Nebula

SNAKEPRINT MAGAZINE

inclusive 2024 | Issue 3

nebula nebula nebula

Table of Contents

01 Meet the Staff

11 Zodiacs

29 Satellite

31 03 17 Letter from Owners Grounded A Gender Conformity Story 05 About Issue

21 Eclipsed

39 Nuclear Family

09 In Tuned

25 A.I

45 Follow Us

Founder & Co-Owner Allison Rainey

Isabelle Hancock

Director of Writing

Co-Chief Editors

Diego De Jesus

Caroline Bryant Natalie Garrison

Director of Photography

Writers

Models

Kailynn Bannon Macayla Brady Mikaela Dick Beatrice Fleurant Isabella Gargiulo Natalie Garrison Frances Gonzalez Creative Content Isabelle Hancock Corrinne Harvey Director Jess Hudak Beatrice Fleurant Halle Humbaugh Social Media Team Chloe Johnson Beatrice Fleurant Amo Oehler Frances Gonzalez Allison Rainey Isabelle Hancock Alex Richardson Allison Rainey Celia White Julia Vorbeck Kailynn Bannon Caroline Bryant Diego De Jesus Natalie Garrison Dylan Olive Tanzy Zviitwah

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Co-Owner

Lillie Schwier

Photographers Caroline Bryant Isabelle Hancock Devin Rollins Lillie Schwier Sydney Silva

Graphic Designers

Caroline Bryant Allison Rainey Lillie Schwier Julia Vorbeck

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Snake Print Magazine proudly presents its third issue, “Nebula.” The idea was created back in 2022 and sat on the back burner until we released “Allora y Adesso.” Our staff was very eager to begin working on Nebula and started brainstorming instantly. While it has taken almost two years to reach completion, we needed extra detail and care for a multitude of reasons. After both of us graduated and moved to separate parts of the country, we had to restructure and grow our team.

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We both worked tirelessly over FaceTime, Zoom, and the occasional flight or five-hour drive. Dealing with different time zones and conflicting schedules, we decided to appoint two co-chief editors. The responsibilities of positions grew exponentially when our staff doubled in size. Caroline Bryant and Natalie Garrison took these positions with pride and began coaching and leading the team.

We are so appreciative of our staff. Seeing each person grow and embody what it truly means to be a part of Snake Print is the best part of our jobs. All the hands and minds that helped create Nebula deserve immense praise. As you read through this issue, you will understand why so much time and effort was put into every detail. On behalf of us both, thank you to our amazing staff and readers.

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The Zodiac Anomaly

by Kailynn Bannon photo by Lillie Schwier 11

“Since 1000 BC, humanity has turned to the constellations and planets for guidance on any queries big and small.”

The stars have influenced the way people have predicted the future and explored their identities for centuries. Since 1000 BC, humanity has turned to the constellations and planets for guidance on any queries big and small.

Even though astrology contains several practices such as palm reading, Americans today will use the Zodiac over practically any other form of astrology.

In the early years of astrology, the skies were used as a calendar, a compass and a way to keep track of the gods. There is evidence of celestial patterns in cave drawings as early as 15,000 BC. The practice of deciphering the changing patterns of the sky emerged all over the world.

Western astrology, which is what people practice today, has origins in Babylonia from 5,000 years ago. Astrology was how Babylonian priests determined the will of the gods.

Astrology was developed with the idea of a line being drawn through the Earth and Sun, out into space. This line rotates as the Earth orbits the Sun, aligning with stars throughout its year-long journey. constellations made up of these stars are

The 12 considered to be a part of the Zodiac.

The Zodiac starts in March, because its zero point is where the imaginary line intersects with the constellations.

Gaining popularity after the eighth century, the zodiac signs were divided into groups of three–this is known as a triplicity. There are four groups of triplicities organized by common elements, planetary rulers and cardinal direction. The elemental associations include fire, earth, water and air.

Your natal chart is determined by where the stars were the day, time and location you were born. However, due to natural shifts from the tilt of the Earth’s axis, constellations move positions. Additionally, there was a calendrical rearrangement back in 2011 that re-introduced Ophiuchus, a sign discarded by the Babylonians. While astrologists still mainly use natal charts, they recommend taking your progressed chart into account as well.

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Aries (3/21-4/19) Aries is the enthusiastic and optimistic fire sign. Those with an Aries sign tend to be more confident and independent, ready to take on the world and anything it may throw at them.

Taurus (4/20-5/20) Taurus, the first earth sign, is practical in nature, tending to be reliable and a bit stubborn. They appreciate the material pleasures of the world.

Gemini (5/21-6/20) Gemini’s are fun and electric. Socially, they

can be chatty and quick witted. This air sign also tends to be extremely adaptable to

change and new situations, craving change and duplicity.

Cancer (6/21-7/22) Cancer, the first water sign, is a sensitive

and intuitive sign. They are very loyal

and nurturing to those they surround

themselves with. With this loyalty comes

fierce protectiveness toward their strong

relationships.

Leo (7/23-8/22) The fire sign Leo is a warm and cheerful type. They

are known for their creativity and comfortability with

being the center of attention. Leo’s thrive off of passion

and praise.

Virgo (8/23-9/22) Virgo’s are organized and analytical. This hardworking earth sign loves a

good system or to-do list. They do great handling lots of information, but need

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to sit with it for a while first.

Libra (9/23-10/22) Libra is an open-minded air sign, striving for fairness and equality. They are social and gracious with others.

Scorpio (10/23-11/21) Scorpio’s are a water sign notoriously known for having

a sharp edge. Though intense, Scorpio’s are passionate and brave.

Sagittarius (11/22-12/21) Sagittarius is a fire sign with an adventurous, spontaneous side. They are generous with

what they have and hopeful for their future.

Capricorn (12/22-1/19) Capricorn’s

are

disciplined

and

responsible. The last earth sign has self-

control, and tends to be a perfectionist

most of the time. They will get things

done the right way and always strive for

success.

Aquarius (1/20-2/18) Aquarius is an air sign that pushes boundaries.

They’re original, independent and intellectual. They

believe that a better world is attainable, no matter what

it takes to get there.

Pisces (2/19-3/20)

Pisces, the last sign of the Zodiac, embodies empathy and compassion. The water sign can often be sad and fearful, but also artistic and dreamy.

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Astrology has had a large increase in popularity since the beginning of COVID-19.

During a time of uncertainty, people were forced to fill the empty parts of their lives and confront their own minds. People sought means of comfort and predictability.

Astrology appeals to a large audience because of its multidisciplinary characteristics; it can be seen through the lens of science, spirituality, art, therapy and pseudoscience. Social media, movies, music and other forms of entertainment fuel the popularity of zodiac signs.

Astrology is accessible now more than ever.

There are various means of education on the topic such as horoscope apps, birth chart websites, books, podcasts and more. People find comfort and relatability in zodiac signs even if they don’t necessarily believe in them.

Social media, movies, music and other forms of entertainment fuel the popularity of zodiac signs.

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The Zodiac specifically is the most relevant form of astrology in modern society due to the normalization and relatability of the belief. Following a sign based off of when you were born is much easier than figuring out how to read palms. There’s also less stigmatization behind the practice because of how publicized it has become. In the digital age, zodiac signs have become more than just a social media trend or a passing fad.

Discussing your sign is a huge conversational topic that has become more of an analysis on personality traits than astronomy, almost like the Enneagram. Even if you don’t believe in astrology, chances are you still know your sign and a little about it. The simplicity of the Zodiac makes it such a widely practiced belief, but becomes more complex the deeper one dives into the knowledge of the constellations.

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written by Caroline Bryant photos by Sydney Silva and Lillie Schwier

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Astronomers found that Orion’s Belt is one of the most individualized.

Despite humanity’s separation thousands of years ago, cultures worldwide transcribed the sky.

Many relied on the stars and their constellations to find reason in chaos and used them as a guide for destinations and a timestamp for the growing season.

They utilized these same constellations and asterisms –smaller constellations – for these motives.

The Greeks and Romans who founded Orion’s Belt used the three bright stars in a straight line to form Orion, the hunter’s belt.

Orion’s Belt is a smaller asterism inside of the constellation of Orion. The brightness of the stars that make up the belt helps viewers identify the remainder of the constellation.

Ancient Egyptians personified Orion as Sah (also known as Sahu or Psychologists state this is due to human Shu), the father of the gods. What was a belt to the Greeks was the Hedjet on perception. After analyzing thousands Sah’s head. Hedjets were the tall crowns of recognized constellations across six continents, studies discovered that humans worn by pharaohs in Egypt. Pharaohs were considered liaisons between ancient tend to group stars that are closer together, Egyptian people and the gods. After the brighter and visible. Stars outside of this range can be added if they contribute to the first pharaoh, Narmer, his successors achieved divination at birth. grouping of the constellation to make it look more like a culturally relevant object.

Sah specifically wore a white Hedjet, a crown identifying pharaohs in Upper Certain stars can also be included in Egypt. Some viewers also depicted Sah the constellation if they are useful rowing through the stars in the sky on his for navigation. For instance, the papyrus skiff – a small, rounded boat.

Big Dipper’s right corner star points diagonally at Polaris, the North Star. African American slaves in the United States would follow the Big Dipper – or follow the drinking gourd – that directed them towards the North Star. The North Star, representing the “true north,” would lead slaves north to where they could live freely.

Like the drinking gourd, cultures interpreted constellations and asterisms differently based on cultural values.

Sah’s crown pointed down at his consort, Sopdet, who lived in Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Her presence played a notable role in the Egyptian calendar. The rising of Sirius (Sopdet) in late July alerted Egyptians about the flooding of the Nile. Egyptians relied on the Nile’s inundation to enrich the soil for a successful harvest.

Sopdet fashioned a crown with antelope horns protruding upwards towards a fivepointed star on top. Antelopes in ancient Egypt adorned royalty and were considered sacred.

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cultures interpreted constellations and asterisms differently based on cultural values

In Chinese culture, the three stars are seen as three deities in Taoism: Fu, Lu and Shou. The three are viewable towards the highest point of the sky from China during the Lunar New Year. Legend says viewers who can see the asterism on this day will receive good luck.

We know these truths about constellations today thanks to the navigators who used the constellations to travel to different regions, immersing their stories and culture with those they came in contact with.

And without the discovery of constellations, and later its globalization, countless technological advancements never would’ve been devised.

The National Magnet Lab states that the Chinese “symbolized” the Great Bear constellation – which includes the Big Dipper – on the lodestone spoon of the compass. The stars in these constellations represented the eight directions, helping sailors and travelers reach their destination.

Famous navigator Marco Polo brought back the invention to Europe, allowing other European travelers to discover new parts of the world.

Christopher Columbus used the invention on his first trans-Atlantic trip and trip to the Americas. John Cabot’s voyage and usage of the compass inspired British rule in Canada. Ferdinand Magellan relied on it when creating the Strait of Magellan. Their expeditions severely impacted the union of humanity.

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Ironically, the compass and other technologies influenced by the sky led to our decom missioning of it.

Few continue to rely on the sky, following the directions of Siri rather than the North Star.

Others have also stigmatized constellations, confusing astrology with astronomy. Astrology is not defined as a science, it is a divination.

Moreover, constellations are hard to see nowadays. Almost 80% of the world’s population is affected by light pollution, making most stars in the night sky invisible to the human eye. City dwellers are most affected, where the sky looks like a blank sheet, with the exception of the moon.

Modern society is grounded.

However, society should recognize and appreciate the stars.

Constellations were destinations that led to the initial contact and immersion of different cultures, evolving into the melting pot humanity is today; they were the answer to global communication we weren’t purposefully looking for.

Modern society is grounded.

However, society should recognize and appreciate the stars.

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“You represent all of us when you are in that room.”

eclipsed Poem by Tanzy Zviitwah 21

Photo by Devin Rollins

“ Yo u represent all of us when you are in that room.”

These are the words my mother said to me before attending a PWI college. This was not the first time or the last time she would say this. I did not resonate with these words until I realized I would be the only person who looked like me in most of my classes. The only person who could see what was wrong with my professor’s “joke.” The only person who could relate to the pressures of having to be black but “to not act black.” To not be whitewashed, but also not to be “ghetto.” The pressures of finding the perfect amount of blackness that does not make white people uncomfortable.

There are very few occasions where I have experienced blatant racism especially in academic settings. I have felt the isolation that comes with being underrepresented and misunderstood. I can recall being in a class where I was one of two black women when another student started talking about affirmative action and how it’s just “so easy” for black students to get into colleges.

At that moment we looked at each other mentally debating if it was worth speaking up. If either of us had the emotional capacity to argue with someone who had their mind up. If we wanted to risk being labeled as ‘angry black women’.

Almost simultaneously my mother’s words rang in my head: “You represent all of us when you are in that room.” A string of statistics instantly came out of my mouth reminding him exactly why affirmative action is necessary to help brown and black students get into college. That it does not make it easier for us to get into these schools, but it does make an attempt to level out the playing field.

We live in a society where something as simple as a name could stand between you and your dream school. A black student could do everything ‘right’, get all A’s, plenty of extracurriculars, stellar SAT scores but because they grew up in a low income area they most likely will not get into their dream school. Because someone on the board of admissions does not think that they “would be a good fit,” they are stuck with minimal options for college. But all of this means nothing to white people who are blind to their privilege and the doors it opens for them.

As a black woman attending a PWI it is very easy to find yourself wondering why there are so few people who look like you in these “prestigious institutions.” If they didn’t end up here, why did I? Am I here for diversity, am I lucky, or maybe am I just not black enough? It is easy to fall into this rabbit hole of trying to rationalize your presence in a space where you feel that you do not belong. You can never truly admit to thinking that you don’t deserve to be in a predominantly white space. You are expected to know that you belong just as much as anyone else does. Because all over the world people marched, died, and protested so that people who looked like them would be allowed in these spaces. But do you want to be in a space that was never intended for you?

“You represent all of us when you are in that room.”

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The Antiquit y of

A.I. 25

Written By Diego De Jesus Photo by Lillie Schwier

Artificial Intelligence isn’t a new Mythical characters like Talos concept. often serve as a metaphor or cautionary tale. Like how Sisyphus The question of A.I. and its role is an allegory for the neverending in society has been pondered by human condition, Talos can be humanity for millennia as far interpreted as how humanity will back as the ancient Greeks; who react to A.I. in the future and this have the myth of arguably the first scenario has been explored in the robot, Talos. modern day as well.

A creation of Hephaestus, Talos was a bronze titan created to protect the island of Crete at Zeus’s request. It scampered along the shores of the island thrice daily and thwarted off invaders, performing nothing but its assigned task.

are grounded and the results are beginning to quickly have an impact.

This subgenre made humanity familiar with the concept through popular media, most popularly movies who often portray A.I. as these logical villains or subordinate servants. Myths like Talos and dystopian fiction have addressed A.I. as something to consider in the future and the outcome of how humans will treat these new lifeforms. In the onset, humanity is viewing A.I. with caution, wonder, anxiety and fear all at once.

Talos was only performing his task, never straying from his limited existence but had a soul that yearned for immortal life. A.I. is in the same situation, where its trajectory is not its own yet it will be scrutinized as the cause and humanity has recently contemplated its existence through many mediums; the most popular A.I. has manifested and is quickly The Argonauts arrived on Cretan being dystopian fiction. becoming part of society in the 21st shores from their adventure century, beginning with areas such retrieving the Golden Fleece and One of the main topics dystopian as art and writing with a report from met Talos in battle. Medea, an fiction covers is A.I. and its Forbes citing that 300 million jobs enchantress, promised Talos the increased role in society with mixed will be lost by 2030 due to A.I. yet it gift of immortality and he agreed portrayals – it emphasizes the will increase GDP by 7%. This past only to be tricked when the heroes possibilities of A.I. making some May, 4,000 writers have lost their found a fatal flaw in his design, excited for this new addition and jobs from A.I. and is the first time resulting in his death. others afraid, but both perspectives that A.I. is mentioned as the cause.

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The over-automation of these careers has many more worried about their very livelihood. 38% of American workers have expressed concerns over A.I. taking over their jobs according to a 2023 survey from the American Psychology Association with 51% reporting that it’s negatively impacting their mental health. The fear is growing, and has developed into its own term “A.I. Anxiety” where there’s the impending worry that they will be replaced by A.I. This issue reaches as high as The New York Times, as the publication has recently dedicated 60 staff members to cover updates on A.I. including the pros and cons. Time Magazine has begun to watch A.I. with caution, making sure to watch from a distance through the “‘sober reality’” of the situation rather than pouncing on what’s popular at the moment – at the same time acknowledging

the threat A.I. could pose for journalists.

Many eyes are on A.I. and the potentialities it would or could to everyone’s society, how it can affect their careers and everyday life. But only time will tell what the new invention and old thought will bring. With a more optimistic note, this is just the beginning, and humans are unlikely to readily accept change.

The Industrial Revolution brought about the greatest change in humanity’s history second to A.I. and it had pros and cons itself. Humanity had to adapt to these new changes, it made mistakes but improved as it became more acquainted with its innovations. A.I. is a different case as it currently is capable of basic consciousness. In this case, as it is in all periods of great innovation, it is in humanity’s hands to guide the trajectory of this new heap and show it the world’s beauty.

A.I. ANXIETY

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sa

t

e ll

itE The joy of creation outweighs the burden of responsibility.

We never speak but I still can’thelp but see you in me. My face is my mother’s but my marred scars are from you; A forever child in my head wondering what did I do?

SATELLITE

Family means communication but there’s just no signal And I say that I hate you but it’s just not that simple.

Drunk in the pain of spirits you were breaking Does it really matter if you left or were taken?

Drifting away with no reality to tether to, No hero or father or anything that was ever true.

The years of abuse and lies I didn’t see; Did you even care that I was yours in name and loyalty?

Poem by Natalie Garrison Photos by Lillie Schwier 29

Now i’ve reprogrammed, already bracing for betrayal, It’s better to be distant and have a chance at being stable.

I can’t trust my friends and I can’t fall in love.

Will I always be some empty thingjust f loating way above?

“Drifting away with no reality to tether to” 30

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AG

by Kailynn Bannon photos by Lillie Schwier

ity Story rm

o nc o N r e n d f o n e

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The stage has long been known to be a place of performance where an artist can express themselves without being bound by any stereotypes or gender roles. However, the stage wasn’t always the safe space for artists as it is now.

The legendary music icons Elton John and David Bowie are to thank for this liberation. Through bold outfits, makeup and music styles that had never been heard before, they set gender in a new direction.

Elton John is famously known for being one of the first openly gay music artists. His influence on the music industry is just as prominent as his influence on fashion. He broke the stereotypes of a male rock musician early into his career in the 1960’s. He would go out on stage in flamboyant outfits with glitter, feathers and sequins. Sometimes he would even come out in full costumes such as Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck. His large headpieces and character-filled sunglasses gave him a distinct look–much different from other pop and rock artists. John did not shy away from self-expression on and off stage.

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DAVID

BOWIE

John’s maximalist fashion taste inspired designers all over the world to embrace more creativity in their clothing. Even today at 76-years-old, John still wears colorful designer suits with bejeweled glasses. John was a talented musician, even as a

ELTON

JOHN

toddler. He was able to play along on the piano just by hearing a song on the radio. While his instructor at the Royal Academy of Music tried teaching him the classical music of Beethoven and Motzart, all John wanted to play was rock and roll.

During one of John’s first performances as a solo artist, he wore a pair of Mickey Mouse ears on stage that he had gotten from Disney World earlier that day. After getting a positive reaction, John began to dress up more on stage. He would wear costumes and clothing that no other male rock artist would wear on stage, like tall boots and short shorts. John knew that he did not physically look like a rock star to begin with, so he decided to exaggerate his look even further.

John was the first to become a piano-playing, genre-bending rock star. No one did it like he did. His performances became increasingly extravagant each show. He created a hit, engaging show through his glittery costumes and his lively performances.

In the 60’s and 70’s, men did not wear feminine outfits, or anything that might even point towards expressing fluid sexuality. However, John wore high heels, tights and glasses covered in rhinestones. This was John’s way of bringing fun into his live shows, and conveying his sexuality without verbally stating that he dates men, since that was not socially acceptable at the time.

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John wore costumes on stage to bring excitement and humor to the stage, not to fit any specific genre or tell a certain story.

Rock star David Bowie, however, was a master storyteller. Most of his iconic outfits had a purpose and a story behind them.

Bowie was one of the first artists to fully embrace androgyny in his musical career. He established the genre “glam rock”. This sub-genre was developed in the U.K. in the early 1970’s that was defined by artists getting on stage in extravagant outfits, makeup and accessories.

While this also fits John’s description of performance, John claimed that he was not trying to create glam rock or be like Bowie, he was just expressing himself in whatever way felt most comfortable to him.

Bowie presented himself to the public eye without sticking to the gender roles for male musicians at the time. He would don long dresses and jumpsuits, and was not afraid to show off his long, wavy hair.

Bowie had already built a fan-base through his music before he stepped foot on a stage, but his appearance captured people’s attention even more.

Even as a child, Bowie was big on engaging performances that gave the audience permission to be themselves.

His way of making a performance memorable was by dressing the way that felt most like himself.

Bowie also heavily influenced the space aesthetic. After releasing his first hit “Space Oddity”, he created his own intergalactic universe. With a new band and manager after the success of the song came a new look. Bowie and the band wore metallic colors and capes, with matching hair dye and glittery makeup.

One thing that Bowie became known for was his characters in each album, or world, that he created.

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When “Space Oddity” was released, he portrayed the persona Major Tom from the song. This character was Bowie’s first expression of an otherworldly aesthetic that he would incorporate into much of his later music. Bowie’s next album, The Man Who Sold the World, was one of the first in the glam rock category to be released. He wanted the cover of the record to be a photo of him in a blue-and-gold dress lying on a couch, but was rejected by his record label. Even when people tried to stop him from dressing too feminine or flamboyant, he would still express himself however he wanted when he was on stage.

Bowie’s album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was an example of this self-expression. The album was about an alien rock star named Ziggy Stardust who was sent to Earth. Bowie dressed in a colorful jumpsuit and red boots. He dyed his hair a vibrant red, wore makeup and painted his nails white. His appearance challenged social norms, and he didn’t mind it at all. He dressed as these personas in a way that he felt best embodied his music.

His first appearance as Ziggy was for an interview with a magazine, where he told the interviewer that he was gay. People were shocked by this statement not only because Bowie was married to a woman, but because famous people would never publicly share statements that personal.

Despite coming out as queer at a time where most countries criminalized homosexuality and dressing contrary to all social norms, his albums were successful and his shows sold out.

Bowie continued on creating characters until the day he died, two days after his album “Blackstar” was released.

He was a trailblazer through his music and physical expression by showing everyone that they could be whoever they wanted to be, even if that meant embodying a fictional character.

Bowie and John changed the trajectory of the music industry by dressing however they wanted, loving whoever they wanted and making whatever music they wanted.

They showed the world that no one of any gender had to follow the rules of genre. They showed that being a rock star doesn’t mean you have to be shirtless or wear a leather jacket and really tight jeans.

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NUCLEAR FAMILY

Written by Dylan Olive Photos by Caroline Bryant, Beatrice Fleurant, Sydney Silva, and Lillie Schwier

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The world is progressing at a rapid speed, from technology to health sciences to — especially — space advancements. Yet, the traditional ideology of the nuclear family is still ingrained in the average American’s minds, creating a box of generational and societal issues in an endless loop.

The concept of the nuclear family dates back to thirteenth century England, where the dominant family display was a man, woman and their child[ren] that lived in a “simple house,” said historian Peter Laslette.

A nuclear family is a familial unit consisting of a married man and woman and their dependent child(ren), all living in the same household — this cycle repeats as the children grow up, move out and start their own nuclear families.

The idea was once thought to be the most central and universal form of social organization, though that mindset has been proven false in present day. This became the traditional American family structure in the 1950s, which saw a boom in marriages and births, and is still in practice today as many Americans view this as the standard route for their personal lives.

However, in a society that has developed culturally, economically and technologically, the nuclear family is outdated and inaccurate in context to the modern world. The nuclear family ideals are white, Christian, straight

and cisgender oriented, whereas today, the U.S.’s demographic consists of different races, nationalities, religions and sexual orientations.

Families today can include interracial couples, gay couples with adopted children and partners of varying religions — this opposes the “normal” American family, as that picture has been uniform throughout its existence, never adapting to fit the accurate and current America.

The scrutiny these different demographics inside families have experienced today is extreme. The hatred for seeing something different than the stereotypical family that has been created and repeatedly paraded in America as a recurring theme today. Why does something different, yet so genuine, wholesome and full of love, trigger people and send them spiraling into chaos?

There are people who see a non-traditional family unit and look down upon them: judging them and ridiculing them for what they might not personally agree with. As long as their children are happy and surrounded by love, what difference does it make if their family opposes your conventional values? In a world surrounded by hatred and violence, love should be accepted and celebrated — that means all love.

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An even more distinct family structure that averts the nuclear family are single-parent families. Some people want to have children and not a partner. Or, there could have been a divorce and sole custody of the child was given to one parent.

Even in 1950, nearly 10% of families were single-parent households, and in 2022, 31% of families were single-parent families. This drastic increase goes against the roots of what a nuclear family is, but it is the reality of the ever-changing U.S. landscape.

The nuclear family might still be projected onto us, but it is simply gone. Today, it will be nearly impossible to find a young, cheery married couple with their smiling children in an American suburb. The first priority is staying afloat in this exorbitant country, which is why fewer people are getting married, and why divorces are so prevalent. In 1950, the average woman was married at age 20, and man at 22.

Whereas in 2022, the average woman got married at 28, and man at 30.

the cycle repeats

People are starting to get married at older ages, and rightfully so — the world is evolving at a steady rate, the Earth is declining, the salaries are the same and the prices are higher than ever.

These are factors that make it to where Gen Z and millennials

are thinking about their careers and establishing financial stability in the ever-changing economy first before ever “settling down” and raising a family.

In a country that prides itself on hard work and family values, it is too much of a challenge to stay afloat and reach goals to then focus on finding a partner and then start a family. For reasons not relating to the economy or state of the world, some people just don’t desire to ever have children.

The freedom in this country means that individuals are allowed to think and live for themselves however they desire, even if it isn’t the general direction that most people take.

That means many people delay marriage or don’t want it at all. Even couples that are in love and picture themselves together for the rest of their lives — sometimes they just don’t want to get married. Two in five Gen Z and millennial couples findmarriage to be an outdated tradition, and 85% of couples don’t think marriage is necessary to have a life-long and fulfilled relationship, according to a 2023 Thriving Center of Psychology survey.

The current atmosphere is also emphasizing a later age in life to start a family later rather than at a young age.

As America continues to evolve, so does the social system that makes up a family. The nuclear family no longer serves the common person, and the world is shifting exponentially to where every person has a different view of what life even is and how they want to live their own, juxtaposing the long-established archetype that Americans still presume to be the customary path to a content and effective life.

The pressures of living up to the perfect nuclear family lifestyle result in young couples tying the knot early on, which quite often results in separation. In first-time marriages, 40-50% of them end in divorce. Two of these reasons are financial struggles and getting married too young, according to Forbes.

The idealization of the nuclear family has created false expectations within society to the point of where it negatively affects the families as a whole: relationship issues between the spouses or between a parent/child, family tensions and a negative work/life balance.

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