devil's advocate (vol. 31, issue 3)

devil’s advocatestanton college preparatory school

your stories. your school. your voice.

A New Lease on

the Future

A look at the businesses around

Stanton and the efforts to revitalize

the Durkeeville community.

By SHRUTI MURALI

no. 3 january 2015 |devilsadvocatepaper.com

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devil’s advocate | 3january 2015

Contributing Advocates: The Devil’s Advocate is searching for contributing writers, photographers, and artists. Contact Manya Goldstein at [email protected].

Ads and Sponsorships: The Devil’s Advocate is dependant on our advertisers and our sponsors. When you purchase an ad with us, it reaches a diverse student population that can help your business. We can also design your ads. Our prices are: $25 (1/4 page), $50 (1/2 page), $75 (insert), $100 (full page b/w), or $125 (back page color). Contact Savannah Mika at [email protected] or Mr. Knight at [email protected].

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Follows Us OnAdviser: Larry KnightEditor-in-Chief: Manya GoldsteinManaging Editor: Savannah MikaLayout and Design Editor: Samantha FossFeatures Editor: Zoe ReyesOpinions Editor:Vanessa HanSports Editor: Stewart GideonStudent Life Editor: Spencer NachmanPhotography Editor: Claire TorakTechnology and Media Editor: Anthony PaulReporters: Hudson Back, Shriya Gupta, Eden Molla, Shruti Murali, Sarah Page, Hafsa Quraishi, Valerie Starks, Lily Tehrani, Grace TrombleyPhotographers: Amber Weitzel, Sweta Madem, Nidhi Shashidhara

COMPETITION FROM WITHINInternal competition in sports is caused by each athlete’s desire to be the best on the team. While the fight to be the best can lead to tension between players, some students believe the friendly competition is beneficial.BY SARAH PAGE

PHOTO PHILOSOPHIESStanton has a unique set of teachers and students. In this collection of photos, we get insight into the thoughts, feelings and goals of some of the individuals who make up Stanton.BY PHOTOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT

Students who attend Stanton are perfectly familiar with the school grounds and what occurs within them. Yet what many are not familiar with is the surrounding neighborhood of Durkeeville. In this issue, we explore the community around Stanton by approaching it from a business perspective. What problems plague local businesses? What is being done to revitalize the neighborhood? Head on over to Features to learn more about the community you go to everyday.

Manya Goldstein, Editor-in-Chief

When athletes become so preoccupied competing with each other, it seems as if they can lose sight of their collective goal. The topic of internal competition is addressed in Sports as we examine the effect it has on student athletes.

The Mulitcultural Extravaganza has become the highlight of the year for many Stantonians. In Student Life, we take a look at what goes into this impressive event along with the individuals who work to make it happen year after year.

Finally, we ask a very pressing, yet unsettling, question: Are Stanton students elitists? In Opinions, we unveil the truth behind the elitist mindset and the consequences that are associated with it.

We hope you enjoy our third issue of the school year and look forward to hearing your voice. Email [email protected] to share your opinion on any of the topics addressed within. Who knows—you might be featured in the next issue of the Devil’s Advocate!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter at @scpnewspaper and like our page on Facebook for the latest school news, photos and more. Want to read more? We are proud to offer an extensive collection of weekly stories, columns and photo essays at www.devilsadvocatepaper.com.

17THE IMPORTANCE OF FEMINISMMany feel that there is a misconception of what defines feminism. At times, the movement is dismissed as people refuse to identify with the cause. A columnist explains why people should stand up for the equality of genders.BY LILY TEHRANI

10A NEW LEASE ON THE FUTUREThe surrounding neighborhood of Durkeeville was once an area where businesses flourished before they witnessed an unfortunate decline. Key individuals are now looking at the potential revitalization of the once-thriving community.BY SHRUTI MURALI

7THE MULTI EXPERIENCEThe Multicultural Extravanganza is an annual performance that is treasured by Stanton students. An important part of the experience is the hard work that goes into preparing for the show.BY SHRIYA GUPTA

Editor’s Desk

4 | devilsadvocatepaper.com vol xxxi, no. 3

Sports

For many, golf is a sport looked at with boredom and dismay. People often criticize the game, acting as though it isn’t a “real” sport and is a waste of their time. However, for Stanton College Preparatory School’s boys varsity golf captain, senior Warren Butler, this sport is a lifelong love. “When you play golf, you’re out in nature, undisturbed. It’s a calming experience; you could even say it’s religious. It helps me get closer to my God,” said Butler. “It’s a place where my mind is clear and I can think about things. I’m not worried about anything that happens off the golf course.” Butler began playing golf around the age of seven, when his dad took him to play on Sundays after church. These experiences introduced him to something he would grow to deeply love. “It was a bonding experience between my dad and me,” said Butler. “I thought it was really fun, and I really took it up.” It wasn’t until he was 13 years old that Butler began taking golf seriously. He started competing in tournaments with both small and large organizations. When he turned 14, Butler began considering golf as a way of earning college scholarships. He began practicing more frequently and made his way onto Stanton’s golf team. He eventually earned the captaincy of the varsity team. However, this was not enough to fulfill Butler’s dream, as he did not receive any desirable scholarship offers. “When I was younger, I thought that if I just kept getting better, or got a little better, some college would notice me,” said Butler. “But I just never got quite good enough.”

Game Ever Played and The Legend of Bagger Vance.” Butler’s personality can almost be described as enigmatic. His dry “goofball” humor has attracted a large group of loving, admirational friends. “Warren is a genuine guy. He dresses nice and is very up to date on politics and current events,” said senior Tyler Gillespie, one of Butler’s close friends. “He’s goofy, but in a funny, purposeful way.” Although it appears golf will not pan out as a possible career, Butler has a clear plan for the future. He is going to attend the University of North Florida and major in economics or finance, with the possibility of a future in law or politics. “I love history and English, but it’s not easy to make money with those jobs,” said Butler. “I want to enjoy my job, and I think economics is interesting and would pay well. If I were to take up politics, it’s because I love public speaking and want to help give others a voice.” Butler reveled in his time on the Stanton varsity golf team and the quality of his teammates, noting their great skill. “We did great as a team. The entire team was very good,” said Butler. “As captain, I was a little bit better than the other members of the team but only by a fraction. In an individual sport, one person can’t make that much of a difference.” Even if it is unlikely we will be seeing Warren Butler in the headlines as a famous golfer, he has not become deterred. Butler’s love for the game extends beyond a want for a career, and it will be something he continues throughout his life, no matter what he does in the future.

“I love golf, but it’s not as important as a good education,” said Butler. “I see it as something I’ll get back to soon, but right now, I’m focusing on finishing school well and filling out college applications.” Although Butler didn’t always perform as well as he could have in academics, he became very interested in history. Studying history not only became a habit but a hobby as well. “I’ve never been big on studying, but for me, history comes naturally,” said Butler. “Some people might be put to sleep by it, but I find history very interesting and easy to learn.” Even outside of school, Butler’s work doesn’t stop. He currently has a job working at Publix Super Market. “I used to work at Moe’s as a bus boy, and it was awful,” said Butler. “But I really enjoy it at Publix. I love being able to interact with customers.” When he’s not busy working or golfing, Butler pursues other activities, his favorite of which being the viewing and reviewing of movies. “I don’t have a lot of hobbies, but watching movies is one of my favorite things to do,” said Butler. “I like being able to criticize and review them. I thought Interstellar was amazing, but in terms of golf movies, my favorites are The Greatest

An Ace in

As the possibility of a career in golf seemed to fade, Butler took up other priorities and interests. Golf became less important, as he began to focus more on academics.

By HUDSON BÄCK, Sports Reporter

Golfer Warren Butler deals with the important senior question: What happens to an athlete as his scholastic sports career ends?

the H le

When you play golf, you’re out in nature, undisturbed. It’s a calming experience; you could even say it’s religious.

—Warren Butler, 11th

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january 2015 devil’s advocate I 5

Competition among teammates not only hones athletes, it defines the sports at Stanton College Preparatory

By SARAH PAGE, Sports Reporter

The academic competition at Stanton College Preparatory School can pose a big challenge to some. The need to be identified as one of the smartest students at Stanton puts a lot of pressure on the people attending. However, not all of the competition students feel occurs in the classroom. Student athletes also experience a similar form of rivalry, not only from other schools’ teams, but also from their own teammates. Fueled by the desire to be the best, teammates are often pitted against each other for the coveted positions of captain, starter or most valuable player on the team. “Here at Stanton, we can definitely find some healthy competition that allows us all to grow stronger,” said sophomore Allison Ibach. “I’m on the swim team, and since swimming is an individual sport, you are mostly competing against others and yourself.” Anything that could constitute as a “resume builder” for college is especially sought after by students, whether it be from academics or athletics. In the classroom, students may compete for a class ranking in the top ten percent, while on the field, athletes struggle for one of the few highly desired starter positions. The competition can be relentless, but it drives athletes to be more diligent and motivated. “The competition makes people try harder if they really want it,” said senior wrestler Jacob Cowell. Internal competition is not a bad thing as it provides extra motivation for the athletes to try their best. It can be fierce, such as the stressful tryouts that almost everyone

has to endure to become part of a sports team. While teams like swimming and track do not make its players tryout, the teams that do can relate to how taxing the week of tryouts can be. “It’s always super competitive,” said junior cross country and track runner Thomas Brown. “I think the competition is good for the new members. It gives them an opportunity to rise to the top.” With the threat of making neither varsity nor junior varsity looming over the athletes’ heads, the pressure can be very intense. In some sports, even when an athlete makes it on the varsity team, they are never truly safe. For example, the cross country team can exchange its lower ranking varsity members out with junior varsity runners if they are not able to run faster than the ones below. “Our varsity team consists of the top seven guys, so if you get beaten by someone who is number eight, they can take your spot,” said junior cross country captain Sean Doherty. “The competition is good though because it helps the team do its best.”

they should not alienate and antagonize their peers and potentially their future teammates. “I think people should still be nice to those that they’re going up against in tryouts,” said freshman and outside league soccer player Tracy Gaboyau. “They could always end up being on the same team.” One thing that can cause bitterness is the intense struggle for the position of captain. Away from the field, the captain’s spot could be compared to being the valedictorian. Both are highly coveted positions that are fought over and only awarded to select individuals. “The competition can be really intense, especially for the captain spot,” said sophomore swimmer Travis Bloom. In teams like women’s lacrosse, the captains are elected; other times, the coaches carefully select them. The process can be intense for all those competing for the spot. Emotions and tempers run high, as the position of captain is many times the culmination of everything the players have been working toward the past two or three years. Not everyone dislikes the internal competition found both on and off the field. Some students find it exciting and are able to make jokes with their friends about it. “I think the conflict is really fun. You get to talk smack to the teammates that you beat,” said Bloom. While there are those that take it less seriously than others, internal competition between athletes on the same team is very real. Mirroring the academic struggle many Stanton students feel in the classroom, the fight to be the best may take a toll on the athletes working both on schoolwork and their athletic skills. The inner contest is not detrimental though as it hones athletes’ skills and sharpens their focus to achieve the most they possibly can, helping them secure wins. Many athletes have learned that the struggle to be the best on the team should not overshadow the main goal: to beat all teams opposing the Stanton players. “There is a bit of tension,” said sophomore tennis player Rougel Aninon. “But we set our differences apart to work together and fight against the other schools.”

The fight to not be cut can be a beneficial driving force for athletes because it might make them try harder to stay on the team. In comparison, some students do not feel there is any competition within sports teams at all. These people feel that everyone on the team supports each other no matter what the scoreboard says or how they play in a game. “I ran cross country,” said freshman cross country runner Sydney Lewis. “It’s tough love, but when you’re running, you’re only competing against the clock and everyone is cheering for you.” Although some maintain this opinion, many others insist that competitiveness is not just something an athlete feels with the clock and other teams. The pressure a player experiences can not only affect the athlete’s life on the field but also in the classroom. Several students feel that while the athletes are in a relatively aggressive atmosphere,

I think the competition is good for the new members. It gives them an opportunity to rise to the top.

The competition can be really intense, especially for the captain spot.

—Thomas Brown, 11th

—Travis Bloom, 10th

Competition from Within

Quotes from Within“The girl’s lacrosse team does not have much competition within it. In some cases, competition can be good, but I am fortunate to be the coach of a lot of nice girls.”

“Competition is good. Friendly competition makes you aspire to be better than your teamates.”

“Competition is helpul to a certain extent, because it helps you to run faster. However, it can lead to tension among teamates.”

—Chris Routzong, Lacrosse

—Coach Ben Yadon, Girls Lacrosse

—Jesse Evans, Cross Country

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january 2015 devil’s advocate | 7

The Multi Experience

Since its inception, the Multicultural Extravaganza, a spring cultural arts event, has signified the diversity present at Stanton College Preparatory School. The Multicultural Student Association, commonly known as “Multi,” is the club which organizes this function. It is composed of many students of different grades and cultures, as they all come together to put on a memorable show. Multi was once small like any other newly established club, but now it has grown to become a large part of the Stanton community with 276 registered students. In 1999, Spanish teacher Mrs. Norma Crespo-Lowery became the second sponsor of Multi after her predecessor, Mr. Tony Delacrosse. According to Mrs. Crespo-Lowery, the Multicultural Extravaganza started out as a combination of cultural dances on a smaller scale. It was not until she settled into the position that the officers at the time wanted to make the Multicultural Extravaganza more of a “cultural experience” where different people could be involved with various cultures, much like its present state. “[Multi] has grown through the student body to what it is today. It was such a small group that turned into a larger phenomenon,” said Mrs. Crespo-Lowery. However, it was not until five or six years ago that Multi reached a grand scale and became more of an extended “family” rather than a club. “Multi is a loving family that is dysfunctional at times, competitive at times, but at the end of it, it’s just celebrating everybody’s culture and differences,” said Ms. May Ibasco, guidance counselor and current sponsor of Multi. Ms. Ibasco originally co-sponsored with Mrs. Megan Porter in 2012. Last school year, when Mrs. Porter retired, Ms. Ibasco took on the responsibility of Multi alone. “I think my main motivation for doing [Multi] is seeing the students enjoy it so much,” said Ms. Ibasco. Just as she is motivated to sponsor Multi, students are also willing to dedicate their time to the annual performance. It starts when students decide to undergo a rigorous try-out process in order to receive a spot on the group of their choice. They attend the audition times selected by group leaders and learn a 15-20 second original dance within the allotted practice time. “It was such a great experience because many of them were coming out of their shells and willing to try a dance that was outside of their comfort zone,” said senior

Christina Adepoju, leader of the Multi African group. According to Multi students, the club is a great way to break free from the negative stress and homework load they carry at Stanton. “It is stressful, but Multi is a different kind— it’s a type of stress that we all work together against and have fun while doing so,” said senior Jedd Marrero, president of Multi. This positive stress does sometimes get problematic according to students’ experiences. Often times, people may struggle to learn steps correctly, make time to attend practices or receive proper costumes. In spite of these problems, group members go out of their way to help others. “It’s not something you can do all by yourself,” said sophomore Rohan Varshney, referring to an incident that occurred last year. Varshney was a part of the Bhangra group and is a member again this year. In last year’s performance, he struggled to keep his Bhangra headpiece on and recalls many members attempting to help him; Varshney described it as a “big rush.” New members may run into issues similar to Varshney’s. Although there are potential problems, Marrero states students will build upon their talent and create bonds with others. “They will experience some of the closest friendships that they will ever make, since everyone does spend a large amount of time practicing with each other toward a common interest,” said Marrero. In addition to the days spent in dance, a large amount of time is devoted to decorations. This year’s theme is “Cirque du Multi,” a vintage circus style. According to senior Lahari Manchikanti, who is heading the Decoration Committee for the first time, it will take about a month or two to set up the theme since working with authentic-looking pieces is difficult. As a result, decorating may be more stressful than it has been in past years. “This is my fourth year in Multi and trust me, being head of decor is always stressful,” said Manchikanti. The decorations only add to the enthusiasm from both the Multi family and audience members who know how prevalent the show is at Stanton. Filled with stress and excitement, a number of students will be participating for the first time this year. “I haven’t had any dancing outside of Multi, so it is all really new to me but still enjoyable,” said freshman

Sydney Lewis, who is part of the Chinese Modern Group. These new faces gain first experiences while many older students recall the first time they took part in Multi. “I was in love with the concept, and my first meeting surpassed my expectations,” said Hanna Malik, vice president of Multi. Malik recalls seeing her older sister in the Multicultural Extravaganza when she was only in middle school. The impression the performances made persuaded Malik to join Multi when she arrived at Stanton. Junior Savannah Connelly, secretary of Multi, also remembers when she discovered Multi her freshman year. Connelly is an aspiring dancer who hopes to pursue a career as an IB dance teacher. “It gave me a place, as a dancer, to fit in somewhere where I was accepted and do something I loved as an otherwise lost beginner at Stanton,” said Connelly. Along with Malik and Connelly, many Stanton graduates commemorate their time spent in Multi. “Multi is definitely something I’ll never forget,” said former member Garrey Agustin, who graduated in 2013 and currently attends University of Central Florida. Agustin suggests that every Stanton student try Multi at least one time during their high school career. Aditya Karhade, who graduated in 2011 and is a student at Vanderbilt University, gained favorable memories through Multi. He remembers close friends and obtaining insight into his Indian background. Karhade was so inspired by Multi that in his years at college, he started a Bhangra team and became involved with other multicultural-related activities. “It became the inspiration for much of my college co-curricular involvement,” said Karhade. Multi appears to be a valuable experience to many Stanton students and sharing this experience with other schools could be the potential future for Multi. “Our officers this year are very open to supporting other high schools with Multi, and they’re even willing to go to their schools to give them feedback,” said Ms. Ibasco. According to Ms. Ibasco, schools, including Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Atlantic Coast High School and Mandarin High School have attempted similar programs to the Multicultural Extravaganza. She hopes it will eventually emerge at other places just as it made its humble beginnings at Stanton. Since its founding, Multi has become an integral part of Stanton and will continue to grow as long as students sustain it.

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By SHRIYA GUPTA, Student Life Reporter

8 | devilsadvocatepaper.com vol. xxxi, no. 3

Student Life

By GRACE TROMBLEY, Student Life Reporter

There are numerous restaurants in and around Jacksonville which are known for their hamburgers. These establishments strive to make delicious food and also provide an atmosphere both friendly and welcoming to its customers. With its gourmet burgers and unique theme, Poe’s Tavern is a perfect example of a restaurant that offers a wide array of options and a prime location with easy access to Atlantic Beach. Named in honor of famous author Edgar Allan Poe, the menu contains items alluding to famous works of his such as the “Raven” burger, the “House of Usher” burger, the “Amontillado” burger and many others. When I first arrived, I could not find the door for the life of me. The parking is set up to where the customer has to go around the restaurant in order to gain access to the outdoor entrance. I approached the hostess station and it took at least a full minute or two for the hostess to realize I was standing there, but once she did, I was on my way to being seated immediately. I was then greeted by an extremely friendly server. When I conveyed to him that I had never been to the establishment before, he gave me a succinct but informative synopsis of the background of Poe’s Tavern. He explained the theme of the restaurant and spoke about their gourmet burgers for which they are known. The intriguing part of the restaurant is what it is modeled after. There are chandeliers located in the tavern which are clearly inspired by the architecture of Poe’s time. The restaurant also stays true to its theme by having dim lighting and stained glass windows. The windows in particular caught my eye because one entire wall was filled with yellow stained glass that cast beautiful, vibrant yellow light over one portion of the restaurant. The walls are covered with posters of movie adaptations based on Poe’s works and photo depictions of him. Even the bathroom maintains the theme. It is wallpapered with pages from different works

by Poe and there is also a male voice reading aloud his poetry to the patron. The restaurant offers both outdoor and indoor seating, allowing customers to bring their dogs and eat outdoors if they desire. After observing the aesthetic of the restaurant and mulling over the numerous options on the menu, my decision was made. I chose to first try the “Tell-Tale Heart” burger. Each of Poe’s literary works represent a different option for toppings. The “Tell-Tale Heart” list of toppings consists of a

fried egg, applewood-smoked bacon and cheddar cheese. It also comes with the standard toppings of tomatoes, pickles and a special addition—fried onions. When my burger and fries arrived after about 20 minutes, it was cleanly presented, but it was still obvious it was an all-American cheeseburger. There were no unneeded embellishments; the burger’s appetizing and mouth-watering appearance was a testament to itself. I put together the two halves of the burger and began my meal. The burger left me pleasantly surprised. My expectations were a typical run-of-the-mill cheeseburger. This delicious treat, however, had the perfect blend of spices, and the bacon and egg topped it off wonderfully. Granted, the egg was a bit messy but you can’t eat a fried egg in a neat and clean manner. I ate nearly the entire burger in one sitting. On a typical burger, I apply a thick layer of a condiment such as ketchup. However, there was no need to add sauce on this one. The meat in the beef patty was juicy and ground to perfection. It was ground twice according to the waiter. This results in a patty that is easy to chew and is deliciously tender. Personally, I ordered my burger well-done and noted that there was a little bit of pink in there. However, the quality of the burger wasn’t affected by this at all. I ordered the side of Hand-Cut French Fries. The fries were salted evenly and crisp.

I then ordered the “Hop Frog” grilled chicken sandwich. The sandwich toppings were Mig’s Barbecue Sauce, Applewood Bacon and Monterey Jack Cheese along with lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. The chicken was grilled perfectly, and I was surprised the barbecue sauce did not overwhelm the other flavors of the sandwich. The cheese and barbecue sauce blended well with the chicken, and the brioche bun had the perfect texture and flavor to compliment it. My next choice was the “Raven” veggie burger. It was plain and came with the standard toppings of lettuce,

pickles, tomatoes and fried onions. Poe’s veggie burgers are a blend of black beans, red peppers and onions. I thought they were subpar at best. When you strip a burger of all the additions and have solely the standard issue toppings you can see what the flavors are truly like. The red peppers and onions gave the burger flavor. However, it was so moist it was falling apart at an alarming rate. A patty should be soft enough to eat but solid enough to where it is not the same as eating a crumbly vegetable cake.

After that mild disaster of a sandwich, I decided to switch things up and order a more spicy, flavorful burger. I chose the “Amontillado” burger. This burger’s toppings are guacamole, Jalapeno Jack Cheese, Pico de Gallo and Chipotle Sour Cream, along with the standard burger toppings. I was not expecting it to be horribly spicy because the guacamole and sour cream should have mellowed it out. I was wrong to assume that. When my mouth met the

burger it was on fire. The burger was decent at best and the Jalapeno Jack Cheese gave it a lot of spice. I’m not a fan of spicy foods at all but I can tolerate them and appreciate them if they are good. However, even my father who is an avid spice fanatic didn’t enjoy the burger or the flavors. My main complaint about the restaurant is just the volume of the customers. During my first visit, I was seated next to a large group of rowdy men when there were numerous tables available. At one point, I had to actually yell at my stepfather for him to hear me over the cacophony of voices. Even on my second trip, it was loud and clamorous with a low number of patrons. Initially, I was blown away by the decor and the food. However, on my second visit I was not impressed. I planned on ending my visit with dessert because the Chocolate Midnight Cake sounded incredible. I was then informed they were out of every single dessert which reflects poorly. Poe’s Tavern offers a modernized twist on food items, especially hamburgers, while having the unique theme of being modeled after Edgar Allan Poe and his literary works. The restaurant is distinct, original and serves good food depending on what you order. If you’re looking for a charming place to try, Poe’s is the place for you. If you are solely there for the food, then I would go elsewhere.

By GRACE TROMBLEY, Student Life Reporter

photo by Amber Weitzel

POE’S TAVERN RESTAURANT & BAR363 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL

(904) 241-7637www.poestavern.com



REVIEW


Life is filled with uncertainties, and although venturing into the unknown can be scary, new experiences are necessary. Seniors at Stanton College Preparatory School and elsewhere are in an interesting position since they are on the cusp of childhood and are preparing to enter the adult world. At this point in the year, a number of students have worked out their post-graduation plans. Brandon Battle, a member of the AP/Honors program, is one such person. Battle, the 2014-2015 Stanton boys’ cross-country team captain, has committed to the University of West Florida (UWF) and will be attending on a running scholarship starting in the fall of 2015. As described by Battle, the opportunity to run in college essentially presented itself to him. At running camp, Battle met athletes from UWF. He later corresponded with the men’s cross-country coach via e-mail throughout the season and toured the school. From there, the journey continued. “I applied to UWF, the University of North Florida (UNF) and Flagler because those are all the schools where I thought I had an opportunity to run cross-country,” said Battle. “I got to meet all of the guys. It was pretty cool meeting them. I got to sit in on a class, so that was fun, too.” Although he is still sorting out his future plans, Battle was certain about at least one of the activities that he’d like to continue in college. “My priority in choosing a college was running—that was my number one thing. I’m unsure about what I want to do with my life right now, but I knew that was one thing I wanted to do and I had to make that happen,” said Battle. In order to reach this point in his cross-country career, Battle has had to be a high-performing student-athlete. The successes in his life thus far were born out of a strong desire to improve. “I’m very competitive, so each time I’ve run, I’ve always wanted to get faster, and I’ve accomplished that every year,” said Battle. “I’ve gotten faster in cross-country and I’m definitely proud about that—one of my best accomplishments.” Mr. Kirk Tovrea, a Stanton teacher and the boys’ cross-country coach, can attest to the fact that Battle is highly motivated when it comes to running and his hard work has paid off. “I know last year Brandon had other runners in cross-country that he could chase after and this year has been a year where he’s in a league of his own,” said Mr. Tovrea. Sophomore Robert “Bobby” Iseley who is both a friend and teammate of Battle, has also witnessed Battle’s display of personal drive. “Brandon’s a great athlete. He’s always going to be the one willing to work while pushing others around him,” said Iseley. “He was the number one runner on our team this year and was in the top-ten at districts.”

As captain, Brandon stepped up and rose to the challenge. Mr. Tovrea noted how several athletes took the helm once Coach Smith retired after 30 years. “He and a couple other athletes had to step in because I didn’t know much when I became the cross-country coach,” said Mr. Tovrea. Iseley also believes that Brandon fulfilled his duties as captain by motivating and inspiring others. “He was a great leader,” said Iseley. “Whenever we were feeling down about ourselves, he was the one who would inspire us and tell us to keep running on our off-days.” Battle’s love of sports extends beyond the realm of cross-country; an avid fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars football team, athletics have been central in Battle’s life and he started running in middle school. “Really it started in the seventh grade when we had the mile in gym and I won it,” said Battle. After winning the event, Battle gave track a shot per recommendation by his mother and has been running ever since. Teammates, friends and family have played a role in his development as a runner and individual. Outside of sports, Battle has felt the influence of both cross-country and his competitiveness. “Cross-country helped me with my schoolwork since I was competitive in there,” said Battle. “I had the mindset of, even though I sometimes struggle in school, I can still do it if I work hard at it.” An athletic mentality has allowed Battle to do better in school than he could have ever imagined. After continually meeting and surpassing cross-country goals, Battle has been able to open his mind up to a number of possibilities in terms of his academic abilities. “I didn’t think that I could run as fast as I have, so maybe

Senior Spotlight Part 3: Racing to the FinishBy VALERIE STARKS, Student Life Reporter

I could do better in schoolwork,” said Battle. “So I surprised myself. I knew that my expectations could be higher.” As a senior, Battle admits to experiencing a bit of so-called “senioritis.” “This year, my grades aren’t that good when compared to my other years,” said Battle. “That’s probably because I’m lazier, laid-back and enjoying it more. The people who don’t know where they’re going for college probably have more motivation, but since I know where I’m going, the motivation’s not there.” Nevertheless, Battle has no plans to jeopardize his own future and is still seeking to make the grade. Battle looks forward to the future while enjoying the present—which is the ideal way to experience the senior life.



A BLUE DEVIL’S LIFE By SAMANTHA L. CLEMENS

devil’s advocate I 1110 I devilsadvocatepaper.com

Broken Businesses

The neighborhood is left to the younger ones. The concern for the neighborhood is gone, and crime is moving up.

—Mr. Dunson

In 1935, during the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was founded. It was a New Deal program, and its goal was to provide employment for African-Americans who were forced to live in crime-ridden slums due to their impoverished state. The WPA chose the neighborhood of Durkeeville, named after former Union military officer Joseph Harvey Durkee, to implement their plans for improvement. They established low-income housing in the community, and Durkeeville became the basis for federally-funded housing all over the country. A leading factor in the neighborhood’s success at the time was the abundance of businesses which contributed to the revenue needed to keep it flourishing. However, after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation in the United States, many small African-American businesses suffered bankruptcy due to the lack of customers. This caused

business owners to emigrate away from Durkeeville and Northwest Jacksonville for better opportunities, thus leaving it in its current economically deprived state. The area was further affected by the construction of Interstate 95 and the 20th Street Expressway, which divided neighborhoods. The completion and success of Shands Hospital diminished Brewster Hospital, which was located in Sugar Hill, a prominent neighborhood in Durkeeville, where the most influential and educated African-Americans lived. These people included teachers, lawyers, doctors and ministers. After these drastic changes, the Sugar Hill community was disrupted. Eventually, violence and crime became regular occurrences in Durkeeville, causing the neighborhood to recede. Since then, crime rates in Durkeeville have dramatically increased, leaving the neighborhood in a state of economic despair. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the crime volume in Duval County was over 40,000 in 2013, with about $54 million stolen in property values. The emigration of people to urban Jacksonville in the 1960s and 1970s also played a significant role in these rising percentages. Today, many businesses in the neighborhood are not able to survive and are forced to close due to the lack of economic opportunities available as well as the frequent crimes taking place in the area. An example of this can be seen in Daddy O’s Seafood & Crab House, a small store in the Stanton neighborhood, which was forced to relocate from 16th and Myrtle Avenue due to elevated crime rates leading to a shortage of customers. Many residents and business owners of the community have been in similar situations. According to an article published on Sept. 25, 2000 by Florida Times-Union reporter P. Douglas Filaroski, the owner of Happy Jack’s Grocery, Daniel Cobb, moved his 27-year-old business to a new retail strip on Myrtle Avenue due to financial incentives and the opportunity to attract more customers. In a story published on Aug. 8, 2014 in the Jacksonville Business Journal, Colleen Michele Jones reported about Wendy Holley, owner of Holley’s Bar-B-Q, and how she has experienced situations where she had to break up fights occurring just outside her restaurant. Holley said there is simply not enough recreational activities to distract kids from causing trouble. Mr. Otis Dunson, a resident of the community for over a decade and a security guard at Stanton, said BJ’s, another corner store close to Stanton, is located in the midst of a crime-ridden part of the neighborhood, posing a challenge that is hard to overcome. He believes the crime would reduce if the youth of the neighborhood took the initiative to improve the community. “The neighborhood is left to the younger ones. The concern for the neighborhood is gone, and crime is moving up,” he said. Mr. Dunson is not the only one who sees a need to make a difference around the Durkeeville area. Mr. Paul Tutwiler, the CEO of the Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation (NJCDC), is working to restore the community to its original luster by repopulating, rebuilding and bringing new businesses to the neighborhood.

Between the 1930s and the 1970s, it was common to see a variety of stores, shops and restaurants open for business with a consistent flow of customers throughout the day in Durkeeville, a section of Northwest Jacksonville. During this time, Durkeeville and other outlying neighborhoods were thriving communities with numerous businesses lining their streets. Now, among the rows of houses are deserted buildings and boarded up shops, a reminder of what once was. Among these desolate structures lies Stanton College Preparatory School, the one building which has stood the test of time, symbolizing the strength of Durkeeville and its potential to restore itself. Although the present location of Stanton did not open its doors until 1953, it can be regarded as a constant, a surviving aspect and reminder of the community and its success. Time and other factors weathered away the original glory of Durkeeville, but its economically-stable past remains unforgettable.

A New Lease on the FutureThe story of the businesses of Durkeeville and the hope that the community can once again prosper. —Mr. Tutwiler

By SHRUTI MURALI, Features Reporter

The first phase has to do with bringing new businesses back because you can’t restore a community without having businesses.

“We are building modern homes and are applying important zoning applications to things that would otherwise never be developed,” said Mr. Tutwiler. “The first phase has to do with bringing new businesses back because you can’t restore a community without having businesses.”

Mr. Tutwiler, CEO of the Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation

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12 | devilsadvocatepaper.com january 2015

Features

As developers of the

community, we are looking

at opportunities where they

may exist for us to improve

the community in a modern

way so that it becomes a

community of choice.

“The people who were here were sometimes poorer

people or low-income renters, so the social fabric of the

community began to change,” said Mr. Tutwiler.

While working to repopulate and diversify the community,

the NJCDC also provides services for individuals who

just graduated from law school and need an office. The organization leases space to them and provides an address

and a telephone along with access to the Internet. A

conference room is also available for neighborhood groups

that need meeting space. While these services may seem

insignificant, they make an impact on the overall change that Mr. Tutwiler and various other business partners are working

The NJCDC building, located at the intersection of Myrtle

Avenue and Moncrief Road, has five new businesses which opened on the first floor. The second floor of the building provides offices for practitioners, such as lawyers, who are able to come in and provide services throughout the

community.

“Part of our work is dedicated to the restoration of a

working class and new businesses within the community,”

said Mr. Tutwiler.

The NJCDC is located at the intersection of seven

different neighborhoods, one of which is Durkeeville, aiding

in its purpose of providing goods and services to the whole

area.

“We purposefully chose and designed this location

thinking it was the perfect location to bring the neighborhood

back,” said Mr. Tutwiler.

So far, the NJCDC has spent $14 million on housing

and $6 million on commercial activity. Mr. Tutwiler said the

construction of the NJCDC in the neighborhood is only phase

one. Phase two involves the construction of more modern

homes, businesses and clinics, including a bank, a grocery

store and a pediatric dental clinic. He said the number of

businesses has increased despite the movement of people

to the suburbs in early years.

“We recognize that there was a decrease in population

since 1968, when about 50 percent of the population left the

urban core,” said Mr. Tutwiler.

He acknowledges the detrimental effects of the

depopulated, economically deprived neighborhood and

seeks to repopulate the community with homeowners who

will have a long-term vested interest in the community. —Mr. Tutwiler

to bring about.

“We do everything from feeding the hungry to providing

social services for our seniors. We are just trying our best as

responsible citizens to help even the most vulnerable. We

don’t always have the resources; we just make it happen,” said Mr. Tutwiler, whose perseverance and dedication toward

improvements for the community has made it possible for

many new businesses to start up in the neighborhood.

Some of these new businesses include the Sophisticated

Menz Barber Salon as well as Master’s Shoes, a ladies’ shoe store.

“As developers of the community, we are looking at

opportunities where they may exist for us to improve the

community in a modern way so that it becomes a community

of choice. We have to provide opportunities for people to

come to the neighborhood to start up new businesses,” said

Mr. Tutwiler.

The NJCDC has leased space to many business owners

who either had to relocate or are starting a new business.

Mr. Frank Lyons, the owner of The Point Coffee Shop on

Moncrief Road, is one of the many new businesses that

opened with the help of the NJCDC. It is the only coffee shop

in the neighborhood that offers free internet. It relocated to

the NJCDC building after six years at a different location on

Moncrief Road.

“I was tired of having to travel three or four miles for

coffee and pastries,” said Mr. Lyons. “There was no way

to get it easily in this area. I opened this store mainly for

convenience.”

Convenience and easily-accessible services are a major

pull factor for new businesses to start in the area.

Mr. Frank Lyons, owner of The Point Coffee Shop

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However, with the opening of a new business in the neighborhood comes the threat of closing down due to the violence and crime that regularly occurs. According to Colleen Michele Jones, a reporter for the Jacksonville Business Journal, “Operation Ceasefire” was launched by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in May in an attempt to confront the deadly shootings and other violence taking place in the area. Assistant Chief Tony Davis, the officer responsible for the zone of the NJCDC area, is actively working with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on issues including how to build zones of security, how to effectively communicate with the patrols in the area, and how the community can get together to work on pressing community issues. “Overall, we are seeing some improvement, but we still have some areas that we can improve on. We are focusing on trying to get more interaction between the community members and the officers,” said Assistant Chief Davis, who hopes to achieve this through a series of neighborhood and community walks, where officers will get the chance to interact with residents about their situation and receive suggestions for improvement. Along with the JSO, the City of Jacksonville has also instituted Project New Ground, with the purpose of creating a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly city. The Durkeeville neighborhood is being aided by this organization, which has been in business for five years and conducts various service projects. Over the past 50 years, Durkeeville has undergone drastic changes, and it is having a positive impact on the community. From creating new businesses, increasing employment, improving safety and initiating diversification, Durkeeville is well on its way to restoring itself. Ms. Pamela Singleton, the Vice President of the Durkeeville Historical Society Museum on West 19th Street believes people have the wrong perception of Durkeeville. She said Durkee Gardens was where the professional people lived before the suburban exodus of educated African-Americans, such as schoolteachers and business owners. Durkeeville was a self-sustaining neighborhood where people seldom had to go downtown to buy

things. In the 1970s and 1980s, the neighborhood began to decline after people emigrated away from Durkeeville for better opportunities. However, Ms. Singleton said crime has dropped by 30 percent due to the construction of new housing neighborhoods. “[Durkeeville] is not a place most people understand. It’s not that bad here anymore as it used to be. It’s a quiet place,” she said. Along with these positive steps toward change comes the attempt to diversify the neighborhood. Ms. Singleton said the Durkeeville Historical Society Museum offers tours for students studying in Florida State College of Jacksonville (FSCJ), with the hopes of introducing new people to the Durkeeville neighborhood.

From creating new businesses, increasing employment, improving safety, and initiating diversification, Durkeeville is well on its way to restoring itself.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE: What is your perception of the neighborhood?

MR. OTIS DUNSON: It’s a typical neighborhood; you’re going to have problems in every neighborhood...overall I would say it is peaceful.

DA: How have you seen the neighborhood change in the time that you’ve lived here?

MR. DUNSON: I’ve been living on 10th Street for about 30 years now, and I’ve seen a lot of changes. The neighborhood is not what it used to be. The ones who used to keep up the neighborhood have passed on or moved; they left it to the younger generation but they aren’t doing anything with it. A lot of houses are run down and being condenmed. Also, the young ones moving in are bringing more trouble than there used to be.

DA: How do you think most people view this neighborhood?

MR. DUNSON: Some people view it as being the ‘ghetto’; some view it as being high crime —but to me, it’s not high crime and it’s not the ghetto as a lot of people like to consider it. There’s trouble in every area you go into.

DA: What are some things that need to be done to improve the neighborhood?

MR. DUNSON: The first and main thing that has to be done is to tear down all the dillapated houses. All of these abadoned houses are just stash houses for drugs and prostitutes. The neighborhood needs to get together and really unite in order to be aware of what’s going on. We need more communication; trouble needs to be reported.

DA: How are the neighborhood businesses affected by crime?

MR. DUNSON: Everybody says that BJ’s, the corner store at 13th and Moncrief, is the major drug hub—but it’s not. The trouble has been thinned out and honest people run the store. It’s just the fact that a lot of crime happens in the vicinity. The Blue Star Food Mart on Myrtle Avenue is the number one hang-out for young drug dealers and prostitutes. When one gang gets mad at another gang, there are shoot-outs up there. There has been a lot of killing; I see a lot of corruption.

DA: How do you think Stanton students are affected by all of this?

MR. DUNSON: They aren’t, not at all. Half the time, the incidents occur at night when school is out.There was a shooting not too long ago on 14th Street during school hours, and we went on Code Yellow. The suspect was aprehended and nobody really knew what went on. The school is not in any danger; it’s well protected.

An interview with long-time Durkeeville resident, Stanton security guard Mr. Otis Dunson.

Q & A

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Durkeeville and its surrounding neighborhoods have undergone tremendous changes over the past century. These communities fought the Great Depression, segregation and economic turmoil. Despite their strife, it is extraordinary how they have managed to survive. Though the crime and lack of economic opportunities in Northwest Jacksonville have posed great challenges for residents and business owners, various organizations have initiated improvements for these neighborhoods. With their vision for development, dilapidated buildings and crumbling businesses will no longer be the defining aspects of Durkeeville. They will be replaced by renewed businesses, a diverse population and a legacy that will last forever.

Share your thoughts and opinons about the community’s effort to revitalize busiess. Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured in the next issue of the Devil’s Advocate.

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Opinions

The Devil’s Advocate serves as the official newspaper of Stanton College Preparatory School. It is produced monthly by members of the Journalism class. The editors reserve the right to edit any material submitted to the paper for content, grammar, length, and accuracy. The Devil’s Advocate is a public forum for student expression, which encourages free exchanges of opinions concerning controversial and non-controversial community and school related issues. The ideas and advertisements expressed within the newspaper are not necessarily those of the newspaper adviser, school administration, or the Duval County Public School Board. The Devil’s Advocate accepts advertisements from all businesses in the Stanton community. The ad format can be given to the staff or the adviser, Mr. Larry Knight. Students, faculty, and parents may contact the staff and adviser at (904) 630-6760 ext. 143 or at [email protected].

Manya Goldstein Savannah MikaSamantha FossZoe ReyesVanessa HanStewart Gideon Spencer Nachman

2014-2015 Editorial StaffEditor-in-ChiefManaging EditorLayout and Design EditorFeatures EditorOpinions EditorSports EditorStudent Life Editor

devil’s advocateestablished 1983 I Stanton College Preparatory School


Elitism in the Halls of StantonStudents at Stanton College Preparatory School have often been cited as being elitists,

and unfortunately, this accusation has its basis in reality. Many individuals at our school harbor feelings of superiority toward other students in Duval County, often voicing these opinions on and off Stanton grounds. We, the Devil’s Advocate, believe the elitist mindset of students is dishonorable and requires an important shift in perspective.

Whenever an individual is in a position of achievement, be it their own accomplishments or the accomplishments of an institution, feelings of superiority often arise. Certain individuals who are more humble by nature might keep these feelings within, but many others are known to make their minds heard. This is what we have witnessed in the halls of Stanton over the years. Students are seen bragging about our ranking as one of the top high schools in the nation and proceed to label other schools as “second tier.” They are guilty of placing themselves on a pedestal of reverence and diminishing others to a position of inferiority.

The blame cannot be entirely placed on the students, however, as the mentality is reinforced by the actions of others. A prime example of this lies in the responses of individuals upon learning that a student attends Stanton. The familiar “Oh, you go to Stanton” reply is often accompanied by an eyebrow raise or expression of awe—a reaction that is understandingly quite effective at fueling one’s ego. Our students have been conditioned to believe that just because they have the opportunity to attend this school, they are somehow ‘better’ than the rest.

The elitist mindset goes far beyond the high school setting, and in all scenarios, our position remains the same. It truly does not matter how prestigious one’s position in life seems—a pompous disposition is never warranted. We are all trying to get by in a world imbued with competition, a world where anything can change in the blink of an eye. From academia to professional settings, people strive to meet individualized goals while being faced with a variety of challenges along the way. And yes, certain individuals are able to attain higher levels of success than others due to a whole host of factors, but no achievement is so great that it gives one the right to flaunt a supercilious temperament.

It is a disturbing thought that in addition to producing educated and well-rounded students, Stanton is also the breeding ground for the next generation of elitists. What is going to happen when, in a work environment, students have to join forces with those of all different skill levels and walks of life? Maintaining an aura of self-importance will only create a divide that hinders any form of respectful collaboration. In addition, most students will one day find themselves in a position when they are not at the top. For those who have grown accustomed to the elitist mindset, this will be a difficult reality to face.

For these reasons among others, we need to put an end to the feelings of superiority many Stanton students have come to embody. This may seem like an arduous task but, in reality, it is quite simple. All students need to do is put their lives in perspective. Any one of them could have ended up at the very schools they place on the “lower tier.” In all honesty, any of them still could. Going to Stanton is a privilege, and if students are merely going to use its name to put down others, they don’t deserve to be here in the first place.

Stanton PerfectionismBy ARIELLA POON, Contributing ArtistIn wake of the season of charity, there seems to be a decline in the amount of people

willing to help others. Helping those less fortunate should not be a “seasonal” practice, but rather an ongoing effort to better communities in trouble. Whether it is donating money, new toys, clothing or even gently used items, there is always a need for these things somewhere, even in the United States.

Most associate the winter season with giving because of the major holidays during this time. According to Charity Navigator, a website which provides information about charities to “guide intelligent giving,” 38 percent of people who donate say they are more likely to do so during the holiday season. This season is promoted as the “season of giving,” stemming from the tradition of giving gifts during holidays, like Christmas and Hanukkah. Businesses and charitable organizations are able to use this to their advantage to encourage sales and donations. Even at Stanton College Preparatory School, the majority of the clothing or food drives are during this time. It clearly works to the advantage of the charities; in fact, the amount donated to charity increases in the last three months of the year, adding up to about 34 percent of the total donated for the entire year and about 18 percent in December alone.

Of course, it is a good thing that charities are getting the money needed to help people, but there should be more emphasis on donating during other months of the year. Many people are unaware of those in their community in need of help. This could stem from the fact that they are not exposed to the hardships other people face. In addition, people ignore giving donations to others because of the mindset that “someone else will do it.” When everyone has this mindset, people in need suffer. There are children without essential hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, soap and running water, in the United States. There is no doubt that there are people suffering in other countries, but many are close to home. Even small gestures can help someone. If everyone helped a little throughout the entire year, more people would be provided with the things they needed to live a more comfortable life.

Although charitable donations are frequent during the holidays, people are also inclined to donate after natural disasters. For example, according to Charity Navigator, prior to the earthquake in Haiti in January of 2010, Americans were donating about $1 million via text message. However, just a few months after, the total donated through text message was $50 million, which was included in the $1.4 billion in total given to relief and recovery efforts. This shows there is an obvious increase in the amount of money people are willing to give after natural disasters, most likely due to the media attention and celebrity endorsements used extensively in times when money is needed, which people seem to need to prompt their donations. The quick rise in donations is followed by a sharp decline. After the massive amounts of attention dies down, the support of the cause does as well. Although the times of natural disaster is when poor countries, such as Haiti, need the money and support the most, there is also a need for support in other times of the year. The amount of people who need help in other countries is numerous and should not take a natural disaster to stimulate donations.

Charity is important to the development of a person. Supporting a cause not only improves a person’s sense of morality by helping others, but also allows people to become more informed about world issues. Donating to charities promotes education as well because choosing a cause requires research both about the cause and the best charity to donate to; therefore, people become more informed on social issues. Charity helps to better the donator and the community as a whole while helping out those who really need it.

A Year Long Season of Charity

Reaction to Issue 2

Barbie with Stretch MarksBy HAFSA QURAISHI, Opinions Reporter

David Holcombe: A Life of Achievement

Lily Tehrani’s article “David Holcombe: A Life of Achievement” was well written, well researched and it spoke to the true character of Mr. Holcombe—as a lawyer, educator and man. I was in Mr. Holcombe’s Law Studies class my junior year, and though I already knew I wanted to become a lawyer, it wasn’t until interacting with Mr. Holcombe that I decided I would pursue a career in the Naval Judges Advocate General Corps. Mr. Holcombe’s commitment to hard work and integrity is reflected in his careers, both inside and outside the courtroom. I enjoyed both the class and this article, which did justice to truly a life of achievement.

—Katie Thurson, 12th

The Importance of Privacy

I agree with the editorial, “The Importance of Privacy,” from the November issue, though for reasons other than those outlined in the piece. When I first started teaching at Stanton, I was shocked and amazed by the types of things my students were posting online. Social media allows teenagers to participate in the public sphere like never before, and I just want our students to comprehend the ways regrettable online behavior might haunt them in the future.

In a 2010 interview with the Wall Street Journal, Google Executive Eric Schmidt suggested the time will come when we have to allow everyone to legally change their name upon turning 18 in order to escape the thoughtless online activity of their youth. Schmidt’s idea certainly won’t become a reality before any current students reach adulthood, so perhaps some should think carefully about the choices they are making and the huge ramifications these might have down the road.

—Mr. Yadon, English Teacher

This Is Us: A Look at Stanton Idiosyncracies

In Hafsa Quarashi’s story, she writes, “The multicultural aspect of Stanton has influenced the students more than they realize, allowing them to be more globally aware than students at other schools.”

This is a very interesting comment. I agree that Stanton’s cultural diversity has left a lasting impression on the lives of us students. Coming from a high school with little diversity, I can see a major difference in the cultural awareness of the students at Stanton. I know firsthand that the multicultural environment at Stanton has given me the chance to experience different things outside of what I’m normally accustomed to. Being exposed to diverse cultures has caused me to question my own beliefs and understand how my own culture influences the way I see the world. Stanton’s diverse atmosphere has helped me take a stance on subjects and voice my opinions from an informed point of view.

—Christian Hall, 11th

A Single Path to Success?

I particularly enjoyed the Opinions piece in the previous issue on whether or not society is placing too much of a focus on the need for a college education. I feel it touched very well on the potential for students to focus their energy on very narrow goals. At the same time, I believe that for the vast majority of students, the relevant question is not if they should attend college, but rather if they are choosing a particular college for the right reasons. Statistic after statistic shows that over time, those who receive bachelor’s degrees and above more than make up for the money spent to attend college. College is no guarantee of success, as no single factors can be, but it is definitely an investment that more often than not, has great dividends.

—Matt Mcketty, 12th

Gender roles are socially-constructed expectations of how men and women should think, speak and act. Featured in everything from award-winning films to local toy stores, they define our society, giving individuals indications of what sort of behavior is believed to be appropriate for each sex. These “appropriate” roles are dependent upon a certain society’s beliefs about the differences between

males and females. They create environmental and social constraints, limiting the approval and acceptance individuals might get from society when behaving in a manner different from their sexes’ conventional behavior.

To understand gender roles, one has to understand the difference between ‘sex’ and ‘gender,’ two concepts that are often used interchangeably. According to Amy Blackstone, author of “Gender Roles and Society,” ‘sex’ is a biological concept, based on the individual’s primary sexual characteristics, while ‘gender’ refers to the meanings, values and characteristics ascribed to each sex by a community. Gender involves the division between what is ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ as well as the attribution of social values on the sexes. This is not to say gender roles are only created by society; they are heavily inspired by the biological differences between females and males.

The encouragement of gender roles occurs through the commercialization of body images and stereotypes. Barbie, Disney princesses, action films and the assignment of colors to sexes are all examples of the advocation of gender roles in modern society.

Barbie has set impossibly high standards for young girls, encouraging them to try and live up to the distorted body image of silicone dolls. Disney princesses also serve as unrealistic portrayals of what average women look like, giving young girls impractical standards of how they should look in their later teens.

Furthermore, Disney portrays princesses as fragile

In November of 2014, 29-year-old Brittany Maynard made the decision to end her life through doctor-assisted suicide. She was diagnosed with brain cancer in early January of 2014 and told she would only have six months to live. Maynard’s illness caused chronic pain, so she searched for a way to escape her agony. The 1997 Death with Dignity Act in Oregon allows adults with terminal

illness to end their life with a lethal dose of medication. Originally from California, Maynard did not have this option, so she relocated to Oregon. Her case is different than most and caused controversy because she isn’t the typical elderly patient commonly associated with doctor-assisted suicide. Many people opposed her decision to end her life because they saw her as both young and healthy.

This decision sparked a debate among the public about the ethics of doctor-assisted suicide. In my opinion, doctor-assisted suicide allows terminally ill people to have the choice of ending their suffering in a painless, dignified way. People have the right to be in charge of their own bodies, any law made against this would be a violation of personal rights. In essence, a person should be allowed to decide their own fate without government intrusion.

People against Maynard’s decision believe doctor-assisted suicide is the same as murder, but they are two completely different things and should be reflected as such in the law. Doctor-assisted suicide cannot be compared to murder because it is the patient, not another individual, who is the one making the decision to end their life. This way, patients can say goodbye and their loved ones can have closure. Instead of being in miserable pain, the patient can face the

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16 | devilsadvocatepaper.com vol. xxxi, no. 3

OpinionsChoosing Death with Dignity

By EDEN MOLLA, Opinions Reporter

women needing strong men—and their love—to save them from whatever predicament they are in. This delicate depiction of females teaches young girls to be dependent upon others, primarily males, for their success. Additionally, Disney domesticates princesses and instills the idea that “domestic women are happy women” into the mind of young girls. Snow White, for example, is happiest when she is cleaning and cooking for seven men; Disney gave her no real aspirations, her entire purpose in life being to care for males. Classic Disney princesses are given only one ‘dream’—to have a ‘prince’ who will love them, with the theme evident in song’s like “Some Day My Prince Will Come.” This has changed lately with the more recent princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel.

In a different perspective, Disney also includes stereotypical expectations of how males should look and act. In animations like “Tarzan” and “Hercules,” males have figuratively, unattainable bodies and are most often delineated as the ‘heroes’ of the story. These ideas advertise gender roles by attributing specific traits to males.

The consequences of these gender roles are monumental, with suicide being one of the main results of gender stereotyping; recently, a gay 12-year-old boy committed suicide after being teased incessantly for his position on his school’s cheerleading team. Because males are expected to be masculine, gay men who prefer to act differently cannot fully express themselves without being ridiculed. Similarly, lesbian women are wrongly perceived to be ‘man haters’ due to their preference of women over men. This assumes they should always prefer males over females and doing otherwise is a crime against nature, which is an oppression in itself. Additionally, women who don’t have the ‘ideal’ body advertised by the media are made to be abnormalities in society, when, in actuality, the average size of a woman is 14, not a 4.

As long as we assign different characteristics to genders, we are not only risking profiling people, but also limiting ourselves to what natures says we may assume.

issue head on and terminate their life, therefore ending their suffering. I believe this is much more humane than letting them continue in pain.

My mother, a nurse, told me about her experiences with a terminally ill patient she was taking care of who sought to end her life through doctor-assisted suicide. Since doctor-assisted suicide is not legal in Florida, the woman decided to deny hospital care. She refused to eat, drink or take any medication until she passed away later in the week. She was committed to ending her life and would find a way to do it, legality aside. Making doctor-assisted suicide illegal is not going to stop people from trying, it is only going to force patients to attempt to end their life on their own. This is often times unsuccessfully, resulting in nonfatal injuries, or even paralysis.

States considering legalization are taking every precaution to make sure the law is not abused. Patients in New Jersey are required to wait fifteen days to ensure they are confident in their decision. To protect the state from legal action from the patient’s family, they must have everything in writing, including the patient’s and witnesses’ signatures. Some doctors even require the whole encounter documented on video tape. These strict guidelines dismiss any argument about patients abusing laws permitting doctor-assisted suicide.

In many European countries, such as France, Belgium and the Netherlands, euthanasia has been legalized, but not all states in the United States have made this decision yet. The death penalty is legal in more states than doctor-assisted suicide. Why does the government get more of a say in ending one’s life than the individual themselves? Individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices, to live and die as they wish.

In today’s world, it seems men have all the power. Almost everything is set in consideration to the male gender. This status quo makes it difficult for women trying to shatter glass ceilings. Recently, this issue has become the subject of much debate. Many women attempting to make a change are quick to call themselves feminists, yet the majority do not understand its true meaning. People immediately dismiss the idea because they assume the patriarchal system no longer exists. Yet, this is not the case at all. Feminism advocates all humans, male and female, should obtain equal social, political and economic rights.

When people don’t support equal rights, women remain inferior to men. Femininity remains essential throughout many areas in our world. Our community should create strides in education to guarantee men won’t continue to treat women with less respect. In some countries, like Siberia and Pakistan, women remain subordinate to men because of their inferior education. However, organizations continue to fight for equality between the genders.

According to Day of the Girl, an organization which advocates gender equality, the average sub-Saharan African girl from a rural household receives less than two years of schooling while the average sub-Saharan African boy fully completes his primary education. Our fundamental system on gender roles is slowly deteriorating, yet many still assume women will blindly abide to these deficient presumptions.

We need feminism because women walking along the streets at night are seen as “easy targets.” Rather than informing people that women aren’t objects, we allow men, and even some women, to live in these childish assumptions. The amount of inequality causes women to lose faith in the fact that they have equal opportunity.

As time has progressed, women who have been treated unfairly slowly begin to take a stand for their rights, but the inferiority can reach a degree in which women begin to get physically harmed.

The first time I experienced inequality was in seventh grade. In gym class, everyone was finally allowed to join the team of their choice. But even in this generation, boys claim certain sports are “just for them,” preventing girls from playing. Although the degree is not as intense as other situations around the world, the childish disagreements on gender can affect you as an adult. As conflicts gradually move toward a higher degree, eminent celebrities begin to take charge and began encouraging their fans toward their effectual organizations, charities and movements.

Emma Watson, actress and United Nations (U.N.) Women’s Goodwill Ambassador, gave an impassioned speech in July of 2014 at the U.N. headquarters in New York to advocate the HeForShe campaign. This gender equality project, along with many others, aims to galvanize one billion men to support the inequalities women face. The program drew an ample amount of attention to the broad topic of feminism. If HeForShe were to succeed, genders would remain equal and women would not have to fear being put down because of their sex. While the majority of responses were positive, those who are against feminism have created advertisements that advocate false information towards this matter.

Misguiding advertisements create a misconception of femininity which affects the decision of many to join the movement. False publications state women will not address issues with men when really, the intention is the exact opposite. Misinterpreted commercialization remains a boundary for those craving equality, but the issue could be solved if everyone were to grasp the big picture, like college students at Columbia University.

On Oct. 29, 2014, students attending Columbia University protested against rape after Emma Sulkowicz was attacked. Columbia rejected her request to expel her perpetrator even after she went to the administration about the attack, but that did not stop other students on campus from standing up for the matter. Students all over campus carried mattresses to symbolize their support for survivors. Their actions drew an extraordinary amount of attention, even resulting in a NYMag cover featuring Emma Sulkowicz. This proves that all the altercations feminism faces can be acknowledged if individuals seek to rethink the central goal feminism advocates. Joining a program or campaign promoting its goal benefits males and females alike.

While the talk of femininity seems to have reached a considerably high acceptance rate, not all men and women have found themselves to accept it. New groups are being created to raise awareness for this matter. Campaigns and club organizations, such as the National Organization for Women, have helped create a commensurate environment. However, some people feel they don’t need to voice their thoughts or share their opinion, but there is a fine line between being indifferent and afraid. Everyone should stand up for their own opinions about a topic, even when being put down by others. Hopefully, people will acknowledge the advantages of supporting feminism and power for women so they can view femininity from a better light.

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By LILY TEHRANI, Opinions Reporter

The Importance of FeminismEven today, many people are unwilling to call themselves feminists due to the negative connotation of the word. Reporter Lily Tehrani argues that everyone should be willing to fight for the cause.

On Jan. 9 2015, the Devil’s Advocate surveyed 100 Stanton students on feminism. Below are the results.


2. Do you believe men and women should have complete social, political and economic equality?

1. Do you consider yourself a feminist?

A BREAKDOWN OF THE NUMBERSOut of the 48% of voters who said they are feminists, 28% were men and 72% were women; out

of the 52% who said they were not feminists, 65% were men and 35% were women. However, when asked about the definition of feminism, out of 93% who said men and women should be equal, 44% were men and 56% were women; out of the 7% who said men and women should not be equal, 100% of the votes were from men.

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