The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School
Volume CXII, Issue 6
Monday, December 11, 2017
How WHHS sees harassment The Chatterbox surveyed 388 students about the scope of harassment at WHHS. On a scale of one to five, students answered how often they saw four main types of harassment. These results illustrate the extent of harassment students witness on a regular basis and how often students report these incidents.
How m a ny stud ent s i n e a ch g r a d e s e e e a ch for m of h a r a s s ment of t en
10.6%
Only includ in g those students who, on a sca le of one to f ive f rom never to of ten, listed a four or f ive.
have reported a n insta nce of ha rassment this school yea r.
75
Ju n ior s report the most ha rassment at
14.1%
50
wh i le SE N IOR S repor t t he Grade Level
le a st h a r a ss ment at
4%
Need to talk? The National Sexual Assault Hotline is free, confidential and open 24/7.
25
Percent of students
of students
Verbal teasin g a nd insults
Physical pokin g, pushin g, trippin g
Sexual rema rks
Unwa nted sexual touchin g
Ca l l 1-80 0 -656- 4673
0
Harassment underreported, overlooked Caroline Horvath, ‘20 Camille Williams, ‘18 The Chatterbox survey results indicate that most students witness harassment on a regular basis at school, yet some students do not recognize harassment when they see it. Therefore, most harassment at WHHS goes overlooked, unreported and unstopped. On a scale of one to five, 82.7 percent of students see harassment above a middle level in at least one category, listing a four or five. Yet only 10.6 percent of surveyed students have reported an instance of harassment to an adult this school year. Most students claimed they had not seen any harassment to report to an adult. However, 38.2 percent of those students also see harassment above a middle level in at least one category. This overwhelming discrepancy indicates a lack of understanding among students of what constitutes harassment. At WHHS, students report experiencing many different forms of harassment. “People make fun of you for what you have or don’t have, like if you don’t have the newest phone,” Eric Ravenscroft, ‘23, said. The most commonly seen form of harassment at WHHS is verbal. The verbal harassment category includes teasing, name-calling and hurling offensive insults or threats. Students seeing sexually inappropriate remarks, placed a very close second. In fact, grades nine through twelve all averaged hearing sexual remarks more than other verbal harassment. “In class people will walk down aisles and guys will hit them in inappropriate places and also say stuff that is not very nice either
to their faces or behind their backs,” Avery Frank, ‘23, said. Younger, junior high students may not have been exposed to or informed about sexual harassment during elementary school. For them, WHHS is a new environment. “I didn’t know what sexual harassment was until I started figuring it out for myself. I was never taught,” Cloud Howard, ‘22, said. Howard said that at WHHS she sees “guys walk up to girls and hit them on the butt.” Some students may ignore or not understand the concept of “consent.” Consent is permission or an agreement for something to happen. “Unless I know you personally and have a strong connection, I do not want you touching me without my consent. People just say, ‘it doesn’t matter; I can still touch you anyway; it’s free will’, but it’s not if I don’t want you,” Howard said. Physical harassment is the third most common form of the harassment and ranges from poking, tripping and shoving to full on physical fights. 47.2 percent of students surveyed have seen at least one physical fight this school year. “There’s a lot of pushing in my classes, pushing people into desks and stuff like that,” Avery Frank, ‘23, said. Survey results show that 92 percent of students responded that they have never intentionally harassed any student. Rather, more students have harrassed other students, but most do not recognize their actions as wrong or harmful, as the word “harassment” implies. Students may know that harassment is bad, but many students fail to act against it. Students may
not report harassment to an adult for a number of reasons. Maybe the student intervened themselves, maybe an adult was already present, maybe the issue was resolved or maybe the student is unsure if it was harassment at all. “I think that a lot of students here don’t understand when people have limits or sensitivities,” Lydia Sippel, ‘22, said. Never reporting harassment can have a significant negative impact on the victims, especially students struggling with their self-esteem and mental health. Teens who are bullied are seven to nine percent more likely to commit suicide, according to Bullying Statistics. “People don’t understand that it could take a week or years to work your way up to a good place, but one person says something that you take personally and all the work you’ve done comes crumbling down,” Chloe Smith, ’22, said. Although there are signs of harassment at WHHS, many students mention that administration here deals with it a lot better than at most schools. “Walnut is a lot better than elementary school. There’s not a giant bullying problem because the administration knows how to deal with it correctly,” Gabe Grimaldi, ‘22, said. Smith also mentioned that harassment is less at WHHS compared to other schools because “everybody who goes here, they’re not here to mess around and call people names, they’re here to be at walnut and get their education”. The administration relies on students reports in order to take action against harassment. Joe Stewart, the twelfth grade principal, shares one way the administration
SAMANTHA GERWE-PERKINS/CHATTERBOX
Harassment often goes unreported because many students don’t know that what they are seeing is harassment. The infographic above defines different types of harassment, including sexual harassment and bullying. is trying to empower students to report harassment and bullying. “The district has a new initiative, I’ll call it a ‘bully button’, for lack of a better word, on the district website where parents or students can report bullying anonymously throughout the district. That then gets sent to the school where the parent wants it sent, and every school gets these cases sent to them. We investigate-there’s a form we have to fill out every time we investigate one of these bullying situations-- who was involved, what action was taken and what was the resolution.” As a result of the administration working to combat harass-
ment, many students feel that WHHS is a safe place for students. “ Even though harassment is a problem, Walnut is a blessing because it is better than a lot of other schools,” Sippel said. However, it is not only about what the administration is doing, but also what the students need to do. Students should report to the school whenever they see any forms of harassment, whether through the bullybox app, the bully button on the district website, or anonymously with an administrator.
OPINIONS
DECEMBER 8, 2017
PAGE 2
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: NICK ROBERTSON
CINCINNATI, OHIO
#MeToo i gnitin g cha n ge Jeresa Anderson, ‘18 Imagine you are the first person to finish a test. You don’t want to be the first to turn the test in, so you sit and pretend to check your answers and wait for someone else to walk up first. Then, when one brave soul in the class gets up, you and six other people get up simultaneously to turn in your tests. This is how many victims of sexual assault feel. Everyday another person comes forward with an story or allegation, encouraging other women to share their stories. This phenomenon leaves some skeptical of their stories and motives. On Oct. 15, actress Alyssa Milano started the #MeToo movement on Twitter to encourage men and women to share their stories of sexual harassment. Milano created the hashtag after film producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual misconduct by several women, including actresses Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, claiming decades of varying degrees of misconduct affecting many women. There are many victims of sexual harassment who never come forward with their stories. Some are fearful of judgement. Some fear no one will believe them. Some fear their abusers. All of these fears are realistic because society has normalized sexual assault.
When sexual assault allegations against comedian and actor Bill Cosby poured out from 45 women in 2015, many were quick to defend him and label his accusers as opportunists and liars. Many belie ved that it was
Sexual Harassment: Harassment in a workplace, or other professional or social situation, involving the making of unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks. impossible that such a well-loved man ual assault, many were shocked. It’s not could be capable of something so vicious. usual for a man to come out with these They did not want to throw away his types of allegations because of fears of legacy just because he made bad being emasculated. Unlike others, he is decisions in the past. not being widely labeled an opportunBut these are not ist or a liar. Few are questioning him. just bad decisions That is how it should be for all victims. or mistakes. These In essence, many of us enable sexual are examples of harassment. Whether you are the perpetramen in positions tor or a bystander, you play some type of of power exploiting role in allowing sexual assaults and sexual women, and they harassment to become a social norm by do not deserve tolerating perpetrators. Our president has sympathy. We over a dozen accusers and no actions have have normal- been taken against him. We tend to ignore ized rape sexual harassment in the workplace. Young culture to boys and girls become familiar with this the point type of behavior because “boys will be that peo- boys” or “girls seek this type of attention”. ple do Anyone is capable of sexual assault. It not be- doesn’t matter someone’s political party, lieve al- race, gender or sexual orientation. Instead legations, of wondering why there are so many stono matter ries coming out now, we should focus the quantity on what we can do to stop similar stories of evidence. from happening in the future. We all have This culture the responsibility of making this change. discourages women from The views shared in the Opinions secspeaking out on their own. tion of The Chatterbox are those of Society’s expectations of hy- their authors and may not represent the permasculinity and the idea that views of the publication as a whole. men do not mind being sexually assaulted also discourages male victims from revealing their stories. When actor and former NFL player Terry Crews came forward with his story of sex-
Roy Moore and the New Right NICK ROBERTSON/CHATTERBOX
ROY MOORE FOR SENATE/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Multiple Republican organizations still support Roy Moore’s candidacy despite his sexual misconduct allegations. Recently, President Donald Trump threw his support behind Moore, and with his support came the money of the Republican National Convention, who had previously withheld their funding because of the scandal. Nick Robertson, ‘19 The Republican Party has long claimed to be the party of good morals and the party of
conservative religious beliefs. Times are changing, and this is becoming less and less true with every election cycle. Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore is the best example of this change.
To date, nine women have accused the former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court of various degrees of sexual misconduct. Allegedly, Moore romantically pursued these nine women as teenagers when he was in his 30s. One woman, 14 years old at the time, accused Moore of sexual assault. Moore has denied the allegations, but both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan have asked Moore to drop out of his race. Even though Moore has faced backlash from the left, and many leaders in the Republican party itself, Moore has said that he will continue to run for Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ vacated Senate seat. Recent polls, after initially showing lower popularity for Moore, have started to rebound. Moore is leading his opponent Doug Jones by two percent. This shows that voters may have forgotten about the allegations or that time has lessened their significance. The special election between Jones and Moore will be held Dec. 12. Today, the so-called party of morals and righteousness is supporting a candidate who has been
accused of something that could not be less moral. It proves that many voters no longer vote with their minds, or their hearts, but rather with their eyes, looking at the name of the party next to the name of the candidates. Jones, the Democratic Party’s candidate in the race, has no morally ambiguous past, and has done many good things during his career as a federal prosecutor, even prosecuting the men who committed the Birmingham Church Bombing that killed four children in 1963. Only those without moral character would still support Moore, who still may be elected to the Senate. The evangelical right, defined by their strong religious beliefs, still supports Moore and other politicians like him. One Alabama voter compared Moore’s actions to a passage from the Bible, saying that Moore’s interest in teenagers was no issue because of the story of Joseph and Mary. Joseph was much older than Mary when they wed, and Mary later gave birth to Jesus in the Bible passage. Some religious people that consider themselves morally sound, now go out of their way to find excuses for an accused child molester
because of their party allegiance. Unfortunately, this trend is quickly spreading nationwide. The election of President Donald Trump, likely the most free-speaking and, frankly, vulgar president in our history, proves this point again. The idea of morality in politics, one of our democracy’s key ideals throughout its history, is rapidly degrading. Our politicians should be model citizens, always kind, thoughtful, well spoken, and informed. This trend ignores this idea, and brings the most partisan and toxic candidates to the forefront of our political system. It is time to finally put, at the very least, our country’s morals before the political party to which we may belong.
The views shared in the Opinions section of The Chatterbox are those of their authors and may not represent the views of the publication as a whole.
The Chatterbox Policy Statement The Chatterbox has been guaranteed the right of freedom of the press through the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The administration of Walnut Hills High School is thus bound to support and protect the Chatterbox’s inalienable rights as a free press. As an integral part of the Walnut Hills High School community, the Chatterbox has the responsibility to report in the most comprehensive and objective manner possible. Students,
parents, faculty, and administrators are encouraged to use this publication as a forum to express any ideas or concerns, whether they be personal or of local, national, or international scope. Journalists are required to work under established guidelines. Invasion of privacy as a means of news gathering is prohibited. Articles found to be discriminatory, libelous, or unnecessarily obscene (as determined by the editors or the advisor) will not be published. Finally, journalists are granted the right to keep private the name of
a source from whom they received information with the understanding that the source was to remain anonymous. The role of the newspaper advisor will be to provide counsel and criticism pertaining to the newspaper’s content and production. Although both the advisor and the administration hold certain powers regarding the Chatterbox, both must respect the paper’s autonomy. No student shall be prevented from joining the staff on the basis of sex, race, creed or national origin.
SARAH DAVIDOFF, ‘13
The Chatterbox Editorial Staff Hanna Bundschuh, Editor-in-Chief
Matthew Youkilis, Managing Editor of News and Features
Caroline Horvath, Managing Editor of Student Life
Camille Williams, Managing Editor of Viewpoints
Hannah Reinhardt, Managing Editor of Visual Elements
Aaron Espelage, Business Manager
Emma Heines, Video Content Manager
Amanda Anderson, Online Content Manager
Samantha Gerwe-Perkins, Adviser
Dawn Wolfe, English Department Chair
SPORTS
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: RYLEIGH SANBORN
CINCINNATI, OHIO
DECEMBER 8, 2017
PAGE 3
TRENT WILLHITE/CHATTERBOX
Both the Boys and Girl’s varsity basketball teams look to repeat the confrence victories of last season, while also making deeper runs into the playoffs. Both coach Hill and Lazar believe that each of their teams respectively are better and improved.
A NEW GIRL’S SEASON Boy’s Basketball defend title OF HOOPS AND DREAMS Trent Willhite, ‘19
Hayden Willhite, ‘18
Girls varsity basketball players have to make many decisions while playing on the court. But now they have a much more important decision to make off the court. Some of Head Coach Adam Lazar’s players are already looking at, or even committed to colleges. Kennedi Myles, ‘19, has committed to the Miami University. SENIOR Regan Anderson is looking at a lot of Division two schools. Sean Kelly Darks and Darian Burgin, ’20, are getting lots of Division one interests. In previous seasons with Lazar, the WHHS girls varsity basketball team has an overall winning record. For the past five years in a row, they have been ranked in the top ten. In the 2013-14 season they had a conference record of 11 wins and one loss, and in the 2015-16 season they had a record of nine wins and five losses. For the 2017-18 season, they are currently undefeated and ranked number five in the city. Lazar has been coaching for 19 years, 15 at WHHS. He has coached for both the girls and boys team but now only coaches for the girls varsity team. Besides being a coach, he is also a teacher in the social studies department, where he teaches American Government, and AP U.S. history . Not only is Lazar looking forward to winning in the 2017-18 season, but mentions how this team has a lot of players that will acquire personal accomplishments. Two of his players, Anderson and SENIOR Emma Mertes, only need
16 more wins and they will be apart of the “winningest girls basketball players in the history of this school,” Lazar said. Challenges that this year's team will face is that one of his players, Mertes, injured her ACL, and she is out for the season. Lazar referred to Mertes as the “rock” of the team. Lazar’s coaching style is centered around his team coaching each other. He says that the team “has such great leaders”, where they have built “such a great culture”, that reflects what he expects from his team. Lazar recently made a bet with the school and his team that if the game against Fairfield had every seat filled then he would get a class of 2018 tattoo. Though all the seats were not filled at the game,“ I a m going to get a tattoo of some sort, to represent Walnut Hills,” Lazar said. “We are gonna make a really big run this year,” and “we hope the school is excited about us,” Lazar said.
The WHHS men’s varsity basketball team is a division one team that has made it to the playoffs the past five years in a row, as well as a final four. The one responsible is head coach Ricardo Hill. “We have raised the level of respect for the team and now every year we’re one of the top programs in the state,” Hill said. In 2013 the men’s varsity basketball team went on to the final four for the first time ever after defeating La Salle High School in the regional final, 50-46. Four years later, most of the members on that team graduated. “[The 2013] team was just a special team where we had a lot of talent. To say our team now is better than that team, we couldn’t say that but the overall program is definitely better. We have talent from the seventh grade all the way throughout the whole program,” Hill said. Hill hopes, “to win our league and compete for a regional championship to see if we can make it up state.”
In order to succeed a team needs leaders, whether young or old. Hill regards SENIORS Kameron Gibson and Hunter Davidson as the best and most experienced players on the team. Gibson, number four, plays point guard and Davison, number 24, plays as a small forward and small guard. Both seniors are now playing in their fourth year on varsity. Right now W H H S men’s basketball is ranked 49 in division one standings by maxpreps. com, a website containing sports news. “I am really pleased with our team and I think we could compete with anyone in the state,” Hill said. With minor injuries on the team, great leaders, and high standards, Hill and the players are ready to compete.
BASKETBALL HOOP ART BY HOPKINS/THENOUNPROJECT.COM
RYLEIGH SANBORN/CHATTERBOX Zuri Williams, ‘19, is at the top of the defense line lookimg for a pass during a game. The Girl’s Basketball team is currently undefeated this season.
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PAGE 5
Lorenzo Mainini, Italy
GRACE SUBLETT/REM
Grace Berding: What is different about school here than in Italy? Lorenzo Mainini: One grade here is the whole population of my school in Italy. You have your own stadium, you have a pool, you have many gyms, the weight room, it is awesome. GB: What have you liked the most about the United States? LM: I love s’mores. I have never heard about them, but I love them here. GB: What have you like the least about the United States? LM: The food here is not as good as in Italy.
Ludvig Oeberg, Sweden
Grace Berding: Where are you from? Ludvig Oeberg: Sweden GB: What is different about school here than in Sweden? LO: In Sweden, you have to be smart to get good grades GB: What have you liked the most about the United States? LO: I like Skyline and some American people GB: What have you liked the least about the United States? LO: American people.
NICHOLAI LEKSON/CHATTERBOX ALUMNUS
ANAZIA LOVE/REM
A Spanish summer journey
Paris, Barcelona
PHOTO COURTESY OF DILIFF/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
BELLA/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
s towers, extends over the urban panorama. phy classes have the opportunity to travel k to visit the many museums in these cities. f these European cities by participating in 2.org for more information.
The skyline of Toledo, Spain, extends over the landscape. This June, WHHS Spanish students have the opportunity to visit Portugal, Spain and Morocco for nearly two weeks. The students will practice the languages they have studied in class and immerse themselves in these cultures, visiting Lisbon, Portugal; Southern Spain; and Marrakech, Morocco. Contact MaddoxR@cps-k12.org for more information.
Culture, conversation in China
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRYAN LEDGARD/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The Great Wall of China sits on the rolling hills near Beijing, China. Chinese students have the opportunity to study Chinese language and culture this summer for two weeks in Beijing and Dalian, China. They will learn new skills like calligraphy and brush painting, while also spending time with natives and visiting the historical sites of the region. Contact JiYanpi@cps-k12.org for more information.
Fletcher Guttman to tour Israel
Fletcher Guttman, ‘19
Growing up Jewish, I was able to learn about Israel and just how important it is to the Jewish people. I remember being in religious school and excitedly waiting for the time for our Chaverim v’Yisrael (Friends from Israel) program to start, where we would meet Jewish Israelis. As I got older, I got more engrossed in my Judaism and the thought of going to Israel. I began to look at programs sponsored by synagogues and the Jewish Federation, and that’s when I heard of Heller High School. Heller High School is similar to a “studying abroad” program, but
it’s for Jewish high schoolers who want to spend a semester in a land that means so much to them. The school itself is located in Kibbutz Tzuba, west of Jerusalem. Along with the normal classes that I take, I will also be taking Hebrew and Jewish History. The program looks for Jewish high school students who want to spend time in Israel in order to connect on a more personal level to the Jewish people. The high school is more similar to a college. I will be living in a dorm with three other people at Kibbutz Tzuba. I’ll go to classes like usual, but I’ll have a fair amount of control over my schedule. I will have some time each day
to complete my homework and studies before any other activities. There will also be free time to hang out around the Kibbutz. However, besides academics, there will also be a lot of travel opportunities. This includes visiting cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa and Akko. We will also be visiting multiple historically important Jewish places such as Masada, which is an ancient fortress in the southern Judean Hills, and the Western Wall. Since the weather in Israel is usually pretty nice, we will also go to the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea and Dead Sea (where salt levels are so high people can float in the water).
As part of the experience, we will travel to Poland, where we will see firsthand the destruction of the Nazis. I honestly don’t know what to expect when I do go to the death camps, but what I do know is that it will probably change me for the better. Once we come back, we will start Gadna, a five day boot camp in which we are trained by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). All Jewish citizens in Israel are drafted into the army after they finish high school. Gadna will give us a taste of what it’s exactly like to be in the IDF. Israel is obviously a controversial place for multiple reasons. I do want to make one thing very
clear: my trip there is not for political reasons. I am going to Israel in order to experience Judaism in the place where my ancestors came from. Israel has so many Jewish connections that date back millennia. As a Jew, I want to learn about more than just the persecution of my people, but who we are as a people and what we have done that has changed the world. Disclaimer: Fletcher Guttman, ‘19, is not a member of The Chatterbox Staff.
FEATURES AN
DECEMBER 8, 2017
PAGE 4
SECTION EDITORS: IBRAH
EaglesExchanging explore the extraordinary Salome Abgottspon, Switzerland Grace Berding: What is different about school here than in Switzerland? Salome Abgottspon: I think one of the biggest difference is that we go home for lunch. GB: What do you like most about the United States? SA: The people are really friendly and they always help me if I have a question. GB: What do you like the least about the United States? SA: The way you handle food and stuff because you just throw away a lot of food for no reason actually. ANAZIA LOVE/REM
Andrea Merello, Chile
HANNA BUNDSCHUH/CHATTERBOX
Grace Berding: What is different about school here than at your home? Andrea Merello: Everything. First, we don’t choose our classes and we don’t change classrooms for every class, so we stay all day in the same classroom. GB: What have you liked the most about the United States? AM: The people. GB: What have you liked the least about the United States? AM: Hotdogs.
Art history appreciation in Italy Geology students study in Hawaii Admiring art in
PHOTO COURTESY OF NIAGARA66/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER K. BURIAN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Civilians ride on a gondola on the Grand Canal in Venice. AP Art History students will travel to Italy this Spring Break, visiting Venice, Florence, Rome, Assisi and more. The trip is meant to allow students to learn more about art and improve their visual literacy and analysis skills, as well as fully experience art in a place that is central to art history. Contact bernstl@cps-k12.org for more information.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MYRAB
Smoke rises above volcanic rock in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. WHHS students, primarily those taking Geology, have the opportunity to explore “The Big Island” of Hawaii (called Hawaii) during Spring Break. They will visit this park and several other beaches and parks on The Big Island to learn about geology in Hawaii. Contact mondina@cps-k12.org for more information.
Paris, seen from the Notre Dame de Paris Students in WHHS’s Art and Photograp to Paris and Barcelona this Spring Break They will also learn about the cultures of art workshops. Contact StockeD@cps-k12
Jack Samuels roams through Italy Jack Samuels, ‘20 Dear WHHS Students, My name is Jack Samuels. It’s okay if you don’t know me, seeing as I was never a very popular public figure. If you do know me, you are probably thinking either “Jack, this introduction is stupid, get on with it,” or “I wonder where he is; I haven’t seen him all year.” Let me just tell you. I am an exchange student studying abroad in the south of Sicily, Italy. Last year, I was both a photographer and writer for The Chatterbox. If all goes according to plan and my grandparents don’t die within the next eight months, I
will stay here in Sicily until the end of the school year. Two months in, I think it’s a good time to update everyone on my Italian life so far. One of the greatest things I’ve done so far is meet people from all over the world. I’ve made friends from France, Belgium, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, Russia, Thailand, Denmark, The Gambia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovenia and Austria, plus many, many Italians. A few weeks ago, my friends from Latin America taught me how to dance like a Latino, which was way more fun than I thought it would be. Before I left, at orientations in New York, I bonded with other Americans going to Italy,
Spain and Portugal over our shared future experience that would be equally amazing and crazy. Besides meeting people from all over the world, I’ve spent many days at the beach in September (which is only a five minute walk from my house), enjoyed festivals about hazelnuts and pork, eaten pasta nearly every day and attended an 18th birthday party, which is a big deal in Italy. It’s basically a bar mitzvah party, complete with a DJ and lots of champagne. I’ve seen some of the most beautiful old cities I’ve ever been to. I’ve been to Pozzallo (my hometown), Modica, Palermo, Ragusa, Marzamemi, Montalbano,
Raccuja Mt. Etna, the volcano of Sicily and a couple others, whose names have slipped my mind. The drawbacks: my local Italian school gives me insight to Italian life, but of course everything is in Italian, which I do not fully understand yet. Therefore, school is usually a time for me to practice my Italian verb conjugations while some philosophy or physics lesson drowns on in the background. My favorite class is English, because it’s the only class I can understand what’s going on. Interestingly, I’m better at English than the teacher. Another drawback is that when I first arrived in Sicily, I felt very uneasy for the better part of two
weeks. I was nervous about being in a new country in which I only knew how to say “hi” and “bye”, which are the same word, “ciao.” I felt a rollercoaster of emotions, from “oh my god. I can’t believe I live in Sicily!” to, “I just want to go home and see my family.” To say that an exchange student has a perfect life is far from the truth; it is much harder than I thought it would be. Grazie mille e ciao di Pozzallo P.S. And if you were wondering, no I have not seen the mafia yet.
NEWS
DECEMBER 8, 2017
PAGE 6
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: IBRAHIM MUNIR
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Net Neutrality gaining national attention Amanda Anderson, ‘19 On Dec. 14, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on whether to uphold the rules currently in place that protect net neutrality. This vote has the potential to change the current nature of the internet, affecting all individuals, including WHHS students. However, many do not realize the importance of this vote because net neutrality seems somewhat complex and is not commonly discussed. So, what is net neutrality? Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines net neutrality as “the idea, principle or requirement that Internet service providers should or must treat all Internet data as the same regardless of its kind, source or destination.” This means that service providers such as AT&T, Verizon and Comcast are not legally allowed to limit the accessibility of certain sites just because it isn’t a beneficial site for their business model and must remain neutral on who they provide service to. However, some businesses have broken these rules in the past, such as when The Madison River Communications Company restricted users’ access to Vonage, a rival internet and telephone service provider. The company was reprimanded by the FCC and fined $15,000. With-
PHOTO COURTESY OF RICK BARRY/FLICKR.COM
A group of protestors gather in Seattle, Washington to voice their beliefs about the importance of net neutrality. There have been protests throughout much of the country recently, especially in big cities, including Washington D.C.. There are protests scheduled to take place at multiple Verizon stores.
out this admonishment, internet suppliers such as the Madison River Communications Company could continue to control what their customers view and have access to. This has caused an uproar from citizens who have realized how detrimental this could be.
A Forbes article entitled “When The FCC Kills Net Neutrality, Here’s What Your Internet Could Look Like,” details how the internet could potentially be changed and resold to users if these regulations are lifted. This means websites would be bundled in packages in a similar fashion to television channels and sold through
subscriptions. This article predicts that these subscriptions could cost a large amount with starter packages starting at $50 a month. Internet today does not cost much less but current plans give users access to all websites available on the internet and the new plans would only grant access to a select group of sites. In an interview with information and technology students, Tom Wheeler, the former head of the FCC under the Obama administration, elaborates on this issue, saying: “If you love your cable service… you’re gonna’ love what happens to the internet. Because instead of something that is open for everyone, it becomes like a cable system where the cable operator chooses who gets on [and] what tier they can go on. So, you can’t get ESPN unless you pay a higher tier. That is the antithesis of what the internet has always been about.” Many citizens have begun to rally against this threat, calling it unconstitutional as it violates the First Amendment. Protesters say these actions go against their right to freedom of speech and the press by silencing the opinions of certain users on sites that it would block access to. This line of reasoning is not enough to stop this vote, and net neutrality still hangs in the balance. No matter which way the vote goes, the discussions about this topic are
COMPUTER ART COURTESY OF STEPHANIE WALTER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
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FINE ARTS
WHHSCBOX.COM
DECEMBER 8, 2017
PAGE 7
SECTION EDITOR: ISABEL NISSLEY
CINCINNATI, OHIO
From Mario Kart To Fine Art As the world becomes more digitalized, the definition of “art” is also shifting Joseph Stanichar, ‘18 On Nov. 29th, 2012, the Museum of Modern Art placed video games in an art museum. This sparked a resurgence of countless articles and videos challenging or defending whether video games qualified as a form of art. This article will attempt to delve into the qualifications of art, and take an objective approach at this increasingly pertinent topic of debate: The validity of video games as an art form. The first elephant in the room to address is the presence of already-established art forms within the media of video games. Video games within themselves can contain almost any other form of art. There are soundtracks, cut-scenes (think mini-movies), voice-acting, and scripts within many of these games, which some gamers on online forums such as Reddit say are just as powerful as any other book, movie, or song. However, this is not inherently because of the merit of the games themselves. A song is a song whether put in a video game or a record. Artistic elements in video games do not make the video games themselves art.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines art as “the expression or application of human creative skill or imagination… producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.” One of the strongest arguments for why video games cannot be validated as art is that they take entire teams, sometimes consisting of hundreds of people, thus having the project not under one artistic vision. However, some unmistakable forms of art such as movies and architecture are very large collaborative efforts that are under the vision of one director or architect. Video games are no different in this regard.
The second part of the definition is a bit more complex: “producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or
emotional power.” Gamers and artists alike are questioning the ability of video games to offer beauty or emotional power, keeping in mind that this would be because of the game
itself and not any other form of art within the video game? The growing consensus is: yes. There is an ever-flourishing genre of games that focus less on adrenaline and clear objectives and more on exploring serene environments, simply taking everything i n . The interactivity with environments in video games is just one of countless largely unexplored ways video games have the opportunity to present completely new and unique ways to move the player emotionally. De- spite all of this, one word of the definition causes problems: “primarily.” Being art must be the
game’s primary objective. That’s a big problem for the validation of video games as art, because most game developers would tell you that their games are supposed to be one thing first and foremost: fun. This can change. There are some games that might have crossed the boundary into the territory of art. What separates them from games that have not crossed this line is their intent. If a developer makes a game that he or she says is art, that does not necessarily make the game art, but it is a first step. The next step is to create a video game with that can fit the definition of art. If done right, this should not inhibit what video games can be but expand their possibilities to do what they’ve never been able to do before.
To the left: Video games like Final Fantasy and Call of Duty have focused more over the decades on creating realistic environments and characters for the player to experience. This is just one of the arguments for why videogames should be considered an art form.
VIDEO GAMES PHOTO: HANNAH BUNDSCHUH/CHATTERBOX
Art around Cincinnati a list of current art exhibitions at local venues Isabel Nissley, ‘20 Cincinnati Art Museum is holding an exhibition of Iris van Herpen’s fashion designs. Van Herpen weaves together modern technology with cutting edge fashion to create an exhibit like no other. This is open until January 7, 2018. More information can be found at http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
The socially driven artist Caledonia Curry, also known as “Swoon” creates “vessels of empathy”. This exhibit at the Contemporary Arts Center reinvents street art and provides a new perspective on artwork. Swoon’s work will be on display until February 25, 2018. More information can be found at http://www.contemporaryartscenter.org.
Art From Art at Manifest Gallery displays the work of over 150 artists. The exhibit holds pieces which draw inspirations from famous artwork, such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”. Art From Art blends historical artwork with modern styles and techniques. It closes December 8, 2017. More information can be found at http://www.manifestgallery.org/about/schedule.html.
ANIM(E)ATION CLUB Isabel Nissley, ‘20
RYLEIGH SANBORN/CHATTERBOX
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Want to help be a part of the process that makes this publication happen? Come to our club meetings every Thursday during all three lunches OR option for Newswriting 1 in January! nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt nlt
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SENIOR Kayla Osterfeld describes her favorite type of animation as “claymation”. “Claymation” is a form of animation which involves clay figures, such as Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Excited voices and sweeping gestures fill a sunlit room. Although school has just let out, the energetic environment provides a stark contrast to the classrooms filled with lecturing teachers and unenthused pupils. These students make up the WHHS Animation Club, which meets in room 2848 most Wednesdays after school. Animation is “a dynamic visual medium produced from static drawings, models, or objects posed in a series of incremental movements that are then rapidly sequenced to give the illusion of lifelike motion,” according to dictionary.com. It includes things ranging from video games
to movies, but most people attend these Animation Club meetings to discuss one thing: anime. “Anime is Japanese animation. It’s games, books, videos, all types of stuff,” club member Anna Whetstone, ‘23, said. This club not only provides a welcoming community for fangirls and boys alike, but also provides a place for participants to practice their passions. “To me, it’s become like a family. When a new person joins the club we do this thing where every new member has to stand up in front of the group and introduce their name, grade, their favorite animation, and a quirk about themselves. It just feels like family to me,” said SENIOR Kayla Osterfeld,
the Animation Club’s treasurer. In the past, Animation Club has animated things for other clubs and even “completed a few short stop-motion videos last year,” Chris Gibson, the club’s advisor, said. Also, most weeks, the club has a themed weekly art contest in which club members showcase their skills based on the theme. Future plans include attending “Ohayocon”, which is a multiple day anime convention, held in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, the club hopes to animate another work in the next year. New members are encouraged to join, no matter their past experience with animation.
ARCADE
DECEMBER 8, 2017
PAGE 8
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: DELANEY OWENS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
What winter staple are you? Which is more important to you this winter break?
relaxing
having fun
Do you want to build a snowman? no
of course!
How do you feel about ice skating? I love it
Scarves or gloves?
no thanks
scarves
Eggnog or apple cider?
eggnog
cider
Holiday music
Sledding
You’re adventurous and outdoorsy. Enjoy the cold weather!
You love spending time with friends and family.
Cozy sweaters
You’re everyone’s favorite. Winter is your time to shine!
Scented candles
With you around, the holidays are always lit.
Snow angels or snow men?
snow angels
snow men
gloves What are you doing to ensure a snow day? flushing ice cubes
I don’t want a snow day New Years Eve
String lights
You take the party wherever you go. Happy New Year!
You have a taste for the finer things in life and appreciate a good Instagram.
Hot chocolate You’re hot enough to set off a smoke detector.
Semester exams Yikes. Try again!
SNOWFLAKES COURTESY OF ADRIEN COQUET/THENOUNPROJECT.COM, EXAM COURTESY OF NIKITA KOZIN/THENOUNPROJECT.COM, SLEIGH COURTESY OF JOAOLIMA/THENOUNPROJECT.COM, CANDLES COURTESY OF DEEMAK DAKSINA/THENOUNPROJECT.COM, SWEATER COURTESY OF YUSUF SHUAIB/THENOUNPROJECT.COM, MUG COURTESY OF SEAN MALDJIAN/THENOUNPROJECT. COM, BELL COURTESY OF LASTSPARK/THENOUNPROJECT.COM, FIREWORKS AND LIGHTS COURTESY OF MADE BY MADE/THENOUNPROJECT.COM
Sudoku
Winter word search
Words can be up, down, forward, backward or diagonal. Frozen Cookies Skiing Icicle Gingerbread Evergreen Sleet Melt Mittens Hibernate Fireplace Snow day Shiver Holiday Frost Snowflake