The CHARGER
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 942 SAN JOSE, CA
Leland High School 6677 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95120
ACCOUNT
Vol. T No. 3
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 Leland High School 6677 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95120 Crunched for housing: SJSU homeless students demand assistance on page 3
@lelandchargeraccount
Digital footprint: Making a meaningful mark on the web on page 10
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thechargeraccount.com
Athletic dress codes exacerbate gender inequality on page
DESIGN BY MIRANDA LU
14
DANA LIM ART
QUINCY HAN ART
1 NEWS
4 OPINIONS
6 ENT. & LIFESTYLE
8 VIEWPOINT 10 IR
11 FEATURES 14 SPORTS 16 LAST WORD
2
NEWS
DECEMBER 8, 2021
Social and emotional learning tutorials spark discussions
Jeehee Kim
DESIGN BY LARRY YE
Media Staff
Working with the San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD), the school’s counselors developed the Social and Emotional Learning Program—a program that occurs during tutorials to teach students about mental health. These pilot sessions were conducted by the academic counselors—Shira Solomon, Lisa Castillo and Brenda Stone—during tutorial to maximize class time and minimize disruption. Each counselor chose two different tutorial classes to direct for the program. In order to improve the curriculum, the counselors focused on collecting data and determining which aspects of the program needed improvements before expanding it into a full scale project. “The school and SJUSD decided to implement the program because mindset education has always been an important topic that should be taught in schools. Since the COVID-19 pandemic isolated students at home, we knew that there would be a greater need for social and emotional
learning in school this year,” Assistant Principal Sara Mingione said. She added that mental health lessons need to become a part of students’ school day to encourage them to attend school and participate in class. Additionally, from the pilot version of the Social and Emotional Learning Program, the district aimed to determine what method of mental health education would work best for the students, how to encourage more students to participate and how it could be improved to implement schoolwide. The first semester Social and Emotional Learning Program introduced the Seven Mindset curriculum: everything is possible, passion first, we are connected, 100% accountable, attitude of gratitude, live to give and the time is now. The purpose of this curriculum was to encourage students to be optimistic, hopeful, knowledgeable and driven. These lessons were presented to the students of Jennifer Touchton and Robin Jankowski, English Department. Touchton’s first period freshmen class, Jankowski’s first period AP Language class and second period freshmen class were given the opportunity to engage in the Social and Emotional Learning Program during every Tuesday tutorial.
There were various benefits to the Social and Emotional Learning Program:
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic isolated students at home, we knew that there would be a greater need for social and emotional learning.” many students enjoyed writing down the things that made them feel grateful in alphabetical order because it provided them with the opportunity to share their thoughts to the whole class. Moreover, to increase participation, candy was awarded to students who were consistently engaged in discussions. “Since candy was given to students who presented their opinions, it made me more focused on the discussion, creating an effective learning atmosphere. I liked the activities we did since I got to introduce myself and know more about my classmates,” Freshman Maxwell Ciciarelli said. However, despite the benefits, there were also several weaknesses. Since most students use their tutorial to study and
ask questions to their teachers, many students highlighted that the Social and Emotional Learning Program being mandatory was a disadvantage. Due to the program, many students were unable to effectively utilize their tutorials to enhance their academic performance. “The program was once a week, so it was taking away time that I could have been asking teachers questions. There were many instances where I had an exam in the next period, prohibiting me from fully focusing on the activities of the Social and Emotional Learning Program,” Junior Kimaya Saijpal said. Even though the school has only recently opened its pilot Social and Emotional Learning Program for a small scale of classes, once the Second Step curriculum is finalized during the second semester, the district will extend the program to all students. In the future, the school is looking forward to providing students with more mental health resources and strengthening its curriculum.
DANIEL CHOI ART
Anonymous school-related accounts make a name on social media
Claire Pham and Sophia Qin
Media Staff and Staff Writer
While scrolling through Instagram, students have found anonymous accounts that highlight students’ daily school attributes and activities. These studentrun accounts have gained hundreds of followers, receiving numerous comments and likes. Among these anonymous Instagram accounts is the school’s bad parking account, @lelandbadparking. With over five hundred followers, the account features students’ bad parking in a humorous manner. Inspired by Saint Francis High School’s bad parking account, the user managing the account allows student drivers to directly message pictures with censored license plates— either of their own cars or other cars—to be featured in posts. The owner of the account explains that there is no intention to embarrass students; the purpose of the posts is to brighten people’s days. “Not only are these accounts fun, but they are also unique. I follow these accounts because I do not see the harm in them, and I enjoy seeing funny parking photos when I am bored or stressed,” Sophomore Christie Nguyen said. Junior Katelyn Bump agrees with Nguyen, highlighting how users’ anonymity does not make a difference as long as the people running the accounts protect students’ privacy and personal information. Bump enjoys looking at Leland Bad Parking’s content for lighthearted humor and entertainment. However, the anonmity of accounts provides the potential to inadvertently cause cyberbullying. According to Dr. Monica Barreto, licensed clinical child psychologist at the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, bullying becomes more frequent when perpetrators are able to remain anonymous. Hidden
users may take advantage of their anonymity to harass victims without fearing repercussions, not only harming victims’ emotional well-being but also their psychological health. In addition, bullying can be exacerbated by viewers, as social media users can corroborate posts’ contents in the comment section, further tormenting victims. “The anonymous accounts are purposeless, and the lack of associated names makes it difficult to track the actual account owner. This gives owners almost complete freedom to publish any content they want,” Sophomore Jake Ito said.
their opinions and provide honest reviews. For instance, @sjusdfood, another student-run Instagram account, posts ratings and opinions
“I follow these accounts because I do not see the harm in them, and I also enjoy seeing funny parking photos when I am bored or stressed.” Furthermore, the internet hacker organization, Anonymous, uses its unknown identity as a weapon to participate in socio-political movements and commit cyber attacks against government affiliations and political groups. Users of Anonymous utilize masks, editing softwares and voice-changing devices to conceal their personal identities. Consequently, the government is unable to easily find or punish users who misuse their ability to remain anonymous: without accurate knowledge of the people running an account, it is difficult to hold them responsible for their actions. On the other hand, anonymity can allow account owners to freely express
QUINCY HAN ART of school lunches. The posts cover everything from pizza to tacos, each post cultivating 40 to 70 likes and 10 to 20 comments. As students describe their personal thoughts on the food served, others add their own, fostering a community of students who relate to one another. “We decided to start this account to review the food served at SJUSD, especially since the menus have changed now that lunches are free. The purpose of this account is not to insult the district
or the food they serve us but to share our opinions and guide others,” the account owners of @sjusdfood said. As these anonymous social media accounts grow and post new content, some students worry about the consequences while others are entertained by the reviews of school-affiliated activities. In the future, the owners of these accounts plan to post more content that students will find relatable and entertaining.
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
3
COMMUNITY NEWS
DESIGN BY LARRY YE
Crunched for housing: SJSU homeless students demand assistance
Imran Shaikh
Despite San Jose State University’s (SJSU) promises to alleviate its housing crisis, many college students are struggling to afford shelter. Consequently, students are forced to sleep in cars, motels or homeless encampments— contrasting from the conventional dorms and apartments most college students live in. Due to the lack of affordable housing, 41.5% of SJSU students report facing housing insecurity, according to Mercury News. A 2021 survey released by SJSU Cares, San Jose State University’s basic needs program, concluded that 29.6% of students have experienced food insecurity, 41.5% suffered through housing insecurity and 11.2% have been homeless. “Inflation on staple goods like petrol, basic foods, housing costs and car rentals could have affected SJSU’s homeless rates. Also, the rate of increase in property value and rent make it increasingly difficult for students to have shelter” Sophomore Parsa Saraydarpour said. As a result, SJSU Cares received 156 requests for financial aid, 103 of which were for housing and homeless resources, this fall. To help students, the university provided them with 85 days of temporary housing. In addition, in October, the university opened an assistance center purely for SJSU Cares to provide short-term and emergency housing to students and connect them with food
assistance, healthcare and mental health support services. While SJSU is trying to alleviate the housing crisis, there are many challenges that are inhibiting students’ ability to seek shelter. For example, the president of the Student Homeless Alliance (SHA)—a student activist group that seeks to address student homelessness— explains that the university is requiring students to maximize their student loans before providing them access to beds. Therefore, lower income students end up owing the school more money even though they are already struggling to get by. In contrast, university spokesperson Kenneth Mashinchi countered this claim, explaining that in some cases, to assist students with a long-term housing solution, the practice of taking out loans is necessary. These loans would be used to pay for living expenses. Mashinchi further clarified that if SJSU provided free long-term housing to certain students but not others, this situation would become an issue of equity relative to other students. “It is important to find a happy medium where both students and university administrators are satisfied. Ultimately, the goal is to provide support to homeless students, but this presents the issue of figuring out how to financially manage the situation,” Senior Liya Babayants said. Due to the increasing number of students experiencing homelessness, the SHA demands additional actions from the university. Mercury News reports that the organization requested the university to require students using SJSU Cares to take a mandatory exit interview to give insight into the program’s effectiveness. Moreover, the alliance wants to change the structure of the Advisory Board Committee that oversees SJSU Cares to provide more
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Staff Writer
emphasis on students’ voices, redesign the SJSU Cares website to make information more easily accessible and stop forcing students to maximize their student debt before looking for emergency housing assistance. “Providing students with a greater voice would have the most positive impact on the homeless situation. With new policies, the university can review suggestions and determine whether they are necessary or not to improve students’ situations,” Freshman Ben Kim said. This more aggressive push for immediate solutions may be influenced by SJSU’s president Mary Papazian. In January 2020, Papazian launched housing programs that totaled over three million dollars. She described the student homeless crisis as “one of the most urgent issues of our time.” For this reason, the SHA was eager to work with her. However, after news that the university had mishandled sexual assault incidents between athletes and trainers from as far back as 2009, Papazian announced she would resign at the end of the year. The SHA worries that because she is leaving, SJSU may need to start from scratch on their initiatives to minimize homelessness. To mitigate this issue, the SHA has been trying to solve as many problems as possible before Papazian leaves. Currently, the SHA is having some success through the extension of the 12-bed program, but the alliance still expects more from SJSU Cares. In the future, the SHA hopes to lead more initiatives that will help curb the number of SJSU students who are unable to afford housing.
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New Time: Art and Feminisms in the 21st Century
Nicole Mui Staff Writer
Feminism—a word expressing fluidity, survival, pride and revolution is rampant in New Time: Art and Feminisms in the 21st Century. On display from Aug. 28 to Jan. 30 in the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, hundreds of creators break down the stigma of femininity by utilizing diverse paintings, film, sculptures and photography. As viewers stroll in, pictures along the walls describe historical studies of womxn persistently spun into a negative image. For example, JeanMartin Charcot, a French psychiatrist who directed inhumane treatment for thousands of interned womxn, described them as hysterical. In an attempt to document this false diagnosis, photographer Paul Regnard snapped images of womxn lying amongst beds in curved positions and published his documentation at the Pitie-Salpetriere University Hospital. Thus, the idea of hysteria was born, rupturing the rationality and sexuality of womxn into a “female disease.” However, many creators challenged this stereotype by representing female activism. In Andrea Bowers’s drawings, protesters hold up signs for AIDS representation, trans feminist activism and Latinx cultures to reveal the power and contribution of womxn to these movements. Laura Aguilar’s print titled “Grounded #111” celebrates her indigenous heritage as her nude silhouette poses in fetal positions beside landscapes of boulders and dry brush. Additionally, Kiki Smith’s sculpture “Lilith” depicts a crouched womxn with her feet planted on the wall, adorning stone grey skin and ocean-blue eyes. Lilith represents the wife of Adam in Jewish folklore, demonized from terror and infidelity, which Smith uses to symbolize feminist survival. Creators also pursue the importance of constructive anger against domestic stereotypes: Koak’s oil painting titled “Breaking the Prairie” combines European and Japanese comical styles to draw a tanned, curved figure smashing an axe into a chair, subverting ideals of indigenous and patriarchal roles. From the striking visuals to thought-provoking messages, the gallery’s collaboration of artists spurred an introspective take on femininity. Before visiting this museum, my perceived notions on feminism were bi-directional, concerned with the stigma that surrounds the discussion of female empowerment. But after viewing the differences between each piece—whether it was a collection of photographs or intricate oil painting—I realized that these forms of art are completely diverse. Each piece discards rules and conformity, instead embracing gender fluidity and encouraging viewers to reshape their perspective.
New Time: Art and Feminisms (5/5)
a monumental experience
Quotebox: Do you think San Jose State University is doing enough to help homeless students? Compiled by Suvia Li Staff Writer
+ in-depth historical background + innovative perspectives - need more emphasis on trans womxn
4
OPINIONS
DECEMBER 8, 2021 DESIGN BY RAYMOND DAI
California attempts to solve a system of inequities in math
Isaac Ang
Staff Writer
The Charger Account Leland High School 6677 Camden Ave. Principal Peter Park San Jose Unified School District San Jose, CA 95120-2142 (408) 535-6290 thechargeraccount.com EDITORS IN CHIEF Ashley Lee, Aileen Xie, Cindy Zhao, Nancy Zheng ART AND PHOTO DIRECTORS Beomhee Kim, Julia Nakanishi NEWS EDITORS Miranda Lu, Larry Ye OPINIONS EDITOR Raymond Dai FEATURE EDITORS Manasa Sriraj, Pavana Upadhyaya VIEWPOINT AND LAST WORD EDITORS Yong Ooi, Breanna Lu ENTERTAINMENT AND LIFESTYLE EDITORS Keirah Chen, Miranda Lu INVESTIGATIVE REPORT EDITOR Breanna Lu SPORTS EDITOR Pavana Upadhyaya STUDENT SPOTLIGHT EDITOR Keirah Chen AD MANAGER Nancy Zheng MEDIA MANAGER Cindy Zhao ADVISOR Elaine Ngo COMMUNITY CIRCULATION Parent Club and Leland Bridge STAFF WRITERS Isaac Ang Daniel Lin Dhruv Anish Nicole Mui Aaron Dalton Tammy Newman Sophia Qin Imran Shaikh Suvia Li Kevin Zhang ARTISTS Daniel Choi Desiree Vu De Leon Quincy Han Suvia Li Kailey Hu Dana Lim Ellie Kim Jude Tantawy Inseo Kim Kenneth Yang PHOTOGRAPHERS Bertina Fan Desiree Vu de Leon MEDIA TEAM Jeehee Kim Claire Pham Our mission in the community is to inform, educate, and investigate the events occurring within Leland’s community and beyond. The ideas and opinions expressed in our articles represent over half of The Charger Account staff but do not represent the views and beliefs of any particular staff member. The Charger Account invites submissions of signed letters of opinion. We reserve the right to edit submissions and pieces will be published at the discretion of the editorial staff. Readers can notify The Charger Account to any errors in print by emailing us at lelandchargeraccount@gmail.com. We will acknowledge our mistakes in our next issue. For advertising information and pricing, please check out our website at thechargeraccount.com/advertisewith-us. The Charger Account is distributed to the Leland community free of cost. The Charger Account Dec. 8 | Vol. T. No. 3
While some students seem to grasp math concepts with surprising ease, others struggle with their school’s offered courses, lagging far behind. Moreover, this academic rift is often marred by racial division: in 2019, Black and Latino students were half as likely to meet state math standards compared to their peers. To promote racial equity in math, the California Instructional Quality Commission drafted a framework to be reviewed by the Board of Education this month. Despite its good intentions, the framework limits advanced students’ potentials and neglects the values of mathematical education. One key aspect of the framework is the rejection of natural talent: the premise that some are inherently gifted at math. To this end, drafters recommend de-tracking— grouping all students in the same math classes—until 11th grade, coupled with a rejection of there being one mathematical solution. According to Ed Source, the framework also encourages applying math to social issues such as immigration, and substituting calculus with more “applicable” subjects like data science. Criticized for introducing volatile issues into a subject meant to be practical and precise, the new framework met harsh resistance from parents, teachers and the media. “While the framework is wellintentioned, encouraging the notion of multiple answers is antithetical to mathematics and does little to address systemic inequality. In fact, the framework perpetuates racism by implying that certain races are not as good at math,” Junior Reagan Liu said. Proponents of the framework claim that de-tracking would prevent teachers from rushing through material. They point to the de-tracking efforts of the San Francisco Unified School District, where failing math grades fell by a third and algebra repeat rates dropped from 40 to 8%.
Beyond accommodating gaps in learning efficiency, supporters also emphasize how racial disparity is prevalent— particularly in math. Jo Boaler, the framework’s main author, explains
INSEO KIM ART that math has a history of being exclusive, which diminishes minorities’ selfconfidence and willingness to learn. Additionally, taking easier math classes in school dissuades minorities from pursuing STEM-related careers. A Pew Research study found that Blacks and Latinos made up only 16% of the STEM workforce, compared to 27% of the total U.S. workforce. Despite these propositions, in truth, de-tracking benefits neither low nor high
What gift-giving really means Rewrapping our materialistic culture
The Charger Account Editorial Staff
Although the holidays should evoke feelings of joyous celebration, for many, festivities become unduly stressful. Instead of spending quality time together, people misplace their holiday priorities dwelling over what to buy to make their loved ones happy. Consequently, the holidays often foster a materialistic culture where appreciation is measured by nominal values. This commercial society is not new: according to History, in the fourth century A.D., monk St. Nicholas created Santa Claus, perpetuating the idea that Christmas is associated with presents. Many children are now obsessed with receiving presents, fixated on what lays under the fir tree. However, this problem extends beyond youth. Adults compete for other people’s appreciation by buying them pompous gifts. Yet, as recipients themselves, it is the fear of failing to properly return such gestures that engenders “reciprocation anxiety” in gift-givers. Social psychologist Robert Cialdani states that the obligation to reciprocate arises both in terms of who is going to gift the individual and the quality of that gift. Not reciprocating can result
in “appreciation imbalance”—the giver misconstrues the receiver as not valuing them in the same way, falsely assuming their relationship to be troubled. Breeding a materialistic culture has observed negative effects. According to Psychology Today, 38% of people experience what is known as the “holiday blues”—many people feel depressed and burdened due to society’s pressure of shopping, attending parties and making happy memories. Given their intrinsic neutrality, gifts themselves need not be associated with vanity. Exchanges should not be ephemeral swappings of objects, but rather opportunities for conversation between people, revisiting old memories and harboring new ones. Therefore, this holiday season, we should repurpose gift-giving as a meaningful endeavor, especially to benefit those truly in need. Local nonprofits, such as the Family Giving Tree, allow donors to purchase gifts for low-income children. Similarly, the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program accepts toys and books to help prevent children from being empty-handed during the holidays. While a bow-wrapped present may be alluring, people must realize that holidays are worth much more. Instead of emphasizing commercial values, we should encourage people to spend holidays meaningfully, staying present with loved ones and giving back to the community.
achievers. The New York Times reports that struggling students receive less targeted instruction, and high achievers are prevented from pursuing challenging material. Furthermore, the commission’s research is often cherry-picked from higher-income districts, where students receive more personalized instruction, skewing the legitimacy of their logic. As for overcoming racial inequities, the framework maintains that math “operates as whiteness,” yet 32% of students enrolled in gifted programs are Asian, compared to 8% that are white. With de-tracking, Asian, not white, students could be hit the hardest. Furthermore, endorsing multiple right answers and applying math to social issues “distorts actual math,” according to a letter signed by hundreds of California professors. “While students have equal mathematical capability, factors such as financial stability and childhood experiences prevent them from reaching their full potential. Instead of hobbling advanced students, smaller class sizes can directly tend to struggling students while allowing for the option to advance,” Julie Montgomery, Math Department, said. Fortunately, math curriculums can still cater to minorities without removing learning opportunities. For example, hiring more experienced teachers could improve the quality of instruction for all students. The state could also raise teachers’ wages, which would motivate them to help troubled students understand the material. Passing the California Math Framework could dramatically reshape education. Yet, the social justice issue remains unresolved; although de-tracking and social justice math are hardly appropriate solutions, disadvantaged students continue to be disregarded. Solving the system of inequalities will require greater awareness about minorities in math.
October issue corrections Feature School: Freshman class cabinet takes office: • There should be a space between “skills” and “They” after the second sentence in the sixth paragraph. Feature World: COVID and computer chips: How the pandemic created a global chip shortage: • “Electronics” is misspelled as “electonics” in the drop quote. Zimbabwean teen educates young girls to kyorugi against child marriage: • “Purpose” is misspelled as “pupose” in the last paragraph. Sports: At the tip-off: Unvaccinated athletes face vaccination policies • “student” should be plural in the third to last paragraph.
The Charger Account wishes students and families a safe and joyful holiday season! XINTONG ZHAO ART
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
5
OPINIONS
DESIGN BY RAYMOND DAI
Aaron Dalton
When competition undermines team unity
“The Four Winds” Staff Writer
“Good coaches get players into games,” says Jim Thompson, Founder, and CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), an organization dedicated to research-based training for sports coaches. Unfortunately, this principle was neglected by Inglewood High School’s football team, who dealt a devastating 106-0 win against Morningside High School in November. The blowout game drew swift criticism by those claiming unsportsmanlike behavior. By prioritizing beating, rather than respecting, their opponents, the winning team’s toxic culture jeopardizes the ethics of team sports.
“By prioritizing beating, rather than respecting, their opponents, the winning team’s toxic culture jeapordizes the ethics of team sports.” The teams were mismatched from the start: Morningside’s 2-8 record did not stack up well to Inglewood’s undefeated season. Justyn Martin, a University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) recruit, threw 13 touchdowns for Inglewood and played all four quarters. Many believe that the game was a blatant example of poor sportsmanship—Inglewood did not play their second-string players and completed a two-point conversion (a risky alternative to kicking for one extra point after a touchdown) when already leading by 104 points. The PCA specifically addresses how honorable coaches utilize mismatched games as important opportunities for substitute players to have game time. Several states, including California, have established “mercy rules,” which serve to lessen blowout defeats in the case of one team scoring an insurmountable point differential over another. In football, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) mercy rule states that if there is a 35 point differential, the clock must run continuously to prevent a
Poll: Is it ethical to score in a blowout game? YES
79%
105 People Polled
cornerstones of mutual respect and relentless determination. “Football is a tough sport, and sometimes there can be disappointing losses. I would rather lose to a better team than feel disrespected by them intentionally not playing their best out of pity. However, when a team is so far ahead, it is poor sportsmanship when the coach does not allow the bench an opportunity to play,” Senior Banipal Yaro said. Ignoring sports etiquette benefits nobody: in the Inglewood game, the winning team’s own players shared similar sentiments of humiliation as Morningside. Dr. Bruce Y. Lee of the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Public Health argued that Inglewood’s behavior discourages athletes from genuinely enjoying the sport. “Unfortunately, our society seems to be filled with people consumed by individual competition without realizing the benefits of cooperation. They do not seem to understand win-win situations,” Dr. Lee wrote. Perhaps the Inglewood game’s greatest flaw was the desertion of one of high school athletics’ essential purposes: player development. When a team neglects developing the entire player roster, this leads to reduced morale, lowering intrinsic engagement in the sport. Competition is healthy and fun, but Inglewood demonstrated an antagonistic culture that may turn athletes away from sports.
DANIEL CHOI ART
runaway scoring event. It is unclear what prompted Inglewood’s head coach, Mil’Von James, to dismiss this rule, which would have limited the severity of the lopsided victory. While CIF mercy rules vary by sport, the premise is the same: there is a point where healthy competition becomes detrimental humiliation. However, many student athletes tout that mercy rules diminish authentic sportsmanship, which they define with
Compiled by Nicole Mui and Imran Shaikh Staff Writers
This tipping point between individual competition and collective cooperation exists beyond just sports. An example from the business world is the recent trial of former bloodtesting company Theranos CEO
Elizabeth Holmes, whose ambition to develop a catalyzing bloodtesting device led to her being accused of placing patients’ lives in danger and misrepresenting her product to investors, according to Insider. Driven by dreams of success, Holmes’ restless determination was present ever since her youth. When running Theranos, her competitive nature imposed controlling standards on her employees: she had assistants track when employees arrived and left each day. This illustrates how individuals can become obsessed with
“Despite being an occasional occurrence, blowout games reflect a lost opportunity to work collaboratively to develop player talent.”
NO
21%
achievement at any cost, losing sight of the greater good. Individuals do not need to be cheated by monopolistic billionaires to experience the bitter end of competition. Many high schoolers experience overwhelming stress in response to unhealthy academic rivalry. In a 2019 report, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine added students from high achieving schools to their list of “at risk” groups. Youth in these groups face elevated rates of chronic stress, similar to those in foster care or with incarcerated parents. Despite being an occasional occurrence, blowout games reflect a lost opportunity to work collaboratively to develop player talent. Ironically, in 1990, Lisa Leslie from the Morningside girls’ basketball team (who later became one of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s top 15 players) scored 102 points in the first half of a game against South Torrance High School, resulting in a final score of 102-24. The game ended at halftime because South Torrance’s players felt so humiliated that they refused to come out of the locker room to finish the second half. Over three decades later, Morningside is now experiencing a similar demoralizing defeat in its recent loss to Inglewood. While Inglewood’s contentious win exposes the counterproductivity of unethical matches, competition in and of itself can be leveraged for moving forward, motivating people to discover new solutions. When individuals seek higher achievement with healthy competitive mindsets, this can create an environment where every group member hopes that everyone will do well, rather than wish failure upon each other. However, given
“Although Inglewood won the game, they lost the single most important thing in team sports: unity.” its subjectivity, discerning the line between what is considered healthy and detrimental is difficult; as Suzuki Association states, it requires finding the balance between being supportive of one’s peers and achieving personal excellence. Steering clear of harmful competition, however, entails reframing one’s attitude to not supposing that there is a limited amount of success available in the world. Self-determination and overcoming barriers in one’s skillset are admirable goals, and each player should devote themselves to the game and each other. But when a team fixates on demolishing its opponent rather than strengthening its players, it forfeits their honor. Although Inglewood won the game, they lost the single most important thing in team sports: unity.
Pavana Upadhyaya Feature School & Sports Editor
Set during the Great Depression, veteran author Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction “The Four Winds” tells a story of survival, desperation and independence, centering around the resilience of a mother and her daughter as they brave the perils of living through one of the most arduous periods in American history. The narrative opens in 1921 when a young Texan woman, Elsa Martinelli, is outcast from her oppressive family for falling in love with a Catholic Italian immigrant, Rafe. Elsa marries Rafe and moves in with her in-laws, a humble agricultural family; for a number of years, their farm prospers. Fast forward to 1934, where the situation is starkly different: frequent dust storms and lack of rain have desiccated the farm land, which parallels the couple’s dying relationship. Poverty-stricken, the tight-knit family is faced with two choices: stay on the farm, where the prospects of selling crops look low, or move west in hopes of starting anew. One of “The Four Winds” biggest strengths is how historical accuracy is used to construct the plot—Hannah weaves in real events, such as Black Sunday, one of the deadliest storms of the Dust Bowl era, into her narrative. Instead of being bogged down with informational facts, a pitfall that some historical novels suffer from, this book illustrates earnest depictions of the loss and devastation that people faced during the Great Depression to craft a story that is realistic yet touching. Occasionally, the characters appear flat and archetypical—Elsa always seems perfectly willing to make sacrifices for others, while her son, Antony, is an empty side character who, after Hannah uses him as a plot device in the middle of the book, is regulated to saying small quips. However, Hannah successfully articulates the ambivalence of character conscience with Elsa’s young daughter, Loreda. Though her actions and attitudes can sometimes be frustrating, like initially resenting her mother for refusing to leave the family farm, Loreda is redeemable: as the family journeys west, she takes charge, supporting her mother in their quest to find stable employment in California. Loreda’s literary significance lies in her aspirations of moving west, a quintessential representation of the American Dream as something that over-promises but always under-delivers. Unafraid to explicate the fragility of humankind against an unforgiving world, “The Four Winds” is a heart-wrenching read about the lengths that people take to simply survive. Despite its few flaws, the story is a poignant portrait of the struggles people faced chasing the American Dream.
“The Four Winds” (4/5) bookmarked + accurate depictions of history + captivating story of love and loss - some underdeveloped characters
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ENTERTAINMENT “Dune”
DECEMBER 8, 2021 DESIGN BY KEIRAH CHEN
Astroworld mishap raises safety concerns for live venues
Aaron Dalton and Imran Shaikh Staff Writers
Dhruv Anish
Staff Writer
The film opens with a black screen, the throat gurgling noise of the menacing Sardukar reverberating over the drone of Hans Zimmer’s masterful score. This premiere is an introduction to the world of Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune,” a visionary film with its expansive set pieces and ornately designed costumes creating a rich and immersive atmosphere. Based on Frank Herbert’s scifi novel of the same name, “Dune” stars Timothée Chalamet as Paul, the heir to the Atreides empire and the prophesied “Kwisatz Haderach,” or the all-knowing being that can travel through memories, space and time. Still young, Paul has not yet unlocked his full powers; he trains with his mother, a member of the superhuman sisterhood “Bene Gesserits” and played by Rebecca Ferguson, and weapons master Gurney Halleck, played by Josh Brolin. The plot follows Paul and the House of Atreides as they feud with the rival Harkonnen family in their search to uncover spice deposits—the key to intergalactic travel. Story-wise, the movie spares no effort in complexity. Villeneuve refuses to waste time providing the audience with exposition, untangling the complexity of the plot as the story continues. While this may be disorienting for some viewers, Villeneuve’s use of showing rather than telling managed to entertain audiences already familiar with the “Dune” franchise and slowly guide new viewers into the world through subtle visual cues and referential dialogue. The visuals in “Dune” are breathtaking, with each shot making the viewer feel the film’s massive scale and appreciate the ornate set and costume designs. The score and sound design of the film are also stellar; Hans Zimmer’s intense and powerful soundtrack amplifies the gorgeous cinematography from Greig Fraser. Performances from the cast were exceptional, most notably Stellan Skarsgård as the menacing Baron Harkonnen and Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides. The plot is further layered with intricate storylines that reveal necessary plot points and character insights, all assembling to narrate Paul’s quest to fulfill his destiny. Despite the two and a half hour runtime, “Dune” seemed to fly by due to excellent pacing and an ending that left me wanting more. Combining an engaging plot and rich perfrmances with impressive technical aspects, “Dune” is one of the best films of 2021, leaving viewers in anticipation for its sequel.
“Dune” (5/5) reel-ing it in
+ excellent production design + masterful score - complicated narrative
“Preventable.” That is how concert safety consultant Paul Wertheimer described the tragedy at Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival in Houston, Texas. The Nov. 5 Live Nation Astroworld music festival saw 10 deaths—including a 9-yearold boy—from crowd surges, reviving analysis of crowd safety measures as more people are participating in large spectator events following the rollback of some COVID-19 restrictions. As soon as the festival gates opened, rushing crowds pushed down barricades and overwhelmed security guards, the Associated Press reports. The event, which had sold out all 100,000 tickets within an hour, quickly grew to a dense crowd of 50,000 fans. As Scott took the stage, fans pushed forward towards the mosh pits, compressing others who were not able to escape due to the barricades that surrounded the venue. Despite police reports of crush injuries taking place in the crowds, Scott continued performing. Not long after, approximately 300 people were treated for injuries, with 13 hospitalized. “As a role model and the highlight of the show, it was Travis Scott’s obligation to stop the performance. Other artists, such as Linkin Park and Slipknot, are known for stopping shows when someone falls in the mosh pit. Travis Scott failed his duty to look after his fans and his apathy means that he should be held accountable,” Junior Reagan Liu said. The investigation into the incident found that festival organizers failed to prioritize crowd safety procedures. JUDE TANTAWAY ART
Sophia Qin
Though Live Nation contracted the concert promotion company ScoreMore Shows to compile a security
plan that was presented to Houston police before the festival took place, experts have noted some key omissions. Wertheimer told the Los Angeles Times that there was no mention of a crowd management plan, nor how the audience at the front of the stage would be controlled. Typically, moshing, crowd surfing, or stage diving are addressed in the safety plan in order to prevent crowd surge or panic events. However, occurrences like this are not rare. On Nov. 2, barely a week before the Astroworld incident, two people died at an ABBA tribute concert: an elderly man fell seven floors onto two others, passing away and fatally injuring one of the others while sending the survivor to the hospital. In 2000, nine concertgoers were trampled to death in a mosh pit during Pearl Jam’s performance at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, among many more cases—ABC News reports that there were nine recorded mosh-related deaths between 1994 and 2006 alone. Wertheimer, who has examined both the Pearl Jam and Astroworld tragedies, found a common trait: festival seating. The festival seating system abandons physical seats altogether for a shoulder-toshoulder experience. When
implemented at Astroworld, fans had a mere two square feet of space each— paired with moshing, a more violent form of dance associated with rock music, it created a packed environment. Ultimately, Wertheimer concludes that the promoter is at fault for crowd safety shortcomings. “Future incidents could be prevented if organizers pay more attention to the amount of people and space available,” Sophomore Kavya Desai said. Another group that may bear the responsibility for this incident is the overall security. While security guards were on the premises, many Astroworld security firms actually encouraged their employees to avoid getting involved to prevent injury and informed them that they should contact their supervisor and let them handle the issue. However, crowd control measures have improved over time. For instance, the implementation of iron barriers at Goldenvoice’s Coachella festival split the crowd into a grid, creating separations to prevent the crowd from getting out of control. However, while they can be effective under the right circumstances, overcrowding the festival site will inevitably lead to disaster. It is apparent that these accidents are due to the shortcomings of multiple parties. Had officials implemented other strategies, Astroworld may have ended differently. Nevertheless, the catastrophe presents a lesson for concerts organizers and participants going forward.
Baldwin shooting highlights lack of safety on film sets Staff Writer
In preparation for a scene in the Western film “Rust,” an alleged cold gun— containing no ammunition—was handed to lead actor Alec Baldwin. Seated on a pew in a small wooden church, Baldwin was cornered by a sheriff and a U.S. Marshal and tasked to shoot his way out. When it came time to rehearse this scene, Baldwin pointed his .45 Long Colt revolver to the camera and cocked the gun. This run-through, though seemingly harmless, resulted in the death of one crew member and the injury of another. According to investigators, the gun contained a live round, which shot through the chest of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and lodged into the shoulder of the movie’s director Joel Souza. Since real ammunition is only loaded in the gun after the approval of the assistant director, the misfiring raised concerns regarding firearm safety and the treatment of cast and crew on movie sets. Typically, productions use blank rounds with fake firearms, which can still be dangerous if fired too close to another person, CNBC states. The Baldwin accident, however, was a different matter. In reference to a rising
national labor battle over treatment of workers in the film industry, the New York Times reports that tensions on the set increased. The day before the shooting, six crew members sent in resignation letters citing the lack of organization within the set and the lack of experience of the armorer, Hannah GutierrezReed. Despite the criticism against her, Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyers argue that the set became unsafe due to several factors, including the lack of safety meetings. Though the incident ELLIE KIM ART sparked national attention, it is not a new occurrence for the film industry. Several past incidents have placed crew and cast members at risk—an Associated Press investigation from 2016 totals 43 deaths occurring on production sets between 1990 and 2016. During the 1993 filming of “The Crow,” actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed with a gun that supposedly held blank cartridges. Meanwhile, in 2015, Olivia Jackson was injured from colliding with camera equipment while performing as a stuntwoman in “Resident Evil: The
Final Chapter,” leaving her with a halfamputated left arm, several torn nerves in the spinal cord and disfiguration. Jackson took to social media to protest the film production’s prioritization of profit over the safety of crew members. In response to the Baldwin shooting, celebrities such as Dwayne Johnson, who has experience filming with firearms, introduced reforms regarding false firearms. In an interview with Variety, Johnson describes his plan to use rubber guns with any studio he works with going forward, in order to prevent accidents similar to the “Rust” occurrence. “Despite the gravity of the incident, it is good that actresses and actors are advocating for gun safety during filmings. I believe this is the right step towards general safety on set,” Sophomore Sarah Sun said. Though investigations have failed to determine a source of the live rounds, this incident seems to originate from a lack of accountability within the “Rust” production team. As they endanger cast and crew members, such occurrences have received an increasing amount of news coverage, raising awareness about safety and security within the film industry.
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
7
LIFESTYLE
DESIGN BY MIRANDA LU
New legislation combats the perennial issue of period poverty
Phở La
Nicole Mui
Quotebox: What are your personal observations, opinions and experiences regarding menstruation? BEOMHEE KIM ART
California will be joining seven other states to provide menstrual hygiene products free of charge in public school bathrooms as Assemblymember Cristina Garcia’s Menstrual Equity for All Act goes into effect starting the 2022-2023 school year. Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 8, the bill marks a step in the fight to eradicate period poverty—defined by web-based outlet Medical News Today as the lack of access to period products and menstrual hygiene education that affects 500 million people worldwide—sparking conversations about menstruation. “Having period products freely available on campus reminds students that menstruation is a normal occurrence and helps students feel less shame if they forget to bring their own products,” Veronica Burton, Math Department said. Across the globe, menstruation holds different levels of respect and importance depending on the region. In Fiji, girls are gifted a mat on their first period and taught about the importance of the menstrual
cycle their families celebrate with a feast. In the Cherokee Nation, periods are viewed as sacred and powerful. However, in the U.S. and many developing countries, discussions of periods are rare and over 5,000 euphemisms including “that time of the month,” “Aunt Flo” and “shark week” are often used in place of the terms “menstruation” and “period.” Despite their light-hearted tone, these euphemisms show that stigmas and false perceptions surrounding menstruation are deeply ingrained social norms. “Many people avoid discussing menstruation, considering it to be unclean and embarrassing. To normalize periods, educational systems should introduce all students to the subject, regardless of whether or not they menstruate,” Junior Mads Carroll said. For decades, menstrual taboo has been an underlying force in the media, which often avoids imagery associated with menstruation. Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, countless sanitary product advertisements were discrete, excluding visual functions of sanitary products and menstruation-related vocabulary—the word “period” was not openly stated on television until 1985, in a Tampax commercial. Similar practices continued in the 21st century, where many brands utilize a blue fluid instead of a red one to display the absorbency of their products in their advertisements—a practice predicated on the idea that menstruation is dirty and unnatural. Moreover, the period taboo
Staff Writer
coexists with a lack of access to period products, especially for students. A study published by non-profit PERIOD found that 23% of teenage students in the U.S. struggle to afford period products, and according to the University of Michigan School of Public Health, one in five students miss school due to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products. Aside from financial concerns, genderqueer students face difficulties accessing period products as they are only located in girls restrooms. Many students are forced to leave school, stay home or even drop out. To remediate these issues, Garcia’s legislation strives to provide products in a way that acknowledges the diverse array of menstruators and promotes health amongst all students. “As period products are basic necessities, they should always be accessible. Garcia’s bill is an effective way to respond to the lack of available products by conveniently placing them in school bathrooms,” Freshman Joshua Yan said. The pervasive menstrual stigma in education and media today has spurred a public health crisis. Despite its prevalence, new governmental policies are beginning to advocate for more resources that support those who menstruate.
Decades of war leave a lasting mark on the elephant population
Breanna Lu
In Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, many female African elephants are missing a key feature due to years of conflict and extensive poaching—their tusks. In 1977, two years after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal, a large-scale civil war broke out. To finance the war, over 2,000 elephants in were killed for the ivory in their tusks. As the park’s elephant population recovered in the years following the war, researchers noticed that many of the females were missing tusks: according to the Washington Post, around 50% of the surviving female elephants were tuskless compared to only 18.5% in 1970. Within the elephant population, those that were female and tuskless had a survival advantage, as
poachers went after males whose tusks were heavier and worth more money. This tuskless trait was passed on and is expressed in 32% of female elephants in Gorongosa today, stated elephant conservation organization Elephant Voices, a substantial jump from before. However, researchers did not notice any male tuskless elephants in the park, leading them to believe that the genetic mutation behind tusklessness was fatal to males. To test this theory, evolutionary biologist Shane CampbellStaton of Princeton University and his colleagues analyzed the genomes of African elephants with and without tusks, searching for genetic differences and signs of evolutionary selection. The results of the investigation highlighted two different genes: AMELX—a dominant, X-linked gene passed from mother to offspring that is lethal to males—and MEP1a, both of which build elephant teeth. While the trait was critical to survival during the war, tusklessness today harms surrounding ecosystems. When elephants use their incisors to dig for water and strip tree bark off for nutrients, they topple SUVIA LI trees that become homes for lizards and dig ART
Investigative Report & Last Word Editor
watering holes for other organisms. Thus, restoring the number of tusked elephants is important for ecosystems to thrive. “Right now, there is a mass extinction of animals and plants. This loss of biodiversity and the change in Gorongosa are results of artificial selection,” Jessica Paulsen, Science Department, said. To aid in restoration, China enacted a ban on the global distribution of ivory products in 2017. Since then, the African elephant ivory supply and demand have decreased substantially, reported the World Wildlife Fund. “In addition to stricter legislation, developing synthetic alternatives to ivory can help curb ivory poaching since it lessens demand for elephant tusks, as well as spreading awareness about tusklessness,” Junior Michelle Qiao said. The existence of tuskless elephants is not unique to Gorongsa. National Geographic stated that in South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park, 98% of female elephants were tuskless as early as the 2000s also due to a history of war fueled by poaching. Tuskless African elephants are just a recent development in a chain of impacts human activity has had on nature. While it is difficult to reverse the damage already done, these discoveries can bring awareness to animal protection and environmental conservation.
Suvia Li Staff Writer
Situated in the corner of Santa Teresa Square among a myriad of eateries, grocery stores and businesses is Pho La—a homely Vietnamese restaurant known for its flavorful pho and vermicelli bowls. I was inspired to visit the eatery after reading positive Yelp reviews and scanning its online menu, which displays an assortment of pho bowls, rice plates, sandwiches, beverages and appetizers—including crispy tofu and fried wontons. As I entered the restaurant, I immediately noticed its classic wooden chairs and white walls adorned with beautiful blossoms and colorful artwork. After being greeted warmly by a waiter and seated at a table, I ordered a plate of egg rolls and the Pho Xe Lua Đac Biet—a special combo beef pho with rare steak, well-done flank, brisket, tendon and tripe. The egg rolls were served first, featuring a delightfully crispy and golden exterior that gave way to a piping hot filling inside. Dipped into the supplementary cold sweet and sour sauce, the rolls were perfect in texture, flavor and temperature. While I was enjoying the egg rolls, a large, white bowl of scalding pho was placed in front of me, with a cloud of steam surging from the top. The pho was served with a garnish plate of fresh herbs including bean sprouts, thai basil and a lime wedge. In the bowl, rice noodles swam in a clear broth, topped with thinly sliced pieces of beef, white onion and cilantro. The slivers of rare steak cooked as I tossed them into the broth, turning a deep brown hue. The broth had a rich beef flavor, with hints of savoriness, smokiness and sweetness from the onions and an anise-like flavor from the thai basil. The pho noodles themselves were moistened by the smooth broth, yet still firm to the bite and slightly chewy. The steak and flank strips were soft and melted in my mouth, and the chewiness of the tendon and tripe provided a pleasant contrast with the rest of the dish. I added a few squeezes of sriracha to my bowl, and the condiment’s slight hint of spice deepened the broth’s flavors significantly. After mixing in the sriracha, I quickly devoured all the noodles and toppings, leaving a halfbowl of broth behind. Using both a spoon and the bowl itself, I sipped up all the remaining broth, captivated by its mosaic of aromas. From its array of appetizing and comforting dishes to its elegant interior design, Pho La is a top choice for anyone looking to try delectable Vietnamese food.
how bowl-tiful was it?
Phở La (5/5)
+ great service + variety of menu choices - location is difficult to find
10
DECEMBER 8, 2021
Investigative Report: Digital Identity An increasingly digitalized world threatens teens’ online security
DESIGN BY BREANNA LU
Tammy Newman
In society today, daily activities— ranging from communication and transportation to forms of entertainment— are in the hands of technology. According to a 2021 survey conducted by Forbes reporter Tommy Beer, the average teenager spends approximately 4.2 hours a day on social media. Advanced digital devices are a large part of youths’ lives, leaving them prone to unsafe places on the internet. With users increasingly taking advantage of digital technology, privacy is compromised by the lack of knowledge for the sensitive information they are providing to digital platforms. A 2020 social experiment conducted by digital privacy group ProPrivacy found that 99% of participants skipped past the terms and conditions page, inadvertently agreeing to give the organization naming rights to their firstborn child, among other questionable provisions. Moreover, a Deloitte survey concluded that 91% of people agree to privacy policies without reading them, demonstrating that a majority of the public is unaware of what information they agree to provide online. As the practice of protecting information systems from unauthorized access, cybersecurity can be compromised by digital attacks, including malicious software, social engineering or vulnerabilities in code. Due to the
Manasa Sriraj
widespread availability of information, cyber threats can exist everywhere, including search engines and social media platforms. Digital media journalist Aliza Vigderman explains that Google stores user Internet Protocol addresses, data interactions between apps, purchases, crash reports and system activity. Additionally, Facebook keeps track of direct messages, contact information and stored photos and videos used within the app. There are also other dangers that come with social media use—such as losing important digital files or credit card information theft, leading many experts to encourage users to take cybersecurity measures. Aside from large corporations, specific websites such as Omegle can also pose dangers for teens. According to Filterfree Parents, it has experienced a recent surge in teen activity due to TikTok trends, which puts more children at risk. British Broadcasting Company states that because the app is open to strangers without any background check, videos of violence, child pornography and other inappropriate content are common occurrences, and there is no way to make sure underage users do not view them. On top of explicit content, a study by Hacker News found that hacking Omegle and downloading user conversations requires very little technical knowledge, which is especially problematic as all private chats
Staff Writer
in Omegle are saved permanently by the website, cybersecurity expert Aimee O’Driscoll explains. INSEO KIM ART In general, social media platforms tend to undermine user privacy. People driven by malicious intent are ever-present on social media, which may lead to doxxing—people finding and publishing personal information about an individual without consent. Doxxing can include cyberbullying, which Verywell Family reports hotspots and altering usernames can increase the risk of and passwords. depression, anxiety “Understanding how we can keep and low self-esteem in our information private is the first step to student victims. being safe on the internet. Some measures Over time, websites students can take are only posting and applications are incorporating safety features to protect the privacy of pictures of others with permission and users. Omegle now offers a feature that keeping track of who is posting content allows users to type keywords like “clean” related to themselves,” Sophomore Nikita or “kid-friendly” to ensure they do not Parakala said. The new age of technology comes encounter 18+ content. On The Social Media Butterfly blog, Stefanie Marrone with several advantages for teens, but suggests that other ways to stay safe simultaneously leaves them vulnerable on the internet—especially throughout to numerous privacy and security issues social media—are to keep accounts on the web. As a result, cybersecurity in the younger generation has become private or use a pseudonym. For an increasingly important topic. doxxing specifically, cyber safety While students may have to organization Family Zone take extra precautionary describes how youths ng i measures, being mindful t should consider who s ca 559 d of their online activity can see their posted roa of 1, B allows them to enjoy content, avoid h % itis w 47 essed r the benefits of the public WiFi B he d ho witn t internet and stay safe. e y e y b escib hav s. d d ns er stu DESIREE VU-DE LEON ART 17 ation d tee ir pe 0 A 2 rpor ewe f the Co ervi g” o Compiled by Isaac Ang and Dhruv Anish int xxin “do Staff Writers
Digital footprint: Making a meaningful mark on the web Feature World Editor
As global reliance on the web hits a user’s passive digital footprint that users or students to profile individuals more new highs, applications and websites are can do very little to avoid. thoroughly. Controversially, as stated able to more easily collect and document In contrast, a user’s active digital by the University of California, details about users’ web activities. With footprint consists of the personal San Diego, some academic people around the world able to access information they knowingly share online, institutions investigate this information within minutes, the including blog or social media posts. By several applicants’ y ghl importance of maintaining a positive tracking actions such as pressing the social media u o r e digital footprint has gained recognition in “like” button on social media content, the surveillance hat d t 2 in th n recent years. This proves to be especially internet records users’ reactions to to see if 1 r. fou ch 8 and y yea r true for adolescents and young help understand their personal a er e se Re n ag eft ev adults, who, according to Pew relationships and interests. & e th egy twe Research Center, use online Additionally, when a rat s be entity , t l S a resources more than user inputs personal oci e, lin teen e id rt S onlin ave ,000 rienc J a most other age groups. information into e e Sm 200 . exp by l nam s. A digital a website, any members d S . r e U ct ir rea alke u footprint is other websites of their community are d e st con ed th rnet on which the considering violence or y e e t urv 7 pos to int s user entered the perpetrating online prejudice, to a n 201 rable g same information are able to violence and harassment. i s din lne cor een vu recognize the match to develop a “Beyond high school transcripts Ac of t hem t % narrative about their identity. and college essays, online behavior can 2 9 ving a the personal An individual’s digital footprint reveal important aspects about applicants’ e l information an indicates their digital citizenship, which personality, making it necessary for individual reveals to measures how actively and constructively colleges to investigate the social media the internet with their online they contribute to the online community. pages of applicants,” Sophomore Vishal activity and can have “passive” and The American Academy of Child and Makaram said. “active” components. This information Adolescent Psychiatry reports that teens Subsequently, young adults often face makes up the user’s digital identity, spend up to nine hours per day on the web, rejection or expulsion from universities which may encompass their usernames, leading to increased cyberbullying, sexual or jobs when institutions discover that passwords, online search history and exploitation and toxic peer pressure in the they have previously posted inappropriate transaction documentation. age group. With in-depth education about content—even if these posts were Even if they do not intend to, users how to maintain proper digital citizenship, eventually deleted. For instance, the leave behind some private data each time teens can avoid such risks. Harvard Crimson reported that in 2017, they log onto a social media platform, Besides personal safety, the quality the university canceled its acceptance of website or application. For example, of a teen’s digital citizenship may also 10 members of the incoming class upon according to Network Telecom, many impact their academic and professional discovering that they had been sending websites use cookies, which are often success. According to US News, IvyWise memes and messages ridiculing sexual active by default, to monitor visitors’ and Net Nanny, some employers and assault, child abuse and the Holocaust in future searches and better target certain approximately 36% of universities also a Facebook chat. advertisements toward them. Information view the social media pages and histories “School districts can provide colleges collected in such involuntary ways forms of prospective and existing employees with background checks on prospective
students for safety, but social media checks are unnecessary invasions of privacy,” Junior Samika Mathada said. Eduspire Solutions states that behaving according to the same morals online as one does in-person constitutes a valuable digital citizen. Good digital citizenship also involves maintaining integrity online, combating harmful online activity and using the internet to advocate for notable causes. Also, it involves teaching individuals to respect and uphold personal boundaries. Globally, educators are integrating digital citizenship into their curriculums, recognizing that the younger generation must be able to separate fact from fiction and stay safe from online threats. Teachers are holding classroom discussions about the different aspects of digital citizenship and how to achieve them using online resources. Additionally, various classes at the school teach students to validate research sources using the Currency, Reliability, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose test, questioning the reliability of any information on the internet. “Without tones and facial expressions accompanying them, internet comments can sometimes be misinterpreted as rude or offensive. Consequently, I have become more mindful of what I say online and how I say it to preserve a positive reputation on the web,” Senior Nitika Rao said. When used responsibly, the internet is capable of spreading unity and meaningful change. With standardized digital citizenship training, youth may be more likely to become contributive internet users of the future.
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
FEATURE: SCHOOL
DESIGN BY PAVANA UPADHYAYA
Sophia Qin
Drama stages their new show: “Lockers”
Staff Writer
The school’s drama program exhibits students’ performance techniques and passion for acting through a series of plays and musicals. With quick costume changes and numerous props, the plays put on by the drama class aim to appeal to the greater student audience. The plays and musicals are decided by Melissa Webb, English Department and Drama Advisor, but due to her maternity leave, students looked through previews of online plays that could be easily directed without Webb’s lead. Therefore, the students decided to choose “Lockers”—a play that showcases high school life, problems and politics—as the first show of the year. Since the play is about high school, the students BERTINA FAN PHOTO believed that the student body would relate to it. In order to prepare, the ‘council of elders’—four student directors who each directed three scenes of the play—was created. During their weekly Monday meetings, the ‘council of elders’ discussed their agenda of the week, goals for the play and problems that arose in the past week. “Teamwork plays an immense role in drama. It is more effective when we make decisions together rather than making them independently,” Senior Sophia Han, Head of Set, said. Top: Senior Irene Bottom: Junior
Daniel Lin
Senior Irene Kang, Council member and Co-Head of Publicity, explains that the purpose of drama is to be on stage as a team. Consequently, due to the collaboration required amongst drama students, Kang highlights that the transition from in-person to online learning was difficult: plays and musicals performed online did not resemble live shows. Therefore, the
drama team was excited to be back inperson and relieved to physically build props and tools. This year, the drama crew was supplied with numerous new equipment,
Kang checks over Skylar Giamonna
the script adjusts
11
Outward Realms: An escape from reality
such as a new light system, soundboard and projector. However, without Webb’s guidance, the students had difficulty figuring out how to utilize the new equipment.
“The students decided to choose ‘Lockers’—a play that showcases high school life, problems and politics ...” “It was extremely challenging for the first couple of weeks. Nobody knew how to operate the new light system, so we tried clicking random buttons hoping that something would work,” Senior Andrew Fisher, Head of Light, said. Fisher was finally able to make the lights DESIREE VU DE LEON PHOTO operate after reading parts of a six-hundred page manual. Now that Webb is back, the preparation for “Lockers” has ran more efficiently. The drama crew hopes to capture their audience’s attention and present an engaging performance for the students and staff through their new play. Despite the technical and collaborative challenges they faced this semester, students involved in the drama program are looking forward to continuing to exhibit future plays and musicals.
at a drama rehearsal after techincal settings during
school in the a drama
cafeteria. rehearsal.
Semester in review: Changes in the school Staff Writer
As the semester draws to a close, a Another new change is the revised “The later start times means look back on school life and activities grading policies, implemented to give we get out of school later. reveals many changes on campus and students a more equitable learning Consequently, many of my friends in academics. environment. Students cannot do not get home until 5:00 p.m. For example, in order to minimize receive a grade lower than 50% on because of extracurricular activities. the spread of COVID-19, students assignments, and if they score lower I would rather go to school early than and staff are required to wear a than 70% on assessments, they can come home late,” Sophomore Aniket face covering at all times, unless retake to gain up to 70% of the total Mittal said. they are eating or participating in score. Such changes were intended to Physical Education. make it easier for students to maintain “Revised grading policies... However, for students in wind higher grades that reflect their ensemble and concert band classes, learning more accurately. give students a more equitable the mask mandate hinders their The school also changed the bell learning environment.” ability to play instruments. Freshman schedule: due to a California state Luke Hamilton, who is in concert law that prohibited high schools from band, finds it frustrating that starting earlier than 8:00 a.m, the whenever he wants to perform, he school start time was pushed from Several school-wide changes must wear a special type of mask that 7:55 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. have been made this semester, is designed to allow him garnering both support to play his instrument and opposition. Next while covering the semester, the same majority of his face, changes will remain hindering his in place in hopes ability to of providing produce good students a safe “This semester, I have really enjoyed the Hiking Club tone quality. environment. because it is well organized and there are many members. I also have already gotten fun experiences through sports and other school hosted events.”—Freshman Kyan Wang
Quotebox: What have you liked from the first semster?
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“This semester is going well, especially because we are back in person. A class that has stood out to me this year is AP Seminar because I have a lot of fun working with my research group and I enjoy the presentations.”—Junior Pranavi Gandikota
Miranda Lu Lifestyle & School News Editor
On a wide, verdant battlefield stands two opposing forces—one is a cluster of sapient, frog-like creatures and the other is a unit of heavilyarmored, cybernetically enhanced soldiers. Situated next to each are a collection of vibrant battle tanks, hulls and pods poised to attack their adversary on the opposite side of the field. The ground below is marked with black placards emblazoned with the phrase “Objective Zone” and orange tokens displaying words and symbols, such as a fist, fire and target line. On the sides of the battlefield, players order their units and are focused on winning the battle against their opponents. This is the setting of Outward Realms—a science fiction tabletop miniature game released earlier this year. On weekends, Neal Schroeder, Classified Support Department, often meets up with their friends at a game store to play a round of this fast-paced wargame. Designed by Sacramentobased gaming company Hammerhead Games, it features its own unique storyline, gameplay, characters and rules. Set over 600 years in the future, in a world where humanity has colonized the galaxy using advanced technologies, Outward Realms offers players the chance to lead one of four competing factions—the froglike Batra, genetically enhanced Realm, insectile Hexgota or artificially intelligent Niphal—in a fight for galactic supremacy. To set up the game, Schroeder chooses a faction to lead and paints the individual models to their liking. Then, both Schroeder and their opponent carefully scope out the terrain, discussing any adjustments that need to be made to the battlefield. After the attacker, defender, mission and deployment are decided through three consecutive dice rolls, they place their objective zones and units onto the battlefield in accordance with the game’s guidelines. Then, the battle begins. For Schroeder, playing the futuristic wargame offers more than just a few hours of fun: they can display their creativity by painting their own models, meet players with similar interests, learn valuable life lessons and immerse themselves in a fantasy world. “I enjoy engaging my mind with concepts and activities beyond what I can normally interact with in everyday life, and tabletop miniature games like Outward Realms allow me to do that. Playing the game has also taught me various lessons, including the importance of staying adaptable and the significance of the opening move— it can often determine whether you win or lose the game,” Schroeder said. Schroeder has long been fascinated with turn-based, science fiction wargames like Outward Realms since they were a youngster, and they look forward to continuing learning and stimulating their mind through other tabletop miniature games.
12
FEATURE: WORLD Facebook’s dystopian image for its metaverse
Raymond Dai
Opinions Editor
Oct. 28 marked a turning point for Facebook when CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company would be changing its name to Meta. Though Zuckerberg claims that Meta aims to build “technology to connect people,” the name change reveals the company’s frightening plan for the future. The name “Meta” is based on the term “metaverse,” a futuristic world in which people use a combination of virtual and augmented reality devices to connect with others. While the technology remains a work in progress, Facebook is not the first platform to announce its plans to build a metaverse. In April, VentureBeat reported that Roblox hopes to design a metaverse with limited lag to improve live interactions between users. However, unlike Meta, Roblox officials gave importance to user safety, especially for minors. Facebook’s announcement comes amid a “Facebook Papers” controversy after employee Frances Haugen leaked thousands of pages of incriminatory documents to the U.S. Congress. The documents include reports of the platform’s negative impact on teen mental health, its rampant spreading of anti-vaccine misinformation and its dissemination of racial hatred in India, according to Insider. As Ars Technica states, Haugen argues that a Facebook-owned metaverse has the potential to be “extremely addictive ... encourag[ing] people to unplug from the reality [they] actually live in.” While Facebook claims that its name change reflects a long-term project and is not a response to recent events, the announcement’s suspicious timing is clearly a cover-up.
“...implies that Facebook—a company currently rattled by scandals—has the goal of influencing every aspect of its users’ lives.” Facebook’s mission to create a metaverse itself is questionable. Although the platform alleges that it intends to unite people from all over the world on the web, a 2013 study showed that 11% of Indonesians who use Facebook are unaware that they are on the Internet, suggesting that Facebook is only interested in growing its own influence rather than educating its community to access the web. Though the concept of allowing users to connect with people, meet friends and shop for goods and services virtually may seem convenient, it implies that Facebook—a company currently rattled by scandals—has the goal of influencing every aspect of its users’ lives. Facebook’s transition into a metaverse is a massive red flag, as the company is already engulfed in controversies and charges of unethical behavior. With users’ more susceptible to data collection in a metaverse, Facebook’s name change hints that the future of the Internet and how we interact are at stake.
DECEMBER 8, 2021
Ethiopian civil war rages on, transforming civilian lives
Keirah Chen
Originally appointed to be a regional peacemaker, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is now leading a disastrous civil war. Before Ahmed came to power, Ethiopia was governed by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which worked towards economic stability and growth at the cost of basic civil and political rights. Tired of authoritarian rule, Ethiopians led an uprising against TPLF leader Hailemariam Desalegn, forcing him to resign and replacing him with Ahmed as Prime Minister. Ahmed immediately
established the new political assembly Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) to replace the TPLF, sparking fear throughout Ethiopia that the federal system, which grants Tigray and other distinct Ethiopian regions significant sovereignty, was under threat. Tensions between Ahmed and the TPLF continued to grow in September 2020 when the TPLF continued with regional parliamentary elections, defying Ahmed’s command to postpone them. Afterwards, Ahmed accused the TPLF of attacking a federal army base in an attempt to steal weapons and ordered a military assault against them in retaliation. As asserted by the TPLF, Ahmed sent young soldiers from Eritrea to aid in the military assault, which goes against
the peace negotiation that Eritrea and Ethiopia have achieved after years of war. Though both Ahmed and Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed originally denied Eritrean involvement in the war, in a recent address, Ahmed thanked the Eritreans for “standing by [them] on a tough day.” The majority of the fighting initially took place in Tigray, but it has now spread to the neighboring region of Amhara. Thousands of Ethiopian refugees are now crossing the border into neighboring Sudan, and the Sudanese Emergency Committee has announced that they would have difficulty taking in the refugees, asking the Sudanese Government to intervene. This war has also taken a huge economic toll—military expenditure is predicted to cost a total of $502 million by the end of the year, as reported by Trading Economics. Furthermore, Ethiopia’s currency, the birr, has dropped in value. Beyond its economic effect, the war in Tigray has directly taken the lives of many. The United Nations (U.N.) reports countless war crimes such as looting and genocide by all groups involved in the fighting. Eritrean soldiers have killed more than 100 civilians in Aksum, central Tigray. Several women, boys and girls have also been kidnapped and victimized by sexual violence. In an attempt to de-escalate the ongoing conflict, the U.N. Council called for a comprehensive ceasefire as well as unhindered humanitarian access. Representatives from Ireland, Vietnam, the
Entertainment & Student Spotlight Editor
United Kingdom and Norway voiced their support in intervening and providing aid to the civilians in Ethiopia. Specifically, the U.S. has donated over $1.6 billion to humanitarian agencies in Ethiopia throughout the last year, airlifting relief supplies as the conflict continues. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing foods for children, safe drinking water, latrines and handwashing facilities in Ethiopia to stop the constant spread of disease. It has also donated kitchen supplies and blankets. Currently, the Biden Administration is issuing sanctions against those partaking the violence.
“The United Nations (U.N.) reports countless war crimes such as looting and genocide by all groups involved in the conflict.” “It is great that the U.S. is providing Ethiopian refugees with food, supplies and sanitation. Our next step should be to shelter and defend innocent civilians in combat zones, providing refuge for those forced to flee,” Junior Niharika Sharma said. On the first year anniversary of the war’s beginning, Ahmed announced that he will not stop fighting until he buries his political enemies “with [his and his BEOMHEE KIM ART supporters’] blood and bones,” making it unlikely that the war in Ethiopia will come to an end anytime soon. As the fighting continues, the front line is being pushed further south, forcing more and more civilians to leave their homes in search of refuge.
Confronting patriarchal customs: Princess Mako leaves the Japanese royal family
Suvia Li
Despite being a personal matter, former Japanese Princess Mako’s nonroyal marriage has brought to light the heavily patriarchal laws that the Japanese imperial family is subject to, as well as the social pressures that women in the royal family face. After marrying her fiancé Kei Komuro after four years of engagement on Oct. 26, she was forced to forfeit her royal title. Although the modern constitution of Japan guarantees equality between citizens regardless of gender, these laws do not apply to the royal family. The Imperial Household Law of 1947, passed during the U.S. occupation of Japan following World War II, bars women in the Japanese royal family from taking the throne and requires them to leave the royal family if they marry someone without imperial lineage. Overall, the status of imperial women in Japan is dependent on men—non-royal women who marry into the royal family gain their husband’s royal status. Despite their powerful titles, members of the imperial family cannot change the Imperial Household Law. “It is harsh how women can lose their royal status for marrying a commoner— the commoner should be granted royal status instead. Additionally, I find it unfair that this law of giving up royal status does not apply to males in the imperial family,” Freshman Jason Choi said. When Mako and Komuro announced their engagement in 2017, the Japanese
public was elated for their princess. However, as rumors about Komuro’s unstable financial status emerged, many citizens protested the union—deeming Komuro unfit to marry Mako, they marched the streets with signs attacking Komuro’s character and family. As reported by the Imperial Household Agency, the public outroar has caused Mako to suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the pressures and criticism that Mako faced are expected. In traditional Japanese culture, royal women are believed to represent the sun goddess Amaterasu, the supreme deity of Japan who is seen as the “mother of mankind” and the direct ancestor of the imperial bloodline. Since Amaterasu also represents purity and order, women in the Japanese royal family are expected to embody traditional values and give birth to male heirs, continuing the cycle of patrilineal succession to Japan’s throne. Mako is not the first royal woman to be psychologically affected by these expectations and judgements. Japan’s current empress, Empress Masako, removed herself from public events in 2004 after facing constant criticism for being unable to produce a male heir. Empress Michiko, the mother of current
Staff Writer
Emperor Naruhito, was the first commoner to marry into the Japanese royal family. Michiko was heavily scrutinized by the press for unnoteworthy actions, including ordering noodles in the middle of the night and over-burdening staff. Stressed from the censure, Michiko collapsed and stayed out of the public eye for two months. When she left the imperial family, Mako chose not to accept a payment of $1.3 million typically made to royal women who become ordinary citizens. As the first royal woman to do so, Mako’s denial of the payment has been analyzed by several news sources as a possible statement against royal patriarchal customs. “I admire Mako for standing by her decision to
KAILEY HU ART marry Komuro, staying true to herself and her aims for her life and not submitting to societal pressures. Patriarchal customs are not unique to Japan, and Mako’s experiences raise awareness about this unfortunate yet largely unopposed norm,” Sophomore Dephaney Zhang said.
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
DESIGN BY MANASA SRIRAJ
Dhruv Anish
Restoring South Asian culture, one artifact at a time
To many Americans, the StarSpangled Banner, Plymouth Rock, and the Declaration of Independence hold great cultural significance, symbolizing the American spirit. Similarly, South Asia is especially rich in equally culturally valuable artifacts that reflect the history and religion of their nations. By stealing and smuggling them to the West for profit, New York-based antiquities dealer Subhash Kapoor has undermined the importance of these artworks, but he was not the first to do so. Awareness of such thefts has led to the rise of a worldwide movement to repatriate stolen artifacts, especially those from India and other parts of South Asia.
“Some of the most famous artifacts stolen during this time period include the Kohinoor Diamond, the Ring of Tipu Sultan and the Amaravati Marbles ... within two centuries, Britain removed a reported $45 trillion worth of treasures from India.” On Oct. 30, 2011, Kapoor was arrested on counts of art theft, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property for his 37-year operation smuggling and selling roughly 2,500 South Asian artifacts, altogether worth over $100 million, per the New York Times. Kapoor worked as the owner of the Art of the Past gallery in New York, traveling to remote Indian villages, stealing religious artwork and replacing them with replicas. To transport the artwork back to his gallery or to buyers, Kapoor would go through the Chennaibased company Selva Exports, which
Yong Ooi
would then send the stolen relics around the world. In 2011, Interpol and Indian officials began tracking shipments of stolen artifacts. Through various arrests and testimonies, they finally uncovered that Kapoor was at the center of the scheme. “Stealing and selling cultural artwork is damaging to any country’s national identity, making Kapoor’s arrest fully justified,” Sophomore Matthew Phan said. South Asia has been a target of cultural theft since Britain invaded and began colonizing India. By roughly 1858, the British had established full control over the nation, seizing historical artifacts—many of which contain precious materials such as gold and silver—for themselves. Some of the most famous artifacts stolen during this time period include the Kohinoor Diamond, the Ring of Tipu Sultan and the Amaravati Marbles, all of which are still unreturned. According to Al Jazeera, within two centuries, Britain removed a reported $45 trillion dollars worth of treasures from India. “Artifacts creatively preserve the stories and cultures of ancient societies. Their historical and religious significance and contribution to national pride make returning artifacts essential,” Senior Aakash Sriram said. Notably, countries around the world have been taking action to ensure
FEATURE: WORLD App Review: Windows 11 Staff Writer
that stolen idols in their possession are returned to their nations of origin. As per the Art Newspaper, on Oct. 28, Manhattan officials restored 248 of the idols stolen by Kapoor, found in his storage units and family members’ residences, to India, Pakistan, Cambodia and other South Asian nations. Similarly, CNN reported that the National Gallery of Australia returned 14 smuggled pieces of artwork to India on July 30. Some citizens are even taking matters into their own hands, making efforts to retrieve culturally significant art. For instance, S. Vijay Kumar, author of “The Idol Thief” and cofounder of the India Pride Project—a global program that uses social media to identify and repatriate stolen artifacts to India—is responsible for the returning of over 300 artifacts to India. “India is a land of so much richness, unknown to even the Indian people. I began my art blog with the intent of educating the public about Indian art and culture, but after a few years, I realized that the art I had documented in my blog was being looted and smuggled out of India. JUDE TANTAWY ART We want to bring back our motifs to restore India’s pride, one artifact at a time, which is why we call ourselves the Indian Pride Project,” Kumar said. As more artifacts are returned to their respective countries within South Asia, the people of the region will be able to appreciate and honor their heritage with more interest and a better sense of connection.
Belgium sued for colonial-era family separation Viewpoint Editor
Resurfacing with five elderly, biracial women and one landmark lawsuit against the state, Belgium’s colonial past will soon be challenged in its own Brussels court. Deprived of their childhood and their original ties, the five women— Lea Tavares Mujinga, Monique Bintu Bingi, Noelle Verbeken, Simone Ngalula and Marie-Jose Loshi—are demanding reparations for the intense psychological and physical damage they suffered due to Belgium’s colonial-era separation of multiracial families. Similar to many colonial states, Belgium invaded Africa in an alleged effort to
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spread civilization but focused on taking the rich natural resources within Central Africa—specifically those in modern-day Congo. Ruled by Belgian King Leopold II, the segregationist Congo Free State implemented forced labor in a system based on race—either distinctly Black or distinctly white. Between the ages of 2 and 4, the five mixed-race women were removed from their African mothers and placed into religious institutions by Belgian authorities to separate mixed-race children—referred to by the French word métis—from the rest of the population. At these homes, they were given insufficient clothing and food, Mujinga testified. She points to the scars throughout her body from physical abuse and ulcers due to malnutrition as evidence. Meanwhile, Bingi states that many of them also endured sexual abuse. Most importantly, she argues, the métis were “destroyed psychologically.” According to archivist Delphine Lauwers, métis were seen as a threat to the binary colonial system and white supremacy, so Belgium decided to forcibly isolate the mixedrace children in an “in-between, liminal space” that excluded them from both racial categories to prevent interracial unions. The goal was to guarantee that métis would not claim a link to Belgium later in their lives. As a result, the children grew up knowing the
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brutality of the discriminatory Catholic institutions as their only home. The women, who moved to Belgium in 1980, are now suing the Belgian state for crimes against humanity, demanding initial reparations of at least 50,000 euros ($56,000). These charges come as many criticize Belgium’s past attempts of restitution: in 2018, it admitted to the assassination of a Congolese leader and renamed a square in his honor, while it removed a statue of King Leopold II last year. In 2019, the Belgium government formally apologized for the forceful separation of mixed-race families—the first time the state has expressed regret for its history of violence towards colonized populations. However, no reparations followed the statement, which the women claim is not enough for the pain caused. “Though it is respectable for the Belgian government to both acknowledge and apologize for the crimes of its past, the gesture could be seen as only symbolic. Due to their diverse backgrounds, it is nearly impossible to compare the experiences of these mixedrace individuals,” Senior Jasper Wu said. According to the women’s lawyer, Michelle Hirsch, the lawsuit forces Belgium to take full responsibility for the damage, setting a precedent for further action by the state on similar human rights violations. Though the verdict of the lawsuit is still being considered as of December, many hope Belgium will continue its positive trend of historical recognition by finally atoning to members of its hidden generation.
Larry Ye Community & School News Editor
Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, began rolling out to users on Oct. 5. With an upgraded design, Windows 11 brings a novel experience to users while keeping many of the features of its predecessor, Windows 10. At first glance, Windows 11 seems very similar to Windows 10. All applications, files, wallpapers and themes are automatically transferred to the new operating system, so my desktop display did not change when I installed Windows 11. Only after I became active on my computer did I notice subtle differences. With Windows 11, the taskbar is fixed to the bottom of the screen, whereas with Windows 10, users could adjust the taskbar placement. In addition, app icons now lie by default in the center of the taskbar, but users can adjust their positions. Application windows now have rounded corners—which, combined with the center-of-taskbar icon placement, give Windows a more Maclike appearance. Additionally, Windows 11 introduces redesigned icons for its default apps, a new start menu and refreshing new notification sounds. Windows 11 brings not only aesthetic changes but updated features as well. With the addition of snap screen layouts, users can now view multiple windows at once by hovering over the window’s maximize button and moving it to a certain space on the screen. Helpful for multitasking, I often use this feature when completing assignments that require reading text. Through a partnership with Amazon, Microsoft has also incorporated Android app support into Windows 11. Currently in its beta stage, the feature has only 48 apps and has so far been underwhelming. For example, even with the program installed, I experienced occasional glitches and app unresponsiveness when playing Subway Surfers. Hopefully, Microsoft will address such issues before Windows 11’s fully public release in mid-2022. So far, I have not noticed any major performance differences while running tasks between Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, with Windows 11, my laptop’s battery life is about half an hour longer—which Microsoft credits to power optimization. Overall, Windows 11 is a more refined version of Windows 10 with a few convenient, modern twists. I enjoy the new features that Windows 11 brings and encourage everyone with compatible devices to install the new operating system.
overall app-eal
Windows 11 (4/5)
+ new, unique design style + similar to Windows 10 - strict requirements for upgrade
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SPORTS
Isaac Ang
DECEMBER 8, 2021 DESIGN BY PAVANA UPADHYAYA
Rock climbing reaches the peak of its popularity Staff Writer
Suspended 100 feet above the ground, Senior Aaron Shih scrunches all 10 fingers on a narrow edge to hold himself up. Leaping, Shih barely clutches the next jug. Once considered a daredevil sport, rock climbing has boomed in popularity as accessible indoor gyms, natural scenery and international championships draw increasing numbers to the sport. Debuting in the Olympics this year, climbing has gained worldwide recognition as a recreational and competitive sport. Rock climbing was historically used to describe mountaineering in the Alps, but it now
encompasses both indoor and outdoor climbing, according to the BBC. Outdoor climbers use jutting or depressed sections of the rock to ascend natural rock walls. In the U.S., national parks like Yosemite, Arches and Zion are popular spots for outdoor climbers, who often enjoy the natural environment. In 2018, the National Geographic film “Free Solo” propelled rock climbing’s popularity, featuring famous American rock climber Alex Honnold as he free soloed Yosemite’s El Capitan—a sheer 3,200-foot rock wall that took Honnold nearly four hours to complete. Due to greater accessibility and safety precautions, Climber News reports that recreational climbers find appeal in indoor gyms, which are largely responsible for rock climbing’s recent popularity. There are two primary climbing modes: bouldering, where climbers ascend a short wall sans a rope, and top rope,
Courtesy of Kevin Tibbs Kevin
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where climbers ascend taller walls with a rope. Tackling artificial walls with plastic holds screwed on, indoor climbers attempt to reach to the top of color-coded routes without falling. Bouldering routes are labeled with the V-scale, while top rope routes are labeled with the Yosemite Decimal System to measure difficulty. Unlike outdoor climbing, indoor climbing routes are not determined by the rock wall; route setters can screw differently shaped holds into artificial walls to produce courses with varying difficulties and styles. Furthermore, climbing gyms offer facilities that aid with personal training, ranging from pull-up bars to yoga rooms. “Since sixth grade, I have rock climbed with a team—twice a week—at Planet Granite Sunnyvale. I love how climbing fuses physical strength and precise movement,” Shih said. Whether in the natural world or in gyms, climbs themselves require intense concentration but feel satisfying when surmounted. Preparing for rock climbing entails training upper body and core strength, as well as balance and flexibility, The Guardian reports. Climbers must also plan a sequence of physical moves that they will take to ascend the route, often experimenting several times before discovering the optimal method. According to Vice, climbers must overcome both mental and physical fatigue to stay on the wall and finish the route during the climb. “I top rope several times a week at Planet Granite Sunnyvale, but once in a while, I enjoy climbing in Pinecrest of Tuolumne County. The physical challenge of climbing comes when I accumulate fatigue, but the mental rock climbing route at
challenge arrives when I must silence the part of my mind that urges me to fall. Climbing is also a great bonding experience—everyone motivates each other to ascend a route,” Kevin Tibbs, Science Department, said. From local to global championships, rock climbing has a competitive side for those seeking to master the sport. For example, Planet Granite, the gym Shih and Tibbs climb at, hosts an annual Friction Series, where the local community can register to compete. This summer at the Tokyo Olympics, 40 rock climbers competed in a combined format incorporating three events: speed, where two climbers race to the top of a route; lead, where climbers use a rope to ascend tall routes; and bouldering, where climbers use no rope to ascend short routes. A combination of physical and mental exercise, climbing is expected to gain many followers. Unfortunately, indoor gyms—the main attraction—are expensive to maintain. According to Scoutorama, to fit top rope walls, gyms must rent at least two floors of empty space. Captivating its members requires a gym to periodically change its routes, which is a costly process. In regards to outdoor climbing, National Geographic points out that outdoor climbing has potentially negative impacts on the environment. Climbers’ use of chalk may mar natural rock formations, reduce biodiversity thriving on the rock and disrupt spiritually significant areas to indigenous peoples. Nevertheless, rock climbing, a physically and mentally challenging sport, enjoys the peak of its popularity with its feature in the Tokyo Olympics and the proliferation of indoor gyms. Planet Granite Sunnyvale.
Athletic dress codes exacerbate gender inequality Staff Writer
A long-awaited discussion between the International Handball Federation (IHF) and Norwegian women’s beach handball team players was held on Oct. 3, delving into the sexualization of women in sports due to their attire. In response to the team’s request for a uniform change, the IHF officially revised its dress code: female handball athletes are now allowed to wear shorts instead of bikini bottoms. The new regulation will take effect starting next year on Jan. 1. In 2018, the Norwegian women’s beach handball team was fined $175 per team member for wearing shorts to a game, as it was deemed “improper” by the European Handball Association’s Disciplinary Commission. Although the team members expressed they wore shorts to feel more comfortable—many referring to the bikini bottoms as too revealing and even degrading—the IHF argued that the ideal, feminine presentation of the sport was more important than athletes’ preferences. Marine Welfer, a member of Norway’s beach handball team, stated that players already deal with enough body shaming and deserve the freedom to wear less exposing athletic attire. While uniform standards are primarily set for enhanced performance and eased movement, some have deemed such norms to exacerbate sexualization of the female body. According to Indy Star, male volleyball players are allowed to wear baggy shorts and tank tops, while females’ uniforms are tight and more revealing. Ann Savage, a gender studies professor at Butler University,
asserted that uniform should strictly be a choice. Luisa Rizzitelli, the president of Assist—an Italian association that promotes female athlete rights—claimed the IHF had reached “an embarrassing point of no return” in regards to their approach to dress codes.
”Players already deal with enough body shaming and deserve the freedom to wear less revealing athletic clothing.” In the past, there have been several occurrences of organizations and individuals attempting to make athletic dress codes less sexist. For instance, Australian activist Talitha Stone led Collective Shout’s 2012 campaign to collect 61,000 signatures in an effort to raise awareness about sexism in sports. In 2006, the sports ministers from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland wrote a letter to the IHF demanding female dress regulations be modified, but their request was denied. These petitions were brushed aside by the IHF until the predicament of the Norwegian women’s beach handball team. “The fact that the IHF clearly values the physical presentation of beach handball over the players’ actual comfort really shows how sexist the federation is. Dress codes for females should be exactly the same as males’ and if a woman feels uncomfortable with her uniform, she
should be allowed to adjust it,” Alaina Dieron ‘23 said. Female athletic uniforms have been a point of controversy in other sports as well. In May 2011, the Badminton World Federation implemented a new dress code where all female badminton players must wear skirts or dresses throughout grand international tournaments to ensure a feminine physical appeal. Players like Saina Nehwal, the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, were displeased by the idea of having to wear a skirt against their will. Sexist dress codes could have implications on female participation in sports. The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) conducted 2008 study, finding that by age 14, girls were dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys. The WSF found that one of the primary causes for girls disengaging from sports was the dress code. Unlike boys’ uniforms, girls often have to wear tight, revealing clothing, such as leotards, bikini bottoms and skirts, that they might feel uncomfortable
wearing. According to a research study conducted by Victoria University about athletic uniforms in Australia, 88% of girls prefer to wear shorts and 90% prefer to wear t-shirts. “The gender-specific expectations for wearing particular sports attire are so ingrained in society that we tend to brush them aside. Allowing athletes to wear whatever makes them comfortable without judgement can help eliminate this disparity,” Michelle Qiao ‘23 said. Despite the long history of grievances, there have been recent changes to athletic dress code within the last decade. In June 2021, the German Olympic gymnastics team came forward to protest T R A DANA LIM “sexualization in gymnastics” by wearing unitards—instead of traditional leotards—that covered their legs. The International Volleyball Federation also altered their regulations in 2012 to permit players to wear hijabs and long sleeves. The difference of athletic dress codes by gender aggravates inequality, but with past refinements and protests, athletic federations are taking steps to combat sexism in sports.
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THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
DESIGN BY KEIRAH CHEN
Art by Clay Pillora
Art by Justin Yao
IG: @k1ng.clay
“There is not much meaning behind the drawing. It is a popular cartoon character who played an important role in my childhood and still does today.” —Freshman Clay Pillora
Anonymous
Art by Jacinda Santos IG: @okmiyuuu
“When I started on this project, I was reminded of the place where this photo takes place in: Jiufen, Taiwan. I have been there a dozen times, and I loved it every single time.” —Senior Justin Yao
Art by Anonymous
Poetry: an ode to wellness week
i am dreading winter holiday i do not mean to be complaining but the thing that makes me gray is the lack of social and emotional training i love social and emotional training, as it is very cool it is sometimes the only reason, why i go to school whoever created this concept is a king they make me want to sing their heart is like an ocean filling me with emotion social and emotional training is the best i will never rest until tuesdays during tutorial the experience deserves a memorial
Photo by Rachel Jirman IG: @incorrectdog_
“I draw vocaloids because vocaloid is my favorite genre of music so I like to express it in my art.” —Freshman Jacinda Santos
“This painting is based off of @aoii_lyra on Pinterest. Using watercolors and color pencils, she was able to create this portrait.” —Anonymous
Poetry: Gaspard de la Nuit, Movement 55 Anonymous
After Maurice Ravel I. Ondine
“I usually don’t take pictures of food but these were too delicious to pass up on.” —Sophomore Rachel Jirman
our quickened steps become shimmers of gold flecks racing against a narrowing darkness. Stars eavesdrop through keyholes, each click a wordless giggle that fills the pockets of space in our conversation. We exchange quick tidings & hushed secrets that interlock us, fasten you and I to girlish oaths. Speak words like flurries of crystalline embers that drift for miles on the wings of fireflies. we dance & dance & spin dizzy on double plated arpeggios, teasing a chorus of our futures - but not yet. Like us, the hour is young & fresh, a shy performer. We’re still waiting for time’s final reprise, watching as ripples of words & memories & stories undress themselves before the eyes of a tired moon.
Visit thechargeraccount.com to learn more about the student submissions. Do you want your creative work featured in The Charger Account? Email lelandchargeraccount@gmail.com for more information!
The Psychology of Music - How Music Makes Us -
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DESIGN BY BREANNA LU
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Imagine the number 15 is more than two characters drawn side-by-side but a sequence of piano notes. Imagine Sta ff W the deep “C” resonating from a cello is grainy and coarse, like sand rit er slipping through cupped fingers. For 4% of America’s population, these fantasies are their everyday reality, made possible by a neurological phenomenon called synesthesia, where stimulating one of the five senses involuntarily triggers experiences of another sensation. For most individuals, the five senses—sight, sound, smell, touch and taste—remain distinct, but synesthetes, or people with synesthesia, they give new meaning to the concept of perception. Scientific American states that synesthesia’s most common form is grapheme-color synesthesia, where one visualizes written letters and numbers in idiosyncratic colors. This phenomenon is not limited to sight: any sensory shuffle is theoretically possible, such as seeing sounds, known as auditory-based synesthesia or chromesthesia. Although the explanations for synesthesia are still unclear, neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran suggests that it may arise from activating unusual connections between adjacent brain regions, known as the cross-activation theory. Another hypothesis, the disinhibited feedback theory, states that the brain’s higher-order cortical areas—neural tissues responsible for sensory, motor and associative functions—send signals to primary sensory regions not originally activated by stimuli. Being born with synesthesia is rare, but its various experiences can be consciously learned. In an interview with HuffPost, synesthete Berit Brogaard states that this involves associating objects of two different senses together. As for chromesthesia, one could associate the sounds of a string quartet with the color purple and over time condition the brain to develop new pathways. After prolonged training, associations become automatic, paralleling real synesthetic activations. There have already been attempts to trigger synesthetic experiences in an audience. Smithsonian reports that Steph Singer, the founder of the music and dance company BitterSuite, sought to recreate auditory synesthesia for 34 blindfolded audience members. He had dancers act out different senses upon the participants through touch, smell and taste in sync with accompanying musical passages. For example, when the music “soared,” the dancers lifted audience members’ feet to mimic weightlessness. With the audience deprived of visual perception, Singer hoped to allow other senses to command and cooperate in processing incoming sensations. “When I was younger, I used to tell my parents how the letter “A” felt green and is more feminine than masculine than other letters. While my form of synesthesia might not have any practical uses, I think that auditory synesthesia can help musicians pursue another form of self expression and showcase music in unprecedented ways,” Senior Hrishi Koushik said. Auditory synesthesia’s applicability can be seen in musical artists with the condition. In his interview with National Press Republic (NPR), record producer Pharrell Williams stated that he uses it to spot errors in his songs. Given that one’s synesthetic sensations remain consistent over time, if the correct color appeared, it was in key. Williams also utilizes his synesthesia for seeking musical inspiration, using his time in the shower to let his mind wander and discover new ideas through sounds created by the water. “When I listen to music, I feel like I am transported into another world with many attributes that belong in an alternate dimension. Different keys and tonalities tinge the world with different colors and scents, and they occasionally invoke concepts that have nothing to do with the music. I find F major a romantic, pure red that invokes the number four, while E flat minor is a bleak, dark landscape that I try to avoid. When I play music, the effect is intensified,” Freshman Nadia Karpenko said. In addition to music, several synesthetic visual artists use what they see in music as inspiration for their paintings. Illustrator Christina Eve uses music to draw colorful lights and abstract textures, according to her website. When Eve hears the first chords of “Doomed” by Moses Sumney, she visualizes a dark, somber blue paired with a vivid red. Besides colors, Eve can also portray emotions through her art, such as grief or hope. More than a unique condition to be marveled at, synesthesia reveals how finite average people’s perceptions of the world may be. Metaphorical to its symphony of associations, perhaps this phenomenon’s mysterious nature is not to be uncovered, but rather appreciated.
ELLIE KIM ART