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 […]
Public health shouldn’t come at the cost of excess plastic waste
Story by Noah KuhnNews Editor Illustration by David SohnStaff Illustrator 2019 saw the youth of this country and the world utilize their power and demand an end to the destruction of the earth. The youngest generation staged school walkouts, protests, and launched a campaign on social media. Greta Thunberg inspired millions with her fierce defiance […]
Reconciling voting in an era of excuses
Story by Noah KuhnAssociate News Editor Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator Voting continues to be the most important and effective way for citizens to influence the laws that govern both themselves and future generations. However, the United States has one of the lowest turnout rates among developed countries — only 56 percent according to the Pew […]
Understanding the limits of empathy
Story by Amber ChenStaff Writer Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator Empathy is often seen as the pathway to connection, a virtue that all must strive towards. To arrive at an empathetic perspective, people must practice putting themselves in the shoes of another. However, in certain cases, some are unable to even fathom the perspective of another. A […]
The unseen consequences of coronavirus panic hoarding
Story by Noah KuhnAssociate News Editor Illustration by David SohnAssociate Design Editor Empty shelves. Lines around the block. Six feet of distance between individuals. Deserted public spaces. The coronavirus has completely upended life in Southern California in a wave of mass hysteria equally as dangerous as the disease itself. As Californians anticipate a complete lockdown […]
Reassessing the VPA requirement
Story by Noah KuhnStaff Writer Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator Arts are integral to humanity as an avenue for self-expression. Unfortunately, forcing art on those who are not enthusiastic about it causes it to lose many of these celebrated qualities. The UC system currently mandates that all applicants take one year of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). […]
Sustainability demands conscious shopping
Story by Haelee KimAssociate Opinion Editor myconjoinedjourney.com Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator Certain American shopping habits have become increasingly commonplace as new, more desirable products flood the market every day. Specifically, many people have begun browsing online in the comfort of their own homes as opposed to shopping in person; clicking one “buy” button to […]