PANTHER
the
V 61 N4
Miami Palmetto Senior High School
7460 SW 118 Steet, Miami, FL 33156
GENERATIONS of
LOVE
Thursday 14 February 2019
2 CONTENTS
N E W S BRIEFS
CONTE V61 N4
FREEBEE TRANSPORTATION The Village of Pinecrest recently announced its new plan to fight climate change: Freebee. Introduced on Jan. 16, Freebee is a free, environmentally efficient way to get around. Not only are the cars eco-friendly themselves, they will eliminate the need for everyone to ride separately. Pinecrest is among many cities in Florida to introduce Freebee ride-sharing as part of their climate change plan.
DISEASE OUTBREAK PLAGUES NATION Americans remain at increased risk for measles and typhus in early 2019. Though experts thought measles had been eliminated in the U.S., outbreaks ensued in places like Washington and Oregon, and those not vaccinated contract it at higher rates than those who have gotten vaccinated. The typhus outbreak primarily affects Los Angeles, a result of fleas and rats infiltrating buildings.
ON
THE COVER The cover of this issue contains a photo of Nicole Markus’ grandparents in her backyard posing to show their love. Photo Courtesy of Nicole Markus (10)
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
Dear Editor, THE BRITISH EXIT In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, a union of 28 countries across Europe, and Prime Minister Theresa May officially started the process to leave Mar. 29, 2017. This means that the UK will leave the EU on Mar. 29, 2019. As the Brexit date approaches, international leaders continue to attempt to make a deal. Officials could delay the date of exit if needed, but until then negotiations will continue.
“I really enjoyed Justo Gregorio’s story beacuse it was interesting to me that a kid in our school went through so much.”
SINCERELEY,
NICOLAS NAVARRO (12)
Dear Editor,
“I feel more connected to Palmetto having these stories shared. It goes to show the diversity Palmetto carries.”
SINCERELEY,
MIRANDA QUINTANA (12)
ENTS 6
12 FEATURE Young people have defined modern romantic culture.
11 9
17
06 09life
news
Exposing the hateful companies we love.
The Panther explores unique fashion styles at Palmetto.
20 17 opinion 20 sports
A look into how CTE affects athletes.
The pressure of losing your virginity.
BLACK
4 NEWS
HISTORY
m nth
With all the excitement surrounding Valentine’s Day, it is easy to forget the other important events occuring in February, such as Black History Month. This month encapsulates joy at Palmetto through Mr. Panther, Candy Grams and flower sales, but the true unsung heroes behind the month of February are the members of the African Heritage Club. The African Heritage Club, a Palmetto club sponsored by Trisha Jarrett Morales, celebrates African Heritage through pep rally performances and the African Heritage Show. The club welcomes all interested students of any race. “People think this club is mostly for African Americans and those who came out of the descent, but we just need more diversity,” club treasurer Sanaa Simmons said. People acknowledge and honor black culture and Black History month in many different ways. The African Heritage club celebrates the culture by hosting its own annual show. “We do like to display various genres: musical pieces, dance pieces, monologues,
just things that are current now in pop culture that I think need certain exposure in the community,” Jarrett said. The performance group includes a diverse student body that praises acceptance and understanding. “You have Afro-Caribbean, AfroLatino, so it highlights other cultures,” Jarrett said. The club acknowledges the many different sectors of black history due to the countless black figures that have contributed to all fields of study. “In history classes, they don’t say much about African heritage. They just say you know, ‘slavery,’ and that’s basically it. They don’t say anything about the inventions and stuff like that,” club president Diamond Spikes said. Famous African American figures include Garrett Morgan, Ida B. Wells, Mae C. Jemison and Malcolm X. Morgan, a 19th century scientist, invented the gas mask. Wells, one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was a prominent journalist and activist who led an anti-
lynching crusade through the 1890s. Jemison was the first African American woman to travel in space and conducted experiments on motion sickness and weightlessness. Malcolm X advocated for the protection of African Americans from a white-dominated U.S. “I think people don’t know the contribution that black people have given to this country,” Jarrett said, “They don’t know background or just the truth so it’s good to expose that.” Schools may not give Black History Month the limelight as much as they should, but that does not take away from the feeling it brings to Palmetto. The energy that comes from the African Heritage Club illuminates the school not just during February, but year round.
Jayden Woodfall Staff Writer
j.woodfall.thepanther@gmail.com
LOVE
NEWS 5
over Fear, anger and disgust can lead to violent hatred, and in the past three years, the number of hate crimes rose significantly in the U.S. According to VOA, hate crimes have increased for the fifth consecutive year in major U.S. cities, with 921 bias incidents that occurred just last year. “The attitude of ‘we’ and ‘they’ has gotten much more intense,” Alliance sponsor Larry Schwarz said. “It’s scary that people, who I don’t think are familiar with people who are different, are very connected to their ignorance and proud about their ignorance.” Hate crimes victimize people based on one’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity and disability. These attacks happen everywhere. For example, a Manhattan lawyer’s threats to call ICE on Spanish deli employees or the killing of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. According to a recent FBI Report in the Washington Post, hate crimes increased by 17 percent in 2017. “People tend to think that their
opinion is right, but for someone to express their opinion like that is horrible,” senior Shivaal Karamchandani said. On Jan. 29, two men attacked “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett while using racial and homophobic slurs, pouring an unknown chemical substance on him as well as tying a noose around his neck. Fortunately, Smollett recovered physically from the attack. “It’s sad what happened to [Smollett], and he is in the public eye so it is definitely being used as a means of frightening other people,” Schwarz said. “It’s out of the old story book of hatred which is to do things that scare people into being quiet, into being silent.” This attempt to spread fear fails to take hold at Palmetto. “I usually try to not let negativity affect me and hold my head up proud and not let any outside news affect me,” Karamchandani said. “I always try to be the most positive person I
HATE PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRA PEDROSO
can.” Clubs like No Place for Hate try to encourage students to express themselves in a peaceful manner. “No Place for Hate shares a lot of love around Palmetto and we try to include a lot of people and create student activities that let the student express their feelings,” Karamchandani said. Alliance, No Place for Hate, Psychology Club and HIP work together to spread acceptance around the school. “Everybody has to keep coming to school and they have to keep coming temple so that we don’t allow people to frighten us,” Schwarz said. “It’s a really good sign that we aren’t letting the hate affect us.”
Natalie Askowitz
Print Editor-in-Chief
n.askowitz.thepanther@gmail.com
6 NEWS
Outing Popular Companies
Chick-Fil-A, Coachella, Publix and Urban Outfitters may not seem similar at face value. However, they all have one thing in common — each of their owners can be tied to anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Whether through the funding of politicians known to openly oppose homosexual marriage, the lack of company policies that would protect LGBTQ+ employees or the owner’s personal beliefs, these companies all indirectly promote homophobic beliefs. Now these companies will experience a “coming out” of sorts, in which customers will finally know the true ideas behind the heads of these companies. While the public has known that Chick-Fil-A “upholds biblical values,” customers may not know that the company lacks policies in protection of LBGTQ+ employees. According to Snopes, Chick-Fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy made a donation of nearly $2 million of company funds to The Marriage & Family Legacy Fund and the National Christian Foundation; both of these organizations believe that only a man and a woman can get married. Dan Cathy, son of Chick-Fil-A owner S. Truett Cathy, shared a similar perspective to his father in an interview with Ken Coleman. The president of the franchise and “follower of the Christian faith” explained his belief that he and his family support the “biblical definition of the family unit” and not a family with homosexual parents. Companies like Chick-Fil-A have failed to share the ties they hold with controversial political organizations. Consumers like junior Lauren Blackwell have not known the ideas these corporations hold. “I had absolutely no idea these companies were donating to these causes as most don’t advertise their actions surrounding these controversial topics,” Blackwell said. “I do on the other hand feel as though consumers should be made aware that the companies they’re shopping at donate to organizations such as the ones previously mentioned.” The Coachella Valley of Music and Arts Festival, an annual spring festival in Indio, California, is
orchestrated by the Anschutz Entertainment Group. According to BBC, the owner of AEG and Coachella, Philip Anschutz, has made sizable contributions to several anti-gay organizations, but more recently funded Scott Tipton’s campaign back in 2017. Tipton strongly opposes samesex marriage. Anschutz’s anti-gay beliefs caused model and actress Cara Delevigne to start #NoChella back in 2018, a boycott of the music festival due to the owner’s ties to politicians with a lack of acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community. Junior Victoria Amorim, like Delevigne, feels that outdated antiLGBTQ+ go against movements to promote equality as a whole. When companies like Coachella support people staunchly against samesex marriage, it could undercut the efforts to advance the LGBTQ+ community. “...it’s very unethical. I think it’s ridiculous and that there’s no logical reason to be against the LGBT community or samesex marriage,” Amorim said. Publix, the popular Florida supermarket chain, also has ties to anti-LGBTQ politicians. The U.S. Herald found that politician Adam Putnam, who ran for Florida governor in 2018, voted against the ban on workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation in 2007. However, this did not deter Publix’s owners from financially backing his campaign. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Publix has donated a total of $670,000 to Putnam throughout his political career. Publix’s ties to Putnam have continued throughout the years, as the owners — the Hollis family — have made public and private contributions to his cause since 1995. Blackwell feels conflicted about making purchases at Publix, upon hearing their opposition towards the LGBTQ community. As someone who shops at the grocery store often, she faces a moral issue — something that many consumers could be faced with, should the news become highly publicized. “I want to say it will affect my purchases, but I know my
NEWS 7
How Chick-Fil-A, Coachella, Publix and Urban OutfItters Spread Hate: mom will tell me to drive to Publix to get milk, and I will do so. In my opinion, I don’t agree with their actions,” Blackwell said. Richard Hayne, founder of Urban Outfitters, has also made contributions to politicians who do not support same-sex marriage. Hayne made a donation to Rick Santorum, the anti-same sex marriage Pennsylvania senator that ran for president in 2008, according to the Huffington Post. The store also pulled an “I Support Same-Sex Marriage” t-shirt from its racks shortly after the clothing’s release. Amorim feels that companies like Urban Outfitters should publicize the connections that the owners of these companies have to politicians with anti-LGBTQ sentiments. This could definitely impact the sales of these businesses, as the consumers might have more liberal views. “I think a lot of people would definitely stop buying from these companies, especially now that the LGBT community is being accepted more and more each year,” Amorim said. Consumers deserve to know who or what they indirectly fund by making purchases with these companies, in Blackwell’s eyes. She and others like her question the ethics behind these secretive transactions, as they have such controversial connotations. “I don’t find it ethical that these big brands are popularizing these organizations that are against people’s sexuality, as humans aren’t we all allowed to love whoever we want?” Blackwell said.
Isabel Wilder Copy Editor
i.wilder.thepanther@gmail.com
Chick-Fil-A has donated
$
$1,714,199
to Christian organizations that only support heterosexual unions
Publix has donated
over $670,000
to politician Adam Putnam, who is against same-sex marriage INFOGRAPHIC BY GEMMA TORRAS
-
THE HISTORY OF mr. panther
People screamed and cheered as contestants representing school clubs and teams ripped off their shirts in the spirit of the annual and highly anticipated Mr. Panther pageant. Most do not know that none of this would be possible without former Television Production teacher, Jay Salon. In 2004, Salon took over the neglected and small TVP program at Miami Palmetto Senior High and quickly realized that the program was underfunded and lacked proper equipment. However, it only took one idea for a new fundraiser to turn the program around and create a new Palmetto tradition. “I realized that we needed new equipment and money. I asked the student activities director for ideas, and she said that if you can have an event in the auditorium for one night, and sell out, that is a lot of money in a quick amount of time,” Salon said. After looking into other TVP programs and the success of their respective fundraisers, Salon decided on a male beauty pageant. The title of Mr. Panther possesses a certain charm and respect among the students of Palmetto; however, when it first started out this was not the case. Students made inappropriate comments and sometimes slurs about the fundraiser. Despite this, Mr. Salon and his first TVP class decided to give it a shot and were ultimately surprised with the success and new tradition they produced. At the first Mr. Panther in 2006, there were only 11 contestants compared to 2019 Mr. Panther’s 33 contestants. Even with only 11 boys on stage that year, they drew in enough students to fill about 80 percent of the auditorium, making the first Mr. Panther a success. “By November of that same year, Mr. Panther 2007, we had 28 contestants and for the next five years during the time I was there, Mr. Panther was the only sold out school event in Miami Palmetto history,” Salon said. As Mr. Panther gained popularity, the prestige and title itself became a big deal at Palmetto. Jonathan Chen, Mr. Student Council in this year’s competition, formed a new respect for the competition after countless hours of preparation and rehearsal for the event. “Mr. Panther means the world to me because I have been working on my talent for months now, and I have even taken voice lessons in preparation for performing in this show,” Chen said. “I have learned that the more difficult the path of a reward, the more satisfying it feels to achieve it. Throughout the whole year, I’ve stayed after school for hours for things such as dance rehearsals and filming ads.”
Although the pageant takes place in February, Mr. Panther preparation begins at the beginning of the school year and lasts all the way through show night. Despite the all-encompassing event that is Mr. Panther, the outcome always leaves the audience and TVP craving more for the next year.. “The time, logistics, creativity, thought, organization and promoting of this event are all time and energy consuming. I remember always thinking to myself – this is the last year, this is the last year, but when it is over, and you see the final product, you get re-energized again,” Salon said. In addition to the popularity of Mr. Panther at Palmetto, other schools in the district use it as a model to create their own male pageants, all because 15 years ago TVP dared to take a chance on a muchneeded fundraiser to enhance their program. “From that point on, local schools heard the buzz, and now Gulliver, Coral Reef, Felix Varela, Sunset and Coral Gables also have male beauty pageants,” Salon said. “Some 14 years later, hearing that Mr. Panther is still a success makes me glad that my first TVP class had the guts to do something different.”
Olivia Solomon
Business Manager
o.solomon.thepanther@gmail.com
FOR theLOVEOF
LIFE 09
DOGS
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK BELL
During the season of love, many people focus on what to gift their significant others. Some might purchase jewelry, others might buy roses and a teddy bear. But one of the most important gifts that people tend to dismiss is love for their dogs. Unfortunately, thousands of dogs never find a home and receive death sentences. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.5 million animals enter shelters every year. Around 1.5 million of these animals are euthanized. In South Florida, successful animal shelters focus on healing and nourishing dogs to make sure they feel as loved as possible without a home. PAWS4you Rescue, a nonprofit and non-kill organization, focuses on saving dogs from abandonment, providing medical care to dogs in need, spreading awareness about their mission and getting dogs adopted into safe homes. They not only focus on saving animals, but also try to change the way that people interact with their pets to avoid abuse and abandonment. PAWS4you Rescue, along with Palmetto students, have a vision of diminishing the threat of euthanasia and giving pets a loving home to live in. “I have eight dogs. Seven are rescues from the pound or street, and one is a service dog for my mom,” sophomore Sydney Rouviere said. Furthermore, sometimes our greatest love story exists right at home with our own dogs. Whether on Friday or Saturday night, everyone enjoys some quality time with their dogs such as going on walks, going to a doggy
beach or even just laying next to them on the couch watching Netflix. “All the rescues have a story behind them. Like one of my dogs was found under a truck in Homestead, and he was hit by a car so he wears a shirt so he doesn’t scratch the scars,” Rouviere said. “The bulldog was tied to a tree and her puppies were taken from her.” According to the HuffingtonPost, studies support the theory that dogs do feel the warm-and-fuzzies for their owners, even more so than for other animals. There are psychological clues that distinguish the way dogs feel around their owners. For example, dogs show an increase in brain activity when their owners come into contact with them, which proves the strong relationships between humans and their pets. This also supports the idea that when a dog’s owner comes back home after a period of time of leaving the dog alone,w the dog suddenly becomes excited and energetic because of the increase in their brain activity. “The best part is coming home and they’re always
there waiting,” Rouviere said. “So I love hugging them and snuggling with them.” So this year on Feb. 14, 2019, go home and share some love with not only your significant others, but also with our furry little companions.
Lindsey Solomon Copy Editor
l.solomon.thepanther@gmail.com
10 LIFE
HOW TO BE:
A FUN THIRD WHEEL
Hanging out with your friends for a Saturday night out may seem fun, but when your friends are dating, things can get a little awkward. While most people would try to avoid that situation, a fun way to third wheel does exists. Establishment as the fun third wheel can be obtained by cracking jokes and being yourself. The best way to own the third wheel title comes with being comfortable with it. An uncomfortable person can make the mood awkward for the people hanging out with them. This can lead to a painful night full of anti-social practices, such as being absorbed by their phone, sitting alone in isolation or leaving early rather than making an attempt at bettering the atmosphere around them. Taking pictures can keep the mood light hearted. According to Elite Daily, to avoid a crisis, the third wheel can simply whip out their phone and take a picture with the couple. For example, the lovebirds are showing a little bit of PDA. The third wheel can either sit on the side and wait for them to finish, or they can use their cell phone to take some pictures with the couple to keep them involved and jokingly entertained. Staying loyal to both friends equally holds importance, and there will most likely be a time where the third wheel
becomes the deal breaker. This includes choosing where to eat, places to go, what movie to watch and more. Instead of going with one or the other, the third wheel should take all the ideas of what the group wants to do, and make an ultimate decision that includes something that will make everyone happy. When it comes to being the third addition to a couple, comedy is important. Rather than sulking in the idea of being the odd one out, making jokes about the couple or even one’s self can keep all three parties entertained. This can help the friends stay on a mutual level of conversation. Humor can help the third wheel feel more involved and secure with the group of friends rather than feeling divided or excluded. A good source for funny comments comes from an instagram account called “@Imnotathirdwheel.” Trip Od takes pictures with his best friends, a married couple with a baby. The Instagram account contains a series of comments and pictures that have more than 8,000 likes per post. Captions such as “the weather was perfect on ‘our’ wedding night!” as he not so subtly peaked out from a bush in the background of the picture taken of the newly wedded couple, which exemplifies his use of humor. With the comedy, the third-wheel
seems comfortable and willing to make fun of the situation, which keeps all three parties in a good mood. Along with these new tips, keep the benefits of being a third wheel in mind as well. The third-wheel has a lot to themselves when they are out with a couple on a weekend night, and sharing never becomes a problem. When hanging out or going to dinner or movie, food or even earphones don’t have to be shared. Although couples have a tendency to try and set the third-wheel up with a new significant other, the couple can help provide dating advice and points on uncomfortable situations the third wheel may be in. Having good friends in a thriving couple adds a bright side to being the third addition. In the end, what the person makes of being a third wheel becomes the outcome. As the fun third addition, three things stay at the top of the list: stay light hearted, keep it funny and stay comfortable.
Chloe Gallivan Design Editor
c.gallivan.thepanther@gmail.com
FEATURE 11
generations OF
LOVE
12 FEATURE
THE NEW
ROMANTICS In light of our Valentine’s Day “Love and Sex” Issue, The Panther takes a look at the evolution of relationships across different generations. Featured are three generations of the Farkas family and two generations of the Talas family to highlight these differences in a unique but familiar way.
I
n modern families, the difference between each generation’s ideas of love continues to grow and evolve. Redefined ideas of marriage, premarital sex and divorce have become more evident amongst the younger generations due to a growing influence of the society around them. With these new ideas spanning across the baby-boomer generation to Generation Z teenagers, relationship ideas have differed drastically, despite the familial values, traditions and ideals they were raised with. “I think relationships have been more free and we have really been more open and accepting of everything. I think it’s been a progressive change,” Mackenzie Farkas said.
PAST WAYS
The ways that modernday teenagers view relationships contrast from the views of their parents and grandparents, illustrated through their personal perspectives on marriage. Forty-two percent of all millennials grew up with divorced parents, according to the Pew Research Center, which changed from their grandparents’ traditional views of divorce. “Living together before marriage was unacceptable. Children weren’t acceptable before
marriage and getting divorced was absolutely not acceptable. It was more of a stricter routine. That’s the way their parents were and those morals were handed down to the children,” Geraldine Farkas, Mackenzie Farkas’ grandmother, said. “Even though we probably didn’t think it was right, you had your parents disapproval if you did that, and that was big.” However, modern progressive views not only impact teeangers’ perpectives on relationships, but adults in older generations as
well. It also changes gender roles within a home, with more women getting jobs. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of stay-athome fathers has risen significantly since 1989, growing up to two million in 2012. “On TV, sometimes you see that when the husband works a lot that’s when you know the marriage isn’t going to work. I don’t think there should be any stigmas. I don’t want to stay home. I am so grateful to have two working parents — that has shaped me and taught
me that you don’t need to be home,” Mackenzie Farkas said. This change in the marital roles of husbands and wives advanced slowly, with a clear division of its progression through the years. With most grandparents today who grew up in a society when men dominated the workforce, the changes that their children made to break the mold differs from the changes made today. “The fact that I worked, that I was
a working mother, was really weird especially among the community I live. I was looked down upon and as my husband became more successful, it became even more frowned upon that I was still working,” Julianne Farkas, Advanced Placement World History teacher and Mackenzie Farkas’ mother and Geraldine Farkas’ daughter, said. “I think it’s very important for our own identity, and I think women should work,
however it was expected for women to have more traditional roles.” Regardless of all the changes that have been catalyzed in relationships alongside the turn of the generations, the core of relationships remains the same. No matter what changes take place in the traditional ideals of relationships, the substance of them will stand strong for generations to come.
a change of heart NO Y
do you believe a couple should be married before having children together?
58.4%
ES
59.7%40.3%
41.6 %
yes no
*out of 255 MPSH students
do you think a wedding dress should be white?
would you be okay living with 94.9 % yes someone you're not married to? NO 5.1% do you believe WOMEN 34.9 % yes SHOULD TAKE THEIR HUSBAND'S 65.1 % no LAST NAME AFTER MARRIAGE? do you believe men S E NO SHOULD WORK AND WOMEN SHOULD STAY AT HOME? 11.3%
Y
S
FEATURE 13
88.7%
INFOGRAPHIC BY ALEXANDRA PEDROSO
14 FEATURE
defining MODERN ROMANCE
TALKING:
GHOSTING:
CUFFING:
FRIENDZONE:
THIRST TRAP:
CATFISHING:
HAUNTING:
ZOMBIEING
With social media today, this includes texting and snapchatting, but not being “a thing.”
Usually around winter and fall, when people want to enter into relationships.
Ending a relationship with someone suddenly, and cutting off all communication.
One member of the relationship wants more, but they are rejected by the other person.
Photos meant to draw A relationship where attention to oneself in someone pretends to a “subtle” way. be someone they’re not. When an ex continues Sudden communication to keep tabs on with someone after you without direct they were ghosted. communication.
new ways
Much like the younger generations of the past, millennials and Generation Z have defined modern romantic culture. Technology has revolutionized the way relationships begin, endure and end. According to The List, matching websites have dominated the way young people find partners. Apps like Tinder, Plenty of Fish and Bumble give users the ability to match and connect with people they might not have otherwise. “It’s hard for me to comment on whether it’s bad or not because I’m not living it. It’s definitely different, but I don’t necessarily think it’s a negative,” film studies teacher Ron Talas said. Along with matching services, messaging apps such as Snapchat have changed the way romantic interests interact with each other. According to The Dating Glossary, what was once “going steady” and being “keen” on someone has morphed into modern terms such as “ghosting,” “catfishing” and “breadcrumbing,” to describe the common ways young people interact over social media and in real life. “I don’t think the idea has changed, I think people still connect with each other
with someone special in different ways — however they share that is the beauty of it. Whether it’s text, or over the phone or in person,” Ron Talas said. “I think the connectivity of relationships is hyperintense right now. There is no break, people can be connected all the time.” The way couples start relationships has evolved, but the way they end has changed as different generations choose to get married, or chose not to. According to TIME, divorce rates among younger generations have begun to decrease. Even though most of Generation Z has not gotten married because of their young age, millennials have chosen to hold off on marriage indefinitely. The recent drop comes from fewer and fewer couples choosing to get married until much later in life, after other important factors in their lives have settled, such as building a career and reaching financial stability. “I think that people are becoming more open with new ideas,” Moutaz Talas, sophomore and son of Ron Talas, said. “The women now are working more, and I love that.” Although divorce remains a main example of just how great the discrepancy in different age groups and their ideals has become, many other aspects of relationships have
evolved as well. Breaking away from the strict traditions their grandparents followed, teenagers today reimagine relationships. “My generation grew up in the wake of the Women’s Liberation Movement. Divorce was starting to take root in society,” Ron Talas said. “Divorce was still —I don’t wanna say taboo because a lot of people were getting divorced —but divorce was becoming a very common thing.” According to TIME, U.S. divorce rates have plummeted 16 percent from 2008 to 2016. Fewer people are choosing to get divorced and the couples that do get married, tend to stay married more often. Millennials also have a tendency to keep their maiden names, not wear white to their weddings and live together with their partners before marriage. “Society is teaching people to be more open and more available to new ideas,” Moutaz Talas said. “As opposed to before where everything was set in stone.”
Alessandra Inzinna Senior Copy Editor
a.inzinna.thepanther@gmail.com
Camila Myers
Online Managing Editor
c.myers.thepanther@gmail.com
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16 SPORTS
HEALTH
THROUGH A
SCREEN PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNA BONDY
With the introduction of online physical education course and lowered standards of physical activity, gym class has transformed from a mandatory course to an optional elective. Illinois is the only state in the U.S. that requires daily physical education starting from kindergarten and continuing through 12th grade. The state of Florida only requires high school students to complete one credit of physical education with a component of health. Online classes allow students to take courses from the freedom of their own home in addition to the curriculum they take at school. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015 less than 55 percent of high school students attended a physical education course in a typical week and less than 30 percent participated daily. Students choose to take online courses for various reasons. Senior Melody Rizo took Personal Fitness in
freshman year instead of taking PE in Therapy, researchers found a strong return for taking another elective. negative association between physical “I think PE is more of a personal activity and the risk of obesity. In other thing, some people have a niche for it words, minimal exercise and the risk of and others don’t,” senior Melody Rizo obesity correspond with one another. said. “I think health and maintaining it is This study also found that more exercise very important, especially for teenagers, leads to a lower risk of childhood but if some people don’t get a lot from obesity. Some believe that striving for it and it is just holding them back from mandated physical education classes things that they are better at and grow at school could help this problem and more from, it shouldn’t be forced.” many others However, online courses allow “Health care and medical problems more freedom and flexibility to cheat cost individuals thousands and the and lie about physical activity without country billions every year,” Latshaw the presence of a coach or supervisor. said. “If our society had a greater focus Classes in school make sure that does on health, nutrition and fitness, we could not happen. greatly reduce the numbers on: diabetes, “In my classes, all are required to cholesterol, heart disease, suicide and participate to earn their grade, therefore, even cancer.” all students who can pass my class benefit physically from the course,” physical education teacher Kimberly Latshaw said. According to a study by the Mia Zaldivar Print-Managing Editor American Journal of Occupational m.zaldivar.thepanther@gmail.com
HEAD IN THE
17 SPORTS
GAME
HOW CTE AFFECTS ATHLETES TODAY Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, better known as CTE, has become a controversial issue in sports today, especially the NFL. Recent discoveries regarding the connections between repeated head trauma and football careers have led to the NFL making game changes after years of ignoring the problems relating to CTE. The Alzheimer’s Association defined CTE as a condition associated with repeated head injuries. CTE may lead to personality and behavioral changes, memory problems and a higher probability of developing dementia. Unfortunately, because of brain changes only visible from an autopsy, CTE remains diagnosable only after death. CTE has a complicated way of affecting how the brain functions. “Say you’re driving down a street in Palmetto Bay… Then there’s a canal. And then you have to turn another way. And you keep going. Now you have to go back out; there’s no outlet. Now you have to turn and go back. Then you try again and it’s still a canal. That’s basically what’s happening to the pathways of the brain,” Miami Palmetto Senior High athletic trainer Michele Benz said. “In the brain, you don’t get a black and blue mark, you get a production of proteins. The proteins are like the canals in Palmetto Bay. They don’t let normal nerve pathways exist.” Following the death of Steelers’ center Mike Webster from a heart attack, Dr. Bennet Omalu, who conducted Webster’s autopsy, noted he had severe brain damage that may have resulted from repeated blows to the head Webster experienced during his NFL career. Similar to Webster, three other deceased former NFL players also noted had severe brain damage. A study from Boston University researcher Dr. Ann McKee, showed that signs of CTE appeared in 99 percent of former NFL players’ brains. The NFL has now recognized the links between CTE and football. NFL officials have added several new rules in recent years to help keep players safe on the field. For example, Rule 12, Article eight in the NFL Rulebook states that when initiating contact with another player, it is a foul for a player to
lower his head and make contact with his helmet against the opponent. Players who violate this rule may be disqualified from the game. “A lot of stuff was legal back in early football, but the way they have it now, they make it more safe and cautious for everybody,” senior and Palmetto Panthers varsity quarterback Cairiq Rackley said. Although there have been several rule changes in the past few seasons, football remains a very rough sport. Palmetto junior varsity kicker Aaron Schurr feels grateful he is not hit as hard as other positions that have to take on tacklers throughout the game, but is also aware of the ferocious nature of football. “I wouldn’t want to be a quarterback or a running back because you get tackled a lot, and you need to be very strong,” Schurr said. Several cases of CTE show athletes that became very violent outside of their respective sports. One example that received significant media coverage was the career of former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez was primed to be a successful tight end for the Patriots, catching 18 touchdowns in his first three seasons and participat ing in the 2011 Super Bowl. But in 2013 Hernandez was arrested for the murder of Odin Lloyd and committed suicide in his jail cell nearly four years later. His autopsy uncovered signs of CTE. Although scientists have made progress in CTE research in recent years, athletes still have to factor in possible brain damage before deciding to step onto the field, ring or wherever they may play. But despite these risks, athletes continue to play the game they love. “Players should be as aggressive as they want to be,” Schurr said. “If you play football, then you know the consequences.”
Jack Meyer
Sports Editor
j.meyer.thepanther@gmail.com
18 SPORTS
active dates Crandon Beach
Crandon Beach sits in northern Key Biscayne, accessible by the Rickenbacker Causeway. The parking fee costs $8 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Most days, the only noise comes from seagulls and the soothing lull of the waves. The low amount of foot-traffic on this beautiful beach means more privacy and a better experience with one’s significant other. Make sure to bring a blanket to lay down on the sand and really get to know each other. Multiple beach volleyball courts located around the property are available for all park visitors and there are plenty of palm trees to provide shade if it gets too hot. There are also various locations near and around the park that offer kayak and paddleboard rentals. If you find yourselves still at the beach around 6 p.m., look to the skies to enjoy a gorgeous Miami sunset.
Kendall ice arena The Kendall Ice Arena is located right off of the Killian Pkwy. It is the priciest date on the list, coming in at an overall cost of $12-15, depending on the time of day. For a livelier night, pick the 8:30 p.m.-12 a.m. skating hours to hear live DJ music accompanied by colorful lights and laser beams. Ice-skating provides a perfect way to get close to one’s significant other, on and off the ice. Once the skates are put away, grab a piping hot cup of cocoa at the food and drink bar located directly across from the rink. Skating at the Kendall Ice Arena is a great way to break the ice and get to know each other in a less intimidating way, and the date can continue at one of the many restaurants located conveniently in the same mall.
Palmetto Mini-Golf
Located on 97th Ave., this putt-putt course is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., all week long. An evening date at this mini-golf course only costs $7.50 on the weekends; $6.50 for a week-day date. There is an opportunity to leisurely enjoy each other’s company, or get competitive and keep score. This is a perfect first date spot; if the conversation becomes awkward, just focus on the game. If the game goes well, Sports Grill is located on site to keep the date going. This location is great for a bonding experience or a way to poke fun at each other if the golf ball ends up in the course’s waterfall.
Virginia Key Bike Trail Virginia Key, located off of the Rickenbacker Causeway and secluded
from Miami’s busy downtown atmosphere, grants bike-riders a quiet escape to enjoy each other’s company. The bike trails usually remain serene and private, which is an added bonus to the exotic trail. Make sure to bring a lunch to enjoy on the picnic tables overlooking the beautiful blue Biscayne Bay. To make a day out of it, Crandon Beach is a short five minute drive down the road and is accessible to the public.
Jane Heise
Copy Editor
j.heise.thepanther@gmail.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE HEISE
ADS 19
DAVID OSCAR MARKUS MONA E. MARKUS A. MARGOT MOSS LAUREN I. DOYLE TODD YODER
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WONDERFUL NEWSPAPER STAFF
20 OPINION
on your own clock Pressure To Lose Your Virginity Before HIghschool Decreases Concepts of sexuality is introduced to millennials in this day and age, through the influence of teen based movies, such as “Mean Girls,” “The Kissing Booth” and “The First Time.” The influence that these movies have on today’s teenagers causes them to anticipate or even begin to plan their first time. Not only do movies play a key role in pressuring young adults to lose their virginity, but television shows, one’s friends and one’s surroundings. Often social pressures get in the way of a person’s decision about their own body. Attention begins to focus on what other people want to see one do with their own body, instead of what one does with their own. Losing one’s virginity should not be influenced by anyone but the person who makes that choice. Sometimes having friends with a lot of experience can definitely increase one’s anticipation to have sex. If one’s significant other has a high body count, they will feel more pressure by thinking that their significant other expects sex. This has an effect
on how that person truly feels about losing their virginity. However, young adults should value their own independence and freedom to make their own decisions when it comes to important situations like this. Similarly, when and how one loses their virginity depends on their own morals. Some say they only want their first time to be with someone they love. People tend to feel more comfortable with having sex for the first time with someone who they have dated for awhile and have grown a strong bond with. On the other hand, other young adults view a “friends with benefits” relationship to be normal. When looking at society and the decisions that couples make, some focus more on having something more casual and others dream of something more serious. A concept that plays a big role with virginity is religion. A lot of controversy exists in religious communities when it comes to deciding between sex before marriage or sex after marriage. If one chooses to follow their own path based on religious views or not, they should not feel any judgement because of it. The pressure that high school might put onto teens makes it difficult to hold onto the important morals in one’s life. The statement that by college one should have already lost one’s virginity, is false. According to the National Survey of Family Growth, seventeen years old is the average age of virginity loss. So from this statistic one can conclude, that having sex as a junior or senior in high school is very common. However, there is no right or wrong age to lose one’s virginity. The most important thing about having sex for the first time is that you and your partner are both ready and comfortable.
Alexandra Pedroso Senior Design Editor
a.pedroso.thepanther@gmail.com
OPINION 21
hope in
hollywood
A Take On the Movies That Should And Shouldn’t Have Won Awards
Two years ago, Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight swept the world through its beautiful imagery all while encapsulating the troubled characters’ drug-abused lives. The movie’s take on the complexities of life and love lead to their big win for “Best Picture” at the Oscars in 2017. In 2018, however, Guillermo del Toro’s Shape of Water unexpectedly won the same award. Unlike del Toro’s other movies, Shape of Water barely scratches the surface on its core message. This year, Bryan Singer’s Bohemian Rhapsody won “Best Picture” at the Golden Globes and received a nomination for the 2019 Oscars “Best Picture.” The movie focuses on Queen’s music and the hardships of Freddie Mercury’s career in the conservative 1980s. Although it provides insight for Queen fans, did it really deserve this much recognition? The thrill of the music and Rami Malek’s charismatic depiction of Freddie Mercury kept the audience’s adrenaline pumping. Bohemian Rhapsody, although visually and musically appealing, lacked attention in some essential areas of Mercury’s life. As an Indian immigrant to the United Kingdom, he faced racial discrimination in England. The movie minimizes this struggle, aside from referring to him as “Paki”. On top of racial discrimination, Mercury faced harsh criticism for his flamboyant personality, performances and costumes. The remaining three out of the four members of Queen did not pursue music as their first-choice career. Contrastingly, Mercury suffered the loneliness that the tour-bus lifestyle brought on, especially as a bisexual man in the late twentieth century.
The movie failed to emphasize the effect this had on him, although his feelings can be evidently heard in their hit “Somebody to Love”. Additionally, Mercury’s struggle with AIDS lacked coverage, as well as his significant donations to AIDS research. In exchange, the “Best Picture” of the year should go to a movie that embodies the nation’s political climate. Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman stands out as a notable nominee. Based on a true story, Lee’s movie focuses on Ron Stallworth, an African American undercover detective who infiltrates the Klu Klux Klan. Set in the early 1970s, the movie intertwines the severity of police brutality and racism with hints of comedic flair. Peter Farrelly’s Green Book, also a runner-up, follows the true story of Italian American Tony Lip, who becomes a driver for African American pianist, Don Shirley, as they embark on his jazz piano tour through the deep American south in the early 1960s. Both of these movies provided unforgettable entertainment all while tying it to the great social and political conflicts of our country today, such as the large increasing divide since Donald Trump became president. Between the two, BlacKkKlansman appears as a more notable winner. Throughout 2018, Hollywood delivered in diversity. The movie industry finally recognized different communities, as seen with blockbuster movies Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians. Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther marked cinematic history as the first all-black cast superhero film. Black Panther received nominations for several awards,
including the prestigious “Best Picture” award at this year’s Oscars. However, Jon M. Chu’s Crazy Rich Asians, a lively and humorous movie about the dynamics of Asian and Asian American culture, did not. Although neither fully deserve the crown for “Best Picture” due to a lack of a deeper, more meaningful message, the diverse casts take a step towards progress and further diversity. Many of the 2019 nominated movies combated political and social issues of the past. However, award shows seem to favor entertainment and popular culture over a universal societal message. Movies like Green Book and BlacKkKlansman both share similar messages, displaying an evident struggle for African-Americans in the twentieth century United States. On the other hand, Bohemian Rhapsody, the Golden Globe winner for the “Best Picture” award, did not quite make the mark with a lasting message. As we gear up for the Oscars, will the Oscars fall for the same mistakes of choosing fun over meaning and thought?
Gemma Torras
Design Editor/News Editor
g.torras.thepanther@gmail.com
Joanna Salvat Life Editor
j.salvat.thepanther@gmail.com
STAFF Print Editor-In-Chief Natalie Askowitz
Online Editor-In-Chief Benjamin Spiegelman
Print Managing Editor Mia Zaldivar
Online Managing Editor Camila Myers
Senior Copy Editor
Allessandra Inzinna
Senior Design Editor Alexandra Pedroso
Business Manager Olivia Solomon
Feature Editor
Allison Strasius
News Editor Gemma Torras
Life Editors
Sophia DeAlejo Joana Salvat
Sports Editor Jack Meyer
Opinion Editor Samuel Stone
Multimedia Team
Garret Livingston Annette Gonzalez
Copy Team
Jane Heise Nicole Markus Lindsey Solomon Isabel Wilder
Design Team
Jenna Bondy Sydney Campbell Chloe Gallivan Gemma Torras
Staff Writers
Camila Bondy Jayden Woodfall
Adviser
Laura Aviles
STAFF EDITORIAL
The decision to avoid pregnancy and STDs should fall on both members of a relationship, not just the person with a uterus. The responsibility to prevent STDs and pregnancy should fall on both parties involved in any sort of sexual act. The assumption that women should automatically take this responsibility needs rethinking. Extreme side effects involving birth control worry everyone, but side effects like nausea and mood swings should not qualify as a legit reason to stop production of male birth control. People who take birth control, mostly women, know that the prescription comes with a whole host of issues. But it remains on the market anyway, and millions take it to avoid pregnancy. Aside from making male birth control accessible, women’s birth control methods often become expensive and difficult to acquire. Intended to save lives and prevent unwanted pregnancies, contraception should remain openly available for everyone who wants to use it, like condoms. People in more developed countries can more easily access contraception and both parties should remain responsible for taking it. In the U.S., the fight against Planned Parenthood in the government will become yet another obstacle for women, even though the private decisions people make on behalf of their body should remain just that, private. Many of these people attempting to take away these rights are men, who should not have a say in what women should do with their bodies. The millions of people in the U.S. that use contraception actually limit the number of abortions. As many people dispute the ethics behind abortion, if education officials promoted the use of preventative measures and schools no longer taught abstinence-only education, this problem would seize to exist. If all parties involved in a sexual act used contraceptive methods, the chances of pregnancy would lower and abortion would not need considering.
SINCERELEY,
The Panther Staff
AN OPEN LETTER TO:
KIDS WHO MAKE OUT IN THE HALLWAYS
I’m not the kid who judges the kids I have not met. I don’t form opinions by looks and superficial factors. The people who judge by what they see are shallow themselves, and I try to distance myself from that line of thinking. But, I’ll forget all of that and mercilessly judge the couple making out in the hallways. To the kids who smooch without shame for the rest of us forced to quickly avert our eyes, why do you do the things you do? Do not mistake making-out for a quick peck or a hug goodbye. What bothers me are the kids who full on exchange spit and “French”: on public display. For a minute before writing this, I questioned myself. Am I just a bitter single person, doomed to turn my nose up to public displays of affection until I find someone to French in a musty hallway? I thought about it, and no, I’m not. Anybody who feels disturbed at the sight is
not unreasonably judgemental. The sight of that is just very uncomfortable to witness. Many people hold the same opinion. Who sees public displays of affection and actually enjoys the sight? Only a creepy person can see that and think, “Oh, that’s cute.” The rest of us simply cringe and try to expel the image from the mind and attempt to move on with the rest of our day. If any couples who partake in PDA happen to read this letter, please stop. I’m just trying to make it through my last semester of high school with my mental stability in tact, and seeing two teenagers making-out right in front of my math class, while trying to enter, seriously impedes that plan.
BY ALLESSANDRA INZINNA
MISSION STATEMENT The Panther staff aims to inform fellow students and parents about school-wide, local, national, and international news. The Panther’s content aims to represent the student body. Editorials feature the opinions of staffers. Features of other students, teachers and clubs further promote the spirit, culture and personality of Miami Palmetto Senior High School.
EDITORIAL POLICY The Panther is a monthly publication of Miami Palmetto Senior High located at 7460 S.W. 118th Street Miami, FL 33156, (305) 235-1360 ext. 2337. The views expressed are solely those of The Panther staff. Students who wish to respond to an article in this publication or discuss another issue may write letters to the editor and submit them to room 911B or e-mail us at thepanthermpsh@gmail.com. The Panther has professional membership in NSPA and CSPA. The Panther prints 3,000 copies per issue for distribution. The Panther is distributed for free to all students in school. Subscriptions (for cost) are also available. Please visit our paper online at thepalmettopanther.com.
BYLINE POLICY: All creative work (such as illustrations, graphics, photos and writing) excluding staff editorials and staff member pictures will include byline credits.
CORRECTION POLICY:
Any errors in print will be acknowledged in the next print issue in a correction box. Any errors online will be acknowledged immediately. Errors include facts, figures, misquoting and name misspellings.
ADVERTISING POLICY: Ads will be designed by the advertiser and include all information the advertiser wants included. If the advertiser asks the staff to design the ad, the individual who sold the ad will design the ad or the Ads Manager will. Ads will be approved by EICs, the Advisor and the Ads Manager. If an ad produced is illegible, contains false information, or the advertiser does not like it, they will receive a free ad in the next issue. If you would like to advertise, please contact us.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY The School Board shall comply with all Federal Laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. The Board will enforce its prohibition against discrimination/ harassment based on sex, race, color, ethnic, or national origin, religion, marital status, disability, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identification, social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy and any other basis prohibited by law. The Board shall maintain an educational and work environment free from all forms of discrimination/harassment, which includes Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct such as unwelcome touching, graphic verbal comments, sexual jokes, slurs, gestures or pictures. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of prohibited discrimination or harassment against students by employees, other students and their parents or guardians, or third parties. This policy prohibits discrimination and harassment at all School District operations, programs, and activities on school property, or at another location if it occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.
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