Modern-day Gender Nonconformity

By: Devon Benzaia

As the world becomes more and more progressive, people are able to identify themselves much better than they once were. In elementary school, we were all taught that pronouns are used to shorten a sentence and make it less repetitive. For example, I identify as a woman, so instead of saying, “Devon went to the store,” one could say, “she went to the store.” Typical binary pronouns are she/her and he/him. However, not everyone may identify with their initial biological gender, or with a gender at all. While they/them does not necessarily have any gender connotation the way she/her and he/him do, some feel that they/them is still too closely associated with gender. To combat this, transgender, nonbinary, gender-queer, and gender nonconforming pepole typically use neopronouns to express themselves. 

Non-binary pronouns started as early as the 17th century. Shakespeare used pronouns like thee/thou/thy. Classic neopronouns that are most commonly used are ze/zir, xe/xir, ze/hir, ae/aer, and so on. They are very simple to use, just like any other pronoun. “Ze went to the store. The book is zir’s.” Just as the formal usage of they/them pronouns instead of binary pronouns went through in its early stages, neopronouns are currently facing heavy backlash. When uninformed, it might be hard to understand the importance of neopronouns to those who do not identify with a specific gender, but I urge everyone to be open minded. Expressing oneself does not do harm to anyone, nor does it affect anyone except that specific person. It is extremely important to allow those people to express themselves they way any CIS person does (someone who identifies with their biological gender assigned at birth).

To be completely honest, I have never heard of neopronouns before the past couple of months, but I’m all for people expressing themselves and feeling comfortable in their own skin. Social media platforms like Tiktok, Tumblr, and Twitter have supported this equality by providing a spotlight for neopronouns and helping to spread the acceptance of them. Unfortunately, there will always be people who do not tolerate things that other people deem acceptable, and vice versa. Part of why some feel that neopronouns are not extremely valid is due to the colonization of a subcategory of neopronouns, known as nounself pronouns.

Nounself pronouns are based around things that are not related to gender, but rather things that express distinct differences about a person. People who use neopronouns are known as enespronomial. Since any noun can be turned into a nounself pronoun, there are any infinite amount of alternatives. For example, if someone used “bug”, it would be bug/bugself. “That is bug’s coffee. Bug loves bugself.” In simple terms, it replaces pronouns just like neopronouns do. Even though nounself pronouns may seem completely harmless, it has raised concerns from members of the LGBTQ+ community, and more. Throughout history, the LGBTQ+ community has been forced to deal with various forms of hate and mockery. Part of this is due to microlabeling. Radical micro-labelers have caused a negative reputation for parts of the community, and caused it to be mocked. While micro-labeling is important for identity, it can also be very harmful. As I mentioned before, Tiktok has helped neopronouns become popularized. Many people started using nounself pronouns. However, one thing I’ve seen happen firsthand is the usage of nounself pronouns to fit a specific aesthetic, not for actual identification purposes. Misusing pronouns can erase the original meaning. For example, pronouns like kitten/kittenself tends to make people feel uncomfortable due to the nickname/pet name connotation it has. Other nounself pronouns like BLM/BLMself and vampire/vampireself are damaging to a community that is trying to be taken seriously, and those who use legitimate nounself pronouns. 

The topic of what is deemed acceptable or not is very controversial. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are on both sides of the argument. One side being to use people's pronouns no matter what they are, and another side being to use pronouns that are not used to fit an aesthetic or mere nicknames. Overall, no matter what side you’re on, it does not change the fact that it is not okay whatsoever to incite hatred against gender nonconforming groups, nor is it okay to be outright disrespectful to them, much less anyone. As time goes on, I hope that neopronouns will be more universally accepted. The only advice I can offer for now is to ask someone if they have any alternatives to their pronouns if they make you uncomfortable, in a polite way. Remember, treat everyone the way you would like to be treated!

How Harry Styles is Breaking Gender Stereotypes

By: Elise Stefankiewicz

Harry Styles is a singer and songwriter with many hit songs and popular music videos. But besides being known solely for his music, Harry Styles is also known for his unique style and fashion. Being the icon that he is, it has recently been announced that he will be on the cover of December’s Vogue magazine. Being on the cover of Vogue is a huge deal, but it gets better. Harry Styles happens to be the first man on the cover alone in 127 years. You can obviously tell that he broke some sort of stereotype for who appears on the cover of this magazine.

The cover of each published Vogue magazine features its fashion and beauty, which is what the brand stands for. The magazine is known to feature popular people (mostly women) in our media, wearing unique clothing. Harry Styles’ is wearing a dress and when asked to explain what the images meant, he said “There's so much joy to be had in playing with clothes. I’ve never thought too much about what it means- it just becomes this extended part of creating something.” His message basically is that fashion is simply a fun way of being able to express yourself, and that clothing should not be gender specific. What Harry Styles has done is groundbreaking and it is amazing that he is breaking gender stereotypes and showing that fashion can be gender neutral. 

Candance Owens, who is a conservative author, commentator, and political activist, did not feel the same way as me when looking at Harry Styles in a dress. She took to social media to explain that she fears our society will not survive without “strong men.” But what actually makes a man, manly or strong? What he wears? His job? Or is manly being comfortable in your own skin regardless of what people think about you?

Men and women can dress however they want and people are showing their support to what Harry Styles stands for all over Twitter, by tweeting pictures of themselves breaking gender stereotypes. Our society has convinced us that men should not wear dresses, but I say why not? Life is short, be whatever you want to be, and wear whatever you want to wear. Never be afraid to be yourself. 

Sources: 

https://www.vogue.com/article/harry-styles-cover-december-2020

Predicting Today's 2020 Election

By: John Stracco

    The 2020 Presidential election is literally tomorrow. Wow, four years has gone by fast, it feels like just yesterday we were dealing the exact same thing, and that 2024 is tomorrow. Nevertheless this election will go down as one of the most consequential in American History, not only happening during a pandemic and an economic crisis, but during one of the most divided times our country has been in our lives.

Predicting the election is like one of weird logic puzzles where you have fit different shapes together to make a whole one but it's really just impossible. The whirlwind of American politics is essentially a brain teaser and today it is going to try to be untangled into 50 seperate states each with different electoral voters and few that may very well be the driving force in the decision on the Presidential race as well as down the ballot in Senate and House elections.

    To start, it's easy to assign states that will be won easily by each candidate based on past electoral trends and just common knowledge in the world of American politics. Biden will win the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Colorado, Illinois, Maine (and its first congressional district), Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware (his home state), Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. Trump would win Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska (and its 1st and 3rd congressional districts), Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia. After this Biden leads comfortably 212 to 108.

Now for states that are most likely going to each candidate. This means a certain candidate has a solid lead and their party has a past history of winning seats there. These states include Nevada, Minnesota, and New Hampshire for Biden, even though some say Trump may have a shot here. For Trump these states would be Iowa, Indiana, Alaska, Montana, Texas, Nebraska's Second Congressional District, and Maine’s second congressional district.

    Now time for the fun part: the swing states, where a deep dive needs to be taken to understand who is going to win.

Arizona: Biden

Arizona may very well be the fastest changing state in the union, just four years ago it was a republican stronghold and now Arizona may very well have two democratic Senators, and award it’s 11 electoral votes to Joe Biden. (Hint: they will). Will an influx of people moving into the state (mostly from solid blue California) and a high Latino population, Arizona really could swing either way, but seems to tilt towards Biden in this contest. Young people, who are more likely to vote blue, may also play a crucial role in a Biden victory, and with the legalization of marijuana on the ballot, voter turnout among young people may make the difference in the Grand Canyon State.

Wisconsin: Biden

It is really hard to think Wisconsin went to Trump in 2016, but polls show Biden up to 9 points ahead in the state and he should really have an easy time pulling off a victory here. But then again, you never know. Trump has pulled off some wild victories before.

Michigan: Biden

It is easy to debate putting Trump here because of the unpopularity of Michigan’s Democratic governor, but Biden is performing strongly in a key upper midwest state that may prove crucial to a Biden victory.

Ohio: Trump

Ohio went for Trump in 2016 and the polls suggest the same results despite Biden’s valiant efforts in the Buckeye State. A changing demographic in the north should give not only Trump, but Republicans, the advantage for years to come.

Pennsylvania: Biden

Many think the race will be decided in Pennsylvania and really the answer to that is yes and no. No in the sense that the election will really be decided in the south and west as a shifting demographic leads to growth in population and the economy in traditional republican strongholds. The answer, however, is yes in the sense if Trump holds onto these states then Biden will absolutely need it to reach 270. In reality, Biden just needs to win either North Carolina, Georgia, or Florida to reach 270, and if he can do that then Pennsylvania could be considered more of a back pocket state for Biden. 

North Carolina: Biden

This may be risky, but the Tar Heel State is leaning towards Aviator Joe. Traditionally a Red Stronghold NC went for Obama-Biden in 2008, but Trump easily won it in 2016 by 3%+. However that was then, and this is now. Arizona is proof enough that a lot can change and Hillary was disliked so many North Carolinians chose to vote third party. If Biden can win back votes Clinton lost he will “fly” out of North Carolina with a win.

Georgia: Trump

Let’s be real, this is the most 50/50 state in the election. It could seriously go either way, but for the sake of electoral trends and recent elections, it’ll go to Trump. Georgia, like Arizona, is changing fast and it could be solid Blue by 2024. In the 2018 governor's race, Stacey Abrams came oh-so-close to defeating Republican Brian Kemp, and many say that the Dems have a major shot at winning BOTH of the state's Senate elections. Time will tell in the Peach State as it is truly a testament to the changes this country has seen over the last 4 years.

Florida: Trump

OH BOY, yep it is Florida, the mother-load of swing state electoral votes and possibly the most continuously controversial state in the union. Let's put it this way, if Trump loses Florida there is almost no way he makes it to 270 and that's putting it lightly. However, a Trump victory in Florida is dependent on two important groups, Seniors and Hispanics. In a pandemic where 200,000 were killed under the supervision of Trump, it is no debate over whether the retirement capital of the world will have a say. With many being immune-compromised or concerned about healthcare in general, the elederly may make a surprise and cash in their ticket to the Biden train. Trump contested the Hispanic vote in 2016 and will attempt to do so again, and if he can, he will find it a lot easier to win the sunshine state.

    Overall with all these predictions going down, Biden would win with a 304-234 margin and become America’s 46th President. Buckle up America, because the next week is going to be a bumpy ride!

How the Mute Button Saved Not Only Americans, But the Presidential Candidates

 By: Brooke Barschat

After the first presidential debate, I believe most of us watched in horror as the countdown to the final debate began. We didn’t want another mess of constant interruptions and angry comments where no one learns anything new about the candidates; we wanted a debate that was actually productive and revealed new things about the candidates. In my opinion, this goal was actually achieved, and I believe this was due to the threat of the mute button. Even the threat of a silencing seemed enough to cause an improvement in the candidates’ behavior, The button had to be used very few times, though it did not hold back the candidates in their respective two-minute responses. 

It’s pretty obvious why this was a saving grace for Americans. We finally got the debate we deserved. We got to actually hear what the candidates had to say. Even the moderator was able to get out the questions without having to yell at one of the candidates to let the other speak. Though some of the comments said by the candidates were a bit untrue, there was still a big improvement in the amount of information we learned about the candidates’ plans and positions since the last debate. We were able to hear the clashes in the candidates’ views on the handling of COVID-19, election interference, policies in China and North Korea, healthcare coverage, economic relief, the minimum wage, immigration, race relations in America, and the environment and fracking.

So obviously, this button helped Americans get a coherent and less stress-inducing debate, but how was this button helpful for the candidates? 

For many Americans, an interrupting and belligerent candidate is not an appealing one, so by taking away the candidate’s option to interrupt also takes away the option for the candidate to make themselves look like a bumbling fool. This was especially helpful for Trump who could not seem to help himself from interrupting in the last debate and ended up making himself look less appealing.

However, interrupting is part of Trump’s strategy. His interruptions and attempts to dominate are attempts to throw his candidate off their game, thus the mute button was a saving grace for Biden as well. As Trump could not employ this strategy, he was able to focus on his actual answers instead focusing on defending himself against attacks and/or trying desperately to reclaim his time.

Ultimately, I feel this was a successful debate. I feel that this debate, much more than the previous debate, will help undecided voters make a decision and will motivate those who haven’t already to submit their ballots. Even if it doesn’t achieve this, this debate definitely instilled a lot more faith in the American people about politics, particularly after the dumpster fire that occurred last time.

My conclusion: More mute buttons at political debates.

The Weekly Recipe

By: Kasandra Lechleiter

Recipe: Meatballs (No. 48) Category: Lunch or Dinner

Notes of Experience:

• Personally, I love using salt and pepper in a lot of recipes, simple or difficult.  Salt and pepper gives basic seasoning to the dish, but gives all the difference.

• When sprinkling the ingredient mix with salt, I suggest taking a few medium-sized pinches, depending on how salty you like your food.  If you don’t know how salty you want to make it, you’d rather underseason than overseason the meatballs.  When serving, if you find the food is less seasoned than you’d have liked, you can always add more salt.

• When sprinkling the pepper, I suggest a few shakes, but again, don’t overseason.

• Spread out the seasoning.  Add some salt and pepper when mixing, then again after mixing.  It makes sure everything is well seasoned.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of beef (ground)

• 1 lb of pork (ground)

• 0.5 cup of Italian breadcrumbs

•  1/3  cup of milk

• 0.25 cup of onion, diced

• 0.5 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

• 1 egg

• 0.25 cup of parsley (chopped)

• 0.25 cup of parmesan cheese (shredded)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400* Fahrenheit

2. In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients until just combined

3. Shape the mixture into 48 meatballs, approximately 1.5 tablespoons each

4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through

Bon appetit! 

Kasandra

How Meme Culture Impacts the PSAT

By: Elise Stefankiewicz

High school inevitably starts every year and the first thing that comes to most Sophomores and Juniors minds is the PSAT. This is the first real stressor of the year. This is the test that starts off initial thoughts about the actual SAT and then sparks thoughts of college. The series of questions, depending on your mindset, means a lot to students because it gives them an estimate of what their SAT scores will be like. Scholarships and opportunities can come from a good PSAT score. To make the PSAT less dreadful and more comical, teenagers have taken to twitter and memes have started to develop about topics that appear on the test. 

A meme is a picture or video that has some sort of text above it symbolizing a joke that correlates with the given photo. Internet memes are virtually spread like wildfire and if you have any form of social media you will easily be introduced to the PSAT memes. The culture of creating a series of memes about the test has been a constant every year. This is simply our generation's attempt to make something stressful more humorous, and it does just that.  

Despite the College Board's concerns with the memes, it has motivated the students that take the test. Students want to take the test to understand the memes that are trending online. If they read the stories provided they will most likely acknowledge the memes they see online. College Board members are not happy with the outlet our generation has created on Twitter discussing the test. Students are not permitted to discuss the test but that does not stop anonymous or no name accounts on Twitter. The constant flood of memes makes it near impossible for the College Board to actually track down and cancel the scores of those who are posting memes. However, every student is taking the test and reading it's content, so memes are bound to be created, and therefore bound to go viral. 

Our generation has its own way of creating comical memes or jokes about things that stress us out. Whether it be school, a sport, a personal situation, or the PSAT. We find ways to make jokes about things that cause anxiety. This eases what we feel and creates a less tense view of taking the PSAT. Generation Z 1, College Board 0.

Sources:

https://clarksburghowl.org/2468/features/student-psat-memes-break-signed-confidentiality-agreement/ 

https://www.reddit.com/r/psatmemes/comments/9n1ycq/press_f/ 

Things People Need to STOP Saying about Equestrians

 An Opinion By: Araya White

  “It’s not a sport.”

It’s not a sport? Then tell me, why is it in the Olympics? I go for one ride at least once a week and after my lesson I go home with my legs shaking because I work so hard.  We have to be in physical shape to ride and some people have to diet themselves to be able to ride.  Plus, I’d like to see you ride a 1,000 pound animal with your hands and legs, and doesn’t speak your language!  

“You just sit there!”

I have personally had a few people say this to me, and everytime I say “Thank you!”  Here’s why I say this; If you were to see a rider with one hand high, one low, leaning back, and legs bouncing around you would probably think that they are a bad rider.  Or seeing someone kick their horse to go faster,  or pulling their horses face off to stop.  That’s the point.  Using invisible cues to control the horse, it’s truly amazing!

“I could do that too.”

Unless you ride yourself, I don’t think you can.  Yes you can ride a horse, but can you do it properly?  Probably not, unless you take 2 horse lessons in your free time.  It takes the average rider about a year to be able to canter over a 1 foot fence correctly if you take lessons once a week.  So unless you’re doing that don’t tell me you could easily ride a horse over a 3 foot fence.