Letter from the Editor

I love a good story. I’ve been an avid reader since I was a kid, and above all else, fiction remains my favorite genre. There is no better feeling than to lose yourself in a story, to fall in love with protagonists and antagonists, heroes and villains. I especially love people who are good at telling stories. Good storytellers know how to construct a well-made plot, how to perfectly pace their story to lead to the most satisfying conclusion. Everything lines up. Everything makes sense. There are no loose ends in the plot.

In the plot we live in, however, there are more loose ends than ever. The story of the United States of America is one that is growing increasingly more complex, fraught with angst, and frankly, one where I am not sure where the plot will end. We live in a time of so much uncertainty, confusion, and unprecedented matters. There is so much in the complex narrative of this country that at times it is mind boggling to wonder how it fits under one story. In some parts of the country, abortion access is being expanded more than ever, workers are receiving more justice than ever, and voting access is as equitable as ever— while in others, discussion of race has been criminalized, books are being banned, and the marginalized, particularly transgender individuals are being oppressed more than ever. In the context of larger history, rarely has progress ever been made in exact alignment with the progression of time’s steady march forward. All of us, particularly the marginalized, know this story well. Yet at times the plot itself seems uncertain, and our status as (mostly) free individuals in this country becomes unclear.

What gives me hope, however, is witnessing the actions of my generation and our continuous efforts to stand up to racism, sexism, transphobia, and fascist leaders all around us. From clapping back at politicians on Twitter to running for office, to showing up in record numbers for recent elections to vote for progressive and liberal leaders, Generation Z has sent a clear message: we’re changing the story that’s being told. We are tired of the same authors— usually old, rich, white men— controlling the narrative. We’re taking the pen into our own hands, flipping the script, and moving the plot forward.

For this reason, Counterculture Issue 3 is aptly titled Turning the Page. Generation Z represents a new story, a story which is more diverse, progressive, and forward thinking than ever. We’re starting a new chapter, both in our lives as we further enter adulthood, and in the larger world, where we’re already turning things upside down. Nowhere is this better reflected than in the cover of this magazine, which features three young Black women sitting in the Classics Library at the University of Richmond. They represent the new era— forward thinkers surrounded by older ideas. It’s exactly what this issue and Counterculture as a magazine Is intended to embody.

As you turn the page, I hope that you will enjoy this lovely third issue, which features some of our most provocative articles today. This issue features articles on topics such as incel culture, car dependency, racism in academia, and voter suppression. I hope that it inspires you to write a new chapter, tell your own story, and change the narrative. Happy Reading.

Best, Christian Herald Founder and Editor in Chief