By Kevin Gyasi-Frempah Page

issues with IC’s administration back to the years of former College President Tom Rochon, who resigned following a wave of protests against his administration in 2017.

“We should hold all our leaders to the same kind of principles that we expect,” said Professor Soyinka-Airewele while reciting several allegations of lawbreaking, corruption, and general abuse of power by Dr. Brown which they detail on their website. “It should not happen that our students are studying in an institution that considers these as negligible offenses. They are major.”

We reached out to the Ithaca College Board of Trustees to comment on this story. In their response, they acknowledged that they were aware of the allegations, which they called “personal.” The suggestion that the allegations against Dr. Brown are a mere personal matter is not new to Professor Soyinka-Airewele. She says these are not personal issues, but an issue of ethics and character of those holding positions of power within Ithaca College.

“Let me say this without any ambiguity. This is not about a domestic, personal situation. This is about a public problem about the misuse of public office both in the Ithaca community and Ithaca College,” said Professor Soyinka-Airewele.

We also reached out to Dr. Luvelle Brown for comment on this story, but as of publishing, he did not respond.

This fight has taken its toll on Ms. Brown, what she described as “exhaustive progress.” But, Ms. Brown has seemingly come out of it with some silver linings. She has taken a position along with Professor Soyinka-Airewele on the Tompkins Human Rights Commission and gained a strengthened resolve.

“I’m in this for as long as it takes,” said Ms. Brown acknowledging the fight is not merely one of right and wrong, but a personal one for herself and more importantly, her children.

Visit our website for a detailed list of grievances against Dr. Brown.

George Christopher is a third-year journalism major who is always asking the toughest questions. They can be reached at gchristopher@ithaca.edu.

Have You Forgotten?

Reckoning with racism at college and beyond // by Kevin Gyasi-Frempah, Staff Writer

It has been almost six months since America’s supposed reckoning with its horrific relationship with people of color. In Atlanta, a man went to three different spas and murdered 8 people, 6 of whom were Asian women, following a year in a pandemic that has exacerbated anti-Asian sentiments and actions. Lives stolen because we live in a society that made these actions acceptable; a society where warning people that calling a deadly virus as China Virus, Wuhan Virus, or Kung Flu would lead to hate crime is labeled “political correctness.” So it proved frustratingly predictable when President Biden said of these attacks: “It’s wrong, it’s Un-American and it must stop.”

It is wrong. It must stop. But is it un-American? I will concede that these attacks go against the values of egalitarianism and liberty that America claims to champion. However, a nation founded on white supremacy has a familial relationship with hate crimes. A nation that enacted policies such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and Executive Order 9066 wouldn’t have antiAsian hate crimes out of its capacity. This anti-acknowledgment of this country’s real past proves symptomatic of its favorite pastime: forgetting.

White Americans have the luxurious gift of forgetting pain. I say this knowing that white people feel pain and encounter hardship. However, white Americans hardly ever feel pain or encounter hardship because of their whiteness. White Americans were not kidnapped, chained and whipped for centuries. White Americans were not murdered or had their land stolen. White Americans were not kept out of the country by law for decades. The white supremacy of America kidnapped and enslaved Africans. The white supremacy of America murdered the indigenous and stole their land. The white supremacy of America banned and excluded Asians and Latinx. The white supremacy of America thrived in the nation of “all men are created equal.” Those that suffered at the hands of white supremacy are cursed with those scars of memory. I don’t fault the descendants of those white Americans who whipped, kidnapped, chained, murdered, stole and excluded. No one should not be blamed nor irredeemably tarnished by the sins of their fathers. However, the sins didn’t die with the father. They stayed from generation to generation and century to century. And now that sin, the sin of white supremacy, has also created this prevalence of forgetting. Even when it appears that more white Americans will remember, the habit of forgetting will always return.

In 2020, America seemed to reckon with its abusive relationship with Black Americans. With mass protests occurring over the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, this time looked different than all the other murders. However, the same hope for justice that appears with every high-profile murder dissipated and turned false. A few months afterward, support for Black Lives Matter dropped, even as the very same threat of state-sanctioned Black death remained. While all groups, besides Blacks, had lowered support, white Americans had the sharpest drop. It went from 60% to 45%. It went from a majority of white Americans supporting the movement to a minority. Contrary, other racial groups’ support

decreased but maintained a majority. This could be possibly due to many reasons (decreased media coverage, etc.). But at the core of this situation is the power of forgetfulness that moved those numbers. If one pays attention to this country’s history, one could’ve predicted that George Floyd joined the all too long list of names forgotten by white America until it cares to remember. The pain still resides, but some have, by choice or habit, forgotten. Even in smaller arenas devoid of racial brutality, forgetting is still a tool for the privileged, while others still have those small wounds with them. I have my own remembrance wounds.

In my first year at Ithaca College, a predominately white college (a type of college that preaches about diversity and inclusion, but it had as much diversity as the Garden Party scene in Get Out), I joined Buzzsaw as a copyeditor. Buzzsaw’s ethos is this: “publish original creative journalism, commentary and satire that works to deconstruct society, pop culture, politics, college life and dominant Western beliefs.” This sounds attractive to me as a writer influenced by the politically conscious works of James Baldwin and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Three months into it, I made a joke to one of my colleagues there, let’s call her Emma.

I asked Emma to read an essay I wrote, to which she said yes. Later in the week, she told me she couldn’t because she was busy (which was no problem for me). When I went to our weekly meetings, she waited for everyone outside while reading a book. We, along with two other members, entered the classroom. I said: “oh, you have time to read a book, but not my essay,” in a slight ribbing fashion. It was not read that way. I don’t exactly remember what she said, but I clearly remember the tone. An air of condescension, mixed with a feeling of insult that I thought I would even speak to her in that way filled her voice. I sat in a chair while she stood up and looked down at me. My near 6 foot, 230+ pound body was subjugated and made small by a little-over 5 foot, skinny white woman. She reamed me out in front of the two people already there who watched with somewhat astonishment at this verbal stoning. What threw me off: I didn’t know why she was speaking in this way towards me. I had grown up around white people talking down to me and patronizing me in ways I thought I didn’t have to deal with when I went to school up North. Was Emma talking to me like this because she’s white and I’m Black? In the end, I diffused it by telling her that everything is fine. I tried to forget and carry on in the following minutes, but I am not spoiled with that power. I left the meeting lying about stomach issues. Later, when I got back to my room, I felt shame for causing conflict and potentially hurting her feelings. I sent her an apology text. To which she later realizes what happened and said I didn’t need to apologize.

Afterward, I saw one of the other people there, let’s call him Richard. He knew the truth of my departure. I sat with him along with his friends to start eating as soon as I got off work, and he said: “You both hurt each other’s feelings,” and overemphasized her feelings and never asked how I felt. I told him how I, as a Black person, feel uneasy when a white person talks down to me. He dismissed it as ridiculous. The table, who knew the situation, joined in Richard’s dismissal and laughed it off with him as well. A few weeks later, he told me, “It would be stupid if you were still mad about it.” This predominately white group dismissed me. And I never talked to him about this nor countered whatever he said because I was the new kid trying to fit in, trying to find a community, and I didn’t want to jeopardize it. However, I had talked to Emma about how I felt about how she spoke to me, and she completely understood where I came from. I am not burdened with this memory, but I carry it, and Emma carries a form of it as a lesson for her. However, I doubt Richard will remember those instances as if they’re mere throw-away instances for him, but I doubt I will forget them.

Forgetfulness is easy when it’s not on you to remember. We’re cursed with memory but also blessed with remembrance. We are more aware of the world’s true nature than the forgetful. The world shows us its ass, and we remember, so we’re not blindsided the next time by the world’s cruelty. When we remember, we remember those who have lost and those experiences to not create this repetition of those hardships and fate. And in absolute defiance, we live. We go out and live our lives because it serves as the ultimate payback for our memory. We counter by creating memories of joy and love and happiness against the memories of alienation and pain. Because life is not all misery. We also fight. However, what do we do when some choose to forget?

Kevin Gyasi-Frempah is a third-year writing major who will not stop asking you to remember. They can be reached at kgyasifrempah@ithaca.edu

Six Reasons Barbie is the Ultimate Girlboss

I wish I could write this in Barbie pink, but it’s trademarked...how girlboss is that? // By Miriam Schatz, Contributing Writer; Art by Adam Dee, Art Editor

Her name is Ms. Barbara Millicent Roberts, though most (fake) fans may know her by the moniker most heavily associated with her global stardom: Barbie. Who is Barbie? Well, it’s hard to say. She’s done just about everything: I’m talking rocket science, modern cinema, actually making glittery orange hair extensions look good. If you don’t know what a girlboss is, look no further than Barbie and the top six reasons she encapsulates everything it means to be one.

Reason 1: Snaps for Capitalism

A successful career is essential to being considered a girlboss. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder in a pair of sensible heels, starting an Etsy shop that sells candles with scents like GRL PWR and MENS TEARS or doing something for the greater good in hopes of garnering a punny nickname (looking at you Notorious RBG), a girlboss simply isn’t a girlboss without a profession. So, it comes as no surprise that ultimate girlboss Barbie has over 200 careers on her resume. Though she started out as a fashion designer, Barbie doesn’t just have experience in the world of arts. She has worked in the medical, scientific and even political fields. Move over, Bush! Barbie was even a candidate for President of the United States in the year 2000. Does it get any more girlboss than that?

Reason 2: Fashionista TM

Power suits, party dresses and pumps. Barbie does them all, and she does them well. You can’t think of Barbie without thinking of one of her iconic ‘fits. She isn’t afraid to be bold, rocking crazy colors and patterns. But she also knows when to keep it modest, and isn’t afraid to indulge in a classic Christian Girl Autumn look. And don’t forget accessories. Seriously, it’ssuper easy to lose those things...

Reason 3: Like and Subscribe!

In more recent years, Barbie has branched out into the world of social media, and what do you know, she’s a natural. Not only does she have a thriving Instagram where she shares aesthetic photos and monetized #ads, but she’s also a YouTuber.

Reason 4: THE BCU

What do Marvel and Barbie have in common? That’s right! Their very own cinematic universes. The Barbie Cinematic Universe includes nearly 40 movies. And you thought Pepper Potts was a girlboss. Films in the BCU canon spread the message that friendship can solve anything, but if you don’t have friends, a comb that magically changes your hairstyle will do. This is empowering to aspiring girlbosses everywhere because it can be lonely at the top, and a unique talking animal just may be your only companion.

Reason 5: Mrs. Monopoly

What’s a girlboss without some Flat Tummy Tea AdSense money in the bank? Barbie sells and she does it well. Not only has she partnered with iconic fashion designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Christion Louboutin, but she also has connections with influencer brand favorites like Sephora and fast-fashion hotspot, Zara.

Reason 6: God, I Wish That Were Me

Is a girlboss truly a girlboss without making others feel like shit about themselves? Barbie has the perfect, truly unattainable (literally, like, her proportions are off) body. She has several thriving careers. She has a steady boyfriend, but it kind of seems like they’re in an open relationship or something (like maybe she’s his beard?). She can make anything look good. Life in plastic...it sure does seem fantastic!

Miriam Schatz is a first-year creative writing major who painted her Barbie dream house black. They can be reached at mschatz@ithaca.edu.

This is Your Sign to Stop Promoting Perfection

Social media’s problem with unrealistic lifestyle culture // by Mikayla Tolliver, Contributing Writer

Your alarm clock goes off at 6 a.m. in your perfectly organized bedroom. You roll out of bed with no problem before sauntering off to the bathroom to complete your full ten-step skin care routine. Next, you make your bed and begin a sunlight-filled journal session. Not only do you work out, but you wear a matching workout set and go for a walk too. You make a green juice, drink a lemon water and cook a plantbased meal. Wait. But you forgot to look perfect while doing it. The morning is ruined. How can you be “That Girl” without this essential step?

What is "That Girl"? Contrary to the name, "That Girl" is not a particular girl or person. It can be anyone who wishes to take on the lifestyle that comes with being "That Girl.” "That Girl" is someone who has their shit together. She wakes up early, she works out, she eats healthy, she never looks tired, and most importantly, she’s incredibly productive.

The "That Girl" trend first began on TikTok in April of 2021. Now, instead of only being on TikTok, "That Girl" trend videos have traveled over to YouTube and have been adopted by lifestyle creators.

When researching the “That Girl” trend on YouTube, a video made by the content creator Vanessa Tiiu comes up titled “The Ultimate Guide to Being ‘That Girl’.” The video has over 1.9 million views. It begins with a vibrant montage of the different parts of being "That Girl": working out, nourishing your body, journaling, practicing self care, and overall working on yourself. With each phrase she puts up, ten glossy and glamorous images of mostly skinny and attractive women working out in cute workout sets are shown. For the most part, the pictures she includes show a glamorized version of everything she mentions.

Tiiu then shares her own "That Girl" morning routine: waking up at 5:50am, following her skin care routine, making her bed, journaling, walking, drinking lemon water, working out, getting ready and dressed up for the day, eating a healthy breakfast and getting started on work.

Surface level, there isn’t anything wrong with this. The consistent theme with the "That Girl" trend is the ideology that it’s all about bettering yourself and becoming the best version of yourself. Underlying is a theme of needing to be consistently productive. "That Girl" content creators will include the phrase “super productive!” on the thumbnails or titles of these videos to lure people in. While the "That Girl" trend inspires many to “get up and get at ‘em,” it also creates a narrative that you need to be productive every morning and every day if you want to have it together. While some will say that self care and mental health is important in being "That Girl", most videos don’t actually showcase relaxing or self care. This trend is a highlight reel just as a lot of social media is. It is easy to splice together short clips of staged selections of one’s day, especially in TikTok videos where it is easy for a creator to take a two-second clip of themselves making an acai bowl and then another of them going for a jog. We rarely get to see what’s happening behind the scenes. How long does it take to make this video? Are the creators filled with energy and positivity consistently? Is everything as perfect as it looks in those curated shots?

Social media is known for negatively affecting the mental health of teenagers, especially teenage girls; it’s a breeding ground for toxic comparisons. According to BBC News, “Heavy social media use was linked to negative well being and self-esteem, regardless of a young person's mental state, with more girls experiencing feelings of depression and hopelessness” (BBC News). If this trend is about wellness, then there should also be clips of those days where you don’t want to get out of bed, or you take a little bit longer working on something. It’s one thing to romanticize your life, and another to force images of perfection 24/7. Undoubtedly, this cannot be positively affecting the mental health of not only those watching the videos, but also those creating the videos who might feel like they have to display perfection.

The "That Girl" trend shows tiny shots of girls living their best lives and also creates the illusion of perfection. The girls in the videos are always put together: their hair and makeup is done, they wear trendy outfits, and nothing about them or their living space seems to have any flaws. The "That Girl" trend pushes the subconscious requirement that if you want to join the world of "That Girl,” you too must always be put together and everything must be “aesthetic” or aestheticallypleasing while you’re doing it.

Connected to that is the physical image of "That Girl.” Those who engage in the trend often say anyone can be "That Girl" and you can be "That Girl" in any way that works for you, but many of the creators making successful videos in this genre are white and follow conventional beauty standards. My search on YouTube only saw two popular women of color creators out of the top forty videos. This is a consistent themetheme when it comes to creators, especially those who make lifestyle content.