The Watchdog

By: Emily Guerrero

Senior year brings a lot of exciting milestones. One of them being finally turning 18. At 17, you are legally allowed to pre-register to vote. By doing so, as soon as you turn 18 you receive your voting card in the mail. Being able to vote is one of the first steps into adulthood and is your civil right as an American citizen for the rest of your life. Women were given the right to vote only 100 years ago. The only way to make the changes we want to see in this country, is by going out and voting every State, Local and Federal election.  

Joe Biden is the current candidate for the Democratic Party in the upcoming Presidential election. Joe was the Vice President of the United States during Obama’s Presidential term from 2008-2016. His campaign revolves around improving the quality of life. Part of Biden’s campaign revolve around racial equality across the country, LGBTQ + equality, reforming the immigration system, making health care easier to obtain, as well as a tax cut for top 1%, and real relief for those affected by Covid-19. All his policies that he exhibits in his campaign are to benefit low-income individuals as well as minorities such as, African Americans, Latinos, Native-Americans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Biden plans to fight for their equality and make sure nothing stands in their way of success in this country.  

Joe Biden has introduced a plan called “Build Back Better”. He believes that we cannot progress as a society unless we expand racial equity across the country. When it comes down to the Black Lives Matter Movement, Biden is in favor of the protests as he stated in the first Presidential debate. Although he encourages the expression of our first amendment right, he says “violence is never the answer”. He does not plan on defunding the police, but he does want to make sure the money being sent to them meets “minimum basic standards of decency”, ensuring the money will not be used for any other cause. He would also like to reform the police system. Biden believes that the vast majority of police officers are “good, decent, honorable men and women… but, there are a few bad apples, and they should be held accountable” for their crimes. His “Build Back Better” plan ensures the decrease in unemployment levels that are most commonly seen in low-income neighborhoods all over the country.  

Biden is in favor of LGBTQ+ equality in America and around the world as well. Joe Biden believes that every human being should be treated with respect and dignity and be able to live without fear no matter who they are or who they love. While he was VP during Obama’s presidency, they approve marriage equality and protection for the LGBTQ+ community. Donald Trump and Mike Pence have denied critical protections for the LGBTQ+ community. They have denied Transgender individuals, access to health care, they are not allowed to serve the country, and they have allowed homeless shelters to deny Transgender individuals a place to stay as well as adoption agencies are allowed to deny same sex couples. If elected as president, Biden will stand with the LGBTQ+ community to ensure America lives up to the promise it was founded on: “Equality for all”. He will protect them from discrimination, expand access to high-quality health care, and ensure fair treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in the criminal justice system. “No one should be fired, denied a home or access to services because of who they are or who they love”- Joe Biden 2019. LGBTQ+ members face many obstacles for simply being who they are, and he would like to bring that to an end. The Equality Act is the best option to ensure rights under the law for LGBTQ+ Americans. He considers this act one of his top priorities.  

Biden has a plan to build security and prosperity in partnership with the people of Central America. The vast majority of Miami citizens are Latino. This act will benefit those greatly because Immigrants come to the United States in search of a better life and more opportunities for their children to receive a better education. Facing challenges such as violence, poverty, and corrupt governments leads families with no choice but to cross the border illegally in search of a better lifestyle. As President, Biden plans to develop a 4-year, $4 billion strategy to address migration from Central America. He would like to improve security and rule of law. Based on the circumstances of other countries, families will continue to flee in search of refuge. Investing in this would improve professional standards and training for police to ensure public safety. In addition, implementing violence reduction programs and job training programs to prevent the youth from getting involved with gangs would be in favor of the new families immigrating as well as the ones who have already been living in the United States. When addressing economic corruption, he plans to freeze and revoke visas to the United States of criminals from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.  

The status of Healthcare affects every single individual in the United States. Especially during a global pandemic, it is essential for every citizen to be able to afford a hospital visit or an annual check-up with their physician. On March 23^rd,2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Due to Obama Care, over 100 million people don’t have to worry about insurance companies denying coverage or charging more just because they have a pre-existing medical condition. As President, Biden has a plan to build on the Affordable Care Act by giving citizens more options, reducing health care costs, and making sure it is easier to use for anyone who plans on using it. He believes that “every American has a right to the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have access to affordable health care.” Some families have to make the decision of going to the doctor or buying groceries due to living paycheck to paycheck. Biden wants to make sure no families residing in the U.S have to deal with that problem ever again. He plans on expanding coverage to low-income Americans.  

The Covid-19 Pandemic has negatively affected every family in the country. The health of the American people is the most important factor in improving the economy and the overall status of the country. During the pandemic, Biden would like to increase testing sites to ensure almost everyone gets a chance to get tested. He would provide “Restart Packages” that include supplies and other necessities schools, small businesses and families need in order to function more efficiently. He also plans on investing $25 billion in the manufacturing of vaccines. The Defense Production Act will be put to use and increase the production of masks, face shields, and any other equipment necessary to protect the population. This would impact areas that were hit very bad and struggle collecting the items they need to survive day to day.  

At the end of the day, voting is especially important to those who reside in Miami. As the vast majority of civilians here are minorities, any party being elected will greatly impact their lives in the next four years and potentially after that Presidential term. Nowadays, politics influence our lives daily. From protesting to being able to marry whoever you love, to staying safe and healthy during a global pandemic, politics influence people’s way of life. So yes, every vote counts and this is the time to go out and voice your opinion on the issues society faces today.  

By: Erica Saldarriaga

The Covid-19 global pandemic was an unexpected event to say the least? People had to find new ways to do everyday activities. They needed ways to stay fit, clean and keep their lives going, since everything was closed this became a challenge. It became a challenge to stay fit and productive since everything unessential is closed. Here are a few tips in order to stay organized and sane during this quarantine: 

1. Make sure everything is kept organized. Cleanliness and neatness in your environment make you happy. For example, an easy way to keep things organized is to color code all your belongings.  

2. Stay fit. Keep yourself busy by going on a walk or doing some at home yoga. You can easily go to your tv or computer and on YouTube watch a quick relaxing yoga video. 

3. Find indoor hobbies. For example, learn a few new recipes from “Tasty” and busy yourself in the kitchen. A good recipe would be making chocolate chip cookies, or you can make banana bread to challenge yourself a bit more 

4. Keep yourself entertained. Go and reorganize your closets and kitchen to keep your mind intact during your quarantine. Clean your house since your stuck in it. Might as well, right? 

5. While at home go and play some bored games. There are so many options for you sitting in your house. For example, you have monopoly, life, sorry, blitz, and many more 

6. At home you could even begin to garden as a hobby. Since you have so much extra time, you could begin a little garden in your backyard to distract yourself planting some sunflowers or even tomatoes. 

7. At home if you feel stressed another activity you could do is get yourself into meditating. This is a way that you could destress your mind from all the events that are going on. Meditating with some low music and a nice lavender candle will help time fly by. 

By: Kamila Gonzalez

1. Umbrella Academy  

2. The 100 

3. Outer Banks 

4. Greys Anatomy  

5. All American 

6. 13 Reasons Why 

7. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina 

8. On My Block  

9. Tiger King  

10. Stranger Things 

By: Elizabeth Mantecon

1. Hand Sanitizer 

2. Pop wallet! Best thing to have so you don’t contaminate your purse, bookbag, or wallet! 

3. An extra mask  

Maybe even a cloth one to protect the environment! \

4. Lotion to keep your skin from cracking for being so dry because of the hand sanitizer. 

5. Gum, so you can keep your mask smelling minty fresh! 

By: Isabella Labrada

It’s no secret that 2020 has taken Americans by storm. When you mix a worldwide pandemic, killer hornets, and major calls for change of racial injustice; well that’s a formula for chaos. Toss a presidential election into that and basically chaos becomes pandemonium. Despite the turmoil, the importance of the 2020 election has reached astronomical proportions. Many fear that one of the consequences of the Corona virus will mean lower voter turnout. 

However, this is not the first time in our history that an election is taking place during health crisis. Ironically, mid-term elections were also being held during the 1918 Spanish influenza. And although voter numbers dipped, the election took place without fail. Thanks to modern day society, voters in this election have a variety of options to cast their vote and remain safe from being exposed to Corona. Good thing too, because academic experts on both sides, including Michael McDonald a political scientist from the University of Florida, agree that diversity of this year’s voters flow from two main sources: 18-year old’s and immigrants who become legalized U.S. citizens. 

Both parties have prioritized the safety and health of the voting population and that is why you have been given the privilege of choosing how to vote. Some consider voting by mail to be the safest route to conducting the civic duty with minimum exposure. To do so, you must be registered to vote first then request yourself an absentee ballot. You can fill out this ballot in the comfort of your own home without having any sort of compromises to your health. After you filled out the form, you have the choice of dropping the form off at a local ballot drop-off center or putting it right back in your mailbox. A second alternative is to vote early to avoid the large crowds. Choosing this option requires visiting designated early voting sites during specified hours. A list of sites can be found on Florida Division of Election website (https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/for-voters/voting/early-voting/). 

Braddock’s Social Studies department has taken an active role in ensuring first time voters are informed and prepared to cast their ballots. American Government Teacher, JT makes watching presidential and vice-presidential debates part of his course curriculum.  Social Studies Department Head, Mary Milan has extensively promoted the Braddock Votes Club. This club focuses on promoting and normalizing voting, they want you to know that voting should be a priority of yours, if you’re a citizen over the age of 18, voting is now a responsibility and a civic duty. Milan says, “Our goal is to encourage everyone to be politically active. We want to encourage different races, economic classes, and age groups to vote and close voter audience gaps.” Due to the pandemic, Braddock Votes has embraced the change to virtual learning and paired up with the program When We All Vote. This program promotes voting among younger adults and minority groups all across the nation. It even promotes training among students to become poll workers, providing information on how to keep a safe and COVID-19 free voting environment area, so that voters will feel safe to go out and participate on their civic duties. 

Despite the unprecedented circumstances, there is no excuse not to exercise your 15^th Amendment; a right many countries lack. As emerging young adults, JT emphasizes that it is important to “vote and carry the weight of your new responsibility.” With all the precautions and necessary measures taken to vote, it is imperative to cast your voice in such a determining election will impact your next four years and really the course of this nation’s history. Sounds dramatic? Fits right into that 2020 mix. Happy voting! 

By: Alexa Gonzalez

COVID-19 has undoubtedly brought plenty of detrimental changes to our lives. We have all familiarized ourselves with the layout of our home as well as its inhabitants due to the fact that it became our only option for six months. When we weren’t wondering when that bookshelf became so slanted and uneven, we spent our time doing other things to occupy our attention. One of these diversion tactics included taking the time to get to know and work on ourselves. It could be argued that this was one of the better effects of quarantine (although there were very few). The time spent in isolation meant we had time to wonder what life would be like once the world returned to normal. Specifically, it made us wonder what we would be like. Therefore, some people took this time to learn new things, adopt some new personality traits, or make drastic changes to their wardrobe in attempt to better themselves. The closing of places such as retail stores, hair salons, and nail salons caused people to take measures into their own hands. 

Retail Stores 

While retail stores were shut down in the quarantine early on, many individuals felt the need to buy new clothing regardless of the situation. This may have had something to do with the saying, “Wanting what you can’t have,” but I’m not one to judge. That being said, stores did not close completely, but instead made the shift onto their online shopping experiences. Because of our inability to physically go ourselves, the amount of online shopping spiked exponentially this year. Although the world was seemingly put on a halt with the arrival of the stay-at-home order, fashion trends were persevering, continuous and successful as ever. On social media platforms such as TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram, people were able to share the clothing items that they had been buying. Which, in turn, set off many different trends from dying your hair bold colors to doing a 180 on clothing style preferences. 

Mom Jeans 

One of the popular trends that arose in the midst of quarantine was the style of mom jeans. The mom jeans or shorts style was very popular in 1980s and early 1990s. This era of old school fashion has made a comeback in recent months. This is surprising, however, because before Covid-19, the style of skinny jeans or jeggings had been the most popular style for years.  

Y2K Style 

Other styles such as the style called “Y2K” – or the styles popular in the year 2000 – have also made a comeback in many people’s wardrobes and shopping carts. Things such as bright colors, lots of different patterns and designs, cardigans, and other such staples are key indicators of a Y2K closet. In simpler terms, Y2K is the kind of style you would most likely find on a Bratz doll. 

Loungewear 

Finally, loungewear is another style that became wildly popular (and for good reason). Due to the fact that everyone had no other choice to be home, loungewear became a second layer of skin for a majority of us. Sweatpants, leggings, fuzzy socks, hoodies, and baggy t-shirts were undoubtedly used on an almost day to day basis. I know this because absolutely no one in their right mind walks around their house all day in jeans or any kind of denim in general. 

Beauty Salons 

As for beauty salons being mandated to shut down during quarantine, many people would assume that services such as manicures, pedicures, haircuts, hair styles, lash lifts, and facials were no longer being done. However, some people refused a world without these things and took a leap of faith in deciding that they would learn how to do it themselves. These impulsive decisions sometimes ended in positive results, while others did not turn out so well. One thing is for certain, however, which is that regardless of the end result – the experience would be thrilling.  

Lash Lifts 

Some people purchased lash lift kits that included all the supplies needed to learn and then try it on their own. Lash lifts have gained in popularity lately potentially because of the fact that when you are required to wear a face mask, your eyes are your most noticeable feature.  

Haircuts 

Some boys felt that they needed a haircut so desperately that they brought out their own scissors and electric razors and became their very own barber. Popular haircuts during the Covid-19 time period included buzzcuts as they are one of the easiest haircuts to do yourself without the worry of messing up. Other boys decided to grow out their hair instead for experimental purposes to see if they preferred longer hair. 

Nails 

Other people took up the hobby of learning how to do nails, which is quite a rewarding hobby as you no longer have to rely on appointments at the nail salon nor have to pay money for the service anymore. Learning how to do acrylics, gel, or perfecting regular nail polish can be time consuming. However, we had ample time through the lockdown orders, this was a very productive way to spend time learning. 

Hair Dye 

There have been many people who have dyed their hair in various colors and styles during quarantine. One of the most popular hair dye trends would be dying the front two strands in bright colors such as bright pink, red, blue, green, purple, blonde, and other colors. 

All in all, all of these trends contributed to our quarantine experience in some way, shape or form. 

By: Natalie Riera

When the spread of COVID-19 hit the United States, life as we knew it came to a complete halt. This included the shut down of small businesses all over the country as well as millions staying home. Over the first couple of months of quarantine, businesses and and attractions were forced to shut down but slowly started reopening with new guidelines. Although most people are still waiting for life to resume to the way it was before COVID, these new guidelines could quite possibly be our new normal. Here are some ways that this post-COVID world has effected the reopening of Disney.

Not all of the new guidelines are bad for the guests of these amusement parks, they actually have proved to work in park goers favor.

1. Due to the new capacity limits, the hour long wait times that we once knew are gone. If you are planning on visiting a Disney World park, expect far shorter wait times than before.

2. Another bonus from the new capacity limits are that he park is way less crowded and easier to navigate without the sea of people clogging up every street.

3. With COVID regulations, the parks are being sanitized and inspected more than ever. This makes for a much safer and clean visit.

Although some COVID regulations have worked in park goers favor, a lot of them have also put a halt to some of the most exciting parts of visiting a theme park.

1. Face masks are required in businesses all over the country and amusement parks are no exception. If you are planning on visiting Disney, expect to be required to mask up all day long.

2. One of the main contributors to the magic of Disney World is all of people’s favorite fictional characters walking around the park and greeting guests. However, in order to ensure the safest possible experience, meet and greets are no longer allowed.

3. Disney used to have the perfect end to a magical day at the parks with their nightly firework shows. Now, these shows are no longer happening in attempts to stop the spread of COVID.

By: Lindsey Locke

The Black Lives Matter human rights movement is something that has gripped our country over the past few months following the tragic death of George Floyd, who passed away due to our unjust and corrupt system of law enforcement. Although the passing of Floyd did not start the movement, his death sparked a growth in participation in protests all over the country as well as the spread of awareness surrounding the major issue in America that is police brutality. One of the first events that led to the Black Lives Matter organization was the loss of Travon Martin in 2012. The seventeen-year-old boy was killed on his way home from buying a bag of skittles from a local convenience shop; his murderer, George Zimmerman, was shortly released after the incident with no charges filed. After the tragic death of the young boy, it became apparent that there was an issue in the way that law enforcement handled situations, more importantly situations involving people of color. This led to the use of the hashtag #blacklivesmatter on social media, and the movement began to take off. 

 With more recent events, such as the murders of Breonna Taylor and Jacob Blake, the movement has continued to grow more and more both on social media and in real life. As Black Lives Matter protests continue to happen all over the country, it leads people to question what outcome these protests have brought. Ms. Pedraza, who teaches social studies here at Braddock, says that any changes that would be made quickly would probably not help in the long wrong run and that we must slowly fix the issues and not rush. She continued to express that this movement has and continues to push racial injustices to the fore front of everyone’s minds.  Not only are the changes that are yet to come going to affect the systemic injustice in law enforcement, but they will also affect other American systems that have proven to also suppress people of color. For example, there have been many studies on racial injustice in American school systems. Seth Gershenson, PhD, at American University, and colleagues reported that “when black and white teachers evaluate the same black student, white teachers are 12 percent less likely to predict the student will finish high school, and 30 percent less likely to predict the student will graduate from college” (Economics of Education Review, 2016). 

This movement is bringing a new civil rights era and is sure to go down in history. Mrs. Goiricelaya, who teaches history and law, agrees with Ms. Pedraza that this time will shape the way we see and deal with systematic racism. Mrs. G also stated that when change does occur it will most likely first be on the local level because that’s where individual votes may count the most, but the criminal justice system is most definitely a different story. To change the system at all, on any level, is difficult but this system has been corrupt for far too long. With the involvement of so many more people, the topic of police brutality and racial injustice is no longer taboo for many. The change that this country needs to make starts at home with those who are starting conversations and bringing it to the attention of others who have written this off for far too long. With so much growth in involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement, it is now more important than ever to go out and vote and truly push to make these changes a reality.  

By: Lindsey Locke

The Black Lives Matter human rights movement is something that has gripped our country over the past few months following the tragic death of George Floyd, who passed away due to our unjust and corrupt system of law enforcement. Although the passing of Floyd did not start the movement, his death sparked a growth in participation in protests all over the country as well as the spread of awareness surrounding the major issue in America that is police brutality. One of the first events that led to the Black Lives Matter organization was the loss of Travon Martin in 2012. The seventeen-year-old boy was killed on his way home from buying a bag of skittles from a local convenience shop; his murderer, George Zimmerman, was shortly released after the incident with no charges filed. After the tragic death of the young boy, it became apparent that there was an issue in the way that law enforcement handled situations, more importantly situations involving people of color. This led to the use of the hashtag #blacklivesmatter on social media, and the movement began to take off. 

 With more recent events, such as the murders of Breonna Taylor and Jacob Blake, the movement has continued to grow more and more both on social media and in real life. As Black Lives Matter protests continue to happen all over the country, it leads people to question what outcome these protests have brought. Ms. Pedraza, who teaches social studies here at Braddock, says that any changes that would be made quickly would probably not help in the long wrong run and that we must slowly fix the issues and not rush. She continued to express that this movement has and continues to push racial injustices to the fore front of everyone’s minds.  Not only are the changes that are yet to come going to affect the systemic injustice in law enforcement, but they will also affect other American systems that have proven to also suppress people of color. For example, there have been many studies on racial injustice in American school systems. Seth Gershenson, PhD, at American University, and colleagues reported that “when black and white teachers evaluate the same black student, white teachers are 12 percent less likely to predict the student will finish high school, and 30 percent less likely to predict the student will graduate from college” (Economics of Education Review, 2016). 

This movement is bringing a new civil rights era and is sure to go down in history. Mrs. Goiricelaya, who teaches history and law, agrees with Ms. Pedraza that this time will shape the way we see and deal with systematic racism. Mrs. G also stated that when change does occur it will most likely first be on the local level because that’s where individual votes may count the most, but the criminal justice system is most definitely a different story. To change the system at all, on any level, is difficult but this system has been corrupt for far too long. With the involvement of so many more people, the topic of police brutality and racial injustice is no longer taboo for many. The change that this country needs to make starts at home with those who are starting conversations and bringing it to the attention of others who have written this off for far too long. With so much growth in involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement, it is now more important than ever to go out and vote and truly push to make these changes a reality.  

By: Isabella Gaitan

The film industry has a long-standing history of excluding people of color. When minority groups were given the opportunity to be shown on the big screen, they were often limited to side roles or portrayed by white people in racist costumes and makeup. Of course, films from this time couldn’t help representing the real-life attitudes of the day. In recent years, making your way in show business is less of a challenge. But that doesn’t mean it’s not hard. In front of the camera, only 2 out of 10 lead actors in film are people of color. Behind the camera, people of color only make up 12.6% of movie directors and 7.8 % of movie writers. 

In recent years, there have been more and more calls for meaningful representation and greater diversity in the industry. Not only have people been pushing for equality on in front of and behind the cameras, but also on the stages of award shows. The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, are a mainstream and highly prestigious award. Although receiving these awards are very honorable, they have notoriously had a lack of diversity. 

To correct this widespread problem, the Motion Picture Academy has made changes meant to create and promote more diversity in the industry. Earlier this year, they expanded the best picture category to include 10 films instead of five. They also announced that for a film to be nominated for an Oscar it needs to meet standards for diversity of onscreen representation, creative teams, internship opportunities, and audience development. These standards seek to include more women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities.  

This is certainly a step forward for ensuring more diversity both on and offscreen. However, it brings up a new set of issues. Who’s writing these stories now? Will white writers force lazy plots about tackling adversity and call it a triumph? Will production companies bring in people of color just to meet a quota? Some would even think that the quality standards are being relaxed to allow for more diversity.  

“People are moved by excellence”, says Ms. McCormick, a professor here at Braddock. She believes that if equal opportunity is afforded to nonwhite producers, there wouldn’t be a need for expanded categories or surface level plots. Films created and led by people of color would be up for awards consideration, not because they’re black, Hispanic, or Asian, and standards must be met, but because they are genuinely good films.  

The movement that’s really catapulted this issue into the forefront of public attention is Black Lives Matter. The movement’s focus is of course police brutality and systemic racism, but it’s expanded into all aspects of life. The stereotypes of black people in film are rampant. This is an issue that desperately needs to change.  

With regards to the Black Lives Matter movement, Mrs. Padro, the Braddock film production teacher, says that it “should be happening and should have been happening”. She mentions John Boyega, the Star Wars actor who felt that his career was at risk for speaking up and participating in Black Lives Matter protests. Most celebrities have made some statement regarding the movement, but it seems that Boyega’s outspokenness was pushing the limit of what’s considered okay.   

Before the takeoff of the MeToo Movement in 2016, sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the industry was largely swept under the rug. Now, there’s been major progress in creating a level playing field for both men and women. Evidently, these large-scale examinations of the culture are needed for industry change.  

When asked what she thinks can improve the industry, Padro simply responds, “Time”.  As older generations with racial stigmas seem to phase out and younger generations are beginning to realize that they can use their voices to evoke change, time could not be a better word to describe what is needed to make not only the film industry, but also the world, a better and more equal place.