’t necessarily mean the American dream itself is dying. Rather, it’s IZSPZMRK MRXS E QSVI GSQTPI\ ERH VIEPMWXMG ZMI[ SJ one’s potential pathway in life. In other words, the revolutionized American dream is overtly malleable; it’s open to interpretation, and it’s more inclusive to the possibility of variety. It may be harder to become economically prosperous, but the current American dream stresses a passion for your work. It’s welcoming to ingenuity and not solely hard labor. Accomplishing the American dream is a different
process for everyone, but there’s no doubt that the SRKSMRK QSHM½GEXMSRW XS XLI %QIVMGER HVIEQ LEW aided in the accomplishment of it for Americans today. The modern American dream makes EGLMIZMRK XLI I\XVESVHMREV] WMQTP] SVHMREV] .YWX EW .EQIW 8VYWPS[ %HEQW [VSXI MR the American dream isn’t merely high wages and I\TIRWMZI FIPSRKMRKW FYX E ±E HVIEQ SJ WSGMEP order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.”
14
DECIPHERING the mind’s code Written by Jorja Butt Photographed by Blaize Hart Designed by Lindsay Katz
When a person’s head meets their pillow, QSWX I\TIVMIRGI E JEWX TEGIH FPYV SJ IZIRXW XLEX WIIQ XS FI SZIV NYWX EW UYMGOP] EW XLI] FIKER The short stories that play out while we are asleep are believed by many to have underlying meanings related to real events. Scientists have GSRGPYHIH XLEX [LEX E TIVWSR I\TIVMIRGIW MR VIEP PMJI MW SJXIR VI¾IGXIH MR W]QFSPW XLEX EVI TEVX of our dreams or nightmares. )\TIVMQIRXW GSRHYGXIH XS HIXIVQMRI where dreaming takes place in the brain has led to astounding discoveries as to why we dream. 8LI +YEVHMER E &VMXMWL RI[WTETIV KEXLIVIH evidence from Francesca Siclari, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Siclari found that dreaming is caused by the rapid eye movement (REM) that occurs while we sleep. This rapid eye movement initiates a reaction in the part of the brain that deals with facial recognition, which is why we tend to dream of familiar people in our lives. Siclari said that, XLVSYKL LIV WXYHMIW WLI [EW EFPI XS WII I\EGXP] when a participant was dreaming and when their mind was still. “It only seems to need a very circumscribed, a very restricted activation of the FVEMR XS KIRIVEXI GSRWGMSYW I\TIVMIRGIW ² 7MGPEVM
told The Guardian in an interview. The images we see while asleep only appear once the parts of the brain that generate the images are stimulated. These conscious I\TIVMIRGIW GER WIIQ VIEP MR XLI QSQIRX FYX once woken up, individuals soon realize it was a part of their imagination. Oftentimes, these I\TIVMIRGIW GER FI VIGYVVMRK QEOMRK XLIQ WIIQ more real and more memorable. For Collin Aldrich, a sophomore at Ohio State University, recurring dreams are very familiar to him. As a child, Aldrich dreamt the same thing for multiple RMKLXW MR E VS[ FYX LEH RS I\TPEREXMSR JSV MX “When I was around nine, I would constantly have this dream of a big black dog that my neighbor would walk in the neighborhood,” Aldrich said. “In my dream, my friend and I were on my front porch and the dog would run from down the street. We tried to run inside, but before I could get inside the dog would grab my leg. After it grabbed my leg, it would throw me up in the air twice and then the third time, I would wake up,” he said. Aldrich thought it was odd to have the same vivid dream for many nights because he had never had a fear of dogs, nor did he develop one. While he thought it was strange, he didn’t 16
contemplate what it meant after the dog never reappeared in his dreams. For some, HVIEQW EVI NYWX E GSPPIGXMSR SJ ITMWSHIW XLEX have little impact later on in life. For others, fantasy can quickly become certainty. Reality set in for Grace Lowe, a sophomore at Ohio University, when she realized that her subconscious gave her the ability to almost see the future. Lowe said that she often had stress induced dreams that never had clear meanings. However, when contemplating her career, one dream ½REPP] FVSYKLX LIV GPEVMX] ;LMPI MR LMKL school, she debated her career options I\XIRWMZIP] ERH WXVIWWIH SZIV [LEX WLI [SYPH IRNS] HSMRK XLI QSWX 7LI ORI[ WLI longed to be an educator, so she decided to shadow a previous teacher of hers to see if this was her true passion. The day before she stepped into the classroom, Lowe became overwhelmed with fear. “For the longest time I had always known that I wanted to be a teacher, but I think I was scared that I would go in and I [SYPH LEXI MX ² 0S[I WEMH ±- NYWX VIQIQFIVIH going into the classroom and feeling at home, in my dream. I woke up and walked in that day feeling good from my dream the RMKLX FIJSVI [LMGL VIEPP] WSPMHM½IH XLI JEGX that I wanted to be an educator.” Lowe didn’t need a psychologist to interpret her dream because she knew I\EGXP] [LEX MX LEH QIERX XS LIV %W ER IHYGEXMSR QENSV EX 3LMS 9RMZIVWMX] WLI thinks back to her subconscious and knows that it led her to where she is meant to be today. Whether it be a dream that had little to no impact or one that gave someone a push in the right direction, dreams remain a mystery to scientists as they continue to WXYH] XLIQ XSHE] (V &VIXX 4IXIVW IEVRIH LMW Ph.D. in Social Psychology at the University of Rochester and is fascinated with the Q]WXIV] FILMRH HVIEQW 4IXIVW I\TPEMRIH that, while people dream, activity in the area 17
of the brain where organization and planning takes place is low whereas activity in the parts of the brain where visual association takes place is very high. To this day it is hard for him to answer whether or not dreams have any true meaning. However, he gave insightful input on why he believes we continue to have dreams. “I would think of dreams like hallucinations,” Peters said. “They don’t have any real meaning and WLSYPHR´X FI MRXIVTVIXIH EW WYGL -RWXIEH - [SYPH NYWX
ZMI[ XLIQ EW GLERRIP WYV½RK SR 8: =SY HSR´X VIEPP] know what you are going to get. You can hop around different channels whenever you want and they don’t have any meaningful interpretation.” While dreams remain a mystery to the people that have them and the scientists that study them, they continue to surprise us in ways we couldn’t have dreamed of. The uncertainty of dreams leaves it up to each person’s imagination to give them meaning. What will your imagination come up with?
18
The One Where the Honeymoon Phase Ends Written by Rachel Mark Designed by Emma Dengler
O
ne of TV’s most recognized relationships is “Friends” couple Ross and Rachel. Throughout their relationship, the pair overcame obstacles such as cheating, miscommunication and manipulation. The challenges they faced are framed as passionate and romantic, but in reality, the couple uses unhealthy and calculated tactics on one another. Many fans remember Ross’s iconic line, “We were on a break!” His quote is a TVMQI I\EQTPI SJ 6SWW ERH 6EGLIP´W turbulent relationship. In the episode, “The One Where 6SWW ERH 6EGLIP 8EOI E &VIEO² 6SWW suspected that Rachel was having an affair with her co-worker. Tired of the arguments, a frustrated Rachel asked for a break to think about their relationship. A series of unfor tunate events lead Ross to drunkenly bringing home a girl from a bar. In the morning, Rachel went to Ross’ to admit she wanted XS GSRXMRYI XLI VIPEXMSRWLMT SRP] XS ½RH another girl in his bed. Throughout the series, the couple continues to argue about whether or not Ross cheated while on the “break,” and the couple never fully came to a conclusion. Fans are moved by Ross and Rachel’s passionate overcomings. It is a perfect I\EQTPI SJ E VIPEXMSRWLMT XLEX GER PSSO foolproof on the outside, but when PSSOIH EX GPSWIP] XLI VIH ¾EKW ETTIEV 8LI QIHME HSIW E KVIEX NSF SJ
displaying an “all or nothing” type of love. The “all or nothing” mindset is shown through mainstream characters like ,EVPI] 5YMRR ERH XLI .SOIV E GSYTPI that goes through absolute hell and FEGO XS FI [MXL SRI ERSXLIV 8LI .SOIV MW known to have emotionally and physically abused Harley Quinn, but she believed her tolerance for his abuse was love. She forgave his negative traits and accepted the problems that their love faced. She overcame his downfalls, therefore VIMRJSVGMRK XLI VSQERXMGM^EXMSR SJ XS\MG love interests. Audiences can’t get enough SJ XLIWI LEVQJYP ½GXMSREP VIPEXMSRWLMTW ERH believe if imagined characters (such as XLI .SOIV ERH ,EVPI] 5YMRR GER VIQEMR together through the worst, they can too. Movie and TV show producers SJXIR HVEQEXM^I ERH JYVXLIV ½GXMSREPM^I characters to capture an audience. People are mesmerized by romantic stories they see on TV, but often, the relationships aren’t translatable into reality. “The idea that true love is painful, dramatic, or dangerous, is both unhealthy and wrong. True love is calming, comforting,” 1EHIPIMRI %KKIPIV JVSQ &YWXPI 1EKE^MRI said in an interview.Trying to reproduce a ½GXMSREP VIPEXMSRWLMT PIEZIW E VIPEXMSRWLMT [MXL LMKL YRVIEPMWXMG I\TIGXEXMSRW XLEX [MPP RIZIV FI JYP½PPIH 9RLIEPXL] VIPEXMSRWLMTW VEMWI VIH ¾EKW According to Women’s Health Magazine, VIH ¾EKW MRGPYHI E TEVXRIV FIMRK SZIVP] critical, lacking a sense of responsibility
and having an unwillingness to be open. In an unhealthy relationship, one par tner may tear the other down I\GIWWMZIP] [MXL GVMXMGEP GSQQIRXW PMOI “you should probably lose weight…” or, “Please don’t embarrass me like usual.” This gives the antagonizer a sense of control over their partner’s life. If a par tner struggles with taking responsibility for any of their actions, it’s probably an unhealthy relationship. A good partner should handle feedback positively and constructively, such as changing their actions after having calm and understanding conversations. %R YRLIEPXL] TEV XRIV ½RHW E [E] XS VIZIVWI XLI FPEQI [MXL I\GYWIW PMOI “Why would you bring that up again, you know it hurts my feelings. Thanks a lot” or, “Well if you did _____ then I wouldn’t have to do _____.” A poor relationship can make a partner feel like they are walking on eggshells EVSYRH XLIMV WMKRM½GERX SXLIV 8LI] QE] feel uncomfortable talking about certain topics or asking to go places.This level of discomfort is harmful and manipulative. There is a thin line between a healthy and unhealthy relationship. Characteristics like protectiveness and helpfulness can transition into control and manipulation. Couples can cross that line without even realizing it. It’s important to communicate and pay attention to your partner’s body language to create a stable and loving IRZMVSRQIRX &IMRK EFPI XS GSQQYRMGEXI
a sincere apology and add emotional support to the relationship are great ways to build a strong connection with a partner. Many times a partner will utter an, “I’m sorry,” when a mistake is made without knowing why. Knowing why their actions/words were a mistake is crucial to maintaining a strong relationship. Changing actions, showing vulnerability, or gesturing affection are great ways to make a sincere apology to a par tner. Open communication is impor tant, so a partner should never be afraid to ask questions like, “Is there anything bothering you?” or “Do you feel this problem is fully resolved?” It is important to actively listen to a TEV XRIV´W HSYFXW SV GSRGIVRW &IMRK present in communication goes a long way. Conversations rarely go well when one person becomes hostile or defensive. It’s important to notice signs of agitation like tension and anger. Controlling these emotions and reactions can LIPT GSRZIVWEXMSRW ¾S[ WQSSXLP] ERH IJ½GMIRXP] VIWSPZI XLI TVSFPIQ 2I\X time arguments start to surface, think about statements like,“Why is my partner feeling like that? Is there a deeper problem we need to discuss?” or “Why do you feel like this is a problem?” Relationships have bank accounts. Compliments, gifts, kind gestures, and emotional support add positive deposits. Whereas arguments, hurt feelings and
criticisms can lead to negative withdrawals. A couple that maintains a healthy account of more deposits than withdrawals will make the relationship work. Doing small tasks for a partner or supporting them in HMJ½GYPX XMQIW [MPP MRGVIEWI TSWMXMZMX] ERH trust within the relationship. If par tners continue using healthy practices such as positivity, suppor t, and communication, the relationship has a stronger chance of lasting. It’s critical to avoid getting swept up in the media’s portrayal of love. Instead, maintaining realistic goals for one’s relationship based on both par tners’ needs and wants is key to building a healthy, long-lasting relationship.
20
Photographed by Maddy Salyer Edited by Sophia Daughtery Munoz Designed by Kenzie Kress
21
22
23
24
Sweet Dreams W
hat is one thing that many college students lack in their daily lives? Consistency. The idea of an orderly routine is simple, and yet, HMJ½GYPX XS EGLMIZI ;LIR WXYHIRXW EVIR´X consistent in their lifestyle – mostly when and how they sleep – it can lead to poor planning and feelings of unhappiness. All of these factors make for a stressful pattern SJ HMWQE] &] WIXXMRK E VSYXMRI [LIXLIV it’s a nighttime routine or sleep schedule, stability can establish a bit of familiarity in anyone’s life.
26
Photos by Annie Kurtz Written by Olivia Addis Designed by Madeline Lane
27
A routine doesn’t have to be concrete, either. It can be as easy as indulging in favorite activities, like going for a walk or practicing yoga. The pressure stuHIRXW IRHYVI IZIV] HE] GVIEXIW E WMKRM½GERX EQSYRX of stress. It is crucial for students to give themselves time to decompress after a long day. Setting aside XMQI XS VIPE\ ERH VIJVIWL FIJSVI FIH GER PIEH XS a successful day and a healthy mindset. The human body craves consistency, especially in terms of sleep. It is one of the most important factors in increasing QSXMZEXMSR ERH MW LS[ XLI FSH] VINYZIREXIW MXWIPJ JSV XLI RI\X HE] ;LIR [I EVI E[EOI SYV FVEMRW EVI constantly working and trying to solve every problem XLEX GSQIW SYV [E] [LMGL MW I\LEYWXMRK 0IEZMRK RS XMQI XS HIGSQTVIWW ERH VIPE\ VIWYPXW MR E HIGVIEWI of academic potential. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “The consequences of sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness are especially problematic to college students and can result in lower grade point averages, increased risk of academic failure, compromised learning, impaired mood and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.” Although it sounds like getting eight hours of sleep is the only way to maintain consistency, there are other ways to achieve similar results. One reason people may not have a nighttime routine is that they don’t know how to begin one. There is no one guideline to maintain a healthy nighttime routine; a healthy lifestyle looks different for everyone. Setting a routine does not mean having to follow the same agenda every night. It can be as simple as listening to music before bed or doing something that makes you happy as you slow down. Fortunately, there are universal commonalities among EGLMIZEFPI XLMRKW XS JIIP VIPE\IH One habit to incorporate into every night MR SVHIV XS VIPE\ MW XS TPER SYX XLI RI\X HE] -R XLI [IPPFIMRK WIGXMSR SJ 8LI +YEVHMER E &VMXMWL HEMP] RI[WTETIV (V (EZMH 'SLIR I\TIVX SR WSGMEP ER\MIX] IQTLEWM^IH XLEX PMWXW ±HEQTIR ER\MIX] EFSYX XLI GLEos of life; they give us a structure, a plan that we can stick to; and they are proof of what we have achieved XLEX HE] [IIO SV QSRXL ² &] RS QIERW HSIW E PMWX LEZI XS FI I\XVESVHMREV] IMXLIV -X GER WMQTP] FI E JI[ XLMRKW XLEX ]SY [SYPH PMOI XS EGLMIZI XLI RI\X day. One thing that people struggle with is waking up agitated, either from lack of sleep or being unaware of what needs to be done. When a list is made the RMKLX FIJSVI MX GER PMQMX XLEX ¾YWXIVIH WXEXI SJ QMRH
28
#7
#4 %RSXLIV [E] XS VIPE\ MW XS XYVR SJJ SV HMQ bedroom lights and phone screens… maybe putting the phone down altogether. With social media at its peak with apps like Tik Tok and Twitter, people spend hours on their phone at night. Restricting the MRXIRWMX] ERH EQSYRX SJ PMKLX XLEX MR½PXVEXIW XLI I]IW minimizes the harsh contrast between light and dark, which weakens them. Setting the phone down faster may be the best remedy. Limiting the amount of time spent on social media platforms can result in a better sleeping pattern and more consistency in everyday life. Simple acts of self care, such as taking a bubble bath or doing a facemask, can lead to feeling refreshed and clean. Many people overlook the significance of skincare; implementing nightly face washing helps skin renew itself and can lead to a calmer state of mind. Face masks can be rather pricey, and for those with sensitive skin, drugstore brand face masks might not work. There are a multitude of natural ingredients out there that can be used in a facemask, most of which are already stocked in the kitchen. Some of these may include avocados for dry skin or bananas for acne-prone skin. No matter the ingredient, there are simple ways to achieve a facemask that [MPP PIEZI EPP WOMR X]TIW JIIPMRK VIPE\IH ERH VIJVIWLIH
#2
#3
#10
29
Another option is to do a light yoga routine before bed. People often shy away from yoga beGEYWI MX QE] WIIQ HMJ½GYPX XS PIEVR EX ½VWX ,S[IZIV simple moves can be helpful to decompress. Here are some beginner poses that anyone can try to VIPE\ FIJSVI FIH 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Upward facing dog pose Cow pose Cobra pose Plank pose Tree pose Wide-legged forward bend Standing half forward bend Warrior Two Squat pose Corpse pose
Whether it be a bubble bath, yoga practice SV PMQMXIH GIPP TLSRI I\TSWYVI EX RMKLX RSXLMRK MW [SVWI XLER [EOMRK YT I\LEYWXIH SV ¾YWXIVIH ½VWX thing in the morning. The solution is easy: set a routine, settle down before getting into bed and most importantly, be consistent. Sweet dreams and happy VIPE\MRK
#6
#5
#1 #8
#9
30
A WORD ON COVID-19 Written by Ellie Roberto Photographed by Madison Salyer When the Variant team began working on the Spring 2020 issue, the overwhelming success of our previous issue motivated us to make this release an even bigger accomplishment. On March 13, we were sad to learn that Ohio University would not be returning to in-person learning instruction and our Student Appropriations Commission funds were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community, like many others, was challenged with the disruption of our everyday lives. We were forced to rethink how we would produce a stunning magazine without being able to do in-person creative planning, run photoshoots, and hold weekly writing workshops. -R XLI FIKMRRMRK MX [EW HMJ½GYPX XS see the severity of what we were facing, and the current situation has generated E PSX SJ YRGIVXEMRX] ERH ER\MIX] XLEX MW worsened by the circulation of misinformation and lack of direction from authorities in all institutions. We have been forced to abandon our routines and in WSQI GEWIW SYV NSFW MR E WSGMIX] [LIVI our professional lives are highly valued. 31
Regardless of the setbacks,it has FIGSQI GPIEV XLEX SYV WEGVM½GIW EVI RIGessary to save lives. In the United States, the death toll has reached 50,000 people and continues to rise. This is unprecedented territory, but there are lessons XS FI PIEVRIH JVSQ XLMW I\TIVMIRGI ;I have a responsibility to care for people all over the world. As life has slowed down, we are gifted the opportunity to spend more time by ourselves and appreciate the simple things life has to offer. Variant strives to create diversity in the fashion world, and there is no time better to celebrate our differences than MR XLIWI GLESXMG XMQIW *SV XLI ½VWX XMQI in a long time, we all have one thing in common. This virus must be used as a tool to bring people together. This is an emotional time for many of us. Our team did not realize how much our magazine and our members contributed to our everyday lives until we were living without them. It is so important to us that we continue the production of our magazine virtually so that we hope it spreads some positivity during this chaotic time.
INSTAGRAM @VRNTMAGAZINE TWITTER @VRNTMAGAZINE WEBSITE WWW.VRNTMAGAZINE.COM