Volume 40, Issue 5 (May 10, 2021)

Monday, May 10, 2021 | Volume 40, Issue 5

raffiti

THE VOICE OF NORTH TORONTO C.I.

Cover by Sophie Wang and Suhani Sharma

2 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | EDITORIAL

editorial

STUDENT LIFE

The dilemma of standardized tests

A deeper dive into whether or not standardized tests are effective.

Julian Lewis Arissa Roy Junior Advisors

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tandardized testing has become one of the most influential predictors of a student’s future in many parts of the world. At the same time, it is one of the most discussed aspects in the field of education. Should they be abolished?

What are the mental health effects of standardized tests? The opinions on this controversial topic vary, and decisions made by universities today clearly have the power to completely change the world of post-secondary education forever.

If a high school student chooses to pursue a post-secondary education, especially when applying to schools in the United States, tests like the SAT play a great deal in their chances of acceptance. According to Harvard University’s website, they have an average acceptance rate of about 4.6%. Applicants who score less than 1400 out of the 1600 total points, “wouldn’t be a competitive candidate” according to Capexx, a pathways research website.

Standardized testing is used all over the world as a way to measure the intellectual prowess of students.

With competitive applicants at each school, standardized testing provides schools with numerical information about each student. The way that the tests are designed varies from place to place, but the fundamental concept is to test students using core concepts that were taught in the past. This system of testing can be unfair to many students when it comes to accessibility. “Some kids cannot afford to get a study guide or a tutor to help prepare. This poses many inequalities and can probably affect test outcomes,” says Ryann, a grade 8 student in the TDSB who took the SSATs this year. “This could severely widen the gap,” she added. It is proven by many sources that having financial access to additional support for preparing for a standardized test can increase your chances of doing well. One example of this is the process of superscoring.

Superscoring is the process where college admissions staff look at students’ combined SAT scores, if the student took the test twice. For instance if you scored 700 in math the first time and then scored 600 on the second attempt- your superscore would be 1300. According to US News, taking the SAT’s costs money and for those who are not financially well

off, superscoring might not be an opportunity they can take advantage of.

A new Netflix documentary titled Operation Varsity Blues dives deeper into one of the biggest fraud cases in U.S. university history. Lori Loughlin, from Full House, and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, took advantage of their financial privilege to bribe schools to admit their children. Despite this situation being illegal, it is a prime example of how financial freedom can give you an edge in an environment that should be based solely on merit.

In the United States, students’ SAT scores largely impact which universities will admit them.

In the Netherlands, standardized testing begins as early as 4th grade and determines which high schools students can enter. Standardized testing makes it difficult for some students to pursue their interests if they have a different way of expressing their intellectual abilities or problem-solving skills. “These tests don’t show who you really are,” says Ryann. “They make you feel like you are your score when really in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t make a huge difference in your life.”

Standardized testing rewards students for having a good longterm memory, and often does not acknowledge creativity or hard work.

As well, not all people are built to do well on tests, including many with independent education plans.

Students who struggle to do well on tests because of anxiety or poor longterm memory can start thinking of themselves as unintelligent. “These tests are not designed to measure a student’s overall brilliance, but what we really should do is look at the big picture,” Ryann adds.

R y a n n shared her personal experience applying to a Toronto Private school in which an interview was an integral part of the admissions process, counting for about 50%. Kareena, a grade 9 student from the Peel District School Board, and Muskan, a grade 10 student from Arkansas, United States, agreed that educators and allies need to find better, more efficient ways

to measure students’ potential.

Moreover, test anxiety can alter one’s success on standardized tests. According to an article published by one of the biggest tutoring companies in the world, Oxford Learning, over 10.8 million students across North America suffer from anxiety. Anyone can suffer from test anxiety; from some of the highest achieving students to those who are the least prepared. Kareena spoke about her experience in grade 6 when she felt “scared [before a test], and a sense that maybe [she] didn’t know everything [she] needed to.”

She described her classroom, a place she normally enjoyed, becoming a space of pressure and stress. “If people don’t have a suitable work environment it will be harder to take and perform well on tests,” she explained. She also related this to the barriers some students may face when it comes to preparing for the test. “I am grateful to say I am very fortunate to have a great workspace to complete school and study for tests. I believe that families and people that are less fortunate will possibly have a harder time during and studying for tests.”

There are so many ways we can look at the value of standardized tests. While standardized tests sometimes identify students that are more likely to excel in their program, they also create unnecessary stress and limit the evaluator’s ability to investigate the true essence and potential of a student. Perhaps standardized tests should be kept, but changed to challenge educators to look far deeper than the little mark on a paper.

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORS IN CHIEF

Nathalie Adriana Funes Serna | Maeve Ellis

EXTERNAL EDITORS

Kiara Distin | Amanda Wilson

INTERNAL EDITORS

Inessa Azoyan | PJ Wilson

FEATURES EDITORS

Kiana Sharifi | Sophie Block

ARTS AND CULTURE EDITORS Blaize Exeter | Abigail Shin

BUSINESS AND TECH EDITORS Simone Bellengier | Elise Farmar

OPINION EDITORS

Sean Lee | Pomina Emtyazi

HUMOUR EDITORS

Sarisha Panday | Emma Frasheri

SPORTS EDITORS

Kaura Sankaran | Elena Vitas

ILLUSTRATION EDITORS Suhani Sharma | Danielle Xin

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS Mikayla Toplis | Omar Ali

COPY EDITORS

Baran Forootan | Sian Huang Catherine Katis | Victoria Man Madison McBride | Liam McLaughlin Iva-Mari Miskulin | Lyza Salman Alya Seker | Sehar Sohail

JUNIOR ADVISORY BOARD Julian Lewis | Arissa Roy

SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD

Sofiia Savchyn | Emelia Grossman

LAYOUT EDITORS

Suhani Mahindru Michelle Wong | Hannah Benjamin Danielle Xin | Mikayla Toplis Mamidi Shreya Pawar | Liza Rowatt

BUSINESS MANAGERS Audrey Gong | Lyza Salman

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Georgia Pomozova-Mann

WEBSITE DEVELOPER Kenneth Vincenzo Salim

STAFF ADVISORS

David Silver | Baruch Zohar

CONTENTS External....................................................6 Internal...................................................16 Features.................................................23 Business & Technnology.........................36 Opinion..................................................43 Arts & Culture ........................................46 Sports....................................................56 Humour & Games...................................60

CONTACT US Instagram : @ntcigraffiti Website: www.ntcigraffiti.com Email: ntcigraffiti@gmail.com Google Classroom: ql2f7fh

EDITORIAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 3 STUDENT LIFE

School year 2021-2022: what to expect A glimpse of what NT’s future academic model may be, with insights from students and TDSB Trustee Shelley Laskin.

Sofiia Savchyn Emelia Grossman Senior Advisors

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s the 2020-21 school year comes to an end, students are looking ahead and exploring what awaits everyone in the upcoming year. Luckily, the TDSB has already begun planning for the incoming school year. Shelley Laskin, North Toronto area TDSB trustee shared a series of documents that revealed the possible schedules for the upcoming year, confirmed the continuity of an entirely virtual learning option, and the return of the final exams.

This year, the TDSB created an entirely virtual schooling option, a necessity considering this year’s unusual circumstances. Since virtual school will continue throughout the next school year as the pandemic progresses, it is important to gain insight from those currently enrolled in order to improve the program. Esther Won, a grade 11 virtual student from NT, thought that “there [could] be better communication between the students and the teachers as emails can take some time depending on the teachers’ schedule.” Won also noted another issue, stating that “teachers would be switched a week into the quad, and that would mess up the entire course as we would have to redo the missed material and possibly lose [the last] unit.” Virtual learning was a new experience for students and teachers, and both faced unique challenges. With a year’s worth of experience, the virtual school will likely be more organized and its curriculum more refined next year.

Whether or not one decides to pursue virtual school next year is a personal choice that requires a strong understanding of your learning style and ability. Hannah Benjamin, another grade 11 virtual student from NT said, “I would consider [enrolling in virtual school] next year again because I feel like virtual school suits my learning

style best, and it has made me more focused and eager to learn. I’ve also appreciated the independence and autonomy that comes with virtual school.” This year, virtual students had the responsibility to adapt not only to online learning but also to a new quadmester schedule.

For hybrid students, quadmesters offered the possibility to learn in-person while maintaining health protocols. This, though, did not come without several issues; the quadmester system was fast-paced, challenging, and unpredictable. After every eleven in-person classes, students had to start over, and the learning curve knocked students down every new quadmester.

It was a whirlwind of ever-changing subjects, classmates, and teachers. For some, it was an exciting challenge they would like to take on again, while others felt it left them drained both academically and socially. Bridget Kim, a grade 11 NT student shared her experience of the year, saying, “I think I’ve been getting better grades in the quadmester system because I’m only focused on two subjects but at the same time; I don’t know if that’s because I can’t really do anything other than school.” Students had to adapt to this year’s unfamiliar schedule in the midst of the nationwide lockdown. Similarly to Bridget, many students have experienced a strain on their social lives. As the final quad begins, everyone starts to question what to expect of the coming year’s schedule.

No final decision has been made yet regarding next year’s schedule, but the TDSB has developed the timetables for both a whole year and a quadmester option. There is an additional possibility of having fully in-class quadmesters, a schedule that will mirror the usual quadmester but without asynchronous time. Returning to a regular full-year schedule is an exciting and overwhelmingly preferred prospect.

When it came to staying quadmester, students were willing, but were split between staying hybrid or going in class. “I would definitely pick the fully in-class quadmester option. I feel

like online learning isn’t as efficient as in-person learning, and I find it difficult to stay motivated without seeing my friends and classmates,” said Defne Tuncer, a grade 11 NT student. Bridget Kim, grade 11, defended the hybrid option by saying: “In hybrid, we have asynchronous time. I would go to class on day one and stay asynchronous on day two. I don’t want to lose that because it gives me enough time to do all the work.” There are pros and cons to either option, but the full-year schedule is consistently favoured over the quadmester schedule for NT students.

However, students’ prognosis for the 21-22 school year was the unfavourable choice of quadmester.

Due to the continually rising cases, Emily Zhang, a grade 9 NT student, says that she “predict[s] we will stay in quadmester.” Defne Tuncer agrees, but “hope[s] that [this] won’t be the case.”

There is no definitive schedule for the next school year, and based on previous experience, the school board could make modifications as soon as a day before the beginning of classes.

Fortunately, this experimental year has prepared students to be flexible and resilient.

A flood of relief fell over high school students near the beginning of the school year when the TDSB decided to cancel exams. However, the official TDSB documents mention the return of the final exams in the 2021-22 school year. Many may wonder if this move will be more harmful than beneficial, particularly for grade 11 students as they will have little experience writing their crucial final exams. North Toronto students have varying views on how exams might impact their marks, how stressful exams would be in quadmester versus full year, and if bringing back exams next year is the right idea.

Alya Seker and Iva-Mari Miskulin, two grade 11 students at North Toronto, both stated that exams in some classes might harm their marks, while exams in other classes may help their grades, depending on their interest in the subject. Other students mentioned that exams cause a lot of stress regardless

of how well they do on it in the end.

Despite this, the question of whether the exams would be more stressful in quadmester or a full year schedule was subject to many clashing opinions.

Elise Farmar stated that quadmester exams would be much more stressful, mainly because “quad[mesters] already make learning extremely fast-paced, with evaluations in almost every class.”Other students disagreed, observing that recalling information learned in quads would be much easier since all the information was taught recently. Despite all this debate, many may argue that bringing back exams next year in itself is a poor decision, especially considering that many students have not taken exams for a while. The topic of bringing back exams at all divided students as some saw definitive benefits in bringing exams back. Iva-Mari Miskulin stated that “bringing back exams is beneficial, as it is an essential skill for university and teaches you how to study and learn effectively.”

Over the years, there has been much debate between students regarding the benefits of exams; whether or not the exams’ return will be damaging or beneficial to students’ grades and whether or not the stress of preparation is justified are the two main components of the argument. For the last two years, NT students were free from exam evaluations in favour of a more holistic contribution of grades to the final mark. Despite the pending return of the exam season, this past school year has taught students how to learn and adapt to new environments quickly and efficiently.

This year has been turbulent for students, teachers, and school boards. As the pandemic continues to define our future lives, there is little certainty around the current decisions made by the TDSB. Whatever might happen in the fall, this past year has taught us how to face uncertainty with remarkable resilience.

4 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | EDITORIAL MESSAGE

Dear NT community, I

In light of the recent uprising in Asian hate crimes, the Graffiti Editorial Board decided to centre this last issue around Asian cultures. By publishing this issue in May, we recognize and commemorate Asian Heritage Month, as well as highlight Asian cultures and communities within our school.

Although Asian hate crimes have always been prevalent in our society, the pandemic has fuelled an unprecedented amount of racism against Asian people in recent months. This issue of Graffiti includes articles ranging from Asian hate crime reports to media reviews by Asian authors. We are also featuring personal stories from Asian students in their life journeys and recommendations for Asian restaurants in Toronto. Nonetheless, we are also hoping we and our readers will be conscious of the privilege we may have and learn about the different ways racism against Asian People is expressed.

Each article following this theme will be highlighted by a banner that depicts a different aspect of Asian art; as well, these motifs will appear throughout the issue, even if the article does not directly tie to Asian cultures Below are the meanings behind these symbols:

EXTERNAL Originating from the Mithila region, in the village of Jitwarpur and Ranti, the art of Madhubani has been practised for centuries by the women in the region. It is believed that King Janak, ruler of the Mihila kingdom in the 8th or 7th century BCE, had asked to develop these paintings to capture Sita’s-his daughter- marriage to Prince Rama. Today, Madhubani is considered to be a living tradition of Mithila that reflects the morals, values and customs of Mithila.

FEATURES Dating back to the 17th century, Khokhloma is a well known Russian folk art which derives its name from a village in Central Russia. This village grew to be a trading post where local craftsmen brought their brightly couloured goods to sell. This art style is a rich floral motif that includes scarlet, black and gold-to symbolize wealth and happiness.

HUMOUR AND GAMES Chinese porcelain art consists of ceramic objects that are usually white and blue. The Chinese porcelain art represents a continuous development since pre-dynamic times and is one of the most significant art forms of Chinese art and ceramics worldwide.

BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY

Warli paintings are a form of art created by the tribal people of Hokkaido, Japan and the state of Maharashtra, India. These tribes did not believe in disturbing nature but in keeping peace and harmony with it. Hence, this art style was based on the concept of mother nature and elements of nature were used as focal points.

Although a bright summer flower, red spider lilies symbolize final goodbyes. Many legends even say that these flowers grow when people go their separate ways for the better.

ARTS AND CULTURE The art style ‘Minhwa’ translates to “people’s painting” or “common painting.” Minhwa is a traditional Korean folk art style that was practiced mostly by itinerant or untrained artists. This =form of art often portrays the desire of freedom of foreigners and reveals their innermost dreams.

OPINION A common subject matter in Asian art, the lotus symbolizes purity, divinity, and rebirth. It can also symbolize detachment from the world and gaining enlightenment in Buddhism as the flower emerges from the murky pond waters.

EDITORIAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 5 Article continues

Cypress tree The Cypress tree is often beautifully portrayed on persian rugs as motifs. This symbol represents everlasting life and eternity as a cypress tree is evergreen and is known to be a tree with a long life span. The origins of the Cypress tree motif go all the way back to Persian civilization.

Pattachitra head During a ritualistic bath, the deities of Lord Jagannath temple fall sick and develop a fever for fifteen days. During this period, devotees cannot worship their beloved deities. Pattachitra paintings originated as a substitute for these deities, so that devotees could worship their gods when they were kept away from the public after their ritual bath. As the name suggests, pattachitra is a type of scroll painting, in Sanskrit ‘Patta’ means cloth and ‘chitra’ means painting.

Tigers Prized for its beauty and majesty, the tiger holds a great significance all around the world, especially in asia. Tigers can be a symbol of a powerful force, in many asian cultures. It can also mean willpower, strength, courage and bravery.

Koi fish Known as “living jewels” and “swimming flowers”, Koi fish hold a large symbolic significance especially in asian cultures. With bright colours – yellow, orange, gold, black and silver – the Koi fish is often associated with strength of character, perseverance, accomplishment and courage. The black and white tear drops in the yin and yang symbol, is a representation of Koi fish, describing how opposite forces are complementary.

Chinese knots

Babushka doll

Chinese knotting is a decorative handcraft that began as a form of Chinese folk art during the Tang and Song Dynasty. The “mystic knot” is a repetitive pattern which is made to ward of evil spirit.

These knots are also a symbol of longevity and eternity, hence, used as good-luck charms during the chinese new year.

Beautifully painted wooden dolls, the Babushka dolls are the main symbols of depicting a woman’s fertility and their motherhood in Russia. The shape of the big-bellied doll is to portray a mother’s stout figure. The nesting of the dolls holds a huge significance as the mother plays a huge role in nurturing her children.

Graffiti stands against racial discrimination.

We condemn hate crimes.

We all have the right to be respected and accepted.

- Graffiti Editorial Board

6 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | EXTERNAL E

external

COVID-19

Generation C

How COVID-19 will impact the next generation.

Natasha Pfiefer Contributor

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OVID-19 has been around for over a year now. This will inevitably affect everyone that has and will live through this time, and because of this, there is talk of a new generation. This new generation is called Generation COVID, or Generation C. COVID-19 will most likely be the defining event in the lives of this generation and will affect their lives even after the pandemic is over. The definition of this generation, according to some sources, is anyone born from 2016-2030. While this may seem like a stretch, the effects of it will still be seen by those born in 2030. However, others have interpreted the term “Gen C” differently. A senior at the United Nations Children Fund claimed that anyone who reached points of transition such as starting to walk, starting school, or any other major life developmental points during the pandemic fits into this category. Despite no full agreement of what the term entails, it is agreed that a close eye should be kept on the new generation to see how the virus will affect them. This article will discuss the social skills of Generation C, the mental health of this generation, the effects of technology on their lives, and some predictions as to what their future will hold.

A major concern regarding the new generation is their social skills, or lack thereof. This generation of children has reached many of their lives’ turning points inside the home with no one but family to talk to. As well, the children that were born in the past year, have lived their lives knowing no one or nothing outside of their house.

However, this concern has been disproven. Before the age of 18 months, the average baby does not have an understanding of others’ minds, meaning that their development is unlikely to be changed at all through the pandemic. As for children ages 2-5 children, the skills they learn in preschool are about fairness, morals, and sharing, which can all be learned with the help of their parents or siblings, or they can be picked up later in life. One doctor who was interviewed by the New York Times, Dr. Hernandez, says “development is a lifelong process. There is not a skill or domain in which children cannot get better or work at.” Although this generation may be missing out on regular social interactions, it is likely that this loss will not affect them in the long run.

Furthermore, there is concern for the Generation C’s mental health.

It can be seen that through quarantine and self-isolation, people, especially children and adolescents, have had a rapid downfall in their mental state.

One reason for this is because the social aspect of school is important for providing structure to relationships

and development, which has now been removed from their lives. Predictability and stability are very important for a child’s growth and development, but the pandemic has stripped much of that away and will no doubt have effects on the new generation. Additionally, children often rely on the adult figures in their lives for mental health support, which can be hard for adults to provide as they are also unsure of the situation. One thing that is important to keep in mind is that during this time, children experience many of the same fears that adults do. This includes the fear of death and sickness for themselves and those around them.

Sick Kids hospital conducted a survey of 100 parents with children aged 2 18 and approximately 350 children aged 10 - 18 to evaluate the childrens’ mental health. The results showed that 70.2% of children aged 6 - 18 had increased rates of depression, anxiety, irritability, shorter attention spans, hyperactivity, or obsessions/compulsions; and 66.1% of children aged 2-5, had increased rates in one of the previously mentioned categories. Since mental and physical health are so interconnected, this matter has become an issue of both physical and mental health.

There is also the question of what technology will look like for the new generation. Many people see the advancements in technology in a positive way as it provides us with new opportunities. Others, however, see them

as a setback in the childrens’ lives as they can cause mental health problems. The Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania found that teenagers aged 13 - 18 spend 6.5 hours on a screen daily.

This has led to many problems, some of which include declining mental health and more distractions while working, especially our phones. Regardless, current technologies can also lead to new opportunities that otherwise would not be possible. Generation C will have many more opportunities to learn and work from home due to the evolutions in technology the pandemic has caused. Structural changes can lead to new ways of working, teaching, and learning, which could open many new doors that other generations never had access to. Applications like Webex, Zoom, Google Classroom, and Google Meets have gained great traction since last March, and have changed several aspects of life such as the way people interact with each other, and the way people spend money. It is impossible to say whether this improvement of technology is just positive or just negative, but it will definitely create new opportunities for the future.

As of now, we do not know what the future holds. Nevertheless, it is exciting to see what Generation C will look like. Until then, we will continue to gather more information and learn about the differences between Generation C and the generations that came before them.

POLITICS

Indigenous Peoples and the criminal justice system An overview of the source in Indigenous incarceration.

Ava Reitmaier- Stone Contributor

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ecognizing the flaws in our Canadian identity is a mission called upon with greater urgency than ever before. Recently sensationalized deaths of BIPOC at the hands of police have done much to reveal the seedy underbelly of racial relations in North America, a long ignored consequence of the oppressive European colonization that has shaped our policy and legislation. One of the most apparent and harmful manifestations of this in Canada is the Criminal Justice System and its mass overrepresentation of Indigenous persons. As a result of years of discrimination and marginalization, the number of Indigenous persons in federal custody has surpassed 30%.

To put this in perspective, Indigenous people make up under 5% of the popu-

lation. This article will seek to outline the causes and inequities of these grossly disproportionate incarceration rates.

A prerequisite to addressing the monumental issue of Indigenous overrepresentation in custody is understanding the reasons and explanations behind these statistics. A 2015 cross-sectional study by NCBI stated that “there is a correlation between the severity of problems related to alcohol use and severity of mental health symptoms and crime and violence.”

According to the ‘Aboriginal people, issues of vision journal’, around 75% of all residents in First Nations and Inuit communities feel alcoholism is a problem in their community. Indigenous unemployment rates are at 14% compared to the national average of 8.3%.

Major depression rates among Indigenous people are twice as high as the rest of the population. Evidently, Indigenous crime must be substantially impacted by predetermined elements

of marginalization. These crippling factors of mental health and substance abuse are direct consequences of paternalistic legislation like the 1876 Indian Act, which was created with the intent of assimilating Indigenous people into mainstream Euro-Canadian society by dispossessing them of their land and self-sustainability. Conclusively, the root of Indigenous incarceration has been incubated by Canada’s oppressive history.

With some additional understanding of Indigenous people in the legal system, a consequential consideration of sentencing policy is necessary. The reality of Indigenous mental health indicates a particular injustice in incarcerating the Indigenous. In 1996, the Criminal Code was amended.

This stipulation prompted sentencing judges to show constraint when assessing prison sentences, “with special attention to the circumstance of Indigenous offenders.” This amendment, commonly termed the ‘Gladue Frame-

work,’ has, unfortunately, had little impact. It sought to make exceptions for Indigenous offenders and their circumstance, but policies in recent years have forced limits upon sentencing which has essentially reversed the amendment.

In conclusion, Indigenous incarceration is not an issue that can be solved without monumental reform.

However, that does not mean that we are powerless. Contributing to any Indigenous cause, charity, or organization can make an impact. Visit the Indigenous Legal services, Native Women’s Resource Center, and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres for more information and ways to help.

EXTERNAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 7

WORLD

Chinese Muslim concentration camps

Simone Bellengier Section Editor

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fter one of the worst global catastrophes during World War II, modern-day concentration camps have returned in a hidden way.

The holocaust, which led to the mass killing of nearly 6 million Jews, resulted in the establishment of the 1949 Geneva Convention, guaranteeing the “protection of rights of the various ethnic groups that are targeted.”

Such conventions stand against: “the arbitrary use of power and the stripping of people’s rights, the systemic removal of liberty; dehumanization, abuse, torture, murder, and genocide.”

They have been ratified by every state and are universally applicable. Yet, China’s Xinjiang ‘re-educational’ facilities, supposedly meant to provide free education and job training for counter terrorism, have become labour camps where extermination proceeds.

China’s Uyghur population is a centuries-old majority-Muslim ethnic group located in the autonomous Chinese province of Xinjiang. The Uyghurs community speaks a language related to the Turkish language, dominating the region’s population. However, the mass immigration of Han Chinese with 40% of the population has led Uyghurs to become the minority population in XinJiang. The disparities in beliefs, both economical and cultural, have increased ethnic tensions between the various ethnic groups in the region, leading to outbreaks of violence between both groups. Therefore, security in the province was then increased.

The Chinese government believed the solution to this to be detaining suspected Uyghurs, but in reality, tensions

only continued to grow.

Chinese authorities had soon criminalized and labelled the practices of Uyghurs as an ‘illegal religion’ in 2018. China has now launched what they called a year-long campaign against terrorism, stepping up security in Xinjiang and conducting more military drills in the region. Beyond this, mass sentencings and arrests of “terror groups” affect innocent minorities, with Chinese state media reporting the convicts as conducting extremist activity, with some even sentenced to the death penalty. Moreover, official government documents revealed officials arguing that, for the country to prosper, the centers must “break their lineage, break their roots, break their connections, and break the origins [of Uyghurs].” Hence, concentration camps disguised by the term ‘re-educational’ facilities were established, with eight hundred thousand to two million Uyghurs and other Muslims such as ethnic Kazakhs and Uzbeks detained since April of 2017.

Based on satellite images observed by Reuters journalists, thirty-nine camps had almost tripled in size between April of 2017 and August of 2018.

Furthermore, Germany-based Xinjiang expert Adrian Zenz found that construction spending on security-related facilities in Xinjiang had increased by approximately $2.96 billion in 2017. To re-earn these expenses, ‘re-educational facilities’ have turned their practices into labour camps for economic development, where sexual abuse, torture, sleep deprivation and much more are endured. Moreover, these victims have been forced to pledge loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) while renouncing Islam, singing praises for communism, and learning Mandarin, all of which di-

rectly reflect on assimilation from the Chinese culture to eliminate the Muslim community.

The international community will continue to advocate through the Human Rights Watch activists, withhold exports, pressure the government to allow UN investigators in Xinjiang, and establish policies to prevent China from targeting the Uyghur diaspora.

Illustration by Bianca Miclaus

Although China has changed its legislature in 2018 to recognize the legality for re-education camps, the international community wonders, is China recreating the mass killings and genocide of Jews in the holocaust with those of Muslim ethnicity? If they are, yet are refusing these claims, why haven’t they allowed for investigators to make these conclusions themselves?

POLITICS

Arkansas bans transgender treatment for youth Ruby Steinberg Contributor

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OVID-19 has been around for over a year now. This will inevitably affect everyone that has and will live through this time, and because of this, there is talk of a new generation. This

On Tuesday, April 6th, 2021, Arkansas lawmakers enacted a ban on gender affirming treatment and surgery for youth. Governor Asa Hutchenson moved to override this ban, however, the Republican controlled state and senate went ahead with the prohibition despite the Governor’s objec-

tions.

Arkansas is the first US state to enact this ban, which essentially prevents doctors from performing transitional surgery (like top surgery or genitoplasty) and providing gender confirming hormone treatment or puberty blockers to anyone under the age of 18.

Hutchenson recently signed a bill which bans transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports and another bill which permits doctors to turn away LGBTQ+ patients for religious or moral reasons. He reportedly tried to draw the line at this bill as it would prevent transgender youth from continuing treatment.

Social workers, pediatricians,

and parents of transgender youth have argued that the measure would harm a community that is already at high risk for suicide and depression. Dr. Robert Garofalo, division head of adolescent and young adult medicine at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, explained that “this legislation perpetuates the very things we know are harmful to trans youth. They’re not just anti-trans. They’re anti-science.

They’re anti-public health.”

Arkansas-based conservative organization, Family Council, have claimed that “this is really good news.

Gender-reassignment surgeries can leave children sterilized and scarred for life.” A sponsor of the bill has also compared this ban to others placed on minors, such as drinking. Others

though have scrutinized this comparison, explaining that it downplayed the importance of access to trans treatment.

The legislature is showing no signs of letting up on these antiLGBTQ+ policies. Another bill has advanced which would prevent schools from requiring teachers to refer to students by their gender pronouns.

The earliest the trans treatment ban can take effect is mid-summer, and opponents of the bill have vowed to pursue legal challenges before this happens. The American Civil Liberties Union has said that the organization was “preparing litigation as we speak.”

8 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | EXTERNAL BUSINESS

Period supply companies shaming women for having periods Valeria Milyukova Contributor

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any of our everyday choices and how we, as a society, choose between aspects of life are influenced by most major brands, by what we see on social media and bus stops. They have the power to decide what they should include in their advertisements and how people should react to the situation being presented.

In this case, period supply manufac-

turers have control over how people view periods: as something natural or as something unspeakable… and they do so by including details you may not have noticed.

A large factor in how companies advertise their period supplies is based on the colour they use. As colours impact how people perceive information and products, period brands did not use any red in their advertisements until 1970 because of how raw and real it would look for people without periods. Before then, period supplies were mostly advertised in the colour blue, from what the model wore

Illustration by Bianca Miclaus

to the backgrounds they were used to emphasize cleanliness. On one hand, using blue ignored the nature of periods but, on the other, companies couldn’t use any other colour but blue because of its relation with other bodily fluids. Even nowadays, companies like Always and Tampax still use blue instead of red. Later on, white was also incorporated to promote purity and simplicity.

Not including red in advertisements made women and society see periods as taboo and as something not to be mentioned in public. Even now, when red is occasionally shown to represent the menstrual cycle in these advertisements, there are always negative public reactions and outbursts, like when a Tampax advert was taken down for its violation on using red like blood, just because of how realistically they presented the period.

Many advertisements from the last century prove that menstrual cycles were to be kept in control and unnoticed by anyone. Along with the blue and white backdrops and clothing, private spaces were also used as backgrounds, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, enforcing the idea of keeping the period out of the public eye.

Many ads have included a group of teenagers in private and, if in any case, men appeared, they were shown to be oblivious to menstruating. Not to mention the absence of the actual product.

Since having the period was seen as a medical condition, the red cross (the symbol used for medical purposes) appeared in advertisements and products were sold in plain and discrete packaging.

Not only were the images and colours disapproving of menstruation, but slogans like “She must remain a mystery” and “What are you going to say?” headlined advertisements during 1940-1960. Brand names also enhanced this archaic idea with the names they used, such as Whisper. Explicative videos on menstruation also showed mothers telling their daughters about the menstruation cycle and showing how to use a pad while promising, “only you will know,” encouraging young girls further into keeping it a secret.

Although the industry has come far from where it was, there are still unfair rebukes in period advertisements. In September 2020, the brand Modibodi, a brand of leak-proof underwear, released a new campaign called “The New Way To Period.” They released a short film to support their cause that was taken down by Facebook because it violated their policy to “shocking, sensational, disrespectful or excessively violent content” because of the appearance of menstrual blood in the commercial.

On the other hand, Bodyform released an advertisement in 2017 using an actual red substance instead of the colour blue we had been seeing since the beginning of these advertisements.

This was the first brand to make the period be seen as a natural occurrence. We need more brands to step up and stop this period shaming that has been going on for so long, and society needs to finally accept the nature of those with periods because, after all, change lies in their hands.

RACISM

Hate crimes agaist Asian peoples Jasmine Noone Contributor

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ith the COVID-19 pandemic came the accusations against the Asian community for the virus and a significant rise in antiAsian hate. Former President Trump repeatedly called it the Chinese virus, creating an unsafe space full of Asian hate. In Canada, anti-Asian hate crimes have increased by 717% from 2019 to 2020, presumably because of the virus and the blame put on Asians.

On March 16th, 2021, mass shootings occurred at three spas in Atlanta, Georgia. Eight people were killed, and out of those, six were Asian women.

After the shooting, police released surveillance footage in hopes that someone would recognize the man shown.

The parents of Robert Long contacted them, confirming his identity. His vehicle had a tracking device, which aided the police in confirming his location and taking him into custody that day. He was later charged with eight counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault. An official at a

Georgia sheriff’s department tried to excuse this crime by saying, “yesterday was a really bad day for him, and this is what he did.” This incongruent response from police increased public outrage and fear. How could such a horrific act be justified with the excuse of ‘having a bad day?’ Commentators have characterized these vile shootings as hate crimes, especially with the current anti-Asian sentiment in the United States and Canada, but Long has not been officially charged with a hate crime because his motives were unrelated.

In March of 2021, an elderly Asian American woman was viciously beaten in broad daylight outside of a luxury apartment building in Manhattan.

The 65-year-old woman was on her way to church when she was attacked.

The suspect told her, “you don’t belong here,” before kicking her to the ground. He then proceeded to stomp on her head and body at least three times, as shown in surveillance footage from the building. There was a growing uproar after information was shared that there were three people standing in the lobby while she was

being attacked, who stood by and did nothing to help. Surveillance footage showed that these three people failed to render aid, and the video ends with the doorman closing the door while the woman lay on the ground in agony.

The building’s management company confirmed after an investigation that two of the three bystanders were employees, and were fired for failing to help the woman.

In Montreal, at the end of March 2021, a woman named Rebecca Ng was the victim of anti-Asian harassment.

When she was on the metro line on her way home after work, a man boarded the train. When he saw her, he immediately approached her while laughing.

He started moving his hands closer to her, and when she asked him to stop, he continued to laugh. The harassment continued when he said racist phrases such as, “Oh, you are Asian, fChina, f- Japan.” Ng started to record him on her phone, and as soon as she did, he covered his face and pulled his hat over his eyes. In the video, the man moved closer to the camera, making a gun-shaped gesture with his hand, pretending to shoot her in the head.

After Rebecca Ng’s video was posted to social media, Charles Xu saw it and recognized the man. Xu, along with his girlfriend, had met the same man only one hour before Ng did. Xu had parked across from the metro station, and the man approached the couple’s car. He temporarily left after making an explicit hand gesture through the window. They encountered the man for a second time with him yelling the same obscenities, “f- China, f- Japan.” They quickly returned to their car, and the man left.

Throughout the past year, the number of anti-Asian hate crimes has increased exponentially, especially in Canada and the United States. These victims do not deserve the alarming amount of hate crimes and assault there has been. It is incredibly important at this time to stand up for the Asian community, show solidarity, and do what is possible to end the fear faced by so many. By educating yourself and others, safely intervening when someone is being harassed, and reporting hate crimes, you can play an active role in helping to support and empower Asian communities.

EXTERNAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 9 WORLD

Royal Family updates: a monarchy under the spotlight Amanda Wilson Section Editor Hannah Benjamin Layout Editor

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he British Royal Family is one of the most prominent and recognizable families in the world.

Dating back to the 10th century, the Royal Family has never been out of the spotlight. With several main events, scandals, and headlines throughout history, including King Edward’s abdication, Prince Andrew’s involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, and Princess Diana’s death, this article will discuss the key events surrounding the family from 2021.

The Oprah Interview with Harry and Meghan

The Oprah Winfrey interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on March 7th, was explosive and possibly detrimental to the Royal Family.

Throughout the two-hour-long interview, Harry and Meghan discussed the Royal Family’s hidden racism, as well as the lack of support for mental health and safety. Many believe that the accusations shown by the royal couple surpassed those seen by Princess Diana during her 1995 interview with Martin Bashir, in which she revealed her failing marriage and, similarly, the family’s lack of support when facing bulimia and depression.

During the interview, Meghan discussed her experience with suicidal thoughts when working as a senior member of the Royal Family and while pregnant with Archie. The loneliness and isolation of being in the Royal Family, and constantly being surrounded by negative press attention evoked her emotions as she could not “see a solution.” The couple also described feeling “trapped” and “helpless” inside the family due to a lack of personal freedom. For example, the Duchess states that she was prohibited from going to lunch with her mother

as the Royals were afraid of excessive media coverage. As Meghan’s feelings became too overwhelming and more serious, she confronted Harry. She stated, “I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry, especially, because I know how much loss he has suffered, but I knew that if I didn’t say it, then I would do it. I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.” Meghan went on to say that the institution refused to support her, debunk any false claims, and protect her from racist treatment in the tabloids. When the Duchess requested assistance from the palace’s human resources department, she was advised that seeking care from a professional facility was unattainable as “it wouldn’t be good for the institution’’ and “because [she] was not a paid employee at Buckingham.” With no other options, she reached out to a close friend of Princess Diana’s to speak about her struggles and receive the encouragement, comfort, friendship, and advice she needed.

“My biggest concern was history repeating itself,” Prince Harry told Oprah, referring to his late mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car accident while being chased by paparazzi.

He also continues to add that the actions seen today are “far more dangerous [when] you add race and social media.” Currently, Meghan is much happier living in Southern California. She declares that she has become much stronger and is more hopeful about her future. “My hope for people in the takeaway from this is to know that there’s another side and that life is worth living.”

The interview also discusses the Royal Family’s concerns about Archie’s skin colour. Meghan Markle, the first biracial member of the Royal Family with a Caucasian father and an African American mother, claimed that when she was pregnant, an unidentified family member raised several “concerns and conversations about how dark [Archie’s] skin might be when he’s born.” These discussions and worries arose when Meghan and Harry later discovered that Archie would

not be granted a royal title and, as a result, would not receive police protection. Meghan was in disbelief that Archie, the “first member of colour in the [royal] family [would] not be titled the same way that other grandchildren would be.” Both refused to elaborate on who the concerned individual was, but Harry clarified off-screen that it was neither the Queen nor Prince Philip. He refused to reveal any further information, claiming that doing so “would be very damaging to them.”

Prince Philip’s Death

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, …

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle [at the age of 99],” stated the Royal Family’s website on April 9th.

Prince Philip was commended for his hard work as he supported over 900 charities, founded programs for the United Kingdom’s youth, and brought up his four children while raising Prince Charles to inherit the throne. He was also widely known for his career within the British Armed Forces, which includes the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, and his contribution during World War II.

Many shared their condolences and accolades, including members of the Royal Family. Harry and Meghan commemorated Philip through their non-profit website, Archwell. Harry’s message explained, “You will be sorely missed, but always remembered—by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts.”

Prince William stated, “My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation,” and further explained that he felt fortunate to have had Philip’s example to guide him. Princess Anne said, “My father has been my teacher, my supporter and my critic, but mostly it is his example of a life well-lived and service freely given that I most wanted to emulate.”

“He was a remarkable man,” Prince

Andrew announced. “We’ve almost lost the grandfather of the nation. And I feel very sorry and supportive of my mother, who’s feeling it, I think, probably more than everyone else.”

Among many others, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, United States President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Barack and Michelle Obama, and George W. Bush extended their support and love to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom. The public also paid their respects to the family by laying flowers outside Buckingham Palace and by the entrance to Windsor Castle.

Prince Philip has requested that peple avoid creating a “fuss” over his funeral. His funeral occurred on April 17th at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. As a result of the pandemic, only a small group of 30 people were permitted into the chapel. This included the Queen, her children and grandchildren, senior royals, and many of Philip’s relatives. The funeral was a simple service with no sermons, family eulogies, or readings.

The Oprah interview tarnished the family’s “perfect” image and has brought awareness to the rampant racism that persists in society. Other issues within the Royal Family could be exposed, resulting in more conflicts, and the Commonwealth countries could demand that their constitutional ties with the British monarchy be severed. In addition, the tragic event of Prince Philip’s death marks more than the loss of an eminent family member— it is an indication that Queen Elizabeth II’s leadership over the United Kingdom is in its final stages. As the throne is handed down to future generations, questions and doubts will arise about the monarchy’s practicality and value in the modern world.

More than 60% of the U.K. believe that the monarchy should be continued in the future. However, with the rapidly changing and modernizing world, is sticking to tradition really the answer?

POLITICS

The politics of Russia

The power the current Russian Government holds over its citizens’ lives Grisha Tyukin Contributor

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n January 17, 2021, Russia’s opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow.

Prior to this, the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia placed Navalny on Russia’s most wanted list as a result of allegedly violating the rules of his 2014 embezzlement conviction known as the Yves Rocher case, where Navalny and his brother were convicted of stealing approximately $500,000 from two Russian companies. The Eu-

ropean Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found Navalny’s and his brother Oleg’s case to be unfairly prosecuted. The Simonovsky Court of Moscow satisfied the Federal Penitentiary Service’s demand and replaced Alexei Navalny’s suspended sentence with imprisonment for 2 years and six months. The ECHR also called for the release of Navalny after the court decision.

On August 20, 2020, Alexei Navalny was poisoned and sent to Germany for recovery. The Bundeswehr laboratory discovered that Alexei Navalny was poisoned by a toxic Novichok nerve agent ( a class of organic chemicals that disrupt the mechanisms by which nerves transfer messages to organs). To verify the presence of Novi-

chok in Navalny’s blood, the German government asked France, Sweden and other European partners to independently substantiate the German results. The new investigation coincided with the German results. The Russian Government is the only government to have access to Novichok because of their chemical research carried out by the Soviet Union from 1971 to 1993.

This indicated that only the Russian government could have tried to kill Navalny using Novichok.

This attempt to get rid of Russia’s main oppositionist, Alexei Navalny, shows the world that the Russian government has the power to kill and arrest any of their citizens. Countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Germany will try

to find killers. In Russia, however, the police will not investigate as Navalny is against Putin and the United Russia party (the largest political party in the Russian Federation). As a result of Alexei Navalny not dying, the government arrested and imprisoned him for 2 years and 6 months.

10 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | EXTERNAL POLITICS

The politics of Russia Grisha Tyukin Contributor

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7 января 2021 года лидер российской оппозиции Алексей Навальный, был задержан в международном аэропорту Шереметьево в Москве. До этого ФСИН России поместил Навального в самый разыскиваемый список в России в результате якобы нарушения правил его осуждения за хищение в 2014 году, известного как дело Ива Роше, по которому Навальный и его брат были осуждены за хищение примерно 500000 долларов у двух российских компании. Европейский суд по правам человека (ЕСПЧ) признал дело Навального и его брата Олега

сфабрикованным. Симоновский суд Москвы удовлетворил иск ФСИН и заменил Алексею Навальному условный приговор лишением свободы сроком на 2 года и 6 месяцев. ЕСПЧ также потребовал освободить Навального после решения суда.

20 августа 2020 года Алексей Навальный был отравлен и отправлен на выздоровление в Германию. Лаборатория Бундесвера обнаружила, что Алексей Навальный был отравлен токсичным нервнопаралитическим веществом Новичок (класс органических химикатов, нарушающих механизмы, с помощью которых нервы передают сообщения органам). Чтобы подтвердить наличие Новичка в крови Навального, правительство Германии попросило Францию,

Швецию и других европейских партнеров самостоятельно обосновать результаты Германии. Новое расследование совпало с немецкими результатами. Российское правительство единственное правительство, имеющее доступ к Новичку, так как химические исследования Новичка проводились Советским Союзом с 1971 по 1993 год. Это указывает на то, что только российское правительство могло пытаться убить Навального с помощью Новичка.

20 августа 2020 года Алексей Навальный был отравлен и отправлен на выздоровление в Германию. Лаборатория Бундесвера обнаружила, что Алексей Навальный был отравлен токсичным нервнопаралитическим веществом Новичок

(класс органических химикатов, нарушающих механизмы, с помощью которых нервы передают сообщения органам). Чтобы подтвердить наличие Новичка в крови Навального, правительство Германии попросило Францию, Швецию и других европейских партнеров самостоятельно обосновать результаты Германии. Новое расследование совпало с немецкими результатами. Российское правительство единственное правительство, имеющее доступ к Новичку, так как химические исследования Новичка проводились Советским Союзом с 1971 по 1993 год. Это указывает на то, что только российское правительство могло пытаться убить Навального с помощью Новичка.

ACTIVISM

The impact of the TraffickingHub movement Nathalie Adriana Funes Serna Editor in Chief

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ornHub’s business system has been collapsing since 2020, and its end now seems imminent.

Laila Mickelwait, advocate and antitrafficker campaigner, has been fighting since February 2020 to shut down PornHub as it is a site that profits off of sexual assault victims and sex-trafficking.

After months of continuous advocacy, Mickelwait’s TraffickingHub campaign managed to raise awareness about these harmful practices worldwide. The international coverage and public pressure forced PornHub to rebuild its business model, Thailand to officially ban PornHub for illicit practices, renowned financial services to stop lending their services to PornHub, and 20 Canadian legislators to demand legal action against PornHub.

MindGeek, a parent company whose headquarters are in Montreal, owns the majority of the most visited unethical porn sites, including PornHub, RedTube, and YouPorn.

MindGeek claimed “[they] have zero tolerance for child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Pornhub is unequivocally committed to combating CSAM, and has instituted an industry-leading trust and safety policy to identify and eradicate illegal material from our community.’’

However, in PornHub’s 2020 transparency report, which was established after its child exploitation practices had gained international attention, they declared 4,171 unique reports of potential child sexual abuse material in 2020. PornHub also declared that in a one-year period they approved the streaming of 653,465

videos that contained illegal practices some of which include animal abuse, child pornography, and sexual assault, among other crimes.

In a live interview on December 2020, Nicholas Kristof, a New York Times Opinion Columnist, stated that ‘’most of the pornography on this site does involve consent; it is a minority of the videos that are problematic.’’

Nonetheless, due to the high number of uploads per year, 6.83 million in 2019, a ‘’minority of millions of millions of videos is really problematic...

This is not about porn; it is about rape and sexual abuse of children. And on this website, there are videos of unconscious women whose rapists touch their eyeballs to show that they are completely unresponsive as they are being assaulted.’’

A woman from Ontario is suing MindGeek for $600 million for profiting off of her rape when she was 12 years old. In California, 40 women are also suing MindGeek for knowingly continuing to partner with GirlsDoPorn. The latter was a pornography website that has been shut down after the federal government charged its owners for sex-trafficking. The 40 plaintiffs allege that since 2008, MindGeek has been aware of the sextrafficking, coercion, and intimidation these plaintiffs were subject to in every video. In 2016, one of the victims directly contacted PornHub saying the following: “I’m going to kill myself if this stays up here. I was scammed and told this was only going to be on DVDs in another country. Please I’m begging you please [I’ll] pay!” Her request was unsuccessful and MindGeek continued streaming this content on PornHub and their other websites.

On February 5, 2021, David Marmorstein Tassillo, Feras Antoon, and Corey Urman, Executives of PornHub, were required to testify in front

of the Canadian Parliament’s House of Commons Ethics Committee.

Upon being asked about the type of training given to moderators and the number of people employed for that position, Tasillo said “It is an internal document that I believe is best kept internal.’’

MP Jag Sahota asked them why terms such as ‘’rape,” “ underage,” “children,” “middle schooler”, and more are used to categorize content and make it more easily accessible to all users.

Tasillo responded that they do not allow such a tag system, despite MP Jag Sahota giving an exact example of this occurrence.

MindGeek executives told Parliament that they abide by Canadian Law. Nonetheless, a document from 2018 was uncovered by Montreal journalists, where MindGeek executives said, ‘’The company has indicated that the law [requiring us to report child pornography to the authorities] does not apply because it is not a Canadian company.”

Antoon claimed that MindGeek employees see and moderate every video uploaded. However, they also disclosed that they have 18,000 employees for this task, despite receiving 2.8 hours of content every minute.

However, some of Tusillo’s statements contradicted what Antoon claimed.

For example, Tusillo claimed that the content moderated is only that which is flagged by digital screening apps.

Additionally, on March 2nd, a PornHub employee sent Mickelwait their work schedule, which revealed they hired less than 10 moderators per shift.

Arnold Viersen, a member of Parliament said after the hearing: “It’s clear more than ever that MindGeek’s whole business model was built on zero verification of age and consent.

This needs to end and we will end it.’’

A couple of weeks after the hearing, three class actions on behalf of abused children were launched in Alabama, California, and Montreal. By March 15, 2021, over 100 sexual exploitation victims and 70 parliamentarians have urged Prime Minister Trudeau and the Canadian government to lay criminal charges on MindGeek’s executives

Laila Mickelwait pioneered a successful international discussion that encouraged other companies and consumers to adopt ethical practices.

For example, xHamster is no longer accepting user-generated content video downloads. This is a major step to keep companies in line and avoid rape videos from being downloaded and kept forever by multiple people; this way, victims do not have the constant fear of having their assaults reuploaded over and over as that has been the case with PornHub and other sites.

Such is the case for 19-yearold Nicole, whose videos showing her naked were first uploaded into PornHub when she was 15 and are still found there. In a letter to PornHub, she questioned them: “Why do videos of me from when I was 15 years old and blackmailed, which is child porn, continuously [get] uploaded? You really need a better system. … I tried to kill myself multiple times after finding myself reuploaded on your website.”

With the download button disabled, stories like Nicole will become less common.

Moreover, more unethical companies are beginning to be held accountable for their illicit practices.

Currently, Xvideos is no longer supported by PayPal and it is being investigated by the Czech police and survivors of their sexual exploitation are coming forward. Laila Mickelwait declared: “Xvideos… is the next to fall.”

EXTERNAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 11

BUSINESS

The profitable side of Bell Let’s Talk Natasha Bernstein Contributor

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ince 2010, Bell Let’s Talk Day has become an incredibly well known and slightly controversial topic that has reached the attention of millions. Year after year, a new one-minute video is posted on January 28, continuing to be liked and shared by almost every single viewer. This year’s video, which had nothing to do with the actual topic of mental health, featured Michael Bublé doing everyday household chores while repeatedly stating that by watching this video, viewers were supporting mental health awareness. Bell has claimed that their goal is to reduce stigma by normalizing the discussion of mental health, however, the video had yet to discuss anything about it.

This ongoing occurrence has led to a spark of confusion and anger for many. Few have taken Bell Let’s Talk Day as a social media break, as the reposts flooding everyone’s feeds can become overwhelming and somewhat of a nuisance. Throughout January, Bell Let’s Talk is everywhere. On billboards, social media ads, a quick commercial in the middle of a YouTube video, and more. It seems almost inescapable with the same hashtag and advertisements being thrown in your face.

This leads to the question, why is Bell Let’s Talk, not just “Let’s Talk”? By putting their brand name into a hashtag that is viewed by a large amount of the population online, it’s almost as though they are advertising

their brand in a way that costs them practically nothing. As people continue to repost, the company doesn’t have to pay for the ad to be spread around.

Bell’s role in advertisement awareness is probably the most known at this moment, picking on a present and pressing societal dilemma. To say the least, almost everyone is familiar with their brand name, whether they use them as a part of their phone plan, or simply support their campaign.

The publicity behind Bell Let’s Talk is something that has been well discussed and argued over in recent years. As Bell is a telecommunication’s ‘giant’, it’s been hard for individuals to dig up dirt on the truth and significance behind the campaign. With their wealth and size, they have been able to cover up and ignore almost every opposing opinion towards their campaign, which has been titled by many as ‘corporate activism’.

Bell, being a billion-dollar corporation, has prided itself in the millions they have donated towards mental health non-profits every year.

This year, in 2021, they donated a record breaking $7.9 million, and with all schemes relating to free advertisement put aside, this is great! But, being a wealthy corporation whose annual profits reached a sum of $3 billion that exact year, $7.9 million barely makes a dent. Yes, the way they are raising money for their campaign is unique - they donate by the volume of social media interactions that they receive on Bell Let’s Talk Day. It’s important to mention that those with private accounts reposting #BellLetsTalk. For example, a large percentage of posts and reposts made by kids and teenag-

ers don’t get seen by Bell. This fact is not known to many, which leads to this ad disguised as a mental health awareness post to be spread with little to no cost. They could follow along, and rather than having an entire campaign, Bell could simply donate millions of dollars a year. In hindsight, what’s the difference? They’re supporting a good cause, right? Well, by creating Bell Let’s Talk, they are commercializing their brand at an incredibly low cost, due to the millions who repost their brand and slogan on social media.

Not to mention, Bell remains clear that their goal is to reduce stigma around mental health discussion, meaning, it becomes a challenge to attest against them as a greedy corporation that is doing all of this for commercial profit. Since mental health is a prevalent subject in our society, anyone who would go against the campaign would undoubtedly receive some backlash. Because let’s not forget, they’re spreading awareness and achieving their goal by bringing the discussion to mental health, are they not?

Bell’s rebuttals to these claims have been that they put their name on the campaign “because no one else would”. The truth seems to be that there was no need for them to put their name onto their campaign other than for commercial success. If anything, Bell Let’s Talk brings other topics to the conversation. Arguments debating their true objective, or if they are having an impact on mental health awareness, which is the opposite of the demanding issue at hand: the stigma of mental health and illness in our society.

In addition, Bell Let’s Talks Day’s annual advertisement portrays nothing related to the actual topic of mental health. They could be showing the realities of what many people go through daily as a way of educating others. Instead, they have a celebrity (such as Micheal Bublé) doing absolutely nothing but repeating that the viewers are supporting mental health by watching the entire 60 seconds of the commercial. It seems as though they are ignoring the harsh realities that come alongside the battle of fighting against mental illness. By simply saying “let’s talk” and reposting a video, not much is being done other than raising money and awareness. They are not talking about the very thing they promote talking about. Giving people genuine resources could create a larger impact, normalizing the realities of what many go through in their everyday lives could create an even larger impact, reposting a hashtag… try again.

By no means are we denying the impact that Bell Let’s Talk has had. Many supporters on social media have indeed found other people that go through the same struggles and have felt comfortable enough to share their stories on Bell Let’s Talk Day. It is meeting their supposed goal of normalizing discussion, but there is an undeniable harsh truth to the profitable side of Bell Let’s Talk. None of this implies that we should boycott January 28; it just means that you should be mindful of following along with what everyone is reposting on social media and to take a look at the big picture of situations and the possible intentions behind them.

BIOGRAPHY

The story of Sarah Everard

Sofia Donohue Contributor

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n March 3rd, 2021, Sarah Everard, a British woman, went missing on the way home from a friend’s house in Clapham, south London. On March 10th, human remains were found in woodland near Ashford, Kent and two days later, the remains were confirmed to be Everard. Sarah, 33 years old at the time of death, was a marketing executive in south London.

Originally from York, she graduated from St Cuthbert’s Society at Durham University in 2008, before relocating to London to pursue her career.

In Clapham, Sarah Everard attended a dinner at her friend’s house.

At 9:00 pm, she began walking to her home in Brixton while wearing a green rain jacket, blue pants, and a lightcoloured face mask. As a precaution, Everard remained on the phone with her boyfriend, Josh Lowth, until 9:27 pm where they ended the phone call.

This would have been the last time Everard was seen or heard from if not for a doorbell camera that captured a video of her walking down the street at around 9:30 pm. The next day, Lowth reported her missing due to her absence at a work meeting and his inability to contact her, which he said was unusual for Sarah.

Everard’s parents, Jeremy and

Sue, and her siblings, James and Katie, travelled from York to London to assist in the search after she was reported missing. On March 11th, Sarah’s family released a statement after the body was discovered, “Our beautiful daughter Sarah was taken from us and we are appealing for any information that will help to solve this terrible crime. Sarah was bright and beautiful, a wonderful daughter and sister. She was kind and thoughtful, caring and dependable.

She always put others first and had the most amazing sense of humour.

She was strong and principled and a shining example to us all. We are very proud of her and she brought so much joy to our lives.”

Violence against women is an ongoing issue globally, and unfortunately, Sarah Everard was not the first to be a victim of this crime. If there is no change, she will not be the last.

Many people around the world were moved by her story and felt compelled to take action to prevent Everard’s tragedy from being repeated.

This began the renewal of the ending violence against women movement.

This movement began in Britain but quickly spread worldwide along with Sarah’s story. At Clapham Common in south London, a memorial was held where many left flowers including the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. The location of the memorial was held where Sarah was last seen on the night of March 3rd to represent the tragedy that occurred that night. That

evening, protests broke out and the sizable crowd began chanting “Shame on you!” and “How many more!” Some held tea lights and others held signs that had phrases including “End Violence Against Women” and “She Was Only Walking Home.” Several of the women who attended the vigil were arrested and placed in handcuffs by the police, which angered many, including feminist organizations and conservative politicians.

Thousands of women have since shared their stories on social media to add awareness to this issue with Ms. Everard’s case acting as a symbol for the dangers faced by women in society. Both men and women have also spoken up on various social media platforms. This has educated others and brought light to this situation.

The posts have also made violence

against women a more popular topic in the last month which has increased awareness of this issue. One statistic, in particular, has become very well known around the world as it has been included in several posts and discussions about the movement. An investigation by UN Women UK found that 97% of women aged 18-24 have experienced sexual harassment in some form and many were appalled at the sizable number.

The death of Sarah Everard is nothing less than a tragedy, but it is also a reminder that it is crucial to remain safe and to speak up when something wrong occurs. The growing awareness of violence against women on social media will hopefully lead to change to create a safer planet for all women.

Illustration by Baran Forootan

12 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | EXTERNAL COVID-19

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Canada How the rise in cases and the rate of distribution will determine our future.

Dorigen Gray Contributor

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t has been over a year since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the world is finally witnessing the vaccine rollout. With vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer becoming more readily available to Canadians, the country is seeing a slow vaccination process compared to countries like Israel and the United States. We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but with constant delays, Canada, specifically Ontario, is behind many other countries around the world when it comes to vaccinating its population. It’s unclear what the future holds for the country, but the third wave has arrived, and new strains are infecting Canadians at an alarming rate. The province is likely to see a rise in mortality rates in the coming months unless the speed of vaccinations catches up to where Ontario will see a halt to the spread of COVID-19 before the summer.

During an unsettling time in the pandemic, vaccines provide hope.

Almost 20% of Canada’s population has had their first dose of the vaccine, with only 2% being fully vaccinated.

All of these vaccinations are done using Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

While the Johnson&Johnson vaccine has been approved in Canada since March 5, the single-shot vaccine has yet to be added into the national vaccine rollout campaign as doses haven’t arrived in the country. But compared to countries like the United States, Israel, and Britain, Canada is not doing well with their slow distribution rate.

Just over 60% of Israel’s population is already fully vaccinated. However, the number of people that Israel has to vaccinate is much less, with a popu-

lation of only 9 million compared to Canada’s 37 million. To compare, Israel has vaccinated about 5.4 million people to Canada’s 7.6 million people.

Since Israel is a smaller country with a smaller population, it makes it easier for them to stop the spread of the virus. While Canada is both larger and has a bigger population, it allows the virus and the new variants to spread like wildfire.

Variants such as B1.525 (first identified in Nigeria), B.1.1.7 (first identified in the U.K.), B.1.351 (first identified in South Africa) and P.1 (first identified in Brazil) have become more prevalent throughout Canada.

As of April 19, roughly 64,500 cases of variant strains have been identified in Canada. Since the end of March 2021, 67% of new COVID cases among Canadians have involved a variant strand of the virus. The variants also increased the risk of hospitalization by 63 percent, intensive care admissions by 103 percent, and death by 56 percent. This is causing a national panic, as new evidence suggests that the virus mutations interact differently with the human body. According to Mayo Clinic, the mutations make it easier for the virus to bind to and infect cells, making it more contagious than the first strain. Additionally, evidence shows that the B.1.17 specifically led to a 60% increase in both risks of death or hospitalization and a 100% greater risk of admission to intensive care.

In Ontario, younger and younger patients are being admitted to the ICU. In the first week of April, officials reported that nearly half of the province’s COVID-19 ICU patients were under the age of 60. “As the new variants spread, you will see that COVID-19 is killing faster and younger,” said Adalsteinn Brown, a senior science advisor to the Ontario government, “It’s spreading far more quickly

than it was before and we cannot vaccinate quickly enough to break this third wave”. With morbidity surrounding the state of the province’s ICU, admissions relating to the pandemic have come to an all-time high. As of April 19, the provincial government reported 755 patients in the ICU with COVID-related illness, an increase of 165 from just the week before. As case numbers continue to grow this rapidly, doctors are revealing that hospitals have become overwhelmed. This has forced them to create a triage area for patients and now difficult decisions are starting to be made regarding who gets care. Currently, Ontario is witnessing entire families ending up in the hospital, with four out of ten patients dying from the virus.

According to Health Canada, Ontario specifically is delayed when it comes to vaccination numbers; placing 8th compared to other provinces and territories. For instance, Yukon is in the lead with roughly 57% of their population vaccinated, yet they have a population of about 42,00 compared to Ontario’s 14,000,000. As of April 19, only 20% of Ontario’s population has received their first dose of the vaccine, and with the third wave barreling through the province, the only way to slow it down is through the extremely strict lockdown currently taking place.

With case numbers higher than ever, Canada’s vaccination rollout continues to move at a slow pace.

Currently, Canada has secured the world’s largest number of potential COVID vaccine doses per capita but is struggling to get those doses into Canadians. Canada has signed deals with multiple vaccine suppliers for a total of 400 million doses, but the country was not prioritized on the delivery list. This is partially because Canada first decided to invest in vaccines from European factories in December

2020, afraid that the US, under former President Donald Trump, would issue export bans, delaying the delivery of the vaccines. However, European factories are struggling with supply and demand, and the EU has recently been threatening export bans. Another reason for the slow rollout is that Canada lacks domestic production capacity for vaccines, meaning that we do not manufacture our own vaccines. Canada’s delivery delays are causing a delay in the vaccine process, putting the country behind schedule in terms of doses administered.

As Ontario enters phase 2 of its vaccination effort, the provincial government’s plan is to have an increasing stock of vaccines available to older adults, people in high-risk settings, essential frontline workers, and other populations that are at greater risk of illness. With a greater number of people now becoming eligible for the vaccine, Premier Doug Ford has promised “a brighter summer ahead for all of us” if people follow health protocols and get vaccinated when possible. Phase 2 is expected to last until the end of June.

Once Phase 2 ends, the Ontario government plan for phase 3 is to have vaccines be widely available to anyone who would like to be immunized. Starting in July of 2021, the provincial government will allow the public, aged 16 and older, who wish to be vaccinated to be immunized.

If the third wave has taught society anything, it is the importance of quickly vaccinating citizens and that attempting to control the spread of the variants is the only way for Canadians to have a chance at a normal life sometime in the near future.

WORLD

The connection between Chile and China

Sofia Radic Contributor

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hina and Chile are connected to each other in many ways, especially through economics and immigration. These connections are most prevalent in their trade

agreements and immigrants in each others’ countries.

The trade agreements between China and Chile are significant. Chile was the first country in South America to have trade agreements with China, and provides China with copper, niter, pulp, paper, fish, timber, red wine, marine alga, potassium sulphate, and fruit. In return, China exports electrical equipment, vehicles, plastic,

cotton, iron, and steel to Chile. The plethora of products exchanged shows a great interdependence between the two countries.

These countries also exchange immigrants often. There are over 20,000 Chinese people living in Chile with most of them residing in the neighbourhoods Santiago and Patronato. The majority of Chinese stores are also located in Santiago. As

well, there are many Chileans living in China as immigrants - according to Datosmarco.com, there were 10,540 Chilean immigrants in China in 2019.

These are the immigrants that are in each others countries that there is a record of.

Overall, China and Chile have many connections to each other, and will continue to have these connections well into the future.

EXTERNAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 13

POLITICS

The Biden administration

Cameron Gilliland Contributor

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hat phrase was spoken within the address that Biden gave on inauguration day on January 20th, 2021. In that address, he spoke of how he felt history could remember us, about the raging pandemic and burgeoning divide on many socioeconomic and socio-political fronts, and the importance of unity as a nation. That address was 77 days ago, and since then a lot has happened, from a stimulus package to new crises unfolding. In the following paragraphs, I will break down the most important work the Biden administration has managed to achieve within its first 77 days.

The Pandemic

After the Trump administration and heading into his first day in office, Biden had a large task at hand.

The Trump administration had gaffed its pandemic response and left behind a dire situation growing worse by the hour. Cases were rising exponentially, and deaths had mounted to heights far beyond the original, and grim, 100,000 death prognostication Fauci made back in March of 2020. With vaccines starting to reach the public, even, “The process to distribute the vaccine, particularly outside of nursing homes and hospitals out into the community as a whole, did not really exist when [Biden] came into the White House” (Ron Klain, ‘Meet the Press’). Biden had to start from scratch, building a vaccine distribution plan out of the non-existent one Trump left behind, and had to put out a raging dumpster fire with what seemed like a pipette of water.

He started by setting goals, promising 100 million vaccines administered by his first 100 days, and instituting a mandatory mask mandate and social distancing order through an executive order on all Federal land and Federal workplaces. He also signed an executive order to focus the entire Federal government on a coordinated Covid-19 response and created the title of ‘Covid-19 Response Coordinator’, which is more of a team with members like Dr. Fauci and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky. He has also ramped up vaccine production all across the United States with millions of doses being pumped out each month. 77 days later, and Biden has so far surpassed all expectations held for his administration’s pandemic response. As of April 14th, approximately 192 million doses of the Covid -19 vaccine, whether from Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson and John-

son, have been given out in the United States. With now 22.7% of the U.S population having been fully vaccinated, and the Covid – 19 vaccine being open to all adults 18 and over on April 19th, Biden is sure to hit or even surpass his new goal of 200 million shots by his 100th day in office. His progress is staggering and has put the U.S back on track to getting out of the pandemic.

However, with the B.17 variant and others like it becoming the dominant strain of the virus, it is imperative that the U.S. vaccinate as quickly as possible to avoid not only a halt but possibly a major regression in its efforts to safely re-open. As well, with states like Texas and Mississippi rescinding their respective mask mandates and Texas re-opening to pre-pandemic conditions, the U.S. pandemic response is in possible jeopardy with these states not being close to any levels of possible herd immunity. The CDC has warned of ‘impending doom’, and such callous ignorance to what the science is saying is a dangerous rolling of the dice. Yet, progress is progress, and the Biden administration is well on track to hopefully reach a fully vaccinated population within the calendar year.

Economic Recovery

The economy is always a make-or-break aspect of any President’s first term in office. By President Biden’s first day in office, the United States still had a net loss of 10 million jobs compared to before the pandemic.

With millions of jobless Americans, Biden on his first day in office committed to an economic stimulus package and signed an executive order to pause Federal student loan payments, and on his third day signed executive orders extending the 15% increase in funding for food assistance programs, asked the Department of Veterans Affairs to consider a freeze on federal debt collection for around two million veterans, guaranteed unemployment insurance for workers who refused to work because of Covid – 19, asked the Treasury Department to better carry out its logistical process of delivering stimulus checks, and signed an executive order asking all federal departments to put a focus on how to best pull the U.S out of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. These were all major steps in the process of economic recovery, but executive orders are more like directions - they tell you where to go but do not drive the car to the destination. What is the car of this journey, and what will get the states to its destination of not only economic recovery but economic prosperity, are Bidens American Rescue and Infrastructure

plans.

Way back when Obama was in his first term and Biden was Vice President, they had inherited the 2008 financial crisis. Before Obama had even stepped foot into office, he had helped President Bush pass TARP, which was the first of a series of economic stimulus packages to push the economy out of the deep end of the recession. By the end of Obama’s first month in office, he signed his $831 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which saw major investments in stabilizing the housing markets, unemployment and veterans benefits, stimulus checks of $300 dollars to many impoverished and now jobless Americans, and major spending in energy and infrastructure.

Even though some economists called it too small, it still got the job done, seeing the post-recession economy booming well into the Trump administration where that progress would fall apart under his leadership. With Biden now back in office as President, it was his turn to pass a major public stimulus package building upon what Obama’s ARRA had laid out.

The American Rescue Plan is Biden’s $1.9 trillion-dollar stimulus package aimed at ending the recession and re-starting the American economy. It provides $1400 stimulus checks to citizens making a current salary under $75,000 a year, a $3000 tax credit per child for families with kids from 7 – 17, and a $3600 check for families with kids under six. The bill also provided billions in funding for education and housing to ensure that students can go back to class and people can afford to stay in their homes.

On top of the American Rescue Plan, which is intended to mainly stabilize the economy, the American Jobs Plan is meant to restart the American economic machine and usher in an era of economic prosperity. The two trillion-dollar plan focuses largely on infrastructure, a sector of the American economy in dire straits. The last major investment in infrastructure happened under the Eisenhower administration in the ’50s with his interstate highway initiative. Since then, America’s infrastructure has aged significantly, with the U.S. ranked 13th in the world for the quality of its infrastructure. The plan not only will fix, but modernize America’s infrastructure. It promises to build 500,000 new electric car stations, replace the Federal government’s fleet of vehicles with electric ones, repair or replace 10,000 bridges, and repair or replace America’s 10 most economically significant bridges.

It will rebuild and repair roads, highways, and trails. It also promises to end subsidies for the fossil fuel industry

and put a greater focus on the environment with the type of infrastructure they build for the energy sector. It also hopes to raise the corporate tax rate to 28% and put a focus on creating strong union jobs to rebuild the middle class and tighten wealth inequality which has grown exponentially since the dot com boom of the 90’s and early 2000’s.

The plan is also the largest jobs initiative since FDR’s New Deal and the Second World War. It will revolutionize the American economy and take a step forward in the goals set out in legislation like AOC’s Green New Deal.

This, coupled with the American Rescue Plan, is poised to hopefully promote decades of economic prosperity, and re-shift the American economy to meet the needs now and not the times of old.

Conclusion

The Pandemic response and American Rescue and Jobs Plan are just the tip of the iceberg that’s been Biden’s first 77 days in office. He has also signed executives orders ending Trump era policies such as the Muslim Ban, and ended the transgender military ban. Biden also re-entered the U.S into the Paris Climate Agreement, re-joined the WHO, signed an executive order ordering an assessment on racial equity within all departments and branches of the Federal government, and much more. There have also been some trials and tribulations. As of April 14th, two major mass shootings have occurred in the nation since coming into office. The first in Atlanta, where a lone gunman murdered eight, including six Asian-American women and in Colorado, where another lone gunman killed 10 at a grocery store.

Another attack gripped the U.S. Capitol as well, where a man rammed his car into two U.S. Capitol police officers, killing one in the process. Biden has yet to take any action at gun control in wake of the attack, and these incidents are yet another example of the volatile social upheaval and divide in the United States, and the continued problem of extremism and unregulated gun access. The Biden Administration has done great work though, more than some administrations could accomplish in a whole term, but more work lies ahead. In 43 state legislators across the U.S., 250 laws have been introduced and many passed restricting voting, with the Georgia state legislature passing voter suppression laws so severe it’s been called by Biden, ‘Jim Crow 2.0’. The path ahead will not be easy, with the partisan divide crippling their democratic infrastructure, but with the progress we have seen in his first 77 days, the future looks bright.

14 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | EXTERNAL ECONOMY

The interdependency between China and Canada The economic relationship between Canada and China will continue for many years.

Scarlett Yi Contributor

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s Canada is in North America and China is in Asia, the two major countries on different continents have always had long-term political and economic relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada in October 1970 and the signing of an inter-governmental trade agreement in 1973, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has maintained a good momentum of development. It has developed from single commodity trade to a comprehensive, cross-field, and diversified trade, economic technology cooperation. The flow of goods, services, personnel, and increasing capital between the two countries has become frequent; economic ties have been continuously strengthened. Although the global economy has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, the trade between Canada and China is still constant. China is Canada’s second most important bilateral commercial partner. Canada’s imports from and exports to China are diverse by product, and the complexity of the traded products are at approximately the same level. “Unlike many of Canada’s trading partners, exports to China have been climbing steadily and did not fall during the global economic crisis,” Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance reports. The CAFTA also comments that “China is, and will remain, Canada’s second-largest national twoway trade partner after the US ‘’. The reason why Canada and China have recurrent trade exchanges is due to their interdependency, and the high interdependence comes from their need for each other.

As a member of G7 and G20, Canada is one of the richest countries in the world, and has an interdependent relationship with China. First of all, Canada is a sparsely populated country. It is a country with a high GDP per capita. But because of its expensive labour costs, Canada is not a big manufacturing country. The Apple mobile phones and computers we use are all made in China because of the high efficiency of its manufacturing. Therefore, among China’s exports to Canada, the export value of electrical and electronic equipment in 2019 was as high as 14.6 billion Canadian dollars. A total of 28% of things in the world are made in China. Therefore, in terms of manufacturing, China is considered a strong country. It is not difficult to judge from the export value of electronic equipment and electrical products. China’s second largest exports to Canada are machinery, nuclear reactors, and boilers, with imports amounting to 13.8 billion CAD. This is also because China is a big manufacturing country. China

has participated in the ITER program and has constructed an experimental nuclear fusion reactor called the Advanced Superconducting Tokamak Experimental Device known as EAST in Hefei. They also research and develop the thorium fuel cycle as a potential alternative to nuclear fission. China has always made achievements in nuclear reactors. This also paved the way for Canada to import Chinese nuclear reactors.

China’s third and fourth largest exports to Canada are furniture, illuminated signs, prefabricated buildings, toys, games, and sporting goods.

The total trade volume was 4.36 billion CAD and 3.3 billion CAD respectively.

From the numbers, it is obvious that Canada has imported a lot of products made in China, including plastics and clothes. Perhaps the phone you are using, the clothes you are wearing, and the chair you are sitting on were all made in China. People’s lives are inseparable from those made in China. Of course, China has also taken advantage of being a major manufacturing country. Since joining the WTO in 2000, until 2021, it has developed rapidly from a developing country to an industrialized country.

This is also inseparable from Canada’s high imports of China, as the world’s second largest economy and a major importer and exporter, depends on Canada for many resources. China is a country with 1.4 billion people, but it does not have enough natural resources. Therefore, its exporters must be countries that can provide a large number of natural resources, such as forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery products. The country that can provide

this is Canada, which is sparsely populated and rich in natural resources. So, what does Canada export to China?

Among Canada’s exports to China, plant products are the largest category of products, accounting for 20.9% of Canada’s total exports to China, with an export value of 4.79 billion CAD.

Canada’s second largest export to China is cellulose pulp and paper, with an import value of 3.65 billion CAD. This is closely related to Canadian forest products. In the field of forest products, such as wood and wood pulp, Canada is the largest supplier of the fast-growing Chinese market, owns 10% of the world’s forests, and is a major exporter of softwood lumber, newsprint and pulp. Canada has developed a globally recognized forest certification system and owns 42% of the world’s certified forest areas. As China is vigorously advocating for the use of low-carbon energy-saving materials for earthquake-resistant buildings, it has brought new opportunities for Canada’s recognized highvalue-added wood products. Canada is eagerly looking forward to using wood-structured building systems to build safe and energy-efficient buildings for China. Canadian forest products can also meet China’s demand for non-traditional innovative products and new by-products. China imported a total of 8,798,600 tons of pulp, with an import value of 7.61 billion CAD. Among them, the cumulative amount of pulp imported from Canada reached 1.64 billion CAD.

Canada’s third-largest export to China is mineral products, with an import value of 2.64 billion CAD. China is Canada’s fifth importer of natural

resources commodities, with imports of 4.9 billion CAD in 2011, accounting for 3.5% of Canada’s total exports of natural resources commodities.

Among them, metal and mineral commodities accounted for three-quarters of such commodities imported from China. “It’s all part and parcel of the Silk Road initiative, referring to Beijing’s worldwide Belt and Road investment strategy,” The Globe and Mail states.

Canada, which is rich in natural resources, exports many natural resource commodities to China, such as plants, forests, and minerals. Agricultural products, animals, etc. are closely followed. Many of the pork and beef that the Chinese eat are imported from Canada, and the seeds and soybeans used in agriculture are also imported from Canada where quality is more guaranteed.

China and Canada have always had a good relationship. With the development of trade between the two countries, the contacts between the two countries became deeper and deeper. Now, more and more Chinese people come to study in Canada, which focuses on education and talent training, and more and more people immigrate to Canada to enjoy life here. In Canada, more and more companies have gone to China to invest in China.

As a bridge between China and Canada, they have improved a large number of trade assets and the economic level of the two countries, realizing bilateral trade. The economic relationship between Canada and China will continue ---- because their relationship is interdependency.

Photo courtesy of Toronto Star

EXTERNAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 15 ECONOMY

加中贸易的相互依赖性

Photo coutesy of BIV Scarlett Yi Contributor

北

美洲的加拿大和亚洲的中国 作为两个大洲的大国，在政 治和经济上一直有着长期 的交流和贸易。自1970年10月中加建 交、1973年签订政府间贸易协定以来， 两国经贸合作一直保持良好的发展势 头。加中已从单一商品贸易发展为全 面、跨领域、多元化的贸易，以及经济 技术合作。两国之间的商品、服务、 人员和越来越多的资本流动变得频繁， 经济联系不断加强。尽管在新冠病毒期 间，全球经济受到重创，但加拿大和中 国之间的贸易仍然蒸蒸日上。中国是加 拿大第二重要的双边贸易伙伴。加拿大 从中国的进口和向中国的出口因产品而 异，所交易产品的复杂程度大致相同。 “与加拿大许多贸易伙伴不同，对中国 的出口一直在稳步增长，在全球经济危 机期间并未下降。”，加拿大农业食 品贸易联盟在报告中说到。他们还评 价：“中国现在、并将继续是加拿大的 第二大国家双向贸易伙伴”。而两个国 家之所以有着很高的相互依赖性以及他 们对彼此的需要。

作为G7、G20一员的加拿大是世 界上资源最丰富，最富裕的国家之一， 与中国有着相互依存的关系。首先， 加拿大是一个人烟稀少的国家，其总人 口甚至少于北京的总人口，是一个人均 GDP很高的国家。但由于其人工收费昂

贵，因此，加拿大并不是一个制造业大 国。而我们使用的苹果手机、电脑，都 是中国制造，则是因为中国是一个制造 业大国。因此，中国出口加拿大的商品 中，2019年电气和电子设备的出口额高 达146亿加元。世界上，一共有28%的东 西是中国制造。因此，在制造业方面， 中国算是强国的。从电子设备和电气的 出口额上数字不难判断，加拿大购买了 许多中国制造的商品。

中国对加拿大的第二大出口商 品，是机械、核反应堆和锅炉，进口额 达到10.97亿。这也来源于中国是制造 大国的原因。中国通过国际热核聚变实 验反应堆的计划参与的核聚变反应堆的 开发，已经在合肥构建了一个被称为先 进超导托卡马克实验装置的试验性核聚 变反应堆；以及研究和开发钍燃料循环 作为一个潜在的核裂变替代方法。中国 一直在核反应堆方面有成就。而这也给 加拿大进口中国核反应堆做了铺垫。

中国对加拿大的第三大和第四 大出口商品，是家具、照明标志、预制 建筑物以及玩具、游戏和运动用品。而 贸易总额分别为34亿加元和26亿加元。

综上所述，加拿大进口了很多 中国制造的物品。中国还给加拿大出口 了塑料、衣服等。或许你正在使用的 手机、穿着的衣服、坐着的凳子，就是 中国制造的。人们的生活离不开中国制 造。当然，中国也利用自己是制造大国 的优势，自2000年加入世贸以来，飞速 发展，从一个发展中国家一跃成为工业 化即将完成的国家，这也离不开加拿大 高额进口中国商品。

而作为世界第二大经济体、进 出口大国的中国，和加拿大的关系也不 容小视。中国是一个容纳14亿人口的国 家，却没有足够的自然资源。因此他们 的出口方一定是可以提供大量自然资源 例如林牧渔业商品的国家的。而这个国 家便是人烟稀少、自然资源富饶的加拿 大。那么，加拿大都出口中国哪些东西 呢？加拿大出口中国的商品中，植物产 品是第一大类产品，占到加拿大对中国 出口总额的20.9%，出口额为47.9亿加 元。

加拿大对中国的第二大出口商 品，是纤维素浆纸张，进口额达到36.5 亿加元。这和加拿大的林产品息息相 关。在林产品领域，如木材和木浆，加 拿大是快速增长的中国市场的最大供应 国。加拿大拥有世界10%的森林，是软 木木材、新闻纸和纸浆出口大国。加拿 大开发出全球认可的森林认证体系，拥 有世界42%的认证林区。由于中国正大 力倡导使用低碳节能材料的抗震建筑， 这为加拿大获得认可的高附加值木制品 带来了新机遇。加拿大热切期望用木质 结构建筑系统为中国建造安全、节能的 建筑。加拿大林产品也能满足中国对非 传统创新产品和新型副产品的需求。加 拿大增长的溶解浆产量能替代棉花应用 于中国迅速扩大的纺织和服装行业。加 拿大也进口中国生产的竹、藤及相关产 品。仅2014年上半年，中国累计进口纸 浆879.86万吨，进口金额6076.1亿加 元。其中从加拿大累计进口纸浆金额达 16.4亿加元。

加拿大对中国的第三大出口商

品，是矿产品，进口额26.4亿加元。中 国是加拿大第五大自然资源商品进口供 应国，2011年进口额达49亿加元，占加 拿大自然资源商品出口总额的3.5%。其 中，金属和矿物商品占此类商品从中国 进口的四分之三。这是“丝绸之路”倡 议的重要组成部分，是指北京在全球范 围内的“一带一路”投资战略。

综上所述，自然资源丰富的加 拿大确实给中国出口了不少自然资源商 品：植物、林木和矿产。而紧随其后的 还有农业产品、动物等。中国人吃的猪 肉和牛肉，不少都是进口加拿大，农业 所使用的种子、大豆，也是加拿大进口 的，品质更加的有保障。

中国和加拿大一直也有着不错 的关系。历史上，1939年，著名的加 拿大胸外科医生诺尔曼·亨利·白求恩 听闻到战争中的中国惨不忍睹，坚定选 择来到中国，救助中国人民；1942年, 加拿大第一次派遣大使来到中国；1970 年，加拿大前总理皮埃尔·特鲁多访问 中国，两国随着贸易发展，接触的越来 越深。现在，越来越多的中国人来到注 重教育和人才培养的加拿大学习，也有 越来越多的人移民来加拿大，享受这里 的生活。加拿大也有越来越多的企业去 了中国，在中国投资。而他们作为中加 两国关系的桥梁，提升了大量贸易资产 和两国双方的经济水平，实现了双边贸 易。希望两国的关系持续下去，地久天 长！

16 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | INTERNAL E

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COVID-19

Operation Vaccination:

Opinions of North Toronto staff and students regarding the ongoing COVID-19 vaccinations.

Sofiia Savchyn Senior Advisor Pj Wilson Section Editor

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fter over a year of demanding COVID regulations, protocols, and dangers, people worldwide are anxious to transition to the new normal. The nationwide vaccination has been a long time coming, and to many Canadians, it is the necessary step towards reaching herd immunity and reducing the damage of the third wave. However, not everyone views the upcoming vaccination in the same light, and believes it may pose a new threat instead of eradicating an old one. To determine how the North Toronto community views the vaccination, Graffiti conducted a series of anonymous school-wide surveys, polling over 100 staff and students. Staff results revealed opinions around the possibility of working with unvaccinated colleagues and the eagerness of all to get the vaccine as soon as it is made available to them. In return, students shared their attitudes on mandating teacher vaccinations and personal intentions on getting the vaccine.

In the surveys, the opinions of staff and students were allied on the topic of mandating teachers’ vaccinations. 73% of students and 67% of surveyed staff consider it essential for teachers to be vaccinated to teach in person. With such a high degree of support from students and staff regarding teachers’ obligatory vaccination, it is crucial to explore whether the TDSB has the legal right to mandate COVID vaccinations. Alison BradleyRattai, a labor law professor at Brock University, writes that employers have a legal duty to take “every reasonable precaution” to create a safe working environment. However, in unionized workplaces, such as NT, the “reasonableness” of a policy and collective agreement are subject to further consideration. Whether or not a vaccination policy is among the reasonable pandemic-related directives has been a subject to many debates. Recently, a mandatory COVID testing policy for retirement home employees has been upheld because the safety concerns for the elderly justified the intrusion of privacy. Simultaneously, the government overrules most cases involving vaccination policies due to the collective agreement supporting voluntary vaccination. Whether or not COVID vaccinations will be mandated in the future, staff attitudes towards getting the vaccine are unanimously agreeable.

100% of surveyed staff stated they have already received the vacci-

nation or are eager to receive it when it will be available to them. For students, 96% of the surveyed stated they were willing. Similar attitudes persisted throughout the rest of the survey; 40% of staff and students had no preference of which vaccine they received; 35% of staff and 46% of students selected Pfizer as their top choice.

The remaining were split between Modena and Johnson & Johnson, with the notable exclusion of AstraZeneca. For in-depth insights on two teachers’ opinions regarding the vaccination, Graffiti reached out to the head of the History department, Mr. Hobson, and one of the teachers from the Science department.

Mr. Hobson began by expressing his support for the vaccines: “I trust vaccines in general, and given the circumstances, I believe it’s the right move. I think that it should be a priority for staff to be vaccinated, especially those working in elementary schools. The more people are vaccinated, the safer we are.” When asked about his opinion regarding students whose preference is not to receive a vaccine, Mr. Hobson had this to say: “It’s very important to respect people’s beliefs, and for those with religious restrictions or personal preferences, the TDSB should make every effort to ensure that they have a variety of options around their education; it is equally important to respect that everyone should have access to educational options that are as safe as possible and based on rational choices that are fully informed” The science teacher echoed these sentiments, “vaccines are a personal choice.

There are risks and benefits and situations that I wouldn’t impose on other people. I do think it’s essential that we are informed as to the importance of vaccines. There is a lot of misinformation out there.”

The opinions of these teachers are consistent with the majority of the staff, as 58% of surveyed staff confirmed they would be comfortable working alongside unvaccinated co-workers. In a different survey, stu-

Photo by PJ Wilson dents voiced analogous opinions with 55% saying they would be comfortable studying under unvaccinated teachers.

It is clear that the voices of the majority aim to support the freedom of choice when it comes to vaccination.

As with any healthcare matter, personal vaccination is a private matter rarely discussed in public settings.

Therefore, very few NT staff members know of the individual convictions of their colleagues surrounding COVID vaccines. The interviewed science staff member stated that “everyone I know in the science department is eager to get the vaccine, but I have no idea about the other departments.” The reservations people have discussing their choices can lead to distressing concerns as there is no knowledge of whether their colleagues will be vaccinated. In workplaces as social as a high school, there is naturally much concern for personal safety. For that reason, almost half of the surveyed staff stated they would not feel comfortable to continue working with unvaccinated colleagues. Students did not fall far behind with 45% of the surveyed stating they would consider dropping a class if they found out their

teacher refused vaccination. With the currently thundering third wave of COVID, many have reevaluated the seriousness of the pandemic. After a year of the virus at large, many have felt it hit closer and closer to home.

First, hearing the news of a long-lost acquaintance, maybe a friend, then a relative, all the while there was nothing anyone could do except staying 6 feet apart, wearing a mask, and only leaving home for essentials. An introduction of vaccines seemed like the ultimate solution, but it naturally became a topic of heated social debate.

From the two school-wide Graffiti surveys, is it evident that the absolute majority of staff and students are determined to get the COVID vaccine. It is vital for those willing to vaccinate not to seek scapegoats among the minority or blindly lay blame on people deciding against taking the vaccine.

In equal measure, it is vital for those against the vaccine to understand the possible consequences of their actions and to try to keep the best interests of the majority at heart. Getting through the pandemic is a long process reached by the alliance of the majority, not by eradicating the minority.

INTERNAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 17

FARAWELL

Thank you, Ms. Monteith!

Ms. Monteith’s remarkable teaching career has inspired great pride among NT’s staff and students as they bid farewell for her retirement

Photo by Sian Huang

Sian Huang Copy Editor Kiana Sharifi Section Editor

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fter 27 years of teaching, conducting, and changing the lives of countless North Toronto students, Ms. Monteith has reached retirement. Her presence in the NT community always brings comfort, optimism, and joy to those around her.

From a young age, Ms. Monteith knew she wanted to become a music teacher, and it was from there that she decided to dedicate the rest of her education to do so. Ms. Monteith’s favourite aspect of being a teacher is connecting with her students and seeing their faces light up when they finally understand a concept or nail a musical passage.

In addition to band, Ms. Monteith has also taught Vocal, Music Production, ESL, and English during her time at NT. She has been an integral part of leading multiple ensembles and organizing various music events. Her work at North Toronto has been influential to students, faculty, and the music program.

As clueless niners, our decision to take beginner band in our first year of high school was made on a whim.

However, this class quickly turned into one of the most cherished classes of our time at NT and this was all thanks to Ms. Monteith. Both of us were nervous as we navigated the foreign halls of NT, but Ms. Monteith was the first teacher to make us feel at home. The North Toronto music community is very tight-knit, and as newcomers, Ms. Monteith established a comforting environment with creative freedom

and love. We all started off with zero band experience, but Ms. Monteith reminded us to put ourselves out there and that it was okay to make mistakes.

She is the very reason that our friendships and connections within our beginner band community are so strong.

Without her kindness and warmth, it would have been impossible for us to continue our music journeys at NT. We will forever be grateful to her for encouraging our passion for music.

Our appreciation towards Ms. Monteith is shared amongst all the students she teaches. From our beginner band class, each and every student acknowledged her positivity, patience, and passion for music. “She’s caring, kind, and always puts a smile on my face. Grade 9 beginner band memories will forever bring me happiness, ” expresses Michelle Wong, a former band student of Ms. Monteith. Eli Sol, another former student of Ms. Monteith, had originally dreamed of playing the trumpet. However, Ms. Monteith saw that Eli was better suited to play the trombone, and he now describes it as the instrument that has brought him joy for the last two and a half years. As a beginner band teacher, Ms. Monteith was responsible for choosing the instruments that her students would play for the next four years, and her experience and intuition enabled her to consistently make the best decisions. As well, she always cared for our well-being and ensured that band class was a place to relieve our stress and have fun through music. Sarisha Panday, another former student of Ms. Monteith, recalls her as one of the most down-to-earth teachers she’s ever had. “She was always down to go with the flow when I was being ridiculous, and that was so important to me,” Sarisha says.

One of Ms. Monteith’s former grade nine English students, Mikayla

Toplis, remembers entering her classroom feeling nervous on her first day of high school but leaving feeling excited. “Ms. Monteith was extremely welcoming and I remember Red and Grey day was so much fun with our theme of Alice in Wonderland. Her enthusiastic energy made that day much better,” says Mikayla. She describes Ms. Monteith as one of the kindest teachers she’s ever had and notes how grateful she is to have had the opportunity to be her student during her time at NT.

In addition to influencing the students of NT, she also greatly influenced the teachers. Mr. Rice, NT’s strings teacher, describes Ms. Monteith as the music department’s stabilizing rock. “Whenever the music staff gets stuck, we go to her. She’s always patient and if she doesn’t know the answer, she finds it for whoever needs the help,” says Mr. Rice. He further acknowledges Ms. Monteith’s involvement in NT’s music program, highlighting that she has been in charge of band, choir, music production, stage band, music council, marching band, and stage crew; she has done it all!

Likewise, Mr. Varahidis, band teacher and head of the music department, describes Ms. Monteith as the department’s safety blanket. “She is the most selfless teacher I have ever taught with and is always putting the interest of students to the forefront of what she does,” he expresses. Mr. Varahidis recognizes how much he has learned from her and will always be grateful for her guidance throughout his time at North Toronto. He emphasizes her genuine kindness and says that “students immediately realize what a wonderful teacher and person they have in their lives.”

Ms. Monteith is an invaluable member of the NT community, and she has proven this time and time again.

Through her generosity, devotion, wisdom, and nurturing personality, she has garnered the nickname of “Mom.” As she exits her role as an NT teacher, she wants to remind students to never let go of their passions. “If you can’t make money from your passion, make sure that you keep it as part of your life because that’s part of the core of who you are,” Ms. Monteith emphasizes. Although she will no longer be a teacher at NT, Ms. Monteith hopes to return as the marching band director and work with the NT’s ski team to continue to be involved with the students of North Toronto.

Thank you for everything that you have done for us, Ms. Monteith; you have never failed to inspire and encourage us!

Get to know Ms. Monteith!

What is your favourite beginner band instrument to teach?

French horn, oboe, bassoon What is your favourite non-band instrument?

The voice What do you usually do for lunch?

Mr. Kinoshita makes her a sandwich What is your favourite staircase?

Staircase KK Do you like Maytime Melodies or Fall Fare?

Maytime Melodies If you could teach any subject other than music or English, what would it be?

Biology

18 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | INTERNAL FARAWELL

Mr. Mildon’s molecool teaching adventures; happy retirement!

NT will always remember Mr. Mildon’s fun-filled science classes as his excellent teaching career comes to an end.

Abigail Shin Section Editor Iva -Mari Miskulin Copy Editor

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f you have ever been asked to cook eggs in class with a bunsen burner or experienced painful shocks from the “ball of death,” chances are you have been a student in Mr. Mildon’s class. From attendance questions like “What type of criminal would you be?” to “Why have you been kicked out of the classroom?”, every class with Mr. Mildon had a new surprise you could never predict, and, for students, this made class all the more interesting (and sometimes scary). In combination with his unique sense of humor, stories about Krebbs and donuts falling through the earth, it will be hard for students to forget Mr. Mildon’s science classes.

Before going into teaching, Mr. Mildon did not have a particular inspi-

ration to become a teacher, other than it being the most practical option that ended up turning into a “very meaningful and enjoyable career.” Besides all the grade 10 boys spilling Axe in the hallways, he loves seeing the light go on when a student grasps a new concept for the first time.

Before beginning his career at North Toronto C. I., Mr. Mildon taught at Harbord Collegiate and Monarch Park Collegiate. In 2004, Mr. Mildon joined the NT community and over the years has taught grade 9 and 10 Science, as well as grade 11 and 12 Physics. He remembers that “when [the staff and students] first moved into the new building, all parts of [the new school] looked so similar to each other that both staff and students were wandering around confusedly looking for rooms. The new grade 9s looking for directions could not understand why we were so clued out.”

Any student of Mr. Mildon knows that he loves to run experiments to help students learn new concepts. One fond memory of Mr. Mildon’s was an experiment he used to do with grade 12 physics students called the ‘’trebuchet project.’’ For reference: a trebuchet is a large catapult used to launch projectiles. “In the old building, the grade 12 physics students would be divided into teams of ten and each team built a large wooden trebuchet. They wheeled them out to the school field to see which would launch a water balloon the furthest. It was fun watching grade 12s trying to look innocent in their Viking helmets as water balloons landed in the St. Monica’s parking lot.”

Another memory Mr. Mildon has from his early years at NT is when “a grade 12 physics class wanted to project an empty water cooler bottle down the floor of the main hallway (using Newton’s Laws). When the students invited [Mr Waltman], the prin-

cipal, to launch the bottle, it burst with a great boom instead of skittering down the hallway. The principal, straightening his hair in front of the mortified class, went into the office to make an announcement reassuring the school that the sound was just a science experiment. He then came back and calmly requested that we conduct future such experiments outside. One of the students (I think his name was Krebbs) made a card that the rest of the class signed, [writing] ‘Dear Mr. Waltman: We’re really sorry…’ [Later] the class also reconstructed the water cooler bottle with duct tape as a retirement gift for him. He showed it off at his own retirement speech that evening.”

NT students have described Mr. Mildon as a “teacher who had endless jokes to make in class and someone who made learning truly enjoyable.”

One of Mr. Mildon’s former grade 9 science students, Rowen Uy, said, “I really liked Mr. Mildon as a teacher because he made science fun and interactive.

His class helped inspire me to take more science courses going forward.”

Mr. Mildon’s enthusiasm for teaching reached far beyond the course content and inspired many students. “Mr Mildon was not only a fantastic teacher for both grade 9 general science and physics, but he was also one of the best storytellers in all of NT,” said Cameron Anderson, a current grade 11 student.

“My love of physics was just as much about the teacher as it was about the course content. Despite being online for most of my grade 11 physics class, it was arguably one of the best [classes] I’ve been in to date. Mr. Mildon is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, and I, as well as the rest of NT, will be very sad to see him go.” Mr. Mildon was a teacher who truly cared about his students and their education as well as their enjoyment of the class, proven by the prizes he occasionally gave out for

Photo courtsey of Richard Mildon answering a question correctly (one of the biggest ones being a pumpkin!).

Many students have expressed sadness when they finished his class for the quad, knowing they would no longer get the pleasure of destroying light bulbs and other paraphernalia every week.

After 30 years of teaching, Mr. Mildon has reached his retirement. He says he has no “specific [retirement] plan yet, but it will involve volunteering, finishing building [his] canoe, and spending more time outdoors.”

As a final message to the students of NT, Mr. Mildon would like “to thank the NT students for being interested, motivated and imaginative. It’s the students that make teaching the great career that it is.”

Thank you Mr. Mildon, for all your years of dedication and teaching to us students; we wish you all the best in your future endeavours beyond the classroom! We will miss you very much and we hope the legend of Krebbs and Marge continues to be passed on from one generation to the next. Make sure to stay out of trouble, no more catapults!

ACADEMICS

Enriched courses at NT getting cancelled Students and teachers express mixed feelings about the elimination of enriched courses.

Victoria Man Copy Editor

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s some students may already know, many of the beloved (or perhaps not so beloved) enriched courses at North Toronto C. I. are at risk of getting cancelled, or are already in the process of being eliminated. Why is this happening so suddenly? Due to the Ontario government’s newly enacted education plans, schools province-wide are beginning to destream. “Destreaming” is a term specifically used to describe Ontario’s plan to no longer allow students to opt for “applied” and “academic” courses.

The Ontario government, having received countless comments and complaints from parents and guardians regarding the current education system, has decided to destream core courses in secondary schools. Because of this, additional decisions are being made for some enriched courses to also retire alongside the applied and academic courses at NT.

Next year’s grade 11 enriched math class will be the last enriched math class at NT and will only encompass 30 students -- right now, they are a group of 10th grade students who will be the last wave to ever take this enrichment course at NT until it becomes available again, if it ever does.

Enriched French, a course that many

students who are passionate about the language look forward to, has already been cancelled this year. Many are hoping for a comeback, but it appears unlikely. Enriched English, a course that a grade 10 student says she would “never give up,” is safe for now. No decisions have been made for the cancellation of this one remaining enriched course at NT… yet. Now that all NTCI and numerous other secondary schools are facing this huge change, what does this mean for the older grades and the younger grades? Will this affect future NT students? What are the views of some NT teachers who’ve taught enrichment courses?

First, let’s debrief the enriched English course at NT. Mr. Zo-

har, the head of the English department, teaches the grade 11 enriched English course; he gave his insight on the destreaming of these courses and the effects of this decision on the students and staff at NT. Mr. Zohar describes the enriched English course at NT as a course where students who are genuinely interested in the subject can thrive alongside other students who feel the same way. He mentioned that though there are also some cons to the enriched English course (including obsessions over grades or not-so-friendly competitions), he would prefer to keep the enriched program at NT as students who find true enjoyment in English can “enrich their experience.”

Article continued on next page

INTERNAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 19 This is something that a student in the academic course may not be able to gain. Mr. Zohar brings up that the level of English competency is essentially equal between the enriched students and academic students by grade 12; he also notes that a potential benefit of the enriched course cancellations could be that other students could experience having very proactive students in their classes, motivating and inspiring them to also learn to love the subject. An academic student in grade 10 states that she “hope[s] to be able to go into the enriched English course because the whole feel of English as a subject changes just from talking to the students who are already part of the enriched course.” Perhaps without enriched English, all students might be able to feel the same way as this NT student as they will have more such students in their classes without having to pursue the enrichment course in the first place. There’s definitely two sides to the coin, but that aside, luckily for the grade 9s who are looking forward to a chance at taking this course in grade 10 and 11, NT’s enriched English courses are still being offered.

Next, the enriched French course. Mme. Rogow, Mme. McNeely, and Mme. Phillipe, French teachers at NT who have taught the enriched course in the past, have given their perspective on the cancellation of the enriched French course as a whole department. The department clearly outlines the fact that the academic and enriched courses are equivalent regarding the curriculum expectations, though students in the enriched French course are usually expected to put forward a bit more effort in assignments and in class participation com-

pared to those in the academic stream.

This includes reading authentic scripts and participating in a mandatory public speaking competition, Concours Oratoire. While the academic classes are also encouraged to participate in events that the enriched class is required to partake in, it is not necessary for the academic classes. This enriched course at NT for French has helped students reach new heights as a past student once placed first in the Concours Oratoire! The enriched French course at NT most definitely gives the opportunity for students who are passionate about the language to strive for more. The French department at NT believes that “schools should have the option to offer enriched courses if they feel that [these] courses are the most suitable for their students,” Since over time at NT, fewer and fewer students decide to continue taking French throughout their high school years, the decision was made to get rid of the enriched French course at NT because the teachers within the department believed it to be best for NT students.

They believed that being a smaller program than others at North Toronto, integrating students of all levels into the same classes would help spread the diversity of experiences and more.

It’s unfortunate that enriched French is now cancelled and no longer offered for students; however, perhaps in the future, the course will be able to make a comeback and ouvrez la porte pour les étudiants qui aiment le langue de français.

Last but not least: the enriched mathematics course offered at NT. Mr. Oh, an enriched math teacher who has taught all the different available levels for the course, has given a

debrief about this course at NT. Offered from grade 9 to 11, many students might remember coming to NT to take a placement test during their 8th grade year. Being the most sought after of the enriched courses at NT, the new incoming students are wary now that the enriched math course is no longer available for people who aren’t already taking the course. A new 9th grade student had mentioned that she’d “[at least] like a chance” to experience the enriched math course.

Many students feel the same way, but unfortunately, that doesn’t change the fact that enriched math at NT will soon be gone. Mr. Oh outlines that the enriched math classes at NT move at a faster pace than the academic classes (like all the other enriched courses), allowing students in the program to be able to investigate further in mathematics and also be able to reach ahead into the next level/grade. Due to that, Mr. Oh also brings up that the enriched class can usually study certain units more in depth. A grade 10 student, who is in the enriched math program at the moment, states that “there isn’t a justifiable reason to cancel the enriched math course at NT. A lot of students look forward to this course and it’s popular, so there’s no issues with trying to fill up the class.” Students are confused with the reasons for the upcoming cancellation of enriched math at NT as many students enjoy the course and it is quite a big department. However, students have no need to fret as Mr. Oh mentions that students should still be able to “enrich their understanding with alternate homework or challenge questions” in the academic classes once enriched no longer becomes a choice. There’s

no telling whether the near end of the enriched math program at NT is or isn’t a good thing, but it’s sure to say that academic students would be able to be challenged (though perhaps not as much depending on the teacher as well as the student’s own dedication) even after the cancellation of the NT enriched math course.

After gaining insightful information from a range of teachers at NT who teach the enriched courses, and also the thoughts of students from different grades partaking in NT’s enriched programs, we know that the cancellation of the courses would most likely not affect the level at which the subjects are learnt (meaning academic and enriched students would essentially learn the same things and know the same topics by grade 12). However, it most definitely will affect the students who wish to be challenged with a heavier workload and be in an environment where there are peers who are equally as engaged as them in the topic. Those who thrive in more competitive environments with likeminded individuals may have a harder time adjusting to continuing their studies in the academic streams.The future students at NT may never get the chance to get recommended into NT’s enriched courses, which might draw them towards Northern Secondary School, with choices of enriched or advanced placement classes. However, enriched or not, each student must continue to display their NT spirit and bring forth their motivations to continue to inspire every single student in the community to continue learning during these hard times!

NT COURSES

Social sciences at NT

Many social science courses are available at NT, allowing students to learn critical skills that will aid them in understanding the world around them.

Sophie Block Section Editor

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espite a trend of declining interest in social studies worldwide, at North Toronto, social sciences are continuing to thrive. Social sciences provide an important skill set: understanding our society, the important roles that each individual plays, and interpersonal skills.

Mr. Hobson, the head of the history and social science department, described the “robust enrollment” of students in the social science courses. At North Toronto, under the current Ontario curriculum, there are four social science courses. In grade eleven, students can take Introduction to Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology. Mr. Hobson explained that usually there are five or six classes for this course, showing its popularity. Mr. Hobson also noted that “this has been consistent for years.”

Keira Ayoub, a grade ten student at North Toronto, decided to take Introduction to SAP next year. She said that she chose to take the course because she is “interested in psychology and [feels] like it will help [her] develop essential skills for post secondary school.” Ruby Steinberg, another grade ten student, agreed, saying that the course seems “unique with a lot

of interesting assignments that may break up the typical work load.”

Additionally, Families in Canada, a grade twelve course, usually has three classes. This class is based in sociology and looks at the family as the foundation of society. Roma MacDonald, a grade twelve student at North Toronto, spoke about how this class has benefited her. “I was initially inspired to take Families in Canada because of my interest and enjoyment of the grade 11 course SAP, but Families was so much more than that,” she said.

“I can confidently say there was tangible information that I will take with me for the rest of my life. We were able to learn about interesting and relevant topics that will affect our lives, including family roles, trends in parenting and relationships, to name a few. This was one of the best courses I have taken in my time at NT.”Ms. Biondic, the course chair, has been instrumental in developing a curriculum for Families in Canada that is challenging and rigorous, but also one that interests and prepares students for post-secondary work in the social sciences.

As well, World Religions, is a new social science course added this year. As Mr. Hobson noted, “if you add Grade 12 philosophy, which runs 2 to 3 a year -- and is considered a social science under the current curricular documents -- then you are looking at three strong courses.” As a whole, the

history and social sciences department has run 39 instructional units for the last three years, and 40 and 37 the two years before that. Mr. Hobson said that “we are not seeing any decrease in enrollment [for social sciences].”

Why might someone take social science courses? Mr. Hobson explained that the courses “give you a new start of skills to work on: research skills [and] manipulating data. You learn about yourself, too. It’s about us in a different kind of way.” Moreover, Mr. Hobson explained that for high school students, the education given in these courses is more relevant than ever. “These courses give you an understanding of society, of the world you live in,” he said. “A lot of them are tied to life cycle things and the stages we go through in life, which is really important for people at your age because you are ending childhood and you are at the cusp of adulthood and it gives you a sense of what is coming.”

While taking these courses will benefit any career, they can also lead to specific careers in human resources and social work that rely heavily on these skills.

Leeds Beckett University in London stated that the curriculum of social sciences “prepares students well for the fast changing workplaces that they enter.” Furthermore, their website states that these courses are “popular with students because [they]

look at the issues that they feel are important to their lives and to their future.” They continue by saying that these courses “ask the hard questions and expect [students] to develop coherent answers based on research, evidence and argument. [They] require [students] to listen to viewpoints that they may not have heard and may not like. [The courses] challenge [students] to develop answers, ideas and solutions that can build bridges and solve problems. Social science provides an education that is fit for the challenges that we face today and social science graduates have plenty to offer as employees, as citizens and as entrepreneurs.”

Still, globally, the decline of interest in social science courses is concerning. In 2012, the Council of the Princeton University Community reported that the percentage of students choosing to concentrate in the social sciences declined from 43 percent in 2004 to 38 percent in 2011.

Understanding our society and the world we live in is always important, and in high school, starting to learn about these subjects can greatly benefit a student’s future understanding of their world. Taking a social science course allows students to examine the world around them through a more educated, interesting lens, and at North Toronto, thankfully, students are continuing to learn these skills.

20 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | INTERNAL MENTAL HEALTH

The mental health disparity between LGBTQ+ & cishet youth

A trigger warning is being offered to readers as this article contains topics such as substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide. Additionally, some names have been changed or removed for anonymity and privacy reasons.

Marina Papachristos Contributor During the past couple decades, a larger focus has been placed on addressing mental health in our society, and more specifically on youth, as research reported by The Guardian has shown they are suffering from more mental illnesses than in the past. We see the impact of this research all around us, with a multitude of hotlines and free mental health resources such as counselling and walk-in clinics.

As researchers and healthcare providers alike began dissecting these taboo topics, they found a concerning number of LGBTQ+ youth suffering from mental illnesses. This prompted the question; do LGBTQ+ youth suffer from more mental illnesses than youths who are cishet (cisgender and heterosexual)? Ultimately, the answer wasn’t a “no”, but it wasn’t a definitive“yes” either.

To ensure the research was applicable to the midtown community, 120 students from NTCI and neighbouring high schools in the GTA were surveyed, 57.5% of which were members of the LGBTQ+ community. With this population surveyed, there were some rather concerning findings.

In the survey, participants were asked if they’ve been medically diagnosed with a mental illness, and it was found that 35% of LGBTQ+ youth reported a diagnosis, while only 20% of cishet youth reported the same. Often, when an individual is diagnosed with a mental illness, they receive forms of professional support such as therapy, medication, and more; however, one does not need to be medically diagnosed to receive support such as therapy or support groups. Even then the disparity between LGBTQ+ and cishet participants did not shrink as much as it would’ve been liked to, as 36% of LGBTQ+ youths reported seeking forms of professional support while only 27% of their cishet counterparts reported the same.

But why are LGBTQ+ students receiving more professional help than their cishet counterparts? There’s a disparity in both communication and acceptance about mental health between the cishet and LGBTQ+ communities. An anonymous cishet grade 12 male student from NTCI said that he has “too much pride to say to [his] friends [that he goes to therapy].” He says that “therapy is still a very taboo subject,” and this view of mental health could very well explain why fewer cishet individuals receive mental health support, let alone diagnoses.

On the other hand, Baz, a non-binary lesbian grade 12 student at St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School says that not only are “most of [their] friends part of the LGBTQ+ community” who have access to mental health resources, but “most, [if not all, also] have

some sort of diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issue that [they] openly talk about” with one another.

But what leads to LGBTQ+ students talking about mental health more than cishet students?

When a community is filled with individuals often struggling with mental health, it’s no surprise to see a trend in both factors that can lead to mental illnesses and the outcomes of these circumstances. 39% of LGBTQ+ participant families were unaccepting of the LGBTQ+ community, with nearly 50% of participants still closeted to their families.

A study by the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry stated that “exposure to stigma such as family nonacceptance is associated with adverse mental health outcomes” that can lead to “depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidality, and risk behaviours

that mediate exposure to human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections.”

When asked how participants coped with their mental illnesses and overall mental health troubles, LGBTQ+ youths were nearly four times more likely to turn to self-destructive methods such as cutting, starving, binge eating, forced lack of sleep, etc., than their cishet counterparts, and equally likely to turn to substance abuse.

Baz spoke of how they coped with their gender dysphoria by using “restrictive eating… [and] by scratching into [their] hands.” This dysphoria was heightened by the possibility of the people around them discovering their

sexuality and gender before they came out of the closet, as Baz would hear “comments between [their] classmates and other students,” “the bullying and harassment [of students who are out at their school]” alongside the lack of “initiatives within the school to make it an inclusive environment.

Lowered mental well-being and self-destructive tendencies can lead to increasingly morbid outcomes, the survey finding that, 78% of LGBTQ+ participants stated they had considered suicide, while 55% of cishet participants stated similar thoughts.

This is a 23% difference, even with LGBTQ+ and cishet participants being from the same geographical locations.

Additionally, 36% of LGBTQ+ participants expressed they had at least once attempted suicide, while only 20% of cishet participants reported the same.

88% of LGBTQ+ participants who had attempted suicide were either closeted

have lousy mental health,” and if we work towards “[understanding] the experiences of [the people around us]” instead of putting broad labels such as ‘anxious’ on our emotions, it “will [help] address many mental health issues” because when “we have healthy relationships, we’re generally going to feel better.”

We need to encourage more conversations about how we’re feeling in our own communities, and “depending on the particular environment, it might not always be a great space” to do so, says Richard. Work towards talking about your emotions more often with your friends, in sports teams, music programs, clubs, and any community you’re a part of to help make these spaces better. Cameron Gilliland, NTCI’s class president, spoke of how “fortunate [we are] with the G/SA… [pumping out] resources for [LGBTQ+ students],” helping to create a better

Illustration by Alexandra Tarud or did not have fully supportive parents upon coming out. Common reasons parents were unsupportive were having grown up in rural or oppressive environments, and cultural/religious differences, as it was reported that 70% of unaccepting families practiced Christianity.

This information can feel both disheartening and worrisome, but there is hope. Richard Filler, a social worker for the TDSB that works at NTCI alongside various other high schools, suggests that our focus should shift from trying to stop collateral damage to fixing the root of the issue. Richard says that “We all have mental health; we have good mental health and we

space for all of us to talk.

If you are struggling, remember that the guidance counsellors at NTCI are incredibly informed and can help you reach the mental health resources you need. The Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) and Suicide Prevention Lines (1-833-456-4566) are just a call away, and “What’s Up Walk-In” clinics are now doing virtual appointments (to adhere to COVID-19 protocols).

And for the closeted LGBTQ+ students reading this article: as Baz said, “the fear of coming out to people who you know love you is always greater than whatever their reaction will be.” You are loved.

INTERNAL | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 21

Student Award Nominees Voting will take place along with voting for Student Council starting on May 18 at 8:00 AM and finishing on May 19 at 3:00 PM

Valedictory Prize Nominees

Roma MacDonald

Kate Gilliland

Kerr Trophy for Leadership Nominees

Kate Gilliland

Maeve Ellis

Nathalie Adriana Funes Serna

Sifton Trophy for Citizenship Nominees

Roma MacDonald

Noor Ajel

Sean Lee

Sakhawalkar-Bhatt Award Nominees

Jack Vanek

Alya Seker

Simone Bellengier

Kiara Distin

Maryanna Barkas

22 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | INTERNAL

Online Tutoring Available

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OCT Teachers All Subjects & Grades Award-Winning Tutoring Recommended by NT Students & Families

www.teachersoncall.ca | info@teachersoncall.ca | 416-519-8335 ToC-North-Toronto-11x17-v04.indd 1

2020-08-25 9:44 AM

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FEATURES | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 23

features

UNIVERSITY

U.S. university applications

With enormous tuition fees and substantial financial discrepancies and disparities, attending university in the U.S. is nearly impossible for international and lower-income students. Gaining acceptance is only half of the battle.

Simone Bellengier Section Editor

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ou receive an email. Your status has been updated. You quickly enter your portal and click the ‘view status’ button. What lies behind this one button will determine if everything you have worked for, for the past four years, was worth it. This button will define the next chapter of your life. As you press it, you recall all of your sleepless nights, endless tears, and hundreds of SAT practice tests. Finally, when you open your eyes, confetti comes down your screen. You excitedly scroll through your acceptance while your family screams in the background, but that happiness quickly turns into anxiety, when you see the $76,280 USD annual tuition jump out at you. Although you got in, you know you and your family can’t afford it, and you may have no choice but to relinquish this dream.

The biggest challenge for many applicants is not fighting their way to be part of the accepted 8%, but rather overcoming the discrepancies between low- and high-income families in regards to the university’s high costs. With Ivy League schools not offering merit scholarships or athletic scholarships, students must solely rely on financial aid, including scholarships, grants, assistantships, and

work-study schemes. Moreover, one can argue that if you are applying as an International Student you are already at a disadvantage because you are not eligible for federal student aid. As well, as an international student, there are minimum scholarship opportunities and the debt faced by the end of undergrad will be even higher than the $132,860 USD debt that American students face.

Nonetheless, the U.S. has become one of the most popular destinations for undergraduate studies, with more than a million annual applicants worldwide. Andrew Rossi, an American filmmaker and journalist, believes that these financial challenges create consumers, rather than pupils who are undergoing a learning process.

Shockingly, financial circumstances are not the only aspect of college that overwhelm students. American University admissions are known for their rigorous and intense requirements, one of which includes standardized testing. Ranging from SAT subject tests to AP exams to SAT/ACT, these universal tests essentially determine a student’s chances of getting into a certain university. Standardized testing and its long process is one of the main reasons many international students do not pursue their post-secondary studies in the U.S.

Many students coming from low-income families face challenges through these tests. With SAT tutoring costing an average of $45-100 USD

per hour, many families are unable to afford these high costs. This can put students who must self-study at an immediate disadvantage. North Toronto grade 12 student Nathalie Adriana Funes Serna, explains that she started looking up textbooks she could use to study for SAT, but that most of them were $40-$50 each. “For my family, this was actually a real financial struggle, so I decided to just study by myself with Khan Academy,” she expresses.

When comparing statistics, a study in the University of Southern California found that wealthy students earn higher SAT scores compared to their low-income peers and that the difference in SAT scores between highand low-income students was twice as large among black students compared to white students. This clearly demonstrates the unfair advantage and discrepancies that standardized testing secretly holds. If universities are aware of these patterns, why do they continue to so strongly request these test scores?

Thankfully, schools are moving towards test-optional policies.

However this was not because of these discrepancies, and instead, it was because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With test centres being closed due to lockdown policies, schools began to make standardized testing optional for the first time in history for the class of 2021 applicants. Now, colleges have extended these policies to the class of 2022, and some to the class of 2023.

By schools not requiring SAT/ACT scores and discontinuing SAT subject tests, one might think that it would be better for students. However, this is not at all the case. Now, there is a greater emphasis on GPA and extracurricular activities, and a student who submits their SAT score will be chosen over someone who hasn’t submitted it. Through this, it becomes clear that “optional” really is not to be interpreted as optional; most schools have imposed this policy as an obligation from the government, not because they wanted to.

However, this is not the biggest issue; the astonishing increase in applicants is. The standardized testing requirement pushed away applicants, and now, without these requirements, the number of international students skyrocketed. 40,246 applications applied for the university of Harvard last year, in comparison to 34,295 applicants in 2018. While acceptance rates heavily decreased, competition is higher than ever.

Students dispose of their selfworth for the elite status of the Ivy Leagues and deteriorate their mental health at the expense of an acceptance.

The dooming pressure of university is now dependent on the ranking and prestige of schools, instead of the school actually being a fit for the student. This sad truth makes one wonder; how flawed is the post-secondary education system in the United States?

IMMIGRATION

My immigration story from Iran to Canada An NT student shares their journey of moving to Canada.

Arshia Tavassoli Contributor

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want to talk about how I immigrated to Canada from Iran. My father went to high school and college in the United States. He always wanted his kids to also follow the Western education system and experience living in the West. In 2012, my parents decided to file for immigration to Canada. They hired a lawyer to assist with the filing and follow-up of our immigration.

There are a lot of different ways that people can immigrate to Canada. In order to immigrate to Canada, an immigration lawyer is required.

This lawyer will show many legal ways to immigrate. In 2013, my family and I travelled to Istanbul, Turkey when we were given an appointment for an interview.

To immigrate, one can get a permanent resident card (PR), student permit, work visa, private sponsor, or government sponsor. My parents chose an investment program to get our PR card. This program is designed to attract business workers to Quebec, and requires those up for immirgation to demonstrate that they have the necessary experience to make a significant investment into Canada’s economy.

While the program is now closed, it did require that investors have a minimum net worth of 1.6 million dollars CAD. As well, the investor (my family) would

have to make a $800,000 CAD investment to the Government of Canada, an investment that is returned to the investor within 5 years, free of interest.

On the interview day, the immigration employee was interviewing ten families, but they only accepted two. One of the interviewees was my family.

I was really happy about it, but to be honest, I was a child and I did not really understand what my parents were doing. Still, I was happy because my family was.

Because we immigrated using the investment program, my parents were notified to deposit the investment money with the Canadian government. We expected to be able to land in Canada in 2015, but it was delayed by the Canadian government

until 2017, because the Canadian immigration was transferring all of their immigration files to another country.

To make this even more difficult, Canada does not have an embassy in Iran.

In 2017, we arrived in Montreal, and we stayed there for one week.

We did all of our paperwork and came to Toronto, and stayed at first for five weeks. We then went back to my home country. Back in Iran, I kept thinking about living in Canada. I told my parents that I would like to move to Canada and build my future there. Later, in 2018, they made another four-week trip in the summer, to see how comfortable I was in Canada. Then, in October 2019, we came here to Toronto to stay and started a new life.

24 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | FEATURES NT HISTORY

The voice of NT: to forty years and beyond

“Sex, drugs, and vice” “We’re not Lawrence Park yet!” A look at the NT student experience through the lens of the Graffiti archives Sean Lee Section Editor

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his article started with three texts. “sean” “sean” “i’m reading graffiti archives lol” It was a Wednesday — three hours into our in-person English class. Most importantly, it was a work period; and let’s be honest here, who actually uses free periods to catch up on schoolwork? For the next hour, we texted about aspects of the school that have become relics, forgotten over time. There was the old Friday schedule, December exams, and the oddly named Washroom Survivor that occured during Charity Week. This brief dive into the digital Graffiti archives sparked my curiosity and persuaded me to dig deeper.

At its inception in the early ‘80s, Graffiti began as a collection of student creative pieces, ranging from short stories to poetry. At the time, the Red and Grey (RAG) served as the go-to student news source with school announcements and articles. As Mr. Kinoshita, an NT alumni and current teacher, explained, “The RAG, which [came] out [every] Friday, used to be the news… So we got a pile of 30 [papers] for every home form, [teachers would] pass [them] out, [and it] would have all the announcements.” Gradually, the two papers started to switch roles, with the RAG becoming an outlet for Grade 12 Creative Writing students to publish their work, and Graffiti transitioning into the role that we see today.

Over its forty year history, every Graffiti issue has been stashed away in the school. In a 2009 article titled “Laughs from the past: A walk through the Graffiti Archives,” the Editor in Chief (EIC) Madeleine Cummings wrote that:

“On the third floor there is a small storage closet that is curiously 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the school. Inside the room, there are four large cardboard boxes. Inside those boxes lies the Graffiti archive in its entirety. The issues date back all the way to 1982.”

12 years later, the physical Graffiti archive has been relocated to the new building; on the second floor, right beside Room 213, also known as Ms. Bulgutch’s Media classroom. The four cardboard boxes have been promoted to a filing cabinet with dividers wedged between a majority of newspapers older than myself. After bugging Mr. Zohar on a couple of occasions, he allowed me to come in on an asynchronous day, with a mask and hand sanitizer, to peruse through the archive.

For students unwilling to annoy Mr. Zohar into letting them into the archive, one NT alumnus has launched a project to fully digitize the past issues. Joshua Chong, a former EIC of Graffiti, expressed, “I missed NT. I was really nostalgic. I loved my time at Graffiti, and I really wanted to give back in some way.” He went on to explain, “Mr. Zohar mentioned a couple of years ago how the physical archives were deteriorating... Some of the issues were really bad quality [from water damage in the old school]. So I thought what better time to do a project like this than in a pandemic.” At the time that he began this initiative, the digital archive only stretched back to 2015 — when the EICs first started uploading each edition to Issuu. As of right now, you can access past publications from as early as Spring of 2004. Chong said that, “I’m hoping [that] when the pandemic ends, a small group of people [could] help me, perhaps over one or two days, to scan [the remaining issues] and upload it.”

For this final section of the article, I have decided to re-print a collection of quotes from past Graffiti articles and snippets of interviews that I conducted to show NT student life over the past couple of decades or so. Hopefully, you will leave this article informed and with a smile on your face. Enjoy!

“Mr. Peddle had a column back in the early 2000s.

He had huge frizzy hair. It was super fun, [but] very controversial, though.”

- Joshua Chong, 2021

“In 2012/2013, when the teachers went on strike, the editors of Graffiti almost had to shut down Graffiti, because it's a school sponsored publication. But they created their own publication [called] Proxy, and they fundraised like $2,000 to print that. That was a huge initiative, and they were featured in the Globe and Mail for their efforts. It was a fantastic issue.”

- Joshua Chong, 2021

Washroom Taste Test (Spring 2008) “The school was prepared to lose a small amount of money assuming a minimum of 200 people bought tickets…

Whatever reason or reason(s) students did not purchase tickets for, the harsh reality remains, only five tickets were sold. Yes, five tickets.”

- “Semi-Formal, More like Semi-Abnormal” by Barry Luksenberg, Spring 2007 Issue

“Though the staff and security made valiant efforts to get the situation under control… Police arrived on the scene and paramedics were called for three students who needed immediate medical attention… Despite these disturbing events, the dancing continued, the thumping bass punctuated by murmurs of ‘no more prom,’ and ‘puked on my shoes.’”

- “Cleaning Up: The aftermath of Semi” by Maddy MacNab, Fall 2006 Issue

Graffiti vs Pentagon (Winter 2011)

Front Cover (1983)

“It is understandable that some of NT’s students and staff took a step back last year and had a look at the problems with the Fashion Show (now, NT Show)… [which] includ[ed] students involved being required to sell subscriptions to Elle Magazine in order to fund the show, female models having no choice but to wear high heels in auditions, staff advisors having no involvement in evaluating students during the audition process, and choreography that included exclusively male-female pairs, with no effort to represent other aspects of the diverse NT community.”

- “The Need for Change” by Matthew Gerry, Spring 2015 Issue

FEATURES | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 25 “Maytime Melodies used to be three nights (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). There used to be a medley that was often written for the event. So you had to pay a [professional] composer to do a medley... with a full chorus [that was supposed to be] all the students who were participating in music that year… [but in practice], was all Grade 9 and 10 basically.”

“It was a very impressive show but was painful for the music teachers. It was painful for the students too.”

- Mr. Kinoshita & Ms. Monteith, 2021

“The Oji machine was, in essence, a giant orange juice dispenser… and it was a thrill to watch it work… When I came back from summer holidays and walked past the cafeteria, I did a double-take. I couldn’t believe my eyes. [The Oji machine] was actually gone.”

- “Memory” by Michael Fine, Fall 2004 Quick editor’s note, it was revealed in the Winter 2003 edition that the Oji machine was purchased from the nearby Silvercity… that was suffering from an ant and rat infestation.

Yikes!

“The body of Jason Lee (last year’s layout God) is cryogenically frozen and mounted above the computers. If there is any semblance of truth to this one, the body must have also been made invisible; not impossible since Jason was also a physics aficionado.”

- “What really happens in the Graffiti office?”

by Michael Fine and Gillian Spiegle, Fall 2004

“In the bathrooms, girls bond over the fear of the mummified one-ply toilet paper balls stuck to the ceiling. We all know that one day, they’re going to rain down on us, inciting a veritable stampede of knock-off designer purses and fake baked limbs… As [a] legend goes, in ‘85 a young Norseman decided to see what happens if he threw a banana peel straight up [in the basement]. It’s still there today, congealed on the ceiling right outside of the girls’ pool change room.”

- “There’s a Rat on Your Uggs” by Neila Bazaracai, Winter 2006

“Roughly half of the staff of NT create[d] a flash mob and perform[ed] a choreographed dance routine before our eyes… Ms. Grondin and Ms. Wolfe took the liberty to organize the willing staff into the said flash mob. It was great that the NT teachers have the attitude and humour to go through with it.”

- “Top Ten” (One: Flash Mob) by Samantha Kellerman, Winter 2011

Scandal! (Spring 2009) “I think the [Music fundraiser] casino nights that we [used to have are] definitely gone [for obvious reasons]... [During the nights], I was a dealer, so I had a dealer hat [and] a vest on with a jacket and tie.

- Mr. Kinoshita, 2021

“Shout out to my boy Santa Claus, sorry, I mean the ‘anonymous donor’ who brought us a grad couch. You have truly saved a North Toronto tradition… Here are the unofficial rules: grade nines cannot even look at the couch, grade tens can look but not touch and grade elevens may sit on the couch when invited by a grad. However, if a grad comes looking for a vacant spot on the couch, the grade eleven must evacuate IMMEDIATELY.” - “Memoirs of a Couch Potato” by Madison GaudryRoutledge, Winter 2011

“Of the underappreciated teams one stands out the most. A team so little known that even the faculty asks, ‘There is a sailing team?’ An unofficial team of one member that team may be, but that one lonely North Toronto student is still out there giving it his all… [Michael Hogbin] managed to suffer through two days of rain and wind to bring you, North Toronto, a place in the top five. Not bad for a team that doesn’t even exist, right?”

- “Sports Team Under Appreciated” by Michael Hogbin, Spring 2009 Quick editor’s note, the funniest part about the previous article is that the sailing team was so underappreciated, that the guy who wrote it was the sole member of the team.

“There's a turnover rate. After four years, everyone that was there four years ago is no longer at the school... [For example], when I was in grade 10, someone looked at the archives and realized there was this whole creative writing section [called Muse, that was] right in the middle [of Graffiti], and no one knew about it.”

- Joshua Chong, 2021

Teacher Spread Gossip (Spring 2004) “[I didn’t boycott the Fashion Show] because I’m bitter about the fact that when I auditioned for the special talent portion of the show a few years ago, the tone deaf beauty queen running the auditions didn’t select me. Between you and me, I think it had more to do with the fact that she was failing my math class than any lack of musical ability on my part… [In all honesty], fashion shows are a celebration of the worst of what our culture has to offer.”

- “On boycotting the Fashion Show” by Mr. Peddle, Winter 2009 Issue

20 years later (Spring 2005) “The graduates sprayed the screaming children with freezing cold water. Innocent little grade nine boys were ambushed by balloon wielding maniacs in camouflage… [Another] year, grads unleashed three pigs into the school. Each pig was given a number: 1, 2, or 4. Caretakers were searching for days to find the 3rd.”

- “Grad Prank” by Rory Grant, Summer 2011

Trebuchet Day (Fall 2005)

I began this article to determine how the NT student experience has evolved over the past few decades. While reading through past issues of Graffiti, I realized that I had been trying to answer all the wrong questions.

Graffiti has been serving as the “Voice of NT” for around four decades, and each issue involves new voices from all corners of the school community. As a graduating Grade 12, this is the last article that I will be writing for the publication after three years of constant procrastination.

Earlier, I quoted Josh about his take on turnover rate. Every four years, the student body resets and some school initiatives are wiped from recent memory. Like those very initiatives, the unique perspectives of the Class of 2021 will vanish without a trace from 17 Broadway Avenue. The only remnants will be found tucked away in the filing cabinet on the second floor.

Graffiti flourishes due to the student population. Because it is fuelled by you, write about anything you’re passionate about. Write about the new orange juicer in the cafeteria, the underappreciated one-man sailing team, or even the Semi that ended all Semis. Write local history that can be looked back upon for generations to come. To whomever is reading this, make your voice heard, and hear other student voices from the past. With my graduation in two months, it is finally my turn for my own voice to be stored deep into the archives, patiently waiting for another student to come across it.

Access the digital archive at https://issuu.com/graffitithevoiceofnt. Special thanks to Joshua Chong, Ms. Monteith, and Mr. Kinoshita for taking time out of their busy schedules to be interviewed for this article.

FEATURES | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 27

STUDENT LIFE

A day in the life of a North Toronto student: pandemic edition A grade nine student describes her typical day at NT and her experience of starting high school during a pandemic.

Sara Kaboudvand Contributor

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any students, teachers, and everyone else around the world are experiencing a pandemic for the first time in their lives. What was once considered routine – gathering with friends, shopping in the malls, dining out, playing sports, going to school, shaking hands, giving hugs – is no longer safe to do or may even be against the law. I never imagined having to refrain from hugging a friend in concern for their safety. My 6th-grade self fantasized about the freedom I would have in my high school years and never imagined that my grade 9 year would be spent at home, peering constantly at a monitor, and learning my classes online.

This has become the new normal of a student’s life.

Entering high school in 2020 was probably one of the weirdest and most memorable experiences I will ever go through. Overall, in spite of the many challenges that this year has had, I have managed to establish a routine for myself and learn how to use my time in the best way possible. Here is a day in my life as a 9th grader at NT: pandemic edition.

I chose to go to in-person school and not virtual because I didn’t want to lose too much of my beginning high school experience. I still wanted to meet my teachers in person and make new friends.

At 7:00 am, my obnoxiously loud alarm goes off and I do all the typical morning tasks before I walk to school. I’ve always either walked or driven to school, so the transportation aspect hasn’t changed for me. Before I get to school, I make sure to take the Health Self-Assessment in order to maintain the safety of all staff and students of North Toronto. I quite enjoy getting to say “good morning” to the teachers and our principal when they are scanning my code.

Before the year started, when I had just been informed about the quadmester system, I was worried about having a 3 hour and 45 minute class on one subject. It seemed impossibly long, but now, after having experienced it, there is hardly a difference between now and my classes from previous years. We still take quizzes and tests like before and, in my opinion, taking tests isn’t harder this year. I’m not struggling with anything, but I can imagine for people who have test anxiety, it must be more difficult to cope with the stuffy masks on. For me, the biggest change has been wearing masks and having to get to know someone through their eyes, but my classes still manage to have fun. I am very grateful that I am able to physically go to school and I hope that we are able to return soon.

Online learning was something I had never experienced before, and the concept of “Google Classroom” was so foreign. This year, Google Classroom and Brightspace are my best friends.

Above all the chaos, tragedy, and mess that this pandemic has caused, I think there is a benefit: the experience. We are experiencing something that has never happened before, and probably, hopefully will never happen again in our lifetime. The fascination with that is what keeps me positive during the online sessions in the afternoon. I feel as though I am learning something new every second.

Upon finishing all of my classes, I usually check my emails and Google Classroom for any homework that I have. When everything is digital, it’s important to keep on top of things.

Every notification matters. If this was a normal school year, I would probably have either sports practice or some sort of extracurricular activity each day. Even though there are still clubs and programs running at our school, they are not nearly as active as previous years.

On a more positive note, the pandemic gives us a lot of extra time; time to learn new things, to have fun at home, and to think. After dinner, but even in between all of my active classes, I think about a lot of topics; about my life in general, and also my future. Oddly enough, this pandemic seems to have brought me more opportunities than anything. It’s a time for all people, including students, to reflect on how we are going to live life in this changed state.

What sort of changes will be permanent? What will our new routines be like? How will our social lives be different? Those are the most common questions I try to find answers to.

Photographs by Sara Kaboudvand

When I finally get into bed, I take a moment to unwind from my day, and I normally fall asleep instantly. Then, when my good old obnoxious alarm screams at me to wake up, I realize it’s time to get up and do everything over again.

Being a student that lived through the coronavirus pandemic seems like it will be a fun story to tell to future generations. At first, the changes seemed too drastic. It felt like my entire way of life had been turned upside down, and there seemed to be no way to fix it. But now, the changes are barely noticeable, and I feel like this pandemic is just one more step for us to take as humans.

When we are at home most of the time, we are forced to become aware of our surroundings. By watching the news and reading articles, we are given so much time to reflect and understand the current issues around us.

I’ll never know when the next lockdown is, when it will end, or when seeing my loved ones won’t be against the law. In this day and age, it feels like everything is unknown. But I do know one thing: we are all doing our best. Even though this lifestyle seems hard and stressful at times, we need to live through this, and all of us need to stay strong together and find the brighter side in things.

Stay safe everyone, so that we can all hug again with no concerns; breathe fresh air with no masks, and laugh close to each other again, with no worries. One day soon, we shall live again as we did, before there ever was this pandemic. In 10 or 20 years from now, “Zoom” and “Google Classroom” will probably seem ancient and laughable, as I will be reminiscing about this time while driving my hydrogen-fueled super flying car. Who knows what the future holds?

26 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | FEATURES IMMIGRATION

The Canadian dream

Unlike my siblings, I lived naively, blinded to the chaos surrounding me.

Sean Lee Section Editor

P

oliticians love to use buzz words and drool over phrases such as the “American Dream,” but I have never been convinced as to whether they truly know what it means. The late conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh alleges that “the American dream has now morphed into an expectation. And if it isn’t provided, or if it doesn’t happen, then people feel cheated.” In direct contrast to Limbaugh, Vice President Kamala Harris believes that “the American dream belongs to all of us.” When I asked my parents about the whimsical American Dream, they simply shrugged.

Around twenty-two years ago, my father (아빠) and mother (엄 마) had been deadlocked in an argument over their future. 엄마 wanted to immigrate to Canada for the sake of their children’s education while 아빠 believed that they could support their children better by staying in Korea. My mom told me that it took months of arguing before my dad gave in. They were to leave at the turn of the millennium.

When they stepped onto the plane, they were overridden with fear.

There were no guarantees of what would happen on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Even their safety was

in question as 9/11 was fresh on their minds. Their plane departed mere weeks following the event. Accompanying their fear was doubt as they sat contemplating whether or not this was the right move.

During the first wave of the pandemic, I remember curiously asking my parents, “Why Toronto?”

My dad replied, “Because there’s a big Korean immigrant population.”

“But why Canada?” I asked.

“Why not America? Isn’t there a bigger Korean immigrant population there?”

My dad looked at my mom, and they both chuckled. My dad reengaged with my eyes and explained, “Even if we wanted to immigrate to America, it’s impossible to do so.

Don’t you know how hard it is to move there?”

There is a stereotype that identifies Koreans as convenience store owners. The truth is more complicated than that classification. Although this country is known for being welcoming, it’s incredibly difficult to acquire a job without learning English and having a Canadian or American university degree. For many Korean immigrants, no career paths lie before them, so their only path to success was to risk it all and buy a small business.

For my parents, that business came in the form of Envoy. It became a source of pride for my dad. My mother was fortunate to get hired at a Korean bank where speaking English was not

a requirement. On the other hand, my father bounced around, unable to find a steady income. This business services store would finally be my dad’s way of providing for the family.

The store lasted five years. My father mentioned how he believes the previous owners of the Envoy knew of the declining sales and took advantage of my immigrant parents. Upwards of $100 000 went up in flames. My parents began fighting daily. My sister later told me that she and my brother would sit on the stairs crying, listening to their arguments and thinking that my parents were going to divorce.

And I was there for all of that.

When my mom got hired; when we first moved to Chaplin Crescent; when my parents made the investment in the store; and when it ultimately failed. I was born in 2003, two years after my parents and siblings first came to Toronto, and in the middle of a blackout from the extreme heat. Unlike my siblings, I lived naively, blinded to the chaos surrounding me. I bragged to my Forest Hill kindergarten teacher that my dad worked as a pizza delivery man. It was only years later that my mom told me how Ms. Gallippi pulled her aside one day and asked if everything was okay at home. I was only a child, but once I reached my teenage years, the Instagram filter was ripped off.

Ultimately, our situation has gotten better. My dad got hired at Canada Post and has been working there

for over a decade. My siblings graduated from university and are employed full-time.

When I was growing up, I never understood the appeal of superheroes.

Many children look up to these super beings as role models. I look at superheroes as characters that are exploited by corporations for profit. When I think of role models, I don’t see men in red capes, or I don’t see white male politicians yelling into their microphones about how spoiled the younger generation is.

Julian Castro said that “the American dream is not a sprint, or even a marathon, but a relay. Our families don’t always cross the finish line in the span of one generation. But each generation passes on to the next the fruits of their labor.” For the past four months, I have been pondering which dream of mine to follow—becoming a politician or a teacher. I owe it to my parents for giving up their dreams for mine. This isn’t the American dream—the land inaccessible to most of the world’s population—this is the Canadian dream. It’s the gamble of a lifetime and one of the most selfless acts that anyone can make. It’s by no means defined by success; it’s defined by sacrifice. The real cape-wearers of this world are regular people like the couple from halfway around the world, who sacrificed their dreams so I could pursue mine.

Illustration by Enna Rejc

28 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | FEATURES ASIAN CULTURE

Diversity of Asian culture

Traditional Dinner

Yu Garden, Shanghai

Beijing National Stadium

Spices Galore

Temple in the Mountains in Korea

Hong Kong Skyline

FEATURES | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 29

Market in India

Dance Celebration

Yu Garden, Shanghai

Japanse Hot Springs

City Life in Korea

Chinese Printmaking

30 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | FEATURES

Hong Kong Streets

Sushi and Thai Food

My mother making homemade dumplings (jiǎo zi) for dinner.

Cultural Clothing

Japanese City Life

Cultural Art

Photos by Ysa Dan Mar Fajardo, Audrey Gong, Arissa Roy, Kiana Sharifi, Michelle Wong, Danielle Xin, and Cheryl Zhang

FEATURES | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 31

IMMIGRATION

Multiple culture adapting

An NT student shares their experiences as a Chinese immigrant living in Toronto.

Scarlett Yi Contributor

C

anada is a country with countless cultures, languages and nationalities. There are 37.59 million people in Canada and 8 million of them are immigrants. I am an immigrant; I’m one of the 8 million people. My views from when I first arrived and my early understanding of Canada are very interesting. If you are an immigrant reading this, did you feel the same when you first came here?

On May 31st, 2019, my family and I arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Looking first at the Canadian immigration visa on my passport of the People’s Republic of China, and then at the Maple Leaf Card on the right, we came to this strange and but friendly country with excitement.

I had arrived in a new country and I had to start a new life and learn a new language. Before coming, my mom and dad had already found a place where we would live. We rented an apartment and contacted some friends. My family chose not to go to Richmond Hill or Markham because those two places are more Chinese than China Town; 30% and 45% of people are Chinese in Richmond Hill and Markham. Instead, we came to Midtown Toronto and started our new life. On the first night, our real estate agent took us to see our new

apartment, which is located on Roehampton Avenue. However, there was no furniture inside, so we stayed at our friend’s house for a week.

During the next couple of days, we went to IKEA and bought some furniture for our new apartment, attempting to make it feel like home.

On the way back, I said jokingly that this apartment is so small. My mother said that our friend, Ms. Wang, told us we can actually rent a house for the money we pay for this apartment, but an apartment is easier to take care of.

Unlike in China, you have to shovel the snow yourself in winter, and since it was our first year in Canada, it was better to get familiar with the environment first.

In September, I went to school. I found that there was little homework at school. It seemed that I hated homework once I came to Canada, but was proud of the experience in China of doing a lot of homework. The first day was boring and I did not know anyone other than my one friend. After school, in the afternoon, my mother asked me if I had homework, and I said no. My mother was very irritated and scolded me just because there was no homework to do.

We have discovered a lot of differences from China in these years.

First, the prices. Canadian things are good and cheap, and you can buy more in Canada than in China with the same money. The second is urban planning. Canada is good at planning

初来乍到 Scarlett Yi Contributor

加

拿大，一个有着多种文 化、语言和民族的国 家。据统计，加拿大一 共有3759万人口，其中，800万人是 移民。当然了，作为移民的我也是 那800万人中的一个。弹指一挥间， 暮去朝来，我来到这里已经两年。 回想初来乍到的时候对于加拿大的 理解和认识，真是挺有意思的，是 一个很值得我们书写的一个故事！ 我想，正在阅读这篇文章的你或许 也是一位移民。那请你往下读，看 看和当年懵懂无知的你是否有相似 之处吧！

2019年5月31日，我和我的 家人抵达多伦多皮尔森国际机场。 我看着印在中华人民共和国护照上 的加拿大移民签证和右手边的枫叶 卡，满怀激动地来了这个充满陌生 却又很友好的国家。降落多伦多的 那一刻我是欣喜若狂，毕竟是来了 一个新的国家、开始一段新的生活 了么。我们租好了公寓，也联系了 一些朋友。我们并没有选择去列治 文或者是万锦市，是因为那里比唐 人街更加中国化。30%和45%的列治 文和万锦市居民都是中国人。为了 更快融入社会，我们选择来城里。

我们是5月31号下午到达多 伦多的，当天晚上我们的房产经纪 就带我们去看了我们位于Roehampton上的新公寓。但是房子内空空 如也，什么家具也没有，所以那天 晚上我们住的是朋友（王女士）的 家...其实是一周啦。在接下来的几 天里，我们去Leslie和Sheppard的宜 家家居里购买并组装好了家具。一 天晚上，回朋友家的路上，我和妈 妈开玩笑，为什么咱家的公寓那么 小？妈妈笑着回答，说其实我们租 公寓的钱是可以用来租一个独立屋 的，不过我们的朋友王阿姨建议我 们第一年来还是住公寓比较好。在 加拿大，我们要做好多我们曾经在 中国都没有做过的事儿，比如自己 修水管，冬天时自己去铲雪...第一 年来，还是先好好和大环境切磋切 磋，到时候再处理这些“微不足 道”的事儿。

九月份，我去了学校。我 发现学校作业好少啊。那个曾经恨 作业恨到极致的我却似乎以那段不 愿回忆的过去引以为豪...第一天回 家，我妈妈问我我有没有作业，我 回答没有，然后她把我说了一顿就 因为没有作业...

这么多天下来，我发现加 拿大有好多和中国不一样的地方。 第一就是物价。加拿大的东西可谓 是物美价廉，用相同的钱同时在中 国和加拿大购物，能在加拿大买的

cities and countryside. Road planning is very different here than in China.

There are only three highways in Toronto, 401, 404 and 407; the first two are free, and the third is expensive.

In China, all highways are billed, and the toll for two kilometres is almost a quarter. There are also stop signs in Canada, but there are no stop signs in China. Toronto is also much smaller in comparison to the big cities in China.

In China, my elementary school was 30 kilometres away from my home, and my middle school was 12 kilometres away from my home. When I began middle school, my family was so excited. We finally were able to get up at six o’clock instead of at five o’clock! One of the biggest differences I noticed is that school here is really easy. It is okay to arrive at school at nine o’clock, whereas in China we had to arrive at school at half-past seven from the first grade.

Lunch is provided in China, whereas here, you can prepare your own meals and eat them yourself.

While I’ve adjusted, living in Canada still makes me homesick. During the Christmas break in 2019, we visited China and returned to Canada two weeks later to continue our western life. Last February, the Spring Festival was approaching, so we went to T&T, an Asian supermarket, and bought some New Year goods. Although we live in Canada, preparing for Chinese New Year is still extremely important.

From April to May, we bought

our first house in Toronto. We also did some sightseeing and visited some small towns around Ontario. We went to Niagara Falls and saw the United States on the opposite side. We also went to London, Ontario to see the beautiful scenery.

This September, I came to NT and was happy to once again see my former classmates and nice teachers.

My English has improved a lot, and I have learned a lot about Canadian culture. I like this country a lot, and I find it interesting that I am surrounded by people of all nationalities. People tell me that mooncakes, a delicious Chinese pastry, are delicious, that they like watching Chinese historical dramas, and we often play language games.

I ask my friends how to say books in Ukrainian and Polish, and they ask me about my language. I also have noticed that some languages are similar.

For example, people who speak Ukrainian and Polish can understand what the other is saying. Colombians can also understand a little bit of French even if they didn’t learn French before.

Many times, we are often manipulated by the politics of the country; this world is full of strangeness, unfamiliarity and prejudice. I hope all of us can let go of our history, let go of our strangeness, let go of our prejudices, and be friendly with everyone around us. If all of us are positive and open-minded, we can promote the common development and cooperation of our world.

东西肯定比中国买的要多。第二就 是城市的规划。加拿大的城乡区别 并不显著。第三，就是加拿大的道 路设计非常先进，这和国内就是真 的截然不同了。多伦多一共只有三 条高速公路，401、404和407，前二 者免费、后者又要收很高的费用。 不同于国内，国内所有的高速公 路都要收费，但费用却相对便宜， 每两公里收一块多两块人民币。加 拿大有“停牌”，但是国内没有， 这也是区别之一。第四就是作为加 拿大主要城市的多伦多实在是太小 了！在国内，我的小学距离我家三 十公里，中学距离我家十二公里； 小学结束后，我们家都很开心，因 为终于不用每天早上五点起床，六 点就堵在路上了，终于可以六点钟 起了！第五是这里的学业相对轻松 很多很多。通常都是九点钟到校， 若是在国内，需要七点半就到校早 读；在这边上课还需要带午餐，但 是在国内学校是会给咱们配备午餐 的。

常常住在这里，思想之情未 免涌上心头。去年的圣诞节，我们 回了国，两周后又回到加拿大继续 我们的西方生活。去年二月，我们 还过了春节，去大统华买了一些年 货。虽然旅居家国，但传统的规矩 可少不了。四月份五月份那会儿， 我们买了房子，而且去周边风景优 美的小镇转了转。尼亚加拉瀑布肯

定是要去的，我们还到那个高塔上 面吃了饭。我们还去了伦敦、剑桥 这些以英国地名命名的小镇，游览 了大多的大好河山。

去 年 九 月 份 ， 我 来 了 NTCI，见到了昔日的同学和负责 的老师们。我的英文进步了很多， 加拿大的文化也了解了不少。我很 喜欢这个国家，我也找到了和其他 民族朋友们交往的乐趣。别的国家 的同学会告诉我月饼好吃，会告诉 我他们也喜欢看民国剧古装剧宫斗 剧，我们也总是会讨论各个语言之 间的差别，比如如何用波兰语和乌 克兰语说“书”这个字？”我也看 到许多同学们在交流的时候发现不 同国家的文化其实有着异曲同工之 妙。比如，当乌克兰人和波兰人用 自己的语言和对方交流，他们能听 得懂对方大概要表达的意思是什 么；刚来加拿大的哥伦比亚人虽然 没有学习过法语，却也能听得懂一 些法语的词汇。

其实，很多时候，我们常常 被自己国家的政治所蒙骗了双眼， 让我们对这个世界变得陌生、不熟 悉，有了偏见。我希望所有人都可 以放下我们的历史，摘下我们充满 陌生和偏见的眼镜，留下那双友好 的眼睛。如果我们所有人都可以有 一颗开放的思想和内心，我们才能 促进彼此的关系、携手共同发展这 个美好的世界！

32 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | FEATURES LEGACY

Tuesdays with Morrie – a dying man’s lessons in living

“A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops.” - Henry Adams Alya Seker Copy Editor Inessa Azoyan Section Editor

F

rom the moment we picked up this book, to the moment we turned to the last page, our view of the world has not been the same. To us, Tuesdays With Morrie was a truly inspirational and life-changing book. At first glance, it may seem like a memoir full of cliché life lessons taught by an elderly man, but as you reach deeper into the pages and completely devour each word, you begin to notice that this book is more than just a story about somebody’s life. It is a book that requires you to let down the walls you built in order for it to embrace your soul. It is a book that requires you to disassemble your perspectives and reevaluate them piece by piece. It is a book that requires you not to be in control of it, and instead in control of you.

In this memoir written by Mitch Albom, he details his experience of rediscovering his college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who was in the last months of his life after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Their rekindled relationship soon turned into one final class: lessons on how to live. Although no final exam was given, Mitch was expected to produce one long thesis paper on what was learned, and that paper evolved into the memoir, Tuesdays With Morrie. Each week, on the same day, in the same house, sitting on the same chair, Morrie gave lectures on topics like death, fear, aging, greed, marriage, family, society, forgiveness, and living a meaningful life.

Even after the devastating disease of ALS had slowly stolen all of Morrie’s independence, Morrie’s joyful spirit remained. And although he had to retire from his favourite activity, dancing, his words of wisdom have danced into our hearts and will remain there, boogieing away, for the rest of our lives.

With every page we turned, we felt ourselves getting to know who Morrie was more and more. With every page we turned, we learned a new lesson that shifted our perspective on living. With every page we turned, we realized that Morrie wasn’t just a professor and a friend to Albom, but to us as well.

After reading this memoir, we have noticed ourselves forgiving people we thought of as unforgivable, feeling emotions we had never let ourselves feel, and appreciating things that we never bat an eye at before. To further spread Morrie’s lessons and the impact he has had on our daily perception of life, we would like to share the Tuesdays that stuck with us the most.

The first Tuesday, Morrie and Mitch talked about the world. “‘The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.’...‘Let it come in. We think we don’t deserve love, we think if we let it in we’ll become too soft. But a wise man named Levine said it right. He said, ‘Love is the only rational act.’’

Through each chapter, it became more evident just how much wisdom Morrie had to give. A recurring theme in the book was his love for love. Morrie loved love. He constantly emphasized the importance of letting love in, “[loving] each other, and [remembering] the feeling of love.” In the final months of his life, Morrie focused on love more than ever. As all humans do, Morrie feared the love he gave and received would die with him, but he soon realized that “[we] live in the hearts of everyone [we] touch and [nurture] while [we’re] here.” With these simple words, Morrie changed Mitch’s outlook on the world, and with it, our outlook as well. With limited time in life, Morrie encouraged his students – us readers – to put as much love and kindness into the world as possible. It is our responsibility to leave behind something that will be remembered.

With each person we care for, help, and love, we leave trails of ourselves in the world, making it a place full of love and kindness; a place worth living in for future generations.

The second Tuesday, Morrie and Mitch talked about feeling sorry for yourself.

“I give myself a good cry if I need it. But then I concentrate on all the good things still in my life. On the people who are coming to see me. On the stories I’m going to hear.”

Morrie constantly repeated the importance of not feeling sorry for yourself. When in times of despair, he found it important to feel this emotion, acknowledge it, and let it go. This way, he was able to move forward with his life without dwelling on the unpleasant aspects of it. When he found out he only had a short time to live, he knew what his outlook on the remainder of his life would be. Morrie allowed himself to feel the sadness,

Photo courtesy of Mitch Albom

the anger, the frustration, the pain, and then move on. Spending no more than a few minutes feeling sorry for himself, Morrie learned how to make the best of what little he had left, and this included “[putting] a daily limit on self-pity. Just a few tearful moments, then on the day.” This allows us to put our own problems into perspective.

So often, we catch ourselves feeling stressed about an upcoming test, upset about a received grade, or worried about what others think of us. Most times, these feelings can consume us and we become blind to the joyful moments of life passing by us. For us, Morrie’s words taught us how to be in control of our emotions – we must feel and acknowledge our emotions, but not allow them to consume us.

The Sixth Tuesday, Morrie and Mitch talked about emotions. “‘But by throwing yourself into these emotions, allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience them fully and completely. And only then can you say ‘All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognize that emotion. Now I need to detach from that emotion for a moment.’”

Emotions are what make us human. When we feel happy, we want to feel the happiness wrap its arms around us like a familiar hug. We are not scared of happiness, so we dive right into this feeling. However, when it comes to emotions like sadness, anger, grief, and loneliness, we tend to hold ourselves back from feeling them.

We sometimes hold ourselves back so much that we forget to feel at all. Other times, we get lost in these feelings and forget that positive feelings exist entirely. When it came to such emotions, Morrie never held himself back. He would jump in headfirst, and instead of waiting for a feeling to embrace him, he would embrace the feeling himself. By allowing yourself to feel and understand that emotion, you begin to eliminate the fear that is by nature associated with it. But, after you dive into the pool of emotions, you cannot let yourself drown in them. The key is to know when to get out of the pool and dry off; to know when to detach.

When you finish drying off, don’t sit by the pool and wait in hopes of another feeling embracing you. As Morrie said, “there are other emotions in the world, and [we can] experience them as well.”

So, continue to go about your day and acknowledge your feelings. Embrace your feelings. Embrace yourself.

The Twelfth Tuesday, Morrie and Mitch talked about forgiveness. “‘It’s not just other people we need to forgive, Mitch… we also need to forgive ourselves. For all the things we didn’t do. All the things we should have done.

You can’t get stuck on the regrets of what should have happened. That doesn’t help you when you get to where I am.’”

You’ve likely heard the question “What is your biggest regret?” countless times in your life, and you’ll undoubtedly hear it countless more times. Most people have regrets; we regret things we did do and things we

didn’t do. We regret not saying things we should have and we regret saying things we probably should not have.

What separates Morrie from most people is that he learned how to forgive himself. In all regards of life, it’s significantly harder to forgive yourself than to forgive others. We can often expect perfection from ourselves, and when we fail to reach this unachievable status, we dwell on it. We beat ourselves up and spiral in thoughts of what could’ve been, what should’ve been, and what now can’t be. Morrie taught us to break this toxic cycle.

Without forgiving ourselves, how can we truly know what forgiveness is, and how to forgive others when needed?

Not forgiving yourself means not allowing yourself to heal and move past former actions. In turn, this builds a wall in our path to a healthy relationship with ourselves and those we love.

Breaking down this wall is simple: forgive, forgive, forgive.

The Thirteenth Tuesday, Morrie and Mitch talked about the perfect day.

“That’s it? ‘That’s it.’ It was so simple.

So average… After all these months, lying there, unable to move a leg or a foot - how could he find perfection in such a simple day? Then I realized this was the whole point.”

Even when everything had been taken away from Morrie – his ability to dance, then walk, then feed himself, then move – he was happy. He truly believed that every day was the perfect day, a mindset we should all adopt. The key here is to understand that whatever happens during the day, whatever seems to go wrong, whatever seems like the end of the world… it’s still perfect if you allow yourself to see it. We often overcomplicate life, overthinking about countless situations that haven’t happened, planning out every second of the next day, or fearing an event scheduled later in the week. We don’t allow ourselves to take time and understand how perfect each day truly is. Bedridden and in the last months of his life, with all the layers of his daily routine stripped to its simplest sense, Morrie found perfection in love, in communication, in talking and in laughing, in living. Morrie was able to see that it doesn’t take a miracle to make a day achieve a perfect status; all it takes is presence. A life, a year, a month, a day; these are all words for a collection of moments. When you let each and every moment run through your veins, you notice that these moments are what allow you to breathe another breath. From the moments you laugh and dance, to the moments you cry and scream, these moments are the puzzle pieces that fit together to make up your day. Another day lived is another series of moments experienced, and these series of moments are what make each day worth living – what make each day perfect.

We encourage you all you learn from Morrie, love like Morrie, dance like Morrie, and live like Morrie.

FEATURES | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 33 DISCRIMINATION

The implications of France’s new anti-Muslim bill France’s discriminatory new bill restricts and threatens to destruct the religious freedoms of countless Muslim individuals.

Sophie Block Section Editor Interviews and translations by Janna Kazerani.

I

slamophobia is a prominent issue within every society. In 2020, Canada reported 349 incidents of hate crimes against Muslims, and, in France, governmental legislation is revealing extreme Islamophobia within the country.

This past March, the French senate voted in favour of a new bill that would ban those under 18 from wearing burqas and niqabs in public and private schools. As well, mothers wearing hijabs would not be able to accompany school trips unless they remove their religious headwear, and burkinis would be prohibited at public swimming pools. While France’s National Assembly still needs to pass this bill, the support for the bill within the Senate is astounding and these new bills will only exacerbate anti-Muslim hate within France and around the world.

Many people have taken to social media to repost this news and Muslim celebrities are leading conversations about their experience with Islamophobia. Ibtihaj Muhammad, a U.S. Olympian and the first Muslim female medalist, commented on this matter on her Instagram, stating that this is what happens when you “normalize anti-Islamic and anti-Muslim hate speech, bias, discrimination and hate crimes – Islamophobia written into law.”

Somali influencer Rawdah Mohamed also spoke out. “I strongly believe the only antidote of hate crime is activism,” she shared. Mohamed goes on to explain that the hijab ban is a hateful rhetoric coming from the highest level of government and will go down as an enormous failure of religious values and equality. qMany teens are discussing the issue by sharing posts on social media and using hashtags like “#handsoffmyhijab” to spread awareness and spark change. Kenneth Roth, the Human Rights Watch executive, commented on Twitter about this issue, asking “[c]an the Islamophobia be any more transparent?” In agreement, Amnesty International’s Europe researcher Marco Perolini said that “[t]his proposed law would be a serious attack on rights and freedoms in France.”

However, French politicians

continue to back their decisions. Bruno Retailleau, a right-wing senator, says that the veil is sexist, a marker of the submission of women, and the banner of separatism. He continues and says, “Stop telling us that the veil is only a piece of cloth while it characterizes the claim of the Islamist ideologists to impose on us a counter-society, separate from the national community.”

Eleene Reyhani, a 13-yearold student in France, has seen these changes impact her peers. “I remember maybe two years ago, there was a girl at my school who would cover her hair with a hijab, every day. One day the principal told her that she was no longer allowed to wear it at school and she stopped coming to school for a while,” Reyhani told Graffiti. “In [my] school and many other schools in France, we are not allowed to show our religion in any way. Not through clothing, not through signs, nothing.”

Anahita Reyhani, Eleene’s mother and an architect in France, shared her opinion. “Everyone needs to be the same, and religion interferes with that,” she said. Reyhani explains that when she first moved to France, her father told her that because they were coming from Iran, a country under the Islamic Republic, she was required to wear a hijab. “No one bothered us or had any concerns with anyone wearing a hijab. It’s only now that the act of wearing a hijab has become an issue,” she says.

This new bill does not come without similar action from past years.

In 2010, France’s government passed a law prohibiting people from wearing clothing that covered their faces in public. Protests sparked worldwide, but no change was implemented. This Islamophobic move was defended by politicians by stating safety concerns, but recently this defence has been destroyed. France has also closed down their country’s largest anti-Islamophobia organization, the Collective against Islamophobia in France (CCIF).

Reza Reyhani, husband of Anahita and father of Eleene, is a long-term care nurse practitioner in France. In an interview with Graffiti, he discusses the Islamophobia he has witnessed in France. He reports that six months ago there was a protest in favour of Islamophobia and it was the first time in the 20 years that he had lived in France that he had seen hate towards the Islamic culture. “During my entire experience of living in France, I always commended the country and the government because there are mosques, people can pray at ease,

and no one really paid attention to the fact that there were people wearing hijabs; no one thought these concepts made people different or worse [until now],” he expresses.

In another bill passed this March, the French government required face masks to be worn in public. Covering your face with a religious garment has a fine of 150 Euros, but not covering your face in public with a mask has a fine of 125 Euros and, yet again, the French government has defended their actions. The ministry states that the 2010 law allows face coverings for health reasons, and “wearing a mask intended to prevent any risk of contagion by COVID-19 does not constitute a criminal offence.”

France is not the only location imposing strict, unethical, and racist rules. In Quebec, Bill 21, implemented in 2019, banned the wearing of religious symbols at government workplaces, including schools. This affected many Muslim women who wear the hijab, niqab, or burka, and perpetuated gender bias. In some cases, it has forced women to choose between a career and their religion. This directly contradicts the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada, but the bill invoked a notwithstanding clause, protecting it from challenges for the next five years.

As the Canadian Civil Liberties Association states, Bill 21 “harms immigrants and racialized communities in particular. It unfairly targets people who express their faith through what they wear.” The Canadian Civil Liberties Association took the bill to court, but in December 2019, it was decided that the law was to stay in place.

Despite this ruling, Justice Dominique Bélanger said that it is “apparent that fundamental rights [of those affected] are being violated.”

Sara Jafari, a computer engineer living in Montreal, told Graffiti what she thinks of Bill 21 and recounted her personal experiences. She believes that the government of Quebec is stripping people of their religious rights to wear hijabs in governmental areas because of Islamophobia. “The government views the Islamic practices as propaganda and advertisement when in reality, it’s simply what a variety of people believe in, and they should have the right to exercise their religions,” she expresses. She notices that these moves from the government are what inspire Islamophobia. “If the government [sees] the need to ban it, then there must be a lot of issues asso-

ciated with the religion, such as terrorism, which is constantly correlated to Islam, but this is misleading and takes away from multiculturalism in the country and denies civilians of their basic human rights,” she explains.

Because Jafari works at a private and non-governmental office, she and several of her Muslim and Sikh colleagues are able to respect their religious customs at work.

On her trips to the grocery store, Jafari says that she sees people wearing their hijabs. Although the government of Quebec has said that it is illegal to wear religious clothing to work, stores are not included in this law. “It’s reassuring to see that people are not afraid and will not be pushed into giving up their culture,” Jafari acknowledges.

Aasiyah Khan, the Manager of Education Programs at the National Council of Canadian Muslims, wrote to Graffiti that “The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) alongside other organizations has been fighting [Bill 21] for two years. We’ve been fighting in courts – and we are now awaiting a judgment to see if it will be struck down. As we turn our eyes to the emboldened Islamophobia in France, where mothers who wear hijab are now unable to accompany their child on school trips and young girls are no longer able to exercise their right to wear the hijab... We must speak up and make connections to what is happening in Canada. Hate is like a flame. If we do not challenge hate and bigotry in all its forms, it spreads, and engulfs everything in its path.”

It is against international law for someone to be persecuted for their religion, and the consequences of religious persecution have been seen in the past. The bill in France still has to be approved by the National Assembly, but whether it passes or not, the discriminatory implications from this bill are clear. In Quebec, only a province away from Ontario, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association is fighting to have Bill 21 revoked, but they have had little success so far. To take action as individuals, sign petitions and ensure that you are not being anti-Muslim.

Help organizations that are fighting these bills and support charities that strive to make the world a better place.

Society must learn from history, and recognize the signs of religious persecution and take action before it is too late. Action to combat hate must never stop, and the world must work together to ensure fair rights for all people, regardless of religion.

34 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | FEATURES Dear Grade 9 Amara,

Dear Grade 9 Augustin,

‘Tis I, grade 12 Augustin. No, not a different Augustin…

I’m you but from the future! I hope this message finds you well.

This is going to be harsh, but looking back at the past years, this is for your good. For starters, you are not a music god. Playing a scale perfectly and Mr. Varahidis complimenting your playing does not mean that you’re NT’s John Coltrane. Soon you will meet Jane and Iva, and your ego is going to take a big hit, so I’m going to save you the trouble of waiting for that…Next up, stop wasting all your money on food. Make. Your. Own. Lunch.

It’s that simple. And before you ask, no, half a baguette is not considered “lunch”. Also, you’re going to regret not getting involved in school activities before grade 11 so get to it! Sign up for NTAA, maybe even PALs, join the symphonic band. JUST DO SOMETHING. Now, last but not least, forget everything I just told you. Completely ignore it. Why? Because every time you mess up or do something stupid, you’ll often learn from it and be a better you than before. So go be your cringe, filterless, borderline egoistical, fun and bread-loving self, and enjoy the next 4 years.

Cordially, Grade 12 Augustin

Something you need to know is that everything you go through in this life is a lesson. These lessons teach what you have yet to discover, enabling you to evolve. The earlier you recognize this and embrace the process of learning, the more faith you will hold in an outcome and the less attachment you will feel towards momentary discomfort.

Right now, you act as if there is something to prove, however, I urge you to ask yourself the following questions: What am I actually trying to convey? Why am I doing this and for who? Can I look into the mirror and honestly say this is my most authentic self, or I am suppressing a truer nature, in an effort to conform? Acknowledge that you want to be loved, heard and respected: all perfectly reasonable asks. Hence, this moment in time (like many others), is in fact a crucial lesson, leading you to decipher what you are not.

Please know, nothing that will intercept your path is something you cannot conquer and eventually blossom from.

Therefore, choose to relinquish the illusionary control you think you must possess, because the raw truth is that, the next few years will be nothing like you currently dream of – yet the outcome will be quite monumental. You embark upon great lessons of strength, loyalty, grit, and true self-love, all of which shape you into a wise soul, holding infinite possibility and abundant light. I will leave you with an important message I know you will understand: Diamonds are only formed under immense pressure, just as butterflies endure a seemingly endless period of darkness before blooming as wondrous creatures.

Yours truly, Grade 12 Amara

Dear Grade 9 Sean,

First off, ditch the contacts. By Grade 10, your signature look will be glasses, Adidas pants, and a baseball cap. Embrace it, because how you look should never outweigh your personal comfort. Next, don’t try that hard in Grade 9. Remember those words as you pull your first all-nighter editing your French summative. Spoiler alert, the mark that you got was nowhere close to how much effort you put into it. Speaking of French, please don’t drop it. You will spend every second complaining about how much work it is; but by the time you get to Grade 12, you will realize that it would’ve been incredibly useful. Finally, practice using Word Hippo to enhance your intellectual lexicon.

Enjoy the free time that you have, because by the time you get halfway through your Grade 11 year, you will be trapped in a Black Mirror episode for the rest of high school.

Also, join curling. I know, I know. The only television audience that curling receives is an empty couch from people who forgot to turn their TV off; but surprisingly, curling has more to offer than what meets the eye. Finally, apply for a position in Graffiti.

I know that it sounds absurd as English was your lowest mark in Grade 8, but being part of the Editorial Board has allowed you to participate in the most insightful conversations that will fuel your passion for politics and journalism. As a bonus, your English is the best now!

There will be a lot of firsts, including a relationship that was shorter than the cultural masterpiece “Sarah Palin’s Alaska.” But in the end, no matter what happens in the next four years, don’t be so hard on yourself. Remember to just be you.

Talk less, smile more, Grade 12 Sean

Letters to my Grade 9 self Hello there!

As a fifth-year student at North Toronto, I’ve learned many skills in leadership; learning from your mistakes; hard work; responsibly consuming money, and organizing your time wisely. When I was in grade nine, I was a new kid. Since then, I’ve learned about the high school experience and the history of the school. Even if you learn differently than other students, you can still learn everything you need to and anything that you need to help you in the future. You’re not alone if you have more than one weakness; everyone has an improvement to achieve. In English, a subject that you struggle with, you will see strong improvements through practising. You are ready and up for the challenge and face it. Acknowledge your mistakes, as everyone needs to be held accountable to grow up and move forward. No one can be perfect because we’re all humans, plus we can’t get it done right on the first attempt.

Try vigorously to succeed so that you can seek true potential in life. As well, make smart plans with your time and money, as they are important in your future. You must understand that these things here matter. You have to take life seriously and make a brighter future for yourself.

I wish and hope this can help a lot of people, Kyle Tulagan

FEATURES | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 35 Dear Grade 9 Roma,

To my grade nine self,

As you stand at the doors of what seems a new and daunting journey, know first and foremost it’s gonna work out. It’s not gonna be easy; there’s gonna be long nights and early mornings, tough breaks and lucky moments, tears, and joy. You will find that the best friend you could ever make was yourself. You will make good friends though along the way. I know it seems like the world you’re in is dark. How it seems you are at the mercy of your own inhibitions. But you will overcome them. Not all of them, some you still will be working on four years from where you stand. Which is ok, you’re not perfect, but who is? I guess it would seem hypocritical of me to tell you to relax. As I am sure you’d tell me that’s relative to where in time you’re standing. This is true, I only can garner such a perspective through the passage of time, but regardless, relax. If you could see who you became, I think you would say that’s impossible, but it isn’t. The world you’ll live in four years from where you are is going to be different. Pathogens and division will have you wrapped up in the politics of now.

But know that before you get there to take some time and see the world around you. I am sure I’ll be saying the same thing to my grade 12 self four years from now too. But just know, the most important thing is to be yourself, for you. I know you’re scared, and that’s natural. But, if there’s one thing I’d tell you to do, is to push your ego and pride aside, and know you don’t have to go at it alone.

Sincerely, Grade 12 Cameron

Dear Grade 9 Maeve,

You probably want to hear a detailed update on how things have turned out. And maybe a blueprint for how exactly you should get there.

But I’m sorry to say I don’t have any of that. And you shouldn’t want it, either.

High school is not just something to just get through.

The experience is just as important as the finish line. Take what you enjoy, because you have the rest of your life to work and strive for more. You can’t predict the future, so don’t load yourself up with responsibilities, because you’re just closing yourself off from other opportunities that may come.

Missing out on stuff in the future, like not leading a certain club, not getting into an enriched course, or not winning a student council election, will be really big disappointments in the short term. But it really just means that you’ll have more time to try new things that come, when you would have been busy with stuff you just wanted to do for the sake of doing them.

There are so many new things you’ll want to pursue.

About every year in high school — or more like every week — you’ll have a completely different plan for what to do with your life. Even now, rounding up grade 12, I haven’t gotten much closer to nailing it down. But that just means not to limit yourself, and not to be upset when things don’t go a certain way. When something doesn’t work out, that something may have sucked anyway.

So, take more time to do what you enjoy. Those are opportunities in themselves. And please, please, stop making concrete, rigid plans for the future. Because then, you’ll miss out on what comes along naturally.

-You in four years

You’re still the same height, your hair colour hasn’t changed, you are still in the vocal program, and haven’t gotten any better at science. But a lot has changed. NT is not as scary as it seemed (spoiler alert, everything works out!!) Just take a breath. Grade 9 is an adjustment, but you are going to get through it. Work hard, but don’t stress if you make mistakes.

They’re going to help you in the long run. And get out there and meet people!! You are going to find your people, and when you do, everything will feel so much easier! Don’t be afraid to be yourself, because what you may believe is the weirdest thing about yourself is what people love most about you. Lastly, make sure to stop, take a breath and enjoy it. It may feel like high school is never-ending, but one day you’ll blink and it will be over! Believe it or not, soon you will miss the feeling before a beep test or the stress of having four tests in one day. Stay cool...

Sincerely, Grade 12 Roma

Dear Grade 9 Nathalie,

Spoiler alert (because I know you like looking up the endings of every show you watch): you will not be studying International Businesses in Mexico. As a matter of fact, you will not even be applying to that type of degree or any Mexican universities.

First, I would like to thank you for daring to move to Canada. I know it is hard; there will be times when having moved seemed like the biggest mistake ever. However, it is not. I am proud of you and everything you have done. You have dealt with change in such a magnificent way despite being a Taurus.

I am glad you volunteered to be a class rep on your first day at NT (what the frog tho, you didn’t even know English that well) and ran for Treasurer. Surely enough, you lost for Treasurer. But every time you go downstairs and see one of the buttons you made and the bracelets, you will smile remembering everything that happened during campaign week. I hope you keep daring to do everything you want; the worst that could happen is you don’t get it – which you wouldn’t have in the first place anyways. Keep believing in yourself or else.

My only advice would be to dance more often in the morning music, and not only when no one is around. Ah yes, also don’t squish the passenger’s feet three times when you are on the plane to Canada. Most importantly, be nice to the girl with the cute purple pyjamas that aren’t pyjamas; turns out you two will be great friends (or potatoes, as you decided to name your potatoship).

Please do not worry about choosing social sciences over business; I know you spent a whole life planning that, but it is fine to let go of those plans. You have the mind and heart of a sociologist, and you will soon find out your path (maybe not so soon as I actually have no clue what our path is and that is chido liro*).

I am proud of you. I love you.

Sincerely, Your number one fan NAFS 2021 *Chido liro is slang for cool in Spanish

36 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | BUSINESS & TECH E

business & tech

TECHNOLOGY

Update: technology one year after the pandemic How COVID-19 has influenced our use of technology over the past year.

Liam Mclaughlin Copy Editor

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arch 11, 2021, marked the one year anniversary of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) official declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. With public health remaining a chief concern, and new strains of the virus disrupting recent months’ progress, it is clear to say that an end to the pandemic is still far away. However, if there is one thing that the pandemic has made abundantly transparent, it is that technology is the foundation of today’s society and plays a more significant role than ever before. In just a few months, COVID-19 has brought years worth of change, revolutionizing all industries and regions in the business world through technological advances. With that said, here are two of the ways COVID-19 has leveraged technology usage over the past twelve months.

Video Calling

With millions of people being forced to stay home, celebrating a friend’s birthday over zoom, or holding

a newspaper club meeting over microsoft teams has become extremely common. Similarly, in business, video chat software has played a critical role in connecting millions of workers to their jobs. Due to society’s adherence to separation measures, “and its profound resonance within the new social distancing culture,” (Dain Evans) Zoom, Google Meets, and many other video conferencing applications, have risen to the top. The video conferencing tool has gone from the once boring online conferencing enterprise to a “vital social lifeline” (Samantha Murphy Kelly).

Zoom downloads have increased 30x over the past year, becoming the most downloaded application in the app store since the inception of worldwide lockdowns. The app’s share price has increased by over 300x and has over 300 million daily meeting participants.

Most notably, Zoom has been widely used as an educational tool for remote learning, currently being used by over 125,000 schools during the pandemic.

The application offers greater educational features than ever before. To name a few, multi pinning allows users to pin up to nine users to create their own custom personal view, multi-spot, allows for a spotlight of up to nine par-

ticipants during a Zoom presentation, and breakout rooms, enable participants to join private meetings within the Zooms; which has mimicked and become our new method for group class activities. As well, the application has become a conduit for performing financial services. In the UK, HSBC personal banking has been doing Zoom mortgages, meaning users can get mortgages without leaving their existing home. The application has also seen a shift toward investment banking. Goldman Sachs, an American multinational investment bank and financial services company did a $2.9B stock offering entirely over Zoom.

Clearly, there are no limitations to the way the application has been used.

AI Investment

COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Statistics into company frameworks. Recent statistics show that more than 41% of companies have accelerated their A.I. strategies during the pandemic. When COVID-19 hit, the world experienced a dramatic shift toward online shopping. A survey conducted by Bazaarvoice reports that 49% of consumers shop more than they did during the pre-COVID era.

Because of this, businesses see greater opportunity to improve customer acquisition through A.I. systems. Many companies are enhancing A.I. on their customer service to better direct customer needs toward the appropriate departments on an online platform.

Additionally, A.I. strategies are being adopted to take further advantage of online customer acquisition. Online Algorithms use data from demographics and user clickstreams in order to direct products to consumers who are more inclined to purchase them. Finally, a decreased on-site workforce has contributed heavily to the reliance of A.I. strategies during the pandemic.

Greater A.I. investment has laid the groundwork for it to be used in different parts of businesses, which will lessen the need for workers to fulfill these roles in the future.

Though it has been a long and dismal period in time since the pandemic, it is clear that technology has emerged stronger than ever. Regardless of the effects the pandemic continues to rollout, society can be reassured that next time, we will be more prepared than ever before.

Photo courtesy of The Motley Fool

BUSINESS & TECH | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 37 COVID-19

The misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine With so much controversy surrounding the vaccine, it is essential to trust medical professionals and avoid listening to false claims.

Ella Wilkinson Contributor

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or over a year the COVID-19 pandemic has consumed all aspects of our everyday lives, with our only solution being the vaccine, which has become a prominent topic in the media. Over the past four months, 778 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered worldwide.

Although this number is extremely high, upon a closer look, it is evident that many individuals, known as antivaxxers choose to not take the vaccine as they believe such risks are greater than the virus’s. Many anti-vaxxers claim the vaccines can edit your DNA and cause infertility and autism. These misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine are not only harmful to antivaxxers, but put many others at risk as well. Anti-vaxxers must come to terms with reality and transcend their illinformed views. The truth lies within science. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective; none of the Anti-vaxxers’ main arguments suggest otherwise.

One major misconception about the COVID-19 vaccine regards the messenger RNA (mRNA) method utilized in the vaccine. In simple terms, RNA is a compound involved in cellular protein synthesis and can replace DNA as a carrier of genetic codes in some viruses. Many people believe that the COVID-19 vaccine has the ability to rewrite an individual’s DNA. Medical professional, Dr. Paul Offit, addressed why this theory is incorrect, stating that “the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work by delivering mRNA into your cells, prompting them to produce replicas of the ‘spike protein’ that the coronavirus uses to latch on to and infect cells.” Offit followed, stating that “the immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign and mounts a response to them, in essence teaching the body how to fight off a future actual COVID-19 infection.” These misunderstandings have snowballed into larger misconceptions online, ultimately creating chaos and misunderstandings for those who do not understand the science behind vaccines. The vaccine, in fact, does not make you a mutant from X-Men. The COVID-19 vaccine has no effect on your DNA; only your mRNA which helps your immune system to combat this illness.

Anti-vaxxers have also cultivated a belief that vaccines cause infertility. On social media people have theorized a depressing, deceiving, and defective hoax about women becoming infertile after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Anti-vaxxers argue that since the vaccine contains the proteins that make up the placenta, the vaccine could attack the organ. Lucy Chappel, a professor in Obstetrics at King’s

College London, states, “there is no plausible biological mechanism by which the vaccine could affect your fertility.” Chappel continued that “there is lots of evidence from other non-live virus vaccines, including the flu jab, [suggesting that they] have no impact on fertility.” Social media users have developed these false assumptions about the vaccine and have made the infertility misconception a common belief. This accusation has been harmful to the reputation of the vaccine and has created an increase in the anti-vaxxer movement.

In addition, another misleading and harmful falsehood has initiated the belief of developing autism from the COVID-19 vaccine.

This connection has been drawn by anti-vaxxers with no evidence provided to support their theory. Lior Brimberg, an assistant professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, explains where this misconception may have stemmed from. Brimberg

explained that “the autism variant of these historical conspiracy theories started with a report in a prestigious medical journal suggesting that 12 children developed autism after they received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.” Therefore, anti-vaxxers cultivated a fear that the COVID-19 vaccine may cause autism as well. Though, shortly after this its release, study was debunked; no link was established between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism, as the data used was insufficient. In fact, this misleading study was funded by lawyers who were prompted by parents in lawsuits against vaccine producing companies.

Brimberg disproves this conclusion by stating, “none of the claims have proven to be true when it comes to autism, and there’s no reason to think they are any more valid with the COVID-19 vaccines.”

The benefits of the vaccines outweigh all of the false claims antivaxxers have fostered. A vaccine

recipient explained how being in the trials and getting vaccinated was her “ticket out of hell”, and did not experience any side effects. The arguments against the COVID-19 vaccine are manipulations of medical science and are false. Next time you read information that questions the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, rely on the medical professionals and the positive data to light the path towards the truth. Get vaccinated as soon as you can in order to return to normality.

Photo courtesy of Omar Ali

38 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | BUSINESS & TECH INTERNET

HuffPost Canada shutdown Romina Emtyazi Section Editor

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n March 9th, 2021, a message was displayed on the HuffPost Canada and Quebec websites announcing that they will no longer be publishing content. Since that day, HuffPost’s operations have been indefinitely suspended in Canada. Founded in the United States, its first international edition launched in Canada in 2011. This liberal-leaning digital publication and blog covered topics including politics, entertainment, business, popular culture, lifestyle, and local news.

This decision came following the acquisition of the publication

by Buzzfeed from Verizon in November 2020. In an official statement on November 19th, Buzzfeed announced that the new partnership has introduced opportunities for new revenue through “powering new consumer shopping experiences, content syndication, [and] innovative advertisement.” This deal is a part of a much larger merger between Buzzfeed and Verizon Media — a subunit of Verizon Communications.

In a statement, Buzzfeed CEO Jonah Perretti announced that the goal of the acquisition is to help maximize content publication and increase audience engagement. However, the real incentive behind this decision seems to be the fact that the two companies are desperate to compensate for their losses in recent years. Both Buzzfeed and HuffPost along with many other new-media outlets were consistently growing in popularity since the public switched to reading online news instead of buying printed newspapers.

However, due to the current domi-

nance of Facebook and Twitter in the news industry, successful online publications have been largely abandoned by users. This resulted in significant losses in revenue for multiple digital news outlets.

In addition, the economic recession from the pandemic has caused many news outlets to resort to layoffs and pay cuts to save their publications, while others such as HuffPost have decided to sell. The financial repercussions of the pandemic crisis have forced big news companies such as The Atlantic, The Economist, Vox Media, and Conde Nast to make significant paycheck cuts and layoffs, of which have far bigger audiences than HuffPost and Buzzfeed combined. As for Buzzfeed, the news and lifestyle site let go of 68 employees and cut the salaries of all employees making more than $40,000 USD for two months.

Despite the financial terms of the agreement not being released, it has been reported that the deal has made Verizon a minority shareholder in Buzzfeed; a beneficial move for both parties. According to the Wall Street Journal, Verizon has also made a significant amount of cash investment into the digital news company. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

As previously mentioned, the initial terms of the agreement stated that while Buzzfeed will own HuffPost, the two will collaboratively publish content. For this reason, the complete closing in Canada came as a shock to all employees. On March 9th, management at Buzzfeed called a meeting with the HuffPost Canada staff and announced that twenty-three workers — many of whom had been at the company for a decade— will be laid off.

The employees were told that those who had been let go would receive an email by 1 p.m.. It was later revealed

that the reason why the employees had not received any kind of warning prior to the meeting was that BuzzFeed’s management team shut down Huffpost’s operation in Canada and Quebec altogether before informing its staff.

In an official statement, the company stated that it has also laid off fortyseven staff members in the U.S and has “[begun] consultations in Australia and the U.K to propose slimming operations.”

In reaction to the layoffs, Peretti said that while BuzzFeed remains a profitable business, it cannot afford to support the losses HuffPost has experienced over the last two years, of which totalled $20 million USD in 2020 alone.

In an interview with CBC News, the lifestyle editor for HuffPost Canada, Maija Kappler stated, “people who were working on stories weren’t able to finish and publish them. For a group of people as dedicated as our staff, it has been hard to deal with … it was just so abrupt.” The layoffs are not specific to HuffPost and reflect a much bigger trend in the media landscape. According to The Hill, an estimated 28,637 media jobs have disappeared in the U.S in 2020. In Canada, the Canadian Journalism Project has been tracking country-wide media cutbacks since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 11th, the project reported the

Illustration by Danielle Xin permanent closure of forty-four news outlets, the suspension of print at forty-nine newspapers, and one thousand permanent layoffs across 182 outlets.

Nowadays, amid the race of big companies vs. Facebook and Twitter, the actual value of journalism is rapidly fading. Most executives treat news publications as commodities and trade them in order to stay afloat and avoid bankruptcy. Moreover, according to financial analysts, the apparent goal of Buzzfeed to out-compete publications such as The Times and Washington Post through the acquisition of HuffPost and other smaller names in the news industry is completely unrealistic. Most people today know two or three general-purpose newspapers that they trust, and with the booming success of Twitter and Facebook, they probably won’t be needing anymore.

SCIENCE

The importance of science to understanding our existence Alisa Lukinykh Contributor

W

hy are we here? Where did we all come from? Why did this happen? These questions and many others are asked daily.

As humankind, we find ourselves in constant need of a purpose. Intellectual pursuit is a feature of the human brain, seeking the answers behind all natural phenomena. Originating from curiosity, the desire to learn is one of the fundamental human traits. It is with the help of theoretical science and psychology that we can begin to understand the origin and everyday facets of our existence.

The Big Bang theory is a widely recognized explanation of the beginning of the universe, supported by Hubble’s discovery of the relationship between a galaxy’s distance from Earth and its speed. This theory proposes a production of an enormous amount of positive energy and simultaneous production of the same amount of negative en-

ergy. The positive and negative always amount to zero. Therefore, if the universe adds up to nothing, no one necessarily had to create it. As simple as it sounds, there is a possibility that there didn’t have to be a triggering event for the Big Bang to occur. Stephen Hawking believed “the explanation lies back with the theories of Einstein, and his insights into how space and time in the universe are fundamentally intertwined. Something very wonderful happened to time at the instant of the Big Bang. Time itself began.” There was no time before for a cause to exist.

Thus, there is a reason to believe that nothing caused the Big Bang.

Physics and astronomy is one way to explain the universe’s beginning; another type of science to explore our existence is psychology. This is the study of biological influence, social pressures, and environmental factors that determine the way humans feel, act, and think. Have you ever dropped or ran into something and simply blamed it on your ‘clumsiness’? Well, these accidents often have an explanation that lies at an unconscious level.

Usually dropping objects of the same kind is utilized as the hidden motives of the unconscious. In some cases, it signifies a sacrifice for an upcoming event. For example, last Friday I had an art class. By the end of the class I expected the teacher to assign homework. Instead, she let us go. In this burst of joy, I pushed a cup full of water off the desk right onto the floor. In this case, it is obvious that as a result of the situation (being left with no assigned homework): a shattered cup acted as a ‘sacrifice’ that happened due to the occurrence of a desired event. Furthermore, an experiment has been done at the University of Michigan where 11 people with anxiety disorders were being monitored while having psychoanalytically oriented diagnostic sessions. The analysis in the end showed that unconscious perceptions are processed in different ways from conscious perceptions.. While sciences like astronomy may help us narrow down a general idea of life, psychology analyzes our daily behaviors. Since we are a creation of the universe, the way we are ‘wired’ to act answers many of

our questions related to the purpose of life, such as why are we here.

People need to take initiative in order for us, as a humankind, to expand our understanding of the universe using psychology and theoretical science to answer all of our questions, as well as provide significant evidence. To explore both science and psychology, there is a need for people interested in this field to conduct research, experiment, ask the right questions, and find answers based on logic and knowledge.

It is in these ways that we can find additional evidence for existing theories and find the answers to our pressing questions. Books are a reliable source of knowledge. If you are intrigued by the Big Bang theory, I compel you to keep researching and suggest reading “Brief Answers to the Big Questions”

by Stephen Hawking. Additionally, if you are interested in psychoanalysis, I suggest you try reading “Psychopathology of Everyday Life” by Sigmund Freud. If you are intrigued by the science behind our existence, diving into books about psychology and theoretical science is a good start.

BUSINESS & TECH | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 39 WORLD

Australian news

The Australian government’s approach to supporting the journalism industry and how other countries are reacting to this cause

Sophie Block Section Editor

F

acebook is a social media platform used by 2.8 billion people globally. This social network offers a variety of services, including private messaging, ‘friending’, and, most notably, news along with other content. Over the past few years, Facebook has prompted a variety of concerns, varying from safety to privacy issues. The platform recently sparked worldwide debate for not providing a share of their revenue with content creators, including newspapers. With the rapid increase in online users and media, many local news stations and newspapers are suffering.

If Facebook were to share revenue with these creators, it would help the success of the journalism industry tremendously.

Around the world, governments are beginning to address this issue. In Australia, the government has begun legislation with a bill titled “News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code”. The Australian government aims to make Google, Facebook, and other media platforms pay creators for news content. However, Facebook has denied the claims for any unfair behaviour, and after the government proposed this legislation in mid-February, Facebook banned users from sharing news in

Australia. In correspondence with this move from Facebook, no one could share any posts from Australian news sites, including health and emergency services.

An Australian publication, Junkie, told the government that 75% of the site’s traffic comes from Google and Facebook. If Facebook were to continue to block the news, sites such as Junkie would be even more threatened, reflecting the importance of smart negotiation.

This tremendous impact shows the great influence that Facebook and other media companies have on the world.

Despite these reports, Facebook strongly disagreed with Australia’s draft legislation. Facebook announced in a statement that “the proposed law fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content.”

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s chief executive, reinforced this idea, declaring that Facebook has helped “fashion a future for journalism, which has been under extreme duress.”

Although Facebook did reverse the block after a week, they did so only after negotiating with the Australian government. Currently, Facebook is allowing news to be shared, but Campbell Brown, the VP for Facebook’s global partnerships, said the network “will retain the ability to decide if news appears on Facebook so that we

While Australia’s approach has garnered the most attention, other countries have attempted different ways to help this issue. In France, large media platforms are required to discuss with publishers matters such as compensation in return for their news content. Germany and Finland have also taken action, and Guilbeault reminded Facebook that with so many countries looking to propose similar legislation as Australia, their approach of blocking the news will become “totally unsustainable.”

Michael Geist, the Canada research chair in internet and e-commerce law at the University Photo courtesy of Campaign Live of Ottawa, explained won’t automatically be subject to a that “If [Canada] follow[s] the Ausforced negotiation.” tralian model … we’ll find [our What does this mean for selves] in much the same spot …

Canada? In Canada, local news Everybody loses. The media orgasites face the same issue, and the nizations lose … Facebook loses.”

Canadian Government is planning Kevin Chan, the head of public polto take similar action to Australia. icy for Facebook in Canada, agreed, Canadian Heritage Minister, Stesaying that there are “other options ven Guilbeault, condemned Faceto support news in Canada that will book’s actions, but said that this more fairly benefit publishers of all would not stop the Canadian govsizes.” ernment from putting forth legis Facebook is not the only lation. Guilbeault said in a statemedia platform that these legisment to reporters that “Canada is lations will impact; Google and at the forefront of this battle … we other sites will be affected too. are really among the first group of Facebook’s action shows the dancountries around the world that are gerous power that large networks doing this.” and other online media companies

Figures produced from Cahave, but hopefully, the Canadian nadian media organizations proggovernment and media companies nosticate a dark future without can work together to approach this government help. In a report last in the most civil and successful way year, it was determined that the possible. Canada must learn from Australian approach would allow other countries’ approaches so for Canadian publishers to recover the best possible plan of action to $620 CAD million a year, but withbe put into place, but the governout any action, Canada would lose ment must also act fast to help Ca700 print journalism jobs out of nadian journalism thrive. their total of 3,100.

Moreover, in Canada, more than 14 million Canadians check their Facebook news feed every day. In May 2020, Canadian News Media announced that 50 community newspapers across Canada had been temporarily or permanently shut down, and 28 papers in 2020 alone had stopped publication.

These contrasting figures represent the impact new legislation can have.

40 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | BUSINESS & TECH CUISINE

Must-tries local Asian restaurants

Elise Farmar Section Editor

Sweet Shady Shack

Sweet Shady Shack is a local store that serves delicious bubble tea, a tea-based drink with tapioca balls, that come in a variety of flavours including taro coconut milk or mango slush (my favourites). The store also sells delicious grilled cheese and bacon grilled cheese sandwiches.

I would recommend you visit Sweet Shady Shack for their delicious bubble tea, complimented by their exquisite grilled cheese. Their products are extremely affordable, the owner is very friendly, and the store is extremely cute and colourful with the best decorations and atmosphere.

If you want to try a snack from Sweet Shady Shack, visit 220 Eglinton Ave E, only a short walk from NT. - Kiara Distin

Photo by Kiara Distin

Photo by Elise Farmar

Congee Queen

Congee Queen is a Chinese restaurant chain that currently operates in eight locations around the GTA. It is best known for its Chinese cuisine, including a variety of Chinese dishes, such as congee or chow mein.

Congee is a staple across East Asia. The dish consists of a preparation of rice (or another form of legume) that is typically served plain. However, congee can also be cooked together with other ingredients, such as chicken. Congee is typically served alongside an assortment of side dishes, such as seafood.

Congee Queen features many types of congee on their menu. I would recommend their classic house super bowl congee, which consists of rice congee along with a host of seafood. For those seeking to try Chinese cuisine, Congee Queen is a great restaurant to visit not only because of its variety of menu selections, but also because of its great taste.

If you want to give Congee Queen a try, you can visit one of their eight locations across the GTA, including their location closest to NT at 895 Lawrence Ave E.

Photo courtesy of Yelp

Pacific Mall Restaurants

On the top floor of Pacific Mall there are many local, familyowned restaurants that are in need of support during the COVID-19 pandemic. When I last visited the mall, it was virtually empty.

The majority of these restaurants serve Chinese food, but you can find a variety of Asian cuisine here. You can find many noodle dishes, all types of meat, vegetable dishes, ramen, bubble tea, custard buns, and more. All the food I’ve tried here is delicious, serving many traditional dishes that are difficult to find in other locations.

These small, Asian-owned restaurants are in need of support right now. In fact, many have already shut down. Sadly, they are barely getting any customers and struggling to make a living. Please support them by visiting Pacific Mall at 4300 Steeles Avenue East NE.

Photo courtesy of Blogspot

BUSINESS & TECH | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 41

99 Sushi

99 Sushi is an all you can eat sushi restaurant located just a short walk away from NT. The restaurant serves a mix of Japanese Cuisine, mostly sushi, and Thai Cuisine. They serve high quality sushi, gyoza, tempura, fried rice, and miso soup.

I would highly recommend you try 99 Sushi if you haven’t already because they have a convenient location and their food is delicious. If you want to give this restaurant a try, visit 170 Eglinton Ave E. - Ysa Dan Mari Fajardo

Photo by Elise Farmar

Khao San Road

Khao San Road serves Thai cuisine, including a wide selection of noodle dishes, curries, and salads. From what I’ve eaten at the restaurant, the food here is delicious and very high quality. You can tell the dishes are made fresh, and it’s just outstanding. I can hardly put it into words because it’s all so good! Across cuisines, Asian or not, this is one of the best restaurants I have eaten at.

My family discovered this restaurant during the pandemic, and it’s been a highlight of our day whenever we get to order in.

Besides the delicious food, the employees are very kind and make it a great experience. There’s excitement before you even eat their food. Not all restaurants do this successfully, and it makes this one stand out.

The food here is amazing and authentic … time to order some! Visit Khao San Road on 11 Charlotte St.

Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu

Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu is a Korean restaurant known for its Hot Stone Pot Rice and the various Soon Tofu meals. The chain first opened in 2001 and it currently has three locations across Toronto, all providing takeout on their signature meals.

Soon Tofu (순두부) is a Korean stew made with soft (uncurdled) tofu as the main ingredient and is often made with seafood, egg, minced pork, or kimchi. It’s a one-pot meal, since it is cooked and served in the same pot, and will come with rice in a stone pot. The server will spoon it out for you into separate bowls, adding hot water into the empty stone pot to create a delicious rice porridge.

The combination of the delightfully simple and plain rice with the exciting spicy, salty Soon Tofu creates a truly unforgettable meal! It’s known as a comfort food across Korea, and it certainly lives up to this title. This restaurant serves many other classic Korean meals such as, bulgogi (불고기) and bibimbap (비빔밥).

If you want to give Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu a try, visit 691 Bloor St W.

Photo courtesy of Yelp

Yonge Sushi

Yonge Sushi is a local Asian-owned restaurant that serves Japanese cuisine. Most notably, this store features a delicious variety of sushi dishes on their menu, as well as gyoza, chicken teriyaki, tempura, spring rolls, and more. The food here is always fresh and high quality.

I would highly recommend this restaurant and give it a solid five stars! If you want to try Yonge Sushi you can visit them at 3421 Yonge St. - Oleksandra Sytnikova

Photo by Kiana Sharifi

42 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | BUSINESS & TECH

Shatter Abbas

Shatter Abbas serves authentic Persian cuisine. Their menu includes classic meals such as Ghormeh Sabzi, Gheimeh, Fesenjoon, and delicious Persian meats such as Koobideh, Barg, and Torsh. They also serve sandwiches with your choice of meat.

Their platters include a combination of cooked tomato and four skewers of kebab: two Koobideh, one Barg, and one chicken. Each platter comes with two trays of saffron basmati rice and this option on their menu is the perfect way to share a family meal.

If you want to give Shatter Abbas a try, visit 804 Sheppard Ave East or order online at their website, http://shatterabbas.ca/index.html.

- Kiana Sharifi

Photo by Kiana Sharifi

Banh Mi Boys

With four locations across the GTA, Banh Mi Boys serves a variety of Asian cuisines, focusing on the traditional Vietnamese dish of Banh Mi. Banh Mi Boys offers a modern spin on the traditional Banh Mi sandwich, which typically consists of an assortment of cold cuts, pate, butter, and fresh vegetables. Their sandwiches showcase a variety of different meat and vegetarian options, including braised, grilled, and fried meats.

While they are best known for their Banh Mi sandwiches, Banh Mi Boys also serves Chinese Steamed Baos and Korean-inspired Tacos, along with many other side dishes.

The chain first opened with a single family-owned store on Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue in 2011. As their popularity grew over the next few years, the small business began to expand to other locations around the GTA, and eventually built their own commissary kitchen, in order to keep up with the increase in demand.

For those who seek to try the delicious Banh Mi sandwiches or other items on the menu, one can find one of their restaurants at 2365 Yonge Street, just a short walk from North Toronto.

Photo by Elise Farmar

Peking Duck Kitchen

Peking Duck Kitchen serves traditional, Beijing-style cuisine.

They offer a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, most notably their Beijing/Peking roasted duck (my recommendation).

I would definitely recommend this restaurant! Peking roasted duck is a staple within Chinese cuisine and many tourists often choose to try it out.

If you want to support this business, visit them at 1 Glen Watford Dr. - Audrey Gong

Photo courtesy of Yelp

CULTURE

opinion

OPINION | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 43

The problems of cancel culture

An NT student’s perspective on a culture that has existed for around for ages.

Image courtesy of marketingcommunications.wvu.edu

Sophie Block Section Editor

C

ancel culture has been around long before the popularization of the term; during the McCarthy era, wars, and even as far back as biblical times. Now, social media and globalization have changed the way cancel culture functions. With celebrities having more influence and a larger reach than ever before, celebrities’ views are increasingly scrutinized. Cancel culture strives to stop hate from being spread; however, its implementation and consequences are problematic.

Seuss Enterprises, the estate of Dr. Seuss in charge of the famed author of children’s stories, has pulled six books from publication this past year as the book portrayed racist depictions.

The world declared Dr. Suess to be yet another victim of “cancel culture,” a dividing topic amongst politicians, professors, youth, and industries alike. As the cries of cancel culture rang out, Dr. Seuss’s estate benefited; his top titles such as “The Cat in the Hat” were on bestseller lists worldwide within days. In many other instances, cancel culture has had the same result.

One rescinds and apologises for what they have said, the internet reacts, and then slowly, the cancelled person or item returns to how they were before, or benefits from their cancellation.

If this is the case, which it usually is, then why has cancel culture become such a prominent issue? In reality, cancel culture lacks real purpose, is ineffective, and distracts from other, more important issues.

Dr. Suess’s novels garnered similar reactions to an offensive media post made this February by Gina Carano, an actor in “The Mandalorian.”

The post compared Nazi Germany to the current political landscape, and Lucasfilm, Carano’s employer, immediately took action. Not only was she fired but Lucasfilm officially spoke out against the post. Social media split into two sides: those angry that Carano was being penalized for her use of “free speech,” and those arguing that she should have her platform taken away. First, it’s important to remember that free speech is different from hate speech, and that posting anything offensive and racist is not okay. For Lucasfilm, having ties to Carano became dangerous. Had they chosen not to fire her, it’s more than likely that people would be outraged, and would have criticized LucasFilm for condoning such behaviour. Likely, Lucasfilm itself would have been cancelled to an extent. Quickly, her fans acted up and a petition titled “Disney: Rehire Gina Carano’’ received more than 43,000 signatures.

As seen in both cases above, cancel culture has the intention to punish celebrities for their wrongdoings. While cancelling Gina Carano may have been intended for her to apologize and learn better, Carano has refused to apologize.

She was later hired by conservative Ben Shapiro, and although fans remain divided, her cancellation has not resulted in anyone becoming more educated or learning from her mistakes. Unlike the cancellation of Dr. Seuss’s books, which effectively took books with racist content off of the shelves, Carano’s platform has not been taken away, and she had no reason to stop posting more offensive content. This sole example proves the ineffectiveness of cancel culture for celebrities and shows that a different approach must be taken.

In another example, Alexi McCammond, an esteemed journalist, was supposed to become the Editor in

Chief of Teen Vogue. When her racist and homophobic tweets from 2011— during her teenage years—reemerged, she parted ways with Vogue. When these Tweets resurfaced in 2019, she apologized. She wrote on March 10th that “there’s no excuse for perpetuating those awful stereotypes in any way,” and she is “so sorry to have used such hurtful and inexcusable language.”

Though she apologized, she resented that these words from her teenage years would overshadow her many years working to give a “voice to the voiceless.” In this case, the unjustness of cancel culture is demonstrated yet again. While no racist or homophobic comments should ever be acceptable, McCammond had apologized several times, and her dedication to working with marginalized communities throughout her life reaffirms the fact that those posts in no way reflect who she is now. Did she really deserve to lose her position after learning from her mistake, apologizing several times, and showing that she has changed? In this case, I don’t think so. Unlike other celebrities, McCammond was not using her platform to be hateful and she showed sincere remorse.

Clearly, as demonstrated above, cancel culture seems to be more of a saying and a claim rather than true action. Sure, Doja Cat, Jeffree Star, Gina Carano, and Ellen DeGeneres are “cancelled,” but they have in no way had their platform taken away or sincerely changed their actions.

In seemingly random strokes, some celebrities who have been cancelled lose their jobs, some profit off the situation, but rarely do those cancelled really learn from their mistakes, other than sometimes to appease the public.

Conversely, cancel culture can be beneficial; when books, movies, or other pieces of work are taken off the shelf because they contain racist and offensive depictions, this helps society

become a better place. In this manner, outdated and unacceptable views will no longer be passed down to the future generations.

With all of this in mind, the discussion of controversial opinions should not be off the table, but it must be remembered that hate speech strongly differs from free speech.

Publicizing offensive opinions to followers, often willing to blindly listen, is not the way to have these discussions. Like Amana Koontz, a University of Central Florida (UCF) associate professor of sociology, says, “[p]ublic shaming is a long-standing public ritual that helped to uphold social bonds and make sure people within communities were equal and understood the norms, and to ensure no one got too high and mighty.”

To take real action, and not just to “cancel” someone, education must be used. Clearly, if a celebrity has a particular opinion, the belief is widespread. Koontz explained this by saying that cancel culture “puts great responsibility on an individual, and it does not [always] encourage actual societal change. We haven’t taken care of the larger institutional or systemic issues.” If a celebrity educates themselves after saying something offensive, they will hopefully learn from it. Celebrities are such influential role models, and anything they say or do changes the actions of others, making cancel culture so widespread.

They will no longer be spreading hate through their platform, and instead will be able to incite positive social change.

When discussing cancel culture, ask yourself: do we silence those who are racist or do we silence those being tormented by the racists?

Hopefully, through education, we can learn from others’ mistakes and become a more accepting world.

44 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | OPINION COVID-19

Putting people before profit: suspending COVID vaccine patents Do pharmaceutical companies really have the peoples’ interest in mind?

Romina Emtyazi Section Editor

E

ver since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, 128 million people have contracted the virus and more than 2 million people have died. Meanwhile, life all over the world has been disrupted by lockdowns and billions are now struggling with mental health issues. However, it does not take much reflection to realize that the biggest victims of the pandemic are the poor. These are the people who are being consistently exposed to the virus because they live in crowded spaces, don’t have the option to work from home, and don’t have proper access to healthcare. Additionally, the global economic recession has pushed millions out of the middle class and into the ranks of the poor. According to the World Bank, the estimated COVID-19-induced poverty is set to rise to anywhere between 143 and 163 million people by the end of 2021, an unprecedented number in modern history. The regions most affected by this trend are the Middle East & North Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Currently, humanity’s best chance at reversing these damages is global vaccination. At the beginning of the epidemic, millions of researchers worldwide mobilized to develop a vaccine. A mere 9 months after the discovery of the virus, multiple vaccines were introduced and authorized for use. This immense success is a result of the large-scale cooperation by scientists around the globe along with the massive amount of investments by governments.

As per the WHO guidelines, vaccines are considered as “a common good,” meaning that they should be shared for all or most people in the world. Yet, vaccines have become a source of massive profit for pharmaceutical companies in a time of global crisis. Data provided by UNICEF indicate that 86% of vaccine doses have so far gone to high and upper-middle-income countries, while 0.1% have been administered in low-income countries — who make up 80% of the world’s population.

In terms of profits, Pfizer is estimated to make a $15 billion profit from its vaccine sales in 2021, Moderna has forecasted $18 billion in sales by the end of this year, and Johnson & Johnson expects more than $10 billion in profits as well. As for the Oxford-AstraZeneca collaboration, in April 2020, Oxford University pledged to donate the rights to its vaccine for any drugmaker who requested it. This decision made many vaccine equity advocates optimistic about equal and fair distribution of the vaccine. However, weeks later, Oxford — incentivized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — signed an agreement with AstraZeneca, forfeiting its patent rights to the pharmaceutical giant.

According to Oxfam, for a vaccine to be “universal,” each dose should be sold at $3.40 all over the world so

that nations with weak currencies could also be able to purchase them.

Even at this low price, pharmaceutical corporations will still be earning a significant amount of profit. Forbes has reported that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine costs $19.50 a dose, which sums up to $39 per patient (2 doses are needed for the drug to be effective).

Moderna is charging $15 per dose, $30 in total. While these prices are affordable in the eyes of most European and North American governments, they have put a massive strain on countries with weak economies. With these prices, the cost to vaccinate the world population is astronomical. The question that arises here is: why aren’t vaccines for other diseases treated in the same way? Take tetanus or diphtheria vaccines, for example. Similar to COVID-19, these two diseases pose serious health threats to all individuals, and their vaccines are mass-produced and regularly administered all over the world at 9¢ per dose. Why should the COVID vaccine be treated any differently? Initially, company executives argued that the cost was set to ensure high returns on the investments that governments and shareholders had made. But despite seeing significant amounts of return on investment, the companies have been candid in their desire to profit even further. Frank D’Amelio, the chief financial officer for Pfizer, recently stated that Pfizer will be increasing its vaccine prices “as the disease shifts from pandemic to endemic.”

The first important step to providing equitable access to vaccines is for pharmaceutical companies to agree to waive COVID-19-related intellectual property (IP) rights — otherwise known as patents. In October 2021, India and South Africa approached the World Trade Organization (WTO) to make a case to waive parts of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement). To increase public support for this proposal, The People’s Vaccine Alliance was formed by a coalition of over 50 organizations, former and current world leaders, including Oxfam. In a telephone interview with Graffiti, Siham Rayale, Oxfam Canada’s women’s rights policy & advocacy specialist stated that “The waiver is specifically calling for a removal of the intellectual property rights related to COVID-19 tools.

This includes vaccines, diagnostic kits, and other therapeutic drugs that have proved effective to treat the virus’ symptoms.” When the pandemic is over, the IP rights will be restored. This plan was opposed by the United Kingdom, the United States, and EU nations at the WTO meeting in March. But on May 6th, the U.S. changed course and officially announced its support for the waiver. Canada’s position on the matter remains unclear. While it hasn’t renounced the proposition, it hasn’t supported it either. Following the White House’s backing of the proposal, International Affairs Minister Karina Gould stated that Canada “welcomes” U.S. support, but the government is yet to make its decision on the subject.

One common criticism of the

A local vaccination clinic at Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto | Photo by Romina Emtyazi patent relief is that most low-income nations don’t have the capacity or the expertise to produce these vaccines.

In response to that, Rayale stated, “If the waiver is granted, [it would enable] low and middle-income countries that already have the technology to massproduce vaccines for domestic consumption. The India Serum Institute is already manufacturing the AstraZeneca vaccine. The capacity exists; it’s about releasing the intellectual property rights to enable those that can manufacture and produce to do so.”

It should be noted that the TRIPS waiver is not the endgame. It is the first step towards prioritizing people’s lives over profit, and making vaccines available to other countries at the production stage instead of the delivery stage. The strong opposition towards this waiver by pharmaceutical companies and The International Intellectual Property Alliance gives the impression that the patent relief will increase the supply of vaccines around the world; otherwise, why would they oppose it?

Additionally, pharmaceutical companies argue that the IP waiver will undermine the incentive for innovation in the future. What needs to be considered here is the scale of the problem. Without the patent relief, the current slow vaccine rollout will continue. This not only hurts the populations in poor and developing countries, but undermines the entire global fight against the pandemic. The longer the virus is out there — in any region of the world — the more variants and vaccine-resistant strains of the virus are expected to emerge. An analysis by the People’s Vaccine Alliance has revealed if inoculation around the world continues at its current speed, the virus will remain among us until 2024. “We can’t predict what the global health impact is going to be in the future. And we do have a solution: vaccines. We can’t let innovation that supports profit margins and pharmaceutical companies stand in the way of what should be seen as a global right to health and life,” Rayale said.

The best possible argument for a temporary IP rights waiver is that patents were never created for use during global crises. A patent is designed to “[reward] inventors by protecting their inventions from unfair competition for a limited time.” The word “competition” refers to rivalries between innovative companies. The

pandemic is not a competition between companies, it is rather a race between humanity and a virus. Instead of competing with one another, countries should be cooperating to win this race.

From a financial perspective, the sooner the world returns to its pre-pandemic state, the sooner global trade will bounce back and economic recovery will boost the job market all over the world. According to Bloomberg News, the cost of failing to vaccinate the whole world is estimated at $9.2 trillion. This amount translates into over $1 trillion for the US economy. This means that even if every single person in the US is vaccinated, the country will still face economic loss.

Therefore, the patent waiver is also a financial no-brainer.

In terms of the future, Rayale talked about the vitality of a longterm solution to protect the world.

“We don’t know what the lifecycle of this virus will look like years from now.

So [people all over the world] can be trained into the vaccine development industry, and the world needs to be more prepared,” Rayale stated. Scientists have repeatedly noted that this will not be the last pandemic and that there will be many more to come. That is why a global long-term plan is necessary to prevent another debacle such as the one we are in today. “Ideally, this should be done through the World Health Organization. The multilateral infrastructures already exist, what would be even more ideal is if we have the political will to continue to invest more in that to improve it,” she added.

Presently, some politicians and other influential people are trying to turn the public’s attention away from the waiver campaign and towards other projects such as The Global Citizen Vax Live Concert to Reunite the World. These flashy schemes might be well-intended, but they offer no real solution to the vaccine inequality crisis. While the public can’t do much to amend the current situation, supporting the campaign for the TRIPS waiver may force governments to take action. Oxfam Canada will be launching a campaign around vaccine inequality this month. According to Rayale, the campaign will ask people to “sign a petition, [thereby] helping a letter be sent to Prime Minister Trudeau, calling for the government to push support for the vaccine equity movement.

Adding your voice to that campaign will be really critical to ensuring that

OPINION | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 45 POLITICS

The political problem between China and Taiwan

Learn about a battle that has been brewing for years, and its enormous effect on Taiwanese people.

Ryder Chein Contributor

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aiwan is a wonderful country full of passionate people and rich culture. It is also one of the safest countries in the world. But for the past 100 years, there has been one main issue that has been surrounding one place and that is China. They pressured and bullied Taiwan for a long time, even as of 2021, and claimed Taiwan as part of China. However, Taiwan is an independent country that should not be plagued by the Chinese government’s problems.

Everyone in the world knows China. It has the most populated country in the whole world and is the third largest county by size. Taiwan on the other hand is a lesser known country with a smaller population and land mass. Most Taiwanese people are Chinese descendants, whose ancestors moved to Taiwan a few hundred years ago and have been colonized by Portugal, China, and Japan. They created their own government and established it as a country in 1947. Although Taiwan has become a separate entity, the Chinese government constantly manipulates their citizens to believe that Taiwan is still a part of the country and

that they still have control over Taiwan, claiming that it is a civil war and they are “waiting for Taiwan to return to China.”

For those that may not have heard of Taiwan or mistake it for a part of China, there is evidence as to why it is an independent country. Taiwan is fully democractic while China is communist. The Democracy Index further proves this point. The Democracy Index uses electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties to give an overall score of the level of democracy. Taiwan is currently ranked 11th in the world and has been given a score of 8.94 out of 10, while China has a 2.27 out of 10 and is ranked 151st in the world. Taiwan also has more economic freedom, as shown by the 2021 index of economic freedom of heritage.org. It uses rule of law, government size, regulatory efficiency, and open market to rank these countries. Taiwan is ranked 4th in Asia with a score of 78.6 out of 100, while China is ranked 20th with a score of 58.4. Also, Taiwan is the first country in Asia to authorize same sex marriage while it is illegal in China to do so. This shows that China has a lot less human rights than Taiwan and also many other countries. Another example is the Chinese government’s actions towards religious groups. They show little to no respect for people’s religious beliefs, demonstrated by their treatment of Muslim Uyghurs; they are also closing down Chritian’s churches and banning sales of the bible, while Taiwan has full religious freedoms for all people.

Taiwan also has their own president, a fully functioning government, their own military, and an olympic team.

These are just a few examples of Tai-

wan’s independence and their political stature, economic freedom, and human rights, compared to China’s.

Next, I am going to talk about China. Chinese people have been taught since they were children in school that Taiwan is a part of their country. They often use “Taiwan Island” or “ Taiwan State” to reference Taiwan instead of calling it a country.

All of their news media, internet servers, and browsers are owned and controlled by the Chinese government, which means that the majority of people do not have access to information that most countries do. Both of these examples are evidence of how their Communist government might spread false information to their citizens.

China also bullies Taiwan. Recently, the Chinese government sent some fighter jets around Taiwan’s sea area, which raised some concerns. Taiwan often has to send their own jets to warn them to back down, but they still come again and again, putting Taiwanese people in a state of constant fear. Because of this, the Taiwanese are scared that one day they are going to get attacked and possibly go to war. Secondly, China often pressures other countries to agree that Taiwan is a part of China. This is called the One China Policy, which essentially means that if you want to become an ally or trade with China, your country cannot recognize Taiwan as a country.

That is why Taiwan is not recognized on the global stage, and why Taiwan is not allowed a seat at the United Nations, World Health Organization, and more. One example for this is Prague, Czech Republic. Prague was “sister cities” with Beijing, but decided to cancel the agreement because they would have to recognize Taiwan as part of

China. Prague later became a “sister city” of Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.

Immediately after this agreement with Taiwan, China cancelled all of its tours from the Czech orchestras and music ensembles. The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, warned the Czech Republic that China will “ definitely make them pay a heavy price.” This demonstrates how China pressures other countries to believe in their propaganda, using money to pressure other countries.

In conclusion, the issue is not the Chinese people, but the government itself, who keeps trying to manipulate their people and limit Taiwan’s path to the global stage by claiming Taiwan as part of China. Taiwanese people just want freedom and respect, but the Chinese government seems to disagree. It is a shame that because of the Chinese government, some Taiwanese and Chinese people cannot get along well. As a Taiwanese person, I hope that during my lifetime I can see the Chinese government leave us alone, and let the citizens of our two countries become allies again, because I am sure that we will love each other more than any other two countries. I hope that one day we can proudly say that we are Taiwanese on the global stage, without the Chinese government denying us our freedom.

COVID-19

Ukraine vs Canada in treating COVID-19 An interesting comparison of Ukraine and Canada’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mariia Krasnenkova Contributor

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have lived in Ukraine for most of my life, but I have been in Canada since the pandemic started.

Canada and Ukraine are two entirely different countries that have had distinct approaches and responses to the pandemic. By analyzing the vaccination programs, social gatherings, and public transportation regulations in each country, we can get a better understanding of the situation in the two countries.

So far, Canada has vaccinated far more people than Ukraine despite the latter having a larger population (by 6.8 million). According to Bing COVID-19 tracker, Canada has vaccinated 22.13% of its population whereas Ukraine has vaccinated only

0.99% of its population (according to a population statistic from 2019). This is because of the development of the countries, as Ukraine’s HDI(Human Development Index) is approximately 0.200 lower than Canada’s HDI, when looking at the information of HDI from 2018. In about one week, the percentage of vaccinated people in Canada went up by about 2%, while the percentage of people vaccinated in Ukraine went up by about 0.20%. By looking at the vaccination statistics, we can see that Canada is doing a better job at treating COVID-19.

With respect to the number of cases, Ukraine has about 600,000 more COVID-19 cases than Canada because it has a higher population density, which makes the virus spread faster. In Ukraine, it takes anywhere between 5 hours to a couple of days to get the COVID-19 test results; while in Canada it can take up to 4 days.

Ukraine has purchased German and

Chinese test systems for the detection of COVID-19, and the reagents in the test systems make it possible to carry out laboratory diagnostics of the new coronavirus variants as well.

Public transportation is one of the things that has changed due to the pandemic. In the case of the subway, the rules for the passengers are the same in Canada and Ukraine; all passengers must wear masks and keep their distance in subway cars, on escalators, and on platforms while waiting for the train. With regards to travelling from or to Canada by plane, there is a new requirement. If a person travels out of Canada by plane, they must take a test and stay in a hotel for 2-3 days upon return. Regardless of the test result, they have to quarantine for two weeks at home. In Ukraine, the situation is different. A person must get tested 1 to 3 days before the flight, 3 to 5 days after returning, and then quarantine for 7 days. The testing

and quarantining are mandatory for both Ukraine’s and Canada’s travel requirements.

In terms of social events and public spaces, the Ukrainian government has permitted outings for groups of up to 50 people, as well as indoor religious events, provided that there is one person per 5 m² and that a distance of 1.5 meters is maintained.

In stores, pharmacies, petrol stations, and banks, visitors are to wear masks at all times on the premises. According to the Quebec Health Issues, in Canada, private gatherings are allowed, but members that do not live in the same household must keep a distance of at least 2 meters apart. Gatherings must also be restricted to a limited number of people following the measures enforced in a particular region. As we can see, while social events are allowed in both countries, each has its own regulations.

46 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | ARTS & CULTURE E

arts & culture

REVIEW

Minari: a silent escape from the bustling city How COVID-19 has influenced our use of technology over the past year.

Sean Seokwoo Lee Section Editor

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he first half of this review will have mild spoilers. The end will feature a deeper analysis of plot points throughout the film. It is recommended for the viewer to avoid reading the last portion to avoid major spoilers.

There has always been a hunger for one element in Hollywood: realism. Filmmakers often take different approaches to translate words from a screenplay into an authentic experience. For example, Noah Baumbach garnered praise for his film Marriage Story by being able to effectively capture subtle nuances in his dialogue, such as the stutters and frequent interruptions experienced in conversation. On the other hand, Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari relishes in its silences to portray a true-to-life immigrant family dynamic. The pauses between dialogue allowed each line to breathe and grow in intensity until the final climax. These factors contributed to the realization that Minari was the most genuine and intimate family drama that I have ever seen.

In summary, Minari revolves around a Korean-American family that moves to rural Arkansas in search of a better life. In Arkansas, they are confronted with several hardships that dig cracks into the foundation of their relationships. With no turning back, they confront the challenges that face them and learn about the resilience needed for immigrants pursuing the American Dream.

Minari was Lee Issac Chung’s final shot at being a director. Although he broke out with his critically acclaimed film Munyurangabo, his following films Lucky Life and Abigail Harm did not acquire the same level of success. With a teaching offer in Incheon on the table, he penned the screenplay for Minari and subsequently flew to South Korea to take the job.

He explained in an interview that “[he] figured [that he] might have just one shot at making another film” so “[he] needed to make it very personal and throw in everything [he] was feeling.”

The film started as a list of memories and eventually evolved into a 98 page screenplay. During my viewing of the film, it became evident that Chung’s personal experiences shaped Minari into a realistic experience for its audience. In particular, while looking through the screenplay, one stage action that caught my attention was “Mobile homes don’t come with stairs.

There’s a three foot climb to the front door.” I loved this because these small details can easily be overlooked by Hollywood. However, the fact that

Chung specifically included this point grow in. shows how it comes from his own ex- Minari was phenomenal by all perience growing up in a mobile home means, but there were a couple of deand reveals the care that went into tails that took away from its experience. constructing a realistic depiction of To begin with, the silences throughthe Ozarks. out the film were impactful, but the Apart from the personal touches that amount of them led the narrative to Chung added to the film, the perfor- drag. Although it got better in the secmances from the cast were another ond half, the slow pace made it initially aspect that sold this story. Steven difficult to connect with the characters.

Yeun and Han Ye-ri acted masterfully, As well, Will Patton did an amazing provokjob poring the traying tension Paul — a between w h i t e their difreligious fering man who perspech e l p s tives.

J a c o b A l a n (Steven Kim and Ye u n ) Noel Cho tend his added f a r m . childlike H o w naivety e v e r , to the Patton’s conflicts. l i n e s M o s t were ofnotably, ten mutY o u n tered; Y u h and even jung’s at some award points, winning unintelperforligible. mance as A l Soon-ja, though the mat h e r e ternal w e r e grandsubtitles mother for the of the Ko r e a n f a m speaking ily, inparts, troduced Photo courtsey of A24 Films A m a z o n warmth to had no the scenes that she was in and stole closed captioning for the rest of the the spotlight with her witty humour. movie. In a flick categorized by the The ensemble collectively enhanced Golden Globes as “foreign,” I found it the journey that the audience was incredibly ironic that I found some of taken through; and was in my opinion, the English dialogue the most difficult robbed of a Screen Actors Guild award to understand. for Outstanding Performance by a Cast With a relatively small $2 milin a Motion Picture. lion dollar budget, Minari is a moving

Furthermore, the score and adventure that will have you alternatcinematography established the atmo- ing between laughing and crying. Lee sphere that Chung envisioned. In the Issac Chung explained in an interview previously mentioned silences placed that “as [he] was [rewatching] the film throughout the film, Emile Mosseri’s again recently for a check of the HD Academy Award nominated score master, [he] saw [a] shot of the family swells into a heavenly chorus, domi- sleeping on the floor together, [and] nated by piano and vocal themes that that resonated a whole lot more to recur throughout the film. Especially [him] now as an image that [he] carr[ies] during the climax, the music elevated and hope[s] for the world. People who the scene and gave it emotional depth, are still together after this mess... who leaving no dry faces in the audience. are now clinging to each other.” We Additionally, the cinematography was live in the bustling city, with persistent done in a dream-like fashion, with noise and stress. The lockdown has each setting beautifully shot as if it forced our families together, with nowas from a painting. Without the bril- where else to turn. In the end, Minari liant camera work, Minari wouldn’t was more than Chung’s recollections; have been able to achieve a believ- it was a silent escape from the realities able environment for the characters to of COVID-19 and a reminder of how

important our families are to us.

As mentioned from above, this following portion will contain spoilers from the movie.

Firstly, I wanted to highlight Youn Yuh-jung’s character and performance, which was tackled masterfully. Right from the get-go, she is introduced bearing gifts of red pepper flakes and dried anchovies. For Monica (Han Ye-ri), she tears up after seeing food from Korea that is hard to come by in rural Arkansas. The part that really sold this scene was when Soon-ja (Youn Yuh-jung) forcefully hands a thick envelope to Monica. It contains a thick wad of cash that was obtained by the grandmother selling her store in Korea. This made me think of my maternal grandmother, who sends bimonthly boxes of stuff including seaweed, clothing, and snacks. When she came to visit years ago, she brought a similar looking envelope and forced it into my mother’s hand to keep.

Prior to Minari, I had only seen Youn in Korean variety shows such as Youn’s Kitchen, where she is the foul mouthed, yet warm boss of a celebrityrun restaurant. Her real life personality suited Soon-ja’s character, especially in one of my favourite moments in the movie, where she teaches David (Alan Kim) and Anne (Noel Kate Cho) how to play Go-Stop — a Korean traditional card game that is normally associated with gambling. Her distinctive character elegantly contrasted with David’s expectations, causing him to exclaim, “Grandma, you’re not a real grandma.” When I was younger, I used to be culture shocked at how different my maternal grandmother was from Canadian culture. She always smelled of seaweed and didn’t speak English.

Looking back now, I realize that different cultures have different ways of expressing their love.

This film has reminded me of the importance of family and how tragedies like the pandemic can strike in an instant. Last April, my paternal grandmother passed away. Because of the language and cultural barrier, I had always felt scared of contacting relatives. As a result of this, I feel David’s sense of alienation and expectation subversion when thinking about family overseas. When reflecting upon this film, I realized that these connections are important because there is never enough time in our lives. Sometimes, it becomes too late to have a conversation with another family member.

As I wrote in my conclusion for the spoiler-free section: in the end, Minari was more than Chung’s recollections; it was a silent escape from the realities of COVID and a reminder of how important our families are to us.

Minari is available for rental on Amazon and Apple TV.

ARTS & CULTURE | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 47 CUISINE

Turkish food

Turkish delicacies and the variety of it all!

Omer Salim Contributor

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urkish cuisine, one of the most famous cuisines in the world, stands out due to the rich ingredients used. When talking about Turkish food, usually a cuisine with a great variety comes to mind. Throughout its long history, Turkish cuisine has been blended with Western cuisine over time and for this reason, it is liked by so many people around the world.

Meat is the most popular food group in the world and Turkey is home to many different types. Most of the meat dishes in Turkish cuisine are kebabs, meatballs, and juicy meat dishes.

Kebabs are dishes usually eaten in res-

taurants and prepared with the grill method. Among the kebabs, doner kebab, and its derivative iskender kebab, Adana kebab, Şiş kebab, Urfa kebab are among the most popular kebabs. Meatballs are made by kneading minced meat with bread, onion, and various spices. They can be grilled, baked, fried, or put in stew. İnegöl Meatballs and Sultanahmet Meatballs are among the most popular meatballs throughout the country. Juicy meat dishes include Casserole, Paper, Kebab, and Stews. In addition, many fish, chicken and offal dishes are available in Turkish cuisine.

Turkish cuisine also has a great variety of vegetable dishes. Numerous varieties of stuffed vegetables, meat vegetable dishes, fried vegetables, and olive oil dishes are available.

Dolmas and wraps can be prepared with or without meat. Stuffed meat often contains minced meat, rice, onion, and tomato paste. Meatless options are stuffed with rice, onions, currants and pine nuts. It is used to prepare cabbage and grape leaf wraps. The vegetables most commonly used for stuffed veg-

etables are peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, eggplants, and onions. Vegetable dishes with meat are prepared by minced meat and by cooking chunks of meat alongside vegetables. Numerous dishes are available, including: meaty beans, cauliflower, eggplant moussaka, meaty zucchini, meaty peas, meaty varieties, lentils, chickpeas with meat, spinach with meat, cabbage, and leeks.

Many vegetables can be fried and grilled. Fried eggplant, roast zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, carrots and patties are among the most popular fried dishes.

Soup is an indispensable part of Turkish cuisine, especially in winIllustration by Ysa Dan Mari Fajardo ter. Lentil Soup, Ezogelin Soup, Yogurt Soup, and Tarof soups. These are the most famous hana Soup are the most preferred turkish foods. soups. There are many types of soup like these. Meats, Vegetables and legumes are often the main ingredients

REVIEW

Pachinko: a story of identity and accpetance A meaningful book you NEED to read!

face the hardships of being a Korean.

The author masterfully captures the clash of cultures between Korea and Japan during that time through characters like Sunja’s sons, Moazasu and Noa. Moazasu experiences conflict trying to fit into societies that do not want him as he finds himself strug-

Abby Shin Section Editor

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achinko is a sweeping family saga, written by Korean-American author Min Jin Lee. The novel follows the lives of a multigenerational Korean family during the early to late 20th century. Throughout the book, readers experience the trials of a Korean family living through the Japanese colonization of Korea, adjusting to a new life in Japan, and the repercussions of war. Pachinko touches upon themes of loss, racism, hope, love, and faith as each character lives and struggles to find a sense of belonging in the world.

The story begins in Busan, Korea, with the birth of Sunja, the daughter of Hoonie and Yangjin. Throughout her adolescence, Sunja is portrayed as a shy and vulnerable child who eventually falls in love with Koh Hansu, a gangster in Korea. Soon after she becomes pregnant with Hansu’s child.

As a young pregnant, unwed woman, Sunja is undesirable and an outcast, until a good-hearted, young pastor on his way to Japan offers to marry Sunja.

Together, they travel to Japan in hopes of a better life outside of Korea.

In Japan, Sunja and her family

gling for a sense of identity as a Korean living in Japan. As Moazasu states in the novel, “in Seoul, people like me get called Japanese bastards, and in Japan, I’m just another dirty Korean no matter how much money I make, or how nice I am.”

Noa, the son of Sunja and Hansu, also battles his sense of identity because he desperately wants to be Japanese in a world where he was born

Korean. Noa pushes any sort of semblance of his Korean identity out of his life to repress any part of his past culture. The Japanese society he grew up in detested Koreans, and over years of this resentment, Noa felt that society’s hatred of him was a personal issue and his fault. His desire to fundamentally

reflect deeply on my personal experiences as an Asain growing up in Canada.

Growing up and even now, I live in an area that is predominantly non-Asian. Most of the kids I attended elementary school with were white, and the closest friends I made were the one or two Asian kids in my class. I do not think that I ever consciously was ashamed of being Asain, but I also remember thinking that I wished I could have been less Asian. It was easier for me to put my culture and ethnicity aside, minimize it, and in no way ever proudly claim it.

In the last year, for various reasons, however, I have learned to acknowledge and come to love my heritage that I once unconsciously repressed my whole life. Pachinko was a part of this journey. I unlocked a deeper appreciation of my Korean heritage that I had never recognized before; I connected with each of the characters’ struggles to find and accept their identity and culture.

To put it simply: Pachinko should and must be one of the next books you pick up. On top of its heartPhoto courtsey of Asiasociety.org breaking, beautiful story line, the characters Min Jin Lee created feel so change his ethnicity is a great source human because they tell the story of of anger and conflict within his life thousands of Korean-Japanese people which later proves to be the ultimate throughout history. downfall in Noa’s life.

While Pachinko takes place in a world and time period different from my own, the story Min Jin Lee wrote resonates with me because I can relate to each character in their battle to find a unique identity. The messages and events within the novel caused me to

48 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | ARTS & CULTURE ASIAN CULTURE

Cultural appreciation & appropriation

Is it a big deal if I wear a traditional Chinese dress or a kimono to post on Instagram? The crucial difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation.

Yasseen Mobada Contributor

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hat do yoga, henna, Chinese tattoos, and slang have in common? Though they are all cultural aspects from different communities and parts of the world, they have all integrated, in some form, into mainstream Western culture. The topic of cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation is a sensitive dialogue that most people are often too afraid to participate due to the fear of offending others. Though most have good intentions when integrating unfamiliar traditions, they can sometimes overlook their ignorance on the topic. Public controversies involving celebrities’ misuse of other cultures reinforce the people’s reluctance about the discussion. So what is it we misunderstand about some prominent examples of stereotypical practices?

Are there any negative consequences to our behaviour?

Let’s start by clarifying our understanding of a couple practices that we often think we generally understand in the mainstream Western culture, but actually might not.

Yoga is likely the most famous form of exercise introduced to the West by an immigrant. The origins of what we know primarily as a stretching and posture activity goes back to Ancient India. Yoga was a spiritual practice with the ultimate goal of Moksha: liberation or uniting the human spirit with the divine. The word literally means “to harness” and has taken on many meanings over time in India: having control over the body and mind, the name of a philosophy within Hinduism school , and a form of discipline for achieving any goal. It is said to predate the Vedas, sacred texts in the Hindu religion, but is integrated within Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Yoga involves mental and physical techniques to practice and it has a number of different varieties within its original context.

Overall, traditional yoga is described as a mind skill that impacts the way one thinks, speaks, and acts.

However, only one variety, asanas, is widely known to Westerners. Asanas type Yoga was brought to the U.S. by a yoga guru known as Yogendra in 1919, who wished to research the health benefits of the postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. This extremely limited component of yoga grew steadily popular and reached the American masses by the 60s and the West as a whole by the 70s. The sudden fascination with Asanas is attributed to globalization, with both Westerners visiting India and Indians migrating to the West, as well as the growing exodus from organized religion in the West. Since yoga is closely related to organized religion, Westerners sought to eliminate the spiritual aspects of the practice such as the study of holy scriptures, retreat, alms-giving, and

celibacy. The version of yoga present in the West now primarily begins and ends with the physical aspect within a short class, while the religious yoga of India is essentially a lifestyle.

Another practice that has made its way into pop culture in the West is henna body art. The tradi-

lar throughout the Arab world. Hindu gods and goddesses are often depicted with mehndi styles on their bodies. According to authentic traditions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, he and his male companions used henna to dye their hair and beards and also encouraged women to adorn themselves with it. Therefore it is a sunnah, or an

Illustration by Baran Forootan tion was popularized by celebrities such as Vanessa Hudgens, Madonna, Beyonce, Katy Perry, and Kylie Jenner. Henna itself is a dye from a plant known as the henna tree or Egyptian privet. The first known use of the dye is in Ancient Egypt as a hair dye, but the Egyptians also used it for body adornment as well as painting the nails of mummies. The dye was used for wool, leather, and fabric. Henna is greatly widespread, from West Africa to the Indian Subcontinent and everywhere in between. Henna body art has been associated with fertility and marriage for women since the Bronze Age. The Night of Henna, a bachelorette party, features the bride-to-be spending the night before her wedding with her female friends drawing henna on each other. Henna is also applied on religious celebrations throughout cultures. The practice is typically done at home and taught through family. Mehndi is an Indian variety of the body art that tends to have a style that is more intricate than the kind popu-

encouraged tradition, for both Muslim men and women to use henna. The prophet also reportedly encouraged its medicinal use for damaged skin and headaches. Henna has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and heat absorption properties among others. Henna in the West is most used by women simply as something akin to makeup and face painting, either to emulate celebrities or a coincidental henna stand in public. It is also rarely self-applied as most people don’t have the skills to draw the intricate patterns on their skin by themselves.

As illustrated by these examples, there is a spectrum of misconceptions when it comes to imported cultural practices. With yoga, Western understanding is primitive, and with henna, it is simply removed from the cultural context but not completely misapplied. The nuances and variability make navigating what is acceptable and what is not extremely discomforting. So what is the difference between appropriation and appreciation?

The best way to distinguish between the two is to define them first. According to Oxford Languages, cultural appropriation is “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.” In contrast, appreciation would be a conscious adoption of a custom or idea with its cultural context and giving proper credit to its culture of origin.

Another word worth defining is culture itself, which may be said to mean “the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.”

The whole point of culture is that it is shared and not individual. All cultures borrow and lend from one another over time. What we think of as modern Western culture doesn’t actually all originate from Europe.

Some people believe that certain ideas or practices should be absolutely forbidden to those outside of their culture. Cultural gatekeeping seems counterintuitive to the purpose and existence of various cultures because they only exist in the first place from a spread of traditions.

A more reasonable concern over cultural appropriation is related to the way in which the culture was spread. Henna is an example of how a practice can spread to span multiple continents from a single place.

Yet few people would accuse Afghans of appropriating henna from Egyptians because of the way it spread.

There was no known perceived superior group in this process of cultural diffusion. Though the French and Belgians take pride in having their countries be known as the origin of french fries, almost nobody would consider Americans’ use of the food as a staple of many meals as cultural appropriation. This is because the spread of fries to America could only be described as natural.

On the other hands, minorities in the West may be offended when people of European descent utilize aspects of their culture because either their culture of origin suffered from colonialism and imperialism at the hands of Western powers or because they are discriminated against in the West. This would be hypocrisy where the Europeans enjoy foreign cultural practices and ideas while criticizing and mocking the same cultures with little consequence. For example, many people, especially among our own generation, will regularly speak with certain slang and accents, whether African-American, Carribean, or otherwise, because it allows them to feel cool; however, this is inherently dishonest because it communicates that they come from a socio-economic background they did not grow up in. They can use it for status and revert to their normal accents when needed to avoid discrimination. *Article continues on next page*

ARTS & CULTURE | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 49 They themselves may also perpetuate racism, intentionally or unintentionally, by using the accent in poor taste or through other stereotypes, making it unfair for them to benefit from the accent.

Another example would be when white people get Chinese tattoos when they have no legitimate connection to either the country or the language. People are able to distinguish between genuine admiration of the Chinese language and alphabet and a thinly veiled attempt at appearing cultured. Nobody wants their culture being utilized as a prop.

There are also some careless adoptions of unfamiliar traditions that will result in appropriation, regardless of the offender’s race. For example, last year, at a fashion show run by Ri-

hanna, lingerie models danced to a remixed narration of a hadith, a saying of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It goes without saying that such a display is highly insulting to the Islamic religion, but more than just being an honest mistake by Rihanna, she has a history of using the religion as an aesthetic. She has used hijabis to promote diversity with her makeup line while having posted a picture on Instagram wearing a tight abaya, a traditional Middle Eastern over-garment often worn by women for modesty, facing Arab women with the caption “B*tch stole my look”. Even though Arabs and Muslims do not face a negative power dynamic with Black Americans, nobody appreciates a disingenuous use of their culture.

Overtime, ideas and traditions

have changed as they enter foreign lands. The word taboo, or tapu, is actually a Polynesian concept denoting an involiable object. Its meaning in the English language has changed to mean a discussion or practice which is avoided. Pre-globalization, we had no way of seeing these changes occur and we also had no way of attempting to correct them due to such. The question of whether such evolution is still acceptable is another discussion altogether.

To conclude, sharing our rich experiences with one another usually has the possibility of being a net positive for all parties involved, but execution is what counts. When somebody dresses up in a kimono for an Instagram picture or to seem cultured, a Japanese person might be confused because the dress is rarely worn out-

side of special events and holidays.

When people are ignorant about a tradition, the minimum they can do is research or ask. Also, when that same person contributes to conspiracy theories related to COVID and all Asians, it’s no doubt a Japanese person may get offended. Taste is everything when it comes to engaging in what is sacred and special to others.

REVIEW

Why Paper Menagerie is more than just a short story A book that truly illustrates the impact of immigration on parents.

Kiana Sharifi Section Editor

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remember the first time I read the short story Paper Menagerie. My english class had already read so many narratives for our short story unit, I was already tired of digging for the deeper meanings and hidden symbols, only to have to write an essay on it afterwards. We would read, analyze, discuss, and then move onto the next short story, but what I felt after I read Paper Menagerie was different.

I remember being so immersed in the text, completely unaware that I was actually crying the whole time. I looked up in tears and saw that the rest of my class was tear-stained as well.

Paper Menagerie by Ken Liu is a short story about a boy named Jack growing up in America with a white father and a Chinese mother.

As a child, Jack is enchanted by the origami animals his mother makes for him. Through the magic from traditional Chinese myths, his mother is able to make the paper animals come to life. Throughout the story, these figurines serve as an important symbol of Chinese culture and the loving connection between Jack and his mother. However, as he grows up, his interactions with American society change how he views his Chinese heritage and his once treasured paper menagerie became mere pieces of recycled paper. He inspects his face in the mirror, denying the ways in which he looks similar to his mother. He refuses to answer her if she does not speak to him in English and cringes at her broken sentences. He pushes away his Chinese food and demands to have American food instead.

Jack’s pursuit for the allAmerican lifestyle stemmed from a place of self-hatred; all of the discrimination he had felt from his peers, neighbors, and strangers had been internalized as reasons to hate himself and his own culture. It had blinded him from all the love his mother tried to give and made him unforgiving when trying to understand his mother’s difficult past.

Part of the reason this story is so powerful is because it is so sparse. In just a few pages, Liu explores the concepts of immigration, identity, and culture with so much honesty and heart.

It is a story I think about regularly because parts of this story are reminiscent of my own life. As a child of immigrant parents, I have always struggled to come to terms with my own identity. I grew up in a neighborhood and went to an elementary school that was predominantly white. During lunchtime, pulling out a thermos of Korean food while the rest of my peers pulled out sandwiches made me cringe when I was younger. I could feel their eyes on my food and I would never tell my mother for fear of seeming ungrateful, but to avoid any stares, I really just wanted her to pack me a sandwich for lunch. I distinctly remember times at my elementary school when kids would pull their eyes back, mocking the shape of Asian eyes, or asking me, “Oh my gosh, is your mom from North Korea?” And because my dad is from Iran, I remember kids making comments about terrorism to me since Muslim people are constanly stereotyped as terrorists.

Unlike Jack, I never let these incidents push away my family, but it was routine for me to feel insecure in the way my looks and culture set me apart. Now, I can confidently say that I am so proud of my background and the ways that it makes me unique. Even though he’s a fictional character, I wish that Jack feels the same pride that I do now.

It’s sometimes difficult for children, and in particular children of immigrant parents, to understand that

Photo by Suhani Sharma their parents had lives before coming to a new country. Like Jack, I had only started asking questions about my parent’s life back in their home country until I got older, and it still seems like such a far-off reality. Hearing the stories of how my parents immigrated to Canada and the difficulties they experienced in their first years living here, made me fascinated in this “other” life my parents lived in before I came along. It is a past that makes Jack embarrassed of his mother, but for me, it makes me look up to my parents even more than before.

Paper Menagerie is

more than just a short story to me; it’s a reminder to cherish my parents and accept my culture as part of what makes me different.

50 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | ARTS & CULTURE REVIEW

Hi, Mom review

What’s so special about the Chinese movie that broke global records and viewers’ hearts?

Here’s a spoiler-free review:

Victoria Man Copy Editor

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new Chinese movie called “Hi, Mom” came out early 2021 on February 12th on Chinese New Years. This sentimental film broke world records as well as the hearts of its viewers. Never expecting that much popularity during pandemic times, it was a complete shock to see that “Hi, Mom” broke the global box office records of $1.2 billion in just a week.

“Hi, Mom” marked the first time in the history of Chinese films that China’s single-day box office exceeded $155 million for five consecutive days. More than 160 million people attended more than 2.9 million screenings when the movie first came out. This set new records worldwide for tickets sold regarding a single film, which was not expected during a huge holiday for the Chinese and during a time where only a limited number of movie theatres were open.

The director of the movie, Jia

Ling, is a leading comedian in China, and she herself also acted as the main character in “Hi, Mom”. She created this film in memory of her deceased mother with parallels to her own life and released the movie on Lunar New Year to remind families to treasure their time with each other before it is too late. Her heartfelt reasons for writing and directing the film and the emotions in the movie are extremely bittersweet; by watching the film, you will probably feel your heart tendons tense from heartache. This single movie was such a success that all of the actors in the movie immediately became big stars. There is so much more to the background of why Jia Ling created this movie but let’s move on to the review!

The movie is a bit over two hours and will leave you laughing, crying, and a complete mess on the floor. Here is a thorough, spoiler-free review:

A girl in college, Jia Xiao Ling, grew up always being an embarrassment for her mom. Guilty about being a failure of a daughter, she tells her mom about the life she can give to her once she is able to get a job. While her mom rides a bicycle with Jia Xiao Ling sitting on the back, Jia Xiao Ling says, “Forget a bike! I’ll buy you a car… like that one!” What happens next is the first time in the plot where your eyes might begin to water. Looking at the car her daughter was pointing at and indulging her daughter, laughing along and having fun talking about the

future, she didn’t pay enough attention to the road. Jia Xiao Ling wakes up at the hospital to find herself alone and the hospital empty. She hears a TV and eventually finds her way to it.

Through the TV, she teleports back into the 1980s. This would be the part where you’ll find yourself laughing like a maniac. Once again waking up in the hospital but in the 1980s this time, she finds her mother. But her mom had no memory of her and was also decades younger. With this, Jia Xiao Ling does everything she can to make a better life for her mother in the past. From helping her mom snatch a TV to setting up dates between her mom and a factory worker’s son, she is willing to erase her existence in the future completely. She is willing to do anything and everything to give her mother a successful life, happy family, and a child that she would not feel embarrassed about.

The film is made up of humorous scenes at the beginning and also throughout the movie, but intertwines tragedy and pathos in bits and pieces. In one of many scenes in which you will find yourself in a pool of your tears, Jia Xiao Ling and her mother in the past talk about hypothetical children that they would want to have. Jia Xiao Ling’s mom tells Jia Xiao (which is her future daughter): “For my daughter, I just want her to be healthy and happy.” The purity of this wish is refreshing in China’s ultra-competitive society, where children often feel

pressure to repay their parents with financial and material success, which was exactly what Jai Xiao Ling wanted for her mother. It was absolutely heart wrenching.

The plot twists in this movie were the most elaborate I’ve ever witnessed. It left my jaw on the floor with tears streaming down my face.

Of course, I found myself laughing the next second due to the humorous aspect of this movie. The foreshadowing was so well planned that I was completely destroyed by the end of the film. “Hi, Mom” is such an amazing film that was beautiful in all aspects. As of now, Western streaming services have not contracted to stream “Hi, Mom” yet, however, it wouldn’t be hard to do a search on the internet to find a streaming network to watch “Hi, Mom” with English subtitles. Go grab a tissue box, a warm blanket, and get ready for a ride on a rollercoaster of physical, mental, and emotional pain that you probably never knew you could experience.

REVIEW

Highs and lows of the 2021 Grammys

The crazy rollercoaster of the Grammys award show during a pandemic.

Ruby Steinberg Contributor

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one was the large auditorium and thundering music from a stage above thousands of the most influential musicians. This year’s Grammys were especially unique for only a few tables were scattered across an LA rooftop, as singers performed in the adjacent room with only a camera as an audience. True, Grammys organizers did what they could, but the atmosphere conveyed only a reminder of our new world; but then again, what else is there to do with three hours and 45 minutes on a Sunday night?

With that being said, let’s take a look at the 2021 Grammy’s highs and lows.

HIGH - Lady Gaga’s getting her beauty sleep

Upon awarding Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance to Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s “Rain On Me”, viewers found that Lady Gaga seemed to have dozed off mid-show. She had attended via video from Italy, so given the jet lag, I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. In response, Ariana

Grande tweeted, “MOTHER MONSTER WAKE UP @ladygaga !!!!!!!!???” Along with a screenshot of her sleeping on live video.

LOW - Where’s The Weeknd?

Despite the pandemic, the Grammys’ guest list was jam-packed with artists of this year’s biggest hits; including Harry Styles, Silk Sonic, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B. Missing though, was The Weeknd, who to his fans’ surprise, received no nomination at all. The question we all must be asking is, how can the Billboard’s #1 artist be absent on music’s biggest night? I am sure this made all of us lose just a bit of trust in the award show’s integrity.

HIGH - Taylor Swift becomes the first woman to win Album of the Year three times

Taylor Swift won Album of the Year award for Folklore, joining artists like Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, and Stevie Wonder as the only performers to have won this award 3 times.

LOW - The filler documentaries

Despite Best Melodic Rap Performance and Best Latin Pop/ Urban Album being awarded during

the commercial break, it still seems that they found time to include seemingly unending mini-docs for every Record of the Year nominee.

These Paramount+ sponsored videos featured a quick (but not quick enough) background on the artist and inspiration behind the nominated song. What made these documentaries most snoozy though was the dimly lit room from which the celebrities narrated.

HIGH - The performances

Despite a generally awkward atmosphere, artists like Harry Styles, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Billie Eilish, and Lil Baby stole the show.

Lil Baby’s performance was especially impactful. It pulled attention to police brutality, as it kicked off with a depiction of a black man being killed by police at a traffic stop. Given that this award show has nearly 20 million viewers, it’s important that they use their platform to spread awareness on racial injustice. Incorporating this

Photo courtsey of Billboard message in the form of music helped to draw a line between social justice causes and public responsibility.

With Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B showing off their signature dancing, the CBS censored version of “WAP” hardly hurt the performance.

As well, with Harry Styles in a feather boa, leather suit, and heeled boots, the performance was bound to be a smash. If I had one note though, I would suggest that Dua Lipa leave the dancing to Cardi B and Megan.

Overall, this year’s Grammys was surely one that we won’t soon forget.

LGBTQ+

ARTS & CULTURE | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 51

Super Straight is super stupid Should “super straight” become a real sexuality? No, and here’s why.

Parker Foubert Contributor

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s the LGBTQ+ community becomes more and more accepted around the world, sexualitybased discrimination and transphobia also becomes more prevelant in our modern day society. In most recent years, attacks on transgender men, women, and other members of the trans community have spiked around the globe. At least 350 transgender people were murdered in 2020, that is a 6% increase from the previous year.

Already, 2021 is on record to be the deadliest year so far with eleven transgender victims murdered.

But physical anti-trans hate crimes aren’t the only thing rising this year. Transphobia is becoming more and more present on social media and online.

On February 21st of this year, “#superstraight’’ gained a lot of attention on the very popular social media platform, TikTok. According to Urban Dictionary, “super straight” defines “someone who is attracted to an opposite gender, who is born the same gender as they refer to”.

What this means is cisgendered people will identify as “super straight” so people know they do not date transgender people therefore making them “more than just straight””.

While the definition provided seems somewhat innocent, when we look deeper into this so-called “sexuality”, it is actually very damaging to the LGBTQ+ community; especially the trans community. The hashtag “super straight” opened a floodgate of discrimination and a war of controversy over the internet.

The creator of this “sexuality” is a cisgender male named Kyle Royce, who posted a video of himself on TikTok titled “Who else is super straight?”

The thirty second video gained over two million likes and thousands of comments in support before it was

taken down by TikTok.

In the video, Kyle stated “I’ve made a new sexuality, straight men get called transphobic because I wouldn’t date a trans woman. Now, I’m super straight. I only date the opposite gender, women, that are born women. So you can’t say I’m transphobic now because that is just my sexuality.”

The whole idea of creating a sexuality to clarify you don’t want to date transgender people is absolutely ridiculous to begin with. Everyone is entitled to a preference, but creating a whole sexaulity on the basis of discrimination is totally uncalled for.

Royce told Insider news, “I created it because I was sick of being labelled with very negative terms for having a preference, something I can’t control, and getting labelled by the community that preaches acceptance with that sort of stuff. It was never meant to be hateful towards anyone.”

While his statement on the video might seem genuine, it is not.

Looking closer at the TikTok and reading the thousands of comments on it, viewers can see Royce liking many of the transphobic ones. He also never advised for his supporters to not send “hate” to the transgender community, allowing blatant transphobia to take place in his comment section.

As the super straight trend grew amongst cisgender men and women, it began a social media war between supporters of “super straight” and the LGBTQ+ community alongside allies. Those who supported super straight diminished the very meaning of coming out by making fake “coming out” videos and commenting, “I’ve been in the closet for year and I am so happy to be able to come out as super straight”. They also mocked the struggle the trans community faces, one supporter tweets “Did you know #superstraight women are murdered at an epidemic rate simply for being #superstraight? Time to wake up, sheeples.

Superstraight women are real women too! #superstraight #LGBTQ #superstraightrightsarehumanrights”. This transphobic tweet and countless others make a mockery of the murder of

transgender people across the world.

Unfortunately, the mocking did not stop there. Online vendors began making “super straight” apparel to further ridicule the LGBTQ+ pride movement by mimicking pride merchandise. They continued with making heinous comments on gender and sexuality, attacking the transgender community with opinionated insults. Supporters of super straight soon adopted a “super straight pride flag” using the colors black and orange. The flag shares a similarity to PornHub’s logo and ironically, the logo of Grindr, a gay dating app.

Many of these “super straight” suppoters also used religon as an excuse to justify their openly transphobic and homophobic actions.

Meanwhile The LGBTQ+ community and allies fought back with the intention to take down the super straight fandom, pointing out it’s internalized transphobia and hate. Nonsupporters of “super straight” turned the idea into a joke , mocking it’s “pick me” energy. Many TikTok users drowned out content by self-identified “super straight” creators, by boosting trans creators to the top of “super straight” related hashtags and songs, so that their content is seen above videos endorsing the movement.

Sadly, the uproar of criticism has not stopped the super-straight movement from growing. As of March 1st, the subreddit “Super Straight” was launched and it pulled in 17,000 subscribers. On the sub, you can find posts from people claiming they are dealing with “superphobia.” Once again, this is mocking the true issues the LGBTQ+ community faces.

Since then, the subreddit has been banned for spreading hate. With multiple platforms like Reddit and Tik Tok banning the “super straight community” for hate and discrimination, it’s obvious this new “sexaulity” is just a poor excuse to be transphobic and troll the LGBTQ+ community.

A transgender student at North Toronto Collegiate Institute shared their opinion on this topic and said, “I don’t think there’s an issue

with having a preference for cis people, but I do think it is transphobic to call yourself “super straight” and trying to let people know explicitly you’re not interested in trans people. I think it makes the topic of being trans about cis people [when] all I see cis people talk about it their attraction or fascination with trans bodies and never our issues facing transphobia, health care, or helping us feel safer, it feels dehumanizing.”

They also shared that they have heard transphobic conversations in the hall but luckily, have never faced transphobia directly to themselves at NT.

Looking back at my own experience as a cis gender male witnessing tranphobia at NT, I recall a moment a few years back, when I had a heated debate with a student who claimed that people will always remain the gender they were born. This student continued to go on about their opinion and went as far as refusing to call a transgender student by their prefered pronouns. If you know me, I don’t let these sort of things slide. Respectfully, I heard his opinion out, but immediately responded with my rebuttal:

“How does someone being transgender and wanting to go by their chosen pronouns affect you?”

Of course, he couldn’t answer the question because it did not actually affect him.

What someone else does with their own body does not affect you or anyone else.

At the end of the day, who cares if someone is transgender?

Transphobia is everywhere and it is still prominent in our school community. It is completely valid to have a preference, but excluding transgender individuals from your dating pool because they are transgender is blatant transphobia.

We cannot allow these things to happen anymore and instead, must support, uplift and become allies to our transgender students to insure they are comfortable at NT.

Illustration by Ava Ireland

52 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | ARTS & CULTURE SLEEP

A further look into dreams Does it mean anything if I lose all my teeth in a dream? There is hidden reasoning behind your dreams that you may not know.

Catherine Katis Copy Editor Liza Rowatt Layout Editor

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hat is one thing that everyone does constantly, regardless of ethnicity, pronouns, wealth, age, or personality? They dream!

Dreams are a journey sometimes even wilder than the farthest paths of the conscious imagination, creating a fantasy world where the laws of life itself are nonexistent. Some nights are a rollercoaster of experiences, until the next morning, when all comprehension is lost. Want to know how awake the brain really is while you sleep, and the crazy things it dreams up? Well, you’ve come to the right place.The average person has three or five dreams per night. They mostly occur during a period of time in the night called the Rapid Eye Movement, or the REM cycle, which is the time that brains are almost as active asleep as they are awake. It is in this time where people are less likely to remember their dreams, yet their dreams are the strongest. This is because during the REM cycle, the neurotransmitters that keep people awake are suppressed, making humans less aware of their surroundings. During the REM cycle, other neurotransmitters are enhanced, such as Dopamine, which gives dreams their bizarre qualities. There is still great speculation on the reasoning behind dreams, and how they form, however, there are many suggested theories.

One study suggests dreams are a mere product of one’s imagination, such as thoughts and memories, as opposed to one’s perception, such as vivid sensory experiences. Many believe that it is the emotional side of the brain that creates dreams as they often make little or no sense, whereas conscious thoughts are logistical. It is apparent that dreams contain a form of personal background, given how they will contain one’s recent activities, conversations, and issues within them.

As much as the science behind dreams is one of the most fascinating topics to ponder, what is even more curious is the purpose of them.

There are various reasons that have been offered as to the significance of dreams. Some propose that, due to the personal and emotional connections contained within dreams, dreams serve as therapists to humans and make subconscious associations with one’s feelings that their logical, everyday mind could and would not establish. These connections are made from one’s instincts, and can only be detected when there is no filter to guard these feelings. Another possibility is that dreams are meant to serve as preparation for a fight or flight situation. This is the psychological reaction a person has to danger, either choosing to confront it or avoid it. Given how the Amygdala, an area of the brain that ties to survival instincts, is active while one is asleep, this has led many to believe that dreams are meant to

help prepare minds for future dangers.

Many artists have also created concepts and ideas within their dreams, portraying to numerous people that dreams help unlock one’s more creative potential, such as visuals or music, that their conscious self may restrict. Therefore, many argue that dreams are meant to unleash creativity. Finally, many theorize that dreams simply serve as a memory aide, helping recall, store, and remove memories, as well as make sense of conflicted feelings. Research has helped support this by proving that one is more likely to remember information from sleep as

stage. A person would be more likely to remember their dream from this as well, given how when one wakes up in the middle of their dream, they will remember it easier. Stress also creates more difficulty to fall asleep, so the less stress one has, the better the quality of sleep they will receive. Dreams have numerous healthy benefits, such as improving your cognitive functions such as memory, quick thinking and emotional processing. They enhance creativity, problem solving and even decrease depression.

People often struggle to remember their dreams as the area of

Illustration by Suhani Sharma opposed to when receiving a lack of sleep. This is suggested to be because of how there is a lack of distractions while one is sleeping, allowing the brain to effectively store information.

And why do nightmares occur? Since they are also linked to the emotional side of the brain, psychologists suggest nightmares are a result of one’s anxiety or stress. They are theorized to either be protection for future dangers as well, or the brain’s technique of getting an individual to focus on a specific issue in their life. Regardless of the purpose, it can be said with certainty that dreams are an interesting part of everyday life.

There are various factors that contribute to how one’s dreams transpire. When a person is sleep deprived, their brain becomes more animated while in the REM stage. This leads to dreams and memories of the dreams being more vivid. The opposite is true as well, as when a person receives a good night’s sleep, their dreams will be less intense and more difficult to recollect. Studies have also demonstrated that morning exercise will increase the likelihood of falling asleep as opposed to nighttime exercise, since one’s mental clock will want to fall asleep by the time it is evening. While there is no definitive evidence that proves certain foods impact dreams more than others, some do help people have a more definitive recollection of their dreams.

Any food that impacts a conscious mind will likely do the same to a sleeping one. This means that carbohydrates and sugar, which provide quick energy to bodies but later result in decline, would have the same impacts whether it be an awake or unconscious person.

Further, foods that include caffeine bring the higher chance of one waking up while in the middle of the REM

the brain that controls memory is on the low at night. Unless the dream is interrupted, it is near impossible to remember it. However, there are a few tactics that could be practiced to increase the chances of remembering these dreams. For instance, one should have their last thought before sleeping be that they want to remember their dream which will make this thought fresh in their mind when they wake up the next day. Another strategy would be to write down everything that can be remembered in the dream after waking up. It is important to not let any other thoughts consume the mind prior to doing this as they will serve as distractions and make it easier for recollections of the dream to slip away.

Dreams may seem like an incomprehensible chain of events that just happen, but there are certain topics that are famous in the dream world and slip into everyone’s subconscious at one time or another. Dreams about falling can symbolize that there is something in one’s life that is not going well. To avoid “falling to death”, contemplate recent life choices and consider a new direction for areas of life that aren’t working. Falling can mirror a lack of control in work, social or love life. But don’t worry, according to popular opinion, hitting the ground does not forbode imminent death! So let go and enjoy all that life has to offer and perhaps lean into that exhilarating drop. After all, people pay good money to go skydiving. Take advantage of the free sample! Recently been arrested for public indecency?

Oh right, just a dream (phew). This dream is almost more terrifying than falling to a harsh death, especially if a special someone is watching (because apparently the brain loves to torture us)! This dream can symbolize feeling

like an imposter, and can reflect physical or mental shortcomings that make someone insecure and afraid to reveal these shortcomings. Getting that cardio going? Being chased is a very common dream. In fact, I used to have very vivid dreams of a rabid wolf chasing me as a child (totally no correlation to the scary stories my dad told me before bed)! Being chased can represent trying to avoid something in daily life.

Being chased by an animal represents hiding from your own anger, passions, and emotions. A mysterious pursuer represents a childhood experience or past trauma. Being chased by someone of your sexually preferenced gender represents a fear of love or being haunted by a past relationship gone wrong. But don’t get too upset, at least you’re getting good training for those morning runs that you put off in real life! Death is a common theme in most dreams, and it’s been the cause of a few near-heart attacks before I realised the grim reaper hadn’t really come. Death is closely tied to change. They both can be scary, and provide a similar rush of adrenaline when testing one’s limits. The reason why both of these prospects are so scary is because we don’t know what comes after. Death of a loved one represents a death of their old personality or values, or even physical appearance, and is a way of mourning the passage of time. When loved ones are approaching the end of life, you may experience significant dreams, often including a comforting presence, preparing to go, watching or engaging with the deceased, loved ones waiting, distressing experiences, and unfinished business. What’s something that we’ve all thought about doing, and the one reason we’re jealous of birds, the ability to soar up into the heavens! Flying in dreams has many different meanings, from a newfound sense of freedom and independence, to a desire to escape from the realities of life. It also represents escaping social restraints. Just watch out for planes!

Want to go to the dentist? (if you said yes to that question, get help.) Losing teeth is a surprisingly common and specific dream, up there in the top five.

It can represent anxiety about one’s appearance and vanity. On the mental side of things, it can be a concern about one’s ability to communicate or anxieties about something you might have said and how others will react to it. Teeth are used to chew, bite, tear, and grind. Teeth falling out can represent a loss of power or your ability to be assertive and defensive. Let’s hope the tooth fairy won’t make an appearance in your near future!

In conclusion, dreams are a topic that is highly speculated, with no definite answers. Because it is nearly impossible to remember your dreams, it is quite hard to analyze them. Regardless, they are there for a reason.

Your brain is trying to communicate through this creative, uncensored environment, so next time you have a hectic night, analyse your dreams, because you never know what you will discover about yourself in the process.

Goodnight for now, sweet dreams to all!

FAMILY

ARTS & CULTURE | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 53

Parenting styles across the world

Tvisha Mehta Contributor

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ow, we all know that there is a vast difference in parenting styles between North America and Asia. The contrasts between these parenting styles are influenced by culture, upbringing, and expectations.

These differences often shape us as human beings and our futures.

Parents with Asian backgrounds tend to be more strict and uphold higher expectations for their children, and can sometimes be too harsh, but with that comes the utmost amount of affection. There is nothing stronger than an Asian parents’ love, and, yes, they might be a little extreme when it comes to education and extracurriculars, but it usually balances out with the love we receive from them as well. From a young age, it was impressed upon me that education was always first. If it made my college application look nice and appealing, I was going to do it. I have had tutors since I was in the 3rd grade for languages and maths. I had lessons for two sports, later entering tournaments. My sister and I had a choice of sports or instruments and that was pretty much our

range of freedom. I have always had a sense of order and schedule in my life, which has proved itself useful in my high school days. I was subtly praised when I did well, and reprimanded when I did not do as well; however, I always knew that my parents would come to my aid and always support me when needed.

Overall, North Americans without a minority background are more liberal with their expectations for their kids. There is not a certain path laid out for them, but my North American classmate says that her parents have fairly high expectations for her. She has freedom to choose what she wants to do, whereas most Asian kids have ventures that they can choose from. She also stated that she was close to her parents and could share most things with them, however, they are not very showy with displays of affection but express their care for her by supporting her hobbies and always being available to talk. My parents made it very clear that I was allowed to choose what I wanted… as long as they approved. An undergrad degree in literature or bioethics did not quite appeal to them so I started to look at STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and business options. My dad’s reasoning has always been, ‘’if it’s going to be a good stable job forever, it’s a good career.’’

I’d say this goes for most other Asian children, where they have freedom to only choose within a certain field.

When it comes to a child and their independence, that is a foreign idea to me. I have grown up with the

notion that my parents will always be with me. Looking at universities, I was wondering if I should look outside of Ontario, but I realized that I could not live without my mom and dad. Is it a crutch or a blessing? I don’t know and I don’t want to find out. This is why I was shocked to learn that a majority of parents in Canada and the US encourage their children to move out after high school. My classmate disclosed this about her parents: “They definitely want me to move out and be independent shortly after college.”

This is a stark contrast in comparison to most Asian children. “I would want my daughter to stay with me for as long as possible, or until she wants to move out. Even after college, I would have no problem and enjoy the fact that she will stay with us,” my mother told me as I asked for her perspective. Asian parenting generally contains overbearing and protective parents that would like to be close to their children forever.

Lastly, culture and religion influence the different upbringings.

Religious views vary from family to family and can never be generalized as religious practices are always done differently per household. In recent generations, I’ve noticed a pattern where modern households let the reigns loose on their religious perspectives and do not instill them in their kids. I think this is the most beneficial thing you can do for your children. Personally, I grew up as Hindu, but later made the decision to not follow its religious traditions. Though, I still respect most philosophies taught and I am infatuated with the mythology. For North Americans, Christianity is the predominant religion. “We celebrate Christian holidays but in a really athe-

ist fashion,” my classmate said and this is similar to my family’s approach to celebrations and traditions. Many families tend to be laid back with their religion, but there is the occasional strict family that projects their views onto their children.

Culture, however, has heavily influenced my upbringing. I have a great knowledge of my culture even though I grew up outside of my country. I know the food, languages, the traditions and many more, and I am expected to follow them. It is fortunate that I have maintained my knowledge of my homeland culture and it is a lifestyle I tend to uphold. North American children don’t really have any herital culture, unless you are Native to the land. There aren’t really any traditions that are upheld disregarding religion. I wouldn’t say that this necessarily has an impact on a child’s upbringing, but knowing where you’re from and your culture can give a child a sense of satisfaction and knowledge.

Overall, if you compare the two parenting styles, there is a substantial difference. Our parents have had very different upbringings and that influences their ways of doing things too. Nonetheless, in the end, it is mainly us who decide who we want to be and our parents are just guides along our journey.

REVIEW

Let’s talk about Ginny and Georgia

Are you a Ginny? Or are you a Georgia? This new Netflix Original is by far the best pandemic drama.

Blaize Exeter Section Editor

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he record breaking Netflix Original show “Ginny and Georgia” dropped on the platform in late February of 2021. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Netflix Originals have been on a steep decline these past few years. Of course there are some exceptions like Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, The Umbrella Academy, and Atypical, but even shows that started off good have been getting worse with each season. Netflix has bombarded us with new content during this pandemic, and since we had nothing better to do, we ate it up.

Personally, I’ve watched several Netflix shows that I would’ve never given the light of day if it were under regular circumstances. Remember the Tiger King, Outer Banks, Love is Blind era?

None of those shows were good (Outer Banks hive pull up). Therefore, you can imagine my surprise that I actually enjoyed Ginny and Georgia. Honestly, it’s one of the best shows we’ve gotten since the pandemic and arguably one

of the greatest Netflix Original series of all time.

Although Ginny and Georgia received an overall positive audience response, there were of course those who found issues with the series. Right around the show release, Swifties (Taylor Swift stans) rallied on Twitter trying to convince people to boycott Ginny and Georgia because of a sexist joke made on the show. During an argument with her mother, Ginny says “what do you care, you go through men faster than Taylor Swift,” and the comment was supposed to be a jab at Georgia’s frequent romantic partner changes. Personally, I didn’t think it was that big of a deal considering the context but it did release during international women’s month so maybe the timing wasn’t the best. In response to the joke, Taylor tweeted, “Hey Ginny & Georgia, 2010 called and it wants its lazy, deeply sexist joke back. How about we stop degrading hard working women by defining this horse shit as FuNnY. Also, @netflix after Miss Americana this outfit doesn’t look cute on you. Happy Women’s History Month I guess.”

The Taylor Swift sexsim scandal wasn’t the only drama to arise out

of this series. In the eighth episode, “Check One, Check Other,” an essay contest sparks friction between Ginny and her boyfriend at the time, Hunter.

I don’t want to give away too much but one argument led to another which eventually resulted in what Twitter refers to as the oppression Olympics. In this edition, Ginny and Hunter debated about who really has it worse, Black women or Taiwanese men? Once you get past the cringiness of it all (due to the predominantly white writers), both sides actually brought up some solid arguments. Though every person of colour has stereotypes attached to them, they are not all weighted the same. “Asians get to be stereotyped as talented geniuses and prodigies ok?

Black women are stupid, lazy, angry.”

Honestly I think this line alone is the exact reason POC solidarity will never exist and I think this show did a sufficient job of reigniting that conversation. Hunter’s rebuttal to this was that because he was a man, he was expected to go to war, and if he relinquished his Taiwanese citizenship he would be shamed for being a draft dodger.

After rewatching this scene way too many times, I realized that Hunter’s point had less to do with racial oppres-

sion and more to do with the internal gender roles within the Taiwanese community. So even though Ginny may have had a more solid argument, there are no winners in the oppression Olympics, only losers.

Another important topic Ginny and Georgia didn’t shy away from is the importance of mental health. All throughout the show, the majority of the characters brought up how they benefit from therapy. Especially Abby, whose parents are both therapists.

Even Marcus, who fills the “bad boy” trope, shared that seeing a therapist had helped him deal with his grief. Really the only character against therapy is Georgia (unsurprisingly). As someone who sees a psychiatrist regularly, it was refreshing to watch a show that shines a positive light on asking for help when you need it as this rarely ever happens in teen dramas.

Finally, I want to close with a few of my Ginny and Georgia hot takes: Hunter was a terrible boyfriend, Joe deserves better, everything Marcus said about Max is true, Georgia is an excellent villain and Ginny isn’t that terrible.

54 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | ARTS & CULTURE MUSIC

The “Problematic Fave” dilemma What if my favorite song artist is problematic? Can I still listen to their songs? Yes… and no… (TW: r*pe, sexual assault, pedophelia, gun violence) Blaize Exeter Section Editor

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f you know me (which you probably don’t), then you know that I am absolutely OBSESSED with the band AJR. What I like most about their music is that the lyrics in their songs are about things that other artists usually avoid touching upon. Who else would write a song that takes place in a therapy session (“Karma”) or ban racists from coming to their concerts (“Three O’Clock Things”). Their song “Role Models” from their second studio album The Click is no exception.

“Role Models” was released during the height of the #MeToo movement. The song depicts the internal struggle of whether or not it’s okay to continue to consume art from artists who may be terrible people. I thought this was a brilliant concept that I could relate to all too well.

L e t ’ s start with the queen of rap herself, Miss Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, also known as Nicki Minaj. Now I, in no way, shape or form condone sexual assault, pedophelia, or gun violence, however stanning Nicki Minaj may make me a hypocrite and here is why. First, it’s no secret that Nicki collaborates with controversial artists to say the least. I honestly can’t find a single explanation as to why she graced that rainbow-haired troll (6ix9ine) with not one, not two, but three features including one of her best to date. I have never liked this man as I never understood the appeal of him screaming into a mic, so when I found out he was a menace to society, I was not surprised. 6ix9ine has committed numerous offences including sexual activity with a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to murder. Not to mention he’s also racist and a snitch. You may be thinking, if this man is so terrible, why do you still listen to those songs? Does she not

have 138429349 other songs? Well yes, she does but as Kenya Wilson (AKA astoldbykenya), once said, “I can’t make the music not a bop,” and for that reason I still bump “FEFE.”

Though working with 6ix9ine was already enough embarrassment for the Barbs (Nicki Minaj stans), it gets even worse than that. On October

21st, 2019, Nicki Minaj got married to none other than Kenneth Petty. If you don’t know who that is, neither does the rest of the world to be honest. It even took the tabloids an extended period of time to discover his identity.

But when they did, they revealed that his criminal past is quite heavy. We do not know much about his past as he is a private person, but what we do know is that Nicki knowingly married a registered sex offender. Though Nicki has never been involved in anything this drastic… that we know of… she may as well have, as she clearly has no issue with it. I can confidently say that there’s absolutely no way I would be the person I am today without Nicki’s music. On her song “Want Some More”, she raps, “who the f*ck came in the game, made her own column?” To answer her question, there may have

been other female rappers before her but absolutely NO ONE has ever done it like Nicki and honestly no one ever will. The word play, the alter egos, and the stage presence; all I can really say is that she’s the blueprint Pinkprint.

Next up is Kanye West and, unless you have been living under a rock for the past decade, then you

Kardashian, West’s wife at the time, cleared up the Taylor consent controversy with a recording of the phone call, this would not be the last time Kanye would have to address this.

Later that same year, he had to cancel his Saint Pablo tour as he was put on psychiatric hold due to his sporadic rants throughout his concerts which included supporting Trump and criticizing fellow rapper Jay-Z. After the tour cancellation, West continued to support the Trump campaign which was the final straw for several of his fans. Oh, and how could I forget about the time he said slavery was a choice in a TMZ interview. As you can see, this list goes on forever and it seems to worsen each passing year. I’m aware that Kanye suffers from Bipolar Disorder, however, that does not excuse the numerous times where he misuses his platform.

Before I continue, I would like to clarify that I am NOT, I repeat NOT a Kanye West stan, but that doesn’t change the fact that he was my most listened to artist of 2020 (I’m not really sure how that even happened to be honest). But just like I said before about why I still listen to Nicki Minaj, the music bops. Yes, Kanye West may be misogynistic, anti-Black, and everything in between, but his discography is one of the best. I just Photo by Blaize Exeter can’t bring myself to boycott him as an artknow that Kanye is the literal defini- ist. When he tweets, I don’t engage in tion of problematic. In case you forgot whatever mess he brought to the timejust how disruptive he is, here’s a quick line, but when “Good Life” plays… I recap. I would like to say that when he shamelessly turn it up. interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance Of course there are other artspeech with “Imma let you finish but,” ists that may cause one to face this and then going on to rant about how moral dilemma. For example, Armie Beyoncé was more deserving of the Hammer may or may not be an abusive award at the 2009 MTV Music Video cannibal, but even if he was, that still Awards (VMAs), was the beginning of wouldn’t prevent me from buying the the end for Mr. West. I’m not saying “Call Me By Your Name,” Blu Ray DVD his opinion was wrong, because it’s or paying to watch the sequel film in not, but he could have just kept that to theaters. Doja Cat may be a regular in himself like the rest of us. After that, racist chat rooms, but you can’t tell me he got into countless Twitter beefs for that her performances aren’t top tier reasons deemed unimportant to the and that Hot Pink isn’t one of the best general public. Unsurprisingly, 2016 albums of 2019. So, does consuming was a disastrous year for Kanye as he art from these artists make me a terreleased his song “Famous” which rible person? Maybe it does, maybe it includes the line “ I feel like me and doesn’t. That’s up to you to decide.

Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that b*tch famous.” Though Kim

BEAUTY STANDARDS

ARTS & CULTURE | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 55

Skin bleaching trends within Asian countries Is skin bleaching safe? What brought on the popularity of it in Asian countries?

Baran Forootan Copy Editor

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y 2027, the skin bleaching industry will be worth 24 billion dollars. To put this number in perspective, according to Forbes Magazine in 2018 the entire global music industry was worth 19 billion dollars.

So how did this dangerous health trend gain so much popularity?

Around the world, skin bleaching is considered an easy way to become “more attractive” by conforming to certain beauty standards, but these promises of beauty come at a much steeper price.

The procedure comes in many forms, such as soaps, creams, pills, or even laser treatments, but they all generally work the same way. In short, skin bleaching lowers the concentration of melanin in the skin. Since melanin is a type of pigment that is created by cells called melanocytes, those with darker skin have more of these cells. The bleaching products often use Hydroquinone, a compound that works by reducing the number of melanocytes, to give the skin a lighter appearance. This can help to reduce the appearance of scars or discoloration but is more popularly used to give the skin an overall more pale appearance.

Not only are there no medical reasons to bleach your skin, there is also a long list of severe side effects that could come with it. Since the FDA does not approve skin bleaching products such as Hydroquinone because of their “potentially significant safety risk to consumers,” people often purchase them from unregulated online stores.

Many other countries, such as Australia, Japan and the EU have already banned skin bleaching because of its potentially dangerous side effects.

According to the Local Government Association in the UK, skin bleaching should be “avoided at all costs” since it can “act like paint stripper” for the skin.

The removal of the top layer of the skin leaves users at a higher risk for many diseases like skin cancer. Additionally, an American study in 2014, found that out of the total 549 skin-lightening products that were examined, approximately 12% of them contained mercury. In 2019, a Mexican-American woman was hospitalized and went into a coma as a result of her skin-bleaching cream. She had applied it twice a day for the past seven years, this resulted in methylmercury poisoning, an organic form of mercury that is very rare, but much more dangerous.

Many ask: if it is so dangerous then why is it so popular? Well, this practice has been around for a very

long time, far before the FDA or any regulations were involved.

Throughout history having pale skin was a clear indication of nobility because it meant that the person was rich enough not to work since those with tan skin were assumed to be labour workers who were forced to spend hours in the sun. Back in the Victorian Era, skin bleaching was a popular practice performed by highclass European women, using it as a make-shift foundation cream or powder. They would paint ointments and creams that contained lead, and later on arsenic, onto their faces to achieve lighter skin. Queen Elizebeth famously took “Arsenic Complexion Wafers” to give her the extremely pale complexion she was known for. Although skin whitening did not start there, it can actually be traced all the way back to Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.

They first learned that combining honey with olive oil created a lightning agent that they applied to their bodies and faces.

They later went on to add chalk powder and lead to these concoctions.

So how did this ancient and dangerous practice develop into a booming business in Asian and African countries?

T o answer this question simply: the popularity around skin bleaching trends in Asian and African countries directly roots back to colonization. A journal in the American Sociological Association explained that “to justify racial slavery, slave-holding interests espoused a white supremacist ideology which held that persons of African descent were innately inferior to whites.

Whiteness became identified with all that is civilized, virtuous and beautiful.” Slaves that were lighter-skinned were allowed to work indoors and in turn, given more respect, and better opportunities in areas of marriage and work, while those with darker skin had to work the fields.

These twisted beliefs have been transformed and are still relevant today. According to a study done in Mumbai, India found that “over half of 1,992 men and women surveyed about product use in India had tried skin whiteners, and close to half (44.6%) felt the need to try such products due to media such as TV and advertisements.” In many Asian countries, hav-

wide.

In her interview with Vogue Magazine, Joanne L. Rondilla, an assistant professor of Asian American studies at San Jose State University, explained her views and first-hand experiences regarding colorism within ethnic groups. “This is where I think white people miss the mark: Skin isn’t just skin, [it] has social and racial, historical, political, and sociological meaning. When someone says, ‘Oh I love your tan, I wish I had tan skin like you,’ that person doesn’t understand the historical trauma that comes from the skin itself [and] that comes down from privilege.”

No matter where you’re from,

Illustration by Suhani Sharma ing fairer skin is associated with having a higher class cosmopolitan life, while those with tanned complexions are seen as lower class, poverty labour workers. These ideologies continue to be strengthened by the media and are negatively impacting the self-esteem and mental health of people world-

these skin-lightening practices affect too many people too deeply, for others to disregard. These trends are a worldwide issue that we all need to collaborate on to overcome if we want to live in a world where no one feels compelled to dangerously alter their skin, for the sake of outdated ideologies.

56 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | SPORTS E

sports

STUDENT LIFE

No sports for Norsemen: life for student-athletes without sports at NT How the absence of sports has affected the students at NT?

Photo by Tania Ajel

Elena Vlitas Section Editor

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lthough school resumed this past September, school is far from “normal”. Between the full and partial online setting, along with strict COVID-19 measures to ensure everyone’s safety, sports have been out of the picture. Since the beginning of shutdowns of schools and sports facilities in 2020 which have carried through to the 2020-21 school year, the loss of the ability to participate in group sports has had a profound impact on student-athletes and student life at NT. Before safety measures were implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19, sports had been a key element in the lives of NT students, both within the school through in-school teams, intramurals, school-wide events as well as organized sports outside of school.

Sports have long been central to student life at NT, regardless of if a student is an athlete or not. For said athletes, sports allow them to build lifelong friendships and develop valuable skills both within and outside the game. Meanwhile, for athletes and non-athletes alike, sports also offer a social aspect and sense of school community, through spirit events such as the renowned Red and Grey Day. However, since sports involve close contact and large gatherings, it is understandable that the province of Ontario

would prevent such events to help curb the spread of COVID-19 for the sake of public health. Nonetheless, this unprecedented loss of the sports that are so valuable to students’ lives has resulted in numerous consequences.

As the 2020-21 North Toronto Athletic Association (NTAA) presidents, grade 11 student Kiara Distin and grade 12 student Augustin Benoit, have felt the impact of not having organized sports. They have had to pivot plans for NTAA-led events amid the unpredictable times presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked to share his thoughts on how he believes students’ attitudes towards school spirit have changed, Benoit noted that “It is fair to say that students’ attitudes towards school spirit have taken a big hit this year,” and added that among the elements resulting in a drop in spirit among the entire student body include that the NTAA has, “not been able to run some events like the volleyball buyout, pancake breakfast, or intramurals. Although these are not major events, they’re part of the small things that make students’ days more fun and keep people involved at school.” While the NTAA has moved as many of these events, as well as new ones, to an online format, it is far more difficult to engage students as the competition and social aspect that live sports provide is lost due to the ban on organized sports. Distin shared that it’s difficult to keep engagement up since students are disconnected from the school community because, “only four hours [are spent] at school twice

a week, and [given] school is mostly, if not all, online,” and no actual sporting events can occur. However, Distin and Benoit have worked hard and in collaboration with the NTAA to creatively provide meaningful online events for students, including workouts, playlists and collaborating with Charity Week in a number of challenges to help reach fundraising goals.

Outside of school, the closure of athletics facilities and organized sports teams has resulted in a range of physical and mental effects on student-athletes. Since a pivotal part of sports is staying in shape and constantly building a skill set, it will be difficult for many athletes to rebound to their pre-pandemic levels. Since all gyms and sports facilities have shut down on and off, students have been discouraged by uncertainty, and some have struggled to find motivation at home without the support of their teammates. Such athletes for the most part have little to no access to coaches and senior teammates for mentorship and development. This further inhibits their ability to grow as both an athlete and a teammate. For many students, the playing of sports was an escape, allowing them to interact with friends, and have a break from school.

Alon Rotem, a grade 10 student, stated that “I find myself a lot more stressed thinking about my future [in basketball] because there are so many opportunities I missed due to Covid. As well, most athletes that play a team sport make life-lasting relationships within that team.” Many students at NT, as

well as athletes across the world, share this same sentiment with Rotem. Especially for serious athletes considering playing university and looking to obtain athletic scholarships, pressure is added to continue to play at a high level, and due to losing a year in their sport, they have less room for bad games or chance to be seen in the eye of a scout.

Luckily, NT students have been able to remain optimistic for the future and resilient through their undying passions for their sports. Rotem offers a piece of advice and motivation for athletes, stating, “This is the longest offseason we will ever have, and it’s the best time to outwork and overcome the competition,” and that athletes should, “Take advantage of this unfortunate time, and use it to your advantage” in terms of training and learning new skills.

While the year hasn’t been the same as before, students can keep up with current NTAA events on Instagram through the @nt_norsemen account. Fun events, spirit weeks, workout ideas and more are regularly posted on the account and it is a great way to continue to connect with the school community. In the upcoming weeks, students can also check in with the gym bulletin boards to see NTAA’s newest initiative, “NTAA Outdoors”.

The initiative will provide students with ideas for their next adventure as well as local outdoor activities available to keep in touch with their athletic side.

SPORTS | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 57

NBA

Raptors stars moving on

Norman Powell, Terrence Davis, and Matt Thomas have been traded and will carry out their next steps as professional players, but no longer as a part of the Toronto Raptors.

Photo by Nathalie Funes

Janna Kazerani Contributor

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erence Davis and Matt Thomas are no longer Toronto Raptors, and as sad as it is to see these beloved players leave the team, Raptors fans are still in shock over the Norman Powell trade.

Shooting guard small forward TD is a strong player, but has been getting a lot of hate recently due to his numerous assault and mischief charges. Raptors fans were sad to see him go, but he has been getting nowhere near the attention that Powell and Thomas have received. Maybe it’s the fact that he has not had a competent season this year, or maybe his limited time on the Raptors was not satisfying to the team.

Regardless, the Raptors sent Terence Davis to the Kings in exchange for a 2nd-round pick on March 25th, 2021.

Point guard Matt Thomas, otherwise known as Mr. 99%, well respected for his consistency with 3-pointers, was traded to the Utah Jazz on the same day as Terrence Davis, for a 2nd-round pick as well.

It’s a real shame losing such talented players just to get draft picks in return, but hopefully, the odds turn out to be in the Raptors’ favour, but

only time will tell.

The most shocking trade though, was veteran Norman Powell being traded to the Portland Trailblazers in exchange for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood. Powell started his professional basketball career in Toronto and built his way up with nothing but hard work and sweat. For Powell, it must hurt to be traded after 6 seasons of playing with the Raptors and it is sure to be a difficult adjustment for the young star. Raptors fans are at a loss of emotion to see the Raptor move on, but it happens all the time in the world of basketball.

Norman Powell addressed the trade saying, “I’m truly going to miss the city, fans, my teammates and all the relationships I’ve built over the past 6 years… I am grateful and blessed with many memories and experiences that I’ll never forget.” He said goodbye, but as he said, “Toronto will always be in [his] heart.”

When facing the nostalgia of playing against the Raptors, the team where he became the incredible player he is today, and when seeing his friends, Powell struggled to believe that he was no longer a Raptor. During the first game that Portland played against Toronto after the trade, Powell initially lined up with the Raptors instead of the Trailblazers. As well, in a recent article written about the trade,

Powell said, “Then we ran into Kyle, and I’ll be honest … I had to cry some more. Kyle, along with DeMar, he’s been my true vet, so there’s a lot of history there. And when I saw him, he just embraced me - let me get those emotions out. And then he gave me one final piece of Kyle wisdom. He said, ‘You will always be a part of this history.’”

Despite the devastating trade, there’s a lot of positive side to the loss of the three beloved and talented athletes. For starters, the fact that three (now former) Raptors were traded lightened some of the pressures to trade Kyle Lowry, which would be a whole other controversy in itself.

Trading Kyle Lowry would ruin the heart and essence of the team; Lowry has become a Raptors icon and fans across the country care about Lowry in a personal manner. Masai Ujiri stated in a press conference that, “If we were going to do something, we were going to do something right by Kyle. That’s the respect we have for him.”

Not only was Lowry staying in Toronto a benefit to these trades, but the Raptors gained two new players from the Trailblazers. Since their arrival, Rodney Hood and Gary Trent Jr. have been thriving on the Raptors; Gary Trent is often on the starting line-up, and at just 22 years old, he has hit his career highs and carries a 15.2 point average this season. Trent’s

point average is also .5 higher than 27-year-old Norman Powell’s average in his respective career. Many NT students agree with the trades and acquisitions made by the Raptors, and some even believe that Kyle Lowry should’ve been traded as well. NT student Nicholas Singh states, “The Raptors management [has] definitely struck gold with this trade, despite not trading guard Kyle Lowry as well.”

The trades are showing to be beneficial for the Raptors, even giving hope to the fans and to the team as the team is strengthening as the end of the season nears. Although Raptors fans are hating saying goodbye to loved members of the team, perhaps it’s just what was needed to get the Raptors out of the messy season.

So far, the trades made by the Raptors have been good moves, but perhaps more players should’ve been taken into consideration when finalizing the trades. Powell was wanted all over the league, but currently, so is Pascal Siakam. It’s quite obvious that Siakam is not a bigger part of the Raptors than Powell was and hasn’t played this season nearly as strong as Powell has. Siakam’s had a rough season, but with his persisting poor performance on the court, as well as locker room disputes, the question should be asked, is it time to trade Siakam as well?

58 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | SPORTS GOLF

Tiger Woods’ horrific car accident: will he ever return to golf?

Brooke Williams Contributor

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n February 23, the news spread that 82-time PGA tour winner Tiger Woods was involved in a single-car accident. Chances are, whether one is a golf-watcher or not, they have probably heard about it. The single-vehicle incident happened at around 10am, 30 miles south of Los Angeles. Woods’ car turned over, rolled several times, and hit a tree after veering across a median. The LA County Fire Department rushed to the scene and removed him from his vehicle with the help of a hydraulic rescue tool, commonly known as the “jaws of life”.

He was then rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and underwent surgery for extensive leg damage, primarily in his right leg and ankle.

Dr. Anish Mahajan, the Chief Medical Officer and Interim CEO of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, provided a statement describing the injuries and treatment, posted to Woods’ Twitter. He sustained multiple injuries, including comminuted fractures, where the bone is completely shattered, and open fractures, where the broken bone has pierced the skin. This was stabilized by inserting a rod into the tibia.

Further, smaller injuries regarding his foot and ankle were treated using both screws and pins. Finally, to relieve pressure on muscles and soft tissue, there was a surgical release of the covering of the muscle. He was moved to Cedar Sinai Medical Center after stabilization to rest and begin rehabilitation. Woods was cleared to go home on March 16, and expressed his gratitude for his doctors, surgeons, nurses and medical staff in a statement posted to

Twitter. He also thanked his supporters, as he stated that they have, “taken such great care of me,” and that he is, “recovering at home and working on getting stronger every day.”

What caused the crash? Since the date of the crash, new findings have provided insight into what caused the accident. It was revealed that his 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV was travelling at an estimated speed of 84 -87 miles per hour, or 135-140 kilometres per hour, in an area where the speed limit was 45. Despite this, no evidence led to Woods using the brakes, rather abruptly hitting the gas up to 99% in the moments leading to the crash. According to Sergeant Michael Downing’s report on the data, “Had [Woods] applied his brakes to reduce his speed or steered to correct the direction of travel, he would not have collided with the center median and the collision would not have occurred.” This led the Los Angeles Police Department to speculate he accidentally hit the wrong pedal, causing the crash. Additionally, Woods’ blood pressure on the scene was too low to administer pain medication. Officers on the scene revealed that there was no smell of alcohol, and Woods showed no signs such as watery eyes or slurred speech associated with being under the influence. Officers did discover an empty pill bottle which was in the front pocket of a backpack, but Deputy Justin Smith noted that, “The container had no label and there was no indication as to what, if anything, had been inside. There [were] no open intoxicants or paraphernalia inside the vehicle.” He also stated that the bottle “held no evidentiary value.” Finally, on the scene of the crash, Woods was responsive enough to ask for help getting in the ambulance. However, while interviewed in the hospital he stated

that he currently thought he was in Florida and did not remember being in an accident.

What does this mean for Tiger? The looming and debated question that many people are still wondering is whether or not Woods will ever be able to return to golf. He did not take part in the 2021 Masters, and it has been announced that he isn’t set to play in any events for the near future. Many fans are turning to the opinions of medical professionals, who also have varying opinions on his recovery time and if he will ever return to the sport. Although none as severe as this, it should be noted that Woods has faced many injuries in his professional career, including multiple surgeries, a ruptured ACL, spinal issues and more.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon and television host, believes that we shouldn’t count Woods out yet, stating that he, “won’t bet against Tiger Woods.” However, other medi-

Photo courtesy of CBS Sports cal professionals believe his recovery won’t be so linear. Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician, states that “it’s going to be a long rehab period and it’s going to be painful. We can assume that he’s going to go through bumps and twists and turns.” Sharing a similar opinion is Dr. Brain Sutterer, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, who believes that the first priority for Woods should be returning to a normal quality of life before thinking about playing PGA golf. In contrast, something else Dr. Stutterer points out is that professional athletes such as Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers have sustained injuries much like Woods requiring similar treatments, and have been able to maintain playing his sport.

Regardless of all the opinions surrounding his recovery, it seems like it will be a waiting game to truly see Woods’ future in golf.

BASKETBALL

The March Madness mayhem A report on the unpredictability of this year’s March Madness.

Luke Taylor Contributor

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he 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament, famously known as “March Madness,” has seen its usual mayhem despite the abnormalities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through select teams in the tournament achieving unprecedented success, the chaos typically associated with this tournament has been amplified this year.

An upset in sports occurs when an underdog team triumphs over an opposing team that had greater “odds” of winning, or in the case of this tournament, a higher seeding.

Despite this, should a team that holds a one seed advantage over their opponent lose during March Madness, it would not count as a significant upset.

This year’s tournament has seen an astounding eighteen upsets through

the first four rounds of play. In comparison to prior March Madness tournaments, no other tournament in the past five years has witnessed more upsets through the first four rounds and the historical record tournament total of nineteen (2014) could very well be surpassed.

By comparison, in the previous March Madness tournament in 2019 (the tournament was cancelled altogether in March 2020), there were a mere twelve upsets throughout the entire tournament. Furthermore, in March Madness of 2018, there were just ten upsets through its final, while in 2017 there were only nine through its culmination. Over the last five years, the tournament has averaged eleven upsets throughout the entire tournament. This year’s total has destroyed the recent average, as well as that of the historical average of 12.21.

Moreover, a number of the top seeded teams in the tournament have been eliminated by significantly

lower seeded teams, who have been continuing their “Cinderella stories”.

Among the most talked-about examples of lower seeds continuing their journey to the March Madness championship are those of twelfth seeded Oregon State and eleventh seeded UCLA. Upon entering the tournament, twelfth seed Oregon State possessed +18,0002 odds of winning the tournament, and ranked forty-eighth out of the total field of sixty-eight NCAA Division 1 teams. Despite these odds, Oregon was able to beat the fifth seeded Tennessee, as well as the fourth seed in their division, the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Similarly, the eleventh seed, UCLA, held +12,0002 odds of winning the tournament, and ranked a lowly forty-fifth out of sixty-four teams. Like Oregon State, UCLA achieved great success by triumphing over the sixth seed, Brigham Young University, and most notably, the first seed in their respective division, the University of

Michigan.

However, unlike Oregon State, who was eliminated by the second seeded University of Houston in the “Elite Eight” round, UCLA remained unbeaten through the “Final Four” round, becoming the first team in ten years to make it to the “Final Four” from the “First Four.” They did eventually lose to the overall first seed in the tournament, Gonzaga, in overtime with a “buzzer beater.” As March Madness further unfolds, its unpredictability will no doubt endure, as UCLA and Oregon State, teams ranked over forty places behind their opponents, achieved tremendous success, despite the odds stacked against them.

Through these unforeseeable manifestations of great upsets from such teams, the 2021 March Madness has by no means fallen short of the typical mayhem it is known to possess.

1 www.ncaa.com 2 www.sportingnews.com

SPORTS | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 59

MLB

The Blue Jays begin 2021!

After a long offseason and a shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19, the Toronto Blue Jays officially began the 2021 Major League Baseball season against the New York Yankees on April

Photo by Nathalie Adriana Funes Serna

Tristan Swartz Contributor

T

he Toronto Blue Jays made plenty of additions to their roster over the offseason with hopes of returning to the postseason after being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card Series last year. Some of the notable additions include outfielder George Springer, infielder Marcus Semein, and pitchers Steven Matz and Kirby Yates. Notably, the signing of Springer is the largest in franchise history and was for a guaranteed $150 million over 6 years.

Unfortunately for the Jays, there were a few injuries during Spring Training, as per usual. Those players injured include Nate Pearson and George Springer, who were placed on the 10 day Injured List (IL). Kirby Yates was placed on the 60 day IL and

is expected to miss the entire 2021 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery to repair the ligament in his right elbow.

Similar to the 2020 season, the Jays are unable to play their home games in Toronto due to the closure of the US-Canadian borders. Therefore the Jays are once again forced to find a home south of the border. The Jays will begin the first two months of the season playing in their newly renovated Spring Training stadium, TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida.

Dunedin has served as the Jays spring training home since their expansion year introduction into Major League Baseball in 1977 and is the only Major League franchise that has never changed their spring training home.

Playing in Dunedin is also beneficial to the Jays since it is near their newly renovated player development complex. The front office has made it clear that their first priority is to play in Toronto but with the border

closures, it is most likely that they’ll eventually move to Buffalo, New York (which is home to their AAA minor league affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons) when the weather warms up.

The Jays began the 2021 season on April 1 against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium where they played extremely well to win 2 out of 3 games in the series. With Kirby Yates recovering from Tommy John surgery, Julian Merryweather stepped up as Toronto’s closer, saving both games for the Jays while striking out 5 of the 6 hitters he faced in the series and hitting around 100 mph on multiple pitches as a batter. The Jays followed the series by going to Arlington, Texas, to play a 3 game series against the Texas Rangers. The Jays sadly lost 2 of 3 games in the series, but they were both close games in which the Jays lost within only 3 runs. Unlike most other stadiums, which have a limited capacity of fans in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Rangers

played to a full capacity sell out crowd (more than 40,000 fans) for their home opener against the Jays. The Rangers plan to play to full capacity crowds throughout the season.

Some notable improvements among Jays players over the offseason include Vladimir Geurero Jr and Alejandro Kirk, who both worked out and lost a lot of weight over the offseason in order to get in better shape going into the 2021 season. Both have continued to hit extremely well over spring training and into the start of the season.

This season, the Blue Jays have looked as though they could play anyone and make it an interesting game. With the season just beginning it appears as though this could easily be a great year for the Blue Jays this season and hopes of returning to the postseason for a consecutive season remain optimistic.

60 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | HUMOUR E

MUSIC

humour

Soon may the good times come

Picture it: the whole school united in song, literally living out their high school musical dreams with a 15th-century twist.

Illustration by Esther Won

Esther Won Contributor Iva-Mari Miskulin Copy Editor

Y

ou’ve probably heard of the songs sung by sailors across the seven seas way back when they used to hoist the sails, tug at the ropes, and huddle around with their ale, telling tales of the deep blue. The joyous melody that brought the crew as close as family is what is known as a sea shanty. Now, we know what you’re thinking, “why on earth is an article about sea shanties in Graffiti?”

To that my friend we say, why not? We are here to, first of all, educate you so you can win all the Family Feud rounds and secondly, bring forth a proposition of which you will hear in just a few moments.

Now where to start? Why with a little history lesson of course.

Sea shanties are traceable back to about the mid-1400s and were songs

that were meant to be sung while working on heavy manual tasks.

Capstan shanties had a heavy stress on rhythm and were sung to amuse the sailors and keep them in step as they performed the fairly hard and mundane task of tramping around and raising the anchor. Pulling or long drag shanties were slightly more intricate. They accompanied long spasmodic and irregular work such as raising the yardarms or hoisting the sails. In a pulling shanty, there is a soloist and the crew who play call and response throughout. Just as a little side note, the word shanty is thought to be derived from the French word “chanter” which means to sing. In short, the main goal of shanties is to bring a sense of good humour and high spirits to the crew as they perform their daily tasks. Furthermore, a good shantyman was given extra privileges such as lighter duties or extra rum (the latter definitely being the better reward).

These days sea shanties are making a comeback through TikTok where a shanty by the name

of The Wellerman has become a viral sensation. Many users layered voices on top of each other and it ended up being quite a heavenly arrangement. I mean when you think about it, the sailors had the right idea; make annoying tasks easier by adding entertainment.

Hmmm, now, can we think of any annoying tasks that Gen Z faces on a daily basis? Well, thanks to COVID-19 we have to wait in the #coronaline every morning. Usually, this line is a pain to wait in even if it moves along fairly speedily, but why not make it a bit more entertaining with a good ‘ol shanty? Picture it: the whole school united in song, literally living out their high school musical dreams with a 15th-century twist. As a matter of fact, we are so inspired by our own article that we decided to write a COVID-19 shanty to be sung every morning in the #coronaline or before you start a hard test. We must commemorate this iNteReSTiNg period in history through song, and hopefully, in 200 years, a future NT student will dig this shanty out from under a pile of N95 masks and decide to sing it every morning in their

#futuristicline.

COVID-19 Shanty (set to the tune of The Wellerman)

(Verse 1) There once was a plague from 2019 One that caused a global scene The lockdown started, and the shops shut down O quarantine yourselves (huh)

(Chorus) Soon may the good times come To bring us hugs and trips and fun (hey) One day, each one of us Will walk outside freely

(Verse 2) 6 feet apart o that’s the rule Put on your mask or you’re the fool Though a pandemic, we’re still in school We must try to carry on (huh)

(Chorus) Soon may the good times come To bring us hugs and trips and fun (hey) One day, each one of us Will walk outside freely

HUMOUR | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 61

STUDENT COUNCIL

Why I should be your campaign manager for the student council elections

People like a candidate they can relate to, so you have to speak to the student body in a way that they can appreciate and understand.

Sarisha Panday Section Editor

T

he end of the school year is finally drawing to a close. And although the strange, fragmented schedule we’ve had ensures that we won’t have to write any exams, we are still attempting to maintain some semblance of normality by shoddily organizing events over Zoom. Perhaps the most momentous of all the preCOVID events would have to be the Student Council Elections. There’s something very exciting about seeing everyone’s posters plastering the halls and sunny faces either quoting an outdated meme or barraging students with a catchy slogan. I know I sound sarcastic, but I really do miss it. I think it rounds out the high school experience, and the fact that so many people had to miss it this year is very sad to me.

But enough of all that sappy stuff; that’s not what we’re here for.

The Student Council Elections are soon and that means one thing: you’re going to need a campaign manager.

I know, maybe you were only barely considering running. You may consider yourself to be charismatic, maybe you’ve got ideas about how to make the school better, maybe it’s neither of those things and you just want the title to feel good about yourself, something to put on a resume. Do those go on resumes? Doesn’t matter.

What’s important is that you can’t do it on your own. And that’s where I come in. I know I tend to mention it at any opportunity I get, but I won Best

Costume at the 2019 Music Retreat, meaning I practically qualify as an expert on all things that the student body enjoys. And as I always do in these articles, I fully intend to lend my expertise to you, my faithful reader.

I am aware that this is a big investment. After all, I charge hourly for my services, so maybe you need some convincing to make such a monumental decision. I came prepared. At this point, you should imagine me cracking my knuckles, maybe even pulling out a whiteboard and a pointer. Without further ado, here are my pro strats to help you win the Student Council Election.

Memes You can never go wrong with memes, but the issue with them is that they either become outdated quickly or they just don’t land well. People like a candidate they can relate to, so you have to speak to the student body in a way that they can appreciate and understand. How do you execute such a task properly? The answer seems elusive at first glance, but the solution is very simple. You have to create your own memes.

And by that, I don’t mean carefully and lovingly edit some sort of half-baked context into a wornout Among Us meme; I mean we have to be trendsetters. People are most intrigued by things they don’t quite understand, so plastering some sort of nonsensical phrase on a poster of your face would cause a lot of chatter.

The more people read this phrase, the more they start quoting it, or sharing it, or even bringing it up in other contexts. It might not make sense, but it solidifies you as a candidate in their

heads, especially one who maybe takes themselves less seriously.

Bribery I know how this looks. I really do. It’s completely immoral, detestable, and an awful way to confirm victory. BUT it definitely works. And it doesn’t even have to be with money. You can bribe people with food, acts of service, vaccines, any of the many desired goods in this day and age. I’d even bet that social interaction is on the table. I haven’t seen any of my friends at school since quad one! Currently supercalifragilisticexpialidociously suffering!

Here’s another sneaky underhanded way to use bribery: bribe your teachers with good grades. Something like, “If I perform exceedingly well in your class you have to sing praises of me from the rooftops.” It may be difficult to find a teacher who will participate, but once you do you practically have the competition beat. All you have to do is…uh…study, I guess. Don’t look at me, I’m not the one who has to do it. If you’re looking for help cheating, that’s an extra fee. I’m putting my life on the line here too!

Stage a crime There are two ways we can go about this. We can choose to frame the other candidates, or we can set it up such that you ‘solve a crime’ that’s been committed and then be proclaimed a hero. The first is pretty self-explanatory, I would get someone to steal or something and carefully fabricate the crime scene to incriminate all but you.

Of course, if a clever detective gets put on the case and realizes that it’s awfully suspicious that everyone but

you could be responsible for the crime, then you’re in hot water. Any PI worth his salt knows that it means you’re probably the one responsible. That’s not really my problem though. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be the start of your epic cat and mouse chase set to some jazzy music in a gripping noir film.

Everyone loves those.

The second is a bit more elaborate but way more fulfilling. We do the same thing, stage a crime, but rather than getting a detective on the case you do the investigating yourself.

It should be pretty easy to pin a crime you did on someone random, and everyone will believe you because you probably have a really cool hairstyle and/or scar*. And once you save the day almost everyone will be convinced to vote for you.

*Fees for hairstyle and/or scar vary on size and design.

I am armed

This one is pretty straightforward. I have a brown belt in Karate-Do and weapons training. I can probably just intimidate people into voting for you. Easy money.

If all these methods sound appealing and you’d like to consider hiring me, please email me. I charge hourly, as stated before, but it’ll be well worth your money and time. Or you could, I don’t know, campaign normally and win over the student body with your resolve to improve the school. But that sounds pretty lame in my opinion.

DISCLAIMER:GRAFFITI DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS OF RUNNING FOR STUDENT COUNCIL. PLEASE DO SO RESPONSIBLY AND ETHICALLY.

FOOD

An ode to An ode to shin cups

It might’ve been the spice, or maybe the fact that the entire cup had 180% of my daily sodium intake. Either way, Brian and James were right; “you probably won’t be able to finish it.”

Marina Papachristos Contributor

I

come bearing a legend; a story I only know by chance, and must tell quickly for I am running out of time (quite literally, I’m in my last year of high school and this is the last edition of Graffiti for the school year). Last year I was in my Grade 12 French class; I was in a grade above since I came from a hellhole called the extended French program at Glenview Senior Public School. One afternoon in class, Kaspian, who was in Grade 12 at the time and has now graduated, told me of a legend.

Remember in Grade 9 English when you were forced to read the newspaper from the previous year? It’s a vague memory, but it should still be there. If it isn’t, you must’ve had a really bad year to have completely forgotten, or perhaps chosen to forget, Grade 9 English; by the way, have you considered therapy yet? Regardless, Kaspian told me how in his Grade 9 English class, he read an article from

the previous year called “An Ode To Shin Cups.”

He found it hilarious that someone had written an entire article based solely on shin cups and their popularity, spice, and cheap price. He made a promise to himself that he’d write an article called “An Ode to ‘An Ode To Shin Cups’” even though he had no clue what he would write in it. Unfortunately, Kaspian never got around to writing said article, so I knew I had to write something or else the legend would die with me, since anyone else who had read that article has already graduated with him.

So, I started my mission. I scavenged old articles on Graffiti’s online database “Issuu” and lo and behold, I found it; Volume 34, Issue 4, May 26, 2016, page 35, Brian Lee and James Tsu’s “An Ode To Shin Cups.”

They spoke of the gourmet meal taking “just minutes to cook” and being “less expensive than the dollar menu at McDonald’s.” The infamous shin cups were even sold during charity week. This spicy meal with a month’s worth of MSG and trans fat sounded so riveting that I had to try it myself to give my own review; so five years after

their article was published, that’s exactly what I did.

A quick Shoppers Drug Mart stop on my way home from school and 89 cents later, I had a singular shin cup in my bag and an article to write. While the water boiled I made myself a sandwich, and as I took a sniff of the soup base before pouring it into the cup, I soon came to realize that this wasn’t just any type of spicy. No no no, this was the type of spicy that made you cough by just smelling it. The type where you think of your little cousin who always drinks milk and wonder if you’re about to have to pour a glass for yourself.

Once I settled into my seat and prepared myself for this rather daunting task, I took my first mouthful of noodles. It wasn’t too bad, but I could tell this was going to be a slow burn type of spicy. Once my nose started to run, I knew the battle had begun. Eventually, my upper lip started to burn and even the sandwich I had made to balance out the spice couldn’t help me anymore.

Now, I like to think that I have a pretty decent spice tolerance, however, once I had made it halfway

through, my stomach literally started to cramp and I had to throw in the towel. It might’ve been the spice, or maybe the fact that the entire cup had 180% of my daily sodium intake. Either way, Brian and James were right; “you probably won’t be able to finish it.”

Was it good? Yes (even though my stomach hated me afterwards).

Would I have it again? Unlikely (because my stomach hated me afterwards). Was it a waste of money? Well, I don’t think 89 cents for a meal is a waste of money, but you can decide for yourself because Shoppers has them and our school is literally on the same block. You have no excuse not to try one for yourself unless you’re vegan or have the spice tolerance of a 5-yearold. I don’t think they’re vegan, but they’re definitely spicy.

Hopefully another five years down the road someone else will write their own review of shin cups, titled “An Ode To ‘An Ode To «An Ode To Shin Cups.»’” I think that’d be pretty funny. So Brian Lee and James Tsu, wherever you are now, thank you for writing about shin cups. I wouldn’t have tried them or have had weird stomach cramps without you <3.

62 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | HUMOUR FOOD

The brutal battle: an end to the milk and cereal debate

We can “enjoy a crisp bowl of goodness without endless strife” when we learn to love, and to accept love ourselves. When we learn to look past an arbitrary order and reconnect with those close to us, that’s when we’ll find the answer.

Photo by Mikayla Toplis

Sarisha Panday Section Editor

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o Clarke Strati, author of “Cereal Offender: A Response”; this one is for you.

Oh, Clarke. My sweet, sweet Clarke. You are poking a hive of wasps.

It’s a wonder, isn’t it? How you can love someone for so long and then in one swift swoop you turn against them. I’m sure you must have felt great joy when you pressed send; when you finally shared that Google Doc with the editors. When you presented your opinion for all of North Toronto to read. You must have thought with one definitive keystroke that you had ended the war.

But no, my dear. You have started a fire.

And you thought that your article had been the final say, the last laugh. Why no my dear, my reign of terror has just begun.

For any reader that is lost, in the last issue an individual known as Clarke Strati wrote a response to an article I had written about the merits of pouring your milk before your cereal.

It was well written for sure, I’ll give her that much, and well structured too.

But little does she know that I’ve been fighting this battle since before she had even put pen to paper (fingers to keys?).

I was prepared for her rebuttal.

I’ll ignore the subtle (not so subtle) attacks at my preference. It’s wholly unprofessional, but I understand the feeling of getting worked up by this extremely controversial topic.

Rather, I’ll focus on your argument. I’ll pick it apart and piece it back it really is, as you seem to think it is irrefutable.

Or maybe I won’t; we’ll see how tired I get of writing this article.

You give me a lot of flack for preferring a crunchy texture in my morning meal, as if eating it dry is the

only way I can achieve my desired experience. You say, and I quote, “[your] methods arise from a desire for crunchiness that classical techniques cannot bring you…” And immediately it is clear that you have formed a fallacy of relevance. Who is it that decides that cereal first is a ‘classical technique’?

Who is it that sets the status quo and dictates that all other people should follow these rules? Who is the person that dares to tell me how to pour my cereal? Your slander is so ingrained into you as a person that it bleeds into every part of your argument and clouds your judgement. Cereal first is not a natural state, as you asserted in your article, and I am certain you have never had to struggle to consume crunchy cereal, as you seem adamant to claim.

In fact, I’m sure you’ve never had to lift a finger in your life. You’ve only ever grown up in Canada, among a culture that promoted cereal first. How can you even begin to tell me (someone who has been shaped by the many places I’ve lived) that I should be experiencing things the same way as “everyone else”?Your resistance to change and difference is shocking and appalling.

A bowl of cereal is an experience that is defined by the sum of its parts. If I ate the grain plain I would not be eating the same meal, and I doubt I would enjoy myself. It is true that you can pour milk second and retain the crunch, but why would I bother risking it? Just the thought of wet, clumpy cornflakes makes me feel sick. Why would I ever choose to use a method that might achieve the wrong result?

You wax poetic on milk to cereal ratio when you ask, “if you limit yourself to pouring milk beforehand, how are you to adjust the milk-tograins ratio in your bowl?” and the idea that just because I prefer crunch I will for sure end up with leftover milk, something you claim is wasteful.

That’s where this argument gets interesting. Once again the paragraph is littered with fallacies of relevance (referring to your method as that of ‘The Common Man’). I know for a fact that even if I have more milk than cereal, I can simply drink the milk afterwards.

There is no waste, and it’s genuinely laughable to see you think such atrocities. Do you not drink the milk? It seems so. But why wouldn’t you? Perhaps it is you who is truly the wasteful one. It is just milk, after all. Drink the milk. Drink it, Strati. The argument is illogical and childish.

I’ve bitten my tongue many times around you. Defused the argument because I didn’t want to ruin the relationship that we had. But I think I’ve had enough. I’m tired of sitting down and shutting up because you’re too high and mighty. My method is not any lesser than yours. And if it doesn’t matter at the end of the day then why is it that you continually bring me down in your article? Why is it that you spit venom behind a carefully crafted mask of professionalism? I am no such coward. I WILL SAY IT LIKE IT IS. MILK OR CEREAL, CEREAL OR MILK, THE TRUTH IS THAT YOU’RE JUST LOOKING TO PUT ME DOWN. Do you want to know why

I kicked up such a fuss? Why I rallied my fellow milk first people? Because I wanted to prove a point. No matter what we do, if we claw and scratch and scream, we will always be pushed underneath the masses. I wanted every person in hiding amongst their peers to know that they were seen and to know that they had found a safe space in me. I’m not inciting chaos; I’m uniting a community. And you frame me as a villain, an annoying rabble-rouser, just as the rich and privileged have done all throughout history.

I think we all need to step back and examine the truth of this matter. It’s not about the breakfast

meal. It’s not about texture or taste.

It’s about you clinging to familiarity. It’s about you putting on a show of being accepting when all you do is breathe rejection. It was never about the grain, I reckon; it was our failing marriage. It was me getting custody of the kids. It was the gap that was slowly widening between the two of us that you were desperate to patch with anything you could find. But all you used to patch it was hostility, and that just made the gap wider. I see anger bleed into your words, but so does sorrow and loss. You can no longer understand how to extend the olive branch so you brandish the smoking gun. It’s ok. I see you, and I understand.

So maybe, I reason as I type this, the milk and cereal debate is and never was about our preferences.

It was a way to divide us as a society at the most basic level. The people in power pull the strings to their advantage and we are paraded around like puppets. If the world were to choose which method was better they would not know. Humanity would wage war for centuries and end up finding no answer. The war would only exhaust our resources, bodies, and minds. We can “enjoy a crisp bowl of goodness without endless strife” when we learn to love, and to accept love ourselves.

When we learn to look past an arbitrary order and reconnect with those close to us, that’s when we’ll find the answer. I was brash, I know. I spat at the people who had oppressed me for so long because I was tired, but I know now that I spat in the face of someone who cared, and someone who was hurt. So, if a reader was to learn a lesson from this whole debacle, let it be such: it doesn’t matter which comes first, only that it makes you happy, and that you are enjoying a meal with the people you love. But of course, the answer is milk first.

HUMOUR | MAY 10, 2021 | GRAFFITI 63 PERSONALITY

Which teacher are you?

Are you Ms. Minasian, Mr. Barnswell, Ms. Mekhael or Mr. Nicolet?

Illustration by Sian Huang, Amanda Wilson, and Mikayla Toplis

64 GRAFFITI | MAY 10, 2021 | HUMOUR PERSONALITY

Horoscopes Ayush Verma Contributor

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Illustrations by Baran Forootan

Aries, March 21- April 20: How are you liking the relaxed you, Aries? This month you may feel possessive of your friends and family for some unknown reasons, so just be aware of that. It’s a good thing that these times will also bring a boost in communication so you can voice exactly what you appreciate and what you don’t. Be open in your communication!

Cancer, June 22- July 22: Loving the slow and warm weather, Cancer? I bet you are! If you begin to feel a bit moody while completing tasks, you must address it immediately. If you feel burnt out, talk to a friend or trusted adult. If you feel like you lack confidence, remember to believe in yourself and never be afraid to ask for help! You can do anything you set your mind to!

Taurus, April 21- May 20: Happy Birthday season, Taurus! It is finally your month now! You should definitely take a break from your daily grind and enjoy your birthday. Continue following your passions and projects, and take measures to satiate your curiosity. Hope you have the best birthday yet!

Leo, July 23- August 23: Patiently waiting for summer, Leo? You may find yourself interested in many things all at once this month. It’s fun but can also be distracting, so try your best to set boundaries when it comes to free time. If you don’t feel like yourself now, don’t worry, as you will start to feel more upbeat again very soon!

Hang tight until then!

Gemini, May 21- Jun 21: Happy upcoming Gemini season! Hopefully, you enjoyed your break thoroughly and are ready for the final quad. You are also probably feeling a bit more like yourself as your social battery is finally recharged after what has been a long and tiring year!

Virgo, August 24- September 22: One thing you enjoy is knowledge, Virgo. During these times you may feel motivated to research everything and anything that interests you. One of the things that might interest you this month is self-improvement. You may also find yourself sharing your recent findings with the ones closest to you.

Libra, September 23- October 23: Exciting times, right, Libra? (the sarcasm is off the charts right now) It may seem like nothing fun is going on this month, but give it a few more days until Gemini season starts, as I’m sure the tables will turn. You may find yourself making an important decision soon, so be sure to consult family and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Have fun!

Scorpio, October 24- November 22: Things may seem like utter chaos right now, Scorpio. You will be very passionate this month, and it is best that you focus this energy on your most important tasks and get rid of all the unwanted distractions.

Keep your options open and communicate what you want from others!

Sagittarius, November 23- December 22: It is quite a busy time of the year right, Sagittarius? You may feel like there’s no time to spare for any of your favourite activities. This may cause you to act hastily which is not in your best interest, so relax, and take deep breaths. Reassess the situation and then proceed with your well-thought-out steps!

Capricorn, December 23- January 20: Taurus season shall treat you well, Capricorn! It’s time for growth. You may make new friends this month thanks to your great communication skills. You may also find yourself in some arguments with a peer, so make sure you listen to what they have to say first before doing anything that may affect you adversely. Maintain your usual calm and cool composure and you will be able to solve any problem!

Aquarius, January 21- February 18: You will be quite cheerful this month, Aquarius! Remember to get rid of any outstanding restrictions this month.

Your diplomacy, and not to mention your fantastic communication skills, might help you solve very delicate matters. You will also be very persistent, so no challenge is too big for you. Keep at it!

Pisces, February 19- March 20: Are you enjoying the warm weather, Pisces? This month you will have many ideas which will only seem to increase exponentially as time goes on! To bring your ideas to life all you need to do is take charge of the situation and put your creative magic to work. If you ever feel stuck, do not hesitate to ask for help. You can pull this off!