Story by Noah Kuhn & Lilian ZhuStaff Writers Illustration by Nicholas FormanStaff Illustrator The world’s largest island has garnered much publicity in recent news. Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, was the recent focal point of U.S. President Donald Trump’s real estate fantasies. At first, Trump seemed to be joking about buying the […]
Dark Humor and the Trivialization of Mental Health
Story by Lilian ZhuStaff Writer Illustration by David SohnStaff Illustrator Joking about suicide and depression has become the norm, whether it’s through social media or day-to-day conversations. Teens might hear their friends say, out of stress, “If I don’t get an A, I’m jumping off a building.” And they will most certainly hear the phrase, “I’m […]
LGBTQ+ Education Belongs in Schools
Story by Amber ChenStaff Writer Illustration by Alicia ZhangStaff Illustrator During a school board meeting on June 11, parents voiced concerns over LGBTQ+ curriculum, including books with LGBTQ+ characters and themes, being taught in South Pasadena Elementary Schools. Over the past decade, California has passed laws in an attempt to prevent discrimination and create an inclusive environment […]
We Need to Teach Our History of Racism
Story by Noah KuhnStaff Writer Illustration by David SohnStaff Illustrator Racism, segregation, and discrimination are all part of our country’s history. And they all undoubtedly still exist. White supremacy and the subjugation of minorities are entwined with the American narrative. Racism in the United States conjures up images of brutal slavery, Native American genocides, and immigration laws […]
The Fight to Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms in California
Story by Sofia Alva Staff Writer Illustration by Alicia Zhang Staff Illustrator Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound that is produced by more than 200 species of magic mushrooms, commonly referred to as ‘shrooms.’ At institutions like John Hopkins University and New York University, clinical trials exploring psilocybin as a therapy for depression, drug […]
Please stop saying “traps are gay”
Illustration by David Sohn If you’ve spent any time in the degenerate cesspools of 4Chan and Reddit, you’ve likely heard the phrase “traps are gay” thrown around casually. Those who use it typically have a poor understanding of its far-reaching implications, or even what it means. While the phrase may seem like a harmless joke, […]
Devos’ harassment regulations would silence survivors
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos released a proposal on Nov. 29 detailing new policies relating to how all education facilities address sexual harassment and assault allegations. The rules address the responsibility placed on schools under Title IX, the federal protection law against discrimination. DeVos claimed the intention of the policies is to balance the rights between […]
Superficial relationships aren’t worth your time
Written by Aanji SinIllustrated by Nicholas Forman Dating is no longer about getting to know someone better. It’s a text in between homework assignments, or holding hands throughout the school day to let your peers know about your new significant other. High school “relationships” have exclusively become ways to pass the time. They’re an easy substitute for […]
Santa should have no place in public education
Illustration by David SohnStaff Illustrator Throughout elementary school, I distinctly remember participating in a fair share of Christmas-themed school activities. From writing wish lists for Santa to reading books centered around the North Pole, my small Pennsylvania elementary school heavily integrated Christmas celebration into its curriculum. I am only half Jewish and do culturally celebrate Christmas, […]
The importance of a local perspective
The California midterm election on Nov. 6 prompted South Pas citizens and SPHS students to register to vote. The massive scope of the election seemed to draw a crowd, as 364 SPHS students participated in the California Mock Election on Oct. 9, which modeled the real election this week. Engagement in national and global politics […]
When does free speech justify hate speech?
Written by Tiger Staff Illustrated by Oscar Walsh Associate Photo Editor A woman has been standing on the corner of Bank and Fremont before and after school for the past few years, attempting to pass out religious pamphlets to SPHS students. Their religious aspect is not what phases students, but the homophobic remarks contained in them. […]
Don’t put me on a ‘woke’ pedestal
Written by Maya Williamson Copy Editor Illustrated by David Sohn I am known in my social clique as the token “woke” friend, there to explain all things problematic to those of my peers who are less socially aware. This trope is itself problematic in nature. As I have come to understand, being a woman who is more […]
How Students Should Judge Colleges with a History of Slavery
Written by Cat Flores Staff Writer Illustrated by David Sohn There are many things that you can easily find out about colleges just by conducting a search. Their acceptance rate, tuition, different programs offered, and scholarships are all factors used in finding the ‘right’ college. However, one thing that’s not so easy to find out is whether […]
Death doesn’t give our heroes a free pass
Written by Audrey Ernst Staff Writer Illustrated by Elaine Yang Design Editor This article contains descriptions of domestic violence that some might find disturbing. In June 2016, Geneva Ayala was faced with a difficult decision. How she would like to be sexually assaulted, barbecue fork or barbecue brush? She was given that choice by her boyfriend at […]
I’m not a terrorist, but your jokes don’t offend me
Illustration by Elaine Yang Staff Illustrator I have a necklace that says my name in Arabic. Every time I wear it I get asked what it says and every time I respond with “ISIS.” This joke plays on the countless terrorist jokes I’ve been subjected to — the shock value is a bonus. My time […]
South Pasadena’s dwindling middle class
Illustration by Truman Lesak Design Editor South Pasadena has always been a town that draws young families looking to settle down. If there is a moving truck on the block, it’s probably the harbinger of a new family, drawn by the quality schools and “mayberry” liberal community, or a family moving out, left empty-nested after […]