WESTERN HILLS HIGH S CHOOL February, 2020 CINCINNATI, OHIO “HOME OF THE MUSTANGS” Issue 3 The Western Breeze Celebrating Black History Month

By Lailah Romine, ’21 Imagine if they didn't say anything, would we still be the same today? Black History Month is an annual They changed our future; African celebration recognizing the role of Americans are free and we are equal African Americans in the United just like they dreamed. States History. Black History Month means some- thing to my teachers and they contrib- Black History Month began as ute to celebrate it. William Owens, “Negro History Week” Which was cre- Western Hills High School math teach- ated in 1926. It became a month long er, states that “Black History month celebration in 1976. There were sever- means pride and the obstacles that al influential black Americans in histo- those people went through to get us ry. We give recognition to Martin Lu- where we are now.” ther King Jr, Mary Mcleod Bethune, Owens also states that “African Harriet Tubman, and many more that Americans have been slaves longer spoke up to get blacks their equal than we have been free.” rights. Slavery started in the 1600’s and These Americans fought for our ended 1861. Even when slavery ended, equal rights and stood up for what we still went through discrimination they believed in. They believed that and suffrage. people of color should be able to go Western Hills junior Chamia Mann anywhere without comments of dis- explains, “Black History Month means crimination and cruelty. (Collage courtesy of “Great African American Women” featured on to cherish the African Americans who This month is to celebrate our free- The Black Art Depot.) fought for our rights.” dom and the people that fought for us So think about how this world would to be free. The UK Celebrates Black This month is to recognize the Afri- people bombing their houses. African be if these legends didn't stand up for History Month in the month of Octo- can Americans that fought for our na- Americans were treated like animals us. We honor all who stood up and ber instead of February. They both tion and rights. They went through and they were always separated be- used their voice to get us where we share a common purpose, just cele- difficult events like going to jail and cause they discriminated against them. brating different times. are now. Australian Fires Cause Havoc for Coun-

By Akira Lanza, ‘21 ed up to $4,200 will go to each of help of our everyday human activi- the volunteer firefighters. ties, more carbon dioxide is being Important Although rain has helped control released. Wednesday, December 18th, Aus- some of the fires, the country is “Studies have found that even tralia beat their Upcoming Dates as global emis- previous record by reaching the sions have in- creased, about 50 maximum tem- Midterm Week percent of carbon perature of 107.4 dioxide is still se- 2/10/20-2/14/20 degrees, accord- ing to Climate questered by plants and the Signals. oceans” accord- Valentine’s Day Australia’s hot ing to NBC News. and dry weather The more humans 2/14/20 makes it easy for emit, the more wildfires to start carbon they seem and spread. to take up. President’s Day (NO There have been Although SCHOOL) fires in every oceans seem to Australian state, be helping by ab- 2/17/20 but New South sorbing carbon, Wales has been the carbon mess- hit the hardest. es with the Black History Month 28 people have ocean’s chemistry died, over 3,000 homes Assembly (Photo courtesy of National Geographic) by making it more acidic, have been destroyed or which can affect ocean 2/21/20 damaged, and almost a wildlife. Scientists don’t billion animals have been affected only halfway through its fire sea- know how long plants and oceans by the Australian wildfires. son. Temperatures usually peak in will continue to help with the car- Australia’s climate is not the only Junior ACT January and February, so it might bon emissions. But it’s amazing fire starter. New South Wales po- be a while until Australia will find how the world works. 2/25/20 lice have charged about 24 people relief. Hopefully the wildfires will cease that have intentionally started Wildfires have let 900 million and Australia can get a sense of bushfires. tons of carbon dioxide into the at- relief. You can help by donating to End of Quarter 3 The federal government has mosphere, NBC News stated. For- several organizations working to- sent in military assistance and 3/13/20 tunately, plants and oceans natu- ward victim relief and recovery. there are more than 2,000 fire- rally absorb about half the world’s fighters working to contain the carbon emissions. But with the fires. The prime minister also stat- The Western Breeze Issue 3 Page 2 February, 2020

OPINIONS Beauty Without Boundaries

By Jaden Moser, ‘21 doesn’t feel that she should since they have many fans, we Last but certainly not least, I have to impress anyone with all feel as if we need to look like asked Aliyah Telich, junior, if The look of “beauty” seems to she ever felt self-conscious due have changed every decade. to today’s body standards. During this time, as we enter She replied with, “Yes I do, 2020, the beauty standard is “No ma’am, I don’t because I feel like people de- the “natural” look. Women are fine the ‘perfect body’ as some- supposed to look like hour- one with a flat stomach, small glasses naturally and look waist, big boobs, and a big beautiful without makeup on. In need to impress no- butt.” my opinion, I feel that women Telich is saying that she does are so heavily portrayed as ob- feel self-conscious from time to jects. body”—Brooklyn time because of the constant Due to our widespread ac- pressure on girls to look a cer- cess to social media, tain way. “Instagram models” have be- Despite this minor thought, come a stigma. If you don’t look Bennett Telich says, “I’m happy the way like an Instagram model, then I am.” you don’t fit the standard. From the perspectives that I I went around my school and her body. that in order to be considered have gathered, these girls asked some girls who are all I asked another classmate, beautiful. seem to have strong self confi- beautiful in their own way. I Lania Thomas, how she feels Thomas also states that, dence and know their worth. asked a close friend, Brooklyn about the latest image of what “Girls should feel good about They don’t feel as if they should Bennett, junior, if she would ev- “beauty” looks like. the way they look at all times.” have to fit in to impress any- er change anything about her Thomas, junior, stated that, “I She seems to be promoting one. body to fit the standard. feel like everyone copies things body positivity and she thinks I myself feel the pressures of Bennett, replied, “No ma’am, I based on celebrities now and everyone should love them- having to look a certain way as don’t need to impress nobody.” days.” She feels that celebrities selves all the time well but that will never make me It seems as though Bennett has seem to all portray that same regardless of what your favorite want to alter anything about a good opinion of herself and “hourglass” body shape, and celebrity looks like. myself.

Drop Out Divide

By La’Arion Pringle, ’20 selves, how to pay our own bills, and how to work for what we want. Every year over 1.2 million students Next, I asked another classmate drop out of high school in the United De’Adrian Midol, senior, if he was aware States and some feel like they can’t of the current dropout age and how he do it. Some feel like they don’t have felt about it. His reply was “Yes, you can the support. So many people are di- get a full time job at 16. You can work vided between the dropout age being multiple jobs and make a living.” I also raised or kept the same. asked him should we give dropout stu- In my opinion, the dropout age dents who are planning to dropout alter- should be kept the same because it's nate pathways. De’Adrian stated “yes, at a reasonable age. Adults fail to un- like hands on classes, like trade school for young adults.” derstand the struggles that teenagers The Breeze Staff Establishing something like trade have to go through in life. People for- school for young adults, could give so Reporters get that those same struggles are many teens hope. We shouldn’t let the what made them into the people that failure of school prevent people from Jayshaun Darks, Donald Hampton, Demetrius Williams, they are today, whether they like it or becoming successful. We’re all different Raquel Jones, , Hector Alvarez Gonzales, Brooklyn Ben- not. Each and everyone of us battles so we aren't always good at the things nett, Shemiah Jackson, Lailah Romine, Phyllis Sanders, our own demons everyday. And our peers are good at. Alexis Peppers, Chiana Balcaitis, Lanah Smith, Jazmine sometimes we don’t win the battle, Lastly, I asked one of my closest Allen, Michyla Allen, Gabriel Arriaga, Ameer Chambers- things happen and we might have to friends Darkari Mcgarr if he thought we Pruitt, Lanceya Drake, Jasmine Ford, Brad Hallbauer, take a break from our daily routines, should continue to force youth to go to Laila Hollon, Chamia Mann, Jaden Moser, La’Arion like school. school. McGarr, junior, stated “No be- Pringle, Jakobe Scott, Breashia Spivey, Aliyah-Marie Tel- I went around my school asking cause as young adults we should be able to pick our own paths.'' I agree, at ich, Anthony Wyde, Amisha Baker, Thi’Asia Ballard, some people about their opinions about the dropout age. I asked one of this time we’re coming to the age in our Janiya Barnes, Jhordan Bennett, Aissata Bocoum, Drea my fellow classmates, Tre’Von Wil- lives where we are learning what it is to Brison, Kayvon Britten, Treaunha Chaplin, Kristopher liams, senior, if he was aware of the be independent. Gilmore, Diamon Graham, Amaya Harris, Akira Lanza, current dropout age and how it makes Overall, we have to come to under- Patrina Lowry, Michael Lucas, Jamon Norman, Mame him feel. Trevon stated that he wasn’t stand others struggles. Not everyone Sine, Logan Wainscott, and La’Kiya Williams aware. So I quickly informed him and has it good. We can’t just force students into things that aren’t for them. Age 16 he stated that “age 16 is a reasonable age.” is a reasonable dropout age because by Advisor Also, I asked him what age does he this time we are young adults, we are mature enough to know when and if think that a high school student should Ms. Shannon Silbernagel things are for us or not. It’s our deci- be treated as an adult. Trevon stated, ————————————————————————————— sion, and we’re the only ones who “between ages 16 and 19.” These are have to deal with the outcomes of our The Western Breeze is an open forum for student expression produced and for the ages we learn to be young adults, students of Western Hills High School, 2144 Ferguson Road, Cincinnati, OH decisions. 45238. as well as how to hold our own in life. We learn how to take care of our- The Western Breeze Issue 3 Page 3 February 2020

OPINIONS Women Shed light on Leadership

La’Kiya Williams, ‘20 A question we consider is can a woman represent themselves better than men? “There are always situations where Should Students Grade Teachers? A young girl dreamed of becoming the women can outdo a man and vice versa. first female president. She held the dream Women are getting stronger, but I don’t lot about Cincinnati Public Schools. for 10 years! As she got older she real- By Chamia Mann, ‘21 believe everything has to be gender ized an interesting observation. There based,” comments of, Dean of Discipline, weren’t a lot of women in such leading Have you ever got a bad grade I think that students should be able Jeff Rasulis. to grade their teachers because the roles. She dug a little deeper, even check- A follow up question surfaces, what from your teacher, and you wonder ing her governors and senators. There should women do to change this? why or how? Imagine grading your teachers need to know what they wasn’t a woman representing these roles. “I believe women are doing this now. By teacher based on the way they need to work on to make them be- A question even her herself had trouble not taking no as an answer, by pursuing come a better teacher. Grading understanding. Why aren’t there more teach you. Sometimes teachers can jobs they genuinely desire and are capa- make mistakes just like students your teacher could allow them to women in leadership roles? This curious ble of fulfilling in excellence,” states Chris- mind had her stumped. She decided to can. see their progress and be able to tian. make their classes ask both genders their opinions. With women being viewed as ‘eye can- So why not be able Some women may be scared of men. dy’, men don’t take them seriously. to grade our teach- more enjoyable for the Not just physically, but in general. “A truly good person sets that aside to students. “I don’t feel women are scared, however ers? It will make it get professional and appropriate needs better for students to Michael Kramer, depending on the role they strive for may done,” responds Rasulis. cause intimidation because men typically understand their math teacher, thinks Are leadership qualities different when it that grading your fulfilled that role,” says Dance Team in- comes to women? teacher. structor and drama teacher, Lezlie Chris- “These traits are not gender specific, Senior, Laila Hollon, teacher is a good tian. but generally good leaders are confident, thinks that teachers idea. Kramer thinks Not only does the curious young lady nurturing of others, and visionary,” replies should understand his students could hear and understand Christian’s stand- Thole. point, she witnesses it on the news when that “students have a give teachers more The young lady is still at lost for words. lot going on other women tend to drop out of runnings for a Even after receiving different perspectives feedback about their role due to intimidation. of opinions she was still unsure of her than school.” Hollon teaching styles, and it Are you more likely to follow behind a own. It took only a couple of days before also thinks that the would help the teach- leading woman or a leading man? Why? she finally collected her opinion on the teachers should teach the class in Elizabeth Thole says “she could follow ers understand exactly what is matter. ways everyone can understand and working in their classes, as well as either.” More women aren’t in leadership roles She states, “many women have trouble learn. what is not working. because they may fill the need to be in a Some students expect a lot from with women leaders because women are more self-isolating role. A role where she Kramer said that he is an ac- not always very good at supporting each isn’t too judged or questioned upon often. teachers just like teachers expect a other. We are not used to leading, so we complished teacher who is not Women naturally have the qualities to be lot from students. afraid of being evaluated by his sometimes become suspicious and over the best leader they can be. They second Senior, Raquel Jones, expects for competitive with other women.” students. guess themselves and settle to be the her teacher to “effectively explain In which the young lady agreed upon. beloved baker and cook. They push away However, some teachers proba- Back in between 2011-2016 when the the curriculum and work.” Jones the idea that their warm heart is the miss- also expects them to answer ques- bly wouldn't want their students former First Lady Michelle Obama digest- ing piece we need in a leader. ed and helped make changes to people’s tions, or help her “understand the grading them. This could give “A man may run it like a business, but a them bad feedback and teachers healthy eating. Some women felt as if woman may run it like a home,” com- work.” they were being judged and almost body ments Christian. If students were allowed to grade could get frustrated with the re- shamed which caused some to disagree sults. with her leading part. their teachers that would change a Men Overworking the Game Industry

Demetrius Williams, ‘20 For the hard work the employees put in and the times when the employees state when overworking lazy bosses doing nothing. The risk of video games gave them less pay. Starting with the original start- Notch did a good job with creating Minecraft, but being made is very dangerous. Mainly by games ing wage at twelve dollars and then to Nine dollars now he is working as hard as Steve the character being created. Gore and violent games being the or eleven dollars at best when overworking. But he created. best example. that’s not the main thing that hurts. Being overworked in the game industry is super One game that comes to mind is Mortal Kombat The digitaltrends.org explains, “The stress of sav- tiring as well as dangerous starting with the rise of 11 who had workers do overtime for Mortal Kombat ing up money while trying to fit into a place that I new games. Games now compared to the old years 11’s launch in April. The reason why this comes up knew I couldn't afford.” With this information shows are more advanced and difficult to make. Because because some of the employees suffer from PTSD that the higher ups are taking advantage of workers of these precautions, games take more financial (post-traumatic stress disorder.) Because the vio- for a bigger profit. Then worrying about the health and psychological measures on workers. lence of the game as well as working on it not re- and living standards of their workers. This finally Designer of games are saying "Every game you ceiving the right pay for something that gave those leads to the big picture. like is built on the backs of workers” (Time.com). poor workers a disorder. But covering up illness like Being overworked in the game industry is seri- This is true because games now are overly expen- these in the work industry should be illegal. This ous. Not because the work or schedule. It’s be- sive calling for more employees to work. Because leads to amount of pay being overworked gives cause the bosses not taking care of the workers of these issues, this leads to injuries of being over- you. and giving pay to keep them stable. Showing that worked. The work and effort that developers and artist put the workers are not at fault but the higher ups doing in for overworking is tragic. There are multiple anything for a profit. The Western Breeze Issue 3 Page 4 February 2020 FEATURES DancingKobe: An Inspiration Remembered

By Jasmine Ford, ‘20 “I

On January 26th of 2020, Ko- didn’t know him personally, so be Bryant was pronounced I’m neutral, but I’m aware of dead from a helicopter crash his impact on people.” along with his daughter and The passing NBA star did several others. The whole gain sympathy from others world seemed to be a bit shak- whether they knew of him or en. not. Steve Colyer, Western Hills Security Guard, Matt Philips, Baseball Coach, said, “I stated, “He isn’t my favorite, thought it was extremely sad but I respected his mamba and not just on a basketball mentality and lifestyle. It did stand point but because he leave an impact on me for him had a family.” to go.” Western Hills High School (Photo courtesy of http://texashsfootball.com/texas-football-stars-mourn-the- The death of one man known junior, Ceasia Adams, added, tragic-death-of-kobe-bryant/) by many men can shake ‘em Hip Hop Hoopla By Raquel Jones, ’20 In 2017, an up and coming rap- like[s] yellow h***.” Black’s lat- is infamous for his disrespect to per Kodak Black, made a state- est video, “Testimony,” has over a black women, but society over- Music is a prominent daily rou- looks it. Recently, Brown went un- tine in a large percentage of the der fire for his 2019 song “Need a world, Hip Hop being one of the stack.” In this song he states “Only most popular genres of music in wanna f*** the black b****** society. What happens when we with the nice hair.” slow down the songs, or even look Fans were enraged by these lyr- at the lyrics? Many of your favor- ics, and even accused the singer of ite songs are laced with hatred of hating Afrocentric women, and women, and more specifically, black women with natural or black women. “nappy” hair. They also pointed In 2010, The rapper known as Lil out how the artist associates ugli- Wayne released his song “Right ness with curly, or tangled hair. Above It.” The video currently has However, he has lost very minimal 93 million views on it. This song of fans. hit number 16 on the Hot 100 bill- Music has always showed hatred board. The song is very catchy, towards women, but black women and has a nice beat to it. are always disrespected the most. However, in the lyrics, Lil Wayne The sad part about this, is that it is sang “Uh, how do he say what's our own black men degrading us, never said? Beautiful black wom- (Photo courtesy of wikipedia.org) overly sexualizing us, and un- an, bet that b**** look better derrepresenting us. red.” A “red” or “Redbone” wom- ment about “[not] really lik[ing] half a million views. Even though Some say the music of this genera- an, a woman of a lighter complex- black girls like that.” When asked he’s made comments about black tion has fallen into the toilet, and as ion. Lil Wayne said himself in a about it in an instagram live, he women, everyone is still extremely listeners, we should demand respect, popular song that black women further explained that “[He] loves supportive of him. or simply empty the pockets of these would look better if they were black African Americans, but [he] Lastly, the artist mostly everyone artists. Change starts with the view- lighter. doesn’t like black b*****. [He] knows, Chris Brown. Chris Brown ers, so if we hit them where it hurts maybe they’d learn some respect. The Western Breeze Issue 3 Page 5 February 2020 FEATURES The Month of Love: Teens and Self Care “Love is Love” Same sex couples even love, By Phyllis Sanders Non-binary love is soft and snug, Transgender love is nothing to be On this seemingly empty day, intolerant of. People gather, Couples have fun anyway, Love is love, Lovers play games like “Would Love is all of the above, You Rather”. Love is nothing to push and shove, Love is something no one gets Men, women, genders all around, enough of, What or who you love doesn’t Love is just love. matter, Couples stay together, completely To end this on a nice note, bound, I want who’s reading this to know, Attraction is served on a platinum I love you, that’s something you platter. can dote, I love you in all your glow. Love is love, Love is not a white dove, Love is love, Love is not sent from above, Love isn’t something to dispose of, Love is not like a glove, Love is something you’re made of, Love is just love. Love is something you can dream of, Some opposite genders kiss and Love is just love. hug,

A Look at Society Through Art

By Hector Alvarez, ‘21 say women are being objectified more than a car, some shoes or Examining Standardized Testing There are so many interesting any materialistic object. Some and fascinating pieces of art at the women are treated like materialis- Contemporary Art Museum. But tic objects that when someone By Laila Hollon, ‘20 one that really stood out to me gets bored they go to the new one. -ple, would like to know whether was an interesting piece of art ti- Same thing goes for the males, they Standardized testing is a very their child is meeting state bench- tled “American Beauty” by Robert are objectified and treated like a ma- controversial topic across the marks, or how she compares to Colescott back in 1976. terialistic object and tossed to the side school board. Some students will statewide peers. Statewide stand- Colescott’s approach to race, beau- when it appears that they do not have argue they’re bad at testing while ardized exams give parents this ty, and gender is specific to his gener- some type of value anymore. This has the test writers will argue the tests important information.” ation. American been going help measure intelligence. Churchill believes that standard- culture back in on for so Kira Goldring (theperspective. ized testing is a good thing to see the 1970s con- long and it is com) says, “A trend of ‘teaching to a student's achievement and be- sisted of males honestly ob- the test’ has become widespread lieves that parents like to see how being the jectifying a in the U.S. which narrows teach- their child compares to other chil- “dominant” gen- woman or a ers’ focus on only teaching sub- dren when comparing intelli- der. Men were man for their jects that will help students per- gence. allowed to do body is really everything and form well I females were immature. on stand- At first sight asked supposed to stay ardized Chamia at home and tend if you saw the piece of art tests. Yet, Mann, a to cleaning and studies junior at cooking. Women you would just then and now are think that it is have West- just a couple shown ern Hills still objectified as (Here is one of Colescott’s paintings.) objects that peo- of people hav- that stu- Univer- ple just want such as cars, shoes, ing a good dents are sity clothes or anything people are inter- time. But it is more than that. After it more suc- High all went down the celebrity is seen ested about. cessful when focused on learning School, some questions to see her This rated mature piece of art is holding up a trophy symbolizing that she has done a really good job. rather than on exam perfor- opinion on standardized testing. objectifying female celebrities be- Colescott talks about segrega- mance.” When I asked her, “Do you think cause many people fantasize tion and race through his pieces of Goldring thinks standardized standardized tests measure your about having sexual intercourse art and problems the black com- tests take away from students skills accurately?” she said, “Yes, with them. In the painting it goes munity faced during that horrible learning the material. but it may not for other students.” frame by frame on how Colescott period from the 60s-70s. Colescott Aaron Churchill Students tend to recognize that was having sexual intercourse often takes out white characters in (Fordhaminstitute.org) says, “The not all students learn and test the with the celebrity; it almost seems a show or a piece of art and puts very objectivity of standardized same. like he is taking advantage of her. in black people or adds things to exams yields comparability of stu- Both GPA and standardized This piece of art really opened the artwork that either makes it dent achievement, a desirable fea- tests need to be taken into con- my eyes to what is going on now goofy, interesting, and odd. ture for parents and practitioners sideration when applying to col- in our society nowadays. Some alike. Most parents, for exam lege. Issue 3 The Western Breeze Page 6 February, 2020 FEATURES To the Source of friendship

By Treaunha Chaplin, ‘20 ry once in a while, while you have those confide in to understand our perspective Showing emotion is hard for anyone but close friends that you talk to most days so before we look to adults we talk to our is it hard for guys? Most girls are very “Hustle in silence and let your success and spend time with throughout the week. friends. open to showing emotion towards our make noise.” What does this actually There’s always going to be doubts when Generation Z spends a lot of time with friends because most girls have the same mean to a person? In my opinion this committing to a friendship. friends, maybe even more than they problems and situations. Some guys on means to let all outside people be hidden Betrayal, lies, and rumors play a big part spend with their family. Therefore, to say the other hand hold their thoughts in their from how you’re building. Although keep- in deciding who your friends are. You also we rely heavily on our friendships is accu- mind and emotions in their heart. ing your business private is effective, have to spend a lot of time getting to know rate. Showing emotion doesn’t make you there are those certain people that you someone and build a relationship before Boy on boy friendships and girl on girl weak according to some of the seniors have to keep close to you in order to sur- you recognize if they truly are your friend. friendships are similar but consist of differ- and juniors. Everyone has emotions, and vive. “I don’t know if there’s really a true ent characteristics. Girls are seen to show it’s healthy to show them because if you Humans need people to confide in, we meaning for friendship. Everyone has their more emotions than guys because males keep them to yourself, stress and anxiety need people that will be there for us when own definition of what being a true friend like to develop a reputation of being strong can overtake you. Sampson believes that needed. Therefore, keep your circle small is,” states an anonymous source. and not expressing their feelings. Some showing emotion helps you prepare for big and surround yourself with people that Friendship is being close to someone males are open to expressing their feel- situations and problems. “I’m a strong want the best for you. and having a bond, but not necessarily the ings to their friends, it just depends on black women,” she states. Friendship matters a lot because “you tightest bond. A friendship is built on loyal- how close they are and how much they Would you trust your closest friends with can’t get through life alone,” states Senior, ty and trusting those people who you be- trust them. your life? All three of my interviewees Kahlil Thomas. lieve want the best for you. “I have cried to my friends because I feel states yes. Appreciating your friends matters be- Senior, Angel Sampson, states, “when it comfortable around them,” states Thomas states, “they would save my cause a friendship is just like a relation- comes down to me needing help I can call Sampson. Teens put a lot of trust in our life,” Sampson states, “I have trusted them ship; the level of loyalty works both ways. my friends.” Many people, especially friends and whenever we feel as though for so long,” and my anonymous Junior Some friends even have more worth young adults will call on their friends in the our life is falling apart, we turn towards the states, “they have my back regardless.” than others. You have those friends you quickest because we feel as if our friends people that know us best and most of the So there you have it West High; speak to in the halls and check up on eve- are “ride or die.” We want people who we time because judgement is painful. Does Expressing Your Feelings Make You Soft?

By Amisa Baker, ‘20 Our school secretary, Dominica Griffin, her friends and vent. also has strong feelings about what she On the other hand, Angela Moore, our According to the American Psychological does when her feelings are hurt; she calls testing coordinator, may give people the Association, “suicide rates have increased silent treatment. more sharply since 2006.” Suicide ranks Even though the people above listed as the fourth leading cause of death for positive ways to express their feelings, people ages 35 to 54, and the second for there are always negative ways. Some of 10- to 34-year-olds. It remains the 10th the bad ways to cope may be … violence , leading cause of death overall.” eating too much, sleeping too much, or not Many of today’s youth believe express- wanting to be around people your around ing feelings is soft; however, when teenag- every day. ers don't have an intermediate outlet they But enough of the small talk .. Today's tend to do things worse than expressing generation or black males really believe ex- their feelings that could possibly lead to pressing their feelings is weak or isn't manly problems as serious as suicide. like. Do you think females are more comforta- There are numerous outlets that teenag- ble with expressing their feelings than males? ers use when their feelings are hurt. In contrast to males, females express their According to Western Hills High School feelings more because “ by natural we just are senior, Charise Parson, she listens to mu- used to that and we are okay with saying it’s okay,” says Moore. sic, attends work, or does her school work Males feel differently about expressing their . These are positive ways to deal with feelings. stress and feelings. According to Parson, “males always Some more positive ways include vent- (“How Pixar Picked the 5 Core Emotions have the image of being strong and if they ing, talking, or crying. Should people be don't, they get judged.” afraid to express their emotions? of Inside Out's Star” by Caitlin Roper fea- All in all, we are just emotional crea- Adults even need outlets. tured on the website Wired.) tures. Issue 3 The Western Breeze Page 7 February, 2020 FEATURES The Original Digitals

By Michael Lucas, ’20 during this generation, maybe a bit too much. As a member of generation Z, we When asking other members about their opinions on generation don’t see how generations before Girls With Pearls Shine went without phones. Today we are Z, there were mixed feelings. According to Dree Chenault our the first true digital natives. We on the journey to CANCER FREE”. have been around technology our generation “don’t show no loyalty”. By Jhordan Bennett, ‘22 whole lives and it’s only gotten bet- Many of our generation Z members When you are involved with Girls ter. preach loyalty Thirteen pearls on a necklace, to Women, you bond with your sis-

According to but don’t neces- shining and glistening from a mile ters. Thomas En- sarily stick to it. away; each pearl represents each Henderson states our bond is neking, 9th grade Friends fall out girl that is in Girls to Women. strong with the girls because “we Modern World today and post According to sophomore Asia meet every week on Tuesday and History teacher each other’s Crawford who is in Girls to Women, speak on any of our struggles we’re business on the our generation is “Each letter of ‘PEARL,’ represents having or speak to one another “tech savvy” very media ALL THE a different meaning. ‘P’ stands for about anything; we also do check- good with tech- TIME. pretty, ‘E’ stands for encouraging, ‘A’ ins on our moods and why we feel nology. Chenault also stands for admirable, and ‘RLS’ that particular way.” believes that our Tech savvy is This special group changes indi- generation has stands for Reliable Lady of Society”. being well edu- The PEARL can mean a variety of viduals. cated about the “nothing but things to different girls. Sophomore Sabrina Baker relays, modern technolo- hate” to offer to “I would consider this program to gy, things such (Picture courtesy of Getdrawings.com) society today. “A pearl leads a school known as as phones, com- Peers envy and Western Hills University High School other girls because speaking from puters, and tab- are jealous of by high definition of a character and my experience, I changed a lot due each other a lot these days. That vocab. The ability to speak to others to the program. It helped me come lets. Many students are experi- enced with such things and invest tends to start conflict between lots and use the money for doing goods. out of my comfort zone and made their money in phones and comput- of people these days. A pearl draws attention to other new friends that are now my sisters!” ers. Sometimes this hate and conflict girls,” says sophomore, Normya Finally, this program leaves a leg- Although we are tech savvy, can be because we have to focus Henderson. acy behind by developing new and phones can be a threat to our edu- on our responsibilities and “we had Girls to Women sponsors many forever relationships with other girls cation. to grow up faster,” says Eliza Sim- activities through the school year, that have the same goals and val- Enneking explains, “ This genera- mons, senior at Western Hills High such as bake sales for teachers and ues. School. tion is addicted to their phones, of- high school students. “I considered this program to other ten to the detriment of their grades She also states that “we open some adults’ eyes” because we are According to Henderson, these girls because when I'm too old to and success”. activities, “help us be able to do attend it, other girls can take over Despite the fact that teens have smarter and learn from past genera- things such as the toiletries drive we the legacy and do the same tradi- good electronic communication, he tions. goes on to say that phones can Hatred and disloyalty may be did for the 7th and 8th-grade girls. tions. Hopefully we can make it into cause poor interpersonal skills and some of our negative features, but We taught them about hygiene and sister generations! I want Girls to too much drama due to social me- we mature at an early age now-a- more. We also did a breast cancer Women to expand and advance,” dia. days. walk, supporting each individual who remarks Henderson. Social media effects loyalty issues has suffered from cancer or is still Issue 3 The Western Breeze Page 8 February,2020 FEATURES Games, Guts, and Glory YouTube Policy Changes Trouble in the Gaming Industry

By Jashawn Darks, ’20 By Jashawn Darks, ‘20

these are trying times for those children, creators will be directly Recently, the world has sunken In the last few months, YouTube’s overseas, this recent epidemic has algorithm has gone through some fined if they violate the new policy. into a panic over the news of the Corona Virus. brought others While there are some organiza- changes. The Children’s Online Pri- Not only has closer togeth- vacy Protection Act (COPPA) has tions for child advocacy, such as China’s econo- “Not only has Chi- er. reached a $170 settlement with Common Sense, feel as if the rules my been affect- na’s economy been Game pub- YouTube after they accused set by this new policy don’t go far ed, but also the lishers such as gaming indus- affected, but also TenCent and YouTube of violating children’s pri- enough and feel as if the burden NetEase, vacy. should be placed on YouTube and try has taken a the gaming industry toll as a result. streaming plat- not on the creators themselves. Due to this settlement, YouTube Many of the has taken a toll as a forms Douyu content creators are required to Among the various disadvantages gaming’s es- and Huya, and mark their videos as directed at of this new policy is the obvious dis- ports teams are result.” exports teams Aster and Liq- kids. This development, however, advantage: the removal of targeted based in China. uid have collectively earned and will result in the loss of a lot of ads. Another major disadvantage is Due to the virus, many companies have closed until further notice in offered millions to support the city money for many creators on the that on all child-targeted videos, fear of members contracting the of Wuhan as it struggles through site. comments will be disabled as well disease. the coronavirus. For most creators, it is difficult to as end screens, click-through info As for the esports community, With over six thousand cases of differentiate what constitutes as cards, notification functions, and tears will be shed as multiple tour- infection, our condolences go out to all those in Wuhan who have child content. As well as not know- the community lab. For those naments have been delayed with been affected and elsewhere. ing what counts as content for dates to be determined. While It’s “Among Us”: a new mobile game

Soul Knight Smashes Mobile Gaming

By Donald Hampton, ‘20 creatures in their meager attempt This just in! A mobile game to survive. The update also in- known as Soul Knight is one of the cludes new tombs and relics for best games of this year. If you ever people to discover for themselves feel the need to play a console which have yet to be explored. game but you do not have the What’s more, is that this game al- time for a console then Soul so has a multiplayer for you to Knight is the game for you. Soul play with your friends. Not feeling Knight recently had a new update interested with phones? Don’t “5.2”. With this update came the worry! Soul Knight is also available very much anticipated story mode on the switch. (Photo courtesy of itch.io) where characters fight a horde of

By Donald Hampton, ’20 hoping that his partners will find The Gaming Experts A game named “Among Us” has out who the imposter is. The im- recently hit this school like a wave; poster is to kill everyone on the the goal of the game is to find the ship without being noticed. murderer within your crewmates This game was launched in 2008 and kick him out before he comes by Christopher Shannon, and the after everyone in the group. game quickly gained steam and has Everyone has a specific task to do been popular ever since. to keep everyone separated. The Recently the game has hit the murderer can sabotage the system school and is now widely popular in the spaceship to distract people among friend groups. This game is while he kills his prey. When a crew rated four out of five stars on the member discovers a body, the App store. The game is playable for group will have to talk and vote on 5-10 players and it is an exciting who they think who the killer is. mystery worth playing. In “Among The person who is voted on will Us,” you can play a private game be launched into space and will with your friends inside a private have to watch by the sidelines game.