WOOF ISSUE 33

ISSUE 33 // SPRING 2023

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear reader,

Thank you so much for picking up this copy of Woof Magazine. We’re incredibly proud of the work you’re about to read – the culmination of articles from the 2022-2023 academic year. Our writers, designers, and eboard have worked so hard on this magazine, creating a final product that highlights student life at Northeastern. We’re so excited to share that with you.

This year, we decided to only do one print magazine, so this issue includes articles from our September, November, February, and March online publications. We unfortunately didn’t have the space to publish every article in print, so if you finish the magazine and find yourself hungry for more, go ahead and visit woof-mag.com or our Instagram, @nuwoof.

Again, thanks so much for taking a look through our magazine. We hope you enjoy.

Dylan Dhindsa Editor in Chief

WOOF MAGAZINE

PRESIDENT

Amyah Lockhart

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dylan Dhindsa

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Isabella Stone & Alexa Marmolejo

VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

Alejandra Robles

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Rania Mecca & Jessica Xing

SECTION EDITORS

Skylar Kamen, Alexa Grayson Emily Niedermeyer, Grace Wilson & Jessica Xing

COPY EDITORS

Jo Ashman, Victoria Caspare & Sarah Yi

WRITERS

Victoria Caspare, Keira Echevarria, Tanvi Kemkar, Jacob Kemp, Olivia Mintz, Emily Niedermeyer, Val O’Neill, Quinn Pasmantier, Jeta Perjuci, Isabella Stone & Jessica Xing

DESIGNERS

Lindsay Behenna, Emma Bell, Isaiah Blackmon, Chloe Clancy, Lucas Clavijo, Zainib Hussain, Amyah Lockhart, Tiffany Luo, Alexa Marmolejo, Gigi Peterson, Isabella Stone & Jessica Xing

COVER DESIGN BY

Isabella Stone

FRONT MEDIA & CULTURE

WE BROUGHT

this matters and what comes next

why

Welcome to the new Northeastern University, where getting condoms and Emergency Contraception is as easy as getting Skittles or a bottle of water, and we are so incredibly proud.

After months of advocacy and planning, Northeastern has finally approved and installed a new kind of vending machine on the first floor of Marino Gym: one focused on wellness. Products include free sexual health supplies, free menstrual products, low-cost medications like Advil and Tylenol, and perhaps most significantly, generic Plan B emergency contraceptive pills. These emergency contraceptives, that are only $7 in the vending machine, are not only more accessible to students and community members physically, but also much more affordable than the typical $40 to $50 prices at the average pharmacy.

Emergency contraceptives are an effective, safe, and important medication that can be taken after unprotected sex or sex where protective measures failed to prevent pregnancy. Before now, students could only get emergency contraceptives by making an appointment at the clinic or heading off campus. But times are changing. Offering these in the vending machine is breaking down a huge barrier to access.

It’s been a hit too. In just the first week, the entire vending machine was bought out and restocked twice, showing the critical need for these resources among students. Additionally, the discounted and free supplies aren’t just limited to Northeastern students. Anybody

from our community can obtain these vital wellness resources atwill and at-need, in a building open at least 18 hours every day.

The vending machine was installed in Marino partially due to advocacy from SHARE, the on-campus club for sexual health, advocacy, resources, and education. All of the above accessibility aspects are essential components to the SHARE’s central goals for the vending machine: furthering reproductive justice and care in our community.

What is reproductive justice? Well, it’s more than just abortion rights, though that is one heavy focus in our current advocacy. Reproductive justice is a critical feminist framework that defends the human rights we all share: to maintain personal bodily autonomy, to have children, not to have children, and to grow up in safe and sustainable communities. It encompasses more than the political and legal spheres, but also the economic, social, and health factors that impact our collective and deeply personal reproductive and sexual choice abilities.

This framework guides everything we do in SHARE. Now, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June (goddamnit, Trump appointees) leading to a legal patchwork of abortion restrictions and reproductive care access across the country, students at Northeastern have access to an essential resource that we didn’t before. And that feels really good.

The work does not end though, and there is always more to be done. We are working to make sure that the vending machine is stocked

and filled at all times to meet demand. Northeastern is also discussing establishing a similar wellness vending machine at the new Mills College and Charlotte campuses. Additionally, with the recent passage of Bill H.5090 through the Massachusetts legislature – which expands and protects reproductive and gender-affirming health care in the Commonwealth – SHARE and the university are in dialogue about how to bring medical abortion options to campus, a requirement placed upon public, higher-ed institutions in Massachusetts by the legislation. The work before us is exciting and more important than ever.

This reproductive justice victory is the culmination of months of advocacy and planning between SHARE, University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) and the Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern (OPEN). We are grateful for this partnership and grateful to every student who participated in efforts to make this vending machine a reality. And above all, we are beyond grateful that Northeastern community members now have the access to emergency contraception that every community deserves. Let’s keep up the fight.

NOTE: Students can also purchase the Emergency Contraception at the UHCS front desk during office hours or ask questions about the medication. UHCS also provides prescriptions for the Ella pill, an emergency contraceptive that has a more inclusive weight limit, if students make an appointment in the office.

The Rise and Fall of BeReal

WRITTEN BY QUINN PASMANTIER // DESIGNED BY ISAIAH BLACKMON

The sound is unmistakable; a threetoned trill topped off with a low bell. Everyone in the room pulls out their phones, including yourself. Some rush to take pictures with their friends, others shove their phones away with a mumbled promise to do it later– and then two minutes later, it’s over.

BeReal is a well-known photo sharing app that promises a different spin on social media. It functions in a manner wholly unlike other social media apps:

there is no editing, no follower count, and no permanent posts. In fact, users cannot even choose when they post. Once per day, at a completely arbitrary time, BeReal sends out a notification stating that it’s time to log in. When the post is activated by the user, a countdown will begin, and allow two minutes for a photo – simultaneously taken with the front and back camera, to display both the user and their location. This very simple take on social media contrasts heavily with platforms like Instagram, whose

photos are often condemned for being too edited or preplanned.

Despite BeReal’s good intentions, there are still certain loopholes present in the app which can inhibit their mission. For example, there is no penalty for letting the counter reach zero, nor is there any effect caused by posting late. This function is likely for fairness, as BeReal can’t guarantee that everyone will be available during that one, small, window. However, it does create an opportunity to ‘save’ your BeReals for later. By being able to post anytime after the notification goes off, a user can wait to take their picture. They can choose to use it during a party or some other visually engaging situation in order to capture a

more interesting activity. It’s not an uncommon occurrence either: In a survey posted to Woof Magazine’s Instagram, students were asked several questions about their experience with BeReal. 83.3% of 6 reported they have found themselves ‘saving’ their BeReals before. This begs the question as to whether or not the app can ever create a realistic window into a someone’s life.

Similarly, BeReal’s formula appears to be getting a little stale for longtime users. It’s meant to be as streamlined and content-focused as possible – a facet which, though true to their mission, causes the app to become less interesting for some. 66.7% of the Northeastern students surveyed reported that while they use BeReal multiple times a week, they don’t post everyday. This number may fluctuate within the coming months, however, as BeReal is still pushing for college ambassadors to promote their product. Even at Northeastern, there are attempts to spread the word: “BeReal gave my friend’s sorority money if they all downloaded the app, so she told us about it.” says second year English major, Grace Wilson. “It was like a marketing thing to get a bunch of students to download it.” Even with short boosts like these, though, BeReal may be more of a passing fad if it does not create any updates.

There are, however, many upsides to BeReal. It isn’t a perfect system,

but it does provide a less filtered way to see what people are up to. Many use it as just a method of keeping updated on long-distance friends, or even as a photo diary. Beyond its usefulness, it also provides users something to look forward to. While BeReal may just be a passing trend, it should also

be noted that its goals were noble. It also sends an important message to the ever-growing online world about staying in touch with yourself. Whether or not you use it, whether or not you’ve even heard of it, the sentiment remains the same: life is better when it’s real.

Is Replacing Reality

Television?

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA CASPARE

DESIGNED BY AMYAH LOCKHART

For some Tiktok users, there is a new trend that may replace many forms of entertainment: reading. Tiktok employs an algorithm to curate videos for each user, and one niche group that has formed from this algorithm is “BookTok.” BookTok has encouraged young adults and teens to read novels, mainly romance and fiction, by making short videos discussing and promoting the aesthetics and themes of these books.

BookTok has been one of the leading reasons for the increase in book sales amongst authors, some being Colleen Hoover, Victoria Aveyard, and Emily Henry. BookTok has helped sell over 20 million books in 2021, says Insider Intelligence in their article “Behind BookToks Popularity.” This clearly shows the impact this TikTok subcommunity has on viewers, and how the app heavily influences the medium of entertainment individuals are consuming .

With these self-publishing authors having the help of social media on their side, it’s made me wonder whether these new fast reads are starting to replace reality television. Reality TV and novels aimed at young adults have the same motive: to create an engaging experience. The entertainment value of reading these books and watching trashy reality TV shows is so compelling that individuals spend hours of their time on them.

So here’s what we know. The number of reality TV shows has been increasing alongside the number of streaming services. The more reality shows providers

produce and stream, the more likely individuals will purchase that streaming service. Hulu, for instance, is the only streaming service to have “The Kardashians,” and Netflix is the only service to have their self-produced dating game show, “Too Hot To Handle.”

Despite their popularity as bingewatching shows, the downfall of these shows is their plots. Many reality shows today have the same layout and plot, around 8-12 episodes per season with the same cliffhangers and objectives. As I watch these shows, I’ve begun to predict the endings before I even get there. Where’s the fun in that?

The appeal that BookTok introduces is variety. It’s extraordinary how much influence BookTok has on individual behavior, especially when it comes to encouraging readers to purchase and read these books. One of BookTok’s biggest trending books is “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover. The TikToks promoting the entertainment value of Colleen Hoover’s books made me and countless others

decide to purchase them. Over 4 million copies of “It Ends With Us’’ have been sold, according to the New York Times. In the same way that you binge-watch reality TV, BookTok wants you to binge-read.

So when it comes to what has been gaining society’s attention, BookTok is becoming a strong competitor and giving reality TV a run for its money. I’m more inclined to grab a book now than ever before, rather than turning on all the shows I used to binge-watch. And I’m not the only reader that BookTok has created and inspired. The number of readers from 2019 to 2021 has increased by 81%, demonstrating a clear impact. BookTok is tying the entertainment industry and society together. This consumer-generated marketing has raised a high level of expectation for authors.

These new creative outlets will make you consider whether you’re going to turn on the latest episode of “The Kardashians” or if you’re going to pick up a New York Times Bestseller.

WRITTEN BY KEIRA ECHEVARRIA

DESIGNED BY EMMA BELL

SURVIVAL GUIDE

For a First - Generation College Student on Campus

Going to college can be a very overwhelming situation. You may feel lost, not know what to expect, and you might be the first person in your family trying to figure all of this out on your own – at least I was. If this sounds like you, use this guide to ease some of your stress, and remember that you are not alone. These tips will help you on your way as you are navigating college life as a firstgeneration college student.

SCHOOL TIPS

Stay ahead on y our work. Whenever you have the opportunity, try to get your work done. You will greatly appreciate it in the long run, and it will keep you motivated. There may be times when you think you do not have anything to do, but find your next assignment, even if it is not due for another week, and GET IT DONE. Work can pile up fast, so always work ahead when you can.

Study and do you r work outside. When the weather is nice, take advantage of it! The winters will be frigid, and there are so many spaces to do work around campus.

If you wan t to rent a study space in Snell, book ahead. Study spaces in Snell book up

very quickly, so plan ahead for when you want to use one of them. I suggest booking about a day in advance to ensure you get the space you want.

Participate and t alk to your professors. Do not be afraid to engage in class. If you have questions, ASK. Reach out to your teachers ahead of time if you will not be in class or if any problems or questions arise.

RELATIONAL TIPS

Join clubs and participate in activities.

Being alone at school can be a little scary at first, so use these as opportunities to get to know other people who also have similar interests as you.

Do not change w ho you are . You will meet all different types of people and will want to make friends, but do not force yourself to be friends with people you don’t get along with. Look to find and create meaningful relationships with people you trust.

Use your reso urces . There are so many people here on campus that want to see you succeed. Reach out to these people if you have any questions and/or concerns.

PERSONAL TIPS

It is ok to eat in dining halls by yourself. Every person here is on a different schedule, so it may be hard to meet up with your friends to eat. It is totally normal to eat by yourself.

Explore Bos t on. You are in a beautiful city that is filled with adventures around every corner. Take time to discover everything it has to offer.

Make col lege you r own. Do not compare your experience to your peers. Do what makes YOU happy and make the most out of the opportunities you have been given.

As a first-generation student myself, I am met with a new challenge every day, and I never know what to expect. Take a deep breath and enjoy college. Work hard and make memories. There will be times that you will miss your family and friends from home, but know that they are all rooting for you and everyone here is too.

You can do this!

THE COMEBACK OF VINYL

WRITTEN BY JETA PERJUCI

DESIGNED BY ZAINAB HUSSAIN

Vinyl records have been around since 1877 and remained popular for the next century until they were replaced by cassette tapes, a more compact, portable, and convenient way to listen to music. However, with the second ever celebration of the annual Record Store Day in 2008 in California, music enthusiasts and artists around the world have united in support of independent record stores.

Why has vinyl continued to remain popular almost 15 years later? Despite the countless ways to listen to music today, vinyl records retain a timeless element that many audiophiles prefer over more convenient methods

like using headphones and Spotify. It has been an ongoing debate ever since the rise of digital media, but vinyl fans argue that vinyl sounds better because it is not overly compressed, with the grooves of the record creating a more open sound that allows the instruments to be heard more clearly, therefore producing a more authentic sound than digital versions of music.

There is also the culture and feel of using vinyl that makes listening to music a more intimate experience. Even if you grew up with radio and iPods, the act of taking out a record from its sleeve, placing it on the platter and aligning the needle on the disc feels

very nostalgic. Holding onto a physical album encourages appreciation for the music and bids the act of listening to it as the main event, creating a more personal experience.

Vinyl records have been around for over a century, and it is clear that they aren’t going out of style anytime soon. So whether you are shopping at Urban Outfitters or an old-fashioned record store, take time to sort through the shelves because you’ll certainly find something you like and gain a feeling of growing appreciation.

THE HARSH TRANSITION TO

Corporate America

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY ISABELLA STONE

“There is simply no way life after college can be like this,” I thought to myself as I walked to my co-op on my first day.

Jan. 9, 2023 marked the day that I started as a design co-op. I was ecstatic to actually start, yet as I got off the T, I was hit with a depressing realization.

All of these people that were swarming out of South Station do this every day. Wake up, get ready, commute, work 9-5, commute home, and go to bed. A vicious cycle. The masses hustle through the financial district to make it to the office by their morning meeting, driven by the aggressive pedestrian culture.

Then the workplace culture hit, and I found myself swimming in a massive sea. I got pushed right into the role with no time to process. I was meeting new people left and

right, barely remembering their names, trying to learn how to use the espresso machine without looking like an idiot, and struggling to relate to many of the robots that call themselves directors of blah blah department.

After countless coffee chats with my fellow employees, I learned that those who have been in the corporate world for less time actually have much more respect for their peers. Every manager that I have had a one-on-one with has not fully listened, and has not cared to learn about who I truly am. They have been consumed by corporate America, and they don’t have any time to breathe, let alone meet another new subordinate. However, I have found comfort in connecting with other co-ops and the younger associates, who have a lot of advice for navigating and thriving in the corporate machine.

Since being on my first co-op, I have noticed that our generation seems to have a far better outlook on work-life balance, compared to my older coworkers. We have more respect for ourselves and others. As young adults we have the capability to choose where our life goes.

Don’t get me wrong, we can find our way in corporate America, but it is up to us to change the hustling culture for the better. We need to prevent ourselves from getting stuck in the vicious cycle by molding our workplace environments, and continuing to ensure we are doing what we love. The moment you stop loving what you do is the moment you will no longer feel in control, and become bogged down by the corporate world.

KANYE KANYE KANYE KANYE

WEST WEST WEST

WEST

SEPARATING AND

ART FROM

ART FROM ART FROM ART FROM ART FROM ART FROM ART FROM

THE ARTIST THE ARTIST THE ARTIST THE ARTIST THE ARTIST THE ARTIST THE ARTIST

WRITTEN BY DESIGNED BY EMILY NIEDERMEYER LINDSAY BEHENNA

With a long career spanning from music to fashion design, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has established himself as a star. He has released 11 studio albums, a multitude of collaborations and other works, and has 51 million monthly listeners on Spotify, making him the 19th most popular artist on the platform. His work in high fashion has also helped his rise in fame, from fashion collections to his brand Yeezy, now known as YZY, a collaboration with German sportswear company Adidas.

For the past year, however, the rapper and designer has spurred numerous controversies due to his increasingly troubling behavior.

In March, West was banned from performing at the Grammy awards. In April, he was withdrawn from headlining Coachella. In October, it appeared as though the internet had enough when West wore a “White Lives Matter” shirt at Paris Fashion week and then made a number of antisemitic remarks, later doubling down on the rhetoric and aligning himself with white supremacists.

West insinuated that Jewish people control the music industry and darkly referred to going “death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE,” in a now removed tweet on Twitter.

In response, many brands cut ties with him and denounced his words, including Adidas. After weeks of his erratic behavior and offensive language, the company and the key to his “fashion empire” announced that it would cut ties with him. The move is anticipated to cost the

company 250 million euros ($246 million) this year.

Now the question arises, as it has for all the other artists who have committed wrongdoing and been rejected by the music industry: should we separate the art from the artist?

As Intelligence Debates wrote, “it’s a question at the heart of both pop culture and high art critique.” It has been raised for a variety of celebrities and creators across the entertainment spectrum, such as J.K. Rowling and her transphobic twitter posts, Michael Jackson and the allegations of pedophilia, Pablo Picasso and his reputation of being a misogynist, or Chris Brown and his history of abuse towards women.

Some believe works of art are entities in themselves. They should be valued separately from the creator. For others, supporting works of art means supporting its creator and therefore giving the creator’s actions and opinions a platform to have influence on people.

Do we remove the artists’ songs from our playlists? Do we stop wearing their clothing brands? Or do we continue to listen and support them knowing that their beliefs and actions don’t align with our own morals?

In a poll conducted by WOOF Magazine, 100% of respondents were aware of the recent controversy surrounding Kanye West. 46.2% were not listeners to Kanye prior to the events of

October. 30.8% listened to him often and 23.1% listened to him occasionally.

Of the 14 respondents who did listen to West, 57% said that they stopped listening entirely to him, 21.4% cut back on listening to his music and 21.4% still listened to him just as much as they had previously.

Respondents cited West’s “horrible” comments and values so different from their own when deciding to stop supporting him. One said “we shouldn’t be continuing to stream the songs and financially contribute to someone actively spewing antisemitism, racism and all types of hatred.”

Opinions on whether we should separate the art from the artist were mixed. Many believe that when you support the art, you inherently support the bad person and give permission for them to continue their harmful behavior, especially when support is a direct pipeline to their profit.

One said separating the art is “a weak excuse to not hold people accountable for their actions.”

Others believed that unless the art is “directly rooted in the controversy” you can separate it from the artist.

Ultimately, the longevity of Kanye West and his future success or downfall depends on listeners. Many brands have cut ties with Ye. Will fans and listeners decide to cut ties too?

WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING EXCHANGE STUDENT

WRITTEN BY TANVI KEMKAR // DESIGNED BY CHLOE CLANCY

In January 2022, I got the acceptance letter from Northeastern University – it was official, I would be spending the second half of the year on the East Coast! I was ecstatic, as this had been a dream of mine since I was a first-year at the University of Auckland, in New Zealand. I knew there would be challenges, but that still did not prepare me for everything coming my way.

I’m an exchange student from New Zealand, spending one semester at NEU to finish off my studies before graduating from university. The process after getting

accepted into the university was the most stressful five months of my life. There were so many administration processes in getting official documents – DS-19 visa, immigration clearance, health forms – that I already felt fed up with this exchange. The most stressful part of it all was trying to complete the requirements in the small time period I had. The continuous emails, late-night meetings due to time differences, and frequent phone calls to check up on my documents was draining. But as July ended, and all the administrative processes were complete, I was excited to go. America, here I come!

I love packing for trips. I love planning outfits, envisioning myself in the country, and figuring out what I will need for my time there. It was like a little movie trailer in

my head. But when you’re packing for four to five months of living abroad, it’s a little harder. Despite watching so many exchange

“Because of the first orientation I had with all the exchange students, I have been able to meet some of my best friends who I have already made so many amazing memories with.”

BEING AN STUDENT

videos on YouTube and heaps of TikToks, it was still so hard to pack my life for four months into one suitcase. I didn’t know what to expect, so I hoped for the best and packed what I thought would be useful, making sure to limit it to essentials.

After one month here, it’s safe to say I didn’t pack enough for the amount that I was going out and how hot it still was. Now I know: If you are ever contemplating packing that extra top, the answer is always yes. If you are someone who enjoys fashion and trying different styles out, studying abroad is the perfect place to do it, because no one knows you, and you’re in a different place! Thrifting has allowed me to expand my wardrobe and try out new styles.

Coming to America has exposed me to so many different cultures, thanks to the exchange program at NEU. Because of the first orientation I had with all the exchange students, I have been able to meet some of my best friends, with whom I have already made so many amazing memories. This program has allowed me

to make friends from across the world, and I’ve been able to learn so much about different cultures. It’s been so fun because we all are in the same boat, and despite them not being from home, I’ve been able to create a home with them. From having movie nights, riding blue bikes at midnight across the Charles River, and international dinners where each weekend we cook different cuisines, we’ve had so many memorable moments which I am so thankful for. For any exchange students who are shy to talk to people, honestly, just do it. These people will be your family for your duration on exchange.

Despite having my new family, there are times I miss my family and friends back home and wish to be in my cozy bed. Not every day on this exchange has been super amazing – filled with adrenaline and constant fun. There are some days when there is such a culture shock in lectures with the way content is delivered, varying from back home, and you have to learn a whole new structure to ensure you stay on top of things. Or days where you really miss comfort food from your favorite restaurant, or

your mum’s cooking, and you just wish you could be back home for the evening. In those times I call my family and friends, talk to them, and catch up on their lives to give me that homely feeling.

THE ACADEMY OF Double Standards

WRITTEN BY OLIVIA MINTZ // DESIGNED BY TIFFANY LUO

The Oscars are still so white. Though representation has vastly increased throughout fulllength productions, there are still complaints about award shows, specifically the Oscars, discrediting actors and directors of color for their phenomenal work.

The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite, originally tweeted by April Reign in January 2015, began a movement to protest the racism perpetuated by the Hollywood film industry. For years the majority of nominees and winners for Oscars ceremonies have been white. In the 94 years of the Academy Awards, only about 9% of the awards have

been won by people of color, according to the Evening Standard.

The top nominated film for this year’s Oscars was the sci-fi drama “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” written and directed by “Daniels” (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert). With 11 nominations, this film has been regarded as groundbreaking for its creativity, storytelling, and Asian representation. The main cast (Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, and Ke Huy Quan) has earned nominations in the leading and supporting acting categories for their phenomenal performances. Co-director Daniel Kwan has also been nominated for the best

director category. Additionally, the best supporting actress nomination was given to Hong Chau for her work in the film “The Whale.” For the Asian community, this is a record number with four acting nominations in one year. This year, only two actors of color were nominated for acting roles: Angela Bassett for best actress in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Brian Tyree Henry for best supporting actor in “Causeway.”

Looking back on the former Oscarnominated films, they had primarily white casts with token characters of color. These characters would be stereotypes of their respective

races and have little time on screen. The first person of color to win an acting Oscar was Hattie McDaniel, an African American woman who starred in the 1939 film “Gone with the Wind.” However, her role in the film was an enslaved maid, known as a “mammy.” A mammy is now referred to as a racial caricature for Black women who took care of white children during slavery. During that time, however, it was unfortunately common for Black actors to portray characters like mammies or slaves.

Many films starring people of color that have been nominated by the Academy have also been historical dramas depicting tragedies like war, slavery, segregation, or any other exploitation of minorities. Though this medium showcases past events, it can be seen as exhausting for representation to only focus on traumatic events. Such films include “12 Years a Slave” and “The Color Purple.” To some, these films could be considered forms of trauma porn, meaning that there is an excessive display of pain within a marginalized community. Why can’t people of color have stories on the big screen that aren’t heartbreaking to watch? Where are their slice-of-life stories?

Aside from being present in historical dramas, people of color are making their marks within the horror, science fiction, and fantasy genres. In the past few years, films like “Parasite,” “Get Out,” and “Black Panther,” have won numerous Academy Awards. Seeing that more people of color are dominating

these fields makes me believe that there’s some disconnect between the standards of predominantly white and minority productions. If a movie is directed by or features people of color, is there a better chance of them being nominated and potentially winning an Oscar if the work is in an obscure genre?

Though the Academy Awards do fail to recognize many performances by people of color in films that are not within supernatural or historical categories, it seems that there is an expectation that minorities have to be “different” in order to stand out.

Unless a film is directly created for a certain demographic, the audience for many large-scale productions consists of white people. Therefore, this makes it less common for stories featuring leads of color to be presented to a wider range of viewers.

As an African American cinephile, I feel that there is an abundance of movies that focus on the Black community that have some sort of relation to racism, segregation, or slavery. Though they can be used to educate people about our history, they can be tiring to watch because it hurts to see that the only movies about my culture showcase our struggles. I would love to see more coming-of-age films and movies that show what daily life is like.

Insights on THE TRAGEDY OF HETEROSEXUALITY

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY ISABELLA STONE

One thing that I’ve come to realize is that the patriarchy is rooted in everything we experience. But one thing people don’t necessarily recognize is the extremely sexist and patriarchal system that “straightness” is formed around. Jane Ward, a professor of gender and sexuality studies at the University of California, Riverside, is the author of “The Tragedy of Heterosexuality,” an LGBTQ+ perspective on cis-straight relationships and why they are in danger. She provides a perfectly formed critique of heterosexual culture and how it is destroying women.

Ward opens her book by stating that queer people are afraid for their straight peers. According to her, the nuclear straight relationship is one marked by an extreme distaste for the opposite gender. Men have been raised to have an underlying disgust for women, whether it be for their higher emotional intellect or natural appearances. Men then found ways to cope with being with women, so bodily, behavioral, and sexual expectations are forced onto women by their male partners. This causes intimate partner violence, and on a less extreme level, relationship dissatisfaction.

Men seem to be focused on one thing as displayed by the media: sex. But hetero sex has never actually been wanted by most men.

In times before colonialism, several societies located in places such as the Middle East had sex-separated groups. These groups would have women-loving-women, or WLW, and men-loving-men relationships, which were satisfactory to them emotionally, physically, and sexually. The groups would seldom come together for the purposes of reproduction and keeping their lineages alive.

What changed? White colonial societies developed the heterosexual ruling system so men could have power, which led to the formation of similar patriarchal systems across the world. It became the norm despite it being abnormal. This new system was rooted in hatred for women. It drove men to seek out the “hottest woman” defined by a narrow set of criteria (hairless, scented, dieted, young) only to impress their male counterparts and gain the sexual approval of their male counterparts. Ward even suggests that men have “countless missed opportunities” to actually like women, as their hetero-masculinity is characterized by a weaker and more conditional desire for women.

Heterosexual relationships have brought myself and other women a lack of emotional and sexual fulfillment, fear of rape, coercion, abuse, and more, which has all led to confusion on how love

could be like this. The people in our lives justify men’s actions by telling us we “just haven’t found the right man,” but men just cannot understand how to please women and were only brought up to please themselves. They were brought up to normalize gender roles, eroticize them and even violently act on them, believing this to be a “normal” relationship.

As a bisexual woman, it took me years to recognize the reason why there is a difference between dating men and women. Men have never understood misogyny and it’s time that they understand it all stems from their unhealthy straight relationships, their inner homophobia, and their toxic homoeroticism. Women who are still attracted to men cannot just ignore this for their wellbeing, otherwise, many more women would choose to be in a WLW relationship for the safety and respect it provides. It’s time to change the narrative on how we discuss hetero relationships, to help all hetero people change. Women need help, men need to be made aware of toxic heteromasculinity and heterosexuality is in danger.

Thrift Trip FOR YOUR NEXT

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY

JESSICA XING

LOCAL THRIFT STORES

1. Go early

Going thrifting when the store has just opened will give you the first pick of the day’s items. Being able to sift through the racks before everyone has gone through them gives you a higher chance of finding items that you like, and the newly discounted pieces.

2. Check the rack of new arrivals

Most stores have a rack near the front of the store with clothing that has recently been brought out. It’s always worth going through these, as not many people have gone through them yet, and you never know what you may find!

3. Take advantage of discounts

Be sure to take note of any promotions or discounts. Goodwill stores generally have a certain colored tag marked 50% off depending on the day of the week, and also offer a 15% student discount on Thursdays! Taking note of which colored tag is discounted each day of the week is never a bad idea either.

4. Shop outside of your size

There can be many unique finds that have been misplaced or put back in the wrong section. Some brands also run big or small, meaning a small in one brand may fit you even if you’re usually a medium. That large sweatshirt isn’t the wrong size, it’s just intentionally oversized.

5. Plan ahead

Before going thrifting, make a list of what you’re looking for so that you’re

less overwhelmed by the seemingly endless racks of clothes. This will also prevent you from buying items that you don’t really need. Another way to plan ahead is by creating a Pinterest board of outfits that you’d like to replicate and then look for the pieces you need.

6. Bring reusable bags

While some thrift stores may offer paper bags for a certain fee, bringing reusable bags is always a good idea so that you’re not stuck having to carry an armload of clothing back home on the T. As a bonus, reusable bags are usually more durable and sustainable!

7. Wash your clothes

As cute as that new top may be, make sure to wash your clothes before wearing any of them. You never know where donated clothing from the store has been, what it has touched, or if the person who wore it last washed it before donating it.

8. Look for people’s rejects

Many people leave their rejects on the ends of racks, whether it’s because it didn’t fit them, wasn’t in their budget, or they found something even better. However, you can often find many treasures in these small stacks of clothing. You can even find some last minute pieces by going back around the store quickly before checking out to see if there are any new rejects hanging on the racks that weren’t there before.

9. Avoid impulse buys

In order to prevent buying something that you’ll regret later, ask yourself: Will I actually wear this? Am I just getting it because of the price? Is this what I came looking for? Am I sure that it’s the right size for me?

10. Go through everything later

If you’re unsure about an item, the best thing to do is toss it in your cart and go through everything at the end. This will give you more time to go through the racks and to think about your decision in the back of your mind. You might regret putting it back when you see someone else at checkout with it.

11. Wear tight clothing

Wearing tight clothing such as leggings and a fitted shirt makes it much easier to quickly try on items in the store. Just make sure to change afterwards!

12. Shop on a weekday Saturdays are usually the busiest day for thrift stores, meaning many items will be quickly picked through by others. Going on a weekday when it’s less busy might give you a better chance of getting more treasures. Plus, what better way to take a break from studying than by going thrifting?

13. Find out when the store restocks

If you’re a frequent thrifter, try to find out when your usual thrift stores restock. Some employees may disclose this information to you, but finding out from observation is also possible.

14. Shop off season

As winter approaches and everyone is starting to shop for sweaters and heavy coats, many of the jean shorts and t-shirts may be going on sale. While it may seem far away, buying off season can get you the best deals in preparation for future seasons.

15. Check for defects

Thoroughly check all clothing items for stains, holes, or tears. You never want to come home and find out that the “perfect hoodie” you just found actually has a hole in the sleeve.

With these 15 tips in mind, your next thrift trip should hopefully be more fun and successful. However, keep in mind that each shopping trip is an adventure and you never know what you could stumble upon. Happy thrifting!

Top 5

Trashiest DatingShows

WRITTEN BY VAL O’NEILL // DESIGNED BY GIGI PETERSON

The Bachelor and the Bachelorette have been cult classics in the reality television dating world for years, but since their rise to fame, producers’ ideas have only gotten crazier and crazier. Here’s the countdown for our top five.

5. Love Island

Starting off tame, “Love Island” is probably one of the most iconic dating shows on any streaming network. It has three versions: UK, Australia, and USA, all streaming on Hulu. In all three versions, a group of singles enter a luxury villa in a European paradise for a summer of romance and drama, and a mission to stay in the villa, find love, and win up to £100,000. Since Love Island began, many other dating shows have drawn inspiration from it, including many from this list.

4. Too Hot to Handle

Next is “Too Hot to Handle.”

Similar to “Love Island,” a group of single people enter a villa, expecting a summer full of love and fun. However, they quickly go from excited to disappointed when the omnipotent virtual assistant cone and “host,” of the show, Lana, tells them what the show is really about. In the Netflix show, there is $100,000 on the line, and when any of the singles engage in any sexual act, they begin to lose money from the collective prize fund. They spend the summer in a

beautiful luxury villa in Turks and Caicos. The biggest question that emerges from this show is simply, how are all of these people so horny?

3. The Ultimatum: Marry or Move on Coming in at number three is “The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On.” A group of couples in committed relationships enter the show, all sharing one thing in common. One of the members of the couple has issued an ultimatum to their partner: if they don’t pop the question soon, it’s over. Each couple splits and mingles with others to test their relationship and to see whether they want to try something new or stay with their partner.

2. F Boy Island

Number two is “F Boy Island.” The show features three women entering a villa with 24 men, so I bet you can imagine there’s no shortage of drama with that ratio. 12 of the men are self-proclaimed “nice guys.” 12 of them are self-proclaimed “F-boys.” The three women must mingle and date with all 24 men to establish who are the nice guys and who are the “F-boys.” The nice guys look for love, while the F-boys look for money, aka the prize of $100,000 if they can deceive their way to the finale. The show streams on HBO Max, and it’s basically the embodiment of why women don’t trust men.

1. Dated and Related

This might just be the craziest one yet. “Dated and Related” features a group of singles who enter yet another luxury villa in paradise in search of love and happiness. Except there’s a twist. Everyone enters with a partner in crime – their sibling. Each contestant must be a wingman or wing woman for their sibling, who is also searching for love. Its first season was released this year on Netflix, showing 13 weeks of drama, romance, and sibling awkwardness over a total of 10 episodes. We think some of these siblings might be a little too close for comfort.

How Catie Turner Turned

Sadness into Fame

In 2018, Catie Turner stood in front of the judges on season 16 of “American Idol,” where she wowed the judges with her performance of her original song, “21st Century Machine.” Although she did not go on to win “American Idol,” her musical journey was just beginning.

She continued uploading to her YouTube channel, where she

Turner’s music really began to take off when her original song, “Prom Queen,” was featured in content creator Shane Dawson’s trailer for his docuseries, “The Beautiful World of Jeffree Star.” Turner’s song overlaid the four-minute video and sparked many people’s obsession with Turner and her music, turning her into a viral sensation.

Despite Dawson’s overwhelming amount of controversy regarding racism and pedophilia, which eventually led to him falling victim to “cancel culture,” Turner continued to rise to fame, riding the wave of the audience she gained through Dawson. She has since been able to escape from the affiliation with Dawson, and now has a loyal and devoted fanbase of her own.

In 2019, Turner released her first official EP, “The Sad Vegan,” which features six songs with deep messages about social anxiety, insecurities, and growing up. From 2019 to 2021, she continued to re-

lease singles until coming out with her second EP titled “Heartbroken and Milking It.” The EP features six songs about heartbreaking relationships that will definitely hit hard.

Turner has a strong presence on TikTok and Twitter, where she has a very personal and humorous presence, sharing snippets of original songs, covers, and small parts of her daily life. She interacts with her fans as though they are her close friends, giving her a very approachable and special creator presence.

Despite her unconventional rise to fame, she is only continuing to grow and gather a bigger audience of people who love her music. Turner’s music can and will put you into a comfortingly sad mood, but I promise, it’s worth it. Turner is your perfect “sad girl autumn” artist of choice for this fall.

Why People Will Never Be Happy with Book-to-Screen Adaptations

WRITTEN BY VAL O’NEILL // DESIGNED BY GIGI PETERSON

If you walk into a bookstore right now, you will inevitably come across a shelf or a table stacked with books that have all fallen under a genre that many are calling “Book Tok.” Books from authors like Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry and Taylor Jenkins Reid are often grouped together under this category as they are extremely popular now within young adult readers.

It was only so long before these books started getting transformed into movies and television shows. Many popular books are currently in the process of being turned into screen adaptations. However, people have problems with each and every one of them.

Those problems range from casting to direction to even the streaming platform purchasing the book. Last year, Netflix announced that they would be turning Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” into a movie, which left people disappointed. Many were hoping HBO Max or Hulu would claim the rights to it and turn it into a seven-part limited

series, with one episode for each husband, as the book is structured. However, Netflix has hired Liz Tigelaar to turn it into a movie, and many are worried it will become another Hallmark-esque Netflix original with no depth.

Another example of the public’s disappointment in a plan for a screen adaptation occurred just this past January. Sony Pictures announced that they are turning Colleen Hoover’s viral New York Times bestseller, “It Ends With Us,” into a movie. Unsurprisingly, people are very unhappy with the casting choices. Blake Lively is set to play the leading role of Lily Bloom, and Justin Baldoni will play Lily’s love interest, Ryle Kincaid, as well as direct the movie. Many had other actors in mind for these characters. The casting for the rest of the characters, such as Lily’s childhood love, Atlas Corrigan, has yet to be announced.

People are worried that these castings and the production of the movie will become a shallow visualization of the novel that is beloved by many, like the Sally

Thorne novel, “The Hating Game.”

The book was published in 2016, and came out as a movie in 2021, resulting in a large portion of its audience being severely disappointed by the final product. However, not every review of screen adaptations of books are negative. Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel “Normal People” was turned into a series on Hulu in 2020, and has been very positively reviewed for its production and specifically, its casting. Additionally, just last year another one of Rooney’s popular novels, “Conversations with Friends,” was also made into a series on Hulu, and received pleasant feedback alike.

Evidently, it is always going to be difficult for streaming platforms or production companies to successfully turn books into movies and series without some sort of backlash or negative commentary from the public. The beauty of books is being able to see the characters and the story the way you want to. When Netflix tells people how exactly to see those things, someone will inevitably be unhappy.

PRINCESS DIANA’S IMPACT ON MODERN FASHION

WRITTEN BY ALLISON LANE // DESIGNED BY ZAINAB HUSSAIN

In the 1980s, Diana, Princess of Wales was both royalty of a kingdom and of the fashion industry, with her uniquely sophisticated yet modern style. She possessed the power of wearing groundbreaking gowns catered to her role in the royal family, while also pulling off athleisure and defining her individual streetwear look. Diana managed to make running errands chic – inspiring others to create elevated outfits using their casual attire. Although Diana catapulted this new era of style in the late twentieth century, her impact as a fashion icon continues to last today. Not only did she set the stage for modern royal members, like Meghan Markle, to dress more freely, but she also created trends that today’s celebrities, like Kendall

Jenner, continue to use. Looking back at some of her most classic looks, we can easily pinpoint their powerful effect on fashion today.

History will never forget the moment Diana stepped out in her “revenge dress” for the Vanity Fair

party in London. This short, black, off-the-shoulder dress Diana graced in 1994 directly after her divorce from Charles III goes down as one of the most iconic looks of all time. Her beauty, confidence, and elegance practically dripped off of her. Diana made a powerful statement through this dress: that women deserve better.

To this day, people wear chic black dresses to represent the same type of fearlessness and determination Diana embodied. Breaking both royal protocol and her ties to Charles III, Diana’s

“revenge dress” forever remains a showstopper.

Diana wasn’t just making headlines for her gowns, but also for her casual street attire, which became just as symbolic. One of her most recognized looks became an oversized college crewneck, biker shorts, long socks, and white sneakers. No one had combined these pieces prior, and people certainly did not expect Diana to do so. It became

the off-duty model attire that current fashion icon Hailey Bieber wears, and she even credits her inspiration to Princess Diana, who displayed how comfort can glow.

It’s safe to say we can thank Diana for kickstarting many of today’s most iconic trends. The statement red coat she wore in 1994 kickstarted a worldwide love for puffer coats. Often stepping out in baggy jeans, she started the “mom jeans” casual look that people wear daily. She even wore cowboy boots with sweats to polo matches, making these shoes a staple. Ultimately, Diana remains the blueprint for fashion as we know it.

MARVEL FATIGUE THE FUTURE OF THE MCU AND

WRITTEN BY EMILY NIEDERMEYER // DESIGNED BY ALEXA MARMOLEJO

Marvel has not wasted a penny on advertising their new projects hitting theaters and Disney+ this year. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” are sure to attract large audiences as anticipation builds over the next chapter of the intricate Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Despite the excitement, do these films spark the same excitement that Avengers movies used to a couple of years ago? The hype around “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” was unlike any other we have seen in film history. Though Marvel has followed up with big hits, is the act of going to see Marvel movies in theaters getting a little old?

According to a new study released in November 2022 by Fandom, over one-third of Marvel fans “feel fatigued from the constant stream of content served in theaters and on Disney+.” In comparison, only one-fifth of DC fans, another massive superhero franchise, say the same about the DC Universe. Marvel fans are more inclined to watch any Marvel project, while

DC fans focus on one or two characters they prefer. The study infers that this is the main reason why 36% of Marvel fans are feeling “superhero fatigue.”

According to Screen Rant, the “idea of a franchise going through fatigue essentially means that something is happening to make a large portion of its fanbase feel exhausted by it, regardless of whether they still like the franchise, as a whole.” In this case, the concept is known as “Marvel Fatigue.”

Phase 4 of the MCU has achieved great financial success, especially whilst facing a universal decline in movie theaters, but the idea of “Marvel Fatigue” persists. 2019 featured the culmination of over 20 interconnected films, and after the grand finale to the “Infinity Saga,” no new heights for drama and action have been repeated, even with the release of multiple films just months after the boxoffice record setter.

The new films aren’t fulfilling the satisfying character moments and action-packed scenes that “Avengers: Endgame” did, simply because they aren’t the conclusion of years of character growth and interweaving plotlines. We don’t know what each film is working towards yet, and with no connected purpose, for some viewers, it can feel kind of pointless. It just isn’t worth it for many fans to go to watch in theaters when the films are guaranteed to be on Disney+ only a few months later.

Is the superhero trend finally falling out of fashion? Marvel has movies planned out years in advance, so there will be no decline in content from Disney anytime soon. The new projects are sure to be building towards a second saga of intertwined stories – the question is: Are fans willing to wait to be enticed once more, or will “Marvel Fatigue” continue to plague audiences who once fought tooth and nail to get tickets for opening night?

PAID FOR WITH THE STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND