FALL 2014
VOL. 22, ISSUE 2
V0X VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS
VoxTeenCommunications.org
ABOUT THIS ISSUE PAGE 2
V0X ISSUE COORDINATORS Sarika Temme-Bapat, Northview Kennedy Thedford, Stillwell FALL ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Kaleb Anderson, B.E.S.T. Jolisa Brown, Westminster Thalia Butts, DeKalb School of the Arts Sania Chandrani, Parkview Zoe Coleman, Carver Arts Michael Foster, Grace Christian Asjah Johnson, North Atlanta Christina Lucas, Milton Nancy Ramirez, Cross Keys Mac Rowe, Academe of the Oaks Dawit Trench, Wheeler Mikael Trench, Wheeler Hunter Tyson, Couch Middle Sebastian van Erk, Homeschool Alexandria Wilson, North Atlanta Melody You, Johns Creek
THE REST OF THE VOX TEEN STAFF Agustin Jimenez, Akil Harris, Alexes Harris, Alexis Cohen, Amy Pan, Assata Muhammad, Austin Thomas, Christa Heard, Curtis Jones, Daysha Corzine, Derrione Mobley, Ilana Ander, Isis McDowell, Jalil Shareef, Jalyn Buster, Jelani Harris, Jessica Thompson, Juanasia Young, Keana Martin-Sanders, Kenny Hurd, Kofi Adams, Lauren Polk, Madison Smith, Mahmood Thompson, Miles Turner,
This web of lies and misconceptions fragments humanity and entangles our society’s progress, so at VOX, we’ve decided it is time to clear out the cobwebs. In this edition of VOX,
Morgan Copeland, Morgan Johnson, Noni Warren, Rachel Li, Rebecca Turner, Safiya Miller, Sara Islas, Sara Wren, Shalom Lane, Shalom Maurer, Sharah Hutson, Shva StarSchaefer, Skylar Gardner, Vanessa Alva, Vashti Aveirls, Vaughn Cyrus, Ziggy Oby
VOLUNTEERS/MENTORS Jocelyn Dorsey, WSB-TV; Tania Dowdy, Emory University and VOX Alumna; Ben Hammett Walkuski, Coxe Curry; Lindsey Knox, Turner Broadcasting System; Alyssa Lasseter, Habitat for Humanity; Shyla Nambiar, Community Volunteer; Melodi Smith, Turner Broadcasting System; Raegan Smith Goodnough, Event Smith; Kimberly Beanka Tate, Emory University and VOX Alumna; Kathryn Treuman, Community Volunteer; Christina Zdanowicz, CNN iReport
VOX BOARD OF DIRECTORS Vanessa Alva, Cross Keys High School Kaleb Anderson, B.E.S.T. Academy Vashti Avierls, Chamblee High School Jessica Casey, Jones Day Sania Chandrani, Parkview High School Whitney Deal, Kilpatrick Townsend Elizabeth Faist, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP Alcide Honore, Hooper & Honore, LLC Catherine Jefferson, InterContinental Hotels Group LaTonya Keaton, PNC Financial Group Jimmy Kim, VOX Alumnus, Weissman Nowack Curry & Wilco Lindsey Knox, Turner Broadcasting System Jacqueline LaScala, What’s Up Interactive Marc Rice, Southern Company Mac Rowe, Academe of the Oaks Kate Sandhaus, CSE Alexandria Wilson, North Atlanta High School
VOX ADVISORY BOARD Kristina Christy, Turner Broadcasting Matt Crenshaw, Outbrain Jocelyn Dorsey, WSB-TV Amy Glennon, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cathy Hampton, City of Atlanta Hank Klibanoff, Emory University
Table of Contents
get tips about how to get hired as a teen from Mac, while Sebastian arms you with defenses against computer hackers. Also, find out about Blue November, a month dedicated to child grief awareness with our friends at Kate’s Club, a local organization devoted to serving young people who are grieving the death of a parent or sibling. Finally, don’t miss “The Wall,” our teen poetry and art section at the end of the paper. We aim to be warriors against the -ism, a beast with many ugly heads that it rears in society, and our greatest weapons are knowledge, truth, and our voice. We hope you will join us in the fight against the discrimination threatening to shatter our world, unless we, united, can hold it together.
-ISMS COVER STORIES Karma Chamelon, page 6 Stereotypes, Prejudice, Assumptions, Oh My, page 8 Women in Games, page 10 High School Melting Pot?, page 12 Age is Nothing But a Number, page 13 Dear Gen Y, page 14 Which -Ism Is It?, page 16 Criticism to Wisdomism, page 18 Distress-ism, page 19 Friendship-ism, page 20
CULTURE + COMMUNITY STORIES
— By Sarika Temme-Bapat / VOX Staff
Stanley Romanstein, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Ron Thomas, Morehouse Dona Yarbrough, Emory University
VOX ADULT STAFF Jeff Romig Executive Director Rachel Alterman Wallack, MSW Director of Strategic Partnerships/Founder Katie V. Strangis, LMSW Director of Media and Programs Richard L. Eldredge Senior Editor & Workshops Coordinator Susan Landrum, MSW Manager of Development and Outreach Jim Burress Part-time Editor Josie Footmon Program Assistant
FB.com/voxrox, @VOXROXATL on Twitter + Instagram, and YT.com/229voxrox
hey readers, The problems that humanity faces have evolved over time. Seemingly insurmountable hurdles that once faced us are things of the past, unhappy memories we are grateful to be mostly free of. However, in their place, new conflicts have arisen, and many of the old ones still linger. These -isms, the prejudices that weigh us down, are what we at VOX, are trying to overcome, by shedding light on some of the day’s most pressing issues. From the gross hypersexualisation of video game characters, to the racism that plagues us every day in our schools and communities, to the lines and limitations society uses to restrict us by age, these -isms creep into our lives.
VoxTeenCommunications.org
VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
VOX is an independent newspaper and website produced by and about Atlanta-area teenagers. VOX is distributed by VOX Teen Communications, Inc., a nonprofit youthdevelopment organization. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect VOX Teen Communications, its Board of Directors, Staff or Supporters.
Operation: Hire a Minor!, page 4 Keep Calm and Download an Antivirus Program, page 5 Community Partner Opportunities, page 21 Blue November, page 25
EXTRAS Extra Extra, page 3 App Wasters, page 3 The Wall, page 22 VOX Contest, page 23 Teen Speak, page 26 Horoscopes, page 27 Donors, page 27 All About VOX, page 28
VOX Teen Communications 229 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 725 Atlanta, GA 30303 404-614-0040 | editor@voxteencommunications.org voxteencommunications.org All rights reserved. © VOX Teen Communications, Inc., 2014. This paper is printed on recycled paper using soy ink. Please recycle!
COVER CREATED BY ALEXANDRIA WILSON | VOX STAFF
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Resources 24/7 by visiting the VOX website or scanning the code above.
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WORD OF MOUTH VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
Extra! Extra! Ebola concerns worsen On Aug. 3, the U.S. received its first known case of Ebola. Dr. Kent Brantly, a missionary working in Liberia, contracted the virus and was flown to Atlanta for treatment. Emory Hospital is one of four U.S. hospitals properly equipped to handle Ebola, and was considered the best option for Dr. Brantly. Since then, Emory has treated three more Ebola patients. Officials are still unsure how prevalent the virus will become. Currently, it can only be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of someone who is infected. The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is hard at work developing treatments and establishing guidelines for the disease (available at CDC.gov). Recently, the CDC updated its guidelines for hospitals, suggesting healthcare workers fully cover all exposed skin when treating a potential Ebola patient.
ISIS: homeland threat or foreign concern? Whether called ISIS, ISIL or just IS, the self-proclaimed Islamic State is a fast-growing terror threat in the U.S. government’s eyes. The terror group, started as an Al-Qaeda faction, envisions a universal Islamic caliphate (a supreme religious figure considered Muhammad’s successor). In May, the U.S. media began to focus on the Islamic State’s violent series of kidnappings, detainments, sieges, and attacks on civilians from Syria, Iraq and the United States.
A number of other Islamic groups, governments and individuals have denounced the organization for its
actions, and President Obama has asserted the Islamic State is not a true representation of the religion. Even so, the threat continues. In September, the U.S. initiated airstrikes in the fight to eliminate the group, but some question whether the strikes are effective.
TEDx near us TED, known for its TED talks, stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. While TED’s New York headquarters is hundreds of miles away, more than 1,800 TED Talk videos are available on its website, TED.com. You can even catch a TED Talk in person. Atlanta has multiple independentlyorganized TEDx events every year
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Waste Time Here! that are unique to the city. Atlanta’s main TEDx event, TEDxPeachtree, took place on Oct. 17. It featured 12 presenters, each drawing inspiration from the theme “Illuminate.” The next Atlanta event is TEDxPeachtreeSalon on Nov. 13. The smaller event is meant to engage the community between larger events. It is followed by TEDxNorthClaytonHighSchool on Nov. 21.
Pet Rescue Saga For pet lovers and/or Candy Crushers, Pet Rescue Saga lets you become a hero to pets in need by rescuing them from the evil pet snatchers. Put your puzzle skills to the test by matching two or more blocks together to complete each level, allowing you to get closer to the pets.
Rise of the “Mockingjay”
Plague Inc. Your job is to infect the world with your very own pathogen. You start the game by infecting patient zero. With the help of things found in the everyday world (airplanes, bugs, weather, birds, etc.), you attempt to transport your disease all over the world. If you can kill the world’s population, you win!
“The Hunger Games” film trilogy begins its conclusion on Nov. 21 with the theater release of the first half of “Mockingjay.” The film continues the story of a post-apocalyptic world, Panem, where the population revolts against an oppressive regime that insists on an annual “fight to the death” match. The story’s final piece started as one book by Suzanne Collins. Filmmakers divided it into two pieces, both directed by Francis Lawrence. Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, the fiery protagonist and leader of the revolt. Josh Hutcherson plays the empathetic companion, Peeta Melark, with Liam Hemsworth taking the role of the brooding best friend, Gale Hawthorne. The cast and crew received rave reviews for the trilogy’s previous installments, “The Hunger Games” and “Catching Fire.” They were largely filmed in the Atlanta area alongside “Mockingjay.” Atlanta audiences will enjoy seeing both familiar and unfamiliar local sites, and maybe even friends who were cast as extras.
— By Sania Chandrani, VOX Staff
IMAGE OF EMORY COURTESY OF NEW YORK DAILY
Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff Everyone’s favorite family guy destroys Quahog after going to war with the giant chicken. Use your favorite characters from the animated show to rebuild the city of Quahog. Frozen Free Fall From the Disney film “Frozen,” join your favorite characters as they match and play icy puzzles, completing each puzzle in a magical way! My Talking Tom Raise your very own Talking Tomcat, take it home, feed it, wash it and play games with it. Treat him as your own and allow him to become a part of your life.
NEWS, AND IMAGE OF TEDX COURTESY OF TEDX PEACHTREE 2014.
— By Hunter Tyson, VOX Staff
CULTURE PAGE 4
VoxTeenCommunications.org VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
Operation: Hire a Minor!
By Mac Rowe VOX Staff
A
pplying for a job can be hard, especially for minors. You’re expected to be professional, which can be extra difficult for those who have never applied for a job before. For me, applying for dozens of jobs just made this statement feel truer: people must really hate me for being under 18. It took applying dozens of times before I got my first offer — a bagger at a local Publix supermarket. What made this time different? I talked to the manager. You can’t always do that impromptu, so call and ask if there is a good time to set up a conversation. You’ll find many stores are accepting of you, despite your age. I spoke via email with Brenda Reid,
the Media and Community Relations Manager for Publix Stores in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, to get insight on what Publix looks for in potential new hires. “Publix is committed to having a culturally diverse workforce,” said Reid. “Our company should depict the communities we serve. Therefore, we encourage people of all ages and cultures to join the Publix family.” When I walked through the double doors of a local Publix this summer, I had no idea I would be in the job I am today. As I looked around, I saw at least a dozen associates busy working. I thought, “This couldn’t be me.” After all, no other places I had applied to even responded. This time, I needed to take a new approach. That’s when I decided to talk to the manager. I was a little anxious about doing it at first, but eventually I gathered enough courage. Publix spokeswoman Reid said you should speak with a manager after you apply (Publix, and other larger employers, require you apply via the Job Application Center kiosk). Briefly explain why you’re a good fit for the job. That’s what I did. All of my managers could tell I was nervous at first, but they were extremely gracious throughout the process. They also treated me like an adult, which I respected. Most jobs nowadays have an online application form. No matter the application process, there are some things you need to know. Be honest. “Always be honest with every detail,” said Reid.
New-to-the-job-market Mackenzie Rowe teaches teens all they need to know for both applying to and interviewing for a job
Be flexible. “Offer availability on as many nights and weekends as possible,” she said. If the store asks you what times you’re available, put down as many as you can. You probably won’t be working all that time, considering most teens are part-time associates. But showing flexibility gives bosses the impression that work comes first (after school, of course). After all, shouldn’t it? Show experience. If the application asks for prior experience, put down everything you know how to do that relates to the job. Also, say what you bring to the job. “Publix looks for people who genuinely enjoy serving others,” said Reid. “We hang our hat on providing great customer service, and we do that by hiring people who love interacting with others. We also look for people with a desire to grow with a company.” When given the opportunity, use references. Usually you’ll be limited to two or three. If you have more than that, pick the best. Even if they don’t call your references, having their information is still good. It shows you have worked with people, which is important in any job. And make sure you’ve asked your references to be references first! Many applications have a personality test, which gauges how you would act or what you would do in a certain situation. Just fill this out honestly. Always have a résumé, both digitally and on hand/in print. You never know when you might need it. You don’t need to flood it with everything you’ve ever
done — just two or three of your best accomplishments should suffice, and as a teen, you should keep it one page long. Finally, do background research on the company. Showing that you already know about the company will impress the hiring manager, as well as assist with the above tips. Should you get an interview, there are a few other key things you need to know. Dress nicely. Also, the way you act in the interview can be a determining factor in whether you get the job. Don’t be overly nervous. Tell the employer about yourself, in-depth. Again, you really just want to show them you’ve done something in your life. While you’re at it, make them believe just as much as you do that you were made for the specific job or company you’ve applied for. “If you have the right attitude, we can teach you the rest,” Reid said. Finally, make an effort to appear interested. Make eye contact and show you’re paying attention. At the end of the interview, ask questions to show you listened. Before you leave, thank the interviewer or interviewers, and offer a handshake. Whatever you do, and wherever you apply, as long as you follow these rules, you should be fine! Even if you don’t get the job, it’s good practice for when you’re an adult. Don’t give up, and good luck!
Mac, 16, attends Academe of the Oaks. He is the student council’s co-treasurer.
VoxTeenCommunications.org By Sebastian van Erk VOX Staff
H
ave you ever stopped and thought about how vulnerable you are online? In terms of technology, your personal information is a low-hanging apple on the tree of security. Most people can’t even get close enough to reach, but whoever has the knowledge to build a ladder can snatch the fruit of your information easily. Here is a simple guide to inform you about Internet security threats and measures you can take to make your information more secure.
Internet protection If you’re lazy, but still want to take some measures to be secure while surfing the web, check the URL you are visiting. A URL is the website name you type into your search engine to visit a website (for example, http://www.google.com.) That URL is not secure because “http” means Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is an insecure state (meaning that people can track packets of information called cookies) to make the site susceptible to tampering. To prevent potential external intrusions, make sure it reads “https.” The “s” at the end means the the connection is Secure. Without the “s,” the standard HTTP URL is more vulnerable. It’s easy to overlook the difference on a browser. But don’t take the chance, as it can result in a broken account.
Viruses The Internet is especially good at sharing viruses. A virus is a program that steals, tampers or destroys other programs or information. Protecting against viruses isn’t too hard, but getting rid of them is frustrating. It can result in lost time, patience and damage to your device. The best way to prevent viruses is by getting antivirus software. Some good antivirus programs are AVG Antivirus FREE 2014, Bitdefender Antivirus Free
CULTURE VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
KEEP CALM AND DOWNLOAD AN ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM Stay safe and protect your online presence with a few helpful tips Edition (2014) and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2015. You absolutely need antivirus software. Some viruses are meant to amuse the developer of the virus, such as the “ping pong” virus. The “ping pong” virus was a program that infected floppy disks
and simulated a little bullet point bouncing around the screen. The ball knocked text to the bottom of the screen, but didn’t permanently harm the computer. Sometimes the virus would result in crashes, but otherwise there weren’t any side effects. A lot of viruses
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are made with the intention of harming a device. One is the MyDoom virus. It sent itself from computer to computer, using email. The virus searched the device for contacts and sent itself to all the contacts. The virus caused $38 billion in damage, according to Investopedia, and is considered the most damaging virus to date.
Email Email viruses are considered some of the easiest attacking points of a computer. This means that a virus hidden in an email has a direct path into your personal device. A virus can be disguised as a link to a fake URL, or some kind of downloadable content. Do not open suspicious emails. Make sure emails are from a trusted source or contact. Although, be wary: even contacts can be hacked. A good cardinal rule is not to open questionable emails.
Passwords Never save your passwords to a website. Sure, it’s so much easier to log in if you store your password online, but that just makes it easier for a hacker to log in, too!
Ads Never click on ads. Ads are just easy ways to download viruses. Just say no. Although many might dismiss virus attacks and computer security as unimportant and irrelevant, computer security is a terrifying and real issue. It affects nearly all of us, unlike most wars that are occurring in faraway countries. Anyone on a computer can access a Wi-Fi network or satellite and have access to billions of bytes of information. All of the selfies, Facebook statuses, and social security numbers are made accessible through one thing … the Internet.
Sebastian, 13, is homeschooled and is an aspiring street artist.
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VoxTeenCommunications.org VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
K a r m a K a r m a
KarmaKarma
Karma By Zoe Coleman VOX Staff
S
ometimes life demands introspection, caused by an epiphany that is both hard to confront yet impossible to ignore. My epiphany came recently when I realized how my use of bad language not only created a poor image of me, but also factored into my rejection from the Posse Scholarship. For those of you who are unfamiliar, this scholarship grants full-tuition for four years to a Posse Foundation university. (The partner colleges and universities for Atlanta Posse are: Bard College, Boston University, Brandeis University, The College of Wooster, Syracuse University, and Texas A&M.) To be eligible, high school seniors can nominate themselves. A counselor can nominate the student, as can a person from the community or a Posse alumni. There are three steps after you are nominated and have completed your application. The first is focused on negotiation, public speaking and communication skills. The second is more of a one-on-one interview. The third is where Posse staff and university representatives choose the Posse winners
One teen’s lesson in challenging herself to stand out in a society fixated on fitting in for the year. Unfortunately, I wasn’t chosen to continue to the second round. A week after my first-round interview, I received a rejection email. The rejection saddened me because I felt like I didn’t do my best; however, I accepted their decision and moved forward. When I told my classmates, teachers,
and family I wouldn’t proceed to the next round of the interview process, some scratched their heads, confused. My AP literature teacher said I was an “impeccable writer,” and she saw no logical explanation for the outcome. I stopped trying to make sense of it — I was ready to move on. But my teacher stubbornly decided to seek out the
reason. It didn’t take her long. She later pulled me aside and told me there were other classmates from my school watching me at the first-round interview. According to my teacher’s source, I wasn’t interacting with people from other schools. But the bigger issue was how I talked to my friends. I spoke in
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what they called “ghetto tongue,” laced with foul language and awful grammar. Instead of showing me at my best, I came across as “ratchet” — a word commonly used to describe someone who is loud, dumb, foul-mouthed and trashy. In reality, none of those qualities match my personality. After hearing this, I was perplexed. I thought back, trying to remember how I behaved the day of the interview. The answer made sense. I knew what she told me had to be true. I’ve long felt complacent using profanity and slang, because people around me use it. I’d become comfortable using such language. At times, I didn’t notice I was even speaking that way. That was the case on the day of my Posse interview. Even before the official interview starts, Posse representatives observe how you interact and communicate with others. I assumed no one was watching me and decided to converse with my friend as if we were out on the street. Sadly, we commonly refer to each other as “b*tch” and say things that are not appropriate, like “f*ck you.” Although we use these words in a loose and playful way, it’s still not okay to use them — especially in a professional environment. When I learned that could be one of the reasons why I didn’t move forward, I wanted to cry. I felt as though I’d robbed myself of being better because of words that are ingrained into my everyday vocabulary — words I’m comfortable using because they help me fit in. I confessed that to my teacher. I told her maybe I conform to those around me by talking with a foul mouth. In response, she said, “Don’t knock what God gave you.” These were simple yet profound words. They caused me to reflect and analyze the person I am. I knew I wasn’t always who I presented myself to be, and that disappointed me. For the remainder of the day, I thought about the situation as my teacher’s words
-ISMS VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
I assumed no one was watching me and decided to converse with my friend as if we were out on the street. Sadly, we commonly refer to each other as “b*tch” and say things that are not appropriate, like “f*ck you.” echoed in my head. As I looked around me, I saw how my generation is full of followers who are satisfied with being an imitator as a way to find acceptance. I never thought I’d fall victim to the followers’ disease of my generation, but I had. How, though? The question caused me to reflect on how common it is for people to assimilate negative influences, especially in the so-called hood where I live. These are people who adopt bad behaviors on either a conscious or subconscious level. This act of conforming to one’s surroundings immediately reminded me of the eighties pop song “Karma Chameleon” by the English band Culture Club. In “The Billboard Book of #1 Hits” by Fred Bronson, the front man of the band, Boy George, explained the song is “about the terrible fear of alienation that people have … it’s about trying to suck up to everybody.” He goes on to say, “...you get Karma-justice, that’s nature’s way of paying you back.” I see the “Karma Chameleon” daily, both at school and in my neighborhood. However, it never occurred to me I was also adopting these influences. I’d become a Karma Chameleon without even noticing. But what about my classmates? Did they see it happening too? I asked several students from my high school if they ever thought they compromised themselves to try to fit in. Many paused to think about the question,
hesitant to admit their own actions. It was a different story though when I asked them how often they saw others trying to fit in. They were quick to answer: every day. The irony of the situation is evident. It seems a lot of us get through life by acting as chameleons — even those I admire. “Being an outsider to the ‘in’ crowd doesn’t really make for a good social life, especially when you feel as if you are the only one who is different or thinks differently,” said my older sister, Shontel. “It’s kind of hard to ignore the innate feeling that tells you this isn’t who you are when you are acting like someone else.” I heard similar responses when I asked others, “Have you ever felt the need to compromise who you are to be accepted?” Asking these questions helped me feel better. The feeling of loneliness went away and relief came over me. I realized I wasn’t alone. I continued to ask questions. “Do you believe there’s such a thing as a Karma Chameleon (the belief that not being yourself to be accepted brings you bad karma)?” Alexia Lockett, a senior at Carver School of the Arts, said yes. She gave the example of the movie “Mean Girls” as a perfect portrayal of the Karma Chameleon in action. In the film, a new student gets sucked into her school’s world of drama when her newly-found friends convince her to destroy the “popular girl.” The plan backfires, leaving her friendless and unpopular. The takeaway: It’s important to know who you are, and stick to acting like it. Otherwise, you’re bound
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to face the Karma Chameleon. Sure, it’s understandable to adopt some behaviors you see practiced around you every day. However, it’s essential to stay aware of the person (as my teacher put it) God intended you to be. I know I won’t be the first or the last person to experience disappointment brought by my attempt to fit in. But at least I know I’m not alone, and that I have the ability to develop and show my true self at my own whim. As actress and singer Emmy Rossum told Seventeen Magazine, “Being yourself is one of the hardest things because it’s scary. You always wonder whether you’ll be accepted for who you really are … I don’t think you ever succeed at trying to be anyone else but who you truly are.” Chameleon-ism exists in everyone to some degree. We all conform to our surroundings. But those who can acknowledge its presence (and avoid the bad karma like I had to face) are on a path to self-discovery. Once you realize who you are, the next step is to become better at being yourself. That’s hard, because the world is eager to conform you into someone who doesn’t reflect the person you see in the mirror. It happened to me, and it can happen to you. Don’t let Karma Chameleon sneak up on you because you’re too busy trying to fit in. Instead, just be yourself. By doing so, you’ll spread your own good karma. I missed one important opportunity to show me at my best in that Posse interview, and it cost me a scholarship. I can guarantee that won’t be the case next time. Zoe is a senior at Carver School for the Arts.
DESIGN ON PAGE 6 BY SANIA CHANDRANI | VOX STAFF
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VoxTeenCommunications.org VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
Stereotypes Prejudice Assumptions... Oh, My I
Teens tackle diversity and stereotypes at predominately white private schools
By Jolisa Brown VOX Staff
n light of some of the concerning yet recurring events clouding our news — shootings of unarmed black teenagers, campaigns against immigrants, sports team owners complaining about the blackness of their fans, disproportionate arrest rates of Hispanics and blacks, and even the disparity between employment rates for whites and certain minorities — the question becomes: is there such a thing as a post-racial society? Is that where we live now, as so many would like to believe? Is there a way to overcome the racial elements of day-to-day interaction, or will there always be some vestiges of our past racial hurdles in the way we interact in the future? Furthermore, is this a problem, or is it something we should just accept as a harsh but immutable aspect of our existence to be factored into daily life? Most people would deny having overt racial prejudice, because we want to believe our society has progressed beyond some of what plagued it just a few decades ago. However, we also have a responsibility to be as truthful and objective as possible concerning what is happening. Otherwise, how can we hope
to fix it? I attend the Westminster Schools of Atlanta, a campus which has a diversity rate of 30 percent. This is very different from what I was accustomed to at my middle school, KIPP Knowledge Is Power Program Strive, where the entire student body was black. I’ve grown used to no longer being the majority, and within my school community, a “minority.” I asked some other non-white Westminster students about their experiences as a minority. Their responses varied. “I think people definitely make a lot of assumptions of who I am,” said 10th grader Bill Huang. “When people talk about stereotypes, sometimes some of them are true for a large population of that minority. But it’s not always good to assume things about each individual, because they might have their own way of doing things that don’t conform to the stereotype.” We might not be aware of our own prejudices, or preconceived negative
judgments of a group and its individual members. Even so, they still influence our actions on subconscious levels that are hard to track. Social psychologists have found prejudice can cause exaggerated reactions to minorities in the school setting by causing people to overcriticize their mistakes, or to the opposite extreme, overpraise their accomplishments and patronize them. This all comes from the desire to be perceived as unprejudiced. People overcompensate at times, further complicating the situation by acting in the way they feel they should act instead of approaching the situation as just another interaction with a fellow human being. Some stereotypes are, at times, rooted in truth. The trouble comes when someone uses those stereotypes to decide how to talk to a person. Generalizing the actions of a person based on a few interactions with someone of that race, or adopting prejudices relayed to us by the media, can be dangerous. Often, we dismiss occurrences that refute
preconceptions or stereotypes and only see what supports them, which makes it hard to change preconceptions. Assuming that other groups are more homogenous in character than our own, that they are all similar, or also all different from us is called the “outgroup homogeneity effect” (Ostrom & Sedikides 1992). “On campuses in particular, I think some people are shying away from having the discussion [about race] because they maybe don’t feel as comfortable or they feel it’s divisive in some way instead of progressive and unifying and healthy,” said Westminster’s diversity coordinator, Judy Osborne. Sometimes talking through and being aware of what we are doing is enough to stop us from making the same mistakes. Knowing that we are being unjust makes us more aware, but for that awareness to happen, we must engage in that conversation. “I myself can’t even raise my voice sometimes because it’s like, ‘Oh, he’s black. He must have a gun or something like that,’” said 12th grader Ayodeji
VoxTeenCommunications.org Bandele, expressing his frustration at being associated with stereotypes that don’t reflect his personality. “Even in class, I can’t raise my voice because it’s like, ‘Calm down, Ayo, you’re being really aggressive here.’ Or if I use strong language — not like curse words, but language that lets you know that I am no longer playing games — it’s like ‘be quiet.’ I can’t assert myself without threatening my classmates basically,” he said. Another student, 12th grader Lyric Christian, said she’s exasperated that, as a black girl, some classmates associate her with girls who dance in videos. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, ‘Teach me how to twerk. I can only do one rotation,’” she recalled. “First of all, what’s a rotation? I don’t know what that is. Not all black girls know how to twerk or do certain things, or if I do, why would I show you?” Sometimes our assumptions, though unintentional and maybe even subconscious, can be treacherous. A study by Joshua Correll in 2002 demonstrated this. Entitled “The Police Officer’s Dilemma,” Correll asked the study’s randomly-selected participants to play a video game in which some of the characters were white and others black. Some characters were armed assailants, while others were unarmed, instead holding objects such as wallets. Participants had to decide at steadily increasing speeds whether or not to shoot. Participants consistently and successfully shot the armed black person, at times failed to shoot the armed white person, at times shot the unarmed black person, yet never shot the unarmed white person. Their preconceptions may
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VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014 have caused them to misperceive the ambiguous situation. Unfortunately, the people they interacted with were the ones who suffered. For 12th grader Jasmine Lester, battling the preconceptions of people in the majority is disconcerting. “[Minorities] don’t have the luxury of being able to just react,” she said. “But with [nonminorities], they can say whatever comes to mind naturally. So, I have to be very strategic in the way that I live my life. I can’t be or say what I want out of, I don’t want to say fear, but…” she paused, indicating fear is the exact reason she censors herself. Lester feels she cannot simply act as she wants, but instead has
to factor in what her responses will mean given what she looks like and what people believe about people who look like her. For Jose Ovalle, a 10th grader at Westminster, jokes about his race offend him, as do suggestions he’s foreign-born. “Sometimes people can be racist, but [it’s] not because they’re trying to be mean or something,” he said. “Instead, it’s because they don’t know exactly what they’re saying, or they’re not sure what they’re saying. They’re just saying it.”
Often, so-called “slights” are unintentional. People don’t realize their words can damage, or that what is meant to be a joke can suddenly be serious if it’s about something as crucial as someone’s identity. No one wants to let an outsider make such an important decision. While we ourselves try to figure these things out, no one should have imposed upon them ideas — prepackaged and often wrong — about who they are. So what’s the answer? Perhaps just speaking up is enough to change what otherwise is bound to continue. In changing one person, maybe we better the odds of one day seeing a change in everyone.
PICTURED (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): BILL HUANG, JOSE OVALLE, JASMINE LESTER, LYRIC CHRISTIAN, JUDY OSBORNE, STUDENTS AT WESTMINSTER. NOT PICTURED: AYODEJI
Though easier said than done, perhaps speaking this will bring it into existence. Our worlds can be what we make them, if only we are courageous enough to try. Jolisa, 15, is a sophomore at Westminster.
Little Talks “The important thing is to empower students to report out and always be willing to protect themselves, but also to not be bystanders, to be upstanders, be able to know their own personal boundaries but also be able to protect other people if they’re in a situation where they feel like something is said or done that is inappropriate and not to be afraid to step up and do what’s right, so that it can be handled and everyone walks away feeling like they were honored.” — Judy Osborne, Diversity Coordinator at Westminster Academy
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Women in Games And why their image needs to change By Christina Lucas VOX Staff
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’m a pretty hardcore gamer. The ability to interact with beautifullydesigned worlds and characters appeals to me, and I believe games have a special entertainment value rarely replicated by other media. As a female gamer and human rights activist, though, I feel the need to critique an issue I see repeated within games. When I’m playing, I can’t help but notice all the disturbing positions women are often thrust into within the game environment — often passive, objectifying and violent roles. The women, and injustices done to them, aren’t even central to the stories of these games, nor do they serve as actual, playable characters. Both of these paradigms need to change. Objectification, assault, and selling young girls for sex are serious, real-world problems. Making light of these issues for the sake of entertainment, issues which are both traumatic and sometimes fatal, is inhumane and detrimental to efforts trying to end the behavior.
Women in these roles represent nonplayable game characters, or NPCs. An NPC can function as nearly anything, from sidekick, to shopkeeper, to a randomly-generated person walking down the street. Without NPCs and objects, a game would simply be a main character running about within a void. I’m not saying there’s a problem with women being NPCs, nor am I saying they are unimportant solely because they are non-playable. In fact, I would argue NPCs are some of the most important aspects of a game. Problems arise in the roles women usually play when cast as NPCs, the way they are portrayed, and more importantly, the way the game allows gamers to interact with them. More and more frequently, top-grossing games (Grand Theft Auto, God of War, Assassin’s Creed and Bioshock) feature brothels and strip clubs as prevalent environments in their game worlds. Players can rarely avoid them – the main action of the story takes place within their walls. It’s no surprise then that the majority of female NPCs in these games are prostitutes. Their sole purpose is to fill the sexual desires of the player and/
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE 2006 RELEASE OF HITMAN: BLOOD MONEY. IN THE GRAPHIC WE SEE AN EXECUTED MUSICIAN - AND EVEN THOUGH HE’S BEEN MURDERED, HE STILL RETAINS A SENSE OF CHARACTER AND DIGNITY. WE CAN GATHER WHAT KIND OF PERSON HE WAS AND WHAT HE DID FOR A LIVING, FOR EXAMPLE. (PICTURE COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHERRINGSELL.CO.UK, CREATOR OF ADS FOR THE GAME)
or serve as a sort of currency to help the player move forward in the game. These women have no backgrounds or personalities, and often the game’s programming prevents any sort of a relationship other than as a desirable sex toy. They are explicitly physical, a stark contrast to the often non-sexual and at least slightly personality-focused male NPCs. For example, while it is relatively easy to find a female prostitute in most M-rated games (M for mature), you would be hard-pressed to find a male prostitute or man portrayed in any sexual fashion. The female NPCs lives are trivialized, and more often than not, their bodies are the only things of worth they can provide the player. Consider Grand Theft Auto V (released in 2013), for example, a game which broke seven world sales records. Within the game, players pay for and fondle prostitutes as a sort of mini-game. They can then take the women someplace discreet, “bang” them, and slaughter them to get their money back. To objectify and hurt women brings rewards. It’s both a prevalent and encouraged feature of the game.
Women in games are not only portrayed as sexual NPCs, but also as sexual objects. In-game monsters, crates and vending machines often supply playable characters with items when broken open or defeated. The resulting items range from currency to food and even weapons. Similarly, the use, beating, rape and slaughter of women in games often give the player some sort of useful commodity in exchange. Players take items from them and filch money from their dead bodies. In some games, different uses of prostitutes give the player special powers, health regeneration, or other boosts in ability. Not only does this reinforce the idea that the women exist explicitly to be used, but it also encourages it. Doing so allows the player to advance further, faster, and gain access to more features of the game. Sometimes using these non-playable sexual objects is an inescapable part of the play. In the game Saint’s Row, the player repetitively is required to herd up the “hoes” he or she comes across and transfer them from pimp to pimp to make money. This task of trading women as objects, as sexual currency,
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Hold Up: Gaming’s Biggest Offenders
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE SAME GAME, AND ALSO DEPICTS A MURDER VICTIM. HOWEVER,
Metacritic is a top resource and a go-to gaming review website for many gamers. Looking at gaming critiques posted there, one finds that women are not the only demographic being slandered by popular entertainment. Grand Theft Auto V, one of the top-selling games in multiple countries, is an extremely inappropriate game that ostracizes people of all races and genders. Many even consider Nintendo’s Mario, a supposedly classic and timeless video game meant for all ages, to be sexist and slightly racist, as characters in the game have questionable actions and personalities. With a name like Ghettopoly, it comes a no surprise that people take offense at the content, a parody of Monopoly featuring racial and gender stereotypes. The game has been barred from the U.S., and Hasbro has sued creator David Chang for copyright infringement. Muslim Massacre is an extremely racist and vulgar side scroller that features the main character (a white male) shooting Muslims. Know what you’re playing and be a smart gamer!
MORE ATTENTION HAS BEEN DIRECTED TO HER SEXUAL QUALITIES THAN HER PERSONALITY. THE SEXUALITY OF BOTH HER POSE AND THE AD SLOGAN HAVE ALSO BEEN INCREASED. (COURTESY OF
By Sarika Temme-Bapat and Sebastian van Erk, VOX Staff
CHRISTOPHERRINGSELL.CO.UK)
is prevalent throughout the first three games, common enough to earn its own term: “snatch.” The games have sold more than nine million units, according to Kotaku and Gamespot. And in somewhat less-popular games, this abuse increases tenfold. The game Hitman, for example, allows players to use corpses as diversions when thrown over a railing or other object – and Hitman is only one of many games that encourages players to throw, cut, tote and raid lifeless female bodies. In Red Dead Redemption, the main character doesn’t see eye-to-eye with the concept of purchasing sex. Instead of money, he uses lassos and hogties. There’s an award for putting a bound woman on train tracks and watching the oncoming locomotive run her over. A level within the acclaimed God of War series involves shoving a shackled woman throughout a small maze. At the end of the level, her body is nothing more than a crushed, disfigured pool of blood – and the player immediately receives an award. Other games use women merely as textures – as background items adding environmental flare. Even then, females are both objectified and hypersexualized.
Female corpses appear in sexual poses and positions, which contrast greatly with the remains of their male counterparts (see images above). The evidence is visible in game worlds and advertisements, such as the promotional graphics for Hitman: Blood Money. While all of the images involve an assassinated character, the women are considerably more sexualized than the men. Even if many women are not literal background objects, they are backgrounds in relation to the story, much like how a button, switch or potion is often used to help the main player, usually a man, advance through a level. Neither the plot nor the character development arc is about that button, nor is it about the switch – the button is simply there to be used for what services it can provide. It’s then left behind and forgotten about. Often after being murdered, their bodies simply vanish. Even though some games program abused women to scream or plead for mercy, or portray their beating and prostitution in a negative light, they still don’t pivot on or critique the terrible injustices. “A critique must actually center on characters exploring, challenging,
changing or struggling with oppressive social systems,” says women’s rights advocate Anita Sarkeesian in her series, Tropes vs. Women. This is important, because the vast majority of games involving the abuse of women as a common theme do none of those things. They simply and continually recreate, reproduce and display the violence. Some might ask, “What’s the big deal?” After all, these are video games — not real life. That’s true. Video games are fantasy. But what these titles depict — violence against women, especially sexual violence — is real. VDay, a global organization hoping to end violence against girls and women, says, “In America, an estimated one in six women has been raped at some point in her life.” In Egypt, almost half of all homicides are so-called honor killings (murder of a woman due to accumulated shame or dishonor) of victims after they’ve been raped. Nearly three in four family violence victims are female, and in Georgia, VDay says more than 12,300 men will illegally purchase sex with young women in any given month.
When game industry giants reproduce these injustices as flair to entertainment, and even promote participation in the behavior itself, the effect is a giant step backward in the effort to help those who have been brutalized. These games have entertainment value. They can be explored, and they can most definitely be fun. But they shouldn’t bolster those notions at the price of human worth. In a world where sexism is a serious problem, and violence against women is a serious crime, we must take these issues seriously. When companies decide to include a pressing real-world issue in their games, they should do so carefully, and make sure that they are not hindering any effort to bring the victims relief. But in the end, companies have to make a profit. They listen to sales and to consumers. The task falls to us as players, then, to criticize the issues we see in the games we love and consider the effect our entertainment may have on others. Christina, 17, is a senior at Milton High School. SOURCES: HTTP://WWW.CNBC.COM/ ID/101734983/PAGE/4#. (RANKS OF TOP GAMES) HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=PX5Z079ZQC4
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High School Melting Pot?
around races to offend people,” says Brooklyn Payne, a senior. “I once heard someone call another student a Mexican construction worker, which not only is extremely offensive, but completely wrong.” As for other displays of racism, students claimed they hear more racial stereotyping than they hear racial slurs. A sophomore, Chris Wu, said his cafeteria is “full of segregation.” He described it as a place that is “completely racially divided,” with “the white people sitting together [at] one table, the black people sitting at another, and the Asians sitting somewhere else.” Many high school students tell me they’re only joking, and their jokes and remarks should not be taken too seriously. The scary thing is these students are
Johns Creek teen argues in favor of more inclusion in high schools, where unofficial segregation still thrives By Melody You VOX Staff
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s America truly a “melting pot” of cultures, or is that image simply an illusion that masks the prejudice and discrimination different races face in this country? The answer is yes and no. America is rich in diversity, with millions of citizens from all around the world, and it constantly prides itself on its reputation as the land of freedom and opportunity. So one could assume that because the U.S. is so welcoming to immigrants, there would be no racial hierarchy or discrimination. But there are many incidents that show racism is still a huge issue in our society. Although racism is not as overt as it was during the Civil Rights era, it still happens everyday – just in a less provocative way. A 1989 study for the Northeast Regional Education Laboratory found the majority of racism in American public schools was “racial jokes and slurs, derogatory racial stereotyping, and violent acts left unpunished by school authorities.”
Unfortunately, according to several high school students I have interviewed in the Johns Creek/Atlanta area, this remains true. Of the high school students that I interviewed, almost everyone agreed that some form of racism happens in school. Many of these students that I interviewed also claimed that the biggest form of racism that they witness or use themselves is using racial slurs and racial stereotypes, which is eerily similar to the findings of the study conducted by Savard and Aragon. Michelle Li, a junior at Johns Creek High School, claimed she often witnessed students stereotyping other races and using racial slurs in class. She also stated she sometimes subconsciously does it herself. “I don’t stereotype people by their race to be offensive, but somehow I do it anyway,” she said. “For example, when someone who isn’t white comes to school and wears something nice and expensive looking, I call her a ‘white girl,’ because I think they’re generally stereotyped as being materialistic and superficial.” “I feel really uncomfortable during lunch when I overhear students throw
Any form of discrimination, from racial slurs to racial stereotyping, is never okay and should be stopped. In order to counter racism in high schools, it is important for school administrators to take action and raise awareness about the hurtful remarks students make to one another, and the judgments they cast on a student who appears “different.” So how can racism be prevented in the future? The first step is to raise awareness and educate students about the dangers of using racial slurs and racial stereotypes. School administrators need to emphasize the negative impact racism can have on people and how jokes can oftentimes be interpreted the wrong way. If students still show disrespect toward students, teachers should establish consequences for their misbehavior. It is paramount for students to know how hurtful and abusive racism is, so they don’t do it in the future. Classes should also have open discussions about racism, so students and teachers are able to talk to one another and share their experiences and wisdom about the consequences of using racial slurs and stereotypes. Not only should
“When someone refers to me as ‘that Indian girl,’ I can’t help but feel really angry and upset,” says Kanika Chatkara, a junior at Johns Creek. “I just don’t like it when people think that my whole identity revolves around the color of my skin.” discriminating against others’ ethnicities and cultures without even realizing it; they are oblivious to the negative effect their racial slurs have on the students. “When someone refers to me as ‘that Indian girl,’ I can’t help but feel really angry and upset,” says Kanika Chatkara, a junior at Johns Creek. “I just don’t like it when people think that my whole identity revolves around the color of my skin.”
teachers and staff build awareness, but students and their parents also should. When everybody is involved in combating racism, it will be hard to ignore. Melody is a junior at Johns Creek High School.
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Age Is Nothing But a Number By Sarika Temme-Bapat VOX Staff
W
ouldn’t we all love to stay young forever? To spend eternity in our glory days, in the prime of our physical grace and abilities, untouched by the burden of age? But let’s face it: we won’t. Years slip by. People get old. But when people are no longer the newest generation, does that make it OK to discard them, to toss them aside like an older version of the iPhone? No. Technology may become outdated, but people never do. The elder people in our communities need to be seen as just that: members of our community, not burdens. Media depict seniors as feeble-minded and incapable, if they are shown at all. Instead, TV shows and commercials prefer to star the attractive faces of young adults, frozen at the peak of their physical capabilities. Even the few ads targeted toward older audiences show supposed
Get Involved! It’s easy to glean some of the wisdom our elders have to offer. Check out these three senior centers, where you or a group of teens can become active contributors to programming or events:
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“senior citizens,” who somehow look no older than 50. We shouldn’t continue to shut reminders of aging out of our media, because we can’t shut it out of the course of our own lives. Elder issues are wide-ranging, including health care, discrimination in the workplace when looking for employment, and lower quality of life. A Disabled World report finds 80 percent of Americans surveyed over age 60 report experiencing ageism. Vijaya Bapat, one of my senior relatives from North Carolina, but hailing from India, regularly participates in theater productions and cultural programs in her senior community. She, slowed down in no way by her years, is proof that age itself doesn’t have to bring seniors’ vibrant existences to a crawl. “I think everywhere, including developing countries like India, it seems that the value of older people all around the world is being devalued,” she said, when asked about ageism in American society. “America, particularly, is a youth-
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Project Open Hand Meal Packaging ProjectOpenHand.org Teens over age 15 can assist with packaging meals for seniors and those with illnesses. If you’re 15 or younger, you can go with an adult or set up a project with a group of likeminded teens.
oriented society. Cosmetic products on the market promote a younger look. There are very few, what we call ‘character roles’ for all ages,” she said. Even so, Bapat saw great potential. “Elders have an experience of life that can be used,” she claimed. “Whenever we combine older people with the youth, full of energy but lacking experience ... wonderful products are created.” As medicine advances, age-related disabilities have less of a negative effect on societal participation. The average life expectancy in the U.S. is now 78.7, as opposed to 59.7 in 1930, according to statistics from infoplease.com and The Centers for Disease Control. But society hasn’t caught up with this progress. The generalization of the antiquated, sedentary senior is just as outdated as the old person portrayed in the image. The over-65 set is growing rapidly as baby boomers reach retirement age, according to data from the Stanford Center on Longevity. Seniors, like the 80-year-old Yuichiro Miura, are making
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Daily Bread for All dailybreadforall.us Give back to those in need! By collecting, organizing and distributing food items for the food pantry, teens can help Daily Bread for All distribute much-needed items to its high-priority populations, among them veterans and seniors aged 60+.
headlines of newspapers like the International Business Times, too, for scaling Mt. Everest not once, not twice, but three times in his lifetime. Meanwhile, The Daily Mail writes about Fauja Singh, the man who, at age 100, ran an entire marathon. CBS News reports on people like Marjorie Kagan, Ray Coco, Michael Daley and Norman Reich, all who finished the New York City Marathon and all who are at least 80 years old. Runner’s World raved about Gladys Burril, 91, who is the oldest female to finish a marathon. When these athletes are constantly shattering our perception of what old age has to be, why are we still clinging to old ideas? On the other hand, for some seniors, whose physical strength decreases in the natural course of life, age does become a barrier to independence and mobility. When this happens, instead of being assisted, the elderly are cast into the gutter. Hospicepatients.org claims that “One-third of the nation’s nursing home patients are being abused.” Society needs to make providing seniors with a decent quality of life a top priority. Perhaps the best reason for treating our elders with respect is because we (hopefully) will stand in their shoes. It won’t be long until we are the older generation, and when that day comes, we can only hope that our successors will treat us with courtesy and respect for our wisdom. Sarika, 14, is a freshman at Northview High School.
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City of Atlanta Parks and Rec http://bit.ly/1Dl9QgG Sign up to volunteer with seniors at the City of Atlanta’s Parks and Rec department. Interact with seniors and support the program staff in helping seniors meet their personal goals. If 17, you must pass a background check.
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Dear Gen Y: An open letter to #PeopleInThisGeneration ... aka, teens By Thalia Butts VOX Staff
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n Aug. 23, 2014, #PeopleInThisGeneration was trending on Twitter nationwide. The negative tweets far outweighed the few-andfar-between positive ones. Many of the positive tweets were ones I wrote. It was my attempt to let everyone who was reading that hashtag at that moment know that this generation is not the end of the world and that we are, in fact, capable of living prosperous and meaningful lives. This idea, ladies and gentlemen, is what I’d like to call Generationism, or the stereotyping and generalization of an entire generation. Although some of us may not know it, researchers and commentators around the world refer to our generation as “Generation Y” or “The Millennials.” They consider our generation to include those born between 1980 and the early 2000s. So, as a member of the infamous “Generation Y,” my biggest question is who exactly are these “Millennials?” Or,
maybe even more pressing, who does the rest of society think we are? I went to Twitter for some answers. “#PeopleInThisGeneration make me wish I was from a different generation.”-@ lvkepvrker “#PeopleInThisGeneration don’t know what respect is.”-@JessiTaylor7 “Honestly, this generation is messed up, I’m legit scared for the next generation. #PeopleInThisGeneration”- @ OfficialAkash “#PeopleInThisGeneration are disrespectful asf.”-@hellaryy “#PeopleInThisGeneration do anything for attention.”-@TonyCarrJR Each of those tweets were sent by members of Generation Y. This is evidence that Generationism does not only come from the cliche conservative, judgmental old person we’ve all encountered, but it comes from our own. Just like one can be racist toward his or her own race, one can judge and stereotype one’s own generation. Need proof? Look at the hashtag, tweeted by a member of Generation Y, that included a picture of an empty basketball court captioned, “So
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much ambition, but no motivation.” Is that true? Have we allowed the rest of the world to convince us that we truly won’t amount to anything? Have we lost this generational war for mutual respect and our pride and dignity? Those tweets led me to believe we have lost some soldiers, but I’m sure there is a whole army of smart, creative, successful and hardworking Millennials waiting to show the world that it was wrong about us. We will do great things, despite the harsh generalization. A few members of our generation have already done great things: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Malala Yousafzai, recently named as the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner ever, are just a few. Whenever anyone complains about generationism, somebody is quick to jump in and say, “Oh, every generation goes through that. It’s nothing new, honey.” That is true to a certain extent. I asked a few members of Generation X (our parents’ generation) if they experienced the same thing. All said they did, although in a significantly less-harsh way. Some said they were called “wild party college kids” with raging hormones and unintelligible music and dance. “Some people were more focused than [me], but I was never told I wouldn’t amount to anything,” says Valerie McFadden, a member of Generation X (those who were born between 1960 and 1980). “I was just living in the moment, but I knew what I had to do to eventually get to where I wanted to be. No one ever directly told me I wouldn’t be anybody or that I wouldn’t amount to anything, but I was told that I wasn’t motivated, that
I was wild, and that I would only do so much to get by,” she said. “My elders were more supportive than [Generation Y’s] elders, though. I think that this is a totally different time and era. This is an entirely different season.” As I see it, generationism turned into a synonym for growing up. Generationism began to steal the creativity and freedom and innovation of those hormone-driven and privileged high school and college kids who expect things to be handed to them. With generationism, they were told to calm down, be quiet, get this job, and work until your days are done. Creativity was suppressed. Now, Generation X is teaching what they were taught. It’s an incredibly fascinating (and dangerous) cycle. Ladies and gentleman of Generation Y, it is up to us, the notorious Millennials, to put an end to generationism. I plead to you now, don’t give the world reason to think or say anything negative about us. Show them we are absolutely fabulous. Show them that we are talented, creative, smart, driven, and capable of doing anything we put our minds to. Because, ladies and gentleman of the lovely Generation Y, despite the incredibly hard days and long, treacherous nights, if we stick together, we’ll wake up like this: Flawless.
Thalia is a 15-year-old sophomore at DeKalb School of the Arts. She enjoys playing the violin, viola, and triangle, making films, reading, writing, taking naps, and spending time with friends.
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Students at South Cobb High School in Austell weigh in on how they’ve experienced various -isms at their schools, in their neighborhoods and amongst so-called friends a lot of people thought I was a lesbian, which isn’t exactly true. I haven’t exactly figured out my own sexuality quite yet. Don’t be surprised. There are more people who feel this way but they are too afraid to tell anyone. I had two close friends in the closet. They dated for a while. I know this because I was the first person they told. I had to keep this secret for a long time.
Y
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have close friends and a best friend who are either lesbian or bisexual. No one really spoke to them or me when we hung out together. I was labelled a “weirdo” or a “freak.” I was told, “If you run with them for too long, it might rub off on you” and “Don’t let them touch you. You might get it too.” Most straight guys think if they’re around a gay guy, they’ll try and touch them or hit on them. I have two guy best friends. If they have a crush, they never speak about it. Boys think if a gay guy
touches them, they’re going to be raped or something. Girls always hug up on each other and beyond, yet no one is ever repulsed by this. Uneducated straight teenage boys think girls touching on each other is hot. I’ll admit, I find gay guys adorable. But there are a few people at this school who’ve told me that being gay is a sin. They tell me this because I have a rainbow pride bracelet on at all times. Because of that,
— Heaven George, 16
esterday, my friend Ryan and I walked into a clothing store to check out the clearance rack. The people who work there looked at us immediately. They began circling us and asking us if we needed help with anything. They watched our every move. Finally, we figured out what was going on. I looked at the manager and said, “I have money!” and then I pulled out my wallet and showed it to them. I left feeling disrespecte d, belittled and judged.
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— Jared Watkins, 17 f her skirt is too short, she’s asking for it. If her shirt is too short, she’s asking for it. If a gay guy hits on a straight male and the straight male
gets uncomfortable, the gay male knows to back off. On the other hand, if a male hits on a female and she starts getting uncomfortable, the guy is too f**cking hard-headed to back off. No means no. It doesn’t matter if her bra is showing, if there are holes in her pants or even if she gives you a little smile, it doesn’t mean s**t. Back off and show respect. Girls, wear whatever you want. Your clothes don’t give guys permission to look up your skirt. Your clothes weren’t made to satisfy boys who can’t control their minds or their d**ks. Clothes are made to go on a girl’s body, not to be ripped by an a**hole.
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— Alejandra Espriella, 16
hen I was younger, around 9, I was told by my best friend’s parents that we couldn’t play together anymore. They felt I was a bad influence. They didn’t want anything to happen to their daughter. A couple hours later, she was outside playing with four white kids. Now, their daughter doesn’t like being around black kids. I believe some people still raise their kids to be racist. If we wanted to, we could stop racism by raising our kids to view everyone the same.
— Arlexus Perry, 16
-ISMS
VoxTeenCommunications.org
E
ach day after school, South Cobb High students go across the street to a store in search of a snack. But if you’re black or Hispanic, you’re instructed to leave your back bag by the door. Whenever I head over there after school, I see the pile of book bags just inside the door. The one big difference? None of my white friends are required to drop their bags. Eighty five percent of my friends are either black, Hispanic or another race that isn’t white. It really bothers me when I see someone being treated unfairly, especially if that person is someone I care about. So when I see that some cashier is discriminating against one of my friends because of their skin color, I feel the need to tell somebody RACISM IS A REAL THING. The worst part is, they never say anything TO ME!! I never have to put my bag down. Maybe they think, “Oh, he’s white; he won’t steal.” But they don’t know me. Crime ISN’T designated to a certain skin color. *drops mic*
D
— Will Greene, 17
r. King had a dream and so did many others in this world. His dream was to see blacks and whites come together and live together as one. With racism still about, Dr. King would be very disappointed with us. But because of him, now black and white kids can go to school together and do a lot more. Racism is still in some people, but it’s not in every person. So if you’ve been a victim of racism, don’t be sad or discouraged. Stay strong and dream. I want the whole world to dream. I believe that if everyone can dream like Dr. King did about positive things, the world can a better place. So dream, dream, dream and every single day work like a lion looking for food and pounce every day until that dream becomes a reality. Remember, dreams are compressed memory.
— Elijah Lops, 18
VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
E
verywhere I go, I’m being judged I see people looking at me Left to right, right to left It’s funny how people judge you when they don’t know you But momma said, “That’s life.” When I was little, I cared about what people thought about me. Maybe I still do but I’ll never show it I’m only human, can’t you see? I want the world to let me be
I
— Rayna Fishenden, 17
t’s really sad that we judge others based on their skin color or for coming from somewhere else or for having different religious beliefs. This does not determine who we are. When I talk about racism, I’m not referring to black and white people only. I’m talking about everyone. I’m Hispanic and I have to admit that even some Hispanics are racist. I’m also aware that not all white people are racist. I lived in Mexico when I was younger and when I lived over there, I didn’t even know what racism meant. It wasn’t until I moved to the United States that I realized that racism exists. I guess it’s because many people from other countries come here. So there’s diversity in skin color, religious beliefs and traditions. We don’t even try and understand them, it’s easier to judge. When I was a freshman, a classmate asked me where I was from. I said, “I’m from Mexico.” He didn’t believe me. He said that I was light skinned and Mexicans are dark like George Lopez. After that, I didn’t say anything. I just stayed quiet. I want to do something about this issue. I don’t want the next generation to experience racism. I don’t want my kids to be judged because of the color of their skin. I want everyone to respect and love each other. Let’s do something about it.
— Karen Hurtado, 16
N
o, I did not cross the border yesterday. I came on a plane. Why do I have to put an “X” next to what race I am? Would that make a difference? When will we realize our eyes are meant to see wonderful things and not for judging our skin color? Skin is just there to protect our bones and to protect our hearts. That colored man you see there is studying his butt off and no, he’s not poor and he’s never stolen a thing in his life. He’s the best in his class. His color means nothing. It just reminds us where we came from. Where we go is our choice. Because he’s white doesn’t mean he has money and because he’s black doesn’t mean he’s ghetto. Don’t talk to me in Spanish. I’m not stupid. If I responded to your “Hola,” would you be able to follow the conversation? Or would you stop there because your goal was to make fun of me? Let’s stop with the colors. Don’t label me as one color. I can be the whole box of crayons and so can you. Let’s be a rainbow and let all the colors out to dance. Let’s learn not to label. We are all the same. So what race am I? I am your race. Human race.
I
—Leslie Fernandez, 17
am so much more than what people want to think. Yes, my appearance seems different and maybe, even depressing. But that’s not what I’m all about though. I try to be social but everyone likes to make assumptions about me as if they’ve known me their whole life. “Why not just change your appearance?” Not that question again. My answer is this: I like who I am. It took me a long time to figure out what suited me best and this is it. This is me. Labels and names are all I ever get. “Emo!” “F*g!” “Fake!” “B*tch!” “Sl*t!” It’s not just the hurtful labels, it’s the other things too, things much worse than this horrible reality. It’s all because you refuse to get to know me.
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“Stop being such a whiney emo b*tch.” “Why do you have those ugly scars?” “Just kill yourself already if it’s so bad.” All this talk and stereotyping push one girl too far. My best friend. Because of the names, the labels and the judging, she thought suicide was her only way out. I didn’t want to end up the same, afraid of the world and the monsters we’re forced to accept as human. How can people be so hurtful but be considered normal? No, I’m not asking you to walk a mile in my shoes. Just sit down and listen to my story before you try and just who I am.
P
—Jessica Hernandez, 17
eople always make a first impression based on a person’s age. How many times have you been told you can’t handle something because you’re too young? Age is just a number. Everyone is different and everyone’s thinking is different. One of the first questions you’re asked when you go looking for employment? “How old are you?” When you respond that you’re in your teens, they automatically assume you’re irresponsible and good for nothing. Our generation reinforces this ageism when we make irresponsible decisions. We have to make a stand and make a change so people can see with their own eyes that we are capable of so much. Adults constantly say that our generation is a mess. We have to show them that we are capable of running America one day and run it better, make a difference in the world and have an impact on history, without the ageism of the past.
— Hernan Barco, 16
To request a writing workshop at your school or youth-serving community location, or to learn more about the writing workshops VOX offers to our community, please visit our website VoxTeenCommunications.org/workshops.
-ISMS PAGE 18
VoxTeenCommunications.org VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
From Criticism to Wisdomism By Christionna Williams Special to VOX People say, “Words can’t hurt you.” They are wrong, because even the lyrics of a song don’t make you strong.
Criticism… pains your every limb, making you feel like a trash can filled to the brim. No matter how hard you try, you can do no right – leaving you injured – you can’t even sleep at night. They tell you that you’re worthless, you’re ugly, and you’re helpless – you believe them because you are too tired to fight it.
Criticism… burns your soul away – you cry out for help – yet, they swear that you’re OK. You try to run, try to hide, and in the process you lose all of your pride.
Criticism… peeling your heart astray – killing your life till you feel a mound of hate. You are so thin, you cut your skin, committing sin, crying for a hand. No one hears – no one understands that you are slowly crashing down.
Criticism…
she pushes you around – stars, stars – no more shooting stars. You’re afraid that your purpose is to be alone in the dark so you turn to another to heal the pain – “You’re beautiful, artistic, intelligent.” he says. You give him your all because he’s the only one left – he takes it too far, leaving you all by yourself. You finally realize that all this time it was Criticism causing you to self-destruct – when along comes
Wisdomism
Criticism…
who boldly declares, “You are strong, you are gorgeous, and you have what it takes to be something mighty and great!”
in a world so full of hatred – social media ruins your confidence – the darkness closing in on you, so you become an actress. You pretend to be the happiest of all, when really deep down you feel so raw.
Christionna is in the 8th grade at Bright Futures Academy.
VoxTeenCommunications.org
-ISMS VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
Distress- ism
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How to manage your stress during the school year By Michael Foster VOX Staff
I
t has been a couple months since that glorious first day of school sparked the beginning of a new school year. After asking a few of my peers how their first couple of weeks had gone, I realized a recurring answer — one I could easily relate to. "It has been very stressful,” bellowed the majority of the student body. “There's so much work and not enough time.” “School has been taking a toll on us.” “We’re barely able to get five hours of sleep during the week.” No matter the specifics of the answer, the statements came to the same conclusion: School is stressful. Between class work, homework, sports, extracurricular activities, social lives (and anything else that could be added to the list), there aren’t enough hours in the day to manage it all. The sneaky assassin called stress takes many different forms, which is why stress is such a hard concept to define. The Merriam-Webster dictionary says stress is "a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in life, work, etc." When stress starts to creep into my life, I feel anxiety and restlessness, and I find myself rushing to finish certain tasks. I knew what form stress took for myself, but I wanted to obtain more detail about the form stress took for some of my peers. "When I'm stressed, I become very
frustrated and emotional, sometimes to the point of snapping," said Kaitlyn Hunt, a junior at Grace Christian Academy in Fayetteville, Ga. She works hard to manage a busy schedule involving school, cheerleading, tumbling, Civil Air Patrol, mentoring and tutoring. "I usually don't realize that I'm stressed until it builds up into a major issue," replied Alaska Smith, a senior who also attends Grace Christian Academy. "I end up losing a lot of sleep and find myself cramming and rushing to get things done." Alaska’s busy schedule also includes involvement in multiple sports (archery, basketball, and soccer), Civil Air Patrol, community theater, managing the soccer team at Grace, and working to organize the school’s newspaper. Before long, I realized stress was becoming a larger issue than I thought, but like the old saying goes, "Where there is a problem, there is a solution." This saying led me to a follow-up question: “How does one avoid becoming stressed out?” My mission was set, and I started by asking some of my peers how they deal with their stress. "I usually try to find the cause of my stress and try my best to resolve the issue," answered Kaitlyn. "If that doesn't work, then I usually ignore it, which is not very healthy. If it becomes a large issue in my life, crying sometimes helps.'' "One good way I deal with stress is prioritizing," responded Alaska. "Working out, listening to LOUD music, and yelling
are also good ways to deal with stress,” she added. I found these answers helpful. My goal was to take these responses and use them to make a list of tips students could refer to during stressful times. In doing further research on “stress,” I stumbled across Nathan Reece. Reece is a writer for Healthline, a company whose mission is to make the world healthier through the power of information. He offers Healthline’s best five tips for avoiding stress:
1. Listening to Music: A good way to avoid becoming stressed out is to listen to music. Playing calm music is known to have a positive effect on the brain and body. It can also lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol, a hormone that is linked to stress.
2. Eating Right: Doctors have come to realize that stress levels and a proper diet are related. This is an important point, because when we become overwhelmed with work, it is common to forget about eating healthy. Instead, we grab food on the go, such as stopping at McDonald’s four-to-five times a week. Try your best to plan ahead and enjoy a home-cooked meal. Fruits and vegetables are healthy snacks, and fish containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to reduce some of the symptoms of stress.
3. Exercising: Everybody knows that exercising regularly is good for staying healthy and living an active life. Exercise can also be used as a stress reliever. Getting your blood moving releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood almost immediately.
4. Better Sleeping Habits: Lack of sleep is a key cause of stress. Not getting enough sleep causes the brain and body to get out of whack, and it only gets worse with time. Doctors recommend the average student receive at least seven to eight hours of sleep nightly. Try your hardest to get into bed on time. Rest may be one of the best remedies for stress.
5. Talking Through the Stressful Times: Whether to a friend or to yourself, talking through your stress can help you get through it. Figuring out that you have stress is the first step to getting rid of it. These are only five tips for relieving stress. Use the methods that work best for you, and share your tips with VOX about how to get rid of this aggravating leech. (Email us your tips: editor@ VoxTeenCommunications.org)
Michael, 16, attends Grace Christian Academy in Fayetteville. In his spare time, he likes playing basketball, writing, and making music.
-ISMS
VoxTeenCommunications.org
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VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
Friendship-ism
Teen Speak
A North Atlanta High teen reflects on her experience gaining and losing friends
I interviewed local Atlanta teen Ashley Green about her opinion on friendship, and this is what she had to say:
By Asjah Johnson VOX Staff
Q: What does friendship mean to you?
By Asjah Johnson VOX Staff
H
ave you ever stopped to think who your real friends are? Nowadays it seems like friends just come and go. I personally have encountered this time after time, and it usually happens the same way. However, one loss of a friend stuck out to me the most. When the end of my fifth grade year came, I found out that I was not going to be able to go to the middle school that all my friends for the past five years were going to. Even so, I just knew that my best friend and I would keep in touch because we were just that close. Going to different schools would not change that. Over the summer, we kept in touch as we promised but I also got closer to another friend who I met through my best friend. It started with us just going to Six Flags together a few times; then we started spending the night at each other's houses almost every single day. When it was time for one of us to finally go home,
JOIN STAFF
we would hide so our parents could not find us. Then I started to notice that my first best friend and I were not talking every single day like we normally did. At first, I did not care. But when summer was over and my her birthday came, she had a birthday party and did not even invite me! This angered me, and I thought to myself, How could she not invite me? Did I do something to make her mad? Does she not like me anymore? I thought of every scenario possible, but it just didn't add up. A few weeks later my friend (whom I spent the summer with) hit me up and asked me if I wanted to hang out. As soon as we linked up, we began to have a ball. After that, I no longer cared that I was not invited to the party because I had a new best friend. Now, almost four years later, my new best friend and I are closer than ever, and she is more like a sister from another mister to me. We can tell each other anything and know we won't be judged for it. Every now and then, I still wonder why my original best friend and I
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE VOX TEEN STAFF AND GAINING VALUABLE LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNICAL SKILLS? YOUR FINAL CHANCE TO JOIN DURING THE 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR IS IN JANUARY. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION: http://bit.ly/1v5b8rL
did not last, but maybe it was supposed to be that way. Every day at school and on Instagram (or any other type of social media), I see people being two-faced toward those they have known the longest. Two girls or guys turn on one another instantly after years of loyalty. A best friend will expose a secret to the world they promised no one would ever know. Or they'll post something that is indirectly talking about the other. That goes to show that, it is hard to find a friend who will keep your secrets, won't talk about you behind your back, or be real with no matter the circumstances. It seems like being fake is the new real. My experience in fifth grade taught me a life lesson at an early age. Friends come and go. Good friends are like four leaf clovers: hard to find, but you're lucky if you find one. Asjah is a freshman at North Atlanta High School.
TEEN SPEAK
A: Having a friend that you can trust and that is loyal. Q: Have you ever lost a close friend? A: Yes my close friend since I was 3 moved to Chicago because her mom died. Q: Why do you think friendships fall apart? A: The person starts changing when they get into a new crowd. They start to become a different person. Q: Would you rather have a large group of friends or a small group of best friends and why?
A: Small group, because it’s less drama and less people knowing my business. Also, I know I can trust them with my secrets, which would be the opposite with a large group.
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THE -ISMS STORIES YOU’VE READ IN THIS EDITION OF VOX? WRITE TO VOX AND GIVE US YOUR OPINION ON THE -ISMS IN YOUR LIFE: EDITOR@VOXTEENCOMMUNICATIONS.ORG OR VOX EDITOR, 229 PEACHTREE ST. NE, SUITE 725 ATLANTA, GA 30303
VoxTeenCommunications.org
OPPORTUNITIES VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
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OPPORTUNITIES FROM VOX’S COMMUNITY PARTNERS: VOX strives to provide teens in the community with a variety of resources, from self-help to graduation prep, from partners in the community. On this page, you can find opportunities for teens from our friends at ArtsVibe/The Alliance Theatre, 21st Century Leaders and Burnaway. Find more resources for teens on the VOX website, VoxTeenCommunications.org/resources.
Calling Community Partners: Are you a community organization with a resource or opportunity to share with teens in Atlanta? Not on our list yet (check at the website listed above)? You can add your organization to our resource guide by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/10viEVh (case sensitive) You may get spotlighted in our opportunities page in a future edition of VOX!
THE WALL PAGE 22
Arise By Kaleb Anderson VOX Staff My heritage needs my greatness Our ethnicity is about to turn to Desertification We don’t need insanity and alliteration Although we live this life like Abraham Lincoln didn’t create the Emancipation Proclamation I’m at a crossroads
VoxTeenCommunications.org VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
Be an average colored man with no Aspirations, no education, nothing Or harness my God-given talents and Help bring my ethnicity back to its feet Then maybe -- just maybe -- it can walk, Then run, then sprint, jump, and soar Rising in the sky like an eagle Showing people below what they are Missing out on And telling them I’m not coming down The crossroad is dark, murky And I don’t know what I’m going into And I don’t know what I’m gonna get out of it
But I do know that I’m running through Thunder Not hoping to gaze at temptations, Past, guilt But I’m sprinting to my glory Where I belong, and I can’t let my Ignorance get in the way I have found my area Where an upcoming of a new era is Starting to grow and thrive Linguists, musicians, political leaders Take control of this land Set an example that whites can’t take Away from us
And that we are going to raise our Heritage back up to its rightful throne I start using my talents to help this Renaissance My coming of age is making me realize Who I am and what my purpose in this Life is To grow Live life without any regrets Use my talents And to complete all aspirations I dream of But most of all be a brother To my heritage
DAVE AND MARCUS COMIC BY DAWIT TRENCH | VOX STAFF
VoxTeenCommunications.org Help it in its deficiencies Because there is nothing impossible In this world
Senior Year By Nancy Ramirez
THE WALL VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014 Bye and sing loud the alma mater song. Many ask why must we just leave and go But it is just something that we must do. We all arrived here four long years ago, Now four more years will be spent Somewhere new. And we must do our best With what we know To be successful in what we pursue.
VOX Staff AP classes, homework, community service And the list goes on and on I just can not keep up. Oh look! There is another scholarship notice. I cannot deal with this without My coffee cup! I am just so nervous to apply to college. What if I get rejected? Maybe I did not have enough knowledge? I just hope I won’t get affected By my SAT scores Because I have never been A good test taker. I just wish college could ignore My test scores. Why is senior year so stressful? I thought it was supposed to be fun. I just want to be successful And be done With this year, So that I can move on And people can cheer My success on.
She Feels By Dylan Sierra Georgia Preparatory Academy
When she feels heartbroken It’s like she’s never awoken. When she feels shattered Her life never mattered. When she feels no more She’s locked up in the sure. When she feels afraid Her love goes insane. When she dies There will be no one to say goodbye.
Afraid By Dylan Sierra Georgia Preparatory Academy
When she feels alone She’s sad. When she feels like dying It’s like life’s not trying When she feels sad. Her spirits aren’t glad When she feels depressed. Her life’s a big mess. When she feels a tear She’s hidden within fear. When she feels sorrow She’ll have no tomorrow.
When I first saw you I was afraid to talk to you.
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When I first talked to you I was afraid to smile at you. When I first smiled at you I was afraid to love you. When I first loved you I was afraid to kiss you. When I first kissed you I was afraid to give you my heart. When I first gave you my heart I was afraid to leave your side. When I first left your side I was afraid to lose you. When I first lost you I was afraid to refind you. When I first refound you I was afraid of falling in love with you again. When I first fell in love with you again I was afraid of letting you into my life again. Because you might leave me again And become the one that got away.
Are You an Artist or Poet?
Submit your original poetry and artwork for The Wall Mail: 229 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 725 Atlanta, GA 30303 Email: Editor@VoxTeenCommunications.org Don’t forget to include your name, age, grade and school. Plus, read more poems on the VOX e-wall (VoxTeenCommunications.org)
WHO AM I? SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST!
The Time is Now By Nancy Ramirez VOX Staff I have just been in this place for so long That it is hard to finally say bye. To college I must go but I might cry, And the thought of leaving Just feels so wrong. I am scared to leave, but it won’t be long Before I have to spread my wings and fly. Graduation is the day I will say
We want to know in your tweets:
Who are you REALLY? What defines your identity? Tweet or Instagram @VOXRoxAtl your identity using #WhoAmI in 140 characters or less before November 18. We’ll publish a page of the best tweets in the next edition of the VOX newspaper and pick the best posts to get a special VOX shout out on the inter-webs. We must receive your entries before the deadline. You must be 13-19 and living in the metro-Atlanta area to enter. All entries become property of VOX Teen Communications. The best submissions will be published in VOX.
THE WALL PAGE 24
VoxTeenCommunications.org VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014 Sometimes I feel like crying Sometimes I feel like dying I should let someone know But instead I stay quiet It was me and her And her and me But now she’s gone And it’s hurting me What did I do To deserve this life I stress so much I can’t sleep at night I’ma love my mom Even after I die We need to be together It’s on her to decide Mom come back And show me love So I can leave the hood And stop selling drugs I’m not mad at you Everything will be alright Mom I forgive you Just come back into my life
The Beast
COMIC BY ANTRAVEUS WILLIAMS | SPECIAL TO VOX
By Tyshawn Jones COMIC BY MIKAEL TRENCH | VOX STAFF
Come Back to Me By Tyshawn Jones Georgia Preparatory Academy I want to cry But it’s so hard I want my mom But she’s so far I need her once To take my hand To hug and kiss me As much as she can She put more on me Than I can bear But I still smile From ear to ear I try to sleep
But see her face She feels long-gone But I can’t lose faith Every single day I think of her But she’s not around That’s why I hurt I remember I remember screaming out her name Because I’m all alone And I don’t feel safe I’m locked in this cell And living a bad life But it could’ve been prevented If she was by my side Days go past And I’m still on my own I feel weaker and weaker But I have to stay strong
Georgia Preparatory Academy Look into my eyes, Look hard and tell me what you see? Do you see the reason I can never go to sleep? Do you see the beast? I need someone to help set me free. I don’t even say please, But save me please. This beast is the reason I can’t live in peace. It’s hurting me, And it’s making me hurt Everyone around me. It’s destroying my insides, And it’s making me destroy Everything that surrounds me. It’s trapped inside of me, And it doesn’t want to leave. It’s a cold-hearted beast,
And it’s making me freeze. It’s a killing machine, And it needs to be seized. It makes my soul feel like a drug, And it’s the fiend. I want to be an angel, But I’m carrying black wings. Listen, and listen hard. I need you to hear my screams. I’m burning, And for my life, I need to breathe. I’m tired of living in this nightmare. Where are my dreams? I’m trapped in a small box, And I need someone to hand me the key. I’m not the the type that begs, But I’m down on my knees. I’m praying that someone’s heart is sweet. Help me unleash this beast.
BLUE NOVEMBER
VoxTeenCommunications.org
VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
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Thursday, November 20, is National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, and the official color is blue. National Children’s Grief Awareness Day was created to draw attention to the needs of thousands of grieving children. Kate’s Club engages this conversation during a month-long campaign of #BlueNovember — highlighting the importance of community as we aim to bring together and empower grieving children, families and their community. With our #FaceGriefTogether program, we want them to know that they are not alone in their grief journey. Consider encouraging your school or organization to participate in Blue November or National Children’s Grief Awareness Day. Join us by wearing blue, raising money for a children’s grief organization, participating in our Memory Walk or Open House (details at Katesclub.org), or hosting an activity like one of these. Each week will highlight one of the ways you can participate in Blue November, from now until November 20! In September, VOX provided self-expression workshops to teens at Kate’s Club, with the theme “The Feelings Rollercoaster.” On this page, you can check out some of their work!
Poetry from Kate’s Club / VOX Workshops: Sad
Because it’s changed my life forever
Please don’t tell me not to cry
I will never be the same again
Please don’t tell me there was a reason
Not today, not tomorrow, but never
why
The best thing you can do for me is just be
You don’t know what I’m feeling
there
Or how much I hurt
Just like always, my friend
The wet spots are from tears on the
My broken heart is hurting bad
collar of my shirt
And it will never mend
You think I should go on with life
— Anonymous
Forget about and be strong But deep down I am sad
Strength
And I don’t want to go along
I may be blind but I love to read
I don’t expect you to understand why
I may be deaf but I love to listen to music
For no apparent reason I break down
I cannot sing but I love to sing in choir
and start to cry
I have two left feet but I love to do ballet
My life has changed forever
I have lost you but I still see you everyday
You see
— Anonymous
And that is why I am not acting like the same ole me
Find more poetry from teens at Kate’s Club
So please don’t try and act like nothing
at VOXTeenCommunications.org and learn
happened
more about Kate’s Club at KatesClub.org.
Anime above created by Robert Mathis, Kate’s Club. Comic above left created by Christian Antona, Kate’s Club.
TEEN SPEAK
TEENSPEAK
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VoxTeenCommunications.org VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
In the last edition of VOX newspaper, teen writer Tyler talked with Arabia Mountain junior Dion Sands about what distractions he faces at school. Teens from Elizabeth Andrews High School weighed in and offered their answers to those questions as well:
Israel Seka
1. Why do you think there are distractions at school?
2. What distracts you the most in class?
I DON’T AGREE WITH WHAT [SANDS] SAID, BECAUSE FIRST
OTHER STUDENTS CAUSE THE GREATEST DISTRACTION. LIKE
DISTRACTIONS AFFECT ME BY MAKING ME LAZY. I’M NOT ABLE
OF ALL, WHEN A STUDENT LEAVES HIS HOUSE TO COME TO
I KNOW MYSELF. I TALK A LOT. EVEN WHEN I’M TRYING TO BE
TO STUDY AND BE FOCUSED, WHICH BRINGS ALL MY GRADES
SCHOOL, THE MAIN GOAL IS TO LEARN. SO NO MATTER WHAT
QUIET, IT’S VERY HARD. SO WHEN OTHER STUDENTS START TO
DOWN. WHEN THERE ARE DISTRACTIONS IN THE CLASSROOM,
HAPPENED YOU SHOULDN’T BE DISTRACTED. ALWAYS LISTEN
TALK, I CAN’T RESIST TALKING BACK TO THEM. IN ADDITION,
I CAN’T HEAR WHAT THE TEACHER IS SAYING. THIS MAKES
TO YOUR TEACHER BECAUSE WHATEVER HE OR SHE SAID CAN
THE TEACHER CAN ALSO BE A DISTRACTION FOR ME. A BORING
MY UNDERSTANDING LEVEL LOW AND I ACQUIRE LESS
BE VERY IMPORTANT AND YOU MAY NEED IT. YOU HAVE TO KEEP
TEACHER MAKES ME FEEL SLEEPY AND DOESN’T MOTIVATE ME
KNOWLEDGE WHEN THERE ARE TOO MANY DISTRACTIONS.
YOURSELF BUSY BY PAYING ATTENTION.
TO WANT TO STAY IN THE CLASSROOM. HOWEVER, BECAUSE I CANNOT LEAVE THE CLASS, I PULL OUT MY PHONE AND DO
TO ME SCHOOL IS FUN! SOMETIMES I MIGHT GET BORED,
SOMETHING ON IT.
BUT IT DEPENDS ON HOW THE TEACHER IS TEACHING. IF
Soe Meh
WHAT DISTRACTS ME THE MOST IN CLASS IS WHEN YOUR
AT ALL THEN THE CLASS GETS BORED. IN ADDITION TO THE
CLASSMATES ARE TALKING WHEN THE TEACHER IS GIVING
TEACHER MAKING THE CLASS BORING, MANY STUDENTS
INSTRUCTION. I CANNOT FOCUS ON MY WORK ANYMORE
GET DISTRACTED BY CLASSMATES. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE A
BECAUSE I GET DISTRACTED BY THEM.
TRIES TO GET THE ATTENTION OF OTHERS AND THEY ARE
SOMETIMES WE DO NOT KNOW EVERYONE AND CLASS TIME
TALKING WHILE THE TEACHER IS GIVING INSTRUCTION.
MAY BE THE ONLY TIME TO SOCIALIZE WITH OTHER PEOPLE. HOWEVER, SOME STUDENTS TAKE IT TOO FAR. THEY DON’T
I AGREE [WITH SANDS], BECAUSE THERE ARE SOMETIMES
KNOW WHEN TO CUT THE TALKING AND THIS CAUSES A
THINGS THAT CONCERN US THAT HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED BY
DISTRACTION TO THE ENTIRE CLASS. ALSO, JOKES IN CLASS
OUR FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK OR TWITTER. WE WOULD RATHER
CAN REALLY CAUSE A PROBLEM. IF SOMETHING IS FUNNY, IT’S
READ SOCIAL MEDIA THAN PAY ATTENTION TO TEACHERS. I ALSO
DIFFICULT NOT TO LAUGH. BUT THE TEACHERS HAVE TO LEARN
WANT TO SAY THAT SOME CLASS ACTIVITIES DO NOT CAPTURE
TO RESPOND IN A REASONABLE MANNER SO THAT THE WHOLE
OUR ATTENTION. WHEN THE LESSON IS NOT FUN, WE GET
CLASS DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DISRUPTED. SOMETIMES THE
DISTRACTED. SOMETIMES WE ONLY GET A PAPER AND PENCIL
TEACHERS CAN PROLONG THE DISTRACTION.
ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS THAT DISTRACTS A STUDENT IS THE MAIN REASON WHY STUDENTS GET SO DISTRACTED
OTHER BORED STUDENTS. IF THEY ARE BOTH BORED, THEN
IN SCHOOL IS BECAUSE SOME TEACHERS DON’T MAKE
IT’S HARD TO STAY FOCUSED AND NOT START A CONVERSATION
IT INTERESTING AT ALL. IF THE STUDENT IS BORED, ANY
WITH EACH OTHER. IF STUDENTS COULD HAVE FUN WHILE
LITTLE THING CAN CATCH HIS/HER ATTENTION AND CAUSE A
WORKING AND LEARNING THEN IT WOULD BE MUCH EASIER TO
DISTRACTION. THE MAIN DISTRACTION IS JUST BOREDOM. IT’S
STAY FOCUSED. PEOPLE DO WHAT CATCHES THEIR ATTENTION.
REALLY HARD STAYING SOMEWHERE WHEN YOU’RE HATING
IF THEY FIND IT BORING, THEN IT’S HARD TO MAKE YOURSELF
THE MOMENT. YOU MAY WANT TO DO YOUR WORK, BUT IF
COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT. IF THE STUDENT WAS TOUCHED
SOMETHING DISTRACTS YOU THEN YOU’LL COMPLETELY FORGET
BY THE WAY THEY ARE BEING TAUGHT, THEN IT WOULD BE MUCH
WHAT YOU WERE DOING AND GET OFF TOPIC ... IF THERE IS NO
EASIER KEEPING THE STUDENTS’ ATTENTION.
Ravi Singh
THERE ARE DISTRACTIONS AT SCHOOL BECAUSE STUDENTS HAVE OTHER THINGS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL THAT THEY TRY TO DEAL WITH DURING SCHOOL HOURS. ALSO THINGS COME UP BETWEEN STUDENTS THAT CAUSE DISTRACTIONS, FOR EXAMPLE IF TOM LIKES JOSH’S SHOES THEY MIGHT GET DISTRACTED TALKING ABOUT SHOES. MAYBE THE SHOES ARE
SCHOOL FOR MANY REASONS.
Deion Canty
WHEN STUDENTS ARE BORED, THEIR FOCUS TENDS TO WONDER TO SOMETHING SLIGHTLY MORE INTERESTING. I USUALLY DON’T GET AS DISTRACTED WHEN WE’RE ON A TOPIC THAT I ENJOY.
BY MY FRIENDS AND CLASSMATES.
I TRY TO COME TO CLASS EACH DAY AND PAY ATTENTION. BUT I GET LOST IN THE LESSON SOMETIMES BECAUSE OF THE LANGUAGE BARRIERS AND BECAUSE OF THE DISTRACTIONS. IT’S THE WORST FEELING TO LEAVE SCHOOL AND FEEL AS THOUGH YOU HAVEN’T LEARNED ANYTHING. THAT IS A WASTE OF MY TIME.
HAVING CONVERSATIONS WITH A CLASSMATE WHILE THE TEACHER IS SAYING SOMETHING IMPORTANT AFFECTS ME A LOT. IF YOU’RE IN CLASS AND THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU STARTS TALKING TO YOU THEN YOU’LL START TALKING BACK.
THE TEACHER IS SAYING. NOT BECAUSE YOU DON’T CARE BUT BECAUSE THE WAY IT IS BEING TAUGHT TO YOU IS NOT EXCITING. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU GO TO A COSMETOLOGY CLASS AND START TALKING ABOUT CARS OR BODY SHOP, PEOPLE WILL START FALLING ASLEEP OR DOING THEIR OWN THING BECAUSE THAT’S NOT WHAT CATCHES THEIR ATTENTION. FOR A STUDENT TO LEARN WELL, TEACHERS HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO GET TO THEM MOTIVATED TO DO SO. THEY MUST MAKE THEM FEEL EXCITED ABOUT LEARNING.
THE MOST DISTRACTING THING I CAN THINK OF THAT GETS
INFORMATION I NEED IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL OR TRY
ME OFF TASK IN CLASS IS PROBABLY MY PHONE. ANOTHER
MY BEST IN SCHOOL. WHEN I AM DISTRACTED I DO SLOPPY
DISTRACTION DURING CLASS IS OTHER PEOPLE THAT I CAN
WORK IF I DO IT AT ALL. OTHER TIMES I JUST TRY AND PUT
RELATE TO IN SOME WAY, MAYBE WE HAVE SOMETHING IN
SOMETHING DOWN SO THAT IT SEEMS AS IF I HAVE TRIED.
COMMON OR HAVE FRIENDS IN COMMON AND WE TALK ABOUT THINGS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CURRENT
CERTAIN DISTRACTIONS CAN AFFECT ME POSITIVELY SUCH
ASSIGNMENT. IF OTHER STUDENTS ARE LOUD AND THERE IS A
AS MOTIVATE ME TO FINISH MY WORK QUICKER SO THAT I
LOT OF TALKING GOING ON I CANNOT FOCUS FULLY ON MY WORK.
CAN GET BACK TO MY CONVERSATION. OTHERS CAN CAUSE
BASKETBALL SHOES AND THEN THEY GET DISTRACTED FURTHER BY TALKING ABOUT THE NBA NOW. DISTRACTIONS EXIST IN
DISTRACTED BY MY CLASSMATES. I AM EASILY DISTRACTED
DISTRACTIONS DO NOT ALLOW ME TO LEARN OR GET THE
MOTIVATION GIVEN BY THE TEACHER, IT’S HARD FOR A STUDENT TO SIT IN A CLASS AND STAY FOCUSED.
TURN IN MY WORK SOMETIMES. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I DO
WHY? BECAUSE YOU HAVE VERY LITTLE INTEREST IN WHAT
TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND TO READ A BOOK.
Kevin Servin
I BELIEVE WHAT DION SANDS SAID BECAUSE I DO FORGET TO
NOT HEAR WHAT THE TEACHERS ARE SAYING BECAUSE I GET
THE TEACHER IS TALKING SOFT AND IS NOT INTERESTING
CLASSMATE THAT IS VERY TALKATIVE, AND THAT CLASSMATE
Erika Velazquez
3. How do distractions affect you and your school work?
ME TO MISS OUT ON IMPORTANT ASSIGNMENTS AND FAIL IF I’M IN A SILENT CLASS THEN THE SLIGHTEST NOISE CAN
THE CLASS. IT SUCKS TO COME INTO CLASS AND NOT
DRAW MY ATTENTION AWAY FROM MY WORK. I CONSIDER MY
UNDERSTAND THE LESSON BECAUSE OF A SIMPLE
PHONE A DISTRACTION BECAUSE ALL OF MY FRIENDS ARE
CONVERSATION THAT TOOK PLACE DAYS AGO.
ALSO MY INTERESTS AND CAUSE ME TO IGNORE MY WORK.
VoxTeenCommunications.org
HOROSCOPES + DONORS VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
Libra What do you want for the coming year for your life? With a birthday either just behind you or right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your hopes, wishes and personal aspirations. Scorpio Relax, recline and release that tension. Think of this as your opportunity to complete those lingering obligations so you can enjoy smooth sailing in time for your birthday. Sagittarius Spread your wings! This is collaboration season for you, Sagittarius! Share your ideas and make something amazing! You’re a natural at organizing creative endeavors. So good ahead and soar. Capricorn You’re on your way! This month, set
VOX THANKS ITS DONORS VOX Teen Communications connects diverse metro Atlanta teens to resources for building their confidence, increasing their capacity to meet life’s demands and ensure future success. Thanks to these corporate and community supporters for providing free educational opportunities for teens.
Horoscopes your sights on a lofty goal, and don’t let anything or anyone deter you from that goal, because you know someone’s going to try. Aquarius What’s the best use of your precious energy this month? Plot your trajectory, make big plans, but wait to implement some of them (if you can) until the end of the month. Pisces Let’s face it, with your compassionate personality, some shady characters can slither into your orbit. It’s time to let them go. You don’t have time for their drama!
Aries Oh what a month! All eyes and ears are on you, Aries. Make sure you give them a show. Self-expression is high on the agenda. What have you got to tell the world, Aries? Taurus Dive into your life and organize! Ah, Taurus, even the best-laid plans can be foiled this month, but there’s no shame in making your best attempt to get life back on track. Gemini Let’s have some fun, shall we, Gemini? No one’s as great at telling stories as you, so when you do, you’ll get a great crowd —
Corporate Superheroes - $25,000 or more
Corporate Heroes - $10,000 to $24,999
Heroes ($10,000 - $24,999) AEC Trust The Atlanta Foundation The Atlanta Women’s Foundation Georgia Natural Gas Nordson Corporate Foundation
Corporate Champion -
perhaps attracting a few admirers in the midst. Cancer Let’s get cozy, Cancer! Looks like it’s time to do something at home. You’re ready to change up your domain to welcome the fall season. Leo You’ve got something to say, Leo — actually, a lot! Speak your mind. You’re in the mood to mix and mingle, and to share all the brilliant ideas you’ve got. Virgo To friends, you are truthful and loyal, but be careful: you’re at risk of being too cold this fall as the days get chillier.
— By Thalia Butts / VOX Staff ART BY MANUEL PORTILLO | VOX STAFF
In-Kind Support for VOX: Aerobase Group Atlanta Journal-Constitution Jessica Casey Kilpatrick Townsend Nick Vesser Southern Company WABE WSB-TV YMCA of Metro Atlanta
Superhero ($25,000 and up) United Way of Greater Atlanta
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PAGE 27
Corporate Leader -
ALL ABOUT VOX PAGE 28
VoxTeenCommunications.org VOX: WHERE TEENS SPEAK AND ATLANTA LISTENS | FALL 2014
VOX connects diverse metro Atlanta teens to resources for building their confidence, increasing their capacity to meet life’s demands and ensuring their future success.
CONNECTWITHVOXONLINE
VOX serves teens across Atlanta in three key ways:
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1. In our afterschool program: Up to 100 teens participate throughout each school year on VOX’s teen staff where publishing is a vehicle for leadership development. At our downtown Atlanta newsroom, teens tell stories through traditional journalism, first-person non-fiction essays, poetry, art, video, audio, photography and more. While teens create printed content for the VOX Teen Newspaper and digital content for the VOX website, they also hone their voices as leaders by co-facilitating workshops, serving as paid interns, serving on the VOX Board of Directors and many other ways. 2. In our community workshops: VOX partners with schools and nonprofits in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett and Clayton counties to bring workshops to teens in these places. We will serve more than 1,000 teens during the 2014-15 school year with workshops around the topics of essay writing, journalism 101, creative self-expression, youth voice and more. 3. As an audience of readers: VOX provides resources and stories to more than 30,000 teens in metro Atlanta through our printed and digital content. We print the VOX Teen Newspaper five times each school year and distribute the paper to more than 300 locations around metro Atlanta, including schools, youth-serving nonprofits, libraries and more. Wherever teens are, we try to be there as well. Additionally, all of the printed content, along with weekly web-only content, is published on the VOX website and shared via VOX’s social media channels.
Through VOX’s work, teens across metro Atlanta will be better prepared, connected and valued. We will always strive for VOX to be the place where teens speak and Atlanta listens. Check out more about VOX Teen Communications on our website: VoxTeenCommunications.org!
VOX for Teens
Sign up to be on the teen staff: goo.gl/xZYZxT (Application deadlines are November 2 and January 15), or scan the QR code above!
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For more info, email Editor@VoxTeenCommunications.org!
Read more stories by teens, for teens: VoxTeenCommunications. org/connected or scan the QR code above!
Get help by accessing resources in Atlanta for teens: bit.ly/Z0Fljb or scan the QR code above!
VOX for Educators and/or Adults Who Serve Youth
Sign up to be a VOX Newspaper distributor: goo.gl/ORhhfV (for locations in the five-county metro area only), or scan the QR code above!
Request a workshop for teens at your school or nonprofit: bit.ly/1wbwhpr or scan the QR code above!
Read about our impact and support VOX: VoxTeenCommunications. org/support or scan the QR code above!