The Antlerette Volume 98 Issue 1 by theantlerette

The Antlerette Volume 98

September 2023

Issue 1

Former President Trump’s Case In Georgia Ava Xu, Staff It has been a week since former President Donald J. Trump and 18 allies were charged in Fulton County on August 14, 2023 over their efforts to overturn the 2020 election loss in Georgia, with prosecutors using a statute to accuse the former president, lawyers, and other aides of a “criminal enterprise” to keep him in power. Trump has become the first former president to be indicted and already has been accused of two federal crimes, one for his election-stealing effort and the other for his mishandling of classified documents at his Florida resort after he left office, but Trump denies all of his wrongdoings.

The sweeping charges stem from a long-running criminal investigation into the efforts made by Trump and his allies to overturn President Joe Biden’s victory in Georgia’s 2020 presidential election. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis opened the probe in February 2021, just weeks after it was revealed that Trump had urged Georgia’s secretary of state to “find” enough votes to reverse his loss in Georgia. Trump and his allies, who have characterized the investigation as politically motivated, claimed that the process was false. Trump’s campaign aimed to fundraise off it, sending out an email with the since-deleted document embedded. Willis noted from the outset that she was investigating potential violations of state laws barring election fraud and lying to government entities, as well as conspiracy and any involvement in violence or threats related to the administration of the 2020 election. Trump and his co-defendants have currently surrendered to the Georgia authorities. Warrants were issued for their arrest, and Willis said that she wants the case to go to trial within the next six months.

Maui Wildfires: Disaster in Paradise Adrian Bayardo, Editor in Chief The island of Maui is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, known for its beautiful landscape and rich Hawaiian culture. On August 8th, 2023, sparks ignited on the tropical paradise, and several wildfires erupted across the island. One fire engulfed a small town in flames, reducing it to ashes. This was the town of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination with hundreds of years of deep cultural history - gone. Powerful winds as a result of a hurricane passing through the region only accelerated the blaze, leading to mass destruction for Lahaina residents. Now, with over 100 people confirmed dead, and hundreds still missing, how will the Lahaina community recover from this catastrophe?

Early that fateful Tuesday morning, a brush fire began in Maui. This fire sent 50 residents fleeing to an emergency center, even though this fire would be 100% contained within a few hours. Unfortunately, Maui was not out of the woods yet. Later that same day around 3:30pm, the fire flared up again in Lahaina. With help from the strong winds coming from hurricane Dora, the blaze quickly consumed the town of Lahaina, burning historic establishments like the old Lahaina courthouse to the ground. Popular tourist spots, like the restaurant Cheeseburger in Paradise, have been reduced to rubble. Despite this, the famous Lahaina Banyan tree managed to survive the disaster, although not unscathed as it was still scorched from the flames. This Banyan tree, which was planted by Indian missionaries in Lahaina in 1873, still remains in the town among the devastation, and to many, represents the strength and perseverance of the Lahaina people. The month of August is typically the dry season in Hawaii, and this August was no exception. This meant that Maui was already extraordinarily prone to wildfires to begin with. This in addition to the substantial winds from hurricane Dora created a breeding ground for wildfires. Now it is widely believed that a fallen powerline may have been the fatal spark that started these deadly fires. Further inquiries have revealed that a prominent electric company in Maui, Hawaiian Electric, had left cables uninsulated, meaning the wires were left bare, with no protective covering around them. These naked wires were capable of igniting upon contact with any flammable object. Knowing this, Hawaiian Electric still opted not to address the issue, even if some of these wires were located amongst dense, dry foliage, which is clearly a fire hazard.

In the aftermath, some have placed the blame on the county of Maui for not utilizing emergency warning systems in place for tsunamis to warn residents of the fast-moving fire. Maui county, however, has focused on holding Hawaiian Electric accountable for their negligence. Whether or not the government reacted in time with the appropriate amount of aid is up for debate, but regardless of what could’ve been done differently or who should’ve stepped in, thousands of families on Maui are suffering. In the blink of an eye, so many people have lost their family homes, some of which have been passed down for generations. Hundreds have lost family members, and hundreds more hold their breath as they await confirmation of whether or not their missing loved ones perished in the fire. All while tourists continue to snorkel while authorities are still in the process of locating the remains of people who fled to the water for an escape, only to be met with the brutality of smoke inhalation and hypothermia as they succumbed to the sea. Suffice to say, it will be a considerable amount of time before Maui recovers from this historic fire. But it will take more than a wildfire to destroy the Lahaina spirit so many residents cling to as they grapple with unfathomable loss.

Can Trans Gender, Can’t Trans Regret Azriel Hu, Copy Editor Just the day before we started school, a study was released by respected medical journal JAMA Surgery about low long-term regret following gender-affirming surgery. Immediately, anti-trans influencers and politicians advocating for anti-trans legislation denounced the study, providing a wild range of excuses on why the study was false. But in reality, this study corroborated other past studies about low regret rates - which are very, very low. Surgery regret was around 1% - to give an example for comparison, the regret rate for knee surgery can be as high as 30%. Detransition rates are between 1% and 3%, with trans youth seeing very low rates. Regret was so low that many statistical techniques would not work due to the uniform “extremely low level of regret and dissatisfaction and lack of variance in scores.” This directly disproves anti-trans entities who have displayed political detransitioners, arguing that regret and detransitioning are widespread. Their “reported” regret rates ballooned as high as 80% - claims that have been debunked. These types of studies - and especially this one weaken the narrative paraded in legal and legislative spaces, which is why there was such a huge conservative backlash. These narratives will continue to be weakened as scientific support for gender-affirming care grows.

But what does this study mean for transgender youth? For those of us who want to transition, whether socially, legally, or medically, this provides a huge amount of relief and validation. Even if you are sure of your gender identity now, things can and often will change in the future, a process often reflected in figuring out your own identity (and not just your gender identity). For those of us who want to undergo gender-affirming surgery, we’re often asked if we’re “sure” that we won’t “regret it later”. When you’re constantly asked if you won’t regret surgery once you get it, sometimes you start to doubt yourself. But this study shows us that, statistically, the chances of that are so miniscule that they are almost nonexistent. This study means something a little different for families of transgender youth. Parents worry about their children and want what’s best for them. Upon coming out, they ask questions because they want to understand you. Surgery is a major event that will have parents stepping on the brakes and saying, hold up. They worry about whether or not their children will regret it in the future - but this study and many others reassure them that their worries are based on that 1%. Of course, as always, it always depends on the individual. But knowing that you are part of a community - and a community proud of themselves at that - is empowering.

Riverfront Brawl Breaks Out in Montgomery, Alabama Marie Ndulue, Staff On August 5th, 2023, in Montgomery, Alabama, rowdy boaters attacked a dock worker who was trying to get them to move their boat so that a city riverboat could dock. They did not want to comply, leading to an altercation involving the boaters and the dock worker, as well as strangers who joined in to “help.” As of now, only five people involved in the brawl were arrested, with four of them facing a count each of third-degree assault. What many call the “Montgomery Brawl” ensued after an argument over a reserved parking spot for city riverboat Harriott II, which was carrying 227 passengers at the time. Dameion Pickett, a Black riverfront worker, was seen asking owners of a private pontoon boat to move out of the way so that the Harriott II could park in its designated area. Pickett’s requests were met with aggression and rude gestures.

Eventually, one of the white owners of the pontoon boat attacked Pickett, causing him to throw his hat in the air and fight back. What ensued was a large-scale brawl where people all around the dock joined in to fight. Videos of the brawl spread nationwide as people made note of certain people making efforts to join the fight. Specifically, a 16 year old boy, dubbed “Black Aquaman” gained a lot of popularity as he was seen swimming across a river to the dock where the brawl was taking place just to stand up for his co-worker that was being attacked. All of the initial assailants were white, leading many to believe that this incident was racially motivated as they attacked a Black man. However, police have not stated anything relating to that accusation. Following the brawl, around 13 people were detained and questioned. For now, five people were arrested: Mary Todd (21), Allen Todd (23), Zachery Shipman (25), Richard Roberts (48), and Reggie Ray (42). Ray is the only suspect so far that was not charged with at least one count of third-degree assault. Montgomery police are still investigating the matter as the third-degree assault charges are subject to change.

Florida Phone Law Mikela Laurenzi, Staff In 2023, right before school started, Florida passed a new law that K-12 public schools are prohibited from using cell phones while school is in session. This new law is to make sure that kids are getting off their screens and enjoying a visual and social learning experience. This is also to make sure that the students are getting the best learning experience possible. This new law only takes effect in Florida as of now. Teachers in Florida seem to thoroughly enjoy having this new method of learning. Teachers state that they believe this law can give them some sense of control to have a more focused class. The law would allow fewer distractions for the teachers as well because they would not have to focus on students being sneaky with their phones. The students' perspective is a little different however. They seem to be having a hard time adjusting to this new policy. Some have even complained on social media about this problem. This new law has teachers, students, and staff all concerned for the future, because if adjusting to classes without phones is difficult for the students, it makes teaching difficult for the teachers. Schools have had a hard time adjusting to this law and it seems as if the students and staff are split 50/50 on this issue.

Kai Cenat’s Thoughtful Giveaway Turned Riot KyRee Fultz, Staff Kai Cenat, a popular Twitch streamer, hosted a large controlled giveaway in the middle of Union Square in New York a couple weeks ago on August 4th. The commotion began when Cenat was live on Twitch, promising to give out free PS5s, computers, Xboxs, and various other items back to the community. This giveaway would lead to a wave of thousands of his fans filling the Union Park Square with an underwhelming amount of security trying to keep things in check.

Police would eventually get involved in what became a riot with them arresting Cenat and a few of his friends. But by the time they did, the damage had already been done. Union Park was overflowing with angry teens. These teens would then begin fighting amongst themselves, stomping on cars, and breaking windows. The few people who got something from the giveaway would be jumped and violently beaten up by their peers. Cenat himself was harassed at one point with people jumping and holding onto his car while he was trying to drive off. However, there were some positive things the media didn’t show, such as Cenat trying to help fans breathe and walk through the overcrowded streets. Cenat and the rest of his group “AMP” were only arrested overnight when they were indicted for “inciting a riot” and “unlawful assembly”. Multiple news outlets broadcasted this story on television for the world to see. From the broadcasts, you could see the ruckus from the people fighting, climbing on light poles, and looting. This situation would begin trending on Twitter and other social media sites, painting Cenat in a bad light. Many have referred to his actions as “irresponsible” and “overambitious,” which led to the injuries of so many people. Now is it Cenat’s fault for trying to give back to the community that allowed him to blow up on Twitch? Or are the fans at fault for not knowing how to behave in the world? In the end, it is clear that Cenat was just trying to do what was right, even if the giveaway did not turn out as he intended.

Celebrating Succes Kina Her, Staff Graduating is a right of passage. As our lives start to take place, students stand in a cap and gown with uncertainty for their future. Graduation is a milestone event, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and growth. It is a time of celebration and reflection, a rite of passage that signifies the completion of an educational journey and the beginning of a new chapter in one's life. Whether it is high school, college, or any other form of academic achievement, graduation holds significant meaning for both individuals and society as a whole. Graduation serves as a tangible recognition of academic accomplishments. It symbolizes the successful completion of a specific level of education and the acquisition of knowledge and skills. For students, it validates their hard work, persistence, and intellectual growth throughout their educational journey. It is a moment of pride and personal fulfillment, as they can reflect on the challenges they overcame and the lessons they learned.

Graduation also represents a transition from one phase of life to another. It marks the end of a familiar routine, and opens the door to new opportunities and experiences. For high school graduates, it may mean embarking on a college education, pursuing a career, or taking a gap year to explore different paths. College graduates may step into the professional world, further their studies, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Graduation signifies the readiness to embrace new responsibilities and challenges that lie ahead. Beyond academic achievements, graduation celebrates personal growth and development. It is a time to reflect upon the transformative experiences, friendships, and life lessons that have shaped individuals during their educational journey. Graduates can look back at their accomplishments, setbacks, and moments of self-discovery, realizing how far they have come and the person they have become. Graduation serves as a reminder that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about personal growth, resilience, and character development.Graduation is not only a significant milestone for the graduates themselves but also a moment of pride and joy for their families and the community. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends often witness the journey firsthand, providing support, encouragement, and guidance. Graduation becomes a collective celebration, as loved ones gather to honor the graduates' achievements, acknowledging the sacrifices made and the shared sense of accomplishment. It is a time for families and communities to come together, fostering a sense of unity and pride.

Graduation ceremonies inspire and motivate others, especially younger generations, to pursue their educational goals. The achievements of graduates serve as beacons of hope, demonstrating that hard work, perseverance, and dedication can lead to success. Graduation ceremonies provide a platform for speakers to share their stories, impart wisdom, and ignite the aspirations of those in attendance. The accomplishments of graduates inspire others to believe in their own abilities and strive for excellence. Graduation is an occasion of great significance, symbolizing the completion of an educational journey and the beginning of a new chapter. It recognizes the academic achievements, personal growth, and resilience of individuals, while also fostering a sense of pride within families and communities. Graduation ceremonies inspire others and serve as a reminder that education is a transformative force that can shape lives and pave the way for a brighter future. So, let us celebrate the graduates and their accomplishments, “applauding.”

Funding School Contruction Joanna Arteaga, Staff Schools all around the US are going through construction. These schools are getting new buildings with better technology. Construction has been going on at Elk Grove High School since 2021. We are now in 2023, and construction is still continuous. Some of these buildings are outdated, and are in great need of some TLC. So how was all this construction funded? It all started with a plan. President Biden and Vice President Harris have come up with the Biden-Harris Action Plan. This plan launched a 500 million dollar grant to fund schools for construction. The plan was to build these schools with energy saving technology, and not only that, but with an improved air system so that students can have better air while in class.

California was granted 13 million dollars out of the Biden-Harris grant for school funding. That is why when you drive past many schools, you can see that they are going through construction. The plan for all of this construction is to have students that thrive. It is known that students who are in a safe and healthy environment will do better in life. Although this plan granted 500 million dollars into school construction, it is meant to help America in the long run. The improved air and the technology will help the students succeed. The low energy technology will lower the school’s bills, leaving the school with room for even more improvements. As you can see, with the new funding for school construction students all over the country will succeed more as they learn in our new environments.

Children and Technology Camila Avila, Staff Today many members of the youth are constantly using technology. Even though it’s widely understood that too much screen time can have a negative effect on a young child’s development. Many kids around the world spend their time inside on their devices or playing video games. This could often affect a child's behavior, physical health, and overall development. One of many negatives is childhood obesity. Since kids are glued to their devices, they are more prone to staying inside instead of being active outside, which harms their physical health. While kids spend their time either laying down or sitting doing nothing, they can eventually begin to gain weight. If it gets to the point where they aren’t able to control it, they could end up with childhood obesity, which can be fatal. For a young child, two hours should be the maximum amount of screen time. If they are too young, it is recommended that they only navigate the internet with a parent to make sure they don’t encounter anything disturbing. Kids ages 8-12 are able to have 4-6 hours, which will not harm them at all. Having limited access to technology can bring many benefits for young kids that help them to develop and grow. Doing whatever is possible to get them outside, active, and off devices can make a positive impact on youth.

“ZmjjKK” and the Rise of Chinese Valorant Khang Pham, Staff Valorant, a game made by Riot Games, started in April 2020, and is dominated by regions such as the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Recently, Valorant has added a pro scene called VCT which includes those 3 regions, but China isn’t even listed as an Asian team, but a different division, a division full of Chinese teams.

China, before 2023, was seen as a worthless region, producing no good players. That was until VCT Masters Tokyo, “Valorant Champion Tour”. A Chinese team that was unpopular arose and met EDG (Edward Gaming). Their roster consisted of talented Chinese players, but one that stood out was Zheng, “ZmjjKK” Yong Kang, or KangKang, the superstar duelist of EDG. Duelists are characters in Valorant who like to fight and kill the enemy team. KangKang is good at killing his enemies, and his impressive plays and simply unmatched mechanics made KangKang and EDG very popular. In VCT Masters Tokyo, EDG made it through the qualifiers and defeated EU giants such as Navi. And while in the playoffs, EDG defeated one of the best teams in America. LOUD ( Brazilian super team), they bailed out of the tournament after a bad loss to Paper Rex (PRX), and the loss would haunt them. But EDG was hungry to be the best in the world at the next tournament. EDG was just a one man team and KangKang wasn’t only their best player. In the team, there is Smoggy, Nobody, Haodong, and CHICHOO. Not only were those players superstars in their own right, but they also helped enable KangKang to be the best player in the game. Now begins VCT Champions in LA, where the best teams in the world clash against each other to determine who is actually the best. EDG comes in as the first seeded team in China, proving that they're the best in China, but can they be the best in the world?

To make it through the qualifiers, they went against Giants Gaming, the worst team in Europe that was attending the tournament. So it was an easy 2-0 victory for the EDG squad, proving that they can dominate foreign teams. But the playoffs didn’t go so well for them. After losing a horrible 1-2 game against Evil Geniuses, the best team in North America, they had fallen into the loser bracket. But the first game of the loser bracket was an easy one, against their regional team BLG. To EDG, BLG was nothing in their path of greatness, and an easy 2-0 victory was awarded to EDG. But again they had faced LOUD, and memories from their first encounter haunted them, and made them play worse. KangKang wasn’t killing enough people, CHICHOO wasn’t clutching up rounds, and overall, EDG was a mess. They had failed to even finish in the top 4 again. That was the end of their run in 2023.

How Have Civil Rights in America Changed? Le’Andre Murrey, Staff The African-American movement in the past has shaped the future for the African-American community. There were two important people who stand out in this movement, and their names are Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. The Civil Rights Movement lasted from 1954 to 1968. The movement had supporters throughout the entire country, but was largely based in the South. The movement started with the discrimination of African Americans. Looking back, not much has changed since then, but there is still progress being made.

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom Little - or as we know him, Malcom X had two different ways of looking at the way that civil rights should be approached. King thought in the ways of Mahatma Gandhi, who believed that change could be achieved through non-violent protest. However, Little believed that in order to receive change, you can’t sit still. He believed that you can and must do anything necessary to change what needs to be changed. Additionally, Little also fought to convert African American people to the religion of Islam. In the end, both were assassinated, with King being assassinated at the age of 39 on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee and Little being assassinated at the age of 39 on February 21, 1965, in New York, New York. Both figures fought for equality for African Americans, even if they had different ways of accomplishing their goals. Even though they had two different perspectives on the way Black equality could be achieved, both Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr. are remembered today for bringing the Civil Rights Movement to where it is today. With the help of everyone in America, we can end racism completely.

How We’re Hurting the Ocean Olivia Miller, Staff Humans continue to cause serious damage to the ocean that is proving to be irreversible. With temperatures and sea levels that are rising too fast, it’s hard for the environment to adapt to these rapid changes. Marine animals are very much at risk too. What will happen in our future? Soon your trip to the coral reef could be cut short. Experts urge people to practice simple life changes that will help prevent this crisis from getting even worse. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the ocean absorbs 90% of the excess heat from climate change and 23% of human-caused carbon dioxide (C02) emissions. The more C02 absorbed, the more acidic the ocean gets, which damages the reefs and sea life. The ocean also provides half of the oxygen we breathe in, so why damage a good thing?

A lot of things that humans do like run factories, produce electricity, drive cars, and mass produce cows release pollutants, like fossil fuels and C02. I know we need all these things, but there’s ways to make a change. Alternatives like solar power and electric cars could make the biggest difference. Problems like pollution are serious, and there’s so much plastic in this world that has nowhere to go. Since no one wants to look at it, of course it goes into the ocean. It’s so easy to buy a reusable bottle or recyclesafe products. Companies like Patagonia, Seventh Generation, and A Good Company are all environmentally safe brands to buy from. I know we all love a good day on the beach, so let’s treat the ocean with respect. We only have one Earth and it’s very important to take care of it. It’s good to keep in mind what the possibilities are, and the only thing you can do is your part. Most people can agree with me when I say Mother Earth is not one to be messed with.

Superhero Serial; Chapter 1: A Fatigued Encounter Kaitlyn McNally, Staff Tired. So… tired. Aja stumbled, leaning on a building for support as she walked. She had just spent the last two hours chasing “Gomez the Great” all around the sector, pulling people out of his way and healing any injuries the irresponsible man caused as he fought Public Enemy #1: the elusive Amethyst. As she reached a corner formed by the main street and an alleyway, she sat down to catch her breath, and happened to look down the alley. There was… something moving. No, not something, someone. Slightly above average height, broad shouldered, dark cloak swishing around their feet as they walked away and… a flash of purple. Amethyst’s purple.

Aja forced herself to her feet as quickly as possible, trying to avoid drawing attention. Unfortunately she was still unsteady, and her boot scuffed the ground, loud enough for Amethyst to hear. He began to turn, and she tried to mimic the fighting stances she had seen from the other heroes, blinking to clear her vision that was… getting cloudier? What-? Oh no, no no no! Her last thought before the world faded was the brief hope that she wouldn’t break anything when she fell. Though she had never been that lucky before.

♦ Hearing a sound at the mouth of the alley, Amethyst turned sharply, and as he was cornered, resigned himself to continuing the fight with that ridiculous man they always sent after him. He was instead met with the hero he had seen before, always trailing after that oaf like an irritated, underpaid babysitter. She was clearly disorientated, and seemed to have stood up too fast as she clearly tried to brace for an attack. Instead, she began to faint. Amethyst rushed forward as she fell, an attempt to prevent her from getting hurt, and managed to catch her before she hit the ground. “Well now, what to do with you?”

Sleep Expert, Jeff Kahn, Publishes Information on Sleep Deprivation Richard Gao, Staff On July 7, 2023, Rise scientist Jeff Kahn released an article conducting research on sleep. Rise is an app designed to calculate sleep and store data to better understand one's sleeping patterns. Sleep deprivation is a huge problem millions suffer from. The amount of sleep a person needs is dependent on their genetics, as the average sleep need is eight hours and ten minutes. There are serious health consequences from lack of sleep. Khan mentions that in 2013 a group of scientists from Rochester Medical Center discovered a system within the brain that is most active during the sleep phase. It's a cleanup system that uses cerebrospinal fluid to cleanse the brain of toxic chemicals. As people pile up less sleep, the toxic products build up in the brain. Sleep loss is often considered as low level brain damage. It’s been used as a torture method in interrogation rooms as they experience cognitive impairment.

There are two forms of sleep debt: acute sleep debt and chronic sleep debt. Acute sleep debt is a type of sleep debt over a short period of time. By missing sleep needs by one hour a day, after ten days, it equals to being awake for 24 hours. Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, decreased attention span and productivity, and weakened immune system are all consequences of sleep deprivation by only a few hours for a few days. Another type of sleep debt is chronic; it’s sleep debt accumulated over several years. This type of sleep deprivation has massive consequences, such as increased rates of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and puts you at a greater risk of diabetes and weight gain. It can also cause psychiatric disorders in extreme cases. However there is a solution to this. Paying attention to sleep debt and paying it back can reduce the effect of sleep deprivation. You can pay back sleep debt by getting the proper hours of sleep, however by reducing the amount of sleep by only 1 hour a night for 10 nights will make you just as impaired as if you were up for 24 hours. Getting the proper amount of sleep is beneficial for your health.

Barbie Movie Review: Trash or Pass? Lucan Amituanai, Staff On July 21st, 2023, Warner Bros. theatrically released the very anticipated Barbie movie. Although the film quickly became the highest grossing in America, the reviews were mixed. News articles, Youtubers, celebrities, and content creators all had something to say about Barbie, good or bad. Some called it controversial and a “waste of time,” while others thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was money well spent. Here’s what both sides said about the film.

The two sides including the movie lovers and the movie haters have valid points and reasoning for their opinion on the film. Rotten Tomatoes, arguably the biggest review and aggregation website on the internet, thought highly of the flick, giving it an 88% on the Tomatometer and claiming that it was “visually dazzling” and “an entertaining movie with a great overall message.”But, famous columnist and media personality Ben Shapiro stated that Rotten Tomatoes rated the movie high because it had political input, forcing the website to choose one side. Right wing political commentator Matt Walsh let his fans know how he felt when he said that, “The Barbie movie was a preachy feminist screed about taking down the patriarchy.” On the other hand, UFC commentator Joe Rogan stated on his podcast that, “I know some people personally that think it’s anti-men.” Rogan responded that it was simply joking and that the film didn’t represent all men but just dorks. He was in awe of how many people were so outraged at the movie when he thought it was purely meant for fun. Overall, this movie has taken the pop culture media by storm lately and has definitely caused some disputes over time. Some looked at the movie and thought how politically it might’ve set our country back, while others looked at the movie and thought that it was the exact message we needed. In conclusion, whether you liked it, disliked it, or didn’t care, the movie made a lot of money and started conversations, leaving us something to talk about for a few weeks.

The Importance of The Princess and the Frog Sydney Wesselink, Content Editor Everyone's childhood is different. Everyone's taste in movies and shows is different. None of that matters because every child deserves to grow up watching iconic Disney movies, for example, The Princess and the Frog. This movie has a lot of things that can teach you important lessons once you think about it. At first this movie just seems like every other Disney movie. What makes it stand out is the friendship between Tiana and Charlotte. Both girls have very different backgrounds, but being so young they don’t understand those things. They grow up being best friends and although they have different values and live very different lives, they still manage a special relationship. At the masquerade ball, Tiana’s outfit was completely destroyed and without hesitation, Charlotte helped her into a new dress with a tiara. When she saw Tiana all dressed up looking like a princess, she didn’t get jealous or get worried she’d steal the spotlight, she continued to make sure Tiana knew how perfect she was. And finally at the end of the movie, Charlotte gave up her happy ending with prince Naveen and kissed the frog to try and turn him back into a prince so he could be with Tiana. This clearly shows she’d do anything for her best friend.

The two other things that make this movie stand out are love and money. When it comes to this movie they go hand in hand. Both Tiana and Naveen feel that money is the gateway to happiness. But in the end they found that having the chance to be happy together has nothing to do with how much money they have. Throughout the movie Naveen is planning on marrying rich since his parents cut him off. Since the beginning of the movie Tiana had been working morning and night shifts to save up for her restaurant. As the movie progresses they both learn important lessons. Sure, money can get you what you want, but it’s not something you need an unlimited amount of. As their love grows, Tiana sees that she won’t be happy having the restaurant without Naveen and he realizes he won’t be happy with Charlotte because she’s not the woman he wants to marry. In the end of the movie they both have what they want. Although Naveen didn’t marry rich, he was happy to fulfill his promise of helping Tiana with her restaurant, but instead they used hard work instead of just money. This movie is a great classic and the next time you watch it make sure to look out for those little details that really put life into perspective.