Being a Teen Means Needing More Support
Jessica Davila
May 8, 2020
As teens start to get older they will need the guidance of someone. There are a lot of new things to learn. Teens open up more and accept the guidance of someone if they feel like they have that person's support. A good support system and guidance can have a lot of great benefits.
With times changing and teens having to cope with those changes there will be a lot of ups and downs. Having a good support system can lead to better coping skills and healthier life. This is also a way to reduce the anxiety and depression within our teens. There are many support groups that help with finding the best system for teens. It’s just a matter of what fits best.
Support groups should not be replacing the support teens need and should be getting from parents and family. Unfortunately, sometimes many teens feel as if they don’t have that support. It’s important to know who are the best people to rely on and who isn’t and to understand why. The ability to feel comfortable and be able to open up is a sign of a good person who can be of great support.
Teens should be able to feel as if they can do something in life. Changes might arise but with a good support system it is likely they will carry it into their adult years potentially helping them. Reducing the amount of stress and having healthy ways of coping should be taught.
Having the support you need and for teens to have a support system gives them higher chances of success. Having good guidance is always important when it comes to supporting. This is a higher probability of reaching the goals that one is aiming for. Feeling like you can do anything and reach as far as you would like to is always better and easier when you have had help. While also allowing to be guided in the right way. This is something all teens need to be able to experience and feel.
With times changing and teens having to cope with those changes there will be a lot of ups and downs. Having a good support system can lead to better coping skills and healthier life. This is also a way to reduce the anxiety and depression within our teens. There are many support groups that help with finding the best system for teens. It’s just a matter of what fits best.
Support groups should not be replacing the support teens need and should be getting from parents and family. Unfortunately, sometimes many teens feel as if they don’t have that support. It’s important to know who are the best people to rely on and who isn’t and to understand why. The ability to feel comfortable and be able to open up is a sign of a good person who can be of great support.
Teens should be able to feel as if they can do something in life. Changes might arise but with a good support system it is likely they will carry it into their adult years potentially helping them. Reducing the amount of stress and having healthy ways of coping should be taught.
Having the support you need and for teens to have a support system gives them higher chances of success. Having good guidance is always important when it comes to supporting. This is a higher probability of reaching the goals that one is aiming for. Feeling like you can do anything and reach as far as you would like to is always better and easier when you have had help. While also allowing to be guided in the right way. This is something all teens need to be able to experience and feel.
"NTI" Leaves Art Students Feeling Cheated
Caroline Johnson
NTI or Non-Traditional Instruction, has been hard on a lot of students. It can be hard to find a good workspace that fosters motivation and doesn’t distract for a multitude of reasons. Even if internet access is available, it can be hard to focus when you’re in the comfort of your own home. Many students rely on doing work at school or going to coffee shops. It can be especially hard for art students to complete their work with limited supplies at home. Our art teachers have had to be creative with assignments in order to make projects accessible for everyone, in that not everyone has the same art supplies at home.
Disappointingly, many art students have left artwork behind at school that will not be finished. For example my art class just made clay sculptures that have yet to be fired in a kiln. My class is currently working on a three piece sustained investigation and many of us had to start over because we don’t have access to what we’ve already created. A Sustained Investigation is a body of work that explores an idea or question. The purpose of the works is to explore and explain this idea.
Additionally, as an AP Photography student, I’ve paid dues to take the “test”, which entails submitting a portfolio. We were originally supposed to submit fifteen Sustained Investigation evidence and five final works but the AP Board has shown us some mercy and reduced it to consist of ten evidence images and three final works. The website has specific measurements and requirements, so I had to purchase a Photoshop membership because that is the only way I know how to properly edit images since that is what we’ve been taught to use all year.
Although the way things ended may be disappointing, the Ballard Art Program has taught me so much. I’ve learned to be creative with materials available to me. For one art piece, we actually used a fork and ink to draw. You don’t have to be the best at something to enjoy doing it. Comparing yourself and your work to others is unfair and a disservice to yourself. Your personal growth is unrelated to those around you. I’ve learned life skills, such as how to hand sew or use sewing machines from my Textiles and printmaking class. Photography has taught me to see beauty in unexpected places. There will always be injustice and pain in the world, but art is a way of coping and sharing ideas. Art can connect people and speak to them in ways words can’t express and exceeds boundaries of language, race, or religion.
Disappointingly, many art students have left artwork behind at school that will not be finished. For example my art class just made clay sculptures that have yet to be fired in a kiln. My class is currently working on a three piece sustained investigation and many of us had to start over because we don’t have access to what we’ve already created. A Sustained Investigation is a body of work that explores an idea or question. The purpose of the works is to explore and explain this idea.
Additionally, as an AP Photography student, I’ve paid dues to take the “test”, which entails submitting a portfolio. We were originally supposed to submit fifteen Sustained Investigation evidence and five final works but the AP Board has shown us some mercy and reduced it to consist of ten evidence images and three final works. The website has specific measurements and requirements, so I had to purchase a Photoshop membership because that is the only way I know how to properly edit images since that is what we’ve been taught to use all year.
Although the way things ended may be disappointing, the Ballard Art Program has taught me so much. I’ve learned to be creative with materials available to me. For one art piece, we actually used a fork and ink to draw. You don’t have to be the best at something to enjoy doing it. Comparing yourself and your work to others is unfair and a disservice to yourself. Your personal growth is unrelated to those around you. I’ve learned life skills, such as how to hand sew or use sewing machines from my Textiles and printmaking class. Photography has taught me to see beauty in unexpected places. There will always be injustice and pain in the world, but art is a way of coping and sharing ideas. Art can connect people and speak to them in ways words can’t express and exceeds boundaries of language, race, or religion.
Covid-19 Pandemic Reveals Economic Injustice Jack Siebenaler
In the midst of the new reality we live in with a pandemic raging across the planet, some large issues have had the curtain pulled back on them, from the way countries deal with outbreaks, to the failings of our current economy, to a large issue with workers rights.
Across Europe we’ve seen Italian and French workers sing traditional worker and anti-fascist songs like “Bella Ciao” from their balconies with each other.
Amazon workers in the United States went on small strikes in multiple big cities to get the right of paid sick leave.
The question arises: are workers being treated fairly in our current economy based on what this pandemic has revealed? No, they aren’t.
The United States is severely behind on this as well. Most European countries allow their workers paid sick leave, while most essential workers in the US aren’t even given that. When something like a pandemic arises, they have to work through it for the wage they rely on (which for a lot of essential workers isn’t nearly enough compensation). But now they are put in the most danger outside of healthcare workers but if they do get sick they can’t afford it.
This pandemic is truly an awful thing but it’s shined a light on issues that weren’t being covered or talked about.
As we come out of this together we need to take a long look at the very structure of our governments, and decide how we are going to make a better world from this.
Across Europe we’ve seen Italian and French workers sing traditional worker and anti-fascist songs like “Bella Ciao” from their balconies with each other.
Amazon workers in the United States went on small strikes in multiple big cities to get the right of paid sick leave.
The question arises: are workers being treated fairly in our current economy based on what this pandemic has revealed? No, they aren’t.
The United States is severely behind on this as well. Most European countries allow their workers paid sick leave, while most essential workers in the US aren’t even given that. When something like a pandemic arises, they have to work through it for the wage they rely on (which for a lot of essential workers isn’t nearly enough compensation). But now they are put in the most danger outside of healthcare workers but if they do get sick they can’t afford it.
This pandemic is truly an awful thing but it’s shined a light on issues that weren’t being covered or talked about.
As we come out of this together we need to take a long look at the very structure of our governments, and decide how we are going to make a better world from this.
Bernie's Movement has Changed American
Politics Forever Caroline Johnson
In the midst of the quarantine chaos, many were disheartened by the news of Bernie Sanders dropping out of the 2020 Presidential election. After Super Tuesday, Sanders reluctantly announced on Wednesday that he has suspended his campaign after seeing a victory as “virtually impossible,” With promises of many progressive changes, such as Universal Health Care, raising the minimum wage, and the Green New Deal. Bernie has devoted his entire career to fighting for equal rights and progressive issues.
Many are presented with a moral dilemma, as the Democratic nominee Joe Biden has had his fair share of accusations and controversy. It feels as though once again, Americans have to choose between the “lesser of two evils.” It is disappointing that there were many Democratic nominees who would’ve been a positive step in visibility, such as a gay, woman, or Jewish President, but we are electing another elderly white man. If the 2016 election taught voters anything, Donald Trump will annihilate his opponent in any way possible so that he ensures a second term. Biden may not be a first choice, but if voters fail to turn out and get behind him, Trump will be re-elected.
Bernie has endorsed Biden, called him a “decent man,” and said he will do anything in his power to ensure Donald Trump is not re-elected. Bernie has announced they will be working together in order to defeat Donald Trump and move forward with progressive ideals. In a powerful statement, Bernie claimed, “Together, standing united we will go forward to defeat Donald Trump, the most dangerous president in modern American history.”
Biden acknowledges the movement and following Bernie has created, having “inspired and energized younger voters, and created a powerful progressive movement.” Joe wasn’t wrong when he said that Bernie has created a movement. Bernie Sanders has inspired at least an entire generation that change in America is possible, and it starts with the people. If the people stand up for what they believe is just, we have the power to influence the government. Americans shouldn’t have to deal with the way things are, we have to rise up and demand action and change. Bernie may not be our next President, but his legacy will live on. Democrats will have to work together and be brought together by hopes of creating a more empathetic and progressive society.
Many are presented with a moral dilemma, as the Democratic nominee Joe Biden has had his fair share of accusations and controversy. It feels as though once again, Americans have to choose between the “lesser of two evils.” It is disappointing that there were many Democratic nominees who would’ve been a positive step in visibility, such as a gay, woman, or Jewish President, but we are electing another elderly white man. If the 2016 election taught voters anything, Donald Trump will annihilate his opponent in any way possible so that he ensures a second term. Biden may not be a first choice, but if voters fail to turn out and get behind him, Trump will be re-elected.
Bernie has endorsed Biden, called him a “decent man,” and said he will do anything in his power to ensure Donald Trump is not re-elected. Bernie has announced they will be working together in order to defeat Donald Trump and move forward with progressive ideals. In a powerful statement, Bernie claimed, “Together, standing united we will go forward to defeat Donald Trump, the most dangerous president in modern American history.”
Biden acknowledges the movement and following Bernie has created, having “inspired and energized younger voters, and created a powerful progressive movement.” Joe wasn’t wrong when he said that Bernie has created a movement. Bernie Sanders has inspired at least an entire generation that change in America is possible, and it starts with the people. If the people stand up for what they believe is just, we have the power to influence the government. Americans shouldn’t have to deal with the way things are, we have to rise up and demand action and change. Bernie may not be our next President, but his legacy will live on. Democrats will have to work together and be brought together by hopes of creating a more empathetic and progressive society.
White Nationalist Movement on Rise in Europe
Mason Scott
Many Americans believe that when WWII ended, it also ended a chapter of nationalism in Europe. However, by examining events in Italy, we can clearly see that nationalism is alive and well in 2019, and in many places it is a legitimate political force.
Even though Italy’s right leaning coalition lost power in August of this year, it is difficult to not see the unnerving power reactionary groups have in the country. Liliana Segre, an 89-year-old senator for life and survivor of the Holocaust was put under police protection due to the seriousness of death threats she recieved. Segre reports receiving about 200 hate messages and threats a day. This comes after Segre pressed the parliament to create a special commission to fight against hate and acts of hatred in Italy. The proposal was passed, but much of the right-wing elements in Italy’s parliament abstained from voting, in a move that made Segre feel “like an Martian in the Senate”. Renato Saccone, the prefect of Milan, assigned two guards to Segre, and an investigation is underway into these hate messages.
This incident is unfortunately not an outlier in Italy, whose political climate is incredibly toxic. Similar hateful incidents are not uncommon. Italy’s nationalist and far-right politicians, spearheaded by League party leader Matteo Salvini, have been accused of downplaying these hateful acts. In response to the news that Segre was being threatened, Salvini reportedly said “I get threats too”. A day after, reporters questioned him in Florence about the subject, and he defended himself: “Being anti-Semitic in 2019 is the stuff of the mentally ill. I do not minimise anything." Salvini was widely criticized for seemingly equating his experience as a divisive politician to Segre’s as a Holocaust survivor. Even though Salvini lost power this year in a gamble to win fresh elections, he is still one of the most powerful politicians in Italy.
After the decline of Silvio Berlusconi’s center-right Forza Italia party, the League party is the only major party on the right in Italy, and the distinction between the more moderate and reactionary conservatives has been blurred. “The centre right no longer exists in Italy, as this space has been filled by Salvini,” noted Columbia University political science professor Nadia Urbinati, “and this has been made possible by the decline of Berlusconi.” And according to the Financial Times: “Recent opinion polls indicate that if elections were held tomorrow, Mr Salvini would not only easily become prime minister, but that a coalition of the League, the post-fascist Brothers of Italy and the remainder of Mr Berlusconi’s Forza Italia would command an absolute majority in parliament.” Salvini openly flirts with fascism and the alt-right, pandering to his electorate by quoting and referencing famous fascists like American Imagist poet Ezra Pound and Benito Mussolini, the fascist Italian dictator during WWII. Famously he promised to deport 500,00 undocumented immigrants from Italy, a near logistical impossibility. He also propagates the alt-right conspiracy theory of the Great Replacement, a claim that liberal politicians in Europe are promoting immigration in order to “replace” the white population with people of color in a form of “white genocide”. The conspiracy theory is used to justify policies that treat immigrants like criminals and to stir racist sentiment as a political against left-leaning politicians as well as immigrants.
Salvini’s Euroskepticism and anti-immigrant views are the same populist rhetoric that has gained steam in most of Europe this decade, however, Italy is the perfect political Petri dish for frustration, desperation, and xenophobia. Italy notoriously has a government plagued by corruption and scandal, and little gets done in politics. Salvini has been noted as one of the far-right leaders most likely to be capable of rallying the nationalists in Europe and creating an international alliance to overthrow the European status quo. A recent poll conducted by Italian pollsters SWG found that 10 percent of people surveyed said racist acts were “always justified”, with another 45 percent replying that racist acts, depending on the situation, can be acceptable. Salvini’s downplaying of anti-Semetic sentiment in Italy is dangerous, as facist sympathy has only increased in recent years. Italian police recently discovered a scheme to create a new Nazi party in Italy, complete with a logo and books on Hitler and Mussolini, as well as firearms and other weapons. The group had plans to unite with other anti-Semetic and far-right organizations across Europe to create an international alliance. In the first nine months of 2019, 190 anti-Semetic attacks took place in Italy, according Italy’s Observatory on Anti-Semitism, which is double that of 2017.
While some elements of hatred and ignorance are firmly entrenched in Italian society and politics, there are still some groups willing to speak out against racism and intolerance. One such group is called the “sardines”, and thousands of them have rallied in recent weeks to protest Italy’s culture of hate and Salvini specifically. The group’s organizers dubbed their protest in Bologna a “flash mob” and asked participants to refrain from displaying flags or banners from political parties, requesting that they only display sardines on any signs or banners. The sardine was chosen to represent the protests because “We wanted to give the message that we will be packed tight like sardines, because we will be many,” according to Mattia, one of the organizers. The protestors sang Bella Ciao, a famous Italian protest song, while holding signs and demonstrating. Italy has a lot of hate and awfulness in its politics, however there is still and there always will be people who stand up for civil rights.
Since Europe never had a real civil rights movement like America did, racism is very public and in some cases is condoned by an alarming percentage of the population. While in America politicians have to mask their racist ideas to some degree or risk losing an election, in Europe the alt-right populists seem to be able to say whatever they want, no matter how vile.
Even though Italy’s right leaning coalition lost power in August of this year, it is difficult to not see the unnerving power reactionary groups have in the country. Liliana Segre, an 89-year-old senator for life and survivor of the Holocaust was put under police protection due to the seriousness of death threats she recieved. Segre reports receiving about 200 hate messages and threats a day. This comes after Segre pressed the parliament to create a special commission to fight against hate and acts of hatred in Italy. The proposal was passed, but much of the right-wing elements in Italy’s parliament abstained from voting, in a move that made Segre feel “like an Martian in the Senate”. Renato Saccone, the prefect of Milan, assigned two guards to Segre, and an investigation is underway into these hate messages.
This incident is unfortunately not an outlier in Italy, whose political climate is incredibly toxic. Similar hateful incidents are not uncommon. Italy’s nationalist and far-right politicians, spearheaded by League party leader Matteo Salvini, have been accused of downplaying these hateful acts. In response to the news that Segre was being threatened, Salvini reportedly said “I get threats too”. A day after, reporters questioned him in Florence about the subject, and he defended himself: “Being anti-Semitic in 2019 is the stuff of the mentally ill. I do not minimise anything." Salvini was widely criticized for seemingly equating his experience as a divisive politician to Segre’s as a Holocaust survivor. Even though Salvini lost power this year in a gamble to win fresh elections, he is still one of the most powerful politicians in Italy.
After the decline of Silvio Berlusconi’s center-right Forza Italia party, the League party is the only major party on the right in Italy, and the distinction between the more moderate and reactionary conservatives has been blurred. “The centre right no longer exists in Italy, as this space has been filled by Salvini,” noted Columbia University political science professor Nadia Urbinati, “and this has been made possible by the decline of Berlusconi.” And according to the Financial Times: “Recent opinion polls indicate that if elections were held tomorrow, Mr Salvini would not only easily become prime minister, but that a coalition of the League, the post-fascist Brothers of Italy and the remainder of Mr Berlusconi’s Forza Italia would command an absolute majority in parliament.” Salvini openly flirts with fascism and the alt-right, pandering to his electorate by quoting and referencing famous fascists like American Imagist poet Ezra Pound and Benito Mussolini, the fascist Italian dictator during WWII. Famously he promised to deport 500,00 undocumented immigrants from Italy, a near logistical impossibility. He also propagates the alt-right conspiracy theory of the Great Replacement, a claim that liberal politicians in Europe are promoting immigration in order to “replace” the white population with people of color in a form of “white genocide”. The conspiracy theory is used to justify policies that treat immigrants like criminals and to stir racist sentiment as a political against left-leaning politicians as well as immigrants.
Salvini’s Euroskepticism and anti-immigrant views are the same populist rhetoric that has gained steam in most of Europe this decade, however, Italy is the perfect political Petri dish for frustration, desperation, and xenophobia. Italy notoriously has a government plagued by corruption and scandal, and little gets done in politics. Salvini has been noted as one of the far-right leaders most likely to be capable of rallying the nationalists in Europe and creating an international alliance to overthrow the European status quo. A recent poll conducted by Italian pollsters SWG found that 10 percent of people surveyed said racist acts were “always justified”, with another 45 percent replying that racist acts, depending on the situation, can be acceptable. Salvini’s downplaying of anti-Semetic sentiment in Italy is dangerous, as facist sympathy has only increased in recent years. Italian police recently discovered a scheme to create a new Nazi party in Italy, complete with a logo and books on Hitler and Mussolini, as well as firearms and other weapons. The group had plans to unite with other anti-Semetic and far-right organizations across Europe to create an international alliance. In the first nine months of 2019, 190 anti-Semetic attacks took place in Italy, according Italy’s Observatory on Anti-Semitism, which is double that of 2017.
While some elements of hatred and ignorance are firmly entrenched in Italian society and politics, there are still some groups willing to speak out against racism and intolerance. One such group is called the “sardines”, and thousands of them have rallied in recent weeks to protest Italy’s culture of hate and Salvini specifically. The group’s organizers dubbed their protest in Bologna a “flash mob” and asked participants to refrain from displaying flags or banners from political parties, requesting that they only display sardines on any signs or banners. The sardine was chosen to represent the protests because “We wanted to give the message that we will be packed tight like sardines, because we will be many,” according to Mattia, one of the organizers. The protestors sang Bella Ciao, a famous Italian protest song, while holding signs and demonstrating. Italy has a lot of hate and awfulness in its politics, however there is still and there always will be people who stand up for civil rights.
Since Europe never had a real civil rights movement like America did, racism is very public and in some cases is condoned by an alarming percentage of the population. While in America politicians have to mask their racist ideas to some degree or risk losing an election, in Europe the alt-right populists seem to be able to say whatever they want, no matter how vile.
Why Every American Should Travel Abroad
Jacob Westerman
Before I left for my travels in Europe, I wrote to my family that I was nervous, but excited at the same time. I wasn’t sure if I felt comfortable traveling to another country, yet alone another continent, because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The fact of the matter is that I wasn’t comfortable, that I was going outside my comfort zone. I didn’t know how to speak any of the languages where I was going, and while I had studied a bit on the locations, being there is an entirely different animal.
So we set off on an airplane ride that was way too long, that led into a layover that was equally long. Only after 3 plane rides and 2 layovers did we finally step foot in our first stop, Budapest, Hungary. What immediately surprised me was not just the amount of things that were so close together, but the variety of things I experienced. Every street was lined with 3-story houses, where families lived in the floors above, and stores packed in the bottom. Even on the first day, we had been able to eat new foods, meet new people, interact with a city we didn’t know, and survive in an 80-degree hotel room, but it was one of my favorite times ever. Maybe it was partially because of the amazing people I traveled with, but even if I had been alone, I knew I was growing as a person.
We had similar experiences in other cities, doing new things and eating something new every night. During the day, my favorite times were visiting the city’s market squares, where we had street food and saw beautiful sights. The atmosphere of the places we went was unlike anything I had seen before. Rarely did I see a familiar sight like McDonalds or other fast food restaurants, and when I did see them, I wanted to stay away because this trip was about trying new things. What I discovered was that I loved almost everything I ate, saw, or experienced. For example, when we took dancing lessons, something I was not interested in, but had to do. When we got there, it was slow at first, but ended up being one of the highlights of the trip because I learned something new and had a fantastic time doing it with those around me.
It wasn't until I got back from Europe that I really reflected on my overseas experiences. As much as I missed being in Europe, I was glad to be home, and when I was able to compare my home to the places I had stayed in Europe, it made me more appreciative. To be immersed in another culture made me realize how much bigger the world really is, and how much there is left to explore. By nature, humanity is curious, and I cannot think of a better way to satisfy that curiosity than by traveling. The United States is so much larger than Europe, that typically Americans aren’t used to the culture change. We can take an 8 hour plane ride across the country and still be in a place that speaks the same language and generally has the same culture. In Europe, however, I took a two hour bus ride and we had arrived in a new country, which spoke a completely new language and was entirely different from the place we had just left. Yes, going to Europe was great, but coming back was a big part of the experience. It sounds cheesy, but traveling was a life changing experience that made me appreciate not just the places I visited, but also being reunited with my family.
So we set off on an airplane ride that was way too long, that led into a layover that was equally long. Only after 3 plane rides and 2 layovers did we finally step foot in our first stop, Budapest, Hungary. What immediately surprised me was not just the amount of things that were so close together, but the variety of things I experienced. Every street was lined with 3-story houses, where families lived in the floors above, and stores packed in the bottom. Even on the first day, we had been able to eat new foods, meet new people, interact with a city we didn’t know, and survive in an 80-degree hotel room, but it was one of my favorite times ever. Maybe it was partially because of the amazing people I traveled with, but even if I had been alone, I knew I was growing as a person.
We had similar experiences in other cities, doing new things and eating something new every night. During the day, my favorite times were visiting the city’s market squares, where we had street food and saw beautiful sights. The atmosphere of the places we went was unlike anything I had seen before. Rarely did I see a familiar sight like McDonalds or other fast food restaurants, and when I did see them, I wanted to stay away because this trip was about trying new things. What I discovered was that I loved almost everything I ate, saw, or experienced. For example, when we took dancing lessons, something I was not interested in, but had to do. When we got there, it was slow at first, but ended up being one of the highlights of the trip because I learned something new and had a fantastic time doing it with those around me.
It wasn't until I got back from Europe that I really reflected on my overseas experiences. As much as I missed being in Europe, I was glad to be home, and when I was able to compare my home to the places I had stayed in Europe, it made me more appreciative. To be immersed in another culture made me realize how much bigger the world really is, and how much there is left to explore. By nature, humanity is curious, and I cannot think of a better way to satisfy that curiosity than by traveling. The United States is so much larger than Europe, that typically Americans aren’t used to the culture change. We can take an 8 hour plane ride across the country and still be in a place that speaks the same language and generally has the same culture. In Europe, however, I took a two hour bus ride and we had arrived in a new country, which spoke a completely new language and was entirely different from the place we had just left. Yes, going to Europe was great, but coming back was a big part of the experience. It sounds cheesy, but traveling was a life changing experience that made me appreciate not just the places I visited, but also being reunited with my family.
The Real Dangers of Alcohol for Teens Lauren Glasgow
Teen television shows and movies easily influence ideas about how teens should act. It seems there are certain “rights of passage” a young person is expected go through before graduating from being an “irresponsible” teen to a “reliable” adult. Although, such “rights of passage” could make serious impacts on a person as an adult.
A common “right of passage” among young adults is underage drinking. It’s often depicted in the media as being acceptable. While it may not be a promoted ideal, it’s not disgraced. Arguably, this passive attitude is permissive, and actually encourages illegal drinking. There are many dangers of underage drinking, but the common “that could never happen to me” mindset might be the most dangerous of them all.
21 is the legal drinking age in America. Before 1984, drinking ages were determined by states. But Congress eventually established the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. Realistically, the law has perhaps done very little to prevent underage drinking, since there still persists the notion that alcohol is relatively harmless compared to more dangerous, illegal drugs.
Alcohol, which is a drug, is also an addictive substance. The human body can become dependent on it, and people who are addicted can experience terrible withdrawal symptoms or even die as a result of complications from trying to detox. When dependency on alcohol develops at a young age, it can lead to a lifetime of mental and physical issues.
In some cases, young alcoholics have a much higher rate of premature death. According to the Alcohol Rehab Guide, “most people who die from alcohol poisoning are between the ages of 35 and 64.” Ashwood Recovery further reports, that in America, “an estimated 88,000 people die annually from alcohol-related deaths.” Practically every person in the U.S. has been affected in some way by alcoholism. For example, though you might not fall victim to the dangers of alcohol yourself, you could be a child of an alcoholic parent. Typically, children of alcoholics repeat the cycle of alcoholism.
Resisting alcohol consumption could potentially lower a teen’s social status, and this is basically due to the perception that “cool” kids drink. However, drinking alcohol as an adolescent should not be perceived as a fun activity and should not be taken lightly. The reason that the legal drinking age was raised to 21 was specifically to save lives. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) it’s estimated that, on average, alcohol is a factor in the deaths of 4,358 young people under age 21 each year. The highest reported deaths are from vehicle collisions.
Educating young people about the realities of alcohol use is crucial. But, as long as alcohol is glorified through popular media and the alcohol industry continues to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising, that will remain a difficult task.
A common “right of passage” among young adults is underage drinking. It’s often depicted in the media as being acceptable. While it may not be a promoted ideal, it’s not disgraced. Arguably, this passive attitude is permissive, and actually encourages illegal drinking. There are many dangers of underage drinking, but the common “that could never happen to me” mindset might be the most dangerous of them all.
21 is the legal drinking age in America. Before 1984, drinking ages were determined by states. But Congress eventually established the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. Realistically, the law has perhaps done very little to prevent underage drinking, since there still persists the notion that alcohol is relatively harmless compared to more dangerous, illegal drugs.
Alcohol, which is a drug, is also an addictive substance. The human body can become dependent on it, and people who are addicted can experience terrible withdrawal symptoms or even die as a result of complications from trying to detox. When dependency on alcohol develops at a young age, it can lead to a lifetime of mental and physical issues.
In some cases, young alcoholics have a much higher rate of premature death. According to the Alcohol Rehab Guide, “most people who die from alcohol poisoning are between the ages of 35 and 64.” Ashwood Recovery further reports, that in America, “an estimated 88,000 people die annually from alcohol-related deaths.” Practically every person in the U.S. has been affected in some way by alcoholism. For example, though you might not fall victim to the dangers of alcohol yourself, you could be a child of an alcoholic parent. Typically, children of alcoholics repeat the cycle of alcoholism.
Resisting alcohol consumption could potentially lower a teen’s social status, and this is basically due to the perception that “cool” kids drink. However, drinking alcohol as an adolescent should not be perceived as a fun activity and should not be taken lightly. The reason that the legal drinking age was raised to 21 was specifically to save lives. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) it’s estimated that, on average, alcohol is a factor in the deaths of 4,358 young people under age 21 each year. The highest reported deaths are from vehicle collisions.
Educating young people about the realities of alcohol use is crucial. But, as long as alcohol is glorified through popular media and the alcohol industry continues to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising, that will remain a difficult task.
Fast Fashion is an Irresponsible Trend Caroline Johnson
What is “fast fashion” and why does it matter? Clothing trends that go straight from the runway to the store, and therefore to the consumer, seems like a good thing. What’s the catch? To meet supply and demand, clothes are overproduced and often times large amounts of clothing end up in landfills. To reduce cost of production clothes are made from materials that are cheap in terms of cost and quality. Everyone wants to buy affordable clothing, so it is tempting to buy cute clothes that are unbelievably cheap. The problem with this method of thought is that the low cost has to come from somewhere, meaning that workers usually aren’t paid enough and are sometimes work in undesirable conditions. These clothes are made of synthetic fabrics which are not made to last and often fall apart quickly. Then, you have to buy more clothes and the cycle continues.
This doesn't necessarily mean that you need to go to your closet and get rid of cheaply made clothes. You can make sustainable choices with the clothing you already have and plan to get in the future. If we could wear a piece of clothing fifty times instead of five, the fast fashion average, it can reduce carbon emissions 400 % each year. If you really love a clothing item treat it gently, wash it with care, and repair it when it's damaged. If you have clothes that you never wear, donate them or give it to someone who needs/wants it. You could even sell your clothes on Depop or Instagram to make a little cash.
It helps to think of clothing as an investment. When you’re shopping, ask questions such as Am I really going to wear this? Will I wear it more than once? Is this something that will last more than one “season”? Is this comfortable and do I feel good in it? Is this made from good fabric? Think about the materials used because some are better for the environment than others (natural, biodegradable, and recycled materials) such as linen, silk, hemp, and wool.
To completely avoid the fast fashion trend, buy local and go to thrift stores. Local companies produce in small scales and are made in Louisville. A wonderful trend within our generation is thrifting. There are so many clothes that already exist. When we go to stores like Goodwill it negates the supply and demand that keeps the corporate companies in business and promotes the business or economy of second hand stores. Plus, when you get second hand clothing, it’s usually one of a kind.
This doesn't necessarily mean that you need to go to your closet and get rid of cheaply made clothes. You can make sustainable choices with the clothing you already have and plan to get in the future. If we could wear a piece of clothing fifty times instead of five, the fast fashion average, it can reduce carbon emissions 400 % each year. If you really love a clothing item treat it gently, wash it with care, and repair it when it's damaged. If you have clothes that you never wear, donate them or give it to someone who needs/wants it. You could even sell your clothes on Depop or Instagram to make a little cash.
It helps to think of clothing as an investment. When you’re shopping, ask questions such as Am I really going to wear this? Will I wear it more than once? Is this something that will last more than one “season”? Is this comfortable and do I feel good in it? Is this made from good fabric? Think about the materials used because some are better for the environment than others (natural, biodegradable, and recycled materials) such as linen, silk, hemp, and wool.
To completely avoid the fast fashion trend, buy local and go to thrift stores. Local companies produce in small scales and are made in Louisville. A wonderful trend within our generation is thrifting. There are so many clothes that already exist. When we go to stores like Goodwill it negates the supply and demand that keeps the corporate companies in business and promotes the business or economy of second hand stores. Plus, when you get second hand clothing, it’s usually one of a kind.
Nestle Corporation Feeling the Crunch George Goepfrich
Think of one of the worst groups of people on the planet. People with no morals, that only care for money, willingly misleading mothers into harming their own children, supporting the child slavery industry, and refusing to acknowledge even the most basic human rights.
You may have thought of some fictional terrorist organization, or some secretive evil cult. However, this group is none other than the largest food corporation in the world, Nestle. That’s correct, the company that manufactures Gerber baby formula, Purina pet food, Coffee Mate, bottled water, Kit-Kats, and many other brands, is nothing more than a group of anti-human rights activists who have repeatedly (directly or indirectly) violated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the United Nations.
Executives at Nestle have been quoted as saying that access to clean water is not a universal human right. The CEO of Nestle at the time, Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, believed people who “bang on about declaring water a public right” should find a more moderate answer to world water shortages, as he believes that water as a human right is “an extreme solution.” Now, why would one of the largest producers of bottled water believe that their product does not contain a substance that humans should have a right to access for free? They believe this because the company wants their product to remain as privatized as possible to increase their own profits, even if it means people suffer.
Now, Nestle may not believe in supporting basic human rights, but surely the company would never intentionally harm people. Well, that assumption would be incorrect. In the 90’s, when Nestle was marketing their baby formula to less developed countries, specifically to underdeveloped African countries, the company did not acknowledge the fact that a majority of mothers could not read sanitation instructions. Due to poor water quality, many mothers would mix baby formula with polluted water, leading to an entire range of health consequences for the children.
Nestle has also directly supported the harming of children through its support of cocoa plantations that use child slavery. Many children in Africa are kidnapped and shipped to countries such as The Ivory Coast that allows child labor and often ignores slavery-type conditions. Children forced to work in gruelling conditions to produce cocoa beans. Nestle often buys these cocoa beans for their chocolates. The company defends this practice by claiming that there is no way to know if child slavery is used in the production of the cocoa beans it purchases, and that “No company sourcing from the Ivory Coast can guarantee it doesn’t happen.” These weak excuses overlook the fact that Nestle helps keep these practices in operation.
Nestle has committed multiple illegal acts, but has received no repercussions. The company serves as a reminder that despite the fact that the globe is more connected than ever before, large companies still can abuse and break human rights laws. For consumers, it’s important to do research on corporations and inform others that these atrocities still occur on a regular basis.
You may have thought of some fictional terrorist organization, or some secretive evil cult. However, this group is none other than the largest food corporation in the world, Nestle. That’s correct, the company that manufactures Gerber baby formula, Purina pet food, Coffee Mate, bottled water, Kit-Kats, and many other brands, is nothing more than a group of anti-human rights activists who have repeatedly (directly or indirectly) violated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the United Nations.
Executives at Nestle have been quoted as saying that access to clean water is not a universal human right. The CEO of Nestle at the time, Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, believed people who “bang on about declaring water a public right” should find a more moderate answer to world water shortages, as he believes that water as a human right is “an extreme solution.” Now, why would one of the largest producers of bottled water believe that their product does not contain a substance that humans should have a right to access for free? They believe this because the company wants their product to remain as privatized as possible to increase their own profits, even if it means people suffer.
Now, Nestle may not believe in supporting basic human rights, but surely the company would never intentionally harm people. Well, that assumption would be incorrect. In the 90’s, when Nestle was marketing their baby formula to less developed countries, specifically to underdeveloped African countries, the company did not acknowledge the fact that a majority of mothers could not read sanitation instructions. Due to poor water quality, many mothers would mix baby formula with polluted water, leading to an entire range of health consequences for the children.
Nestle has also directly supported the harming of children through its support of cocoa plantations that use child slavery. Many children in Africa are kidnapped and shipped to countries such as The Ivory Coast that allows child labor and often ignores slavery-type conditions. Children forced to work in gruelling conditions to produce cocoa beans. Nestle often buys these cocoa beans for their chocolates. The company defends this practice by claiming that there is no way to know if child slavery is used in the production of the cocoa beans it purchases, and that “No company sourcing from the Ivory Coast can guarantee it doesn’t happen.” These weak excuses overlook the fact that Nestle helps keep these practices in operation.
Nestle has committed multiple illegal acts, but has received no repercussions. The company serves as a reminder that despite the fact that the globe is more connected than ever before, large companies still can abuse and break human rights laws. For consumers, it’s important to do research on corporations and inform others that these atrocities still occur on a regular basis.
Know Where your Money is Going Kiki Chandler
Money is the biggest influence you have over politics, especially if you are too young to vote. Most corporations are political supporters and financial contributors. But, the fact is that most young people never stop to consider whether their money is going to support an agenda that they don’t agree with. If you don’t want your money to end up going to a campaign that you don’t support then make conscious decisions when spending your money.
Here are just a few corporations who are regularly criticized for who and what they support:
Home Depot: The liberal news outlet Vox reports that Home Depot’s co-founder, Bernie Marcus, gave millions of dollars to spending groups and political action committees that support Trump. While Home Depot is known for supporting Republican campaigns and candidates, the founders of Lowe’s, Home Depot’s main competitor, don’t involve themselves in politics.
Hobby Lobby: Founder David Green is a devout and outspoken Christian. According to media outlet The New Republic, Green is determined to spread Christian values by contributing money to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations and other institutions that ‘uphold’ Christian values. Likewise, The New Republic reports that many lawsuits have been filed against the company for discrimination for gender and mental disabilities. Other craft stores such as Joann’s Fabrics or Michaels do not contribute money to similar groups, however.
AT&T: According to news outlet Jezebel, AT&T has given money to Republican campaigns and candidates who didn’t support a bill that would ban conversion therapy. While this is perhaps more complex than other businesses’ issues. Even when a candidate supports deregulation of businesses, which is something businesses want, the candidates can be supporting other ventures that you may not support.
Most companies use their money to support people and campaigns that would benefit them in the future, so if you do not want your money to go to a campaign or organization that you don’t align with then find an alternative and vote with your money. Do your research and be informed on what your money is going to end up funding. If you want to know where companies make charitable contributions, look up the company name on opensecrets.org. The website shows to who, where, and how much money is given away by a company.
Here are just a few corporations who are regularly criticized for who and what they support:
Home Depot: The liberal news outlet Vox reports that Home Depot’s co-founder, Bernie Marcus, gave millions of dollars to spending groups and political action committees that support Trump. While Home Depot is known for supporting Republican campaigns and candidates, the founders of Lowe’s, Home Depot’s main competitor, don’t involve themselves in politics.
Hobby Lobby: Founder David Green is a devout and outspoken Christian. According to media outlet The New Republic, Green is determined to spread Christian values by contributing money to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations and other institutions that ‘uphold’ Christian values. Likewise, The New Republic reports that many lawsuits have been filed against the company for discrimination for gender and mental disabilities. Other craft stores such as Joann’s Fabrics or Michaels do not contribute money to similar groups, however.
AT&T: According to news outlet Jezebel, AT&T has given money to Republican campaigns and candidates who didn’t support a bill that would ban conversion therapy. While this is perhaps more complex than other businesses’ issues. Even when a candidate supports deregulation of businesses, which is something businesses want, the candidates can be supporting other ventures that you may not support.
Most companies use their money to support people and campaigns that would benefit them in the future, so if you do not want your money to go to a campaign or organization that you don’t align with then find an alternative and vote with your money. Do your research and be informed on what your money is going to end up funding. If you want to know where companies make charitable contributions, look up the company name on opensecrets.org. The website shows to who, where, and how much money is given away by a company.