Issue 3
Money to Burn
FREE / FEB 2017
PREFACE
Welcome to Issue Three of the Chariot magazine: the money issue. You’re now holding our best volume yet, and with two phenomenal magazines behind us, we can’t really claim to be new anymore. We expect less forgiveness for the little mistakes we make, but, at the same time, our layouts and photography continually get better. After two successful issues, I felt the pressure for this one. The majority of the burden came with brainstorming article ideas. What else can you cover about Johns Creek and its individuals after over thirty pieces. I started considering various articles after first semester, and, by the time our editor meeting came around at the end of winter break, I had next to nothing. It hit me on my drive to Panera: bring it back to the school. We put a great deal of effort into making our stories fit into the context of Johns Creek High School, but we don’t often talk explicitly about the school. With a cover story on the way money trickles down to affect the community, school and student, a feature on math teacher Mrs. Meert and a piece on the prevalence of sneaker culture, this issue is undoubtedly Johns Creek. After careful deliberation, we dubbed it the money issue and began writing and designing. With this issue’s cover, we moved away from graphic design and photography and played off the strengths of our staff. Designer Leila Farhan suggested we try a mixed-media approach, combining her painting with Editor Mitchell Odendahl’s photography. We toyed with the two different mediums and wound up extremely pleased with the final product. To go with our cover, we have a news story on the city’s new billboards, a feature on the hockey team, a crossword puzzle and an op-ed on mental illness in the hip-hop community. Our magazine ends with a letter to the editor we received via email. At the end of our production schedule, our editors and staff flip through our final PDF book and reflect on what we’ve made. And I can say without a doubt that we are more proud of this issue than any other. Cohesive, student-oriented and risky, Issue Three is everything we strive to publish. Our team works hard to bring you the best publication we can, and it feels good to accomplish it. Please enjoy The Chariot Issue Three, and look out for Issue Four, the faith issue, in March. -Clay Voytek, editor-in-chief
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CONTENTS
IN THIS ISSUE NEWS
SPORTS
4 Round Up
10 Hockey Feature
6 Trump’s Cabinet
12 Baseball Signees
8 New Billboards 9 Healthcare Changes FEATURES
OPINION
14 Cover Story
26 Thrift Store Face-Off
19 Crossword
28 Mental Illness in Hip-Hop
20 Meert Feature
29 Political Cartoons
21 Oscars Night
31 Au Contraire
22 Sneaker Culture
Buddy Fultz scoops up a ground ball during practice as the Gladiator baseball team prepares for their first game. Staff writer Nathan Gauthreaux covers committed seniors and the upcoming season. Page 12
Johns Creek is the third wealthiest city in Georgia; the average household income surpasses $100,000. This issue’s cover story goes into the role of money in the community, school and students’ lives. Page 14
24 Music/Entertainment
Hip-Hop has a long-standing culture of accepting those with mental illness, but the effects of success present new challenges. Page 28 ALL PHOTOS: MITCHELL ODENDAHL
THE CHARIOT | 3
news
Europe
Washington D.C.
Within a week of his inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order restriciting immigration from seven majority-Muslim nations. The order received significant backlash from various civil rights organizations and sparked nationwide protests.
Mexico
After years of evading law enforcement, and an infamous escape from prison, Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman has been extradited from Mexico to the U.S. and will stand trial in New York. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO TRIBUNE / AP
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The refugee crisis Europe faces is ongoing and worsening as conflict in nations such as Syria persist. German PM Angela Merkel has tightened the nation’s immigration policy, though Italy receives the most refugees. 174,000 people traveled to the nation’s shores by boat this year.
Japan
Earlier this month, President Trump met with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Abe is one of the first diplomats Trump has met with, and the two discussed trade relations and defense. This meeting comes after the U.S. withdrew from the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership shortly after Trump’s inauguration. PHOTO COURTESY OF INDEPENDENT / GETTY
Yemen
After a botched U.S. ground operation earlier this month that left Yemeni civilians dead, Yemen has withdrawn permission for the U.S. to conduct anti-terror ground missions on its soil.
ROUND UP : IN THE NEWS CLAY VOYTEK, editor-in-chief
THE CHARIOT | 5
NEWS
Confirming The Senate makes final confirmation
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n January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, marking the beginning of both a new presidency and a new Cabinet. The Cabinet dates back to George Washington’s four-person advisory committee, but its responsibilities - and size - have expanded since then. The 15 Cabinet members advise the president on issues and policies relating to their respective areas of expertise. Beyond their advisory duties, each member oversees and manages one of 15 executive departments as the Attorney General (Jeff Sessions) or Secretary of Agriculture (nominee Sonny Perdue), Commerce (nominee Wilbur Ross), Defense (General James Mattis), Education (nominee Betsy DeVos), Energy (nominee Rick Perry), Health and Human Services (nominee Tom Price), Homeland Security (General John Kelly), Housing and Urban Development (nominee Dr. Ben Carson), Interior (nominee Ryan Zinke), Labor (nominee Andrew Puzder), State (Rex Tillerson), Transportation (Elaine Chao), Trea-
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CAROLINE KWON, copy editor
sury (nominee Steven Mnuchin) or Veterans Affairs (nominee Dr. David Shulkin). However, before the members can assume their respective positions, they must first undergo an extensive confirmation process. Aside from the 15 Cabinet positions, other Cabinet-level officials, such as the ambassador to the United Nations and the 1,212 other senior posts and agency heads, must receive confirmation from the Senate after comprehensive background checks in a similar process. The first step of the entire process is nomination, which begins immediately after the election. The president has the right to choose his Cabinet members, but the Senate must confirm them. Before the nomination, however, can advance to Capitol Hill for confirmation, the
the Cabinet for presidential cabinet nominees candidate must submit forms and undergo thorough nomination entirely. investigation by the White House and the FBI. Any- During a hearing, the proposed official is extensively thing found during this time can be used by the pres- questioned by the committee to ensure the nominee is ident or president-elect to reconsider the nomination qualified for the position. Afterward, the committee or as evidence presented to the Senate. may vote favorably, unfavorably or The president has the After the Cabinet nomination is sent without recommendation, and the to its respective Senate committee (for right to choose his nominee continues to the Senate instance, the Senate Committee on Cabinet members, but floor. In the case that the commitBanking, Housing and Urban Affairs the Senate must contee does not address the nominaoversees the confirmation hearing for firm his nominations. tion, choosing to sit on an appointthe Secretary of Housing and Urban ment, the full Senate can vote and Development), the committee members can choose invoke cloture, forcing the nomination along. In the to act in one of three ways: hold a confirmation hear- past, a filibuster could be used in which a three-fifths ing, vote to advance the nomination directly to the majority was required for a full Senate approval, but Senate floor for an immediate vote or refuse to move in 2013, the then-Democrat majority changed Senate at all, thus dismissing the rules to eliminate this tactic for executive and judicial nominations, excluding Supreme Court nominations. Now, a nominee can be approved with only 51 votes. Even after this process, a Senate-approved nominee can only be confirmed as a Cabinet member after the inauguration.
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Billboards Bring Controversy to Johns Creek EMMA BROWN, editor-in-chief & MORAYO OGUNBAYO, staff writer
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ohns Creek was first zoned to be a city on December 1, 2006 and, until recently, did not play host to any LED billboards. However, as of December 12, 2016, seven billboards have been constructed in the Johns Creek area by the national company, Clear Channel Outdoor. Many major billboard companies had plans for the area and aimed to put up 31 individual billboards throughout the city. Fulton Co. persisted though, and through much consultation, eventually brought the number down to 10 billboards. Both Johns Creek Council Members and Clear Channel Outdoor are facing backlash from residents. Tammy Murphy is a local activist with one main goal: to take down the digital billboard sitting on the intersection of State Bridge and Medlock Bridge Roads. “The biggest affront of the billboard at the intersection of the State Bridge and Medlock Bridge Roads, in my opinion, is the disrespect I believe it shows [to] the historic Macedonia African Methodist Church Cemetery and those buried there, including the emancipated slave, April Waters,” said Murphy. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) initially denied the building permit for this particular billboard, citing a law that restricts advertisement construction within 500 feet of historical sites. However, after the Clear Channel Outdoor billboard company appealed, the GDOT ruled for the remeasurement starting from the first
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tombstone rather than the cemetery boundary line and approved the permit. “The fact that the billboard company didn’t accept the denial and instead pushed to get the outcome they wanted, knowing full well [that] it would violate the intent of state law to ensure proper respect for the souls at rest in cemeteries is despicable,” said Murphy. Other citizens have expressed their resentment to this specific billboard due to its placement on one of the “top ten most dangerous intersections in Metro Atlanta,” according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “I think they just don’t look good and they are a distraction, especially since that intersection already has a high crash-rate,” said senior Cassidy Noble. The efficiency of billboards have always been compared to their alleged consequence of distraction. Murphy “doesn’t understand how legislators can view this distraction any differently than texting and driving.” Clear Channel Outdoor will continue to construct the three other billboards throughout the Johns Creek area. Residents of the North Fulton area have generated petitions against their construction. StopJCbillboards.org and perservejohnscreek.com are two examples. State Transportation Commissioner Mark Burkhalter has also joined the fight against the Medlock Crossing billboard by claiming it is illegal. “The law is explicit. If a sign company has cut down trees in the state right of way, it is a violation of the permit. If they are indeed in violation as it appears they are, then I will bring all the resources I can to see it is revoked,” said Burkhalter in an interview with the North Fulton Herald.
news
After Obama:
Changes in National Healthcare RACHAEL JONES, staff writer
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n March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare, into law. Before the enactment of the ACA, nearly 44 million Americans were left uninsured. Obamacare aims to provide access to affordable healthcare to all Americans, such as allowing young adults to stay on their parents plan until 26 and expanding Medicaid to 138% of the federal poverty level. Ever since Obama enacted the ACA, Republican opponents in Congress have fixated on repealing the legislation. As Donald Trump assumes his position as president, the Republican party hopes to carry out these repeal efforts into the new presidential term. The Georgia legislature recently joined the national stage in the issue of healthcare after President Trump nominated US Representative Tom Price to run the Department of Health and Human Services. Representative Price represents Georgia’s sixth district, which includes Roswell, Johns Creek and Alpharetta. As a strong advocate for repealing Obamacare, his replacement plan, the Empowering Patients First Act, targets limited governmental involvement in healthcare, which leaves the matter of financial coverage and pricing up to the doctor-patient relationship. According to U.S. News and World Report, Trump proposes to broaden healthcare availability, potentially permitting civilians to purchase health insurance over state lines. Despite the Republican Party’s efforts to revoke Obamacare, many believe Trump will continue expanding healthcare ALL PHOTOS: MITCHELL ODENDAHL
as
a universal right. “I hope [universal healthcare] is followed through with, and I’m not scared the Trump administration won’t do that. I think they’re going to do that because everyone understands healthcare is a universal right. Healthcare needs to be completely subsidized for everyone,” said junior Lucas Williams. Obamacare has significantly increased healthcare availability in An effervescent tablet dissolves in water. Georgia over the last few Likewise, Republicans are hoping to elimyears. The statewide unin- inate Obamacare during Trump’s term. sured rate has decreased Trump already signed an executive order 29 percent because of the on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) indicating millions of Georgians ben- the legislation’s repeal. efiting from improved coverage. Moving into 2017, Corrine Williams expresses her opinion however, due to an increase in global on healthcare in the United States and healthcare costs, many politicians are its effect on residents of Johns Creek. scrambling toward radical measures “I have heard countless stories of cancer for controlling these rising expenses. victims benefiting from coverage and Healthcare currently accounts for saving a person’s life. My frustration is 17 percent of the United State’s GDP, so many in this country and around the and these costs are growing. This year, world lack empathy. Unless experiencdue to the exit of insurance compaing a hardship themselves, some find it ny UnitedHealthcare, Georgians have impossible to see the benefit of a proeight insurance providers to choose gram that they contribute to supportfrom. Insurance companies such as ing. The majority of residents of Johns Blue Cross and Blue Shield are exCreek are economically sound and are pected to raise their rates from 9.1 able to either privatize their healthcare to 14.8 percent in Georgia. Humana, or affiliate themselves to a healthcare another large provider in Georgia, provider. The cost of national healthranks first with the highest prospectcare will be distributed among us all. ed raise in coverage: 65.2 percent. However, as a resident of Johns Creek- I AP Environmental Science teacher Dr. welcome this situation,” said Williams. THE CHARIOT | 9
JOHNS CREEK ICE HOC SOPHIE BRANDEIS, sports editor
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hen the Atlanta Thrashers left for Canada and became the Winnipeg Jets in 2011, the already fleeting hockey presence in Georgia took a huge hit. Because ice hockey is not a popular sport in most of the South, so many people in Johns Creek have been missing out on an immense hockey culture. Luckily, there is a whole hockey team walking through the hallways right here at Johns Creek High School that is hungry for some state championship rings and ready to show the school what hockey is all about. “I love the game of hockey because it is nothing like any sport. For both the fans and the players, it is a fast game that goes back and forth at high speeds, full of huge hits, and is an exhilarating experience when we score,” said senior and hockey player Cameron Menna. The players on the JCHS hockey team have described high school hockey as a more relaxed version of the real, violent and rough sport you hear about on TV. The season for the Gladiator’s hockey team is divided into two different sections, fall season and spring season. After a relatively successful fall season, many players on the team have become motivated to kick it up a notch this spring and achieve their ultimate goal of winning the state championship. “The main goal is winning a state championship. We have come close to winning state the past few years and if we
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They simply show up at the games and go off of prior knowledge, love of the game and adrenaline.
have all of our players, I know that we have a really good chance,” said junior and hockey player Nathan Goggans. However motivated the boys may be, many of the players have described obstacles with team participation and attendance. Since hockey is only a club sport at JCHS, many of the experienced players are on more competitive club teams and are frequently at tournaments up North. Because of this and the high prices of ice time,
sports
the team is not able to practice; they simply show up at the games and go off of prior knowledge, love of the game and adrenaline. “JC hockey is very intense and fun at the same time. It includes many spontaneous events and is one of the most exciting high school sport to play. My teammates and I have grown very much in all aspects of the game and we look to make it all the way through playoffs when the time comes,” said captain and senior Dylan Ferguson. Nonetheless, the JCHS hockey team’s chemistry consists of bonds that can’t be broken. The majority of the guys on the team have grown up playing hockey together and share many memories and pure love for the game. The players always have a way of finding each other on the ice so that when the score is tight and the
third period of the game is winding to a close, the Gladiators are sure to lock in that win. “We are really close because a lot of us play club together and we have a lot of good players that have grown up playing together. Some of our best players are Cam Menna and Dylan Ferguson, All of us have been playing a really long time together, so we have good team chemistry,” said Goggans. Hockey is a fast-paced and intense game that will be sure to keep fans on their feet the whole time. If the Johns Creek hockey team is going to finish off the season with a state championship win, they are going to need some Gladiators filling up the stands of the rink. Grab your gloves, a jacket and some friends and head over to the ice rinks to cheer on the hockey team as they cap off their 2016-2017 season. “My favorite hockey memory was during my sophomore year in the championship game. We had a huge crowd banging on the glass, blowing vuvuzelas and coming on the ice after the game for pictures. It was the most intense Johns Creek game in history,” said Menna.
CKEY
ALL PHOTOS MITCHELL ODENDAHL
THE CHARIOT | 11
JC seniors step up to the plate NATHAN GAUTHREAUX, staff writer hree years ago, the Johns Creek baseball team made its fantastic run to the state playoff final four. This year, the Gladiators hope to make a run at redemption and claim the state title. The team feels that they are stronger and more prepared than they have been in a long time, and rightfully so. Their confidence is backed by a talented group of seniors who have plenty of varsity experience and the skills that allow them to compete with anyone in the state. “This year’s senior class has a lot stronger leadership than some of the younger teams we’ve had in the past. This year’s team reminds me a lot of the team my freshman year that made it to the final four in terms of leadership and determination,” said senior pitcher Jared Mihalik. Last season, the Gladiators barely missed the state playoffs after losing a couple of games late in the season. The good news is nine seniors return to play, six of whom are committed to play baseball at the next level in college. Both Bo Majkowski, Clemson baseball commit, and senior outfielder Cole Neuber, Georgia Tech baseball commit, have been preparing for this season since the day last season ended. “Preparation wise, we’ve been doing a variety of things. Like some of us have been playing travel baseball or just getting on the field and in the cages and working on our individual skills. We’ve been getting up and throwing before scho, working out in the weight room and overall just making sure we’re all healthy and ready to play,” said Majkowski. The team has been hard at work throughout the offseason. The baseball team knows that the outcome of the season will ultimately be determined by the amount of work they put in before the season, when nobody is watching. With the new region, the team is in for a challenge in its regular season with several rival teams ranking in the top of the state. However, this has only motivated the team to work harder and solidified their commitment to achieve their expectations. “Being the one of the older guys on the team puts me into a leadership role, I’ve been on varsity since my sophomore year, so my experience will help me be able to control my emotions and lead the younger players through some of the ups and downs of the year,” said senior infielder Buddy Fultz. Every player on the team knows their role and how they can help the team, creating a strong team dynamic. The team’s chemistry enables them to communicate easily between everyone regardless of age. As tryouts wrap up, and the beginning of the season approaches, the team’s promise and potential shine brightly. So far, it has been one of the most successful years for Johns creek athletics. The baseball team hopes to cap off the year with an exclamation point. With the season fast approaching the Gladiators are excited to take the field for the first time on February 14 at home against Cartersville High School. After winning a highly competitive game at Cartersville last year, the Gladiators open up their challenging schedule with one of their toughest games. The team hopes to show the entire community how amazing Johns Creek baseball can truly be.
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sports
Senior Commits
MITCHELL ODENDAHL
Cole Neuber, Georgia Institute of Technology Bo Majkowski, Clemson University Jared Mihalik, Furman Univeristy Will Mangurian, Tulane University Buddy Fultz, Middle Tennessee State University Travis Sands, Georgia Highlands College THE CHARIOT | 13
THE MONEY I$$UE MAAHA RAFIQUE, production editor & BRIAN SUI, news editor
Cover Story oney matters. This is true for any resident of Johns Creek, even if a significant portion of the community may not find that finances are a major concern. As a wealthy suburb, Johns Creek may as well be a different universe when compared to Atlanta, which lies a mere 30 miles away. With a median household income of more than $100,000 and a reputation as a haven for suburban royalty, an examination of life in the Creek cannot be complete without an analysis of how money factors into the lives of residents: as community members, as students at Johns Creek High School and as individuals. Johns Creek may be a pillar of affluence, but close to home lies a great divide – that which exists between North and South Fulton. Anyone who has lived in both areas knows they differ greatly, especially when it comes to the quality of public schools. “I taught in southern Fulton County before coming here. The school was markedly inferior to Johns Creek in multiple aspects. There were no parent booster clubs. In fact, parent involvement was difficult to come by due to many parents having to maintain a single parent household and oftentimes juggling multiple jobs just to survive. Many of the student body lived in the projects or some even in group homes. Due to these conditions, many students did not value education because things such as basic survival were their first priority,” said literature teacher Mrs. Teela Clowe. The particulars of funding at JCHS aside, it is worth investigating the reasons for Johns Creek’s standing. According to City Commissioner Lynne Riley, the people who live there and the reasons they choose to do so make Johns Creek the community it is. “The community is primarily residential, and residents are predominantly highly educated, providing for a wellpaid workforce. These factors result in Johns Creek being one of the wealthiest communities in Georgia,” said Commissioner Riley. It is true that more than 95 percent of Johns Creek adult residents have a high school degree, compared to 88 percent in Atlanta, according to statisticalatlas.com. It is also important to remember that Johns Creek is still young. Barely ten years have passed since the city’s inception, which was spurred by residents’ desires to have a more attentive, focused government. This origin makes clear Johns Creek’s original purpose: a safe haven for the wealthy suburbanite – the way all statistics portray a typical resident of the city.
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This setting has contributed to an affliction many suburbs suffer from: that of the “bubble.” Individuals differ in their opinions of how isolated Johns Creek residents are from the rest of Georgian society, but most can agree that some degree of alienation exists. “I think for a really long time I didn’t really realize how much of a bubble we are. If you do drive a little bit out of the ways, you realize how different our lifestyles are. However, as a community, I do think we go out and seek other areas more often than people would give us credit for,” said junior Joy Tang. Money also has major effects at the government level. Last November’s decision by the Johns Creek council to oppose expansion of MARTA into the city was based heavily on resistance to the tax that would have come about as a result – though it would only have amounted to half a penny, according to the AJC. Research was conducted into the opinions of residents, but the decision was made without much public input. When wealth is such an integral part of what characterizes a community, one wonders if there is room for other factors that make up the culture of Johns Creek. Living in a city so new can be disorienting when there are no decades of specific tradition to serve as a foundation. Ultimately, though, it is certain that Johns Creek provides a steady, stable way of life for those wishing to seek one – a life that rests on suburban affluence. unding at Johns Creek High School (JCHS) is often an overlooked matter, yet it plays an instrumental role in continuously molding and maintaining the reputation of the entire school. Despite the boldly expensive guise of JCHS, however, the school is simply another high school, planted in the larger Fulton County system, that receives funding on par with its counterparts. Fulton County allocates the same certain amount of money to every enrolled student in all of its schools, and the sum of this makes up what is called the cost-center budget. This budget goes into determining personnel size and distribution and purchasing classroom suppliesand other materials necessary in running a school. “We’re projected for 2,125 kids next year, which is a slight increase over this year. You’re pretty much given a certain amount per pupil, and after about the tenth day of school, if our enrollment is below that, they actually take that money back, and if it’s above that, we get more money per pupil,” said principal Dr. Jimmy Zoll. In the case that a school does suffer from impoverishment, such as those in the Atlanta Public Schools system, there are outlets of additional financial support that the federal government can provide known as Title I funding, which targets low-income students
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THE CHARIOT | 15
“Money often costs too much.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
hoochee River. With the augmenting affluence in the city of Johns Creek, it is no surprise that Johns Creek’s unique po$3,000 sition greatly influences how struggling to meet state standards. In the North Fulton students view money. $80 area, Title I funding is scant, but many schools are for“Material wealth leads us to tunate enough to receive the parental and communal not care. I feel like in the area support most schools in South Fulton and APS lack. we live in, we are very unAt JCHS specifically, a highly-involved Parent Teacher grateful for the privilege that Student Association (PTSA), a dominant athletic de- we’ve been given because we $425 partment, well-kept facilities and various clubs ranging are so wealthy, and we’re just from academics to service that dismiss any traces of surrounded by wealth that it overt poverty. kind of normalizes us to what At JCHS, the disparity in funding between clubs and wealth is,” said junior Stephaathletics is the factor that most contributes to instigating nie Zhang. polarized sentiments. Many students believe that sports Another effect of wealth is $895 acquire more financial aid than academic organizations materialism. In Johns Creek, and clubs, but the majority of the athletic department’s image can heavily influence wealth comes from a lot of participation fees and prof- status. The pressures to inteits generated from games that are hosted at the school. grate into Johns Creek culture Likewise, all the clubs at Johns Creek High This orgin are rampant within School are self-funded. Still, many student makes Johns the school, and stuleaders are wholly discontent with the lack dents typically go to Creek’s original of money for their own clubs and see this as great extents just to purpose clear: avoid social ostraan obstacle to their individual groups’ suca safe haven cization. cess. Oftentimes, students involved in acafor the wealthy “There are people $170 demic organizations view the school as apsuburbanite. who put up straight athetic towards their ambitious endeavors. “We don’t get much school support. The facades. There are school doesn’t recognize clubs, only teams by Ful- people I know from families ton County definition, and as a community, our club that aren’t as well-off as people isn’t as popular as we’d like for it to be, and it’s hard at this school that put on this front as if they’re just as to change that,” said junior and Science Olympiad well-off as everyone else, when in reality, they’re strugsecretary Pooja Sharma. gling, because [they feel that] they have to,” said senior Moreover, clubs and organizations have to account for Sarah Kredan. deficits in spending money and must resort to finding On the other hand, the availability of money can alternative methods. nurture students’ mutual drives to accomplish some“We have to come up with new fundraisers or have thing meaningful in all facets of their lives, whether it to settle for something else. For example, last year for be through academic platforms, service projects or atha project, NHS had to choose a lego set that was less letic fields. expensive. We often have to cut corners like that,” said “The general attitude of students is that most have a senior and National Honor Society vice-president desire to be successful. I think there is also an extreme Amanda Warner. competitiveness which stems from their community Though JCHS does not want for funds, its usage of and comes at whatever cost, good or bad,” said AP Lang money inspires debate and must be regulated. School teacher and yearbook advisor Ms. Jennifer Clark. funding is simply one of the many ways that money has The infamous phenomenon that has been christened an impact on the lives of students. “affluenza” is unavoidable in an area like Johns Creek, ealth has its boundaries, and in Georgia, most but students, in general, do understand that money is of it is concentrated along the defined borders not eternal. Some students from wealthy backgrounds of Johns Creek, ending right before the entrance into also feel obligated to continue their parents’ route of Peachtree Corners, Duluth and south of the Chatta- monetary success.
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MITCHELL ODENDAHL
“I would definitely say that seeing wealth Total cost of my car and to save money for college,” said around me makes me feel like I need this junior Lauren Garrett. of items: lifestyle or more when I get older ... I think The repercussions of wealth and materithat is the hardest: when you acknowledge $11,169.95 alism are felt around Johns Creek, and alhow much you have and just how hard that though students clearly acknowledge this as will be to recreate in the future,” said junior Joy Tang. truth, most assume it does not warrant further considNo matter their economic standing, many students at eration. Generally, though, students express awareness JCHS have jobs. Most students keep jobs not to contrib- of their privilege. Many mention the “Johns Creek steute to the family income, which other high-schoolers reotype” and admit it affects how they perceive image around America sometimes do at the expense of their and exacerbates a pressure to come off a certain way. education but to have cash for car payments, college In Johns Creek, the lifestyles and attitudes of most funds or other personal expenses. Johns Creek students residents are shaped by their environment. For wellhave a variety of objectives in mind for the money that off students, it is clear that the bubble phenomenon they make. can greatly influence self-image. Though most do not “I usually spend about 30 percent of my money just often stop to consider money’s importance, its impact for me, and I give the rest to my mom. I kind of feel like extends from the governmental level to the dynamics of if I have it in my hands there’s a better chance that I’ll peer groups. Johns Creek is not unique for being a comprobably use it all,” said senior Praise Ahn, who works munity where money matters. This applies to all places 30 hours a week at a Duluth cafe. people live. But it is distinctive for how intricacies and “I have a job because I have to pay for a good portion traditions of wealth affect the lives of residents.
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crossword*
ACROSS 1 The constitution guarantees your right to bear these 5 ___Rocky? RIP YAMS 9 Globally recognized college admissions test
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12 A place to sit 13 Abbr. for ribonucleic acid located in the nucleus 14 Making out in the hallways? 15 E.g. alcoholism 17 Abbr. for Autrey Mill, minus an ‘M’ 18 Not your grandmother’s correspondence 19 Forget this and you’ll get a point off your physics test 20 Abbr. for Johnny Manziel’s alma mater 22 Convenient feature of a building or place 24 American ____ 25 Abbr. for Northern Illinois Police Alarm System 26 Mao Zedong’s nationalist opponent, exiled to Taiwan 31 Singular Mayan monuments
*Editor’s note: There are a few answers on this crossword that are sadistically obscure, but if you work through this, at least you won’t have to pay attention in class. Puzzle answers can be found on page 31.
DOWN 1 Abbr. for a triangle congruence theorem 2 The color of Trump’s Make America Great Again hats 3 French word for single ladies 4 Caffeine effect 5 Rihanna’s latest double-platinum album 6 On an island off India’s coast? Use this currency 7 Lost sense of smell, medically 8 Spanish word for ‘bread’ 9 A once famous naval fleet that took the L against Great Britain in 1588 10 Confess 11 ____kake, a processed, creamfilled snack cake 16 Formula of Calcium Sulfide 20 __ tac toe 21 Abbr. for a hormone used to treat diabetes insipidus 23 __-pen, most recent victim of big pharma price-gouging. 27 Opposite of gross, economically 28 Glimmered, especially with reflected light 29 Adam’s wife, or, the justification for centuries of misogyny 30 Barbie’s emasculated boyfriend, or, Toy Story 3 villain 33 Spirits 34 Final track of The Neighbourhood’s debut EP 38 Japanese car company, sans the ‘yo’ 40 Pakistan’s CIA 41 Turkish Flute 42 Abbr. for Larry Wilmore’s canceled late-night show
32 When you put money in a bank account, not checking 33 More sugar 35 Mythological creature who sang sailors to their death 36 Essential ___, aromatic liquids 37 Complex disorder of brain development, not caused by vaccines 39 Abbr. for a web address 40 Paramount 43 Common romanization of a South Korean surname 44 March Madness position 45 Garden where 29 down lived 46 Abbr. for another triangle congruence theorem, not concerning angles 47 Typical shower thought 48 Weeks are made up of? THE CHARIOT | 19
THIS IS MEERT
The woman, the myth, the legend. NEHA BHATIA, staff writer
I
KATHERINE SHIN
20|
t was a cold morning more than 20 years ago, and JCHS math teacher Ms. Julie Meert was on an aircraft carrier. Eyes darting back and forth, scribbling notes rapidly on her papers, Ms. Meert, a researcher for the United States government’s Center for Naval Analyses, was with her battlegroup. If an intrigued bystander looked up this mission, they would not find it; it was top secret, and Ms. Meert had full security clearance. Ms. Meert was a true-to-life embodiment of the career that children with $15 Target spy equipment dreamed about; it was the kind of career that has led Ms. Meert’s current math students to quietly question “Was she in the CIA?” every time her name is brought up in conversation. Ms. Meert was one out of a handful of the United States’ superlative mathematicians, analysts and scientists; she would spend her weeks aboard various aircraft carriers, monitoring how the Navy’s submarines fared in various circumstances. The multitude of bearing word problems that Ms. Meert’s students learn in her classroom 21 years later are the pen-and-paper version of her role at the Center for Naval Analyses; while her students may know them as “the question on the test no one knew how to do,” Meert knows bearings as a crucial skill in Target Motion Analysis (TMA) – the process of using sensor information to determine the position of a target. Students often question the real-world utility of the math skills they learn, but Ms. Meert knows better; she has been there, done that. “Really, calculus is the language of physics. I have a master’s degree in mathematics; it helps me understand more-so what students need to be successful if they’re going into any kind of math career,” said Ms. Meert. When she decided it was time for her career at the Center for Naval Analyses to come to an end, Ms. Meert decided to do a “complete 180,” to say the least. Working as a dress designer and creator in Washington D.C for a few years, Ms. Meert became a fashion designer, designing dresses ranging from semi-formal attire to inaugural ball gowns. Soon after, Ms. Meert moved
to Mississippi where she built and designed her own antebellum-style home on 16 acres of land. The landscape of her home was so idyllic, in fact, that it was a popular wedding venue. Ms. Meert would design and cater the weddings at her home. In time, however, as Ms. Meert put it herself, “it was time to get a real job.” Ms. Meert embraced her newfound role as a math teacher in her graduate school, Marquette University in Wisconsin, and taught at community colleges and other high schools, but five years ago she came to Johns Creek High School. In those five years, Meert has effectively sealed her status as one of Johns Creek’s most respected teachers. Many describe her as rigid, expressing surprise when she breaks a smile; others express a feeling of foreboding at the prospect of asking her a mathematical question. Meert runs a tight ship in her classroom, often without saying a word. In spite of all that, Ms. Meert is a warm presence, not a cold one. She has a bright smile, and she doesn’t shy away from eye contact. She isn’t the type of person to crack a joke in every sentence, but when she does, it is a witty one. She doesn’t exude anger but a sense of comfortable calm. And if there is one thing students should know about her, it is that she truly wants to see her students succeed. “If my teachers had found out that I got a master’s degree in mathematics, they would have been shocked. That actually helps me a lot in helping other students; I don’t just look at the one that always gets an A because there are a lot of kids that can really do well even though they don’t have an A. I know that’s how I was,” said Ms. Meert. In her free time, she enjoys playing the classical piano, a hobby she has maintained for many years. She also enjoys biking, and she teaches a Bible study class at her church. Her favorite color is purple, and she admits, somewhat dubiously, that her favorite Disney princess is Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.” Simply speaking, a conversation with the incredible Ms. Meert embodies the age-old notion that many students are weary of: teachers are people too.
features
OSCARS NIGHT Raina Pariikh, staff writer and Sophie Spiegel, design editor
The Academy Awards are an annual event honoring the leaders of the film industry. The year’s best movies, actors, and filmmakers are nominated for various awards, and the 2017 ceremony promises to be the Oscar’s most diverse yet. Here we take a look at a few frontrunners and staff favorites.
LION: BEST GLO-UP “Lion” captures the hearts (and the guilt) of American viewers with yet another tale of an impoverished Indian child. Dev Patel, with his beautifully sculpted face and abs, gives a compelling performance as the passionately furious Saroo Brierley who longs to find the birth family he got separated from twenty years ago. Nicole Kidman adds a nuanced foil to Patel’s stormy demeanor. Sunny Pawar as young Saroo is the real breakout star, however. His wide eyes and innocent demeanor tug at the heart just as strongly as the terrible ordeal he is forced to go through. “Lion” may not tell the story of anything new, but it’s still worth a watch if just for Patel’s insane glo-up. LA LA LAND: BEST TO WATCH WITH FAMILY This movie is the bandwagon that everyone needs to hop on. “La La Land” is as nostalgic and ethereal as a jazzy love song is to Old Hollywood. From the color-saturated opening dance number to the wistful final scene, this
Golden Globe winner takes moviegoers on a whirl through a year of the precarious hopes that characterize the city. Mia (Emma Stone) is a struggling actress and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is a talented pianist who dreams of opening a jazz club. When their paths cross, they go on a journey of romance complicated by the weight of their failing aspirations. If the movie ever falters, it’s with a few lines of the dialogue that veer on the cliched side of nostalgic. Even if you don’t watch it, take a listen to the soundtrack, especially “City of Stars” and “Planetarium.” MOONLIGHT: BEST HEARTBREAKER “Moonlight” is an emotional movie that tells the heartbreaking story of growing up in the crime-ridden inner city of Miami. The film explores the neglected topic of growing up African-American and gay in a society where
machismo is necessary for survival. The plot is fictional but the twists and turns we see of protagonist Chiron’s (Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes) life as a child, adolescent and adult are unbearably realistic. The movie is cinematically captivating, but lacks an abundance of dialogue, alluding to the silence of those facing this issue. ZOOTOPIA: BEST SHADE Never has an animated film so accurately captured the tensions of its time. “Zootopia” cleverly depicts and explores issues such as racism, sexism, political corruption, drug addiction and most relevant of all, fear. Its underlying themes take aim at fear-mongering and divisive rhetoric but are presented in a manner that can be discussed with the younger audience after the film is over.
The movie provides a hopeful and inspiring conclusion, proving to the next generation that it is possible to embrace our differences and simply coexist. JACKIE: BEST BIOPIC In the movie “Jackie,” it is clear that Natalie Portman did her homework when it came time to master the soft eloquence of Jackie Kennedy. While her portrayal of both the accent and the style emotes the aura of the iconic First Lady, the movie itself is quite somber with no particularly defining moments. It’s an in depth look into the intense days following the assassination of President John Kennedy and how she dealt with her loss in private and in the scrutiny of the public. We vote Natalie for best actress, but the movie itself was just meh.
z
NATALIE SIEGMAN, features editor & JAMIE MILLER, staff writer
On the surface, obsessing over designer sneakers may seem like a silly fad. For the young men who have invested hundreds of dollars and hours into finding the best pair of sneakers to express their style, keeping up with the culture has become a part of their daily routine and a beloved hobby. 2016 saw huge success in the sneaker industry; between Yeezy’s, Human Race and Air Presto, the industry has grown exponentially in popularity and price. Although just a few years ago Adidas was just another sporting goods brand, maybe even seen as second-tier to Nike or Under Armour, today it is among the most popular brands of designer sneakers. As more and more celebrities, such as Pharrell, Kanye West or Big Sean, started designing their own shoes and creating partnerships with the brand, Adidas has quickly skyrocketed in popularity and suave. “Brand definitely has something to do with the shoes I choose. I’m leaning toward Adidas now with the boosts and everything like that. Whatever shoes I see that I like, I buy. I look at comfortability and looks at the same time because you have to be able to walk around in them wherever, while still having a shoe that people look at like, ‘woah that’s a cool shoe,’” said senior Jackson Turner. Not only is this new sneaker culture proving a change in self-expression and style trends, it also is changing the industry for how businesses reach consumers. There is a new standard in this realm of fashion: designer sneakers are released in limited supply and are not sold in bulk directly from the designer. Since sneaker fanatics can no longer just choose to wait in a line, most buy their shoes from a reseller. This secondary market is estimated to be worth more than $1 billion. Devotedly scouring resale websites for the best value creates an exciting obsession for many “sneakerheads.” “The reason shoes have become so popular is because of the limit on them. Let’s say there’s a million people who want a shoe, but a company only releases 20,000 of them. They now have a high value because the demand is a million. The demand has just gotten too high. When you see someone wearing a shoe, even if it isn’t necessarily that cool, you know the demand for that shoe and how 22 |
rare it is. It makes the shoes more special because you know you are one of 20,000 people or less who have it,” said senior Louis Leidenfrost. The sudden popularity of sneakers has driven the financial aspect of buying and selling to an all time high. The sneaker market has provided people of all ages with business opportunities that generate substantial income while simultaneously providing the consumers with an outlet of self expression. The concept of selling style has recently caught the eye of many sneaker fanatics. However, the expenses of buying shoes come with a cost in which many Johns Creek students find significant financial rewards. For these students, taking part in the booming industry has become a relatively expensive hobby. On a release, the retail value
of shoes ranges anywhere from $170 to $250 a pair. “Since I started the resell business, I spend around $2,000 a month on shoes. It could be more or less depending on the releases,” said senior Jeremiah Cheng. Such a high demand has sparked growing interest in not only retail but in the resale. The competition of buying a shoe drives the secondary provider’s price to skyrocket, creating a profit margin that is substantially above many people’s initial expectations. “I started the business because I love shoes and I also resell them. If I love what I’m doing while I’m making money it doesn’t feel like working, it’s just me loving what I’m doing,” said Leidenfrost. The demand for sneakers is so high that many sell out within 20 seconds of being released, so it is important, whether you are in the market for business or simply in it for the style, to keep track of the latest releases. Fame’s role in sneaker culture demonstrates how shoes come with an array of meanings. In Kanye’s recent release of Yeezy’s through Adidas, he created the shoes with the idea of something he percieves as holy and unique, hence the altering of the word “Yeezus” in reference to Jesus. The 1936 Olympic basketball team wore the original Converse Chuck Taylors to display the fundamental message that the shoes were founded on: authenticity.
Michael Jordan’s famed $5,000 fine per game he played wearing his Air Jordan line displayed to typical buyers and sneakerheads alike that it is okay to stand out. These statements are what inspire many to get involved in the shoe game. “[Shoes] interested me because I saw people gaining respect based on the shoes they wore. Whether the shoes were expensive or just looked cool, it all caught my eye. I immediately started saving up money,” said Turner. The messages driven by celebrity endorsement show us that shoes are a gateway to self-expression. The variety of brands, colors and styles tells a lot more about the consumer than what is simply put on their feet. Shoes are worn everyday, and what you pick out is a direct demonstration of who you are or who you want to become. When a shoe catches a person’s eye, it symbolizes a similarity between the two people that might not have been found otherwise. “Even if you aren’t a sneakerhead, I can still tell a little bit about who you are based on the shoes you wear. You get to know people better based off of the shoes they have. Also when I see people wearing shoes that I also have or want that’s like an instant connection with someone. That’s what I love about it, that it brings people together and you meet new people,” said Turner.
MITCHELL ODENDAHL S h o e s , f r o m f r o n t t o b a c k : A d i d a s O G P r i m e K n i t N M D ’s / A d i d a s M u l t i c o l o r U l t r a b o o s t s / N i k e P r i m e K n i t A i r F o r c e 1 ’s
THE CHARIOT | 23
music SOLID SOUND
From Run the Jewels to Sampha, this is the most diverse playlist we’ve featured yet. It blends aggressive anthems with tender ballads but maintains a central sentiment. Motivating in a multitude of ways, this playlist is what I need to make it over the mid-semester hump. With good music, we can hustle and cuss to spring break, and finish the year out strong.
SAMPHA PHOTO COURTESEY OF THE FADER
*scan QR code for
1. solid wall of sound / a tribe called quest 2. killing in the name / rage against the machine 3. talk to me / run the jewels 4. i’ve got friends / manchester orchestra 5. wild season / banks & steelz 6. FUTURE PEOPLE / ALABAMA SHAKES 7. cruel world / phantogram 8. hustle and cuss / the dead weather 9. guillotine / jon bellion 10. aristotle ponders the sound / l.a. salami 11. Festival Song / jeff rosenstock 12. plastic 100 C / sampha 13. two FIngers / jake bugg 14. best to you / blood orange 15. Brother / lord huron 16. all caps / madvillAIn 17. lit up / fLYING LOTUS 18. ON HOLD / THE XX access to Spotify playlist 19. bagbak / vince staples
S
process CLAY VOYTEK, editor-in-chief
ampha is a name you may not recognize, but the South London native has a voice you’ve heard. With placements on Drake’s “Views,” Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo,” and Solange’s “A Seat At The Table,” he has an extensive catalog as a vocalist and songwriter. Sampha’s delicate vocals are warm and inviting — often accompanied by modest string instruments juxtaposed with futuristic production. Sampha’s most famous feature is on Drake’s “Too Much.” On the track, Drake raps with the apathy of a man that doesn’t know true hurt. And so, he featured Sampha on his hook to add a certain element of vulnerability that he simply cannot attain. Sampha has always had an inhibition toward stepping in the spotlight, and he’s barely released any solo music since he began his career in 2009. Until now. On February 3, after years in the background, Sampha put forth his solo debut, “Process.” Talent like this demands exposure, and God bless Sampha for giving us this album when we needed it the most. “Timmy’s Prayer,” “(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano” and “Reverse Faults” are pensive, melancholy tracks that brilliantly display the young artist’s unique talent. Still, the album opener, “Plastic 100°C,” is a personal favorite. Ethereal, spacey, and anguish-laden — it is a song that only Sampha could pull off. His music has the rare effect of magnifying his own humanity and mirroring our own back at us. Sampha can distill our collective passions and desolation into art, and that’s true talent.
music festivals: a definitive list march
may
july
Buzu Music & Art Project
shaky beats festival
Panorama
Deadmau5, Travis Scott, Run the Jewels, Young Thug, Lil Yachty, 21 Savage, Vince Staples, Cashmere Cat
The Chainsmokers, Kaskade, Griz, Zeds Dead Allison Wonderland, Galantis, Flosstradamus
Frank Ocean, MGMT, Solange, Future Islands Tyler, the Creator, Vance Joy, Alt J, Glass Animals, Snakeships
Okeechobee Music & Arts
rolling loud
sloss Music & Arts
Kings of Leon, Wiz Khalifa, Flume, The Lumineers Usher & the Roots, Pretty Lights, Bassnectar
Kendrick Lamar, Future, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Migos, Young Thug, Blackbear, Tyler the Creator
Alabama Shakes, Widespread Panic, Odesza, Spoon Run the Jewels, Waka Flacka Flame, Vince Staples
april
june
august
sweetwater 420 fest
Bonnaroo
Lollapalooza
Dirty Heads, Widespread Panic, Ween, Dark Star Orchestra, Trey Anastasio Band
U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weekend, Glass Animals Chance the Rapper, Major Lazer, Flume, Big Gigantic, The xx
Muse, Daft Punk, Foo Fighters, Chance the Rapper MGMT, the xx, deadmau5, Axwell Ingrosso
lineup rating: meh
lineup rating: amazing
lineup rating: rumored
The number fest
FirefL y
outside lands
Young Thug, Jauz, Louis the Child, Blackbear, Lil Yachty, 21 Savage, Quinn XCII
Muse, The Weekned, Twenty One Pilots, Bob Dylan Chance the Rapper, Flume, Weezer, Kesha, Glass Animals
Young Thug, Jauz, Louis the Child, Blackbear, Lil Yachty, 21 Savage, Quinn XCII
lineup rating: worth the drive
lineup rating: great
New Orleans, LA lineup rating: great
Okeechobee, FL lineup rating: good
Atlanta, GA
Athens, OH
24 |
Atlanta, GA
lineup rating: good
Miami, FL
lineup rating: crazy lit
Manchester, TN
Dover, DL
New York City, NY lineup rating: good
Birmingham, AL lineup rating: meh
Chicago, IL
San Fransisco, CA
lineup rating: not worth the drive
entertainment PHOTO COURTESEY OF FANDANGO
2017’s most anticipated movies 1. star wars: episode viii “The Last Jedi” centers around Rey and her journey with the long-lost Luke Skywalker for the epic second-to-last sequel in the Star Wars trilogy. 2. Guardians of the galaxy vol. 2 brings Chris Pratt back in this sci-fi sequel where he continues his journey alongside a tree to discover the mystery behind Peter Quill’s true parentage. 3. dunkirk recreates the bloody battle on the beaches of France where Allied soilders are surrounded by ruthless German forces. 4. logan is hiding from both the world and his legacy when a young mutant disrupts his retreat with her dark and powerful force. 5. fate of the furious When Vin Diesel goes rogue at the hands of another woman, the crew assembles for one last race.
concert review: run the jewels NICK PUENTE, guest writer
Run The Jewels is not for everyone. They are a bombastic, focused and socially aware hip-hop duo ballsy enough to say whatever they please. They came to Atlanta to play at the Tabernacle, and I went with friends to see them. The openers of the concert did their best to warm up the crowd. There were four: 2 DJ’s and 2 rappers with staggered performances so nobody got drained from long instrumental sets. Luckily, they all played pretty good shows, but I won’t waste my word count on talking about them further. I wasn’t there to see them play, and by the time an hour and a half passed, I was ready for Run The Jewels. Just as those sentiments reached their most powerful, the dynamic duo of Killer Mike and El-P manifested in front of our eyes. Immediately, there spanned a mellow haze; I’m unsure whether it was from a fog machine or just the sheer perspiration and heat pouring from each individual’s pounding body. The anticipation released when they began their political manifesto “Talk to Me,” and it was replaced by a different sensation. There was an incredible pressure— the crowd surrounding me started moving in all directions: upwards and downwards, forwards and back, lurching in an endless oscillation— and I was caught inside, a part of the machine. Needless to say, my voice was hoarse after the first song, but their powerful potion of rage and intellect was poured in my ears, so I could barely tell. As the night went on, and banger after banger played between the politically charged
PHOTO COURTESY OF AUSTIN THOMPSON
diatribes, the floors became more elastic, as if I was standing on a trampoline. The raging sound enveloped me. Gangsta Boo made an appearance, and the musicians played their impassioned “Love Again.” At this point, my friend group finally tore through the crowd and found me weak, sweaty and a little delusional. I had drifted throughout the crowd without any point of reference outside of the hypnosis occurring on stage; then, a man emerged with a microphone. Big Boi, a member of OutKast, burst onto the stage, and it took my friend telling me that he was actually standing there for it to fully sink in.
The crowd went absolutely nuts. There are few moments where everything seems truly surreal, and this was one of those moments. Run The Jewels closed out their explosive set with “Close Your Eyes,” and it seemed a fitting end to an altogether insane night. After they said their thanks, they crept off the stage, and the lights above us powered on. It was disorienting for me, seeing actual lights when the entire time all I had was lasers and fog. My group limped out of the theater, beat, tired and hungry, but it was unquestionable: that was one of the best shows of my life. My ears are still ringing. THE CHARIOT | 25
26 |
Should affLuent people shop at thrift stores?
OPINION
YES:
RACHEL GROSSWALD, staff writer
F
our years ago when Macklemore came out with the iconic hit, “Thrift Shop,” most people in Johns Creek had to google what “poppin’ tags” meant. They thought of Goodwill as a place where they dropped off their old stuff, but now a new fashion phenomenon is sweeping the nation. Lately, buying clothes that look like they could have been recycled from somebody else’s closet is widely praised in the fashion world. This popular trend among teenagers and young adults has people flocking to the nearest Goodwill, even in the most affluent areas. With this new demographic trend of people now shopping in thrift stores, the question arises: is it ethical for people to shop in thrift stores if they don’t really need to? Shopping at thrift stores is a way to fill your wardrobe with cool finds while helping others. Goodwill is one of the most popular thrift stores in our area, and 82 percent of all of
Goodwill’s profits go directly to their cause: employment and training programs that educate people who need help finding and acquiring jobs. Goodwill is another great example of how shopping at thrift stores does not deprive disadvantaged people of the things that they need, but rather helps them. Consequently, it is imperative that people continue to shop at thrift stores. Shopping in thrift stores is also a fantastic way to acquire unique and fashionable clothes on a budget. Even though we live in Johns Creek, not everyone gets handed money for clothing, and for students who have to pay for their own things, purchasing clothes at thrift stores is a cheap alternative to spending $300 on a jacket that already looks like it has been used for ages. Going thrift shopping opens consumers up to a whole new world of fashion. With fashion trends from decades ago resurfacing, these
stores are the perfect place to find vintage clothes that fit with the trends of today. Even if someone is not looking to be fashionable, there are always hidden gems in thrift stores, whether it’s a T-shirt with a funny slogan or a windbreaker with a funky design. People with all different tastes and styles donate to thrift stores, and with this wide variety of unique items, you are sure to find something in a thrift store that suits you. As more and more teens and young adults trade in their department store shopping bags for a plastic bag from Goodwill, it is important to remember that they are not just mindlessly shopping but helping people in need. Going thrift shopping provides people with a huge variety of inimitable, fashionable clothing at super cheap prices. So if you ever find yourself with $20 in your pocket, use it to buy six unique shirts at a thrift store instead of blowing it on one from a designer label.
fortunately, their only options for affordable clothing, bargain rate stores, are being depleted of their resources in an attempt to create an aesthetic. While a high-income consumer has multiple outlets to get the perfect fleece or tornup jeans, thrift stores are essentially the only places those on the poverty line can find quality goods within their price range. Shopping at Goodwill is comparable to taking food from someone who is hungrier, someone more in need. If an affluent shopper is in need of groceries, his or her first stop should be a Publix, Kroger or Whole Foods, not a food bank. That cute shirt that will get thrown away as soon as winter hits could have been the interview outfit that helped a single-parent family go from an apartment to a house. The harsh reality of the situation is that there is a limitation on the amount of items people will donate, and a high-income consumer purchas-
ing those items is draining a finite resource. The glorification of thrift shopping as a casual pastime makes a mockery of those who shop at thrift stores out of necessity. To attack boredom on the weekends, people pass time at the local thrift store, trying to find oversized flannels that will likely leave magazine covers in a few months. If asked where they bought their ripped-up jeans or baggy plaid shirt, it would be unsurprising if the majority of teenagers respond with something along the lines of “Goodwill.” The Huffington Post article, “How to Wear Flannel Without Looking Sloppy” serves as evidence to the fact that the wealthy have found ways to manipulate poverty into the latest trend. High-income consumers have found a way to romanticize an opportunity for those crushed under the poverty line to provide for themselves. Let’s not glamorize life on the minimum wage.
NO:
NIKI DANI, staff writer
I
t’s the holiday season. A man is ringing a rusted old bell and calling for passing shoppers to spare their time and change. A woman dressed elegantly in furs and iconic red-bottomed Louboutins steps out of her Rolls Royce and places her manicured fingertips into the donation bucket. She fishes out some change, places it in her Coach wallet and strolls away. While the actual reality of the situation is not as theatrical, this is essentially what happens when high-income consumers shop at stores like Goodwill meant to benefit the minimum wage worker. Though Johns Creek is surrounded by what seems like endless luxury and golf courses, the city still has a 4.6 percent poverty rate; which means approximately 3,700 people in the city are paid less than what is needed for the minimum necessities. These people cannot afford the Vineyards Vines, Urban Outfitters and Patagonia that fills Johns Creek closets. Un-
THE CHARIOT | 27
JOSH GURIN, staff writer In December of 2016, Kanye West was hospitalized due to a lapse in mental health; his ordeal was the latest in a number of incidents that have plagued hip-hop. The pressure in the industry is unforgiving, and even new artists are struggling to alleviate it.
G
olden 1 Center was roaring with the voices of over ten thousand patrons, all converging to witness a performance from the legendary Kanye West. They weren’t cheering, however. The guests were booing the very artist they came to see. West’s infamously zealous fan base did not hesitate to slander him after he began his show over an hour late, performed only three songs and then went on a politically fueled rant before leaving the stage abruptly. A few short days later, news broke that West was checked into a California hospital under mysterious circumstances. The media pulled this story in many different directions; some sources cited temporary psychosis brought on by dehydration, while others speculated over-exhaustion due to his rigorous tour schedule. As a result, the ordeal shined a spotlight on the concerning presence of mental illness in the hip-hop community. This abundance of ill health is not a coincidence but rather a signal to the world that rap artists are in jeopardy as the pressure from oblivious listeners is 28 |
constantly mounting. Mental disorders in hip-hop are not a new conversation; many artists have suffered mental issues, each coping in their own respective way. A disturbing trend among such cases is that rappers cite an inability to leave their work behind after a performance or session in the studio. DMX, for example, struggled with bipolar disorder because he was no longer able to distinguish his performing self from his normal self. Similarly, Kid Cudi checked himself into rehabilitation in late 2016 due to depression. Most people do not think of the professional music business as stressful due to the lavish lifestyle. Unfortunately, the job comes with a hefty set of expectations. Any performance, new music or even a recent tweet will be torn apart online by thousands of biased and minimally informed readers. This existence in the view of the public eye creates pressure that, evidently, proves to be detrimental for a frightening number of artists too afraid to disappoint. Seeing their own identities reflected back at them through the biased lens of media sources looking for a story creates a men-
tal fistfight between true and perceived identities. This constant struggle to show the world their true persona while also maintaining a fun reputation is a recipe for mental turmoil. Interestingly enough, the industry is thankfully becoming self-aware of its issue. Young artists that have grown up with the genre are using their music to communicate deeper feelings of introspection, which has served to break down the wall between the performers and the fans. Laying out true feelings of discomfort is no longer taboo in the genre. This is admittedly a step in the right direction, but more revealing music seems to only raise awareness and the inherent issue remains, deeply rooted in soil made of fans who hear the lyrics pleading for help but continue to fuel the raging fire lit beneath rappers. The audience has an obligation to give the talent room to create and make mistakes, but the duty has been overlooked for too long. Tragically, the road to improvement in mental health is blocked by the fundamental need for rappers to please their mercilessly ravenous fans, and change is unrealistic. PHOTO: MITCHELL ODENDAHL
opinion
Po l i t i c i z at i o n o f C a r to o n s MAURA MCLYNN, staff writer
A
visit to the movies has become incredibly criticized by liberals, regardless of the fact that the movie’s indifficult: Grandma may be in the mood for tended audience, children, couldn’t care less about the politics a drama, but teenager Tommy refuses to and just want to enjoy superheroes in action. However, this distaste for politically influenced films runs watch anything with less than twenty explosions. In the end, the family finds itself both ways. Ten years after the release of “The Incredibles,” a new watching the single, presumably safe option: a cartoon. Unfor- film, “The Lego Movie,” was released in theaters. Republicans tunately, these previously deemed “family-friendly movies” are immediately rejected the naming of the movie’s villain, “Lord now causing upheaval among viewers, a byproduct of the not- Business,” and rebuked the reportedly communist undertone it so-subtle political agendas found in recent animated movies. presented to viewers. The film portrays a society in which the government is considered good, business is bad While the inclusion of current political issues and there is nothing else to be said about it. These is impossible to avoid completely, some parThe idea that anti-capitalist and anti-business themes made ents disagree with the views expressed in cerHollywood conservatives’ blood boil and created a feeling of tain films and believe this content is unfit for discontent so strong they don’t want their chiltheir kids to watch. These beliefs have caused a is trying to dren anywhere near the movie. Meanwhile, the chaotic and seemingly unresolvable debate as brainwash kids were just enjoying their favorite Legos on to what’s appropriate to include in shows dithe big screen. rected towards children. children Let’s face it: no one is ever truly going to be satisBack in 2004 when Usher’s “Yeah!” was the through pofied with a film as long as this politically-charged most popular song and Paris Hilton was relenvironment persists. Feminists will always hate evant, a new superhero cartoon titled “The litical proSnow White for waiting for her prince to come, Incredibles” hit the big screen. While viewers poganda is and “The Lorax” will always be criticized for its were expecting light-hearted entertainment, environmental propaganda. The idea that Holpolitically-minded individuals found a conabsurd. lywood is trying to brainwash children through servative influence in which the government suppresses the power of superhuman beings. This prevention of political propaganda is absurd. Kids want to laugh and have a their abilities keeps them from doing what they do best: saving good time, so, in the end, a few politically motivated aspects of a the world. The film features other traditional ideals, including plot really don’t matter. Rather than arguing about the director’s the importance of family and the idea that not everyone who intentions behind a movie, viewers should simply appreciate participates automatically deserves a trophy, as shown by Dash, the fact that these professionals took the time to create a piece the son who has to purposefully slow himself during track of art that somehow manages to entertain a grown, adult man, meets to make the race fair for competitors. These ideas were his four year old daughter and everyone in between.
CARTOON COURTESY OF: JAMIE WANG THE CHARIOT | 29
Au Contraire
OPINION
The Chariot welcomes letters to the editors, and encourages readers to provide any feedback or opinions. The following letter was emailed anonymously to the Chariot staff email, in response to Editor-in-Chief Clay Voytek’s oped, Problematic President Elect. The document was attached to the email, and has not been edited for clarity or punctuation.
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EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
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.
Emma Brown
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