AS Review - May 14, 2012

asreview Vol. 27 #30 5.14.12

Western’s Climbing Team, p. 7 BHAMFF Film Festival, p. 9 Beyond Borders review, p. 10

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BEYOND BORDERS

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Viking Union Gallery show displays student work from all over the West Coast Review by Alexander Kramer • AS Review freelancer For the next two weeks, the Viking Union Gallery is hosting the talented works of art students from all over the West Coast, as part of an annual exhibit.

This year’s “Beyond Borders” is the seventeenth occurrence, bringing together the works of fine-art students all over the Western United States and Canada.

The show was juried by three professionals in different artistic fields, chosen by Viking Union Gallery Director Ashley Hollender.

The three jurors are Garth Amundson (Fine Arts professor of photography), Sarah Clark-Langager (Western Gallery director), and Barbara Miller (associate professor of art history).

In the main gallery space, the works are predominant-

ly students from Western, with other colleges represented in the ramp hallway to the left of the entrance.

These works hail from Walla Walla and Spokane in Washington; Visalia, Sacramento and Los Angeles in California; and Ashland, Ore. The whole show displays a lot of talent and creativity in a variety of media, including woodcuts, lithographs, porcelain sculptures, perforated pigment prints, video and audio, photography, wax, c-prints and aluminum.

There is a lot of talented works here, and a handful really caught me on my first viewing. These included a few larger, painted pieces, smaller sculptures, photography, and the video projected onto the wall. Of course, I will be visiting a few more times before the exhibit closes,

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a M and I’m sure each pass through I will have another round of favorites as I spot more details.

“Beyond Borders” is a unique and important part of regional art. Western students are able to see artwork and ideas that they might not have been able to witness, and this may influence their future pieces or other ideas they had. It’s a one-way sort of communication, but it’s s a important communication.

The exhibit will run until Thursday, May 25 in the VU Gallery on fifth floor. The gallery is open to the public t Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Three winners from the participants will be announced and awarded during the closing reception on Tuesday, May 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the

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Photo by Cade Schmidt//AS Review

RAVENNA WOODS A review of the May 9 Underground Coffeehouse show Review by Alexander Kramer • AS Review freelancer After a long day of classes, exams, and one of the Humans Versus Zombies missions, I was only expecting to relax and play cards at the Underground Coffeehouse the evening of May 9. Of course, I had forgotten it was Wednesday night.

Wednesdays are usually when bands perform at the Underground Coffeehouse in the Viking Union. These events are usually free for students and coordinated by the Associated Students on campus.

My friend and I went to the coffeehouse to relax and play some Rummy after the HvZ mission, and we found the place packed. We decided to stick around and found a seat in the back of the shop, with a small view of the stage. Regardless of seating, I am very glad we stayed.

The band playing was local band Ravenna Woods, from Seattle. During the last-minute sound checks, the audience was given a taste of what was to come–every-

thing from piano, acoustic guitar, keyboard, chimes, xylophone, and vocals. Once the sound was tuned and the lights were dimmed, Ravenna Woods took us all for a tour of their music.

The music was a fantastic mix of drawn out vocals, piano and keyboards, fast string plucking, and unorthodox drum rhythms. There were many times during the performance that I caught myself and other audience members drumming or clapping along to the beat. All of this coalesces into a haunting sound that stays with you hours later.

The audience was almost instantly taken by the band.

They remained quiet and attentive during each song, and were liberal with their applause afterward.

I was so drawn in that my sense of time was thrown off. It wasn’t until the baristas at the counter called for last drinks that I realized it had only been about fifty-

minutes of playing. It was during the second song that I realized I wanted to buy their music, but I was transfixed in my seat until their set was almost done.

The album they had on the merch table (along with shirts) was a clean $10, which I readily accepted. I figured it was definitely worth stumbling upon a new band and seeing a great performance, for free. Plus, it helped out a local band, which I am all for.

The moral of this story is that I highly recommend going to the local coffeehouses more often for serendipitous live shows, and to keep an eye on upcoming AS events, as they can really take you by surprise. the

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Want to submit a review to us? Email as.review@wwu. edu to potentially see your work in the paper. We reserve the right to edit submissions for grammar, length and content.

May 14, 2012• 11

CARS from page 5

that pertains to their culture.

The low-rider show stands as not only a fun event, but also a learning experience for MEChA members, Western students and the community as a whole. “[Low riders have] always been something that’s always been a part of my community,” said Cinthia Medina, MEChA member. “I want to know what goes

into the process of fixing your car because I know it’s a very lengthy process and it’s something that’s amazing.

I’ve always wanted to know more about the technical things like the building of the car and how much work goes into it.”

In organizing this year’s low-rider show, SaldanaSpiegle continues to channel the roots of the event.

MEChA continues to prove they can put on a family event because their culture is all about family, she said.

“We deserve to be here, we deserve to be educated and we deserve to not be stereotyped and we deserve to be seen as non-violent,” Saldana-Spiegle said. “We deserve to be seen as people with families, people who deserve an education.”

It affects everyone everywhere, in the fashion, art, costumes, language and media we are exposed to, she said.

“Because we live in [the United States], practically

everything is appropriated from some other culture,” she said. “It is important as consumers, students and citizens to be conscious of this and to think about what types of things we are promoting in our everyday lives.”

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CULTURE from page 6

single definition — it changes for each culture, for each area, and for each person, Skillingstead said.

What may be offensive to one may seem perfectly fine to another, she said.

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CLIMB from page 7 competition.

“People don’t really understand the sport of rock climbing,” team member senior Craig Gorder said. “It’s very challenging and it never gets easy because as you get better, you can climb harder routes. It basically progresses with you, which is cool.”

Each team member belongs to one of four difficulty classes: beginner, intermediate, advanced or open – the most difficult level.

This tiered system ensures that any given individual stands a chance at winning in their division and encourages involvement from less-advanced climbers, Wyse said.

“Climbing is a really unique sport in the sense that when you go to a competition, everybody’s cheering for each other,” Wyse said. “It’s not necessarily you against the other person you’re competing against; it’s

you against the wall.”

At the end of the competition, first through 10th place is awarded to climbers from each difficulty level.

These placements earn points for the team as a whole; 10 points for first place down to one point for 10th.

At the end of the season, the cumulative team points determine the series champions.

Along with NC3 competitions, the Western Climbing Team hosts weekly practices every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 p.m. in the rec center where they work out and climb.

While all the competitions are indoors, the team members frequently make trips to popular local outdoor climbing spots. This past spring break, the majority of the team spent the week climbing at Smith Rock in central Oregon.

Goris, who will be the team captain next year, said

she plans on increasing the overall organization of the team as well as becoming more compliant with the university expectations of official school sports clubs.

“I’d like to have us come up with a plan for the entire year on how progressively to evolve as individual climbers and as a team by having people set goals,” Goris said. “The main goal is to not let the other teams take our trophy from us.”

Wyse, who plans to graduate next year, said that he hopes the team will continue to develop and fund itself more efficiently in order to be able to take on more members.

“Ideally, what I would like is for someone to come to Western and be a part of the best climbing team in the Northwest,” Wyse said. “That, in a sense, is something that has been accomplished. We’re the series champions, but that’s the very beginning of what is to come.”

STILL NEED A JOB FOR NEXT YEAR?

The Associated Students is hiring for seven positions next year, including: AS Board Assistant for Club Committees AS Board Assistant for Internal Committees AS Board Assistant for Representation Committees AS Board Assistant for the Fall Info Fair AS E.D.G.E. Program Coordinator AS Productions Underground Coffeehouse Coordinator AS Senate Chairperson

To apply, visit as.wwu.edu/employment.

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SIMPLY DELCIOUS This week: homemade peanut sauce

Megan Thompson • AS Review ately, I feel that most of my cooking columns have centered around sweet foods. Cupcakes are wonderful, but now it’s time for a savory food. Last week, I had stir-fry and rice, which was delicious but it needed something.

I figured out what it needed while I was eating: it needed peanut sauce.

Less of a food and more of a sauce, peanut sauce tastes amazing on almost everything. That may be

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Ingredients: ½ cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy) 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon vinegar

a bit of an exaggeration. Still, it adds flavor to rice, chicken, vegetables, salads and more. It’s sweet and spice simultaneously, and has the delicious flavor of peanuts. If you want to put on top of rice or chicken, make the rice according to the manufacture’s direction and cook the chicken regularly. All you do is pour it over. For veggies, it’s even easier: chop them up and smother them with sauce.

For me, I’ve always loved peanut butter. This

2 cloves minced garlic ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon sugar About 1 cup water

Prep:

In a medium bowl, evenly combine peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, cayenne pepper and sugar. Add water to desired thickness. If you want it hot, transfer sauce to a small saucepan and heat. Enjoy with chicken, rice or veggies!

The peanut sauce as seen drizzled on red bell peppers, pan-seared chicken and rice. Photos by Cade Schmidt//AS Review

sauce is an extension of that love. It is creamy and the best part is you can control the thickness of the sauce. I enjoy my sauce on the borderline of runny, without it still having a sticky and slight thickness.

Many recipes call for things like coconut milk or fish sauce, but this recipe is simple. It contains ingredients you’ll most likely find in your cupboard.

Get to cooking; it’ll only take you 10 minutes.

Western Climbing Team member Zack DeLuca scales a wall at Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon. For more on the climbing team, see page 7. Photo courtesy of Zack DeLuca.

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We are a student-produced, alternative campus weekly covering news and events that are of interest to the Western community. We support all programs, offices and clubs affiliated with the AS. We have a direct connection to the AS board of directors, and although we report on board actions objectively, our relationship should be made clear.

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In This Issue:

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INITIATIVE AFTERMATH What happens now that the initiatives have passed?

LOW RIDIN’ MEChA hosts the popular car show once again

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GET EDUCATED Learn to recognize cultural appropriation

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SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS Meet the Western Climbing Team

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MISS MEDIA Documentary explores women in media

BHAMFF Film festival walks on the wild side THE AS REVIEW REVIEWS Reviews of the VU Gallery “Beyond Borders” show JUMPS Stories in the paper are jumpin’, jumpin’ SIMPLY DELICIOUS This week: peanut sauce

LETTER TO THE EDITOR In support of the Water Bottle Initiative

Editor in Chief

Assistant Editor

Lead Photographer

Staff Writers

Kirsten O’Brien

Cade Schmidt

Adviser

Jeff Bates

Adrienne Woods

Anna Atkinson Nick Markman Lauren Simmons Megan Thompson

Recently there was an initiative in the Associated Students Elections addressing the sale of bottled water on campus. As the results have not yet been released, I am unsure of whether it has passed or not. [Editor’s note: The Water Bottle Initiative passed with a 73 percent vote.] However, this letter is to advocate for a ban of selling bottled water on campus.

To begin, there are several reasons why bottled water is unsustainable both economically and environmentally.

Speaking from an economical standpoint, bottled water is an invention solely for profit by corporations.

It takes a natural resource, which is available to every student in Bellingham for free, and puts a price tag on it. This price tag is exponentially higher than the realistic cost, therefore making it a commodity, not a right.

Furthermore, this ties into the ethical reasoning for a ban. Clean, safe water is a basic human need and also a right. It should not be a com-

For more on the initiatives, see pg. 4

modity to buy, a privilege for those who can afford it or something that should be privatized.

From an environmental standpoint, the creation of polyethylene bottles requires far more resources than the lifespan of the actual product is worth. Two kilograms of oil for energy and raw materials produces about one kilogram of polyethylene.

Also, about three liters of water are used to create a one liter-sized water bottle. Though these are basic statistics about the production, it represents the input of energy required for such a short-lived product.

Western should not endorse the sale of bottled water on campus, if not solely for the economic and environmental implications.

I feel that a better alternative is to strongly advocate for the use of water fountains and for students to bring reusable water bottles.

-Submitted by Leah Boam.

Got something to say? Letters to the editor can be sent to as.review@wwu.edu. We reserve the right to edit submissions for grammar and length.

May 14, 2012• 3

EVENTS MAY 14 - MAY 18

WHAT THE POP?

Monday May 14

Thursday May 17

1:00 p.m., SMATE 150 Free

7 p.m., Communications Lawn Free

Huxley College Speaker Series: Stephanie Kaza

YouTube, KittyTube, BieberTube

Outdoor film: Sherlock Holmes 2: Game of Shadows

Stephanie Kaza of the University of Vermont will AS Productions Films will host “Sherlock Holmes present “Elements of Rachel Carson’s Environmental 2: Game of Shadows.” Come early for pre-film Ethic: Sense of Place, Deep Time, and Appreciation activities. of Beauty.”

Kaza is a professor of Environmental Studies and the director of the Environment Program at the University of Vermont. She earned her doctorate in Biology at the University of California at Santa Cruz BHAMFF Film Festival in 1979.

7 p.m., Fraser 4

Friday May 18

Tuesday May 15

Around the World and back to Western 4 to 5:30 p.m., Wilson Library presentation room Free

Join a panel of students for a discussion about studying abroad. Western students will share insights on their experience studying in Mongolia, Chile, England and Japan.

Wednesday May 16

Cultural Appropriation Awareness Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Red Square Free

This will be a multiple-part event focused on raising student awareness of one of the generations most common (and unnoticed) social issues: cultural appropriation.

The Associated Students Social Issues Resource Center will encourage participation and discussion through an interactive demonstration followed by a guided conversation. This will be an all-inclusive event aimed at education and awareness followed by a discussion with professors and community members to explore a variety of perspectives on this largely underrepresented social issue.

Free

A film festival featuring student- made outdoor recreational film shorts. The first place winner will be chosen by a panel of judges, second place will be determined by the audience, and third place will be awarded for most creative narrative and filming technique.

See the story on pg. 9

“Running with Wolves” film and speaker presentation 6 to 8 p.m., Bond Hall 105 Free

This documentary follows field biologist Gudrun Pflueger and her encounters with a pack of wolves in British Columbia.

Find the AS Review on Facebook, Twitter and at as.wwu.edu/asreview

Brett Flora • One-Hit Columnist Kittens are absolutely adorable, jumping out of boxes, yawning and, ya know, existing. I’m allergic to cats, but thanks to YouTube, I, too, can go “daaawww” when I watch a kitty video. But, YouTube isn’t just for cats! No! It’s a wonderful source of funny videos, entertainment and time-wasting in the likes the world has never seen.

With everyone in the world watching videos on YouTube, people are going to be fairly popular if their videos are watched. One of the top non-VEVO videos on YouTube is the “Charlie Bit My Finger” video where a baby bites his brother’s finger. It has more than 450 million views (the Biebs is rockin’ more than 735 million views on “Baby,” but that doesn’t count ‘cause he’s got a record label behind him).

All those views means a nice little chunk of ad money.

I couldn’t find an exact number but it’s enough for the family to buy a new house. Charlie getting his finger bit isn’t the only one benefitting from YouTube. The Biebs himself was scooped up by Usher from YouTube and transformed into a leading tween pop star. Other videos that have blown up have given their creators the money and push to do whatever it is in the video as a full-time gig. But, I think the Biebs is an exception.

YouTube is the new one-hit wonder.

Don’t interpret “one-hit wonder” as nothing happens after their video. Stuff happens. The family from “David After Dentist” has made enough money from ads to pay for David’s future college. Obama Girl hosts a TV show and has a line of jewelry. Their lives definitely took a different course, but I honestly didn’t know any of that until I researched this column. To me, they had their video and then…poof!

It’s not unlike pop music one-hit wonders. Really, what did Vanilla Ice do after “Ice Ice Baby,” or what happened to the Baha Men? Did someone let the dogs out and they’ve been looking ever since?

So, I feel, is the same with YouTube. The Internet hoards have a very small attention span. I just kinda feel sorry for the people who try to make a career out of a YouTube video. No one cares after that video. They’ve moved on.

What do you think about YouTube videos as a basis for a career? Do you still follow the stars of your favorite videos? Are you wearing Obama girl earrings? How many “Charlie Bit My Finger” T-shirts do you own? the

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INITIATIVE IGNITION All three initiatives on the AS Election ballot passed. Now what?

Nick Markman • AS Review

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uring this year’s election, students not only voted for the new Associated Students Board of Directors, they voted on initiatives. While initiatives are usually sparse or non-existent on Western ballots, there were three this year.

The Water Bottle, Print Quota, and Transparency (Higher One) initiatives overwhelming passed in the student vote, but Western is not yet ready for their full implementation. The Board of Trustees must first review all three initiatives over summer before they are passed.

In the meantime, several student sponsors of the initiatives paint a picture of the changes that would occur on campus and the future of Western.

Water Bottle Initiative The Water Bottle Initiative, sponsored by members from Students for Sustainable Water, aims to end all bottled water sales on campus. The student voting population voted the initiative in by 73 percent.

Sophomore Carolyn Bowie is one sponsor of the Water Bottle Initiative. She said the main focus after banning bottled water sales would be to increase student access to clean drinking water through the purchase and installment of more hydration stations. Western purchased three of these stations under the Green Energy Fee for $25,000 in 2011.

“I believe at this point, it should be the responsibility of the administration to equip the campus for capacity for more refilling stations because it’s something that the students are demanding,” Bowie said.

Banning bottled water sales from vending machines on campus might pose a more difficult task because the machines are independently contracted, Bowie said.

Bowie said that she and Students for Sustainable Water will continue educating students on the exploitation and privatization of water resources, the healthiness of tap water, the inefficient and environmental impacts of the bottled water industry, as well as inform students

Water Bottle Initiative: voted in support voted against

water’s role as a human right.

Print Quota Initiative The Print Quota Initiative calls for the installation of a new print-quota system at Western that will provide students with more accessible, generous printing rights.

The initiative is sponsored by Bill Campbell, Mark Adrian Winters and Cynthia Jurado, and students passed it in the election with 80 percent.

Since the beginning of this year, students have been allowed 25 pages per quarter and can pay 5 cents per page over that limit. Starting this summer quarter, there will be no print quota, and students must pay 5 cents for each page they print.

Campbell said that a new print-quota system would need to be economically and environmentally solid. He said the most likely resulting quota would allow for 180200 pages per quarter. While a means of dealing with the costs of the new system are not yet in play, Campbell said the most likely outcome would be a $3 adjustment to the Student Technology Fee. The Student Technology Fee is up for renewal in 2013.

“What we need to do now is make sure that the campus, our university administration, listens to what students want and listens to what student priorities are,” Campbell said.

Campbell said the fact that many majors utilize printing services in different amounts will need to be considered in the establishment of a new print-quota system.

“We want to be able to adjust fees in different majors and programs that have printing incorporated, such as computer science,” Campbell said.

Transparency (Higher One) Initiative The Transparency initiative, also known as the Higher One Initiative, is also sponsored by Campbell, Adrian Winters and Jurando. It calls for two things: the first is the continuous evaluation of the Higher One financial aid refunding contract. The second is the assurance that university administrative decisions are made in the best

Print Quota Initiative: voted in support voted against

interests of student priorities and needs, and that students are made aware of issues throughout the decisionmaking process. The initiative passed in the election with 79 percent.

Campbell said that the evaluation of the Higher One contract is important to making sure the university is promoting student interests, not business-related interests.

In the future, he said this entails renegotiating harmful contractual obligations with Higher One, such as the fees on swiping a Higher One card.

“We cannot just stand idly by and let ourselves have a bad contract with Higher One because we went into it too quickly and we’re afraid of what will happen if we try to confront this company,” Campbell said. “Student priorities come first and students have a voice, and they’ve made a statement about this voice.”

In ensuring transparent administrative decisions, Campbell said it is important to reconsider the way the university communicates with students and adapting new ways of implementing student involvement in university decisions.

“University administration needs to consider it a priority to consistently communicate with students on this campus,” Campbell said. “It’s not easy, but sometimes it’s not even considered.”

Initiating the Initiatives Jurando said that the overwhelming student approval of the three initiatives shows how much students want their voices to be heard.

While she believes Western already has a good system in place, she said more student involvement with university issues and transparent decision-making process will improve the sense of community at Western.

“We have a lot of potential to grow and to become more unified and to make this campus be something quite phenomenal,” Jurando said. “I think that these initiatives are indicative of that.” the

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Transparency Initiative: voted in support voted against

Note: statistics were provided by the AS Elections Coordinator, Kayla Warr. They are based on 13,170 total votes.

May 14, 2012• 5

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO Popular car show returns to Western on May 20

Lauren Simmons • AS Review El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano a de Aztlan, MEChA, is a social justice group at Western. They are devoted to fighting for the rights and equal treatment of unrepresented minorities, and 12 years ago, MEChA members chose to prove the stereotypes and assumptions of the Mexican and Latino culture wrong. The annual low rider show at Western, a major event during the Back2Bellingham weekend, was created to do so.

“Some MEChA members were males and they wore baggy clothes, and a lot of people stereotyped them as being ‘cholos’ or Mexi-gangsters, and felt threatened by them,” said Nadia Saldana-Spiegle, co-chair of MEChA. “[People] assumed they were a part of gangs and that they were selling drugs and all of that. The MEChA members decided that they wanted to put on an event to show that they deserve to be here and that the stereotypes aren’t true.”

The 12th annual “Riding Low in the 3-6-0” low- rider show, presented by Western’s MEChA is from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 in Red Square. The event is free and family friendly, with entertainment and performances showcasing low riders, as well as Mexican and Latino culture.

“As a club, MEChA [tries] to bring our culture and a little bit of diversity to Western, and we make it free and open to everybody,” said Alanna Francis, co-chair of the low rider show. “It allows people to try new foods, see new dances and see some really awesome cars.”

Low riders are very prominent in the Latino culture, but primarily in the Mexican culture, Francis said. It can be a car, a truck or even a regular bicycle.

A low rider car specifically has specialized parts that are for show, but also for use, Saldana-Spiegle said.

Specialized engines, speakers, sound systems, wheels and rims, steering wheels and seats are often a part of a low-rider car.

“People spend a large amount of money on their cars, and a lot of time,” Francis said. “It’s a family thing, sons and fathers work on it. It tends to be a very masculine thing, but we’re trying to involve women a little bit more.”

Aside from the display and contest involving the low-rider vehicles, there are many other aspects to the event.

The entertainment, attractions and performances include two taco trucks, a bouncy house, a local rap artist, traditional Mexican dance performances and food eating contests, such as who can eat the most jalapenos. Western’s Ethnic Student Center is also strongly involved with the group, Francis said.

Other clubs within the center are open to participate and fundraise by providing food, games or anything

see CARS on page 11

Poster by Miguel Herrera

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DON’T HATE AND DON’T APPROPRIATE

The AS Social Issues Resource Center explains cultural appropriation Anna Atkinson • AS Review ieces of other cultures are used in the United States constantly. They are in fashion, music, art and even religion. But how aware of it is the average person? When Urban Outfitters released a “Navajo” clothing line in 2011, they may not have known that it would be offensive to sell shirts, underwear and even accessories such as flasks with the label of the Navajo Nation. But the company was forced to recall the clothing line after they received a less than positive reaction from the Navajo Nation and consumers.

Cultural appropriation is an issue that often goes ignored and the Associated Students Social Issues Resource Center is bringing it to light. Cultural appropriation is when a culture adopts aspects of other cultural groups, such as fashion, language, art or religion. This can lead to using symbols, language or images from those cultures in an offensive or insensitive way — even if a person is not conscious they are doing it.

The SIRC will host “Cultural Appropriation Day” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. on May 16 in Red Square.

The event consists of conversation and passive demonstration, Skillingstead said. Red Square will be covered in posters that depict images of situations that might be considered cultural appropriation, she said. A table will be set up with materials to educate people about the issue and people to have discussions with and answer questions, she said. It is an opportunity for students to have discussions with a SIRC representative and with each other.

The goal of the event is to raise awareness about cultural appropriation as an issue, said Cara Skillingstead, outreach coordinator for SIRC. “We hope that students will walk away with a new perspective on popular culture and fashion and begin to critically analyze how certain styles, costumes or behaviors may be offensive to other cultures,” she said.

This isn’t to tell people what’s right and wrong, only to start a conversation about cultural appropriation and how students feel about it, she said.

Cultural appropriation has no

Thinks his tattoo means STRENGTH (doesn’t know it really means “monkey”)

KNOW WHAT’S ON YOUR BODY. Photos by Cade Schmidt, poster designs by Susan Good//AS Publicity Center

see CULTURE on page 11

A few helpful tips from the SIRC For those who can’t make it to the event, here are some helpful tips from the SIRC to keep in mind about cultural appropriation:

discussion about what cultural appropriation means to you and to them. How can you consciously be more aware of it?

Be a conscious consumer: know where your clothes come from and the meaning behind them.

Buy things that directly benefit that culture, not a corporation that is housed within that culture.

Ask yourself: What culture do I identify with? How do you hope that it is represented?

Talk to your friends: Have a

Be aware: Try to understand how someone of another culture or identity may find certain behaviors or use of symbols offensive and be empathetic to those feelings.

...OR MISREPRESENTATION OF MULTIPLE IDENTITIES?

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION: THE NEW SEGREGATION

May 14, 2012• 7

SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS

Western team out climbs competition to win regional competition on April 28 Nick Markman • AS Review ost students familiar with the Wade King Recreation Center are aware of the climbing wall within. What students may be less aware of is the avid team of university climbers that claim the wall as their home court.

This year, after only two years of existence, the Western Climbing Team won the Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit series after the final competition at Whitman College on April 28, beating University of Washington’s accumulated season score by a mere three points. Throughout the season, Western climbers went up against more than 260 competitors from 18 universities.

Senior therapeutic recreation major, Justin Wyse, is the coach and a founding member of the Western Climbing Team. In his freshman year at Western, Wyse began working as a climbing wall attendant at the rec center, where he learned about the Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit. The circuit is a series of climbing competitions between 18 universities in the Northwest. Wyse began attending the competitions and ended up going to every NC3 event that year.

“I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Wyse said.

“I thought it was so much fun and a really brilliant way to get the climbing community together all in one spot where you can make a bunch of connections and friends.”

Although Western had been represented in the NC3 by individual competitors since 2006, there was never an official school team. With help from fellow avid climbers, sophomores Brittany Goris and Quin Butler, Wyse made the Western Climbing Team an official sports club. This year, 15 students were on the team.

“It’s been a lot of work these past couple years, but definitely with the series win this year, it’s been more than worth it and so much fun,” Wyse said.

Scoring in the NC3 takes place on both an individual and team level. Individually, climbers earn points by navigating certain pre-planned routes on an indoor wall. The routes range in difficulty depending on the strength and skill necessary to accomplish certain moves. Each competitor climbs as many routes as they can in the two-and-a-half to three-hour heat, and the best five routes comprise the individual’s score for that

see CLIMB on page 11

BELOW: The team celebrates after winning the Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit at Whitman College on April 28. Photo courtesy of Brien Sheedy.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Western climbing team member Ali Hancock reaches for a hold during the Veni Vidi Ascendi 2012 competition at the Wade King Recreation Center on Feb. 11. Photo courtesy of Rick Dunn. TOP RIGHT: Team member Quin Butler makes one final push to reach the top during the Veni Vidi Ascendi 2012 competition. Photo courtesy of Rick Dunn.

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MISS MEDIA

Documentary examines the portayal of women in the spotlight Megan Thompson • AS Review

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iss Representation, a 2011 Sundance Film Festival awardwinning documentary, shows the experience of women in the United States, from media’s portrayal of women to the representation of women in political bodies.

The film will be shown on campus at 6 p.m. on May 20 in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room for free.

The Associated Students Women’s Center and YWCA’s program “Girls on the Run” teamed up to show Miss Representation.

Women’s Center Assistant Coordinator Sasha Parsley said the project consisted of buying the rights to show the movie, paid for by the YWCA, which costs about $500.

The film will be shown on a large format screen in high definition and food will be provided.

The screenings of “Miss Representation” are limited because it was never shown in traditional theaters, and instead premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network after its Sundance debut. Many people do not have access to that channel, which limits the amount of viewers the documentary has had, Parsley said.

Parsley, who has not seen the film before, is hopeful about the messages it will send the attendees. The plan is to screen the film, provide food and possibly discuss the film’s information and importance after the screening.

On the contrary, Women’s Center Creative Programming Coordinator, Taneum Bambrick, previously saw the film in her women’s studies class. “[It is important] to understand the greater undercurrent of obstacles that women face when moving up into important roles in society,” Bambrick said. “‘Miss Representation’ shows the pathway that women take from beginning to end.”

In addition to Western students, the showing will consist of community mem-

bers as well. From the Girls on the Run group, Parsley expects to see many young women from the community to attend as well.

Though the information in “Miss Representation” is important for everyone, it is most important on young women who are impacted most, usually around the ages of 12 to 14, Parsley said. She is excited for these girls to experience the film.

“A movie like this is pertinent for every age group to watch and understand,” Parsley said. “By the time women are in college [the negative media portrayal] has really been engrained and so we’re trying to reverse [the affects].”

Because of this, Parsley sees the film as a way to try and prevent young girls from taking that portrayal of women and applying it to themselves.

Even though this film is important for young girls, it is equally important for all ages and gender identities.

Western junior Tammy Matixonh plans to attend the screening of “Miss Representation.” She said her friend mentioned the screening to her and said the film intrigued her. “[My friend] said it opened her eyes about perspectives on situations she never thought about before,” Matixonh said. “I want to see what story the director has to tell and how it is portrayed.”

The film is centered on the experiences of women in the United States being kept from achieving their full potential from societal structures, Bambrick said.

Even though the film shows media representation of women, the Women’s Center does not want the film to marginalize people for media consumption. “[The film] is not saying don’t buy Cosmopolitan or watch Gossip Girl. It’s not meant to shame people,” Parsley said. “It’s about education and being aware of what the [media] messages are telling us.” the

Poster courtesy of Miss Representation

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[The film] is not saying don’t buy Cosmopolitan or watch Gossip Girl. It’s not meant to shame people. It’s about education and being aware of what the [media] messages are telling us.

-Sasha Parsley, AS Women’s Center assistant coordinator

May 14, 2012• 9

THE GREAT OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL BHAMFF Film Festival showcases student adventures and excursions

Lauren Simmons • AS Review

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he outdoor experiences accessible to Western students are rarely caught on film but the Associated Students Outdoor Center has found a way to encourage students to document their outdoor excursions and adventures, and share the films with the campus community.

The second annual Bellingham Film Festival, BHAMFF, will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 18 in Fraser 4. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

“Last year, our marketing coordinator decided to put [the festival] on and try it out, and it was a really big success,” said Sierra Jacob, AS Outdoor Center marketing and resources coordinator. “We had a whole bunch of people come out and [received] a lot of positive reviews, so we decided to do it again, and hopefully make it kind of a tradition.”

The film festival will feature student-made films depicting outdoor recreation and activities such as backcountry skiing and snowboarding, kayaking, climbing and mountain biking, Jacob said.

The film festival also acts as a contest, Jacob said.

Determined by a panel of judges, AS Outdoor Center employees and KVIK representatives, the first place film will receive $300 in cash. The audience, who will vote by submitting ballots during the film festival, will determine the second place film.

The second place winner will receive a free excursion of their choice from the AS Outdoor Center. Third place will receive $50 worth of AS Outdoor Center merchandise.

“Last year, we had first place determined by the audience,” Jacob said. “[This year] we wanted to have it not be [based] on who has the most friends [there].”

Fredrick Collins, AS Outdoor Center director, hopes that the film festival will bring more visibility to their office.

“A lot of people don’t know what the Outdoor Center does, or who it can help,” Collins said. “[The film festival is] an opportunity for people to know who we are, and maybe they’ll come down and do trips.”

The AS Outdoor Center, located on the bottom floor of the Viking Union, provides different outdoor-related activities and opportunities for Western students, staff and faculty. Excursions such as whitewater rafting on the Skagit River, ice climbing in Lillooet, British Columbia and backcountry skiing and snowboarding on Mount Baker are among the many offered through the AS Outdoor Center. They can cost as little as $35, and as much as $150.

Rentals for snow sport equipment, yard sport equipment, kayaks and canoes, hiking and camping equipment, climbing and mountaineering equipment and bikes are also available at the AS Outdoor Center. The rental costs vary on the equipment The AS Outdoor Center film festival is a great end-ofthe-year kick off, Jacob said. It will be a great time for everyone in the outdoor community and an opportunity for them to share their experiences with others. the

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Poster by Brian Ralphs//AS Publicity Center