YOUR MAG
VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 4 | FEBRUARY 2016
YOUR MAG VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 4 | FEBRUARY 2016
HALEY SHERIF
P E Y TO N D I X
M AT T M U L L E N
Creative Director
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editor
PERI LAPIDUS
PIMPLOY PHONGSIRIVECH
CHRISTIAN LOPEZ
Assist. Creative Director Beauty Director
Assist. Editor Art Director
Assist. Managing Editor
C H E L S E A T R E M B L AY
MADELINE BILIS & KAREN MORALES
C L A I R E TO R R E S
Editor at Large
Head Designer
Digital Editors
YAS M I N A H I L A L & SOPHIE PETERS-WILSON
ESTHER BLANCO
M E G A N C AT H E Y
Living Editor
Style Editor
LINDSEY PARADIS
KALA SLADE
S H AW N M C N U L T Y-KOWA L
A&E Editor
Events Coordinator
Talent Manager
Photo Editors
MIA ZARRELLA
GINA BRAZAO
ERIK LY
Head Stylist
YMTV Technical Director
Junior Designer
SAVA N N A H S T R A N G E
JOANNE PAQUIN
ARIELA RUDY ZALTZMAN
YMTV Creative Director
Assist. Digital Editor
Head Copyeditor
MARKETING: JESSE HUANG, JACKIE EATON, KAYLA SALIBA, EMILY PARK, KIMBERLY R. GONZALEZ , EVAN MCCRORY, SYDNEY HANNIBAL COPY EDITORS: KELSEY PERKINS, JULIA ROBERTO, EMILY PFAFF, ISABEL CRABTREE, IRIS PEÑA, NATALIE GALE, HANNAH MCKENNETT, LINDSAY HOWARD DESIGN TEAM: JADE HEBLING, BELLA BENNETT, BOBBY NICHOLAS III, NATALIE GALE
YMEMERSON.COM | INSTAGRAM: YOUR.MAG | TWITTER: @YOURMAGEMERSON
editor’s letter
I
ruined a pair of perfectly good underwear be-
on how to find some internal nirvana—you don’t
cause I thought my period was over, but low and
need to travel across the world to love yourself, and
behold Mother Nature reemerged with a ven-
even if you did, broke college kids can’t afford that!
geance. Surely it could’ve been from the Plan B I
In this issue’s editorial, Figure, I wanted to not
took two days earlier, or maybe it was just God toy-
only explore but accentuate the beauty of all female
ing with my sex life. I don’t know. Nobody’s perfect.
forms. Personally, it was never that easy for me to
So I lay in my bed, underwear ruined, watch-
love my bra size or my blackheads, or my stretch
ing New Girl, as my part-time resident and full-
marks, or the weird gaps in between my teeth. And
time friend Joann DiBuono adjusts a heating pad
really, just as a thick woman of color it was never
settled on my lower abdomen. While my uterine
that easy to even like myself, let alone love.
lining continues to shed, I stop and think to myself,
Women are constantly evaluated based solely
this is what dreams are made of. This is what Hilary
on outer aesthetics and overall appearance. Women
Duff was singing about!
are too often told not to love ourselves or our bod-
Seriously. I’m not being sarcastic. I literally
ies, whether that be through through sensational-
couldn’t think of a better way to pregame my Val-
ized media, patriarchal points of view, or even our
entine’s Day weekend, because for the first time in
own mirrors. Loving your body plays an integral
my adolescent life I am so deeply, irrevocably, and
role in loving yourself and even though we might
wholeheartedly in love with myself. Even as I sit
not all be there yet (which is okay!), all I ask is that
here bleeding, cramping, okay honestly dying, and
we make consistent strides to get there. So own your
knowing I’ve seen better days, I am still so happy
scars and your stretch marks. Flaunt your freckles
with who I am.
and your birthmarks. Love your natural pigmenta-
Now stop gagging, I’m not about to Eat Pray Love y’all with some pseudo instructional manual
tion and the way your hips may curve, because you are, and will always be, beautiful. -Peyton Dix
YOURMAG | 01
romance 04
Dating Column Don’ts
06
Tinder in Europe
10
Let’s Talk About Vaginas
editorial
living
22
Figure
34
When Do We Become Adults?
42
The Man Who Sold The World
37
Erasure Poetry: Redefined Art
40
Your Things
style
CON-
12
It’s Time For Men To Skirt Up
14
Pocket Politics
16
Beautyscopes
20
Beauty Diversity at Emerson and Beyond
arts & entertainment 50
Deadpool: Marvel’s R-Rated Superhero
52
Artist Statement
54
February Horoscopes
d a t i n g c o l u m n d o n ’ t s Why women shouldn’t believe everything they read
S
ince the earliest magazines like Vogue and Elle which came out in the nineteenth century, women have used these publications as guides for trends, advice, news, and gossip. I remember being little and always looking at the racks of magazines eye level to me at the
grocery store checkout, seeing Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt on the cover of People in 2005, and a
bald Britney Spears on the cover of Us in 2007. Later that year I retired from American Girl and commenced my readership of Seventeen. The first copy I bought had a picture of Fergie on the cover, and headlines like “725 ways to look hot” and “get your best beach body”. When I started to like boys, Seventeen and other publications like it were the all-encompassing guide to the new world of dating. But I wish it hadn’t been. We let photoshopped women and “How-to” guides govern our maturance into the world of romance. Magazines get criticism for upholding unrealistic standards for women, but nobody discusses that what is just as damaging as photoshopped models is how these magazine’s romance columns teach girls to behave. It teaches females that we are the main contributors to relationships, specifically heterosexual ones. We are taught from the second we begin reading these columns that it is our responsibility to look and act certain ways, and to cater to the male ego. This is not to say every dating column is evil, or to scrutinize those who read them. It’s normal to be curious about date ideas, and to seek reassurance on a decision you made or even advice on how to get over a relationship. Many dating columns are even able to use their leverage to advocate for safe sex, sexual health, good communication, and most importantly, consent. The issue comes when as consumers we don’t recognize the shortcoming of so many romance columns in terms of their male-centric content and heterosexual exclusivity. In a just reality, two partners hold equal responsibility in any relationship. But because men are not relentlessly held accountable for their actions by societal and media based criticism and stigmatization, they rarely bear the same expectations that women do. Have you ever wondered why there aren’t dating columns for men?
WRITTEN BY JULIA BANNON
04 | YOURMAG
Women are made to believe that every aspect of
“THESE WORDS OF “ADVICE” WOMEN ARE GIVEN STRIP AWAY THE COMPLEXITY AND NUANCE THAT MAKE RELATIONSHIPS BEAUTIFUL, REDUCING DATING TO MEANINGLESS REDUNDANCY.”
a relationship hinges
tell her everything
revolves
around men, but she
on the most delicate bal-
was born with romantic
ance of actions. It is our job
feelings for women, there’s
to initiate interaction, but subtly
a possibility she may feel less
and deliberately, or it will scare men away. We are taught to be strategically coy and
magazines that
comfortable with her sexuality, and excluded from the club of girls who enjoy boy-
flirtatious, how and when to communicate, not to be
talk. Then, when this gay woman grows up and perhaps
“clingy”, and to maintain the illusion that we don’t care too
is interested in opening a magazine to find a quick gift
much. We learn to shield our bad qualities so that men’s
idea for her partner, or a first date idea, she only find ones
attributes can shine brighter. Such guidelines remove the
cheaply angled toward the enjoyment of men.
humanness that is found in new emotion and thus make our romantic roles as women mechanical and defined.
Dating columns have also created an exclusive community; one that ostracizes those who do not fit the most
These words of “advice” women are given strip away
generic romantic mold. If a magazine prides itself in being
the complexity and nuance that make relationships beauti-
a Women’s Lifestyle Magazine, should it not embrace the
ful, reducing dating to meaningless redundancy. This trend
lifestyle of gay women, trans women, and any other woman
of the “universal solution”, whether it be a list of gifts, new
in between? The normalization of the submissive hetero-
hook-up moves, or date ideas, reflects the poorly written,
sexual female teaches girls that men should be the center
nonspecificity that riddles typical romance columns. Peo-
of their romantic interests, reinforcing the idea that wom-
ple are naturally unique and spontaneous, so it makes little
en’s romantic choices should be pre-approved by a man, or
sense to accept tips that produce run-of-the-mill relation-
some “dating expert”.
ships. One the most crucial aspects of dating is getting to
What is important is that women don’t take the con-
know your partner past surface level details, so in a strong
tent of such columns as, like the Kardashians say, “Bible”. I
relationship this type of advice is especially useless.
am not calling for a ban on dating columns—in fact, quite
These columns take for granted that what works for
the opposite: I’m asking for a revolution. Women’s lifestyle
one couple may not work for another; what is interesting
magazines have the leverage to reach people and change the
and romantic to one person may be too intense or too slow
way women think about their love lives, so they should use
for another. No two relationships are alike because the par-
it for the benefit of their readers. We need more material that
ticipants of each are constantly evolving and understanding
doesn’t leave girls feeling invalidated for not being pretty
unique needs, yet these complexities are not represented
enough, straight enough, or sexual enough. We need more
in romance columns. Outlining what relationships should
“10 Ways to Make Yourself Feel Confident” with testimonies
look like invalidates and devalues what relationships
from varying women and less “Dating Tips From Guys.”
do look like. No stranger behind a page or a post will have
Never let a publication be the deciding factor in
the “best” advice on anything when each individual deals
what you do or don’t do with your romantic life. No list
with obstacles in their own way.
holds the secret to making someone love you. Read these
Typical romance columns not only set parameters
columns with a critical eye and hopefully one day soon
that support cookie-cutter relationships, they perpetu-
our dissatisfaction can be met with some change on the
ate heteronormativity. If a child is growing up reading
magazine racks. YM
ROMANCE | 05
06 | YOURMAG
Tinder in Europe
W R I T T E N B Y K AT J A V U J I C I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y A L L A I R E C O N T E PHOTOS BY ANJA SCHWARZER
I
t all started in Karlovac. I’d just had my wisdom
and that if they did happen they were kept well-hid-
teeth out. My face was swollen and I was confined
den. But she also told me how she and her boyfriend
to bed, in no mood to do anything besides watch
had met: Facebook. They’d had mutual friends and
Netflix, and even that didn’t hold my interest for long.
he had added her, then messaged her, and though the
I pressed clean socks full of ice to my face as hard as I
conversations were flowing and effortless, she never
could, but they soon grew soggy and closer to room
considered meeting him in real life, despite him often
temperature. What was I to do? What did I always do
suggesting it.
when feeling less than confident?
A fight with her brother was what prompted her
Tinder.
to meet him for coffee, mostly out of spite, but the date
What was Croatian Tinder like for a heterosexual
went well. Still, it was clear that she was embarrassed
girl such as myself? I wondered. I soon found out—after
about how they’d met and when I told her about the
three swipes I switched briefly to Twitter:
popularity of Tinder (and its most common function),
“decided 2 try out Croatian Tinder and let me just say it does not disappoint”
she was pretty taken aback. Our conversation gave me a far better under-
Beautifully chiseled faces. Sufficient heights.
standing of why there’d been so few Tinder profiles
Muscular builds. It all abounded until about ten
to choose from, and I started to wonder if it was like
swipes later, when it didn’t. Because I was out of op-
that everywhere in Croatia. What about other parts of
tions. There were no more Tinder profiles to swipe
Europe?
in my area. I set my distance further and got a few
Suddenly I had a plan: I was going to Tinder my
more, but the quality wasn’t as high and my heart just
way through Europe, observing and recording the Tin-
wasn’t in it. I went back to Parks and Rec.
der scene in each place.
I wasn’t particularly looking to meet the love
Rural Bosnia, too, proved uneventful in terms of
of my life or even meet up with a guy, period. But I
Tinder, but a few days later I was in Samobor, a mere
was curious to see what was out there, and matching
15 miles from the capital of Zagreb. I didn’t run out of
with a good looking fella definitely wasn’t going to
swipes my entire time there, y’all. It was incredible. It
ruin my evening. In the past, I’d used Tinder mostly
wasn’t that different from Tinder in my hometown of
for swiping, with the occasional conversation and rare
Nashville (though there weren’t nearly as many fishing
date sprinkled in, and I wasn’t planning to greatly alter
pictures in Samobor); there were anime boys, boys who
that model.
love to party and drink and who also love saying they
A week or so later, I reunited with a local friend
love to party and drink, and one boy who appeared to
whom I hadn’t seen for over three years. We sat in her
believe he was a minion. (Minions are everywhere. It’s
room, comparing social scenes and school customs,
scary.) The biggest difference was, of course, the dif-
until the conversation eventually led to the subject of
ferent language, though plenty of profile descriptions
relationships and romance. She told me how uncom-
were actually in English or at least contained English
mon casual hookups were, at least in her social circles,
words/sentences. Zagreb is a metropolitan city and the ROMANCE | 07
“THE COOLEST THING ABOUT TRAVELING WITH TINDER, FOR ME AT LEAST, IS BEING ABLE TO PEEK INTO SOME FORM OF EVERYDAY LIFE IN EACH PLACE I VISIT.”
08 | YOURMAG
location for a lot of events and concerts, so there were quite a few
In Well, where I’m studying, I had my first lengthy conver-
athletes visiting for competitions or games, DJs (“deep house” is a
sation with a match. He had never heard of the Kasteel Well pro-
really popular genre right now), and just your basic study abroad
gram, but told me that he’d asked a teacher about us. According to
students or backpackers through Europe.
Hangauw’s professor, the group consists of people with a scholar-
A lot of the descriptions were misogynistic to some degree, and a lot of the profiles included fedoras. My favorite was a guy
ship, and a group of “plain rich kids” referred to as “Trumpkids” by said professor.
who claimed his place of employment to be “Egg Plantation.”
A recent trip to Belgium was reminiscent of my American Tin-
However, the abundance of very attractive, well-dressed, and in-
der experience; a decent amount of cuties and one “Hey sexy”—a
teresting profiles definitely made up for it. What most struck me,
message I hadn’t received at all since being in Europe. All good
though, was the heavy influence of American culture: a Hollis-
things must come to an end, I guess. And Carlos, a guitar player
ter shirt displayed prominently in a photo, a popular saying or
from Brussels, said he loved my name and asked where I was from—
phrase in English, even a reference to an American TV show—it
another inquiry I hadn’t yet received. I also swiped past soldiers in
was strange to realize how familiar other countries are with us,
camouflage, which happens a lot in both Nashville and Boston. The
whereas Americans are generally not as aware of other cultures.
uniform is a little different, but the intention probably isn’t. And I
On to the Netherlands. The situation was now a little dif-
think that’s really what it comes down to: Tinder is universal be-
ferent, because I was in a place where I could not understand the
cause it accommodates a universal demand, whether that demand
language. Far fewer profiles contained any English at all, though
is for romance, conversation, a confidence booster, or, of course, a
most Dutch people are at least conversational in it. I had only pic-
hookup. The coolest thing about traveling with Tinder, for me at
tures to go by most of the time, and the pictures were entertaining,
least, is being able to peek into some form of everyday life in each
to say the least. There were numerous clubbing pictures. Not as
place I visit. The way Tinder is used and the information presented
many fedoras, though. But the best part? Oh so many tall boys.
on the profiles provides an insight to one part of that culture.
The Netherlands statistically has the tallest people, which, as a relatively tall person myself, I greatly appreciate.
At the very least it really comes in handy for restaurant recommendations. YM
ROMANCE | 09
let’s talk about vaginas
WRITTEN BY CHELSEA TREMBL AY ARTWORK BY GEORGIA O’KEEFE
E
very year in the U.S. there is one dreaded day in fifth grade; a day that leaves everyone in the room avoiding eye contact, shifting around uncomfortably in their seat, and permanently blushing. A day that warrants no response when mom or dad asks “How was school today?”
Sexual education day. Having experienced this awkward day years ago, I feel the need to say sexual “education.” All you learn is that erections exist
and that you’re going to grow a bush (and then learn a few years later that you’re expected to rip it all out with wax). You can’t really classify something as ‘education’ when it leaves so many boys getting to college still thinking girls pee out of their vaginas. Like most middle schoolers, I craved to be let in on the secret of sex when I was going through puberty. Why the hell was I suddenly so horny? How far could a penis go in there? What do people do when they’re having sex—stare at each other? What does a penis even look like? (For a long time I didn’t realize there was a head and for some reason I thought that they were all purple like a swollen vein.) I understood that there were going to be new smells and hairs and pimples, but I wanted to get down to the important part of sex ed. I didn’t understand that vaginas are the important part, because I would go on believing for years that I could become “loose” if I had too much sex and that my changing labia were a form of punishment for putting p-to-v.
10 | YOURMAG
Our sexual education system is failing us. Most don’t
all of these specifications (and yes, you can view images of all
know the difference between a vagina and vulva (the vulva is
the contestants online). Holding genital beauty standards like
the outer area and the vagina is the actual hole). Many people
these is not only extremely disturbing, but problematic when
will spend their whole lives believing the “loose” myth. Many
so few women look that way but are lead to believe any other
women will be shamed into thinking their nether regions are
way is gross. Labia extend naturally due to hormones in order
ugly because of their labia size. Many of us don’t even know the
to protect the vaginal opening. Some are long, wrinkly, skinny,
difference between the labia minora and labia majora (the ma-
chubby, smooth, or uneven lengths. And they’re not gross; they
jora are the two outer lips and the minora are the two thinner
house many nerve endings which actually help create more
inner lips).
pleasure down there.
So let’s talk about vaginas.
At the very top of the labia minora is the infamous clitoris.
The truth is that the v is a badass, not a tube sock. The
I most definitely didn’t learn about that or its magical powers
muscles of the vagina have an elastic quality that allows it to
in sex ed. However, at some point along the way almost all of
expand and contract; it’s not like you put something in it and it
us have learned that it’s the epicenter of nerve endings and the
loses its shape forever. In fact, frequently using a muscle makes
golden ticket to an orgasm. What we don’t talk about is that
it stronger, not stretched out and weak. I didn’t understand
everyone’s clitoris is a different size. Some people don’t have
this the first time I heard someone compare sex to “throwing
any exposed nub at all—but don’t panic, it’s still there. Most of
a hotdog down a hallway.” But it really isn’t a difficult concept to grasp; if penises come in all different shapes and sizes, why wouldn’t vaginas? Some are just naturally wider, and that has nothing to do with the amount of sex or numbers of sexual partners someone has
the clitoris is beneath the surface so whether
THE TRUTH IS THAT THE V IS A BADASS
had. In fact, if someone is too “tight” during
it’s big or small doesn’t matter, it can still get the job done. We also don’t talk about the variations of color that can occur throughout the vulva. Some people have darker skin there, or lighter, or even both. We are led to believe
sex it’s not because she’s new to sex, it’s because she isn’t aroused
that the “perfect vagina” is all one—usually light—color, but
enough. During good, healthy sex the vagina should be thor-
that just isn’t the case with the majority of vulvas. Just as we cel-
oughly naturally lubricated in order for the muscles to form
ebrate uniqueness in personality, we should celebrate unique-
and fluctuate around whatever sized penis, finger, or dildo is
ness in vaginas.
going in.
In order to undo the wrong that has been done to vaginas
Vaginas, especially vulvas, are constantly being trash
for so long, there are many things that need to happen—and the
talked because most people don’t know much about them.
most important part goes all the way back to that day in fifth
There are numerous revolting terms and phrases used to shame
grade. We shouldn’t be separating students by gender in order
the v, one of my least favorite being “meat curtains.” Slut sham-
to learn about genitals. This instills that an open dialogue about
ing has become so ingrained in our society that most of us grow
body health is embarrassing and creates a barrier. Vaginas and
up believing it’s all true: that long labia are gross, that female
penises become hush-hush which over time is harmful. Girls
pubic hair is even more gross, and that vaginas smell like fish.
grow up only hearing about their vaginas in punchlines become
Women spend millions of dollars a year on waxing, soaps, and
unaware of what is actually going on; they grow up to be objec-
even labiaplasties just to avoid the judgment perpetuated from
tified and overly sexualized, and are then told maturing vaginas
these beliefs and the ongoing acceptance of vagina jokes and
are bad and their natural functions (menstruating, discharge,
vagina shaming.
childbirth) are disgusting.
We are made to believe that the “perfect” vagina is the
But they aren’t disgusting. What is really disgusting is the
prepubescent, childlike vagina. It should be small, hairless,
judgment surrounding an organ that exists to create life. So love
and have no exposed labia minora. The world’s first vaginal
the v and help spread awareness of these misconceptions; the
beauty contest was held in 2015 and the top three winners met
more knowledge of the v is more love for the v. YM
ROMANCE | 11
It’s time for men to skirt up WRITTEN BY LINDSAY SIMMONS I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y TAY L O R R O B E R T S
I
t’s only a month into the new year, but Jaden Smith is already winning it. Seventeen-year-old Smith is the face of Louis Vuitton’s latest womenswear line. This campaign is not just a major
step in the right direction for Louis Vuitton, but it also sets a positive example that the rest of the fashion world will hopefully follow. The fashion industry has promoted a gender binary from its early beginnings. Despite some cultural advancements in the recognition of non-binary genders, clothes are a major commodity that has stayed consistent in supporting the division of masculine and feminine forms. However, a rising trend that Jaden Smith and others are embracing may be changing the game: men wearing skirts. It’s not just the Jaden Smiths, Marc Jacobses, and Kanye Wests of the world who are willing to test the fashion binary. Plenty of non-celebrity males have their fingers on the pulse of fashion. These guys took note of the rise in men’s skirts on the 2015 fashion runways and are ignoring antiquated fashion norms. Like women, they are donning skirts for all types of occasions. You can spot a man wearing a skirt to a formal event or on the city streets; skirts are a staple article of clothing no matter whose wardrobe they’re in. From their sheer comfort level to their variety of silhouettes, skirts are a staple and statement piece for all to wear! The rise of men’s skirts is an opportunity for people to take fashion into their own hands and out of those of binary-promoting companies. From a young age, masculine and feminine ideals are ingrained into the minds of children. We are taught to discern gender identity based on physical characteristics, especially by the clothes people are wearing. When a baby is swaddled in pink blan-
12 | YOURMAG
“A MAN IS NOT DEFINABLE, ESPECIALLY NOT BY THE CLOTHES HE CHOOSES TO WEAR”
kets, we assume it’s a girl; a blue-clad baby must be a boy. However, times are changing, and it has become clearer that what we wear is a reflection of who we are, but not our identity. Who is Jaden Smith? A famous teenager with bold, oft-discussed fashion taste, he is not more masculine or feminine based upon what he wears. Smith’s decision to wear skirts and dresses—and to be the face of Louis Vuitton’s womenswear campaign—is reflective of his sense of style and personal preferences, not his gender identity. This goes for all people, regardless of status. Just because your next-doorneighbor isn’t getting calls from high profile fashion houses doesn’t mean different fashion rules apply. We have reached a crucial turning point in fashion history. The growing number of skirt-clad men has a chance to throw antiquated gender roles in fashion out the window. We saw a similar phenomenon in the past when women fought to expand their wardrobes from skirts and dresses to the point where it is now acceptable for them to wear pants, once a “man’s garment.” A rising fashion trend may seem trivial to some, but what people wear, and more importantly what people are “allowed to” wear, reflects cultural values. This goes back to the idea of pink being a “girl’s color” and blue being a “boy’s color.” Gendering colors and clothing indirectly assigns genders to the people who wear them, though the power of identity should only be in the hands of the individual. This is the importance of Jaden Smith’s latest spreads, deemed “gender fluid,” as well as the necessity to de-gender articles of clothing such as skirts. As fashion loses its gender binary, other elements of our culture will likely follow suit. Though on the surface we put little thought into our clothing choices and personal sense of style, being part of a culture’s fashion trends, rules, and changes shapes our values both individually and as a society. It will be a monumental day when clothing stores are not divided into two sections: the men’s and the women’s. Although as of right now it doesn’t seem as though that day will come soon, if there are men bold enough to defy the fashion binary and strut their stuff in a skirt, there may be hope for us yet. Masculinity is a fragile entity which, like fashion’s gender binary, is a false construction intended to force people into groupings that they may or may not fit into. A man is not definable, especially not by the clothes he chooses to wear. If anything, a man is defined by his own terms of masculinity, just like the young but wise Jaden Smith. Smith is a man who likes to wear skirts—the latter does not negate the former. The fashion industry is learning to promote this notion with campaigns such as Smith for Louis Vuitton, and people are taking notice. Besides, who likes to wear tight, suffocating pants when you could wear a light, breathable skirt? Man or woman, the skirt sounds better every time. YM STYLE | 13
pocket politics IS POCKET EQUALITY THE NEXT FRONTIER FOR THE FASHION INDUSTRY? W R I T T E N B Y M E G A N C AT H E Y I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y TAY L O R R O B E R T S
I
need a phone upgrade—the battery of my iPhone 5s doesn’t hold charge anymore. But part of me is dreading getting the 6s. Cost aside, I’m also worried I won’t be able to fit the damn thing in the pocket of my jeans. My phone now hardly fits in the pocket of my favorite Topshop jeans, so I
doubt the larger 6 will fit at all. Not being able to fit my phone in my pants pocket may seem trivial, but it speaks to a larger issue: the worthlessness of pockets in women’s clothing. Most pockets in women’s clothing serve no function because they’re too small to fit anything bigger than a wad of cash. I see male friends and relatives comfortably store their possessions in their pants pockets: wallet, phone, keys, etc. If I try to put just my phone in my pocket, half of it sticks out. Sometimes it’s fine, but god forbid I bend over slightly; if I didn’t have a sturdy phone case my screen would have definitely shattered at this point (knock on wood). And don’t get me started on the occasions where my phone has nearly fallen into the toilet. Sure, I could always put my phone in my back pocket, but that seems like an invitation for someone to easily swipe it. The pocket problem extends past pants—jackets, skirts, dresses, and more either have no pockets, god-awful fake pockets, or pockets that you can’t even fit your entire hand in. Either you or a friend has probably experienced the joy of wearing a dress and discovering that it has pockets. Because believe or not, most people enjoy functional clothing! One possible reason that women’s pockets are designed smaller than men’s is the idea that larger pockets are unflattering and bring unwanted attention to the hips. I’m not a clothing designer, but I doubt that an extra two inches would drastically alter the look of a garment. Plus, I find that an iPhone half-sticking out of my pocket isn’t particularly flattering either.
14 | YOURMAG
“LIKE MANY THINGS GENDERRELATED, WE MAY NOT THINK TWICE ABOUT WHY CERTAIN DIFFERENCES EXIST.”
Most workout clothes have functional pockets, and are still
Women are assumed and expected to carry a handbag with them
usually flattering. But, the crossover from activewear to everyday
wherever they go—thus seemingly less in need of larger pockets.
fashion is only recent. The popularity of activewear for occasions
But what about when you don’t want to tote around a bag all the
outside the gym show that women—and men for that matter—
time?
strive for comfort and functionality in their clothing. The ma-
In most areas, if there is a demand for something, the mar-
jority of activewear is sleek while still managing to hold phones
ket will provide it. However, the fashion industry doesn’t always
and keys. For convenience’s sake, let’s hope that designers will
prescribe to this. For starters, there’s a viable market for plus-sized
translate the practicality of activewear to other genres of fashion.
clothing, but it’s still treated like a niche market. Many women I
Just because men’s clothing usually has larger pockets doesn’t
know have expressed a want or need for more functional pockets,
mean men aren’t at a sartorial disadvantage. It’s socially frowned
but the majority of women’s retailers continue to churn out cloth-
upon for men to carry handbags—just consider the mocking and
ing with laughable excuses for pockets.
obnoxious “murse,” or man purse. If a man decides that he wants
Like many things gender-related, we may not think twice
to carry a handbag, the bag either has to be an “acceptable” brief-
about why certain differences exist. There obviously isn’t a bi-
case, or otherwise he’s at risk of sacrificing his manhood—what-
ological reason for men needing larger pockets than women—
ever that means.
that’s ridiculous. But as technology changes, and as women start
Larger pockets negate men having to carry around a “femi-
to demand more practical clothing, clothing retailers from high
nine” accessory like a purse. But pockets (even roomier ones) can
end designers to fast fashion companies will have to adapt to the
only hold so much. For example, whenever I’m with my dad, I can
times. Designing larger, functional pockets is definitely a good
guarantee that he’ll ask me to hold his sunglass case in my purse.
place to start. YM STYLE | 15
beautyscopes WRITTEN BY L AURA TORMOS PHOTOS BY DANIEL CLEMENS AND DELIA CURTIS
Happy (belated) new calendar year! In honor of our cultural tradition of choosing one otherwise arbitrary winter day (January 1) to hold our hopes for the future, this month I present you with a new year kaleidoscope of psychic intuition. Rather than the typical celestial run-down, however, I’ll be giving you beauty-based, intention-setting forecasts for each sign of the Zodiac, ranging from power colors to makeup and personal style. Soak up these “beautyscopes” and start the year off strong with these stellar looks.
ARIES
CANCER
Coming into the new year, there’s a strong energy of knowing that you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone, and of taking a step back to recognize that you don’t have to fight to be heard or to be you. This year, dress with authority and power, no matter what look you’re rocking, whether it’s simple, beautiful cuts, dramatic colors, or unexpected patterns and fabrics matched together. You don’t let anyone—not even fashion editors or magazines— tell you what to do or how to dress. Aries dresses for no one but themselves. You set the trends, you don’t follow them.
Your need for stability and safety often extends to what you wear. In no way does this mean your style is boring—what feels comfortable is different for everyone, whether it’s a pair of jeans and a t-shirt or the most glamorous dress you’ve ever laid eyes on. Whatever your particular brand of “safe” is, you tend to gravitate towards softer, more feminine cuts. Something luminous and flowing, reminiscent of water and Cancer’s ruler, the moon. Taking extra time this year on your appearance will be like treating yourself, and it will help cleanse you from the outside in.
CAPRICORN This month is filled with adventure, and you have your eyes on the prize—to your credit, though, you almost always do. Capricorn’s look is always put together, understated, elegant, and functional, yet you always know how to put a fresh twist on the classic shapes you love. Your passion for history makes vintage clothing, jewelry, or accessories a natural choice, and you love mixing them with modern pieces for a dynamic look. Neutral colors give you comfort and provide the least amount of distractions from whatever goal you’re working on. You always know how to dress perfectly for any situation, which puts you a step ahead of everyone else.
16 | YOURMAG
VIRGO This month, think about the balance between giving and receiving energy. As a Virgo, you’re stylistically more of a minimalist than anything else. You love your pieces to be productive, multifunctional, and to last through several seasons. Even so, each piece has an edge—you’re able to pull off looks that are low-key yet meticulous, magnetic, and unforgettable. And in the spirit of balance: crystals provide a kind of metaphor for how we charge and drain our energy when we aren’t paying attention to ourselves and our needs. Crystal jewelry can be petite, classic, and, depending on which color you go for, can match anything and everything— they also add that extra oomph to an outfit.
SCORPIO There’s an exceptional energy for learning this month. It’s a backto-school feeling, which works wonderfully in terms of fashion, considering your typical style. Scorpio is rarely flashy. You love neutrals and feel that having a few well-cut, smart, and comfortable “uniforms” is the way to go. They simplify your life. By having a few pieces you know are clean, well-fitted, and sleek, you feel comfortable and free to spend your time learning and nerding out about the things you truly love. Wearing something low-key lends more energy to personality rather than your appearance, which is something you value.
TAURUS When I think of the word clarity, I think of a love match between an idea and intuition. You know that point of inspiration when you have a new idea, and within you there’s energy and passion, making you feel crystal clear and excited? That’s your energy for the new year. Simplicity is next to Godliness for you. You prefer things clean, fitted, and earthy. Though you may not always feel it, you prefer to look effortless and natural—focused and perfect. You enjoy spending wisely by investing in quality pieces that last. Just remember: don’t get so caught up in perfection that you forget what feels good.
STYLE | 17
LIBRA This year got off to a faster start than you anticipated—and perhaps faster than you’re comfortable with. Time seems to fly by because of our inability to do everything we want. But being ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and love, one thing you’ll always have time for is looking your best. This year, especially these next few months, take your time when getting glam—it’s your time to come into yourself and focus, releasing the pressure of daily life. Getting ready for class in the morning or to go out in the evening is a ritual for you—artfully arranging yourself into the perfectly fit, clean-cut dress that proudly accentuates all your dips and curves. If the phrase “your body is your temple” fits anyone, it’s you. You settle for nothing but the best—working on yourself is like working on a masterpiece.
PISCES You kicked off the new year with an adventurous state of mind, and I want to talk about achieving that—what we want and how to get it. Manifesting is a three step process: finding an intention, taking action, and letting go. All you have to do is form an idea of what you want, and apply it to your life; but try not to obsess about the outcome. You have this kind of effect with the clothes you wear and how you present yourself—it’s like magic. You easily find inspiration in places other people overlook, making vintage and DIY pieces a perfect fit. You have such an eclectic way of putting pieces together that when people see you, they wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” You transform an otherwise ordinary piece into something extraordinary. You have an idea of what it could be, and you make it happen. That’s why fashion comes so easily to you—you understand that it’s fleeting, so you flow with its tides.
SAGITTARIUS You can be quite self-critical, often pressuring yourself to be EVERYTHING. Start the upcoming months with a commitment to be a better friend to you. You’re happiest and at your best when you’re on the go with something to do, so focus on having fun and being yourself. To help you on your journeys, go for unpretentious clothing that allows ease. You don’t have time for complicated pieces or inconvenient fabrics. You prefer your clothing the way you prefer most things in life: casual, chic, and effortless.
18 | YOURMAG
AQUARIUS Aquarians aren’t well known for caring what other people think of them, but the truth is, everyone worries about it at one time or another. This year, I want you to step out of a place where you’ve felt downtrodden by what others may think. Stick to your roots: you’re independent and innovative, and the way you dress fits the bill. As an Aquarian, dressing yourself is a natural form of selfexpression, and your refusal to slavishly follow fashion rules says a lot about you and what you value (or don’t value). You mix styles, weird prints, and bright, neon colors—you exude attitude and confidence. Traditional looks make you feel stuffy and confined. You’re not overly concerned with trend-setting, but you do it anyway; some may find your looks strange at first, but will later copy your every move.
LEO For a Leo, you might feel like you always have to put on a brave face, but if you admit that you’re worried about something, no one’s going to run away. They’ll probably just say, “Me too!” It’s with this energy that I want you to approach the upcoming weeks, and the way you dress. Even when you feel weak, go out and dress to the nines. Leo has no patience for anything done half-heartedly, and that includes fashion (even when you’re feeling a bit half-hearted yourself). You like to dress glamorously—whether that means showering yourself in jewels or dressing in bold, bright colors. Remember: just because you feel weak one day doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your self-expression. Leo is all about selfexpression. Don’t let your occasional fear of standing out keep you from shining the way you naturally do.
GEMINI This year’s energy is celebratory. However, there’s another side to this energy, when you’re not feeling so fun. Recently you may have been looking at others, thinking, Are they more fun than me? Everyone’s doing cool things, am I doing cool things? We can think ourselves into a panic about what we enjoy. Instead, this year let yourself be silly and play, and what better way to start than with fashion? As a Gemini, if something isn’t fun, you’re not interested. You never wear the same outfit twice, and you’re masterful when it comes to accessories, turning a good outfit into a great one. You never quite know what you’ll take out of your closet next—and neither does anyone else. Effortlessly mixing prints, bright colors, and different styles is your thing. YM
STYLE | 19
Beauty Diversity at Emerson and Beyond WRITTEN BY MICHELLE AJODAH PHOTO BY SOPHIE PETERS-WILSON
I
n her TED Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” writer Chim-
sequences that can result from taking risks. But as students, every
amanda Ngozi Adichie, born and raised in Nigeria, describes
mistake can morph into a lesson that will benefit their art in the
her early writing. As a child, she wrote about “pale-faced, blue-
future, such as including more diverse characters in their content.
eyed characters who ate apples” and spoke about the novelty of a
Peri Lapidus ‘16, the talent manager here at Your Mag, and
sunny day while playing in the snow, mirroring the American and
student makeup artist, bought a foundation palette with a full range
British literature she read. Adichie didn’t know her life had a place
of shades after seeing some models had to bring their own cosmet-
in the written world.
ics to photo shoots. Lapidus says, “As a makeup artist I have to make
The lack of diverse representation in media is not a new issue,
sure I have makeup for every model we use. I have a wide range be-
but it’s been in the spotlight recently; from the feud between Nicki
cause if we don’t have models that represent lots of different people
Minaj, Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus over VMA nominations, to
we aren’t doing our job right.”
Viola Davis’ historic Emmy win and speech, to #OscarsSoWhite,
Even with the best intentions, there is a disparity between that
and the subsequent boycott of the Academy Awards. The lack of
ideal and reality. Looking at the palette, which has seen months of
diversity in award show nominations is merely a symptom of the
use, the lighter shades are nearly gone, but there’s a hardly a dent in
need for diversity in media, and beyond.
the darker shades. “I think Emerson is slowly starting to get better
As evidenced by the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign, there is a cry for new stories and diverse representation across all media
at its diversity with photo shoots but as always there is still a long way to go. People are least starting to try,” says Lapidus.
platforms. At Emerson, a school focused on creating content, di-
Higher education, across the board, is very white. Media at
versity should be a factor to consider. Casting a Hollywood block-
large is distributed to the country as a whole, and it is impera-
buster or writing a bestselling novel are feats that may be years away
tive that people across the country are represented in the content
for Emersonians, but they still face important creative decisions
they consume. On a college campus, where the numbers are more
within their craft.
skewed, this calls into question how representation is defined. Is the
Magazine photo shoots, film shoots, workshop stories, and
purpose of representation to mirror the exact numeric breakdown
articles all require students to depict or describe different charac-
of a population, or is it to make everyone in a community feel in-
ters. One question that comes to mind when considering the role of
cluded and connected? There are arguments to be made for both,
diverse representation in a piece is whether or not a student should
but it seems that the latter makes for a more meaningful body of
be held to the same standards as a professional creator. Students
work. Building conscious habits is something students carry into
often face the challenge of less experience, and especially, fewer
their professional creative career, and also help change the way our
resources. However, this can potentially translate to negative con-
media looks. YM
WE ARE SADDENED AND DISAPPOINTED TO SHARE THAT THE ORIGINAL COVER PHOTO FOR THE "FIGURE" EDITORIAL WAS FLAGGED BY THE ISSUU WEBSITE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST EDITORIAL OF OURS WHICH HAS FEATURED A PAIR OF WOMEN'S BREASTS OR BARE BODIES AND WILL DEFINITELY NOT BE THE LAST. WE'D LIKE TO PRESENT THIS WONDERFUL YET CENSORED VERSION OF THE FEBRUARY ISSUE TO THE PUBLIC SO THAT MORE AUDIENCES HAVE ACCESS TO THE OTHER INCREDIBLE WORK INSIDE. WE JUST ASK THAT YOU KEEP IN MIND THE MAGNITUDE THE REMOVAL OF THIS PHOTO HOLDS. A PAIR OF BREASTS BELONGING TO A FACELESS WOMAN OF COLOR WERE DEEMED "INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT". IT COULD BE PRESUMPTUOUS OF US TO ASSUME, BUT IT IS INTERESTING THAT IN ANOTHER RECENT ISSUE OF OURS, A PAIR OF SEEMINGLY "WHITE" WOMEN'S BREASTS WERE BLATANTLY PORTRAYED AND APPARENTLY DEEMED "APPROPRIATE" ENOUGH TO PUBLISH. BOTH BODIES BELONG TO BEAUTIFUL HUMANS. ALL BODIES HAVE NIPPLES. IT'S TIME TO BE BETTER PEYTON DIX
“I think being different and I think the term bigger works for me sometimes because it’s less of ‘I am this’. I am literally more, and I like the idea of just being more.”
“Everytime I look in the mirror I see someone who is huge and it’s weird because I grew up as this stick thin person.”
“I feel like now I appreciate everything about my body and it’s sort of like there isn’t a way that it should be, it just is.”
“It’s imperfect but it’s mine and I like it.”
PHOTOGRAPHER: NYDIA HARTONO C R E AT I V E D I R E C T I O N : P E Y TO N D I X MODELS: BECCA CHAIRIN, MAGGIE C A N N A N , K AV I TA S M I T H , G A B I CO H E N , RACHEL HUNSINGER, MADELINE KAWALEK, SHIKA L AKSHMAN, CASSIA E N R I G H T , C A M I L A Z A G A R Z A Z U , K AT I E L ANGTON
“My body has always been something that’s an off topic subject”
“It sounds weird because I’m very physically not strong, but I would describe my body as strong. I have a lot of weird little scars all over the place and it’s been through a lot, and it got through all of that and it’s still here, still doing things, still good.”
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Wh
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e W Be o
Adults? WRITTEN BY MIA ZARRELLA I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y P I M P L O Y P H O N G S I R I V E C H
34 | YOURMAG
T
urning 18 does not make you an adult. It is not when you
And that long road to adulthood is what we are traveling on
get your license, or when you buy your first legal drink.
now. College offers the chance for people to see the world through
It is not when you enroll in college, or move out of your
their own eyes. We learn the consequences of when we mess up,
childhood home. Adulthood cannot be generalized or summed up
instead of feeling the pressure not to mess up. We have to teach
into a few events.
ourselves how to do things, instead of asking our guardians to do
Freshman year I felt myself on the breach of my youth, inching towards adulthood, experiencing bursts of maturity that I would
it for us, and consequently, we realize how many things we were never taught.
counteract with a “that’s what she said” joke or by eating Cocoa
As we grow up, responsibilities inevitably pile up. Party nights
Puffs for dinner. Now, as a sophomore, I feel the child in me pro-
disintegrate into work nights, birthday cards are replaced by credit
gressively fading as I gradually evolve, though I still eat Cocoa Puffs
card bills, and paying rents and mortgages are no longer just Mo-
for dinner.
nopoly concepts. And for those with strained parental relationships
By universal definition, an adult is a person who is fully grown or developed. In the United States, 18 years of age marks adulthood
or a guardian who is not present, adulthood is thrust upon them sooner rather than later.
because we can join the army, work, drive, gamble, and vote. We
“My mom’s been sick my whole life, so I never really had the
can be charged as an adult in a court of law—no more juvenile de-
whole ‘not responsible thing,’” says visual and media arts major Tay-
tention. Then we reach the pinnacle age, 21 years old. We order a
lor Roberts ‘18. “I guess parents, in a sense, are safety nets. When
martini shaken, not stirred, and smugly sip until we forget how little
worse comes to worse, Mom and Dad can handle something. Hav-
we’ve accomplished at this much anticipated age. It is then that we
ing parents is kind of like a team—people that help you handle
realize how inexperienced we were at 18, and that adulthood is more
things—and now it’s all me.”
abstract than we thought.
Clark University psychology professor Jeffrey Jensen Arnett,
“Eighteen is a number. Paying for your own belongings, renting
says that 18 to 20-somethings are in a post-adolescence period
an apartment, taking care of a car or a way to get around; that is all
called “emerging adulthood.” This stage is marked by five psycho-
growing up,” says visual and media arts major Javaun Crane-Bonnel,
logical milestones: identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feel-
‘16. “When you turn eighteen you are most likely still in high school
ing in-between, and a sense of possibilities.
or just out of it, so unless you get kicked out of your house and are
Roberts’ mom passed away Sept. 20, 2015. “When somebody
all on your own, you probably are leeching off your parents for at
passes away you don’t think of the technicalities of it, but then the
least a few more years.”
dust settles after the funeral, after all the condolences. I have to do
Legally being an adult is not actually being an adult.
all the business calls that my mom would do for me, like fighting
Once Crane-Bonnel finishes his final year at Emerson’s Los
with financial aid—things that your mom or dad would swoop in
Angeles campus, he hopes to move away from home, but the option
and take care of,” says Roberts. “It’s definitely hitting more now that
to live with his parents is not off the table.
I have to do things for myself.”
“I would see it as moving backwards in growing up,” says
“In the later years I realized that there are a lot of things that my
Crane-Bonnel. “If you stay with your parents forever you just have
mom couldn't do for me,” says Roberts. “I think she just instilled in
to fall into line under their rules and their lifestyles.”
me how to handle things, how to be an adult, but she never explicitly
After college, it has become a trend for 20-somethings to move back home, spurring the terms “boomerang kids” and “failure to
told me ‘this is how to write a check,’ but she gave me what I needed to understand how to do those things.”
launch.” According to New York Times article “What Is It About
The lessons of our predecessors never go away. Instead, we
20-Somethings?”, Generation X has diverged traditions. We remain
transform them. We take their teachings, and apply them to our
with our parents longer, are financially dependent longer, get mar-
developing set of values and beliefs. There will be days of conflict
ried later, and delay having children until a job is established. Jour-
and trauma, and those are the times when we, the emerging adults,
nalist Robin Marantz Henig writes, “To some, what we’re seeing is
need to refer back to the old-timers, so we recall a story or quote
a transient epiphenomenon, a byproduct of cultural and economic
from our parents or teachers.
forces. To others, the longer road to adulthood signifies some-
“Childhood is like having blinders on, like a horse, where you
thing deep, durable, and maybe better-suited to our neurological
see things linearly,” says Roberts. “Finding out now that you're a part
hard-wiring.”
of the world, everything just gets wider in the sense that everything
LIVING | 35
“THE LESSONS WE CHOOSE TO ADAPT TO OUR LIVES, OR TO EXCLUDE, HELP US GROW AS PEOPLE. WE ARE THE PRODUCT OF OUR EXPERIENCES.“
you do can affect something.”
spill milk and then we clean it up ourselves. We leave our shoes
There is no age requirement on impacting the world, but
in the entryway, trip on them walking in, and then kick them
when we grow and develop, our chances at making a difference
aside so it won’t happen on the way out. We learn every day.
spike. We have the tools, and if we don’t, we at least know how
“[Adulthood is] replacing the voice in your head from
to get them. We have a sense of possibilities. Visual and media arts major Leilani Thomas, ‘18, spent
being your parents or your favorite cartoon character to you having to tell you what to do,” says Roberts.
four months abroad last semester. “On my first big trip to Italy
Perhaps we become adults when we form our own les-
for a week, I was kind of doing it alone,” says Thomas. “There
sons, based off of our own stories; when we start to hear our
were definitely moments when I was like, ‘I wish somebody
own voice in our head instead of the lessons of our guardians;
had told me how to read a map. Holy crap, I don’t have cell
when we are no longer just the student, but also the teacher.
service and I have no idea where I am.’ I think how you handle those stressful situations shapes you a lot into who you are.”
It’s when our parent’s warning to “be careful” becomes overshadowed by scars and bruises. It’s when we stop hearing
“I don’t do anything exceedingly stupid, but honestly,
our mother’s voice telling us to do our homework, but remem-
when I first came to college I definitely went through a little
ber the times we pulled an all-nighter and then overslept. It’s
of a rebellion phase,” says Thomas. “I think the morals they
when we start solving our own problems—problems we cre-
instilled in me growing up affect my actions more than their
ated for ourselves. It’s when we start making decisions because
restrictions.”
we want to make them, not because our parents want us to. It’s
The lessons we choose to adapt to our lives, or to exclude, help us grow as people. We are the product of our experiences. The events we fall victim to and the obstacles we overcome
when we finally know what is best for us. “You’re an adult. You're shaping your own life,” says Thomas.
alter our character and embed themselves in our memory.
Our experiences influence our thoughts and these
These memories we then use as references down the road
thoughts transcend into actions. Our eyes have witnessed
when faced with similar challenges. And it’s the challenges
trauma strike and love kindle and the occurrences swim in
that we start to face alone that establish our maturity as well
pools of color; green and blue, hazel and brown, surfacing
as our our identity.
when reference is needed. Our bodies have stored the feeling
“Even the little things like when you're sick and you have
of scraping our knees and bumping our heads. Our fingers re-
to go to the store and buy what you need, you don’t have your
member the singe of a hot pan and the chill after holding a
mom to drive you to the doctor, you can’t just lie in bed and
snowball. Our skin remembers the edge of a piece of paper and
she’ll bring you your medicine and your food. You have to han-
the tip of a blade. Our minds store these memories, and these
dle that stuff,” says Thomas. “I guess [adulthood] is when you
memories act as lessons that we teach ourselves.
start paving your own path in your life.”
We keep our memories and lessons on replay because
And that path will have potholes and down trees. It will
they are what made us who we are today. And we cannot be
be in a perpetual state of construction, but as the path ex-
the adults we want to become, and we could not be who we
tends, it will grow smoother. By then, you’ll know the ways to
are today, without our child self. We preserve our collection
avoid disasters and you’ll have acquired the means to repair
of Barbies and Pokemon cards, and we refuse to give away
problems.
our Hess trucks. And like our preserved toys, we preserve
Today, we choose our own friends because we have the
our youth at our core. When we emerge from being young
social capability and judgement. We spend time with friends
adults to adults, we establish a developed, advanced identity,
without adult supervision because we are the adults now. We
we don’t lose a previous one. YM
36 | YOURMAG
LIVING | 37
erasure poetry: redefined art WRITTEN BY LAURA CAFASSO ART AND PHOTOS BY SOPHIE PETERS-WILSON
E
rasure poetry is dubbed a lot of things. Titles that come to
Tim Biddick, a junior writing, literature, and publishing student,
mind are “art form,” “found poetry,” or “found art.” At its core,
is another powerhouse at EPP. His take on Erasure is different from
erasure poetry it is the process of erasing (hence the name)
Raina’s because, as he puts it, “I really prefer to take things I don't like,
existing words from a piece of prose or verse in order to shape a poem.
like bad speeches or problematic pieces of writing, and cut them and
I have to admit, at first I was skeptical. I wondered whether the style
shape them into my own kind of creative experiment. It's my way of
limited originality and creativity. Does a poet that write erasure poems
clearing bad art out of my mind, and shaping it into something I can
lack a voice? I learned from attending Emerson Poetry Project (EPP)
enjoy while also offering a critique of it.”
that it is quite the contrary.
So instead of underrated pop songs, Tim likes to dissect “dis-
At EPP, the atmosphere is fun and positive. Everyone is welcome,
agreeable or ridiculous” texts like strangers’ Facebook rants. But a word
with or without slam poetry experience, and it is a great opportunity
of caution: be fair to the original author. As Tim puts it, “You can kind
to try something new. The energy and support is electric and gave me
of get into a weird territory where you tread a thin line between being
the confidence to perform my poetry out loud. It is also where many
critical and outright libelous or plagiaristic.”
students tried performing Erasure poetry for the first time. Raina Deerwater, a senior writing for film and television student, thinks of it as “a way to make your own art out of other people's art.”
This past fall, Tim performed “Erasure of Bro Code Articles 64-1,” which was when I was first exposed to the art. There are two parts, but here is a portion of what he devised:
Raina, who is finishing up her last semester at Emerson Los Angeles, frequented EPP during her time at our Boston campus. She was first
a bro is doubt, of sex, of sleep pretends to listen, to never offended,
introduced to Erasure in the ethers of Tumblr, where users blacked out
to return
portions of novels to generate poetry. With that inkling, and the burst of EPP goers that started performing it, Raina was inspired. “I basically exclusively do pop songs, because I feel like many peo-
is forbidden. fingers shall seek no revenge around his Bros face A Bro learns accidents first. asking not. expect to get it.
ple, especially artists, don't give pop music enough credit,” Raina says.
a Bro who is best, is required to lose
“I can prove them wrong by taking out words and giving them my own
as a joke. fail at anything, always fault a Bro
truth.”
never willingly relinquish possession, damage another.
Her current project is Taylor Swift’s 1989, which she is two thirds of the way through with. Here is Raina’s take on “Bad Blood”:
To get the full effect, I highly recommend visiting EPP during one of their weekly Monday meetings. It is one thing to read these Erasure
"Bad Blood"
examples, but hearing it creates a lively and emotional reaction like no
'Cause, baby, now we got what you've done
other. Also, by being there in person you can snap with approval or
'Cause, baby I don't think you have to do this-
cheer “YAS” with the lovely hodgepodge that is EPP. And who knows,
you have to breathe
you might even find the courage to share your own work and cultivate
so deep think about the good love
a new or previously hidden passion. Just make sure when you try Erasure poetry, to find long passages
So take a look
of prose when starting out. I may or may not have tried dissecting Dis-
'Cause, baby, now we can be fine
ney songs before realizing they are already minimalistic and that lyrics
Still got scars these kinda wounds they last and they can heal think about the blood But baby, now we got Band-aids don't ghosts say sorry
are a form of poetry. Another suggestion: destroy this article. This is not a dare, but an adventurous exercise. Mark it up, black out words, and gut it to the studs. Who knows, maybe my words can become your words, your power, and your voice. YM LIVING | 39
Your Things W ITH HALE Y S HE RI F I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y P I M P L O Y PHONGSIRIVECH
THIS MONTH I’M FEATURING YOUR MAG ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR PERI LAPIDUS’S FAVORITE THINGS
My headphones I take them with me literally everywhere. I use them to drown out the noises on the T and more recently to keep my ears warm.
My choker Someone gave me one in high school and I just never really took it off. I like being that
my glasses do for me.
My ring I got my ring at the Dalai Lamas 80th birthday. I think that speaks for itself.
asshole that still wears a choker.
Do you collect anything? I collect random papers.
My keychain Besides my keys I only have three
kind of memory. Concert ticket stubs, programs,
things on my keychain. The green duck bottle
opener my brother got for me at his student store in Oregon. The Big Ben is from the first time I went to London and the boot is from my second time when I got lost in Heathrow airport.
My tattoo This is my favorite tattoo. It’s from the
first book series I read as a kid. I liked that the kids were always able to beat out the adults. And I think it looks sassy af.
40 | YOURMAG
My glasses I’m blind as shit so I appreciate what
I hate throwing away something that may be some drawings from my friends, and even a few restau-
rant menus. I like to keep it all. My wall back home is covered in random flyers and posters. Here I’ve limited myself to only one cork board of crap.
What’s the last thing you bought? The last thing
I bought was a super cozy denim jacket. It’s way
to big on me but thats why I like it. Jackets should
always swallow you up or they are definitely not comfy enough. YM
LIVING | 41
the man who sold the world
WEB EXCLUSIVE: READ RACHEL FUCCI'S ESSAY ON BOWIE'S ECLECTIC AND ELECTRIC LEGACY, ONLINE NOW AT YMEMERSON.COM
PHOTOGRAPHER: YASMINA HIL AL P H O TO A S S I S TA N T S : S O P H I E P E T E R S WILSON, BENJAMIN FROHMAN STYLIST: MIA ZARRELLA, ALICE YUAN, ANH NGUYEN, DELIA CURTIS, BECCA S Z K U TA K , S H O S H A N A B A R A S C H I EHRLICH MAKE-UP: MADELINE KAWALEK,ALEXANDRA CHUMA MODELS: AMY SMITH, TOM M C L A U G H L I N , S TA N A S I E G B U L E M
DEADPOOL: MARVEL’S R-RATED ANTIHERO WRITTEN BY LINDSEY PARADIS I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y P I M P L O Y P H O N G S I R I V E C H
M
arvel’s “Merc with a Mouth” once
research lab experiment on him as part
again hit the big screen February
of the “Weapon X” mutant weaponization
12 in Deadpool. Wade Wilson—
project—the very same that gave Wolverine
and his anti hero alter ego Deadpool (Ryan
his Adamantium skeleton.
Reynolds)—made his first silver screen
Wilson becomes the experimental
appearance in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wol-
subject of Dr. Killebrew and his assistant
verine. A standalone Deadpool movie had
Ajax, and Deadpool is born. With a new-
been in the works since Origins, only to be
found regenerative ability that can do any-
recently greenlighted by 20th Century Fox.
thing from heal a bullet wound to regrow
The character of Deadpool has been
his head—something that happens many
completely revamped from the Origins in-
times throughout the comics—Deadpool
carnation —where the “Merc with a Mouth”
becomes virtually unkillable. He gains en-
had his mouth sewed shut—while staying in
hanced speed, strength, and reflexes that
the X-Men universe, including appearances
only compliment his already deadly assas-
by mutants Colossus and Negasonic Teen-
sin techniques. The testing also leaves him
age Warhead. This time around, everyone
with scarring all over his face and body—
involved looked to stay true to the vulgar,
which leads to the iconic full-body red and
omnisexual, mouthy comic book version
black suit.
that fans have longed to see on screen.
Deadpool is known for being the
Deadpool originally appeared in The
“Merc with a Mouth.” He’s witty and wise-
New Mutants #98 in 1991. He was seen and
cracking—enough so to even break the
created as an obvious spoof of DC’s Death-
fourth wall. The self-aware anti-hero often
stroke—the name Wade Wilson mirroring
addresses his readers and acknowledges
Slade Wilson—and looks vaguely like Spi-
the fact that he is a comic book character.
derman. In 1997 he received his own ongo-
Breaking the fourth wall became a big mar-
ing title and the series gained an established
keting tactic for the movie, with Deadpool
supporting cast and cult following.
addressing the viewers in the trailer and
After being abused as a child, Wade Wilson runs away from home as a teenager.
even addressing the fact that he is Ryan Reynolds in short spots.
He ends up a trained assassin and works as
Deadpool’s humor is one of the things
a mercenary. After being diagnosed with
that made having a standalone movie seem
cancer he volunteers to let a government
impossible. He’s foul mouthed, sexual, vul-
50 | YOURMAG
gar, and his fight scenes are quite violent.
China doesn’t follow the G to NC-17
So while most superhero movies are family
rating system laid out by the Motion Pic-
friendly—think good ‘ole Captain Amer-
ture Association of America. Instead, a
ica and wholesome Thor—a comic-based
media regulations branch of China’s gov-
Deadpool just doesn’t fall into this category.
ernment simply gives films a thumbs up or
So when the movie did get green-
down as to whether they can be shown.
lighted and produced, the big question
Censorship authorities in China
became what the rating would be. There
often work with Hollywood to produce
was a lot of talk about the film being rated
cleaned-up cuts of R-rated films, but in the
PG-13—opening up the film to a wider
case of Deadpool it was decided that cutting
audience and potentially bigger box of-
said offensive material would cause plot
fice—which would involve some serious
problems.
censorship and cuts. Many fans spoke out
This is a big move for Marvel as its
against the PG-13 rating, and Reynolds
comic-book based movies have done huge
proved to be one of the biggest and most
in China: with Avengers: Age of Ultron
vocal supporters of an R-rated Deadpool.
grossing $240 million last summer, and
On March 30, he responded to a fan’s
titles such as Guardians of the Galaxy and
tweet saying “I want #Deadpool to be R.
Ant-Man grossing $96.4 million and $105.4
Always have. Fighting the good fight still.
million, respectively.
Lotta yelling today.”
In fact, instead of answering the plea
On Jan. 12 the film’s R rating was an-
for a censored cut set forth by under-17 and
nounced and while many rejoiced, a peti-
Chinese fans alike, Deadpool only looks to
tion soon arose for a PG-13 cut in addition
get more graphic. At a fan event in London,
to the R-rated version. The petition was
actor T.J. Miller, who plays Weasel in the
launched by Grace Randolph—who is the
film, teased an “even more raw” and dirt-
creator and host of YouTube channels Be-
ier director’s cut of the film to be released
yond The Trailer and Think About The Ink.
later this year. While at a fan screening in
Randolph is also the writer behind comic
NYC, Reynolds promised to campaign for a
books such as Justice League Unlimited and
beefed-up extras section on the DVD.
Supurbia among others.
“This movie’s going to have a shit ton
Randolph launched the petition on
of DVD extras, because for every joke in
change.org and tells the story of Matthew—
the movie, there’s probably 3-10 alternates.
an eight-year-old viewer of her show Be-
We just tried so many different things. It
yond The Trailer who is desperate to watch
was sort of heartbreaking, too, because you
Deadpool. In the description she pleas, “if
can’t put it all in. We sat in the edit room
there was a PG-13 version he could, and his
for months and just painstakingly went
mom Kristina could be a superhero rather
through the movie—you gotta kill some of
than a super-villain…”
your darlings,” he said during the screen-
Randolph’s petition has garnered over
ings’ Q-and-A section.
3,500 signatures, while her Beyond The
The “Merc with a Mouth” has officially
Trailer video in support of the PG-13 movie
made his standalone big-screen debut. The
has gained over 9,000 dislikes.
question is no longer the rating but more
Eight-year-old Matthew and Ran-
so: what comes next? Marvel is famous for
dolph aren’t the only one’s looking for a
superhero series and crossovers—more
PG-13 version of Deadpool, the film has
X-Men movies than one can count, Captain
been denied release in China—the world’s
America and Iron Man trilogies, and the
second largest movie market—according
ever popular Avengers. Will this movie—
to local media due to its nudity, language,
laced with violence and vulgarity—be the
and violence.
death of an on-screen Deadpool? YM ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | 51
artist statement ASHLEY DUNN C O M M U N I C AT I O N S C I E N C E S & D I S O R D E R S ‘ 1 8
During the spring of my freshman year, I finally reached the peak that was my mountain of depression. Being hospitalized after a night filled with suicidal thoughts and muffled phone calls made me understand that I needed to make a change in the way I approached my overwhelming sadness. Instead of taking my frustrations out on myself, I picked up a needle and thread and got to work. The first hoop I embroidered was six inches of wood with floral fabric and the words “fuck you” in bold cursive. I was angry with the world, angry with myself, but I knew that my anger belonged embedded with thread rather than etched into my own skin. I wanted my art to make a statement, and I found something satisfying in pairing traditionally feminine fabrics with harsh words and empowering phrases. In a way, my interest in embroidering became an empowering medium in itself. Embroidery wasn’t something I had ever considered an art form growing up. My grandmother knitted, sewed, crocheted, and did every kind of cloth craft you could think of, but that’s what they were considered. A craft. No one ever labeled my grandmother an artist, just an old woman with a hobby. Society conditions us to see paintings and sculptures as art, but works like embroidering, quilting, and knitting as “crafts.” When I started my own embroidered pieces, I knew I wanted to reclaim this art form for what it was. I’d love to say everything I make has a purpose and meaning behind it, but frankly, that would be bullshit. While I do love displaying feminist slogans and curse words, I love making random pieces like the smirking emoji or some iconic phrase uttered by a friend in bed just as much. Ask me to embroider you a Kanye tweet or a picture of a cigarette carton and I’ll do it. I like to create art that makes me laugh, that can be a tangible joke between friends, or that’s just plain weird and unexpected. It’s not always about what’s on the fabric but the process of reaching that final product that I love. My love for making embroidered hoops and shirts truly stems from the relief and safety it gives me, something I struggled to find beforehand. There’s something incredibly satisfying about stabbing a fabric with a needle over and over again. And when I’m finished airing out my emotions, I end up with a pretty cool thing to hang up on the wall to remind me that I’m stronger than I think.
52 | YOURMAG
February Horoscopes
JA N 20 — F E B 18 Self-preservation is essential this month. Resist any temptation to meet new people—this will inevitably happen, instead focus on personal matters. Spend time examining your goals, and come March, things will be much clearer.
A P R I L 20 — M AY 20 This month, keep close tabs on your personal finances. Strange discrepancies in numbers and accounting may trouble you. Always double-check your math.
54 | YOURMAG
F E B 19 — M A R C H 20 A letter or letters may arrive in the mail bearing good news, but remain alert: things aren’t always as they seem. It’s advisable not to make any romantic decisions this month.
M AY 21 — J U N E 20 Your goals will seem tantalizingly achievable this month—but remain wary! There are still months of work ahead. Use this momentum to take baby steps, and do not become discouraged. It’s advisable not to make career decisions at this time.
M A R C H 21 — A P R I L 19 Someone from your past will reappear. Embrace their presence, and listen carefully to any instructions they offer. As they say, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
J U N E 21 — J U L Y 22 Secrets from your past will begin to unravel, often in dramatic and damaging ways. Now is a good time to take stock of the people closest to you, and weed out those who are disloyal.
W R I T T E N B Y M AT T M U L L E N ART BY SARA BARBER P H O T O S B Y S O P H I E P E T E R S - W I L S O N
Our managing editor trains his gimlet-eye on the future ahead.
J U L Y 23 — AU G 22
AU G 23 — S E P T 22
SEPT 23 — OCT 22
Tap into your innate talent for spectacle, Leo, and announce yourself socially. This month will be flecked with juicy scandal. Take risks—especially sexual ones—and enjoy the fun while it lasts. Next month promises to be more spartan.
You may run into problems with authority figures this month. This is the universe’s way of trying to keep you in place. Resist, resist, resist. Any trouble will be worth it in the long run.
You’re on the verge of a major artistic breakthrough, Libra. Critics and naysayers will attempt to steer you off course, but ignore them at all costs. Listen instead to the voices in your head and heart.
OCT 23 — NOV 21
NOV 22 — DEC 21
D E C 22 — JA N 19
The February snow brings the promise of change and resurrection—but not until March, when what has been buried is uncovered. This month, identify three longterm goals and begin working toward them. Remain optimistic.
Dreams will be of particular significance this month. Each morning, try to write down any and all dreams. Come March, a message will be revealed to you.
A mysterious and beautiful stranger will present you with an offer of money and secrets. Turn them down. Again: turn them down! They have sinister motives.
HOROSCOPES | 55