Red&black 2016

Red & Black Volume 3 Issue 1 <

1400 A O Jones Blvd

<

Fort Mill, SC 29715

<

December 2016

s

School Safety Revisited 34 s

Raccoons: Man’s New Best Friend? 8 s

Joe’s Doughs Review 16

Pet Raccoons

Josh Cortez domesticates raccoons in just six months.

-Mackinley Hoffman [Feature]

Joes donut picture

8 Joes Dough’s Review: Joes Dough’s Is the best doughnut shop in Charlotte.

16

-Paige Evans

[Review]

School Nurse

Nurse Battle spends her day helping kids all around Fort Mill.

-Kaylee Battle [Feature]

12

Falcon Dancer

Claudia Victorin sharing her passion for dance and her team.

-Hope Graham [Personality Profile]

24 Pentatonix

Pentatonix concert: the best thing that has happened to a cappella.

20

-Jasmine Hope

[Review]

Inside . . .

10 Spooky Stores

Weird stories just for fun!

Braden Beck

[Reviews]

14 Danganronpa

22 Moe’s Southwest Grill Check it out for a fun dining experience.

Maggie Bailey

24

[Sports] Dancing to the Top

Claudine Victoran.

Hope Graham

29 Varsity Bball Update Falons look for the win.

Andrew K. Thurman

[Opinion]

30 Mars Exploration

The space race is necessary.

Frank Martinez

26 Ko Simpson: Exclusive

32 Battle of the Bathrooms

18 Hot Chocolate

27 Marcus Peters’ Attitude

Which fast food chain has the best?

Raj Dwivedi

Talented guy but lacks sportsmanship.

Ahmeer Parks

34 School Safety

21 Nike’s Air Force 1s

28 Track Star Davod Fran-

Video game Anime style that players will love.

Zachary Keiger

Are they worth the moneyt?

Terrance Gindhart

Form NFL player gives back.

Joe Bensey

cis He leaps over obstacles.

Keith Feeley

NC HB2 discrimiates. End it.

Madyson Long

Plans for better safety needed.

Madyson Long

36 Police Brutality

Reforms are needed.

Cole Brooks

Mission to Mars America has wisely dedicated itself to exploration.

30

-Frank Martinez [Opinion]

Anthony Carrigan

6

Exclusive: Actor reveals personal struggle with high school bullies.

-Chaz Hudson [Feature]

Red & Black Staff Reporters:

Frank Martinez, Abby Gross, Cole Brooks, Mackinley Hoffman, Shelby Anderson, Chaz Hudson, Braden Beck Jaddey Feliz-Cabrera, Kaylee Battle, Zach Keiger, Paige Evans, Raj Dwivedi, Joey Bensey, Jasmine Hope, Keith Feeley, Ahmeer Parks, Andrew Thurman, Hope Graham, Maggie Bailey, Terrence Gindhart, Madyson Long, David Francis, Brianna Hurtado

Photographers:

Mara Lorton, Kaylee Battle, David Francis, Hope Graham

Designers:

Hope Graham, Madelyn Key, Kaylee Battle, Bethany Houston, Yousef Afshar, Zach Keiger, Keith Feeley, Frank Martinez, Terrence Gindhart, Chaz Hudson, Madyson Long, Cali Tesimale, Brianna Hurtado, Shelby Anderson

Red&Black is produced by the Introduc-

tion to Journalism class as the final product of the semester. Advised by Beth Swann, students pubish in the Nation Ford High School student newspaper The Talon print and online editions as well.

At the Sept. 16 game, friends Kelly Martin (’17) and Lili Martinez (’17) show their Falcon pride in the stands. Marinez moved to the United States from Mexico in 2010 when her father was transferred by his employer.

A Whole New World

by Jaddey Feliz

Lili Martinez Moves To America, Finds Her Place

I

another country is the language barrier.

English is a very difficult language to learn and many immigrants have to take English as a Second Language classes.

“I knew English when I came here, but I had never really practiced it in a foreign country with actual English speaking native people, so it was definitely really hard to adjust. I had to be in ESL classes at first,” Lili said.

Many immigrants come to the United States to live a better life and others, like her father, came over to the United States for a job.

“The security over [in Mexico] is bad. The government is corrupt. It is so much better here – the people are so much nicer, and it’s more diverse.

In Mexico, there are only Mexicans, and here there is a mix of races,” Lili’s brother Frank Martinez (’20) said.

The Martinez family has acclimated well to the United States. “The only thing I really miss is my family who lives

in Mexico and the food – because the food was bomb,” Frank said.

Since moving here Lili has accomplished so much; she is student body class president, plays varsity basketball team and girls varsity soccer, and she referees for United States Soccer Federation. When she first moved to Fort Mill, she joined Student Council and participated in dance team, basketball, and soccer, which helped her make friends.

“My advice for students moving to the United States is to not be afraid to be proud of their heritage. Don’t be scared to go out of their comfort zone and try new things,”she said.

Teachers have helped Lili to adjust to moving to a new school and were very patient with her and were very understanding, she said.

The teachers helped Lili get out of her comfort zone, which helped her to be where she is today.

DECEMBER 2016 <

magine having to go to a new school and being around people who don’t speak the same language. That’s what it was like for Lili Martinez (18’) when she and her family moved to Fort Mill from Torreon, Mexico.

Since 2014, 19.4 million Hispanic immigrants have moved into the United States, according to The Migration Policy Institute. The majority of Hispanics living in the United States were here, according to a study done by Migration Policy Institute.

One of the most difficult things about moving to a new country is having to adjust to new customs, and it is especially hard being a student going into a foreign school.

“Definitely going to school with a different language, different culture, and kind of not having any friends at first was the most challenging,” Lili said.

Another challenge when moving to

5

n

Changing The World One Line At A Time

by Chaz Hudson

Anthony Carrigan thinks back to times in his childhood when he had to overcome and act his way out of a seemingly inescapable situation.

“I

Anthony Carrigan Photo Courtesy of Gotham (FOX)

< RED & BLACK

“It is mutually

6

beneficial to do something that helps both parties, and that’s how something could get done.“

t was the desperation I saw when I hit bottom, that I realized ‘Okay, I have to keep going.

I have to find a way to do this,' – and this, I think, was the breeding ground for real change,” said Anthony Carrigan, the actor known for his roles on: Gotham, The Flash, and The Forgotten.

He was bullied throughout his high school year because of alopecia, an autoimmune disease that cuts off supply of the hair. Basically, it makes some or even all of a person's hair fall out. “It was like my future was taken away from me,” he said. He felt that having no hair or bald spots would ruin his chance for becoming an actor, but in fact it might have made him stand out from the other actors.

However, Anthony was teased a lot in high school for being bald.

He was called “bald eagle” and “bald guy,” which he admits were not all that creative. This, however, did not stop him doing what he wanted to do.

His first role was Captain Hook in the Children’s Cooperative Theater performance of, “Peter Pan.” He had 14 lines. After that, he went to Shakespeare camps over the summer. His school guidance counselor asked him what he wanted to do as a career, he said “actor.” The Counselor responded, “I have no idea about anything that has to do with acting.” So it was up to Carrigan on how he wanted to pursue a career in the field.

Eventually, he attended London Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Anthony has played two comic book villains from DC: The Mist from The Flash, and Victor Zsasz from Gotham.

“With Victor Zsasz the character, I had known him, from, well, the Arkham games,” Carrigan said.

He was a big Batman fan as a kid, jumping from his couch with a cape trying to fly and wearing his mask everywhere. He believes that this imagination he had as a kid is what sparked his passion for acting.

The worst experience he’s had when it comes to acting was when he was in sixth grade, and he learned he had alopecia.

His hair was falling out at a rapid rate, and his father helped him through this difficult point in his life, so his respect for him is vast.

“He was really an integral part of my life,” he said.“There’s this very altruistic sense about him that he understood what it meant to give up himself and be a compassionate and giving person.”

His dad is his hero. He encouraged him to pursue acting – which is exactly what Anthony would end up doing.

Anthony Carrigan was bullied for something he could not control.

With the help of others, something could get done about bullying as long as co-operation ensues. “[When dealing with a bully] it is mutually beneficial to do something that helps both parties, and that’s how something could get done.” n

“When I was told I had alopecia, it was like my future was taken away from me.”

DECEMBER 2016 <

Anthony Carrigan on camera.

Photo Courtesy: The Forgotten (abc)

7

Photo courtesy of Pixaby, modified in Prisma

< RED & BLACK

“The neighbors complained because Karma and Rocky made noise all night.” l

8

Man’s New Best Friend

Found on the side of the road, two baby racoons ended up at the home of Josh Cortez, enjoying the high life.

I

Mackinley Hoffman bors either.

“The neighbors complained because Karma and Rocky made noise all night,” said Cortez. Not everyone was happy about the new members of the Cortez family.

But who can blame the racoons?

They were just being social. From Karma making a sound similar to popping bubble wrap when she’s happy to Rocky’s biting habit, there’s no wonder why neighbors would be rankled.

Even Cortez’s father was against the idea, but he wasn’t told about the new members of the family until it was too late. Then again, they tried to ensure the raccoons would cause no threat.

Karma and Rocky have been tested for all sorts of diseases, including rabies and the most dangerous roundworm. Because Cortez adopted them so early, they are missing many other attributes wild raccoons possess, including the ability to forage for their food and a solitary life style.

Even with all of the negativity from family and neighbors, Cortez still cares deeply for his fury friends. In fact, he felt as if they were one of his dogs.

“Sometimes Josh crawled into their cage and took a nap with them while they were resting,” said his girlfriend Kailey Cota (’19).

“Rocky likes to play with her squeaky fish.”

In the backyard in the summer of 2015, Rocky the racoon gives Josh Cortez (’19) a quick kiss.

Cortez even house trained them and took them on walks with leashes. Raccoons are similar to dogs in many ways.

They lower their body temperature by panting, identify one another by sniffing their posteriors, and the animals have similar diets.

“Rocky liked to play with my dog and her squeaky fish,” said Cortez.

Now Rocky and Karma are back in Pennsylvania, but Cortez still has good memories.

Once, the raccoons disappeared while Cortez was at school, and they were not seen for two days. When Cortez finally found them he had to climb up a tree and rescue them -- and even though they had been bad, they still got their marshmallows. n

DECEMBER 2016 <

“I mostly feed them dog food, but when they’re good, they get marshmallows.” Josh Cortez (’19) adpoted his fury friends Rocky and Karma after his aunt in Pennsylvania found them on the side of the road when they were just babies, and then gave them to Cortez. He cared for them as if they were his children, bathing them every couple of days, house training them, and even taking them for checkups.

When people think of raccoons, they think of rodents that eat out of their trashcans, spread diseases, or can be found dead on the side of the road.

Raccoons are smart, independent animals. They wash all of their food before eating it, have extraordinary dexterity and are powerful swimmers. Yet they are more likely to be killed by a human than any other predator.

“Raccoons don’t make good pets – it’s illegal. They are wild animals and should remain that way. I’ve seen some turn on people and their owners turn on them,” said Tim Terwilliger, North Carolina Wildlife Damage Control Agent.

Ultimately, Cortez gave Rocky and Karma back to his aunt. Like dogs, they are cuddly animals that many animal lovers cannot resist.

Raccoons don’t make good neigh-

9

The Old Man Of The Lake Tree Moves Around Lake

It somehow moves around the lake every other day. A 30-foot

by Braden Beck

tree has been floating tree with a mind of its own. In southern Oregon upright for the past inside one of the biggest 120 years. crater lakes in the entire U.S., there is < RED & BLACK

A

10

day. A 30-foot tree has been floating upright for the past 120 years.

In the 1980’s a submarine studying lake had to tie down the old man of the lake – without them knowing the consea tree called the old man of the lake. quences. When it started to snow in AuVisitors come to “pay their respects” to gust, that’s when the scientist started to the old man of the lake. regret tying up the old man of the lake.

Joseph Deller, a geologist studying The day after they had untied the old the crater lake in 1896, discovered the man of the lake, the weather completely Old Man of the Lake, and since then, cleared up. Since then the tree has been it has captured people’s attention for free to move. decades.

People wonder what is keeping the Why is this tree so special? It some- tree down. Some say it’s the rocks but how moves around the lake every other really it’s unexplainable. n

Dead Conductor Still Looks For His Head hey call it the Moca light or the green light.

In Freemont NC a train conductor Joe Baldwin was on the back of the train. When he turned to see if another train was coming, tree branch decapitated him, and he died instantly.

“Supposedly the conductor walks

on the train tracks swinging a green light left and right trying to find his head,” said Teresa Beck, who has heard the folk tale and has seen it herself.

“Yes, my uncle my family and I were trying to find it. My uncle and I were the only ones actually looking for the light. Everyone else was turned around and talking, but out of nowhere, we saw the light swing left and right, slowly,”

Beck said.

Beck’s reaction to the light was one of fear.

“My uncle and I looked at each other, and my uncle said, ‘you saw that, right. I’m not going crazy am I?’” “My aunt screamed and ran to the car,” Beck also said. “I couldn’t blame her.” n

DECEMBER 2016 <

T

by Braden Beck

11

Checking the heart rate of a student, school nurse Chanee Battle cares for kids Oct. 21.

Helping Kids Everyday Chanee Battle works day to day to help heal students in the town of Fort Mill

< RED & BLACK

C

12

by Kaylee Battle

hanee Battle begins to pack her bag for the day with shifts at the hospital, so she began looking into a stethoscope, peppermints, agendas, and stacks of school nursing. paperwork. She leaves Sugar Creek Elementary for “It’s different. I miss the hospital but, this is more a day of work where she will make the children like being a mom of a whole bunch of kids,” she feel better. said. Battle definitely knows how to care for kids. She Battle began as a biology major when one of her has four of her own children. close friends in college decided to switch to nursing. “Now, I get to school about 6:30 in the morning She learned there was a need for nurses at the time and pretty much see students all day long,” Battle so Battle decided to switch to nursing, too. says. “Whether they’re sick with tummy aches, head “It was great,” Battle said. Once she earned her aches, and such. I monitor kids with chronic illnesses degree at the University of North Carolina she belike diabetes.” gan caring for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care After a few years of substitute nursing, Battle Unit (NICU) and her career took off. became a full-time nurse for special need students at “I loved looking after the babies. I would have Nation Ford High School. “I loved that. I got to do anywhere from one to two babies for a 12- hour tube feedings and lots of procedures like that,” she shift. I would work with them said.

“I try to be very and do lots of procedures on She did that for a year but the disbabies. trict needed more substitute nurses. compassionate and realize So she went back to that. Right now “I got to go to a lot of deliveries of babies, which she is a long-term sub at Sugar Creek that the people I care for Elementary School. was the best part,” she said.

“Sometimes you would come from different areas “Every age is different,” she says. “I have to resuscitate babies; I float around to different schools so performed CPR on lots of it really just depends on what school and different places.” babies.”

I’m at.”

Battle worked in a nursery as well. “As charge Battle says she prefers the older kids. “It’s because nurses, we would get babies from all over the state they can really tell me what’s bothering them. They of North Carolina, and we would help them with aren’t just babbling random things.” whatever they came in with,” she said.

Battle has been a nurse for a long time now, but But working as a NICU nurse was not all heroshe still has to prepare herself for the tough days. ism and happiness.

“I pray a lot,” she says. “I try to be very compas “We would have three to four babies die a week, sionate and realize that the people I care for come and that was really hard,” she said. “Anytime you from different areas and different places. I have to be had to watch a baby that would die, especially when openly compassionate to folks regardless of my own you’re really involved with the family, it was always beliefs and care for them with an open mind.” really hard.”

The nursing is always changing Battle says. “Tech After many years of working in the NICU with nology is really changing the hospital nursing quite a premature and diseased babies, she decided to take bit. I know that when I first started working, we did a break while she raised her own children. Battle everything by hand on paper and now everything is was content with being at home for many years. done on the computer.”

Then, she decided she missed the nursing life and “There’s so many things you can do with [nursdecided to go back. ing].” Battle says. “You don’t have to just work in a Battle didn’t have the time to go back to night hospital or at a doctor’s office.” n

DECEMBER 2016 <

13

R E V I E W

Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

by Zachary Keiger

M

< RED & BLACK

akoto Naegi is a completely average student.

There’s nothing remarkable about him at all, but he’s been invited to Hope’s Peak Academy, the most prestigious school in the country.

Danganronpa is a computer game, and it’s called a visual novel, which is a type of dialogue-heavy, largely text-

14

(Game Review)

based adventure game. Naegi is one of 15 talented high schoolers who has been scouted by the school for their brilliance in various fields – the only reason he’s among them is because he was randomly chosen in a lottery. He is known as the ultimate lucky student.

Makoto is excited to start his high school life but the school is hiding a sinister secret. An evil villain called

Monokuma that comes forth in the form of a mechanical bear traps the 15 students, including Makoto, in the school and forces them to play a sick game. Monokuma has made the school a prison, and the only way to leave the school – or ‘graduate’ as he calls it – is to kill another student in cold blood.

And not only that – the killer has to get away with it, too.

Players spend most of their time clicking through dialogue, being told a story rather than taking part in one. But, despite this, it’s really entertaining. The characters in this game have great character development as players learn a lot about each one, and the suspense in the survival game and the mystery of the murders keeps players interested and intrigued. The scarcity of interaction, vast quantities of text and the pace will turn a lot of people off, but the story is so compelling that I barely noticed that all I was doing was clicking through lines of dialogue.

The game does have blood in it, but to keep the game at a “T for Teen”

rating, the blood is changed to a pink color. I would recommend that people below the age of 14 hold off on this game as it can be a bit extreme at times.

Overall, the visual novel is a must have for mystery readers and gamers.

Just when you think you’ve figured things out, you’ll be blind-sided by some new piece of evidence. A captivating mystery that’s constantly unfolding in surprising twists makes up for the lack of actual gameplay.

Danganronpa is one of the best story-driven games on PC. If you love adventure games and want to experience something different, Danganronpa is worth investigating. n

DECEMBER 2016 <

15

Joe’s Doughs Turns Charlotte On Its Head

by Paige Evans

< RED & BLACK

“If you didn’t snapchat your doughnut, did it even happen?”

16

It’s is the sign on every table in Joe’s Doughs.

Joe’s Doughs is a doughnut and coffee shop in Charlotte, N.C., right where people can see the skyline of the city. Customers walk in and dine to the sound of Twenty One Pilots, selected by the cashier, giving the place the homey feeling of a New York coffee shop.

The owner of the store is Joseph Pepe. He decided he wanted a hobby, and one thing he loved to do was to eat doughnuts, so he opened a doughnut shop on June 18, 2016.

The bakers come in at 4 or 5 in the morning to make the doughnuts fresh, and they close when the shop closes when they run out. You can tell the work that they put into the doughnut by the distinct taste each provides.

The shop offers many homemade unusual flavors like Mexican pumpkin, maple bacon, and chi custard with pepper sprinkled on top for the interest of the customers. My

personal favorite is the classic chocolate sprinkles.

Paintings of Pac-man, E.T, and monsters adorn the outside of the shop. The building is also shared with Abari, a game bar. Joe’s Doughs is more unique than Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Doughnuts or any other chain of doughnut shops.

The dough is stronger than most, and depending of the type of doughnut you get, it can be tougher. The glaze is strong, rich — and very sweet. There is a definite difference in these doughnut than any of the other of the doughnut store chains.

This place is where businessmen go to get their coffee and pastry every morning, or where people will take their kids on the weekend for a good treat. Joe’s doughs even has vegan and gluten-free doughnuts that are sold on both Sunday and Saturday.

They use inside out pizza boxes to carry the doughnuts and lay the doughnuts out perfectly.

Customers will never be disappointed by the atmosphere at Joe’s Doughs considering the smell, the music, and especially the friendly workers at Joe’s Doughs.

You’ll definitely want to check out this special shop. n

R E V I E W

DECEMBER 2016 <

A wide variety of doughnouts are available at Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Doughs.

Customers can choose from chocolate with sprinkles, vanilla glazed, maple bacon, chocolate glaze, and chocolate covered cherry among many other delicious donoughts made fresh daily.

17

R E V I E W

Tis’ the season for hot chocolate McDonald’s Brand wins by a Full mug

by Raj Dwivedi

< RED & BLACK

W

18

ith the holiday million customers a day, it is quite taste will leave people coming back season around clear that McDonald’s has many for more and will definitely brighten the corner, and appetizing menu items that keeps up a person’s cold weatherthe weather people coming back for more. Over experience. getting colder, the years, one item in particular that Perhaps the biggest vendor of hot people beverages in the Unitare turning to hot beved States of America is erages to keep warm.

Starbucks. Known for its Around the holidays, the selling of various coffees most popular hot beverand other café-like items, age is hot chocolate. Since Starbucks practically most people do not want makes its entire profit off to take the time to make a of hot-caffeinated bevwatered-down hot chocoerages. One thing that late from a powder packet Starbucks is not really they bought at the grocery known for is their hot store, consumers depend chocolate, and once you on fast food restaurants to take a sip of it, you will provide them with cheap, have a hard time believgourmet hot chocolate ing it. Serving a flavorful that they can get quickly blend of hot cocoa that and easily. Most fast food Small hot chocolate, purchased from McDonald’s costs $3 and costs $3 and comes with restaurants claim to serve is the best tasting of the major fast food restaurant beverages. a variety of different syrgourmet hot chocolate ups, their hot chocolate during the winter months, but few consumers look forward to every is made with real milk. This Seatlive up to the expectations that they winter, is McDonald’s McCafé hot tle-native coffeehouse chain definiteadvertise. McDonald’s, Starbucks, chocolate. Although it is not very ly lives up to its reputation. When and Dunkin’ Donuts are all fast food healthy, McDonald’s hot chocolate is taking the first sip of cocoa, a surge restaurants that claim to serve the unlike any other. The hot chocolate of creamy, chocolaty flavor floods best hot chocolate, but only one is is a blend of chocolate syrup and the consumer’s taste buds. The only worthy of your palet. whipped cream that sits on top of difference is between McDonald’s With over 15,700 restaurants in a blend of strong, sweet, scorching and Starbucks hot chocolate is that North America and an average of 68 hot chocolate. At $2.39 this unique McDonald’s is a little thicker and a

Compared To StarBucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s Wins HandsDown including Salted Caramel, Oreo, Mint, and S’mores. Although they are advertised to be original and delicious, Dunkin’ Donuts’ hot chocolate is an un-flavorful mess. The hot chocolate is very watered down and obviously not made with real milk, unlike McDonald’s and Starbucks hot chocolate.

During this winter season, if you are in the mood for hot chocolate, but don’t want to make it from a packet, McDonald’s is probably your best choice because their hot chocolate tastes the best and is the cheapest at $2.39.

Consumers depend on fast food restaurants...

The next best option is Starbucks hot chocolate, which is almost as good as McDonald’s, but lacks as much flavor. Dunkin’ Donuts, which is not too bad when comparing to the average hot chocolate that can be made by a person at home, but is not very good when compared with McDonald’s and Starbucks.

Both Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts are a bit more expensive than McDonald’s, and are not as good –– which is why McDonald’s should be everybody’s go-to fast food restaurant during the holiday season. n

4.5/5

DECEMBER 2016 <

bit sweeter.

Dunkin’ Donuts hot chocolate is the worst – you get what you pay for at $1.89. While they claim that “America runs on Dunkin,’” Dunkin’ Donuts is not as well-known for their hot chocolate as much as they are for their donuts and coffee. Dunkin’ Donuts is widely-considered to have great coffee but does not live up to expectations when it comes to the taste of their hot chocolate despite various ads. Dunkin’ Donuts sells multiple types of hot chocolate,

19

REVIEW

Concert Brings A Capella To Whole New Level

by Jasmine Hope

< RED & BLACK < RED & BLACK

“I

2020

can’t believe there are this many people here for an a capella group,” said bass singer, Avi Kaplan between songs as he entertained a crowd of thousands on Nov. 15, 2016 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC. The vocal group just ended their 2nd American leg of their world tour, beginning in April 2016.

Originating from Arlington, TX, Pentatonix is currently the 13th most subscribed music video channel and are the only a capella group to have won a Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella.

The singers have come a long way since their start in a choir room at Martin High School. Pentatonix started with members Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, and Kirstie Maldonado, who were best friends in high school. They later added Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olusola two days before auditioning for “The Sing Off,” an a cappella competition, when they were told they needed a bass and a beatboxer.

In the arena, the crowd fed off the

energy Pentatonix put into their performances. Every time the group did a special dance move or note, the crowd erupted in cheers.

They started the show with “Cracked” where they asked the audience to join in on the ‘ohh’ parts.

After a few songs they did their hit song “Can’t Sleep Love” with Mitch Grassi taking Tinks rap part which had the audience roaring in cheers. Us The Duo, the 2nd act, came back out to help with “Jolene”, which they originally done with Dolly Parton. During “Misbehavin’” they asked five audience members onto the stage where they all shared big hugs and time on the Pentatonix Snapchat.

Towards the end of the show they slowed it down with “Light in the Hallway” where everyone was quiet and held up their phone flashlights to make the audience look like stars. “Light in the Hallway” is a lullaby like song where Kaplan takes lead vocals. When they finished this song they completely changed the feeling of the arena with the upbeat song “Sing.”

A few people shed tears while watching the group perform, but the audience weren’t alone. During “Rose Gold”, everyone held up signs with lyrics that said, “We could be stars. We could be rose gold”. Hoying seemed to tear up from the love and support from the crowd after he read the signs. At the end of the song, Hoying admitted to getting emotional which received “aws” from the crowd.

Overall, Pentatonix gave an energetic and exciting performance. If given the chance to see Pentatonix live on their next tour, take it. Meanwhile, with two Grammies, a 2x platinum album, a silver and a gold album fans will be sure to enjoy their new Christmas album for the holidays. n

“We could be stars. We could be rose gold.”

REVIEW

Air Force 1 Air Force 1

by Terrance Gindhart

Nike’s Air Force 1 Kicks Sweet But Not Sturdy gold and brown – and you can customize them to your liking by going online at nike.com or by finding a shoe customizer to do it for you.

Two original colors are black and white. I enjoy these shoes a lot even though they can crease fast and get dirty.

You can get three different types of the shoe: low, medium and high, which are based on the base height of the shoe. Some people find it hard to actually get their foot in the shoe without having to unlace them to create enough room to put their

foot in.

Air Force 1s are a unisex shoe, so men and women can both wear them. The shoe is leather, but it can easily start to tear away from the sole. The leather will also start to wrinkle and become loose on the shoe after about two months of wear.

With a little emblem on the lace that signifies the type of shoe, The Air Force 1 is a great shoe that will put some style on your feet – as long as take care these kicks.

Rating: CCCCD

DECEMBER 2016 <

Air Force 1’s are back and are getting a lot of good reviews – and good reason. Although they require care, the shoe is reasonably priced at $100.

The Air Force 1 has been around since 1990. Mainly basketball shoes, they are labeled as “lifestyle” for everyday wear, and they are very comfortable but can crease easily if you don’t get the right size.

These shoes also run big, so you might have to get a smaller size to get the right fit. They come in many different colors, including red, blue,

21

R E V I E W

Fun Family Atmosphere, Cool Jazz, Make Moe’s Great

< RED & BLACK

W 22

by Maggie Bailey

elcome to Moe’s! Every time you walk into Moe’s Mexican restraunt there is a positive atmosphere that comes from the employes.They always greet you with a big smile on their faces.

Moes is similar to Chipotle. Go down the line and you pick out what you would like on your burrito or quesidia. A big menu hanging on the wall with many selections to choose from. Each food you pick comes with a certain name. Moes has a great variety of food and the best part is the queso.

The service is great at Moe's everyone is nice and helpful. Tje staff is very patient and keep smiles lon

their faces. The atmosphere here is a great environment. They have big windows going around the restaurant, so there is great lighting that fills the whole place up and brightens it.

In the background there is some soft jazz music playing not too loud where you can’t hear others talking but just right where you can hear your friends and the music. I would recommend moes for anyone who loves mexican food. Ten out of ten i would recommend this for people to come to and eat at. The price for the food is not to expensive, so it makes the place even better to go to and eat.

“The best part is the queso, it’s always hot and tasty.”

DECEMBER 2016 <

23

Dancing To the Top

Claudine Victorin has been dancing most of her life

B

Third from left, Claudine Victorin (’17) is waiting to perform a contemporary dance at the Starbound competition, representing Center Stage Dance Academy on Feb. 21, 2015.

Photograph by Meagan Kitrell, Dance Teacher at Center Stage Dance Academy.

“I love contemporary [dance] the most.” < RED & BLACK

– Claudine Victorin

lack Nikes. Black tap shoes.

You’ll find her dancing in either one.

Claudine Victorin (’17) has been a dancer on the Nation Ford High School dance team for four years. Since she was a preschooler, she has been tapping her feet.

“My mom put me in dance when I was 5,” Victorin said.

Victorin’s performances range from hip-hop to sassy jazz.

“I love contemporary the most,” she said.

In addition to competing with the Nation Ford dance team, Victorin has been in numerous competitions.

“I had competitions from my old dance studio, Center Stage,” Victorin said. She has received honors and rewards, such as Most Creative, Best Dance Studio and Best Dance Of The Competition.

She has also won many first place trophies, and along with her dance team, she has won best dance out of the entire competition.

“For soloists, it’s just first through tenth place, and then for group, it’s

most creative to best one out of the whole competition,” she said.

What’s the easiest thing about being a dancer? “I can move in whatever way I want,” Victorin said.

Although she is passionate about dance, it’s not always easy. Not being to do all of the skills is one of the most difficult parts of dance, she said.

Her biggest challenge was picking up the dances faster when she was doing competition, Victorin said.

The support of friends has been a part of her success.

“I love the energy Claudine brings to the team,” said Annie Howie (’17). “Her biggest strength is definitely getting us hype.”

Lena Miceli (’18) agrees.

“Claud is just awesome all around. I love how she always has such a positive & energetic look on everything,” Miceli said.

The support hasn’t been the only benefit to being on the team. Victorin has become more confident.

“I never get tired of dancing, so it’s just the passion that makes me keep going,” she said. n

“I never get tired of dancing, so it’s just the passion that makes me keep going.”

Claudine Victorin is performing a sideline dance on the track to get the crowd excited at the Sept.16 game against Lancaster at the Nation Ford High School Stadium. ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc 24

NFHS GO FIGHT WIN

by Hope Graham

DECEMBER 2016 <

Hope Graham

25

Giving Back Former NFL safety Jukota Simpson goes out to help kids realize their dreams

< RED & BLACK

A

26

s a kid, Jukota, or “Ko” Simpson had a passion for the Dallas Cowboys.

His room had Cowboys stars across the walls, and it was painted blue and white.

“I like the Cowboys” Simpson admits. As much as he liked the Cowboys he had the same pride for Florida State University.

The one who was a huge role model in his life was his mom. “I had watched her go with her business each day. I also had everything I ever needed or wanted,” Simpson said.

The other part of his inspiration was on the field was Cowboys defensive back Deion Sanders. “I wore 21 because I wanted to be like him,” Simpson said.

Simpson started the play the game of football at the age of 7.

“I won’t work, I want to play football,” he told his mother.

How did Ko know he wanted to play football? He already been playing baseball and basketball as well. It was a short time before Ko knew what he wanted – it was football. “I knew I was good at defensive back. I had the knack for the ball,” he said.

by Joey Bensey Throughout middle school, high school, he stayed right where he wanted to be, which was Rock Hill. As a sophomore in high school he was on the varsity football team. He was their three-year starter.

After high school, he attended the University of South Carolina where he became the 2004 SEC Freshman of the Year and won All American his first two years as well.

He was elected into the draft following his sophomore year of college.

Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2006, he wasn’t too ecstatic about it. “I was thinking man!

It’s cold!”

The draft experience was not what he had hoped. “ I was mad I got picked fourth round, thought I was going to get picked higher, but I didn’t care. I was still drafted,” he said.

As a rookie in the NFL, he started every game but one. After his years in

the NFL was shortend by injuries, he found a new calling – but with the same passion for sports.

Simpson started a sports program called NZone. It was based out of Tampa, Florida and he started it here in the Carolinas. The program has three sports: flag football, basketball, and soccer. He has been doing it for about two years now.

Now he talks about the same things with the kids pursuing their dreams today as he did in the locker room with his teammates.

“It’s the same passion,” he said. “It is all about the kids – to be a role model, to be someone to lean on.

And to dream like I had to be Deion.”

Still to this day, Simpson roots for the Buffalo Bills, the team he onced played for. He is married with two kids of his own, but still loves the game he played.

Now he shares it with the kids in the community he helps inspire to work hard to realize their dreams.

“I was mad I got picked fourth round, thought I was going to get picked higher, but I didn’t care.

I was still drafted.”

S p o r t s C O LU M N

Peters Can Play But Bad Attitude Has Got To Go

by Ahmeer Parks

M

and gloves, a week earlier against Eastern Washington. That outburst followed what Petersen called a “stupid” personal-foul penalty against Peters, who had head-butted a EWU receiver,” the Huskies’ blog says.

To be truly great, sportsmanship is required, and this is where the really had work needs to happen. Talent isn’t everythng.

In September, Peters was suspended for one game after throwing his helmet and gloves on the sideline a week earlier in a game against Eastern Washington.

DECEMBER 2016 <

arcus Peters, the one to do it all. A record breaker that every team wants. Leading in interceptions and yards on defense. He can receive and he can guard. He can lock down his side and play defense or he can play light and intercept the ball.

But his negative behavior shows he needs to learn good sportsmanship.

Marcus Peters went to Washington University from 2011-2014. As a college student, he was leading in interceptions and yards almost the entire time he played in college. He locked down his side every time ,and when he had the chance he gave the ball back to his team. But he only played two and a half years before getting kicked off the team for trash talking to new coaches.

Last year, he was leading in interceptions with 13 yards with over 200 yards overall, and he had two touchdowns.

He made defensive rookie of the year and was a primary in the Chiefs defense.

“Peters was instrumental in the Chiefs’ 11-game winning streak,” said sportscaster Steve Mariucci. On Peters’ first play in his first game he got an interception. That already set a reputation for all the quarterbacks in the league. He led his team with Eric Berry and Justin Houston at his side.

This season Marcus Peters has five interceptions and 47 yards with only a couple games left in the regular season.

The 2016 season has been his breakthrough. He locks down his side almost every game with almost no quarterbacks throws to his side. He is a great athlete – football is in his blood. And then the trouble began.

“Peters had been suspended for one game in September after his sideline outburst, in which he threw his helmet

27

Hurdles Are Not Just Jumping

The Chase For Perfection David Francis Races To Break Records

A

< RED & BLACK

“Technique is very important.”

28

- David Francis (18’)

by Keith Feeley

sometimes, his stretches can take up to s the runner 30 minutes. The 110m hurdles are very crossed the finish technical due to specific postioning of line, he looked up the runner’s body, but the 400m is not at his time: 16.30 as technical. seconds. He was “You need to stretch because if you happy because he has beat his personal don’t stretch the lactic record in the 110m hur“You need to acid will build up in dles. Now he is working for the school record stretch because if your muscles, then your will begin to get (what is the school reyou don’t stretch muscles tenser towards the end cord) and a new personthe lactic acid will of the season,” Francis al best.

“I am one of the best build up in your explained. “Also, if you don’t have a proper diet, runners for the 110m muscles...” it might happen as well.” hurdle event at Fort Mill He was at practice in his freshmen High School,” said David Francis (’18). year when his coach asked if anybody Francis attended FMHS for his wanted to try the hurdles, and Francis freshman and sophomore years, but volunteered. After he tried the hurdles, now he’ll be running for Nation Ford.

Coach Joelle Brotemarkle told him he The high hurdles are 42” tall for could go really far with his ability and men, for the 400m which is a lap some of the seniors. around the track, and for every 30 ft.

By the end of the season he hopes or so, a hurdle stands on the track. The to bring his time down to 14 seconds. low hurdles are 39” tall for men. FranDavid would also like to conquer the cis runs both events. school record and his personal record When Francis warms up, he runs for the high hurdle event. n with the sprinters for a little bit. Then,

Shooting for the Moon

Ashely Garcia

On a fast break, Eric Moulds (‘18) heads downcourt at the Marvin Ridge game on Dec. 9 at home.

Falcons Look For Big Win

by Andrew K. Thurman

DECEMBER 2016 <

The Falcons are starting off their season nicely with an overall record of 5-2. They face off against Forest Hills tomorrow at 8 p.m. away after the 56-53 dub against the Chester Cyclones who started their season with a losing record of 0-4 The Falcons beat Lancaster with a score of 56-47 earlier last week.

This year the Falcons have a lot of talent and intend on winning the region and going to playoffs.

“I look forward to growing as a team, and competing for the region and playoffs” said Zeb Graham (’19).

New head coach of the varsity team Jared Adamson feels the boys are prepared and ready to take on the season “strong, fit, and smart.”

Over winter break the Falcons will be participating in the annual Berkeley Christmas Tournament. The tournament starts on Dec 27 and ends on the 29. It has not yet been announced who the Falcons will play in the tournament.

“This season I look forward to creating special bonds with my teammates and coaches, catching dubs and beating Fort Mill,” said Eric Moulds (’18).

After the tournament, the Falcons will have an away game at Indian Land. Last time the Falcons faced Indian Land they blew out the Warriors 71-48.

There is definitely a lot of action coming up in the season, so make sure to come out and support. n

Reaching for a loose ball, Eric Moulds (‘18) against Marvin Ridge on Dec. 9 at home.

29

Ashely Garcia

OPINION

The E x p a n s i o n of the WORLD

President Obama announced his plan at the Kennedy Space Center to expand space exploration travels to Mars. He called for a reinvigorating of the space program to explore more of the solar system.

< RED & BLACK

S

30

tar Wars. Star Trek. Interstellar.

Human imagination has taken us beyond earth, and science has now made it possible to travel to Mars. Barack Obama sees that the space race is going to develop the knowledge of the rising generation and unite the entire world together, so the mission to Mars would not only benefit the U.S. but the world.

Reaching Mars is crucial for the development of the human race. The expedition would bring great new inventions and knowledge to humankind – just like the moon missions inspired many inventions such as Velcro.

Obama believes the journey is going to bring loads of benefit for the world. He is right. Obama has stepped up and said we’re going to do it, is making it a policy objective, working to make it a budgetary pri-

by Frank Martinez

ority, and is reaffirming that commitment. The first space race united all of America – and the world for that matter. It put everyone in a sense of awe and shifted their focus from other world problems to this common matter.

NASA and our space programs have located

water deep in Mars; if we find a way to harvest and purify it, we could bring more fresh water into the world and end the thirst for water in the world like is happening in many places. For example, in Africa people are struggling to get fresh water.

Families spend more

than 125 million hours getting water each day, according to thew World Health Organization.

That’s enough labor to build approximately 18 Empire state buildings each day. Mars could help us end the water recession on earth.

Expanding our knowledge of the solar system is a great and wise idea. Obama has been the only president since John F. Kennedy to redirect the world’s attention to the skies and the cosmos, which is a great achievement in and of itself, but if the travel to Mars happens it’ll be historic for Human race.

The project would not only advance our knowledge of the solar system, but could eventually be a major leap in science in general, medicine and technology. New technologies such as nuclear powered jets or a cure for cancer, inventions that can come out of the trip

Abby Gross

“The Future of the World” amazing journey.

It represents an essential part of our character as people: curiosity and exploration, innovation and ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and doing it before anybody else.

One of the most important things about this travel to Mars is that it will inspire people to do and reach the unthinkable. A Mission to Mars will push the rising generation to dig deeper

and analyze problems and fix them with the space program.

This new space race will give younger generations motivation to study hard and go into scientific fields, which as of this year only 36 percent of students are ready and want to go into scientific fields, according to a study by the Nation Math and Science Initiative.

The space race has not ended nor will it ever

end due to the fact that there is still much to learn and many questions to answer that travel in the cosmos could and will answer.

As the generations of students become wiser, the entire world becomes wiser.

Astronaut Neil Armstrong’s statement “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind” is still true when it comes to exploration of Mars and space. n

DECEMBER 2016 <

are endless, but we will never know what we can discover if we don’t try.

There are people who argue that there are more important things to do and more problems to solve here on earth, but our trips to space have brought people together all over the world and will continue to do so, which will change the focus of people for a time from their problems to this

31

OPINION

The Battle of the Bathrooms The debate over whether or not transgender people should have the right to use the bathroom of their choice started a fiery fight. Trans people should have the right to choose.

< RED & BLACK

O

32

n March 23rd, 2016, House Bill 2 was passed

by North Carolina General Assembly with the support of Governor Pat McCrory, ultimately changing the current standpoint on LGBT+ rights in the state. Through HB2, discriminating against transgender employees is legally allowed. Those fired due to gender identification can not legally take action under HB2; their employers can not be found to be at fault.

From the introduction of HB2, the bathroom debate spurred, contradicting the law that allowed transgendered men and women to use the bathroom of their choice. The issue has caused heated controversy not only in the offices, bathrooms, and State House, but in the living rooms of families across the state.

At my dinner table, this is wrong.

The question is, why are some people so scared of transgender people?

They’re people too. They’re not predators, hunting down men and women to grope in public bathrooms. They’re living, feeling humans who just want to use the bathroom and move on with their lives. In fact, nearly 70 percent of transgender people said they have been the victim of verbal harassment in gender-separated restrooms, while nearly 10 percent reported physical assault, according to a study by the University of California Los Angeles’ William’s institute. The men and women who identify with their biological gender aren’t the

by Madyson Long victim of harassment - it’s the transgender citizens.

The decision by Gov McCrory and the NC legislature to eradicate transgender bathroom rights has not only caused an upheaval of anger in the LGBT+ community, but within McCrory’s personal life as well.

Recently, the governor spoke out, claiming friends have shunned him after his comments regarding Caitlin Jenner (a famous transgender athlete),

“If she’s going to shower at a facility at UNC-Chapel Hill after running around the track, she’s going to use the men’s shower.”

“If she’s going to shower at a facility at UNC-Chapel Hill after running around the track, she’s going to use the men’s shower,” McCrory said. Although McCrory identified Jenner with female pronouns, it’s obvious he truly doesn’t view her as a women. It’s not the place of the Governor to tell her what to do with her body.

LGBT+ teens are “twice as likely as their classmates to say they have been physically assaulted, kicked or shoved at school,” according to a study from the Human Rights Campaign. A 2009 study from Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network concluded that “over half of all transgender students had been physically harassed (pushed

or shoved) in school in the past year because of their sexual orientation (55 percent) and their gender expression (53 percent).” The same study uncovered that “almost half of all transgender students reported skipping a class at least once in the past month (47 percent) and missing at least one day of school in the past month (46 percent) because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable.” It’s wrong when children are too scared to go to school because they’re going to be judged for being different.

The men and women of this country should be educated and understand the emotional strain a transgendered person feels on a daily basis. They are constantly ridiculed for being their true selves.

Our country needs to unite and discuss the facts - trans people aren’t attacking, staring, touching, feeling, or harassing others. Trans people are the ones being harassed, beaten, and killed. Forty percent of transgender people kill themselves after facing criticism and hatred, because they feel they’re unwanted on this planet. By listening to how someone being persecuted this way feels, others could see from their perspective and understand their difficult lives.

No one should be deprived of basic rights.. No one should feel they can’t do something as simple as using a public bathroom. No one should feel unwanted in their schools and communities.

People of all shapes, sizes, genders, sexualities, races, religions, and backgrounds deserve the same treatment. n

DECEMBER 2016 <

33

< RED & BLACK

School Shootings: Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Norm 34

OPINION

NFHS Should Be Better Prepared To Guard Against Intruders, Shootings

S

walk through the doors, unnoticed. There are no metal detectors at this entrance.

Another entrance, leading to the commons from the car rider area, left unlocked. An art classroom door was propped open. A person could weasel in, armed and prepared to kill. Peers let students standing outside of locked doors leading outside in without question. The ability to enter the school isn’t a challenge, and therefore the ability to take lives isn’t a challenge either. During flex times or when students are lounging in the commons is such an easy way to access vulnerable students and create an uproar of fear. Students who were in the cafeteria during the Columbine shooting were easily accessed and had a harder time finding a way to leave. o prevent these events, a few simple solutions would be to ensure to all doors remained locked at all times. Windows should be locked, classroom doors should be locked, and doors to the outside should be locked. It should be the duty of an administrator to walk the school and check the doors from the outside. For the kids located in the commons during the event of a school shooting, an easy system to evacuate would be to have the commons split into color-coded zones with exits corresponding to the colors. An administrator could use a bull horn to direct students.

School officials should also talk to students about why school shootings typically take place and offer a safe place for students dealing with depression and mental disorders to go to in order to prevent any dangerous actions. Ignoring the dangerous feelings many students are troubled with is only increasing the threat of an attack.

A recent video released by the parents of Sandy Hook victims, called Evan, showed

T

how the signs of a school shooting are unnoticed since so many people are focused on other aspects of life.

In the event of an emergency, Assistant Principal Ernst Poag said, “We would announce immediately that we are in a lock down. At this point, the school resource officer would take command which includes alerting local law enforcement. The principal would notify the superintendent as soon as it is safe to do so.

“The number one priority is the safety of our students and staff. Although there are no way to prevent an event, we do practice our lock down drills twice a year to keep students and staff familiar with our lockdown procedures. The administrative team also meet following each lockdown to assess if any adjustments need to be made to our emergency procedures.”

The School Safety Center suggest administrators be conscience of any possible threats and maintain a healthy relationship with all students. Identification of visitor should take place before access is granted, and attention should be called to suspicious behavior. Someone who enters the school with a claim to be there for technical work needs to have been identified via ID and have approval of work by an administrator.

The statistics aren’t being changed, their being added to. More and more school shootings/stabbings are occurring every day, with no attempt to halt this trend taken. The fact that there have been 142 school shootings and 297 people have died because of them since 1980 is not something addressed. The statics don’t lie, they communicate with schools that safety needs to be a number one priority. Football games and homecoming don’t matter if people are dead. They aren’t the same if part of that “family” is gone. n

DECEMBER 2016 <

chool shootings. A household term that doesn’t faze Americans anymore. School shootings are slowly being normalized. The fact that there have been 142 school shootings and 297 people have died because of them since 1980 is not something to be taken lightly. Oh, there was shooting at school today? How awful, they really should do something about it.

The mere words contribute nothing to the safety of students. These words are not a time machine with the ability to turn back time, take away the screams and cries, take away the gun, and bring back the dead.

Words cannot compensate any longer, we must take action.

The introduction of lock down drills is one small way to prepare students for the realistic event of an intruder in the building who is armed with weapons with the intention to kill. Students are to hide under tables, in corners, and against walls to fool the intruder into believing no one is the classroom. The lights are shut off, a slip of black plastic is hung to cover the door window, and the larger windows are covered by curtains in the case someone is outside the school. This safety measure is effective in the case that the intruder is not familiar with the school and isn’t sure which classrooms are regularly in use.

But a shooter who knows the halls like the back of his hand wouldn’t be fooled by the darkened rooms. They know classes are taking place, and they know who is in what room. An alternative method of protection isn’t practiced or taught because school shootings are a touchy subject.

On November 18 a set of doors remained unlocked after school hours begun that lead to the sports offices and an entrance to the gym. Someone could easily

by Madyson Long

35

OPINION

Police Brutality: The Fight For Ju

Reform Needed Now

A

< RED & BLACK

by Cole Brooks

36

s most people already know, Charlotte, N.C. experienced severe civil unrest following the killing of city local Keith Lamont Scott. His death was ruled, by many, to be a senseless act of police brutality, and a shining example of corruption and ignorance in the police force. Riots ensued for days following the shooting. This situation has led to a menacing tension felt between minorities and police in Charlotte. The police in America need reform, with proper training methods and extended time periods of education to further ensure both civilians and officers that the people are well protected.

Police brutality, however, exists not only in Charlotte.

It’s a civil rights issue that has been debated for decades.

Why? More and more cops are making rash and uneducated decisions in high stake situations that could easily be remedied by a proper learning track of both law and combat. Not every cop is bad, but the good cops aren’t calling out the corruption and brutality that occurs on a regular basis. This lack of self-monitoring is because those officers are threatened with job loss, violence, and blackmail – not to mention that disturbed individuals have dedicated themselves to purposely to killing police officers. The lack of reporting abuses, however, is a matter

of systematic corruption that has been brewing in police departments for decades.

Crime statistics from ZeroHedge show that, as of July 2016, 990 people have been killed by police; 238 of those killed were white, 123 of them were black, and the rest of those killed were either of Hispanic or of unknown race.

Following the aftermath of the riots in Charlotte, activist groups are fighting adamantly to bring reform to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Local groups like Charlotte Youth United and the Charlotte JustUs League are pleading for police officers to change their internal order to reach equilibrium between cops and minorities.

An eight point reform plan has been produced by the activists, and focuses a lot of attention on bodycam footage provided by police departments. Currently, North Carolina’s HB972 law states that all bodycam footage is private sector and can only be retrieved by court order. Right there is an opening for corruption and misuse of the law. Officers can easily report – or even just destroy – footage taped during their “incidents.”

No other developed country in the world has anywhere near the amount of police related shootings and killings as the U.S. Why aren’t the police in the U.S. not taking any notes from Britain or

Too Many Death

2016 Police Shootings: White 238

990

Black 123

Unknown 629

ZeroHedge

As of Decem

Canada? What’s keeping the nation’s police forces from actually waking up to realize that they’re a large factor of the problem? One answer is

a lack of training and proper development. Compare America’s law enforcement to Germany’s police force: so far in 2016, the U.S. has had

ustice In America

hs On Both Sides

Police Killed 2016 On duty 117

137

Other 20

National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund

mber 16, 2016

of four deaths by police.

Countries like Germany put their officers through rigorous training and education of both the law and

DECEMBER 2016 <

over 900 casualties in police involved shootings according to an article that appeared the Huffington Post in July.

Germany has had a total

combat tactics. They stress PBS.org. If civilians had the importance of the fact a better understanding of that using a gun is not always the other side’s view, then the answer in a split-second there would be less violence. situation. They focus on Maybe the schism between high stress moments and law and civility won’t change, develop officers to properly but many lives could be kept cope with the high stakes and from ending too soon. possible outcomes. Countries America needs reform of like Germany also their police forces, properly fund and or there will never When is it even regulate their pobe harmony belice departments, lawful for police tween police and unlike the United minorities. The States. riots will continue, to use While it may and the bodies seem as though deadly force? will keep piling up. police forces are Bodycam footage just senselessly beating and needs to become available killing people, there are some within 48 hours of the incithings most don’t understand dent, and HB972 must be reabout the police officers pealed. It’s a law that’s allowthemselves. They’re still ing corrupt officers to cover regular people who go about up their tracks, especially everyday life one step at a when they kill an innocent time. The difference is that person. Along with bodycam their steps are covered with footage, training needs to crime, violence, and a conbe completely changed. At a stant threat of losing their panel at Nation Ford High lives. They sometimes make School, a local police officer poor decisions because they stated that police officers get are human beings and cannot ongoing training and not just be ready for every situation. the average 19 weeks in the Gangs, junkies, “social justice Academy. While that may be warriors” with itchy trigger true, there is still very little fingers, and general criminals improvement to be seen this are all people who the police far with police departments. deal with. It doesn’t justify Shootings are still happening, the killing of an innocent and people are still dying. person, but there is still a side If continuous training of the police that many do is something that needs to not understand. Because of be instituted, then so be it. a lack in civilian education, Instead of an average of 19 many people still ask: When weeks for police academy, it is it even lawful for police should be at least 18 months to use deadly force? The Suof proper education of not preme Court held in a 1989 only the law, but proper concase, Graham vs. Connor, duct and nonlethal methods that the proper use of force of suppressing a suspect or by officers “must be judged perpetrator before entering from the perspective of a the force. reasonable officer on the Without proper knowlscene,” rather than evaluated edge of nonlethal combat through 20/20 hindsight, tactics, then the poor deciaccording to sions will continue. n

37

OPINION

Guns Rights Needed But With Strict Laws

< RED & BLACK

U

38

by Hope Graham

that allows gun purchase. nder federal law, Gun owners could have if a firearms devised a reason for buyng a dealer who gun when being issued a perhas initiated a mit and could do something background check has not violent. The background been notified within three check system is flawed. It business days that the sale would violate federal or state should become stricter, and it laws, the sale may proceed by should allow for longer than three days to process the default, according to Smart background information.

Gun Laws, a website where Not only is the system gun laws are listed by state. flawed, but the purchasers While people should be able of guns might be unsuitable to keep gun rights due to to possess such a weapon.

The Constitution’s Second Twenty-two year old Dylan Amendment which guarantees citizens the right to bear Roof was able to shoot nine people in a Charleston, SC arms, background checks church last year. should become “...It should allow Despite having more thorough a background for longer than to ensure better safety: three days to pro- check, the FBI wasn’t able In South cess the to run all the Carolina, lax background information in gun laws pose a time. Accordinformation.” danger. “South ing to NPR, Carolina does “Under the normal process, not require a background if gun dealers do not hear check prior to the transfer of a firearm between unlicensed back from the FBI with a flat denial in three business individuals.” ? This law is increasingly dangerous because days, they are free to sell the weapon to the person who those unlicensed individuals filled out the biographical can use a friend’s licensed paperwork. And that’s what weapon and fly under the the gun store did with Roof radar. on April 16.” Background The problems don’t just end there. The gun purchaser checks should not be discarded if it takes more time can present an I.D. that has than three days. false information and the While innocent eople dealers don’t have a system have been hurt physically to prove the customer’s true and emotionally, law abiding identity. Additionally, the dealers don’t have to undergo Americans can be the solution and should should be the background check if the able to not only own a gun, purchaser has a state permit

CNN.COM

NBCNEWS.COM

but should be able to carry one as well.

Attendees of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub were stuck inside for three hours. If someone had been carrying a gun, they could have shot the shooter. Another incident when a gun would have been useful was the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting; 20 students were killed in a classroom. If a teacher had carried a gun, those 20 kids would be alive. Law-abiding citizens need to have the right to carry a weapon. Better safe than sorry.

More crazy people getting guns without a background check equal more homicides.

While the gun is a powerful, dangerous weapon, it

depends on the person to make the decisions. Although it’s true that some criminals can find a way to obtain a weapon, making this process challenging is a good idea.

America needs to develop better background checks, and ensure a right to carry a concealed weapon for law-abiding citizens. The government should not give up the background check after three days, and instead, they should extend the amount of time. Additionally, civilians can email a government official, or put together a petition saying that tighter background checks need to be enforced.

Let’s be a part of the change, not the problem. n

OPINION

Do You Know What You’re Saying?

W

els out there on the autism spectrum, Heather Kuzmich, for example. The insensitive comment is ignorant. So, being different inside affects how you look outside?

These kinds of inappropriate comments are something that young adults sometimes make because they haven’t fully matured yet. Bad behavior occurs the most in school-related settings.

Making fun of anybody in general is just not appropriate behavior.

When kids are goofing around and acting silly, someone may say, “Are you autistic or something?” This “slang” has become some kind of trend, and it is definitely not okay.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is something many people make fun of as well, only it’s reversed. Instead of making fun others, people use the disorder to describe themselves at times. They do this even though they don’t really have OCD, and that’s the problem. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a condition where one has unreasonable thoughts

or fears that lead to compulsive behaviors. Sure, everyone has moments in their life when something doesn’t go right. Having OCD can interfere with daily life, and it’s not a laughing matter.

You’d think that Autism Awareness would promote people to be more respectful, but clearly, it does not. So the question is, what can we further do about it?All we can do is promote even more awareness, and ask people to be respectful. People must acknowledge that autistic persons are like everyone else. Autism/Aspergers makes it more challenging to engage in social interactions, though ignorant people associate it with mental retardation. As a matter of fact, people on the autism spectrum are often highly intelligent. Most possess average to above-average intelligence, and tend to have specific interests. This trait makes them extremely successful in life because they will stick to their passions and not give up.

Even though people on the autism spectrum struggle socially, people who make fun of autism obviously struggle with social skills as well. Making fun of anybody in general is just not appropriate behavior. n

DECEMBER 2016 <

hen something goes wrong, people seem to say these days “I’m having an autistic moment!” Or when something is unorganized, they’ll say something like “I’m totally OCD, it needs to be fixed!”

What people may not realize is how insensitive they’re being. Saying these things can be hurtful. It also makes them sound ignorant because it’s clear they don’t know that much about these mental disorders. People shouldn’t be saying these things when there are people out there who are actually suffering from the real disorder(s).

For example, student had a computer malfunction in her IBA class recently.

She started laughing and said, “My computer’s having an autistic moment!”

Later, when her computer was working again, she was playing a game on it called “Fireboy and Watergirl”. It’s a two-player game, and she was Watergirl. Apparently, Watergirl kept making mistakes, so she said, “I think she’s autistic! Haha!” Then, she was talking for Watergirl, saying “My mom thinks I’m pretty!” There are beautiful supermod-

by Abby Gross

39

Check out more Nation Ford High School Student Publications ...

The Talon Online n The Talon print edition n Voices Literary Magazine n

Look for links on the school homepage!

Red & Black Volume 3 Issue 1 <

December 2016