The Obsession Issue (Spring 2023)

THE OBSESSION ISSUE SPRING 2023

editor letter Dear Prattlers, If you’re like me, specific moments in time can be best pinpointed by a key fixation.

To combat extreme childhood anxiety and insomnia, I was given a stack of books, a reading light, and the instructions to read until my eyes couldn’t physically stay open.

This awoke in me the voracious need to consume books as if they were oxygen. My teenage access to Wattpad led to trying my hand at writing, which turned me onto the path I follow today as a writing major. A childhood infatuation with “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” still sculpts my work and the emo phase I never quite got over sets the soundtrack. What I mean to say is that maybe our obsessions never fully leave us and instead just snowball into something bigger until they become a part of our personality and lifestyle. Without these long-term fixations, who might I have become? Would I be here, writing this letter today?

For this issue, we chose to focus on the role of how “Obsession,” a large part of being human, plays into so much of our daily activities and choices. Was it not an obsession with the arts that drew you to Pratt Institute? Does this not continue to fuel your drive and hard work as you persevere through the spring semester?

This issue was born out of a need to speak about our obsessions within today’s popular culture–– our fixation on the lives of celebrities, our infatuation with “sad girls” and their beautiful tragedies, and the morbid rise of true crime entertainment, just to name a few. But is this overwhelming passion inherently good or bad? Find out within the pages of this issue.

Enthusiastically Yours,

BEHIND THE COVER In the emergence of the digital age, an exaggerated sense of self-importance and the desire for attention or validation leads to a distorted sense of reality, causing oneself to become obsessed. We succumb to the constant barrage of intrusive thoughts, consumed by the desire to enhance ourselves beyond recognition. When creating the cover for this issue’s theme– the thought of using my own model seemed most appropriate. The thought of seeing my own face magnified and reproduced in countless copies seemed most fulfilling.

Once I had scanned myself in 3D, I abstracted the figure to evoke a sense of emptiness, in response to the undeniable void that arises when we become solely fixated on obsessing over something. The sharp needle detailing that pierces through the model serves to intensify the feeling of inadequacy that can come from neglecting other aspects of life, pulling us deeper into the void. The mirrors add depth to the metaphorical and literal act of reflecting upon ourselves. My aim was to create visuals that were captivating– and in a way, dreamy, as an attempt to illustrate the romanticized way that one might view an obsession towards something. Or perhaps even the illusion that this sensation may induce, as one may fantasize about.

The pull of obsession is unique to oneself; an intensely personal experience. But let us not shy away from this pull, for in it lies the source of our greatest passions and potential for self-discovery. Let us relish in it while we can, and let our art be a reflection of our innermost obsessions.

Continuing on the same theme–I’d like to express the utmost gratitude toward my own efforts and hard work.

MELANIE LEUNG WWW.MELANIE.WTF

CYCLICAL CANVAS 02 THE

By Anna Montalto CRIME OBSESSION 04 TRUE

By Reace Dedon

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CHAMBERLAIN OBSESSION: DOES SHE DESERVE THE TITLE OF GEN Z’S ICON?

By Alex Kasel

11 SLIPPING

By Ella Beard

WHEN REWATCH 12 BECOMES OBSESSION

By Ian M. Fastert

14 INTRUSIVE

By Emma Vall ON TO ‘YOU’ 16 HOOKED

By Tanvi Kumar YOUR CONVENIENCE 18 FOR

By Daniel DeMarse

20 BECOMING THE PERFECT WOMAN

By Krissy Williams

OBSESSIONS COME 22 HIS TO PLAY

By Trent Bangle MIRROR OF 24 DONACON, NARCISSUS

By Hannah Power MINDY KALING 26 THE DILEMMA

By Naomi Desai FOR ESTELLA 28 JOURNAL

By Hadley Uribe

THE CYCLICAL CANVAS

BY ANNA MONTALTO

IG: @anna_mationss

True Crime Obsession

BY REACE DEDON

ART BY SERENA Y. CHENG 4

Does enjoying true crime entertainment make us bad people? This is a question some may have been pondering in lieu of the recent surge in true crime entertainment. As the numbers of true crime fans rise, the demographic of female fans becomes more obvious. What could be so enthralling about hearing your worst nightmare victimizing another? The answer is more complicated than it may seem.

Spotify’s 2022 data revealed that seventy percent of true crime podcast listeners were women. Psychological theorists such as Dr. Sharon Packer, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, have suggested that women feel more strongly about these stories due to their greater capabilities of empathy compared to men, thus becoming more invested. Dr. Packer proposes that women associate true crime with a “dress rehearsal” of sorts, seeing as most of the victims are women. This, of course, is relative to the understanding of gender-based studies, and it does not work as a blanket statement as gender is not binary. The data, however, does tell us that gender

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identity does affect the way we react to violent crimes.

Just as in every pool of fans, there are outliers who take things a bit too far. While the true crime audience is consistently spurring ethical dilemma discussions due to the nature of its entertainment source, some fans have become unhealthily involved.

The TikTok account @savor.it.all has come under fire after posting a video of her “In case I go missing” binder which included copies of her fingerprints, hair samples (which she cut from the ends of the strands and included no actual DNA), and handwriting samples, among other things. Some commenters commended the poster saying, “very good idea,” and “I WANNA DO THIS OMG.” Some wondered what would happen if the binder ended up in the wrong hands. Others pointed out the absurdity of her actions, citing manifestation.

One commenter wrote, “tell me you listen to too much true crime without telling me you listen to too much true crime.” Tiktoker @frogmommy, who claimed to have a degree in criminology and forensic science, made a response video saying, “There is a special brand of white women who love true crime, and are therefore, obsessed with being the victim of true crime.” She also said this behavior was “insane,” and the binder would most likely be unhelpful in a real investigation.

It is not my assumption that all true crime fans have an aching desire to be murdered, nor do I think even these crime-obsessed women do, either. However, milder forms of this obsessive behavior have been called out for similar reasons, one of which goes by the name, “pick-me girls,” a term for women who engage in internalized misogyny for the sake of being desired

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by the male gender. More extremely, hybristophilia, an attraction to somebody who has committed a crime or outrage, is often cited as the reason for the desire some women exhibit towards serial killers. The most famous example is the women who expressed attraction to Ted Bundy during his murder trials and up until his state execution. More recently has been the deliberate romanticization of killers like Ted Bundy and Dahmer, played respectively by well-known “heartthrobs” Zac Efron and Evan Peters, because they are portrayed as handsome, charismatic, and witty in biopics. Despite the ethical conundrum and the fact that most women have no desire to be brutally murdered or attacked, hearing these stories and “connecting” with the perpetrator could make them feel seen and chosen.

Many serial killers and criminals scout random victims.

This might leave some women wondering, what would make a killer pick me?

Regardless of the reasons women are so drawn to the genre: feeling prepared, having their fear substantiated, or a hobbyist’s interest, the ethics of the entertainment agencies’ relationship with true crime is debatable. Admittedly, I have listened to a few of these podcasts. I have watched many, if not most, of the documentaries, and I am often left feeling macabre interest. Could I defend myself in that situation? How could I prevent it? Would I see it coming? These horrific acts appeal to a sense of morbid curiosity, so it’s easy to keep consuming and studying.

Despite the recent surge, I don’t see the fascination with true crime as a new trend amongst younger generations. Our mothers and grandmothers tuned

in to “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Dateline” and “20/20” weekly for years. They warned us as children the same way we warn our peers now with safety tips like, “Make only right turns if you think you’re being followed, scream ‘fire,’ not ‘help’ and tell at least one other person where you will be on a date.” Our imminent danger has always been a concern, but the retelling of these tragedies by people not related to the victims for monetary gain often feels insensitive. Several of the most popular podcasts, like “Crime Junkie,” are criticized for recklessly spreading false information about crimes and profiting off of stories many families are still grieving over.

While listeners of true crime often feel safer by listening to these stories, it’s important to consume mindfully.

When searching for true crime content, it’s best to subscribe to podcasts that don’t sensationalize.

Instead, look for those that rely on primary sources, speak respectfully, and donate to related charities.

It’s also important that we, as consumers, understand how unspoken social contracts impact the acts of crime and its consumption. Often, predators count on the fact that women are more likely to feel obligated to assist a stranger in need for fear of being assumed rude. They may also feel safer engaging readily with a stranger since rejection can also fuel violence. The majority of crimes against women are perpetrated by someone familiar to the victim, and the social obligations women feel towards family and peers in these instances are ever further strained. As consumers, we must question our motives. While the pool of women whose obsession is fueled by internalized misogyny is small, no woman is immune to its effects outside of the true crime community.

Despite any amount of soul-searching and therapy one might receive, the expectations of female behavior in today’s society often feels like an immovable weight.

Just as women must look out for themselves, they must look out for others. There are victims and survivors all around us. The implications of true crime as an entertainment medium may make these instances feel distant and escapable, even. While there is no shame in consuming true crime, it’s important to maintain your ethical responsibility and to do so with reverence.

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CHAMBERLAIN OBSESSION: DOES SHE DESERVE THE TITLE OF GEN Z’S ICON? WORDS AND ART BY ALEX KASEL

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Who doesn’t love a success story?! Well sure, if the heroine is

within the past four years is her podcast “Anything Goes,” where

college-aged and has a coffee company, an Architectural Di-

she discusses an enormous array of topics including travel, mental

gest-worthy home, and a portfolio of work with brands such as

health, relationships, morality, and identity, to name a few.

Louis Vuitton and Vogue, one might feel a little jealousy, but on my part, there’s also a whole lot of admiration. Over the past sev-

It’s very telling of Emma’s appeal that her fame revolves around

en years, Emma Chamberlain has risen to have not only internet

her personality, style, and opinions when we consider the current

fame, but global influence. She went from filming YouTube videos

cultural obsession with niches and personal aesthetics. She ap-

in her parent’s modest home to walking the red carpet to the tune

pears at home in her identity (visual and otherwise), but like most

of a 12-million-dollar net worth at the age of only 21. In spite of all

young people she took a journey to get there. Emma was the or-

this, a huge part of her reputation is just being a “normal” girl with

igin of the “VSCO girl” aesthetic in 2016. A photography-based

a good sense of humor and style. She’s famous for being herself,

app used by Gen Z, VSCO briefly defined a subgenre of personal

which is an impressive feat in the oversaturated world of the inter-

aesthetic in a way Tumblr had once done, popularizing scrunchie

net. I’m obsessed with the trajectory of her influence, success, and

hair ties and reusable straws. Oddly enough, as Emma herself has

growth as a human being—how could I not be when I watched her

discovered a more sophisticated style, “VSCO girl” content on the

get there every step of the way?

app has also pivoted to cater to more luxurious tastes. But while Emma maintains a certain aesthetic, she still doesn’t pretend to be

Like many of her fans, I grew up alongside Emma. I was learning to

perfect. In an online world that’s obsessed with appearances, it’s

drive when she posted videos about getting her license, and I was

inspiring to both admire someone for their taste and success and

going to Target with my friends after school as she posted hauls

to be reminded that they have down days, pet peeves, and mis-

from that very store. Unlike previous YouTubers I’d watched, Emma

takes of their own. It makes her life seem relatable and achievable.

didn’t pretend to have her shit together any more than the rest of us. It seemed she came up with an idea, like crafting or cooking,

Many modern influencers have garnered an audience by promot-

and then filmed herself giving it her best shot, tossing comedic

ing a certain aesthetic right down to the food they eat and activ-

comments in left and right. This new wave of casual videos was

ities they partake in. For example, to act within the aesthetic of

exciting. It felt real! She was one of the first to do it and keep do-

“dark academia” one might record their trip to the library looking

ing it, landing on the Time’s 2019 list of “The 25 Most Influential

for classics, while to enact the lifestyle of the “that girl” aesthetic,

People On The Internet,” which wrote that she “pioneered an ap-

one might get up early and drink a smoothie before showcasing

proach to vlogging that shook up Youtube’s unofficial style guide.”

their productive day. Especially due to the short form aspect of Tik-

Another aspect of Emma’s influence that has grown tremendously

Tok and Instagram Reel videos, many creators promote unachiev

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able standards of particular aesthetics rather than using them as

human behavior, it seems out of character that she would tiptoe

tools to find one’s personal style. The fact that Emma Chamber-

around “sensitive” topics to avoid backlash from those who disa-

lain now refrains from using TikTok in order to protect her mental

gree. She even recently shared an episode responding to critiques

health rather than using it to further her influence is relatable, es-

she’s received about previously discussed topics. In response to

pecially considering her status as a member of the last generation

an episode about the pros and cons of being your own boss,

to grow up without it.

where she romanticized nine-to-five jobs and voiced her issues with being her own boss, she quickly agreed with listeners that it

However, a major critique of Emma has been her silence on polit-

is a privilege to be in her situation as her own boss, and that re-

ical and social subjects. Emma has been sharing content on the

gardless of the obstacles she may face in organizing her time and

internet since she was 16, so it unfortunately makes sense with her

creating work/life boundaries, it could be far worse to be working

upbringing as a middle-class white woman that she wasn’t always

a job she wasn’t passionate about for an unkind boss. Another

knowledgeable about social justice. But as she grows and learns,

topic she revisited and corrected was her stance on female friend-

Emma is ready to tackle serious topics. In a recent episode titled

ships, noting that she did not want to add to the false narrative of

“is ignorance bliss?” Emma discusses the pros and cons of thinking

hyper-competition among women, and that healthy female friend-

critically as opposed to going with the flow. In discussing the cons

ships do exist. In all these instances, she offered up gratitude to

of ignorance, she neglects to mention that there are some things

her listeners for sharing their perspectives and creating this learn-

it’s a privilege to be ignorant about. It’s not okay to be willfully ig-

ing opportunity for her.

norant about the struggles of systematically marginalized people, or how one’s daily behavior and vocabulary can move to uphold or

I would say (and I’m sure her sixteen-million plus followers would

reject these systems. If Emma is to be truly considered a role model

agree) that the world is already obsessed with Emma Cham-

for her impressionable audience (made up largely of young wom-

berlain, and I don’t think that’s going away. But if she made her

en in their teens and 20s) she needs to consistently incorporate

platform an even more inclusive space (hopefully as she starts to

larger social issues into her explorations of difficult subjects. This

receive guests on her podcast this will be the case) I could truly

critique could be restated for many influencers and celebrities, but

call her the most successful, positively influential, and relatable

because Emma shares her opinion on such a wide array of topics,

celebrity to break out of Youtube.

when there are glaring worldly issues she doesn’t mention, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

I could see Emma taking this step because she’s open to sharing her unfiltered opinion and she’s also willing to change her mind.

I’m not saying she needs to tell us who she’s voting for, but as someone who uses her platform to talk about the intricacies of

“The world is already obsessed with Emma Chamberlain, and I don’t think that’s going away.”

SLIPPING

IG: @arts._ella

BY ELLA BEARD

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When Rewatch Becomes Obsession

BY IAN M. FASTERT The feelings gained from a piece of art you love – in any form, from

the finale of the film (where the semi-fictionalized Mark Zucker-

fine art to television and song– are some of the most personal

berg is left alone, refreshing the Facebook page of someone who

emotions one can have. Your bond to that work, whether in admi-

hates him) I was so enthralled by everything I had just watched,

ration of its craft, themes, “so me” value, or the pure escapism it

pummeled by the quiet devastation the movie built up and un-

brings, is unique to you. It shapes your perception of it, and if un-

loaded onto me, that I was deeply attached to it. I needed to see

checked, it starts to shape you back. We’ve all experienced a piece

it again.

of art for the first time and stood in awe of the emotion it brought us. Connection to art helps form our personalities, find others who

The subsequent watches helped me understand why I was so ob-

share our interests, and provide an outlet through which our inner

sessed; from the perfection of the casting, almost resembling a

emotions can be let loose for a few brief moments before we’re

Shakespearian drama as performed by preppy Harvard students,

needed to return to the reserved normalcy of social life.

to its interrogation of future isolation brought through the dawn of social media. It was an eye-opening piece of filmmaking on its

This is not obsessive. These feelings are shared by everyone at

own, but as something that spoke to my fears and worries at that

some point or another, relationships forming between art and per-

moment of my life, it was catastrophic. Its most painful moments

son infinitely through time. Rarer though are the works that truly

looped in my head for days, and it was clear I was rewatching

bury themselves deep within our thoughts; art that completely and

simply to stew in those feelings.

utterly resonates in ways difficult to explain, manifesting into life compulsively. Rewatching episodes you love is normal – watching

Did this help me work through some of those emotions? Maybe,

the same episode every day for a week is when things start to go

but the rewatch is a double-edged sword, and every attempt to

off the rails.

recapture the original feeling dulls its power for future observations. It was more akin to coping than searching for any new rev-

In my sophomore year of high school, I watched The Social Net-

elations about movies or myself. Yet it remains a part of who I

work four times in one week for many of the reasons one obsess-

am, a reminder that no matter where I end up in life, I will have

es over works: it was tragic, brilliantly put together, and endlessly

once watched The Social Network four times in a week. It’s no way

quotable. This alone may not have endeared it to me as strongly if

to live, but the rush of allowing yourself to become completely

it weren’t for how I had been feeling that week of my life – isolated,

obsessed with a piece of art is unforgettable and links that work

confused, and in need of emotional release. On my first watch, by

to you forever.

ART BY ASHELY YU IG: @mono_xlan.art 12

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INTRUSIVE

BY EMMA VALL

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IG: @the_wandering2926

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HOOKED ON TO

WORDS AND ART BY TANVI KUMAR

‘ You ’

Media portraying complicated relationships and a myr-

tasies and preconceived notions onto other characters.

iad of darker emotions, such as jealousy and obsession,

This intimate view of the world through Joe’s eyes and

have grown to rank #1 in our watch lists. While some

the closeness that extends beyond the characters to the

shows take seasons to build an ordinary but sinister

audience being addressed as “you” reframes relatable

character that viewers are torn between loving and hat-

romantic tropes into nightmarish intrusions. The title and

ing, “You” pulls it off with twisted confidence.

the show speak about us and to us, causing us to compare our own toxic behaviors to those exaggerated in

Netflix’s psychological thriller follows Joe Goldberg,

the series, such as stalking on social media and feeling

played by Penn Badgley, a serial obsessor in his mid-30s

compelled to check our partners’ phones to satiate our

who hides behind the guise of an awkwardly charming

trust issues.

and thoughtful boyfriend. The story chronicles his obsessions with a series of women, which blossom after just

Despite Joe’s lack of remorse for his sociopathic actions

one encounter. Even his expressions of love – “everything-

and delusions of love, his quick-witted persona and con-

ship” and “I wolf you” – foreshadow and fetishize the

ventional good looks make him likable, coaxing us into

all-consuming transition of his lovers into victims. But,

empathizing with him – and falling into his manipulative

there are twists and a twist to end all twists, and every

trap. Furthermore, the flaws of his victims make his ac-

season Joe meets a woman who mirrors his violent na-

tions justifiable to himself and coerce us into giving him

ture. Ironically, Joe rationalizes the obsessive women into

another chance at redemption (more than once). We also

repulsive antagonists, portraying himself as “the better

see moments of kindness and support from Joe when he

man” to justify eventually murdering them.

helps his young neighbors escape their turbulent childhoods.

After its second season, I remember my friends describing how nauseating the show is and myself responding

“You” highlights the grey areas between good and bad,

with, “it’s hard to keep watching.” Yet, when the third sea-

leaving us conflicted about who we want to root for ver-

son premiered in January of 2020, we watched it until

sus who it is ethical to be rooting for. Our love-hate di-

the end, within two days. It seems that feeling infuriated

lemma for this problematic protagonist seduces us into

with every twist and dark humor is central to the “You”

being Joe’s victims, unable to condemn him to rightful

experience.

punishment, but also Joe himself, obsessed and unable to stop watching. Lucky (or unlucky) for us, the fourth in-

While Penn Badgley’s unsettling, dark-eyed gaze and

stallment of this messy show is returning, still every bit

obsessive character drives the series, the internal mon-

as sinister, stinging, and willing to screw with its eagerly

ologue keeps us gripped. He uses the second person,

waiting audience.

addressing his victims as “you” to project his own fan17

For Your Convenience WORDS AND ART BY DANIEL DEMARSE

When marijuana was decriminalized in New York state, it did

World, but it didn’t bode well that day for me. I was knee-deep in

not mean that it was legal to sell, only to possess. Nonetheless,

ideas of reference, a psychotic situation in which everything about

convenience stores around the city started selling it under the

the external World seems relevant to oneself, and everything

table. One of such stores is located outside of Pratt. Since attend-

everybody said meant something judgmental about me or was

ing Pratt, this store has been a part of my academic routine of

just generally ominous. I was wearing the only mask I could find at

obsession. I would usually purchase an IPA before class, and, if I

the time, but it was one of those gag ones with a smiley on it that

had some extra dough, these sour gummy edibles that were way

in the wake of the pandemic may have seemed out of touch, and

too potent.

everything I said just sounded pretentious. Anyone with self-esteem issues knows how these piddling details can give you unex-

A story of obsession, in my case, must be a story of ingestion. I like

pected grief, especially when one is stoned.

ingesting things before I do things. Always have. It is my form of officiation. It cinches both sides of the action, its beginning and

A lesson to learn from all this must be that I shouldn’t officiate

end. That’s why I smoke cigarettes. That’s why I used to drink IPAs

my actions by ingesting, consuming. There is enough to consume

before class.

when it comes to the sense-stimulus around keeping track of my academic responsibilities. Enough anxiety to consume myself in

I got it all from the same place—my beloved convenience store

flame.

next to Luigi’s pizza. I have gotten to know the guys at the register a little bit. There’s Jimmy, a tall gangly guy who smokes joints out-

These days, I am more responsible about my responsibilities.

side the store; and London, who allegedly works there, he said he

I save the IPA for after class. Sometimes.

did, but I think he’s just a haunt. I spoke to him once about worker’s comp and angling on the Hudson upstate, all while I polished

A few days ago, I went to enact my usual officiation at the conven-

off two IPAs and a pizza.

ience store. There were cops inside and two patrol cars outside one of which was a van. They told me to wait to come in. I thought,

The more interest I showed in their marijuana products, the friend-

maybe they finally got wise. Maybe the cops were always wise.

lier they were to me. You have to understand—this is how the ex-

But at this point, the illegality of selling marijuana is such a gray

change works. I think they were also impressed with how much I

area, that maybe I can write this article about it without ‘blowing

could drink. I told Jimmy that I got toasted so I could study. This

up their spot’ as the kids say. Hopefully, this effort can even give

is true.

them more business.

But one day, I took way too many gummies before class and en-

Just, don’t buy the unregulated gummies.

tered Bizarro World. That’s not to say that I am not used to Bizarro 18

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BECOMING THE PERFECT WOMAN

BY KRISSY WILLIAMS

In today’s world, media consumption has become an integral part of our daily lives. From social media to movies and TV shows, we are constantly exposed to images and stories that further shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. However, for some individuals, this constant consumption can become obsessive, leading to a blurring of the lines between reality and fiction.

This phenomenon caught my attention when I read the article “Standing on the Shoulders of Complex Female Characters’’

by Rayne-Fisher Quann, an activist and social media influencer known for her discussions on feminism and pop culture. Quann’s perspective and critique of the societal trend of “mental illness chic” piqued my interest. This is a trend where individuals romanticize their struggles with mental illness for aesthetic or entertainment purposes, or to gain attention. Quann shares a dream where she seeks help, but a Hollywood producer is more interested in turning her experiences into a movie than in assisting her. She also talks about how she tries to romanticize her own experiences with depression through the way she writes them in her articles to make them more intriguing for her audience, like eating chocolates in bed and writing poetry. The article’s exploration of societal pressure on women deeply resonated with me, as it reminded me of my own obsessive experiences with mental illness. I felt pressure to make my tweets on my private Twitter account entertaining and introspective while downplaying the reality of my issues to avoid causing concern.

The prevalence of “mental illness chic” can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the glamorization of mental illness in media and the normalization of self-disclosure and sharing online.

Social media has created a platform for individuals to share their personal experiences and struggles, and in some cases, this sharing can become performative, with individuals striving to make their experiences more interesting or appealing. In addition, the media has portrayed mental illness in a way that romanticizes it, making it seem like a desirable trait to have.

Consequences can be detrimental, particularly for young women.

Women are often subjected to societal pressures to conform to a certain standard of beauty and behavior. These pressures are amplified in patriarchal societies, where women are expected to be submissive and domestic. As a result, many young women use their experiences with mental illness to relate to fictional characters who are also struggling with similar issues. Shows like “Fleabag” or “Euphoria” have gained massive popularity, particularly among young women, for their portrayal of characters dealing with mental health issues. These characters provide a sense of representation and validation for individuals who may feel isolated in their own experiences.

The danger lies in the tendency to romanticize and glamorize these characters’ struggles, leading to the normalization of mental illness as an aesthetic rather than an issue that requires proper

ART BY DIZZY STARFIE IG: @dizzy_starfie

treatment. By shifting the focus from romanticization to understanding and supporting those who are affected by it, we work towards a more empathetic and informed society.

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His Obsessions Come To Play

By Trent Bangle

IG: @___pillow

DonaCon, Mirror of NarCissus

BY HANNAH POWER Skilled hunter, son of Cephissus,

Nemesis took notice upon you,

man of god-like vanity, with

revenge so sweet,

eyes of riverbank brown, face sculpted

bewitching you to my banks,

as if by Pygmalion, body forged by Hephaestus, rejector of man, woman, nymph and god.

None are deserving of Narcissus, the god among men.

Looking was never the proper option.

You need me, as I need you.

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luring you to glance upon me.

Meet my water, my gaze, and I shall show you your bloom.

My stagnant waters mirror your desires.

Never shall you leave me.

Waste and wither,

I am what you desire.

join my banks, my waters.

I am all you need.

Your mortal skin holds you back no more.

Touch me not, for you shall ripple perfection.

Intangible love, dying as one.

Beauty on beauty, we will become one for all of eternity.

ART BY AVERY SLEZAK IG: @_artvery_ 25

ART BY YOO YOUNG CHUN IG: @yyounggy

Mindy Kaling Dilemma The

BY NAOMI DESAI I grew up in Silicon Valley, where the majority of my peers have

Kaling started on “The Office,” where her character Kelly subverts

Asian immigrant parents, like me, who worked hard to provide an

the smart, obedient Indian girl trope by acting as the popular girl

affluent life for their children. That work ethic has been passed

who bullies her fellow female coworkers and is in a toxic relation-

down from generation to generation which meant the majority

ship with a white guy. The only episode that touches on Indian

of us defined the obedient, nerdy Asian stereotype which I some-

culture titled “Diwali” crudely refers to the holiday as “Indian Hal-

times still identify with today. So few people at Pratt come from

loween.” In one of Kaling’s new shows “The Sex Lives of College

the same background as me, which leads me to the media to feel

Girls” Bela, the sex-positive South Asian character, gets into a re-

represented. Instead, I end up disappointed that my only options

lationship with a white guy who initially didn’t believe her claims

are these white-washed characters that don’t tell my story.

of being sexually assaulted because the assaulter was his white friend. Eventually, he chooses to stick up for her, which somehow

Mindy Kaling is the most famous Indian American female voice

redeems him enough to qualify as a love interest.

in American entertainment. I can’t fully commit to hating her, because she is one of very few successful South Asians and I look up

To be a Gen-Z second-generation Asian American is to be over-

to her in some ways, but she also only got this far by emulating

whelmed. I’m in a constant tug of war to be American enough

whiteness and making fun of her own culture.

and Indian enough and the middle ground between the two is completely undefined. Cultural gentrification is happening to the

Her coming-of-age Netflix show features Indian American main

descendants of immigrants growing up in America. We are be-

character Devi Vishwakumar who is openly embarrassed by her

ing infected with whiteness which creates a generational cascade

Indian culture and obsessed with reinventing herself to be popular.

that erases our culture more and more at every step.

Devi spends most of the show in a love triangle with Ben, a white guy who belittles Devi’s intelligence despite them being equal in

Mindy Kaling is the epitome of the bare minimum. She gets away

their year for best grades. Not to mention the microaggressions he

with this by supposedly subverting stereotypes when in reality she

throws at her, referring to her entirely WOC friend group as the “UN”

creates new ones where brown people should strive for whiteness.

(unf*ckable nerds), calling her “David” instead of by her name, and

The media has so much room for improvement, leaving room for

saying she has a mustache. All of this is played off as cute banter

new voices.

catering to an enemies-to-lovers romance. This was the first time I got to see someone who looks like me as a lead on a Netflix show

No one can tell your story except for you.

and now it’s just something that I hate-watch in the background.

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Journal for Estella

BY HADLEY URIBE

October 1, 2022

October 3, 2022

Estella,

Estella,

My little star. I think about you daily. Your soft hair and your beautiful eyes plague my mind as I go through my days. My sweet baby girl—you are a mother’s dream.

You are the life of our family. I like to think you’ll look like your dad.

I imagine he has dark hair and dark eyes. He likes literature but only modern novels. Declan? Colin? Bartholomew…? We can’t all have good names.

Yesterday, I remembered the letters my mother, your grandmother, wrote for me while she was pregnant with me. I knew my mother loved me, but I couldn’t grasp how she could have so much love and adoration for someone who hadn’t even been born. Now, you’ve allowed me to understand. I can’t imagine loving anything more than I love you. I bought this journal to write to you, so one day you’ll understand how special you are to me.

I heard a song on the oldies radio today and I instantly imagined you. I can’t wait to meet you. Can’t wait to hold your little hands and watch you laugh for the first time. Most days I worry about when that’ll be. I don’t want to wait seven or ten years to meet you.

I need the happiness you will bring now, little star. Listen to “Have You Ever Been In Love” by Celine Dion. It’s our song.

With Love,

You will complete me, sweet Estella James.

With Love, Tilly

December 6, 2022 Dear Tilly,

Tilly

October 5, 2022 Estella, I told myself I wouldn’t write to you today, but I need you more than ever now. Today is my dad’s birthday. I always imagined you would call him “Papa” or “Poppy.” This will all probably be confusing for you, as you won’t have a grandpa from my side of the family. I promised myself I wouldn’t let you feel the type of hurt I felt, but I don’t know who else to turn to right now.

My mom says I should call him—wish him a “Happy Birthday,” but I can’t. He got rid of any love he had for me to make room for a new kid, new family. How can you love someone after they leave you? I will never leave you, my Stella. You are my shooting star.

Thank you for being my baby.

With Love, Tilly

I’m worried about you. You come home from school and retreat to your room. I miss you, Tilly. I understand life is hard. I understand you miss your dad—don’t you think I do, too? Writing about the future can be therapeutic for some people, and help them realize that better times are ahead. I thought that’s what this was—you would feel better and then you would stop. This has turned into incessant harmful behavior towards yourself. You have let this fantasy hang over your life like a cloud, ready to rain on anything that could make you happy now.

You’re falling behind in school; you haven’t made plans with friends in over a month. Plato scratches at your door every night and you ignore him. Instead you focus on a person you do not know and will most likely never know.

I am your mother, and losing you this way makes me feel as though I have failed at that. I am sorry that you don’t like your life right now, but I want to remind you that this is your life, not those letters, not that child you have created in your mind. I am your family.

So, please, just come out of your room. Eat dinner with your family.

With Love, Mom

ART BY YI SHEN WEI IG: @P.PAPPLE_ARTIST

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I like Declan. Declan will say you’re his “Daddy’s Girl,” but you and I will both share a giggle when he says that because we know better.

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