4 2 Winter Edition

Diversity(?) of the Women’s

March
By Zoë Tremitiere
Trying to spot a minority in the crowd at the women’s march
in D.C. was sort of like playing where’s Waldo.
It’s pretty ironic actually, that in a women’s march,
there were more men than minorities–– that in a crowd of
people shouting “black lives matter”, and “immigrants are
welcome here”, very few were anything other than white.
Overall the march was entirely positive, and there
was very a lot of effort, I think, put into making the women’s
march a march for all women. Between the original
organizers of the march having intentionally brought on
several non-white activists as additional organizers, and the
umpteen posters depicting women of color with the american
flag behind them, the march seemed completely normal
actually, until I saw a black man in crowd and had to
question why that was surprising. The first illation might
have been that America is just majority white, and that the
march is just reflective of that. But really, the U.S. isn’t
actually as overwhelmingly caucasian as the march’s makeup
would insinuate. Minorities make up about 40% of the
country and about 67% of Washington D.C.’s population,
you just wouldn’t know it because so few minorities live in
the capitol hill area and other neighborhoods near the white
house. It’s also not as if most minorities support Trump. A
2016 NBC news poll reported the elected president had the
 Our World
support of only 8% of black voters, 22% of hispanic voters, minority women who attended the march (the one in
and 23% of asian voters. Even the support of 8% of black D.C. at least), the low number of women of color in
voters is surprising considering his long history of attendance wasn’t really acknowledged. In just about any
discrimination against African Americans, including photo from the women’s march on Washington, it’s clear
unequal employment opportunity, and unequal employee that there was a disproportionately low number of
treatment, as well as a myriad of racist comments about minorities in attendance, yet there are so many articles
African Americans, and the multiple lawsuits filed against praising the march’s diversity and inclusiveness. I’m
him and his company for reasons of racial discrimination.
sure we’d all have liked for the march to be made up of a
The 23% support of Hispanic voters is especially diverse group of women, but that wasn’t the case, and
astonishing considering the claims that Mexican pretending it was something other than what it was isn’t
immigrants are drug dealers, rapists, and criminals, and his productive. To ignore the matter of women of color
ridiculous (and impossible) plan to deport all illegal either being unable, afraid, or unwilling to stand up for
Mexican immigrants, and build a wall separating the U.S. their rights would be going against the purpose of the
from Mexico, as well as his claim that a judge would be march, which was in part to acknowledge uncomfortable
unable to do his job properly and without bias because of
difficult issues of equality in the U.S. which have for so
his Mexican heritage.
long been ignored.
Nevertheless, support of Donald Trump amongst
minorities is still incredibly low, so why was it that
minorities, who along with women face the brunt of The Ideal School
discrimination and inequity in the U.S., weren’t marching
in numbers as high as would have been expected?
One possibility is that many minorities couldn’t
System
afford to attend the march. Marching might mean missing a By Sonali Govind
day of work and losing a day’s wages; it could mean
having to pay for childcare, and transportation, which for
many might not be feasible. The wage gap was of big
concern to women at the march, and for good reason, with
the average white women earning 79 cents to the white
man’s dollar, the gap is even larger for African American
women, who on average earn just 60 cents to the average
white man’s dollar. Hispanic women make even less, with
the average being 55 cents to the dollar.
It’s also plausible that women of color didn’t feel
comfortable marching with white women, when 53% of
white female voters voted for Donald Trump. The purpose
of the march was for women to show solidarity, but
understandably some women of color might not feel
solidarity, unity, and agreement with women who voted It is the presumed idea that parents want their
for Trump––a man who repeatedly made blatantly racist children to go to good schools, have good teachers,
statements throughout his campaign. I doubt however that and make good grades. Even though this may be the
many of the women at the march were Trump supporters, standard for many parents it is often not true when it
since many of Trump’s policies go against what women
comes to their child’s education. Schools across
were marching for. The march was likely comprised of the
other 47% of women who didn’t vote for Trump and their America are heading in a direction in which standards
daughters who were too young to vote but share anti- are being lowered but expectations of graduating
Trump sentiment. students in the workforce are increasing. However,
Whatever reason there was for the low number of some countries like Finland's innovative education
system could be the first look at reforming schools to skill in a very specialized occupational preparation
fit the growing demands of society. program that prepares them very well for a specific
The United States education system has come a job,” according to Lasonen, Johanna in her report,
long way. The dropout rate has decreased, more than ⅓ International Vocational Education and Training
of people graduate college and earn a bachelor's Association Conference.
degree, and schools have gained a greater diversity of

Is TV a Bad Influence?
students. In spite of that, the United States is lowering
school standards in order to make sure more people
graduate. By Kianna Cotton
Grades in many schools have been inflated so
that it ends up hurting a child once they reach college
and so on. According to Christopher Fox of MIT
university, “At one high school, a class valedictorian
with perfect attendance and a 4.0 GPA could not pass
the Graduate Exit Exam (grade 10 level). 5 tries. All
A's in her classes.”
This is also true in terms of the quality of
teaching. Teachers unions protect inadequate teachers
and do not recognize the good teachers.
Comparing the schools in the United States to
those in Finland show how new approaches to teaching
can prepare students with the skills they need.
Starting about 40 years ago Finland’s economic
recovery plan led to changes in the school system. Not
only were there changes in the actual school, but the
standards in which they deemed significant. “We really
need a rethinking of education and a redesigning of our Is television a bad influence? Why yes it is
system, so it prepares our children for the future with and there are three important reasons why. Those
the skills that are needed for today and tomorrow. Said reasons are, television desensitizes kids to violence,
Marjo Kyllonen, Helsinki’s education manager can interfere with kids activities, and can teach
Children attending elementary school have an children foul language.
unexpected increase in recess, little homework, and no The first reason why television is a bad
standardized testing are some of the few reasons why influence is, it desensitizes kids to violence. This
kids are doing so well. Finland’s philosophy focuses on means that kids have an emotional response/less
teaching children efficiently while still allowing them sensitive to negative things such as violence after
to socialize and pursue their hobbies. “There are constantly seeing it on TV. This is bad because this
schools that are teaching in the old fashioned way will make kids more violent in schools, which will
which was of benefit in the beginnings of the 1900s – get them in more trouble. This is also bad because if
but the needs are not the same and we need something one kid it will make more kids want to be violent as
fit for the 21st century.” well. This shows the first reason why television is a
In 2000, Finland’s 15-year-olds scored the bad influence.
highest in reading over 40 other international schools The second reason why television is a bad
by the Programme for International Student influence is, it can interfere with kids activities.
Assessment. Then in 2003, Finland scored the highest These activities can include, physical activities,
in math and following in 2009 scored the second homework, and chores. These are all important
highest in science. activities and here is why. Physical activities include
Once people enter high school they are able to exercise and without exercise kids will be fat, tired,
choose an area of specialty with over 200 areas to and lazy. Homework is the key in school, and if you
choose from. After 2-3 years they can then get a don’t do your assignments, you will have a lot of
diploma in that specialty. missing work and you can fail your classes which
“The students enrolled in the vocational schools can lead to getting left back. Chores are important
graduate with an intense, high level of knowledge and because, without chores whatever you need to clean
will be left a mess which can lead to not being
organized. This shows the second reason why costs ten dollars a month for basically an infinite
television is a bad influence. amount of music. A question that immediately came
Finally, the last reason why television is a to mind was how can an “all you can eat music plan,”
bad influence is, it teaches kids foul language. If kids for a lack of better words, possibly compensate for
learn foul language it can lead to loads of trouble, how much money it costs to make an album? And
because kids will think that it is okay to talk like that how can struggling artists possibly receive an income
to adults and to people in their school. Foul this way? The answer is that in this “new” music
language is also not a proper language and can industry, the key to success lies within artist
negatively affect children. So overall, this shows popularity through social media and selling
why television is a bad influence. But not all people advertisements. While streaming sites are driving the
feel this way. music industry and making millions of dollars,
However, on the other hand, some think that thousands of artists that have yet to go viral are barely
television is not a bad influence. For example, receiving an income for their music. As social media
television may teach children important life lessons platforms continue to grow, it is understandable why
that they can later on use in life. Shows like struggling artists want to go viral because of social
Octonauts, Bubble Guppies, Chugginton, and even media and its accessibility and artists like Justin
princess shows like Sofia the First can help children. Bieber who successfully did the same thing. The
Shows like that help kids because it teaches them reality of the music industry today is that the listeners
how to be kind to others, teaches them to never give are completely running the show, and they want as
up, teaches them to work together, and most much music as possible for the least amount of

The Evolution of the

importantly teaches them education like math, ela,
and science. So overall, television is also very
money. In 2021, I think that this positive feedback
loop will continue to grow and that consumers will

Music Industry
beneficial. inevitably continue to dominate the music industry.
Overall, television has pros and cons that
may either help Byus or bring us
Maggie down in life.
Feldman

The introduction of digital music in the late

1990’s began what is still recognized today as the
ongoing shift from record based listening, to digital
methods of music consumption. What began with
vinyl records eventually turned into cassette tapes,
then CDs, and soon enough MP3. This major shift
immediately showed signs of long term stress on
ultimately most people in the business. Despite what
many thought would be the crash of the music
industry, methods of relief came through the
invention of MP3, which opened up a new world of
opportunities; most notably the creation of iTunes.
Eventually, competition paved the way for new and
improved ways of listening to music, which has
resulted in streaming. Today, the growth of the music
industry is reliant on increased paid subscriptions to
streaming sites like Spotify and Apple Music, the
buying and selling of advertisements through outlets
like Youtube and various social media platforms, and
an increase in the popularity of live performances. I
believe that these key factors will continue to shift
the music industry into 2021 resulting in a business
based primarily on consumer accessibility.
While the average album typically sells for
ten to twenty dollars, a Spotify Premium subscription
 Life at LaG
Overlapping Exams graded on. Dance majors have to prepare for and perform
in the Senior Dance Showcase and study for exams all
By Olivia Lake during the same week. Vocal and instrumental majors
have to prepare for musicales and their juries during
regents week. Rising Stars, the all school talent show,
rehearses during finals week as well. Despite all of this,
the students somehow survive. That is what makes this
school special; it is filled with kids who are not only
talented, but are driven enough to take on these crazy
schedules and do well in all areas. This might really
stress students out in the moment, but will prepare them
for the future when they have to juggle crazy work hours
and their passions, or their families and their social lives,
or really anything. During this crazy time, students
should take their priorities day by day instead of looking
at it all at once and becoming overwhelmed.

Creating Opportunity
By Bridget Ashvil
LaGuardia High School is best known for its
outstanding dual-mission program. What actually
makes LaGuardia an amazing school is how the
students handle this way of learning. Every day student
tackle their regular academic classes and their arts
classes. They will get homework from their department
and from their academic classes. This system becomes
the norm to most LaGuardia students and we often
forget that most high schools are not like this… until
we reach the time of juries and finals.
A jury is the equivalent to a final in your major.
Finals week is stressful enough when you are trying to
remember which founding father created the national
bank and the quadratic equation, and juries tend to fall
around the same time as finals. With LaGuardia being
such a big school, it is often difficult for teachers to I have a lot of dreams. I dream of being a
communicate and space out exams so that students do writer, an actress, a Broadway singer; a
not feel overwhelmed, especially because there are cinematographer, a small bakery owner, a
academics and arts to take into consideration. songwriter, and a fashion designer. I want to open
Each major has big performances or showcases my own publishing company, or my own music
that they are not only nervous for, but are also getting production company. I love making up book
characters in my mind and I know exactly what the reservations about exactly how the filming process will
soundtrack for the movie of my life would be. I have work since I want half of the people to be in black and
all of these dreams and yet I am stuck in a math class white, while a few characters have color. I still have a
every day of my life for forty-five minutes. In a lot to learn about filming, camera work, editing, and
continuous cycle of school, homework, eating, and directing; yet I remain dedicated to my task and will do
sleeping (though never enough), I feel that I am anything to learn. Every day I have new ideas for my
running out of time to reach my dreams. I feel that I film and I love that I am finally able to set these goals
am waiting for my life to hand me a formal into motion. Hopefully, this year I will create my film
invitation to start reaching my goals. Being a big and even enter it into a film festival. I am so happy to
procrastinator also doesn’t help me to achieve my have this learning experience to refine my talents and
goals, but where do I start? explore the things that I love to do.
Two months ago I was surprised to hear my Most of the time I feel that I will never be able
friend mention a film club in passing. I was very to do what I love because I don’t know how to begin,
excited to hear about this since I have lots of movie but taking a club like this is a great way to start chasing
ideas. Maybe I could actually create a movie! For the your dreams. Everyone needs a creative outlet that
first time in awhile I felt like I was in charge of my makes you a more well-rounded person. If you like to
future. All I could talk about for days was this club. I draw funny stick figures on napkins, or if you enjoy
pitched my idea to the seniors and they liked it. It roller skating, join a class! You can create a class if one
would be work and it would take a while but we doesn’t exist. People will appreciate it because everyone
could get it done. Those meetings every Wednesday has hidden talents and a long list of dreams that need to
after school make me feel like I can do anything that be explored. We are so blessed to go to such a diverse
I set my mind to. Two of my close friends are in the school of unique and talented young people, and we all
club with me and we talk for hours about our dreams deserve to find our true callings. With an almost
and our plans for the club. I am finally taking a class identical curriculum to everyone else, it is up to every
that benefits me and makes a difference in my life. It one of us to take charge of our dreams and help others
is amazing how one hour a week can change my to do the same. High School is not easy and is mostly
view of myself and school. just exhausting, but having a list of dreams in your
The club itself is set up so that at the pocket and a pen at the ready to check one off of the list
beginning of the year several people share their ideas is just what we need to be happy. Don’t wait for life to
for short films to the group. These ideas are then hand you your future, just go and do what you love and
refined and the class gets split up into smaller groups don’t stop until you have achieved all of your goals. Be
to work on the films that most interest them. I am inspired and then be an inspiration to others, because
currently in a group for a short murder mystery you know you are capable of great things.
comedy film, in which I may be acting or helping out
in any other way I can. There is a place for everyone
in the club, if you are looking to act, write, edit, do
camerawork, or direct. Since my film pitch is the
longest in the club, and will need a lot of manpower
and hours after school, we have decided that I will be
filming by the end of winter nearing spring. It may
even run into the summer if these shorter projects
aren’t completed fast enough. This is not ideal, but
hopefully people will continue to work on it during
the summer.
I am currently writing my script, which is
about 30 minutes in length, and with all of my ideas
I find writing it comes fairly easy to me. Soon I will
be able to pick out actors to play my characters, and
set up a whole group of students that are dedicated to
making my ideas become reality. This is such a
liberating feeling and I still believe that this project
will be a major success. However, I still have
 Creative Writing
Rumors
By Kiana Cotton

Rumors. What does it mean? It could be a lie, it could be the truth, but what does it really mean?

A rumor is defined as a circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth. Why do people feel the
need to tell rumors? People feel like they have to spread the word, they are gossipers who love drama. But why
start drama? Because they suck! They want to sit back and watch the show. They are the masterminds behind
everything.
How do rumors make people feel? Some rumors might make people feel special, they’re like, “Whoa I
must be popular in order to be talked about.” But what do normal people feel about rumors? They feel like
rumors are absolutely awful. Some rumors aren’t even true, and they’re probably really stupid rumors like, “Oh
this girl likes to eat cat food” or something. Is that really necessary? Of course not, but like I just said, they are
gossipers that like to eat popcorn, sit back and watch the show. But how would people starting the rumors feel if
there was a rumor about them? Those gossipers with a heart probably wouldn’t like it. Even if there is a rumor
about them that they probably wouldn’t like do you really think they would still spread rumors? Of course––once
a gossiper always a gossiper. If they live off of spreading lies and talking why would they stop? But what goes
around comes around. They will get what’s coming to them in the future. Revenge mwahahaaaaaaaaa!
Just kidding.
 Reviews
Top Ten Movies of nature will end with, La La Land. Damien Chazelle’s
ode to golden age Hollywood and movie musicals has
2016 had an enchanting effect on audiences and critics alike.
Much to my surprise, I did not experience this
By David Lepelstat enchantment when I went to see it on Christmas Day. I
couldn’t help but feel that both the main characters and
the story lacked dimensions. This movie was a huge
undertaking. Chazelle longed to pay homage to such
classics as Gene Kelly’s Singing in the Rain while
maintaining a 21st century feel, balancing realism and
magic, and having two stars (Emma Stone and Ryan
Gosling) with limited singing and dancing experience
carry the entire picture. This made La La Land feel like
it was having a bit of an identity crisis. With all of this
said, La La Land makes the list because of it’s many
Courtesy of my dear sweet Uncle for giving promising features along with being a completely
me a huge set of free AMC movie tickets, I got out to original movie. The cinematography, overall concept,
the theatres quite a bit this year. After seeing a catchy songs, and brilliant ending sequence made this
sizeable amount of lovely films, I had a hankering to movie worthwhile and earned it a number ten spot on
construct a top ten list. I believe in these sorts of lists my list.
for a number of reasons. They stir up
wonderful debates, give recommendations to
readers, and I can get feedback and hear about
9. ‘Fences’
movies that I missed. Movies that I did not get the
pleasure of seeing that could have made this list are
as follows: The Handmaiden, Elle, Paterson, Silence,
and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (don’t know how I
missed this one). I will be getting to all these films
soon, so this list is subject to an update. Please
understand that this is all my opinion! Without further
Coming in at number 9 we have Denzel Washington’s
ado, here are my top ten movies of 2016:
Fences. This drama based on the 1983 play of the same
title by August Wilson uses a screenplay that credits the
10. ‘La La Land’ late playwright himself. The cast is largely made up of
the 2010 Broadway cast that ran 88 performances.
Fences is an extraordinary and important play but it
loses a lot of its intensity on screen, especially during
lengthy monologues. Beautiful performance from Viola
Davis as Rose.

I begin this list with a movie that many lists of this

8. ‘Hell or High Water’ 5. ‘20th Century Women’

Nothing like a good bank robbery movie! Hell or

Highwater does an amazing job developing perspective Director Mike Mills tells a heartwarming story
and making the audience sympathize with both the focused around a character he drew from his own life,
robbers and the rangers chasing them. Fast dialogue his unorthodox but effective mother (played by
throughout, with an especially funny Ben Foster Annette Bening). This was a rich tale of the late
playing the trouble hungry older brother. seventies with well developed female characters,
fantastic dialogue, and a particular intimacy to it. A
7. ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ really wonderful movie.

4. ‘Arrival’

The first of two animated movies on this list is Kubo

and the Two Strings. I had never seen anything like this
movie. It was real eye candy with its active use of
origami and complex animations. The special attention
this movie pays to the spiritual world and the power of Arrival was a completely original sci-fi movie that
belief and imagination, make this a truly wondrous had me very engaged even with its lack of battles,
ride. Even though you are witnessing a wild new screaming, and explosions (my usual favorite aspects
universe, everything seems to make perfect sense of sci-fi). There are no shortcuts taken in this movie.
during Kubo’s journey through ancient Japan. A It has rich themes of the importance of language and
compelling, uplifting story that is sure to resonate with how better communication can change the world.
viewers of all ages. Arrival is a unique journey that definitely gets the
audience thinking.

6. ‘Manchester by the Sea’ 3. ‘Zootopia’

Kenneth Lonergan’s challenging drama did something

spectacular, it made a story filled with such horrifying
tragedies feel grounded, allowing the audience to In a year of extraordinary animated films, Zootopia
connect to such extreme circumstances. The movie was was the clear winner for me. This movie was a blast!
really well written with stunning performances across It was filled with pop culture references, social
the board. I also appreciated how accurately the young commentary, and flat out hysterical moments. This
people were written in this movie and how the script truly is an important movie with a special message,
did not discredit the intelligence of teenagers as so but it never feels preachy and always feels fun. Don’t
many movies do. miss this one!
2. ‘Don’t Think Twice’

My second favorite movie of the year was one that went under a lot of people’s radars. I simply adored
Don’t Think Twice, a low budget movie about an NYC improv troupe. Written and directed by comedian Mike
Birbiglia, Don’t Think Twice gives audiences a true feel of the mystical world of improv. From the shows that
sell out but don’t make a lot of profit, to the one member of the troupe who puts on a one man show when an
industry professional is in the crowd, to the low square footage and monotonous side jobs. I fell in love with
these characters and saw each one of them at their best and worst. The movie uses interesting camerawork that
puts the audience in the mindset of an improviser creating a clear mood throughout. I have thought more than
twice about how special this movie is.

1. ‘Moonlight’

And for my favorite movie of the year………...Moonlight! Barry Jenkins’ epic about growing up black
and gay in a drug invested Miami housing project is pure gold. Told in three parts (boyhood, teenhood, and
adulthood), Moonlight is a layered story of identity. Everything about this movie was incredible. The frantic
way it was shot, the way not a single character or scene is wasted, the coloring, the sound, the moments on
screen where there is simply silence and the actors just take each other in, it is all such a riveting experience. I
did not have much trouble this year selecting my number one spot. Plus it doesn’t hurt that Laguardia graduate
Jharrel Jerome has a key role in this movie!

That concludes my list, but what would a top ten list be without some honorable mentions?
Honorable Mentions:
Finding Dory
Deadpool
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Sing Street
The Nice Guys
Lion
 After the Snowstorm
By Kaitlyn Quach

Thank you for reading The State of The Arts!

If you would like to write or suggest something,
please don’t hesitate to contact us at
[email protected]!
We’re always open to new additions.

Sincerely,
Alec Spector, Malach Campbell, and Kaitlyn Quach.