Volume 22, Issue 11 | March 7, 2024

QUAKER CAMPUS

Full Rides for Freshmen

Meylina Tran A & E EDITOR

Reporting by Emily Henderson

On Mar. 4, Whittier College introduced the Poet Pledge Scholarship on the College Instagram. According to the press release, this is part of the College’s “commitment to affordable higher education for high-achieving local students.” The Poet Pledge Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship for admitted seniors from select local high schools who demonstrate financial need. This is following the announcement that the College would be raising tuition for the 2024-25 school year by 2.99 percent.

Interim President Kristine Dillon stated, “Students with the highest

need will be the most impacted by the changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the resulting delays. The FAFSA problems are an issue of equitable access to higher education. We believe that the Poet Pledge will ease that access for our bright, local minds."

To qualify for the Poet Pledge Scholarship, students must already be admitted to Whittier College as an incoming first-time, first-year student, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA or above throughout college.

Additionally, because Poet Pledge is rewarded based on demonstrated financial need, students must submit a 2024-25 FAFSA form, have a Student Aid Index (SAI)—an eligibility index number that a college’s financial aid office uses to determine how much federal student aid a student would receive—of zero or

less, and qualify for the Cal Grant A—an award intended for low- to middle-income students with a minimum of 3.0 high school GPA.

Furthermore, eligible students must be a US citizen or a permanent resident, as well as a resident of California and a graduate from one of 12 local high schools.

In an interview with the Quaker Campus, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Ken Woods clarified that the “Poet Pledge is not related to the recent tuition increase but is rather a commitment to our local students who have worked hard in high school and need financial support."

President Dillon was not available to provide a comment. This article has been condensed for print. To access the full article, visit medium.com/thequakercampus.

2024: The Ballots Are In

Sarah Licon NEWS EDITOR

Election season this year may be repeating itself.

March 5 marked the last day to vote in the US California primary elections. Polling stations were located around Whittier, with the closest one at the Whittier Community center—within walking distance from the College.

With votes now being counted, several candidates are already dominating the polls. Along with predic-

tions coming true, Super Tuesday saw former presidential candidates President Joseph Biden and Donald Trump winning the Democratic and Republican votes by a landslide. As of March 6, 5 p.m. PST, Biden stands at 1,700,809 votes, votes, with Trump at 1,104,876. In second place for the Democratic vote is Marianne Williamson after Dean Phillips (D) dropped out on March 6, along with Republican runner-up Nikki Haley also dropping out.

As of March 6, Biden gathered

89.4 percent of Democratic votes, and Trump received 78.9 percent of Republican votes. Trump is now the only Republican candidate running for president. It is predicted that Biden and Trump will be the nominees for their respective parties, much like in 2020.

In regards to the US Senate, Democratic US Representative Adam Schiff is in the lead with 32.45 percent of California votes, and Republican Steve Garvey close behind at 32.45 percent. Election continued on pg. 2.

Whittier College Increases Tuition

Emily Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The cost of higher education just got higher. Whittier College has announced that it will be increasing tuition by 2.99 percent starting Fall 2024. This comes after the College froze tuition during the 2020-21 academic year, an initiative made by former President Linda Oubré.

The College, through the office of the President, announced this change via email to the Whittier College community on Feb. 28. The email states that during their February meeting, the Board of Trustees “reviewed financial projections and approved a modest increase to tuition, fees, and room and board for the 2024-25 academic year.” This is in part because of the US consumer price index increasing by 20 percent, forcing other institutions to also raise their tuition.

Specifically, tuition will now cost $51,150, with standard annual room and board rates being an additional $16,090. This, per Whittier spokesperson Gillian Frew, is a $1,486 increase from the previous year; tuition currently costs $48,924, with additional room and board fees at $15,623. The College states that this increase is “well below the cumulative impact of inflation over recent years.” Continuing students will be expected to check their MyWhittier Financial Aid portal during the summer to see changes in their tuition.

President Kristine Dillon called a meeting with the Associated Students of Whittier College (ASWC or Senate) prior to the announcement. Dillon also had a meeting with Senate President Duncan Smith on Feb. 26 relaying the information to him. Smith states that he has been hearing “a lot of things in the works about [tuition] since last Fall.” Smith speaks about how Whittier is still “more on the affordable side,” because the College has not increased tuition in recent years. He also states that President Dillon is “responsible” for ensuring that the increase is not more than 2.99 percent. “Certain members of the Board—who were not named— had proposals for as much as five percent, which would have been pretty significant.”

Ultimately, Smith views the increase in tuition as a positive for the College because of how beneficial it is in the long-run.

“The money is mainly going to three different places: small but somewhat substantial raises to our faculty, which is incredibly important; increased financial aid to compensate for the increased tuition; and more funding for

on-campus employment.” Smith and the College are looking for ways to keep students on-campus more.

Smith does understand that there are people who will be negatively impacted by the increase, but he assures that there are “safeguards in place for our low-income, high-risk students to ensure that they can still afford to go [to Whittier].” He also notes that he is not “expecting another tuition increase next year, or any time that any current students are here,” but he does not fully know what the future may look like. Smith goes on to say that the Senate is planning a meeting where President Dillon and Financial Aid staff are present to answer questions and listen to concerns.

Along with the increase, donations and earnings from the College’s endowment will help “address inflationary impacts on the compensation of valued faculty and staff, which have implications for the hiring and retention of talented individuals,” along with compensation, programs for teaching and learning, and maintenance of facilities.

Despite the increases, Whittier College will “provide increased aid to those with the greatest financial need,” including offering more funds for on-campus jobs, especially to those who do not qualify for work study. The Whittier College website states that 85 percent of students receive work-study.

This increase comes after four years of “frozen tuition,” put into place by Oubré and the Board of Trustees on Jan. 14, 2020. This decision was created in order to “remove barriers to higher education and reduce students’ debt load.”

In a recent survey sent on Instagram by the Quaker Campus, one anonymous student they feel “absolutely dreadful, especially as an international student.” When asked if the tuition increase would impact them going to Whittier College, it was a 50/50 split between “yes” and “no.”

The College states, “We understand the investment you are making in your own and your family’s future, and we remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience to all of our students.”

If you have any questions in regards to increased tuition and/ or financial aid, you can email the Office of Financial Aid at fao@whittier.edu or call them at 562.907.4285

This article has been condensed for print. If you would like to read the full article, visit medium. com/the-quaker-campus.

The

The scholarship was not proposed to boost enrollment. Emily Henderson / quaker campus

Courtesy of getty images

Primaries Confirm Predicted Candidates

Election continued from pg. 1. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee are still in the running at 13.81 percent and 7.36 percent of votes respectively.

The Senate seat is currently up for grabs, following Dianne Feinstein’s—the longest running California senator—death in 2023, with Senator Laphonza Butler replacing her soon after. Now, Butler has left the Senate seat open, opting not to serve the remainder of Feinstein’s term. Schiff, after declaring himself the Democratic candidate for that the general election, was met with immediate protest by crowd-goers, urging for a ceasefire amidst the war in Gaza. As of now, it is predicted the general race for California senator is between Schiff and Garvey–with Senator Alex Padilla serving as incumbent senator.

The majority of incumbent California Representatives were re-elected, with Representative Linda Sanchez of District 38 (which consist of Whittier and surrounding cities) continuing to stay in office. Congressional Representative Jimmy Gomez of District 34 (the Los Angeles district) will also be embarking on another term. The only

proposition on the ballot was Prop 1, which intends to mitigate the homelessness crisis by dedicating $6.38 billion towards mental health resources and housing. This would affect the Mental Health Services Act (2004) but will continue taxing people with higher incomes. This initiative will eventually go towards housing and mental health. However, this will be given towards the state of California rather than individual counties. The percentage tax will not be changed. The vote for this was almost evenly split, with Californians voting both "yes" and "no."

On a more local basis, Los Angeles County held its own special election for Los Angeles District Attorney (DA). Incumbent Dis-

trict Attorney George Gascon takes the lead, with former US Attorney General Nathan Hochman following behind, and child abuse prosecution attorney Jonathan Hatami in third place. Gascon, the current Los Angeles DA, faced backlash for his push for a no-cash bail system and accusations of leniency towards criminal offenders.

In 2022, a petition was launched to remove Gascon from office, but this attempt fell through, after 195,783 votes were deemed “invalid.”

In regards to predictions about the presidential elections, political journalist Nathanial Rakich in an ABC article claims that, "In the past, special elections have been more predictive of the next election

“Historically, general-election polls get more predictive during presidential primary season, when voters learn who their choices will be and get to know the candidates. But this year, virtually everyone in America already knows and has an opinion of the two likely nominees."

-Journalist Nathaniel Rakich

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than early general-election polls." But there are reasons to think 2024 could be different. Historically, general-election polls get more predictive during presidential primary season, when voters learn who their choices will be and get to know the candidates. But this year, virtually everyone in America already knows and has an opinion of the two likely nominees. These "likely nominees" refer to Trump and Biden, who will be running against each other in the

general election.

Rakich continues by stating, "According to 538’s polling averages, 95 percent of Americans have some opinion (either positive or negative) of Trump, and 95 percent have an opinion of how Biden is doing his job as well."

Those statistics were revealed by this year's polls.

As of now, this is a developing story as votes continue to be counted.

LETTERS TO THE

Submissions may be emailed to qc@poets.whitttier.edu in .doc or .docx format. Submissions must include the author’s name and year of graduation or position at the college in the signature. Letters are due by Tuesday at 5 p.m. to make it into that week’s issue. Submissions should be no more than 500 words. Letters should be well-proofread, as they will not be edited. Letters that fall outside of these guidelines will be returned to the author with a request for revision.

Due to the high cost of publication, members of the Whittier College community are permitted three copies per issue. Additional copies may be purchased with prior apporval for 50 cents each by contacting the Quaker Campus. Newspaper theft is a crime, and those who violate the three copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution.

The Quaker Campus does not change material posted on online articles once they have been published in the paper — with the exception of an error being found. Only then will a correction be made to the online version. The Quaker Campus is a publication of Whittier College. Columns and Signed editorials do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Whittier College or its affiliates.

Biden and Trump are the leading presidential candidates.

Local Whittier buildings were utilized as polling stations.

Courtesy of City of Whittier

Courtesy of getty images

"Extrauterine Children" Causes Commotion

es are considered permissible due to a state law that went into effect in June 2022 (following the overturning of Roe v. Wade), which enacted a total abortion ban with exceptions only in the case that the pregnancy poses a fatal risk to the carrier, with no exclusion for rape or incest. The overture of Roe v. Wade sparked nationwide outrage and acted as a precedent for an increase in cases such as these two in Alabama, paving the path for greater pushback against reproductive rights in many conservative states.

been interpreted and applied almost exclusively to embryos only when they are within a uterus. Unsurprisingly, the unique assertion that personhood can be applied to pre-embryos (the stage in embryonic development that occurs before implantation into the uterus) may have widespread effects that extend far beyond the Court’s intended scope.

In March, the nation celebrates Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements made by women throughout US history. However, riding on the coattails of February is a controversial decision coming out of the Alabama judicial system that can affect reproductive healthcare for women. On Feb. 16, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that under state law, frozen embryos can be considered children. This ruling served as a conclusive decision regarding the combined cases of three couples who filed wrongful death lawsuits against a Mobile hospital. This was following

an incident in which a number of frozen embryos were accidentally destroyed under the fertility clinic’s care. The decision comes two years after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

In making this contentious announcement, the Alabama Supreme Court reversed the decision of a trial court to dismiss the plaintiffs’ “civil wrongful death claims” against the Mobile hospital location (LePage et al. v. The Center for Reproductive Medicine et al. and Burdick-Aysenne et al. v. The Center for Reproductive Medicine et al.). This allowed the plaintiffs to proceed with their cases per a 19th century state law, the Alabama Wrongful Death of a Minor Act, which serves as a basis for justice and reparations in the case of the death of a minor

due to the “wrongful act, omission, or negligence” of a person(s) or corporation. The Court’s decision to allow the two lawsuits to proceed was appealed by the defendants, that is, the clinic and hospital. The Alabama Supreme Court Justices did not rule in favor of the plaintiff's case, the purpose of this ruling was to establish that the plaintiffs’ cases are legally legitimate enough to be deliberated in court.

Justices on the Alabama Supreme Court rationalized their determination that frozen embryos can be considered living children by utilizing anti-abortion language written into the state constitution, asserting that the Alabama Wrongful Death of a Minor Act is applicable to “all unborn children, regardless of their location.” The plaintiffs' cas -

Justice Jay Mitchell elaborated on the previous statement by saying, "Unborn children are 'children' [...] without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics." Justice Mitchell further defended the decision by referencing the Court’s previous ruling that fetuses “killed” (i.e., aborted) during pregnancy are covered by the Alabama Wrongful Death of a Minor Act, stating that nothing excludes “extrauterine children from the Act’s coverage.” Extrauterine children, in this case, refers primarily to frozen embryos.

According to the Health Law Advisor, this ruling sets a significant precedent as “it may be the first time a court has conferred even limited 'personhood' rights to a pre-embryo that has never entered a human body." Although some states have laws in place that prohibit termination from the “point of fertilization,” these laws have

The primary concern regarding this ruling among healthcare providers and Alabama residents appears to be that couples seeking or currently undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments will be refused service entirely. Days after the ruling was made public, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital paused all IVF treatments out of concern for the ruling’s potential long-term impacts.

On March 7, in a hurried response to the many concerns about potential IVF restrictions, the Alabama State Legislature pushed through a bill granting civil and criminal immunity for IVF service providers should embryos be destroyed during the fertilization process. Currently, this bill is meant to act as a "stop-gap" to presume IVF treatments and not as a long term resolution to the "life at fertilization" debate.

This article has been condensed for print. If you would like to read the full article, you can at medium.com/ the-quaker-campus.

Alabama Supreme Court determined that embroyos are children.

Stew Milne / ap

Courtesy of quaker campus

Sage Amdahl MANAGING EDITOR

What’s up, Whittier?

Stay up to date on events! For further info, visit whittier.campuslabs.com/engage

Plant Nurturing, Self Flourishing

• Thursday, March 7 at 11 a.m.

• PHE Office

International Student Chew & Chat

• Thursday, March 7 at 12:30 p.m.

• The Spot

Clipdart x Whittier College

• Thursday, March 7 at 11 a.m.

• Club 88

Kite in Solidarity - Fly High for Palestine

• Thursday, March 7 at 4:30 p.m.

• Founders Hill

Open Mic Night: Women’s History Month

• Thursday, March 7 at 5 p.m.

• Club 88

Let’s Talk: Virtual & In-Person Mental Health Walk-In Consultations

• Friday, March 8 at 9:30 a.m.

• Turner Hall 2nd Floor Lobby, Room 247

Craft Hour

• Monday, March 18 at 11 a.m.

• Ettinger Lounge

Pet Therapy

• Monday, March 18 at 11:30 a.m.

• Founder’s Hill Lawn Planner Party

• Monday, March 18 at 4:30 p.m.

• Office of Student Engagement

Palestine in Context Study Series: Understanding the Issues

• Monday, March 18 at 4:30 p.m.

• Hartley House

Wednesday Wellness Tabling

• Wednesday, March 20 at 1:30 p.m.

• In front of the SLC

Game Hour

• Wednesday, March 20 at 3 p.m.

• OSE Conference Room

• Neurodiverse Student & Allies Workshop Series: Time Management & Boundaries

• Wednesday, March 20 at 4 p.m.

• IT Conference Room

Come YOGA with Us

• Wednesday, March 20 at 5 p.m.

• North Lawn

CAMPUS LIFE

Give Back or Go Home For Whittier

Emma Galvan COPY EDITOR

Every year, the College throws a one-day online fundraising event called the Big Poet Give (BPG). This event is where students, parents, staff, and alumni from all over the world gather to reach a specific goal of funding for Whittier College in one day. The purpose of this fundraiser is to spread awareness about the College and its current state, which is especially needed after the cancellation of sports in 2022, and decline in enrollment.

Last year’s fundraiser was able to raise $116,975 for Whittier students. 191 gifts were provided by donors from states across the US, including Washington, New York, and even Georgia. Now, this year’s goal is to raise a whopping $20 million by March 27! According to the Director of Annual Giving, Kelli Bronson, this humongous goal will help meet “current operating needs over the next five years, and support student success.”

The way the fundraiser is done is quite simple. When the fundraiser goes live, the website, givingday.whittier.edu , will provide donors with a link to where they can leave their contact information, method of payment, and the amount of money they will give to the College. The BPG accepts any form of donation, whether it’s through Venmo, Paypal or Visa. If not, Poets are encouraged to support the BPG on social media, adding #BIGPOETGIVE

to all posts made.

But March 27 is not the only day you can donate. Donors who contribute during the fiscal year—July 1 to June 30— will be recognized in certain ranks depending on the amount. The lowest rank is “Wardman Circle,” which is awarded when $1,000 to $2,000 are donated. As the ranks rise, you enter “John Greenleaf Whittier Society” sections. The highest rank is the John Greenleaf Whittier Society—Trustee Circle, which is awarded to donators of $30,000 and above.

But this year’s BPG is nothing like its predecessors. For the first time in its nine years of operation, the Big Poet Give will work alongside the “Whittier Now!” initiative, another planned fundraiser that was announced last semester. This collaboration will ensure that personalized liberal arts education will resume at Whittier College as the mission behindWhittier Now! is to “help sustain the highly personalized residential liberal arts experience that has transformed so many lives over generations. [The goal is to] promote education, liberal arts, and a welcome setting to solidify enrollment and fundraising for years to come.” Though they share the same principles, the BPG’s events are primarily focused on one singular day, while Whittier Now! is meant to represent all year-round funding for the College.

Everyone can benefit from Big Poet Give, regardless of their po-

sition on campus. According to Bronson, the BPG support would “allow the College to uphold its commitment to student scholarships, faculty excellence, career readiness, athletics, a challenging, interactive curriculum and more.”

This is also a learning opportunity for Poets wanting to gain experience in philanthropy. Bronson believes that “philanthropy strengthens community and is contagious; it brings people together in support of a cause that is bigger than themselves.” If Poets support the BPG, it can encourage them to invest more in other similar organizations.

If you want to keep track of the progress of the fundraiser, you can watch live updates through the BPG website. It is currently live and offers up-to-the-minute statis-

tics about donations and donors. The website shows how many donations the College has recived so far and which state has contributed the most to the fund. As of March 6, the state of California has the most participants with nine out of the 15 donors being located in the home state of the College.

For any questions related to the Big Poet Give, you can contact Kelli Bronson, the current operator of the BPG, through her email, kbronson@whittier.edu

Either way, to ensure that Whittier College keeps its extracurriculars and student success, start planning to get as involved as you can before March 27! Students are allowed to donate, but, for those with tight pockets, use #BIGPOETGIVE all over social media to spread the word.

Whitter Shows Up For Dr. Manuel

Laughter and applause poured through the doors of Club 88 on the night of Feb. 22 as students, faculty and members of the Whittier College community joined to celebrate the release of Professor Douglas Manuel’s new book, Trouble Funk. The crowd was engulfed in a dark ambiance, with hints of pink and purple lighting giving the slightest visibility. The lit stage had a single spotlight, as each speaker went up to present their work, and the crowd listened intently, illuminated by the single light above. Various departments curated the event to promote the achievements of a member of its faculty. They also wanted to celebrate the power of poetry and prose as an emotional outlet.

Trouble Funk’s narrative follows Manuel’s parents and their representation of Black love, and the tribulations they’ve endured throughout their lives. It is set in Anderson, Indiana, in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, and serves as a prequel to Manuel’s first book, Testify. Professor Manuel is, as he puts it, “an open book,” and discussed personal events that influenced his choice to focus on his parents’ relationship rather than the effect it had on him, as he did in his first book.

The night began with Professor

Joe Donnelly introducing the night’s lineup, thanking the various people who made the event possible, and opening with his own experience with the work. He praised Professor Manuel rather emotionally.

Paige Meyer-Draffen, CoManager of KPOET and President of the Black Student Association, read a poem, titled “Third Culture Kid,” which was dedicated to mixed-race children, such as Professor Manuel’s son, Cullen, who ran outside in the courtyard, unfazed by the people gathered. She spoke of Professor Manuel’s influence on the Black community on campus and his overall impact.

Jamey Duncan-Whitt shared an untitled, original work that kept the crowd riveted as she spoke about the ravenous nature of love and the raptures it entails. Before she addressed the crowd, though, she made one thing clear; a sentiment many in the crowd shared, which is that “[Doug is] the reason I’ve shared my art in public,” and pointedly ended with, “He should have tenure.”

Meylina Tran, Editor-in-Chief of The Greenleaf Review , read from her original prose piece titled “An Open Letter to a Girl I Once Loved,” which, as she mentioned, was written under Manuel’s “care and tutelage.” Her piece was an emotional recall of a childhood friend lost, which set up a theme of

emotional work.

Professor Tony Barnstone also passionately delivered excerpts of his poetry. One piece was titled “The Box,” and the other was titled “Bad Hand.” He then introduced the man of the night, Professor Manuel, who grooved his way up to the stage to “Give Up The Funk,” a Parliament song his father loved to play. He began with a small background about the importance of the night and his gratitude for those who contributed to its happening. While the event aimed to celebrate Trouble Funk, Professor Manuel greatly emphasized how his recent poems directly contradict his first book, Testify

With each poem, Manuel would tap his fingers over his heart, almost commanding it to beat, and he’d convert it into a vessel of his stories. The poem he chose to end, a moving piece about his late father, caused a few teary eyes in the audience.

The night was entirely heartfelt and a testament to the kind of professor, mentor, writer, and person Manuel is.

Support Professor Manuel and read Trouble Funk, which is out now. It’s available online and in select bookstores!

This article has been condensed for print. If you would line to read the full article, you can medium.com/ the-quaker-campus

Olivia Nunez STAFF WRITER

The Big Poet Give goal is to raise $20 million for Whittier

Dr. Doug Manuel debuted his new book to the Whittier community.

Courtesy of Whittier College

Paige

CAMPUS LIFE

Dance the Night Away at Poet Prom

Priscilla Corona STAFF WRITER

Who said the days of prom were over? For us, they’re just beginning! Our lovely Media Council, KPOET, and Program Board are working diligently to give us the prom of our lives on April 12 at 7 p.m. in Villalobos Hall. The event is planned to take place after Whittier’s Whittfest which takes place on the same day.

“We actually thought of this with the Class of 2024 in mind. We know our fourth-years this year didn’t get a prom in 2020, and we decided that we could give them the senior prom they never got! [So] this is where the idea came from,” says Emily Perez-Medina, co-manager of KPOET.

Don’t worry fourth-years, we’ve seen how hard you’ve been working, and we just cannot let you leave without giving you the prom that you deserve! Of course, all class standings are welcome and invited to the Poet Prom.

Whittfest Coordinator Sean Frank emphasized the importance of the twin events. He stated, “Whittfest and Poet Prom both share the theme of a 1970s emphasis, so we thought that their convergence would go smoothly.” He also added, “We like to seeWhittfest and Poet Prom considered together as one event; a day by and for the students of Whittier

College.” All in all, this is planned to be a major event to celebrate the efforts of all Whittier College students.

And what’s a prom without a killer theme for everyone to enjoy?

“The theme of the prom is ‘70s because Whittfest is ‘70s themed. Because of our collaboration with Program Board for this event, we wanted to keep that authentic ‘70s vibe consistent with the prom,” Perez-Medina said excitedly.

The age of disco, bell bottoms, roller skates and tie-dye. The possibilities are endless! Imagine a night

to throw back and dance the night away, so take this opportunity and take it now. Begin those plans and dust off your old prom dresses and suits (or buy a new one)!

So, with that being said, let the promposals begin; yes, now is your time to ask your favorite people out to the Poet Prom! Show off your skill and craft, buy some flowers, make a poster, add some balloons, and most importantly, show some love. Make sure to record your proposals and tag KPOET and/or the Media Council on Instagram (@kpoetra-

dio and @wc.mediacouncil ). Make sure to also post your theme-coordinated outfits with your partner/ date/friends!

As the date approaches and the planning begins, “we will be beginning more in-depth planning and decoration-making soon, and we definitely want to open up the opportunity to help anyone on campus. So if you know of anyone who may be interested, send them over to us!” assured Perez-Medina. If you are interested in being a part of the planning committee, email eperezme@poets.

whittier.edu for more information on how you can help, or sign up on the sign-up sheet outside the KPOET office! Take this opportunity to be involved on campus and see your community come together and share this moment together. All are invited, so we hope and look forward to seeing you relive your prom days (or prom days to be) for an event that is truly one of a kind. So save the date for April 12 at 7 p.m. and spread the word, share your videos, make new memories and show some school spirit!

Poets, save the date for the most eventful night of the year!

Nune Papikyan / Quaker Campus

Ashley Seger / Quaker Campus

Poet’s Sports Schedule:

Men’s Tennis vs Vessar College @ Whittier, CA

• 3 p.m.

• March 8

Women’s Water Polo vs Saint Francis University @ Whittier, CA

• 3 p.m.

• March 8

Women’s Water Polo vs Macalester College @ Whittier, CA

• 7 p.m.

• March 8

Track and Field at NCAA DIV. III Indoor Championships @ Virginia Beach, VA

• NA

• March 8-9

Baseball at Concordia University Texas @ Austin, TX

• 11 a.m.

• March 9-10

Women’s Tennis vs Vessar College @ Whittier, CA

• 9:30 a.m.

• March 9

Women’s Lacrosse at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges @ Claremont, CA

• 7 p.m.

• March 9

Softball vs Pomona-Pitzer @ Whittier, CA

• 12 p.m.

• March 9

Women’s Tennis vs Sewanee @ Whittier, CA

• 10 a.m.

• March 10

Men’s Tennis vs Kenyon College @ Whittier, CA

• 2 p.m.

• March 10

Softball vs University of Hartford @ Tucson, AZ

• Tucson Invitational Games (TIG) Tournament

• 12:30 p.m.

• March 11

Women’s Tennis Rack-et’s Up Victory

Emily Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Whittier Women’s Tennis team has been doing exceptionally well recently. On Feb. 17, they won 6-3 against Lewis and Clark College. This is the team’s first win in “almost [a] year,” with their last being against Wheaton College in March 2023.

Fourth-year Keely Arendt and second-year Malvika Suryavanshi won 8-7 over the top team at Lewis and Clark, giving them a 3-0 advantage into the singles tournament. Alongside this dynamic duo was the team of fourth-year captain Maci Davis and first-year Chanel Zeraatkar (who was just named SCIAC Athlete of the Week, making her the “first Whittier Women’s Tennis player to earn the honor in four years [and] also the first freshman in program history to be recognized”), who defeated the opposing team 9-2. Finally, forth-year Manasvi Vardham and second-year Monze Meraz-Lerma helped the team, winning 8-3. The Poets ultimately garnered the win by “splitting singles play with the Pioneers to complete a 6-3 win.”

Zeraatkar rallied 1-6 in the first singles but pushed through with a 6-4 rally in the second before winning the tiebreaker 10-7. Then, Arendt won 7-5 and 6-2, with Vardham winning 6-3 and 3-1. Zeraatkar feels “amazing” to be a part of such a historic win, even with such a tough match. “When I won the matches, I got so happy that I started to jump around. Being here, playing college tennis, is a dream come [true].” These feelings are coupled with her being award-

ed SCIAC Athlete of the Week. “It feels weird in some ways because you put in a lot of work and effort, and you just assume that no one notices; that’s why I was surprised and extremely happy.”

But the work is not stopping here for Zeraatkar and the rest of the Women’s Tennis team; the season is just starting. The young player is “excited” to play more matches (and get closer to her teammates). She is striving for the “Newcomer of the Year” award, saying that she will do “anything [she] can to get it” — except sacrifice [her] mental health. “Tennis is a hard sport, and you don’t only have to work on getting physically stronger on the court, you also

have to work on your mental side. I believe that every athlete with a strong mentality is the one who goes the furthest in their sport.” This means not giving up with any setbacks, but using these difficulties to become stronger.

Suryavanshi and Davis share similar sentiments, with Suryavanshi stating that what excites her most about this season is “to have the opportunity to compete against strong opponents, to improve as an individual on and off the court, to create more memorable moments and achieve new milestones with this wonderful team.” Davis continues this idea, saying that coming in as a student in 2020, the Tennis program, like

other departments, took massive hits: “We had trouble adjusting with a whole new team and a new coach. It was easy for us to compare ourselves to other teams that were twice the amount of people with a strong program.” Even the past two seasons for the team were “rough due to major changes,” according to Davis. But this win is a step in the right direction, showing their hard work, positive chemistry, and resilience—and Davis could not be happier. “I am so proud to be a part of the struggles, changes, and achievements. I am so happy and honored to be captain for my senior year.”

The students are not the only people excited about the rest of the season. The Tennis team recently acquired Jackson Boxall and Isabella Lopez as their new coaches, Boxall is just as thrilled about the new season. But even with such fire, the Tennis team is hard at work. Boxall wants the team to “Keep focusing on the change of mentality.”

“We’ve had chance[s] to take matches we have not been able to before; they’re settling into that idea. And they are becoming more comfortable in match play. They want to become the best players they can be, and I’m here to ensure they get that experience.” But it takes a village to support the Tennis team. Boxall calls upon the Whittier College community to attend the next game. “[The energy from the student section] fuels this team when they see their fellow Poets cheering them on.”

The next Women’s Tennis match is at home on March 9 at 9:30 a.m. versus Vassar College. Come out and support this winning team!

The One and Only Poet Dance Team

Past the weight room, where work out machines sing their songs of exhaustion, making harsh noises of clashing steel, the sound of overpowering hip-hop music exiting the dance studio masks this mechanical uproar of bench presses and elliptical trainers. The Whittier Dance team and its encompassing nine members, including captains Sofia Vega and Evangelina Valenzuela, is gearing up for their performance for Whittier College’s Whittfest on April 12, and have been working hard all year, trying to perfect their routines.

“We all come from different levels of dance or just other expressive forms of art,” states Vega. When it comes to experience, the dance team is diverse, with members coming from various backgrounds in dance, spanning from cheer all the way to gymnastics.

“When we first started, we had a lot of seniors on the team, and they have been dancing for years since they were little,” recalls Vega, adding, “So it’s kinda refreshing to get a new blank canvas to teach [new members] and build their technique.” Valenzuela, has been on the team longer than Vega, rejoining in the midst of the 2020 COVID

pandemic. “I joined while we were online during COVID. Our practices were on Zoom It was every Thursday at [7 p.m.],” Valenzuela reminisced. A year later, Vega joined.

Though still recovering from the pandemic, the team had a big turn around that year, with most of them being fourth-years. After COVID, the team knew they had to focus, and recruiting first-years was not an easy feat. “Last year, we struggled to get many people to tryouts. There were a couple of tryouts where we were just sitting there, and no

one would show up,” Vega said with a laugh of disbelief. Having enough members seems to be the biggest obstacle the team is facing, even now in 2024.

According to Vega, the community has reached out for opportunities to perform at parades, but feels it may be too hard to prepare, considering how few members are currently on the team. Valenzuela solemnly reflects on having to decline the meaningful offer of performing at the halftime show for the Los Angeles Kings, which had been a tradition for the team, and was a hard decision to ultimately make. “Since we’re still trying to build our team, we don’t feel like we’re prepared to do it,” said Valenzuela.

This doesn’t stop the captains from maintaining hope for their team. Though it is almost their time to graduate and leave, they have confidence in the first-year members. “A lot of them, when they came to tryouts, they came together as a group, and have that sort of friendship where they all get along,” Vega states.

Vega and Valenzuela want to go out with a bang for their last year and look forward to their upcoming performances.

The women’s tennis double team’s total average of the season is 4-8.

Jonathan Bermuez OPINIONS EDITOR

The Dance Team performs on and off-campus, including games with Ontario Reign and the LA Kings.

Courtesy of FACEBOOK.COM

Courtesy of ACTION WEST PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s Alums That Make Softball Go ‘Round

Alums are an integral aspect of any college. They often represent the continuity of the college and the lasting impact experiences on campus have on the people who have attended. While their roles are often seen in a professional sense, sharing their wealth and advice, they can sometimes get a chance to have fun too!

On the indecisively bright and gloomy morning of Feb. 24, The Whittier College Softball Team held an alumnae game to celebrate the history of the sport, as well as another vital project that finally came to fruition this year: a brand new locker

room! For many sports teams, the locker room is a safe space to prepare for the game and an essential factor in building camaraderie and friendships.

Perhaps the most fulfilling memories people have when they leave a sport are the memories of doing each other’s hair and making sure their ribbons were tied perfectly, all while listening to music and building community. The locker room serves a higher purpose than holding uniforms but holds energy that can translate onto a field. This sort of sentiment is why Coach Senyo placed such great emphasis on the project and worked hard to get help from anyone who would offer it.

Among the various donors were Bill and Jan Woods, after whom the locker room is named. Jan Woods contributed enormously to the efforts and was honored with naming the locker room, along with her late husband, Bill Woods. Athletic Director Rock Carter, President Kristine Dillon, and Head Coach Trisha Senyo addressed a crowd of old and new Poets at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. President Dillon mentioned her relationship to the project, as she played softball at Whittier College 50 years ago. They spoke of the importance of supporting women’s sports, the hard work and dedication to providing this space, and all the people

who contributed. Senyo specifically thanked Mike McBride, Warren Hanson, and Bob Giomi, pioneers of the softball program many years ago. They also used their influence on-campus to bring the locker room project to the college’s attention.

Among the many donors were alums who knew the importance of having this communal place and relished the opportunity to make their mark on the school.

The actual game followed the festivities, and about 35 former Poets and players, including Assistant Coach Megan Heal, participated. The game comprised a few big swings, a couple of returning pitchers who still threw heat—such as Jamie Garvey, the single-season strikeout record holder—and lots of laughs.

For many, the joy of playing without the pressure was the most appealing aspect of participating in the game. Alexis Hernandez, who graduated in 2020, gushed, “It’s super fun coming back, just getting together with my old teammates again, feeling like we’re still young even though everything hurts when we play. We had a blast when we were here, and of course, [we came] for Coach Mike.” One of her teammates, Ashley Sanchez, who graduated in 2022, said, “I chose to come back to be

with all my teammates. It’s just a fun environment to be here and play in Alumnae games.”

The day was a reminder that softball is a game meant to be celebrated with good friends. Many Alumnae came with their kids and cherished seeing women they had not seen in a long time. Throughout the morning, you could hear “Oh my gosh, you’re here!” in various instances, and a big hug immediately followed. There was a home -run derby, where retired athletes got to crank out their remaining power for a couple of swings. For the most part, the commentators and crowd were most amused watching the women swing hard for a pop-up in the infield. From there, various alumni stayed to share their experiences and possible job opportunities before heading to a reception at the Poet Gardens in Uptown.

Many of the alumnae got to experience being a Poet again for the day. They celebrated vital milestones for women’s sports, such as getting their own locker room. The day displayed the power of community and how the shared love of a sport can bring people together. It was great to see how what we do as a team matters to those who have graduated before us and how we can leave a lasting impact on the program too!

An Atypical, Unforeseen Poets Lacrosse Team

If there was ever an underdog to root for this year, it’s the Women’s Lacrosse team—the sole lacrosse team on campus. The dismantling of the men’s program was an unfortunate blow for the college, but it has directed the spotlight toward the women who remain. This season promises to be one not of growing pains but of development, with the purpose of making it a team to remember.

Last season, the Poets had an 8-8 overall record, with a 4-7 record in conference matches. Unfortunately for the program, many of the forth-years from the previous season graduated, leaving a gaping hole in the roster, one that has been supplemented by athletes from other sports, along with students who have never played any sport before. A typical lacrosse team consists of 12 players: a goalkeeper, five attackers, and six defenders. For most collegiate teams, there are at least two or three options for each position, giving a team options regarding injuries and unforeseen circumstances.

However, Coach Escobar’s team barely fills the field and has little control over managing injuries or poor performances.

Head Coach Leslie Escobar recalled her difficult search for new players: “I had to become creative in my recruitment process as we did not have a roster that could head into competition. Huge shout out to the Head Wom-

en’s Soccer Coach, Derek Hanks. He was super cool about some of his athletes becoming dual sport!” Their athleticism has allowed them to manage the transition from a sport played with feet to one with hands. While these women have experience as student-athletes, there are some players who must brave the terrain for the first time.

For any person, athletic background or not, picking up a new sport is a difficult feat that comes with a development period. Coach Escobar denoted the aspects that might arouse the most frustration, “From a player’s point of view, the toughest part is the very beginning. Picking up a stick without knowing the correct hand placements can become easily frustrating as

stick-eye coordination could take a while to develop.” However, she kept a positive outlook: “These girls bleed courage.”

For most of the roster, this season is one of new experiences and learning something completely different. Escobar understands this.

Just now beginning her first season at Whittier College, Coach Escobar played collegiately at Chowan University in North Carolina. Her love for lacrosse kept her in the game as an Assistant Coach at Fullerton College and eventually as the Head Coach at Valencia High School, which helped prepare her for the role this year. She considered her role in leading a new team, “As a coach, the toughest part of working with a half-new team would be balancing the strengths and weaknesses of each play -

er. Creativity is my best friend.”

While it may seem as though having inexperienced players is simply a detriment, there are qualities someone being introduced to the game has that may work to their advantage. As Coach Escobar put it, “A positive impact that has resulted from our ‘team being new’ is our high energy and enthusiasm. Our teamwork and willingness to learn have led to rapid skill development and growth.”

The team is focused on a collective goal, which entails playing but also developing their relationships off the field, “Our energy as a team is essential; the dynamic of the group is everything.” Each player has recognized their role and done their best to work on the aspects they believe can make the team better as a whole. Coach Es-

cobar candidly put it, “We expect the season to be challenging but rewarding as we work together to improve as a team. In a few words, our goal for the season is simply to get better every day!”

This season, goals are more individual-based. Our newer players have different ambitions than players with a lacrosse background. The growth we aim to achieve consists of stronger chemistry, more efficient output, and a deeper understanding of the game.” Coach Escobar hopes to inspire the same enthusiasm and dedication she has for the game in her team this season, which she hopes will lead to better seasons to come. She concluded her outlook on the year: “We would love to have some support shown as we head into this memorable season!”

Olivia Nunez STAFF WRITER

The New Poet Locker Room will serve as a lounge for student-athletes both in and out of season.

Courtesy of ACTION WEST PHOTOGRAPHY

Olivia Nunez STAFF WRITER

Coach Escobar joined the Poets after working as assistant coach at Fullerton.

Courtesy of ACTION WEST PHOTOGRAPHY

Yolanda Will Always Be Hated

Priscilla Corona STAFF WRITER

Killers—who are they? Who do they want to be? Who do we think they are? True crime fanatics like myself have delved into the world of mystery and wonder. Famous stories of murderers and their victims—Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, the Zodiac Killer, Jack the Ripper, Richard Ramirez, and Aileen Wuornos to name a few—all share one thing in common: they’re somebody who killed average people; and now their victims will forever be remembered as their victims.

These murderers were famous for their crimes and actions; numerous podcasts, documentaries, and articles have been made about them. I would be lying if I said I didn’t watch, listen, or enjoy them as any other true crime fanatic would. But, what happens when a nobody kills a somebody?

Most of us are familiar with the story of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a promising young singer who left her legacy behind after her unfortunate passing. As the story goes, Selena was gunned down and killed by one of her employees/friends, Yolanda Saldívar, after a financial dispute that included Saldívar embezzling money from Selena’s business. Or at least, that is how the story was told.

On the weekend of Feb. 17, a new documentary was released by Oxygen True Crime streaming services, following up almost 30 years later with Saldívar—who is now behind bars to share her side of the story titled “Selena and Yolanda: The Secrets Be-

tween Them.” I took the liberty of watching the documentary on its release date. The first thing I noticed was that the entire documentary was commented on by Saldívar and her family. Later on, Abraham Quintanilla (Selena’s father) tells TMZ that the entire show is “nothing but lies” and says, “No one’s gonna believe what she has to say anyway.”

The purpose of this series (which consisted of two episodes roughly three hours long all together) was to expose the secrets between Saldívar and Selena. Those being that Saldívar was hiding Selena’s affair with a doctor as well as sending checks to herself to pay for airfare for Selena to meet with said doctor (allegedly). Throughout the series, there was a lot of condescension between what Saldívar, her family, and the investigators were saying. The investigators paint a picture of Saldívar being obsessed with Selena and going as far as to call Abraham Quintanilla over 10 times to ask permission to run a fan club dedicated to Selena. However, Saldívar and her family claim that her and Selena were very close friends and would go out just for the fun of it.

I noticed that even before the series was released, it was already recieving backlash from fans of Selena on social media. I wanted to give it a chance and watch it for myself (unbiased and with no opinion), and I can say for a fact that this was all heavily onesided in favor of Saldívar and her family. The truth has come out. Saldívar has confirmed that she did indeed pick up an armed

weapon and aim it at Selena, which was all fans needed to hear to close this case, regardless of what else she had to say. I will admit that even after I heard that statement, I lost interest in the rest, as it seemed pointless.

This documentary is significantly different from anything we have seen before, and I believe it is because of who Selena was. She was a star in the making: she was humble and charismatic. She nev er forgot where she came from and strived to make everyone feel included.

It is no surprise that her killer, happened to be the president of her fan club, an employee of hers, and her ‘friend’ is one of the most hated women in Mexican-American culture.

A documentary like this was just an excuse to feed into a true crime obsession, but it seemed like no one was falling for it, and I don’t blame them. The show was biased against Selena’s legacy and her story, and because of this, we may never know what truly happened.

TikTok Shop Consumes Society

Allara Baker STAFF WRITER

Just like how the internet has evolved over time, so have people. And as social media becomes less of a medium for people to express themselves, share interest and communicate with others, it is slowly becoming a corporate cesspool of advertisements and merchandise, wrapped in a cute, pink, coquette bow, so that people will buy into it

Now, as much as I love that others are discovering their interests and personal styles through the internet, the issue is just that. When social media algorithms—your Instagram reels, Twitter timeline, and TikTok For You Page (FYP)—catch on to exactly what you like, they will find a way to sell it to you in any means necessary.

Even if it’s something you don’t exactly need seven different copies of, even if spending $40 on it isn’t the best decision, your need to satisfy that void that overrides it.

And what exactly does that leave you with? Yeah, you’re happy because you got the thing you wanted, but after that, you start to wonder why you even went through all the trouble if you’ll even still use it for years to come and then you see another must-have item being adver-

tised to you on your FYP.

The idea that having your own personal style and niche can be attained only through what you buy and consume shouldn’t be the norm. I love building my own collection of interests as much as the next person, but it shouldn’t devolve into a closet full of Stanley cups or more makeup and skincare products than you could see yourself using.

The algorithm adjusts to whatever you’re interested in, so even when you aren’t exactly looking for it, products are being advertised to

you constantly. It’s hard to escape; there will always be something that piques your interest, making it easier for it to become desirable.

The Stanley Cup craze earlier this year is a notable example. People camped outside of Target for hours in order to get their hands on the limited edition cup, and when doors finally opened, some were only as lucky to get one or two while many were left cup-less. “It’s kind of a FOMO (fear of missing out) thing where people are like, ‘Oh, everyone else has one. So I have to get

Ask a Poet, a Poet Answers

Dear Poet,

How do you get over a one-sided crush? Recently, I saw an old friend that I used to like when we were kids, and turns out I still have feelings for them. I’m not interested in dating right now but I can’t stop thinking about them. Please help.

From, A Confused Poet.

Dear Poet,

Crushes suck! They’re terrible! I understand where you’re coming from because when I have a crush, I feel physically sick. Anyway, here are some strategies I’ve come up with to at least alleviate this.

First thing’s first, you need to be aware that a crush is just a lack of information. You mentioned that you haven’t seen this person in a long time. You might not actually have a crush on them, but on the idea of them that you’ve built in your mind. This might seem counterintuitive, but maybe you need to spend more time around them so you can get a nice reality check. This person isn’t the epitome of perfection. They are not your dream partner. They are human and they are deeply flawed. I say this with love.

Second thing, you’re not even interested in dating right now! I would use this as a motivation to accomplish all your goals. You don’t have time for them, you are booked and busy! You’ve got a whole world to take over and you’re going to waste your time and energy on them? Girl, please. If you’re going to let them spend so much time in your head then you gotta start charging rent.

one,’” said influencer Bella Boyle, on USA Today. It has value, but not by price, and in the minds of others it’s highly valuable. When companies slap that label on their product, they create a sense of urgency. Meaning that in the minds of the consumer, they will regret not being able to buy it. Inaction is something we regret more than action. “Consumers don’t just want the item, but they want to go online and show off that they got one and show the scene as it’s happening...Everyone is interested in creating some kind of story,” Jahee Jung, a professor of fashion and apparel said in the same article.

Whenever we see something we like, whenever an account posts a room tour, a daily vlog, or a haul from whatever fast fashion site, there’s always a comment going, “Where did you get this?” “I wish I had something like that” “What do you call this?” And the creator is mostly aware of the kind of attention they garner through content like this.

This article has been condensed for print. If you’d like to read the full article, you can at medium.com/thequaker-campus

Here’s a third, drastic approach to this. Tell them. Go up to them, look them in the eyes and say, “I have a crush on you.” Oh, that’ll get rid of a crush really quick. Because, suddenly, all the fantasies you’ve had about them, all the daydreams you’ve had to get through a very boring class, it’ll suddenly be very VERY real. No more hypotheticals. After you do that you can send me another “Ask A Poet” about how to get over rejection. Or, you can ask me how to navigate a new relationship. I’m more of an expert in one category than the other. I’ll let you decide which one.

Dear Poet, I’m sorry to hear about your condition. That sounds unfortunate. I don’t know how you’re going to proceed with this, but know this: crushes are also just a part of life. They come and they go. It’s one of the beautiful parts of being young. I say this to myself as well. Crushes suck, but they are not the end of the world. A few years down the line, once you’re rich and successful you’ll be able to look back endearingly at this experience and think, “Oh my goodness. What did I ever see in him?” And then we’ll laugh together as we toast to your success! Feel better soon,

A Poet

Need advice? Fill out the Google Form in the Quaker Campus Instagram bio, and your question might be featured!

Yolanda has more to tell about Selena’s murder. Courtsey of Oxygen

TikTok enables consumerism. Courtesy of getty Images

Baeza on the Big Screen

Emily Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When Emily Baeza first stepped onto the Whittier College campus, her eyes were not set on the big screen. In fact, she wasn’t set on anything in particular. Now, she’s part of an Oscar-nominated film.

But before that, Baeza explains that her multiple interests were the “bane of [her] existence,” She continues, “Just the fact that I had so many interests and everyone knew exactly what they wanted to do,” Baeza states, the illuminating smile bursting, even through the confines of a small Zoom screen.

But soon enough, the world (a.k.a. Whittier College) was Baeza’s oyster, heralding from the “faroff” city of Montebello. Baeza and her large family were not ones to know about the College. It was not until some high school teachers of hers—also alumni—suggested the small liberal arts college that Baeza decided to give it a chance. A written application, a sent letter, and a phone call back to the curly-haired, brightly smiling girl guaranteed her acceptance.

“I remember thinking, ‘Oh wow this is such a small school experience! This is really cool.’”

But even though the arduous hurdle of the college application process was over, the somewhat debilitating work of being a college student had just begun. And for Baeza, this posed the same problem she had before—what should she be focusing on?

“I think I went into Whittier pursuing writing and English, and

it’s still my favorite subject. It’s what I took the most classes in.” But in the long run, Baeza decided to combine all of her favorite subjects into one through the Whittier Scholars Program. The major she decided on was a mix of media, journalism, environmental studies, and community activism.

Her wide array of studies translated into her activities as well. Baeza demonstrated her skills in writing by being a staff writer at the Quaker Campus “I didn’t do too many articles. But one of the bigger stories I followed was during the time of the oil drilling in the Whittier hills.” Baeza’s journalistic instinct took her to the community meetings of the City of Whittier’s coalition to stop the drilling.

On the community side, Baeza became a sisTer in the Thalian Society. Her Thalian family was composed mostly of people in the arts, specifically within another organization—theater. Baeza and her sisTers created an all-female version of Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew, where she played the main character, Katarina.

But while Baeza may not be studying Stanislavski’s system at the Actor’s Studio anytime soon, she did get a huge appreciation for what goes on behind-the-scenes during a production.

Filmmaking still was not what Baeza did after graduating in 2013, however. Her sights were set on working with the roots of activism that she garnered during her time at Whittier. Baeza smiles fondly as she remembers her time working at

the education non-profit City Year, both in Los Angeles and in Boston. She worked as an “Americorp” member in Boyle Heights at Mendez High School. “I worked there for two years as essentially a social, emotional tutor and academic coach for students in the ninth grade.”

Baeza eventually moved away from this, becoming a creative producer for City Year, where she interviewed people involved with the company, made videos, and other social media marketing techniques. Baeza interviewed students in vulnerable communities, but she made sure that her personal mission with the non-profit was never lost during these sensitive times.

“I was never painting anyone to be a victim,” Baeza firmly pronounces. “The goal of the organization was that it doesn’t [need to] exist. Nonprofits are a band-aid for systemic injustices. I would always try to meet people where they are.”

The skill sets that Baeza acquired helped her, even when she made the hard pivot to working in the film industry.

Baeza became a production assistant on more sets, eventually leading her to become the second assistant director (AD) on American Fiction. “It was only the second time ever where I had the specific job that I had.” But the young filmmaker describes herself as “hungry” and a “quick learner,” ready for more.

The day-to-day of an AD is to “be the conduit between the present and the future.” This translates to checking hair and makeup, making

sure the actors are getting to set and are taken care of, making sure the director is running on schedule, and amazing other roles. Baeza aquaits this to running her own mini hotel. All that hard work seemed to be worth it, as American Fiction garnered five nominations– notably for Best Picture. Baeza is happy that a wider audience is getting to see a piece of art that deals with heavy subject matters like discrimination and exploitation, in a satirical way.

Baeza is not stopping after American Fiction. Currently, she is working on a script of her own, while producing short films in the area.

“I just want to be ready when the opportunity finds itself. I’m in the prep mode right now.”

Assistant directors do not stop. Even when the lights go out after a long shoot and the crew is sweaty and tired, the ADs are making sure that everyone is ready fot the next day. But even in the long journey that the assistant director has trekked, Emily Baeza seems to have found herself in the spotlight.

This article has been condensed for print. If you would like to read the full article, visit medium.com/ the-quaker-campus.

Dr. Ocampo is Keeping Poets Healthy

Ashley Seger COPY EDITOR

Upon walking to one of the quieter sides of Whittier’s campus, up Philadelphia Street and past Stauffer Residence Hall, lies a small house, home to the Health and Wellness Center.

Following the brick path to the door and ringing the doorbell, a smiling but masked face will greet you. That face could be none other than Dr. Tracy Ocampo, the Director of the Health and Wellness Center. Dressed in a Whittier College t-shirt and a Health and Wellness Center jacket, Ocampo welcomes you into her cozy office space that is meticulously decorated for St. Patrick’s Day, lined with four leaf clovers, rainbows, and health-related decor, including stethoscope images. The warmth of the decorations and happy demeanor of the staff make the Health and Wellness Center feel like a home, if your home is filled with informational pamphlets and health resources for students.

Ocampo has been working in the medical field for 22 years, but only recently came here to Whittier College. Prior to working at the College, she worked at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo as a cardiac nurse. She shared her stories about experiencing burnout

when the COVID-19 pandemic hit: “COVID has changed a lot, there’s a lot of people that left the industry because of burnout. We were already burnt out beforethe pandemic. That’s why I left the hospital setting.”

You can tell from Ocampo’s saddened tone that she really cares about her field of work. Even though Ocampo chose to leave the hospital, some of the most rewarding moments in her career were spent with cardiac patients and the impact she felt she had on them, helping them get better and inspiring them to stay healthy.

While she enjoyed her experience, Ocampo knew it was time to go, saying with a sense of relief, “I did it for so long and said, ‘Okay, it’s time to move on to other things to make an impact somewhere else.’”

She began working at Whittier in 2018 and was drawn here by the potential of helping a younger population with preventative care. Ocampo shared she had only worked with younger populations in medical school, but was excited to make a different kind of impact on a new community.

Ocampo is passionate, from the way her eyes light up when talking about her work, to her dedication and hard work to help enhance the Health and Wellness Center. She was born in the Philippines,

but moved to California when she was around five years old. Ocampo currently lives in South Orange County. Despite the long distance, she does not mind the lengthy commute to Whittier every day.

“I’d rather commute to a place that I love versus work somewhere that is 10 minutes away that I don’t necessarily like going to,” she said with a smile and a laugh. She went on to share her love for the unique community that is Whittier College, and how well she feels the students care about their health.

One of the most important things to Ocampo in her work is preventative care, and she feels fulfilled working on that here as Whittier students really listen to her advice and want to do what they can to stay healthy.

In addition to her career, Ocampo’s many hobbies include dancing, going to the beach, theater, “Oh, and Disneyland!” she exclaimed brightly. Ocampo especially noted her love for cooking: “I enjoy cooking. It’s my therapy. I like doing that at home, and also watching cooking shows.” She also mentioned how she loved spending time with her family and going on vacations, happily discussing about how important and fulfilling family time is to her, no matter where it is. “I love to travel and to spend time with my family, even just stay-

cations.”

Ocampo was most excited to talk about the work of the Health and Wellness Center. When asked what the most important things students could know about the Health and Wellness Center, she simply responded with, “First, to know that we are here.” Ocampo is determined to increase engagement at the Center events and to spread the word that they are here to help. She cares deeply about the Whittier community, sharing that, “We are open, we are here for you. Just give us a call.”

Ocampo is a dedicated, caring doctor but also an incredible person to talk to. She wants to connect with students and make sure everyone on campus knows there are resources for them. Be sure to stop by the Health and Wellness Center and give Tracy Ocampo a hello. Make sure to be on the lookout for any of their upcoming events, which you can find with ease on Engage

This article has been condensed for print. If you would like to read the full article, visit medium.com/ the-quaker-campus.

Emily Baeza is a part of an Oscar-nominated film.

Courtesy of whitter college

Tracy Ocampo cares about the Whittier community.

Courtesy of whitter college

The QC Staff Suggests:

Julia Centeno ART & PHOTOS EDITOR

Want to know what our Art & Photos Editor recommends this week? Read on!

Music:

I was going to see indie folk band The Crane Wives back in November, but I got sick the day of and couldn’t go. I’m still beyond bitter about it. Their live studio album Here I Am is a favorite of mine.

Book:

Ava Reid’s Juniper & Thorn is a gorgeously written fantasy-gothic horror book. Perfect for the girlies whose parents let them read the darker versions of Grimm’s Fairy Tales a little too young, like me.

TV:

I binged all of Blue Eye Samurai in one night. It’s one of the best animated series I’ve ever seen. Even if you don’t consider yourself an animation fan, it’s well worth checking out for the compelling storyline and gorgeous art. (side note: there’s so much incredible animation coming out lately! Which makes me so happy.)

Place:

Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra is one of my favorite places ever. It’s an art gallery dedicated to “nerdier” art, like the kind you’d see in video games and animated shows. Their gift shop is also a must-visit if you want some unique art to brighten your space. If you grew up reposting fanart on Tumblr, you’ll love it here.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Beware Heroes - Dune: Part Two

Meylina Tran A&E EDITOR

This article contains spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.

Power over spice is power over life.

So begins Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, the long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Dune: Part One (2021). And my God, it was well worth the wait.

Before I begin dissecting the film, please humor me while I give you a crash course on most things

Dune Adapted from Frank Herbert’s 1965 epic science fiction novel of the same name, Dune is set in the distant future in an interstellar feudal society. The story follows 15-year-old Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the son of Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac), and his concubine, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson)—who is a Bene Gesserit.

The Bene Gesserit Order—also referred to as the Sisterhood—is an elite and secretive organization. Bene Gesserit schools were designed to maximize the physical and mental capacity of humanity. Thus, they possess unrivaled abilities such as The Voice—a form of vocal influence that is impossible to resist— and fertility control. Fertility control is especially important because the Bene Gesserit Order has used genetic experimentation, galactic political interference, and religious engineering to further their own agenda of ascending the human race with the advent of their chosen one, the Kwisatz Haderach.

The Kwisatz Haderach would be a male Bene Gesserit with the ability to bridge space and time. Paul is believed to be the Kwisatz Haderach.

House Atreides, under orders of the Padishah Emperor (Christopher Walken), must leave their home planet Caladan for the planet Arrakis, replacing their enemies House Harkonnen as the planet’s stewards. Arrakis is coveted for its production of “spice”—a drug that extends life, enhances mental abilities, and aids in space navigation. Arrakis is also home to the native Fremen people, who are adept at navigating the desert wasteland.

While on Arrakis, Paul discovers that the Bene Gesserit have spread the legend of the Kwisatz Haderach to the Fremen, whom they refer to as the Lisan al-Gaib (the Prophet) and Mahdi (the Savior).

The arrival of House Atreides to Arrakis is also their end as House Harkonnen attacks and nearly wipes out every member. Although Duke Leto and the rest of the house are murdered, Paul and Jessica escape into the desert where they make contact with the Fremen.

This is where Part Two picks up.

Throughout the second act, Paul constantly pledges his love and humanity to Chani (Zendaya), even as more and more Fremen begin to worship him. Paul denies—or rather, delays—his destiny because he has foreseen the carnage that will inevitably come as a result.

The situation, however, is still not as clear as it seems. The paradox of Paul being both the genuine Chosen One and the product of centuries of careful manipulation is present, if not thinly veiled behind the dread that builds and ultimately crescendos when Paul—in full Kwisatz Haderach, Lisan al-Gaib, Mahdi mode—instructs his massive army of Fremen warriors to lead the great Houses “to paradise.”

Dune: Part Two flips the hero narrative.

In other words, Paul sets in motion the Holy War—or Maud’Dib’s Jihad—that will claim 61 billion lives across the Known Universe. But that’s a plot point that won’t matter until Dune Messiah (which has yet to be announced).

Chalamet has always been one of those young actors that demands your full attention, but his performance in Part Two is startlingly brilliant. Most notably is his ability to completely transform his body language, stature, and attitude when moving from Paul Atreides to the Lisan al-Gaib. Still, the internal conflict that plagued him in act two is present in his eyes, especially at the end of the film when he swears his love to Chani.

Speaking of Chani, Zendaya is a marvel as not only the heart of Part Two, but the reason as well. She is the only character not blinded by power or religious fanaticism. Zendaya’s performance in act three is especially subtle, yet incredibly powerful and effective.

I would also like to mention that Part One opens with Chani watching invaders colonize her world, and Part Two ends with Chani watching her people invade and colonize oth-

er worlds.

Dune, at its core, is a critique and condemnation of the white savior trope. It warns you to beware the hero! He’ll destroy entire planets and religions in the span of 12 years! He’s a terrorist and war criminal with foresight and telepathy!

All that being said, Part Two is a cinematic masterpiece. Unlike the modern blockbuster, Part Two isn’t concerned with planting glib Easter eggs or setting up half a dozen spin-off series. Rather, the film is contained within its—presumably—three film arc (please give me Dune Messiah).

In separate parts, Part Two and Dune as a whole—is insane. But when combined, Part Two is a phenomenal display of science fiction. Although not your standard blockbuster, Part Two is absolutely delicious cinema that will not only leave you satisfied, but desperate for more.

Dune: Part Two is now playing in theaters. This

Where Are the Gay Clubs Going?

Ashley Seger COPY EDITOR

If you were looking for a gay bar in Los Angeles during the early 2000s, many would have immediately pointed you to The Spotlight. One of LA’s oldest gay bars, with a nearly 50 year run before its closing in 2011, The Spotlight was a heavy loss for many members of the LGBTQ+ community. The space was bought by Framework, an LAbased production company owned by Kobi Danan. The Spotlight reopened last month under the same iconic name.

Danan, however, had a new vision for The Spotlight. Because Framework is a part of LA’s growing dance club scene, Danan thought that The Spotlight’s small, 300 maximum capacity venue would be perfect as a dance club space. This has left many people wondering—and worried—about the lack of queerness in such a historically queer space.

When asked about the history of The Spotlight, Danan said, “Everyone’s welcome,” and mentioned that there are ideas in the works for “a few concepts for beautiful gay nights,” given the club’s history.

The new direction of The Spotlight has people wondering what

the queer club and bar scene in LA looks like today. LA saw a drastic decrease in gay bars right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit—as well as during it—but is it still that way in 2024? Iconic Latino gay bar

La Plaza was another incredibly long-running gay bar in the LA area prior to COVID. Like The Spotlight, La Plaza was also forced to shut its doors due to high rent. Many of these bars—especially the ones creating spaces for queer people of color—closed due to gentrification. Photographer Reynaldo Rivera spoke up in an interview with The Nation about how so many neighborhoods in LA were, not long ago, home to so many Latino communities that have been wiped out by increased cost of living and rent.

But it isn’t all bad. Many new queer spaces are opening in place of ones that have been lost, and many people think the new bars and clubs are even better than The Spotlight. “Many spaces within the early 2000s gay bars were not as inclusive as they seemed.” Priya Arora, host of the podcast “Queering Desi,” discussed how lesbian and gay bars are not always inclusive of people who don’t identify as cisgender and have been anti-trans in the past.

Many of the recently opened

clubs have been much more inclusive spaces for all queer people. Honey’s At Star Love is a newer queer bar in LA with an emphasis on the lesbian and transgender community. This bar also includes several non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to increase the venue’s inclusivity as the community grows. There is also The Ruby Fruit, a small wine bar in a strip mall on Sunset Blvd owned by Emily Bielagus and Mara Herbkersman that opened in February 2023. Honey’s At Star Love and The Ruby Fruit have become favorites in the queer community—especially the sapphic community—in the past year. Club Tempo is another club still going strong. Located in East Hollywood, Club Tempo is a safe space for all

queer Latinos that is a little closer to home for most. The gay cowboy themed club caters to the working class, creating a space for everyone to come and enjoy themselves.

Queer nightlife has evolved and changed over the last decade, but it is far from disappearing in LA. With many losses such as The Spotlight, we can only hope that the new queer clubs and bars opening up will last. But these new spaces like The Ruby Fruit show that the queer bar and club scene has room to grow and change, creating more inclusive spaces for everyone.

This article has been condensed for print. To read more, visit medium. com/the-quaker-campus

LA LGBTQ+ club culture lost a historic center.

Courtesy of X

Courtesy of AmAzoN

Courtesy of The Crane Wives

Courtesy of GeekTyrANT

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Great So-Cal Museum Free-For-All

Joe Donnelly FACULTY ADVISOR

Mark your calendars, culture hounds.

On Saturday, March 23, more than 30 Southern California museums—spanning from Laguna Beach to Santa Barbara—are participating in an annual Free-For-All to promote the bounty of art, artifacts, and archives housed in regional institutions across the Southland. This offer is for general museum admission only and does not apply to specially ticketed exhibitions. Regular parking fees apply at each museum. Consult individual museum websites for hours, directions, and other visitor information.

Normally, these museums are open to all, provided you can cough

up enough for the admission fees and don’t touch the merchandise. Sure, many museums—such as the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA)—give students a break with various discounts, but even so, there’s a lot of competition for the $16 in a college student’s budget. Now, with this one-day freefor-all, you can have your lunch and culture too.

Have you been to the gorgeous Getty Villa, perched on a beautiful bluff in the Pacific Palisades overlooking the Santa Monica Bay? Tons of ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian sculptures, art, and craftwork can be seen there. Not to mention, it’s great to hang out on the grounds and in the gardens on a nice day. The café’s cheeseburger is nothing to scoff at, either. And it’s

free to visit on March 23.

Don’t feel like driving all the way to the great white way of the Pacific Palisades? Then check out the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, an underground favorite for those in Orange County. It has a great collection, intriguing exhibits, and lovely grounds. Also, a great cheeseburger. Additionally, a special exhibit on “Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form,” goes up March 9.

If film or music is your passion, you’re in luck; the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum is on board for the free-for-all, and so is the GRAMMY museum. Can’t speak on the cheeseburgers there.

With over 30 museums participating, there’s going to be something for everyone. Some of our favorites are the smaller, more ac-

cessible museums that don’t overwhelm. The Laguna Art Museum, for example, which is participating, has more than 3000 works in its permanent collection. Some are even from this century. What better way to top off a beach day than soaking in some contemporary art?

Not to be missed is the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, one of the pioneering and premiere museums that focuses on current Latin American and Latinx art. The museum has a number of exhibits, as well as a significant permanent collection. Currently featured is Afro-Cuban multi-disciplinary artist and innovator Alexandre Arrechea, a founding member of the groundbreaking Cuban collective Carpinteros.

Look, it’s right down the 605. And free on March 23.

Below is a list of participation museums from SoCal Museums, the event’s organizing entity.

• Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

• American Museum of Ceramic Art

• Armory Center for the Arts

• Autry Museum of the American West

• Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College

• Bowers Museum

• The Broad

• California Botanic Garden

• California Science Center

• Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum

• Catalina Museum for Art & History

• Cayton Children’s Museum

• Columbia Memorial Space

Center

• Craft Contemporary

• Forest Lawn Museum

• Fowler Museum at UCLA

• Frederick R. Weisman of Art, Pepperdine University

• The Getty Center

• The Getty Villa

• GRAMMY Museum

• Hammer Museum

• Holocaust Museum, LA

• Institute of Contemporary Art, LA

• The International Printing Museum

• Japanese-American National Museum

• Laguna Art Museum

• La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

• LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

• Lincoln Memorial Shrine

• LA County Museum of Art (LACMA)

• The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

• Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

• Museum of Ventura County

• Orange County Museum of Art

• Santa Barbara Museum of Art

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

• Santa Monica History Museum

• Skirball Cultural Center

• Wende Museum

• Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum

The SoCal Museum Annual

Free-For-All is the opportunity for those broke college students who have been dying to experience what our region’s many museums have to offer. You won’t want to miss it.

The Death of Modern Media Literacy

Nune Papikyan PHOTOGRAPHER

Recently, there has been an influx of films and television shows with baseline plots that don’t leave much up for the audience’s interpretation. Their morals and virtues are spoonfed to us through Twitter lingo and self-help book jargon. Why is that?

Media literacy has been slowly dwindling, and it is because major studios believe modern audiences are stupid. To understand the argument, one must first understand media literacy.

Media literacy is something taught very early in English and literature classes. It is the basic ability to critically analyze a piece of media. For example, the notion of being able to understand the underlying meaning of a film or television show. In school, we are taught this by analyzing works of literature, such as Shakespeare, in order to understand why some things are placed the way that they are. For instance, if a story specifies the color of a dress, media literacy is analyzing and theorizing why the dress might be that color. Because it is your interpretation of the work, there is technically no wrong answer.

So what’s happening to media literacy now?

With the most recent live-action iteration of Avatar: The Last Airbender getting attention, a conversation regarding the exclusion of the character Sokka’s misogynistic character arc is drowning out the buzz for the show. Many people would say it is a good thing that his character is less misogynistic, and that he is going to be a less sexist character overall. This could be considered a means of positively modernizing the show if it wasn’t a defining characteristic that helped structure his eventual redemption.

Sokka’s character is one with many layers. He is introduced as Katara’s older brother and is the established comedic relief. However, as comic relief characters are usually one-note figures, Sokka’s character is not well utilized early on. In the beginning of the series, he is rash in trying to protect the Southern Water Tribe. As all the other men had gone to war, his father gave him the responsibility to protect his sister. The pressure to “be the man” of the tribe led to his sexist behavior.

Throughout the series, Sokka’s ideology is constantly opposed by other factors, the first instance involving Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors, a group of women warriors who live on Kyoshi Island. The first part of the series largely focuses on Sokka’s development as he begins

to distance himself from his sexist beliefs and realizes that not every woman needs protecting. hat sometimes he is going to fail, and he is going to have to accept that. This is only the beginning of his character’s development. By removing that aspect of his character, the live action is removing a piece of his development as well.

Before his arc, Sokka may not have been a feminist, but our favorite multi-professional and pink enthusiast icon Barbie is! Over the summer, many moviegoers were able to experience Greta Gerwig’s most recent film, Barbie; a movie filled with many colors, fun music, and funny moments enjoyed by most. However, many viewers pointed out an obvious fact about the film: the basic feminism that it portrays to the audience. Many were taken aback by how “101” the feminist themes felt, and that it wasn’t as meaningful as many would hope.

Many people going to see Barbie were expecting something deeper than a speech given by America Ferrera’s character talking about women’s struggles; this, of course, does not mean the message wasn’t important. Despite the argument, the basic nature of the feminism in Barbie is perfect for a younger audience or those who have not been able to

dive deeper into feminist theories or criticisms. The film was meant for a wide audience, and it achieved that by having a basic feminist ideology that would be easier to understand.

Does this mean media literacy pertaining to feminism present in the film has been dumbed down for the audience? Possibly. Rather than being simplified for the sake of the audience, it was made more basic for a younger mind that is yet to encounter nuanced feminism and needs somewhere to begin, and Barbie is that start.

Of course, there are many oth-

er topics that could be brought up with the lack of media literacy training. Will this drought continue as more films and TV shows are released? It seems inevitable with the many mischaracterizations and misunderstandings people have; literary analysis is a crucial aspect of understanding all forms of media, including film, books, TV, and video games. Without the ability to critically analyze, audiences will never be able to understand nuanced media. But staying hopeful is all we have for now.

Many So-Cal museums are offering free admission for one day.

Courtesy of Michael Juliano

Rate Three Stars For BookTok

Emily Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

You would think that something as calming as reading—an activity that has maintained a reputation through centuries as being light and fun—would have transcended the simplistic ideology that has persisted within the reading community.

You would be dead wrong.

In the past few years, the rise of “BookTok”—a community of readers on the social media platform TikTok—has brought to light many of the issues surrounding the readers that are part of it. Because it’s “motherfucking hard to write books,” a female author took to TikTok, stating that if you rate books less than three stars then you are an “asshole.”

While no one is claiming that it is easy to write a book (I haven’t written a book, but my 40 page thesis damn near killed me), the author believes that—because writing a book is a difficult task—a reader should dampen their opinions of said book and rate it a minimum of three stars in order to truly acknowledge the effort of the author, and to save the author’s feelings.

This is indicative of a larger problem seen in the BookTok community, where readers and authors have come face-to-face with each other. Now, instead of the separation of fame, fortune, or just downright not caring; the audi-

ence and creator are essentially one. People feel a connection to the person whose art they are holding in the palm of their hand—otherwise known as a “parasocial relationship.” Forbes characterizes this as a “one-sided connection in which an individual imagines a personal bond with someone in the public eye.” The audience feels a bond with an influential person unaware of their existence.

Although this most often occurs with influencers and other celebrities, authors are not immune to parasocial relationships with their readers. This is how we get people who say that giving any book less than three stars is cruel to the author. Because you “know” them, and in turn, they “know” you.

This is not the only issue BookTok has. Each week it feels like something new pops up, causing online discourse that is completely insular and never ending. While at times the discourse seems meaningless, most of the time, however, they are indicative of larger issues that affect not only readers, but the publishing world as a whole. One of the largest critiques BookTok has caused outside of the online sphere is just how much it has shaped the book-buying market, notably with how they are marketed.

You walk into your local bookstore, smelling the swirling mix of the grain of wood beneath your feet, and the pages of stories from long ago. You are excited to dive head first into your newest read,

BookTok perpetuates exclusive publishing habits.

to travel to a world either close to your own or something completely new. But then you see it, the table marked “BookTok” and on it are covers that look exactly the same, with buzzwords like “enemies to lovers,” “good girl, bad boy,” and— God forbid—“abuse,” as seen in promotion for Colleen Hoover’s book It Ends With Us, a “novel” that essentially tells the story of someone being domestically abused in a “romantic” way. See “Colleen Hoover: It Ends Here,” on the Quaker Campus Medium page if you would like to learn more about BookTok’s problem with glorifying abuse.

The landscape of the publication industry and the tactics it uses to get readers to buy their products has changed immensely, simplifying any nuance the actual book may have to an easy-to-understand list of tropes and problematic language. Is no one looking at the back cover of the page anymore? Is the art of the summary dead?

This delves into an even wider problem within the industry— and an even WHITEr problem, I should say. The publishing industry still mostly pushes books written by white, cis-straight authors time and time again (I’m looking at you, Colleen Hoover), while investing little effort or resources into novels written by marginalized authors. BookTok is not immune. Many of the popular BookTok creators (usually white) will only push said books, consciously—or subconsciously—

avoiding diversity. The New York Times Bestseller list reflects this, showing in the “Combined Print and E-Book Fiction” category that the top five spots are occupied by white authors. The publishing industry and the groups that represent the “best of the best” perpetuate an endless cycle where whiteness and heteronormativity are the standard.

This doesn’t even scratch the surface of the systemic issues present in BookTok and the wider publishing industry as a whole. Just recently, author of The New York Times bestselling novel Babel, or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford’s Translators Revolution R.F. Kuang, and author of the novel Iron Widow Xiran Jay Zhao were two acclaimed authors who were excluded from the prestigious Hugo Awards due to an “unknown” reason. Speculation points to their critiques of the Chinese government being the reason as to why Kuang and Zhao were excluded; the awards were hosted in China, showcasing a greater issue of censorship seen in the publishing community, on a large scale.

The BookTok community is not going anywhere anytime soon, however. Despite the issues, it is a thriving community of readers and book lovers. Yet, audiences need to be conscientious of what they are consuming on the app and how it affects their daily lives.

And remember, it’s okay to rate a bad book less than three stars. You are not an asshole for it.

Courtesy of Santa Clara County Library

Courtesy of Nemi

Courtesy of Vps