VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5
TUSKAN TIMES
THE IRIS PROJECT
MARIA LEAL T CAMILLA VITALE
FLORENCE FOR UKRAINE APPRECIATING ISF ART JUNIOR SCHOOL NOOK SHARP FREEDOM CAFE DESTINY A GIRL WHO FOUND LIGHT IN THE DARK THE WORLD AND I THE WORLD AND I OUR BELOVED WORLD EFFECTS OF THE RUSSO UKRAINE CONFLICT ON ITALY A NEW REALITY FOR UKRAINE
TEA MARIE MIJATOVIC RAYA GUPTA ELENA SOFIA UZIELLI
LOUISE GUTBROD ALISIYA ERMOLENKO
EXAMINING THE RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE IN THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR
SCIENCE
IS DISNEY CHOOSING DIVERSITY OVER QUALITY? THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE
TIME HONOURED TRADITIONS AND NEW TWISTS: FLORENCE'S FOOD CULTURE GALLERIA ROMANELLI: A VISIT TO THE PAST
RAYA GUPTA ALLEGRA DI FLORIO
TEA MIJACTOVIC
CULTURE
POLITICS
CREATIVE
LOCAL
IN THIS ISSUE
ISF OPINIONS ON UKRAINE
5 9 11 13 15 23 25 27 29 30 32 35 38
SIMON KARÁCSONYI
41
LUCA CARAMANI
45
MARJORIE CARLSON
51
SELINA MARTON
57
ALISIYA ERMOLENKO
60
ON THE COVERS THIS PIECE IS ABOUT A VERY YOUNG SOLDIER AND HIS INTERNAL CONFLICT OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS SENSELESS DEVASTATION AND THE EXTREME SADNESS OF WAR.
EVA GOULDER THIS PIECE IS ABOUT THE UN CLIMATE REPORT AND WAS MADE TO SHOW THE EVERLASTING, HAZARDOUS EFFECT OF POLLUTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE INTO THE WORLD. THE WORLD IS SLOWLY BECOMING AN AREA FILLED WITH WASTE, AND IF WE DON’T TAKE ACTION NOW, LIFE WILL CHANGE TO IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE.
GINEVRA FONTANA
MEET THE TEAM
Dear Readers,
Welcome back to another issue of the Tuskan Times! In light of the recent events in Ukraine, we have a number of articles addressing the conflict. Alisiya Ermolenko, one of our talented writers for the past few years, is Ukrainian and we thank her and her willingness to share her point of view. Additionally, we have an article about what’s happening in Russia and how the portrayal of the situation differs under Putin’s control. As many of you know, Italy relies heavily on Russia for energy supply. Louise Gutbrod has written a piece about what this means for our country as well as Europe and the world. In the past few weeks since the conflict began, the ISF and Florentine community has been working together to help Ukrainian refugees in any way possible. Camilla Vitale puts together a summary of how we are making a difference. Finally, as some of you may remember, a survey was sent out a few weeks ago to collect your opinions of the Russo-Ukrainian War; we are happy to be able to share not only the Tuskan Times’s opinion, but also the thoughts of our community members. In our local section you will find Selina Marton’s article about food in Florence and the meaning it has, not only as a means of nutrition but also as a fundamental aspect of the Florentine culture. Perhaps our most exciting announcement is our brand-new collaboration with the Junior School! We have to thank Mr. Male for making this possible. We are thrilled to be including artwork from Ms Regnier’s Grade 5 class and three pieces of writing from our other young writers! In our Creative Writing section you will find the winners of the creative writing competition held during book week! All three winning poems and all three winning stories are included in case you missed them! We hope you enjoy the issue! Katherine Dick Editor-in-Chief
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KATHERINE DICK
ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DEVAKI MENON
HEAD OF LAYOUT SELINA MARTON
EDITORS
LAYOUT
CAROLINA HOHAGEN KATHERINE DICK LUISA REGO JACK BACH GUSTAVO REGO DEVAKI MENON SIMON KARÁCSONYI
LOUISE GUTBROD PIETER VERBANK SOL GUENDOGDU MARJORIE CARLSON SASHA WILCOX ALISA TILLMAN LYNNEA MORGAN GIOVANNI VAGLIO MARIA LEAL T
ART EVA GOULDER GINEVRA FONTANA LUCAS PETRUCCI
SUPERVISOR
KATHRYN VAN FORST
LOCAL
In this section of the issue, our writers explore topics related to ISF and our community as a whole
LOCAL
UKRAINE OPINION
COMMUNITY STATEMENTS ABOUT THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR
In the first week of March, the Tuskan Times conducted a survey regarding the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. We wanted to hear from the community and give everyone an opportunity to share their opinion. Let’s hear from you.
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Putin's invasion sparked an unexpected but strong response by Ukrainian President Zelensky who really showed the world what a leader should look like.
Anonymous Italian/Irish Grade 11
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It is hard to make sense of a World where this is happening. I admire the bravery and courage displayed by the Ukrainian people. It is the hardest thing to risk your life to ensure your freedom. No one likes a bully and history tells us they get what they deserve eventually. We all have to do what we can to support Ukraine who are fighting for the values and freedoms we all believe in. We are with you.
Mr. Jones British
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I believe past imperialism can’t justify current day expansionism. Just like in 2014 when Putin annexed Crimea the same is happening in Ukraine now. If the conflict evolves further it might bleed into Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia. If Putin is going after past soviet socialist republics although the baltic states: Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia are in NATO they might be next to join the conflict. This attack wasn’t on a whim; it's been brewing since the dissolution of the USSR in 91. Just because Ukraine was a past important soviet socialist republic doesn’t mean Putin had a claim on the territory, or any say in its foreign policy decisions.
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It's a tragedy in every way. Violence is always unnecessary and this is the complete incorrect way in which Putin should go about anything.
Isabella American/Italian Grade 12
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It is an unprovoked aggression from an autocratic regime to a sovereign independent nation.
Mr. Boscherini Italian/American
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Camelia Japanese/Italian Grade 12
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UKRAINE OPINION
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I personally think that what Putin is doing is unacceptable, although comprehensible. It's obvious why he wouldn't want NATO troops so close to his border, but at the same time Ukraine is an independent country and has all the right to join NATO if they want to. With regards to claiming the Ukrainian regions as independent, that could have simply been solved with a referendum. I also think that not having yet sanctioned the Russian oil and gas branch is crazy. The sanctions that have been made are not strong enough and the conflict would last less if the right sanctions were given.
Riccardo Bini Italian Grade 11
My opinion is not about the conflict itself, but about putting aspects of our lives into proper perspective and coming together as a community. A war on our doorstep -impacting people we know -- reminds us that our own struggles and issues might not be as important as we originally thought. Events like wars make us realize how lucky we are. And since our ISF community certainly includes persons affected by this war, directly or indirectly, it is our obligation to help them by looking to strengthen that community. Be nice, be generous, be a friend. Here at ISF, we are all on the same team. That is my opinion.
Anonymous American Staff Member
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I think that Russians should leave Ukraine alone and Ukraine is strong and will get through this.
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Sofia Navarro Mexican/American Grade 6
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It's clearly horrible and NATO should do something.
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LOCAL
Anonymous English Grade 11
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Personally, I do not think that Putin's actions are valid for his cause. Since I lived in Moscow for a huge portion of my life I know many people with different opinions on the matter. Russian media has twisted the truth and has brainwashed some people to believe that invading Ukraine was Putin's only option, to the point that this belief has entered my own family. But it is still important to know the difference between what Russians want and what Putin himself wants, since most people I know would never want Russia invading Ukraine. I definitely think that a large percentage of Russians have the same opinion as me.
Anonymous Russian Grade 9
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LOCAL
UKRAINE OPINION
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I left Russia when I was 3 years old because my parents wanted to get away from Putin and the government. I feel heartbroken at the situation, and I wish the best for all of the Ukrainians that are affected both directly and indirectly by this situation. I do however feel as though Russians nowadays have very strong guilt inside of them, as they feel as though it is their fault. We are obviously ashamed, and we should be, but all of us are in the arms of our dictator, who wants to expand territory before even taking care of the current problems in his country. I believe and hope that only Putin wants this, and no one can stop him. I feel that now there will be a strong hate and prejudice towards Russians, and I just want to say that I stand by Ukraine, and so do all of my Russian friends and family. Russian students are being taken out of universities, foreign Russian small businesses are being destroyed, Russian passports aren’t being accepted, and this is adding to the terrible problem that is in our world right now. Instead of taking our energy out on hate, we should take it out by sending blankets and medical supplies to people in Ukraine that are in need of our energy right now. I wish the best for all of those suffering in Ukraine, and I wish the worst to the president of my country. My heart is with you💛💙
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Anonymous Russian Student
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First of all I would like to show my support to every family that is unfortunately affected by this conflict. Secondly I’d like to share my opinion on what I think are the reasons why Russia attacked Ukraine and what I think is going to happen in the future weeks. I believe that president Vladimir Putin decided to conduct this so-called “special military operation” for 3 main reasons. 1 to stop the expansion of NATO in Eastern Europe, 2 Ukraine is a strategic spot to have control over the Black Sea, and 3 because of its natural resources. I am pretty sure that Putin wanted to end this war and win this war as soon as possible. In fact, Putin announced that his initial goal was to destroy Ukrainian’s government and military without harming civilians. Today it looks like things are not going as planned for Russia; Ukraine’s military is resisting with incredible courage and unfortunately many civil infrastructures have been targeted by the Russian military. Furthermore I think in one way the Ukrainian resistance is excellent but on the other side this might make the war even more dangerous for civilians all around Europe. We can’t tell at the moment what is going to happen, for now I can see only two scenarios. The first one is that Russia is going to suffer tremendously because of the sanctions which will have repercussions in the world's economy. Or Russia manages to conquer Ukraine and they will install a “fake government” that is closely allied with Russia. I’d also like to include a third possibility but I doubt this might happen… if we analyse where the troops invaded from (north from Belarus and south from Crimea). It might be possible that Putin wants to cut the country in two to annex the eastern part (with more Russians) and leave the western part to Ukrainians that are more prone to ally with NATO. But I doubt this could happen.
Anonymous Student
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Lucas Petrucci, Grade 7
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LOCAL
IRIS PROJECT
THE IRIS PROJECT By Maria Leal T, '23
Giving younger generations a chance to lead the fight against the climate crisis. What is the Iris Project? The Iris Project is an initiative “enabling young people to protect and restore nature.” In collaboration with Global Greengrants Fund, the Iris Project can provide funding and mentorship for young people around the world who want to preserve the natural beauty of their area The organization will provide a platform for young people to share ideas, deliver support, and advocate for change. Young environmentalists will be able to submit their ideas and receive funding in order to make them a reality.
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By Young People, for Young People The Advisory Panel will be made up of young leaders from around the world, who will be ready to begin working towards addressing the climate and nature crisis. The panellists will work with provided networks to identify candidates for the annual Iris Prize and provide mentorship to the winners. The winners will obtain the chance to enter the Advisory Panel and aid with the continuous search for applicants. This will create a global community of like-minded people who are passionate about securing the future of our planet. Why should you care? Humans depend on nature to survive healthy ecosystems can help mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Even so, nature is on a continuous decline at an unprecedented rate because of human habits. The philanthropic response has been underwhelming. For this reason, the new generations have decided to lead the global movement with absolute urgency to recognize the worldwide issue. Since these pioneers don’t have access to the necessary resources, the Iris Project hopes to be a warehouse for those dedicated to creating solutions for the environmental crises.
IRIS PROJECT
Iris Goldsmith: the origins of the Iris Project The Iris Project emerged in hopes to identify and support the next generation of environmentalists, to ensure that Iris’ vision becomes a reality. Iris Goldsmith possessed a “lifelong connection with the natural world, a gentle way with animals, and a particular love for the sea.” Iris died at the age of 15. She took every opportunity to find harmony with nature as it’s the overriding purpose of humanity. The Iris Prize The annual prize is financial and logistical support to three individuals who best embody the spirit of the project. The Advisory Panel will develop a shortlist of applicants for each prize, based on a pre-determined scoring criteria assessing the potential of the proposed project and its impact on nature and the local community. This shortlist will be sent to a Judging Panel made of Iris members and selected environmental practitioners. Each winner will receive capacity-building support, tailored to their needs as well as the goals of their project.
LOCAL
Thinking of applying? This project can give you the opportunity to implement and realize your ideas, with the support and guidance of young environmentalists from all over the world. Applying for the Iris Project means becoming a part of a global community of environmental change-makers as well as having the chance to inspire others.
Programme March 2022 The Iris Project launches: submit your application via the Iris Project website. June 2022 Applications are closed, the Advisory Panel assesses entries. July 2022 Iris Prize winners are announced.
Socials Instagram/Twitter: @theiris_project
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LOCAL
FLORENCE FOR UKRAINE
FLORENCE FOR UKRAINE By Camilla Vitale, '23
The war in Ukraine, which broke out on February 24th, has put the lives of an estimated 18 million Ukrainians in need of humanitarian assistance, with more than 2.3 million of them having fled to neighboring countries. As many people know, the Florentine community has been working hard in order to help Ukraine in as many ways possible. Here are some updates on how ISF, and other organizations in Florence, are helping out: The Human Rights Club: Founded by Carolina Hohagen, an 11th grader at ISF, the Human Rights Club has partnered with the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation in order to collect donations to send to Ukrainians in need. For the week of March 7th, the Human Rights Club placed boxes out front for students and teachers to donate as many goods as possible. This included first aid kits, energetic snacks, bandages, diapers, and food for children. For the following week of March 14th, the drive was extended, requesting to collect warm clothes, sweaters, and coats. Save The Children- ISF for Ukraine: In addition to the drive held at ISF, Selina Marton and Lousie Gutbrod from grade 11 have put together a fundraiser with the non-profit organization Save the Children.
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This organization is working to provide children and families with immediate aid, supplying those in need with food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance. Within only a week of fundraising, over 4 thousand dollars have been collected. Marton, when speaking on behalf of the student-led initiative, states that "so far, we have seen an overwhelming response to the fundraiser; with parents, students, and teachers offering their support in any shape or form possible. It has been amazing to see the ISF community come together and offer their assistance. We are already halfway to our goal, after only one week of fundraising. We would like to thank everyone who has donated and all those involved in making this effort a success.” The ultimate goal of 10 thousand dollars is swiftly being reached, and the fundraiser will continue to collect as many donations as possible. UNICEF Italia: UNICEF, one of many assisting organizations with a research office located in the center of Florence, has strengthened emergency preparedness and response programs through integrated partners and services on the ground.
FLORENCE FOR UKRAINE
In Italy, UNICEF, with UNHCR and the Red Cross, have launched an incredible fundraiser with a solidarity number 45525, to respond as quickly as possible to the serious emergency in progress. UNICEF, with the focus of specifically helping children, allows people from all around the world to reach out and help the organization with sending out clean water, blankets to shelter from the cold, medical care, and any other necessary assistance. Refugees In Florence: In addition to all the fundraisers and donations made through ISF and other organizations, refugees arriving from Ukraine have been welcomed to Florence, where many have offered their hospitality. In doing so, these refugees have been able to safely stay with families in Florence. By simply giving them shelter and necessities, the lives of these refugees has become more bearable, despite the crisis in their hometown.
LOCAL
The Florentine community has been reaching out in many ways possible, and strives to continue offering help to Ukrainians in need. At 3 pm on Saturday, March 12th, the bells of the Basilica in Santa Croce rang 17 tolls, representing the amount of days of war in Ukraine. The "Cities stand with Ukraine" event, promoted against the war in Ukraine by Mayor Dario Nardella, is an association that brings together 200 European cities. Twenty thousand people in the square witnessed the connections with the mayors of Europe and with Ukrainian president Volodymir Zelensky. With many flags of peace and of Ukraine, it was an intense and emotional moment for many. Unfortunately, the war has caused tremendous difficulties to Ukrainian citizens, but coming together as a community to assist has been promising and truly moving.
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APPRECIATING ISF ART CELINA LUDES '22
WILLIAM DONG '27
GIULIA CORCOS & DANIEL SCHRAM '24
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MICHELLE LU ' 28
ERIC ZHAO '23
GRADE 9
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JUNIOR SCHOOL NOOK
Darius Doring, Grade 5
Elba Edgar, Grade 5
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Inessa Perrotta, Grade 5
Emily Zheng, Grade 5
Matilde Ristori, Grade 5
Georgia Dick, Grade 5
James Huang, Grade 5
Oliver Stipek, Grade 5
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Elena Bellini, Grade 5 Sophia Mobilia, Grade 5
When I look and hear Written and illustrated by Coco Yu Grade 2b When I look at a popcorn I think it is a volcano. When I look at the sea, it like… I hear the sea say hi to her baby. When I hear lion roar it like… like a MONSTER! When I look at the space it like… like I hear the people talking on the Earth. When I look at the TV I will… I will cry and laugh. When I hear the water let me… let me want the sleep. What can you look and hear?
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Clotilde Quagliotti, Grade 4a “If something is wrong and you don’t know what, just let it go and it’ll come back.” Said always Sanyae the God of the wolves. She was a giant dragon, with a long gray tail, sharp white teeth, pointy claws, but she even could turn into a wolf, a golden wolf, purple deep eyes and grey furry skin. Step by step she went towards the “Sonca tree” (her home) where she could find her Gods that serval over her choices and actions. One day a group of evil people went to the forest with flaming hot fire to destroy the beauty of nature and innocent animals. Sanyae let go and went away to the Gods. She prayed to turn herself into the frost wolf, she stayed there for day, month, a year. The Gods said no all day long, so Sanyae came back to the forest. IT WAS ALIVE! She has been away for sooo long that it growed back! Maybe it is true what Sanyae said, because she never lies…
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Why Life for Captive Animals Is Depressing By Alice di Vincenzo, Grade 5
Imagine being taken away from your family and natural habitat to live in a tank that is way too small for you or a circus where you are forced to perform tricks with the threat of being physically punished! That's what life is like for captive animals!
When kept in captivity over a period of time animals can develop an illness called “zoochosis.” The word “zoochosis'' comes from the condition of psychosis which is an illness that affects how your brain processes information and causes you to lose touch with reality. Zoochosis is brought on by stress and depression. It causes unnatural behavior that wouldn’t normally be seen in the wild, for example, elephants will sway and giraffes will bend their necks. Another common symptom is pacing, which can be seen in most captive animals. According to National Geographic almost 80% of captive animals suffer from zoochosis. “Animals may face a number of challenges which evolution has not prepared them for.” says Born Free
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“Animals are not actors, or Circus clowns for people to gawk at” states an argument written by PETA, yet thousands of animals such as apes, bears, elephants and horses are forced to perform tricks for a crowd under the threat of physical punishment! THIS IS NOT OK! Not only are circus animals forced to perform tricks but their homes aren’t very beneficial either, many monkeys who perform for circuses are locked up in tiny cages and sometimes even chained up and only let out to practice or perform! The reason being is that circuses don’t care about animal’s wellbeing and only use them to attract more visitors.
Many people who are in favor of zoos put forward the idea that zoos help breed endangered species but they never factor in that not all zoo animals are endangered. In fact “only 15% of the thousands of animals kept in zoos are actually considered “endangered” says Will Travers, President of Born Free, which concludes that any zoo who claims to be helping animals with their conservation programs are liars and only say that to think they are helping wildlife. Although there are some fair arguments for circuses and zoos to remain open, is it really fair that we treat animals like this?
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CREATIVE WRITING
Check out some of our community's creative minds through their writing!
CREATIVE
SHARP FREEDOM
SHARP FREEDOM First place winner of the ISF Creative Writers' short story competition: Raya Gupta, Grade 9
We were so close to the Talib fighter I could see the stains on his uniform. He stared into Baba’s eyes, judging him with a cold stare. All day we had shuffled forward under the sun, but none of that mattered now, the Taliban held our fates and I had heard enough stories to be terrified by that thought. Finally my father ducked his gaze, a deep breath shuddering through his body before spoke, “My wife is an American citizen, we wish to travel to the US.” he said. “Identification?” the fighter asked asked, “Here,” my father replied, showing him my mother’s blue passport.” He gave it a quick, careless glance, “Since when does an Afghan man follow a woman instead of defending his homeland?” he smiled, taking delight in watching our future dangle by a thread. He wasn’t old at all, still in his gangly teen years, but despite his acne, he demanded respect. He was so full of himself that all his goodness was pushed away to create room. Maybe that was what power did to people, including those who now ran our country. Men who refused to see me. “They can go, but not you.” the fighter continued, yawning and stretching his arms into the sky. In a flash, I recognized that pose, it was one I had watched every morning for a whole year in assembly.
He had been three classes higher than me and constantly
muttered lines of poetry under his breath, but now I could barely recognize this gun toting judge, recklessly juggling fates. “But, my family,” my father pleaded, stepping closer to him, “I’m not letting you leave.” he said harshly, pushing my father back. I don’t know what possessed me, but as my father tripped back, I stepped forward. My heart beat horribly fast as the Talib fighter examined me, his brown eyes hard and cold. My world was on fire, flush creeping up my cheeks. All sound disappeared except for the beat of my heart. I was angry: that my destiny was to leave my home, that freedom hurt this much, that my choices were between never seeing the crystal clear Noshaq waterfall again and seeing it, along with my hopes, destroyed.
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CREATIVE
SHARP FREEDOM
“Kassef,” I said, “why are you doing this?” It was a question with so many answers that there were none. He recoiled from my voice as if I had slapped him. “What else can I do?” he said grimly, We lapsed into silence for a moment. My stomach sank, already anticipating the weight of my parents’ despair at our botched escape. “Go,” he said, “all of you.” “What?” I gasped in disbelief, but my parents were already pulling me towards the fence. The last thing I saw was another family approaching Kassef the Talib fighter, the cycle starting over again for the hundredth time today.
When we reached the
fence, I ran my hand along it, just to make sure it was real, and felt the sting of a cut from the barbed wire. Freedom was sharp.
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CREATIVE
CAFE DESTINY
CAFE DESTINY Second place winner of the ISF Creative Writers' short story competition: Allegra Di Florio, Grade 7
Cafe Destiny. Located right off the highway. Its light brown walls and giant sign are an attraction for truckers and other travelers. Its coffee is pretty good, not the best I’ve ever had but it hits the spot after a long drive. Because so many people come through here I’ve lost track over the years; but there are a few that have stuck with me. Take Johnny Whinster for instance: real nice guy, 47 years old, 5’11 - well, 6 foot if you count his hair, and a trucker from Florida. He always comes in and goes straight to his booth, ordering the lumberjack breakfast - no matter the time of day. He’s a regular this one, and comes once every few months or so, driving oranges from Florida to California and then back again. He always talks about his dog, Millie, who he has to leave at home because she doesn’t have hind legs. And about Martha. Martha Kinger, a child pianist prodigy turned kindergarten teacher who drives along here every summer to visit her family in Oregon, although she loathes going. Seems to be around 45, 5’7, super curly hair, with glasses. Martha easily finds Johnny in the crowd, having known and secretly loved him for nine years. They sit together in the booth farthest away from the road, talking nonstop about their future together. I wish there was a future for them, but their story is complete here. This is their entire story. One of my favs is Jordan Mitchel. He’s a highschool student, poor, traveling over the summer for work, trying to get into a college drama program. After his order, he gives me a huge smile and thanks me for the food and coffee. This may seem normal, but when you work at a cafe on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, people aren’t always so polite. He sits with his grilled cheese sandwich and iced coffee, reciting his lines over and over. After a few minutes, a woman goes over to Jordan and asks him what he is practicing for. He tells her about being Puck in the upcoming summer play, so the woman asks him to recite his part for her.
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CREATIVE
CAFE DESTINY
“Through the forest have I gone…” he begins. The whole place erupts in applause once he finishes. She reveals that she is from the USC School Of Dramatic Arts and encourages him to audition for her program. This serendipitous encounter? My doing. My job isn’t as easy as it may seem. I give people their destinies when they are born and occasionally nudge them in the right direction. Easy, right? Wrong. I am human well not really… but for the sake of argument - and I make mistakes too. Sometimes I get too attached and let my emotions get in the way. Other times, people slip my grasp, changing their destinies permanently. In the end, maybe that's what's supposed to happen. Maybe that is destiny too.
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CREATIVE
GIRL WHO FOUND LIGHT
A GIRL WHO FOUND LIGHT IN THE DARK Third place winner of the ISF Creative Writers' short story competition: Tea Marie Mijatovic, Grade 7
People always say education is a right not a privilege…but aren’t all students who are offered education more privileged than those living in places where education is not provided? Education is vital in today’s society. It allows you, not only to learn math, languages and science, but to interact with the people around you. My name is Aadela, meaning fair and reasonable. I was born in Afghanistan and lived there with my mom and two older brothers. Before the age of 6 I did not know what education was and I thought it was something “for boys”. My mom always tried to teach me how to read or write, but she didn't know enough. This is not her fault, but the laws that were in place, not allowing young girls to be educated. Once my brothers and I grew older, I understood the freedom boys had compared to girls. As the years went on women rights got worse, allowing no freedom of speech for young girls. My brothers had all the freedom they wanted, but they still decided to risk it all and teach my mom and I things they learned. After my brothers came home from school they would teach us everything they learned that day. My mom opened this opportunity up to other young women who were willing to learn. One day we were all sitting down on the floor when a man from the Taliban entered our house. I was so frightened as I watched them hit my mom and brothers. All the other girls had already run away and left the door open behind them. I had to decide between saving myself or my family. I ran to the man holding his weapon and tried hitting him as hard as I could, with all my strength and power. Tears came down my cheeks as I tried to stop him from hurting my family, but I couldn't. He just hit me once, I fell to the ground and started to sob. By the time they had left, my brothers' were severely hurt and my mom was dead. I held her hand, mourning and thinking why I would risk everything just to learn.
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CREATIVE
GIRL WHO FOUND LIGHT
From that moment on my brothers and I were saving up and planning to flee Afghanistan. We knew we were not going to be able to make it, but it was better than having no freedom. I could feel my heart beat as we started to leave the house, something I did not do a lot. Once we got on a plane it was very crowded, but all I could think about were the women who were still there. Once we got to Canada, my brothers and I started an organization for education for women in Afghanistan and named it after my mom, Amman, meaning trust, safety and protection. After everything I have been through I know education is a right, but it is also a privilege.
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CREATIVE
WORLD AND I
THE WORLD AND I First place winner of the ISF Creative Writers' poetry competition: Raya Gupta, Grade 9 Sorry. That your blues are black, Green has faded to gray, Our very lives are an attack, For the frivolity you must pay. Sorry. That there is oil in your oceans, And chemicals in your streams, Your waters are strange potions, No longer safe for otters or herons or breams. Sorry. We have sucked your insides dry, Borne holes into your skin, Sent serpents of smoke to break the sky, Not cared for our animal kin. Sorry. For the dye cast in your waters, And the trash along the banks, And the endless tree slaughters, The landfills piled high and rank, I know it isn’t all my fault, I stare into your beauty, I don’t always assault. But about an eight billionth of your pain is a mark on my soul, I don’t go out of the way to fix your holes. I still send gasses into the air, Even though I profess to care. A plastic bag blowing with the breath of ghosts, Swinging on a skinny, bare tree post.
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Reminds me of everything we’ve done. All in the name of simple fun. Recently you’ve started to show your fury austere, With weather sharp as a spear, You have your revenge and it’s almost a relief, Despite the death and grief, Now it’s like killing a snarling bear in defense, Instead of murdering a trapped one with no good pretense. Sometimes you feel like a cage, We are surrounded by cold, dark space, But maybe it’s better we can’t run elsewhere, To ruin it with little care. No. We have to stay here to fix our mistakes, It’s much easier to destroy than create, But the great human race have on this earth conquered everything else, It’s time to conquer kindness and care for her as well. I promise to try and erase generations of tears and breaks, Tis our duty to restore your forests and oceans and lakes, That is who we are together: Tired mother and erring child, tethered. This generation will return home at last, And maybe salvation for all too will pass.
WORLD AND I
CREATIVE
THE WORLD AND I
Second place winner of the ISF Creative Writers' poetry competition: Elena Sofia Uzielli, Grade 9 “The world and I”, what a funny thing to say For I’ve always said “Me and the world” As if at its core, in its heart of hearts All the world is Is what I am inside. Most times it’s hard to realize That there’s more to the world than just my perception of it, That there’s more to life than I choose to see. “The world and I”, what a funny thing to say. For often it’s not the group but the individual, The livable, The fixable, Typical. “The world and I”, I’ve never thought of it that way. Oftentimes it’s hard to realize there even is a “world” and an “I”. There’s moments in which our oasis in space, our Earth, With it’s green green fields and it’s cerulean waters Becomes nothing more or less than a thick cloud of gray smoke. Similar to the ones that are raised when the inhabitants of our world come to a disagreement. What is this world that we’re living in? What’s become of it? There is no “world and I”, There’s only 7.753 billion “I’s” And one “world” that we have to share.
And one “world” that we have to share. But people are dying and people are suffering and people are crying out for help, Yet here we are. Sat in front of a computer writing a 60 line poem. If only 60 lines were enough to depict the atrocities taking place all around us, Who’s fault is that? Ours. Why? Because we humans are, fundamentally, evil. All we need to do is look up and look around and look at the world that we’ve created. Look at the world that we were born in and that we will die in, And look at what we’ve done. There is no “world” and there is no “I”, If there was, I’d be writing about twittering birds and blooming flowers. The only flowers that are blooming are the ones in the gardens of us privileged folks, The ones we water and nurture with the blood, sweat and tears of those not as fortunate as ourselves. Charles Darwin spoke of natural selection but our two-legged species has been able to defy it, To bend the laws of nature to accommodate our selfish needs. The dodo’s died and the mammoths died, Ethnic minorities vanished, Forests were swept away, Cultural beliefs and traditions were annihilated,
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CREATIVE
WORLD AND I
And along with all this even our humanity and sense of respect faded away. So I suppose this is a rant against humanity, Which might be viewed in a hypocritical light. My point is that we’re living on a floating rock in the middle of space, We’re stuck with each other. The world is one and the “I’s” are nearly 8 billion. So what’s the point of saying “The world and I”?
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BELOVED WORLD
CREATIVE
OUR BELOVED WORLD
Third place winner of the ISF Creative Writers' poetry competition: Tea Marie Mijactovic, Grade 7
Dear Beloved World, How are you doing? Are you heating up? Do you miss the people’s lives that were taken away? Do you like the current news situation? How much longer can you go?
Days of sorrow, joyful. Boring news, something to look forward to. Days when giving up is the only option, make it 1 in a billion. WE will push through. Sincerely, A human living in this world
From my perspective: It looks like you are exhausted You are dealing with unprecedented temperatures. You have to overcome grief everyday. You are bored of listening to the news that is explaining the tragic events that happened to you. You want to give up, But don’t. We will push through, but we have to work together to do this So it is not just The World and I, but the World and us. So we will all come together, to change our perspective of you as well as your perspective of us. World, I promise you, we will try to do everything we can to make: Exhausting days, refreshing ones. Unprecedented temperatures, normal .
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POLITICS
In this section, our readers explore topics relating to politics around the world.
POLITICS
EFFECTS OF CONFLICT
EFFECTS OF RUSSO-UKRAINE CONFLICT ON ITALY -So far but still so close-
By Louise Gutbrod, '23 The situation in Ukraine and Russia has been progressing for years now. Even before Russia invaded it had been hanging like a dark shadow over the whole world. When the conflict first appeared in the headlines of the news, most nations were conscious before taking any direct actions, as they were afraid of ruining their relationship with powerful Russia or starting a world war. Despite the first considerable consciousness, Russia's aggressive actions have drawn extreme attention to the conflict, urging other nations to respond accordingly. Throughout the last weeks, the EU, USA, UK, and other countries have increasingly imposed sanctions on Russia. The latest sanctions even included the long discussed banishing of Russian banks in SWIFT, a high-security network that connects 11,000 financial institutions in 200 countries to facilitate payments. Russia with its far-reaching influence has placed its allies in a tricky situation with the invasion of Ukraine. Russia has strong economic connections all over the world. Specifically, European countries such as Italy, who is known to have the strongest European relationship with Russia, are on the hot seat since the escalation of the conflict. Over the decades, Russia and Italy's economic ties have tightened progressively.
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Italy is not only economically connected, but also relies on natural gas for up to 40% of its energy resource. Therefore, Italy has to balance on the fine line between boycotting Russia and standing up for peace.
However, they are not alone, as Italy– together with the rest of Europe–is relying heavily on Russian gas supplies and economical input. Overall, up to 40% of European natural gas lines supplies are delivered by Russia.
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Overall, up to 40% of European natural gas lines supplies are delivered by Russia.
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EFFECTS OF CONFLICT
Looking at the current situation, the EU is aware of the threat that their dependence on Russia poses. Searching for new energy supplies to fill the void Russia could leave will not be an easy task. The price hikes have been especially difficult for Italy, which is more reliant on natural gas for energy than most of its European neighbours and produces very little of its own. The lack of nuclear capacity and domestic gas production will make it difficult for Italy to sustain long-term energy security in case of Russia cutting all energy supplies. Nevertheless, countries like Italy search for different options of energy supply to cover the gap Russia is leaving. For one, that means looking at more local and sustainable energy sources. Though Italy’s long-term goal is to increase domestic energy output from sustainable sources, this is still a long way off, and Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi highlighted that gas "remains crucial as a transition fuel" for the time being.
Italy has a long history with Russia in addition to strong economical bonds tying the two, however Russia’s influence seems to be slowly diminishing. As a country, Italy seems to be moving more towards aligning with the EU. In particular, this is noticeable in their responses to the Russian invasion. Italy has more at stake than most countries, but has nevertheless been supporting sanctions against Russia and, through the
POLITICS
statements of Prime Minister Draghi, it is clear that Italy will unite with its Western allies and stand against the Russian power.
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Italy has more at stake than most countries, but has nevertheless been supporting sanctions against Russia.
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All of these countries fear the blow that their economy might have to suffer due to the effect of the imposed sanctions on their relationship with influential Russia.
There is no doubt that in the future, the global economy will suffer from said blow. The crisis would also hasten the European Union's immigration integration process, as it would welcome Ukrainian refugees. Nevertheless they all are in solitary to support Ukraine against its invader. Even Switzerland, which has a long history of neutrality, has agreed to the EU's sanctions against Russia. Along with this, it is important not to forget that even though financial punishments are often dismissed as solely symbols of support, in this case it could hurt to the extent that it might be a cause of recession. If Russia’s supply of natural gas were to be halted, as threatened, the Russian economy would take huge hits, removing up to 3% of the country's GDP. Already the current sanctions are burning holes into Russia's economy.
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POLITICS
EFFECTS OF CONFLICT
Moscow's stock market exchange closed and Russian oil trades have hit an ever deeper discount to Brent.Therefore the missing gas supply would not only hurt the receiving countries but also Russia itself.
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The missing gas supply would not only hurt the receiving countries but also Russia itself.
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Nevertheless, countries like Italy search for different options of energy supply to cover the hole Russia is leaving, which means looking at more local and sustainable energy sources.
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Countries like Italy are looking at more local and sustainable energy sources.
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Though Italy’s long-term goal is to increase domestic energy output from sustainable sources, this is still a long way off, and Draghi highlighted that gas "remains crucial as a transition fuel" for the time being. Therefore we are looking at a hard time in terms of energy and gas prices as this conflict continues.
A NEW REALITY
POLITICS
A NEW REALITY FOR UKRAINE
By Alisiya Ermolenko, '24
On the morning of February 24th, the population of Ukraine woke up to face a new reality that changed their lives forever. The Russo-Ukrainian conflict began in 2014 with the Russian Federation annexing the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, and armed combat between Ukrainian and Russian Federation forces rampaging in the Donbas region with Luhansk and Donetsk occupied by proRussian separatists. However, the fullscale invasion of Ukraine led by Russia will have an ever-lasting impact on the relations between the two nations and on the reliability of future nuclear nonproliferation agreements and security assurances. This action directly breaches the terms stated in the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 where the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation pledged security assurances to Ukraine in addition to Belarus and Kazakhstan against any violations of self-legislation and territorial integrity in exchange for Ukraine's nuclear disarmament which it fulfilled.
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Now, it has become a privilege to be born safely in a hospital instead of in a metro station, and have windows in your apartment, as many have had theirs blown and shattered, leaving them exposed to the harsh wind.
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POLITICS
A NEW REALITY
It is heart-breaking to see videos of missiles hitting buildings, major structures and monuments that mark our long history that dates back to the Kievan Rus founded in 882 A.D. and our fight for liberty and democracy that have been time and time again taken away. Moreover, it is hard to wake up every morning and see the news showing dead bodies on the streets you used to once walk on, and burning homes of families you may have known, then having to call your loved ones in tears and in fear to make sure they are safe, praying that they will pick up the phone. It is impossible to imagine the terror the babies, the children, the teenagers, the adults, and the elderly hiding in the underground metro stations experience with explosions and gunshots echoing all through the night and continuing throughout the day. Many of those that are still living inside their homes are left with no electricity, no gas, no water, and no heat during the cold nights.
Now, it has become a privilege to be born safely in a hospital instead of in a metro station, and have windows in your apartment, as many have had theirs blown and shattered, leaving them exposed to the harsh wind. The war was even able to get to the ones that managed to reach the borders, tearing daughters, sisters, mothers, and wives apart from their sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. It is horrifying to picture the country that once had cities rich in culture and beautiful landscapes completely demolished and then thinking if anyone will ever return and help bring back what we have lost, if that is even possible.
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I have faith that humanity has a possibility of a bright future looking at the amount of people from all over the world that have gathered together to show their disapproval of the war
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However, there is a shred of hope the Ukrainians still have to hold on to. Never in the history of Ukraine has there been so much unity and love between citizens as there is now. Pictures show lines of people waiting to donate blood, in an effort to contribute to the struggle for independence. Several sources stated that even the homeless offered their assistance in collecting empty bottles for the preparation of Molotov cocktails used to fight off the enemy.
A NEW REALITY
POLITICS
Over a phone call the other day, my grandmother in Ukraine reported that she had never felt a closer bond with strangers who consisted of teenagers, adults, and the elderly after sharing a couple of laughs despite the gravity in the air while she was waiting in a 4 hour line at the supermarket. As horrible and as devastating as the situation is, with over 2 million Ukrainians having fled from their motherland, the southern city of Kherson found under Russian occupation and the cities of Kharkiv and Mariupol lying in rubble, and the lives of many civilians at stake, I believe there is one positive outcome for the Ukrainian people as well as for the rest of the world. I have faith that humanity has a possibility of a bright future looking at the amount of people from all over the world that have gathered together to show their disapproval of the war by going to protests and creating drives and donations to give humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees and soldiers.
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Never in the history of Ukraine has there been so much unity and love between citizens as there is now.
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It brings tears to the eye to see how people are willing to help out others in such a time of dire need with individuals living in relatively safe zones opening the doors of their homes to fleeing refugees, volunteers flying across the globe to fight in Ukraine's International Legion, and the numbers of people I saw here at the supermarket buying items requested by donation drives. Looking at the inharmonious state of things around the country with the lives of every person living on the Ukrainian territory disrupted, and possibly, maybe even definitely, of other people who have once lived in Ukraine or have a relative there, I think that we will find a new harmony, a harmony between one another. Ukrainians will never forget those who perished fighting for our country and will forever remain thankful to those who helped us. So, with luck, once this situation will hopefully dissipate, the whole world will not lose this feeling of hospitality and wish to help out others.
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POLITICS
RUSSIAN POSITION
EXAMINING THE RUSSIAN POSITION IN THE RUSSOUKRAINIAN WAR By Simon Karácsonyi, '23 On the morning of the 24th of February the unthinkable happened. The troops of the Russian Federation on the orders of President Vladimir Putin left the demarcation lines established in the Second Minsk Protocol and began their invasion of Ukraine. The attack left the Western World and many other countries in shock. Nobody would have anticipated that such a war could happen in Europe in the 21st Century. To respond to Western backlash, Russian officials such as President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have tried to justify what they call “special military operations” in Ukraine. Their arguments are mostly built on three pillars: there has never been such a thing as the Ukrainian people or state, the Ukrainian government has oppressed the national minorities of Ukraine who make up about 25% of the population, and that the Ukrainian government poses a threat to Russia’s national security.
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Nobody would have anticipated that such a war could happen in Europe in the 21st Century.
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This article will examine whether the claims set forth by the Russian government are true and if so, to what extent. For years, President Putin and his allies have claimed that the Ukrainian state is something created by Russia and that Ukrainians and Russians are people who have lived together as one harmoniously. This claim has its origins in the shared history of Russians and Ukrainians. Russians and Ukrainians did indeed live in the same state for long periods of time. Such was the case in the Russian Empire after the defeat of the Khmelnytsky Uprising in 1654, after which the lands of the Zaporizhian Sich were brought under the direct control of the Tsar. Ukrainians and Russians continued to live in the same state until 1991, with a brief break between 1917 and 1921 when the Ukrainian People’s Republic under the leadership of Symon Petliura declared independence. However, it was eventually subdued and incorporated into the Soviet Union. During the 1930’s over 3 million Ukrainians were killed in an act of genocide by the Soviet government. This was called the Holodomor– the planned destruction of millions of Ukrainians.
POLITICS
RUSSIAN POSITION
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It is a fallacy to say that Ukrainians are just a sub-group of Russians.
The Russian government denies the Holodomor to this day. Despite cohabiting with Russians, Ukrainians have always maintained an identity distinct from that of Russians. This identity was based on the romanticised portrayal of the Zaporozhian Cossacks as an independent, strong and democratic people. Throughout the period of Russian control over Ukraine, Ukrainians looked back on their past freedom with nostalgia. Furthermore, Ukrainian culture and Russian culture are very different from each other. While it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss specifics, it can be said that the two countries have different traditions, customs, dresses, songs, and cuisine. It is a fallacy to say that Ukrainians are just a sub-group of Russians, especially considering the troubled history between the two.
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Another claim of the Russian Federation has been that the Ukrainian state since the overthrow of the Yanukovich government in 2014 has perpetrated genocide against nonUkrainians in the state. It is certainly true that the Ukrainian state passed legislation which restricted the ability of national minorities and Ukrainians to use their native language. A large proportion of Ukrainian citizens speak Russian as their first language, either because they are ethnic Russians or they were Russified during the Soviet times. In 2019 the Verkhovna Rada (People’s Assembly) passed a language law which restricted the educational usage of languages other than Ukrainian.
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The Russian government denies the Holodomor to this days.
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POLITICS
RUSSIAN POSITION
The law stated that languages other than Ukrainian can only be taught as foreign languages in schools of national minorities. This law was criticised both by Russia and the EU. Some EU countries, such as Hungary, Poland and Romania criticised the bill as well. All three nations have a significant diaspora in Ukraine, most of whom have been living in their regions for centuries. More recently, another law has been passed which obliges non-Ukrainian media to publish the same number of copies translated to Ukrainian. Due to the financial strain placed on the publishers, many of them will go out of business. Although there has been significant discrimination against non-Ukrainians, it does not amount to genocide. Therefore, the claim that Russian troops were sent to Ukraine to prevent the killing of nonUkrainians by Banderites is false.
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The claim that Russian troops were sent to Ukraine to precen the killing of non-Ukrainians by Banderites is false.
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The third claim of Putin is that Ukraine, under President Zelenskyy, has been trying to rebuild its nuclear arsenal. This claim is so foolish that people would laugh at it if children were not dying because of it.
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This claim is so foolish that people would laugh at it if children were not dying because of it.
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Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons together with Belarus and Kazakhstan in exchange for Russia promising to respect the territorial integrity of the 3 countries. The Russian Federation broke this agreement in 2014 when it annexed the Crimean Peninsula and backed separatist rebels in the eastern oblasts of Donetsk and Luhansk. Despite this, the Ukrainian governments both of Poroshenko and Zelenskyy kept to the agreement made in 1994. Beginning roughly this January, Russian officials started to claim that Ukraine was attempting to rebuild its nuclear arsenal in order to attack the Russian territories together with NATO, which Ukraine is keen on joining. They claimed that Ukraine was attempting to access uranium from reservoirs in nuclear power plants. Ukraine has five power plants: Równe, Khmelnytsky, Yuzhnoukrainsk, and Zaporizhzhia as well as the shut down but maintained plant in Chernobyl. Although Ukraine does have large deposits of uranium, it lacks the technology and the engineers to use it to create nuclear weapons so the idea of nuclear threat to the Russian Federation is an illusion.
POLITICS
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The idea of nuclear threat to the Russian Federation is an illusion.
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RUSSIAN POSITION
This state will be ruled as Russia is: a strange mixture of the Russian Empire and Bolshevism. The Ukrainian people must be helped by the West to avoid this scenario.
Note: The author of this article refuses any accusation of Russophobia or antiUkrainian sentiment. He believes that European countries must cooperate with one another while respecting cultural differences and traditions.
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Putin based his war on lies and attempts to justify it with more lies.
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Putin based his war on lies and attempts to justify it with more lies. He claims that it is clear that his war is to block Ukraine in its path to freedom and independence from Russia and to reestablish the boundaries of the Soviet Union by force.
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POLITICS
DISNEY
IS DISNEY CHOOSING DIVERSITY OVER QUALITY? By Luca Caramani, '23 Have we advanced from a time in cinematic history that has been dominated by deep-pocketed companies–blown out of proportion to a degree in which our minds were so sensitive to the matter of representation–that we only reacted in the presence of a minority rather than in their absence? Or could one argue that forced representation in mainstream movies has stripped storytelling from its artistic aspect in an attempt to please the audience? There was a time in which the majestic collaboration between Disney and Pixar resulted in what we could call classics today: movies that appealed to people of all ages by means of their flawed characters, unique plots and meaningful moral lessons. In spite of that, in our day and age production companies that target younger audiences have made the transparent decision to choose diversity over quality. On the grounds of this, are what some people perceive as half-hearted attempts at representing other cultures, in effect a reflection of our now modernized world? Moreover, are the critics of representation in recent films the same that bit their lips when whitewashed shows along the lines of Friends and Seinfeld ruled the entertainment industry? While it might look like a distasteful cash grab, Disney and Pixar could actually be striving to develop a generation of young, openminded people.
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It was as if they were afraid to make a woman fail.
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A common misconception surrounding criticism of the most recent Star Wars trilogy is that the general fanbase did not take to the idea of a woman being the main protagonist. Instead, the controversy most people had concerning Rey’s character was not the fact that Disney dared to depict a woman as strong and powerful, on the contrary, it is the fact that they chose to focus on female empowerment rather than using Rey to move the story forward. The writers simply did not challenge her enough to make a compelling story. It was as if they were afraid to make a woman fail. Whenever Rey was faced with a problem, the writers used cheap excuses to make her more powerful each time. This is a perfect example of showing how nowadays production companies sacrifice quality to appeal to the average movie-goer. Examining various recent Disney movies targeted at younger audiences such as Encanto (2022), Coco (2017), and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), it is almost as if they have developed a formula for writing stories and then simply applied it to different characters from different cultures.
DISNEY
The result is a collection of unoriginal and unremarkable movies. For Disney this is a win-win situation: they get praised and glorified for their braveness of “standing up” against inequality, and they make a couple hundred million dollars on the side. But what about the cultures they are representing? How do they benefit from all this? And just how accurately are they being depicted? It is widely ignored that Disney engages in cultural appropriation to perpetuate stereotypes of marginalized groups and makes fortunes. Regardless, it is important that we move away from times in which seeing a minority on screen was a rare sight.
POLITICS
Be that as it may, throughout the eight movies there were only three black students at Hogwarts with speaking roles. Were the movies made today, the production company would never have allowed for this to happen. This could be by virtue of people having become much more aware when it comes to representation, or due to us having entered an era in which people simply do not see skin colour as a factor that affects a performance. It is entirely possible that non-white actors are being cast in films more due to subconscious decisions. Disney strives to distance itself from movies like Harry Potter, made by Warner Brothers, by focusing on changing their image. Of course, the people that would criticise a movie starring a black or Asian lead are the same ones that saw no problem when Disney’s classics consisted of purely white characters namely in Toy Story (1995), Wall-E (2008), and Ratatouille (2007). Disney has been around for just under a century and it took them 83 years to make a movie starring the first black Disney princess. This was a massive milestone for the issue of underrepresentation because it showed young black girls that not only white people can be princesses–they too can have a fairytale ending.
The Harry Potter franchise is one of the most popular movie series among our generation and likely will be for generations to come. It is arguably one of the best stories ever told and a result of what happens when filmmakers focus purely on quality.
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POLITICS
DISNEY
An example of a Disney movie that tells a singularly powerful and beautiful story while tackling the issue of underrepresentation is Soul (2020). This is a movie that encapsulates all the aspects of a traditional Disney-Pixar film and results in a witty yet philosophical motion picture. The main character happens to be black, however, the writers did not build the entire story around this solitary aspect of his identity. The writers also made sure to include aspects of his identity that are important to black culture, like the fact that the main character is a jazz musician, a music genre that stems from African American history. This is an example of an aspect of representation that Disney got right. As a society, we should take pride in knowing that nowadays, young children from different cultures are growing up with the representation that their parents never had. When children see themselves represented in mainstream media, they get a sense of inclusivity. They see and understand what they can achieve in society. It is very important that minorities get represented more and that we move away from times in which they were rarely included. There should be no problem with equal representation in the media, as long as it is done out of sincerity for the representation of young minds that have been inaccurately or not represented in the past.
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As the world modernizes and leaves behind the ideologies that were once accepted, so does the entertainment industry.
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As the world modernizes and leaves behind the ideologies that were once accepted, so does the entertainment industry. Thirty years ago a movie featuring interracial friendships might have been controversial, and nowadays it would be controversial to not include various characters from different cultures. Representation is important, especially for young minds who belong to groups that are being represented in media for the first time. The only problem with this is that in show business, the vigorous pursuit of wealth will consistently prevail.
DINSEY
Disney could make a movie about any culture in the world and make hundreds of millions of dollars. Said culture would probably be a marginalized one, and one that gained nothing from being featured as a musical-like tribe, but conversely had their stereotypes perpetuated in western culture. Would this movie be nearly as good as the Pixar classics?
POLITICS
Probably not, but at least they represented a minority, right? Movies that tackle representation do have the potential to tell good stories and be great films, however, it is unethical to use the representation of cultures to appeal to the public and make money. There is a fine line between a movie representing minorities in order to make sure that minorities are represented more–which they should be–and movies inaccurately representing marginalized cultures. Maybe as the world modernizes even further, people will realise that a good movie is made by somebody with a story to tell, not an audience to gratify. By the way things are looking at the moment, we could be entering a time in which people of all sorts will be represented in movies as who they really are.
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SCIENCE
Our writers provide fascinating insight on all things science-related.
SCIENCE
CLIMATE CHANGE
THE INTERGOVERNAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE By Marjorie Carlson, '23
The opportunity to take action against Climate Change is closing. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s newest report warned us of this on February 28th, 2022. The large-scale report: “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability” is the second in a six assessment report from the IPCC that focuses on the impacts observed and possible solutions. The report lays out a feasible path for a turnaround that will integrate the world economic and environmental systems to create a more sustainable future.
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The short-term effects of climate change are projected to worsen exponentially if the world keeps going at its current rate of destruction.
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The report assesses that global heating is more widespread and severe to the world's human and natural systems. There has been 1.1 ºC of warming causing 3.5 billion people to be in highly vulnerable areas. We are seeing more and more people being subject to the effects of climate change: loods are displacing 20 million people from their homes each year, half of the world faces water insecurity at least once per month, and wildfires are leading to irreversible change in landscape. The short-term effects of climate change are projected to worsen exponentially if the world keeps going at its current rate of destruction. According to the report, for every one tenth of an increase in warming, there are escalated threats to people, ecosystems, and species. The report finds that even if we limit global warming to 1.5 ºC, there are grave effects. By 2030, 350 million people will experience water scarcity, up to 14% of terrestrial species will face extinction, and many glaciers will completely disappear. The report finds that even if the world decreases its carbon emissions, greenhouse gasses already in the atmosphere will make unavoidable impacts through 2040.
CLIMATE CHANGE
These issues are affecting populations of people disproportionately resulting in climate justice. Climate justice is an important effect of climate change. The report warns that the losses and damages are affecting the populations that have done the least to cause this problem more than the industrial countries that have a larger role in the problem. While major countries contributing to climate change have the funds to protect themselves from the effects of climate change, effects are more penetrating in less developed countries due to lack of funding. IPCC estimated that $127 billion need to be invested in these vulnerable populations by 2030 to compensate for the devastating consequences they are facing.
SCIENCE
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Climate change is much more of a societal problem than an environmental one.
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It outlines that the best way to provide protection from climate chaos is to address “inequities such as those based on gender, ethnicity, disability, age, location and income” (IPCC report). The report explains that a future sustainable world involves systematically changing the way the world is structured, down to the social constructs.
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A future sustainable world involves systematically changing the way the world is structured, down to social constructs.
The IPCC approaches adaptations needed to be made in three categories: social programs, ecosystem-based adaptation, and new technologies and infrastructure. The report highlights that climate change is as much of a societal problem than an environmental one.
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This has led many to lose hope for a future with a sustainable earth. The chair of the Least Developed Countries at the UN climate talks, Madeleine Diouf Sarr, says “I read this report with a great deal of fear and sadness, but not surprise.
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SCIENCE
CLIMATE CHANGE
It’s very clear to us that no amount of adaptation can compensate for failing to limit warming to 1.5C”.
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No amount of adaptation can compensate for failing to limit warming to 1.5 °C.
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There is hope for the future but we need to act now.
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However, the IPCC message explains that there is hope for the future but we need to act now. The report highlights that every part of the world is being and will continue to be affected by climate change so action needs to be taken across the globe. Because of these devastating effects, adaptation is crucial.
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The costs for adaptation are now way less than the cost of acting. In other words, paying for prevention is cheaper than paying for the devastating effects we will face from climate change.
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Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief sums it up well when she states: “We can prevent and protect ourselves from extreme weather, famines, health problems and more by cutting emissions and investing in adaptation strategies. The science and the solutions are clear. It’s up to us how we shape the future.”
ISF Science Lab
CULTURE
Our writers provide new takes on anything cultural!
CULTURE
FOOD CULTURE
TIME- HONOURED TRADITIONS AND NEW TWISTS: FLORENCE’S FOOD CULTURE By Selina Marton, '23
When you think of Florence, you are reminded of the immense cultural heritage this small city has to offer. The art, the language, the architecture, the food. Every year, 16 million tourists visit this Renaissance city, hoping to experience firsthand the culture and lifestyle that has drawn so many of us over the ages. They arrive in hordes, no matter the season, and at every hour you can find any number of them squeezed around rickety little tables at one of the many trattorie, waiting expectantly for the first taste of the authentic Florentine cuisine many have dreamed about for months. But it’s not just the tourists! When in doubt, look for your local friend in the corner of their favourite pizzeria, enjoying a glass of wine with a pizza Margherita while they chat with the signora from the next table. As Italians (some of us with a transitory claim to the name), our cultural life revolves around food—and not just any food. It’s centred on the trattorie, osterie and enoteche, and the traditional Tuscan food they serve: the bistecca alla Fiorentina, the pappa al pomodoro, the crostini and Chianti wine, the olio nuovo.
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Our cultural life revolves around food.
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Food becomes so much more than just a way of supplying our bodies with the necessary nutrients.
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Food becomes so much more than just a way of supplying our bodies with the necessary nutrients. Here, the food is what brings us together: the long, three-hour lunches that are culturally mandatory on Sundays, the quick gelato stops, even when you’re really not hungry, and the neverending search for the best wine bar in all of Florence.
FOOD CULTURE
Culture has been intrinsically tied to the production, preparation and consumption of food since ancient times. The word itself derives from the Latin word colere, meaning tending to the earth. Tuscan cuisine is anchored in locally farmed fresh ingredients and simple dishes that are lovingly prepared and delicious in their simplicity. It is rooted in the land and the lovingly tended bounty it yields. Florentines have carefully guarded the traditions of their cuisine over the centuries, maintaining that strong cultural heritage (think of baccalà bagnato on Fridays). However, upholding the vibrancy and strength of the cultural identity of a populace has become increasingly difficult. Globalization is slowly leading to the alarming loss of cultural identity in many parts of the world. Florence is no exception.
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Globalization is slowly leading to the alarming loss of cultural identity in many parts of the world. Florence is no exception.
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CULTURE
We are at a crossroads. Until recent times, Italians, Florentines in particular, have been exceptionally successful at maintaining cultural integrity. As they tend the earth, they also tend to the heritage of ancient cities. Integrating policies such as strict building codes and the ZTL, focusing on the preservation of the art and architecture, and keeping Dante’s Italian alive are all successful attempts to halt an irreversible loss. However, the power of globalization is hard to keep at bay. A constant influx of influences from television, migration and tourism, the core of Florence’s economy, make the task a hard one. Today, international influences on language and cuisine are strong. Despite this, Florentine cuisine maintains its place front and centre on the restaurant scene. The food is a source of pride for this Renaissance city. It is the lifeblood that runs through the veins of all those who live and visit here. It is the city. Without its food and art, what is Florence?
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It is the lifeblood that runs through the veins of all those who live and visit here. It is the city.
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CULTURE
FOOD CULTURE
The central premise of Tuscan food, the focus on simple yet savoury flavours, has been passed down through generations, never wavering in its influence. But has it allowed for diversity? Diversity, similarly to culture, is disseminated throughout all aspects of society. Food is one of the most important windows through which true diversity of a society can be viewed. By halting the effect of globalization, do we inadvertently surrender the ideal of multiculturalism as well? Much of our connection to our culture is founded in the food that our mothers and fathers used to prepare for us as children. That warm fuzzy feeling that you get whenever you eat your favourite comfort food? It’s a reminder of your connection to home. Food and its history is an important part of the stories of nations. Only by honouring cultural differences in eating, can we begin to become more connected as human beings.
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Only by honouring cultural differences in eating, can we begin to become more connected as human beings.
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Perhaps there is an untrodden path that allows us to embrace both cultural integrity and diversity, each essential in its own right. Finding a balance between honouring the culture, which has for so long characterized this city, and welcoming variety could be the very thing we need. Already change is afoot. While the trattorie are as numerous and inviting as ever, new and exciting restaurants are appearing on the scene, fresh and ready to provide exciting alternatives to Italian cuisine. Places like Temakinho, an Asian- and South Americaninspired fusion restaurant, and Ararat, which offers a unique blend of Armenian and Georgian cuisine, are a sign of the dawn of a new era in the Florentine restaurant industry. Meanwhile, other restaurants are opening up with a cosmopolitan flair and a new twist on Tuscan cuisine that still honours the time-honoured tradition. Mimesi is the perfect example: a new gourmet restaurant located inside the hotel Dimora Palanca that pays homage to traditional cuisine, yet combines it with an entirely modern take on the dining experience as a whole.
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Time and again, Florence has undergone a rebirth.
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Time and again, Florence has undergone a rebirth. This time, it explodes with a renewed vibrancy and passion for food and lifestyle, reflected in the cultural fabric of this innovative city. It honours its historical position as one of the great changemakers in art and culture and welcomes its new role as a prominent global city.
ART GALLERY
CULTURE
GALLERIA ROMANELLI: A VISIT TO THE PAST By Alisiya Ermolenko, '24
When walking down the narrow street of Borgo San Frediano with small shops on each side, it is easy to miss the beauty that is hiding in the shadows of an outdoor entryway. Above the entrance, a white bas relief depicting a biblical scene of Archangel Raphael and Tobias hangs next to a memorial of Pasquale Romanelli, the original founder of the sculpting studio.
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As soon as you walk through the glass door portal, you are greeted by a myriad of statues everywhere the eye can look. The hard work of generations of Romanelli sculptors is visible in the life-like statues of animals and human individuals that seem to breathe and bend with the unnoticeable flow of time. The very atmosphere of the studio suggests its antiquity and wellearned reputation.
Before even opening the doors, you are given the feeling that you are about to be transported to a different time and place.
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Before even opening the doors, you are given the feeling that you are about to be transported to a different time and place when models, stoneworkers, apprentices, and masons flocked the formerly sacerdotal building. The doormat informs you that you are entering the world of Galleria Romanelli.
The most noticeable figures are the gargantuan horseback sculpture of Giorgio Castriota Scandenbeg, a tall sculpture of a soldier commemorating those who fought in the Italo-Ethiopian War, and a relief called Giustizia di Traiano commissioned by Mussolini during his rule.
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CULTURE
ART GALLERY
Eyes darting from left to right, top to bottom, one can spend a whole afternoon simply gazing at the sea of statues, black and white, made from bronze, marble and plaster. As the locked window, wooden ceiling and a wooden corridor indicate, the building where the studio is currently located had a long history before becoming a sculpture atelier as it started out as a church before turning into a convent, and later a hospital.
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It is a place for meditation and reflection where worries melt away.
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After gazing at the wonders the main room has to offer and as you continue to walk down the stone path, you will see an entry leading to the reception and the studio itself where you will often see the master, Raffaello Romanelli, working either by himself or with other aspiring sculptors on their own pieces. Indeed, whether you are a beginner or experienced in the world of sculpting, Galleria Romanelli offers the rare opportunity of bringing a piece of clay to life with guidance from Raffaello, the master himself. The course is intended to teach students to see life proportions and how to model a sculpture from what you see, he reports. As soon as he sees his visitors he makes them feel welcome and offers his assistance with any query or desire they may have. A proud proprietor, he tells the history of Galleria Romanelli.
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Passed on for five generations down the male line of the Romanelli family, makes his talent bred in the bone.
It is a place for meditation and reflection where worries melt away and the only interruption is from another occasional unsuspecting visitor or from one of the learning artists that has come to create a sculpture of their own.
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Being the fifth successor of the studio, which has been passed on for five generations down the male line of the Romanelli family, makes his talent bred in the bone.
ART GALLERY
It all started when the founder of the gallery, a man who comes from outside the family, Lorenzo Bartolini, began the business in 1829, where the sculptors of Florence could gather and apprentice. Originally, before Bartolini returned to Florence, he lived in Paris where he was commissioned to create many portraits by the Bonaparte family before Napoleon’s defeat. Two of his most renowned artworks are the Fiducia in Dio, exhibited in Milan, and the monument of Nikolai Demidoff in Florence. His favorite student, Pasquale Romanelli, was the first of the Romanelli to inherit the studio after the passing of Bartolini, who served as the boy’s master from the time Pasquale was in his teenage years. Pasquale’s immense talent earned him the honour of finishing the incomplete works left behind by Bartolini as well as later giving him the opportunity to do the portraits of wealthy patricians who gathered in a line from all over Europe. The next in line was his son, Raffaello Romanelli, whose arguably greater fame than his father procured him the privilege of creating sculptures for famous Italian figures such as Garibaldi, Cosimo Ridolfi and Carlo Alberto di Savoia. His name spread with the nobility of Russia and Romania commissioning him to do their portraits in the east and, in the west, Rockefeller requesting a duplicate of the fountain found in the Boboli Gardens. The accomplishments of their predecessors inspired Folco, Romano and the current Romanelli brothers, Raffaello and Vincenzo, to continue the family tradition.
CULTURE
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One can spend a whole afternoon simply gazing at the sea of statues, black and white, made from bronze, marble and plaster.
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Galleria Romanelli is now one of the oldest sculpting studios in Europe after functioning for nearly 200 years. It certainly made a significant impact on the history of Florence as the family filled up empty space with beautiful works of art, such the statues of Hercules and the Lion found on piazza Ognissanti, Ubaldino Peruzzi on piazza Indipendenza, Benvenuto Cellini on the Ponte Vecchio and Donatello in the Church of San Lorenzo. So, the next time you are walking around Florence, keep an eye out!
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