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The Leonid staff writes letters to the President-elect Donald Trump. The staff shares their hopes and wishes for his presidency. The letters cover all aspects of the election, from Trump's prior experience to his economic plans.
By Carly Guise Staff Writer Feminism. One word, four syllables, meaning the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. One would think that it is a simple concept that’s easy to digest, yet so many seem to misinterpret what feminism actually is. I am a feminist in every sense. That being said, I am not a misandrist (man-hater). I do not want women to overpower men and take over the world in a sudden rage of PMS. I do not want to burn my bras and anything else that has to do with patriarchy. My actions are not outrageous and unjustified just because I am not afraid to label myself with the f-word. By Taylor Bosley
Sports Editor This past December, Sony was set to release “The Interview,” a “comedy” surrounding the assassination of North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, featuring Seth Rogen and James Franco. After a group who calls themselves “The Guardians of Peace” threatened the movie theaters that intended to play the movie, many theaters pulled the movie and it could only be found online and in select theaters. Many Americans viewed the pulling of the movie due to the threats a violation of the First Amendment and cried out the infamous phrase “freedom of speech.” The attention surrounding “The Interview” has no ties to freedom of speech, it ‘s an issue of human decency, or rather a lack there-of. Early in the movie there is a scene where Rogen and Franco are driving through the city and ask about the “speculated” starvation of the North Korean people. They are pointed to a “grocery store” and then an overweight boy to dismiss the allegations. An overweight kid eating candy is hilarious, right? Maybe it would be if it was not found by the United Nations that one fourth of children in North Korea suffer from chronic malnutrition. That means 25% of all kids living there do not receive enough food to grow properly, which often leads to stunted growth. Besides the staggering 25% malnutrition rate, the UN also found that two thirds of all North Koreans are unaware if they will even have a “next meal.” To make a movie that centers jokes surrounding an issue like starvation will desensitize viewers to the actual hardships the North Korean people face each and every day. When there is a land of people ruled by a power hungry leader who dictates almost all aspects of life, including the haircuts of the citizens, there is not much room for laughter. While Kim Jong Un does not deserve any support, the people he rules over do. To make a mockery of the struggles they face is indecent. The use of satire, as “The Interview” is said to use, is an important aspect of media. Although when that “satire” desensitizes others to the starvation and complete dictatorship a land faces, not much good can come from it. By Shalah Ponder Staff Writer Black History Month, what does it mean, what does it symbolize? Even though our school does a good job at discussing black history in our history classes, celebrating Black History Month needs to be more visible and prominent to the attending students. As a member of the African American minority here at Red Lion, Black History Month symbolizes that minorities have a chance to receive recognition. It symbolizes their heritage is worth being acknowledged and celebrated. As a whole, our school should take pride in Black History Month because it shows students that our community and country has come a long way in how minorities are treated and respected, thanks to the Civil Rights Movement. When asked how Red Lion celebrates black history month, social studies teacher Mr. Jay Vasellas, who has his Master degree in African American history, responded, “We don’t exactly have just one time to acknowledge black history month, we teach black history your freshman year to sort of set the foundation. And it is reinforced throughout your high school career. We also have elective classes students can take such as History of Modern America.” So, the main thing is that students want to see a Black History month shown just as much excitement and school spirit as something as simple as the next upcoming basketball game. It helps the African American minority feel just as supported. Recently, a few changes have been made to honor Black History Month. One is a segment on the morning announcements, spotlighting a prominent African American figure. Another idea is a lesson on Black History Month during PRIDE. Teaching a lesson is a good way to get the full attention of students and to make them aware of the subject. Mr. Vasellas and many other teachers have been a big help in the recent changes that have been made. “What we are doing is both trying to honor Black History Month, but also incorporate it into the fabric of what we are teaching so that it’s not just for our black students but for ALL students.” Several Red Lion students have their own ideas about how to increase awareness of black history month within the student body. “Red Lion should recognize Black History Month and also acknowledge some of the Spanish holidays too--give the minority groups a chance to be noticed. Also it would be nice if we had a spirit week either during the first or the last month of February, to get the students and staff involved,” Junior Gloria Maldonado said. “We should acknowledge someone historic or famous every day of the month and include trivia for the students, whoever gets the trivia right gets a pride ticket!” Junior Jessica Lewis said. Other ways to increase awareness are posters of African American icons who have impacted the world in their fight for freedom and rights. There are so many African American historical figures that are worth knowing. These are just things that would help add more acknowledgment and recognition on an event that matters. Black History Month should be a time of the year that everyone can get involved and everyone can get something out of it. This isn’t just important for the African American Community but for other people too, it’s a reminder that change can happen. |
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