The
THEME: GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Whittier Miscellany Evie Kortanek ’18
SINCE 1884 • WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER • WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
The Arches at Wilmington Friends School on a sunny afternoon.
Israel/palestine: The long road to peace in the middle east The United Nations recently passed a resolution saying that Israel’s settlements have no legal validity. This is a major development in the Palestinian and Israeli conflict, which has been around for decades. The conflict originated in the 1900s, when the termination of the British mandate in Palestine occurred and the Israeli Declaration of Independence sparked conflict. From 1920 to 1947, the British had a mandate over Palestine. At that time, the Palestinian land included all of today’s Israel, as well as the occupied territories. Once the British mandate was terminated, and the world was in the midst of World War II, an increasing amount of the Jewish community began migrating to Palestine, in search of a homeland. As more and more people migrated, conflict struck, ultimately forming what we know as the Palestine - Israel conflict today. However, this new resolution could potentially lead to meaningful change in the current state of the conflict. Historically, the US has been a close ally of Israel. Because of this, many found the passing of the resolution surprising. The US abstained on the resolution, which is unusual due to the fact that the US usually vetoes issues that are critical to Israel. The resolution condemned the illegal Israeli settlements, but was not set to make immediate changes to Israel, or the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This is because the resolution is non-binding, therefore it is technically a set of recommended guidelines on how to go about the situation. According to BBC, the main concern the Israelis seemed to have was on negotiations. They feared that a resolution like this could possibly set parameters for some of the main issues in the Palestine-Israel
conflict, such as borders, the wall, Jerusalem, and the Palestinian refugees. According to CNN, Palestinian leaders say that they will wait and see if Israel abides by the resolution. If not, it has been indicated that they could possibly pursue a case against Israeli Leaders at the International Criminal Court under the Geneva Convention. Clearly, issues with land and custody continue to thrive in Palestine/Israel. During a conversation on the issue, Lena Urick ’17
versation about the conflict with Betsy Cepparulo, the current ninth grade Global Peace and Justice teacher, she commented on the way Friends has taught about the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the ways it changed over time. “We end our year as the peace course has for a long time with a unit on Israel and Palestine, and the very realistic challenges to creating peace when it is desperately wanted. There used to be a panel that would come in and do a colloquium with the students because the previous peace teacher had a particular passion for the topic, and because it’s important to a lot of our students. This year, we’re having a peace colloquium about social justice instead. Not because Israel and Palestine aren’t still critically important, but because there is a pressing need in our country at the moment to talk about social justice issues.” Prior to the conversation, Cepparulo commented that this is her opinion and her current philosophy on the issue and education of the issue. Ruth Hazzard ’19 expressed, “I learned a lot about the Palestine/Israel conflict at Friends that I never knew before. I think the school presented it in a good informative way, without showing a bias towards either side. I believe that the UN resolution will be a good step forward.” As time has passed, the Palestine/Israel struggle has continued to be a controversial, yet crucial, conflict. It has shown that, although there are mixed views, the resolution is just another step towards peace. It seems that at Wilmington Friends, the education of the conflict is educated and informative, and will continue to introduce students to the issues of the world. It is the hope that one day peace will be achieved between Palestine and Israel, through resolutions and negotiations to come. commons.wikimedia.org
Nick urick ’20 News writer
Protestors gather to demand peace in Israel-Palestine.
commented: “As someone who has visited the Middle East in the past, it is evident that the tension between Israel and Palestine is something that needs to be solved. I was surprised by this resolution, as past resolutions have been vetoed. I hope this resolution actually affects things, and there can be peace between the two countries. That’s the only way to move forward.” Wilmington Friends has been teaching the Palestine-Israel conflict for many years now. During a con-
COMMUNITY
BUILDING BRIDGES in BROOKLYN: QYLC 2017
could solve all the world’s problems, if given enough time. The mood of the group made it clear that every sinAfter close to four hours of travel in a van, on a train, gle person is at the conference because they chose to and on the subway, the eight of us emerged from the attend. This was the third cavernous New York City subway onto the streets of year I chose to attend. Brooklyn. I’d never been there before; the energy of And it is with a strong the city was a foreign yet welcome sensation as we conviction that I say that studied a map and figured out where to go. Eventhis year was my favourtually, we found our destination: Brooklyn Friends ite in every way. This was School on Lawrence Street. due in large part to my This is it, I thought as we entered the glass doors. own personal growth; The smiling faces of student organizers greeted us. in 2015, I was notably This is my last QYLC. more shy, and the idea Every year, there’s this wonderful gathering that of talking to a stranger happens in early February. Students and teachers at for longer than a minute Friends schools from across the country, the contior two was just too much nent, and the world, flock to one Quaker school for to bear. 2016 was an imtwo days of discussion, excursions, learning, togetherprovement, but it was not ness, and friendship. This year’s Quaker Youth Leaduntil this time around ership Conference was co-hosted by Brooklyn Friends that I finally learned the School and Mary McDowell Friends School from Febultimate lesson of QYLC: ruary 2nd-4th. Past conferences have been in Provyou get out of the conferidence, RI in 2016, Charlottesville, VA in 2015, and ence what you put in. To “Your Daily Dose of Vitamin C” performing at Coffeehouse; even close to home, when Westtown Friends hosted that end, this year, I had from the left: Agne ’18, Nix ’19, Ergueta ’18, Knudsen ’19, Wakeley ’17, Gooderham ’17. in 2014. Our own Wilmington Friends even hosted made it my express goal in 2009. Woodward, Ellen Johnson, and myself. Half of us were to meet and become friends with as many people as After arriving and shedding our luggage, we were hungry and so went to get food, but the other half opt- possible. ed to simply explore. It was not long And I succeeded. And, yes, I may never see any before we stumbled upon a protest; of these people again. But just by meeting them and hundreds of people, mainly Middle talking with them, they have all changed me in some Eastern men, were gathered at the way. I am not the same person I was before I met each steps of the Brooklyn Borough Hall. person; that’s the way our universe works. Many had signs protesting President QYLC is a place to surrender to the ebb and flow Trump’s travel ban (this was before of the universe. Only by letting the flow of the connews of the ban’s suspension broke), ference take me wherever I needed to go, did I truly but an overwhelming majority held experience all it had to offer. American flags. Indeed, there were On Friday morning, as all of the WFS students more flags or flag-decorated clothes sat and ate breakfast together, we were approached than posters. The people, many of by Max Kotsonis, a senior at Mary McDowell, who Sarah Gooderham ’17 & Sadie Proud ’17 whom owned bodegas, had walked promptly tried to convince us to enter Coffeehouse, NEWS EDITORS: Leah Johnson ’18 & Katrina Skibiki ’17 out of their jobs at noon to come and QYLC’s talent show. Initially, we resisted, until someSPORTS EDITORS: Alice Irwin ’18 & Matt Tornek ’17 protest, but from where I was stand- one suggested our talent be peeling oranges. We did ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS: Mike Coons ’17 & Abby Klemen ’18 ing, rather than seeing hatred towards end up performing: the six of had an orange-peeling the President, they seemed united by race onstage, while singing, “I’m A Little Teapot.” We FEATURES EDITOR: Lindsay Weber ’17 love; love for each other, and love for named our group “Your Daily Dose of Vitamin C.” PHOTO EDITOR: Evie Kortanek ’18 what they know this country can be. Of course, none of us could sing properly because we COPY EDITORS: Meggie Flanagan ’17 & Evie Kortanek ’18 It reminded me of the loving commu- were laughing so hard. WEB EDITOR: Evelyn Wakeley ’17 nity spirit of QYLC. The open-mindedness of the students at QYLC, FACULTY ADVISOR: Daniel Scott The theme for this year’s confer- my peers, is perhaps my favorite part. In a discussion given a little time to explore Brooklyn while the remaining school groups arrived. Our group was comprised of Evelyn Wakeley ’17, Mary Agne ’18, Cecilia Ergueta ’18, Kat Nix ’19, Lucy Knudsen ’19, Mary
QYLC
Sarah Gooderham ’17 EdiTor-In-Chief
The
Whittier
Miscellany EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
STAFF
NEWS Anna Fahey ’20 Zack Horowitz ’17 Hareena Houston ’18 Olivia O’Donnell ’18 Nick Urick ’20 FEATURES Tess Beardell ’17 Isabel Crowther ’17 Lucy Knudsen ’19 Addie Trudel ’19 Krystal Xu ’19
ENTERTAINMENT Matt Byer ’18 Allie Fulginiti ’17 Olivia Ivins ’20 Emma Landis ’19 SPORTS Carlin Beskrone ’19 John Blackwell ’18 Connor Miller ’19 Bella Stuccio ’19 COLUMNISTS Cecilia Ergueta ’18 Marley Morton ’18
The Whittier Miscellany is published six times during the school year by the upper school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. To access the Whittier Miscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.com. Check Whittier Miscellany online for Weekly Updates! The Whittier Miscellany welcomes respones in the form of letters to the articles, editorials, and features of this paper. Contact: wfswhittiermiscellany@gmail.com ‘Like’ Whittier on Facebook at ‘WFS Whittier’!
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ence was “Building Bridges;” appropriate given the looming presence of the Brooklyn Bridge (a mere five blocks away from Brooklyn Friends), and certainly given the current state of the world. In a time when it seems like bridges are only being burned, QYLC participants chose to gather in the name of construction. It’s no easy feat to describe QYLC to those who have not attended and generally have no idea what the conference is, but I usually go with saying that it’s 50% hippie/hipster kids hanging out and having a good time, and 50% conversations, activities, and discussions with the smartest, most engaged, socially aware, intellectual, and all-around incredible group of young people anywhere. Take everything you love about Quaker education and multiply it a hundred thousand times; that’s what QYLC feels like. It is my firm belief that the attendees of QYLC
group I was part of, lead by a then-total stranger who turned out to be the most amazing person I met at the whole conference, we talked about the relationship between creative forces and destructive forces, and how they relate to the Quaker notion of the inner light. Our discussion began with someone wondering if premarital sex was simultaneously a destructive and creative force, and ended with using two gummy bears in a lunch box to explain Plato’s allegory of the cave. We certainly surrendered to the flow of the universe in the discussion group; or was it the flow of the conference? Suddenly, it was Saturday morning and the conference was over. Everyone said goodbye to their friends, hugged, exchanged numbers, trying to soak up every last minute of the incredible community. As I descended back into the subway on Jay Street, about to leave Brooklyn, that same thought ran through my head: This is my last QYLC. I was simultaneously filled with deep sadness and extreme joy. Never before had I really experienced everything QYLC had to offer, and though all those brief relationships were essentially coming to a close, I felt intense gratitude for having met each person and had each experience. This was my last QYLC. This had been the best QYLC.
MARCH ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
NEWS
CHarleston Murderer Receives Death Sentence “I have no choice. I am not in the position to, alone, go into the ghetto and fight. I chose Charleston because it is [the] most historic city in my state, and at one time had the highest ratio of Blacks to Whites in the country. We have no skinheads, no real KKK, no one doing anything but talking on the internet. Well, someone has to have the bravery to take it to the real world, and I guess that has to be me.” These are just a few of the hollowing words taken from the racist manifesto written by 22-year-old Dylann Roof, which surfaced on his website, The Last Rhodesian. Roof received the death penalty after jurors found him guilty for 33 counts, after his impudent gundown of nine black parishioners at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Although this act of terrorism occurred in June 2015, the same question lingers: what compelled him to murder nine innocent people in cold blood? His apparent motivation was to start a race war. Roof justified his actions with his belief in black corruption. That night, he attended Emanuel’s weekly Bible study session, occasionally participating in the discussion, but tending to keep to himself. According to The New York Times, he spent nearly an hour there, eyes lowered to the floor until brandishing his .45-caliber Glock semiautomatic pistol. He claimed, “You blacks are raping our women and taking over our country,” before shooting and wounding nine of the attendees. The New York Times reported that among the
victims were Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney; Reverend DePayne, Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, Tywanza Sanders, Reverend Daniel Lee Simmons Sr., Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson. His jailhouse manifesto, composed just weeks after the shooting, emphasized his
plea demanded those watching to acknowledge and stand united against prejudice, preventing the revival of America’s dark past of racial injustice. The sentencing has had many effects, politically and culturally. In South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley responded with a bill to authorize the permanent removal of the Confederate flag. This decision, while met with mixed reactions, largely resulted in overwhelming forgiveness, especially from the families of the nine victims. In place of violent riots and angry slurs, humility and mercy took shape in the hopes of rewriting the nation’s story, neutralizing distorted perceptions, and mending the fractured relationships of all. When asked about current race relations in the U.S., Student Daniel Lin ’19 echoed former President Obama: “I feel that we could do a better job of integrating and accepting people’s races. I feel that too many people try to ignore race, which only perpetuates stereotypes and disregards the cultures of minority races.” While the rest of the country may find it challenging to embrace diversity in every situation, Wilmington Friends School students feel aware of the importance of the issue and its reparations. Student Jeffrey McAbee ’18 affirmed, “I feel as if there is a slight stereotypical bias, but you cannot escape that anywhere these days. I cannot disagree with the fact that WFS provides a very safe environment for all races.” The death sentence of Roof does not signal the end of America’s interracial conflicts by any means; rather, it presents a wake-up call for every American, including WFS teachers and students, to stand up for what is right—equality for all. vimeo.com ..
Olivia O’Donnell ’18 News Writer
Memorial Service for the murder victims of the shooting comitted by Roof in 2015.
continued commitment to fighting for “the restoration of white power through violent subjugation,” stated The New York Times. Showing no remorse for his actions, Roof wrote, “I would like to make it crystal clear I do not regret what I did. I have not shed a tear for the innocent people I killed… I do feel sorry for the innocent white people that are killed daily at the hands of the lower race. I have shed a tear of self-pity for myself. I feel pity that I had to give up my life because of a situation that should never have existed.” Despite Roof ’s blatant incapacitation to decipher between right and wrong, Barack Obama addressed the crowd of Reverend Pinckney’s televised funeral in an attempt to unify the country, citing this tragedy as a catalyst for improved race relations. His rousing
ManHunt For Escaped Prisoners Continues Chaos has erupted in the Philippines due to violence of rebel groups and dangerous prison breakouts. On December 28, 2016, 100 armed gunmen stormed a Kidapawan jail in the south of the Philippines, triggering the escape of at least 150 prisoners. The North Cotabato District Jail, in the violence-plagued island of Mindanao, previously held 1,511 prisoners, but was severely understaffed and housed the prisoners in an old, dilapidated school building in a forest. The prisoners frantically escaped together by attacking the guards and stacking their mattresses up high enough to the windows of the old school. One guard was shot and killed, and another was wounded. Five prisoners died in a two-hour shootout between guards and the rebel gunmen, and the guards shot an innocent townsperson after he was mistaken for an escaping prisoner. The remaining guards managed to capture eight prisoners that attempted to escape. According to The New York Times, the attack was led by a faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, who recently signed a peace treaty with the Philippines. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF, is a group based in Mindanao seeking an autonomous region for the Moro people, meaning that they want a dependent territory with some degree of self-governance. These territories are usually held by a national minority, like the Moro, the Muslim minority in the Philippines. In early 2014, a peace treaty was signed between MILF and the Govern-
ment of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) after because it makes the whole group look bad and twenty years of negotiation in order to put an end to takes away the meaningfulness of the peace treaty”. the violence and killing coming from both the governThe raid is considered rescue effort for comrades ment and MILF. If MILF obtained their autonomous to bring their fellow fighters home, in order to train, territory, named ‘Bangsamoro’, MILF would turn over recruit, and grow stronger. Breakaway groups who their firearms and work together with Philippine gov- have given up their lives in order to follow ISIS grow ernment. restless and more violent, particularly in the south Although of the Philippines. MILF seems to “It’s really be trying to work scary, all the viotogether with the lence that’s going country, there are around, especially certain extremwhen it’s targeted ist factions who at prisons, because broke away from convicted felons the pack to dedand very dangericate themselves ous people are beto ISIS, and are ing freed and joindetermined to ing rebel groups. keep fighting unThey are getting der the name of their hands on MILF for ISIS’ fieven more weapnal goal: to create The North Cotabator Districal Jail in Mindanao, Philippines. ons, and making a huge, unified, the southern PhilMuslim territory where they can enforce their extrem- ippines a more dangerous place,” says Courtney ist beliefs. Thomson, ’20. As of now, MILF as a whole is not believed to afCurrently, there is still an open manhunt for the filiate with ISIS. MILF has claimed that they do not prisoners, and the government continues to work stand with the actions of these breakaway groups and on preventing violent attacks like these on the coundid not have anything to do with the escape, but many try. The city of Mindanao mourns the loss of their government officials hesitate to accept this due to their guard and innocent townsperson, and the whole past displays of violence. country hopes for the success of the hard work toCasey Tyler ’20, says, “It’s a shame that there are fac- wards peace with the government, MILF, and other tions of the group that are being violent and extreme, supportive groups that hope to improve the country.
MARCH ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
commons.wikimedia.org
Anna Fahey ’20 News writer
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dancing with pride
tess beardell ’17 FEATURES writer
A major point of pride within the Friend’s community is the openness with which it welcomes the LGBT+ community. In carrying on this tradition, Hareena Houston ’18 and Evie Kortanek ’18, along with Klara Lengues ’18, Bella Stuccio ’19, and Serena Gutsche ’18, have worked on organizing the ‘Dance Louder and Prouder’ Prom to take place on May 20th. The dance aims to be an LGBT+ friendly alternative to Prom, open to all high schoolers within the New Castle county area and hosted in the WFS West Gym. Houston commented: “we felt it was inherently wrong that many non-secular high schools throughout New Castle forbid their students from bringing a date of the same gender to Prom and other school dances.” Houston also noted that the committee is “hoping to create an opportunity for people to express themselves and get connected with other members of the LGBT+ community.” Kortanek made it clear that a main objective of the dance is “To support all members of our community by providing a comfortable dance atmosphere for all.” Not only is the dance a semiformal event where students are encouraged to come dressed in whatever they please, guests are encouraged to come in groups, dates, and singles! Lengues, one of the dance’s organizers, noted her hope that the low-stress environment of the dance will “provide a safe space for students that are not given that space at their own dances or Proms.” Furthermore, she and other organizers emphasized their hope that students will be able to develop a “greater understanding for the growth our society needs to make in order to become more inclusive to the LGBT+ community.” The dance, in its early stages of planning, has received positive feedback from the WFS community. Will Bodycot ’17 commented “It is a great opportunity to have a dance that welcomes LGBT+ students and their allies while encouraging them to be who they are.” Yet, Bodycot also showed an awareness of the prejudice and homophobia that the need for this dance roots itself in. Bodycot noted that “It’s unfortunate that an entirely separate dance was needed in order to help LGBT+ students feel like a validated and accepted part of the community.” Kathleen Martin, the faculty overseer of the organization group, stated, “The Dance Louder and Prouder Committee decided to offer an all-inclusive dance for students in New Castle County because (believe it or not) some high schools do not allow students to bring a same-gender date to school dances. By hosting this dance, WFS is offering students in New Castle County the opportunity to dance together as a joyful community, with whomever they wish! The dance invites everyone - LGBTQIA and allies - to share great music, dancing, and food in a supportive and open-minded environment.” The LGBT+ Prom truly highlights the Quaker value of Equality. is sure to be a place where all students, no matter their identity, can feel safe, accepted, and have fun. Make sure to purchase a ticket for $45 to cover the dance’s expenses, and save the date - May 20th in the West Gym!
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SHE is iN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN ADDIE TRUDEL ’19 FEATURES writer
Farrell ’04. There has not been the same amount of support for the formation of a women’s softball team as there was for a women’s soccer team, due to the It is the top of the first inning for the Wilmington amount of student interest. Friends baseball team! All of the baseball athletes are Billitto, who has played softball for the past seven gearing up for an exciting season commencing in early years, is excited to join but also a little bit nervous. “I March. This spring, Olivia Billitto ’20 plans to play on believe that girls should be able to play on a boy’s team the school’s baseball team. Billitto is a new student to if there isn’t a female version offered,” states Billitto. the Wilmington Friends community, and is passionate Billitto currently plays on the Delaware Cobras travel about playing softball. Billitto has played softball since softball team. Although there are a few differences beshe was seven and believes that she should be able to tween baseball and softball, such as pitching and the play baseball, since the school does not offer her sport size of the ball that is used, Billitto is still confident in of choice. Although baseball is typically a male-dom- her ability to play. Billitto plays second base, which is inated sport, Billitto, along with Mikayla Echevarria one of the more important positions in baseball. The ‘18, will be the only female students playing on the transition from softball to baseball is not a particularly high school’s baseball team this year. Wilmington tough one, because of the similarities the sports share. Friends proOne of the benefits of gomotes equality ing to a Quaker school is and individualthat the administration is ity and is open open-minded and values to the idea of a inclusiveness. Clearly, the non-traditional community is supportive approach to the of those who go against the athletic prostatus quo such as Billitto. gram. “Olivia is really passionIn fact, this ate about what she does. is not the first She gives 110% at everytime at Friends thing. She does what she school that a loves, no matter what other female student people think,” expressed has played on Ajala Elmore ’19, one of a men’s team. Billitto’s close friends who Olivia Billitto ’20 playing her favorite sport. In the early also plays softball. Billit2000s, Friends did not offer a women’s soccer team, so to joined baseball like any other student did. She has three female students played on the men’s team. Co- shown strong skills in the sport of baseball therefore rey Leader ’02, Kyle Holsinger-Johnson ’01, and Olivia should be able to join the team despite the fact that Clyne ’01 were some of the first girls to ever play on she is female. a male-dominant team. “Those girls were playing on When it comes to athletics, hard work and passion the team when my sons were. It was a start to some- are key to any athlete in accomplishing their goals. thing new,” noted Richard Kittle, head of the athletic Billitto is a prime example of this key idea. With her department. This created a controversy in the school, talent and understanding of the sport, she and her but after a large amount of community support, the team have the opportunity to come together and have athletic program offered a women’s soccer team for a successful season. In a community that is so diverse female soccer players. Additionally, Billitto is not the and accepting to all, the focus should not be on one’s only female student to ever play on the Friends base- differences. With a history with diverse athletic teams, ball team. In 2004 there was one female student who Friends is optimistic about their ability to carry this played on the men’s baseball team, named Colleen tradition into the future. Olivia Billitto
FEATURES
prom dress registry Raises Questions Isabel crowther ’17 fEATURES writer
Some may say that prom is one of the most important of a high school girl’s life. It is her chance to look and feel like a fashion icon, even to assert her superiority over her peers, all with her prom dress. With the birth of the new year comes the glamorous, flashy entrance of prom season in its infancy. With so much at stake for such an important night, “prama” - prom drama is inevitable. Prama can be caused by the social minefield of choosing one’s date, figuring out after-prom, and making sure that on the big day, everything - hair, makeup, shoes, transportation - goes smoothly. However, one of the biggest culprit is the task of choosing a dress. One effort on the part of prom committee to avoid this “prama” is the creation of a Prom Dress Registry on Facebook. This registry is a group where girls can post the dress they bought and plan on wearing, to reserve it and let everyone else know to not buy it. “Just don’t buy the same dress as someone else. Just don’t. Don’t do it,” explained Alex Musi ’17 of the registry’s rules. While this seems simple and clear enough, it is
not a foolproof solution to the problems than can come with choosing a prom dress. The decision of whether or not two dresses are too similar to each other to be acceptable is a difficult line to draw. “I think it’s absurd that if you even post the same color dress, people are sometimes like ‘that’s the same as my dress!,” said a student who chose to remain anonymous. With any new system put in place, even if it seems simple, various social codes and rules will emerge, and the dress registry is no exception. “It can be kind of rough on the underclassmen. Upperclassmen get priority. For example, it’s ok for a senior to get a dress that’s similar to an underclassman’s dress, but it’s not ok for an underclassman to get a dress that looks similar to a seniors,” explained Rachel Ramirez ’17. “People are pretty supportive though. They’ll comment nice things under people’s dresses like “yasss work it’,” followed up Ramirez. While the prom dress registry is a Wilmington Friends School tradition, there have been rumors of a tie registry for Prom 2017, which would be a groundbreaking first. During initial investigations, many
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march ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
Features
World Affairs DeBates Open Discussion
of the school, because it is important to lay out the facts for all students.” Her debate was successful because it respectfully and effectively portrayed the students’ two different As many members of the WFS community note, Friends perspectives on a controversial topic. “The World Affairs students are highly politically active and engaged. Attenddebates are very important for people to have a chance to ing rallies, participating in political conversations, and atlisten to opinions or world views that they may not agree tending social justice clubs is commonplace. Perhaps the with. Especially considering we go to a very liberal school, cornerstone of political involvement for Friends students I do think it is important for students to see a more conare the World Affairs debates. servative perspective, even These debates are held in the though I was not on the conlibrary during lunch every few servative side.” Davis-Tinnell weeks, and often focus on curhas shown that there is a lot rent events such as the presiof value in educating the student, new laws and problems dents about a diverse array of that deserve to be addressed. opinions. Debates allow students to reAlthough the debates are search topics that matter to organized and run mostly by them, develop their opinions, the students, Upper School and share their knowledge history teacher Javier Ergueta with the rest of the commuis the overseer of the debates, nity. Through debating and as well as one of their biggest Students gather in the Library to watch a debate. cordially arguing, the students fans. He commented: “Our can contribute first hand to the growth and development of mission as a Quaker school is to push for progress and the Friends Community. improve the world. World Affairs is an effort to bring the Maggie Coons ’19 is involved with many social justice world to school in an effective way to get people to learn.” clubs around the school and can often be seen attending the The debates are not only educational, but also entertaining World Affairs debates. She is very passionate about her pofor the students to watch.“The purpose is to appeal to kids litical views. She commented: “The World Affairs debates and to teach them basic arguments behind every issue,” Ercontribute to our school community by showing different gueta added. “Our goal is not simply to expose students to perspectives of people in the school. Since students are the the issues, but to elevate the discussion.” World Affairs aims ones debating you get to see how the issues affect the comto present these key issues in a fun and engaging way, munity, and you get to see the exposure people have had to The World Affairs debates at Friends are an important the issues.” Like many other students, Coons appreciates platform for students to reach out and educate the commuthe debates because of the various perspectives they offer. nity on global topics. They provide an elevated discussion Remy Davis-Tinnel ’17 has competed in a debate of and multiple well-informed points of view. In this unique her own. Her debate topic was whether or not, in order to way, the debates help the community to grow and develop preserve democracy, we all need to follow Donald Trump. their own beliefs by exposing them to both sides of each arDavis-Tinnel argued that it is not necessary for the entire gument. Next time you see signs around school for an upcountry to support Trump. She remarked, “I believe that coming debate during lunch, tune in if you are interested in my debate was important to the growth and development hearing about world issues and gaining a new perspective! LUCY KNUDSEN ’19 FEATURES writer
Javier Ergueta
(continued from page 4) students refused to speak on the validity of these rumors. “Even if there was a tie registry, I couldn’t talk about it,” said Ryan Kirkpatrick ‘17, with politician-like resolve. “There definitely isn’t one,” said Nick Gauthier ’17 firmly; it should be noted this was followed by a wink. After further inquiry, Kirkpatrick hinted that perhaps a student by the name of Andrew Slomski could leak information on the rumored tie registry. It turns out Slomski could do more than leak information on the registry he is, in fact, the source.” Chris Lee and I started it,” confessed Slomski ’17, after minimal prying (but maximum secrecy). “Not everyone has posted ties, but a lot of people have posted ties. There has been a lot of constructive feedback. It’s nice,” explained Slomski. But is there as much room for variety and competition within the medium of ties as there is in dresses? According to Slomski, the registry is certainly not lacking in creativity. “There’s a variety so far. There’s the classic ties, bow ties, a few more exotic things like bolo ties, and some patterns. I think the students are using this as an opportunity to show off their unique and interesting taste.” So, what is the consensus on the registry? Does it prevent drama, or evoke even more? And what’s the deal with the tie registry? It seems like opinions on this pressing issue are split. Prom, while an incredibly exciting time for students, can occasionally create some tension between them. However, there is no denying that excitement for prom 2017 is already high!
march issue word search! Lindsay weber ’17 FEATURES editor Enjoy this jumbo-sized word search for the March edition, and have fun finding all the words!
MARCH ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
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Sports
WFS Upper School Spring Sports Overview Spring is upon us, and there is so much to be excited about! Winter sports have just ended, and spring sports are starting up soon. At Wilmington Friends, there is a plethora of options for those looking to play a sport in the spring. Soccer, tennis, track, baseball and lacrosse are offered and enjoyed by many. Well, the reviews are in! Here is some insight to a few of the sports one can play this spring. Though it is just the beginning of the season, many students are already very excited and especially those who are new to the Upper School athletic program. Eden Groum ‘20 is playing soccer this spring. “I chose to play soccer at school because I really enjoy the sport. Also, I wanted to get to know some upperclassmen since I haven’t played any sports in high school until this season.” Groum remarked.Groum has been playing soccer on and off since she was ten years old. Her comment rings true to many underclassmen who have bonded with upperclassmen through sports. Honor Dearlove ‘19, who played field hockey in the fall, will now be playing girls lacrosse. “I decided to play lacrosse this year because I have played in past years and I really enjoy playing and being on the team with my friends. I have played lacrosse before and I wanted to play again this year because I like the sport and also really like the team element, since a lot of my friends play. It’s
also a good way to meet other people in a really fun way. My favorite part about being on the team is that it’s really fun to bond with both new and old friends,” Dearlove said. Both girls agree that being on a team strengthens
sport to play, even if you aren’t the best one on the team. I decided to keep playing tennis this year because it’s a lot of fun and a great way to get exercise. I’ve found [that] improving in the sport is really rewarding and I’d like to keep getting better,” Saunders observed. Tennis is a great sport because it gives students the opportunity to compete independently as well as on a team. Scott Clothier, who coaches the girls soccer team, finds immense importance in teamwork and playing sports altogether. “I think [soccer] is a simplistic sport that has a tremendous amount of nuance. It’s always changing, it’s always evolving, and I find that fascinating. I do like the camaraderie of being a part of any team. I like the dynamic and the dynamism of the sports season, and how it’s always changing. Even though we play the same teams every year, it’s always changing. Each year it’s never the same exact players. I just think sports, like soccer, are beneficial because you get to learn a lot about yourself like how much thought and commitment you need to put into it. It gives kids an opportunity to put the book aside,” Clothier commented. The change that Clothier refers to is not just the change of the members of the team, but also the growth, development and bonding of the team throughout the season. With all of that being said, your athletic options this spring are wide open. Spring sports are a great way to get out on the field, court or track and have fun! Larry Kuhn Photography
Bella Stuccio ‘19 Sports writer
Girls Lacrosse players Blair Atkins ’17 and Anna Erskine ’18 celebrate a win in the 2016 spring season.
the bonds between students and can help them make new friends through a common activity. In addition to new and younger student-athletes, there are also many students who are returning to sports they have played in previous years, such as Fiona Saunders ‘18, who plays tennis. “I’ve been playing tennis for about 5 years now. My favorite part about being on the team is the people on the team and just the fun atmosphere that’s created by the other players and coaches. Tennis is a really fun
Upcoming Freshmen In upper School sPORTS Wilmington Friends School athletics has a bright future, as there is a lot of upcoming talent to watch. Several exceptional freshmen were spotlighted, to see what it is like to play such a big role on the various teams. They are humble about their successes and look forward to challenging themselves to their full potential and playing well. Olivia Billitto ’20 has played softball for years, and after recently transferring to Friends, she has decided to play on the boy’s baseball team. “I chose to play baseball because there is no softball team and I wanted to be a three sport athlete. I want to prove that girls can play baseball just as well as boys. It’s going to be hard at first, but I’m ready for a challenge and to make new friends,” Billitto stated when asked what her goals and motivations were. Billitto is excited about her future with the team and has high hopes for her first season. In football and soccer, Jacob Jaworski ’20 and Oryem Kilama ’20 have already proven to be strong players for their respective teams. With 10 goals and 6 assists, Kilama will surely be one of the state’s strongest soccer players in years to come. In addition to having a role on the soccer team, Jaworski simultaneously served as the kicker for the football team this fall season. Jaworski ended up having 6 goals
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and an assist as a defensive player in soccer and had a stellar football season as kicker as well. “It’s amazing to be looked at as a leader in high school sports, especially at such a young age,” Jaworski concluded. Throughout the rest of their high school sports ca-
captain and goalkeeper, Jakob Katzen ’16. However, this year, Wyatt Skinner ’20 hopes to take on this important role as goalkeeper. Skinner shared his thoughts about the upcoming spring season with confidence: “It’s going to be a challenge, but I’ve always accepted a challenge. It’s a lot of pressure all around, working to be the starting goalie, but I’m ready.” Skinner was interested in looking at other schools’ lacrosse teams, but ultimately chose Friends, a decision that we’re all happy about! On the swim team, efforts by Ashley Chompre ’20 and Kate Saber ’20 have helped WFS achieve a 10-1 record as of the middle of the season. Both Chompre and Saber were also on the team last year as 8th graders, so even though they are freshmen, they are accustomed to the team. “It’s a different experience, but we both really enjoy it,” Chompre said, commenting on their success. “The upperclassmen took us under their wing when we first started,” Saber added. The two are excited for the future of the season and the team. Clearly, these freshmen are ready and able to lead their teams in the future. The freshmen class, as a whole, is very independent and keen for challenges, both mentally and physically. With so much talent, the sports teams should have lots of success in the next several years. Go Quakers! Chris Lee Photography
Connor Miller ‘19 Sports writer
Boys Soccer player Oryem Kilama ’20 skillfully shoots the ball in a game in the 2016 fall season.
reers, Kilama and Jaworski are certain to be key players on both the soccer and football teams. Last year, the lacrosse team graduated their senior
March ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
Sports
NASCAR speeds to new safety improvements The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, better known as NASCAR, will be celebrating its 69th anniversary in February of 2017. NASCAR has been a part of American culture and has allowed fans to bet on drivers and watch the fast cars, but NASCAR has not always been the way it is today. Because of technological and safety improvements, NASCAR has become not only more interesting to watch, but also less hazardous for the drivers. Since NASCAR was founded, there have been 28 driver fatalities. The most recent fatality was Dale Earnhardt in 2001. Earnhardt was killed in the final lap of the Daytona 500 race in Daytona Beach, Florida when he was hit by another racer that was driving at a speed of 160 miles per hour. Dale was one of the more beloved figures in the world of NASCAR. After Earnhardt’s death, NASCAR made it a top priority to improve crash safety. “I think Dale Earnhardt was a very inspiring figure to the sport of NASCAR because he changed the way people drive today. Even though I never got to see him drive live, I can see how he changed the sport forever,” Joey Mullen ’19 commented. Even before the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR has made many improvements since 1949. Helmets were made mandatory to wear the first couple of years after the company was introduced. This reduced the risk for concussion, crash damage, and full face helmets helped with facial trauma.
In 1963, seatbelts were made mandatory by all automotive manufacturers. This was a huge improvement from what most drivers were using, which was
provements in seats and tires made for a softer ride. Not only has NASCAR made it a top priority to provide the utmost safety for their drivers, the companies have also made it a top priority to give the drivers a high performance vehicle. Over the past 70 years, racing companies that make their own vehicles have been working on making a sleeker, more powerful, and more aerodynamic vehicle. Some other racing companies that rely on car manufacturers like Dodge, Ford, and Chevrolet are confident in these cars. Although the safety rating has gone up in NASCAR, it is still a controversial pastime according to some people. Betsy Cepparulo, Upper School Peace teacher, voiced her opinion on NASCAR and it’s recent changes: “I think the inNASCAR racers compete in a race at the creased safety is good and necessary, but Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I think it’s a silly sport. It’s terrible for the usually just rope. Roll cages were also made manda- environment, it is still quite dangerous, and I think it’s tory to all vehicles participating in a NASCAR race. more of a hobby than a sport, based on its physical Roll cages are put in cars in case of a rolling crash, requirements.” which would usually tear up the car and dent it. Roll But NASCAR continues to thrive in American culcages are specifically made to keep the car intact and ture. “NASCAR’s pretty cool. It’s interesting to watch the racer safe during impact. sometimes,” says Dani Nathan ’19. NASCAR also made many small safety modificaBecause racing can be a very dangerous sport, it is tions and made these mandatory for all racers and ve- very important to keep improving in safety and cars. hicles. Some of the modifications included introduc- This can help with keeping the sport interesting, while ing fuel cells rather than the ordinary fuel tank, fire also keeping the drivers safe. It is interesting to see retardant uniforms, and on-board fire extinguishers. what improvements NASCAR will make in 31 years as Window netting took place of window bars, and im- they celebrate their 100th anniversary.
publicdomainpictures.net
John Blackwell ’18 Sports Writer
19-Year Old “Greek Freak” Leads by Example In game four of the 2013 eastern conference series, Lebron James scored 30 points, leading the Miami Heat to victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, closing the Buck’s disappointing season. Milwaukee finished with a 38-44 record, ending in eighth place in the eastern conference, and letting the opposing team score an average of 100.4 points per game. It was, overall, a tragic season for Bucks fans everywhere. There was, however, a silver lining to their otherwise rough season: a fifteenth overall pick in the 2013 draft. According to Fox Sports, Bucks fans nationwide jumped out of their seats when they saw that the Bucks had drafted Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo, a 19 year old, six-foot-eleven small forward from Athens, Greece, as their first round draft pick. Since his NBA debut in 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo has done nothing but impress a world of hardto-please critics. At age 22, he is already an esteemed member of the NBA. “He is doing a good job…The bucks aren’t very good right now, and Giannis is the only reason that they aren’t completely awful…He is averaging 23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and making over half of his field goals, he’s just out here balling,” Liam Harron ‘19 commented. Although Giannis is powerful on the defensive end, he is known for his dunking ability. He has a seven foot three wing span, which enables him to leap and dunk from impressive distances. According to Bucks Head Coach Jason Kidd, Antetokounmpo “makes the game easy for his teammates. He can pass the ball, make plays. Defensively, he can cover, help his teammates, block shots, get steals… So you can see, Giannis has the total package.” Coach Kidd feels that Giannis gives a little bit of everything to the team, which is essential to any bas-
ketball team - to have one player who can do a little bit not only through his scoring and defensive ability, but through his teaching ability. of everything. “‘Yes, definitely…The thing it means is that I’m getWith Giannis’ prowess on the basketball court, he has had no choice but to take a leadership role on a ting more mature. This is my fourth year in the league. team. After the rough 2012-13 season, the Bucks found I think I’m one of the oldest guys on the team. I’ve just themselves in desperate need of a versatile player, a got to become a leader. That’s part of the game…I’ve playmaker with a high basketball IQ, who could also got to be more vocal, more talkative. If my teammates hear my voice in work in the post. practice and stuff, This all could be it’s going to help a found in Giannis lot in the games,” Antetokounmpo. Giannis said during Because he fit the an interview for the role they needed Wisconsin State so well, he was Journal. made a leader on While many the team instantpeople believe that ly, which is a difGiannis is leading ficult task at such the team effectivea young age. ly, there are some “He has defiwho believe that he nitely taken the is not ready for the NBA by storm. role that he has been He’s twenty two forced to take. years old. He’s “I think he’s a guy one of the few who’s been forced to players in history do a lot of things, to lead his team like play out of posiin all stats: points, tion, and that’s hard rebounds, assists at just 22 years old,” etc. He’s almost at Donald Morton ‘94, the level where he History teacher, can play any poadded. sition, not quite, Giannis Antetokounmpo drives to the net. Giannis Antebut almost,” Sullitokounmpo turned 22 years old on December 6, 2016 van Connors ’19 said. It is not only Giannis’ athleticism that makes him a and he promises a bright future for the Bucks franleader. Despite the fact that this is only his fourth year chise. With his athletic ability, natural leadership, and in the league, he is already one of the oldest players a young team behind him, fans are excited to see what on the team. Due to this, he needs to lead the team the Bucks future is going to look like.
March Issue 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
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Carlin beskrone ’19 Sports Writer
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Entertainment
Carrie fisher’s lasting legacy Poetry speaks: Matt byer ‘18 millions of fans of all ages. “I’ve been a fan of Star Wars entertainment writer since I grew up watching the saga. It’s been an importCecilia ergueta ant part of my life and I’ve seen the movies too many The clamor of blaster shots and lightsaber swings are times to count,” said Ethan Moser ‘17, “I was blinda hallmark of the epic science-fiction series Star Wars. sided by Carrie Fisher’s death because she was so full is victorious Even to those who have not seen the movies, these dis- of life and even after she was admitted to the hospital,
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Wilmington Friends School’s annual poetry competition, led by the “Poetry Speaks” club, was held Tuesday, January 10th, 2017. This competition entailed three students who recited aloud two poems of their choosing. These students were competing for a spot at the state competition, which leads into the regional poetry competition, and finally nationals. It was a fierce competition, judged by the Wilmington Friends upper school English department, and the verdict on the winner was not an easy one to decide. The three competitors this year were Chase Fallon ’19, Bella Stuccio ’19, and Cecilia Ergueta ’18. All three competitors showed intellect and passion, but Cecilia Ergueta ultimately won the competition.Competitors were allowed to choose their two poems that they were to recite to the school on Tuesday. Ergueta chose to recite “The Nail” by C.K. Williams, and “Thoughtless Cruelty” by Charles Lamb. When asked why she chose those two poems, Cecilia commented, “As soon as I saw “The Nail”, I was hooked. It’s a fantastic, but highly unsettling poem and my only hesitation was that I would not do it justice. I chose “Thoughtless Cruelty” to balance out the profound eeriness of “The Nail”, because it’s a much more lighthearted and regular poem.” For some, poetry can be quite boring, but it is obvious that for Cecilia Ergueta it is not. Cecelia said poetry is “a way of using words and language to create exquisite art for the mind and soul”, but poetry means something different to everyone. Another competitor, Bella Stuccio ‘19, commented, “I like reciting poetry because it brings a sort of comfort to know that if I’m ever stressed or in a bind, I can recite something to myself to cheer me up or calm me down”. Bella and Cecilia both recommend joining this club! Ergueta describes the Poetry Speaks club as “One of the hidden gems of Wilmington Friends School”. The Poetry Speaks Club meets on Day 7 in English teacher Jake Rashkind’s classroom, and anyone who is has ever been interested in or inspired by poetry is highly encouraged to join. Club members do not have to compete, as preparing for the competition is very time consuming and not mandatory. This year’s winner, Ergueta, commented “It takes me about 3-4 days to learn a poem by heart, but to really know a poem you have to repeat it another 50 or so times more after that until it becomes as familiar as the alphabet. The real test on competition day is the nerves, so knowing the poem with the utmost confidence is a must”. However, if a student would still like to read a poem out loud to the school, there is another option. On the day of the poetry competition, anyone who would like to read or recite a poem to the school is allowed. Maggie Coons ’19, who chose this option, said, “I was going to compete but because I was so busy I did not have time. It was a good option because I didn’t have to deal with the stress of memorizing the poems and reciting both.” This year’s poetry competition was one of the best ones yet. Good luck to Cecilia Ergueta as she moves on to the state competition!
tinguished noises are familiar. One of the many iconic there were reports that she was doing better. She has characters from the Star Wars films is Princess Leia, really become an icon and she’ll always be one of the who was played by the late Carrie Fisher in episodes most well known princesses in popular culture.” EviIV, V, VI, VII, and VIII. Fisher died on December 27, dence of Star Wars’s generational reach are the faculty 2016, aged sixty, after suffering from a medical emer- responses, which reflect those of students: dejection gency while on a flight to Los Angeles, and her death and shock. “It hit me hard. She was very much a role has had a lasting impact on her fans, the entertain- model for my generation,” Mary Woodward expressed, ment world, and the WFS community. “We’ve just started to have some strong, female role Naturally, the reactions to Carrie Fisher’s death models, but so often, with how women are portrayed were negative, especially the fans of the Star Wars films in entertainment, they seem feisty, but are ultimately and of her other works. Star Wars, being an extremely dependent on the man. The man always came to the influential franchise, was esrescue and stuff, and there sential in establishing Fisher’s even was a little bit of that in name as an A-grade actress. Star Wars, but she was tough. If someone knows who CarShe was the princess and she rie Fisher is, it is more than could fight.” Carrie Fisher’s likely that they discovered presence in the franchise and her through the science-ficin pop culture didn’t stop tion series. Jay Handwerk ‘18 with the original movies. She commented, “I watched all of remained in the minds and the Star Wars movies when I hearts of many before she was younger. It’s an important passed away. “Later on, seeing Carrie Fisher in her role as Princess Leia. franchise and it has a lot of her as an adult, and especially meaning to a lot of people.” Handwerk added, “Car- after she passed, I began realizing that she was definiterie Fisher was a big part of those films and it’s sad ly a role model for my generation,” Mary Woodward that she’s gone now.” Douglas Nie ‘18 also shared his went on, “I saw the newest Star Wars a week [after she thoughts, “Carrie Fisher was one of the faces of Star died] and at the very end of that––spoiler here––she’s Wars. She was really important and although she died, in it. And both my daughter and I just burst into tears.” those movies will make sure she isn’t forgotten.” The Months after Carrie Fisher’s unfortunate death, sadness surrounding Carrie Fisher’s sudden death is emotions surrounding the event are still high. It was predominantly due to her status as an icon and the sudden and tragic, however, people will never forget legacy she left behind, a legacy that spans generations. the legacy she left behind. She was an incredibly inSince the first Star Wars film, Star Wars: A New fluential member of the entertainment world. Carrie Hope (now referred to as the fourth film) premiered Fisher was an icon, role model, and an essential part in 1977, and the series has continued progressing, the of the Star Wars franchise. She has left a great legacy movies have touched the lives of many and garnered in the entertainment community and in the world.
disney classic comes to life allie fulginiti ‘17 entertainment writer
ly fall in love with each other. Eventually, the Beast is transformed back into human for m due to the fact that Belle saw the beauty inside the beast despite his While new years are often seen as an opportunity for frightening physical appearance. It can be questionable that over the years, Disney new beginnings and new adventures, in the movie industry, films don’t always have to be completely princesses seem to need a man or “prince charming” in order to live a happy life. original to be successful, and Little girls all over the world look directors are starting to put a up to these princesses and see that new spin on old classics, This a man is the only person who can year, Director Bill Gordon wake save them. Emma Watson is a has recreated Beauty and the strong feminist and openly supports Beast, a movie that first came the HeforShe campaign which proout in 1991 which has since motes the advancement of women. been recreated several other This begs the question: Why would times. Although movies such An image from the upcoming Emma Watson want to portray a as Beauty and the Beast may Beauty and the Beast film. Disney princess? Ellie Halpin ‘17 oftentimes seem childish or may not reach an older audience, Bill Gordon’s Beauty commented, “I think the reason Emma Watson would and the Beast has a more mature twist. In the movie portray a Disney princess is due to the message that Beauty is portrayed by Emma Watson who is a role this movie sends in particular. In Beauty and the Beast model and an actress that will potentially be able to Belle saves the prince, or the Beast in this case, he reach a wider range of ages for the audience of the doesn’t save her.” The message of Beauty and the Beast is quite the opposite from other princess movies. Cinmovie. In Beauty and the Beast, a young prince is cursed derella needs prince charming to save her from her due to his selfish ways and is turned into a Beast until evil stepsisters, but Belle helps the Beast to realize that he is able to make someone fall in love with him. The beauty is what is on the inside, not on the outside. Beauty and the Beast is coming out on March 17th Beast took Belle’s father prisoner and Belle finds her way to the Beast’s castle in search of him. Throughout of 2017, so make sure to go out and see it with friends the time that Belle stays at the Beast’s castle, they slow- and family! flickr.com
emma landis ‘19 entertainment writer
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Entertainment
Anual Firefly Music festival: “delaware’s coachella” Delaware is usually not the first state to come to people’s minds when looking for somewhere to visit. The neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York are major tourist attractions for people from all around the world, because of cities like Washington D.C, New York City, and Philadelphia. While Delaware might be first state, it is not exactly a major tourist attraction. However Firefly, the four day music festival that takes place in Dover, brings people together from all over the country to Delaware, in celebration of music. Firefly, which takes place in mid June every summer, began in 2012 and initially attracted crowds of about 20,000. In the years since, that number has steadily increased, and as of 2016, the crowds have amassed more than 80,000 people. Unlike other music festivals, Firefly offers the unique opportunity to camp as well. Festival goers have the option to rent a space to camp if they please, and while camping can be filled with fun and comradery it can also be filled with stress and anxiety. Firefly is a big commitment for many reasons. First, ticket costs range from approximately $350 to $500. Then comes the decision, to camp out or not to camp. For non-Delaware natives, this decision is relatively easy, because that is their only option if they can not book a hotel nearby. For Delaware residents, it is trickier. Although camping is definitely a taxing experience, choosing not to camp can also provide some struggles as well. Not camping means arranging rides to and from all four days, as parking is limited and must be paid for. The concert times can run extremely late, and for students who cannot drive, it can be especially difficult to find people willing to drive in all hours of the night, for multiple nights. For those students, it is highly recommended to arrange rides as early as you can. Try to find friends who live as close to the site as possible so the driving time will be limited. Traffic can also be heavy in those four days, so prepare to get ready much earlier as well. Another tip might be too download apps like uber or lyft, just in
case driving plans fall through. For people that can is always in question, and being caught in a downpour drive themselves, it is best to purchase a parking pass can be a miserable experience. That means bringing as early as possible, because they get more expensive rain gear, such as umbrella’s, ponchos, and rain boots as the date grows nearer. is a good idea. Bringing extra clothes is helpful because There are various ways to make the camping ex- it is so uncomfortable to wear wet clothes all day. It is perience positive. The first way being to decide early, also helpful to have a backup plan to get home, like and then to bementioned earlier, gin compiling in case it becomes to a list of what much for people and will be needthey wish to exit the ed. The camparea. ing spaces are In terms of the purchased actual festival itself, for a group of people should spend six people, so multiple hours of the Page09Maggie day out of the sun and people need to off their feet as well. find a group Bringing a hammock of friends they or chairs is a great don’t mind way to relax during being in close the day. Everyone proximity with should also take realThe Pavillion at Firefly. Thousands gather annually in Dover to for four days. ly good care of their see their favorite artists perform and experience everything the Everyone that important items, festival has to offer. is camping such as their phones, with will need to split the cost between them, so it is keys, and wallets. Some people might want to bring very helpful to make a shared document to keep track multiple portable charges as well so that their phones of what everyone is bringing. Food and drink are a can stay charged. (Someone in each group should huge part of camping, so make sure someone in the have a charged phone at all times in case of emergencamping group is either bringing some kind of stove, cies!) Along a more serious note, everyone should stay or way to cook. There is food offered at the festival safe. There are so many people at firefly, and it can be but the lines can be exceedingly long and prices can easy to get lost, or be in an uncomfortable situation. be driven way up. Water is extremely important to re- To avoid that at all costs, use a buddy system. That member! Being in the hot sun for 12 hours a day can means never going anywhere alone and establishing take a toll on a person’s physique, and it is crucial to district meeting points and meeting times. Make sure keep the body hydrated through the whole four days. to know what artists are playing where, and at what Also there are thousands of people in very close prox- time, so people avoid missing the artist they have been imity, and it will be even hotter because of this. Almost waiting to see. Lastly, everyone should step out of their as important as water, is sunscreen and a hat, to pro- comfort zone. Even if someone has never heard of a tect from sun damage. Also in terms of clothing, bring band or artist, it is okay to go! Everyone should want comfortable shoes and clothes that can get dirty, (or to make the most of the money they have spent, so destroyed in extreme cases). One tip people might not explore new music, meet some new people, and have a always think about is to brace for the elements. Rain great time at “Delaware’s Coachella”! upload.wikimedia.org
Maggie martelli-raben ’18 entertainment writer
New year, new you: thoughts on New Year’s Resolutions olivia ivins ’20 entertainment writer New Year’s resolutions are a common tradition in America, but more often than not they are quickly forgotten. Despite this, there are some people that fully dedicate themselves to their promise. The tradition has become so common among society that they are almost expected to be made. The question “What are your resolutions for the new year?” is unavoidable during the holiday season. After the excitement of the holidays, many people focus on what is next. It is almost impossible to make it through the Holidays without being asked the age-old question, but how do people in the WFS community feel about new year’s resolutions three months into the new year? People that do make and keep their resolutions are rare, but do exist in the WFS community. Jack Taylor ’20 is one of the few: “I always have made resolutions. Some have lasted longer than others, but in 2017 I plan to make this year the year of improvements”. The few that are living up to their New Year’s promise have said how much they love the new year with the change! Sullivan Connors ’19, for example, “2016 was great, but I planned to make 2017 even better by making the necessary changes for an awesome new year. So far, the changes I have made have had a good impact on my life.” Eating healthy, doing well in school, and
working out are some of the most basic resolutions. Sara Titone, the Upper School’s new Human Dynamics and Deveoplement teacher, expressed: “Making goals and sticking to them has become a significant part of my life. When I was younger, it was not always something I thought about or prioritized. Now being a Coach and so connected to health and wellness, I need to be accountable of my goals because I have to set an example.” This could explain the very unbalanced ratio of students that make resolutions and those who do not. Sara also explained how she creates the most effective resolution(s): “I also truly enjoy a challenge and pushing myself to accomplish something. Though starting small is the way to go I have learned! Set your sights high. But you have to break it down in order to stay motivated, not get discouraged, and get a sense of accomplishment. All of which will continue to push you forward in growth.” While there are some that can keep their promises, there are others that simply cannot. Among the students and faculty at WFS not many can say confidently they kept their 2016 resolution. It takes a lot of self control to reach an expectation every day, week, or month. Annable Teague ’20 expressed her agreement: “I feel like some people choose very impractical resolutions and end up disappointed” Choosing a resolution is the hardest part. Choosing one that is too easy would defeat the purpose of really
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making a change, but choosing one too difficult would result in failure. Teague continued: “People should not stress about picking a resolution; they should choose one that they are inspired to achieve!” Remy Stewart ’17 commented on 2016 and how the course of that year pushed some to make resolutions for the upcoming year: “So many people complained about how bad their 2016 was, so making a resolution is so important for those who did not reach all their goals in 2016.” Some make and keep their resolutions, some make them and break them, and others avoid them completely. After talking to our community about their plans for the new year it seems that everyone has slightly different aspirations. Some have kept their promises so far and are enjoying what that has brought them and others have already failed to sustain their resolution. Others are content without resolutions and love 2017 without them. If one is making a resolution it is important to choose one that is achievable, which seemed to be the most common problem with our community’s resolutions. Resolutions did not fit the lifestyle of that person, and after a few weeks (maybe!) they would give up, or simply forget them. New Year’s resolutions are a fun tradition that many participate in, but after asking the community the vast majority do not keep them or even make them. Congratulations to the few that make and keep them!
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Community
THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES ETHICS COMMITTEE The U.S. House Committee on Ethics or OCE, which was created in 1967, is different than any other committee. The Committee includes five members of both political parties, which makes it the only current committee of the House whose membership is evenly divided between each political party. Also, unlike other committees, the work of the Committee on Ethics is performed by a staff that is unbiased. The purposes of the The Committee are to administer financial disclosure, outside income, advise members and staff, issue opinions, and investigate potential ethics violations. Its four major functions have developed consistently over the years. There functions include: Members agree on what is ethical behavior when it comes to rules regarding treatment of staff, travel, campaign activities, and conflicts of interest. They conduct investigations if they believe a member has violated the rules set in place and make recommendations to the House on actions they believe should be taken if they decide ethics violations have occurred. According to the Ethics Committee website, the committee has a long history; the first case it had was on January 30, 1798, when Rep. Matthew Lyon of Vermont was accused of “gross indecency” after he spat on Rep. Roger Griswold of Connecticut after a fight between the two. Another case that they had was on November 16, 2010, Charles Range of New York was found guilty for solicitation of funds and donations for the non-profit Rangel Center, the improper use of Congressional letterhead and other House resources
in solicitations; for submitting incomplete and inac- claim they want to ‘drain the swamp,’ but the night becurate financial disclosures, for using an apartment as fore the new Congress gets sworn in, the House GOP an office and for failing to pay taxes on a villa in the has eliminated the only independent ethics oversight Dominican. of their actions. Evidently, ethics are the first casualRecently, the Committee on Ethics has been in the ty of the new Republican Congress, the amendment news because Republicans in the US House of Repre- Republicans approved tonight would functionally desentatives have backed a proposal to take ethics over- stroy this office.” sight away from an independent group and give the This statement echoed the sentiments of many folauthority to the legislators themselves. This caused lowing the release of these actions in the news. An public outcry for the maintaining of of an indepen- anonymous student said, “It astounds me that peodent Ethics Comple can be okay with the mittee and the fact that they are willing to oversight it stands get rid of the Ethics office. for. The proposThis is a separate office that al by Republican judges if a House member Congressman Bob has done something unGoodlatte of Virethical. They are unbiased ginia to gut the ingroup with no connections dependent Office to either side.” The Ethics of Congressional office has been criticized by Ethics was apmany Congress members proved 119-74. of both parties, including In response those it has investigated and to this comment, Republicans have long been Izze Rios ’18, coopposed to its existence. Officials gather to discuss policy. clerk of WilmingHowever, less than 24 ton Friends Ethics hours after the measure was bowl team, commented, “I believe that we need an proposed, it was reversed. Donald Trump weighed in unbiased party that will decide on appropriate options on the proposal through twitter and remarked that of punishments when anybody does something un- he thought priorities should be elsewhere. However, ethical.” this incident has caused controversy over whether our Rios’s statement was reflected in the Al Jazeera post government needs accountability to an independent which shared a quote by Nancy Pelosi, the House mi- force, or whether handing oversight power to the legnority leader, when she voiced dismay: “Republicans islators would be more efficient. commons.wikimedia.org
Hareena Houston ’18 news writer
NEWS FOR DUMMIES: “around the world” edition 3. middle east: turkey in approaching trump
Busy school life? Not enough time to read long articles? News For Dummies provides short, easy-toread reports on news all around the world. 1. north america: trudeau meets trump On Monday, February 13, Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, met with Donald Trump in a press conference. The Guardian reports that it was apparent that Trudeau wished to avoid conflict with the US leader; however, this remained difficult while discussing some points of conflict, such as refugees and immigration.
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2. NORTH AMERICA: Taking Refuge in mexico With stronger enforcement at the US border, stricter requirements for immigration, and Trump’s incendiary talk about the border control, those fleeing dangerous situations in south American countries are being forced to evaluate their options. Creating a new life in the US has become only more difficult for people fleeing the violence found in their home countries, and many have begun to consider Mexico as a potential place to start anew. According to interviews conducted by the New York Times, many South American refugees have decided to remain in Mexico and try to begin a new life instead of attempting to cross into the United States. Many of the interviewed cited Trump’s fierce anti-immigration language as the reason for the choice.
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After the election of Donald Trump, many world leaders have been wondering how to approach this unexpected new President. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, according to the New York Times, has shifted from calling out Trump for his islamophobic remarks, to remaining quiet in an attempt to focus on renewing relations with the US.
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5. Europe: fate of German Politics World politics were were profoundly impacted in 2016, from Brexit to Trump, and now as 2017 begins, and European elections are getting underway, the question is asked: What surprises lie in wait? According to the New York Times, Germany, and other European countries have seen a worrisome rise in far-right parties, however, there has recently been a push back by the far-left. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a center-left Social Democrat recently won a political victory, that will provide him much influence in the German government. With only seven months until elections, Germany balances between right and left, and whichever side wins, the world will feel the effects. cdn.pixabay.com
Leah Johnson ’20 News Writer
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4. AFricA: Chinese-built railways run through ethiopia A six year railway project, financed and built by the Chinese, has finally been completed. The result: the first electric transnational railway in Africa, according to the New York Times. According to the Africa Development Bank, infrastructure deficit maintains a crippling force in the African economy. Hopefully, this new railway is just the first of many.
Violence in Kashmir resulted from the Indian police’s attack on a village where they learned militants were located. According to the New York times, the resulted battle ended in the deaths of four militants, two soldiers, and one civilian dead. However, the violence continued when a crowd formed to mourn the militants. The New York Times reports that the police used tear gas on the protesters and fired birdshot bullets, which injured 21 people. After three years of struggle for independence from India, the most recent battle does not look as if there has been much progress for Kashmir.
March ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
Community
Attracting young people: Do older art forms need updating? technology-centered culture. Where visual art can often be updated or made more appealing to newer audiences, opera houses face challenges adjusting to a culWhen was the last time you were at an art museum? ture increasingly devoid of opera. In response, some Any museum? How about theatre; have you ever seen operas have created “tweet seats,” which allow and an opera? In 2012, the percentage of adults visiting even encourage audience members to live-share their a museum or art gallery reached the lowest level re- experience online. However, the practice is not for evcorded over more than three decades. From 2010 to eryone, as Alex Roe, artistic director of the Metropoli2011, opera compatan Playhouse in NYC nies saw a 15 percent said in an interview drop in attendance. with NPR: “Part of the Attend any theater whole theatrical expetoday, and you’ll find rience is the thought yourself surroundof being present in the ed by a swarm of silcompany of the rest of ver-haired audience the audience and the members. Obviously, actors… to me, the the traditional enterthought of encouragtainment industry is ing people to tweet struggling to connect during a performance to new audiences. In is necessarily a vioresponse to increasing lation of that agreeeconomic pressures, ment.” many organizations Many ‘older’ artforms are seeing smaller and smaller audiences; Less intrusive have launched efforts methods to engage is change necessary to attract a younger audience? to appeal to new genaudiences online inerations by revamping their content with 21st century clude backstage insights through performers’ Insmakeovers, hoping to attract modern consumers and tagrams or Twitter accounts: “Many of the posts are stay afloat. funny and it shows a lighter side of the opera world Around the world, museums have given exhibits — Opera can be cool too,” explained Joslyn Gardner digital facelifts in an effort to entice modern consum- ’16, a WFS alumna and opera enthusiast currently ers. The Renwick’s recent exhibit, “Wonder”, capitaliz- studying at Pomona. es on audience’s snap-happy tendencies by installing Opera also struggles to expand in the cultural awe-inspiring, colorful installations specifically de- scene due to its history of traditionalism, and the hessigned for the perfect Instagram picture. The result? itancy of opera-goers to embrace new artists or inter“Wonder” drew more visitors to the Renwick in six pretations. “Critics worry the modernization of opera weeks than the museum had received the entire pre- can sometimes push a certain interpretation, and the vious year. Other artists attempt to incorporate tech- integrity of the opera is being sacrificed for younger nology directly into their work through experiment- audiences,” offered Gardner, “I believe it’s important ing with new media and even virtual reality, adding to have a mixture of both modernized operas and clasnew dimensions and levels of experience to audiences. sical operas so the historical practice isn’t lost, and the Instead of fighting against the rise of the digital age, conveying of the human experience remains relevant.” many museums have embraced it by hanging up QR The reluctance of many viewers to share Gardner’s codes next to exhibits for more information or by dig- open-mindedness and part with their treasured masitizing entire collections so anyone around the world terpieces could pull the artform down. can see famous works up close. While innovations within entertainment industries Opera has had a difficult time adjusting to the new may be drawing greater crowds, some people quesflickr.com
Celilia ergueta ’18 Columnist
tion valuing sensationalist exhibits over traditional, high-quality art. An anonymous student described her thoughts: “Recently, I saw an exhibit of art made with 3D printers; it got a lot of attention, but I wondered, is the flashy medium compromising the quality of the art? At this stage, is it art, or is it marketing?” Some also feel that, with lots of hype generated around exhibits incorporating digital links or trendy themes, more traditional forms of art are being neglected and undervalued: “The common assumption about traditional art is that it’s outdated, but there are so many different types of art forms. You really have to go out and experience them before making blanket assumptions,” claimed Emily Rossi ’17. However, many people see such changes as a sign of artistic progression, in which artists adapt to new audiences as they have countless times before throughout history: “I think this innovation is great because artists are bringing in a new era of art, with new adapted styles and media for the new audiences and times,” said Casey Tyler ’19. Many in the art world seem willing to compromise, in the interest of drawing audiences into an artistic culture: “I think reaching out to young people is important, and hopefully it’ll go further than just offering entertainment; what’s really important is forming an association with an art culture,” mused Cynthia Stan-Mellow, art teacher. “I think for both art museums and theatres, you can alway mix the historic pieces everyone knows with exhibits that incorporate more modern elements; what’s really important is that you encourage kids to connect with art from an early age so we don’t lose that appreciation for art in our culture,” agreed Rossi. Ultimately, art has always fluctuated depending on how its audiences engage with it. “Art needs to evolve, and art has evolved; it’s only important that things change for art’s sake, not for money’s sake. If you’re changing art to improve it sure- but I don’t approve of just catering to a paying audience,” declared an anonymous student. Almost certainly, the discussion about art and the many forms it can take will continue, as it has since art was first began on cave walls. For centuries, art has been a way for people to connect, inspire, communicate, and share — and that’s something that certainly won’t be changing anytime soon.
psychological reasons why New Year’s resolutions fail The best time to start doing different things with your life, making new habits and ending old ones, etc, is the new year. According to researcher John Norcross and his colleagues, 50% of the population makes these resolutions. Among the top resolutions are weight loss, exercise, stopping smoking, better money management and debt reduction. If so many people worldwide use this time as a blank slate, why do almost just as many give up on their resolutions? The first two weeks are great based on statistics, but after that? Things start to go downhill. According to research, people start slipping by February and are back to where they started by December. It seems like such a basic thing -- a fresh mindset to go along with the new year -- instead, millions give up in such a short amount of time. This brings to question: Are people just plain lazy? “We often choose the most unrealistic goals as resolutions under the assumption that we can be a completely different person with the snap of a finger in the New Year which is part of the problem,”
explained psychotherapist Rachel Weinstein. When pathways and memories, which become the default we hear about the sometimes exaggerated goals of basis for your behavior when you are faced with a friends and famchoice or decision,” ilies set during brain scientists such this same perias Antonio Damasio od, the problem and Joseph LeDoux itself gets bigger. and psychotherapist The marketStephen Hayes have ing advertised discovered. around this time “Trying to focused on these change that default exaggerated thinking by “not goals don’t help trying to do it,” in efmuch either. In fect just strengthens reality, “changes it. Change requires happen in small creating new neural steps over time.” pathways from new Weinstein exthinking.” On paper, A familiar sight for many: a list of New Year’s resolutions that often go unfullfilled. plains. it sounds simple, but “You have to actually putting in rewire your brain and change your way of thinking in the work to achieve your work is an entirely different order to make resolutions work; A resolution is basi- task that requires hard work and patience. cally changing your behaviors and habits. Habitual behavior is created by thinking patterns that create neural (Continued on Page 12)
March issue 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY
Evie Kortanek ’18
Marley Morton ’18 Columnist
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COMMUNITY (continued from Page 11) Habits are automatic, “conditioned” responses. Changing existing habits, such popular resolutions like eating healthier, exercising more, drinking less, quitting smoking, texting less, spending more time “unplugged”, is essentially reconditioning yourself, which is harder than it seems. But, if you change this habits based on science, it becomes a more achievable goal. To change a new habit you essentially have to create a new one. Right now you have created literally hundreds and hundreds of habits that you do not even remember. Creating new ones can’t be that hard. According to B. J. Fogg and Charles Duhigg, in order to create a new habit, you should to follow these three steps: 1. You MUST pick a small action. “Get more exercise” is not small. “Eat healthier” is not small. This is a big reason why New Year’s resolutions don’t work. If it’s a habit and you want a new one it MUST be something really small. For example, instead of “Get more exercise” choose “Walk 1/3 more than I usually do” or “Take the stairs each morning to get to my office, not the elevator”, or “Have a smoothie every morning with kale in it”. These are relatively small actions. 2. You MUST attach the new action to a previous habit. Figure out a habit you already have that is well established, for example, if you already go for a brisk walk 3 times a week, then adding on 10 more minutes to the existing walk connects the new habit to an existing one. The existing habit “Go for walk” now becomes the “cue” for the new habit: “Walk 10 more minutes.” Your new “stimulus-response” is Go For Walk (Stimulus) followed by “Add 10 minutes.” Your existing habit of “walk through door at office” can now become the “cue” or stimulus for the new habit of “walk up a flight of stairs.” Your existing habit of “Walk into the kitchen in the morning” can now be the stimulus for the new habit of “Make a kale smoothie.” 3. You MUST make the new action EASY to do for at least the first week. Because you are trying to establish a conditioned response, you need to practice the new habit from the existing stimulus from 3 to 7 times before it will “stick” on its own. To help you through this 3 to 7 times phase make it as EASY as possible. Write a note and stick it in your walking shoe that says “Total time today for walk is 30 minutes”. Write a note and put it where you put your keys that says: “Today use the stairs.” Put the kale in the blender and have all your smoothie ingredients ready to go in one spot in the refrigerator.” If you take these three steps and you practice them 3 to 7 days in a row your new habit will be established. Remember: Hard work and patience are key.
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Lasting impact of the Women’s march Sadie proud ’17 Editor-In-Chief On January 21st, 2017, millions of women, men, and children from Australia to Antarctica took to the streets, expressing a unity of purpose and support for women around the world. In the US, over 3.3 million women marched in more than 500 cities in all fifty states, including Whittier Co-Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Gooderham ’17, who attended the march in DC. In the days that followed, social media was flooded with aerial photos of massive pink crowds and closeups of protesters carrying signs emblazoned “Girls just wanna have fun-damental rights” and “A woman’s place is in the House AND the Senate.” However, even at the time, participants and spectators questioned whether energy surrounding the marches would have lasting impact or fizzle out within a matter of days. I interviewed Gooderham to get her insight into the experience and her thoughts on the effects of the march in the weeks that followed.
What motivated you to march in the first place? Over the past year and a half, I’ve witnessed the ugliest parts of this country being brought to light and exposed for all the world to see. Actually, no...I think the world already knew of the existence of these aspects of the US. Perhaps it was the Americans who were most shocked by the realization that their country, while there are many amazing aspects, is not quite perfect. Being from Canada, I’ve always felt that I had the perspective of an outsider, so I was more in the camp of already knowing that there were some flaws in American society. After the election, I realized something: I care about this country. I care about the people who live here and direction it’s going in. So, for me, marching was a way to actively take part in changing the direction the United States is headed in.
missing something crucial: leaders. I keep thinking back to the Civil Rights movement, and I think about how they had a great leader who knew the goal and what actions had to be taken to achieve that goal. One could argue that the march organizers are the leaders of the movement, but I think it’s very hard to coalesce a group of people this large who believe in so many things that (though they are all linked through intersectionality) don’t make for an ideal target in a time when only specific actions will get the job done.
Was there any aspect of the march that surprised you? Simultaneously the amount and lack of anti-Trump posters and cheers. I’d gone into the march expecting it to be only anti-Trump propaganda, while hoping that that sort of thing would be kept to a minimum. But, looking back, I remember seeing a ton of negative references to Trump, and many of the cheers were Trump related, such as “We want a leader, not a creepy tweeter,” or my personal favorite, “Hands too small, can’t build wall!” I think that, in the absence of a pointed and positive thing to use as a target, such as the passage of the ERA or really just any specific demand, people found it easy to unify over their hatred for Trump, and this concerns me, because I see it happening all the time, even with myself. It is so easy to focus on the bad thing, and to say, “Let’s get rid of this one bad person, and then everything will be alright.” The truth is that no problem is solved by fixing what’s on the surface. Trump is like the gross mole that shows up on your skin, when really the problem is a tumor growing underneath your skin, hidden. Removing the mole won’t get rid of the tumor that caused it. The fact that we as marchers seemed unified in both love for each other and hatred towards Trump, to me, was hard to swallow. I think we should have focused on love, but I understand why we didn’t.
What was the most impactful moment for you? At about 3:30pm, we were marching down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capital to the White House. We were on the same street that the presidential motorcade had gone down the day before during the inauguration, so the stands for the crowds were still lining the street. The group that I was marching with decided to pause and climb one of these stands, and when we reached the top and I turned around, I was struck with the sight of the crowd. I looked down Pennsylvania Street, and saw the Capital in the distance with a sea of people and pink hats instead of a road. Seeing all those people together, and knowing that I was a part of this wonderful community of people, was incredible.
What do you think was the effect of the march? I think the march organizers set out with the goal of affecting change at a higher level; maybe they thought that policy makers would see the people on the streets and change their minds. As far as I know, though, this didn’t happen, and maybe that’s okay. Because, for me, the most powerful impact of the march was that is showed everyone there and everyone who supports the cause that they are not alone. And not just in D.C.; knowing that I was marching alongside hundreds of thousands of people in Washington at the same time as marches were happening all over the world was so powerful because it showed me that there’s a global community of people who are not going to take this lying down. I think we have a lot more work to do, and that the marches were only the beginning.
What was your overall impression of the march? The march was hands down the best experience of my life. For once, I felt like I was doing something. I felt like I was making a meaningful contribution to society. Whether or not that’s true is another story, but my biggest takeaway was that feeling of community and love and re-energization. This election cycle and the past year have been draining for me and anyone who believes in the values I believe in, but that cloudy Saturday made me feel renewed and ready to take on anything On that day, I felt like we were going to change the world. However, looking back, I fear we just made a lot of noise and not much of a difference. This was something I had feared from the time when I first heard about the march, and I think it was because there wasn’t really a goal. I mean, there was a goal: equity in all ways. But there wasn’t a specific action we were promoting to reach that goal. This movement is
What actions have you taken since the march? Not enough. As a student whose life is more or less consumed by school, I find it convenient to blame my lack of involvement on my lack of free time. I feel as though I do what I can; I sign every petition that crosses my inbox and write letters to senators and representatives daily. However, I shy away from the phone when invited to call a representative, and though I attend as many marches and rallies as possible, there is always more that can be done. I admit that I do essentially the minimum required actions to be considered an activist. Post-march Sarah is different than pre-march Sarah in that I’m now energized and excited about taking part in the process and affecting change at any level she wants. And I think this is the mindset everyone should take; rather than seeing the march as something that happened and looking at it with a ‘been there, done that’ attitude, people should be excited to continue to partake in the process.
March ISSUE 2017 THE WHITTIER MISCELLANY