The Chronicle 2020

CHRONICLE create

write

SUMMER 2020

THE

inspire

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contents Why is sleeping so essential?

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The secret to fulfilling happiness as a teenage girl

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What can we learn about people of the past from their material culture?

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Has Brexit changed Scotland’s views on the United Kingdom?

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What can behavioural economics do to limit gambling problems?

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Does education provide a solution to the world’s problems?

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How Franco’s dictatorship shaped the Spain we know and love today

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This dog is not just for Christmas!

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Can art’s uselessness be a source of its usefulness?

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The influence of film

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My truth

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One nation, one country

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Freedom and oppression

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Ignore history at your peril!

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Globalisation

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Are humans the source of earthquakes?

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Behaviour

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Silence = death: the 1980’s AIDS crisis and political inaction in America

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Worriers & Warriers

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Faith and Science

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What happens to your brain when you binge a TV series?

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The effects of homelessness on young people

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Cover image by Lucy

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editor’s letter Readers, I’m thrilled to introduce to you the seventh edition of The Chronicle. In this year’s edition I have showcased a range of topics from current affairs to teenagers’ wellbeing. I am hoping that the modern bold design reflects the uniqueness and individuality of this year’s issue.

I received many literary talents from MSJ, I worked with students to craft their writing and support them through the process. This year’s contribution was immense, and every article was passionate and every writer’s voice was heard.

I would like to give a big thank you to Dr Jones and Mr Vaughan for sharing the same passion I have had to make this edition. Our enthusiasm towards this edition is shown on every page. Writers, poets and photographers it wouldn’t be possible without you, thank you.

Readers I hope you enjoy this edition as much as I did editing it, it was such a great experience.

Lucy

The Chronicle 2019/2020 editor

The Chronicle is an annual publication that is compiled and managed by a senior school girl, who takes on the role of editor. This publication showcases the interests, concerns and creative talents of our girls, who write on a topic that is important to them.

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Why is sleeping so essential?

BY LILY

A lot of you reading this probably feel quite tired

you go to bed, you can’t help but think about the

and ready for a break, whilst some of you don’t feel

demanding day you have had. Occasionally, these

so tired; but what effect does sleep have on us and

thoughts turn into worries and eventually lead you

how does it play so important a role in our health?

into having a small amount of sleep.

Sleep helps to repair any muscles or pains in your

What happens if you don’t get enough sleep?

body and helps you to recover from a day of

If your body doesn’t get a chance to recharge

eventful activities. Getting quality sleep is one of

properly, you’re already starting the next day at

the best things you can do for your health. We’ve all

a disadvantage. You might find yourself feeling

experienced the feeling of being refreshed after a

drowsy and irritable and struggling to take new

good night’s sleep and the feeling of tiredness after

information in at work or school.

a poor night’s sleep. Even though we know this, many

There are many ways to prevent sleep deprivation. For

people are not getting the quality of sleep needed in

example, give yourself at least 30 minutes of gadget-

order to receive the health benefits.

free time before bedtime. Another idea is to leave

Sleep deprivation has turned into a big issue, not

your device outside your bedroom; this will ensure that

just in the U.K but globally, especially with the

you will not get distracted if your phone lights up. It

younger generation dealing with new technology

may seem harmless to check a few emails or to watch

and a busy social life. All this new technology and

your favourite film, but if that doesn’t mean you sleep

social media being introduced to children, can

then it is bad for you. About 72% of children ages 6 to

really mess with the health of a child and especially

17 sleep with their device in their bedroom which leads

teenagers. Sleep research advises that a teenager

to them getting less sleep. The difference adds up to

needs between eight and ten hours of sleep every

almost an hour per night. Another way to avoid sleep

night. Getting a good night’s sleep can help you

deprivation is to not drink caffeine and alcohol (if

cope better with the stress of life. Sleep fuels you

you are an adult) in the afternoon. These drinks are

for the next day and makes you feel energised.

stimulants and can keep you from falling asleep when your body really needs it.

However, it is not just teens. Some people don’t agree with sleep, and think it is a waste of time. This

To conclude, I think sleep has a massive effect not

is not helped by mobile phones, which have become

just on our physical lives but also our mental states

such a huge part of our daily lives that it is often

and general wellbeing. It plays a vital role in good

hard to put them down even at bedtime. The blue

health throughout your life. Getting enough sleep

light emitted by screens restrain the production

at the right times can help protect your quality of

of melatonin that controls your sleep/wake cycle.

life and safety. During sleep, your body is working

Reducing melatonin makes it harder to fall asleep

effortlessly to support healthy brain function and

and wake up. In addition, sometimes our brain can’t

maintain your physical health. Sleep not only

switch off. After a long day, sometimes your brain

enhances the balance of emotions of children, teens

and body are full of thoughts and feelings and when

and adults, it also controls your metabolism.

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The Sleep Foundation : sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-do-we-need-sleep BBC News: bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32606341 Kids health : kidshealth.org/en/kids/sleep.html Live Science : google.co.uk/amp/s/www.livescience.com/amp/32469-why-do-we-sleep.html 5

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AS A FULL-TIME BOARDER WHO HAS MOVED HALFWAY ACROSS THE GLOBE FROM HONG KONG, EMMIE WONG IN YEAR 9 GIVES US AN EXCLUSIVE INSIGHT INTO WHAT HAPPINESS MEANS TO HER AS A TEENAGER.

THE SECRET TO FULFILLING HAPPINESS AS A TEENAGE GIRL

BY LUCY WITH EMMIE Everything was so new to me when

Sharing these emotions with someone

I started Malvern St James for the

else can lighten up everyone’s day.

first time. I was afraid of facing the

Think positively: changing your mindset

unknown, going into a new environment

can make you happier and make it

in a new country, but my positive

easier to achieve your goals.

outlook on life allowed me to face my fears. I knew this was a new exciting milestone to achieving happiness.

‘I believe happiness is in everything we see and do. It’s about our outlook on life. I seek happiness when I am with my friends, family and playing sports.

‘Happiness is something many teenagers don’t express; frankly, many only express happiness when they are relaxing and watching Netflix, but for me happiness is like second nature and it is shown through every aspect of my life.

‘I associate happiness with memories, like when I played football with my Dad, and when I think about being with my friends in Hong Kong.’

Spreading happiness to our peers can be done easily and it can even make someone’s day. Smiling more, or smiling at someone, is essential to being happy.

‘Happiness is enjoying the little things in life.’

Enjoy the little things in life like being outside, going for a walk with your family or taking a moment with your favourite book. Happiness can be right in front of you.

“Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions”.

Although this may sound like a cliché, it is true: you can make your own happiness.

Although Emmie does admit that it was hard moving to the UK, her positive outlook on life is something every teenager needs to take on board.

So, what does happiness mean to you?

Is it being with your family, hanging out with friends or is it even savouring your favourite food?

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WHAT CAN WE LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE OF THE PAST FROM THEIR MATERIAL CULTURE?

BY VERITY Studying material culture is imperative in archaeology to learn and understand more about the societies of the past of which we have no written record (Palaeolithic and Neolithic).

By analysing the materials found, using their distribution and quantity, we can find out whether they were necessities or luxuries. Similar material culture over a great distance may indicate interaction between different groups or that distinct groups developed similar ideas and tools independently, suggesting something about how all societies develop. Material culture can be sorted into threee subcategories: technomic, sociotechnic and ideotechnic. However, not every artefact fits perfectly into each subcategory; many belong to more than one.

Technomic artefacts tell us about the way in which people adapted to their environment; through farming tools, we can see the development of agriculture. The study of homes can also show us a great deal about living conditions and more importantly, how they changed and at what pace. Improvements in architecture can demonstrate how peoples’ lives improved - the transition from huts to adobe homes leading to greater warmth and security. Ethnographic studies show a correlation between house structure and familial relationships; houses with extensions that function as a separate home suggest a society in which progeny remain near their familial base.

Artefacts classed as sociotechnic are objects used for social reasons such as indicating status.

Studying graves can show social hierarchies based on the grave goods left behind. The excavation of burials in Southern Italy found that the dead with more valuable objects had experienced less physical trauma over their lifetime. The burial of the ‘King of Stonehenge’ is one of the wealthiest of its time (c. 2400 BCE). Among the arrowheads and copper knives, metalworking tools were found. This has led to the theory that he was one of the first metalworkers on the British Isles and that this earned him his burial. Grave goods also serve as ideotechnic artefacts that may suggest a belief in the afterlife. However, early burials have been interpreted as only having secular purposes.

Unlike technomic and sociotechnic artefacts, ideotechnic artefacts are more difficult to interpret and understand. Figurines depicting hyper-feminine bodies were discovered across Europe from the Palaeolithic era. While the exact purpose of the ‘Venus figurines’ is still contested, a popular theory is that they served a religious function depicting a ‘Mother Earth’ type goddess.

It is difficult to confirm this as they are separated by 30,000 years and hundreds of miles and so likely had different meanings and uses. Studying ancient temples is a more concrete way to reconstruct the development of religious societies, such as Megalithic temples in Malta (c. 3700 BCE). The temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra housed statues similar to the ‘Venus figurines’ which have been interpreted as objects of fertility worship.

Material culture can be used to explore and understand different aspects of the lives of past people. However, they cannot be used in isolation to make assertions about past societies as there is a danger of misinterpreting objects.

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Has Brexit changed Scotland’s views on the U nited K ingdom ?

BY SOPHIE The European Union is important to Scotland for many reasons. Firstly, it allows freedom of movement and there are roughly 180,000 UK-EU residents living in Scotland, which accounts for 20% of the workforce in health, education and public administration. Scotland has relied on this influx of migrants to maintain their economy in a time of labour shortages and population decline. Unfortunately for Scotland, and the other devolved nations, migration laws are formed in Westminster and if nothing changes access to both high- and low-skilled European workers will become restricted. It is currently in Scotland’s best interests to relax migration laws and to ensure an appropriate number of European workers can still make it into the UK, but this may not have the

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same advantages for England and there are also no

to 9.7% of its GDP, so the UK also plays a big role in the

guarantees European workers will still want to come to

monetary side of the Scottish economy. It is likely that if

the UK without such ease of movement to and from their

Scotland were to re-join the EU independently, the EU

home country.

would impose austerity measures rather than offer funds.

It is easy to focus on the negatives for Scotland staying

Secondly, the EU provides large subsidies and funds

in the UK but if the Brexit vote had not taken place it is

for agriculture, regional and rural development which

likely that Scotland would not be questioning its place

are far more essential to the devolved nations than

within the UK for a second time round in such a short

to England. Westminster is not obligated to continue

time period. The EU is important to Scotland, and may

these subsidies and if they did their size would likely be

Scottish voters voting to remain in the UK were actually

reduced. Therefore, it is a major concern for the Scottish

trying to guarantee safety within the EU. The Scottish

government as to how their primary sector will be affected

government now has to make the decision about whether

by Brexit. Farmers across the UK rely heavily on subsidies

the EU is more important to them than the UK and if it

in order to survive, so anything threatening those funds

is worth the risk of ending up independent from the UK

will have a direct impact on employment, living standards

with no pathway into the EU.

and even exports in countries such as Scotland. The difficulty of the situation is amplified by the fact Scotland

A major issue that has been highlighted throughout the

overwhelmingly voted remain in the 2016 EU referendum

Brexit process so far is the dysfunctional relationship

and therefore effectively face being removed from the EU

between the Devolved Nations and Westminster. The

involuntarily due to their connection with the rest of the

Scottish and Welsh First Ministers have ‘expressed

UK. This has highlighted some of the issues between the

their frustration at the apparent ambivalence of the

Devolved Nations and Westminster.

Prime Minister towards the devolved administrations,’ (Birrell and Grey, 2017: 772). In doing this the Scottish

However, there are some key benefits Scotland gain from

government is likely to feel more and more detached from

being a part of the UK. Cutting ties with the UK would

the UK anyway and therefore may focus on the negatives

have similar impacts as leaving the EU but on rather a

of their union with the UK as well as thinking about

different scale. Independence from the UK would mean a

whether or not they would be able to make it into the EU

loss of free trade with 3 countries compared to 27 when

independent of the UK. Nicola Sturgeon has insisted that

leaving the EU, but only one-sixth of Scottish exports go

it is right for Scotland to have a separate institutional

to EU member countries and so UK trade is actually more

relationship with the EU, and she backs this up with

essential. Scotland also receives £9 billion a year from

the 62% remain vote (BBC News, 2016) that came from

the UK government to cover a deficit that is equivalent

Scotland in the 2016 referendum.

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Reference BBC News (2016). Scotland backs Remain as UK votes Leave. [online] BBC News. Available at: bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlandscotland-politics-36599102 Gray, A., & Birrell, D. (2017). Devolution: The Social, Political and Policy Implications of Brexit for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Journal of Social Policy, 46(4), 765-782. doi.org/10.1017/S0047279417000393

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WHAT CAN BEHAVIOURAL ECONOMICS DO TO LIMIT GAMBLING PROBLEMS?

BY GEORGIA In the past, traditional economists have treated gambling like any other economic activity. They note that the industry generates a lot of money and creates employment, but leads to gambling addiction. This can result in crime, loss of employment and individual bankruptcies. They call this ‘the social cost of gambling’ but consider this a relatively small cost compared to the considerable economic benefits of the industry. Little research has been done into how gambling addiction arises.

Behavioural economics changes

by consistently small losses (small

casino, one should take an amount

all that. Its key concepts, such

harm), but with occasional large

of cash suitable to spend or lose

as prospect theory, mental

wins (large benefit). This recipe is

gambling. If the intent is to spend

accounting, the endowment effect,

very attractive to gamblers.

at most £100, we should not take

the house money effect and nudges, can be applied to the study of gambling behaviour and encourage responsible gambling.

Government taxing and spending, or even a person’s household budget, is considered “fungible” by many economists: individual

£500 to the casino. Individuals who do not go to cash machines during gambling sessions have more self-control than other gamblers.

This has led to many casinos being

A fundamental prospect theory

sources of income do not matter

idea is that “losses hurt about

in deciding how to spend money.

twice as much as gains make

However, people often apply

you feel good”. A gambler enjoys

“mental accounting” where wealth

This brings us to the endowment

winning £100, but a £50 loss

is separated into different mental

effect. A person’s endowment is

would hurt about as much as the

accounts, with “cash in the pocket”

the money and other property

£100 win was good. This effect

being the least important, and

that they own. In the context of

is called “loss aversion.” One

retirement savings the most.

gambling, there is a distinction

implication of prospect theory

People are much less careful with

between a person’s bank account

is that losses are completely

loose change than with retirement

balance (part of his endowment)

within the player’s control, and

savings. The phrase, “money burns

and the money available on a

can therefore be minor. Many

a hole in your pocket” clearly

gaming machine or casino chips.

casino games are characterised

demonstrates this. When visiting a

Once people insert cash into a

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obliged to limit the accessibility of cash machines on the premises.

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machine or buy casino chips, in

take larger risks with house money,

played 1,000 games. Do you wish

mental accounting terms, they no

up to the point of losing it back to

to continue?” are highly effective.

longer consider the money to be a

the casino.

part of their endowment and will

To conclude, the gambling industry

Nudges are a favourite

and gaming regulators are

government tool, as they can

already developing mechanisms

secure big changes in behaviour

which they hope will reduce

or machine and accumulate a

with relatively small interventions.

gambling problems. Researchers

balance in chips or credits in

For example, children tend to

in psychology have been studying

excess of their initial investment,

eat more healthily if salad bars

these issues and the evidence

we call that “house money.”

are moved to more prominent

is growing. It seems clear that

Suppose a person walks into a

locations in school canteens.

behavioural economics offers

casino with £200, and gambles

Supermarkets do the opposite by

some interesting and valuable

for a while, winning £100. Rather

placing sweets near checkout tills.

perspectives which have yet to be

than keeping all £300 in chips

In casinos, some machine games

taken advantage of by gambling

or credits, the person might put

now include pop-up messages

researchers. The development of

the original £200 budget in their

(nudges) that appear on the

behavioural economics is starting

pocket and play with the £100

screen, interrupting gambling.

to bridge the gap between how

winnings (house money). Studies

Studies have shown that

economists and psychologists view

have shown that people will often

reminders such as “You have now

gambling.

be more likely to spend it.

If people win at a table game

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Bibliography: Thaler, R. H. (2015). Misbehaving: The making of behavioural economics Douglas M. Walker and Elizabeth Mandell: Ideas in Behavioural Economics Related to Gambling Research The Guardian theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/nov/08/gambling-industry-philip-hammond-fixed-odds-bettingterminals?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

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References UNICCEF: qz.com/610930/unicef-98-of-women-in-somalia-have-undergone-female-genital-mutilation/ World Atlas: worldatlas.com, The Economist: economist.com United Nations: un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/global-issues-overview/

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Does education provide a solution to the world’s problems?

BY LUCY

When I read Malala’s biography, I noticed that she mentions the political turmoil in her native Pakistan. An extremist Government known as the Taliban were performing assaults on women daily and issued many rules and restrictions on what they could wear, how they could act, and enjoy their leisure time. Malala also describes her difficulties in going to school, that she felt scared to do so. So, could lack of education and violence be linked somehow?

Let’s take, for example, Somalia,

So what happens to those girls who

functioning society. Because those

a country where only 37.8% of the

grow up being denied education?

women are not educated, instead of

children go to school, and where

54% of them go off to sweatshops

getting jobs, they find themselves

only a quarter of girls in the

and become child labourers, 45%

married in their teens. Also, over

entire country are in the education

of them are married off, often

98% of Somali women are forced

system, where only 5% of girls are

to a man many years older than

into FGM. Those men who grow up

enrolled into secondary school

them before they are 18 years

with no education, cannot get jobs,

and all the better schools have to

old, and 8% of them before their

so many of them resign themselves

be paid for. For those in poverty

fifteenth birthday. More than

to committing small crimes in

in Somalia, whose number is a

three quarters of women age 15-

exchange for money.

shocking 73% of the population,

49 report having been violently

there is absolutely no feasible way

abused and assaulted by their

of ensuring that everyone gets the

husbands. On the other hand,

same chance. Whereas here in the

those 5% of Somali girls who have

UK we have 7% of the country’s

been allowed access to education

population having been or being

go on to lead more successful lives

privately educated, 73% of Somalis

and encounter far less danger.

find themselves having no access to education whatsoever. So Somali children from impoverished families grow up to find themselves with no jobs available whatsoever.

Females especially find it extremely hard, as the employment rate for women in Somalia is 19.2% - those in work being from women from educated, so obviously wealthier backgrounds.

This is why we need the world to be educated, for there is no better method to creating a well-educated population than education. Personally, my advice to those political leaders governing troubled countries: Educate first.

Education is one of the reasons why

Then most of the work will be done

Somalia is one of the most violent

for you. We have to teach people

countries in the world. With vast

about the world, because, if we

numbers of the population having

don’t teach, then we are faced with

no access to education, people

many more problems than when we

get involved in crime in order to

started out.

give their family what they need to survive. This is why education is one of, if not THE most important factor in producing a safe, fully-

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Is it possible, then, that education is THE solution to many of our world’s problems?

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HOW FRANCO’S DICTATORSHIP SHAPED THE SPAIN WE KNOW AND LOVE TODAY BY FREYA Many of you may have heard that recently the dictator

la Buena esposa’ which translates as ‘The guide to be

Franco has become very popular in the news, despite

a good housewife’, which gives women 11 rules to follow

dying over 40 years ago. On the 25th of October 2019,

to look after their husband, home and children. Women

Franco’s body was exhumed from the underground

were really oppressed during the dictatorship; they were

basilica that he had built after winning the civil war

not allowed to vote or get good jobs or if they were lucky

and his body was moved to a cemetery outside Madrid

enough to have jobs it was hard to become bosses and

where his wife was buried. PSOE, The Spanish Socialist

become promoted. Franco believed that a woman’s main

Worker Party argues the basilica and its 150-metre-high

purpose was to make a man’s life easier. Spanish law

cross are a monument to the Franco regime that glorifies

discriminated strongly against married women. Without

the winners of the civil war rather than commemorating

her husband’s approval, referred to as the ‘permiso

its victims. They even said that the exhumation would,

marital’, a wife was prohibited from almost all economic

“bring an end to the moral insult that is the exaltation

activities, including employment, ownership of property,

of a dictator in a public space.” Therefore, after a long

or even travel away from home.

debate and back and forth, eventually they won, and he

However, after his death in 1975 The ‘permiso marital’

has been moved. This really interested me and, having

was abolished and laws against adultery were cancelled

studied Franco’s dictatorship in my Spanish A Level class,

in 1978; and divorce was legalised in 1981.

I wanted to know more.

In terms of religion, soon after he came to power in 1941, The general and dictator Franco came to power in Spain

Franco agreed with the Vatican to set ‘rules’ for the

in 1939 and ruled until his death in 1975. He rose to

Catholic Church in Spain. These rules consisted of

power during the Spanish Civil War when, with the help

of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, his Nationalist forces

overthrew the democratically elected Second Republic.

Franco completely changed many values and beliefs in

Spain. He added many laws that shaped and affected

the Spain we know today. I am going to focus on how

1. The recognition that Catholicism is the official religion of Spain.

2. Mandatory religious instruction at all educational levels in conformity with Catholicism.

3. Financial support for the church and for renovations of church and religious buildings.

he changed feminism in Spain and how the Church and religion was affected under his strict ruling.

Furthermore, to ensure that the Church hierarchy consisted of supportive members, Franco was granted the

In 1953 Franco had a book published called ‘La Guía de

right to participate in the selection of bishops.

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This seemed to work for the first ten years and there was a high attendance at compulsory Mass, a high intake of young priests and a robust construction of seminaries and churches. Pilgrimages to local shrines were common. Mission retreats became very popular and were often attended by local politicians. Religious tracts were widely published and dangerous or offensive books, magazines and photographs were ritually burned in public squares. However, the Church became less important as rapid industrialisation and urbanisation in Spain led to Spain’s social norms changing. This led to a more critical stance towards government and employers’ policies. Gradually they began adopting a more radical stance against the government, assuming in many cases a role equivalent to trade unions, which were officially banned under Franco’s ruling.

To conclude, Franco clearly had a great effect on Spain. Franco’s strict ruling led to the birth of the feminist movement in Spain. When Franco died one of the feminist groups declared it National Women’s Year. As for the church, the majority of Spain is still Catholic, but there is no longer compulsory mass and people are free to choose others religions rather than face imprisonment.

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Is Not Just For Christmas!

BY JEMIMA It’s taken nearly three years of pressure, but at the start of the school summer holidays Mum finally crumbled and agreed we could have a dog! She had always pointed out that “It’ll be me who has to walk it for the next 13 years” or asked “Will you be taking it with you to university?” but things changed the day Dad mumbled “I don’t have a problem with having a dog”, and I think she knew the battle was lost – three votes to one.

My older sister had pretty much given up on us

But we couldn’t choose our puppy just yet, as the

ever getting a dog (she’d been dreaming about

breeder was keeping two for working competitions

owning a working cocker spaniel since primary

and breeding, and there was one person above us

school), but after our spring school exams, I’d

on the list. Even Mum got a little bit excited, as

rallied my dog-owning friends, and during prep

we went home and made lists of names and tried

time one day, we’d written a good case for having

to match them to each puppy, not knowing which

a dog; mental health benefits for teenagers,

pup we could have. Three more weeks, and we

exercise benefits for Mum (that bit wasn’t terribly

discovered we were having a little liver puppy, and

well received), and general health benefits for

then Mum lost her next battle – she wanted to name

Dad, who was preparing for open heart surgery

him Benson, but we all chose Chester!

during the summer. After I’d given Mum and Dad the PowerPoint presentation, the deal was sealed.

Our family of four was about to become five.

Have you any idea how much STUFF a puppy seems to need? Bed, travel crate, harness, lead, bowls, poo bags, toys (“He’s a dog,” muttered

But not that quickly, it turned out! Who knew that

Mum, “he has a garden, why does he NEED

working cocker spaniels were so popular? Within a

toys?”). She absolutely refused to buy a lovely,

week, having registered with the Kennel Club and

snuggly fabric bed, and insisted on the cheapest,

Champ Dogs, we were on waiting lists from Cumbria

grey moulded plastic one, arguing that he would

to Cornwall. Literally. Mum was wondering how

chew that and she wouldn’t mind (she was actually

far she’d have to drive to see the puppy and then

right this time - he does, and she doesn’t).

go back to collect it, and questioning out loud

Meanwhile, Dad was by now recovering in

about what might happen to the cream carpets

Coventry Hospital from his open-heart surgery,

everywhere in the house except the kitchen.

and the date for his discharge was approaching.

Four weeks into our search and the email

So was the date by which we had to collect

notification popped up – puppies near Ludlow!!

Chester from Ludlow. Thinking practically, Mum

Mum made the phone call within minutes, and forty-

decided that we should collect Chester first,

eight hours later, we were there, falling in love with

because she could leave Chester on his own in

each and every one of the six fluffy and excitable

the house, but not Dad, so off we set at 6pm on a

little boys; two black, two liver and two golden.

Thursday evening. The poor little pup had never

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been in a car before, and the road was twisty

Chester’s a really affectionate puppy, with big

and he was so sick on the way back – not the

amber eyes like a seal, and a way of snuggling

best start! A warm bath, a little food and a lot of

into your lap when you sit on the floor with him.

cuddles, and then it was time for bed for all of us.

He was there for us to cuddle when Dad had to

We popped him into his crate, closed the kitchen

go back into hospital with complications, and

door … and then stood listening at the door. For a

his coat absorbed a lot of tears. He has us all

few minutes he whimpered, then all was quiet and

laughing as he hurtles around the house when he

we all went to bed. I tiptoed down at about 4am,

makes a successful bid for freedom through the

only to find Mum already in the kitchen, checking

kitchen door and onto the cream carpets!

on Chester! All was fine, and we went back to bed, and at 6.30am, when I crept downstairs again and opened the crate door, all was clean and quiet, and luckily, he’s been the same ever since!

Dad came home from hospital 48 hours later

And soon it will be Christmas, and Mum’s latest canine concern is what he’ll do to the Christmas tree, or more accurately, the baubles and decorations. But I don’t care, because this puppy is here to stay, no matter what!

(he also had a warm bath, a little food and a lot of cuddles), and our family was complete. Short walks have turned into longer walks, as Dad has grown stronger and fitter again, and he and Chester are exercise buddies (part of Mum’s cunning plan, she says). Rain or shine, they both need to walk every day, and at weekends, we join them.

Lots of people advised puppy training classes, which my sister and I attended with Chester.

Rachel trains at The Cube on Sunday mornings, and we learned a lot from her. Chester was probably bottom of the class, but he achieved his certificate and rosette and can manage the basics – we just need to keep working on training! He’s hopeless when he meets new people; he drops a shoulder, almost performs a forward roll ending up on his back ready for his tummy to be tickled. He only barks at sweeping brushes, buckets and wheelbarrows. He’s a terrible thief, helping himself to prep, magazines and slippers, and will even steal from the washing machine if the door is left open.

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Can Art’s Uselessness be a Source of its Usefulness?

BY ALICE Oscar Wilde’s preface to ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ contains the statement which still shocks those who read it: “the only excuse for making a useless thing is that one admires it intensely.

All art is quite useless”[1]. Taken out of context, Wilde’s assertion may seem critical. However, it is quite the opposite; aesthetes had a great admiration for art and, although the movement itself was short-lived, many of their ideas resonate today. Aesthetes wanted a gulf between social, political, historical and moral themes and art, literature, and music. In an aesthetic sense, art being useless is a great advantage as it means art is completely admirable. Art being useless means it is created purely for the purpose of being beautiful, thus, of being art.

In answering this question, one has to confirm what art is, or at least what art is to oneself. Whether it is brushstroke, pencil line or clay, art is ultimately an attempt to make sense of the existential questions.

Art is the medium in which we endeavour to understand the human experience; therefore, art is a visual success of making the subject experience, understand and sympathise when looking at the work. Francis Bacon exemplifies art as self-reflecting.

Observations of Bacon’s work incite understanding of trauma in his paintings. The ‘mood’ is transferred to the observer, making it art. Bacon’s painting ‘Study after Velázquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X’ is a prime example of what art should do. The tortured face and darkness of the background combine to depict Bacon’s mind. The critic John Whitehead commented ‘His paintings express modern humanity’s condition’[2] - a definition that can be transferred to art as a whole, the result being the human condition caught and the exposure of societal conditions.

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Image by Alice Delhanty

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Simon Schama describes ‘great art’ as having the effect

the painting. ‘The Light of the World’ was intended to

of an “unsettling surprise”[3]. The feeling of standing in

be placed next to ‘The Awakening Conscience’: a woman

front of the work, rather than listening to the audio guide,

stirred by something, her conscience awakened to Jesus, a

demonstrates art’s useless usefulness. Jackson Pollock’s

realisation to reconsider her actions, preventing her from

painting ‘Number 23’ exemplifies this. Pollock himself said:

disgracing herself. The Pre-Raphaelites wished to go back

“Painting is self-discovery; every good artist paints what he

to nature, in the midst of an industrialised country, to

is”[4]. The self-depiction is what ‘unsettles’ us. ‘Number 23’

be beautiful rather than utilitarian. The Pre-Raphaelites

is a painting of self-discovery, the black spiralling around

believed that morality and beauty went hand in hand.

the canvas a visual image of Pollock’s subconscious.

Art being useful through being useless relieves pressure

An artistic creation arguably mirrors its creator. Egotistic

on the creator. Expression is unbounded; the end result is

works of oneself expose autobiography in art. An example

a wholly honest work. It is raw and exposing, touching and

in literature is Tennessee Williams’ play ‘A Streetcar

inspiring those who see it; the viewer is radicalised. Albert

Named Desire’[5], which has numerous autobiographical

Camus wrote in his ‘book-length’ essay “The Rebel”, ‘What

elements of Williams’ own life. Through the biographical

is a rebel? - a man who says no, but whose refusal does not

resonance the audience is touched and a ‘mood’ is created.

imply a renunciation.’[7]This idea can be applied to artists.

John Berger articulates this in his collection of essays ‘Ways

Their movements act as rebellions, challenging the norm.

of seeing’: “What are these paintings? Before anything else

However, in their denial, they do not renunciate or lose the

they are themselves”[6]. Humans are egotistic creatures; we

finesse of the art previously gained.

always try to find ourselves in what we see and do. When we create something it is always a depiction of ourselves; art is self-portrayal in even the most abstract of senses.

The early Pre-Raphaelite movement at times shocked and disgusted its viewers. The alien ‘Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood’ was a rebellious art movement. An artist

In aestheticism there were contradictions during the

strives for progression, as Wilde desired to achieve in the

period it occupied. Pre-Raphaelites are often associated

preface of ‘Dorian Gray’ - that art did not have to be a

with the Aesthetic movement, and show how art can

fable, it could be simply beautiful. Art devoid of moralistic

be both didactic and beautiful. Many Pre-Raphaelite

themes results in a more impressive piece since the

works encompass moralistic messages such as William

observer is undistracted with concerns of moral lessons or

Holman-Hunt’s “The Light of the World” (1853-54), and

instruction. What is created is completely revolutionary. In

“The Awakening Conscience” (1853). Whilst these works

a letter to a friend in 1851, John Everett Millais described

are beautiful, the intention is didactic and therefore, a

art as having an ‘unworldly usefulness to mankind’. The

contradiction of the aesthetes’ idea of art. The portrayal

‘unworldly’ usefulness is what gives art its unworldly power.

of Jesus is with a lamp in His hand, creating a glow

“L’art pour l’art” or “art for art’s sake” is an understatement

revealing his face looking directly at the viewer. He knocks

of what aesthetes were trying to achieve by breaking from

on the door, unconcerned about who will answer, rather

claustrophobic societal expectations.

he continues to stare. However beautiful the image may be, beauty was not the primary concern. Holman-Hunt saw himself as a social reformer and this was integral to

Arguably, art created with didactic intention loses that effect eventually; uselessness dominates the work. The majority of pre-1900 art consists of art created for the

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patron, which contradicts the idea of art being useless.

circumstances in which the individual lives affects how

‘Art for patron’s sake’ rather than ‘art for art’s sake’ and

they perceive the work. Art created with the intention of

aestheticism means that the power was with the patron,

instructing at the time is only recognised by the specific

not the artist. Paintings of monarchs, political figures and

audience of the time. The ‘useful’ quality of art becomes

propaganda were created with an intention, instructing

increasingly useless as the viewer changes and becomes

the viewer to think a certain way. Obvious examples

more distant from the work’s original context. John Berger

include Holbein’s paintings, Roman statues of rulers such

outlines this idea in ‘Ways of Seeing’: “Art of the past no

as Augustus and Charles le Brun’s paintings of Versailles.

longer exists as it once did”[10] : the world changes and so

The artists were restrained by a ‘brief’ from the patron.

does the art; its existence shifts in use. It is the uselessness

Another example of didactic painting is Delacroix’s ‘Liberty

of the ‘once useful’ art that allows its new viewer to

Leading the People’ (1830), which commended the July

appreciate the artistic power rather than the messages

revolution of 1830 in France, which overthrew Charles X.

within the painting. The viewer is not obliged to take note

This painting was essentially propaganda, glorifying the

of the political message from the patron. One can simply

revolution and those who died in it. Delacroix said shortly

stand in awe and appreciate the beauty. The shift in

after he began the painting “I have undertaken a modern

context allows the ‘once useful’ art to become ‘useless’ and

subject, a barricade… so that if I did not win for my country

therefore be appreciated as art, not as argument.

I will at least be painting for it.”[8] The painting is for his country, the patron, not himself. A literary example, George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’[9], is one of the most celebrated novels of the twentieth century: ‘a work of art’. Nonetheless, it has the purpose of refuting communism and acts as an allegory for the Russian Revolution. It has a devout use, yet it is still considered art.

Art has incredible qualities. It has the ability to create mood and move the viewer and, being useless, this quality allows one to see truth in the art as well as beauty; a usefulness immeasurable. Uselessness relieves the works of pressure, allowing art to be created for beauty, not instruction. Aestheticism was of great use to art as a whole, allowing the art of the future to progress. To be useless

Art created for a specific purpose loses its influence over

does not mean to be purposeless; art’s purpose is to be

time. As the societal context changes, art is perceived

infinitely useless or not. However, it is the lack of use, either

differently. Art is wholly subjective; the perspective of

from the distance from the original context or from self-

the individual dictates what is recognised. Therefore, the

expression that gives art its ‘unworldly usefulness’.

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[1] Wilde, Oscar, The Picture of Dorian Gray (England: Penguin Books, 1891), page 5.

[2] thedailyhatch.org, Whitehead, John, 21.12.18, thedailyhatch.org/2012/04/02/francis-bacon-humanist-artist-who-believed-life-is-meaningless-part-1-2/ [3] Schama, Simon, The Power of Art (England: BBC Books, 2006), page 7.

[4] tate.org.uk, Pinnington, Mike, 3.01.19, www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/articles/jackson-pollock-man-myth [5] Williams, Tennessee, A Streetcar Named Desire (England: Penguin Books, Penguin Modern Classics 2009) [6] Berger, John, “5”, in Ways of Seeing, (England: Penguin Books, 1972), page 85.

[7] Camus, Albert, The Rebel (England: Penguin Books, 1953), page 19.

[8] Eugene Delacroix, 31-12-2018 eugene-delacroix.com/liberty-leading-the-people.jsp [9] Orwell, George, Animal Farm (England: Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd, 1987) [10]Berger, John, “1”, in Ways of Seeing, (England: Penguin Books, 1972), pp. 33.

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BY CICELY

“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected tranquillity.” - William Wordsworth.

“A

poem is a naked person... poet.”

Some people - Bob Dylan.

say that

I

in

am a

Poems are taught in school both for their literary value and their invaluable statements about the experiences and societies of their poets.

Music lyrics and the poetry within them, however, are not. Once an artist has set their work to music, the declaration they wish to make should not depreciate in value. If anything, it has been made more accessible to the average reader, or listener. For instance, “In the Bleak Midwinter” is a Christmas carol originally written by Christina Rossetti and then set to music 30 years later by Gustav Holst. If it wasn’t one of Mrs Lindner’s favourites and subsequently frequently included in our carol service it would probably be under-appreciated by the students at MSJ. As a song it is instantly recognisable to millions of people, yet its lyrics are not analysed in our classrooms.

Bob Dylan is the only artist I can ever recall being compared to a poet.

I agree he is certainly one of the best; after all, he did win the Nobel Literature Prize, but his songs are not the only works that, once placed on paper, could easily be reminiscent of a poem. Songwriters across the globe want to be recognised for their thoughts and opinions, as well as their musical talent, yet the messages in their songs are often lost behind a screen of rock-and-roll or get passed off as popular culture. Whilst I agree that not all of Miley Cyrus’s work is quite equal to the words of Tennyson or Hardy, I think that we miss out on valuable messages and intricate craftsmanship by ignoring the words which surround us. Seamus Heaney is highly praised for writing in the language of men, appealing to the average, ordinary reader and so more successfully sharing his poetry. But aren’t Kanye West, Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi doing the same thing?

Some songs are more poetic than others, not all have quite the same depth of meaning; but not all poetry is pure philosophy, lots of it’s comical and relatable – just like music. Nor is all music to everybody’s taste, but neither is poetry. I’m not suggesting that we cast aside Larkin in favour of The Rolling Stones, or that poetry and song lyrics are the same thing.

Simply that I think there is much value to be gained by giving musicians the respect and appreciation they probably deserve.

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Variety: variety.com/2019/film/news/u-k-cinema-attendance-in-2018-was-highest-since-1970-1203114067/ Britannica: britannica.com/topic/An-Inconvenient-Truth Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/news/science/11087683/Watching-violent-films-does-make-people-more-aggressive-study-shows.html

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The Guardian: theguardian.com/film/2016/feb/14/sharmeen-obaid-chinoy-interview-saba-qaiser-honour-killing-documentary-girl-river-oscarnomination

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The Influence of Film

BY ANNA

Film has an expansive influence on today’s society and how we conduct ourselves in our day-to-day lives. Its sustained influence in the current decade is reflected in the cinema attendance which reached 117 million in the UK in 2018, the highest figure since 1970.

Film has a striking ability to

empathy with situations such as

and the increase in violent crime

provoke emotion, unite society and

war and terrorism that would

- especially if the viewer has an

entertain a nation. When you find

otherwise seem insignificant in

abrasive personality. Furthermore,

a film that truly resonates with

the course of our busy everyday

film is commonly used as a

you, the feeling is incomparable.

lives. Perhaps one of the most

medium to share the views of

The seemingly insignificant

influential, yet often overlooked,

a group or individual with the

decisions made by a director can

ways in which film can positively

intention of gaining more support

impact upon our sense of identity

affect us is its ability to inspire:

in their belief. This can be a

and change our perspective.

to inspire us to become better

negative or positive impact of the

individuals and inspire us to work

moving image. For example, Leni

towards our goals. Directors,

Riefenstahl’s 1935 propaganda

actors and cinematographers

film ‘Triumph of the Will’

themselves probably became

according to the Independent,

motivated to pursue their careers

‘won the Nazis friends and allies

because of a film which affected

all over the world’. However, the

them to such an extent that they

2015 documentary ‘A Girl In the

wanted to create something that

River’ led to the Prime Minister of

would have the same effect on

Pakistan promising that he would

somebody in the future.

change the law on honour killings

There are many ways in which film can affect our society in positive ways. It is a source of escapism and entertainment as well as a way of spreading awareness of important issues. For example, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, a documentary directed by Davis Guggenheim has been credited for raising international public

after he watched it.

awareness of global warming and

Although there is an abundance

re-energising the environmental

of positive attributes of the

As with any medium which holds

movement, leading to an

cinema, the sheer scale of its

great influence and power, film

increase of 30% of those who

influence inevitably means that

can affect society in both positive

believed climate change was a

there are negative aspects of its

and negative ways. It has helped

serious problem in just two years

impact. For example, violence

to shape the modern world in

following the release of the film.

and substance abuse can easily

which we live, and has moulded

Film also allows us to understand

infiltrate the minds of young

and changed the lives of many.

more about cultures that exist

viewers and many can begin

With the abundance of film and

miles away from our own. The

to mimic what they watch on-

television available to us today in

medium of film and television

screen. A recent study carried out

the digital age in which we live, it

can help us to awaken our sense

in 2014 showed that there is a

is important we respect the great

of responsibility towards, and

correlation between x-rated films

influence which it has.

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my truth

BY MWENDE My truth Is knowing that my life is not always going to be sung in a major key Knowing that people are not as accepting as you and me My truth Is listening to stories about my family and being filled with pride My truth Is hearing about a 14-year-old who was shamed and committed suicide because she was on her period Her femininity is not an iniquity My truth Is tears rolling down my face as they said my skin was the colour of dirt

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So I asked my transcendent God Why did you mould me from sky and tar?

He said that stars need darkness to shine He said that his skin was made from burnished bronze He said that he was the same God who made jasper and obsidian So my truth Is knowing that these labels are heavy They are dragging me down But they are not ready because, My truth is knowing that my black is a boastful believer, Like Rosa my black resists: I will not sit, be defined or confined I will not stay silent, I will speak my mind; and my truth walked miles for a one single dream My truth paved way for this day, Oh how I adore my truth beautiful truth

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ONE NATION, ONE COUNTRY

BY NKEMDILIM

One nation, One country, United we stand, Disunited we fall.

Peace and harmony, Love and caring, Joy and happiness Is shared by all.

Integrity and dignity, No one is left out, Everyone together, Make heard your shout.

Respect and equality, Humility and honesty, One nation, One country One Nigeria we stand.

I wrote this poem before Nigeria’s Independence Day. It is a very special day in Nigeria where everyone comes out to have fun and share in the love and joy of Independence.

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FREEDOM AND OPPRESSION AN EXPLORATION OF LANGUAGE IN DYSTOPIAN FICTION

BY KAY

Words have an immense power to shape our world,

with only those at the top of the hierarchy being

determine our actions, and allow us a unique means

allowed access to them. For example, feminist authors

of expression. Those with the talent to use words

such as Mary Wollstonecraft are banned in Atwood’s

effectively to influence others have a great privilege,

Gilead, and books about ‘obsolete’ ideas such as ‘God’

but also a great responsibility. For every example of

and ‘love’ are locked away in Brave New World. In

a situation where words have been used to empower,

1984, there are rumours of ‘the book,’ written by the

there is an equal number of cases where they have

ruling Party’s scapegoat, Emmanuel Goldstein, which

been used to control or to manipulate. No literary

denounces the state.

genre displays this dual nature of language ‘as both a mechanism for control and freedom,’ as vividly as dystopian fiction.

On the other hand, the act of writing in dystopian fiction is often shown as one of rebellion, with huge subversive potential. In 1984 the main character,

Dystopian literature is a genre of fictional writing

Winston, uses a diary as a method of rebelling against

used to explore social and political structures in

the state of Oceania and working out his response to

a nightmarish future world. It aims to disprove

the horrific world around him. The act of writing out

utopian literature’s fundamental assumption that

his feelings of rebellion and dissatisfaction with the

a perfect human society is possible, showing the

regime gives him a kind of release, enabling him to

reader the inherency of humanity’s flaws and often

express his resistance. Similarly, in The Handmaid’s

functioning as social criticism through the technique

Tale, the act of recording, of telling her story to

of defamiliarization. In this article, I will be focusing

someone, enables the main character Offred to remain

on Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Huxley’s Brave New

sane and reject the state’s values, reassuring her that

World and Orwell’s 1984.

there is some meaning to her life. In the ruling state

Literature is used in dystopian fiction as propaganda to promote the ruling regime. As Booker says of 1984, ‘the most potentially powerful force for government control of the population… [is] language itself.’ For example, in The Handmaid’s Tale the rulers of the

of Gilead, women are not allowed to read or write. As Booker describes, ‘the very fact that Offred records her diary indicates her insistence on her own articulateness and refusal to accept the Gileadean line that men are vastly superior to women in their linguistic abilities.’

state of Gilead use misinterpreted or misquoted Bible

Gilead is constructed upon the official discourse of

passages to support their actions, and the culture

religious fundamentalism, and common phrases like,

industries are controlled by the state in 1984 and Brave

‘blessed be the fruit,’ ‘praise be,’ and ‘under his eye,’

New World. Books that express ideas contrary to the

are used by the characters to show conformity with

ruling regime are banned in all of these dystopias,

the regime’s values. However, the main character

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Offred uses the language of the past, which the

he himself had previously denounced.

official language seeks to oppress. The character

The main figure of rebellion in Brave New World,

of Moira, a man-hating lesbian, ‘represents a

however, is John the Savage. John has been brought

general subversive language,’ and Offred often sets

up outside the state without the conditioning of

Moira’s language against the orthodox as a way of undermining official beliefs, for example remembering how Moira sang, ‘bomb,’ instead of ‘balm,’ in a hymn.

others. He is obsessed with Shakespeare, constantly quoting from him, using the language to describe his reactions and attack the beliefs and actions of

Another new language is formed in response to

others. Booker suggests that Brave New World, ‘draws

Gilead – that of the resistance group, Mayday, with

much of its energy from a confrontation between the

a series of codewords and signs. Thus, there is shown

values’ represented by this future dystopia and the

to be a kind of ‘battle’ between the official discourse

past, ‘epitomised by Shakespeare.’ The language of

and rebellious counter-discourses, demonstrating the

Shakespeare is emotive, coming from and evoking

potential of language to free or to control.

strong passions. The ‘vacuity,’ of the ‘infantile,’ and

In her diary, Offred often breaks down the meaning

‘linguistically deprived,’ language spoken by those in

of official words ‘so that she can harbour a limited

Huxley’s London stands in strong contrast with this,

amount of control over words that are intended to

because emotive language would injure the stability

deprive her of power,’ for example remembering that

of their society. Therefore, John’s rebellion against

‘pearls’ are actually congealed oyster spit, rather than

the state is ‘very much a confrontation of languages.’

accepting the official meaning of ‘pearl,’ as precious,

However, one of the problems Huxley exposes with John

child-bearing women – these, as she says herself

is that his rebellion is expressed almost entirely through

‘are the kinds of litanies I use, to compose myself.’

another’s words instead of his own. John has been ‘just

However, her linguistic rebellion is limited in scope,

as thoroughly conditioned’ by Shakespeare and his own

and one of the scariest things about the novel is the

society as those in London.

way in which she is shown partially to internalise and

Characters in 1984 also express linguistic rebellion

accept the official language, and thus official values

against the new language of the state, Newspeak.

and beliefs.

The most overtly rebellious character, Julia, ‘never

In Brave New World, the World Controllers use a

used Newspeak words,’ and uses coarse language,

technique called ‘sleep-teaching, or hypnopaedia,’

frequently swearing, which members of the Party

where particular slogans are repeated to children

were not meant to do. Her language is, as Winston

while they are asleep until ‘the child’s mind is these

observes, ‘one symptom of her revolt against the

suggestions… all his life long.’ One of the most

Party.’ One of the key doctrines of the Party is the

horrific things about the book is the way in which

idea that the Party controls reality, and so what the

characters in the story mindlessly repeat these

Party says is the truth. Winston uses his diary to

slogans, such as ‘everyone belongs to everyone

rebel against this by writing things such as, ‘freedom

else,’ ‘ending is better than mending,’ accepting

is the freedom to say that two plus two makes four,’

their conditioning as unquestioned truth. As in The

recognising the existence of objective reality and

Handmaid’s Tale, there is a battle between the

thus denying the Party’s truth. History is also seen

language of the state and that of those opposed to

as mutable, and so the rhyme ‘oranges and lemons,’

it. The semi-rebellious character Bernard Marx is an

becomes a motif of rebellion, a piece of the past the

expert in hypnopaedia and so recognises when other

Party is trying to destroy and deny. After Winston has

characters are putting forward these slogans as their

accepted the Party’s rightness and control of reality,

actual opinion. His ability to distinguish between

he writes, ‘two plus two equal five,’ negating his

conditioning and truth and reject the language used

previous words and demonstrating his conversion to

by the state is a form of rebellion – it is noticeable

orthodox beliefs.

that later on in the book when he becomes more orthodox, he switches to using the same expressions

Another idea explored in 1984 is the Wittgensteinian theory that ‘the limits of my language are the limits of

30

my world,’ a concept which is used by the ruling Party to oppress its subjects. Newspeak, the new language created by the Party, is a simplified form of English, without any irregularities or exceptions to rules, with all superfluous words – and, most importantly, all words

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A related concept is explored in Brave New World.

The character Helmholtz is an ‘emotional engineer,’ who writes slogans and popular songs. However, he feels as if he has something inside him waiting to have the chance to come out, ‘a feeling that I’ve got something important to say and the power to say it – only I don’t know what it is, and I can’t make any use of the power.’ There is no suffering in Huxley’s London – everyone instantly has whatever they want and can always take the drug ‘soma,’ to make them perfectly happy. Helmholtz wants to write something,

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English Review, 28(1), pp.30-4.

eradicated. It is only when he begins to reject the social order, isolating himself from others, that he has something to write about – his individuality.

Ultimately language is revealed as neutral, shown as both a tool of rebellion, a means of gaining freedom, and a tool for intense repression. It is not language in itself that causes freedom or oppression – it is the way it is used by the people who have control of it.

Dystopian fiction encourages us to evaluate our use of language. Are we, the privileged ones, who have ‘the word’ using it to free… or to oppress?

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Orwell, G. (2013). Nineteen Eighty-Four. London: Penguin.

Orwell, G. (1987). Animal Farm. London: Planet Three Publishing Network.

Unsworth, C. (2016). Appropriation of Language in dystopian fiction.

[Blog] charlotteunsworth.com. Available at: https://charlotteunsworth. com/appropriation-of-language-in-dystopian-fiction/ [Accessed 7 Nov. 2019].

Valentine, S. (1998). The Protagonist’s Response to Power and Language in the Dystopian Novel. Undergraduate. McMaster. (https://macsphere.mcmaster.ca/bitstream/11375/10900/1/fulltext.pdf)

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ignore history AT YOUR PERIL!

BY ISABEL When I tell people that I study A Level History I am often met with a mixture of less than flattering responses. Some people wonder why I would choose to spend my free time writing countless essays on the goings on of long-ago battles and political affairs. Others are confused. They do not see the relevance to modern day life and a legion of facts concerning dead people in times that do not look like our own techno world of today. So, of course they pose questions such as, “Does it matter how many wives Henry VIII had?” or “Who cares about the date of the Magna Carta?” and finally, “How will knowing this make a difference to me and my life?”

If you take that approach you could make the same points about every subject that we study in school such as, “Does it matter that some 37 trillion cells make up the human body?”

The answer is: possibly not. What does matter is understanding that the human body is comprised of a variety of cells with specialist functions and how science reached this level of knowledge, so that we can understand key elements of how the body works and how it repairs itself.

In the same vein it might not matter that Henry VIII had six wives, but through his determination to marry Anne Boleyn and his defiance of the Pope, he enabled the introduction of Protestantism. It may be correct to say that the date of the Magna Carta signing is an irrelevant fact that is tedious to memorise. However, it is important to understand that The Magna Carter was a fundamental pillar in the establishment of our liberties and today’s democracy. Without an understanding of History we cannot grasp nor appreciate how the liberties that form the basis of today’s British values, such as the rule of law and democracy, were shaped or the sacrifices that were made to establish them.

Bibliography davidmurrin.co.uk/media/how-the-past-can-help-us-predict-the-future churchillarchiveforschools.com/why-history-matters/history-connects-the-past-with-the-present youtube.com/watch?v=hLE-5ElGlPM youtube.com/watch?v=mW58TSB1EGs

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You may argue that, “History won’t help me get the

repetition of these mistakes and the loss of the Russian

job I want”. This concern is understandable, as now-

campaign was a huge turning point in World War 2

adays studying subjects that students hope will help You that, “History won’tas help me getHowevthe job themmay get argue their dream job, is seen essential.

and represents a prime example of not learning from mistakes the loss of the Russian the past. and Although, obviously for thecampaign better! was a

their dream job, to is seen as as essential.

However, it seems directly related it, such teaching or archaeology. to be a recurrent assumption that the only job one This is wrong, as it ignores the fact that History pro-

the future,for for example, obviously the better! the 2008 Great Recession was deemed to be, “the biggest economic horror story of Finally, understanding History canRobert help usSkidelsky. to predict the post-war years” by economist,

Ier, want”.

This to concern is understandable, as that nowadays it seems be a recurrent assumption the only studying subjects that students hope will help them get job one can attain from studying History is one that is

can fromfor studying History is one problems that is directly videsattain solutions a variety of current and related to it, such as teaching or archaeology. is a basis of success in many interesting jobs. This

is wrong, as it ignores the fact that History provides Think about this, if youofwant to become doctor solutions for a variety current problemsa and is aand

want a modern disease,jobs. such as Ebola, it basis to of treat success in many day interesting is crucial to understand the spread of microorganisms.

Think about this,however, if you want become a doctor and This knowledge, onlytocomes from the History want to treatand a modern day disease, suchand as his Ebola, it of medicine studying Louis Pasteur Germ is crucial to understand the spread of microorganisms.

Theory, which is the basis of modern medicine. These This knowledge, however,still only comes from the sterilisation procedures save countless livesHistory today. of medicine and studying Louis Pasteur and his Germ The influence History also seen in architecture.

Theory, which of is the basisisof modern medicine.

These

Renzo Piano,procedures designer ofstill thesave Shard, an iconic building sterilisation countless lives today. in London, took his inspiration from his study of 18th The influence History alsocentury seen inrailway architecture. century ships’ of masts and is19th lines.

Renzo Piano, designer of the Shard, an iconic building Therefore, without History much of today’s architecin London, took his inspiration from his study of ture may never have been imagined.

18th century ships’ masts and 19th century railway Knowing History without can alsoHistory ensure much peopleofavoid making lines.

Therefore, today’s

past mistakesmay andnever therefore to make better architecture havehelp beenthem imagined. decisions in the future. Did you know that both Hitler Knowing Historymet cancrucial also ensure people avoidover making and Napoleon defeats in Russia a

past mistakes therefore to make better hundred yearsand apart?

Hitler help was them meticulous in his study decisions in the future.

Did you know that both Hitler of Napoleon’s successful military manoeuvres and and met defeats Russia over a oftenNapoleon used them ascrucial the basis of hisinown plans.

Howevhundred years apart?

Hitler was meticulous in his study er, he failed to adequately consider Napoleon’s losses

of Napoleon’s successful manoeuvres and often in order to learn from hismilitary mistakes, such as the defeat used them as the basis of his own plans.

However, he in Russia. So extreme weather conditions, poor supply

failed to adequately consider Napoleon’s lossesthat in order chain issues and disease, all the same factors led to learn from his mistakes, such as the defeat in to Napoleon’s defeat, also led to Hitler’s failure.Russia.

The So extreme weather conditions, poor supply chain issues

and disease, all the same factors that led to Napoleon’s defeat, also led to Hitler’s failure. The repetition of these

33

huge turning point in World War 2 and represents a Finally,example understanding Historyfrom can the helppast. us toAlthough, predict prime of not learning

the fordefied example, thethe 2008 Greatdevised Recession The future, recession all of models by was deemed to be, “the biggest economic horror story economists, leading to global crisis and confusion of in

the post-war However, years” by had economist, Robert Skidelsky. its handling. the trends of, increasing The recession defied all of the models devised bybelief levels of credit, low productivity at work and the economists, leading to is global crisis andoutcome, confusion in that economic success a permanent that its handling.

However, had the trends of, increasing preceded the recession been analysed in relation with

levels of credit,cycles, low productivity at work and belief past economic then the recession couldthe have that economic success is a permanent outcome, that been predicted, or even prevented. Analysing a crisis preceded the recession been analysed in relation with in which all these features were prevalent, and one past economic cycles, then the recession could have that is considered as being the greatest economic

been even have prevented. a crisis crash predicted, of its time,orwould helped.Analysing They should have in which all these features were prevalent, and studied The Wallstreet Crash of 1929. However, one such that is considered as being the and greatest economic historical analysis was ignored illustrates how the crash of its time, would have helped.

They should have disregard of History because it is seen as ‘boring’ or studied Thecan Wallstreet Crashconsequences. of 1929. However, ‘irrelevant’ have serious The such moral historical analysis was ignored and illustrates of the story is, ‘Ignore History at your peril’ how the disregard of History because it is seen as ‘boring’ or Through the study History, it is evident that ‘irrelevant’ can haveofserious consequences.

The moral humans are is, creatures habitat and, whilst our social of the story ‘Ignore of History your peril’. context changes, often our behaviours do not. It is Through study of History, is evident that us to apparentthe that a knowledge ofitHistory enables

humans are these creatures of habit whilst our social understand patterns andand, trends so that not only context changes, often our behaviours do not. is can we perceive them, but we can also employ Itthem apparent a knowledge of History enables us to to predict that possible future events.

This means that understand patterns trends so that History can these be more than aand school subject thatnot entails only can we perceive them, but we can the composition of countless essays andalso theemploy tedious them to predict possible future events.

This means retention of a manifold of facts and dates. History

that History can moreand than a school subject that can be a force forbegood one that can help huentails the mankind tocomposition progress. of countless essays and the tedious retention of a manifold of facts and dates.

History can be a force for good and one that can help humankind to progress.

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Globalisation

BY ELLEN

In the 21st century globalisation is a growing topic of conversation; but what is globalisation? It is the process of the world becoming more interconnected, and the movement of goods and services without barriers. This process has been occurring since the 15th century but only recently has become a buzzword. Some say it occurred in the 19th century, when a huge drop in transport costs allowed travel to become more accessible and commodity prices dropped.

TNCs (transnational corporations) are a major driver of globalisation, if not the main driver, as they increase global flows and are located in many countries causing interdependency (countries becoming overdependant on one another). The global hubs, for example, America, host major TNCs such as McDonalds, therefore people invest in these areas. This means the downward transition areas (a peripheral region marked by depleted resources, low agricultural productivity or outdated industry) lose out due to loss of FDI (foreign direct investment, which is the investment made by another firm into business interests located in another country) and the negative impact of offshoring and outsourcing.

TNCs are now earning more revenue than the GDP of some countries.

For example, Walmart earns more than Sweden’s GDP. However, these American TNCs are now losing out to Chinese TNCs which are growing in value. China now has the three biggest TNCs e.g. Huawei.

The growth of these TNCs affects global inequality, widening the gap

These huge TNCs are taking over the

between the rich and the poor. This occurs because the profits increase

world. The transnational business,

for the multinationals like Amazon but don’t benefit the poor. Some

Disney, is worth $130 billion dollars and

believe Brexit may be rage expressed against globalisation. According

is one of the most powerful companies

to the World Inequality Report 2018, the share of national income of the

in the most powerful economy, with

top 1% has risen from 11% in the 1980s to 20% in 2014 when compared to

a presence in over 130 countries.

the entire bottom half of the population who have a mere 13%. However,

Disneyfication is the process of our

when viewing the world as a whole, there is a decrease in inequality due

society becoming more like a Disney

to the success of developing countries such as India which have raised

resort which is just one example of

their per capita incomes in recent years. However, this rise may be due

the huge influence these TNCs have.

to these powerful countries offshoring and outsourcing to these LICs and

Nevertheless, these businesses are

exploiting their power and influence. For example, China has moved into

growing at the expense of smaller

Zambia which is rich in minerals. These companies are taking jobs and

independent businesses. On the other

destroying local business, rather than boosting indigenous trade.

hand, some may say TNCs bring unity

34

worldwide as we become more like-minded. However, in

Organisation). For example, the cocoa trade in Ghana

Bhutan this loss of identity with the rise of globalisation

is less profitable now, as Ghanaian governments

brought much unhappiness and a loss of culture.

are unable to subsidise farmers to encourage food

What could governments do? They could support independent businesses; however, subsidies and protectionism are not allowed when countries have joined organisations such as the WTO (World Trade

production; so they cannot compete with imported and subsidised goods from countries like the USA. Therefore, TNCs can drive global growth but only benefit the elite and can cause small companies to close.

â–

Bibliography: Dunn, C Adams, K Holmes, D Oakes, S Warn, S Witherick, M (2016). Edexcel Geography book 1 . Londom: Hodder education. 172-178.

Digby,B Hurst,C Adams,L Chapman,R Ross,S Ferretti,J (2016). Geography for Edexcel A level year 1 . Oxford: Oxford. 158-167.

How TNCs have spread Globalisation: tncandglobalisation.weebly.com/tncs-effects-on-globalisation.html The Guardian: theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/02/do-globalisation-and-world-trade-fuel-inequality The Economist: economist.com/the-economist-explains/2014/09/02/why-globalisation-may-not-reduce-inequality-in-poor-countries Walt Disney’s Worth: google.com/search?q=disneys+worth&oq=disneys+worth+&aqs=chrome..69i57j35i39l2j0l2j69i61.3715j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Oxford Reference: oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095729548

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ARE HUMANS THE CAUSE OF

earthquakes?

BY MICHAELA

You might have heard recently

other greenhouse gas emissions

in Oklahoma’s earthquakes comes

on the news of the earthquake

are raising temperatures which is

from injecting wastewater, brought

in Turkey. 31 people were killed

causing glaciers to melt rapidly.

up by oil and gas exploration,

and more than 1600 injured. 400

This applies pressure on the

back into the earth. Oklahoma has

aftershocks were felt between

Earth’s crust, causing earthquakes

about 3,200 wastewater disposal

the 22nd January and the

to be triggered.

wells and it only takes one to be

26th January, with the highest

Another way humans are

drilled deep enough to come into

magnitude being 6.7 on the

triggering earthquakes is through

contact with the layer of rock in

Richter scale.

induced seismicity. These are

which the faults can be found. If

This has in fact been happening in

minor earthquakes and tremors

the water is injected in the wrong

the UK as well. 28 small earthquakes

that are caused by human activity

place, it can change the pressure

were recorded from 4th December

which then alters the stresses and

on the fault, which triggers

to the 23rd of January, but only felt

strains on the earth’s crust. Most

earthquakes. This can cause minor

by three people.

induced seismicity is of a low

tremors, or in Oklahoma’s case

In Turkey, earthquakes are

magnitude, so has little effect. The

larger tremors or earthquakes,

common. Could this be because of

main causes of induced seismicity

with the highest recorded

the well-known effect of ‘Global

are artificial lakes, mining, waste

magnitude between 2009 and

Warming’? Earthquakes are a

disposal wells, groundwater

2019 of 5.8 on the Richter scale, on

familiar geological phenomenon,

extraction, hydraulic fracturing

the 8th September 2016.

usually caused when two pieces of

and carbon capturing & storage.

Induced seismicity is definitely

the Earth’s Crust – tectonic plates

Hydraulic action, for example, is a

caused by humans, but are

– bang or rub into each other.

technique in which high-pressure

earthquakes also caused by

This has been happening since the

fluid is injected into the low

climate change? When an

continents appeared so is not an

permeable reservoir rocks in order

earthquake fault is primed and

unknown thing.

to induce fractures to increase

ready to go like a coiled spring,

What could be triggering more

hydrocarbon production. Another

climate change may provide that

frequent earthquakes? Could it be

example is mining which affects

last bit of power that sets off the

that new research has discovered

the stress state of the surrounding

quake that would eventually have

that it is the effect humans are

rock mass. This often causes

occurred anyway.

having on polar ice sheets? The

seismic activity.

Climate change can lead to

melting of ice sheets and glaciers

Oklahoma has always had

flooding, hurricanes, drought,

around the World is accelerating,

earthquakes, but they used to be

wildfires, and loss of habitat.

which is not good. Factors such as

rather rare, until 2009. Scientists

But could it also be shaking the

rising carbon dioxide levels and

are very sure that the big increase

ground beneath our feet?

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Sources Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induced_seismicity Nu Sci: nuscimag.com/does-climate-change-really-trigger-earthquakes-41a91477e7fc YPTE: ypte.org.uk/factsheets/climate-change/climate-change?gclid=Cj0KCQiAsbrxBRDpARIsAAnnz_M7GK0gPDL891J6FXPrIzG5iUJtL67h8VNji8dYecZaofyw-q09zQaAv4pEALw_wcB

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Scientia: scientia.global/dr-christian-brandes-can-climate-change-cause-earthquakes/

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BEHAVIOUR

BY VALENTINE

Have you ever wondered why everyone behaves differently? What about the reasons why people’s emotions might change drastically when something happens that you didn’t think was that big a deal? Well, read on: I might have the answer for you.

Many people experience an emotion all of a sudden without actually understanding where it has come from. For example, person one might suddenly feel anxious without any apparent reason as soon as they encounter person two.

This is the effect of the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind has a great impact on behaviour.

The first thing we need to understand about how the subconscious mind affects a person’s behaviour is that even if a belief is not available to the conscious mind, it will still impact a person’s actions. Our behaviour results from our emotions and since the subconscious mind is the one that controls emotions, we can conclude that the subconscious mind is a big factor in someone’s behaviour.

Have you ever felt puzzled and been unable to understand someone’s behaviour?

In order to be able to begin to understand someone’s behaviour you need to remember that you cannot analyse them from just one or two situations and then judge their whole personality. When attempting to understand people’s behaviour, the biggest mistake you can make is to try to judge the person based on specific situations instead of connecting this behaviour to their underlying reasons. To understand why someone behaves the way they do, you need to collect information about their past.

As a result of childhood experiences and past experiences, each person develops certain psychological goals or has unmet needs. Each person does their best to fulfil these unmet needs or to reach their psychological goals, subconsciously. The key to understanding a person’s behaviour is to find the connection between their behaviour and their psychological goals.

Biblography Understanding someone’s behaviour: 2knowmyself.com/behaviour_psychology/understanding_someone_behaviour 3 ways to understand people: wikihow.com/Understand-People

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Another way to understand someone better is to try

Also, sometimes we have to accept not

not to judge someone before you really know them.

understanding. Sometimes people do things that

Lots of people find it hard to understand others

simply cannot be explained or understood no matter

because of beliefs and ideas that they have that

how we look at it.

might not be accurate. Taking a look at your own biases and prejudices can help you to understand people by allowing you to recognise when you might

Don’t stress over it, just accept that you can’t understand it.

be making assumptions rather than looking at facts.

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SILENCE = DEATH: THE 1980’S AIDS CRISIS AND POLITICAL INACTION IN AMERICA

BY EMILY Since the recent release of the movie

diagnosis. It wasn’t until September 1982

“Bohemian Rhapsody” which focuses on the

that the term AIDS was first used, after

life of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer in the

the Centre for Disease Control released a

band Queen, the much-forgotten AIDS crisis

report using the phrase, which stated there

of the 1980s has resurfaced. I want to delve

had been 593 cases of the disease in the

into the reasons behind the rapid spread of

last 15 months. By 1983, 170,000 people were

the disease, the problems the illness caused

living with HIV, as it was revealed that the

within the gay male community, and why

most common methods of spreading the

inaction from the leader of the country with

disease were blood transfusions and gay

the highest number of AIDS deaths at the

male sex. It was slowly coming to light that

time was the worst possible outcome.

there was a possibility of HIV being passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, as

AIDS is the final stage of HIV, a virus

cases of AIDS in female sexual partners of

that attacks cells in the immune system,

males with the disease started to appear.

leaving the person unable to fight off life-

With the number of cases rapidly increasing,

threatening infections and diseases. It works

infection was spreading through shared use

by destroying T-helper cells, a type of white

of needles between drug users and blood

blood cell, and making copies of itself inside these cells. AIDS describes a set of symptoms caused by HIV and is classified as the

donations, leading to the development of blood screening in April 1984. At this time, there was hope for a vaccination within two

point when the immune system is too weak

years: a vaccination which still hasn’t been

to fight off infection and the person starts

developed.

developing certain defining symptoms and illnesses. If HIV is left untreated, it may take

AIDS shaped the gay male community in

up to 10 or 15 years for the person to die, but

ways that still have an impact today. The

once AIDS has set in, death can happen in a

alarming decrease in the population of a

matter of weeks.

whole generation of gay men left a hole in the community. The decimation of gay

HIV first appeared in “five young men, all

male baby boomers - 10% of the 1,600,000

active homosexuals” between October 1980

gay men aged 25-44, had died by 1995 - led

and May 1981. They were all treated for

to cities being described as “virtual ghost

Pneumocystis pneumonia in three different

towns”. The disease also had a psychological

hospitals in Los Angeles, California. By

impact. The high mortality rate in close gay

July 3rd 1981, 26 gay men in New York and California had been diagnosed with Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS) and Pneumocystis Pneumonia, 8 of whom died within 24 months of their

communities has led to the term “multiple loss syndrome”. A study found those who lost multiple people to AIDS were more likely to have depression. Another consequence of

40

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living through the AIDS epidemic is “AIDS

the disease. Bush followed in the footsteps

Survivor Syndrome”, which has symptoms

of his predecessor, Ronald Reagan, who

including anxiety, depression, substance

didn’t publicly address AIDS until four

abuse, social withdrawal or isolation, and

years after the first reported cases, by

survivor’s guilt. It is often compared to Post-

continuing to ignore the need for money to

Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

fight the epidemic and fund research. He

In 1997, the US reported a decrease in AIDS deaths for the first time since 1981, a full 16 years later. But why did this take so long? Could earlier action by those in power have shortened the epidemic and therefore reduced the number of deaths? To find an answer, we need to look at the political actions taken at the time.

George H W Bush was president of the US between 1989 and 1993, at the height of the AIDS crisis in America. At the start of the crisis, in 1981, there were 451 annual AIDS deaths. By the time Bush left office, the figure was 40,000. During his presidency, there were 314,500 new HIV infections.

Although his lack of action may be forgotten today, it certainly didn’t go unnoticed at the time. On the 11th of October 1992, a group of AIDS activists called ACT-UP marched to the White House to spread, on the steps of the building, the ashes of loved ones killed

by AIDS. In footage of the demonstration, chants such as “History will recall, George Bush did nothing at all” can be heard. It took Bush 14 months from when he took office to give his first speech on AIDS and in that time over 19,535 Americans died of

held the view that what was needed was behaviour modification rather than medical research into the infection. In 1991, as the number of AIDS deaths doubled every month, he reduced funding for research. He criticised ACT-UP for exercising an “excess of free speech” and ignored their banners proclaiming phrases such as “the government has blood on its hands, one AIDS death every half an hour”. This catastrophe has largely gone unnoticed because of a lack of widely available documentation from gay and lesbian newspapers from the time, since they mostly haven’t been digitalised.

To conclude, AIDS spread rapidly through sex, blood and pregnancy. The high death rates associated with the disease left lasting psychological impacts on gay men of the time and a lack of easily available information has allowed us to start to forget about this crisis. But the real question remains: does George H W Bush have the blood of 314,500 Americans on his hands?

In my opinion, yes. His lack of government funding of research into the disease allowed thousands of needless deaths. Surely there should be consequences?

■

Bibliography: The Nation: thenation.com/article/george-hw-bush-world-aids-day-obit/ New Yorker: newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/george-h-w-bushs-presidency-erased-people-with-aids-so-did-the-tributes-to-him# Washington Post: washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1992/10/12/aids-activists-throw-ashes-at-white-house/7a9c53e0-413f-449f-8dd1a2804d6695ec/ apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/aids-epidemic journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2190/TV1J-543L-M020-B93V The British Academy: thebritishacademy.ac.uk/blog/aids-epidemic-lasting-impact-gay-men CDC: cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtmL/mm5021a2.htm Avert: avert.org/global-hiv-and-aids-statistics CDC: npin.cdc.gov/pages/hiv-and-aids-timeline CDC: cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001163.htm House of Commons Library: nhshistory.net/aidsdata.pdf

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Worriers and Warriers: Should diagnostic criteria for psychological disorders be gender specific?

BY AIMÉE Philosophers and Psychologists alike have been searching

disorder (6.6% women vs. 3.6% for men) and posttraumatic

for a way to articulate and classify psychological

stress disorder (10.4% women as opposed to 5.0% for

disorders since the early first century. It was only in 1949

men). Despite these undeviating and prevalent rates

that the sixth revision of International Classification

documenting gender’s effect on anxiety disorders, little

of Diseases first incorporated the criteria for mental

is known about how gender affects basic diagnostic

disorders, and it was three years after that before

boundaries like age of its emergence, perpetuation of

the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

illness, and patterns of comorbidity.

Disorders was created. This suggested that there are behaviours that are “normal” and behaviours that are considered “abnormal”, those who fall into the latter category in any definition of abnormality (Deviation from social norms, Failure to function adequately, Statistical infrequency or Deviation from ideal mental health) could have the grounds to be diagnosed for a psychological disorder. The topic of gender bias regarding Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) disorder criteria has been a controversial and widely debated topic since its birth.

The current DSM-5 doesn’t have an outright declaration regarding gender bias among the disorders, but it does propose that the disorders (antisocial, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, paranoid, schizotypal, schizoid) are of higher occurrence in men.

Around 450 million people currently suffer from mental or neurological disorders globally. Among these 450 million are those with anxiety disorders, the most predominant psychological disorder, affecting 8.2 million people in 2013.

Research conducted at the university of Cambridge suggests that women living in areas of higher deprivation are over 60% more likely to have anxiety as women living in wealthier areas. However little to no difference was found in their male counterparts. What could account for this? Researchers believe this dissimilitude between the genders could be due to women spending more time in their residential environment. Currently there is a higher proportion of women that work part-time, taking care of children and carrying out domestic activities. If these women spend more time in their home, in a poorer area, they therefore are exposed to living in deprivation for longer periods of time than men which could account for the stress that leads to their anxiety. Perhaps this gender bias is correct in its assumptions about our current society.

Bibliography: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4372614/ ISSUES: The anxiety epidemic volume 351

The National Comorbidity Survey (taking place from

mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-anxiety

1990 to 1992) discovered that rates throughout a person’s

who.int/whr/2001/media_centre/press_release/en/

lifetime for any of the anxiety disorders were 30.5% for

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135672/

women and 19.2% for men (Kessler et al. 1994). These

who.int/mental_health/prevention/genderwomen/en/

rates were also higher in women than men for all anxiety disorders studied. These included panic disorder (5.0%

people.virginia.edu/~ent3c/papers2/Articles%20for%20 Online%20CV/(6)%20Jane%20et%20al%20(2007).pdf

for women as opposed to 2.0% for men), agoraphobia

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4372614/

(7.0% in women vs. 3.5% for men), specific phobia (15.7%

tutor2u.net/psychology/reference/schizophrenia-gender-bias

for women against 6.7% for men), social anxiety disorder (15.5% women vs. 11.1% for men), generalized anxiety

link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4419-1467-5_5

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Faith and Science

BY HARRIET Popular culture – and even some

“Men became scientific because

An accurate scientific account

popular scientists – would have us

they expected law in nature,

of exactly how God created the

believe that science and religion

and they expected law in nature

universe would have confused

are at war. These two vital parts

because they believed in a

both the writer and readers

of our society are presented

Legislator.” – C.S. Lewis

of Genesis, given that the oral

as opposing forces: science

Sadly, in return some Christians

tradition dates from 1100 BC, and

is portrayed as representing

believe that science contradicts

would have completely obscured

rationality while religion as

the Bible and is therefore wrong.

the message. Having said that,

encouraging irrationality. But as a

This stance often comes from a

the creation account in Genesis

Christian who has been supported

belief that the Bible is all literally

is remarkably accurate given the

and even encouraged by God in

true, and that we should follow

other creation stories that were

studying science, I believe that this

God’s guidance without thinking

around at the time: the stages of

cannot possibly be the case. There

for ourselves. However, the Bible

creation tally with our scientific

is more to science than hard facts

encourages us to seek wisdom and

understanding of how the universe

and evidence, and far more to

knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), and Jesus

formed, and the seven days are not

religion than just a creation story.

even told his disciples they would

a problem since the Hebrew word

While some people, such as Richard

need to be intelligent to cope with

for day also means a long period

Dawkins, insist that science is

the coming persecution (Matthew

of time. Likewise, the Hebrew

purely about rational thought, hard

10:16). It seems rather strange to

words used for ‘create’ refer to a

facts and undeniable evidence, the

declare that God literally created

continuous process rather than an

pursuit of knowledge often involves

our brains, and then refuse to use

instantaneous act, reconciling the

taking huge leaps of faith. Many

them. The other problem is that

theory of evolution with the idea of

scientists throughout history have

Christians can sometimes be afraid

creation. Atheists sometimes argue

faced widespread opposition to

to question their beliefs, unaware

that the process of evolution seems

their ideas, sometimes even from

that in most cases overcoming

too random to have been designed

within the scientific community.

doubts strengthens faith (see John

by a Creator, but this is untrue,

In the face of universal rejection,

20:24-29). What is truly strange is

as only organisms adapted to

it takes a lot of faith for a single

that any Christians would denounce

their environment survive, and the

scientist to stand up for their

science after seeing how much it

environment is determined by the

ideas, even if they are backed up

has improved people’s lives - since

basic laws of physics and chemistry.

by evidence. In fact, the pursuit

God commands us to help others.

Although science has brought us

of science itself requires faith:

The main area of conflict between

a long way in understanding how

scientists are driven by a belief

science and faith – creation and

God created the universe, there are

that there is an underlying law

evolution – only remains a conflict

still many questions that remain

and order to the universe. Before

as long as Christians insist on

unanswered, and possibly even

people began to try to understand

interpreting poetic sections of the

unanswerable by science alone.

the universe, the idea that this was

Bible literally. Genesis 1 was written

Why is there a universe at all?

even possible was absurd, given

to give a spiritual message – that

Why does this universe, capable

how complicated nature is. So why

the world was created by God,

of supporting intelligent life, exist

did we start looking for logic in a

that it was created good, and

given that the probability of the

seemingly illogical universe?

that it was created for a purpose.

simplest life forms being able to

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form is less than one in 10288?

his creativity and intelligence too.

Gregor Mendel, a monk whose work

How did life itself start? And why

Despite the fact that several

on inheritance in pea plants helped

do humans have characteristics,

high-profile scientists believe

to explain the mechanisms behind

such as excessive intelligence,

that science and religion are at

evolution, the mathematical giant

morality and appreciation of

war, this stance is in fact not

Leonhard Euler, and Jocelyn Bell

beauty, which are not necessary to

supported by evidence. If faith

Burnell, the modern astrophysicist

survival, unless we are made in the

and science were incompatible, we

who discovered pulsars. In fact,

image of God?

might conclude that an increase

between 1900 and 2000, over

These are some of the questions

in scientific knowledge would

65% of Nobel Laureates were

which cause scientists to wonder

correspond to a decrease in

Christians, and there were higher

whether science really can explain

religious people. However, a survey

percentages of Christians in the

everything, and many find that

of scientists in 1914 found that 42%

sciences than in literature.

the more they understand about

believed in God and 42% didn’t,

A final and oft-used argument

the universe, the more convinced

and the same survey repeated 82

against religion is that God is just

they become that science doesn’t

years later in 1996 found that 40%

a myth made up to explain things

give us the whole picture. But the

believed in God and 42% didn’t.

we now understand. The problem

Bible goes further, stating that

Although there is a slight change

is, even if we ignore the fact that

we should not need to have any

in percentage, it is certainly

science can’t tell us everything, the

kind of scientific knowledge to see

not enough to be statistically

Bible is so much more than just a

evidence of God’s existence:

significant, especially considering

creation story. Even the account of

“For ever since the world was

that between the surveys came the

creation in John’s gospel is merely

created, people have seen the

theory of general relativity, the

used to illustrate the central

earth and sky. Through everything

discovery of other galaxies, the Big

message of Christianity:

God made, they can clearly see

Bang theory and the discovery and

“In the beginning the Word already

his invisible qualities—his eternal

sequencing of DNA, among many

existed. The Word was with God,

power and divine nature. So they

other pivotal scientific discoveries.

and the Word was God. He existed

have no excuse for not knowing

All the evidence points to the

in the beginning with God. God

God.” - Romans 1:20 (New Living

fact that there is no correlation

created everything through him,

Translation)

between scientific advances and

and nothing was created except

Already convinced of God’s

religious belief, proving that

through him…He came into the

existence by the personal

the hypothesis that science and

very world he created, but the

relationship I have with Jesus, I

religion are at war is incorrect.

world didn’t recognise him. He

find that the more I learn about

Further evidence of the

came to his own people, and even

the universe, the more it makes me

compatibility between science and

they rejected him. But to all who

want to worship God. Personally,

faith is the abundance of important

believed him and accepted him, he

I never found the idea of a God

scientists who are also strong

gave the right to become children

who just made everything appear

Christians. Isaac Newton, one of

of God.” (John 1:1-3 and 10-12)

particularly awe-inspiring, but the

the most influential scientists of all

God I have come to know, the God

time, believed that mathematics is

who set the laws of the universe

the language of God, which we can

in place and allowed it to develop

understand because we are made

the way he intended it to – that’s

in God’s image. Other notable

a God worth worshipping. In the

Christians in science include

1

scientific age, we have even less

Galileo, who was sadly persecuted

2

excuse for not believing in God:

by the Catholic Church for his

3

nature has always revealed God’s

radical ideas, Michael Faraday,

4

beauty and power; now it reveals

who discovered electromagnetism,

45

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Miracles benotconformed.org/odds-of-abiogenesis.htm

pewforum.org/2009/11/05/scientists-and-belief/

johnlennox.org/resources/145/how-many-nobelprize-winners

the chronicle

What happens to your

What happens to your brain brain when you binge a when you binge a TV series?

TV series?

BY CYRA

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the chronicle

We all know the feeling of wanting to watch just one more episode, just 20 or maybe 30 minutes more… It happens to the best of us. Because of platforms such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime, we can watch hundreds of different shows for quite a low cost and, granted, the majority of us are taking full advantage of that access.

For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the average American spends 2.7 hours watching TV per day, totalling almost 20 hours per week. Did you know that roughly 361,000 people watched all nine (45-55 minute) episodes of the 2nd season of Stranger Things the first day it was released? And that 61% of Netflix users watch two - six episodes in one sitting? Of course, we wouldn’t do it if it didn’t feel good and according to a survey done by Netflix, 73% of participants reported happy positive feelings associated with binge watching. There are two main reasons why people seem to experience a binge-watching high, and I’ll try briefly to cover them today.

The good feeling related to watching episode after episode is due to the chemicals being released in our brain called dopamine. This chemical gives the body a natural, internal reward of happiness that encourages continued engagement in the activity. This is effectively the brain signal that tells the body, ‘this feels good, carry on!’ so as you continue to watch your favourite show, your body experiences a drug-like high, and you develop an addiction to the show as you develop a craving for more dopamine.

Spending so much time immersed in the lives of our favourite characters of the shows also fuels the binge-watching experience. A psychiatrist at Laguna Family Health Centre explains that our brains code all experiences as ‘real memories’, whether they are watched on TV, imagined or actually experienced in real life. Therefore, we get drawn into story lines, become attached to characters and truly care about the outcome.

To conclude, binge-watching TV shows can create a drug-like high, and an addiction to the chemical dopamine, which can make you feel happy and active, even when you’re not. This is not to say watching an episode every now and then is a bad thing; just be careful about monitoring your time, or a strong addiction may develop which can lead to poor outcomes that affect your health and mental wellbeing.

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Reference: nbcnews.com/better/health/what-happens-your-brain-when-you-binge-watch-tv-series-ncna816991

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the chronicle

THE EFFECTS OF HOMELESSNESS ON YOUNG PEOPLE

BY PHOEBE For most of your life you have walked past

Clearly, homelessness is an issue we cannot

them. You look through them. You pretend

keep looking past; it is something we have

they are not there. But then you see a

got to make an effort to stop, especially for

younger teen, curled up and all alone on

youth out on the streets.

that cold Saturday morning, and it hits you deep in the pit of your stomach: ‘What if that was me?’ you think. Well, it could easily be you! Shockingly, one in ten people aged 18-25, and at least one in 30 adolescents

Homelessness, defined as ‘the state of having no home’ can happen to anyone.

150 million people are homeless in the world today and 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing. In the UK, violence,

aged 13-17, experience some form of

abuse, family issues, poverty, exclusion

homelessness unaccompanied by a parent

from school and problems with mental

or guardian over the course of a year.

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the chronicle

health are just a few of the causes of

has a psychological strain that comes with

youth homelessness. Even homophobia is a

it. Malnutrition, lack of access to healthcare

cause, with up to 40% of homeless young

and sanitation, can lead to infections,

people in the United States identifying as

illnesses and poor quality of life. There is

LGBT. Often, youth homelessness is hidden

also a risk of hypothermia in the winter.

as young people are sleeping on sofas,

Annually in the United States a shocking

floors, or with strangers. More than 150,000

700 homeless die from hypothermia. In

people under the age of 25 ask for help

addition, in summer, dehydration, sunburn,

with homelessness in the UK every year, so

and sunstroke can have just as many

it is clearly a huge problem that comes with

devastating effects. A study in Toronto

extensive far-reaching effects.

showed that homeless men are nine times more likely to be murdered and that

Trying to juggle the search for somewhere

self-inflicted harm is common. Depression

to sleep with being out on the streets is

and severe mental health issues caused

both tiring and challenging. It undoubtedly

more than half of the deaths attributed

impacts on each individual’s mental health

to homelessness in 2017, through drug

and physical health. Dealing with that

poisoning, liver disease or suicide.

whilst attempting to get some qualifications and to study to get through school and find

Although there are many problems related

a job is very difficult. The sad truth is that

to youth homelessness, there are solutions,

these young people are exposed early in life

and there are many people and charities

to substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices,

trying to help. End Youth Homelessness UK

general victimisation, and poor education.

is a movement made up of nine charities

All these issues and difficulties will most

aiming, unsurprisingly, to end youth

likely be carried forward in life and may

homelessness. Their target areas are housing,

well lead them to struggle in the future.

health, work, and prevention. Charities have

Not only does homelessness have effects on the person, but there are significant risks

will have to stop turning a blind eye: more

a safe place for anyone, yet alone young

donations have to be made to charities,

people, and there are many reports which all too sadly demonstrate the risks involved. whether it be physical, sexual, or mental,

but in order to keep helping and to see an end to this problem in the future, we

involved in living on the streets. It is not

Experiencing or witnessing violence,

helped a large number of homeless people,

there needs to be more government funding and it is up to us to find out exactly how we can help people in need.

â–

References: End Youth Homelessness: eyh.org.uk/en/ St Basils: stbasils.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8rTn7puo5gIVFODtCh2mQQrfEAAYAiAAEgI-xfD_BwE Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_homeless_population The Guardian: theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/01/homelessness-study-us-youth-1-in-10

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With thanks to our contributors

HATTIE YEAR 13

KAY Academic Scholar

LUCY YEAR 10

YEAR 13

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Year 13

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ALICE YEAR 13

the chronicle

MICHAELA Academic Scholar

GEORGIA Academic Scholar

Year 10

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Year 12

PHOEBE Academic Scholar Year 10

THE CHRONICLE