Walking Into an Alcoholic Society

Reef Sandals represent just how much our generation drinks today. Although one would never assume that such topics would even relate to one another, Reefs sandals now promote drinking. As bad and illegal as it is, the new cool thing to do is drink.  When people look for fun at party’s alcohol is the answer, either at house parties or clubs. The most popular sandal, Reefs, promote such a concept. 

The issue with these sandals is that the new Reefs now have bottle openers at the bottom of them. Many kids in my own high school wore them and often showed them off. Gaining popularity and turning into a “Brand Name” company, Reefs are selling well while helping to promote drinking, a growing concern.

Sandals for years have been worn for leisure, beach wear, and even now for some formal dressing in female fashion. Although people may still wear them for the same reasons, Reefs have given sandals a new “meaning and use.” People argue that it can open any bottle, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be used on just beer bottles. However, let’s be practical, what drinks still use bottle caps? The only ones are vintage coke or root beer cans which are rarely sold or bought. Selling these bottle openers to adolescents under the age of 21 indirectly promotes underage drinking.

This reflects upon our alcohol consuming generation. It shows just how motivated people are to drink alcohol. Just by wearing sandals, people can be ready to pop a bottle open at any time and at any place. Such a fashion trend would be deemed dull and brainless in years past. However, with our society moving in the direction it is, the bottle opening concept only helps the sales of the Reef Sandals. People fail to realize the ability of the Reef sandals as all they see are another pair of comfortable sandals. Many people on our campus sport these bottle openers. It’s a popular product that has become part of America’s latest fashion.

Word Count: 340

Unlocking Secrets to Our Culture

A simple necessity in most of our lives has become a big part of today’s teenage fashion. The key to unlock our door or the keys we use to get in to our homes has now become a decorative piece in our wardrobe. Contrary to the past, when displaying our keys would be considered unique and awkward, it is now an everyday part of “American Teenage Apparel.”

Surfing through the pages of UMBC’s Skipjack, not one lanyard, keychain, or key chain clip hanging from one’s jeans was shown. Rather than having a lanyard hanging around a neck, the women would have necklaces or lockets whereas the men; nothing. Dressed with the bold yet semi – formal clothes, very little jewelry was worn. Showing the simplicity in the fashion of the 1960’s, times have changed dramatically as now someone dressed without jewelry of any sort is seemed bland and boring.

As trends change and new fads come up the lanyard has become very popular. They are typically seen either worn backwards around a guy’s neck, or hanging out of one’s jeans. As it reflects our personality, the way we display our keys has a lot to do with stereotyping. The lanyards worn around a guy’s neck normally represent what people call “Laxer Bros”. The connotation of a “Laxer Bro” is a cocky and boastful lacrosse player. Then on the other hand, there are the hip people who like to hang their lanyards out of their pockets to either show their school or to “rep” a certain brand. Also, some people like to hang their keys from their jeans with a key chain clip. Typically and according to society’s standards, ones who are rock music fanatics or in bands do this.

Such a fashion statement reflects our culture today for the simple reason that it reflects upon our personality. The personality of a person correlates to a person’s lifestyle. Our culture is defined by our way of life. In fact, our style, our wardrobe, our fashion, and even our keys, say a lot about the American Culture.

Word Count: 350

My TV Guide of Literacy

Watching a Redskins Game with family and friends.  

Similarly to instant messaging, watching TV has now become one of the most popular past times in American Culture. Whether it is the newest upgrade to your cable service, a new video game console, or a new video game, there is always something to keep you attached to this so called “idiot box.” With watching TV comes many ramifications. There are some positive effects that come out of watching TV, but the negative aspects greatly outweigh them. From personal experience, I can say that watching too much TV has greatly affected my reading skills. For the latest news, I would drop the front page of the Washington Post in order to grab the remote. I would watch the 5 o’clock Fox 5 News instead of reading the front page. At the next commercial I'd immediately change channels to an MLB, NBA, or NFL game, and if none were on, I would watch one of my many shows that I followed. Watching all this TV not only proved to be the reason of my glasses, but also the reason that I read so slow today. Growing up, I read far less than I should have. This seems to be a re-occurring and growing issue in the homes of many Americans today. As entertaining as watching TV may be, a book is far more beneficial. As I now read more, everyone should change the channel of their lives from watching TV to a novel.

Word Count: 242

My Story

Born and raised in America, as a Sikh, I have been on a quest to hold my own and fit into society in this "Melting Pot.” The early stages of my life took place in Rockville, where I only went to elementary school until third grade to attend Wayside Elementary school. Afterwards, I attended Hoover middle school and eventually Churchill High School. Churchill is where I joined a program that has shaped me into the man I am today. I tried out for football and got cut freshmen year. However, with motivation I made the team sophomore year and went on to become a captain senior year. With football, I gained both physical and mental toughness, and developed a resilient personality. The principles I learned in football apply in life as well; it’s the same game, just a different field.

Word Count: 140

Ishar Singh # 52 Churchill Football 2010: 7-3