WRITTEN BY DANA BARBEE AND JADEN FISKE Have you ever heard of the term ‘Gaslighting’? There is a very good chance that you’ve heard someone use this term, whether in conversation with you or someone else. You may have even said it yourself. But do you know what it really means? The term ‘Gaslighting’ is derived from the 1944 movie Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. The movie starts by introducing a love story between the main characters Paula and Gregory. While at first, the pair seem to be deeply in love, as the film progresses, it becomes evident to the viewer that their romance is evolving into something more dangerous. The love between Paula and Gregory is slowly turning toxic and manipulative. Paula, with the deceptions of Gregory’s manipulations, believes she is slowly going mad. While there are many things Gregory does to convince her of that, the primary factor is the change in the gas lamps. Paula begins to notice that, in moments when she is alone in the house, the gas that powers the lamps within the house decreases and increases, as opposed to staying constant, which is what inspired the term ‘Gaslighting’. We’ll link the movie below to let you decide to watch the film to witness these manipulations for yourself. In today’s world, though we no longer rely on gas lights to illuminate our homes, spoken words may have massive effects on another’s mental health and self-esteem.
The Merriam-Webster definition of ‘gaslighting’ is “Psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, the uncertainty of one's emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.” The words highlighted in blue are together a simplified definition for ‘Gaslight’. Much like Paula in the film, a person who is gaslit will begin to have doubts about the accuracy of their own thoughts. That mental process results in them consistently being convinced by others that their instincts are incorrect and that it is something they are imagining. It is very common to see the victim of gaslighting begin to rely on their manipulator to tell them what is true or not. The use of this term, however, has become so casual that most of its significance has been lost. When hearing it used in the hallways of schools, it is often mistaken as a synonym for lying or tricking someone. Though this is an honest misunderstanding from frequent exposure to the word, gaslighting is much more severe than a single lie or misworded sentence. It is unfortunate and frightening to think that a simple conversation, or even a relationship with the wrong person can lead a person down the path of becoming gaslit. Many people have to go through that process of slowly feeling that they are mentally losing themselves and the trust they had for themselves before ever coming to the conclusion that they are experiencing something they don’t deserve. In current times, gaslighting is seen as a joke and is disregarded as a serious topic. This issue leads many people to overlook the widespread dilemma. In summary, gaslighting is an incredibly destructive behavior to be around and in no way should be taken as a joke, or used in a joking manner. Being gaslit can greatly affect a person’s mental health, and self-confidence, and can lead a person to believe they are going insane. Though it is impossible to control what another person says, there are other actions you can take for yourself to prevent being gaslit. The best method to prevent being a victim of gaslighting is to stay firm in your beliefs while being open-minded to other expressed opinions. It is crucial to have an open and inclusive mindset when listening to someone’s story. We should never immediately deny a person’s opinion due to its opposition to our own, nor should we cover our ears when hearing about a situation until we can hear all perspectives or as much literal truth as we can. You may disagree with what you hear in the conversation, but remaining curious, attentive, and respectful can help create a more accepting and healthy dynamic. Conversations can only be effective if all those involved hear all sides and attempt to find one another’s similarities instead of focusing on differences. Gaslighting is similar to a wildfire and spreads like one. Please help us extinguish its flame. WRITTEN BY DANA BARBEE AND JADEN FISKE In the year 1920, two years after the First World War, a man named Adolf Hitler created the “Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei” or “Nationalist Socialist Workers’ Party” in English, for which “Nazi” is the shortened term. Though World War II was resolved 75 years ago, that did not stop a group of people from reviving the movement and creating a new term, calling themselves “Neo-Nazis”(neo meaning new). Their motives and reasoning aren’t far from the original German Nazi Party; harmfully addressing anyone who does not believe in the movement, and targeting those who identify as different from them, primarily Jewish people. Recently, we conducted an interview with Jeff Schoep. Mr. Schoep used to be a part of a Neo-Nazi movement, and was the leader of the National Socialist Movement starting in 1994. According to Mr. Schoep, the Neo-Nazi movement is a white supremacist movement based on German-Nazi and Hitler ideology. He even referred to the feeling of being within the group as cult-like, or an echo-chamber. Despite what you may be thinking, Mr. Schoep’s reasoning for joining the movement wasn’t in a negative way at all. He has a historical family connection to WW2 as his grandfather fought on the German side of the war. Mr. Schoep had a fascination with the topic and wanted to be involved. While growing up, he was never taught racist or anti-semetic ideas, rather he adopted those views through his own curiosities and was taught (what he didn’t see as) hateful behavior when first joining the movement in 1992. Mr. Schoep’s reason for joining the movement was different from most of the others who found their paths to joining through family propaganda and frequent exposure to the behavior. They had joined due to their similarities with the movement in terms of belief systems, disagreements with minority groups, or even a single bad experience with one person that led them down the path of ‘‘That’s how they all are.’’ Those within the Neo-Nazi movement were seen as people who wanted to partake in oppression, and though that is true for some, it was mainly due to fear. Some members fear a minority being stronger than them just as minorities may fear the same thing from them. In some cases, members of the movement were in the lower economy or working classes, so the term ‘White Privilege’ angered them as they were certain they had no such thing. They wanted to retaliate against the minorities for using this term and stereotype. They didn’t view themselves as oppressors due to them fighting for a cause and defending their people. They never viewed it as hate. Though he realizes now that was a mistake. His group used different social media platforms like podcasts, music, video games, and publications to spread their ideas. When he joined the movement, websites were just barely starting out. “It’s a double edged sword,” said Schoep. He then went on to explain how hate groups can spread their ideology with a simple click of a button. If people started to question or had some doubt they could look to the Internet for someone who may agree. However, counter messaging also exists. There are groups out there that spread positive ideas. While Mr. Schoep didn’t believe it at first, after leaving the movement he came to the realization that the motive behind the movement was fear. Jeff Schoep deradicalized his ideas and began to change his perspective while still involved with the Neo-Nazi movement. When asked why he decided to leave the movement, he said “For me it was seeing the humanity of the people I once vilified”. Though for others involved, it’s harder for them to leave, like those raised in that environment, or have family involved. Mr. Schoep tries to reach those he worked with, or who are involved with the movement and help them change their ways. He disengages them prior to attempting to change their ideology. During Jeff Schoep’s presentation at the Museum of Tolerance: Combat Hate presentation here at VAAS (which you can read more about in the article linked below this paragraph) and during our interview, he mentions speaking to a Muslim woman and a Black man. He explains how rather than them (the man and woman) lecturing him about his wrongdoings, they tried to understand his perspective. They wanted to elucidate how they felt about his actions and how his words made them feel. “When you’re dehumanizing someone else you lose your humanity in the process,” said Jeff Schoep. He mentioned that dehumanizing another person doesn't revolve around only race, but can include things like “I’m not going to talk to this person because they’re a democrat/republican.” (Not a direct quote from Jeff Scheop). Mr. Schoep voiced how closed minded you become within that environment. He added that once you’re in that cult-like mentality your ability to have an open mind becomes ‘‘slammed shut”. He told us that a lot of members had been in gangs and viewed this as their ‘last chance’. Mr. Schoep said, “What matters is that we’re all human beings.” Mr. Schoep also verbalized how emotions weren’t acceptable and seen as a weakness or not being normal, as well as group members within the movement shaming others for showing emotions. “When I speak about some of the sad things I did like that, it slows me down a little bit because I feel bad.” and “I carry a lot of shame, and guilt, and regret like that.” said Jeff Schoep. He told us that due to emotions being repressed for so long, they became more powerful. Since Mr. Schoep was running the group; he never showed any emotion because it would’ve sent a panic through the group. However, after leaving the movement, his children seemed surprised that he ‘had emotions’. Schoep’s skill set was having the ability to motivate people, and they would listen and follow him. Though those were good skills he used in the movement, he wanted to figure out a way to use those skills for a better purpose. He wanted to prevent people from going down the same path he did. “It’s not about saving that one guy here, that one lady there. It’s about the innocent people they could damage.” Examples he included were those who had the mental ability to take things to the extreme, shooting churches, synagogues, and mosques. Saving those people from the movement meant saving hundreds, even millions of lives. He believed that by participating in the movement he was doing something good and noble, but now he realizes that he wasn’t and that what he’s currently doing is actually good and noble. Jeff Schoep left off with some kind reminders for us all to follow. We should be upstanders (someone who speaks up in support) rather than bystanders (someone who watches and remains uninvolved). If we were to see someone getting bullied or harassed, we should stand up for them instead of looking the other way and thinking that someone else will help them. He said that, not only to prevent hate, but during life in general. We should be positive and try to bring people together. Try to temper yourself during conversations, and try to refrain from saying things like “You’re an idiot” or “You’re wrong”. While what Jeff Schoep did, in the beginning, was wrong, what truly matters is that he was able to see past those fixed points of view and changed himself for the better. Jeff is an amazing example of how anyone can overcome hate. WRITTEN BY MELINA DE LA CRUZ AND NAM THAI
In Mexican history, Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday. Cinco de Mayo, or “Fifth of May” in English, is a holiday celebrating Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla against the French forces on May 5, 1862. The holiday is commonly mistaken as Mexico’s independence day, which is celebrated on September 16. In 1862, French forces gathered troops to invade Mexico and marched toward the small town of Puebla in central Mexico seeking control. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army battled against the French forces in the Battle of Puebla. While this holiday is very present in the state of Puebla, Mexico, it is not celebrated as much in the rest of the country. America adopted this Mexican holiday in the 1860s to help raise money and recruit men to aid in the continuing fight against the French. It is said that thanks to Jeffrey M. Pilcher, a professor of history at the University of Toronto, Cinco De Mayo is very present in The United States. Some ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is to eat popular Mexican food like mole poblano, white rice, nopales salad, fried beans, and molotes de plátano (stuffed plantain patties). While this is a primarily Mexican holiday, it is also an acknowledgment of culture and freedom, bringing different people and families together in celebration. WRITTEN BY SAMARA CHAVEZ
When entering through the gates of Disneyland, thoughts may run through your mind. Some people gravitate to what restaurant they should try first, while others consider the wait time for the most adrenaline-rushing rides. For most people, however, the Mad Tea Party is not the first thing that comes to mind when deciding a thrilling ride to head towards. While it may not be the most terrifying ride, it is certainly one of the most spinniest of the park. On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its park to guests around the world. Various attractions were operating and ready for the influx of visitors, including the Mad Tea Party ride. This ride, like many of the other attractions around the park, was inspired by the Disney movie, “Alice in Wonderland”. The ride consists of 18 teacups, each with their own designs. In the attraction, you can find purple, cyan, orange, green, and pink cups littered around. They also have various designs, the same shapes on playing cards. Many love to run for the pink teacup with its dazzling heart design, or the cyan cup with the bold club on its side. Each attraction at Disneyland is unique in its own right. While this teacup ride might make you a bit dizzy, it still leaves a lasting impression on all its riders. Next time you go to Disneyland, consider your other option before rushing to Space Mountain. Give the Mad Tea Party another chance, and enjoy your stay at the park. WRITTEN BY ZACHARY BUENAVENTURA
Colonial mentality is a phenomenon that affects many countries that were once colonized. It refers to the internalized belief that the culture and way of life of the colonizers are superior to those of the colonized. In the case of the Philippines, the country was colonized by Spain for over 300 years, then by the United States for another 50 years. This prolonged period of colonization has resulted in a pervasive colonial mentality among Filipinos, which has had a profound impact on their way of thinking, behaving, and relating to others. The colonial mentality shows itself in numerous ways and has a wide-ranging impact on the Filipino psyche. The devaluing of Filipino culture and history is one of its most severe consequences. Many Filipinos consider their language, culture, and traditions inferior to those of the rest of the world. Some Filipinos choose to speak English or use Western names, dress in Western-style apparel, and revere Western personalities and icons, as seen by their preference for speaking English using Western words. Colorism (prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group) and discrimination against those with darker skin are another result of colonial mentality. This is because colonialism propagated the notion that lighter skin is more attractive and linked with privilege and power. As a result, many Filipinos with darker skin tones face discrimination, and some resort to using skin-whitening creams to acquire a lighter complexion. Furthermore, colonialism has influenced Filipinos' sense of identity and self-esteem. Many Filipinos have internalized the attitude that they are unworthy and lack faith in their abilities and potential. This has led to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which can be a substantial impediment to personal growth and development. Filipinos must realize the presence of colonialism and its impact on their lives in order to overcome it. This entails admitting that individuals have internalized certain beliefs and attitudes that are not always true or beneficial. It also entails learning to value their own culture and traditions, as well as taking pride in their Filipino identity. One way to overcome colonial mentality is through education. Filipinos need to learn about their history, culture, and traditions and recognize their significance and value. This can be done through formal education, as well as through cultural events and activities that promote Filipino identity and pride. Finally, overcoming colonial mentality requires a shift in mindset. Filipinos need to recognize their own worth and potential and believe in themselves. This means challenging negative self-talk and developing a growth mindset that focuses on learning improvement, and personal development. Colonialism is a widespread phenomenon that has had a significant impact on Filipino culture and identity. It has resulted in the devaluation of Filipino culture and heritage, as well as the prevalence of colorism and prejudice, as well as a sense of inferiority and self-doubt. Overcoming colonial mentality necessitates acknowledging its existence and impact, as well as education, representation, and a mental transformation. Filipinos may take pride in their identity and work towards a more inclusive and empowered community by valuing their own culture and traditions. WRITTEN BY RIELLE CHLOE CANLAS AND JACOB A LOPEZ
March Madness is always filled with upsets but this year’s March Madness was absolute insanity. From the start of the NCAA tournament, viewers were surprised and excited about the no.16 seed, Fairleigh Dickinson (FDU) beating the no. 1 seed, Purdue. A no.16 seed has been victorious against a no.1 seed only twice in the entire history of March Madness, the first time happening in 2018. What’s even more crazy about the game, FDU vs. Purdue, was that FDU had the shortest team in the tournament and Purdue with the tallest team led by 7’4” Zach Edey. Further into the tournament all the no. 1 seeds were knocked out, making it the First Elite Eight without any no.1 seeds since seedings began in 1979. Even with these upsets throughout the tournament, the most important round of March Madness was the most surprising. In the Final Four, the last teams standing were San Diego State (SDSU), Miami, Florida Atlantic (FAU), and UConn. This round of the Final Four was very unpredictable. No one expected any of these teams to make it this far. This was SDSU, Miami, and FAU’s first Final Four appearances. UConn was the most experienced team in this round having 6 Final Four appearances and 5 Championships. In the Elite Eight, SDSU had an intense game but defeated Creighton by one point. No. 9 seed FAU defeated fan favorite Kansas State, a no. 3 seed. Miami also defeated a triumphant Texas, and UConn upset Gonzaga to advance. The teams in this year’s Final Four fought hard throughout the tournament and earned a lot of the viewers respect. In the Championship round of March Madness, UConn faced off against SDSU. Both these teams had a triumphant run in the Final Four. UConn blew out Miami by 13 points (72 - 59). San Diego St. stunned the world by defeating FAU with a last second two-point buzzer beater, winning the game by one point (72 - 71). This advanced UConn and SDSU to fight against each other in the title game. UConn triumphed against SDSU as they won by 17 points, making UConn the National Champions! It was a great game and was a wonderful show of skill as these teams duked it out. Another surprising fact about UConn’s championship is that UConn has won every time they’ve made it past the Final Four. This year of basketball is one to remember, I can’t wait to watch next year’s March Madness and how it turns out. WRITTEN BY ZACHARY BUENAVENTURA
April Fool's Day is an annual holiday that is widely celebrated on the 1st of April, every year. It is a day for practical jokes and pranks, in which people all over the world enjoy playing practical jokes on their friends and family. But, where did this tradition come from, and how did it spread so quickly? The origins of April Fool's Day are unknown, but there are several theories as to how the holiday came to be. According to one theory, it dates back to ancient Roman times, when the festival of Hilaria was held on March 25th. Hilaria means “happy ones.” During this festival, people would play practical jokes on each other and have a good time. It is speculated that these traditions may have carried over into the celebration of April Fool's Day. Another theory suggests that April Fool's Day originated in medieval Europe. This theory believes the holiday originated as a way to commemorate the changing of the seasons and the arrival of spring. To celebrate the occasion, people would play practical jokes on one another, which evolved into the modern-day celebration of April Fool's Day. Regardless of its origins, the modern-day April Fool's Day celebration has become a global phenomenon. People in many countries enjoy playing practical jokes on one another, and the media frequently participates by publishing fake news stories and hoaxes on April 1st. Many big name corporations also engage in their “pranks” every year An example of this is Taco Bell, in 1996. The fast-food company announced in a full-page ad in seven major newspapers across the country that it had purchased the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the "Taco Liberty Bell." The advertisement, which was designed to look like a news story, claimed that Taco Bell purchased the historic landmark to help reduce the national debt. The company even went so far as to issue a press release in which the president of Taco Bell was quoted as saying, "We didn't want to simply purchase another advertising vehicle. We wanted to do something historic that would garner attention." The Taco Bell Liberty Bell prank is still remembered as one of the most memorable and successful April Fools' Day pranks. It shows the power of humor and creativity in marketing, as well as how even a bizarre idea can capture the public's attention for a brand. April Fool's Day is a fun and lighthearted holiday that has been surprisingly around for centuries. It's a time to let loose and have fun, whether you're playing a prank on a friend, or simply enjoying the humor of the day. A good April Fool’s joke should be fun and lighthearted, not something that causes any harm or destruction. WRITTEN BY HEIDI ROCHA-MORAN
Luck takes many forms for different people. Luck can be something not visible to the eye. Luck can be a force sent by the universe. Luck can be magic. Luck can be something physical, such as a lucky penny. Luck can be something you obtain like finding a four-leaf clover. Luck can be a myth, something that is shaped to give people hope. We asked the students of VAAS what is luck? Do you believe in luck? Giovanni Rocha answered “I believe in blessings, which is kind of like luck. What if something heavy falls 1 inch away from your head and you coincidentally stood 1 inch away from that thing that just fell? What is that?” When we asked the students do you believe in myths about luck, such as the lucky penny or the four-leaf clover? Kai Sugahara answered “I think those aren’t real. People just put meanings behind them because they're rare to find”. We asked a student of VAAS, why do you think others believe in luck? Kai Sugahara said, “They are very hopeful, optimistic about life.” Luck is different for everyone. So the corrected question is what do you believe luck is? WRITTEN BY MELINA DE LA CRUZ
Countless luck symbols hold special meaning on the day of Saint Patrick's Day. Things like shamrocks, the color green, leprechauns, rabbit's feet, horseshoes, and four-leaf clovers are all significant on Saint Patrick’s Day. Four-leaf clovers are seen as lucky items because a clover with four leaves is rare, and is also associated with St Patrick's Day because of their past use for magical protection from evil spirits and to repel bad luck. The four leaves on the clover each have their own meaning; fate, hope, luck, and love. Now while many think a shamrock and a four-leaf clover are the same they are not. A shamrock is a three-leaf clover and is a traditional symbol of St Patrick's Day. The history behind it is that St Patrick stated that the Holy Trinity was within the shamrock’s 3 leaves. The Horseshoe is another item that is considered lucky because it is believed that it has a power strong enough to ward off the devil. Saint Dunstan was said to have nailed a horseshoe to the devil's foot. He agreed to remove it if the devil promised to never enter a household with a horseshoe on the door. The luck that comes with the pot of gold is the belief that the pot will bring success, fulfillment, and happiness. The idea that leprechauns hide a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is considered a symbol of luck because it is connected to rainbows. Rainbows are considered magical and signs of hope and prosperity. A rabbit's foot is one of the most unusual charms. The Celts believed that a rabbit's foot was lucky because rabbits lived underground. Therefore they were believed to have been in constant contact with God and the spirits of the underworld and had a protective power. WRITTEN BY LARA LEDESMA
Edited by Nam Thai What is Daylight Savings Time? Daylight savings time (DST) is the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour during the spring and setting it back again during the fall. People often use the expression “spring forward and fall back.” DST begins on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 2:00 am. We set our clocks forward 1 hour to “spring forward”; therefore, darker mornings and brighter evenings that last longer. DST ends on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00 am. On Saturday night, clocks will set back 1 hour to “fall back,” implying that it will be lighter in the morning. The main reason Daylight Savings Time was created was to create a way to save energy and make better use of natural daylight. What are the benefits of Daylight Savings Time? Daylight Savings Time(DST) can promote a healthy lifestyle. People participate in outdoor activities such as jogging, walking dogs, and playing outside. DST also promotes safety. Research has shown that crime rates after DST fall an average of 7 percent, with a 27 percent drop during spring forward. Not only that, but DST minimizes our energy consumption which lowers energy bills. What are the adverse effects of Daylight Savings Time? The main effect of Daylight Savings Time is losing an hour of sleep, making teens more vulnerable to this change. Even though the difference is only an hour, changing our sleep patterns goes against our natural circadian rhythms. The circadian rhythm is the natural and internal process that helps regulate our sleep patterns. This can cause sleep deprivation, leading to other adverse effects such as difficulty waking up in the morning, trouble concentrating, and even depression. Teenagers are particularly more susceptible to the impact of DST because their bodies are still developing, and their sleep patterns are more sensitive to disruptions. A disrupted sleeping schedule can make us unproductive during the day. For teens, this means poor performance at school and in extracurricular activities. While there are certainly benefits to Daylight Savings Time, it is essential to carefully consider the adverse effects it has, specifically for teenagers who are vulnerable to its effects. Finding and fixing a balance between the benefits and the drawbacks of Daylight Savings Time would be beneficial to promoting the health and well-being of our society. |
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May 2023
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