November Issue 2022

thetrinityvoice.com

THE

TRINITY VOICE

November 2O22 Volume 25 Issue 2 Trinity Preparatory School 57OO Trinity Prep Lane Winter Park, FL 32792

BOATS OVER BACKPACKS Students praticipate in anything but a backpack day to celebrate Homecoming week.

NEWS

Administration fights back against intensifying vandalism in men’s bathroom.

Page 5

OPINIONS

A new form of American nationalism is dividing our country.

Page 18-19

FOCUS

Keeping up with fashion trends feels impossible. Here is what you need to know.

Page 14-15

LIFESTYLES

Pop-star Harry Styles extends his influence as an entrepeneur, actor and more.

Page 1O

SPORTS

Sophomore Elena Maynulet dominates her competion in first volleyball season as a Saint.

Page 25

g

Table of Contents

November 2O22

TABLE OF CONTENTS News

Opinions

Lifestyles

Lead Ed 17 Nationalism 18-19 Fiction vs. Reality 2O-21 Censorship in Media 22-23

Focus

Senior Diver 24 Volleyball Star 25 Fantasy Football 26 Fencing 27

Book Painting O4 Bathroom Bandit O5 TPS Time O6 Gym Culture O7 AI Art O8-O9 Harry Styles 1O Identity Around Shoes 11 Games in Classrooms 13 Fashion Trends 14-15 College Payment 16

Sports

The Trinity Voice is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

The Trinity Voice is produced by the newspaper/journalism class at Trinity Preparatory School of Florida. Editorials represent the opinion of The Trinity Voice writer and are not necessarily the views of the administration, faculty, or Board of Trustees of Trinity. The Voice welcomes letters to the editor and freelance articles or photography. All submissions become the property of The Voice. Please send all correspondence to 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, FL 32792. The Voice may also be contacted via phone at 407-671-4140 and via e-mail at voice@trinityprep.org. For information regarding the purchase of advertising within The Voice contact us by one of the methods mentioned above. The Voice is a monthly publication during the school year (with the exceptions of November and January).

VOICE@TRINITYPREP.ORG THETRINITYVOICE.COM Courtesy of Nico Santiago Caden Liu

Page 24

Page 1O

@TRINITY_VOICE @THETRINITYVOICE “THE TRINITY VOICE”

Jack Ververis

Pages 8-9

Caden Liu

Cover Photo

Staff/Podcast

November 2O22

STAFF

Editors-in-Chief: Marcos Membreno, Jack Ververis Managing Editors: Ava Savino Sarah Zehnder Copy Editor: Kaylee Ortega Layout Editors: Amy-Ruth Gyang, Reese Taylor

3

Saint Talk

This Month’s Podcasts: Blurb by Mohil Kapadia Graphics by Austin Yuan

Ep. 3 - Off-Campus Sports

Social Media Editors: David Bryskin, Ana Carolina Marques News Department: Iris Lei (Editor), Julian Sealy, Alec Diaz, Karthik Stead, Laziza Talipova Opinions Department: Abby Hernan (Editor), Reese Taylor, Amanda Rose DeStefano Focus Department: Peyton Alch (Editor), Fay Zhao, Lucy Chong, Zach Kleiman Lifestyles Department: Taylor Riley (Editor), Kaylee Ortega, Boaz Kim, Victoria Berube, Jack Aaron, Sammy Lou Sports Department: David Steinberg (Editor), David Hull Podcast Department: Aetant Prakash (Editor), Sreekar Nagulapalli, Mohil Kapadia Graphics Department: Amy-Ruth Gyang (Editor), Austin Yuan, Andrew Edwards, Caden Liu, Lia Garibay Photo Department: Anna Miliotes (Editor), Andrew Edwards, Raheel Patel, Olivia Kortman, Olivia Prince Fact Checking Editors: Boaz Kim, Julian Sealy Business Manager: Sreekar Nagulapalli Adviser: Erin Miller

In this episode, Mohil Kapadia talks with student-athletes that play sports not sponsored by Trinity Prep. From rowing to hockey, he discusses the difficulties and obstacles they face compared to school-sponsored competitors.

4

News

November 2O22

SOPHOMORE SUSTAINS MUSICAL RANKING

Article by Iris Lei Photo by Olivia Kortman

Many students compete on the state and national level in fine arts, but few maintain the position of first in state for three consecutive years and counting. This is only one of the achievements Sophomore Dylan Wang has collected his seven years playing piano.

Wang has become first in state for piano for three years, and ranked third in the Stockholm International Music Competition (SIMC) held in Sweden.

The SIMC is held from May to June, and organized by the Cultural Association Semibrevis. It began in May of 2010 with 280 participants, and has been steadily increasing in number since then.

According to him, maintaining the position of first place in the state was easier after the first year as he got the hang of how it worked. For the international competition, Wang traveled to Sweden for three days.

“It was kind of like going to China, it was strange [but] we got used to it,” Wang said. “I was very nervous though.”

The registration process for these competitions was fairly simple. Competi- Sophomore Dylan Wang plays piano in the school auditorium. He has been playing piano tors filled out an application consisting of for seven years, and is now first in the state in piano for three consecutive years. a paragraph about their piano career, and three recordings. The latter allowed several cause I can play what I like,” Wang said. “There attempts, though it was the portion the judges were a lot of composers I really liked and learnmainly focused on. ing their songs was fun.”

He has also conWang’s favorite tributed his musical “It’s not like you can only work on genre is classical, estalent to Trinity by pecially Chopin. playing the piano in one thing. The main reason I stay “I like fast-paced, Jazz Band, and play- with piano is because I can play high tempo songs ing the oboe. Balthat require a lot of what I like.” ancing homework, hand movement.” swim, and piano Wang said. “I’m al- Dylan Wang practice was not difways biased towards ficult for him. the pieces I’m learning [but] I would choose, “You have a lot of time when you get home, overall, probably First Ballade [no. 1 in G miright?” Wang said. “I can definitely squeeze in nor] by Chopin.” an hour.”

He attributes his repeated success in competiScan this code to watch Dylan According to Wang, one of the aspects he tions to his piano teacher and lots of practicing.

Wang’s piano sumbission to likes about piano is the wide variety of genres “She usually gets a bad rap because she’s rethat one can choose songs from. ally harsh and honestly, I think that’s the right the Stockholm International “It’s not like you can only work on one way,” Wang said. “Otherwise we’re not gonna Music Competition. thing. The main reason I stay with piano is be- practice.”

November 2O22

News

5

THE DEVIOUS LICK TREND CONTINUES Article by Alec Diaz Photo by Andrew Edwards

Last school year, the “devious lick” trend took over TikTok and encouraged students to commit various acts of vandalism around their school. A similar trend is happening this year at Trinity, but it has so far been limited to school bathrooms.

This past September, the boys bathroom in Holloway was vandalized and temporarily shut down.

The vandalization in the bathroom included the signs and soap dispenser not only being taken off of the wall, but also put into the toilet.

World Language teacher and Upper School Dean Kyle McGimsey said that it is frustrating and creates more work for the cleaning staff.

“It is a sign of a lack of respect for what they do and for how hard they work,” McGimsey said.

McGimsey is not the only one who feels this way, as he said that other teachers feel frustrated with the situation as well.

Senior Charlie Lehr said that when he went to use the bathroom in Stuart there was vandalization on the mirror.

“I remember I went to the bathroom one day in the language building and it said ‘GOD IS DEAD’… and I was like, “Why would you do that? It’s not really doing anything, it’s just kind of annoying, because the bathrooms are going to be closed”,” Lehr said.

Due to the vandalization, teachers and the cleaning staff have had to check the bathrooms more often. McGimsey said that teachers are checking the bathrooms more frequently and that they are working with security as well.

Head of cleaning staff Jeff Sneed said that it is disrespectful to the school and to the males on campus. Fortunately, there has not been any vandalization for a couple of weeks now. “[The vandalization] becomes a cost effect now. You know, tissue paper, hand towels, soap, everything has a cost to it and so as far as that, it kind of throws the budget off per say, and also for the staff, that makes them have to work even harder… [and] it's time consuming,” Sneed said.

McGimsey said that the vandalization doesn’t represent the majority of the male students at Trinity and that all shouldn’t be pun-

ished for the vandalization. “[Mr. Sneed] convinced me that we need to trust that the vast majority of us are going to

do the right thing and that the individual or individuals who have been making this choice will maybe think better,” McGimsey said.

After the vandalism in Holloway, the bathroom in Stuart was shut down for a couple of days.

November 2O22

Lifestyles

7

GYM CULTURE FINDS NEW HOME ON TIKTOK Article by Karthik Stead Graphic by Andrew Edwards In the last four months, “depression slideshows” have been circulating throughout TikTok. These posts are slideshows of various images intended to make the viewer feel hopeless, featuring images that discuss feelings of inadequacy and feelings of immense pressure. These slideshows are often set to sad music, such as “Call Me”

by Gigi Mansin and “Can You Feel My Heart” by Bring Me The Horizon.

Feelings of insanity and forced confomity are also common themes in these posts. After seeing these posts, the viewers are then encouraged to head to the gym to deal with these feelings.

“The old meme is, ‘what do we do with our feelings? We hide them in our muscles,’” boys weightlifting coach Isiah Cabal said. “It's cool to say, I go to the gym on a regular basis.

It's not as cool to say ‘I go to therapy or I talk to someone about my mental health, my spiritual health, my emotional health.’”

With 106.6 billion views under the hashtag Gymtok, the popularity of this type of content is evident.

However, for those who do lift, it’s not purely physical. “[It’s] a good way to get your not [necessarily] anger out,” junior Brady Thomas said. “But just kind of get your energy, any energy that you have [out], and it feels good,” “I [work out] from 5 to 6 a.m.,” Cabal said. “I get it all done. There's something to be said about feeling like, I've done more in this last hour and a half than most people have done all day, and then it just kind of sets the tone for the rest of your day.”

There’s scientific basis to support these claims. Many studies have shown regular physical activity “I feel like they're a joke,” Thomas said. significantly reduces the symptoms of anxiety.

“And some of them aren't serious, but some of The slideshows, however, don’t appear to them are. But it's just like you get them and have much of an influence on Thomas’ routine. you laugh at how absurd they are.”

Thomas instead suggests that social media is not a major concern for his personal exercise motivation.

“I don't weight lift to look like everyone on Instagram,” Thomas said. “I just would like to improve myself. And I think it's a good thing to work on self-improvement” While the encouragement of self-improvement appears to be the main goal of this movement, the instantaneous nature of social media can sometimes interfere with this mission.

According to Cabal, When you post about your goals, people typically offer words of encouragement. This gives your brain the positive response it wants, and thus the motivation for exercise diminishes, Cabal explained.

Bodybuilding during adolescent development is something that has piqued the interest of the scientific community, recent data seems to indicate that increased exercise during adolescence increases bone strength.

Ultimately Thomas’s philosophy is quite simple: “I mean, I feel like you should go to the gym if you want to go to the gym,” Thomas said. “But if it’s not something you enjoy you shouldn’t feel like you’re compelled to go. Do it if it makes you happy.”

6

News

November 2O22

KEEP TRACK OF THE CLOCK Sophomore builds new TPS Time website Article by Laziza Talipova Photo by Olivia Prince As the long and exhausting day draws out, lieves that students need something to finish like pep rallies or the lunch on the lawn. Hawstudents quickly open up tpstime.com and- the day strong and, naturally, to keep an eye ley plans to update the website for days like check the duration of the class they’re stuck in. on the time. these. Additionally, he is developing an app They can thank sophomore James Hawley for “It’s just a nifty thing that helps people that will link your Veracross account among this helpful website. throughout the day,” Hawley said. “And it many other updates to come.

Hawley said alumni Ricky Woodruff made gives some people something to look forward “I’m trying to work on an app that will do an app similar to TPS Time. Woodruff’s pop- to during the process.” a lot more and maybe even connect it to your ular app was taken off due to system change, Freshman Misha Choudry uses the website Veracross account,” Hawley said. “So it’ll give which then sparked an idea for Hawley’s 20- quite often. She heard about the website from you exactly what class you have next. And if time project. other classmates, and she tends to look at it on there’s any special schedules… or even if it’s “In eighth grade, for my 20-time project, I block days when class periods are longer. just you that has an early dismissal, it’ll put actually tried to remake the app and I didn’t “It really helps me manage my time during that on there.” finish,” Hawley said. “Then in 10th grade I classes,” Choudry said.

Hawley may have to take down his website finished up the project. So it’s pretty cool.”

Trinity uses the regular schedule mostly soon due to security reasons, but Trinity stuThe web page itself has many unique fea- throughout the school year. However, there are dents thoroughly enjoyed using it to keep an tures. A color changing feature is present as also special “A” day schedules used for events eye on the time. different colors start and end for each class period.

Hawley added a hack to turn the web page into an app by going to “share” and adding it to your home screen.

Originally, there was only an upper school schedule, but later on Hawley made a middle school schedule to expand his website even more. To make it easier for students, without even clicking on the website, you can see the time left on the tab.

Despite the fact that Hawley said he has no experience in building websites, he didn’t find it very difficult.

“Once you have the basics down, you can pretty much make whatever you want,” Hawley said.

Although looking at the A student checks the countdown till advisory. Students routinely use the TPS Time website throughout the time all day could be bor- day to keep track of the bell schedule amidst their busy lives. ing, Hawley strongly be-

November 2O22

Focus

Article by Jack Ververis Graphics by Jack Ververis

THE FUTURE OF

In 1968, Harold Cohen moved 5,000 miles of vast compilations of photos, artworks, and across the globe. Although the British paint- illustrations- one AI, Stable Diffusion, has a er had been one of the most influential artists database of over 2.3 billion images. in the London art scene, he was beginning to Both of the other two involve the generation question what constitutes art and what makes itself. First theorized in 2014, Generative adsomeone an artist. So he went to California. versarial networks, or GANs, measure the genHe would never move again. During his erated images against real samples, similar to residency as an art professor at University of an email filtering for spam. If the data doesn’t California San Diego, a colleague introduced pass, then generator learns how to fool its ophim to the college’s punch-card computer ponet, and the filter learns what to watch for. system. Cohen Although GANs was hooked. He produced remarkquickly learned ably stylistic images, primitive coding the high electrical languages, and costs and generation using the resourctime limited general es of the college’s appeal. Diffusion, not-ten-years-old which saw major CSE program use with the launch and nearby Stanof DALL-E in 2021 ford, began mak(Wall-E and Salvaing a machine of dor Dali, according his own, not to to the creators), do calculations or solved that. Alanalyze data, but though diffusion is to create art. incredibly complex, To do this, for most people the the “drawing results were easy machine” relied on “Trinity Preparatory School.” to understand; AI art thousands of rules was cheaper, easier and set by Cohen, rules that a person would know faster than ever before. naturally, but that an AI must be taught: a perSince then, AI-generated art has exploded in son has two legs, a tree has one trunk, an apple general popularity. DALL-E 2, which recently is round but not perfect. Over the course of went into open beta after being in closed testdecades, Cohen refined his rules, turning the ing since April, reports having 1.5 million usmachine’s creations from basic, monochrome ers create over 2 million images each day, and squiggles into complex and colorful abstrac- generation tool Midjourney, which emphasizes tions. ease-of-use, has over 2.7 million users on its “I am constantly being asked whether I am a discord server. In 2018, generated art was put scientist or an artist, as if there’s a law that says up for sale at the venerated Christie’s auction I can’t be both,” Cohen said in 1995. house in New York City. The initial price es60 years later, Cohen’s art is no longer a timate was for $10,000. It sold for $432,000. strange experiment, but the foundational “As soon as I got onto Midjourney, I was text of a new movement. Although they may like a kid in the candy store,” Jason Allen said. be much more complex than in Cohen’s day, “There’s something really special about watchAI-generated images are now more accessible, ing your imagination appear on the screen.” popular, and inescapable than ever. Whether Last month, Allen became the focus of an this is the future or end of art- or something online firestorm after his AI-generated image, else entirely- depends on who you ask.

Théâtre D’opéra Spatial, took first place in the However, modern generators are quite dif- digital artwork category of the Colorado State ferent from Cohen’s machine largely due to Fair. Allen had gotten into AI art earlier this three key innovations. The first is the creation year, spending dozens of hours perfecting the

AR

“An Art Gallery in the matrix” Midjourne cluding page numbers, were created using

prompt and variation for each work.

While he expected debate, Allen says that he was surprised at the level of backlash.

After outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post covered his story, online users leapt to both defend him as an innovator and deride him as “actively anti-artist,” taking acclaim from traditional creators. Allen says he started receiving hate mail and even some death threats.

“No one has the right to tell another person how to be an artist, or how to express themselves creatively,” Allen said. “If you’re creating your work from the soul, something like this shouldn’t affect you. You choose to represent or to illustrate your work in the

November 2O22

Focus

RT FO DNE EHT

ourney. All graphics in this article, inusing AI-image generator Midjourney.

medium that’s meaningful to you, that you want to express yourself. I chose Midjourney to do that.”

Many artists, however, are concerned that AI isn’t creating art, but stealing it. Due to the fact that generation tools use millions of other past and present artist’s works, many have grown angry that their work is being cataloged and used without their consent. One fantasy artist, Greg Rutowski, found that his name was used as a prompt in Stable Diffusion over 93,000 times, and the website Have I Been Trained? allows artists to see whether their work has been used by an AI for its generation.

Not everything that generators are collecting is just art, though. As the tech has become more widespread, so have fears of it being used

for misinformation and non-consensual depic- fully supplanting the human element. tions of celebrities and public figures. While “Plenty of old-fashioned artforms are still some sites, such as DALL-E 2, attempt to pre- alive and well,” professional artist and Trinity vent the creation of violent or misleading con- graduate Julia Clift said. “People crave human tent, others have few expressions about the hurestrictions as to what man condition. It noura user can create. ishes us and makes us feel This legal and ethiless alone in the world. I cal complexity is why can’t imagine that ever gosites such as Getty Iming away.” ages and Shutterstock Much of the debate have banned the sale around AI-generated imof AI-generated images ages has come down to from their platforms, philosophical arguments as well as why the U.S. on what makes up art. copyright office has Soul? Intention? Effort? largely rejected any Whatever the answer may copyright attempts, be, the companies and claiming that the “huusers furthering this new man authorship” eltechnology aren’t waiting. ement was lacking.

“We are in a new art However, last month, movement, we are the the Office did grant new avant garde,” Allen the first known US said. “If this is an artwork, registration for AI art and I’m not an artist, then on Zarya of the Dawn, art is dead. And this is a graphic novel featurbetter than art.”

Through over five ing images created by decades, even as AI Midjourney. generators became A large part of the mind-numbingly comonline backlash has plex, Harold Cohen also centered on the “Brown dog, van gogh” and “Brown dog, continued tuning his fear that generation picasso.” machine, rule by rule. tools will remove work The machine’s paintfor smaller artists, especially for jobs that require numerous sam- ings were put on display at the San Francisco ples, such as concept artists. Magazines such MOMA, exhibited on PBS and Good Mornas The Atlantic, Cosmopolitan and The Econ- ing America, and displayed in global traveling omist have already used AI art for some covers exhibits. Cohen’s works became more intricate, often 3D and towering over the viewer. and illustrations.

“Artists kind of feel cheated because they He often spoke of it in friendly terms, like a spend so much time and effort putting inten- “painter’s assistant,” and when asked the meantion and meaning into the best way to repre- ing behind the machine’s title of ‘Aaron,’ the sent whatever subject that they want,” junior artist said that it wasn’t an acronym, but a Eva Chong said. “But AI art just kind of comes name. When Cohen died in 2016, Aaron did too. along and does it in a second.”

“To be realistic, I rather suspect that AARAllen says that the ethical question of AI-generated art isn’t shouldn’t be about the ON will end when I end.” Cohen said in existence of the technology, but on whether 2011. “Why would anybody want to take up companies are going to use it to “save a buck.” my other half?”

Some artists have also stated that the use of AI could help their creative process, while not

1O

Lifestyles

November 2O22

STYLES IMPACTS INDUSTRIES Contestant #165998 is called onto the XFactor stage and the crowd begins to cheer, expecting an ordinary performance. A 16-year old-boy, employed at a local bakery, walks on stage to sing “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder. 12 years later, he’s the Grammy-award winning household name — Harry Styles.

what a good artists does, is that they create art that makes people want to talk about issues that are important.”

Valencia truly believes that his influence on this generation would not be possible if it weren’t for Styles’ willingness and connection with fans.

“He amplifies what the fans bring, and they bring this diverse inclusive space at the concerts and it just kind of grows.,” Valencia said.

“It’s the ultimate fan project.”

MUSIC

FASHION

Article by Carol Marques and Victoria Berube Graphic by Caden Lui

Styles made his music industry debut in 2010, joining the band One Direction through X-Factor, a music competition in the U.K. Dr. Louie Dean Valencia, Associate Professor of Digital History at Texas State, who teaches the course, “Harry Styles and the Cult of Celebrity”, believes One Direction was necessary to Styles’ success in his multifaceted career.

In 2017, Styles made his first solo debut with the self-titled album, “Harry Styles.”

“The release of his first album was super nerve wracking,” Sophomore Victoria Hill said. “It was nothing like One Direction, it was much deeper and mature. It was so exciting to see that he was expanding in his music and doing what he likes instead of what he was used to.”

His second album, “Fine Line”, included some of his most well known songs such as Grammy winning, “Watermelon Sugar.” Followed by his most recent, “Harry’s House,” which includes “As It Was,” which has continued to break records as #1 since it’s release.

Outside the records, Styles continues his impact through the Love On Tour concerts.

“The central part of what he does in a concert is he tries to exude love to his fans for the world, but also encourages people to love themselves,” Valencia said. “It’s self-love, a wonderful fashion show and super engaging.”

Whether Styles points out merch printed with his slogan and song title, “Treat People With Kindness,” He is always pushing for positive change. “[Styles] is important when we are trying to have better conversations about really difficult issues,” Valencia said. “He is really important when thinking about voting, all of his concerts have voting registration tables. That’s

In December 2019, Styles became the first man to appear solo on the cover of Vogue, further making history by wearing a dress, stirring much controversy.

In spite of harsh backlash for wearing conventionally feminine clothes, Styles continued to remain unphased.

“When you take away ‘There’s clothes for men and there’s clothes for women,’ once you remove any barriers obviously you open up the arena in which you can play,” Styles said in a Vogue interview.

Once more, Styles spread his message at the 2021 Halloween Show, Harryween, dressing up as Dorothy from Wizard of Oz, ruby slippers and all.

“He’s very transgressive when we’re talking about ideas of what masculinity is, how to combat toxic masculinity,” Valencia said.

A pioneer of male fashion world, his fashion looks and red carpet appearances are highly anticipated. Styles continues to redefine gender norms, wearing a sheer ruffle shirt to the Met Gala, a handbag on red carpets, and decorating his hands with nail polish and rings.

ACTING

In 2017, Styles made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. Following he was introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the “Eternals” post-credit scene. Although Styles’ roles were small, he takes his acting to the next level in his next film.

“My Policeman” is an LGBTQ+ book set in the 1950s about a Brighton policeman coming to terms with his sexuality in an un-

welcoming time. This role sheds light on the mass discrimation towards homosexuality during the 1950s and Styles’ audience brings in a large age variety for education.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In 2021, Styles took quarantine projects to another level. He announced the launch of his cosmetic company, Pleasing, in late November. The company’s main goal is to create a fun and inclusive experience.

“I think it’s really cool that he’s showing these ideas of inclusivity by using models who are 70 year old men and people from different backgrounds, people with disabilities…” Valencia said. “It is a great model and I hope that other companies use it to try to think about how they can be more conscientious of what they do.”

Throughout any of Styles’ outreach, he intends to leave a positive impact. Whether talking about breaking gender roles and political issues, Styles always follows his slogan “Treat People With Kindness”.

“The more people that we have in the world that have a positive outlook, the better, and Harry is a great model for that,” Valencia said.

“He does influence this generation, but also this generation influences him.”

November 2O22

Lifestyles

11

SELF-EXPRESSION OF THE SOLE Personality plays a role in the purchasing of shoes

Article by Jack Aaron Graphic by Lia Garibay Current fashion crazes show that teenagers are particularly susceptible to the hype of sneakers. As shoes become increasingly trendy, teens are buying more and more. According to statistics from 2019 published by Yahoo Finance, the average teen owns eight pairs of shoes. Junior Jake Male, however, owns 21.

“I like shoes, so I scroll through whatever [shoe purchasing] app, and then I buy the one I like,” said Male.

“I buy [shoes] once every couple months.”

For many teenagers, shoes are a tool of self-expression. Research shows that the shoes people buy correlate to specific personality traits of the buyer.

Several studies conducted show that personality directly relates with the shoes people choose to wear. A study from the University of Kansas, Journal of Research in Personality, shows that shoes are a useful way of judging a person’s character.

According to the newspaper Breo Box, in a study from the Journal of Research in Personality, “The participants were shown photos of individuals wearing different kinds of shoes and were asked to guess their age, gender, income, social status, political views, personality, etc.” The results from the study show that 90% of the participants gave a correct answer.

In a recent Trinity survey, students were asked what personality trait they most identified with and what types of shoes they purchased most frequently. Traits were matched with shoes based on the Journal of Research in Personality’s study. When looking at 100 random responses from the survey, there were 32% correctly matched traits and shoes.

Unlike the Journal of Research in Personality’s studies, at Trinity, not everyone agrees that shoes reveal our personality traits. Junior Maximus Knudsen did not choose one of the responses that are deemed correct from the study, and he believes that personality traits do

not play a significant role in the purchasing of footwear. “[I buy] what I think is stylish or what I think is interesting to me,” Knudsen said.

A professor of International Business and Marketing, Rollins College professor Marc Fetscherin, believes that self-image, in contrast to personality traits, is a large factor when people determine the shoes they want to wear.

While a person’s personality traits define who they are, a person’s self-image defines who they aspire to be.

“There is a congruency between image congruence of a brand and personal image,” Fetsherin said. “And so what consumers definitely do much more intentionally than companies is buying brands which fit either their real image or their perceived image.”

Self-image can apply to many products in the clothing industry, but Fetscherin believes it comes more into play when dealing with luxury brands. Fetscherin looks at one of the most expensive luxury bag brands, a sub-company of Hermès, to provide an example.

“The higher normally the brand is, I think the more social conformity comes into play…

Birkin bags are some of the most expensive bags, up to a half a million dollars,” Fetscherin said. “They have nothing to do with the cost of production, whether it has diamonds on it [or if it] is [made] out of crocodile leather. It is purely the image that they’re selling to, exclusivity and limitedness.”

Companies do not target personality traits in their marketing strategy, but consumers buy brands they want to be associated with and that fit their self-image. An example of this is the Swiss shoe company, On. “People want to project a certain image of being affluent, being trendy, [and] obviously they’re super comfortable,” Fetschein said.

The strive for limitedness, exclusivity and trying to project a self-image of yourself can impact shoe selection. The idea that personality directly correlates with the shoes people choose to buy may be a remaining debate, but self-image does play a role in the type of shoes people buy.

12

Focus

November 2O22

THIS MONTH’S FOCUS TOPIC:

TRENDS

Game-Based Learning Booms in Classrooms: 13 What’s New in 2O22?: 14-15 A Generation in Trouble: 16 We exist in an ever-changing culture that is guided by trends. They document progress and growth and allow people to find a common ground. Trends impact all aspects of life.

Whether it’s what’s cool in fashion, rising economic trends, or popular teaching techniques, trends are a constantly changing aspect of society.

November 2O22

Focus

GAME-BASED LEARNING BOOMS IN CLASSROOMS Article by Fay Zhao Photo by Anna Miliotes

based learning because of the games’ many concept at hand.

Latin teacher Kyle McGimsey logs into his components that make it both educational “I firmly believe that learning is more beneBlooket account and creates a game to intro- and fun. ficial when it’s engaging with human connecduce a new set of vocabulary. His students, “It encourages them to learn because it’s not tion,” Miller said. “So I feel that if it’s an online weary from taking notes on the 25th Caesar just writing stuff down, they get to play, they format teaching content, there’s no way for translation this month, light up when they get to compete against each other,” science the system to really interact with students to hear the Blooket theme song. teacher Carrie Lopez said. “It gets them excit- be able to tell what they’re really learning. It’s “It’s a change in energy,” McGimsey said. ed. It makes the class go by fast.” kind of easy to just sit in front of a screen and “We know that sometimes taking notes is Many students can solidify concepts better click, but you don’t really know if someone’s necessary, but that’s not mastering something or always super high energy. understanding someSo changing the energy of thing.” a class is great. And those While some teachgame-based kind of platers believe that these forms can help you do that.” platforms are not very More teachers are incorefficient, other teachers porating game-based learnare using them more ing into their classrooms because they have seen with platforms like Blooket, improvement in stuKahoot and GimKit. Credents using game-based ated over the last decade, learning. these games have gained “I have witnessed stumuch attention from teachdents who would strugers. According to former gle a lot on vocab quizeducational content writer zes,” McGimsey said.

Ryan Juraschka, 74% of “But then, when they teachers used digital gamehad this platform now based learning to enhance where they could go their lessons in 2019. home, make their own With the rise of online account, build sets, play A student plays Gimkit, a game-based learning platform, to practice vocabulary terms learning, game-based learnit in games that were fun in Latin. ing will continue to inor that were different. It crease in classrooms. According to Technavio, through the games’ element of competition was almost an overnight change and how they a data research company, the K-12 game- because of their drive to get the questions right performed on those kinds of things.”

Based Learning market had an 18.4% growth and beat their peers.

As well as a new angle of studying, it is also in 2021 and will be at a compound annual “It actually gets stuck in your brain because a different angle of learning. Teachers believe growth rate of 20.63% by 2025. you want to win,” seventh grader Paxton Ruess that students are able to process the informa“The ease with which you can access a pack said. tion presented differently and retain it by maof material to then do a game with has inFor students who might not be so inclined nipulating the concepts in a way that is enercreased, which I think makes it less daunting to compete with each other, there are a vari- getic and fun. and easier to just say ‘hey, let’s pull up a Ka- ety of games like Blooket Monster Brawl and Whether it is an energy boost, accessibility, hoot, let’s pull up a Blooket,’” McGimsey said. Blooket Tower Defense that do not heavily engagement, motivation, academic improveAlong with the easy access, students enjoy focus on the result but on the process itself. ment, or simply because it is fun, game-based game-based learning because it is familiar and McGimsey believes that these games allow stu- learning will continue to capture the attention fun as it is a source of entertainment outside dents to focus on themselves and their process of teachers and students, especially in this genof school. without having to see how others are doing. eration of technology.

“It’s something that they’re comfortable The diversity in these games allows all students “Games are so much a part of our lives anywith. So, therefore, it’s a positive tool, most to have fun and learn concepts. way, whether it’s tech based games or compeof the time in the classroom,” english teacher As much as it is enjoyable and engaging, titions, that’s something that resonates with Ann Skippers said.

Learning Specialist Dana Miller believes that people,” McGimsey said.

Besides familiarity, teachers also use game- engagement does not mean understanding the

14

Focus

November 2O22

WHAT’S NEW IN 2022...

See all the latest fashion trends Article by Lucy Chong Photo by Anna Miliotes

DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK Millenials are quaking in their Uggs as Gen Z ushers in the revival of low-waisted jeans and everything Y2k. Technology has made it so that today’s teens are able to rapidly consume media and cycle through trends faster. Inevitably, these cycles have led to the reemergence of early 2000s styles, as the trends cycle back around.

“Over time fashion repeats itself in different forms like with the 80s and 90s coming back, or Y2k,” junior Bianca Pelin said.

More than that, the blurry polaroids and cringy Myspace posts of the early 2000s have created a sense of longing for Gen Z. In a world filled with constant scrutiny from social media, today’s teens use their wardrobes to connect with the past and escape the present.

OVER SIZE

As the end of 2022 begins to approach, the era of oversized style coined by brands like Balenciaga and Peter Do continues to be at the height of fashion. As the body positivity movement continues to grow and deservedly so, oversized clothing offers the opportunity to change the narrative of fashion away from body image. According to the Fashion Tag Blog, “oversized trend and clothes are a form of body liberation, defocusing on body image and focusing on comfort, style, fabric quality, movement…”

Oversized fashion offers a certain creativity that fitted clothing doesn’t. According to freshmen Victor Fang, oversized pieces allow people to play with different silhouettes and shapes. The reason oversized clothing has risen in popularity and stayed at the top of the fashion pyramid for so long is because it offers much needed inclusion that a lot of other trends do not.

“It doesn’t matter what body shape you are, anybody can wear it [and] still look good,” Fang said. “Not everything has to fit you, and sometimes it can look really cool if it’s bigger.”

SUSTAINABILITY Quickly changing trends are having positive effects on the environment through the art of thrifting. Gen Z has made a reputation as being the generation that prioritizes sustainability, leading to rapidly growing popularity of thrifting. As trends continue to change quickly, it is the only way to keep up without going bankrupt. “I think thrifting is a great way to protect against environmental waste especially [as] trends are becoming shorter,” junior Claire Pankros said. “Thrifting is a good way to bring back clothes that were previously put out of use.”

November 2O22

Focus

15

OLD MONEY It’s time for the Audrey Hepburns and Nate Archibalds of the world to emerge, as the ‘old money’ aesthetic continues to increase in popularity. The style consists of sweater vests, button downs, pearls, and tweed (so much tweed). The key with the ‘old money’ aesthetic is to dress elegantly understated; a contrast to past years where the best decor for an outfit seemed to be a brand name.

“The simplicity of ‘old money’ clothes creates an interesting paradox: the things that don’t scream wealth are actually representative of extreme riches,” Marios Falekos and Lucy Morgan write in Glamour Magazine. “This paradox fascinates the TikTok community who has been bombarded with logo-filled, showy clothing by various influencers.” Many teens have been loving the simple yet complex aspects of fashion that the ‘old money’ aesthetic has to offer.

“I love that aesthetic…I’m in the process of trying to redo my whole wardrobe to be ‘old money,’” freshman Elizabeth Carlin said.

STOMPERS

BROWN IS BACK

One of the big trends that has stayed consistent in 2022 is big shoes. Not chunky sneakers which have received some serious backlash after peaking in 2021— “I hate ugly sneakers, like the big chunky ones,” sophmore Brooks Steketee said—But rather, platform heels, specifically Mary Janes in bright hues like hot pink and neon green.

These shoes were originally made popular by 90s icons like the Spice Girls but have recently been revived by current celebrities like Florence Pugh and Olivia Rodrigo. These bold stompers only continue to grow in popularity as the year nears its end. 2022’s dominating themes in the fashion sector seem to be comfort and shape shifting with trends such as oversized clothing.

And these two ideas can be used to explain why platform heels have recently seen such a drastic increase in popularity. “The height of platform shoes elongate the wearer’s silhouette while providing significantly more support than stilettos,” describes trend forecaster Agus Panzoni in an article with TZR. It seems as though these heels are here to stay.

The color brown is everywhere. Though neutrals have always been in style, past years have seen brown forgotten within influencers and brands focus on all-black looks. However, late 2021 and 2022 see a change, as people seek to add more flair into their wardrobes. From Bottega Veneta’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection to Kim K’s iconic WSJ Innovator awards look, it is clear that brown is making quite the comeback.

In an article from the fashion blog TZR, Tyrell Harriot, founder of the iconic brand, TYRELL, explains, “[Brown] is muted enough for the people that are itching to add more color in their wardrobe without it being daunting.”

Essentially, brown will be the transition color to usher in a new era of maximalism. Maximalism is a style that revolves around risk-taking and rebellion, a common theme in different eras such as the 80s with movements like queer activism. Now once more it appears maximalism will be rising through the fashion ranks with the help of the color brown to knock minimalism off its throne.

16

November 2O22

Focus

A GENERATION IN TROUBLE

Rising economic trends continue to impact the student debt crisis Article by Zach Kleiman Graphic by Caden Liu In the United States, issues like inflation and interest rates are surging. As many Americans struggle to pay off debt, these growing problems are a significant reason why.

With 44 million Americans having outstanding student loans, it is the nation’s second-leading source of debt and a skyrocketing trend across America. At $1.7 trillion, the total cost of student loan debt in the U.S. is greater than the GDP of all but 11 countries.

The Biden administration launched the Student Loan Forgiveness Plan in October, where borrowers can be forgiven of up to $20,000 in student loan debt. According to budget officers, the plan will cost around $400 billion.

“As someone who has student loan debt, it is definitely a way for us to relieve some of that,” science teacher Bryan Moretz said.

By White House estimates, the plan will erase all loan debt for nearly 20 million people, though some argue that the plan only serves as a temporary solution to an underlying problem — rising tuition prices.

“My concern with the program is that it doesn’t really mitigate the underlying problem,” social science teacher Brandon Burmeister said.

“This program is not incentivizing universities to lower tuition, so you end up in a cycle where you give debt forgiveness out, but then what’s gonna happen in five years.”

Over the past 20 years, college tuition has more than doubled while minimum wage has stagnated compared to ever-increasing inflation rates. Combine increasing tuition with competitive high schools and more college applicants than ever before, certain subsets of the population are barred from continuing their education or forced to take on student loan debt.

“You have to find a way to mitigate [tuition inflation],” Burmeister said. “If that includes investing in more universities to increase the supply and the availability of higher education, then maybe it’s time for us to go with the Lincoln route and do another Universal Education Bill.”

In 1862, President Lincoln gave Senators landgrants to create more public universities and in doing so, tuition was lowered. Though tuition costs are rising at only 2% per year, more people than ever are taking out loans when going to college. Americans aren’t making enough money to keep up, especially with minimum wage not being raised in over 19 years.

“Students often regret taking on significant debt for undergraduate studies as it can take years to pay off,” director of college counseling Christine Grover said. “I have seen students, against counselor advice, take on so much undergraduate debt that they cannot afford to go to graduate school. Therefore they are forced into a lower-paying job.”

Middle class citizens are being priced out of universities and going to budget-oriented community colleges instead. Many postgraduates are even forced to drop out of college or take a dras-

tic career change to counteract their rising debt.

Interest rates are another factor for those considering financing their education through loans.

At 5% per year, it is a significant amount of extra money alums are paying over time. In turn, their poor credit scores don’t give them the opportunity to purchase things such as a car or house.

“We’ve been paying student loans for a long time, and some of us haven’t made a dent in it because our accrued interest has been more than what we’ve actually been paying,” Moretz said.

Though the loan plan will lighten the financial burden of millions of alumni, there has been outcry from a number of citizens who recently paid off their loans.

“A subset of Americans are saying, ‘Well, I worked hard, I paid off my loans, I did it the right way,’” Burmeister said. “But it’s never about fairness when it comes to the economy.”

Despite the recent controversy surrounding the bill, the support of debtors around the country is advancing it into the spotlight.

“It’s always been on the backburner, but if President Biden’s goal was to start a conversation, I think he definitely did that,” Burmeister said.

November 2O22

Opinions

THE ADVANCED PATH

Why we need to keep adding AP courses During this school year, 60 high schools will be piloting a new class: AP African American Studies. According to the College Board website, AP African American Studies was added to teach the history, politics, culture and economics of North American people of African descent.

However, adding a new class to Trinity is not simple; it requires an evaluation of whether the class will add value to students and whether there is a practical way to implement the class into the curriculum.

“There’s conversation within the department level first about how does this fit in with us?

Do we need it? How would that work? Who would teach it?” Director of Learning and Instruction Stephanie Dryden said. “Then there’s a proposal that’s been made and it goes to the curriculum committee where we all talk about that and how does that add to our curriculum?

What does it do for our students? How does it fit in with our mission?”

Once the class has been selected, teachers, classrooms and materials must be designated for the course. While it is a rigorous process to get a course added, it is a small sacrifice for the many benefits that a diverse curriculum will bring to Trinity and its students.

The most efficient way to help expand our curriculum on campus is through APs, which not only expand the course offerings, but also give students the chance to challenge themselves. As a college preparatory school, it is important that our school offer courses to students that will prepare them for higher education. AP classes are made by high school teachers and college professors so that they are equivalent to a college course. While a nonAP class is capable of adding this value, it will not be a standardized way that allows colleges to see a student’s capabilities.

“We are always as a school reflecting on our curriculum and doing that kind of self evaluation and thinking,” Dryden said. “How do we challenge kids? What do we want a Trinity Prep graduate to look like? What are the things that they need to have to be successful in college but also in life? How do we help them develop into being good people as well as good students?”

The College Board is steadily advancing its own course offerings. In addition to AP African American Studies, AP PreCalculus is also being piloted in schools in order to allow students who are not STEM-oriented a chance to get a strong math foundation before college.

The College Board is also considering adding an AP Business course to be taken before AP Macroeconomics.

As the College Board continues to create valuable classes, our school must consider implementing them into our own cirrculum in order to maintain a diverse course catalog.

The rigor and variety of AP courses is important. However, the greatest benefit specifically about AP courses is their flexibility. Unlike IB programs which have a set course list and order, students can choose what AP courses they want to take based on their own academic strengths. This choice allows students to properly challenge themselves without having to overload on courses they lack interest in.

However, AP courses are not fully flexible; there is still a set curriculum and exam that teachers must teach to. This has led some schools to get rid of APs and replace them with their own college-level courses. While this seems like a good solution, it is flawed.

The reason AP classes do not have an adjustable curriculum and exam is because they have to be standardized throughout classrooms in the U.S. This standardization shows col-

leges that a student is able to handle the rigor of a challenging course and deserves credit for that work. If a school were to make its own demanding course, no matter the difficulty of the class, a college would not be able to know what the class actually entailed.

AP courses are more than just homework, practice free-response questions and a threehour exam. They are an opportunity to help a student not only learn college-level content but also how to develop a good work ethic to maintain a college schedule.

“What’s important for college preparatory school is that there’s a way for students to challenge themselves and to develop those critical thinking skills, those research skills, and those writing skills that are essential to being successful in college and in life,” Dryden said.

While there are other ways to prepare students, APs have consistently been used because they are the most effective choice. Even though writing down essays in a blue book and quickly analyzing chemistry problems seems tedious, it is the first step in preparing for the journey ahead.

The lead editorial expresses the opinion of the Trinity Voice editorial staff. Please send comments to voice@trinityprep.org.

Opinions

November 2O22

A NATION Nationalism threatens

Article by Ava Savino Graphic by Andrew Edwards The word “nationalism” invokes a wide variety of connotations in American media, from ing events like The American Revolution and a reality, Manifest Destiny to even World War II. The the United States common thread that holds these types of na- needs to unify and reevaluate tionalist moments together is a sense of unity what it truly means to be an Ameramong the American people, actively work- ican by identifying our common intering towards a common purpose to better the ests, not our polarizing differences. country.

The history of the word “nationalism” However, this year’s midterm elections have has led to confusion with the seemingly simdozens of candidates running whose platforms ilar but distinct word “patriotism.” Unlike promote their own new idea of nationalism: modern nationalism, patriotism often leads conspiracy theories, anti-semitism and white Americans to feel united rather than divided. nationalism. Some of these candidates are AP United States History and former civics directly affiliated teacher Michael Hopwith groups like “The sense of being under attack kins said that 9/11 the Proud Boys, seems to really elevate feelings unified our country known for dressfor a brief moment, ing up in tactical of nationalism.” allowing us to revests and hosting member why we are violent street rallies - Michael Hopkins, AP United States proud of our country intended to create to honor sacrifices History teacher and fear against their that were made to proopposition. tect it.

This is the concerning new type of nationThe traditional definition of nationalism is alism rapidly emerging in America: extrem- working towards a goal to better one’s counist groups stopping at nothing to achieve an try or affiliated group. While patriotism has agenda they believe is best for the country, to refer to a country or nation, nationalism even at the cost of hurting or killing innocent does not always apply to a physical country. bystanders. These extreme groups reflect the Nationalism also applies to groups of people broader state of American politics as the parti- connected by common origin, ethnicity, ideolsan and identity divides become stronger. ogy, or cultural ties.

Beliefs like these are no longer uncommon.

But new types of nationalism have been corLast year on January 6th, the United States rupted by extremist groups and are no longer Capitol was attacked by multiple different na- fitting this definition. The main perpetrators tionalist groups trying to stop the U.S. Con- of these new forms of inflammatory nationalgressional session from verifying the results of ism are white nationalist groups such as the Ku the 2020 presidential election Electoral Col- Klux Klan, Proud Boys and various neo-Nalege vote. According to CNN and The New zi organizations. These groups work towards York Times, over 110 US Capitol Police of- their goals of spreading white supremacism ficers were injured, four crowd members and and the idea of the inferiority of any type of five police officers died as a result of the attack minority in America. and two additional officers later died from These groups also seek to grow their influcommitting suicide. ence by recruiting, especially targeting teenagIn order to stop this possibility from becom- ers online. White nationalist groups are now

promoting themselves via social media posts on popular teen platforms like TikTok and Instagram, using both discreet hashtags to hide from censorship and targeted hashtags to appeal to a young audience. These posts pose a danger to teenagers who may not fully understand what they are signing up for, allowing them to get lured in by manipulative memes

November 2O22

DIVIDED

Opinions

American unity

and content.

The way that these groups promote these ideologies is through fear-based campaigns.

They use anything to push their points across, from baseless threats such as impending terrorist attacks by minorities to “radical” teachers brainwashing their students. For nationalist groups, the important part of this tactic is to

their opponent is worse than them instead of why their platform is more beneficial to America, effectively becoming a display of character attacks. They have even high- gone so far as to influence their followers to l i g h t act in the same manner against people of the the feeling of being attacked opposite party, calling for a strict divide by any on some level so that people will means necessary, even storming the Capitol want to come together and stop whatever Building.

“When you have an idea that’s nihilistic in “threat” they have proposed. the sense that you’re willing to do anything to “The sense of being under attack seems to achieve power, then [you will] go and activate really elevate feelings of nationalism,” Hopkins nationalist groups,” AP US Government and said.

Politics teacher Brandon Burmeister said.

This explanation of high stress leading to In order to stop more unity in groups of “People of all diff erent backthese extreme people may seem coungroups from opterintuitive, but studies grounds, ultimately at the end posing a united in psychology verify the phenomenon. Accord- of the day, have much more in American country, ing to Scientific Amer- common than they have disagree- we need to stop promoting hate ican, feelings of stress ments.” against specifi c and anxiety can lead to racial and ethnic higher levels of socialization among people - Brandon Burmeister, AP Government groups. Instead, we are familiar or com& Politics teacher we need to unite all Americans into fortable with due to the doing what is best human desire for social for our country.

While not all issues are going connection. to be agreed upon in our two-party system, But when feelings of stress are accompanied politicians still need to focus more on unifyby the desire to control, it leaves people wanting supporters who believe in their campaign ing to push away from the greater “society” and less on the negative qualities of their opand retreat into other groups that share the ponent.

With these changes, we can redefine same controlling desire as them. nationalism into a positive concept used for The desire to control rather than work tothe improvement of our country. gether during a time of crisis is exactly what “People of all different backgrounds, ultiis plaguing American politics and nationalism mately at the end of the day, have much more right now. This phenomenon explains why diin common than they have disagreements,” visions and tensions between political parties Burmeister said.

“Even though we might disare at an all-time high. With political leaders agree on the issues at stake, there’s a fundafeeling both stress and the need to control, mental understanding that everybody loved they form their own isolated groups that are America, and I think that’s what we have to not willing to work with the other side because rediscover.” of their self-inflicted isolation.

Today especially, presidential nominees often spend much of their time arguing why

Opinions

November 2O22

THE ROLE OF DYSTOPIA

Article by Reese Taylor Graphics by Austin Yuan

In December of 2011, famous dystopian author Ally Condie posited that “the beauty of dystopia is that it lets us vicariously experience future worlds.” However, the word “dystopia” has been invoked to describe worlds much closer than the future. Instead dystopian fiction has become a way for us to rally around real societal issues.

Among the most renowned works of speculative fiction, George Orwell’s 1984 and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale have sprung up in recent decades to more than just speculate on possible futures. Instead, both novels have been used to comment on real-life civil rights issues.

As these references to fictional texts become more relevant to current social issues, it is clear that the social power these books hold is only increasing.

RISE OF DYSTOPIA

Between the two, Orwell’s 1984 is the most broadly referenced. As early as the 2000s, journalists have used it as a way to describe foreign totalitarian regimes.

In 2003, journalist Charlotte Allen at the Los Angeles Times compared Fidel Castro’s regime in Cuba to 1984. In her article titled “It’s Always 1984 in Cuba,” she elaborated on the strict limits to both the internet and libraries in Cuba.

In 2002 and 2020 respectively, journalists Leela Jacinto and Josh Saunders made the same comparison but instead with North Korea. Jacinto’s article entitled, “The Country Where Big Brother Is Watching” references the fictional dictator of Orwell’s novel, Big Brother. Saunders’s article, “North Korea: George Orwell’s bizarre link to Kim Jong-un’s regime exposed” once again references the novel.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade in June of this year not only brought Americans to protesting on the streets but running to social media platforms as well. One viral Tweet exemplified the problem of using fictional texts as the main reference point for civil rights issues, saying, “It turns out that ‘1984’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ aren’t dystopian fiction.

They’re prophecies.”

However, when we focus on fictional texts as

the catalyst for civil rights movements it allows us to forget the reality they are based upon. We shouldn’t view 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale as prophecies but texts that pull from events and trauma that real people experience and will continue to experience until we manage to prevent it.

While The Handmaid’s Tale has once again gained popularity from its use in protests for the Supreme Court Case, the book has been invoked for reproductive rights protests far before then.

HOLLYWOOD & ATWOOD

Famously in 2018, celebrities showed up to the Golden Globe Awards in black formal attire in support of the MeToo Movement. Their goal was to use their status to platform marginalized people.

Actress Viola Davis said in her Harper’s Bazaar interview, “I hear those people who are nameless, faceless every day who don’t have a platform to talk…I hear those voices.”

Conversely outside the award show, The

November 2O22

Opinions

Speculative fiction is changing how we think about social justice movements Handmaids’ Coalition protested as well adorned in bonnets and dark red gowns. They had the same goal of platforming marginalized experiences but instead utilized imagery of Atwood’s novel.

In the end the show was remembered for advocating for the same cause using two very independent techniques. While the majority wore black to symbolically represent those who were constantly refused a spotlight and a voice to speak on their experiences, the Handmaid’s stood in stark contrast.

The Handmaids’ Coalition spoke out, arguing their mission always is to create an America where everyone has a voice. However, people began to question whether showing up to an already established protest using alternate methods was undercutting the movement more than uplifting it.

In September of 2021, organizers of the Saturday’s Women’s March officially announced that attendants dressed in attire referencing The Handmaid’s Tale will not be let in. According to the organizers in an interview with

The Wrap, The Handmaid’s Tale is used “primarily by white women across the country” excluding diverse perspectives.

Essentially, they presented the current argument surrounding the use of dystopian fiction like The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984. If we hold texts written from limited perspectives and as the rallying cry for civil rights movements, we erase the stories of marginalized people they are based off of.

FOSTERING BIAS

Author of the article “The Handmaid’s Tale and Abortion Rights: Protesters Ignore Truths About Reproductive Access,” Katie Fustich, said “I think as people get older [The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984] remain their only frame of reference, if you consider whoever is writing this book certainly has their own opinions and agenda or is writing from a specific space and time in history.”

If we allow fictional texts to construct our thoughts of real-life civil rights crises we are open to biases of the author and the perspec-

tive they center their stories around.

The Handmaid’s Tale writes off the people of color in the story by explicitly explaining their lack of presence away. In the story, the operation known as “The Children of Ham” (an allusion to the curse of the biblical character Ham that was historically used as a justification for slavery)relocates Black people outside of the tolitarian society.

As a result, the story entirely centers on the experiences of white characters even though the basis of the brutality Atwood uses in her story are from real events about people of color.

The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984 are not prophecies of the future. They’re an amalgamation of historical events from the past. When speculative fiction is the sole focus of human rights protests and arguments, it divorces us from the reality they’re based off of.

22

November 2O22

Opinions

PRO: IT’S TIME TO MONITOR THE MANOSPHERE Banning users sends a message of what we should tolerate Article by Amanda Rose DeStefano Graphic by Austin Yuan Accumulating over four million followers on Instagram alone, Andrew Tate seemed inescapable on social media. His provocative content ranged from “hustler” tips, where he taught his followers how to make money, to violent messages concerning women.

“Women can’t drive…If it upsets people, tough, that’s my personal experience” said Tate on a Twitch stream earlier this year.

His social media reign came to an end when Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube banned him on August 22, following Twitter banning him in 2017. Although his mass amount of supporters made him a hot topic, Tate’s message is not a rare one. There has been an increasing normalization of violence, especially against women, on social media platforms. Researchers of this online violence against women have coined the term “manosphere” to refer to the corners of the internet that have grown especially hostile towards women. The Economist Intelligence Unit reported that out of 4,500 interviewed women across 45 countries, 85% had experienced or witnessed online abuse.

Tate’s social media ban wasn’t a first, either.

Apps have been temporarily suspending or permanently banning users for years, with examples ranging from conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones to American rapper Azealia Banks.

These media corporations have already utilized their community guidelines as a tool to stop disinformation and violence, especially during the pandemic.

While there has been adequate motivation for media companies to ban violent speech against women, it hasn’t been a priority for many platforms. Instead of tackling the digital manifestations of violence against women, social media companies turned to dealing with COVID-19 disinformation. After proving that bans could work to control harmful online speech, platforms still haven’t taken this avenue of action seriously for women.

“We would like to see gender-based online violence treated at least as seriously as disinformation has been during the pandemic by the platforms,” said Dr. Julie Posetti Posetti said in a 2021 article by the BBC. Posetti led

research for the International Center for Journalists global study on violence against women journalists.

Although the current banning process is imperfect, both message extremity and follower buildup can be diluted through bans. Content creators must abide by platform guidelines, especially with the threat of a ban in place. Additionally, bans stop posts from reaching users who have not yet been exposed to violent language or messages.

Critics of social media bans fear that their First Amendment rights could be at risk. Since these social media platforms are private corporations, they have no obligation to constitutional rights. Additionally, Dr. John Hanley from the University of Central Florida’s School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs, explains that given the diverse public and robust judicial enforcement of the freedom of speech, he’s not worried of social media bans spilling over into other implementations of the first amendment.

There is also a big profit incentive for these platforms to beat back hate speech. With users threatening to leave apps over the controversy created by Tate, platforms had to adjust accordingly to accommodate a larger audience.

When these apps conform to current social standings, it’s more justifiable for them to punish people the public deems as bad. “[Social media platforms] have a need to regulate speech on their platforms to make it profitable,” Hanley said.

While the mass social media bans Tate experienced were in good effort, banned users can still travel to other platforms where smaller audiences can still hear the extreme messages in a more concentrated manner. One example of this is social media app, Gab, where neo-Nazis, white nationalists, anti-Semites and QAnon conspiracy theorists find followers. These messages tend to become more violent, due to a smaller amount of backlash from other users.

While these bans do not completely eradicate misogyny from our lives, banning harmful messages on social media sets a good example of what we should tolerate online. This inherently violent speech does not deserve to

be defended, protected or normalized. Social media platforms have a responsibility to stand up against violent rhetoric to protect their users.

November 2O22

Opinions

23

CON: SOCIAL MEDIA BANS ARE NOT WORKING Why platforms should look for new ways to maintain user safety Article by Aetant Prakash Graphic by Austin Yuan In a span of three days, every social media platform banned Andrew Tate, an internet personality, for violating terms of hate speech and promoting misogyny and violence. In the months prior, Tate rose to fame

through Tiktok and numerous podcast appearances. His messages comprised a variety of controversial beliefs, such as “women can’t drive” and that assault victims are responsible for their attacks.

When it comes to terms of agreement, all social media companies fall on a spectrum of strictness, with a family-friendly platform like YouTube being very strict and an open platform like Reddit being very lenient. Still, every platform’s basic protections cover to some extent, the topics of hate speech, misinformation, harassment, and obscenity.

With these regulations in mind, we take a closer look at banning, why a social media platform might do it, and why it is not the best way to monitor a platform.

The bans you mostly hear about, such as Andrew Tate or Donald Trump, are not single cases. According to Wired, in the first half of 2020 alone, Twitter suspended roughly 925,000 accounts for rules violations. And that is just one platform in a six-month period. Bans happen everywhere and everyday, even on companies like Yelp and Tripadvisor.

So how is it decided who will receive a permanent ban, a temporary one, or receive one at all? It seems to be a mix of a variety of things, with popularity and audience being the biggest factors.

When someone is permanently banned, they lose access to their entire account. Their followers, posts, history, are all gone. For smaller accounts, a fake name or persona might be their only ticket back to the platform. For more well known characters, however, they are bound to get shut down again.

Social media companies are in the business of making money, and thus, are effectively controlled by advertisers. If a platform becomes too populated with inappropriate content, the advertisers will take their money elsewhere — they don’t want to be associated with a bad image.

There is a much better alternative to bans — delete posts. Companies already have algorithms and people who flag and delete certain posts based on content. Instead of banning a person, delete individual posts that violate rules. This way, before the post picks up

traction, it won’t affect or upset anyone. The creator still has a platform, their viewers are happy, and advertisers won’t be turned away.

This is important, as social media companies have a legal right to restrict your speech and have a monopoly over some of the world’s most vital communication platforms. So, if someone is permanently banned, their voice is taken away almost completely and it becomes very difficult to express their opinions ever again to such a large audience.

Some celebrities don’t receive permanent bans, but only temporary ones or none at all.

While social media companies want to keep advertisers happy, they also realize that celebrities are a major contributor to traffic on their website. Everyone wants to keep up with Harry Styles or Drake, and if either was removed from Instagram for example, it would turn away millions.

On October 10, Kanye West was locked out of Twitter for tweeting that he was going “death con 3” on Jewish people. “Death con 3” refers to DEFCON, an alert state used by the U.S. military. If West is permanently banned, one of the most influential artists of our time will lose his voice on one of the biggest platforms in the world. It may seem that since his reach is so wide, one platform ban would be inconsequential. But that is not the case at all.

This is a perfect example for being punished for being influential. If I, personally, had tweeted the same anti-semetic things, I most likely would not be banned. I have two followers on Twitter and Kanye has 31 million. I simply do not have enough of a following for Twitter to even bat an eye at what I post.

This bias towards larger creators is proven by the fact that far more offensive things than what Kanye said float around on smaller accounts on Twitter.

By deleting posts, bias towards creator’s with more popularity is resolved. Algorithms and staff can work towards deleting posts with certain phrases and keywords, no matter the person. I can no longer tweet the same thing as Kanye West and not suffer consequences. And Andrew Tate will have his platform back and can freely voice his opinion as long as it’s not going against the guidelines.

Sports

November 2O22

DIVER FLIES INTO SENIOR SEASON Article by David Steinberg Photo provided by Nico Santiago

As the 2018 Regional Championship pro- only impressed with Santiago’s athleticism, but team. Because of this, he had to learn over 11 gressed, seventh grader Nico Santiago found also his down-to-earth attitude and leadership. different dives in order to qualify for events. himself one dive away from advancing to the “I could tell from day one coaching Nico Learning a variety of dives has significantly state meet. As Santiago stepped onto the div- that he was going to be successful in not only helped Santiago in competition, as he has the ing board, he felt the nerves rush through his diving but out of the pool as well,” Nave said. ability to switch up his routine at any mobody. He took a deep breath, pushed off the “His calm demeanor and quiet confidence is ment. According to Nave, Santiago doesn’t setboard and flew through the air, performing a contagious to those around him. He is a hum- tle with one set list of dives, but rather works back 1.5 somersault with 0.5 twist on improving each dive in order to successfully. The dive propelled always put forth his best.

Santiago to a 2nd place finish and “Nico has a great balance bea guaranteed spot at states, where tween constantly improving on he later placed in the top ten. Five his overall details within each dive years later, Santiago is now a senior and having the courage to throw and one of the best divers in the new dives in different positions,” state of Florida.

Nave said. “I think the will to alGrowing up, Santiago was a gymways constantly improve on a daily nast for five years before making basis is what makes him stand out the transition to diving in seventh from another athlete that may be grade. The shift from gymnastics to OK with just performing the same diving was natural for Santiago, as dive list with little variation or will the two sports were very similar in to change.” an aerodynamic sense.

Diving is not only a sport for “I think my gymnastics backSantiago, but a distraction from ground helped me a lot in terms of everyday stresses. What he loves the air awareness aspect of diving, about the sport is how it allows him as well as being able to do more to take a step away from everyday difficult dives right off the bat,” life and focus on the present.

Santiago said. “It was a pretty easy “I really like how it’s kind of an transition for me to take my skills outlet for me,” Santiago said. “In from gymnastics and apply them to the sense that if I’m stressed about diving, but at the same time, there anything like school or extracurricare a lot of habits that you pick up ulars, when I’m at diving practice, in gymnastics that don’t necessarily my mind is completely off that, work out in diving, so it was a lot and I’m just focusing on having fun of learning as well.” with it.”

Gymnastics provided a good As Santiago begins his senior foundation for Santiago, but what season, he is hoping to improve took him to the next level was his throughout the year and eventualdetermination to get better. Bely continue diving at the collegiate yond diving at school, Santiago level as a walk-on. He is looking practices five times a week at the forward to continuing to fly at the Orlando Dive Academy among Nico Santiago performs a successful dive during senior night against next level, and keep on doing what Tampa Prep on October 6. other skilled divers in the area. he loves.

While competing for Trinity, “There’s a lot of things I love Santiago has individually placed in the top five ble athlete that doesn’t let his many successes about diving,” Santiago said. “I think it’s probat states for the past three years, earning fourth prevent him from driving and working to be- ably the closest to flying that I’ll ever get, and place as a freshman, fifth place as a sophomore, come successful.”

I just really love the feeling of getting that airand third place as a junior. In her first year as When first joining the Trinity diving pro- time and just being in the air.”

Trinity diving head coach, Kristy Nave was not gram, Santiago was the only competitor on the

November 2O22

Sports

PUERTO RICAN VOLLEYBALL STAR STARTS A NEW SET Article by David Hull Photo by Olivia Kortman

Rico], but here we’re all good and we complement each other.”

The varsity volleyball team recently acquired Moving long distances can be very challenga new sophomore superstar, Elena Maynulet. ing for students, but Maynulet said that many Maynulet spent all of her life in Puerto Rico players on the team have been inclusive and until this summer when she moved helpful during her move. to Orlando for better exposure and to “Everyone is super nice,” enhance her game.

Maynulet said. “When I first Maynulet’s 6-foot-1-inch build and got here, I never felt left out athleticism immediately puts her at an of anything, and I like the advantage over any opponent. Terri school because of how nice Kruczek, head girls varsity volleyball [my teammates] are.” coach, said Maynulet’s height aids her Kruczek has been coachgames, but her skill is what makes her ing for 25 years and is very stand out above other players while impressed with Maynulet’s on the court. ability compared to her past “She excels with her arm swing, her players, especially for her age. ability to read the defense and know “She’s our outside hitter, where to place the ball when she’s atand she’s amazing,” Kruczek tacking,” Kruczek said. said. “As far as her age, her Maynulet started playing volleyball height, her skill level, she’s when she was eight years old while livright up there with the best ing in Puerto Rico and said her height players I’ve ever coached.” attracted her to the sport.

The team has a lot of talent, Over the next seven years, Maybut Kruczek said Maynulet’s nulet dominated her competition and impact has definitely had a was invited to play with the Puerto major influence on the team.

Rican national team as a 15 year old.

Kruczek never subs her out Maynulet was the youngest on the and said that Maynulet is a team and faced countries including key to the team’s success. the Dominican Republic, Brazil and “She’s impacted in a very Costa Rica in a worldwide qualifier in positive way,” Kruczek said.

Oklahoma. She contributed to their “The team feels more confifourth place finish, leading to the dent, and I feel like we can team’s qualification. make a deeper run into the Maynulet’s great performance implayoffs with her.

She can pressed many teams, and she was soon serve, receive, she can play derecruited by the club, Gamepoint, fense, she can really do it all who is currently ranked top 15 in the and plays all six rotations.” nation. She decided that the United Maynulet is optimistic States was where she could best preSophmore outside hitter Elena Maynulet spikes the ball in a about her future here and is excited to win against Orangewood on October 11. pare herself for the next level. compete for Trinity.

She said that her “I mainly wanted to come because goal is to be recruited to play for a D1 of the great exposure,” Maynulet said. prospects. If they aren’t already, then they school in the West Coast.

Kruczek strives to “There is much more recruiting and high-level should be.” push Maynulet to be the best player she can competition here.”

The three have a close relationship off the be, both on and off the court.

Maynulet will be joining sophomores Syd- court, but that doesn’t affect their competi“I just keep pushing her to improve every ney Davis and Victoria Hill on Gamepoint as tive nature. Their comparable skill levels drive practice and not settle for just being good, but well as at Trinity. She said that Hill and Da- them to outwork each other and get better. to be great every single day,” Kruczek said. vis influenced her to visit Trinity, and she was “Tori and Cece have helped and challenged impressed with the school and coaching staff. me,” Maynulet said. “They’re both really talThe three sophomores are key contributors on ented. I was always the best one [in Puerto the Trinity team and have started all games this year. Kruczek is certain that their talent is among the best in the nation.

“I think they will develop great together,” Kruczek said. “They are all high Division I

26

November 2O22

Sports

GROWTH OF THE NFL: WHERE FANTASY IS REALITY Article by Julian Sealy Graphic by Caden Liu Whether it’s the day of the annual draft or the competitive spirit and fun of watching your team’s matchups over the season, fantasy football is one of the most exciting times of the year for football fans. According to Athlon Sports, over 75 million people are expected to play fantasy football during the 2022 NFL season. Between discussing trades at the lunch table or heated debates over which players and teams are better, the excitement surrounding this time of the year is seen all over the Trinity campus.

According to a recent Voice survey, most students who participate at Trinity say they have been in a league for the more than a year with 47.2% of students being in a league for two to five plus years. It is common in fantasy football to be in multiple leagues with different people. 40% of players said they’re in leagues both in and out of school. Nearly 80% of students said they’re only playing in one or two leagues this year, but the smaller more experienced 20.2% of students said they’re apart of three plus leagues this year.

Fantasy football is played through websites, the main ones being Yahoo, ESPN, CBS, and the official NFL app. Most leagues consist of 10-12 members, but can span from anywhere between 4-18. Players can play for money and prizes, consequences for the loser, or just for fun.

To build your team, there is a draft, usually consisting of 16 rounds where you draft all of

the positions including a defense, kicker, and a bench of backups. The number of players for each position is interchangeable depending on the league preferences. Trades and transactions can be made to acquire new players, before matching up against the other members of the league over a 12-week span.

Junior Tavish Ward has now been a part of a fantasy football league for eight years and is in three leagues this year, two with friends and one with family.

“Trying to win every year is a big part of it,” Ward said. “It makes football more interesting to watch because it’s not just your favorite team playing.”

Seniors Alec Naft and Porter Sherman have both been playing fantasy football since their early middle school days.

“I think the NFL as a whole has gained a lot of popularity and fantasy football has really just followed in its footsteps where it’s a better alternative to sports gambling,” Sherman said.

Naft said why he thinks fantasy football has gained so much popularity.

“There’s so many options when it comes to fantasy football and so many different versions of it that make it really fun every weekend,” Naft said.

Fantasy football has a spirit to it that can build friendships and bring people closer together in a fun and competitive way. At the same time, it can also draw people further apart. Ward explained a scenario where the competitive spirit has taken over and turned friends into enemies.

“It can really spark rivalries among people,” Ward said. “This year everyone in one of my leagues is pretty united all against one person who won last year.”

Survey taken of 89 Trinity students on October 4, 2022

November 2O22

Sports

27

A LUNGE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Students hope to bring a fencing club to campus Article by Sammy Lou Photo courtesy of Sung Yim Most schools have a varsity team for soccer, basketball or football, but fencing is rarely on that list. At Trinity, a group of students is hoping to change this as they push for a fencing club on campus.

Trinity once had a fencing club, but it was disbanded once former Head of Upper School Patrick Mulloy left the school. However, fencing is still popular enough to have an off-campus team. Six students at the Orlando Fencing Academy are leading the effort to bring fencing back to campus.

Training and meeting at an off-campus site can be inconvenient, as the facility can be over an hour away with traffic. One member who has to frequently make this trip is junior Kelsey Wang, the captain of the girl’s high school fencing team. Kelsey believes that setting up the fencing strips, which is what fencers compete on, is not an easy task.

“The problem with [a fencing team at Trinity] is we need a specific area to have strips set up, but strips cost a lot of money and I don’t think there’s a specific place at Trinity where we would be able to put them,” Kelsey said. “I don’t know if Trinity would even allow that, so we would have to bring our own strips and our own equipment to school and set it up somewhere, which creates a lot of complications.”

In lieu of a sufficient facility, setting up a fencing club at Trinity would be easier and would open an opportunity for more students to get involved.

“I really like the idea of a club because then I feel like it [would] bring the community closer together,” Hannah said. “Since there are already so many Trinity fencers in the club, having another club at Trinity really just brings us closer together.”

These obstacles show how fencing is a big commitment. Fencing is a year-round sport, as opposed to being seasonal, and the fencers compete in tournaments once a month, with some of these competitions being out of state.

The team’s fencing coach, Sung Yim, believes in this commitment.

“If I put in the effort to coach a student, “But even then, there’s always advantages to then I expect the same commitment from that. Fencing is mainly a brain sport.” that student,” Yim said. “I pick and choose The strategy is what makes fencing a menwhich tournaments we go to, and if we detal sport rather than more of a physical one. cide to go to one tournament, then everyYou have to analyze an opponent’s moves in body goes.” a match and come up with your own strateFew people compete in fencing compared gy to counter it. Of course, there is still a to other sports. New fencers often perceive large physical element to fencing. Fencers at fencing as too dangerous, too expensive and the highest levels need to hit their opponent not accessible. In reality, fencing has very limwith high speed and precision in order to score ited injuries resulting from the actual sword, points. However, Coach Yim likes to look at thanks to the large amount of required profencing at a different angle. tective gear. Unfortunately, this creates an “I do not care how good you are at fencing,” issue of needing too much equipment, and Yim said. “Building personal character is more Hannah believes this is another reason why important than winning to me. I’m trying fencing isn’t as popular. to teach life lessons to young people through “I would say it’s a sport that really involves fencing, and I take teaching very seriously.” a lot of equipment like the swords and other expected gear,” Hannah Wang said.

“Additionally, fencing seems dangerous because people have the preconceived notion that all you do is stab each other, but it’s really a lot safer than other sports.”

Overall, fencing isn’t as physically demanding as other sports. According to Yim, height and weight do not matter as much; what matters the most was focus and discipline.

Kelsey also noted that fencing was a lot more of a mental sport than it was physical.

“Some people get advantages because they’re taller, and some people have disadvantages like me because I’m shorter,” 8th grade fencer Ryo Kimura (left) takes on freshman fencer Hannah Wang (right) in a fencing bout.

Kelsey said.

28

Photos

November 2O22

PHOTOGRAPHY EXPOSITION Victorious Homecoming Week

Olivia Kortman Senior Carlos O’Connor performs a stunt at the Game Day Swap. The senior boys performed their winning routine in front of a crowd of students and faculty.

Olivia Prince Senior stunt groups prepare to perform a front flip during their Game Day Swap routine. They secured a win for both the flag football game and cheer routine.

Anna Miliotes Football players, cheerleaders and drumline gather together the morning before the homecoming game to welcome the student body to school at Honk for HOCO.

Anna Miliotes Eighth grader Kenneth Franques plays corn hole with his friends at Lunch on the Lawn.