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YOUTH ARE AWESOME

Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth. YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them. Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.

Any views or opinions expressed on this blog belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people or organizations that the blog may be associated with, unless explicitly stated. All content is for informational purposes only.

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Section 15 Equality: Real Victories, Our Call to Action

Natania Varghese
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Section 15 Equality: Real Victories, Our Call to Action

Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enacted in 1982, guarantees equal protection under the law, prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or analogous grounds like citizenship. In 2025, it stands as a powerful tool for Canadian youth to dismantle systemic barriers. Delwin Vriend, Robin Eldridge and Linda Warren, and Mark Andrews—real individuals with documented legal wins—have demonstrated its strength. Their stories, rooted in court rulings and reported by credible news outlets, provide a foundation for change. This article showcases their successes and calls on young Canadians to harness Section 15 to fuel an equality movement.

Delwin Vriend, an Edmonton lab instructor, faced discrimination in 1991. Employed at The King’s University College, he was fired on February 28, 1991, after disclosing his sexual orientation, as the college’s religious policy banned homosexuality. Alberta’s human rights legislation at the time excluded sexual orientation from protection. Mr. Vriend challenged this gap, taking his case to the Supreme Court of Canada under Section 15. On April 2, 1998, the Court ruled in Vriend v. Alberta that excluding sexual orientation violated equality rights, forcing Alberta to amend its laws. Mr. Vriend told The Globe and Mail: “I lost my job, but I gained a country.” A 2023 Edmonton Journal article revisited its 25-year legacy, affirming its ongoing relevance.

Robin Eldridge and Linda Warren, deaf residents of British Columbia, fought for accessibility in 1992. Ms. Eldridge, then 34, and Ms. Warren, 42, sought medical care but faced barriers because B.C.’s Medical Services Plan did not fund sign language interpreters, unlike services for hearing patients. Represented alongside John and Linda Warren (a deaf couple), they argued this violated Section 15’s protection against disability discrimination. After losing at lower courts, they appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada. On October 9, 1997, the Court ruled in *Eldridge v. British Columbia (Attorney General)* that the province must provide interpreters, a decision hailed as a disability rights milestone. Ms. Eldridge told The Vancouver Sun: “This is about being treated equally.” A 2021 CBC News feature on disability rights highlighted its impact.

Mark Andrews, a British lawyer and permanent resident in British Columbia, battled exclusion in 1985. Having moved to Canada in 1976, he applied to join the Law Society of British Columbia in 1985 but was denied because he wasn’t a Canadian citizen, a requirement under the *Barristers and Solicitors Act*. Mr. Andrews challenged this under Section 15, effective that year. On February 10, 1989, the Supreme Court ruled in *Andrews v. Law Society of British Columbia* that citizenship was an analogous ground for protection, overturning the restriction. This foundational case, cited in a 2019 CBC News retrospective on Charter milestones, expanded opportunities for immigrants.

These triumphs are undeniable. Mr. Vriend’s legislative reform, Ms. Eldridge and Ms. Warren’s accessibility win, and Mr. Andrews’ precedent affirm Section 15’s reach. Institutions often defend exclusions as practical, but these rulings prove discrimination is indefensible. These individuals turned personal challenges into systemic shifts.

In 2025, their victories demand more than admiration—they demand action. Imagine a generation seizing Section 15 as Mr. Vriend did, rewriting rules that silence us; as Ms. Eldridge and Ms. Warren did, ensuring no one’s left unheard; as Mr. Andrews did, opening doors once locked tight. Toronto’s “S. 15 March” on November 15, 2025, isn’t just a protest—it’s a promise of equitable schools, backed by youth resolve. With legal aid at our fingertips, youth networks guiding us, and smartphones documenting every injustice, we hold the power to echo their wins and outdo them. Mr. Vriend, Ms. Eldridge, Ms. Warren, and Mr. Andrews fought for their rights—and ours. Section 15 is our inheritance; let’s wield it to build a Canada where equality isn’t a battle, but a birthright.

Huxley’s Brave New World: The Ultimate Thematic Guide

Jeanne Y
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Huxley’s Brave New World: The Ultimate Thematic Guide

 

The pleasure cube experiment was the topic of one of my blog posts about a year ago, but in case you didn’t catch that, it’s a thought experiment centered around a single question: if you could choose to be happy forever and never feel any semblance of negative emotion, would you?

Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, explores this idea on a larger scale. Despite coming from the early 1920s, its relevance and main themes seem especially important in the current age where we rely heavily on technology in our day to day.

Plot Summary

The story follows the main character Bernard Marx, an outcast in a society where everyone is genetically engineered to love their work and stay happy. There are no families, strong attachments, feelings, or biological children; the World State has hormone treatments and a soma drug that is designed to make them feel happy. The other characters in the society somewhat mock Bernard because of his physical stature, despite his place in the highest caste, and Bernard feels unsatisfied with this society as a result.

Bernard goes on a visit to a “Savage Reservation”, a place that has not been overtaken by the World State. Here he meets John, the unexpected son of the Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning (DHC), who was raised in a place where none of the technology of the World State exists. Initially John is excited to visit this place that he has been raised to idolize. Once he gets to the World State, he realizes its many flaws.

Thematic Elements

The part that makes Brave New World such a masterpiece is its falling action, where John discusses the values of beauty and depth in the modern world with the World Controller (the “big boss”) Mustapha Mond. Not only does it lay out the themes of the book clearly and plainly, but it also provides what most dystopian books don’t: the chapter provides an argument for the dystopian world. The author’s tone remains clinical and analytical during the entire novel, and this dissection of philosophical values is no exception.

The Infinite Pursuit of Happiness

The easiest theme to identify in this novel is the pursuit of happiness; the characters strive constantly to be happier and remain happier. Entertainment and consumption drive the society, which pushes both industries to invent endlessly and create ideas out of virtually nothing. The industries barely have anything to work off of, since the society has no experience or understanding of struggling or sadness, so they rely on the instantly gratifying pleasures of promiscuity. Whenever the citizens feel any semblance of negative emotion or deeper thought, they take the drug soma, which induces a happy delusion. The citizens are reminded over and over again that “everyone is happy now.”

However, this happiness comes at a steep cost. It has its roots in superficial connections and short-term instant pleasures, which ultimately results in a lack of deep thought in the majority of the entire society. The citizens, although with great ease, skip over everything unpleasant in their lives by drugging themselves over it. The possibility of rejection, feeling anticipation, anger… just take soma. John describes it as a poison, and suggests that those who use it are imprisoning themselves. Which takes me to my next point.

Freedom of Thought and Action

Although the characters are technically allowed to have freedom of thought and action, in reality they don’t. Soma essentially drugs them into an apathetic haze of happiness and pleasure, and they are encouraged to take it when they think anything that deviates from the societal standards of chasing instant gratification. This numbs all deep or creative thought; all citizens are unconsciously controlled to avoid thinking of depth and beauty.

Additionally, the people are “conditioned” from before they are decanted (children were not born but were grown from bottles) based on their predetermined roles in society. They are taught to associate pain with underconsumption and inefficiency, and death with chocolate eclairs. This process expedites the thought control of the society from the fetal stage; ideas that seem “natural” to the people are really just instilled by the government. The people are also given moral values in their sleep, a practice named hypnopaedia, to create communal agreement with the upper powers. Even their stigmas are conditioned.

Loss of thought results in a loss of action. But since the citizens are happy about their loss of thought, they don’t care that they are essentially being “imprisoned” and choose not to take action. This is how the government controls the society.

Commitment to Ideals

This theme is more of a subtle topic than a theme, but is found throughout the novel and the character development of both Bernard and John. They appear to have the same values of honour and valor and depth and beauty, but do they really? And is a value really a value if the individual that holds it has contradicting actions?

This is explored in the novel when Bernard, who at first and in theory, wishes the society to change because he thinks that the people treat each other like meat. He has grandiose ideas of depth and true emotion, showing relative commitment to these ideas when he doesn’t take threats from upper powers seriously. When these upper powers act upon their threats however, Bernard shows his true colors and panics. He doesn’t appear to be as flippant and apathetic to the technologies of the World State when he is presented with the threat of exile.

In contrast, John carries his relatively primitive views of how society should function, and continues to stick to them even when he is pressured and isolated from multiple societies. Even when presented with his most grandiose desires, he resists because he is completely committed to his values. But because of this constant pressure, he is eventually forced to give in.

All this ultimately to mean that the author’s message on an individual’s commitment to their values can often bend or snap when put under societal pressure for long enough.

The Significance of Brave New World

Huxley’s Brave New World is ultimately revered because it brings up a number of questions about the human condition, and how we handle BOTH the development AND the applications of new technologies. These include:

  1. Should the development of science and technology be controlled?
  2. How can we push the limits of human behavior control and psychology? Should we?
  3. Is it selfish to want pain and suffering, primarily in the less fortunate, to create the possibility of the existence of depth and beauty?
  4. Is it wrong to want universal happiness, efficiency, and peace at the cost of consciousness, internal freedom, and deep emotion?
  5. What is the real definition of happiness? Does it differ from complacency or denial?

TL;DR

Brave New World is a philosophical dystopian story that explores the ideas of true human existence, the meaning of happiness, and the dangers or pleasures of developing technology and behavior. It provides extensive food for thought!

Is Multitasking a Myth? How Your Brain Actually Switches Gears

Daniella
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Is Multitasking a Myth? How Your Brain Actually Switches Gears

We live in a world that celebrates multitasking. People brag about answering emails during meetings or studying while watching TV. It feels productive–like you’re squeezing more into your day. But here’s the truth: your brain doesn’t multitask like you think.

But here’s the thing: multitasking, as most people imagine, doesn’t really exist. What we usually do is something called task-switching. That means the brain quickly shifts focus from one thing to another, back and forth. However, each switch takes time and mental energy. It slows you down, making you more likely to make mistakes.

 

So What’s Going On in Your Brain?

When you shift from one task to another, your brain doesn’t instantly adapt. It takes time to ‘change gears’, to refocus, redirect attention, and suppress irrelevant thoughts. This process taps into your executive functions, which are handled by the prefrontal cortex, located just behind your forehead.

Executive functions are like your brain’s CEO. They help you concentrate, plan, control impulses, and juggle mental tasks. But CEOS aren’t meant to do manual labour, and multitasking is exhausting for this system. Instead of smoothly blending tasks, your brain is essentially turning one off, then turning another on. Over and over and over.

 

The Multitasking Myth

Multitasking feels good because it gives the illusion of productivity. Checking off more items faster. Staying ‘connected’. Doing it all. But feeling busy isn’t the same as being productive.

In fact, heavy multitaskers often perform worse on memory and attention tasks. A 2009 Stanford study found that people who regularly juggle multiple streams of information were less able to filter distractions and took longer to switch between tasks. Even when they weren’t multitasking, they struggled to stay focused.

So why do we keep doing it? Because dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, spikes when we respond to new stimuli. A text. A notification. A fresh scroll. It feels rewarding, even if we’re really just jumping from distraction to distraction.

 

Impacts

In school or work, multitasking leads to shallower learning. You might complete your homework while half-watching YouTube, but you’re less likely to retain what you learned. Students who use laptops to multitask during lectures perform worse on tests, even when they thought they were paying attention.

It’s not just academics. The most dangerous example of multitasking is texting and driving. Research has shown impaired reaction times as bad as drunk driving. That’s how serious switching costs can become when focus is critical.

 

Exceptions?

Sure, but it’s limited. Your brain can handle multitasking if one of the tasks is automatic. Walking while talking. Folding laundry while listening to music. However, if both tasks need active thinking, focus, or memory? The quality of both drops. Even so-called “super-taskers”, the rare people who show no measurable drop in multitasking performance, aren’t immune to cognitive fatigue. For most, trying to do two mental tasks at once means doing both worse.

 

Breaking the Habit

The brain loves single-tasking. When you focus deeply on one thing, your mental clarity improves. You remember more. You feel less stressed. You enter what’s known as a flow state, where work feels smooth and even enjoyable. So let’s start small:

  • Work in distraction-free sprints
  • Keep your phone out of reach or out of sight
  • Try tools like the Pomodoro technique: work then rest
  • Group similar tasks together (batch emails, study, then scroll)

 

Multitasking might feel like a modern skill when in reality, focus is the real superpower.

 

Sources

USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge

Jianna H
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USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge

Sound Familiar?

Deja vu is sweeping across social media users as the new face of the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge has arisen, this time with a focus on mental health. Students from the University of South Carolina’s Mind (Mental Illness Needs Discussion) club have revamped the challenge nearly a decade later in hopes of raising awareness and money for mental health activism, and detigmatizing speaking up about mental health issues on online platforms.

A Chilly Challenge

Club Founder, Wade Jefferson, founded the MIND club after 2 of his friends sadly passed away due to mental health issues. While initially the challenge was meant to stay confined to just the USC campus, people from across the globe are participating, even garnering the attention from celebrities and influencers such as Peyton Manning and James Charles. Participants of the challenge pour buckets of ice-cold water over themselves and nominate friends to carry on the challenge and continue to spread the message. Originally, the goal was to raise $500 for the non-profit organization Active Minds, but since Friday, April 18, it has surpassed $ 100,000 raised.

Other Ways To Help

As much as it is fun and entertaining to watch your friends get ice-cold water dumped on them, it is also important to keep in mind the message and purpose of the trend. Mental health is a serious issue that affects 1 in 5 Canadians, and approximately 67,000 deaths in Canada are attributed to mental health issues.

The main goal for the Speak Your Mind Challenge is to start a conversation about mental health issues, which we can do by sharing information about mental health and dispelling rumours and myths to destigmatize negativity surrounding it. Additionally, it is important to check in with your friends and people in your community and be ready to help someone or even just listen when they’re in need. But most importantly, also focusing on self-care, and knowing when and who you can reach out to when YOU need help or someone to lean on.

If you ever need to talk to someone or if you or someone you know is facing a mental health emergency, you can call or text 9-8-8

TL;DR

The USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge has taken the internet by storm and has inspired thousands of people to douse themselves in frigid water to raise awareness for Mental Health.

Resources:

1, 2, 3

Create Your Own Lava Lamp: A Fun DIY Experiment

Elizabeth Aluko
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Create Your Own Lava Lamp: A Fun DIY Experiment

Remember the mesmerizing glow and soothing motion of lava lamps? While they might feel like a retro relic from the ’70s, they’re still a favorite for creating a little magic at home. The good news? You don’t need to buy one—you can make your very own with just a few simple materials and steps!

Not only is this DIY lava lamp an exciting activity, but it’s also a great way to explore the principles of density and chemical reactions. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need:

  • A clear jar or bottle (any size works, but transparent is key)
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil
  • Food coloring (pick your favorite color!)
  • Effervescent tablets (like Alka-Seltzer)
  • A flashlight (optional, for extra effect)

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Set the Stage: Start with your clear container. This will be the “lamp” where all the action happens. Make sure it’s clean and transparent for the best visual effect.
  2. Add Oil and Water: Pour vegetable oil into the container, filling it about three-quarters of the way. Next, add water until the container is nearly full, leaving some space at the top. You’ll notice the water sinks below the oil—a cool first glimpse at the science of density. Water is denser than oil, which is why they separate.
  3. Add Some Color: Choose your favorite food coloring and add about 5-10 drops to the mixture. The droplets will pass through the oil and mix with the water layer below, creating vibrant pockets of color.
  4. Activate the Lava: Break and an Alka-Seltzer tablet into smaller pieces. Drop one piece into the container and watch the magic unfold! The tablet reacts with the water, creating carbon dioxide gas bubbles. These bubbles carry the colored water upward through the oil, creating that iconic lava lamp motion. When the bubbles pop at the surface, the water sinks back down.
  5. Keep It Glowing: Want to take it up a notch? Place a flashlight or small lamp beneath the container for a glowing, illuminated effect. This is perfect for a cozy, magical vibe in a dark room.

The Science Behind the Scene

This DIY lava lamp works because of two main principles: density and chemical reactions. The density difference between water and oil ensures they don’t mix, while the effervescent tablet reacts with water to produce gas. The rising bubbles are what give it that fun, groovy effect!

An abstract painting with yellow and blue colors photo - Image on Unsplash
Image taken by Lanju Fotografie

Tips and Tricks:

  • You can use different food coloring combinations to create unique effects.
  • Want the lava to last longer? Use smaller pieces of the tablet and add them one at a time.
  • To make it even more interactive, experiment with different containers and observe how their shape changes the motion of the bubbles.

Making a lava lamp is easy, fun, and a great hands-on way to explore basic science concepts. Whether you’re doing this as a family project, for a classroom activity, or to add a cool décor piece to your space, this DIY experiment will surely light up your day—literally! ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵

Tariffs On Penguins?? Trump’s Tariff War

Crystal Lattice
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Tariffs On Penguins?? Trump’s Tariff War

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump returned to the US oval office. Since long before his return, he promised to implement tariffs into many countries. It is currently mid April and there has been a vast amount of fluctuations in the world’s economy. Beginning with Canada and Mexico with a 25% tariff each, Trump began his journey into enforcing taxes on imports and exports of other countries, just for the benefit of his own. Afterwards, Trump would place tariffs across every continent, including Antarctica, where there is only penguins. As of right now, a 90-day tariff pause is in effect for reasons that will be explored later. Let us take advantage of this pause to recap exactly what just happened.

 

1. The Tariff equation

Before we explore anything, we should understand exactly how tariffs are decided. Tariffs are not just random percentages that imports and exports are being taxed with. There is an actual tariff equation that the official finance ministers use to set the necessary percentages. For simplicity, we will only explore how the equation works. However, if you choose to see the equation for yourself, click here.

The equation works with subtracting the imports from the exports, and dividing that by constant A × constant B × the imports. In an equation format, it looks like (exports – imports) / (A × B × imports). This tariff equation is used for every country that Trump wishes to place tariffs on. Note that imports and exports are real data and will vary between countries. That is where the different tariff percentages come from.

While that answers how they are calculated, it is still unanswered why certain tariffs are super high. That is where the constants A and B come in. In the case of many countries, research discovered that trump set the A and B values as 4 and 0.25, respectively. Recall the equation format and if you multiply 4 × 0.25 in your calculator, you will realize that the constants multiply into 1, and any number multiplied into 1 gives the same number. With those parameters, the equation is truly (exports – imports) / imports. Remember, those constants could change, but for most countries recently, A × B is just 1.

Example of weird equation
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

2. The Tariff Numbers

Now that we understand how the equation works, let’s dive into the actual percentages, as well as the trend. In the real world, tariffs are usually placed on certain resources (ex: electricity, coal, agriculture). To give concise information, however, only the percentages will be discussed here and not what they’re placed on.

Initially, 25% tariffs were placed on Canada and Mexico, as well as 10% on China. Short after, Canada and Mexico offered appeasement to Trump so they were provided a 30-day pause. After the pause, China was hit with an increase to 20% tariffs and many other countries have already experienced tariffs. All of the affected countries became furious (since everything costs more so economies are experiencing recessions) and so they hit the US back with tariffs. Trump responds with “reciprocal tariffs” where he increases the tariffs for every country. Now, Trump had just announced the 90-day pause where every country – except China – experiences the baseline 10% tariffs.

Three interesting notes are that Trump’s China tariffs continuously increased. They currently have 145% tariffs, which means that products in China now cost around 2.5 times more than normal. Second, Trump also put tariffs on Antarctica, where there are only penguins. Lastly, Russia is not on Trump’s tariff list. It has been revealed that ending Russia’s war is a top priority and Trump threatened Putin to ceasefire or face 50% tariffs. There are potentially other reasons to their omission, including the fact that US sanctions are currently in Russia.

Chart
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

3. The World’s Response

Of course, every country is not happy with Trump’s tariffs. By making select resources from the US cost more, recessions are happening all around the world. Trump hits many countries with tariffs and those countries are fighting back with their own tariffs. Thus, this is the tariff war at its finest and Trump’s unpredictable actions make it difficult to foresee what is next.

However, now more than ever, there are unlikely alliances forming around the world, as an effort to fight against Trump’s tariffs. The most unlikely one would have to be between Japan, China, and South Korea, despite their historical opposition. At this point, it is clear that there is an international response, and alliances like that can exert international influence.

As a matter of fact, Trump’s 90-day pause is said to be the result of these international works. The overwhelming responses from countries may be the reason why Trump is now holding back; that this pause would not only provide relief, but allow the US economy to rebuild a bit. By leaving China with 145% tariffs instead of the baseline 10%, Trump can now only focus on China while preparing for what shall come next in this tariff war.

USA - America trade duties
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Penguins
Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay                 (Save the penguins!)

 

 

 

 

 

TL;DR

Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025. Since then, he has forced tariffs on many countries. The world is not happy and fights back with tariffs against the US. Due to overwhelming responses, a 90-day pause has been called. Currently, all affected countries are in a baseline of 10% tariffs, except China, who has a 145% tariff instead. Trump’s tariff war unfortunately extends to Antarctica, where there are only penguins.

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6

The USC Ice Bucket Challenge: What is it and why do I keep seeing it?

Diya K
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The USC Ice Bucket Challenge: What is it and why do I keep seeing it?

The USC Ice Bucket Challenge has returned to rapidly spread across social media once again. Each and every day for the past week, my instagram has been bombarded with people being drenched in water and nominated others to take part in the same? But what does this all mean? Let’s “drench” ourselves in this new topic (pun intended)

Started in 2014, the USC Ice Bucket Challenge was created by a couple of University of South Carolina students to raise both money and awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). The trend allowed them to raise millions for research dedicated to that issue, and the trend spread extremely fast and worldwide on instagram and other social media platforms. 

However recently, a new reason motivated the reinstatement of the challenge – mental health. The topic of mental health has become more and more popular in today’s generation (and even stigmatized to some extent and has majorly affected the teenage population. This motivated the students part of the “MIND” club (Mental Illness Needs Discussion) to launch a campaign called #SpeakYourMIND on instagram just last month. The campaign aims to normalize conversations around mental health and suicide, after the founder of the MIND club lost two of his friends to suicide. 

Much like the original Ice Bucket Challenge, #SpeakYourMIND involves participants filming themselves pouring buckets of ice water over their heads, then nominating others to do the same. But this time, the emphasis lies in sharing personal stories or supportive messages around mental health, tagging friends, and/or donating to Active Minds.

The campaign’s momentum has exceeded all expectations. Initially the USC students hoped to gain donations of up to $500, however they watched as the donations quickly soared past the $100,000 mark! The campaign has somehow spread all the way from the campus of USC to high school students in Calgary, which is amazing considering their goal of increasing awareness on the topic. 

So now you have an explanation for why you keep seeing people/your friends dump water on their heads, and who knows, if you’re nominated – get ready to do the same!! 

 

Sources:

https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/viral/ice-bucket-challenge-mental-health-rcna201978

 

https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ice-bucket-challenge-returns-in-2025-with-a-powerful-new-mission-article-151460259

 

Canada Votes #2 : One Week to Go, Turnout Up, Race Tight

Areej C
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Canada Votes #2 : One Week to Go, Turnout Up, Race Tight

With election day a week away, advance voting numbers show Canadians are more invested in this election than the last federal election back in 2021. Over two million people voted on the first day of advance polls, a record number. Turnout was especially strong across Ontario, B.C., Alberta, and the Maritimes, and even the northern territories saw steady line ups, surprising us all. It’s not just typical voters either, across the country, people who usually don’t show up, such as youth, with the lowest turnout rate last election, who early made the effort. It points to a population that’s beginning to pay attention.

Current Polling: Close National Race

Polls right now have the Liberals leading nationally by about 3–5 points over the Conservatives. According to a poll on CBC on Monday afternoon at 3:15 MST.

The NDP sits lower, around 8%, with the Bloc holding their ground in Quebec.

Regionally:

• Atlantic Canada looks good for the Liberals.

• Quebec leans Liberal, but the Bloc is still competitive outside Montreal.

• Ontario is tilting Liberal in the GTA and Conservatives are holding rural areas.

• Prairies and Alberta are Conservative strongholds, not much change there.

• British Columbia is close, could swing either way. NDP are losing ground, with most of their seats from the prior election residing here

• The North slightly favours the Liberals but local factors will matter whether it is a NDP or Liberal majority

Realistically, a few ridings flipping could change everything. Especially in Ontario and B.C., where margins are much smaller

Final Week Messaging

Each party is sticking to a clear strategy:

• Liberals (Carney): Focused on protecting Canada’s economy and sovereignty, framing himself as the experienced, steady option for all Canadians

• Conservatives (Poilievre): Pushing affordability and “time for change,” aiming to channel economic frustration, mostly in rural areas

• NDP (Singh): Framing themselves as the needed balance to either government, focusing on corporate regulation and healthcare. Referencing how they would keep both parties in ‘check’, reinforcing the importance of maintaining NDP stronghold riding.

• Bloc (Blanchet): Leaning into Quebec identity and autonomy, attempting to keep current seats from the growing grasp of the Liberals

The campaigns reflect this. Carney is locked into Ontario ridings. Poilievre is targeting suburban swing seats in Ontario and B.C. Singh is holding down the NDP’s base in B.C. Blanchet is focused entirely on Quebec (as they only run in Quebec).

Leaders’ Debates: No Big Shifts

The English and French debates last week didn’t really change potential election results, due to a decent and well rounded performance from all candidates:

• Carney came off steady, especially in English, but less strong in French,  due to his lack of fluency

• Poilievre was regarded as more aggressive, pushing hard on the idea that the Liberals represent the status quo, and connecting Carney to Justin Trudeau

• Singh had some good moments on affordability but didn’t dominate. Many commented on his ‘annoying’ presence that kept interrupting Carney and Poilievre

• Blanchet stayed in his lane, pushing Quebec’s distinct interests, and how no one but himself could defend such ideals

Polls after the debates showed small movement but no major swings. If anything, both front-runners just locked in their existing support.

Final Thoughts

Turnout is way up. The polls are close. Campaigns are scrambling to lock down key ridings before election day.

If you can vote, please vote on Monday April 28th!

Agricultural Technologies

Hanrong
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0
Agricultural Technologies

Growing crops in a modern way

Since the agricultural revolution that took place more than 12,000 years ago, agriculture has been a vital part of society. Throughout the centuries and millennia that followed, the practice of agriculture has gone through significant transformations. Many ancient civilizations, such as the Inca Empire in South America, used advanced methods like terracing and irrigation systems to farm more efficiently. Today, there are also some highly advanced modern technology that farmers use around the world to grow crops to feed everyone, and to overcome various challenges that agriculture faces.

Some newer technologies

The use of satellites and drones to provide imaging for the farmland, or the surrounding areas of land, provides farmers with the ability to monitor their crops in real time. Can you believe that certain satellites launched into space are able to even zoom to a specific crop on a particular field? This preciseness enables farmers to see their crops to be able to view each individual crop as clearly as if they were standing right by it. According to this binarapps article, these satellites help protect the crops in a farmland, and also boost management efficiency of the farmland.

An image of Egypt, taken from a satellite
Image by WikiImages from Pixabay

Soil and water sensors

Providing direct feedback and results to farmers, these sensors can be complex in examining many natural conditions for plants to thrive under. These sensors can be placed in the soil, or even out in the open, to capture important weather data, and the level of certain chemicals in the soil, such as nitrogen. These important tools greatly aid farmers in getting real-time knowledge of when they need to fertilize or water their crops, to make sure that their crops remain strong.

Mini-chromosomes

Mini-chromosomes are another way of saying genetic engineering. Talking about the challenges that the agricultural industry face in our twenty-first century, among the most serious of those are climate change and the ever increasing demand for food. Mini-chromosomes are “tiny structure[s] containing a cell”. It may be small, but it is by no means insignificant, as even a single cell that composes of mini-chromosomes can “add dozens of [new] traits to a plant”.

However, it is also important to note that genetic engineering can be considered as a controversial topic, as debates are ongoing as to whether genetic engineering should be allowed, or to be made more widespread, due to the environmental concerns they pose. These would include the cross-contamination into other wild habitats, the potential to form new allergens, and more.

Appreciating these technologies

There are other technologies as well that are not directly mentioned in this blog! Interesting examples include blockchain, which “improves food traceability” and combats problems in agriculture like food fraud. Various other artificial intelligence tools also exist to further empower those who are working in the agricultural industry. Be sure to check out this article for more information!

Many of these technologies make it possible for us see aisles filled with food crops that are waiting to be sold in grocery stores. Our ability to survive and thrive as humans depends on the sufficient production of crops that can fulfill a healthy and balanced diet. So, let us appreciate these farming technologies that are crucial in the agricultural field!

Low-Key Birthday Spots and Ideas in Calgary

Avy Gill
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Low-Key Birthday Spots and Ideas in Calgary

Let’s be real: not every birthday needs to be a big, over-the-top party with 50 people, balloons everywhere, and a surprise flash mob (though that does sound kind of fun). Sometimes, the best birthdays are the chill ones—just a few close friends, some good vibes, and doing something a little different.

If you’re looking for low-key birthday ideas in Calgary, here are eight, super chill, totally fun spots and activities to check out. No stress, no mess—just a great time.

 

1. Arcading at The Rec Room

The Rec Room is like the grown-up version of your favorite childhood arcade—but with way better food and drinks. You can easily spend hours here playing everything from classic arcade games to racing simulators. It’s loud, fun, and perfect for a casual night out with friends. Grab a drink, load up a game card, and let the birthday battles begin.

 

2. Pottery Painting at Crock A Doodle

If you’re feeling artsy—or just want a calming birthday activity—check out Crock A Doodle. You pick a piece of pottery (mugs, plates, figurines, etc…), paint it however you want, and they’ll glaze and fire it for you. It’s a surprisingly soothing way to spend a birthday, and you walk away with a handmade keepsake.

 

3. Laser Tag at Laser City

Let’s not pretend laser tag isn’t still awesome. Laser City offers games that are fun for both kids and adults. It’s the perfect way to get your competitive energy out—without taking things too seriously. Book a few games, split into teams, and run wild.

 

4. Spa Day at Your Local Spot

Nothing says “treat yourself” like a relaxing spa day. Whether it’s a massage, facial, mani-pedi, or all of the above, spending a birthday at a spa is the ultimate low-key luxury. A local favorite in Calgary is the Leela Eco Spa, which has multiple locations in Calgary.

 

5. Virtual Reality Gaming at Zero Latency

Want to fight zombies, explore space, or survive a post-apocalyptic world—all without leaving Calgary? Head to Zero Latency. It’s fully immersive and free-roam, meaning you actually move around a giant open space while playing. It’s unlike anything else and great for a birthday that’s a bit more out of the box.

 

6. Shopping Day

Sometimes, retail therapy is all you need. Spend your birthday browsing your favorite stores, sipping coffee, and maybe splurging a little (you deserve it!). Whether it’s CF Chinook Centre, CrossIron Mall, or Market Mall, Calgary has some solid shopping spots. Make a day of it: lunch, shopping, dessert, repeat.

 

7. Movie Marathon Day

Catch the latest blockbuster or binge a few old favorites at a local theatre. Or just set up a projector at home with popcorn, cozy blankets, and a mini snack bar. Either way, it’s low effort and high enjoyment.

 

8. Bowling at Splitsville

Bowling is fun, easy, and secretly competitive (don’t lie—you know you want that strike). Splitsville in Calgary has a retro-modern vibe with good food, drinks, a small arcade, and plenty of lanes. Book ahead if you’re going on a weekend, and maybe even enhance it with glow bowling for bonus birthday energy.

 

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to plan a huge bash to make your birthday special. Whether it’s painting pottery or crushing your friends in VR, there are tons of ways to celebrate your special day in a chill, low-pressure way that still feels fun and memorable.

How to Make A Tomato Soup

Hanrong
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How to Make A Tomato Soup

A simple homemade dish, and yet super delicious

Personally, I have never made a tomato soup on my own. However, when I go out to eat, often I cannot help but be drawn to that delicious picture of a tomato soup on the menu. Since I was small, I have always liked the unique taste and flavor of different soups. I appreciate the fact that soups are comforting food and can be paired with many main dishes. So, let’s learn how to make tomato soups together!

Note: please use caution and be careful when working with knives to prepare the ingredients or when you are heating up the pot!

 

The ingredients

This healthy side dish contains numerous ingredients so it also offers a balanced diet! According to allrecipes, some vegetables that are included are tomatoes, garlic cloves, onion, a bit of dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Be sure to use two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes, 1 thinly-sliced onion, 1/4 teaspoon of both celery seed and dried oregano, and approximately one pinch of red pepper flakes.

As for the other cooking condiments, it would really add to the creamy flavor to add in a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Additionally, prepare one tablespoon of olive oil, one cup of water, one tablespoon of sugar, and some salt and pepper.

A sliced onion
Image by Marco Costanzi from Pixabay

The cooking steps

Ready to cook? After gathering all of the ingredients from the list above, take out a relatively large saucepan that can be used to cook the entire content of the soup. First, place the olive oil, butter, and garlic into the saucepan, and use medium to low heat to cook. Wait until the onion is “soft and translucent”, which takes around five minutes.

Next, add the canned tomatoes, some water, celery seed, the dried oregano, the pinched red pepper flakes, sugar, and salt & pepper to the saucepan. Add these ingredients all at the same time! For each ingredient’s amount, please follow the listed numbers in The ingredients section above. After adding these ingredients, bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about fifteen minutes, while covering up the saucepan.

And generally, that should be it! After the fifteen minutes end, remove the saucepan from the heat (be careful and don’t get burned!), and use a large spoon to mix the soup. After that, feel free to season it with some more salt and pepper!

 

Good luck with cooking!

I hope you all find this dish to be appetizing! I will also be sure to try out this recipe soon. The tomato soup isn’t an overly difficult dish, but it is healthy, and can complement bread or other main dishes.

Understanding the Mandela Effect: Definition and Three Common Examples

Bowen Zheng
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Understanding the Mandela Effect: Definition and Three Common Examples

 

 

What is the Mandela Effect?

The Mandela Effect is a phenomenom in which a large number of people remember a certain fact, or event differently than what it actually is. They are usually details that a wide variety of people agree with, but is in reality, not factually correct.

Free South Africa Cape Town photo and picture

Why is it named the Mandela Effect?

The Mandela Effect is named the way it is due to researcher Fiona Broome in 2009. It was developed when Broome discovered that many other people including her, believed that Nelson Mandela died while incarcerated in the 1980s. However, the truth was Mandela was freed from prison and went on to be the president of South Africa. The amount of people that believed the same piece of incorrect information fascinated Broome, it almost seemed like glitches or alternate realities. Thus, Broome and her followers helped to coin the term “Mandela Effect”.

3 Common Mandela Effects

Free Cornucopia Food vector and picture

  1. Fruit Of The Loom Cornucopia

Perhaps the most common Mandela Effect example, is the Fruit Of The Loom Cornucopia. Many people believed the Fruit Of The Loom featured a cornucopia with fruit spilling out of it in the logo. However, this is not the case, The Fruit Of The Loom logo has never featured a cornucopia contrary to popular belief, and has baffled many individuals.

Free Darth Vader Luke photo and picture

2. “Luke, I am your father”

In the Star Wars movie “The Empire Strikes Back”, when Darth Vader reveals himself to be Luke Skywalkers father, many people remember his quote being “Luke, I am your father”. However, the actual line in fact was “No, I am your father”.

Free Cereal Breakfast photo and picture

3. “Fruit Loops”

Many people remember the famous cereal brand by Kellog’s to be spelled as “Fruit Loops”. As a matter of fact, the correct spelling of the cereal is “Froot Loops”.

Why does the Mandela Effect happen?

According to psychology, the Mandela Effect can happen for a few reasons. One of the most common rationale for the effect is false memories. Peoples brains dont store memories exactly as they are, like a camera. Instead, a specific memory can be reconstructed every time they recall them, leading to altered beliefs. Another reason is confabulation. Confabulation is when your brain fills in pieces of a missing memory with something that it would find “fitting” or “acceptable”. Think about the Fruit Loops Mandela Effect.

Conclusion:

The Mandela Effect humbles us in a way, showing us that our memories arent as accurate as we always think. Although many people may remember the same thing, it does not necessarily mean it’s always correct. By understanding this effect, we can learn to question our memories more and think more carefully about whats true and whats not.

 

 

Bibliography: https://www.britannica.com/science/Mandela-effect

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g28438966/mandela-effect-examples/

 

 

Interview With Calgary’s Music Scene

Diya K
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Interview With Calgary’s Music Scene

On March 27, I had the pleasure of interviewing Gabrielle Cadiang. She is currently pursuing a combined degree at the University of Calgary, studying both political science and communications media studies. Being an avid music lover and contributor to Calgary’s local music scene, she has also been named as one of Calgary’s top 20 under 20.

During this interview, I got to learn so much more about the local music festivals here in Calgary, and gained a much deeper appreciation for the diversity here too.

I really enjoyed learning from her, and I hope you will too! Here’s our Q&A:

  1. Let’s say we’re making a movie about your life. What’s the title, what genre would it be, and what’s happening right now? 

She said that she thought her life as a movie could be classified as a “Romantic Comedy” , but more heavy on the comedy part. She talked about how she had so much going on in her life at the moment, such as a job interview she had that day and just being a university student in general. Although she couldn’t decide on what the title would be, she thought that the first scene opening the movie would be her drinking a matcha (or yellow red bull) and writing in her journal.

2. What’s one thing about you that people wouldn’t expect based on your work?

She said how she observed how when first meeting her, many people thought that she was either a lot older or younger than she actually was. And even though her work is very creative and energetic, she also describes herself as being a very predictable person if you get to know her.

3. If you could have dinner with any musician—dead or alive—who would it be, and why? What would you ask them?

She is not very picky about who she listens to and usually likes listening to a variety of this different music styles. Although there is no musician off the top of her head, she definitely knows what question she would ask. She explained how she would always ask people for life advice and how it doesn’t really matter to her what kind. It could be all the way from how to cook a nice steak dinner all the way to overcoming self depreciation). She really likes understanding why people are the way they are, and sees their answers as ways to get to know them better.

4. Can you tell us what CJSW stands for and what it’s all about – just in case the readers don’t know?

CJSW is a call name for the UofC campus community radio station.

5. You became CJSW’s youngest programmer—how did that happen? Was it intimidating at first?

It turns out that she wasn’t actually the youngest! (even though the “Top 20 under 20” website said so). Gabrielle was part of this organization called “Youth Central”, and in that she was specifically part of the blogging committee. The leader at the time, Emily Donville was one who actually told her about the whole radio station and to check it out! She then started volunteering there (with another motivation to get scholarships in high school) and after show training in 2022 – she got her show in 2023!

6. I believe you used to be part of this thing called Sled Island. It has such an intriguing name, what’s it all about?

Gabrille was curious about the same question and after searching it up, she discovered that Sled Island was actually a place in Northern Alberta, however, she doesn’t think that there is a correlation to that place. She then explained how she learned that the name actually means whatever u want it to mean. Sled Island is an arts and music festival that happens every year at the end of June or so. She really loves this festival and thinks that it’s super cool, and also mentioned how Jack Harlow and more famous performers have performed there!

7. So when you were part of Sled Island, I heard that you helped organize and execute the “All-Ager-Rager” which sounds crazy but super cool at the same time, can you tell us a little bit more about that? 

At the time, Sled island had multiple different shows happening at multiple different venues and she wanted to see all of them and all of the different performers there. As a matter of fact, Sled Island is known for being a discovery festival – as in like you go to one of these shows and maybe find an artist there that you like (along with a whole bunch of undiscovered ones in general). One day, she stumbled across an instagram post to apply for board of directors. Although she was 17 at the time and didn’t get the position, one of the board of directors, Arif Ansari, had given her name to Maud Salvi who is the big executive director. Without this little incident, she doesn’t think that she could’ve collaborated with Sled Island in the ways she did. She had the opportunity to work together with a team and help execute the “All Ager Rager”. It was a 1 day event spread across 3 venues city-wide, where many genres of music were playing with an intent to introduce Calgary’s youth to these bands. They also wanted to give these bands a chance to perform to an interested audience. It was almost like a smaller version of the bigger festivals. Gabrielle says how she wishes she knew about Sled Island before as how she used to not know anything about Calgary’s art and music scene.

8. What’s the wildest or most unexpected thing that’s happened at an event you’ve organized or attended?

Gabrielle had two incidents that she wanted to share. The first one being how back in 2023, she had the opportunity to interview some directors for Calgary’s underground film festival. These interviews happened on a Sunday, and the next day she went to the globe cinema as she heard that some films were being played there. On that day, she noticed how people around her had these really cool lanyards, and as she went up to go ask for one – someone recognized her voice! They said how she recognized her voice from the interviews, and that was the very moment when she thought to herself how it was so crazy and mind-blowing how people knew who she was.

The second incident involves jewelry. Last year, she started making these friendship bracelets for Sled Island and even made some for this Hip-Hop R&B trio that was playing that day. The leader of the trio ended up noticing the bracelets, and the trio all wore them throughout the duration of the performance. They even gave her a shoutout! This was one of her favorite bands from all across Canada and she thought this experience was so amazing, which is why she now makes a lot more friendship bracelets to give to those in the music scene.

9. If you could book any artist for an all-ages show in Calgary, who would it be and why?

Gabrille says how she listens to a LOT of music. However, she narrowed it down to: Japanese Breakfast (who actually played at sled island a couple years ago), Charli XCX (but feels like a lot of these youth would not want to listen to her), Mac Demarco, and Phoebe Bridgers.

10. So I heard you were part of something called, “Reverie”. Can you tell us more about what that is and how you contributed to it?

Reverie was a music blog/ music magazine that she co-founded with her friend a while ago. Even to this day, it is up and running and have recently just released their 3rd issue. The main focus of this was showcasing Canadian artists and music, and just the underground local artists that aren’t as popular. It started out as an “online-music news-blog situation”, but it later morphed into a print-publication during Sled Island last year. After getting busier with university, she stepped out of it – but still does some reviews and interviews. Reverie is kind of like YAA in a way – but for music and if it was a print-version.

11. What’s something about Calgary’s music scene that people from outside the city wouldn’t understand? What makes Calgary’s music scene so unique? 

Gabrielle says how there is just so much to discover music wise. There are many different bands and genres and how there is always something for everyone in each and every part of Calgary’s music scene. She said how there is so much cool stuff happening around the city and how there is so much cool and unique stuff happening around the city, and wishes that she could make it all to be more accessible to youth.

12. You’ve made a big impact on Calgary’s music scene which leads me to ask you, “What would you say has been your driving force behind everything you do?”

The main driving force behind all of her work in the music scene has been driven by raw passion for music in general. Back when she was in grade 8 or grade 9, she wanted to become a journalist and was driven by the idea of how she didn’t want to get stuck doing what she didn’t want to do. She wanted to be happy and decided to turn her love for music and her amazing CJSW experience to dive deeper into her passion. As a matter of fact, she has always been an arts person, liking subjects like english back in high school rather than math which showcases this.

13. If you could host an ideal event or festival, with absolutely no limitations, what would it look like from start to finish?

Gabrielle explained how she would connect her Spotify account and just go off whatever artist(s) and/or song(s) she happens to be listening to the most. Some examples she gave me were “Witching hour”, “Sore Throat”, “True Blue Interlude”. Although I haven’t listened to these songs, the names sound super interesting – which probably means that the event would be exciting and interesting too!

14. If someone wants to support Calgary’s music scene, what’s one simple thing they can do today?

The main idea she gave was to go to shows because it’s one of the best ways to get exposed to Calgary’s music scene. She explained about buying merch from local artists and just talking about and spreading recommendations about these songs. She believes (and I believe too) that just showing up and listening to Calgary’s local bands (and just the overall music scene) is one of the easiest ways to show support.

Acknowledgement

I’d like to thank Ms. Cadiang for giving me this lovely interview opportunity. I hope you enjoyed!

Burnout in Teens: Definition, Causes, Prevention, and Cures

Mahnoor Altaf
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Burnout in Teens: Definition, Causes, Prevention, and Cures

Balancing grades, extracurriculars, and more isn’t easy, and this has been a significant reason for the increase in burnout in teens. Understanding burnout, its symptoms, causes, prevention strategies, and cures, can help improve mental and physical health and prevent burnout.

What is Burnout In Teens?

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Burnout occurs when a person experiences emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress that exceeds their ability to handle. Unlike temporary stress, burnout develops over long periods and can greatly impact a person’s ability to function academically, socially, and emotionally.

Causes of Teen Burnout

Multiple factors can cause burnout among teens:

  1. Academic Pressure: High expectations from parents, teachers, or themselves can lead to chronic stress due to rigorous coursework and test preparation.
  2. Lack of Balance: Juggling school work, extracurricular activities, social commitments, and personal time often overwhelms teens.
  3. Social Media Stress: Constant comparison and engagement on social platforms increase feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
  4. Perfectionism: Unrealistic standards for success can push teens toward burnout when they struggle to meet them.

Symptoms of Teen Burnout

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Burnout in teens occurs differently than in adults. Common symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms

  • Chronic exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.
  • Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other stress-related physical problems.
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

Emotional Symptoms

  • Frequent irritability or mood swings.
  • Feelings of hopelessness or overwhelm.
  • Increased sensitivity to criticism.

Behavioral Symptoms

  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed.
  • Procrastination or avoidance of schoolwork and responsibilities.
  • Risk-taking behaviors as a coping mechanism.

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Difficulty concentrating or staying focused.
  • Decline in academic performance.
  • Negative self-talk or feelings of imposter syndrome.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing teen burnout requires proactive measures that promote balance and resilience. Some strategies include:

  1. Prioritize Self-Care:
    • Encourage regular sleep schedules, nutritious meals, and physical activity.
    • Participate in hobbies and activities that bring joy and relaxation.
  2. Set Realistic Goals:
    • Break down large tasks into manageable steps (milestones).
    • Focus on progress rather than perfection.
  3. Practice Time Management:
    • Use planners or scheduling apps to organize workloads effectively.
    • Take regular breaks to recharge.
  4. Limit Social Media Use:
    • Set boundaries around screen time to reduce stress from online comparisons.
    • Take periodic breaks from social media platforms.
  5. Encourage Open Communication:
    • Talk to parents, teachers, counselors, or other trusted adults when in need of support.

Cure: Managing Teen Burnout

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Recovering from burnout involves efforts to reverse its effects. Key steps include:

  1. Recognize the Problem:
    • Identify stressors and acknowledge feelings without guilt.
  2. Seek Support:
    • Talk openly with trusted adults or peers about struggles.
    • Professional counseling may be necessary to address underlying issues like anxiety or depression.
  3. Rebuild Resilience:
    • Introduce stress-management techniques such as meditation or journaling.
    • Encourage small victories through achievable goals to rebuild confidence.
  4. Take Time Off:
    • A break from overwhelming responsibilities can help recharge physically and emotionally.

Conclusion

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Teen burnout is a pressing concern that calls for change. By recognizing what it is, its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and cures, and applying effective solutions early on, we can pave the way for better mental health outcomes for teens. Open communication and support are vital in helping them navigate these challenges successfully.

Sources:

 

Another Historical Figure Who Should Have His Own Hamilton: The Life of John Quincy Adams Part II

S.R. Spencer
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Another Historical Figure Who Should Have His Own Hamilton: The Life of John Quincy Adams Part II

For someone who remains as relatively unknown as John Quincy Adams, his impact on how governments across the world run today is enduring. This article serves as a follow-up to an article published several months ago about the life of Frederick Douglas, and serves as an introspect into another influential historical mind who’s life story would potentially make for a decent Broadway adaptation.

Part I of this article covered Adams’ early life and his term as President. This article will cover the Election of 1828 and his later life. This article is a direct continuation of that one, and it is recommended the first part be read beforehand

The 1828 Election

In 1828, Jackson easily received the Democratic nomination to challenge Adams again. With Crawford and Clay behind Adams, the election turned into a two-way rematch of 1824.

All throughout the year, the two sides viciously attacked one another, Jackson using his supporters in the press to paint Adams as an out-of-touch New England elitist who had only gotten his position thanks to his father, while National Republicans attacked Jackson’s marriage and labelled him a murderous tyrant who would destroy the infrastructure developed under the Adams administration.

The 1828 campaign marked the first widespread usage of “mudslinging”, or negative campaigning, in history; a strategy that is still widely used across the world today.

In the end, Jackson prevailed over Adams, taking 178 electoral votes and 55.5 percent of the popular vote. Adams would win only 83 electoral votes, and carry 44 percent of the popular vote.

Not long after entering office, Jackson reversed many of Adams’ initiatives, working to cut funding for infrastructure, dismantle the America System, and remove all Native Americans from the eastern and southern regions of the United States.

Defeated and resentful, with the America System in ruins, Adams considered retiring from public life, but decided instead to keep the fight up against Jackson. In 1830, he was elected to the House of Representatives, becoming the first former President to win an election after their term had ended. In Congress, he fought for the revival of the America System by using his influence to control the government’s tax rate on foreign imports, setting high rates to the dismay of Jackson and the south.

In 1832, he unsuccessfully ran for a non-consecutive second term as President, being denied the nomination due to his perceived unpopularity. The following year, he’d unsuccessfully run for Governor of Massachusetts, ultimately deciding to abandon attempts of winning higher office to focus on his service in the House. 

Later Years

His time in the House strengthened his anti-slavery stances, soon making him one of the countries’ strongest early abolitionists. Adams once said, in a victory speech after a successful re-election campaign, he sought to “bring about a day prophesied when slavery… shall be banished from the face of the Earth.”

In response to his abolitionist views, in 1836, the Democrats introduced a “gag rule”, banning any discussion of slavery from taking place on the House floor and banning any motion or bill which sought to change the government’s policy over slavery.

Adams countered this by publicly ridiculing slave owning southerners and the gag rule, until he eventually led its successful repeal in 1844, at the age of 77. Additionally, Adams became a supporter of women’s rights and continued to advocate against government policies against Native Americans.

Adams would remain in the House until his death on Feb. 23, 1848, at the age of 80. In all, he would serve 16 years in Congress. During his final term, he would meet and befriend fellow U.S. Representative and future President Abraham Lincoln, who would also attend to Adams during his final moments.

Historically, Adams is remembered as an average President, with an ahead-of-its-time agenda that was unfortunately blocked from passage. However, although the America System may not have survived his term, it laid the framework for a large portion of how all modern governments function, including how welfare programs and infrastructure development initiatives work today.

Albeit inconsequential during his time, Adams’ accomplishments are among some of the most impactful in history. The story of his life, and the legacy which he’s left behind, make him more than a suitable adaptation for the big stage, should Lin-Manuel Miranda ever turn again to history for his next play.

Sources:

  1. Historical Abolitionist of the Month: John Quincy Adams – Human Rights First
  2. John Quincy Adams
  3. 1828 United States presidential election
  4. 1832 United States presidential election
  5. 1833–34 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
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Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth. YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them. Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.

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