Alice Volume 8 Issue 1

Winter 2022
Heavy Is the head
Mental health in the pageant world.
-
Game Over
How the gaming industry
keeps women in the shadows.
power & poise
A sit down with UA's Head
Gymnastics Coach, Ashley Johnston.
VICTORIOUS

LETTER FROM THE
editor
Follow us!
on the web
alice.ua.edu
JOIN US!
In life we tend to celebrate the big victories:
buying your first car, moving into your first
apartment or graduating college (soon Mom and
Dad, very soon). The University of Alabama has
celebrated many victories: national championships
(in many, many things) and top-ranking academic
programs across campus. Here at Alice, we celebrate
the little victories too.
Like having a consistent Web schedule, our
photography editors shooting our gorgeous cover
after being locked in the studio for six hours for
back-to-back photoshoots and our social media team
receiving record numbers of likes and reposts on
content.
But we’re celebrating the big victories too:
Launching a new web series called “Adventures
with Alice”, where our videography contributors
go to local Tuscaloosa businesses and review them,
creating Alice’s first ever podcast, “Ask Alice”,
where our marketing editor and I sit down with
our staff to talk about all things college, our writing
editors editing over 60 stories already,
adding a Features Editor position, and the list
keeps going.
When I first started at Alice in Fall 2019, I never
could have imagined my ideas would grow to be
this big nor did I think I would be in this position.
19-year-old me who had traveled 14 hours away
from home would be starstruck by the woman she
turned into, and I owe it to Alice. More importantly,
I owe it to our staff. In every position I’ve held,
the creativity and dedication from every person is
inspiring. Every time I see a member of our team, I
know they all have one goal in mind, to make Alice
the best it can possibly be. And I can’t thank them
enough for that.
From the countless hours editing in the office to
the late-night laughs at full magazine meetings, this
team has overcome every obstacle that’s been put in
their way, and with Alice Volume 8 Issue 1, they are
victorious.
I find myself saying all the time that “Alice is
your big sister through college,” and when you flip
through Volume 8 Issue 1’s pages, you’ll find makeup
and fashion advice, inspiration from Women CEOs
and so much more. If there’s one thing I hope you
find inside this issue, it’s you.
For everyone who sees themselves in Alice,
Jennafer Bowman
1

the people
behind the
pages
WRITING
Evy Gallagher
Managing Editor
Leslie Klein
Beauty Editor
Peyton Oden
Fashion Editor
Jolie Money
Lifestyle Editor
Elisabeth Bernard
Food & Heath Editor
Emie Garrett
Enertainment Editor
Caroline Karrh
Features Editor
Rebecca Martin
Creative Director
Sarah Hartsell
Photo Editor
Emma Kate Standard
Asst. Photo Editor
Katie Morris
Design Editor
Sarah Smith
Asst. Design Editor
CREATIVE
2

DIGITAL
Emma Coons
Digital Direcctor
Addie McCrary
Social Media Editor
Beth Wheeler
Marketing Editor
Jennafer Bowman
Editor-in-Chief
Emily Rabbideau
Videography Editor
Jeffery Kelly
Web Editor
writing
contributors
Beth Wheeler, Ashley Clemente, Luke Pollock, Kennedi
Hall, Elena Giorgi, Julie Linehan, Emilee Boster, Alden
Wiygul, Calista Cleveland, Savannah Dorriety, Alexis
England, Audrey Harper, Emily Benito, Chloe Jorns,
Shane O’Shaughnessy, Lila Gallagher, Perri Larkin, Ella
Foes, Madeleine Leidner, Bella Carpino, Grace Owens
Creative
Contributors
Katie Harmon, Sarah Cosner, Meagan Riordan,
Rylie Curry, McKenna Myrick, Grayson Byrd, Jennifer Stroud,
Emma Mae Burtnett
digital
Contributors
Rachel Nguyen, Brooke Damerell, Breona Winn, Jocelyn Claborn,
Laney Hollander, Megan Davis, Paige Becwar, Rachel Bocchi,
Sami LaCount, Izzy Padilla, Jordan Copenhaver, Zara Morgan
3

TablE
of
contents
4

8
10
12
14
BEAUTY
Girl Power: Women-Owned Beauty Brands on the Rise
Under the Weather
The Face as a Medium
How to Get the Perfect Fall Look
ENTERTAINMENT
44 Death of the Cool Girl
48 Book Tok Quiz
50 Queer Cartoons
52 The Nostalgia Effect
54 Game Over
18
FASHION
The Earring: A Constantly Evolving Trend
20 Computer Couture
22 How to Find Your Style
26 Fall Fashion
FOOD & HEALTH
58 What’s on Your Plate?
60 The Skinny on Diet Foods
62 Which Snack Are You Based on Your Ideal Fall Day
64 Sip or Shun?
66 The Pyschology Behind Horror
30
34
LIFESTYLE
Heavy is the Head
Adapting Activism: Using Art to Inspire Change
36 50 Questions to Ask on a First Date
38 It’s in Your Hands
40 Inflation vs. College Students
72
74
76
78
FEATURES
The Tampon Shortage
Fifty Years of Title IX
Power & Poise
She's the Man: Women CEOs
5

BEAUTY
8 Girl Power: Women-Owned Beauty Brands on the Rise
10 Under the Weather
12 The Face as a Medium
14 How to Get the Perfect Fall Look

GIRL POWER
Women-owned Beauty Brands on the Come Up
Lila Gallagher
Women: artists, innovators, skilled
entrepreneurs. Women can do
everything and more, especially when
it comes to knowing all things beauty.
While big-name cosmetic companies like Mac,
L’Oréal and Chanel continue to dominate the world
of beauty, smaller brands are just beginning their
climb to the top.Makeup and skincare users tend to
stick with what they know, but these three up-andcoming
women-owned businesses could become new
versions of the products makeup lovers swear by.
MERIT Beauty by Katherine Power
For those who want to master the nomakeup
makeup look, MERIT Beauty is exactly
the brand to buy. Founder, Katherine Power, in her
“Five Minute Makeup How To”, explains howto
achieve an effortless makeup look with only four
of her products. Power built her company upon
the idea that less is more. For so many, makeup is
a mask, MERIT wants to reinvent the idea that
makeup is not something to hide behind. With their
products,makeup users learn to minimally enhance
their natural beauty, not cover it up.
“I have always leaned towards buying
products that enhance my natural features instead
of covering them up,” says Ainsley Overholt, a
freshman studying at The University of Alabama.
“MERIT attracts an audience like me, unlike so
many popular brands that continue to advertise a
full-coverage look.”
The Minimalist: $30
Serving as a combination of foundation and
concealer, The Minimalist is a perfect lightweight
base for an everyday face. The stick is available
in 20 different shades, ranging from “Bone” to
“Umber”. In an effort to only add to already
naturally occurring beauty, the concealer adds
minimal coverage.
Bronze Balm: $30
For those who have been looking for a dupe
for Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand, MERIT’s
cream bronzer is a saving grace. Even better, it’s
cheaper. Offered in five shades, this cream formula
adds the perfect sun-kissed tint to natural skin.
Charlotte Tilbury blush and contour
wands are my two must-have makeup products
for my routine,” says Millie Laganke, a senior
communicative disorders major at The University of
Alabama. “These dupes by MERIT are a lifesaver
for my bank account.”
Brow 1980: $24
An ode to the eyebrows of the 80s, this brow
gel gives makeup users a natural, long-lasting look
while adding a bold pop of color. A cleaner and more
efficient alternative to the Glossier Boy Brow. Brow
1980 is also filled with vitamin B5 to condition and
strengthen the brow hair throughout the day.
“I think it gives a fresh face that leaves
you feeling put together and ready for the day
but without spending loads of time getting
ready,” says Meghan Donovan, creator of Wit &
Whimsy blog.
Gilded Body by Blair
Armstrong
Veering away from well-kept
complexions, Gilded Body focuses
on the importance of dermatologydeveloped
skincare for the
face and body. Founder Blair
Armstrong, believes bodies
should be celebrated. As much as
the face needs to be cared for, the
body also needs to be healthy and
clean. Through different body
care collections, Gilded Body
brings more to the table than
the average beauty brand.
8

Brightening Body Polish: $48
This moisturizing and detoxifying blend of lotion and body scrub sounds like the ultimate spa day
essential. According to countless reviews, these sweet-smelling polishes moisturize like no other body scrub.
The higher price covers the higher quality of this one-of-a-kind product.
Summer Stone Fruit Body Oil: $95
magine being able to smell like a summer day spentin the countryside during the dead of winter.
Gilded Bodies’ Summer Stone Fruit Body Oil does just that. The nourishing glow oil filled with the scents
of summer, lets summer thrive all year long. While this product does fall on the pricier side of the beauty
industry, the clean, vegan and cruelty-free benefits outweigh the cost.
LYS Beauty by Tisha Thompson
Looking and feeling the best does not have to be expensive. Here’s an affordable cosmetics company
that began in an effort to diversify the makeup industry. Founder, Tisha Thompson, worked to redefine clean
beauty in a more inclusive way. Feeling confident should not be an unreachable luxury.
“For me personally, I tend to focus on the quality of an item more than the price,” says Ella
Hershberger, afreshman psychology major at The University of Alabama. “If
something is expensive and brand-name status but is bad for my skin, I see no
point in buying it.
Triple Fix Full Coverage Brightening Concealer:
$18
LYS Beauty offers 25 concealer shades, ensuring there is
something for everyone. For some, a no-makeup makeup look isn’t
their cup of tea, and LYS understands that. Triple Fix acts as a
full-coverage concealer, perfect for a glamorous look. Although,
whether it’s a full-glam look or simply brightening the face for
a daytime brunch, this concealer can do it all.
Think Bright Glow + Hydrate Serum: $28
In the age of slugging and one hundred-step
skincare routines, LYS combines hydration with glow in
just one serum. This product is perfect for those prone
to dry skin. This serum is packed with both Vitamin C
and Hyaluronic Acid, eliminating extra unnecessary
bottles. Finding the products that are right for each
skin type is a process of trial and error. Even if
someone’s makeup routine is already set, these
three growing businesses could have the perfect
additions to anyone’s makeup bag. Maybe Mac
has some competition after all.
Design by Sarah Smith
Photo by Jennifer Stroud
Model Emilia Oboites
9

Under
Weather
the
How to help your skin when the seasons change.
By Jennafer Bowman
T
he changing of seasons calls
for deep cleaning, decoration
transitions and changes in the
weather. A study from British
Journal of Dermatology shows that
during the winter months, natural
moisturizing factors on the face's
skin are lower than during the summer. This can cause
dryness and more textured skin during the colder
months.
Depending on a person’s skin type, it can be hard to
know what exactly the skin needs to feel its best.
Emilia Ciezadlo, a senior studying public relations and
psychology at The University of Alabama, has previously
struggled with finding a winter skin routine that works
for her skin type.
“I have had flaky, dry skin all my life, so I’ve
experimented with products for years which has been a
trial-and-error process,” says Ciezadlo.
Design by Katie Morris
10
The main three categories to describe a person’s skin
type are dry, oily and combination. Finding the right
product can become overwhelming with so many labels
and ingredients. The first step in finding the perfect
product is to identify skin type. If someone uses the
wrong kind of product for their skin type it can lead to
issues such as dermatitis or skin rashes. Ciezadlo once
tried a product labeled for oily skin and it caused her
face to break out in a rash.
“It damaged my skin so badly that the rashes on my
face were painful to touch and took weeks to heal,”
she says.
While one should add moisturizing products to their
winter skin care routines, it’s important that they read
the label and do some research on what’s best for
their skin.
For those with dry skin try...
• Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream ($$$)
• Youth To The People Superberry
Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask with
Vitamin C ($$)
• Cerave Gentle Foaming Cleanser ($)

Combination skin is described as dry, flaking skin on
the cheeks, with excess oil in the t-zone (nose, forehead
and chin areas) according to Color Science.
“While my skin thrives in the summer, the winter
helps balance out my oily skin but tends to dry it out in
places in my t-zone,” says Katie Southerland, a graduate
student at The University of Alabama pursuing her
master’s degree in higher education.
With havingto combat both excess oil and dryness,
it can be difficult to find products that will not damage
the skin barrier or make the other areas on the face
break out. Southerland switches her skin care routine up
depending on the season.
“In the summer I use harder face cleansers to help
with oil, dirt and sweat,” says Southerland. “In the
winter I tend to use a softer, less abrasive cleanser and a
thicker moisturizer to help my skin stay hydrated.”
For those with combination skin try...
• Innisfree Balancing Cream with Green Tea
($$)
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying
Foaming Gel Cleanser ($)
• The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid serum ($)
With a lack of moisture in the air and colder
temperatures, one might think that those who suffer
from more oily skin are thriving.
Bryanna Mains, a senior studying communication
studies at The University of Alabama, disagrees and
believes that the warmer temperatures in the summer
actually help her skin.
“My skin surprisingly thrives in the summer as
opposed to the winter,” says Mains.
Even with oily skin, the American Academy of
Dermatology Association recommends washing the face
in the morning, eveningand after exercise. However, they
discourage the use of oil and alcohol-based skin
care products.
For those with oily skin try...
• SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer ($$$
• Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily
Cleanser ($$)
• CetaphilDermaControl Oil Removing
Foam Wash ($)
While there are three base skin types, as someone
dives deeper into their skin care journey, they might
find that they have sensitive skin as well. Colder weather
causes inflammation, redness and even flakiness
according to The Good Face Project, creators of The
Good Face Index, an index that helps consumers know
what skin care products might have harmful ingredients
in them.
The Good Face Project suggests that those with
sensitive skin avoid fragrances and alcohol in products.
Lindy Hindman, a senior double majoring in
communication studies and political science at The
University of Alabama, has dry and sensitive skin. Aside
from using moisturizer in both her morning and night
routine, she also layers up with hyaluronic acid serum at
night to boost hydration.
“It took many years of trial and error to figure out
what products worked best for my sensitive skin,” says
HindHindman.
For those with sensitive skin try...
• Crème de La Mer ($$$)
• Innisfree Cica Balm with
Bija Seed Oil ($$)
• Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliant ($)
Finding a good winter skin care routine does not
have to be hard, nor does it have to be expensive. With
some research or a consultation with a dermatologist,
good skin can last all year long. Winter is here to stay
and everyone’s skin is affected by the cold. For everyone’s
sake there has to be hope that Punxsutawney Phil does
not see his shadow.
$
$$
$$$
Pricing:
under $20
between $20 -$49
over $50
11

THE FACE
as a
MEDIUM
by Ashley Clemente
Design by Sarah Smith
Photo by Sarah Hartsell
Models Sa'Niah Dawson & Sara Harder
O
ftentimes, the use of
makeup is perceived
as a mask. It is
stereotypically used to
cover imperfections and alter the
face of the user. However, this is a
deceptive and false stigma. Makeup
application is a skill that can be used
for anything from enhancing natural
beauty, to making a statement,
to creating art with a new
medium. The creativity, care
and attention required
to apply any sort of
cosmetic product is
highly underestimated
and misunderstood.
Historically, makeup
was used for anything
from rituals to portrayal
of wealth. Early makeup
includes Egyptians and
the use of Kohl on the
eyes for appearance and
bug repellant. Later, Queen
Elizabeth I of England wore
powder to conceal the appearance
of age and illness in order to remain
powerful and strong. This then
caused the French and English
citizens to wear makeup in a similar
fashion, which became a symbol of
power and wealth for the upper class
who could afford these products. In
many instances of theater, women
were not allowed to perform on
stage, so men wore powder, wigs
and other products to create a more
feminine appearance. In all of these
12
cases, makeup was used in a simple
manner to alter perceptions of the
appearance and social standing of
the weareraccording to an article
titled, A Quick History of Makeup.
This origination has led to multiple
stereotypes. One being that makeup
is a facade to hide true appearance
behind, and therefore the wearer
is ‘fake.’ Another stereotype that
began with early makeup is that it
is only for women. Because it was
worn predominately by womenor
men dressed as women for a
performance-wearing makeup is
seen as a hyper-femininedesire. This
is not to say that these stereotypes
are not backed by some truth. Many
people who wear makeup do so in
order to boost their confidence.
I think that for myself, a lot of
other people my age and in being a
college sorority girl, we not only use
makeup to enhance our features,
but as a sort of protection; an outer
layer of the vulnerable inner
face,” says Kira McLaughlin, a
sophomore at The University
of Alabama.
It is important to
bring awareness to all of
the uses of makeup, and
to understand that there
is no wrong or right
way to wear it. Bringing
security and comfort to
oneself is important above
all else.
More recently, the
stigma against makeup
stems from its portrayal
in the media. Photographers,
magazines, television and movies
use not only makeup, but technology
to foster an appearance of perfection
on models, actors and celebrities.
With the use of airbrushing and
photoshop, videos and images of
these individuals show flawless skin,
hair and facial features. Anything
from retouching body size, to erasing
skin textures like cellulite or acne,
to removal of body hair, has created
an aura of perfection that is neither
attainable nor realistic according to

Colleen Hobson, a beauty blogger. These actions give
the use and users of makeup a bad reputation. Young
people who consume these images and portrayals of
perfection are often harmed, believing that their worth
is determined by how close to perfection they can make
their appearance. Therefore, using makeup has been
deemed necessary only for people who are labeled
‘insecure’ or ‘fake.’ This stereotype is not only false, but
harmful to the vast majority of makeup users who are
not using it for this reason.
Makeup has a wide range of uses; enhancement
of natural beauty, artistic expressionand assistance with
confidence and individualism. The most common use for
makeup is enhancement of natural beauty. People who
use cosmetic products on a daily basis do so in order to
smooth their skin and highlight their natural features.
Products including concealer, blush, mascara and
eyeliner serve to bring pigment to the skin and cover
perceived imperfections such as blemishes and darkness
under eyes. Though these features are natural and a
normal part of the human body, adding makeup brings
confidence to the wearer which, in turn, allows them
to focus on the trials and tasks of the day.
However common natural application of makeup
may be, it is by no means its only use. It has become
far more frequent to use makeup as an expression of
creativity. The word conventional is not normally used
to describe an artist of any kind, though in the mindsof
many, ‘conventional’ artists use media such as canvases
and clay to express their craft. The newest artists are
ones who use the face as a medium for expression, and
they are equally as creative and skillful as any other
creator. The same knowledge base required of any artist
is necessary here as well: application, scale, tools, color
theory, geometry, precision and realism. Artists use their
skills on a small and complex medium. Not only are they
expressing creativity, they are doing so with obstacles
such as accounting for facial features, using a mirror and
choosing products and colors that sit properly on the
skin.
Some creators use products such as brightly
colored eyeliner, eyeshadowand blush to suspend the
appearance of realism and add individuality and fun
to their everyday looks. They are well aware that their
appearance does not reflect naturalness, and that is not
the goal. Adding a simple pop of color brings a light and
bubbly quality to makeup looks that many people enjoy.
“I think it’s [makeup] a form of expression and I consider
it [makeup] an extension of fashion. I wear makeup as
an accessory; it is part of the full look. I am happy to see
that it is being used for so much more than hiding blemishes,”
says Hannah Dodson, a senior studying fashion at
The University of Alabama.
Other artists take an extra step, or several, to
further and create full artistic pieces on their faces,
adding color and detail to the entire thing. Mimi Cho, an
artist who is popular on social media, has created several
looks that are abstract and entirely awe-inspiring. One
of her greatest skills is displacement of facial features,
which creates optical illusions on her face. She will use
cosmetics topaint multiple eyes, lips and noses, and it is
truly great work. Regardless of how much or how often
makeup is applied, it fosters individuality, which is an
ideal that we are taught from a young age.
Again, makeup has generally been seen as an
activity for only women. However with new excitement
and ideas for creation surrounding the use of cosmetics,
an understanding that they can be worn by any person
is growing. The use of these products has expanded to
include anyone and everyone who finds interest. Celebrities
such as Harry Styles are photographed wearing
nail polish, eyeliner, concealer and blush to elevate their
beauty and break the stigma of who is allowed to use
makeup.
“I personally think men (and all people) can and
should use makeup the way many women do, which is to
enhance their natural appearance, whether that is concealing
redness, dark circle, or blemishes,” says Caroline
Morris, a senior at The University of Alabama.
Makeup is a wonderful expression of creativity
and individuality. It isnecessary to see it differently. It is
a new expression of skill and art; and so far we have only
scratched the surface.
13

How to
Get the
Perfect
Fall
Look
By Beth Wheeler
I
t’s the time of year again for pumpkin spice
lattes, cooler air and autumn leaves. With the
change of season comes a switch from tank
tops and beachy hair to cozy layers and an
entirely new fall palette. Saying goodbye to
bleached eyebrows, faux freckles and cream bronzer, it’s
time to welcome in a season of fall makeup looks that are
guaranteed to match any occasion. Explore three makeup
looks to choose from that range from deep greens to
light purples that will fit anyone.
Fall Look #1
Green & Gold
The first essential color scheme for this year’s fall
makeup is green and gold. To achieve a look with these
colors, start by applying a base (SPF is year-round
ladies.) With a moisturizer and/or primer on and a
medium coverage foundation applied, use a concealer to
cover any extra blemishes. Fall months are colder and
drier than the summer, so setting is not as crucial, but
a light powder can help make the liquid products last
longer on the skin.
Next, contour with a warm bronzer and apply
a peach blush to the cheekbones. Golden bronzers and
peach blushes complement fall perfectly. If needed, fill in
the eyebrows lightly.
Onto the stars of the show, use a gold highlighter
to highlight the face. Not only does gold go together with
warm fall tones, but alsoprovides the face with a left-over
summer glow.
For eyeshadow, use neutral tones to contour
the crease. Apply a brown eyeshadow tightly to the lash
line and smudge it out to create a subtle liner effect. On
the waterline, apply a green eyeliner like NYX Epic
Wear Liner Stick Long Lasting Eyeliner in shade green.
Smudge it out a bit with a green eyeshadow in a similar
shade. For the gold, apply a gold eyeshadow to the inner
corner for a nice pop. Use a brown mascara for a softer,
warmer look. Additionally,a dark nude lipstick brings the
look together.
14

Fall Look #2
Orange Hues
Orange hues are the keystone of every fall
color scheme and are not going ignored in this makeup
tutorial. For this look, begin with a glowybase. While
it is no longer summertime, a nice glow helps boost
any orange or yellow makeup look. To achieve a glowy
base efficiently, simply mix a moisturizer with a dot of
foundation and apply to the skin. Set the face as normal.
Use a warm bronzer to warm up the skin and
an orange blush like Benefit Cosmetics’ WANDERful
World Silky-Soft Powder Blush in shade Butterfly
Golden Orange Blush. Use a yellow or orange highlighter
for the high points of the face and fill in the eyebrows
accordingly.
For the eyes, apply a burnt orange to the crease.
Blend this out with a light yellow eyeshadow. Apply a
pale-yellow shimmer to the eyelid and a matte white
eyeshadow to the inner corner.
To amp this look up, wet an angled brush and
dip into a darker, burnt orange eyeshadow, using it to
line the lash line. Apply mascara or wispy false lashes.
Finishing the look off, apply a peachy-nude lipstick with
a clear gloss to top it off.
Fall Look #3
Purples
For a cooler tone look, perhaps for Halloween
events, purple is the go-to this fall. For this look, prime
the face and apply a matte foundation. Conceal any
areas needed, using a bright concealer for under the eye.
Set the face and contour with a cool tone bronzer and
a neutral pink blush. Highlighter is not necessary, but
a neutral one applied to the high points of the face also
works.
After filling in the eyebrows, apply a light purple
eyeshadow all over the lid. Use a darker purple in the
crease (not too heavily) and blend it out with the lighter
shade. Apply a paper-thin black line to the lash line and
apply mascara. For the lower water line, apply a bright
white kohl eyeliner to make the eye look bright, awake
and help the purple stand out.
Additionally, warm this white eyeliner up on the
back of the hand and apply it with a finger to the inner
corner for even more of a pop. For a more adventurous
look, apply a light purple lipstick. Alternatively, a casual
option is to apply a purple toned gloss like r.e.m. Beauty’s
On Your Collar Plumping Lip Gloss in shade Chuckie
With fall in full swing, these looks are
guaranteed to turn heads and keep everyone looking
chic while sipping lattes and heading to the pumpkin
patch. Green and gold for a stroll in the city, orange
and yellow to spend the day at the sunflower fields
orpumpkin patches and purple and white to hit the town
at night or attend a Halloween event. With this guide,
everyone looks the part.
Design by Katie Morris
15

FASHION
18 The Earring: A Constantly Evolving Trend
20 Computer Couture
22 How to Find Your Style
26 Fall Fashion

THE
EARRING
A Constantly Evolving Trend
by Alexis England
Although the way that earrings have been
worn throughout time has changed, earrings
without fail give its wearer endless ways to
display their personality and style.
Looking around a college campus today, it’s
likely to see a plethora of students with one or more
above-the-shoulder piercings. Although in the past,
sporting multiple ear piercings may have been seen
as taboo, it has become a vital form of self-expression
and accessorizing for many young people.
Earrings are not a new concept, in fact, there have
been discoveries of earrings from Ancient Egypt and
before. The different styles and types of earrings
however have vastly changed throughout time.
“Earrings go back to very early times,
they’re works of art; high-status items,” says Virginia
Wimberley who has a Ph.D in archeological textiles.
She continues to explain that screw-back
earrings were the most common type of earring in
the early 20th century, while hinge-back earrings
became more popularized throughout the late 20th
century. Though many of these styles were nopiercing
earrings, it shows the almost infinite life cycle
this simple piece of jewelry has.
The popularization of earrings can be
primarily credited to the rise of trendy stores such as
Claire’s that made ear piercings a more accessible and
widespread trend starting in the 80s.
18
Design by Sarah Smith
Photo by Grayson Byrd, Emma Kate Standard
Models Jennafer Bowman, Calla Bruehl Avery Maxwell

“When I was in college in the
60s, you would usually have a friend
who would do the piercing for you;
they would numb your ear with ice,
put something behind it and do the
piercing,” recalls Wimberley.
As well-known brands
and other corporations began to
capitalize on ear piercings, they
became a more normalized accessory
as opposed to the past where
someone with a lot of ear piercings
may have been seen as “punks and
people who were really trying to
push the limit”.
Now that earrings are seen
as a cute accessory and a form of
self-identification for many people,
young adults tend to use them to
their advantage.
“Personally, my everyday
earrings aren’t very expressive of
me, I usually just wear them because
they’re easy to take on and off,”
says Kelsey LaGanke, a sophomore
nursing major at The University of
Alabama. “However, when I decide to
be more creative with my earrings,
I try to wear ones that express
me… I usually wear ones with lots
of fun colors that match my bubbly
personality.”
“I think they [earrings]
are a big form of expression for me
because I always change them for
specific events and themes, and I
will not leave the house without my
earrings in,” says Claire Schultz, a
sophomore economics major at The
University of Alabama. “My earrings
complete my outfits.”
While some people use
earrings as a simple way to
accessorize, others use earrings as a
means of showing their individuality
to the world.
“All seven of my piercings
have been my idea and I feel more
complete when I have all of them
in,” says Reia Ozug, a sophomore
management major at The
University of Alabama.
Though the reasons people
get ear piercings and the ways they
wear them vary from person to
person, there is an irreplaceable
value that they bring to a person’s
identity.
If you’re looking for a way
to up your wardrobe and give your
outfits a little extra pop, there are
tons of options for ear piercings that
can give you a whole new look. Some
of the most popular right now are:
Double Piercings: a standard lobe and
an upper lobe piercing.
Cartilage Piercings: most commonly
in the helix or forward helix.
Tragus Piercings: directly in front of
the ear canal.
Industrial Piercings: two pierced
holes connected with a straight piece
of jewelry, usually in the upper ear.
When asked if she thinks
excessive ear piercings will be a
long-lasting trend or if the small
and classy single piercing will make
a comeback, Wimberley says she
thinks excessive ear piercings will
be similar to tattoos. Although they
were originally seen as a taboo,
more punk trend tattoos are now
widely popular and many young
people have large and small tattoos
as a form of creative expression,
remembrances of a family member
or just for fun.
The rise and fall of different
earring trends have proved the
versatility that the earring has
as a piece of jewelry and the
different ways it can elevate your
style or create a new form of selfidentification
altogether. Those
looking for a new accessory to
experiment with should try a new
piercing or set of earrings.
19

Computer
Couture
Fashion in the digital age.
By Chloe Jorns
Timeless: it’s a word that comes up often in the
fashion industry. But, fashion has never gone
without the influence of time. History is found
in the Rococo style of the 18th century and the
regality of the Victorian era. Today, hoop skirts are
no longer a hot commodity, and over-the-top wigs
exude costume more than high class. Even so, the
styles of the past represent the unfaltering influence
society has on designers. With technology playing
such a major role in today’s society, it’s no surprise
that many in the fashion industry are delving
into the digital world. From 3D-printed designs
to entirely virtual clothing, new innovations are
constantly being introduced. Technology has grown
beyond merely being an element of production. In
the digital age, technology is an element of design.
One of the first designers to take technology
to the runway was Iris Van Herpen. The Dutch
designer launched her label in 2007, and her work
has had a monumental impact on the fashion world
ever since. Garments are made using innovative
techniques such as 3D printing, a method of
turning digital designs into physical pieces through
the thin layering of materials, and electromagnetic
weaving, a process of making textiles using
threads with electric currents. Van Herpen’s work
continuously pushes the boundaries faced by
women in technology, an industry infamously
dominated by men. The brand’s website emphasizes
its goal to craft “garments that are radically futurefacing
and exquisitely feminine.” Van Herpen’s
success in the fashion realm speaks for itself. Her
pieces have been worn by celebrities among the
likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Naomi Campbell.
CoIris Van Herpen is among numerous labels
taking an eco-conscious initiative, advocating
for “slow fashion, designing in a thoughtful and
collaborative manner, utilizing approaches that are
current, and paving the way for multi-disciplinary
designs that extend the imagination”.
Babs Davis, an instructor in The University of
Alabama’s Department of Clothing, Textiles and
Interior Design, spoke on how technology and
sustainability can go hand in hand.
“With 3D design, brands can create a garment
on an avatar, and it eliminates the need to create
samples, which is a major source of waste in the
fashion industry,” says Davis.
Davis also mentioned developments being made
in creating more sustainable materials, referencing a
mushroom-derived vegan leather used by designer
Stella McCartney.
Just like fashion itself, fashion shows and
fashion marketing have been revolutionized by
technological advancement. As the current Fashion
Show Coordinator Co-Chair for The University
of Alabama’s Student Fashion Association, senior
apparel and textiles and business major Kierra
Green, has witnessed this impact first-hand.
“I do feel that technology is helping to increase
the appeal of clothes,” says Green. “I feel like it
shows a better contrast between the colors, stitches
and patterns.”
Runways set fashion into motion, immersing
viewers in the designer’s creative vision. The
incorporation of technology in fashion has been
around for a while even if it was not used in the
clothing itself.
20

“When coordinating fashion shows, we rely on technology a lot,
whether it be music, lighting or sounds,” says Green.
Technology has given designers more opportunities to innovate.
Issey Miyake’s spring/summer 2020 show had clothes being flown in
by drones and draped over models. The unique take on a traditional
runway was praised by the fashion world and garnered a lot of interest
for the brand. Creative use of technology in fashion shows represents an
overall shift to the digital sphere when it comes to marketing clothing.
Megan Stewart, a freshman studying computer science and business at
The University of Alabama, recently finished creating a mock website for a
local boutique.
“Technology can really impact the marketability and appeal of clothes,”
says Stewart. “It opens up opportunities for designers to share their work
with a larger audience in more creative ways.”
As evident on the runway, the fashion industry has changed a lot over the
years. Despite this, one trait of clothing has remained constant: tangibility. That
is, at least, until now. While companies like Iris Van Herpen are producing
more ethically made clothing to combat fast fashion, other companies are
producing no physical clothing at all.
The Fabricant, founded in 2018 by Kerry Murphey alongside Amber Slooten
and Adriana Hoppenbrouwer, sells clothing that exists solely in the digital
world. The company boldly states: “We waste nothing but data and exploit
nothing but our imagination.” Companies like The Fabricant pose a potential
solution to the overconsumption fueled by social media trend cycles. Virtual
clothing allows customers to take photos in the hottest fashions without
amassing a closet of one-wear pieces. Designs from The Fabricant also
double as NFTs, a form of cryptocurrency, adding yet another layer to the
complexity of fashion in the digital age. Despite the advantages of virtual
clothing, many are still hesitant about its role in the fashion industry.
While a computer can’t replace the craftmanship and artistry of
designers’ work with textiles nor can it fill the need for functional,
tangible clothing. Still, virtual fashion remains a commendable
approach to solving serious problems in the current fashion industry.
Endless digital opportunities coupled with the boundless creativity
of designers make for a future in fashion that even experts might have
a hard time predicting. For educators and enthusiasts alike, technology
in fashion encourages critical thinking and sparks excitement.
The fashion industry and the digital world have long been viewed
as separate entities. Yet, they have always shared in their commitments
to embrace the unexpected. Future trends and technologies remain
unknown. But, one thing is for certain: the future of haute couture is here,
and it’s on the computer.
21

find your
style based
off your
zodiac sign
by leslie klein
ire, water, air and earth. Each of these elements has their own unique
traits, personality and vibes. All of which can be helpful when it comes
to finding your destined style. This quiz is here to lend a helping hand
fif you’re thinking about finding a new style to try out. Find your sign and keep
track of your answers to find out your personality through different styles.
mostly a's
You likely enjoy the indie vibe. You’re in with the trends and you’re
rocking it. You are always ready to throw on some PJ’s and hop on the couch
with your friends. You probably love old t-shirts, funky jewelry and darker
colors. Although you’re most comfortable in your own bubble, you don’t mind
throwing on your party clothes every once and a while to have a good time.
mostly b's
You probably have a chicer fashion.You are dependable to those
around. Your social life is thriving, and your patience is noteasily broken. You
live a relaxing lifestyle while keeping up with your everyday responsibilities.
Not to mention you’ll be rocking a cute and classy look while doing all of it.
mostly c's
You are a positive and joyful individual. You spread kindness with
your words and your outfits. You aren’t worried about what others are thinking
because you are content being in your own space.
mostly d's
You have a laid-back style. You are a pro at hanging out alone and making
the most out of your time. While being laid-back, you still dress for success.
You are creative with your outfits. You can make just about anything work,
you’re just that good!
water signs
cancer | Scorpio | PISCES
Water signs symbolize passion,
sensitivity and emotions. These
signs are typically led by intuition.
They have their own unique characteristic
that can be tied into your
everyday look.
1. Which personality trait fits you
best?
A. Compassionate
B. Wise
C. Loyal
D. Extrovert
2. Which woman icon do you see
yourself in?
A. Stevie Nicks
B. Regina George
C. Taylor Swift
D. Beyonce
3. Which of the following would you
wear?
A. A band T-shirt with baggy jeans
and combat boots.
B. Trendy off the shoulder dress with
heels.
C. A simple sundress with sandals.
D. A long skirt with a cute crop top
and chunky sneakers.
4. You’re in a shoe store, what do you
buy?
A. The first thing that catches my eye.
B. Probably new tennis shoes.
C. A new pair of my favorite shoes.
D. I can never decide.
5. Describe your look in one phrase
A. Laid-back
B. Always ready to go
C. All-natural
D. Stylish
22

Air signs symbolize
curiosity and communication. Air
signs are typically logical thinkers.
While they are full of reason, they
don’t care to let loose and take risks.
They are free-minded which gives
them a broad perspective on style.
They can go from business casual to a
comfortable look within minutes. No
matter the style they have, there will
always be a sense of their
free-spirited mind.
1.Which personality trait fits you
most?
A. Free-spirited
B. Clever
C. Social
D. Logical
2.Which woman icon do you see
yourself in?
A. Regina George
B. Stevie Nicks
C. Taylor Swift
D. Doja Cat
air signs
gemini | aquarius | LIBRa
mostly a's
You are confident and classy.
Being an air sign helps you see all the
way through your decisions, and that
includes the way you dress. Your always
looking fashionable, even when
you’re dressed down for the day. You’ll
always find an accessory or a pair of
shoes to make your outfit pop.
mostly b's
You are Zen and a quick
thinker. While your thoughts are
calm, your style is not. You probably
rock a 90’s look in a 2000’s way. Band
tees are your go-to for the day and you
never let someone hold you back from
a challenge.
mostly c's
You are most likelyan empathetic
person. You dress a bit classier
than others, but you tie it into your
own style and some of the various
trends flowing around.
mostly d's
You stay caught up in
trends in your own way. You like
flowy clothes and enjoy combining
whatever you can think of. You know
how to direct your decisions in the
right direction, which becomes a savior
when your style comes in to play.
3.Which style matches your vibe?
A. Casual Chic
B. 90’s
C. Pastels and positivity
D. Funky
4.Which brand can you not live without?
A. LuluLemon
B. I love to thrift.
C. Louis Vuitton
D. I’m not big on trends.
5.What’s your best vacation idea?
A. Europe
B. 100% the mountains
C. The beach is my go-to
D. I would love a good road trip
Design by Katie Morris

earth signs
tauraus | virgo | capricorn
Signs within the earth element are observant rather than reactive. These
signsare more likely to be in touch with their spiritual side. A lot of the time
their spirituality shines through with their clothes.
1.Which personality trait fits you
most?
A. Dependable
B. Ambitious
C. Practical
D. Intelligent
2.What would be your outfit for a
professional interview?
A. A suit
B. A dress with small ruffles.
C. A long black dress.
D. Blazer and slacks
3.Who’s your fashion icon?
A. Zoey Deschanel
B. Dolly Parton
C. Cher
D. Megan Fox
mostly a's
You are most likely confident
in your style. If you want to
get out of your comfort zone, your
characteristics point toward trying
out a funky style. Take a jab at crazy
patterns and things that aren’t normal
because you’re going to love it.
mostly b's
You have a classic style. White
and pink would be great on you. You
are always excited for your next step,
and you make sure to have it planned
out. There is no stopping you from
having a good time and looking good
while doing it.
fire signs
aries | Sagittarius | leo
Fire signs are known for
their loyalty and their lack of patience.
They are the most powerful
astrological signs. These signs hate
losing, so of course they don’t want to
lose when it comes to fashion. They
know how tothrow together an outfit
in no time and somehow, they always
make it look great.
1.Which personality trait fits you
most?
A. Confident
B. Adventurous
C. Creative
D. Friendly
2.How do you feel about new trends?
A. It depends on what it is.
B. They’re usually cute, but I’ll stick to
what I like.
C. I love new trends.
D. They’re cool.
4.What is your favorite color to wear?
A. Green
B. Pink
C. Pastels
D. Blacks
5.How would your friends describe
you?
A. Confident and reliable.
B. Outgoing and free-spirited.
C. Mysterious and sympathetic.
D. Prepared and excited.
mostly c's
You may be a little quiet when
meeting someone, but once you’re
comfortable, you are a hit. You are
said to be considerate. You have a cute
preppy style that everyone loves. You
know how to work an outfit and how
to brighten someone’s day. You’re a
package deal.
mostly d's
You like wearing business
casual. Being an earth sign gives you
confidence and pride. You can be professional
during the day, and in party
mode at night. You let nothing get in
your way. You are likely into darker
clothes that emphasize your features.
3.What is your music taste?
A. Rap
B. Pop
C. Country
D. I like music from the 70s.
4.What color energy do you give off?
A. Orange
B. Pink
C. Yellow
D. Green
5.How would your friends describe
you?
A. Enthusiastic
B. Passionate
C. Happy
D. Joyful
24

mostly a's
You probably have a grunge
look, and if you don’t, it’s something
you should try out. You are energetic
but you have a calm side. Trying
out the grunge look might give you
the confidence boost you need.
mostly c's
You are most likelyintense in
the best way. You like bright ideas that
make you think outside of the box.
You like a simplistic style. There isn’t
much that doesn’t look good on you.
Throwing on a dress and some accessories
is a good-to-go look for you.
mostly b's
You enjoy the girly look. You
love wearing statement outfits. Being a
fire sign gives you a sense of boldness
in your life and in your style. You aren’t
afraid to wear what you love, and
you don’t worry about what others
think.
mostly d's
The hippie look is for you.
You likely go with the flow and
enjoy whatever can capture your attention.
This style is flowy and freeing
which is an indicator of your easygoing
personality.
INSTA–WORTHY
LOOKS. NO FILTER NEEDED.
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Sunday 1-5:30pm

FALL
FASHION
What to Wear for the Fall & Winter of 2022
By: Peyton Oden
W
ith the never-ending
fashion cycle speeding
up, a trend that was
starting to rise in
acceptance can be considered old
news within just a few weeks. Being
able to look back at the fashions
of past decades with the ease of
a search and pull inspiration to
form and pull off elaborate outfits
is a huge factor of the many micro
trends seen on the daily on social
media apps like TikTok, Instagram
and Pinterest. This fall and winter,
expect to see trends that many
thought were out the door. Here
are the essential styles for the
upcoming season.
Knitwear
Knitwear is something that
hasn’t been mainstream in the
trend cycle as of late, other than the
average sweater, it’s not seen much
in other forms, but the runways
say otherwise. With brands such
as Bottega Veneta who showcased
a variety of knit outerwear and
dresses, knit can be worn to keep
people warm and fashionable at the
same time. With accessories like
hats, bags and gloves, it’s impossible
to run out of the need for knits.
Vests
Something classic never
gets old, and vests fall under that
category. Vests have gained the
reputation of giving an outfit a
26
classic look. What used to be only
worn as a formal menswear garment
is now being worn as an easy way
of adding a sophisticated feel to
everyday streetwear. Wear it solo
or wear it over an oversized dress
shirt, vests are a perfect addition for
a Fall & Winter wardrobe to create
timeless looks.
Big and Bold Coats
Coats big and small were
seen going down multiple runways
this past New York Fashion
Week. Designers like Peter Do
and well-known brands such as
Coach, showcased oversized leather
overcoats and wool trench coats. Fur
coats also dominated the runway
with faux and real fur being used by
designers, which caused some debate
in the fashion industry regarding
the movement to go fur-free. A
statement coat can be used to make
a basic outfit look lavish, it can also
be worn as a statement piece. No
matter how it’s worn, a bold coat can
be thrown on easily and can help
elevate a basic look.
Denim Everything
Denim has taken the fashion
world by storm, with Diesel being
one of the catalysts for its revival. It
seems more brands have followed,
considering the New York Fashion
Week runways were full of the fabric.
Baggy jeans, denim vests, denim
shirts, and even denim shoes are the
craze right now that both designers
and consumers can’t get enough of.
Denim is a classic fabric that can go
with anything, though it seems to
look its best when it is worn head to
toe. This revival of denim makes it
hard to believe that the Canadian
Tuxedo, which is a denim-on-denim
outfit, was seen as such a huge
fashion no-no as recently as
the 2010s.
Leather Motorcycle Jackets
This nineties staple has
made its rounds back to this
generation with celebrities like
Hailey Bieber, known for her
old-school capsule wardrobes,
popularizing the idea that a staple
leather motorcycle jacket can elevate
any simple look and give it some
edge. Pair it with: some blue jeans
or biker shorts; wear it baggy or
tight; zipped up or open; or cropped
or oversized. A leather jacket can fit
with an outfit and any occasion.
Loafers and Ballet Flats
A formal turned streetwear
accessory, loafers and ballet flats
are being worn on the daily and not
just in the workplace, the classic
look is in. Popular fashion brands,
Miu Miu and Chanel, are currently
leading the trend with influencers
like Emma Chamberlain adding Miu
Miu ballet flats and Chanel loafers to
her daily wardrobe. Dress the loafers
down with denim shorts and pair the

allet flats with a mini skirt. The outfits achievable when
paired with a classic accessory like a loafer or ballet flat
can be very complex and can be a bold and sophisticated
addition to an outfit.
Adidas Sambas
The shoe many people sold on Poshmark
years ago or gave to Plato’s Closet is now being
posted on TikTok and pinned on Pinterest
everyday as the it shoe. Worn by Kanye West,
Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and A$AP Rocky,
the classic black shoe white striped design has
now turned into the new Nike Air Force Ones.
The Adidas Sambas are a comfortable shoe that
can be worn every day, or they can be added to
make a formal outfit more street style. Either
way, these shoes are in high demand and won’t
be leaving the scene anytime soon.
High Boots
Boldness was a common theme during
New York Fashion Week and high boots were
one of the items playing into that theme. High
boots were the center of the best looks going
down the runway. Some looks would have felt
incomplete and been overlooked if it wasn’t
for the eye-catching high boots. High boots
can be paired with a classic strap dress,
or for an easy look to throw on when
in a rush. Having a versatile shoe
like this is important to have
during this season.
Design by Sarah Smith
Photo by Emma Kate Standard
Models Ella Foes,
Maggie Esnard

LIFESTYLE
30 Heavy is the Head
34 Adapting Activism: Using Art to Inspire Change
36 50 Questions to Ask on a First Date
38 It’s in Your Hands
40 Inflation vs. College Students

HEAVY
is the
HEAD
Mental health
in the pageant
world
by Elena Giorgi

The pageant world
confounds most people who
have not competed in one
themselves
or known someone who has. The
glitzy gowns, beautiful smiles
and extraordinary talent leaves
people with a surface level
judgement and misrepresentation
of the women competing. What
people might fail to see is the
headstrong, confident women
who know they have something
to prove when they step into the
spotlight.
Understanding the true
meaning behind whymany women
choose to participate in pageants
provides clarity on why anyone
chooses to be subject to such
scrutiny. Pageants have evolved
vastly into more of a competition,
with less emphasis placed on
looks in recent years.UA students
Emily Kinsey (Va.) notes that
she would not be able to attend
The University of Alabama (UA)
if it weren’t for the scholarships
that came along with her Miss
America’s Outstanding Teen title.
“I won Miss Virginia’s
Outstanding Teen when I was 16
[years old], and that’s what got
me my scholarship to UA,” says
Kinsey.
Many women across the
country focus their participation
on college scholarships,
professional development or
forwarding their social impact
initiative. The Miss America
organization awards over
$100,000 in scholarshipsto the 51
participants in the Outstanding
Teen competition.
There are multiple
organizations that hold pageant
competitions, but the Miss
America, Miss USA and Miss
Universe organizations claim
the most prominent, widely
known titles. However, there
are hundreds more local, state,
national and world competitions
that offer similar experiences.
Each organization
holds different sections of the
competition, giving them all a
different flare. Most notably,
the Miss USA competition
has a swimsuit section, while
Miss America does not. Women
competing in Miss America
competitions are judged on four
sections: talent, evening gown,
interview and physical fitness.
Women competing in Miss USA
are judged on swimsuit, evening
gown and interview.
Kinsey makes the parallel
between the judgement she
receives when interviewing in
front of a judge panel based on
her talent, ability to speak or
personal style and a football
player getting judged for being
the best, most fit or the fastest.
In this sense, it is shallow for
women but empowering for men.
“Every day we subject
ourselves to judgement; when I
go to class, when I take a test,
when I interview for Student
Government Association or when
I post on social media,” says
Kinsey.
The process of competing
in a prestigious competition
like Miss USA or Miss America
includes long days of hard work,
preparation and practice. In
order to compete in national
competitions, you must first win
astate title. To compete in a state
competition, you must first win a
local title.
With the excitement and
success of pageant competitions
comes the capacity for anxiety,
body image issues and symptoms
of depression. Pageants have the
ability to affect women’s mental
health in detrimental ways.
The passing of former
Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst,
this past January stands as a
stark reminder of the horrors
that such competitions can bring
on the women who participate.
With a tragedy like this, though,
we are reminded of the types of
women who enter competitions:
smart, passionate, driven,
confident and humble.
These women are
generally aware of and prepared
for the challenges that are to
come, but everyone faces internal
struggles at some point in their
time.
A West Virginia
University reporttitled
“Entertaining a False Reality: A
social comparison examination of
beauty pageant participation and
the effect on body dissatisfaction,
depression and self-esteem”
highlights and defines some of
the stressors that participating
in pageants can develop. The
report found that participating
in pageants at a young adult
age can have an effect on body
dissatisfaction and self-esteem
but not a significant effect on
31

depression levels. A 2003 study listed in the WVU
reports that 48.5% of 131 surveyed retiredpageant
participants wanted to be thinner.
The mental health issues we see in pageants
aren’t fully at the fault of the organization but on
society as a whole.
“I think that pageants are a catalyst for
these mental health issues, but I don’t think
they’re the cause,” says Ciara Callicott, currently
serving as Miss Natural State in the Miss Arkansas
competition, a subsidy of the Miss America
Organization.
Like any female-dominated industry, people
find a way to criticize the women who participate.
Sororities, athletic teams, work environments,
female bands etc. all face the same scrutiny
that women who compete in pageants face. It
is the human nature that women have become
accustomed to dealing with.
“Pageants grew as a way of empowering
women, but still, they tend to take on an antiquated
lens from time to time in terms of appearances,”
says Rachel Jakovac, a former titleholder in both
Miss America and Miss USA competitions. “I think
both [pageant] systems realize that, and they are
working to change that.”
Not only are women competing being
observed by the panel of judges, but they are also
scrutinized by the rest of the world via anonymous
discussion boards called voy boards. Spectators
of pageants who have a strong opinion will write
to this discussion board without filters, leaving
competitors hurt, self-conscious or confused.
“We have the interesting intersection of not
only being in the spotlight, but we also have the
gender lens,” says Jakovac.
While pageants have come a long way,
there is still work to be done, like there is in many
female-dominated industries with viewers and trolls
from every corner.
There are ways to help alleviate these
problems without changing the entire system on
which pageants operate. Having an on-call mental
health specialist for women needing an outlet,
being more willing to have the tough conversations
when one is struggling and having more diversity
in the women participating all could be beneficial
actions for progress.
“It’s thinking about what we can do to
better ourselves and help each other,” says Jaylen
Baron, former title holder for Miss America’s
Outstanding Teen Pennsylvania. “I think we as a
community now need to come together, rather than
separate, and help each other through the tough
times to grow this conversation.”
32
Design by Sarah Smith
Photo by Rebecca Martin
Model Chloe Clemmens

ADAPTING ACTIVISM
Using Art to Inspire Change
by Ella Foes
W
ith ever-evolving political and social influences in America, social activism takes
a myriad of forms. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama organizations such as
FlowTuscaloosa and the Black Warrior Review(BWR) use art
as advocacy to promote everything from environmental
protection to diversity, equity and inclusion.
As professors at The University of Alabama (UA), Dr. Julia Brock
and Dr. Jamey Grimey were inspired to found Flow Tuscaloosa is
a Tuscaloosa-based organization fighting to protect the Black
Warrior River. When the duo reflected on the influence that
the Black Warrior River has on cultural development, they
founded Flow Tuscaloosa in spring 2022.
The Black Warrior River serves as not only a functional
source of drinking water but an influence on lifestyle in
nearby communities. The watershed holds over 16,000
miles of streams and is home to 127 fish species and
15 turtle species. With increasing agricultural and
industrial runoff critically polluting its waters, the
remarkable biodiversity that sets the river apart
from other water sources is endangered.
This process can inform our current and future
relationships,” says Grimey. “Diverse stories connect
our community to shared resources: the Black Warrior
River and its tributaries, such as Hurricane Creek.”
Tributaries Flow Tuscaloosa takes an innovative
approach in working towards its environmental goals.
They use a variety of community and art-based activities,
including workshops, parades and exhibitions.
“Our community lantern building workshops were a
testament to the joy that comes from collective creation,” says
Grimey, who also coordinated the event.
Flow Tuscaloosa brings together a community for a
common goal, engaging them in unique creative enterprises that
promote involvement in related efforts to preserve and protect the
Black Warrior River and its tributaries.
Just as Flow Tuscaloosa’s creative methods have grown from
the modern era’s characteristic rapid social change, it will continue to grow
in the future. “While we don’t know exactly what Flow will become we’re drawing
motivation from the welcoming responses of the community at previous events,” says Brock.
“We hope to encourage first-hand interactions with our creeks and rivers, complemented by
artistic expression.”
Design by Sarah Smith
Photo by Grayson Byrd
34

While Flow Tuscaloosa’s
mission is directly focused on
advocacy, other local organizations
and institutions are effecting social
change through art -somewhat
indirectly.
The Black Warrior Review
(BWR) is a premier publication
organized by The University of
Alabama’s graduate students in the
MFA program for creative writing.
Similarly to Flow Tuscaloosa, it derives
inspiration from its namesake,
the Black Warrior River.
While BWR serves first
and foremost as a publication of
poetry, prose, art and more, its
emphasis on unconventional and
innovative pieces establishes it as
a conduit of diversity, equity and
inclusion.
“With BWR, a lot of the
work we publish throws you offguard
and makes you ask ‘what's
going on here?’,” says P. D.
Edgar, the Art & Design
editor for BWR and a graduate
student at UA. “That destabilizing
effect lets the intent of the piece
land, once you figure it out.” Edgar
and his colleagues know the power
that art and literature can have,
and that helps drive them to use
BWR as a platform for individuality
and diversity.
When asked about how he
perceives art to interact with social
evolution, Edgar says “they say
journalists write the ‘first draft of
history,’ ... I think poets write the
first draft of history of a movement,
whileit's happening, asparticipants.”
This power that artists
hold to draft history is whatenables
them to influence important
causes through advocacy; BWR
has recently featured pieces like
Em Palughi’s “Alabama Pace” to
redefine what love means in the
South and has partnered with
Amber Starks, a Tuscaloosa-based
indigenous writer who works with
them to actively recognize the
diverse history of the area with a
land acknowledgment to start each
issue.
While many of us may first
picture lobbyists on Capitol Hill
or grassroots social media campaigning
when prompted with the
word advocacy, local institutions
like Flow and BWR are redefining
what it means to support a cause as
they approach important environmental
and social topics through
art, community and writing.
No individual may know
what forms advocacy may take
in the future, but organizationslike
these, on the cutting edge of
community-building and personal
expression, are sure to play an
important role in determining that.
35

50questions
to ask on a
FIRST DATE
by emily benito
Going on a first date is a
struggle for everyone.
Sometimes two people click
immediately, other times it
might feel like pulling teeth to talk
to them.
“One piece of advice for
anyone going on a first date is to do
as much as possible to reduce uncertainty,”
says Joe Daniel, a graduate
student and instructor of interpersonal
and nonverbal communication
at The University of Alabama.
“Asking open-ended
questions and
having positive
body language are
ways to do this.”
Some of the biggest struggles
people have on dates is coming
up with things to talk about. There
are so many things you want to learn
about someone when first meeting
them,like where they are from or
their favorite things to do, but there
are so many more questions that
you can ask to make getting to know
them exciting.
36
“Any questions that you can
ask to reduce the uncertainty about
them, or the situation, is going to
help," says Daniel. “Giving them the
floor to talk about themselves for
a while allows you to be an active
listener and will help them be more
comfortable.”
What did you do this summer?
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
What do you do for fun?
How are you doing?
What pets have
you had?
Are you a dog
or a cat person?
Where did you grow up?
How many siblings do you
have?
What is your favorite movie?
Who is your favorite music
artist?
What is the silliest fear you’ve
ever had?
Do you have a hidden talent?
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Do you like eggs benedict?
What colors do you associate
with different school subjects?
What was your favorite
subject in school growing up?
Do you consider yourself an
outdoorsy person or an indoor
person?
What are your friends like?
What is your dream job?
Are you a morning or night
person?
What is your favorite food?
Is there any food you hate?
What is your favorite restaurant?
What is the last TV show you
binge-watched?
“I like knowing what they
like to do for fun and in their free
time,” says Ariel Golnick, a graduate
student studying environmental sciences
at the University of Michigan.

"I feel
like
small
things
are more
important
than the
big
questions."
ariel golnick
However, after the small questions
have run out, it’s time to go for the
more serious questions. Thesimple
prompts are used to make someone
think about their goals and
achievements.
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
“I want to know the
deeper things
about a person such
as controversial
opinions,”
says Jacqueline Jessop, a senior
marine science and Biology double
major at The University of Alabama.
If they seem comfortable and
the conversation is going well, start
to incorporate questions that may
take more time to think about and
discuss. Once the awkwardness has
worn off, a moment of silence should
be comfortable while they are thinking
of a response.
32
33
34
If you could travel to any place
in the world, where would you
go?
What would your
perfect vacation be?
What are some
accomplishments you are
proud of?
What is something everyone
needs to do before they die?
What is a trend you never
understood or liked?
What are you always excited
to participate in?
Who is the kindest
person you know?
Who is your
favorite person you’ve met?
What are some of your pet
peeves?
What was your dream job as
a kid?
Where do you want to livein
the future?
Where do you see yourself in
ten years?
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
What is your family like?
Is there anything you’re really
passionate about?
What is your most
controversial opinion?
What is the most challenging
obstacle you’ve had to
overcome?
Do you believe everything
happens for a reason?
If you had no fears, what
would be the first thing you
did?
If you had to describe yourself
in three words, what would
they be?
What is your greatest
strength?
What is your biggest
weakness?
If you could have dinner with
anyone from history, who
would it be?
What are you looking for in an
ideal relationship?
If you won $1 million, what
would you do with it?
What is the greatest adventure
you want to go on?
If you only had one more day
to live, what would you do with
it?
What is something that makes
you feel alive?
What brings you joy?
Design by Katie Morris
37

It’s in Your Hands
The Art of Palm Reading
By Perri Larkin
From crystals to tarot, divination to
WitchTok, there is no doubt there has
been a rise in interest in the occult in the
past few years – but this is not the first
time such an interest has arisen.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica,
palmistry is “the practice of analyzing one’s hand
to divine their future.” This practice has captured
the minds of people across space and time since its
origin thousands of years ago by the Roma people
of northern India., palmistry is “the practice of
analyzing one’s hand to divine their future.” This
practice has captured the minds of people across
space and time since its origin thousands of years
ago by the Roma people of northern India.
Though reading the future found on one’s palm
involves interpreting the interplay between the
overall shape of the hand, its ridges and valleys and
the slightest details of the lines that cross them, pop
culture emphasizes the importance of the five lines
of the hand: the head line, the heart line, the life
line, the fate line and the sun line.
As with anything, a little research and a lot of
practice can go a long way, and whether for fun
or for a desire to dive into the occult, here is an
introduction to palmistry.
Head Line
The head line, also known as the wisdom line,
shines light on our intellectual pursuits. The line runs
through the center of the hand horizontally
from above the thumb to the pinkie side of
the palm. The depth of the line indicates
the “complexity of an individual’s mental
pursuits,” while the length of the line
“reveals the breadth of the topics they
explore,” says Aliza Kelly, Allure writer
and professional occultist. A wavier line
indicates a more intuitive thought process,
while a straight line indicates direct and
logical manners of thinking. Allure writer
and professional occultist. A wavier line
indicates a more intuitive thought process, while a straight
line indicates direct and logical manners of thinking.
Heart Line
The heart line is the highest horizontal line of the palm that represents all matters of the heart –
including friendship, romance and commitment. If the heart line begins underneath the index finger, it
symbolizes a contentment with romantic life, but if it begins under the middle finger, it reveals a potential
for dissatisfaction.
Design by Sarah Smith | Photo by Jennifer Stroud | Models Alexa Mayfield, Deja Williams-Powell

The wavier the line, the more one is prone to passion over
logic in their relationships, and the greater its depth, the
greater significance interpersonal relationships have on one’s
life.
Life Line
The first thing that must be addressed when discussing
the life line is an important misconception: the life line does
not predict length of life.
“The life line stands for the quality of life a person may
achieve throughout their years,” says Flo Saul, psychic and
author of ‘The Moon Dust Dream Dictionary.”
The life line stretches from the webbing between the
thumb and index finger to the base of the wrist. A short or
broken life line suggests more autonomy and independence,
while depth indicates the extent to which one can influence
their environment.
Fate Line
Possibly the most ominously named line, the fate line
runs down the center of the palm but can curve in either
direction, be faint or be absent. The fate line reveals the
extent to which external circumstances will have on one’s
life and is also associated with career and other major life
changes. Watch and prepare for breaks in the line, as this
can indicate rough patches.
Sun Line
The final line is known as the sun or Apollo line, which is
said to reveal if, how, and when one’s fame or legacy will be
secured. It is the vertical groove closest to the outside of the
palm.
“The perfect [sun] line runs straight down the hand from
the [ring] finger,” says Saul.
A perfect line would indicate that one is likely to stand
out among others, but inconsistencies in the line are
incredibly common because no life is without its difficulties.
If someone struggles to find their sun line, do not worry. An
absent sun line is not uncommon and does not indicate that
one will not achieve success, merely that one cannot take
advantage of the insights their palm might give to put them
on the right path.
However enticing it may be to attempt to uncover the
whole future through something as simple as the lines in
the hand, it must be remembered that no form of divination,
palmistry included, is perfect. It is a form of art, not a
science, and once the technique is learned, the future is
found in interpretation of prospects that are flexible. As
people change, so do their futures, and the advice found in
their palms is just that: guidelines to help one navigate the
chaos that is life.
39

INFLATION vs.
COLLEGE STUDENTS
How Inflation is affecting students.
By Kennedi Hall
In economics, inflation is a
rise in the price of goods
and services over a period of
time according to Inflation:
Prices on the Rise. When there
is a rise in the price of goods and
services, consumers tend to spend
less money. Thus, inflation causes
a large reduction in purchasing
power. With many college students
taking full-time credits during the
academic year, there is usually not
much time to work a full-time job
making enough money to pay for
necessities. This makes inflation
even more impactful for students.
There are industries that tend
to benefit from inflation. The
food industry, for example, has
benefited from the rise in prices
because it brings in more money
for restaurants. The energy
industry has also benefited from
inflation because, as gas and oil
prices continue to rise, gas and oil
producers are profiting.
There is no question that inflation
has affected the price of menu items
at restaurants. But higher prices
often translates to higher revenue
for these restaurants. Additionally,
when tipping systems like
automatic gratuity are used by
40
restaurants, servers can make more
money. Servers are making more
money than they were previously,
and this incentive is helping to
drive workers back to restaurants
and other businesses of the sort
according to Mad Money, a podcast
by Jim Cramer.
However, inflation is not beneficial
for a common lower to middle
class citizen in the United States,
especially not a full-time college
student.
Some college students have
been seeing the effects of inflation
in recent years. With over 50% of
students being out of state at The
University of Alabama, flight and
gas prices present a struggle for
some college students to afford.
“I am a delegate for The
University of Alabama Model
UN travel team, and recently
I saw flights for Boston
go from $300 to almost $500
in a matter of months,”
says Crystal Nichols, a senior
interior design student. “This obviously
affects how many people can
travel with us.”
Nichols, a Montgomery native, says
she also feels that gas prices are
skyrocketing in her city, disproportionality
affecting a certain demographic.
“I feel like people in
lower income neighborhoods
here are almost being
charged more for gas, which
is ridiculous,”
she says. Other college students
have not necessarily seen the same
impacts of inflation on their daily
lives.“I am comfortable enough
with money, and have enough
saved up, that inflation doesn’t really
bother me,” says Ivey McAleer,
a sophomore majoring in management
information systems at The
University of Alabama.
However, McAleer, an avid Target
grocery shopper, has decided to
take a step back from her trips.
“I’ve changed my grocery habits
a little bit more though,” says
McAleer. “I shop at Aldi more,
just because Target is getting more
expensive than what I would like to
pay for.”

Robert Reed, a professor at the
Culverhouse College of Business at
The University of Alabama, recently
surveyed his students about what
they were most optimistic towards
the United States economy. Lower
gas prices were the most popular
answer.
“If I were to answer you directly
about how inflation is affecting the
student population --it is primarily
through higher gas prices,” says
Reed. “Food inflation has got to be
having an impact as well for students
who live off campus.”
Although inflation has created
an aura of fear and worry in the
United States, Reed still feels optimistic
about the economy’s future.
“There may be signs that
inflation is now starting
to come down in the United
States, the 12-month inflation
rate as measured by
the consumer price index
appeared to peak at 9.1% in
June and declined to 8.5%
in July,” says Reed.
When asked about the possibility
of a recession, Reed feels there
isn’t enough evidence of a widespread
economic downturn yet.
The United States economy
recorded two negative quarters of
gross domestic product growth,
which meets the definition of a recession.
However, the labor market
does appear strong.
“The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported
that over 300,000 jobs were
addedlast month in the U.S. economy,”
says Reed.
Although inflation seems
like a never-ending cycle
for college students, there
are ways to keep more money
in your pockets.
Paying down any lingering credit
card debt is going to save more
money in the long run. Reducing
expenses that aren’t in use, such as
paid streaming services and subscriptions
like Netflix and Hulu,
will also end up decreasing expenses.
As far as gas expenses, searching
for the cheapest gas stations and
trying to keep at least half a tank of
gas in the tank at a time will help.
Inflation doesn’t directly
affect credit or credit
scores, but it is important
to track spending and make
timely payments on credit
cards to avoid a drop in
overall credit score.
Credit scores are calculated
and reported to three major credit
bureaus: Experian, Equifax and
TransUnion. In these credit reports,
history of borrowing and repaying
debts, accounts and statuses are
documented.
Inflation can indirectly affect
credit if a person is not careful according
to Experian. Unaffordable
payments can have the potential
to cause a drop in an overall credit
score.
Consistent lack of or missed
payments cause negatively affect a
score. Also, increased debt can lead
to a drop in an overall credit score.
With the prices of goods and
services rising due to inflation, people
often lend on their credit cards
to pay for everyday expenses. But
if the debt becomes too high, it can
cause a drop in a credit score
Design by Sarah Cosner
41

ENTERTAINMENT
44 Death of the Cool Girl
48 Book Tok Quiz
50 Queer Cartoons: The Importance of Representation in Animation
52 The Nostalgia Effect
54 Game Over

DEATH
of theCOOL GIRL
Because she never existed anyway.
By Emie Garrett

From a young age, most girls
have a very clear picture of who
the “perfect girl” is. Blonde and
short, tan and freckle-less, a
sporty-spice type of girl who was
athletic but never so athletic she
compromised her femininity.
Trying to be this perfect
girl would become a common thread
woven into many women’s childhood,
adolescence and early adulthood
Most girls ultimate goal is
to be loved, to be someone worth
loving -to be the cool girl. Some girls
imagined boys, awestruck by their
feigned effortlessness, bestowing
upon them the honor, the privilege,
of being a “Cool Girl.”
The term “Cool Girl,” as used
to describe the ultimate dream girl of
white, heterosexual, cisgender men,
was popularized by Gillian Flynn
in her pop culture-defining novel,
“Gone Girl,” and, more specifically,
the “Cool Girl Monologue” delivered
by the book’s main antagonist, Amy
Dunne.
In the monologue, Flynn
calls out men for believing that a
pretend, two-dimensional version of
the quintessential woman actually
exists, and exists solely for their
enjoyment, writing, “...believe me, he
wants Cool Girl, who is basically the
girl who likes every f-----g thing he
likes and doesn’t ever complain.”
Flynn’s Dunne also criticizes
the women who bend to these
expectations, noting with disdain,
“They’re not even pretending to be
the woman they want to be; they’re
pretending to be the woman a man
wants them to be.”
The modern equivalent of
the “Cool Girl” is the “Pick Me”
girl, a term originating from an
unknown source in 2016 on Twitter.
And later, in 2021, it became part
of mainstream vernacular when
TikTok users started posting skits
mocking these women –“Pick Me’s,”
they called them.
Characterized as a guys’ girl, “Pick
Me’s” boast their ignorance about
traditionally feminine topics like
makeup, fashion, shopping, etc. and
publicly put down women who find
pleasure in these activities.
These are the “I only drink
beer” girls. The girls raucously
laughing along to demeaning,
blatantly sexist jokes –just boys
being boys, they’ll argue. They
lovesports and wings and poker and
cigars. They aren’t crazy, “like other
girls,” no, they aren’t like other girls
at all.
While there is nothing
inherently wrong with being a
woman who genuinely enjoys sports
and beer and cigars –genuinely, being
the operative word –that’s not what
the Pick-Me-I’m-A-Cool-Girl-I-Swear
woman is.
She doesn’t necessarily enjoy
these things at all. She is a woman
leaning heavily into the male gaze,
which is the depiction of the world,
especially women in art and media,
through a masculine, cisgender,
heterosexual lens.
The “Pick Me” girl sees
other women as competitors she
must beat, begging to be the first
picked in a game that only she
is playing. This is a woman who
believes her intrinsic value as a
human being rests on the perception
and judgment of men.
But is it entirely fair that
society has judged these women so
harshly? Haven’t women been told
that to survive in a world that has
been historically ruthless to women,
that to get ahead, to be protected
and safe, that womenneed a man to
pick us?
For generations, it’s been
drilled into the heads of women,
especially young women, that they
must be this person to be worthy
of love, that if they’re not exactly
who some man wants them to be,
then they’re nothing at all. But it
seems that “Cool Girl’s” days may be
numbered.
TikTok, the social media
app that originally exploded onto
the tech scene during the COVID-19
pandemic, currently holds the
title of the most downloaded app
in the world with over 175 million
worldwide downloads since the start
of 2022, according to a Q1: Store
Intelligence Data Digest report
published in April.
What makes TikTok so
popular among users is its algorithm,
which custom-tailors a feed, or as the
app calls it, a “For You Page,” based
entirelyon user-content interaction.
This unique, highly specific
algorithm has allowed for ultra-niche
communities to form and thrive.
This access to niche
communities has provided a space
for women to connect about topics
like the female orgasm, menstruation
and the female hormone cycle,
sexual assault and harassment,
porn, impacts of the male gaze and
a plethora of other hyper-specific
topics that have been brushed under
the rug by media, the American
education system and society for
decades.
TikTok has unintentionally
created a space that allows women
to safely convene and explore new
opinions, thoughts and ideas without
fear of judgment or backlash.
“If you're only watching
videos or reading and liking
comments, it [TikTok] gives you a
private way to explorewithout ever
having to publicly make a decision
about what you believe...it relieves
pressure–you don’t have to worry
about anyone being like, ‘what the
hell is wrong with you?’,” says Lucy
Barrow, a graduate student studying
American studies at The University
of Alabama.
In the book, “Witches,
Sluts, Feminists,” author Kristen J.
Sollee discusses how women holding
community among themselves has
played a crucial role throughout
history, especially within the
feminist movement.
45

In the 1960s, feminist
consciousness-raising (CR) groups
became popular among In the 1960s,
feminist consciousness-raising (CR)
groups became popular among
women belonging to, or curious
about, the feminist movement,
Sollee writes, “such a setting was
ideal for intimate discussions
about everything from workplace
harassment and child rearing to the
female orgasm.”
These groups created a
nonhierarchical playing field where
women from diverse backgrounds
were encouraged to openly share
about their deepest desires and
most personal struggles without fear
of judgement or ridicule, helping
to, “crystallize the contemporary
feminist movement,” according to
Sollee.
Like the CR groups of the
1960s, TikTok is providing the spaces
for women to explore themselves and
their experiences without shame,
just on a much larger scale, and
with certaincontent creators acting
as community leaders, amplifying
important, affirming messages to
their audiences.
Eli Rallo, known as @
thejarr on TikTok and @eli.rallo on
Instagram, has grown a following of
over six-hundred thousand across
the aforementioned platforms, the
majority of this following consisting
of women aged 20 to 30-years-old.
Rallo, born and raised in
New Jersey, documents her life in
New York City as a soon-to-bepublished
author whilst giving advice
and opening up to followers about
relationships, her own self-confidence
and mental health struggles,
manifesting your dream life and
so much more with heart-melting
compassion and humility.
Creators like Rallo are using
TikTok as a medium to tell women
the things they’ve always needed
to hear, like how there’s no need to
apologize for simply taking up space,
46
or that female sexuality and pleasure
isn’t dirty or shameful, and that,
most importantly, only one person
gets to decide “who you are and what
you want” –and it’s not Dave in your
DMs.
Mia McKee, a graduate
student studying advertising and
public relations at The University
of Alabama, says Rallo’s honest,
unabashed content has helped her
become more confident in her own
skin.
“She [Rallo] has inspired me
to embrace my specific set of gifts
bysharing her own past struggles
and how she’s gotten to a place of
self-acceptance...her content inspires
me to write more, read more and
communicate with others better,”
says Mckee.
The empowerment that
comes from creating womencentered
spaces is a force that can
be felt. Being able to connect with
one another about experiences that
previously felt like they occurred
exclusively within the vacuum of our
own lives, has allowed many women
to abandon the pursuit of the “Cool
Girl” or “Pick Me”.
“What I define as cool is
still influenced by what other people
think,” says Madilyn Warner, a
graduate student studying English
at The University of Alabama.
“But that ‘cool’ is now referenced
from other women that I respect...
it’s not centering male voices or
heteronormativity –that’s not my
framework anymore.”
The “Cool Girl” and “Pick
Me,” though losing their charm, will
likely never entirely go away–at least
not anytime soon. Unfortunately,
living within a patriarchal society
makes it nearly impossible to
escape the male gaze the world is
viewed in. This masculine lens has
been ingrained in each of us by
way of media, language, social and
generational conditioning, and it will
continue to be a long fight toward
escaping its scope. In “The Robber
Bride,” author Margaret Atwood
writes, “even pretending you aren’t
catering to male fantasies is a male
fantasy...you are a woman with a
man inside watching a woman. You
are your own voyeur.”
“Cool Girl” won’t go down
without a fight –she’s not like other
girls, remember? But every time you
wear an outfit that makes you feel
at home in yourself, each time you
speak out of turn, or do something
that’s only purpose is to bring you
joy, when you stop apologizing for
your mere presence –no matter
how hard you must fight the urge –
another shovelful of dirt hits the pile
as Cool Girl’s grave gets just a little
bit deeper.

Design by Sarah Smith, Katie Morris
Photo by Sarah Hartsell
Models Alice Choup, Alexandra Dennis,
Emilia Oblites, Autumn Williams
47

Fun and flirty
Which
Popular
BookTok
Read
Should
You
Try
Romance, I’m in
need of a new
fictional love
interest.
Which genre
do you prefer?
Romance novels
should be…
Full of drama,
drama and more
drama
Hiking
Next?
By Madeleine leidner
We like big books and we cannot lie.
Find out which BookTok-apporved
read you should add to your
Barnes & Nobles cart.
Design by Katie Morris
Suspenseful,
I want to be
shaking in my
boots.
What’s your favorite
Sunday activity?
Swimming
48

I prefer my stories
to be more…
Steamy
"Beach Read"
by Emily Henry
A fluffy romance writer who
no longer believes in love, a
mysterious literary writer
stuck in a rut—oh, yeah! And
they’re enemies. This oughta
be an unforgettable summer.
What is your
dream trip?
Which TV show do
you prefer?
What kind of
ending to a
story do you
prefer?
PG, the more
fluff the
better.
Sightseeing on a
tour of Europe.
Perfecting my
tan on the West
Coast.
Gossip Girl
Outerbanks
A typical twist
ending.
An unpredictable
twist.
"Red, White, & Royal Blue"
by Casey McQuiston
Sworn enemies, First Son of
the United States Alex Claremont-Diaz
and Prince Henry
of Wales, find that their constant
competition might be a
little more than rivalry.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn
Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Struggling journalist, Monique
Grant, has the opportunity of a
lifetime— to write the memoir
of the legendary starlet, Evelyn
Hugo … but she’ll soon find
there’s more to Evelyn’s story
than meets the eye.
"Where the Crawdads Sing"
by Delia Owens
Follow the story of the outcasted
“Marsh Girl” of Barkley Cove,
Kya Clark, as she stands trial for
the murder of Chase Andrews,
the town’s golden boy.
"We Were Liars"
by E. Lockh
A shocking and twisted tale
about a seemingly perfect family
and their web of dark secrets.
49

Queer
Cartoons
The Importance of Representation in Animation
by Savannah Dorriety
Design by Meagan Riordan
"
[As a kid] I wished I could be someone who
someone could fall in love with,” says Rebecca
Sugar, creator of Cartoon Network’s
“Steven Universe”.
As a non-binary individual who identifies as
bisexual, Sugar was not able to relate to the role
models in the cartoons of their childhood.
“As I grew a little older it felt more and more
impossible somehow,” says Sugar, “…the more
relatable a romantic story was supposed to be to
someone my age, the less sense it seemed to make.”
While there has been a range of LGBTQ+
representation in film since the ‘70s with movies like
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Brokeback
Mountain”, animation, which is typically marketed
toward children, has lagged behind.
It was only in 2018 that “Steven Universe”
became the first animated show to feature an
LGBTQ+ wedding.
This cartoon pushed against boundaries to not
only feature a lesbian couple and their marriage
but also depict nonbinary characters and challenge
gender norms. The series sparked a movement of
queer representation in children’s animation that
quickly spread across networks. In doing so, it
changed the lives of LGBTQ+ youth across the
country.
“Kids and youth in general tend to form their
sense of self comparing and contrasting to what they
see, in relationships with parents, in friends and
in what they see in media,” says Lizzie Smith, the
director of The University of Alabama’s Safe Zone
50
Resource Center for queer individuals.
Depictions of acceptance and exposure to
positive and diverse LGBTQ+ characters can be
very important for the mental health of children
struggling with their identity. When a child does
not see themselves represented in the media they
consume, it sends a message that there is something
wrong with them. This can have profound
psychological effects.
According to a 2019 survey by The Trevor
Project, a nonprofit organization focused on suicide
prevention in LGBTQ+ youths, 39% of LGBTQ+
youth seriously considered attempting suicide,
with that number climbing to more than 50% for
transgender and nonbinary youths. Less than half of
LGBTQ+ respondents were out to an adult at school
and 71% reported discrimination based on their
sexual orientation or gender identity.
“The more representation there is, the more
likely the next generation is to grow up thinking of
being queer as just another way of being human,”
Smith says.
Without this assurance, queer children face a
difficult journey to acceptance, both from others
and themselves.
“LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to be bullied,
harassed and abandoned than their cishet [cisgender,
heterosexual] peers,” says Mihaela Mihailova, an
assistant professor in the School of Cinema at San
Francisco State University. “They are also more
likely to have mental health struggles as a result of
compounded traumas, as well as personal

safety issues.”
In the face of such adversity, positive
representation can help queer youth to find a sense
of hope and acceptance within themselves. It can
serve as a safe haven where these children are able
to be proud of who they are and connect with others
like them.
“While positive representation alone cannot
solve these systemic problems, the importance of
providing queer children without adequate support
networks with the chance to feel seen and celebrated
for who they are cannot be overstated,”
says Mihailova.
In these ways, the importance of queer
representation in children’s media is multi-faceted.
It is not just about being able to relate to characters,
but about building a support system in a world that
has been historically unsupportive. It is about the
reassurance that there is nothing wrong with
being different.
Being able to see themselves in characters
and see these characters in a positive light can
be a big boost to kids’ self-esteem, and accurate
representation can also help alleviate harmful
stereotypes of the queer community.
“Increasing representation could increase
acceptance, beginning to relate to a character that
is queer even if you don’t identify as queer has the
potential to increase empathy, understanding and
allyship,” says Alexa Tullett, a psychology professor
with a specialization in social psychology at The
University of Alabama.
When children have access to realistic
portrayals of queer people they are better equipped
to understand and form their own opinions about
the queer community rather than believing
stereotypes. In this way, queer representation in
animation seeks to support and educate youths.
The impact of queer representation in children’s
media does not stop with youth. Such representation
can have a significant impact on the lives of
LGBTQ+ adults as well.
Queer individuals have long struggled with their
sexuality being fetishized for the sexual pleasure of
those outside the community. It is not uncommon
for straight people to view intimacy between queer
people as erotic. This can be very uncomfortable for
queer people whose sexual interactions are seen as
part of a kink, turning their intimate relationships
into a spectacle for people who do not understand or
respect their sexual orientation.
Victoria Brownworth, a Pulitzer Prizenominated
journalist, says in an article for Lambda
Literary, “as a lesbian, I came of age having my
sexuality co-opted for the titillation of straight men
and even women.”
This portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships can
lead to serious misconceptions of queer identity and
sexuality. By linking sexual pleasure and LGBTQ+
identity, some come to view it as a sexual perversion
rather than a legitimate sexual orientation, which is
damaging to the LGBTQ+ community and
their identities.
“The notion that queer narratives are
automatically ‘adult content’ is inherently
homophobic and has persistently been used to
justify censorship and bigotry,” Mihaelova says.
Due to the G-rating, queer representation in
children’s shows turns away from a sex-focused
portrayal, thus breaking from stereotypes that label
queerness as perverse and highlighting the many
aspects of being queer that do not involve sex. This
provides a more diverse and realistic view
of queerness.
When “Steven Universe” became the first
animated show to feature an explicitly queer couple
in a role that was not sexual or villainous, it opened
the door for others to follow suit.
Soon after, Netflix released “She-Ra and the
Princesses of Power,” Disney released “The Owl
House” and Dreamworks released “Kipo and the
Wonderbeasts,” all of which featured LGBTQ+
characters in prominent roles.
“Kids media is the last battleground for
LGBTQ+ representation,” says Abbey White, a
freelance journalist, in an article for NPR. “If you
can get it here, there is no excuse anywhere else in
media for it not to be visible.”
These shows and their success have
demonstrated that complex identities are not
inappropriate for general audiences and that there is
an audience seeking out LGBTQ+ representation.
This level of normalcy and tolerance of
differences is the ideal the LGBTQ+ community has
been fighting so long and hard for. While this ideal
has not been fully realized, animation has taken a
step towards the day that queer identities can be
appreciated with acceptance and pride.
51

The Nostalgia Effect
How the film industry is turning memory
lane into a cash cow
By: Calista
Cleveland
W
hen thinking of nostalgic
films and television, the
“Star Wars” saga, a pop
culture gem since 1977, is the first
that comes to mind for many. For
decades, the “Star Wars” films
have provided everyone from
Baby Boomers to Gen Z with
entertainment.
From the original nine films
to popular spinoffs such as “The
Mandalorian” and “Rogue One: A
Star Wars Story,” both of which are
available to stream on Disney+, “Star
Wars” devotees are well nourished,
to say
the least.
But what makes it work
so well among audiences, when so
52
many other reboots or continuations
do not? One explanation is that the
plan was to always make only nine
movies and end it there. There was
always a set plotline that followed the
Skywalker family, or empire, as some
would say.
Additionally, George Lucas,
Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand,
J.J. Abrams, Rian Johnson and
countless other filmmakers were
masters of production timing.
Instead of jumping the gun and
making the trilogies within a
relatively close range of each other,
they waited around 15 years to begin
the next trilogy.
Their focus was not on
making as much money as possible,
but rather, on providing a genuinely
exciting experience for fans, like
bringing Mark Hamill back for
“Episode VII” 32 years after his last
“Star Wars” film.
Time is a hot commodity in
the film industry, especially when
it comes to reboots. The goal of a
reboot is to build on the nostalgia
that original audience members have
developed since the end of a series,
allowing them to see where their
beloved characters ended up in the
long run.
The question becomes: can
feelings of nostalgia really exist if
it has only been a few years? That
is not nearly enough time for the
characters to grow and realistically
make significant changes in their

lives, and it’s especially hard to see
character development when they
aren’t even in the show.
In most television or film
series, the characters are the essence
of the production, the nostalgic roots
and a reboot featuring little to none
of the original cast can rub audiences
the wrong way, especially viewers
who were fans from the start.
This can be seen when
comparing the shows “Girls Meets
World,” a reboot of “Boy Meets
World” that’s available to stream on
Disney+, and “Gossip Girl,” (2021) a
reboot of “Gossip Girl” (2007) that is
available to stream on HBO Max.
A quick look at both shows’
ratings makes it obvious that one
completely missed the mark.
“Girl Meets World”, standing
at a solid 4.6 out of 5 Google rating
and was released almost 15 years
after its predecessor, “Boy Meets
World,” ended in 2000. While
“Girl Meets World” features new
characters and storylines, it still
has its original stars, Ben Savage
and Danielle Fishel, playing Cory
Matthews and Topanga Lawrence,
respectively, at the show’s center.
Oppositely, the “Gossip Girl”
(2021) reboot, which was released
less than 10 years after the original
ended and includes none of the
original cast, sits at a measly 2.8 out
of 5
Google rating.
“I think ‘Girl Meets World’
really worked because it’s focused
on Cory’s daughter and [Cory and
Topanga] are still in the show and
have plotlines,” says Myra Wilson,
a sophomore business major at The
University of Alabama. “‘Gossip Girl’
was just throwing a bunch of new
stuff at you that wasn’t in the old one
at all.”
Shows like “Gossip Girl” do
not necessarily need reboots at all.
Like many shows currently receiving
reboots, this series originally
ended on smooth, satisfying notes,
requiring no
further storylines.
Viewers grow to deeply love
and care about characters, they
cheer when those two characters
finally ended up together and cry
right along with a character when
they reconciled with their dad. While
it’s upsetting that the show comes
to an end, it usually ends in favor of
what audiences want.
When a reboot is created
and pivotal characters aren’t present,
this tells audiences that the way they
think the show ended was wrong,
that the gang, or their favorite
couple, didn’t actually stay together.
Even if the so-called 20-year rule
is applied, it still may not be as
nostalgic as hoped for.
The 20-year rule means
that it takes 20 years for a trend to
die out, then become fashionable
again. According to Thread, “the rule
applies to music, décor, television,
film and art”.
Another show that ignored
the 20-year rule is “Avatar: The Last
Airbender,” an animated show that
aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to
2008.
Regarding Nickelodeon’s
2010 remake “The Last Airbender,”
Spencer Cook, a senior English
and creative media major at The
University of Alabama says the
comparisons are what made the
show bad.
“It wasn’t even that it was
bad on its’ own (it was), it was so
awful because of the comparisons
I was constantly drawing to the
original,” Cook says.
The original series followed
Aang, a young boy who happens
to be both the Avatar and the last
Airbender, and his friends as they
battle the Fire Nation. The remake
of the series intended to follow the
same plotline, just live action instead
of animation.
“Every time the new movie
did something dumb,” says Cook, “I
was just reminded of how I could be
watching the original instead.”
Audiences watch reboots
because they admired the original so
strongly, so straying from that path
is a dangerous game.
So, why are droves of
filmmakers making reboots if there
are all these reasons to do just the
opposite? It seems the film industry
is using audience nostalgia to make
money, as it’s evident that producers
cannot even accurately assess the
elements that make these shows and
movies nostalgic.
Neve Campbell, who portrays
one of the film industry’s most iconic
final girls, recently announced that
she would no longer be acting in the
“Scream” franchise.
From its beginning in 1996
to the release of “Scream 5” in 2022,
Campbell has portrayed Sidney
Prescott, the face of the franchise,
for almost the entirety of her career.
Her representation of Prescott
earned her a cult following and
established her as “one of the most
recognizable faces in Hollywood,”
according to Bustle Magazine.
However, in a recent
interview with People Magazine,
Campbell says “…as a woman, I
have had to work extremely hard in
my career to establish my value…I
felt the offer that was presented
to me [for Scream] did not equate
to the value I have brought to the
franchise.”
Dr. Alyxandra Vesey, an
assistant professor of journalism and
creative media at The University
of Alabama, with a focus on media
studies, media industries and
feminist media theory, says, “Neve
Campbell is Sidney. Sidney is the
protagonist, the final girl. She is
the lead of ‘Scream’ and if she is not
getting paid what she thinks she
deserves for the work she is doing…
[the film industry] is more concerned
about intellectual property.”
If these continuations were
truly about nostalgia, filmmakers
would be paying someone who
has done so much not just for the
“Scream” series, but for the entire
industry, a sufficient amount.
Hopefully, corporate
executives stick to the 20-year rule
and leave reboots of popular media
on the back burner for now.
Design by Katie Harmon
53

GAME OVER
The harsh reality of a gamer girl.
Video games are the reality of a virtual world that
everyone can take part in. Ranging from sports,
first-person shooter games like “Callof Duty” to
simulation games such as “The Sims”. There’s
a game for everyone, though the video game market isn’t
all-inclusive.
Men predominantly are the target audience
for video games, leaving women in the shadows. In
a male-dominated field, women are criticized for not
being feminine enough and are often insulted for being
a nerd, a fraud or just being bad at a game because of
their gender. Video games also encourage this treatment
by the way they represent women in their games.
Whether it be girls being in tight or no clothing at all,
harsh stereotyping by representing women as nagging
or having to depend on a man for her to reach her goals,
most games do not offer a female character for players to
choose from.
Meghan Dupont, a freshman kinesiology major
at The University of Alabama, spoke about her personal
experiences playing video games. Growing up in the later
54
By Julie Linehan
2000s, video games were more readily available to all
families. Dupont got into video games by mainly playing
Wii games after school.
“I usually choose guy characters so that people
don’t know I’m a girl, and I also avoid talking and use a
fake name,” says Dupont on the topic of disguising her
gender to avoid scrutiny from other players.
Hiding gender should not be something players
should worry about while enjoying video games. After
all, it’s a fantasy world and no prior biases or prejudices
should be brought into the game since they do not
matter. Though, the problem of women being mistreated
in video games isn't seemingly disappearing. Most men
do not have to disguise themselves while playing because
they don't have to worry about being judged, mocked or
even made to feel uncomfortable because of their gender.
Women being mistreated in gaming also
continues into the professional world, a prime example
being the controversies following the popular gaming
company, Activision Blizzard. The company has been
under fire due to multiple sexual assaults, harassment
claims and a former employee ending her life due to
the horrific treatment. According to Fortune.com,
Activision Blizzard has been predominantly maleoriented.
Many women have bravely come forward
to expose the mistreatment they have experienced
from many coworkers or supervisors of the company.
Horrorstories of being looked at as sexual objects,
male employees refusing to work with women
coworkers due to their gender and breastfeeding
mothers were being denied access to lactation rooms
due to meetings being held in said rooms.
In 2017, an employee was in a sexual
relationship with her supervisor, due to the
harassment she experienced from him and her
coworkers, she ended her life. Since then, Activision
Blizzard has continued to be in hot water, clearly not
learning from previous mistakes.
The mistreatment and misrepresentation
of women in gaming continues to be shown even to
those not interested in gaming. “[Video games are]

more associated with men,” says Emma Oakes, a senior
hospitality management major at The University of
Alabama.
Men are more than twice as likely as women
to identify as gamers according to a study from Pew
Research Center. 48% of women play video games, while
15% of men and 6% of women say the term “gamer”
describes them well.
Naturally, everyone has their likes and dislikes.
Not every woman needs to like video games, but it’s
difficult to show that it's open to them when there are
few options.
“I mean is there a WNBA game?” asks Kara
Renz, a senior nutrition major at The University of
Alabama.
With the rise in popularity of women's sports,
there should be more women's sports video games.
However, there seems to be little to no representation.
The U.S. Women's Soccer team has gained a lot
of attention in recent years due to their fight for equal
pay and their success in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
It would be beneficial to help represent these women in
a video game as the gaming industry does with men in
games. Women like Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Rose
Lavelle are all such influential female athletes and none
are representedin their own game. Most sports games
like “Madden,” “NBA 2k “or “MLB: The Show,” are
all geared towards men and only allow the creation of
male players. “NHL 22” does allow women players to be
created in their MyCareer mode, which is a step in the
right direction. However, it’s still not enough.
In light of this definite mistreatment, some
women have taken the opportunity to shine in the
gaming industry. Female Twitch streamers like
Pokimane, Loserfruit and Sweet_Anitahave taken off
and gained millions of viewers.
Social media can also be an important way to
support female gamers. Twitter, Instagram or simply
encouraging others to watch their streams on Twitch or
YouTube are ways to help.
Success has followed many women in gaming,
for example, Mabel Addis, in 1964 wrote the game,
“The Sumerian Game”, which marked her the first
women video game designer. The game was a strategy
text-based video game followed by an abundance of
support. Other women are also carving their paths
in the industry, such as Kim Swift, a game designer
for “Portal”, and Celia Hodent a former director at
UX, home to Fortnite. Supporting women gamers can
encourage others to check out other females in the
industry or even inspire some to pursue it professionally.
Supporting
women gamers
can encourage others to
check out other females in
the industry or
even inspire some to
pursue it professionally.
Design by Katie Morris
55

FOOD & HEALTH
58
60
62
64
66
What’s on Your Plate?
The Skinny on Diet Foods
Which Seasonal Snack Are You Based on Your Ideal Fall Day
Sip or Shun?
The Pyschology Behind Horror

What’s on
your
Plate?
Food additives in the U.S. vs. Europe.
By Emily Benito
F
ood is an essential part of everyone’s life. What we
eat, where we eat and how we eat are all factors
that are unique.
The types of food people eat on a regular basis
is heavily impacted by their upbringings and regional
or cultural food practices, including accessibility. Family,
friends, religion and region are all things that influence
certain aspects of the meals people eat. For example,
some religions exclude the consumption of pork or beef.
There are also environmental aspects affecting which
foods people can have accessto.
It is harder to get fruit in Iceland than it is to
grow it on a tree or bush in someone’s backyard.
Someone raised in a huge Italian family might be used to
family style meals with lots of pasta, while other people
may be used to grabbing a heated up frozen meal from
the microwave and running to a sports practice or club
meeting.
All these factors are important and influential
to eating practices, but there is something even more
important that lies in hiding: the additives in the food we
eat.
Shannon Marie Bryant is an American who is
now living in Germany. She says that she has felt a major
difference in her health since moving to Germany.
“I have been able to tell a huge difference in my
energy levels since moving here because of the clean food
58
here,” Bryant says. “Of course, you have the option to
buy organic, clean food in the states, but it seems there’s
no option other than to buy clean food here.”
According to Everyday Health’s Website, additives
are in most foods in the United States.In Europe,
however, there are more regulations in place regarding
what additives can be put into their food. One of the
most prominent additives is Potassium Bromate,which is
used in many products containing flour, likebread, cookies
and pastries.
The International Agency for Research on
Cancer considers this ingredient a possible human carcinogen.
This is one ingredient thathas been banned in
Europe.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest
petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to
ban Potassium Bromate almost 20 years ago. The FDA
says the ingredient was used before the amendment
passed to limit carcinogenic causing ingredients.
This is just one example of how Europe and
the United States differ in their food regulations.
Azodicarbonamide is another ingredient that is
banned in Europe but is still used in the United States
today. This is used to make certain flours whiter but has
been proven to cause cancer in some lab animals. Again,
theCenter for Science in the Public Interest encouraged
the ban of this product.In response to this, the FDA has

stated it can be used in small amounts.
Reading about a few of these ingredients can be
stressful. Many individuals do not want to have these
harmful additives in their food.
Leanna Salmanson, a graduate from The University
of Alabama, now lives in Los Angeles. She says that
eating healthy has always been important to her, and
now that she lives in California, she has many different
healthy food options. She likes to eat things that “make
her feel good.”
“Everything in moderation is something I follow
because you sometimes can't help if you can't eat totally
healthy on the weekend,” Salmanson says. “I try to
cook every weekday (or meal prep if I have work) but on
weekends I like to enjoy myself, whether that be having a
cocktail or eating out.”
Generally, people also want to consume the best
quality food they can for the nutritional value.Breana
Retin, a senior at The University of Alabama who studied
abroad with Semester at Sea, says that she felt that
there were even deterrents in place to keep people from
eating or drinking food that was less healthy.
“I guess European food was healthier because it
was less processed,” Retin says. “Soda is my guilty pleasure,
but it was highly taxed which made we want to buy
it less.”
The good news is there are ways to try to limit
the number of products and foods with these harmful ingredients
through tools such as websites and applications
like Yuka and Think Dirty.
Yuka, scans the ingredient list of foods and cosmetic
products to let the user know which additives their
products contain. It can be as simple as knowing which
brand of tortilla chips contains the best quality ingredients
or as important as knowing which foods have the
worst additives. It gives the product a score out of 100.
The lower the score, the worse the food or product.
Think Dirty has a similar purpose of scanning
the products’ ingredients and letting you know if they
are unhealthy. This app is used for cosmetics and other
care products that may have different standards in the
United States than Europe.
While food additives can be hard to avoid,
educating oneself can make it easier to find
healthier options.
Design by Meagan Riordan
To improve your eating and lifestyle habits, take advantage of the
nutrition services offered by the registered dietitian at the
UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy:
• Individual nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy in the
areas of healthy eating, weight loss/gain, GI conditions, food
allergies/intolerances, diabetes or hypoglycemia, heart health and
disordered eating.
• Measurement of metabolism and body fat.
• Nutrition presentations for student groups.
Access your patient portal to make an appointment today!
{Your patient portal login is located on the Student Tab of your MyBama account}
Cherie Simpson, MS, RD, LD
Dietitian Nutritionist
nutrition@ua.edu
205-348-0205

S kinny
D F oods
T kinny
he
on
hen at the grocery store
deciding between ice
creams can be a difficult Wtask from flavor choice, size or
nutrition labels. An option many take
into consideration is going for the
low-calorie brand, Halo Top or the
flavorful Ben and Jerry’s. But, what
is the difference between Ben and
Jerry’s and Halo Top?
For a start, Halo Top, compared
to Ben and Jerry’s, has many
more ingredients. Ben and Jerry’s
containcream, skim milk, liquid
sugar, water, egg yolks, sugar, guar
gum, vanilla
60
iet
By Audrey Harper
beans and carrageenan.
Meanwhile, Halo Top contains
skim milk, eggs, erythritol,
prebiotic fiber, milk protein
concentrate, cream, organic cane
sugar, vegetable glycerin, natural
flavor, sea salt, organic carob gum,
organic guar gum and organic stevia
leaf extract.
More ingredients do not
necessarily mean unhealthy, but
there are health risks to certain
ingredients in Halo Top, despite it
being less than a third of Ben and
Jerry’s caloric count in one serving.
For example, erythritol, which
The deception in food marketing.
*Trigger Warning
Design by Katie Morris
Photo by Emma Mae Burtnett
which functions as a low-calorie
sweetener, has been known to
cause digestionissues, and guar
gum, a thickening agent, can
cause esophageal and small bowel
obstructionin high doses.
If both pose issues, how do you as
a consumer decide what to eat? Do
you go for the more simplistic but
high-calorie Ben and Jerry’s, or the
low-calorie but more complex Halo
Top?
“The first time I was living alone
and deciding what kind of woman
I wanted to be, I would go to the
grocery store by myself and fill
my house with the things that I
interpreted to be good for me,” says
Madison McGilberry, a senior
studying creative media at
TheUniversity of Alabama. “My
fridge was full of 10 Calorie Jell-O,
Halo Top, Skinny Pop, the works. I
felt terrible.”
As diet foods like Halo Top
become more and more popular,
the idea of placing morality into
the foods we eat has become more
apparent. Consumers may question if
Halo Top makes you better than the
person eating the Ben and Jerry’s.
Food marketing tactics used to
tell consumers what is “good” vs.
“bad”are not new. In the 90s as a
part of the low-fat craze, Snackwell
cookies were all the rage. In the
1950s, Tab, a diet soda, became the
predecessor of Diet Coke, according
to Fast Company. In the 19th

century, Sylvester Graham created
the graham cracker as he believed
whole wheat could quell sexual
urges, stated in an article by The
Atlantic, similar tothe purpose of
J.H. Kellogg’sadvocacy for a plain,
bland diet.
While anyone and everyone can
be a consumer of diet foods, women
are the prime target of its marketing.
Women have historically been told
they preferdaintier foods like yogurt
or salad, while men prefer heartier
century, Sylvester Graham created
the graham cracker as he believed
whole wheat could quell sexual
urges, stated in an article by The
Atlantic, similar tothe purpose
ofJ.H. Kellogg’sadvocacy for a
plain, bland diet.
While anyone and everyone
can be a consumer of diet foods,
women are the prime target
of its marketing. Women have
historically been told they
preferdaintier foods like yogurt or
salad, while men prefer heartier
meals like steaks and jerky,
according to Scroll.in.
“They have the market
cornered on young women
who they know are already
indoctrinated into diet culture,”
says McGilberry.“They make these
cute little products and they sell
them to cute little girls, and it
spreads like wildfire.”
An article by The Washington
Post wrote about one way that
marketers target women is known as
pink and shrink, taking a seemingly
gender-neutral product, making it
bright pink, and making it smaller to
appeal to women.
“Women at a young age are
shown a specific physical form that
they should be striving towards,”
says Michelle Daniels, a marketing
professor at The University of
Alabama. “Food marketing takes
advantage of that because they know
that they can market that body type
and get people to purchase their
products.
We’ve labeled [this as] a wealthy
white girl problem, but we really
need to be taking into account
how marketing is impactingpeople
across every space because eating
disorders are becoming more
common.” Dieting has become a
national pastime, with an estimated
45 million Americans dieting each
year according to Boston Medical
Center. 25% of individuals who
diet will continue to develop an
eating disorders are becoming more
common.”
Dieting has become a national
pastime, with an estimated 45
million Americans dieting each
year according to Boston Medical
Center. 25% of individuals who
diet will continue to develop an
eating disorder according to The
Emily Program.
Brands like Halo Top, Skinny Pop
or HealthyChoice,market themselves
as healthy alternatives, yetthey are
not healthier in the long run.Halo
Top is marketed as an ice cream
where you can eatthe whole pint
and not feel guilty. With “guilt-free”
foods, many people may binge on
these “healthier” alternatives,
falling into disordered patterns of
eating. While Halo Top may be
the healthier alternative on paper,
consumers may finish a whole pint
feeling unsatisfied, still craving the
Ben and Jerry’s.
“Typically,what happens
with diet foods is they’re not as
energy dense and they’re not very
satisfying,” says Kyla Sullivan,
a registered dietitian. “So you
typically eat a lot more of them to
feel satisfied.
I would much rather people
just eat and enjoy the real
thing.”While dieting has the
potential to lead to an unhealthy
pattern of restricting and
bingeing, there must be an
alternative. Sullivan recommends
intuitive eating to her clients.
Intuitive Eating is defined by
WebMDas “peace with all types
of food. Unlike traditional diets
that restrict or ban certain foods,
intuitive eating requires you to
stop looking at food as “good” or
“bad.” Instead, you listen to your
body and eat what feels right for
you”
Intuitive eating not only can
improve a person’s body image,
but also realign someone’s body
with its natural hunger cues.
According to Food Insight,
Intuitive eating rejects the idea
of dieting for purposeful
weight loss and instead focuses on
health at every size. It defines health
not as a defined weight, but as a
holisticexperience.
“Typically, the driving point
behind doing a diet is some kind of
weight loss,” says Sullivan. “Intuitive
eating is not based on weight loss.
It’s based on eating for your health,
based on hunger and fullness, and
having a healthy lifestyle.”
While grocery shopping think
twice about what goes into your cart
and what forces are guiding that
decision.
61

62

Design by Sarah Smilth
63

ORSHUN?
SIPOR
The Good, Bad and Ugly
By Luke Pollock
ometimes sleep just isn’t enough. Everywhere
we look, energy is in short supply and high
demand. Gas prices are out of control. Phones
Sseemingly run on one percent battery for 30
minutes. In a world obsessed with fast processing
technology, our brains seem to lack the energy to keep
up. In an April 2021 study,Ph.D. Bernadette Melnyk,
chief wellness officer and dean of the College of Nursing
at The Ohio State University, found that 71% of college
students experienced burnout from high levels of stress
and work.
The increase in mental fatigue has given rise to
a new type of beverage: energy drinks. These drinks,
which were popularized internationally by Austrian
businessman Dietrich Mateschitz in 1984, contain
extremely high levels of stimulants such as caffeine,
taurine and sugar. PhD. Keith Pearson writes that the
central marketing point of these products is that they
claim to temporarily increase mental concentration and
performance. However, medical experts agree there
are significant health risks associated with consuming
energy drinks.
Today, society weighs whether these drinks are
worth consuming not inthe sense of how much they
cost, (ranging from $2 to $4.50 for one drink) but on the
evaluation of health pros and cons of energy drinks being
consumed.
The Good
Energy drinks are very effective at what they do.
The primary active chemical in energy drinks is caffeine,
which works by blocking adenosine, the chemical in our
brain responsible for sleep. Instead of neurons shutting
down, caffeine opens them up and increases the number
of functions the brain can perform. This results in
the brain initiating the “fight or flight” mode, releasing
adrenaline, the hormone that initiates increased blood
flow and causes the liver to release sugar into the bloodstream
for more energy. Thus, caffeine paired with sugar
makes for a dynamic duo of stimulation. Energy drinks
contain similar amounts of caffeine found in coffee and 10
64
to 12 teaspoons of sugar. This rush makes
consumers feel as if they have more energy.
This production of energy provides
both mental and physical advantages. A 2018
study conducted by Ph.D. Amit Singh of The Ohio State
University showed that groups consuming caffeine performed
better than those who didn’t in meetings, tests
and alertness measurements.
Energy drinks also improve physical performance,
according to a 2010 study by Ph.D. Jay Hoffman.
Upon consuming energy drinks, more blood flows to
muscles, alertness is increased and adrenaline is released
into the body. Athletes often drink energy drinks to take
mind-muscle connections to a higher level, and fitness
enthusiasts could benefit from caffeine consumption, particularly
energy drinks, which often leads to fat burning
quicker during workouts. Energy drinks enhance performance
to such a degree that the NCAA has restricted
their use in college sports, according to Shasta Orthopaedics.
Caffeine isn’t the only energizing factor of energy
drinks. Many of the ingredients in energy drinks allow
other functions of the body to work more quickly because
energy drinks contain taurine, riboflavin, niacin
and other essential vitamins and nutrients. These
ingredients are associated with increased digestion
rates,which leads to other foods being processed quickly,
resulting in the production of more energy.
Energy drinks give consumers a quick burst of
heightened mental and physical stimulation. This seems
like an easily marketable product--mostly because it is. It
isn’t all Redbulls and Rockstars, though. Energy drinks
have proven, significant drawbacks.
The Bad
Energy drinks are consumed to provide energy.
If they had a completely counterproductive effect and
actually ended up making consumers more stressed,
tired and inefficient, people would be less likely to drink
them (although a 2020 study by Dr. Tracy Perry showed

67% of people drink energy drinks for the taste). Ph.D.
Subin Park demonstrated in a 2016 Korean study that
individuals who consumed energy drinks five days or
more out of the week experienced seven times higher
rates of suicidal attempts than those who consumed
energy drinks only one day per week. In addition, high
consumption of energy drinks was associated with an
increased risk of mental health problems like depression
and stress, consuming more junk food and alcohol, lower
rates of physical activity and worse sleep quality.
In addition, the ingredients in energy drinks that
give them their benefits also lead to their downfalls. The
high levels of sugar, taurine, vitamin B and caffeine lead
to a host of health risks including,according to Proper
Wild.
Energy drinks can also harm the skin. WebMD
reports that the high levels of added sugar and vitamin
B have been associated with increased risks for acne.
The Centers for Disease Control also reports that energy
drinks can causedehydration, further leading to dry skin
and a host of other health risks.
According to Empire Retina Consultants, ophthalmologists
agree that energy drinks present a host
of vision risks. Energy drinks are associated with short
term vision-blurring eyelid spams and a burning feeling.
Long term risks include glaucoma, an eye disorder
characterized by extremely high pressure on the eye
tissues. Energy drinks cause this due to increased blood
pressure.
The impact energy drinks may have on dental
health could be detrimental as well.
“Energy drinks can be detrimental to oral health
and hygiene,” says Dr. Brandon Veach, dentist at Glynwood
Dental in Prattville, Alabama. Energy drinks are
very high in sugar and are also very acidic. Each of these
qualities are bad for teeth by themselves but are even
worse when combined with each other. The acid in the
drink eats away at tooth enamel, causing acid erosion.”
Explaining that these effects can cause longterm
issues, Dr. Veach continues, “this can lead to increased
sensitivity and darkening of the tooth. Once the
enamel is weakened, the sugar can very easily penetrate
the tooth and cause decay. This results in the need for a
filling in the tooth and, if untreated, can eventually lead
to the need for a root canal,crown, or even extraction.
Because of these side effects, energy drinks should be
consumed in moderation or even avoided altogether.”
Last and certainly not least, high levels of
caffeine are associated with increased risk for Atrial
Fibrillation, which causes 2.7 million heart attacks a year,
according to Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons.
The health risks of energy drinks are not to be
taken lightly. Obviously, consuming one will not result in
a heart attack. Most of these health risks were associated
in extreme cases. However, minor health risks such as
dehydration, acne and blurry vision are more common
among energy drink consumers; consider this before
cracking a can open.
The Ugly
Ultimately, the concept of an “energy drink” is
neither inherently good or bad. Energy drinks, especially
the brands commonly sold in retail stores, have significant
risks which one must consider when consuming. Energy
drinks are best enjoyed in moderation. The Mayo
Clinic recommends drinking no more than one a day.
“Caffeine early in the day is fine, and can actually
be beneficial, as it is a central nervous system stimulate
and can help you wake up, feel energized and get
you going,” says Jesse Meaux, RN at Jackson Hospital
Alabama. “Caffeine late in the day however, can definitely
affect your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.”
Before purchasing an energy drink, consider any
specific health condition such as age and stress levels,
and always talk to a doctor to see if it is safe for the specific
individual toconsume.
“For students struggling with focusing on schoolwork,
are energy drinks a must have or a must avoid?”
says Andrew Ridings, RN at Baptist South Alabama. “I
would recommend avoiding for focusing. However, some
people can tolerate the extra stimulation.”
There are plenty of alternatives to energy drinks
such as coffee and tea which both have natural caffeine
content. Energy bars also exist, although their caffeine
content pales in comparison to energy drinks. No one is
missing out on a revolutionary nutrition source by skipping
this beverage, though.
The best advice is to consume energy drinks
based on needs. Obviously, there are many risks associated
with energy drinks that one must consider, as well as
the fact that the actual ingredients have several adverse
effects. Thus, it would be best to significantly limit the
number of drinks consumed. However, cracking open an
occasional energy drink will not result in a hospital visit.
As always, be aware of what you put in your body.
Design by Katie Morris
65

The Psychology
of Horror
An inside look at when the spine-chilling games we played
as kids go too far.
By Shane O’Shaughnessy
Design by Sarah Smith
Scary movies, games and mythical
creatures play a role in many people’s
childhood. Horror fan or not,
most have played Bloody Mary, the
notorious childhood game where someone
stands in front of a mirror with the lights
off and repeats the name “Bloody Mary”
three times to make Mary herself, in all
her bloody glory, appear in the reflection.
Or maybe at a sleepover with friends and
someone dared to “speak to the dead” by
playing with a Ouija board.
It all felt like a rite of passage as a
kid. Sleepovers were spent googling “Top
10 Scary Games to Play” or staying up till
3 a.m., the devil’s hour, when it’s said that
ghosts are at their strongest— to see if
someone could encounter spirits from the
underworld.
While characters like Pennywise,
the infamous cannibal clown who
terrorizes children in Stephen King’s
novel, “IT,” or the Lipstick-Face Demon
from James Wans’ film, “Insidious,”
have haunted peoples dreams well into
adulthood.
“My friends and I would try to
scare each other with loud bangs or scary
music when going to bed after watching
scary movies,” says Caroline Hine, a junior
majoring in finance and economics at The
University of Alabama, whose favorite
childhood memory includes watching scary
movies at sleepovers.
While the adrenaline rush was
exhilarating in the moment, the nights to
follow would lead almost every kid running
into their parents’ bedroom. Just for the
next weekend to be
filled with the same
horrifying activities
with their friends.
So, what is it about
fear that makes it so
addicting?
When in a state of
fear, people experience
a rush of adrenalin
that leads to a release
of
endorphins and
dopamine,
the same type of feeling can come
from smelling a homecooked meal or
listening to a favorite album.
Walking through a haunted house
and making it all the way through is an
example of what happens when the body
undergoes a rapid release of those feelgood
hormones and endorphins.
When walking through the
attraction, nobody knows what is coming
next, so the brain is on high alert, and
after each jump scare, dopamine rises
after realizing nothing truly harmful has
happened.
“I’m not a fan of scary things
whatsoever, but I still find enjoyment when
walking through haunted houses when
it’s Halloween time,” says Hallie Fedora,
a junior majoring in public health at The
University of Alabama.
In an article for Psychology Today,
psychologist Christopher Dwyer Ph.D.
says, “The biochemical rush can result
in a pleasure-filled, opioid-like sense of
euphoria.”
66

This sense of euphoric feeling is
exactly why people are drawn to
horror.
While telling ghost
stories and playing scary games
is something that is introduced
to kids at a young age, horror
technically isn’t a genre that was
meant for kids’ enjoyment.
However, the curiosity
behind the forbidden horrorfilled
games has always been
intriguing, especially for
children. It’s as if kids know
they shouldn’t be allowed to play
such games, so the excitement of
playing them when they’re offlimits
is extra enticing.
Seeing things such as
“based on a true story” or “don’t
do this alone” piques anyone’s
attention. As fun as it is to get
scared with friends, there is a
point where an obsession can
overcome a child.
One of the most
petrifying horror fictional
figures is the unnaturally tall,
thin, faceless creature who wears
a black suit and tie, known as
Slender Man.
Slenderman was
originally created by Eric
Knudsen who was in a
Photoshop contest in 2009.
The contest had photographers
take regular pictures and edit
them into something scary by
adding ghoulish features, and,
as the internet does, Knudsen’s
creation garnered attention
across the web, eventually going
viral, and thus giving birth to
the Slender Man of today’s
internet lore.
Fans of the image began
to write about Slender Man
on websites and forums, each
adding their own twist to it.
His role was to prey on children
and lure them into the woods,
inviting them to kill to become
a part of his proxy. YouTube
videos and video games of the
creature began to multiply,
growing the Slender Man fan
base.
One of the most wellknown
games is “Slender: The
Eight Pages” in which the player
wanders through a dark forest,
trying to avoid Slender Man,
because if he finds them, he will
abduct and kill them.
While a game like this is
quite dark for young children,
according to writer, David
Markovic, in an article for
GamersDecide.com, “the simple
and repetitive gameplay makes
it simple enough a child could
pick it up and easily play it.”
In 2014, then 12-yearolds,
Morgan Geyser and Anissa
Weier, were charged with
attempted first-degree murder.
What started out as a
walk through the woods to play
hide and seek, was actually
part of Geyser and Weiers’s plot
to kill their classmate, Payton
Leutner, in an attempt to
“satisfy Slender Man”, according
to Police.
“I remember when the
Slender Man trial was all over
the news and I have never
thought of the Slenderman
the same, it now gives me an
eerie feeling considering what
happened back in 2009,” says
Anna Kate Martin a junior
majoring in human development
at The University of Alabama.
Leutner was unaware
she was being lured into their
trap until she was stabbed 19
times and left alone in the woods
to die. Geyser and Weier were
found hours later by police
on the side of the road. The
girls told investigators they
were on their way to live with
Slenderman.
There’s nothing wrong
with playing around to get
scared from time to time, but
incidents like the Slender Man
case cross a clear line. What
is it about games and lore like
Slender Man that can affect a
person’s mind so much that they
become a threat to others?
When playing any form
of a game, people are immersing
themselves into that “world”.
Video games can immerse people
in terms of active participation,
meaning that their full focus and
mindset are set on one specific
thing.
According to a study
conducted at Georgia Southern
University about the symptoms
of distress and trauma that
could occur when playing violent
video games, results showed that
traumatic symptom, such as an
increase in violent or aggressive
behavior, depression and anxiety,
would be even greater when
playing a violent video game.
The same study from
Georgia Southern University
proves that horror movies
cause traumatic symptoms as
well— especially in women—
causing increased anxiety and
aggression, acute stress and
peritraumatic dissociation.
While it is concerning
to see the research and effects
that come with consuming too
much horror content, that is
not what the genre is meant to
be. Staying up all night bingewatching
scary movies, to then
have your dad flicker the lights
as if it were a ghost; playing
with an old Ouija board thinking
you’re talking to the spirits from
beyond, when it’s really an older
sister moving the planchette
(aka “the pointer”) — this is
what horror should really be for
children, making silly memories.
Being scared is always a little
fun, because at the end of the
day it’s all just pretend. Right?
67

FEATURES
72 The Tampon Shortage
74 Fifty Years of Title IX
76 Power & Poise
78 She's the Man: Women CEOs

70

Photo Emma Kate Standard
Models Scarlett Williams, Kyla Knickrehm
71

72

How you can Help:
Locally
Donate to Turning Point,
turningpointservices.org.
The University of Alabama
Food Pantry,
bamacares.sa.ua.edu
Nationally
Period.
the menstral movement,
period.org
Alliance for Period Supplies,
allianceperiodsupplies.org
Design by Sarah Cosner
73

50
YEARS OF
By Alden Wiygul
Fifty years ago on June 23, 1972 the
United States’ educational system
was altered forever with the
Education Amendments of 1972.
This law changed the way financial aid was
provided to students and
amended the Fair Labor
Standards Act, but its
introduction of Title IX’s
ban on discrimination
based on sex was so
impactful that “Education
Amendments of 1972” has
become a nickname for Title
IX.
Ever since its passing,
Title IX has continued to evolve with
society, representing a piece of true
living legislation. Now, on its 50th
anniversary, its influence has stood
the tests of time.
The largest inspiration for
Title IX was Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 which prohibited
discrimination on the basis of race,
color, religion or national origin in any
federally funded program. However,
while that was its inspiration, it is not
the most important act to analyze in
the conversation surrounding Title IX.
In 1972 and 1973, there were two other women’s
rights legislation approved. The Equal Rights Amendment
was approved in 1972 and subsequently never ratified
after five states withdrew their ratifications. Roe v. Wade
was then decided in 1973 but overturned in 2022 by the
Supreme Court in a decision that intensified the political
unease growing in America.
The jurisdiction of Title IX was cemented further
in the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, which clarified
that Title IX’s reach extended to schools receiving any
kind of federal assistance. While this law has often
been discussed in the terms of female programs, it
governs discrimination in both male and female athletics,
scholarships, program budgets, coaching salaries, and
expenses.
74
TITLE IX
The 50th Anniversary of a Law That Changed Education
Its biggest impact has been on the world of
women athletics. Before the passing of Title IX,
only 15% of all college athletes were women
according to Best Colleges.
Now that number has boomed at
an astounding rate, the Atlanta Journal-
Constitution reports that 43% of all
college athletes are women. This
opportunity has led to the creation
of some of the best athletes
in America such as Serena
Williams and Allyson Felix.
“Title IX has allowed me
to feel safe as a woman in
athletics because I know
each member of our staff
and all athletic teams at
Denver support women’s
athletics,” says Memphis
Glasgow, a senior on the
University of Denver women’s
volleyball team. “It’s helped my
mental health to know I’m
surrounded by other
female athletes going through
not only struggles, but victories
with me.”
The use of Title IX
for sexual harassment cases
originated at Yale University
in 1977 when it came out in Alexander v. Yale that
female students were being harassed by male faculty
members. In April 2011, the Department of Education
released a letter officially stating that sexual harassment
interferes with a student getting an education free from
discrimination, and that institutions must act in ending
sexual harassment and violence or else they will be fined
or denied funds.
In recent years, the debate on Title IX has been
over its inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. The Trump
Administration undid several policies that the Obama
administration made on Title IX protecting transgender
student athletes. The Trump administration attempted
to exclude gender identity and sexual orientation
from being protected by Title IX, resulting in the

Department of Education attempting to pull funding
from Connecticut high schools based on a policy allowing
transgender women to compete with cisgender women.
Their argument stated that it was a violation of the
rights of the cisgender women as they had less of an
opportunity to win.
With the turnover in 2020, the current
administration set out to change Title IX yet
again. President Joe Biden passed Executive Order
14021 in 2021, which stated discrimination on the
basis of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity
was prohibited and that the government would be
evaluating existing policies based on this. Two months
later the Department of Education gave a Notice of
Interpretation officially expanding Title IX to cover
everything stated in the executive order.
The reason why Title IX has been able to thrive
despite other similar legislation failing has been due to
its constantly shifting nature. Whenever an opposing
governmental force does not approve of its contents,
Title IX is simply altered instead of abolished. It has
also been able to cover such a wide spread of cases
that it has cemented its status as a necessary tool for
education. That does not mean it has gone fifty years
without any criticisms, however.
Some critics of Title IX have stated that schools
enforcing regulations are often making it more difficult
for men to receive an education as they are too heavily
scrutinized and blamed. They also claim that Title IX’s
attempts to make athletic programs more equal in the
amount of male and female participants are flawed as
they do not account for the different amount of interest
in sports demonstrated by each gender.
According to Justia US Law, in 2011 the
Department of Education was sued by the American
Sports Council with the argument that the Title IX
policies covering athletic discrimination should not
apply to high schools.
Joel Sogol, a Tuscaloosa criminal defense
attorney thinks there needs to be a “better way to
ensure a lack of contact between people”. Some people
are told in the middle of the semester that they are
banned from campus due to Title IX related cases.
“It’s easier today to deal with online classes then
it was three or four years ago before covid, but when
you’re a semester from graduation and you need certain
classes to graduate and they are not online, there is
a certain harshness there I think that is born out of
protectiveness,” Sogol says.
According to Title IX, every federally funded
school must have at least one Title IX coordinator. The
coordinator must be publicly accessible for any reports
and questions. The University of Alabama (UA) has an
entire office, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title
IX Programs, dedicated to the enforcement of Title IX.
Their website includes the guidelines and polices of Title
IX and instructions on how to report any discrimination
on campus.
UA has had to deal with several big issues with
Title IX over the years, including a professor, Franco
Parisi, being investigated in 2016 for sexual harassment
from his previous job. In 2014, UA faced a Title IX
complaint on the behalf of Daisha Simmons, who was
a female basketball player that experienced bullying,
harassment and hazing from the women’s basketball
coaching staff.
Despite its various blunders, The University
of Alabama has been able to use Title IX to make
incredible improvements in the lives of students.
Because of its impact, UA has gone from having two
women’s sports to having 12. All these sports now have
their own coaches leading them to victory.
“As a member of Alabama’s women’s club
lacrosse team, I am surrounded by an amazing group
of girls who support each other on and off the field and
who push each other to be the best they can be,” says
Katie Welte, a junior and member of The University of
Alabama’s Club Lacrosse team.
The regulations against sexual harassment
and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and
sexual orientation have been able to make UA a safer
place for its diverse population. Title IX has shaped
the population and their paths towards success as they
are able to depend on the longevity of the legislation
keeping them safe.
Design by Sarah Smith
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75

Power &
Poise
50 years of Title IX in the
realm of gymnastics.
by Jennafer Bowman and Evy Gallagher
in 1975, The University of Alabama’s
gymnastics team made its debut against
Georgia College. Although the team lost,
it was deemed a win by many. Three years
prior the gymnastics team was only a
club sport, but in 1973 it was sanctioned
as a viable team thanks to the Education
Amendments of 1972, specifically Title IX.
Title IX prohibited sex discrimination in any
education program or activity receiving federal financial
assistance. This ensured that women and men would
receive equal education opportunities, it also meant
that women had tenfold the number of opportunities in
sports than before. According to History.com, “in 1972,
there were just over 300,000 women and girls playing
college and high school sports in the United States.
Female athletes received 2% of college athletic budgets,
while athletic scholarships for women were virtually
nonexistent. By 2012, the number of girls participating in
high school sports nationwide had risen..to more than
3 million.”
In May 2022, Ashley Johnston was named head
coach of The University of Alabama’s women’s
gymnastics program. Johnston spent five years as a
gymnast for the Crimson Tide (2009-2013) under former
head coach Sarah Patterson. We sat down with her to
see how Title IX has affected her and her career.
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How do you think Title IX has affected
you in your career?
“For me, I got to compete in the era where Sarah
Patterson was our head coach and she just really made
strong, diligent efforts to empower us and provide a
platform to dream big and connect with the community.
I think her ability to be a trailblazer in that time period
really helped equip me to make the most of my time and
career here.”
Patterson served as head coach from 1979 until 2014.
She led the team to six NCAA Women’s Gymnastics
championships, eight Southeastern Conference (SEC)
championships and was awarded the NCAA Women’s
Gymnastics Coach of the Year four times along with SEC
Women’s Gymnastics Coach the Year four times.
What is the importance of Title IX
as a coach at such a male sport
dominated school?
“It’s incredibly important to provide a platform,
provide an environment for our young ladies to excel. It’s
important that we all share that same belief system and
I’m thankful to be surrounded by a staff and a program
and administration that all makes that an essential focus
for our young ladies.”
The University of Alabama currently has 10 NCAA
women’s sports teams and 460 female athletes. Johnston
won two team national titles (2011, 2012) and two team
SEC titles (2009, 2011) during her time on
the team.

What is the importance of having strong
female trailblazers in sports?
“Without having strong female trailblazers, we
wouldn’t be where we are. I mean, they are the difference
makers. They have gotten us to this point, but that work
is not done. I feel very responsible for being in a position
to help lead us into the next phase of what that could
look like.”
What is one thing you wish people
understood more about the sport
of gymnastics?
“Gymnastics is such a combination of power and
poise, and I think a lot of people don’t understand that
gymnasts start when they’re three or four years old.
A lot of times it’s a full-time job where they’re training
30 to 40 hours a week before coming to college, where
other athletes are in their stride and kind of hitting their
peak either in college or after college. Most gymnasts
have already reached that point before college, so it’s
really a different dynamic to try to help them maximize
their ability and be physically, emotionally and mentally
healthy during a time period that is hard to manage
everything that’s going on. I think a lot of people don’t
quite realize that the lifespan of a gymnast just looks a
little bit different than some other sports.”
What has been the most
rewarding part of being
the women’s gymnastics
coach?
“For me, the most rewarding
part is the connections. Being able
to connect with our young ladies to
connect with alumni who have been
a part of this process with former
coaches, with former mentors, those
connections are what really make it
all worth it. I felt the same during
my time as an athlete, and I feel the
same during my time now as
a coach”
What has been the most rewarding part of
being the women’s gymnastics coach?
“In the world of gymnastics, I mean, it’s really
incredible to see the exposure that has taken place.
There’s a lot of, you know, networks that have picked up
gymnastics. There’s a lot of excitement around our sport.
I think that provides more eyes on our young ladies that
they’re able to really use their platform to share their
passion, to share what causes they want to push forward
in this world. Again, I think we have a ways to go still.
We need to continue to make sure they [female athletes]
have a voice and have a platform and ability to spread
their message to everybody in the community and across
the country.”
Title IX affects all women and with
strong trailblazers like Johnston,
the future of women’s sports
is in good hands.
We wish the Crimson Tide the
best of luck in their upcoming season.
Photos Courtesy of Crimson Tide Athletics
Design by Katie Morris
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SHE’S THE MAN:
WOMEN CEOs
By Emilee Boster
Design by Sarah Smith
“Who is your favorite entrepreneur?”
Vishal Gupta, a professor
at The University of Alabama
in the Culverhouse College
of Business, often asks students.
The answers roll in with tech giants
like Elon Musk or Steve Jobs. The
answer is rarely ever a woman entrepreneur.
These answers are
not surprising considering the
percentage of female entrepreneurs
is far lower than the percentage
of men. Out of the 2022 Fortune
500 global companies, a list that
documents the largest companies
by revenue, only 4.8% of companies
listed were owned or run by women.
That means out of 500 companies
that are said to be the most powerful
in the world, only 24 were female
owned. In the United States,
the percentage of women owned
businesses were a bit higher at 15%
of Fortune 500 companies.
Historically this rate of
entrepreneurship has increased.
20 years ago in 2002, only
1.2% of companies on the Fortune
500 U.S. list were run by women.
“Even though the rate
of female entrepreneurship has
increased, it has two caveats,” says
Gupta. “In the United States and
almost every country in the world,
this rate lags behind men.”
Academics often debate
whether this imbalance comes from
the supply side—attitudes and
preferences—or the demand side—
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resources, mentoring and guidance.
The supply side emphasizes what the
male or female entrepreneur brings
to the table, and the demand side
emphasizes how outside factors like
society and education influence the
male or female entrepreneur.
“Although the rate has
increased, women are far behind
men in technology entrepreneurship,
which falls into the high growth
category,” Gupta says.
Women still lag behind men
in the number of college students in
STEM fields, which is one reason
for this technology entrepreneurship
gender imbalance.
Technology entrepreneurship
is growing exponentially, and if
women are not in that field, they
are not growing with it. In the
2022 Forbes Fortune 500 list, 41
companies were technology empires.
This explains why when
Gupta asks people about their
favorite entrepreneur, they respond
with a tech giant, particularly those
that are often in the media and
considered famous.
This media depiction of male
entrepreneurs influences how people
think about entrepreneurship.
“We need to have media
depictions of female entrepreneurs,”
Gupta says. “We need to have female
entrepreneurs shown in a positive
light in our tv shows and our films.
We need to change the conversation,
which is—of course—easier said
than done.”
A few years ago, Gupta
realized that this was not a problem
just in media but also in education,
specifically in the textbooks college
universities use to teach about
entrepreneurship. All the examples
in the textbooks were about male
entrepreneurs. So, Gupta created a
textbook of his own, “Great Minds in
Entrepreneurial Research,” where he
uses a variety of examples including
women.
One category of
entrepreneurship that has changed
in terms of gender balance is family
businesses. Historically, it was
believed that the business succession
was to male children, but now, it is
passed to any child, regardless of
gender. Gupta gives two reasons for
this: first, some families only have
daughters and no other choice and
secondly, women are now as highly
educated as their male peers.
“Has there been change? Yes.
Should change be faster? Yes,” Gupta
says.
That change only occurs
when more women become
entrepreneurs.
Jacqui Jones did not see
herself as an entrepreneur when
she graduated from The University
of Alabama. She was a professional
songwriter, and then she moved into
marketing, which had more overlaps
than she initially thought. Soon, she
founded One Degree Marketing, a
company with 12 employees that
outsources digital
marketing for businesses and
organizations.

Jones says two of her recent company hires were
seeking out a woman-owned business. She says this—
supporting women entrepreneurs and companies—is
important to make the number of female entrepreneurs
increase.
“I’m impressed by us [women] and what we
have overcome and what we continue to overcome,” says
Jones.
Jones advises women who want to start
companies to know themselves because they will
be existing in a male-dominated world. In the
entrepreneurial route, she says women may have to make
decisions that will make other people uncomfortable.
Jones tells people that she is both the CEO and
the janitor; she does many roles and takes responsibility
for her company.
“Know yourself,
get to know yourself,
spend time with yourself,
so when it is time to show
up in these spaces and
make decisions—have a
vision, define a vision—
you can create a life that
is sustainable and easy for
you to maintain when the
work gets hard,” Jones says.
Reminder
women rule
yes!
Kiara McKinney graduated from The University
of Alabama in 2017, then she worked in fashion and
digital marketing. She worked with big companies
that she didn’t resonate with, so she started her own
company, Boost Public Relations, an agency based out
of Dallas, Texas. She works with clients like fashion
labels, handbag lines, spas, influencers, and IV therapy
companies to plan and strategize social media content
and events.
McKinney is a female entrepreneur and CEO
herself, but she also works with other business owners.
“I find that women are incredible with running
businesses because they are able to tap into a positive
company culture and make people want to work hard for
them,” says McKinney.
McKinney advises other women who want
to start companies to make sure it is something they
love, not something that they believe is a money-maker
because there is a lot of pressure as a business owner.
“That pressure is not worth it if it’s all at the end
of the day for a paycheck,” McKinney says. “It has to
come from a deep desire within you.”
She also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to
build up savings before starting their company. It costs a
lot of money to create and run a company, even servicebased
businesses.
of course!
“The most crucial part of
business is networking, a skill
that she believes is not stressed
enough in college,” McKinney
says.
In college, networking is
constant and almost easy. People
come to give guest lectures and
are on campus, but it is harder
after graduation.
Her advice for students is to connect
with businesspeople they admire on LinkedIn. Students
should send the person a message, say who they are and
tell the person, “You do what I want to do in the future,
and I’d love to follow your journey. Can we connect?”
Connecting with other women in entrepreneurial
roles or future careers can help continue growing women
entrepreneurship. Perhaps in the future, Forbes Fortune
500 companies will have more than 4.8% of female
leadership.
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Location Bowlero
Photo Emma Kate Standard
Design by Katie Morris
Models Scarlett Williams, Kyla Knickrehm
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writing
Editor-in-Chief_Jennafer Bowman
Managing Editor_Evy Gallagher
Beauty Editor_Leslie Klein
Fashion Editor_Peyton Oden
Entertainment Editor_Emie Garrett
Food & Health Editor_Elisabeth Bernard
Lifestyle Editor_Jolie Money
Features Editor_Caroline Karrh
Contributors_Beth Wheeler, Ashley Clemente, Luke Pollock, Kennedi Hall, Elena Giorgi, Julie Linehan, Emilee Boster,
Alden Wiygul, Calista Cleveland, Savannah Dorriety, Alexis England, Audrey Harper, Emily Benito, Shane O’Shaughnessy,
Lila Gallagher, Perri Larkin, Ella Foes, Madeleine Leidner, Bella Carpino, Grace Owens, Chloe Jorns
Creative
Creative Director_Rebecca Martin
Photo Editor_Sarah Hartsell
Assistant Photo Editor_Emma Kate Standard
Design Editor_Katie Morris
Assistant Design Editor_Sarah Smith
Contributors_ Katie Harmon, Sarah Cosner, Meagan Riordan,
Rylie Curry, McKenna Myrick, Grayson Byrd, Jennifer Stroud, Emma Mae Burtnett
digital
Digital Director_Emma Coons
Social Media Editor_Addie McCrary
Videography Editor_Emily Rabbideau
Marketing Editor_Beth Wheeler
Web Editor_Jeffrey Kelly
Contributors_ Rachel Nguyen, Brooke Damerell, Breona Winn, Jocelyn Claborn, Laney Hollander,
Megan Davis, Paige Becwar, Rachel Bocchi, Sami LaCount, Izzy Padilla, Jordan Copenhaver, Zara Morgan
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In fall 2022, our staff worked over
100 hours to CREATE THIS
MAGAZINE. THANK YOU TO OUR
EDITORS, CONTRIBUTORS & ADVISORS
FOR THEIR HARD WORK. we are
VICTORIOUS
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The mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.
Phone: (205) 348-7257.
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All content and design are produced by students in consultation with professional staff advisers.
All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is copyrighted © 2022 by Alice
Magazine Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of Alice Magazine.

Photo Emma Kate Standard
Models Scarlett Williams, Kyla Knickrehm
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