September 2012

But only if you want

September 2012

$4.00 CA

CONTENTS

Submission Guidelines Absynthe is a submissions-based magazine. Any Trent student who wishes to be published can send their work to us at trentabsynthe@gmail.com. Submissions can be any length, and can be written in any style.

Submissions will be subject to editing for spelling and grammar as well as verified for appropriate content.

Please include your name for publication. Photos and images are encouraged, but are required to have a minimum resolution of 300dpi. Articles may be held for publication at a later date.

Jennifer Boon

Arm outstretched, legs defying gravity as he swings upside down, the man carefully lowers himself onto a new perch. He is not Spiderman, nor is he an acrobatic thrill-seeker. He is simply a climber.

May and Wayne collaboratively opened Rock and Rope Climbing Centre, an indoor rock climbing gym, in September 2011. Their partnership transcends business, and together their hard work and commitment to the sport has earned them admiration from local climbers throughout Peterborough. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the gym, and experience for myself this new craze which is sweeping through the athletic scene.

Located perpendicular to Park St. N, at 280 Perry Street Unit #16, Rock and Rope is a magical little world unto itself. Boasting excellent top rope climbing, as well as a bouldering area with newly set routes, the inside of the gym has the appearance of a ginger bread house, iced with brightly coloured candy. Everywhere the eyes wander, there are blue, green, red, white and yellow handholds running up the length of the walls.

Unbeknownst to many, rock climbing has been gaining popularity for quite a long time. With names like Ashima Shirashi and Chris Sharma being celebrated via sports networks, it is no small wonder why youth across Canada are becoming interested in this amazing recreational activity. Enticed by the promise of a rigorous body workout, both physical and mental challenges, and guaranteed infatuation, many Trent and Fleming students are curious regarding the ins and outs of rock climbing. I decided to see for myself what all the talk was about by paying an educational visit to Rock and Rope Climbing Centre.

The first thing I point towards is a line of protruding artificial moulds, and am informed that they are called “routes.� Each route is made up of urethane and fiberglass handholds, placed to simulate an outdoor rock surface. Individual routes have a unique numerical rating, which is used to differentiate between skill levels. These also change depending on which type of climbing one aspires to do. The

easiest route for top/lead climbing typically begins with 5.2 and as the difficulty of the climb increases, so does the number which it is given, until a top grading of 5.15b is applied. Fluorescent tape is placed on the walls to indicate the direction one may choose to follow in order to reach their destination of choice, and also to indicate how challenging any particular path will be.

Excited and slightly nervous to give this new activity a try, I arrange to meet with Alex, a fellow Trent University student who has agreed to be my instructor for the afternoon. An accomplished rock climber himself, Alex takes the time to explain the key points of rock climbing equipment.

“It is very important to be safe while up on the wall,” he says, wielding a black harness.

“Outdoor climbing requires much more preparation. You would need: carabiners, quick draws, camalots, and stoppers, not to mention checking the weather forecast in advance. But today, you will just be using the basics.”

The basics, I learn, include a harness, properly fit-

ted shoes, chalk to eliminate the sweat from your hands, and someone to belay you from the ground. All of these items are available to rent at Rock and Rope for a very reasonable price. As I slip each leg through the harness holes, I gulp down a healthy dose of beginner’s fear. Staring up at the intimidating sheer height of the wall before me, I recall the phrase, “If man were meant to fly, he would have wings.” Perhaps if humans were meant to climb, we would have been built with multiple legs, like spiders.

However, my apprehension is short-lived. Before I know it, my feet are hovering above the ground, and I have placed my hand on the first grip.

The vertical plunge is at a perfect 90 degree angle to the floor.

Slowly but surely, my fingers and feet scramble their way forwards. Below me, I can hear Alex’s encouraging words, advising me, “You are doing great!”

And this is what truly makes Rock and Rope unlike any other gym – it is defined by the people who frequent it.

The smiles, laughter, and gen-

eral welcoming attitudes in this building are phenomenal. Everyone who trains here possesses a zealous passion for the sport of rock climbing. The employees are helpful and informative, the visitors outgoing and eager to improve. Music flows through the air, the beat pulsating to the same rhythm as a throbbing human heart. All around me, there are summer camp children, teenagers, university students, parents, and even a handful of seniors, each one committed to living the healthy, energetic life style that the sport of rock climbing promotes.

I can do more than merely advise everyone to give rock climbing a try; I can promise that you will enjoy it. That feeling of accomplishment when you reach the top, and are able to glance down below at the obstacles recently overcome, is comparable to nothing else. Who knows, maybe we’ll bump into each other at the gym sometime, because you just might get addicted!

Check out the Rock and Rope Climbing Centre website at: http://www.rockandrope.com/contact.html■

Vanessa Lupton

September is without doubt an exciting, and busy time for most university students - moving back to the ‘Peter Patch’, navigating new classes and reuniting with old friends. Whether it’s your first year or your fourth, it’s important to take some time to actually think about the degree that you’re so diligently trying to obtain. Ideally you’ve already given this some thought prior to picking out your courses, but hey, no one is perfect.

Planning your degree and paying attention to the important dates set forth by administration is vital. Remember that day planner that was given to you at the start of the year?

Take a look at those pages at the front that everyone instinctively flips past. You’ll see all sorts of useful information ranging from school holidays, to course add/ drop deadlines, even fee deadline information. For those who are more electronically inclined, the online academic calendar is a treasure trove of information.

Why might this be handy knowledge you ask? Let’s say it’s the fourth week of classes and as you sit in your first year Physics class listening to the Prof. talk about … well… whatever it is that Physics Profs talk about, and you think to yourself “this is SO not where I want to be right

The mandate of Absynthe Magazine is to encourage constructive dialogue and critical thinking within the Trent community. As an on-campus publication, Absynthe shall strive to represent as many people of the community as possible by presenting varying views on all matters that are of importance to the community and especially the student body. In the spirit of free and independent press, Absynthe shall strive for the highest degree of journalistic integrity and excellence while providing a medium for creative and alternative expression. It will actively stimulate and concourage discussion through itself or any other means available to members of the Trent community.

Hey, you!

Yeah, you!!

You look like you’ve got some talent in you, kid.

Submit your work to Absynthe Magazine!

Submission Guidelines Absynthe is a submissions-based magazine. Any Trent student who wishes to be published can send their work to us at trentabsynthe@gmail.com. Submissions can be any length, and can be written in any style.

Submissions will be subject to editing for spelling and grammar as well as verified for appropriate content.

Please include your name for publication. Photos and images are encouraged, but are required to have a minimum resolution of 300dpi. Articles may be held for publication at a later date.

Joel Vaughan

In a letter to Robert Hooke in 1675, Isaac Newton commented that “if [he had] seen further it [was] by standing on ye shoulders of giants”. Had he been writing three-hundred years later, he might express the degree to which the “giants” were reluctant to hold him. Though Newton’s words have been given countless interpretations, they all boil down to the following: there are no new ideas, only expanded old ones. With the modern invention of intellectual property, however, it is becoming increasingly difficult to expand the “old ideas”.

Newton lived in a word where ideas were free, as they have been for the majority of human civilization. Upon a new creation it was naturally expected that the products of intellectual labour would be copied and built upon by other intellectuals and inventors. This expectation extended to art, literature, music, inventions, and anything that would be regarded today as intellectual property.

The problem with this system became immediately ap-

parent when artists, writers, inventors, and the like began to make a legitimate living from their products: it is impossible for the creator to compete with the copier. Because they have to cover their own development costs, creators are forced to sell their product for a higher price than a copier would. This natural flaw in the system discouraged creation and slowed social progress. It was imperative that creators were protected from copycats.

The American “Copyright Act of 1790” and “Patent Act of 1790” were written in response to this issue, and it wasn’t long before other leading nations followed suit. The acts were meant to address the competition flaw, allowing the creators a limited amount of time in which they could own the exclusive rights to their product in order to cover the development costs and earn profit. After this period, the product would be released to the public domain, where it could be used as a shoulder on which other creators might stand.

In the late 1800s, how-

ever, there was a shift in the zeitgeist, and the tradition of building upon the creations of others began its slow downward spiral.

This shift came with the idea of “Intellectual Property”, where ideas came to be legally regarded as an individual’s property, treated with the same rules as one’s physical property. The legal ownership does not take into account the contribution of anyone but the owner, and does not allow any other creators to expand upon the property without the permission of said owner.

Laws and ideas meant to protect the creator now become the very chains to discourage new creation. A combination of intellectual property rights and copyright/patent acts lead to the seemingly indefinite extension of the period of a creator’s exclusive rights, resulting in a cagedout public domain. The public domain was originally intended to be a vast body of work freely available to the public, meant to promote social and intellectual growth – a Wikipedia on steroids.

The idea remains, but suffers from constant attacks of publish-

Review

by Evelyn Deshane

In order to understand why Refuse by Elliott DeLine is such a refreshing read, a few things have to happen first. You need to read all the other books that have transgender protagonists, then read some interviews with transgender people talking about their experience (general overviews like Christopher Shelley’s Transpeople or Transgender Voices are good starts), add a few gender theory books, laugh at the SCUM Manifesto, lurk on tumblr for a bit and insert yourself into any discus-

sion on the gender binary, and maybe even go to a few support groups. Then after you have become so saturated with overzealous queerness and an almost evangelical devotion to the idea of gender itself, along with a few shame and guilt cycles, Refuse will feel as if it’s pulling you out of the vortex of your own creation and telling you to just calm down.

“To be transgender is to be perpetually offended,” DeLine writes. It’s a jarring line coming from a book that is by a trans-

gender author about a transgender character. It shocks the reader out of their politically correct mindset and forces them to look at the things that we are just not supposed to say and then focuses us on the real issue. DeLine is not trying to offend a community; he is trying to get them to be critical through humour.

It’s okay to laugh - because in this case, we are laughing with and not at DeLine and his protagonist Dean. The difference is subtle, but it is there.

This book is incredibly knowledgeable on its topic, and is a deeply personal story, but at the same time, it does not take

that story too seriously. The dry humour and wit in this book balances out the more serious moments of doubt and introspection, preventing its storyline from turning into melodrama.

There are serious issues tackled (the bulk of the book is about suicide), but it is an utter relief

form of narrative is comforting.

We seek validations in stories in order to confirm that part of ourselves. People worry that if Dean in this novel rejects all of what it “means” to be trans, then he (and them as well) will cease to be transgender anymore. The minor backlash that this book has received is (in my t shocks the reader out of their politically correct mindsetopinion) the fear of inand forces them to look at the things that we are just not sup-validation.

But that is posed to say and then focuses us on the real issue. not the case with Reto read. The suicidal thoughts what most transgender narra- fuse. Dean does not revert back of the main character do not tives depict. This is not a “suc- to his “biological” gender just fall in conjunction with the cess” story. It is one that cri- because he does not want to “unhappy queer” narrative that tiques the ridiculous amount of chant the same slogans as every Sara Ahmed has pointed out, narratives that are already out single other FTM in the comnor do they conform to the self- there. But what is great about munity. He is lonely because of hate that is perpetuated in a lot this particular book is that Dean some of his opinions, but he is of other transgender novels. In- can reject all those narratives of still himself. stead, it adds a personal layer to the past, all the reasons for why Even Dean’s “in-between” nathe sarcastic humour; it allows someone is trans or how to be ture of what community he refor you to see that Dean is hu- trans, and anything else cliché - ally belongs to is not something man with flaws and struggles. but he still remains transgender. that is permanent. The transgenThe doubt that the characters I think a lot of the fear within der narrative form is still very sometimes feel about their deci- the LGBT and trans commu- new. Right now, there is not a sion to transition is also another nities surrounding critiquing lot of variation on the themes refreshing element to this story. the standard narrative of what involved, but Refuse is a step It goes against the “always” it means to be trans involves in the right direction. With stonarratives that crop up in trans- people’s identities being threat- ries to come, Dean’s inevitagender stories - the “I’ve always ened. Because it can sometimes ble loneliness and the thoughts been a woman/man, and will al- be hard to find legitimacy with- of suicide will no longer be the ways be a woman/man” and the in a society that does not always character’s only fate. ■ idea of knowing that you have allow for transgender people to been trans since you were three exist as they are, the “always”

I

years old. There is no setting up the “transgender experience” or anything as ridiculous and narrow-minded as that using the same conventions.

The story of Dean and his adventures through the queer community and being a young adult trans man is different than

Check out an interview with Elliot DeLine conducted by Evelyn Deshane in next month’s issue of absynthe.

I hated high school; hated it, hated it, hated it. Sometimes, even today, I’ll fantasize about kicking the shit out of some choice people. I mean, it’ll never happen realistically; I was the kid that sat in the back of class with his hood up, but it’s something that I still think about from time to time. In Persona 4 Arena, you can select your favourite character from past titles and kick the crap out of the others in what General Teddie has dubbed the P-1 Grand Prix.

From a glance, or as an outsider’s perspective, Persona 4 Arena looks totally ridiculous: a fighting game featuring (mostly) canon characters of a JRPG, accompanied by a textdriven story mode. The game’s thirteen character roster is filled out with characters from Persona 3 and 4, allowing for story-continuity spanning three different titles. In P4A the students of Yagosami High who made up The Investigation Team are planning to meet up during Golden Week, but their plans go awry after they learn that the Midnight Channel has returned to the air! Without spoiling the previous games, the Midnight Channel caused images to appear on televisions sets at midnight regardless of whether they were turned on or even plugged in.

It also acted as a portal the Investigation Team could use to travel to a world inside the TV. With its fun storytelling, memorable characters and unique artistic direction, the Persona series has become a cult hit here in North America. For fans of the series, P4A is a wet dream.

But this time the Midnight Channel is back on the air featuring a different kind of program, the P-1 Grand Prix: a fighting tournament pitting high school friends against each oth-

P

netcode and a community resembling that of Blazblue or Soul Caliber: a healthy mix of both skilled players and losers who are just as bad as I am. I experienced very little lag (if any at all) and the game has only frozen on me once so far.

After falling victim to a design flaw that strangled online play for Xbox users, Atlas and Arc System Works quickly dumped a patch to rectify the latency problem. Never afraid to laugh at themselves, the online flyer read PATCHED in big bold letters,

ersona fans will sink their teeth into the interesting perspectives each character has on the events taking place.

er. You can fight your way through three different modes: story, arcade and score attack. Also included is a challenge mode which lists thirty combination-challenges for each of the thirteen playable characters, giving players an encouraging way to learn inputs and adjust to the game.

Online play comes in two flavors, ranked head-to-head or casual lobby play, each with its own with win/ loss—and an additional combined online ratio. The game boasts a solid

along with a number of quotes from various forum users praising the fix.

Even more amusing was that every quote used in the ad was actually taken that same day from sites like GameFAQs and NeoGAF. Persona 4 Arena is a great fighter for a number of reasons: aside from one clone (kind-of) every character on the small roaster is distinctively unique both artistically and in play style. One of the nice additions is

the auto-combo, allowing inexperienced players to repeatedly tap the X button to chain shots, ultimately finishing in a nice super move if you have enough SP (skill points) stored.

W

that there is going to be a significant amount of overlap between them (unlike in KS which—after the first act—would take a unique turn depending on which girl you were try-

easy to overlook considering the scale of the text driven story that they’ve created. Despite the aforementioned story arc overlap, I felt as though each character’s tale was subtly unique. For example, Yu would have a sparsely different experience than Kanji would have, or Teddie for that matter (a bearsuit creature that lives in the TV and enjoys puns bear-y much). Not only that, but the diction of each character’s internal narrative and external dialogue was distinct; some characters were much more formal in their speaking, others were more casual or had accents.

Not to mention I almost cried during Labrys’s story path. It takes at least three plays of three different characters' paths to get a considerable scope, but it’s definitely worth it.

orking hard and accomplishing goals is what gaming is all about...

With this in mind, experienced players will wipe the floor with these people, leaving the balance of the game relatively in tact. P4A rewards players who are willing to invest themselves in the process of learning and adapting to the mechanics of the game in order to get better. Nothing feels more satisfying than raising your fists in triumph, your controller dropping to the ground as you stand up and walk around your room— you’ve just spent the past thirty minutes desperately trying to master a thirteen input combo and you finally nailed it. Working hard and accomplishing goals is what gaming is all about: the ability to complete a reflex and skill based challenge is an extremely uplifting feeling. But there is more than one way to cut your teeth before hopping into the din; some players will opt for the text driven story mode.

Persona 4 Arena supports a story style similar to that of visual novels like Katawa Shoujo; you’ll click your way through about thirty to fifty minutes of text, you might make a few choices and you’ll most likely have a few fights along the way. The unfortunate thing about P4A is that its story is told almost seamlessly.

A fair amount of story paths (there is one for each character) are very similar due to the nature of the plot and premise; the P-1 Grand Prix pits friends against each other, meaning

ing to score with). For many players this kind of story telling might feel boring and tedious, but Persona fans will sink their teeth into the interesting perspectives each character has on the events taking place. While the Midnight Channel serves as the perfect urban legend and a great plot device, I couldn’t help myself from getting bored at certain intervals.

After playing through three or four of these story paths you really have played them all. This isn’t to say the mode isn’t worth playing at all, just that some might find it more mundane and repetitive (very repetitive) than others. The story mode wasn’t without its faults though. For starters, there was this gem I spotted while playing: “The only thing outside the shopping district obstructing my view is mountain of garbage that looks like it might be a scrap heap or a junkyard.”

And then there was this masterpiece of modern English: “Ha, I don’t know what’s you’re up to here, but you’ve going to have to try harder.”

For an EN release of a game that was region locked and re-translated specifically for oversea sales, you’re going to have to try a lot harder than that Atlas. These blips however were

I’m not particularly a fan of fighting games; I try to buy a new one every few years because they are excellent to have around when non-gamer friends visit. They might not be great at video games, but everyone knows how to button mash—and with the auto combo system it’s even easier to pull a win out of an inexperienced player’s ass. I own Soul Caliber 4, the new Mortal Kombat reboot, and now Persona 4 Arena. With a compelling story mode, a challengingly addictive multiplayer and great artistic vision, Persona 4 Arena is without a doubt my new favourite of the three. Offering little in terms of spoiling the previous titles, and doing a great job of leading you through the hoops of its own, P4A seems to have eloquently bridged the gap between poetic story and prosaic fighter. If you’ve always thought about trying a Persona game, or needed an excuse to break into the series, this is a great way to start. ■

1. Leave your door open if you live in residence (of course, only when you are there) 2. Eat at every cafeteria – including the Seasoned Spoon 3. Join something! A group, a team, a Frisbee circle 4. Participate in ISW…you only have one 5. Get downtown…check things out 6. Meet your professors 7. Go to class (from time to time at least) 8. Check out every residence 9. Don’t be a residence snob…there are hotties in EVERY residence 10. Learn to play poker 11. Learn how to take multiple choice tests 12. Keep fruit stocked in your mini fridge 13. Go dancing (and by dancing I mean drinking…if you are of age, of course) 14. Go hiking on the drumlin behind LEC 15. Find out what LEC stands for 16. Go to the basement of the library 17. Dip your feet into the Otonabee River 18. Wander through the DNA building 19. Participate in a study 20. Check out the tipi behind Gzowski 21. Find out who Peter Gzowski was 22. Figure out how to pronounce Gzowski 23. Talk to strangers…often

24. Don’t go home every single weekend 25. Sit beside someone new every lecture 26. Check out the local eateries 27. Check out the local museums 28. Ride a bus other than the Trent Express 29. Go to HOTT 30. Find out what HOTT stands for 31. Go to a Ceilie night 32. Rock a toga 33. Have a snowball fight 34. Party with your Don 35. Party without your Don knowing 36. Get caught partying by your Don 37. Change your sheets weekly…okay, at least monthly…seriously…that’s gross!

38. Clean your toilet too!

39. Call your mom…

40. ...but claim your independence 41. Get familiar with the freshman 15 42. Make a budget 43. Enjoy splurging 44. Be nice to the Aramark ladies…it isn’t their fault 45. Grow your hair 46. Shave your head 47. Submit an article to Absynthe 48. Stand up for yourself 49. Speak at your seminar…yes you… the shy one…you…do it!

50. Share your books and movies 51. Make a list to keep track of who has your books and movies 52. Fall in love 53. Fall in lust 54. Meet your future Best Man / Maid of Honour 55. Don’t forget about your friends back home 56. Pull an all-nighter 57. Get an essay in early 58. I would throw something funny in about the bookstore, but the truth is, there’s nothing funny about it…you’ll see what I mean 59. Drop a class 60. Take a class JUST because you are interested in it 61. Change your mind, often…you are allowed to!

62. Try not to stress too much; we’ve all made it past 1st year, and you will too!

63. Take pictures…lots of them…you will cherish these memories forever 64. Try to spend less than an hour on Facebook a day…good luck!

65. Toboggan/Snowboard down Armour Hill 66. Go to a kegger off campus 67. Go to a kegger on campus…and if you find one, let me know, ‘cause that’s crazy 68. Open your mind to new ideas and experiences 69. Um, I think this number is cool on its own for suggestions 70. Find out what makes you laugh 71. Discover what makes you cry 72. Read a book that is not assigned to you 73. Check out the intramural program… it’s pretty kick ass 74. Blur the lines between Arts and Science 75. Wait in line at the library for a computer…to check your Facebook

76. Try not to lose your ID card in a drunken rampage downtown 77. If you are on OSAP, research it meticulously; they are tricky!

78. VOTE when the TCSA offers it…believe me, it’s in your best interest 79. Keep a spare roll of change on hand for laundry and you’ll get popular quick!

80. Walk across the bridge in mid-winter and try not to shiver 81. Walk across the bridge in mid-winter and try not to fall 82. Walk anywhere on campus in mid-winter and try not to fall 83. Forget all the high school drama…

University isn’t like that 84. Go on a lift-lock tour 85. Check out the hundreds of parks 86. Learn how to play Frisbee golf 87. Educate yourself about Peter Robinson College and Catherine Parr Traill College 88. Try to figure out what that white foamy stuff in the river is 89. Get lost in your thoughts staring at the river from the library window when you should be studying. Not that I ever personally do this…nope, never!

90. Take your iPod off from time to time 91. Talk to people waiting for the bus 92. Check out some live bands 93. Do Pingo once a month 94. Find out what Pingo is 95. Support our teams!

96. Join Cabinet…or at least go to a cabinet run event 97. Find out how to use WebCT…quickly 98. Write a PSYCH 101 exam in under 20 minutes, and score at least an 85% 99. Make out with someone in Wenjack Theatre during lecture 100. Remember you only get one shot at first year - make it rock!

*ignore the ones that involve ISW, Dons, Residence, etc

Daniel Collins Many of us fear we yet again won't be able to conjure up the strength, but mercilessly here we are, a new semester. Another chance to start fresh. You can buy all the staplers and push pencils you like but there are certain non-material things that must also be sharpened. Your ambition, for instance. You can’t buy motivation, but that isn't what this is about. This is about the fresh start. This is about entering the school year cleansed of hatred, full of love and understanding. Yeah, that’s right. You heard me. A simple enough message, but one so often forgotten and ignored. A message too often scoffed at. We all need to be reminded sometimes about the power of this message. We need to be reminded because it can be such a healthy and beautiful thing.

1. The only thing worth hating is hate

2. Attempting to understand can save lives. Sometimes it's the only thing that can save

a life

3. Showing kindness towards people that you are naturally disgusted by is important

(Don’t be an asshole)

4. No one ever said that being a good person was easy.

5. Don’t turn your back on love just because you think you’re better than hippies and

religious people

6. God. Love. Pretty much the same thing give or take

7. You don’t need to smoke weed to believe in the power of love and understanding

(Although it probably doesn’t hurt)

8. If you are out of touch with the whole love game it will be a struggle to get back on

your feet but you’ll be glad you did. Don’t give up

9. Did I mention don’t be an asshole? You are in university now. Grow up (I know there

are those of you who are tired and angry at the world but with a few adjustments the

cycle can be broken.)

10. We can never be sure who is on the cusp of a nervous breakdown so try not to push people

11. Early bird gets the worm?

12. Love is a great and pure thing and nothing anyone ever says can refute that.

Those of you who will be the last to listen to this statement are the ones it was written for. Even you can change your ways. There are quite enough bullies at this school and the definition of bully is broader than you might think. Think hard: do you fall under this category? I know you have heard it all before but that only emphasizes the problem of your still not paying attention.

A life spent avoiding love is a waste of a life. All you need to do is allow this to happen. We all need to be reminded sometimes. ■

Caitlin Jones

Ever since I heard the first rumblings about the student protests in Quebec I knew which side I would fall on during the course of the debate. For one, I very rarely see things in something other than black and white.

I'm unwavering in my dedica-

in school education cost less than $1000 (trust me, I've looked at Trent guidebooks from the 60s and 70s). To be honest, I'd compare the statements they are making to the citizens of the United States who are so privileged themselves that they cannot recognize that the system works in favour of a few, which is why have the luxury will still wholeheartedly, and unabashedly, dis- they of paying to save their agree with the bullshit that they are spouting own lives, if need be.

Frankly, these comments are completely tion to absolutes. So, what this to take care of themselves—but out of touch with the reality of means is that while I can listen it seems to me that university the capitalist system we are curto what critics are saying about educated baby boomers are out rently functioning in. the protests, and the protestors, of touch. They will soon benefit As I write this the book I will still wholeheartedly, and from social systems like health- DIY U: Edupunks, Edupreneurs unabashedly, disagree with the care, and old age benefits, but and the Coming Transformation bullshit that they are spouting. do not support funding degrees. of Higher Education--by Anya I have heard the arguments on Likely because when they were Kamenetz--is sitting on the desk

I

comments pages for various news sites. The comments from baby boomers who say that our generation wants handouts, and that we're spoiled and overly privileged. They keep saying that they do not want to foot the bill because students are not willing

beside me, and to be honest, it cluding our own, are choosing to needs a university degree. Plenty has taught me so many things. increase tuition, but de-fund our of the wealthiest families in the It has given me the perspective education by choosing to have US have traditionally uneducated to realize that we are not at fault part-time Professors, who are of- foreparents to thank for their disfor the debt that we face, that stu- ten overworked and underpaid. gusting amounts of wealth. I bedents protesting a 75% increase Personally, I have had some re- lieve that access to training needs in tuition are not spoiled. Instead markable LTA Professors, who I to be accessible. My argument is they are trying to avoid the prob- think should be recognized by the not that people should not have lems that we, at Trent, know all university, but I digress. access to education, or the abiltoo well. I am currently paying $6600 in tuition, levies and e should protest a system that has inflated the student services.

I am then ex- need for degrees so much that earning a Bachelor's depected to pay at gree means nothing. least $1000 for books, they exMy point, in reference ity to pull themselves up by their pect me to pay to graduate (isn't that what tuition is?), to pay for to the Quebec is that we should bootstraps (or whatever the fuck any sort of form, and if I drove not be criticizing these students it is rich people expect everyone I'd be expected to pay to park- because they don't want to face else to do), but I believe that coning. We are constantly paying for what we are currently facing. We tinuing to support a system that more services, despite the fact should be protesting the fact that has been created to support big that students are now carrying somehow Ontario has overlooked business is the problem. Univermost of the load for the university the fact that minimum wage is not sities were about learning, and any way, in terms of financials. I increasing at the rate of housing teaching yourself how to learn; have a hard time not getting an- and education costs, and that they they were about learning to be a gry about this every time I look at are crippling us with the debt we free thinker independent of other the salary disclosure on the inter- will all soon have to shoulder. systems. Now they have become net (google Trent University sal- We should protest a system that degree mills that staunch creativary disclosure). Some of the top has inflated the need for degrees ity from the very first lecture in administrators are taking in any- so much that earning a Bach- ENGL 1000.

What I am trying to say— where between $130 000 to $300 elor's degree means nothing. We 000.00. I mention the administra- should protest a system that pays with a lot of passion—and very tors rather than the Professors be- some people $300 000 to be fig- few statistics (and no eloquence) cause Professors are active in our ureheads. These students are not is that our support should be with education. They deserve an im- backing down from bullying, and those are forced to live this. Our mense amount of credit for put- scare tactics, and for that they support should be with people ting up with the arrogance from should be applauded, not criti- who do not have the luxury of the students, and bullying from cized. Universities are supposed living in a world where going to the administrators. They deserve to create free thinkers, not sheep. university, getting a job, and then recognition, because I cannot So, in essence, is that what we are buying a house was a viable trajectory for 20-somethings. ■possibly list all of the good things paying for?

I don't believe that uniI have to say about the Profes- sors that I study under each year. versity needs to be universal.

Because many universities, in- I do not believe that everyone

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Jennifer Lawrence

There has been much criticism directed toward students protesting the tuition hike in Quebec. I have not decisively chosen a side on this issue, but there is something about much of the news coverage and the increasingly disgruntled public opinions being expressed that has been troubling me quite a bit. It would appear many are accusing the youths of not having a reasonable argument and in fact not having the right to protest at all.

From questioning their intelligence to using language like “playing hooky”, articles and their online readers have sought to disempower the youths in many instances by equating them with children and by making reference to their general lack of experience. It is indeed a child’s problem that these students face in that they are expected to act like adults but are regarded as children in a larger context. I will expand on this point later in my article, however it is this paradox that is acting as one of the prime motivators behind the youths’ disempowerment.

I would first like to address the financial aspect of this ongoing argument. What seems to be at the heart of the backlash from the nation toward the striking students is a

Q U E B E C P R O T E S T S

lieve they should be responsible for bearing some of the financial burden as a price for their degrees. This suggestion does seem reasonable, however there are counter arguments that must be considered. Firstly, at the end of the proposed annual tuition hikes, the sum will have reached $3 793.

While Quebec will still be able to claim the lowest tuition fees in Canada, at close to $4 000 they will be approaching the lowest tuition rates of some Ontario universities.

Furthermore, anyone currently attending university knows there are additional fees tacked on to tuition which can reach almost up to $1 000 (if not more), as is the case at Trent University. These extra fees cover things like health insurance and transportation, and while some may chose to opt out of them, they are necessary for many. After paying tuition, students must then purchase text books which can cost up to $900 a semester. This is usually the case for those studying in the sciences. While many universities offer buyback services at the end of each semester, they might only accept books which have already been requested for the next year’s class (as is the case at Trent). Since text books are frequently updated, especially in the sciences, this represents a frequent problem. Finally, some buyback services offer little more than 10% of the price originally t’s the Peter Pan syndrome paid.

Regarding the gradual tuition hike, what is frequently ignored is the accumulative conflict of ideology. The students’ claim to nature of the plan. As it is misrepresented the picket line is their belief that post sec- by some, it is not just an extra $325 a year; ondary education should be available to the fees rise by an extra $325 a year and everyone. Some protestors interviewed by thus cannot be broken down mathematithe CBC have referenced classmates who, cally into number of dollars per day by only thanks to the current tuition fees, are the using the $325 figure. With these calculafirst generation in their family’s history to tions in mind, some may still argue that it be able to attend post secondary education. is up to the students to manage their money

Conversely, other citizens citing in order to foot the bill. This is in my opinthemselves as “tax payers” are outraged by ion, again, a valid argument however to say the students’ perceived ingratitude, and be- students from lower income families must all follow the same penny pinching formula

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in order to succeed would be to Another argument im- It is the privilege of a group or an ignore the adverse life and fi- portant to consider is that of free individual to peacefully protest a nancial conditions affecting each access to education. Currently in government mandate, and those individual. Because life is ever- our society we have ramped cre- who have not participated in the changing, one financial plan may dentialism which has not only re- violence have not lost this right. fall through with an unexpected sulted in the devaluation of post For this reason, the attempted event. Lower income families secondary education but has also disempowerment of these stuare, in many cases, less equipped made it a necessity if one wishes dents by journalists, writers, to deal with these unexpected to move up the proverbial ladder and commentators disturbs me. financial issues which may sud- in their workplace. A degree in As mentioned before, given this denly drain savings or incur debt. particular is frequently preferred. rhetoric it appears students are

Success is very similar With this in mind, a high school facing a problem similar to that to evolution; it’s not a linear thing. uccess is very similar to evolution; it’s not a linear thing Novelty t-shirts depicting man’s progress from diploma will no longer suffice of children. It’s the Peter Pan chimpanzee to hockey player are to make an individual a middle syndrome: Wendy’s parents recool, but they give us the wrong income earner. Should the op- quest that she behaves more like impression. Homo sapien our portunity to obtain this standard a grown up but they frequently current evolved form, was not of living not be freely available disempower her because “she is a guaranteed end product after to all? Times are changing; if only a child”. years of hard work and progress. public school was free because The student problem People studying anthropology or it provided a level of education works similarly. For example, it biology know that we are a result considered to be essential, so too is ironic that one of the top stoof happenstance. Like Hollywood may now be the case for post ries during the last federal elecstars, our trajectory of evolution secondary education. But at the tion was the alarming level of powas a product of being in the right core of this ideological argument litical apathy amongst youth. Yet place at the right time, or rather, is this question: when do we put wherever students have attemptthe right gene pool at the right pe- a price on knowledge? If the high ed to show political interest, they riod. Similarly, to say we all of us school student can educate them- have been “booed” off the stage have the ability to attain financial selves on history, math, science, by media and citizens alike. success by following the same etc. without expense, on what Take the vote mobs, for examformula is absurd. Success stories grounds do we say that if they ple. Flash mobs inspired by Rick often used to prove this thesis are want to gain a better understand- Mercer’s challenge to encourage so remarkable only for their rar- ing they must pay extra? more youth to exercise their right ity. It is thus not beneficial to be I am not presenting this to vote were met with indignant insensitive toward the many vari- with the intention to take a side cries from some members of ous situations those struggling to on the issue. I am trying to dem- older demographics who went so pay tuition may find themselves onstrate that the students have a far as to write letters to the editor in. The Charest government has plausible argument given the ide- denying the youths’ capability of offered to give more attention to ological principles they are using logical thinking suitable to castfinancial aid programs. I think it to back their protests, and should ing a well-informed ballot. would be very helpful if this plan not, therefore, be classified as There is a complicated was outlined for the public. “spoiled brats”. dialogue in our society address-

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ing youth which seems to declare both that “youth aren’t capable of making well-informed decisions” and “youth today care about noth-

regarding their ability to make a mature, logical decision when casting their ballot. Additionally, each generation offers a different perspective. It is not uncommon that even children hey see a different future have given adults important insights ing” simultaneously. You almost on life. cannot blame them if they scream A Globe and Mail article out in frustration, or if they, like written by Sandy White entitled, Wendy, run off to Neverland “Numbers aren’t with the stuwhere the massive tides of youth dents—and Quebec shouldn’t culture bundle them up safely and be either” kicked me off on this lull them into a careless slumber. piece. White has gone so far as

During the 1964-65 pro- to criticize the students for their tests at UC Berkeley, students ex- choice of majors, claiming that pressed the feeling they were be- not one department backing the ing told that they “should be seen protests are from business or ecoand not heard”, a phrase usually nomic disciplines. White’s arguused in reference to children. One ment thus suggests the students must question the kind of mes- should not protest because, well, sage being conveyed to students they don’t know what they’re when they are being educated to talking about. This argument in understand the structures which itself is somewhat insulting and surround them and influence their does not make much sense belives, but are being discouraged cause every citizen with the refrom doing anything hands on sponsibility to vote in elections is with that knowledge. At the age required to analyze each party’s of 18 an individual is considered platform, including their ecolegally to be an adult. To be told nomic policies, in order to choose you are an adult who must act as the plan they believe is best suitthe steward of your own life but ed for the country. We cannot all then to be informed that you have have business, economics, or law no power to affect the structures degrees. This argument also uninfluencing your life would be dermines the contribution of the frustrating to anyone. social sciences and other disci Should our students re- plines to political analysis, and ally be seen and not heard simply the possibility of new perspecbecause they are younger? Given tives provided by a fresh generathat they are still citizens and as tion. such they have the right to pro- Comments on White’s artest, my answer would be no. We ticle went so far as to insult the cannot confidently say that every students’ intelligence and they adult who has the right to vote in are not the first to insinuate such our country surpasses the students a notion. This idea itself is quite

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odd as students attending university are required to have certain grades in order to prove they are capable of handling their studies.

I cannot be convinced these protests are simply a meaningless temper-tantrum given that 1) this is the longest student protest in Canadian history, that 2) students are knowingly risking their financial and academic year to protest this issue, and that 3) this protest was supported by a majority vote by the 5,000 members of the Quebec Federation of Professors.

This to me is an obvious signal that there is a larger issue at work here.

On another point of quarrel, I find it very absurd that White tries to downplay support for the students by suggesting their endeavour is a folly, and yet she is warning off an entire province from supporting them. This itself appears somewhat condescending.

While I cannot condone the violence that has been committed by some in the process of these protests, I take issue with the notion that the students’ actions can be explained by the generation of entitlement. It is not enough to say they are brats, foolish, and unaware of the consequences of their actions. It is not enough to say they cannot conceive of their future. They see a different future and whether you agree with their ideological argument or not, it deserves thoughtful consideration, not dismissal.

We should not be silencing the political voice of students if they remain peaceful. ■

(Aug 22 - Sep 22) Be careful riding the Trent

VirgoExpress this month. You’re going to slip on a

crushed grape and fall. Broken bones are in your future.

As is an additction to pain meds. Say goodbye to your education.

Librawhat it takes to be a super hero. Perched upon the roof of Bata you wait for the moment

(Sep 23 - Oct 22) After finally seeing The Dark Knight Rises you are convinced that you have

when you can show everyone how great you look in those black spandex tights. Guess you forgot about all that beer and fast food you consumed over the summer. Try again bat fail.

23 - Nov 21) Stay away (Nov 22 - Dec 21) That sex Scorpio(Oct from food in the cafe for the Sagittariusdream you’ve been having about next few weeks. Creepy crawlies don’t belong in your soup!

the teenage mutant ninja turtles? Might be code for your preference for another kind of “turtle”. After all... tutles in a half shell... turtle power!

Dec 22 - Jan 19) You know those scenes in movies where it’s graduation day Capricorn (and the underdog has thrived enough to be named validictorian and gives a

heart warming and motivational speech to which everyone cheers, claps and he/ she comes away the hero? That will never happen to you. You should probably just give up now.

Jan 20 - Feb 18)Creeping your ex’s (Feb 19 - Mar Aquarius (facebook after a bottle of wine might Pisces Your goal

SEEM like a good idea, but turst me dear Aquarius, it is not.

Neither was post-claiming your undying love for him. Bad call.

Aries

(Mar 21 - Apr 19) Time to come out of

your shell and brave the world. That girl sitting in front of you, yes the one with the hair, might be your true love. Go say hello, but check your shoelaces.

We know how clumsy nerds can be....

20)

of sleeping with your profs for grades this year is a rock solid plan... for landing a career where you get to say “do you want fries with that?”

Besides, who wants to sleep with profs - they’re old!

Apr 20 - May 20 The (May 21 - Jun 21) That perfect house you Taurus(whole month will be Geminimoved into for what you are calling “the filled with things that will make you want to cry. Refrain from doing it in public. Remember the last person you dated? They said “it’s not you, it’s me’. Well they lied.

They couldn’t handle your “ugly crying”.

best year ever” is not so perfect. Peek under your floorboards. Wear a mask and remeber to wear gloves!