Social Justice Voices

Social Justice

Spring 2020

Voices

Student Magazine

ISSUE 01 Boyd Secondary Social Justice Class

EVENT

TEDxBoyd CURRENTLY POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19

Hugh Boyd Secondary is pleased to announce the rst annual TEDxBoyd, featuring local speakers from around the community to discuss youth related topics.

Stay tuned for further event details!

WORTH IDEAS SPREADING

CONTENTS 04

EDITOR'S NOTE: WHAT SOCIAL JUSTICE IS NOT Mr. Taylor

05

SLEEP DEPRIVATION: A TEEN EPIDEMIC Keerthana Ramanathan

06

ART AS A MEANS OF SOCIAL JUSTICE Jamie Villanueva

08

IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES: HOMELESSNESS IN VANCOUVER Annita Tran

10

THE TRUTH ABOUT VEGANISM AND ITS IMPACT ON THE PLANET Alice Liu

12

THE ISSUE WITH THE MEDIA'S PORTRAYAL OF SERIAL KILLERS Fion Zhen

14

'OK BOOMER' Tyrone Schultz

16

OUR NATION'S INDIGENOUS VOICE Anna Sysoyeva

18

HOW ANIMAL AGRICULTURE IS DEVASTATING THE NATURAL WORLD Michaela Kloot

20

REIGNITING THE YOUTH VOTE Mikhaella Dias

22

RIDDING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH Shelby Arnould

Editor's Note:

What Social Justice Really Means

by Mr. Taylor Social Justice is not simply de ned by who it stands against. It is not personi ed by expressions of frustration, or discontent in 280 characters. It is not about small grievances, petty complaints, or culture wars.

At its core, social justice is about improving the lives of the less fortunate, and giving appropriate weight to each stakeholder in a society. It is a deep-seated recognition that not everyone has equal opportunity or equal access to resources. It is about respecting worthy traditions that connect us to the best of our past and bind us together, while compelling us forward toward critical individual and societal growth.

It is choosing empathy over fear or hatred when succumbing to the latter is often the rst inclination or learned response.

It is about being values and human rights driven. It is about caring for and accepting others, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or economic lot in life. In many ways, it is about striving toward those deep-seated values and ideals we de ne as Canadian, such as inclusion, acceptance, and compassion.

It is a rm recognition that not everyone is dealt the same hand in life, and an observing of where and how bias, prejudice, and discrimination seep into everyday life and institutions and work to disadvantage or advantage others.

Today, we are witnessing powerful social justice movements that are not only shaping society and compelling institutions to change for the better, but are contributing to greater public awareness and understanding of the experiences of minority groups that simply did not exist decades, or even a few short years ago.

Nevertheless, negative connotations around social justice and about being a “social justice warrior” persist in popular culture. A social justice warrior is sometimes proclaimed to be an overly sensitive, outspoken individual—the “triggered,” armchair, social media activist.

This overstated caricature is unfortunate, and frames activism and contribution in a negative light. It subtly diminishes the work of grassroots change makers in our society.

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It attempts to undermine the work of peaceful protestors advocating for a more just and equal society—one that does not treat individuals di erently based on the colour of their skin.

It takes away from the unsung, everyday community builders, who tirelessly help others, and ght against inequities—the community organizer who rallies people toward a meaningful cause, or the teenager who volunteers at the local animal shelter, and advocates in small ways for animal welfare when the opportunity arises.

True social justice is not about petty grievances, small complaints, or unimportant culture wars. Rather, it is about improving the lives of people.

The push to reduce the stigma around mental health, could be the reason why someone seeks professional help for the rst time.

Attending a climate change or civil rights rally might seem like a small act, but collectively that thousand person protest could be what nally pushes a politician to recognize popular opinion and vote yes on important legislation.

Social justice is about being fact driven. It is about shinning a light on issues of injustice, and standing with strength in the face of ignorance, apathy, or neglect, because equality and equity are noble ideals or goals, even if they are not attainable in our lifetimes.

It is about not losing the lustre of idealism or belief in a better world, which can all too often fade, or worse—turn into a cynicism and distrust of humanity that prevents one from continuing to strive for better.

History presents innumerable examples of injustice. Nevertheless, there has throughout history always been a dual track of individuals pushing back against oppression, ghting for greater freedom, and working to create institutions that protect people.

A social justice advocate, change maker, community activist, or protestor (whatever label ts) is a realistic optimist. They see the good while recognizing what needs change.

Nobody ts in a box. Let us not de ne down and devalue being informed, engaged, and compassionate. The pursuit of justice and improvement of lives is among the most admirable of causes.

Sleep Deprivation: A Teen Epidemic

by Keerthana Ramanathan Do you nd yourself yawning throughout the day, falling asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow, or rereading this sentence multiple times to understand its meaning? If so, then I have got some bad news for you—you are sleep deprived.

“Sleep is food for the brain” says the National Sleep Foundation. So why is it that we are starving our brains of the "food" it needs? Most teenagers require 8-10 hours of sleep each night. However, most only get around 7 hours of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation claims that skipping sleep is harmful and even deadly, yet why do so many of us do it anyway?

We all know that staying up late is not particularly bene cial to anyone. Most of the time, we are not doing anything productive.

To cure the problem of sleep deprivation, we must rst ask ourselves: what is stopping us from getting our much needed rest?

There are many clear factors that contribute to sleep deprivation in teens. The most common being leisure activities, a busy after school schedule, hormonal time shifts, and social attitudes.

That last factor, social attitudes, is very relevant to teens today, especially due to the existence of social media and the pressures youth feel from it.

Though social media is something you voluntarily take part in, most youth feel a subtle and often not so subtle pressure from their peers to always be active online so that they do not 'miss out.' When it gets to the point where you are checking your phone every 2 minutes, or staring into a bright screen while lying in bed, then you will certainly nd it harder to fall asleep.

The need to constantly check your phone has been compared to an addiction, and one that teens often do not realize impacts their sleep.

To overcome this problem, sleep experts recommend that individuals spend at least 45 minutes away from a screen before falling asleep. It is also recommended that you sleep in a room without your phone, as the urge to get up and grab it may be overtaken by the desire to not want to leave the comfort of your bed.

Two contributing factors of the deprivation epidemic that can be managed by yourself are leisure activities, and busy after school schedules.

Leisure activities, such as watching TV or playing video games, are important to living a balanced lifestyle, and can be bene cial, but only in moderation.

If you are staying up until 2 a.m. playing video games or binge watching your favourite shows, you really need to contemplate whether it is worth the harmful impact on your body.

Busy after school schedules can also result in less sleep, however, in most cases, schedules are truly manageable. If you were to be honest with yourself, you can often admit a point during the day when you could have used your time more wisely.

Of course, most teens reading this article would agree that they should turn their devices o earlier to get a better night's sleep.

Unfortunately, the reality is that those attempting to change will likely follow through for a few days before returning to their old habits.

Therefore, to combat this natural tendency, it is crucial that you understand the damage sleep deprivation does to your body.

Sleep is not just a time of bodily rest, it is also a period when your brain carries out some of its most important jobs. Two crucial tasks your brain carries out during sleep are clearing out toxic molecules, and cementing memories. This means that during your sleep, your brain retains the information you learned throughout the day and cements it into memories.

Teenagers are lled with new information every day, which is why it is extremely important they get the sleep they need to cement these memories.

Sleep is also especially vital to teenagers because hormones that promote growth are released during sleep. Those hormones also help build muscle mass and repair cells and tissues.

One shocking study done by the University of New South Wales, demonstrated that after 17-19 hours without sleep, blood alcohol levels were equivalent to those of alcohol intoxication.

This alarming comparison between sleep deprivation and alcohol intoxication is only further indication that it is time we take the necessary steps in our individual lives to halt the sleep deprivation epidemic.

5

Art as a Means of Social Justice

By Jamie Villanueva

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The arts are a way for people to express themselves. A way of showing others how they are feeling, what they are thinking, and anything that is going on in their mind. In many ways, it provides people with an outlet to show others who they are and what they are feeling without using words.

So why are so many artists criticized for their work? Far too many people are quick to pass judgment based on surface level aspects, as opposed to considering what the artist is trying to say or express. Unfortunately, these people are often missing the bigger picture.

One example of this, is the song “1-800-273-8255” by an American rapper known as Logic. The song was released on April 27, 2017 and quickly received backlash from some listeners.

Many thought that the song expressed a dangerous mindset about suicide. Some who analyzed the lyrics focused in particular on the line: “Who can relate? Woo!" They felt that a line which sounded enthusiastic, did not belong in a song about a serious and delicate topic like suicide.

But they were quick to misjudge its meaning. According to Logic, the song was written from the perspective of a suicidal person who calls the Suicide Prevention Hotline and realizes during the call, that they do not want to die. This is demonstrated through the chorus, which changes three times from “I just wanna die,” to “you don’t gotta die,” to “I don’t wanna die.”

However, these analysts or critics did not take the time to consider what the artist was truly trying to say. They made their own quick and haphazard interpretations without attempting to understand the artist's perspective.

The meaning behind the song and the message that Logic wanted to convey has since helped many individuals with suicidal thoughts.

Many people sought out support because they realized through the song that there are others out there that want to help them.

In spite of the criticism, Logic succeeded in creating a song that brought attention to someone's biggest struggles. The message that “you are not alone,” and that “there are people who can get you out of this,” strung a powerful chord with many.

Ultimately, people have many outlets to artistically express who they are—through music, performance, visual arts, and the like.

When someone comes up with something in music, people should rst learn what the creator is trying to say. Their opinion should be based on more than just their rst initial thoughts.

Everyone is entitled to their own creative expression, and people should strive to respect each voice and each opinion. When it comes to the arts, we are all capable of digging deeper to uncover the underlying message of the artist.

7

In Someone Else's Shoes: Homelessness In Vancouver

by Annita Tran

When you stroll down the streets of Vancouver what do you see? The street lights and diverse people? The car lights that dance behind you?

Do you see people begging at your feet? When you walk down the streets of East Hastings do you smell the stench? The smell of dirtiness?

Most people assume that people living on the streets are there because they have been addicted to substances. That may be true in some cases, but not all. There are many factors that lead to one being left homeless, and it is our job as a society to become educated enough so that we can help support them.

We must recognize that under di erent circumstances, someone else’s misfortune could be our own. As the proverb goes, “There but for the grace of God go I.” There are many reasons people become homeless. As a society we need to remember that no one is born on the streets, and that for the most part, most individuals do not want to be living on the streets, especially when it is cold, wet, and rainy.

We need to then ask ourselves why? To nd the deeper, systemic reasons to why they are where they are, and why you are where you are in life.

In an expensive city like Vancouver, it can be easy to fall, and even harder to get back up. The core pathway for people ending up on the streets and addicted to substances lies in childhood trauma. Whether from neglect, abuse, or witnessing traumatic events, most people underestimate the power and impact childhood trauma can have later in a person's life.

What happens to all of us is based on our circumstances and choices in life—with every decision there is a result that can be negative or positive.

In 2018, I attended the modular housing strike in Richmond, and had the opportunity to interact with the homeless and listen to their stories.

One man’s mother passed away when he was young, and got thrown into the foster system. At the time, he was designated as “high risk” for the gang related activity he had been involved in. He joined a gang so that he could feel safe and feel a sense of belonging.

Eventually he began using substances to replicate a missing feeling— what he thought “happiness” felt like.

Another man had just become homeless after losing his job. While a woman was seeking safety from domestic violence.

The stigma that most people on the streets are dangerous, and have bad intentions, is far from the truth. While volunteering to braid hair at a government support house, the stories I heard from people there were remarkable.

One man directly a ected by the residential school system, cried to me while I braided his hair. He wept as he talked about forgetting to speak his native language.

He was a quiet man who asked me to braid his hair the way his grandmother did. He held on to the hope that he would get out of the cycle of relapse and see his baby girl again.

After I nished, he wept and thanked me. My simple act of kindness helped to strengthen his hope he said.

When you stop to listen to each story, you nd overwhelming instances of courage and strength in all of them. They each have had the psychological courage to face the world, and were forced to make tough choices that few among us will ever be able to fully understand.

Somewhere along the line, life hit them hard and they could not get back up. But, does that mean they deserve to be pushed to the side, neglected, and ignored for the rest of their lives?

These people need help, and not just during the holiday season, but every day. A small act of kindness and love can and does go a long way toward lifting the spirit of these people.

8

PERSPECTIVE

The Cookie Thief A friend of mine, returning to South Africa from a long stay in Europe, found herself with some time to spare at London’s Heathrow Airport. Buying a cup of co ee and a small package of cookies, she staggered, laden with luggage, to an unoccupied table.

She was reading the morning paper when she became aware of someone rustling at her table.

From behind her paper, she was abbergasted to see a neatly dressed young man helping himself to her cookies.

She did not want to make a scene, so she leaned across and took a cookie herself. A minute or so passed. More rustling. He was helping himself to another cookie.

By the time they were down to the last cookie in the package, she was very angry but still could not bring herself to say anything. Then the young man broke the cookie in two, pushed half across to her, ate the other half and left.

Some time later, when the public-address system called for her to present her ticket, she was still fuming. Imagine her embarrassment when she opened her handbag and was confronted by her package of cookies. She had been eating his.

Originally Published in Reader's Digest (contributed by Dan P. Greyling).

9

The Truth About Veganism and Its Impact on the Planet

by Alice Liu

What is Veganism?

Veganism, the act of not consuming or using animal products, has gained popularity in recent years with more prevalence among younger generations. Some do it for personal reasons, such as health or religious beliefs, while others do it out of compassion for animals, or to help the environment. Whatever the purpose, veganism is a viable alternative to the consumption of animal products, which is just as nutritious and more sustainable.

In comparison to other solutions to the climate crisis, veganism is truly the easiest to achieve on a global scale and may greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, statistics show that the greatest percentage of vegans make an income of under $50,000, thereby demonstrating the a ordability of being on a plant-based diet. Most importantly, if choosing to abstain from animal products can help to save our Earth and also nourish our bodies, why are we not all following a plant-based diet?

Why does it Matter?

Eating meat has become so normalized that people often forget that it is a choice. I am as much of a fan of a medium-rare steak as the next meat lover, but I, along with my fellow carnivores, need to be reminded that climate change is evident and the environmental implications from livestock are critical to the planet.

Unlike other remedies to the release of greenhouse gases, reducing the need for livestock does not diminish people’s quality of living.

For example, saving electricity or nding alternative modes of transportation may be di cult in many people’s cases. However, choosing a plant-based diet keeps people fed and happy with little meaningful sacri ces. What is easier? Giving up your phone, or giving up meat? The consequence of energy production on climate change may be greater than that of livestock, but enforcing a reduction of electricity is much more di cult than converting to veganism.

Call to Action Our time to act is now. Though the e ects of greenhouse gases will continue to take a toll “for at least several more decades,” our e orts today will ultimately help save us from catastrophe. If what we need to do is to signi cantly reduce animal products from our lives to support our planet, let us act now. As a meat enthusiast, I recognize the adversities going vegan may present. However, as an earth enthusiast, I am willing to give up chicken, steak, and even bacon for the sake of our common home. We must put the sustainability of our planet rst and foremost.

Scarborough. 2014

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Starting on April 1st, 2020, I encourage those who are physically and nancially able to join me on this journey—a worthy cause to the bene t of our environment. I will be converting to a plantbased diet and abstaining from animal byproducts such as leather.

I hope everyone eventually nds the means and motivation to be vegan in this new decade.

OPTIMISM “I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep ghting.�

- Barack Obama

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The Issue With the Media's Portrayal of Serial Killers

by Fion Zhen

Actor Zac Efron playing Ted Bundy in the movie "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile," which chronicles the crimes of the proli c killer.

There is a reason why people have a propensity for remembering killers as opposed to the victims of crime. That reason stems from a serious epidemic—one that has in ltrated the media.

The media plasters the faces of killers such as Ted Bundy (dubbed America’s most proli c serial killer) everywhere in order to evoke a reaction from the public.

It is normal for us to possess a certain fascination for those who commit crimes—to marvel at individuals who stray from conventional legal and moral constraints. Nonetheless, the media overindulges our curiosity.

I am not disputing that the media portrays Bundy as an inhumane monster who committed unthinkable acts, however, they only do so to such an extent.

For example, one of the most popular headlines following the arrest of Je rey Dahmer read, “Je rey Dahmer: Man or Monster?”

Biographer Ann Rule depicted Bundy as “a sadistic sociopath who took pleasure in another human's pain, and the control he had over his victims, to the point of death, and even after.” This stylistic rhetoric attracts widespread audiences to click and ‘read more.’

Through no shortage of media coverage, including criticallyacclaimed lms, documentaries and written publications, he is more readily conveyed as a super cially charismatic and intelligent man who wasted his potential and decided to venture down an alternate path.

I am not saying we should humanize duplicity, wrongdoing or criminal acts, but exaggeration has desensitized society to the reality of terrible atrocities. The manner in which true crime is depicted, does not work to provide an e ective general or speci c deterrent of crime.

Ted Bundy exploited his super cial charm to lure victims, much like how the media frequently exploits human nature and the public’s captivation with the psychology of murderers. This morally questionable framing is deeply embedded in the way media presents crime.

Amid news reports of Bundy’s alleged criminal activity and the incriminating evidence that substantiated these charges, Bundy still had a following of women who plead his innocence, many of whom resembled the standard pro le of his victims.

Homicide news is among the most enticing of headlines. We feel anguish for the victims and direct anger towards the perpetrator, and yet we cannot help but wonder why they committed the act.

We begin to conjure up reasons to mitigate responsibility. As if a mere explanation could allow us to understand and relate to coldblooded killers or garner insight into the criminal mind.

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Russell Frank, an associate professor of communications at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that, “as far back as the Columbine shootings in 1999, mental health professionals have been urging journalists to focus less on the perpetrators of shooting rampages and more on the victims.” Unfortunately, most media outlets have yet to heed this message, as media coverage of recent mass killings or domestic terrorist attacks has shown.

"

e world missed out on a great soul" Kimberly Leach, 12 "I want everyone to remember the angel... that was with us, that shared her life with us, her smiles with us, her hopes and dreams with us."

Kimberly Leach was Ted Bundy's last victim.

The limelight that perpetrators of mass shootings and Ted Bundy alike have been allotted by the media can often serve as an incentive, inducing pathological individuals to kill. It is not uncommon for such individuals to be driven to model their behaviour after hearing tales of how Ted Bundy nearly got away with three dozen homicides. Intense media reporting of the Jack the Ripper murders, for example, sparked the minds of many and induced a multitude of copycat killings.

The media provides killers with clout by the manner in which true crime is reported, through headlines such as “Bundy Put to Death in Florida After Admitting Trail of Killings,” rather than headlines that include and emphasize the community and victim impact.

The media segregates the general public from serial killers, much like it does our favourite stars. As a result, criminals are viewed in a comparable fashion to celebrities. We think of them almost as one of the “Friends” cast members, rather than an individual who chose to commit an unlawful, and immoral act.

It is a framing that impacts the way in which society digests or understands violence. It is counterproductive, and in many ways, can be likened to a form of free advertising. It provides people who commit grotesque acts a platform, adjacent to how Kim Kardashian’s sex tape enabled her fame.

Cases should be recognized for their heinous nature and for the persecution in which the victims endured. Due to the way that the media portrays true crime, the victims are not the central focus, but rather the serial and mass murderers.

The overall message the public receives from the media does not extend much further beyond an initial impression of numbers.

They have sensationalized reports by indicating only the quantity of victims while inserting a 1920x1080 portrait of the killer.

Each and every one of these thirty women are worthy of a story.

Thirty stories that were cut short by Ted. Thirty stories that deserve to be known.

Victims of crime are not marks on a tally, a news headline, or a trail of killings. They are people like you and I who deserve the recognition that serial killers have taken away. It has been three decades since we buried Ted Bundy–the media’s portrayal of him should likewise be laid to rest.

13

'OK Boomer'

The generation clash between baby boomers, and millennials and Gen-Zers

by Tyrone Schultz

In recent times, there has been a phenomenon where younger people (those in the “millennial” and “Generation Z” camps) have responded to various complaints made by older generations (particularly the baby boomers, the namesake of this phrase) using the newest fad phrase: “OK Boomer”.

The phrase started taking o when 25-year-old New Zealand politician, Chloe Swarbrick, used it on November 4, 2019 to rebut/dismiss the heckling of a 'boomer' politician during her speech about climate action. From that very moment, the use of the phrase became a divisive and controversial issue.

Some people say it is a valid way for young people to express their anger and frustrations at the “failings” of the baby boomers, particularly for the current state of the climate, the economy, and the social perception of gender expression. Others claim that the phrase “OK Boomer” is ageist, and should be no more tolerated than the n-word.

Some perceive “OK Boomer” as a meme and a harmless bit of intergenerational ribbing, while others argue that it should be outright banned, if not in the workplace, then in society as a whole.

Whether you like the phrase or loathe it, there is one thing that is clear: it is a lot more than a silly internet meme.

Throughout history, and all around the world, there has been a common value that societies hold dear. A recognition that your elders have lived for much longer than you, learned more than you, and are wiser than you. You are to heed their advice, as they are your elders, the head of the familial clan. In other words, they know what is best for you and your community.

In fact, that is why the word “elders” denotes a sense of wisdom, and the idea that they are at the head of the clan/tribe.

Even though we may not be living in tribes anymore, this idea has still persisted to the modern day in the world of politics. According to senate.gov, the average age of a United States Member of the House is 57.8 years (for Congressmen), and 61.8 years (for Congresswomen)—“among the oldest in history” the source states.

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With this fact in mind, it is easy to see why the politicians in power might seem “outdated” to the younger generation, particularly in a world of increasing change and uncertainty regarding the environment, economy, and society. The younger generations (millennial and Gen Z) feel that the boomers are dragging their feet on pressing issues, and that they are “out-of-touch” with the rest of us.

This is understandable, as much of the underlying frustrations with boomers, among millennials and Gen-Zers, stems from decades of policies that have ended up “harming” the planet or “disrupting” the economy for future generations.

This deep-seated strife between the younger and older generations is intensifying, and the central underpinnings of this sentiment are becoming increasingly apparent in our policies and the demographics of voters. In the US, boomers and older folks are more likely to vote Republican, the party more a liated with the conservative stance and less likely to undertake radical policy changes.

Millennials and the younger generations, on the other hand, are becoming more and more progressive, and this rift is only going to get wider. Even though it might seem like saying “OK Boomer” would be a simple way to get the point across, it is not. It only causes more tension to buildup.

So instead of creating a rift between each other, it would be better for everyone, especially the “Zoomers” (Gen Z and millennials) to understand the other side’s position and work toward compromise. Remember, boomers were once in the younger position too, and many of the greatest social reform movements that we ever had (the Civil Rights Movement, First-Wave Feminism, etc.) were started by “antiquated” boomers.

Perhaps, if we came together to resolve our di erences instead of engaging in cross-generational warfare, we could work to create sweeping positive change just like those undertaken in the transformational 60s.

THE YOUTH MOVEMENT "We showed that we are united and that we, young people, are unstoppable."

- Greta Thunberg

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Our Nation's Indigenous Voice

by Anna Sysoyeva The rst creators of our beautiful country were not the European travelers who voyaged across the rugged waters of the Atlantic.

Rather, the people who rst de ned the country were Indigenous people who shared their generational wisdom and deep understanding of the land.

Unfortunately, these original pioneers of Canada su ered immensely at the hands of a greed that engulfed most European newcomers. European religions were forced upon Indigenous children, vastly impacting their beliefs, and diminishing their sense of personal and cultural identity.

By way of separation and abuse, residential schools destroyed the lives of numerous Indigenous families. These experiences have led to a generational trauma that has carried into the lives of families today.

Much of our current Aboriginal population experiences struggles that are all too often brushed o or ignored by the surrounding public. Indigenous groups are still negotiating treaties with the provincial government regarding their land rights, human rights, and rights to self-governance.

The present Canadian government is endeavouring to build a healthier and more stable relationship with Indigenous people. Past prime ministers have paid money to extinguish the pain of the past.

However, they quickly realized that money only does so much.

It begs the questions: Will Canada ever be freed from its poisoned past? Or, in addition to reconciliation, is it the future that needs our acknowledgement?

Canada is home to approximately 200,000 indigenous people—the First Nations, Inuit and Métis, while Vancouver has the third largest population of Indigenous people in Canada, following Winnipeg and Edmonton.

Vancouver shows its vibrant Aboriginal culture through its most visited tourist sites like Stanley Park. The totem poles are a popular attraction that not only captives the eyes, but the mind and spirit.

The wooden structures tell an intricacy of stories, with every carved symbol representing a key feature of Indigenous culture.

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At public forums, happiness and celebration are regularly expressed by Indigenous voices. However, frustration and distress are just as readily shared.

In recent climate strikes in Canada, Aboriginal communities have stepped up and spoken to the listening nation. Members of the Secwepemc, Musqueam, and Metepenagiag First Nations spoke at the climate strikes on September of 2019, gathering from all over Canada and expressing united concerns.

They expressed a deep-seated worry for their people, speaking of the impacts of climate change on their land and Indigenous communities. The salmon population has nearly disappeared, while the moose population has markedly decreased.

The inspirational Indigenous speakers stood by Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teen travelling around the world to sound the alarm on climate change. The First Nation speakers spoke about the ignorance of the government and encouraged everyone to stand up to Canadian leaders and force them to listen.

Climate is not the only concern of the aboriginal people however.

The missing and murdered Indigenous women crisis is an ongoing issue in Canada. Indigenous women and girls have been abducted, murdered, and abused at alarming rates. Despite comprising just 4% of Canada’s population, Aboriginal women made up 16% of all female homicides that occurred from 1980 to 2012.

In response, Indigenous women are using their rights to protest and spread the word on this serious and pressing matter. In 1991, the City of Vancouver hosted the rst ever Women’s Memorial March, which came in response to the murder of a Coast Salish woman. It has since become an annual march dedicated to the commemoration of all missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Using all platforms of social media, Indigenous people have used their voices, demanding to be heard. They have always been a crucial part of the rich history and unique makeup of this country.

We as a nation need to learn how to grow as one, adapting to the needs of one another. Whether it be on environmental or political matters, we each need to learn to listen. This is the only way for our county to inclusively navigate the challenges of today.

“Through embracing the diversity of human beings, we will find a sure way to true happiness.�

- Malcom Gladwell

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How Animal Agricultural Is Devastating the Natural World

by Michaela Kloot

Most people in today’s society think that to be more eco-friendly all that can be done are things like carpooling, reducing the amount of single use plastic we consume, or starting a compost bin. In the average person’s mind, these small contributions are expected to change the many environmental issues we see around the globe today. In reality, however, they are unaware of or even unbothered by one the biggest causes of our planet’s destruction.

Some experts have suggested that we could see shless oceans by 2048. Our shing habits are taking sh out of the ocean faster than the population could possibly recover. 90-100 million tons of sh are pulled from our oceans each year. As conservationist Paul Watson proclaims, "If the oceans die, we die."

Not only are we killing more sh than the population can handle, we are also catching and killing other marine species in the process Animal agriculture is contributing to the degradation of our planet of shing. For every 1 pound of sh caught, there are up to 5 pounds in many di erent ways, such as through climate change, of marine species caught and discarded as a result. deforestation and land use, the death of our oceans, habitat loss faced by wildlife around the world, and even other issues faced by Species extinction is a dire problem, which stems from ongoing humanity, such as health epidemics, or world hunger. habitat loss, and animal agriculture contributes to it in a major way.

In the United States, there are more wild horses in government These days, climate change is recognized as a pressing issue that holding facilities than there are free in the range. The land that future generations on this earth will have to solve. Our these wild horses inhabited has been given to cattle ranchers to consumption of animals and their byproducts are a bigger raise livestock on. contributor to our world’s greenhouse gas emissions than all of our transportation emissions combined.

If we look back ten thousand years ago, 99% of the animal population on earth was made up of wildlife. Today, 99% is livestock Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of all greenhouse and humans. In America, farmers are able to kill entire packs of gas emissions, whereas transportation emissions only contribute to predators, such as wolves to protect livestock.

13 percent.

Humans and our wellbeing as a species has been negatively One of the leading causes of rainforest destruction is livestock and impacted by animal agriculture. We are facing increased health the growing of crops used to feed them. Land used by the animal problems, such as an increased rates of breast, colon and ovarian agriculture industry for the growth of livestock spans 45% of the cancer, which some experts suggest can been traced back to the earth’s total land, with 2-5 acres of land used per cow. consumption of dairy products. What is more, 82% of starving children live in countries where food is fed to animals, and the Why are we letting our land and forests go to waste when there are animals are in-turn eaten in Western nations. alternatives? The amount of land required to feed one vegan for a year is 1/6 of an acre. By contrast, it is 3 times that amount for a Our eating habits are killing our planet and we need to stop vegan, and 18 times that amount for a meat eater. Moreover, 1.5 ignoring the facts. There are simple steps that each individual on acres of land can produce 37,000 pounds of plant-based food, but this planet can take to make more sustainable choices when it only 375 pounds of beef. comes to eating habits and lifestyle.

The Earth’s oceans are so big that all of the land masses added up It is important that each of us choose what we buy carefully, could t into one of our oceans. Tragically, our marine population because as consumers, each decision to purchase animal products is under attack because of over shing. goes straight into the supply and demand chain that keeps the animal agriculture industry perpetually growing.

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IF NOT NOW, WHEN? "I'm inviting you to step forward, to be seen and to ask yourself‌ If not me, who? If not now, when?"

- Emma Watson

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Reigniting the Youth Vote

by Mikhaella Dias

There has been a notable decline in youth electoral participation around the world, especially in Canada. Over the last 10 years, only 35 to 55 percent of 18-24 year old Canadians voted. By contrast, every other age category voted at a signi cantly higher rate. This shortfall in youth voter participation has an important impact on public policy, or on which issues the government decides to address. Politicians are less likely to consider issues that are important to youth when they do not vote in signi cant numbers.

Given this fact, why more than ever, are Canadian youth less inclined to vote, and importantly, what can be done to reverse this trend?

Why the Youth Vote Matters The youth vote can be a determining factor in an election, and is important to our society and how it functions. Young people make up a large proportion of Canada, and so they have the ability to sway an election. Canadian youth are less likely to vote because they see politics as unimportant, particularly in the age of technology. They consider their needs and priorities as di erent from their older peers. Unfortunately, if they abstain from voting, it is unlikely that government will work to fully address the needs, struggles or concerns they face today. Common youth voter issues, whether on climate or rising student tuition, are important for future generations of Canadians.

Why the Youth Has Decreased In 2000, the Institute of Research on Public Policy conducted a study which found that just 40% of 18-27 year olds in Canada kept up with the news. A lack of education on politics has led youth to have limited understanding of the importance of voting. Only 75% of respondents from the study considered voting important.

Based on research, a person’s lack of understanding of politics is a primary reason why they abstain from voting and are less politically engaged.

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Promoting Political Engagement Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to encourage and engage youth politically. The rst critical step is to increase knowledge of the electoral system through forums that are accessible and popular among youth, such as on social media platforms, and through information distributed around schools.

Another way to engage youth is to develop a connection between them and political leaders. If young people feel they have a leader or government that connects and reaches out to them personally, they will be more inclined to vote.

Civic concepts and lessons should be educated throughout schools via debates on current events issues relating to government.

Targeted activities and mock electoral programs can be introduced to prepare children for when they are of age, as youth engagement should start at a young age.

The Upside There has been a slow uptick in youth voter participation in recent years. When compared to the 2011 federal election, the youth vote increased by 19.3% in 2015. This might be because leaders like Justin Trudeau made a concerted e ort to make connections with young people. In the 2019 election, the political parties as well as interest groups produced messages directly targeting young people. Slowly, the percentage of youth voters seems to be increasing (particularly among the millennial generation), however, 18-24 year-olds still continue to have the lowest voter turnout.

Although youth have been the most politically inactive age group in Canada, this trend of disengagement can be improved. The youth vote can be a determining factor in any election, and it is critical that young people recognize the role they can play in in uencing which issues our government chooses to address.

UNCOVERING PURPOSE "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow con nes of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Ridding the Stigma of Mental Health

by Shelby Arnould

Each year in Canada, 1 in 5 people will experience some form of mental illness. This means that there are about 7 million people across the country currently facing the implications of a mental health challenge. Despite the frequency of mental illness, it is still burdened by a widespread stigma that occurs across the world.

What is more, inadequate support systems for mental illness, results in reduced labour force productivity, as people who go untreated, contribute to signi cant economic loss via increased school and work absenteeism, dropout rates, unemployment, and rising healthcare costs.

Anyone who has had any experience with mental illness, professionally or personally, can describe that there is a very real stigma that leaves people often feeling misunderstood and isolated.

Discrimination experienced on the basis of an individual's mental health can further exasperate facets of their life, whether in the workplace, at school, or in relationships.

Our society has to remove the stigma of "di erence" that is so commonly attached to people that have been diagnosed. If this is not accomplished, the wellbeing and rights of those who are su ering will continue to be ignored and devalued.

The stigma associated with neuropsychiatric diseases is commonly broken into two parts: the social stigma, and the self-perceived stigma. Social stigma involves prejudiced attitudes that others hold, while self-perceived stigma is an internalization of shame for having a mental illness, which can lead to poor treatment outcomes. The experience of feeling devalued because of a mental illness is not only unsettling, it is also not morally right to let someone going through a di cult time feel even worse.

As society has become more demanding in recent decades, we have also begun to see a rise in mental illness diagnoses. This has become a larger issue in developing, technology-driven nations around the world. Yet, in our education system and workforce, there is an absence of adequate mental health infrastructures.

People su ering from mental illness and other mental health conditions have become one of the most stigmatized members of society. They face discrimination and are marginalized at a time when they are already so vulnerable.

Over the past few years, steps have been taken to try to improve the status quo. However, it is still evident that more needs to be done to achieve social justice for the mentally ill. Limited resources and access to mental health care only increases the di culties for individuals and their families.

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Fortunately, there has been a rise in awareness programs across Canada. Mental-health literacy campaigns like “Bell Let’s Talk” are encouraging people to reach out for support during di cult moments in their lives.

Destigmatization is possible, but it will take the e ort of all Canadians to be mindful and respectful in the workforce, at school, at home, in the media, and in the health eld.

This can be done by implementing informational courses for employees and healthcare workers, as well as incorporating adequate mental health lessons for students in high school.

Change is possible. By working together, we can diminish the stigma around mental illness and ensure that more Canadians have access to resources that will help improve their quality of life.

PRINCIPLED COMPASSIONATE ENGAGED

Boyd 2019/2020 Social Justice Class

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Support The Koala Hospital Australia's recent bushfires have destroyed approximately 80 percent of the Koalas habitat.

Boyd Social Justice Class: 2020 Charity Pick

To donate online, visit: www.koalahospital.org.au/shop/donation Donations to the "Koala Hospital" support the rescue and treatment of sick and injured koalas, as well as the release back to their home range, and preservation and expansion of their habitat.