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The staff of the Tongva Times attempts to inform and enter-tain its audience in a fair and accurate manner. This publi-cation is intended to provide information as well as initiate a forum for ideas and opinions between the newspaper staff, the students, and the faculty of Gabrielino High School. Content decisions are made by the newspaper staff and the advisor. No material will be printed that is intentionally li-belous or which advocates an illegal or disruptive activity. Opinions expressed in edito-rials and columns throughout the publication do not neces-sarily refl ect the opinion of the entire Tongva Times staff, the school administration, or our advertisers. All letters submitted to the Tongva Times must be signed and dated. Letters are subject to editing and become the property of the Tongva Times. All material published herein belongs to the Tongva Times and may not be reproduced without expressed permission. All questions and concerns should be addressed to the newspaper advisor by calling (626) 573-2453, ext. 2141. Written questions, concerns and letters to the editor should be sent to: tongvatimes@yahoo.com.

TONGVA TIMES STAFF

Tongva Times2 opinionApril 30, 2015Staff Editorial: Indianas new law discriminates against LGBTQ community, prevents equality

CLOSED SHOP The law that Indianas governor, Mike Pence, signed on Apr. 2 enables business owners to deny service to customers who owners consider to substantially burden their religious integrity.

The state of Indiana recently passed a law that protects the religious freedom of pious shop owners. Effective July 1, reli-gious shop owners will reserve the right to refuse service to members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) community, on the grounds of preserving owners religious integrity. Such a law does not serve any real purpose other than to drive the nations quest for equality backward, and should be repealed and re-placed by a much simpler pol-icy: respect. It is important to note that this law was not created out of homophobia or hate, but as the solution to a much less contro-versial problem. The text of the law makes no clear reference to the LGBTQ community. Rath-er, it gives business owners the right to refuse service to a cus-tomer if they feel that he or she is infringing upon their right to exercise their religion. The actual act of refusing ser-vice to this community, how-ever, is still questionable. According to the Huffi ng-ton Post, even with this law in place, a business owner can still lose a discrimination lawsuit against an LGBTQ plaintiff, primarily based on the judges interpretation of key phrases within the law, such as what constitutes a substantial bur-den to a business owner.

Not only could this law ulti-mately not even help Indiana business owners wishing to deny service to the LGBTQ commu-nity, but it is quite obviously a huge step back for equality within the United States. While the law intends to grant more power to business owners, the underlying effects will do noth-ing but further discrimination against the LGBTQ community. In a nation that intends to up-hold equality, it is outrageous to see a demographic that, accord-ing to a report by the Williams Institute in 2011, is eight million strong, is still able to be perse-cuted against. Consider the detrimental ef-fects that this could have to a member of the LGBTQ com-

munity. The very necessities of life could be denied to someone based merely on sexual orienta-tion. If a gay person is in need of medical attention, the owner of the hospital or medical shop can deny them the assistance they need. Gay people can be turned away at any conceivable type of business, so long as the owner deems them a substan-tial burden to his free exercise of religion. With support from religious conservatives and criticism from gay rights activists, Indiana has found itself in between the pro-verbial rock and a hard place. They cannot make any action on the law without angering some-one. However, someone once said, democracy leaves some-

one unhappy, and in this case, the saying could not be truer. The only wise choice would be to repeal the law. What must always be kept in mind is the rule everyone was taught as a child; to treat others the way we would want to be treated. No one wants to be discrimi-nated against because of some-thing they believe in or cannot control, and as such, instead of turning away paying custom-ers, religious business owners should check their personal biases at the door when they come into work, and continue the practice of service with a smile. Only then can this na-tion get back on the track to-wards true equality.

By Daphne CheungStaff Writer In light of the Germanwings disaster on Mar. 24, psychiatrists are debating the safety of allow-ing the mentally ill to operate heavy machinery and vehicles. While not entirely unsafe, it is best if the mentally ill are not al-lowed to operate large vehicles as it places others in danger. Although deemed fi t to fl y, 27-year-old Andrea Lubitz suf-fered from depression and was recommended by the airline to consult a psychologist. On a fl ight to Dusseldorf, Germany, Lubitz locked his co-pilot out of the cockpit and sent the plane spiraling into the French Alps, killing 150 passengers. Psychiatrists are unsure of his medical condition during the fl ight, but continue to research plausible reasons as to why he decided to crash the plane. In order to protect the lives of others, the mentally ill should not be allowed to operate large vehicles. Despite the physical health of a pilot, his or her men-tal state may prove to be harmful towards the well-being of others. Thats not insensitive, or stigmatizing people with depres-sion, as some have over sensi-

tive lobby groups have raced to complaint today, Piers Morgan, journalist and television person-ality, said to the Daily Mail. Its about protecting the lives of in-nocent people. It is not only selfi sh of a pilot to place others lives in danger, simply for the next pay check, but also unfair for those who are aboard the vehicle and unaware of the pilots conditions. With more than 70 percent of employees diagnosed with depression, it becomes increas-

ingly diffi cult to screen every single person prior to operating large vehicles. Harvard Health Publications stated that mental health disorders often go unrec-ognized and untreated. Large transportation com-panies, such as Germanwings, however, must actively seek to solve this problem, as harming individuals the way Lubitz did is considered manslaughter. By enforcing even more safety measures, such as ensuring that the pilot always has an emer-

gency entrance into the cock-pit, airline companies will be able to give the mentally ill a chance. Additionally, it needs to be made clear that those ex-periencing mental illness must heed their doctors advice and take medication. Undoubtedly, it is unsafe for the public when the mentally ill operate large vehicles. How-ever, there are solutions that may allow companies to hire the mentally ill despite their condition.

Germanwings crash underscores need for reform

,April 30, 2015 3opinionTongva TimesViewpoints: How important

is going to prom?

Is prom an important part of the high school experience?

Yes 72%

166 students were polled in their English classes on 04/14 - 04/16.

No 28%

By Matthew GracaStaff Writer

Prom. The linchpin of the high school experience, and the source of both fond and diffi cult memories. It is the seminal end-of-high-school party, and marks the end of an era within a students life. But regardless of whether a student decides to go is a question that must be negoti-ated, because prom is defi nitively im-portant. A large advantage to prom is that it fosters creativity. With the establish-ment of more elaborate promposals, students must fi nd bigger and better ways to ask their date to prom. This may be considered stressful and diffi cult, but the process serves as what Thomas Brown, an associate professor in the Annenberg School for Commu-nication at the University of Southern California, referred to as catalysts for innovation. This stress is a set of pressures that nudge and guide change, which become substrates for evolu-tion. However, that does not mean one must go the prom with a signifi cant other the attendee has the freedom to go with friends as well. Next, cost is a large factor on whether one should go. However, other parties around the time of prom, such as those that celebrate graduation, are likely to be just as, if not, more expensive. Claims that this dance is too costly are not warranted enough to save money, since this is a once in a lifetime expe-rience. The uniqueness of the prom ex-perience should also suffi ciently solve for any advocates for a night out on the town with friends to replace prom.

Finally, although the students confron-tation with sex and alcohol may be some-thing that communities want to avoid, one must realize that these students are no longer in elementary school. If it is true that prom represents the transition to adulthood, the proper response is not to reject such practices, but to be properly educated in the face of them. Rather, this is an opportunity to practice better decision-making skills. In fact, confl ict resulting from discus-sion of diverse perspectives force com-parison, selection, and reformulation of ideas, Thomas Keller, University of Chicago School of Social Service Admin-istration Professor, wrote. If one is to stay forever uncomfortable about the realities that exist beyond child-hood, they risk clinging to the certainty of one's beliefs [which] risks [] the in-ability to learn from new experiences. It is messy. It is mired in teenage angst. But if properly equipped, prom can truly become the best night of ones life yet.

The promenades prominentBy Roxanne MenchacaStaff Writer During April and May, high schools across America hold their annual junior and senior prom dances. Since freshmen year, students are taught that prom is the be-all, end-all of high school, but that could not be further from the truth. Prom is nothing more than a glorifi ed school dance that encourages exclusivity and elitism. As one of the most celebrated high school experiences, prom carries an environment that pressures students to attend. Popular media portrays it as one the best nights of a teenagers life and those who do not at-tend are labelled as social outcasts. The dresses, tickets, and other acces-sories can be considered very exciting and affordable for some, but have others feel-ing left out and with empty pockets. According to U.S. News and World Report, in states such as Washington, Or-egon, and California, the average cost of

prom is approximately $1,125. While some are willing to spend that much on a single night, others simply cannot af-ford it. As if the hierarchy that makes up high school is not already elitist enough, at the end of the night two individuals are crowned King and Queen. The selection is dependent on who is the most attrac-tive, intelligent, and popular. Students are conditioned to think that being on prom court defi nes an individual. But truth be told, these achievements are irrelevant outside of high school. Nevertheless, the cost of this dance and its promotion of superiority should not be peoples only concerns. The word prom has become synonymous with teen drinking, drugs, and fatalities. Of all these hazards, the biggest dan-ger teenagers face on prom night is car accidents, either because the driver has been drinking, is tired, or is distracted by his or her friends. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roughly a third of alcohol-related teen traffi c fatalities oc-cur between April and June, which is the peak of prom season. On prom night, teenagers have the tendency to believe that they are invincible to outside dan-gers. By pressuring high students into be-lieving that prom is the defi ning moment in their lives, society teaches them to value the wrong aspects of high school. Ultimately, not attending prom is not the end of the world or something that will affect students in the grand scheme of life. Students should spend prom night wherever they choose and do things that genuinely appeal to them, without being bound by the hype of the prom dance.

Prom: a glorifi ed school dance

By Marleld DuranStaff Writer

It is no surprise that celebrities have been caught saying or doing wrong things. Some of these actions have been witnessed by a small group of people or seen worldwide by millions of view-ers. However, they should not be able to get away with it only because they have something that normal people lack: mon-ey and fame. On Feb. 23, one of the hosts of Fash-ion Police, Giuliana Rancic, made a racist comment about Disney artist Ze-ndaya. Commenting on Zendaya's hair-style, Ranic claimed that it smelled like patchouli oil or weed. Though many people, including Zenda-ya, were furious at the racist comment, Rancic did not get any consequence. Although it was scripted, colleague Kelly Osbourne insisted that Rancic would not make the comment. However, Rancic continued with the comment, which led to Osbourne quitting the show. Meanwhile, Rancic was so integral to the show that removing her would end the series, and thus, remained on the cast. Instead, the following day, Rancic pub-licly apologized through the show and tweeted that, Im sorry I offended you

and others. I was referring to a bohemian chic look. However, just because someone has money and fame does not give them a privilege to get away with their actions. Unfortunately, many celebrities use mon-ey to get away with punishments. For instance, Cameron Thomaz, stage name Wiz Khalifa, and his friends were charged with traffi cking marijuana in

2010 after East Carolina University po-lice found two ounces of the drug in his tour bus. According to CBS, Thomaz and his manager each posted $300,000 bond about 11am according to Thomaz's Twit-ter account. After Thomaz was released, his next goal was to bail out his friends, whereas an av-erage person would have gone through with the punishment.

In 2009, during MTVs Video Music Awards, artist Kanye West put himself into a situation with Taylor Swift. While giving her acceptance speech for Best Female Video category, West interrupt-ed Swift and said Beyonc deserved the award more. West apologized on his blog, however, in 2013 during an interview with The New York Times. He confessed that he did not regret interrupting Swift and that his apology was due to peer pressure. Its OK for Kanye to rattle off about himself, said Emil Wilbekin, manag-ing editor of Essence.com. But, I think he crossed the line when he decided to speak for other people. Wests rude and conceited actions had built him a reputation that has made the public treat Swifts shaming as a regu-lar event, instead of calling for harsher responses. Ultimately, if superstars are to stand as role models, they must live up to what they do. Limitations must be imposed on where they can use money or their fame to avoid reparations. Regardless of being known, celebri-ties should not have to rely on fame and fortune to get themselves out of their situations.

Superstars cannot use fame, riches to avoid responsibility

Cartoon by Grant Kirchhoff

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