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Blue as in Boy

 Blue as in boy

As in basketballs and race cars

As in building blocks and video games 

But also as in bigger paychecks 

As in boys will be boys

As in better than you

Pink as in proper, pretty, perfect 

As in princesses and bows

As in parasols and Barbie dolls 

But also as in pepper spray 

As in policy over women’s bodies 

As in pressure to work just as hard for half as much 

Gender roles as in colors

Gender roles as in more than you know 

As in double standards and inequality 

As in fear versus power and control

The Secret Side Effects

There are many different reasons why women get on the pill or other forms of birth control. However many women are left out of the whole picture of what birth control can really do to your body. Some of these negative side effects are:

• Spotting or bleeding, irregular bleeding on the days to which you're not on your period. 

• Breast tenderness, sore breasts that can cause different types of pain depending on the woman. 

• Elevated blood pressure, which can lead to long term effects like dementia and metabolic syndrome.

• Headaches,Nausea and vomiting 

• High risk for blood clots,when of age if choosing to smoke remember that this can increase your chances of having an even higher chance of blood clots , can be extremely dangerous. 

• Mood swings , depression and anxiety

• Change in appetite,

• Weight gain , this is because some birth controls contain progestins which stimulate your appetite while estrogen retains water . 

• Loss of scalp hair , this is because estrogen and progesterone change your hormonal balance causes hair loss. 

• Cancer of the reproductive organs and breasts 

Whether you are on birth control or thinking about it , make sure you are aware of these side effects .Choose whatever you feel  ready for , there are always other types of concentrations that avoid some of these symptoms. 

He Must

He must act like a man

at all times

because what else is a man there for?

He must never reveal his feelings

no matter how much they beat him

‘till he is left in a dark corner 

alone and afraid of the world around him

for he may look weak

and what else is a man there for?

He must always be the top dog

proving to others he can do everything

and placing himself on a pedestal

so that others may look up to him

and be amazed at the power of a man

because what else is a man there for?

He must be the breadwinner

the caretaker

the protector

the unmoving

emotionless

unfeeling husk of a human,

but most importantly:

He must be a man

at all times

because what else is a man there for?

A Guide to UTIs

A urinary tract infection, or a UTI, is an infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra. Although not everyone who gets UTI has symptoms, those who do have common symptoms that include a frequent urge to urinate and pain or burning when urinating. Here are a few ways to help treat UTI symptoms.

Antibiotics: Although our bodies are able to resolve many minor UTI’s, taking antibiotics is an effective treatment for UTIs.

Lots of Water: Remember it is important to drink plenty of water in order to flush out all the bacteria and dilute your urine.

Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder: Drinks that may irritate your bladder while having a UTI may be: coffee, alcohol, drinks that contain citrus or caffeine. Try drinking sugar-free cranberry juice, this may help!

Use the restroom when you need to!: Holding in your urine is what tends to cause a lot of these UTI’s so it is important that you use the bathroom when you need to. 

Body Positivity by T

 How to be body positive:

The norms and affirmations that come to us about our bodies create a notion that loving your own body isn’t as easy as it seems. 

Did you know that 70% of women between the ages of 18 and 30 dislike their own bodies!

In order to be body positive, one must understand what the term means. Body positivity refers to the assertion that all people deserve to have a positive body image, regardless of what is the ideal shape, size and appearance in the eyes of society and pop culture.

The body positivity movement sprouted in the 1960s as people began to talk about weight. With this came a message that “all bodies are beautiful.”

Here are a few tips to be body positive

1. Give yourself positive affirmations. When you wake up in the morning, say something kind to yourself. Tell yourself that you are beautiful and encourage yourself to start off your day.

2. Exercise a healthy diet. Think healthier, not skinnier. Instead of thinking about how your body looks, appreciate all the things it can do.

3. Compliment the ones around you. You never know what other people are struggling with. Give someone a compliment you wished you’d gotten when you needed it the most.

4.Surround yourself with positivity. Don’t spend all your time on social media-comparing yourself to models and negative body posts. Look for positive people. 

5. Focus on the things you like about yourself. Make a list of what you love and repeat them. Appreciate your own beauty. 

Although social media may seem like a hub of negativity, these are couple of my favorite body positive accounts on instagram. 

@bodyposipanda

@curvynyome

@mikzazon

@dietitananna

@kai__wes

@thebirdspapaya

@harnaamkaur

Women in Film, adapted from Erin McGoff

 Have you ever heard of the Bechdel Test?

The Bechdel Test is a test that measures how much women are represented in fiction films.

In order to pass it needs all of the following three criteria:

1. Have two named women

2. Have the two women talk to each other

3. Have the conversation between these women be about anything but about a man

This should sound easy, right?

This may come as a shock to many but the following films don’t pass:

• The Lord of The Rings Trilogy (the books pass but not the movies)

• Ratatouille

• Avatar (blue people movie not the Last Airbender)

• The Avengers

• The Imitation Game

• A Star is Born

• La La Land

And many more.

It’s important to note also that if it does pass the Bechdel test, it could have these women talking about something like nail polish instead of men.

Obviously, not passing the Bechdel test doesn’t mean it isn’t a good movie.

Sometimes movies can’t pass the test in order to remain accurate: Like in the case of Ratatouille, the film doesn’t pass because there is only one woman; accurate enough if you’re looking at a real life professional kitchen.

The Bechdel Test makes you wonder though: how many movies would pass the test if the criteria instead was if you had to have two men talking to each other and not about a woman. Can you name a movie that wouldn’t pass?

Spring Break Indulgences: Women!

Seeing that Women’s History Month is coming to a close, and we have an upcoming break, I thought I would suggest some entertainment that promotes strong and compelling female characters. I have personally read/watched these, and I believe it’s important to see layered female characters in the media (we’re commonly depicted as flat, like objects), as it gives us a subconscious reassurance that we are worth so much, and there is a whole world awaiting us. 

1. How to Get Away With Murder

How to Get Away With Murder is a thriller show, full of mind-blowing plot twists, cliffhangers, and mysterious plotlines. If you’re looking for a continuous adrenaline rush, this is the show for you. This is one of my absolute favorite shows, not only because it incorporates dire systematic issues in the legal system very naturally, but also because it stars Viola Davis as the main character, Annalise Keating, the headstrong yet internally broken lawyer who gets caught up in a string of messes, and faces societal issues having to do with her race, gender, and sexuality. Viola Davis is a phenomenal actor, and her performance as Annalise is truly inspiring, as her character goes through grueling circumstances, and her character development is very well written. All six seasons are available on Netflix. 

2. The Crown

Here is another of my favorite shows. A Netflix Original historical drama, The Crown is a chronicle of the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. This show is truly a cinematic experience, with excellent writing, moving music, and groundbreaking acting (it has the awards to account for this!). Now, although I don’t condone the actions of the royal family, the depiction of Elizabeth is very compelling, as she struggles with the internal and external battles of her reign, and the resistance to her gender. Her empowerment is incorporated naturally, as both her flaws, and her strength in overcoming them are depicted. Also, Princess Diana is shown in the fourth season!! 

Emma Corrin as Princess Diana

3. Little Women (2019) 

Once again, a favorite of mine. This movie is an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel, and it follows 4 sisters in America in the 19th century, depicting the beauty of a woman’s life through all her joys and struggles. I’m sure many of us have heard of this movie, and it is a comfort film of mine. The characters are intricate and well written, and have some empowering and emotional moments. The different paths that the sisters take in the movie represents the freedom of women, and how no matter how they chose to live their life, they are still completely valid. If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster, this is the film for you. 

4. The Handmaid’s Tale

And last but not least, The Handmaid’s Tale. The Handmaid’s Tale is a chilling dystopian tale by Margaret Atwood, depicting the core of American systematic issues, mostly regarding the patriarchy, in a gruelling and exaggerated way. Though this book is not necessarily empowering for women, it sheds light on important issues regarding the constrained sexuality of women, and the shackles on their identity in present-day society. There is no way to describe this book other than to say that it is eye-opening. It may be uncomfortable to read/watch, not only because it depicts a terrifying reality, but also because it overtly shows sexual assault and violence (viewer/reader discretion is highly advised). It also has an excellent TV adaptation on Hulu (also has many awards). There are three seasons so far. 

A SHAC Collage

12 Years Old

As a girl, there comes a time when you realize that the world around you is different. Your mom starts telling you to be more aware, to not walk too far from her, or to never stray from your friends when in a public setting. This change also comes along with men looking at you differently, some girls recognize this change in a more gradual or drastic way. My experience was eye-opening and infuriating. I was 12 years old, walking with my mother during a summer afternoon. My ignorance towards the cruelties of men came to a sudden halt when a man came behind me and grabbed me aggressively. At 12 years old I had not even had romantic feelings for a boy. This event had me sick to my stomach and stopped me from talking to anyone for two days. I felt vulnerable, violated, and disturbed at such a young age. From this day on I began to be more aware of my surroundings, such as looking behind me as I go on runs, check my backseat before I hop into my car, and never underestimate what men are capable of. 

Although the feelings of vulnerability and disgust were doormat in me for years, the abduction and killing of Sarah Everard sparked a great amount of fear and anger in me. Sarah Everard was allegedly abducted and killed by a cop, by an official who is expected to protect people from crime. This case sparked movements and protests of the brutalities that women still face today. This situation also made me feel for those who have suffered brutalities at the hands of men, such as sexual assault and harassment. 

In hopes of helping those who have experienced sexual harassment, and are experiencing the emotional drainage and trauma,  I will discuss some tips for those who have experienced harassment.

1. Talk to an adult or a trusted person.

(Although this may take time it is important to ask for help). 

2. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know, you can always give a call to RAINN, 855-897-5910

3. Consider medical options

4. Process your experience

5. Consider your legal options

6. Reconnect with yourself

The Ring

As I write this essay, shadows of ideas in my mind struggle to materialize into something tangible; I slowly twist the ring on my finger. I examine the ring; rings are a peculiar thing: too tight and they’re dangerous, too loose and they’re useless; in one case or the other, they are no longer the symbols of unity they once were. Luckily, the band that slowly turns on my finger is neither too tight nor too loose, the symbol thus intact.

This ring holds a significance both within me and without, multi-faceted like the stone it holds. A class ring, it forever connects the Class of 2021, a token of a common and shared struggle which we face even today, as we try to pull through our final year before parting ways and starting the journey to find our places in life. However, for me, the ring on my finger isn’t only a symbol of my high school experience and of unity, but also one of acceptance, one of unconditional love.

The night before I’d even laid eyes on my ring was the night that I made a life-altering decision. It was the night that I finally came out to my family. It was a truth that had been inside me for what seemed like an eternity; like a ring that was too tight, the secret was suffocating, cutting off my circulation, and with every passing day that my family wasn’t aware, the ring only grew tighter. While my friends had known for quite some time, it was my family’s ignorance of the truth that truly affected me, as they’re the ones I should rely on in my hardest and darkest times. And so, on that night, the truth poured out of me, sitting on my mother’s bed, next to the woman whom I had always loved, whom I had always looked up to, the woman I knew would accept me for everything I am. And she didn’t let me down.

The floodgates flew open. My mother  could see how the words had taken a toll on me — an emotionally exhausting experience — so she offered to tell the rest of my family, those closest to me. Like my mother, they didn’t fail me. Even my grandparents, growing up in conservative traditions, were accepting of who I am.

Thus, when they all showed up for my ring ceremony, it meant the universe to me. And when, as tradition dictates, I had to find 21 people to spin my ring and those 8 volunteered readily, my heart filled with warmth. And when I finally told my father, and he proudly spun my ring for the 21st time before pulling me in for an embrace, I knew I was completely and wholly accepted.

And the ring loosened; once more my circulation flowed freely, and I could finally breathe, finally live. It was as if my entire world had changed, as if I had been looking at it through a small circle, confined to a tunnel vision, and in a single moment, the circle had expanded. I could accept my place in the world. Not only was I able to accept and love myself, I was able to accept that others could too. I opened myself to others; the small circle of close friends I surrounded myself with expanded to include people I wasn’t previously comfortable being myself around, and my love for them has grown exponentially.

One can hardly boil down their life to one word. We are more than one word, more than a student or a family member, more than a friend or an enemy. And yet, within my ring are all of the aspects of myself: the love I hold for my family, as well as my friends, the strength of my will, the vulnerability of my heart, all linked together in this ring. A symbol of unity.

WAP: Women And Patriarchy

     If you have been keeping up with recent pop culture news, you will have heard of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s performance at the 61st Grammys this past sunday. Cardi’s portion performance started with her single “Up”, and it merged into a controversial feature with Megan Thee Stallion, in their hit single “WAP”. 

Their performance together included a lot of sexual innuendos, which sparked a controversy about the “appropriateness” of displaying that at an award show presented to the public. Some concerns mentioned that the performance would not be appropriate for kids watching at home. Now, that might be a valid concern, but this excuse only masks the real issue at hand: misogyny. 

For generations society has tried to dictate what it means to be a strong woman, whether that be acting masculine, cross-dressing, being stubborn, or achieving crazy inspiring things. At the core of it all, these definitions try to veil the sexuality of a woman, because it is perceived as weak and an overt display of femininity.

Women are very commonly sexualized by men, objectified for their body, and even shamed for their sexual history (as Rosie mentioned previously). The essence of Cardi and Megan’s performance, and by the same hand their song, is embracing sexuality, and reclaiming it as a strength rather than a weakness. 

The real reason for outrage at their performance is the fact that they owned their body, making it individualistic and something to be proud of. This strength in sexuality essentially takes away the single tool that men use to belittle women, and that makes them angry. I personally thought that their performance was inspiring, as it took a lot of bravery to pave their own way despite knowing the criticism they would get.

 

Remember that change has to start somewhere, and this road to embracing sexuality has only just begun. It is perfectly okay to be proud of your body and your sexuality, After all: your body, your choice. And for the ridiculous parents who were concerned about their kids, they can just turn off the TV. :) 

Happy Women’s History Month!!

Promiscuous Girl

 “Promiscuous,” is a word that has been used to shame women for being sexually active for decades, among other derogatory terms and slurs. 

If a man has a high ‘body count (number of sexual partners)’ he is congratulated, but women are shamed for the same reason. A man who is not a virgin is considered experienced but a woman is considered impure, damaged, undesirable. Society idealizes the idea of a woman's sexual autonomy being out of her control and being in a man’s control. 

Where did this double standard come from in the first place? Prior to the 1960s, birth control was not a thing. This means that a woman who was sexually active had a high likelihood of coming out pregnant, so the social norms were constructed in such a way so that a woman would only have children after she was married; this means the norms constructed her to only have sex after she was married. 

Then, came the feminist movement of the 1960s. Birth control hit the markets and this gave women a new form of independence: sexual independence. Pregnancy is a BIG change, and can oftentimes be a hindrance to specific life goals due to the obligations and body changes that come with it. A woman who could avoid an unwanted pregnancy while satisfying sexual needs was a woman who felt empowered. 

But the men that benefitted from controlling women’s sexual autonomy felt thrown out of power. A sexually empowered woman is harder to catch, harder to deceive, harder to conform to toxic masculinity rules. And thus, upholding the laws of patriarchy, sexually active women were shamed for doing the exact same thing that men had been doing for centuries.

The irony in this is that women are praised for virginity because it means they are selective in whom they allow to have sex with them. But a sexually active woman is JUST AS selective. Think about it. If all women now have the choice to be with any man of their choosing, they are more likely to choose the ones that they feel the most comfortable with. It’s simple statistics! The larger the population, the smaller the sample size is by comparison. 

The most important part about being a sexually active woman is to be SAFE. Use protection, be comfortable and communicative with your partner, and enjoy yourself! This is your life, and no one can shame you for living it the way you want to. Whether that means having no sexual partners or many, YOUR BODY YOUR CHOICE!

Assertiveness in Speech

 If you have ever noticed, while speaking or hearing anyone else speak, women may end their thoughts or ideas with any of the following phrases:

• “I don’t know”

• “maybe I’m wrong”

• “do you understand?”

• “if you get what I mean”

• “maybe I’m not making sense”

It can be any variation of these, but the idea is that we end our thoughts with something that makes us unsure of ourselves, and perpetuates the idea that we don’t make sense, or our ideas are not valid. I read somewhere that these speech particles come from deep rooted societal structure. For so long, the patriarchy has embedded the idea that the opinion of women is not valid, and any views that they have must be confirmed by someone else. Therefore, when we speak, we subconsciously think that we don’t make sense to others, and in a way, we are embarrassed of our own completely valid opinions. 

Even if you think what you are expressing is confusing, rather than saying something self-deprecating, try to explain further, or wait for others to ask questions and clarify parts they don’t get. 

Any thought that you may have is absolutely yours, and you must own it with all confidence. Try your best to stop saying particles of speech that suggest that your thoughts are untrue or confusing (if you want to of course), and always assert your beliefs unapologetically.  

Stay tuned for more tips on how to be more assertive in class discussions and emails!!

Happy Women’s History Month!

Virus or Disease?

 When we talk about sexually transmitted diseases, we like to use words such as infection, disease, and virus interchangeably. But what's the difference?

A virus is the instrument that causes a disease, so HIV is the virus that causes the disease AIDS. Since they go hand in hand, that's why we use them interchangeably. 

An infection refers to the process of being infected, and an infection can either be viral (causing a disease), or bacterial. The difference between the two is that a viral infection cannot be killed by antibiotics, but a bacterial infection can be. 

The more you know! 

Remember to always stay safe. Wash your hands, know your partner's history, and most importantly, wrap it up!!

Beauty and Strength

Still celebrating National Women's History Month, a big part of sexual health awareness is the fight for equality. Sophia Salamanca, a senior in IB, is such a strong woman and we are so proud of her and her talents. She loves to sew, design clothing, and draw. Not only is she artistically talented, she is also going to Harvard University as a first-generation student,

with dreams of becoming a software engineer. 

Go Sophia!!!

by Sophia Salamanca