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INSIDE | DEc. 2020
ABOUT The MIHS Islander 9100 SE 42nd St. Mercer Island, WA 98040 mihsislander@gmail.com www.mihsislander.org
THE MIHS ISLANDER | mihsislander.org The MIHS Islander acknowledges that MIHS is on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.
EDITORS IN CHIEF Annika Bhananker and Ethan Preston Managing Editor | Sabrina Hubbell Design Lead | Lena Hardisty Features Editor | Morgan Dawson Opinions Editor | Max Hense Spread Editor | Lena Hardisty Sports Editor | Alex Levin A&E Editor | Sandra Pedersen Back Page Editors | Hannah Howison, Brooks Kahsai, Braeden Nett Social Media Team | Mia LoBosco, Honor Warburg Photography Editor | Brooks Kahsai Adviser | Chris Twombley Staff Writers Gigi April, Aiden Barham, Leo Berkley, Simone Clark, Kate Grove, Taylor Holshouser, Nathaniel Johnson, Jared Marcus, Sebastian Matthews, Kat Marsh, Karina McSwiney, Sam Pelter, Riley Pettigrew, Ben Price, Sophie Prock, Liv Talerman, Asha Woerner, Charlotte Wood
Letter from the Editors
Islanders, Here we are again. So much (and also nothing) seems to have changed since our last issue. So what has changed? For one, we welcomed a group of 18 amazing staff writers, who were willing to tackle the challenges of journalism in an online format. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve been juggling the mailing of our last issue (it’s a process) and teaching these new recruits to ditch the Oxford comma, to use “lede” not “lead” and to not embarrass themselves during an interview (we had to learn this the hard way). Much of this issue you are about to read is composed of their first works, which took considerable effort – perhaps much more than they thought would be required of them in Journalism, sorry not sorry. You may notice that our front deals with a lot of different issues – we thought the sentiment was pretty representative of these unprecedented times. Political polarization, social media usage, school closures – we in journalism are certainly not immune to these issues, so our writers have captured these topics and more in these 12 pages to follow. As schools choose to remain closed for the time being, many businesses are also adapting their practices during these times, leading to confusion about what’s open, and in what capacity. If you’re like us, and have wondered where and how to get your morning bagel, look no further: on our website, you can find a comprehensive list and summary of small businesses, events and recreation centers. This is only one of many online articles at mihsislander.org that our staff and editors continue to work on even as we produce this print issue. With rising COVID cases and lots of political controversies dominating the news cycle, we know that many of you are fending off daily news-induced stress, we hope our paper provides coverage that helps alleviate, not worsen these feelings. Annika Bhananker & Ethan Preston
PUBLICATION NOTICES Purpose: To provide news to the Mercer Island High School student body and members of the surrounding community in a manner that accurately reflects readers’ interests. The MIHS Islander is an open student forum, and the opinions expressed within do not represent those of the high school or district administration.
Corrections: We pride ourselves on accurate, fact-based journalism. If you believe The MIHS Islander has gotten a fact or quote wrong, please contact us and we’ll print a correction in the next issue. Ads: To print an ad in a future issue of The MIHS Islander, contact Business Manager Chris Twombley at chris.twombley@mercerislandschools.org for rates and information. Privacy: All electronic mail messages in connection with Mercer Island School District business which are sent or received by this account are subject to the Washington State Public Records Act and may be disclosed to third parties.
Nondiscrimination Notification: The Mercer Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Mercer Island School District offers classes in many College and Career Readiness Programs, admission to which is non-discriminatory. Lack of English-language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in these programs. The following people have been designed to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator; Harrassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Coordinator; Title IX Compliance Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Senior Director. (206) 230-6227, erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org Section 504 & ADA Coordinator: Dr. Lindsay Myatich, Director. (206) 236-3326, lindsay.myatich@mercerislandschools.org
THE MIHS ISLANDER | mihsislander.org
FEATURES | Dec. 2020
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@studentsofmi Instagram Brings Attention to Injustice claims which is unfortunate,” they said. “I then saw [another school’s] page on anonymous submissions and realized The MIHS Islander interviewed that Mercer Island students didn’t have one of the account administrators that same outlet.” of @studentsofmi. They will remain As a part of BLM, many are trying anonymous in order to maintain the to address inequality at the local level. account’s integrity. This account sheds light on instances The @studentsofmi Instagram account of inequality on Mercer Island of which was created in July to share anonymous many people are unaware. s t o r i e s “At first, I was unaware that some submitted by of these micro and macro aggressions Mercer Island happen to the kids around students me which goes to show “I am an As ian POC, a of color how widespread a lot of nd last year seemed the regarding it these issues are,” the account school turn ed to be ve r a c i a l hateful tow administrator said. “I think ry a r d s Asians be injustices. this account has brought light Corona. Pe c ause of T h e ople asked to the truth of Mercer Island if I ate dog cats and ev account s , versus what everyone perceives en bats. Pe ople would has since ask if I cou it to be. It encourages this hardalso ld see and if expanded yet-important conversation I had to be a doctor” - C to share about these lass of 2023 stories prevalent beyond issues.” racial injustices, with over Though 60 submissions detailing various accounts of validity and research many students of racism, homophobia, antisemitism and with the ideas that people posted view this account as an other types of discrimination occuring and shared. This is important outlet, the response on Mercer Island. Most of these stories o n e from the community has not have occurred either at MIHS or IMS. been entirely monolithic. ade r The account is run by g Students have jokingly y ks in m r s a three anonymous y m o sent in fake submissions he b hobic re t students, and has f o and posted rude p y “Man ake homo and MLM far amassed over 430 comments. en ly m o as followers with There was one open out gay m e even g alue v k m many of the posts c o ab particular post that o S hips. lur for sh empt at s gaining exposure n was met with lots of o i relat g the f-s ssing att by being reposted by 2 controversy. It was 2 yin rra f 20 a o other students. b s as sa m s not a submission, me e nny” - cla o s “The purpose of this r but an informational o fu account is to advocate being post created by the account’s for change and social of the team. It stated that “reverse justice within the Mercer reasons that the account’s racism” (racism toward white Island community,” administrators said they began the page. people) doesn’t exist and, said one of the account “[I] noticed how some peers I follow consequently, “cracker” is administrators. “And it really is just on my main social media are greatly not a slur. The comment section meant to be a safe space for students misinformed with unsubstantiated was filled with arguments both for and Charlotte Wood Staff Writer
in marginalized groups and bring awareness to their experiences that might have gone unheard.” This account came at a time when social-media activism was very prevalent. Amidst BLM protests and against the backdrop of the coronavirus, many teens took to social media to spread awareness about social and political issues. With this influx of online activism, there were varying levels
against the statement. The Students of MI account blocked some of the accounts that argued against the post. “There really was a bit of backlash [...] People refused to open their minds,” they said. Despite the controversy, the account has fulfilled its purpose of displaying student stories. It has revealed a side of the Mercer Island community that many people didn’t recognize or know about, and it has challenged the community to recognize that these issues exist, even on Mercer Island. “I think this account has brought light to the truth of Mercer Island versus what everyone perceives it to be”, said the account administrator. “It encourages this hard yet important conversation about these prevalent issues.”
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FEATURES | Dec. 2020
THE MIHS ISLANDER | mihsislander.org
From Stress to Sparkles: A Look Inside All Star Cheer Kat Marsh & Nathaniel Johnson Staff Writers
Behind the smiles and high ponytails, the glitter and rhinestones, all-star cheerleaders are put under intense mental and physical stress. All-star cheerleading is a high-energy team sport that combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics. This sport differs from school cheerleading because its main purpose is competition. The biggest competitions host around 25,000 athletes and 38,000 spectators each year. “I love seeing people, I love being able to throw myself across the stage and then hear the crowd go insane,” said Lyv Lindner, a Connect Cheer Northwest (CCNW) athlete. Teams are based on skill level, ranging from level 1 to level 7. The routines only last 2 minutes and 30 seconds, so the hundreds of hours of work boil down to just a few minutes. As you can imagine, this puts a large amount of pressure on the athletes. This high pressure can lead to many negative mental health issues. These include a lack of self-confidence, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. These issues begin at such a young age, which is why they are rooted deep in the minds of athletes. When a harmful ideology is ingrained, it becomes difficult to think any other way. When athletes look around and compare themselves to their teammates, it fosters internal competition. “I look at the other girls on my team and I think their bodies are perfect and I bring myself down for that,” Lindner said. All-star cheerleading is all about balancing competitiveness with fun. “Instead of focusing on success, still put the work in, but enjoy your time,” CCNW coach Josh Hengesteg said. “We’ve all touched down, not gotten skills, struggled for a long period of time, but we still do it because it’s fun for the experience and that’s what it comes down to.” All of the pressure can also result in positive things. The sport requires extreme focus, which forces athletes to leave their worries at home. The
pressure can also create a bond between athletes and coaches who are working towards one goal together. “When you share that struggle with a group of people, you build a really strong bond,” Hengesteg said. “I get to know a lot of kids and know them well, so I actually do really cherish those relationships with [the athletes.]”
Roughly 33% of cheerleaders are at risk for an eating disorder (7 out of 20). (National Athletic Trainers’ Association)
THE MIHS ISLANDER | mihsislander.org
Features | DEC. 2020
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An In-Depth Q&A with Body Positivity Advocate Grace Wilson Social media critic Honor Warburg interviewed MIHS senior Grace Wilson about her Instagram account (@healthyvibelord) where she shares her inclusive message to promote self kindness. Q: What is your goal with your Instagram account?
Q: What do you hope your account can bring to people’s lives?
A: “I want people following the account, even with its ridiculous username, to enjoy food without guilt, be able to eat ice cream with friends, stop cutting out food groups, move their body because it’s energizing and satisfying, stop hating their bodily aesthetic and to adopt and endorse these concepts so that in the future, people won’t need to be preoccupied with them.”
A: “I value life and my ability to experience new places and cultures and people, and I wish every human to have the same rich passion for life that I have, free of obsolete and destructive thoughts around food and body. For me, I’ve become hyper-aware and sensitive to behaviors that sustain diet culture, especially with peers who are constantly yet unconsciously enabling the glorification of unhealthy eating and exercising, so I like to think this account is a gentle reminder to work internally to fight feelings of inadequacy and dangerous actions with regards to body, to try and stop the societal pressures of what health and beauty is.”
Q: When did you start your account and what type of content do you share? A: “The date of my first post notes July 16, so I’ve been trying to consistently push out good vibes since then, specifically surrounding body image and the formation of healthier eating, exercising and self-talk habits. I’m all about vulnerability, and I try to be realistic and honest with my followers about the intricacies and norms of having a body - like, we all can be visibly full and bloated after a meal, so for me, I feel like I’m combating the stigma and embarrassment around such a common thing.” Q: What does the idea of health mean and look like to you and your account? A: “It’s disappointing that ‘health’ has become such a competitive and honestly unhealthy concept, and the reality is that many people struggle with disordered behaviors regarding eating and exercise is so frustrating to me. Such wasted energy is spent on self-loathing and criticism that in no way improves your life, and instead fuels the culture of dieting, obsession with being slim, among other unproductive habits.”
Q: How do you view the use of the social media community on Mercer Island? A: “Truthfully, the spark in social media becoming more of a vulnerable, politicized and personal space was the push I needed to start the account. Online presences have become poisonous with their perfectionistic, deceiving nature, and although there are plenty of people working to promote self-love and true health, MI is lacking. I’ve been observing so many fervent, driven, unapologetic leaders, especially about social justice, that I felt I needed to start the work in our community to demonstrate giving myself grace and love with regards to my health and well-being.”
Follow Grace @healthyvibelord on Instagram for more! Photo by Brooks Kahsai
My Experience As A Camp Cou By Jared Marcus, Staff Writer COVID-19 has been stressful for all; parents, children, teachers and many more have felt the damaging effects of the pandemic. The stress of online school and the pandemic can be overwhelming, especially for young children. Enter the North Star Camp for Boys: an all-boys camp that is now home to the first, and only, fall camp in the US, located in Hayward, Wis. Having to get up every morning and attend online school without friends, social interaction and face-to-face conversations can wear on students. North Star presents a brand-new opportunity available for students to have these important moments, recreating a feeling of normalcy. “Un-Bored-ing” school, as we called it, married the summer camp experience with a classroom environment. The premise of the Fall Camp was simple: minimize the stress of the raging pandemic for young students through a safe, well-protected bubble. The camp’s objective worked, and exceeded initial expectations. Four weeks into the fall, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt did an entire special on North Star’s Fall Camp experience. Overnight, many news outlets, including ABC and CBS, all did their own specials on the success of this once-
u n t h i n ka b l e idea. I was lucky enough to serve on the staff during both the annual summer camp and the inaugural fall session, so I know first-hand how amazing this experience was for both the staff and the campers. Overall, the fall camp experience was outstanding for me. After school was canceled late last year, life on Mercer Island was boring for me, and left me feeling stressed and worried about what was going to happen in these times
Photos Courtesy Jared Mar cus
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mihsislander.org
Article continued on mihsislander.org mihsislander.org
mething both fun and of uncertainty. I needed so this free time into. impactful to channel all of to go to North Star Not only was I fortunate at was my tenth year during the summer – for wh t the fall brought an attending the camp – bu me. It taught me how entirely new experience for ponsibilities with the to balance both my own res bin. needs of the boys in my ca redible amount of The camp brought an inc back my social life, normalcy for me, giving me and move outside– along with the ability to run crammed within my back home, I would be st as they were during house for the entire day. Ju d evenings were filled the summer, my days an helped to foster an with fun and activity, which amazing sense of comfort.
mihsislander.org
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“I made experie so many unfor get n ce the res s that I will c table herish f t of my or lif stay in tou ch w e, and h ope t o ith the friends Im am they re ade alon g the azin g all w on ce-in y made this Fa ay, as -a-life ll into a time ex perien c e.”
I don’t expect to ever have the opportunity again to do my school in a place which is so special to me. While I missed my friends back home, I was able to make so many new ones this fall and become more responsible at the same time. “I commend the job that so many of these teachers and schools are doing to make remote learning a success on short notice, but there is no replacement for human connection, human interaction, and the value of in-person, real relationships and connection,” camp owner Andy Shlensky said, speaking to the importance of having a fall camp during such chaotic times. “If we can provide that where it doesn’t exist otherwise, we’re gonna keep doing it” The camp proved that it’s possible to safely provide the camp experience during the pandemic this past summer by being one of very few camps nationally to be fully operational and go the entire summer without a single reported case of COVID-19. How did they do it? Due to the camp’s remarkable safety precautions, such as multiple temperature check machines and several COVID-19 tests per child, the camp was able to maintain an isolated, COVID-free camp.
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FEATURES | dec. 2020
THE MIHS ISLANDER | mihsislander.org
MI Community Differs on How to Reopen Schools Annika bhananker, ethan preston & sabrina hubbell Editors in Chief, Managing Editor
Online learning is a change for everyone, and has had both positive and negative effects. Because of varying experiences with the efficacy of remote learning, some students and parents support the District’s “red” learning model, while others push for a hybrid, or even all in-person model. Currently, MISD remains closed to inperson schooling for the majority of students. Although the District planned to introduce Kindergarten to an in-person model this December, this plan has been postponed until January. There are, however, select student “pods” in MISD schools. Although Gov. Jay Inslee’s new regulations surrounding in-person gatherings do not apply to public schools, this decision to postpone in-person learning is still needed, according to Superintendent Donna Colosky. “Though these restrictions were not directed at public schools, we also heard … that our local health system is under strain,” said Colosky, in a published letter on the MISD website about
the updates to in-person learning. Kim Morelli, a middle-school parent on the island, is a member of MI Parents in Support of Safe Education, a group of parents that pushes for the Mercer Island School District to reopen for in-person learning. The group, recognized by the name of their Facebook page, currently has 200 members who share the goal of raising awareness for what they believe is a necessary change in MISD’s policy. They advocate for a hybrid learning system, and their recent Change. org petition, “Open the Schools on Mercer Island!”, has garnered over 1,000 signatures in about a month. Since the group’s inception, they’ve held two in-person rallies, sent hundreds of letters to District officials and spoken at a November School Board meeting. Morelli is not alone in her beliefs: many students on Mercer Island feel the need to return to school because of the obstacles presented by online learning. “Learning online
is just not working I think for a lot of students,” senior Muhammad Kazeroonian said. “People are just not learning a lot from what I can hear and from what I can see. It’s physically impossible to fit the whole curriculum into basically half the time.” Conversely, there are also a number of students and parents who believe that reopening MI schools is unsafe at this time. “It’s not safe. I want to go back just like anyone else but people are literally dying,” senior Annika Vanderspek said. When asked in a recent survey of 157 MIHS students, “Are you in favor of the Mercer Island High School building reopening for all students/creating a hybrid program at this point in time?,” 83 respondents (53.2%) responded “No.”
Article continued on mihsislander.org
THE MIHS ISLANDER | mihsislander.org
A&e | Dec. 2020
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“The Social Dilemma”: How Social Media Distorts Democracy Kate grove Staff Writer
Society’s relationship with social media takes center stage in Netflix’s “The Social Dilemma.” The documentary serves as a call to action for viewers – to re-evaluate social media’s impact in personal and political spheres. One of the documentary’s major focuses is social media’s polarizing nature, which creates a politically radicalized society through algorithms which spew subversive content. Many Americans first saw this impact during the 2016 presidential election, which was said to be decided on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Initial regulations when the impact of social media was f i r s t
the Rohingya Muslim population was sparked on Facebook by military members. Yet, the media giant has been unable and seemingly uninterested in committing themselves to halting both the hate speech and misinformation that runs rampant on the platform. Along with self-policing, there are many other major issues with the current system. For one, it is deeply irresponsible for the U.S. to allow these social-media giants to run rampant with little to no regulations. The free rein afforded to these companies is incredibly damaging to both society and democracy, and its impact even shows up close to home. Dan Larson, a resident of Forks, Wash., was interviewed by Wired for his presence in a Facebook group which encouraged and led the
apparent c o u l d h a v e prevented ic by Sandra Pederse much damage; n Graph social media and its repercussions have wormed their way into the heart of democracy. premeditated “[If] you’re scrolling through one-sided news entrapment of a mixed-race family visiting the and one-sided opinions, then you don’t really get a town during the height of this summer’s BLM good perspective on the other side,” MIHS student protests. When asked to explain the influence Heather Sutkus said. “Social media is a lot of what of Facebook on his politics, he had a common causes this stark contrast between both parties and response: He’d come in conservative but flexible why there isn’t really a middle anymore.” and ended up defensively hunkered with a tribe. In some cases, this lack of a middle ground Larson sat out the last election, but said he’d vote is worse than just party disputes or influencing for Trump in 2020, largely because of dialogue he elections. In Myanmar, ethnic cleansing against witnessed on Facebook.
As more people follow in Larson’s path it will become exceedingly difficult to return to a society that isn’t hindered by hyperpolarization. It’s clear that without government regulation and consumer re-evaluation, social media platforms will continue to allow dangerous and false content to flourish. By allowing dangerous subject matter to circulate widely with nominal regulation for years, these sites have shown that they will not take the steps needed to protect both users and democracy. The 2020 election has forced Twitter and Facebook to address disinformation on their platforms, their recent changes, starting to flag tweets and hide posts is too little too late. Divisive content is now more popular than ever, with algorithms radicalizing social media. In many ways, this political (and sometimes personal) separation is the true
social dilemma. “The Social Dilemma” encourages viewers to scrutinize their relationship with social media and break out of their echo chamber by exploring other perspectives. Without actively seeking out different worldviews, it will be difficult to reject the tribalism that infiltrates our society on every level.
10 Opinions | dec. 2020
THE MIHS ISLANDER | mihsislander.org
White People Must Address Their Privilege
Americans, and often only depict POC history in The constant responsibility to be both the educator context of white history. and representative of a racial group is a tiring, and It’s also important to recognize that other factors constant part of life for many POC. Anything regarding race is often regarded as a that may make someone disenfranchised in society To learn about controversial topic, especially the word “privilege,” do not erase or mitigate white privilege. A gay person the effects and as it implies one individual or group has an advantage who is white still has privilege over a gay person over another. who is black. Though someone may experience White privilege means that whiteness is seen as the discrimination for one part of their identity, being status quo. It is the responsibility of those with white white will ultimately give them privilege over others privilege to recognize and utilize this privilege. with the same identity and different ethnicity. However, privilege is not the absence of all This does not, however, defame or demonize hardship or mean that one’s life is easy. Nor is it specifically white people or any race as a whole. an idea exclusive to race–privilege is present in Someone’s racial privilege and practically every aspect of society. disenfranchisement are unchangeable. Those with white privilege will not face systemic No person alive will live to see the end of racism. Systemic, or institutional, racism refers to white privilege or racism. This may seem the concept that racism is embedded and normalized like a futile view, but it does not mean in society. It is larger than the individual, and those there is nothing people can do to try and participating are not always aware of it. reduce racial injustice. Systemic racism benefits those with racial In fact, the permeating nature of racism privilege by automatically disadvantaging people of means that doing something about it is People who experienced The threat or use of force when they were color (POC). Many white people, used to being seen very important. The bystander effect, most recently approached by police, According to the Bureau of Justice as the status quo, may not notice this privilege, but according to Psychology Today, “occurs Statistics. it’s damaging to those excluded from it. when the presence of others discourages roots of racism rather than experiencing it for a Racism is not a one-way street that only damages an individual from intervening.” It lifetime is a privilege afforded to white people. But one side, the institutions of racism also serve to involves the role of those not directly involved in an though it may not negatively impact them, white bolster those doing the oppressing. incident play in preventing further harm. people are needed in the fight for racial justice – Undeniably, white people do This philosophy applies not only in everyone is needed. benefit from racism. White crimes or “emergency situations” but “I think that everybody bears a responsibility to people are three times also in instances of racial injustice, uphold the fundamental values of kindness and care. less likely to be microaggressions, and other events Yet the responsibilities differ because no person of killed during ) 9% that normalize racist behavior. 8 color should have ever had to ask to be on equal ( incidents ry o Not only are the racist words t footing,” MIHS’ principal, who is white, Walter involving HIs ck hurtful, but if the remark goes a Kelly said. “And it is upon those who have access to L police as B unquestioned, it maintains an power to do those things, not to minimize the voice b l a c k environment that is a safe space for [of] or speak for people of color but to make sure people, racists. Racist remarks are not always that we seek racial justice, and we address [racial according blatant or said with malice or ill-will, injustice] when we have the power to do so.” to a but can still be racism. Acknowledgment of white privilege, of study by The responsibility of calling out everyday racism, is the first important step as a researchers these events has been placed on the white ally However it is not the only step, as the f r o m shoulders acknowledgment of white privilege is not enough. Harvard. of POC, Percentage of Black history included in U.S. history Actively listening, learning, analyzing society’s Historical the affected courses nationwide according to a 2015 Study by the and one’s own biases are all also essential. Allyship s u b j e c t s National Museum of African american history and culture. group, but, is not an easy or simple thing to do, but when taught in school s t a n d i n g everyone works together to actively call out and face disproportionately revolve up in these the institutions of white privilege, real change can be around the struggles and accomplishments of white situations is often isolating or even dangerous. made. lena hardisty
Spread and Design Lead
BLACK - 5.3%
HIspanic - 5.2%
other - 4.9%
WHITe - 2%
white U.S. History (91%)
THE MIHS ISLANDER | mihsislander.org
opinions | Dec. 2020
Unfair Comparisons Lead to Unhealthy Body Image Kate Grove & Sophie Prock Staff Writers
Consider an average Mercer Island student. You pass them in the halls. You see them sitting in your classes. But you may never think twice about what’s going on in their head. According to a poll of MIHS students, roughly 69% of respondents answered that they either think negatively about their body or struggle with an eating disorder. Another troubling statistic shows that 100% of respondents have compared their body to another’s. One student said “the culture and posts [on social media] coming from MIHS students [are] super toxic.” Another wishes “[MIHS] would open the conversation of body image issues.” These observations are indicative of a culture that is ripe for change. Students at MIHS also reported they rarely converse with their family members about body image, leading to feelings of isolation. More than 48% of students stated that they have never had a conversation with a loved one about the topic. Some MIHS students also report that their struggles with body image and eating disorders began through the school health curriculum, which includes an assignment where students are asked to count the calories in everything they eat for five days. “I know other people, including myself, who started struggling with EDs as a result of that unit,” one respondent said. Another student “was shocked that [it] was an assignment as calorie counting is really disordered.” MIHS is an academically competitive school. Whether
this observation is drawn from the general discourse on grades and college applications or the mean ACT score of 27.3 (nearly five points above the state average), these high standards aren’t something that can be easily overlooked. Every day, students at MIHS strive to do their best while feeling pressure from peers, teachers, and family. This constant striving comes at a steep price. One study conducted on Mercer Island found that “Island teens show far more cases of anxiety, depression and rule-breaking behavior than the norm,” as reported by the Seattle Times. High levels of anxiety means a heavy presence of eating disorders as well, with as many as two-thirds of people struggling with an eating disorder also having an anxiety disorder. This co-occurrence is yet another explanation for whystudents at MIHS are struggling with negative body image and eating disorders at such an alarming rate. While you might not know what’s going on in your peers’ lives, you’ll almost certainly never know if they’re struggling with their own insecurities. Hidden struggles surrounding body image and the young adults of MIHS reign supreme, and only through honest conversation between parents, students and faculty can true progress towards ending this epidemic be made.
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12 BACK | DEC.2020 1) Understand that
Judaism is a religion, culture and ethnicity.
A person can be of Jewish descent, and not religiously practicing, but that does not diminish Judaism as part of their identity. Know that being Jewish looks like many different things! There is so much diversity within Judaism and generalizing that all Jews look one way is false.
5) Stop Associating Judaism with Zionism.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Zionist is a person who believes in the development and protection of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel. Although Zionism is in support of Jews, it does not mean all Jewish people identify or agree with Israel and its actions. Due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinean conflict, there is a negative connotation with the term Zionism. When someone assumes that a person is a Zionist just because they identify as Jewish, this is a form of antisemitism.
THE MIHS ISLANDER | mihsislander.org
2) Don’t use the Holocaust as a comparison.
Comparison of the Muslim Uighur crisis in China to the Holocaust may be offensive. Furthermore, it can be offensive to compare things such as eating meat and abortion to the Holocaust.
m Sa
5
Pelter ’s
WAYS to
BE a good jewish ally
Social media infographics
ADL Website
3) Don’t think that
antisemitism stopped after the Holocaust.
According to the Anti Defamation League, there were more than 2,100 antisemetic incidents in 2019 in the United States. Recent events at Mercer Island High School highlight that antisemitism is a relevant issue in our community that is ongoing and needs to be addressed.
4) Educate
Yourself!
Understand the roots and extensive history of antisemitism. One great resource is the Anti Defamation League Website, the ADL is an established foundation dedicated to fighting antisemitism. Look at different infographics on social media, like this one by @bame_ldn or this one by @whatthefmagazine. Being informed and informing others is the best way to shut down anti-Semitism that you see in your community.