THE DIFFERENT WAYS WE LOVE
&
NON-BINARY FASHION DECONSTRUCTING MONEY DIARIES TOGETHER WE STAND,13 DIVIDED WE MARCH THE BULLETIN -
- February 2019
Emma Yee Yick ‘19 & Collier Curran ‘20 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Claudia Levey ‘19 & Veronica Suchodolski '19 MANAGING EDITORS
Yudi Liu '19 CREATIVE DIRECTOR SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Emily Supple ‘19 SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Allie Goines ‘20 Aoife Henchy ‘19 Yunxiao Cherrie Zheng ‘21
FEATURES EDITOR Juliana Kaplan '19 STAFF WRITER Aliya Schneider '20
EVENTS DIRECTOR Lillian Zhang '21
HEALTH & STYLE EDITOR Isabella Monaco '20 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Antonia Bentel '20
COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR Sara Hameed '20
NEW YORK CITY LIVING EDITOR Pavi chance '20
POLITICS & OPINION EDITOR Sara Hameed '20 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Naava ellenberg '21 STAFF WRITERS Annabella Correa-Maynard '20 Hadassah Solomson '20 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Julia Tache '19 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kalena chiu '20 STAFF WRITER Annette Stonebarger '21
LAYOUT DIRECTOR Galiba Gofur '20 LAYOUT EDITOR Nicola Sheybani '22 PHOTOSHOOT DIRECTOR Yudi Liu '19 PHOTOSHOOT ASSISTANT Yuki Mitsuda '21 ART DIRECTOR Sadie Kramer '21 PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Peyton Ayers '21
THANK YOU TO THE RUTH BAYARD SMITH '72 MEMORIAL FUND FOR ITS SUPPORT OF THE BULLETIN Barnard Bulletin 3009 broadway new york, ny 10027 Thebarnardbulletin.com
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2 - February 2019
A Letter From Our Editors Dearest Readers, Welcome to the February issue of your beloved Barnard Bulletin. Despite it being the shortest month of the year, February is one of our favorites (perhaps because simply escaping the endlessness that is January is a feat of its own). Behind the hyper-commercialized holiday that is the day of Valentines, there lies a quieter, but equally-pervasive power in the feeling of loving and being loved. An excerpt from this month’s centerpiece reads: “In essence, we are all lovers....we love bookshops and the ocean; we love internet memes and modern art museums; we love the classes that end too quickly and the support system that surrounds us. We love like Elio and Oliver, but we also love like Ron and Leslie, Dumbledore and Harry, or Grace and Frankie. As Barnard students, we have fallen in love with learning and growing and becoming, and doing so with the help of the moments and places and people we encounter every day.” It is our hope that you find love within these pages: in reading about Ilhan Omar, one of the first Muslim women to join the United States Congress, in discovering five littleknown vegan restaurants in the city, in reveling in some flirty and intellectual museum astrology, in understanding the quiet stillness of mornings in MoHi. These articles are imagined, written, edited and produced by a group of women who love what we do. We are passionate about the stories we tell and about the people we tell them to (all of you!). As a reminder, sweet readers, with great passion brings great happiness, great prosperity—great love. With boldness and brilliance, Emma & Collier
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IN THIS ISSUE SSUE 3 // Letter from the editors 5 // behind the scenes 6 // trending & playlist
HEALTH & STYLE 8 // New Semester New Me 9 // Amazon.com Fashion 10 // Non-Binary Fashion 12 // Sick no More! Long-Distance Friendship 13 //
FEATURES 14 // Deconstructing Money Diaries: Being Low Income at Barnard 16 // Morning in Morningside heights 17 // The Different Ways We Love
POLITICS & OPINION 22 // Women in Politics: Ilhan Omar 23 // She Said 24 // Dems in the House 25 // calling for clemency 26 // Don’t shut up about the shutdown 27 // together we stand, divided we march
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 28 // Watch THIS, Not THAT: Valentine’s Day Edition 30 // A Guide to AUditions/Interviews 31 // Museum Astrology 32 // R. Kelly: The Intersectional Climax of Sexism and Racism 33 // Sex Education: What we're binge watching this month
NEW YORK CITY LIVING 34 // Bites Outside the Bubble 35 // Top 5 Little-Known Vegan Restaurants
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BEHIND THE SCENES
Models Imma Duverger Alani Fujii photographer & art direction Yuki Mitsuda
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5 - February 2019
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ot Ones nes hot
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This bonkers reality show on Fox, adapted from a widely popular South Korean show, has celebrities performing in full body costumes and masks. There’s no way for the audience and judges to know who they are watching until the various contestants get voted off, and unmask themselves.
2. Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
1.
3.
Juice - Lizzo
5.
Ice - Alali
6.
Almost (sweet music) - Hozier
Bones - Galantis ft. One Republic
Dancing with a Stranger - Sam Smith & Normani
7. 4.
Everytime i Breathe - arlissa
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7 - february 2019
High School - umi
H&S
New Semester, New Me
I
tend not to create New Year's Resolutions. Something about January 1st triggering a drastic change in how I conduct my life feels unrealistic. However, I do always write down a number of goals when I start a new semester. This one specifically, my junior spring, many of my goals revolve around planning for the next steps of my future: taking graduate entry exams, choosing masters programs, keeping up my GPA to graduate with honors. My mind is naturally focusing on what is to come. This semester, for me, will be about recentering myself and enjoying the here and now. It sounds cliche, but I am realizing how fast college is going by and how important it is to savor living and learning in such a beautiful and thriving city. Hailing from Long Island, I will never be too far from New York City, but attending a school with so many opportunities is a joy that comes with a harsh expiration date. A lot of my health related goals for this semester revolve around the fact that this is the last semester before everything changes. In the fall, I will be thrust into full time student teaching, applying to graduate school, and writing a thesis (or two, thanks to the Barnard English department!). This is the time that I need to develop
good habits; otherwise, it will feel impossible to exercise and eat well when everything picks up. Therefore, this semester I will make physical health a priority. As soon as I get on campus, I am buying a Fitbear pass and attending at least one—but preferably two—classes
per week. (Catch me at Zumba or kickboxing!) I also plan to take advantage of the kitchen in my apartment to make nutritious meals for myself. In my experience living off campus, I have always begun the semester cooking multiple times per week, but quickly tapering off once classes and extracurriculars picked up. Next year, I will need to bring lunch with me as a student teacher and often will not have time to head to campus for dinner. This semes-
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ter will be my trial run in maintaining a grocery shopping and cooking schedule (and budget). In terms of mental health, I have almost always had good habits. I try my hardest to listen to my body, working hard when I’m feeling good and taking it easy when I’m rundown. I believe in the power of completing school work early to minimize the negative impact of college on mental health, especially because I suffer from anxiety. As soon as a semester begins, I immediately get ahead in my assignments. I respond to emails right away, complete small tasks as soon as they are given, and begin planning essays a week before they are due. I find that some extra effort in the beginning of the semester sets a positive precedent for the 14 weeks to come. As midterms come and go, I am still working hard, staying ahead of deadlines, and taking breaks even during my busiest weeks. This semester, I hope to maintain these habits while also devoting more time to my physical health and wellbeing. I intend to balance Netflix breaks with treadmill breaks, a mocha latte with hummus and carrots. My three years of college have taught me that no one can run on an empty tank and that nourishing the body and mind is a necessity, not a luxury.
Illustration by Angela Tran; Layout by Ellie Story
by Collier Curran
Amazon.com Fashion
A
mazon is stepping up its fashion game, and I think I can speak for college students everywhere when I say I’m here for it. As a Prime member, two-day shipping has saved me on various occasions, whether it be a lastminute textbook order or an urgent refill of a skincare essential. Never in my wildest dreams did I think there would be a service that guarantees an outfit will arrive at your doorstep in two (sometimes
one) days. Buying clothes through Amazon has its perks in addition to the free two-day shipping. Most pieces have thorough reviews with customer pictures, so you can get honest opinions about the piece. Seeing clothing on different body types also makes it easier to decide if the piece will look good on you. Amazon also has free returns, which makes ordering clothes online less painful; if it doesn’t fit, returning them won’t be a hassle.
A fellow Barnard student, Emma Vincent ‘19, got me hooked on ordering clothes from Amazon, but I don’t think enough students realize how great Amazon is for online. They are upping the quality and quantity of pieces, so chances are if you want it, they have it. Just to prove it to you, I put together a few outfits for different occasions for which you might be scrambling for an outfit.
You have a last-minute date:
You need a dress ASAP. As spring approaches and the weather gets warmer, we can start to pull out some of our more summery dresses. This red long sleeve wrap dress ($18) is flirty and great for a spring night out.
You have an oddly themed party this weekend: Amazon has a ton of cool graphic tops. One of my favorite is this “Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino” long sleeve top ($16). It also comes in a t-shirt and a bodysuit.
The lace details and high neckline make this Zalalus cocktail dress ($32) classy yet chic.
The tiny glasses trend might be dying, but Amazon still has a ton. They could be a nice touch to an outfit for a themed party.
Paired with black jeans and black booties, The PattyBoutik Floral Lace Off Shoulder Top ($31) would complete the perfect NYC date outfit.
The Kathemoi Bell Sleeve Suede Top ($25) is perfect for a date in colder weather, with its unique bell sleeves and high neckline.
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by Lucy O’Connor
Non-Binary
Fashion
M
by Lucy O’Connor
any cultures throughout history have celebrated those who are gender nonconforming or non-binary. For generations, Native Americans have celebrated these “twospirited” individuals and often put them in positions of power within the community because their duality of the male and female spirit made them unique. So, in the modern day world of fashion, how are non-binary identities being represented? Growing up with gendered dichotomies, such as pink or blue baby clothing, princesses or pirates, trucks or dolls, subliminal messages are sent to children that they have to fit into one box or the other. This black and white mold gets broken with many new clothing lines emerging for children that promote a non-binary approach. Céline Dion is one of few celebrities who has taken on this movement with her gender-neutral clothing line partnering with Nununu, popular kids’ clothing line. Target has also joined the movement by incorporating gender-neutral kids’ clothing lines at their stores. These small steps start to raise children with a positive message of equality and inclusion that translates into how
they interact with others. As each generation grows up, they are influenced by fashion industries that tell them how to dress. This often comes across negatively as big corporate giants try to tell women to dress more feminine in dresses and men to dress more masculine in pants and suits. However, when idealized fashion giants like Gucci and Burberry are breaking these norms. Gucci’s 2016 and 2017 shows presented both male and female models dressed very similarly, with an overtone of gender-neutral apparel. Burberry conjoined their men’s and women’s fashion shows, emphasizing the unity of the two lines. While these brands are often out of touch with the average consumer, the power they have to set standards for the rest of the industry is tremendous. By emphasizing a new image of clothing in the non-binary realm, these big fashion companies are setting the standard for others in the fashion industry to follow. Whether or not these brands set the tone for the rest of the industry, there are many other brands that have been dedicated to keeping their clothing gender neutral. The brand 69 mainly focuses
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on crafting high-quality denim products. They highlight the ambiguities of identity in their models and leave out all labels of gender completely. In a similar realm, Gender Free World describes themselves as “clothing without labels.” They set a distinctive standard of inclusion and have stated that “what we have in our pants” should not dictate what we can wear. Finally, the brand Toogood has established a holistic company with poetic visuals that highlight the quality of their products above all else. They do not restrict their clothing to any specific gender and allow their audiences to explore their website without gendered restrictions. Non-binary fashion can even be seen all over campus as students choose to dress how they please, regardless of the norms established for their sex. Finding and expressing your authentic self is arguably the most important part of navigating college, and fashion can be a cornerstone of that process for many individuals who don’t want to fit into the rigid binary. The world of non-binary fashion is not new, and many individuals on our campus have found ways to make it their own.
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Sick No More! by Antonia Bentel
W
1. Rest It may seem like a no-brainer, but most of us don’t get enough of it. Rest is of the utmost importance to our health, both mental and physical. Staying out late too many nights, drinking just a few too many, or spending way too much time in a group study room in the library can contribute to a weaker immune system and can negatively affect your mental health in the long term. It’s important to socialize and study, sure, but it’s just as important to sleep and relax when your body needs it. 2. Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are a healthy type of fat that can be found in fish, plant seeds, and nuts. These friendly fats are great natural anti-inflammatories, and studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids help lower levels of depression, helping you to combat the winter blues. 3. Eat More Green and Orange Vegetables Your mom told you to eat your veggies, and now we are, too. By sticking to these colorful vegetables, you are ensuring that you’re receiving healthy nutrients, sugars, and fats. These will help you to bolster your immune system when you need it the most. Unsure how to add these healthy foods into your diet? Head to the salad bar once or twice a week and stock up on ingredients like spinach, kale, squash, and carrots. Not a savory person? Have an orange as a snack for maximum vitamin gain!
4. Get Exercise As Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. And people with endorphins just don’t kill their husband.” Despite Ms. Wood’s sage wisdom, it can be difficult to find the motivation to head to the gym or park during the cold winter months. By making exercise fun, however, you can get those endorphins and feel great! Most yoga, Pilates, and aerobic classes you find online require little to no equipment and not too much space—perfect to workout in your dorm room. If you feel adventurous, Yoga To The People on 104th and Broadway offers classes all day, every day, for just $10. There are also loads of exercise and fitness opportunities across the city. Getting off campus—and getting those endorphins—will help you feel great in no time. Take a friend with you for extra fun! 5. Frequent Hand Washing Though you’ve heard this time and time again, washing your hands throughout the day is one of the best ways to maintain your physical health during the winter months. Washing your hands regularly protects your immune system and can help to prevent catching a cold or the flu. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer and hand lotion to boost your germ-free hands! 6. Practice Meditation and Relaxation When the winter blues hit you, or when you’re feeling too anxious and stressed to function, it is important to know that you have healthy options at managing your worries. Going for a mindful walk—no matter how short—through Riverside on a sunny day will drastically improve your stress levels. Deep breathing, too, can work like magic in calming frayed nerves (remember to breathe in for six counts, and out for four). Meditation and practicing mindfulness are other great ways at managing stress. Not sure how to meditate? Find a quiet, darkened room where no one will bother you, sit, and close your eyes. Relax your muscles and focus on being present—empty your mind of all thoughts. When you come back to reality, you’ll feel calmer and more capable of handing whatever life throws your way!
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12 - February 2019
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inter is upon us once again! Cold weather, chapped lips, and overheated dorm rooms are the norm during the beginning of the spring semester. Also a part of the norm are sicknesses like the common cold, the flu, and seasonal affective disorder (also known as SAD). With the start of the new semester, however, it can be difficult to focus on our health and taking care of ourselves like we would normally during the warmer, freer summer months. Want to beat the winter doldrums and stay on top of your health? Read on!
Long-Distance Friendship by Maya Sanchez
A
t first, I was the one to move away. Sure, the continental USA is only separated by a three hour time difference, but for my best friend and I who spent the majority of the day together since elementary school, it was enough. When I woke up in the morning, she would be fast asleep. When I was already halfway through my day, she would just be starting hers. The time difference was enough to be annoying, but it wasn’t something I regularly had to think about. And then last semester, my best friend went to study abroad in Korea. From New York, that’s a 14-hour time difference. When I would just be starting my day, she would be finishing hers. More often than not, we weren’t even in the same day. Messages would go unread for hours and she would only start to be truly responsive and chatty when I was heading to bed. Luckily, keeping in touch wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be. Sure, my best friend would only respond at odd hours -- and for her, I would only start replying at off times-- but that was okay. I would keep all my stories
from the day that I would usually immediately relay to her for slice of time that she could respond. Thus, instead of having sporadic messages throughout the day, we would just have one long message at night. (At least, nighttime for me.) Have a good day I would text as I was heading to bed. Good night! She would replied. Video-chatting was a bit more complicated. Messaging is easy. You can be anywhere and message. If your friend buys a SIM card, messaging is even easier because you can continue to text like you would when they’re in the states. If not, there’s a plethora of messaging apps that work on wifi. There’s Whatsapp, WeChat, Line, Kakaotalk. They each have their own perks and some are region-specific, so see what works best! (Personally, I’m a fan of Line’s stickers. They’re super cute and make messaging even more expressive and enjoyable.) On the flip side, you need a solid block of time to video chat. It takes planning. It takes a lot of Does this Friday work? And Wait, whose Friday are we talking about. It’s a lot of No, it’s
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okay it’s not like I’m asleep at that time anyway and okay okay, Friday 7pm EST. Did you used to watch a TV show together? Or was your best friend your to-go person when it came to cheesy romcoms and you miss watching them together? There’s this wonderful website called rabb.it where you can video-chat and stream at the same time. It makes watching shows and movies together a breeze. Enable the audio function, and it’ll almost seem like you two are in the same place again. Like any type of relationships whether they be platonic or romantic, long-distance friendships require work and patience. Things are going to be bumpy at first while you both are adjusting to living without each other. You’re going to be frustrated when things don’t work out. But a few missed messages and calls aren’t the end of the world. Your friend is abroad and having the time of their life and you know they’ll be back! Missing people is normal, but social media and the internet have made the world smaller than you think it is. And with technology, maintaining a good friendship can be a breeze.
Illustration by Susan Steinfield; Layout by Clara Epstein
features
Deconstructing Money Diaries:
Being Low Income at Barnard
I
n my hometown, poverty was portrayed as romantic. Children of doctors, lawyers, and professors opted for children’s shoes and flip phones because they were cheaper. To them, poverty was an aesthetic. After starting at Barnard, I noticed that most people proudly wore airpods and Canada goose jackets, while I sported a $35 discounted Target jacket with pleasure. When I overheard students casually talking about their family’s wealth and their parents’ jobs, I was astounded by the privilege on campus. I’ve met numerous students whose parents are CEOs of massive corporations, and bring home tens of millions of dollars a year in salaries. I came onto campus naive about the truth of education at a private, elite institution like Columbia,
By Maya Corral
and quickly realized that I didn’t really understand the amount of wealth a family could have. Nor did I recognize how much that can impact your academic and personal experiences at Barnumbia. Because I am a first generation and low income student, I feel as though I have no room to fail. College is portrayed as fun, exciting, and carefree in movies, and while some of my peers feel that way about their college experiences, I am frequently anxious and worried about my current and future financial situation. As an FGLI (first generation low income) student, it’s even harder to balance school, work, a social life, and mental and physical health at an elite college like Barnard. To combat my unease with finances and to see how my spending differs THE BULLETIN -
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from my peers, I kept a money diary for seven days. While I went in meaning to write an article depicting exactly what I spent everyday, I came out of the experience realizing that this diary was much less about the money I spent, and more about the conversations and reflections this opportunity created. I love money diaries, and read them on a weekly basis. For that reason, I was hopeful that this experience would solve my financial woes and allow me to reflect on the barriers faced by FGLI students in comparison to their more privileged peers. However, what I realized in the process is that the relationships and connections we build as college students are far more important than the snacks we buy from the basement. This goes especially for FGLI
students, who oftentimes enter college without the same professional connections and academic resources as their peers. So, rather than publishing the traditional money diary that most of us have a love-hate relationship with, I decided to deliberate on my spending and discussions with friends, family, and alums about the most controversial topic in my life: money. Finances are a constant stress for most low-income students at Barnard, including me. First generation and low income students often have to choose between a major they genuinely enjoy and one that seems practical for gainful employment post-graduation. I came into Barnard as an Economics major, and, after taking one class, I knew it wasn’t for me. I found myself much more interested in my History, American Studies, and Literature courses. I’m still not quite sure how I would turn these subjects into a career. While many of my friends are at Mel’s on a Saturday night, I often find myself awake in my dorm room, terrified at the possibility of being unemployable (although I do stop by Mel’s on occasion). While I worry about my future career, I also feel responsible for contributing to my educational and family costs. I look at our bill and feel ashamed at the student and parent loans we’ve taken out, and the daily sacrifices my family has made to send me to this college. I started the 2018-19 academic year with $3,500 (money that I earned working throughout high school and during the summer). Currently, I have $1,000 in savings, and I feel really fortunate to have had enough savings to pay my tuition, buy food, and pay for other expenses without working during the first term. Although I wasn’t awarded a work study job due to available jobs on campus last semester, I’ll be working two jobs this term, making $15 at one and $16.50 at the other. I anticipate working 12-15 hours a week, plus $100 per week from babysitting. My tuition payment is $2,360 per
month, and as of right now, I’ve taken out $5,500 in student loans. My father will be losing his job in the near future, so I’m currently looking into more loan options. Right now, my tuition is paid in combination between these loans, my parents, and me when I am able to contribute. Many of my peers have families that can afford to send them here without consequence. Meanwhile, I frequently feel like an imposter because of my financial situation. Imposter syndrome sinks into every part of my life, but most of these feelings are due to fear of my finances. All of this was at the back of my mind during my money diary week. I started off with a visit to my great grandfather and errands, and ended by returning to New York. At times, it was emotional (like when my mega wealthy friend made a comment about being poor), and other times it seemed normal (I bought salad, $25 worth of chocolate, and three root beer floats throughout the week without overthinking my purchases). There were times when I felt guilty about spending money (when I had to ship a package filled with my stuff back to NYC because I overpacked) and there were times when I didn’t question the money I was spending (when I paid for my great grandfather’s prescription). While I made meaningful connections about the money I’m spending and my future career goals, the funniest realization I made throughout this process was recognizing that my favorite part of being home is seeing my esthetician and getting my eyebrows done (even though it costs four times what I would pay in New York). My spending doesn’t really differ from many college students, because most of us don’t have a lot of extra money, and many are working to pay their own tuition. However, I think many FGLI students have a special appreciation for the sacrifices they, and often their families, have made to be at this elite institution. Being at Barnard has taught me a lot about myself, and THE BULLETIN -
15 - FEBRUARY 2019
the perceptions of FGLI students to our more privileged Barnumbia peers. Many times, I think privileged Barnumbia students have a one-dimensional perception of how FGLI students are spending their money and interacting with the rest of campus. One of my peers complained about being broke when they’ve bought numerous sets of Airpods after losing them over and over again. The feeling of otherness that comes with being an FGLI student on Barnard and Columbia’s campus is inevitable. There is nothing I can really say to my more privileged peers to make them understand that not only what they’re doing is harmful to me, but also that they will likely never truly comprehend what it feels like to be helpless in your financial situation. The perception that all of us have had the same experiences, or that we are somehow different from the rest of the student population is rampant and naive. Every FGLI student reacts to poverty (and the resources provided to us because of it) differently. It is difficult to name the “first generation” or “low income” college experience because it is ever changing and fluctuates for each FGLI student every day (or week, in my case). Although our experiences are difficult to pinpoint, all FGLI students have one thing in common: we do not have as many resources as our peers, furthering our low income status, both on campus and after graduation. I often overthink the money I’m spending, the extracurriculars I participate in (especially the ones that take away from time that could be spent working or in school), and the internships I’m applying for. However, I also go out to eat with my friends, buy new clothes, and experience city life like many other Barnard and Columbia students. Additionally, the growing efforts by Barnard to increase awareness and normalization of FGLI students has helped to make it easier to be a first generation and low income student on our campus.
Morning in
Morningside Heights
T
here’s nothing quite like waking up early on campus. The air is crisp, the sky is a palette of pastels, and the breakfast line at Appletree Deli is filled with workers in construction hats, business attire, and public uniforms. Campus only has a handful of awake souls. But waking up early feels masochistic to me. I slam snooze on my alarm over and over and over again, and each time it goes off I wonder why I just don’t let myself get quality sleep instead. My body sinks into my mattress and makes me feel pathetic for not being able to move it. Eventually, I’ll I finally roll out of bed feeling restles,s and all I want to do is roll back up beneath my covers. “Why didn’t you invite me?” I asked a friend as she gushed about her 7 a.m. group run through Riverside Park. She rolled her eyes at the possibility that I would even be able to get out of bed before 9 a.m., and I got defensive. My defense later turned into shame as the prospect of joining her for a 7 a.m. run became more and more dreadful as my workload and extracurricular commitments piled up. I felt inadequate because waking up early wasn’t for me. I have the capability of waking up for a 7 a.m. run, but it just is not my priority. It is my friend’s. It wasn’t even her priority or preference for me to join her — it was simply my own shame in not being as balanced as she seemed to me. I signed up to write a piece about mornings to see if I could fight my sleep schedule, spend my first week of classes as a morningbird, feel-
by Aliya Schneider ing fresh and productive before my classes even started. But my tendency to take on activities at night made just getting to my 10 a.m. courses difficult. Instead of ditching the piece, I realized that waking up early isn’t intrinsically better, and I want to dispel that notion. I was great at waking up in high school. I woke up at 4:00 a.m. the morning of my chemistry exams to cram the whole unit in after daydreaming in class, and even woke up for 6:30 a.m. runs in the middle of winter because I overcommitted myself after school and couldn’t go to winter track practices. At the time, these days worked for me. But they wouldn’t now. Even then, they didn’t represent a healthy balance for me, but, rather, a desperation to succeed in ways that did not come naturally to me. It’s easy to see the ability to take an 8:40 as a pure example of success. The sense of accomplishment can be nice. Last spring I took an 8:40, and I felt like a superstar walking from Plimpton with my iced coffee and damp hair. But I wasn’t getting nearly enough sleep as I needed and wasn’t attentive in that class. “I’ll go to bed at a reasonable time this semester,” I told my dad, who responded, “C’mon Aliya, you’re in college. You’re not going to go to bed early, and that’s fine.” There’s nothing like staying up late: the night sky is vast, the hours seem timeless, and the streets are quieter than usual. I breathe in Netflix and books, and cuddle under my throw blankets uninterrupted. Wandering the streets at night, Manhattan THE BULLETIN -
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is so quiet, raw, and unhindered in its imperfections, like piled trash bags on the streets. There are the really late nights. The nights so late that the chastity gates are re-opening for the day, that you get to be one of the first in Manhattan to say hello to the sun, and then cradled to sleep by chirping birds. “You should be waking up by 6:30 a.m. at the latest,” my mom said to me during winter break, when I had been waking up closer to 3 p.m. every day, about an hour before the sun went down for the day. She said I wasted the day away, but, to be fair, the same argument could be made that she wasted the nighttime hours as she went to bed early for her early mornings. Sure, I missed the sunlight, but she missed the stars. There is no use in feeling guilty about staying up late and sleeping late if that is what works best for you, and the same goes for being an early person. It’s fun to mix it up sometimes, like trying to meet a friend for an early breakfast or going for a walk through the park. I have learned that going to bed and waking up in the morning to study is better for me instead of staying up very late, but it is even better when I don’t need to feel the rush to do something last minute regardless. My insecurity over not being able to wake up early easily isn’t just about what time I wake up. It’s about a constant feeling on campus of not being good enough or not living the way someone else does. Find a schedule that works for yourself, and don’t feel guilty about it as long as it works for you and your own priorities.
The Different Ways We Love by Audrey Pettit
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ndulge me for a moment: you’re in second grade again. It’s February 14th. Everyone’s desk has its own brown paper sack with their name scrawled in red Sharpie, surrounded by heart stickers. Your classmates snake down the aisles, plopping Valentine’s-edition Sweet Tarts and Dum Dums and M&Ms with tiny notes into your sack. They are small tokens of your friendship. Your parents gift you a heart bursting with flavored chocolates; you eat them immediately. You feel loved. All is well. But this year, Valentine’s Day looms on the horizon, and there will be no paper sacks. There will be candlelit dinners and lingerie and gushy romantic gestures. After elementary school, a disappointing shift occurs. The holiday of love becomes reserved for the romantics. The multitudes the word contains is dismissed in favor of what the media terms “true” love. Now you are in college, and buying your friends a box of chocolates isn’t common practice. Your mother reminds you again that she met your father her first semester of college — when will you have a Valentine? This unspoken social pressure makes you feel like something’s missing. Jack and Rose, Elio and Oliver — they all hover in your subconscious. Perhaps the next stranger you make eye contact with will be the object of your affection. You romanticize the strangers you meet — the browser at the bookshop, the barista who hands you your daily coffee, the peer who sits across from you in lecture. And, consequently, you neglect the pleasure found in that daily cup of coffee the barista hands you, the friend who sends you cat pictures to brighten your day, the parent who wants so desperately to hear about that Anthropology class you’re taking. You’re led to assume that if you don’t want or can’t find that gushy, “true” romantic love, you don’t have love at all. But, as confirmed by the performances of Colin Firth and Keira Knightly, “Love Actually” is all around. Like the film claims, it is at the baggage claim when you return for break — parents, siblings, or friends waiting to take you into your arms. Indulge me again as I write this cliché: transitioning to college caused me to fall in love all over again. Following the week of endless stimulation and socialization that is orientation, I sought a moment of stillness.
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Photographer & Art Direction: Yuki Mitsuda
Models: Imma Duverger Alani Fujii
Walking aimlessly, I stumbled upon the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. While I’m a Catholic school attendee converted to agnosticism, I sat in on the service. The choir’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” made me cry, the kind of silent cry where the tears leak out of your eyes like drips from a broken faucet. It was the song I spent my childhood belting, happening here, now, in New York City, in this hollowed, magnificent Cathedral, unshakable and lasting. I call it my “Lady Bird” moment. I fell in love with that moment and held it in my memory. It felt stable and communal, as though there were, in fact, things larger and more powerful than the ruminations of a misplaced first-year. During my first weeks, I gathered apparently mundane moments like this and held them tight like coins in my pocket: sitting on the lawn reading for pleasure, the sweaty, satisfied feeling after my first college ballet class, walking Brooklyn Bridge with new friends at midnight. These subtle manifestations of love allowed me to see and experience love in bigger, more lasting ways. I witnessed my friend garner an appreciation for the structure, nuances, and rhythm of speaking
Hindi. I watched my roommate fall in love with the expression of self through the body after taking ballet for the first time. I don’t dread going to class anymore — I can finally take classes like Modernism and Intro to Poetry without the threat of college applications looming over me. A tidbit I learned during that Modernism class: “platonic” love originates from Plato’s Symposium, an-almost comedic rendering of our evolution in which humans initially possessed eight arms and legs, two heads, double everything. Then we were split in two, condemned to spend our entire lives in search of our soulmate. This suggests that perhaps the most sincere manifestation of love is not that of candlelit dinners and gushy romantic gestures, but rather of stomach-aching laughter, tight hugs, and soul connectingauthenticity that comes with a good friend. I think this is the best thing I found at Barnard — friends from far-away places, a patchwork quilt of identities — of future doctors, English nerds, track stars, and JJ’s aficionados — who are shaping me into a more sincere version of myself.
I’m not arguing that platonic and romantic love can’t coexist in the same relationship or that either is objectively better, but rather that the latter is a smidge glamorized and largely overrated. In essence, we are all lovers, independent of relationship status. We love bookshops and the ocean; we love internet memes and modern art museums; we love the classes that end too quickly and the support system that surrounds us. We love like Elio and Oliver, but we also love like Ron and Leslie, Dumbledore and Harry, or Grace and Frankie. As Barnard students, we have fallen in love with learning and growing and becoming, and doing so with the help of the moments and places and people we encounter every day. Thus, I advocate we redefine Valentine’s Day, making it accessible to all the lovers. Indulge me one last time: it’s February 14th, 2019. You don’t have a Valentine this year, but you don’t feel like an outsider — instead, you dedicate this day to the people, passions, and pleasures that sustain you. Your mom asks anyway; you tell her that you are your own Valentine. You gift your close friends Valentine’s edition candies with tiny notes attached. Everything feels laced with gratitude. You buy yourself a small box of chocolates and eat them immediately. You feel loved. All is well.
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Women in Politics:
P&O
Ilhan Omar How? Omar became a political refugee for four years in Kenya in the midst of the Somali civil war, eventually being granted asylum in the US and joining a large segment of her diaspora in Minnesota. She attended North Dakota State University and did public health outreach work. She is married with three kids, two of whom she had before completing her college degree. She publicly admits to
still having college debt and renting her home. She represents everything the current administration vows to suppress. Omar’s platform is progressive and stark, an extension of herself. It calls for public education for all, healthcare for all, fair immigration, a ban on private prisons, accessible housing, military spending cuts, and gun safety, to name a few. She tries hard to hear the concerns of her generation and those below, chastising members of the Democratic party who make empty promises to their (and now, her) voters. Her support for BDS (the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement that demands Israel to grant equality to its Pales-
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tinians) has been unequivocal and frankly, irksome to Jewish thought leaders in America. According to New York Times article “Glorified and Vilified, Representative-Elect Ilhan Omar Tells Critics: ‘Just Deal’”, even fellow Minnesota representative Steve Drazkowski (R.) reflects on her as having been “really accusatory and really rode the edge of racial discussion.” Omar’s ownership and expression of strong opinions despite societal constraints may be inspiring to many, but what does it mean to the recently predominantly conservative Congress? Well, without her having even properly served a term yet, she has already been well scrutinized– Islamophobic sentiment, intrusion into her private life and background, and intersectional discrimination against her status as a black, female, and Muslim immigrant. In fact, had Omar perhaps sought to immigrate here in the beginning of 2017, with plans of running for election around 7 years later after gaining citizenship and meeting eligibility requirements, she would not have made it due to Trump’s travel ban. In any case, if her protesting the almost two-century old ban on headwear in Congress is any indication as to what her term will look like, it is clear that Omar will fight for legislation that is more inclusive of our rapidly changing nation.
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rimson hijab, matching pantsuit, and chunky gold jewelry– nope, this is not a fashion icon walking the runway. Female US Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) is trailblazing the Capitol, as well as evidently protesting its ban on headwear. This ‘runway’ is “...now going to look like an Islamic republic.”, alleges politician and pastor E. W. Jackson on his radio talk-show. But not to Minnesota’s voters. Ilhan Omar emerged victorious from the heated 2018 midterm elections, which was recordbreaking in voter turnout and in diversity of its winners. She is the first Somali American, one of the first Muslim women, and the first woman of color representing Minnesota in Congress. She won against two other women to replace Minnesota’s former state representative Keith Ellison. This is likely ascribed to her grassroots approach of campaigning anywhere from cafés to block parties with a large, driven army of young campaigners behind her, according to “How Ilhan Omar Won Over Hearts in Minnesota’s Fifth” in the New Yorker. However, Omar’s identity is arguably less important than the perspective that it lends her. Her perspective transcends racial, ethnic, and gendered differences in her community because it is well-steeped in a widely-held vision of an American dream that has largely resulted in disillusionment.
by Swati Madankumar
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She Said by Naemal Bhatti
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“Consider President Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria, as well as previous U.S. involvement in other countries. To what lengths should the U.S. military go to help support other countries in need, if at all?”
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competitors, but also compromise the safety of the Kurds, who fought alongside the U.S. army. If the U.S. needed to intervene in Syria, then it is obligated to at least stay long enough to ensure less political tumult.
tary support to various factions, outside countries have fueled the conflict for longer than it would have ever run. Over the years, the U.S. has proven its policy to meddle in other countries’ affairs, especially
the 2020 election. Trump hopes to appease his electors by calling for a “full and rapid” withdrawal of US forces from Syria, but fails to acknowledge the power vacuum that will be created as a result. As the troops vacate, they will leave behind a third of Syria up for grabs, which Turkey, Iran and Russia would only be too happy to scramble for. This would not only be a handout for America’s main
Many, including Trump, cite the defeat of ISIS as the primary reason for withdrawing troops from Syria. However, the threat from ISIS was little excuse for the U.S. to intervene in Syrian affairs in the first place. The Syrian civil war started as a conflict within the country and escalated into an international power struggle between other countries. By providing funding and direct mili-
if they are vulnerable. By exploiting new countries and countries in conflict, the U.S. digs out spheres of influence that it can use to take what resources it wants when it wants. When the U.S. “helps” these vulnerable nations, it actually hands out debt that they can never pay back. For this reason, countries in need should be given a chance to develop without a looming U.S. presence.
Layout by Rosa Munson-Blatt
resident Trump’s decision to withdraw American troops from Syria is a selfish one, made not to better the state of affairs in Syria nor even to further the American agenda, but rather to secure some footing for
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Dems in the HOuse
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he 2018 midterm elections set a number of records. In particular, a record number of women ran and were elected to congressional office. There were record numbers of early voters. Younger voters turned out in large numbers. While the Republicans picked up 10 seats in the Senate, Democrats turned 40 seats in the house. A divided congress either foreshadows unending gridlock, or, for the optimists, an opportunity to enact groundbreaking bipartisan legislation. Currently, congress has failed to pass a budget, leading to the longest lasting partial shutdown in U.S. History. Hopefully the current impasse is not indicative of what awaits America for the next 4 years, however, a reasonable spectator would be justified in their concern that partisanship will prevail over productivity. While immigration clearly remains an extremely contentious issue, motivating lawmakers to hold the
government and about 800,000 thousand federal workers hostage, there are other policy areas where perhaps a bipartisan compromise could be reached. For example, President Trump, Speaker McConnell and Majority Leader Pelosi have all indicated that they would support an infrastructure bill of some sort. McConnell, however, acknowledged that the most likely situation is one of gridlock. “The one issue that Leader Pelosi and I discussed this morning, where there could be a possible bipartisan agreement, is something on infrastructure,” he said in a statement on November 7th. Pelosi, for her part, had a conversation with President Trump on the eve of the elections, saying, “Last night I had a conversation with President Trump about how we could work together, one of the issues that came up was ... building infrastructure for America, and I hope that we can achieve that.” Despite the fact that
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Democrats control the U.S. House of Representatives which includes congress’s oversight power, impeaching President Trump, a priority for some who share the democratic platform, will not happen without Senate concurrence. Given the solid Republican majority in the Senate, the body is unlikely to vote with the House on this issue. The Senate, however, is solely responsible for confirming presidential judicial nominations. The Trump administration has already secured a record number of judicial appointments and given the Senate’s solidified majority, they will likely continue to do so, if not at an even faster rate. The Shutdown has cast a pall over the newly elected 115th Congress. Whether the parties can temper their diametrically opposing ideologies enough to get out of gridlock and get into policy-making is any pundit’s guess.
Illustration by Angela Tran
by Hadassah Solomson
Calling
A Illustration by Galiba Gofur
t the inception of 2019, Governor Bill Haslam of Tennessee sent shock waves across the country when he declared clemency for Cyntoia Brown. Condemned to life in prison after killing a man who bought her for sex, Brown will be released in August, ending her 15 years behind bars. Brown’s case received some attention because of the 2011 PBS documentary, “Me Facing Life: Cyntoia’s Story” and has been connected with the 2012 decision to no longer try minors for prostitution in the state of Tennessee. Brown’s case had faded into the background. It moved back into the public eye in 2017 when celebrities with sizable social media clout, including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian took to the Twitterverse demanding #FreeCyntoiaBrown. Suddenly, Brown’s case went viral as supporters called for clemency for this victim of sex trafficking. The facts of the case fueled widespread indignation regarding Brown’s predicament. On August 8th, 2004, police arrested 16-year-old Brown after finding the body the man that paid her for sex the night before dead from a gunshot. Soon after, the court tried Brown as an adult and charged her with first-degree felony murder and aggravated robbery and sentenced her to life in prison. The court’s decision did not con-
for
Clemency
by Emily Supple sider that Brown was a victim of sex trafficking and was forced into prostitution by her abusive pimp. Additionally, Brown’s claim of self-defense was rejected by the jury and her traumatic childhood and suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome was dismissed in the ruling. Amid the resounding celebratory approval and gratification that justice had finally been afforded to Brown, it can be difficult to discern what exactly clemency means and how it works. Clemency is “an act of mercy or leniency providing relief from certain consequence of a criminal conviction,” according to Tennessee’s Board of Parole. Brown’s sentence was commuted, meaning that her long sentence was substituted for a shorter one. Recent commutations by presidents include the release of Alice Marie Johnson by Trump and the 46 non-violent drug sentences reduced by Obama in 2015, which doubled the amount he had granted since taking office. However, the distinction between these examples and Brown’s case is important. Article II of the Constitution states that “The President . . . shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” Thus, the President can grant clemency to federal offenses, but not to state-level appeals. The protocol
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of granting clemency differs between states, but it remains under the authority of the governor or their appointed board to handle such requests. While states vary in their systems for processing applications for clemency, there is a trend that governors often hold out until the near end of their term to make such decisions. NPR reporter, Scott Neuman attributes these 11th-hour decisions to the fear of blowback since political scrutiny is likely reduced at the end of a term. This is because there have been circumstances where governors have granted clemency and released individuals who have committed additional atrocities, thereby risking their political futures. Undoubtedly, there are some risks to granting clemency. However, it is concerning that many governors act in extreme or delayed manners when it comes to accepting applications. The fact that politicians can be incentivized to fear the potential demise of their political career over granting clemency to deserving applicants speaks volumes to the arbitrary nature of the criminal justice system. As Brown prepares, deservingly so, to leave prison decades earlier than many believed possible, it is important that activists and students continue to fight for more reforms as this is only the beginning.
DON'T Shut up about the shutdown
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00,000 government employees. 420,000 of them working without pay. The current partial government shutdown implemented by the Trump administration has become the longest in American history, surpassing the 21day shutdown in 1995-1996. As I write this, it has been exactly one month, with no signs of ending anytime soon. A partial government shutdown is exactly what it sounds like: federal agencies/programs deemed nonessential are no longer funded. A shutdown usually occurs when there is a delay in the approval of the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year. It remains in effect until both parties can compromise and the budget bill passes. Unfortunately, practically all of these programs that are affected are, in fact, quite essential. Airport security (TSA), museums and parks, food inspections, science and research, federal law enforcement, and the IRS are among these agencies. In many cases — especially the aforementioned furloughed workers — employees are quitting their jobs due to financial hardship. Some organizations may stay open due to cash reserves, but once they are depleted, they are forced to close. The first government shutdown was in 1879, when former Confederate Democrats in Congress refused to fund the government unless protections for black voters were eliminated. In 1861, almost all of the Southerners in Congress surrendered their seats to go fight in the war as Confederates;
however, they slowly started gaining their seats back after they lost the war. At the time, African-American men were allowed to vote, but they tended to vote Republican. Thus, Democrats went to great lengths to minimize the voting of that demographic. Sometimes, it resulted in violence at the polls and the government would send troops. Nineteenth-century Democrats hated this, so when they gained control of Congress 14 years after the Civil War, they came up with the idea of a government shutdown. However, this, and all of the shutdowns until 1980, did not lead to furloughed employees. Regardless, the principle of holding the country’s economy hostage is the same. The shutdown in 1980, which lasted only a day, was significantly less costly than its successors. In 1981, 1984, and 1986, the cost of shutdowns was each no less than $60 million and as high as $90 million. However, unlike the shutdown in 1995-1996 and the one we are currently experiencing, they were short-lived; none of those shutdowns lasted for more than a day and a half. The subsequent shutdown in 1990 over tax increases lasted two days. The shutdowns that previously held the record for being the longest in history between 1995 to 1996 were due to a wide range of issues, including Medicare, public health, and the environment. The shutdown in 2013 was quite long as well, spanning over 16 days over the funding of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, costing over $2.1 billion. The only shutdown since then, similar to the THE BULLETIN -
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one currently, was centered around immigration and lasted three days. Republicans refused to pass bills funding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, which allows some individuals who were brought to the United States illegally as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit. While every government shutdown is incredibly harmful, the events of this current shutdown are the most unmistakably catastrophic and devastating in history. Ironically, it is regarding obtaining funding for building a wall on the southern border, an issue that the majority of Americans — 54% — oppose. While the current plight of federal workers may be ignored by the administration, it is certainly not ignored by the American people. A central Texas food bank is supplying federal employees with food. Several organizations are providing loans to Coast Guard service members. Various restaurants across the country are giving out free meals to those affected. If you are interested in helping, too, there are several opportunities in which you can make an impact. You can visit the Masbia Soup Kitchen, which has a few locations in Brooklyn. You can donate to the GoFundMe Government Shutdown Direct Relief fund. You can call your representatives and convey your thoughts. No matter how impactful the shutdown is toward Americans, you — and I — can do our best to support the admirable citizens who protect us and serve our country.
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by Julia Coccaro
Together We Stand, Divided We March
T Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
he Women’s March has once again come under fire for the failure of intersectionality within the organization’s priorities. Most recently, reports have been released of anti-Semitism within Women’s March leadership team. The leaders of the march were attacked for their ties to the Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan, who has espoused numerous anti-Semitic statements. The leadership repudiated the anti-Semitic rhetoric, but did not fully cut their ties with Farrakhan. Additionally, a Tablet article reported that within the leadership team of the march, Vanessa Wruble was attacked by Tamika Mallory for her Jewish identity. The Women’s March as a historic and expansive event has a serious responsibility to respect and promote intersectionality. The Women’s March does make attempts to address intersectionality of women’s rights with a multitude of other policy concerns, including racial justice, immigrant rights, LGBT + rights, civil liberties, and disability rights. While the Women’s March leadership has clearly not done enough to separate themselves from Farrakhan, they are faced with a difficult task of creating a unifying event since feminism fundamentally intersects
by Katie Petersen with so many policy subsets. Women are not a monolithic groups, and there is natural and inevitable disagreement that will arise when trying to build a united front. However, this is not the first time that the Women’s March has fallen short in terms of representing the diversity of the women they claim to empower. The first march was originally called the “Million Women March,” which took its name from the 1997 Million Woman March, a demonstration by black women responding to a lack of representation in the white-dominated women’s movements. After women of color addressed this oversight, the march’s name was changed to The Women’s March. There are also undeniable strides that the women’s march has taken. The 2017 march nationwide estimated between 3 to 5 million attendees making it the largest protest in United States history. The leadership of the march claims some responsibility for the incoming class of diverse women in Congress. The current feminist moment that we are experiencing is undeniable and the Women’s March, despite its controversy, has played a role in the movement. The division of the Women’s March will clearly weaken the march as an organization, THE BULLETIN -
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but does not need to weaken our current and vital moment of intersectional feminism. Ultimately, supporting the Women’s March is a personal choice and many local chapters are not affiliated with the leadership of the D.C. March. While the promotional materials and logos are shared, many local chapters have entirely denounced and separated themselves from Women’s March Inc. Some Jewish women are still marching because they want to show up and have their voices heard within the march. Others, such as the National Council of Jewish Women New York, have organized separate marches. Overall, the Women’s March is rooted in the intersectional promotion the rights, voice, health, and safety of women. It is meant to inspire grassroots action and political advocacy. While there is no need to support the March itself, it’s important to continue this advocacy by getting involved and supporting alternative feminist causes. We cannot allow the failures of the Women’s March to take away from the #MeToo movement, the resistance, and this current resurgence of feminism. Instead, we can learn from this lack of intersectionality and inclusion to improve our future advocacy.
A&E Watch THIS, Not THAT: by Jessica Skinner
Dont watch: American pie To most of the men in the movie, women are just sex objects. Everything the men do is in pursuit of getting the female characters to have sex with them. Not to mention, setting up a camera to watch a girl change? Not okay. The film does not recognize the creepy, invasive, and illegal nature of such an act. What could have been a funny and relatable movie for teens everywhere, American Pie just comes off as sexist. Watch Instead: blockers Yes, this movie also has a sex pact. But in this case, there is no coercion because the men in the film are just as willing as the women. As raunchy and even funnier than American Pie, the movie still manages to create poignant messages about the stigma surrounding female virginity, questioning one’s own sexualtiy, and growing up.
Don't Watch: sixteen candles The character of Dong is basically just a mashup of offensive Asian stereotypes. This movie is not only racist, but it also perpetuates rape culture. Ted has sex with Caroline, who is so drunk that she mistakes the Ted as her boyfriend, Jake. When she awakes, Ted asks her if she enjoyed it, to which she replies “I got the strange feeling I did.” A movie that romanticizes boys having sex with barely conscious woman and exploits Asian stereotypes is not a good movie.
Watch Instead: crazy rich asians
Watch Instead: pretty in pink We still get Molly Ringwald portraying a teenage girl navigating love. However, she not only navigates love, but also how class differences permeate high school. It’s a lot like Sixteen Candles, just without all the offensiveness.
This film is about a woman struggling to gain approval from her betrothed family. However, it is not as shallow as Monsterin-Law because it explores themes of duty and class differences. Not to mention that this film was a huge stride forward for Asian representation in Western media.
So You Want an Exploration of family
so you want a predictable teen romance
Don't Watch: monster in law
Don't Watch: The Kissing Booth
Though there is nothing in the film that is blatantly offensive, the story of the overbearing, crazy mother in law feels tired. The film presents no legitimate reason for Viola clinging so dearly to her son, the motivation for her actions is seemingly just “women be crazy.” It’s a version of comedy which pits two women against each other, which basically means the movie upholds this stereotype that women are naturally conniving.
Elle ends up with Noah Flynn, who has trouble controlling his anger and frequently gets in fights, even furiously yelling at Elle at one point. A man who exhibits such dangerous behavior is not attractive, no matter how great his abs are. The Kissing Booth perpetuates the idea that hot-tempered boys with anger issues are hot and can be “fixed” by a woman.
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So You Want an Exploration of Teen Sexuality
So You Want Some Good Old 80's Teen Romance
Layout by Ellie Story
W
hether we are chasing it, experiencing it, or watching it, love is a universal theme in our lives. That is why romantic movies appeal so much to us. However, not all romantic movies are created equal; many contain stereotypes and romanticize toxic behavior. Here’s your guide to what and what not to watch when it comes to romantic movies this Valentine’s Day:
Watch Instead: To All the Boys I Loved Before
Watch Instead: Girls' Trip At a glance, it may seem like these movies don’t have too much in common. The main appeal of There’s Something about Mary seems to be it’s humor, and Girls Trip features the same bawdiness. Therefore, Girls Trip is a good replacement that will keep you laughing. The film also contains deeper messaging as it explores the pressures of appearing put together and “having it all” that is impressed especially upon POC. It’s the perfect film for your Galentine’s Day celebrations!
It’s the movie that landed Noah Centineo twitter’s “white boy of the month.” Another Netflix Original, this romcom portrays a teen girl’s struggle with love and her first relationship. However, she clearly has her own agency and the men in her life in no way try to own her. Overall, it’s just very cute. Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
Layout by Ellie Story
Valentine’s Day Edition
So You Want a Little Audrey Hepburn Don't Watch: Breakfast at tiffanys Yellow face. Need I say more? Watch Instead: The children's hour One of the first films to have a queer woman, it explores the societal stigma surrounding lesbian relationships and the painful effect that has on anyone who does not fit into heteronormative standards. So You Want a Plus Size Protagonist Don't Watch: Sierra Burgess is a Loser She kisses a boy who thinks she looks like someone else, fakes being deaf, and posts a girl’s private pictures for all the school to see. Just because a movie casts someone that isn’t a size 0-4 as a lead, doesn’t
mean the movie is feminist or revolutionary. Sierra Burgess could be good, if Sierra wasn’t such a horrible person. Watch Instead: Dumplin' A movie that realistically portrays what it is like to be a girl who does not fit into societal standards of beauty and teaches its audience to have more confidence in themselves? Yes, please! So You Want a Bawdy Comedy Don't Watch: There's Something about Mary PSA, hiring a private detective to spy on a girl because you like her is extremely invasive and pretty much makes you a stalker.
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Guide Auditions & to: Interviews by Annette Stonebarger
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Prepare
Afterward
This may seem obvious, however many people come into the audition room unprepared for the reality of auditioning. Try to pick a song or monologue in the same style as the show for which you are auditioning (for example, pick a comedic monologue if auditioning for Comedy of Errors or a song from a classic musical if auditioning for Guys and Dolls). Of course it is important to know your monologue or hit the right notes of a song, but it is also important to have good stage presence. You must (try to) look comfortable in front of an audience because at the end of the day the creative team are looking for performers who are excited to be there and love doing what they do best! Singing, acting, or interviewing for 5 or more people is different than practicing in front of your mirror, so try to grab a friend or call a parent before hand to practice what it’s like in front of an audience.
Congratulations! The hardest part is over. While playing the waiting game, remember that there are so many factors that go into final decisions. If it wasn’t in the cards for you this year, keep in mind that nothing is personal and it usually comes down to not being the right “fit” for the part/position. This can often feel like an excuse to make you feel better, however, no one is perfect for every show and it truly comes down to the pool of people who auditioned. Try not to let rejection stop you from auditioning/interviewing again, because everyone improves with time. If you’ve never wandered into the world of theatre before, that’s ok! Student theatre productions love to emphasize enthusiasm over experience, so don’t worry if it’s your first time. There is a place for everyone in student theatre on Columbia’s campus, it just might take a few times to find it!
In the Room Now is your time to shine! It is important to remember that everyone is rooting for you and wants you to succeed. Walk in confidently, but know that it’s ok to be nervous. Being nervous is a natural reaction to performing, however, try to remember that the people watching you are your peers and are thrilled that you want to be in their show. They want you as much as you want them! If interviewing, the most important thing is to be yourself. Commonly asked questions include, “Why are you interested in this show in particular?” and “What do you love about the position that you are interested in?” Take your time to get ready when you are in the room and show them what you’ve got!
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Illustration by Sadie Kramer
uditions are stressful. While there may not be a cure-all for the stress and anxiety that comes up over auditioning and interviewing for student theatre productions, there are a few tricks that I have found do wonders. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned performer, here are my three easy steps to ensure that you are putting your best foot forward in that Hamilton audition room and having the most stress-free audition:
MUSEUM ASTROLOGY
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by Lila Etter
ave you ever wondered which NYC Museum should you visit next? With so many to choose from, it’s sometimes a tossup. But, by searching within and examining your star sign, you can figure out how to plan your next museum excursion. Find out below which museum could be your perfect match!
cancer
taurus
gemini
Illustration by Angela Tran
The guggenheim
moma ps1
You’ve got expensive taste ($18 for STUDENT admission? For real?) Though you may seem too pretentious for real friends, you somehow have so many friends. You’re also philosophical to your core, which might just mean you quote Foucault, like, a lot. Too much.
You’re all over the place, Gemini. In the best possible way. No one can can tell what you’ll do next. PS1 -MoMA’s weirder, cooler, more alt museum in Long Island City -- throws the best parties, just like you!
virgo
Your rebellious nature and independent spirit make you the perfect fit for The New Museum. All about striking out on their own, this Bowery institution is funky on the outside -- a ship?! Really? -- and on the inside. Also, you’re an aquarius, so you’re probably into all that new age stuff.
cooper hewitt You’re known for your rationale -- probably the one your friends go to for sound advice. This logic and practicality makes you the pragmatist of the group. You’re organized so your design skills go far beyond just a simple powerpoint layout. Graphic design could be your passion ;)
aries
The whitney The Whitney has made itself known for its scandals -remember Schutz’s portrait of Emmett Till in 2017? It’s less that the Whitney is scandalous, and more that it does things just to be provocative. Sound familiar? An Aries tend to know all the right buttons to push… and all the right boundaries. Push! The Envelope! Also an Aries has, like, over 1k instagram follows for absolutely no good reason.
AQUARIUS
The New Museum
SAGITTARIUS
frick collection The Frick feels like a home (because it was one!) which is perfect for homebody cancers who just want to be cozy and warm all the time. I mean, c’mon, everything is velvet in there. What gives?
scorpio
MET breuer Scorpios are kind of... intense… like, all the time. The Breuer’s recent “Obsession” exhibition (which featured nudes by Klimt, Schiele, and Picasso) is a perfect example of this intensity. Also, with its glamorous downstairs cafe and moat-like patio, the Breuer is better at night. Go ahead, visit in the evening, and order an espresso from the Flora Bar -- we know you want to, Scorpio.
moma
Oh, you’re a Sagittarius? Do you even have an indoor voice? A problematic fave just like you, MoMA is charming and revered just as much as its criticized. No one can deny the museum’s appeal, the same way no one can avoid the fact that it’s definitely a capitalist enterprise based on maledominated practices (see Duncan and Wallach’s riveting scholarship on “The Museum of Modern Art as Late Capitalist Ritual”). A sagittarius is the friend who says they’re joining the finance/corporate world “to fix it” … but jury’s still out.
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leo
metropolitan The Met is and always will be the most famous of all NYC museums, which is a fitting choice for a Leo, the lions and shining stars of the zodiac. Showy and proud, Leos need an iconic place to strut, and the Met steps are perfect. Also, if you’re a Leo you’re probably in debt -- don’t worry, so is the Met, and they seem to be doing just fine!
capricorn
brooklyn museum Capricorns are disciplined, ambitious, and unbelievably industrious. These qualities tend to make them suuuuper successful, but hardly anyone knows just how successful because they’re so low-key about it. That’s the Brooklyn Museum. Bit of a loner, all the way out there in BK, but it’s okay, we still love you.
libra
natural history
pisces
The met cloisters Pisces is that one friend who actually reads poetry. Otherworldly, romantic, just like a fairytale. What could be better for a daydreamer Pisces than a museum that literally has unicorns on the walls. The Cloisters truly belongs in the Enlightenment era, and so do you!
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Right next to the park but still on the West Side, you’re classy but understated. Look at that rustic brownstone exterior, ooh la la. You’re also indecisive -- are you a science museum? A history museum? An art museum? All of the above, I guess! Regardless of your chosen path, you’re all about the ambiance (have you SEEN that planetarium??).
R. KELLY:
The Intersectional Climax of Sexism and Racism
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n an era in which powerful men across professions are finally being held accountable for their predatory actions, R&B artist and producer R. Kelly has yet to face any legitimate consequences. While publicly cultivating a highly successful career in the music industry, producing some of R&B’s greatest hits like “Ignition (Remix)” and “I Believe I Can Fly”, Robert Sylvester Kelly privately engaged in sexually violent and abusive behavior towards black women and girls: Kelly routinely groomed underage fans who, upon meeting Kelly through a mutual connection, would begin to spend an increasing amount of time with the star before eventually moving into his mansion. Then, through manipulation tactics and various forms of abuse, Kelly would wrest almost total psychological control over the girls; he created an environment in which it was nearly impossible for them to seek help or leave. Although R. Kelly’s case has much in common with those of other powerful preda-
tors like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, Kelly’s racial identity further complicates his story. Some have argued that because he’s a black man, Kelly’s sexual history is overly scrutinized. And yes, it is true that
wthroughout much of American history, black men have been depicted as sexually aggressive and predatory. This stereotype has been used to justify acts of violence against black men, such as in the case of Emmett Till, an African American
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child who was sadistically tortured and murdered for supposedly whistling at a white woman. While it is impossible to deny this history and its legacy in today’s world, it does not discount the very real violence Kelly has inflicted on numerous black women and girls, who experience both racial and genderbased prejudice. This prejudice has allowed men like R. Kelly to continue their predatory behaviors, as our society is less bothered by the brutalization of black girls than white girls. Frankly, if Kelly’s victims were white, it’s likely that Kelly would be in prison today. However, because they’re black, it’s unlikely that we’ll see him behind bars anytime soon. Ultimately, this case shows that as a society, we need to work to undo our implicit and explicit biases about black men and women while simultaneously holding men accountable no matter who the victims are. It’s time to believe black women and take their pain seriously. #MuteRKelly.
Illustration by Yudi Liu; Layout by Clara Epstein
by Leyla Saah
Sex Education:
What We’re Binge Watching This Month
F Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
or many of us, sex consumes our life, whether it’s being portrayed on TV, in movies, or virtually any other media. I’ve spent the past five years working in health and sex education, and criticizing many of the cultural symbols that have come to define sex for teenagers and young adults. When I first heard about Sex Education, I was concerned. I worried about the tropes that are rampant throughout all movies and TV shows, and especially how they portray sex in relation to self-worth and growing up. While Sex Education plays on many of these tropes, from the overly protective mother to athletes in letterman jackets, to mean girls who rule the school, it does so with care and consideration, showing that there is some movement in our social statuses and sexuality. Starring Gillian Anderson, the British comedy handles issues of sex in a funny and heartwarming sense, reminding us all of the intricacies of sexuality in high school. Otis
by Maya Corral (played by Asa Butterfield) is the son of a sex therapist. Although inexperienced, he quickly realizes that he can provide sex advice because of how he was raised. Working with Maeve, a social outcast and rebel, they eventually begin a sex therapy clinic together. Their business is quickly complicated when Otis develops a crush on Maeve, and is forced to reconcile his sexuality with his feelings for her. The only disappointment that came from Sex Education was Maeve and Otis not getting together in the end. The entire show develops around their relationship, and the audience is caught in a state of wondering if they will date or not. By the conclusion of the show, it is obvious that they both love each other (and should be together), so it’s a mystery as to why the creators chose for Otis to be with someone else in the last minutes of the show. Perhaps a depiction of the difficulties of timing in relationships, it’s disappointing to see them
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not together in the end especially because of the other teen tropes present throughout the rest of the show. In spite of the slightly disappointing conclusion, I’d like to see another season of Sex Education (where Maeve and Otis get together, of course). The series masterfully handles the issue of sex and sexuality in high school, entrenching the characters in their experiences (or inexperience in some cases) with compassion and humor. Sex Education shows a variety of people and identities, from openly gay characters to those who have never masturbated. The series expertly discusses differences between pleasure and apathy, showing that it’s okay to figure out what you want and speak up for it. While Sex Education uses the often overplayed teenage tropes throughout the season, it also works to address the questions we all had as teenagers when it comes to sex, doing so with comedy and patience.
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Cheeky Sandwiches he storefront for Cheeky Sandwiches is so unassuming you’ll probably miss it, even if you’ve been there before and know what you’re looking for. Tucked away on Orchard Street on the border of Chinatown and the Lower East Side, the simple white and blue exterior that claims to be open from “kinda early to kinda late” disguises an incredible hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop you won’t want to miss next time you’re downtown. Inside, Cheeky’s is scarcely wider than a Plimpton hallway, with a bare industrial interior that allows customers to see straight back to the storage area. One white wall is dominated by a quote painted in red, while the other is covered in drawn figures. There’s some narrow bar seating and two small tables, but if you come during a busy hour you should expect to take your food to go. Cheeky’s has a tight menu that offers six different elevated classic sandwiches, a breakfast option, plus a handful of desserts and beverages. The customer favorite is the chicken sandwich, which consists of fried chicken on a buttermilk biscuit with coleslaw and gravy. The
chicken comes in a dark, crunchy batter that offsets the thick gravy layered on top of it. To counteract these richer flavors, the coleslaw features a bright purple cabbage that introduces both sharpness and color to the sandwich. If you’re not feeling your chicken fantasy, another standout option is the beef sandwich, which consists of braised short bread on toasted challah bread with cherry tomatoes, wild arugula, and horseradish sauce. This sandwich hits all the THE BULLETIN -
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notes perfectly, marrying a range of textures and flavors in an absolutely perfect combination. Not a meat eater? No problem! Cheeky’s also offers a shrimp po’boy for pescatarians and, for vegetarians, an impressive veggie sandwich featuring their “Mufallata Pickle Mix” made of olives, cauliflower, capers, carrots, shallots, garlic, artichoke hearts, and pimento on a toasted olive loaf. If you have room after your sandwich, Cheeky’s offers simple fried dough beignets, which the cashier was nice enough to offer me and my dining companion for free (although they only cost a dollar, which you should absolutely pay back in tip!). They also serve a buttermilk biscuit with jam, which their website calls a house favorite. The cherry on top of Cheeky’s menu is that their sandwiches will only run you between $4.50 and $8.50, making the shop a totally affordable stop for the best sandwich you’ll ever eat. If you find yourself near Orchard Street, it’s absolutely worth dropping in. In fact, it’s even worth making the trip downtown exclusively to go to Cheeky’s.
Photography by Veronica Suchodolski
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by Veronica Suchodolski
Top 5 little known
vegan restuarants by Saskia Randle
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ne of the strangest feelings, as a vegan, is arriving to a vegan restaurant and looking at the extensive list of possibilities on the menu. Decisions, decisions! We’re used to arriving at a restaurant and being directed to the one option on the menu. One option, if we’re lucky. It’s a strange feeling — but also a good one! These 5 restaurants are worth the trip for vegans and meat-eaters alike. And just because they’re labeled “vegan” doesn’t mean they’re any less indulgent. They all have one thing in common: their dishes bursting with unique combinations of flavors.
1. Little Choc Apothecary: 141 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Little Choc Apothecary is the perfect weekend brunch spot for an off-campus adventure. You’ll be met with a cozy atmosphere inside (even more cozy when coming from 15 degree weather), and once you’re seated you’ll find you could be quite content sitting and sipping tea for the afternoon. Lining the brick walls are jars of herbs and tea leaves, which come together to create their long list of tea flavors. Served on mismatched and floral plates, their inventive crepes contain bursts of flavor, from smoky pulled jackfruit to mint-basil pesto. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, I recommend creating your own sweet crepe, or getting an “Afternoon Tea” combination — a crepe served with vegan scones and cookies of your choice. Photography by Saskia Randle
2. Cinnamon Snail: 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121
Known for its creative sandwiches and delectable donuts, Cinnamon Snail is the most reliable vegan pit-stop near Penn Station, whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or an afternoon snack. My personal favorite is the “Thanksgiving Sandoo” — proof that vegan thanksgiving is so good it can happen at any time of year, AND between two perfectly toasted pieces of baguette. Make sure to grab some extra napkins, because these sandwiches are brimful with ingredients! Looking for a vegan birthday surprise? They’ll custom shape your donuts to spell something for you!
3. Jajaja: 162 E Broadway, New York, NY, 10002 Jajaja is a vegan Mexican restaurant that gives off cafe vibes during the day, and bar vibes at night. Be prepared to wait in line, because Jajaja has become a popular dinner destination, and understandably so! My personal favorite? The “fish” taco made with hemp and flax seed battered chayote squash and drizzled with chipotle almond butter. You’re going to want to start with nachos, too. And when they ask if you want guacamole, the answer is yes!
4. JBunna Cafe: 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, this is a good place to start! Bunna Cafe is a bit of a hike from campus, but once you’ve finished your meal, you’ll be happy you made the trip. Check out their calendar online to see when you can catch some live music to accompany your dinner. I recommend the “Feast for Two” — you get to try a little bit of each dish.
5. Champs Diner: 197 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
If you feel like you’re missing out on milkshakes, pancakes, burgers, and mac n cheese, then look no further. Champ’s Diner has every indulgent item on your average diner menu…and more. You might be confused when you see “Reuben”, “Philly Cheese Steak”, and “Chicken and Waffles”, on the menu. But don’t fret — it’s vegan!
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