Inside this Issue
The State of COVID-19 - Page 2
A Return of Welcome Week - Page 4
ISU Falls to North Dakota - Page 9
The Bengal.
isubengal.com 7 September 2021
Volume 47
Issue 3
The Independent Voice at Idaho State University Since 1910
FDA Approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vsccine Jack Sherlock News Editor The COVID-19 pandemic has brought forth many unknowns, and for a little under half of the country, the most prominent sources for worry lie within the toolkit for COVID-19 prevention: the COVID-19 vaccine. The effectiveness of the vaccination, the preparation that went into developing the vaccination, and the method in which one administers the vaccine have been focus points for the vaccine-hesitant crowd during these difficult times. While asking questions and being reasonably cautious is understandable, COVID-19 vaccination developer and pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, hopes to put some worried minds at ease with a recent stamp of approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that as of early August, 168.4 million people or 49.6 percent of the American population have been fully vaccinated. With just under half of the population being vaccinated, the question of “how many vaccinated is enough?” arises, especially as we analyze the rise of antivaccination groups and misinformation that seems to follow their activity. The CDC has projected that for any type of pandemic or viral outbreak, combined with all that we know about COVID-19 at the current time, 70-90 percent of the affected community would need to be fully vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity. Reaching herd immunity ensures that personto-person transfer of the disease at hand, in this case COVID-19, is highly unlikely due to a majority of the herd having an immunity. Now, the FDA and the CDC in conjunction believe that this recent approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine will assist in closing the gap between the vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, rearing us steadily out of this pandemic.
Acting FDA Commissioner, Janet Woodcock said in a statement early last week, “The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDAapproved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product”. Woodcock continues to say, “While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.” For more information regarding the rigorous and tedious approval process Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine went through with the United States FDA, you can visit fda.gov and click on their press release dated August 23rd. With over 18,732 COVID-19 cases both confirmed and highly probable in Southeastern Idaho at the closing end of last week, we are witnessing a steady and consistent climb in positive cases. If you are considering getting vaccinated, you can find all the info you need on local resources by visiting [siphidaho.org]. If you or someone you know has a healthy appetite for answers to their questions regarding Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine and its safety, you can also contact Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) by phone at their COVID-19 Hotline: (208)-234-5875.
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The Bengal at Idaho State University
7 September 2021 • Page 2
NEWS
Jack Sherlock | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
The Lesser-Known History of Labor Day Joanna Orban Copy Editor Much like Memorial Day and other nonreligious federal holidays, Labor Day’s history and significance has faded into a blur of end-of-summer barbeques and department store sales. Labor Day is one of eleven federal holidays in the United States. The eleventh, Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of slaves, was just added to the list this year. Idaho State University history professor, Kevin Marsh, a doctorate in American History says that it really does take an act of Congress for federal holidays to be approved. According to historical archives from the House of Representatives, “The legislation passed with no objection and was sent to the President. The response to the new holiday was overwhelmingly positive. Labor unions in cities such as Boston, Nashville and St. Louis celebrated with parades and picnics.” Labor Day was approved by former Unit-
ed States President Grover Cleveland in 1894, but according to Marsh was around before it was signed into federal law by the president. “The idea goes back to the previous decades. Labor unions had started to hold a march in early September on a weekday as a statement of asserting the influence of labor,” said Marsh. Labor Day is now held on the first Monday of September. Although President Cleveland gets much of the credit for Labor Day as he was the president who signed it into effect, history illustrates that others were the real driving force behind the holiday. According to the Department of Labor, “Two workers can make a solid claim to the Founder of Labor Day title.” These two men, Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire both are believed to have advocated for a holiday honoring the sacrifices of American workers. The answer of who actually suggested the holiday remains unsolved, but the first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882. The Department of Labor went on to say, “By 1894, 23 more states had adopt-
ed the holiday.” After its adoption as a federal holiday, it began to be celebrated more regularly across the country. Marsh states, “It grew in importance after that, particularly with a wider recognition from labor unions.” In the period in which Labor Day came to be labor unions were much more prevalent than they are today, as were labor strikes. The worst one during President Cleveland’s tenure as president was the Pullman Stike. According to an article by the Washington Post, also regarding the history of Labor Day, “The railroad strike and boycott lasted from May 11 to July 20, 1894, disrupting rail traffic for much of that summer.” The article goes on to say that the strike was, “In response to the economic depression that began in 1893.” Many workers at the company had their wages cut by 25 percent. Some historians claim that this strike caused Cleveland to pass the holiday into law. However, as the article by The Washing Post illustrates, it had already passed in Congress and simply required the pres-
ident’s signature. In addition, Cleveland had already served his two terms and had no plans to run again. “Over the years it grew to become more widely recognized,” said Marsh. Marsh looked at Pocatello newspapers prior to our interview and found that a few years after the holiday was passed, Pocatello had Labor Day picnics and baseball games. “That was what Labor Day seemed to be,” said Marsh. “Only in the very early 1900s did I see that there was a community parade organized in the city and that the railroad, the major employer in town, gave some workers the day off.” Despite the change, both in the working class and in jobs across America, Labor Day has remained a constant reminder of the previous generation’s struggles for more employment equality and the fights they went through to make that happen.
Depiction of Labor Day in New York, 1882 Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons
Page 3 • 7 September 2021
The Bengal at Idaho State University
NEWS
Jack Sherlock | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
The State of COVID-19 in the Gem State Andrea Diaz Reporter It is no secret that COVID-19 is once again becoming more of a concern. According to the New York Times, “As of Sept. 1, 2021, there are 1,168 new COVID-19 cases in Idaho. When Idaho was at its peak in COVID-19 cases in December there were 2,266 new cases daily. This increase in cases can be attributed to people’s behavior. “In areas where fewer people are wearing masks and more are gathering indoors to eat, drink, observe religious practices, celebrate and socialize, even with family, cases are on the rise,” said Senior Director of Infection Prevention at John Hopkins Hospital, Lisa Lockerd Maragakis. These human behaviors, COVID-19 variants, and the number of people that are still unvaccinated can be attributed to the rise in cases not just in Idaho, but also nationally. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than earlier forms of the virus that causes COVID-19. It might cause more severe illness than previous strains in unvaccinated people.” There are four main variants of COVID-19, however, the Delta variant is the most concerning. According to the Southeastern Idaho Public Health Department, “Delta is one such variant, and it’s caused more than 80 percent of recent COVID-19 cases in the United States – according to estimates – and will likely cause more.” According to the Idaho State Journal, Idaho Governor Brad Little recently deployed the National Guard to help short-staffed medical personnel “across the state with tasks such as screenings, lab work and other duties.” “We’ve reached a point in the pandemic we have not been before...There are more Idahoans in the ICU than there have ever been before. The vast majority of them
are unvaccinated,” said Little. Currently, 822,979 Idahoans have received the vaccine, 87, 881 Idahoans have received one dose of a twodose vaccine and 735,126 Idahoans are fully vaccinated. Overall there have been 1,496,593 total doses administered, but it doesn’t seem to be enough. “On a daily call with hospitals this morning, we heard there are only four standard adult ICU beds available in the entire state,” Little said. Little addressed the state of Idaho
over a video conference. He talked about how COVID-19 is affecting Idaho and said, “We are dangerously close to activating statewide crisis standards of care, a historic step that means Idahoans in need of health care could receive a lesser standard of care or can be turned away altogether. In essence, someone would have to decide who can be treated and who cannot. This affects all of us, not just patients with COVID-19.” Since the pandemic started there
have been 2,380 deaths. Currently, there is an average of eight deaths a day, as opposed to 21 in December during the peak of the pandemic. The counties that are considered “hotspots’’ are Twin Falls, Shoshone, Clearwater, Lewis, Washington and Gooding County. If you have questions about COVID-19, you can call Southeastern Idaho Public Health at 208-234-5875 or visit their website at https://siphidaho. org/
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
EVENTS CALENDAR TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
You Are Not Alone - Break The Stigma TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 12PM – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021, 2PM Quad
T-Shirt Tie-Dying WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021, 11AM – 1PM Cadet Field
Conquer Cadet FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021, 5 – 8PM Cadet Field
NASS Family Fun Night Bowling TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2021, 5 – 7PM ISU Game Center; Cost: $3.00/2 hours
3 on 3 Basketball WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 8PM – MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2021, 11PM Cost: $25 / participant. Participation is free for students living on campus
Access Fund Adopt-a-Crag THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021, 10AM – 12PM Ross Park Sunny Side Climbing Area JCPenny Suit-Up Event SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 FROM 5 PM - 8PM Pine Ridge Mall
Put-Put Golf FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021, 5 – 7PM Last Sign-up Date: Sept. 9 Outback Golf Park Student: $40 ISU Affiliate: $60
The Bengal at Idaho State University
7 September 2021 • Page 4
LIFE
Chloe Reid | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu
A Return of Welcome Week Chloe Reid Life Editor With the COVID-19 pandemic having taken its toll on campus life last year, many then-freshman, as well as other students, were saddened by the loss of classic first week traditions and notable events such as the annual march through the arch and paint party on the quad. While some events were able to be transferred to an online format, such as the frequented bingo nights, some students still felt that they were robbed of their beloved annual icons. After a short-term decline of COVID-19 in most states, college campuses across the nation began to re-offer in-person events and classes to their students. Not falling short of this, Idaho State University re-hosted its classic welcome week
events, as well as including some new ones, giving new and long-term students alike opportunities to mingle, dance, and compete back into the school year once again. Starting on Monday, “Welcome Back Orange and Black” was hosted downtown, a staple week-starter offering students the chance to score some Bengal gear to start off the year, as well as offering live music, performances and food trucks. Throughout the rest of the week, many other events arrived. On Tuesday, the annual “Cold Butts and Beer” commenced, with a plethora of students gathering to get the chance to sled on ice blocks down the local Bartz Field with root beer in hand. On Wednesday, the annual Costco Night gave students the opportunity to buy bulk products to their heart’s desire with no membership, including some of the iconic Costco favorites such as Island Way Sorbet. On Thursday,
students gathered in the quad to visit the annual Involvement Fair, where clubs and organizations got to show off to students, including fun freebies from free trips hosted by the Outdoor Adventure Center to handmade ice cream. To finish off the week, a Cornhole tournament on the quad was hosted on Friday, giving people the opportunity to show their skills in the classic bean bag game, as well as enjoy some free pizza and sodas. At the end of the week, the Student Activity Board hosted one of Idaho State’s most iconic events, the paint party. Hundreds of students gathered on the quad for a night filled with music, dancing, and of course, paint. “The Paint Party was super fun! It was a great way to get to know some of my new friends from class better,” said sophomore student Anna Jarik. Even after the first week was over, so-
cial-based festivities continued throughout the next week as well, such as the year’s first in the Student Union ballroom. Due to increasing vaccination rates amongst students and staff, it is hoped that this year will continue to host in-person classes and events for students, including the return of non socially-distanced, maskfree football games. Although welcome week has now come to an end, many more events will be offered to students throughout the school year to allow students to have as many opportunities as possible to make up for lost time. For a full list of upcoming events and descriptions throughout the school year, visit the official Idaho State University calendar at isu.edu/calendar.
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Photo Courtesy of Brandon Oram | Photo Editor
Page 5 • 7 September 2021
The Bengal at Idaho State University
LIFE
Chloe Reid | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu
FAIR FOOD HOROSCOPES
by Hailey Nelson | Production Editor
It’s that time of year again--homecomings, hay bales, and haunted houses. That also means it’s the time of year for the Idaho State Fair, running until Sept. 11, and what better way to enjoy the fair than partake in the famously unhealthy foods it has to offer? Unfortunately, The Bengal can’t afford to take the student body to Blackfoot, but no need to fret, because that fair food is already within you. Figuratively, of course... unless you decide to head down to the fair this week.
Virgo August 23–September 22 Cotton Candy Happy birthday, Virgo! Sweet and a little bit of an airhead sometimes, cotton candy is the perfect treat for you to snag at the food booth. Get out there and remind everyone whose birthday it is--your nostalgia will draw all the right people in.
Capricorn December 22–January 19 Deep-fried oreos Although you may not always be found at the carnival, those who do get to witness your presence always walk away the better for it. You make people truly understand that sometimes what’s black and white is better off together rather than apart.
Taurus April 20–May 20 Burger You’re a classic go-to for not just the carnival, but also any social event. Whether you like it or not, most people enjoy being around you. You’re dependable, classic, and trustworthy.
Libra September 23–October 23 Fried cheese curds You’re a hidden gem. Not everyone knows about your charm, if they ever come across you, you’re an immediate favorite. Although you might be a little crispy on the outside, you’re a total melt on the inside.
Aquarius January 20–February 18 Caramel apple Fall may not be your favorite time of year, but sometimes it’s the best time for you to show off how great you can be. You’ll be busy for the next couple of months, but hopefully, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy your favorite way to express yourself.
Gemini May 21–June 21 Corn dogs I know this food choice might not be your favorite, but hear me out--you’re awesome. Everyone knows about you. People try to be as much of a staple as you are, but no one is quite as effortlessly casual as you are.
Pisces February 19–March 20 Blooming onion You’re not just any fried onion. You’re a blooming fried onion. That’s a perfect analogy for who you are--you’re not just some run-of-the-mill onion ring, you’re the whole onion, layers and all.
Cancer June 22–July 22 Deep-fried butter Let’s be real, you’re not everyone’s favorite, but those who like you end up loving you. You have a certain charm about you.
Aries March 21–April 19 Turkey leg You’re the heartiest of anyone at the fair. Drop tower? Been there. Zipper? Done that. If you’re not down for the thrill and the 4-H exhibits are more your speed, you have your honest opinions about who should have won the blue ribbons. People who pick you don’t always know what they’re in for, but for those that can handle you, you’re good to the bone.
Leo July 23–August 22 Lemonade You might be sick of people associating you with summer now that it’s over, but sunshine is just part of who you are. You’re refreshing, crisp and keep people feeling those summer vibes even when it’s chilly outside.
Scorpio October 24–November 21 Funnel cake You already know that you’re the life of the party--but did you also know that you’re a social staple? You complete the carnival. Without you, why even go to the fair? Grab a lucky pal and head on down for a muchdeserved break. Sagittarius: November 22–December 21 Kettle corn What’s special about you is your ability to adapt. Your ability to match with any flavor makes you socially versatile. Everyone can name a version of you that they like best. Always make sure you have a water bottle on hand.
OPINION
“He’s All That” Isn’t Bad but it isn’t Good Either Joanna Orban Copy Editor This article will contain spoilers for the movie “He’s All That”. I wasn’t the right age to appreciate 1999’s “She’s All That” and its—questionable—take on teen romances. Now twenty-two years later and watching the gender-swapped remake “He’s All That”, I have even more problems with the makeover montage movies and what messages they provide to younger audiences. “He’s All That”, recently landed on Netflix on Aug. 27, 2021, and at the time of writing this article is currently still sitting on Netflix’s Top Ten in the U.S. Today list. I am not the target audience for this movie. I’ve never seen the original and I’m not on social media, something that features heavily in this movie. Despite that and my pessimistic attitude about romance movies, I watched “He’s All That” anyway. It made me angry and if I’m being honest, a tiny bit sad. The movie starts with the main character, Padgett Sawyer, live-streaming her morning makeup routine from a perfect, pristine room that the viewer soon learns is in an average, everyday house, not the expensive condo she claims she lives in. After being picked up by her super-rich friends, who pretend not to know that she’s actually “poor”, Padgett convinces them to surprise her boyfriend with her. Her boyfriend is an up-and-coming hiphop star, thanks to Padgett’s influence. However, despite all that she’s done for him, he’s cheating on her.
Continued on Page 8
Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons
The Bengal at Idaho State University
7 September 2021 • Page 8
SPORTS & RECREATION
Lesley Brey| Editor-in-Chief Contact: bgchief@isu.edu
Cross County Competes at UVU to Open the Season Idaho State Athletics Submitted Content The Idaho State cross country team opened the 2021 season at the Utah Valley Invitational on Friday at Lakeside Park in Orem, Utah. On the men’s side, Zach Montoya finished third overall and second amongst collegiate runners with a time of 15:15.6. Collin Dylla finished 14th and was the
second Bengal runner to cross the finish line with a time of 15:44.6. Brandon Walker and Eric Christen were the next Bengal runners to cross the finish line. “The men’s team is very thin this year but individually I was very impressed with Zak Montoya’s performance,” said Head Coach Nate Houle. “He’s been putting in massive numbers all summer running 120 miles/week and it showed today. I wanted a controlled effort, leaving something in the tank and so seeing him finish 3rd under
those circumstances is encouraging.” On the women’s side, Cassandra Vasquez finished ninth with a time of 18:55.9. Laura Alicke and Madi Kenyon were the next two runners to finish as Alicke finished with a time of 19:30.6 and Kenyon 19:36.2. “It was a great debut by Cassandra Vasquez,” continued Houle. “I was really impressed with her fearlessness in this race. She has gone from running small high school races with COVID-limited field sizes to diving straight into a competitive
D1 meet and didn’t skip a beat. I’m really excited for her future trajectory. We elected to sit a handful of our top women this weekend to preserve their legs for later in the season. We did quite well without them but I’m looking forward to having the entire group together in Bozeman in two weeks.” Haven Lambrite, Sulette Ferreyra Serna, Laura Maccabee and Sophie Stubbs to round out the top 40. Idaho State finished fourth out of five teams.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
Idaho State Adding Alcohol Service in Holt Arena Idaho State Athletics Submitted Content Idaho State University will add alcohol service to home football games in Holt Arena this fall, starting with the opening game on September 4. Alcoholic beverages will be served at three locations inside the arena and limited to no more than two drinks per person in a single transaction. The University has also introduced a
Fan Code of Conduct to support a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all patrons and student-athletes. Idaho State’s Fan Code of Conduct is available for review online at isu.edu/tickets. At the home opener football game, Idaho State will also implement a no re-entry policy for fans and spectators. After entering Holt Arena for ISU football games, Bengal fans will not be allowed to leave the venue and return during the game. As a reminder, clear bags will also be enforced. Guests will
be limited to one approved clear bag each, plus a small clutch, purse, or wallet for privacy. All bags, purses, and items entering the venue are subject to security screening. If you do not need an item for the event, please consider leaving it at home or in your vehicle. There is an exemption for diaper bags and medical supplies. Idaho State Athletic Director Pauline Thiros said, “We are pleased to be able to expand the services available to fans in Holt Arena, and will continue working to im-
prove our facilities, services, and game day environment in a variety of ways.” Clear bags will be provided at the first home football game of the season by Idaho Central Credit Union. Throughout the entire football season, the University Bookstore will also sell clear bags outside the arena. Face coverings are required indoors on campus, including Holt Arena and Reed Gymnasium, for all individuals regardless of vaccination status.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
Page 9 • 7 September 2021
Lesley Brey | Editor-in-Chief Contact: bgchief@isu.edu
The Bengal at Idaho State University
SPORTS & RECREATION
ISU Falls to North Dakota in Season-Opener Idaho State Athletics Submitted Content The Idaho State football team lost 35-14 to No. 8 University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks on Saturday afternoon in Holt Arena in their first game of the season. After COVID-19 pushed last year’s season into the spring, the Bengal fans were excited to see their team back in action. Alongside the pregame tailgate, beer gardens had fans buzzing before kick off. North Dakota led the entire game,jumping out to a 7-0 lead after an Idaho State turnover on its opening possession. North Dakota led 7-0 after the first quarter and 10-0 five minutes into the second. Idaho State scored its first touchdown right before halftime thanks to a one-yard plunge by sophomore Malakai Rango on a third and goal from the one-yard line. The scoring drive went 80 yards on 13 plays. North Dakota scored on its opening possession of the third quarter to lead 17-7 and later took a 24-7 lead after another Bengal turnover.
The Fighting Hawks extended their lead to 27-7 early in the fourth quarter. ISU cut its deficit to 27-14 when senior Tanner Conner caught a 31-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Tyler Vander Waal with 10:22 left in the game. In the fourth quarter, The Fighting Hawks scored one final touchdown to put the game away with 2:43 remaining. North Dakota was held to 368 yards of total offense while the Bengals finished with 301. Freshman running back, Raiden Hunter, had 11 carries for 37 yards while Rango had 13 carries for 34 yards and one touchdown. Vander Waal was 19-43 with one touchdown and three interceptions. He threw for 229 yards. Freshman Xavier Guillory caught five passes for 79 yards and Conner caught three balls for 54 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore Connor Wills led the defense with 14 tackles while junior Darian Green added 12. Idaho State plays at Nevada on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Brandon Oram | Photo Editor
Photo Courtesy of Brandon Oram | Photo Editor
The Bengal at Idaho State University
7 September 2021 • Page 12
OPINION
Lesley Brey| Editor-in-Chief Contact: bgchief@isu.edu
“He’s All That” continued from page 5 Understandably, she gets mad and even more understandably she starts to scream and freak out. Unfortunately, her “friend” is still live streaming. The movie goes downhill from here, in a bizarre series of events that loses and alienates the watchers. Padgett is the pariah, losing nearly 20,000 followers because her boyfriend cheated on her. Padgett loses her sponsorship deal because she looked less than perfect with smeared mascara and a snotty nose after she found her boyfriend cheating on her. Somehow, even though we’re in the 21st century, Padgett is still the loser. The rest of the movie is equally confusing. Relying heavily on the overdone tropes of makeovers and hate to love, the rest of the movie is a blur of Padgett picking a virtual unknown to makeover into prom king. The unknown in question, Cameron, is a bland stereotype of the angsty teenager who hates just about everything, wears beanies and long hair, and worst of all, doesn’t have a smartphone, he also takes photos solely on film and doesn’t let any-
body see them. Here’s the thing. This movie isn’t that bad, and I don’t think Addison Rae, a wellknown influencer on TikTok, who plays Padgett deserves all of the hate. Yes, her acting is a bit cheesy, but the real problem with this movie isn’t her acting or the debate that TikTokers don’t deserve their opportunities. The main problem surrounding this movie is the fact that despite the movie trying to teach the message about “being yourself” it perpetuates the harmful stereotype that you have to be pretty and perfect and popular to be liked and valued. Take Cameron for example, despite his long hair and slightly creepy mustache, he wasn’t bad-looking at all. Even Kourtney Kardashian’s character describes him as “a little scruffy, but cute”. The problem is that until he starts hanging out with Padgett and gets an admittedly well-deserved haircut, he’s nothing in the social scene of the school. His makeover and sudden appearance at parties with Padgett catapulted him to popularity and a prom king nomination. Nobody cared
Letters to the Editor
about him until he looked like everyone else and that’s what made me sad. As a girl, I’ve lived my whole life with the societal pressure to look and act a certain way. I’m used to it. “He’s All That” does a great job of illustrating the pressure that is put on women as is seen in the way Padgett lost her followers for having a bad day. Yes, I’m incredibly annoyed that we’re still sending this message to girls, but it was equally saddening to see this move force the same pressure on men, particularly young men. Even Padgett’s monstrous ex wasn’t immune. Padgett herself describes how gross he was before she came into his life and changed everything from his name to his traditional greeting. Of course, the movie tries to scramble and claim that because Cameron is suddenly hot and confident, it doesn’t matter that he was bullied and forced into it by a girl trying to maintain her own reputation. Once he realizes what Padgett has done to him, he’s rightfully mad at her but quickly forgives her once she tries to come clean about her own fake persona on social media.
There is no real consequence to her actions or any real discussion about the harmful stereotypes that Padgett and social media forced upon Cameron. Padgett still wins prom queen, still gets the guy and regains all of her lost followers. Her lie to Cameron made her more popular as did her enforcing beauty standards on him as a sort of pawn, despite her new claim that she’s trying to be more authentic. Movie remakes are frustrating for many reasons, but I found “He’s All That” more frustrating than most. I guess I’d hoped that in the twenty-plus years since the original came out that we’d be beyond starting relationships off with deception and the forced idea of needing to be pretty in order to be liked. I was wrong, clearly. This movie deserves its bad review, but not because of the acting or the actors’ jobs, but because society needs to learn that teen rom coms can be made about something other than unrealistic beauty standards.
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The Bengal Staff Editor-in-Chief Lesley Brey
Life Editor Chloe Reid
Photo Editor Brandon Oram
Copy Editor Joanna Orban
Sports Editor TBD
Social Media Manager TBD
News Editor Jack Sherlock
Production Editor Hailey Nelson
Advertising Manager TBD
Reporters Andrea Diaz TBD
Distribution Richard Brey TBD
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Advisor Andrew Taylor