Saint Patrick’s Day
By Ghost
Dear Ombudsman staff and students,
Welcome to the history and meaning of St. Patrick’s Day!
St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture on the 17th of March. You may be wondering, who is St. Patrick? Well to answer the question you probably didn’t ask, he was one of Ireland’s saints who spread Christianity in Ireland in the fifth century.
Unknown to many Patrick wasn’t his real name and he wasn’t of Irish blood either. His true name was Maewyn Succat and he was, in fact, British. He was born to Roman parents in Scotland -or Wales- in the late fourth century. When young Patrick was at the ripe age of 16, he was kidnapped by raiders in northern Britain. Pirates sailed high across the Irish Sea where he was sold to slavery. That’s right people-- Irish were also slaves to many. He was forced to work with animals for 6 years in slavery before he escaped and returned to his family.
And as the Irish legend states, St. Patrick used a shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he was first introducing Christianity to Ireland. Which felt weird writing because I am anything but holy. Now you may also be wondering why we celebrate it as Americans. Well, a good portion of Americans are in fact, Christian. So why wouldn’t we celebrate a saint who spread the religion? The first ever recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade wasn’t held in Ireland, but in New York City in 1762, due to the dramatic increase in Irish immigrants. And during the 19th century the March 17th celebration became widespread.
Diving deeper into the history of St. Patrick’s Day, wearing green. Why do you have to wear green on March 17th? Simple really-- to hide from the leprechauns of course! On a more serious note, Irish-American history states that wearing green supposedly helped hide you from leprechauns. And as part of the St. Patrick’s Day tradition, people would pinch anyone who wasn’t wearing green as a reminder of the leprechauns lurking around. Which is completely understandable. When you think of a leprechaun you think of those cute adorable green little people. But here is the definition of a true leprechaun:” A leprechaun (Irish: leipreachán/luchorpán) is a type of fairy of the Aos Sí in Irish folklore. They are usually depicted as little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief. ... Leprechaun-like creatures rarely appear in Irish mythology and only became prominent in later folklore.”
And there you have it, the history and meaning of St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t forget to wear green people! You don’t want little leprechauns to nibble at your toes now do ya?
History of Corned Beef
By Kacey Brode
Corned beef and cabbage is the tradition for St. Patrick’s Day which was started in Ireland. The national dish of Ireland is pork. They usually boil bacon and it is mentioned how beef isn’t the national dish of Ireland. They were supposed to boil bacon for this holiday, but because the Irish immigrants were too poor to purchase it, that resulted in the cheapest meat, which was beef brisket. The dish actually originated from the British but the Irish had adopted it later on. The Irish would only sacrifice their cows if they couldn’t milk or couldn’t work. Now, the name of this dish is corned beef, but there is no corn in this dish. The word “corn” is used to reference the salt that is the size of a piece of corn which is used to brine the meat. The first salted beef wasn’t used with salt at all, but with something called salt ash which is basically burned seaweed. Later throughout the years, new recipes and cooking methods were developed and they added more things to the dish. Potatoes, cabbage, and sweet carrots were added and there are many other foods that could be added. The corned beef recipe is different throughout the world and it is used in many other ways than just an Irish dish eaten on St. Patrick’s Day.
Domestic Violence By Aidan Ochoa Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. WARNING: ARTICLE CONTAINS SENSITIVE MATERIAL AND SIMULATION, BE CAUTIOUS WHILE READING, SEEK HELP IF NEEDED.
As young adults, we all begin to date, we will all eventually start a relationship with a special someone, but not all of us will have the same experience. They may all start out the same: sweet dates, nice gifts, stargazing and meaningful talks, it's all very sweet in the beginning. Without even realizing it, you start dressing differently, doing your hair differently, acting different because your partner has told you what you were before, was wrong. You want to satisfy your partner, who cares if you don't wear a skirt or tie your hair up for them, but in reality you need their approval. This is the first sign of abuse.
Domestic violence is not restricted to one type of abuse. It can range from anything from fear caused by your partner from their actions or words, preventing or forcing you to do things: restricting your interaction with friends and family, becoming extremely jealous, verbally put you down or threatening you, or your family. These are just a few examples. Some red flags are clearer than others, “when you look at someone through rose-colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags.” Being able to recognize the signs sooner can help you leave before things worsen.
Within a relationship like this, in the beginning, it seems too good to true, you feel like you’ve met the one. They’re accepting, give you all their attention and you feel loved. You may not realize it but over a little bit of time, they become annoyed/angry when all your attention isn’t on them and they may “punish” you with the silent treatment. You become used to this new routine, you begin to drop anything for your partner, to text, call or see them. Slowly, you begin to feel isolated from your friends and family, and when you want to see them, your partner complains about spending time with them, despite how much you’ve put in. You spend time with them before/during/after school, all weekend, whenever; when they want you, you go. Why? ‘They’re your partner, why wouldn’t you dedicate your time to them?’ You’re allowed to have me time, you’re allowed to be with friends or at a family event without worrying about your partner. This is when you start to normalize your abuse or try to justify it, but you are not obligated to talk to them or hang out every single day, all day.
You begin spending time with their family, going to events, meeting everyone, feeling like you belong. Sometimes your abuser will try to manipulate you into thinking your own family has abandoned you, and your friends no longer like you, so you feel like they’re all you have. This is considered conditioning and once an abuser has you at this state, they will start pushing their abuse. Their temper becomes shorter and outbursts become worse, when you ask for attention they become angry and ignore you. They may drop hints or tell you directly what you can or can’t do, for example, they may tell you, “I think you look beautiful with makeup”, so you start wearing makeup regularly to get their approval. Optional things are no longer optional, like daily visits becomes a requirement, and they’ll “punish” you, anyway they can mentally abuse you. With a silent treatment, holding grudges, they may destroy your property or just yell, belittling you and making it your fault. When they don’t get what they want, they may cry and get pity from you, making you feel like you need to make them happy.
At some point, you start to feel like you’re not good enough and you’re the one messing things up, you want to apologize for anything that angers them and you start to believe the things they tell you. They will take their own failures, bad days, and make them your fault or take it out on you, starting fights and arguments. At this point you’re so isolated and believe everyone has abandoned you; you feel like you need your partner, their approval and affection, without them, you feel like you have nothing, your life will be empty and you’ll be alone. It all goes downhill from here, their playful pushes, pokes and shoulder taps become more aggressive but they try to downplay what they’ve done, saying “I didn’t hit you THAT hard, you’re overreacting.” The hits get harder, but you still believe it’s your fault, ‘If I hadn’t worn that hat, he wouldn’t have done this, he’s a good person, he loves me’, but none of that is true. They’ll stop apologizing for hitting you and instead say you deserve it, once again, belittling you and making it your fault.
You may be a person who wants to wait to be intimate, and your partner will be okay with that, in the beginning. As time goes on though, they’ll show aggression, and try to ‘encourage’ it by being romantic, buying you things, trying to start things without your consent. They’ll began to push you, touch you without permission and see what they can do, this, like everything else, becomes normalized. Eventually they push any act, they try any method to get the least resistance, like getting you drunk or high. If they force you to dress or act sexual, send sexual photos, shower with them, or any sexual act without your full consent, like you’ve said no many times but give in to satisfy them, this is sexual abuse and assault. If you’re able, do not shower, save your clothing for DNA comparison/evidence, and visit the emergency room for a rape kit. They will examine you, document trauma and give you medication to prevent pregnancy and STDs. Many students are underage, so sending any explicit or suggestive material to a partner is child pornography and is illegal under federal law. Possessing pictures of yourself is still illegal. Stay on the safe side, don’t take the pictures, don’t save them, don’t send them, report anyone who is in possession of any pictures or videos.
Physical abuse can come at any time, but it’s never justifiable and you aren’t able to ‘fix’ them. Once they raise their hand, whether or not they swing, things will never be the same and you should get out immediately; we will later discuss a safety plan. Sexual abuse may come at any time. You will never be obligated to be intimate with anyone unless you consent. It is never okay to coerce or guilt trip someone for not having sex. If you have to beg, drug or shame someone, even with ‘consent’, this is rape. If someone says no and you have to ‘persuade’ them, it’s not consensual. Unless a person is fully conscious and sober, they are not able to consent. Not all abuse is the same or happens within a time limit; it can occur at any time and you may seek help or have a safety plan to escape at any time. Every escape plan needs to be personalized with each victim, visit www.loveisrespect.org/for- yourself/safety-planning/ for an interactive guide. You may use school computers, or see Ms. Stokes for a paper copy. Remember, school is supposed to be a safe haven. Teachers will not judge you, but instead do all they can to help you.
Before you leave a partner, keep evidence of the abuse, like photos and dated journal entries; this will help if you decide to press charges or get a restraining order. If you live together and you’re able to, save money and hide it or give to a trusted person, acquire job skills or an education so you have a way to earn money for your new life. If you have children, talk to them about what to do when violence erupts; choose a room for them to hide and make sure they know their job is to stay safe, not to protect you. If you have injuries, go to the hospital and have them document your visit, and always talk to someone, tell them what’s happening and ask for help.
When you leave, take all identification, like your license, financial information, birth certificates, social security and credit cards in your name. Take all legal papers like protective orders, school records, medical records and insurance cards, custody/divorce papers, and any legal document that includes you or your children. Have emergency numbers like the local police department, bring what’s yours and what you need, like medication, car/house keys, valuables, address book, clothes. Get a prepaid phone to avoid tracking, sentimental items and emergency money.
After you leave there are many steps to keeping you and your privacy safe; change door locks, install security system, change your number, ask for caller ID and get your number to be blocked so you can’t be tracked with the new number. Change your work hours and routes you take and if possible, try to transfer to a different store. Transfer your child to a new school and alert the school authorities about your situation. Change your usual shopping/social spots, reschedule any appointments the abuser may know of. Finally, let people know, let your neighbors, the new school, employers, friends, family, everyone in your life of what’s going on. Block your abuser and their family on all social media to lessen the risk of seeing them and do not contact them, under any circumstance. It’s the best way to protect yourself; consider getting a new place with a trusted friend and own weapons, learn how to use them properly, so you can be prepared if your abuser wants to cause you harm and have someone there to help.
Get counseling or therapy to help you heal, find support groups and once again, talk to others; talking about the situation can help you heal majorly. If you’d like to take legal action, consider getting a restraining order and/or have a police officer open an investigation, show them all of the evidence you have and give them hospital records if you sustained injuries. Don’t forget, none of this was ever your fault and it’s a good thing to get out early and leaving is generally the best thing you can do for yourself. You will find someone who won’t treat you the same. You will find someone who will treat you good all the time and not dare lay a hand on you. Don’t forget people want to help; not everyone is like your ex-partner and you can find caring and kind people, you just have to look in the right places.
Here at Ombudsman, we will help, we want to help. If you’d like to talk privately to someone, let them know and we will be here for you. --
Visit https://www.thehotline.org/ for more information and help on abusive relationships. Visit https://www.womenslaw.org/ for legal information specifically designed for domestic violence Call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) to contact thehotline.org and talk to someone for help
Student Council Corner By Vashante Thompson
On March 7th many of our Charter Northwest students and staff spent a fun day at Six Flags Magic Mountain. In order to go on this trip, students had to meet several requirements including attendance, passing grades, and good behavior.
Here are some of the memories from the Six Flags trip:
FASHION NEWS
By: Miss PuMpKiN &
Ali Cat
Heyyyyyy honey!!!! We are… The Fabulous Miss PuMpKiN QUEEN & The Stunning Ali Cat! Honey and this article is gonna make you gooped …Now honey look at this emerald, you’ll find our toats green Saint patty's fashion collage. Kudos to our LOVELY ALI CAT, THANKS HUN! Now Ladies, Queens, Gents, And Kings… Do keep in mind this is a classy selection of green fashion!! But I hope you’ll tear up what we have in this article Baby….
MISS PuMpKiN <3
1. I love this look so much!!! It's a classy cute cut crease!! Way to sophisticated for me Girl… I can’t do a cut crease to save my soul! Honey Noooo!!!! But the lip I am loving it!!! MATTE MY FAVORITE QUEENY!! I just love how the colors blend in so much! I give this look a TOOT!!!!!
Ali Cat
2 ) I totally love these nails!!! So much Love for these Saint patrick cuties!!! I love the Rainbow and pot of gold so much!! It's so shiny and slayying all these basic girl look. This girl betta work her nails are gooped in the gods tears!!!!
MISS PuMpKiN <3
3) I like this look but…. It's just not intrigante!!! This does not speak Donatella Versace or Coco Chanel… I am sorry but issa regular shemgular basic look. Johneshsa’s man look like this… he was wearing this yesterday actually! I give this look a boot!!!!
MISS PuMpKiN <3
4) OH OKKKUUURR! I ACTUALLY LOVE THIS LOOK, TO ME IT SPEAKS CHRISTIAN DIOR OR CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN IT’S FANCY AND CASUAL!!! SPEAKS THAT NEW YORK LIFE TO ME… EVERYDAY WEAR FOR ME IT’S SUCH A TOOT!!!!!!!
Ali Cat
5) THIS IS SO CUTTE !!! I love this cute suit… The color is so elegant and gorgeous. It’s business casual and is stunning on Adore Delano's life!! I would show up to an interview and stun the workers with my jaw dropping suit!!!!!! So Miss PuMpKiN might not like the next suit lol… Let's Give the queen some space…
MISS PuMpKiN <3
6) Girl who’s man is wearing this……. I give this look a boot!!!! Bianca Del Rio Probably wears this out of drag, this is not haute!! I want Glamour, Elegance and la mâchoire chute de la mode (Jaw Dropping Fashion) qui a jamais créé cette chemise peut les dieux de la mode ont pitié de votre âme!!!!! (whoever created this shirt may the fashion gods have mercy on your soul)!!!!
MISS PuMpKiN AND ALI CAT
PEACE QUEENS AND KINGS