The Iconoclast Winter 2018

The Iconoclast Christmas 2018
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WHAT DOES ‘THE ICONOCLAST MEAN’?
‘Iconoclasm’ is writing which has a sharp opinion, and takes down another point of view. It attacks
settled beliefs and opinions.
An iconoclast is someone who writes it.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO CALL IT THIS?
The magazine existed last year, under the same name. You’ll have to ask the previous editor for the
back story! I decided to keep it as it has a nice ring, and it’s always good to have a meaningful name. A
magazine– especially a sixth form one– should tackle important issues and suggest a different point
of view– which is summarised in our name. Also, I thought it might be rude to change too many
things about the magazine!
WHAT EVEN IS IT?
The Iconoclast is a way for everyone in the Sixth Form to get their opinion across about matters they
care about. You’ll see the range of articles– from serious political commentaries to amusing Christmas
gift guides. The beauty is that it’s accessible to everyone– so whether you want to write about an
issue you feel passionately about, or just want to read what people are saying, you’re bound to love
it!
HOW CAN I WRITE AN ARTICLE?
Anyone is welcome to write in The Iconoclast. If you have an idea for an article, bash out 350-900
words and email it to iconoclastbse@gmail.com or speak to me to help develop it into a Pulitzer Prize
worthy piece.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE ICONOCLAST?
Follow us on our social medias!
TWITTER: @iconoclastbse
INSTAGRAM: @iconoclastbse
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I took on The Iconoclast at the start of year 12, slightly naïve at
the work it would take and the part of me it would consume. I
was editor of Hardwick Middle School’s magazine from year 6,
until it shrivelled away due to lack of funds, and lack of writers
in year 8. Taking on The Iconoclast, I wanted to do the opposite
- to make it into an integral part of the sixth form.
I have done that.
People know The Iconoclast. People know the importance of it;
they know the effort that goes into it. And edition after edition,
I feel proud to walk around the sixth form area and see
people excited and interested to read what their peers are saying.
As soon as I started work on The Iconoclast, it quickly became a key aspect of my identity.
When going to parties with people I didn’t really know, I was the ‘Iconoclast girl’.
Putting posters up became my main job. When I spoke about The Iconoclast I got excited
and hyper, bounding around the lower hall waving my arms. I have spent hours every
term, perfecting each edition. Stepping down is difficult; it feels like sending my baby off
to university. Yet I too need to make it to uni, so it is best to finish on a high.
I want to thank the contributors, both regular and one off, both recent and past, for making
The Iconoclast into what it is. Without the insightful articles and the debates to be
had, The Iconoclast would be nothing like it is. A special thank you to Laura Lingwood for
writing brilliant pieces every issue. A true gem.
The Iconoclast will change and adapt, as it did when I took over. But I am excited to see
where it goes, and I will always be its biggest fan.
I didn’t make The Iconoclast, The Iconoclast made me.
Lucy
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2018: A YEAR IN REVIEW
This year has been one of confusing politics and stressful international relations.
2018– these are your best bits.
APRIL– WINDRUSH SCANDAL
FEBRUARY– WINTER OLYMPICS
It seems a while ago, but there was an
Olympics this year! Held in Pyeonchang,
South Korea, Great Britain came
19th on the table, with 5 medals in total.
Notably, North and South Korea
marched under a united flag– a sign of
improving relations between the usually
hostile countries.
In April, concerns were raised over
the Home Office’s treatment of people,
mainly from Carribbean descent,
who were wrongly detained,
deported, or refused re-entry into
the UK. This major scandal lead to
the resignation of Home Secretary
Amber Rudd, and the review of
Home Office practises.
FEBRUARY/ MARCH– THE
BEAST FROM THE EAST
An iconic couple of days, the
Beast from the East ravaged
the UK, giving us three days
off school (Half Term 2.0).
However, it wasn’t all fun,
causing huge disruption.
5th MARCH– SALISBURY NO-
VICHOK ATTACK
In March, the former Russian spy
Sergei Skripol and his daughter,
were poisoned in Salisbury. Quickly,
the blame went to the Russians
– who have firmly denied it. The
attack triggered a new lull in relations
between the state.
19th MAY– HARRY AND
MEGHAN GET MARRIED
It might not come as a surprise
to hear Meghan Markle
was the most Googled
figure in the UK this year.
Her marriage to Prince
Harry was watched by 18
million people in the UK.
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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER– BRETT
KAVANAUGH HEARING
MAY– GDPR REGULATIONS
IN PLACE
You might remember the
masses of emails everyone
received– in May the EU implemented
new policy which
is intended to give people
more control over their personal
data.
After Brett Kavanaugh was nominated
for the Supreme Court, accusations
came to light of him sexually
harassing Christine Ford. A
very public hearing was held, with
supporters of Ford speaking out
across the globe. However, after
debate, senators approved his
seat on the court.
JUNE/ JULY– THE WORLD CUP
It hardly needs explaining– in July the
entire country was gripped with football
fever as the England football team
reached further in the competition
than they had since 1990, eventually
coming fourth.
NOVEMBER– MAY PUBLISHES HER
DRAFT WITHDRAWAL AGREEMENT
Brexit news has been constant throughout
2018, but it makes sense to put it on
our timeline in November– the moment
when Theresa May brought back a deal
agreed on by the EU. It contains the controversial
backstop agreement, which
has led to big divisions within Parliament
– including cabinet resignations and a
vote of no-confidence last week.
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pear
s
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I am a sucker for a good podcast, and here are some of my top suggestions. In the last few months, I have
converted to the podcast lifestyle– swapping from music to discussion in the car; Youtube to intellect
when getting ready in the morning. As it comes to the New Year, and you start to try and think of a resolution,
I urge you to try and listen to a few podcasts.
CALIPHATE
This podcasts follows Rukmini, a New York Times
journalist who specialises on ISIS, as she interviews
previous members of the Islamic State, and visits Iraq.
It explains more about the motives behind the fighters,
and life inside the Caliphate– talking extensively
to people who were both members of ISIS, and slaves
of them. It isn’t a light listen, but definitely worth it.
HISTORY EXTRA
It might not sound the most gripping, but History
Extra is brilliant for dipping into a section of history
for 20 minutes. They speak to historians about their
latest books, and if you study history it is a must!
They tend to encapsulate the discourse around a
topic, as well as introducing the basics– meaning it
is a great way to widen your knowledge.
TABLE MANNERS WITH JESSIE WARE
PRESIDENTIAL/ CONSTITUTIONAL
Some might recognise Jessie Ware as a singer, but
she also hosts this podcast with her mother, and a
different host every week. I first discovered it when
stumbling across a live recording at Latitude, and I
quickly downloaded some episodes. It focuses
around the food they make for the meeting, which
lends itself to wider conversation. Some notable
guests include Sadiq Khan, Ed Sheeran and Stacey
Dooley.
These Washington Post podcasts are perfectly
pitched for the sixth form audience. Each episode
of Presidential covers a separate President– talking
to experts about their effectiveness and key aspects
of their tenure. Constitutional is by the same people,
and discusses key aspects of the US Constitution,
which might not sound too thrilling, but it is
done brilliantly, and is very useful for any Government
and Politics students.
SERIAL
An icon in the podcasting scene, Serial has three series– telling the tales of two true stories. The second series
is particularly gripping, as it leads you through the story of a US soldier who ‘disappeared’ off his base in
Afghanistan and was captured by the Taliban for 5 years. Probably my favourite podcast on the list.
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We asked you to
reflect on your year.
Here is some of what
you said:
This year I learnt that year 13 is 10x harder than year 12, indoor parties should have
fewer than 50 people and Ed’s place cake is frozen xoxo
This year I learnt that Brexit means Brexit.
This year I learnt that there’s a lot of
snakes out there.
This year I learnt that nothing is that deep.
This year I learnt This year I learnt that
to pace myself at grades don’t define
Sundown.
me.
This year I learnt that personal statements are
hard af.
This year I learnt HOW TO SESH. Had my fair experience
of WILD parties and found out Truths. Safe to
say, the highlight of my year was seeing a whole
bunch of police raid a house whilst SESHING; watching
people flee the scene was fun. Seeing someone be
sick on a sofa was something, and cleaning it up was
something ELSE and watching your friend cry about it
– felt like I was in Eastenders. I’d like to thank all my
friends, especially the one who gave me her jacket
when I had sick on my arm thank u. To sum it all up,
2018 was a year of growth and truly learning how to
be a SESH GOD.
This year I learnt that I should
have gone to college.
This year I learnt that quizlet is a lifesaver.
This year I learnt that you should always take your car keys out of
your pocket before going on a drunken jog in a 25 acre field.
This year I learnt to be
careful with what you
post and who you let see
it. *cough cough*
This year I learnt that I am still
single.
This year I learnt how to have a
good spam account.
This year I learnt that editing a
magazine and balancing a– levels
is NOT easy.
This year I learnt that my One Second a Day
is the most structured thing in my life.
This year I learnt
to put myself
first.
This year I learnt that I peaked in my SATs
This year I learnt that things will eventually fall
into place, at times you least expect it to.
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LA ND OF LAND OF
VS
THE FREE THE TEA
ELEANOR ALLEN discusses festivities across the pond.
the Great Depression. As Thanksgiving is entirely
secular, people of all religions come together
to make it the most celebrated festival in the
USA.
It’s that time of year again. That’s right: time
to put up a tree, order in the turkey, and enjoy
the films, music, food and culture that
surround Christmas. In the past few decades,
the traditional Christian festival has been
criticised for taking on new corporate roots,
yet it continues to be the widest celebrated
‘religious’ festival in the UK.
Across the country, people are readying themselves
in anticipation for that surprisingly heated
argument every family has about which tree
to buy; the desperate rush to book a Tesco priority
delivery spot; and the sinking feeling you get
as your co-worker hands you a ‘Secret Santa’. In
the US, though, the excitement of Christmas is
somewhat diluted by an even wider celebrated
holiday: Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving takes place on the fourth Thursday
of November in the United States but is also celebrated
in Canada and some Caribbean Islands.
The date was established by President F Roosevelt
in 1939 – he moved it forward by one week
in order to offer businesses slight respite during
The concept of Thanksgiving is similar to our
‘harvest festival’. It can be traced back to two
events. The first took place in 1619 and marked
the arrival of 38 English settlers at Berkeley
Hundred in Charles City County, Virginia. The
second took place in 1621, when a group of Puritan
immigrants hosted a feast with the local Native
Americans. Taking place at Plymouth Plantation,
the harvest feast between the Pilgrims and
the Natives was likely an awkward affair - this
romanticised version of events usually elects to
ignore the ongoing conflict between the groups.
The previous year’s harvests had failed which
resulted in the death of half the Pilgrim community
in the winter of 1920. Hence, this celebration
was prompted by a surprisingly good yield.
“Just another excuse to
spend an extortionate
amount of money”
Nowadays, Thanksgiving tradition in America
revolves around more corporate events. A popular
example of such is the Macy’s Parade in New
York City. This annual pageant features floats,
performances from Broadway musicals, large
balloons of cartoon characters, TV personalities,
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and high school marching bands. The parade
dates back to the 1920s when many of the immigrant
workers at Macy's department store were
keen to celebrate the American holiday by replicating
European traditions. Since then, it has become
the largest parade in the world. As well as
parades, American Football is considered integral
to the Thanksgiving celebrations. Since its formation
the National Football League has hosted
professional matches every Thanksgiving, just as
we do with Boxing Day ‘Soccer’.
As a result of the size of Thanksgiving dinner,
Americans eat more food on Thanksgiving than
on any other day of the year; in fact, 45 million
turkeys were consumed on Thanksgiving Day
alone in 2015.
One very lucky turkey is presented to the President
and spared on the date - a tradition prompted
by JFK, who stated that he did not plan to eat
the bird presented to him on Thanksgiving.
Ronald Reagan later joked that he would give his
turkey an official presidential pardon. Instead of
consuming it as part of the Thanksgiving dinner,
he sent it to live in a petting zoo. Ironically, neither
original report of events in the 1600s mention
turkey.
Macy’s parade 2016
Despite the evident excitement that drives
Thanksgiving in America, the holiday is sometimes
considered as a ‘day of mourning’ for the
cultural genocide committed against Natives by
the colonists. Just like ‘Columbus Day’ – another
celebration in the US which marks the date that
Christopher Columbus ‘discovered’ America – it is
perceived that the holiday romanticises the relationship
between Pilgrims and the Natives.
Regardless of personal beliefs about what
Thanksgiving does or doesn’t symbolise, however,
it can be said that the celebration of tradition
is just another excuse to spend an extortionate
amount of money, consume far too much food,
and enjoy the company of ‘loved ones’. Sounds
just like Christmas…
Donald Trump
pardoning a turkey
in 2017.
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SORRY THERESA, BUT
THIS IS A MESS...
LUCY COOPER wrote an article in February on why she feels sorry for Theresa May. Here are her reflections.
Theresa May after succeeding in the vote of no
confidence.
A few days ago, I watched the news discuss
the possibility that Theresa May might face a
leadership challenge. A threat that seems to
have cropped up repeatedly in the last few
months, I looked at it as little other than another
attempt by a minority of backbench
MPs to cause a ruckus. Yet an hour later, as I
was leaving for school, I got the notification
that Conservatives would be voting on the
leader of their party that night- Wednesday.
This was sparked after May delayed a key
Parliament vote on her Brexit deal, scheduled
for Tuesday.
On a surface level, I find politics at this time quite
exciting. If you disconnect yourself from the potential
disasters, there is a fascinating string of
events happening in front of us- history being
written as we scroll through the Twitter feeds of
politicians. As a politics student, it is enthralling
to see how a political system- seemingly dry
when studying from a textbook- can come alive
and be so ruthless. Votes of no confidences are
things that previously we read about for homework-
now it is happening before our eyes. Perhaps
there could be a general election! Perhaps
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we might be old enough to vote!
Yet, when you step away from the drama and entertainment
of it all, it starts to become more
worrying. There is no doubt that Brexit is a
ground shattering event for the United Kingdom,
and it is obvious it is becoming a fighting ground
for members of all parties. For a political decision
so integral to the prosperity of the country,
the immaturity shown by many Members of Parliament
is worrying. A vote of no confidence was
not a good road to go down.
The biggest issue surrounding Brexit at the moment
is the backstop deal regarding Ireland.
There has been widespread upset over the compromise,
which tries to establish a safety net for
how trade would work for Northern Ireland,
whilst avoiding a hard border. On Wednesday,
Theresa May was scheduled to fly to Ireland and
speak to politicians there, before formulating a
revision of the plans to take to Brussels. However,
the vote of no confidence left her cancelling
her plans, and spending the day fighting for her
job instead. This is symbolic of how a leadership
challenge can be so disruptive at such an important
time in British history.
The recent debacle is embarrassing. The Conservative
Party are announcing their divisions
loudly to the country, and beyond- brazenly emphasising
the mess our political system is in. I am
angry that a political party have continued their
disruptive infighting; bringing it to a public stage
instead. It begs the question as to how far the
politicians are prioritising the national interest
over their personal endeavours. At a time so vital
to our futures, why are MPs attempting to rise
the ranks of the Party? The chaotic image this
projects to other countries is mortifying- especially
when we are attempting to make deals

The Iconoclast Christmas 2018
with the EU and trade agreements with countries
further afield. We look immature, and I am embarrassed
to be a part of it. To quote Gemma Collins-
‘I’m not getting involved. I just want to be
me’.
“The recent debacle
is embarrassing.”
Where Brexit lacks in international kudos, it is
nothing compared to the problems it causes closer
to home. The domination over Parliament time
leaves other schemes and attempts by the government
stunted- no moment to debate local issues
and problems that affect the general public.
All this does is create bigger issues for society
and politics- disenfranchising those who feel ignored.
Brexit started by being a way to engage
voters from across all political spheres- it is
quickly becoming an elitist issue; an interesting
news story for those who have time to understand
it.
So, do I still feel sorry for Theresa May? When she
first announced her negotiated deal, I was impressed.
For once, she seemed to have a resolute
attitude about it- firm, and willing to defend it,
unlike her usual tentative approach. The day after,
there was a prominent press conference, with
many expecting a shocking statement, like a resignation.
Yet instead, she stood there and confidently
reaffirmed her commitment to the deal.
Regardless of whether you agreed with the plans,
there was respect that she was willing to show
some backbone. However, when she cancelled
the vote last week, it seemed feeble. Suddenly,
she exposed the cracks and the tensions within
Parliament, highlighting her lack of support. Announcing
that she will not lead the Conservatives
into another election puts an expiry date over her
head, reducing the respect and authority she
could command.
I sympathise with the difficult job of negotiating
Britain out of the EU. I feel ‘sad’ for Theresa May,
and the intensity of the last few years, but I no
longer feel sorry.
Theresa May and Angela Merkel in Berlin last week.
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We all get to this time of year and realise that money is an issue,
and you don’t want to waste what little you do have on
something which you know will end up in the drawer for random
rubbish. I bring good news if you fall into this category as
a smile is bang on trend being: plastic free, vegan and cruelty
free!!
So what are you waiting for- give someone a smile this year ;)
We all know the Christmas cracker by Mariah Carey, ‘All I Want
For Christmas is You’. So why not give your significant other some
pizzazz and put a bow on, literally!! This cheeky number is on sale
for only £10.50 on Boohoo!!
Now we all know what we really
want for Christmas, but maybe in all
the festive frantics and mistletoe
madness, your significant other has
forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.
So we’ve lined you up some knitwear
that’s sure to get that message
across loud and clear. ! Boohoo really
is supplying some dashingly dazzling
deals this December, as this knitwear
comes in at £12.50!!
We all know Christmas is a hectic
time of year so why not speed
up that lengthy Christmas dinner
with Morrisons three course
pasty! Starter, main and dessert
all wrapped up in one crispy pastry
parcel! What are you waiting
for, this sure to be family favourite
awaits!!
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Now, the five- bird roast was so last year- as
this year we need to appreciate the three-fish
roast from M&S!! Just look how scrumdiddlyumptious
that stuffed salmon seems! If you
were wondering what this beauty comprises of
it’s Scottish Lochmuir salmon, smoked haddock
and king prawns with a cheddar and caramelised
leek stuffing. Mmm are your taste
buds tinsel tingling because mine definitely
are!! This Christmas catch is only £30 as well!!
If you have found yourself with a younger person
this year, you would’ve seen the new craze
of Squishies! But these shouldn’t just be for the
under 10s, as they are great at keeping you
sane during everyone’s favourite season. I understand
this is a Christmas gift guide but we
all know the season I’m talking about… Exam
Season! I personally like this merdog as it will
distract you from the nightmares of your
chemistry revision.
Fancy yourself pretty hot stuff in 6th form? Down with the latest
fashion AND the latest dance trends? Well, say YOLO and HEL-
LO to this absolutely stunning statement piece of couture.
Vêtements is in one day, out the next; Balenciaga is in its final seasons,
but this timeless classic will always be gracing the covers of
Vogue and making itself seen on top models’ Instagrams. All in
all, a speak for itself bargain, at a criminal £15, this sparklingly
snowy steal is one to watch, and definitely a Foundation Room
favourite come Jan. 2019!
Now then are you really an A Level student if you aren't sleep deprived??
Well to complete this ultimate gift guide I am suggesting a
good ol’ fashioned lay-in so we can start 2019 bright eyed, bushy
tailed and ready to face the year head on! This one comes in at a
staggering price of quiet neighbours and family, and the sound of
the rain forest. Or if that is just not happening, the NapSack offers a
somewhat easier to come by alternative– take a nap anytime– anywhere!
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In 2019 additional responsibilities will enter your
home and family. In the last week of September the
planets will move into your relationship sector and
your crush will wink at you ;)
xx
You will need to budget for the first 6 months.
Venus goes through its bi annual retrograde
this year, which means you will be able to buy
those reading glasses you’ve been drooling
over! xx
Gemini’s values- fiat 500s; FILA disrupters; cargo
pants; shearling coats; pink gin; Joni jeans;
Louis Theroux documentaries bandeaus and
Mr Brightside
You help yourself a lot this 2019 by facing up
to your obligations of going on The Great
British Bake off and getting a handshake
from Paul Hollywood. P.s OMG!
January definition: out with the old and in
with the new… new year new me ! Time to hit
the gym huns xx
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Virgo energy teaches us to prioritise the Jacob
Rees-Moggs of our lives. Live love laugh authoritarians,
private school boys and calling one of
your six children ‘Sixtus Dominic
Boniface Christopher’ x
This year you will find it difficult to balance your love of
Shout magazine with ‘Amateur Gardening Weekly’.
Beware of weekly gossip as it will majorly sabotage
your seed germination...
Being the most intense and focused of the horoscope
signs, Scorpio energy influences you to gobble
up opportunities such as saying yes to that Jorja
Smith concert with the girlies.
The worst adventure is the one you never take..
Such as abbey gate sixth form college aka West
Suffolk college aka Adidas tracksuit showroom. Teehee x
Capricorns are natural born leaders , climbing
higher with little care about the
consequences of their actions- bit
like T– May bae x
Aquarius is ruled by the Moon
and Uranus –keep up with the
squats ;) #pachykeen
Pisces is governed by Neptune; In 2019 you may
learn another language . Finally its your chance to
learn Elvish! xx
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@iconoclastbse
iconoclastbse@gmail.com
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