The BaccRag thebaccrag.com June 2020 @baccrag 2 | Quarantine 3 | Opinion 4 | Politics 6 | 8 | BSGE news Normalizing Read Diary Entries Decolonizing Our Where is the Class of Acne in the from Quarantine by Education by BSGE 2020 off to? the BaccRag staff! Media Alum Daleelah Saleh ‘19

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: SAYING GOODBYE BY LALLA AICHA-ADOUIM ’20 going to miss with every ounce of my being. Man- SENIOR EDITOR sha, who has been with me on this journey since I honestly don’t know how to start this, how to say the beginning, who I am proud to call my co-editor. goodbye to BaccRag. It has been such a constant for I am so incredibly grateful for our friendship and the past four years and it is such a strange thing to proud of the woman you’ve become. From spending know that I have to let it go now. I remember my fi rst hours editing in Starbucks with you, to goofi ng off day, back in ninth grade, excited to learn about the during meetings, you have always been such a kind world of journalism and the energy from the editors soul and I have every faith that you are gonna have at the time - Moshan and Justin. It has always been one hell of a life. Aki, every conversation I have had my dream to become a journalist, so on that fi rst day with you puts a smile on my face, because of the it was so exhilarating to learn what that means. positive enigma you are. I wish you the best of luck I’ll be honest, it wasn’t always what I dreamed and I know that you are gonna continue to surprise of. Every year, by May there would be less than ten us all. And Margaret, who I can’t thank enough for people, and the fonts changed size on every issue. But supporting us these past three years, and always I still loved it, because it was a glimpse of the world being there to give us advice and guide us along the of journalism that I wanted. I got to write, grow my way. You helped us when Mansha and I were lost in voice, and grow as a person. Th rough conducting our worlds, and who knows where we would have But know I am so proud of you and your work, and interviews I learned how to not be terrifi ed of people. gone without you. of that one issue, which handing out was one of the Th e numerous political articles I fi rst wrote developed Th en of course, there is the staff . It has been highlights of my year. I hope you continue to grow my interest in politics. Th en as editor, I can’t possibly my greatest honour to have been your editor. I loved and write, maybe someday someone will show up in list all that I’ve learned in this space. I learned pa- watching your writing grow throughout the year, and the New York Times. tience (which I’ve always been lacking) and commu- the excitement you had for BaccRag. I’m sorry that I So that’s it, as I’m writing this it’s hitting me that nication, and for all of this, I am so thankful. wasn’t always there, especially in the beginning with this is really over. Sorry if this was too sappy, I’m real- Th en there’s the people I’ve met, who I’m college, and I wish that we had more issues published. ly emotional right now. With love, Lalla. IB ART SHOW 2020 BY MANSHA RAHMAN ’22 tive, each student introduced their own original and everything that you do, and focus on a specifi c theme SENIOR EDITOR unique perception to their work that makes it stand and develop a bunch of ideas that surround it, it’s a lot On March 13, 2020, the halls were fi lled with out. harder than it sounds,” says Yahav Nave. paintings and sculptures created by the class of 2020 For instance, Anab Khan tackled the prevalence of “Every artwork includes dinner form of technique for their fi nal art exhibition. Th e exhibition served as capitalism through his series of paintings that person- that we had to, it is us searching for our own voice the fi nal exam for IB art, each one centered around a ifi ed fast food, while Kayla Powers based her artwork and handing to do everything by yourself with mini- theme. around the theme of the intersection of identity and mal guidance,” says Elio Zebinato. One prevalent theme was bringing awareness to sex- disability. Each person is also required to write a curatorial ra- uality and feminism. Novaleen Aranyawikul, whose She even brought a wheelchair for people to sit in tionale about their artwork, just like every other essay, theme was based on women said that she chose this during the show to see her artwork from the point-of- it takes time and dedication. focus because, “We see a lot of things that women are view of someone who is disabled. Each person’s artwork refl ected their individuality ashamed for, nudity, masturbation, periods, men- Some students like Mrittika Howlader and Murtaza and personality, it refl ected a deeper meaning that struation, I wanted to tackle it in a scary manner so Ali even connected their art to science and technol- many people overlook when looking at artwork, al- that everyone could have to look at it and tackle the ogy. Murtaza Ali based his artwork on his interest in though, taking a step back and absorbing the artwork issues.” computer science, “I’ve had a passion for technology can make anyone see a unique perspective on many Some parents also resonated with the artwork, “As since I was really young, it kind of became my thing diff erent issues. a woman myself, especially a woman who’s in her and I wanted to create my art around that” Science On a separate note, to the class of 2020, your guys’ forties, make me reconsider my perspective versus has it’s place in artwork and makes the art show enter- artworks, from the sculptures to the paintings to the younger women growing up nowadays, what it really taining for a wide range of people. robot (Nice job Mrittika), and everything in between means to be a woman.” says one parent. Many people assume that IB art is signifi cantly were breathtaking and meaningful, don’t let anyone However, the show was fi lled with artwork that easier than IB computer science because art is subjec- tell you otherwise. revolved around a spectrum of other issues, such as tive, they are right to some extent when it comes to nature and mental illness. creative freedom, but art also requires documenting Some younger students criticized the senior class your progress, justifying each part of your artwork, For images from the IB art show, see page 5 for the seemingly repetitive and unoriginal use of and months’ worth of research. these themes. Yet, while some themes may be repeti- “You have to document the thought process behind QUARANTINE TIMES page 2 This section features diary entries written over the course of our days in quaran- ...... tine. Many have found joy in staying at home all day, others... not so much...... BY ALEKSANDRA enough to make eye con- and speculating whether BY AMY CHEN ’22 cause an hour later, I felt show symptoms of the OMYLAK ’21 tact. I recently taught him the cat sleeping on Mary’s FEATURED STAFF worse and so I finally COVID-19. Worse than FEATURED STAFF some Polish, which he table was alive. It's still hard to believe decided to get up and me, she dropped out of Unexpectedly, quar- happily began showcasing I think being emotion- how in the span of two check my temperature. work and stayed in bed antine has not left me to anyone close enough ally sound in these times months, more than 300k I was in shock at what for most of the day over isolated, rather it has to hear. comes gradually, and New Yorkers are infect- I saw before me- my the next 16 days without thrusted me into the Following suit is Radu, taking note of the little ed with the COVID-19 armpit temperature was getting tested. socially-distanced arms of my dad’s new best friend things, like new encoun- disease. We’re now into a little over 100°F. During the time she my neighbors. and our supplier of ters with neighbors, is the month of May and Before I realized it, was sick, I cooked, clean, While, I have been very homemade Kürtöskalács something that can make we continue to fight this tears started to well and fed her hoping she much aware of the people chimney cakes. To the the days significantly widespread pandemic. up in my eyes and the would get better soon. I to the left and right of me left of me is Mary, whose more enjoyable. Many loved ones are taste of salt ran down told myself to be more ever since I moved in 10 presence I have learned to Even though I feel every lost and this battle has my cheeks. Surely this optimistic but nothing years ago, but something sense by a grill smelling worthwhile academic taken a great toll on the was the coronavirus, I positive came into my about quarantine makes like the deepest fire pits in skill evaporating from economy. For me, I am thought. I called for my mind. I thought, ‘what me feel spiritually and the world. my head, I can count among the many lucky mom and she comforted if she gets hospitalized irreversibly attached to I feel like we have all on Joe’s summoning of ones. Two weeks after me, telling me every- or taken away from me, these people. Leading the been aware of each other anyone willing to listen school shut down on thing was going to be then what do I do?’ troop, is Joe, the neighbor subconsciously. The reali- to his new Polish skills March 16, I began to fine, for the remaining After those 16 days, to my right. Joe has se- ty of the situation is that I to be imprinted in my feel a bit lightheaded so night. however, she managed cured his permanent spot very much enjoy conver- memory for a very long I decided to turn in for Luckily, I got some to get back onto her feet sations about an under- sleep in and my tem- and soon she was well on his porch and shoots time. the night early. questions at anyone bold ground society of barbers Around 2 A.M, I felt perature lowered the again. Yes, I am thankful myself burning but I next day. Just when I that no drastic measures thought I won the battle had to be taken but that BY SARAH RAHMAN have imagined all the won’t actually be going tossed that matter aside and rolled around my against the virus, at was a terrifying experi- ’22 experiences learning anywhere for a while. bed trying to fall asleep. least in my household, ence that I hope to never JUNIOR EDITOR from home would I’m really lucky. There That was a mistake be- my mom started to encounter again. If there’s one thing bring. Just several are a few people in my I’ve experienced during weeks ago, I only want- apartment building who BY KEHAPLOY KA- I hate the I know the frontliners quarantine, it’s drastic ed schools to close so have gotten infected, MONPANKAYUL ’24 people who want to lift will do an fantastic job mood swings. I would have a break but I don’t know them FEATURED STAFF the lockdown. First of at saving the patients One minute I’ll be from all my schoolwork that well. I’m having Being at home for 5 all, many doctors warn there. Elmhurst’s com- of a second wave that munity is mostly Asians, laughing so much it’s for a little while. I’m very few problems with weeks straight and not going outside at all will overwhelm the especially Chinese hard to breathe while an introvert. I don’t online schooling, and I hospital systems. Lifting people and people from on a phone call with my really go on outings, so have an apartment that sucks. Other than the occasional food haul the lockdown will only Southern Asia. friend, and the next I’ll I thought I wouldn’t no- I can stay inside of as (not shopping), I can’t make it worse. The sec- In the news, there feel a sense of crushing tice a difference. I was the status quo flips on run and play outside ond part is that in some have been many hate hopelessness when I right in some aspects, its head. But the virus or meet my friends in protests, doctors are crimes against Asians. read about all the death but I was also very hasn’t left any part of school. coming out to protest Two days ago, a man and destruction going wrong. society untouched, and Humans are social against the protesters. was stabbed near my on outside my apart- It’s one thing when you that includes me. creatures although some Instead of helping the apartment. I could see ment building. stay inside just because I guess what I’m trying are taking this as if its patients out, doctors are the sirens of ambulances And sometimes I’ll just you have work to do or to say is that this whole another day as a very protesting in the streets. and police cars through The worst part about the trees of the park crack open my window because you don’t feel situation is a mess that introverted person. I’m an introverted person this is that some pro- across the street. and sit there, feeling the like going anywhere. It’s we’re trying to make the testers are not following At that moment, I breeze, because it’s been entirely another when best out of. It’s new, ter- yet on some days, it’s driving me crazy. the guidelines that the began to think to myself weeks since I’ve experi- the world has screeched rifying and unexpected. I live with my parents CDC put out which is to that our world is such enced actual weather. to a standstill, peo- As long as we keep but my mother is in wear masks and practice a cold-hearted place to It’s been crazy, but I still ple are dying in the making the best out Thailand. She is stuck social distancing. live in. People take their wish people would stop thousands, and almost of what’s happening, there until June because Living near hatred from some deep talking about the ‘un- everyone else is inside though, we’ll hopefully there are no flights that the Elmhurst Hospital, place in their soul and precedented situation as well. come out of this alive. can bring her back. which used to be the takes it out against other that we are currently in’. Sometimes I’ll forget Not necessarily un- The worst part of the epicenter of the epidem- human beings. Why do I certainly don’t need about everything. I’ll scathed, but still alive. pandemic in the States ic in New York, is scary people do this? I blame yet comforting for me. fear bandwagoning. another couple dozen read about an interest- is the domestic violence cases, death, and the Scary because there is Global problems real- people telling me what I ing location in the city more of a chance for ly bring out the best or already know. and think about going protest for lifting lock- down. me to contract the virus the worst in people. It’s been about a month there sometime soon. but comforting because now, and I could never Then I remember that I OPINION page 3 Why 30-year olds Don’t Do the Acne Experience Justice- A Note on Normalizing Acne BY ALEKSANDRA OMYLAK ’21 Acne has had a relevance in my life since a young FEATURED STAFF age. I remember abiding by the lawless world of Adam Levine is a liar and Ladybird McPherson DIY skincare circa 2014 when faithfully jumping is a sappy movie, living room television hero. into the arms of Bethany Mota, who hailed tooth- Ladybird’s cape billows in the winds of, pho- paste as the key to obliterating blemishes. toshop-consumed, insecurity-plagued teenage I’ve seen tips urging viewers to use lemon as a minds, while the image of Adam Levine’s ques- skin brightener, deodorant as makeup foundation tionable stare on the Proactiv advertisements for more coverage, hydrogen peroxide as toner, haunts them irreversibly. etc. Acne is a widely universal embellishment of There is an overwhelming stigma around acne, teenage life and whether or not the names Lady- evident even in the blemish correction options bird or Adam Levine ring a bell, the pressures of neatly presented on school picture day forms. navigating an intensely social and visual world My gravest elementary school fear was seeing certainly do. my face blown up on a mug by the photographers Social pressures present themselves differently at Irvin Simone. I doubt that being pushed into a for every generation. Brands like Proactiv no- blemish-correction shaped box since the second toriously target impressionable audiences with grade was the healthiest thing for my own self-es- captivating marketing and celebrities like Kendall teem or emotional health. Jenner and Adam Levine. Growing up, most teenagers I’ve seen in mov- The prominence of these products make young ies and TV were fully grown 30-year olds, with acne-faced individuals concerned with altering blemish free skin trying to pass as high schoolers. their appearance rather than embracing it. Photo- I think what drew me to the aforementioned The fearlessness and bravery attributed to shop and Facetune bring us closer to the image of movie, Ladybird, was the unapologetic nature of transplanting the look into a movie was strangely what companies like Proactiv have made us feel actress Saoirse Ronan’s imperfect skin. Sitting on off-putting. Director Greta Gerwig explained in the need to represent. my living room floor watching Ladybird, I was a Vulture article that it was meant as a conscious Teenage life is largely less forgiving than it was bewildered by the shot of her angstily staring out effort to visualize the reality of a teenager dealing in past decades, especially with the reputation of of a car window after a fight with her mom about with a breakout. apps that reveal our faces to audiences of absurd colleges. Seeing a director advocate for that kind of rep- numbers. resentation and authenticity is something I wish I could’ve seen more of as a child.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH “MAD MEN” BY LALLA AICHA-ADOUIM ’20 perfect, making them tangible. Don Draper is cy, but it is also about how Don Draper stole his SENIOR EDITOR charming and rich, but also an alcoholic. identity from a dead man, how Peggy gave away “Mad Men” premiered 13 years ago, still stands Peggy Olson is the epitome of female empower- her baby when she gave birth after not knowing as an obsessively detailed literary masterpiece ment, but sometimes she’s annoying. Joan Hollo- she was pregnant. brought to the small screen. I often hail it not way is beautiful and intimidating, but also very It is about how Joan had to sleep with a client only as my favorite show, but as the best thing stern. for the agency to get his business, how Roger and that has happened to television, and I am not Then there is Pete Campbell, who best person- Don both end up married to their secretaries, alone in this opinion. ifies this ideal. He is an awful, slimy rich kid who how Paul renounces materialism to join a reli- The Rolling Stones listed it in the top five of believes he is entitled to everything. He cheats gious group, only to write a Star Trek episode, their “100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time,” while and blackmails, and his voice couldn’t scream how Meghan Draper becomes an actor, how Lane Variety and Business Insider have both published pretentious loud enough, but he is the most in- Pryce embezzles, how Michael Ginsburg is men- pieces hailing the brilliance of the show. triguing of them all. tally ill, how Don grew up in a brothel, how Ken From its premise, the show isn’t much: a drama Maybe it’s because of how eager he is to excel, tap dances and loses his eye. about an advertising agency on Madison Avenue or maybe we can sympathize with being at rock But at the end, you find yourself straining in the ‘60s. bottom. Why we care for him is the greatest mys- your memory to remember what has happened, It is an easy thing to skip over in favour of tery of the show. because this show reflects how we live life. After shows with dragons and ice zombies, or the I even care about the minor characters, such as every moment, every major event, we just move iconic comedic lines of “The Office.” The beauty Ken Cosgrove, who dreams of writing the Great on and keep living until the next moment, forget- of “Mad Men” lies in its simple premise, because American Novel. Except for Ken, every character ting the past. it does not let itself be overtaken by overt drama cheats on their partners. But I still can’t be mad “Mad Men,” is far from flashy and action and comedy, and instead paints an accurate por- at them, because Matthew Weiner (the show’s packed. It may not have magic or superheroes, trayal of life. creator) presents them as real, never glorifying but you should watch it because it is grounded I’ve always believed that one of the testaments nor condemning them. and real. Every detail comes together to form one to how great the writing is, is that no matter what Through seven seasons, Weiner crafted a story great story, from Meghan’s shirt to Pete’s receding the characters do, I will always care about what that is about nothing and everything. At the end hairline. You see yourself in the characters, and happens to them. They are both imperfect and of the day, it is only about an advertising agen- learn about the human condition. THE HISTORY OF PRIDE AND THE REALITY OF TODAY

BY JAY ALSINAWI ’22 subjected to frequent police raids. Th e po- People from all walks of life have joined FEATURED STAFF lice violence from these raids most harshly the protests, and LGBTQ+ individuals, have In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic the impacted queer people of color– specifi cally come out to protest in large numbers, repre- three major annual pride parades in New black trans women. senting a crucial truth: to ignore black rights York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles On June 28, 1969, protests broke out and is to turn your back on a large part of the have been cancelled. hundreds of members of the LGBTQ+ queer community and the LGBTQ+ rights Pride is a widely recognized event celebrat- fought back against the police. movement itself. ing the LGBTQ+ community throughout the Th at fi rst Pride, brought together the mem- Th e history of Pride has manifested in country, fi lled with brilliant displays of rain- bers of the LGBTQ+ community. Th eir suc- today’s Black Lives Matter protests, and like- bows. Despite this, the origins of Pride are cess was due to black and latina trans women wise, today’s Black Lives Matter protests have oft en overlooked – both by the media and by like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, shone a light upon this fundamental aspect those celebrating it themselves. Since June 1970, Pride parades have been of pride that is oft en overlooked. held annually, and, if not for the danger So, even though no parades will be held “It is important to acknowledge that of large crowds due to Covid-19, this year this year, in essence, Pride was started by LGBTQ+ peo- would have been the 50th annual celebra- tion. Just as it was almost 51 years ago, today ple of color protesting against police black people are disproportionately targeted “Pride itself is more brutality.” by police, and black trans women face horrif- ically high risks of being the victims of hate alive and true to its crimes. Th e Stonewall riots marked an important Protests against police brutality have been roots than ever.” turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights move- held in all 50 states, and there has been an ment in America. Th e Stonewall Inn, which unprecedented level of unity among protest- was run by the Mafi a, was one of a few gay ers. bars interspersed throughout NYC and was JUNE. 2020 IB Art Show | page 5

...... POLITICS page 6 A Call to Action Re #BLM: Decolonizing Our Education Is Not Enough

BY DALEELAH SALEH ‘19 At BSGE, that means acknowledging that despite be- especially at such a small school where most of your FORMER STAFF ing taught a curriculum that encourages us to become classmates have known you since before you were One of the mantras that was repeated time and conscious citizens by a diverse faculty/staff within a blessed by puberty. BSGE is a bubble wherein every- time again throughout the six years I spent at BSGE diverse student body, racism is still prevalent at both one your grade starts to feel like your family. And was “what you’re learning now will prepare you for an institutional and interpersonal level. Even though we’re socialized to accept our family members, for college”. This phrase was meant to be reassuring, but it the administration has made strides to fix this, BSGE better or for worse. We excuse or justify problematic never really was. I was often sleep-deprived and anx- as an institution upholds intellectual elitism. I can behavior from our peers because we love them, and ious while hearing it, with a cup of Mimi’s iced coffee count on both hands the number of Black students I we know that they’re good people, deep down. But in hand. I didn’t want to hear about some abstract remember over the course of my six years there, and creating systemic change starts with enacting change future that I was being prepared for; I just wanted to my grade only had one Black student in a graduating within our communities. get through the week. class of around 54 people. Furthermore, my class- But lo and behold, when I found myself sitting in mates and I were taught, over and over again, about “It’s our responsibility as a BSGE community, past college lecture halls instead of BSGE’s familiar class- racial injustice in America and around the world, but and present, to hold ourselves and each other ac- people still used the N-word, still made insensitive rooms, I was indeed prepared in a way that many of countable about the role that we play in perpetuating my peers were not. And it wasn’t just because of my and offensive jokes, and still clung tight to problemat- ability to crank out a ten-page research paper over- ic beliefs. If these are statements that you take offense racism.” night. BSGE instilled within me the ability to critically to, or that make you uncomfortable, I encourage you engage with the world and the systems that surround to sit with that discomfort, and ask yourself why it is me, as well as the desire to challenge and ultimately that you’re feeling it. Coming to terms with the priv- In other words, we all need to become “that guy”. Let work towards bettering them. ileges we have and the role that we play in perpetuat- me be clear: I do not mean that we should constantly Throughout our six years we addressed social injus- ing oppression is not a fun process, but it is one that is be policing each other’s comments and actions. Doing tices within our communities by volunteering at vari- necessary. so feeds into cancel culture, which makes people de- ous organizations and eventually creating community If I’m being honest, I don’t remember a lot of fensive and breeds shame instead of growth. Instead I service projects of our own. In Theory of Knowledge, specific moments from my time at BSGE (due to a encourage us to operate through a lens of radical love, we were constantly asked to consider the question combination of exhaustion and a general desire to with the mindset that we want to hold each other ac- “how do we know what we know?” followed up by not rehash the past). But there are some memories countable and watch each other grow because we love “why do we believe it to be true?”. While many stu- that remain crystal-clear in my mind. In ninth-grade, each other. Assume best intent and when someone dents go their entire K-12 academic careers without we began reading “The Bluest Eye” by literary legend does or says something that causes offense, challenge reading a single text by a Black author, we did so as Toni Morrison in English. I recall that there was a the idea, not the person. Invite them to consider why early as seventh grade (Langston Hughes’ “I Too, Sing collective groan from multiple people in my class. We and how they have caused harm and let them know America” and Gwendolyn Brooks’ “We Real Cool” had previously read Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club”, how they can correct themselves in the future. Note immediately come to mind). Also in seventh grade, and people said that they were tired of talking about that this requires emotional labor that you might we dismantled the image of Christopher Columbus as race. They said that they wanted to read books that not have the capacity for if you are the person that a hero, and furthered our understanding of imperial- they could relate to. The implication here is that race has been harmed. Thus, it’s especially important for ism and its impacts—genocide, for starters—in tenth is irrelevant to your daily life if you are not Black. It’s members of our community in positions of power/ grade. a fairly common concept that is rooted in privilege, whose identities are not marginalized to speak up in and fails to acknowledge the ways in which all non- these situations. “In this way, a lot of the learning we did was Black people benefit from anti-Blackness and white Think back to the first time you learned about the supremacy. My peers responded by laughing it off, Civil Rights Movement. Did you reassure yourself that actually about unlearning previously held notions thus validating this commentary. This was a common you would’ve been on the right side of history? If so, rooted in systems of oppression (namely white response to racist or generally problematic remarks do your current actions align with that claim? Because from people in our grade. we are living in a historical moment; one that will supremacy).” While these comments were by no means okay, likely be considered by many as a revolution. And if what’s worse is that we allowed them to be made. we want to be on the right side of this revolution, it is This is a process known as “decolonization”, and Systemic oppression such as racism is enabled by a no longer enough for us to be bystanders, or even al- there has been an increasing demand for it as the culture of silence. A culture where attractive boys lies.We need to become accomplices who are actively Black Lives Matter movement has taken over our (who are often white, and often athletes) are typically working towards liberation not for but alongside folks social media feeds, media outlets, and daily conver- the most popular, and thus hold power. They are able that are marginalized. sations. The logic behind this is that if people are to get away with racism, misogyny, homophobia, etc, Moving forward, we must transform BSGE’s envi- exposed to the truths of racial injustice at a younger because no one wants to be the person that calls them ronment into one that is more inclusive and equitable age, or if they come to understand these truths at a out. This isn’t to say that attractive white boys are the for people of color, especially our Black peers. And later point in life, they will hopefully no longer play only people making problematic comments. If you in the process, it is crucial to acknowledge that no a part in perpetuating racism. And while I agree that close your eyes, you can probably envision people matter how “woke” we are, no matter how passionate decolonizing our curricula (and thus our minds) is with different identities who are also responsible for we are about social justice, we will never be fully free imperative, it is by no means enough. We cannot fully perpetuating micro and macro-aggressions at BSGE. of racism or racist thoughts, because that’s the nature eradicate a system of oppression without addressing Non-Black people of color are just as complicit in an- of the beast. And that’s okay. It’s also okay to make all the different levels at which it occurs: ideological, ti-Blackness, and that’s the point: racism is a web that mistakes, as long as we are learning and growing from institutional, interpersonal, and internalized. In the we are all entangled in. them along the way. context of racism, that means dismantling the ideol- ogy of white supremacy, making institutions such as Regardless, no one wants to be “that guy”: the one schools more equitable, addressing racism that occurs who gets laughed at and ostracized for having the “As long as we are no longer silent. ” within our interpersonal relationships, and challeng- nerve to speak truth to power. This is very under- ing internalized prejudices and stereotypes. standable: in all stages of our life, but adolescence especially, we thrive off of the approval of our peers. The thought of communal rejection is terrifying, JUNE. 2020 Politics | page 7 White Privilege: The Facts and the Experience BY JAY ALSINAWI ’22 & KAILYN LOWE ’22 Even if a black person and a white person have The racial profiling that my family members and FEATURED STAFF the same levels of education, for a white person, this many other innocent men have faced put them in White privilege and racism have been parts of education alone is enough to succeed, whereas black serious danger, as these stops could turn deadly. One American history since its founding. From the people must face the fact that just their name or the example of this was one November 25, 2006, when Constitution itself to the branches of government, color of their skin may disqualify them from certain Sean Bell, an unarmed black man, was shot 50 times institutionalized racism and white privilege are the opportunities. in his back by five police officers, some plainclothes overlooked foundations that make oppression of the All throughout my education, I have seen very few and some uniformed, after leaving his bachelor party. minority easy and ignorance of the majority second people that look like me in my history books. Too He was murdered on his wedding day. nature. often was the history of my people in this country Two of the murderers were not charged, while the Kailin: overlooked, or brushed off, as we learned white histo- remaining three were acquitted of the charges filed As a black woman living in America, I have expe- ry instead of our own. against them in 2008. It’s crimes like this one that rienced the effects of white privilege far too often. I find it funny how most of the black history I’ve causes people to have such little trust and respect for To me, it is the ability to leave your house unafraid learned in school was Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa the criminal justice system. that you won’t return because your skin is darker, the Parks, Ruby Bridges, and a multitude of black per- When a policeman initiates interaction with a black ability to go to a job interview and not worry that you formers and athletes, as if that’s all we can amount to. person, they are twice as likely to use force and threat- look “too black,” The ability to have fair life experienc- en, than in interactions with white citizens– some- es. The ignorance that some white people have about Economic disparity due to race is undeniable and thing recently illustrated by the murder of George their privilege deeply hinders minority communities it’s most notable in income inequality and wage gaps Floyd. Even after the misuse of police power, cops are as they do not acknowledge that there is a problem between black people and whites. inevitably undercharged because of the fundamental that needs to be fixed. One 2016 study found that when measuring Median systems put in place to protect them. Jay: wealth by household the number for white house- These cops are then put back on the streets and are On the flip side, my mom is Canadian and my dad is holds was $171,000, and for black households it was allowed to continue their with their racist behavior. Arab. I would never for a second doubt that I benefit $17,100. It’s a fact that black people get paid less than And once these black people, who have been targeted from white privilege. Many white people, however, whites for the same work, which puts them at a disad- by the police, are in the courtroom, the institutional- do not realize their privilege or do not believe that vantage when coping with life’s unforeseen expenses. ized racism continues. they benefit from it. This ignorance that comes at the Black people already pay higher mortgages and expense of so many others is inexcusable and gives housing costs than whites, and because of the fact that The effects of white privilege are prominent in our power to the vicious cycle of oppression. This is why black people are working just as much but are paid far world and we must continue to not only work against it’s so important for everyone to have this conversa- less. them, but also educate those who are not aware of it. tion. Talking about white privilege and racism is the The first step to this necessary and overdue change only way to educate the ignorant and give voices to The criminal justice system is a tool that has been is unity. We do not need white people disassociat- the oppressed, and that is how you make real change. used to weigh down minorities. Too often are people ing themselves from their privilege, we need them One area of society in which white privilege is of color convicted of crimes they never committed, acknowledging it and asking why it exists. An atmo- prevalent is within the US education system. Schools faced with longer sentences than their white coun- sphere of open conversation about the overlooked are paid for by taxes, but black families are more likely terparts, just because they thought they committed a realities of institutional racism must be fostered so to be underpaid, resulting in less money available for crime. that it does not continue to be a vague term that white schools. As a child, I remember the effects of the stop-and- people in power can choose to believe in. Further, predominantly non-white school districts frisk program put in place by Mike Bloomberg. This get approximately $23 billion fewer than white school policy was detrimental to the black and Latino com- “Institutionalized racism is an districts, despite catering to the same number of munities, as the men of these minority groups were students. This systemic funding disparity inherently primarily targeted. I remember when I was young my undeniable fact that we must privileges white children, giving them more opportu- family members would be stopped on their way to my nities, which allows them to go farther in the world. house, sometimes having the police following right change. behind them. ”

TruMP VS. TWITTER BY AADI PUNWANI ’21 Twitter was also criticized for keeping up tweets cial media giant has yet to censor tweets by other FEATURED STAFF by the President accusing retired Congressman, world leaders. It has also drawn criticism for not On May 28th, 2020, President Trump signed an and newscaster, Joe Scarborough for the death of acting quickly and aggressively enough, with executive order that limits the liability protec- Lori Klausitis. many calling for a suspension of the president’s tions many social media sites hold. The allegations have been accused of being personal Twitter account. This nullifies Section 230 of the Communica- politically motivated, since Scarborough hosts Trump’s actions against the company are un- tions Decency Act, taking away the responsibility “Morning Joe” on MSNBC, and has been critical likely to have any significant effect, with legal of social media platforms to police the content of Trump in the past. experts describing the order as “political theater.” they host. It also allows for the removal of con- Although Twitter declined to fact-check this Other platforms, like Facebook, have yet to take tent “in good faith.” tweet in particular, they have begun to take more any action against Trump. Trump’s actions stem from a series of tweets he aggressive action against Trump, hiding one A Facebook account that copied the president’s posted on Tuesday, May 26th. Through which, tweet where he declares “when the looting starts, posts word for word received a warning for post- he made several inaccurate claims, including the shooting starts.” This was originally said from ing Trump’s “when the looting starts” tweet, and idea that mail-in ballots would lead to substantial former Miami police chief Walter Headley, who the post was taken down. voter fraud. advocated for violent action against stop-and- The justification for this was that the post In response to these misleading claims, Twitter frisk protesters in 1967. violated Facebook’s “Community Standards on added a label to two of Trump’s tweets, linking to Twitter has drawn backlash for censorship from violence and incitement.” news sources that correct his claim. right-wing politicians, who point out that the so- CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT page 8 AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER (WARNING: SPOILERS) show: Th e Last Airbender. We see how such a government may be able Along with the Gaang—a play on words—they to be overthrown from the outside, but is easi- strive to end the Fire Nation's war against the ly susceptible to internal destruction. Season 2 other nations of the world. One notion the series provides much more realism even in modern day, refl ects on is the impact of colonialism, and how due to the current protests against systematic is- rapacious conquerors used the idea of “spread- sues within the nation; this provides a heightened ing peace” as a scapegoat to tyrannically rule the sense of enjoyability from Season 2 itself. world. In the third season, the Gaang attempt to in- In the fi rst season, Aang travels with Katara and vade the Fire Nation during a solar eclipse, which Sokka to the Northern Water Tribe so that Aang would weaken the power of Firebenders altogeth- can learn waterbending and begin preparing to er for its duration. However, as plans that were defeat the Fire Lord. Prince Zuko, the banished made in both previous seasons, we are left with a son of Fire Lord Ozai, and his Uncle Iroh hope to sense of dissatisfaction from their retreat. capture the Avatar to “restore their honor.” Th e Zuko depicts an immense amount of inner family dynamics portrayed within the show oft en strength and character development by aban- parallel ourselves. doning the Fire Nation to join Aang and teach We see the impact of constantly attempting to him fi rebending. Th e learning of these elements gain the approval of one parent, whereas we also would ultimately amalgamate in promoting peace see the potential detrimental eff ect of receiving throughout the nations, yet a large question of love we have not earned. Th is notion is beautiful- ethics is posed when many suggest Aang to kill ly conveyed by the sibling dynamic between Zuko the Fire Lord. and Azula, his prodigious sister. Although in doing so would mean the end of Th e season ends with the portrayal of the spirit the war, we question the limits of power and au- world, which the Avatar is connected to. Each of thority itself; although Aang has immense power, these continues onto the subsequent seasons of should he be incentivized to kill those who have the show, where each season individually conveys wronged society? When Sozin's Comet arrives, Aang’s mastery of the other elements. which amplifi es the fi rebender’s power tenfold, In the second season, Aang learns earthbending Aang manages to fi nd an alternative to such a BY HENRY TRINH ’21 & ANSHA HAMID ’21 from Toph Beifong, a blind earthbending prodi- moral quandary through unconventional means. FEATURED STAFF gy. Although a blind prodigy may be oxymoron- Despite the ending being well-known, I fi nd Despite the nostalgia ATLA has provided, for a ic, we understand the necessity of “seeing” with- it best to remove such a large spoiler due to the cartoon series made in 2005, it is still perfect, if out our sight. beauty of its symbolic meaning not better than most modern cartoons and ani- We do it occasionally—we feel our surround- Overall, this series has been a huge success. mations. Each episode was meticulously planned, ings within our vicinity, and attempt to adapt to Although it was made for younger audiences, it each connecting to one another with beautiful it, regardless if we can or cannot see. Th e Gaang grew immensely popular among all age groups. nuances. attempt to seek safe haven within the “holy grail” It has entailed excellent character development, As such, skipping a single episode may hinder of the Earth Kingdom—Ba Sing Se. However, in mesmerizing action sequences, smooth pacing, one’s understanding of specifi c events, which this arc, we view the impacts of heavy corruption clean, expansive lore; great for storytelling. further conveys why ATLA was great: even its within the government. Aft er a seven year absence, its recurrence in fi ller episodes do not seem to be fi ller episodes at Despite Ba Sing Se being impermeable to Fire pop culture, memes and streaming apps implores fi rst glance. It allows for the viewer to gain deeper Nation forces, the heavy corruption and censor- to watch the series. Many people guarantee that connections with the protagonists, Aang, Katara, ship within the city denies the existence of the watching it, either for the fi rst or fi ft eenth time, and Sokka, while also allowing us to accept new ongoing war. Using government spies, the Dai Li will always be refreshing. characters that serve the plot well. attempt to silence “oppressors” and ensure peace. Th e series is centered around the journey of Th e arc questions whether government surveil- “Many people guarantee that watch- the main character, Aang, who is tasked with lance of its people actually promotes safety and ing it, either for the fi rst or fi fteenth maintaining peace throughout the world, albeit freedom, which can parallel our government’s technically being a child. Due to genocide, he is ability to monitor us through data from our time, will always be refreshing.” the last of the Air Nomads, hence the title of the phones. JOHN KRASINSKI SELLS “SOME GOOD NEWS” BY ELEANOR FAN ’24 & ELLA HOFFMAN ’24 navigating online schooling. shift it away from its current homegrown feel to FEATURED STAFF Although Krasinski will still participate in the a more polished one. Th e current atmosphere of Aft er just eight episodes, the popular YouTube production of the show, it will no longer be host- the series would be hard to replicate in a studio series “Some Good News”, hosted by John Kra- ed by Krasinski. While Krasinski said that the where everything is scripted and people constant- sinski, was sold to CBS, which was met with show was unsustainable and that CBS’s network ly adjusting lights. protest from fans. would expand the series's reach, fans argued that In addition, a news article had claimed that SGN was initially thought up by John Krasinski Krasinski had sold out. Th is was not helped by the show would move to CBS All Access, CBS's as a news program dedicated to good news. Th eir the fact a bidding war had taken place. streaming service. However, John Krasinski de- episodes featured celebrities and cast members of Many fans were also angered over the fact that nied that it would move to the streaming service Th e Offi ce and Hamilton to teachers and students the series’ purchase by a network producer would in a tweet. JUNE. 2020 page 9 Where is the Class of 2020 Off To? Edernis Adames: State University of New York at Oswego Erica Lei: Stony Brook University: WISE Lalla-Aicha Adouim: Northwestern University Rebecca Lin: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Anika Akhter: Hunter College Devin Liu: Queens College Naima Akter: Hamilton College Zachary Macpherson: University of Manchester (UK) Arif Elbruz Akyuz: Stony Brook University Monowara Moni: Stony Brook University: WISE Aisha Ali: City College Yahav Nave: Baruch College Murtaza Ali: Stony Brook University: Computer Science Honors Sofija Obradovic: Boston University David Alvarracin: University of Rochester Armin Osmanovic: Adelphi University: Honors College Novaleen Aranyawikul: Hunter College Lia Papafloratos: Cornell University Miguel Avila: ACCESS-VR Patrycja Perkowska: Hunter College Lisbeth Arias: Fordham University Kayla Powers: Hobart and William Smith Sharupa Azmal: St. John’s U: Honors Program PharmD Program Raisa Pushpita: St. John’s University Rashmika Batra: Stevens institute of technology Farhin Puspita: Queens College Abhay Bisht: Northeastern University Shadman Rahman: Pace University: Pforzheimer Honors College Sylvia Boguniecki: University of Miami Brian Ramirez: Hunter College Brian Bohorquez: Queensborough Community College Melanie Ramos: Barnard College Gabriela Cano: Hunter College Daniel Sahr: Binghamton University Evelyn Carreto: St. John’s University Anela Salkanovic: Stony Brook University Jacqueline Christopher Waldman: Georgetown University Alicia Shanker: Fordham University Matthew Chu: Hofstra University Trisha Sherman: Macaulay Honors at Queens College Victoria Czech: University at Buffalo Owen Smith: SUNY New Paltz Devin Davidson: Georgetown University Kevin Soriano: New York University Kailey Duran: Williams College Danilo Sotamba: Queensborough Community College Brianna French: LaGuardia Community College Harikleia Sparakis: Stony Brook University Allysa Marie Galima: Hunter College Patryk Strugacz: The City College of New York Sarah Joy Gallardo: Adelphi University: Honors College Patryk Stypulkowski: Queens College Simon Gao: University at Buffalo: The State University of New York Filip Torres: University of Houston: Honors College Gina Ginenthal: Pratt Institute Helen Tran: SUNY New Paltz Mrittika Howlader: Barnard College Jennifer Tran: Fordham University Melyssa Iazzag: Baruch College Laura Sofia Umana: Wellesley College Mohammed Ilham: Bronx Community College (CUNY LEAD) Ivan Urena: College of Saint Rose Fabbiha Islam: City College Olivia Vargas: Stony Brook University: WISE Shunnosuke Kanematsu: Boston Univerisity Olivia Wegrowski: Binghamton University Molly Keegan: University at Buffalo: The State University of New York Kevin Weng: Williams College Aoife Kenny: Boston University Christie Wu: NYU Shanghai Anab Khan: New York University Amy You: Baruch College Rahul Kumar: Queens College Elio Zebinato: Georgia Institute of Technology Alex Lee: Vanderbilt University Rachel R. Zhang: Bentley University James Lee: Binghamton University

SENIOR EDITORS MANSHA RAHMAN ’22 LALLA AICHA-ADOUIM ’20

JUNIOR EDITORS NICOLE CHEUNG ‘21 ARTEMIS CHRISTOFORATOS ’22 SYEDA SARAH RAHMAN ’22

FEATURED STAFF DALEELAH SALEH ‘19 AADI PUNWANI ’21 ALEKSANDRA OMYLAK ’21 ANSHA HAMID ’21 HENRY TRINH ’21 Congratulations to the class of 2020! Your hard work paid off and even though AMY CHEN ’22 JAY ALSINAWI ’22 senior year didn’t exactly end traditionally, we’re still very proud of you and KAILYN LOWE ’22 IVY GOMES ’22 we will miss your presence at BSGE. We wish you the best of luck in all your ELEANOR FAN ’24 future endeavors <3 ELLA HOFFMAN ’24 KEHAPLOY KAMONPANYAKUL’24 - BaccRag Fam