The Viking / Issue II / November 2016

the

viking Loudoun Valley High School / Purcellville, VA / November 2017

DEAD HEAT This past year in politics has been characterized by fierce, partisan rhetoric in an unconventional campaign season.

In this contentious election, 590 polled upperclassmen weigh in on the candidates and issues that matter most to them. Page 8

Cover / Senior Kolby Williams and Junior Maddy Serafin express their support for political candidates in the 2016 election. (photo / Tyler Valentine)

Above / The senior section leads the Jungle in victorious chants as their football team defeats Rock Ridge. (photo / Caleigh Marsh)

THE

VIKING Newsmagazine Staff 2016-2017

Editors-in-Chief Chris Cerne Ben Manning Sean Webster

Online Editors Carleigh Rahn Zach Stevenson

Online Managing Editor Griffin Hunt

Photo Editors Olivia de Stanley Madison Stiles

Multimedia Editor Tyler Valentine

Writers, Photographers, Business and Promotional Staff Tito Alcazar, Jacob Coleman, Heather Feconda, Sadie Grant, Brianna Henriquez, Jordan Iwerks, Grace Jennings, Ben Keane, Alexandra Krens, Gillian Krug, Lauren Madey, Caleigh Marsh, Madison McIntosh, Jared Sanders, Ella Serafin, Claire Slook, Madison Stiles, Charlotte Twetten, Kerry Webster Adviser Paige Cox thevikingnews.com | Twitter: @lvhsviking | Instagram: lvhsviking | Snapchat: lvhsviking

Letter from the Editors 2

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

Dear Vikings, The Viking is a completely student-run and studentfunded newsmagazine, meaning that our staff is responsible for everything you see printed, unless otherwise credited. All interviews are fairly represented, and audio files are kept for reference.

November 2017

Our goal is to highlight important developments not only on our student body but also on the national scale. We hope to provide interesting and extensive coverage on the topics that are most important to our school community.

Finally, the Viking is lucky enough to have a

faculty and student body overwhelmingly supportive of our newsmagazine. Thank you for your readership and your feedback.

Thanks, Chris Cerne, Ben Manning, and Sean Webster Editors-in-Chief

CONTENTS November 2017

4

Career Construction

5

Double the Drama

6

On the Front Line

8

Dead Heat

The career and technical education programs give students both marketable skills and self-reliance.

The Viking drama department unites the theater community with their upcoming show Peter and the Starcatcher.

Seniors Quinn Weir and Gretta Simons share their stories and experiences in the Loudoun EMT training program.

In this contentious and divisive election, 590 polled upperclassmen weigh in on the candidates and the issues.

10

Student Stance

11

Uncommon Core

13

Striking a Chord

15

Crude Comments

Senior Alex Dukes and Noah Mamula discuss what has been called one of the most important elections of our time.

At the Academy of Engineering and Technology, freshmen from around the county pursue their passion.

The ukulele has captured the fascination of students and inspires them to share their musical creativity.

It’s not cute, it’s not funny. It’s threatening and it’s disgusting.

And it happens to all of us.

Right / Senior wide receiver Duron Norris sprints down the field to receive a pass from quarterback Nick Kallivokas (not pictured) during the homecoming game. The team went on to defeat Loudoun County 48-14. (photo / Ella Serafin)

November 2017

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

3

Juniors Evan Ast and Josue Ayala-Franco put the finishing touches on their latest project in their Manufacturing Systems 2 class.

Career

Construction The career and technical education programs gives students both marketable skills and self-reliance

By Zach Stevenson

4

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

November 2017

M

anual labor is sometimes portrayed as an inferior occupation, as an option for people who can’t handle the rigors of college. Implicit in that perspective are these two assumptions: first, manual labor careers are not as intellectually rigorous as higher-education based careers, and second, blue-collar careers are not as financially stable as white-collar careers. The career and technical education programs at the school turn both of those assumptions on their head.

Donald Mitchell, one of the tech-ed teachers, hopes that his class does not just teach students skills, but that it augments their character too.

“The biggest thing philosophically would be that they have a good work ethic, and that their quality of work is high, and that when they come out of there they’re proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Mitchell said.

In order to do this, Mitchell mixes collaborative projects around the school, such as the Vikings ship in front of the stadium, with individual, self-selected projects. Mitchell provides his students with guidelines, but he also affords them room to innovate.

“In Tech Ed 2 they give you a basis for

a project and then you can either use the model that Mr. Mitchell has, or you can do your own design of the same product,” junior Robert Gugliotta said. “We had an old bench and all the wood was bad on it, so I’m refinishing that now.”

Mitchell hopes his student acquire the skills and confidence to be flexible, so that when things don’t go as planned, they have the ability to adjust.

“I want them to have the ability, if I sum it all up, from a practical hands-on standpoint, to be able to problem-solve something. When a problem comes up that requires practical, hands-on skills, they don’t immediately go, ‘I don’t know how to do that,’” Mitchell said. “[Instead], they immediately go, ‘you know what, I’m going to go ahead and go into my database and see whether or not I can fix it.’”

These skills can be vital, even if they’re not practiced professionally. Mitchell frequently reminds his students that regardless of what they do for a living, they will all eventually own something, such as a house, that requires maintenance. “[I don’t really intend to pursue it as a career], but it’s more for housework because it’s expensive to hire a contractor, so it’s always nice to be able to do that stuff,” Gugliotta said.

The practical skills students learn don’t just save them money. In some cases, they can also be used to make money.

In his TED talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity”, the British author and educational consultant Ken Robinson posited that, “The whole system of public education around the world is a protracted process of university entrance.”

This overemphasis on college education is, according to most analysts, one of the main reasons the United States is experiencing a shortage of skilled laborers.

Though this doesn’t bode well for our economy, it does mean that “dirty jobs” are becoming very valuable.

“Those kids are coming out demanding money. I mean, it’s remarkable how much.

I’ve got two kids right now that did that are pushing $75,000 to $80,000, and they’re eighteen and nineteen years old,” Mitchell said. “It was just a matter of them picking a trade that there was huge demand for, and they were good at it, and now they can have a pretty lucrative and promising career.” layout /Zachary Stevenson and Alex Krens photo / Tyler Valentine

Freshmen Genevieve Howley and Liza Shourds bond with Rock Ridge students whilst “sailing” the main pirate ship. The schools have planned multiple workshops together in order to build unity between the two departments.

Double the Drama The Viking drama department unites the theater community with their upcoming show “Peter and the Starcatcher.” By Charlotte Twetten

A

lthough Valley roars with rivalry in every subject and club, the drama department is determined to make amends with their number one competitor.

This past summer, drama director Russ Staggs decided that he was finished with what he considered to be unproductive competition with other high schools, and urged his thespians to put aside their competitive nature with Valley’s major theatrical rivals. Instead, he suggested they collaborate with Rock Ridge High School in their show “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a prequel to the classic “Peter Pan.” Valley has been a formidable competitor at the statewide Virginia Theater Association (VTA) conference for some years, and often comes home with multiple awards. In 2014, after three rounds of judging, Valley won the entire VTA conference with “The Trial of Igor.”

However, Valley is not the only successful drama program in Upper Loudoun. Last year, Rock Ridge High School won first

place at the VTAs with their show, “Ernest and the Pale Moon,” bumping Valley out of the competition in most categories. As one would expect from any major competitor, the Viking drama department went home a bit fired up by their rival.

“Rock Ridge won a lot of stuff and we did not, so I mean it’s normal, we are kids, to have a little bit of competition between the two of us,” senior Megan Greene said.

However, after having the opportunity to meet and work with Rock Ridge’s director at the Performing and Visual Art, Northwest summer camp, Staggs found a little magic in teamwork and both directors agreed that they should join forces. The two schools will be doing their shows with their own actors, tech and directors, but will divide and conquer marketing responsibilities, workshops and idea support. The two schools also decided to go to VTA this year to cheer each other on, instead of each hoping the worst for the other.

“We’re completely flipping things around

and changing the environment, so we aren't going there looking for a trophy…”

Staggs said, “but looking for an opportunity to learn from what we see and what we experience.”

Together, the two directors will share ideas and directing styles with each other’s students during the “Peter and the Starcatcher” production. The drama departments also plan to share promotion duties, choreography workshops and individual character developments as they create two separate worlds filled with pirates and fairy dust. Along the way, they hope to pioneer a path for high-schools to follow, one based on mutual support and strength.

“I think it’s probably the best thing that can happen to theater and education in Loudoun County today,” Staggs said. photo / Courtesy of Russ Staggs layout / Ben Manning & Charlotte Twetten

November 2017

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

5

ON THE

FRONT LINE Seniors Quinn Weir and Gretta Simons share their stories and experiences in the Loudoun EMT training program.

By Sean Webster

W

Senior Quinn Weir awaits visitors near an ambluance during the PVRS Open House on October 16th.

hen tragedy strikes, people look to those courageous enough to step in and help those who need it the most.

Already, the next generation of first responders is training to be the first line of defense in disastrous situations. Senior Quinn Weir began her work with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) last year, and she is currently working towards her paramedic certification. Being a part of the EMT field is a big commitment, and Weir emphasizes the sacrifices one must make for the profession.

“I have not slept in days, but besides that, it’s pretty great,” Weir said. “[Since] I have high school and then I have EMT school on top of it, I have double the work and half the time, so I’m up late working and I don’t get out of class until 11 at night.”

Weir is a current member of the Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad (PVRS) and attends night classes in order to become EMT certified. With all the skills she’s required to learn, from trauma care to patient assessment to injury management, Weir understands that she must give all of her time and devotion to achieve her goals.

“I was warned multiple times in advance how hard it would be, so I cleared all of my schedule, I didn’t try out for the play, I started riding my horse only every other week so that I could have a lot more time to do this,” Weir said.

Weir’s ultimate ambition is to become a paramedic, specializing in on-site patient care. However, the EMT training program 6

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

November 2017

is also an effective foothold into the general know who you’re gonna get.” medical field. Senior Gretta Simmons At the PVRS station on Maple Avenue, participates in EMT training because she Weir stands by for possible emergency wants to eventually become a nurse. calls during shifts with her squad. During “I would like to go to Mary Washington downtime, she either works on homework and they have an EMT program there for or catches up on some much needed rest. students and I think in the near future I’ll However, when duty calls, Weir and her get my EMT [certification],” Simmons said. team mobilize quickly to arrive at the scene “If life works out, I’d love to be a medic, as soon as possible. but it’s all up in the air as of now.”

“When we get a call at the station, what Simmons currently works as an aide, happens is ‘the tones drop,’ [and] the ceiling sticking to the sidelines and learning by starts to beep and all the lights turn red,” example from the class directors. She views Weir said. “We all go to the bay and hop in her experience with the and then we put on “I’ve learned a lot and I’ve volunteers and with the lights and sirens.” learned how to handle [myself] the program as one These kinds of and how to act accordingly and experiences, from that has significantly changed her life.

I wouldn’t change it at all. It’s the invaluable field “I’ve learned a lot probably one of the best parts training to the and I’ve learned how community of her of my entire life.” to handle [myself] and squad members, how to act accordingly Gretta Simons make the rigor of the and I wouldn’t change program worthwhile, it at all,” Simmons said. “It’s probably one says Weir. Simmons likewise looks forward of the best parts of my entire life.” to the enriching and exciting possibilities of Weir’s experience as an EMT trainee a future in the medical field. is similarly positive; one of the highlights “I am very passionate about it and I of the program, in her opinion, is the think that passion is a lot of what gets people she encounters and the exposure to me through it because you do see a lot of different cultures. scary things and the people who you’re “I got to see the diversity of the class, so helping are having the worst day of their about half are female and the other half are lives and you’re just there to make it better,” male, and we have Caucasian people and Simmons said. people from India and two people from Korea and one person from Spain,” Weir said. “It’s just really really diverse, which is photo / Sean Webster a good thing in the field because you don’t layout / Sean Webster

YOUR YEAR

Y(O U R) B O O K

BUY TODAY

160825

jostensyearbooks.com

DEAD HEAT This past year in politics has been characterized by ďŹ erce, partisan rhetoric in an unconventional campaign season. In this contentious and divisive election, 590 polled upperclassmen weigh in on the candidates and issues that matter most to them. By Chris Cerne and Ben Manning

The Student Vote

Hillary Clinton

39.48%

Donald Trump

39.48%

Party Preference

Gary Johnson

14.21%

Jill Stein

6.83%

On The Issues

65.45% 55.43% of responding of responding DEMOCRATS

selected their top issue as social issues.

There was no significant change in the party preference of upperclassmen since last year’s February 2016 Viking poll. The amount of Republicans reporting increased by one percentage point, and the amount of Democrats reporting decreased by one percentage point.

8

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

November 2017

REPUBLICANS selected their top issue as terrorism and national security.

Most Democrats support a platform of marriage equality, government subsidized healthcare and focus on social justice. Republicans support a platform of strong national security and anti-terrorism measures.

Candidate Match Up

CLINTON SUPPORTERS

42.06%

of Clinton supporters get their news from the Internet.

43.78%

of students with no party preference support Clinton.

66.35%

of Clinton supporters say third parties should be more involved in the political process

30.77%

of all students eligible to vote support Clinton

94.86%

of Clinton supporters think that the election is important to the country

TRUMP SUPPORTERS more likely to list Radio or Television their primary of Trumpassupporters source of news

49.07%

get their news from the radio or Television.

more likely to list Radio or Television as their primary of students with no source of news

20.90%

party preference support Trump.

Social Media

Social media has made an significant impact on politics and journalism. Donald Trump has used social media to connect with voters on a more personal level. Hillary Clinton used it during debates to fact-check. In this election, Twitter has increasingly been used by both candidates for personal attacks.

Personal Attacks

more likely to list Radio or Television their primary of Trumpassupporters source of news

54.10%

say third parties should be more involved in the political process

more likely to list Radio or Television as their primary of all students eligible to source of news

44.62%

vote support Trump

94.39%

of Trump supporters think that the election is important to the country

Family and Friends Is your preferred candidate the same as your parents?

How has social media inuenced your interest in the election?

Is your preferred candidate the same as your friends?

layout / Chris Cerne November 2017

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

9

Student Stance As the election draws closer, Seniors Alex Dukes and Noah Mamula discuss what has been called one of the most important elections of our time. By Chris Cerne and Ben Manning She’s been pushing policies that would really help women.

Do you feel comfortable talking about your political beliefs at Loudoun Valley?

Sometimes. I feel comfortable when I am around my friends because we tend to have the same political leaning but I don’t generally try to be too outspoken about it most of the time because my impression of Valley is that it's predominantly Republican.

Senior Alex Dukes Hillary Clinton Supporter Why are you supporting your candidate? I think that Clinton has a lot more experience in politics, which really Donald Trump doesn’t, and that’s kind of concerning.

I want a politician who knows what they’re doing to be heading the country.

Why are you not supporting the other candidate? I don’t think that we can afford to have a country that is as limited as his views are. This is a country that was really built upon freedom and integration of people.

What do you think your candidate's signature issue is, and why? I think a lot of what she stands for is helping women gain a better stance in the world, especially considering she would be our first female president ever.

10

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

Where do you think your candidate would make the most progress? I think she is going to press for social reforms, but again I think her work as a politician has made her an expert at understanding foreign policy and big issues outside of America.

Clinton’s opponents have leveled accusations of corruption and ties to big business and foreign governments, how do you respond to this? I have yet to find any concrete evidence of genuine corruption in the government.

They haven't found anything that is genuinely threatening to us. I am not going to outright deny that she might be a corrupt politician, but until I can see proof of that then I am not going to think of her as such.

November 2017

We cannot handle the influx of immigrants that Clinton promises to come.

Senior Noah Mamula Donald Trump Supporter Why are you supporting your candidate? I am supporting Donald Trump because I believe in his economic policies and I disapprove of Clinton’s economic policies.

Why are you not supporting the other candidate? I am not supporting Hillary Clinton because of her apparent untrustworthiness with the violation of federal law with the emails, the 33,000 emails deleted after receiving a subpoena from the United States Congress, and because of her paid speeches, which are extremely opposite in content to what she politically believes.

What do you think your candidate's signature issue is, and why? Immigration. I think his support of building a physical wall between and us and Mexico because that is so vitally important in this country.

Do you feel comfortable talking about your political beliefs at Loudoun Valley? I am absolutely comfortable talking about my political beliefs in Loudoun Valley, I don’t know anyone who couldn’t feel able to talk about their political beliefs at Valley. People are going to disagree with you wherever you talk.

Where do you think your candidate would make the most progress? I believe Donald Trump would make the most progress economically.

I believe if he is elected, he, having support of congress, will be able to reform this country’s economy for the better.

Trump’s opponents have leveled accusations of racism, sexism, and antiSemitism against him, how do you respond to this? You’re not electing a saint no matter which party you vote for, no matter which person you vote for. In reality these things don’t matter. Someone had that [Access Hollywood] tape for ten years, and they're releasing it now. It’s just such a half-hearted attempt to deface Trump. Frankly I believe that the American people are fed up with this. They’re fed up with the establishment politicians pushing this game for many years. layout / Chris Cerne & Ben Manning photos / Tyler Valentine

The nine AET students, pictured here from left to right. Front row: Emily Simpson, Kevin Carlson, Stone Zhang, Maddie Edwards. Back row: John Hetey, Katie Rahn, Jacob Lear, Lukas Clites, Jack Rhodes.

Uncommon Core At the Academy of Engineering and Technology, Loudoun’s third and newest magnet school, freshmen from around the county pursue their passion.

While studying projectile motion in his AET physics class, freshman Stone Zhang examines a ballistics ramp.

By Carleigh Rahn

D

ecked out in t-shirts, lanyards and their own school-funded laptop, AET students are living the

dream.

In contrast to the regular school day, these students spend the whole day devoted to learning something they love. The Academy of Engineering and Technology (AET), currently hosted at Tuscarora, is giving Loudoun students just that. As it just opened this year, freshmen are the only ones attending. These students get the opportunity to not only explore their passion, but also to further their expertise in specific fields.

Much like the Academy of Science (AOS), students spend one day at AET and the other at their home high school.

As eighth graders, they applied to one of three unique departments: Information Technology (IT), Engineering, and Entrepreneurship.

One of the biggest differences these students notice is the learning and teaching techniques. Freshmen Maddie

Edwards’ face lit up when mentioning her entrepreneurship class.

“Our classes are more of debate style. We all teach each other. Rather than the teacher standing up there giving notes, it’s kind of collaborative,” Edwards said.

Since the subject matter is so nuanced, many of the classes at AET are handson, while the teachers are hands-off.

Freshman Stone Zhang, enrolled in the IT department, appreciates this laissezfaire teaching style. Zhang spends his days writing code, learning Java and creating computer programs. “[Our teacher] just gives us a guideline on what to do, he doesn’t go really in depth. It’s a good thing because you get to learn independently. It gets kids interested in learning and [makes them] more responsible,” Zhang said.

However, the regular high school experience provides some things that AET doesn’t. As these students have to catch a bus to Tuscarora before homeroom even starts, they miss out on a lot.

“I had to give up drama, a lot of electives. I mean Valley gives us time to do stuff, like PRIME. I have five hours or something for homework at AET, but I like it. It’s definitely worth it,” Edwards said.

However, Freshman Emily Simpson values AET for different reasons. The engineering program consists of over ten subcategories, including mechanical engineering, civil engineering and aerospace engineering.

“I know I do want to be [an engineer], but I’m not sure where yet, so it’s cool we get to try everything out,” Simpson said.

With such focused work, AET gives students a chance to explore their passion and take it even further, much different than school days spent here.

Edwards described AET in one sentence.

“A lot of fun,” Edwards said, “It’s different, but a good different, I love it.” layout / Carleigh Rahn photos / Madison Stiles & courtesy of Katie Rahn

November 2017

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

11

Attorneys At Law www.websterbook.com

Follow The Viking @lvhsviking Check out The Viking online news site

thevikingnews.com

12

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

November 2017

Striking A Chord

Left: Senior Sam Hamblin, junior Kate DiPietro and sophomore Marjorie Eubanks strum their ukeleles to a familiar tune. Right: Sophomore Margorie Eubanks practices on her ukelele to perfect her technique.

With its popularity on social media and the Internet, the ukulele has captured the fascination of students and inspired them to express their musical creativity. By Griffin Hunt

T

themselves to learn to play. Budding players here is an undeniable ring that can often seek help from YouTube channels like be heard in the sound of a ukulele.

Ukulele Teacher.

Its bright and happy sound echoes “It’s really easy to learn. It’s definitely throughout the hallways . a good beginner instrument ‘cause as The ukulele, with its trademark warm and mellow tone, is the hallmark instrument opposed to things like guitars that have six strings and are massive,” Hamblin said. of a number of famous songs, from Tthe ukulele is a smaller instrument and it’ll “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel generally be easier to figure out the chords Kamakawiwo’ole to “I’m Yours” by Jason on four strings.”

Mraz. According to the “[It requires] hard work While relatively easy National Association of Music Merchants, compared to larger guitars, and dedication… learning the ukulele is not there was a 54% rise it’s that ‘P’ word that easy. String instruments in ukulele sales in the everybody hates: alone pose a problem for past 3 years. Senior practice.” novice musicians due to Sam Hamblin, who’s different chords and note been playing for a few Katie DiPietro variations. months, described “It was really frustrating at first because the phenomenon as “mainstream”. The I went from playing flute to piano and to ukulele’s popularity has been boosted by the ukulele which is a string instrument a variety of celebrities, including Zooey which is completely different,” junior Katie Deschanel and even Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

DiPietro said. “[It requires] hard work “Everyone on the Internet wants to play and dedication… it’s that ‘P’ word that the ukulele,” Hamblin said. everybody hates: practice.”

Despite this sudden rise in popularity, The ukulele attracts the musical attention there is currently no club that teaches how of a multitude of people. Senior Marjorie to play the ukulele. Students take it upon Eubanks enjoys it for the sound, while

Dipietro plays for the challenge. The ukulele provides an easy medium for the sharing of music. Its light-weight and small, making it ideal for playing with friends.

“I’ll play with my friend Marjorie Eubanks and we’ll try to play over each other. It’s fun,” Dipietro said.

Because of stereotypes surrounding ukulele players, they often receive strange looks.

“I feel like the ukulele gets a bit of a bad rap,” DiPietro said.

However, for players like Eubanks, the criticism doesn’t faze her.

“I don’t really care because usually I’m surrounded by friends who enjoy it and I’m playing to them, not other people,” Eubanks said.

Learning to play the ukulele is difficult, but players find friends in others to make the journey less of a trouble, and more of an experience.

“I enjoy a good challenge, and this is definitely one,” DiPietro said. photos / Caleigh Marsh layout / Griffin Hunt

November 2017

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

13

Darrell’s Barber Shop Darrell C Furr

147 W. Main St. Purcellville 540-338-9027 block@darrellsbarbershop.com Appointments Accepted

BADA BING! BAGELS OPEN NOW! 719 E Main St Purcellville, VA (703) 336-3574

Harmony Hairworks

Hardware Custom & Stock Millwork 121 N. Bailey Lane, Purcellville 540-338-1840

11-B East Colonial HWY Hamilton, VA 540-338-2432



CRUDE COMMENTS

It’s not cute, it’s not funny. It’s threatening and disgusting.

And it happens to more than half the population.

I

t is generally agreed that women should feel safe and be treated with respect, yet often that is not the case. It happens to all women and even girls. Walking down the sidewalk, minding her own business, a girl hears “Nice ______ (fill in body part)!” followed by whistles and vulgarities. This has the potential to degrade a woman’s intellect, anatomy and confidence. Despite having done nothing wrong, she now walks with fear of her environment and carries guilt of what just happened.

In today’s progressive society, the ageold problem of catcalling is finally being recognized. A nonprofit organization, iHollaback.org, is working to end sexual harassment. The organization posted a time-lapse video of a young woman walking through New York City for ten hours.

Over the course of these ten hours, more than 100 men made predatory comments regarding her appearance. The video received more than 40 million views. The nonprofit has also created interactive maps where people can post their catcalling stories, helping women know where they are most likely to be subjected to the abusive behavior. Another non-profit, Feminist Apparel, has installed road-sign look-alikes in New York City with phrases such as “No Catcall Zone” or “No Catcalling Any Time.”

Despite significant progress, some are

still content to blame the victim or minimize the repulsive behavior as mere“locker room talk.” A YouTube video by Gothamist, a New York city-based weblog, recorded men and boys justifying their catcalling.

Comments like, “If you have a beautiful body, why can’t I say something?” and “If you don’t want to be harassed, try not to wear tight clothes,” characterize the attitudes in the video. Such flippancy ignores the detrimental effects of catcalling.

“

When I was in elementary school, me and my little neighbors were walking to the bus stop with our parents, and these men, who were construction workers, started catcalling us, us little kids!

Honestly, that was terrifying.”

Taylor Blake Unfortunately, this is an attitude evident at our school, as senior Mandy Baatar explains.

“In high school especially, men, well boys, they always say things about other women,” Baatar said. “I used to have a lot more guy friends who would always talk about ‘Oh she’s a slut’ or ‘Oh she’s ugly’ and stuff like that. I stopped being friends with those kinds of people.”

Regardless of the intended effect, these comments aren’t perceived as compliments.

They do not build up, they belittle and they threaten. And for women, especially younger girls, these experiences can have lasting effects.

“When I was in elementary school, me and my little neighbors were walking to the bus stop with our parents, and these [male] construction workers started catcalling us, us little kids! Honestly, that was terrifying.

That’s when it really started,” Blake said.

How can we debate the finer points of casual sexism if we don’t bat an eye at the blatant sexism of a stranger shouting vulgar comments through the the window of a passing car?

If you experience this yourself, reach out to iHollaback.org and document where the abuse occurred. By sharing your story, you can help other women to avoid common catcalling locations and to know they are not alone. Once women find a way to tell their stories, then we will all be considered equals. layout / Chris Cerne & Carleigh Rahn photo / Madison Stiles

November 2017

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

15

VIKING VIEW 2

3

1

4

5

1 Senior Kyle Jarrett accepts the position of Spirit King at the pep rally on October 21. Jarrett won the title by having the most votes on Twitter. (photo / Olivia deStanley)

2 Junior Ally Major sprints down the field during the powderpuff game assisting the juniors in their crushing 30-0 defeat over the seniors. (photo / Jared Sanders)

3 Bobby Lohr competes in the first part of the senior homecoming court challenge during the pep rally. (photo / Olivia deStanley)

4 Senior Rasheem Thornton evades a Loudoun County defender while

running the ball down field during the 48-14 victory at the homecoming game. (photo / Olivia deStanley)

5 Ellie Gable poses with fellow senior homecoming court members after being crowned Homecoming Queen at the half-time ceremony. (photo / Olivia deStanley)

6 The junior varsity volleyball team celebrates a victory over John Champe on

6

September 27. (photo / Gillian Krug)

layout / Ben Manning & Olivia deStanley