Washington D.C. – Page 2 – Teen Observer Archive

June 23, 2018

Celestial Stained Glass Window Represents Blending of Culture and Religion

“Science and Technology” stained glass window containing a moon rock at the National Cathedral. Photo by Cory Hancock.

Walking up to the towering immensity that is the National Cathedral is an overwhelming and spiritual experience, regardless of religious background. The Cathedral itself is a picturesque castle derived straight from a vampire movie, locked in the timelessness of the gothic architectural era. However, while 418,000 people visit the Cathedral yearly, according to www.cathedral.org, it is surprising to find that many of them don’t know about the modern marvels and secular themes incorporated throughout the design and decoration of the church itself.

When first walking into the National Cathedral, there is a plethora of visual stimuli that is nearly impossible to unpack all at once. From the pointed arches that extend towards the heavens, to the beautifully embroidered tapestries and carefully crafted altar pieces, it’s not uncommon to wander the Cathedral completely mesmerized, sometimes overlooking one of the church’s most fascinating modern marvels that honors more than just religion.

One of the most compelling pieces of secular decor in the Cathedral is the Space Window. In 1974, the Nixon presidential administration authorized the gift of a lunar rock from astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins. This extraordinary piece was given to the Cathedral to commemorate the five year anniversary of man’s first steps on the moon. The window depicts outer space, including the Earth and the flight path of Apollo 11; a nod towards the technology and science of the 20th century. However, many people have been left confused as to how a piece of the moon encased in an airtight nitrogen chamber honors the holiness of the Cathedral.

When asked why an item with such a secular connotation was made a part of the Natural Cathedral, volunteer museum docent, Tony Domenico, stated,

“We are a national cathedral and…we accept secular influences throughout the Cathedral because we’re accepting all kinds of different people.

Another visitor, Victoria Lewis, is an avid member of the Christian faith with an all-encompassing passion for science. She believes that science and religion are best viewed side by side, working together to enforce one another. She says,

“I think science is just the explanation of how God created everything, how everything works, and we’ve only just developed [the] tools to see that now.”

Since the National Cathedral receives no funding from the federal government or the Episcopal church, they are free to incorporate aspects of any religion they please. Visitors of the Cathedral that are followers of the Christian faith believe the moon rock is a unique piece of the galaxy created by their God and are free to honor it as such.

In addition to a deeper, more metaphysical answer, the lunar rock exhibition provides entertainment for those visiting the Cathedral that aren’t necessarily religious, as it is nearly impossible to be bored by a piece of outer space. Visitors who come to the Cathedral to experience the history as opposed to religion are able to find several secular points of interest that merely provide entertainment.

One of the major tourist focal points of the Cathedral is the Darth Vader grotesque on top of the building. The grotesque was added to the building in the 1980s as the result of a design competition held by the Cathedral during a period of renovation and reconstruction. As the Star Wars franchise continues to remain popular in the 21st century, the hilarity of the secular decoration draws many people to the church annually.

Another non-religious focus point of the Cathedral is the Canterbury pulpit. Carved in England as a gift to America, the pulpit showcases carvings of the men credited with translating the Bible. Notice the pulpit does not credit Christianity directly, rather, the men responsible for making the teachings of the Christian faith available to everyone. Another side of the pulpit contains a carving of the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, a completely secular image with immense historical meaning.

While these pieces are fascinating and beautifully blend into the design of the Cathedral, they certainly aren’t the most religious decorations the church has on display. This provides a sort of reprieve, and sometimes comedic relief, to people that come to the Cathedral looking to experience culture, both inside and outside of religious confines. The Cathedral does a brilliant job of tying in the major, sacred aspects of Christianity as well as giving viewers a healthy dose of modernity.

July 20, 2017July 20, 2017

Americans weigh in on Trump…so far

If Gary Bochner could go back in time, he’d do November differently.

Bochner, 58, who voted for Donald Trump says that he would vote for another candidate. Bochner says that seeing that President Trump has not done any of the things he promised and has even made enemies with many world leaders, he is rethinking his vote.

“At the time, I was unemployed and the idea that he was going to ‘Make America Great Again’ and give jobs back to Americans really appealed to me,” Bochner said.

Sarah Yu said she is feeling frustrated and angry about the Trump Administration. By Vicky Tan

As President Trump nears the six month mark of his time in office, his approval ratings continue to drop, even those like Bochner who voted for him in the 2016 election are unhappy with how he has used his power so far.

According to the Gallup Daily, only 39 percent of Americans support the Trump Administration.

Among other District of Columbia residents, many believe that the Trump Administration is actually hurting the country.

Interviews done this week at American University and in Dupont Circle showed that many people had a range of issues they said were important. Those included: the environment, tax reform, relations with other nations, immigration policy reform and improving healthcare.

Eric Pullman, 17, said that Trump has disappointed the country in how he’s handled all of those substantial issues. And, Pullman said, he thinks racism also has gotten worse.

“His drastic actions hurt us all as Americans,” Pullman said. “This is not what we stand for. If Trump is to win a second term in office, I am not sure the county will be able to bounce back from it. The United States has become a laughing stock.”

As a Jewish-American living in the Bible Belt of the United States, Pullman has grown accustomed to weird looks.

“I am proud of my religion,” said Pullman, who is from Alabama, and was visiting Washington, D.C. to visit colleges. “Their stares cannot hurt me. I will not be ashamed of who I am.”

However, for Pullman’s Muslim neighbors, it is not just stares. He says that since Trump has taken office, discrimination has gotten worse.

“Their eldest daughter and I will sometimes walk to school together. One morning, somebody rode by on a bike and pulled off her hijab while yelling about how Trump would make America great again. As a Jewish-American, I feel the need to stand against actions like this,” Pullman said.

July 18, 2017July 18, 2017

Professional Newswriting students visit CBS affiliate

Professional Newswriting students visited WUSA9 on Tuesday, July 18.

July 14, 2017July 20, 2017

Architecture on college campuses influences atmosphere for students

WASHINGTON, D.C –Students and alumni say that both the architecture and atmosphere of their college campuses have enriched their educational experiences.

Most interviewed this week in Northwest Washington, D.C. said that traditional campus architecture–those schools with brick and stone buildings–has character and helps tell the story of the university’s history.

“You get a true sense of the institution,” said Philip Brown who had attended Howard university. “It had an inviting atmosphere with the interior design and structure of the buildings there, which provided a place for a more positive learning experience.”

They also believe that historic architecture can signal the university’s renowned academic status.

Campus atmosphere–including well-tended gardens and green space some called “homey”–was another significant factor to contribute to people’s desire to attend certain colleges.

A 2011 University of Rhode Island report of its Admissions Advisory Committee noted campus curb appeal matters to admissions decisions.

Rick Hesel, the Principal of the Arts and Sciences group at the University of Rhode Island, advises other institutions that it is very important to make a good first impression with the overall image and appearance of the campus.

Campus tour — Families on a campus tour of American University, Friday, July 14. By Elle Rosse.

“When I attended Towson University, there will new residential buildings that had been built. They were gorgeous and they really lead to a more organized, clean feel,” said Kim Kinner of Washington D.C.”

A beautiful and well – manicured campus can also attract more students despite possibly having a bad location.

Elizabeth Herzfeldt of Kalamath Oregon who attended Pacific Lutheran University, said “The campus was located in a bad part of town, so the well – groomed campus was very eye – catching.”

July 14, 2017

U.S. student debt tops $1.4 trillion

WASHINGTON, D.C.–American University students and Northwest District of Columbia residents said Wednesday that student loan debt which is above $1.4 trillion in the United States today is a serious issue facing those seeking higher education in America.

Nelson Jacobson discusses his experience with student loans. By Vicky Tan

“Interest rates are rising and I’m scared that I’ll still be paying of loans when I’m 35,” said Leila Ackerman, 18, who will start at American University this Fall.

Ackerman worries about expenses beyond just tuition and housing. She said the hidden costs are also going to add up. Not only is tuition becoming more and more expensive, but new students must be able to afford food, textbooks and other necessities to living away from home.

“I’m one of the lucky ones, I can’t even imagine what having loans breathing down your back would feel like,” said Janice Barlow, 20, an American University student. “You really can’t do anything. Every thing you do, anywhere you go, you have to be thinking about money.”

According to the Student Loan Debt Report, national student loan debt collectively currently totals $1.41 trillion.

According to the report, around 70 percent of college students in the United States now owe some soft of debt for education. However, even with almost a whole generation drowning in student loan debt, there is no guarantee of employment after they graduate.

There was a general consensus among both residents and students that government is not doing enough to help financially struggling students. With interest rates slowly rising, the nation has not made education as high a priority as others, they said.

“Government should try to make education more affordable, everyone should have the opportunity to go to get a better education if they want to. Money should not be a limiting factor,” Ackerman said.

July 6, 2017July 10, 2017

Political divide defines July Fourth celebrations

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Widespread political division has many Washington, D.C. area residents and college students questioning the meaning of Independence Day this year and how protests should be handled.

American University students and employees interviewed Wednesday disagreed about the holiday’s meaning, saying it carries its own traditions no matter the year.

“Nostalgia,” said Stephanie Blenko, 19, speaking about Independence Day this year. “I’m away from home for the first time and the fireworks remind me of home.”

An American flag hangs at a retail shop in Tenleytown. By Gabriel Ferris.

With a nation that is politically divided, millennials said July Fourth means time with friends rather than time celebrating patriotism or the holiday’s deep symbolic meaning. Younger residents showed more resistance to the traditional patriotic interpretation, but some still said it’s a time to heal political divides.

“In the 1700’s, we came together and I think we can also come together now,” said Laurel Gupton, 19, of Essex Fells, New Jersey. “We are all still American.”

Still, Gupton and many others interviewed this week said planned protests or political dissent on the holiday were a reminder of America’s freedoms.

Mindy Ford, 45, said she is unhappy with the current administration, but vowed to celebrate July 4 and how the far the nation has come.

Still, some said protesting on the Fourth of July remains in stark contrast to what the Founding Fathers stood for.

“Protesting on the Fourth seems to be anti-patriotism; that’s my observation,” said Barry Jones, a 57-year-old independent voter.

Celebrating a holiday that commemorates America is a hard pill to swallow for some, especially those who still feel institutional racism is a problem.

A 2016 report published by the Pew Research Center said that 88 percent of blacks believe America still has steps to take to ensure equality for their race.

Carl Amritt, 22, of West Palm Beach, Florida, spoke about how political discord is affecting July Fourth this year. By Gabriel Ferris.

That will manifest itself in how people like 23-year-old Dekyan Dennis, who is black, will celebrate the Fourth of July.

“I will not be celebrating,” said Dennis, who said her boyfriend serves in the U.S. Army. “The flag represents equality and justice but our nation doesn’t embody these ideals.”

Although fireworks and large American flags are at the forefront of most July Fourth celebrations, what they symbolize is anything but concrete.

“July Fourth is about beliefs,” Blenko said.

July 6, 2017July 6, 2017

Greek life popular but many worried about hazing

American college students are engaging in severely dangerous Greek Life rituals and traditions that are threatening the well-being of members, leaving students and adults alike questioning the practices of these social organizations and unsure of the future.

Many students and alumni interviewed this week about their understanding or experience in Greek Life said that the culture often gets a bad reputation, especially in the wake of high-profile deaths like that of Timothy Piazza at Pennsylvania State University in February.

When asked if he would consider taking part in Greek Life if he were to go to college in the future, 16-year-old Alex Sanchez from Guatemala said, “No, I wouldn’t. The traditions put my life at risk.”

According to a study conducted by Harvard University, Greek house residents are twice as likely to engage in reckless or irresponsible behavior such as driving under the influence, neglecting schoolwork, becoming involved in fights, or having unprotected sex. Additionally, The Addiction Center has reported that there have been approximately 24 Greek-related deaths in freshmen pledge classes nationwide since 2005, and at least 15 of these deaths were a direct result of hazing rituals or initiation traditions.

The Harvard study also compared the likelihood of alcohol-related dangers and problems of fraternity and sorority members. In every category, ranging from attending class with a hangover to damaging property, the numbers reported by sorority members were significantly lower than their male counterparts. The more severe issues seem to be rooted in fraternities.

Lamar Smith, a 20-year-old student at the University of Kentucky, discussed the differences between fraternity and sorority culture at his school.

Information for prospective students on Greek Life at an American University session in June. By Lauren Coppins.

He said that while sororities are often tight-knit communities that engage in philanthropic work, fraternities tend to be known for extreme parties and initiation rituals that “prey on the weaker minded individuals.” Smith told a story about a fraternity at UK that was banned from the campus because of harmful hazing practices.

Two sorority members interviewed this week from Virginia Tech and Penn State qualified Smith’s assertion that sororities build strong bonds of sisterhood and strive to benefit their surrounding communities.

Abigail Ryan, from Great Falls, Virginia, said that she’s extremely proud of her sorority for donating over $110,000 to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Ryan, 23, served as the philanthropy chairwoman for her Virginia Tech sorority.

Likewise, Cathryn Kessler, 19, from North Caldwell, New Jersey, said her sorority helped shape her.

“Being welcomed among a group of strong, young women helped shape my course to be the type of person that I’ve always strived to be,” Kessler said.

While both Kessler and Ryan hold their experiences in high regard, often fraternities face the public’s scrutiny and can cast a shadow on Greek life overall.

A controversy has emerged as to whether or not colleges should be able to harshly penalize students and ban fraternities or sororities as consequences for engaging in behavior that doesn’t exemplify school values or respect the law.

The North-American Interfraternity Conference says in its position statement that fraternities help students meet lifelong friends, develop leadership skills, gain exposure to career opportunities, and give back to the community. The NIC has also announced its support for strict anti-hazing legislation and vows to hold students accountable.

Jennifer Chapman, 51, from Washington, D.C., doesn’t think that harsher rules or eliminating Greek Life is sufficient for a long term solution.

“I think the need for people to be so aggressively exclusive and kind of doing these sort of rituals is probably the bigger problem,” Chapman said. “I don’t think eliminating is going to work because people are going to find ways to make exclusive groups.”

Others, like Smith, understand the importance of maintaining a positive image on campus and feel that it’s fair for schools to start cracking down on fraternities.

“I have people that go to my school from different countries, people from all different types of states, and you want to make the campus feel as safe and inclusive as possible,” Smith said.

“So with fraternities, especially at a big Division 1 campus like mine, that’s such a big deal. You can’t have that type of negative publicity or attention on the campus. It hurts.”

July 6, 2017July 6, 2017

Social media brings big risks; opportunities

Adolescents, who have the ability to connect constantly on their phones, may be putting themselves at a higher risk for mental health disorders and poor quality in personal relationships.

The entertaining features of smartphones have created an unhealthy atmosphere for some, where people are not living in reality. Because of this consistent use, problems like distorted body image, low self-esteem–and even extreme cases like suicide–have emerged as result, researchers say.

For teens like Ana Valera who feels connected always, the risks are on their minds.

“I think definitely a stigma around having the perfect Instagram body or just comparing yourself to other people that you see on social media, that can be very destructive,” said Valera, 16, talking about the negative impacts of social media.

Shuttle bus riders frequently stare at their mobile phones. By Reagan Gerrity.

With the constant scrolling and checking new updates, teens and young adults are more susceptible to the idea that their bodies are not good enough, comparing themselves to photos of models, celebrities or even their friends–not knowing that photos may have been altered. According to research, those who consume more social media place more of an importance on things like body image and how others perceive them, harming their self-esteem.

Social media has also impacted the way students interact in a learning environment, a fact noticed by several professors in the last five years.

Nicole Cox, an assistant professor of mass media at Valdosta State University in Georgia, said that even the way students wait for class has changed. There is no conversation, just people staring intently at a screen.

Cox also observed that phones have affected students’ attentions spans. She said they no longer have the ability to be engaged in class with something much more entertaining in their pocket.

Not only does social media impact a student’s classroom performance but it could be a matter of life and death.

13 Reasons Why, a Netflix original series, became extremely popular this year, but also brought about issues concerning copycat suicides.

“I could understand how people would think that it would romanticize suicide in a way,” Valera said.
“I feel that the intentions of the producers were to shed light on the issue of being bullied and suicide.

“Maybe the execution wasn’t as good as it could have been.”

13 Reasons Why displays suicide as the only way out for a troubled teenage girl, who uses it as revenge against people who upset her. Young people who have watched the fictional series worry this may give ideas to those who are already considering suicide.

“I feel like showing the suicide wasn’t really the best way to go about it,” said Saira Greywald,19, an American University student. “It may have been triggering to those who have gone through depression and attempted suicide.”

Despite what many see as the risks and potential for harm, social media does have benefits.

Some interviewed this week said it helps them communicate and stay connected with friends near and far.

“I feel like Snapchat helps you keep in touch with people even if you’re not around them because you’re seeing them everyday through pictures. And Instagram, you can see what people are up to,” said Caroline Down, 16, of Pittsburgh.

One must keep in mind that with the advancement of communications, comes the responsibility of managing social media and some of its negative impacts.

“It’s really negative,” Greywald said. “People compare themselves to other people and are constantly judging other people and themselves.”

July 3, 2017July 3, 2017

Local retail spots boost for economy

Steak ‘n Egg Kitchen is a popular local spot with American University college students and residents. By Celina Ryan.

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Anne Garner sat on Steak ‘n Egg Kitchen‘s patio on a sunny Friday morning reading and eating breakfast.

The 65-year-old said the food is amazing, it’s always cooked perfectly and it’s inexpensive.

“The people, the staff, are wonderful,” Garner said.

Garner prefers independent businesses because they are “more unique” and great for the community, a fact that research supports.

In 2012, Civic Economics found local restaurants, on average, recirculate 79 percent of their revenue locally compared to chain restaurants’ 30 percent.

Independent stores help the local economy, but many in both rural and urban areas are facing competition from chain franchises and big box retailers.

Many small businesses in Washington, D.C. know they face tough competition and take steps to stay in business.

Laurie Tucker, an owner of a small health and wellness business from Greenville, Rhode Island, likes to support other small businesses.

“You have to find your niche, you give that personal piece that the big chains [can’t],” said Tucker, 44.

In Tenleytown, down Wisconsin Avenue from Steak ‘n Egg Kitchen, there’s a Panera, a Chick-fil-A, and a Starbucks. Tenleytown residents said this week that although they prefer to support small businesses, they often end up at chain stores.

Linda Jewell, 63, stood in line at Starbucks while talking about her preference for local businesses. She said local shops offer a better sense of community. So why was she at a chain?

The Tenelytown neighborhood in Northwest Washington is a mixture of local businesses and chain stores. By Celina Ryan.

“I feel sort of guilty about it,” Jewell admitted.

David Smick, 63, said he’ll pick a chain shop because it’s a known quality.

Jennifer Chapman agreed. She and others support chain franchises for the “standardized, predictable, quality.”

Chapman, 51, said she sometimes favors local spots like Busboys and Poets but other times said doesn’t pay much attention.

“I’m more indifferent to it,” Chapman said.

Back at Steak ‘n Egg Kitchen, Garner, who has lived in Washington, D.C. for 40 years, hopes local businesses can survive.

“They’re the best thing,” Garner said. “I just hope they can afford to stay in business. I hope more people can support them.”