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The LGBT Society 2 at Queens'
0 Romanticising Abduction in Popular Culture 1 Find out about your
9 teacher's first job! Queens' School Slang CREDITS: FIVE Danny Robinson - Head Editor things we should Life in the Unification Maia Anselmo - Head Editor appreciate more! Ella Clarke - Copy Editor Movement Lisa Elliot - Copy Editor Louisa Wilkes Marla Morris Preena Madlani An EXCLUSIVE look into Layomi Abudu what Queens' School Shatou Rasha India Baker-Gorton Students are really Leonardo Luz And a special thanks to all thinking, and more! writers outside of the team. TOXIC POSITIVITY how growth mindset has grown pessimism Nega ve thinking has been the scourge of This rejec on of nega ve emo ons not only schools prac cally since the crea on of the provides more work for us in dealing with growth mindset in Carol Dweck’s The New issues we confront o en, like being late for Psychology of Success. This new model of school or not doing our homework that’s due thinking has been promoted throughout first period, but it also maintains s gma schools relessly, we have assemblies on it, we towards people who are anxious or depressed have corrected phrases in our classrooms on and oversimplifies human behaviour. It is yet how to change our language to fit these ideals, unknown the exact cause of mental illness and and we are consistently inundated with it it is most likely a culmina on of many different throughout our school years. And this might causes, like certain genes or situa onal factors. just be the problem. The idea of growth Placing all the responsibility of having a mental mindset has evolved beyond a handy tool to health problem on an individual may mo vate stay posi ve and keep our hopes up, and has them to take control of their thinking and mutated into something more sinister, behaviour, but it is also equally if not more something we o en overlook in our desperate likely to create feelings of shame and blame, a empts to keep away from the anxie es of and promote the idea that mental health everyday life‐ toxic posi vity. problems can be dealt with en rely alone.
Toxic posi vity is the cul va on of ignoring The monster of toxic posi vity may not have any and all nega ve emo ons in favour of been created purposefully, but it is something maintaining a so‐called ‘posi ve outlook’. For we have to contest and challenge. We must example, some may tell you to ‘get over’ an promote the acceptance of emo ons, nega ve, issue or ‘just be posi ve’ or to ‘think happy posi ve and even neutral and recognise the thoughts’. And okay, o en when you see a value of both (it has been found that when friend in need all advice flies out the window tested against non‐depressed par cipants, and you’re stuck rever ng to simple pla tudes, depressive‐realists were more likely to create meaningless statements that don’t really accurate es mates of how likely a disaster was address the issues or provide valida on or to happen, this became known as the ‘sadder hope. This, though, only feeds into the but wiser’ effect). Chasing happiness will only rejec on and suppression of normal and result in more nega vity, and so it is suggested perhaps even produc ve emo ons. Plenty of that instead of perpetua ng the idea of nega ve emo ons have been proven to be ‘posi ve vibes only’ we should take steps useful in our lives, though of course, in towards crea ng valida on and gentle modera on (Bas n et al. 2016 suggests that encouragement, saying ‘some mes giving up is guilt is ‘crucial for the development and okay, what’s your ideal outcome?’ and ‘This is maintenance of interpersonal rela onships). hard. You’ve done hard things before and I believe in you’, and create an ideal of ‘all vibes welcome’. kept anonymous. Chasing happiness will only result in more negativity Is There Really Such Thing as a Bad Job?
and there are others cleaning the likes of schools and homes. The amount these people get paid will Many children, par cularly those differ by a large amount so I would from African or Asian households, argue that regarding ‘cleaning’ as a are repeatedly told to choose a bad job is simply ill informed. ‘good job’. But what exactly is the Similarly, you have servers in defini on of a good job? Most establishments like Nandos but you people immediately respond with also have waiters and waitresses in the answer: “one where you earn a three Michelin star restaurants or lot of money”. And that’s fair the White House. enough. Occupa ons that people regularly describe as good are Progression in an industry comes things like being a doctor, lawyer, when people are passionate about banker, engineer and so on. But what they do and put in a lot of what I don’t understand is why effort every day, constantly striving people o en disregard whole to do be er. Therefore, I do not industries when lis ng ‘good jobs’. think that there is such a thing as a bad job. Do what makes you happy If I was to ask you to name a ‘bad and you will surely go far. job’ you’d probably list things such as cleaning, being a support worker Layomi Abudu or maybe a waiter. What many people forget is that there is room for progression in ANY industry. There’s someone out there cleaning the likes of Buckingham Palace or the United Na ons Headquarters Whether you know it or not, Queens’ School mentality along the lines of ‘no one in here can has an LGBTQ+ society that has been running relate to these issues’ – ignoring the fact that not for the last year – which is a big thing for the all people are cisgender and heterosexual. school. If you don’t already know, LGBTQ+ ‐ Building on this, the students also weren’t some mes just LGBT or even LGBTQIA+ ‐ is an comfortable with some of the “fun debates” that abbrevia on that stands for lesbian, gay, have cropped up occasionally in lessons like PSE or bisexual, transgender and queer (IA stands for PRE, like the ones where the morality of being intersex and asexual, respec vely), with the ‘+’ LGBTQ+ or just LGBTQ+ issues are debated. The signifying the mul tudes of genders and main issue with these is that being LGBTQ+ is sexuali es included in the community that fundamentally a lifestyle that isn’t a choice and don’t fall under the other le ers. As a member therefore shouldn’t be debated as if it couldn’t of this club, I’ve heard first‐hand what the community has to say about their experiences as young LGBTQ+ people at Queens’, including things they believe could be done be er.
One main issue that came up during my discussion with the LGBTQ+ society was that it G seems like people forget that members of the school community do iden fy as LGBTQ+. The process of coming out and the decision to do so L is big for anyone and can be very difficult, so B not all people will feel comfortable with it. Some may not even be able to do so for a the SAGA variety of reasons, maybe because it's not safe for them to do so, or they’re scared of the poten al for backlash; the society felt that directly affect someone sat in the some mes classes can have a narrow‐minded class. While we’re on the topic of debates, the students felt that when Five Things That I should have LGBTQ+ issues and topics came up, appreciated more in Years 79 they had to be able to debate their side in a calm and collected way, •A free Oyster card – travel is not cheap! despite their way of life being challenged in front of them; I think •Having homework that isn’t due for that it was put into words best by another two weeks – I wish! one of the club members who said that you ‘can’t argue empathy’, •Holidays that are actually HOLIDAYS which is basically what people are revising when everyone else is going out is being asked to do. torture. And I understand where they’re •Being able to chill without feeling guilty – coming from! I’ve been at Queens I should be revising but… for 6 years now and have seen first‐ hand, on a couple of occasions, •Not knowing anything about UCAS, CVs students having to debate LGBTQ+ or personal statements – those were the issues in situa ons that have ended days! up being largely one‐sided. 1. Cisgender – identifying with the gender you were assigned at birth.
2. Heterosexual – experiencing attraction to the opposite sex, i.e. straight.
3. Homophobia – discriminating against someone due to the fact that they are LGBTQ+.
some things that the LGBTQ+ society felt the school had done well with and are grateful for ‐ the fact that this club actually has the space to exist being a big one; and there has been effort for inclusion with some PSE lessons being held about being LGBTQ+, as well as the start of celebra ng the history Q month in school too. The fact that members of staff have also shown some + solidarity and support for the group through the s ckers and badges too is T another posi ve. In conclusion, it is important to note no one person is at fault, and this ar cle group at Queens' isn’t intended as a dig at the school for being homophobic or anything ‐ it’s more aimed at trying to highlight some It’s unfair and it feels as if a be er understanding of the issues within the school so that as a implica ons of discussions about LGBTQ+ ma ers needs school community we can work to be be er looked into to prevent these situa ons from together to help the school to be even arising. more inclusive.
Another fault the students had was with some of the language used by students, something that's commonly There's other help available here: discussed when the topic of LGBTQ+ and school comes up. We’ve had a few assemblies about some of the CHILDLINE - 0800 1111 language that contributes to the ‘classroom banter’ at Queens’ but despite being good‐natured they haven’t GENDER IDENTITY - gids.nhs.uk done a hell of a lot. People are s ll throwing about ‘gay’ as an insult and I s ll hear people using the “f‐word” despite TRANSGENDER - mermaidsuk.org.uk that it’s blatantly homophobic. It’s important to note that even though the slurs aren’t being directly used towards FIND SOMETHING NEAR YOU - an LGBTQ+ person, it’s the connota ons of using terms stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/whats- such as gay and lesbian as insults that creates a s gma my-area that causes further problems for those minori es. Despite these these things listed before, there were ANYONE - lgbt.foundation (website) NI A Look Into BUR NG our Failures as Humans who par ally owned the S N “Burning Sun” nightclub in U Seoul, South Korea, is currently facing an arrest warrant for solici ng pros tu on, embezzlement and allega ons of taking and sharing nude photos of women without their consent. TRIGGER WARNING the following article contains Barely a month a er the references to sensitive and original allega ons of drug use adult topics such as and corrup on, the Korean prostitution, drugs and one of the biggest Korean An ‐Corrup on and Civil Rights abuse. DO NOT READ if bands both within Asia and Commision anonymously you do not wish to. outside, you’re seen as a failure received evidence of messages of a K‐pop fan if you don’t know between nightclub staff who they are and their arranging pros tutes for foreign Korean pop music is a getaway numerous achievements ‐ 137 investors at another club, for most people who listen to it. awards including winning two including Seungri, who The vibrant colours, meaningful MTV Europe music awards and personally directed such messages, frequent album named one of the most ac vity. These chat messages releases and loveable personas successful boy‐bands in the dated as far back as 2015. Over allow an escape from reality ‐ or world, bea ng the Backstreet a month later, the popular some mes a deeper look into it. Boys and even the Jackson Five. singer is booked for sex bribery, It’s significantly different to the Currently, 4 out of 5 members and the next day more English‐American music of the group are comple ng messages were revealed ‐ industry, in that the ar sts seem their mandatory military service. conversa ons showed a “cozy” to have less musical freedom The youngest member, Seungri, rela onship with top police (although groups like BTS defeat has postponed his. chiefs within the country as well that idea, co‐wri ng and as further evidence of sordid producing their albums) and the Seungri nicknamed himself and illegal sexual conduct. By lyrics are much less sugges ve, “Seungstby” as “South Korea’s the next week, the case was as well as the vast difference in Great Gatsby” for his business transferred to the korean concept styles. sense and “taste for the high na onal police agency to life” ‐ but it seems he either inves gate all allega ons: Those who have substan al didn’t completely understand brokering pros tu on, filming knowledge about K‐pop will the story, or read into it a li le and distribu ng illegal videos have heard about Big Bang. As too much. The Great Seungri, and more. As of the 30th of June, Seungri has been forwarded to prosecu on people I know of. Taking advantage of the on seven charges including pros tu on vulnerable seems so easy when you’re in the solicita on, pros tu on media on, public eye. Elijah Wood, just a few years ago, embezzlement and more. named pedophilia as one of the “major” And so, we ask ourselves, how much do we problems in Hollywood. Corey Feldman called it know about these crimes? How do we stop them? the “big secret” in 2011, but it seems that there What species of monsters would even dream to is no secret anymore. A few more years back, do such things? The real problem is is that we billionaire Epstein’s private plane’s flight logs already do know them and we don’t try to stop were released, showing Bill Clinton, Prince them ‐ which incriminates us almost as much as it Andrew, Donald Trump, Kevin Spacey and many does the perpetrator. This even happened other celebri es having taken a flight on his recently with the resurfacing of allega ons private jet to his private island. Mul tudes of against Michael Jackson. The evidence is there ‐ girls and women have reported Epstein, Clinton mul ple people witnessed the crimes and yet the and Trump out for taking advantage of them public s ll cannot point fingers. It’s a miracle that when they were underage. So why has nothing the documentary was even released, that radios happened? Why won’t anyone arrest these men? have stopped playing his music out of respect. It’s Why haven’t more of these stories come out, if a miracle that a society as misogynis c as South they’re so widespread that about one in every Korea has brought a en on to the crimes, four women has been sexually assaulted? condemned the perpetrators and even brought light to other related crimes that were previously The genera ons before us have refused to take buried. responsibility for their peer’s ac ons and it’s me for us to take over. We cannot follow in their footsteps. We cannot allow criminals to be empowered by mere numbers, we cannot let rapists and paedophiles steal our sibling’s and our children’s lives, we cannot let money be more important than humanity. It’s disgus ng to think that older genera ons have let this go on for so long and we must take this as our responsibility to take care of those around us. These people have been sympathising with paedophiles, making excuses for people who don’t deserve them. Just because one has money, fame, or power, doesn’t mean they Personally, having read many ar cles that depict shouldn’t be subject to the law and to the morals such stories like this, it’s easy to view them as that have been put in place; that seem innate “other” and as events that could never happen to and obvious. It’s ridiculous, disgus ng, for us to us or anywhere near us. I too used to think this ignore this, for us to wait for something to way too o en un l the Burning Sun scandal was happen before taking ac on, like wai ng for the uncovered. I’ve enjoyed Korean music and culture fire to burn the house down before calling the for a fairly long me and I keep some pop groups fire brigade. If we can condemn the household close to my heart, so this scandal impacted me names that rape, it’ll be easier to condemn the more than I expected. As I took a step back to put people closer to us that do too. It’s me for us to everything into perspec ve and do a li le research take accountability. It’s me for this to stop. of my own, I realised that this problem is so widespread and so real ‐ it can, could, has affected wri en by Maia Anselmo MEDIA ROMANTICISING ABDUCTION an article by Preena Madlani How many of you have seen ‘Beauty And A Beast’, ‘The Terminator’ or even ‘Passengers’? Weird combina on of movies, right? It could be argued that the common link between these films is the sub‐genre of romance however a recurring theme that is o en overlooked in movies is the roman cising of kidnapping/abduc on. There are number of different ways in which these romances are portrayed from harmful and poten ally abusive to so and fairy tale‐like however they all include elements of plots and characterisa on that could be argued to influence and even encourage toxic behaviour within rela onships.
For starters, it is important to understand the different plot lines of films that include the idealisa on of abduc on and incorporate them into the roman c scene, before we start highligh ng the poten al issues in doing so. The most common storyline involves the male protagonist being presented as imperfect and even cruel. He abducts the heroine (for many different reasons such as her ‘protec on’ from a villainous character or because he is being paid to) and she ini ally tries to fight back but eventually gives up because he asserts his power over her. As the plot evolves the two slowly start to develop deep feelings for each other and a romance blossoms. Varia ons of this plot line includes the hero being presented as so and misunderstood from the beginning and o en these plots which involve abduc on are just sub‐genres of the films – themes such as ac on, fantasy, comedy etc. being the main genres. There are many issues with the presenta on of 5 ways to use social media for good abduc on in movies such as the heroic male protagonists not being illustrated as the criminals Raise awareness for important causes that you they are, the kidnappers jus fying their reasons care about – make a photo or video message to for commi ng the crime, the roman cising of raise awareness and get other involved the red flags involved in the poten al toxic Get involved in politics – follow local and regional rela onships and the gradual process of the politicians and pay attention to what they stand female protagonists becoming submissive. for (this will help you get a better idea of policies and politicians you want to stand by in the future To start, the biggest problem in rela on to the when you can vote!) portrayal of abduc on in film industries is the Use hashtags – create or add to a hashtag about way in which the kidnapper is presented. Even a case that you care about and get your friends though, at the start, the kidnapper is o en seen and families to use it as unapproachable and vile, throughout the Petition it – create or sign a petition and spread dura on of the film, he ends up being seen as a the link to it on your social media so that others decent guy and is rewarded for his crime with a can sign it as well roman c rela onship and the sympathy from the Strengthen existing relationships – reach out to viewers. This a massive problem as it humanises your friends and family to make sure they are the crimes that the kidnappers have commi ed doing alright and o en the character off the kidnapper jus fies his ac ons by claiming that in was immoral, it is almost as if it is desirable and necessary for him to abduct the female encouraged. protagonist for her ‘safety’. This allows viewers to believe that the behaviour of these criminals is Lastly there are numerous different ‘red flags’ that condonable and this is a massive problem in are peppered into the plot of various roman c itself. abduc on films which aren’t necessary portrayed as nega ve such as physical force (demands to Another fundamental issue with the presenta on act a certain way or obey) and threats of violence of abduc on in movies is the way in which (as seen in numerous scenes in films such as danger is illustrated as exci ng and a rac ve, as Buffalo 66), controlling behaviour (restric ng the o en the kidnapper makes the kidnapping seem woman’s movements, making decisions on their as an adventure and the idea of the ‘good guys behalf and isola ng them from any human figh ng the bad guys’ takes away from the fact contact) and lastly the masking of a ‘heroic that the male protagonist is in fact the villain. As rescue’ when really the vic m needs rescuing well as this issue, another important problem to form the supposed hero himself. Another key address is the behaviour of the kidnapper. The point to remember is that o en the role of the men of ac on take control and take what they women/vic m in these films is to ‘fix’ the man want, even by using violence and this can be and the idea of ‘a happily ever a er’ implies that seen as psycho c behaviour. Furthermore, the both par es have con nued to stay in the idea of the male characters exercising complete rela onship despite its toxicity. control over women undermines the previous asser ve role of women (when they try to fight Overall, whilst it is easy to over‐look the issues back at the beginning) and the idea of the men linked to the roman c nature of abduc on in film, ‘pu ng the women in their place’ highlights the it is important to understand the flaws within the sexist nature of such films. This proves to be a storylines and realise that events like kidnapping massive issue as it is an example of the silencing that take place in films are merely fic onalised of women and it instead of it being deemed and roman cised and events like this in real life are far more severe and dangerous. er's Mr Morrell ‐ Trolley collector at Co‐op Teach "Don't judge a book by its cover." Fi Everyone deserves to be valued. At the Co‐op I rst worked with an extremely diverse range of s people; one of whom, Steven, had brain Job damage. No ma er how demanding or stressful work was, he was always hard‐working, helpful and kind to everyone. I’ll never forget how great it was to work with him. Mr Buckland – Christmas tree wrapper “Be careful what you wish for!”
I used to wrap up Christmas trees for customers Mr Taylor ‐ Shelf‐stacker at Sainsbury’s to take home. It was like Christmas every day. The "Always check where you’re about to put your thing was, the lights on display trees played the fingers." same 5 Christmas songs on repeat and I had to listen to them for two whole months. I certainly I was bi en by a tropical spider that was s ll in don't wish it could be Christmas every day! the banana pallet one day. I had to go to hospital to get the pus drained from my infected Mrs Padgham – Canteen staff wound! Nowadays I’m more careful, especially in a resort hotel around school. Never put your hands in “Being le to deal with demanding something you haven’t checked! parents” Mr Hopwood ‐ appren ce professional The job involved planning meals footballer, Blackburn Rovers (various forms of fried food), food "I had to talk to a mop as if it was my girlfriend" prep, service and so play area supervision. Highlights of the job Everyone new was forced to do something were cleaning the deep fat fryer, the embarrassing in order to fit in with the rest of the team. ball pit and being le to deal with When my turn came, I had to pretend to chat‐up the “demanding parents” when everyone cleaning mop in the dressing room! Teenage trainees like else had miraculously disappeared! I me did all the worst jobs: cleaning the older players' enjoyed working as part of a team, boots, pain ng the seats of the stadium, washing the there was also the sea view! coaches' cars. It taught me a lot about how not to treat young people, especially if you want to make them feel With the summer holidays right respected and valued. Thankfully football is a much around the corner, and with our be er workplace these days. Year 10 and 12 students about to embark on their all-important work experience placements, The Q decided to catch up with a few staff-members to ask them what they remember from their first teenage jobs. Ms de Groot – Babysi er “The panic bu on had set off an alarm” + ‐ ÷ x My first ever job as a teenager was doing baby‐ Mrs Walker (Headteacher's Secretary) ‐ si ng. One evening a er the children had Bakery assistant gone to sleep, I was having a nose around the "Mental Maths is extremely important!" house. There was a small black box on the wall by the door which I was curious about. I Dealing with lots of small‐change, and with the pushed it down and immediately an alarm pressure of a long line of hungry customers all started blaring. It was a "panic bu on" which wai ng to be served, made me really appreciate had set off an alarm. I had to endure the alarm all the mes I’d had to do mental maths at school. going off for well over an hour un l the parents At the bakery I had to do all my sums on the spot, got home to their wide‐awake children and and very quickly too! concerned neighbours. Needless to say, this put me off working with children for many years a er that! Mr Foxall ‐ Theatre steward, Miss Wood – Glass shop Warwick Arts Centre “Do something you love!” "Don't be a jobsworth!" My first Saturday job was working in the china and glass One of my first shi s was working department in Trewins, Wa ord. The problem with this the backstage door for a Tinariwen was that it primarily involved an endless process of gig. A rather raggedy looking bloke monotonous dus ng of oddly shaped china and glass came over saying 'I'm with the band,' items and I hate cleaning of any kind! The other major but, given he didn't have a backstage aspect of the job was to put on display and me culously pass, Rules‐are‐Rules Foxall was wrap a peculiarly diverse array of china and glassware. never going to let him through, and However, being one of the most poorly co‐ordinated he eventually strolled off in a bit of a individuals on the planet, this inevitably involved a lot of huff. About an hour later the band smashed glass and possibly cost Trewins far more than I came on and ‐ to my horror ‐ the was actually ever paid. I promised myself from then on same guy walked out, centre‐stage. that I would never do a job in which I did not have a Turns out he was the lead singer. genuine interest or gain a sense of sa sfac on. Even when Needless to say, I didn't get asked to work is hard, if you love your job, it makes all the work the backstage door again... difference. Mr Walsh – Pub barman “Girls toilets are messier than boys.”
Every night I’d have the truly wonderful task of cleaning the pub toilets at the end of the shi . Oh. My. God. Make‐ up on the mirrors, make‐up caps and founda on powder everywhere, wet‐wipes and stuff all over the floor. Horrible! I’ve used rubber gloves to put my hands up into the u‐bend more mes than I’d like to remember. Girls’ toilets are the worst. VEGANISM SUCKS? The first thing one thinks when heroin a aches to. It’s not as strong, they hear the word veganism is but strong enough to make you come probably something along the lines back for more again and again. of, “But where do you get your Human milk, the perfect food for protein from?” or “You’re vegan? I human babies designed over millions could never do that; I love bacon and of years through evolu on, has the cheese too much”. Reasons not to go lowest protein content out of any vegan seem infinite at first but when other mammal. And eggs? The USDA it really boils down to it, there are no (United States Department of jus fica ons. It sounds ridiculous Agriculture) agreed that eggs cannot an article by but bear with me. There are three legally be labelled as nutri ous, low Wnny reasons you should be vegan: health, calorie, healthy, safe, part of a Henderickx morality or the environment. balanced diet, ‘good for you’ or low fat. I find it ironic that many vegans Let’s start with health. The world are asked where they get all their health organisa on looked at 800 nutrients from, but no one worries studies from 10 different countries, about your nutrients when you live on finding a direct link with processed McDonald’s and junk food. If you get meat and cancer. Experts concluded your proteins from cows then where that each 50g por on of processed do cows get their proteins from? meat eaten daily increased the risk Plants. In fact, plant proteins (brown of colorectal cancer by 18% and it rice, vegetables, beans and grains) are was also classed as a number one more beneficial for our physiology. carcinogen, in the same group as Some of the strongest mammals we asbestos, smoking tobacco and know like elephants, rhinos and even plutonium. This is only processed gorillas live on a plant‐based diet. On meat, right? If the cow is grass fed top of that, many body builders, and healthy, we should be good, athletes and centenarians that live off right? Meat is animal flesh. This a vegan diet today, so I don’t see how summons bacteria into your gut you can’t build muscle on a plant‐ which do not allow blood to be based diet. supplied to the heart properly which can directly lead to a heart a ack. Morality is a much more complicated What about milk? Cheese is topic because each person defines purposefully addic ve in order to their morality differently. To me, if it ensure that a calf drinks their involves a vic m and directly inflicts mother’s milk. It contains casein suffering on other beings then it is an proteins that go to the brain and undeniably wrong thing to do, a ach to the same receptors that especially if unnecessary. These arguments are going to be purely live healthy lives on a vegan diet. A and those who eat meat require philosophical and moral. Let’s get ques on you should seriously 18 mes as much. 1 gallon of one thing straight ‐ you do not consider is: What has a higher milk uses up 1,000 gallons of need to be an animal lover in value, taste or life? The same goes water to produce so how can it order to be vegan, just like you for culture, we all know that there be sustainable. The waste of 10 don’t need to be a lover of black are many features in cultures that million pigs is the same amount people to see that racism is were morally wrong and that 100 million humans create. wrong. Peter Singer, author of the unjus fiable and so we got rid of book "Animal Libera on", argued them. There are many cultures that This ar cle was not wri en to that the boundary we have have been condemned such as the beli le you or shame you but constructed between humans and Lychee and dog meat fes val rather enlighten you of things other animals is completely which takes place in China every you might have not known or unjus fied. Why should we year, so just because it is a part of even ever thought of. We should consider ourselves so different culture it does not make it be more open to these seemingly from other animals to the extent jus fiable. controversial stances and that we can do whatever we embrace them ‐ societal norms please with them? An argument The environmental reasons are are always changing and never o en used is that we are superior, vast. Earthling Ed's podcast permanent. We should change but by what metric? We may be discusses whether you can be an our morals and adjust to our superior in terms of intelligence, environmentalist and not vegan or environment and veganism would but if you consider other vegetarian at the same me and be the best way to do so ‐ for our a ributes that animals are the conclusion was no, not if you dying planet, our endangered superior in, such as eyesight, know about all the damage animals and for ourselves. sense of smell and even strength, agriculture is doing to the we are inferior. However, this environment. The agriculture does not give animals a reason to industry is the main cause of global TELL ME MORE mistreat, slaughter and eat us. We warming, with one study showing cannot jus fy the killing of that it is responsible for 51% of our Every argument against animals because they lack greenhouse emissions in contrast veganism - TEDxBath something that we have. So, if a to the 13% transport is responsible university on Youtube human were to lack a trait such as for (that’s including all cars, planes, the ability to talk, we would not trains etc.) and so simply switching A meat eater’s case for jus fy trea ng them in the same the lights off more, taking quick veganism - ComicSkeptic on manner as an animal. Jeremy showers and walking instead of Youtube Bentham once said, “The ques on taking the car, although helpful, are is not, can they reason, nor can not the best things we can do for Cowspiracy - documentary they talk? But, can they suffer? the environment. Even ea ng meat Investigates animal agriculture Why should the law refuse its once a week is helpful, your small and its devastating impact on protec on to any sensi ve choices can make a difference for the environment being?” On top of this, many the world because it will people claim that they have a right encourage and inspire others. The What the Health - to eat meat because it tastes agriculture industry is responsible documentary good. But is this a morally for 65% of nitrous oxide emissions Investigates corruption within jus fiable reason? And why which has a 296 mes greater agriculture and how that should our happiness come at the impact than CO2 per pound. One affects consumers like us suffering of another? Especially if sixth of an acre of land is needed it is unnecessary, since we don’t for those on a vegan diet, need animals to survive and can vegetarians require a li le more SLANG AT QUEENS'
I only joined Queens' in strange. A friend and I were September and I've never, in my talking about girls, as boys do, 17 years on this planet, learnt so and he described her as being many bizarre words in such a 'dank.' This threw me off short space of me. In today's completely. As far as I was society, it's very unusual to be concerned, 'dank' was a word unaware of commonly used slang; used to describe something that but the slang terms and phrases is moist and cold. It turns out this used at Queens' School are 'hella' is a way of complimen ng unique. somebody by calling them One of my earliest memories of a rac ve. From an outsider's this school was my walking point of view, the students at through the art corridor and Queens' have a really unusual hearing two Year 11 boys saying way of complimen ng each other. they were going to 'snuff' each On top of that, the slang is other. I glanced over at them ge ng more crea ve every weirdly, assuming the two boys day. Boys are no longer were about to start smelling each referring to their friends other. I then asked my friends as their 'mate' or 'bro'; what 'snuff' meant and they they call each other laughed in my face. It means to fight or hit somebody. I wouldn't consider myself a stranger to colloquialism but that's just, simply, ridiculous. How can the word, 'snuff', equate to people overheard at Queens' being punched? It's honestly the If you get scratched by a last thing I would have guessed. dog can you get rabies? The students here at Queens' are very friendly but the way they choose to express it is really What are the suffragettes?
No one cares about the goat herds!
Since it's just the girls here, this is a good thing to do...
Scrooge had a chance to tap that
Excuse me, are you ginger? good looking male. It's nice to know 'bruce'. It gets more that my efforts will never go unno ced inven ve... when in this school. It's so refereshing to be told you're looking very 'bolo' a er all returning from a long the me you've been spending in the Christmas holiday in gym. January, it's always nice for Queens' is an extremely mul cultural friends to catch up and school and it is shown in the language welcome each other into the new used amongst students. I overhear all year. When walking into the school sorts of different languages being gates on the first day of term, I encorporated into people's English overheard somebody calling a friend conversa ons. Once, I was cha ng their 'slime.' This means a close friend. with some friends and someone called I'm not sure about anybody else but I me 'akh.' Everyone else in the would be pre y offended if somebody conversa on seemed to ignore it so I called me their 'slime.' Where is the didn't want to draw a en on to correla on between this thick, gooey myself in asking what it meant. I didn't substance and having a close know whether to ignore it, be rela onship with somebody? It doesn't offended or ask what it meant. I make sense. I've learnt new things thought about it and I didn't want everyday and I'm really struggling to everyone to 'crease' at me, so, I didn't keep up. I heard the word 'drippy' being say anything. It, apparently, means thrown about a lot on Non‐Uniform 'brother' in Arabic. It's probably best I Day... it's a way of describing a well‐ didn't ask; I wouldn't want to be a dressed person. It's insane! laughingstock amongst the 'mandem.' If you speak to any of my friends, they'll Apparently, it has now become a probably tell you that i have the most commonly used slang term. unusual sense of humour in the group. I I must admit, I've picked up a lot of have been lucky enough to have a group slang in my everyday speech. The of friends in which we can have a lot of other night, I was ge ng a grilling banter without anybody being offended. from my mum. She was already really I've been called 'tapped' on mul ple angry and it only got worse a er I told occassions and it's taken me a while to her to 'allow it.' That did not turn out get a grasp of what the word meant. It very well for me at all. My family have means strange or weird. It's as if they're been on the receiving end of my new speaking a different language. I think I found language. But everyday im have a very good understanding now, learning more and more. Although but, it's currently June and I'm s ll trying slang may be frowned apon as its not to work out what 'dun out 'ere' means. "standard english" its a way for this It's not all bad though. There's nothing genera on to communicate in a fun, be er than coming into school with a unique way. 'fresh trim' knowing that your friends are I hope this ar cle has made all the gonna 'gas' your haircut. I've been told teachers and parents realise they are mine looks 'loud' a few mes. And, not the only ones who get confused without meaning to brag, I've been told from me to me over what new I'm a 'faceman' before by a fair few words mean. people. This is a way of referring to a Yaw Amankwar Commended by the Orwell Youth Prize 2019 Society is as fair as I am white Layomi Abudu
“This is not our country” “You need to know your roots” “We do not belong here”
The sun illuminates my bedroom: It’s me to wake up and start the day. I get dressed in a jiffy and run outside. “Morning!” I hear some of the neighbours say. Dazzling daffodils and tulips in full bloom; At no point do I feel a sense of divide.
A er school, I skip cheerfully to the park. A formidable Olympic team springs forth: We dash, dive and weave without any cares, Then out of the blue appears a ravenous shark! The team disperses to the south and north; At no point do I no ce the wary glares.
What a glorious Sunday morning! My mother and I find seats in our new church. The chairs on my le and her right remain bare. It’s not because we smell; no, it’s a warning. Hand‐in‐hand we pass a withering birch; At no point do I register my mother’s despair.
It is immensely hot outside, so I stay indoors. My older sister says that there’s a storm coming. I dwell upon my swimming lesson that week. My teacher always gives me much lower scores And doesn’t regard the great swimmer I’m becoming. At this point, I let a tear run down my cheek. Ten years later
The birds screech a deafening tune; I trudge towards my window and slam it shut. Frost stretches across the land, claiming territory. I put on the news, grab a mug and teaspoon. Yet again, I decide that the world’s in a rut, With people campaigning for una ainable victory.
What’s changed me, you ask. Well I’m told I’m too loud, too brash, too impassioned. Most old people act as though I am a disease: Keeping distance and speaking tersely. I am compelled to code‐switch when making calls, Otherwise they won’t listen to my concerns. So much for a fair society.
Things were always this way; I just never no ced. I guess with age comes percep on.
Turns out they were right. “This is not our country” “I need to know my roots” “We do not belong here”
The meaning behind the poem is quite simple. As a child, we don’t see colour, we see people just like us. But as we grow older, this changes: we suddenly become more aware of our cultural and sometimes even behavioural differences. Growing up as a black child in the UK, I didn’t really feel any different to anyone else but I remember my mum advising me against hanging out with a large group of other black children in certain areas as it may intimidate people or cause them to treat you disrespectfully. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a lot more aware of people’s reactions to my presence in certain environments and how I’m spoken to or treated, particularly by pensioners. Sometimes I look back and I find that I can now explain many moments or encounters that once perplexed me. Racism isn’t something that I stress about and to me it’s just part of life. Layomi Abudu Ever since Gorillaz hit the music scene in the early 2000’s a er Damon Albarn’s split with rock band Blur, their albums have been filled with THE varia on, experimenta on, and most importantly, collabora on. Almost every single Gorillaz album is jam‐packed with whomever Albarn decides NOW to work with. With his 2017’s oversaturated “Humanz” being no different. 2018’s “The Now Now”, however, is indica ve of a change of NOW focus for the band, with collabora ons few and far between, on only 2 of its 11 tracks. ALBUM The lead single, “Humility”, featuring legendary jazz guitarist George Benson, is a smooth summer me funk‐fest with silky guitar riffs and a bizarre Jack Black‐cameo‐featuring music video which was directed by REVIEW co‐founder Jamie Hewle . The song has been praised for its “wri en on the road simplicity” and is great for immediately li ing the mood of the listener with its feel‐good energy. Immediately following this, we are thrown headfirst into the synth pop wonderland of This rapid shi in style helps highlight Albarn’s ability to flip “Tranz”, a club‐inspired, between genres, seemingly and without effort. “Tranz” is beat heavy dance track. Gorillaz’s first real a empt at a dance song since 2005’s number one hit “Dare” In my opinion, makes me want to throw myself around the room just as much. Once again, Tranz’s release was accompanied by an equally bizarre and eclec c video showcasing the best of Hewle ’s artwork. Next up on the list is “Hollywood”, a slow hip hop beat featuring famous rapper Snoop Dog. This is personally my least favourite song on the album. It lacks a sense of purpose and seems thrown together. Unlike anything else on the album, it leaves you with a feeling of dismissal, as if you’ve just wasted nearly five minutes of your life. “Kansas” and “Sorcererz” both provide great melodies and surprisingly coherent lyrics. “Idaho” and “One Percent” contain a relaxed, so vibe, akin to that of “On Melancholy Hill” off of 2010’s “Plas c Beach”. “Magic City” tells the tale of a man walking through a futuris c Miami, with “billboards on the moon”. This song was influenced by Albarn’s US tour, upon which most of the album was wri en and recorded. Instrumental “Lake Zurich” jumps in with passion and energy, featuring some of the bands best melodies since 2005’s “Feel Good Inc”. The album closes nicely with “Souk Eye”, a lyrically generic love song with a signature Gorillaz twist. Of course, no album is without its downsides, and “The Now Now” is no excep on. The band’s last album “Humanz” was, in my opinion, their worst work of recent years, best described as a pool of lukewarm gibberish, with a few hits sandwiched in‐between, way out of reach to the average listener. Albarn’s a empt at a poli cal statement was not well received by fans or cri cs and was slammed for being too blatant in its message. All of this is why I was excited when Gorillaz announced a new album that was apparently a return to focus. While “The Now Now” is a return to focus, it is hardly a return to form. Past Gorillaz albums have been praised for their experimenta on and differences between tracks. Whereas this album has a same‐ish feel throughout its en rety. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however the overall mood and feel of this album is best described as “A day at the beach that you’re too sad to enjoy”.
However, despite all of this, I s ll believe that “The Now Now” is one of the best albums of recent years. Despite its not‐quite‐melancholy‐but‐ s ll‐sad feel, there are some great songs mixed in. There are glam rock undertones that remind the listener of a David Bowie‐themed fever dream, with added synths for good this is their latest departure from the norm then I’m measure. As I’ve said me and along for the ride. If you read this review, and decide me again, Gorillaz are an ever to give the album a listen, please listen to all of it. It changing band who aren’t restricted is important for you to get a feel for the albums by simple things like genres and mood before judging it. actual band members that exist outside of the imagina on, and if Except Hollywood. Screw you Hollywood.
by Cameron Grigsby
hidden album collection:
Lookaftering – Vashti Bunyan Feels like reading under a tree in a garden under a spring day. Somehow melancholy, but hopeful. Tales of The Night Forest – Black Hill & Silent Island Walking in a forest in the late afternoon, approaching night. Feels like you’re young and scared again. Pulls you in on the first three notes, very atmospheric. boy. – offonoff Lazy evenings with friends, pot noodles and soft drinks. You haven’t done your homework, but you don’t care. If we could just pretend – flatsound You’re in a hotel room and it’s raining outside, you’re drifting off thinking about old friends. Lemon boy - cavetown Having a day to yourself, going to the park in the morning, warm sun with a light breeze. With You In Mind – Stanton Moore Feels like a dark bar in a 1920’s film. Wonderful styles of jazz. No, that was NOT racist
Before I proceed, I’d like to take a moment to lay down the founda on. What is racism? Well according to the dic onary, racism is prejudice, discrimina on, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. Just last week, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed and saw a meme which I
found absolutely hilarious. It depicted a ? white woman dancing with the text D
“When the beat drops and the 3% African E
you found out about on Ancestry.com S comes out”. U
It was interes ng to R
note the differences E
in many of my friends’ V
reac ons to that O ? quote. D M E S I S C U A R R E
V M O R
E M T
S
I Some of them s fled E
C a laugh whilst a few H
A of them were T
R undoubtedly thinking
S
“That’s not a funny I M joke. R That’s just racist”. But is it? Based on the E
T aforemen oned dic onary defini on, this meme is not racist at all. E
H How? Well its aim is to make people laugh, not to
T antagonise anyone and it at no point implies that black people are superior; it merely plays on an old stereotype S
I that white people can’t dance which has been proven to be false by people such as Adam Sevani who plays Moose in the Step up films. I’ve lost count of the amount of mes I have looked at the comments under a meme and seen the words ‘this is racist’ and the frequency with which the term ‘racist’ is used irritates me; especially when it comes to comedy which is not supposed to have to conform to the laws of ‘poli cal correctness’. I’ve heard people argue that the meaning of the word racism has evolved, that’s its now more complex than the dic onary defini on. I don’t know about you but I've never seen the meaning of a word such as ‘technology’ or ‘chair’ change so why should the meaning of racism be able to morph to fit people’s personal preferences. This is how society becomes confused. If people need to express a new idea they should come up with a new word, not expand the meaning of an established part of the English ? vocabulary to accommodate this new concept. D
It’s funny how the understanding E
of a word that is used with such S
preposterous regularity is so U
lacking. I read a blog once that R
said: “People of colour can E
certainly be prejudiced toward V white people. ” O
I strongly M disagree S ? with this. I D C E A S R
U M R R E E V T O
E M
We are H S T I talking about
C racism not S I
A ‘blackism’. R Racism is when someone of one
M race is prejudiced against
R someone of another race based
E on a belief that their race is
T superior, so the idea that only
white people can be racist is E ridiculous and anyone who is H
T uneducated enough on the subject to believe such nonsense S
I ought to be ashamed of themselves. The overuse of this term has sadly led to many people dismissing the significance of the word altogether and given rise to the opinion that racism is a trivial ma er. Racism only has one meaning. The careless or merely uninformed use of this word must stop. by Layomi Abudu Life in the Unification Movement
Neither rumours, nor media coverage can give you a truthful, reliable account of a certain way of life like someone who has been born into it. My whole life I have lived in a religious family. More specifically, I am an Unifica onist, a follower of a movement which is rela vely young in comparison to religions such as Chris anity and Islam.
The Unifica on Movement, more formally known as the Family Federa on for World Peace and Unifica on (FFWPU), was founded in South Korea in 1954 by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon. As men oned in the name, its aims centre on crea ng world peace and unifica on star ng from the point of harmonious God‐centred families. The movement’s main ideology is the Divine Principle, an explana on from the Chris an Bible which was wri en by Rev. Moon and regarded as Holy Scripture by Unifica onists. Although Unifica onism shares much in common with mainstream Chris anity, certain fundamental aspects of its theology differ. At the age of 16, Rev. Moon is said to have received a revela on from Jesus urging him to con nue Jesus’ mission on earth. Thus Rev. Moon is believed to have been the Second Coming of Christ. This mission involved marriage and the crea on of a family, values which the Movement emphasises, and which Jesus had been unable to carry out during his me on earth. The Unifica on Movement teaches that from the me of the Fall, God has been working to restore humankind from its fallen state and bring mankind back to its original posi on in harmony with God. Hence through the development of the world religions, which are so present in today’s world, and through the coming of Jesus and subsequently Rev. Moon and Mrs Moon as the standard to follow of the True Parents of humankind, God has been working to restore his children and to regain a connec on with them. In the past, par cularly due to inaccurate media portrayal, this Movement has come under great cri cism, guided by fear, jealousy, and opposite opinions. Throughout its history, like all major religions and philosophies, the Movement started off as a small group, who were ridiculed and persecuted, in the beginning by established opinions and vested interests, subsequently being ignored. They were then finally embraced, studied excepted and then finally followed. The movement developed historically in the same manner and it is now globally followed on all levels of society. This faith is innately part of my origins. My parents are part of the Movement’s first genera on, both having joined individually in different countries a er discovering its teachings and resona ng with its message. They were then matched and married in a process called the Blessing. This is a process which is highly valued by the Movement. A er this they started a family. The Marriage Blessing is the marital ceremony which is bestowed by the True Parents (Rev. Moon and Mrs Moon) and is what the Unifica on Movement is heavily known for. It commonly is officiated on a massive scale, with thousands of couples taking part at once. These ceremonies happen in enormous arenas and halls where vows and the exchanging of rings occurs and the event is legally recognised, when administered by a registered officiant. However, the Blessing is unique, were it's main purpose is not simply to bring a man and a woman together that love each other, but to restore marriage and family in the way God intended it to be. Through the Blessing, couples come into God’s lineage as direct sons and daughters, and this liberates us to create ideal families that stay together on earth and in heaven. Not only does this build a strong founda on for a secure and happy family life but also works to transcend boundaries. Marriages between different cultures, races, na onali es and religions are encouraged, especially between two communi es that have a history of conflict. In this way all kinds of historical barriers and problems between races, na ons and religions can be solved through the love generated in the family, forging a firm path towards world peace and harmony. Another value that is fundamental to the Unifica on Movement, which is essen al to preparing for the Marriage Blessing, is sexual purity. Children are taught from a young age the value of abstaining from rela onships before marriage and the importance of maintaining sexual purity, not just physically but spiritually as well. This is completed by ac vely working to mature themselves as individuals based on the ideal of living for the sake of others, a concept deeply rooted in the teachings of the Divine Principle. Today, abs nence is perhaps seen as outdated and pointless – casual rela onships have become the norm making it hard to follow this value when we are seeing the opposite happening all around us. However, seeing the las ng, beau ful marriages and families created through the maintaining of sexual purity gives confirma on that this lifestyle is worth it. One could say the difficul es make us even more determined to succeed in reaching our highest poten al as the people of God.
So, you could say that, thanks to the importance placed on family within this Movement, I owe my existence to this faith, and that belief has come to me naturally. However, one cannot just live off the faith of one’s parents nor live a life you see no meaning in. Growing up I have been presented with numerous opportuni es, delving into what it means to have a faith. From the age of eight my parents sent me to annual summer camps, located in the countryside with fellow children in the na onal movement, some mes interna onal. Then from the age of 11 or 12 I joined HARP, High school Associa on for the Research of Principle, the name for the youth of the movement, and went to and con nue to a end the Winter, Easter and Summer workshops. These weeks away consist of daily sports ac vi es, talks on relivant topics and days specifically focused on purity and prayer. A ending these regularly not only feeds me with informa on but reenergises me leaving me full inspira on. Thus giving me the fuel needed to keep my faith and allowing it to grow. It also places me in a stable circle of like‐minded children whom I can relate to on a deeper level. I can honestly see my connec ng with the people around me and I see myself con nuing to do so in the future. The community I was raised in is one filled with loving, caring individuals and one in which everyone is regarded as family. It is an environment in which we can be nurtured and learn from each other and from ourselves, giving us an understanding on how to be a be er person. From here we can ac vely step into the plans that God has for us as individuals and as a community. Because not only are we a religious community, but we are interfaith workers, charity workers, educators, musicians, philosophers, businesspeople, were we use our skills to make a posi ve impact, within communi es in overr 100 different countries. The ac vi es of the Unifica on Movement span every field, because we believe the transforma on of the world to a new age of greater spirituality cannot be achieved by religious revival alone, or by poli cal and economic reforms alone.
Organisa ons founded by the Movement include Women’s Federa on for World Peace (WFWP) who are dedicated to empowering women with the tools needed to create peace in the world, Interna onal Relief Friendship Founda on (IRFF) who work to help the global problems of poverty, suffering and disease, and Universal Peace Federa on (UPF) an interna onal and interreligious network of individuals and organisa ons, which consists of representa ves from religion, government, civil society and the private sector, as well as being an NGO in general consulta ve status with the ESC of the UN and thus supports the UN’s work par cularly in the areas of interfaith peacebuilding, peace educa on, and strengthening of the marriage and family.
Being surrounded by people who are constantly working to create opportuni es to build a be er world and life for everyone have influenced me greatly and taught me the importance of living and I feel it has given me a purpose. It has also taught me to see the value and truth in other faiths other than my own. This is because, I know that at the root of religion there is an intent to find divine morality within oneself and to become the living defini on of that. Therefore, I am happy and grateful to have been born into this way of life, and am equally grateful to have shared some of that with you. I wish you success in your journey to find your truth.
kept anonymous.