Sept. 2021

PANORAMA

LADUE HORTON WATKINS HIGH SCHOOL 1201 S. WARSON RD. LADUE, MO 63124 SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL. 70 ISSUE 2

02 | TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPREAD DESIGN BY SOPHIA LIU

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS Ladue Seniors Revive Blue Crew

5

St. Louis Welcomes Refugees

6-7

Ram Shack Reopens | Planning A Play

8

INTERTWINED WITH INTERNET

FEATURES

Pages 15-19 | In-Depth

Dr. Nims Explores The World

9

The Fellman Life of Pets

10-11

Nothing To See Hair

12-13

INFOGRAPHIC Clubs On Campus

14

IN-DEPTH Our Digital Evolution

15-17

Intertwined With Internet

18-19

OPINIONS Editorial: Pano Perspective

20

Draw Your Blinds, Open The Curtains

21

A Digital Crucible

22

A New Wave of Liberation

23

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT How To Get A Date To Homecoming

24

Stationary Strife

25

Foundry Findings

26-27

HEALTH & SPORTS Triple Threat

28-29

Hold Your Horses

30-31

A dive into the relationship between students and social media

ST. LOUIS WELCOMES REFUGEES

NOTHING TO SEE HAIR

A DIGITAL CRUCIBLE

STATIONARY STRIFE

TRIPLE THREAT

Pages 6-7 | News

Pages 12-13 | Features

Page 22 | Opinions

Page 25 | A&E

Pages 28-29 | Sports

The International Institute leads effort to help resettle immigrants from Afghanistan

Students at Ladue share how they express themselves through different hairstyles

The problems with political discourse in the modern day context of social media

A review of the best and worst stationary, such as pens, notebooks and highlighters

Freshmen triplets Balkis, Fauziya and Nepthys Prothro make the varsity tennis team

TABLE OF CONTENTS | 03

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

PANORAMA STAFF Editors In Chief Domenic Fenoglio Sophia Liu Marissa Mathieson Rhea Patney

Features Editor Mika Kipnis

Olivia Chen Richie Jiang

In-Depth Editor Joanne Sung

Associate Editors Clayton Coughlin Lucy Lochmoeller Oviya Srihari

Opinions Editors Caroline Edgar Tariq Lashley

Features Staff Emmi Walker Mimi Zhou

Art Editor Danielle Zhang Photo Editor Ginger Schulte Web Editor In Chief Annie Pan News Editor Allen You

Arts & Entertainment Editor Olivia Hu Health & Sports Editor Ryan Tung News Staff Avery Anderson

In-Depth Staff Mac Huffman Annie Zhao Opinions Staff Pranavi Chintha Carly Woodhill Arts & Entertainment Staff Riley Coates Sophia Hillman

Health & Sports Staff Max Eastman Luke Lochmoeller Staff Writers Hansika Sakshi Kanishk Shanmugan Kiran Varadachari Photographers Sydney Collinger Julia Erekson Fiona Ferguson Jack Reeves Artists Nicole Gorrell Erica Shi Max Yang Adviser Sarah Kirksey

EDITOR’S NOTE There are over two billion computers in the world. We send over 300 billion emails each day. These staggering numbers only scratch the surface of the effect the internet has had on our daily lives. Present in every aspect of the internet is social media. Followers, likes and shares dominate conversations about what’s popular and accepted. Putting on a fake smile for your Snapchat story has become commonplace, and discourse has become increasingly argumentative. With this constant and literal cloud hanging over our heads, our in-depth chose to focus this month on social media and its effect on our lives.

The cover highlights the blurred line between us and the internet. It shows a hand reaching out towards the reader, giving a perspective from inside a phone. This lens can be thought of as a faux mirror, showing ourselves both the face we put on for others and the one we wear moments after.

As we return to a somewhat normal school year, we are seeing the return of opportunities students did not have last year. Inside, you can read about the reopening of the Ram Shack — a student-run Ladue apparel store — and the revival of Blue Crew, our spirit section at athletic events.

We share a review of The Foundry, a new food court in downtown St. Louis, as a recommendation for students looking for something new to try.

Marissa Mathieson

Rhea Patney

Sophia Liu

Domenic Fenoglio

Elsewhere in this issue, we share some of the unique lives student’s of Ladue lead. Three freshmen triplets on the varsity tennis team share their journey, and one student with 13 pets tells us about her ever-growing family. On a humorous note, if students worry about going alone to the upcoming homecoming dance, be sure to read the conclusive guide to finding a date. And, for a spirited discussion on the merit of window coverings, read an opinion column defending curtains.

04 | TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPREAD DESIGN BY RHEA PATNEY | ALLEN YOU & OLIVIA CHEN

PANORAMA POLICY Panorama is a monthly newspaper that strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness.

The publication hopes to engage the student body by eliciting dialogue among students. It aims to reflect the diversity of the population it serves and to observe the journalistic principle of doing no harm.

Panorama is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Educators Association.

All surveys are completely anonymous and the results cannot be used against respondents.

Panorama is produced by the newspaper class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School at 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63124. The publication lab is located in room 1311, (314)-993-6447 ext. 5844. Read more stories online at laduepublications.com. Follow @laduepublications on Instagram.

Front cover photo by Marissa Mathieson. Front and back cover design by Sophia Liu. Back cover information from activities fair. EIC photo by Danielle Zhang.

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FRIENDLY

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If interested, cut and fill this out. Mail it to the high school at the address listed below. If you are reading this online, we can also mail the order form to anyone interested if you email Ladue Publications at the address listed below.

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NEWS | 05

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

FAR LEFT: Senior Buddy McNutt looks up at the crowd Sept 3. at the football game against Hazelwood West. The underclassmen traditionally sit at the top of the student section, while the upperclassmen sit at the bottom. “We typically have Buddy scream because he has the loudest voice,” senior Kennedy Alexander said. (Photo by Cassie Friess) LEFT: Blue Crew leaders JT Krell, Buddy McNutt, Rylee Harris and Kennedy Alexander hype up the crowd by yelling chants. The theme for the Sept. 17 game against Kirkwood was a blue-out. “[My favorite cheer] is L, L, L-A-D, D, D, D-U-E, L-A-D, D-U-E, go Ladue,” Krell said.

(Photo by Julia Erekson)

LADUE SENIORS REVIVE BLUE CREW

Blue Crew returns to sports world after year in pandemic hiatus OLIVIA CHEN news staff

U

nder the bright lights of the stadium that has been untouched by the student section since Nov. 20, 2019, the crowd of hundreds cheers on the football team at their first game of the season against Westminster Christian Academy Aug. 27. Four distinct voices can be heard from the front of bleachers: the senior leaders of Blue Crew.

Blue Crew is a group of students, mainly seniors, that attend different sporting events to hype up the crowd and cheer on the teams. They are responsible

for getting the word around whenever “We lost some of the excitement that we games happen, mainly by posting on had built with the new stadium, but it’s their Instagram, @ladue.bluecrew. Blue coming back real quickly.”

Crew also chooses themes each week Ladue won their first home game for football games and leads the student against Westminster with a final score of section in chants. Anyone can join by 52-7. Concessions such as cotton candy, signing up for seminar at the beginning sodas and hamburgers were sold at the of the year and by contacting sponsor game. Masks were not required due to Mark McCarthy. everyone being outside.

Three years ago, “That game was, Athletic Director just the feeling was Nick Gianino asked amazing,” senior Blue Get rowdy, I wanna hear McCarthy to beCrew leader Kennepeople, even if it’s just one come Blue Crew’s dy Alexander said. person, I wanna hear them sponsor. His role as “The fact that we’ve screaming [from] all the way gone through [the a sponsor, alongside the current pandemic] and unat the bottom. student leaders, is derstand that we’ve KENNEDY ALEXANDER | SENIOR to choose the next gone through the year’s leaders and same thing even to supervise at football games. Last year, though all our situations are different. however, the football season was can- For us to come back together and celeceled due to COVID-19. Transition- brate football, it was awesome.” ing back into a semi-normal footAt football games, the Blue Crew ball season has been different for cheers alongside the Laduettes, cheer all grades. team and pep band. The student leaders “It’s difficult because are working to incorporate more sports, [while] the seniors are ex- so everyone feels support. Once the curcited to be at games, the rent student leaders graduate, new ones freshman and soph- will be chosen to make games more liveomores have a ly for years to come. harder time “You gotta have a voice [and] be loud, because they that’s really it,” senior leader JT Krell didn’t get a said. “If we notice you’re not cheering at regular foot- the football game this year and you wanball season,” na become [part of Blue Crew] next year, McCarthy said. I’d say your chances are pretty low.” P

“

06 | NEWS

SPREAD DESIGN BY OVIYA SRIHARI

ABOVE: A receptionist takes a phone call at the main desk. The International Institute has fielded a high volume of requests to get involved. “We ask for volunteers to help in many of our properties,” Senior Vice President of Operations Paul Costigan said. (Photo by Jack Reeves) RIGHT: Supplies fill the International Institute gym.

The International Institute has been flooded with an outpouring of support from St. Louis citizens who wish to help. “The community really did come out in force,” Costigan said. (Photo by Jack Reeves)

ST. LOUIS WELCOMES REFUGEES

International Institute leads effort to resettle Afghan immigrants RICHIE JIANG news staff

W

ith 1,000 Afghan refugees coming to St. Louis over the next year, the International Institute is busy with a plethora of issues: dealing with documents, finding homes and organizing supplies for the Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs) and parolees.

The International Institute was founded in 1919 with a mission statement of “build[ing] a more connected and productive society to benefit immigrants,

their families and the wider community.”

Currently, it helps over 6,000 immigrants and refugees find jobs, learn English, start businesses, secure citizenship, obtain tutoring and access other services necessary for a smooth transition.

“We have had refugees arriving over the last several years, predominantly from the DRC: Democratic Republic of Congo,” Paul Costigan, Senior Vice President of Operations said. “We’re also starting to see families arriving from Eritrea, Ethiopia [and] from Somalia.”

With the Taliban’s swift takeover of Afghanistan, the planned schedule for

transportation of interpreters, translators and America’s other Afghani partners has been shifted forward at a rapid pace. In addition, thousands of other Afghans were flown to U.S. military bases and granted parole in order to emigrate from their country.

“What we’re hearing about and what we’re seeing on the news at the military bases are Afghan parolees,” Costigan said. “There are, last I heard, about 53,000 of them on U.S. military bases, and they are just waiting for processing to finish so that they can move to local communities such as St. Louis.”

ROAD TO RESETTLEMENT

A walk-through of the journey from Afghanistan to St. Louis

APPR

OVE D

ORT

SP PAS

secure SIV status

- 14-step process - security screening & visa interview required

land in Dulles

19

D-

VI CO

s

po

leave Afghanistan

g

ne

- Mandatory COVID-19 test - Test must be negative to proceed

NEWS | 07

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021 unteered with the International Institute and brought his students on field trips there in the past to interact with immigrants and refugees.

“It’s one thing for me to stand up in front of a class and talk to students about what it means to be a refugee,” Hill said.

“It’s much more meaningful coming right from somebody who said, ‘Yes, I was a refugee escaping genocide in my country, these are pictures of my family and this is the experience that I had.’”

In addition to tours of the building, the International Institute also offers other outreach programs, such as the Festival of Nations and roleplaying refugee scenarios. Students can learn about the immigration system and resettlement process. These trips have encouraged past students to volunteer and get involved with the International Institute.

1,200

Fast facts on the resettlement efforts lp? donate t to he ... wan

SIVs

temporary protection from deportation

wholesale stores

500

the majority of immigrants are parolees

PAROLEES

gift cards, not supplies

D

refugees

TO...

ED

- can sometimes apply for work authorization

Sam’s, Costco - no public benefits or

formal immigration status

retail stores

Target, Walmart

grocery stores

Aldi’s, Schnucks - rapid processing

Source: the International Institute of St. Louis

- eligible for public benefits and social services - special visa holder on basis of service to the U.S. government - processing takes up to 13 months

KANSAS CITY JOPLIN

100

COLUMBIA

300 500

ST. LOUIS

100

SPRINGFIELD

resettling services offered:

after-school tutoring

ESOL classes

illustration by | OVIYA SRIHARI

ST. LOUIS STEPS UP

“Many students after our field trips have said, ‘This next summer I’m going to go and volunteer there’,” Hill said.

“There was a community garden that they were going to volunteer at to grow some things that the International Institute could use as food sources for refugees.”

In mid October, residents can expect to encounter Afghan refugees in St. Louis, mainly in South City near the International Institute. With the community already coming together to exceed the donation drive goals of the International Institute, Costigan is confident that the refugees will acclimate comfortably to their new home.

“St. Louis is a great place,” junior Leo Liu said. “When I moved here [from China] it took me some time to get used to it.

But once you do you’ll love it so much.” P

HEA

Upon the refugees’ arrival in Missouri, they will be resettled across the state in different locations such as Columbia, Springfield and South City. Currently scheduled to start by the first or second week of October, the International Institute predicts resettlement will happen quickly with community support.

“Agencies like the International Institute are going to have to be ready,” Costigan said. “They are required to pick those people [up] at the airport, provide housing for them and then provide a number of services within the first month after they arrive.”

To make the resettlement process smoother, the International Institute is helped by volunteers. Volunteers can sort donations, help entertain refugee children and coordinate larger events.

U.S. History teacher Mike Hill has vol-

computer skills & tech literacy

proceed to military bases - Processed at bases in Texas, Wis., Va. and N.J. - 2nd health screening - Work authorization application - Connected to International Institute

welcome home!

settling in

- Volunteers and staff assist with the transition to life in St. Louis

Source: Reuters & the International Institute of St. Louis

08 | NEWS

SPREAD DESIGN BY AVERY ANDERSON & ALLEN YOU | EMMI WALKER Senior Laura Amore reorganizes inventory for the Ram Shack. Its grand opening was Sept.

14 with new products.

“I think it’s a great way to raise school spirit and feel Ladue pride,” Amore said. (photo

by Fiona Ferguson)

PLANNING A PLAY HANSIKA SAKSHI staff writer

Theater teacher Stephen Howard organized this year’s fall play, which will take place in the black box theatre Nov. 4, 5 and 6 at 7:00 p.m.

This year, the play is “The Wolves,” a 2016 play by Sarah DeLappe. The play portrays an indoor girls soccer team as they practice, talk about their struggles in this world and face many obstacles together. They ultimately emerging closer, stronger, wiser and fiercer. This play will be one of the first all-girls plays at Ladue.

Senior vice president of the Ladue Thespian Troupe, Juana Derdoy will be auditioning.

“It will definitely be a very fun dynamic I haven’t experienced before,” Derdoy said, “I’ve only been in coed shows, but it should be really fun.”

Part of helping put this play on relies on the students who work behind the scenes. Student volunteer crews help with the set, sound design, costumes, props for the show and publicity materials. This year, around 30 students will participate in the crew.

Auditions were held Sept. 24 in the Black Box and consisted of the girls reading a one minute monologue and then participating in cold readings.

“I’ve been preparing for my audition. I’m feeling really good about it,” Derdoy said, “I think we’ll have a lot of new talent that’s planning on auditioning, which is always really exicitng to see.” P

RAM SHACK REOPENS Business Management students sell merchandise AVERY ANDERSON news staff

T

he Ram Shack, a student run apparel store that closed last year, reopened Sept. 14.

The Ram Shack will now be open during football games and all four lunch shifts during Ram and White days. It is a non-profit organization that gives its earnings to other facets of the school.

The business management class, taught

by Jessica Kennedy, is the class where students learn to run the Ram Shack and its social media.

“Any profit that we make goes directly back to the students,” Kennedy said.

“All of the students in the class are a part of DECA, so it can help fund our competitions. We also give away scholarships every year, we donate items to Dance Marathon that they can use for raffles and we donate things to Dad’s Club.

100% of what we make every year goes back into the school.”

Last year, the Ram Shack struggled selling and recieving their inventory on time. Even now, the Ram Shack’s inventory is limited due to delays in retail production from some of their reatilers.

“It has been a little bit of a struggle,” Kennedy said. “Those delays that are still backed up from March 2020, when those manufacturing plants closed down, they’re still playing catch up. We’re still seeing effects of all of those changes in manufacturing. It’s incredible how that

plays a part to this day.”

Senior Laura Amore is one of the students who helps design Ram Shack clothing. She creates unique Ladue designs that get printed on everything from bucket hats to leggings.

“It’s just stuff we like to see, stuff I would wear,” Amore said. “Mainly, we base it off of what sells really really well.

So obviously crew necks, they’re trending right now, and they also sell very well.”

The creation of multiple social media accounts have encouraged customers to continue shopping at the shack. Junior Mia Wallis heads online marketing; she manages the Ram Shack’s Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

“We use promotional opportunities like giveaways to get people’s attention,” Wallis said. “In our recent post, we asked people to tag two friends to be entered into a giveaway and they did, so we gained more followers from that.”

The staff hopes to see students and faculty decked out in Ladue apparel in the hallways and at games. Their main aim is to help the Ladue community regain normalcy and encourage spirit.

“I think our main mission is to build school and community spirit through selling items that show support of our community,” Kennedy said. “It’s a fun and unique experience in the sense that it’s bringing everybody together for the betterment of our community and to support our students.” P

FEATURES | 09

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

DR. NIMS EXPLORES THE WORLD Biology teacher travels the world teaching students and teachers prior to coming to Ladue MIMI ZHOU features staff

B

enjamin Nims has had a journey to Ladue like no other. His travels have taken him to the far reaches of the world, in South Africa, Costa Rica and Mexico. Through Maryville University’s G.A.C.E. program and a masters degree program at Miami University, Dr. Nims has traveled to South Africa and countries in Central America.

In South Africa, Nims visited rural and city schools, experiencing what education was like halfway across the entire world.

“I wanted the opportunity to be able to teach in another country, even if it was just for a little bit,” Nims said. “I wasn’t actively looking for the program. It was an invitation, and I was like ‘that sounds really cool. I want to participate in that.’”

His experience teaching abroad has been very valuable to him. While education throughout the world differs in many ways, parallels can be drawn regardless of the continent.

“From an experience standpoint, seeing how other countries do school is a real plus to have as a teacher,” biology teacher Adam Durham said. “I think, scientifically, getting to do different experiments in different countries is a very valuable piece of being a teacher.”

Nims has not only taught in South Africa, but also in Mexico and Costa Rica.

He traveled to these tropical countries over the summer to work with other teachers. Through these experiences, Nims was able to become a unique asset to Ladue. In his classes, his experienced background shines through.

“He’s very energetic in class,” freshman Ashley Gray said. “It just makes class a lot more interesting, and it helps engage the class with what 0we are

learning in biology through labs.”

Despite the experience of teaching around the world, Nims has found a home here at Ladue.

“I was in a place in my teaching career where I really wanted to grow and to challenge myself,” Nims said. “This seemed like a really good opportunity and a great school district to expand my knowledge and challenge myself in different ways.”

His passion for teaching was fostered by a thirst for knowledge. From the dense jungles of Costa Rica to the rural countryside of South Africa to Ladue’s room 3341, Nims has made a strong impact on students around the world.

“There’s always new things to discover. I’m a curious person and having those experiences, teaching and learning is my favorite part,” Nims said. “I’ve just learned to never pass up the opportunity to be a teacher; [and to] always be open to teach something to somebody else.” P

DR. NIMS’ TRAIL OF EDUCATION

illustration by | MIMI ZHOU

United States

Mexico Costa Rica

South Africa

10 | FEATURES

SPREAD DESIGN BY CLAYTON COUGHLIN

THE FELLMAN LIFE OF PETS The ins-and-outs of a life with 13 pets under the same roof MIKA KIPNIS features editor

M

idday at the Fellman house might as well be a zoo.

Birds, chinchillas, cats and dogs all chirp, meow and bark as their very own zookeeper, sophomore Raquel Fellman, returns home from school. Diona, Fischl, Betty, Sweetheart, Bugsy, Kiwi, Mango, Lucky, Cloud, Tucker, Candy, Michael and Jake are the names of Fellman’s five cats, four birds, two dogs and two chinchillas in respective order. Fellman has amassed the 13 pets throughout her life, dedicating her time to the raising of animals.

Close to the entrance of the Fellman house, inside of a tucked away room, one can hear faint sounds of cockatiels and budgies — talons plucking at the crates like a guitar and highpitched whistling creating a unique melody. While the birds remain inside of their cages the majority of the time, they know that when Fellman comes in, it is time for them to be released and get to fly around.

“They like to scare people, [so] they fly up to you and land on you,” Fellman said. “I can move my shoulder and finger to get [Kiwi] to bob his head. That means he’s in a good mood.”

Birds native to Australia, such as Fellman’s cockatiels and budgies, pick up on noises from their flock in the wild. Because

Ready, Set, Pet

Fellman’s house is different than the bird’s natural environments, she made sure to have multiple birds so that they could keep each other company, emulating some aspect of a flock.

Fellman never specifically trained her birds to do tricks, but they naturally picked up kissing sounds, whistles and, to her surprise, name repeating.

“I didn’t know how to whistle when we first got them,” Fellman said. “But I know that birds like to whistle, so I kind of just learned over time by listening to him. He can speak when he gets really happy. He can say his own name — Kiwi — so he just goes ‘kiwiwiwiwii.’”

Despite being able to perform several different kinds of maneuvers with both their beaks and feathers, Fellman’s birds still run into obstacles when returning back to their cages. Fellman, over many years, developed methods and bought different equipment to make the re-entry for her four birds be as smooth as possible.

“We [decided] to get a big cage because to get Kiwi back into his cage, you have to get him in his happy dancing mood and then put your whole shoulder into the cage to gently put him back,” Fellman said. “We use a macaw-size cage so that you can get your whole body in there.”

Since Fellman has multiple animals of varying sizes and living conditions, the birds and chinchillas remain primarily in

A breakdown of Raquel’s pets including their name, breed and age

Key: Name, Breed, Age Raquel, Human, 16

Sweetheart, Calico, 12 Bugsy, Persian, 17 Betty, Calico, 1

y tion b | SOPHIA LIU ra st

i l lu

Fischl, Calico, 0.25 Diona, Calico, 0.25

FEATURES | 11

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

cages unless accompanied by someone — for their safety. With “I hand-feed them, so every morning he comes up and he birds, it is simple: do not let them fly away. But, chinchillas sticks his little nose [in bars] because he’s ready to be fed,” tend to cause other problems.

Jalaine Fellman said. “I sleep in here and I’ve gotten used to “There’s a danger of the chinchillas ruining everything you the sound of them running on the wheel. It’s actually kind of own,” Raquel’s mom, Jalaine Fellman, said. “They chewed the comforting. It’s like ‘Oh, they’re on their wheel.’” wire of [one of our] lamps, but I just leave it there as decoraOne month ago, Fellman flew to California to take in two tion.” stray kittens and one stray mother.

The chinchillas are mainly Jalaine However, the cat’s journey to the FellFellman’s responsibility. Although man residence started 13 weeks prior.

I know that birds like to whistle, In the streets of San Jose, a stray cat originally the Fellman’s were goso I learned over time by ing to get a tortoise — per Raquel’s gave birth to three kittens. Although request — they decided to settle on only two of the three kittens survived, listening to him. He can speak chinchillas. When Fellman got her Fellman knew she could find room in when he gets really happy. He first chinchilla, Captain, in August her growing family and provide them can say his own name — Kiwi 2011, temperatures were rising up to the care they needed.

— so he just goes ‘kiwiwiwiwii.’”

100 degrees, and as chinchillas cannot “My friend was feeding them and withstand temperatures over 80 deafter one of them got hit by a car, she RAQUEL FELLMAN | SOPHOMORE grees, Fellman worried they could die realized that she wanted them to go of heat stroke. somewhere,” Fellman said. “She was going to send them to a “The power went out that weekend in August,” Jalaine Fell- shelter but since we could, we brought them home.” man said. “I [was] calling the power company like, ‘my aniFellman’s latest kitten rescue was not her first mission — mal’s gonna die if you don’t restore the power.’ We put him in her first encounter was when she was four-years-old. She resthe basement or in the car to keep [him] cold.” cued her kitten, Sweetheart, from the streets. It was this animal Throughout the day, both of the chinchillas spend time in that inspired her to get many more. their large cages, where they have space to climb, play and run “My favorite part of living with so many animals is that on their wheels. Even though the chinchillas have access to there is never a dull moment in my house,” Raquel’s sister, Arifood and water throughout the day in their cage, they look ella Fellman, said. “From our kittens making me laugh with forward to getting hand-fed food and necessary health supple- their youthful antics to our bird mimicking us, there is always ments in the morning. fun to be had.” P

“

Cloud, Budgy, 4

Michael, Black, 10

Kiwi, Cockatiel, 4 Lucky, Budgy, 6

Tucker, Akito Japanese, 9 Candy, Akito Japanese, 7

Jake, Violet, 7

Mango, Cockatiel, 4

12 | FEATURES

SPREAD DESIGN BY CLAYTON COUGHLIN

NOTHING TO SEE HAIR Students share reasons for their interesting hairstyles Hair: normally, it does not warrant a second glance.

Everyone’s got it, but a few individuals truly rock it. Famous hairdos like The Beatles’ “moptops” or Marilyn Monroe’s curls sparked cultural trends. In our own halls, students express themselves through their cut.

They embrace a characteristic that is an outlet to fit in and turn it into something that helps them stand out.

Jadon Bowman

“My hair makes me feel more myself. I feel confident no matter what, but it just feels lighter to have fun hair. I had at least some part of my hair dyed for the last two years. Most of them are pretty spontaneous — I’ll just decide to dye my hair sometimes. That’s really how they evolve. I was at my friend’s house and she had leftover dye, so we just put it in my hair. It’s a lot of fun.”

“My hair is important to me because it helps me to express myself.

Sometimes it helps me start conversations because people like to see my mullet and, you know, start conversations about it. A long time ago, people really liked mullets, and I’ve tried to kind of bring back the trend. Initially, I got it because I thought it would be fun for football. It would be cool to have it on the jumbotron and my senior picture. I’ve had this haircut for I think, seven months, but after football season I’m just gonna cut it off.”

12 au naturel Getting ready in the morning takes only a few moments for Bowman.

All he needs is about ten seconds to go from bed head to runway ready. Styling a mullet may seem like a daunting task for others, but Bowman likes to keep simple: a quick head-shake and comb through with his fingers.

shampoo & dye To achieve Hayrehs’s effortless color and texture, only two products are required: lush shampoo and manic panic dye. Lush shampoo is no common 3 in 1. It contains staple ingredients necessary for healthy and invigorating hair growth. When up for a quick dye session, she heads for manic panic dye because its natural and vegan properties make it not only good for the environment but also great for her hair.

Fiona Hayreh

11

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021 “I don’t focus on what people think or have to say about it. I literally just do what I want and it’s exhilarating. I chose this hairstyle because I think it would be cool to bring this [hairdo] up, especially in a school like Ladue because it’s not seen as often. To get this style can take long, like up to six hours. You have to dedicate your time, but it’s worth it because you keep it for a while and it’s just really fun.”

FEATURES | 13 “I saw people online with this hairstyle, and I thought it was cool.

I bleached it, used a brush and my friend drew on the lines. My parents were mad about it. When my dad saw it he was like, ‘why would I do that?’ The sad part is that I will have to get rid of it. It’s not a good look to be taken seriously.”

“I had this hair in middle school, and I kind of grew it out. I didn’t like it, so I grew it back to how it was.

I really thought that the color fit my personality and the way I dress.

Green is my favorite color and it’s most of the colors that I wear, along with other earthy colors. I might also cut bangs in the future and maybe dye it back to brown.”

Kayliah Motes

12 Ben Wasserstrom

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Jay Heintz

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14 | INFOGRAPHIC

SPREAD DESIGN BY MAX EASTMAN & SOPHIA HILLMAN | JOANNE SUNG

CLUBS ON CAMPUS Discover clubs at Ladue and some of the opportunities they provide for students TEENS AGAINST CHILD TRAFFICKING (TACTIC) Fundraise for Polaris Project

Meet weekly at 2:30 P.M. in room 1346

Present at middle school

Point of Contact: Avinash Kamath

Host guest speakers

2

Speaker series focused on medicine and science

3

Fundraisers for the National Doctors Without Borders organization

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No GPA or other requirements to join

5

Discuss careers related to medicine

Meets once a month in room 2431 Volunteer with the organization Operation Food Search

Works to combat local food insecurity

Member Distribution

Point of Contact: Sarah Ning or Hansika Sakshi

12 Students

12th Grade

11th Grade

22 Students

9th Grade 10th Grade

19 Students

Increase recycling at Ladue

• •

Helps keep the Ladue area clean Meets twice a month for weekend cleanups

“Honeysuckle Hack” removals

• • •

GPA of 3.5 or above Take 1 AP or advanced class No U’s or I’s in citizenship

MEETINGS Day: Every other Monday

Point of Contact: Kennedy Alexander

RISE

Where: In room 2156 Time: 2:45 p.m.

Active for 10+ years

Dedicated to helping African American students strive for academic excellence

Present at elementary schools

Grow plants in the greenhouse

FISHING CLUB

REACHING INSIDE, SEEKING EXCELLENCE (RISE) REQUIREMENTS

Point of Contact: Aditi Navjith

20 Students

Point of Contact: Jerry Zhang

60

Fishing gear provided Can learn how to bait a hook

members Meets once a month

Suson Park Des Peres Park

PH

1

• •

Point of contact: Varsha Arun

STUDENT ACTION FOR A GREENER EARTH (SAGE)

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS Shadowing opportunities at Ranken Jordan Hospital

PROJECTS Powder Puff football game fundraiser Oct. 14 Canned food drive

SO

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Raise awareness and increase education for child trafficking and assault

illust ratio nb y|

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HUNGER OUTREACH PROGRAM

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LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

The implications of an ever-growing reliance on technology JOANNE SUNG in-depth editor

S

itting at crowded cafeteria tables in elementary schools, we ate from trays that divided our proteins, vegetables, fruits and drinks.

As we grew up, our lunch trays were taken away but the importance of separation remained; if we are to stay sane, time spent on interpersonal relationships, time spent on ourselves and time spent on our professional lives must stay separate.

But the second we open our laptops, unlock our phones or turn on our televisions, this rule of separation becomes forgotten. We get distracted by an email notification while watching a Youtube video, when the Youtube video was supposed to be the distraction; we cram away photos of our

teachers’ whiteboards amongst our pictures with friends and family; we look up how to be productive on the very device that distracts us; we halfheartedly plan our futures while scrolling away the present.

Technology now permeates every single aspect of our lives. Every single question is no further away from its answer than the nearest device with a search engine. There is no question in terms of increased convenience, but technology can also have negative effects — specifically in terms of mental health.

A 2019 study by the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University found that the time adolescents spend on social media can be an indicator of mental health problems.

ISSA MATH IESON & JOAN

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16 | IN-DEPTH

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“I got social media later than a lot of people did,” sophomore Micky Chyu said. “But it still affected my mental health, especially when I first started using it. People can cherry pick their photos, and so you get a false sense of reality.”

What is shown on social media can never be the true version of aver anyone. A full, multidimensional person cannot ever be represented p e o a g e a ge ple go through a screen. No amount of photos, words, likes or comments t their can convey their personality in the same way a few minutes of interaction can. Yet, this is much more difficult to realize for younger kids who have been surrounded by technology for their entire lives.

“I was babysitting this kid and he was like, ‘okay we’re gonna watch a movie’, but he was also playing a game at the same time,” senior Bronte King-Levine said. “The amount of screen time that’s acceptable or what people think is okay has gone up.”

With the creation of this new normal, it’s becoming more and more difficult to recognize the problems that are festering. Everything about how information is processed, and everything about how children on now grow and develop is accepted without a second sc r een thought. In reality, there are serious implications to s da this growing dependence. ily “There’s a lot of thought that attention spans are affected by social media,” psychology and sociology teacher Zachary Garrison said. “Social media rewards quick swipes with short 240 characters, minute long clips. It seems like people increasingly are looking for that: soundbite versus an in-depth.”

And while we continue to seek out the short bursts of content that elicit strong reactions, algorithms are of stud measuring what keeps users on their platforms. Be it ents said so a search engine or a social media platform, their end cial media a goal is to increase viewership and interaction. Thus, ffects their users will be fed what they want to see and what they mental h ealth want to click on.

“You see what you’re interested in,” King-Levine mo st us said. “So if you see like a bigoted thing and you’re like, ed so ‘oh, I agree with that’, then it can lead to more bigoted cial me dias: things coming on your feed. There can be very secluded areas, so you can get stuck.”

The rapid growth of technology and polarization TikTok occurring simultaneously is not a coincidence. While the former may not have been solely responsible for the latter, Snapcha there is no doubt there was an influence. t “Social media is a feedback loop,” Garrison said. “The ultimate form of what psychologists call confirmation bias — Youtube algorithms reward your clicks and feed back everything that you already think so all of your preconceptions are confirmed.

Pretty soon you are inundated with content that shapes who you Instagra m are subconsciously. It creates a problem where people are becoming incredibly certain of their beliefs and not willing to have their beliefs questioned or criticized. It’s one of the reasons why we’re seeing so much divisiveness in our society today, and it explains a lot about how various conspiracies suddenly became so powerful.” photo

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LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

While these algorithms remain, more people are beginning to recognize the ways technology can be utilized to inform others. Whether it be about current events, history not taught in classrooms or experiences of other people, the internet offers a new opportunity for people to learn.

“Technology can quickly spread information,” King-Levine said. d n “Posts about COVID give easy access to guidelines. And I don’t e p s personally know anyone who accurately speaks about being Hawaiian, so without social media, I would have never known about the colonization of Hawaii, my culture and the indigenous cultures of Hawaii.”

When the right voices become amplified, the internet s is able to create a myriad of connections between people d o that never would have been forged before. But this benefit et h m ar l doesn’t come without its drawbacks. u p most po “With activism on social media, you’ll see the problem g of misinformation, and not even necessarily on purpose,” of gettin King-Levine said. “You’ll see a post, and you’re like, ‘Oh that’s cool, I’m going to share it to my story,’ without fact checking. But because of how widespread things can be, it can at the very least get across the fact that there is an issue. We wouldn’t know everything we do about the Black Lives Matter movement, for example, last summer. All of those instances and experiences, people wouldn’t have access to.”

At the end of the day, the internet cannot be deemed as inherently good or bad. This question of moral standing falls upon how the usage plays out.

“We’re at a moment of transition, where many people know how to use social media, but a lot of our traditional sources of news and information don’t know, or can be manipulated easily,” Garrison said. “But ultimately, it’s a form of communication and democratization of information. It’s going to take prefer to some time, but once people who have been around social media their whole lives are making political choices that create regulations, social media will be able to operate in a healthy way. With any technology, there’s always going to be negative consequences, but it’s about creating a net positive. That will happen.”

Critical thinking is more important than ever in an age where anyone’s thoughts can be broadcast to millions instantaneously. There’s no way to return to a pre-digital era, so rather than lamenting about the pitfalls of technology, we must examine how to move forward.

“If you look at history, there’s always these new technologies that come along that people predict will destroy humanity’s civilization or will totally change culture,” Garrison said. “It’s form of always a negative story. But, we’ve learned to live with it. With the radio, people similarly thought that terrible things would happen.

There is a picture from the early 20th century [with] people on a train, and they’ve all got these newspapers up. Everyone was reading the newspaper and not talking to each other, not interacting with each other — their faces buried in the newspaper. We’ve always looked for new technologies, new forms of communication, so social media is really just the P latest version of us.” P

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18 | IN-DEPTH

SPREAD DESIGN BY MAC HUFFMAN

photo illustration by | MARISSA MATHIESON & JOANNE SUNG

THE PANOPTICON OF SOCIAL MEDIA

WHAT IS A PANOPTICON?

Designed by philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century, a panopticon is an “ideal prison.” A circular room is lined with cells from floor to ceiling, and in the center sits the guard tower, with access to a view of every prisoner. Although the guard cannot actually watch every single prisoner at once, the possibility of constant surveillance is enough to drive all of the prisoners to insanity. For many, social media functions as a digital panopticon. When every single action online comes with the potential of being examined, it creates ceaseless uncertainty and mental torment, reminiscent of what Bentham designed to invoke nearly 300 years ago.

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

IN-DEPTH | 19

INTERTWINED WITH INTERNET

The impacts internet and social media have had on shaping individuals identities ANNIE ZHAO

“Social media brings awareness to issues," Liao said. "For example, Afghanistan, climate issues, [Black Lives Matter] or abortion laws. People post a lot on their [Instagram] stories, t 6:39 a.m. an alarm clock rings. The sound resonates in but I don’t think just spreading awareness is enough. People the dark room, and not even seconds after, a blinding also have to go out and do stuff.”

Technology has become a crucial component in our society, light flashes on. Hands reach out to swipe down and click on the device, switching on an alter ego for an app on and it has birthed new forms of communication. Since many of us use a social media app to communicate, our interactions their phone. This is social media’s power.

Social media drowns us. When we constantly get exposed to with others become simplified. Being online can mask the true other people — their lifestyle, their opinion, their hobbies — it intentions behind people’s comments, making it difficult to draws us to pursue what is well-liked, so we alter our original understand their emotions.

“There are people with hearts out there on social media,” traits for acceptance. This has become increasingly relevant among high school students, as their perfect self image is often Robinson said. “It’s really easy to spread things, so there are people that like to make a change out there and they will help written by social media.

“My personality is based on social media,” sophomore you with the problem.”

Although some of the impacts of social media are harmful, Sarah Liao said. “Other people like to change with the trends that they see on social media, and people have done 180s in the affects of the internet can be healed through positive actions. Social media moves us personality. Social media controls a lot forward on issues that aren’t being of our decisions and definitely shapes called to attention enough. my thoughts since I’m on it a lot.”

“Social media has done incredible Since the recent revolution of I stopped using [social media] things in moving us more socially smartphones and the internet, we because I realized that it [progressive],” teacher Rebecca have all been given a vast world of wasn’t making me happy Rubin- Schlansky said. “There are information within just a few clicks. so many social media accounts out Because of the amount of content BILL JAFFE | SOPHOMORE there that affirm the [gender and we are exposed to everyday, we can’t sexuality spectrum.] Seeing images process it all.

“We’re constantly being shaped by all of our surroundings, matter, and if you can see yourself reflected somewhere, it but with the internet, we can’t always block out influences that validates you. Social media has also been incredible for teens we don’t want,” sophomore Bill Jaffe said. “It gives me a lot of who need to see good, affirming versions of themselves.”

Similar to tight-knit friends groups, social media allows ‘FOMO.’ It’s very hard to stay off social media and very hard to individuals to find solace in diverse online communities stay away from that feeling of being interconnected.”

Not only can modern technology be detrimental for high that welcome them. People build meaningful and significant schoolers, but it also impacts the kids who are born into social relationships online that last for many years to come.

“I wouldn’t have realized that I was queer if not for the media. Younger kids grow to be inseparable from social media, and because of this, they can’t find who they can be without it. internet and [queer] communities online,” Jaffe said. “I’ll meet “I feel like students want to be popular or accepted by someone who has a similar experience to me — someone who others, rather than ourselves,” senior Chelsea Robinson said. is also nonbinary or someone who experiences queer attraction “So, changing the way they act at an early age could cause — and I’ll feel more comfortable around them.”

If we begin to embrace the positives from social media, it some downfalls in a later age when they need to mature, and can eventually lead us into a world where we decide social they’re maturing really early.”

One reason why social media is so addicting is its amount media’s influence on ourselves. However, if a social media of content. We can find anything from cute photos of dogs to app is controlling one’s life, we should set aside the miniscule information about current events on it, but social media treats device and finally take in our surroundings to recognize the news differently. In traditional media, news is usually covered endless possibilities waiting for us.

“Anyone who’s reading this, if they’ve ever considered in with nuance, but on social media that nuance is lost. Complicated topics become slideshows of posts that include a few sentences their head for a moment, [if] they should leave social media, with bold fonts. While this creates an introduction for the topic I think they should give it a try,” Jaffe said. “Even for just a addressed, people shouldn’t rely on this so-called “Instagram day, see how they feel, see how many hours there are in a day; P you’d be surprised at how many hours there are in a day.”.—.. activism” to fully understand complex societal issues. in-depth staff

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20 | EDITORIAL

SPREAD DESIGN BY CAROLINE EDGAR

illustration by | DANIELLE ZHANG

PANO PERSPECTIVE The Ladue community is obligated to respect our peers’ pronouns 29 out of 29 Panorama staff members agree

S

uppose a hypothetical: a student finds a stray textbook in the hallways. They bring it to a teacher whose classroom is nearby. The teacher then thanks them for taking the time to bring the book back. The teacher smiles as the student waves goodbye and heads to their next class.

Now, what gender is the student? Nobody knows; the hypothetical veils the gender of the student with the singular use of “they/them” pronouns. “They/them” as singular pronouns isn’t bad grammar. It’s a valid way to describe someone. But there are those who think otherwise, refusing to acknowledge the evolving language surrounding gender. The act of referring to someone with the wrong pronouns, otherwise known as misgendering, has long denied the authenticity and legitimacy of transgender and gender non-conforming people. The Ladue community must stop accidental misgendering and even more harmful, purposeful misgendering. Ladue doesn’t need to be perfect, but it must strive for perfection, which is to make an effort to end misgendering and adapt our language to include trans and gender non-conforming identities.

The revelation that people needed a better way to describe gender isn’t new. The usage of gender-neutral pronouns has a rich history, dating back to medical documents from the 1600s.

According to Kory Stamper, former associate editor for Mer-

riam-Webster dictionaries, “There’s a 17th-century literature about ‘hermaphrodites,’ many of whom we would today describe as trans or nonbinary… Medical texts, thinking of them as a blend of two genders, called individuals ‘them.’” The prevalence of gender non-conforming and trans people throughout history is undeniable.

Just as people respect each other’s names or ethnicities, which are integral parts of people’s identities, people ought to respect each other’s pronouns. To use correct pronouns and respect gender identities is to let Ladue’s trans and gender non-conforming members know that they are wanted and welcome in this community. And to be unable or unwilling to alter one’s language to accommodate pronouns is to deny trans and gender non-conforming identities in favor of one’s prejudices and “conveniences.” Ultimately, respecting others’ pronouns was never about the ability of doing so, but rather the conscious choice to negate certain identities to affirm a gender binary of “males” and “females” that has harmed, alienated and exploited the populations that don’t fit into its rigid and contrived boundaries.

Now more than ever, the Ladue community has an obligation to make sure trans and gender non-conforming people feel safe in our schools, neighborhoods, stores and homes. P

Editorial Note: Each editorial, Panorama selects an issue that the staff thinks is important to address and expresses a view that belongs to the majority of the staff. Panorama welcomes the opinions of its readers, and encourages letters to the editors. Please bring signed letters to room 1311 or email Panorama at publications01@ladueschools.net. Panorama reserves the right to revise submissions for length as long as original intent remains unaltered.

OPINIONS | 21

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LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

DRAW YOUR BLINDS, OPEN THE CURTAINS Curtains are by far the superior form of window coverings KANISHK SHANMUGAM staff writer

H

ave you ever cracked a window blind to stop the sun? Or maybe tugged on one of those strings, only to see the uneven raise of one side of the slats? No matter who you are, blinds have probably been a problem to you at one point in life. In fact, blinds have probably been a huge problem in your life, but you choose to ignore it because they’re a “minor inconvenience.”

I was like that too, until I broke one of the slats in my bedroom windows trying to look at my treehouse, which was in the process of falling, a few days ago.

I didn’t do anything to disturb it, but it still decided to betray me, fracturing at the light pressure of my grip. I’ve broken those thin bars before, but this time, the slats weren’t the only thing that snapped. The second you try to raise it a millimeter, its whole structure goes absolutely haywire. With one side’s slats conglomerated around a point and the other side’s spread, the blinds are more uneven than Nickelbacks’ autotune.

After my recent loss of the blinds, I decided that we as humans deserve better.

And thus, after much intense and intellectual thought, I have discerned that the only way to improve window-covering was to return curtains to all windows.

Blinds, created by Englishman Edward Bevan in 1769, were originally thin wooden bars on an aluminum frame, which could be turned and raised to let in light. One can only imagine how tedious it would have been to pull both sides of the wooden bars up evenly. On the other hand, curtains are an ancient concept, said to have started as animal hides covering doorways in Ancient Egypt. Obviously, one of these ideas is simpler and finer. However, even past their original conceptualizations, they show a clear divide in look and efficiency.

For one, curtains look exponentially better than blinds. It’s easy to imagine the draping crimson curtains of Windsor Castle, with its golden trim and strings.

Now think of the common grey plastic blinds you’ve seen in any modern house or office building. The difference is too large to just be ignored. On one side, or both in this case, you’ve got any-colored, majestic pieces of damask, silk or another type of cloth opening horizontally to showcase your window. In contrast,

twisting a rod to turn over some dull-colored, dusty slats just isn’t the same. Especially when a couple of them are broken or cracked.

Also, curtains are much easier to use and maintain than blinds. When you want light in your room, you can move each curtain to the side, so its symmetry depends on your curtain-drawing skills.

Though critics argue that curtain lovers are simply too incompetent to use blinds neatly, they fail to realize that even incompetent people should be able to let light into their room. Additionally, curtain haters assert that blinds are better for letting specific amounts of light into your room. Again, they fail to understand, forgetting that specific amounts of light are useless. You either need light, don’t want it or need golden hour sunshine for your Snapchat story, in which case you should go outside.

In conclusion, blinds are lame. They break too easily, are ugly and are less efficient than McDonalds’ ice cream machines. We need to replace all window coverings with curtains, and make blinds extinct before the next generation has to experience the agony of using the despicable invention. P

22 | OPINIONS

SPREAD DESIGN BY TARIQ LASHLEY | PRANAVI CHINTHA

A DIGITAL CRUCIBLE The problems with political discourse in the modern era TARIQ LASHLEY opinions editor

F

rom TikTok to Instagram, Twitter to Reddit, we as a generation have reached a point of political saturation few could only dream of in decades past. In some way, shape or form, political discourse runs through every one and every zero on every app and every site. However, it is only in the mind of the idealistic and inexperienced that witness this revolution of common thought and conclude that it has created a quality marketplace of debate and idea-convincing conversations. Instead, we have constructed our own crucible. One which boils the very meaning of every possible take and stance into swords and knives, where conversation becomes secondary, and where holding oneself superior upon the battlefield becomes the goal.

As someone who could label themselves a “political radical,” someone who spent the younger years of high school embroiled in political arguments almost every other lunch block, I learned a valuable lesson: no matter how strong your point is, no matter how many times you give theory and evidence on why you think that you’re right, people don’t like to be wrong.

You will never convince someone of your point in a debate, especially in heated political dialogue.

Instead, if you truly want to proselytize for your cause, critique the burning house we find ourselves in. Give them an easy introduction to your ideas, and allow them to come to their own realizations on their own time. Let them make their way up the stairs, and help construct the nails which act to support such development. Do not argue. Open the door to your camp, and teach — not debate. Unfortunately, this is a lesson the majority of political social media hasn’t learned yet.

Vague statements are almost meant to be inflammatory. Entire trends are built on the concept of not giving nuance. These words mean nothing without teaching — these words are only meant for argument. In truth, I’m being optimistic when I say that these words might have had a point in the first place. illustration by | NICOLE GORRELL

A keystone of political discourse online is that often, it literally means nothing. From sock puppets to self-created strawmen, it is nothing but noise in the end. And for those with a genuine point, throwing someone in the metaphorical deep end does nothing but give them a fear of the water.

What infuriates me most of all is but a single infamous line; one of the most common responses one makes for their “spicy hot takes.” Seven words form an enraging sentence: “It’s not my job to give nuance.” Often followed by the exasperating “Google is free.”

What? Are you serious? What do you think this is? What do you think you’re doing?

Tiktok as an app is one of the worst places for political discourse — literally made to keep people scrolling from post to post — and you think making confusing inane takes without any explanation is doing anything but alienating the very people who might have even agreed?

When one makes an inflammatory, concept-scaling take without a grain of nuance, you aren’t going to convince those who see the post and reasonably think: ‘This guy is an idiot,’ and scroll on. You aren’t going to convince those who comment in the query, only to receive the response to “do your own research.” They are going to keep scrolling, like the app is made for.

After trying to browbeat the entire comment section until you finally give your reasons, who are you left with? The people who already might have agreed with you. The people who only wanted to argue. The people who, at the end of the day, make the very post itself entirely pointless in the first place.

For a growing period now, I have taken my leave in political discourse online. On TikTok, I often click “Not Interested” on unprompted videos of political debates. At the end of the day, it’s pointless, and until more people understand the damage they are doing, I gain very little from participating. While every year people mature — constructing hammers instead of swords — every year other people turn thirteen, joining the stark battlefield of meaningless political warfare. P

OPINIONS | 23

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

A NEW WAVE OF LIBERATION

The sexual revolution is making progress, but at a steep price for teenagers PRANAVI CHINTHA

opinions staff

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ore often now than ever we open a social media app and find discussions about sex sparking either approval through likes or scandalized outrage. There will always be people in this world who are opposed to the modern viewpoint of sexual liberation, but we can definitively say that the word “sex” doesn’t bring about the same reaction today as it would for a Victorian woman living in the 1800s.

Unfortunately, this progress isn’t without its own negative consequences, especially for teenagers online.

From the 1960s when the sexual revolution was at its peak until today where we often use it sparingly without giving it a second thought, the term “sexual liberation” has definitely changed in meaning over the years. The point of sexual liberation was never to promote extreme sexualization but to promote freedom of choice. Choosing to say no, choosing to not be sexual and choosing to not show off your body are as much a part of sexual liberation as choosing to be sexual.

However, over the years, this definition has blurred. The narrative of “owning our bodies’’ has become more dangerous. Nowadays, we imagine sexual liberation as being overly sexual in order to make a statement against the patriarchy, but this narrative has influenced the way we see and use our bodies.

A lot of shows nowadays that are directed towards a younger audience — such as Riverdale, Gossip Girl or Euphoria — encourage what we assume is “sex positivity” by showing unrealistic portrayals of teenage characters and their sexual relationships. Naturally, this leads teenagers to believe that being sexually active is something to celebrate, while being a virgin is something to be ashamed about. We’ve placed such a high value on sex that it now seems to determine our social standing and worth. It’s unsurprising that many minors want to grow up and start their sexual lives early. When we see that being “sexy” appeals to the masses (for instance, the male gaze), it can encourage us to act the same.

The infatuation with being more sensual doesn’t end in high school but goes

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on to distort our view of sex far into the future. Teenagers, especially young girls, now see sex work as a viable career and while it’s good that sex work is becoming less frowned upon, it’s also a dangerous field and not necessarily the “empowerment” that it’s glorified as. The new wave of sexual liberation has created a harmful culture where minors are pushed towards engaging in sexual acts that they may not be ready for. Especially online, where the stuff we post is available permanently, it’s crucial we are mindful of how we present ourselves and avoid making ill-informed decisions that we may regret later.

The line between modern-day sexual liberation and safety is a hard one to walk. When we see people our own age have such a large influence on social media, it’s easy to forget that we’re not as grown up as we may think we are. It’s important that we’re self-aware of the influences that guide us so we don’t fall into a vulnerable position and become exploited. At the end of the day, we’re still kids.

It’s okay for us to take our time and learn a little bit more about ourselves and who we want to be instead of letting the rest of society decide for us. P

24 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SPREAD DESIGN BY RILEY COATES | OLIVIA HU

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Find your victim date

Don’t try and strike up a conversation just yet, it’s too early. Instead, find out what interests them. Do this in the most inconspicuous way possible. I recommend binoculars, a camera or a telescope. If you happen to get caught during this informational escapade, blink rapidly three times and run in the opposite direction, successfully evading conversation and detection. Leave the telescope behind if you have to, it is no longer important.

Reverse psychology

2

Now, it’s time to try talking to them. Do not hint at the fact that you now know their address and their entire family lineage (if you were thorough). You don’t want to come across as too eager, yet.

The goal here is to get them thinking about you, even when you aren’t around. Walk away abruptly in the middle of a conversation. Or, try your hand at reverse psychology — an obviously foolproof way to get your point across. Make it seem like a school dance is the last possible place you want to spend your Saturday night. Actually, say that directly. Seriously, quote it.

3

Be direct

If the reverse psychology doesn’t work (highly unlikely), clearly this person isn’t going to be picking up on hints anytime soon. Time to change tactics. Make signs asking them: big signs, small signs or giant cardboard cutouts of their face, and put them wherever you please. The cafeteria, the football stadium, the gym or the entirety of their car — bonus points if they can’t get the doors open. Oh, and don’t forget to put your name on these signs to decrease the risk of someone else taking credit for your creations.

Last resort

4

If all else fails (again, highly unlikely), write a note asking them to homecoming and slip it in their locker or their backpack. Include your name, phone number and — most importantly — $50.

*Note: As a sophomore, this author has never actually had the opportunity to attend homecoming, nor any school dance in general

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 25

STATIONERY STRIFE Pano reviews best and worst of stationery for late back to school shopping DANIELLE ZHANG art editor

NOTEBOOKS BEST: Mintra Office Notebooks

WORST: Five Star Notebooks

I discovered the Mintra Office Notebook while panic-shopping, and I am proud to announce that this is The Notebook. The water-resistant cover and durable spiral binding ensure this notebook will survive everything, including any accidents in the school parking lot. Its high quality pages eliminate all ink bleeding, confining even Sharpie bleeds — notorious for going through entire stacks of paper — to just a singular page.

I put one whole Mead Five Star Spiral Notebook in my backpack. I take out a wrangled disaster of wire, chipboard and paper. I have now wasted $8. The real insult lies in the paper quality. I have never pet a shark before, but based on how these pages feel, I have an idea. Their scratchy texture makes for a writing experience similar to watching Jaws through your hands. Five Star? More like two.

PENS WORST: Zebra Ballpoint Pens

As the school-sanctioned Gordon Ramsey of stationery, I’m proud to present Pentel Energel Needle Tip and Pilot G2 pens as co-winners for Best Pen. The grip on Pilot G2 pens is especially comfortable, while Pentel Energels have fast drying ink perfect for people who are left-handed and or enjoy highlighting things that feature smooth ink flow with incredible affordability. Either way, if you’re using these pens, you’re definitely no idiot sandwich.

Sometimes when I watch nature documentaries, I feel sad when the zebra gets caught by lions.

However in this case, I think the zebra — the Zebra Ballpoint F-301 Pen, to be exact — deserves a demise complete with David Attenborough narration. The hideous design I can forgive, but the ink flow on these pens is abysmal. Hand-cramping force is required to deposit ink on paper, and even then, the line is uneven and faint. Looks like this pen is the next victim of natural selection.

illustration by | DANIELLE ZHANG

BEST: Pentel Energel & Pilot G2

HIGHLIGHTERS BEST: Zebra Mildliners

WORST: Sharpie Highlighters

The coolest Jedi wield double-ended lightsabers, and the coolest people wield the double-ended Zebra Mildliner highlighter, offering a chisel tip on one end and a felt pen tip on the other.

While on the pricier side, its versatility and wide color selection have made it the “Luke Skywalker” of highlighters. Zebra Mildliners offer muted shades, creating a color selection that is eye-catching without being painful to look at. As a famous green alien once said, “These highlighters, you must buy.”

With a design reminiscent of a test tube containing a suspicious, probably radioactive and definitely biohazardous liquid, with the Sharpie Liquid Highlighter, you too can live out your mad scientist dreams. Questionable design aside, the liquid aspect of these highlighters means that they oversaturate the notebook paper, bleeding through the page like a nuclear reactor meltdown. But if you like your highlighters easily smudgeable and environmentally unfriendly, then the Sharpie Liquid Highlighter is for you.

26 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SPREAD DESIGN BY OLIVIA HU

FOUNDRY FINDINGS Pano reviews food at City Foundry Food Hall SOPHIA HILLMAN a&e staff

The Buenos Aires Café features a selection of empanadas, each filled with a variety of ingredients. The empanadas were super flaky and melted in my mouth like a croissant. Each empanada’s filling was extremely flavorful and reflected its Argentinian culture. They also have a very reasonable two empanadas for $7 deal that allows the customer to try more than one type. This is a great place to try authentic Argentinian food.

Turmeric street food has a simple menu with two entrees and sides that you can customize.

I tried a dosa roll with my choice of filling and sauce. The filling was cooked to perfection with a simple seasoning that paired well with the sauce. It’s a great way to sample Indian food, whether you love Indian food or have never tried it before. There’s no need to worry about the level of spiciness; each dish that I tried was fairly mild. It’s affordable, tasty and follows the theme of small portions.

Kalbi Taco Shack serves traditional tacos with an Asian flare. They have chicken tacos, jackfruit tacos and tofu grain bowls. I tried the sweet and spicy chicken tacos. They had a subtle sweet flavor with balanced spiciness. Not only do the dishes emphasize their Asian fusion, but their other products like house-made bubble tea and Vietnamese coffee highlight it too. I highly recommend this vendor. The tacos aren’t too big, so you can get one or two and still have room to try something else.

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

Poptimism is a dessert option that takes a unique spin on frozen treats. They create one of a kind fruit and milk popsicles with flavors ranging from spicy pineapple to peanut butter and jelly. This cute stand also sells soft serve ice cream in fun flavors like cinnamon toast crunch. The ice cream was extremely creamy and the popsicles did not have an icicle texture like some popsicles sold at the grocery store.

This is definitely a place to try. An added bonus is that the fruity flavors are vegan!

illustration by | OLIVI AH

U

Press Waffles Co. makes handmade waffles right in front of you. You can choose from a list of pre-made combinations or build your own.

Each waffle comes with a mound of toppings almost double the size of the waffle itself. While the toppings were fresh and delicious, the waffle was not amazing. It was crispy on the outside but somewhat rubbery on the inside. The concept and flavor combinations were unique, but they were a bit on the pricey side — especially for what you receive. However, if you do try this place, I recommend the chicken and waffles.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 27

Hello Poke features fresh ingredients for each customer to create their own poke bowl. If you are unfamiliar with poke, it is essentially a Hawaiian style chipotle.

Restaurants usually sell rice bowls that are topped with fresh fish and vegetables.

However, despite their great service, Hello Poke falls a bit short compared to other poke places in St. Louis. They had fewer toppings for a more expensive price.

28 | HEALTH & SPORTS

SPREAD DESIGN BY LUCY LOCHMOELLER

TRIPLE THREAT

Freshman triplets leave their mark on varsity tennis team

Shapiro said. “It doesn’t matter if somebody is ahead or behind.

It’s all to make our team better.” associate editor Shapiro coaches tennis outside of Ladue, so she met the triplets when they were much younger and was excited to see “ ’m the funny one,’’ Fauziya says.

“No...” Nephthys and Balkis say, laughing. them finally make it to Ladue’s program.

Moving in unison and perfectly staggered one behind the “I knew that they were in the pipeline to come,” Shapiro other, three freshman — triplets Fauziya, Balkis and Nephthys said. “When they walked up, I was like, ‘oh my gosh, this is Prothro — playfully bicker over their self-proclaimed superla- the year that I can coach them.’ It was fun to see them finally tives before varsity tennis practice begins. grown enough to be in high school.”

Nephthys shakes her head in disagreement, and Balkis Shapiro admitted that it took her and the rest of the team chimes in over Fauziya’s explanation. around two weeks to tell them apart. Despite being fraternal, “No, I don’t agree with that,” Balkis says. “I think I’m the the triplets share similar features and characteristics. The girls funniest one, the prettiest one, the smartest one and, techni- themselves came to tryouts worried about how their team cally, the cutest one.” would react.

The 14-year-olds have played together since they were 10, “I was just hoping that they wouldn’t get us mixed up,” learning at the Frontenac Racquet Tennis Club. As they im- Nephthys said. “What if I beat someone but [Coach Shapiro] proved, the triplets started playing in matches for the United puts one of them down for winning [a match] instead of me.”

States Tennis Association.

Eventually, the team figured Now, in addition to high out which triplet was which. school tennis, they play in While they’re strikingly similar, more competitive matchhave some differences. The I like being a triplet, but I would want they es through Universal Tengirls say Nephthys is more reto see how it is by myself. I think I nis Ranking Tournaments, served, Fauziya is more outgoing which is a system that ranks and Balkis, Nephthys claims, is would be really different. tennis players based on their the “mom.” skills and match results.

“They bring cohesion to the FAUZIYA PROTHRO | FRESHMAN “At first I didn’t like [tenteam — a sense of unity,” Shapiro nis] at all,” Balkis said. “We said. “Everybody enjoys them so stopped going to our coach for a year and just went to random much that it makes our team dynamic much easier. And, the places and clinics. Then I started to like it more as it got more fact that they’re family just makes it better for some reason.” competitive again.”

Teammate Megan Ouyang noticed the triplets have a relaIn addition to playing on the Ladue team, the triplets play tionship like no other, and their bond represents the strength club soccer throughout the week and coach tennis for children of family. Ouyang, a junior, explains that although they act like ages 5-11 at the Frontenac Racquet Tennis Club on the week- normal siblings, they have something special. ends. Balancing sports with school has been a new challenge “They [have] a very special kind of sibling relationship,” for the triplets, but they have learned time management skills. Ouyang said. “They tease each other like regular siblings do, “I usually finish my homework between the five minute but they’re really close.” passing periods,” Fauziya said. “I don’t have a lot of time to do All three sisters hope to play tennis for as long as they can, homework, and I don’t like to stay up late, so I try to finish it aspiring to play professionally. With the same goals in mind, when teachers aren’t teaching. It has been manageable.” the three of them are able to enjoy the journey together.

However, being a triplet comes with a lot of competition, Even though being a triplet isn’t easy, the three of them playful or not. Everything is a race to be the best. The girls are know it’s a strength. At times, their competitiveness as triplets learning to balance their competitiveness. is overwhelming, but they are learning to channel the motivaVarsity tennis coach Margaret Shapiro has helped the girls tion from playing one another into every other match. separate friendly challenges with real competition. She had “Being triplets itself hasn’t really been hard, it’s the presto warn the girls that with the way tennis ranking works in sure of ‘who’s the best’ that isn’t great,” Fauziya said. “I need practice, they will have to play one another. to focus on winning more in general, not just beating them. I “We had to build up to it and understand that no matter usually play my best when I’m playing them, but I need to start what the outcome is, it's all in support of us being a team,” playing my best every game.” P

LUCY LOCHMOELLER

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HEALTH & SPORTS | 29

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

LEFT: Freshmen Nephthys, Fauziya and Balkis Prothro laugh together at a match Sept. 23. The triplets played against John Burroughs School. “We have good time management; we always get our work done,” Balkis said. “We balance everything out.”

BOTTOM: Freshmen Fauziya, Balkis and Nephthys Prothro smile with coach Margaret Shapiro. The triplets have been playing tennis for four years. “I plan on playing tennis every day and continue to get better,” Nephthys said. (Photos by Sophia Liu and Ginger Schulte)

BALKIS PROTHRO

FAUZIYA PROTHRO

NEPHTHYS PROTHRO

“The Mom One”

“The Outgoing One”

“The Shy One”

• The oldest • Knows French • Center midfield in soccer • Favorite stroke: forehand • Favorite food: seafood • Favorite color: teal

• The middle Knows sign language • Center defense in soccer • Favorite stroke: slice • Favorite food: seafood • Favorite color: red •

• •

The youngest Knows Italian • Forward in soccer • Favorite stroke: backhand • Favorite food: scallops • Favorite color: mint green

30 | HEALTH & SPORTS

SPREAD DESIGN BY RYAN TUNG

HOLD YOUR

HORSES Junior Charlotte Rowe pursues passion in horseback riding KIRAN VARADACHARI staff writer

T

ake one look into the corner of junior Charlotte Rowe’s bedroom, and your eyes are instantly drawn to one glass box.

Inside are countless ribbons reading “Best in Show” and “Registered Champion” — some of equestrians’ most coveted awards. While Rowe achieves these honors during short trials of competition, perfecting her craft requires hours and hours of hard work on the practice fields.

Rowe calls Happenstance Farm in Wright City, MO her riding home.

Hours upon days upon weeks of practice since she was six-years-old have outlined her daily schedule as she continues her quest to become the strongest rider possible.

“She’s definitely very motivated and dedicated to what she does,” junior and Rowe’s closest childhood friend Chloe Gaither said. “After school, she’ll go and practice for two to three hours —

and it’s a 45 minute drive out to her about riding is adjusting to new horses barn. She is there all day, everyday if you don’t ride the same one every during the weekend.” time,” Rowe said. “It’s a different Equestrian competitions, known as experience depending on the horse. horse shows, are often categorized in They are obviously living and have complex formats to minds of their own, evaluate the specific so it’s just hard skills a rider and to know what to their horse possess.

She likes her sport so expect when you’re Rowe has trained riding new horses.” much that it makes for a multitude of When preparing her want to do it. That for a show, Rowe show divisions. attitude definitely “There [are] tailors her training certain divisions to refine the specific makes her succeed. and classes based skills being tested.

CHLOE GAITHER | JUNIOR on your age or how Her work focuses on long you’ve been two primary skills: showing,” Rowe said. “Also, sometimes jumping and flatting, the rhythmic it depends on if you’re riding a horse trotting of a horse on flat ground. or a pony, which are different sizes.”

“I do a lot of [horse] gymnastics, or But, it can often be challenging for jumping, with my trainer,” Rowe said. even an experienced rider to master “We only do one or two jumps in a row techniques with different horses. While at a show, but practicing gymnastics Rowe personally owns only one horse, involves a lot more. It helps us learn she also trains and competes with the balance and make our horse more multiple horses owned by her trainer. focused. But when I am by myself, I am “I’d say one of the hardest things flatting on the ground, doing circles

“

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

HEALTH & SPORTS | 31

LEFT: Junior Charlotte Rowe rides her horse at Happenstance Farm in Wright City, MO. Rowe has been an equestrian since the age of 6. “She got back into horseback riding after COVID started to die down — she’s very dedicated,” junior and Rowe’s close friend Chloe Gaither said. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Rowe. Photo illustration by Ryan Tung)

around poles.”

Because it takes up the majority of her day on occasion, Rowe’s hard work impresses those who are unfamiliar with the sport. Her drive to master every skill and technique imaginable inspires some of her closest friends.

“She always does her homework when she gets home from school on Fridays right away and won’t hang out with me until she’s finished,” Gaither said. “During every single weekend that I ask her to hang out, she can’t because she has horse shows Friday to Sunday that start at 6 a.m. and last until around 8 p.m. Her dedication to her sport and academics has definitely helped her become successful riding; she makes sure that there aren’t any distractions blocking her. It’s impressive how she has such a strong drive to succeed.” gives gives a The treatment treatmenta rider a rider a horse is just just as as important, important,ififnot notmore more practice itself.itself. important, than thanthethe practice a cumbersome Although ititisisoften often a cumbersome task, Rowe’s attention to detail allows

her and her horse to reach their potential.

“It takes a lot of work to maintain the horses,” Rowe said. “We have to give them baths or brush them to keep them really clean. We give them certain medicines to calm them and make sure they are in the best shape to ride. They usually lose a lot of weight quickly, so we have to feed them a lot. We also wrap them [and] pack their feet to reduce impact and inflammation. Overall, it’s just a lot of work, but you have to do it if you want them to ride well.”

For Rowe, growth also happens when she is not on the field. Her success is built from continuous learning — from the above the saddle to on the sidelines.

“By watching other people and their lessons, you can learn a lot, even if you’re not riding,” Rowe said.

“Practice just takes time, you know? I observe, listen and watch just to take

in as much as [I] can.”

Over years of work, Rowe’s riding has become more than just a sport or hobby. It’s a genuine passion.

“I’ve done [riding] my whole life, [practicing] five to six times a week, so it’s kind of a routine for me at this point,” Rowe said. “Most of my closest relationships started with riding, and I can relieve stress through it most importantly.”

The work Rowe puts into her craft before, during and after each show is imperative to her success. In addition to her attention to detail and drive to succeed, Rowe’s riding trainer, Ellen Baehr, notices intangible qualities that often go beyond her dedication and inshow accomplishments.

“What impresses me most about Charlotte is that she is always nice and in a good mood to everyone,” Baehr said. “I have never seen her in a bad mood or not show great sportsmanship with people and horses. She is always happy and tries to always do the right thing.” P

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