NOCTILUCA March 2017

OPINIONS Appleton, Wisconsin March 2017 Volume XXII

Issue V Page 4

Feminism: Synonymous with hope and human rights

Noctiluca Mission Statement The Noctiluca and north noct.com are the student-run news sources of Appleton North High School. Noctiluca and northnoct.com are designated public forums for student ex- pression. Student editors make all content decisions. Noctiluca’s mission is to publish information relevant to its readers and its community. Its goal is to maintain high ethi- cal standards and provide a des- ignated public forum for free and responsible expression of views. Appleton North High School

On March 9, represen- tatives from the Appleton League of Women Voters came to North to assist all 18-year-old students in the registration process for vot- ing. I found this to be incred- ibly beneficial, and I highly recommend that those of you turning 18 or those of you who are 18, and have not registered to vote yet, take advantage of this opportunity Take advantage of local facilities for voting registration Dear North Community, Let’s talk about the “F” word. Many of us know it, and some may even use it, but the stigma and hate associated with this word is deplorable. Honestly, it’s used as a form of expression – a cohesive factor that has united a por- tion of the upcoming genera- tion. The word feminism de- scribes a movement that has transpired since the begin- ning of American history. It highlights the struggles of half the population to gain their basic rights – the right to vote, to own property, and to own their body. These are basic human rights that, in my opinion, should have been af- forded to everyone at the birth of our nation. By Kenady Duesterhaus Feminists ask for respect and kindness for all By Maeve Salm

that might be easier to adopt as our man- tra, is far more detrimental to our society as a whole. What is happening in America right now isn’t normal; don’t normalize this hatred and big- otry that some- how has found its way into our daily lives. It’s okay to say that America has some system- atic problems; that doesn’t mean you’re not patriotic – to protest and use

dress this, and Krueger sued the district under the claim that these meetings violated Wisconsin’s open meetings law. This case was heard on Feb. 15, 2017, and the Su- preme Court decision sup- ported the AASD, since this meeting involved “admin- istrative work” and not dis- trict policy changes. These Supreme Court justices were elected, which influenced the manner that government meetings within Wisconsin are executed. It is imperative that you vote in every elec- tion, and always ensure that you are well-informed about the candidates and their goals. There is nothing more em- powering than voting – vot- ing for the progression of your community, your state, your country. It is the staple of our ever-dynamic democ- racy that is valuable beyond comprehension. So, register to vote! The League of Women Voters assist with voting registration around the Fox Valley. – meaning I believe in equal rights for women. The idea that feminism is synonymous with hating men is used as a dividing force, making it eas- ier to continue this centuries old cycle of sexism. So when I say I’m a feminist, please don’t respond with “man-hat- er” – it’s so much more than that. Honestly, to me feminism means hope – the hope for a future that is better than the one we live in today. This movement, fueled by hope, simply asks for kindness and respect to citizens that should have at least been given those dignities a long time ago. To protest and use the rights afforded to you by the Constitution is the most patriotic ac- tivity you could do as an American citizen.

5000 N. Ballard Road Appleton, WI 54913 Phone: (920) 832-4300

Mr. Ramponi, staff advisor, at: ramponiaaron@aasd.k12. wi.us.

Students of North reflect their belief that women deserve equality. Photo illustration by Maeve Salm

Editorial Staff Senior Editor-In-Chief Nora Ptacek Junior Editor-In-Chief Jake Zajkowski Managing Editor Kate Bennett News Editor Ally Price Opinions Editor Maeve Salm Features Editor Henry Ptacek Centerspread Editor Salma Abdel-Azim Olivia Molter Copy Editor Fatima Ali Advertising/Social Media Rachel Sina Graphics Editor Henry Ptacek Online Editor Kate Bennett Sarah Fleming Investigative Editor Erik Bakken Advisor Mr. Ramponi Contributors Salma Abdel-Azim Fatima Ali Culture Editor Maddy Schilling Sports Editor Maddie Clark Photography Editor

in the future. To my surprise, the duration of the entire pro- cess lasted less than seven minutes. It consisted of me showing them my driver’s license and school ID and electronically stating my age, eligibility to vote and my ad- dress. I asked a few quick questions to the women rep- resentatives, and I then print- ed off a form that stated the information I had filed, the ward I will vote within and the location to vote. In a few simple steps, I became a reg- istered voter. This non profit group of women sponsored this event which occurs in many high Especially right now wom- en are facing systematic sex- ism in American politics, economics, and society. The fact is that we, as the upcom- ing generation, cannot sim- ply ignore this – the apathy

the rights afforded to you by the Constitution is the most patriotic activity you could do as an American citizen. I also want to use this as a clarification. I am a feminist

Voting registration assistance is in abundance in the Valley

schools across the Fox Valley and multiple times over the course of one year. The best part: the League of Women Voters can help you register whether they are at North or not. If you search Appleton League of Women Voters, the first website that appears from the Google search is the official site of this non- partisan organization. Once you arrive on their website, the first tab on the right-hand sidebar is titled “Voter Infor- mation.” Click this link and you will find information that will allow you to register as a voter. You may be asking, “Why bother registering now? We have another four years with President Trump before the next presidential election.” But President Trump is not the only elected official in- fluencing your education, the programs available within your community, the medi- cal treatment available in your community and more. For example, recently there was a case heard by the Wis- consin Supreme Court sur- rounding a meeting held by the AASD about freshmen books. In 2011, John Krueger expressed concern for the use of profanity or sexual content within these novels which are integrated into the AASD freshmen classes. The AASD held private meetings to ad-

Erik Bakken Kate Bennett Maddie Clark Brooke Densmore Kenady Duesterhaus Ndemazea Fonkem

Iris Hertting Sophie Plzak Ally Price Henry Ptacek Nora Ptacek Maeve Salm

Maddy Schilling Mariya Todorova Alex Wormley

After registering to vote, the representatives provided an infor- mation sheet with a synopsis of the next voting location and time, references for questions about voting and a sticker encouraging individuals to vote. Photo illustration by Maeve Salm