Fall 2012 • Issue 1 Hunter Times

An ancient suicide ritual and its “Fashion fades, only style stays the repercussions. same.” Coco Chanel

The differences between past generations and today’s generation, my generation.

Hollywood tidbits and movie reviews. Why spend too much money? It’s easy to Screwed Generation? save in NYC! The Uncertainties Faced by Generation Y by Marianne Thamm Hunter Times The Samurai Spirit and Seppuku An Ancient suicide ritual and its repercussions By Akemi Umino

hat image comes up in your mind when you tated you so as not to suffer. It was a very painful Whear “Samurai?” You may think that the Sam- way to commit suicide. Seppuku has a meaning of urai were old Japanese warriors who had swords sincerity and even little children committed Sep- and killed evil people, but do you know what kind puku following the adults. While a person com- of mind and feeling do they had? They had to live miting Seppuku usually thought little of death at under absolute submission having loyalty that we the time, there are still many suicides every year in can never understand. Japan where this is not the case. These suicides are At first, the Samurai were not farmers. They commited for personal instead of honorable reasons served under a Lord. They appeared in hte Heian or for a principle. Japanese people may inherit a period (around 10th to 11th century) and existed un- sense of respomsibility which comes from this old til the Edo period. They are also called “Bushi.” In tradition. At one time, Japanese people had been Japan, people are sometimes praised by people say- told that they smile although when they are going ing “He is such a Bushi” or “He is a Samurai” when hard time because they are insensitive. However, they are stoic or have strong minds. “Bushido” is a for Bushi, showing their emotions is against their spirit that the Samurai must engrave in his mind for spirit “rei” and it was considered that a cowardly life. According to Nitobe Inazo, who is an educa- act. Smiling, even when Japanese people are going tor and an author of “Bushido”, “Bushido” teaches through hard time is a method of maintaining a bal- “gi”(Justice), “yuu”(Bravery), “jin”(Benevolence), ance of mind. “rei” (Humbleness), “makoto”(Veracity), These lessons have affected the characteristics of “meiyo”(Honor) and “chuugi” (Loyalty). Nitobe contemporary Japanese people. Most lessons were strongly said that having the courage not to lose a painful discipline for the Samurai. At present, against dishonesty was the true form of” Bushi.” it is difficult to find Japanese people who have a Also, getting honor by protecting loyalty was the warrior’s mind. However, there was an exception. ultimate goal for “Bushi.” Mishima Yukio was a novelist in 90’s. He com- Bushido had a big influence on Japanese people. mited Seppuku at the Ichigaya Army base. In this For example, Seppuku is a ceremonial death for century, most Japanese people who choose to com- the Samurai. They slit their own belly whenever mit suicide, do this due to their sensitivity rather they took responsibility for something bad and it’s than because of a great cause. These old traditions considered an honorable way to die. The step is, influence Japanese people today and shape the Japa- right after you cut own belly, Kaisyakunin decapi- nese individual.

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The Differences Between Our Generation and Other

By Roy Gal s generations come and go, changes in The attitude of my generation is very differ- Avalues, attitudes, and goals make the ent than other generations. Laziness, selfish- differences between them more obvious. The ness, and greed have infected us strongly, for previous generations have always played a big the previous generation made life so easy for role in shaping the newest generation by of- us, and a lot of us do not even appreciate that. fering them more help. Also, a gap has always Many of us just care only about themselves, been noted between them, that sometimes even and what they want, and how fast they can acts like a barrier, which makes generations get it, which makes us to be self-centered. We distinct. However, my generation has devel- are looking for the easiest way to do what we oped a different kind of attitude about life and need, even if it is not so good. Thus, it is rare themselves. to see someone work hard for something. My generation gets much more help than Another factor that makes my generation dif- what the previous generation got when they ferent than others is our open mindedness. The were our age. The previous generations had to previous generation is more narrow-minded go work really hard and sweat for get what they about life. For example, we can see this in wanted, whereas my generation has a complete- terms of sex. The previous generation has ly different lifestyle. We live in an electronic stricter mindsets about sex and sexuality, while life, which developed by the previous genera- my generation is much more open-minded on tion, and it helps my generation tremendously it. Moreover, my generation seems to be fine to make a better future. With tools such as with accepting homosexuality, while the previ- computers, the internet, and cell phones we can ous generation was and still is against it. A gap get any kind of information we desire and can will always exist between my generation and communicate easily. Therefore, we have a huge the previous generation, and I think that that is opportunity, which did not exist in the previous the way of life. generations.

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We all know that everything flows, everything chain wallets. 1990s was divided into mainly Pop changes.This is true for fashion too. Fashion refers Culture boy bands and Grunge rockers. Grunge, to popular styles, current trends and even prevailing which began in the 1980s, became mainstream in the styles or behavior. My last article was about vintage early 90s. Grunge fashion involved ripped jeans, t- fashion covering the period from 1920’s to 1970’s. shirts, and flannel shirts. (Wiki Grunge) Pop culture However, the history of fashion does not end. Now I is constantly changing, and is often dictated by film would like to tell you about the timeline which cov- and television stars. In general, the 1990s saw a gen- ers 1980’s -2000’s . eral minimalist aesthetic in fashion, contrasted to the The 20th century was a progressive era for Ameri- more elaborate and flashy trends of the 1980s. Addi- ca. The aftermath of World War I caused Americans tionally, fashion trends throughout the decade started to become more expressive and free in clothing. recycling styles from previous decades notably the Over time, each generation in America developed 1960s and 1970s, a trend which would continue into its own style of clothing. the 2000s. 1980s 2000s The 80s Fashion was influ The most modern age of enced by the western eco- U.S. fashion is an interesting nomic boom. Demograph- one because it is a “mash- ics changed the face of up” decade of all the previ- society. People were living ous ages of U.S. fashion, longer and seemed to act where trends saw the fusion younger at the same time. of previous styles, global and Old industries died, while ethnic clothing, as well as new tech nologies devel- the fashions of numerous music-based subcultures, oped and boomed. It was especially indie pop. Everything worn is generally the era of the YUPPIE (Young Urban Professionals) worn in a retro, ironic fashion. Skinny jeans are and DINKY (Double Income No Kids). Fashion history direct descendant of the revolutionary pantaloons, influences of the 80s include, Dynasty and Dallas, big modern flannel shirts. Women somehow get away hair, gold, glamour and glitz, shoulders and shoulder with wearing oversized sunglasses, maternity dresses pads. 1980s Fashion also featured, big shoulder shawls, (even when not pregnant), leggings underneath large Doc Martens, trainers, low heeled pumps, innovative T-shirts, really tall boots, etc. Many in the industry hosiery and color coordination. have noted the lack of divide between the 1990s and early-2000s due to the continued popularity of mini- 1990s malist fashion among young people of both sexes. Many people wonder For the most part, the mid-late 2000s did not have what the difference was one particular style, but recycled vintage clothing between the 80’s and the styles from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1980s. 90’s.There was a brief “grunge” perioud starting What is the future of fashion? Only time will in 1994 which involved tell. lots of flannel shirts and

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Saving Money in the City I by Yun Jun Lee Why spend all your moeny? Manhattan has many 9. Take advantage of free samples. Almost every- ways you can save! Here’s how: where you go you’ll find stores and people hand- ing out free samples of their goods. A number of 1. Take the subway not a cab. grocery stores offer free food samples at their loca- 2. Party in the East Village. Bars and restaurants are tions. Try Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s in Union typically cheaper in this area. Square. Trader Joe’s even has a “Grand Sample Sta- 3. Party during happy hour. Going out for a drink tion”. Many of the Greenmarket vendors in Union between 4pm and 6pm will allow you to find some of Square hand out free samples of their goods. Try the best drink and food specials in the city. some before buying. 5. Use your student ID. You can find many chances 10. Work out at city recreation center. You don’t for students around the NYU campus. need to pay $100+ per month for a gym member- 6. Visit museums on pay-what-you-wish nights. ship. The NYC Parks and Recreation Centers offer There are a number of museums that offer free ad- gym memberships for as little as $50 per YEAR. mission on certain days and times of the week. 11. Watch free theater via Public Theater. During 7. Target Sponsored Events. Target subsidizes a summer months, the Public Theater offers a number number of events in NYC, offering free admission to of free shows in Central Park including the now fa- everything from expensive museums to shows, plays mous Shakespeare in the Park. and concerts. 12. Attend free TV show tapings. A number of 8. Sign up for Groupon. After signing up for Grou- shows are filmed in NYC and offer free tickets to pon, you’ll have access to a new BIG coupon each those who want to sit in on it all. Shows like The and every day. Save 30% on groceries, save on Daily Show give out tickets each day and have a Broadway tickets, etc. standby line if you are not lucky enough to get tick- ets the first round.

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Page 5 Hunter Times A Betrayed Generation The Uncertainties Faced by Generation Yby Marianne Thamm The definition of when Generation Y starts and taxes — which means slow economic growth in the ends is not precise, but it’s usual to consider belong- next years. ing to this generation — also known as the Millen- The economic weakness in developed countries nials — people who were born between 1980 and has led to the unemployment rates reaching high 2000. They are mostly the children of the baby levels, and the young people are affected the most. boomers and compose the actual youth. This happens because, on one hand, their parents The global economic crisis started in 2008 and has are heavily indebted — which makes them delay brought a series of deep challenges for societies all exiting the job market. On the other hand, there are over the world, especially in developed countries. also people from the previous generation who are No generation has suffered more from the conse- not currently working, but who are willing to work, quences of the increasing the la- current crisis bor force supply. than Generation This last point has Y. two effects on the In a recent ar- job market: the ticle, the maga- more the supply zine Newsweek- of labor force the end approached lower the wages this issue, en- and in competit- titled with the ing for a job, provoking head- young people are line “Millen- at a disadvantage nials: Screwed since they have Generation”. little or no previ- The article ous experience. points that “to- The result is the day’s youth, here shrinking num- and abroad, have bers of jobs to the been screwed by new graduates. their parents’ fiscal profligacy and economic- mis One of the consequences of this situation is that management”. The previous generation have been the income gap between these two generations, Y the beneficiaries of a long period of economic pros- and baby boomers, has been increasing fast. With- perity that resulted in good jobs, increasing wages out a job or having decided to extend the studying and rising housing prices — which contributed to time until the improvement of economic conditions, their wealth expansion. However, all this economic many of the young people are delaying their jump splendor hasn’t come free of charge: the govern- into adulthood, by postponing marriage, having ba- ment has incurred a huge public debt, which now bies and even leaving their parent’s house. In addi- constitutes the burden that the youth receive as leg- tion, young people are losing their hope of achieving acy from the older generation. This debt will be paid the same level of professional success and material off by Generation Y through less public spending wealth of their parents. They just think that they will (in infrastructure, social programs etc.) and more no be able to do better than their parents. This hope-

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less feeling is one of the saddest aspects of the crisis ethical principles, sustainable development and oth- because Generation Y is the one that has had more er important questions related to the globe’s future. opportunities to access university and even higher Maybe Generation Y can take advantage of its va- levels of education, as master’s and Ph. D. pro- riety of skills and interests in order to promote new grams. Young people have been raised learning that opportunities of working at the same time as they they were supposed to get better jobs through higher are changing the face of the world. educational levels, but since the job market is still not hiring at the same pace as before the crisis, these young people have been struggling to find a job and it is not uncommon to find them working in a posi- tion for which they are overqualified. Not to men- tion those that have had trouble finding something. But are Millennials really the Screwed Genera- tion? The sure thing is that Generation Y is going to face the uncertainties of a very different world from the one the previous generation faced, and the big challenge will be to figure out how to create a new way of living — which includes finding a different sort of manner to measure and to value the concepts of success and happiness. Maybe Generation Y is the right one to lead this transition, since young people have demonstrated more concern about en- vironment preservation, social equality, democracy, The Hollywood Page By Jihye Choi Blake Lively and Ryan 5 Movies to Watch in 2012 Reynolds got married! 1. Skyfall 007. Gossip Girl star Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds *Plot* got married on Sunday night of September 10th 2012 Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back at Boon Hall, South Carolina. They were co-stars in to haunt her. the movie ‘Green Lantern’ and they have been dating for a year. Ryan is 10 years older than Blake and he was married with Scarlett Johansson in 2008 but they divorced 2 years later.

Release Date: November 9. Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem.

Page 7 Hunter Times 2.The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - 4. The Great Gatsby Part2

*Plot* *Plot* After the birth of Renes- Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner mee, the Cullens gather now living on Long Island, finds other vampire clans in himself fascinated by the mysteri- order to protect the child ous past and lavish lifestyle of his from a false allegation that neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn puts the family in front of into Gatsby’s circle, becoming a the Volturi. witness to obsession and tragedy. Release Date: December 25 Release Date: November 16. Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Joel Edgerton Lautner. 5.Lincoln 3.The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey2 *Plot* *Plot* A curious Hobbit, Bilbo Bag- As the Civil War nears its gins, journeys to the Lonely end, President Abraham Mountain with a vigorous Lincoln clashes with mem- group of Dwarves to reclaim bers of his cabinet over the a treasure stolen from them issue of abolishing slavery. by the dragon Smaug.

Release Date: December 14 Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage Release Date: December Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Joseph Gordon-Lev- itt, Tommy Lee Jones Editor Danae Martinez

Graphic Designers Roy Gal, Angela Eunyoung Kim

Writers Jihae Choi, Roy Gal, Anna Goldina, Angela Eunyoung Kim, Yun Jun Lee, Marianne Thamm, Akemi Umino.

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