374 Jerseyville Rd. W, Ancaster, ON April 2021 Issue

The 2021 NHL Trade Deadline pg 11 Take a look at some of the NHL’s most noteworthy trades and what they might The Royal mean for each team’s future. Battling Ancaster’s Suburban Sprawl pg 13 Gazette Local organizers are saying that the Your school. Your newspaper. city’s new expansion plans put valuable farmland and ecosystems at risk.

Tackling Anti-Asian Hatred at Home What does it mean to battle prejudice in your own city? Asian students at Ancaster High weigh in with their responses to the pg 21 recent rise in violent anti-Asian hate crimes.

Get to Know Mr. Trojek The Falcon & The Winter Soldier Peek ☞ INTERNALS: One AHS teacher is VOICES: Marvel’s newest TV show sees Inside... finding new ways to make learning its superpowered stars wrestle with the 17 hands-on, despite COVID-19. 27 legacy of Captain America. page 1 | Top Stories page 2 | Top Stories And in Pop Culture… EXTERNALS Prince Phillip, husband to 24 27 This Month’s Protests in Myanmar Queen Elizabeth II and the VOICES ARTS AND CULTURE Escalate, Become Fatal longest-serving consort of any British monarch, passed pg 4 Review: Boys State is an “MONTERO” by Lil Nas X away on April 9th, 2021 at 99 Insight into Both Politics Shakes Up the Music Top Stories years old. and Adolescence Scene Get the most important news right away. Here INTERNALS are some of the top stories of April. Celebrating Ramadan During Lockdown By Anne Fu — Editor-in-Chief pg 15 Laurentian University, located in Sudbury, Ontario, has been forced to cut multiple programs and sports teams to stave off bankruptcy.

CANADA Laurentian University Forced HAMILTON to Cut Dozens of Programs

COVID-19 Concerns Above: After declaring insolvency in February, Laurentian University is facing massive layoffs and removing a number of degree programs in order to restructure. (Radio-Canada)

Continue to Climb Laurentian University, one of just absolutely heartbreaking,” she to executive representative. “The Canada’s few bilingual post-secondary CBC News. “It's an absolute loss, not manufactured crisis at Laurentian schools, has announced that it will be just for the university, but especially could be stopped at any time by the Above: Hamilton nurse Laurie Doma administers the COVID-19 vaccine to Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger. Eisenberger slashing 69 programs and firing over for students. These students came to Ontario government. The 2021 budget has been pushing for more vaccine doses to be sent to Hamilton and other vaccine hotspots. (City of Hamilton) 100 faculty members in order to deal Laurentian to study with academics is the third budget in a row with with financial issues that had been who are top of the class in their field. reduced funding for post-secondary As Canada enters the third I think the most alarming point is that to thousands of kilometers away — is plaguing the university for years. Many of these professors are doing education. It is time to invest in all wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the increasing numbers... we not an easy task either. ICU workers Amongst the degrees being affected incredible things in the fields that they students no matter where they live in hospital workers in Hamilton are have yet to see the plateau, even in and their resources remain stretched are 58 undergraduate and 11 graduate study.” Ontario.” feeling the pressure ramp up once provincial numbers.” thin. programs, with 34 of them being in more as they struggle to both French. These included courses in While undergraduate students CFS-Ontario also slammed the vaccinate citizens and treat the newly In response, Hamilton Health Alongside treating current fields such as physics, anthropology, are being allowed to finish their Conservatives for betraying the Truth infected population. Sciences is planning to set up a mobile COVID-19 cases, hospital staff around music and geography. degrees and being provided alternate and Reconciliation Commission of health unit (MHU) in the parking lot on the city have also been hard at work pathways to program completion, Canada's Call to Action #16, which calls On April 13th, 2021, the city Wellington Street to add an estimated vaccinating as many people as possible After spending millions of many graduate students will not be so for the creation of university programs recorded 209 new cases in a single day, extra 80 beds to the province’s against COVID-19 to prevent its dollars building new facilities that did lucky, as the faculty members teaching that study Indigenous languages; and setting a new daily record and bringing healthcare facilities. This MHU is spread. Here in Hamilton, a city not attract the higher enrollment the them will soon be laid off. According to for supposedly telling Francophone the number of active cases in Hamilton expected to be completed by next considered one of the province’s university had expected, officials a statement released by the university, students “that their education, to 1,224 in total. Amongst the newly month, and will be a self-sufficient unit COVID-19 hotspots, officials are declared financial insolvency in most of the programs they chose to cut language and culture aren't worth infected included two patients with the that houses its own generators, reporting a shortage of vaccines that February. According to The Globe and had been ones with historically low saving” by cancelling many French P1 Brazilian variant of the virus, which ventilators and washrooms. There is has led to the delayed opening of a Mail, Laurentian had been spending enrolment, so that Laurentian could programs. Now they are asking for the is more transmissible and possibly still, however, the issue of having mass vaccination clinic in Rosedale millions of dollars in grants meant for better “align its financial resources to province to invest immediately in more dangerous to young people than enough doctors and nurses to serve Arena due to the lack of supply. research “just to keep the lights on”, ensure that all of its remaining Laurentian and for Ross Romano, the the original strain. Medical every patient. due to the school only having one bank programs are fully supported.” Minister of Colleges and Universities, professionals in Canada are having to As of April 14th, 2021, 21.1% of account where funds from multiple to resign. CFS-Ontario believes that work double time to clamp down on “...despite the increasing the country’s population has been sources were mixed. Despite this, many educators Romano and the Ford government are the spread of the disease. vaccinated with at least one dose, are also concerned that the university to blame for ignoring Laurentian’s numbers... we have yet to see which totals up to about 8.9 million For many students and staff at programs being lost are also the ones crisis, which they had known about In the meantime, some doctors the plateau, even in provincial Canadians. Over 1.6 million of them the Sudbury university, these that are the most essential to preserve. “for months, if not years.” worry that there may not be enough numbers.” received their dose last week. One of announcements came as devastating Indigenous and Francophone programs resources to care for everyone. As of these people was Hamilton Mayor Fred news. will be disproportionately impacted by Kotila, however, insists that mid-April, St. Joseph’s Hospital is at Dr. Bram Rochwerg, critical Eisenberger, who encouraged every these cuts, due to the fact that they are students at other post-secondary 89% of its adult patient capacity, while care lead at Juravinski Hospital Hamiltonian to get vaccinated as soon “I had one girl text me already underrepresented across most institutions should pay attention to Hamilton Health Sciences is at 93%. as they could. He has been calling for yesterday wondering if a Laurentian of Canada. The Canadian Federation of what is happening at Laurentian. With case counts rising by the day, the “There’s no doubt our system the province to allocate more vaccine degree would be respectable anymore,” Students-Ontario (CFS-Ontario) is city is searching for new ways to is becoming very pressured and it is doses to hotspots like Hamilton, Peel second-year student and university calling on the Conservatives to help “We're losing so many accommodate for the rapidly daunting to consider the coming weeks and Mississauga. newspaper editor Lexey Burns told save these programs by providing them incredible academics and in the escalating number of patients. as was depicted in the modelling,” said CBC News. with vital funding and support. process. We're also going to be losing Hamilton Health Sciences CEO and “I strongly encourage everyone many students who will likely leave and “We're sort of quickly president Rob MacIsaac. Both his in our community to roll up their Katlyn Kotila, a political “It is unacceptable that go on to pursue academics elsewhere approaching a cliff set and we're seeing hospital and St. Joseph’s are continuing sleeve and book a vaccine appointment science student at Laurentian, also students, who have invested so much now that their program is being cut,” increasing numbers being admitted to with surge plans by reassigning as soon as they are eligible,” spoke about how it felt finding her own in their education, are impacted by she said. “I urge people to pay ICUs,” said Dr. Bram Rochwerg, the patients and hospital staff to other Eisenberger said in a press release. He program was to be cut as well. financial challenges created by reckless attention, because what happened at critical care lead at the Juravinski hospitals to lessen the strain on also reminded city residents that even administrative decisions and the Laurentian can happen anywhere, so Hospital, to CTV News. “[We’re] medical facilities in the GTA. Despite after receiving a vaccine, all citizens “I found out the news on my erosion of public university funding,” hopefully this never has to happen to stretched in terms of capacity and this, transporting patients from one were still required to follow public program on Twitter... but then to see it said Kayla Weiler, CFS-Ontario’s natio- any other… post-secondary institution places to put patients, as well as staff. hospital to another — sometimes up to health and social distancing guidelines. officially confirmed in the email was ever again.” page 3 | Top Stories page 4 | Externals

ON THE HOMEFRONT The biggest stories from outside the Ancaster EXTERNALS External Vaccine Distribution After Kim Potter’s address was leaked on social media, she was forced to flee her home community on a and officers set up barricades outside her property. A similar thing occurred during Hits a Few Hitches the George Floyd protests last May at the house of Derek Chauvin. provincial, national and pg 9 News international scale.

WORLD

Black Man Killed by EXTERNALS Minnesota Policewoman Myanmar Citizens Continue Above: Friends and family of Daunte Wright gather in Brooklyn Center. Wright was killed by ex-officer Kim Potter during a traffic stop on Sunday, April 11th, 2021. (Christian Monterrosa/AP) To Protest the Military Less than a year after officer law, right? Protect and serve. Put her in nd that Potter’s taser was holstered on Above: Anti-military Myanmar protesters in Yangon show a three-finger salute to symbolize their demand in the Derek Chauvin pinned down George jail, like they would do any one of us,” her left side and her pistol on her right, release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. (Stringer/Reuters) Floyd with a knee in Minneapolis, a she said. meaning that Potter would have had to White Minnesota police officer has use a different hand to draw one been charged with second degree Other visitors to Wright’s instead of the other. She had also Protests in Myanmar have been ongoing for months due to a political crisis caused by a military manslaughter in the fatal shooting of memorial at the corner of 63rd Street apparently been an officer for 26 years. Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black North and Kathrene Drive in → coup. Hundreds have been killed during the subsequent government crackdown. man. If convicted, she could serve a Minnesota had much to say about “Grabbing your sidearm that maximum of 10 years in jail or pay a Potter’s role in his death. you've likely deployed thousands, if not side of the people and would create a rise. Ever since the protests began, By Sanya Patel & Lindsay Liu fine of $20,000 USD. tens of thousands, of times is an “true and disciplined democracy”. many have been sentenced to death, ↯ Staff Writers & Editor “I’m pleasantly surprised that intentional act,” he said. “A sidearm Furthermore, he said the military will with this news being announced Kim Potter, a former Brooklyn there were charges,” said Emily feels different than a Taser. It looks hold a “free and fair” election once the publicly since February. 1st On April Center officer, resigned from the force Johnson, a White woman who was different than a Taser. [It] requires Myanmar, also known as state of emergency is over. Due to this 10th, nineteen people were sentenced on Tuesday, April 13th after killing standing across from the memorial different pressure in order to deploy Burma, is located in Southeast Asia political issue the people have started to death for the killing of an army Wright during a traffic stop. Potter holding a sign with the names of it.” with a population of about 54 million protesting and these protests have captain’s associate, which reportedly claims she had intended to use her multiple Black men killed by Minnesota people. For months, the country’s been the largest protests since the occurred on March 27th. According to taser on him, but ended up pulling out police. She spoke to NBC News about Wright’s death is the third protests have been seen all over the Saffron Revolution in 2007. The Saffron an activist group called the Assistance her gun instead. the Wright protests. “But, yeah, still high-profile shooting of a Black man media. However, what is the reason for Revolution in 2007 was when the Association for Political Prisoners, an feeling like it’s not enough. These are during a police standoff in the last 5 such unrest? This is largely because monks stood up against the military estimated number of more than 600 Since Wright’s death, just charges. We’re seeing that with the years, following the deaths of George the military is back in charge again and regime. In the Myanmar protests people have thus far been killed by protestors have been gathering in Chauvin trial — how much more Floyd in 2020 and Philando Castile in has declared a year-long state of teachers, lawyers, students, bank forces preventing protests. The group Brooklyn Center nightly. On Sunday, damage will be done?” 2016. Since his passing, new emergency. On February 1st, following officers, and government workers all also recorded more than 2,800 people April 11th, demonstrators marched with conversations about the legacy of a general election that Aung Suu Kyi’s are protesting. Due to the protests the in detention. It is now estimated that chants, signs, candlelight vigils, and Wright had initially been police brutality in the USA have been National League for Democracy (NLD) military has implemented restrictions the death toll has surpassed 700. wrote “Justice for Daunte Wright” in stopped for the expired tags on his car, sparked, with many commenting on party won, the military seized control. including curfews and limits to General Zaw Min Tun, a senior chalk on the streets. Some members of but after finding out that he had an Wright’s circumstances of death. The military backed the opposition, gatherings. spokesperson for the Myanmar army the rally also hopped onto the outstanding warrant for possessing who were demanding a recount of the says that the reason protests have windshields of police cars, broke into weapons and fleeing from officers vote as they claimed widespread fraud been reduced is for the “cooperation of local malls, and threw bricks at since June, Potter attempted to arrest however, the election commission said BY THE NUMBERS people who want peace, which we officers. Cops responded to the unrest him. In a body camera recording of the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez there was no proof of such claims. The value.” As for the police, domestic with flashbangs, tear gas and pepper shooting, she can be heard warning @AOC coup took place as a new session of Myanmar protesters media stated that at least 10 were killed spray, and a curfew was shortly put that she was going to tase Wright, then parliament was set to open. Suu Kyi, 300 + killed since last month’s in a recent attack by an alliance of into effect over the city after multiple firing a shot from her handgun and who won the election, has been held at military takeover. those who oppose the junta. clashes broke out. On April 14th, the exclaiming, “Holy s**t! I shot him.” an unknown location since the coup. third day of protests, the National Wright attempted to flee before Daunte Wright’s killing was not She is facing multiple charges, Myanmar protesters Overall, the threats the Guard was deployed and over 60 crashing into another vehicle, and was a random, disconnected including violating the country’s official 3,000+ have been detained protestors face in the form of violence people were arrested by the police. pronounced dead at the scene due to a “accident” - it was the secrets act, possessing illegal by the military. and arrests have not deterred them gunshot wound to his chest. He was repeated outcome of an walkie-talkies and publishing and caused them to step down from Naisha Wright, aunt of Daunte killed just miles away from the indefensible system that information that may have caused fear Now, the protests in Myanmar their goal of reinstating the democratic Wright, spoke out about Potter’s courthouse where the trial of Derek grants impunity for state or alarm. Some of the NLD MPs that continue, with the number of killings government. As for other countries, 18 actions during a joint press conference Chauvin had been taking place. violence, rewards it w/ managed to somehow escape the rising. Anti-coup protesters also countries’ ambassadors have stood with the family of George Floyd. endlessly growing budgets at arrest have established a new group, recently used more unconventional with the protestors for the restoration According to her, officers like Potter Jeffrey Storms, one of the the cost of community and their leader has urged protesters methods of protesting, including of the democracy as well as calling for should be prosecuted to the fullest Wright family’s attorneys, is skeptical investment, & targets those to defend themselves against the decorating Easter eggs and holding the release of those who have been extent of the law. about the shooting being an accident. who question that order. crackdown. Currently, commander-in- them up with three fingers as a symbol imprisoned. The UN Security Council An investigation by the Minnesota chief Min Aung Hlaing has taken power of resistance. As for the state of the also cautioned that Myanmar was close “She was the law. She was the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension fou- and states the military supports the protestors, the death toll continues to to “state collapse.” page 5 | Externals page 6 | Externals

EXTERNALS

Sarah Everard, One of Many EXTERNALS Victims of Violence Trouble in the Suez Canal:

Above: Flowers are given at the Clapham bandstand, London, in memory of Sarah Everard. (Johnny Armstead/ Shutterstock) The Boat That Captivated

By Vita Rao How could she have taken every On the other hand, is the the World ↯ Staff Writer & Editor precaution, and still have been equally cruel media that uses its power harassed? Even if she hadn’t taken to shame victims, especially those that these precautions, why was she don’t fit social norms. The public and Above: The Ever Given container ship while stuck in the Suez Canal. (2021 Maxar Technologies) Imagine this — after eating targeted? the media relish in the imperfections of dinner with a friend, you realize it’s victims, but as Seb M. — also, a Grade By Joe McDermott getting late, and you should probably Sparking Larger Movements 11 Ancaster High student — remarks, “is News from the authorities on lace to say the least. go home, but you’re torn. The last few an answer going to change the fact ↯ Staff Writer & Editor moving the ship was largely pessimistic weeks have been arduous and this is The case has sparked immense that she was killed?” Ultimately, as he as the tides worked against their vigor, So while the Suez Canal now the first time you have felt any sense of public outcry and begun a larger goes on to say, it holds no relevance, as as Egyptian tugboat captain Magdy enjoys free flow again — thanks to the contentment: maybe you could stay for conversation about gender-based “she was still taken advantage of by Trouble arrived to the Suez on Gamal told The Washington Post that diligence of the whole excavation crew another hour? Although, it is already violence and police brutality. For many, someone with authority.” It still makes March 23, 2021, in the form of a 400m “the tide [was] like a ghost [they were] finally forcing their stubborn barge to dark outside, the streets are getting this case is personal and has had a one wonder whether the media long container ship which obstructed trying to face”. Authorities knew the budge on March 29 — the Internet will less crowded, and it’s fairly late. What direct impact on their lives. An attention would be so immense if Egypt’s critical canal, blocking the cost to world trade was high, remember those six eventful March do you do next? Do you stay or do you anonymous Ancaster High student Everard wore different clothing or passage of dozens of vital vessels. estimating a staggering delay of $400 days for the refreshment of the story. go? How do you decide? For many, explains, “it just acts as a reminder for were a person of colour. Being an exceptionally important million per hour in goods according to With a canal team exhausted and an primarily women and non-binary me that the world is unjust and there avenue connecting the Red Sea to the shipping data. audience still hungry, it is possible people, this is a daily dilemma. It’s not a are so many bad people out there. It Nevertheless, it’s important to Mediterranean and so essential for events of similar kind present in the phase, it’s not a trend, it’s not paranoia, forces me to generalize everyone for recognize that, in every regard, society, global trade, Evergreen’s Ever Given As the scramble to dislodge the near future. Hopefully such a scenario it is a daily sacrifice that they have to my own safety even if I want to put law enforcement, and the government boat spanning the length of the boat raged on, onlookers across the won’t be as dire or challenging as the make, deciding between their safety trust in them. I always have a little failed her. After all, the primary waterway posed a pressing challenge globe took to the internet — but not to stuck ship, but simple nonetheless. and their happiness. voice in the back of my head telling me suspect in her case is a police officer, a to Suez authorities. While stuck for a simply inform fellow netizens of the to be wary.” supposedly trustworthy and mere six days, the blockage spurred an situation as is typically the response to BY THE NUMBERS authoritative figure. Not to mention array of consequences, namely an global challenges. Instead, a wave of BY THE NUMBERS On one hand exists a vicious, that this is only one of many instances unprecedented traffic jam, reduction of memes involving the stuck ship women worldwide have victim-blaming society that pardons of abusive, gender-based violence by a goods causing rationing and, of course, flooded social media outlets and online experienced physical male perpetrators and vilifies women police officer. Police reformation is a variety of internet memes. forums, the creators and consumers of 1 in 3 and/or sexual violence. and non-binary victims. It faults desperately needed. As Seb M. says, the jokes delighting themselves in $400M/hour victims for the harassment that they women and non-binary people “do not The canal’s significance is best carefree discussion of the situation. face; it questions every aspect of the deserve to be harassed and be viewed understood with a glance at key Most of the memes featured an image girls are “missing” from lost in goods, based on as objects. Men, we have to do better.” numbers. Of all the goods transported of the boat captioned with some the world’s population — crime, but the perpetrator’s actions. estimated values of goods in a single day, 12% pass through the description of a relatable impediment 80 to victims of gender-based Eisha T. — a Grade 11 student at going through the canal infanticide, femicide, Ancaster High — describes how “few “Sarah was bright and Suez. Around 50 vessels carry this to exhausting effort. An example of this actually choose to spread awareness or substantial cargo, and without open is likening the boat to someone malnutrition and beautiful - a wonderful 100M neglect. speak up when they see someone being passage, millions could go without procrastinating work and the crew to harassed, or even just call out their daughter and sister. She was necessities. By March 27, this fear making a to-do list. It seems the friends when they hear them saying kind and thoughtful, caring manifested, with the stranded Ever biggest factor in the growth of this 400 meters On March 3rd, 2021, Sarah derogatory things toward women,” and dependable. She always Given impeding the travel of over 300 humour was the blatant simplicity of Everard made the valid choice to go ships. Efforts to relieve the canal of the the situation; Guardian journalist Ben which leads to victim-silencing and put others first and had the the size of the container home. She walked on well-lit, perpetrator-enabling. By faulting the pressure thus came immediately and Jenkins wrote in an opinion article on ship Ever Given, owned by populated streets; she wore bright, victim and neglecting the perpetrator’s most amazing sense of persisted for as long as the boat the topic that the concept of the “Big Evergreen recognizable clothing; she checked in actions, one is “basically justifying that humour. She was strong and remained stuck. But at 220,000 tons Boat Stuck” was “simple enough to with her boyfriend; she left at a [...] she was allowed to be hurt like principled and a shining and with a length almost the height of explain to a child”. He also noted it as reasonable hour. Seven days later, her that, [when] the problem [is] the man example to us all. We are the Empire State Building, forcing the one of the rare news stories which do remains were found in a builder’s bag that did it not the woman who stubborn ship from its position would not provoke rage or bitter argument, $1B in Kent, with the main suspect being a experienced it,” she went on to say. very proud of her and she be no easy task. Canal authorities contrasting with much of the police officer. This case is one of many This ever-existing toxic, sexist cycle brought so much joy to our worked tirelessly, operating dredgers depressing and polarizing topics which violent attacks against women and seems backwards for a seemingly lives.” to remove over 700,000 cubic feet of frequently appear in the media. Having total fine for owner of ship; non-binary people; one of many where progressive time and country; it’s sand which kept the boat immovable, a basic narrative, which Jenkins called Ever Given detained in Egypt until fine payed the victim follows every rule and infuriating. Statement from Sarah physical forces reluctant to back the “the narrative we needed”, is refreshing societal expectation, yet still suffers. side of the excavators. to a stressed and overwhelmed popu- Everard’s family page 8 | Externals page 7 | Externals IMPORTANT REMINDER:

The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is not recommended for people with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, and is currently forbidden for people who are younger than 40 years of age in Ontario. Results of further studies are pending announcement.

The São Paulo Pride parade is the largest LGBTQ+ rights celebration in the world. 4 million people attended in 2009. EXTERNALS EXTERNALS Vaccine Distribution Hits Transgender Day of A Few Hitches Visibility 2021 Above: The AstraZeneca-Oxford (AZD1222) vaccine is approved by Health Canada and will be available for people 55 years and over, says Dr. Heather Morrison. (Matthias Schrader/AP) Above: A group of demonstrators hoist a trans pride flag during a 2018 pride parade in São Paulo, Brazil. (Cris Faga/ Getty Images) By Aisha Mahmoud “Despite how slow Canada’s ibution, it’s impossible to beat the vaccine rollout has been compared to coronavirus. blem is not with the bills, the problem TRANS CREATORS ↯ Staff Writer & Editor the US, UK, and Israel, and other By Faria Haque is the people. We have so many safe countries, we are the single worst “By definition a pandemic is a ↯ Staff Writer communities and places for these Health Canada stated on April culprit of vaccine hoarding worldwide,” global event, and global events need people to rely on and having a safe Janet Mock 14th that the Oxford-AstraZeneca says medical anthropologist at the global solutions,” said Dr. Ivar Mendez, Transgender Day of Visibility environment to be themselves and yet @JanetMock vaccine is safe and effective for use, University of Toronto, Bianca Dahl. Provincial Head of Surgery at the is a day of celebration to celebrate they still face so much discrimination following concern over extremely rare With rich countries buying up the University of Saskatchewan, in an trans people’s existence and their fight against them. And for what? For being Raquel Willis cases of blood clotting due to the majority of doses, poorer countries are interview with CTV News. for equal rights. The majority of trans different and not feeling comfortable in @RaquelWillis_ vaccine. Despite this announcement, resorting to using vaccines that do not people — especially those who are their bodies. Canadians are still hesitant to receive meet the strict standards of countries When we look back at Canada’s Black, Indigenous or racialized — face J Mase III the AstraZeneca vaccine and clinics like Canada. Throughout the pandemic, abrupt pause and continuation in discrimination every day. These groups As time goes on, we are @JMaseIII that don’t have vaccines from other poorer countries have been suffering administering the AstraZeneca vaccine, experience ongoing violence and changing and progress is being made. manufacturers are struggling to book the most. Along with fighting off it is clear that we are extremely harassment because of who they are. In November 5, 2017, Julie Lemieux won appointments with their patients. The COVID-19, these communities are hit well-off when looking from a global 48% of the votes to become the mayor Ontario College of Family Physicians hard by Ebola, tuberculosis, and perspective; there was no concern with Transgender Day of Visibility of Très-Saint-Rédempteur, making her rts transgender filmmakers and their made a statement saying that waiting malnutrition. halting AstraZeneca vaccinations was founded in 2009 by Rachel the first transgender mayor ever projects. There are so many reasons for a “preferred” vaccine increases the because there are millions of doses Crandall, a Michigan-based elected. Kael McKenzie was appointed you can go to find ways to help. risk of contracting COVID-19. from other manufacturers currently transgender activist. It is important we to the provincial court of Manitoba, BY THE NUMBERS available or on their way. represent The importance of making him the first transgender During these hard times, it’s “To best protect yourself and transgender activism is global. person appointed as a judge in Canada. been difficult for transgender others, we agree that the best Efficacy against With the end of this pandemic In 2021, the Quebec civil code declared communities to be understood. People COVID-19 vaccine is the one that COVID-19 and seemingly on the horizon, it can be In 2020, at least 40 trans and discriminatory against the trans have been unable to provide in-person reaches your arm first.” 63.09% symptomatic easy to get sucked into the nationilistic non-binary people were killed, most of community. support to one another. In the past SARS-CoV-2 infection. mindset. Although Canada’s vaccine whom were black trans women. year, there has been a lot of legislation Canada’s vaccine rollout has rollout is not without its bumps in the Political attacks on trans people have In order to carry on these proposed to target against transgender been the subject of public frustration, road, it is significantly better than well escalated in recent years and accomplishments, there are a few ways people, so Transgender Day of Range of dose with many Canadians comparing our 8-12 over half of the rest of the world. But, attempting to criminalize which you can support the transgender Visibility is especially important, as it is intervals associated current efforts to those of the US, we need to look at vaccine rollout as a bathroom trans people were to use. No community today. You can call your a day where we can send support to with a greater who’ve already fully vaccinated around worldwide event, because we can matter how many hate crime laws we local LGBTQ+ advocacy group and see the trans community after all the weeks vaccine efficacy. 30% of the adult population. Compared never return to normalcy without have these people are still in danger. It what kind of help they need, whether it violence they have faced. This day is an to Canada’s 2.1%, it may seem like we’re global cooperation and equitable has never stopped. When Bill C-16 was could be volunteering or even just attempt to break the cycle of barely inching along. Trudeau and the “If COVID-19 continues to vaccine distribution. introduced in Canada June 2017, both offering services. Examples in discrimination against them and we current government have been rampage through the global south gender identity and gender expression Hamilton include Speqtrum or the celebrate this day of recognition to criticized for not acting quickly or unchecked by mass vaccination, this became federally protected identiies in LGBT Youthline. You should also respect them and their individuality. “By definition a pandemic is a securing enough vaccines. But, Canada radically increases the likelihood of yet the Canadian human rights act. Canada educate yourself and your allies and has already placed orders with vaccine more variants of concern emerging,” global event, and global events was a significant leader to the learn the basic terminology Transgender rights have been manufacturers for enough doses to said Dahl. If more COVID-19 variants need global solutions,” protection and recognition of surrounding the transgender an ongoing fight for freedom. They go vaccinate the population 5 times over. begin to spread, it could even render transgender communities in Canada. community. You can help seek out through so much as people and This may seem like a relief, but this current vaccines useless. The stories by transgender creators such as deserve a day to be celebrated. Dr Ivar Mendez, Provincial vaccine hoarding can actually be nationalist mindset that is causing 2021 has been a record year for the Transgender Film Centre, which is Transgender Day of Visibility is the Head of Surgery at the detrimental to the process of vaccine hoarding is a virus in and of anti-transgender legislation. The prob- a non-profit organization that suppo- perfect way to show them our respect. University of Saskatchewan overcoming the pandemic. itself. Without equitable vaccine distr- page 10 | Externals page 9 | Externals

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Diplomats from nations all over the world showed support for Canada, Spavor, and Kovrig, in front of the building where the closed-door trial was held. (Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters)

EXTERNALS A Look into the Derek Chauvin Trial

Above: Former police officer Derek Chauvin (right) and defense attorney Eric Nelson (left) in court for the Derek Chavin Trial. (CTV via AP Pool) ents from each side were presented. the influence and thought Floyd didn’t By Anika Kanagaretnam The prosecution side stated that know it was fake. However, the Staff Writer & Editor EXTERNALS ↯ Chauvin knew Floyd was unarmed. He manager at the Cup Foods store called did not threaten anyone, and was the police about the counterfeit Derek Chauvin, former handcuffed and defenseless. The money, even after Martin offered to Minneapolis police officer, is on trial defense side was next, claiming that use his own money to cover Floyd’s The Fate of the for the murder of George Floyd. His Floyd’s actual cause of death was cigarette costs. He added that “If I trial began on March 29th, for a serious cardiac arrhythmia which was as a would have just not [taken] the bill, this Two Michaels event that occured in May 2020; the result of hypertension, Floyd’s could have been avoided.” Body camera death of a black man named George coronary disease, the ingestion of footage was also shown, which was Floyd. methamphetamine and fentanyl, and caught from the three other officers’ Above: Detained on allegations of national spying and selling private information in China, Michael Spavor (left) and the adrenaline flowing through his cameras. Officer Tou Thao was told by Michael Kovrig (right) hold uncertain futures in the light of a recent trial. (The Associated Press/International Crisis Before getting into the trial, we body. They also said that there were no bystanders that Floyd couldn’t breathe, Group/The Canadian Press) may need a reminder of the events that bruises on Floyd’s neck, and no to which we responded with “He’s happened leading to the trial of evidence that his airflow was talking, so he’s fine.” Chauvin. On May 25th of last year, restricted. Dispatcher Jena Lee was By Iris Elik Canada, following extradition treaty court hearing ended with no final laws, detained her. This in turn caused conclusion. George Floyd died in the hands of testified, and she stated that she felt Day 4: 5 more witnesses were ↯ Staff Writer China to arrest Spavor and Kovrig, both Derek Chauvin. The full event was something was wrong when she testified on this day, totalling to 17 of whom are Canadian citizens, as a As for Meng Wanzhou, she was recorded and shared online, where it received the call about the incident witnesses. Floyd’s longtime girlfriend, means of getting revenge. arrested and detained in Canada but gained a lot of attention. On May 26th, that was going on. Courteney Batya Ross, testified and Michael Spavor and Michael posted an $8 million dollar bail in Chauvin and three police officers at the spoke about how herself and Floyd had Kovrig seemed to have been at the The fate of the two Michaels December of 2020. The main incident were fired from the Day 2: Minneapolis firefighter struggled with an opioid addiction. She wrong place at the wrong time. The does not appear to be very optimistic conditions known to the public of Minneapolis Police Department. On Genevieve Hansen broke into tears and said that he was hospitalized with an two Canadians were arrested in China at the moment. Leaked stories from Wanzhou’s bail conditions are May 29th, Chauvin was arrested and said that she felt helpless when the overdose in March 2020, just a couple back in 2018 on charges of national Beijing have described the treatment of constant electronic surveillance, a 6 charged with third-degree murder and police prevented her from giving of months before his death. spying and selling private information Spavor and Kovrig, revealing that the AM to 11 PM curfew, and GPS second-degree manslaughter for the medical attention to Floyd. Next, a Paramedics and the Minnesota police to parties outside of China. However, Chinese government is intentionally monitoring. There is, however, a death of George Floyd. On June 1st, teenage bystander was testified off sergeant were testified as well. Canadian officials believe this is an starving the men and refusing their contrast to the treatment of Wanzhou Floyd’s death was decided to be a camera because she was 17 at the time. international symbol of retaliation requests to speak to their families and in comparison to Spavor and Kovrig. homicide, based on two autopsy She took the video that went viral, and Day 5: On this day, Lieutenant against Canada for detaining Meng lawyers. On June 19th, 2020, the men Wanzhou is staying in her Vancouver reports. On June 4th, the other three stated that she wishes she could have Richard Zimmerman of the Wanzhou, a Chinese businesswoman. were officially charged with spying on mansion, with her husband and two officers who were arrested spoke up, done more to save Floyd. She came Minneapolis Police Department was China and on March 19th 2021, Spavor’s children. Whereas Spavor was only with their attorneys arguing that upon the incident when she was taking questioned. He is the department’s The international conflict boils able to call his family for the first time Chauvin, the veteran officer, was her 9-year-old cousin to the Cup most senior officer in the amount of down to the enforcement of in two years this past Christmas. ignoring the others’ calls to stop Foods store to buy some snacks. She years he has served. He discussed how extradition treaties. Canada and the hurting Floyd, and that the three junior told her cousin to stay inside the store, officers are trained, and spoke about United States have an extradition officers were doing as much as they and she went outside to see what was never being trained to kneel on the Justin Trudeau Justin Trudeau, the Prime treaty, in which both countries will Minister of Canada stated that “We could, being the less experienced happening, and began to record. Her neck of a suspect who is in the prone @JustinTrudeau officers in the situation. On October cousin testified as well, saying, “I was position, which was exactly what agree to extradite (to send back) have been working from the very 7th, Chauvin was released from jail sad and kind of mad cause I felt like he Chauvin did. fugitives of the other country. beginning on this. This will be their after posting a $1 million bond. The was stopping him from breathing.” Essentially, neither party will act as a third Christmas in arbitrary detention three others were released after Mixed martial arts fighter Donald refuge for fugitives of the neighbouring in China. What their families have gone For the past two years, posting $750,000 each. On March 23rd Williams II was another witness who state. through is just horrific, what they’ve we’ve been working of this year, the last panelist of the testified, saying Chauvin used a “blood UPDATE: gone through with an amazing amount tirelessly to secure the trial’s 15-person jury was selected. This choke,” applying pressure with his knee The United States has charged of resilience.” Meng Wanzhou for fraud and release of Michael Kovrig jury includes six men and nine women, on the side of Floyd’s neck and cutting On Tuesday, April 20th, after deliberating for over 10 hours, the embezzlement back in 2018. Wanzhou and Michael Spavor - with nine white, four black, and two off the blood flowing to his head. The information gathered so jury made a decision. The final is an executive and CFO of Huawei, multiracial people. Finally, on March and we‘ll continue to do far is inconclusive. There currently is verdict is that Derek Chauvin is 29th, the Derek Chauvin trial began. Day 3: Christopher Martin China’s biggest privately-owned tech so until they’re safe at no definitive answer as to what will came today, a 19-year-old who worked found guilty on all three counts: company. It was alleged that she was second-degree unintentional home. We’ll keep happen to Michael Spavor and Michael At this point in time, the trial is at Cup Foods and sold Floyd cigarettes conspiring to commit fraud against the murder, third-degree murder, and standing up for them Korvrig. However, based on the lack of still ongoing, but this is what has before the police were called. Floyd United States in order to aid Iran. At second-degree manslaughter. and standing with their answers from Kovrig’s hearing, it is happened in the first week. gave a counterfeit bill of $20, but the time of these charges, Wanzhou This is a turning point in history. families. apparent there will be no conclusion at Martin decided not to call him out on it was (and still is) residing in Canada, this time. specifically in her Vancouver home. Day 1: The opening statem- because he thought Floyd was under page 12 | Externals page 11 | Externals 2021 TOP PROSPECTS:

Anthony Mantha to the Washington Capitals Trevor Lawrence Zach Wilson Penei Sewell Clemson Jr. BYU Jr. Oregon Jr. This trade came late on trade QB QB OL deadline day, but it certainly wasn’t a small deal. First line winger Anthony Mantha was traded from the Detroit Red Wings to the Washington Capitals for a hefty return package. The return included a 1st and 2nd round pick in this year’s draft, along with Jakub Vrana and Richard Panik. Vrana has an impressive 25 points in 39 games this year and will likely become a top line player in Detroit, while Anthony Mantha will likely fit in on the 1st or 2nd line in Washington. The Red Wings lost one of their big offensive players, but they do gain many assets in return.

Other Trades for Canadian Teams

EXTERNALS Calgary Flames ● Sam Bennett to the Florida Panthers and a 6th round pick in The 2021 NHL Trade 2022 for prospect Emil Heineman and a 2022 2nd round pick. ● Goaltender David Rittich to the Deadline Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2022 3rd round pick. Above: Taylor Hall on the ice with his new team, the Boston Bruins (The Hockey Writers) Edmonton Oilers ● A conditional 2022 4th round pick to the New Jersey Devils for EXTERNALS By Joely Stockl a Pittsburgh Penguin. In return, the LA defenceman Dmitry Kulikov. ↯ Staff Writer Kings got conditional 3rd and 4th round draft picks for this year and next Montreal Canadiens year respectively. The addition of Jeff ● A 7th round pick to the NFL Draft Brings New Wave With the trade deadline Carter in Pittsburgh will add a Philadelphia Flyers for wrapping up on April 12th around 4pm, leadership presence and a depth defenceman Erik Gustafsson. the NHL playoffs are now on the centreman, which is something that ● Hayden Verbeek and a 5th round Of Young Talent horizon. The regular season is set to may help Pittsburgh get to that next pick in 2021 to the Detroit Red finish in roughly one month, and with level, and possibly win one more cup. Wings for defenceman Jon Merrill. the trade deadline passed, team rosters Above: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is expected to go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft (Chris Graythen/Getty Images) are now set for the rest of the season. David Savard to the Tampa Bay Ottawa Senators Heading into the deadline, there was Lightning ● Traded defenceman Erik By Nicholas Tazzeo both players are highly sought after. eer with over 10,000 passing yards, 90 speculation around many valuable Both are highly likely to be selected passing touchdowns, 900 rushing Gudbranson to the Nashville ↯ Staff Writer players on the trade block. Some of This trade involved 3 teams, Predators for a 2023 7th round within the top ten picks. There is also yards, and 18 rushing touchdowns in these players got traded, and some the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay pick. no shortage of defensive talent, notably only three seasons of play, not to didn’t, but nonetheless, it was another Lightning, and Detroit Red Wings, ● Defenceman Mike Reilly to the With the new wave of headlined by Virginia Tech cornerback mention his last season was cut short exciting trade deadline day in the NHL. which ultimately resulted in David Boston Bruins for a 2022 3rd professional football talent coming into Caleb Farley, Alabama cornerback due to COVID-19. Oh yeah, he also won Savard heading to Tampa Bay. The round pick. this year’s NFL draft, we are subject to Patrick Surtain II, and Michigan a National Championship in his first The Most Noteworthy Trades of 2021 defenceman was perhaps the hottest ● A 7th round pick from the New inarguably the most talented group of Defensive End Kwity Paye, among year. His running-mates, Justin Fields name on the list prior to the deadline, York Islanders in exchange for playmakers we have seen in quite a other talents. and Mac Jones, also came out of their Taylor Hall to the Boston Bruins and the 2020 Stanley Cup Champions Braydon Coburn. while. The face of this class is collegiate careers with National are the team to get their hands on him. inarguably Trevor Lawrence, The order for the draft usually Championship appearances and Jones The 2017-18 season MVP, Savard will improve Tampa’s defence Toronto Maple Leafs quarterback for the Clemson Tigers, decides how a player’s future will go winning one. Kyle Pitts is the only Taylor Hall, has had trouble finding core even more, and will log a lot of ● Acquired David Rittich from the and arguably the best prospect since because, in today’s game, the system other pure game-changer within this success on his new team in Buffalo this minutes every game. Calgary Flames for a 3rd round Andrew Luck was drafted in 2012. that a player, especially a quarterback draft because of his raw athleticism season. It was expected that Hall would pick in 2022. Lawrence has been heralded as the falls into is exceptionally vital. The and his outstanding ability to be be one of the more significant players Nick Foligno to the Toronto Maple ● Traded a 5th round pick in future number one pick ever since he Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, versatile and play wide receiver if he on this year's NHL trade bait list, and it Leafs exchange for Ben Hutton from the was a sophomore in high school. His San Francisco 49ers, and the Atlanta needs to. was just a matter of which team would Anaheim Ducks. running-mates for the top Falcons all make up the first four teams make the deal for him. That team This off-season, it was ● Depth forward Alex Barabanov to quarterbacks in the draft are Ohio in the draft and are all teams that are Overall, the amount of pure would be the Boston Bruins, and his rumoured that the Leafs would be San Jose for Antti Suomela State quarterback Justin Fields, BYU potentially or are 100% in the market football talent in this draft is teammate Curtis Lazar would be searching for a left-handed forward quarterback Zach Wilson, and Alabama for a new quarterback. exceptional, and leaves many shipped from Buffalo in the trade as that could play anywhere on their Vancouver Canucks quarterback Mac Jones. We are also franchises with tough decisions to well. In return, the Buffalo Sabres lineup, and that is what they found ● Acquired Madison Bowey and a subject to other great talents, including This means that most of the make that can build careers and stars gained forward Anders Bjork and a with Nick Foligno. The former 2021 5th round pick from Chicago LSU wide receiver J’Marr Chase, elite quarterback talent in this draft and just as quickly destroy them. second round pick in this year's draft. Columbus captain will be a very for a 4th round pick in 2021. Heisman trophy winner and Alabama class will be gone before the 5th pick Taylor Hall is now a Boston Bruin, and valuable piece for Toronto, and Foligno ● Traded away Jordie Benn to the wide receiver Devonta Smith, Alabama overall, leaving many franchises with So, get ready for a thrilling time will tell if he has the impact that might be the key to a deep playoff run. Winnipeg Jets for a 6th round pick speedster Jaylen Waddle, and perhaps tough decisions that could impact their draft that is sure to leave viewers he is anticipated to have, and possibly This was another 3 way trade that in 2021. the best non-quarterback player in this futures for years to come. The only speechless and entertained as the new return to the caliber of which he once involved Toronto, Columbus, and San ● Forward Adam Gaudette to the draft, Florida Gators tight end, Kyle selection that we can say with some wave of talent hits the NFL for good. was. Jose. A 1st and a 4th round pick from Chicago Blackhawks for Matthew Pitts. certainty that is happening for sure is Toronto went to Columbus, and Highmore. Trevor Lawrence going first overall to “The amount of pure football Jeff Carter to the Pittsburgh another 4th went to San Jose. Great offensive line play is a the Jaguars. There is a good reason for talent in this draft is exceptional, Columbus would retain 50% of Penguins WInnipeg Jets necessity in today’s NFL to succeed that. Lawrence has been the and leaves many franchises with Foligno’s salary, and San Jose would and win Super Bowls. We have two presumptive best player in college ● Acquired Jordie Benn from the tough decisions to make that can 36 year old veteran Jeff Carter retain another 25% so that only 25% of Vancouver Canucks in exchange notably great offensive lineman with football ever since he took the field for build careers and stars and just was one of the names not expected to Foligno’s contract would count against for a 2021 6th round pick. Penei Sewell out of Oregon and his first game as a freshman for be dealt at the deadline, but he is now Toronto’s salary cap. Rashawn Slater out of Northwestern; Clemson. He ended his Clemson car- as quickly destroy them." page 13 | Internals page 14 | Internals News on what matters BY THE NUMBERS: immediately to you, INTERNALS people per hectare is the province’s Cities are now allowed to acres of farmland are Internal Ontario Schools Closed new minimum population density allocate land for usage for lost every day in from Ancaster High 30 up to 30 years in the future. 175 50 required before expansion. Ontario. School, Hamilton, and Indefinitely pg 19 News the GTA.

INTERNALS Fighting Suburban Sprawl in Hamilton

Above: A distanced view of the new housing development and expansion in Elfrida, Hamilton (looking south to Above: A satellite view reveals a notable divide between the grasslands and the suburban areas of Ancaster. Binbrook). (The Hamilton Spectator) Ancaster’s suburban sprawl continues to expand, but some residents are taking a stand against it. (Google Maps)

ector of Environment Hamilton, a ady exists. For another, municipal “People don't need to drive if you drive around, even on the lors are assisting but we don't believe By Anne Fu grassroots organization fighting for councils have been approved to plan everywhere if they are in a walkable Mountain here, even in Ancaster, but everyone in the community has ↯ Editor-in-Chief conservation in the city.) “We really land allocations for up to 30 years into city that has groceries, shops, especially down in the lower city, enough information. Developers have gathered together, one after the other the future, allowing them to buy up healthcare providers and restaurants there's empty lots, there's unused strip lawyers and substantially more funds after the other, a large group of land in hopes of developing it decades within their local communities,” she malls,” Hurst says. available to them than grassroots Activists across Hamilton citizens, and we mobilized. We from now. told the Gazette. movements such as ourselves.” rejoiced on Monday, March 29th, when pressured City Council. And it really Environment Hamilton has Ward 9 City Councillor Brad Clark made me understand that the power In a delegation to the General The first place that citizens are been pushing for change with emails, Hurst especially stressed the passed a new motion to delay the that people have, if they would band Issues Committee presented on March likely to feel this impact, Hurst says, video delegations, and presentations importance of young people getting decision to expand Hamilton’s urban together and spread the word and 29th, members of Environment will be in their tax bills, as property since January, and finally made a involved. Of the 150 respondents to boundary until after the pandemic. The people fully are in the know and Hamilton and other advocacy groups taxes are hiked up to pay for the cost breakthrough on March 29th when City Council’s survey, only four were success of this proposal meant that understand what's going on.” explained the risks posed by suburban of maintaining new infrastructure. She Clark’s motion was passed with a vote under the age of 25, meaning that less new plans to expand the city’s growth sprawl to the city. According to them, points to the development on the of 13-2. Now with the expansion plans than 0.003% of the city’s youth had would not be put into action until after In Hurst’s point of view, outward expansion encroaches onto Mountain as evidence of the damage delayed, they say the next step is to made a say in the matter. But the city had a chance to consult with Ancaster is a suburb on the front lines farmland and protected ecological already being done. educate citizens so they know what’s at according to her, “it's all it's gonna homeowners in full — something that of the battle against sprawl. The areas, while also promoting cities that stake. Earlier this year, the city sent a affect you [young people], because this the COVID-19 lockdown had been neighbourhood sits right next to prime are larger, less walkable, less “If you have a big, large, survey out regarding expansion plans growth is being planned for the next 30 preventing them from doing. This farmland that she says is being affordable, and more environmentally spread-out city, full of pipes, and but received just 150 responses out of years. And you're going to be in your triumph, however, did not come endangered by urban development destructive. What’s more, some insist roads, and electrical stuff... it all needs Hamilton’s 570,000-strong population. [middle years], and paying all the taxes without the efforts of some of plans, and she believes it’s our duty to that the land being acquisitioned for to be repaired and paid for by the This lack of citizen input is something for it at that time,” she insists. Ancaster’s own. protect it. development right now could be put to citizens who live in the city, their activists stressed was unfair to much better use. property taxes. And one thing people Ancaster homeowners. Now, however, Above all, she wants to tell Nancy Hurst, an Ancaster Since 2019, the Ford don't know is that Hamilton is behind Hamilton plans to send a survey out to young people that they shouldn’t be resident who’s spent the last several government has introduced a number “Those lands are between the infrastructure and maintenance over 200,000 households in May in intimidated from being involved in the months organizing with other of changes to urban planning city boundary and the greenbelt… it's spending by $3.8 billion at the moment, preparation for a final vote on the process. “I've really learned something community members and Environment regulations in the Golden Horseshoe, prime farmland, Class I soil. This is the which means we can't pay for what matter in October 2021. important here, which is never assume Hamilton, was a part of the delegation all of which Hurst and Environment land that the developers want to build we've already got. So why on Earth that other people, even those in that managed to win the councillors Hamilton insist will aggravate suburban McMansions on,” Hurst says. would we want to build more?” “Our current focus is to delay positions of power: developers, or city over. To her, this recommendation sprawl. For one, the minimum density and/or stop the motion by City hall, or even journalists… don't assume means one critical thing: the curtailing requirement a city needs to meet Rhu Sherrard, an Ancaster Both she and Sherrard agree Councillors to develop these protected that they know more than you do. of suburban sprawl, a problem she says before expanding outwards was resident for 20 years and the parent of that the solution to accommodating lands, and to educate the public on Because time and time again, I'm is everywhere in the Golden Horseshoe lowered from 80 people per hectare to two Ancaster High students, was new growth in Hamilton and creating a options such as urban densification surprised to discover that I know more Area. just 50. The reduction of this lower introduced to Stop The Sprawl by healthier, more vibrant city is not to and cost-effectiveness of redeveloping about these issues than someone I bound means that developers are Hurst. She too believes that walkability develop outwards, but to build on what and retrofitting commercial and thought would have been better “I am particularly excited incentivized to expand cities outwards and transport is a priority in Hamilton is already here. abandoned properties in the informed,” Hurst says with a smile. “So [about this initiative] because it started and build new single-family dwellings communities, but that suburban sprawl downtown cores, including downtown I never assume that they know what I off with myself and a friend, and Linda that take up a great deal of land to will only serve to further distance “We have so much empty Ancaster,” says Sherrard. Currently, she know. Or even more than I know — I Lukasik and Environment Hamilton,” accommodate new growth, rather citizens from essential businesses. space within our existing city believes that the City Council is not yet assume they know less than I know.” she said. (Lukasik is the Executive Dir- than develop on what infrastructure boundaries that we could use. I mean, on the right path, “but a few counci- page 15 | Internals page 16 | Internals

Zainab’s online model of her BASEF project, designed to effectively detect the presence of those gases to help potentially save lives.

INTERNALS INTERNALS Ancaster Student Excels Celebrating Ramadan at Science Fair

During Lockdown Above: Zainab Al-Rammahi poses with her project. (Zainab Al-Rammahi/The Royal Gazette)

Above: The crescent moon and star are used in Ramadan decorations because the crescent moon symbolizes the By Noor Menhel As previously mentioned, the This year, Zainab and her project, participants must all be in middle or which was designed to detect the beginning and end of fasting during Ramadan. (Crescent Occasions/Etsy) ↯ Staff Writer, Designer & high school. There are a few presence of flammable gases to Illustrator requirements such as: the students potentially help save lives, won the By Aisha Mahmoud lockdown. Despite this, there are still challenges of the pandemic, it can be a must be living in the City of Hamilton, Primary Fluid Systems Award, the Staff Writer and Editor ↯ many ways we can share the joy and huge boost to morale and mental In our society and community the Regional Municipality of Halton, Six Venture Academy Scholarship, the have a blessed Ramadan this year, health to call and wish them a today, there are millions of Nations, Haldimand, Norfolk, and Brant BASEF Inspiration Student Awards, and Ramadan, the holiest month of while staying safe. We asked Ancaster Ramadan Kareem!. opportunities for students, both Counties; and the students must be the Bronze Merit Award. the year, is finally here! Ramadan is the High Students how they are female, male or non-binary, to discover attending any public, private school or 9th month of the Hijri calendar, which celebrating Ramadan in lockdown, and 4. Set a Ramadan goal and explore their interests in the fields are homeschooled. As an Ancaster High Royal, Zainab spans from April 13th to May 12th in here are some of the ways they are of science, technology, engineering, continues to inspire us, strive and work 2021, and is believed to be the month keeping holiday tradition alive. Ramadan is a great time to and math (STEM). This year, the fair award hard to satisfy her great passion for the when the Holy Quran was revealed to take to reflect on your Imaan, or ceremony was live streamed through STEM field. Especially as a woman who the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is 1. Decorating your home spirituality, and create goals for The Bay Area Science and YouTube on April 8th, with hundreds is constantly active in the STEM field celebrated by Muslims all over the yourself to improve your habits. By Engineering Fair (BASEF) is a regional and hundreds of students competing and defying most if not all gender and world as a time to reflect on one’s In many Muslim countries, the setting a goal for yourself, such as fair which provides local students with with their previously submitted racial stereotypes, Zainab is a huge spirituality and relationship with God, streets are filled with colourful lights reading a page of the Quran every day, an opportunity, amongst many others, projects for awards and recognition. inspiration for all female students. build good habits, and give charity. and lanterns during Ramadan. It praying your five prayers, or learning a to showcase their work and gain One of our very own Royals, Grade 10 Congratulations Zainab! creates a beautiful atmosphere and new dua, you can make the most out of recognition for their scientific student Zainab Al-Rammahi, won During Ramadan, Muslims fast sense of community, so why not do it this holy month. endeavours. Under normal numerous awards on this night. from dawn until sunset. Fasting at home! Whether you already have circumstances, BASEF would be held in involves refraining from eating and decorations, buy them, or create your MAR: THE SENSOR TO “Fasting is refraining from real life with students, parents and From day one, Zainab has drinking, in order to become more own, putting up lights, lanterns, viewers attending. However, due to the always shown her interest in the STEM DETECT FLAMMABLE eating and drinking, in aware of your blessings, and increase banners, and signs will fill your home COVID-19 pandemic, BASEF has now fields, with this being her third year in GASES your Taqwa, or consciousness of God. with the Ramadan spirit. order to become more aware adapted to a fully online model. BASEF a row participating and winning The month is usually filled with of your blessings, and opens up possible opportunities for awards from BASEF. When asked how “The purpose of this project is to festivities and large gatherings, like 2. Praying Taraweeh prayers with increase your Taqwa, or students to compete at both national she feels, Zainab stated: build a mobile autonomous eating Iftar with your extended family, family and international levels, leaving room chemical detecting robot. This consciousness of God.” robot specializes in flammable or praying Taraweeh at the mosque. for lots and lots of accomplishments. “All the challenges I faced Taraweeh prayers are gasses, which can pose were really fun to get voluntary prayers performed during Fortunately, the first week of The fair, which is free for dangerous threats, such as in an auto shop, a construction or the night throughout the month of Ramadan takes place during the April participants, annually attracts over 500 through. But the stress of DID YOU KNOW? Ramadan. They are usually done at the Break. But after the break is over, school, Air Cadets and all manufacturing zone, a military participants, from grades 7 to 12. atmosphere, or potentially in a Fasting during Ramadan is mosque amongst your local Muslim Muslim students will return to online Affiliated with the Canada Wide the extracurriculars piled home. This project is designed to one of the five pillars of community, and are an exciting part of school while fasting. It is important to Science Fair and the International on with BASEF...” she jokes, effectively detect the presence Islam, along with Shahada Ramadan that many Muslims look maintain healthy habits to ensure you Science and Engineering Fair, students “...it gave me like, four of those gasses to help (affirming belief in Allah), forward to. By organizing a nightly are focused and energized at school. have competed against the top most prayer, Zakat (charity), and potentially save lives.” Taraweeh prayer at your household, Make sure to have a healthy Sehr, or young minds in the whole entire world. mental breakdowns. Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) you can feel connected even during morning meal before dawn, filled with Over the years, students have won Although I will say, BASEF For more information visit the lockdown. fibre, protein, and water. many prestigious national and is super rewarding and the BASEF website: international awards which they fact that I get to work with But under stay-at-home 3. Call or message friends Although this is not ideal, let’s basef.ca proudly brought home. Surprisingly science just tops it of. orders, Ramadan looks very different make the most of the situation and enough, BASEF is run completely by this year. For the second year in a row, Although it can be tough to enjoy this beautiful month! volunteers and funded by various Science to me is more like a Muslims will be spending Ramadan in stay in touch with friends amidst the extremely generous sponsors. As prev- hobby than work.”

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INTERNALS Get to Know Mr. Trojek

Above: A variety of items Mr. Trojek has at Ancaster High School that helps engage students in learning. (Mr. Trojek/The Above, left: Mr. Trojek teaches a class from home. Above, right: A garden tractor Mr. Trojek brought to the auto shop to Royal Gazette) assist with learning about small engines. (Mr. Trojek/The Royal Gazette) learning about history. online, so there's that. I don't feel like I ed. I hope that they think critically and By Jocelyn Mattka ience that may be the only time they Q: So you have a couple of can teach in a way that I enjoy, that I'm creatively, but have the humility to ↯ Staff Writer & Editor ever get to work on such a thing. I was hands-on projects going. Would Q: Your classroom is set up and used to, that I think works for me, the admit when they're wrong - and that's going to do the work myself this spring you say you believe in hands-on decorated fairly specifically. Do way that I think connects with some okay. I hope that they listen first and as I enjoy such activities, but this learning as a model? you think that the classroom students, at least. I'm not sure how to learn to ask questions second and This April, The Royal Gazette seemed like a better idea. environment is important for translate parts of what I do to the think and consider third and speak last. got the scoop on Mr. Trojek, one of A: I certainly do indeed believe in students’ learning? online space. I mean, my monthly I hope that they understand that this Ancaster High’s phenomenal history Q: You also have a radio in your hands-on learning. In the history potlucks with students are no longer world is filled with different people teachers. Known for his potlucks prior classroom, is that right? What is classroom, hands-on learning with the A: My classroom environment is possible, for example. That's just sad with perspectives and different to COVID times, Mr. Trojek has been being done with it? tangible things created by human important, I think. While it has been for everyone, I dare say. I could try to experiences and to respect those teaching at Ancaster High for over 12 hands in a particular time and a scaled back since COVID, it is meant to do that online, but who will eat my people. I hope that they search for and years. He has taught a variety of A: I have had a number of radios in my particular place tells a different, more create a different world when you walk bread? Who will eat my spinach and find the stories that are all around us courses, including English, several classroom over the years. I had a 1935 meaningful connection to our history in the door. I can use any of the items artichoke dip? Whose delicious and I hope that they take the time to different history courses, Challenge Sparton floor model radio in the front in some ways. It adds flesh to the in a lesson, if I wish. But more than cookies will I get the pleasure of think about those stories. I hope they and Change, Civics, and geography. But of my classroom this semester, for a bones of history that are found within that, ideally, it is meant to submerse trying? The Trojek Experience is on always wonder. I hope that they are who is Mr. Trojek, beyond his notable time (it's at home at the moment). The the pages of books ... or maybe it's the students in history to create a certain hold. Sad. GIANTS in their own little worlds. appearance on a tractor in the holiday chassis (electronic parts) was made in other way around. I'm not sure. I had tone, to create interest, and to denote assembly? In this interview, we cover London, Ontario, and that cabinet was a 1920s Witte hit and miss engine in my a cultural shift. I still have a long way Q: What would you say is the best Q: If you didn’t teach history, everything from tractors to ice cream made in Woodstock, Ontario. (I also classroom last year that I was going to to go to get my classroom to where I part about being a teacher? what other departments would as we delve into the way Mr. Trojek have a 1930s Rogers car radio on use to do just that, with the aid of my want it to be in terms of its you be interested in teaching in? brings history to life! display in the cabinet at the back of my students, though that experience never appearance. It's a long-term project A: The best part of being a teacher is classroom that is a permanent fixture.) came to fruition due to the pandemic. that I'll probably never finish. by far having the privilege to meet so A: I think either in the humanities Q: Is it true you have a tractor in Inspired by the Warplane Heritage The things with which we interact to many amazing students, so many department, or in the tech department. the auto shop? How does that fit Museum, I brought the Sparton radio facilitate hands-on learning help to tell Q: How do you feel remote amazing people. This alone is the into the curriculum? into school to turn my classroom into a another story, an important story, their learning has impacted your greatest blessing to me. Talking "working history" classroom, where own story. Beyond speaking more teaching style? history is fun too, but it's a distant A: Ha! People do indeed seem curious history work could be seen in action in strongly to different types of learners, second. The people matter the most. BONUS QUESTION: IF about my garden tractors — a the class. In a normal year, I would it speaks to everyone, connects A: I'm not really sure what my teaching YOU WERE A FLAVOUR menagerie of iron, rust and dirt. I do have wanted students to do a bunch of everyone, past and present, in a way style is or what it was, but I can say Q: What do you hope students OF ICE CREAM, WHAT have one of my Shaw Du-All garden the work to get their hands dirty as that print cannot. Hands-on learning walk out of your classes having that I have had to adapt to remote FLAVOUR WOULD YOU tractors in the auto shop. In terms of it well, however that wasn't possible is an experience. We value experience learning, like most teachers. For me, learned? fitting into the curriculum, in this case, because of COVID. Still, at least in most of the things we do. It's innate. remote learning is not conducive to BE? it fits into the curriculum for the auto students could see it being worked by a Sitting on a dock in the Muskokas is I hope that they grow in wisdom, in what I would typically do in my A: That's a trick question! Nice try. I shop classes. They're working on it to newbie, and whether the radio worked different than reading about vacations. classroom. I discovered how much of understanding, which is far more would not be an ice cream flavour or not in the end, it would still serve its learn about small engines and some Holding your child for the first time is my teaching is dependent upon me complicated and meaningful than as it's sweet and ubiquitous and is purpose. History is more than other things which are part of what different than watching a movie where being with students in person. I'm not knowledge. For me, that one thing excellent and soothes the soul. they do in those classes. My garden textbook/internet website learning. It someone starts a family. Hands-on sure what that really means or whether means that I hope that they mind how That's my wife, and her flavour tractor is just one more project for is in books, oral storytelling, and the learning is similar. It creates a it's good or bad for me or students. I they go. I hope they ask questions of would be vanilla. them to work on to give them more things that surround us. They all meaningful experience for a person on do know that it's different for sure. I the world in which they live and of the experience, albeit an unusual exper- speak. We just have to listen. a different level than other forms of mean, at least students can mute me people with whom they are surround- page 19 | Internals page 20 | Internals

Doug Ford’s approval rate has fallen to just 35% as of April 23

INTERNALS Cast Your Vote for Student Trustee!

Above: Student Trustee elections for the 2021-2022 are running from April 26th-30th. (@HWDSB/Twitter) INTERNALS By John Kerr ↯ Staff Writer and Editor Ontario Schools HWDSB @HWDSB Attention students of Ancaster High School! From Closed Indefinitely April 26th until April 30th, you will have the opportunity to vote for your favorite candidate for Student Trustee for the 2021-2022 school year. HWDSB students in Grades 7-12 can now learn Above: Ontario Premier Doug Ford addresses the province on April 12 to announce temporary switch to remote learning. about their Student Trustee candidates so they (Premier of Ontario/YouTube) These Student Trustees, elected by the students of can make an informed decision when casting the HWDSB, sit on the Board of Trustees and will be the their ballots! Voting begins on April 26, 2021. By John Kerr health officials will determine a return vaccine rollout that is currently in voice of the students for Board decisions, providing their date after sufficient research and progress to reach eligible education Visit our Student Trustee webpage ↯ Staff Writer and Editor views and opinions on issues affecting them directly. We at observation on Ontario’s COVID-19 workers,” and that they “stand behind the Royal Gazette encourage you to check out the for candidate profiles and videos: data and trends is completed. our education workers and advocate candidates posted on the board website and cast your vote hwdsb.on.ca > About HWDSB > In the early morning of April that they all be vaccinated on the election days for your preferred candidate to Trustees > Student Trustee Election 12th, 2021, at a press briefing at An update issued by HWDSB immediately. When schools reopen, a represent you through the 2021-2022 school year. Queen’s Park, Ontario Premier Doug Board Chair Dawn Danko and Director vaccinated staff population will Ford announced that the province’s of Education Manny Figueiredo gave enhance the public health measures in schools would remain closed after the additional details about the school place and combat the spread of By John Kerr April Break as the third wave sweeps closure to HWDSB students. COVID-19.” ↯ Staff Writer and Editor through the population. Ancaster High School students If you are looking for a student leadership Sign up at “I know this is not what many return on Tuesday April 20th, having Education Ontario opportunity during the pandemic and stay-at-home bit.ly/mch-apply! of you want to hear,” said Ford on that Monday off as a transition day to the @ONeducation orders, this is the event for you. Model City Hall, a Monday morning. “Right now, I’m online learning model. The planned federally registered non-profit organisation promoting extremely concerned about the new board announcement that was youth involvement, is hosting their GTHA conference, variants.” scheduled to take place on April 15th virtually, on Saturday May 1st, providing secondary and about whether schools will switch to After April break, students will post-secondary students with the chance to build their Despite Education Minister remote learning was cancelled and move to remote learning to leadership, public speaking, and networking skills. Stephen Lecce’s constant assurances Hamilton Public Health Services was help stop the spread of to school boards and parents that the no longer responsible for determining #COVID19. You can still be a part of this experience as a province’s priority was to keep schools if a school closure was needed. delegate where you can share your ideas, opinions, and open, he reversed his stance today to https://t.co/4mSeEGt1Yh solutions on some of the major issues our community is align with the new orders. When asked Meanwhile, the decision to facing this year. The three topics that will be discussed why his position on the issue changed close Ontario schools comes as #KeepingKidsSafe this year are: public health and well-being, housing, so rapidly, he credited talks over the Canada’s COVID-19 cases per million homelessness, and social supports, and dismantling night of April 11-12 with Ontario’s Chief rate surpassed that of the United discrimination in the public sector. Medical Health Officer Dr. David States of America, with a 7-day average Williams and Ontario’s other medical of 205.73 confirmed cases per million This is your opportunity to build your professionals. citizens in Canada as compared to post-secondary resume, share your views on these 205.12 confirmed cases per million INTERNALS important debates, and convene with like-minded people, The news comes after 217 new citizens in the U.S.A. all from home, a place we will all be spending quite a bit school-related cases were reported on more time in the next few weeks. 11 April. These include 187 students As Ontario’s vaccination and 30 staff. Of Ontario’s 4,828 public program hits roadblocks and triggers Sign Up for schools, 27% have had an identified scrutiny, the calls to vaccinate teachers As for the students of Ancaster COVID-19 outbreak. to allow students to safely return to High and the HWDSB, expect the Model City Hall MCHH SPEAKER GUESTS the classroom grow in the board and online learning model to stay in place At this year’s conference, guest speakers and As of the writing of this article, the community. for at least the rest of April and into panelists such as Dr. Isaac Bogoch, MPP Mike there has not yet been a defined date May as the province’s vaccine rollout Hamilton! Schreiner, MP Jagmeet Singh, and the Hon. Elizabeth for the return to school. Dr. Williams In their update released 12 reaches more people and the spread of Dowdeswell will be there to discuss the topics of the said that a “prolonged” school closure April, the HWDSB states that they the variants is curbed by Ontario’s conference and answer questions. is “prudent.” Premier Ford said that “acknowledge the importance of the public health measures. Above: The 2020 MCHH conference. (@MCHHamilton/Twitter) page 21 | Feature page 22 | Feature

By Gavin Liu and only exist to fulfill sexual fantasies generic hate crimes rose about 57%, ↯ Staff Writer, Editor is gross, dehumanizing, and this trope while anti-Asian hate crimes had and Designer has been consistently used in popular increased by 600%. Project 1907, ‘A media. Popular television shows and community-based reporting tool to Anti-Asian hate has always movies like Memoirs of a Geisha and The track incidents of racism,” reports that been present in Western culture. Office have portrayed Asian women as Canada has more anti-Asian hate crimes Blatant racism, microaggressions, hyper-sexualized and submissive. To per Asian capita when compared to the stereotypes, and cultural appropriation activists, experts, and community United States. With British Columbia as plague Asian communities all members, this fetishization is the leading perpetrator, followed throughout the Western hemisphere. inextricably linked to racism, meaning it California, New York, and then Ontario, Starting from a very young age, people is impossible to not call this senseless anti-Asian hate is rampant in Canada. of Asian descent will most likely be massacre racially motivated. This mass There is limited media attention over subject to mockery, or worse, simply shooting has been the definitive event Canadian issues as they are often because of their differences. With the to thrust anti-Asian hate into the overshadowed by their American rise of the coronavirus pandemic in limelight. counterparts. However, there is hope, 2020, anti-Asian hate crimes and as recently the Toronto City Council Above, left to right: Victoria Lu (Grade 11), Thomas Lin (Grade 9), Kate Kim (Grade 11), and Kenneth Zhang (Grade 11) are attacks have skyrocketed, increasing The string of anti-Asian hate unanimously passed a bill that all Asian students at Ancaster High School who shared their experiences with Anti-Asian hate and how to combat it. the amount of both verbal and physical crimes have not stopped. On the denounces anti-Asian racism, and with assault. Anti-Asian prejudice and contrary, the stream of videos of Asians this foundation, will move forward to because I wouldn’t be at risk of any “I never knew that I was Asians alike call out forms of anti-Asian preconceptions are ever present, but being attacked seems to be increasing. create an action plan to formally deal anti-Asian hate crimes that have been considered diferent because of hate. Point out prejudices and learn unfortunately, it took a global pandemic On March 17th, an elderly Asian woman with the problem. happening more frequently. I’ve also my race, until my mom would from past experiences. Racism can to bring this issue to the forefront of was attacked, but she fought back starting being more wary of my warn me [that] when I went over come from anyone, so holding your the media. against her attacker. After a GoFundMe To the vast majority of the Asian surroundings when I go outside, even friends and family accountable is was created to pay for her medical bills, community, it is incredibly important though I live in a safe neighbourhood to friends’ houses, that if they essential to stop it. Kate Kim lays it out Over the past year, anti-Asian she donated almost one million dollars for Asian hate crimes to be labelled as with a lot of Asians.” Their stories show made fun of my facial features or quite frankly: “[Stop] any racism you rhetoric hse been used over and over to help combat AAPI hate. On March such. The ignorance of race as a factor how the rise in anti-Asian hate has anything [to do] with my race that see. It’s not a problem that can be again to try and cast blame on those of 29th, a 65 year old woman was attacked during the investigation of the Georgia exacerbated many of the struggles that it was normal. It really isn’t and solved overnight but we should still put Asian descent for the coronavirus. It did in front of a luxury condo in Manhattan. shooting has prompted activists to fight Asians have faced. These attacks on when I look back on it it shouldn’t the most effort in.” not matter what your ancestry was; in Bystanders simply watched from afar. A harder for the protection of Asian lives. Asians are unprovoked and often come [have happened] at all.” the eyes of racists, all Asians were doorman of the condo building even This conflict with law enforcement has out of nowhere, meaning you would The pandemic has intensified Chinese, and all Chinese people had the went and closed the door after the continued the dismissive narrative never know where a threat is coming Kate Kim, Grade 11 student the already present anti-Asian hate that coronavirus. This behaviour is found all attacker left the woman writhing on the against Asians. As a “model minority,” from. permeates through our culture. over the internet, and was most notably ground. On April 11th, bystanders were media chooses to tell stories of #StopAsianHate and the increased spread by former President Trump. able to help save an Asian woman from successful Asian families, and was normal. It really isn’t and when I awareness about this issue has sparked “My parents have become more Along with these overgeneralizations, being pushed onto train tracks, not constantly talks about wealthy and look back on it it shouldn’t [have hope in AAPI communities; Asian racism hate speech and hate crimes have once, but twice. These attacks have affluent Asians in prosperous jobs. cautious about my safety, happen[ed] at all.” will not continue to be swept under the spiked. According to a survey by AAPI been becoming more and more Examples include Crazy Rich Asians and constantly trying to convince me rug. Over these past weeks progress has Data, 1 in every 10 Asian American common, but those in the media are Netflix’s Bling Empire. In the end, this that finding a life in China would Kenneth Zhang, a Chinese been made. “Resources have been made Pacific Islander (AAPI) will be subject to only the ones being reported or filmed. disproportionately represents Asians as probably be safer because I Grade 11 student, also addressed the accessible to everyone”, said Victoria Lu. a hate crime. The c-word, China virus, In a survey released by AAPI Data, while rich, discrediting the struggles of the wouldn’t be at risk of any idea of compliance when I spoke with kung-flu, and a myriad of other Asians are being faced with the highest community. Furthermore, this anti-Asian hate crimes that have him. “Normalization of Asian hate isn't Lin offered some final thoughts derogatory terms all encompassed amount of hate crimes, the community characterization is weaponized against been happening more frequently. something to be ignored, and is on the matter. “I am happy that the under verbal assault makes up almost is least comfortable with reporting the other minorities. “Asians are the I’ve also starting being more wary certainly an aspect we can begin with in media is showing those instances of 75% of all reported hate crimes. 10% of incidents to law enforcement, with only successful people of colour. They of my surroundings when I go order to find a solution to the problem.” anti-Asian hate, and bringing a lot of crimes involved unwarranted physical roughly 30% willing to do so. represent the American dream.” He then went on to point out “that awareness to it. Celebrities and contact, while another 10% was being Successful Asians are used as an outside, even though I live in a passively ignoring all the hate against politicians are also using their platforms coughed or spat on. Most of the aforementioned example to support the myth of safe neighbourhood with a lot of Asians that happens on a daily basis is a to speak on this issue, which is great crimes and reports were based in the meritocracy to put down other minority asians.” cumulative method as to how Asian and brave. I still hope that people can On Tuesday March 16th, 2021, in USA, but Asian Canadians are subject to groups, while that same success is used hate has reached this magnitude. focus solely on the problem of Atlanta, Georgia, a white man entered just as much racism as their American to discredit the struggles Asians go Victoria Lu, Grade 11 student Addressing and analyzing case-by-case discrimination and hate, rather than three salon parlors and killed eight counterparts, contrary to what many through because of race. While this is instances of Asian hate is a method of politicizing the problem and causing people, six of whom were may believe. The Vancouver Police somewhat an oversimplification of this Then there are the most commencing the end to Asian hate.” more polarization and conflict. Asian-American women. The Department revealed that between 2019 rhetoric, the dichotomy the “model common forms of racism our Nevertheless, the amount of love and perpetrator claimed this was out of and 2020, anti-Asian hate crimes minority” myth creates is harmful for community goes through. “Your English “Normalization of Asian hate isn't care that has been expressed by the sexual frustration. Law enforcement has increased a staggering 717%. In Ottawa, everyone. is really good!”, “Where did you really something to be ignored, and is general public has been touching, and I not found enough evidence to label this according to the Ottawa Police Service, come from?” and “Say something in certainly an aspect we can begin hope more unity can be developed as a hate crime. But six out of eight of Anti-Asian racism in Hamilton your language” are all offensive with in order to find a solution to between people and we can all live the victims were Asian women, and and Ancaster may not be seen at first microaggressions that alienate Asians the problem.” He then went on to without hate” these salons were Asian-owned. The glance, but after talking with Asian and paint them as foreigners. point out “that passively ignoring all Asian-American community was quick students from Ancaster High School, we Canadian-born Asians may have never the hate against Asians that happens to point out how this is an example of can see there is still much to be done to even been to the countries which their “I am happy that the media is the fetishization of Asian women. The address the discrimination and we face. ancestors were from, but these types of on a daily basis is a cumulative showing those instances of stereotype that Asian women are exotic While Ancaster is a relatively safe questions follow us around everywhere. method as to how Asian hate has anti-Asian hate, and bringing a lot community, many Asians still feel as if Worse are the blatant forms of racism: reached this magnitude. Addressing of awareness to it. Celebrities and they should stay to themselves and not mocking our eyes, exoticizing Asian and analyzing case-by-case politicians are also using their cause any trouble. When talking with women, and the c-slur, to name a few. instances of Asian hate is a method platforms to speak on this issue, Thomas Lin, a Chinese Grade 9 student, Sadly, these forms of racism come from of commencing the end to Asian which is great and brave. I still he recounted his experience. “Since the people around us, including hate.” hope that people can focus solely COVID-19, my family and I have been sometimes friends, classmates, on the problem of discrimination more increasingly aware of the rise of teachers, or strangers. Tackling Kenneth Zhang, Grade 11 and hate, rather than politicizing anti-Asian hate cases. We would be more cautious when we go outside, and Grade 11 Korean student Kate student the problem and causing more try our best not to bother others.” Kim provides an incredibly Now, how are we supposed to polarization and conflict. thought-provoking anecdote, showing address this issue? Currently, there is Nevertheless, the amount of love Anti-Asian Victoria Lu, a Chinese Grade 11 how commonplace this form of racism more awareness being spread about and care that has been expressed student I spoke with, told a similar story is. “I never knew that I was considered these issues. All four interviewees have by the general public has been too. “My parents have become more different because of my race,until my concurred that the light shed on this touching, and I hope more unity cautious about my safety, constantly mom would warn me [that] when I went attention has been great, but we as a can be developed between people Hatred at Home trying to convince me that finding a over to friends’ houses, that if they society need to keep moving forward and we can all live without hate” life in China would probably be safer made fun of my facial features or and combating this problem. While anything [to do] with my race that it difficult, it is vital that Asians and non- Thomas Lin, Grade 9 student page 23 | Voices page 24 | Voices

The Gazette’s staff weigh in on what they VOICES Views & believe matters with The Falcon and The Winter essays, opinions, Soldier Mid-Season Review pg 27 Voices reviews and advice.

VOICES Review: Boys State Captures the Turmoil of Teens & Politics

Above: In Boys State, a hundred adolescents in Texas go head-to-head in a mock election. René Otero (above) is one of the four attendees of the 2019 Texas Boys/Girls State camp that this documentary follows. (Boys State/Apple TV+)

By Anne Fu eleven, as scandals and infighting ty by proclaiming himself to be a fierce ↯ Editor-in-Chief trouble the leadership of both fictional opponent of abortion, despite holding parties at the camp, known as the pro-choice views in private. He Federalists and the Nationalists. The sacrifices his personal convictions for VOICES Every summer, thousands of camp’s attendees may only be in high appeal and later admits, “It's a morally teenagers across America gather in school, but they refuse to play nice questionable thing to lie in politics… I each state with the hope of with each other when it comes to the shouldn’t lie. I wish politicians would accomplishing something cutthroat world of Boys State. be more truthful, but getting here Review: Ok Orchestra is extraordinary: building a certainly gave me a new appreciation representative democratic government Throughout the film, Boys for why politicians lie to get in office.” More Than Just Ok from scratch in just 7 days. The State directors McBaine and Moss play Otero admits a similar thing in his attendees of these programs, known as the role of something almost akin to a chairman campaign speech, declaring, Boys/Girls State camps, are split into nature documentary, quietly observing “We’re not gonna pick [one side]. We’re two political parties on arrival and the camp attendees from afar. The gonna stay in the middle, because we Above: Ryan Met (left), Jack Met (center), and Adam Brett Met (right) in their music video for Bummerland, a track on spend a week writing policies, creating documentary is filmed with a deeply are not an intolerable party. We are AJR’s newest album, Ok Orchestra. (AJR/YouTube) party platforms, holding trials, cinematic sense of lighting and frame one that is palatable to all.” Faced with managing journalistic outlets, and that often makes it seem poised on the these moral crossroads, Boys State By Jocelyn Mattka rant. As a result of this raw honesty, campaigning in mock elections for edge of degenerating into a Lord of the offers no solutions, but merely an ↯ Staff Writer & Editor the song speaks to listeners in a way “Overall, Ok Orchestra is various office positions. Today, the Flies-esque horror movie. (One observation: this is what politics today that is easily relatable. From thoughts an incredibly underrated Boys/Girls State program counts YouTube comment on the trailer states: looks like, and this is the world these On March 26th, AJR released about politics, to college, to album that introduces a public figures as influential as Bill teens will soon be expected to lead. Ok Orchestra, their newest album. AJR, insecurities about being likeable, AJR’s fresh mixing of sound, Clinton, Dick Cheney, Michael Jordan “I actually thought this was a and Neil Armstrong amongst its The inexperience of the film’s an American indie pop trio, takes its lyrics tap into issues that make the along with a grounded name from the initials of the three song feel instantly familiar. There’s also alumni. Many arrive with the hope of mockumentary until I googled subjects often shows. The stars of Boys brothers who make up the group; another interesting layer to the story, sense of humorous winning the camp’s top position: the Boys State and wow.” State can be territorial, naive, and Adam, Jack and Ryan Met. The trio has which is the open recognition of the relatability.” coveted state governor office, the idealistic — but the documentary also been playing together since 2005, fact that the sentiments, and by the highest position offered at the It’s a film that captures both the reminds you that’s not all they are. although their first single, “I’m Ready”, extent the workings of the world, are a over top. This song tells a story about program. spirit of American politics and the McBaine and Moss’ movie could have wasn’t commercially released until little bizarre. It’s that layer of truth what it is to fit in, to be cool or recklessness of adolescence: at one easily become a cynical, eye-rolling 2013. Since then, AJR has become hidden beneath the slightly humorous popular, and how that desire can still Released in 2020, Boys State is point in the documentary, the documentary full of “kids these known for their alternative sound presentation of the song that makes “3 remain long after a person has a Netflix documentary that takes an Federalist party receives a joking days”-style sentiment, but it instead intertwined with what otherwise O’Clock Things” memorable. supposedly become objectively “cool”. inner look at the lives of the young men proposal to have Texas secede from the opts to take the more difficult (and presents as pop. Similarly to some of the other pieces, who attended the Texas Boys State rest of the United States, which more hopeful) route. In the end, Boys In regards to the composition the music draws listeners in, but the camp in 2019. The film follows four of eventually gains serious traction State chooses to finish on a high note, This newest album continues of this song, most of it has a fairly honest storytelling is why they stay. these students in particular: Ben amongst the members. Push-up tracing many of the teens’ highlights to deliver on that quirky style that AJR typical pop/alternative vibe, although Feinstein, a passionate conservative competitions break out sporadically during their last year of high school: fans have come to know and love. Right AJR does, or course, add their flare. In A final track that stands out on with a Reagan action figure in his amongst the boys. Awkward talent Otero wins a speech and debate from the “OK Overture”, AJR is upfront this song, it takes the form of 1940s Ok Orchestra is “Ordinaryish People”, bedroom and a Betsy Ross flag pinned show auditions see young men struggle competition, Garza addresses other about the sound they intend to swing music, which comes in for the which also features Blue Man Group. to his wall; Steven Garza, the son of a to entertain their peers. Campaign ads youth at a Texas Young Democrats present, where they re-introduce introduction and odd choruses Of course, this song also incorporates Mexican immigrant who volunteered are propagated through the universal convention, and MacDougall is themselves with some charm. True to throughout the song. Not only does unique instrumental elements, starting with the Beto O’Rourke campaign a language of teenagers everywhere: accepted to his top university. It goes the “Orchestra” promised in the title of this swing sound come across as being off with an old-timey big band sound. summers back; Robert MacDougall, an Instagram memes. to show that while the documentary their album, the overture utilizes interesting because it’s so atypical to The lyrics follow along the theme of extroverted athlete who has yet to may have revealed much about each of strings and brass to call to mind a modern music, but also because it identity and questioning societal form a complete political identity; and But Boys State isn’t just about these young men, their lives and traditional orchestral sound, while still somehow manages to be catchy and fit norms. The song explores again that René Otero, a no-nonsense Chicago hormonal teenagers laying waste to the careers are only beginning — and including all the synth associated with in with other elements present in the idea of fitting in and not fitting in with native who fought for prisoners’ rights good intentions of the political process. despite their eagerness, they still have modern pop. This is precisely the song. any one particular set of stereotypes or years before arriving at the camp. At its heart, it probes a number of very a lot more to learn. beauty of the piece, which strives to expectations. serious concerns about young people establish the atmosphere of this This theme of mixing styles What follows is a searing and the future of American politics, It’s a rare feat to find a futuristic, slightly humorous but together continues throughout the rest Overall, Ok Orchestra is an dissection of the state of modern which either makes it either bleak or documentary that provides a relatable, orchestra. of the album. One example of this is incredibly underrated album that American politics, as these four teens inspirational, depending on who’s commentary so thorough on a the piece “Joe”. This song has arguably introduces a fresh mixing of sound, are placed at the forefront of an watching. situation that is often so divisive, but Among the most interesting one of the most engaging musical along with a grounded sense of embattled election campaign. The Boys State does it flawlessly. Ultimately, pieces on the album is “3 O’Clock introductions in the album. It begins humorous relatability. For anyone drama that Boys State captures is like a In a bid to win the Nationalist what it reveals about American politics Things”, the lyrics of which are written with quick, classical piano, which is interested in alternative pop, this is an student council election dialed up to campaign against Garza, MacDougall and adolescence is hard to forget. as a stream-of-consciousness type quickly joined by beatboxing, layered absolute must-listen! appeals to the conservatives of his par-

page 25 | Voices page 26 | Voices

Right: “Ask a Royal” is a monthly AHS advice column. (Illustration by Aisha Mahmoud/The Royal Gazette)

Have a question you want VOICES VOICES answered? DM @ahsroyalgazette on Instagram or email Advice: Ask a Royal [email protected]. Ontario’s Concerning COVID Update By Jocelyn Mattka you have the option to pick a topic for Finally, and maybe most ↯ Staff Writer & Editor a research assignment, pick something importantly, don’t be afraid to change that you want to learn more about; your mind. There’s no reason why you Above: Ontario Premier Doug Ford addresses the province on April 12 to announce temporary switch to remote learning. when you have a chance to experiment can’t be interested in one pathway in (Premier of Ontario/YouTube) Q: Asking as a Grade 10, I have no with something new for a creative grade 11, then decide you want to apply idea what I want to do after high project, take the chance and try it. for something different when it comes In the testing structure and the “creating new critical care spaces”, with By Jocelyn Mattka school. When did you know where Take advantage of the opportunities time to actually apply to programs in swiftness of the newer, deadlier the hope of 350 new ICU units being ↯ Staff Writer & Editor you wanted to go/what you you have to learn and try new things grade 12. As someone who has been variants of the disease. These strains of constructed. She also stated that they wanted to study? because high school is the perfect going to university info sessions all COVID-19 have proven to be much are “looking at nurses out of practice… place to do that. year (where current students of the According to Ontario Premier more likely to land victims in the making sure they’re qualified to That’s a great question, and university were present), I can tell you Doug Ford, the latest COVID-19 hospital and have the ability to practice.” By this, Minister Elliott is one that I think most high school In addition to learning about that many university students change developments or nothing short of debilitate patients much more quickly referring to retired nurses, students wonder about at one time or your interests through the classes you their majors even after starting their “extremely concerning”. than the original virus. Additionally, nurses in their final year another. Grade 10 might seem a little take, I suggest you also consider the programs. I personally know people of school are “being paid to do extra early to start thinking about your stream of classes you are in. As you who went to school with one career in On April 12th, Doug Ford, along Regarding the testing, hours so the nurses with greater post-secondary plans, but I would probably know at this point, the mind, left the program and went back with Dr. Williams, Minister Elliott, and positivity rates have risen to over 8%, a experience and knowledge can move argue that it’s not. You still have plenty courses at Ancaster High are designed years later to get a different degree. Minister Lecce, announced the latest number indicating imminent danger to up to the ICUs.” While the province is of time, so this is the perfect time to to help prepare you for a variety of While I applaud all of those who are COVID-19 regulations in a live address the system under its current resources. fortunate that these emergency start exploring your interests and post-secondary destinations. As you able to sort out their futures at 15, to the public. The most significant Based on these trends, Dr. Williams measures exist as options, they serve options without too much pressure. head into grade 11, consider if the there is still so much time to figure all piece of news communicated in this explained that “a prolonged closure at as a testament to the precariousness of classes you’re taking align with the best of this out. address was the indefinite closure of this time is only prudent and the present situation. For myself, I started to get a post-secondary option for you. This is schools across the entire province. necessary.” Although the government general idea of my university plans in no way an attempt to knock initially intended to wait to make this Doug Ford, for his part, around the beginning of grade 11, but university or university-bound courses; RESOURCES FOR Minister Lecce frequently announcement until later in the week, continually mentioned the vaccination wasn’t confident until I really started however, many careers don’t require a EXPLORING commented on the gravity of the Dr. Williams insisted that the current efforts in Ontario, in a clear effort to looking into specific programs at the university education. Don’t limit your decision, stating that ““as difficult as it variants require the government to provide optimism in an otherwise bleak beginning of grade 12. Everyone has options if you’re unsure of where POST-SECONDARY is, [the decision was made] to protect “move much more nimbly” and to act address. Despite his assurances, it was different timing though. Some of my you’re headed, but if you do have a PATHWAYS your family and to prevent this crisis immediately “instead of waiting a few still painstakingly clear that this will friends have known what programs and future career path in mind, you might from getting worse.” This stance served more days.” not be a short process, as even the schools they wanted to apply to since want to start thinking about what is ● For university or college as something of a surprise to the premier himself recognized that really required in order to reach it. grade 9, some of them have changed pathways, you can visit citizens of Ontario, especially vaccination rollouts can only be those plans, and others are still www.ontariouniversitiesinfo considering Stephen Lecce’s letter, BY THE NUMBERS continued “as long as we continue to That aside, if you are headed to .ca for information on choosing between different options which was issued only a day before, get vaccines from the federal a university or college pathway, start university programs in now. Considering this response is stating that schools would remain government.” He also recognized that your research early. Not just your Ontario. specific to someone in grade 10, I have open. When pressed on this Positivity rates in even their targeted 40% of a research into schools and programs, ● To explore different career a few suggestions for you. discrepancy, Lecce responded that Ontario have reached vaccinated adult population is “by no but also into scholarships! There are a options, you can use Xello’s they “want kids to be in school”; >8% above eight percent. means herd immunity.” lot of scholarships out there, but the career matchmaker to First off, make sure you’re however, they “want to tackle the root biggest ones ask a lot of you. I explore careers that match choosing your elective courses your interests. cause of this, which is community Based on all of the information carefully. Not in terms of pathway recommend you start looking into ● Ancaster High offers co-op transmission.” Lecce went on to state Ontario’s target is for presented, it is understood that planning and worrying about pre-reqs, them now so you can start doing prep opportunities that can allow that it has become apparent that this 40% of adults to be Ontario is to remain under a strict but making sure you are taking classes work sooner rather than later. Some 40% scholarships require a lot of volunteer you to experience many decision, while not made lightly, is vaccinated by May 5th. lockdown until the trends begin to that genuinely interest you. AHS offers careers firsthand. experience, or examples of initiative necessary in order to “lower reverse and the situation is deemed a wide variety of elective courses from community rates to get our kids back acceptably safe by public health computer science, to all varieties of within your school or community. The [to school].” 350 new ICU units officials. visual art, to law and economics. I earlier you start working on these things, the better odds you’ll have In short: take your time and could possibly be would encourage you, especially as you Dr. Williams shed light on the 350 constructed soon. head into grade 11, to take advantage of when the time comes to apply. In terms enjoy doing research into of researching the actual schools and post-secondary options that you are concerning nature of the newest COVID-19 cases in Ontario have those classes; they are a great way to variants, which were highlighted as dip your toe into different areas of programs, guidance has some great enthusiastic about. There is no right or continued to increase, with the being one of the major causes of the In terms of Ontario's medical positivity rate reaching a level interest! On a similar note, I would also resources they can share with you, wrong method of determining your current surge in cases. He explained plans and capabilities, Minister Elliott unseen since April last year. As encourage you to make the most of the including websites such as future plans, but there are many that “people are going to the hospital outlined some of the measures that will of April 26th, Ontario’s classes you choose to take. It’s www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca, which resources available to help you. Talk to is a great directory if you’re looking for guidance, make the most of your without being tested, then discovering be taken by the healthcare industry in positivity rate is 10.7%. important to learn how to take your they have COVID”. This shift is alarming an attempt to address the situation. learning into your own hands. When university programs in Ontario. current classes, and get excited for the years to come! because it demonstrates both a failure These include possibilities such as page 27 | Voices page 28 | Voices

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 4 OF THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER

One of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s central themes involves Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes figuring out their own VOICES identities as heroes after Captain America’s retirement Reviews: The Falcon and in Avengers: Endgame. The Winter Soldier

Above: The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, starring Anthony Mackie (left) and Sebastian Stan (right), takes place six Above: Anthony Mackie (pictured) stars in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, reprising his role as Sam Wilson and the months after the events in Avengers: Endgame. (Marvel Studios/Disney+) newly-inducted Captain America. (Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Aisha Mahmoud & Brooke pting to make amends with people he’s “Te Falcon and Te Winter So far, the show has been met cky is dealing with mental health issues at WandaVision did right was creating ↯ Vesentin / Staff Writers hurt in the past. We are introduced to Soldier is making waves as it with an overwhelmingly positive and attending therapy. The show episodes that could stand alone, while & Club Advisor the main antagonists of the story, the tackles themes such as response, as are most projects that challenges the idea of what the title of simultaneously serving the narrative of terrorist group known as the Flag Marvel Studios releases. But of course, Captain America really means, even the entire season. It didn't show its systemic racism, [ . . . ] mental After the massive success of Smashers, who are pushing back no piece of media is free from flaws. criticizing superheroes and super cards right away, and viewers Marvel’s WandaVision, the newest against world governments to return to illness, and power balances” soldiers; it implies that power leads to desperately wanted answers. Disney+ miniseries, The Falcon and The the way things were during the Blip The show has done an corruption. Each character has a Winter Soldier, is making waves as it (the five years in the MCU after Thanos der of the Flag Smashers. incredible job of balancing serious unique political and social perspective On the other hand, The Falcon tackles themes such as systemic snapped away half of all life). The first themes, buddy-cop banter, character on the issues in their world. These and The Winter Soldier struggles to fit racism, police brutality, mental illness, episode ends on a shocking note, John Walker finds the trio in development and, of course, action. It ideologies sometimes overlap between action sequences and dialogue-heavy and power balances. revealing that the U.S government had Latvia, and attempts to put a stop to is centered around fan favourite duo, characters, while also causing the main scenes. It fails to push the narrative created a new Captain America, John Bucky and Sam and find answers for Sam and Bucky, who made their debut conflict of the show. forward every episode and keep Joined by Daniel Bruhl, Emily Walker. himself. While Sam tries to reason with appearance as enemies in Captain viewers engaged. It was definitely a Vancamp, Wyatt Russell, Cle Bennett, Karli and the Flag Smashers, John takes America: The Winter Soldier. The Falcon slow burn in the first episode, but even and Erin Kellyman, Anthony Mackie The show dives deeper into a more aggressive approach, causing and The Winter Soldier has provided now, after episode 4, there are and Sebastian Stan reprise their roles John Walker, and the pressure he's the fight to quickly escalate. They find more depth to their characters, diving CRITICAL ACCLAIM extended scenes of dialogue that do as Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. feeling as the new Captain America. the super soldier serum and Zemo into the backstories, and emotions we not advance the plot and strange issues Created by Malcolm Spellman and Bucky confronts Sam about giving up crushes all the vials but one. John have yet to see due to their fairly with pacing that can take the viewer directed by Kari Skogland, The Falcon the shield, and they begrudgingly team Walker, feeling angry, conflicted and limited screen time thus far. The show out of the experience. There are only and The Winter Soldier miniseries airs up to investigate the Flag Smashers, incompetent finds this vial and injects displays the wit, sarcasm, and nuances 87% two hour-long episodes left, and the exclusively on Disney+ every Friday at and a fight breaks out. After Walker the serum. During the heat of the fight, of both characters, but also gives us an Rotten Tomatoes show still has a lot of questions to 3 AM EST. and his partner, Lemar Hoskins, join Lemar Hoskins is killed. With the super in-depth look into the bond and answer, plus storylines to wrap up. Will the scene, the stark contrast between soldier serum amplifying everything friendship that has developed Sam become Captain America? Who is The First Episode the two pairs’ morals and ideologies is within, John is filled with rage and throughout the films, and into this the Power Broker? Are the Flag evident. With no further leads, Bucky brutally murders a member of the Flag tv-show. 7.7/10 Smashers still the enemies? Will they The first episode of the series, and Sam have no choice but to seek Smashers using the Captain America IMDb team up with Sam and Bucky? What which aired on March 19th, 2021, titled help from Zemo, a returning character shield, while the whole world watches. The Falcon and The Winter will happen to John Walker? New World Order, was our first look at from Captain America: Civil War, to Soldier features several recognizable the lives of Sam Wilson (aka the Falcon) help them uncover the truth about the supporting characters, such as Zemo Also, the show’s action is and Bucky Barnes (aka the Winter super soldier serum and what the Flag and Sharon Carter. It also introduces 74% difficult to follow. Despite the excellent Soldier) after the events of Avengers: Smashers really want. RECORD-BREAKING new characters such as John Walker, Metacritic fight choreography, the narrative Endgame. In Endgame, we saw Steve Elijah Bradley, Karli Morgenthau, and purpose of some of the action Rogers bestow the iconic shield along Sam, Bucky, and Zemo fly to SUCCESS the Flag Smashers. The characters and sequences feels unclear. with the mantle of Captain America to Madripoor, the fictional criminal Upon its release in their interactions seem to be one of Sam Wilson. In The Falcon and The hotspot from Marvel Comics, in order mid-March, The the strongest points of this show. New Despite The Falcon and The Winter Overall, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Sam feels that the title to locate the source of the super Falcon and The Winter and returning characters alike, the Soldier being met with critical acclaim, Winter Soldier hit the majority of its and shield do not belong to him, soldier serum. There, they meet former Soldier became the writers have done an incredible job it’s impossible not to compare it to its beats exceptionally well. The resulting in him giving it up to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent, Sharon Carter. The most-watched making them feel unique and real. The Disney+ predecessor, WandaVision. character-driven story displays four of them find the scientist who had Smithsonian museum. Meanwhile, premiere on Disney+. Falcon and The Winter Soldier also While the two very clearly differ in real-world issues in a grounded and Bucky Barnes has been attending court been creating super soldier serum for touches on heavier themes that we genre, theme, and plot, the latter did a relatable way. We can’t wait to see how mandated therapy after he’s gained the Power Broker, which had been have never seen Marvel tackle before: better job at keeping its viewers on the the series concludes in the next two control of his own mind, and is attem= stolen by Karli Morgenthau, the lea- Sam faces systemic racism, while Bu- edge of their seats every second. Wh= episodes.

page 29 | Arts & Culture ARTS & CULTURE The Royal Gazette is proud to page 30 | Arts & Culture present 3 short stories written by one of our staff writers, The latest on what’s By Ashley Smith ARTS & CULTURE which were submitted to the happening in the world Short Stories ↯ Staff Writer Arts & Short Stories from the CBC Short Story Contest. of entertainment, CBC Short Story lifestyle, and pop Contest FREEBREATHERS culture. pg 30 Culture They say there's a community a ows that. “What?” I mumble quietly, couple hundred kilometers west of trying to pay attention. Toronto that lives without their I rest my helmeted-head on my OxyHelms. That they’ve developed hand, absentmindedly staring at my “I said we should go to the immunity to the air. That they breathe laptop. I’m supposed to be writing an Freebreather community. See if it’s as if the world wasn’t riddled with essay about the worldwide pollution, real,” he says enthusiastically. I don’t pollution. but I can’t think of what to write. I respond, not really sure what to say. know that pollution started centuries I listen to Eric ramble about his ago, and that people were aware of it “C’mon man, it would be so newest theory surrounding the long before it became the massive cool. Plus, it could give us great community, dubbed the Freebreathers issue it is today, but they didn’t care content for the essay, not to mention by my friend group. He pushes his enough to stop it. I know that the air is an excuse to get out,” he says, his eyes stories about the structural changes of filled with enough pollutants and glistening with excitement. Eric loves their lungs through hurried whispers, toxins to kill someone within a few adventures, and he always drags me on trying not to catch the teachers days of exposure, and that the death his little quests. I want to say no, and I attention. His gesticulations are rapidly will be painfully slow. I know that fresh know my parents will have their random as he tries to explain to me the oxygen stored in canisters is sold, a hesitations, but even my refusal can’t ARTS & CULTURE anatomic design of a lung, but most of basic living requirement turned into a deter him. Somehow, I’m always his information falls on deaf ears. I capitalist venture. I know that I feel entangled in his messes. That’s what I don’t really care much about The sorry for those who can’t afford the get for being his best friend. Freebreathers, mostly because I doubt oxygen canisters for their OxyHelms. Lil Nas X Song their existence. Living without an “Alright,” I sigh, fighting the OxyHelm is suicide. Everyone kn- “Eh Sam?” Eric asks, and I blink urge to roll my eyes. Looks like I’m Sparks Controversy myself out of the stupor I was in. going to the Freebreather community. PAIRING

Above: Lil Nas X in his music video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”. (Lil Nas X/YouTube) “I hate you,” I spit at Marie, But no, I get stuck with the devil ons about every minute detail of my frustrated and fed up with her antics. reincarnate, here to make my life life, my interests, my passions. What miserable. supposedly happens is that all of this The song quickly grew in en a lot of praise, with the music video By Zonna Mir “Je déteste que tu sois un idiot information is stored in a data bank popularity, topping the Billboard having over 100 million views on ↯ Staff Writer & Editor égotiste! Je te déteste, et je serai te When I signed up for Pairing, I that Selectors can access in hopes of Global 200 list, but it was also faced YouTube and being one of the top détester toujours," she shouts right figured that I would be doing my part finding two compatible partners to with major backlash from various songs on Spotify charts with over 8 back at me, marching into our shared in helping repopulate the country, and begin the Pairing process. As I listen to On March 26, 2021, Lil Nas X — groups and people. million streams a day as of April 10, bedroom and slamming the door shut. I in the process I would meet a wife who Marie’s hushed mutters of frustration best known for his song “Old Town 2021. can feel my anger festering, bubbling is my one true love. The provided drift through the air vent, I can't help Road”, released in 2019 — released Upon the release of up from my stomach to my chest. housing and grocery money would also but think about how flawed their “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”. “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”, In addition to backlash from be a nice bonus. Instead I get Marie, a system must be if I got paired with her. Lil Nas X shared a letter to his younger Lil Nas X was met with a lot of support, various religious and conservative “If you’re gonna insult me, at woman from Quebec with spite in her self on Instagram and Twitter in especially from the LGBTQ+ groups, Lil Nas X also faced a lawsuit least do it in English,” I snarl. I hear the heart and a terrible attitude. It’s only I unfurl from the couch and reference to the song: community. However, the music video surrounding “Satan Shoes.” Keeping lock on the bedroom door click and I been three weeks and we’ve fought make my way to the kitchen to make for the song was a source of with the themes of “MONTERO”, Lil throw myself onto our couch, fuming. I non-stop. We fight about the smallest myself a cup of tea, hands still shaking controversy among many people. The Nas X released shoes with a bronze hate that woman. She’s insufferable, things. It’s like she’s looking, scouring from anger and stress. We’re expected music video contained various religious pentagram, an inverted cross, and a aggravating, unpleasant to be around. I for something to argue over. to get pregnant three months into figures and symbols as a way of drop of real human blood. The shoes nope wish with all of my heart that we hadn’t Pairing, and considering neither of us showing religious opposition to sold out in less than a minute. They @LilNasX been selected for Pairing. There are so The Selectors for Pairing can stand being with each other for homosexuality, as well as some were designed as a collaboration many eligible women out there who I promise that you will find your perfect longer than five minutes… well let’s just suggestive scenes, which many found between Lil Nas X and MSCHF, and would adore, who I would connect match in helping repopulate. They took say our situation isn’t ideal. offensive. made using Nike Air Max 97s. The with, who could be my perfect match. my information, asked me questi- shoes became a point of controversy, dear 14 year old montero, i Rapper Joyner Lucas said in his once again due to the use of religious wrote a song with our since deleted tweets, “I think the iconography, and Nike sued MSCHF for DESOLATE name in it. it’s about a guy biggest problem for me is the fact that selling the shoes unauthorized, i met last summer. i know he doesn’t understand ‘Old Town Road’ claiming they infringed on Nike’s My eyes squint against the hing to spare. towards me. I know he’s underpaying we promised to never is every kid’s anthem. Children love trademarks and harmed the company’s merciless sun as I look over the Shab. A me, but I take the money anyway, come out publicly, i know him for that record. They tuned in and reputation. They stated in response bead of sweat trickles down my You get used to the smell of frustratedly adjusting my litham as I we promised to never be subscribed to his channels. So, with no that they “did not design or release forehead as I lick my cracked lips, the Shab, a putrid reek of unwashed walk away. It’s better to have some “that” type of gay person, i disclaimer, he just dropped some these shoes and...do not endorse it.” On yearning for a sip of water. But I know I flesh and desperation. Whatever water money than no money. know we promised to die left-field ish & all our kids seen it. April 8, 2021, the companies came to a must be smart, must save my precious is found is used for drinking, so with the secret, but this will Smh.” Lucas was faced with settlement, of which the details are water. Especially when it’s so rare hygiene has taken a backseat. I try to As I head back through the open doors for many considerable backlash for his undisclosed, however, MSCHF is nowadays. stay clean, but dust and dirt tend to town, I remember the stories Gran other queer people to comments, although Lil Nas X seemed offering a full refund to those who stick to you like glue. used to tell me. She said that this place simply exist. you see this is unbothered. “I literally sing about lean bought the Satan Shoes. The shanty town in front of me used to be green, and that solid water very scary for me, people & adultery in ‘Old Town Road’. U creaks with every blow of the desert I finally make it to Sloppy would fall from the sky in white tufts. will be angry, they will say decided to let your child listen. Blame Despite all the controversy winds. The people are too tired, too Sam’s stand, chucking the game I had She said that it would get so cold i’m pushing an agenda. yourself,” he tweeted. following the release of “MONTERO close to death, to fear it falling apart. I been hauling onto the counter. I flex people wore multiple layers. You could but the truth is, i am. the (Call Me By Your Name)”, it is clear that walk down the sandhill connecting my my fingers, rigid and sore from build sculptures out of a thing called agenda to make people He also responded to backlash the story Lil Nas X tells is relevant and shack to the town, stumbling with carrying the two rabbits throughout snow. You could glide on blades across stay the f*** out of other from religious groups about his use of important. As a gay Black man, he is a fatigue brought on by the relentless the thirty minute journey. Sam smiles frozen masses of water, as if you were people’s lives and stop symbols in a tweet, stating, “I spent my source of representation for many heat. As I hobble through the and shakes his head. a god. dictating who they should entire teenage years hating myself people who may feel they do not residential area, I see the faces of be. sending you love from because of the [stuff] y’all preached belong. His song discusses his personal grimy children bustling around, “Don’t know how you do it, She said that her Ma the future. would happen to me because i was gay. experience of facing hatred and begging for food, water... anything. kid,” he grunts, rubbing his balding experienced this wondrous world So i hope u are mad, stay mad, feel the prejudice for being himself, and Their parents watch from their head as he grabs a coin bag. briefly, before the sun burned up -lnx same anger you teach us to have through his work he tries to make sure porches, just as filthy but with everything good the world had. towards ourselves.” However, despite that less people have to go through significantly less hope. “I’d reckon it’s worth… fifteen Looking back at the Shab once more, I all the controversy, Lil Nas X has gott- similar experiences. Lugs,” he grumbles, pushing the money have a hard time believing it. They know no one has anyt- page 31 | Horoscopes HOROSCOPES Scan to Subscribe!

Taurus Gemini Cancer April 20 - May 20 May 21 - June 20 June 21 - July 22 Happy birthday Taurus! Gemini, you will not be too Hello hello, Cancer! This This month you will be happy with midterms this month your blessed with the company semester but fear not! This procrastination has been of those around you. Do is where things are looking getting the best of you. not let the presence of up for you! Keep your hopes Think ahead and try your Do you value student journalism and those who don’t care about up! best to not procrastinate! the Royal Gazette? you, affect you! Show us your support by subscribing, Leo Virgo Libra contributing, giving feedback and/or July 23 - August 22 August 23 - September 22 September 23 - October 22 spreading the word! Leo, your mental health Your patience will be Libra, your bravery this is really important for tested, yet again Virgo. month is what you need. you. Take a break, we all Remain positive and stick Though you might face In This Issue need it. You will soon be to your beliefs, those some challenges, you will Editor-in-Chief Illustrators Writers around you should not Anne Fu Anne Fu Iris Elik back to normal! fight through it. AIsha Mahmoud Anne Fu change you! Club Advisors Noor Menhel Faria Haque Hannah Breiding Anika Kanagaretnam Brooke Vesentin Editors John Kerr Sagittarius Capricorn Kaitlynn Anderson Gavin Liu Scorpio November 22 - December 21 December 22 - January 19 Supervising Teacher Geoffrey Cuff-Chartrand Lindsay Liu October 23 - November 21 Mrs. Bentham Anika Kanagaretnam Aisha Mahmoud Although things may seem Capricorn, this month it is John Kerr Jocelyn Mattka Your nagging will get the hard during these times your duty to care for those Graphic Designers Saihaj Law Joe McDermott best of you, Scorpio. Try to Anne Fu Eric Lessa-Fratini Noor Menhel Sagittarius, everything will around you. Show them Rose He Thomas Lin Zonna Mir balance your mind and be eventually work itself out and your love and your care, Anika Kanagaretnam Gavin Liu Sanya Patel more aware of those around Saihaj Law Lindsay Liu Vita Rao you will be able to relax once they need it. you. Gavin Liu Amy Ma Ashley Smith again. Aisha Mahmoud Aisha Mahmoud Joely Stockl Noor Menhel Jocelyn Mattka Nicolas Tazzeo Vita Rao Zonna Mir Brooke Vesentin Aries Madhav Parekh Sukhleen Multani Pisces Joely Stockl Macee Popowich Aquarius March 21 - April 19 February 19 - March 20 Vita Rao January 20 - February 18 Your maturity will bring Eden Ridpath Your impatience is proving Aquarius, you have you great success, Aries. Grace Wang to be a great disadvantage good things coming Share it with those yet again,Pisces., try to your way. As long as around you and spread improve your habits, drink you remain positive the immense knowledge more water, exercise and and keep your head that you have. Contact Us Join us. get outside! high. @ahsroyalgazette Wednesdays Microsoft Teams [email protected] DM us @ahsroyalgazette tinyurl.com/AHSRoyalGazette By Noor Menhel