VOL. 30 # #.#.#
2 • as.wwu.edu/asreview Posters reading“Abusers Your Time Is Up”appeared
Event Calendar
across campus last week. The quote comes from gymnast Aly Raisman in her testimony rebuking the team doctor who molested over 100 gymnasts. Composite by Hailey
WWU Salsa and Bachata Dance Club Feb. 5 // 7:30-9:30 p.m. // VU 464 // Free
Hoffman // AS Review Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu as.wwu.edu/asreview @TheASReview facebook.com/theasreview
There will be a guest instructor to teach the fundamentals of Bachata. There will be a social, so come and learn to dance and enjoy meeting new people.
© 2018. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University.
Every Tuesday you have the opportunity to show off your unique set of talents at this Open Mic Night in the Underground
The AS Review is an alternative weekly that provides coverage of student interests such as the AS government, activities and student life. The Review seeks to enhance the student experience by shedding light on underrepresented issues, inclusive coverage, informing readers and promoting dialogue. We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions to as.review@wwu.edu. We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words, include your name, phone number and year in school, if you’re a student. Send them to as.review@wwu.edu. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar.
Open Mic Night Feb. 6 // 7-9 p.m. // UGCH // Free
Coffeehouse, hosted by AS Productions.
Wednesday Night Concert Series: Versing w/ Salt Lick Feb. 7 // 7-9 p.m. // UGCH // Free This week, bands Versing and Salt Lick are playing as a part of the Wednesday Night Concert Series in the Underground Coffeehouse. Don’t miss the sweet tunes and coffee this wednesday!
Harry Potter Club Weekly Meeting Feb. 7 // 6-8 p.m. // CF 110 // Free
Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Writers
Erasmus Baxter Kira Stussy Hailey Hoffman Josh Hughes Gwen Frost Julia Berkman Hailey Murphy Photographer Jaden Moon Adviser Jeff Bates
Every week is a different adventure with this club. Drop on by to see what’s in store this week with the Harry Potter Club. Go to their Facebook page for more information. It’s sure to be magical.
Chuckanut Mountain Hike Feb. 8 // 3-6 p.m. // VU 150 // $10 Don’t let the winter weather keep you
from exploriing the great outdoors! Join the Outdoor Center on this muddy hike around Chuckanut Mountain!
WWU Last Comic Standing Feb. 9 // 6-9 p.m.// Fairhaven Auditorium // ?? 12 of Western’s best stand-up comedians are going to battle it out to see who’s the best of the best. With guest performances by the Dead Parrot Society. this event is sure to be a hoot.
AS productions presentsThor: Ragnorak Feb. 7 // 7 p.m.// Fraser Hall 102 // Free Callling out to all Marvel fans! As productions will be hosting a viewing of Thor: Ragnorak this Thursday in Fraser Hall 102. Come ready for some good oldfashioned Marvel fun!
Birth Control Expo Feb. 8 // 6-8 p.m. // Miller Hall Collaborative Space // Free Join the Womxn’s Identity Resource Center and Prevention and Wellness Services to have a chat about Birth Control! Planned Parenthood will also help to bring you all the information. There will be an interactive session by trained health advisors and an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. A photo booth will also be available (although participation is optional and information shared in the space will be treated as confidential).
2.5. 2018 • 3
VU renovation update
EVENTS
There will be a crane eventually BY HAILEY MURPHY
Starting this month, the Viking Union will undergo construction to create the new Multicultural Center. In addition to connecting the Associated Students Bookstore to the rest of the VU, this renovation will create additional space for Ethnic Student Center, the Queer Resource Center, the Womxn’s Identity Resource Center and the Disability Outreach Center. A statement on Western’s website reads, “The expansion will combine the Multicultural Center, Viking Union, Bookstore, Multipurpose Room and KUGS within one building and will become a beacon that celebrates diversity and inclusivity on campus.” According to Project Manager Forest Payne, the official start of construction is on February 19, with demolition beginning in the bookstore. The project is scheduled to be completed in June 2019. There will be a few changes on campus during
the renovations. The Bookstore will occupy the MPR for the entirety of construction, according to Western’s website. Additionally, Vendor’s Row will move under the canopy of the MPR. The Bookstore has already begun it’s transition into the MPR, with shelves being removed from the walls, textbooks being consolidated and desks being transported next door. According to Peg Godwin, general manager of the AS Bookstore, the majority of the moving will occur between February 5 and February 9. During that time, operations may be straddled between the Bookstore and the MPR, depending on how the moving progresses. However, the Bookstore will be up and running in the MPR by February 12 or 13. If you have questions or concerns Payne can be reached at forest.payne@wwu.edu.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ ASReviewofWWU/ Breaking news, updates and online exclusives. Twitter: @TheASReview News and polls. IG: @ASReview Photos of campus life.
Top Ten Records: Jan. 21-27 1
Offering Cults
2
A Moment Apart Odesza
3
Wash (EP) Tourist
4
Wide Open Weaves
5
Masseduction St. Vincent
6
The Ooz King Krule
7
The Thrill of it All Sam Smith
8
Visions Of A Life Wold Alice
9
Colors Beck
10
Dedicated to Bobby Jameson Ariel Pink KUGS is the Associated Students’ student-run radio station. Listen online at kugs.org. If you’re interested in getting on the waves, pick up a volunteer application in the station’s office on the seventh floor of the VU.
4 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
Of murdered dogs and little green figures
BY JOSH HUGHES
Does a sculptor’s horrific act invalidate his cheery, innocent-looking art?
“Feats of Strength” seen Jan. 25, 2018. The piece created in Tom Otterness’ signature style can be found between the Biology Building and Arntzen hall. Hailey Hoffman // AS Review
I
n 1977, Tom Otterness, sculptor of Western’s own piece “Feats of Strength,” took a dog home from a rescue shelter and shot it to death on camera as an “art” piece. Today, in 2018, his sculptures feature whimsical, cartoonish characters that are praised in the art world for their accessibility and delicate social undertones. IOtterness still works as a prominent artist doing commissions for New York City and San Francisco. The question that arises is simple: should we care about his ugly, unforgivable past actions and hold him accountable? Or does it matter? “I love the piece, I think a lot of people love it, and it seems to get special attention,” said Western Gallery director Hafthor Yngvason “It was a great surprise to me when I found out about his past, because I have admired his work for years.” In 2018 a discussion about artists lives and actions has not only become relevant, but absolutely necessary. Last week Chuck Close, a famous American portrait artist came under fire for sexual harassment allegations, and subsequently an exhibition of his art at the National Gallery in Washington closed down. Many Op-Eds have already given their opinion on the matter, and the discussion always comes down to the relationship between
art and artist. If Close’s work is abolished from museums, or Otterness’s sculptures removed from parks, does that solve the immoral actions of the creators, or does it simply remove the world of culturally significant, interpretive art? “We are taught in art history the ‘intentional fallacy’, it’s what happens if you try to interpret artists work in light of their life and actions. You cannot interpret art history just through the lens of an artist’s life, even though it gives you an understanding of what they were doing,” said Yngvason. The intentional fallacy can seem a bit tricky, but it’s easier to think about in terms of Picasso or Caravaggio. Two of the most revered and influential artists in history, both men would be socially condemned today for their actions. Picasso, a notorious womanizer, once infamously said that women are “either goddesses or doormats.” Caravaggio murdered someone at the height of his career and fled to Naples. In addition, Eadweard J. Muybridge, a famous photographer, shot and killed a man he thought was having an affair with his wife. The list goes on, but the resounding discussion is about the artists work. What would happen if we took Picasso and Caravaggio out of art history?
The answer is that we wouldn’t. While those artists should be examined and remembered for their horrible actions, they also should be remembered for their larger impact in art and culture as a whole. The same holds true for many esteemed novelists, poets and musicians throughout the years. The interpretive nature of their artwork allows the viewer to be the creator whenever they encounter said artwork. Additionally, neither Picasso nor Caravaggio are currently living, so there’s absolutely no personal benefit that the two gain from their importance and status as two of the greatest artists of all time. Otterness and Close are different though, since they are both contemporaries that make money off of their work. If it can be argued that both artists’ work is interpretative and detached from their personal lives, the question shifts to how these living artists should be treated in the art world. The Close situation is much more currently relevant to what’s going on culturally, considering the #MeToo movement and checks to male power that have dominated the American social fabric this year. While it seems inappropriate to conflate the artist with their work, Close needs to face repercussions for his actions in ways that affect him, not his art. To associate his portraits with
his actions undermines the nature of art and suggests that it’s merely propaganda with no possible interpretation. That said, it makes sense for the National Gallery to shut down their exhibition, considering that Close would personally benefit from it. Should Close be cut out from the history books and permanent collections? Probably not. Should he be held accountable and stop benefitting from the platform he has established over the years? That’s a hard yes. Otterness, however, is a different case, as Yngvason pointed out. “I think about what was happening in art in the ‘70s— you know, Chris Burden? People were doing things like that, being punk, dissing everything, not caring,” he said. Even shock-value-mastermind Burden never shot a dog and called it art, however. Otterness has apologized on multiple accounts for his horrible act, and his work ever since then has been miraculously “anti-punk”, as Yngvason says. His playful characters are a world apart from such a heartless act, but is that enough? “[Otterness] was 25 years old at the time, when I was 25 years old I thought I was pretty grown up. But I look back and— he was just out of school, and he was looking at what people were doing, trying to be shocking and
trying to be a tough counterculture guy. He did a very stupid and mean thing.” Yngvason said. “I think he’s spent his life and his career making up for it.” There’s certainly no hint of hate or mean-spiritedness to Otterness’s work on Western’s campus. Definitely no “dog-killer” vibes. To the children, or even students that admire the work, “Feats of Strength” represents an innocence and playfulness that invites many interpretations. As many art critics have pointed out, his art is decidedly unpretentious. This makes it all the more upsetting that the creator of such a work could be so cruel, even though was forty years ago. “What we would like to see from him is for his commission, or at least 50 percent of his commission, to go to local animal rescues. That would show sincerity to his apology.” said Lois Baum, president of Animal Rights Advocates in New York, for a 2011 article on Otterness’s past in The Observer. As a living artist still making money and gaining clout from his work, that seems to be the closest way to achieve justice for what he’s done. Still, the murder of that innocent, helpless dog will never be justified, regardless of what Otterness has done since then to make up for it. “I’m surprised that this sort of thing could slip through the cracks. It’s an issue to allow content creators who we don’t ethically align with continued support,” said junior Aubrey Mange, finding out about Otterness’s “Shot Dog Film” for the first time. As I walk through South Campus and sit on a bench to eat lunch, I see two dogs, a Golden Retriever and a Boston Terrier, and walking around the cute little figures of “Feats of Strength” with their owners . I guess ignorance is bliss. trying to be a tough counterculture guy. He did a very stupid and mean thing.” Yngvason said. “I think he’s spent his life and his career making up for it.” There’s certainly no hint of hate or mean-spiritedness to Otterness’s work on Western’s campus. Definitely
2.5. 2018 • 5
no “dog-killer” vibes. To the children, or even students that admire the work, “Feats of Strength” represents an innocence and playfulness that invites many interpretations. As many art critics have pointed out, his art is decidedly unpretentious. This makes it all the more upsetting that the creator of such a work could be so cruel, even though was forty years ago. “What we would like to see from him is for his commission, or at least 50 percent of his commission, to go to local animal rescues. That would show sincerity to his apology.” said Lois Baum, president of Animal Rights Advocates in New York, for a 2011 article on Otterness’s past in The Observer. As a living artist still making money and gaining clout from his work, that seems to be the closest way to achieve justice for what he’s done. Still, the murder of that innocent, helpless dog will never be justified, regardless of what Otterness has done since then to make up for it. “I’m surprised that this sort of thing could slip through the cracks. It’s an issue to allow content creators who we don’t ethically align with continued support,” said junior Aubrey Mange, finding out about Otterness’s “Shot Dog Film” for the first time. As I walk through South Campus and sit on a bench to eat lunch, I see two dogs, a Golden Retriever and a Boston Terrier, and walking around the cute little figures of “Feats of Strength” with their owners. I guess ignorance is bliss.
Time limit
New sick leave requirements may affect how the AS functions
BY JULIA BERKMAN
Photo illustration by Jaden Moon // AS Review
F
ormer salaried employees in the Associated Students may face difficulties in the future now that all AS employees are paid by the hour, with only the AS Board remaining salaried . This change is leaving some formerly-salaried employees worried about their uncertain futures. AS Personnel Director Alex Martinez said the switch from salaried to hourly comes from state-mandated paid sick leave. The mandate comes from a statewide initiative that passed in 2016. All AS employees are eligible to receive paid sick leave on a ratio of 40 hours worked to one hour of paid sick leave. According to KUGS Program Director Steven Wright, the paid sick leave probably won’t benefit a lot of AS employees. “I mean, it’s ridiculous. By the end of this school year I might earn enough for one day of [paid] sick leave,” he said. However, Wright acknowledged that the paid sick leave would be beneficial for full-time minimum wage workers, who often have to decide between staying home or working when they’re sick. “The only thing that had me worried initially was breaks,” Wright said. Many AS employees are concerned about the fact that they won’t be paid over break, as opposed to when they were salaried. “It’s nice to have a reliable source of income,” said AS Productions Logistics Coordinator Pauline Elevazo. She’s concerned that now, her paychecks may be proportionally bigger, but her pay over break will be miniscule. “We can’t just get a job for a week over break and
then dip,” Elevazo said. According to Katie Wallis, the AS Womxns’ Identity Resource Center Coordinator, paychecks that salaried employees were receiving were actually less than minimum wage per paycheck, but were spread evenly over breaks and times that employees did not work. One thing that hasn’t been as big of a big concern is working overtime. “I think there were a lot of people in the AS who were worried at first,” Wright said. Program Directors in particular were worried that they would have to report working more than 19 hours a week. Most people at the AS already know to balance their time. According to Wright and Elevazo, it’s easy to go over 15 hours one week and keep your next week “chiller” in order to stay under 30 hours. But sometimes, that doesn’t happen. In the AS Productions office, events like Lawnstock or Late Night can have employees working 12 hours in one day. “After Lawnstock, I’m gonna have to turn off my phone, like- don’t call me, don’t email me,” said Dayjha McMillan, AS Productions Pop Music Coordinator. Other offices might have to find other solutions. “Offices may need to get more staff because there are people who are overworked,” Wallis said. Wright agreed. “I feel like other AS offices may have to change their entire culture... The conversation needs to be had within each department and job descriptions might need to change,” he said.
6 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
2.5. 2018 • 7
A Q&A (Queens & Answers) with 3 drag queens performing at Western What’s your favorite song to walk/ perform to?
How did you come up with your drag name?
I really love performing to unexpected songs. Led Zeppelin and other classic rock acts, bands with male vocalists. I have a really deep love of music so anything that speaks to me and allows me to tap into an emotion deeply is what I’ll usually choose to perform.
I first performed at a “gay I’ve been doing drag bar” in Bellingham. I accimy entire life, but I started dentally entered an amateur I chose Pistol because it’s a little performing and getting competition and they offered cute, a little dangerous, and the only paid in 2016. As a kid/teen me a spot in the cast without other thing that will give one man six I was doing drag in terms competing but I wanted to shots. Marquis is a level of nobility of my gender identity and challenge myself and grow. between a Duke and a Count, and presentation; presenting like I was nervous– I’m always it also sounds like the marquee of a a boy when I knew I wasn’t. nervous before I perform– but theatre. Drag allowed me to express it’s the most freeing feeling my femininity and come in the world, and allows me to terms with being a trans to channel my passions into woman. performance.
My favorite song to walk to, would have to be, “Trouble” by Neon Jungle but to perform to would be “Rabiosa” [by] Shakira.
My drag name, Anastasia Taylor Duvall, was inspired after my late friend Taylor Alesana; a beautiful, trans woman who took her life after continuous bullying. She inspired me to make a difference and I wanted to pay tribute to her. While my first name (Anastasia) comes from my trans co-worker whose name is now Logan (Don’t worry I asked permission), he left behind an old identity that I was able to transform into a drag persona, [Duvall] rhymes with “the ball of them all” which I strive to be. Plus doesn’t it just roll off the tongue!?
Pistol Marquis
Anastasia Taylor Duvall
Gosh, there’s too many to pick from. I have some favourite artists though, Marina and the Diamonds, Kesha, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Selena Quintanilla, Lorde, Shakira and Dua Lipa. As you can see I am very inspired by pop and Spanish music.
Rikki Sinsation
When/where did you first perWhy are drag shows important? form? What were your initial feelings before, and after?
Coming up with my drag name was hard but essentially my nickname is Rick (What my friends call me) So, I just decided to call myself Rikki and my last name is optional but together it’s Rikki Sinsation. IG: Rikkisinsation
When did you start ‘doing’ drag?
I’ve been doing drag for almost two years now and many more years to come, I’m gonna show everyone I’m a star
My first drag show was at WSU when I used to go there. I knew I was gonna kill it, I was so excited and that night I impressed a drag company enough to sign me the following school semester. So I felt great after too! I was than booked consistently until my shows in Seattle, I began performing there and was exposed to so much more.
I started doing drag about a year ago, but as a kid I always put on my moms heels and my sisters clothes.
This Friday will be my first official performance, I have been preparing for about a year and I now feel ready. Feeling wise, I am a little nervous but performing is very audience driven and I’m really excited to entertain the audience.
BY GWEN FROST
The Associated Students Queer Resource Center hosted their 26th annual drag show this Friday, February 2. We spoke to three of the performers to get their thoughts. In order, they are: Chel Ryan (“Pistol Marquis”), Jorge Mendoza (“Anastasia Taylor Duvall”), and Eric Guizar (“Rikki Sinsation”). Visit our website at https://wp.wwu. edu/theasreview/ for more, in-depth coverage.
What stereotypes surrounding drag shows are true? Which are false?
What is one thing you would want an audience member to take away from this Friday’s show?
Drag is inherently punk and political, so having shows (especially all-ages shows) allows people to be entertained while also thinking critically about gender. The punk philosophy is all about shedding the rules and constraints placed on us by society and playing with ideas of gender norms is the biggest bucking of the system. Bringing ideas of performative gender and queer artistic expression to people in a fun way is incredibly important.
Drag shows are absurd and always late. I think that a lot of people have this idea that drag performers are characters and not people: there are iffy ideas about consent in terms of the audience and some performers, ie: audience touching performers without permission and expecting extra attention because they tip one dollar; also performers touching, kissing or grinding on audience members without permission. It’s a tough line to toe but the biggest misconception has to be that being an entertainer or performer of any kind relinquishes your right to privacy and bodily autonomy.
I would like to see audience members walk away from this show with a fuller understanding of different kinds of drag. I always try to push at boundaries of androgyny and gender roles and I hope I can make even just one person think critically about what “male” or “female” even are, what they mean, and how we perform those roles in life.
`Drag shows are important because its some of the few areas in which people can genuinely feel comfortable, they can express themselves however they want, I mean it’s a fucking drag show! It’s a time and place where we can all feel like we’re not being judged or looked at through a heteronormative lense. Also drag queens have been leaders when faced with heated political climates, and have driven change, we need drag queens now more than ever!
Hmm stereotypes I guess people think that drag shows are only dudes in wigs, but drag is so much more! we got everyone from the spectrum! from drag kings to bio-queens, you never know what you’ll get! What is true is that Drag Queens want their money, so tip these men! “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap darling”!!!
One thing I’d want them to take away is to give us “freaks” a place in their heart and to spread love to people who may seem different from you, at the end of the day we all bleed the same color.
Drag shows are really important because it re[Rikki said they hadn’t been in the ally introduces people to what drag is about, a lot industry long enough to answer this of people don’t realize how talented drag queens/ question] kings are. Drag is also a big part of queer culture!
There is a bunch of amazing performers that will definitely wow you.
Do you have a favorite drag performer?
Everyone (except Serena ChaCha).
My favorite drag performer!? Would have to be Alyssa Edwards, because she is the essence of all that is sickening and is a true entertainer! Oh and Lady Bunny!
Gosh, there’s so many talented drag queens, but my favorite drag performer is Evah Destruction from Atlanta, Georgia. I encourage anyone to watch her performances on youtube, she is an amazing, fierce queen.
Do you have to be dressing up as a gender you don’t identify for it to be considered drag? Like if I, a cis womxn wanted to be a drag queen, is that a no-no? Drag is performance art and absolutely anyone can do it. Trans, cis, straight, queer, male, female. As long as you are putting in the work and turning the party then you’re welcome. Just know your drag herstory, know and recognize the struggles that other drag artists have that you might not, and remember: If your work isn’t intersectional, it’s bullshit. And if anyone tries to tell you you aren’t allowed to do art: Do it more, do it louder, do it better, do it forever.
No not at all, you can dress up as whatever you’d like, drag is pretty much anything and everything. You could be a bio-queen, I’ve worked with bio-queens before all very pleasant and great performers! Give it a try!
No, anyone can do drag, drag is a form of art and expression. I’ve met a lot of cis womxn drag queens and they’re just as talented and fun to be around.
8 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
Grammies, schmammies
BY JOSH HUGHES
DAMN. This mess again? years on another review aggregate site. Hell, if the Grammys were even determined by sheer “It’s easy! If a woman is as qualified as a man for the same job, boom, you know? That’s it!” popularity, this year’s nominee DAMN. sold more units than any other nomination. The issue said Raul Malo, frontman for The Mavericks, during a pre-Grammys interview on the red runs deeper than the awards show simply being out of touch; it suggests a racist, sexist organicarpet two Sundays ago. One single woman ended up winning a televised award at this year’s zation that refuses to adopt a 21st century view towards arts and culture. “biggest night in music,” the 60th Grammy Awards Show. The issues go much farther than just Album of the Year. Despite the promising list of nomiEvery year the Grammy Awards slip further away from retaining any relevance in the music nees, only one woman walked away with a major award: Alessia Cara. industry they once had, yet every year they still manage to upset everyone. Lorde, nominated for Album of the Year, allegedly did not get offered a performance slot. I remember jumping with joy as a 14 year old when Arcade Fire took home “Album of the Instead, we got to hear from extremely contemporary and relevant artists Sting and Shaggy. Year” in 2010, and I remember being let down ever since. It Kesha gave an excellent performance of “Praying”, a song even took me a few years to realize the problems with a preabout breaking out of the grasp of her producer and abuser dominantly white band being the highlight Grammy winner Dr. Luke, yet no specific context for the importance of the of my lifetime. performance was given all night. I remember writing an angry Facebook post after KendOnly Janelle Monae, who presented the song, got anywhere rick Lamar’s cultural landmark To Pimp A Butterfly lost to close to vividly expressing its potency in our current times. Taylor Swift’s 1989 in 2014. I don’t remember the dozens of Oh yeah, and Ed Sheeran beat out four women in one categoforgetful performances by washed up, irrelevant musicians ry, and three in another. If the Grammys also believe in Raul I’ve seen on the Grammys over the years. Malo’s statement that men and women should be equally The last few years I haven’t even thought it worthwhile to qualified, I guess women just released bad music this year. watch the show— all I need to do is watch a couple highlight Except they didn’t. The narrative that the Recording performances on Youtube and get upset about the latest Academy stands behind simply favors pop music that comes controversy. from a safe, largely-white realm. This all begs the question of ‘what was different One producer for the awards show expressed his sadness this year?’ If the Grammys have lost all touch with the conover Taylor Swift’s “off cycle” year, hoping that her return temporary state of music criticism, why should we pay any next year would “up women winners”. She’s exactly what the attention to it, why should we validate their power over the Grammys adore, a young blonde songwriter with seemingly industry? inoffensive lyrics and an easily digestible style. Artists like The truth is, the Grammys still dictate popular culture, Beyonce, Rihanna, and 2017’s darling SZA have all had attenand the narrative of the “biggest night in music” permeates tion from the Grammys, but none of them walk away with the music business. No one at SONY cares if you get a 9/10 the biggest, most boldfaced awards. on The Needle Drop, they care if you win Best Traditional The harsh truth is that the Recording Academy does not Pop Vocal Album. With no alternative to look to, it remains take R&B or rap music seriously, as shown in the last ten disheartening to see so many female artists and artists of years of the awards show. To quote a strikingly good tweet color ignored in favor of safe, “traditional” pop. from Kanye West last year, “We need to see Young Thug at This year Bruno Mars walked away with the most awards, the Grammys. Not just me and Jay in a suit.” We need more including Album of The Year. This marks the first time a people of color and more womxn represented, and not just person of color has won the award since Herbie Hancock in through the watered down, dated lens of traditional pop 2008. music. Since 2008, there have been 19 nominations in the cateSo here we find ourselves again, another year nagging gory for people of color, and it took a fairly conventional pop on an award show that we increasingly say we don’t care musician to break that streak and win. That’s not to say that about. At the very least, the show went down 10 million 24K Magic is a bad record, though it holds the lowest score viewers since last year, and an increasing amount of relevant (70) of all the nominated albums on Metacritic, a music musician celebrities were absent from the evening. But still, Here’s some famous people that might share review aggregator site. What matters is that the record with where does that get us? the least amount of cultural impact took the prize, especially your views and make you feel less upset about Besides being another indirect plea to the Recording AcadRecording Academy president Neil Portnow over a certain rapper who was also nominated. emy to hop out of their grave, this article does nothing for Kendrick Lamar has now lost Album of the Year three the music culture that deserves recognition and celebration. saying women need to “step up” in the music times over since 2012. First to Daft Punk, second to Taylor That part relies on you, reader— to listen to, talk about, spread industry. Swift, and now to Bruno Mars. The argument to be had here and support the underrepresented artists and musicians you is not one of subjectivity, it’s about cultural influence and love. Maybe one day I won’t wake up to a Twitter feed of upset being able to read the damn room. Jay-Z and SZA fans, because maybe one day the Grammys won’t exist anymore. Next year if I If the Grammys were run similarly to the Oscars (which still has their share of problems), see one more Taylor Swift acceptance speech for another “breakthrough” pop album, we might winners and nominees would be decided largely by criticism within the field. Two of the three be closer to that day than I imagine. of Lamar’s nominated albums, for instance, hold the highest aggregate score of their respective
2.5. 2018 • 9
Olympia Update: Making Voting Accessible for Students/Humans
BY ROSA RICE-PELEPKO This is the first in a weekly series of reports from AS Legislative Liaison Rosa Rice-Pelepko as she lobbies in Olympia for Western Students.
Western Lobby Days 2018 BY JOSH HUGHES It’s that wonderful time of year again! All your favorite non-governmental organizations are going to Olympia to talk to legislators about important policies regarding their mission. For Western, that means Environmental Lobby Day, Salish Sea Lobby Day, Ethnic Student Center Lobby Day and Disability Outreach Center Lobby Day. For those wanting to know more about the events or get involved, here’s a brief rundown: Environmental Lobby Day The AS Environmental and Sustainability Programs is hosting its fifth annual Environmental Lobby Day on President’s Day, Monday, February 19th. Unfortunately, registration for the event closed on Sunday for those wanting to attend, but it’s still important to talk about what will occur at the event. This year’s agenda is not yet completely fixated, but last year, students met with legislators to lobby for clean air, protection of waterways, toxin regulations, and safe transportation of oil. This year the focus will be more tailored towards social justice and health. For students who have not had much or any experience lobbying, the group will meet on Sunday to walk people through the process. While there will be a set of four or so bills that the group will focus on, Lobby Day is a time for individuals to speak up about the issues that matter most to them. For this event, any and all environmental policy topics are welcome.
Did you you vote in the last election? If you didn’t, was it because it seemed a little too compliSalish Sea Lobby Day cated at the time? The Students for the Salish Sea and the Protectors of the Salish Sea will be going down Good news: some very committed elected leaders are committed to changing that. This legto Olympia for Lobby Day on February 12th. As with the Environmental Lobby Day, islative session, advocates and legislators are working to make our voting system as accessible as students must register to attend, but registration is open up until the event. However, it possible for all eligible voters. does cost $10 for anyone to attend. Two proposals this year are Automatic Voter Registration (HB 2595 & SB 6353) and Same-Day “A day of solidarity with the understandings of the First Peoples of The Salish Sea to Registration (HB 2297 & SB 6021). Automatic Voter Registration and Same-Day Registration uphold the sacred relationships with all beings (peoples) of the Schen’a (Salish Sea),” would help more students to participate in elections. In the 2016 general elections, Washington reads the event description. “A day to be the voice for the Kelthlala’mechen (Orcas peosaw an overall turnout of 37.1 percent — the lowest rate in years. Our election system should do ple), Schay’nexw (Salmon people), Skelalnexw (tree people) and all the children of our everything it can to encourage people to vote, and that starts with getting them registered. Xa’xe Ten’ e xw (Sacred Mother Earth), born and unborn.” Automatic Voter Registration would implement voter registration processes at qualified state This session the group will be advocating for Orca protection policies, anti-pipeline agencies like the DOL. When interacting with an agency, you would be automatically registered laws, an immediate halt to work at Puget Sound Energy’s LNG facility, respect of treaties to vote unless you opt out. Same Day Voter Registration would extend the current deadline to 8 signed with the Coast Salish Tribal Nations, and various other issues at hand. Liz Satip.m. on election day. acum, Snohomish Sladai, Che oke’ten and Dakota W Case will all speak throughout the For busy students and many other Washingtonians, the registration process can be overly event. Afterwards, students who register may sign up to meet with representatives to talk complicated. The current 29 day deadline for voter registration forms is too far in advance, and about relevant topics. many eligible voters don’t realize there’s a deadline until it’s too late. This deadline also coincides with the first week and a half of Western’s fall quarter start date. For this reason, the Associated Students and Western Votes dedicate this short period of time to registering as many voters as Ethnic Student Center Lobby Day possible. Despite our best efforts, we’re not able to reach everyone, which means many students Over President’s Day weekend, the Ethnic Student Center will also go down to Olymdon’t get to make their voices heard in the upcoming election. pia to lobby for their agenda. This year the agenda will include bills advocating for the Case in point: last year, in the week following the state’s registration deadline, we were asked to support of undocumented immigrants and survivors of sexual violence, implementation help a student register to vote and change their address. We were able to help the student out, but of ethnic studies curriculum in grades K-12, and support for an in-state tuition waiver they were disappointed to find out they were too late to vote. for Native American students. With our combined voices, the students of Western could have a real impact on local elections. To those who say students are transient and shouldn’t vote in local elections: Western students Disability Outreach Center Lobby Day play a vital part in this community and should be able weigh in on the decisions that impact our Also occurring over President’s Day weekend, the Disability Outreach Center is hostlives. These registration solutions will help not only students, but all eligible Washingtonians ing their first lobby day. This year they will be advocating for improvement of funding for participate in our democracy. We all know that our democracy is better off when every vote is accessibility and disability services at public universities, employment equality for those counted, and these proposals are just two ways to make the voting process more accessible and with disabilities, and the Model Toxics Control Act, Washington’s environmental cleanup invite as many young people as possible to participate in elections. law. Contact your legislators today in support of these bills. Never underestimate how much impact a phone call or email can make from a constituent! Sign up for our Legislative Action Alerts at tinyurl.com/WWUaction to be updated with how you can get involved in the legislative process.
10 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
$cholarship opportunitie$
BY HAILEY MURPHY
Tuition costs are a concern for any college student. Paying for education often results tweaking your essays around based on the specific criteria they’re looking for... Letters of in thousands of dollars in loan debt. However, there’s another source of funding that may recommendation– this is the quarter to get those letters of recommendation requested.” have slipped your mind. Besides those listed on the Scholarship Center, there are more scholarships available to It’s not a matter of if scholarship money exists– there are tons funds for college stuyou, directly from Western, on their website. Each college, from the College of Business dents on the state and federal level. It’s simply a matter of knowing where to look. So if and Economics to Woodring College of Education, features college-specific scholarships you’re searching for some free college tuition, here are on their webpage– they’re just a little tricky to find. If some places to go digging! your college doesn’t have a scholarship tab on it’s main Western’s Scholarship Center has a variety of scholwebpage, look in either “students” or “departments” for arship opportunities available directly from Western. scholarship opportunities. These scholarships vary from departmental awards to So what about private scholarships, outside of diversity scholarships and graduate student awards. Western? If you don’t already know, there’s a great They’re available for viewing online, or you can visit website called Washboard.org that gives scholarships the Scholarship Center in Old Main 285. The hallway to Washington state students, whether they come from leading to the office even has a corkboard of featured out of state or not. You fill out a detailed profile and scholarships. the website matches you with applications you qualify However, if you look on the Scholarship Center webfor. site right now, you might not find a lot. That’s because There are a number of websites that do this very we’re just outside of what the Scholarship Center refers thing, such as unigo or scholarships.com. However, to as scholarship season. washboard.org gives you scholarships that are both “March through May is really the season for next local and national, so you have the option to apply for year’s scholarships,” said Dina Murphy, Financial Aid The scholarship board. Hailey Hoffman // AS Review scholarships that’ll have less applicants. Manager at the Scholarship Center. “There are year “You want to work within your own college and round scholarships that you could find, but that’s pridepartment, clearly, because that’s a smaller cohort of marily when the scholarships are available, posted and due… [Western] wants to inform students… Those are the places you want to start,” said Murphy students before they leave for the summer so they know and can plan.” There are also private scholarships available for viewing on the Scholarship Center’s That being said, you can start planning for scholarship season before the applications webpage, which are sought after by Scholarship Center staff. even go live. Murphy suggests preparing yourself to apply for scholarships now so that Another option for funding your college education are grants. Grants are often needyou’re ready with material when a scholarship does get posted. based and are granted through FAFSA or WAFSA, so make sure to fill yours out each “Get the resume cleaned up, because a lot of times scholarships are actually looking for year. It’s now passed the financial aid priority deadline, but applications can still be sent resumes to be included,” said Murphy. “Start thinking about essays. Once you start writin for the 2018/2019 school year. ing, even free writing, you can get prepared and then with those applications, you’re just
A tale of 3 lobby days, food pantry delayed: AS Board report 1/31 BY ERASMUS BAXTER Past minutes were voted on but not approved. A vote on funding for a new food pantry was delayed because AS VP for Activities Julia Rutledge had been out for much of the last week and hasn’t had a chance to address some of the questions about funding, staffing and food purchasing raised at the last meeting. They plan to start the food pantry ASAP as the cabinet for it is already next to the Resource and Outreach Programs offices. It is believed an ROP work study employee will be in charge of the food pantry for now, but Rutledge still needs to meet with ROP Adviser Leti Romo about coordinating details, including how the breakdown of funding between the Associated Students and Sustainable Action Fund will work. This year’s environmental lobby day agenda will focus more on health and social justice, AS Environmental and Sustainability Programs Director Katie Winkelman told the board. This is as a result of student
interest gauged through past and current assessments. “[There’ll be] less ecological sustainability and more focus on social justice and health,” she said. The three items they will be lobbying for are: • Supporting a progressive carbon tax that is designed to not disproportionately impact low-income communities • Model Toxics Control Act – a tax on hazardous waste that funds cleanup of toxic spills. There has been a shortage of funding for it in the last two years and toxic spills disproportionately affect low-income communities of color, Winkelman said. “Basically, we’re just asking them to help make up for a shortage of revenue,” she said. • House bill 1171 which would commission an environmental health and impact study around Sea-Tac airport to look at ultra-fine particulate
emissions from airplanes that can cause health issues. This would be a prerequisite for taking any further actions to help a community of color with double the national poverty rate, she said. AS VP for Diversity Erick Yanzon walked through the Ethnic Student Center Lobby Day Agenda which he had helped write with Ethnic Student Center Internal Coordinator Vicky Matey. It included: Supporting undocumented immigrants • Supporting survivors of sexual violence • Adding progressive revenue sources such as a progressive capital gains tax, and making sure tax revenue from pot sales and a carbon tax re-invest in communities of color. “We really wanted our agenda to focus on communities of color,” Yanzon said. • Support for a tuition waiver for in-state Native
2.5. 2018 •11
Ending the stigma with NAMI Despite being relatively new to Western, NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) on campus is changing the lives of those affected by mental illness. By initiating conversations, setting up support groups and holding events, NAMI on campus hopes to break the stigma and improve the lives of those affected by mental illnesses. “NAMI as an organization focuses on supporting individuals who live with mental illness and their families through advocacy, support groups, and classes,” said NAMI president Sarah Cederberg. “NAMI on campus at Western is our effort to get students involved with conversations about mental illness as a way to destigmatize it.” According to Cederberg, NAMI has been on campus for about two and a half years now. Since then, they’ve been working with Western and the community as a whole to improve wellness. Whether it’s raising money to help end suicide or simply offering a destressor to students, NAMI opens up conversations on mental health that need to be had. “I joined NAMI during my second quarter at Western, because I’d seen them at Info Fair...” said Cederberg. “Being able to talk with people who have those experience as well is really nice. Granted the club is for anyone, but I’ve met people who’ve had very similar situations to myself and it definitely makes it less intimidating to get help.” On top of that, NAMI has begun a new support group on campus. It’s called Connection Recovery Support Group, and it’s exclusive to students and community members who have a mental illness. Unlike the counseling center, the group is open, so drop-ins are always welcome. Connection Recovery Support group isn’t run by a counselor. Instead, it’s run by a student facilitator, making it a peer-led group. To become a certified facilitator, a student goes through a training program put on by NAMI. “There were two training days. They were both eight or nine hours long,” said Alyssa Sisemore, student facilitator and psychology major. “We were in the room the whole time, for hours, going through the outline of the recovery program, what it’s for, what NAMI’s goal is.”
American students, and the creation of a tribal liaison position at Western (something that Western says it is currently doing) • Alinging eligibility of college bound scholarships with the state need grant • Implementing ethnic studies curriculum in K-12 education. Yanzon said this was based on legislation that passed in to law in Oregon. The Disability Outreach Center lobby day agenda was reviewed. It included: • Improving funding accessibility and disability services at public colleges and universities. While Western just received money in the capital budget for some upgrades, this would lobby for money not just at Western, but all state schools. • Employment equality for people with disabil-
BY HAILEY MURPHY
Through the program, facilitators learn how to lead a conversation and how to produce a safe environment for people to be heard. “Something that they touched on a lot is, when you’re talking to somebody about mental health, you never say ‘you should do this, you should do that, you should’ve done this,’” said Sisemore. “It’s more about sharing experiences and having people share their experiences rather than telling people what to do.” NAMI also is actively working to break down the stigmas around mental illness. On January 31, five panelists gathered in the VU to discuss mental illnesses and the stigmas associated with them. “It’s an event focused on bringing up different perspectives around mental health, but obviously with only 5 panelists, it’s only a snapshot,” said Cederberg. The panelists, along with Sisemore, were Robyn Gustafson, a Western alumni and counselor whose daughter has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Aaron Smith, a psychology professor at Western and a mental health counselor, Sarah Bond-Yacey, a board member of NAMI Whatcom County living with dissociative identity disorder and Dvorah Carrasco, a local mental health therapist. At the event, the panelists shared their unique stories while working to rid the negative associations around mental illness. “[Dissociative Identity Disorder] saved my life over and over again,” said Bond-Yacey as they told their story. Sisemore, during her story, presented a quote to the audience. This quote read: “Stigma is shame, shame causes silence, and silence hurts all.” “My biggest goal right now is to not be silent because it hurts me and it hurts the people around me who don’t get to hear my story and don’t get to feel empowered through hearing me,” said Sisemore. “Because if they’re empowered than they’ll speak up as well. It’s really a chain reaction. [Breaking] the silence is going to break the stigma, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Another type of board, the AS board. Illustration by Annabelle Barrett
ities, including changing current legislation that allows people with disabilities to be paid below minimum wage • Also lobbying for the Model Toxics Control Act All three lobby days will take place over President’s Day weekend. Winkelman said all 23 slots were filled for the environmental lobby day. Yanzon said that 20 of the 25 spots for ESC lobby day had been filled. Committee appointments, which can be found on the agenda, were approved unanimously. Yanzon said ESC staff met with employees from the admissions office about collaboration and it went well. “I hope we see more of them,” he said. AS VP for Government Affairs Ana Ramirez said she was in Olympia for a mock committee hearing yesterday and she might be out of office in Washington D.C. next week.
12 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
Professor, original Black Lives Matter member to speak at Western Tuesday BY JULIA BERKMAN Funmilola Fagbamila is a lot of things. An activist, poet, artist, speaker, student, professor- and she does it all with love and admiration for her community. Fagbamila’s upcoming play, The Intersection, focuses on the intersections of privilege within the black community. The idea of critiquing your in-group is important to Fagbamila, who believes that calling people in your community in, rather than out, is a form of respect and love. “Ideological differences exist within black communities within subjects of gender, sexuality, etc. When we engage in these topics, it feels divisive... There’s pressure for intraracial loyalty- you have to be accepting of everybody from your race,” she said. “[Intraracial loyalty] has not created the room to be critical of each other as we need to be to move forward in a healthy way.” We caught up with her ahead of her talk at Western this week. Unfortunately, the recording was corrupted, but we were able to salvage this part. This interview has been condensed and edited for readability. How are you doing? I know you’re coming to Western next week. Do you visit a lot of colleges? I’m doing well and I am coming to Western next week and I do visit a lot of colleges! Generally the colleges are in California, but yeah. I’m on campus a lot. So you’re teaching at Cal State right now, correct? Yes, I teach at Cal State LA and I did a residency with [youths] last year for some time for an entire quarter. So essentially I was there as an activist in Redmonds for a quarter to have discussions about my work with the community.
Twitter poll update
sdd
Western Lens
What kind of classes are you teaching at Cal State right now? African American history; race, gender and class; black feminism and womanism which essentially is similar to a race and gender class dealing with the ways in which we understand how gender intersect as it pertains to social, political and economic relations. What advice would you give to black students at Western? So, what advice would I give to a black students? It would be to find your community, to find the people that are like minded. Most of the time that’s going to be students of color. Include students of color in the conversation with the people that get it about what you’re feeling on campus, so it kind of demystifies things in your mind so that you know that you are not exaggerating. You know that you’re not making anything up about the microaggressions that you hear, feel, experience on campus and the energy that you feel because it also this energetic thing that exists when you’re in space and on a campus or in an environment where you don’t feel like you are able to be your complete self without some type of judgement. Or, you feel in some way shape or form surveilled because of your identity. So, finding your identity is important. Being willing to protect your mental health but also challenge people when necessary. Whether that is your peers on campus or an administrator that is possibly engaging in problematic behavior or microaggressions. Or, whether that is the professor that is teaching something that is not accurate or that is biased or that is not a reflection of an understanding of the experience of those who are marginalized by the systems of this country. Fagbamila speaks on Tuesday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m in Miller Hall 138.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? A: Real life or like imagination? If I could be anything it would be an R&B singer or just any music performer cause like, R&B is my favorite music, and music is the most efficient way to create a change and spread positivity. And then second, which is what I’m actually going into, is a teacher, because of the same reason. Spreading a message of love to students that I want to teach and inspiring them. I really want to focus on those kids that I know have a lot of potential and maybe not everyone sees that at first and kind of just inspire them to go places, because that’s who I was. -Freshman Chase Rodriguez Photo by Jaden Moon, Question by Gwen Frost