Story by Georgia ParsonsStaff Writer Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator The disability rights movement began in the 1960s as an effort to challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes surrounding disabilities. Parents demanded that their children be taken out of institutions and placed into schools with the necessary accommodations in order to succeed. Since then, dozens of […]
Con: Vote blue no matter who
Story by Sam GrotensteinStaff Writer Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator The importance of voting for Joe Biden expands beyond being a matter of party preference, and is an absolute necessity for progressive voters. While the Democratic Party has not earned the progressive vote, progressives should still feel obligated to support Biden, solely because of his […]
Pro: Third-party voting is essential
Story by AnonymousStaff Writer Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator Given the circumstances of the 2020 election, voting third party is more than a valid choice. Third party and protest voting is, contrary to popular belief, not a bad thing, even in the context of the 2020 election. Competition and negotiation are perfectly healthy and necessary […]
Protect South Pasadena’s small businesses
Large corporations have been rapidly infiltrating South Pasadena, harming the city’s community.
On being “almost white”
Story by Amber ChenOpinion Editor Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator My transition to South Pasadena Middle School was rough, more so than the expected awkward pre-teen experience. Perhaps it was because I had spent the summer before internalizing outcast-protagonist young adult novels and proudly displayed this newfound sense of individuality in a navy American-flag sweater […]
Quarantine worsens eating disorders
Story by Quinn ManzoStaff Writer Illustration by David SohnStaff Illustrator This article contains descriptions of disordered eating that some may find disturbing. Eating disorders are common, life-threatening psychological illnesses of varying severity that result in abnormal eating habits. They stem from a need to regain control — a common outcome of depression, anxiety, stress, and/or […]
Capitalism cannot be reformed
Story by Sam GrotensteinStaff Writer Illustration by Terry SongStaff Illustrator America has always been, at its core, a capitalist country. From the stolen land that this country is founded upon to the slavery that built it, capitalist principles have been present from day one. Therefore, it is no surprise that most Americans see capitalism as […]
Social democracy is an ethical capitalism
Story by Haelee KimStaff Writer Illustration by Terry SongStaff Illustrator The discussion regarding capitalism is as divisive as ever, with proponents defending it by harkening back to an age where unbridled industrialization generated prosperity. However, this picture does not accurately describe the reality of today; capitalism has gotten out of hand. But, as long as […]
The Neighborhood Watch incites racial profiling
Story by Georgia ParsonsStaff Writer Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator The recent national spotlight on racial injustice has pushed Americans to re-examine the systemic racism that plagues long standing institutions — most notably, the criminal justice system. Among the organizations complicit in this system is the National Neighborhood Watch, which encourages members to report suspicious […]
SPHS is failing students of color
Story by Amber Chen & Cat FloresOpinion Editor & Editor in Chief Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator The great irony of America is the backstabbing manner in which schools are marketed. Education is supposedly the great equalizer, a tool enough for one to realize their American Dream through individual hard work and determination. But, the […]
Anti-Zionism cannot be equated with anti-Semitism
Story by Sam GrotensteinStaff Writer Illustration by Tarry SongStaff Illustrator 2020 has been a turbulent year for the Jewish community. The rise of anti-Semitism in America, along with Israel’s threats to annex large parts of Palestine, have put the question of whether anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism can be seperated under intense examination. Zionism is the belief […]
Why affirmative action is necessary
Story by Charlie BettsStaff Writer Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator The California State Senate recently passed Proposition 16 (previously known as Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5), a bill to repeal Proposition 209 and re-establish affirmative action. Proposition 16 will appear on voters’ ballots this November, and will end gender and race-blind admissions in public college and […]
‘Digital blackface’ — a subtle perpetuation of stereotypes
The digital era of the 21st century has given people a new platform to enforce America’s structural racism in the form of ‘digital blackface.’
The pitfalls of hustle culture
Story by Eddie ZhouStaff Writer Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator People are conditioned to believe that constant productivity is a requisite step in order for one to succeed in an increasingly competitive world. In turn, many attempt to overexert themselves in order to match perpetual productivity idealized by the media. This resulting external pressure manifests […]
Believing survivors should not come out of convenience
Story by Amber ChenOpinion Editor Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator This article contains descriptions of sexual assault that some might find disturbing. Tara Reade, a former Joe Biden staffer, initially came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Biden alongside several women in the spring of 2019. On March 25, 2020, Reade came forward with […]
Why SPPD needs to be defunded
Story by Quinn ManzoStaff Writer Illustration by Tarry SongStaff Illustrator Anger over police brutality has reignited following the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. Protesters are enraged over the continued killings of Black Americans at the hands of police and the racist system that refuses to hold officers accountable, with local residents now taking […]