Volume 38 - 39, Issue 4 (March 30, 2020) by Graffiti, The Voice of NT

Monday, March 30, 2020 | Volume 39, Issue 4

raffiti

THE VOICE OF NORTH TORONTO C.I.

THE PANDEMIC ISSUE COVID-19 >> pages 4, 12, 21, 24, & 27 THE INNER LIVES OF NT STUDENTS >> pages 6, 10, 16, & 25

Illustration by Chloe Chan

2 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL

editorial

Five original lunch spots in Yonge and Eglinton These five restaurants offer NT students a refreshing alternative to the Yonge and Eglinton food court. Defne Tuncer Lee-Ashley Keshet Junior Advisory Board

ave you ever desired a lunch spot located away from the Yonge and Eglinton food court? These five restaurants, with a maximum of only a nine minute walk, range from plant-based meals to quality burgers, and more. They are perfect for any North Toronto student. Kupfert & Kim Kupfert & Kim is a brand new, plant-based, quick-service restaurant. It provides healthy, meatless and wheatless alternatives. Its menu consists of salads and bowls, smoothies, soups, and sides, such as guacamole and tortilla chips. Everything is organic and made in-house from scratch. The little waste they produce is either composted or recycled and every single take-out item is compostable, even the straws. Kupfert & Kim is located on 2313 Yonge Street, and it is a five minute walking distance from NT. Their prices are also reasonable, ranging from $2 to around $10.

Pi Co Pi Co is the perfect in-between of a quick serve fast food pizza joint and an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria. You can expect your pizza to be ready in as little as a minute and a half. They offer several different types of pizzas as well as the classic margarita at only $10. Other than the fixed pizza options, they also have gluten free options and a “create-your-own” pizza. Everything on the menu is made fresh from scratch. However, pizza is not the only thing sold on Pi Co’s menu. The restaurant has incredible salads, garlic bread, and desserts. It is located at 2177 Yonge Street which is a nine minute walk from NT. Salus Fresh Foods Salus Fresh Foods provides healthy and fresh ingredients directly from farmers without any added preservatives or

fillers. Their “create-your-own” menu is perfect for any customer, including those with dietary restrictions. Salus Fresh Foods specializes in bowls (also known as boxes), salads, and wraps. The restaurant’s proteins include chicken, steak, salmon, shrimp, falafel, and tofu. Salus Fresh Foods also has several smoothies, breakfast foods, and snacks for anyone on the go on its menu. It is only a seven minute walk from NT, at 8 Eglinton Avenue East. Make sure to check out these under-rated lunch spots if you want to try a variety of different foods. We all need to switch it up a bit. These restaurants provide delicious and healthier alternatives for your everyday diet. Consider going out with your friends to check out any of these places for lunch, and you are guaranteed to have a good time.

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORS IN CHIEF Sara Chiarotto O’Brien Emily Sakaguchi

INTERNAL EDITORS

Jane Carli | Sofia Platnick

EXTERNAL EDITORS

Kiara Distin | Lauren Keith

FEATURES EDITORS

Kaya Makivic | Joshua Chong

ARTS AND CULTURE EDITORS Anna Goodman | Jessica Hungate Brendan Weeks

BUSINESS AND TECH EDITORS Nathalie Adriana Funes Serna Hao Zheng

OPINION EDITORS

Sean Lee | Ashley Keller

HUMOUR EDITORS

Hannah Argiloff | Emma Frasheri Jayden Orlotti

SPORTS EDITORS Cassandra Chichora Cameron Gilliland

ILLUSTRATIONS EDITORS Yoohyun Park | Yuchen Zhang

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS Sahil Turakhia | Kenneth Salim

COPY EDITORS

Sophie Cohen | Audrey Gong Simone Bellengier | Elise Farmar Sarisha Panday

JUNIOR ADVISORY BOARD Lee-Ashley Keshet Defne Tuncer

Banh Mi Boys Banh Mi Boys is a four minute walk from NT and is located at 2365 Yonge St. This Vietnamese Asian fusion restaurant is popular for their quick service, as it seats no more than 20 people. Banh Mi Boys has a “create-your-own” menu that features steamed baos, banh mis, tacos with options of fried chicken, pulled pork, tofu, meatball, squid kalbi beef, and more. The restaurant’s sides consist of kimchi fries, tofu fries, sweet potato fries, and salad. The service is fast and within minutes, your food is ready. Prices range from $3 to $10. B.GOOD B.GOOD is an innovative, fast-casual restaurant chain serving “Food with Roots”. This means that their dishes are sustainably-grown, fresh, and contain wholesome products that are prepared by hand in-house. B.GOOD sells burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads and more. Everything on the menu is made with locally sourced ingredients; there is an emphasis on healthy, organic, non-GMO, preservative-free food. Their burgers, which may contain anything from beef to avocado, are particularly well-known. B.GOOD is located on 75 Eglinton Avenue East and is only a nine minute walk from NT.

SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD Maeve Ellis | Julia Goldthorp Rachel Lee

LAYOUT TEAM

Sara Chiarotto O’Brien Emily Sakaguchi Kiana Sharifi | Abigail Shin Jasmine Lem

BUSINESS MANAGERS

Jessica Pearson | Deena Shirkool

STAFF ADVISORS

David Silver | Baruch Zohar

CONTENTS External . ...............................................4 Internal..................................................6 Features................................................12 Business & Technology................................22 Opinion..................................................26 Arts & Culture...................................................29 Sports....................................................32 Humour & Games...........................................36

The interior of Kupfert & Kim. | Photo by Emily Sakaguchi

Facebook: @NTCIGraffiti Instagram: @ntcigraffiti Website: www.ntcigraffiti.com Email: ntcigraffiti@gmail.com

EDITORIAL | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 3 EDITORIAL

Arbeit Macht Frei: 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Between 1.1 and 1.5 million humans lost their lives in Auschwitz, the largest and deadliest Nazi concentration and extermination camp.

Photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Times

Maeve Ellis Julia Goldthorp Rachel Lee Senior Advisory Board

n 27 January, 2020, the world commemorated the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the largest and deadliest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. Between 1.1 and 1.5 million humans lost their lives in Auschwitz, 90% of them belonging to the Jewish population. The second-largest victim group was the Polish and among the dead were 19,000 Roma people. The site is located in the Polish industrial town of Oświęcim, Auschwitz and it opened in 1940. Auschwitz, also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, was placed strategically at the railway junction of 44 parallel tracks. Those entering the concentration camp were greeted with the infamous and ironic inscription: “Arbeit Macht Frei” or “Work Makes You Free,” an inscription that foreshadowed a life sentence of horrors and trauma. Concentration camps had been open since 1933, while death camps, where immediate extermination took place, started at the beginning of the war. Auschwitz’s first commander, Rudolf Höss, oversaw German corporations investing in the camp’s construction in order to expand business operations. Initially, Auschwitz was a

detention centre for political prisoners, but it later evolved into a slave labour camp where Jews were subjected to making munitions, synthetic rubber, and other products considered essential to Germany’s efforts in World War II. Upon arriving at the camp, those deemed unfit for work by doctors - including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities - were sent to a gas chamber disguised as

were about to liberate the camp, the Nazis frantically sent around 60,000 prisoners to forced labour in other locations. When the Soviets entered Auschwitz, they found piles of corpses left behind, along with 7 tonnes of hair, 3,800 suitcases, 88 pounds of glasses, and 12,000 pots and pans, proving that many inmates thought they were going to be allowed to live semi-normal lives in the camp.

As Elie Weisel said best, “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” shower houses where they were gassed with Zyklon-B poison gas. A squad of Jewish men named the “Sonderkommando” removed the corpses from the crematoriums and gas chambers. The concentration camp was frequented by the torturous medical experimenter Josef Mengele who conducted inhumane experiments on children and adults in the name of research. Modern-day medical institutions have deemed his findings as flawed and useless. In January, when Soviet forces

After the start of WWII, Hitler imposed the “Final Solution” where he planned to kill every Jew in his domain. Though people generally only think of Jews as the victims of the Holocaust, artists, educators, Romas, communists, black people, homosexuals, those with mental illness, and those with mental and physical disabilities were also targeted. As Simon Wiesanthal, an Austrian Holocaust survivor, once said, “The Hollocaust was not only a Jewish tragedy, but also a human tragedy”, in-

dicating the importance global action. Even though it has only been 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, the stories and memories of survivors are lying further and fewer between. We have very little connection to what happened during those five years of horror that lay behind the thick walls of cement and barbed wire. As students, we have the opportunity to meet Holocaust survivors in assemblies, but those annual two hours of grievance and sympathy will never truly teach us the frightful reality of those WWII death and concentration camps. That is why it is imperative that, as a school and a society, we ensure that inhumane acts of prejudice do not exist in the present or prevail in the future. Many may contemplate whether or not it is important to remember the past and learn from our mistakes, for, as Canadians, we live in an accepting society, where prejudices are not as prominent as they once were. However, as Elie Weisel said best, “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Silence can be used as a weapon against mankind and affect target groups like we have seen in the past. Instead of fearing it, we should eliminate it. Break the silence. Use your voice. Speak up.

4 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | EXTERNAL

HEALTH

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The COVID-19 pandemic: A global outbreak Progress has been made in mitigating spread of virus, but it will take time to end this pandemic.

Consumers have been stocking up on hand sanitizer in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. | Photo by Michael O’Regan

Danielle Xin Contributor

he world is continuing to grapple with COVID-19, or more commonly known as coronavirus, which has reached international headlines and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). As of March 27, more than 417 000 cases have been confirmed worldwide, and the death toll has surged to 18 500, surpassing that of the SARS epidemic that occurred in 2003. Starting around late December, The World Health Organization’s Chinese office was receiving reports of an unknown virus behind several pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. By January 7, Chinese officials identified a new virus belonging to the coronavirus family, named COVID-19. Having originated in Wuhan, the majority of the virus is still heavily concentrated in China, however, the virus has spread to 157 countries and territories. Italy is now the hardest hit country outside of China with more than 69 000 affected and 7000 deaths as of March 27, 2020. With Wuhan and its neighbouring cities bearing the brunt of the epidemic, the city is struggling to keep the outbreak under control. Chinese officials ordered a mandatory quarantine of all residents infected with the coronavirus as well as a shut down of the entire city and the surrounding province of Hubei, putting over 60 million people into lockdown. Photos of the lockdown in Wuhan depict deserted streets and grocery store aisles that have been picked clean as people are stocking up, and supplies

are running thin. Public transport was suspended, schools and businesses were closed, and thousands of medical workers were dispatched to Wuhan. Despite the increase in medical staff, the city’s healthcare system is being overburdened as hospitals and health facilities are overflowing with thousands of patients. Medical supplies are scarce, doctors and nurses are being worked to exhaustion, and many ill patients are not able to receive proper testing and are forced to fight off the infection at home. Other countries affected, like Italy and the UK are experiencing a similar problem and are ill prepared to combat the virus. By late January, the virus had been active in Wuhan for weeks; however, citizens were not aware of the severity of the situation. Their delayed response to the expanding epidemic also led to rumours of the government censoring the severity of the outbreak by purposefully misrepresenting the number of confirmed cases. “China’s centralized system and lack of freedom of press definitely delay a necessary aggressive early response when it was still possible to contain epidemics at the local level,” said Ho-Fung Hung, a professor in political economy at Johns Hopkins University. Things escalated even more after doctor Li Wenliang, who attempted to warn colleagues about the threat of a dangerous new disease but was accused of spreading false information, died from complications due to coronavirus. His death triggered a discussion about freedom of speech and media censorship in China. Many events are being shut down to contain the spread of COVID-19. In the world of sports, the NBA, NHL, MLB and other sports leagues

have suspended their upcoming seasons. This main concern is the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, scheduled to begin this summer in Tokyo, Japan. Questions have been circulating as to whether or not the Games will be happening and concerns are being raised about holding such a significant sporting event with so many people in proximity to one another. However, officials with the WHO and International Olympic Committee have confirmed that as of March 27, there are no plans of cancelling or moving the Games. From an economic standpoint, there are consequences for the supply and demand of the global economy, especially for nations trading with China as well as manufacturers relying on products coming out of China. Being the largest manufacturing economy and exporter of goods, the inactivity of China’s economy has disrupted global supply chains. The lack of shipments is jeopardizing the delivery of retail goods and supplies, and consumerism is down. Less people are shopping, eating out, and going out in general. International tourism and travel is also taking a hit. Many countries, including Canada, have closed their borders and implemented firm travel measures. Canada has put a restriction on all non-essential travel and only Canadian and American citizens are permitted to cross the border. Travelers returning from high risk places like China, Iran, and most of Europe are asked to stay at home for a 14 day quarantine period to minimize contact with public areas. The CDC recommends that all people steer clear of travel on cruise ships and river cruise voyages due to their high risk environments for COVID-19. What is being done to stop the spread of coronavirus? The pan-

demic has sparked a race to find vaccines to fight against it, with agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO working to develop a vaccine as soon as possible. The WHO announced that it hopes to have a vaccine within months, and human trials have already started. However, much is still unknown about the virus, and extensive research and trials still need to be done before anything can be released to the public. In Ontario, all publicly funded schools are closed for the time being, as well as all non essential businesses and government run services like libraries, extracurriculars, and community centres. The government stated that it is likely that schools will continue to be closed until at least April 20, which raises concerns from parents and teachers about what will happen to the remainder of the year. However, the province is working to develop online learning tools to keep students on track during this time, which will likely be implemented if the closure is extended past April 6. Until a vaccine is discovered, the CDC encourages people to follow flu season protocol: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoid close contact with those who are sick. It’s difficult to determine the future course of COVID-19, however it is encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid participating in large group gatherings. It is not the first time the world has seen an event like this before. If history is any guide, and with today’s advancements in science and technology, scientists and experts believe that the world will recover; it’s just going to take time.

EXTERNAL | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 5 CELEBRITY

How should Kobe be remembered? More than just an athlete.

Should Kobe be remembered for his influential sentiments and athletic prowess, his alleged sexual assaults, or a mix of both?

Kiara Distin Editor

n January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and an 18-time AllStar basketball player passed away. Now with this horrible tragedy, there comes a controversial discussion: how should Kobe be remembered? For some, the answer is obvious; a loving husband, a supportive father, and an incredible athlete. Bryant was looked up to, and often praised by viewers and celebrities alike on his skill and his charismatic personality. However, there was another side to his everrising fame. In 2003, Kobe was accused of rape by a 19-year-old concierge at the hotel where he was staying.. The allegations were dropped, but the result is still unclear. Whether she dropped it because she was lying, decided that it was a misunderstanding, or was just sick of all of the backlash and hate she received for coming forward, we will never know. In the past month, there have

been countless anecdotes shared about the beloved basketball player. Kobe Bryant’s influence reached far and wide, to many a viewer, fan, and celebrity. “Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/ brotherhood we had!” wrote Lebron James on an Instagram post posted on January 27. “I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation”. This quote alone shows how much Kobe was loved. Mike Sager, a journalist at the Atlantic, met Kobe in 2007, four years after his rape allegations. “Just as he’d remade his body and his shot, time and again throughout his career, in retirement, Kobe transformed himself into an Oscar-winning Renaissance man,” said Sager. “A doer of good deeds, an unparalleled basketball analyst, an enthusiastic coach of his own children and others’, a much-soughtafter pro-basketball-player-whisperer.” Kobe was a very charitable person; he participated in the Make-AWish Foundation, volunteering with the

Boys and Girls Club of America, or being a part of multiple NBA Cares initiatives, where he helped build homes and basketball courts, stocked food pantries, and endorsed reading programs. Bryant also supported and partnered up with many homeless shelters and charities for several years. As well, the star created his own charity, called the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, which sponsored international enrichment opportunities for minority college students and provided scholarships for the Kobe Bryant Basketball Academy. On the more unfortunate side of things, as previously stated, Kobe was accused of rape in 2003. With Kobe’s death, these allegations were quickly forgotten about in a lot of media coverage, and those who spoke about it immediately received intense backlash and even death threats. “Mark Shaw, a former criminal defence lawyer who worked as an analyst on the Bryant case, said he was concerned about how little attention has been given to the accuser in coverage of Bryant’s death. ‘Some of the coverage I see just brushes over all this and the victim is left out-

side the door,’ Shaw said.” Kobe’s sexual assault charge is similar to many other cases in that it never led to a conviction, or a proper trial, which happens quite often. In this case, although no one knows for sure, the victim refused to testify after Bryant’s defence team reportedly released the woman’s name and photo to the public, causing intense backlash. Kobe later apologized, stating that he understood the plaintiff’s point of view and did not believe her to be lying. However, he was still under the belief that it was a consensual encounter. In the end, it is up to the reader to decide which way they sway. Should Kobe be remembered for only his influential sentiments and athletic prowess, just his allegations of assault, or maybe a mix of both? As actress Evan Rachel Wood tweeted after his untimely death, “I am heartbroken for Kobe’s family. He was a sports hero. He was also a rapist. And all of these truths can exist simultaneously.” There is no one right answer. The answer is still unclear, and it is up to the readers’ discretion to decide.

INTERNATIONAL

A look at feminism in the developing world In countries like Ecuador, it is simply a dream of most women to be able to work, let alone attend school higher than elementary level. Chloe Jensen Contributor

he feminism of developed countries like Canada and the United States has become centered around issues like equal pay and treatment in the workplace, but in countries like Ecuador, it is simply a dream of most women to be able to work, let alone attend school higher than elementary level. This summer, thanks to the Me to We organization, I was able to meet with various women’s groups native to Ecuador in the rural Andes and Amazon regions who have begun their fight against gender inequality. Outside of the nation’s capital city Quito, post elementary education is extremely rare, especially for the women of those areas. Trends like this are seen in many other developing countries, such as Kenya, as women must often undergo further schooling in order to help with housework and provide for their families. The expectation of women

in developing countries to do all the housework is the barrier responsible for a lot of inequalities between men and women within most communities. It all starts with the lack of education, because without the knowledge of skills taught in high school, most opportunities for work are already closed to women. A young woman named Beatriz whom I had the pleasure of meeting in the Andean highlands of Ecuador explained to my group that she and many other women in her community were taken out of school as early as grade 3 and from then on only taught skills such as cooking and cleaning or “trained in jobs for housewives” as she stated. The issue with this is that women like Beatriz grow up, get married, have children and ultimately feel powerless. Beatriz shared her story with us stating that “(she) felt trapped. (She) could not support (herself) and relied completely on (her) husband.” Exhausted from the stereotypes, Beatriz and many other women in various communities decided to try and fight against this “machismo” as they call it. It is because of this that the wom-

en’s groups in the Chimborazo region of Ecuador decided to work together with Me to We to make sure they and the women in their communities were able to complete their high school education and have the opportunity to earn their own sustainable income, alongside their partners. The average age a woman in those communities left school changed from around fourth grade to completing high school, a visible improvement. Furthermore, as well as providing women with access to education, these women’s groups focus on fighting gender inequalities and stereotypes in their communities and their country overall. These inequalities can affect Ecuadorian women in society by undermining their abilities and intelligence. This assumption made by society makes it even harder for women to find work or motivation to follow their aspirations. Another young woman named Maricela I met while on my trip explained how growing up she felt that “being a woman, (she) had no other option but to be submissive.” In an effort to combat these inequalities, the women’s groups work

together to make different traditional pieces like ponchos, belts, bracelets and more, all being very culturally relevant to each area. They make the products by hand, selling them at local markets and through Me to We in order to maintain steady incomes for themselves, for other women in need, and to pay for different needs in the community. By doing so, these women decrease their reliance on their husbands and men in the community and are able to serve a far more fundamental purpose than the housewives they were expected to be and prove that they too are capable of achieving their personal goals. To conclude, with the help of Me to We, women like Beatriz and Maricela are able to begin closing the societal gap between women and men by becoming increasingly independent and therefore opening up new opportunities for women which have been solely dreamed of in the past. The recent improvements in women’s education rates and access to a wider range of reliable occupations in communities will soon have an extreme effect in changing the country for the better.

6 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | INTERNAL

HOBBIES

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NT in self-isolation: how are students passing the time? Our student body’s hidden talents have come out in full force during suspension of school activities.

Illustration by Yoohyun Park

Photo and illustration by Jessica Hungate

Drawing, painting, and creating with visual media are some of the most popular activities among NT students.

Photo by Jane Carli

INTERNAL | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 7

Photos by Deena Shirkool

Photo by Sara Chiarotto O’Brien

Students channel creativity through cooking, reading, and playing music.

Photo by Emily Sakaguchi

Photo by Jane Carli

8 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | INTERNAL SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Part-time students to participate in extracurriculars New school policy will allow students who take five full courses to participate in extracurriculars, despite still being considered part-time students. Sofia Platnick Editor

ecently, Mr. Mack has made the executive decision to allow parttime students to participate in extracurriculars, as well as compete for awards. In the past, only full-time NT students have been able to participate in North Toronto’s clubs and sports teams, meaning students needed to be taking a minimum of six courses at the school. With this change, to participate in extracurriculars, the required number of classes taken at North Toronto in day school has dropped down to five, allowing a larger number of students to be more involved in the school community. Mr. Mack’s reasoning behind this decision revolves mainly around the fact that extracurriculars are often a driving force for students. He believes that participation in extracurricular activities can boost the mental health of students, thereby giving them a greater chance at achieving higher grades. Par-

ticipating as a member of a sports team or club helps students feel involved with the school community. As well, other schools in the neighbourhood share the same policy, including Northern Secondary School. By making this small change in policy, students who switch between the two schools, or whose siblings may attend the other school, will have a more consistent experience. While students taking five full courses at NT now allows them the added benefit of participating in more events at the school, they are still not considered full-time students. A fulltime student title is still only given to those enrolled in at least six daytime courses at North Toronto. This change, though, has allowed students in five or more courses at NT to have the same extracurricular opportunities. There have been mixed reactions to this policy change by both students and teachers, as it can be seen as unfair to those students who are full-time to lose the benefits that come with being a full-time student

at NT. Ms. Chamberlain feels that this change is beneficial to many students, as the lack of flexibility to change courses once they are selected can put a strain on students. Many people have to make the decision to do certain courses outside of school. She also states, “the new requirements fall better in line with what the Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association (TDSSAA) deems as a part-time student versus a full-time student for participation in athletics. So it’s more consistent with what we need athletes to be taking, to remain on teams.” Mr. Jones agrees with the policy change, stating, “I believe that as long as you’re a full-time student, and fully invested in the institution, then I don’t have a problem with students receiving awards or with students being on sports teams. Outside of high school, if you have a certain level of courses that is close to a full course load, then you’re considered a full-time student, and that shows that you are invested; you are spending most of your time here,

you’re doing most of your coursework here. I don’t see that as a huge issue.” In contrast, some students and teachers find that this policy is unfair to those students taking a full course load at North Toronto. One student in Grade 12 states, “What’s the point in taking more than five courses at NT if you still get the same benefits as a full-time student?” In response, Mr. Mack says, “We don’t have any influence over what happens at a ministry-approved private institution. My experience though tells me that students who do a senior English or math outside of the building in order to get into a university, find that the curriculum that they’ve covered outside of the school is not the same as the curriculum covered in school. They get a bit short-changed.” Often, students who take all courses at a day school come back to say that they were well-prepared for universities, where the same is not always true for students who opt to ‘buy’ a credit outside of school from a private institution.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Why is NT so popular?

Why do so many students choose to apply for optional attendance at NT?

Anthony Beca Contributor

hoosing which high school to attend is a very rigorous process. It is a balancing act between travel time, academic reputation, facilities, extracurriculars, and following your friends. How does one choose between their home school and North Toronto? Why do they choose it over Lawrence Park, Northern, Forest Hill, or John Polanyi? As someone that chose to apply for optional attendance to North Toronto over Lawrence Park and Northern Secondary School, I wondered how many people also turned down their

home school in hopes of attending NT. The answer was unsurprising; the trail I followed was thoroughly trodden by many Norsemen before me. This is a major contributing factor as to why our school is at 112% student capacity, because in addition to the new condos burgeoning at Yonge and Eglinton, pupils from as far away as York Mills or Summerhill opt to come here instead of attending their home schools. As a result, the optional attendance pathway will be more selective in the years to come. But why is our school so attractive in comparison to others? Fabienne Hens, a Grade 12 student that gained entry via optional attendance, chose NT because of the sports program and the fact “the new facilities would make practices and games more

enjoyable, and safer.” This is in addition to North Toronto’s established academic reputation that would “be much better in terms of preparation for university [than Lawrence Park or Northern].” These sentiments were reflected in interviews with students from all over Toronto. From Lawrence Park to Forest Hill to Summerhill, many credit NT’s prestige and building to their high school selection. Maya Klepfish, a Grade 11 student, was concerned that “Forest Hill would not prepare [her] well enough to get into [her] university of choice.” She was drawn to the professionalism associated with North Toronto, and the vast array of clubs and extracurriculars that the school offers. In contrast, Elizabeth Loubenski, a junior at NT, found the school’s

Photo by Sahil Turakhia

academic-oriented environment very attractive but admitted she would have followed her friends anywhere. Another distinguishing factor held by NT over Lawrence Park or Northern Secondary School is its bustling location, according to Grade 11 student, Anthony Lee. He explained that the accessibility of our school, as well as the wide variety of restaurants nearby, swayed his decision, although he is not a fan of the constant construction. Succinctly, students from out of district and from Deer Park, Glenview, Hodgson, and other middle schools chose to attend North Toronto over their home schools because of its sterling facilities and academic reputation, the multitude of extracurricular opportunities, and the connected geography.

INTERNAL | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 9 EDUCATION

NT’s new Indigenous English course New Grade 11 English course set to bring truth and reconciliation into the classroom.

Kiana Sharifi Layout Designer

very morning we hear these announcements: “We acknowledge we are hosted on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and the Inuit peoples”. Is this something that we as students recognize as an important part of being a Canadian citizen? Or are we unaware of the impacts Indigenous people and culture have on us everyday? As an addition to the English courses currently offered, North Toronto C.I. is introducing NBE3U, a Grade 11 English course that provides an understanding of contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit voices. This course will explore a variety of different text forms to examine the perspectives and influences of Indigenous authors. Lee Sheppard, an Instructional Leader of Indigenous Education at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), is part of a team supporting the implementation of this course in the TDSB. He says that since this course is from the provincial curriculum, any secondary school in Ontario can offer it. He believes that it is imperative to embed education on truth and reconciliation in classrooms so that students have access to the truth. He reiterates that there is real focus in national discourse about reconciliation, a very important goal, but he acknowledges that we are not quite there yet. “This course is about truth and this is a way to start bringing contemporary Indigenous voices and those connected to long, long habitation on this territory, into the classroom”, is how Sheppard describes the broad themes that will be explored in this course. He also discusses the strong

emphasis that will be on the truth aspect of “Truth and Reconciliation” and says, “Reconciliation is going to take generations and it is not a quick process. I don’t think many of us are at a point where we know enough about the truth to even begin reconciling in a way that is responsible”. He understands that this course is much more than just another English course, in that it provides insight for students about how our actions have consequences. Sheppard also explains how this course will be taught with different content and, occasionally, with different methodologies to reflect Native teachings. This course will be rolled out in stages, Sheppard mentioned, because “we want to make sure that students and teachers working on this course are doing so because they want to”. He adds that “sometimes we have a tiered idea that certain types of knowledge are superior to others” and part of the work he does is undoing some of those internalized ideas surrounding Indigenous topics. Sheppard also highlights the fact that Canadians have a responsibility to engage with Indigenous people and expresses that we must “understand whose territory we live on and what our relationship is with it”. The contemporary angles of Indigenous culture that students will analyze in this course are something that Sheppard realizes is a paradigm that he’s had to overcome, where Indigenous people are not just people of the past, a misconception that he believes that many people still hold. Conversely, he points out that a lot of contemporary Indigenous thought is about looking towards the future. The content of this course is not only about Indigenous literature pertaining to the past, but about Indigenous literature in the present-day world. He says, “I would argue that contemporary Indigenous culture is just as connected to what’s going on globally

as any other contemporary culture”. Ms Wolfe, a history and english teacher at NT, will be one of the teachers instructing this course. She is thrilled at the prospect of being part of the development and implementation of this new course. In response to why this course wasn’t chosen to complement history, she believes that “learning is richer and more lasting when it is woven through all our years of study”. Ms Wolfe, along with Mr. Nicolet and Ms. Biondic, have been actively working to develop student understanding, experience, and connections with indigenous peoples, but, she recognizes that these opportunities have been extra-curricular. The chance for NT to offer an academic English course, taught at the Grade 11 level, while also embedding indigenous perspectives, experiences, and literature within the curriculum is extremely valuable. Many students at NT are aware of their lack of knowledge in this subject and that the ways it has previously been incorporated into their learning environment have proven to be ineffective. Lee-Ashley Keshet, a Grade 10 student at NT, believes that despite the annual Orange Shirt day assemblies and the daily land acknowledgment, high school students are not educated enough on this topic. She expresses that “most Grade 10 students are not aware about the lives of Indigenous people today” and the lessons in the Grade 10 history classes are not sufficient. She also explains that what this course can offer will enrich student’s knowledge on Indigenous culture in the past and present. She says, “Reading from different people’s experiences — especially if it comes from a primary source — would be very intriguing to many students”. Keshet also mentions that it could depict the impact Indigenous people have on us and the contemporary world. She believes that immersing ourselves within

Photo by Jane Carli

these Indigenous voices not only makes us far more aware, but can also lead to taking action, where students feel compelled to strive and make a change. Kiara Distin and Emelia Grossman are other Grade 10 students at NT that believe that there is a lack of Indigenous education. While Distin does stress that “there should be way more Indigenous education in high schools across Canada”, her disinterest in the course is greatly due to the lack of information about it. Grossman agrees with this and believes that although it is important that we learn about Indigenous life in the contemporary world, she values the fact that the “regular English course may offer more variety in terms of the material we learn about rather than focusing on one primary topic”. Grossman also mentions that the new course is a good way to give students the opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture through English, though there are other ways of integrating Indigenous culture into the regular course. As a member of the Indigenous community, Cameron Anderson, a Grade 10 student at NT, also concludes that the integration of Indigenous culture into the high school curriculum is crucial. Unfortunately, as much as she wishes this class to be a success, she feels as though many people don’t value the material; “Even as a member of the Indigenous community, I was hesitant to take the class. I would truly like the course to be a success, not only as a symbol of reconciliation, but as a new and respected class”. Anderson also adds that it is unfortunate that a school as academically driven as NT is still inattentive when it comes to Indigenous affairs, including current day news regarding the still prevalent discrimination against and segregation of Indigenous peoples.

10 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | INTERNAL STUDENT LIFE

NT on a Friday night

North Toronto students find a variety of ways to spend their free time.

NT students enjoy reading because “it is relaxing”. | Photo by Sofia Savchyn Nathalie Funes Serna Editor

ooks Elena Prescott, a Grade 10 student, says that her favourite aspect about reading on Friday nights is that “it is relaxing and [she] can fall asleep afterward. It is like watching a movie, but more rewarding.” According to a survey answered by 200 North Toronto CI students, 16% of them spend their Friday Nights reading. Of the students who spend their Friday evening reading, 82% enjoy fiction, 36% non-fiction, and 34% wattpad, comics, or mangas. The majority of NT readers (86%) use physical books instead of E-books. Video Games Of the surveyed NT students, 25.4% spend their Friday Nights playing video games. Emma Frasheri says, “[playing video games] is a good way to relax” and that you are able to follow “good storylines”. When I’m stressed, I’ll play Smash to beat up a couple of cartoon video game characters. It’s just how I relax.” The main devices used to play video games are PC (43%), phones (34%), Playstation (32%), and Xbox (27%). Although some people may view gaming as an unattractive activity, for many NT students, videogames are a big part of life. Another Grade 11 student says that he enjoys playing video games with his friends because “[he] had always grown up playing video games and [his] friends had always grown up playing video games. It is an activity [that they] now both enjoy doing together.” Alcohol and/or Drugs Of the NT students polled, 30.5% spend their Friday Nights drinking alcohol

and/or consuming drugs. A Grade 12 student says that consuming alcohol and drugs “is very fun and it helps with stress relief and anxiety with school. It lets [her] let go and chill with [her] friends and have a better time.” A student who is not familiar with that environment, might find these activities stressful out of fear of getting caught, but students who regularly participate clearly do not feel the same way. The same Grade 12 student says, “At first I was [scared of getting caught], but I have done it so many times that I’m not nervous anymore.” Students consume these substances in different places --79% of students at a friend’s house, 39% in their own house, and 21% in a park. Clubs and Parties A Grade 11 student says that he likes going to parties on Friday nights “to meet new people and hang out.” He says that it is fun because “[he] gets to extend [his] outreach and one gets to meet all sorts of new people, make new friends, and then you get invited to more.” 29% of students spend their Friday nights in parties or clubs. Of those students who consume drugs and/or alcohol, 6% of them do so in parties or clubs. Watching Youtube Kyna Wu says that she likes watching Youtube because “it is faster, more convenient, and has better features, like the-double tap fast forward feature. Compared to other Chinese apps and platforms that [she knows] the advertising videos are much shorter. For example, in the Chinese app that [she uses] they are at least 90 seconds.” 33% of students spend their Friday nights watching Youtube videos. Christian Guillermo, a Grade 11 student, says that Youtube “is an alternative to Netflix or

TV shows.” There is an infinite variety of content on Youtube. Rushaan Chawla says that he watches “random funny videos on Youtube because there is nothing else to do.“ Ivan Lukic, a Grade 10 student, says that he “watches chess videos to prepare for tournaments, but mostly music while he plays some video games.” NT students watch all types of videos, from the ones that will help them improve skills, such as gaming or chess, to listening to music, watching their favourite Youtubers, or other videos for leisure and entertainment. Movie Nights Ayush Verma says that he likes watching Netflix because “it is a break from studying.” Over half of NT students (55%) spend their Friday nights watching Netflix, Disney+, TV, or other streaming services. Overall, 78% of people spend their free time watching movies. After asking Henrique Severo Saraiva why he likes watching movies on Netflix, he said, “it is relaxing and removes my brain from reality”. He also says he enjoys the feeling of watching a scary movie because it “makes [him] feel alive”. Henrique and Suhani Mahindru said that watching movies on Netflix is “a good way to watch movies, pass time, and learn lessons about life such as not to kill people or you can go to jail or if [one] is a tragic hero you are going to die.” Series are also popular among NT students. 73% of them watch specific series. Daniel Fichbein enjoys watching Disney+ because he “can watch The Mandalorian, one of [his] top two favourite things to watch.” Two other screening entertainment categories that aren’t as popular at NT are TV shows (40%) and anime (13%). Social Media

The survey also revealed that 34% of students’ ideal Friday Night involves using social media. Wyatt Gilliland, a grade 11 student, says that he uses social media when he is “bored and [he] has nothing else to do with [his] time, so [he] just goes on social media to kill time.” Of those students, 93% of them use Instagram. A grade 11 student says that she uses it “for entertainment purposes, such as memes, videos of dogs, or art inspiration.” Sleepovers Another common activity among NT students on Friday nights is sleeping over with their friends. Around 39% of students would sleep over with their friends on their ideal Friday night. Chisenga Onalenna Kid Kibato says, “I like sleeping over with my friends because we have girl talk, we watch movies, we play games, and we just laugh for hours. I love sleepovers.” Other Activities There are some other activities that NT students enjoy that are not so popular. For example, 16% of people do school work. Iva-Mari Miskulin says, “I like doing homework on Fridays because I can get it done that day and then have the whole weekend to do whatever I want and have no stress.” She also said that she enjoys “practicing piano because it is very calming for [her].” Another not so common activity is playing Board Games, with only 8% of students choosing this on Friday nights. Zoe Rosenfeld says, “I always played board games growing up and they can get very competitive, especially with my friends.” 21% of NT pupils prefer to stay home and not go out. Suhani says, “I don’t like going out because I don’t like leaving my house and talking to people.”

INTERNAL | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITIâ&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;11

Some NT students choose to spend their Friday Nights drinking alcohol and/or consuming drugs. | Photo by June Funes Serna

Some students enjoy boardgames. | Photo by Zoe Rosenfeld

Sleepovers are a popular activity. | Photo by Chichi Kid Kibato

Over half of NT students stream entertainment on Friday nights. Photo by Suhani Mahindru

Photo by Suhani Mahindru

12 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | FEATURES

HEALTH

features

How clean are your hands? “Dirt is like the construction at Yonge and Eglinton: everywhere and problematic.” Charles Cai Contributor

t’s 7:30 A.M. Usually, I awaken to the pleasant tones of chirping birds and gentle waterfalls from my phone alarm. Today isn’t that typical day. I wake up with acute viral nasopharyngitis – better known as the common cold. My nasty nasal sniffles harmonize with the nice noises of nature as I nab a ninth napkin to clear my nose. “Here we go again,” I complain as I tumble out of bed. Being sick is no fun. Including the cold, sickness in general ranges from being inconvenient to being deadly. The World Health Organization recognizes that the spread of Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a problem as diarrhea-related diseases are a leading cause of death among children globally. Unhygienic habits during the Middle Ages caused the Bubonic Plague – a lethal disease that eliminated 30% to 60% of the European population. The bacterium Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) is responsible for the Plague’s havoc, and there are rare modern cases where unhygienic people contract Y. pestis. What do the cold, diarrhea, and the Plague have in common? They’re all maladies and are preventable by maintaining sanitary procedures like handwashing. To investigate the effectiveness of handwashing, I wandered around school and touched common objects such as doors and railings. Using clear tape, I then removed the collected grime from my hand. I repeated this procedure again, but this time, I scrubbed

my hands before applying tape. I examined both tape samples under the microscope and photographed the images. We can see that the “dirty” tape collected more microorganisms versus the tape from washed hands (Figure 1). Soap and water make a difference.

other piece with washed hands, and to slide their phones on a third one. I labelled the last untouched one “Control” (Figure 2) as a frame of reference. Why phones? That’s because our hands interact with them regularly.

Figure 1 Images are under 10X magnification. (Left) Tape from washed hands. (Right) Tape from unwashed hands. | Photo by Charles Cai

A similar study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health confirmed my results. 480 participants touched common objects in the public. 44% of the samples where volunteers didn’t wash their hands contained fecal matter – stray particles of poop lying on your typical doorknob. Handwashing reduced it to 8%. Although it’s neat to see dirty hands at a microscopic level, not washing your hands is unappealing and unhealthy. To portray this macroscopically, I fetched 4 pieces of bread and asked 14 people to touch one piece with their unwashed hands, an-

A study published in Germs found a median of 17 032 bacterial gene copies on 27 secondary students’ phones. Moreover, a study from the University of Arizona found that smartphones carry 10 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. Thus, I included cell phones in my experiment. The bread was stored in a warm, dark room to cultivate mould. Two weeks later, I observed nothing on Control. Contrarily, Unwashed and Phone were teeming with mould – with more on Unwashed. Same bread, more touches, more growth. Ideally, Washed shouldn’t have mould, but due to random error (perhaps improper hand-

washing), faint patches were growing. This experiment is evidence of how, on objects like phones and hands, we can’t detect what’s clean or dirty. Therefore, we must maintain regular handwashing procedures as such microorganisms, like mould, can accumulate on our hands. While many moulds aren’t toxic, an entire spectrum of other pathogens exist. This experiment highlights how if some of these microbes can grow mould on bread, then the other sickness-inducing microbes from your hands can just as easily make you ill. People cough. People sneeze. People defecate. There are millions of ways common germs like rhinoviruses and E. coli can spread to you. When we don’t wash our hands after contact with people or objects possessing harmful bacteria, viruses, or other nasty microbes, we are setting ourselves up for illness. Dirt is like the construction at Yonge and Eglinton: everywhere and problematic. Amongst it all lies a boundless slew of malignant pathogens. Alongside my experiments, scientific research proves that regular handwashing and personal hygiene is crucial to staying healthy. So before you find yourself respirating out of your mouth sometime in the future, consider washing your hands more, especially after school or work. This way, you’re less likely to catch a cold. Of course, sometimes we’re too sick to leave our beds. In that case, biology teacher Mr. Roche advises that, “when it comes to, I’m sick, I’m sniffling, and I’m coughing, and I’m sneezing… I think it’s important that if you’re sick, stay home so it doesn’t spread.”

There are millions of ways common germs like rhinoviruses and E. coli can spread to you. When we don’t wash our hands after contact with people or objects possessing harmful bacteria, viruses, or other nasty microbes, we are setting ourselves up for illness. Figure 2 Bread in sandwich bags stored for 2 weeks. Mould growth is circled in red, and control had no contact with hands. Photo by Charles Cai

FEATURES | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 13 EDUCATION

Is student literacy in decline? Technology has a role to play in waning attention spans, gap in student achievement.

Illustration by Christina Kim

Sara Chiarotto O’Brien Editor in Chief Emily Sakaguchi Editor in Chief

“P

eople don’t read on the subway anymore,” says Mr. Zohar, head of the English department at North Toronto C.I. Instead, he finds people are glued to their phones, scrolling feeds, watching videos, or listening to podcasts. This shift toward passive media consumption, where information is thrown at consumers in bits and pieces with a constant push to look at one more thing, is what Zohar suspects to be behind students having “significant trouble reading works of greater length,” and begs the question of whether the critical thinking and literacy skills of today’s students are also in decline. Ms. Roberts, an English teacher of fifteen years, has also noticed a decline in attention span among her students. She says, “[years ago], if I wanted to show a movie, the expectation that a student would sit and watch a movie with focused attention for a period was a pretty normal thing.” Now, she notices a broader “feeling of extreme restlessness” in her classrooms that turns a “forty minute episode” into something that’s “[too] long for some students to sit through.” As with videos, Ms. Robert’s finds students struggle to stay focused for the length of a novel “unless they have this habit of reading already ingrained.” According to the EQAO’s Provincial Secondary School Report, 51% of Grade 10 students reported that the reading materials they engage

with most frequently outside of school are websites, e-mail, or chat messages and blogs. 52% reported that, when it comes to writing, they most frequently engage in social media and texting. This would come as no surprise to the many students at North Toronto who use social media platforms, but just because students consume most of their reading material in short bursts does not mean they have given up on longform text. A survey conducted by Graffiti of 100 North Toronto students found that 64% had read a book in the last two months. Ms. Roberts echoed these findings, saying “[she] thinks that kids do read a lot and that anything they’re reading is good.” However, she added that “the expectation that you would read things just because they’re important is disappearing a little bit.” As for whether or not students’ changes in reading habits have caused a change in literacy levels, Ms. Roberts can’t say for sure. She does not believe, however, that “people are getting dumber.” Ms. Roberts adds that there are more influential factors than technology use when it comes to students’ reading and writing abilities, namely exposure to literature in the home. “We know that early exposure to literacy is so important [for] those [age] zero to six. Do you have parents who are reading to you at home or do you have parents who are working and are not home to support it as much? Those kinds of things start the skills,” explains Ms. Roberts. With this in mind, it could be predicted that at lower income schools, where parents may work long hours, or multiple jobs, that literacy rates would be lower, but in Ms. Roberts’ experience, “that’s not true.” The number of students who meet literacy requirements is similar to schools in wealthier areas;

however, the literacy levels of those students who fall below tends to be more drastic, likely because it is more difficult to access supports as there “may not be money to pay for tutors,” or time to help children with homework. Considering the significance of external experiences, what role do schools have in fostering a student’s literacy skills? Ms. Roberts believes the most important element is choosing texts students will enjoy, a task that can be difficult to do when an English department must agree on one book to teach every student in a grade, which is both complex enough to generate critical discussion and accessible to students of varying abilities. The part of the English course Ms. Roberts believes to be most enjoyable for students is the “literature circles,” which the English department runs from grade nine through eleven, allowing students to choose their own books, including graphic novels, based on what “we think students are going to love”. As Mr. Zohar notes, it is easy for students today to complete an English course, without ever having read class texts, by using websites like sparknotes, or googling chapter synopses. This strategy, however, robs students of the critical thinking and communication skills gained from reading and analyzing texts. Modifying English curricula to allow for flexibility in regard to student interest is one way North Toronto’s teachers are combatting a decline in classroom engagement. One other area of English education that has changed at NT is the final exam. When Graffiti analyzed grade twelve and thirteen English exams dated from 1972 to 1992, it found that the format of the test has changed significantly over time, transitioning from predominantly short answers to essay

based questions. Today, most North Toronto exams are still essay based, but the amount of reading required during the exam is significantly less than it was in the 1990s, when students were required to formulate an essay based off the text within the exam, rather than a novel that had previously been studied in class. Each of these formats tests for slightly different skills; formulating an essay from fresh material requires fast comprehension skills and an ability to think critically without external guidance, while writing an essay about a previously studied text allows students to think deeply about their arguments and present well planned, thoughtful essays based on discussion throughout the year and material learned in class. Based on interviews with teachers, students, and provincial data, there does not seem to be an overall decline in literacy among today’s highschool students—at least among students in academic courses. The OSSLT report noted that “the gap in achievement between students enrolled in academic and those enrolled in applied courses remains pronounced.” Of students enrolled in the academic English course, 91 percent successfully completed the OSSLT, compared to only 41 percent in applied English courses. While data is not available from the 1990s or other decades for comparison, the available information seems to reflect what teachers already know: most students may still be reading, but the increased use of technology and the increased availability of resources that allow students to complete assignments without developing literacy skills has produced a considerable gap in achievement between those who succeed and those who struggle.

14 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | FEATURES EDUCATION

Today’s learning environments prioritize group work Today’s society values group work over independent work to the point where entire institutions are physically designed to promote and instill extroverted learning approaches.

Maureen Chang Contributor

ilence should not be expected when passing through the doors of North Toronto C.I.’s library. The sound of constant teenage banter would leave anyone thinking: aren’t libraries supposed to be quiet? When you take a look around, the vast majority of students are there to either study in groups or work on group projects. However, in Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain mentions that a third to a half of the population are introverts. They tend to be more responsive and feel more capable in environments with lower levels of stimulation simply by nature. Cain additionally discusses research that indicates that deep thought stems from solitude and independent thinking. So, why do we place such a strong emphasis on group work when so many students would better thrive in a more autonomous environment? Well, Cain describes a belief system embedded in our society that she likes to call the New Groupthink: the belief that creativity and achievement come from a gregarious place. It is this belief that has caused our society to hold a bias toward extroverted learning approaches. In fact, when teachers were asked to describe the ideal student, they reported the student to be an extrovert. What a charismatic, sociable student. He would make such an assertive leader. However, teachers often view introverts as followers with slimmer odds for success. He really needs to speak up or else no one’s going to want to hire him. After hearing all of this, I wanted to see this bias with my own eyes. So, I decided to firsthandedly explore different learning environments in hopes of determining the degree to which our society values collaboration over independent work. Naturally, my first area of interest was the NT library. During my third period spare, I circled the library and counted the number of desks intended to accommodate those looking to work in groups as well as the number of desks intended to accommodate those looking to work independently. My observations found that the library housed a total of 13 group desks and 12 singular desks, excluding any computer desks. NT Library # Group Desks 13

# Individual Desks 12

However, despite the fact that the ratio of group to individual desks was quite even, I noticed that only a fraction of the individual desks were occupied. The group desks, on the other hand, all held their maximum capacity of students. This could perhaps be

Photo by Lauren Zhang

due to the talkative environment the library has consequently bred from the abundance of large group desks. Another interesting observation I had made about the school library regarded the chairs. Although the chairs incorporated a built-in work surface, every chair was pushed into a group of two or three, suggesting that students also used these areas for cooperative work as well. However, I couldn’t stop there. In order to expand my horizons, I decided to visit a couple of Toronto’s public libraries. I first visited the Northern District Library located at Yonge and Eglinton and repeated my research method. It turned out that the margin between the ratio of group to individual desks was significantly wider than N.T.’s library with 35 group desks and only 21 individual desks, once again excluding all computer desks. Similar results were even found in the Locke Library located at Yonge and Lawrence. In this branch, 13 group desks were present. However, not even a single individual desk was to be seen. Northern District Library # Group Desks 35

# Individual Desks 21

Locke Library # Group Desks 13

# Individual Desks none

In both public libraries, I also found a similar pattern with the chair arrangements as in the school library. The majority of them were grouped into threes and pushed to face inwards of each other. After completing my investiga-

tion around the local libraries, I grew curious as to whether or not the same observations could be made in secondary schools. So, I walked around every NT hallway and examined every classroom of every department including art, french, math, chemistry, biology, history, and physics. Out of every classroom, only one had desks arranged in vertical rows of one desk per row. Mr. Mildon’s physics class was the sole class in the entire school with a desk layout to encourage work to be done autonomously. Every other classroom had desks arranged in pairs, groups of three, horizontal rows, pods where desks faced each other, or a U-shape. All were designs meant to promote group discussions and collaboration. Some classrooms, such as Ms. Marquis’ art room, even had tennis balls attached to the ends of table legs for the very reason of simplifying the process of repositioning the tables into large pods when needed for group work. All my observations have led to the conclusion that our society values extroverted learning approaches to the point that our learning institutions have been physically designed to specifically promote them. Yet why is this so? In order to delve deeper, I conducted interviews with a couple of my teachers. My first target of interest was my calculus teacher, Ms. Miron. I interviewed her to understand why she consistently encourages group work in her classes. She stated that the intention is to help build her students’ social networks. She believes it is better to build these networks while in high school, so that students will be socially well-equipped post-graduation. It is for this reason that Ms. Miron also changes her classroom seating plans every two weeks. I then decided to interview my chemistry teacher, Ms. Markovski, on her opinions regarding the amount of

group work current high school students are assigned. She believed that no one these days knows how to work independently. Ms. Markovski recalled barely ever being assigned group projects when she was a student. Thus, leading to her belief that students nowadays are given an excessive amount of group projects and that teachers overemphasize the importance of collaborative work. She did, however, recognize that experience working with peers is nevertheless important because of the inevitable collaboration students will have to endure in the workplace. She agreed that it is best for students to develop strong cooperation skills in high school before they graduate. I then asked her how she felt about her own classroom layout, which places desks in pairs. To express her disfavour, she compared her classroom to layouts of high school classrooms in the 1980s. As it turns out, classroom arrangements 20 years ago were nothing like they are today, even in NT’s old building. Every classroom had desks arranged in vertical rows of one desk per row, similar to Mr. Mildon’s physics room. This has led me to realize that this trend in learning environment layouts is, interestingly enough, relatively new. Overall, I have concluded that today’s society values group work over independent work so heavily to the point where entire institutions are physically designed to promote and instill extroverted learning approaches within our youth, but understandably so. This fact is met with the intentions of simply preparing students with the necessary skills needed in the workforce. Yet, it is only within the past few decades that we have seen a rise in this bias. Perhaps it is the changes in the economy that are the root cause for this social phenomenon.

FEATURES | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 15 HEALTH

Stress is related to illness in high school As the number of assignments increases from grade level to grade level, so do absences.

Graph by Siyuan Huang

Siyuan Huang Contributor

magine you are in Grade 9. You have just failed a unit test, and there is no way to make up for it. You would be upset, of course, but would you dissolve into a mental breakdown? Probably not. Now put yourself in the shoes of a Grade 12 student aiming for your top university programs that require 90 plus averages; would you then? The amount of pressure on you may cause you to have a different perception of marks. The mystery of attendance records From the attendance sheets I received from the school administration, it occurred to me that absences due to illness increase as grade increases. The following chart summarizes the percentage of students absent in each grade due to illness from September to November.

Grade

Absence rate

22%

33%

54%

65%

Although there is a clear correlation between the number of absences and grade, I wondered if stress could be a potential factor impacting this trend. To further analyze my data, I have organized absences according to dates and graphed all the data. The graph above shows the number of times students are absent due to illness from the start of school up until 22 November. We understand that there are many factors that could cause illness, and the primary factor may not be stress. However, when I overlapped the graph for all four grades, the general explanation of being sick due to changes in weather did not seem to fit in. The graph depicted two lines that didn’t fol-

low the trend for any other grades. If all of the students go to the same school, then the environment should be similar throughout the student body; therefore, there should be no particular reason for certain grades to have a higher absence rate due to illness than others. However, as we may discern from the graph above, there is an unusual peak for Grade 11s during the week of 23 September to 27 September, where all other grades have no records of being absent due to illness. Similarly, the Grade 12s also have an unusual rate of absences in the week of 28 October to 1 November.

age of three evaluations in that week. If we observe the yellow line for Grade 12 students, we can see the same type of peak appeared during the week of 28 October to 1 November. In order to confirm my observations, I also checked Grade 12 students’ agendas during this time period. Similarly, this was a busy period for only the Grade 12s. There were Advanced Functions unit tests, Kinesiology bell ringers, Data Management tests, English personal essays, Vector projects and tests, Chemistry tests, Biology quizzes, World Issues assignments, and many other evaluations.

We understand that there are many factors that could cause illness, and the primary factor may not be stress. However, when I overlapped the graph for all four grades, the general explanation of being sick due to changes in weather did not seem to fit in.

Why? In order to examine this strange situation, I walked around the school and requested to see the agendas of students I saw in the hallways. To my surprise, the week of 23 September was an extremely busy time for most Grade 11 students. SAP quizzes, Computer science unit tests, Physics lab reports, Math quizzes, Accounting tests, English short-story questions, Chemistry quizzes, Computer Science assignments, Biology tests, and English presentations appeared on more than one agenda during the week of the higher number of absences. Meanwhile, Grade 9 and 10 students are calm as usual, and Grade 12 students only had an aver-

A new source of illness As of now, I believe that we can assume that absences due to illness is directly correlated to the number of evaluations given. Many Grades 9 and 10 students have claimed that the major factors of stress are report cards and marks, or some variation of those. When asked to rate their stress level on a scale of one to 10, many chose two. On the other hand, Grades 11 and 12 students experience higher stress. On average, they experience a stress level of seven out of 10. Interestingly, when asked to list stress factors, Grade 11 and 12 students are able to list seven or more items than lower grade students, despite the fact that everyone is stressed about marks.

When asked about the probability of being ill from stress, students from all grades responded with “highly unlikely”. They claimed their cause of sickness was the change of weather. This year, the change of weather occurred during the weeks of November fourth to November tenth. Illness due to weather change is a factor that can be confirmed, as all grades experienced a similar percentage of students absent that week. However, illness due to stress is a more prominent factor, as the number of absences during weeks with a high workload was significantly higher than the week where the weather was unpredictable. Although the change in the weather is a factor that causes many students to be sick at once, it still has less effect when compared to illness caused by stress. Therefore, my hypothesis that illness is directly related to stress stands. What can we do? Since it is clear that stress is a direct factor of illness, how do we reduce stress levels? If the major stress factors are associated with the workload put on students, then a reduction in workload should automatically result in the reduction of stress levels. Although there are certain factors that can not be accounted for when planning for evaluations that may result in a student colliding into several evaluations in one day, it could be helpful to allow students to ask for extensions when their week is as busy as the previously mentioned examples. From interviews with students in the school, another common way of stress therapy for students seemed to be spending time with their pets. Many students said they enjoyed the therapy dog from NT Wellness, but were disappointed by the fact that it only happens once per year. Therefore, another possible solution to reduce student stress levels could be arranging animal therapy sessions every month. When the stress level is reduced, the probability of students being ill will also be reduced, which in result could improve students’ overall academic performance.

16â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | FEATURES

A day in the life of NT: 19 February 2020

Photos by Joshua Chong Editor Katarina Makivic Editor

9:02 a.m. - Hot Air begins. Zesty pasta, anyone?

8:54 a.m. - Students rush to class before the second bell rings.

Get to Class!

9:04 a.m. - The late line stretches from Broadway to Roehampton.

Work Hard! 9:08 a.m. - Vocal students listen to a chord played by Ms. Dalamba.

FEATURES | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 17

11:55 a.m. - Students line up to buy zesty tortellini from the cafeteria.

1:30 p.m. - Drama students rehearse.

Play Hard! 3:08 p.m. - There is a close game of basketball in the gym.

School’s Out! 3:14 p.m. - A Latin student rushes to finish the homework before the bell rings.

18 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | FEATURES

“They are full of contradictions”: International perceptions of the US The United States of America has long been considered America the Great. Free from the aristocratic limitations of Europe and the weakened infrastructure left behind in other postcolonial nations, it has led the charge in industrialization, human rights, and employment opportunities. The promise of the American Dream, the chance to work hard and be rewarded with a good salary, happiness, and a white picket fence has attracted millions of immigrants to America over the decades. As the social and political climates of the United States have changed, have global perceptions of America the Great changed with them?

“I would not live there.”

“I would say that Americans need to rethink their priorities regarding gun control and the value of their working class citizens. It’s a very business-driven society, so they don’t really care about the well being of others. Although the country is diverse. I believe that Americans aren’t fully accepting towards other cultures and things.” -Amber, 17, Australia

“I feel that America is a dangerous and unsafe country due to their tolerance for having guns. President Trump is a fairly weird and strange character from what I have heard. America, however, is still well-known in terms of education and they have some of the best universities in the world.” -Cynthia, 17, China

“The land of opportunity”

“I talked to my parents and other adults and they said people often think of Americans as loud. They also believe that the country is too commercial and that President Trump is crazy. At school, people don’t really talk about the U.S. much. When we do talk about the U.S., however, it’s mostly about the horrible gun laws, school shootings, and President Trump.” -Brooke, 16, New Zealand

“Money-driven” “Business-driven” “Too commercial”

FEATURES | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 19 “When I think about the type of education in Canada I think of it as high quality but not as high as Europe’s. Some of the best universities in the world are in America, although America seems to have a high gun violence and crime rate within educational institutes.Donald Trump seems a bit incompetent to be in office judging by his actions. -Natasha,

18,

Australia

“I personally see the U.S. as the land of opportunity. It’s where most global youth go for their education or to search for well-paying jobs because of the good network of people they can connect with. However, I feel that there are still many problems within the government system, such as inequality, racism, and the rights of refugees.” -Tasha, 16, Indonesia

“Americans need to rethink their priorities regarding gun control.” “I think that the U.S. is a well developed and powerful country that has had great political leaders. Although, its current government has very retrograde and inhumane ideologies”

“Politics in the U.S. is very weird” “Americans are creative and inventive. They are also money driven and greed is considered as a part of their cultural value, yet very generous at the same time. Americans are confident and take on world leadership roles, but they are also aggressive, often inconsiderate and sometimes bully others. They are full of contradictions.” -Kohe and Ryota, 22 and 17, Japan

“The U.S. is considered one of the ‘Super Nations’, but there are many things that are holding them back, such as prominent issues like gun violence, racism, and one of the craziest presidents in the country’s history. Despite all these issues, I believe that overall, the U.S. is still one of the better countries to live in.” -Hetal, 18, India

“Growing up in the middle east, people often view the United States as an enemy or a threat, but a lot of people also see it as an opportunity for escape. -Simon, 17, Dubai

-Emma Janeth Navarrete Morales, 16, Mexico

“From my perspective, the U.S. is a diverse and cultured country. In addition, it is one of the most advanced countries. It has all the essential technology and compatible hospitality. The U.S. has been under control by both the Democratic Party and Republican Party throughout most of its history. Although politics in the U.S. is very bizarre, it still has yet to achieve fairness and equality. If one is keen on music or movies, Hollywood is definitely a keeper. From Broadway musicals to screenwriting and production companies, the U.S. is the utmost place not to miss. All in all, the U.S. is a powerful country that has dominance and non-ending development.” -Hayley, 15, Malaysia

“Best universities in the world”

“Hollywood is definitely a keeper.” “I see the U.S. as a country that has developed in a magnificent way. In comparison to Mexico, it has very advanced technology, a stronger economy, and a better education system. It is weird, however, that they have all of this and still have some problems similar to us, like a lot of poverty.” -Luis Enrique Amaro Lara, 17, Mexico

20 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | FEATURES

FEATURES | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 21

EDUCATION

Just keep learning: successful academics outside the classroom How can students manage stress, stay organized, and succeed academically from the confines of home? Math Guru Vanessa Vakharia sheds some light.

Sara Chiarotto O’Brien Editor in Chief

s Ontario students enter their third week of school shutdowns, the novelty of endless freetime is beginning to wear off, replaced by concerns surrounding graduation, extracurriculars, and keeping up with academics. As of Saturday 28 March, the provincial government had not released a plan for home-education while schools remain closed. While a supplementary resource platform has been released, there are no clear guidelines for students or teachers outlining how they should approach education in the week before Monday 6 April, when online classes are set to launch. After listening to student concerns, Graffiti sat down with Vanessa Vakharia, CEO of the Math Guru, to discuss some strategies students can use to stay organized, stay learning, and stay healthy. After moving all Math Guru tutoring sessions online, Vakharia realized that one of the biggest challenges her students are currently facing is stress. “This is a time that feels so out of control to so many people, and as a result we start feeling anxious.” The triggers for anxious thoughts range from fears over university admissions, to worries about the health of family members and the quality of students’ social life. After hosting an Instagram livestream about mental wellbeing with a psychologist last week, Vakharia has learned that “part of that anxiety is a lack of structure.” If students are to be successful at home, both emotionally and academically, learning to manage feelings of stress and anxiety is essential. Vakharia’s first piece of advice is to “let yourself feel what

Planning a schedule can help students stay on track while school is canceled. | Photo courtesy of Vanessa Vakharia

you’re feeling.” Acknowledge that “nobody has gone through school in a pandemic before,” and feelings of uncertainty or worry are valid. However, she warns against allowing these feelings to paralyze you. Instead of worrying over problems out of one person’s control, Vakharia advises students to “write down everything [they’re] anxious about,… circle everything that is in your control… and then focus your energy on the things that make you anxious and are in your control to develop a plan.” From an academic standpoint, planning for success includes a balance of organization, motivation, and most importantly, structure. “Human beings feel better with structure,” says Vakharia. If you’re one of those students who has allowed bedtimes to slip into the early hours of the morning and the day to start at noon, Vakharia recommends getting back on a sleep schedule and setting up your day to “mimic the structure of a school day,” with two work periods separated by a lunch break in between. Vakharia adds that it’s okay to “give yourself an extra hour and start working at ten, but don’t start working at noon.” While there may be no mandatory school work right now, she says it is important to avoid summer break amnesia and continue to review content, even if you don’t feel prepared to to teach yourself new content on your own. “If you’re struggling with what to learn, just go back over stuff,” using old tests and homework as a guide. Additionally, it can be helpful to break up your morning and afternoon periods into four half hour chunks each, and treat each chunk like a different class in order to cover a variety of material. To avoid burnout, Vakharia has also had students schedule “elec-

tives” for themselves: an hour after lunch or during a work period where they spend time doing an activity of personal interest, such as learning guitar, painting, or working out. Sticking to a system like this may be easier said than done. The allure of Instagram and Netflix is harder for some students to resist than others. For students who are worried about finding motivation and staying on task, Vakharia recommendws finding an “accountability partner,” who you can talk to at the beginning of the day or the week to establish goals with, and then check in on each other later to help meet those goals. Knowing that someone else is expecting you to keep your word is a powerful motivator for many people, and something that often helps Vakharia’s students. Even with the proper motivation, the issue of understanding material can still pose a challenge when teachers are not around to explain concepts and answer questions. Luckily the age of the internet means that finding a good explanation for a concept can easily be done through a Google search. Additionally, Vakharia reminds students that friends are an excellent resource. “This is a really good time to reach out to friends…[because] you’re all stuck at home anyways!” Students can even start digital study groups to help eachother out and maximize the learning they can do at home. It is undeniable that selfquarantining and physical distancing in the name of slowing the COVID-19 pandemic will take a toll on students’ education and mental health; however, by keeping focused on day-to-day life, these challenges can be managed and may even lead to positive outcomes. “This is a time for students to start remembering that learning is actually fun,” remarks Vikharia.

Without the pressure of marks and tests, she anticipates some students discovering newfound interests in subjects like math and science, whose interesting elements are often overshadowed by time pressures and an emphasis on grades. “If there’s something you always thought was cool but never had time to learn, now you do.” No matter how you choose to organize your time,Vakharia emphasizes that the most important thing is to “keep yourself learning and doing something.” Please note: the advice in this article regarding anxiety is not intended for students with pre-existing mental health conditions. If you find yourself unable to manage stress or other negative emotions, professional help is available, even as most offices remain closed. Please see below for resources: Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Skylark virtual drop-in counselling: https://www.skylarkyouth. org/what-we-do/programs-counselling-services/walk-in-clinics/

The “Math Guru,” Vanessa Vakharia. Photo courtesy of Vanessa Vakharia

22 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

business & tech

SCHOOL COMMUNTY

The business and money behind AP and semis From venues, to tickets, here is what goes on behind the scenes of student-run parties.

Fiction Nightlub, where one student-organized party was hosted. | Photo courtesy of Fiction Nightclub

Nathalie Funes Serna Editor

very year, North Toronto students spend money, time, and effort to attend the student-organized parties commonly known as Semis (Semi-Formal) and AP (After Party). This year, both parties were held at Fiction Nightclub at 180 Pearl Street (downtown). The majority of students just buy the tickets, get ready, and have a good time at the party, but almost no one notices all the process behind it that makes these parties work. One of the first things one must do to run the event is to rent the venue and set a date for the event. The organizers must email the venue to discuss availability and prices. If the student running the event is under 18, he/she must be accompanied by an adult to sign a contract in an arranged meeting with the representatives of the club. According to an organizer of AP, “the contract [outlines] the prices, the number of people allowed and extras such as coat check.” In order to secure the date, a downpayment is given as a deposit, such as the organizers of AP put down a 25% deposit. The price to rent the venue is based on the number of people expected to attend the event. This must

be paid 24 hours prior to the event. According to an organizer of the 14 November 2019 Semi-Formal, “[they] needed a minimum of 300 people, [for which they] would pay $1,800.” Every ticket sold over the initial fixed number - 300 tickets - has an agreed extra cost, which is paid after the party ends. The organizers of AP had a similar arrangement. They sold around 475 tickets and after the event ended they paid a total of $4,280. The organizers for both events determined the price per ticket after considering previous years’ rates and by “[looking] at how much [they] should be making to at least breakeven.” The cost per ticket for the Semi-Formal was $30 for Grades 9-11 and $25 for grade 12. The After Party prices were $20 for grade 12 and $25 for grades 9-11 if the tickets were bought before February 6. After that date, all tickets’ prices would increase $5. There were 2-3 people of each grade selling the tickets. The people selling tickets for AP received a free ticket. The ticket sellers for Semi received a ticket and, “depending on the number of tickets they sell, [the organizers] give them some money,” according to an organizer of Semi. They were planning on giving them one dollar per ticket sold, but “they didn’t end up doing it exactly like that.” One of the ticket sellers for Semis said that people “had to sell over 30 tickets to get paid.”

After asking a Grade 11 student if he felt that the ticket price for After Party was worth it, he said: “I do not. We stood outside for an hour in dangerously cold conditions and we spent 40 minutes in the coat check line only to spend one hour and a half max. on the actual dance floor. I don’t think that that experience is worth $30.” In a survey answered by 80 North Toronto students, 43% of respondents said that they would pay a maximum of $30 for a ticket and 20% would spend over that amount. However, not all students enjoy going to these sorts of events. The pricing of the tickets is not a reason for NT students to abstain from these parties. The top three reasons students who responded to the survey did not go are that 28% of them do not like parties, 26% because most of their friends were not going, and 20% because they did not know about the party. No one answered that the main motivator to not go was a high price. According to the same survey, 47% of students pay the tickets with their own money, while 55% of students get the money from their parents. In addition to the ticket expense, 49% of attendants bought a new outfit and 6% bought part of the outfit for the party. People also had to pay for a coat check, which is $3. As well, they had to pay for transportation. 59% of NT students used Uber

or Lyft to get there and 63% used it to go back home. On average, a Lyft ride from NTCI to Fiction, the club where the event was held, costs $20. In addition to these expenses, some students spent money on alcohol and marijuana for the parties held before and/or after the parties. 55% of attendants went to a pre-party, 2% went to an afterparty, and 15% went to both afterparty and pre-party. Another grade 11 student said that he thinks that “there is no point in going to AP sober: it is not fun, it is not enjoyable.” On a scale from one to five, 45.7% of people ranked their experience at these parties with a three. Only 13% ranked it as a five. Regardless of people not having the best of times, 66% of them had gone or would go more than once. The main motivator to continue attending these parties is because people like parties in general. The main motivator to not return is because they didn’t enjoy their time there. Although the organizers of past events had successfully managed to run the parties, there are a lot of things that could be yet improved. As revealed by the survey, people rated their enjoyment there as a three out of five, and there were some issues with the waiting lines for coat checks, among other issues. Solving these issues may make the attendants’ experience much more satisfying.

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 23 HEALTH

Where are we in curing COVID-19? Developing a vaccine will take time, but technology is on our side. Hailey Wong Contributor

he coronavirus pandemic has been declared a “public health emergency of international concern” by the International Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization. In the span of just a few weeks, the virus, deemed COVID-19, has found a way to spread across 28 countries, including Canada. Since the outbreak started two months ago, there have been 95,000 global cases and over 3,300 deaths reported as of March 5. The demand for a remedy has progressively increased, creating an urgent race to find a cure. Although the virus had not gained vast amounts of publicity previous to its outbreak in China, the coronavirus has been actively present in our entire lives, as it is the cause for several diseases. This includes the common cold, and both previous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), and the Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) outbreaks occurring from 2002 to 2004, and 2012 to 2015 caused by underlying coronaviruses. Many other diseases, such as influenza, or as we know it: ‘the flu’, pose a greater threat compared to the COVID-19. Ian Lipkin, the director of the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, states that regarding the number of deaths, the coronavirus is “not nearly as challenging for us as influenza”. In-

fluenza causes an estimated number of 12,200 annual hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths. However, the flu does not influence such immense amounts of panic among people because unlike the COVID-19, there is treatment available and approved vaccines. COVID-19 causes problems in the respiratory system, including coughs, fever, and shortness of breath. In more severe situations, the virus can lead to pneumonia, breathing difficulties, and, very rarely, it can become fatal. Antibiotics, pneumonia, and flu vaccines are common treatments that are believed to provide protection against the coronavirus. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that these are ineffective in treating this virus and should not be depended upon as a cure. The organization declared that “the virus is so new that it needs its own vaccine.” The only treatment patients receive is to relieve the symptoms of the COVID-19, which is when the aforementioned medications can be put in use. There is currently no targeted cure for the virus; however, doctors and medical researchers worldwide are urgently researching to discover a cure. Regarding preventative vaccines for the COVID-19, it is likely that once the vaccines are approved, the outbreak will come to a resolution, or have less urgency due to the complicated process of producing vaccines. Unlike DNA, composed of a doublestranded genetic code, the COVID-19 is made of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) which

only has one strand. As a result, the RNA of the virus can easily attain different characteristics and mutate. Scientists are struggling to understand this complicated virus and come up with a treatment that is able to adapt to the fast-moving variety of mutations. In general, vaccines typically require a large period of time before they can effectively be put to use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the development of a vaccine is required to undergo six stages and takes at least a year to produce. Vaccines are produced to prepare the body before attaining the infection, however, they cannot act as an effective solution once infected. The most common way to treat viral infections, similar to the coronavirus, is to disrupt the virus’s capability to enter the body cells by using antivirals. However, there are currently no available antiviral drugs targeting the COVID-19. Rather than trying to invent a new antiviral drug in such an urgent time, scientists are looking to repurpose treatment used for other viruses similar to the COVID-19. Currently, Remdesivir is sparking hope. because this treatment was primarily created to cure the Ebola virus. It was initially tested on the first person infected with the COVID-19 in the US, and resulted in the patient being healthily discharged a few days later. Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious-disease specialist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, states, “I think that there’s a lot of hope with remdesiver having

some effect, and I think we’ll only find that out from clinical trials.” Further testing on animals additionally shows that Remdesivir has the potential to act as a broad-spectrum antiviral and have successfully treated SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV in labs. Though demonstrating positive results, Gilead Sciences, the company producing this drug, states, it “has not been demonstrated to be safe or effective for any use.” Remdesivir is still to be approved and regulated for the use of patients infected with the coronavirus. Similar to remdesiver, treatments previously successful with other viral diseases are also demonstrating the potential to treat COVID-19. This includes chloroquine, a medication used to target malaria, and lopinavir and ritonavir, both of which were used to treat HIV and have been tested to treat the COVID-19 with effective results. Although there is currently no specific treatment, the hope to find a cure for this new virus shows potential. As technology has advanced, the timeline between discovering a virus and researching a cure is much faster and more effective than ever. In China, more than 80 clinical trials are being put to the test with the use of treatments that show each trial’s capability of overcoming this virus. All in all, scientists and researchers around the world have collectively agreed to prioritize research and funding in order to discover a cure for the coronavirus and overcome this public health emergency.

24 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY ECONOMY

How COVID-19 affects the economy How a deadly pathogen mixed with fear may take down the global economy. Wyatt Gilliland Contributor

nbeknownst to most, the infamous ball drop in New York City on January 1, 2020, would commence a months-long journey through precarious and destabilizing conditions. The rapid deterioration in relations between the United States and Iran plunged the two into a destructive and deadly game of tit-for-tat. High profile assassinations, revenge missile strikes, and the accidental downing of a passenger jet were just a few of the outcomes of the short-lasting skirmish. With the latter laid to rest, a new and deadly strain of the coronavirus (COVID-19) erupted into an international crisis, with its epicentre, Wuhan and Hubei Provinces, becoming one of the largest quarantine zones witnessed in human history. As the virus has spread around the world, governments have reacted in extraordinary and unprecedented measures. In China, the government – albeit slow to react in the initial stage of the outbreak – has adopted various draconian measures to contain the deadly and highly spreadable virus. These measures include locking down cities and confining residents to their homes. As the new pathogen has continued to ravage parts of the world, it has become clear that these measures aren’t effective at containment. They afford governments more time to prepare fragile health care systems to handle an epidemic, and stockpile supplies -

like protective equipment - to properly equip health care workers. In Wuhan, the government managed to build 16 temporary hospitals to combat the epidemic in less than two months, one taking only six days to construct. By many accounts, these measures have proven successful as China reported only 196 new cases on March 2, compared with 573 new cases on February 29. However, many have warned of the economic impacts of said measures. The World Health Organization and experts have stated such actions are warranted and required to confront the complex pathogen. Epidemiologist Tim Eckmanns of the Robert Koch institute stated, “China’s bold approach to contain the spread of this new respiratory pathogen has changed the course of this rapidly escalating and deadly epidemic”. Although accurate, shutting down key cities and provinces will have catastrophic impacts on countries’ economies. Wuhan, a city of over 11 million people, is one of the largest manufacturing hubs in the world. Since January 23, the city has been on lockdown – with every industry in the city closed and the economy stalled. Rodney Jones, an economist specializing in China, stated, “A lot of things work in connection: supply chains, shipping, transport, movement of goods. There is no one standing over it telling it which component goes where. The idea that we can stop an economy and restart it is crazy”. One tool used to measure the impacts on the Chinese economy is the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which gauges market conditions and

activity in the manufacturing sector. The index came in at a record-low rating of 35.7 for February, compared to an index rating of 50 the month prior. A number below 50 indicates a contraction in manufacturing activity. As well, banking group ANZ has estimated that the Chinese economy is operating at 20% of capacity based on worker migration patterns. The deepening impacts of the coronavirus continue to play out internationally as well. One of the hardest-hit industries, the global airline industry is expected to see revenue losses totalling $29.3B – nearly six times that of Air Canada’s entire operating revenue in 2019 – this year, as falling consumer demand will only worsen with more countries declaring epidemics. As well, global stock markets have plunged amid fears of a coronavirus pandemic. The FTSE, Nikkei, Dow Jones, and Shanghai stock exchanges were down 11%, 9.1%, 7.5%, and 2.9%, respectively. The Dow Jones, one of the most important stock exchanges in the world, saw gains over a two year-period erased within a matter of a week. Jeremy Farrar, an infectious disease expert and chair of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, has warned of impending blows to the global economy. “The possible impact of the coronavirus is far beyond a health emergency - it’s a global crisis with potential to reach the scale of the global financial crisis of 2008”. With stocks sinking deeper into the red, trillions wiped off global equity markets, and plummeting consumer demand in the travel and tourism sector, Mr. Farrar and many alike have cautioned that the

world economy could dip into recession. Additionally, the near-total shutdown of the manufacturing industry in China will have disastrous impacts. Global supply chains are primarily dependent on China, as it is a key manufacturer of materials like plastic and aluminum. Despite Xi Jinping’s calls for a return to normal life, Chinese governments appear reluctant to fire up their manufacturing industries, putting supply chains at risk of collapse. Ibuprofen, vehicles, and animal medication are just a few of the products for which supply is threatened, leaving consumers empty-handed. The impacts of the nation-wide shutdown have begun to play out internationally as well. 6,000 miles away, small business owner Michael Smerling based in Chicago has already seen his company suffer. His business manufactures knapsacks, travel pouches, and outdoor gear for companies like Bed Bath & Beyond, Nordstrom Rack, and Amazon – all of which require materials produced on the other side of the globe. Seeing as his Chinese suppliers have been shut down, his company has become paralyzed. As a result, he was forced to lay off a fifth of his workforce. “It was the hardest decision I’ve made in my career,” Mr. Smerling said. Situations like his will continue to crop up worldwide as supply chains collapse. Although the virus may not be as serious as many had thought it would be – the death rate currently stands at 3.4% – fear of the pathogen along with unprecedented government action poses serious threats to the global economy.

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 25 LOCAL

NT’s student entrepreneurs More and more students are starting their own businesses and the experiences they’ve gained are worth even more than the money they’ve made.

Image courtesy of Nicole Pastor

Image by Defne Avci

Photo courtesy of Emma Morris Sara Chiarotto O’Brien Editor in Chief

rom side hustles to full-time influencing, the internet and its social spheres have made it easier than ever to start a business. A generation ago, being a fashion designer or a writer required a storefront or a position at a magazine, but today entrepreneurial opportunities aren’t just for adults with money. Here at North Toronto C.I., there is a growing population of student entrepreneurs trying their hand at running businesses. Influencing has become an industry in its own right, with well-known creators on Instagram, Youtube, and traditional blogs garnering thousands of dollars in sponsorships for a single post. Emma Morris is a Grade 12 student at NT who joined the cohort of influencers in 2018. She created Emma’s Guide, a teen-focused wellness blog, Youtube channel, and Instagram account that focuses on mental health, exercise, and healthy eating among other topics. Despite the saturation, Morris felt there were still gaps in the market. It was difficult for her “to relate” to the content being produced by mainstream twenty-something influencers and she needed a lifestyle blog for “people [her] own age.” So, she made one herself. Since its inception, Morris has grown a devoted following and collaborated with local businesses through paid sponsorships. “The goal [of] the blog is to build business connections,” says Morris. “I’ve been invited to a

bunch of events and I’m learning how to collaborate with brands.” Morris hopes that Emma’s Guide will serve as a stepping stone on her path to becoming a self-employed registered dietician. Other students at NT have approached entrepreneurship in different ways. Grade 12 student Defne Avci started her own swimwear line, B*KINI, which launched in March 2020 after she struggled to find cheap but well-fitting swimsuits. Nicole PastorRevilla, another Grade 12 student, took a course in aesthetics to become a certified eyelash extension technician, and was able to give up her part time job in favour of her small business, which she runs in a home studio. These three businesses may differ in their product range, however all three founders have sacrificed time and money for their companies. Avci spent much of last summer scouting manufacturers for her designs, and used money from her part time job as a skating instructor to fund the venture. Pastor-Revilla, too, took financial risks. “[After moving] to Canada with a student visa…[I] could not work for anyone else.” She decided the only option was to start her own company. “I saved up my money for four months” to afford the course, she told Graffiti. “I was nervous to put my money and my mom’s money on the line, but after five months I had gotten everything back.” Avci hopes to continue B*KINI as long as she can, but is mostly interested in the experience she will gain from running her own business. PastorRevilla is eager to see how far she can

take her lash extension business and already has plans to expand by training other people to become lash technicians and eventually opening her own salon. While the internet has been the gateway to entrepreneurship for many teens, bootstrapping is no longer the only way to finance a business. In recent years, many established universities, corporations, and banks, have put their money behind youth-targeting startup accelerators and mentorship programs. Junior Achievement (JA) is a leader in this niche sector, offering business education for students since 1955. Through their more recent entrepreneurship programs, students with different backgrounds and skill sets are grouped together and tasked with creating a product and bringing it to market via e-commerce, or by simply selling it to people they know. Simone Bellengier and Audrey Gong are two Grade 10 students currently involved in JA’s entrepreneurship program. Gong and her partners run Ekoalatee, an apparel company that donates money to Australian Wildfire Relief charities. Bellengier and her team sell terrariums. Both Gong and Bellengier admit that their ventures are not profitable, however, Bellengier explains that “most people don’t join [JA] for the money.” Instead, the prize lies in “connections and experience”. Gong explains that through JA she has learned that “there is much more depth to a business than what is displayed on the surface.” JA’s mission statement purports that it “inspires youth and prepares them to succeed in a global econ-

omy”. Have they succeeded? Gong and Bellengier certainly feel more prepared for their future endeavors. “I will likely use my experience [in JA] to create my own small company or join a more established one,” says Gong. Bellengier is more hesitant regarding the risks of starting a company, but has been encouraged through JA to pursue business studies in other extracurricular opportunities, and possibly at university. At a time when 36% of Americans participate in the gig economy, according to the management company Gallup, and entry-level positions often require at least a year of workplace experience, it comes as little surprise that many young people are pushing to expand their networks and opportunities at a young age. “I’m often given the advice that Instagram is your online resume,” says Morris. Rather than take this as a warning, young people are capitalizing on the exposure and connectivity of social media to create their own opportunities. “I definitely feel like our generation has the mindset of…‘you need to have aside hustle and you need to be doing your own thing’”. Bellengier, too, feels that most people she knows would rather “make their own decisions”, or at least have more control over their work environment. For students without access to university-level internships or deep-pocketed investors, entering the workforce may seem daunting. Rather than wait for their time to come, however, this budding cohort of entrepreneurs have decided to create their own opportunities.

26 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | OPINION

STUDENT LIFE

opinion

I can’t wait to (not) move out!

While most graduates count the days until they can move out to post-secondary, staying home offers its own advantages.

Photo by Sahil Turakhia

Megan Christoforidis Contributor

es, you did read the title right — I (a Grade 12 student) want to stay in Toronto for university next year. Call me crazy. “But don’t you want to get away from home?”, you may ask. Well, settle in folks, for I’m about to enlighten you on the perks of staying in Toronto for university. There are a couple of key reasons why I want to stay at home for university, with the biggest one being location. Having experienced living in a very small town of about 1170 people, I can assure you, small-town living is not like the movies would have you believe it to be. Per-

haps this is why I appreciate living in Toronto so much. There are thrift stores to scour, streetcars to run for, brunches to be eaten, and a Tim’s waiting for you around every corner. Living in a big city is certainly an experience, and at times it can be frustrating and isolating, but when the whole city comes together to celebrate the Raptors championship there’s no stronger feeling of unity. Urban dwelling provides an abundance of exciting opportunities and experiences, and this is a very appealing aspect of staying at home for university. Another factor at play when it comes to choosing to stay at home is the cost of living. Tuition in itself is expensive enough already, and when you throw in residency and meal plans, the costs skyrocket. Living at home is definitely a more cost-effective option.

It is also the more comfortable option, as you don’t have to worry about sharing a bathroom with random people and dealing with other people’s messes. Speaking especially as an introvert who values alone time in order to recharge, I would find it tiring to be constantly surrounded by people. That being said, living with other people who are in the exact same boat as you can make it a lot easier to socialize and make new friends, as the most significant challenge in staying home for university is overcoming the social barriers. If you’re living in dorms, it’s easier to hang out with other students and make plans because you’re all already in the same place; whereas if you have to commute to school it takes a little more effort to get involved and to get to know people. However, there are lots of op-

portunities to meet new people in the first year as everyone is new and trying to find their way. Even though it might require more time and planning in order to get yourself out there, this shouldn’t be too discouraging, as there are lots of opportunities to meet people. For a lot of students, getting away from your family can be appealing in that it will allow you to be more independent. However, you don’t necessarily need to move away from home in order to do so, and whether you live with your parents or in residence, university is a brand new experience for everyone, and you’re bound to grow and change as an individual throughout your 4 years. It’s important to choose the right place to spend it.

OPINION | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 27 POLITICS

Coronavirus sparks racism

Early reactions to Coronavirus included avoidance of Asian restaraunts, racist language.

Thalia Adams Contributor

or many people, 2020 was off to a good start as the vast majority of people were able to enter the new year healthy and with aspirations, but, unfortunately, others were not so lucky. In this case, the unlucky group has become ill from the continuing outbreak of the Coronavirus disease that was first reported from Wuhan, China on 31 December, 2019. The virus has been able to spread rapidly to other countries, including Canada, making this a major global issue due to the fact that there is currently no cure for the disease, only recommendations to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak. Coronaviruses are most commonly spread through the air by viral particles in droplets from a cough or sneeze. Health workers are also more vulnerable to obtaining the infection from close personal contact while they are caring for patients with inadequate barrier protection (gloves, gown and surgical mask). Family members are also more prone to catching the virus from being alongside and in contact with the victim. Essentially, the closer you are to the patient and the more severe their disease is, the more likely you are to be infected. Because of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to quickly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus. They are

also tracking the spread of the virus that has infected more than 70,000 people and killed more than 1,700. Ever since the news coverage on Coronavirus has started, it has been a substantial topic for discussion and news outlets, not only disclosing information on the virus itself, but the controversy circulating the issue with links to racism and stereotyping involving the Chinese community and culture. Hurtful remarks are not only being directed at adults, but at young children too. The upsetting comments and harassment is an issue that many Chinese people are dealing with regardless of their gender and age. Andrew Zhou, a Chinese-Canadian in Vancouver was bullied and taunted in his school playground with bullies shouting “Yo Virus-boy! Don’t infect us!” This behaviour and harassment is unacceptable and is an issue that Andrew should not have to be going through, especially since this generation has worked so hard to become the so-called considerate and compassionate era we proclaim to be. On February 8th, Hao Chunxiang, a Chinese university student in the Netherlands, complained on Facebook that the elevator in his dormitory had been spray-painted with the words “DIE CHINESE”. In Japan, the hashtag #ChineseDon’tCometoJapan has been trending on Twitter. Rhea Liang, a doctor in Australia, tweeted that one of her patients had refused to shake her hand because of her ethnicity. All these scenarios are only a small portion of what Chi-

nese people are dealing with. If we care about our safety, we should be taking precautions to immunize against the virus, rather than going out of our way… for what? To bully someone that doesn’t even carry the disease? Closer to home, there has been a dispute between parents and school boards in the York region where some parents were wanting to quarantine Chinese students specifically. Unless they had travelled recently to China, this should be irrelevant, as it does not magically appear in anyone who is Chinese. In a manner, this is to a certain degree an excessive level of falsely accusing someone of an illness based on their ethnic background.

Illustration by Christina Kim

With Toronto being well known as one of the most multicultural and multiracial cities in

the world, it was displeasing to see what many people had to say about the issue. Not only is it upsetting as a whole, but this harms each and every individual experiencing this type of harassment, bullying and racism. This dilemma has impacted the Chinese community greatly in a significant way. This, in a sense, does show the “true colours” of our generation and our community as a whole; the judgment and stereotypes do come into play. Nevertheless, many people claim that they are only skeptical around Chinese people because of the slight chance that they may carry the virus. What is not being taken into consideration here is that anybody can have it. Because the virus is spread through person-to-person and spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects, avoiding a Chinese person does not mean you are doing it right, as anybody of any ethnicity, gender, race, and cultural backround can have the illness. Just like the flu, anyone is vulnerable. Unfortunately, stereotyping, harassment, and racism may be an issue that might never entirely stop and, with this issue being present, it does prove its existence in the community around us that we label “home.” The coronavirus has killed over 2,000 worldwide, which are people’s families, relatives, friends and strangers. This is an upsetting illness that has affected many people’s lives and should not be taken as a joke or used against others because of their ethnicity. “Treat others how you want to be treated.”

POLITICS

The cost of Megxit “Harry and Meghan want to have their cake and eat it too,” with Canada footing the bill. Sophie Cohen Editor

n January 8, 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced their “step back” from the British Royal Family. The drama started with a sudden Instagram post where the couple highlighted their desire to be “financially independent” and “balance [their] time between the United Kingdom and North America.” The British Royal Family was apparently unaware of the decision made by the Duke and Duchess, as the Palace disclosed to BBC informant Jonny Dymond that they are “disappointed.” Later, on January 8, the Palace released its own chilly statement stating that “discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage.” Since January 8, the tension between members of the royal fam-

ily has only escalated. Many insiders have shared with news sources what they have heard from various royals. According to a source from The Sun, “the Queen is deeply upset,” and “the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge are incandescent with rage” in reference to the departure of Meghan and Harry. Others sympathize with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, such as Harry’s close friend, JJ Chalmers. On January 11, in an interview with The One Show, he expressed that “the decision that [Harry] has made, at the forefront of that is to protect his family because that’s the number one rule; is to be a father and to be a husband.” Either way, the deed has been done. Meghan and Harry have distanced themselves from their royal duties. But what comes next? What is this young couple up to and what does it have to do with Canada? Well, since even before the Sussex’ statement was released on January 8, the young family has been residing

in an 11 000 square foot mansion on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Additionally, when the Sussexes stated that they wanted to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America, they really meant Canada, as that is where they plan to live. Many Canadians do not have any issues with this. In fact, a significant number of people are happy and excited about the prospect of Meghan and Harry’s living here. BC premier, John Horgan, even stated that he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are “both kind of giddy” about Harry and Meghan’s stay in Canada. The main problem comes with the bill. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s security bill could reach up to $10 million annually, and neither the couple nor the Queen herself has made it clear who is paying for it. What is clear, however, is Canadians’ lack of desire to foot it. According to an opinion poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute, 73% of Canadians

believe that Harry and Meghan should be covering the bill themselves. After all, this makes perfect sense. How would the couple be “financially independent” if a nation of the commonwealth was paying for their personal bodyguards? As a matter of fact, when Justin Trudeau, in all of his childish enthusiasm, offered to take on the bill, he was met with so much backlash that he had to rescind his original statement. It doesn’t help that this came so shortly after Trudeau stated that Canadian veterans “are asking for more than we are able to give right now.” To sum everything up, it is clear that Harry and Meghan want to have their cake and eat it too. They want to “step back” from their royal duties while still having all of the benefits that come with them, including a covered personal security detail. Canadians should not indulge such inconsiderate and self-centred behaviour for it undermines the independence that our country maintains.

28 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | OPINION POLITICS

Lest We Forget Sacrifices by Canadian soldiers still impact us today. Cameron Gilliland Editor

rom the deserts of Afghanistan to the fields of France, and to the battlefields of the world, The Canadian Armed Forces have served with Honour, Dignity, and utmost Heroism in its fight for the protection of freedom. However, in years past, I’ve noticed that the sacrifice our soldiers, our fallen, and our veterans have made, and continue to make, have continuously been ignored, and in some cases mocked. As each year passes from the endings and beginnings of the worlds most brutal and consequential conflicts, the regard and tribute shown on behalf of our institutions and our peoples have grown ever more scarce in the wake of our lack of education and unfortunate lack of respect shown towards the topic of Remembrance and our Canadian Armed Forces. With this year marking the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, it’s imperative that we demonstrate the necessary showings of respect our service members deserve and have earned in the line of duty. However, our lack of esteem isn’t en-

tirely our fault, it’s the fault of our institutions, educators, and the constructs of what it means to hold remembrance as to why we show such little regard to the magnitude of the sacrifice Canadian service members showed in the line of duty. For reference, Canada has taken part in over eighteen conflicts, with 104 136 fatalities anf 228 966 casualties. Each one answered the call of duty and paid the greatest sacrifice for the greater good of their nation, and the world at large. It’s numbers like these that affect me so deeply when I see Canadians disrespect and make light of our Remembrance Day ceremonies and activities. We have to realize that these people, now just a statistic, were real people. They were you, they were me, they were mothers, they were fathers, they were students, they were brothers, sisters, athletes, and above all else, they were Canadians. To think that 104 136 Canadians died, for the very generations of Canadians they died for to disregard the importance of their sacrifice is appalling and the sole reason as to why we need to stress the crucial importance of the education and remembrance of our Armed Forces and their

sacrifices. Many were normal citizens, who, in times of global crisis, answered Canada’s sometimes optional, and sometimes forceful call to action, and served valiantly in theatres of air, naval, and ground combat across the globe. Some came back fine, some came back wounded, and some didn’t come back at all. But at the end of the day, no soldier leaves a war unscathed, whether their wounds are visible, or not. However, very few know of the actual sacrifices that went into protecting our country, and with such an anniversary coming up this year, it’s the perfect opportunity to change that. First, education at the school level could be greatly enhanced. With only Grade 10 history, a yearly assembly, and the poppy, our schools see very little education about the Canadian Armed Forces. Beyond the individual actions of educators such as our very own Mr. Hobson, I see very little mention, if any, about the CAF’s rich history around remembrance day. However, with better efforts to integrate the topics surrounding Remembrance Day in weeks leading, could greatly improve our education on the topic. We could implement circulating in-class presentations from the Remembrance

Day committee, mention facts about global Canadian military contributions over Hot Air, have home-form teachers educate their students about key Canadian contributions in global conflicts in guided learning activities during one or more extended home-forms, and encourage students to pursue individual learning about the very topics they’ll hear about on Remembrance day itself. However, I think the best way to honour remembrance day, would be to implement a nationwide statutory holiday. With a stat-holiday, it would give us Canadians the opportunity to take part in the numerous Remembrance Day ceremonies happening around the nation. In going to these ceremonies, we gain a lasting sense of gratitude and respect towards the sacrifice made by our service members. Even if we don’t attend a ceremony, in learning why we have a day off on November 11th, we, in turn, learn about or get introduced to why we are taking the day off work/school, and why it’s important. Ask yourself what it means to you, what it means to society, and remember the sheer magnitude of the very sacrifice 104 136 Canadians made in the line of duty. Lest we forget.

MUSIC

Stupid Singer’s Syndrome Vocalists are musicians too.

Chiara Urban Contributor

tupid singer is a term thrown around in the musical world to discredit vocalists as musicians. The term suggests that a voice student is lazy, ignorant, and not very bright. At North Toronto, it is easy for amateur musicians to group each music department with a stereotype. Having been a vocal student for nearly 4 years, I’ve observed that this negative image stems from our own behaviours. The instrumentalists in Strings and Band know the importance of practicing their parts and attending rehearsals while, on the contrary, I’ve consistently found a pattern of our choristers lacking this discipline. Most do not practice and many have never taken their music home.. If they do decide to show up to rehearsals, they spend them on their phones and don’t even sing. But, why do vocal students have this behaviour? It boils down to the qualities of our instrument. Every instrument has its unique elements, the voice just happens to have the greatest difference when compared to other instruments; it is part of your body, and the easiest instrument to start. Former NT vocal teacher, Carol Ratzlaff, informed me how a “good musical ear” and “some innate vocal talent can allow a singer to perform readily at a grade 4 RCM level.” It’s only once you reach level 6 when the practicing and work become equal to other instruments. The ability to sing back a basic melodic line creates a deceptive learn-

ing curve because one won’t be able to repeat back melodic lines in later levels, such as sixteenth-note runs. The basic skill of singing what you hear leads many singers at NT to become musically illiterate, meaning they can’t read the notes they see on the sheet. We are the only instrument that has lyrics and that is where they look, instead of the musical notes. I’ve heard many students say, “I just need to hear it once to know it”. In grade 9, I remember, a girl beside me was ranting about how theory is pointless and as I tried to reason with her, explaining how theory helps us learn new music, she shut me down by telling me how she can learn through her ear instead. Replicating sounds without theoretical knowledge can only help a singer soar through the basic levels. Other instruments have to work from day one learning how to place their fingers to create sounds. The vocal ability to repeat melodies is a naive trap for singers to fall into; seemingly, it’s easier to reach a high level with less effort. Practicing can easily be neglected and brushed aside by excuses such as “my voice is too tired,” “the air is too dry for me to sing” or (my favourite) “my voice is delicate and needs rest.” There’s not much to debunk because the voice is part of your body. Laziness is only half of a “stupid singer’s” identity; the other half is arrogance. The attitude of “I’m the next Ariana Grande, don’t touch me” is one I’ve witnessed multiple times. Many times one out-grows this stage in their senior years but the damage to the singer’s name has already been done. A few years back, a grade 12 told me

she dropped Vocal in grade 9 because she realized the class wasn’t going to complete her brief dream of being a pop-star. Many incoming grade 9s have that mindset, and the other musical streams tend to group all voice students under that air-head category. The ego develops through the belief that they are born with this amazing talent to charm their listeners. Those who have solos have won over the other auditioners because of their skills. I’m guilty of this diva behaviour too; when I sing my high notes above the choir I feel prideful. The atmosphere of the choir seems to be competitive and soloistic. Compared to the atmosphere of other ensembles, Hannah Argiloff, a grade 12 flutist, describes band solos as a “nice little moment” that is “not a big deal.” No auditions are held, rather, they are given out to those who want them. On our side, our choirs are too big to not hold competitive auditions that end in a sense of victory. As someone who’s been working hard to be able to pursue classical voice in my post-secondary years, I have been trying to surpass the negative stereotype. On the upside, there are ways to get past the image of a “stupid singer.” First and foremost, practice is essential. In all grades, but especially junior vocal students, skipping practicing is a common habit for singers. Even though attendance is a part of the course mark, students continue to skip, believing they can be successful without rehearsing. If we take the time to go home and work on our pieces, others will see how we take our musical work seriously. Unfortunately, there is a limit to how much one can sing in a day. I

once played piano for 8 hours straight, but my daily singing maximum is a little under two hours before my vocal cords lose their colour. Within the hours where one’s voice is tired, a singer should be researching the repertoire. Background on the composer, lyricist/librettist, or the plot of the story. For foreign-language pieces, we should know what every word means and learn the language. There’s always something new a singer can learn. People learn most through conversation, so sharing the knowledge one has and learning about other instruments by talking with the other streams would show a serious passion for music. One should learn about the workings of other instruments and their obstacles. These kinds of discussions lead to mutual respect and both parties will learn something new. Grade 12 violinist Ashley Keller describes that “[learning] how other instruments work... gives you a greater appreciation for the musician.” There is hope for the barrier to fall between our Vocal department and the other streams of music, but it will take a lot of work. Students should care about their behaviours and learn to treat the voice as an instrument rather than a “rare skill” that puts them above others. Learn the theory, pay attention in rehearsals, and help those who want to break the stereotype that holds them back. I’ve witnessed multiple “stupid singer” moments that make me think “this is why the other departments look at us differently.” Hopefully, these moments can end.

ARTS & CULTURE | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 29

arts & culture

CREATIVE WRITING

NT Vignette: Charlie’s Angel

Julia Goldthorp Copy Editor

ne year ago. It was freezing cold outside. Shivers crawled up my spine and my snot froze as it dripped from my nose. As I exited the subway station doors, even after I pulled the hood of my coat over my head, my cheeks turned an unnatural shade of red. It was winter, and all my body could do was silently tremble. Day after day, I blasted music into my headphones, deliberately drowning out any words that were not recited to me by Travis Scott or The Weeknd. As soon as I emerged from the creepy hollows of the subway station, I scanned my phone for all the text messages that came through as I finally regained service. Rooting around in my pockets, I was worried that I had not remembered to drop my toonie into my coat pocket. Yet, as I scavenged through wrappers and subway tickets, I could feel its circular outline and metallic gloss. “Thank God,” I thought to myself,

“I didn’t forget Tony and Angus’ toonie.” Sunday nights, I would gather five toonies, and store them away in my wallet. Then while in the subway, between Davisville and Eglinton stations, I would drop a toonie into my coat pocket. Walking towards Tony and seeing him smile from ear to ear as he saw me in the distance overwhelmed me with joy. That cold winter day was like any other. Between Davisville and Eglinton, the toonie was shoved into my right coat pocket. Earphones in, music playing, messages read, I made my way up the escalators, squeezed through the station doors, and headed for Tony and Angus’ spot. The cold made it unbearable for my fingers to remain unsheltered, so I snuck them inside my pockets and grabbed hold of my toonie. But their tethered blankets, bags of dog food, and torn up Tim’s coffee cup were gone. Cigarette butts and candy wrappers had taken their place. That day, my toonie remained in my right coat pocket, and has stayed there since. Two years ago. As I raced up the subway elevators, I could barely catch my breath. I was late for a French

test. I had no time to shuffle my playlist or read through my singing texts. I ran towards the traffic light, just skimming by the cars in the last couple seconds of the countdown. Of course, I had to then cross the street the other way in order to pass by Tony and Angus. Toonie in hand, I ran by them, dropping it into their aged Tim’s coffee cup. As usual, Tony said, “Thanks, Charlie’s Angel.” I had told him my name numerous times, but to him, I was simply Charlie’s Angel. Three years ago. I was a couple months into my Grade Nine year. I was just getting used to my hour long, bustling journey on the subway everyday. After staring into space and reading all of the ad posters plastered on the subway walls, I came to the conclusion that I needed to create a music playlist for myself, in order to make this treacherous commute more bearable. Travis Scott and The Weeknd made the cut. Those first few months I got to school much earlier than necessary, a rookie mistake all Grade Nines made. I always carefully scanned my surroundings, instead of my phone, since I honestly had no clue where I was going.

Everyday, there was the same man sitting outside the Pizza Pizza shop. He was in his late forties, with long silver hair brushed back into a slick ponytail. He had the same army green trousers and navy blue jacket on every time I saw him. Glued beside him sat a dog, looking like a scary beast from afar, but up close his sweet, old eyes and silky white fur made him seem no more harmful than a puppy. I had walked by these two everyday for a few months, but that day I found myself standing in front of the couple, and reached into my pocket in search of some change. All I could gather up were a few quarters and several dimes, coming to a sum of two dollars. As I reached down and dropped my change into this man’s freshly bought Tim’s coffee cup, I thought, “Let’s make this a toonie tradition.” When he looked up and presented me with a smile full of gratefulness, it felt good. Carrying on my way to school, the man called out to me and said, “Thanks Charlie’s Angel.” I liked that nickname.

LIFESTYLE

Upcoming trends of 2020

This upcoming year is filled with groundbreaking trends that will change the decade.

Illustration by Christina Kim

Anna Goodman Editor

he year 2020 has so far been filled with many new and exciting trends. The start of a new decade is the perfect opportunity for individuals to start anew, practicing habits that will create change in the world. Generation Z, “the youngest, most ethnicallydiverse, and largest generation in history,” stated by Business Insider, will take over the world. In fact, we’ve already started. The upcoming trends of 2020, heavily influenced by Generation Z, will be filled with progressive actions towards a sustainable, healthy, and truthful future. However, what would an upcoming trend report be without fashion? The upcoming fashion trends of 2020 are brilliantly curated to anyone and any size. The fashion industry is enhancing their awareness from size small to x-large, changing their advertising strategies towards a more

inclusive range of body sizes. The two companies that have propelled an increased range in sizes and ethnicities is Rhianna’s Fenty X Savage Lingerie and Kim Kardashians’ SKIMS line. These two corporations have significantly influenced the lingerie industry. In fact, Victoria Secret, a brand that heavily advertised the “perfect body type,” has recently rebranded its entire franchise to become more inclusive. As for clothing, “preppy” is one of the most popular trends of 2020. Preppy is a style that is considered to be neat, understated, and often expensive clothes; young but classic, suggesting that the wearer is well-off, upper class, and conservative. Preppy includes articles of clothing such as trench coats and short suits which includes a pair of long shorts and a blazer. However, this trend is not surprising, as the colour of the year 2020 is classic blue, or as commoners such as myself call it, royal blue. Royal blue is constantly referred to as a symbol of

elegance, wealth, sophistication, intelligence, and classiness. The colour of the year perfectly reflects the upcoming fashion trends, as 2020 is the year of classy and sophisticated style and taste. The year 2020 is also full of refined foods and picky eating. As a matter of fact, 2020 appears to have the healthiest food trends in history. Let’s start with kale and cauliflower, the two foods that are in high demand this year. As we’ve seen in previous years, kale is a very popular food, used in salads, smoothies and organic chips. It is truly becoming the new lettuce in 2020. However, cauliflower plays an unexpected role in the food industry, as young people are always trying to find a new way to supplement unhealthy popular foods with healthier alternatives. Business Insider stated that “cauliflower gnocchi, pizza crust, and other grain or starch alternatives are rising in popularity as people attempt to cut carbs from their diets.” Non-alcoholic drinks are also becoming more and more popular as the year continues. In Whole Foods “Top 10 food trends of 2020” they specified that zero-proof drinks are the upcoming beverages of the year, “with so many consumers seeking out alternatives to alcohol, unique non-alcoholic options are popping up everywhere, from menus at the world’s most acclaimed bars to specialty stores.” This trend can be seen across multiple magazine platforms, including The Food Network, BBC Good Food, and Popsugar. Although 2020 will have a decrease in alcoholic beverages, the use of CBD oil will quickly take its place. The Food Network stated that “CBD-infused foods and beverages will continue its upward trajectory in 2020 as coffee shops, cafes and restaurants amp up their CBD oil offerings, especially in the drink department, with coffees, teas, beers, wines and sparkling waters.”

The lifestyle and music trends of 2020 are by far the most interesting. With advanced technology at our fingertips, tech therapy is becoming more and more accessible. Popsugar mentioned that “so-called therapy influencers are gaining prominence, each on a mission to bring mental health awareness to the forefront. These licensed professionals use platforms like Instagram and Twitter to share resources, factoids, and insights in easy-to-digest formats that spark conversation and reflection among their thousands of followers.” This trend will make therapy more convenient for the public, especially to those who do not possess the resources or money to gain mental support. It is no surprise that 2020 is the year for less plastic, as young people are cracking down on single-use plastic consumption. Popsugar stated that “by 2050, the ocean is expected to contain more plastic than fish. Just let that notso-fun fact sink in for a moment. Singleuse plastics are a big contributor to the current climate crisis, not only polluting our streets and seas but also leaving quite the hefty carbon footprint.” Intermittent fasting is also becoming quite popular, due to its positive effects on the environment and health benefits. Intermittent fasting is not considered to be a diet but more of a healthy eating pattern. Music is also predicted to take a progressive shift toward authenticity. As seen through musicians like Billie Eilish, authenticity is what young people are craving, artists that use music to talk about mental illness and politics to create a better, more inclusive world. This upcoming year is filled with crazy, groundbreaking trends that will change the course of the decade. From classy fashion trends to cauliflower pizza, the Earth is about to mature and grow into a new planet.

30 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | ARTS & CULTURE BOOKS

Book Club #1: A Short History of Women Author: Kate Walbert Pulbisher: Simon & Schuter

Jessica Hungate Editor

n her fourth novel, A Short History of Women, American novelist and short-story writer Kate Walbert deftly weaves the narrative of five generations of women, all descendants of the venerable suffragette Dorothy Trevor

Townsend. The magic of this story is in Walbert’s ability to articulate the unique internal turmoil of each woman, as they reconcile their rebellious spirits with the practicalities of everyday life. Their desire for societal reform, seemingly inherited from the matriarchal Dorothy, slowly manifests itself into something of an inconvenience; although every injustice of their lives is tackled with the same industrious spirit, each life is punctuated by lengthy periods of unrest that cause varying levels of disruption, all coming with their own consequences. After her mother Dorothy starves herself in hopes of “making something happen” for women’s suffrage, Evelyn Charlotte Townsend

is quick to distance herself from the overwhelming attention and immigrates to America. Eventually, Evelyn becomes a professor of Chemistry at Barnard College in New York City, one of only two women in the faculty. Towards the end of her life, she hollowly muses on the possibility that work can only get you so far in life; since Evelyn neither married nor had children. The third generation of women is represented by Tomas’s daughter, Dorothy Townsend Barret, who also takes up the feminist mantle. There are three women named Dorothy within five generations, so be prepared to flip back and forth between your page and the family tree at the beginning of the book.

The novel moves fluidly between the time of Florence Nightingale, famed English social reformer and founder of modern nursing, and the age of the Internet. Connecting these two vastly different time periods, however, is the search for self-expression and self-worth each character must navigate. A Short History of Women is an appetizing blend of the political and personal, telling a shorthand history of the feminist movement through a multigenerational lens. This is a read I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lyrically-written novel with unique imagery and unforgettable characters.

MUSIC

Bieber’s comeback: How is he still so relevant?

Just Bieber’s first studio album in five years marks a mature return to the music scene.

Megan Christoforidis Contributor

n case you missed it, The Biebs recently released his fifth studio album, and with it, reentered the world of entertainment and the music industry once again. The 17-track record comes from a more mature Bieber as he settles into married life with wife Hailey Bieber, who is the inspiration behind most of his songs. Changes is his first album in five years, and there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding it, bringing to mind the question: how is Justin Bieber still so relevant? Everyone and their mother has an opinion on Justin Bieber. You might have been a die hard fan since the beginning; you might have jumped on the Purpose bandwagon; or maybe you absolutely despise him. Whatever your view, you can’t deny the fact that no one else in the industry can compare to Justin Bieber - he’s in his own stratosphere. He was one of the very first artists to come into fame at such a young age, getting his start on Youtube way back in 2008. Nowadays, anyone with a phone can and does upload videos of themselves singing to any number of social media platforms, but back then it was foreign territory. And Bieber didn’t just blow up overnight to become a one-hit wonder who was bound to disappear in a couple of months. No, he never left the spotlight. And this is what is so remarkable about him; even 12 years after his first YouTube cover, he is still one of the biggest names in music today. Undeniably, Bieber went through some ups and downs in his teens and early twenties, including being arrested for drag racing and dealing with a paternity lawsuit at 17. However, unlike most teenagers, every single one of his

missteps was broadcast to the entire world, and subsequently dissected by millions of fans and haters alike. Even if you wanted nothing to do with him, for a couple of years you literally could not avoid hearing the latest Bieber updates on every available news channel and radio station. This level of fame brings severe consequences to one’s life, and Bieber’s rebellious behaviour throughout the years is direct proof of this. He wasn’t given any room to make mistakes from the age of 13, and has been watched with an eagle eye ever since then, so of course he acted out.

But that’s not the puzzling part. What’s really baffling is how he’s managed to maintain that level of fame through everything, and was able to step back for five whole years without missing a beat. In the fast-paced, ever-changing music industry, it’s hard to stay relevant for longer than a couple of years, and new artists are constantly emerging from the internet only to disappear completely not long after their big break. For Bieber, it seems to have a lot to do with timing, and being in the right place (YouTube), at the right time. He came to fame at a time when social

media was just getting off the ground. In 2008, YouTube and Twitter hadn’t been around for more than a few years, and Instagram didn’t even exist. In subsequent years, these platforms took the whole world by storm, finagling their way into our lives and transforming millions of teenagers into pop stars overnight. But Justin Bieber was the first, and he always will be. Our generation not only grew up with social media, but also Justin Bieber. And if you’re tired of him now, I wouldn’t hold my breath on hearing the last of him anytime soon; he doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

ARTS & CULTURE | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 31 THEATRE REVIEW

Review: Hamilton is a revolutionary piece of theatre that continues to reinvent itself

In the Trump-era, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop musical shows us what America could be.

Starring: Joseph Morales, Jared Dixon, Stephanie Jae Park Director: Thomas Kail Music, Lyrics, and Book: Lin-Manuel Miranda Venue: Ed Mirvish Theatre

Mirvish Theatre. On paper, it shouldn’t resonate with us; as one audience member behind me noted, we are the redcoats after all. But it does resonate, and we are left rooting for these founding fathers — portrayed by a diverse cast of Asain, Latino, and African background — as they seek independence from the British and start a new nation. It is a testament to Miranda’s talent as a composer, lyricist, and book writer that Hamilton’s message

Run Time: 2h 33m Run Information: Hamilton is currently running through May 17, 2020 (all performances canceled through April 12)

Joshua Chong Editor

ime is art’s worst enemy; it corrupts, tarnishes, and dilutes the message embedded within a piece. There are dozens of musicals that have failed the test of time, either because their themes don’t resonate with audiences today or the story itself isn’t compatible with modern sensibilities: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I, which follows a British governess as she tries to ‘fix’ the barbaric king of Siam, is repulsive today, while many famous musicals from the early 20th century lack any substance or depth that would jive with a 21st century audience. So, the mark of an excellent piece of theatre is perhaps if it can transcend time and continuously reinvent itself. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 2015 hiphop musical Hamilton does just that. Sure, five years may not seem like much time, — unless you are a fan of the musical who was passed patiently waiting for the show to arrive (that it has taken five years for Hamilton to wind its way to Canada’s theatre capital has infuriated many) — but the U.S. has undergone monumental change since 2015. When Hamilton first premiered Off-Broadway, American society was not that different than the portrait of a newborn America portrayed in Miranda’s musical, an America filled with hope, optimism, and immigrants who ‘get the job done;’ Hamilton was a reflection of the Obama-era. Five years later, America could not be more different. In the Trump-era, the country is filled with division, fear, and immigrants who are fighting for their place in society. Within those five years, the musical could have easily crumbled in the face of societal change, coming off as deeply ironic or blassé with respect to the times we are now in. Instead, Miranda’s story has taken on a metamorphic nature and continues to reinvent itself with the changing times. While Hamilton no longer reflects modern America, it shows us what America could be. And that message deeply resonated with the almost entirely Canadian audience at the Ed

can transcend time and geographical location. His use of hip-hop throughout — especially in act one, where the story of the revolution is the driving narrative — serves as a metaphor for rebellion. Yet, Miranda manages to weave in other genres of music as well, from jazz and classical to lyrical ballads, in order to create a varied musical palette that helps paint the soundscape of a diverse, bustling America. In addition to this eclectic score, Miranda has crafted a profound and multi-layered story that doesn’t just explore the life of Alexander Hamilton (Joseph Morales), but also examines the complex characters surrounding him. As an immigrant from the small Carribean island of Nevis, Hamilton first meets Aaron Burr (Jared Dixon), who becomes his frenemy and ul-

timately kills him in a duel (don’t worry — this isn’t a spoiler as it’s in the first five minutes of the show). At the start of the American revolution, the pair join forces with the Marquis de Lafayette (Warren Egypt Franklin), John Laurens (Elijah Malcomb), and Hercules Mulligan (standby Conroe Brooks, who was on during the performance I saw). Soon, Hamilton’s star begins to rise as he is recruited by President George Washington (Marcus Choi) to be his right-

hilarious portrayal of King George). But the best aspect of Miranda’s musical is his clever lyrics. Packed with internal rhyming, double entendres, and literary devices, his words could stand-alone as winning poetry. It is this ingenious lyricism that allows Hamilton to take on new meaning no matter where or when the musical is playing, and is what sets Miranda apart from his contemporaries to make him one of the foremost lyricists of his generation. If only Nevin Steinberg’s sound design could be more clear so that the audience could better appreciate Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work. Nonetheless, the rest of director Thomas Kail’s production shines, particularly Andy Blakenbuehler’s kinetic and tableau-filled choreography, which makes wonderful use of a triple turntable on David Korins’s gorgeous wooden set. Howell Binkley’s crisp lighting design complements the staging and helps to accentuate Paul Tazewell’s simple, yet elegant costumes. Unfortunately, the only point where this touring production falls short is in the casting, particularly among the leads. Morales fails to have the stage presence that the role of Hamilton requires and isn’t the ‘young, scrappy, and hungry’ immigrant that is described in ‘My Shot’. This wouldn’t be much of a problem if Hamilton’s unflinching desire to carve out his own legacy did not result in his rift with Burr. Instead, in this production, Burr’s jealousy seems to come out of nowhere. Despite the show being called Hamilton, it is really Dixon’s sly and cunning Burr who steals the show, holding the audience in the palm of his hand. His version of ‘The Room Where it Happens,’ a song about being the ultimate outsider looking in as Hamilton continues to rise, is a showstopper. Choi provides a grounded performance as George Washington and Franklin is particularly entertaining as the egotistical Thomas Jefferson in the second act. But the most important characters in Hamilton are the women, not the men. After all, Eliza and Angelica Photo by Deena Shirkool are ones that decided how Hamilton’s legacy should live on. It was they who hand man, much to Burr’s chagrin. decided to forgive him for his misdeeds. While the first act could Campbell is a strong Angelica and her stand-alone as a fine one-act musi- song ‘Satisfied,’ about being a woman cal focusing on the American Revo- in 18th century America, is a highlight. lution, the second act of Hamilton Park, however, doesn’t bring out the delves deeply into Hamilton’s personal nuances of her character, Eliza, leavstruggles, especially his relationship ing this lead female character to be with his wife Eliza Schuyler (Stepha- forgotten in the background, just as in nie Jae Park) and his sister-in-law An- most of the history books. And though gelica Schuyler (Ta’Rea Campbell). Miranda gives Eliza some of the most Though Hamilton could eas- beautiful melodies in the piece, they ily have fallen into the trap of being a are punctuated by Park’s shrill voice. recitative biographic musical, the show Still, Hamilton demands to be is paced so well that it never becomes seen. Don’t throw away your shot to a tiresome slog, despite book loads of see Miranda’s revolutionary musical. information whizzing off the stage. Miranda artfully balances heavy rap songs Tickets: Forty $10 digital lottery tickwith lighter lyrical ballads, and juxta- ets are available for each performance. poses moments of gravity with levity Download the Hamilton app or go to (many of which come from Neil Haskell’s mirvish.com for more information.

32 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | SPORTS

sports

SCHOOL COMMUNITY

The huddle that changed it all The team members aren’t the only ones who get energized by the huddle. The fans love it as well.

Photo by Katarina Makivic

Kaura Sankaran Contributor

lmost anyone who’s played, coached or even simply watched a game can tell you that basketball is a tough sport. Winning not only takes a combination of peak athleticism and meticulous patience, but a strong and dedicated sense of love as well. During the beginning portion of the season, North Toronto C.I. ‘s Senior Boys Basketball team was missing that heart and ambition. Their record was one to three, and they were “low on [energy] before games,” as Coach Bourgase put it. But after a close loss at Upper Canada College, the team knew they needed a change in rituals. As a result, they started a new pregame routine that included a huddle with a chant. This small adjustment brought a new fire to

the team and led them on a six-game winning streak in exhibition, tournament and league games. Despite ongoing injuries and being short-handed, the team was undefeated in their regular season until a tight loss in late January. Down on luck and down on wins, Coach Bourgase sought an unorthodox answer to the ambiguous case of his team’s losing season. Instead of developing a new strategy, adding practice time, or recruiting out-of-school specialists, Bourgase looked to the pregame routine as the answer to their problems, saying a new pregame routine was “no longer optional... they had to do something.” When the next game came around, three grade eleven students, Myles Akande, Matthew Filipiuk, and Alex Gorab, arrived with a chant that the team could perform in the huddle. After reciting the chant in the huddle, the team saw immediate success, defeating teams they weren’t ex-

pected to surpass, and “beating teams by larger margins than [they] were supposed to,” as player Nathan Kerr said. “Since our slow start to the season, the team has turned our play around with great energy and teamwork,” said team co-captain Marc Goldthorp. “A big reason for our success has been our signature pregame chant, called “Serva Cervosa,” which gets the boys fired up for tip-off. The chant’s Romanian roots give us the motivation we need to succeed.” In the huddle, the team puts their arms around each other and they repeat the words “Serva Cervosa” five times, clapping between each “Serva Cervosa,” and make as much noise as possible to maximize their excitement and energy levels. The team members aren’t the only ones who get energized by the huddle. The fans love it as well, and at home games, they seem especially thrilled to

be there as they continuously cheer on their team with roaring applause. After going to a few of their last games, including a playoff game, I’ve seen how it is truly an exhilarating environment. The public seems happy to be present, which is quite the change from the start of the season when the team was struggling. It’s the perfect atmosphere you could ask for in a home game. All in all, the boys pulled together a strong season after a slow start, all because of hard work, focus and a chant that inspired them to be exceptional. After making it to the Regional Semifinals, the boys unfortunately lost to Northern Secondary School by an extremely close margin of three points. Even though they didn’t bring home the trophy, they ended their season with not only improved skills, but newfound bonds and teamwork abilities that stretch far beyond the court.

SPORTS | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 33 VOLLEYBALL

Boys claim volleyball buyout victory Boys’ team breaks girls’ three year winning streak.

Owen Doane Contriibutor

s Charity Week fever swept through the halls of North Toronto, all that was in the minds of our Senior Volleyball players was securing the most important win of their high school careers. The third annual Charity Week buyout game once again brought tense moments, astounding highs, and treacherous lows. This game brings together the highest level of volleyball that North Toronto has to offer. The boys team, led by captain Michael Che, brought home a TDSSAA South Region silver medal thanks to an exhilarating playoff run, winning their way into the city semi-final game back in November. Historically, the girls’ team has been incredibly successful at the annual buyout, winning for two consecutive years, leaving the boys with a thirst for redemption. This team of players, captained by Rachel Little, boasted an impressive record thus far in their season, while also bearing a promising future towards the playoffs. Captain Rachel stated, “Though confident, we were aware of the talent that the boys possessed and we were at a clear height disadvantage”. Though smaller in stature, these girls were determined to defend their title once again, and send the boys home empty handed.

As the spectators rolled in and the bleachers filled, the tension and urge to win was undeniable. The crisp passes and big swings shown during warmup, proved that nobody was here to mess around. As the teams lined up on the baseline and walked onto the court, sporting 8 and 24 in honour of the late Kobe Bryant, the first whistle blew, and the game was on.

From the first point, it was clear that this game would be one for the ages. The boys’ team started out strong with smart serving and dynamic offense but the girls’ resilience and solid defense prevented them from taking the game early. Twenty-five points later, the boys had taken the first set and with new players hitting the court for the second set, there was a new drive to succeed. With every serve, the stakes increased

as the boys became closer and closer to securing their first win at this event. After two close sets, the boys triumphed and claimed the non-official title, sending the girls’ team home emptyhanded for the first time in three years. “It’s a great event!” stated Ms. Rough. “The players have fun with it even though the stakes are high. Though, everyone wins since all of the proceeds go towards a good cause!”

Photo by Owen Doane

SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Winter sports season recap Hear from NT’s athletes on the past season’s highs and lows.

NTAA Team Contributors

o-Ed Alpine Ski and Snowboard “The season couldn’t have gone better. Everyone brought their all every race, and from the coaches to the parent volunteers, everyone did their part! It was a great team effort and we are happy that both the boys and the girls were able to qualify for OFSAA this season!” - Liam Vladd Jr. Boys’ Basketball “With the conclusion of our season, we have grown and improved as a team tremendously. We showed a lot of progress since the start of the year. I’m very proud of our group of guys and excited for future seasons.” - Cameron Ollerhead Sr. Boys’ Basketball “Although the season didn’t end the way we all wanted it to, it was a good run, and we couldn’t be more proud of how hard we worked as a team over the course of the year.” - Elliott Ollerhead Varsity Co-Ed Swim “The swim team was so amazing this year! We had a fantastic season with

some speedy swimmers! We had an incredible turnout at cities and some swimmers moving on to OFSSA in March! Everyone put so much effort in and worked as a team to get this awesome result! Good job team!” - Sophie Pepper Jr. Girls’ Volleyball “While our season has come to an end, the Jr. Girls’ Volleyball team made it to the quarter finals, where we fought hard, but lost by two points in the third set. By the end, we had come really far as a team, and I’m really proud of the improvements we made in our skills and teamwork.” - Kiara Distin Sr. Girls’ Volleyball “The girls had a great season filled with lots of fun on and off the court! We played every game with smiles on our faces and enjoyed getting to know each other. We owe huge thanks to our amazing coaches: Coach Mike, Ms. Rough and Ms. Heron for dedicating their time and efforts to making this year memorable!” - Rachel Little Co-Ed Indoor Ultimate Frisbee “The indoor frisbee team has been filled with a lot of enthusiastic and passionate players who can’t wait for our tournament coming up!” - Piper Penzinger

Archery “As we have just begun our season, our team is looking very promising, with talented, hard working individuals. I am excited to aim at something other than high marks!” - Jennifer Li Co-Ed Badminton “We have revived a lot of new young talent and are excited to see where we can go this season” - Matthew Graham Varsity Co-Ed Curling “The curling season so far has been such a fun time! Everyone on the curling team is so nice and welcoming! It doesn’t matter if you know how to curl or not it is always such a fun time! Mr. Zohar makes an effort to include everyone and makes sure that all of the teams do well and have fun!” - Becky Rodmell Varsity Boys’ Hockey “After a strong regular season in which the Varsity Boys’ Tier 1 team tied for second place in the division, the team was upset in the South Region quarter finals by a resurgent Monarch Park C.I. The players will look to finish their off season on a high note with a Spring tournament at York University. The team will say goodbye to the follow-

ing graduating Gr. 12 Players: Captain Luke Jansen-Faught, Satoru Taylor, Ethan Ing, Nick Urie, Alternate Captain Jack Vickerman, Josh Wright, Marco Kurtzer, Alternate Captain Max Nuttal, Ryan Polecrone, and Benjy Track.” - Mr. Taylor Varsity Girls’ Ice Hockey “NT girls’ hockey has had a great season so far with a lot of hard working games. They have squeezed into playoffs and will be facing off with Malvern CI in their first game. The season was really fun even though we didn’t win every game.” - Lilah Ostrovsky-Ross and Cara Riddock Varsity Boys’ Soccer “We have had a very successful season so far, having gone 6-0-0 with a goal differential of +36 in the regular season. We won the regional championships, and also came second in the city championships. Led by a talented group of players all over the field and Coach Kamaleddine, this boys’ indoor soccer team has been dominant on both sides of the field and is making North Toronto proud with their success.” - On behalf of the entire soccer team

34 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | HUMOUR & GAMES WOMEN IN SPORTS

#DreamMaternity

Nikes maternity policies and practices contradict #DreamCrazier messaging.

Jessica Hungate Editor

ike has come a long way from its humble beginnings as an intrepid startup, as they are now one of the most well-known brands in the world. From soccer to hockey, and virtually all sports in between, their iconic white check is always represented, swooshing across jerseys and other athletic clothing and equipment. However, this iconic company is perhaps the most pervasive in the world of track and field: sponsoring athletes, employing celebrity coaches, and obtaining representation for important international athletic committees that make Nike an all-encompassing force. On May 13, 2019, The New York Times published the first of many “OpDocs” on YouTube, exposing Nike’s lack of contract security for expectant mothers. In a video titled “What Nike Told Me When I Wanted to Have a Baby,” Olympic runner Alysia Montano explains why, being a Nike-sponsored athlete, pro-sports and motherhood is a “crazy” combination. When she informed the company she wanted to have a baby during her career, she was met with indifference. Montano stated how the company’s response was simple enough, “we’ll just pause your contract and stop paying you.” Additionally, she shared that the U.S. Olympic committee strips an athlete’s health insurance if they do not stay at the top of their game during their pregnancy. There was “no policy in place” to protect athletes like Montano, who decided to create a life outside of their sport, which consequently “pushes women out at their prime.”

Several weeks later, on May 22nd, another “Op-Doc” video was published, again by the Times. This time, Allyson Felix, 9-time Olympic track and field champion and one of the most decorated women in track and field history, came forward to share her experiences with Nike’s insufficient maternity support. As sponsorships are a crucial part of any track athletes income, she

shared that “the culture around pregnancy in track and field is silence.” All of these women mentioned how difficult it was for them to watch Nike’s popular “Dream Crazier” commercials, aimed towards motivating and inspiring young women to achieve the impossible in the face of adversity. Ironically, the policies put in place by this company do virtually nothing to

further the professional aspirations of future mothers whose children jeopardize their job security. If Nike truly wants women to “Just Do It,” both Montano and Felix emphasize the importance of implementing concrete policies which ensure that women do not need to choose between having a family and being the best at what they love.

Photo courtesy of Sahil Turakhia

WOMEN IN SPORTS

WNBA players win historic salary increases Chloe MacAleese Contributor

t has been known that, for decades upon decades, the National Basketball Association (NBA) players have made some of the top salaries among athletes. As a result of the various factors such as league structure, salary caps and rules surrounding the “Guaranteed Money,” male players make salaries ranging from $250,000 to amounts as high as $134 million annually.. With such, most of what we witness is related to the glamorized “sports culture,” which we rarely ever hear about as it pertains to women . Beginning in early 2020, groundbreaking progress was made when the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) brought their salary caps up 53%. Although it is in-

significant on the surface, the raise signals a major change in today’s male dominated sports culture. The sports industry is one of the most well known and consistent structures that our society relies on, and although important, women have rarely been involved in the big picture. For the longest time, the two leagues would coincide peacefully in acceptance of the biased salary cap. There was always a double standard as the two were so frequently treated similarly in terms of their monetary and personal needs. For instance, both genders were given the same amount of time off after having a baby, although the two roles are completely different. You may be thinking, but isn’t that everything we have been fighting for? The answer is yes. Women and men have different humanitarian needs and in terms of their form of compensation, they must be accounted for. Not only did this bargaining agreement defend women in this sense,

as they now receive a much higher pay, but they altered their compensation structure completely. Now, women in the league will receive performancebased bonuses, paid maternity leave, and fertility and adoption services. The WNBA’s first-ever commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, discussed the new agreement saying, “[they have] approached these negotiations with a player-first agenda, and are pleased that this agreement guarantees substantial increases in compensation and progressive benefits for the women of the WNBA”. We often don’t take into consideration the fact that, for the longest time, these women players were making significantly lower salaries, and were never making enough to balance all aspects of their lives. These players didn’t have the means to sustainably enjoy their lives outside of the game. Last season, the average player in the WNBA league was making around $120,000 a year. Now, with the new agreement,

the salary cap has been raised so that it’s mandatory that all players must make a base of $130,000 with raises beyond that. It was crucial that this time around, the negotiations that were being made weren’t only for the benefit of the sport’s industry, but also for those who were truly working hard. The final segment of the negotiations that were prolonged for weeks, stated how the league planned on marketing the WNBA in the future and how they would balance their budget to do so. It is essential that whatever marketing strategies they decide to use, that it will put the WNBA at the forefront of the sports industry and will keep them there year round. The new agreements are some of the largest steps the league has ever taken towards prioritizing women and their independent needs. These actions were made by one of the largest industries in the world, one that requires positive steps as we enter our future within the sports world.

HUMOUR & GAMES | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 35 BASKETBALL

Kobe Bryant among nine lives lost too soon Bryant’s daughter and teammates were among those lost in the January 26th plane crash, but Bryant’s legacy lives on.

Elena Vlitas Contributor

n January 26th, the world was struck with shock and grief as the news spread of the helicopter crash that resulted in the death of basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, among eight others. The crash occurred early that morning in Calabasas, California while Kobe, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and the families of a couple of her teammates were travelling to a basketball tournament that was scheduled to take place later that day in Thousand Oaks. Kobe played an outstanding 18 years in the National Basketball League (NBA) for the Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in 2016. Remarkably, Kobe set the record for most points and freethrows made by a guard in NBA history. He was not only an NBA star, but an Oscar award winner in the “Best Animated Short Film” category, for his piece entitled “Dear Basketball,” and wrote a book, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play.” People all around the world were devastated by the news of the crash as they remembered the life of Kobe Bryant as an inspiration to athletes around the world. For many, Kobe was one of those once in a lifetime players that redefined the game of basketball as he dominated the court, and exemplified the meaning of playing with passion and determination. He changed the game through achieving the impossible ’ with 81-point games and his

signature fade away shots. Although Kobe was a five-time NBA champion, 18-time NBA All-Star, and two-time NBA Finals MVP and more, Kobe’s mark on the world goes far beyond the game. Kobe may be best known for his Mamba Mentality, that has inspired millions around the world to strive for more. He explained that the Mamba Mentality is about being “the best version of yourself” on and off the court and having the “constant curiosity to be better.” He inspired basketball players around the world and fostered the next generation of aspiring athletes. Gianna Bryant, and her teammates, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, were all members of the Mamba Sports Academy basketball team, founded and coached by Kobe Bryant. Gianna was following her father’s footsteps, with a dream to become a player in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBA). Kobe was incredibly supportive of Gianna’s goals and was a proud #girldad. All three girls had an undeniable talent and passion for the game of basketball that the entire world had yet to experience. Both of Alyssa Altobelli’s parents, John and Keri, were alongside her on the helicopter that day. Her father, John Altobelli, was a well-known college baseball coach at Orange Coast College. The family was known as the “first-family” at Orange Coast and their passing have left a gaping hole at the school. The Altobelli’s 16-yearold daughter, is now living with her grandparents, and their son J.J Altobelli, who is a scout for the Boston Red

Socks. As for the relatives of Payton and Sarah Chester, they remember their lost loved ones as two of the kindest and supportive people you could ever meet and they will be greatly missed. The pilot Ara Zobayan was a well-known pilot, who flew many stars including media personality Kylie Jenner and NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard. Zobayan was a frequent pilot on Kobe’s regular helicopter trips. The crash is still under investigation, but evidence of low visibility, due to fog the day of the crash, is believed to be a contributing factor. Based on flight information, the helicopter was attempting to climb but approximately eight seconds after the attempt, the helicopter began to rapidly descend to the fatal crash. Fans immediately consulted social media to express their condolences to the families of those impacted. Many tributes were made in honour of the families, especially for Kobe and Gianna Bryant, as they remembered the life of two greats. Various sports leagues across the world showed their support by holding 24-second moments of silence in honour of Kobe’s highly reputable number 24 jersey. Many murals, candle-lit memorials and ceremonies were held in honour of the Bryant’s as fans expressed their grief for his passing. However, most of those impacted by this loss besides the immediate families, consisted of Kobe’s teammates. Immediately after hearing the heart wrenching news, one of today’s most famous NBA superstars, LeBron James broke down in tears over the death of his longtime friend and Team

USA teammate. In his last social media post, Kobe celebrated LeBron for passing him on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. The game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers was supposed to be played a few days after Kobe’s death. However, it was delayed to allow the players on both teams to remember their beloved friend and teammate, Kobe. Many others, such as Shaquellle O’Neal, Dwayne Wade and Kevin Love, were among countless players across the league who were absolutely heartbroken by the news. They then immediately reached out to Vanessa Bryant, who lost her husband and beloved daughter on the same day. The Bryant Family has set up the “Mamba On Three” foundation to support the Altobellis, Chesters and Zobayan’s as they endure the devastating losses of their loved ones and mourn through this tough time. The tragic death of all nine victims sends a solemn message to all around the world: treasure each and every moment you have, never take so much as a second for granted, as in an instant, it can all be gone. In Memoriam... Alyssa Altobelli John Altobelli Keri Altobelli Gianna Bryant Kobe Bryant Payton Chester Sarah Chester Christina Mauser Ara Zobayan

FOOTBALL

Superbowl 2020: ending the 50 year drought This year’s Superbowl marks the first in fifty yearsthat the Kansas City Chief’s have taken the prize. Cassandra Chichora Editor Lauren Keith Editor

t has been half a century since the Kansas City Chiefs brought the NFL title back home in 1970. In this year’s Super Bowl LIV, the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers, ending a half-century drought, and making Sunday night football as historic as ever. Touching down in Miami, the

Kansas City Chiefs were perceived as the ‘underdog’ team opposite San Francisco. As, coming into their seventh Super Bowl appearance, the 49ers have become experts when it comes to handling the pressure and competition that the game entails. After these two teams met for the first time in a Super Bowl, the Chiefs claimed a 31 to 20 victory. The night was especially notable for 24-year-old quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. A new record was set by the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, as he has become the fastest NFL player in history to secure 70 career touchdown passes in just 27 games. Due to his stellar performance consisting of three touch-

downs in the final quarter, Mahomes was commendably named the game’s MVP. In fact, Mahomes is the youngest quarterback to be awarded Super Bowl NFL honours, the second-youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, and the youngest player to win both an NFL MVP award and a Super Bowl title. Chiefs players spoke of how the quarterback tried to keep his teammates motivated and optimistic that they could come back and win it all. Mahomes’ teammate, Anthony Sherman, noted his leadership abilities saying, “he’s going to find a way… he’s not going to be denied… the kid is just so special.” Also making history at this past Su-

per Bowl was the coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid. Following his team’s win, Reid became the 24th head coach in NFL history to appear in more than one Super Bowl. Back in 2004, he led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl, where they fell 24 to 21 against the New England Patriots. The final moments in Super Bowl LIV demonstrated how the Kansas City Chiefs proved themselves, and ultimately made unforgettable moments in football history. The continuous efforts of the Chiefs have been put on display for audiences around the world, teaching us all the importance of resilience and determination.

36 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | HUMOUR & GAMES

SCHOOL LIFE

humour & games

Addressing my crippling bubble tea addiction I had the arrogance to believe that my dalliances with pearl milk tea would be on my terms.

Hannah Argiloff Editor

he first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, or so it is said. And so, here is my confession. My name is Hannah. I’m in Grade 12. My average starts with a nine. I keep up with my extracurriculars. I watch only respectable amounts of Netflix at a time. I’m on track to get my G2 by the end of the year, and heck, I even read the occasional book. None of that has mattered in a long time, however, because… my name is Hannah, and my debilitating bubble tea dependency is on track to putting me into extreme premature debt. It all started about two years ago. One of my friends pulled me aside by the metaphorical hem of my jacket, saying “hey kid, I’ve got something you ain’t ever seen before,” and dragged me by my hair into the dark alleyway of this analogy that shall hereon be named as “Formocha.” That was my first mistake. Like a fiend who falsely declares that their first hit will also be their last, I too had the arrogance to believe that my dalliances with pearl milk tea would be on my terms. Unfortunately for me, real life just isn’t that kind. I could only watch my poor wallet weep inside my backpack as one milk tea became two, then three, and eventually a notable percentage of my very blood composition. I knew I was done once I put my phone number in the little iPad at the till to collect points for fuelling this insidious habit. The worst part was that I thought I had escaped in Grade 11. Come September, after hours spent eating cardboard summer camp food and longing for the texture of sweet tapioca balls, the purge had been complete. After so long away from my poison, no longer did I require milk tea to function, and no longer could I condone its attacks on my innocent bank statements. It all went to pieces when Coco opened up that winter. Their tea was even bigger, tasted better, and was cheaper. Come to think of it, the decor was pretty nice too, and I especially appreciated the little plants in boxes that they mounted on the walls. But see, this was all a ploy. The constant discounts, the generous portions, the cute seasonal decor — it is how the bubble tea bourgeoisie and the boba cult leaders maintain innocuity while they poison the masses, and we are all the Orwellian proles who drink the Jonesian cyanide with a grin. At the beginning of Grade 12, the universe offered me yet another chance to escape the clutches of my

addiction that I ultimately ended up stomping all over and spitting on. In the fall, I found out that I was to be condemned to a life of lactose intolerance. I ultimately decided that the rush of pearl milk tea, no matter how good, was not worth looking as though I was in the early stages of pregnancy in the following three days after drinking it. Coco parried back with an eloquent “not so fast, mortal fool” and began promoting their newest discounted drink of the month: the Bub-

ble Gaga. That green tea based, dairy free, passion fruit explosion was their checkmate. Though embellished with tapioca and coconut jelly, it proved itself to not only be more economicallyfriendly than my old milk tea habits, but somehow even more addictive. I realized, after receiving discount codes by email and having one of these concoctions delivered to my door via Uber Eats, that I was beyond help. There’s no rapture for those who demand innocent delivery people waste 20

Photo by Kenneth Salim

minutes worth of gas money to carry a singular drink to their house, no matter how aptly you may tip them afterwards. So to whomever may be reading this right now, heed my story as your warning. Despite what the headings of this page may lead you to believe, this is in fact not a humour article. This is a cry for help.

HUMOUR & GAMES | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 37

COMIC

38 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | HUMOUR & GAMES SCHOOL LIFE

The case of the fiendish fruit fly infestation My mind, addled and delirious from lack of rest, will not give up until I unravel the mystery that plagues our dear school. Sarisha Panday Editor

’m being followed.

I was in denial before, but now it seems so painfully obvious that I’d be a fool to believe otherwise. There are creatures tracking my every move throughout this school. Between classes. During club meetings. On bathroom breaks. They lurk in the corner of my vision and cling to me like a bad smell. At first, I thought maybe my hygiene wasn’t up to par, so I made sure to brush my teeth for a minute longer and scrub every inch of my body. But it seemed it was much more than that: something deeper. More… sinister. I’ve been trying to wrap my brain around it for days now. I’ve stayed up to ungodly hours trying to piece together this whole situation. My mind, addled and delirious from lack of rest, will not give up until I unravel the mystery that plagues our dear school. My evidence board spans the length of the kitchen at home; red strings connect events and images. They all seem to fit together, but are not quite right, as if I’m missing something. And every day the threat of invasion buzzes outside my bedroom window: another reason not to sleep. You see, at the time of me writing this, we have a fruit fly infestation. Moreover, this is not a random attack. This was targeted against me specifically. I seem to be the sole student that trails the nasty creatures around wherever I go. I move and they follow. I’ve

not bothered to check other possible cases of stalking, but I’m sure it’s only me. Who else would have the same impact on the social scene at North Toronto than a copy editor at Graffiti? This is all political. The perpetrator of this harassment has a goal in mind: to take us down from the inside.

piece of evidence: the remnants of a shepherd’s pie left splattered on the ground. The incident must have taken place during lunch, as when I made my way to English, I found my boots drenched in the crime scene. Besides inadvertently contaminating evidence, it also smelled bad and ruined my day. Rats! It was that same lunch when my friends and I had been dive-bombed by a swarm, having to move to the third floor. Some say that it was partly our fault for sitting near the garbage bins, but those people are not professional detectives, so their opinions don’t matter. It was all starting to line up. Now, I’m no Nancy Drew or Hardy Boy, but this surely means that someone was following me so that they could set up the mess and ruin my day. A student at NT, and seemingly my rival, was my new suspect. But who? After winning “Best Costume” at Music Retreat as Sonic the Hedgehog, I knew I was at least slightly respected by the music department and, Illustration by Mia Miric being involved in Classics and Graffiti, I ruled those groups out. Still, there is At first, I thought maybe the an entire host of clubs and organizafruit flies were trained. But after many tions that might have it out for me. google searches and extensive neigh- This seemingly dead-end had bourhood canvassing, I found no in- left me stumped, so as I was making sect trainers within a reasonable dis- my way to the practice rooms to — well, tance from the school. Having ruled practice, I happened upon another out that angle, it was time to look to crime scene. For as soon as I had enother places. I didn’t even want to entered, my boots stuck to the floor like tertain the idea of a caretaker being the rice krispies. A juice, maybe? The blood perpetrator, considering their dedica- of fruits was spilled on sacred ground. tion to cleaning the school. No, this The second strike. This was beginning offence was being carried out when to be too much. This was no longer my the caretakers couldn’t get a chance to problem, not when the safety of the interrupt it; it had to be the students. teachers and school were at risk. The This brought me to my first fruit flies swarmed in. They struck, and

as I fended them off, I couldn’t help but wonder why all this was happening, and who on earth had the time. Then it struck me. Another way to narrow the suspects down; this person had a lot of time on their hands. The case was so close to being solved I could taste it. That being said, I can’t really taste anymore due to an incident when I was in eighth grade and thought that eating 17 packs of sour patch kids made me seem cool. But in terms of the investigation, logically, I ruled out Grade 9s and 10s as they likely didn’t have spares. The 11s and 12s were both likely candidates, but still a wide range. There it seems, the case has gone cold. No word from my underworld contacts, no new attacks. Part of me feels as if the criminal has lost interest. I was ready to give up. But that’s not what a hero would do. To let the bad guy go because he wasn’t making any noise? A coward’s move, leaving thousands vulnerable. It was time to get serious about this. Following this, I did what most people do, and found a supply closet to house my new private eye agency. The mystery of the fruit flies will continue to plague me, but it’s no match for Sarisha Panday, private eye. And sure, it’s illegal for me to practice without a license, but who’s checking? You know the old saying. “Snitches get stitches.” With all that said, if you or someone you know has information regarding this serious matter, knock three times on the supply closet on the second floor near the bathrooms. And in these hard times, all we can do is pray for the mystery to be solved and the day to be saved. Godspeed, NT.

LOCAL

If you’re reading this... It may be too late for Mable’s Fables Brendan Weeks Editor

nce upon a time…in a neighbourhood not so far away, there was a local independent children’s bookstore called Mabel’s Fables that had just been served with a harsh dose of our corrupt reality. It happened one day when the notorious and ever so sultry, Commerce, seduced an amorous but consenting, Urban Development Plan. The two got to know each other and realized that they had a lot in common. Soon, the day turned into night, and well... you can figure out the rest. The result was an heir apparent known as Greedy McGreed, and it was an ugly mf. So ugly in fact, that no one could believe it was ever

going to be let out of the house. But it did, and no one lived happily ever after. *Cue the evil villain laugh* Now, the beloved Mabel’s Fables on Mount Pleasant near Eglinton, that has been in Leaside for more than 30 years, is facing the real possibility of shuttering it’s blue and purple doors due to an obscene rent increase of more than 70% by the building’s new owner. “It’s not personal,” said McGreed, “it’s business.” For real, bruh? It’s a children’s bookstore. No chill. City councillor for St. Paul’s, Josh Matlow, is looking into implementing guidelines that will impose a cap on retail establishments and bring an end to the unrealistic rent increases for small businesses. “The way these proper-

ties are being assessed is just out of wack with reality,” Councillor Matlow is quoted as saying. I like his use of a slightly boomer expression here. I think it loosely translates to, “All man’s boolin’ on this steezy chill spot. And dukes be upset.” A community meeting that was billed as “Save Mabel’s Fables Bookstore” and organized by councillor Matlow, was unfortunately postponed. However, the rally of support by parents and the community alike is still going strong and gaining momentum. The store’s plight even made it to Queen’s Park as MPP for St. Paul’s, Jill Andrew, addressed the situation at the Legislature. “I feel supported,” owner Eleanor LeFave is quoted as saying. An encouraging show of strength in the reality that her store

is facing an unsanctioned, horror version of life imitating art. Hit up Netflix and watch the movie, “You’ve Got Mail” and see for yourself the eerie parallels to Mabel’s Fables plight, minus the ROM and COM aspects. The most notable difference, however, is the impressive autograph wall inside Mabel’s Fables. So many talented KidLit authors, including the incomparable Margaret Atwood, have signed it. I said that I would be signing that wall one day. Hopefully, my current pursuit will not outlast the chance. Losing this store would be a loss to the kids, community and to the gifted program at NSS. Show your support by signing the online petition to save Mabel’s Fables and let them know NTCI cares.

HUMOUR & GAMES | MARCH 30, 2020 | GRAFFITI 39 REVIEW

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2: an insult to humanity Jonah Wineberg Contributor

here are many horrors in the universe. With the cold, unforgiving cosmos, the constant marching of time, and the inevitable event of the sun turning into a red giant and engulfing the Earth, there are many reasons to want to curl up into a ball and let the soil take you. Above all that, however, there is something worse: Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. It is without a doubt, one of the worst events in human history. For this movie to exist, something must have gone horribly wrong. People’s decisions over the course of centuries of human development led to this piece of disgusting waste being produced from the bowels of Hollywood. To begin with, there was way too much money put into the making of this “movie.” Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 was produced by Sony and Columbia. Their budget was a total of $30 million. The movie Moonlight, which won the Oscar for best picture in 2017, only had a budget of $4 million. So clearly, it is not money that dictates a good quality film. If that $30 million was given to people who actually care about making something of any value whatsoever, this “film” would not be a problem that needs to be discussed today. The bigger problem is that people keep coming to theatres to see these headache-inducing cringe fests. Hollywood sees what makes money and this cycle further reinforces them to make poorly made, unfunny, mind-numbingly terrible movies like Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. It is upsetting how much money the film was able to make. Worldwide, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 made $107,588,225. Additionally, this movie didn’t even receive good ratings. On Rotten Tomatoes, it was given a critic score of five percent and an audience score of 34 percent, somehow lower than the Emoji

Movie. Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 does not seem to be made for anyone, with dumb slapstick that makes parents cringe and adult humour that confuses kids. Critics responded badly, with reviews on Rotten Tomatoes stating that “it is the epitome of lazy writing and base characterization,” and that “there is absolutely no reason for its existence, and I wish I could somehow get my 90 minutes back.” Overall, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 was not received well by anyone, but the ratings are nothing compared to the horrors of what should be the most important aspect of a movie; the content. These scenes lack what the producers and directors strived for the most, and that thing is any sense of comedic timing or taste.If you ever plan on watching this movie, do it in small increments, because a large enough dose could be fatal. In the beginning of the film, they change the status quo by removing the love interest from the last movie and killing off Paul Blart’s mother. As the movie progresses, Officer Blart and his daughter are invited to a security guard convention in Las Vegas, and that is when the nightmare truly begins. Most of the movie consists of filler and overused plot devices, such as Blart’s daughter not telling him about an important event and the man himself being overly-protective of his daughter. The plot of the second half of the film sees Paul Blart attempting to stop the white bread villain from stealing art from the casino he is in. The villain also holds Paul’s daughter hostage. The climax consists of a goofy fight between Paul Blart’s mall cop friends and the antagonist’s goons. Throughout the entirety of the movie, I gave two chuckles, but this is in an hour and a half long comedy. The rest of the jokes made me want to fill my ears with cement. The story is also riddled with plot holes that take away any logic in the film and scenes that cause an ungodly amount of pain to watch

due to the cringe worthy jokes. Overall, with the questionable choices made in writing, directing, soundtrack, and acting, watching this movie becomes worse than wearing a helmet full of angry bees. To conclude, there are many reasons you should feel an unspeakable amount of rage towards this movie. The only good use for it is to torture heinous criminals, but that punishment might

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment

be too severe. It is a sign that Hollywood has gotten out of check. They know that it does not matter how garbage the movies they produce are, people will still pay to see it, but in the end, there are good movies, there are bad movies, and then there is Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.

FOOD

The great marshmallow conspiracy Clarke Strati Contributor

hat I’m about to share with you isn’t an opinion, a joke, an argument, or a theory. What I have for you is a fact: irrefutable evidence supporting and cementing my point as one of the known laws of the universe. And so I tell you, dear readers: marshmallows don’t exist. At least, they don’t exist in the way you may think that they do. You may know of these soft and chewy confections made with sugar and gelatin, among other things, but they are most certainly not marshmallows. The false title was derived from the symbol for the organization that produced “marshmallows,” a rendition of a tall, pink-flowered European plant

that typically grows in brackish marshes. (Hence the name, marsh-mallow.) The original purpose of these debatably edible lumps was for them to function as tools for the government to test semi-lethal hallucinatory drugs on unsuspecting citizens. Because that is the Canadian way! This further supports my statement that “marshmallows” are, in fact, nonexistent, and the government has duped the majority of the world into believing in their marshmallow hoax to further their own drugand-chemical-related experiments. The original myth of these marshmallows was brought about by a man named Stevon Carlesby, who even went so far as to plant evidence to make it seem as if “marshmallows” had been in use all the way back to the year 2000 B.C.E. by the ancient Egyptians, which is, of course, complete and utter nonsense. I am now going to recount the riveting tale of how the process of creat-

ing confections that are definitely NOT MARSHMALLOWS got out to the public in the first place (which companies then proceeded to exploit for financial gain, those monsters!). Robert Kraft, the owner of the company that creates those classic plastic mac ‘n’ cheese meals, infiltrated a maximum security hidden government facility over the course of 17 months. The facility was located in the deepest reaches of a desert that, legally, doesn’t exist, and all things existing there — hypothetically, of course — are legally nonexistent by extension. Kraft retrieved the top-secret recipe for the chemical composition of what we now, foolishly, call “marshmallows”. He used said recipe to establish a new branch of “Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows,” marketed as “A great new taste from outer space!” capitalizing on the Great Space Race which was ongoing at the time, and forever cementing the ludicrous idea that marshmallows

ever did or will exist in this universe. Protesters will object to this reality, using reasoning such as “logic,” “science,” and “observation of the world around us” to prove the existence of marshmallows, but these fields are easily tainted by personal beliefs and hold little to no credibility, and so cannot be trusted or listened to. Marshmallow sympathizers have recently demonstrated to me the existence of a marshmallow, and so I have been forced to allow that there may indeed be one marshmallow in existence, but I also maintain that said marshmallow was most likely created by government officials in an attempt to deceive me. In conclusion, marshmallows legally do not exist, and if you still believe they do after reading this article, then congratulations on being yet another mindless government pawn. Open your eyes, sheeple!

40 GRAFFITI | MARCH 30, 2020 | HUMOUR & GAMES

Horoscope Jayden Orlotti Editor Illustrations by Christina Kim

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) Apologies are in order, so give and take them freely. Your vibes are weakened at this time, a sign of necessary change. Suffer the injury to your pride. It will be worth it as the celestial circles synchronize. Though it can be hard to forgive and be forgiven, what you’ve been worrying about shouldn’t be a concern in the bountiful presence of The Goddess.

Libra (Sep 24 - Oct 23) As the weather warms, so does your kinetic potential energy. Perhaps a physics student can better explain what that means. If harnessed correctly, this heat can propel the hot air balloon of your achievements to the immortal heavens. Take care as well: fire is hot and can burn you.

Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21) Everything seems in order here. Just chill.

Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) The lack of attention you’ve been experiencing lately is over. You can scuttle back into the solar radiance that will catalyze your happiness. Synthesis will be important in the coming months, so triple check that your strength is equally divided. Photosynthesis is important too. Consider adopting a leafy friend.

Gemini (May 22 - Jun 21) This Spring brings a wealth of umbral energy for your rebirth. Capitalize on this lunar harvest and take up a new hobby, like writing horoscopes. You may not be good at it, but people will read it anyway. Fill your coffers in this time of plenty, for a famine of spiritual energy will soon follow.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) The Harmonic Convergence is nigh. When the Spirit and Mortal worlds meet, some conflict is always assured. Beware tricksters from the Spirit World that may take on unassuming forms. Your true heart will guide you through these troubling times, but you will face many challenges before your energies realign.

Cancer (Jun 22 - Jul 23) For once, everyone is freaking out over a disease that isn’t your namesake. Take this time out of the limelight to embrace the energies of your sign. The celestial bodies are aligning in your favour in the social realms of your life. Put yourself out there more and the stars will deliver unto you their cosmic bounty.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Pay attention to the clouds; they’re always watching over you, so give them some of your time too. Even though you might be going through something now, you can always look up and remember your fluffy friends. As a water sign, enjoy some soup, preferably homemade pea soup.

Leo (Jul 24 - Aug 23) The Beast Within hungers for success. While this is understandable and in character for you, do not allow it to consume you in your quest for enlightenment. Offer up what dregs and scraps you may, for its insatiable maw ever gapes. Seek professional spiritual guidance to quiet its rage.

Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19) Static friction between the clouds and the Higher Realm sparks creativity in your sign. This energy shows in your hilarious personality. This is the time to begin projects with long-term goals. Commune with your Muse of choice to produce works of art worthy of the Higher Realm itself.

Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 23) This is a time of collaboration. Reassess your role in group projects. Are you being an authoritarian leader? Delegation and trust are key in every team. This team likely won’t last long, so you might as well conduct a hostile takeover. Does everyone need to be micromanaged to complete some mediocre work? Probably.

Pisces (Feb 20 - Mar 20) Know that you are loved for who you are and in excess. Your aura is particularly compelling and brings good fortune your way. Lasting happiness is within your grasp, and your overflowing compassion seals it so. Wallow in the coming nostalgia; these memories may not always be with you.

Volume 38 - 39, Issue 4 (March 30, 2020)

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