Vol. 2 Issue 2

ISSUE 2

body image FREE / NOV 2017

PREFACE

let t er from t he

EDITOR

T

he sequel is never as good as the original, but we here at “The Chariot” would like to prove that wrong. We hope that the second issue of “The Chariot” exceeds the impression we left from the first.

This issue of “The Chariot” includes not only the fruits of our hard work and creativity but also a cover story put together by editor-in-chief Rachael Jones and staff writer Dani Blank. Combined with chilling statistics and testimony from fellow students at Johns Creek, they tackled an extensive issue for humankind, more so in teenagers than any other age group: body image. Covering topics ranging from social media to eating disorders, the cover story features the thoughts of students at our school on this topic as well as the personal battle many students here struggle with everyday. It was actually a shock to me how often body image and body-related topics play a role in everyday life.

For this issue, we tried to touch on aspects of body image in all our sections to give the students at this school a 360-degree version of the topic. Therefore, in the sports section, staff writer Jake Peljovich writes about the world of sports fashion, including the cost of jerseys and gear. As a salute to the surge of the fad diets and alternative nutrition, on October 5, the senior staffers of “The Chariot” participated in a 24-hour crazy diet challenge led by features editor Sophie Brandeis, who documents our, at times disagreeable, journey. The 11 seniors on staff adopted different diets to carry out throughout the day; how-

ever, we here at “The Chariot” are only featuring 10 of those diets as sports editor Nathan Gauthreaux decided not to participate. The story contains a quote from staff writer Nathan Goggans after his intense battle against his body as he tackled the Twinkie Diet.

Also included in our features section is a piece by managing editor Jamie Miller on her successful attempt to spend 72 hours without looking at herself.

The beautiful picture on the spread of a mirror may or may not have involved stealing a mirror off the wall at a Target. Don’t worry, though. No misdemeanors were committed in the making of this issue.

As an extension of our cover story, staff writers Maren Stephens and Rohan Lalla face off on the question many have been afraid to ask: does body positivity encourage continued obesity?

After multiple requests, “The Chariot” staff has decided to bring back the famous crossword. Production editor Neha Bhatia and design editor Caroline Kwon have painstakingly put together a 58-clue New York Times-style puzzle: the natural enemy to boredom. In this issue, we are also featuring a guest photographer along with our fantastic staff photographer, David Kim. Junior Brittany Ahn has wowed us with her talent, and we are grateful for her assistance in getting this issue into your hands. We are proud to present this second issue of “The Chariot,” and we sincerely hope that you enjoy the 32 color pages of “The Chariot” staff’s blood, sweat and tears.

NIKITA DANI

edit or-in-chief

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contents 04. n ews 4. ROUNDUP 6. SCHOOL LUNCH PLANS 8. HURRICANE RECOVERY 9. RISE IN IQ SCORES

DAVID KIM Staff writer Nathan Goggans sits down with the wrestling team to discuss issues with weight and eating in the sport. Page 10

10. sport s 10. WRESTLING AND EATING 12. SPORTS FASHION 13. SPORTS INJURIES

14. fe ature s 14. COVER STORY: BODY IMAGE 20. NO MIRROR FOR THREE DAYS

BRITTANY AHN Features editor Sophie Brandeis writes about the 24 hour crazy diets the Chariot senior staff took on. Page 22a

21. L’THAI REVIEW 22. CRAZY DIETS STAFF REVIEW 24. MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

26. opinion 26. FACE-OFF: BODY-POSITIVITY CULTURE 28. TATTOOS AND EMPLOYMENT

DAVID KIM

30. DIETARY RESTRICTIONS Managing editor Jamie Miller writes about her experience of spending three whole days without looking at herself in a mairror. Page 23

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NEWS

GREENLAND

Over the past five months, Greenland suffered a series of consecutive major natural disasters including an earthquake and multiple landslides which, in turn, caused a tsunami as well as an unrelated two-week long wildfire. This disastrous series of events have destroyed upwards of 15 square miles of Greenland’s habitable land as well as much more uninhabited land in the area.

UNITED STATES

After Hurricane Harvey devastated the state of Texas in late August, inmates in prisons throughout the state got together to raise over $53,000 of their own commissary money to help those impacted by the disaster. These inmates also donated $40,000 back in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and were thanked by the state for their contribution.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWSWEEK

VENEZUELA

Following the election of President Nicolas Maduro in July, Venezuela has been caught up in restless protests ever since. These protests have frequently turned violent, and the government force acts as fuel for this. Many world leaders on the global left supported Maduro throughout his presidency. However, the European Union rewarded the Venezuelan rebels with a Freedom of Thought prize as a step on the path towards free speech.

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JAPAN

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won more than two-thirds of Japan’s parliamentary seats in the recent October election. Following this, he quickly called for a general election in the hopes of gaining enough Liberal Democratic Party seats to rewrite the nation’s constitution.

This landslide win is a historic accomplishment for Japanese liberal democrats.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIME MAGAZINE

KENYA

A ban on plastic bags was implemented in Kenya as a governmental attempt to protect the environment. This ban could displace nearly 80,000 workers in the industry who started a petition on the ban. The court maintained its position on the $38,000 fines for using or manufacturing the bags.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BBC NEWS

ROUNDUP MAURA MCLYNN, news editor

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NEWS

Michelle Obama Lunch Plan: CHANGES AND NEW EXPECTATIONS MAURA MCLYNN, news editor

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ollowing the election of Barack Obama in portance of nutrition with the satisfaction of students’ 2008, a somewhat expected but controversial appetite, many of the problems that arose with this plan was thereby enacted in turn: the for- plan could have been avoided. Similarly, with a better mer First Lady Michelle Obama’s healthy lunch ini- compromise, the stuggle to encourage healthy eating tiative, Let’s Move! The intention of this plan was to among the nation’s youth would have been less diffiencourage healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle cult had he nutritious food been equally as appetizing. among today’s youth to combat the ongoing problem “The school provides us with one-third meals each of childhood obesity within the nation. It was Mrs. day. If schools provide us with options of healthy food Obama’s plan to institute healthier options and strict- and just regular food, that teaches us to make the er regulations in school cafeterias to promote this healthy option whereas now, w-hen they force healthy health initiative, but now food on us, students are just that President Obama is no more likely to go and binge longer in office, the future eat even worse food when of this plan is uncertain. they get home. School only Over the course of her lasts until age 18, so it’s husband’s eight years in better to encourage healthy office, Michelle Obama enfood but still give options, so acted her plan with haste Now that Michelle Obama is no lon- that the students know how and implemented her to make the right choice in health food initiative into ger in office, they are slowly doing the future. Healthy eating schools in a timely manner. away with some of the restrictions sets a precedent for what we The speed at which such do outside of school but force her plan enforced. impactful decisions were feeding ‘nutritious’ food made, however, led to some down our throats just makes flaws in what could have us want to rebel more,” said been a nearly seamless plan. junior Priyanka Gowda.

“Michelle’s original plan The big question regardwas to combat childhood ing the future of this proobesity, which was good in gram must be addressed. theory, but the problem with what she proposed was Despite what some thought would happen after that the food quality went down to meet her criteria. the election of President Donald Trump, many of So now, there’s no more fried foods or high calorie Michelle Obama’s plans will continue to be implefoods, but some of the products that they substitut- mented. Regardless of the restrictions placed on ed were not as good as they were in the past. They schools because of the program, some of the ideas didn’t do enough. They just passed the law and said brought about throughout this time are worthwhile to do it, to implement it, but no one knew what to and beneficial enough to the majority that they do. We had to hurry to pick out the products to serve will remain in action even after the 2016 election. to the kids, which definitely lessened the number of “Now that Michelle is no longer in office, they are kids who bought food too,” said the head of nutrition slowly doing away with some of the restrictions her at Johns Creek High School, Mr. William Janousek. plan enforced, but they are also keeping some of the It is impossible to guess the outcome of this project really great initiatives that the plan implemented. had more time been put into the planning. However, One part of her initiative encouraged schools to get it is possible that, with more effort to equalize the im- our produce from local farmers rather than canned,

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high sugar fruits, which is better in terms of taste and nutrition. So there are some things that are great from the program that we are keeping, and now that there are new consultants, the food options are being broadened and bettered. They aren’t going to immediately get rid of all these standards, but they are making it more flexible to be reduced. So if a meal has to be around 734 calories or whatever the number is, we can go a little over and have it be okay,” said Janousek.

Along with the looser guidelines coming with the alteration of the healthy lunch plan, certain foods are once again becoming available for student consumption. Schools are now serving different multiple options for bread aside from the previously designated whole wheat and can use white nacho cheese rather than just plain yellow. Similarly, new ways to encour-

age healthy eating are being implemented like the slushy machines seen once a week in the cafeteria.

With all natural flavors and sugars, they meet the criteria of the lunch plan and are an efficient way to get students excited about healthy eating again. There are plans to expand these healthy dessert options to more than one day each week and to add new foods as well.

The arduous work put in by Michelle Obama and her team of nutritionists to ensure the health of the nation’s children will not be in vain with the government’s maintenance of a modified plan.

While some of the more difficult-to-navigate areas of the plan may change, the idea of nutrition among public school students and the initiative to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle will persist through the end of the Obama Administration.

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NEWS

A Perfect Storm of Hurricanes and Climate Change BRIAN SUI, copy editor

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n the past three months, the world braced violent gales from merciless hurricanes and trembled under the burgeoning weight of Mexico’s earthquakes. Images of the aftermath in affected areas capture dystopian scenes of dilapidated buildings and polluted streets, all of which beg the question: Is the world actually ending?

Scientists indicate that the occurrences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Jose fell within the Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30 every year, and they all struck during the peak of the season. However, it is the intensity at which these hurricanes struck that suggests the abnormal consequences of climate change. During their lifetimes, all hurricanes qualified as Category 4 or 5, meaning they produced strong winds that reached over 130 mph, decimated property and caused power outag-

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es that were projected to last several weeks or months. Nevertheless, many researchers and scientists hypothesize that the unbridled power of the hurricanes derived from climate change-related factors, such as increased sea surface temperatures and low wind shears, but they cannot confirm their speculations without conducting further analysis and studies.

One of the primary reasons for the prevalent anxiety and attention directed towards the discussion of climate change originates from the devastating damage these natural disasters left behind. Hurricane Harvey killed 60 people in its wake and will cost the state of Texas $150 billion while Hurricane Maria deprived more than half of Puerto Ricans of potable water and reliable electricity. Some students at Johns Creek have been deeply affected by these disasters.

“After Hurricane Maria, my family had to ration every-

thing from food to gas for the car.

Unfortunately, the trucks that deliver all of the things they need on a day-to-day basis can’t get to their destination since most of the roads are still flooded. I personally haven’t been able to help them, which makes me feel powerless, but luckily, my grandparents are flying over here until their apartment recovers,” said junior Laura Rodriguez.

Although there remains no definite evidence that confirms the correlation between the rise of natural disasters and climate change, many people interpret them as a foreshadowing of what is to come.

Explaining the Rise in IQ JOHN POSA, staff writer

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he trend of increasing IQ and test scores has become a common discussion over the past decade. The Huffington Post conducted studies debating whether an increase in cognitive abilities is occurring in today’s students, so in order to get to the bottom of this, they researched the math levels of students across the nation.

Their research showed that 27 percent of American eighth graders were considered proficient in math, an increase of 14 percent from 1990. This phenomenon is commonly called the Flynn effect, which is the increased amount of crystallized and fluid intelligence in many parts of the world since 1930.

This trend was first discovered by a man named Runquist in the 1930s but was officially labeled by the man who the whole discovery is named after, Mr. James R. Flynn. The proof of the cognitive capability increase comes from the 2.93-point rise on the IQ test per decade by average citizens. Researchers still cannot put their fingers on the cause of this drastic change, but a popular answer to this question is the implementation of technology-based learning.

Much of the conversation revolves around the fact that technology has become a main source of information for students. With such an efficient way of gathering information, students have become more knowledgeable.

Many schools are switching over to a completely technology-based learning.

“I think [technology] is a great way to organize what a teacher is already doing. But it can’t exist on its own, so if a teacher uses technology to augment what they are already doing to keep it organized, then it’s a great tool” said U.S. history teacher, Mr. Christian Holmes.

If students need to look something up, they now have the access to any information imaginable within reach of their desk. Many schools, including Johns Creek High School, have provided a classroom-style device to students

for the enhancement of their learning.

The University of California Irvine medical school reported students with school iPads scored 23 percent higher than the unequipped students, further proving the effectiveness of these devices in enhancing classroom learning.

“It’s easier to increase intelligence over generations nowadays because of the increased opportunities that our generation is allowed, such as incredible Internet resources and technological advancements,” said senior Nisarg Shah.

Only time will tell, but it seems that devices enabling students to learn is the reason behind the increase in scores in Georgia. Schools around Georgia and the country have embraced these tools that have been proven to support the teaching and education of the new generation. While technology has become a valuable piece in our education system, it cannot stand alone in improving the test scores and academic proficiency of our student youth.

The trending improvement of scores has the world mind boggled and looking for answers.

Only certain reasons can be the cause of this jump in aptitude across the globe.

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SPORTS

WRESTLING with Bod

NATHAN GOGGANS, staff writer

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he world of sports is a fascinating and sometimes unusual one, especially when it comes to the ideal body. In sports like gymnastics, cheerleading and wrestling, athletes push their bodies to extremes to exceed. Johns Creek high school experiences this firsthand.

To avoid mismatches, and for obvious safety reasons, amateur wrestlers only face competitors of comparable sizes. As a result, wrestling organizations set strict weight-measurement rules to ensure heavier wrestlers don’t sneak through to face lighter opponents. At the high school level, each state sets its own standards, but state associations typically follow the rules established by the National Federation of State High School Associations, or NFHS. To meet these weights, wrestlers go far distances, whether by not eating for days or wearing sauna suits while exercising to sweat. Johns Creek wrestler Trevor Gorst said that wrestlers sometimes went the whole day chewing large amounts of gum so that their mouths would produce saliva. They would then spit the saliva in a water bottle all day, thus losing a small amount of weight. These weight-loss techniques are harmful to wrestlers’ bodies, for many of them suffer from malnutrition and dehydration. When these athletes deny their body of calories, they are denying themselves of the proper nutrients that are essential to growth and energy. Laxatives, sauna suits, fasting and any unhealthy weight loss technique are downright dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Not only is eating disorders found in wrestling, but even more so in women’s gymnastics. An NCAA survey reported that 51% of the gymnastics programs that responded reported eating disorders among its team members, a far greater percent-

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DAVID KIM

age than in any other sport. Many believe this because gymnastics is a sport that is judged based on appearance, not just performance. Because certain aspects of judging can be subjective, appearance becomes even more important. The pressure for physical perfection is enormous.

One must be thin to win, and what better way to get thin than to not eat as much. As the level of competition increases, gymnasts seek to be skinnier and more petite. Another reason for desired weight loss is gymnasts close relationships with their coaches. Many coaches instruct their gymnasts to go on strict diets and tell them what they can and cannot eat.

Just like in wrestling, regular weighins become the norm, and the strategies used to cut weight and stay slim deteriorate the health of the athletes.

In competition cheerleading, they also face a lot of strict body requirements. In the higher levels of cheer, many people try to shed weight so they can be more easily held up in the air. Also, the showmanship of a smaller cheerleader over a larger one is favored for elite competition teams. Being slim is not a requirement for the sport but more of an expectation. Like gymnastics, a part of the judging process is based on appearance. The cheerleaders are required to wear makeup, do their hair, and in turn, be in the best shape possible. The social environment also has a huge impact on the diets of cheerleaders. There have been many instances of girls shaming others for being “too fat” or “too heavy”.

As the world of athletics gets more and more competitive, gymnasts and wrestlers will continue to push their bodies to the farthest extremes. The desire to be the best will corrupt the minds of high school athletes and cause them to turn to eating disorders and intense dieting.

A FEATURE ON EATING D

ody Standards

G DISORDERS IN WRESTLING, CHEERLEADING AND GYMNASTICS.

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SPORTS

BRITTANY AHN

JAKE PELJOVICH, staff writer

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SPORTS FASHION

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any Johns Creek students prominently display these numbers on their backs everyday: 23, 8, 10, 30, 2. As elite athletes gain fame worldwide, their jersey popularity has increased dramatically over the past couple of years. From basketball to football and even soccer, fans collect jerseys of their favorite athletes in order to show support and express a unique sense of style.

The influence of athletes stretches further than just on the field. Fans strive to act, talk and even dress like their favorite stars.

“I like to wear jerseys of my favorite players so that I can feel like the real player on my back. They are my idols and I want to be just like them,” said junior Alex Borsuk.

However, jerseys are not only about individual players. Fans wear jerseys to show their undying support for their favorite sports teams. Through unbearable losing streaks to Super Bowl Championships, fans wear jerseys out anywhere, any time of the year. Whether it be professional, college or even fictional sports teams, fans love to display their colors.

“I love to show off my favorite teams. I want everyone to know I am a fan, and I support my team no matter what,” said junior Nate Wilmont.

What many people do not realize though is the unique style each jersey brings to the table. Some flaunt vibrant colors while others show off intricate patterns. Professional sports teams engineer memorabilia to best represent their logo and color scheme in many different ways. As a result, jerseys can be used to match with other colorful outfits. Many pop culture icons show off jerseys in their outfits due to the jerseys’ unique color scheme, like Drake’s and Jay-Z’s.

“I love the colors some jerseys have. For example, my friend’s UCLA jersey shows off an amazing shade of blue that adds an interesting pop to any outfit,” said junior Joey Moravec.

So whether you are an avid sports enthusiast or just a fan of crafty design work, there is a jersey for you. Whether you are the biggest Stephen Curry fan in the world or just have a weakness for any vibrant clothing, there is a jersey for you. Whether you ride or die with the New York Giants, or you love that Carolina Blue, there is a jersey for you. Whether you are a sports fan or not, there is definitely a jersey for you.

A SPOTLIGHT ON

Sports Injuries NATHAN GAUTHREAUX, sports editor

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ingering in the back of every athlete’s mind is the threat of an injury. No matter what sport they play, there is always some risk of something going wrong. Sports injuries range in severity, which can determine what type of treatment you need and the recovery time. Minor injuries, such as shin splints, have short recovery time, are cheap and are easy to treat. On the other hand, severe injuries like an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear can require surgery and can take over six months of recovery.

Senior Aaron Rosenberg tore his ACL last winter while playing basketball with his friends. He had two surgeries following his injury. His injury required him to sit out the entirety of his baseball season.

“After tearing my ACL, I sat at home doing nothing for a long time. I felt like I had lost a lot more than just my ability to play baseball. It was more than just a physical recovery for me but also an aspect of mental recovery,” said Senior Aaron Rosenberg.

Completely avoiding an injury is nearly impossible, but there are actions you can take to help avoid becoming injured. All sports have a risk of injury, but coaches at Johns Creek stress the importance of warming up. While stretching and warming up, more blood flows to the muscles, which increases flexibility and lowers the risk of injury.

“After injuring my shoulder playing baseball, I realized that I could be injured worse and have to sit out longer, or even worse undergo surgery or stop playing,” said Senior Baxter Aycock.

Baxter Aycock is a pitcher on the baseball team at Johns Creek. Baxter injured PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIA PRIMOS

a muscle in his shoulder while pitching in a game during his sophomore year.

After a short recovery, he was told that another injury could lead to much worse consequences. Now Baxter focuses on stretching and working out in order to avoid possibly re-injuring his shoulder.

Most injuries in youth sports are a result of overuse.s If athletes feels pain while playing their sports, they should not continue playing.

Appropriate breaks should also be given to athletes by coaches in order to receive rest and avoid overuse or overheating. Athletes should also be given proper training and gear to participate in their respective sports. Strength and conditioning help athletes prepare their bodies for games. During the games, properly equipped athletes are much less likely to become injured than other athletes.

Sports injuries can have large effects on athletes and even teams. While some injuries are preventable like overuse, severe injuries can be impossible to avoid and detrimental to an athlete’s career.

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THE CHARIOT | 13

COVER

COVER STORY

Body

Image

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DAVID KIM

RACHAEL JONES, editor-in-chief and DANI BLANK, staff writer

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ost people every morning step in front of a mirror right when they wake up. It’s either by a bedside or in a bathroom, but the mundane reflective glass looms over every morning routine.

Girls coat black layers of mascara on their lashes with the aid of their small hand-held mirrors, and boys stare intently into their reflection as they carefully graze an electric razor over two-week long stubble. The girl takes a step back and looks at her stomach. She pinches her sides where the skin hangs off her jeans and tries to suck in her stomach as much as she can. The boy puts down the electric razor and critically examines his long, thin arms.

They both lean into the mirror and pick at the acne that won’t go away and scruti-

nize the bump on their noses, completely ignoring anything positive about the image reflecting back at them.

Body image is defined as the subjective picture or mental image of one’s own body. Body image is subjective; it isn’t something inherited at birth or held constant over time. It changes everyday, and the number of factors influencing an individual’s body image is endless. Celebrities, fads, social media and advertisements all influence the way each person views his or her body. Something as seemingly simple as physical appearance unloads an enormous weight on Americans, especially teenagers and exceptionally in Johns Creek. The desire for a certain body type, the need to be fit, accepted or skinny and the endless portal of comparison created by social media all add an extra weight to students navigating high school. In its second issue, “The Chariot” uncovers this concept of body image and its repercussions on students at Johns Creek.

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COVER

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ocial media’s upsurge within the last tips popping up everywhere made it seem imfew decades has led to the creation of possible to not think about my appearance. It a new platform for displaying unrealis- really dragged me further into a dark nightmare tic standards of the “ideal body.” Each day, the of judgment,” said a sophomore at Johns Creek. typical Johns Creek girl wakes up to the annoySocial media platforms like Instagram make it ing buzz of her alarm and opens up her expen- easy for teens to compare themselves to others sive iPhone to scroll through social media. On and long for a skinnier or fitter body. AccordInstagram, she sees picture ing to a Common Sense after picture of her peers at survey, 35 percent of the beach, looking fit and teens are worried about skinny in their new bikinis. people tagging them in The girl opens Snapchat to “unattractive photos,” reply to her friends and flips and more than a quar35 percent of teens are worried ter of them stress about the camera around to face about people tagging them in ‘un- how they look in posther. Staring back at her, she attractive photos,’ and more than ed photos. This leads to sees that close-up view of her a quarter of them stress about messy hair, tired, baggy eyes teens using social media how they look in posted photos. to not only idolize difand the loose sweatshirt she wears to cover up the body ferent body types, but it she wishes were skinnier. also forces them to worry This girl is not alone. Many about the image they put middle and high school out there as their own. girls aren’t happy with their A sophomore girl body, and social media does not help their at Johns Creek chooses not to have an Incase. Since 92 percent of teens go online at stagram account after seeing the ways it least once a day, social media becomes affects her friends and students her age. a major source of stress for those “I don’t want [Instagram] because I think struggling with body image. it’s unnecessary, and I just don’t feel the “All the bikini posts need to have it. From watching other people and weight use it, it’s too stressful,” said the sophomore. l o s s Social media also affects body image through the concepts of “fitspiration” and “thinspiration.” Often trending on sites like Tumblr and Pinterest, this push towards an idealized body type encourages people to eat, exercise and live in ways to achieve a

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certain appearance. “Inspirational” quotes paired with images of thin-framed bodies, scales or healthy foods and juices send a stark message to users, motivating them to reach an often unhealthy goal. Despite the trend’s popularity on social media, the general concept of promoting a certain body type online draws much controversy.

“I think that pinning pictures of other wo m en

to say, ‘I want to look like that,’ is completely wrong because everyone’s body type is different.

Even my sister and I have completely different body types,” said a senior girl at Johns Creek.

Many users have protested the trend’s promotion of unhealthy eating, so sites like Instagram and Tumblr have set regulations on posts that “promote or glorify self-harm.”

In addition, these sites often provide pop-up notifications directing users to websites offering help for self-harm and disordered eating.

“I think the goal of healthy eating should be to better your health.

If you say ‘I want to go for a run…’ it should be because [you] enjoy running. It shouldn’t be ‘I want to run because I want to lose weight.’ And same with eating. You shouldn’t force yourself to eat foods because they’re deemed ‘healthy.’

You shouldn’t [restrict] foods because they’re ‘unhealthy.’

Everything is good in moderation,” said the senior girl.

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COVER

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ocial media alone is statistics. Everyday, students come to school wresnot to blame for the tling with anxiety, insecurities and a plethora of tendencies many teens problems from home. Add academic pressures, the show towards disordered eating. Ac- health-conscious community of suburban Johns Creek cording to the National Eating Disorder and the lack of body-diversity in the media, and stuAssociation, 20 million women and 10 mil- dents can easily slip into unhealthy eating habits. lion men will suffer from some type of eat- A sophomore girl at Johns Creek shares her thoughts behind ing disorder in their lives, and a staggering her seemingly harmless weight-loss that quickly turned 91 percent of female teenagers have tried to into an unhealthy relationship with eating and body image. control their weight through “I watched the number on the dieting. Eating disorders have scale decrease, and skipping meals the highest mortality rate of any became intentional goals for me. It mental illness, but only one out of gave me control over my body that 10 cases receives proper treatment.

I felt I no longer had in any other Most cases of eating disorders fall parts of my life. I thought it made within three different types: anorexia Eating disorders have the highest me happy reaching my goals, but as nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge mortality rate of any mental ill- soon as I would reach my target, it eating disorder. Common warning ness, but only one out of ten cases seemed to move. Nothing was ever signs of a person struggling with an good enough for my eating disorrecieves proper treatment. eating disorder include obsessive der. I no longer felt in control. I rethoughts about weight, food and calalized that it was consuming my evories, as well as an overall dissatisfacery thought and action...Most social tion with his or her body. A person events involve food, and when I’m struggling with anorexia nervosa no longer comfortable being around often has an intense fear of gaining food, it eliminated my social life,” weight and diets or skips meals to lose as much weight as said the sophomore girl.

possible. Bulimia nervosa, on the other hand, is characA senior girl at Johns Creek also shares her experiterized by strong feelings of self-hatred and guilt during ence with her eating disorder and recovery. After missepisodes of binge eating followed by episodes of purg- ing months of school to enter a residential treatment ing the food through laxatives, exercise or self-induced center, she shares the advice she would give to anothvomiting. Those with binge eating disorder often find er person in her place before she started her recovery. it hard to stop eating once an episode of binging starts.

“Whatever you think you’re going to get out of this--whatThe body-image trends seen at Johns Creek High ever acceptance or love or praise that you think you’ll get School veer minimally from national eating disorder from dropping a few pounds--it never stops. You think,

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DAVID KIM

‘My final weight is X.’ Once you reach X, it’s going to become another weight, and it’s just going to keep going down and down and down until it kills you. And you have to realize that doing this to yourself, you’re hurting yourself, and it’s not worth it to miss these little things in life. Recovery is hard.

It’s not linear. It goes up and down, and that’s okay.

You just have to get back up again. And you have to be honest with yourself and others about what’s going on. You can’t hold anything back,” said the senior girl.

Recovering from an eating disorder like hers can be a long and daunting road; at times it may seem like no one understands and there is no hope. But there are people out there who are not only willing to help, but want to help. After spending days, months or even years skipping meals and restricting food intake, stopping abruptly is an enormous challenge to take on. The process of recovery will not

happen in day or a week. It takes months of hard work and determination; working through thoughts of giving up and maintaining a will to keep going is harder than any test, essay or sport. But staying strong is crucial to recovery. Girls who struggled with eating disorders and persevered through recovery would agree that support from friends and family kept them going. When all else seemed to fail, their parents were always there, and their loyal friends never left their side. Whether it’s just a warm hug or a sweet text, family will always know what to do, and true friends never fail to cheer a sad girl up. So when recovery seems impossible, and life seems to be at an all time low, know that family and friends will always be supportive. Contacting an agency for help is the right choice; the road to recovery is only a matter of persistence and hope.

Never hold back, don’t be ashamed of anything and do what’s right for you.

THE CHARIOT | 19

FEATURES JAMIE MILLER, managing editor ing reflective surfaces. I continued my day hoping that I did not have food stuck in my teeth and that I looked somewhat presentable.

I woke up and felt somewhat used to being blinded to my appearance. After showering, I was running late, as always, and rushed t0 make it to school early. Wet-haired and flustered, I arrived at school for my Student Council meeting. I braided my hair during the meeting - not like I was going to be able to use a mirror anyway. I went through the day like any other, making a point to turn my head away from the mirrors when washing my hands in the school bathroom. The biggest challenge of the day was trying to explain to my Grandma why I could not turn the camera when she FaceTimed me later that day.

Day 2

F

or many Johns Creek students, high school priorities consist of clubs, grades and relationships all while trying to maintain an adequate ratio of fun and sleep. In the midst of such an exhausting schedule, sometimes the little things push students to the edge. Whether it be the infamous State Bridge traffic, tough classes or your hair just not cooperating that day, it’s easy for a teenager to get worked up about the miniscule imperfections of themselves and their daily lives. This tendency to be hypercritical often leads people astray, causing them to have negative thoughts about both their appearance as well as the intangible parts of themselves that they are beneath the surface.

As part of the body image edition, the Chariot editors decided to assign one lucky staffer with a challenge: three days without looking into a mirror. The idea behind this challenge was to see what effect, if any, it had on a teen’s self image and daily routine. Optimistic about the idea and remaining open minded, I volunteered. Thus began my three-day journey without a reflection.

I prepared for my first day by making sure to cover the mirrors in my bedroom and bathroom and retiring my Snapchats to solely front camera pictures. I brushed my teeth while staring at the sheet covering my mirror and threw my hair up in a pony tail. Naturally, I woke up thinking I had prevented myself from taking any accidental glances at my reflection. Within the first twenty minutes came my first curve ball - the microwave and my black car. I began to realize that it was not suppressing a desire to look into a mirror that was the problem; it was avoid-

Day 1

20 |

DAVID KIM

Day 3

On my third day, I was thrown out of my daily routine of throwing on a t-shirt and heading to school without makeup.

I was scheduled to present a speech in front of 200 people in business-casual attire - moral of the story, I needed to look somewhat presentable. I woke up earlier than usual and relied on my sister to do my hair while I faced the wall in the bathroom. I rushed out of the door (late, as always) and practiced good driving habits while applying makeup on the way to school. I felt exposed and vulnerable, blind to my appearance in front of such a large group of people. Little did I know this was an experience that encompassed the entire purpose of the experiment. I left the stage with a new confidence in myself, knowing that appearance has much less much importance than we think it to have.

The three days I spent without a reflection reminded me of ideas I had forgotten in the midst of daily high-school stressors.

What I thought would be an experience of paranoia actually presented me with ignorant bliss. By the third day, I no longer was concerned with how I looked, with a few exceptions, and I felt rather enlightened.

The experience allowed me to view myself from a different perspective. As teenagers, we often dwell on insecurities, often evaluating ourselves too critically. Teens forget to take a step back and look at the bigger picture instead of focusing in on details that add negativity to our lives. Three days without my reflection forced me to find comfort in my own skin, through both my appearance and what lies beneath it. Not only did I gain a newfound sense of confidence, but a more positive outlook on my life.

on a

Roll

A review of L’Thai Cuisine and Wine Bar NIKITA DANI, editor-in-chief

A self-proclaimed Thai restuarant expert, along with three other “The Chariot” staff members, visits and reviews a GMO-free, gluten-free, organic Thai restuarant called L’Thai Cuisine and Wine Bar to see if the dietary labels impact the food.

I

consider myself to be something of a Thai restaurant expert. I don’t have a degree or anything, but I know my way around a Panang curry. Of course, the idea of a GMO-free, organic and gluten-free Thai restaurant enticed me. I, along with three members of “The Chariot” staff made an excursion to L’Thai Cuisine and Wine Bar to see if the restaurant stacked up to its competitors.

On weekends, the restuarants only permits ordering from the dinner menu. An entrée costs around $12, which was not too steep considering that the portions of the rice dishes and noodle dishes were ample enough to be split. As an appetizer, “The Chariot” party of four ordered fresh basil rolls; I would rec-

comend not using cutlery to eat the rolls as my roll quickly fell into disarray under my knife.

The basil rolls left the group with one unanimous question: How do they fit all that into one tiny, and not to mention easy-on-the-eyes, roll?

I ordered L’Thai tofu fried rice, with the exception of onions due to my distaste for them. My food arrived in a “hemisphere of rice” and looked like a picture perfect. As someone who has ordered tofu fried rice more times than you can count, I was pleasantly surprised. With all the restrictions that go hand in hand with gluten-free, GMO-free and organic food, L’Thai deserves a round of applause for their food. I was unable to discern any differences between L’Thai’s food and the food of most of the restuarants I frequent.

THE CHARIOT | 21

FEATURES

THE CHARIOT SENIORS TRY

SOPHIE BRANDEIS, features editor

CRAZY DIETS W

ith all the pressure society puts on having the slimmest, fittest and hottest figure, many people have gone through desperate measures to lose weight.

Over the course of modern history, countless crazy, weird and taboo diets have emerged, blown up and then died, while other diets have proven legitimate and have stayed. “The Chariot” staff bravely decided to take on the challenge of attempting these fad diets for 24 hours.

1.Vegan Diet

“Adopting a vegan diet for 24 hours made me realize that I value meat, milk and other animal food products more than I thought. I don’t understand how people survive on this diet, but I respect them for it.”

2.

Juice Cleans e

4.

“Apparently, looking at food through a blue lens is supposed to make you want to eat it less. Personally, I didn’t care whether my cookie looked dark blue, light blue or a nice turquoise, I ate it- with zest- anyway.”

5. Glut en-Free Diet “I tried a gluten-free diet, which is basically a glorified carb-free diet. It didn’t differ vastly from what I eat now and left me with two questions: Have I been living the Gluten-Free Life™

all along, and does ranch contain gluten?”

“My diet was fairly simple besides getting on my knees in public to pray. I don’t think this would’ve helped me lose weight because I just ate as much as I would either way, and calories don’t lie.”

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BRITTANY AHN

8.

Beverly Hill s Diet

“I ate straight fruit with the exception for lunch which was just grain and chicken. Needless to say, I was hungry all day, and I don’t want to eat another apple for a long time.”

9.Twinkie Diet “It was the worst I have ever felt. I began eating the twinkies in the morning, and by lunch I felt like crap. I threw up after 13 twinkies.”

6. Ice cream Diet 10. Ice Diet

“I woke up early to blend together all of my favorite fruits and veggies so that I could have my meals. By 1:00 p.m., I was hungry and began to get dizzy. Zero out ten recommend this diet. You will be starving.”

3. Pray er Diet

Vi s ion Diet

“Under the impression that this diet was a cause for celebration, I was enthusiastic about being required to eat only ice cream for 24 hours.

By 1:00 p.m., I was in dire need of a substance other than pure sugar, and I caved. Overall, the ice cream diet is a brilliant idea that lacks practical dietary necessities.”

“I ate a whole liter of ice through out my day in a failed attempt to curb my appetite and make me eat less. I probably ate more that day than I do normally not to mention chewing ice all day is bad for your teeth. Epic fail.”

7. Clip-y our-nos e Diet

“Technically, plugging my nose did keep me from overeating but that’s more because it was both uncomfortable and embarrassing to do in public. Realistically speaking, why would I do this again?”

t

THE CHARIOT | 23

FEATURES

entertainment &

Cranes in the Sky

01.

FOREWORD | TYLER, THE CREATOR 02.

THE BIRD | ANDERSON .PAAK 03.

BLACK & UGLY | RAPSODY 04. ASTRONOMY (8TH LIGHT) | BLACK STAR 05. THE SPACE PROGRAM | A TRIBE CALLED QUEST 06. AFRO BLUE | ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT 07.

THE WORLD IS YOURS | NAS 08.

REALITY CHECK | NONAME 09.

MOMMA | KENDRICK LAMAR 10.

CRANES IN THE SKY | SOLANGE 11. I DON'T KNOW | SAMUEL T. HERRING 12.

CHUM | EARL SWEATSHIRT 13.

HEARD 'EM SAY | KANYE WEST 14.

DREW BARRYMORE | SZA 15.

SMILE | JAY Z 16.

STAND TALL | DONALD GLOVER

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLYWOOD LIFE

To go along with the body image theme of the magazine, this issue’s playlist is a compilation of songs that reveal artists’ innermost insecurities but also anthems reflecting self love and acceptance. Many of the songs depict the tribulations that come with identity and are illustrations of the deeply personal wounds that discrimination leaves. On the flip side, other songs show where the artists garner their sense of self-importance, many being from their community and familial ties.

Off the Runway LAUREN GREENFIELD, staff writer

“ ”

This is the real world.

You have to dress real people, and real people come in different sizes.

-Heidi Klum

24 |

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ew markets, such as the plus-size industry, are being introduced to the fashion world. Producers in the fashion industry are now tailoring their brands to these new booming markets, and "Project Runway" is hopping on this trend.

"Project Runway" is a show where clothing designers are selected from all around the globe to compete in various designing tasks. For the return of the 16th season, the show has made the ambitious switch from strictly utilizing size-zero models to also incorporating models ranging from all sizes. By integrating different body shapes and types, the contestants are forced to prove that they are capable of designing attire for virtually any size.

On previous seasons, all models had the same body measurements, sending the message to viewers that there is an “ideal body,” which

for most is impossible to reach, and putting a strain on a multitude of people. Because the model industry has been built around stick-skinny, six-foot tall women, the perception of beauty has morphed into the expectation of the glorified “size zero.” These unrealistic expectations have caused the number of cases involving eating disorders and mental illness to spike. The pressure to look the skinniest and be the fittest has been lingering among many, especially in the fashion and modeling industries, but no specific changes have been made, until now.

"Project Runway’s" progressive decision of introducing these models is a glimpse of what the future may hold for other manufacturers, designers and models. This transition is hopeful, demonstrating that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

MUSIC

Must Hear 1. Serial

"Serial" tells the story of a different serial killer each season. The chronological episodes leave listeners on the edge of their seats until the final result is uncovered.

An Interview with the Producer of VVV4 : Kellen Blotner MORAYO OGUNBAYO, business editor MO: How long was the process of making the video from start to finish?

KB: Two days Where was the majority of the footage taken?

The majority of the footage was taken in the bus lot in the back of the school.

How were the people chosen to be in the video?

To rap, we had two different groups who wanted to make two different VVVs, so we just combined the two groups. Some people dropped out of it, and we just made five verses to combine the two songs. And for the video, we just made a huge groupme, with like 200 people, so whoever wanted to come out could come out.

How many people were involved in the production process?

We had myself and two other people editing, and then we had the five rappers, so eight people total.

Was this your first year producing it?

Yeah, this is my first VVV. The other years were John Paul.

How does VVV4 compare to the earlier VVVs? I don’t think it compares. I think each VVV is original, depending on who’s in it, who makes it. We made this one really quick, obviously, because we just wanted to hype up the game for a week where we had no school. We just wanted people to come out. Every VVV is different, and this one was made pretty quick, but people ended up really liking it.

Do you think the VVV tradition will last?

I hope it goes every year. We didn’t make one last year, so we took a gap for that, but one of the guys that helped make it was a freshman, so he has four more years, so hopefully he continues the tradition.

2. The Read Crissle and Kid Fury discuss hip-hop and pop culture in this podcast based in New York City.

The podcast serves as "on-air therapy" for two people trying to adjust to life in The Big Apple.

3. Lore "Lore" mixes science with fantasy by using reallife stories as evidence for werewolves, vampires and an assortment of other creatures no one wants to see at night.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STITCHER AND SOUNDCLOUD

3 Podcasts to Procrastinate with

What was the group like to work with?

A lot of time management issues. Not very good at meeting deadlines.

When it came to getting things done and making things sound right, they were very good at writing lyrics. And then when it came to making the video, filming and editing, we had to get that done quick, so when it came to getting together and getting things done, it all came out fast.

So they write all their own lyrics?

Yeah, Each person wrote their own verse, and each person recorded their own verse, and we all put it together and sent it in a groupchat.

Is music video production and music something you see yourself doing in the future?

In the future, I wanna pursue film production, and so that’s not only making films and producing them, but also being on camera and behind the camera, and so it is something I wanna pursue.

What was your least favorite aspect of production?

I liked all the pre-production and the production and releasing it, but not everyone’s gonna like it. So when we did release it on Youtube, it was majority people that liked it, but then there was those that it rubbed the wrong way, and they didn’t like it that much. I had to learn to just let that go over my head and not listening to the “haters.” Just to take those comments as something to help me get better.

What was the biggest obstacle of production?

The biggest obstacle was, well there was a lot of stress, because I had to make sure the filming went right, because we only had one chance to film everything, in two hours. So I guess the biggest obstacle was getting the song done, first of all. And then, making that to where it would be appropriate to put on the internet, representing Johns Creek. Also, getting the video done before Tuesday night when it would be released.

THE CHARIOT | 25

OPINION

26 |

face of f

DAVID KIM

Does bodypositivity culture encourage obesity?

yes ROHAN LALLA, staff writer

A

fter eight years serving as First Lady, a bright spot in Michelle Obama’s incumbency was her effectual initiative to curb the obesity crisis hitting children in the United States. Unfortunately, these measures were focused on kindergarten through 12th grade students rather than the greater American public, where an obesity epidemic is sweeping the nation.

Americans today weigh on average 15 pounds more than Americans did 20 years ago without an increase in height. Nearly two-thirds of American adults are obese or overweight, and half of these adults have chronic illnesses that are typically attributed to excess weight, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.

In light of the obesity predicament, the body positivity movement was born with noble objectives – to help

no

people, women especially, overcome negative stigmas concerning their bodies and strive for self-acceptance.

However, the campaign is riddled with unintended consequences and has become a vessel for many to become complacent with unhealthy habits.

Body positivity is, at its core, a response to the media’s infatuation with twigthin models and the promotion of an unattainable standard of beauty. Actors, models and ads for beauty products all represent a benchmark of weight that only a minority of people meet. This translates to fat-shaming and non acceptance for those on the periphery of those body expectations. However, body positivity advocates are only half right. No, we should not shame overweight individuals solely due to a health issue that, in most cases, is out of their control. However, we cannot overlook

the obesity issue as one that should not be fixed. Self-proclaimed “fat acceptors” seem to provide no outlet from obesity; they rather espouse toleration of unhealthy habits and display an inability to label obesity for what it is: a serious and life-risking health condition. While the movement is successful in creating a circle of acceptance, body positivity advocates are ineffective in providing a path towards the betterment of mental and physical health for its members.

The problem with the body positivity movement lies not in the disenfranchisement it attempts to subside, but in the means it comes to that end.

Instead of ignoring a glaring issue, the body positivity campaign should work in tandem with a healing process that could foster the end of deleterious habits that inarguably have a negative effect on the health of many.

MAREN STEPHENS, staff writer

I

n the past few years, body image has recieved a lot of attention. Between the surges in social media and the rise of the “perfect woman,” it is fairly easy to forget that people are still people. No matter how big, small, dark or light a person is, he or she is a human being. We’ve grown up in an over-publicized, over-marketed world, and it has made us all who we are. Though the boom of the movement is rather recent, many organizations have been around for a while. The Stop Obesity Alliance, a positivity-based health group, is run by two doctors: William Dietz and Scott Kahan. The alliance is a collection of interest groups, government officials and local volun-

teers. So far, it has influenced policies at local, state and international levels.

The fact of the matter is that body shaming and forcing a healthy lifestyle onto a person does more harm than good. According to the Walden Rehabilitation Center, 75 percent of teens fighting eating disorders directly link their illness to body shaming. In the past 30 years, eating disorders have increased by 120 percent for children under 12. The thin and pretty ideal thrust upon children and teens clearly does not have the intended effect. With these facts in mind, is it so hard to see that body shaming needs to stop?

In actuality, body positivity does not encourage obesity. Body positivity

is for amputees, obese people, short men, tall women and anyone who doesn’t fit into society’s cookie cutter image of how people are “supposed” to look. But because of society’s prejudices, it is hard to see the movement as good for anyone. Its job is not to encourage a certain body type or to force a person to feel a certain way.

The meaning behind it is that a person’s body is nothing but his or her own, so no one should feel less than perfect. The notion that a positive mindset encourages unhealthy habits stems not from body positivity, but from one’s own insecurities.

The easiest way to say the message is this: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself.”

THE CHARIOT | 27

OPINION

t at t oos

& EMPLOYMENT not an obstacle to success

28 |

DAVID KIM

SAM BEAGLE, staff writer

A

lthough one would think that major United States corporations, such as Office Depot and Chick-fil-A, would attempt to expand their possible employment population, these companies’ employment policies, which prohibit tattoos, limit (as claimed by NPR) about one-fifth of their possible United States applicant pool.

Companies across the globe continuously place different restrictive policies on this permanent body art. For example, corporations often require employees to cover up any visible tattoos, face or neck tattoos or even tattoos in general. The reasoning behind these policies is often fueled by the stereotypes associated with tattoos. The most common example is unprofessionalism: hirers and bosses tend to associate tattoos with distraction and immaturity.

Tattoos are on the rise, and the true question is: should their presence impact a hirer’s decision?

Realistically, they shouldn’t.

In fact, tattooed people often find success. Take Franklin D. Roosevelt, for example, who had his family crest inscribed across his chest. According to The Washington Times, 58 percent approve living under a president with a tattoo, yet this burst of acceptance only occurred recently. If he wasn’t voted into office, the nation might never have recovered from its near economic downfall. Roosevelt’s tattoo might not have been excessive or even visible, but its presence still proves that tattoos do not define a person’s intelligence or even personality.

Like FDR, many people involved in our community are not held back by their body art. I recently talked to Ms. Ellen Garrity, a teacher of Roswell High School’s special edu-

cation department. Her entire back, arms and legs are covered in underwater scenes, Japanese dragons and even an interpretation of Banksy.

“I have never lost a job due to having tattoos nor have I ever not been hired because of them. To this day, I’ve never had an administrator talk to me about concealing my tattoos or about professionalism,” said Ms. Garrity.

Her position as a teacher positively affects a very special community at Roswell, and if she had not gotten the job, Roswell could have pushed away an amazing employee.

One last living example of someone who constantly proves that tattoos don’t represent personality nor experience is Mr. Bruce Potts. Mr. Potts is a professor at the University of New Mexico, and he’s known across campus for the colorful tribal tattoo that he sports across his entire head.

Because of his extremely colorful facial tattoo, Potts is a special example.

Companies do not tend to entirely ban employees from having tattoos, but they do often prohibit them from an employee’s face or neck. Being a public speaking professor seems like a position someone like Bruce could never reach, yet his influence upon his students displays why tattoos shouldn’t be a factor in the hiring process.

Tattoos act as a discriminatory factor in employment, but they shouldn’t be. Although tattoos may seem rebellious, they don’t always represent someone’s personality, experience or work ethic. Tattoos in our community reside upon highly successful school teachers, college professors and even American presidents. Though many may argue against tattoos, their presence in the workplace should be acknowledged, not discriminated against.

THE CHARIOT | 29

OPINION

SPECIAL DIETS: NOT SO SPECIAL RACHEL GROSSWALD, opinion editor

A

ing. While the population of people going fter hours of slaving away in the kitchen, a gluten-free is predominantly women and self-proculinary masterpiece has finally been creclaimed health nuts, men and women alike insist ated and is ready to be enjoyed by many that going gluten-free is beneficial to their health. eager dinner party guests. This meal is the product People voluntarily subject themselves to eating flaof extreme hard work, blood, sweat and tears. So vorless, “healthy” food that does not contain gluten. imagine the host’s dismay when one of the guests Eliminating gluten from diets is supposed to lead announces “I’m gluten-free... I can’t eat that.” The to a healthier lifestyle, but anything can be good in host immediately feels terrible for overlooking a moderation.

There is no reason to get rid of a wide guest’s dietary restriction and apologizes, only to array of foods that could potentially be healthy for find out that this problem guest is not allergic to you just because they are gluten but just chooses not to eat labeled as containing the it. The host is now in a pickle: commonly feared gluten. should the guest suck it up and This voluntary eliminaeat what they can because they tion of foods from diets is chose to be gluten free, or should not limited to just gluten. the host make accommodations Many choose to go vegan for everyone’s dietary needs?

When people set special diet or dairy free as well withThe trend of dieting by elim- restrictions, it places a burden out a diagnosed allergy. inating a whole food group is on their friends and family.

The same thing can be sweeping the nation. It is becomsaid for these diets.

When ing widely popular and praised people set special diet reto go gluten free, dairy free, egg strictions on themselves, free, etc. Many believe that elimit places a burden on their inating these foods from their difriends and family. When ets will lead to healthier lifestyles they can only go out to eat and weight loss, but subjecting at certain places, it always falls to the one with a yourself to a diet without major food groups is not “special diet” on where to go, limiting everyone the way to go. Self-diagnosing food allergies and else to unnecessary diets that they didn’t choose. voluntarily removing foods from your diet are comThe self-deprivation people inflict on thempletely unnecessary and place a burden on family selves by removing a food group from their diand friends when deciding where to go out to eat. ets is completely unnecessary.

As long as peoOne of the largest dieting trends has been going ple are not consuming anything in excess, they gluten-free. While roughly one percent of the popushould eat a wide variety of foods and not sublation suffers from celiac disease, an intolerance to ject themselves to gluten-free, dairy-free, saltgluten and products with gluten, the number of peofree, meat-free and frankly taste-free foods. ple that choose to go gluten-free is steadily increas-

“ ”

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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

Sam Beagle Dani Blank Jake Peljovich John Posa Lauren Greenfield Maren Stephens Nathan Goggans Rohan Lalla

COPY EDITOR Brian Sui

NEWS EDITOR Maura McLynn

SPORTS EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHER

Nathan Gauthreaux

FEATURES EDITOR OPINION EDITOR

“The Chariot” publishes ads with signed contracts provided that they are deemed appropriate by the staff for the intended audience.

For more information about advertising with “The Chariot,” please contact the staff e-mail.

Rachel Grosswald

470-254-2138 jchschariotmagazine@gmail.com 5575 State Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30022

Morayo Ogunbayo

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across 1. Canis familiaris Maeliticus 2. The total when added together 3. A list of members 4. When you use your eyes 5. Slang term for a male friend 6. Out of the way; to one side 7. A head covering worn by some Muslim women 8. Yellow tropical fruit 9. Agrarian society of Plateau State in Nigeria 10. American Eagle Outfitters 11. In a strange and frightening manner 12. Slang for tattoo 13. Fire-type Pokemon that evolves into Rapidash

14. ____ Angeles 15. People from the largest continent 16. Cease a fixed relationship between currencies 17. The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet 18. Bambi is this animal 19. _____, myself and I 20. The layer of Earth in which plants grow 21. A large fish that is commonly canned 22. An official pardon for political offenses 23.. An advertisement 24. The practice of farming 25. Word for “in” in French and Spanish 26. French word for “friend” 27. Plant genus that includes potatoes

down 1. The red planet 2. Single-celled organism; uses pseudopodia 3. Not winners 4. Egyptian “boy king” 5. East-Northeast 6. On zebras, the American flag and mimes 7. The Cat in the _____ 8. Barefoot Contessa 9. Who stole the cookie from the cookie _____?

10. Midget buffalo 11. Where cakes are made 12. “Thank you.” “____ problem.”

13. To work into a dough using hands 14. Ice hockey team from Edmonton 15. Opposite of 12 across 16. A division of pregnancy 17. American Institute of Architects 18. Man’s best friend 19. Natural log 20. A number grid puzzle minus the “oku” 21. “Have you seen my son?”

22. Tool for removing the skin from a potato 23. The most diverse of the five kingdoms 24. The largest archipelago in the world 25. A large Australian bird 26. Sudden uncontrollable anxiety minus “P” 27. Relaxation location 28. Parasitic insect; often found in hair 29. Lip _____; a variety or shade of color 30. Abbreviation for Montana 31. 13th letter of Greek alphabet

*answers on page 30