2| Editors-in-Chief Natalie Bandura, Katie Simons
Meet the Staff
Photo by Aidan Rogers ’22
Managing Editors Anna Diorio, Julia Herlyn, Ella Shi
Creative Directors Maya Hruskar, Lily Klau
Photography Director Camille Vynerib
Business Managers Brooke Fried, Margot Stack, Theresa Vandis
Pop Culture Editors Paige Tighe, Lilly Weisz
Ethnic Culture Editors Genevieve Frucht, Abby Nevin
Staples Culture Editors Ava Cordella, Aidan Sprouls
Political Culture Editors Caroline Coffey, Jolie Gefen
Gen Z Culture Editors Phoebe Miller, Talia Varsano
Advisors Joseph DelGobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco ...............................................................
More About Us
Inklings News is uncensored, unedited by administration and does not allow for prior review.
Contents POP CULTURE Zach Bishop ’22 relays his experiences with playing viola and violin in Staples orchestras.
Opinions
The Editorial Board determines editorial opinions that are authored by the Editors-in-Chief. Inklings News serves as an open forum for the public and welcomes letters to the editor and other submissions. Send signed letters to inklingsnews@westportps.org. Submissions will not be edited prior to publication.
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Membership
Inklings News is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center. ................................................................ The decisions of Inklings News and Westport Public Schools are made without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.
ETHNIC CULTURE Faculty and students celebrate a myriad of holidays, including a Latin-style Christmas, Diwali and Lunar New Year.
STAPLES CULTURE Get to know your Superfans captains Nick, Sean, Claire, Hannah and Jared.
05 06 12
POLITICAL CULTURE
16
GEN Z CULTURE
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Staples Feminist Club member Addie Purcell ’23 speaks about the beliefs and actions of the club.
Learn about Staples students’ favorite Gen Z fashion trends and styles.
Front and back cover by Lily Klau ’23
OPINION
POP CULTURE
Graphic by Rachel Greenberg ’22 & Katie Simons ’22
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Scan this QR code to read the full version of this article.
Cancel culture is not the punishment everyone thinks it is !"#"$%&'()$*++ Opinions Editor
T
he list of supposedly “canceled” figures is extensive and diverse. Real people; fictional characters; companies and corporations; and even ideologies—including “cancel culture” itself in an oxymoronic movement to “cancel cancel culture”—have all been targeted by the vindictive judgment of a mob. “Cancel culture” describes the phenomenon of public shaming and ostracization in response to perceived transgressions. Pundits, congresspeople and presidents alike have all voiced their concern for what they deem a worrying trend that threatens to stifle free expression and ruin people’s lives over minor offenses. However, this is far from the reality of the situation. For example, J.K. Rowling, a “victim” of cancel culture,” continues to achieve profound financial success. Even with her transphobic rhetoric that has included trite, bigoted talking points like the “horrors of men in women’s
bathrooms,” for which she has supposedly been “canceled,” she continues to be one of the most successful authors of all time. Her most recent book still reached the number one spot on the bestsellers list. The lack of ramifications is even more obvious in the case of “canceled” corporations. Businesses like Chick-Fil-A and Hobby Lobby have both received criticism for donating significantly to homophobic organizations, fighting to withold birth control from employees and smuggling artifacts from Iraq. Regardless of extensive offenses, both companies continue to expand. “Cancel culture” is frequently employed to describe reactions to illegal behavior. Public castigation in reaction to that is not “cancelation,”but a warranted response to viola-
tions of moral and legal codes. An article from CNN cites singer R. Kelly as among an annual roundup of “cancel culture” targets—R. Kelly has not been canceled. He was found guilty of crimes that included kidnapping, sex trafficking and producing child pornography. I reject entirely any assertion that identifies him as the victim of a woke mob of liberal keyboard warriors. Despite this, he continues, by almost all metrics, to be wildly successful in his career: his Spotify artist page attributes over 4,000,000 monthly listeners to him. As a collective, the internet does not have the will nor the attention span to dedicate any real effort towards suppressing someone or something for longer than a week. The major issue with “cancel culture” is the way we talk
[“Cancel culture”] is an illusory abstraction that appeals to base desires to identify with victimhood rather than wrongdoing.
about it. Discussions about unkind internet users obscures the problems we first sought to address. Complaining that J.K. Rowling has been victimized hinders real conversations about transgender liberation; asserting that Chick-Fil-A has been unjustly condemned overshadows discussions about ethical consumerism and homophobia. The list goes on. Politicians in particular are in a position where complaining about woke masses impedes efforts to deal with real issues or provides them with an escape from blame for some offensive act they committed. Addressing a transitory, concentrated reaction rather than the events that led to it has never been effective. “Cancel culture” is not the scourge of modernity. It is an illusory abstraction that appeals to base desires to identify with victimhood rather than wrongdoing. If nothing else, the outcry against “cancel culture” provides us with an opportunity for introspection. To subvert the consequences of this outcry, we need only work with even more ardor toward the things of real consequence.
4 | POP CULTURE
REVIEW
Top Movies of 2021 spotlight hot topics in American cultural discussions Allie Gillman ’23 Asst. Business Manager
W
ith a tentative return to in-person theaters, the hit movies of 2021 rolled in with a slew of hot takes. The three most successful movies of the year draw from different film criteria lists to dive into the triumphs of different areas of the industry. “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Don’t Look Up” do not only tell masterfully crafted stories, but use cinematography to introduce important social, cultural and political messages to the modern dialogue.
“Raya and the Last Dragon,” follows a lone warrior, Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), who makes a long journey to restore peace and stability to her fractured homeland. Raya, unlike most Disney princesses, has a complex character arc that reflects a realistic human experience. Her struggles with trusting new companions and learning the importance of hope and forgiveness throughout her journey make Raya a relatable character to many. On top of a well-crafted plot, the lone female lead is backed by a cast featuring actors of Asian descent. It incorporates different aspects of Southeast Asian culture, from removing shoes upon entering a home to Pencak Silat martial arts.
Graphic by Chloe Murray ’22
Graphics by Lily Klau ’23
The pre-release internet chatter and secrecy around the characters of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” created unprecedented anticipation which sent many moviegoers back to the cinema to marvel two or three times over again (no pun intended). Tom Holland returned to the screen as Spider-Man, also known as Peter Parker, for the third time. With Parker’s identity revealed to the world, he asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to cast a spell that would make everyone forget who Spider-Man truly is. When the spell goes awry and opens the barrier between multiverses, Parker faces dangerous new enemies, along with unexpected allies. The film itself wove three eras of Spider-Man movies into one action-packed, soul-shattering and inarguably iconic story.
With its academy award-winning cast, “Don’t Look Up” delivers a stinging satire of the effects of technology, social media and the “Ostrich Syndrome” of the ruling class in the modern age. An astronomy graduate student (Jennifer Lawrence) and her professor (Leonardo DiCaprio) make a groundbreaking discovery of a comet hurtling towards planet Earth. The pair embark on a media tour to convince the world that deflecting a planet-killer the size of Mount Everest is worth a few logistical inconveniences and campaign losses. The hilarious and artful film is especially reflective of recent divisiveness in American politics and culture, echoing themes from the collective reaction to the pandemic. In spite of its arguably dark ending, “Don’t Look Up” conveys the problems with contemporary indifference in a way that will leave some clutching their pearls and others reeling with laughter.
POP CULTURE | 5
Staples environment cultivates creative community Katie Simons ’22 Editor-in-Chief
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ith art classes in nearly any medium, full sized orchestras that perform at a professional level and a theater department that rivals Broadway level talent, Staples arts programs have given students the opportunity to explore new passions and develop new skills. Zach Bishop ’22 takes advantage of what the school’s music programs have to offer.
Q: What
instruments do you play?
I’ve played viola for almost 10 years now. I play violin and piano as well. It’s useful to play piano when composing because it allows you to hear different lines interacting with each other more.
Q: What’s been your favorite moment in your music career?
After [a] concert [in Granada, Spain], I remember talking to people in Spanish about how much they liked the music. To see these people that I had never met before, and would never see again, [and know] how much the music impacted them, that was really cool for me.
Q: How do you use music as a tool to express yourself? Although you would think that [in] composition you’re given the opportunity to just do whatever really reflects you, if you focus on that too much, it doesn’t become something you actually want to listen to. [But] when you’re playing music, what makes it interesting is how you add yourself into the music you’re already given.
Q: How has Staples provided a place for you to foster your love of music?
[I’ve taken] pretty much almost everything you would need for a college level music education. I’m extremely fortunate to have had all these classes available to me. I think Staples is doing pretty much the best it possibly can in terms of cultivating people’s interest in music.
Scan the QR code above to read the extended interview with Zach.
Photo by Ella Shi ’23 & graphics by Lilly Weisz ’23
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ETHNIC CULTURE
Staples community shares ethnic celebrations Lyah Muktavaram ’22
Broadcast Director rom bringing in the Year of the Tiger with lanterns and red envelopes to lighting diyas in honor of Diwali, students and staff celebrate a variety of ethnic holidays and traditions with diverse customs, foods and folktales.
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Photo contibuted by Anya Nair ’24
The family enjoys a traditional Puerto Rican meal with lechón (pork), beans and rice, as well as coquito, a classic coconut beverage. “We also visit the island during Christmas to see my abuela,” Abrams-Rivera said, “and it brings our traditions [to life] when we are there.”
Lunar New Year Traditions
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fter witnessing the excitement and anticipation surrounding Chinese New Year during an exchange trip to Yangzhou, China, Mandarin teacher Chris Fray made it his mission to expand the celebration to the Staples community. “Over the past twenty-plus years, I’ve tried to switch up the ways in which my Mandarin students experience and learn about Chinese New Year,” Fray said. “One tradition
Diwali Celebrations
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or the followers of Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths, Diwali is one of the most celebrated and awaited traditions. “I celebrate Diwali because it’s a time that you can be with your close friends and family and start off the ‘New Year’ in a fun manner with lights, food and celebration,” Anya Nair ’24 said. The festival honors the triumph of “good over evil” as celebrants make, place and light
of our celebration that takes place annually is that all of my students take part in a ‘Secret Red Envelope’ activity which is modeled on ‘Secret Snowflake/Secret Santa.’” Chinese New Year (also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year) celebrates the beginning of the lunar year. The festival is a time for families to come together for a reunion dinner, sweep and decorate their homes with couplets (decorations pasted on doors for the new year) and light firecrackers.
clay diyas (an oil lamp made from clay) around their homes, symbolizing the preservation of light as darkness is removed. “Diwali is known as the festival of light, but it is also considered the New Year,” Nair said. “During this time, people light candles, decorate their house with colors and make rangolis (an art in which colorful patterns of flowers and chalk are made).”
Photo by Abby Nevin ’23
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or Alexia Abrams-Rivera ’22, Christmas is all about fusing different aspects of her Latin American heritage into a festive celebration of food, traditions and family. “In my home, Christmas time is really when we go all out for Puerto Rican traditions,” Abrams-Rivera said.
Photo contributed by Alexia Abrams-Rivera ’22
A Latin Christmas
Graphics by Maya Hruskar ’23
ETHNIC CULTURE | 7
Graphic by Julia Herlyn ’23 & Lily Klau ’23
8 | OPINION
Photo dramatization by Camille Vynerib ’23
Identifying vs. insulting:
ETHNIC CULTURE | 9
the blurred line between cultural appropriation and appreciation Maria Krug ’22 Arts Editor
Can you do the Sofia Vergara accent?” one asks. “Can you speak Brazilian?” another one remarks. These are just a few questions I have been asked since moving to Westport from Brazil about five years ago. I don’t mind these types of questions I frequently receive from peers because it gives me a chance to share little parts regarding my life or my culture that they might not know about. My friends are genuine in their interest in Brazil and are sincere in their desire to learn more. But when people assume stereotypes and then adopt them as a wardrobe or behavior, the respect for a different culture is lost and cultural appropriation is committed. It is possible and even likely to have at one point been involved in cultural appropriation. If I’m honest with myself, I know that when I was younger I unknowingly engaged in cultural appropriation. Once I was on vacation on
the beach in Brazil and decided to get cornrow braids. At the time, I thought it was a common aspect of a tropical vacation. But now that I’ve done some research, I have found that some people may find a Caucasian person adopting an Afro-Brazilian cultural hairstyle offensive. But, to make cultural appropriation e v e n more c o n fusing, there are others who would argue that they have no issue with it and enjoy seeing others taking part in their hairbraiding culture. Cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation can be difficult to distinguish. According to Healthline, a website designed to make health and wellness information more accessible, cultural appreciation is when someone makes an effort to learn about someone
else’s culture. Cultural appropriation, on the other hand, is taking a specific aspect of a culture that isn’t yours and overusing it for personal interest. Nowadays, there has been a spike in conversation on where the line is drawn between appreciation and appropriation. Cultural appropriation can be seen in fashion w i t h highe n d brands, l i k e when Gucci in 2019 sold overpriced turbans for $810. Selling cultural garments for profit has been deemed insensitive and insulting by some because people find that their cultures are being exploited. The turbans sold by Gucci, for example, were deemed insensitive towards the Sikh culture where followers cover their hair with turbans as a mark of faith.
If the respect and recognition for the culture is being understood, showcased and genuinely respected, then I believe there is no harm in highlighting another culture.
So, where do you draw the line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation? The answer may not be clear or straightforward, but the first way to prevent this issue from continuing is through identifying the problem and being aware of what you say or do when discussing culture. If the respect and recognition for the culture is being understood, showcased and genuinely respected, then I believe there is no harm in highlighting another culture. A quick check on whether you are committing cultural appreciation or cultural appropriation is to ask yourself the following question: are you respecting their culture or simply mocking it for your own personal enjoyment? There should be an aspect of educating oneself on the origins and meaning behind the cultural practices before commenting on it or sharing it on social media. Trying to engage with another culture can be beneficial and healthy for society. However, appropriation turns into appreciation when there is intended respect and acknowledgment for the culture.
10 | OPINION
STAPLES CULTURE
Material Girl: Why Westport’s materialistic epidemic must be cured Toby Goldfarb ’23 Web News Editor
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chen walking down the hallways during passing time, it’s impossible to miss the abundance of Aviator Nation, Madhappy, Golden Goose and other overpriced designer brands. When getting dropped off or picked up at school, the sheer amount of luxury vehicles parked in the senior lot is almost dizzying. Although luxury items are part of living in an affluent suburb, I believe that self-expression doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag and a short shelf life. From my three years at Staples, I’ve noticed that the general style is fairly homogeneous—even though our school doesn’t require uniforms, an unspoken dress code has been enacted. It seems that the same five name brands have been in the rotation, each more expensive than the next (despite the
fact that some of the most costly pieces can be indistinguishable from less high-end items). Clearly, the lure of luxury clothing is partially the obscene price and the logo. Overpriced clothing has become less of a fashion statement a n d more of a reminder to others that t h e y can aff o r d s u c h l a v ish brands. Style is defined by “a distinctive appearance,” so buying expensive pieces for the sake of “fitting in” is actually the complete opposite of individualism. Although not everyone values their individuality, it can be damaging to one’s self-esteem to feel pressured to dress like everyone else. A s someone
who has (on multiple occasions) given in to the “hype,” I have found that keeping up on the new trends can be tiring and stressful, on top of being expensive. Although the immediate satisfaction of treating myself to clothing is exciting, it’s upsetting to realize that, just a week after purchasing, my ne west addit i o n to my wardrobe is no longer unique. More often than not, I have felt pressured to succumb to the imaginary dress code in order to avoid stares or judgement. I have purchased unreasonably priced clothing because I thought that was “normal” or necessary to match the stereotypical Westport girl. In doing so, I have realized that I was slowly losing my originality and self-respect. I have found that dressing in whatever makes me the happiest, re-
Although the immediate satisfaction of treating myself to clothing is exciting, [...] my wardrobe is no longer unique.
Photos by Ella Shi ’23
gardless of the current trend, has boosted my confidence. In communities like Westport, there are many different sources of pressure, one being fitting in. I urge you to realize that owning the new expensive “microtrend”—whether it be a $200 sweatshirt or an unnecessarily expensive accessory—is not true self-expression; it is simply a reflection of society’s short-lived obsessions.
OPINION | 11
Staples: A place unlike any other Jared Leonard ’22 Opinions Editor
I
t’s no secret that Staples High School is a top-tier high school. But you already knew this since the countless TV’s scattered around the school display this single fact constantly. But despite our outstanding reputation, Staples is not immune to its fair share of quirks. I love Staples, but there are certain aspects of our school that are… well, odd. If you’re like most Staples students, no school day would be complete without a sandwich from the deli during lunch. Unless of course it’s sushi day, then make sure to pick up the pace to ensure you get the last California roll. If you’ve never waited in the sandwich line, it’s an experience, if nothing else. Before you can even get in a line, it’s important to scope them out. This part is crucial because the wrong move will get you stuck in the “slow” line and you’ll be waiting twice as long for that turkey and cheese on a Portuguese
Graphics by Maya Hruskar ’23
roll, and no one wants that. So if you really want a sandwich and are willing to wait in the infamous sandwich line, don’t make a rookie mistake. As a senior, I’ve grown accustomed to carrying around countless folders, notebooks and books all strategically placed in my backpack from class to class. However, as a wide-eyed freshman, I thought that it was so strange that students just don’t use their lockers. For the life of me, I couldn’t tell you where my locker is located. Is it in the English hallway? Math? Health? I guess I’ll never know, and I sort of enjoy the mystery of it. There is the rare occasion when I spot someone opening a locker (usually an underclassman), and I try not to stare, but I mean, how could you not? It’s a mix of awe combined with sympathy because they were clearly not informed by an older sibling of the unwritten rules of Staples. After three years of taking the bus or getting dropped off
at school, seniors receive the holy grail: campus parking. That little sticker on your windshield holds so much power. Getting one of them is no joke. You better be prepared to wait in line for hours in order to get spots next to all your friends so you can form a line of white Jeeps in the parking lot. Seniors pay good money for those spots so to any junior who is thinking about parking in that empty spot one morning, don’t. Better yet, don’t even look at those ever-so-coveted senior spots. It’s for your own good. However, if you do choose to take this risk, you better hope whoever’s spot you took didn’t get their Starbucks order screwed up this morning or else you better be prepared to be publicly shamed on the Superfans Facebook group for your crooked parking job. Save yourself the embarrassment and just park at Wakeman. We all had to at one point. And this list wouldn’t be complete without the mention
I love Staples, but there are certain aspects of our school that are… well, odd.
of our senior girls. From the first day of school to the very last day before internships, it’s a Staples tradition for Senior Girls to wreak havoc on underclassmen with their customized t-shirts. If you didn’t get stopped in the hall by a Senior Girl blowing a whistle in your face, did you even go to Staples? It’s sort of a right of passage. And of course, when it comes to spirit days, they don’t mess around. Prepare to have your Instagram feed taken over with pictures from the soccer field of senior girls posing in their outfits that they’ve been planning since freshman year. The best thing to do is simply embrace the chaos because one day you’ll look back and miss the days when loose feathers from pink boas lined the hallways. From the unofficial (but kind of official) rules of the cafeteria to the inside of lockers that haven’t seen the light of day since Lindsey Lohan was still relevant, Staples is not free from its own set of strange traditions. Nevertheless, these quirks make Staples what it is, and let’s be honest, you kind of enjoyed getting noticed by a senior girl, even if she did burst your eardrums.
12 | STAPLES CULTURE
Superfans captains foster Wrecker school spirit Madeline Michalowski ’22 Asst. Creative Director
O
Photo contributed by Hannah Kail ’22
rganizing almost 2,000 high schoolers for school spirit events is no easy feat. From posting game schedules to determining school spirit days, there are tons of possibilities and so many voices. Yet this year's five senior Superfans captains have consistently emphasized the celebration of Staples and the support of all of the sports teams. Sean Appell ’22, Nick Augeri ’22, Claire Fischer ’22, Hannah Kail ’22 and Jared Leonard ’22 were voted to be in charge of the Superfans by their own senior class at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year. Since then, they have been active in rallying fans, posting media to Instagram and Facebook and keeping spirit up during another year of masked smiles in school.
STAPLES CULTURE | 13
Claire Fischer ’22 appreciates being a support system
for her peers through her role as captain. “It’s really rewarding to know that just by cheering them on you are making an impact on their game, and even if they lose they know they have fans supporting them no matter what,” Fischer said. Fischer is looking forward to planning a possible spring homecoming lacrosse game. “I think this would be a great way to end the year as a ton of people showed up to the fall homecoming. It’s not only fun for the fans, but it’s really great for the team playing.”
Hannah Kail ’22 is constantly attempting to come up with
new ideas for the Wreckers and enjoys going all out when dressing up for themed events. “The first football game when Charlie Howard scored the winning touchdown, as fans, we were all so beyond excited for him and for the school,” Kail said when asked about her favorite memory thus far. “Jumping up and being able to celebrate with a huge crowd for a huge win was really, really fun.” Her favorite theme has been blue and white for its embodiment of Staples spirit, and she hopes that for future games the fan section can try new ways of cheering the Wreckers on. “I think a silent game where the fans are silent until your team scores their first goal would be really crazy and exciting,” Kail said.
Sean Appell ’22 is always focused on acquiring a large
fan turnout. “Being a captain is just a lot of fun, so it’s more of a privilege than anything else,” Appell said. He feels his Wrecker support was most apparent when he got kicked out of a girls’ soccer game once for using a megaphone. “I think being rowdy and loud for Staples athletes is what Wrecker spirit looks like,” Appell said. He hopes that future students carry on this tradition of electing fan captains. “I think after COVID, spirit wasn't as high as it used to be, but I think my fellow captains and I did a great job of stepping in and making this fandom a big thing again.”
Nick Augeri ’22 is known for his loud and proud pres-
ence on the sidelines. “I always have a ton of fun hyping the crowds up and being a part of a big game,” Augeri said. He hopes to push for a neon-themed crowd by the end of this year and to attempt to rally bigger crowds to upcoming spring sports games. Augeri instructs current and future students to take full advantage of the short four years as a Wrecker. “Just have fun being a Superfan because it’s some of the best memories.”
Jared Leonard ’22 loves the fact that he was able to be
a part of this unique Staples tradition. He is inclined to support any theme that involves blue or white as it allows him to dress up alongside Kail in their iconic matching jumpsuits. “It gives me an excuse to wear my blue and white striped overalls,” Leonard said. Leonard, who is on the sailing team himself, encourages supporting not only the major sports but the less common, niche ones as well. “We must continue to support all of our athletic teams because they all work so hard and it really does make a difference to have a big student section cheering them on.” Photos by Camille Vynerib ’23
14 | OPINION
POLITICAL CULTURE Judgment based on political affiliation limits understanding, progress Tierney Kugel ’22
Breaking News Editor
A
s a progressive, I never expected to have a close friend who is a conservative. Upon first meeting her and discovering her political affiliation, I immediately labeled her in my mind as someone who did not align with my values. And while this is partially true, and we disagree on some topics, by immediately judging her political affiliation, I was denying myself the immediate opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our shared values. While discussing current events throughout the past year, specifically in relation to the criminal justice system, my friend and I have held opposing views. While I advocate for heavy reforms, my friend advocates for greater police funding as a solution to crime and poverty. While we differ
in our opinions, we share the objective of solving the issues that beset our country. With the exception of political extremists, many Americans are somewhat moderate in their views and common values can often be discovered. Most people have the economic interest of uplifting the material conditions of themselves and others; the methods of doing so are where the discourse lies. Most care about social issues based on their moral belief system, whether that’s religion or an alternative metric. Either way, unity can already be found in our goals of uplifting others and improving our country. When people automatically assume a conservative wants to cut welfare programs
because they are unempathetic, or that liberals are economically irresponsible for proposing larger spending packages such as Biden’s infrastructure bill, it limits our understanding of nuanced issues and communities, stunting our progress as a nation. In order to reach our full potential as a nation, truly understanding both sides of the political spectrum’s views is necessary and that is only possible if we approach political discourse with an open mind. It is beneficial for the agenda of conservatives, liberals and everyone in between to stop misrepresenting one another’s beliefs in the media and to find shared objectives. Partisan politics have overpowered America’s interests. According to a 2021 survey
It is beneficial [...] to stop misrepresenting one another’s beliefs in media and to find shared objectives.
conducted by Morning Consult and Politico, 84% of voters support a law requiring a background check for all firearm purchases. Legislative progress has not been made on this issue, however, due to partisan politics and the misrepresentation of voters’ interests by the mainstream media. While this has and will continue to be an issue at the national level, we must prevent it from tainting our way of thinking and approaching political conversations in our own lives. I am not advocating for compromising your own beliefs or tolerating hateful views, but rather entering political conversations with an open mind and allowing yourself to hear alternative opinions. Assuming that everyone who has alternate views is a bad person not only is a misrepresentation of their character, but will inhibit your ability to build meaningful relationships, expand your understanding of disputed subjects and challenge your preconceived notions.
Data collected from Feb. 7 survey of 210 Staples students
Do you feel like you can openly share your political beliefs with those of an opposing view?
39% No
61% Yes
Are you close friends with anyone who does not share your personal political views?
34% No
66% Yes
POLITICAL JUDGMENT Tierney Kugel ’22 finds that prejudice based on political views prevents America from achieving the ultimate goal of political unity.
79% Data from Collage Group
POLITICAL CULTURE | 15 POLITICAL CULTURE| 15
of Americans are worried by how politically divided the U.S. has become.
Photo by Camille Vynerib ’23
16 | POLITICAL CULTURE
Q& A
with Staples feminist Addie Purcell ’23 Amanda Rowan ’22 Photostory Editor
What is the Staples Feminists Club?
Staples Feminists is a club that aims to create a space at Staples for students to freely and openly express their feminist views. Our goal has been to educate all members on feminist history and ideology, as well as encourage ideals of intersectional gender equality at Staples. [...] Overall, our objective is to foster a more inclusive community within Staples.
Why is the Staples Feminists Club important? The Staples Feminists Club is important because it starts a conversation about gender equality within Staples. It provides a safe space for many and gives students an outlet to express their opinions, educate themselves and create change. So many have experienced gender inequality within Staples in the unequal treatment of girls’ sports teams, and even in treatment from other students and peers.
How can students make a change or an impact? We as students have the power to create change within our community, as well as within the larger world. [...] Many believe young people should stay out of activism and politics, but we deeply believe that as the new generation and the future of the world, it is our duty to advocate for a better, more equal and tolerant world.
How do you encourage others to make a change? We plan to hold a rally for the protection of a woman’s right to choose and hold events and fundraisers supporting organizations and shelters in our own community that provide aid to women in need. [...] On a smaller level, we provide resources for grassroots lobbying and educate members about historical and current events regarding gender equality. As a club, we wrote letters to the Supreme Court about the new Mississippi law that makes most abortions illegal after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Photo by Preston Siroka ’25 Graphic by Maya Hruskar ’23
GEN Z CULTURE
| 17
Gen Z curates new trends with help from fashion archive Betti Kobak ’22 Managing Editor
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ashion is a vessel where people can take creative license; through fun textiles and colors, it has become a form of self-expression that has evolved throughout the decades. Now more than ever, younger generations have been inspired by past trends while also infusing them with modern twists to create current new looks. Students in the Staples community have embraced original looks and have also enjoyed influential styles from the past, creating a medley of trends that have become prevalent for Gen Z.
Photos by Camille Vynerib ’23 Graphics by Lily Klau ’23
Mia Vindiola ’23 has tak- mires new trends that have en inspiration from past trends and has made them her own. She admires styles from the 70s, specifically menswear style trousers that have become a trend for women to wear today. “I love this trend because personally I feel a longer pant flatters everyone, but specifically for taller people like me,” she said. Vindiola also ad-
Will Harmon ’22 be- ed lieves that what used to be a staple in wardrobes in the 90s, cardigans, have now become a popular style for men, specifically in Gen Z. “You can wear a cardigan formally or casually,” Harmon said. “They can also be worn in almost any climate comfortably, which I think speaks to their flexibility.” Harmon has suggestions for those who are interest-
in wearing cardigans, from where to buy them to what sizes work best. “I recommend shopping for them exclusively in thrift stores because newer cardigans can be scratchy and uncomfortable, and I personally find them harder to style,” he said. “I strongly recommend getting cardigans a size or two larger than you’d normally get clothes, because I think oversized cardi-
Merel
Kanter
’22
thinks our current generation has made both positive and negative changes with fashion. “I think that Gen Z has really done a good job of bringing back styles from all different decades; however, I do think that the Y2K
originated from Gen Z. She loves puffer bags because they make an excellent match with another current trend: puffer jackets. “I feel like in the winter everyone wears puffer jackets because of their warmth and durability,” she said. “So having a puffer bag to match can bring a look together as well as being a high-quality material.”
gans look the best.” Harmon likes that they can make outfits look more appealing and mature, and are good alternatives to sweatshirts. “I also just love the vintage look in our generation,” he said, “so I think thrifted ones especially are a great vintage or throwback item.”
style is a little bit oversaturated,” she said. She believes that as a generation itself, Gen Z has done a good job of reinventing the past. Kanter also acknowledges that Gen Z has done well in embodying self-expression, which reminds her of eccentric fashion in the past. “Gen Z is really into bold looks and accesso-
ries [...], people have really been starting to embrace their own personal styles more, and everyone is dressing more out of their comfort zone, which I really like,” she said. “This reminds me of the 80s because that was a very electric phase for fashion and there were a lot of bold prints, bright colors and chunky bold statement pieces.”
18 | GEN Z CULTURE
Gen Z goes green: environmentalism at Staples Photos contributed by Emily Goldstein ’23 & the Staples Club homepage
Finnegan Courtney ’23 News Editor
G
eneration Z often takes broad issues into its own hands. Clubs at Staples, for example, including Club Green, the Zero Waste Committee and the Coastal Cleanup Crew, have decided to try and rewrite the narrative for the future of our environment. Some Staples students have joined these clubs to preserve nature in Westport in the face of climate change. “I decided to join Club Green my sophomore year because nature is what sustains us as a society,” Tanvi Gorre ’23, a leader of Club Green, said. “[We] need to do better to preserve our local flora and fauna. I wanted to help our community improve our relationship with nature.” Club Green has plans to achieve its goals in the near-future, due to being dormant during the colder months. “We are currently using our pollinator garden and weekly volunteering at Wakeman Town Farm to make an impact [while] the club is less active [during the winter],” Gorre said. There have been measures at Staples aiming to promote environmentalism, such as the Zero Waste Committee’s cafeteria composting initiative. “Our composting initiative has become much more successful this year,” Jennifer Cirino and Kayla Ianetta, the
co-advisors of the Zero Waste Committee, said. “Not only have we added composting pick up to the district budget for the next three years, our student body has improved on using and not contaminating our compost bins.” Many aim to preserve the environment for future generations and the joys of growing up in Westport’s scenic landscape. “[I] have always had a love for the ocean and so many of our best memories came from time we spent at the beach together,” Ty Levine ’23, co-creator of the Coastal C l e a n up Crew, said. “We thought of the [club] to give back to the beach-Ty Levine ’23 es that have given us so many good m e m o r i e s . ” Both Club Green and the Coastal Cleanup Crew have events in the near-future, with Club Green planning to be highly active in gardening. The latter will schedule cleanups for every other week during the fourth quarter, as well as events planned for World Oceans Day. Levine recognizes the importance of respecting the environment through actions outside of Staples and believes that others should try and make the effort, even if it’s a small one. “Whether it is picking up someone else’s trash at the beach or recycling properly, I believe that every person has a responsibility to do the little things to protect our environment,” Levine said. “In the long run, they will add up and make a huge positive impact.”
“Every person has a responsibility to do the little things to protect our environment.”
Graphics by Lily Klau ’23 & Katie Simons ’22 STUDENT INVOLVEMENT Staples students join clubs such as the Coastal Cleanup Crew (top), Club Green (middle) and the Zero Waste Committee (bottom) in order to involve themselves in the popular environmentalist movement in Gen Z.
GEN Z CULTURE | 19
Text by Mia Kikorsky ’24 Graphics by Maya Hruskar ’23 & Lily Klau ’23