WOOF ISSUE 32 by WOOF webmaster

WOOF ISSUE 32 // SPRING 2022

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Hey readers, Long time no see! Woof Magazine has taken a slight break from publishing a physical edition of our magazine for the past few years (due to, oh yeah, just a global pandemic). Therefore, we are so very excited to finally be able to showcase in print (!) the incredible, hard work of our writers and designers. This edition has a little bit of everything, which means it has something in it for everyone! Whether you read it solo or flip through with your friends and family, I promise you’ll find an article that excites you. And if you love the content you see here, definitely go check out our website and our Instagram where you’ll find even more fantastic writing and designing. Finally, lots of wonderful people went into the publication of all of these pieces with their behind the scenes work. Our eboard staff has shifted quite a bit over the past three years, but I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has helped make Woof run smoothly. And as always, thanks for reading!

Lauren De Sousa Editor-in-Chief

WOOF MAGAZINE PRESIDENT

Amyah Lockhart

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lauren De Sousa

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Diana Steelman & Jesse Futerman

EIC-IN-TRAINING

Dylan Dhindsa

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Max Rizzuto, Isabella Stone, Alexa Grayson, Amy Oh, Annie Tobin

COPY EDITORS

Sharon Yan, Annie Probert, Grace Wilson

WEB MANAGER

Michelle Pang

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Alejandra Robles

WRITERS

Michelle Pang, Logan Roberts, Isabella Stone, Max Rizzuto, Radhika Srivastava, Sophia Cassim, Alexa Grayson, Dylan Dhindsa, Lauren De Sousa, Sara Akhtar

DESIGNERS

Jenny Minney, Alexa Marmolejo, Isabella Stone, Diana Steelman, Manvi Tandon, Max Rizzuto, Dylan Dhindsa, Jonah Sachs, Erin Furey Cover Photography by Diana Steelman

CONTENTS FRONT

MEDIA & CULTURE

FOCUS

Euphoria: Glorifying Addiction?

Taylor’s Version: How Taylor Swift Is Seeking Justice by Re-recording Her Music

Montero: The Groundbreaking Album Out Generation Needs

Northeastern’s Linked-In Culture

Timeline of Late Night Hosts

Anti-Vaxxers in the Sports Industry

Hasan Minhaj: Using Humour as a Weapon

How Ethical Is Thrifting Really?

Call Her Daddy: Podcast Review

The Fallout: The Defining Movie of Gen Z?

Why You Need to Watch Ted Lasso

Best Study Spaces in Boston

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Best Study Spaces in Boston WRITTEN BY MICHELLE PANG // DESIGNED BY JENNY MINNEY Fenway Park. Newbury Street. The Charles River Esplanade. These are some key local spots that may come to mind when one thinks of Boston. Despite mainly being known as the nation’s college capital, Boston has much more to offer than just this list of places. Constantly buzzing with students determined to finish their assignments before their next impending deadline, Boston offers a plethora of beautiful study spaces to romanticize being productive, chatting with friends, and enjoying the city. Here is a compiled list of the best study spaces for Northeastern students to make getting work done just a little more interesting.

Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street

If you’re tired of the crowds at Snell but still want a free place to study, the Boston Public Library is the perfect upgrade for students wanting to tackle those pesky Canvas notifications. Despite only being a 15-minute walk from campus, the Boston Public Library can feel like an entirely new world. For any Harry Potter nerds upset

that they never got their Hogwarts acceptance letter, make sure to visit the library’s most well-known room, Bates Hall. Here you can relish in the ornate, 50-foot-high barrel vault ceiling lined with large Norman windows and English oak bookcases to channel your inner wizard. Want to take your studying outside? Visit the gorgeous Boston Public Library Courtyard, described as a “palace for the people,” where you can sit surrounded by lush greenery and listen to the serene trickling of the fountain’s water. Running out of battery and craving a more modern space? Try moving indoors to the newly renovated Johnson Building. This sleek, quiet part of the library has floor-to-ceiling windows that provide copious amounts of natural light and a view of Boylston Street. Besides these three spaces mentioned, the library hosts a variety of other rooms (including a café!) that are accessible to the general public. The Boston Public Library is an incredibly diverse space where anyone can find their personal nook.

Farmer Horse Coffee, 374 Massachusetts Avenue

Perhaps you’re longing for more of a homey environment? Farmer’s Horse Coffee might be the ideal place for you. Intricately decorated with mason jar lamps filled with coffee beans, dark red walls with hundreds of handwritten notes, aromatic coffee bags, royally-colored pillows, charmingly mismatched furniture, and quite a delightful amount of horse figurines, this café boasts a lot of history and character. The epitome of a cozy, rainy day, Farmer’s Horse Coffee provides an intimate environment to work individually at a coffee table, or in a group at a farm-style dining table. Students can work alongside the soft whirring of coffee machines and a light chatter. Farmer’s Horse proudly serves strictly Ethiopian coffee roasted daily at a local roaster. Not only are their caffeinated drinks a sure-fire way to stay awake, but they also contribute to a larger cause. For each cup purchased, 10 cents are set aside to aid Ethiopian coffee farmers. Offering free Wi-Fi,

FRONT a more ethical cup of coffee, and the service of an incredibly friendly staff, Farmer’s Horse Coffee is a must-visit for people who want a secluded and comfortable space to type away.

300 Mass Ave, 300 Massachusetts Avenue

Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of campus without actually leaving campus? Northeastern’s newly acquired building, historically known as Horticultural Hall, is the ideal space to be removed from the high energy and populous crowds of main campus. Located next to the Reflecting Pool at the Christian Science Plaza, 300 Mass Ave grants visitors a calm and removed study space with a tap of their Husky card. The first floor is filled with individual desks and a whiteboard. The second floor is set up in a similar fashion, but includes more couch spaces and outlets. Normally quite empty and not entirely well-known by many Northeastern students, this location is perfect for some peace and quiet. When you need absolutely everyone and everything to shut up before that 11:59 p.m. deadline, 300 Mass Ave gives you that necessary alone time.

there are no outlets outside, the view is indubitably breathtaking and a worthy trade-off for a couple hours in the open air. While you don’t need to be religious to set up here and crank out that essay, you may find yourself thanking some otherworldly force for granting you the privilege of being able to work amongst the gorgeous modernist architecture of the Christian Science Plaza. If you find yourself finishing your assignment a little early, take a couple of minutes to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

Pavement Coffeehouse, 44 Gainsborough Street

A list of “Best Study Spaces in Boston” for Northeastern students would not be complete without a mention of Pavement Coffeehouse. Offering arguably some of the best authentic homemade bagels and specialty

Reflecting Pool at the Christian Science Plaza, 93-105 Falmouth Street

On the occasion that a sunny day arises during Boston’s autumn, enjoy the fleeting warmth outdoors by the Reflecting Pool. With a few tables and chairs bordering its perimeter, this space is surprisingly relaxing despite also being a notable tourist attraction. Whether you want to soak in the sun’s rays or work in the shade, the Reflecting Pool offers choices for both. Though

drinks in Boston, Pavement is perfect for any food-driven studiers out there. Comparatively more active than a library, come here for an environment filled with lively chatter and a playlist of music so good you’ll wish you came up with it yourself. Conveniently located, this locally-owned coffeehouse is constantly bustling with enough Northeastern students that you’re bound to say hello to at least one fellow Husky during your study session. Keep in mind that Pavement opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. everyday (and isn’t open on Tuesdays), so this is definitely a spot that you might want to hit up earlier in the day!

Honorable Mentions that are also worth going to! Café Nero, ISEC, Jaho Coffee & Tea, Render Coffee, Trident Booksellers &Café, Boston Athenaeum, Prudential Courtyard, Museum of Fine Arts.

MEDIA & CULTURE

: euphoria GLORIFYING ADDICTION?

WRITTEN BY LOGAN ROBERTS // DESIGNED BY ALEXA MARMOLEJO

MEDIA & CULTURE With its flashy cinematography, bold colors, and dazzling style choices, it’s no wonder the HBO Max show Euphoria has become a sensation among teens. However, concerns are beginning to rise regarding Euphoria’s representation of addiction. Despite the raving reviews from teenagers on social media, the show is controversial with its show of drug use. Representatives of Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (D.A.R.E), an anti-drug organization, even criticized the show for “glorifying” addiction. The truly euphoric show tells the story of high school teenagers surrounded by drugs, addiction, relationships, and parties. The story focuses on Rue, the main character and narrator, as she seeks to find her own happiness through the escapism drugs seem to provide. Fans view the show as a cinematographic masterpiece. Since its debut in 2019, the show has generated a major shift in pop culture. Teens are beginning to alter their style to mirror the glamorous Euphoria looks. This cultural phenomenon is creating new trends in hair, clothing, and makeup as fans seek to recreate the flashy looks represented in the show. Fans are seen copying different characters’ famous looks like Jules’s colorful hairstyles, Maddy’s edgy carnival look, and Cassie’s famous sparkly blue Halloween costume. Teens are attracted to this show because it turns the boring, mundane high school experience into a colorful, exciting time period. However, is this really the reality of high school? Euphoria’s creators must be careful with such a young, impressionable audience. Drugs and addiction are portrayed as seemingly normal occurrences and form the major plot points

within the show. Specifically, plot lines revolve around overdosing, drug deals, and party drugs. The cinematography, flashy colors, and electronic music scores seem to glamorize the drug experience. Is this an accurate representation of addiction? D.A.R.E has publicly stated its strong opinions on Euphoria and its questionable representation of drug use. In a recent statement to TMZ, D.A.R.E said, “Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug use and other high-risk behaviors, HBO’s television drama, Euphoria, chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world.” In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Zendaya, an executive producer and the actress who plays Rue in the show, stated in response to D.A.R.E’s criticism that Euphoria is not a moral tale. “If anything, the feeling behind Euphoria, or whatever we have always been trying to do with it, is to hopefully help people feel a little bit less alone in their experience and their pain,” Zendaya said. More concerns arise on the show’s portrayal of high school students. The high school experience is described with graphic and triggering scenes that are included in almost every episode. In the first episode of the recent season, the plot-line revolves around the grade’s New Year’s party. This episode feels like a fever dream with bright colors, unique outfits, and Euphoria’s favorite plot-line – drugs. Within the first

15 minutes of the episode, Rue overdoses. After Rue overdoses, to counter the event and save herself, she uses another drug. During this experience, she meets Elliot, another addict. Through this experience, they begin to get closer and bond through their similar interests – drugs. D.A.R.E continued to state, “It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as ‘groundbreaking,’ rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school-age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges.” People see this show as raw and authentic, which brings emphasis to the show’s overall message. But Euphoria has such a large, impressionable audience and the power to impact people’s perception of drugs amongst other contemporary issues. Given the show’s popularity, a third season has already been confirmed, bringing even more attention to the show. As it continues in the spotlight, it is imperative to take into account the impact it has on its audience and what message is being highlighted.

Taylor’s Version

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How Taylor Swift Is Seeking Justice by Re-recording Her Music WRITTEN & DESIGNED BY ISABELLA STONE

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Taylor Swift has consistently been at the forefront of celebrity news since the release of her first studio album in 2006. She quickly rose to fame, and her fan base has grown to over 300 million people across multiple social media platforms. She is constantly growing not only in fame but also as an influential individual, especially with her fight against Big Machine records for the ownership of her first six studio albums. In 2006 when “Taylor Swift” was released, Swift shot to fame with various awards and nominations from the CMAs, the Grammys, and others. At the onset of her career, she signed with Big Machine Records, which at the time seemed like an amazing opportunity. However, Swift ultimately had to sign away the ownership of the masters (the underlying rights of songs) of her first six albums to the producing company. When it came to Taylor Swift winning the Artist of the Decade for the 2020 American Music Awards, Big Machine Records prevented her from singing specific songs during her award night performance. Big Machine Records had the rights to dictate where songs could be used, including performances.

Taylor Swift publicly called the record label out, and she made gaining the rights to her masters a priority. Big Machine Records continued to be difficult when Taylor Swift asked to purchase the masters. The record label only offered for her to “earn” one album at a time with each new album she signed away to them, along with an underlying threat that Big Machine Records would sell the company with Swift’s masters included. Rather than risking losing her independence as an artist to another record label, she announced that she would be re-recording her first six albums and signing with Universal Music Groups for her future albums. The new team that Swift officially joined in 2018 formed a contract that allows Swift to have the ownership of her own masters for her newly produced songs. Her album “Lover”, released in 2019, was the first album that she had all of the rights to. As soon as Swift had the security of a moral and trustworthy record label, she began her work re-recording her first six albums. She started with her second studio album Fearless, arguably the most popular album of hers to date. She released Fearless (Taylor’s

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Version) in April 2021, along with “From the Vault” singles that never made the original album. The compiled album had a total of 27 tracks, compared to only 13 in the original album. “Mr. Perfectly Fine (From the Vault)” became the most popular song of the album, along with original hits like “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)”. The “Swifties” have collectively made the promise to only listen to Taylor’s Version of a song if it exists. This especially became evident when Swift released “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” after the original song became a trending sound on Tiktok. Many fans used the platform as a voice for Taylor Swift, encouraging all people to support Swift’s individuality and independence as a female artist. As for her future, Taylor Swift has plans to release the re-recorded Red album on Nov. 12 along with the albums Speak Now, 1989, and Reputation in later months. She wants the world to hear her story of coming to be as successful and independent in the music business as she is now. The strength Swift has had throughout this battle shows her determination for justice, not only for herself, but also for the other artists who are dealing with the unfairness of the music industry.

MEDIA & CULTURE

TIMELINE OF LATE NIGHT HOSTS WRITTEN BY MAX RIZZUTO // DESIGNED BY DIANA STEELMAN

MEDIA & CULTURE Late-night comedy as we know it appears to be a dying, or at least changing, medium. Television audiences have declined over time as the Internet audience continues to grow. The response of latenight hosts to the pandemic could be a turning point in the history of the genre. Seth Meyers serves as a prime example of how to adapt to a changing media landscape. During the pandemic, Meyers fostered a much more intimate environment by joking with his writers and crew more frequently. He would often jokingly call out his writers by name after an underwhelming joke or cut to his cue card writer Wally for a sarcastically scripted back and forth. He also started an online exclusive segment (showing his willingness to adapt to a changing media landscape) called “Corrections”, in which he begrudgingly responds to Internet commenters who critique errors in the show from the past week. Even the timing of his jokes changed as he delivered more elaborate and quickly-paced bits.

His audience has only been back for a few episodes, but Meyers appears to have maintained the intimacy of the show while feeding off the energy of the audience even amidst the pandemic. His rapidfire bits have remained, which are a refreshing change from the stately delivery of other late-night hosts. Stephen Colbert, on the other hand, is considered one of the most traditional late-night hosts to exist. The Late Show’s format and Colbert’s stiff delivery call back to a much more formal era of television. During the pandemic, however, The Late Show underwent a total tonal shift. Colbert could be found at his in-laws’ house during the early days of the show, his monologue filled with the warmth and charisma of a family man. He would even often interrupt his script to joke with his loved ones. During his return, his set was intimate and homely, almost reminiscent of a YouTuber’s backdrop. Colbert almost never

broke character on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, so his true identity was somewhat unknown before his tenure on The Late Show. After six years, it feels as if Colbert might have settled into a genuine identity. It is disappointing, however, to see Colbert return to his stilted pre-pandemic persona and cheap political comedy. He appears increasingly aware that his show is at the top of the ratings, and his hubris is as noticeable as ever. Colbert’s reluctance to change is a disappointing reminder of the inertia of late-night television. Late-night television is a confusing medium. Its response to a changing media landscape could prove its demise as television audiences continue to dwindle. Meyers appears to have maintained the intimacy and timing from his show without an audience, while Colbert’s disheartening return illustrates why late-night television as we know it may be nearing its final act.

MEDIA & CULTURE

Hasan Minhaj Using Humour as a Weapon WRITTEN BY RADHIKA SRIVASTAVA // DESIGNED BY MANVI TANDON

Humour has been a tool society has used for centuries as a weapon against injustice. Lots of comedy related media is surrounded around politics, and this rang true especially when Donald Trump was elected in 2016. With that being said, Hasan Minhaj uses his platform of comedy with a more unique approach. Not only does he target American politics, but he has gone after everyone. One of Minhaj’s greatest hits in his working career of combining comedy with politics and social justice, was The Patriot Act. On Minhaj’s website, the show’s main objective is described as “exploring the modern cultural and political landscape with depth and sincerity.” However, after running from 2018 to 2020 on Netflix, the franchise canceled him. Although the public was told the decision was because of the pandemic, many of his fans have put the dots together. In 2019, Netflix removed an episode of the show in Saudi Arabia because Minhaj had targeted his content at the Saudi government for killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Certain fans contend that this decision as

well as Minhaj’s refusal to back down from covering controversial topics, some that expand over the international borders of the United States, are what got him canceled. This, however, did not stop Minhaj from continuing to preach truth telling through the use of humour. Recently, he has returned to his original roots of stand-up comedy, taking the road with his oneman show The King’s Jester. I personally watched the show on Oct. 8, and Minhaj was everything and so much more than expected. He hinted at why The Patriot Act was canceled, explaining to the audience that the name in itself was a symbol of a fearlessness to discuss what might be deemed controversial. The Patriot Act was signed by President Bush in 2001 in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attack in order to tighten U.S. national security. Minhaj explained in his show that in regards to this Act, being an Indian-Muslim American could have been a large determinant in whether or not he would be able to gain the success and lifestyle he has now. Minhaj’s fearlessness in calling out those who contribute to a large part of our global society’s

MEDIA & CULTURE injustices and challenges is not easy to develop. In fact, when the audience entered the auditorium to watch his show, he had everyone lock away their phones in little pouches with magnetic locks; only his staff could remove them at the end of the show. Humour might be a powerful weapon, but it has to be used with caution. He talked about this choice in keeping the audience from their phones, explaining that with stand-up comedy, there is a level of trust he needs in order to say the things that are most honest. Although Minhaj has come across as extremely brave with his actions in the past, he admitted to the audience that going against powerful political figures still makes him feel vulnerable and scared, which makes this process of fighting for justice more difficult. More than The Patriot Act getting canceled, Minhaj confided to the audience a very personal story regarding a Twitter war he started recently that led to his baby daughter’s safety being put at risk. He did not get into extreme details, and there is not a lot of official information regarding the incident; however, he expressed he continues to live with guilt everyday. He also admitted he has a knack for making people laugh. He can turn the dark and scary things into smiles and laughter, all while fighting for justice and speaking the truth. Minhaj might no longer be featured on a huge platform like Netflix; however, The King’s Jester will continue touring all over the country until May 2022. Do not forget to snatch your own tickets, because while it was by far one of the best stand-up shows I have ever seen, there is also no way to get a recorded version of everything he has to say!

MEDIA & CULTURE

Podcast Review WRITTEN BY SOPHIA CASSIM // DESIGNED BY ISABELLA STONE

“Daddy gang”, “I am unwell”, or “Wednesdays are for Call Her Daddy” are popular slogans heard in the infamous podcast, Call Her Daddy, hosted by Alex Cooper. As someone who began listening to this podcast from the very

beginning, I was excited to finally be able to hear women talk about such stigmatized topics on the podcast. Based on the feedback the podcast received, society clearly wasn’t ready for this mix of horrifying dating stories and

explicit sexual talk. The anger it received for broadcasting this “locker talk”, such as comparing sexual stories or rating the people they’ve been with, shows how society still welcomes men to be open with their depictions and

MEDIA & CULTURE opinions of women but prefers for women to keep quiet about their own experiences. The split this podcast created between supporters who believe this is a feminist podcast encouraging women to talk about sex and dating versus those who think it is an inappropriate use of media has influenced viewers in both directions. The concept of feminism itself is such an interdisciplinary and complex matter that means something different for each individual, which leads to differing opinions when it comes to deciphering something as “feminist” or not. To call the entire platform of the show as “feminist” may be a stretch, but the intentions and plot structure of these episodes aim to help women navigate their way through the messy dating and love culture our society has. The beginning of the show showed the rougher edges of this podcast, as many of the phrases and comments said by the cohosts were mis-worded to the point where it created more harm than good. Comments such as “Cheat...or be cheated on”, or “If you’re a 5 or a 6, die for that d***” stirred the pot for many listeners and raised suspicion about the intentions of this show. Alex Cooper said that she now regrets numerous things

she said that shamed women and hopes that her past words will not brand her in a negative way. As the show progressed, specifically after the split with her co-host Sofia Franklyn, it began to feel more mature and like a formal sex and dating advice platform. Alex describes her commitment to the podcast by saying, “I’m almost trying to rewrite the past a little bit. Not fully. I stand by a lot of the things I said, but the journey over the next few years is really cementing what I want the brand to be, which is female empowerment.” People were so quick to judge this podcast, especially with its bold name that rubbed many people the wrong way. However, the judgment begs the question: “what if this podcast was created by two men?” Society has displayed to us through countless examples that for non- female identifying people, they have the power to evade consequences for their

words and actions. The show’s audacious and adventurous spirit was misinterpreted as childish and inappropriate, which prohibited many from seeing the empowering messages it gave people behind the comedic phrases and in between the personal stories. That’s not to say that this podcast is the solution to break stigmatization of women, but media like this one play an important role in making it less abnormal to have these kinds of discussions between women. Like many women have come to learn, women have to maneuver the system to achieve their goals. This podcast is a prime example of women using the system of patriarchy or “hook-up culture” to their advantage and learn how to succeed as the “best player”. Some may argue that instead of trying to rise up within the system, society should dismantle it all together. However, this podcast offers tips from the host’s own perspective and personal experiences to try and teach other women how to survive in the system. No matter what women read or hear, they should always remember to take it all with a grain of salt because what applies to one woman may not apply to another, and this is an important message that goes for the listeners and creators of this podcast.

MEDIA & CULTURE

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FALLOUT The defining movie of Gen Z? WRITTEN BY ALEXA GRAYSON // DESIGNED BY DIANA STEELMAN *Spoiler warning* *Trigger Warning: Mentions of shootings, gun violence*

T H E T R AG E DY The Fallout is a compelling yet devastating movie that reveals the many issues facing Gen Z today, including a culture of school shootings and patronizing government leaders. It’s a cinematographic portrayal of a lingering feeling that “nobody understands” amidst facing an unfathomable tragedy. The movie follows an unexpected friendship formed in the aftermath of a tragic school shooting. Trauma, pain, and nightmares consume protagonist Vada (Jenna Ortega) and her peers as they painstakingly make it through each day in a shattered world. A world in which a culture of school shootings and gun violence is normalized, as are the scarred memories combined with the loud silence of those in power who refuse to ban gun ownership. A world that doesn’t stray far from

the reality of students in America today, where safety is never a guarantee and active shooter drills have become routine. “It’s not okay. We want change. We deserve to feel safe going to our own school every day.” These words play on the news as Vada watches the aftermath of the events at her school unfold. These are words that gun reform activists scream into the air, only to be blatantly ignored by those in power. This movie reminded me of February 2018. It reminded me of former Parkland student, X Gonzáles standing in front of a podium on February 17, 2018, just three days after the Parkland school shooting, repeating those three powerful words: “We call bullshit.” It reminded me of the school walkouts on March 14, 2018 to protest the senseless, preventable gun violence in schools. It reminded me of the

infectious fear that crawled through the halls of high schools, of the designated hiding spots I chose in classrooms. It reminded me of the cursed reality we students continue to face, and the government’s dismissal of our pain in the name of the outdated and dangerous second amendment.

M OV I N G O N WA R D Vada is a lovable, relatable, icedcoffee obsessed, self-described “low-key” girl. Mia (Maddie Ziegler) is a famous Instagram dancer who nobody knows but everybody loves to wonder about. Once distant classmates, Vada and Mia became forever bonded as they hide in the bathroom together at their school as gunshots were fired. They then spent the days after the shooting trying to figure out how to cope with the unimaginable. Together they drink

MEDIA & CULTURE wine, have sleepovers, do face masks, and smoke weed – all in an attempt to find joy even in the midst of unthinkable pain. When Vada returns to school, she walks through metal detectors and goes to class to hear lessons reinforcing what students should do in the case of an active shooter. The lighting in the classroom is dark and somber, and Vada and her classmates look beyond exhausted. Vada looks up to see the classroom screen display the words, “Run, hide, fight” as the young students are taught how to protect themselves in the case of another school shooting. With intense music playing, Vada walks out of class to go to the bathroom, which evokes memories of gunshots echoing through the halls. As she walks down the stairs and hears the sound of a Coca-Cola can being crushed, she shudders and calls herself a “dumb fucking bitch” for reacting to a soda can. The soda can. The metal detectors. The active-shooter drill preparation. How can students

expect to return to school when the wounds are still so fresh? Vada’s little sister Amelia worships the ground she walks on. At the start of the movie Amelia texted “911” to Vada, which prompted Vada to go to the bathroom. Amelia had called her to tell her she had gotten her period. The shooting happened shortly after, and Amelia now struggles to connect with her older sister as everything is so different after the shooting. As the movie progresses, so does their everevolving relationship, remaining empowered through the wonders of sisterhood. Vada forms a friendship with Quinton (Niles Fitch), who lost his brother in the shooting. Quinton and Vada watch shitty movies together, poke fun at one another, and never fail to make each other smile. In the car one day, Vada turns to Quinton and says, “Tell me about your brother.” Quinton responds with a smile on his face and tells Vada about his brother having the best sense of humor. “I know he’s still with me,” Quinton says.

Vada begins attending therapy, as per her mother’s request. At first Vada constantly made jokes, using humor to conceal her pain. Towards the end of the movie, Vada tells her therapist, “All of these kids from my school… they’ve been able to take what happened, and are literally using it to change the world. Like, they’re doing so much amazing stuff. For some reason, I feel like I’m unable to do that.” Grief, healing, and processing are not the same for anybody, and the way one person reacts to a tragedy could be entirely different than another. “I’m mad,” Vada tells her therapist. The ending scene cuts to Vada waiting for Mia to come out of dance class. She receives a notification: “Twelve students confirmed dead in Ohio high school shooting.” The cycle of violence is never-ending and continues to perpetuate itself as youth are left in the dust, mourning, crying, yelling, screaming, yearning for someone to finally listen when we say the words, “I’m mad.”

MEDIA & CULTURE

Why You Need to Watch Ted Lasso WRITTEN & DESIGNED BY MAX RIZZUTO

MEDIA & CULTURE

Although Ted Lasso has a reputation of being unwaveringly optimistic, its second season adopts a darker tone and focuses on deeper character development. Writers of the show explained that they wanted the second season to be Ted Lasso’s “Empire Strikes Back,” which takes a similar approach to developing a sequel: develop characters and build conflict. One of the most common criticisms levied against the show’s first season was its saccharine tone and lack of depth. The second season of Ted Lasso takes an interesting turn from its optimistic roots, yet it maintains the core values that made it a smash hit. The English Premier League is the most popular soccer league in the world, but it was not as well known in the United States before NBC’s acquisition of the league’s broadcasting rights. When NBC completed their acquisition in 2013, they wanted to market the Premier League to a fresh audience of Americans, many of whom were unfamiliar with the league. That’s where Jason Sudeikis and Ted Lasso come in. During his final year at Saturday Night Live, Jason Sudeikis filmed two hilarious advertisements for NBC Sports where he played Ted Lasso, an American football coach who is appointed as manager of a Premier League club. They’re

legendary ads in the American soccer fan base: I have vivid memories of loving them as a kid, and I began watching soccer around that time. I was, however, worried by the prospect of Ted Lasso’s return. Although the ad was funny, it relied mostly on observational humor about the disconnect between soccer and more traditionally American sports. How could a surface-level character from an advertisement be converted into a full-length comedy series? The show answers this question with its ample supply of heart and charisma. Ted Lasso (the character) is fully fleshed out with compelling motivations that draw the viewers in. His relentless enthusiasm and kindness make him one of television’s most lovable characters. However, the show’s supporting cast make the show truly shine. From the lovability of Sam Obisanya and Higgins, the gruff charm of Roy Kent, or the mysteriousness of Coach Beard, every character contributes to the show’s unique blend of comedy and comfort. It feels as if the show handed me a mug of hot chocolate and enveloped me in the safety of a warm blanket on a blustery winter night.

The second season adds another layer of nuance and depth to the show without compromising on what makes the show special in the first place: optimism, determination, kindness, warmth, and the “found family” device. The foundations laid in the first season make its successor that much more meaningful: the payoff to its buildup is worthwhile. Without getting into too much detail, the show delves into more complex themes such as the ethics of winning, mental health and therapy, the impact of fatherson relationships, and what it means to be family, to mention a few. These new themes make the show more compelling while maintaining its unique blend of warmth and comedy. I find myself recommending and subsequently re-watching Ted Lasso with all my friends, family -- anyone who’ll listen, really. In fact, many of them actively dislike soccer! Watching the show with my friends and seeing the light in their eyes as they laugh and fall in love with the characters fills me with a unique kind of joy. Ted Lasso is meant to be watched with people you can laugh along with, and I hope that you experience the same sort of enchantment that my friends and I did when we watched it together.

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MONTERO: THE GROUNDBREAKING ALBUM OUR GENERATION NEEDS WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY DYLAN DHINDSA

FOCUS “MONTERO” is one of my favorite albums of the year. Lil Nas X, the man behind the album, rose to fame after releasing “Old Town Road” in 2019. “MONTERO” takes listeners a step further than his past works, giving a window into Lil Nas X’s personal life and providing insight into his own personal struggles. The album, which has clear influences from gospel, rap, pop, and trap music, explores themes of queerness, love, insecurities, fame, family and faith. You may have seen the controversial music video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” which received significant attention for showing sexual imagery between Lil Nas X and the devil. The video also features Lil Nas X in colorful wigs and flamboyant costumes. While many criticize Lil Nas X’s forms of expression, he continues to stay true to himself and isn’t afraid to make waves. “MONTERO” is breaking barriers in the pop culture industry. It grants young queer people of color the opportunity to see themselves represented in mainstream media in a time where much of pop culture focuses around straight white people. The album provides a unique perspective on not only the queer experience, but also the Black experience. The music encompasses a variety of themes such as sexuality and identity that many other musicians ignore, and quite frankly, aren’t qualified to speak on. While some of the songs are more catchy and upbeat, the album is undeniably riddled with pain and heartbreak. Lil Nas X expresses his grief, desires, insecurities and conflict throughout the album. In his song “SUN GOES DOWN,” Lil Nas X mentions suicidal thoughts and

insecurities, rapping, “Always thinkin’, why my lips so big?’ / Was I too dark? Can they sense my fears? / These gay thoughts would always haunt me / I prayed God would take it from me.” These heartbreaking lyrics are relatable to many young people today, and it’s so important for people to see and hear those they can relate to in the media. Lil Nas X expresses the challenges that come with fame, such as criticism from the entire world, while also discussing his personal success. In some songs, such as “INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)” Lil Nas X focuses on the highlights of his success, singing about needing to get more number one songs and platinum records. Other songs, such as “ONE OF ME” explore the problems that come with fame. In “ONE OF ME” Lil Nas X takes on the perspective of his critics, who, according to the song, “don’t see [him] lasting long.” He sings about how people see him as a passing fad that won’t last unless he proves himself. The album has some all-around bangers. My top songs include: “INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow),” “THATS WHAT I WANT,” “LOST IN THE CITADEL,” “SUN GOES DOWN,” and “AM I DREAMING (feat. Miley Cyrus).” These songs fully encompass the emotional spectrum of the album while providing deeper insight into Lil Nas X’s personal experiences. Be sure to stream MONTERO and update your playlists!

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WRITTEN BY LAUREN DESOUSA // DESIGNED BY ALEXA MARMOLEJO

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Let me set the scene for you. It’s a Friday night. You’re at a party. You decide to go for a liquor store run with a guy you don’t really know and a girl on your club sports team who you’ve been friends with for over a year now. Handle of tequila secured, you head back up the winding Mission Hill streets to the party. Before you get inside, you and your friend decide to share contact information with the guy. What does he suggest - Snapchat, Instagram… maybe phone numbers? Nope. You all connect on Linked-In. So, that’s the question really... why is Linked-In culture so prevalent at Northeastern University? Many of my friends from other schools – even my friends who would be considered to be “ahead of the game” – don’t spend nearly as much time polishing and perfecting their Linked-In profiles as my peers at Northeastern.

When I submitted this idea to an editor on Woof’s eboard, she expressed to me that she was “excited to read it because she’s a BIG Linked-In girlie!” And as an enthusiastic – if sometimes a little messy – Linked-In user, that felt very relatable to me. However, I feel as though Linked-In culture is so ingrained in Northeastern’s community that sometimes we’re not even aware we’re participating in it. I discussed the concept for this article with two of my friends who both expressed the same sentiment: “I wasn’t even aware there was a Linked-In culture at Northeastern.” Regardless, they both supplied poignant observations on using Linked-In as a college student. One said, “I get incredibly specific social anxiety surrounding Linked-In requests.” (Personally, I’m always more stressed about whether or not I should comment on a peers co-op announcement post. Like, we’ve been in three of the same classes and I’ve run into you at a couple frat parties but do I really

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know you well enough to publicly compliment you on your co-op at Mass General Brigham?) The other added, “I have 500+ connections, but only because I’m competitive and wanted to ‘win.’” And with everyone searching for those 500+ connections on Linked-In – adding contacts from the guy you sat next to in Gen Chem 1 first year and haven’t seen since to your toxic ex to President Aoun – who don’t you connect with on LinkedIn these days? Maybe that’s the true spirit of the Linked-In culture: we may go off on our own separate co-ops, explore on study abroad, but then… we come back and have our Linked-In profiles to show our experiential growth. As Northeastern students, it can sometimes feel overwhelming that we’re all moving in completely different directions. But on Linked-In, we’re all on the same page, literally. Speaking for myself, my profile may not be perfect, but it was approved by Lisa Doherty so… that’s got to count for something, right?

Go ahead, connect with me on Linked-In.

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Anti-Vaxxers in the Sports Industry WRITTEN BY SARA AKHTAR // DESIGNED BY JONAH SACHS “Now, Aaron, you’re not vaccinated, but who the hell cares!” Cecily Strong exclaims in a hearty impression of Fox News’ correspondent Jeanine Pirro. “It’s your body, your choice!” “Yeah!” Pete Davidson says, impersonating Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a blue beanie and synthe beard, “It’s my body, and my COVID.” Opening the segment with the perspective that has pervaded many individuals over the past year, this skit on Saturday Night Live sought to address the ongoing vaccination controversy in the United States regarding COVID-19. Featuring several anti-vaxxers, the skit scrutinized recent statements made by three-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, drawing particular attention to the debate regarding

professional athletes and their decisions to forego immunization against the virus. This particular skit on Saturday Night Live stemmed from the sequence of events in which Rodgers tested positive for the virus in the height of the 2021 NFL on-season, despite his remarks to reporters in August that he was in fact, “immunized.” In attempts to quell public ridicule in the aftermath of contracting the virus, the star made a virtual appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” to

explain his stance on the topic: “I believe strongly in bodily autonomy and the ability to make choices for your body, not to have to acquiesce to some woke culture or crazed group of individuals who say you have to do something,” he said. “Health is not a one-size-fits-all for everybody, and for me it involved a lot of study in the offseason.” While exercising one’s medical autonomy is something

FOCUS each individual deserves the right to partake in, it is important to recognize that professional athletes such as Rodgers possess massive followings, and the former statements contribute to misconceptions that can and have already begun to decrease the wellbeing of modern society. The “crazed group of individuals” he mentioned includes professionals that have repeatedly tested the efficacy of the mRNA vaccines, and billions whose lives have been saved upon receiving it. Rodgers went on to explain that an allergy to an ingredient in the vaccine prevented him from pursuing complete immunization, claiming that he has been partaking in an alternative homeopathic treatment that is believed to increase one’s antibodies, despite expert claims that the treatment does no such thing. Rodgers ignored these facts, and chose to follow his own protocol of forgoing the vaccine altogether, without evidence of allergic reactions at the onset. Other sports stars such as the NBA’s Kyrie Irving have also contributed to mass hysteria regarding receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. The Net’s player has publicly expressed his opposition, a decision that could result in him losing more than $17 million, or roughly half of his annual salary with the Nets. On Instagram Live, Irving said, “I am going to just continue to stay in shape, be ready to play, be ready to rock out with my teammates and just be part of this whole thing. This is not a political thing; this is not about the NBA, not about any organization. This is about my life and what I am choosing to do.”

theorists’ morale comes as a bit of a shock to those who have followed his career outside of basketball over the past several years. Despite being a suspected “flat-earther”, he has been an avid proponent of several social justice movements, opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline due to his Native American heritage and releasing a documentary about Breonna Taylor after her untimely death in 2020. He has not budged in his decision to remain unvaccinated, though, despite the wide-ranging ramifications to his public reputation, as well as to his team and their on-season dynamics. Individual athletes, however, cannot be the only ones critiqued for their stances on mass vaccination. Perhaps an even more grave controversy was that concerning the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and the lack of mandates enforced by The International Olympic Committee. The absence of regulation requiring vaccination resulted in only 80 percent of the athletes arriving with vaccinations, with about 100 U.S. Olympic athletes without proof of inoculation. Several outbreaks occurred during the array of sporting events, and it was estimated that nearly 300 athletes and affiliates from around the world tested positive for the corona virus during their time in Tokyo. While the The International Olympic Committee has appallingly not yet announced a vaccine requirement, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced that all athletes and

Unlike Rodgers, Irving’s conspiracy

team staff members who intend to use the organization’s training facilities at the Beijing Games in 2022 would need to be fully vaccinated by the first of November. The mandate put into place by the United States committee can be noted as an important step to ensure the wellbeing of citizens from all over, but is far from the level of safety that should be practiced within and regulated across all national sports leagues and those representing them. While exercising medical autonomy is one’s prerogative, following the advice of medical health professionals and dismissing several athletes’ spread of misinformation will result in the overall betterment in creating a safe and productive future for all.

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how ethical is thrifting really? WRITTEN BY MICHELLE PANG // DESIGNED BY ERIN FUREY A vintage 80’s sweater in a pile at the thrift store for $7? You’ve got to be kidding me. What. A. Steal. As a college student, buying a unique clothing item for a cheap price to spice up your closet is the most ideal situation you can find yourself in when thrifting around Boston. To many, thrifting is a three-in-one solution: reducing your clothing waste, developing your individual style, and curing your pesky retail therapy. But how ethical is thrifting really? As students living in cities, many of us have found comfort in spending our occasional free weekends strolling around Cambridge or Back Bay, scavenging for the perfect thrifted item to add to our wardrobes. Not only is it an enjoyable activity within itself, but there are clear ethical and stylistic advantages that come with thrifting. Many college students, conscious of the negative impacts of climate change, have attempted to shift their shopping habits to increase their consumption of

secondhand clothing and reduce their consumption from brands like SHEIN, H&M, Zara, etc. However, thrifting is not an all-encompassing ethical decision that directly counters clothing waste. Those of us that treat thrifting as an activity rather than a necessity often have the means to shop wherever we would like. While a $7 sweater would definitely make less of a dent on our thin collegestudent wallets, many of us have the luxury of investing in a $60 sweater if we so feel inclined. What many of us overlook when hunting for that dad crew neck or vintage tee is that individuals of lower socioeconomic classes have historically been thrifting simply because it is all that they can afford. By grabbing that cheap and original sweater that would perfectly pair with those mom jeans back home, we may be taking away someone’s ability to stay warm in the upcoming months. Coming from an avid thrifter both in Boston and New York, I

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have personally seen the rise of notorious fast fashion brands, such as SHEIN and H&M, begin to overtake larger thrift stores like Buffalo Exchange and Goodwill. It’s become quite ironic that thrift stores, locations where people seek to mitigate their carbon footprint, have begun to house the same unethical and/or

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non-environmentally-conscious brands that individuals are seeking to avoid. With thrifting’s rise in popularity in recent years, thrift stores have not only been seen as somewhere to shop, but also as a location to discard unwanted clothing. With the overconsumption of textiles and aggressive trend cycle, massproduced, trendy clothing is bound to eventually fill up thrift stores as well. It has become quite an unwelcoming surprise picking up a pair of jeans and checking its size only to find the large “SHEIN” tag staring aggressively back at me. As a consumer at thrift stores, many of us have begun to question if indirectly buying from these companies is considered ethical or not. The reality is that buying second hand fast fashion items does quite little to curb the harms of the exploitative and wasteful industry. By repurchasing these momentarily timely items, we are still showcasing that Brandy Melville sweater vest or Fashion Nova top to the world on our own bodies and inadvertently inspiring others to contribute to

highlight the question: So, how exactly do I thrift ethically? Begin by choosing thrift stores in more middle to upper-middle class neighborhoods. Not only might you pick up some wealthy grandma’s nifty cardigan, but you’ll also be more likely to be buying someone’s vintage clothing, rather than taking away someone’s resource. For those local to Northeastern, make your way over the Harvard Bridge and visit The Garment District, Boomerangs, and Goodwill for some interesting and ethical vintage pieces!

$ buying new fast fashion items. Given these items’ trend expiration date, they are likely to end up back in the thrift store or in a landfill within a year’s time. It’s important to recognize that buying secondhand clothing, whether it’s completely original or something from Zara, is still a more ethical decision than buying an entirely new item from a fast fashion company. Thrifting is a solution to the overconsumption of clothing waste and is most definitely a step in the right direction. As a day-to-day consumer, it’s not realistic to expect individuals to be hyper aware of all the intricacies of how ethical each individual item they’re picking up is. However, this does not mean we cannot be conscious of how we approach thrifting as a whole. All these ethical obstacles seem nearly impossible to navigate. They

From a stylistic perspective, be selective with the items you decide to add to your closet. Before purchasing an item, ask yourself: Do I see myself wearing this in five or ten years, or is it something I’ll stuff in the back of my drawers after three months? Is this really a unique statement piece, or is it actually ugly? Is this item made well? How long will it actually last? By implementing these criteria into your buying decision process, you’ll be creating your personal wardrobe catered to your long-term style. Lastly, try to establish your individual style beyond the current trends. A piece of clothing is always more fun when it’s uniquely your own. If that atrociously yellow raincoat or burgundy cable knit sweater genuinely makes you feel confident, wear it! The clothes we put on our body are a reflection of ourselves, and it’s important that we’re proud of the image that we portray. Being fashionable does not mean you have to compromise your ethics. So, let’s act that way.

NORTHEASTERN’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE DOESN’T END HERE. WWW.WOOF-MAG.COM