By Bradlee Dowling, ’26

Staff Writer

Step into the hallowed halls of Sephora, and you’ll find more than just shelves ransacked of beauty products – you’ll stumble upon a spectacle that defies imagination. What was once a sanctuary for makeup mavens of all ages has now morphed into a playground for the pint-sized, where chaos reigns supreme and the rules of etiquette are but a distant memory.

“People say the store looks like an elementary school for the beauty-obsessed 10-year-olds, some of whom have been caught treating employees poorly and destroying displays,” mocked Katie Camaro in a Jan. 29 article from USA Today, eyes wide with disbelief as she bore witness to the pandemonium that has taken root within Sephora’s walls. Indeed, what unfolds before them is a scene straight out of a twisted fairytale – a fairytale where tween queens tower above, armed with mascara wands and lip gloss scepters.

Imagine, if you will, a troop of tweens descending upon the aisles like a swarm of locusts, their eyes alight with the fervor of discovery and desire. But instead of gentle exploration and whispered inquiries, their approach is anything but subtle. With reckless abandon, they snatch at samples, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake as they wreak havoc upon displays and unleash turmoil upon the nerves of troubled Sephora staff.

Yet, it’s not just the chaos and discord that raises eyebrows – it’s the alarming trend of tweens purchasing products better suited to seasoned skincare veterans than fresh-faced adolescents. “A bigger concern for many is pre-adolescents obsessing over beauty products traditionally marketed to women and older teens, including exfoliators and anti-aging products with retinol that may be too harsh for pre-teens’ skin,” said Tom Ryan in a Jan. 31 article in Retail Wire. Indeed, wandering through the aisles of Sephora, one can’t help but notice the potent potions and elixirs, tempting young patrons with promises of flawless skin and eternal youth.

From retinol-infused creams to potent exfoliators, these young beauty devotees are unwittingly playing Russian roulette with their delicate complexions. “Preteens are bombarded with influencer-sponsored advertisements and step-by-step tutorials for makeup and skincare products unlike generations past,” Ryan continued in Retail Wire. In their quest for TikTok-worthy perfection, they’re sacrificing more than just their pocket money – they’re trading innocence for the fleeting promise of beauty, unaware of the potential long-term effects on their still-developing skin.

As Sephora transforms into a playground, the stakes have never been higher. It’s not just about the products lining the shelves or the chaos unfolding in the aisles – it’s about the future of an entire generation, grappling with unprecedented levels of anxiety and self-esteem issues. As one can’t help but wonder, what price are we willing to pay for the pursuit of perfection?

But amidst the madness lies a glimmer of hope – an opportunity to educate and empower the next generation of beauty enthusiasts. By promoting a culture of kindness, respect, and self-acceptance, Sephora can reclaim its status as a sanctuary for all – regardless of age or experience. For beauty knows no bounds, and neither should our compassion.

By Owen Pierotti, ’27

Staff Writer

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose story capitivated us after a 2017 HBO documentary called Mommy Dead and Dearest, is out of prison and now a survivor of a rare mental illness called Munchausen syndrome by proxy. But has she gotten the help she needs to ensure she’s no longer a danger to society?

According to Medline Plus, Munchausen by proxy is a form of child abuse where a parent fakes an illness or causes symptoms to make a child appear sick. Gypsy suffered years of unnecessary medical treatments for sleep apnea, leukemia and more due to her mother, Claudine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. Gypsy was confined to a wheelchair and isolated from others and her mother even lied about her age to make her seem younger and more fragile. Eventually, Gypsy started going behind her mother’s back to talk to people outside of her sheltered life. She learned she didn’t need the wheelchair and began to disobey Deedee. Still, she was confused by her mother’s behavior and scared to tell anyone she wasn’t sick. 

Feeling stuck, Gypsy met a quirky and weird boy on an online dating site. Nicholas Giddejohn called Gypsy his “princess” and promised to do anything for her. That ultimately included killing Gypsy’s mother, who was stabbed to death in June 2015. Gypsy and Nicholas were soon arrested and put on trial. Nicholas was sentenced to life in prison while Gypsy was sentenced to ten years. Last December, Gypsy was released after serving 8.5 years.

Since leaving prison, Gypsy has moved to Louisiana with Ryan Anderson, who she married while behind bars. She’s gone viral on social media and has been featured on interview after interview. Gypsy is now an activist for Munchausen by proxy, and is speaking out about her experience. The media has been surprisingly forgiving. I think Gypsy needs to focus on her mental health before she can help others. If she doesn’t get help, the abuse inflicted by Dee Dee could still linger. What if Gypsy abuses her own child like Dee Dee did? 

This is surely not the end of Gypsy’s story. I hope it can be the advent of a new happy and healthy life if she focuses less on the spotlight and more on healing herself.

By Sienna Lamond, ’26

Staff Writer

For years there’s been this stereotype of the “mean girl” at every high school – it’s expected that there is a female monarch, but why? Why is there an unspoken election of these Queen Bees? Why do they get to be mean to people, yet stay so respected? Why do adolescents fear their peers? Is there a price to pay for being nice, and furthermore, is there a benefit to being mean?

One of the most iconic chick flicks of the early 2000s highlights the mean girl clique in a unique and relatable way. Tina Fey’s 2004 Mean Girls, now in theaters as a musical, features a girl named Cady moving to a small town in Illinois from her previous home in Kenya. Cady’s parents are biologists that study animal behavior, which is told to the audience early on in the movie, but is a relevant detail that carries throughout. As Cady, portrayed by Lindsey Lohan, navigates her new high school, she finds that it isn’t too different from her old life in Kenya. She recognizes that Regina George, the designated Queen Bee, represents the apex predator, the animal at the top of the food chain with nothing capable of tearing it down, and all the other kids in school are her subjects, the smaller and lesser members of the animal kingdom.

The plastics, consisting of Regina and her two best friends, Gretchen Weiners and Karen Smith, operate much like a pack of lions or lionesses. The analogy of a high school to African wildlife represents the primeval nature of the social hierarchy. As an article published in Irishnews.com states, “not only do all human teenagers share similar characteristics, but their typical adolescent behavior is reflected throughout the animal kingdom in creatures as small as insects to as large as whales.” The article then proceeds to break down the similarities into four categories, one of them being social status. Irishnews.com writes that, “In animal hierarchies, high status individuals eat more, live in safer places and reproduce more. They even have stronger immune systems and get better sleep” which helps to show why social status inherently matters so much to high school students. It’s part of our innate behavior to want to be on top because of all the benefits it provides, and if you can’t be number one, being close enough to that MVP also allows for these perks. 

Of course, Mean Girls is loved by all for its iconic script, fantastic actors, killer soundtrack, and classic costumes, but what many didn’t realize then and don’t realize now is that the movie is based on a Rosalind Wiseman book titled Queen Bees and Wannabes which is a guidebook for high schoolers, specifically girls. Though this book is devoted to helping teenage girls, it also exposes some taboos of the social structure. It challenges girls, but also adults, to recognize the deeper meanings behind the actions, reactions, and inactions of their peers. The book illustrates a box of characteristics and traits. The qualities inside the box (beauty, athleticism, confidence, right clothing brands, pretty by the guys standard, etc.) are what determines a girl’s popularity while the exterior qualities (overweight, acne, overly-masculine, financial difficulty, etc.) are often present in social outcasts. Wiseman then explains that, “… the words outside of the box. These are weapons. … Cliques are self-reinforcing.” Girls choose to be bystanders when they see bullying occur because standing up to the popular clique would make them stand out enough to be categorized as outside-of-the-box, and being inside-of-the-box provides a sense of social security.

All humans, according to Sigmund Freud’s legendary research and theory of personality,  initiate defense mechanisms in an effort to protect themselves. Whether a teen is insecure about their body, grades, social status, financial situation, or home life, all are reasons for projection. This means that negative attributes they see in themselves, they often assign to others as a way to cope. A girl may make fun of another girl’s hair if she’s insecure about how her hair looks, and that will make her feel better. For those who cannot identify these mechanisms in action so easily, this will appear as if the girl is truly being mean. Obviously, it’s not nice to call someone’s hair scraggly, but if that person believes that their own hair also looks scraggly, then it makes more sense and the attack is not without reason or purpose. Being mean just to be mean is not a common occurrence. More often than not, one can find a motive behind most verbal attacks.

However, verbal attacks and “gossip [are] like money,” says 16-year-old Jane, one of the teens interviewed in Wiseman’s book. “We exchange it, sell it, and lend it out. It’s what we have of value.” Ideas expressed through gossip can be interpreted as mean and unwarranted statements. There is a big difference between trying to be mean and inadvertently saying things that are mean. We have to be able to discern between what is malicious and what is benign based on the circumstances we are told things. People often say mean and damaging things about other people without even realizing, partly because they don’t think what they say will ever reach the person they’re talking about, but also because they don’t view what they are saying as mean in the first place. When engaged in a conversation about someone else it is important to know the information you say could end up being shared with that person. 

Sometimes people just don’t have anything else to talk about, so they resort to gossiping to keep a conversation going, which, unbeknownst to them, is actively contributing to the spread of rumors and negativity. Gossip is one of the quickest ways mean comments are spread around. So why do we gossip? Well, uninteresting people make up for it by talking about other people to make themselves appear more interesting, and also to make them seem of higher value to the people who “matter” to them. In most social situations, like at work, at the gym, at the salon, and at school, gossip is power. Gossip may not be intended to be mean, but it almost always comes across that way, so it’s important to be mindful of who you’re talking about, and with who.

So, do people really want to be mean? No, not really. Most people don’t even realize they’re being mean even when they are. When they do make a targeted comment, it’s often a reflection of their own insecurities. The most important takeaway from the movie, as well as the book it’s based on, is that putting down others doesn’t lift you up. “Calling someone else fat won’t make you any skinnier,” says Cady. “Calling someone stupid doesn’t make you any smarter. And ruining Regina George’s life definitely didn’t make me any happier.” More often than not, it’s the girls that call you mean who are trying to make up for their own lack of kindness. In the words of the beloved beauty icon, Audrey Hepburn,  “for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness” for no physical beauty can compare to a kind heart and compassionate smile.

By Paulina Leskow, ’24

Staff Writer

“Please, don’t worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting.”

– Robin Williams

Father. Actor. Comedian. Born in 1951. Died in 2014. There are hundreds of thousands of actors in the world, so you may wonder, “what makes Robin Williams so special?” Why is he the one, out of all people, that I so desperately want to speak with? Robin Williams was not only a world-renowned actor, but he was also a good man who was deeply affected by addiction and depression, leading to his tragic downfall. If I was given the chance, I would talk to him about his life, his career, his struggles, and in every way I could, I would show him how important he was to the world. 

When thinking of historical figures, people tend to envision political figures such as George Washington, Susan B. Anthony, or Martin Luther King Jr. These people have all played important roles in our nation’s history. However, I believe that historical figures consist of more than just war heroes, civil rights activists, and politicians. Many impactful historical figures were artists, scientists, authors, musicians, and actors. I was quick to decide that I would choose an actor as a figure to talk to, but why? Better yet, why would I even consider Robin Williams an historical figure? For starters, Robin Williams has starred in several performances and represented a variety of characters that have affected many on a personal level. From iconic movies like Jumanji and Mrs. Doubtfire to comedies like Flubber and Night at the Museum, Robin Williams was very successful in his establishment of character and emotion, which allowed audiences to unlock the depths of their imaginations. Using his performing skills, he knew how to effectively appeal to his audiences and portrayed his roles in ways that many would characterize as unforgettable.

One of my earliest childhood memories was watching Flubber with my siblings. For those who don’t know, Flubber tells the comedic, fictional story of a scientist who experiments with the creation of a rubber-like substance while simultaneously enduring crazy adventures and unique situations in an effort to win over the girl of his dreams. It is a simply hilarious film and I recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it or to anyone who is simply in need of genuine, feel-good, comedic relief in their life. Robin Williams’ strong performance in the film is what made Flubber especially memorable to me. I most clearly recall in the movie a quote he said that went: “I know I love her, Weebo. Every neuron in my limbic system is saturated with phenylethylamine. That triggers euphoria, elation, exhilaration. Truth is, Weebo, I’m not absent-minded because I’m selfish, crazy or inconsiderate. I’m absent-minded because I’m in love with Sara.” To me, this was such an unbelievably powerful quote that painted a beautiful picture of what love truly is. Williams successfully embodies the character’s love of science and incorporates distinct scientific processes into portraying how he feels, all while presenting an entirely raw and personal account of his deep love for the girl. It was these memorable quotes and movies like Flubber that drew me to the comedic, loving, and powerful characters portrayed by Robin Williams.

Arguably, one of Robin Williams’s most significant and well known roles consisted of his vocal portrayal of the Genie in the 1992 Disney animated film Aladdin. From this movie, I formed a rather personal connection to Robin Williams when I was in the fourth grade. In school that year, Aladdin Jr. was selected as our musical, and I was lucky enough to land the role of the Genie. In preparation for the show, I recall that my method of practicing for the role was rewatching clips of the Genie from the movie. I most vividly remember looking back and constantly listening to his use of different voices in the song Prince Ali, noting how Robin Williams used the power of his voice to convey different emotions, actions, and thoughts. I was inspired by his successful performance and hoped to someday be as talented of a performer as he was. That was truly what inspired me to continue to be involved in productions, and looking back it seemed to have indirectly influenced my decision to dedicate myself and my life to the world of theater, as I intend to study performing arts as my major in college. 

Robin Williams has impacted a multitude of aspects of my life, and I did not realize until recently how large of an impact this would have on my future. Thanks to Robin Williams, I really know who I am and am confident in who I want to be when I grow up. If given the chance to meet him, I would want to learn more about what contributed to his success as an actor. Specifically, one of the significant questions I would ask would be how much practice and effort he had to put into his roles, and what methods he used to be able to embody his unique characters so well. Learning about what it takes to succeed in the world of performing arts from this world-renowned actor, I know, would help me further enhance my acting abilities and improve my chances of success in the future.  

Not only is Robin Williams seen as an historical figure in the world of acting, he also is viewed as a significant figure in the field of mental health. In the 1980s, he overcame an addiction to drugs and alcohol which had fueled his early career. After his death in 2014, Williams was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is caused by protein deposits that develop in nerve cells in the brain, impacting brain regions that are involved in thinking, movement, and memory. This condition likely exacerbated Robin Williams’ lifelong struggle with depression as well as impacted his ability to create and perform, leading to his death by suicide.

In a conversation with him I would ask how and why he masked himself as being strong, when on the inside he was really broken. Was there a specific moment where he was able to realize he had depression? Did he talk to anyone about it or have to suffer in silence as many celebrities, and people, do today? How did internal and external influences affect his thoughts, emotions, and actions? But before all that, I would ask if, right then and there, he was doing alright. Knowing that he suffered from these difficulties, it would have been so important for Williams to have an effective and trusted support system, or at least to have people in his life who truly cared about him. Though he did not know me, he could have potentially found help in talking to someone like me, someone who cared about him and wanted to help him through his depression. Of course I am not saying that I would have cured his mental illnesses, but perhaps for even a moment, I could have helped make him feel like he was valued for the person he was and for all he contributed to the world. 

Despite all of his struggles, his positive outward personality and his feel-good performances helped many people struggling with mental health problems. Many recall the kinetic energy that Williams put out in his life, and his jokes inspired people to realize that joy, laughter, and happiness can be found in their world. And though he suffered from poor mental health and death by suicide resulting from depression, his best qualities will always be remembered. Robin Williams left a light shining in this world that can never fade away. 

By Paulina Leskow, ’24

Staff Writer

“Curiosity often leads to trouble” is exactly how I would describe the 1951 Disney animated movie, Alice in Wonderland. An adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll story, “The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass,” Alice in Wonderland revolves around the world of curiosity in a chaotic manner that makes it difficult for the viewer to follow along.

Alice in Wonderland tells the story of a very curious girl who finds herself stuck in the world of Wonderland, which consists of creatures and settings that defy the real world in every way possible, with creative creatures such as talking doorknobs, magical tables, smoking walruses, argumentative plants and flying toast. Although it is a creative concept, the storyline does not seem to have any consistency with its characters, as Alice is the only predominant protagonist throughout. Even “sidekick” characters, such as the Mad Hatter and TweedleDee and TweedleDum make very rare appearances that seem insignificant to the plot.

In regards to the plot, once again, there is a lack of continuity and consistency. The first half of the story has Alice searching for the White Rabbit, who claims to be running late “for a very important date.” About three-quarters into the story, that motivation driving Alice instantly disappears and turns into Alice suddenly having a desire to go home and escape the wrath of the Queen of Hearts who, even though she is considered the main antagonist and villain of the story, barely has any backstory or significant connections to Alice or the story as a whole. I like the character of the Queen of Hearts, I mean who doesn’t? Also, the deck of cards serving as her henchmen and military is a clever play on words and had so much potential as an important part of the movie. Unfortunately, the creators left the deck of cards and the Queen until the very end, taking away from their significance or character development. 

Overall, in terms of characters, I think it was pointless to include so many characters and so many irrelevant scenes with those characters. For example, I think back to the scene about the oysters in which one of the extra characters “invites” an entire army of oyster children to dinner and then, in the end, all of the oysters are eaten. Although this was a sad yet ironic scene, it was so unbelievably irrelevant to the story, and not related to Alice and her journey through Wonderland or finding her way home whatsoever.

The ending in which the reader simply finds out that Alice dreamed up Wonderland in her sleep was seemingly satisfying as there is a logical conclusion and explanation for the wild events that occurred throughout the movie. But it also just emphasized the idea that Alice is simply a delusional girl who clearly needs help, but no one seems to care enough to help her find control of her imagination.

Despite its character and plot flaws, there were also positive aspects, which make the movie as iconic as it is today. I was unaware that there was singing involved, and I feel the songs were placed nicely and not over-the-top. I also liked many of the concepts of the film, especially the idea that certain foods lead to growth or shrinkage of a person. The animation style is just like any other classic Disney movie, which adds a sense of nostalgia.

Alice in Wonderland is an iconic Disney movie seen by generations, with references and characters known and quoted around the world. But the unnecessary number of characters and the disorder of the plot make the film difficult to watch and comprehend.

Featured image: One of the scenes of Alice in Wonderland, with protagonist Alice, well-known side character Mad Hatter and additional characters celebrating an “Unbirthday.”