Vol. 2 Issue 4

ISSUE 4

THE

MODERN FAMILY

FREE / FEB 2018

PREFACE

let t er from t he

EDITOR

I

t’s the 1950s. White picket fences line the road, the shock of color in stark contrast with the lush green manicured lawn. Dad is leaving for work, briefcase in one hand and newspaper in the other. Mom just took a pie out of the oven. Little Tommy is getting ready to go to school. Sally lost her doll and is in a panic to find it. This is the stereotypical image of the 50s family. The current modern family is a large deviation from this archetype of family.

We at “The Chariot” wanted to celebrate the family - all the families. It is no longer a two-parents-and-two-kids household world.

Design editor Caroline Kwon and staff writer Brooke Halak have crafted a cover story that serves as a brief overview of the modern family on a personal level against the background of a changing society. They feature students who have home lives that differ from the traditional 1950s nuclear family structure. They also included insight from counselors who help explain the transition to a new norm.

In this issue, copy editor Brian Sui analyzes the probability of nuclear war following missile launches and rising tensions. Staff writer Dani Blank covers the Time’s Up movement that spread awareness

through the color black and solidarity. In sports, staff writer Matt Press writes about the once-illegal, now-official NFL program My Cause, My Cleats, which allows football players to display the organizations and causes they support on their footwear.

In the opinion section, Editor-in-Chief Rachael Jones and staff writer Jake Peljovich faceoff on whether or not to maintain a romantic relationship from high school to college.

This March, “The Chariot” staff plans to travel to New York City to attend a journalism conference held by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association at Columbia University. “The Chariot” has been selected for a Columbia Crown Award, which will be awarded at the conference, for the work of the magazine staff last year. We are proud to accept the award on behalf of the 2016 - 2017 Chariot staff!

“The Chariot” staff and I try our best to represent all aspects and opinions of the Johns Creek community. We always welcome any feedback or comments concerning the issues that affect the community or the topics presented in this issue of “The Chariot.” We wish everyone luck this semester and hope you enjoy issue four of “The Chariot: The Modern Family.”

NIKITA DANI

edit or-in-chief

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contents 04. n ews 4. ROUNDUP 6. TIME’S UP 8. NUCLEAR WAR 9. NEW PRINCIPAL

10. sport s

Copy editor Brian Sui discusses the probability of nuclear war following the development of North Korean missiles. Page 8

10. MY CAUSE, MY CLEATS 12. HELICOPTER PARENTS 13. PARENT ATHLETES 14. 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS

16. fe ature s 16. COVER STORY: THE MODERN FAMILY 22. EVOLUTION OF TV FAMILIES

After several changes to Johns Creek’s principal position, news editor Maura McLynn explains the process of choosing a new principal. Page 9

24. MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

26. opinion 26. FACE-OFF: SPLITTING AFTER GRADUATION 28. REALITY CHECK 29. BEST TIME OF YEAR TO BREAK UP 30. DIVORCE EPIDEMIC

Staff writer Matt Press discusses the NFL policy on promoting different charities and the movement that has swept the field. My Cause, My Cleats has taken hold over NFL policies. Page 10

THE CHARIOT |3

NEWS

ICELAND

On the first day of the New Year, Iceland had passed a new piece of legislation pertaining to equal pay for men and women. Based on the new law, companies and government agencies that have 25 or more people employed are now required to receive certification verifying the equal pay policy. These companies have until 2021 to abide by these new rules, or they will receive fines.

Iceland has been named the most gender-equal country in the word for nine consecutive years.

UNITED STATES

During this severe flu season, California is one of the states being hit the hardest. The death toll of citizens under the age of 65 has risen to 27 in the state since October. Compared to last year, which had only three fatalities, the strains of influenza seem to be stronger and more common this year and have resulted in a lack of medication for the state. Most people becoming victims to the viral infection are being affected by the H3N2 strain, a form of the common sickness that is associated with harsh symptoms and resistance to vaccine.

ARGENTINA

Argentina has posted a four million-dollar reward to anybody who can find the submarine that had gone missing off the east coast of South America. The TR1700 submarine contained 44 crew members when the ship had vanished after a training exercise. 13 countries are involved in the search, but efforts have been futile.

However, money incentives could help the search.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX NEWS

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TAIWAN

On February 7, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 hit the small island nation of Taiwan. The natural disaster struck 13 miles north of the city of Hualien, and this tragedy will require much assistance from international organizations for the reconstruction. A major concern for the area that was affected includes toppling buildings that are seen being held up by wooden pillars.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALL STREET JOURNAL

SOUTH AFRICA

After years of population growth and climate change, the city of Cape Town is running extremely low on water for a variety of uses, including water for consumption. The city containing over four million people now expects to have “day zero” in the month of April.

The reservoirs have dropped to such a low level that all taps to houses and businesses will be turned off.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN

ROUNDUP JOHN POSA, staff writer

THE CHARIOT | 5

NEWS

TIME’S UP

THE BLACK DRESS MOVEMENT

6 | DAVID KIM

DANI BLANK, staff writer

“F

or too long women have not been heard or the attention of the media and the country was the believed if they dared to speak their truth speech delivered by Oprah Winfrey. Her powerto the power of those men,” Oprah Win- ful words undoubtedly touched the hearts of milfrey expressed in a compelling speech at the 75th lions and lit a spark under the newborn movement.

Golden Globes on January 7, “but their time is up.”

“A new day is on the horizon! And when that new Time’s up. These two tiny words speak vol- day finally dawns it will be because of a lot of magnifumes. They represent a world of empow- icent women … and some pretty phenomenal men, erment and encouragement. They inspire. fighting hard to make sure that they become the leadA few months prior to the award show, the #MeToo ers who take us to the time when nobody ever has movement made headlines as it exposed sexual ha- to say me too again,” Winfrey preached to the room. rassment and abuse with millions of women and Since Time’s Up is a nascent organization, it is men who spoke out by tweeting the hashtag. The still finding its way and figuring out how to tackle sheer magnitude of the problem was quickly discov- such a large-scale problem. Although it’s only been a ered by victims who realized that they were not alone few short weeks, Time’s Up has already taken drasas they shared their heartbreaking personal stories. tic steps toward achieving its goal. The initial stratThe monumental movement clearly succeeded in egy includes efforts to create legislation that penalidentifying a major problem across the nation, but izes companies who tolerate harassment and to get it introduced a new question: what next? Thus, an Hollywood studios and talent agencies to embrace outgrowth of MeToo was born: gender parity. Most significantTime’s Up. Although the new ly, the organization created a movement is a continuation legal defense program headof MeToo, it has a completeed by the National Women’s ly different goal. The problem Law Center’s Legal Network was clear, so the next step was for Gender Equity that aims to finding a solution. The move- The clock has run out on sexu- connect victims of abuse with ment’s plan and mission state- al assault, harassment and in- legal representation. The orgament -- “The clock has run out equality in the workplace. It’s nization created a GoFundMe on sexual assault, harassment time to do something about it. effort with the goal of raising and inequality in the work$15 million -- one step closer place. It’s time to do something to making legal support possiabout it.” -- introduced a new ble for the millions of women. sense of urgency.

After all the years of silence, Ideas had been boiling up the voices of all the victims between the creators of the were finally heard, and now movement for a short period of time, but it was at they are being offered help. Celebrities including the Golden Globes that a fire was truly ignited under Taylor Swift, Calvin Klein Inc. and Oprah Winfrey the organization. Female celebrities planned to wear donated more than $100,000 to the program, and black as a demonstration of unity and power, and other well-known stars, including Reese Withernot only did many show up sporting all black outfits, spoon and Jennifer Aniston, donated enormous virtually every single woman -- and many men -- did. sums of money exceeding $500,000, making it Some men wore black simply because the color was possible for the institution to be recognized ina common choice for a male at an award show, but a ternationally and surpassing all expectations. few specifically mentioned that they made the choice Due to the rapidly increasing support, the orgapurposely, in support of the movement. A great num- nization has finally made it possible for millions ber of stars also wore specially-made pins, designed of women and men, not only around the country,

by Reese Witherspoon in collaboration with stylist but around the world, to get the attention and supArianne Phillips, to draw attention to the cause. port they’d been patiently waiting for. Steps are An astonishing number of the speeches given at being taken in the right direction, and the lesson the award show recognized Time’s Up and empha- Oprah Winfrey taught in her empowering, and sized that the purpose of the black was not to stand now famous speech, proved to be true: “Speaking out but to stand up. However, what truly caught your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.”

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THE CHARIOT | 7

NEWS

ON THE BRINK OF NUCLEAR WAR BRIAN SUI, copy editor

O

ver the span of four days on two separate occasions in January, Hawaii and Japan issued erroneous phone and television emergency alerts warning their entire populations of imminent North Korean ballistic missile attacks. Both of these incidents not only intensify the prospects of nuclear war between the United States and North Korea, but also bring into focus the precariousness of global security and safety as a result of today’s severe political turbulence.

The pervasive sentiments of fear, antipathy and uncertainty right now all echo the Cold War paranoia that persisted for decades from the 1950s to early 1990s. The modern nuclear age is one similar to that experienced during the Cold War - characterized by deterrence, diplomatic struggle and arms control - but simultaneously differs in the sense that today’s political landscape has been completely remodeled by social media and President Trump’s particularly worrisome war of words with North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un. During the latter half of 2017, North Korea actively sought out opportunities to expand and refine its nuclear arsenal. For instance, on August 8, 2017, according to U.S. Intelligence, North Korean officials were devising ways to combine nuclear warheads with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which

8 | ALL PHOTOS: DAVID KIM

have the potential to reach as far as Chicago and cause significant damage throughout the mainland of the United States.

In the following months, they continued to exhibit belligerence as they launched a missile over Japan and threatened to conduct a hydrogen bomb test over the Pacific near the coast of Guam, a U.S. territory, which would ultimately have far-reaching radiation effects on the U.S. West Coast states. All of these actions have only provoked Trump, prompting coercion and resentment as evidenced in his public statements and tweets, such as his plan to unleash “fire and fury like the world has never seen” and his claim to “totally destroy” North Korea.

“With the media and social media, this rhetoric has almost immediate effects. Countries like North Korea also use their ballistic missile threats as scare tactics, and because nuclear weapons are becoming more widespread and countries are unwilling to reach a compromise, the current threat seems very real,” said junior Kriti Kothari.

Even with toughened sanctions meant to eliminate its nuclear program, North Korea continues to resist. The country is a hermetic regime, sequestered both politically and socially. Logically, they feel vulnerable without their ready supply of nuclear arms because their survivorship depends on it, but so does the rest of world’s.

THE PRINCIPAL PROJECT JCHS SEARCHES FOR ITS FOURTH PRINCIPAL IN FIVE YEARS MAURA MCLYNN, news editor

F

ollowing the November 9 announcement of Dr. Jimmy Zoll’s retirement, Johns Creek High School now faces a new task: who to fill in this principal role. While the interim principal Ron Tesch has stepped up for the time being, this position is temporary, and finding a permanent leader at the school has become a top priority for the county.

“The principal fit model is based on eight competencies.

And through this process, we need to get the best candidate.

We don’t need to be early on the timeline; we’re trying to select the best person for Johns Creek. The most important part of all of this is finding a principal that meets the needs of Johns Creek,” said area superintendent Cliff Jones.

The procedure to determine a new principal is a four-step process which consists of a presentation on the spot, analyzing school data, as well as behavioral questions to determine how well an individual may succeed in this role. The principal selection committee will choose one or two final candidates to send to the school board.

Many students are eagerly awaiting the principal announcement and hoping for additional support for their respective clubs and teams.

“Many people, including administrators at our school, fail to see the impact that STEM teams have on students. I would request that the next principal of JCHS support and respect STEM extracurriculars not solely through their words,

but rather through their actions,” said senior and co-captain of robotics Sid Shrivastava.

While the change in leadership may be an exciting opportunity for some to pursue new pathways within the school, to others, the seemingly constant turnover in management lowers the marketability of the school. Johns Creek is one of the most affluent towns in the state of Georgia.

However, many residents are concerned that the profitability of homes in the district may be affected by this lack of consistent leaders at JCHS. Since opening in 2009, Johns Creek has been host to five principals, only one of whom lasted long enough to see students through from freshman to senior year. It is unlikely that a parent would knowingly send their child to a school aware of the fact that he or she will likely face over three principals in their time there.

“So many good teachers and administrative staff have left JCHS in my time as a student here. Fulton County really needs to focus on hiring a new principal who will stay in the position long enough to maintain the high standards of the school,” said junior class council member Abby Eidson.

A total of 244 surveys have gone out, allowing the community to voice what characteristics they find most important in a potential candidate. Finding a new principal means finding an individual who can best serve thousands of individuals, and the best way to do so is through respect toward the opinion of the majority.

THE CHARIOT | 9

SPORTS

10 | DAVID KIM

my cause,

my cleats

MATT PRESS, staff writer

F

or the past 96 years, the National Football League (NFL) has seen the likes of many different trends in terms of the players’ apparel on the field. The players who participate in the different trends are usually given a fine. Some players immediately give in, but others decide to fight for what they believe in. These are the kind of players who march to the beat of their own drum, and instead of dwelling on the negativity of their critics, they focus on entertaining the fans. Though some of the NFL’s most notorious rule breakers may have come off as overly flamboyant on the field, there has always been one similarity among many players off the field, and that is their generosity and overall willingness to give some of their fortune back to the community that carried them to fame. Current NFL players use social media as a platform to raise awareness for charities they support, but a few years ago the players began wearing customized clothing during games or pregame in order to bring more attention to their causes. Unfortunately for them, the NFL is extremely strict with what the players can wear during games. For instance, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was fined $18,231 for wearing cleats that were a tribute to the late NBA reporter Craig Sager. Another example was Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay being fined $5,787 in 2015 because of his purple cleats that helped raise awareness for domestic violence.

These controversial fines fueled a bit of rebellion as it inspired players like Odell Beckham Jr. to want to do it more.

The NFL noticed this, and in 2016, they

introduced the My Cause My Cleats campaign.

This program was created for the players to creatively raise awareness for the charities they care about without being penalized. For the past two years, the players have worn customized cleats in week 13 of the regular season. Also, after the games are over, the cleats are auctioned off with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the players’ specific charity. Aside from the players, some of the coaches also participated in the program, and Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera wore two different shoes for two different causes. One of the shoes was purple to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer to honor his late brother Mickey, and the other was camouflage to honor the United Service Organizations (USO).

The USO is important to him because his father was a member of the military and Rivera grew up on different military bases around the world. As for the players around the league, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan supported the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with red, white, blue and green cleats that had the hospital’s logo. According to “11Alive News,” Ryan said, “I’m committed to making all kids better today and healthier tomorrow.”

What if players wanted to wear cleats to honor different charities at other times of the year? Would the NFL be strict about this? Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Geremy Davis gave his input on the topic.

“I don’t believe they’ll be strict with those guidelines due to the impact they bring to fans and charities around the country for a good cause and spreading awareness for them,” said Davis.

Though it seems unjust to the players that have such passion for certain causes, the NFL has not loosened its guidelines on footwear for different times of the year yet. However, the player’s enthusiasm for My Cause My Cleats shows that the league is taking steps in the right direction regarding this charity initiative. This campaign has been very successful over the past two years, and it is great for kids around the country to see the players working for change both on and off the field.

THE CHARIOT | 11

SPORTS

PARENTAL CONTROLS M NATHAN GAUTHREAX, sports editor

any athletes are accustomed to congratulations and encouragement from parents following a sporting event. For some athletes though, this is not a reality. Some parents greet their children with disappointed looks and harsh criticism for their performances. These parents often are unnecessarily engrossed in the lives of their children.

“Helicopter parents” is a term often used to identify parents who are overly involved or concerned with their child’s life. This is often caused by unrealistic expectations set by the parents or over-estimated abilities of their children. Some parents often want their children to follow in their footsteps despite obvious differences between the parent and child. These parents often force their children into sports and activities that the child doesn’t necessarily want to participate in. And in some cases, parents hope that their child will achieve something that they could not and live through their child to achieve their goals and dreams.

In sports, this over involvement can be seen in “daddy ball’ and sideline coaching. “Daddy

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ball’ is a popular term used to describe parent-coached teams where a parent takes favor of their child over the other players. Some parents think that the only way for their child to receive the proper amount of playing time is if they coach the team. Sideline coaching is very similar except rather than actually coaching the team, parents provide instruction and coaching advice from the bleachers and sidelines of practice or games. These instructions often times conflict with the interests and directions from the coaches, which creates a bad situation between the player and the coach.

Athletes with “helicopter parents” have to deal with the additional stress of the high expectations from their parents. In order to escape the pressures of their parents, some student athletes bury themselves into their sport, spending hours a day practicing and training. And in some cases, Athletes will leave their sport and even potentially rebel against authority.

While parents should be involved in the lives of their children, constructive advice and encouragement should be the base of their support.

PROFESSIONAL PARENTING NATHAN GOGGANS, staff writer

I

n a world where one of the most desired professions from them. She has learned about of any child is to be an athlete, it is very uncommon what it means to give 100 percent to fulfill this dream. It takes determination, practice, effort, have sportsmanship wherevtalent and maybe even something else. Johns Creek High er she is and never give up.

School is full of athletic talent and skill. Some may get their Senior Nick Jacob also athletic ability and passion from watching or trying out comes from a family of new sports. Others, like seniors Crystal Childs and Nick Ja- athletes. His father won a cobs, get their love and talent for sports from their parents. silver medal in the 1992 NaCrystal began playing sports at a young age. With a father tional Weightlifting chamwho played nine years in the NBA (Chris Childs - New Jer- pionships and represented sey Nets ‘94-95 and ‘02-01, New York Knicks ‘96-01, Toron- the United States in the 1992 to Raptors ‘01-02), Crystal began her athletic career playing and 1996 Olympics for weightbasketball and strived to be like him. lifting. As a She then got into volleyball but had a child, Nick tough time balancing the two sports. wanted to grow After endless time on both the volleyup and compete ball and basketball courts, she decided in the Olympics to commit fully to volleyball. Although just like his fashe was better at basketball, Crystal My dad always pushed me to ther, but his said, “It was my dad who believed that be great at what I loved with- newfound love I could be good at any sport.” She is out putting too much pressure for baseball on me. now committed to play Division One changed that.

Women’s Volleyball at Clemson Uni“My dad alversity to compete at the highest level. ways pushed Not only is Crystal the daughter of me to be great an NBA player but the stepdaughter at what I loved of an NFL player as well. Her stepfawithout putting ther, Bryan Scott, is a former Ameritoo much prescan football linebacker and defensive back. He was drafted sure on me,” said Jacob. According by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2003 NFL to the National Collegiate Athletic Draft. He played college football at Penn State University. Association, only a tiny percentage He was also a member of the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee of high school athletes actually go Titans and Buffalo Bills and was one of the reasons for Crys- on to play professionally, and it is tal sticking with volleyball. Her frustration with a new sport less likely for children of profesalmost made her quit, but her stepfather would not let her. sional athletes to follow in their “He pushed me to be the best and parents’ footsteps. This considtrain on and off the court,” said Crystal. ered, having a professional athlete At home, sports have brought her family together. Ath- parent does have positive impacts letics is always a topic of discussion, and they all share an on the child. Important life lessons understanding of what each other goes through as athletes, and skills can easily be taught with like if they are upset about losing a game or having a bad the experience of professional athpractice. Even though she plays a different sport than both letics and can therefore help the of her dads, she has learned almost everything she knows child with life in the real world.

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THE CHARIOT | 13

SPORTS

THE 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS LAUREN GREENFIELD, staff writer and SAM BEAGLE, staff writer

O A B R DING W O N S

Big Air Snowboarding is a byproduct of multiple Winter Olympic events including the halfpipe and ski jumping. It simplifies the two, creating a competition where snowboarders start sledding down a steep slope to gain speed in order to perform innovative tricks and jumps off the slopes platform. Competitors are judged based off four categories: difficulty, execution, amplitude and landing. The judges will score each attempt on a scale ranging from 1-100. This event will debut in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. The approval of thess= sport surfaced after years of lobbying from outside organizations such as the U.S. Ski and Snowboarding Association. The previous additions of slopestyle snowboarding, skiing and halfpipe skiing to the Winter Olympics generated a positive fanfare; Big Air Snowboarding is hopeful to do the same, along with bringing a modern, youth-based element to the games.

Figure Skating, a crowd favorite event, is modernizing -its regulations and guidelines and is now allowing lyrical music in routines. This is not a recent change in the ice skating world. The International Skating Union voted on this modification in 2012, and it was initiated in the 2014-2015 season, after the 2014 Winter Olympics finished. The new regulations allow skaters to express themselves through their music choice, whether it include lyrics or not. 19-year old, Bradie Tennell, is one of the newest members of the United States’ Winter Olympic Figure Skating team.

Tennell‘s music choice for her short program is selected from a popular Korean film.

F

IGU

14 | WILL WEBB

RE SKATING

E

very four years athletes from across the world compete in the Winter Olympic Games. Coincidentally, 2018 is one of those years. The Winter Olympics are being held in PyeongCshang, South Korea, a tiny town known for its popularity among hikers and skiers. Athletes will compete in 102 different events, all with golden aspirations. The Games start on February 9 and end on the 25.

The Winter Paralympics, a version of the Olympics special-

ized for disabled athletes, will start on March 8 and finish on the 18. A classic tradition of both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games is the torch, which symbolizes enlightenment and freedom. The torch is passed across the globe in a “Torch Relay” until it reaches the Olympic town. Other than the torch, mascots joined the games and have been a custom since the mid 1900s. Now, the Winter Olympics have Soohorang, a white tiger, and Bandabi, a brown bear.

BOB SLED

S e u n Adigun, a Nigerian woman born in the United States, was a track and field runner in high school and college. Her weightlifting coach, a former team USA bobsledder, introduced Adigun to the sport and Adigun realized what she could do with this new information. No African country has ever sent a bobsled team to the Winter Olympics, so Seun didn’t know where to start. She wanted to forge a Nigerian bobsled team to symbolize the progressiveness of African people in today’s society. To accomplish this, she gathered two Nigerian track and field runners, one from the University of Houston and another from the University of Minnesota. Over the past few years, Seun Adigun, Akuoma Omeoga and Ngozi Onwumere have been training to compete in the Winter Olympics.

They qualified after finishing their fifth race of 2017. They hope to reach the podium and represent Africa, not just Nigeria, along the way.

The National Hockey League (NHL) has prohibited all of its players from participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics. For the past five Winter Olympics, NHL players have been allowed to play for their national teams, and, because of this, there has been a break in their season schedule. If the NHL had decided to send its players to the Olympics and players got injured, the International Olympic Committee would not have covered the player’s insurance expenses. The NHL knows of the fiscal risks of the Olympics, for during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, the IOC owed hockey players seven million dollars in insurance money according to “The New York Times.” International NHL players are extremely disappointed about the decision.

HOCKEY THE CHARIOT | 15

COVER

COVER STORY

THE

MODERN FAMILY

16 |

DAVID KIM

CAROLINE KWON, design editor and BROOKE HALAK, staff writer

T

he family is often considered the backbone of the American identity. From family-powered sustenance out of the rich rural landscapes to the immigrant families who embody the diverse mosaic of the melting pot, there is an undeniable weight to the concept of family. While the image of this family has changed dramatically over the decades and expectations for today’s familial core differ significantly from those of the traditional two-parent home, this cultural value placed on the family has persisted.

In past generations, unconventional families, specifically homosexual and biracial relationships, were discriminated against for not conforming to tradition. However, nowadays it is not uncommon to see families comprised of different races, religious beliefs and sexualities, which may not have fit into the binary of what a ‘traditional’ family looked like 50 years ago. But while a significant number of Americans no longer supports the notion that a typical family should consist of a husband, wife and their biological children, there are many who still strongly defend this representation. The issue with this prevailing portrayal of a traditional family is that it masks the complex reality and diverse backgrounds from which many of today’s families exist.

Not only has the portrayal of the family changed but also the roles within it. With both the number of women in the workforce and the number of single mothers increasing, the domestication of women is becoming less prominent. There is no longer the belief that a woman’s primary role

within a household is to take care of the “typical” housewife duties. Seeing a family in which both parents are employed is now something of the ordinary, and families are no longer solely dependent on the men to provide financially.

There has been a definite shift in society, allowing for the evolution of the “conventional” family. The elimination of barriers has granted homosexuals and interracial couples more freedoms to expand their families in the United States. Increased legal and social protections, such as the push for adoption rights for same-sex couples, have assisted in the advancement and development of the modern family as well as how Americans perceive it. Interracial relationships are continuing to become part of the norm, leading to an increased number of mixedrace families, as shown by the rise in multiracial or multi-ethnic infants from five percent in 1980 to 14 percent today, according to

THE CHARIOT | 17

COVER

the Pew Research Center. More families are comprised of multiple ethnicities and races, whether members are related biologically or not. No longer must relationships be comprised of a man and a woman of the same race and the same religion. Society has become more open and accepting of a more diverse family structure. As traditional family norms change and as the divorce rate rises, Americans will continuously see an evolution in the “conventional” family.

The increase in divorces and remarriages has increased the number of stepsiblings and stepparents within the community. These blended families have become more common with 16 percent of children living in families with stepparents, step siblings or half-siblings, according to the Pew Research Center.

Johns Creek is no exception to the changing household and the adaptation of unconventional family structures; rather, it exemplifies the natural move away from convention.

“My family takes on a completely different dynamic to the conventional family. I have a mom and a step-dad and a dad and a step-mom. I have no blood-related siblings, yet in total I have four siblings. My life is a party everyday because of my immense family. It gives me a different and broader perspective of the world,” said senior Rehna Sheth.

In fact, with the increasingly common departure from traditional household makeups, many, as in the case of senior Emily Poisson’s family, have found that while there can be obstacles, the true meaning and value of the fam-

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DAVID KIM

ily does not change regardless of its structure.

“My parents are divorced. My mom has a boyfriend who she has been dating for about five years on and off. My dad is remarried, and he has two daughters, so I have two stepsisters.

It’s difficult sometimes to go from house to house in the middle of a hectic week, or if I leave something at my dad’s house, and I have to go all the way back to and from; that is a struggle. Besides that, it was emotionally challenging when I was younger, but now it’s fine. It’s just normal. I would say that there is no [conventional family] anymore. I mean there are just so many different kinds of family nowadays. There are divorced parents, and some people have two moms, two dads. [A family should be] whatever you make of it. A family doesn’t necessarily have to be a mom, a dad, together, with two kids living with a white picket fence in the front,” said Poisson.

People, more than ever before, have the freedom to choose what type of family they want to be a part of, and they are no longer limited to one specific, traditional or idealistic family structure. These structural changes in family that are prevalent among students in Johns Creek reflect the opportunities made available by modern society and call into question the potential for change in the future.

“My parents got divorced in 2014, and so then they separated. Now, I share custody with both my parents; I trade houses every two to three days. I feel like if you get divorced now, you have more access and more resources to finding a new relationship, so people feel less stuck in a

marriage they’re not happy in. While I think distinguished structure within society, there apthe traditional, conventional family still ex- pears to be a general consensus that the increasists for some people, I definitely think it has ingly diverse population has highly contributed changed, and I think it’s going to contin- to the similarly increasing diversity across houseue to change,” said senior Lauren Garrett. holds. For instance, the widespread occurrence of According to Sheth, this moderniza- transnational families, in which family members tion of the family structure will undoubt- live separately, often in different countries, with edly drive changes in other aspects. roughly 214 million international migrants world“Different family structures will lead wide according to the UN, testifies to the to a more modern envipresence of diverse cultures ronment in terms of the on the American family. growth of a child, in addiThe expanding role of womtion to how jobs function en in society has expanded and how women particidramatically with almost 70 pate in society,” said Sheth. percent of mothers in the A family doesn’t necessariBut while the modern famlabor force according to the ly have to be a mom, a dad, ily may catalyze certain sociDepartment of Labor, and with a white picket fence in it has become normal to see etal advancements, there is the front, also the obvious societal imwomen in the workplace dopact on the family. The coning jobs that would have been cept of a conventional family devoted to men in the past. nowadays masks the reality Licensed clinical social workof the diverse and constanter and family therapist Ms. ly changing outlook society Tracy McConaghie further has on families today. The correlates the changes in accepted family structure did not oc- greater acceptance of divorced cur instantaneously and can hardly be simplified and mixed families with the moveor even fully pinpointed. Regardless, after decades ment for female empowerment. of shifting societal perceptions and norms, the re“I think for sure there is still a sulting family transformation is undeniably visible stigma about divorce. There are whether on the political scale, as in the legaliza- fears that people who get dition of interracial marriage in 1967, or on the less vorced will be seen as failofficial but equally evident plane of daily life, as ures or that they’ll be seen shown by the increased representation of uncon- as people who have ventional families in media such as “The Fosters.” given up and don’t While many people still strive to obtain the “ide- keep their comal” traditional nuclear family and its persisting, mitment, [but]

“ ”

THE CHARIOT | 19

COVER

I think as women have become more empowered, they know that they have the right to their own happiness and their own careers. The cultural pressure for women to be kind of pleasing and to do what other people say is still present somewhat, but as that changes, and there is more equality in the workplace and our political system, I think equality has had to lead to some changes in the family,” said Ms. McConaghie.

The expansion of rights for not only women but interracial, same-sex, multicultural and other couples has aided the push for

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DAVID KIM

acceptance of families of diverse makeups.

For instance, as of 2015, all states must recognize and license same-sex marriages, a topic that, despite its ongoing controversy, undeniably reflects the evolution of public sentiment regarding the requirements of the family structure and exemplifies the interwoven reasons for the modern family.

“Now that gay people can be married, that’s helping to also help people broaden their view of what family means in that regard, too. It’s not always a mother and a father; sometimes it’s two same-sex parents … [The] increased equality between gay and straight people leads to some changes, and people are more able to be open about their view of what family is and what they want for their own happiness. I guess that would be the main cause. As our culture thinks more about equality, its perception is one of the main things that has changed,” said Ms. McConaghie.

The greatest concern regarding the outgrowth from the traditional family is the impact on future generations. People worry that the more modern circumstances of divorce, single parenthood, same-sex parents, remarriage and adopted families could have a lasting, negative impact on the children of these families, but, while exceptions certainly exist, the unconventional family itself does not appear damaging in the long run according to marriage and family therapist Ms. Erica Gregory.

“I have worked with tradition-

al and non-traditional families mostly by seeing children of non-traditional parents.

The concerns and struggles of the children of non-traditional families, I find, are the same as children within traditional families. My focus is to meet children where they are and help them regulate and find ways to cope with difficult emotion.

And children are children regardless of family structure,” said Ms. Gregory.

Admittedly, the modern interpretation of the family structure has faced other problems in its development.

“One thing is that there is just so much less support. People don’t have extended family support the way they used to because we’re sort of overscheduled and over-screened with so much time focused on devices and news, and it does create less meaningful social connection, which can make it really hard to raise children and have a marriage because we need the support of people around us, people we can be authentic with and talk to about the challenges that we’re having,” said Ms. McConaghie.

With obstacles like these ones as the family continues to redefine itself, people look toward the future generations with concern and uncertainty, but it is important to remember that all relationships require extra effort to succeed.

“I would say the number one priority is to create happiness and health for yourself individually, and then use that as the basis for a healthy relationship. Keep in mind that healthy relationships, whether they are with partners or with our children, they really do take work. They don’t just naturally, if you love someone, just fall into place, so expect there to be problems. I think people don’t talk about the problems they’re having sometimes because they’re afraid of being judged or looking like a failure, but if you can, find

your people who you can trust to be honest about what you’re going through, and be aware that problems are to be expected in a family relationship.

It takes work. It takes honesty and courage,” said Ms. McConaghie.

The significance of the family presence and the changing family image is undeniable. Just as the perception of the modern family has changed in the past, it continues to change and grow as society adopts new norms.

Family structures are more diverse than they were decades ago, and it is likely that they will continually develop in the years to come.

No longer is the nuclear family the norm, but instead the image of the family builds and evolves to encapsulate the diversity of the modern day, proving there is no convention when it comes to the family.

THE CHARIOT | 21

FEATURES

Evolut ion of TELEVISION FAMILIES SOPHIE BRANDEIS, features editor

T

he media’s portrayal of the classic American family has evolved dramatically over time. Family is a popular topic for TV programs to be based around because of their relatable nature and potential for comedy. In the early 1900s, television networks produced shows highlighting the traditional American family as a housewife, a

1951 - 1957 I Love Lucy

“I Love Lucy” is a classic American television series about an American family, the Ricardos. This black and white show featured primarily on the life and whereabouts of the main character, Lucy, and her family. Coming from an era centered around traditional values, the show often showed Lucy and her husband, Ricky, sleeping in two twin beds, as well as their two children.

According to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, for “I Love Lucy’s” first four seasons, it was the most popular show in all of America.

22| DAVID KIM

working husband and two children: one boy and one girl.

As time went on and the American public became more reformed and open to change, the television networks began producing TV shows that modeled this mindset. In modern day the shows on television about family represent the crazy nature of the American family and embrace the diversity.

1960

The Flintstones “The Flintstones” is an American sitcom is about a cartoon family, Fred, his wife, Wilma and their daughter, Pebbles. The family lives in the Stone Age, and the show is a comedy about the daily interactions within the family and their family friends, the Rubbles. This program highlights the everyday dynamics of a classic American family. Fred goes out everyday and works; Wilma stays home and takes care of Pebbles and their dog.

1969 - 1974

The Brady Bunch

“The Brady Bunch” was one of the most watched programs on television when it first aired because it centered around a family that was far from the ordinary American picture. It featured Mike Brady, a widowed father and his three sons.

Along with Mike’s second wife, Carol, and her three daughters, the two move in together and blend their families into one big household. The show documents their lives as teenagers living together and the struggles, hardships and happy times that come with it all.

1987

1998

2009

One of the most iconic American family TV shows is “Full House.”

This is among the first of American programs to portray a non-traditional family. The show focuses on the Tanner family. The father, Danny, is a widowed father of three daughters. Unable to raise them on his own, he calls his brother-in-law, Jessie, and family friend, Joey, for help. Together the three of them take on all of life’s challenges and family struggles.

“Family Guy” is a popular American sitcom that satirizes the traditional American family. The series revolves around the Griffins, a cartoon family consisting of two parents, Peter and Lois; their children Meg, Chris and Stewie; as well as their speaking dog Brian. This bunch goes through the typical struggles any modern family encounters in a funny and relatable way.

One of the most popular TV shows about family in present day is “Modern Family.” This program illustrates the seemingly dysfunctional and crazy nature of the way families operate in the modern day in age. The show is a mockumentary centering around the Dunphy family and their extended family members. The show includes modern twists that are becoming more and more popular in today’s families like a gay couple, a grandfather who has divorced and remarried, as well as an adopted child.

Full House

Family Guy

Modern Family

THE CHARIOT | 23

FEATURES

entertainment &

Six More Weeks Following Punxsutawney Phil's declaration of six additional weeks of winter, "The Chariot" staff came together to create a playlist that reflects the melancholy feeling more cold, dreary days will create.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY

01.

ARSONIST'S LULLABYE | HOZIER 02.

BREATHE ME | SIA 03.

HOLD ON | ALABAMA SHAKES 04.

YOUNG LOVE | MYSTERY JETS 05. MOTEL BLUES | LOUNDON WAINWRIGHT III 06.

RIVER | LEON BRIDGES 07.

BURNING | SAM SMITH 08. I SCARE MYSELF |DAN HICKS & THE HOT LICKS 09.

U | JADEN SMITH 10.

UNAWARE | ALLEN SMITH 11.

INSPIRED | MILEY CYRUS 12. DEARLY DEPARTED | SHAKEY GRAVES 13. MYSTERY OF LOVE | SUFJAN STEVENS 14.

4 DAYS 4 NIGHTS| KITTY 15.

HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA | COLMAN 16.TONYA HARDING (IN EB MAJOR) | SUFJAN STEVENS

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Tonya Harding: Villain or Victim?

ROHAN LALLA, staff writer

W

hile winning the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the biopic “I, Tonya,” Allison Janney paid homage to the centerpiece of the film, Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding. Janney praised many things about Harding, who sat in the audience on the verge of tears, describing the film as “a story about class, about the disenfranchised, about a woman who was not embraced for her individuality.”

Indisputably, Janney was correct in her assessment of Harding being “not embraced.” Harding became a ubiquitous punchline after 1994, when she was embroiled in controversy surrounding an orchestrated attack against fellow figure skater Nancy Kerrigan in the U.S. National Championships.

Kerrigan was struck in the leg by a man wielding a police baton, leaving her unable to compete in the championship. Harding plead guilty to arranging and mobilizing the attack in an attempt to expedite her campaign for the gold medal at the Winter Olympics that year. Harding came out of the controversy as a goonish, conniving figure, a cartoonish enigma who was universally villainized. Now, a wave of sympathetic Tonya Harding-centric art has surged across different spheres of contemporary media. A Sufjan Stevens song pleads for the common person’s forgiveness of the besmirched skater; an Oscar-nominated film paints the story of Harding as one of unfortunate pitfalls and redeemable mistakes.

It all begs the question: does Tonya Harding deserve redemption?

It is hard to reconcile empathetic sentiments towards Harding. It’s seemingly ethically wrong to see a woman who was complicit in a selfish attack be celebrated for her strength and resilience. However, the recent renderings of Harding’s life have challenged us to take a step back and understand the conditions that circumscribed the rise and fall of her career.

Harding’s backstory is characterized by mounting physical and emotional abuse. The award-winning film, “I, Tonya,” portrays a toxic depiction of Harding’s relationship with her mother and presents a similarly vituperative relationship between Harding and her now ex-husband, Jeff Goollily. Reports verify this pattern of abuse from Harding’s mother, who constantly berated Harding in an attempt to push the talented young skater. This cycle of abuse continued with Harding’s husband at the time, Jeff Gillooly, who played an integral role in coordinating the infamous attack. Both overly-intervening in her skating career, Harding’s mental health was inarguably toyed with by her closest confidants.

Is the Tonya Harding story one of selfish, cutthroat envy or one of tragic manipulation? Can the abuse and hardship she faced serve as a valid alibi for her falterings?

MUSIC The Chariot 's Awards Seas on With a new year comes a new awards season- here are the films, artists and albums nominated in 2017.

movies

1. Kendrick Lamar / DAMN. PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUTUBE

MORAYO OGUNBAYO, business editor ROHAN LALLA, staff writer

music

1. Call Me By Your Name "Call Me By Your Name," the type of movie that makes you not want to leave your seat for some time after the credits roll.

Every scene is packed with a seemingly infinite amount of subtle details; it seems impossible that even director, Luca Guadagnino, could notice them all.

The anointed king of hip hop returned in 2017 with the mind-bending odyssey of “DAMN.” The stories Lamar tells weave through expensive and diverse beats, the perfect scenery for the series of seemingly paradoxical juxtapositions that Kendrick glides through effortlessly.

2. Jay Z / 4:44 Rap legend Jay Z followed up 2013's lukewarm “Magna Carta Holy Grail” with a concise set of 10 tracks through the lens of his birds-eye view over the rap game, race relations and wealth.

“4:44” is also a canvas for Jay Z to right his wrongs, with several tracks brooding over his widely-publicized infidelity.

3. Alvvays / Anitsocialites Dream pop and indie rock outfit Alvvays improved upon their jangly, pleasant-on-the-ears sound from their self-titled debut with their sophomore album "Antisocialites." The lyrics dwell between love and impassioned youth and drift through infectious melodies fervently sung by front woman Molly Rankin.

One of the most iconic films of 2017, “Get Out” blends horror and comedy immaculately, all while subtly weaving in political commentary dealing with race relations in America. The phenomenal acting and nuanced direction, courtesy of Jordan Peele, leaves “Get Out” as a film you’ll want to revisit again and again.

3. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri A film about injustice and revenge, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri" is a complex movie that demands attention throughout its near two-hour run time. The story is riveting, unique and expertly-told.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPOTIFY & IMDB

2. Get Out

THE CHARIOT | 25

face of f

OPINION

Should couples stay together after high school?

26 | DAVID KIM

yes JAKE PELJOVICH, staff writer

H

aving a consistent source of comfort can help alleviate stress during times of change. Children bring their stuffed animals to school with them on their first day of Kindergarten. Freshmen scurry to find their middle school friends at lunch on the first day of high school. People cling to things that are familiar when they are thrown into new situations. For most, college is one of the first major changes in their lives and maintaining a high school relationship can help ease anxiety.

My parents met each other sophomore year of high school. When they both graduated, my dad went to the Georgia Institute of Technology while my mom went to the University of Georgia.

Even though they were 72 miles away from each other without Facetime, cell phones or any social media, they stayed

no

happily together. After graduating from college, they soon married and began their lives together. When I asked them why they chose to stay together despite both taking very different paths, their response was simple. They both wanted someone that they trusted as they embarked on a new life path. They wanted someone to share their trials, tribulations and joys with. Most importantly, they wanted a friend to lean on through such monumental shifts in lifestyle.

Parents support their kids through thick and thin and especially through the college process, but everyone has problems they would rather disclose to a friend than a parent. Having someone of similar age, dealing with similar circumstances can provide the best advice there is. Today’s society is technologically years ahead of when our parents went to college; therefore cross-country

communication is now easier than ever.

Although being apart from each other will take away the physical aspects of relationships, applications like Facetime and Skype can connect one another as if they are together again. Most colleges have public computer labs available for students, so data plans are not a hassle. Technological advancements are continuing to improve, so being miles apart only feels like a few inches away. When couples finally are able to see each other in person, their moments together are even more special.

Continuing a high school relationship through college not only brings someone you can trust, but the comfort of knowing that even if your partner is miles away, they will always be there for you. In the end, having someone in your corner can make all the difference in the world.

ing. A study conducted at the University of Rochester shows that the rational part of a teenager’s brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. According to the study, adults utilize the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the rational part, for decision-making. Teens, on the other hand, make their decisions through the amygdala, or the emotional part of the brain. Because the amygdala develops faster than the prefrontal cortex, teenagers are more likely to make decisions with the emotional part of their brains rather than the rational part.

So next time parents complain about their children just being emotional teenagers, they are not completely wrong. Luckily for all, the teenage years are meant to be a time of development and change, and like

all things in high school, the relationships are guaranteed to change as well.

In addition to being emotionally underdeveloped, couples should consider separating before college for the sake of starting fresh in their new environments. Starting college is arguably the most significant change in any teenager’s life. Oftentimes as a result of this change, that relationship no longer suits the individuals in college.

The chances of marrying one’s high school sweetheart are growing slim.

Nowadays couples who marry their high school sweethearts only have a 54 percent chance of staying together for more than ten years.

So while many teenagers hold onto the idea of marrying their first love, the reality is not such a fairytale.

RACHAEL JONES, editor-in-chief

A

lmost every little girl dreams of her fairytale wedding: the big white dress, the hours of Pinterest surfing and the hunt for the perfect groom. Then she goes to high school and meets someone who fits into her fairytale like a Taylor Swift song. As May of the couple’s senior year draws nearer, they ultimately must make the difficult decision of whether or not to stay together in college. More often than not, couples should break up before college, significantly because of the generally high level of emotional immaturity amongst teenagers.

Teenagers statistically make more emotionally-charged decisions than adults, and that has nothing to do with the individual as an impulsive teenager, but rather as a developing human be-

THE CHARIOT | 27

OPINION

Reality Check HANNAH FRAZER, staff writer

I

Disclaimer: The opinions in this article do not reflect the views of “The Chariot.”

28 | ALL PHOTOS: DAVID KIM

t must be stressful to have to post a photo of yourself everyday.

Not to mention the struggle of taking time out of a busy day to edit a picture of food. Constantly having the sustained problem of running out of clothes hangers for designer attire.

Wow! The life of the famous really is hard. The Jenner-Kardashian family undergoes so much anxiety because they are too famous.

Kylie Jenner has a difficult time handling her “overwhelming” anxiety due to criticism. No matter the amount of fame a person has, the public is always going to have an opinion.

“I wake up every morning with the worst anxiety.

I don’t know why. I have, like, a problem. I wake up every morning at, like, seven or eight because I think that there is a bad story about me, and I have to check. My worst fear is waking up and finding something bad about me on the Internet,” said Jenner to People Celebrity. Though the Kardashian-Jenner family is well known online, they are still real people with feelings. But my god, reading gossip must be way harder than real world problems such as hunger.

The press constantly follows every move that celebrities make. They are always on top of them mak-

ing sure to capture every detail of their lives, and nothing gets left out.

“I think it becomes overly invasive when I have 10 paps waiting outside my house everyday. That’s legit stalking. The fact that I don’t have any say in it is frustrating. I understand that I’m a public figure, but it becomes very dehumanizing to have zero privacy”, said Kendall Jenner during a interview with Julia Emmanuele. For some reason, Kendall wants to complain about the paparazzi being too intrusive on her personal life, yet she repeatedly posts pictures exposing her private life on social media. Let’s not forget that in the real world, some people can’t afford a house for privacy, so please, save your complaining for later.

Not only do the Kardashians-Jenners get shadowed by the press, but they also are surrounded by cameras throughout the day. Since the Kardashians star in their popular reality TV series, their careers involve filming every aspect of their daily lives. Unfortunately, Kylie Jenner is unable to manage the craziness that comes along with popularity.

“Some people are born for this life, and some people aren’t, and I just know I’m not supposed to be famous.

I can feel it deep down inside”, said Jenner in the same interview Emmanuele. This is unbelievable. For someone who can’t stop taking selfies of herself always being on camera should be a dream come true for her.

Clearly life in the spotlight is definitely more complex than anybody else’s lives. The Kardashians-Jenners should take time to think about real life situations such as poverty before they run their mouths about their hard glamorous lifestyle.

‘TIS THE SEASON Breakup season.

RACHEL GROSSWALD, opinion editor

I

t seems as though every day there is a new national holiday. From major ones like National Ice Cream Day and the Fourth of July, to less important ones like Columbus Day and Groundhog Day. For people in happy and committed relationships, all of these holidays can be a great way to spend quality time with their significant other. However, what happens when these relationships take a turn for the worse? It is not very kind to break up with someone on a national holiday, but with more holidays than days in the year, many people often become trapped. With so many holidays, is there ever really a good time to end a relationship?

There have been documented trends of certain times of the year when breakup rates spike, and the rest of the world may be correct when they choose the perfect time of year to part ways with a significant other. According to a study done by the “Huffington Post,” there are two times of the year when people break up with their boyfriends and girlfriends the most. The first is called a “spring clean” and usually occurs in March, and the other is typically two weeks before the holiday season. Splits between couples are so common during the weeks before the holiday season that the spike that occurs right before Thanksgiving is known as “the turkey drop.” This study

also demonstrated that there is a huge dip in breakups from Christmas time through right after Valentine’s Day. When it comes to the best time of year to end a relationship, it seems as though the people of America are already getting it right. Springtime is the perfect time of year to breakup with someone. It is so nice to have a partner for the whole holiday season: someone to bring home to mom for Christmas, someone to kiss on New Years Eve and a date on Valentines Day. Then once the snow begins to melt, you can swap your significant other for a new one like changing your winter clothes for spring clothes. On the other hand, if a significant other is too hard to keep dating through the holiday season, a few weeks before Thanksgiving is also an excellent time to end a relationship. That way, there is not an annoying person in family photos that will not be there years later to look at those photos in holiday photo albums.

When it comes down to it, there really is no convenient time to break up with someone, but some times of the year are better than others. If a future relationship ever goes bad, and the pairing just isn’t meant to be, take a cue from the rest of the country and end the relationship before the holidays or during early spring. Breaking up with someone during these times of year is way kinder than breaking somebody’s heart on National Ice Cream Day. THE CHARIOT | 29

OPINION

DIVORCE EPIDEMIC: THE REAL STORY MAREN STEPHENS, staff writer

A

lthough it is clear that divorce rates are Women are also having fewer children, with a rate low, tying them down to one number of 948 per 1000 women, as opposed to the former and one reason is nearly impossible. The 1118. Younger generations are less focused on marproblem with it is finding the statistics, likely due riage and children, so there are fewer marriages to the countless surface reasons for splitting-up. to end. Traditional family dynamics with two parSimply put, it is nearly impossible to boil something ents and a child are dying off with the people who as complicated as divorce down to a single reason. hold those values. Marriage is no longer a necessiThough kids of divorce blame it on one parent, psy- ty for the people of America. It is also necessary to chologists typically blame divorce on the political note that some couples are not able to marry. As climate that divorcees will use a scapegoat. The crazy as this may sound, same-sex marriage licenshigh divorce rate has nothing to es are still hard to obtain in do with any of those reasons. more than 10 states, includPolitics may contribute, and it is ing Georgia. Additionally, not easy to overcome adultery. same-sex marriage is illegal However, the real reason for diin all but 26 countries. With vorce is doubt and failure. The this many couples unable to patterns endlessly switch from T r aditional family dynamics marry, they are also unable failing, to doubt, to back again. wit h tw o par ents and a c hild to end their marriages. In Marriage is a never ending cycle ar e dying of f wit h t he peo- many cases, marriage just of ups and downs, just like any ple who hold t hose v alues . is not the best choice. Wedrelationship. It is difficult and a dings are expensive, samegame of luck. Some people just sex marriages are illegal in truly are not meant to be togethsome places, and married er. Right now, America is at a 40couples can only save up year low for divorce rates, which to $12,000 a year on taxes. is the lowest since the laws around With all of this in mind, divorce have changed. Up until 1969, divorcees marriages after shaky and weak relationships will needed to prove fault to be approved for a divorce. surely end in divorce. Now that society has strayed As expected, divorces jumped from 15 percent to from a marriage focused mindset, no one should 50 percent between 1960 and 1970. Although now feel pressured to be married. Divorce rates are the divorce rate is still around 40 percent, at one low now and will likely drop below the 40 percent point in time it reached 51 percent or higher, ac- mark because of the rise in love-related marriage cording to the American Psychological Association. and the drop in general marriages. Moral of the Some psychologists and marriage experts thank story: marry a loved one, not a rich person, or the the millennials for the drop in divorce rates. In 2016, person carrying a child or for any other reason. Life the average marriage age was at 27, the highest ever. is too short to marry someone just to get a divorce.

“ �

30 |

masthead

PUBLICATION

DESIGN EDITOR

STAFF WRITERS

“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 the 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.

Caroline Kwon

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THE CHARIOT | 31

Are You Earning Enough On Your Savings?