Tiger Newspaper 2023 November Issue

Empowering students to think critically and creatively since 1913

VOLUME 110 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

IN THE NEWS

SOUTH PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL 1401 FREMONT AVE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030

THANKSGIVING BREAK

WINTER DANCE CONCERT

TIGER RUN

SPHS will have the holiday week off from Monday, Nov. 20 through Friday, Nov. 24.

SPHS Dance will perform in their annual concert on Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.

South Pasadena’s annual Tiger Run will be hosted on Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at 7 a.m.

ARROYOFEST 2023 STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK PHOTO ZOE CHEN

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outh Pasadena’s 20th anniversary of the ArroyoFest, a wide spanning car-free event, took place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29. Thousands flocked to take part in the four-hour closure of the 110 freeway, which was closed for only the second time in history.

Attendees were urged to utilize the public transportation system, which featured several stops along the ArroyoFest route. The A-line, specifically, included destinations such as Lincoln Heights, Heritage Square, Southwest Museum and South Pasadena; all crucial points along the ArroyoFest.

Metro’s Open Streets Program hosted the event in partnership with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, ActiveSGV and the cities of South Pasadena, Pasadena and Los Angeles.

“I was very excited for this. I know a lot of work went into organizing this event. A lot of resources were invested in traffic control and street signs,” a South Pasadena resident said. “And I’m really appreciative because it’s events like this that really make people feel part of a certain community.”

This is the second time the ArroyoFest has been held, nearly 20 years after the inaugural event in 2003. Pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters took to the streets, exploring areas of the city typically crowded by traffic. Roughly six or seven miles of the parkway were closed.

“As a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, I have to say it was an absolutely incredible experience being on the 110 freeway, on an electric bike being peddled by my husband with my dog,” another South Pasadena resident added.

A 10K run was held during the festival, and it gathered around 4,000 participants along a cordoned off section of the freeway. After completing the 10K, runners entered various hubs that were set up across the pathway. Patrons brought bikes through the streets, leaning them against walls or propped against the curbs.

The South Pasadena hub was a bustle of activity. The streets were lined with staggered booths that were shaded under huge white canopies, and volunteers sat in plastic chairs to offer information and answer questions as people walked through the street.

Promotional buttons, merchandise, and flyers were offered to the ArroyoFest patrons, who stopped to interact with the booths up and down the walkways. A first aid table was set up in the middle of the street, offering creams and bandaids for minor injuries.

“I was surprised to see so many people coming out and just walking, engaging with the tables and all the pets, and just smiling and enjoying their day,” a volunteer for the ArroyoFest said.

The crowds began to thin out around 1 p.m., nearly an hour before the festival gradually drew to a close. Through the high participation and general mood of the attendees, a confirmation of a repeat of the ArroyoFest is most likely guaranteed.

SPEECH AND DEBATE The first congressional tournament of the year resulted in three SPHS student finalists from the varsity debate team. More recently, the team began to branch from debate to speech competitions.

COMMERCIAL SPACE EXPLORATION Tiger analyzes the private sector of space exploration and destructive practices of involved corporations by considering the implications of profiting off the cosmos.

SWIFTIES’ SQUABBLE

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TIGERNEWSPAPER.COM

A look at the success of Taylor Swift on SPHS’s campus and throughout the world. From her massive fandom to her own league of antagonists, she continues to spark controversy.

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TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

NEWS STORY SOLANA SINGER PHOTO SUNHYE (SUNNY) CHOI

A successful first tournament for Speech and Debate Three out of the 11 SPHS students sent placed as finalists.

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PHS Speech and Debate students junior Samuel Whitman, sophomore Sarah Kano, and sophomore Eric Shiroishi took sixth, 13th, and 14th place, respectively, in varsity debate’s first congressional tournament of the year. Held on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Alhambra High School, the tournament brought together six different schools and lasted eight and a half hours. There were four rounds, including finals for those who made it.

Students prepared for six bills, and three were randomly selected for the tournament. Each bill challenged debaters to use their critical thinking and argumentative skills to form a convincing, fast-based argument for or against a certain topic.

“The first bill was…whether or not we should end federal recognition of Columbus Day,” sophomore congressional event captain Ciara Riley said. “The second one was a resolution to apologize for the Iraq War. And the third was a bill to legalize horse meat consumption.”

Speech and Debate advisor Christopher Herrin said the number of students participating in varsity has increased since previous years. This semester, 11 SPHS students attended the debate tournament. The team has not seen this many students attend finals since pre-pandemic.

“Traditionally, we’ve been more debate focused,” Herrin said. “So we’re kind of branching out into more speech

events, which is cool to see. So I’m just glad that we’re [sending more students], like we’re sending competitors to that tournament.”

Whitman expressed excitement for the upcoming speech tournament, emphasizing that with Speech and Debate’s rising trajectory, more SPHS students would likely place in the finals.

“The schools that we compete at are normally Alhambra, Arcadia, and San Gabriel High School,” junior Speech and Debate captain Elisa Argus said. “We tend to have a smaller Speech and Debate program. So a lot of the schools like Arcadia…have a class every single period, so they tend to be…[some] of our biggest competitors.”

The speech and debate program is mainly split into speech-focused students and debate-focused students.

Every semester, their varsity team attends one debate tournament and one speech tournament, giving each camp a chance to let their specific skillset shine. ​​ “I’m mainly glad that we got three people in the finals for this tournament,” Whitman said. “I feel like, as an organization, we’ve come a lot from, you know, two years ago, when we were barely placing in these tournaments.

So I’m not just happy for myself, but also the other people who got to the finals.”

Speech and Debate’s fall varsity speech tournament will be on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Montebello High School.

Caltrans: the connection of the 710 and 210 freeways STORY CLAIRE MAO PHOTO SHIN-HYE (RACHEL) CHOI California’s 710 freeway was constructed in 1964. Also known as Interstate 710, or I-710, the freeway runs 23 miles from Ocean Boulevard, which is west of downtown Long Beach, northward into the Valley Boulevard in El Sereno, Los Angeles, near the Alhambra border.

The state of California adopted a Master Plan of Freeways during 1958, and the outline included the construction of I-710. However, once the 23 miles of roads were constructed, the project was placed on hold with the hope to continue in the near future.

Preparation to resume the build began once again in the 1960s. To accommodate the plan, 500 houses were purchased to be demolished throughout the span of 30

years; around 112 houses are located in South Pasadena.

However, it was estimated that approximately 976 houses were needed to complete the remaining freeway.

homes. However, cars that need to cross the 210 freeway now have to take more turns rather than the straight path that would have existed if the two freeways were connected.

The 710 Long Beach Freeway extension would pass through South Pasadena. As a result, Caltrans called for residents near the freeway to market their homes to the department, which would lead to thousands of residents searching for new homes and previous housing getting demolished.

The acquired homes near SR-710 were vacant for decades due to the dropped project, and as a result, the bought houses have been worn down.

Local communities were unwilling to sell their homes despite Caltrans’ urges. Currently, the unfinished section of the I-710 is called the State Route 710 (the SR-710 or the “710 stub”).

The constant and clear refusal of these communities successfully halted the freeway project in 2018. With the construction terminated, people were able to keep their

“Caltrans has not been a good landlord either in terms of caring for the properties and repairing them or managing them and keeping them filled,” previous South Pasadena mayor Bill Bogaard said in a Glendale News-Press article.

The continuation of SR-710 was claimed to be highly unlikely by the City Council in 2012. As of now, that stance still remains. However, this brought up a new and different perspective.

“The surface route is dead, and the only possible pursuit of that dream for some people is a tunnel,” Bogaard said in the same article.

Digging to connect SR-710 to the 210 freeway would require approximately a four mile long tunnel. Due to Caltrans’ possible abandonment of a surface route, the agency has faced an increasing amount of requests to sell the homes it bought. As of Aug. 2 this year, Caltrans has awarded 37 vacant properties to the El Sereno community for affordable housing.

Pasadena recently took the first step in reconnecting the communities that were driven out due to the 710 project.

The Pasadena City Council announced a $200,000 contract with Allegra on Monday, Oct. 30 to prepare an oral history of the impacts of the “710 stub.” Nevertheless, the 710 project remains discarded.

THE ABANDONED PROJECT OF CONNECTIONS between the 710 and 210 freeways has resulted in vacant homes owned by the state near the 210 freeway.

Homes near the I-710 in South Pasadena remain unoccupied, and the project of the 710 freeway extension continues to be undetermined and abandoned until further notice from Caltrans.

home was built in 1906, with additions later added films. A slasher film generally includes a killer stalking in 1948. Strode’s residence in the movie was occupied a group or individual with a weapon.

Halloween house sold The by the same family for generations. The original

STORY CLAIRE MAO The residence of the fictional character Laurie Strode, portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis in the 1978 slasher horror film Halloween, was purchased for a sum of $1,680,000 on Friday, Oct. 20.

The famous Strode house is situated on Oxley Street in South Pasadena and was first listed for under $1.8 million in September.

The 5,258-square-foot property consists of three units and a total of four bedrooms along with three bathrooms.

In the listing, each unit is claimed to have picturesque windows with views of the trees and neighborhood.

The house additionally features a two-car garage and resides in a favored area. It is near the award-winning Farmer’s market and in close proximity to the South Pasadena Public Library.

residents asked for $1.8 million dollars for Halloween’s iconic setting.

“Yes, this was a filming location for the 1978 film Halloween, as the house of Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis),” the listing said. “If you watch the film, you’ll recognize the infamous stoop that Jamie Lee Curtis sat on, holding a pumpkin.”

The horror movie received multiple Saturn Awards in 1979, 2014, and 2015. Saturn Awards are annual accolades presented to films by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films.

John Carpenter wrote and directed the 1978 low-cost indie film with Curtis acting as Laurie Strode, the main protagonist in Halloween. A slew of actors represented Michael Myers, the antagonist.

The house became famous as Halloween rose to popularity, single handedly triggering the era of slasher

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Curtis was cast in all seven films of the Halloween movie franchise since 1978. Since then, Curtis has said goodbye to the horror films after her final appearance in 2022’s Halloween Ends.

“It’s now the end for Laurie and me. I’m weeping as I write this. I’m going to miss her,” Curtis said in a goodbye post for People. “Movies are make-believe, but this is my real life. Mine has been made better by her.”

Curtis explained how she feels about leaving the franchise and how she felt portraying feelings of Laurie Strode for seven films.

“What I can tell you is that I now know the reason why I’m so good in horror films. It is because I’m not acting,” Curtis wrote. “When I look scared in a movie it’s because I am scared. I am scared right now, as I hang up my bell-bottoms and say goodbye to Halloween.

Life is scary. But Laurie taught me that life can also be beautiful, filled with love and art and life.”

TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

NEWS

SPUSD CAASPP testing scores recover Test results rebounded from pre-pandemic scores.

STORY ABIGAIL KIM

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ll public school students in third through eighth grade and 11th grade in California undergo CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) testing each year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SPUSD was not able to administer tests in 2020 and 2021.

51.1 percent of California public school students met or exceeded state standards for their respective grade levels for English Language Arts (ELA) and 39.7 percent of students met or exceeded levels for math in 2019. This was the last year the test was administered prior to the pandemic.

The tests were not given in 2020, and tests were optional the following year. The first year the test was taken statewide since the pandemic was 2022, where 47.1 percent of students were proficient in ELA and 33.4 percent were proficient in math.

This past school year, proficiency in ELA dropped even more with merely 46.7 percent of students meeting or exceeding standards. However, 34.6 percent of students met or exceeded math standards, a slight increase from the previous year.

The results from the state of California illustrate little change from this year to last, and overall the state’s mastery levels are still 5 percent lower than 2019 math and ELA scores. Scores in the district proved to be significantly higher than the state average.

Scores in 2019 showed 84.2 percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards for ELA, while 78.8 percent meeting or exceeding standards for math. When tests were next conducted in 2022, 80.6 percent of students met or exceeded state standards for ELA, while 75.5 percent met or exceeded standards

for math. The decrease in proficiency was mainly due to the rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, both years’ scores were exceptionally higher than the state’s, with SPUSD having an over 30 percent higher proficiency rate.

“I believe if we maintain our focus on the process of teaching and learning and providing students with a variety of pathways for learning and support, the scores will continue to reflect these efforts,” superintendent Dr. Geoff Yantz said.

This year’s state test results showed overall progress towards meeting or exceeding state standards. This past school year, 81.5 percent of students met or exceeded standards in ELA and 77.9 percent in math. Overall, this is an improvement from 2022 and is nearly the same as results from pre-pandemic times.

Test results proved SPUSD to be the most diverse district of all of the highperforming school districts in California this past school year.

“No other unified district in the State is higher performing and more diverse than SPUSD,” Yantz said. “State test scores are only one measure of how much our students are learning, and we are committed to helping them reach their full potential in all areas.”

These results demonstrate that student performance in the district is finally starting to bounce back to how it was prior to the pandemic. SPUSD also ranks fifth of all the state unified school districts this year, regardless of diversity factors.

“SPUSD students continue to excel academically, and the test results are a direct reflection of the dedication and effort put forth by our students, teachers, staff, administrators, and tremendous parent support,” Yantz said.

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TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

NEWS

The push for sustainable shopping in South Pasadena It is no secret that the fast fashion industry has grown exponentially in both success and criticism. With the rise of fast fashion, the presence of in-store and online thrifting has become a sustainable option. Vintage second-hand stores in South Pasadena cater to increased consumer interest in sustainable shopping.

STORY ZOE CHEN, ABIGAIL KIM, & ROSE VANDEVELDE

PAGE DESIGN ISOLE KIM

ILLUSTRATION ISOLE KIM

Fast fashion raises humanitarian concerns “Fast fashion” refers to a business model that promotes low quality, cheaply made garments that can be sold at low prices and still ring up great profit.

Fast fashion’s inexpensiveness encourages customers to buy more than they need, then throw away all they no longer want — both without breaking the bank.

Fashion is the most labor dependent industry on Earth, with

production often sourced from cheap labor in countries that do not have worker protection laws — only about two percent of fashion workers around the world are paid a livable salary, with some paid as little as $10 a month. Worker protests for higher wages have led to violent government clashes and the deaths of hundreds, and an ignored evacuation order by factory managers in Bangladesh led to a collapse and the deaths of over 1100 workers.

emissions, and effects of purchase.

While often more expensive, garments made with a slow fashion ideology aim to be more ethically sourced and last longer than fast alternatives.

However, major retailers, such as Forever 21, Gap, Zara, and Shein, do not technically employ these garment workers, nor do they technically own these garment factories. In this way, they are able to turn a blind eye on production factories, reaping the profits of the labor while avoiding all responsibility of the factories’ environmental and human impacts.

Thrifting is a key part of the slow fashion movement.

Generally, thrifting refers to the purchase of lightly used items at thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets. While thrifting does not necessarily mean cheap, it allows items to be repurposed instead of trashed, helping to reduce the amount of textile waste and avoiding the need to purchase a new garment that will support fast fashion retailers.

As the impacts of fast fashion became more widely known, a movement focused on sustainable “slow” fashion emerged. Slow fashion aims to spread awareness of the fashion industry’s impacts and approach fashion in a way that tries to be mindful of process, resources,

Sustainable style by students

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The ethical and environmental effects that accompany the success of these companies are covered up as widely as possible. However, in order to counteract these negative effects, many, including SPHS students, have began thrifting instead of buying retail.

Shopping sustainably is not limited to solely in-person thrifting. Junior Sofia Humphrey, who started thrifting during the pandemic, buys and sells secondhand clothing on Depop, providing both a source of revenue for used clothes, and an opportunity for more clothes.

While it would be ideal to eliminate unsustainable shopping, it is realistically unreachable, at least for now. However, alternatives to buying from fast fashion retailers do exist, and many SPHS students choose to employ these options in order to have a more sustainable effect.

“I [started] because everything was kind of closed down during Covid, like most of the bigger stores were too far away to go shopping at and I found a lot of the brands that I wanted,” Humphrey said.

“I started thrifting because I wanted more vintage clothes in my closet. Thrifting is significantly easier and I enjoy going,” sophomore Amada Cortes said.

Sophomore Anna Kowal began thrifting in 7th grade as she was learning how to sew. Being able to take apart clothes allowed her to better understand clothing patterns and customize her own clothes more easily.

“I think the clear benefit of thrifting is to our planet and it being the cheapest sustainable clothing method is what I think makes it so popular,” Kowal said. “Also as a young person I am able to own a lot more clothes due to thrifting than I could if I was shopping solely from mainstream stores.”

Humphrey thrifts due to the affordability of the unique clothing she finds, as well as simply for the joy of successfully finding a long-sought after item. “[Thrifting] is very eco-friendly. I think it saves a lot of pieces and clothes that would otherwise be thrown in the trash or in landfills,” sophomore Amelie Geoffron said.

Geoffron started thrifting recently and has enjoyed the experience of finding clothes, adding unique amd affordable items to her wardrobe.

Alternative to buying from fast fashion retailers do exist, and many, including students at SPHS, choose to employ these options in order to have a more sustainable effect.

South Pas Vintage: where sustainability meets vintage South Pas Vintage is one of South Pasadena’s few sustainable stores and is located at 1005 Mission St. between Teamorrow and Hodgson’s Antiques. Run by the founders, Samara Hodgson and Robert Zapata, South Pas Vintage, now just under two years old, opened in January of 2022.

stream and [it’s] really toxic to the environment…so I decided to open the shop up,” Hodgson said.

However, Hodgson aims for reasonable prices and encourages students to shop sustainably.

A subsection of South Pas Vintage is Sustainable South Pas, a non-profit that aims to provide scholarships for students. A rack of clothing outside of the store houses anything unable to be sold inside. Since everything bought and put up for sale in the store is 20 years or older, sellers have the option to donate them to the rack.

100 percent of the proceeds from the rack go towards scholarships or community cleanups.

“If you shop secondhand, and you shop vintage, you get to dress more uniquely and be less wasteful. So it’s a win-win,” Hodgson said.

Hodgson has always been interested in sustainability and fashion, which were both tied into why she started the shop. She explained that she wanted to help people access vintage clothing at a reasonable price.

“We try to buy nothing new and then we also try to be super mindful about our waste so even our hangers are all metal, our bags are paper and we try to really abide by no plastic,” Hodgson said.

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The prices of items at South Pas Vintage are generally higher than other thrift stores mostly because the store buys items from others rather than receiving donations.

As a result, items are sold at a higher cost to make profits.

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“I’ve always been super passionate about sustainability and then also fashion and I realized how much new fashion gets wasted and gets thrown into the waste

South Pas Vintage’s sustainability specifically comes from the fact that all clothes sold are second-hand.

The store focuses on reselling vintage clothing.

The shop also tries to eliminate plastic waste throughout the store in efforts to be more environmentally friendly.

TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

OPINION

THEESTABLISHED TIGER 1913 CSPA SILVER CROWN 2021 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2019 CSPA SILVER CROWN 2018 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2017 CSPA CROWN AWARD 2016 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2015 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2014 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2013 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2011

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STAFF EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HANNA BAE MANAGING EDITORS ELLIE NAKAMURA, Print BENJAMIN REGAN, Online NEWS ETHAN KWAK, Editor OPINION LINDA YUN, Editor FEATURE MORGAN SUN, Editor SPORTS ROSE VANDEVELDE, Editor DESIGN EMIKO ESSMILLER, Editor ISOLE KIM, Editor PHOTOGRAPHY SAMANTHA SHIROISHI, Editor COPY CLEMENTINE EVANS, Editor RALUCA TUDUSCIUC, Editor BUSINESS AND ADS ADA BORREDON, Editor KATE LIU, Staff Ads Manager STAFF WRITERS ZOE CHEN ABIGAIL KIM CLAIRE MAO SONYA SHIMPOCK SOLANA SINGER PHOTOGRAPHERS ZOE CHEN SHIN-HYE (RACHEL) CHOI SUNHYE (SUNNY) CHOI EMIKO ESSMILLER KAITLYN LEE LINDA YUN ILLUSTRATORS SUNHYE (SUNNY) CHOI HEEJOON (JOON) LEE ISABELLE WONG PAGE DESIGNERS OLIVIA CHIN SOPHIE MERTZEL SOLANA SINGER FACULTY ADVISOR KAREN HAMES VOL. 110 NO. 3 DISTRIBUTED ON NOVEMBER 17, 2023.

DISTRIBUTION: 1460 STUDENTS; 70 COMMUNITY. 1400 COPIES PRINTED. DISTRIBUTED BY TIGER STAFF FREE OF CHARGE.

TIGER IS PRODUCED BY THE ADVANCED JOURNALISM NEWSPAPER CLASS AT SOUTH PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL, 1401 FREMONT AVE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030. LAYOUT AND PHOTO IMAGING ARE COMPLETED ON-SITE. SIGNED ARTICLES APPEARING IN TIGER REPRESENT THE WRITER’S OPINIONS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF, STUDENT BODY, FACULTY OR ADMINISTRATION OF SPHS. ORIGINAL

“Ghosting” wrecks young love

The normalization of “ghosting” reveals a chasm of expectation for online exposure.

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There is nothing they can do, aside from bottling up all the anger and sadness that will never be recognized by the ghoster.

Ghosting, a term popularized by mainstream media in the early 2010s, happens when one abruptly ends all forms of communication without explanation, seemingly vanishing.

Online interactions make ghosting all the more common.

It is easier to evade interaction when it is not in person, avoiding awkwardly cutting off relations formally. The depth of relationships are less distinguishable because of the lack of actual physical interaction.

Ghosting especially raises the question of if people are closer to their friends now than 20 years ago. It is difficult to find an actual response to this because the quality of relationships is hard to quantify; it is impossible to really compare the generations because factors like age and other societal expectations have shifted so much. While different people probably have different responses to this question, many agree that the changes that social media has made to relationships, blurring privacy lines and higher expectations of communication, might actually be bringing us further apart. The relationships people have in their our teenage years shape our idea of what a quality relationship should look like in the future. If ghosting is normalized like it is today, it means essentially accepting that the best of our relationships in the future will be shaped by a lack of effort: with cutoff as an easy way out, rather than a last resort.

apping away on a phone with legs swinging and screenshots going every which way is the image of modern love, all thanks to expectation of immediate responses. An apology for tardiness is expected if one cannot immediately respond within one or two hours. However, the expectation to be constantly present on devices and ready to socialize is draining. One standard alternative is quick yet haunting: “ghosting.” While ghosting is a painful and deeply humbling experience, it also reveals an undercurrent of problematic expectations of modern communication.

Sudden cut off is often not courteous even though it is normal to not respond when it is inconvenient. Constant communication — in all its glory and pitfalls — has become the norm in the 21st century, benefitting users across the globe who receive the ease of communication at their fingertips.

However, people who regularly ghost others without reason often do so without understanding that it is unethical to pick and choose what elements of modern technology to benefit off. Oftentimes, the very same people who get close with someone through text weaponize the pretense of closeness that modern communication yields, not realizing that actual relationships require compromise and change. As a ghoster, it is easy to forget to respond without understanding the emotional repercussions of ghosting on others.

As such, the phenomenon of ghosting raises the question of whether constant communication is actually beneficial to human relationships. The feeling of the person being ghosted is miles apart from that of the old-school cutting of ties. In a sense, the party of the ghosted is completely powerless. They are helpless in the face of someone whose relationship they once treasured no longer acknowledging their existence.

As people continue to make social media accounts, putting themselves in a fishbowl ready for their most prized moments to be scrutinized, there are unexpected circumstances that connect people too. But despite these unintentional sparks, the power of surveillance that social media gives makes being ghosted much more painful. Social media gives its users the ability to curate a façade of themselves, a warped and facetuned lifestyle. But this glimmer into someone’s life rubs salt in the wound of someone else whose communciation has been severed, when they eventually open the person’s post only to realize that the perpetrator of ghosting is very much active, and avoiding just their victim.

Severing communication is a human right. As long as the cutoff does not detonate a catastrophic consequence and occurs in personal (not workplace) relationships, people have the right to pick and choose who they spend their screen time talking to. However, users should be more cautious about the effects of ghosting as, at the end of their day, an online relationship is no less real than an in-person one; for when neither party feels obligated to respond, they cannot expect a relationship to flourish.

STORIES WILL CARRY BYLINES, ALTHOUGH STORIES

Boos & Bravos

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Tiger’s cheers and jeers for the month of November

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BOO to seniors who date freshmen. Focus on your

BRAVO to Saigon Eden. I’ll never pho-get the noodles

major, not on minors.

we shared.

FOR SPHS AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THROUGH A VARIETY OF COVERAGE, TIGER EMPOWERS/ENABLES STUDENTS TO THINK CRITICALLY AND CREATIVELY, COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, SOLVE PROBLEMS, SET AND REACH GOALS, AND WORK COOPERATIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS. TIGER IS A

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ALL REMAINING CURRENT TIGER NEWSPAPER POLICIES

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TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

OPINION

For sale: the universe. Only billionares need apply As corporations carve their logos into the cosmos, the rest of us are left in their dust.

STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK ILLUSTRATION SUNHYE (SUNNY) CHOI

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pace is turning into a playground for the ultra-rich.

Exploration into the final frontier is no longer driven by government initiatives and societal needs, but rather rooted in the desires of corporations and their owners.

The rising dominance of these financially driven and monopolistic corporations in commercial space causes the majority of innovation and effort to flow to where the greatest profit is, disregarding the greatest gain for science. NASA now relies heavily on billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX for transporting crews into space, a role that was traditionally held by the federally funded program. Space exploration, corrupted by the capitalist interest of private companies, has become just another conduit of services and products.

America’s space exploration vehicles should have the NASA symbol on them, not that of a private corporation. The transfer of space explorations from national achievement to corporate branding symbolizes a change in priorities. This transition raises questions about the ownership of spacerelated technologies and who benefits from them — will the fruits of space exploration be shared equitably with the American populace? These innovations could become just another asset in a corporation’s portfolio, instead of being used to further society’s understanding of the universe.

Commercial space exploration is also wreaking havoc on the environment. Launching a rocket incurs a carbon footprint approximately 100 times greater than that of a long-haul flight, with potential emissions of up to 300 tons of carbon dioxide per launch into the upper atmosphere.

Such activity not only contributes to global warming, but also exacerbates it due to the altitude. These launches are not just a source of greenhouse gasses; they contribute to the degradation of the ozone layer, an essential shield that protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This depletion leads to increased amounts of UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and impaired immune systems. Furthermore, the ascent through our atmosphere generates a considerable amount of space debris. This accumulation of fragments in low Earth orbit poses a significant threat to satellites and spacecraft, increasing the risk of collisions and damage.

Commercial space exploration is an expensive endeavor, and the allocations of resources invested into the field

are immense. However, this vast funding could be better used on terrestrial problems like poverty, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The wealth generated from commercial space exploration has remained concentrated in the hands of a few, but should be redistributed back into society.

The commodification of space has averted scientific curiosity and aspirations that once drove humanity to the stars. Space must become more than a luxury escape for the wealthy. It must be redefined as a realm of universal benefit instead of private profit and exclusivity. Gen-Z must work to advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize scientific advancement and environmental responsibility in order to return space to a frontier of possibility for all of humanity.

Modern chivalry sets a destructive double standard STORY SOLANA SINGER ILLUSTRATION ISABELLE WONG Chivalry is not dead, but the double standard it raises should be. Ideally, the demise of this contradiction will inspire the emergence of a new set of equitable societal expectations for men and women.

The act of chivalry — the holding of a door, the giving up of a seat, the classic “ladies first” — is commonly portrayed as going above and beyond when carried out by men. On the other hand, women, who are constantly expected to be polite and gracious, are punished if they waver from their courteous image. In addition, when society rewards men for doing the bare minimum, the minds and attitudes of many men are shaped to reflect that unhealthy treatment, harming them as well as women.

The first historical red flag: the Western world’s connotation of the word chivalry evokes a hypermasculine image of medieval knighthood. Traditionally, chivalry represented a code of conduct that knights in the Middle Ages were expected to uphold in order to preserve their honor. These rules, supported by the efforts of educated, aristocratic Christian men, expected

knights to be devout worshippers, dauntless protectors of the weak, eager advocates for the greater good, and respectful suitors of women.

This code possessed several moral potholes, however wellintentioned. Chivalrous conduct principally only served the Christian upper class. In addition, the respect knights were required to hold for women often resulted in unwelcome reverence and, worse, the objectification of the female body.

Instead of human beings, women were seen as items to be wooed and won.

The idea of modern-day chivalry as a bonus romanticizes men as valorous and noble, rewarding them for “going the extra mile” when in reality they are simply practicing common courtesy. Because of this standard, many men have begun to regard the bare minimum as a sort of maximum, believing that displays of chivalry are another way to flaunt their good moral character.

This phenomenon is further illustrated by a plethora of cultural examples. In the media, when a man exhibits polite characteristics or asks for consent, he is praised for his “gentlemanly” behavior. However, when a woman does the same, it often goes unnoticed thanks to the standardization

of female graciousness. This double standard equates the perceived male maximum to the assumed female minimum — where women are expected to be polite, men are going above and beyond.

Women have been forced to perfect a quiet exterior throughout Western history, expected to be seen and not heard. These restrictions have pressed definitions of femininity into a strict box, a box modern feminist movements are only just starting to dismantle. The contents of this box do not only harm women by holding them to a higher standard, but society as a whole. With women at a disadvantage, everyone is at a disadvantage.

The notion of chivalry as a bonus for men does not consider men and women equivalent in the worth of their behavior and actions. Only one of the many double standards that women face, this chivalrous paradox can seem to act in subtle ways. However, the sole fact of its existence perpetuates traditional gender roles and hinders societal progress toward a more modern system of gender dynamics.

Society must work toward the termination of this disparate cultural norm in today’s modern era. Promoting equal expectations for men and women will be key in raising awareness about the issue. Media representation should follow — either chivalry should be celebrated less in men, or women should be recognized for the constant graciousness they must adopt to withstand society’s pressure.

The entanglement of modern chivalry and its associated double standards necessitates humanity’s collective efforts to unravel it. While grounded in well-intentioned ideals of honor and respect, chivalry as an idea has yielded a crop of unjust contradictions. Navigating this nuanced landscape requires societal consciousness; cultural adaptation does not happen easily, but when pushed by many, it can improve quality of life for all.

Baes and Nays HANNA BAE

People person It’s college app season, and as much as I want to continue to put it off, I can’t. I would be lying if I said that I have no idea of what I want to write about in my personal essays or that I’m lost and don’t know where to start. I do know what I want to write about. I do know how I want to sell myself. But I don’t think it’ll ever be enough, and I don’t know if that’s truly me.

Call it what you will (maybe it’s imposter syndrome), but I constantly feel like, well, exactly that: an imposter. There’s a certain innate expectation to live up to my name and how people perceive me. But the more boxes I check off, the more short answer

questions I jot down, the more supplemental essays I write, the more I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb.

I thought I had fully found my people. My sophomore year, I wrote a component for a center spread on friendships, marveling at how I had been in a solid trio for the past 7 years and didn’t see that changing any time soon. Looking back, I may have been the odd one out. My friendship dynamics were constantly fluid from sophomore year to senior year.

I’m in a completely different circle two years later, and if I’m being completely honest, I wouldn’t change a thing about everything that’s happened since that center spread.

None of it was malice. Yes, I’ve been hurt, but I don’t think there was ever an intention to hurt. There’s an expectation, especially in a community like South Pasadena, to have a “group.” To fit into a “group.” That’s where my dilemma stands. There’s never been an instance where I was without a group, but in every single group, it felt like I stuck out.

My profile didn’t really fit into the profile of the rest of the group. Everyone had their “person.” But even at my best, if I had a person, it felt like I wasn’t theirs.

I feel that at this point I must acknowledge that I have absolutely incredible people in my life, and my personal

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feelings regarding my sore-thumbness is not at all a testament to how these people have treated me. But this sense of fragility stems from the fact that my friendships have drastically shifted throughout high school. This sense of constant change and fluidity the past four years has in a way completely overwhelmed me as I find it difficult to believe that other people care about me as a person and not as a convenience.

Perhaps my fatal flaw is that I put what other people think on a pedestal. But in a way, isn’t that what my sense of self is? I’ll never be able to grasp who I truly am, especially because that sense of self is purely internal. My sense of self is built off of my impressions of the way that people act around me and how, in turn, I act around them.

I’ve grappled with who I am for quite some time, and I like to say that, ultimately, I’m a people person. I used to be the mom, the fun one, the academic weapon, and everything in between. But if there’s anything that’s remained constant, it’s that I’m a people person.

Especially with Thanksgiving fast approaching, I reassure myself with gratitude. I have friends who trust me, family who support me, and myself, who turns to all of these people as a people person.

TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

OPINION

7

Students’ crisis of imagination A “creativity crisis” in students was first identified in the 2000s — a trend that persists today STORY ROSE VANDEVELDE ILLUSTRATION HEEJOON (JOON) LEE

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cientists started identifying what they referred to as a “creativity crisis” in students beginning in the 21st century across the country — a decline in a measurement of creativity “scores.” At the time, this decline was most attributed to a curriculum that focused largely on testing, as well as followed rigid standards.

Kyung Hee Kim, Ph.D. is an educational psychologist who dedicated a decade to studying the results of over 300,00 students’ creativity scores on the Torrance Test for Creative Learning (TTCT), and she found significant decreases in the scores since 1990.

The Torrance Test for Creative Learning that Kim used is regarded as one of the most reliable measures of creativity available. Created by E. Paul Torrance in the 1960s, the test measures creativity through categories such as fluency and originality. While creativity is undoubtedly difficult to quantify, this downward trend is far from insignificant. If anything, it seems expected that children today should be more creative.

The child creativity lab also cites the “No Child Left Behind Act” passed in 2001 as a contributing factor due to the resulting decrease in children’s attendance of art classes. This act was necessary in helping ensure that students learned the basics of education, but followed a trend of focusing on “core classes” and pushing aside art classes. The elimination/reduction of non-core class time (music and arts) hurts the “building blocks of creativity,” as the Child Creativity Lab states on their website.

As is inevitable, children in school grow up to be adults, taking the knowledge learned from their education into the “real world.” Statistics from the Harvard Business Review measure the percentage of a population described as the “creative class,” rank the US 11th in the world, a full 9.9 percent behind the leader, Ireland (33.5 percent). The creative class refers to professionals who “advance” a society through progressive ideas. The gap between the leaders in this standard and the US is worrying for the future.

The statistics and seemingly outdated information listed here may seem irrelevant today. But in the wake of a global pandemic that left millions of students behind

government standards, testing scores seem to take the focus of schools. Despite extensive research into the positive benefits of art, funding continues to be cut nationwide (43 percent since the 1960s after inflation adjusted), as written in the Pepperdine Graphic. Not only is art — or lack thereof — a large part of this problem, many experts believe schools today are just not compatible with creativity.

A study by Mark A. Runco, Selcuk Acar, and Nur Cayirdag identified what they named as a “creativity gap” — a dissonance between the creativity demonstrated in the classroom and the creativity demonstrated outside of it. The study measured the results of 254 students and found this gap possibly linked to the structure of school.

“Various interpretations of these results are examined, one being that students have creative potential, as evidenced by their creative activities and achievements outside of school, but these potentials are not displayed when they

are in school, perhaps because usually there is more structure and more restrictions in school, and creativity entails autonomy and independence,” the study said.

Apart from schools, another common argument cites technology as a contributing factor. With phones becoming ubiquitous, hours spent watching screens are hours without stimulation. Phones in general do not induce “creativity loss,” however excessive use of screens is related to a decreased capacity for creativity. A research study done in China found that the prefrontal and temporal cortices of students who were “addicted to smartphones” were less responsive when asked to “think creatively” than the ones who did not have a smartphone addiction.

This problem is as concerning as it is vast, and the causes are numerous and varied. Nonetheless the “creativity crisis” remains a problem. In order for a progressing and healthy society, it is imperative that creativity is possessed by the students that will one day lead it.

The phenomenon of femininity: platonic or romantic STORY MORGAN SUN ILLUSTRATION ISOLE KIM The phenomenon of women’s stereotypically intimate friendships seem to be a staple of the “straight girl besties.” The story of drunk friends kissing through the haze is not an unusual one, but the tendency to brush off these acts as purely platonic is harmful to the genuinely sapphic relationships. While people, and their sexualities especially, are fluid and complex, people must be wary of the lines that blur a friendship and romantic relationship. When assumedly straight people cross that boundary, the validation of other queer relationships come into question.

Assuming people’s sexuality is inherently harmful to the safety of queer folks, but the issue lies with those in a committed relationship who find it acceptable to kiss

other girls solely because it is “not official.” These women who claim to be straight and in an exclusive relationship will still casually plant a kiss on their friends. Even so, the inkling of an in-between never springs to mind.

Bisexuality encompasses the umbrella of everything in the midst between homosexual and heterosexual attraction. However, the erasure of this orientation leads to a black-and-white mindset where straight women feel compelled to only explore their sexuality through drunken misadventures rather than exclusive experimentation.

Beyond this erasure, even women who are exploring must be conscious of the boundary that lies between a close platonic relationship and a romantic relationship. When transgressions are made in friendships, the distinction blurs and many genuine women-loving-women (WLW) relationships are invalidated in the process.

Terms ordinarily used in conjunction with exclusive and committed romantic relationships are seized by straight friendships between women. The titles of “girlfriend” and “wife” hold less meaning between women when used in the context of friendships, and this common usage will lead to the discreditment of the authenticity of sapphic relationships. While “boyfriend” and “husband” still hold their exclusive meanings, “wife” has been appropriated by a community unfamiliar with its designated significance.

The gray area appears when discussing the safety and comfort of queer people, especially those still in the closet, so to speak. This phenomenon, the inherent intimacy of female friendships, can protect those who are not comfortable outwardly expressing their sexuality yet. However, this hurts those who were previously out, especially in a one-sided queer “situationship.” When one sapphic woman is crushing on their assumedly straight friend, it causes further harm to promote a superficial intimacy that can never be furthered. This is similar, though additionally stressed in a one-sided queer friendship, to a straight “friendzone.”

Another boundary still lies in the public posting of relationships. When the public is shown an assumed piece of proof of a queer relationship, such as a kiss or a declaration of love, it is demeaning to then reveal a straight relationship outside of that friendship. No longer is the sanctity of romantic relationships kept within the bond; rather, people outside of the queer community have thrown open the doors for an unwelcome assimilation.

It is damaging to genuine sapphic relationships when straight women commandeer the role without having to deal with fall out. People cannot cherry-pick queer culture when it is convenient for them and reject the inherent confusion and stress that comes with being sapphic.

Sexuality, a sapphic relationship especially, is not an inside joke that people can merely laugh about with their friends.

Being queer in a hetero-normative society is difficult enough — creating unnecessary confusion encourages hurt to inexperienced queer folks discovering their role in the world. People are unmistakably allowed to have intimate platonic relationships, but do not act like the role of a best friend is anywhere near a sapphic relationship.

Keep the same standard for friendships across the board in any sexuality; the muddlement of sapphic culture dilutes the definitive validity of its relationships.

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TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Holiday happiness vs

The dichotomy between the fundamental sentimentality of the holiday season and the f

Seasonal depression STORY ZOE CHEN & ISABELLE WONG

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he winter holidays are widely regarded as “the most wonderful time of the year.” Bashfully smiling people blush from the cold weather, and the holidays often bring on a contagious joy amongst people. However, with less attention are the “Christmas blues,” or holiday depression. These feelings are often categorized as increased or intense feelings of melancholiness, deflation, or unhappiness, specifically during the holiday season. While some people simply do not find appeal in celebrations or festivities, other unwanted factors can also contribute to the blues.

Emotions often run high during the holiday season, but it is not always increased happiness. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that over half of respondents experienced frequent stress during the holiday season, and 7 percent often felt sadness, loneliness, and anger.

Overall, 67 percent of those with depression said their depression intensified during the holiday season. The main cause of this depression is the psychological allure of wanting what one does not have — a quality amplified by the extreme ways the holidays are presented to members of modern society.

Advertisements’ insistence on constant cheeriness plays one of the most vital roles in the causes of holiday depression.

Holiday advertising strategies often include surrounding viewers with exaggeratedly happy depictions of the holidays.

The flurry of unrealistic perfection and the forced cheeriness can have the opposite effect on viewers, creating a claustrophobia of sorts that leaves viewers wondering why they themselves cannot find the same happiness displayed.

Expectations go into full bloom as catalogs are sent out and window displays are arranged to perfection.

Ideals of the holidays have evolved much over time, and many now expect nothing less than a perfect, movie-worthy experience, complete with cinnamon-scented candles and matching pajamas for the whole family. Unnecessary pressure is placed on many to create and have this perfect experience, and a lack of any “essential” elements of the holidays can lead to feelings of failure and guilt.

The holidays are supposed to be a time of giving, but giving and getting go hand-in-hand. Wish lists are requested as the season kicks off, full of the products not yet owned but holding the potential of happiness. Soon after, New Year’s resolutions are made, lists of all the things this year could not bring but next year most certainly will. There is always more to want, and the holidays only worsen the lists of unfulfilled expectations.

42 percent of people responded to a survey specifying that thanks to the holidays, December is the “most stressful time of the year.” Tasks begin to stack up as the weeks go by, including finding fitting gifts for everybody and wrapping up the year.

Too much to do in too little time can turn the holidays into a huge stressor, rather than the festivities they are supposed to embody. There is also the financial aspect — gifts, decorations, and the whole extravaganza must be purchased. The spending, especially if on a budget, can lead to extremely negative emotions for not being able to match the high standards of perfection shaped over decades.

As said by Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Report, “America is back. We are once again spending money we don’t have on things we don’t need to give to people we don’t like.”

The holiday season emphasizes the desire to have and experience everything. People can get so lost in the ideals of the holidays — the shopping, planning, the desire for perfection — that it is often forgotten what the holidays should really highlight: a celebration of all that people have and accomplished.

When positivity poisons STORY CLAIRE MAO

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he practice of projecting a bright outlook and avoiding the acknowledgments of adverse aspects in life is commonly referred to as toxic positivity. Many people resort to toxic positivity to deal with trauma or isolation. Nevertheless, it is essential to realize using toxic positivity is not a healthy or effective method of coping; using toxic positivity also defies what it means to be human. Toxic positivity is vastly different from genuine positivity, as they reside on opposite sides of the spectrum. While toxic positivity displays unwavering “optimism” by suppressing and invalidating negative emotions, gratitude embraces a more balanced and healthy perspective on life.

Toxic positivity is built on denial of the complexity of life. It often leads individuals to turn a blind eye to struggles, striving to adopt a “move past it” mentality and focus exclusively on the bright side of any situation. However, the reality is that challenges persist, even when one tries to ignore them. Solely wishing challenges would vanish does little to push one’s personal growth and meaningful progress.

Many seemingly innocent phrases displaying toxic positivity include “just be positive,” “you will get over it,” “smile, crying will not help,” and “things happen for a reason.” The dismissive manner the phrases display invalidates every negative emotion. Gratitude is a facet of genuine positivity which shows sincere appreciation of both others and oneself. It not only encourages individuals to have a truly positive outlook, but also acknowledges the full range of emotions that make humans, human. Instead of denying obstacles, gratitude compels humans to confront them with honesty and resilience.

Toxic positivity brushes off unfavored times in life and results in consequences. The dismissal of the complexity of life is a fundamental aspect of toxic positivity. As a result of the ever-rising urge to maintain a positive outlook, experiences and emotions are oversimplified. The statement “things happen for a reason” holds some truth; recognizing that there might be underlying purpose or lessons within life’s events. However, toxic positivity weaponizes the phrase as an excuse for dismissing or trivializing certain challenges. By neglecting misfortune in one’s life, it subsequently dismisses the real pain one endures.

Toxic positivity blindly leads people to so called positivity, but this misdirection leads to dismissing real challenges. The consequences of such dismissive attitudes can be more profound and serious than one might initially perceive. The pressure to maintain an unwavering facade of happiness can leave individuals isolated and misunderstood. Defying the moments of failure and sorrow with false optimism means denying an integral part of what it means to be human.

Many people resort to toxic positivity to find an equilibrium between their negative and positive emotions. The instinct to focus mainly on the bring side can be seen as a defense mechanism against vulnerability and pain. While it’s common to block out negative feelings since it serves humans unhappiness, growth comes from obstacles.

Hardships are essential to personal growth. Dismissing challenges using toxic positivity limits experiences and understanding human emotions. Acknowledging the aspects of life does not define being relentlessly happy, it is about being authentic and accepting all human emotions.

Toxic positivity cannot be waned, and it is crucial to differentiate comments of genuine positive attitudes from toxic positivity — an unhealthy coping mechanism. If people continue to rely on toxic positivity, they will ultimately disregard the full spectrum of human emotions and the richness of one’s journey.

TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

9

s. holiday heartache

familiar pressure of the holiday blues collide as the end of the year period approaches.

The “spirit” of pessimism STORY ELLIE NAKAMURA, BENJAMIN REGAN, & ISABELLE WONG

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essimism has been a widely adopted attitude among Gen Z. Many choose to consider the “worst case scenario” before their actions, or are conditioned to an “expect the worst, hope for the best” mindset. Seeing the glass half full seems impractical or laughable to many high school students grappling with full schedules, extracurriculars, and mounting pressures.

Pessimism is an attitude of general hopelessness on the basis of the assumption that all circumstances that may go badly will inevitably do so. There is a focus on the negatives, and the victim of this mentality finds themself in a perpetual spiral of dread and disparity. Drowned out by negativity and an inability to find the good in life, one’s pessimism often rubs off on those around them. Because of this, the pessimistic cycle leaves many even more isolated than before. Many try to uplift those around them, but pessimism can blind its victims into dragging everyone down along with them.

Primary causes of pessimism can stem from one’s household setting or society around them. With the everchanging nature of the 20th century and many contentious topics burdening the consciences of Gen-Z youth placed on the back burner, it is easy for many to find themselves falling into this dark hole; a hole that can be the source of many resulting mental health issues.

Societal expectations play a factor in the sinking feeling of pessimism. Grades are often skewed by expectations; an 80 percent for one student may be seen as a massive success, to another, a mark shy of perfection. Because of this, many approach their grades, even if their grades are spectacular, with an attitude of pessimism.

Constantly aiming for an A or a 4.0 GPA, and viewing anything less than that as a complete failure, is a mindset not uncommon amongst SPHS students. This pessimistic view is harmful not only because failure to reach marks of “perfection” can be hurtful, but also because even reaching them is just viewed as expectation.

Many people do not celebrate their accomplishments because they are seen as the standard. This is pessimism at work, discouraging and damaging one’s achievements all because of the expectations around them. Expectations should not hamper the pride felt in working hard and reaching a goal.

Mental health struggles continue to be widely notable amongst members of Gen Z. In a more nuanced sense, pessimism can both mark the start of these issues, or possibly result from them. The stress that stems from life’s inherent inability to be controlled creates a breeding ground for one to end up in this pit of existential dread. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety mirror the symptoms of pessimism, and a person already struggling with their mental health can find their struggles amplified by their new worldview.

Optimism can often seem irrational. Telling oneself “it will be okay” or forcing oneself to accept a more positive mindset when the world seems to be going on a downwards slope may seem unauthentic and unnecessary.

However, it is the act of trying to be positive that is often more important than the actual messaging. Looking for the bright side of a shortcoming can have actual benefits, because it keeps one above water.

There is a fine line between pessimism and realism, but it can be difficult to see this disparity when the world cannot simply be viewed in black and white. This mindset can prevent expectations of the impossible, and prevent falling into a world of delusion far from that of reality. Despite its potential to assist one’s decision making or allowance to maintain a grip on reality, pessimism — like anything — is only good in moderation.

Gratitude — a solution STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK & ISABELLE WONG

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he quest for happiness is as old as human history itself. While the formula for happiness may seem complex, the solution seems to be a universally available tool: gratitude. Gratitude is a fundamental practice that can completely change experiences and nurture well-being — a transformative power that can reshape a life.

The appreciation for both the tangible and intangible leads to a higher quality and level of happiness. Although happiness is affected by a myriad of factors that range from genetics to personal and shifting situations, taking the time to adjust daily actions and attitudes can yield a state of well being and contentment. A study by Emmons and McCullough (2003) discovered that participants who kept a daily gratitude journal reported higher levels of positive emotions, better sleep, and even a greater willingness to accept change compared to those who did not.

However, the cultivation of gratitude is not the same for everyone. There are considerable hurdles that obstruct its development: experiences like deep loss, trauma, or chronic adversity may shadow the ability to feel grateful.

These darker experiences in life can cast a gloom over the positives in front of them that were formerly easy to recognize. During these times of struggle, negativity becomes a much stronger catalyst in forming a black and white view on life, and the good happening beneath all the bad can be distorted and blurred.

Maintaining and expressing appreciation for the benefits of life may be difficult to tackle, and the person finds themselves stuck in a world where the curveballs of life constitute discouragement rather than what they view as hopeless gratitude. The psychological strain that is imparted from these experiences can make it difficult to notice or embrace the positive aspects of life.

Everyone possesses their own relationship with gratitude, and this relationship is not simply stagnant in the same way that periods of struggle are not permanent. One’s sense of gratitude can be obscured by these moments, and the process to heal their vantage point on gratitude seems Herculean at times. The discovery and care of the emotion is a deeply personal journey.

Beyond personal emotional care, gratitude can also strengthen relationships and enhance social bonds. Gratitude can oftentimes act as an emotional connector. Expressing thankfulness on a deeper level and using individual feelings to strengthen emotional bonds can lead to a stronger and more enduring relationship. It can foster empathy and compassion, and encourages reciprocity. When someone feels appreciated, they respond with kindness and support, creating a cycle of giving and receiving that builds and maintains social bonds. Engaging in this reciprocation creates a positive environment in a relationship where both parties feel appreciated and respected.

Gratitude can be found and fostered through self-reflection — a habit found through mindfulness. Reflecting on the positive aspects of life and the blessings that one possesses can increase self-awareness, and is often the catalyst for recognizing things that one can be thankful for. Staying present in the moment, and enjoying life as it is experienced can also create a gateway to gratitude. Noticing the simple pleasures that are experienced on a daily basis can place people more in tune with their emotions, and, by extension, their gratitude.

PAGE DESIGN EMIKO ESSMILLER ILLUSTRATIONS HEEJOON (JOON) LEE & ELLIE NAKAMURA

Emotional well-being is enhanced by acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, and positive relationships are fostered, resilience is built, and overall health is improved. By practicing gratitude and shifting perspective, a better quality of life can be discovered. In a world that shares the common goal of happiness, embracing gratitude is a profound step toward achieving it.

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TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

FEATURE

Charlotte’s Web CHARLOTTE DEKLE

It’s My Column, Stupid I’m having a little bit of a crisis — I am turning into James Carville. For the uninitiated or those who have never seen my phone’s lock screen, James Carville was Bill Clinton’s campaign manager for his successful 1992 presidential campaign. My fascination with this man was cemented when he became my lock screen this summer.

When people see my lock screen, “why?” is their typical response. Over the summer, HBO Max recommended the Bill Clinton campaign documentary The War Room to me. It seemed like a sound recommendation given the amount of times I have rewatched The West Wing on the platform, and my burgeoning interest in the political sphere is apparent.

Trap captures SPHS audience Trap’s jump scares and effects created an experience like no other.

STORY ZOE CHEN PHOTO SHIN-HYE (RACHEL) CHOI

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PHS Drama students put on Trap, a psychologically thrilling play written by Stephen Gregg, during the weekends of Nov. 3 and Nov. 10 as the school’s annual fall play. Auditions were held in September, and the chosen cast of 25 has rehearsed every even day after school since.

Trap is told through acted out interviews and camera footage. The storyline jumps between past and present times, revolving around an intense mystery. An immersive audience experience leaves viewers unsure of what is scripted and what is not, adding to the suspense.

“We’ve really just embraced that ‘seeing a play should be a lot of fun,’ and so I’ve really enjoyed, with the cast, just being like ‘what’s the best way to scare people with the scene,’” drama director Nick Hoffa said. “It’s been a really creative process with them.”

The plot centers around a mystery in which the audience members of a high school play fall unconscious — all but one student, Angela Lure.

New investigator Gwendolyn Heche is assigned to the case. Heche visits the psychiatric hospital where a traumatized and distrusting Lure is being held, but Lure is overwhelmed by fear.

Trap’s live piano accompaniment, performed by senior Vivian Yu, made the experience more immersive than pre-recorded music would have been. Yu spoke her lines whilst hitting all the right notes.

Matching community accounts of alien creatures haunting the area begin to pile up. One especially descriptive caller frantically warns Heche of humanoid but inhuman creatures called the “pharonochs.”

As the caller agitatedly talks about how the pharonochs feed off of human fear, the connection is severed.

In a riveting climax, Heche convinces a reluctant Lure to return to the theater, where the undisturbed crime scene is. The location jogs Lure’s memory, and as pieces of the timeline come flying back, it is revealed that the play the unconscious audience members were watching was the same play the real audience is currently watching — Trap.

Lure’s recount tells that the Oak Box play Trap was just that — a literal trap put on by the entirely pharonoch cast. Trap’s storyline, which featured the pharonochs as characters, allowed the “real” pharonochs to devour fear out of audience members, knocking them unconscious, while most others believed it was part of the play.

Lure wakes up the unconscious and the audience applauds at the supposed ending. But all at once the stage lights shut off, and pairs of glowing red eyes flicker on from around the room. Real life begins to fade as events play out just as Lure had depicted them in the play — the entire cast, having donned pharonoch costumes, make their way around the SPHS Little Theater, hissing to audience members. The act is perfected with preselected members of the audience falling unconscious after being “preyed” on by the pharonochs.

“It’s amazing, I think none of the rehearsals have ever been like this,” senior Sophia Swallow, who played Angela Lure, said. “Having an audience, interacting with the audience, talking to the audience — it’s so much different than any tech week has ever been. It was just very different, and it’s a really fun thing to experience.”

A true ending led the cast back to the stage, and as the lights flicked on, the audience applauded.

The plot of Trap was intricately woven, but all strings tied together into a clever bow with the play’s conclusion. The actors portrayed raw emotion — especially fear. Loud screams and outbursts of fear and anger acted both as jump scares and human realities, further immersing viewers. Trap was a stellar audience experience.

PAGE DESIGN SOLANA SINGER

Watching this documentary unleashed an entirely new era of my life. Carville’s commentary in the documentary was chock-full of witty insights, including a jab at George Bush’s failed campaign promises — “read my lips? No sir, read the record” — or indicating that Bush was “so yesterday.”

In this campaign, Carville outlined three important messages to focus on. First: change vs. more of the same. Second: it’s the economy, stupid.

Third: don’t forget healthcare.

These kinds of pithy slogans were typical of the Ragin Cajun’s contributions to the campaign. After exerting all of my witty energy on my first round of college applications, I am depleted. I, typically, pride myself on my writing ability. I have never been sporty, a math whiz, or a gifted musician. But I have always been able to write. So right now, as I stew over my computer, having no idea what to write or how to make it sound, it scares me.

So I turn to my idol for inspiration.

To start, I need change. As I have officially settled into the groove of senior year, the novelty has worn off.

The taste of college is so near. With college will come new experiences and freedom. I will no longer be constrained by the drudgery of school bureaucracy.

All of my teachers are lovely and my classes are interesting but after four years of an odd/even three100-minute-periods, I could use a change.

Second, it’s my column, stupid. There seems to be some idea in my head that this column has to be a perfect representation of me. They have to be relatable yet personal, smart yet common. But now I realize that this is my column and I could write whatever I want. I do not need to be beholden to the idea that this column has to be all I am. If my column isn’t good, that doesn’t mean I’m not good.

I am not my writing ability.

Lastly, don’t forget health. Both mental and physical. As Thanksgiving is coming up, I need to start focusing on the more positive aspects of my life. I am healthy, my friends and family are wonderful, my teachers are supportive. I even discovered a new musical and new television to watch. Life is good. I mean this part genuinely: Read my lips, I’m grateful.

TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

FEATURE

11

Taylor Swift: America’s popularity paradox The global behemoth known as Taylor Swift cultivates a controversial culture between unwavering fanaticism and the perpetual victim portrayal, but she has undoubtedly reached success.

STORY ABIGAIL KIM, LINDA YUN, & ANONYMOUS

The invisible string Taylor Swift ties to us all

Victim mentality (Taylor’s Version)

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aylor Swift has undeniably become a worldwide sensation through her 17-year-long music career.

The release of her self-titled debut album at just 16 years old would mark the beginning of her global dominance.

Due to her ongoing Eras Tour, she gained even more widespread attention the past year, with the highly successful tour projected to soon surpass the $1 billion mark. But what makes Swift such a popular influential figure remains a mystery.

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Swift has released 10 different studio albums, all of which have been wildly well-received. Singles such as “You Belong With Me,” “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” and “AntiHero” all achieved great commercial success, propelling Swift’s music into the ears of millions. However, many believe that these overly played singles represent her entire catalog. But this is simply a misconception.

Swift seems to perpetually cultivate a victim narrative, both in her online and musical presence. Whether this portrayal is intentional or not, her one-sided storytelling can create a skewed perception of both reality and romance. She romanticizes victimhood, an ever-present and defining motif of her songwriting. The musical drama and innate casting of her love interests as the antagonists reinforces the idea that romance is tumultuous and may set unrealistic expectations for her audience. There is rarely room left for nuance, and it oversimplifies the complexity of a relationship – something that is made up of two typically consenting parties, not one.

aylor Swift is, undoubtedly, one of the most influential artists of this generation. Swift has built a veritable musical empire that dominates popular culture, and has garnered millions of dedicated, albeit sometimes violently overzealous fans. Certain aspects of her career and rise to stardom, however, merit examination — not as an exercise in disparaging or invalidating Swift’s undeniable success as an artist, but rather as a look into the phenomena surrounding her celebrity.

Songs such as, “betty,” “the last great american dynasty,” “Clean,” and “Soon You’ll Get Better” all represent a different perspective of her music, one that does not just revolve around her dating life. Songs like “mirrorball” and “this is me trying” dive into painful experiences which, in reality, are the songs fans truly find relatable, not the singles that many associate with Swift. These songs provide comfort to those who truly need it, and strengthen the connection between her and her fans.

These recurring themes, while not apparent in every song Swift produces, feature prominently in many of them. Despite her genre shift from country to pop, an action that aligned her firmly with the trends in a deft career move, Swift’s music is still largely formulaic.

While there is absolutely no fault with her tried-andtrue pop hook approach, it limits genuine artistic growth and ties her evolution to her marketability.

Including a donation of $100,000 to each of her truck drivers earlier this year while on her Eras Tour, Swift donated over $55 million in total to her crew. Swift has also put much of her money towards GoFundMes, relief efforts, schools, food banks, and many more, which have built her a high-standing reputation for genuinely using her money as a method of helping other people.

Besides the themes in her music, Swift’s fan base exhibits extremely damaging and toxic behavior. They internalize Swift’s conflicts, and develop an obsessive level of devotion that leads them to adopt a combative stance towards Swift’s perceived “adversaries.” Swift’s high-profile and largely public celebrity disputes only intensify her fan base’s toxic mentality of protection. Doxxing, cyberbullying, and general online harassment stems from the self dubbed “Swifties,” and this unacceptable behavior creates an ostracizing and degrading environment within the fandom. The behavior of Swift’s fandom raises questions about celebrity worship and responsibility of public figures in regulating their fanbase.

Swift is not, by any means, representative of the common person, but ventures such as her documentary, “Miss Americana,” open up about her personal life. Through this, viewers and fans got a glimpse into who she is as a person, “rather than just her pop star persona. In the 2020 documentary, Swift opened up about many issues she had faced in the past, providing transparency with her fans that many artists fail to present. She detailed her traumas, stalkers, and personal life in a way that established a sense of honesty, which made her fanbase stronger than ever, with many admiring her for her perseverance.

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Taylor Swift, a household name, might appear at first glance as just a shallow, basic, American singer. While it can never be truly known the exact reason why she became such an impactful figure in today’s society, her music and transparency make her much more than the girl who writes songs about her exes.

Despite Swift’s position as a highly LE influential cultural icon, her W impact on American society is fraught with complexities.

O NG It is imperative that in a time when Swift is viewed with an overwhelmingly positive lens, the less ideal aspects of her stardom are recognized as well.

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America’s bejeweled musical giant makes waves and shines starlight at SPHS

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PHS, like any high school campus, is a hotspot for Taylor Swift fandom. From hardcore Swifties who furiously pick apart every new track to relentless critics of Swift’s lack of creativity, the community of SPHS has strong feelings about the work of the 21st century pop star.

Senior Lucia Benning founded the Taylor Swift Club with the intent of uniting a community of Taylor Swift enjoyers. The club meets every other Wednesday in Mr. Regan’s room during lunch. “[The meetings] have such a chill environment to them. Most of the time, the [attendees] are all diehard Swifties. But other times, they bring their friends who are not as familiar with [Swift’s] music,” senior officer Solon McDonald said.

While the club’s founding was only recent, officers are already discussing plans to keep the club active and running in the future. “[The meetings] are just such a fun time,” McDonald added. “Especially in SPHS, it’s rare to find a club that

comes together just to share a common interest. I think it’s great.”

that Swift is out of style; good girl faith and tight little skirts do not always enchant everyone.

Aside from those in the SPHS club, there are many more casual enjoyers of the artist. Since Taylor Swift is such a common household name, there is a spectrum of interest towards Swift and her music within the school.

“[Taylor Swift’s] music is just impossible to relate to,” one anonymous SPHS student said. “As someone who is not white [nor] female, it’s hard to understand her lure especially given her [immense] popularity.”

“I’m not a huge Swiftie myself, but I don’t see a problem with Swifties in general,” junior Doreen Hu said. “They are not hurting anyone, and [ just] because people think Swifties’ behaviors are cringey does not mean that they should be frowned upon.”

One major divide separates Swift’s supporters and dissenters in SPHS and across the world — gender.

Many students enjoy Swift’s most popular tracks, including “Shake it Off,” “Lover,” and “Love Story.”

Benning believes that this “casual interest is vital to the proliferating career of Taylor Swift.”

On average, Taylor Swift fans are more likely to be female, which makes the fandom more prone to receiving backlash on the basis of unoriginality. One important element that defines almost all critique of popular music is the belief that female interests are inherently basic — a belief deeply rooted in misogyny and universal to almost all aspects of popular culture.

The 33-year-old pop star, however, is not immune to criticism, despite the general support for Swift and her music. Aside from passionate Swifties and casual enjoyers, Taylor Swift has also picked up many dissenters. SPHS has a number of students who believe

Ultimately, SPHS is home to diverse opinions on both the music and public persona of Taylor Swift. Despite the division between those that support and criticize her work, Swift will remain a musical behemoth on SPHS grounds.

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TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

FEATURE

Sex Education leaves fans on a mixed note Netflix’s teen “dramedy” is famous for its representation, the good and the bad.

STORY SOPHIE MERTZEL ILLUSTRATION ISABELLE WONG

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eason four of Sex Education was released this year on Thursday, Sept. 21 on Netflix as the conclusion to the beloved series. First aired in 2019, the show follows teenager Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield) as he navigates the classic teenhood in high school with a twist: his mother’s profession as a sex therapist. Otis, along with Maeve (Emma Mackey), realizes he can make use of his above average understanding of consent and reproductive systems and sell it as a service. Thus, Otis’ sex-clinic is born. The show’s fans have sung its praises for well-done representation integrated throughout the show in the past. This season’s success, however, has received a mixed audience response.

One standout, multi-season plotline is that of Adam (Connor Swindells), as he deals with his relationship with his father Michael (Alistar Petrie), and both learn how to be more kind and value what brings them joy.

Their dynamic began as terse and distant and only escalated. In season three, Adam’s mother, Maureen (Samantha Spiro), decides to separate from Michael.

Rather than leaving behind Michael’s character, the writers used his moving out as the beginning of Michael’s arc of learning to be a better person.

In season four, Michael attempts to reconnect with his son. As Michael learns that his time spent on himself has not necessarily “earned” him his son’s forgiveness, they begin to rebuild their relationship. The season ends with a long awaited moment of connection between them. Their hug is indicative of growth not only in its intensity, but in how alien the idea of that contact was to the characters at the start of the show.

In addition, a parallel storyline shows Maureen and Michael also rekindling their relationship.

It is refreshing to leave the series feeling their dynamic was treated with care. Their family is not given a simple fix, but follows through their struggles, and stays true to the original characters. All three actors put their most into the roles, portraying the seriousness and emotion of the plotline. More impressive still is that this arc is almost entirely separated from the rest of the cast. Not many shows can succeed in audience engagement while having a very split apart plot.

While some storylines felt like they were given their time, others felt underserved. This is only amplified by the fact that some main and many side characters were only introduced for this last season. The character turnover went both directions; many loved characters were left behind, and some viewers felt a lack of attachment to the new main players.

O (Thaddea Graham) is introduced in this season as the current sex therapist of Cavendish College. O seeks to continue her health clinic, and Otis works to open his own.

O acts as a foil for Otis as he feels his role has been stolen, and they become rivals. O is viewed overwhelmingly negatively throughout the show, and as a result by the audience, creating a disappointing portrayal for such an impactful character.

In a pivotal moment of the season, O comes out as asexual to the entirety of Cavendish, describing her fear and confusion in sharing her identity, which some may view as contrasting with her role as a sex therapist.

What was meant to be a moment of clarity was received by some fans as excusing behavior. Yasmin Benoit, asexual activist and creator of O’s character, described the reaction.

“I’ve finally had time to watch the season and was disappointed to see that some important moments were cut out or changed,” Benoit said.

Benoit’s comments tell a picture of what changes were made. While O and Otis resolve their conflict in the last episode, it is clear that many scenes of Otis’s poor behavior were cut, while the reactionary behavior by O was left in. In addition, greater context into O’s motivations and experiences were left out and

shortened. What was meant to be a back and forth conflict became a villain arc.

Benoit says she created the character based on herself, and the notable lack of representation for asexual women of color in the media. The consistent depiction of asexual people as cold and unfeeling is incorrect and harmful, but unfortunately ends up perpetuated.

There was clear intention and great potential put into O’s character, and it was disappointing to see the way her arc was handled. While there may not necessarily be blame to place, this lack of attention to harm is distressing, and the effect on the ace community cannot be understated.

Sex Education is so much more than these two plotlines. With such a large ensemble cast, many large characters and fan favorites were not even covered.

Otis’s best friend Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), a vibrant and hilarious character, grapples with his pride in his sexuality and his religious beliefs over the course of the series. Aimee (Aimee Lou Wood), one of the most adored characters, has a multi-season storyline of deadline with the trauma of sexual harassment and assault, and loving who she is and her own body.

This show has been a space for many to feel seen, laugh, and sit with stigma over four years. The teens are growing up, and so are we.

A $19 smoothie is peak American capitalism

STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK ILLUSTRATION SUNHYE (SUNNY) CHOI Erewhon, the poster child for the food-pricing crisis that has engulfed America, perfectly epitomizes the disconnect between the average consumer and the “health-conscious” elite. While healthy eating should be accessible to all, Erewhon’s exorbitant prices highlight a system where health is a privilege reserved for the wealthy.

Though America’s dinner table is hardly the latest casualty of the increasingly unforgiving American economy, it is one of the most devastating. Families across the country are grappling with the ability to provide food, a basic necessity that has become a luxury.

Erewhon exemplifies the broken food system of this country, where healthy living is dictated by the whims of the affluent few. Nourishment seems to be the exception, not the rule.

The Consumer Price Index for Food indicates that food prices rose by 3.7 percent from September 2022 to September 2023, with grocery store prices increasing by 2.4 percent in the same period. Erewhon, however, has managed to tap into the niche market that thrives no matter the dire situation of inflation. A 2.5 pound organic rotisserie chicken sells for $22.50, compared to the $12.99 bird at Whole Foods, and the even larger chicken for $4.99 at Costco.

The luxury grocery store chain even boasts a $19 smoothie — the Malibu Mango. Using the USDA’s lowcost food plan, one could consume six nutritious and diet-conscious meals for the price of that smoothie. That smoothie costs more than minimum-wage workers are paid hourly. That smoothie is priced as more expensive than an hour of labor from a living, breathing human.

Namely, it is not about choosing to eat healthy — it is about being able to afford that choice. With inflation and rising prices plaguing the American public, many people

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are no longer able to provide a healthy diet. Most people are forced to resort to food high in calories, fats, and sugars, but low in nutrients and protein. Socio-economic barriers are blocking the middle-class from nutrition and Erewhon’s blatant flaunt of wealth, extreme privilege, and societal disconnect is disturbing. What fraction of the American population can afford, or even want, a $39.99 16 oz bottle of Mother Earth Sea Moss Gel? Erewhon’s pricing strategy is not just an economic issue, but a moral one. The brand is a symbol of a system where dietary health is a luxury rather than a right, and it demonstrates an extreme disparity in wealth between American social classes. With inflation and the relentless rise of prices, basic nutrition lies out of reach for the normal consumer. Society must rethink its food economy, and observe situations like Erewhon, which perfectly demonstrate a food crisis in our country. This lack of equity in nutrition is not a future problem: it is an issue that America is currently facing, and it is knocking on the door asking for dinner.

TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

FEATURE

13

TAAGLAA: Independent bookstores TIGER’S AWESOME ADVENTURES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA

STORY CLEMENTINE EVANS PHOTOS SAMANTHA SHIROISHI

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ndependent bookstores are disappearing. The comfort that they give local readers is more than any next-day shipping that Amazon can provide. Instead of online shopping, we went searching for a few of the charming bookstores around Los Angeles.

Our endeavor started at a criminally early 10 a.m. I picked up Samantha and we were off to our first stop: North Figueroa Bookshop. Once we drove into the parking lot, we saw the beautifully painted murals of local authors’ books.

Samantha and I walked into the store and immediately felt the spirit of a true independent bookstore: the warm and welcoming feeling greeted us, as did the one woman working behind the counter. Walking around the small yet expansive space was very new but it felt like they were a staple in their community. With the country music playing in the background, Samantha and I wandered back and forth through the store looking for books to buy. Their support of local authors was inspiring, and their collection of carefully curated books was the cherry on top of an amazing bookshop.

Samantha got The Hole and one of the funniest books I have ever seen, Sitting, while I got The Gold Seekers. We looked through their quaint collection of local vendors’ products and thought about buying more, but realized we should save our money for the next three stores.

We continued our journey and drove to Skylight Books.

The parking situation was less than ideal and it made us struggle a little too much for something so simple.

Once we finished with the annoyance of parking

permits, we scurried to the store and saw a sign that said they were closed for construction for two days. We did, however, remember that they have an arts annex.

Even though it was not exactly what we were looking for, it still had shelves lined with colorful books. The large comic book section greeted Samantha and me to our right when we entered. Their array of books had more mainstream items compared to North Figueroa and the whole store felt very handmade. After buying a sticker and the most adorable zine about frogs wearing speedos, we ventured on.

The coffee shop I found earlier was exactly the kind of break we needed. The baristas welcomed us with big smiles and offers of their best drinks. I got a hot matcha latte while Samantha got an iced matcha with a mermaid bowl. As aesthetically pleasing as they were, we had to dig in. Once we wolfed down our food and drinks, we found a taco truck close to the next bookstore we were going to. The truck would give us the food we needed to keep going to the final two stops on our adventure.

Our drive led us five minutes down the street to Counterpoint Records & Books. The scent of old books cracking open ushered us into the store. The wooden stands and shelves gave the unintentional feeling of barn vibes. Stacks of neatly organized CDs, VHS tapes, and rare books were up against the walls and twinkle lights were strung along the wooden beams. The records and VHS tapes gave me flashbacks of my grandmother’s old collection. I grabbed a few bookmarks and stickers as I checked out with In a German Pension and The Undertaking: Life Studies From the Dismal Trade. As we slowly walked on, the caffeine somehow making us more tired than an hour before, we drove to our last

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and final stop, the one I had been looking forward to the most: Lost Books.

The drive there was not extremely long, but just long enough where I could put in my AirPods and turn on Tangled to pass the time. Once we parked in a lot a few minutes away, my drowsiness had almost completely set in. I was too sleepy and loopy to know which way to turn and which street was Honolulu. After the confusing turn around, we walked down the street and saw the leafy green trees and vines inching their way out of the store and greeting passersby.

We entered the store and walked through a magical tunnel of faux moss and fairy lights. The gaps between the leaves were like a window into the sky. The shelves inside the store formed a miniature maze that had us lost in a world of literature. The front of the store had plants for sale along with books on keeping plants. The giant bird cage with little swallows and the fish tank in the sitting area made the store feel like a combination of a bookstore and a garden all in one.

Ending with this bookstore felt like the right place to stop. After spending far too much money on books, it was time to call it a day.

North Figueroa Bookshop had the quaint atmosphere that introverted book lovers thrive on. Skylight had small yet slightly pretentious magazines for LA transplants. Counterpoint had the VHS tapes and records that old souls and vintage lovers could bond over. Lost Books was its own Garden of Eden with new and used books lining the maze-like shelves. These bookstores, although different from one another, were a great way to spend our pupil free day.

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TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

SPORTS

Keeran Murray: Running with the bulldogs Murray has decided to continue running at the collegiate level after a lengthy history of playing sports.

STORY ABIGAIL KIM PHOTO KAITLYN LEE

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enior Keeran Murray announced his commitment to Yale University for track and field via Instagram on Monday, Oct. 2. After over a decade-long dedication to sports, Murray plans to pursue both his athletic and academic career in college.

He specializes in mid-distances such as the 800m and the 1600m, and currently runs on varsity for both cross country and track.

“I’m the best at the half mile, but I also enjoy the mile. I think they’re both events where you have the endurance side of it, but you’re also going really fast and so I kind of like having the balance,” Murray said.

Murray started running during his sophomore year of high school, mainly to get in shape for soccer, a sport he played since kindergarten. By track season of sophomore year, he realized his potential in the sport and ultimately quit soccer to focus on running.

“I like competition. I like competing against other people and I like all lining up on the track and everybody trying to do their best. I also like the improvement you see in running, you know, you run faster times and it shows you’re getting better,” Murray said.

The culture of both the SPHS cross country team and the SPHS track and field team have also drawn Murray into the sport.

“I’ve really enjoyed just the people on the team and the environment, and how supportive everybody is and, you know, it feels like a family,” Murray said.

Murray has faced various injuries through his high school career, similar to many high school athletes.

Before school started in August, Murray suffered a knee injury that left him injured for around two months.

Because of this, he began cross training to help stay in shape while recovering.

Cross training refers to when an athlete trains in a couple different ways to get in shape for their primary sport. In Murray’s case, he spent a lot of time in the pool, the weight room, and with an arc trainer, all of which helped simulate running without actually having to put pressure on his knee. He recently started racing again, and will be competing at CIF. Murray is committed to Yale University to run division one in college. Yale is currently ranked #6 in mens’ track and field.

Division I is the most intense and prestigious sport commitment at the collegiate level, furthering an athlete’s training through their college years.

In Murray’s case, he started reaching out to colleges during his junior year after realizing that running collegiately was a possibility.

“I got the chance to visit a bunch of places and meet with a bunch of coaches. And, you know, they’re all really great choices. And I really liked a lot of them, but it was kind of the team environment at Yale that really pulled me there,” Murray said.

He ultimately chose Yale due to its division I status, academic advantages, and team culture.

“I think academically, you know, you can’t really go wrong with Yale and athletically it’s division one, so I’m gonna get the highest competition I can. And there were a lot of schools that, there’s a lot of schools I was looking at that kind of had academic and athletic balance. And so like the final selling point for me was just the team itself,” Murray said.

Murray says he looks forward to the competition in college, and hopes to be able to compete at a higher level. “[I’m excited for] the competition, I feel like in high school, the people who go from high school to college running are used to being the best in their events and then you all of a sudden go to college and you’re surrounded by those people everywhere,” Murray said.

Joe Burrow/Travis Kelce, slow burn, enemies to lovers STORY KATE LIU ILLUSTRATION ISABELLE WONG There is a familiar excitement that sweeps communities nationwide as the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp: the arrival of football season. Many look forward to the careful preparation each Sunday, watching the big game with friends, convinced that this year will be the year for their team.

But, above all, the thing that most look forward to is fantasy football; aligning the brackets, choosing a dream lineup, and picking the ideal players to make an ideal team.

Content in knowing that even if the team one representatives do not make it to the Super Bowl, their league team can dominate and win. In building this dream team, it’s almost as if one is writing a story. A fanfiction.

The basis of fanfiction is the pairing of characters who, in the original media source, do not end up together, a parallel to fantasy football.

cool with no judgment attached to proudly repping a team jersey or investing vast sums to secure prime seats at games.

At their core, fanfictions and fantasy football share this common thread — the creation of a narrative.

Rather, the dedication of those who pour their hearts and wallets into their favorite teams and celebrate their passion is pridefully donned as a badge of honor.

Fantasy football is akin to drafting a compelling story, with each player contributing to the plot of the season. Yet one is stigmatized and seen as “cringy” or “embarrassing,” while the other is normal, if not cool.

While fantasy football is incredibly popular and something that many football fans participate in, fanfiction is viewed as something shameful that teenage girls should keep a secret. But why?

This disparity stems from the distinction of being a fan or a fangirl. A sports fan is typically perceived as

A different narrative unfolds when it comes to fandoms outside of sports, particularly those dominated by young women.

Fangirls who invest heavily for an ideal concert experience or idolize a celebrity are often met with judgment and snide remarks. The very act of being a fan is somehow diminished; its value lessened by the societal norm.

Rooted in the inherently sexist ways men and women acceptably express their passions, the terms “fan” and “fangirl” serve as a microcosm of traditional gender norms in dictating how men and women are allowed to express their passions in a socially acceptable way.

However, these inherently sexist viewpoints ignore the fact that male fans can be just as passionate and emotional as their female counterparts.

Picture a man shedding tears after his football team suffers a devastating loss.

It is seen as a display of genuine emotion, a testament to the profound connection he feels to his team. Or picture the whole of Philadelphia, notorious for tearing up their city regardless if the Eagles win or lose.

Yet, when a woman sheds tears after a concert, the reaction is often much different. She may be labeled as “chronically online” or dismissed as overly emotional.

This hypocrisy within fan culture, exemplified by such contrasting perceptions, reflect deeply ingrained gender norms in today’s society.

But in the end, both sides of being a fan should be embraced and accepted. They both express the same human desire, the desire to lose oneself in the narratives and experiences that fulfill one’s needs and passions.

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TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

SPORTS

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Girls’ volleyball: 2023 season in review After taking a first place league title for the first time in years, volleyball was eliminated during their second round of playoffs.

STORY ZOE CHEN PHOTOS SHIN-HYE (RACHEL) CHOI

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irls’ varsity volleyball closed a successful season, making it to the second round of CIF playoffs and taking the title of Rio Hondo League Champions in the process.

The team was led by Head Coach Ivy Chew and co-captained by seniors Helena Foord and Jenna Garner, both skilled outside hitters who produced strong kills for the team.

Volleyball played a total of 27 matches this season: eight league games, eight non-league, nine in tournament, and two rounds of playoffs. Their final season record lies at 20-7, and the team currently ranks number 27 in California.

The Tigers kicked off their season with two tournament matches, setting a pre-league winning streak and paving the path for future accomplishments.

A face-off against Campbell Hall School dampened the mood, but the loss proved to be helpful in the long haul.

With new knowledge of their flaws, South Pasadena took down two highly ranked private schools in their next matches, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and HarvardWestlake School.

Woodrow Wilson Senior High School also proved to be a tough opponent, pulling ahead of South Pasadena with precise kills. A decrease of Tiger energy allowed the Bruins to take all three sets of the match, setting off a slight downhill chain of events for the Tigers.

Matchups on day two of the Las Vegas Durango Fall Classic tournament were pivotal for SPHS, especially following a difficult first day that featured two losses. With flawless communication and teamwork, South Pasadena performed kill after kill, taking down some of the most competitive teams and leaving the tournament with a recovered 4-3 record.

“The two teams that we lost to were the top teams in [their states]…It was an eye-opener for us,” Chew said. “It allowed us to see that we needed to make some changes, whether it was the lineup, or how we’re executing the game. From then on, I believe we went undefeated because of how well we were figuring out our small things we needed to work on, and how well we were connected.”

The Tigers played each Rio Hondo League team twice for a total of eight league matches. South Pasadena dominated its first two league matches, sweeping its opponents elegantly and holding ten-point leads in more than half of the sets. A game against La Cañada High School proved to be a minor setback, however — the Spartans were well coordinated with their passes and kills, and the Tigers’ own kills were often strategically blocked by the Spartans. The eventual loss of the match gave the Tigers their first and only league loss.

After three more league sweeps, South Pasadena prepared to play La Cañada in a revenge match. This time, the Tigers came in with energy and a confident mindset, giving the game everything they had. Stepping onto the court with

stronger blocks and more strategic kills than the previous matchup, the Tigers clawed their way out of close sets, surpassing 25 points and winning on slight advantages.

With a climatic final set, South Pasadena emerged victorious against La Cañada, breaking a five-year record of losses to La Cañada.

The La Cañada win guaranteed South Pasadena a first place league title. Sure enough, with a sweep against the league’s lowest ranked team, the Tigers simultaneously qualified for the first round of CIF playoffs and took the title of first in the Rio Hondo League — a first in four years.

“This year was probably the strongest bond that we ever had,” Chew said. “Every season their bond’s been really strong, but this season it was something different…it was not just like friendship, but it was a family. That’s the reason why we were so successful this season, because of that bond that they had.”

South Pasadena’s energy allowed them to take the first round of playoffs from the opposing Chaparral High School, advancing South Pasadena to round two of playoffs.

However, in round two, Oaks Christian School took advantage of the element of surprise, catching SPHS in weak moments to gain a lead. The Tigers’ eventual loss bumped them out of the playoffs, concluding their 2023-24 season.

With the season’s conclusion, the team will now be graduating many key seniors — some of whom have committed to play at the collegiate level.

UPCOMING GAMES FRIDAY, NOV. 17TH @ 4 PM, BOYS SOCCER VS CRESCENTA VALLEY AT HOME SATURDAY, NOV. 18TH @ 9:45 AM, CROSS COUNTRY AWAY SATURDAY, NOV. 18TH @ 10 AM, BASEBALL VS. CHARTER OAK AWAY WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29TH @ 4 PM, GIRLS SOCCER VS. FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART AT HOME

Maya Johnson: leaping and spinning into dance STORY CLAIRE MAO PHOTO EMIKO ESSMILLER Senior dance captain Maya Johnson loves performing. She has danced in the SPHS dance program for all four years of high school. Through her nine total years of dancing, and five years of competing, Johnson has sharpened her skills with time and with knowledge learned from others.

“I like watching others and being inspired by others…I just love the community that I’m around in dance, especially at school. It’s just such a fun environment to be in,” Johnson said.

her more engagement with dance and her mother continued encouraging her, verbally and by watching all of Johnson’s performances.

Johnson began dancing competitively during seventh grade.

Dance became a major part of her life as it accompanied her throughout elementary school until high school.

“It’s super fun to just see yourself go from where you were to where you are now,” Johnson said.

Johnson practices dance through SPHS’s dance program for two or three days each week. Outside of SPHS, however, Johnson practices anywhere from 18 to 20 hours a week.

The years of dance taught Johnson how to dance in multiple styles and genres. She can perform jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, and recently, tap dancing. Her personal favorite, however, is the contemporary style, which is a mix of movements from the genres modern, jazz, and ballet.

Johnson performs in assemblies at SPHS and in winter and spring concerts. She says her all time favorite performance during her years at SPHS was this year’s Barbie-themed dance from the Color Day assembly.

Johnson started dancing in third grade and has been immersed in the realm of dance ever since. However, dance was not Johnson’s first sport. At the age of three, she began gymnastics. Johnson moved from Los Angeles to Mammoth during second grade, however, Mammoth did not serve gymnastics. As a result, she started dancing in fourth grade.

The dance program also participates in competitions outside the school. SPHS has placed in the top 10 multiple times and Johnson placed seventh in 2022.

“Where I moved, there wasn’t any more gymnastics, but there was dance. So then I switched because of that, but I’m so glad that I switched to dance because I like it so much better,” Johnson said.

Johnson has been in the SPHS dance program for all four years. Being a captain this year allows Johnson to take on a bigger leadership role, while at the same time, contribute to the positive environment of the program.

Johnson practiced gymnastics for approximately three years, with this playing a modest role in her life. However, once she started taking dance lessons, she gradually fell in love with dance instead. Eventually, she and her family moved back to Los Angeles so she could dance more since dance was not a large program in the small town she resided in.

Johnson’s dance years were not without hardships, despite the uplifting environment in the program.

“Dance is a very demanding sport. It’s really easy to get really hard on yourself and compare yourself to others… there’s always gonna be someone that’s better than you,” Johnson said. “The biggest challenge I faced is being secure in myself and how I dance instead of comparing myself to others.”

Johnson joined The Vault Dance Studio competition team and has been dancing there since seventh grade.

Johnson says her involvement with dance was greatly inspired by her mother, who also first introduced her to dance. From then on, her mother would show her daughter videos of professional dancers, as well as kids her age dancing. Watching all the performances brought

MAYA JOHNSON a senior dancer at SPHS PAGE DESIGN OLIVIA CHIN

Johnson’s dance experience taught her to continuously learn from her teammates. SPHS members support each other and Johnson strives to focus and advance her skills.

Keeping her options open, Johnson has yet to decide on her college major but she is confident that she will continue to dance beyond high school.

TIGER NOVEMBER 17, 2023

16

SPORTS

Nak-nak!

Who’s there?

ELLIE NAKAMURA

Cross Country continues their My Fragmented streak at CIF Preliminaries Identity

As I smothered the last bit of gloss onto my lips, already tinged a violently bright red, I looked into the mirror and couldn’t recognize the person reflected.

It was as strange as looking into the mirror when I woke up in the morning and only seeing white, disrupted by two dark eyes staring back at me. The technical term is depersonalization — the sense that you are not your body.

I’ve caught myself wondering how much of my physical being I could lose before I cease to be “Ellie.”

As my body and mind have changed throughout the years, I can’t keep up with the transformation and in the midst of my survival have lost any consciousness of my current being.

My middle school self had more confidence than that of my high school years combined, and senior year has left me floundering in a time when I should be able to write essays about who I am. There’s a stark reality that everything — the people you sit by in classes, the bad grade you get on a math test, the hallway crush that you make an embarrassing amount of eye contact with — is temporary, especially senior year.

CROSS COUNTRY EXCELS at CIF Southern Section Preliminaries. After a strong season, they will advance to CIF Finals on Saturday, Nov. 18.

STORY CLEMENTINE EVANS PHOTOS KAITLYN LEE

C

ross Country competed in CIF Southern Section Preliminaries on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Mt. SAC. After qualifying for the Rio Hondo League finals, both the boys’ and girls’ teams showed out at prelims. Going into the race, both the boys’ and girls’ teams were ranked fifth.

“Everybody did what they were supposed to do…just a solid performance to go onto the next level,” head coach Mike Parkinson said. “The boys, they recently stepped up…hopefully we can continue on that path and maybe be better than fifth place next week.”

Cross Country boys consistently took first at league meets and also took the Rio Hondo League title. They continued their streak of speed throughout the season.

Recent Yale-commit Keeran Murray returned from an injury. He added to the success of the boys during the season. The girls went up against the La Cañada Spartans for the league title, but lost by two points at the Rio Hondo League finals.

The boys finished third in the 2.93 miles for the Division 4 Heat 1 race. Murray led the team, finishing 12th with a time of 16:31. Freshman Michael Scarince finished 14th with a time of 16:37. Junior Noah Aldana placed 16th, clocking in at 16:43 and fellow junior Ethan Kung finished 21st with a time of 17:02. Juniors Kallean Beebe Read and Adam Ruiz placed 28th and 29th with times of 17:15 and 17:20, respectively. Sophomore Kai Tilley finished 38th at 17:54. The boys finished with a total tally of 85 points, finishing 34 points behind the second place team, JSerra Catholic High School, and 47 points behind the first place team, Foothill Technology High School.

The girls team placed second in the 2.93 miles Division 4 Heat 2 race. Junior Abigail Errington finished second, clocking in at 19:18. Juniors Sofia Humphrey and Chloe Koo placed 10th and 11th with times of 20:03.7 and 20:03.8, respectively. Sophomore Rose Vandevelde finished 23rd with a time of 21:30, and freshman Alice Rowley placed 24th at 21:34.

Sophomore Amada Cortes finished 26th with a time of 21:43, and fellow sophomore Raden Estridge placed 40th at 22:33. They finished with a tally of 68 points, finishing 32 points behind the first place team, Oaks Christian School.

Both teams have done exceedingly well this season, breaking numerous school records. At Woodbridge Invitational, Scarince broke the freshman record for the three-mile race by over a minute. Errington also broke the school record for girls’ three mile. “[The team did] just perfect. We planned on just qualifying through…we were ranked second in each, boys and girls heat, so all we needed to do was be probably top four. We didn’t want to chance it by going too easy and possibly getting fifth or maybe even messing up and getting sixth…We wanted to conserve as much energy as possible and to go all out next week,” Parkinson said. “We focus[ed] on what’s called a tempo workout…right now, in order to go to state, we have to get top seven, so that’s the preliminary goal.”

The team is looking forward to going to and qualifying for CIF Southern Section Finals. The race will be Saturday, Nov. 18 at Mt. SAC and 28 schools will be participating.

It’s nostalgic and freeing to realize that you are a miniscule part of everyone’s life and soon enough will be consigned to oblivion, only remembered when they find your portrait in the yearbook or they come back to South Pas and you happen to stumble upon each other at a grocery store like those random celebrity sightings.

I find that, due to this realization, I’ve shed a lot of the fear caused by longevity, the idea that people will remember you and what you’ve done, and become careless. I spent so long curating myself into someone who I thought people would like, who could do less wrong, to be someone who people want and I imagine as my ideal that I’ve lost who I am now. In short, I don’t like the person I’ve become.

I prided myself as someone who didn’t cause trouble, who was easily overlooked and unequivocally good but once I lost the perfect grades, my closest friends, and was caught in more issues than ever before within the first couple weeks of my final year of high school, my identity completely dissolved. Everyone wants to hear a story about how I rose up from the ashes but I’ve spiraled to the point of which I cannot think of one word to describe myself, positive or negative, that was not completely taken from how others see me.

I don’t know where I lost it all, but I’ve laid awake at night thinking about what I could’ve done to avoid becoming whatever I am now. As we approach the peak of college application season, it’s striking that I cannot find anything to write about myself because I cannot even recognize my own reflection and acknowledge it as a part of my physical being in a way that anyone would want.

I can’t say I hate myself, but I’ve lost the parts of myself I could fondly identify. In a haze, I cut and dyed my hair, covered my face in powder and foundation until the red that blemishes my skin is gone, and marked my body with white lines. I’ve gnawed the inside of my cheek until it bled to tell myself I am here and yet the taste of my own blood and rough scarring has yet to confirm my existence. If my body is gone, I’d still exist in the minds of others, but I cannot say it’s me.

I could be poetic and say I am the creases in the SAC room couch and biting remarks and shivers on an overcast day but I cannot say it is truly a reflection of who I am. I can cut my hair shorter, redye it another color but the only thing I can say is that my hair is short and discolored, as temporary as cutting it all off.

In my last years as Ellie, recognizable as that ASB or club girl, or maybe nobody at all, I must continue the pretense and live in my body, covering it with blush and marks until I can see an accurate reflection.

BUT WAIT!

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PAGE DESIGN OLIVIA CHIN