To those distracted by the magnificent female shoulder

(Opinion)

During a North assembly in the auditorium about healthy relationships, we were asked to participate in a case study where we gave our input on the story of a girl named Tracy who wore a short skirt to school and two boys flipped up her skirt and took pictures without her consent. In the row behind me, a student in a purple hoodie raised his hand when the choice “she was wearing a short skirt, it’s what she wanted” came up. He then proceeded to yell at the top of his lungs, “That’s why we have dress codes!”

The dress code from the North student handbook reads, “…students may not wear clothes that distract students or teachers from the conduct of educational activities. The following are examples of prohibited clothing: sleeveless undershirts, lifter shirts, tube tops without a shirt over them, visible underwear, uncovered midriffs, and clothing with holes in inappropriate places…”

Most of these limitations are specifically oriented towards girls, as modern day trends usually involve things that are prohibited in schools. However, when a girl is sent out of class to change it can be a sexist and dangerous move.

Let me try to put this in perspective by creating a scenario.

Let’s say Tracy is wearing a sleeveless top. She walks into class, and halfway through the class, the teacher sends her down to the deans’ office for her choice of clothing. Simple, right?

I’m going to retell that story: Tracy walks into class, feeling great because she knows she looks good. She goes to her seat and the teacher notices her shirt is sleeveless, but decides to let it slide. Class begins and Tracy is perfectly attentive, listening to the review for the big test tomorrow, knowing she needs the grade. However, the teacher notices that Jon next to her is a little distracted by how good Tracy looks. Jon also needs to do well on the test the next day, and the teacher, remembering that, chooses that moment to dress code and send Tracy down to the deans’ office.

The teacher sent her down because she felt that her clothes were distracting and getting in the way of Jon’s learning experience.

The teacher decided Tracy needed to leave so Jon could learn properly.

The teacher decided that Jon’s education was more important than Tracy’s.

The teacher decided a boy’s education was more important than a girl’s.

If Tracy was a girl who got distracted by something like men’s calves and Jon was wearing basketball shorts, chances are, nobody would bother to think to put that on the dress code.

In a society where there is already gender inequality, places nurturing the younger generations (schools), should be doing everything they can do make sure the future is more equal. Rather than teaching girls to change so boys can be comfortable, we should teach boys to show respect, and we can’t do that if we put girls down everyday for “distracting” them with their clothes.

According to the deans, the dress code exists to maintain a professional environment to help kids get ready for the real world. However, they forget that how people dress is how they express themselves, and when limitations are put on how students dress, consequently those limitations transfer over to students personalities. High school is a time when kids are figuring themselves out and testing out different things, including apparel. It is not a professional environment for teens fresh out of grade school, rather it is where they spend half of their day. 14 is too young of an age to be taught how to be professional.

Trashing the dress code doesn’t necessarily mean total devastation on the face of the earth. Schools with no dress codes are flourishing, now more than ever. Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago was named the best public high school in America this year, and their dress code is nowhere to be found. Dress codes are not imperative to be a good school, rather it is imperative to give a good role model where students are respected for who they are, including their choice of clothing.

So dear Purple Hoodie In The Row Behind Me, with all due respect, show some respect.

What is Happening in Burma?

(Story and Photo Collection)

Scattered in the slew of news stories concerning North Korea, the natural disasters that hit one after another, and Donald Trumps latest tweet, you may have noticed an article here and there with its headline relating to something about Burma. And whether you read about it or skipped right over the story to read about Trump’s Obama meme, (it’s okay, we’ve all done it,) you may be unclear on what exactly is happening in that part of the world right now.

On Oct. 9, 2016, hundreds of Islamic militants attacked three security outposts on the border between Bangladesh and western Burma, and nine officers were killed as a result. Within the next 24 hours, humanitarian aid in Burma was suspended, almost a thousand Arakanese Buddhists came to the capital Sittwe, and over 1200 Muslims looked for shelter in Buthidaung.

Newspapers in the area were instructed not to report on anything in Arakan for a short  while, and reporting later resumed under new restrictions. Media and state controlled journalism eventually began spreading the message that Islamic militants had crossed a line attacking guards, and therefore should be purged. This was the start of a controlled and steady process of ethnic cleansing, according to Human Rights Watch, a situation many are calling a genocide in the making.

Arakan police began to train a group of non Muslims as security officers in November. On the 12th, about 60 assailants attacked the soldiers with spears and such, killing one. The military responded by opening fire from two helicopters, and two days later, about 15,000 people were reported to be displaced. In all of 2016, over 94,000 were displaced in all, and many fled to Bangladesh next door. They told accounts of torture, gang rape and excess killings.

Hundreds of women have reported accusations of sexual abuse from Arakan officers, and in October last year a Scottish journalist named Fiona MacGregor was fired from the Myanmar Times for writing an article concerning the allegations.

“It is profoundly concerning for women’s rights, media freedom and democracy as a whole in Myanmar, that the civilian government is using bullyboy tactics to intimidate journalists and attempt to silence allegations of rape by the military,” MacGregor said.

The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, warned that the government “may be trying to expel the Rohingya population from the country altogether.” Rohingya is a member of a Muslim people inhabiting western Burma. The government says the Rohingya are immigrants from Bangladesh, despite generational roots, and they are being systematically killed.

Burma’s UN ambassador has insisted there is no “ethnic cleansing” or genocide taking place against Muslims. However, the human rights group has released video, satellite photos, witness accounts and other data showing the organized torching of Rohingya villages, with up to 80 now in ruins. Witness testimonies state that children have been beheaded and even burned alive.

“Right now villages are burning, people are being killed, residents are fleeing for their lives,” Fortify Rights co-founder Matthew Smith said.

The Burmese government has denied access to the affected areas to journalists and photographers.

About a million Rohingya have had years of mistreatment from the government and discrimination from Buddhists, who refer to them as illegal immigrants.

The Burma task force gathered to protest on Sep. 16 in Chicago in the Federal Plaza carrying signs, chanting and marching. The turnout was greater than expected, with hundreds of people coming out to show their support for Rohingya. Several charities have also opened up so people could donate to help the people of Burma.

If you are interested in donating, visit http://www.rccchicago.com/donate/.

Gallery • 20 Photos

Woman takes photos of the event around her.

Focus on Kaepernick’s message and not his method

(Opinion)

After Donald Trump criticized football players who decided to kneel during the national anthem, many players who had not participated in the protest before joined Colin Kaepernick, the ex San Fransisco 49ers quarterback and first player to kneel.

At first, Kaepernick went unnoticed during his protest. His protest didn’t gain national attention until the third preseason game. Since then, he’s continued on with his protest while being joined by several other NFL players, other professional, high school and college athletes.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said, via NFL.com. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

At a speech in Huntsville, Alabama, President Donald Trump said, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b**** off the field right now, out, he’s fired!’ You know, some owner is going to do that. He’s gonna say, ‘That guy disrespects our flag, he’s fired.’ And that owner, they don’t know it… They’re friends of mine, many of them… They’ll be the most popular person, for a week.”

Many other public figures have shown support and many have denounced the act of taking a knee. Fans are deeply divided over this issue.

Eventually the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said took a side and said: “Like many of our fans, we believe that everyone should stand for the National Anthem,” noting “it is an important moment in our game.”

Gyree Durante, a sophomore at Division III Albright College in Pennsylvania, who kneeled for the second game in a row on Saturday was cut from the team altogether. When asked about his actions he replied, “I was just taught you fight for what you believe in and you don’t bow to anyone…I believe heavily in this. So I decided to fight for it.”

Drew Brees, a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, says, “I disagree. I wholeheartedly disagree. Not that he wants to speak out about a very important issue. No, he can speak out about a very important issue. But there’s plenty of other ways you can do that in a peaceful manner that doesn’t involve being disrespectful to the American flag.” This is a stance that many people are taking, and it is an understandable one at that.

It is very common for people to say that he should have done it another way. However all of these people are so caught up in the method that the football players are using, they forget to see the message. Players are risking careers they have worked their entire lives to get to in order to get people to stop turning their backs on racism and trying to make people understand it is a very real issue that is still happening.

You can see this denial everywhere, such as in Brees’ quote which refers to racism as “a very important issue” more than once instead of saying the actual word. This type of thing is seen in Harry Potter, where the word Voldemort is so awful he is referred to as “you know who.” However, calling him “you know who” doesn’t make him any more or less of a threat, he still tries to kill Harry in the end. Racism is still seen everywhere whether we call it out or not, and the first step to getting rid of it entirely is making sure everybody knows it is a problem.

The Day of the Dead: Candy skulls, marigolds, and a reunion of family and love

(Story)

The day after Halloween, many people are so busy eating all the candy from trick or treating, they overlook another important holiday: The Day of the Dead.

Throughout October, you’ve watched the jack-o’-lanterns pop up all over the place like daisies in spring. You’ve watched your friends spend an amount of time and energy that’s probably not very healthy on deciding and prepping their costumes. You may have wondered why we even make such a big deal about Halloween anyway. (By the way it’s because Halloween is amazing.)

The Day of the Dead is the day right after Halloween, so the common misconception that it’s another name for the Oct. 31 is wrong. Also known as Día de Muertos, the celebration originated in central and southern Mexico from the Aztecs. It is a celebration of a person’s ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. Those who celebrate it believe that the souls of deceased children descend from heaven to reunite with their families at the stroke of midnight on Nov. 1. On Nov. 2, deceased adults come down to visit.

In a Chicago Tribune piece, Cesareo Moreno, chief curator at Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art, said, “Day of the Dead is a very sacred day. It’s a day in which we welcome back the memory and the souls of those people who are still … an important part of our family, even though they many not be physically present.”

Families build festive altars in their homes in honor of their lost loved ones, decorating it with flowers, candles, pictures, food and a dish called pan de muerto (a slightly sweet bread made specifically for this day.) Altars include the four elements in their representation: earth, fire, water and air. Paper banners are hung to represent air, candles are lit, salt may be put out to represent earth, and water is put out to quench the thirst of lost ones after their long journey from heaven. Marigolds lure souls from heaven, so petals are spread out around the altar.

In the same Chicago Tribune piece, Eric Garcia, Arte Ambulante coordinator of the National Museum of Mexican Art, said, “The altar is a good example of the fusion of both religions and cultures,” “These altars pay respect to both the indigenous and the Catholic beliefs of the afterlife and situates them logically.”

The tradition is to have a celebration– guests come visit, and the door is always left open since it s believed anyone can bring the spirit of a loved one into your home, even a stranger. There are festivals, as it is a day of celebration. On November 2, people go to the cemetery and stay there all night.

Sugar skulls are created out of pure sugar that was packed into the shape of a skull. It is then decorated with festive colors. Children often have their name written on it with an edible frosting. Most of the time all the decorations on sugar skulls are edible. Children walk around homes and festivals licking at the skull.

Alejandra Arteaga, a Spanish teacher at Niles North, said, “It’s actually a beautiful holiday because even though you don’t see them, and you don’t feel them physically, you feel them emotionally.”

Dia de los Muertos is a culturally rich celebration that happens right around Halloween, but is actually very different from it. It is a reunion of family and love, fusing religion and culture.

How to survive Windy City Winters

(Feature)

Chicago winters are known for their harsh winds and extreme temperatures. Many people love the colder months, while others contemplate moving to Florida more times than they probably should.

When asked how they know it really is winter, a student at Niles North said,  “You know it’s winter when you hear about someone breaking their bone by slipping on ice.”

Whether you love or hate winter, these rules, tips, tricks, suggestions, whatever you want to call them, will allow your winter to be a little bit brighter and better.

1. Keep the dogs warm

It’s no secret that dogs are god’s gift to earth. Marilyn Monroe said, “Dogs never bite me. Just humans.” If Monroe says dogs are better than humans, then it must be true. So just, listen to Monroe. Do yourself a favor and keep your dog warm. Buy it coats and paw covers, keep its hair short so it won’t drag in freezing water, and if your dog gets the shivers take it inside right away. PetSmart specializes in winter wear for dogs, including boots, socks, and coats.

2. The Penguin Walk

Walking on ice may just be one of the most stressful parts of winter. But fear not, for there is a trick to this feat: it is to walk like a penguin, if you will. (Hint: think Happy Feet.)  Do not put your weight on your heels, rather keep it forward. If you’re worried about looking dumb, keep in mind that falling is generally more humiliating than walking weird.

3. Winterize yourself: Layers

Invest in high quality winter wear. Allow time for this vital step before going out anywhere. Winter is all about layers. Generally when you get inside, it’s too warm to leave everything on. So you have to allow for 4-6 minutes of disrobing when you arrive to the destination, and 4-6 minutes of putting everything back on before you go anywhere. Yes, it’s tedious. But not as tedious as having to melt yourself with a hair dryer after turning into a life-size icicle.

4. Lotion

Fight cracked skin. Lotion it up. Keep your face and lips moisturized with face lotion and chapstick. Try a body lotion with shea butter for more protection from the cold.

5. Breathe through your mouth

When it’s so cold outside you’re pretty sure your brain is frozen, breathe through your mouth. Breathing through your nose can freeze the back of your throat. Breath through your mouth or breathe into a scarf or some kind of cloth that makes the air you’re breathing warmer.

6. Complain

Some people love winter. Some people start getting anxiety about it in September. Either way, everyone can agree that the constant cloudy skies and freezing temperatures can put a damper on someone’s mood. Keep frustration at bay by having a proper outlet. Many people find themselves relaxed by allowing themselves to yell at that one driver who doesn’t know what he’s doing on the road. Others take a more peaceful approach by belting out The Outfield’s “Your Love” at the top of their lungs while waiting for Chicago traffic to clear up. If you don’t drive, close your room door, turn the music all the way up and have a dance party. Find something that’s a functional outlet for you, and you do you.

6. Warm baths

There are very few things that are better than stepping into a hot bath after a long, cold day. If you’re careful, you can even get some work done as you soak in there. Just don’t drop your laptop in the water. That would be bad.

7. Find fun outside the house

Stepping outside for reasons other than those that are necessary can be healthy. If you’re not quite ready to throw yourself down in the snow and start making snow angels, at least try going to a mall that’s outdoors, or some kind of festival. You’re going to have to brave the outdoors anyway, so try and make it more enjoyable for yourself if it isn’t already.

8. Have a killer hot chocolate recipe at the ready

There are always winter emergencies that require an immediate cup of hot chocolate. Having a recipe at the ready or even any other warm recipe is a seasonal delight that can make winter seem a little bit more bearable. Try instant hot chocolate that many brands such as Nestle distribute, which only require emptying a pack of powder into warm milk. Try allrecipes.com for other winter-y foods.

9. Sleep

We might not be bears, but hibernation is still natural (somewhat.) Just don’t fight nature. Teenagers are notoriously known for not getting enough sleep. According to nationwidechildrens.org, “Studies show that most teenagers need exactly 9 ¼ hours of sleep.”

Fighting your way through the hazardous conditions of finals

(Feature)

Oh, finals. How you manage to strike such panic in the hearts of so many innocent children across the world remains a mystery. No longer can we procrastinate. No longer can we justify that we don’t need to know information until later in the semester. No longer can we hide from our fear of you.

But fear not, fellow students. The following tricks will help you to reduce the risk of chaos, nervous breakdowns and other havoc finals wreaks on us.

Eating well, staying hydrated, and just taking care of yourself in general makes a world of difference. Don’t neglect meals or stress eat and burn through 5 bags of Lays. Eating healthy and properly nourishing your body allows your brain to take in information better. A Harvard Medical School study released in August 2012 titled “Boost your memory by eating right” found that “when you eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, you reduce your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, all of which are believed to contribute to memory loss.” Getting a good night’s sleep will also help your brain function better, since it needs rest.

Do not study in bed. You’ll want to nap, you won’t focus, and when it is time for you to sleep it’ll be harder since your brain will associate that area with work. Try a library or a study room in your house that’s quiet, and if you need background noise to work, use headphones. Studying with friends can sometimes be effective, but don’t choose friends that will keep you distracted the whole time. Find what works for you.

Studying should happen in spurts, rather than having a marathon. Take half hour breaks every now and then. Go out for lunch with a friend, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, or do anything else you enjoy. Working out during your break is also a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood and focus when you come back to the books.

Absent-minded exam mistakes you remember later can torment you all throughout finals week. Don’t forget to go back and change an answer or do a question you skipped. Don’t spend too long on a question; that one question you’re trying to figure out for 20 minutes isn’t worth the same amount of points as the questions you miss because of lost time will be.

Making a plan ahead of time can help with stress since everything is mapped out for you. It will also reduce the risk of forgetting to study something. Divide bigger items into smaller tasks. For example, instead of planning to study chapter 12, plan to first go over your chapter 12 notes, then look at all the chapter 12 maps, then read the conclusion paragraph.

Many people’s main source of stress during final exams comes from pressure from their parents, peers, or any other type of pressure. Rather you will be more motivated to do as well as you can if you shut all those people out and find a reason for yourself. It will also reduce stress and help you keep yourself together. Whether it be a personal achievement or you’ve promised yourself a spa day after the week is over, anything that’s a benefit for yourself will work.

Finals are not as daunting as they seem to many students. Getting a good night’s sleep, taking care of yourself and efficiently studying will help you get through this time. Don’t make it too stressful, but make sure you give it plenty of importance as finals are your last chance to get your grade to what you want. Plus, after finals are all over, you have 2 weeks of time to relax and spend time with people you love.

NSN Audio Story

compare the skillset you had when u first joined to the skillset u have now

how do you envision applying these skills to future pursuits

When I first joined NN, my writing wasn’t very clear and I didn’t have much of a voice. Putting my thoughts into words wasn’t easy and it was hard to understand my writing. I didn’t have the slightest idea how to work a camera or create an audio story either.