Wynpress - Term 4, 2020

W Y N P R E S S

T E R M

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W Y N B E R G G I R L S '

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Contents

01 EDITOR'S LETTER - SUMMER DREYDEN 02 ARE WE IDOLIZING THE WRONG PEOPLE? - OLIVIA BEHRENS 03 MOVEMENTS CHANGING THE WORLD ONE HASHTAG A T A TIME - JAIME LODEWYK 04 A GREEN PIECE OF PAPER - LIEZAAN BOSCH 05 THE ART OF LETTING GO - SADIE KENNEDY 06 UTILIZING THE WORLD'S RICHES FOR ALL OF HUMANITY - MICHELLE MANEYA 07 THE POWER FOUND IN LOVING YOUR BODY - LEAH BROWN 08 SENSATIONAL SUPERHUMANS - JENNA RYKLIEF 09 TOO MUCH POWER? THE ISSUE WITH CORRUPTION IN SA - KHANYISILE COTANI 1O SUBSCRIBE FOR SUBMISSION: SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS ARE TAKING OVER - HANNAH HILL 11 POWER TO YOU:CHANGE THE YEAR AND MAKE IT YOURS - TAHERAH ORRIE

The Editor's Letter The end of 2020 is upon us! I think I speak for everyone when I say that it has been a long time coming, as this year has been the catalyst for a number of challenges. Namely, the outbreak of COVID-19, which umbrellas most of the adjustments we've had to make to our everyday lives.

However, it is vital to remember that, even amidst all the craziness, we've taken it upon ourselves to transform the house names, welcome our new leaders, and wish our beloved Matrics all the best as they prepare to leave our incredible school behind. So, yes, even though it cannot be credited to being the most exciting nor the most productive of years, I urge you to take a step back

and

reflect

on

all

that

you've

accomplished-no

matter

how

seemingly

insignificant-

especially during these extremely busy "terms", jam-packed with change. Whether it be the perfected art of smiling with your eyes while wearing a mask, finding the motivation to work out, or finally beginning to understand a section of classwork. Once you've noted these victories, give yourself a pat on the back because you, my dear, are surviving 2020! This wealth of experience and small joys is exactly the reason as to why it's not worth completely writing off the whole of 2020. Furthermore, it is in how our Wynberg Girls have graciously handled this year that I strongly believe we have the power to achieve anything to which we set our minds!

With the idea of power and wealth in mind, the Wynpress committee decided to take

a

today's ranging

look

at

society. from

superpowers

in

all

the

This who the

ways

issue and

is

in

what

modern

which

sure

we

world.

the

to

two

spark allow

So,

sit

are

so

closely

everyone's to

back,

influence relax

interrelated

interests

and

us

to

enjoy

issue of Wynpress 2020!

“True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire�-CESAR CHAVEZ

- Summer Dreyden

with

in

articles

fantastical the

very

last

Are We Idolizing the Wrong People ?

The world is a funny place and we are funny people. We put celebrities on pedestals, become infatuated with their every move, and then flip out when they mess up - their foot slipping between the cracks.

Celebrities are constantly idolised and adored for completing the smallest of tasks, like dating their co-star - “Aren’t they cute?” - or throwing a piece of paper in the recycling bin - “Isn’t she just so environmentally conscious?”. The power people hold, standing in unison, is so impressive that they allow for the most ordinary of people to become ‘famous’ practically overnight. Yet we grow silent and relinquish this power when it comes to recognising those who incite real change, from the oncologists who are treating cancer, to the engineers who are shaping the world we live in today.

Some people have become so obsessed with their celebrity idols that they have done the most jaw-dropping things just to get their attention. A girl once sent a letter to her favourite Kpop star, Taecyeon, which was written using her menstruation blood and sprinkled with her pubic hair.

Charming, isn’t it? Another deluded fan legally changed her name to Mrs Kanye West in order to express her love for the American rapper. She also had his name tattooed across her behind and along her arm. There is no shame in liking a celebrity, but when that ‘crush’ turns into an obsession it starts to become unhealthy.

That being said, there are many celebrities doing wondrous things for this world.

Leonardo DiCaprio has worked to bring awareness and funding to tackle climate change. His foundation supports many conservation projects around the world that protect fragile ecosystems and major species. Emma Watson launched the HeForShe campaign which aims to bring more men into the world of feminism because gender equality benefits all. But would we be giving these people the praise they deserve if they weren’t already well-known actors and actresses?

I’m sure many of you have heard of the Kardashian-Jenner family ending their reality TV programme after 20 seasons, but have you heard of Alex Stephany? The founder of the online platform, Beam, which is used to crowdfund employment training for homeless people? Or Chetna Gala Sinha who started India’s first rural women’s bank? Isabella Tree is another name worth remembering as she helped to rewild a British farm which is now home to many rare animal species such as turtle doves and purple emperor butterflies.

Now, let’s get one thing straight. I'm definitely not saying you should write to these people using your blood or any other bodily fluids. But instead, I am asking the question, “Who is more worthy of our attention: Kim Kardashian, because of her hourglass shape or Professor Sarah Gilbert, from Oxford University, who could potentially find a vaccine for COVID-19?”

Maybe we should start to re-think what makes a person famous in this upsidedown world. Surely we should be taking the time to learn the names of the people who strive to make the world a better place now and not just learn about them in our history books?

- Olivia Behrens

Movements in the media changing the world one # at a time BLACK LIVES MATTER Following the murder of 17-year-old African American, Trayvon Martin, the Black Lives Matter movement was born, with the purpose of highlighting the injustices and violence against black communities and of bringing awareness about the discrimination and oppression of black people. Creators Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, wanted to establish a platform for people to stand against the racism present in their communities and bring global attention to the problem.

The media: society’s most valuable tool and greatest weapon. Utilised to bring awareness to social issues but also to exacerbate minor problems. With the intention of putting a spotlight on movements that are changing the world, Black Lives Matter, Fridays For Future, and Enough is Enough are just 3 of many initiatives. They cleverly take advantage of the broad audience that can be accessed through the media to try to make a difference in a world that needs change.

The recent murder of George Floyd, in the USA, once again drew attention to the movement. All over the world, citizens were shedding light on the racial injustices exhibited in their communities. Not only were people from all walks of life protesting for justice for Floyd but they also called for an end to systemic racism found in their own nations. The Black Lives Matter movement gave people the opportunity to fight against one of the biggest social issues that still affects many lives today.

FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE Fridays for Future is a global climate change movement launched in 2018 by environmental activist, Greta Thunberg, who was only 15 years old at the time. Along with other young activists, Greta spent every school day, for three weeks, protesting against the government's reluctance to act on the climate crisis. The news of Greta's actions spread quickly after she had posted what she was doing onto social media. Soon many international activists joined her in the fight to increase the concern about climate change and pressure their governments into taking the necessary steps to eliminate the climate crisis.

Social media was utilised as a tool to spread awareness and share personal encounters with harassment, assault, or violence. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and many other major media platforms were flooded with stories, opinions, and information. This pressured the South African government to work towards fixing the problem and putting an end to gender-based violence in our nation.

The #FridaysForFuture movement has used its presence in the media to inform others, help locals find any protests in their area, report updates and statistics, and connect likeminded individuals all over the world. The fight against climate change is one that humanity needs to win and Fridays For Future is just one example of a movement that is playing a significant role in this journey.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH In September 2019, South Africans finally put their foot down and said “Enough is Enough�. After learning about the rape and murder of 19-year-old Uyinene Mrwetyana and the stories of many other victims of gender-based violence, our nation sent out a cry for help. Through protests and purple pennants, the women of South Africa demanded justice. They finally refused to tolerate the misogynistic attitudes and disrespectful behaviour of some men in our communities.

The media has paved the way for many people to make their mark in our society.

From the three brilliant creators of the Black Lives Matter movement to teenage activists like Greta Thunberg, people are choosing to use major platforms as tools instead of weapons. They are choosing to fight for a future where our society lives sustainably, treats others kindly, and respects one another equally.

- Jaime Lodewyjk

A GREEN PIECE OF PAPER You live in a crystal palace With a white horse And a golden carriage They live Two families under one roof Eating the leftovers From your midday feast Why is a gap so big Created by something so small A green piece of paper the size of a hand Is the weapon in this war.

- Liezaan Bosch

THE ART OF LETTING GO

- Sadie Kennedy What makes you feel powerful? The connotations of this word are often linked to having control or influence over others as many definitions will show. Unfortunately, I have seen how, to many people, feeling powerful means to feel superior which is, in my opinion, a great misuse of the sensational outcomes of feeling true power.

Spirituality expresses that, ironically, we gain more control over ourselves when we relinquish the need to control everything around us. Since control is so closely linked to feeling powerful, let us investigate this idea further. Owing to the overwhelming need for things to go our way, we often forget how to trust in our inner wisdom. Some people rely on their God/s or spirituality for guidance, but this is not necessarily the same for all people. One can have no spiritual beliefs and still be guided by the innate intuition that we all possess and that is always with us. We tend to block this gut feeling when we force our desires into our lives. There is a limitation to what we can actively make happen. When we keep pushing what we think we need or want, it ultimately eats away at us.

This results in our feeling useless and exhausted. But this is not necessary!

Because we hold infinite amounts of power that we can access if we work at the art of letting go.

I say the art of letting go because it is something that needs to be worked at. As a person who desperately struggles to be out of control, I can say with confidence that this is in no way a simple task but it is so worth it. I still work very hard for what I want, but simultaneously try to recognise where my limits are. When I get to this recognition, I remind myself that seeing my boundaries is far from giving up but rather preserving my sacred time and energy for things that I am able to complete. You may now be asking, “But how do I know when I have reached my limit?�, and this is where being in tune with your authentic self is so important. Our wisdom speaks to us and we just have to learn how to recognise the signs that we have to let go. They come in all different ways: through your body (maybe your stomach hurts when you approach the task) or maybe in your thoughts (the task could be constantly on your mind and distracting you from other important things). A way that I find helps me to be more in tune with my intuition is being actively conscious of what is happening in my mind and body through mindfulness and meditation practices.

Looping back to this feeling of true power - the one that ignites life, ambition, and strength into us instead of feelings of superiority. Through releasing the need to have everything under our thumb, we allow the inner wisdom to flourish. With that comes the affirmation that we are and always have been so incredibly powerful - all we had to do was learn how to access it. .

Utilizing the World's Riches for All of Humanity If the majority of us were given an opportunity to increase our income or purchase the latest fashion items or technological devices, the dominant

instinct would be to make use of the chance presented. Though we may feel content, humans can never be truly satisfied as it is in our nature to

desire more. This greed is the driver of productivity, as well as the favoured system of capitalism over communism.

Capitalism is defined as an economic system where private ownership of resources is allowed, with minimal government intervention. It creates a

competitive and productive society as citizens provide for their own needs. Creativity flourishes as individuals have freedom to contribute to the

economy in various ways. However, this method can create a divide between the wealthy and the poor, which can lead to the exploitation of

workers.

This is where Karl Marx's communism theory is considered a better system, as its core values of government ownership and the provisions of all

citizens' needs over personal desires, contrasts with the individualistic nature of capitalism. In a communist society, there is generally less

freedom in terms of choice, additional wants, as well as religion, which is commonly banned in certain places, such as North Korea. Communism

assumes that the whole of a society is willing to take only what they need. It sounds reasonable in theory, but in reality not everyone is selfless

enough. This is evident all over the world with reports of corruption and mismanagement of resources.

Since capitalism is the main system of distribution of wealth, how can we alter it so that it serves all of humanity? Andrew Yang makes this

interesting observation in his book, The war on normal people: The truth about America's disappearing jobs and why universal basic income is our

future : “There’s a very popular notion out there that ideas change the world. That’s wrong. People change the world.” The Covid-19 pandemic has

exposed the faults of capitalism, as people realised that money is not the most important thing in the world. We were shown that being happy and

healthy is far more valuable than having millions in our bank accounts. Ultimately, we need to start distributing wealth so that it improves the

lives of the average person; prioritizing ourselves over the dollar, rand or pound and building a society where money serves everybody's interests.

- Michelle Maneya

The Power Found in Loving Your Body

The body you currently have is the body with which you’ve been gifted. It is the only one you will ever be given and has been carefully moulded in your mother’s womb to become what it is today.

We all struggle to love our bodies at times, let’s just admit it. Even those who feel that they can confidently say they do love what is theirs, may stumble and fall at times. This, too, is normal.

However, it is important to understand the power that comes with loving your body.

Learn to accept your body for what it is and hold onto the concept that it already does so much for you. Love those large legs that let you walk around your school, those small hands that enable you to wave, and your delicate lips that allow you to smile at your best friend.

Realise that your body is unique. No one has one quite like yours. Only you have that gorgeous beauty spot on your cheek, that small dimple only visible when you smile, or that sparkle in your eyes when you become excited. We were all made differently and, therefore, cannot compare our bodies to one another. Love your body for being special.

Take the time to talk to yourself. Positive self-talk and optimistic affirmations help to serve as a constant prompt to care for yourself and acknowledge your emotions. Gently remind yourself that your body is incredible. Scars, stretch marks, whatever the case may be, are beautiful and strikingly illustrate your life’s stories.

Discover at least one remarkable thing you love about your body and appreciate all that is you.

Value your short toes, graceful arms - even just for the simple fact that they are able to move. We all have characteristics that we wish we never had, and yet there are so many others who want what is ours.

The power that comes from loving your body will make you happier, more confident, and unstoppable. Care for the body you have today because there is no version more worthy of that love than the version that is yours.

.

- Leah Brown

S E N S A T I O N A L S U P E R H U M A N S - Jenna Ryklief The world’s shared love for superhero films is indicative of our fascination with the concept of superpowers and people with extraordinary abilities. We’ve all dreamt of having superhuman powers at some point and possibly woke up disappointed at the realisation that it was merely a dream and not reality. But who wouldn’t want powers, not necessarily to save the world, but simply to help navigate everyday-life in general?

That being said, here are four ordinary people who possess extraordinary abilities:

1) The Iceman Win Hof, a Dutch athlete, has the incredible ability to withstand extremely cold temperatures! He claims it’s his special breathing techniques, or maybe his natural ability, which allows him to endure such chilly conditions. Whatever the case is, the Iceman has accomplished mind-blowing tasks. He set his record in Finland when he spent close to 2 hours in cold water and later went on to climb Mount Everest wearing nothing but a pair of shorts…pretty cool.

2) Isao Machii (a.k.a. “Super Samurai”) This Japanese “laido” (a Japanese martial art) master has astoundingly quick reactions and reflexes that make him super-swift! His most impressive moment was when he cut a bullet, travelling at 158km/h, in half using his sword. Let’s just say world-records and bullets were broken that day!

3) The Human Calculator As the name suggests, Scott Flansburg, is recognized for his incredible speed of mental calculations that make him faster than a normal person using a calculator! He puts his “powers” to good use and works as an educator.

4) Isao Machii (a.k.a. “Super Samurai”) Seider has eyesight that redefines what the human eye is capable of. Comparable to a telescope, she claims to see the integral colours that make up those found on TV screens! She is able to distinguish people from 1.6km away and can also gauge their relative distance from her position. This is not someone you want to be in a game of “I Spy” with...

If you could have any superpower your heart desires, what power would you choose?

too much power? The issue with Corruption in sa Power and wealth, two things which many strive for. It might be the desire to be financially stable or to live comfortably for the ordinary man. However, if given the chance, we know that, without a doubt, many would not mind more. Wealth can be described as an abundance of financial assets or physical possessions that can be converted and used for transactions; power can be described as the ability to direct the behavior of others or the course of events.

It's when these two are combined that real power for great things to be achieved is possible.

More often than not, we see that the pair results in negative consequences that occur worldwide. Research has suggested that increased or decreased power has cognitive, emotional, and behavioural effects. Over the years we have seen that this yearning for wealth and power has led to many individuals being adversely impacted. It is due to dishonesty, false promises, manipulation, and a lack of accountability that the underprivileged, specifically, have had to suffer under the most.

Not only have we seen wealth and power unfavourably impact the livelihoods of many individuals, but it has also impacted the functioning of many countries. In South Africa, the desire for power has resulted in corruption infiltrating not only the ANC, our governing party, but companies and their management throughout the country. The consequences of widespread corruption in South Africa are delays in infrastructure development, undermining of institutions and value of democracy, threatening of sustainable economic development, and an overall distrust in the ruling government. We can see how the citizens of South Africa are heavily dependent on the government for housing, healthcare, water, and sanitation, etc. Therefore, in this process, the the poor become vulnerable to corruption with the stalls in service delivery.

Just recently, amidst fighting the COVID19 battle, many saw opportunities for corruption related to the pandemic. Funds directed to food parcels, increase in social grants, employee relief schemes, as well as personal protective equipment, found themselves in the pockets of corrupt ministers. With this being the final straw, it has highlighted the long-needed action against corruption in the nation.

Although measures to root out existing corruption and the development of anticorruption initiatives have been implemented, we know that this will not be enough. The fight to restore honesty and integrity within systems in our nation is one that will not happen overnight. It will require all individuals to play their part, by being informed citizens who do not partake in corruption even in its simplest form. By being conscious of the power which we have and, to choose to use that power responsibly, we will find ourselves dismantling the cycle of corruption when it is our time to enter the workspace.

As said by Phumla Williams, “If we are to defeat this scourge we need all sectors of society to play their part". As students seeing the current situation our nation is in, our first response should not be to flee when we have the chance, but rather to be part of the change we hope to see. Let us adopt the key principles of good governance to ensure that we do not see the negative effects of power and wealth in the years to become.

- Khanyisile Cotani

subcribe subcribe for for submission: submission: social social media media influencers influencers are are taking taking over over Over the last decade, there has been a definite rise in the number of social media influencers gaining popularity. We have grown to love and follow the day-to-day lives of our favourite influencers on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Social media influencers have the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others due to their authority, position, and knowledge. However, the power that social media has over our minds and emotions are more effective than one might think. We, as the viewers and consumers, feel the need to follow these seemingly perfect influencers, possibly to seek guidance to reach society's expectations or to gain self-assurance.

These days, people are more likely to put their trust in social media influencers over celebrities who credit their fame to blockbuster movies, hit songs, or inherited wealth. Hearing pitches from relatable influencers make products and specific lifestyles appear to be far more attainable than coming from celebrities, who live excessively glamorous lifestyles. Because of this, social media influencers are seen as credible, but is this a good or bad thing?

As these influencers gain more fame, they promote paid advertisements. This can often positively help consumers in ethical and service-oriented ways. For example, they may use their power to spread awareness about urgent current events. Perhaps they encourage a follower to live a happy vegan lifestyle with no regrets. Maybe a follower will be educated on the negative factors of fast fashion and find that they love thrifting anyway.

Still, some influencers cannot be trusted as they may genuinely dislike or not even use their promoted products and only share what they profit the most from. Therefore we should be aware that not all influencers are as authentic as they portray themselves to be online.

Social media is often a breeding ground for comparison, which creates a sense of lacking when confronted regularly with the popularity and productivity of its 'flawless' influencers. The reliance on social media, especially among teens, develops the image of who we should be in terms of how to think, dress, and act, etc. Following many conventionally attractive social media influencers frequently leads to a worsened body image and increased eating disorder rates, predominantly with young females but not with the exception of males.

The ideal beauty type regarding women consists of a very slim body with few curves while men are required to attain a stronger, muscular body. To meet this standard, social media users will edit their posts, continuing the cycle of low selfesteem - and in some cases mental health issues (which have become more prevalent in this day and age).

Therefore, we should hold those, who we look to for entertainment, accountable, and ensure that we are using our social media platforms to drive diversity and transparency throughout society.

- hannah hannah hill hill

Power to You: Take Back 2020 and Make it Yours!

C is

hange is

is

inevitable,

necessary.

would

remain

Write down your goals

change

Without

constant

it,

we

as

the

02 02

and assess where your power lies

world around us passed by. During the

nationwide

lockdown,

it

was

To progress into the next year

easy to feel helpless - like you had

and

made no progress in any aspect of

you need to take note of the

your life. If that is the case, I assure

things that have left your path

you that you are not alone. All we

and

need is a little reminder that we

wish

have the power to change 2020.

remember that when one door

By

closes,

acknowledging

your

feelings,

achieve

your

recognize to

aspirations,

what

you

accomplish.

another of

one any

still

Always

opens.

find comfort in these helpful tips to

Regardless

deadlines

change the year and make it yours!

that you have missed this year, set aside time to develop your skills and passions so that when

Recognising the power

01 01

you are presented with the next

of acceptance

opportunity, you will be ready.

There

is

so

much

acceptance

of

circumstances, we've

made many

Maybe

you

schoolwork Ohm’s Instead these

and

Law

the

far.

fell

2020 our

has way.

behind

didn't

section

of

our

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challenges

and

in

oneself,

thus

thrown

power

punishing

with

ace

in

a

that test?

yourself

shortcomings,

for

understand

that you cannot turn back time, and instead focus on making progress in the

present.

Accepting

something

for ‘what it is’ rather than ‘what it is not’

helps

to

boost

your

overall

mood. Self-acceptance is key in the journey worth

of and

establishing shifting

your

your

self-

positive

energy to what is truly important.

The Rewarding Power of Peparation and

03 03

PresePreservation

Being adaptable enables you to overcome change. By having an idea

of

want

which

to

travel,

yourself

to

destination, detour,

direction

or

you

you allow

reach whilst

your

taking

stopping

along

a the

path. Make a plan and stick to it to the best of your abilities, but do not let that plan obstruct your

view

of

other

opportunities. By having a sense of

flexibility,

you

not

only

prevent a situation from taking control over you, but you also If

demand self-power.

this

year

has

taught

us

anything, it should be that we are

prone

most Invest in Yourself and Feel Y 04 04

Your Inner Power Grow

to

recharge

not

only

does wonders for your body, both physically and mentally but also brings about success. The more effort you invest in yourself, the greater

outputs

you

will

be

rewarded with. This ensures that you are motivated to strive to do your

best

triumphs

and will

confidence!

in

turn,

generate

taking

wondrous

of

even

the

things

for

granted. In the years to come, post-Covid,

whatever

life

throws our way, we will know to

Allowing time for self-care and a chance

to

your self-

grab

it

with

both

hands

and

face it head-on. Remember to believe

in

yourself

and

your

power that lies within.

Always Always take take massive, massive, imperfect imperfect action action towards towards your your goals. goals. The The time time will will never be just right never be just right Derric Derric Yuh Yuh Ndim.

Ndim.

- Taherah Orrie

by Mu'minah Salie Special thanks to: Our talented Wynpress committee members for always producing the most thought provoking pieces, Ms Lawrence for all the time and effort dedicated to ensuring every Wynpress issue is at its very best, Ms Wallace for taking the time to ensure that the issue is ready for publishing, the Communications and Marketing team for sharing our work with the Wynberg family, and lastly, thank you to our wonderful readers for supporting us. *Images and cartoons are courtesy of Canva (www.canva.com)