November 2017 | IC Distinct Magazine by IC Distinct Magazine

DISTINCT November 2017

Courtney Ravelo

EXPERIMENT WITH YOUR AESTHETIC

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

DRESSING FOR HALLOWEEN

THE NEW BUSINESS CASUAL

FENTY BEAUTY

FOOL PROOF HAIR DYING

COURTNEY RAVELO

ITHACA'S HOLES IN THE WALL

NOVEMBER 2

FALL ORGANIZATION

SPOOKY MOVIES

COLLEGE STUDENT HALLOWEEN

COLLEGE STRESS

HEALTHY HABITS

MASCULINITY

MILLENNIALS

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sara Belcher FASHION EDITOR Tara Stacy BEAUTY EDITOR Akili Dorsey-Bell LIFESTYLE EDITOR Meredith Nash HEALTH & FITNESS EDITOR Madison Barlow CULTURE EDITOR Kalia Kornegay PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS Alessia DiNunno Devin Kasparian LOOKBOOK COORDINATOR Brent Ferguson LOOKBOOK FASHION DIRECTOR Sarah Carrillo HEAD OF COPY Annika Kushner

COPY EDITORS Deanna Wetmore Grace Dexter Nicole Brokaw Sydney Joyce Danielle Gazda Alexandria Logedo DESIGN Sara Belcher Brent Ferguson Eliza Lopes FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR Anna D'Arcy SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Raquel Borges SECRETARY Stephanie Cordova Rodriguez FACULTY ADVISOR Katie Marks COVER PHOTO Devin Kasparian

ART DIRECTOR Courtney Yule

Letter from the Editor Dear Reader, Thank you for picking up the first issue of our Fall 2017 semester! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to start by thanking my lovely, ever growing team for sticking with me through yet another issue. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all amazing people and deserve the most praise for their hard work and dedication to helping this issue become a reality three times a semester. Since just before this semester started, our country has been riddled with disaster after disaster. Puerto Rico was hit by two hurricanes, and millions on the island are without power, fresh water, and cell signal. Families in Texas and Florida are struggling through the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Forty-two people were killed in the fires in Northern California, and thousands are without housing. The United States faced its worst mass shooting in history, with 59 people murdered and over 500 other people injured. Ithaca College students have homes all across the country, and these tragedies have affected so many in our college community. On behalf of the whole Distinct Magazine team, I want to extend my condolences to those who are struggling with the recent tragedies. Our thoughts are with all of you, and we hope you have the support you need during this time. Even if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been directly affected by these tragedies, remember that your classmates have been. Call your representatives. Donate to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund or the American Red Cross to help the victims of the recent hurricanes and wildfires. There are endless resources at your disposal to help those across our country that are hurting right now. Find those resources. Help your friends. Sincerely,

Sara Belcher

IC Distinct MagazineEditor in Chief

FASHION

How to Experiment With Your Aesthetic Written by: Suzannah Van Gelder Photography by: Sanaa Idris

Social media is great. I spend my days scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, watching friends on Snapchat, and finding gorgeous beauty and fashion ideas on Pinterest. However, we can sometimes feel bombarded by perfect photos, themed accounts, and “aesthetic” blogs. With increasing frequency, I hear people saying, “I wish I had her style,” or “I wish I was the type of person with a edgy/boho/sporty aesthetic.” My response to this statement is always the same — you can! Social media has this growing trend of boxing everything into specific aesthetics. Scroll through Tumblr, and you will find aesthetics ranging from bohemian to pale grunge. For fashion enthusiasts like myself, it can feel as though there is increasing pressure to be able to label your style as one specific category. Rather than box yourself into one category, let’s unpack why aesthetics aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Having an “anti-aesthetic” wardrobe with a diverse range of garments means that you will never have to say “I have nothing to wear!” While there is no problem with having a specific style, there is by no means a rule that requires everyone to adhere to one aesthetic. The fashion gods will forgive you.

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Rather than have items of all one color, style, material, or brand, take the pressure off yourself and just buy whatever you think looks good! Fashion is about personal expression, and life is always changing. You may wish to switch up your style based on your mood, the events you’re attending, or any number of factors! Fashion is a reflection of you, and in the same way that you aren’t expected to be the same person all the time, your closet doesn’t have to be the same, either! One of the reasons that I love fashion is the room for experimentation. Fashion should be a fun experience, not a stressful one that boxes you in. When I shop, rather than seek out one type of style or item, I prefer to browse for things that catch my eye. Opening yourself up to various styles makes shopping a fun experience! It may mean that you shop at stores that you hadn’t considered previously, or that you try on garments that you would have never expected to buy. It is always fresh and unexpected when you shop without expectations. Having an “anti-aesthetic” closet also allows you to create more unique looks! Pair your flowy maxi skirt with a sporty crop top. Wear an unexpected chunky boot with a chiffon dress. Your style is what you want it to be, not what other people think it should be! Accessorize in new ways, switch up your style from day to day, or layer different items to create totally new looks. With a diverse wardrobe,

the only limits are your imagination. Having a distinct and dissimilar wardrobe is also liberating in the sense that there is no pressure to have the same style from day to day. Every day is a blank slate to try whatever you like. On days that I need a confidence booster, I will try to pair a professional top with a more edgy bottom or shoe; it is a great way to feel polished and rebellious at the same time. If I need a lazy day, I will pair a comfy skater dress or a circle skirt and graphic tee with some sneakers. Some days I would describe my style as sporty-chic, others it’s more grunge, and some days it’s polished, and frequently it’s boho; so it’s easier not to categorize it at all! I just allow it to be what it is, and focus more on the look and feel of the outfit than the label I give it. Sure, having a unified closet is fantastic for those that want it or have enough patience and organizational skills to curate it, but there is no need to aspire to that standard. A closet that adheres to one style may look nice hanging up or photographed for Instagram, but it can be a difficult thing to achieve! Style should always be something interpreted and enjoyed by the wearer. Shopping is easier and more fun, creating outfits is a daily art, and your style becomes uniquely yours when you reject the aesthetic ideal and build a closet based on your own vision. Go forth and create, fashionistas! The possibilities are only what you imagine them to be.

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Weaving Tech Into Your Wardrobe: The Age of Wearable Technology Written by: Brenna O'Donnell Illustration by: Courtney Yule

As technology propels us all into the digitized age of the future, each realm of life gets a mechanized twist, including fashion. While the tech industry has been dominating headlines with advancements in fields such as medicine, transportation, and even space exploration, the fashion industry has also been reinventing itself with all the new resources technology has to offer. Although it might sound like an exotic trend of the future, wearable tech is actually already very much in the mainstream. Devices such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit fall under this category, but it doesn’t stop at your wrist. At the 2016 Met Gala, where the night’s theme was “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” tech giant IBM Watson teamed up with designer Marchesa to create the world’s first “cognitive dress,” equipped with LED lights that react to Twitter mentions of the #metgala, even changing colors based on the nature of the reactions. This dress pairs social media with WiFi and weaves it into the Met Gala scene. Off the red carpet, Snapchat has launched their newest product, “Spectacles” by Snap Inc. These glasses can record video and take photos from your exact perspec-

tive. The $129.99 glasses upload video to your Snapchat memories via Bluetooth or WiFi, and charge in their case. One of the most unique and luxurious brands on the market comes out of London: T H E U N S E E N, who have designed a collection of accessories that change color in reaction to body heat, air pressure, sunlight, and touch. The collection includes purses, backpacks, phone cases, and scarves. Think of it as a mood ring taken to a whole new level. Ever been freezing in the winter no matter how many layers you put on? EMEL+ARIS, a crowdfunding project that started up in 2015, has got you covered with their new “Smart Coat.” The jackets contain Far Infrared (FIR) technology, which produces heat from panels in the coat lining to keep you warm. The beauty industry is also starting to catch on to these high tech advancements: LED lashes add the right touch of tech to your look and can be ordered online for less than $5. As technology advances all sectors of life, fashion is exceeding expectations keeping up with this trend as it modifies itself in the 21st century.

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OPINION:

Dressing for Halloween Written by: Lily Harir Photography by: Libby Cook

I don’t know about you, but Halloween is my favorite holiday. It’s a day in the year (or weekend for us college students), that no matter the weather, you spring out of bed craving something warm and gooey, and look out of your window to admire the mismatched colors of the turning leaves. It’s the day I personally get most excited for; my creative juices are flowing, I have an excuse to eat candy, and, most importantly, I feel abundantly empowered and confident. As a female, who is a feminist by definition, I look at Halloween from the perspective of someone who attempts to go against hetero gender norms, social scripts, and hegemonic masculinity to question the holiday and messages that lie beneath it. On this particular day, I often wonder if I dress up for myself or for the sake of catching a male’s eye. Am I subconsciously seeking affirmation, or do I really just like the way my chest looks in this silver tube top I’m wearing? Or is it the way my legs appear toned, muscular, and fit when I wear 5-inch go-go dancer boots? I really have to think about this answer. Yes, I feel empowered as a female who is unafraid of judgments from society — because sadly, we live in a world where men and women feel intimidated or uncomfortable by a person who is confident in their skin — but is that really it? Am I truly doing this for myself? I searched “female Halloween costumes” and then “male Halloween costumes” on Google Images, and it is safe to say that female costumes objectify women and that male costumes don’t follow the same standards. After a simple five-second observation, it is obvious that the tight skirt, fishnet, belly shirt aesthetic is a classic look for a female and that no matter if she decides to be a nurse, a nun, a cop, or even a zombie, the costume must be revealing or somewhat sensual. Even if she chooses to be a large pink cupcake where the costume covers her chest and stomach, the pink cupcake costume is advertised with the model’s knees showing — and the way she is posing could be deemed provokingly sexy (especially as she balances her body onto one leg wearing her high white stiletto heels). But if we were to take a look at the male costumes, we could find a male Genie with a “spout” protruding out of his pants zipper area with the words “rub me” on it, insinuating a cheap sexual innuendo; a man who is wearing a large magnet with “cats” placed upon it, representing a “deeper” message (he’s clever, huh?); or simpler costumes of males embodying an occupation, like a doctor, a firefighter, or even a priest. So, I’ll reiterate: Are we females really dressing for ourselves, or are we just pleasing our hegemonic masculine society that states that females will dress as the ‘corporate hoe’ and males will be the CEO? Think about it. It’s the end of October. The weather is typically in the low 50s, and maybe in the low to mid 40s in the evening. Even if we’ve been longing to wear our costumes that show off our bellies and fit physiques after months of intense workouts in the gym and strict dieting, can we truly say we do all of this for self empowerment? Are we really comfortable wearing sleeveless tops and panty hoes, shivering in the streets as we bop from house to house? I don’t have an answer to this. I am genuinely just asking. But then I also think about how Halloween seems to be one of the only times we, males and females, have the “permission” to dress however we please. For some of us, wearing less clothing, dressing up as our favorite movie character, or caking on makeup is what makes us feel comfortable. If Halloween is the only time in the year that society makes these practices socially acceptable, we must start asking questions. In addressing this issue, we must look at Halloween in the context of different communities: the state, the school, the city, the social group, etc. Understanding gender norms and social scripts on this particular day can only be accurate if we take these factors into consideration. From my observations of Ithaca College students who partake in the hookup culture and tend to party two to three times a week, it seems evident that Halloween is a time where women justify provocative and sexy apparel. People throw parties with sexist themes and make excuses for accepting social scripts (ex: lax bros and yoga hoes). I am not questioning those who partake in this holiday and participate in the type of Halloween 10

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described above, because I admit that I am completely guilty of it. But is it okay to use Halloween as an excuse to deem it socially acceptable to potentially offend one another, to look past gender normatives instead of arguing with them, and to dismiss every day societal expectations of making one another feel comfortable? What if I showed up to class dressed like a hot dog? Most people would look at me and either think my outfit is funny, amusing, offensive, and/or inappropriate. It would definitely be out of the ordinary; but suppose I didn’t consider my outfit a costume? I decided to wake up in the morning and throw on that hot dog outfit hanging in my closet. What gives me the excuse to dress like a hot dog on Halloween but not in class? Because it’s festive? But what if I argued I wasn’t being festive on Halloween, and I just happened to wear that hot dog outfit because I felt like it? What even makes this hot dog thing I am wearing a costume? What about if a heterosexual male cross-dressed as a female to class? Would that make you uncomfortable? What if he cross-dressed as a female on Halloween and called it a costume? Does this make you less uncomfortable because it has been labeled as a costume? If it were socially acceptable to wear a large T-shirt to class with just my underwear underneath it and slippers on my feet, I would never hesitate to make this my everyday, go-to outfit. But let’s say I wore that outfit, called it a costume, and titled myself “A Sleepy Person” on Halloween. That would be okay, correct? I’m questioning these ideologies and concepts because I wonder if we don’t live for ourselves, and we simply live for others. As a female who states that I dress up for the sake of my own satisfaction, confidence, and empowerment, I have to question the underlying hegemonic masculine world we live in, and how I’ve been socially scripted to believe that dressing explicitly is acceptable on this festive holiday. I may be dressing this way because it is my only time to do so, since it is not commonplace and makes others uncomfortable on an ordinary day. I could go against this notion, rebell, and identify my risqué apparel on Halloween as not a costume, but just an outfit I pulled together. And if the guy next to me who dressed up as a cat stated that he just really likes cats and his outfit wasn’t a costume, either, what would happen? We do things to make society comfortable, to please the social construct and society we live in — we are social objects, working with ideologies, thoughts, and concepts that are socially implemented within our society. Halloween has become our excuse to rebel, to be our semi-selves, or to be ourselves in disguise. It also sometimes acts as an unhealthy alternative that we hide behind, permitting ourselves to ignore societal implications. Here’s some food for thought: If we didn’t label our apparel on Halloween as costumes, would we feel the need to justify the way we dress in our everyday lives? Are we dressed in costume, or are we just dressed?

LOOKBOOK

Photography by: Brent Ferguson Styled by: Sarah Carillo Sydney Joyce Elise Littlefield Brielle Cruz Chantel Court Models: Maya Lazar Max Innis

THE NEW BUSINESS CASUAL 12

LOOKBOOK

Lookbook

BEAUTY

Fenty Beauty and Diversity in the Makeup Industry Written by: Alyssa Curtis Illustration by: Courtney Yule

Badgalriri launched her ever-so-anticipated makeup line, Fenty Beauty, on Sept. 8. In the days leading up to the launch, the makeup world was going crazy. With her launch party in Brooklyn on Sept. 7, beauty industry regulars such as Manny MUA, Jackie Aina, and Duckie Thot were able to see the products, swatch them, and give their fans and hopeful future Fenty Beauty owners a sneak peak. Before the products were made available to anyone, there was talk about the foundation’s shade range. Given that Rihanna is a woman of color, it was assumed that the songstress turned beauty mogul would have a wider shade range or more options available for women of color than other makeup brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Almay. Fenty boasts 40 shades of the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. The shades range from very light, to fit those who have albinism, to very dark, typically with shades in each of three undertones — warm, neutral, and cool. Some shades carry a peach undertone, while others carry an olive one. According to the website, the foundation has “custom pigment levels to capture your truest tones.” While there’s plenty of controversy in the makeup industry regarding women of color and the availability of makeup for them, there’s also a lack of diversity at the other extreme. Many people can’t find their perfect shade because they are lighter than the colors offered. Those who are albino often have trouble finding shades that match their skin tone, and when they do, it’s often the wrong undertone. Rihanna’s attention to not only the issues faced by women of color, but also to those faced by people on the other end, shows her determination to take a lead in the makeup industry. When the songstress launched her beauty line and revealed the shades on social media, many other established makeup brands took notice. Companies such as Kylie Cosmetics, Estee Lauder, and Cover FX all quickly fled to Instagram to show off their multi-shade range and try to catch the attention of women of color — the audience Rihanna has already targeted with her new line. Throughout the history of the beauty industry, there has been an issue with racism and colorism — companies

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will tend to target those with lighter complexions and completely miss the mark for women of color. “Black women still have relatively limited foundation options compared with the total number in the market,” said Andrea Arterbery, beauty journalist for Cosmopolitan. Many companies lack the products for women darker than “medium,” whether that’s foundation, powder, lipsticks, blushes, or highlighters. Many products throughout the industry are dependent on the skin complexion of the person wearing it — a certain nude lipstick will look different on a pale person than a darker skin person. The answer many companies give to the question about lack of diversity is that they don’t see the demand. The demand, though, has been seen by companies such as Bobbi Brown, Black Up, Black Opal Beauty, and Maybelline. The need is there. It just is not being met. In some cases, companies will create those darker shades, but it’s up to the retailers to stock those shades. “Beauty executives … say retailers are not as apt to give shelf space to foundation shades from the middle to darker range in regions that are predominantly white because they don’t sell,” Arterbery said. Darker shades are more likely to be found in stores that are located in big cities. “Regions that do move medium to darker-toned products tend to be confined to areas like Manhattan, Miami, and Los Angeles,” Arterbery said. Racial minorities exist everywhere, though, not just in big cities. While the population of minorities might not be as predominant as the white population in some areas, it is still there. Cosmetic brands can’t just ignore a whole population. “With the U.S. Census Bureau reporting in June 2017 that all racial and ethnic minorities are growing faster than whites, that excuse no longer holds water,” Arterbery said. When companies do have darker shades, they are often comprised of the wrong undertones — turning out too red or too ashy. There are usually various colors used to create a shade. When creating darker colors, some chemists put in too much black, which leaves a bruised look. “For a caramel hue, there may be too much red or yellow, which can leave skin looking orange,” Arterbery said. “Sometimes, chemists add titanium dioxide, a pigment used in many cosmetics to add coverage. Result: an ashy finish.” These darker shades also tend to have names such as “cocoa” or “nutmeg,” tokenizing the black woman. The makeup brands that do have wider shade ranges can often be found in the drugstore. Brands such as L’Oréal, NYX, and Maybelline are some of the most diverse in the drugstore beauty world. They can be found in stores such as Walmart, CVS, and Target. Not only do they provide more than just two or three darker shades for women of color, unlike many other brands, but they do it for a cheaper price. L’Oréal’s True Match foundation offers 33 shades each in one of three undertones — warm, neutral, and cool — and retails for $10.95. One would think that of the makeup brands that are considered “diverse,” most would be high-end rather than drugstore. High-end brands have more resources and money to expand their lines to be inclusive, yet they don’t deliver in that field. Earlier this year, Yves Saint Laurent, a well-known and praised high-end makeup brand, came under fire because of their lack of diversity. In August, YSL released its new longwear foundation. Although it’s available in 22 shades, “just a couple of them skew toward the deeper side of the shade spectrum,” according to Allure. They claimed it “suited all skin tones,” but had to retract that statement once they received backlash. YSL is just one example that illustrates colorism in the makeup industry. While many well-known companies do lack diversity, some brands are spot-on. Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation comes in 30 shades, with multiple options for those with darker skin tones. Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation comes in 40 shades. Make Up For Ever’s Ultra HD Invisible Color Foundation also comes in 40 shades. When Rihanna came out with her shade range, people were shocked to see the disparity in shades — but they shouldn’t have been. Although not all makeup brands have come around to being black girl friendly, there are many that have. While Rihanna’s line can be praised for its inclusivity, there are many brands that do recognize the makeup market for women of color. Is Riri really a pioneer in this field? Either way, these foundation shades are making us wonder, “Where have you been all my life?”

BEAUTY

The Foolproof Guide to Dyeing Your Hair a Fashion Color: How to Avoid a Disaster in 7 Parts Written by: Nicole Brokaw Illustration by: Arianna Ashby

So you want to dye your hair a fashion color: something unnatural and wild like bright blue, or something enchanting and elegant like a cool lavender. A fashion color is hair dye color that is considered an unnatural shade, and they usually require a bleach process to show vibrantly. They are almost never permanent, because the dyes are physically different from other permanent natural colors. There is quite a road ahead of you — one I started nearly two summers ago, without a clue in the world as to what I was doing. I’m going to share with you my advice; which is based on hundreds of hours of research, and thousands of hours of YouTube videos, and my own experience just going for it. I’m not here to interest you in anything other than exactly what you want; thus, I present my no-bullshit guide to dying your hair a fashion color.

1. What am I Getting Myself Into?

There are few things you need to know before proceeding. These are warnings, not deterrents. 1. People will stare at you. It’s just a fact. With such a visible distinction, people will look. Here’s the silver lining: At least you know what they’re looking at, and that you rock it. And when little kids stare, their wide-eyed wonder is adorable. 2. It’s a complete change and will require commitment and maintenance. There is no half-assing this. There is no point in doing the undoable damage to let your hard work fall by the wayside. 3. You’ll get a lot of compliments. I’ve noticed that certain hair colors get me more compliments than others do. You’ll always look like a badass. 4. People will assume they know you. They judge. They think they know what kind of person you are based on the fact that you have green hair, or pink hair. But they don’t. It’s not your job to prove yourself to anyone, either. 5. Some people will touch you without permission. Shoutout to all the curly-haired girls who already face this every day. Same goes for vibrantly colored hair. Getting your hair done in a fashion color is very different from dying it a natural color, especially with the bleaching process. Forget everything you know: It’s time for the opposite. For example, with box dyes and natural colors, you’ll want to start at your roots because porous ends of the hair shaft with absorb color more quickly. However, when bleaching, you start from the ends and work your way up the shaft to the roots, because the heat from your head processes roots more quickly than ends. A fashion color DIY is a bit easier than doing a different process, because at least we all know one thing — it is going to damage your hair. The jury is still out on how often you should wash your hair, if at all, but when dying your hair a fashion color, you should know that minimizing and repairing are the name of the game. And it’s pretty simple. Companies — like Manic Panic, which started in the 70s, and Arctic Fox, which started in 2014 — sell fashion colors that are typically consistent with the standard method of using the colors. Dying with fashion colors is not as innovative as other fields in hair care, like the “no poo” movement or the new formulas that come with simply dying hair a natural color. Here, I’ll lay out all all the processes behind transforming your hair into a rainbow, with helpful tips and things to avoid based on my personal experience. You don’t need to do everything perfectly: Find what works for you! Experimentation is your key to success.

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2. Go Pro or Go Home? Benefits of the salon... There are plenty of valid reasons to go to a professional. If you are a beginner, you’ll have a more uniform color with less work. There’s no beating around the bush: Beginners won’t be perfect. It’s more likely that someone will know what they are doing at a salon. That being said, you need to look for a salon that is familiar with fashion colors. So while there is this element of research involved, it is overall easier to go to a salon than to try to do it at home. Going to a salon also means that it will be easier to get rainbow or unicorn hair in a salon than at home. Unless you have a helpful parent or friend, multicolored or rainbow hair is hard to do on your own without coming up with a patchy mess with one color bleeding into the others. It is also okay to be scared to do it on your own. There is a certain level of “Will I go bald?” that everyone feels when dyeing their hair. It’s okay to not want to deal with the hassle. When considering salons... Always look up reviews of salons beforehand, and call to ask about fashion color experience. Make sure your stylist knows what you want. Not everyone is Guy Tang. It is also important to know your dye history and communicate honestly about it with your stylist. They need to know if you’ve been using a black box dye since you were 12. It will effect the bleaching process, and the outcome of your final color. Resources in the Ithaca area include: Hair Color Art at and Changes. Both have experience with fashion colors, and good online reviews. Benefits of the home... It will be cheaper to dye your hair at home. Even if you buy products in bulk, the initial cost will be substantially less than going through a salon. Plus, a parent or friend can help for freeeeee. It’s also not that hard to dye your own hair. While it’s not easy, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be fine. Dyeing your hair at home is also fun! It’s one big experiment and you never really know how it will turn out! Once you manage to pull it off, you’ll feel so proud that you’ve done your hair yourself. If you are willing to take your life into your own hands, then go for it at home; at least if it’s messed up, it’s your fault. You’re cool with the shaved head look, anyway.

3. How to Choose Your Color Clearly you don’t have to pick just one, but there are things to consider, nonetheless. A multicolor mane is harder to maintain, especially if you don’t go to a salon. But when choosing your color, knowing your undertone will help you know how to pick a good color. Are you warm-toned, cool-toned, or neutral? If you wear foundation, you will probably already know the answer. There are many ways to find out the undertone of your skin. Being cool-toned means your skin has more pink and red pigments, whereas a warm tone has more yellow or olive pigments. Burning easily in the sun and looking best in silver jewelry are indicators of a cool undertone. If you tan easily and look best in gold, you are probably warm-toned. Then there is the trusty vien test: In natural sunlight, do the veins in your arms and wrists look more blue or green? Blue indicates a cool tone, and green indicated a warm tone. An undertone is not the same thing as a cool color or a warm color: Reds can be cool and blues can be warm. When picking a hair dye, you’ll want to pay attention to the base color of your dye. If you are cool-toned, you’ll want a more blue-based purple, whereas warm-toned people will want a more red-based purple.

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I have had blonde hair, purple hair, pink, orange, green, and blue hair. But by far the cool blue I have now, which suits my cool undertones, is the best fit. I get more compliments now than I have with any other color. Consider your skin tone and eye color, as well. Orange hair will make blue eyes pop, and red hair will do the same for green eyes. If this isn’t your first time playing with hair color, keep in mind that some colors won’t play well together. Blue is the hardest color to remove from bleached hair. If you’ve gone blue, I don’t advise switching to yellow anytime soon. It’s the basic principle of the color wheel: Some colors cancel out, but trying to apply a lighter color might just make a mess. Consider the research into which brand is best for you (Manic Panic, Splat, Pravana, Arctic Fox). There are so many color selections, so don’t feel like you have to settle for any one color. You can always dilute a color with conditioner or a lighter shade. You can mix and match to find the exact color that you want. And depending on your hair type, some brands will hold better — it’s just a matter of experimentation.

4. How to Remove Color Before we get into the dying, let’s talk about everything you need to know about fixing mistakes. There are a few different ways to fade or remove fashion colors. Harsher shampoos, like those with detergents, those claiming to “clarify,” and dandruff shampoos will all strip the color from your hair. Avoid these if you want to maintain your color. But if you want to transition to another, this is a healthy way of fading colors. There a few different color removers on the market. I have tried the Ion Hair Color Remover and it made no difference in my hair. I’ve also tried the Beyond the Zone Radical Color Remover, and it was pretty effective at stripping the unwanted color. Like I said, it’s about experimentation, trial and error. If you’ve piddled around on the internet long enough, you might come across something known as the vitamin C method. The idea is that it will open your follicle so the color can bleed out, similar to a detergent shampoo. It is very drying, but perfect for a low budget color remover. Depending on your hair type, some of these methods won’t mix well. The vitamin C method also may not work when mixed with certain shampoos, or with color remover. Additionally, back to the basics of the color wheel, using opposite colors to cancel out unwanted dye is pretty effective when you want to change a color. If your hair is too yellow, add a light wash of purple. If it’s too green, add red.

5. Let’s Talk about the B Word: Bleach Yes, you need to bleach you hair. Some blondes might be able to get away with it, depending on the color and how permanent they want the dye to be. But the bleaching process strips out the color molecules and opens the follicle. Some dyes won’t strip and fill in the follicle, and thus won’t last very long. You will need a few things: 1. Coconut Oil 2. Toner 3. Bleach 4. Developer 5. Bowl 6. A mixing brush 7. Towels and an old shirt

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Follow the directions on the package to mix the bleach. First, always do a patch test on a strand of hair at the back of your head to make sure you aren’t allergic to the bleach or dyes. Most brands, like Manic Panic recommend this. Keep in mind that a level 10 blonde, or platinum, will take several rounds of bleach, with rest and recovery periods, and some hair types will not be able to go white blonde. In preparation for the bleaching process, slather your head in coconut oil to 1) create a barrier between your scalp and the bleach (otherwise it might burn) and 2) nourish your hair. This is a preventative step. After you’ve spent at least 30 minutes in the oil — although preferably it’s applied overnight — you can begin the process. Always start at the bottom of your hair shaft. The roots will process faster, because of the heat from your head. Never comb or brush hair that had bleach in it. Brush or comb your hair thoroughly beforehand to make sure all the tangles are gone. Bleach can be applied for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the hair condition and type. Watch YouTube videos if you are still unsure of the process or techniques. If your hair feels mushy, rinse the bleach immediately and never bleach it again. The hair is too weak, lacks protein, and will break off. After an initial bleaching, your hair will feel different in the shower: straw-like and harder to comb or run your fingers through. This effect will fade with conditioning treatments that rebuild the proteins and moisture of the hair. Luckily, fashion color dyes are often very conditioning. The bleaching process strips the hair of two vital components: moisture and protein. There are three main parts to the hair: the cuticle, follicle, and medulla. Bleaching opens the follicle and pulls pigment molecules from the cuticle — and so the proteins and moisture are lost. Warning to girls with natural hair: The bleaching process means a high risk of losing your curl pattern. It takes a great amount of conditioner to restore it if damaged. Each hair type will require a different number of rounds of bleach. Asian hair, which is the thickest in terms of the medulla, will require more rounds than other types. After a certain point, the hair will be a pale yellow, like duckling feathers, and toner should be applied to neutralize. The toner will burn if coconut oil is not applied, because it is another harsh process. Toners will bring a white or sliver quality to the hair, and will neutralize those tones in virgin, or unprocessed, hair as well. Pair coconut oil, bleach, and toner in every round. Let the hair rest for about a week between rounds, with constant oil and conditioning treatments.

6. Let’s Talk about the C Word: Color You’ll need similar materials for the color process: 1. Bowl 2. Gloves and brushes (optional) 3. A cap or plastic bag 4. Color 5. Conditioner

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First, you need to pick a brand. Different brands work for different people, and there is no wrong answer. Arctic Fox, Manic Panic, Splat, and other mainstream hair-dye brands offer a wide range of colors. Some last longer than others, depending on your shampoo, shower routine, and hair type. When using box dye for a natural color, the general rule is to get more than you think you need to cover all your hair. For fashion colors, this is not necessarily the case. If you want a dark shade, then continue to buy twice what you think you’ll need. But more commonly, people dilute the dyes with conditioner. Many brands also sell diluters, but the effect is the same, and conditioner is cheaper. This can achieve a lighter color, but also makes the dye last longer. Pour the conditioner into a bowl, then slowly add dye and mix for your desired color. The color is harder to control if conditioner is added to bleach instead of the other way around. Lay down old towels or paper towels to prevent staining in the bathroom, and to make clean-up a breeze. Colors will stain countertops and bathtubs if left for any lingering amount of time. Washing your hair afterwards is a no-no! Only rinse out the dye with cold water, and refrain from washing for as long as you can. Two days is recommended. DO NOT — under any circumstances — condition your hair before applying the fashion color dye. It won’t stick. You’ll end up with a blotchy and uneven color. Before dying, shampoo only and apply to completely dry hair for rich, even color. Gloves are optional — they prevent staining, but you might feel more in control without them. If you’re feeling unconfident, watching other people dye their hair on YouTube can familiarize you with the process.

7. Maintenance and Rehab There are some key lifestyle changes that will help maintain your colored hair. The golden rule of fashion color dye is to wash your hair way less. Every shampoo will wash away more color. Fashion colors can never be permanent. Always avoid stripping ingredients like sulfates and detergents in your shampoos. Along the same vein, avoid citrus extracts or fragrances. Do opt for protein and reparative shampoos and conditioners. Avoid heat styling. Look into heatless styles like braids to give hair body and curl. If you must, blow-dry your hair on the coolest setting. Using a T-shirt to pat-dry your hair will also prevent breakage. You need to get the dead stuff chopped. Fragile ends look terrible, but will also cause splits up the hair shaft, which will end in even more unhealthy hair. Most dyes will stain. Bathrooms, tubs, hands and backs, clothes, pillows ... the list is endless. Take steps to account for these things. Buy a loofah to scrub the color off your back. Buy dark pillow cases or sleep with a dye towel over the pillow. Wear dark clothes a week after dyeing, until the bleeding has slowed significantly. Although sometimes I’ve regretted bleaching and dying my hair, I wouldn’t give up my blue color for the world. It is my calling card. It is me. My crazy-colored hair genuinely makes my feel more like myself. I had even dyed my hair dark brown before diving into fashion colors and although it looked good, nothing fits me as perfectly as my hair now. Every moment was worth it — every embarrassing mistake, every split end, every surprise outcome. I’ve learned more about myself and my hair trying to fix and maintain my color than I would have otherwise, and it has been a colorful experience, to say the least.

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Courtney Ravelo Photography by: Devin Kasparian

Courtney Ravelo is a senior writing major at Ithaca College who has used her writing to create a dialogue on and off campus. During the summer of 2017, Ravelo wrote a play discussing race and religion, theorizing what would happen if our current presidency was considered for a second term. Her play, titled “Euphoria,” was chosen for a reading at the Community School for Music and Art. Since the reading, people from outside of Ithaca have used it as a talking point for the themes Ravelo discusses in the play. Ravelo is hoping to use this play — and her future writing — to start similar conversations about the matters that hit so close to home for her. Distinct editor Sara Belcher sat down with Ravelo to talk about her work.

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Sara Belcher: Tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do on campus. Courtney Ravelo: I’m a senior writing major and theatre minor, and I’m currently involved in a lot of things. I’m the co-president of Spit That!, which is IC’s only spoken word poetry club. I am the co-editor-in-chief of States of Mind, which is the mental health magazine run out of the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County. I’m a nonfiction editor for Stillwater, and I’m in a musical right now. I’m in a student film, I’m in a show choir, and I’m taking 18 credits this semester. Oh, and I have a part time job!

there’s a really big theme of water in the play and not having access to it. There’s a theme of — trigger warning — suicide in the play, like ritualistic suicide, not mental illness suicide. It’s more like a “big brother made me do” it kind of thing. And then the other theme is religion. It’s very religious, Christian-based. It’s like a commentary or an argument about Christianity. And it uses themes like the apple. I talk a little bit about global warming. It takes place a hundred years from now, so the world is f----d. It’s a dystopia.

SB: So were you raised Christian? CR: Yeah, I was raised Catholic. I was baptized, made SB: What made you want to be a writing major? Communion, was confirmed. I went to [Confraternity CR: I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Since I was young, of Christian Doctrine,] which is like Catholic school, I was obsessed with reading and books. I just wanted to every Wednesday night for an hour for the first decade of create for young people what authors created for me when my life. When I was 14, after I was confirmed, I stopped I was young. I’ve always wanted to be a lot of things, just going to church because I didn’t agree with Catholicism. for some reason I decided to focus on writing in college In high school — my junior year of high school — I because I was focusing on other things in high school. ended up going to an Apostolic Pentecostal church, which is a branch of Protestantism within Christianity. I was SB: What other things did you focus on in high school? Pentecostal for like four years. I kind of have been getting CR: I went to a performing arts high school, so I was a out of it the last two years or so. vocal major there. I was classically trained. And then my senior year [of high school], I double-majored in creative SB: Did one sect of religion have more influence on writing, and I loved it so much so I ended up applying the play than the other? here as a writing major. Yeah, so I’ve always been into CR: I think both had equal influence on the play, because performing. all of Christianity has the same background that they pull from, the same Bible, and the same rules. It’s just the SB: Did you ever picture yourself writing plays? way you go about them that’s different, and the rules you CR: No, I was actually really surprised. Because I’m such decide to follow are different within every religion. The a narrative writer, I’m not good with dialogue. And then apple is across all of Christianity. The theme of the play I ended up writing something that has no narrative — it’s is like they’re killing themselves to go to this “Heaven” only dialogue. So I surprised myself, but I think it’s one but it’s called “Euphoria” because they’ve been told that of the best things I’ve ever written. So I guess it opened that’s where they need to be and their purpose here is a door for me. meaningless. Which is literally what I’ve been told in CCD. I remember in seventh grade, I was maybe 11 or SB: So tell me a little bit about your play. 12. My CCD teacher’s assistant, who was like 17 — she CR: This is the first play I’ve ever written. Okay, so, was in high school — told us that if we could take the working synopsis: It’s a futuristic, dystopian play that chance to die right now and go to heaven, we all should considers what would happen to people of color if this because heaven is the most amazing place ever and Earth administration was considered for a second term. The is nothing compared to it. And that if you could kill whole cast is people of color, and there’s a bunch of yourself and still go to heaven, she would. Because heaven different themes. There’s a theme of water and a lack of is perfect, and our place here is meaningless, and we’re it. I got the idea for this play, actually, when the Flint, just waiting here. And I use all of this stuff in my play. Michigan, stuff started happening on the news. Because it was happening for a long time, and I just didn’t personally SB: What kind of conversations do you hope this play hear about it until people had died. I was really upset is going to start? about it, and I’m still upset about it, considering nothing CR: So many. It’s already started conversations among has changed and they still don’t have clean water. So groups that have seen it. Just about what it means to 28

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be a person of color in this country, bringing awareness to the fact that Flint doesn’t have water still, which is a basic necessity of life, and government and rebelling. Conversations about that. Mostly about race, though. SB: Where have you seen these conversations happening? CR: We had a talkback after the reading, and a bunch of people asked me questions, and they were asking each other questions and having conversation. Then two of the people who saw it that day messaged me separately asking me to send it to them so they could send it to their college because they have play talks at their college. And the other girl told me to send it to her because she’s friends with a director of theater in New York. And I sent it to them. I’m hoping that these people are having meaningful conversations. It’s hard because I’m not there, and it’s hard to give this part of me out to people who don’t see me and don’t know me, and they can say anything they want about something that’s so precious to me. And everything I write is a reflection of myself and my character. If someone doesn’t like it, then I take it personally, because they don’t like my thoughts, then. It shapes your writing, even if it’s not real.

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SB: What is it like to see your work read? CR: I cried. I didn’t expect to cry, because I don’t usually happy cry because I’m too busy sad crying (laughs). It was very overwhelming. I’ve never had my work read aloud before — ever. And my parents were there. They drove up from New Jersey, like a 4 1/2 hour ride, just to hear the play reading, and then drove back home. Because they’re like my biggest fans and my big supporters. And just having them sit next to me — and they had no idea what it was about. I didn’t tell them. And they come and it was super dark, and ridiculous, and weird. And they were like, “Are you okay?” There’s humor in the play, too. There’s plenty of suicide, but there’s humor. People laughed. And I’m glad people caught the humor, because some characters were supposed to be the comedic relief, and people actually laughed. Because I laugh to myself when I’m writing, but I worry that no one else is going to find it funny because they’re not in my head, they don’t have my sense of humor, whatever. No, people laughed at the things I wanted them to laugh at and people cried at the things I wanted them to cry at. I cried when something happens to one of the characters and I know it’s going to happen because I wrote it! And I still cry. When it’s acted out, it’s almost more heartbreaking than creating it on the page. Seeing it happen in front of me, hearing it, having other people witness it for the first time, and being emotionally affected.

know when you’re reading over your own stuff, you’re just glossing? Hearing it out loud I would be like, “Oh,” and I would edit it that way, and then two weeks later have a fresh copy. Completely different ending, different characters. I deleted characters, added characters. And then we would read it again. By the end of the summer, it was a totally different play than the idea I’d had in my head. And I’m glad the idea worked by the end, but getting there was other people helping me. I wouldn’t have gotten there by myself. SB: What are your hopes for the future of this play? CR: I’m trying to get it performed on campus. One of my friends is in a theater group here and they have play submissions from students where they pick a play written by a student and they put it on. I haven’t heard back from that, though. I might be renting out the Kitchen Theatre. The Kitchen Theatre has this series where they let you rent out their space to put on your play. So I was thinking of doing that in the spring semester. I’ve sent it out to a couple of theaters. Once I graduate in May, I’ll have more time to focus on it and to promote it. My goal is to get it published, but publishing comes after you’ve produced it a few places. So I’m just trying to get it out there right now, but it’s hard with everything else going on, too, to focus on it. SB: Do you think you’ll focus on promoting the play after graduation? CR: I need to make money. Printing my play will be a side thing until things like that make me money. I play on applying to the NBC Page Program. Hopefully I get into that. If not, I might move to the city and just start auditioning. I was thinking about teaching English in Paris for a year, or maybe I’ll find some reason to stay [in Ithaca] and work at one of the theaters. I have connections to all of the theaters up here — I’d love to be in the shows here or work in one of them. Maybe I’ll move to LA or something, or just go back home. I might take a year off and apply to grad school. Basically, next year’s up in the air.

SB: What was the process you went through from writing the play to having it read? CR: What happened was I applied to be in the Hangar Theatre Lab Company, which is an 8-week summer intensive via the Hangar Theatre where they bring in very young artists. There are three tracks. You can be an assistant director, be an actor, or you can be a playwright dramaturg. And I was in the playwright dramaturg track. Basically the deal was I had to construct a play in 8 weeks and then have it read at a place, and the place that was decided upon was the Community School of Music-Arts. And I honestly didn’t think I could do it. I didn’t think I could write a play in 8 weeks. I don’t write quickly, I don’t write well under pressure. But they were very helpful. I had a mentor, and he was very helpful. He would read my drafts and edit them for clarity and content and grammar and whatever else, and he helped me so much. Without him, it would’ve been a different play. I definitely wouldn’t have had such a good final product. And I had readings throughout the summer, too, so I could hear it out loud. So I would have a couple of the actors from the acting tract read through my play, and I could hear things — you

"I CRIED ... IT WAS VERY OVERWHELMING."

LIFESTYLE

The Holes in the Wall of Ithaca, New York

Fall is finally taking over and it’s taking the leaves with it! Suddenly we are surrounded with amazing colors and much cooler temperatures. So while you’re busting out the leather jackets and scarfs you forgot you even had, let’s take a minute to set down the pumpkin spice coffee and begin a different type of adventure. Ithaca, New York, is a breathtakingly beautiful city with artistic character. There are a million and one things to do here, especially in the fall. Do you want to take a look? That was a rhetorical question; of course you do.

Taughannock Falls and Hiking Grounds This waterfall can be found in between the village of Trumansburg and the city of Ithaca. This waterfall towers over this little area nestled in between the rocks being two-hundred and fifteen feet high! This sight is located in Taughannock Falls State Park. Going to see this waterfall is pretty popular in this area. In order to get here you must hike along trails. This spot would be perfect for a planned, or even a spontaneous fall adventure. Think about it; what better way to spend a Saturday than packing a picnic and hiking up to a beautiful destination. Like any other state park there’s wild life to be looked at and beauty to indulge in. Also, can you just picture the colorful leaves hanging off all the trees? The waterfalls in Ithaca all have hiking trails. The trails are a great outing. Also, they offer a chance to escape everyday life and get outdoors. It allows you to become one with nature. The trails here are not only great for walking, but also for other activities such as biking. With an easy web search you can find how each trail is ranked in difficulty. Really, there is a path for everyone here! Ithaca has 28,000 acres of land to explore! Anyone is aloud on them. You’ll find trails all over the city, with most of them leading to waterfalls and being by one of the lakes.

Hot Air Balloons A thousand feet in the air, anyone? Most people I know have never ridden in a hot air balloon. Have you? Yes, and you would love to do it again? No? But, you would jump at the opportunity to experience it? Here’s your chance to get more excited. Ithaca just happens to offer hot air balloon rides. This is perfect for anyone who loves a great view and/or is a thrill seeker. Stewart Park offers hot air balloon rides on the daily. During this balloon ride, you will be able to view the Cayuga Lake, Ithaca College, and Cornell University areas. Ithaca really is a beautiful city filled with vast mountains 31

Written by: Carly Weckel Photography by: Deanna Wetmore

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and lakes. There’s no way you could get a better view than from a balloon.

Ithaca Beer Co. It’s family-friendly and has fantastic food and beer (only if you are of age, of course). Located at 122 Ithaca Beer Dr., Ithaca Beer Co. is a great restaurant and casual place to dine. The food is fantastic and has an incredible social atmosphere. It’s impossible to not have a good time here. Their cheeseburgers and BLTs are grilled to perfection and topped off with a crispy bun. My mom came to visit me at college and out of tradition, we had to go here. The day was a perfect fall temperature — not cold, but not the warmest. We chose to sit outside, and it was the best decision of the day. The cool breeze was calming and the gorgeous landscape featured trees bursting with color, adding a nice view while we engulfed our BLTs and fresh cut fries. Festivals are huge here and they happen year-round! A new season means new festivals. Festivals are easy to

Festivals

attend and are a guaranteed good time. Oh, so you enjoy apple cider? BAM! Cider Monday is happening Nov 27. Ithaca is quite the artistic town. Not only are there galleries and museums to go to, but there’s also a cute festival called First Friday Gallery Night on Nov. 3. There is another gallery night Dec. 1. One of the more underrated festivals is Porchfest. Porchfest is held in Fall Creek & the north side of Ithaca. This is a musical event that features mostly acoustic music. What is really neat about this festival is most of the acts take place on the front porches of the surrounding houses. There are also two main stages. This year’s Porchfest featured bands such as the Sixteen Feathers and The Blasts. All in all, there are plenty of festivals in this area. Every one of them has its perks, as well as a unique theme. Ithaca is very well known for … you guessed it! The Finger Lakes. Cayuga and Seneca are both located in Ithaca and are the deepest and longest of all the finger lakes. Seneca Lake has a depth of an astounding 617 feet. Cayuga

The Lakes Lake has a depth that’s just a tad shallower: It’s 435 feet deep. While these lakes are great for swimming and tanning, other water activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, boating, and many more, are doable. There are even a couple hiking trails along the lakes. While you are down at one of the lakes enjoying your day and maybe having a picnic, remember that when it turns dusk you have to look up at the sky. It will be illuminated with joyous colors in various shades of pinks, reds, oranges, and purples. When mixed together, they look like the most delicious sherbet ice cream. It’s a view you definitely won’t want to miss! So it’s easy to come to the conclusion that Ithaca has a lot of water. Swimming is the absolute best activity you 32

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could do on a warm day. There are some amazing swimming spots in Ithaca. I’m not talking about pools, but about outdoor swimming holes surrounded by beautiful trees and mountainous walls of rock. These are the best places to take a dip.

Swimming Hole or Sanctuary? Also known as Lower Falls, Enfield Falls is a great swimming hole. Located in the Robert H. Treman State Park, Enfield Falls is popular and definitely deserves a spot in this article. This swimming hole essentially works as a getaway from everyday life — you will be completely enveloped in nature. Make sure you bring your family and friends, too! This spot is great for relaxation and bonding. And don’t forget dates! Treat your significant other by cooling off in front of a spectacular waterfall. The swimming hole is safe to swim in. It even offers you a chance to go to the bottom of the waterfall and take a seat on the bottom with the rocks. You can’t do this with many waterfalls. It’s a delightful experience.

Historical Lighthouse What better way to look over an exquisite water landscape than a lighthouse? That’s right, just when you thought Ithaca had everything, it has more. The Cayuga Inlet Lighthouse overlooks Cayuga Lake and is a historic landmark. It was built in 1917, but it was moved to its current location in 1927. It is placed directly where the Cayuga Inlet and Fall Creek come together on Cayuga Lake. This area is known for having many birds inhabit the area, making it a great site for bird watching. So if you want to check out some of Ithaca’s history on a beautiful lake and gaze at some birds, this lighthouse is the place for you!

Brains, Anyone? The Wilder Brain Collection is an exhibit located at Cornell’s Department of Psychology. Burt Green Wilder was an anatomy professor and founded the Cornell Brain Society in 1889. He wanted to study and learn more about psychology through the different parts of the human brain. His collection was once so extensive that it held between 600 and 1200 brains. Unfortunately, the collection wound up neglected for some time, thus making most of the brains unuseable. Luckily, there are still 70 brains in the collection. Even some notable people’s brains are on display. Edward H. Rulloff, who was a well-known murderer, has a record of having one of the largest brains in history. Helen Hamilton Gardener’s brain is also featured in the collection. She was a courageous woman and activist who was all for equality. She donated her brain to prove that men and women are equal. Interestingly, Burt Green wilder even donated his brain to his own collection. This collection is open to the public. I find this psychological exhibit to be both educational and interesting. It’s something new to do and definitely not something you get to experience every day! Overall, Ithaca is a beautiful city and it’s impossible to get bored with all the activities it has to offer. There is no possible way I would ever be able to fit everything on this list. Come for a visit or leave your house for a night and see all the gems Ithaca has to offer!

LIFESTYLE

Staying on Top of the Leaf Pile: Six Ways to Stay Organized Over Fall Break Written by: Christine Gaba

There are few things that college kids as excited about as fall vacations. After several consecutive weeks of tirelessly completing homework, meeting essay deadlines, and fulfilling other academic obligations, a little TLC never sounded so good. However, some of us get so excited about the approaching date of the vacation and all the fun activities we plan on doing during it that we forget about the responsibilities we’ll have to attend to when it’s over, causing many of us to lose track of our work and come back to school a bit of a mess. To help make the transition easier from vacation to back to school, here are six tips to stay on top of your organizational game through this upcoming Fall Break and Thanksgiving.

Keep a Planner

No, seriously. Keep a planner. When you write down what you have to do, not only does it become much easier to remember, but you also have one convenient place to double-check all of your work. Plus, you get the added bonus of having a physical copy of your schedule, allowing you to feel that thrill of satisfaction when you get to cross something off your list. It doesn’t even have to be kept in a “planner” planner. You could put sticky notes on a calendar, use those nifty calendar or memo apps on your computer or phone, or whatever you find works best for you.

Set Goals

The longer the break, the more likely you’ll be tempted to push everything off to the end of it. This is a trap that I have fallen into on several breaks, leaving me to spend the last night of my vacation working on three essays and cursing my past self for not doing them sooner. The best way to handle a big workload over a small or tightly scheduled break is to set work goals for each day. I can’t guarantee that you’ll get everything done that you want to within that day, but it’s a great way to keep yourself on track without burning out. This is an especially helpful tip if some of your days during the vacation are more packed than others; you can assign different amounts of work for different days, getting your work done only when you can. Therefore, you work with your schedule instead of working against it.

Don't Overload Yourself College breaks are few and far between, so when they happen, we want to make the best of them and do as many fun and relaxing things during them as we can. However, this can easily lead to us wanting to do too much at one time. We all would love to be able to write that essay, go to that concert in the park, see the new Batman movie, and try that new hiking trail all in one day, but we’re probably not going to be able to. Remember that there is no need to do everything right away. Just because you can’t do something today doesn’t mean it can’t be done tomorrow. Pace yourself: Spread your activities or work throughout the week instead of trying to squeeze them all into one day. You’ll find yourself less stressed and enjoying your break more.

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Use a Work-Reward System

As the name suggests, after you do some work, you give yourself a little reward. Finished that worksheet? Help yourself to that chocolate bar. Finished outlining your essay? Heck yeah, you can go to the movies with your friends tonight. This system will not only keep you motivated to do your work, but it will also let you have some fun over your break. Just be careful to keep the balance equal. If you reward yourself too much for doing too little work, or vice versa, the system won’t work, and you might find yourself stressed at the end of your break.

Keep Your Belongings In View I know this one seems a little silly, but trust me. It helps. Many of us are prone to throwing our belongings all over our bedroom once we have entered “break” mode and are free from the rigor of student life. This is not a particularly helpful habit, because it makes us more prone to lose or misplace items. If you need that important notebook with all your science notes and can’t remember where you put it, not only do you have to deal with not being able to get your work done, but also with the stress of not being able to find the item you need! Here’s my tip: Resist the urge to drop everything. Instead designate an area to keep your belongings, whether it be a corner of your room, under your bed, or a convenient cardboard box — whatever works best for you. Another nice thing about this tip is that it helps motivate you to do your work. If something is not within easy reach, we are less likely to bother with it, especially on breaks. Having the work right in the open will add that extra push you might need to finally get things done and get back to enjoying your break!

Appoint a “Mom” Friend

Sometimes self discipline is not enough to get us to stay organized over breaks; we can write our goals down and remind ourselves over and over again that we need to do something, but we’ll get caught up in our break and temporarily lose our organizational edge. This is when outside help can become beneficial. Try asking someone — a friend, a sibling, a parent, even Siri — to remind you to stay on top of your work during break. A push from someone other than yourself may end up being just the thing you need to crank out that worksheet or finally read that book you keep saying you’ll read when you “have time.” I hope you find these tips helpful for keeping on track with everything over your vacations. Vacations are supposed to be a time for recharging and relaxing: Don’t let your workload ruin that for you. As long as you stay conscientious of your responsibilities — whether academic or otherwise — during your time off, you’ll be fine. Have a great Fall Break, and happy organizing!

LIFESTYLE

10 Spooktacular Netflix Movies You Need To Watch This Season Written by: Stephanie Leger

’Tis the season to binge-watch Netflix, fa-la-la-la-la! There’s something about temperatures dropping into the 50s and the leaves reflecting the warmest shades of red and orange that tempts you to snuggle into bed for eternity — with Netflix movies on repeat, of course. Whether you are into the spookier or the cozier aesthetics of fall, these top ten Netflix movies are guaranteed to spark the pumpkin spice scented candle in everyone. Throw on your most comfortable oversized sweater and pour a warm cup of apple cider — because hey, fall only comes once a year. You might as well make this one the coziest yet!

1. Corpse Bride

2. Sleepy Hollow (TV Series)

Rating: 7/10 As Victor prepares for the most important, valued day of his life, he’s kidnapped into the underworld by a bride who wants him all for herself. Watch this spooky tale to see if the Corpse Bride’s efforts to reel Victor into her love trap succeed, or if they take a turn for the worst. This movie is suitable for those who don’t necessarily want to be scared to death, but still want to attain that spooky vibe. Rating: 8.4/10

Rating: 7.5/10 When a town is terrorized by a series of sinister murders, Ichabod Crane, a New York detective, is sent to investigate. “Sleepy Hollow” appeals to those with a profound love for thriller, horror, and suspense movies. What better way to spend a Saturday night than piecing together evidence from multiple beheadings? Right, there is no better way.

3. Little Evil

4. Scooby Doo

Rating: 8/10 Netflix’s original comedy-horror movie follows the lives of a newly married couple and a newly initiated step-dad, Gary. Excitement beams from Gary as he takes on his new role as a father, but that excitement quickly fades when he begins to suspect his stepson might be the antichrist. Wait, what? This movie is perfect for those who don’t want to be horrified, but who feel that a jump scare here and there wouldn’t necessarily hurt.

Rating: 8.2/10 Rut-roh Shaggy! Hop in the Mystery Machine and venture on over to Spooky Island — while also thrilling your inner 10-year-old, of course. A magical force has begun to torture the islanders, and it’s up to Scooby and the gang to get to the bottom of what’s causing the terrors. If horror movies don’t spike your interest, this light-hearted 2002 remake surely will. Who, or what, will these meddling kids uncover?

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5. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

6. Coraline

Rating: 8.4/10 All ’90s babies stand up for this one! “E.T.” is the perfect feel-good movie for the fall season. “E.T.” will remain among my favorite movies — both for fall, and for every other season. Follow the journey of a young boy as he protects a gentle alien, E.T., from government forces. This is the type of movie that never gets old, so I recommend keeping it in mind for a rainy day.

Rating: 8.5/10 Buttons for eyes? Distorted, parallel realities? This hair-raising thriller is ironically enough a children’s movie, but if you choose to look deeper, it’s actually a lot more twisted than it first appears. Conspiracy theorists tend to have a lot of fun with this one, so if you’re prone to questioning your reality and have daily existential crises, you’ll love this movie!

7. The Addams Family

8. Young Frankenstein

Rating: 8.9/10 The return of Fester, an old family relative who long since disappeared, proves to be a lot more than just an unexpected visit. More iconic than the Kardashians, the Addams family can’t quite distinguish whether the new Fester has sinister intentions — I mean, they are a family of ghouls after all. Keep up with the Addams in this classic Halloween film, and of course, relish in Morticia and Gomez’s iconic romance. #RelationshipGoals

Rating: 9/10 A splash of comedy for those who aren’t huge fans of horror, “Young Frankenstein” is bound to serve the perfect portions of horror and comedy to those hungry for it. Released in 1974, “Young Frankenstein” encompasses the entire vintage, fall aesthetic; black and white films, mild jump scares, and of course, the resurrection of Frankenstein. Oh, and Gene Wilder acts as the main character. Need I say more?

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas

10. Practical Magic Rating: 10/10 What says fall time better than witches? After all, Halloween is the witch’s New Year, so we might as well celebrate! Follow the spiraling lives of witch sisters Sally and Gillian Owens as they try to break a curse that has plagued their family for generations. Disclaimer: You might have “Lime in the Coconut” stuck in your head for a few days — don’t worry, it isn’t permanent. But that true love curse just might be.

Rating: 9.8/10 Tim Burton’s twisted tale of the Halloween ghouls attempting to capture Christmas spirit is bound to spike your anticipation for Oct. 31. Jack Skellington is overflowing with determination to take over the beloved, cheery holiday and turn it into something a little more, well, “creepy-crawly.” If you aren’t loving the horrors, throw on your favorite sweats and enjoy this family favorite!

Background image credit to vecteezy.com

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Halloween: As Told From A Real Life College Student Written by: Amber Raiken

It's safe to say that Halloween — or, more accurately, "Halloweekend" — is hands down the scariest and most extravagant holiday for college students. It seems as if Halloween is practically a mandatory holiday for us young adults, filled with group costumes and some questionable and unique individual costumes. “Halloweekend” is the one time where you can either go all out in dressing up or give minimal effort and purchase something typical or basic, like a mouse costume. From dressing up as Eleven and the wall from “Stranger Things” to buying the best shirt for an elaborate group party, to girls going as a sexy cop, sexy doctor, or sexy bunny, making at least a minimal effort for this holiday seems entirely necessary. Along with that, group costumes have become a major thing for college students. People dress as the Spice Girls, Alvin and the Chipmunks, or even a flirty and cute version of the Minions. Compared to high school and later in life, college is the main time where it’s okay to be a little bit of a showoff and dress a little scandalously. Many students in college take part in that as a way to go above and beyond for the holiday because there is hardly any judgement, unlike there would be in high school. However, sometimes that “above and beyond” can go further than one would think. When Halloween comes around, remember that some looks are appropriate and some looks aren’t. Within the walls of many dorm building halls, there are reminders that Halloween isn’t a place to create a look that is racist, religiously offensive, or culturally offensive. Offensive costumes include a Native American, anything with a painted black face, or an Arab person. A lot of the time, college students don’t really care if a costume is appropriate because technically we are “not really adults yet.” That is a pass in many students’ minds. In reality, these reminders are an extremely vital part of Halloween because you never know who you’re hurting with what you are wearing and what Halloween look you’re about to post on your Instagram. There’s always going to be that fine line between extravagant and appalling Halloween costumes, especially those costumes that you wear for the big weekend Halloween party. It’s no secret that there are many major college parties that take place on Halloweekend, but it’s also no secret that the nightly celebrations go on for more than a weekend. Along with the one costume students have for Halloween, it’s normal to have at least three costumes prepared for the weekend. Last year, when Halloween fell on a Monday, students would go out several days prior to this occasion. Technically, Halloween began that Thursday night for us college students. For some, going out on the 31st seemed essential, and, of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. All in all, Halloweekend is basically a national holiday for college students — a holiday that never mattered as much as it did when we were 13 years old and knocking on our neighbours’ doors for candy. The hype of Halloween is overflowing, and in college, the decorations on doors and candy bowls in rooms appear the second it officially becomes October. 38

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DEALING WITH COLLEGE STRESS

Written by: Alexandra Rose Photography by: Libby Cook

You want to know what I don’t get? People who say that college is the time where you’re the most carefree and have the least number of responsibilities. Older adults will say that once we hit the real world, reality will strike us and then we will know how it REALLY feels to be stressed out all the time. So you’re basically telling us that we’re stressing out at college so we can be more stressed out later in life? No, thank you. College is well worth it, but between the pressures of keeping up that GPA, joining a plethora of clubs to fill up that resume, doing all the readings for class the next day so you don’t sound like an idiot, sharing common bathrooms with toilets that don’t work, and eating burnt vegetables at the dining hall every other day, we have a lot to be stressed about. Here are some tips on how to combat the beast that is stress.

ing what the purpose of me going to college was. I didn’t know what else I could be good at. And majoring in something that I loved, but that didn’t have equally good job/income prospects terrified me. However, it was when I took Personal Essay the spring semester of sophomore year that I realized how much I loved writing and wanted to write for the rest of my life. College is stressful enough as it is, but it’s going to be even more stressful if you’re doing something that feels like homework to you every time you sit down at your desk. If you’re feeling stuck in your major, you can utilize resources on campus such as the Academic Advising Center and Career Services. They have expertise in helping people find their path in life and can help steer you in the right direction.

Make sure that you’re enjoying your major

Take advantage of technology, but be mindful of it

Last year, I felt trapped in my major. I was starting to lose my love of education and was wonder-

When you’re stressed out, technology is your best friend. Stress can often make you feel dis39

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connected from the world, and as a result, you start to isolate yourself from everybody. While this is okay for a little while, being stuck inside your own head can cultivate more stress. Utilize technology to Skype or FaceTime with family and friends from back home. Pull out that phone and text your troubles away to your best friends. Talking with friends and family that are not in your college interweb can help you put things in perspective. That being said, it is important to unwind from technology. Sometimes too much technology can make us feel stressed and disconnected. Disconnecting from social media is especially important. When people post on social media, they post the best version of their lives. Therefore, it is easy to become jealous and think that all the people you’re following have it together. However, it’s just an image being cultivated and it’s important to keep that in mind. Instead of scrolling through social media, have a conversation with a friend without the cell phone in front of you. Read a light-hearted book. Go for a walk in nature. When you’re stressed out, it’s important to live in the present and not worry about what’s coming up in terms of your academic, social, or extracurricular life. Technology, I find, puts us in a futuristic mindset. When I’m stressed out, it’s nice for me to just walk around campus, look at Lake Cayuga, and forget about it.

they focus on deep breathing, but they give you positive visualizations to help put everything into perspective and realize that what you’re getting caught up in, is actually a much smaller problem than it appears. Meditation has also been shown not just to calm you down, but actually increase grey matter in the brain. Neuroscientist Sara Lazar at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School found, “We found long-term meditators have an increased amount of gray matter in the insula and sensory regions, the auditory and sensory cortex. … When you’re mindful, you’re paying attention to your breathing, to sounds, to the present moment experience, and shutting cognition down.” Yoga is also helpful because not only is it ex-

Mindfulness Mindfulness is a great tool in monitoring our stress and how we’re feeling in the moment. We get so caught up in the future and the past that we forget to live in the now. That’s why guided meditations are so helpful. Not only do

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Journaling

ercise, but also has mental health benefits. According to the Huffington Post article, “The New Science on the Health Benefits of Yoga,” yoga has been clinically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. According to the article, “A new report presented at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Conference 2015 in April linked yoga to lowering levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, especially in women at risk for mental health problems.” Yoga is also a form of active meditation, which means that you’re not only letting things go, but you’re also doing something, too. You know when you’re doing cartwheels on the lawn or throwing basketballs for fun, you’re not really thinking about anything else — you’re focused on that particular moment. This is what yoga and meditation help you do.

There is something about putting your thoughts on paper that helps put it all in perspective. It’s like releasing pent-up negative energy when that pen reaches the paper (or when that keyboard stroke hits the Microsoft Word doc). When I write things down, I either realize that things aren’t so bad or that I need to take better care of myself. Journaling also helps me make vital decisions, as it will often confirm the truth of a situation. Sometimes you’ve been feeling something for a long time, but have been pushing that thought to the back of your head. Journaling can help you reevaluate several aspects of your life. Your mind knows what’s right and writing down your thoughts and feelings often confirms that

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you’re right. Journaling doesn’t have to be just your thoughts and feelings; you can make lists of things that make you happy, draw a pretty picture, write down inspiring quotes, or copy down lyrics to songs. A journal can be anything you make it.

disorder, depression, etc. If you find that stress is interfering with your daily life, you could seek professional help. A lot of people are afraid to get help because of the stigma surrounding mental health and illness. However, admitting that you need help doesn’t make you weak. If anything, recognizing that you have a problem and need help is a sign of strength. We have an amazing mental health resource on campus, Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. CAPS is a wonderful resource to utilize, as not only are all the counselors licensed professionals, but the service is on campus and free of charge to students. They also offer group counseling sessions focusing on various mental health issues. Additionally, you can find mindfulness mediation and relaxation audio files on their website: https://www.ithaca.edu/sacl/counseling/resources/selfhelpaudiofiles/. Don’t be afraid to utilize CAPS; the counselors are not there to judge your life, only to help give you the support you need for mental health.

Don't procrastinate Procrastination is a fact of life at college. We all do it and a certain amount of procrastination is to be expected because, face it, we’d all rather watch Netflix or hang out with friends than write that paper. However, too much procrastination creates more stress in the long run for most people. I know some people that thrive off pressure, but personally, it makes me feel panicked. And as a result, I feel an uncomfortable rush of adrenaline to get everything done the last minute. Most importantly, though, the end result of my project is never as good as it could’ve been. It might be a passing grade, but it always kills me to know that it could’ve been better. Therefore, I try to prioritize what I need to get done ASAP. Making to-do lists and prioritizing my tasks helps me put my goals in perspective. Also, when I think of something I need to get done, I try to do it in that moment when I can; whether this is sending an e-mail, cleaning a messy area of my room, scheduling appointments, etc. I’m the queen of procrastination, so I know how easy it is for procrastination to get the best of you, but in the end, I learned that the stress that comes with is not worth it. That stress is not worth watching an extra episode of “Gilmore Girls” on Netflix. You will be a better student for it and your mind will thank you in the long run.

In the End Stress is a beast to deal with, but everyone has the ability to relax themselves, you just have to search deep to find that calm place inside of you. Your state of well-being is not entirely measured by what happens to you, but rather is about your attitude in life — about all things good and bad. Stress is never going to stop happening to you, and it’s how you manage and react to the stressors that matters. If you can learn to embrace stress instead of letting it take over your life, you will be able to handle college like a champ!

Don’t be afraid to get help Sometimes these tips are not enough and stress can be a sign of a larger problem such as anxiety

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Taking a Look at Your Healthy Habits: Are They as Healthy as You Think They Are? Written by: Grace Dexter Photography by: Robert Smith

A balanced diet and regular exercise are two keys to a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically. However, like all good things, an excess of focus on either a healthy diet or regular exercise can have consequences. When a piece of chocolate becomes something to fear and skipping a workout produces extreme guilt, it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate your “healthy” lifestyle. Many people begin exercising when they feel that they need to make a change in their life. Whether their new interest in exercise is related to weight management or stress relief, exercise is pretty much universally applauded by friends, family, and strangers alike. And once you commit to starting, it’s pretty easy to get hooked. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that act as antidepressants, boosting your mood and making you feel more energized. This, coupled with the sense of accomplishment that we feel after pushing ourselves through a particularly difficult workout, is part of what makes exercise so addictive. But compulsively over-exercising can become a problem, especially when your focus shifts from exercising so that you feel good to exercising so that you don’t feel bad. However, encouragement from loved ones, seeing positive changes in yourself, and genuinely enjoying the feeling of exercise can make it difficult to see that we’re falling into unhealthy patterns. Compulsive over-exercising can also be a symptom of bulimia nervosa, or, more specifically, exercise bulimia. Exercise bulimia is characterized by a desire to lose weight, feelings of extreme guilt or frustration at having missed a workout, and hyper-awareness of how many calories you burn while working out, among other things. The generally positive outlook regarding exercise can make the symptoms of exercise bulimia easy to overlook. Similarly, eating well-balanced meals is encouraged now more than ever with social media platforms like Instagram being used to promote health and wellness. The decision to make a change in your diet, like cutting out processed sugar or dairy, is often motivated by a desire to be healthier and feel better, and in many cases, these goals remain the same and our relationship with food doesn’t become a problem. But when you can only eat “clean” or “safe” foods, this formerly healthy lifestyle change takes a dramatic turn for the worse. Orthorexia

Photo provided by: Brent Ferguson 43

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nervosa is defined by the National Eating Disorders Association as a “fixation on righteous eating,” causing those who suffer from it to become “fixated on food quality and purity.” While it is not recognized in the DSM-5 as an official diagnosis, someone who struggles with orthorexia likely has a disordered relationship with food and underlying motivations that can make returning to a more typical relationship with food difficult without treatment from a nutritionist or other health professional. High-stress environments or situations, such as transitioning into college, can make unhealthy habits easy to fall into. In fact, in a recent survey conducted by the Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association, 20 percent of female college students and 7 percent of male college students reported struggling or having struggled with disordered eating. So what should you do if you think you or a loved one might struggle with an unhealthy relationship with food or exercise? The good news is that there are resources available to students both on and off campus. The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services is located on campus. While CAPS counsellors can’t generally provide their services for an extended period of time, seeing a counsellor and expressing your concerns is the first step toward making positive changes in your diet and exercise habits.

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Millennial Generation: The Good with the Bad Written by: Deanna Wetmore Photography Courtesy of: Brent Ferguson

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“Technology is evolving and we have grown up with it while other generations haven’t. … We are evolving with society, so I don’t think it is a bad thing that we rely on technology more than other generations.” As a millennial, Ithaca College junior Abby Wolfe sees her generation’s connection to technology as a positive thing; but not everyone else does. There is no denying that the millennial generation will have an impact on society, good or bad. This is because, according to the US Census Bureau, millennials are the largest generation in history with 80 million people ranging from ages between 37 to 17 (as of 2017). Millennials are often referred to as “digital natives” because people of this generation have the capability to create new jobs and foster innovative ideas. But growing up with technology also has given millennials a negative stigma. Even Wolfe, who thinks millennials will have a positive impact on society, feels the pressure of negative stigmas. “It depends on who I am talking to,” she said. “I guess I know the older generation tends to look down on us and I become more hesitant to say that I am proud to be a millennial. … But I still think overall we will do good things.” Older generations place blame on millennials for being lazy, narcissistic, and too sensitive. These claims are also reflected in media: The Time article “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation,” written by Joel Stein, describes millennials as narcissistic and references a study by the National Institutes of Health that found millennials are more narcissistic than previous generations. The study showed that 58 percent more college

students in 2009 scored higher on a narcissism scale compared to college students in 1982. Stein also describes millennials as being lazy, having trouble doing simple tasks like adding and subtracting, and relying too much on technology to give them answers. Sophomore Siena Porcello said people shouldn’t look down on millennials just because they use technology more. “[Technology] is faster and more effective,” Porcello said. “I think that every older generation always sees the next generation after them as lazier ... so I don't think that phones or new technology makes a person lazy.” Junior Ryan King said not all millennials are narcissistic and that Stein’s article was making too broad of an assumption. He said that there are narcissistic people in all generations and that he doesn’t think of himself personally as being prone to narcissism. In reference to allegations that social media leads to egotism, King said he agrees there’s a connection. “There is such a willingness to call other people out … which I think is a little self-serving,” he said. A New York Times article called “Generation Nice,” had a similar narrative to the Time article, saying the millennial generation is notorious for being narcissistic. It goes on to describe the millennial generation as “coddled and helicoptered, catered to by 24-hour TV cable networks, fussed over by marketers and college recruiters, dissected by psychologists, demographers and trend-spotters.” Because the millennial generation is seen as coddled, some think this upcoming generation is naive and not ready for the “real world.”

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Wolfe disagrees with this, and said social media creates more access to information, allowing people to become more informed and willing to take action than people from previous generations. “There are good things happening, too, and I think there are a lot of passionate people pushing to make changes,” she said. “There are movements to fix societal changes, or fix the environment.” The negative stereotypes that other generations associate with millennials have affected millennials’ opinions of themselves. A research study done by the Pew Research Center found that millennials were less likely to accept their label of generation compared to baby boomers and generation X, the two generations before millennials. In fact, only 40 percent of millennials accepted being called millennials, while 79 percent of the boomer generation accepted their name. The study also showed the boomer generation had a positive impression of their generation, while millennials were far more skeptical of the strengths attributed to them. Porcello falls in the under the 60 percent of the millennial generation who are not proud of being in the millennial generation. “I feel like I don’t fall under the stereotypes that millennials have been given, so I don’t feel like a millennial,” she said. Wolfe and King, on the other hand, are proud of being part of the millennial generation. They both acknowledge that there are millenials that may portray negative stereotypes such as sensitivity or narcissism, but don’t identify themselves that way. King went on to say that he is especially proud of the millennial generation for creating new jobs

and new companies. “On the economic front, millennials definitely have had a positive impact so far,” he said. “You see these tech start-ups all over the place, and millennials are innovating in various ways. I think that it is moving society forward.” Despite the negative stereotypes, there are many positives attributed to the millennial generation. Millennials have a healthier lifestyle — exercising more and smoking less — than those in previous generations. Millennials are also using more technology than people in any other generation, reshaping the retail space to be mostly online. Millennial workers are also more likely to have a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, the millennials are more open about national identity than their elders, partly because of the unlimited access of information provided by technology. Stein even writes in “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation” that the millennial generation will “save us all.” After all the negatives Stein points out, he gives credit to millennials for being entrepreneurs and starting up new companies that bring positive changes to society. Stein quoted Scott Hess, who gave a Ted talk about marketing to millenials: “I think in many ways you're blaming millennials for the technology that happens to exist right now." The millennial generation may be known for being narcissistic, and many can look at millennials and think that they are lazy and hypersensitive, but they are showing true promise thus far. For the next generation, who knows? Maybe millennials will find things to complain about them as well.

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The State of Man Written By: Jackson Short Photography Courtesy of: Brent Ferguson

CULTUrE

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From the everyman to the iconic, male figures are — for better or worse — evolving. Who’s going to pick up the fragments of their history? We live at an interesting time — at the intersection of technology and society, a time haunted by scandals, deceptions, and the potential to define relevancy at a national, and even global, level. In the age of social media, it seems that a scandal arises as soon as a man is handed the gilded star of “icon.” The men who survive this era unscathed are the men who create a context for themselves to live in, and then place themselves between their context’s two extremes by either creating an

Anne Champion is a poet and professor at Wheelock College in Boston, and the author of “The Good Girl is Always a Ghost,” a forthcoming collection of persona poems that give voices to many famous — and many historically overlooked — iconic women. When I spoke to her via email, she considered her research of the iconic female in relation to the notion of the iconic male. “Men require very little to be granted humanity and admiration: even the most repulsive and mediocre of men can be catapulted to great heights in our culture,” Champion notes. Society has “wildly different expectations of men: we see a

“MEN REQUIRE VERY LITTLE TO BE GRANTED HUMANITY AND ADMIRATION: EVEN THE MOST REPULSIVE AND MEDIOCRE OF MEN CAN BE CATAPULTED TO GREAT HEIGHTS IN OUR CULTURE”

illusion of normalcy, or by making themselves unreachable. Just as quickly as “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli was catapulted into public awareness for hiking the price of the AIDS drug Daraprim from $13.50 to $750 — making a name for himself as a sort of social anomaly that everyone talked about but no one could quite understand — Donald Trump was beginning a largely-dismissed trek across America’s heartland to “Make America Great Again!” Trump’s 2016 presidential win has been attributed by some to the fact that he made himself an everyman for the largely marginalized.

lack of emotion as a means of strength, when in fact, it’s a symptom of our cultural psychosis that causes many problems in the world.” Masculinity wasn’t supposed to be as complex a notion as it became. The earliest art and philosophy documented and encouraged constructs they now oppose — Homer’s epics and Voltaire’s satires, in their own rites, asserted gender roles. A quick search through a thesaurus suggests a problem with masculinity’s synonyms: virility, machismo, vigor, ruggedness, robustness. Luca Maurer, Director of the LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services Program at Ithaca College,

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thinks perception of masculinity “is largely a Western notion.” An icon is a pictorial representation. Iconic men have historically embraced these stereotypes. In this decade, the standards seem to have changed. “Society deems historically iconic male images reflective of society,” said Maurer. “But this view does a disservice to everyone. … It places men in a sort of straightjacket. … To be male suggests that one is violent, aggressive, combative, dirty. Though there’s nothing wrong with any of those things, when they are the only things held up in society, it creates a very narrow view in which anything that doesn’t conform to that standard makes you suspect.” More and more, the everyman is becoming a sort of anomaly, traded instead for the dimensions and dramas of complexity. The iconic man, the Don Draper type, was suave and imperfect, yet his misdeeds — and there were many — were easily forgivable, thanks to his privilege and status. There was a time, however, when the iconic man and the everyman appeared to be analogous, the goal being to make the everyman feel iconic.

Everymen were easy to empathize with, easy to root for, and always found themselves in extraordinary circumstances — they negated the foul deeds of the iconic. The everyman’s missteps could be blamed on traumatic childhoods, abandonment issues, suppressed insecurities, and the fact that they were men. But the everyman himself is a sort of paradox. Jay Gatsby was an “Oxford man,” hardly your average Joe, who possessed the anachronistic quality of mysterious intrigue. Yet he was also a convoluted fabrication of himself, a public fraud. The everyman never stated that he thrived off of his virtues. Instead, he was loved for his relatability. What was enticing about the everyman was the potential for every person to become him. The everyman cultivated an ordinary sense of an ideal; for all intents and purposes, he was the face of The American Dream. He overcame obstacles and made sacrifices. Still, Maurer notes, when analyzing any masculine symbol, “it’s remarkably hard to find images that wholly represent people’s lives.” On a heightened level, the everyman seemed like every American citizen (until he didn’t).

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Perhaps it was the assassination of John F. Kennedy that brought an awareness to the public of the different stratum in which icons exist — helped them come to the realization that they were mortal, that they could not play God. There was a time when the everyman was something to be applauded; John F. Kennedy was the sort of man you could have a TV dinner with, and despite rumors of infidelity, he seemed to encapsulate the virtues of his office. He had the pleasure of being a man in a period when man’s sins were blamed on the stresses of their powerful positions and the unstated emotional contradictions associated with their sex. Lately, the everyman seems to be a product of our nostalgia. Tides seem to be turning, although very slowly, and every era continues to see barriers for women in male-dominated fields challenged. In 1970, Nora Ephron, along with 45 other women, filed a class-action lawsuit against Newsweek for not allowing women to work as writers. Last year, Gretchen Carlson, along with several other women, came forward with sexual harassment allegations against Roger Ailes, then Chairman and CEO of Fox News, eventually leading to his

ouster. What remains unsettling about these stories is not only that there is a cycle of women having to expose the facades of many iconic men and/or male-driven industries, but a pattern in which women must present the injustices committed against them in numbers in order to be believed. Ithaca College freshman Carolina Jeronimo thinks the iconic male is formed in a way the iconic female isn’t. “The iconic man is someone with wealth and power,” Jeronimo said. “Without both, they can’t be iconic — because they have to use it. Iconic women are more interested in using their wealth and power to help other women because they recognize and remember the struggles they faced.” The making of iconic men is often paired with the erasure of powerful women. This is because women’s flaws are frequently deemed unforgettable or damaging. That is not to say that women from history are not easily remembered. Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland are iconic women — and stereotypes — of the 20th century. But, as Champion notes, “their iconic status comes to them because they are flawed and beauti-

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ful. While men’s flaws get ignored, women’s are put under a microscope in hopes that they will self-destruct.” As Champion notes, despite being a “philanderer,” Kennedy is considered an icon “because he was a young, smart, handsome, fairly progressive president.” Looking at the iconic women of the time illuminates a stark double standard. “In contrast, we have Rosa Parks — a virtual saint,” Champion said. “The history that many people don’t know is that Rosa Parks wasn’t the first to [refuse] give up her bus seat. In fact, an unmarried teenage pregnant girl named Claudette Colvin did it nine months prior, and it was her case that eventually went to the Supreme Court, declaring segregation unconstitutional. Her story wasn’t publicized because she would have been seen as morally corrupt for being unmarried and pregnant. In order to grant women iconic status, they have to almost be superhuman, without any human flaws.” To a certain extent, the flaws (or, better put, pasts) of iconic women have historically become scapegoats in order to strengthen the ethos of men. The everyman is a myth of a capitalist society as much as the iconic man is a breed of it. At a young age, men are taught that the stimulating is more rewarding than the satisfying. A societal indicator of happiness in 2017 is affluence — designer clothing, designer cars, credit cards with large balances, the burning pockets of new money (just peruse some of the most notable music of this year).

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Time can only tell which men we will perceive as the icons of 2017; however, 50 years from now it is likely that they will not be the same ones we perceive at the time of this article’s publication. Perhaps the world will end, as we are so often reminded, or maybe our apathy will reach its apex and we will be impressed by no one. George Orwell may even have been correct in his assertion that the man “wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it,” but it’s not necessarily one’s choice to take on various personas. Most of our perceptions of people become very fragmented over time. We remember incomplete instances which make deciphering the truth increasingly difficult. Champion agrees — though she remains ambivalent about the strictures which beget icons. “The biggest thing we can lose in propping icons up on pedestals is the total erasure of many worthy, complex, and interesting icons,” she said. Pedestals are meant to be broken — or perhaps, because their standards are impossible to live up to, they are meant to be invisible. “The minute we put someone on a pedestal, they become a myth,” Champion said.