The Chariot 2022-23 Issue 1: Chaos

l et t er from t h e

EDITOR A

t the end of last year, we put together an issue centered around “The People.” We covered topics ranging from Pulitzer Prize winners to Donald Glover’s impact on Atlanta. However, at the onset of this school year, something felt different.

On a whim, we decided to completely scrap the last issue; we deleted the files and began working on something brand new. So, welcome to the new first issue for the 2022-2023 year: The Chaos Issue. Chaos is all around us. Chaos is in your sports, it’s in your school, it’s in your life. Once you really start looking, you will see, feel and welcome the truth you find in disorder. Eventually, you’ll

notice most people are one of three types: leaders, followers or disruptors.

In this issue, we want to focus on that third type. From covering the chaotic life of student athletes to diving into the reasons behind why people romanticize serial killers, we are shedding light on the disruptive nature of life. However, chaos is not synonymous with destruction. It isn’t just the gritty side of society.

While creating this issue, we learned that chaos can be used for expression - through art, through fashion and through music. As you read through our first issue for the year, we hope you enjoy the new style of the magazine and are prepared for what is to come.

AASHWIN SHARMA AND RACHEL ROTHMAN Edit ors -in-Chief

2 | THE CHARIOT

contents 04. ROUNDUP 4. news

6. ROE VS. WADE 7. TIGRAY WAR

08. PASSIONATE 8. sport s SPORTS FANS

10. C.T.E. 11. LIFE OF A STUDENT ATHLETE

12. feature s 12. COVER STORY: CHAOS

16. DECONSTRUCTING SERIAL KILLERS 18. ANALYZING DREAMS 20. SOCIAL MEDIA’S INFLUENCE ON THE YOUTH’S POLITICAL VIEWS 21. CHAOS OF TRAVEL

22. art s & ent ert ainment 22. CHAOS IN ART

24. FAILED FESTIVLAS 25. CASTING NON-TRADITIONAL ROLES 26. PLAYLIST 27. MAXIMALIST FASHION

28. opinion 28. FACE-OFF: DO PROTESTS GO TOO FAR? 30. ROMANTICIZING CRIMINALS

THE CHARIOT | 3

NEWS

ROUNDUP HITI GUPTA, staff writer

The Americas Peru’s government, the National Institute of the Defense of Competition and Intellectual Property Protection (INDECOPI), are suing Repsol oil company for $4.5 billion (3 billion for ecological damages and 1.5 billion for damage to the locals) after a disastrous oil spill in January.

The accident caused more than 10,000 barrels of oil to spill into the pacific ocean and became one of the worst ecological disasters to occur in Lima. Repsol has denied all responsibility.

4 | SHINYOUNG YANG

Africa On Aug. 22, five-time presidential candidate Raila Odinga filed a petition to the Kenyan supreme courts.

His campaign claimed that they had evidence of misconduct by the electoral commission during the Aug. 9 presidential election that resulted in a victory for Deputy President William Ruto. Odinga has contested election results three times prior.

Europe Europe is currently experiencing its worst drought in 500 years. The extreme temperatures are causing havoc all across the continent with 47 percent of the continent under warning conditions and 17 percent under alert for low vegetation. The droughts have caused wildfires, disrupted transportation, left thousands homeless and led to hundreds of deaths.

Asia On March 9, India accidentally fired a nuclear-capable missile into Pakistan, which crashed in Mian Channu 310 miles from the capital Islamabad.This led Pakistan to question India on their safety measures and protocol since ,according to the Arms Control Association, “The flight path of this object endangered many national and international passenger flights both in Indian and Pakistani airspace as well as human life and property on ground.” In response, India fired three of their officers after they were found guilty of deviating from standard operating procedures by the Court of Inquiry.

The Middle-East On Aug.15, Saudi women’s rights activist Salma al-Shehab was, according to CNN, “sentenced to 34 years in prison” along with a 34-year ban not allowing her to leave the country. This was due to her Twitter activity where she demanded reform in the country’s guardianship system and the freedom of prisoners of conscience which was also in support of her sister, Loujain al-Hathloul, another prominent activist who spent more than 1,000 days in jail. Saudi officials claim that al-Shehabb was found guilty of trying “to disrupt public order, undermine the security of society and stability of the state, and support those who had committed criminal actions according to the counterterrorism law and its financing.” This sentence came after al-Shebab appealed her original sentence, which was 6 years.

THE CHARIOT | 5

NEWS

O

n June 24, 2022, Roe v. Wade, the case that labeled the restriction of abortions as unconstitutional, was overturned by the Supreme Court after 49 years. The case was based on the Fourteenth Amendment and the Due Process Clause, which created the implied right to privacy. Under this right, several abortion laws were struck down and deemed unconstitutional.

In 1971, using a pseudonym, Jane Roe took to the Supreme Court to argue that the Texas law restricting abortions unless medically required was unconstitutional and violated several amendments including the first, fourth, fifth, ninth and 14th. The verdict was clear. The state may not impose any regulations on abortion within a woman’s first trimester of pregnancy.

As a result of the verdict, anti-abortion proponents, many identifying as evangelical Christians, responded with their own opinions and ideas regarding Roe v. Wade. In an effort to appeal to the more conservative Christians, the Republican Party began to use a strong anti-abortion stance to drive their party. This redefined the whole meaning behind the anti-abortion movement. People started viewing the topic as less of a social issue and more of a political stance.

Famous American leaders helped drive this movement as well. “We’re told about a woman’s right to control her own body. But doesn’t the unborn child have a higher right? And that is to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Ronald Reagan said. During his presidency, the Republican Party began to push a firmer stance on “family values” with abortion as a driving force.

For a long time, the Democratic party remained consistent on the topic of abortion. Around 1991, 45 percent of Democrats and 41 percent of Republicans showed support for abortion for any reason according to the General Social Survey. Decades later, Democratic support did not change much, with 31 percent of Republicans and a steady 45 percent of Democrats supporting the cause. Only now has the Democratic Party taken a larger stance in the abortion movement. As of 2020, 71

6 | QUARTZ

percent of Democrats support abortion.

Many criticize how long the Democrats remained passive about the abortion situation when they held power for years. During the 2000s, the party held majority seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, yet Roe v Wade was not codified or rearranged into federal law. Since then, it has not been easy for the party to regain both houses or establish a standing in the Supreme Court. This has led to the Court becoming increasingly conservative. After the death of Justice Antonin Scala in 2016, President Obama was blocked from appointing a new judge by the Republican-controlled Senate due to the new election year coming up. After the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg the same process was not upheld. Instead, Amy Coney Barrett, known for her anti abortion stance, was appointed by the Senate. Since then more than half of the Supreme Court has remained conservative, making it very hard to codify Roe v Wade.

Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, some worry about the protection of contraception or birth control, as well as other social issues. Justice Clarence Thomas urged the Supreme Court to revisit issues related to same-sex marriage while President Biden hints at Congress’s next moves on the abortion case. Either way, Roe v. Wade is likely to cause a monumental change in America’s politics.

Roe Vs Wade

Anika Srinivasan, staff writer

TIGRAY WAR Nikhil Bhagavati, staff writer

S

ince November 2020, a civil war has been raging in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. After multiple ethnic and regional parties merged into the Prosperity Party led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front has been at war with the Ethiopian National Defense Force. The TPLF, who have ruled over Ethiopia for the past 27 years, refused to join the new party, leading to increased internal tensions. The TPLF accused Ahmed of not being a true leader because the 2020 elections were postponed to 2021. Tigray forces launched an attack on the ENDF’s northern bases on November 3, 2020, starting a conflict with the federal government.

Since then, there have been numerous instances of war crimes, including mass civilian killings. The killings of civilians have led to uproar around the world. It is estimated that at least 10,000 civilians have been killed. It was reported that both sides have been committing war crimes. Children as young as eight are being raped with claims of genetic and ethnic cleansing. STDs, such as HIV, increased dramatically.

People have been struggling to receive adequate medical care due to an already failing medical infrastructure. Furthermore, civilians are being used as human shields. In the Amhara region, the TDF held civilians hostage, stopping the ENDF from advancing and in some cases, forcing people to stand in between the active gunfire. These acts led to a joint investigation officiated by the United Nations Human Rights Office along with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.

Moving beyond government issues, the focus on war has led to famine in Ethiopia as well. Resources and funds that were normally used for agriculture are now used as funding for the war, including farmers. Land, water and even revenue from the capital city are being taken by different ethnic groups. Approximately 150,000 people have died from the famine alone.

According to the World Food Program, almost half of the Tigray region needs food aid. Furthermore, on the report of the United Nations, over 2.3 million Ethiopian children are currently in need of humanitarian aid. Even though aid is readily available, the Ethiopian federal government has restricted access inside due to the risks that it poses. On occasion, Tigray forces wearing Ethiopian uniforms have also stopped the import of humanitarian aid.

Currently, the Ethiopian government has declared a ceasefire and allowed the Tigrayan forces to take over the capital Mekelle. When the government offered a truce, the TPLF refused to take it, and the war has now spread beyond the Tigray region. The situation appears to be getting out of the hands of the Ethiopian government. Ahmed has encouraged the people to get any weapon they can and fight against the TPLF. “[Ethiopian] people should march … with any weapon and resources they have to defend, repulse and bury the terrorist TPLF,” said Ahmed. Only time will tell if the TPLF can be stopped and if the Ethiopians can get back to living lives that are not filled with fear.

POLITICO | 7

SPORTS

Passionate Passionate Sports Sports Fans Fans PRISHA MODY, staff writer

E

very sport has its fans.

Whether it’s tailgating since the break of dawn or simply showing up, the intensity of people’s love of the game can come from a variety of factors.

Tennis fans are unique since they have a few people they support, as most of the time it is not a team sport. Each fan has a unique reasoning behind what makes them prefer one player over another.

All dedicated fans have things in common, like owning a closet full of clothing apparel to have the exact same racquets and gear as their favorite player and most fans are supportive, regardless of the outcome of the match. When Rafael Nadal lost in the fourth round of the tournament in 2009 his fans

8 | SARA HOBEN

still believed in him and supported him, and now he is considered by many analysts to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Kids who are tennis fans can go as far as to replicate their style of play and the techniques that these professional players use in their matches. People of all ages look up to and admire these respectable players. Many professional players have certain attributes they are known for, whether that may be hitting an underhand serve or hitting the tennis ball between their legs while running backwards. Junior tennis players copy the attitudes and attributes of these professional players and look up to them as role models and idols.

Fans have their own reasoning be-

hind what motivates them to wake up Saturday morning for game day, decked out in their team’s gear and driving through heavy traffic.

The most common reason, however, is that it is their home team, the team they grew up watching, their parents’ favorite team, and that equates to loyalty. Some of the most dedicated fans would be those of the Chicago Cubs. These fans have been through a lot, from a team that had a couple of grueling seasons to winning the World Series followed by another round of grueling seasons. Advanced Placement Biology teacher Mr. Ernst is a Cubs fan who has been supporting the cubs through their 2012 season with a record of 61 wins to 101 losses as well as celebrating

when the team won the World Series in 2016. For him, being a Cubs fan was a lifestyle. “[Growing up in North Chicago], you just were a Cubs fan, there really was not anything else,” Ersnt noted. With his family being Cubs fans and his house a few blocks from Wrigley field, location and family were essential contributors to his love of the Cubs. After moving to Georgia, his love for the Cubs has not diminished, but he has grown to love the Braves as well. Baseball is not the only sport with loyal fans.

College football fans, many of them alumni, show some of the strongest passions for their schools. Walking into Mr. Anderson’s room, the first thing students see is the giant University of Geor-

gia flag behind his desk. At first glance, it appears that he is supporting the university, but after seeing the UGA lunchbox along with other UGA gear, students and faculty realize that this teacher is a dedicated fan. This passion for UGA stemmed from him being a student at the school. “Honestly I ended up going to school there and…[that’s how I] fell in love with Georgia.” After graduating from the University of Georgia, he continues to have season passes and tries to attend as many games as possible. Ultimately, Anderson is a sports fan who loves and supports his college. Supporting and showing up for a team are big aspects of what makes many fans so dedicated, despite whether the team

has a winning or difficult season.

This includes cheering for the big wins and continuing to cheer after the devastating losses. This dedication could stem from the environment that the fan grew up in or the college that they attended.

Fans of different sports teams and players celebrate wins and losses very differently. The main thing that separates extremely passionate fans from regular fans is the dedication that they display during the wins and losses. Losing a match or game is something that every athlete experiences, and learns to deal with. For most fans, dedication and loyalty is what drives their commitment to their teams. Ultimately, dedicated fans support their team no matter the circumstances.

THE CHARIOT | 9

SPORTS

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy VERA LEE, opinion editor

C

hronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a rare brain disorder most commonly found in athletes of high-impact sports such as football and wrestling. According to the Boston University CTE center, CTE is believed to be caused by repeated injuries to the head. These injuries may cause lesions and a “build-up of an abnormal protein called tau in a unique pattern” which slowly deteriorates the brain. Like other degenerative brain ailments, CTE consists of memory problems like dementia, as well as behavioral problems like increased aggression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Currently, around six percent of the population is expected to or currently show signs of CTE. This number could be even greater considering that the amount of knowledge the world has about this disorder is limited. One of the main factors contributing to this is due to the fact that signs of CTE do not show up on regular brain imaging technology like MRI or CT scans. The only way of truly diagnosing CTE is after the patient’s death through an autopsy report. Therefore, most of the information about CTE can only be known by the few brains that are donated to research centers.

There is a widely spread misconception that frequent concussions cause the development of CTE, but according to a research study done by Boston University, about 20 percent of people with CTE have never had a serious concussion. Researchers have found that there

10 | FOX NEWS

is no strong connection between concussions and the development of CTE, and that the disorder is most likely caused by a high frequency of smaller hits to the head, which is why professional athletes in contact sports, like those in the NFL, have a higher risk of CTE. In 2017, another research study conducted by Boston University found that 110 out of 111 brains of former NFL players had some form of CTE. One of the more famous examples of this is Aaron Hernandez, a former tight end for the New England Patriots who was later convicted of murder and commited suicide at the age of 27. Hernandez’s violent mood swings and impaired judgment may have occurred because he suffered from one of the more severe cases of CTE. Another example of this includes Demaryius Thomas, a former wide receiver for the Denver Broncos who died last year at 34 years of age. Given that around 99 percent of the brains researched had CTE, it is expected that a large number of current NFL athletes may have the disorder.

At this time, there is no cure or treatment for CTE. Because scientists are not able to diagnose CTE before death, curing CTE is almost impossible. According to a Mayo Clinic research study, the development of CTE is 13 times more likely for football players who played beyond the high school level than non-athletes. This limited knowledge means the only way to gaurantee no CTE injuries is to not particpate in these activities.

Life of a Student Athlete ELI FLEISCHER, staff writer

S

chool, in and of itself, is a difficult part of teenage life. In most instances, it feels like our lives completely revolve around school.

However, when the eight-hour brick of learning ceases at 3:30 p.m. most of us wander our separate ways for the remainder of the evening.

Some of us pursue studying. Others choose video games or clubs. And then there are the athletes.

The student athletes are esteemed individuals amongst the school crowds, for instance, the football team walking through the hallways, heads-high on gameday in their cardinal ensembles. If you pay 15 bucks (or join Gladiator Army) you can see the team perform against other high schools - making plays and moving the chains as the clock winds down long into the night. But these players are just like the rest of us: they have upcoming tests, pending homework, and not to mention, the SAT and the ACT. So, what does this rigorous schedule look like?

Many students choose to play a sport, which includes tons of positive impacts, too. Student athletes, in a lot of cases, use sports as an escape from the stresses of school. “Having a sport after school allows your brain to take a break from the stresses of school. When you’re out there on the field you forget about the academic aspects of life and it gives your mind a chance to relax and decompress.” Kyle Eggleston, a junior at Johns Creek High School, claims. Additionally, on average, students that play sports have better standardized test scores than those who do not. This is partly because sports greatly improve memory and problem-solving skills, while at the same time, allowing students to stay physically and mentally healthy as well.

However, playing a sport is oftentimes met with tough schedules for students. The Johns Creek Swim and Dive Team competes during the Winter season in our renowned Pool on the Roof (see seniors for ticket prices), yet most swimmers compete year-round at clubs such as Dynamo, Spartans and Swim Atlanta. This proves challenging as these student athletes look to balance sports

and academics. Nate Perez, a swimmer for both Johns Creek High School and Dynamo Swim Club, scrutinizes his swim schedule. He, like many other athletes here at the Creek, practices in both the mornings and afternoons during the school week, as well as on Saturday mornings. This transition from sports to school causes some internal hysteria, as students will be moving and exercising, then proceed to sit still and learn for eight hours. This, combined with a second practice in the afternoon, risks overscheduling, which can be detrimental to the young mind. Overscheduling, or having an overflow of extracurriculars, contributes to poor psychosocial adjustments, as well as compromising relationships between friends and undermining bonds between students and parents. These negative impacts of being a student athlete, as noted by the Society for Research in Child Development, are created through a lack of free time and immense physical exertion for multiple hours a day.

To be a student athlete, you have to take the good and the bad. To be a student athlete, you have to work hard. To be a student athlete, you have to overcome obstacles. To be a student athlete, you learn to apprecaite it as well.

This is what it means to be a student athlete.

THE CHARIOT | 11

FEATURES

COVER:

CHAOS

RACHEL ROTHMAN, editor-in-chief IZZY WILEY, staff writer

12 | SHINYOUNG YANG

T

he definition of chaos is “complete disorder and confusion.” The term can be applied to both inaccurate propaganda and a tottering workforce in ways such as how these subjects impact the population and how one manages to sift through their disorganization.

Wrong, misleading information can be designated the root of a lot of the chaos that society faces. When people don’t know what is real and what is fake, confusion settles in and there becomes no “real” anymore; the line between true and false becomes blurred and is repeatedly crossed over. Misinformation is being wrong on accident while d i s i n for m a tion is being wrong on purpose; both can have chaotic effects in many different spheres of life. Both have spread throughout our society, mutating every time a new conduit to share this infor mat ion emerges. And each time it comes back stronger; with the capacity to reach more people and potentially do more harm.

Sorting through the differences between fraud and reliability is the tricky task that society has been assigned.

The phrase “fake news” has been highly politicized in today’s world, so much so that its true meaning was lost along the way. The more people use this phrase to describe things that in actuality are not fake news or exaggerate its use, the more its intended purpose is hindered.

The University of Michigan defines fake news as “news

stories that are false: the story itself is fabricated, with no verifiable facts, sources or quotes.” When stories are written without displacing all of the facts or contextualizing the event, it leads the reader to believe the wrong information and spread it along on different platforms and even through conversation. Chaos and confusion can quickly ensue when no one knows the truth because both sides believe that they are correct. This can lead to a rift in society and a distrust in forms of media.

False advertising and deceiving consumers, a frequent form of disinformation and misinformation, have become mainstream.

Cases like Subway falsely advertising their foot-long subs to be 12 inches and Rice Krispies incorrectly claiming their cereal could boost people’s immune systems are far more common than most people may believe. Companies focus on making a profit and often lose their value of product integrity. What might seem like a simple economic shortcut can lead to mass confusion as many consumers spend money on products that do not actually achieve or fulfill their intended purpose. Oftentimes these misleadings are more significant in their effects. An example would be when back in 2014, Snapchat falsely claimed that pictures and videos sent would automatically disappear and not be accessible after they had been sent.

“I have said that propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation have always been part of political warfare.

Social media and other new platforms have given it a new life and reach through which the fake news phenomenon can reach everywhere.”

-Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

THE CHARIOT | 13

FEATURES

They were investigated by the Federal Trade Commission and they found that “because the service’s deletion feature only functions in the official Snapchat app, recipients can use these widely available third-party apps to view and save snaps indefinitely.” They also lied about users being able to get notified when someone took a screenshot of a snap. Furthermore the FTC found Snapchat “deceived consumers over the amount of personal data it collected and the security measures taken to protect that data from misuse and unauthorized d i s c l o s u r e .”

Snapchat had claimed that it would protect its users’ information and by doing so falsely advertised their product and misinformed consumers. This created chaos as users of the app became worried about where their information was ending up because there were many loopholes that people could use to save pictures and videos of people. Snapchat had promised privacy to its users and deceived them.

Many forms of faulty news have been used throughout history, yellow journalism being one of them. Yellow journalism is a type of reporting that substitutes sen-

sationalism for facts. In the late 1800’s two journalists, William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, had been using this strategy of yellow journalism for some time, and by using it had created a very polarized political climate. In 1898, a U.S. ship off the coast of Cuba sank and Hearst and Pulitzer published rumors that Spain was responsible. Because everyone believed these exaggerated claims that these journalists had been publishing, it wasn’t long before these rumors had a hold on readers . People were outraged about these claims and urged President McKinley to take action. Britannica states how “the U.S. public, prompted by the New York Journal and other sensational papers in the grips of yellow journalism, held Spain unquestionably responsible.” Because of the heightened public support, the country did end up engaging in war with Spain, and this led to the chaos of putting a country through warfare.

Historically, fake news has been the root to numerous variations of chaos. The future, however, may be subject to the chaos of reality. Gen Z has publicized their inability to harbor a dream job because of the undesir-

“The degrading kind of journalism is known as yellow journalism. It is a journalism without soul. Facts are distorted or exaggerated. There is very little truth in the stories.”

-Vir Bala Aggarwal

14 | SHINYOUNG YANG

able qualities of labor and the overall workforce. The actuality of this situation is that as a result of the pandemic, many who take part in the workforce have experienced burnout and discontent with their current professions. The anti-labor viewpoint has gained popularity through social media platforms such as TikTok, which has further influenced the younger generation.

Additionally, Gen Z expects employers to acknowledge the balance between work and life. Business Insider recently released data demonstrating Gen Z’s likelihood to change occupations, proving the young workforce’s instability. At this rate, the protest against these employers may result in more chaos than intended.

While the younger generation has benefited from technology and used it as an outlet to argue against labor, those of an older generation may have their doubts on the subject. While there are those that are willing to adapt to change and modernize accordingly, some insist on the old ways of communication, work, schooling etc. The chaos of these contradicting ideals have proven prominency because of the newly technology-dependent environment. An example of this is the “QR code menu.” The QR code menu had its up-

start during the rise of the pandemic, but has maintained its position long after the pandemic’s origin.

Many dining facilities still provide physical copies of menus in addition to the QR code, but the sole existence of the digital menu can cause a feeling of disconnection to those who aren’t in possession of a cellular device. This also applies to the current labor market.

According to encyclopedia.com, “​When older people are excluded from the industrial labor market, they become dependent on the young, losing social status.” The modernization theory, formalized by Donald Cowgill and Lowell Holmes in 1972, claims that this disclusion can actually decrease the reputation of the older generation once retired; “loss of income, prestige and honor arising from labor market participation lead to a decline in the status of older people.”

Considering the chaotic nature of inaccurate news and the social hierarchy of the labor force, it may seem as though disarray is unavoidable. However, understanding these points and how they contribute to confusion, opens the door to growth as a civilization. Just like the eye of a hurricane, knowledge serves as the calm amidst the storm of chaos.

THE CHARIOT | 15

FEATURES

Deconstructing

s r e l l i K l a i r Se

CHANDRA SENTELL, features editor

S

16 | SHINYOUNG YANG

erial killers are defined by a number of characteristics: shallow emotions, lack of empathy, anti-social, impulsive and predatory behaviors. But what led them down this path? A common trend amongst these killers is that they experienced early childhood abuse, both physical and psychological. From John Wayne Gacy, the Killer Clown, to Ted Bundy, almost all serial killers experienced trauma that caused them to seek personal gratification through killing.

Henry Mansfield Howard, known as H.H Holmes, was America’s first serial killer; he grew up in an abusive household where he developed an extreme hatred for both of his parents and a violent nature towards others.

It was not until he grew older that he truly began to act on his psychopathic nature. He built a “Murder Castle” that had secret passageways, trapdoors and soundproof torture rooms. These would allow him to transport his victims to the basement where he would conduct his experiments. He went onto murder an estimated 200 people, all of which he befriended and welcomed into his home. H.H Holmes explained that his urge to kill was second nature to him. It was something he was born with and could not prevent, but he was shaped by physical abuse from a young age that encouraged his psychopathic behavior.

Infamous killer, Edward Gein, aka the Butcher of Plainfield, experienced a tragic upbringing. He was born into a family with

“I am a serial killer. I would kill again.”

-Aileen Wuornos

a heavily religious mother and an alcoholic father on an isolated farm where he was taught to hate women. As he grew older, he became dependent on his mother, and when she died it drove him to insanity.

His mental health spiraled and he had constant psychotic breaks. During these breaks, he would search for women that he could kill and use their body parts to recreate his deceased mother. This fascination was caused by the love-hate relationship with women his parents instilled in him. His mental illness consumed his entire being and turned into full-scale psychosis.

David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam, experienced death at a very young age when his adoptive mom had a long, unsuccessful battle with cancer. This caused him to slowly detach from the world around him until he completely isolated himself. As he grew older, he joined the army and became an excellent marksman, but, despite his achievements, he felt incomplete. Once he left the military, he developed many violent tendencies including a love for fire. He set many fires across New York City but was never caught. This soon progressed when he claimed he heard voices in his head of demons telling him to harm young women. He saw anyone close to him as a demon begging him to kill, and he eventually gave in. His victims were chosen at random, and Berkowitz had convinced himself this needed to be done. He went as far as taunting the police, and if it wasn’t for a witness that could place him at the crime, he might have never stopped. He was unable to stop himself; he created an alternate reality where he believed he was being forced to kill.

The first female serial killer, Aileen Wuornos, showed the world that men were not the only ones capable of

murder. She grew up with an abusive father who was in and out of mental hospitals and a mother who was not there. She was forced to live with her grandparents which was far from ideal as her grandmother neglected her and her grandfather abused her. Life did not get any easier for Aileen as she was raped multiple times in her youth and eventually dropped out of school and turned to prostitution. Due to the trauma she endured as a child, she sought a way to avenge her childhood self. She created an elaborate scheme where she lured men off Florida interstate 75, only to rob them, kill them and steal their cars. Aileen viewed herself as a heroine that was fighting for a cause.

All of these killers had similar upbringings that led them down their path. They all experienced extreme neglect and did not recieve any medical help that may have prevented them from committing murder. Edward Gein went insane based on the psychological manipulation he endured as a child. Aileen Wuronos believed the only way to avenge her childhood self was to kill any man who sought her services. David Berkowitz, a paranoid schizophrenic, received no help his entire life and people only intervened once he had already given in to his psychotic tendencies. Herman Mansfield Howard was groomed as a child to be the perfect psychopath; he was never shown love and was taught to be cold and calculating when it came to human desires.

No one is born a killer, but one can learn to kill. These killers faced devastating events as they were growing up and were never given the help needed to prevent their mental breaks. They all reached their breaking points and took matters into their own hands to prevent them from being abused, neglected or mistreated again.

THE CHARIOT | 17

Analyzing Dreams AILEEN HA, managing editor

A

midst the hours between midnight and 7 a.m., dreams make their way into my unconscious state of mind. I have this recurring dream where I am contently lost in conversation, sometimes with family, sometimes with friends, but the feeling of tranquility is soon interrupted as an ominous feeling creeps in. In this state of my subconscious, I run to the nearest mirror where a troubling sight stands before me: I stand there shocked as my previously 32-teeth-filled mouth is replaced by an atrocious gap in the top row. Of course, panic seeps in as I plan out my anticipated absences from school since naturally, I cannot attend school in this current state; as I ponder having to visit the orthodontist, a place I usually aim to avoid, my anxiety further escalates. While my comatose self is stuck struggling with dental dilemmas, relief sets in at 6:45 a.m. when the blaring alarm rings from my iPhone, signaling the start of a brand new day.

Dreams take on multiple forms; whether it involves one’s self, an alter ego or some random manifestation of your psyche, dreams are specific to the dreamer and are a reflection of life. One of the most commonly adopted dream theories was proposed by Sigmund Freud, a renowned psychologist, in which he suggested that dreams are composed of two forms: the latent content and the manifest content. While the manifest content is the surface-level summary of one’s dream, the latent content is the underlying meaning of the dream, which according to Freud, is the brain’s way of compensating for both physiological and psychological states through memory consolidation, regulating emotions and deciphering events or stimuli that occur in the conscious state. Freud’s theory proposes that dreams are the mind’s way of releasing our id, the instinctive personal desires that conflict with our super-ego, the moral conscience aspect of our mind, allowing us to live our deepest unfulfilled wishes that people are unaware of vicariously through dreams.

18 | CROSSWALK

Throughout the night, humans pass through varying stages of sleep every 90 minutes: Non-Rapid Eye Movement Stage 1, NREM Stage 2, NREM Stage 3 and Rapid Eye Movement sleep. While the NREM stages are known to be the precursor stages that allow the body to relax into a static state, the REM stage is the peak time for dreams during sleep. At this stage, our eyes rapidly move despite our paralyzed bodily state, and, our brain activity rises and both our heart and breathing rates increase. According to G. William Domhoff, who utilized brain imaging technology and electroencephalograms (EEGs) to study brain activity, dreams are linked to the daydreams we experience in our conscious state and lead to a high level of brain activity, reflecting the stimuli we experience in our daily lives.

In a way, dreams act as mental therapy; they aid in emotional processing where the mind regulates and controls emotions that may be a reaction to external stimuli that occur in our wakeful condition, allowing for memory reinforcement by acting as a medium for the nervous system to process short-term memories into long-term ones and serve as an outlet to foster creativity and boost brain performance.

After intense research into my dream, or in other words, surfing the interwebs, I learned possible meanings that might underlie my recurring dream of my teeth falling out. According to the results, it seems that dreams regarding teeth terrors are common. These unconscious hallucinations can either reflect dental problems in the wakeful state, an idea

much more surface level or a notion that runs deeper, such as anxiety about aging, stress of sudden life changes or a subconscious reaction to experiencing loss. Well, I don’t have any dental problems that I know of but I do have a fear of going to orthodontists, so that reasoning could be a possibility. On a more profound level, as a senior, submitting applications and making decisions regarding universities does induce stress as I near the finish line of high school and prepare for the leap into adulthood, something many consider to be a significant life change.

No matter the meaning, whether it reflects my inane fear of visits to the orthodontist or anxiety about maturing towards the next steps in life, it’s apparent that dreams are much more than a simple figment of one’s imagination.

While many more theories of dreams exist or have yet to be discovered, one thing is clear: they prove to be much more beneficial for both our internal and external states than one might previously believe. These fantasies that we experience in our sleep-induced state process what we cannot during the times we are awake, and they are the key to helping understand our needs, our desires and ourselves as a whole on a much deeper level than we could ever know. Whether they include a fantastical element or something much more realistic, dreams are an excellent representation of mental thoughts that ache to bubble up to the surface, so maybe it’s time to run to your nearest Target, buy a notebook and keep record of one’s dreams to reveal the thoughts that so desperately wish to be known.

“Dreams take on multiple

forms, whether it involves one’s self, an alter ego or some random manifestation of your psyche...”

ILIKEWALLPAPER | 19

FEATURES

Social Media’s Influence On The Youth’s Political Views Sanjana Shah, staff writer

B

ased on a report conducted

by Common Sense Media, teenagers in the United States will spend an estimated five to seven hours a day on social media, which equates to one and a half of their childhood years scrolling apps such as Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

Among the many impacts social media has on a child’s psychological well being, one of the most profound is the effect it can have on influencing an individual’s way of thinking. For a generation born in the aftermath of 9/11, shaped by the economic recession of 2008, and most recently plagued by the pandemic, social media has played a large role in influencing youth’s views on politics.

In recent years, social media has become an increasingly important source of political news for younger generations. Nowadays, young people resort to finding news on their own whereas in past generations they would depend on their parents to read newspapers and watch the nightly news to stay informed. This

20 | UCONN TODAY

form of political socialization, or the process by which one gets their ideas about politics and government, is becoming more and more dependent on social media. According to the Online Media and Global Communication Journal, “social media can build new relationships between political actors and young adults, enable social interaction about political topics, connect people” and “enhance political opinion expression.” The study also showed a positive correlation between the use of social media and various forms of political engagement, such as an increase in protesting among youth.

However, with social media comes the likelihood of younger people being exposed to misinformation that can rapidly circulate on the internet.

Propaganda and fake news is likely to appeal to the emotions of younger users who are likely less knowledgeable than their adult counterparts. Teens may not fact-check the content they receive resulting in more spread of misinformation.

Another consideration is the impact social media poses on youth voting behavior. This is because voting behavior is directly influenced by a politician’s posts, tweets, and overall Internet activity, especially since young voters tend to look online first before making a voting decision. Consequently, it was found that accessing political content on social media increased the likelihood that someone voted in the 2016 election. One Pew Study research found that people in their teens were 9.3% to 16.5% more likely to vote after viewing political content online. Not only will politicians use social media to connect with voters, but young voters will also use social media to learn and encourage others to vote for particular candidates.

In recent years, social media has led to a booming era of creativity, knowledge, and revolution. However, we must be aware of both the positive and negative impacts social media can have on the political views of our youth.

Reducing The CHAOS of Travel

W

Ethan Palgon, staff writer

hen you think about going on vacation and traveling, you think about taking a break from your chaotic everyday life. But for many people, traveling can cause even more stress. Travel stress is a feeling o f mental strain and pressure. Although traveling has several positive aspects and benefits, it can lead to people having a negative vacation experience. Feeling overwhelmed with planning, air travel experiences, concerns about the safety of a destination, difficulty handling unexpected events, financial strains and unrealistic expectations can be a lot for some people.

Traveling is chaotic, but how do you prevent it? The most stressful part of traveling for people starts before the trip even begins; this includes doing travel research, making travel arrangements, making an itinerary and packing.

It is also when people often begin to have financial concerns related to the trip. The easiest way to make the process less stressful is to approach it in parts and stages rather than being overwhelmed by everything you need to do at once.

Make a checklist and slowly work through it, starting with the most urgent and leaving the rest for later. Enlist any f e l l o w

travel companions to help so you can divide up the tasks. Also, being organized is a big step in reducing the pressure of traveling. Set aside some dedicated time to work on travel planning. You also might want to dedicate a special notebook or computer folder to keep documents and notes together.

Financial-related concerns may be one of the most stressful issues, and they affect our relationships, our work and even our health. Money plays a significant role in travel, as it can limit where we go, how we get there, where we stay and what we can do once we get there. Trips can be expensive and although there are many ways to save money on travel, it is a considerable expense for most people. This extra spending can put a strain on a person’s finances. Some ways to reduce the hassle are to check your finances and make a realistic budget plan. It doesn’t have to be complex, just something simple so you know how much you feel comfortable spending and how that might be budgeted across your trip.

Also, do some research to make the most of your travel money by comapring prices before booking, checking for discount city passes and looking for deals and coupons. Booking plane tickets, hotels and rental cars in advance will often save you money and help you better anticipate your costs. Research finds that people feel more relieved about the price if they book at least a month in advance (likely due to the passing of time). Now that you know how to manage your stress while traveling, you can finally vacay at ease. You deserve it!

THE CHARIOT| 21

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

22 | THE CHARIOT

Chaos In Art Drew Tostenson, sports editor

A

rt and chaos have a deep connection and often go hand-in-hand. Art, in all its forms, is a vessel of self-expression, so it comes as no surprise that from some of the most dark and chaotic times have come some of the most beautiful and meaningful works of art. In times of chaos, art reminds us of our shared humanity. In these times, art is created and consumed at a greater volume. As AP Art History students understand, oftentimes the best way to understand a society and the feelings of its individuals is through the art they produce.

There is no better example than the French Revolution when it comes to chaos being the topic of art.

From sculptures to paintings to architecture, artists turned to many art forms to express and represent the events they experienced and the feelings they had about them. “The Death of Marat,” a shocking painting

by Jacques-Louis David, is an excellent example of this.

The painting depicts the murder of Jean-Paul Marat, a political figure and revolutionary leader working to overthrow the French monarch and government. Some believe it is the first modernist work of art because it portrays political content that has not been transmuted.

David was also a revolutionary leader alongside Marat, which is clear by the way he painted Marat in the style of a Christian martyr, with Marat being shined on by a glowing light. Of course, Marat is not a religious figure but a political “saint” of the revolution to David. “The Death of Marat” eternalizes Marat’s murder and the French Revolution as a whole and is an excellent example of artists creating works during times of hardship.

Art reminds us of our shared humanity, an important effort during times of chaos. According to the University of Pennsylvania: Social Impact of the Arts Project, art is said to improve “community wellbeing by building social connections within groups and across social divides.” During times of war, famine and social divides, people empathize with artists by seeing the emotion and feelings in their works. A sense of community and unity is also achieved as people can experience art together. “The Death of Marat” was able to humanize two revolutionary leaders and people on both sides of the conflict were able to come together over the violence and tragedy of the murder.

The September 11th Memorial & Museum in Manhattan, New York is another work of art that establishes unity. The memorial was chosen through the winner of a public design contest, and Michael Arad and Peter Walker’s “Reflecting Absence” was chosen.

The memorial uses art to create solidarity as a result of a tragic event. The site consists of two large waterfall pools which sit in the footprints of the North and South towers. Names of those killed in the attacks are inscribed on the edges of the pools. It is a perfect example of art creating a silver lining out of a chaotic time.

Art can be an effective coping mechanism for those who are struggling. Studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information have shown that the use of visual and performing arts at hospitals decreased the length of average hospital stays, and there are “many potential benefits of art in enhancing health and wellness.”

The use of art to cope with chaos goes back centuries.

Ancient societies often buried the dead in decorative burial mounds, and many famous sites like Stonehenge are burial sites. Today, almost every site of tragedy has some sort of artistic memorial that allows visitors to sympathize with the victims of these tragedies.

Art can be more than just a response to chaos, it can be the cause of it. Many political figures patronized works of art that bent the truth or glorified violent acts to change public perception. Later in history, governing bodies utilized propaganda to instill chaos. Both sides in World War II were known to airdrop leaflets on enemy cities in an attempt to lower public morale. Many of these leaflets featured images of the industrial and military might of a nation. Propaganda took over film, television, music, literature and art during the Cold War. Effects of this can still be seen today as propaganda continues to be used to sway people’s polotiical opinons.

Chaos and art have a deep connection. People create art in times of hardship, people consume art in those times and art can have many positive effects in these hard times. From therapy to unity, art offers a way for people to cope with chaotic times. Every coin has two sides, however, and art can also be used to create chaos. Whatever the situation, there is clearly a relationship between art and chaos.

THE CHARIOT | 23

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

H

it songs from top artists, Insta-worthy pictures and dancing amongst thousands of people are some perks to attending a music festival. Although most music festivals are a blast, they’re vulnerable to failures. In fact, it isn’t rare that some festivals end up in chaos, even leading to the deaths of innocent people.

One infamous case of a failed festival is the Fyre Festival of 2017. Advertised as an “immersive music festival” on a private beach in the Bahamas, attendees were promised private villages, gourmet food and a lineup consisting of famous rappers. It was also promoted by influencers like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Roughly 5,000 people bought tickets, ranging anywhere from $1,200 to $25,000. However, upon arrival, attendees found no sign of villas nor gourmet food and were left stranded. Billy McFarland, the organizer of the event, turned out to be the backbone of the ridiculous scam.

With only eight weeks to plan, his focus was on promotion rather than setting up the venue or paying the artists. The festival was immediately canceled, and only some were able to get a refund through their own credit card company. Huge damage was done to investors, attendees and workers on the island that were promised to be paid after the festival. Later on, people filed a million-dollar class action lawsuit and McFarland was eventually sentenced to six years in prison. All other contributors such as rapper Ja Rule, the co-organizer of the event and the influencers all claimed that they had nothing to do with the fraud. Only some of them spoke out on social media, and Kendall Jenner paid a $90,000

settlement out of the $275,000 she initially received.

Another tragedy happened recently at the Astroworld Festival in 2021, an annual event held by rapper Travis Scott in Houston. Problems arose immediately when the crowd of 50,000 rushed towards the stage causing a stampede. Although Scott stopped the show a few times to aid passed-out attendees, he was unaware of the severity of the bigger crowd in the back. Despite at least hundreds of people getting injured, the show went on for the planned time. Video footage of people dancing on ambulances was shared online, clearly showing the chaotic situation. The night resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including a nine-year-old boy. Despite rumors that the main cause of death was an intoxicating substance, it was revealed that all but one victim’s only found cause of death was compression asphyxia, where breathing is cut off due to a strong external force. After canceling the festival, Travis Scott spoke out on his Instagram expressing how devastated he was, and he eventually refunded everyone who attended and offered to pay for the funerals of the victims, which most refused.

No amount of money could bring back the lives lost at the tragic scene.

Festivals are a great way for people to release stress and connect with other people, but failed festivals from the past clearly show their darker side and how disastrous it can get, even leading to death. In festivals with magnitudes like these, it is important that all contributors are more precautious and plan accordingly to prevent any more mishaps in the future.

Failed Festivals Seojean Ahn, staff writer

24 | XXLMAG

Casting Non-Traditional Roles Maya Clay, staff writer

W

ithin the last decade, there has been an uprising of age-old books and stories told through a new lens, with People of Color at the forefront of these tales.

From the stages of New York with the Hamilton production to the adaption of beloved series like Percy Jackson, the entertainment industry is steadily expanding the diversity we see in media. However, this revolution of casting people of color has led to varied opinions. Some call it an attempt for Hollywood to seem “woke” in this day and age of protest, while others feel as though they are finally getting their overdue time in the spotlight. The technique Hollywood has used for recent casting is considered “color-blind” casting. It is a process in which casting directors look beyond one’s physical appearance and scout purely on talent. We see it in the 1996 adaption of “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” The film utilized Whoopie Goldberg, a black woman, and Victor Garbera, a white man, as the parents of an Asian prince charming. Color blind casting gives kids of color new role models and stories to tell that don’t center around their racial identity. The other side of this spectrum is “color-conscious” casting, utilizing people of color with an understanding of how it will affect the depiction of the character. Look at the Broadway musical Hamilton. Lin Manuel Miranda set out to only cast POC in the roles of historical white men to flip the narrative on its head. Color conscious casting, when done right, adds new

depths to an established character.

Leah Jeffries, a young back girl, is set to play Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Percy Jackson television series. The announcement left many fans in an uproar, claiming that Annabeth needed to be a blonde because her character faces prejudice of being the “dumb blonde” despite her overbearing intelligence. Blinded by their dedication to the books, fans couldn’t seem to understand the author’s, Rick Riordan, choice when he opened up about hand-selecting Leah Jeffries because she was simply the best pick for the role.

Despite these outlooks, many people think this new wave has been for attention instead of progression - an excuse to stay relevant. Announcements of a woman of color playing the new James Bond and a black woman cast as Anne Boelyn in an upcoming biopic, are called into question.

People begin to wonder: “Why cast POC just to retell the same story?

Why not make a new character instead of giving them recycled roles?

Why break tradition?” These critiques were meant to question the integrity of directors and the need for these different castings. This revolution of diversifying Hollywood has shown the good and ugly of the argument. It has, without question, opened doors for undermined actors to rise and receive admiration, but the question of whether it is for betterment and talent or simple firestarters is additionally left open. Many people will continue to see this as prosperous for the future, yet doubt will always trickle through.

COMMON SENSE MEDIA | 25

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PLAYLIST

1. Tekka | Sweet Trip 2. The Train #2 | The Aislers Set 3. SSK | 3nd 4. Come In | Weatherday 5. Étude Op. 25, No. 11 | Frédéric Chopin 6. The Title Track | Origami Angel 7. Winona | Drop Nineteens 8. Fight Fire With Fire | Metallica ho is is Weatherday eatherday?

Who Savannah Townsend, Staff Writer

I

n 2019, the artist Weatherday, also known as Sputnik, released their most popular song, “Come In.” The beat is lawlessly written, not adhering to any normal standards of general music. The usage of drums and electric guitars sums up the emotions of the singer and guides listeners through a maze of human feelings. Additionally, the rapid beginning allows the listener to be quickly engulfed in the wild nature of the song. In contrast with the turbulent beat, the artist’s words are faint and few but express the singer’s longing for someone to stay with them.

However, the faintness of the lyrics also give listeners the freedom to apply the song to whatever they

26 | BUNNY PLUSH FORGERY

feel most at that moment. While listeners should feel the freedom to apply the song in different ways, Sputnik also gave some insight into the meaning of this song, saying that “it is aligned with a queerscore… [and] there is a heavy focus on gender.”

Keeping with the theme of disorderly emotions, in the outro, the music suddenly ends and listeners are introduced to a female speaker saying “I never thought I’d hear those words coming from you.” This seems to imply that the original singer’s emotions are unexpected and spontaneous, and that the secondary speaker is stunned by his thoughts. In conclusion, the song “Come In” is an authentic plea from a lonely individual that many people around the world may relate to.

MAXIMALIST Olivia Courtney, Staff Writer

M

aximalist fashion has made a major comeback in mainstream fashion this summer. Maximalist fashion is associated with bold colors, excessive layering and contrasting textures – to put it simply – completely and entirely unconventional. Designer brands like Vivienne Westwood and “Heaven” by Marc Jacobs have been in the public eye this year for collections featuring bold prints, extravagant iconography and chunky accessories. Recently, retail brands have been delving into more maximalist styles as well. Fashion retailers like H&M and Wild Fable by Target have made maximalist styles more accessible for people to incorporate in their everyday fashion. “That’s what fashion is; I don’t think it should be one type of trend,” Ms. Kim, the art and fashion design teacher at Johns Creek High School said. “As long as you know how to put it together well…you can have all these choices but you can always simplify to make it your own, so it just depends on the individual and how they put it together.” Bright colors, abstract silhouettes and wild prints are making their way into everyday fashion, but these trendy styles did not emerge out of nowhere. Maximalist fashion entering the mainstream has been credited to the Harajuku subculture that arose out of Tokyo in the 1980s. Harajuku is a collective subculture made up of different off-beat Japanese street styles like Decora, a style that emphasizes extreme accessorizing. The style was popularized in mainstream media in the 1990s through style publications like FRUiTS magazine. The minimalist styles that trumped trending fashion during the pandemic totally

FASHION

contrast the trends of this summer. The aftermath of the quarantine period is thought to have inspired a more maximalist approach to fashion.

With people working and studying from home, athleisure and loungewear rose in popularity. The trending color palettes were monochromatic, pastels and lots of neutrals. “Before COVID, the designers tried to guide you into certain areas, but because of COVID everybody was in loungewear for a long time, but nwow people have more room to express themselves.” Ms. Kim said. “Fashion isn’t always about fashion, it’s political and it’s all about what’s happening on earth, and so designers also consider that. So whatever’s happening to us in this world, they kind of design towards that too. That’s part of fashion. More than ever fashion is concerned about different types of bodies, sizes and all that, so I think they’re just going to be free to give you more choices instead of just ‘This is it.’”

It is thought that the return of maximalism is also, in part, due to time decreasing between trend cycles. Minimalist trends completely contrasted the hyper-flashy trends of the late 2000s. But with trend cycles getting shorter due to fast-fashion and overconsumption, the vividity and ornate details of the late 2000s are returning. Fashion is becoming more accessible than ever, which gives people the power to embody their feelings or opinions in an outward way.

The importance of the comeback of maximalism, or the comeback of any trend for that matter, is that it offers a view of what’s happening in the world through the lens of individual expression.

PAPER MAGAZINE | 27

OPINION

Do Protests Go Too Far?

f a c e o f f

28 | THE CHARIOT

YES

P

rotests are a necessary part of enforcing your civil rights.

Oftentimes these demonstrations serve as the catalyst for eras of political and cultural growth. More recently, however, the polarized bureaucracy of many organizations have led to protests becoming less about societal conflicts, and more about pushing personal agendas. This past June, when the landmark case Roe v. Wade was overturned, I went to an abortion rights protest. After learning about the mid-to-late sixties demonstrations in Mrs. Smiley’s United States History Class, I was eager to live out this piece of history and learn more about the subject. However, once I arrived at the Georgia State Capitol, I was shocked at the extent of the protest. While listening to

NO

W

ith the rise of social media, an epidemic of misinformation and dramatization has plagued people’s minds. The algorithm strives to show the most interesting and entertaining posts to the majority of feeds, and anything that falls short of jaw-dropping and exhilarating fails to gain attention on the internet. This idea is no different when it comes to protests; whether it be on social media, television or news sites, people post videos and images of the protests that are the most shocking, and the algorithm buries any evidence of peaceful and beautiful protests. Think of the protests that you have seen on your social media feed: the first things that probably come to mind are raging fires, broken glass and destruction.

AASHWIN SHARMA, editor-in-chief speeches given by protest organizers, many used their platform to preach what they saw as the benefits of socialism and other extraneous topics instead of focusing on the topic of abortion rights. These speeches led many protest-goers to question the intentions of the political organization that hosted the event. Furthermore, I found it paradoxical that many of the same people who were leading these anti-capitalist demonstrations were wearing designer and Nike clothing - whose logo serves as iconography for American capitalism. Although these were just a few speakers out of thousands across the United States who used their platforms to educate, other demonstrations have led to questions arising over the true role of protests. While

protests are meant to shed light on civil issues, many leaders have taken advantage of the rebellious atmosphere beyond the scope of change. For example, in the 1992 Los Angeles riots, while many people used their platforms to speak on the unjust murder of Rodeny King, some rioters took advantage of the chaos and wreaked havoc on the city. Once the riots had dwindled, the Koreatown neighborhood was left in ash from the protesters’ arson. Resulting in the death of over 60 people, the arrests of over 12,000 and an estimated property damage of over one-billion dollars, the protest went far beyond the scope of justice and into the realm of revenge. Moving forward, it is imperative that we learn to use compassion to lead to growth.

GIULI CAPPARELLI, copy editor Your mind likely doesn’t jump to orderly lines of people walking through town chanting peaceful and relevant messages even though this is the majority of protests. According to a study done by The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data in 2020, “Between 24 May and 22 August, ACLED records more than 10,600 demonstration events across the country. Over 10,100 of these — or nearly 95% — involve peaceful protesters.” ACLED’s report continues, stating, “Fewer than 570 [protests] — or approximately 5% — involve demonstrators engaging in violence.” In 2020, during the peak of Black Lives Matter protests, I went to a protest myself in the Johns Creek area. A large group of us met in the Saddlebrook shopping center and walked two miles

chanting phrases such as “Black Lives Matter!” and “Give them justice!” Accompanying us were multiple police officers, ensuring our safety and, likely, ensuring the protest remained peaceful- and it did.

We all chanted and marched with the genuine goal of bringing attention to and supporting the BLM cause, not with the intention of destruction and chaos. Everybody made sure to check on one-another in the sweltering Georgia heat, and multiple announcements were made reminding everyone that the goal was protesting peacefully. So, do protests go too far? Some do.

But the five percent of bad protests are 99 percent of what is televised, while the 95 percent of good protests quietly fight for good.

THE CHARIOT | 29

OPINION

R omanticiz ing C riminals ELLA CHO, news editor

F

rom “Night Stalker” to “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes,” shows focused on serial killers have constantly sparked interest in all kinds of Netflix fans. Whether it be exploring a murderer’s childhood or showcasing interviews with killers, it is no surprise that these films never fail to attract an audience. As humans, it is natural to feel curiosity towards the abnormal. People fear what they don’t understand and respond by attempting to comprehend the unknown. Serial killers easily fall under the abnormal category, and as a result, people are unconsciously drawn to them, hoping to find a way to understand their heinous actions. Recently, though, this desire has become too extreme with the trend of romanticizing criminals, which disregards any respect for the victims.

When the word serial killer pops up, Ted Bundy is one of the first to come to mind. Active during the 1970s, Bundy was notorious for sexually assaulting and murdering hundreds of women in a number of states.

Though his executions took place many years ago, the release of the Netflix show “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” greatly emphasized Bundy’s charm and charisma, piquing the interest of several people. This eventually contributed to the trend of romanticizing criminals on TikTok, with people making videos on how “Ted Bundy is so fine.” His crimes are completely ignored as the videos only focus on his perfect face and dashing smile. Some even go as far as to claim that they would “let him kill [them],” mock-

30 | SHINYOUNG YANG

ing the victims who truly suffered. Bundy may have an alluring smile and charismatic attitude, but pleasing appearances are not enough to erase his crimes.

Ted Bundy isn’t the only one gaining popularity for his looks. Though not a serial killer, Cameron Herrin, currently 22 years old, was sentenced to 24 years in prison after killing a mother and her child during a car race with his friend. A clip of Herrin receiving his sentence was passed around on TikTok, and not only did people fawn over his appearance, some even started a petition that demanded justice for Herrin. Though they made decent argumentative points, such as the fact that he turned himself in, their arguments were greatly undermined by the closeups of Herrin’s face and the romantic music in the background.

Just like with Ted Bundy, there was no attention given to the victims at all. They talked about the tears that Herrin shed when he received his sentence but completely left out details on how the victim’s husband, Raubenolt, spent two years trying to get justice for his wife and daughter while still grieving.

Curiosity towards criminals is inevitable, but TikTokers have moved beyond understanding killers to fullon romanticizing them. The videos that are being made completely separate these heinous murderers from their crimes and turn them into celebrities instead. A line needs to be drawn for the victims. A dashing smile and charming attitude will never be enough to erase the heartbreaking crimes that took innocent lives.

masthead PUBLICATION The Chariot is a student-run publication printed for and distributed to the Johns Creek community. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the entire staff or those of Johns Creek High School, its students, faculty, staff or administration.

Content is edited and controlled by staff editors, in collaboration with the staff adviser and the administration. The staff will publish only legally protected speech, adhering to the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and the invasion of privacy.

ADVERTISING The chariot publishes ads with signed contracts provided that they are deemed appropriate by the staff for the intended audience. For more information about advertising with The Chariot, please contact the staff email.

CONTACT US jchschariotmagazine@gmail.com 5575 State Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 COVER DESIGN Shinyoung Yang Rachel Rothman Aashwin Sharma EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Rachel Rothman Aashwin Sharma MANAGING EDITOR Aileen Ha

MASTHEAD

NEWS EDITOR Ella Cho SPORTS EDITOR Drew Tostenson FEATURES EDITOR Chandra Sentell OPINION EDITOR Vera Lee COPY EDITOR Giuli Capparelli STAFF WRITERS Seojean Ahn Nikhil Bhagavati Olivia Courtney Eli Fleischer Hiti Gupta Prisha Mody Ethan Palgon Sanjana Shah Anika Srinivasan Savannah Townsend Isabel Wiley DESIGNERS Rachel Rothman Aashwin Sharma Shinyoung Yang Aileen Ha ADVISOR Gillian Alred

THE CHARIOT | 31

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 3. FAMOUS FRENCH DESIGNER SPECULATED TO BE A GERMAN SPY 5. AUTHOR OF THE BELL JAR 8. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RACHEL ROTHMAN’S DOG WHO IS ALSO A LONG-BEACH ICON 9. TYPE OF COMMA SHUNNED BY THE CHARIOT 11. FICTIOUS NAME USED BY AUTHORS 12. NINTH LETTER OF THE GREEK ALPHABET SPELLED BACKWARDS 13. THE __ LAST NAME OF OUR PREVIOUS EDITOR IN CHIEF 14. CANON HOMOPHONE 16. THE ONE WHO KNOCKS 18. NAME OF THE OLDEST RIVER IN THE UNITED STATES 20. PLAYER WHO STOLE HOME IN GAME ONE OF THE 2021 ALDS 21. ALTER EGO FOR WEATHERDAY 24. LAST NAME OF THE ARTIST OF THE SHOCKING PAINTING COVERED ON PAGE 23 25. ONLY STATE WITH A NON-RECTANGULAR FLAG

DOWN 1. NUMBER OF STUDENTS ON THE CHARIOT STAFF 2. COMPLETE DISORDER AND CONFUSION 4. PASTA THE ITALIAN WAY 6. ADVISOR OF THE CHARIOT BEFORE MRS. ALRED 7. WHAT PEOPLE USE TO ADVERTISE A CERTAIN VIEWPOINT 10. NEW CHRISTOPHER NOLAN MOVIE COMING OUT IN 2023 15. COMMUNITY, RESPECT, EXCELLENCE, ENGAGEMENT, AND DIGITAL RESPONSIBILITY 17. EUROPEAN ARTICLE NUMBER ABBREV. 19. MYSTERIOUS CIVILIZATION BEFORE THE ROMANS 22. ALTERED SPELLING OF THE FIRST PRIMORDIAL GOD IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY 23. WHAT A WOODCHUCK CHUCKS