Category: The 2024 Rock Stars

Are Parents Slowly Tearing Down Youth Soccer?

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by Joshua Crawley
Johns Creek High School

“Ref make the damn call!” Two minutes into the game and the parents were already going. “Referee how is that not a f****** foul?!” Maybe because the kid tripped over his own feet. “This ref is shit!” Not even halftime yet and I’ve heard everything and more. “Ref go to h***!” These are 9 year old kids out here playing recreational soccer, it can’t be that deep to you.

These were the kind of things I heard the first game I worked as an assistant referee. My first game ever. From the minute the first whistle was blown, it seemed like the parents were more worried about me than their own kids out on the field. They yelled and verbally abused me the whole game.

It ranged from screaming, to profanity, to things 8 year old kids just shouldn’t be hearing. Every time I made or didn’t make a call, it seemed like a fire went off behind me. I remember one dad slamming his hat on the ground and stomping and screaming at me and my other referees. Sometimes, they would even come up behind me and yell. 

Now that I have much more experience as a referee, I am more composed under circumstances like those. At the time though, the whole thing had me a little shaken. Not too long ago, I was refereeing a final of a tournament all by myself. The parents were worse than the first time, at one point a dad stepped onto the field arguing a call I made. At that point, I stopped the game for a minute and told the whole sideline to let the kids play. I tried to say it as confidently as I could, but under these circumstances, it became hard. 

This is just a small example of a bigger problem though. Across the United States, parents abusing referees is turning into a major problem. Just a few years ago in 2021 in California, a man angry about a call in a recreational game of 11 year olds ran across the field and decked a referee that was half of his size. The parent received a red card, but the issue was clear to see. Parents have gotten out of control in youth soccer.

 Another problem with this is that they teach their kids that this is ok. That it’s ok to act like that when you don’t get your way, that it’s ok to mistreat officials, that it’s ok to be aggressive with people whenever you want. At the end of the day, parents have to do better.

Sometimes, parents wonder why they don’t have enough referees. This is why. Earlier this year in February, in Pennsylvania, the state referee administrator announced that they were in need of many referees to let games go on as scheduled. CBS News reported that the main reason for the lack of referees stems from people unwilling to deal with unruly spectators. It’s not only Pennsylvania though, as across the country, referees are needed in many places. Many of these referees are teenagers, and when crowds of 50 year old men are yelling at us forever, it becomes a lot to deal with. 

Regardless of what’s happening on the field, parents’ behavior is not condoned. Even if referees do make mistakes, parents need to be patient. We don’t have all the technology and perfection required to get every single call spot on at the youth level. With that being said, referees are human and just like other people. Parents need to focus on cheering and supporting their kids and focusing on the game itself. The referees are there to make the game run, but lately parents seem to want to make the game about the refs. 

Since I was a kid, my parents have always respected referees, so I have followed suit. Other than the occasional “c’mon ref,” they don’t do too much. A “c’mon ref” is ok. What’s not ok is the screaming profanities, the inappropriate comments, and disrupting the flow of the game. My parents come to the game and cheer on my team. A bad call here and there goes unnoticed because the game is so fast and they make the game about us players. When parents stop worrying about the refs, the game flows and is a lot more enjoyable to watch. 

“Ref make the damn call!” Sometimes refs want to react, but they are told that is not their place. Solutions to this are hard to come by right now. For me one time out of all my times refereeing, an assignor came over and told the parent he needed to calm down or leave. That calmed the man down until the assignor was out of earshot, and then he was at it again. Parents are going to be parents, but they need to be better. 

Libraries necessary for free-flow of information

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by Marin Torres
Oconee High School

Every weekend my mom would make an effort to take my brothers and I to the library. I can only imagine what this looked like to other people. My mom would often bring a laundry basket filled to the brim with books, followed by three kids, all carrying books. The library played an integral role in my childhood and the childhood of many others.

In the current political climate, there have been efforts to defund government funding for libraries through budget cuts. According to PBS, the Missouri House voted to cut all funding for libraries in its version of the state’s annual budget. If this budget were to be passed, it would eliminate an estimated $4.5 million in funding for public libraries in Missouri. The state senate, however, rejected this budget and restored the library funds in the Missouri budget.

Although the budget for defunding the Missouri Library did not pass, the effort to defund public libraries still runs rampant. Lawmakers in Texas, Michigan, Iowa, and Indiana have all made the effort to try and defund their local libraries, whether that be through legislation, budget cuts, or lack of resources. 

Public libraries serve the public with unlimited books for both reading and research. Providing books free of charge can not only continually help underserved people, but can even foster a children’s love of reading. Libraries provide education and information to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status.

I had grown up at the library and I am a firm believer that the local library is what caused me to love reading. 

Ella Murrow, a resident of Watkinsville, Ga, recalls the library being one of the highlights of their childhood. “I remember loving the library and all the different kinds of activities they would hold,” they said, “when choosing books, it was like a choose your own adventure type of situation. There were endless opportunities of what books I could choose and what I wanted to read”

Accessible internet connection further continues to be a vital reason why libraries play an important role within communities. High speed internet access free of charge at libraries benefits students without access to the internet, families who do not have fast internet, and often, in rural areas, this can be the only source of internet for some people. This day in age, it is vital to have some sort of connection to the internet, and public libraries fill in this gap. 

According to a survey conducted by the Gates Foundation, nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older–roughly 77 million people–used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year. Moreover, overall, 44 percent of people living below the federal poverty line used computers and the Internet at their public libraries.

Ensuring that people have access to the internet within the community is crucial in making sure that people have the equal opportunity to succeed. Public libraries across the country provide the essential need for the internet especially within rural and underserved areas.

In addition to access to internet connection, libraries often hold community events which supply educational resources on the use of the internet. Technology-related services, projects, and programs are also available at libraries. 

At libraries, there is often a sense of community that cannot be replicated. Many local libraries serve as a community center, with free, or low, cost in-person clubs and events the community can attend. This could include children storytime, to family game nights. Students can study at libraries which provide quiet, safe study environments. 

According to UNESCO, 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills. Not having basic literacy skills as a kid, will only continue to harm them as they grow older. Not acquiring basic literacy skills can be due to many factors, but one of the underlying factors is poverty. 

For less fortunate families who do not have the resources for their children, libraries hold a tremendous role in ensuring that kids are experiencing the important use of how to read and write. Through having storytimes open for the public, as well crafts related to books, helps foster a love of literature for kids. 

Many memories of mine are at the library looking through the endless shelves of books. I am forever grateful that my parents made an effort to take my brothers and I to the local library. The library is one of the most important institutions in our country. Not only does the library provide people with accessible internet and tools to help them succeed with their career and livelihood, the library provides endless opportunities to children within the community.

Are Underage Drinkers More Prone to Risks Such as Developing a Substance Use Disorder?

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Photo Credits: Adam Wilson

by Jadyn Barrow
Druid Hills High School

Each day, more and more underage young adults continue to be involved with the use of alcohol, whether it was due to peer pressure, stress, or problems regarding mental health. With more involvement, this leads to a higher chance of developing a substance use disorder. According to American Addiction Centers, 9.7 million young adults from the ages of 18 to 25 dealt with a substance use disorder.

According to National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a factor of young adults developing a substance use disorder is that they are unaware of the potential risks. Some of the risks include changes in brain development, alcohol poisoning, long-term effects on heart, lungs, pancreas, and kidneys and increased deaths and injuries. If more young adults become aware of the risks that come from drinking early on, many instances of underage drinking could be prevented. 

One problem many young adults don’t realize is that their surroundings can have an influence on their decisions. In situations where everyone is drinking, it’s easy to fall under peer pressure and the drinking habits of others can impact the underage. According to Cleveland Clinic, a 5% increase in adult binge drinking leads to a 12% increase in the chances that the children or teenagers around them will drink. 

With that being said, whether it’s involving drinking or not, your surroundings and peers tend to hold an influence on you. 

Researchers said in the NIAAA, “Evidence suggests that the most reliable predictor of a youth’s drinking behavior is the drinking behavior of his or her friends. Many research–based interventions target the child’s relevant behavioral skills, such as his or her ability to react appropriately to peer pressure to drink, as well as his or her knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding alcohol use.”

Many health consequences come with underage drinking, and that can vary from poor health issues as severe as changes in brain developments. Because the brain continues to develop into your 20s, the use of alcohol before that can mess up the full development. According to the NIAAA, underage drinking can ruin the brain structure and functions, such as causing learning problems. Due to this, the brain wouldn’t be able to function properly compared to the brain of a young adult who didn’t participate in underage drinking.

Photo Credits: Robina Weermeijer

Along with physical effects, underage drinking affects the emotional and behavioral well-being of an individual as well. The National Library of Medicine stated that involvement with alcohol at a young age can cause low self-esteem, depression and suicide. And it’s more common for mental health problems to occur in those who use alcohol at a young age. 

Dr. Avani K. Patel, a psychiatry resident at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, told the American Medical Association, “It can also worsen your psychiatric disorders if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression,” or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she said. “It actually worsens PTSD and can be associated with other substance-use disorders, so you may pick up another substance to supplement what you’re already doing.”

Many people have different beliefs whether underage drinking is harmful to young adults or not. However, there are potential risks in underage drinking and it’s best to be aware before participating in such activities.

The Sound of Scandal: Cultural Impact of Celebrity Controversy  

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by Eliza Fox
Bethseda Chevy Chase High School

Can we still appreciate a masterpiece if its creator has committed disgraceful actions? I think that you can separate the art from the artist, appreciating their work doesn’t mean endorsing their behaviors. By drawing the line of separation we show our love for the art itself, not the creators personal beliefs.  

Kanye West, a well known rapper and producer is well known for his groundbreaking music and his controversial statements. In 2013 he made an appearance on the Breakfast Club, a New York radio show. When being interviewed he made an inappropriate antisemitic remark. 

Artists are still receiving the money, so stopping listening to an artist’s music is stopping yourself from listening to music you like. I do not support buying merch or going to concerts but I don’t believe that listening to the music for your own pleasure is wrong.

“Black people don’t have the same level of connections as Jewish people. Black people don’t have the same connections as oil people,” West said. “You know we don’t know nobody that got a nice house. You know we don’t know nobody with paper like that, that we can go to when we’re down.” 

I am Jewish, and my culture is very important to me. There have always been terrible stereotypes of Jewish people. They portray them as greedy or controlling. The stereotypes are not only hurtful but are also extremely discriminatory and affect how comfortable people are expressing their culture without getting hate. 

Celebrities often have a strong influence on their fans, particularly uneducated individuals who admire them. Some West fans adopted his views. 

On October 29, 2022 after the Florida-Georgia game, an individual projected a statement on the screen expressing their agreement with Kanye West’s anti-Semitic remarks, sparking a troubling wave of hateful comments. 

The Rolling Stone explains the numerous comments that West has made. From 2016 to 2024 Kanye West has made many comments that are not okay. These instances show a pattern of hate speech. West has quite a record of absurd comments. Although he suffers from Bipolar disorder it does not excuse his actions. 

West is not the only artist who has said controversial things, famous country artist Morgan Wallen has been arrested twice for reckless endangerment and arrested on public intoxication/disorderly conduct. According to People magazine, Wallen used racial slurs and had to publicly acknowledge and take full responsibility for his words. 

Wallen’s removal from Saturday Night Live serves as a key example of the consequences regarding his actions. His use of a racial slur led to quick repercussions, as society stood up against him. This is a great example of the importance of holding famous figures accountable.

West and Wallen are just two out of many artists that have done something wrong. I picked them as I enjoy both of their music. Although I do not believe what so ever with their words or actions. While still enjoying their music, it is crucial to acknowledge and remember their wrongdoing. As fans, it is important to still hold them accountable for their actions, it ensures that our appreciation for their talent doesn’t overthrow our core principles.

Is the movie industry slowly killing actors?

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by Ashley Burroughs
Arabia Mountain High School

On March 17, 2024 the documentary series “Quiet On Set:The Dark Side of Kids TV” came out and unveiled many  shocking truths of the entertainment industry. Children who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s were hooked on  Nickelodeon, watching lighthearted shows that were filmed for kids and starred  kids. The documentary uncovered stories of workplace harassment that were both shocking and  heartbreaking to hear. 

Familiar stars like Drake Bell spoke out about the harassment that he faced when working with Nickelodeon show “Drake & Josh ” from 2004-2007. In particular, Bell discusses how his dialogue coach Brian Peck abused his power as an adult, leading to the actor having to go to court and speak out against him.

According to an article in EW, Bell’s father and manager, Joe Bell, immediately felt that something was off with Peck. “I started to see Brian just start to hang around Drake too much, and it didn’t sit well with me.Drake would be in the dressing room or something, and in would pop Brian, and just touch Drake, you know, do things that, wait a second. What are you doing? Drake can put that on himself.”

“The thing is, this is in front of people,” Bell said. “Then he’d maybe walk over to Drake and be feeding him some lines or whatever, and put his arm around his waist. Put his hand up on his shoulder, and kinda run it down his arm, and things like that. And this would happen routinely. It was just always uncomfortable.”

Another workplace stress impacting young actors is the intense demand placed on them to be in character. Heath Ledger, who played the Joker in the 2008 The Dark Knight movie, ultimately died of an overdose.dRumors immediately circulated that his drug addiction was fueled by his attempts to try to get into the character of the Joker. 

Although these rumors have been refuted by his family, Ledger was open about the difficulties he had getting into character — a “psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy.” According to the UK Treatment Centre, “Ledger isolated himself for weeks to prepare for the role, delving into the character’s twisted mind. He famously kept a diary where he noted the Joker’s thoughts and feelings, helping him to embody the character’s anarchic spirit fully. This method-acting approach allowed Ledger to bring a level of detail and nuance to the unprecedented role. His Joker was not just a villain; he was a portrayal of chaos and unpredictability, a character with depth, intelligence and a disturbing sense of humor.

The movie industry pressures actors and makes actors believe that “it’s all or nothing” so the actors will do anything, even enduring abuse or adopting dangerous habits to play a role perfectly. If the industry doesn’t make changes to protect young actors at the start of their career, they will cause irreparable damage to not only the children they are supposed to support, but also the industry as a whole.

In the spotlight

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by Eliza Fox
Bethesda Chevy Chase High School

You’re on the starting block, with thousands watching you in person and millions watching you on live TV. One millisecond. That’s what can separate you from the athlete next to you, from giving you a chance to fulfill your dream of competing in the Olympics. The pressure is intense. 

Photo by Bradly Steiner

How should you cope with this?

Treat it like any other race.

“The best thing you can do is to not make it a bigger deal than it is,” said Coach Blanken, Bethesda Chevy Chase, ASA and River Falls swim coach. “Because at the end of the day — whether it’s a 50 freestyle or 200 backstroke —, it’s the same [event] that you did, and you know, even if it was two years ago, it’s the same swim from the last time. It’s just a different pool under a different set of lights, but the actual activity is the same. So treat it that way.”

Ranked first in the class of 2026 in Maryland, 16 year-old Virginia Hinds, secured her place in this week’s Olympic trials with a time of 2:13.14 in the 200 backstroke. Hinds swims for the ASA (All Star Aquatics), Bethesda Chevy Chase’s Varsity team, as well as CCRA. 

The trials are a big event on the swimming schedule and attract big TV audiences. Despite her young age, Hinds seems to be heeding her coach’s advice and taking the pressure and attention in stride. 

“There’s a good amount of pressure sometimes but for me I just try to not think about the pressure and have fun,” Hinds said. “At the end of the day, as long as I’m having fun and happy with my races that’s all that matters to me.”

Hinds is following closely in the footsteps of Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky. Both are determined and hard working swimmers who hold many swimming records. Hinds spends the majority of her time in the water, and started swimming because of her older sister, Clara. 

“I’ve looked up to my sister mainly because she is the reason I started swimming and is always my biggest supporter,” Hinds said. 

Maryland Olympic swimmers Phoebe Bacon and Katie Ledecky swam at the same Stone Ridge Pool where Hinds currently trains. Bacon and Ledecky began their remarkable journeys to Olympic success at the Stone Ridge pool, a hot spot of Maryland talent. The state’s strong swimming community and facilities have provided an essential platform for swimmers to develop their skills and move to competing in the US Olympic trials.

Kristinia Lennox swam for Puerto Rico in the 2008 Olympics. Lennox coached GDS High School, NCAP Gold lll as well as the Somerset Dolphins, coaching many swimmers keeping Maryland swimming strong. She was 23 years old when she swam in the Olympics held in Beijing.

Photo by Bradly Steiner

“[Even though] the people are from different nations, the language is the same,” Lennox said. “We all knew how to get up on blocks, set up and go. That’s universal, but it’s just different and definitely very intimidating.”  

A former Spanish swimmer Dario Fuentes agreed the pressure around swimming is very intense. As there is a lot of tension within each swimmer. 

“We trained for four years to reach our goal that may be decided in less than a minute race,” Fuentes said.

Although Hinds just missed qualifying for the Olympics in 2024, Blanken is proud of his swimmer. “It’s just an unbelievable accomplishment,” he said of her 5th place finish. “And it’s one that she’ll have with her forever. She is in a very, very small group of people that can say that they got that far, it’s very difficult to make. So it’s really cool to see.”

Behind the Scenes of the Dance World

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by Avery Staus
The Walker School

Growing up as a competitive dancer, I have struggled with my confidence and self image. I am always striving to be a better dancer, comparing myself to others, constantly feeling judged and never truly satisfied with my progress. I used to fear forgetting choreography or costumes as I didn’t want to disappoint my teachers, friends or parents. 

However, after spending hours of each day at my second home, Rhythm Dance Center, I have found supportive friends and teachers who desire nothing more than to see me succeed and I have broken outside of my comfort zone. There is no better feeling than cheering your team on, crying during a heartbreaking moment or laughing uncontrollably over

each other’s jokes. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most dancers.

A 2023 study by the National Library of Medicine states, “One in five (20.8%) dancers had at least moderate symptoms of either depression, generalized anxiety disorder or eating disorders.”

Dancers struggle with poor body image and mental health due to many factors. A typical dance studio layout includes floor to ceiling length mirrors and ballet barres. A 2023 study at Santa Clara University states that mirrors can be beneficial for fixing technique, but they also lead to constant self-criticism and obsession over small details. 

While taking a typical ballet class, teachers survey the room, adjusting placement and giving dancers helpful critiques or positive reinforcement. However, comments such as, “I can see your lunch” or “tuck in your stomach” can cause students to develop unhealthy relationships with food. Dancers may even be punished if their bodies do not comply with the “ideal” dancer body. 

Specifically in the competition world, it is common to see young dancers wear revealing costumes consisting of booty shorts, bra tops and large cutouts. There is a wide range of sexualization at dance competitions, and few studios have policies requiring “age appropriate” costumes, themes and music. 

The dance world is competitive, elitist and intense. However, social media has helped change unrealistic beauty standards for dancers, and the industry has started taking action towards more inclusivity. Although many studios and teachers are trying to correct their traditional ways, there is still an immense amount of progress to be made. 

Dance is a beautiful art form and way of expression, and it should be an opportunity for escaping stress, not creating stress.

Surgeon General Takes Stand on Social Media 

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by Grace Bennett
Oxbridge Academy

Social media is a dominating factor in people’s lives, especially teenagers. This domination has sparked the debate on whether social media should bear warning symbols like those on drugs and alcohol. 

“The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency — and social media has emerged as an important contributor,” Surgeon General Vivek Murthy wrote in a guest editorial in The New York Times.

Murthy feels strongly that social media is just as harmful to children as drugs and alcohol; he demands they be labeled and placed in the same category. Murthy presented his case to Congress with a firm belief that they must protect the children of America. 

Graph from JAMA

 According to a CNN article, Murthy said, “The threat social media poses to children requires urgent action,” and he demanded Congress to put a label on the apps as it does with cigarettes and alcohol.

Murthy cited multiple studies showing that the more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to deal with depression. Murthy is passionate about warning parents of their child’s struggles due to social media. 

Murthy is not the only figure who believes social media is an epidemic for children in America right now. Sandy Hook Promise CEO Nicole Hockley, who successfully won a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against social media conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, also supports a warning label. “Young people are biologically more vulnerable to social media influencers and advertising, and more likely to engage in impulsive and risky behavior.” 

“We stand with the US Surgeon General on requesting a warning label and demand bipartisan action to regulate the content that youth under age 18 are exposed to online,” she said in an interview with Mother Jones. 

Social media has been a topic of discussion for decades now. Doctors are not the only people who feel it negatively affects children. Monis Alam, a social media expert with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, said it is designed to be addictive. 

“As social media experts, we focus and obsess over our audience, crafting stories and chasing viral content for engagement. It is safe to say that we must protect our youth against marketing tactics whose sole goal is influencing them to engage and transact.”

Catherine Bennet, a teenager’s parent, said she shares people’s concerns about social media’s impact on children. “As a parent, I’m deeply troubled by the data on the effects of social media on kids and teenagers. I support the Surgeon General’s call for warning labels on social media platforms — and tools parents and educators can use to help protect kids’ privacy, safety, and mental health, which is helpful.”

After the many news reports and evidence presented by the Surgeon General and others, it is apparent that social media will create a more considerable downfall if warnings are not implemented soon. Parents and educators must be made aware of the issues presented to Congress. Murthy is confident legislators will pass bills, and the children of America will be protected. 

Photo from ABC12

“I put forward this call for a warning because I think it’s essential that parents know what we now know,” he said, “which is that there are significant harms associated with social media use.”

It’s my body, but is it still my choice in Florida?

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Grace Bennett
Oxbridge Academy

Governor Ron Desantis’s enactment of a restrictive six-week abortion law in Florida represents a profoundly misguided and unjust intrusion on women’s rights as well as healthcare decisions.

In an associated press article, Kamala Harris said, “As of this morning, 4 million women in this state woke up with fewer reproductive freedoms than they had last night.”

On the morning of May First, 2024, women in Flordia woke up to a soul-crushing reality. The enacted bill, making abortion illegal after six weeks, stripped women of their ability to decide about their pregnancies before they were even aware of them. 

Statistics have shown that most women are unaware of their pregnancy before or at six weeks, making termination nearly impossible. According to Ansirh, one in three people discover pregnancy at six weeks or later, and about one in five discover pregnancy past seven weeks. Almost two in three people aged 15-19 discover pregnancy at six weeks or later.

In Florida, it seems as if all odds are against women in this category; it is not just a matter of the violation of women’s rights; it is also a diminishment of healthcare opportunities for pregnant women. In an associated press article, Roberts said, “We’re coming in between them and their doctors and preventing them from getting care until it’s saving their lives, sometimes at the expense of their fertility.” 

“As a girl growing up in a fast-paced environment, I am worried about sharing special moments with a significant other because I am no longer able to choose what happens with my body if I end up pregnant.” Said a high school student in Florida.

Even though I haven’t experienced this tragedy, I am a 15-year-old girl living in Florida; my peers and I can get pregnant or be victims of sexual assault. It is safe to say we now live in fear; it has ruined intimate moments for us and made us feel anger toward our bodies and resentment towards those around us. Banning abortion is not just a political argument; it is an emotional battle that affects all women around the country in all ways, whether that be emotional, physical, or anything in between. 

“The taking of a life is murder, and it is illegal.”According to Danny McCormick, 

The abortion ban runs deeper than just a political stance, more than a “preference;” it is a life-altering and heartbreaking reality only women are left to face. Men can and have been imposing this decision on women across the country now more than ever; they determine the fate of our bodies. 

Why is a 45-year-old man, oblivious of female reproductive systems and women’s personal lives, able to dictate what happens to me and others like me, disregarding our age, ability, and feelings about pregnancy?

Knowing I have minimal standing in the fight for women’s rights, I write this in hopes of educating anyone I can about the decisions that the wrong people are making; men should not be the dictator of any woman’s body. Growing up in this day, especially in the South, is frightening; it affects more than just the impregnated women; it affects doctors, young girls being scared to have intimate moments, healthcare providers, and more. Hopefully, the Nov. ballot will dissolve the six-week ban, and if it does, the fight is still not over for women in the South.

Is The $16 Movie Ticket Worth It?

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by Kira Taylor
Woodward Academy

Imagine this: A new movie that you have been waiting on for months comes out today on both Netflix and the movie theaters. Are you buying a ticket to the cinema, or are you chilling in bed with your dog and watching it at home?

It seems that nowadays, more people are choosing the latter option and it is upsetting those who adore the magic of the cinema.

CEO of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, encourages watching movies outside of the cinema. Even saying that big blockbuster movies would be enjoyed just as much on streaming as in the theaters.

Because of the effects of the global pandemic, less and less people have been wanting to enjoy new movies in the movie theaters and are instead choosing to save money, and watch movies at home instead.

55 year old Atlanta police officer, Michael Porter, used to go to the movies almost weekly as a young adult, but now he finds himself never compelled enough to drive to the cinema.

“I just don’t think that the movies they make now make me want to go,” Porter says.

Many believe that movies simply aren’t worth it anymore. Given that before the pandemic, there were so many box office hits such as Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame” and many iconic Star Wars movies. Now, it is hard to feel excitement for movies now in comparison.  

Not only are people not going for this reason, but there is the aspect of money involved too.  People are no longer willing to spend money on overpriced movie tickets.

“After Covid, the thought of paying almost $20 to go to the movies when I could just watch it at home is incredibly unappealing,” Porter says. 

Even with the many downsides of going to the cinema nowadays, the experience of watching a film in HD on a 50 foot screen is incomparable. 

“The crowd, the atmosphere and the experience will turn a film into an experience,” says Daniel McCall, a 17 year old film lover advocating for the importance of cinemas.

Many of the most iconic movies to ever grace a screen have been so special to many people because of the experience they had with it in the cinema.

Christopher Nolan’s 2023 box office hit, “Oppenheimer” for example, is a film that many have fond experiences with in the cinema. The film contains incredible shots and a captivating score that can only be fully experienced on the big screen, according to Nolan.

McCall recollects many movies that he watched at home during the pandemic that he wishes he had the privilege to watch at his local cinema.

“The magic of film stopped when the world did,” McCall says, referring to the global pandemic.

Even though movie theaters are notoriously overpriced and the quality of movies are seemingly at a decline in the past decade, the experience of the cinema is something that should be forever cherished.

“The experience of the cinema is priceless,” McCall says.