What are YOU thankful for in regards to being a woman/politics? Write anything...
A WORD FROM OUR WRITING LEADER: ELLA STILLION SOUTHARD
As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope everyone takes the time to embrace your present with gratitude. You, as an individual, have much to be proud of, and we, as a community, have much to celebrate. As many of our writers will discuss in this issue, the morality behind Thanksgiving’s origins are highly contested. If you are one who finds the holiday to be undoubtedly problematic, think of Thanksgiving as an opportunity to slow down and spend time with the people you love, rather than celebrate the holiday itself. Use the time off to check in with yourself. What can you do for the rest of 2021 to take care of yourself? To finish the year out strong? How can you show yourself some grace, as we are still in the midst of an unrelenting pandemic? These are just some of the questions I will be keeping in mind for myself during this November holiday season.
In the realm of politics, it is easy to lose sight of what we do have. The focus oftentimes, is on the fight for x policy, or the anger towards this person. We passionately raise questions like, why don’t we have free and accessible healthcare for all? And why does the United States have the highest population of billionaires, but the minimum wage hasn’t been raised in 10 years? These are all worthy quarrels, but they are also draining. When reflecting with gratitude, remember the potential this nation holds, and the powerful righteous capabilities humans possess. Ground yourself in hope and prepare yourself to rise above the power of ignorance. Remember why you fight for the ideals you do. Keep those who inspire you close.
Time with your extended family also means more potential for political conflict, as Annalese explores in her article. As daunting as these confrontational encounters can be, I would again remind you to stay present in the moment and realize that division in opinions unites all of us under a similar inclination to understand our world, to think critically, and use reason to guide our existences. Use this as your compass, and remember that that compass exists (hopefully) in others as well. From all of Women In Politics and I, we hope you have a wonderful November and Thanksgiving if you celebrate. We are thankful for your consistent support. It means more than you know. Take the time and think, what are you thankful for?
With love, Ella Stillion Southard :)
Table of
CONTENTS
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WIP Team Thanks
BY: EVERYONE!
How to Bridge Your Family Politically at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table
9 11
BY: ANNALESE CAHILL
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In the Name of Charity: How Is BLM Accomplishing Its Goals?
BY: VERONICA ROHLING
The Abraham Accords
BY: LILY VEITS
Thanksgiving’s Problematic Origins: The History We Were Never Taught
BY: ISABELLA RINALDI
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A Thanks To Our Earth
BY: SARA KEEGAN
Editorial WOmen In Politics Team: Why are you thankful? BY: EVERYONE!
Karla Vazquez, Ambassador I am thankful for my family, their support, and all the opportunities I’ve received this year.
Laura Malone, Ambassador
Ella O’Connor, Social Media
I’m thankful for the lifelong friendships
I am thankful for the support
I’ve made through youth organizations
that my family and friends give
like Women in Politics.
me! I’m so lucky to have them!
Christine Corry, Magazine Manager
I am thankful for the inspirational women I have the honor of working with
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at Women in Politics!
Hanna Matsukawa, Magazine Writer I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to live abroad this year, and as a result, to grow and learn more about the world.
Delfina Cerdán, Ambassador I am thankful for the support I’ve received this year and for the opportunity to connect with people with similar interests to me.
Michela Rossettini, Researcher I am thankful for the opportunity to study what I love and what brings me joy, in a city I love, surrounded by empowered women.
Lior Cooper, Editor I am thankful for all that has turned out well this year, despite the pandemic
Hazel Smith-Foley, Tik-Tok/ Instagram Reels I am thankful for the opportunity to advocate for what I believe in through
Ninoshka Chaver, Ambassador
Women in Politics! I am thankful for being a part of this organization and being able to have a support system around me!
Cedar Roach, Editing Leader I am thankful for the women in my family who came before me and shaped who I am today!
Sage Lahmers, Writer I am thankful for the people in my life who have supported my hopes and dreams.
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Ella Stillion Southard, Magazine Writing Leader I am thankful for the opportunity to work towards my dreams, with the
Monica Salinas, Ambassador
support of people I love!
I am thankful for the academic opportunities I have been given through this year.
Veronica Rohlfing, Magazine Writer I’m thankful for all of my family’s support in my decision to move far away from home.
Jessica Yao, WIP Slack Moderator I am so thankful for my family and all the new friends that I have made this past year. Most of all, I am grateful for the memories I have made and the love that I have received.
Salonee Raheja, Graphic Designer, Board of Directors I am thankful for the support of
Emma Pham-Tran, Ambassador I am thankful for the connections I
my family and close friends in an unusual yet exciting year.
have made through various leadership opportunities this year.
Isabella Rinaldi, Magazine Writing Leader I am thankful for my supportive and loving family who have made me
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who I am today.
HOW TO: By: Annalese Cahill
The Thanksgiving dinner table often
Current events are the fuel for
becomes a forum for political
uncomfortable conversations that have
deliberation in debate. Last year, the
been happening for years, but all adults
presidential election had just passed.
would agree that the past
Political tensions were high, and far too
administration complicated the
many Thanksgiving dinners were tainted
dialogue for everyone. With these
by disagreement and tension.
circumstances at hand, families must work to find ways to open dialogue with
This year, tensions are still high, but now
each other.
in different ways. New Texas abortion laws have dominated national conversations. Shootings have increased in many cities around the country. Abortion and gun control are known as the two most divisive issues in the United States, and these current events have just added fuel to the fire. Controversies about the Biden Administration and pulling out of Afghanistan are also on the mind of many. To be blunt, we have all been on the other side of a, “Get that orange Cheeto out of office” or, “Did you all see Sleepy Joe on the TV the other day?” comment. These comments are hateful, ignorant, and unproductive.
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The most important step to moderating
The first solution to inappropriate
at the dinner table is to remember the
comments is to change the subject. It is
implications of Thanksgiving. Of course,
likely that most people at the table are
we must acknowledge America’s
going to be sick of talking about politics.
oppressive past with Native Americans.
People love talking about themselves. If
Many Americans are aware of the
someone starts to stir the pot, the
sugarcoated and pacifist image painted
biggest form of rebellion can be to take
over the true history of Thanksgiving.
the high road and ask someone else
However, there is a reason that families
how their job is going or any other detail
still choose to gather together; it is not
about their life. Do not enable or
to honor the oppression and violence
empower ignorant statements. Remind
against Native Americans in the country’s
your family that you are there to spend
past. The reason that Americans still
time together and catch up, not talk
gather for Thanksgiving is to reflect on
about gun control. Conversation starters
our lives and learn to become more
could relate to pets, school, work,
grateful family and friends. For the
relationships, and hobbies. Time with
purpose of this conversation, it is
family is small, and it should not be
important to remember the ‘thanks’ part
spent in a resentful rage.
of the holiday. Acceptance that your family might disagree with you is extremely difficult. More often than not, there are the people that we love unconditionally, and it can be hurtful and confusing when we disagree on important values. But try to remember that you are together to celebrate each other, even when these differences arise.
Another solution can be pointing them to the facts. If someone says something that you know to be false, you can say something like, “I’m not sure about that, I read on BBC that this is actually what happened” or, “I would love to send you this really interesting link about this topic that I was reading the other day.” This can diffuse a conversation by placing
However, this does not mean you must dismiss a comment from your aunt or uncle about your “young and impressionable mind being corrupted by politics in the media.” No matter your age, your opinions still hold value and should not be dismissed because of your age or political affiliation.
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the responsibility on another source. It can be intimidating to correct your grandparent or older relative, but it is never wrong to share information. That way, you don’t have to be the one to correct them.
A third alternative is to destigmatize
Overall, your challenge is to avoid a
politics by sharing your personal
boisterous and chaotic debate among
experience. For women in politics, there
the whole table this Thanksgiving.
are often a lot of assumptions about the
America is at a crucial time where we
work we do or the way we think.
are becoming increasingly divided by
However, sharing your experiences on
the day. This is happening primarily
political work can be enlightening to
through social media forums, but this
those who do not understand the ins
anger creeps into real interactions
and outs of life in politics. Share your
among people as well. By engaging in
experiences with your Model UN club at
angry debates, your family is letting
school and how you were encouraged to
division win. On a holiday focused on
research a policy issue and collaborate
thanks, this is not productive. You have
with others. Share your experience
the power to be a leader in your family
door-knocking on a local campaign and
that encourages adults to lead with love
talking to voters. Adults are often
and understanding for each other. You
impressed and interested when young
have the power to inspire others to be
people choose to get involved. This is a
more mature in their interactions with
way to get them to gain respect for your
others outside of the family. Do it!
actions and opinions without using a
Ensure that your Thanksgiving table is
polarizing topic.
one of true ‘thanks’ this year.
The fourth (and riskiest) option would be to pull aside your relative and ask them to explain their side. In a private setting, talk to your loved one and ask them to expand on their opinion. If they are truly starting a productive conversation, they might share personal experiences, statistics, or extensions on their statements. You may even gain understanding that you didn’t hold before. But if they are not trying to be productive, they will probably shrug you off. This is the way to identify and shut down irresponsible deliberation with family.
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In the name of How is BLM accomplishing its By: Veronica Rohling Goals? and “build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.”
In the past year and a half, calls for racial
The organization experienced explosive
justice have echoed across every corner of
growth after the killings of Eric Garner,
some of the world’s most powerful
Michael Brown, and most recently, George
countries. Multi-billion dollar companies
Floyd. Because of its rapid rise to
from Starbucks to AirBnB to Amazon have
popularity and the social movement
pledged support for racial equity, and
attached to its name, the organization has
donations to groups working toward
fallen under widespread scrutiny. Here, it’s
equality have skyrocketed. At the center of
essential to differentiate between the BLM
public attention (and donations) has been
organization and the BLM movement,
the Black Lives Matter organization.
because many who support the movement do not support the organization. Critics of
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The Black Lives Matter Global Network
the organization question whether it is
traces its roots to long before 2020.
adequately or ethically accomplishing its
According to its website, the global
goals. A 2021 BBC article cites several
organization was founded in 2013 after
public figures’ criticism of the BLM
George Zimmerman was acquitted of all
organization, including political
charges in the killing of Trayvon Martin.
commentator Carol Swain, who claimed
Their goals (as stated in their mission
that they were “using black people to
statement) are to “eradicate white
advance a Marxist agenda.”
supremacy”
In terms of their stated goals, BLM has
These candidates are Raphael Warnock,
taken several steps toward building local
Jon Ossoff, and Karen Carter Peterson.
power. In an interview for the AP, BLM co-
While all three of these candidates are
founder Patrisse Cullors claimed that in
Democrats, the BLM organization has no
2020, the group committed $21.7 million to
official political affiliation.
different chapters of the organization (as
In the organization’s 2020 Impact
well as 30 black-led organizations), and
Report, Cullors describes legislative
“ended 2020 with a balance of more than
activity, including calls for co-sponsors
$60 million.” In 2020 alone, the
of the BREATHE Act. This act “invests in .
organization raised $90 million, according
. . non-punitive and non-carceral
to the Associated Press.
approaches to community safety that would incentivize states to shrink their
A small group of the organization’s
criminal-legal systems and center the
chapters rejected their funding, citing a
protection of Black lives.” It was
need for more donor transparency. In
introduced to the House in 2019 and
accordance with their rise to prominence,
referred to a subcommittee, but no
the BLM organization has agreed to be
action has been taken since.
more clear about their funding and their
By using it’s position at the center of an
leadership. According to Cullors, the
explosive social movement, the Black
network requires that all spending be
Lives Matter Global Network has
approved by a fund that consists of
redistributed millions of donated dollars
representatives from BLM chapters.
to organizations across the world. Their
Additionally, BLM was granted non-profit
contributions are powerful tools in the
status in December of 2020, which will
ongoing battle for racial equity, and in
require them to publicly release information
the organization of community power.
revealing organizational structure,
While the organization’s founding goals
expenses, and employee compensation.
are lofty (it is no simple task to
In addition to funding local chapters and
eradicate white supremacy), it has taken
black-led organizations, the network also
several steps toward accomplishing
sponsors a Super-PAC (political action
them.
committee.) BLM PAC is relatively new, and has only supported three candidates thus far, according to the Federal Election Committee.
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THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS By: Lily Veits
Often, critiquing the Iraeli government is accused of being synonymous with antiSemitism; this could not be further from the truth. Israel’s history of colonization and ethnic cleansing remains one that, while condemned Pledging to normalize relations with Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain publicly declared a historic pro-trade agreement in
by the majority of the world, has yet to be effectively addressed by most American politicians.
2020. Just a few weeks later, Morocco and Sudan followed suit.
Additionally, over the past few decades, colonization has become more and more
Prior to either of the previously mentioned
entrenched in global agreements and
countries acknowledging an agreement to
attitudes towards the occupied land. May of
trade with Israel, the Abraham Accords were
2021 marks one of the more recent violent
signed into law on September 15th of 2020.
flare-ups; while Emirati politicians publicly criticized Israel’s disproportionate use of
The primary question in the minds of many
force, the United Arab Emirates continued on
foreign policy analysts and statesmen; If
with the diplomatic opening established by
normalization could be separated from the
the signing of the Abraham Accords. The hope
question of the colonization of Palestine--
of utilizing and fostering regional diplomacy
something that is, in many ways, inherent to
to de-escalate Israeli-Palestinian tensions has,
any dealings with the Israeli government.
for the most part, fallen flat.
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To say that Israel practices a form of modernday apartheid is not hyperbolic; Palestinians with Israeli citizenship are subject to discrimination where their education is concerned, as well as how they’re handled by the Israeli legal system.
The international community and human rights advocates have never been the only ones to acknowledge the continued colonization of Palestine as inhumane; Israeli-NGO DeColonizer urges Israeli citizens to acknowledge and uplift Palestinian narratives.
With the ousting of Netanyahu, many hoped that Israel would be more inclined to approach a two-state solution; or, at the very least, scale down the violent repression that has been a living reality for those living in occupied territories. Particularly, Netanyahu attempted time and time again to annex parts of the West Bank, despite international condemnation. Annexation, inherently, is a tool used by a settler-colonial state; condemnation of the expulsion of people from the land they inhabit is crucial for any state that calls itself democratic to acknowledge.
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ORGINS By: Isabella Rinaldi
Did you know Thanksgiving is in celebration of a massacre? Crazy, I know. Despite this centuriesold celebration’s seemingly festive narrative, the real story is one of tragedy. The narrative we were taught from a young age, like with much of American history taught to us today, is riddled with historic inaccuracies. When we think of Thanksgiving we think of
The myth in this idyllic narrative is the idyllic portrayal itself. The narrative teaches that
buttery mashed potatoes, turkey, family, friends,
the friendly Indians, with undefined tribes,
and gratitude. Although this festive day never
welcomed the Pilgrims to America, openly
fails to bring loved ones together in spirits of joy,
teaching them how to survive, hunt, and
it has a shocking history that we never learned in
farm. Then they have a feast ….and then the
elementary school.
Native Americans disappear? This narrative
As the story goes, in 1621, friendly local Native
provides no further information as to where
Americans came to the rescue to help the
the Native tribes go, and just assumes that
struggling Pilgrims learn how to survive in the
they graciously hand off America to white
New World. Despite their differences, they came
people.In doing so colonizers were free to
together and enjoyed a feast of food. During the
create a “great nation” dedicated to
feast, the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared
liberty, opportunity, and Christianity, a
how thankful they were for one another, and
nation with which the rest of the world
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unity commenced.. The end!
would profit.
This falsified account is a foundational
The poignant inaccuracies in this story show
example of Manifest Destiny, a key pillar of
how absolutely misleading American history
US history. This bloodless narrative, where the
is. According to our elementary school
native people concede to colonialism, is far
narrative, history doesn't begin for Native
from the truth.
people until Europeans arrived. In reality, Historians have reported people living in the
In reality, in 1637 the Pilgrims found one of their fellow settlers dead on a boat. Instead of looking for a reason, questioning each other, evaluating evidence, they jumped to conclusions and blamed the Pequot Native Americans. Historians have agreed that in 1637, in what is now known as Connecticut, over 700 men, women, and children of the Pequot tribe gathered for their Green Corn Festival. English and Dutch settlers surrounded them before morning, demanding that they come outside. The first men to come outside were shot and clubbed to death while the women and children hid in their longhouse, and subsequently burned to death. The next day, the governor of Massachusetts celebrated this as a day of
Americas for at least 12,000 years; some Native traditions trace back to the beginning of time. These contradictions point to the white, colonialist supremacy that is still embedded in society today. It’s also important to note that the aforementioned interaction between Pilgrims and the Native Americans depicted in our history books is inaccurately portrayed as peaceful when in reality it was a massacre. This false depiction, crafted to romanticize Europeans and white folk, points to the common goal: white supremacy. Most poignantly, however, is the narrative's use of terms such as the shared dinner, or “feast”, in relation to colonialism when the colonizers wanted anything but peace.
thanksgiving. With encouragement, these Puritans went on a killing spree; Forcing Women and children of 14 years old into slavery. Since then, every massacre has been celebrated, being called Thanksgiving. During these Thanksgivings, the Puritans beheaded Native prisoners, along with Chief Metacom, whose impaled head was
Essentially, we have been lied to. In grammar school we often colored pictures of the Native Americans and Pilgrims eating a delicious feast in unison, however, the bitter truth is emerging, leading many schools to rethink how they are teaching Thanksgiving.
memorialized on a pole for 25 years.
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A Thanks to our
Earth The month of November calls for a reflection of everything we have to be thankful for. Some may thank their family, friends, belongings, pets, or job. However, something we all can collectively be thankful
By: Sara Keegan
for this coming month is the environment and the planet in which we inhabit. We must thank the lush forests, the sparkling seas,
of fossil energy, minerals, and
and the rolling hills that allow us to
metals from the Earth. We have
live and prosper.
destroyed over 80% of the forests located on Earth, and are
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In the last decade, we as humans
predicted to continue to lose
have become distracted by wealth
forests at the rate of destruction
and personal benefits. We have
occurring the past couple of years.
placed the health of our
Humans are using 50% more
environment on the back burner,
natural resources than Earth can
taking more care of our economy in
provide. With this current
the pursuit for the cheapest option
production, we would need 1 and a
of production available, no matter
half Earths, which we do not have.
the cost it takes on the
We, as humans, must realize that
environment. This is our home, so
we are responsible for this decline,
why are we, as inhabitants, taking
and we are the only ones that can
such advantage of the place that
make a change and begin to
keeps us alive? Every year, we
demonstrate prevention of such
extract an estimated 55 billion tons
decline.
Another great cause of concern is the
Fortunately, there are environmental
state of our large bodies of water.
organizations bringing awareness to
Though we are not able to easily see it,
this issue and attempting to petition
there are several extremely large
governments to take care of the issue.
garbage islands floating in the ocean.
However, it will be extremely difficult
This is because of inefficient waste
for anyone to get rid of the island, as it
management, resulting in tons of trash
is much too big for any sort of net or
being thrown into the ocean with little
ship to handle.
thought of the effects. This year alone, two million tons of plastic were thrown
This is why it is so important to
into the ocean. Yes, you read that right.
acknowledge, thank, and bring
Two million. This directly impacts the
awareness to our environment this
animals that live in these areas. Thinking
November. Though it may not be the
it is food, animals regularly digest the
first thought to come to your mind, if
plastic and toxic waste, resulting in a
nothing is done, the years on this
decline of species as they cannot eat
planet will become smaller and
these materials. Thus, the food chain is
smaller. In addition, take action. Join
impacted and animals slowly become
environmental organizations, donate to
endangered, and then extinct. The
charities associated with the
biggest issue of all is how we will fix
betterment of this planet, and make
this. Due to the fact it is in the middle of
changes in your own life to reduce
the ocean, no country is taking
waste and become more sustainable.
ownership of it and attempting to solve
Sub plastic for reusable materials, pick
the issue. Because of this, the garbage
up trash on the sidewalk, inform others
island remains, with extreme buildup
of the severe decline our Earth is going
occurring yearly and more animals dying
through right now. Become the
at its expense.
advocate for the Earth, who cannot talk and has been left behind in a growing pursuit for economic success.
So, make this November a time to continuously thank and speak about the Earth and environment that allows us to survive, because we surely do not thank it enough.
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Founder and Co-Exec. Director
Rebecca Joseph
Walnut Creek, CA | 16 years old My name is Rebecca Joseph and I am a high school sophomore from the Bay Area. I got interested in politics during my first year of high school where I joined the Speech and Debate team. From there I fell in love with the world of politics but soon became aware of the lack of representation women were getting in the field. I wanted to be part of a community of teens who want to support each other and the younger generation to pursue a career in politics; however, I was unable to find anything, so I started Women In Politics. Now, over a year later I have been blessed with an amazing team and I cannot wait for all we are going to accomplish.
Please enjoy this issue!
Co-Exec. Director Katherine Bronov
Philadelphia, PA | 18 years old My name is Katherine Bronov and I am an online high school senior from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. I have been passionate about politics since the start of high school and I have searched for organizations and clubs that interest me but found nothing until Women In Politics (WIP) caught my eye. WIP is a very special organization and fascinatingly the first of its kind. I am so grateful to be a part of this team and work alongside girls that are just as enthusiastic about politics as I am and recognize the shortage of women in this important field. Please enjoy this issue!
Christine Corry
Sacramento, CA | 17 years old
SRETIRW
Magazine Manager
Isabella Rinaldi
San Francisco, CA | 15 years old
Lily Veits | Annalese Cahill| Veronica Rohling | Isabella Rinaldi | Sara Keegan
Editor Leader
Cedar Roach
SROTIDE
Writing Leader
Maci DemMott | Oliva Massey | Ella Grady | Kaylyn Allingham | Lior Cooper | Lila Rowland | Lily Sun | Bella Jasper
Magazine Design Leader
Sara Keegan
New York, NY | 17 years old
Rachel Baumann | Katherine B
SRENGISED
Dallas, TX | 18 years old
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