Due South Spring 2020

DUE SOUTH students | campus | community

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN

TAKE OFF YOUR MASC

VOTERS IN THE KNOW

For centuries, hair has been used as a form of expression.

Students share their hair journeys.

The idea of masculinity is constantly evolving. Today, it’s about so much more than being tough and supressing feelings.

The 2020 presidential election is soon, and it’s important to be an informed voter. Included here is info on candidates & top issues.

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spring 2020 | vol. 9, issue 2 | cover #2/2

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DUE SOUTH students | campus | community

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN

TAKE OFF YOUR MASC

VOTERS IN THE KNOW

For centuries, hair has been used as a form of expression.

Students share their hair journeys.

The idea of masculinity is constantly evolving. Today, it’s about so much more than being tough and supressing feelings.

The 2020 presidential election is soon, and it’s important to be an informed voter. Included here is info on candidates & top issues.

11

23

spring 2020 | vol. 9, issue 2 | cover #1/2

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DUE SOUTH VOL. 9, IS SUE

2

The University of South Alabama Communication Building, Room 132 Mobile, AL, 36688 Tel: 251-380-2805 | Fax: 251-380-2850 duesouth@southalabama.edu Director of Student Media |

Heather Leigh Stanley

Editor-in-Chief |

Sara Boone

Assistant Editor |

Liv George

Contributors |

Madison Allen Breahna Crosslin Regan Francis

Maggie Linton

Sydney McDonald Allison Johnson Gracie King Sarah Patterson Ally Smith Amelia Rose Zimlich Advertising Manager |

Preston Smith

Due South is published twice per academic year—once in the fall and once in the spring. Unless otherwise noted, all content is copyrighted by Due South. Due South is a production of USA Student Media and does not necessarily reflect the views of The University of South Alabama’s administration. The Editor-in-Chief is decided by the Board of Student Communications. All contributors are freelance.

Cover photo #1 out of 2 From “Take Off Your Masc” by Sara Boone Cover photo #2 out of 2 From “Let Your Hair Down” by Sarah Patterson Best of the South second place for Best College Magazine, 2019 Best of the South first place for Best Public Service Journalism, 2019

CONTENTS STUDENTS

CAMPUS

COMMUNITY

01

CONTRIBUTORS

02

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

03

POP CULTURE

05

THE ORIGIN OR EVELYN UPCHURCH

07

ATHLEISURE

09

LEFT BRAIN / RIGHT BRAIN

11

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN

15

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREEN THUMB

17

SUSTAINABLE STUDENTS

19

SPRING SKINCARE FOR A NATURAL GLOW

21

COVID-19

23

TAKE OFF YOUR MASC

27

FAKE NEWS

29

VOTERS IN THE KNOW

31

THE DECADE THAT SHAPED US

33

MOBILE’S MASK: SHROUDED IN SECRECY

A guide to some favorite movies, TV shows, songs, products and local spots from each astrological sign.

For many, your name on a Starbucks cup is a cute photo-op. For Evelyn, it’s a source of validation.

From windbreakers to Juicy velour sweatsuits, athleisure has always been in fashion. Today, it’s more minimal, sustainable and inclusive.

We’ve been taught that our personality aligns with one side of our brain. Is there actually any truth in the age-old trope?

This is the sign you’ve been looking for to do something dramatic to your hair.

If you’re a serial plant-killer, use this guide to finally keep a succulent alive.

Living sustainably may seem intimidating, but there are some easy steps you can take if you’re interested.

Maximizing skincare and minimizing makeup equals healthy, glowy skin. Presented by Dior.

The global pandemic that has disrupted the lives of millions.

Masculinity isn’t all testosterone and toughness...it’s being secure in yourself.

“Fake news” is a cry we hear often today, even when it’s not. How can you identify false information?

Know your presidential candidates and where they stand on pressing issues.

Looking back at what influenced us most in the 2010s.

Mardi Gras is a century-old tradition in Mobile. Unfortunately, though, so is racism.

CONTRIBUTORS

HEATHER LEIGH STANLEY

LIV GEORGE

MADISON ALLEN

BREAHNA CROSSLIN

Director of Student Media

Assistant Editor

REGAN FRANCIS

ALLISON JOHNSON

GRACIE KING

MAGGIE LINTON

SYDNEY MCDONALD

SARAH PATTERSON

ALLY SMITH

AMELIA ROSE ZIMLICH

Writer

Writer

01 | DUE SOUTH |

Writer

Photographer

Writer

Writer

Photographer

Photographer

Photographer

Writer

graphics by Sara Boone

SARA BOONE Editor-in-Chief

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Here’s to one last issue as Editor-in-Chief of Due South. The majority of my college life has been consumed with perfecting this incredible, little publication. Looking back at all I’ve done with this magazine, it almost seems like a fever dream; I slathered myself in baby oil, stuffed a kiddie pool onto my apartment porch and filled it with milk, almost ruined my camera with Holi powder, worked with the Human Rights Campaign, had a handful of Mardi Gras beads thrown at my face, worked through a global pandemic...and I wouldn’t change a second of it. Well, maybe the pandemic...I could’ve gone without that.

Due South has grown so much since I became EIC, thanks to all the amazing people I’ve gotten to work with for the past three years. We have grown this magazine from something that wasn’t very well-known to something that people from all across the country follow and love.

I wanted this particular issue of Due South to be special--not only because it’s my last issue, but because it’s something that I know the community deserves after all their support. So, we decided to publish two different covers for this issue! You can collect them both or pick your favorite. That’s our treat to you ; ).

This journey with Due South has been hands-down the best thing to happen to me during college. I’ve been able to share people’s stories, create the photo shoots of my dreams, work with the most talented students I know and bring a publication to Mobile that is genuinely valued by its readers.

Signing out one last time...I really hope you enjoy this issue, and I cannot wait to see where Due South goes in the future. ♥

Sara Boone

Editor-in-Chief, Due South

| CONTRIBUTORS | 02

POP CULTURE FEATURING THE 12 ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS

A guide to some favorite movies, TV shows, songs, products and local spots that align with each sign. Though astrology is not an exact science, it can be a fun way to get to know yourself and your friends or family. Just remember, it’s all up to your interpretation, and this is just one version of it. | Story by Sydney McDonald, Photos by Sara Boone & Breahna Crosslin.

There are three signs associated with you (aka the “big three”)—they’re based on the day, time and location you were born.

The minute you are born, you have what is called a birth chart that shows where all of the planets and stars, and their corresponding signs, were at that exact moment. It provides you with all aspects and how all of these signs come together to help make up who you are. You can find your birth chart on websites such as Cafe Astrology.

Sun Sign: A representation of your true self and how you identify yourself. Find yours by looking at the day you were born.

Moon Sign: Represents your emotional expression; It is how you deal with your inner self and your emotions. Find yours by looking at the day, time and location you were born.

Ascendant or Rising Sign: This is how you express yourself to others. Your ascendant sign is a manifestation of your physical self on a social level, so people will most likely always see more of your ascendant than they ever will your sun sign. Find yours by looking at the day, time and location you were born.

You can use this zodiac-centered guide to what’s popular to feed your senses and your true self. As you’re reading, make sure you are applying your “big three” to each category to get the full experience of our spring pop culture picks!

ARIES | Kathryn Williamson

Local Spot: Bayfront Park in Daphne Song: “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I TV Show: Reign Product: Mario Badescu facial sprays

TAURUS | Rachel Severns

Local Spot: Campus Nature Trails Song: “Eleven” by Khalid TV Show: Criminal Minds Product: Marc Anthony products for curly hair

GEMINI | Jason Harrington

Local Spot: See-Wee-Roll Song: “Breathe Deeper” by Tame Impala Movie: The Godfather Pt. 2 Product: Adobe Illustrator

CANCER | Wesley Patrick

Local Spot: Downtown Fairhope at night Song: “NCT 127” by Daydream TV Show: The Witcher Product: Mini omelet maker

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LEO | Adam Hunter

Local Spot: Callaghan’s Song: “Circles” by Mac Miller Movie Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Product: Tik Tok (RIP Vine)

VIRGO | Brant Cook

Local Spot: Southern Fitness Gym Song: “Shoot to Thrill” by AC/DC Movie: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Product: Planner

LIBRA | Hunter Grimes

Local Spot: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Song: “Had Enough” by Don Toliver TV Show: That 70s Show Product: Airpods

SCORPIO | Megan Crapia

Local Spot: Spot of Tea Song: “All I Want is You” By Barry Louis Polier TV Show: Parks and Recreation Product: Color changing LED lights

SAGITTARIUS | Tristan Clark Local Spot: Sage Park Song: “Bang” by AJR TV Show: Scott Pilgrim vs The World Product: Toilet paper (thanks, COVID-19)

CAPRICORN | Emma Boles Local Spot: Coffee Loft Song: “Your Love (Deja Vu)” by Glass Animals Movie: Birds of Prey Product: Too Faced Lip Injection Gloss

AQUARIUS | Sophie Sloan

Local Spot: Gulf Shores Song: “Tia Tamera” by Doja Cat ft. Rico Nasty TV Show: Criminal Minds Product: MildLiners highlighers

PISCES | Rohan Badve

Local Spot: 7Spice Song: “Silly Watch” by Lil Uzi Vert Movie: Bad Boys for Life Product: Fujifilm Instax Camera

ARIES

energetic | friendly | courageous

CANCER

loving | intuitive | romantic

TAURUS

GEMINI

food & nature lover | relaxation is key

creative | communicative | worldly

LEO

VIRGO

charismatic | always in the spotlight

analytical | intellectual | creative

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

elegant | charming | balanced

mysterious | passionate | loyal

adventurous | life of the party

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

independent | eclectic | money-maker

open-minded | outgoing

dreamy | enchanting | easygoing

| STUDENTS | 04

THE ORIGIN OF

EVELYN UPCHURCH

05 | DUE SOUTH |

For everyday people, having your name written on a Starbucks cup is, at most, an Instagram photo-op (if they spell it right...). For Evelyn Upchurch, it is confirmation that a small part of the world accepts her as she is. | By Regan Francis, Photo by Ally Smith.

E

velyn Upchurch often visits the Starbucks in the Marx Library to enjoy a blonde cinnamon dolce and vanilla latte, her go-to caffeine order.

A couple years ago, when a barista would ask for a name, she’d quietly say “Jack,” a birth name that she never connected with. Now that she’s transitioned to a woman, she softly but firmly says her nickname “Eve” and sits in the corner to wait.

Her long, rainbow colored hair shields her from the rest of the café when she looks down at her phone to play games like Pokémon Go or text her friends from Spectrum, the LGBTQ+ club that she participates in.

Evelyn always knew she was different from others, but she didn’t know how to define it. She knew that she was a creative kid that liked “girlish hobbies,” but she tried to repress her feminine interests after facing her parents’ teases. Her favorite childhood movies featured the popular female heroine Barbie challenging the world one adventure at a time. When her sister turned on a Barbie movie, Evelyn would sneak on the couch and watch the doll’s journey while pretending to do something considered “masculine.”

“It would be mostly playful comments, but I was young,” she said.

“I’m sure they didn’t mean horrible things by it, but it stuck. It ingrained itself.”

Her plain, conservative clothing and short, brown hair reflected a shy personality, a sharp contrast from the long, wavy hairstyles and colorful wardrobe she now chooses to express herself.

Her transformative journey didn’t start until the ninth grade, when she moved from Spanish Fort to Mobile, Alabama and transferred to a new high school. In the socially conservative town, Evelyn found a group of friends

that shared the same experiences with gender and sexuality. With the help of her friends at school and online, Evelyn discovered the term transgender and learned that the odd discomfort she felt towards her male body had a name: gender dysphoria, a feeling that one’s biological sex and gender identity don’t align.

Evelyn came to terms with her gender alongside her best friend Alice, the first transgender woman she ever met. They navigated the trials of puberty and gender identity by talking about their personal experiences with transitioning.

“Everything clicked in my brain all of the sudden,” Evelyn recalled. “She was definitely the one that made me realize it the most.”

Her friends also helped Evelyn come to terms with her sexuality. She used to be confused by her lifelong attraction to boys and girls, but her friends confirmed that she was bisexual.

“They’re the reason I came out of my shell at all and ever found out about these identities that fit me so well,” she said.

Although Evelyn knew she was a woman, she didn’t fully express her gender until she joined Spectrum. She was lured into the club by the vibrant president at the time Jamie Robinson, a close friend and her fashion inspiration; the members welcomed her with open arms.

When she became Spectrum’s treasurer, she met other transgender people who boldly expressed themselves, and the club members encouraged her to publicly transition as a woman.

“SEEING PEOPLE LIKE ME ACTUALLY EXIST IN THE REAL WORLD JUST SORT OF OPENED UP MY EYES.”

When she served as vice president, Evelyn used her platform to help others the same way Spectrum helped her.

The club supports her engagement in political activism, and she gets to use her childhood creativity to plan events like Pride Prom and Hallowqueen.

Now, Evelyn isn’t shy about expressing her sexuality and gender.

She embodies the colors of bisexuality– pink, purple and blue–in her wardrobe, pins, accessories and hair. Her feelings towards others are permanently etched in her skin as a tattoo of a rainbow bismuth, the chemical element Bi. Her bi-laced black skinny jeans and light blue jean jacket stitched with transgender pride are fashion staples at club meetings.

The final piece of her transition was deciding on her real name. Her deadname, the name assigned to her at birth, was a family name passed down from Upchurch men like her great grandfather. Evelyn’s mother struggled with her decision to change a name that held so much family history, so her search for a name needed approval.

Originally, she went by the name Erika, but her family disapproved because it sounded like her father’s name, Erik.

“They straight up would not accept any part of who I am until I changed my name,” she said. After her real name came to her in a dream, Evelyn stuck by it and adopted the nickname Eve. When she changed her name, Evelyn’s favorite café came to mind.

“Starbucks was honestly the place I was most worried about when I changed my name,” she said. When she ordered her blonde cinnamon dolce and vanilla latte, the barista wrote the name “Eve” instead of “Jack” and crafted her cup of caffeine like it was any other order. But to Evelyn, it meant that a small part of her world recognized her as the woman she always knew she was inside.

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Athleisure fashion has come in and out of style for decades...from the colorblocked windbreakers in the 90s to velour tracksuits in the early 2000s. Today, it has evolved to be more minimal, sustainable and inclusive. | By Madison Allen, Photos by Sara Boone & Sarah Patterson, Modeled by Chase Farmer & Tamera Fletcher.

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Activewear is having a resurgence in fashion in the form of athleisure, combining athletics and leisure. Athleisure breaks down all the barriers of typical street wear. Athelsure was simply just for the gym or other activities. But now, it’s for everything! You can get ready in the morning for many different activities throughout the day and not have to worry about multiple outfits. Athleisure can be worn to class and work, hanging out with friends and, of course, to the gym.

It’s so versatile you can dress it up or keep it casual for all day outings. Many companies sell athleisure clothing even if they aren’t strictly an athletic brand.

Even some celebrities have jumped on the trend like Kate Hudson establishing Fabletics, or Rihanna collaborating on Fenty Puma.

In the early 1900s, women’s athleisure was still long skirts; by the ‘30s and ‘40s, man-made fibers like rayon and nylon made athletic wear more accessible, which also led to tighter and less bulky clothing. Throughout the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, shorts got shorter and activewear became more casual.

By the ‘80s, high ponytails weren’t the only thing in style. It was all about legwarmers, bright colors and windbreakers. By the ‘90s and early 2000s athleisure looked completely different than when it started. Lululemon is what sparked the widespread popularity of leggings as daily wear. In 1997, Chip Wilson attended a yoga class for his back problems.

He was impressed with what the instructor was wearing and decided to mass distribute these spandex-like pants that accentuate and tighten curves. The next year, he opened up his first store in Vancouver. Now, it is all about an outfit that can be worn to the office, for a run and to happy hour.

Athleisure today is leggings, tennis shoes, yoga pants, dresses, sports hijabs and everything in between. Society today values clothing that can be worn for multiple occasions and in any location.

This one-size-fits-all approach to wardrobe lifestyle is what’s appealing to all ages today.

With the market continuing to grow, more and more companies are seizing their opportunities to get involved. Smaller, newer companies like SET active and Girlfriend Collective are starting to see success just like Lululemon, Adidas and Fabletics. What these companies have in common is becoming more inclusive to all body shapes and sizes, and even focusing on more sustainable products by using recycled materials to produce their clothing. Being so versatile, athleisure will never go out of style.

| STUDENTS | 08

LEFT BRAIN

We’ve all been told before that we can identify with a side of our brain. People who are analytical and logical are left-brained and...

E

veryone knows the age-old trope. If you are more of a creative or emotional thinker, you likely believe that you are right-brained. If you tend to take interest in more analytical and logical thinking, you are more of a left-brained person. It makes sense, right? This idea is most commonly associated with what hand we write with. Someone who is left-handed, aka right-brained, is artistic and resourceful. Someone who is right-handed is leftbrained, meaning they are organized and logical.

The human brain is one of the most complex tissues in the animal kingdom, responsible for every single involuntary breath and heartbeat. Like all anatomy, its form yields its function. The right hemisphere, consisting of longer axons and more neurotransmitter norepinephrine, is responsible for intuitive thought, nonverbal communication and holistic creativity in general. The left side has higher levels of cell bodies and dopamine, given its responsibility of spatial awareness, analytical thinking and verbal communication.

It has actually been proven that there are organized differences in either brain region. Specific regions on either side of the brain can also serve completely different functions. Well, forget everything you know about being left-brained or right-brained.

Multiple scientific studies have proven that even though separate regions of the brain excel in different activities, there is hardly any evidence that suggests a specific brain region is responsible for your personality.

So, what’s the real truth behind the myth? And who started it in the first place? Essentially, there was no certain person or event that caused people to start associating the brain regions with personality characteristics. However, some credit scientist Roger W. Sperry, who won the Nobel Prize in 1981 for his findings and research regarding the brain.

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RIGHT BRAIN

...people who are more creative and emotional are right-brained. Is there actually any truth to this? | By Gracie King, Graphic by Sara Boone.

From the late fifties to sixties, Sperry worked with a variety of different animals in order to better understand the hemispherical design of the brain.

By isolating the regions of the brain, he discovered that either half of the brain has a specific role. Now, obviously, this one scientist could not have had such a sway in the public’s understanding of the brain.

Author Robert Louis Stevenson also had a hand in the public’s understanding of the brain when he published his famous novella, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” The idea of the emotional right brain and logical left brain, along with the newfound idea of the duality of man, resonated and stuck with most people since the book’s publication in 1886.

While the general idea of being right or left brained is rooted in some truth, there is still more to the picture. It is true that different sides of the brain are credited with different activities. The left side is in control of the logical center of the brain, while the right brain is in control of more creative activities.

The idea that certain sides of your brain control different activities is called lateralization. However, this has no impact on your personality.

South Alabama anatomy professor Dr. Terrence Ravine describes it as some neural, bodily or cognitive functions being simply localized to one region of the brain. However, a structure called the corpus callosum connects the two sides of the brain. Through a process called integration, the corpus callosum essentially combines information from either brain region into usable information for the entire brain.

Unfortunately, our personalities cannot totally be deduced or attributed to a cephalized mass of tissue in our heads. Our personalities are dictated by the conscious choices that we make every day.

Although certain areas of our brain excel in different activities, we are still conscious of what we put our intention, drive and focus into.

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LET YOUR HAIR DOWN Hair is a source of identity and a display of personality.

And today, when it comes to expression, there are endless possibilities. | By Amelia Rose Zimlich, Photos by Sarah Patterson.

11 | DUE SOUTH |

T

hroughout the years, hair has played a strong role in the identity of a person. Today, hair is increasingly used as a means of expression. Many view hair as a canvas that can be utilized to tell the world who they are; it can serve as a fashion statement, signify a big change in life, pay homage to a religious custom, act as an ode to culture or even become a way of finding freedom. There are an abundance of cuts, styles, and colors through which a person can express their individuality and hair can be changed with relative ease so that one person can sport several different hairstyles throughout their life. For many, hair isn’t just hair.

It’s art, expression and a key to their personality.

The rising popularity and widespread growth of the natural hair movement have given many a sense of freedom, pride, and confidence in their natural hair texture. “My hair journey started in undergraduate,” says MIA BRITTON, a graduate student at South. “My hair was relaxed, which reduces the curl by breaking down the hair strand and chemically altering the texture, so that meant I had to cut off all my hair and start over. I felt hurt because I was attached to my hair. I’m also Pentecostal, and we don’t believe in women cutting their hair. My whole life, I was raised with the notion that long hair equaled beauty. I questioned who I was and what made me beautiful and would hide behind wigs and braids to cover up my new cut. Naturally, I am a pretty modest person and I carry myself in a ‘put together’ way and my hair no longer represented the ‘put togetherness.’” She stresses that it was a long journey until she was finally able to accept her natural hair, feel as if it

represented her and eventually use it as a means of expression. “I committed to myself that I wanted to be me: fully, naturally, authentically me. My hair is a personal statement. I love it when I have a fresh wash and go and my curls are defined and elongated. I feel so free and it’s the easiest to manage.” Over the years, natural hair has been a highlydebated topic in the workplace, as some deem it to be unprofessional, though the issue itself stems from more than just a simple hair preference.

“MY QUESTION IS, WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL HAIR? WHY ISN’T OUR GOD-GIVEN NATURAL BEAUTY APPRECIATED? I THINK I KNOW WHY: BECAUSE WE AREN’T COMFORTABLE WITH OUR NATURAL SELVES,” -MIA BRITTON To anyone who may be struggling to accept their hair as it is, Mia says, “Be you! If you like it, it does not matter what anyone else thinks. You gain more respect for being authentic. Be patient... things take time.”

The journey to authentic expression is never quick or linear but instead comes with multiple twists and turns.

“Without a doubt, it’s immediately obvious that I am more confident in myself when I’ve dyed my hair a vibrant color,” says TABITHA VANCE, a junior at South. “I love the way I feel. I’ve dyed, bleached, chopped, and

styled my hair all sorts of unnatural ways.” But once she realized the customers at work were taken aback by her vibrant hair and unconventional style, she toned everything down, dyeing her hair brown and removing her piercings in an attempt to appear more approachable. In December, an unexpected Christmas card made her rethink that decision. “This card had no return address, just my name and the location of my place of work.

The outside was beautiful, featuring two glittery reindeer standing next to a snow-covered pine tree. The inside was covered from top to bottom in perfect cursive detailing the disturbing nature of my acne. Apparently looking at me made shopping in our store ‘nearly impossible’”. The author of

| STUDENTS | 12

the unsigned card claimed to be a dermatologist and detailed their concerns for Tabitha with multiple remarks about her physical appearance.

But it turns out that people never know the whole story. “I have an autoimmune disorder that causes my skin to flare up under stress. Because of this, I’ve been seeing a dermatologist for years.” This was her turning point. “The idea that someone was so distraught about something so out of my control cracked me up for weeks.

Shortly afterwards, I transitioned back into my old style, crazy hair and all.”

She realizes that although she changed her appearance to make her customers happy, she was still being judged just as much as before. “People will always

13 | DUE SOUTH |

have something to say,” she explains.

“I might as well have my fun with it.”

Tabitha’s advice for others is simple.

“Do what makes you feel the most like you... “...BE THE MOST AUTHENTIC VERSION OF YOURSELF WHENEVER POSSIBLE. DYING MY HAIR GAVE ME THE CONFIDENCE TO DO WHAT I WANT WITH MY APPEARANCE. I TAKE BETTER CARE OF MYSELF NOW THAN EVER BEFORE...” -TABITHA VANCE ...Now, I’m okay with the person I see in the mirror every morning. I’m starting to really like that person.”

Hair expression usually represents much more than a simple stylistic decision. It can act as a personal celebration of the worth a person inherently possesses. “Expressing yourself should not always start with the material items in your closet, but the actual physical attributes you carry daily,” says RONALD MCLAURIN, a junior at South. “I stopped caring about the view of the public eye and believe it or not, my hair is the biggest expression of my personality and day-to-day life.”

Though he mentions that his hair journey wasn’t significant to him until two years ago, Ronald insists that his hair gives him the utmost confidence today. “In the last year, my hair has become a huge statement of who I am and how I identify myself. I’ve tried a various amount of different hairstyles and have come to like them all. But one particular style that I’m reaching for is locs. I’ve been obsessed with them for a couple years now, just because of the central meaning of them.” Ronald notes that basic hair care and hygiene play a vital role in his daily routine and he urges other men to take care of their health, as multiple factors such as lack of sleep and stress have affected his hair throughout the years. “Hair growth has a lot to do with how you treat your body in general as well as what you are putting into your body. The more you talk down to it, the more you’ll hate it.

Never get discouraged. Love yourself and continue to take care of your

health…for you, not anyone else!”

Oftentimes, the feature one dislikes the most can become their strongest asset. “Growing up, I pretty much despised my hair,” says GRACIE KING, a sophomore at South. “I never liked how thick and brown it was. Whenever I got the chance, I would color the ends of my hair with a red or green permanent marker, which my mom despised.” In high school, her hair became curly and she had no idea how to handle it. After moving off to college, she tried every cut and color that she felt like she missed out on.

Because Gracie didn’t know how to style her hair, coloring it was the easiest way for her to change up her look. It is always a confidence booster when she changes her hair color.

“I FEEL LIKE A VIDEO GAME CHARACTER OR THE LEAD SINGER OF A COOL BAND,” -GRACIE KING She says that she didn’t think seriously about her hair until she came to college. “Because I played sports in high school, I considered my hair as more of a nuisance than as an actual part of my body. Your hair is just as much a part of you that deserves love and attention as any other part of your body. In college, I met people with hair like mine who showed me how to really refine the way my hair looked and felt.” She also adds that sometimes, bad hair days are inevitable. “It’s okay to be frustrated at your hair, too. It’s exhausting when you do so much to make it look a certain way and it either looks wrong or bad. Just be patient.”

Gracie takes a relaxed approach when it comes to hair. “There is no right or wrong way to have hair. It’s not permanent. It’s okay to want to color it red and chop off four inches and it’s also okay to keep it natural and throw it in a bun every day. Your hair choices are yours to make.”

Getting “the big chop” has been a decision that many have made in their hair journeys. And for some, this choice can result in more than just a fresh start; it’s where they have found their calling. NIA GILLEYLEN,

a senior at South, always had natural hair and never got a perm, which is common in the black community. However, as she got older, she started to experiment with using color, protective styles, and heat on her hair. “In 2017, I chopped off all my hair after I damaged it in the process of trying to bleach and color it. It was the best decision I could have made. In the words of Coco Chanel, ‘A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.’ It was my chance to start over and it felt great.” Besides being healthy for her hair, this big chop also presented a new interest for Nia. “After cutting my hair is when I got into wigs, which plays a huge role in my life now because it is something that I plan on making a career out of. Hair is my passion and brings me joy. It’s a way that I can personally express my creative side with different styles and colors.” She notes that the way her hair looks on a given day can be a big influence on her mood.

“Hair sets the tone for my entire look. To me, if the hair doesn’t match, nothing looks right. It enhances my beauty, just like makeup or accessories. I consider my hair a huge part of my personal style.” She also says that her culture has played a big part in her hair journey. “One reason why I’m so big about cherishing your hair and using it to express yourself is because as black women, black people in general, we were held back from doing so...shaming us for wearing the natural hair that grows from our own roots. Being divided by ‘good’ hair or ‘bad’ hair. Even still to this day, we cannot have certain hairstyles or colors in the school or work environment. Hair is a big deal. It goes deep down in history and it’s a part of our culture. We all have a personal experience or story with our hair. It’s what makes us.”

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YOUR GUIDE TO A GREEN THUMB

Plants are a college student's best friend. College is often stressful and moving away from home can add to that stress. Having plants in your apartment or dorm can increase your overall mood, increase productivity and keep the air fresh. Not to mention, plants are a cheap way to add decor to any living space! Here is a list of the most dorm-friendly, low light and low-maintenance plants to add to your space. | By Madison Allen, Photos by Maggie Linton.

EASY-CARE PLANTS Aloe Vera-Aloe Vera plants are the best for first time plant buyers. They don’t require much care at all other than a deep watering every three weeks. These are suitable for dorms because they don’t require a lot of natural lighting.

Just placing it in the window a few hours a day will do the trick.

Snake Plant-Snake plants are the perfect low-maintenance plant. They thrive on neglect! Similar to Aloe plants, they need to be watered every three weeks. They’re best in indirect sunlight, but they tolerate almost any light conditions.

Pothos Plant-Pothos tolerate pretty low light conditions but prefer indirect sunlight. They can even be grown in a jar of water or in dry soil. If you do keep a Pothos in soil, the soil needs to dry out completely in between waterings.

Generally, every three weeks or so, depending on the season, is best to water.

ZZ Plant-Zanzibar Gems, affectionately known as ZZ plants, are so easy to care for it’s like having a fake plant. ZZ plants do best in moderate, indirect light. ZZ plants thrive on just being left alone.

Only water when the soil is completely dry, as overwatering can cause root rot.

Moss Ball-If these low-maintenance plants above are still intimidating, moss balls might be the plant of choice. The cool thing about moss balls is they live for 100 years! They are best in low light areas only getting some light a few hours a day. The water needs to be changed every two weeks and requires no other care.

Spider Plant-Spider plants are typically easy plants to have but do require some attention. They need to be kept in bright

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spots to keep their stripes. During the summer months, water the plant weekly, but during the winter the soil should dry out between waterings. Spider plants also like warm or room temperature water. Make sure to keep this plant away from your cat; while it is not toxic to them, it has been proven to cause them to hallucinate!

Herbs-There are a wide variety of herbs that can be grown inside during any season. Some of the most popular ones being rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme and basil. Most herbs are best to start out with planting seeds and only take a few weeks to notice the growth! They all need to be in direct sunlight and watered every week.

Air Plant-Tillandsia, better known as air plants, are very easy plants to care for. They require no soil to grow but do require a bit of care. There are over 450 different types of air plants. Air plants absorb all their moisture and nutrients through their leaves, and they require a lot of indirect sunlight. They do need to be submerged into a bowl of water once a week for about 30 minutes. The great thing about air plants is that they can be displayed in many creative ways to brighten any space. Just remember, they do need air and won’t thrive in closed containers such as glass terrariums.

Succulent-One thing that some people might confuse when it comes to succulents is whether cacti are considered succulents or not. The answer is yes! All cacti are considered succulents but not all succulents are cacti. Succulents are definitely low maintenance but do require some care.

Most importantly, succulents need cactus soil mix and a well-draining pot to flourish. Succulents love direct sunlight, and depending on the type, they need about six hours of sunlight a day.

PLANT CARE Identifying what is wrong with your plant isn’t always easy. Here’s a few common problems you may encounter.

Pests or Infections-Brown spots or holes in the plant’s leaves are signs they could have pests. To get rid of them, remove the infected leaves and apply neem or castor oil to the rest.

Overwatering-Wilted, droopy leaves are a sign of overwatering! Just skip a few days of watering and make sure the soil dries out between watering.

Dehydration-“Crispy” leaves or brown tips mean the plant needs water. Increase the amount of watering and make sure it soaks through the soil.

Lack of Sunlight-Signs the plant needs more water are usually pale, flimsy leaves. Moving it to a windowsill or somewhere with direct sunlight will do it wonders! Just make sure this plant likes direct sunlight, as it can harm some plants.

Nutrient Deficiencies-Signs of a nutrient deficiency include yellowing of the tips, edges or entire leaf.

Easily fix this issue by adding compost or pine needles to the soil. Also, consider repotting your plant into fresh soil.

APPS If you are worried about killing yet another “easy” plant, there are apps like Planta and Gardenia that will send you reminders to water your plants and other care tips. They’ll even help you identify what kind of plant you have and let you know if the room you have it in is good for it.

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SUSTAINABLE STUDENTS We seem to hear about sustainability all the time, but as college students, we already have enough to juggle without having to think about plastic straws and landfills. But how hard is it really to implement a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle while in college? By using these simple methods, you may be surprised at how a single change can positively impact the planet—and yourself. | By Amelia Rose Zimlich, Photos by Maggie Linton.

Drink Up

Shop Local Buying fresh, locally-sourced produce helps support our local farmers and agricultural industry. It also helps decrease the waste that’s made from the transportation and delivery of produce sourced in other states (and sometimes even other countries). Try going to a local farmers market on the weekends, such as the Market in the Park in downtown Mobile. Buying locally can be a healthier option for you and more beneficial to your community.

Don’t forget your reusable shopping and produce bags!

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Instead of buying bottled water, which is expensive and produces a lot of plastic waste, carry a refillable water bottle. South has many filtered water fountains on campus, so it’s easy and convenient to refill your bottle. Many coffee shops will let you bring a travel mug or thermos in place of using a conventional to-go cup to make your drink in, which cuts down on disposable coffee cups that end up in the landfill. You could also consider pitching the plastic straws.

Other options such as metal, glass, and bamboo straws are all sustainable, trendy and affordable alternatives to plastic straws.

Shop Responsibly Sustainable clothing doesn’t have to come with a heavy price tag. An eco-friendly (and inexpensive) alternative to buying brand new clothing is to buy secondhand or to go thrifting. This cuts down on the waste and poor working conditions that run rampant in the fast fashion industry.

And thanks to nearby shops such as Plato’s Closet, shopping second-hand is easily accessible. And if you’d rather shop online, websites like Poshmark and ThredUp sell pre-owned clothes and function like online thrift stores, making sustainable online shopping more convenient than ever before.

Travel Smarter The JagTran has multiple stops all across campus and runs from 7am to 9:30pm, depending on the specific route you take. On weekends, it even goes to and from Walmart and Publix. Taking the JagTran can help cut down gas emissions to just one vehicle instead of many. Another alternative is getting up a little earlier and taking a walk to class, which has the added benefits of getting you outside, boosting your mood and increasing your exercise. You could also try walking to nearby businesses instead of driving. If you’re going somewhere outside of walking distance, try carpooling with a few friends instead of everyone taking their own separate vehicles.

Recycle Instead of throwing an item into the garbage, take a few extra seconds and put your clean recyclables into a recycling bin, which are located in most buildings across campus. This easy switch can help reduce what trash is only able to act as a single-use product and then goes straight to the landfill and what trash is able to be refashioned and used for something else, which conserves natural resources and saves energy.

The Maintenance Recycle Facility here at South is the perfect place to drop off recyclable material from on and off-campus. They accept an abundance of materials, including plastics, steel, glass, aluminum, paper and cardboard. This includes old notes from past semesters!

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Spring Skincare for a Natural Glow

presented by

Dior

Dillard’s Eastern Shore 10101 Eastern Shore Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Spring has sprung and this year it’s all about embracing your natural beauty! A tight skincare routine with minimal makeup will show off your naturally glowing skin. Here are our tips and tricks to master this makeup look! | By Liv George, Photos & Modeled by Sara Boone, Liv George, Gracie King & Sarah Patterson.

Skincare to the max...

...with mini mal makeup ...

...for a dewy & natural look.

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Skincare

You need a wonderful canvas to paint on, so skincare is the secret first step to your daily makeup. Washing, toning and moisturizing your face twice daily should help keep your skin clear. But if you’re still struggling with stubborn acne or dry skin, try out the Dior HydraLife face masks! The Glow Better mask is a jelly mask designed to plump up your skin and get you glowing! If acne is your problem, try out the Pores Away pink clay mask and relax as you feel impurities fleeing your pores. The Hydration Rescue intense sorbet creme is perfect for anyone who has found themselves with dry, dull skin after a long winter.

A common misconception in skincare is that oily skin and dry skin cannot exist at the same time. This is quite the contrary! When your skin is overly dry, it makes more oil to try and compensate for the oil it’s missing. These face masks are a brilliant way to get to the bottom of your skincare issues and resolve them once and for all!

Makeup

Now that your skin is glowing and clear, let’s move onto the fun part--some makeup! After using a

face mask, it often feels blasphemous to cover up your pretty, fresh skin with makeup. One trend this spring has been that of brows, lashes and lips. You clean up your brows, then swipe on mascara and lip gloss and you are ready to go!

This look is especially helpful in Mobile where it gets hot, fast! This way, you can still have on that little bit of makeup to feel fabulous without it running down your face by lunchtime! We created these looks with all Dior products! The Diorshow Maximizer primer is a really versatile product because it dries clear, so you can use it as a lash primer and to tame your eyebrows before you go out! Lastly, we wore the Dior Addict Stellar Gloss in shade 553 for that flushed, just-been-kissed pout!

Scent

Who wants to go into spring smelling fabulous?

Luckily Dior has just the product for you. The Sauvage Cologne is a musky, unisex scent that will leave you smelling glorious for all your long, hot Mobile Spring days!

This spring, embrace your natural side and most importantly, do what makes you feel good!

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COVID-19

The viral pandemic that has disrupted the lives of people world-wide. From the struggle to get testing sites in Mobile to fighting off crowds for toilet paper, COVID-19 is the one thing us everyday people certainly did not expect to experience. It has drastically changed present conditions and will undoubetldy impact the future. | By Amelia Rose Zimlich, Graphic by Sara Boone.

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire world, but it hit particularly close to home for USA Jaguars in March. Seemingly overnight, classes moved online, all events were canceled and the Spring semester was transformed.

For seniors, this spring semester held a special degree of significance as it was their last chance to make memories at South. “Canceling graduation was a huge bummer,” says Carson Graham, senior at South. “I was excited for my family to come and celebrate all the hard work that I have done as well as show them South's campus which has been so good to me.” He admits that while the decision to move fully online is frustrating, it’s also understandable. “It shows that South cares about all of its students, employees and faculty.” And in every situation, there’s a silver lining. “Due to online classes, I was able to go back home to Washington State. Going to college so far from home means that I don't get to go home very often, so I am enjoying this extra time I get to spend with my family.”

Despite the disruption of the Spring semester, the USA community has come together and pushed on. “It’s really forced us to adjust everything that we do as a university,” says James Contratto, the Associate Director for Student Activities for University Programs and Advisor for Jaguar Productions. “This time has forced us to think differently about how we do our work and it’s given me a spark of inspiration. We have the opportunity to create events and programs that have never been done before. It’s given us freedom to experiment and be innovative in our work and to try different things. It has also forced us to slow down and to be intentional about how we’re doing our

work.” He notes that in tough situations such as this, flexibility and patience are key.

In times of transition, new routines give way not only to adjustments but new perspectives as well. “I am an active person and with the Campus Recreation Center closing, I decided I would begin walking outside,” says Maggie Rose Johnston, a sophomore at South.

“I have seen many beautiful families walking in my neighborhood. I believe this isolation time has allowed many to spend family time together and make memories outdoors!” She acknowledges that though it’s a difficult change to make, the online transition had everyone’s best interest in mind. “This has definitely messed up everyone's routine but it has allowed for the slowing of this virus. I hope that everyone at South is doing their best to stay healthy and does not let this challenge cause a major setback in their goals!”

Though the semester may not have ended as many expected, it does not devalue the achievements of USA’s graduates from their four years at South. “Although I may not be walking across the stage, I am still unbelievably proud of myself, as well as my other classmates,” says Abby Sawyer, who is a senior at South. “There have only been a few challenges that have occurred from this transition. This journey hasn’t been an easy one, but to finally obtain my BSN degree will be a dream come true.”

In this uncertain time for society, it’s easy to fall into panic and fear. However, the South Alabama Jaguars are resilient, no matter the circumstances. Throughout the chaos, this remains clear: we are strong, we are leaders and #WeAreSouth.

“WE CAN CONTROL OUR ATTITUDES AND DETERMINATION. THE NUMBER ONE THING ON OUR MINDS IS THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR STUDENTS,” -JAMES CONTRATTO

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TAKE OFF Y The idea of masculinity in our culture is constantly changing. It’s no longer about being “tough” and the “alpha” of the group; many men feel comfortable showing their softer sides and opening up. | By Allison Johnson, Photos by Sara Boone.

I

n 2020, now more than ever men are encouraged to express their gender in various ways outside of the normal realm of what society pegs to be masculine. Femininity is no longer reserved for women or feminine presenting people. The early 2000s “skater boy” style has evolved to what is now known as the infamous “e boy” look which includes painted nails, wearing an abundance of rings and necklaces, often having their ears and nose pierced and brightly dyed hair. In the past, these style choices have been reserved only for women.

Men and young boys alike are becoming more comfortable playing around with their own unique sense of style as Generation Z deconstructs gender norms. More parents are choosing to raise boys and girls the same, allowing their children to figure out their own gender expression without the restrictions of 1950s expectations. The younger generations are more knowledgeable on queer issues, feminism and breaking gender norms than generations before which is re-sculpting the way society views gender as a whole.

In spring of 2019, recording artist Sam Smith came out as non-binary on multiple social media platforms, thus eliminating gender stereotypes which directly reflect how many children, teens and young adults in America are starting to question the concept of gender. However, a man doesn’t have to be an “e boy” or non-binary to do away with gender-conforming stereotypes.

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He can be a straight, cisgender, “everyday guy,” too.

CADEN HOLKE, a South Alabama student from Cleveland, Ohio, despite being considered a straight, cisgender male in society often defies gender norms by openly showing sensitivity, wearing bright colors and painting his nails. He recalls a fond memory of the first time he painted his nails with his fellow fraternity brothers and how being in a male-dominated society didn’t discourage him from doing things that society deems as feminine.

Caden’s confidence does not always correlate with traditionally masculine attributes, and with that comes backlash; a family member condemned Caden, telling him that he looks “gay” when they discovered his turquoise nails. In defense of the idea that nail polish is only acceptable on women in society, Caden responded to his family saying, “What’s the difference, we all have fingernails.”

Masculinity goes far beyond the way people present physically; it encompasses the effects of expectations that are placed on men in the household, in the workplace and in society. Toxic masculinity as explained

by ISAIAH HOLLEY, a South Alabama student, is, “the social pressure that’s put on a man to be ‘tough’ and not address certain issues.” Consequently, this limits the ability men and boys have to express emotions and still be seen as masculine.

Often men attribute financial responsibility in relation to being

the “man of the house.” WILLIAM BROWNLOW, a former South Alabama student, explained the financial pressures he feels living on his own and that with the idea that society looks down upon men asking for help, he has refrained from taking handouts. Often men would rather struggle financially than accept help due to the fact that they are raised to be prideful and to “earn” everything on their own. This phrase among others like “be a man” or “boys will be boys” have been ingrained in boys from a young age. These terms are becoming outdated as major companies are launching campaigns such as Gillette’s “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be” that bring awareness to the underlying toxic masculinity behind the phrases that were once used to motivate boys to be better, faster and stronger, but have emerged into excuses for unacceptable behavior.

By sweeping under the rug inappropriate conduct, society refuses to allow impressionable young men the chance to learn from their mistakes.

The Me Too and Time’s Up movements have combated these excuses stemmed from the “boys will be boys” mindset, holding abusers accountable for their actions. In short, Caden said, “If you are so controlled by your masculine energy that you can’t keep your hands off of women, then that’s not because you’re a man and that’s not your masculinity controlling you--that’s you letting your selfish desires take over your actions.”

YOUR MASC

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to be ‘tough’ and not address certain issues. -Isaiah Holley

“ Toxic masculinity is the social pressure put on a man

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FAKE NEWS

Your guide to being media literate in the 21st century.|By Liv George, Photos by Breahna Crosslin.

F

ake News is defined as the deliberate spread of misinformation by a media outlet. Now more than ever, the phrase fake news is being used liberally in media discussion. In fact, PEW Research data shows that Americans see fake news as a worse problem than sexism, climate change and even terrorism. But just how common is fake news?

NEWS: TIMELY, SENSATIONAL & NOVEL This seems like a very broad definition that would allow for diversity in the reporting process.

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According to Dr. Jaclyn Bunch, professor in media and politics at South, different news stations often report on the same topic. The notable differences in the stories are their spin or angle. The good news with this reporting is that large news stations are hardly ever the source of misinformation; but, this does not stop larger news outlets from re-circulating misinformation from alternative sources.

By-and-large, the American public is politically uninformed, Michael X Delli Caprini and Ketter report in their book What Americans Know About Politics and Why it Matters. Our political system is very complicated, and the layman simply does not have the time to digest the nuances. To avoid having no political information, our minds will create shortcuts; the most common shortcut being our party identification: Republican, Democrat or a third-party. These allow us to look at candidates and know generally whether or not we will agree with them.

Before the internet, these shortcuts were a lot less dangerous. Now, however, it has become more of an issue. These shortcuts rely on our emotions. Watching the news and seeing something you agree with can provide

the same rush that illicit drugs can, according to Doreen Robinson, a professor in media at Belmont University. She warns consumers against a story that sounds too up your alley.

“IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT LIKELY IS.” The definition for this is truthiness, news that evokes such an emotional reaction, it is hard for those who agree to be critical of the information.

Robinson had a lot of information about the types of fake news being spread via the internet. There are a few things gaining popularity and deceiving more and more people each day: deep fakes and shallow fakes. Deep fakes are digitally altered videos.

These are videos that have been doctored so the original intent and meaning of the video is twisted into something else, often making entirely new words come out of someone’s mouth.

A shallow fake, however, is when a real image is attached to a fake story.

Shallow fakes seem more prevalent, as a photo can be posted and reposted with many different captions, each lending itself to a different type of story.

Not all hope is lost, however! Robinson says the process for evaluating media is actually quite simple. She advises the S.I.F.T Method of literary analysis, created by Michael Caulfield.

A reverse image search on Google images would uncover most shallow fakes, especially if a feature called “show image history” is used.

Essentially Robinson asks of us to be highly critical of our information, rather than reading a few headlines and deciding we have become informed enough for the day/week/month/year.

Democracy cannot survive without popular information and now more than ever, it is on us to find that information.

CHECK YOUR SOURCES Newsguard is a website where you can evaluate your sources of news. The site gives you the reputability of the source, as well as any bias the site normally leans towards.

Other Websites for Reviewing Media: ►PolitiFact ►Snopes ►Fact Check ►Media Bias Fact Check ►AP Fact Check

THE S.I.F.T METHOD Stop.

Investigate the source. ►Find better coverage. ►Trace claims, quotes and media to original sources. ► ►

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VOTERS IN THE KNOW

It’s up to voters to choose who will best serve our country as President. Before you vote, make sure you know the big ticket issues that are most talked about in this election. Then, make sure you know where the candidates side on different issues. | Story by Sara Boone & Liv George, Graphics by Sara Boone.

KNOW THE ISSUES CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

A hot topic of political debate for years, capital punishment refers to the death penalty.

This is only given to particularly heinous crimes like murder. Over the years, public opinion has shifted out capital punishment’s favor. This has prompted many states to pass their own laws regarding the death penalty.

MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES

Introduced during the War on Drugs, mandatory sentencing requires perpetrators of certain drug crimes to do a certain amount of time, regardless of circumstance. These have been under fire as marijuana is decriminalized on a state-by-state basis.

$15 MINIMUM WAGE

There has not been an increase in the federal minimum wage since the year 2007.

Proponents of a higher minimum wage claim that every working American should earn a liveable wage, no matter the job. Opponents, however, claim that it should be up to the states or companies involved to raise wages.

COLLEGE PAYMENT AND DEBT

As the price of college rises, so does the number of students in debt. Many plans have been floated to help this issue, including making the first two years free, having a better federal loan system and even the idea of free college.

GUN REGULATIONS

Candidates have pointed out the “gun show loophole” in which one can bypass any background checks or registration when buying a firearm at a gun show. New legislation has attempted to address this loophole, tightening these regulations and creating a nationwide registry for these weapons.

ABORTION

Roe v. Wade was the Supreme Court decision that Constitutional rights to privacy extended to medical procedures, specifically abortion. Since this was passed in the late 1980s, states have passed laws in direct defiance with Roe v. Wade in an attempt to get the issue back in front of the Supreme Court.

MEDICARE FOR ALL

Medicare for All is the name given to the current proposal to extend the benefits of Medicare, the government provided health insurance for elderly or disabled people, to all citizens. There has been talk of allowing private insurance companies for those who can afford them. Opponents question the economic strain of such a service.

LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

During the War on Drugs, marijuana was classified as a Schedule 1 drug, along with LSD and heroin. There has been a large movement to decriminalize marijuana due to its medicinal benefits. Opponents cite marijuana as a gateway drug.

BOOSTING THE DEFENSE BUDGET

As a military superpower, the defense budget is highly debated over in every election.

President Trump was elected on the promise to boost military spending, which he has with a budget of $738 billion dollars for the 2020 fiscal year. Opponents claim that some of that money could better be used for education or healthcare.

NUCLEAR POWER

IMMIGRATION

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Originally celebrated as a non-CO2 alternative to fossil fuels, nuclear power has been debated hotly in the past few years. On the one hand, it is cleaner in production than fossil fuels, but there is still the issue of radioactive waste. Also, it is typically expensive to build a nuclear reactor, making cost an issue for some.

Currently, there is a federal statute in place making illegal entry into the United States a misdemeanor offense. This clause was the foundation for President Trump’s controversial zero-tolerance policy that allowed for the separation of children from their families if caught

by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Opponents claim this is inhumane treatment.

The two presidential candidates for the 2020 election are President Donald Trump (R) and former Vice President Joe Biden (D). Before choosing which candidate to vote for, it’s important to know where they stand on issues that are important to you.

It’s crucial to have a good understanding of each candidate’s morals, values and goals instead of blindly voting for a certain party. Be an informed voter.

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES

Where do the candidates stand on each issue?

AGREE DISAGREE OTHER

JOE BIDEN

DONALD TRUMP

Capital punishment: the death penalty

NO

YES

Mandatory minimum sentences

NO

Yes, with limits on what crimes have minimum sentences.

Federal minimum wage of $15/hour

YES

NO

First two years of college should be free.

NO

YES

NO

Overall allowed, but with some restrictions.

NO

NO

NO

Extend free public education to college Background checks and registration of guns Abortion

Medicare for all Legalization of marijuana

Decriminalize on the federal level, let states legalize.

Allow the states to decide.

Give more money to defense budget

YES

YES

Nuclear power

YES

YES

Leave statute in place, citizenship for dreamers.

NO

Decriminalize illegal immigration

*All information found from the Washington Post, OnTheIssues.com, Politico.com and PolitiFact.com.

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THE DECADE THAT SHAPED US The 2010s saw the tail end of the Millennial generation grow from children to adults.

From smart watches and Airpods to mass shootings and social movements, we would not be who we are today without the people, events and products that shaped our upbringing. The things we are surrounded with, the events we see covered in the news and the people changing the world impacted us in unimaginable ways. If any of these had been removed from our history, our lives would likely be completely different. Let’s take a closer look at the decade that shaped us. | Story & Illustrations

by Sara Boone.

Marches & Movements

There’s always been a form of peaceful protest and showing “the man” discontent with something.

When people come together, they feel stronger, they feel heard and they feel unstoppable. Marches and protests are a way for people to make real changes. Black Lives Matter, the #MeToo Movement and climate marches are all examples of incredibly powerful movements that have changed the world.

Malala Yousafzais

After being shot in retaliation for her activism at 15, Malala became the face of women’s empowerment in Pakistan and all over the world.

Social Media

It’s hard to remember a time without social media, and the last decade saw unparalleled growth in many social networks like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Vine and, more recently, Tik Tok.

Mass Shootings

Our generation grew up in a time of increased mass shootings, especially school shootings. In the last 10 years, there were 180 school shootings with 356 victims. Millennials’ behavior and thoughts have been defined by these tragic acts.

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Influencers

Along with social media came influencers, people who use their social following to influence their fans to buy products. Influencers have also changed the way we think of ourselves, with many young people desperately trying to look or dress a certain way because of a trend among influencers.

Amazon

Amazon has amassed an empire in the last decade, expanding from simply an online retailer to having storefronts, video streaming services and so much more.

Amazon acquired Whole Foods and even started its own Amazon grocery store. Additionally, though, Amazon attracts a lot of unwanted attention because of the treatment of its workers compared to its CEO Jeff Bezos’s status as richest man in the world.

On-Demand Video

On-demand video has taken over the way we watch movies and TV shows.

Instead of waiting for something to come on TV, we can now stream it whenever we want through services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Handheld Tech From headphones to smart watches to virtual reality tech, the past decade has given us immeasurable power at our fingertips. Today, it’s nearly impossible to go a day without interacting with this powerful, handheld tech.

Beyond Meat

Foods made with Beyond Meat like the Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger have become attainable thanks to fast-food restaurants like Burger King, Hardees and Dunkin’. Beyond Meat is a plant-based meat substitute. For anyone wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, avoid meat or simply try something new, Beyond Meat is now an easy option.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Ride Sharing Services

Thanks to companies like Uber and Lyft, we no longer have to worry about how we’ll get a ride in cities that don’t have abundant and adequate public transportation. Although there are a number of safety issues with getting rides from strangers, these services have helped people get where they need to be when traveling, drinking or having car troubles.

Green Living

Within the last 10 years, and specifically recently, people have become more conscious of their impact on the environment and have taken steps to reduce it. Whether it’s composting, recycling, using sustainable products or traveling smarter, people are making changes in their lives, big and small.

Elon Musk

The founder of Tesla, SpaceX and The Boring Company had an eventful decade. He steered Tesla to become the most valuable car company in the U.S., valued at $76 billion. He also has plans to land a spaceship on Mars by 2022, along with many other technological and infrastructure projects in the works. Although Musk is seen as an innovator, he has also gotten into legal trouble for defamation and violating constraints put on his Twitter account.

2016 Election & Presidential Impeachment

2016 made history, with Donald Trump’s election becoming one of the most divisive events in the last decade.

2020 saw the impeachment of Trump after being charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He became only the third president in U.S. history to be impeached, but he was never removed from office.

In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico ignited and burned for more than 24 hours before leaking 4.9 million barrels of oil into the sea. This tremendously impacted life and businesses on the Gulf Coast for years to come.

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Mobile’s Mask: Shrouded in Secrecy

Mardi Gras in Mobile is a century-long tradition that brings the city together in merriment. However, there’s another side to Carnival that may not be so cheery. | Story & Photos by Sara Boone, Modeled by Jason Harrington & Jay Williams.

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M

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ardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama is the country’s oldest Carnival celebration. Traditionally, in the days leading up to Lent, a Catholic holiday, people would binge on all the food in their homes that they would have to give up for Lent; thus, “Fat Tuesday,” literally the English translation of Mardi Gras, was born.

While many believe Carnival began in New Orleans, Louisiana, the first mystic society in Mobile held America’s first Mardi Gras in 1704, 14 years before New Orleans was even founded.

Many contest this as not being a “real” celebration of Mardi Gras. The oldest known mystic society in Mobile is the Order or Myths, formed in 1867, just two years after slavery was abolished.

Mardi Gras is a city-wide, twoand-a-half week long celebration.

The streets downtown are closed off for parades nearly every day of the Carnival season, people grill in their front yards offering hamburgers to passerbys and children climb on barricades reaching out to catch beads and stuffed animals. In 2004, the Mardi Gras in Mobile was worth $227 million (according to a study conducted by the

Culverhouse College of Business at the University of Alabama).

Mardi Gras in Mobile works a little differently than some other areas.

There are over 30 mystic societies that have formed in the last 150 years.

Each mystic society chooses their own separate king, queen and royal court to represent the city each year. These are private societies that a person must get invited to have membership for. There are two categories of mystic societies-parading and non-parading. However, each one has a large celebration for its members each year, whether it be a ball or a tableaux, where their queen is crowned in a private coronation.

In Mobile, there is the Mobile Carnival Association (MCA), which formed in the 1870s. MCA formed in response to Mobile growing and the need to keep people spending their money downtown. So, MCA formed and they crown a king and queen each year in a public coronation as a gift to the city of Mobile.

However, there’s another organization that formed in response to racial segregation in the early days of Mardi Gras. Prior to 1890, people of color were not welcome to attend any Mardi Gras balls or other society celebrations. The Order of Doves, Mobile’s first black mystic society was the first truly inclusive mystic society in Mobile where anyone regardless of race or gender could join. The historically black Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) formed in 1938 to give the black community an organized way of celebrating Mardi Gras and Carnival season.

According to Judi Gulledge, Executive Director of MCA, “There are all-male groups, all-female groups and mixed gender groups. There are also all-white groups, all-black groups and mixed race groups. You also have alternative lifestyle groups [a.k.a gay groups]. And there are some that are philanthropic in nature. These also cross all socioeconomic levels. There is a mystic group for just about everyone.”

There’s no question that there is a society for everyone, but the question arises of whether or not people outside of that specific type of person will

be barred from attending events.

Technically, as per a law passed by the city, no one can be denied entry to a public event solely based on their race.

That doesn’t stop the members from avoiding giving people an invitation if they aren’t white, though.

Mardi Gras balls are an opportunity for non-members to partake in the grandeur of Carnival season beyond the public parades. Members are supposed to invite people they personally know to be their special guests, but times have changed that.

The norm today is for members to sell their invitations, which Gulledge said isn’t even supposed to be allowed in some societies. “[Members are] given the tickets in return for paying their dues, so they’re not supposed to go around and collect money for them.

They could probably get in trouble if they were found out,” she said.

Dr. April Taylor, a professor at the University of South Alabama who happens to be a black woman, came from an affluent family in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Mardi Gras there isn’t as present as it is here, so she wasn’t very familiar with Carnival rules and celebrations. When she began teaching at the university in 1999, she heard a group of colleagues talking about the ball they were going to for another professor’s mystic society, the Mystic Stripers. She had never been to a Mardi Gras ball before, and she thought she hadn’t been invited by the professor because she wasn’t married and didn’t have a date to go with her.

“It became clear to me that I was the only person in the department who wasn’t invited to this ball. So I went to the faculty member and said to him, ‘I noticed that I wasn’t invited to your ball and I don’t know if you don’t think I can get a date but I can!’ He looked sad,” she said. To her surprise, he said,

“ You can’t come to my ball.

It’s because you’re black…”

He then went on to explain that many of the societies in Mobile were

segregated, and that all the invitations were numbered so they knew which member invited which person.

“He said that he would’ve been put out of the organization and possibly beat up for allowing me to go.” -Dr. April Taylor Mardi Gras in Mobile has been under scrutiny before, namely in the 2008 documentary Order of Myths about the oldest society in Mobile.

Dwain Luce, MCA knight in 1941, was interviewed in the documentary.

In reference to the societies being segregated, he said, “who you invite into your home...it’s your business.”

While this is a completely valid point, the issue is not with who people are excluding from their celebrations, it’s why they are excluding them. That reason, unfortunately, is often race.

Gulledge said she is not familiar with that in this day and age. “That would certainly not be endorsed by MCA. If a member invites someone, that would have to be that person’s stance instead of the organization’s. If someone has an invitation, if they are properly dressed and if they present an invitation then they must be admitted,” she said.

However, there’s always whispers throughout Carnival season from members and non-members speaking of certain groups of people not being welcome at the balls.

Erica F. Burns, President of the Order of Royal Myths (a different organization than the Order of Myths), said, “I cannot speak for the other Mardi Gras organizations of Mobile, but our organization only accepts those with integrity that are willing to work as a team and commit themselves to making this organization the best it can be. We do not select members based on their race or ethnicity, but rather outgoing people who are able to bring positivity to the group.”

I reached out to these other organizations for comment but did not receive one: the Mystic Stripers,

MAMGA, Crewe of Columbus, Order of Inca, Conde Explorers, Mobile Mystics, and Order of Venus.

Often, people say, “Well, black people have their own Mardi Gras so what’s the problem with keeping them separate?” The problem many see is that black people had to create their own Mardi Gras when they weren’t welcome into the white ones.

Now, it’s a part of their history just as much as white Mardi Gras is a part of white people’s history. However, actively keeping them separate from white Mardi Gras is the definition of segregation. It is separation. It is modern-day “separate but equal.” Even though some people may be content with their current situation, that doesn’t mean it’s okay for everyone.

Whether it’s actively happening or not today, it’s an eye-opening situation that everyone can learn from. It’s still a part of Mobile Mardi Gras’ history, and what’s that saying about forgetting the past?

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