Cherwell - 1st week Trinity 2021

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Profiles: Catherine Cohen

Cherwell Independent since 1920

1st Week Friday, 30th April 2021 cherwell.org Vol.294 No.2

COUNSELLING DEMAND ROSE 86% OVER LONG VACATION Charlie Hancock

CW: Sexual assault, rape, mental health.

Data released from Oxford University’s Student Welfare and Support Services has revealed that demand for its services rose during the 2019-20 academic year. The number of students registered with the Disability Advisory Service also rose, continuing a trend observed in preceding years. The Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service also saw an increase in demand, with the majority of users being female undergraduates.

Demand for counselling rose by 8%, meaning 13% of the student population used the service during the academic year. The Counselling Service saw significant differences in patterns of use compared to pre-pandemic years, as more students re-

quested support during vacation periods. The residency requirement for accessing counselling was suspended over the 2020 summer vacation. During that time, demand for counselling rose by 86% compared to the previous year, and the demand for support over the vacation as a whole rose by 41%. The report said the increase “reflects the increase in student distress and dysfunction as the pandemic continued, creating longer term detrimental effects on mental health and wellbeing”.

26.4% of referrals to the Counselling Service were for anxiety.

A further 20.8% of students requested support for “depression, mood change or disorder”, and 9% for “academic needs”.

The average waiting time between a student requesting support and attending their first appointment remained at 8.9 working days, the same as the

year before. The percentage of students who were seen within 5 days rose from 36.5% to over 40% over the same time period.

However, waiting times fluctuated dramatically during the year, peaking at 16 days at the end of Michaelmas. Reduced demand during Trinity term brought the average waiting time down. The report cautioned that if the availability of counselling resources was not increased, “long waits will soon be the norm”, causing some students to have to wait until the following term to attend an appointment.

The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) saw an increase in demand of 12%, bringing the percentage of the student population registered with the service to 21.4% (5280 people). The average proportion of students registered with a Disability Advisory Service across the higher education sector is 14.6%.

The largest proportion of students registered with the DAS are those reporting Mental Health difficulties (29%). Students reporting Specific Learning Disorders, such as dyslexia and ADHD, made up the next largest group at 25%. This reflects broader patterns across the higher education sector.

Female students were overrepresented among DAS users.

While they make up around 40% of the student population, over 50% of registered DAS users were female according to their “legal sex”. Students who identified their ethnicity as “white” were also over-represented, making up 72% of total DAS users while comprising 65.5% of the University population.

Students from Asian backgrounds were the most underrepresented among the ethic demographics recorded. 19.5% of students identify as Asian,

compared only 10.8% of DAS users.

The DAS report noted that the practices adopted by the University during the transition to remote learning created opportunities for improving the accessibility of teaching for disabled students. For example, the increased use of lecture capture and captioning, while being useful for all students, has “disproportionate benefit to disabled students”. In addition, the report said the move to remote assessments and diversifying assessment practices is more “accessible and inclusive of disabled students’ needs”.

Demand for support from the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service also increased, this time by 12% compared to the previous year.

Continued on page 2

EXCLUSIVE: JEREMY CORBYN, JACKIE WEAVER, AND MORE TO SPEAK AT THE OXFORD UNION Sasha Mills

Jeremy Corbyn, Jackie Weaver, and Jed Mercurio will be amongst the line-up of this term’s speakers at The Oxford Union, alongside other speakers including designer Diane Von Fustenberg, former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, and Alayo Akinkugbe, founder of @ABlackHistoryOfArt. Events will take place online until the 17th of May when the Union hopes to organise some socially distanced in-person speaker events.

Corbyn is the former leader of the Labour party, and was temporarily suspended from the Labour Party last autumn after stating that he believed the issue of antisemitism in the party had been “dramatically

overstated,” although he has since been reinstated as an independent MP. Jackie Weaver made headlines after her appearance in the viral Handforth Parish Council Zoom meeting, during which she kicked off one of the councillors and was told to “read the standing orders.”

Further speakers in the line-up include Professor Julian Stallabras, art historian and curator, British athlete Dwain Chambers, and Somo Sara, who founded Everyone’s Invited, an online movement seeking to eradicate rape culture. Speakers that are still to be confirmed include Mamma Mia! star Lily James, supermodel, actress and filmmaker Lily Cole, Michael Eavis, dairy farmer and creator of the Glastonbury Festival,

and footballer Virgil van Dijk.

The Union will also be hosting a range of panel events, including ‘This House Would Abolish the Monarchy,’ which will feature, amongst others, British Military Commander Lieutenant General Arundell David Leakey alongside curator Anne Pasternack. Other panels include ‘This House Believes Veganism is the Only Ethical Choice,’ ‘This House Believes We Must Urgently Rewrite History,’ and ‘This House Believes the European Project is Doomed to Fail.’

Adam Roble, President of the Oxford Union, told Cherwell: “It has been an absolute honour to work on this term-card...

Continued on page 3

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021

2 | News

WHAT’S INSIDE LEADER Who let all the dogs out?

NEWS Landmark Oxford malaria vaccine 77% effective Student societies’ links to BP revealed COMMENT Beyond the ‘white pale male’ A league of their own?

LIFE Why the feminists in my college still call me a whore Becoming un-Hinged

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FOOD Sipping in the sun

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FEATURES The prosecutor’s fallacy

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SPORT Oxford students respond to European Super League

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Continued from page 1 Undergraduates were most likely to report rape or sexual assault, which made up 54.2% of cases. Postgraduates were more likely to report stalking (20.7%) and abuse within relationships (10.3%).

‘Serious sexual crimes’, which include rape, sexual assault and stalking accounted for 60.8% of cases. Rape and sexual assault the most common incidents reported to the service, making up 50.6% of the total caseload. 26% of cases concerned experiences “external to the University”, including historic cases.

The majority of people accused in reports to the service were male, with 41.1% of accused parties being identified as students at Oxford University. Of the 10.1% of accusations which were towards staff, all were reported by postgraduate students.

The report acknowledged that the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service was “disappointed not to make progress” on reducing waiting times as a result of increased demand and insufficient resources. The average length of time between first contacting the service and a student’s first appointment was eight working days. The report highlighted that the waiting time acted as a barrier to students accessing support, and added they hoped to see students within two working days “as standard”.

Gillian Hamnett, Director of Student Welfare and Support Services, said: ‘The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all of our lives including those of

I

’ve started to notice this week that there aren’t really any dogs in Oxford. I was sitting in our flat kitchen on Monday, eating one of those dodgy Sainsbury’s microwaveable kormas, mourning the closure of the Cowley Road Tesco, when I got a text from my dad, asking me

University students. Although these statistics reflect only the first few months of lockdown, the impact of the crisis is clear to see, particularly in the increased demand for counselling support outside of term time.

We are proud to have been and continue to be able to provide lifelines to our students at such a time of crisis, including 24 hour online mental health support through the Togetherall platform. Supporting the wellbeing, safety and mental health of our student-body is a responsibility that we take very seriously all year round, and not just during timetabled teaching.

‘At Oxford we are working hard to remove the barriers that disabled students face, and while we know there is more to do, the DAS approach to learning has inclusive teaching at its heart which means it is becoming easier for all students to access their teaching and learning.

‘2020 was an incredibly difficult year, and the University

“shaggy like the big blue guy from Monsters Inc.”, and we had a name. He came with us when we moved back to Ireland a few years later, learning English commands, but never quite forgetting the French ones either, making him a rare bilingual dog. He had a quiet, calming presence and a sleepy energy that was brilliantly infectious, the perfect companion for a lazy evening in front of the fire.

During the first lockdown, I’d take him to the top of the big hill near our house, and sit on the slope with him, watching the people go by. It was always hard to tell if he was fascinated or intensely bored. I know that everyone firmly believes

Image Credit: Steve Evans / CC BY-NC 2.0

Leader

ally tragedy in what happened. Sully was an old dog who had simply reached the end of a long life.

He’d started life in France, and somehow ended up in a pound, where we found him. My little sister proclaimed that he was

“I K NOW T H AT E V E RYON E F I R M LY BE L I E V E S T H AT T H E I R DO G I S T H E BE ST DO G, BU T M I N E AC T UA L LY WA S.” if we could chat. This was unusual to me, he normally just rings, confident that I could have nothing better going on.

Already on edge, it was of little surprise to me when I was told that our family dog would be heading to the vet, and that it was going to be a one-way trip.

We aren’t sure exactly how old Sully was - he’d been a rescue - but he had to be at least 14 or 15 years old, and had been starting to show it. The past year has of course taken so much from so many, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to not have experienced the worst grief that the pandemic has offered. There was no injustice, unfairness, or even re-

is mindful that the pandemic is not the only event that may have affected our students’ wellbeing, particularly the killing of George Floyd and the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter movement. We are working to provide Student Welfare and Support Services that are both accessible and beneficial to students of all backgrounds and ethnicities, so that regardless of their experience all students are able to find the right support they need.’

Oxford Nightline is open 8pm-8am, every night during term time, for anyone who’s struggling to cope and provides a safe space to talk where calls are completely confidential. You can call them on 01865 270 270, or chat at oxfordnighline.org. You can also contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 166 123 or emailing jo@ samaritans.org.

WHO LET ALL THE DOGS OUT? BAILEY KAVANAGH that their dog is the best dog, but mine actually was.

It was in thinking about Sully this week that I began to worry that as students we are chronically under-exposed to all things canine.

Oxford seems fairly devoid of

more mundane, something about average garden sizes and living costs. There are, thankfully, ways for us to find and hang-out with other people’s dogs while we’re here.

Some colleges have taken out subscriptions to borrow-

“I S T H E R E ON E PA R K T H AT T H E Y A L L G O T O? D O T H E PEOPL E OF OX FOR D J US T PR E F E R C AT S? I S E V E RYON E I’M S E E I NG A S T U DE N T W HO L I V E S I N H A L L S?” pets, and it’s harder than you think to just go to the park and find a high-quality dog to stare at – I tried this week, and failed miserably. It’s an absence that I hadn’t noticed until now, but that has sort of taken over my life. Is there one park that they all go to?

Do the people of Oxford just prefer cats? Is everyone I’m seeing a student who lives in halls? The truth is probably

mydoggy.com, and at others, staff will regularly organise for their own pets to be taken on jaunts around the town.

Mishmish, a big fluffy thing, is always a hit when he comes to Mansfield. The Oxford term is intense, and I wonder if it might be worth each of us having a sense of where the nearest dog to us is, and how we can give it a hug, for when things get tough.

News | 3 UNIVERSITY

Friday, 30th April 2021 | Cherwell

Four Oxford academics awarded EU research grants Hope Philpott

Four Oxford academics have been awarded major European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grants. Funded by the European Union, the grants of up to £2.2 million each and over £500m in total will allow pioneering research and generate 1900 new

research jobs at 14 universities in EU Member States and associated countries.

The four Oxford winners are among 51 UK grant recipients, a total surpassing that of any other country. UK researchers qualify for the grants because the UK is an “associated country” to the ERC under the Horizon Europe

scheme. Writing on their website, the ERC describes the research as “for the benefit of all EU citizens”. The ERC further notes the importance of strong UK-EU ties, and told Cherwell “up to half” of those ERC Starting Grants in the UK are EU nationals.

Among the Oxford researchers awarded the grants are Professor Ros Rickaby at the Department of Earth Sciences for her research proposal ‘SCOOBI – Seeking Constraints on Open Ocean Biocalcification.’, which aims to further understand the ocean’s complex ecosystem and carbon cycle in response to the Earth’s changing climate through the study of coccolithophores and foraminifera (single-celled mineralising phytoplankton).

Professor Renier van der Hoorn of the Department of Plant Sciences received funding to continue his work looking into unlocking extracellular immunity for new crop protection strategies, which are essential to feeding a growing world population. Plant

pathogens decrease food production by between 18 and 30%, and these losses are expected to increase with climate change and reduced agrochemical use.

Professor Federico Varese at the Department of Sociology received an Advanced Grant for his research ‘Production, Trade and Governance: A New Framework for the Understanding of Organized Crime’. His project will attempt to understand organised crime through a new framework, breaking traditional disciplinary boundaries between the social sciences, and adopting a global outlook. It will investigate organised crime from local cybercrime production hubs in Europe, to the international trade of drugs from Colombia to Europe, and the emergence of criminal governance inside and outside prisons.

Professor Masooda Bano at the Oxford Department of International Development has been awarded funding for her research ‘Choosing Islamic Conservatism: Muslim Youth in Europe and the

UNION Continued from page 1 ...and I hope members will find that there is something for everyone in it. Being the first black President of the 21st century coupled with being an access member of the Union, accessibility and the ensuring of a welcoming yet relevant space for absolutely all of its members is at the core of what has driven the nature of this termcard. This is something that will always be one of my highest priorities.

“When I ran I made several pledges to the members, from holding a review into the Union’s diversity to hosting a varied range of socials. Ultimately actions speak volume and I hope this termcard demonstrates a Union that hosts the conversations that matter, and yet ignites independent thought across the membership.”

“After a busy term of eight debates, several speakers events a week and a hugely exciting calendar of more social events than ever before, I hope that we will all be able to look back in 8th week on this term with pride. I hope that we will all see a Union getting closer to what it ought to be.

A place for debate, inclusion, and crucially joy. A huge thank you to the committee for building this termcard. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you all.”

Image Credit: Front, Jeremy Corbyn / CC BY 2.0, Below, Padriac / CC BY-SA 2.0

UK and the Question of Social Cohesion’, which explores the persistent appeal of Islamic conservatism among young Muslims in Europe and the UK. Professor Bano’s project will take cues from the growing interest in the role of neighbourhoods in religious socialisation, and develop a unique approach to understanding the ‘stickiness’ of Islamic conservatism in the West.

Women comprised 22% of applicants for and 23% of recipients of the grants, which represents a ‘steady increase’ in female applicants from previous years.

However, the ERC seeks further gender parity in applications and told Cherwell it “hope to see more public authorities, universities and research institutions encourage women’s participation in all fields of science and also in the ERC grant competitions”.

Image: Guillame Perigois via unsplash.com

RESEARCH

Landmark Oxford malaria vaccine 77% effective Charlie Hancock

A vaccine against malaria developed by the University of Oxford has been found to be 77% effective in a Phase IIb trial conducted in Burkina Faso.

The vaccine is the most effective one to be developed against the vaccine so far. The Mosquirix vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline was found to be only 39% effective at preventing malaria infections, and 29% of severe malaria cases.

The vaccine developed by Oxford University in partnership with the Serum Institute of India and Novavax was the first to achieve the efficacy target of at least 75% which was set out by the World Health Organisation.

Malaria is the sixth largest cause of death in developing countries, killing an estimated 400,000 people a year. Most of these deaths occur in young children. The disease’s symptoms include a high fever, muscle pains, and diarrhea. These can lead to fatal complications such as dehydration, anaemia, and organ failure.

Director of the Jenner Institute, Professor Adrian Hill, said: “These new results support our high expectations for the potential of this vaccine, which we believe is the first to reach the WHO’s goal of a vaccine for malaria with at least 75% efficacy.”

“With the commitment by our commercial partner, the Serum Institute of India, to manufacture at least 200 million doses annually in the coming years, the vaccine has the potential to have a major public health impact if licensure is achieved”.

The disease is caused by singlecell parasites from the genus Plasmodium. Plasmodium infects its host via the bite of an Anopheles

mosquito, and reproduces inside the host’s red blood cells.

Common preventative measures against the disease include prophylactic medications and sleeping under mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide. Professor Hill emphasised that such measures should continue, but added that the Jenner Institute might apply for emergency approval for the vaccine.

Professor Charlemagne Ouédraogo, Minister of Health in Burkina Faso said: “Malaria is one of the leading causes of childhood mortality in Africa. We have been supporting trials of a range of new vaccine candidates in Burkina Faso and these new data show that licensure of a very useful new malaria vaccine could well happen in the coming years. That would be an extremely important new tool for controlling malaria and saving many lives”.

The researchers are currently recruiting 4,800 volunteers for the third phase of the trial. While the second phase included 450 participants aged between 5-17 months who live in the Nanoro agea of Burkina Faso, Phase III will include volunteers aged 4-36 months across four African countries.

Dr Cyrus Poonawalla and Mr Adar Poonawalla, Chairman and CEO of the Serum Institute of India said: “We are highly excited to see these results on a safe and highly effective malaria vaccine which will be available to the whole world through an excellent collaborative effort between Serum Institute, the University of Oxford and Novavax Inc.. Serum Institute is committed to global disease burden reduction and disease elimination strategies by providing high volume, affordable vaccines. We are highly confident that we will be able to deliver more than 200 million doses annu-

ally in line with the above strategy as soon as regulatory approvals are available”.

Director of Advocacy at Malaria No More UK, Gareth Jenkins, said: “An effective and safe malaria vaccine would be a hugely significant extra weapon in the armoury needed to defeat malaria, which still kills over 270,000 children every year. For decades, British scientists have been at the forefront of developing new ways to detect, diagnose, test and treat malaria, and we must continue to back them.

“A world without malaria is a world safer both for the children who would otherwise be killed by this disease, and for us here at home. Countries freed from the malaria burden will be much better equipped to fight off new disease threats when they inevitably emerge in the future”.

Image: CDC PHL / Public Domain.

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021 CITY

4 | News UNIVERSITY

Student societies’ links to British Petroleum revealed Matthew Schaffel

Following on from the recent report published by the Oxford Climate Justice Campaign uncovering the links between Oxford and the fossil fuel industry, the ties several STEM based student societies have with BP, the British multinational oil and gas company, have been revealed.

BP has contributed as a sponsor to the Oxford Chemistry and Biochemistry society, Oxford Energy society and Oxford Women in Engineering, Science and Technology. The company has provided generals funds to support their ongoing operations and events.

Currently all three societies continue to list BP as an active sponsor on their websites.

When asked for comment on this issue, Yurim Park, president of the OxWEST society told Cherwell: “Our partnership with BP has been great so far, we got to hear about the company’s change in strategy

and future ambitions to become net zero by 2050 or sooner. The event we had with BP was engaging and helpful to our members.

Their contribution was added to the society’s general fund.”

A spokesperson for the Oxford Climate Justice Campaign commented: “BP has knowingly perpetuated the climate crisis and upheld global injustice for decades. This is demonstrated by BP’s willingness to collude with the Indonesian government to extract profit from West Papuan land, where 500,000 West Papuans have been killed since 1963.

“BP’s climate commitments remain ‘grossly insufficient’ and are not aligned with the Paris Agreement. BP is one of the corporations most culpable for the ecological destruction we are witnessing.

There can be no more chances for BP. “We urge every student society to cut its ties to BP and the fossil

UNIVERSITY

SU Fair Outcomes for Students releases update Flora Dyson

The Student Union’s Fair Outcomes for Students campaign has released two new goals. It aims to open more study spaces and to ensure that “students have the tools and resources available to them to fill out Mitigating Circumstances Notices to Examiners (MCEs) and Explanatory Statements.”

The campaign, which launched in January 2021, demands more study spaces to provide “quiet spaces open for their continuing study over the busy exam and assessment period in Trinity term.” It “also [wants] to support students who may feel like their room is not the best place for their exam, and thus would like to find alternative venues in which they can sit their exams.”

Fair Outcomes for Students aims to ensure students are provided with resources to fill out MCEs and Explanatory Statements. The campaign encourages “all students to keep disruption logs where they feel like the ongoing pandemic has affected their studies and to make a note of the universities recommendations on what to include in disruption logs, MCEs, and explanatory statements.”

The campaign has already achieved “improvements to [the] Mitigating Circumstances process”. Oxford University agreed to remove “the need to provide independent medical evidence” and “the need for students to seek and gain college approval for submitting Mitigating Circumstances notices to Examiners.”

It has also successfully campaigned for the University to “allow for the submission of explan-

atory statements which highlight any barrier [students have] faced in completing their work. These will be provided to examiners during the marking phase, which means they will have an impact directly on student marks, not just classifications.”

The campaign also has seen the University adjust paper averages.

Fair Outcomes for Students believe this “guarantees that paper averages for medium and large cohorts which are below a small average range will be brought in line to the pre-pandemic average.”

Image credit: Jimmy Harris/ CC BY 2.0

fuel industry. Fossil fuel companies want to use the talent and intelligence of our student body to legitimise and further their own destructive practices.

“BP’s responsibility for the climate crises shows it does not care about your future. It is time all of us stopped caring about BP’s future as well.”

BP, Oxford Energy Society and Oxford Chemistry and Biochemistry Society have also been contacted for comment.

Christ Church Cathedral plans to add new entrance Jill Cushen

Plans for the installation of a new level access entrance through Christ Church Cathedral have been approved by Oxford City Council.

The updates to the building will allow for “step-free” access to the east entrance of the Cathedral.

The entrance to the cathedral is through a passageway called the Slype which will be refurbished for the use of a dressing room for the choir and for a workspace for the Cathedral embroiderers. The work will include the replacement of a 20th century window with a new door and the addition of a levelaccess ramp.

According to a statement detailing the planned adjustments, the Cathedral said that the “proposal has been designed to have as minimal impact on the historic building fabric as possible”.

Oxford City Council granted planning permission subject to a series of conditions in order to “preserve

the character and special interest of the building” and “prevent damage to known or suspected elements of the historic environment of the people of Oxford and their visitors, including Late Saxon, medieval and post-medieval remains”.

A spokesperson for the Cathedral told Cherwell: “We’re pleased that Oxford City Council has approved our plans to reopen a historic doorway into one of the buildings that makes up the Cathedral complex.

The plans form part of the refurbishment of the room, known as the Slype, which serves as a robing room for our Cathedral Choir.”

They added: “The reinstated doorway will provide an accessible route to the burial ground behind the Cathedral, and is part of our commitment at Christ Church to make our historic buildings as accessible as possible for the benefit of students, staff and visitors. All being well, the work will be carried out over the next few months.”

UNIVERSITY

Oxford University criticised for tracking of Israel vaccine delivery Jill Cushen

The University of Oxford has been criticised for the tracking of Israel’s coronavirus vaccine delivery numbers on Our World in Data, a scientific online publication affiliated with the University.

In an open letter, rights groups accused Oxford University of using “politicised” numbers and “misleading” figures as well as “celebrating” a military occupation. The number of vaccinated people published on the website does not include Palestinians.

Our World in Data is an online research and data base which aims to make the knowledge of the world’s largest problems accessible and understandable.

The website tracks international COVID-19 cases, deaths and vaccination doses.

The open letter has been signed by groups such as Amnesty International and a coalition of Palestinian human rights groups.

Citing the Fourth Geneva Convention, 19 NGOs said that the 4.5 million Palestinians living under Israel’s military occupation should be included in the figures. The letter’s signatories have called for the site “to accurately include all Israelis and Palestinians living under Israeli control as a denominator when calculating Israel’s percentage of vaccination coverage”.

On their website, Our World in Data notes that “Israel has conducted the fastest campaign to vaccinate its population against COVID-19 so far”. Over 10 million vaccine doses have been administered in Israel according to the World Health Organisation.

The letter said: “it omits the fact that, as an occupying power,

Israel has failed to fulfill its obligation under the Fourth Geneva Convention to provide vaccines to all 4.5 million Palestinians living under its military occupation, as affirmed by leading Palestinian, Israeli and international health and human rights organizations.”

The letter also reads: “With the ongoing devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the impending hope for a better future in sight, it is more crucial than ever for scientists and policy makers to accurately track and follow vaccination coverage.”

Experts quoted in the letter stated: “International human rights law, which applies in full to the occupied Palestinian territory, stipulates that everyone enjoys the right to ‘the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. The denial of an equal access to health care, such as on the basis of ethnicity or race, is discriminatory and unlawful.”

Our World in Data said it agreed with the concerns of the signatories of the letter but declined to change its way of tracking the rollout.

A spokesperson from Oxford University told Cherwell: “The international COVID-19 vaccination dataset is designed to help with understanding how the pandemic is evolving worldwide.

The data is drawn from the most recent official numbers from governments and health ministries worldwide up to the previous day. This follows the approach of other international organisations monitoring the epidemic.”

They added: “Figures for Palestine and Israel are shown separately, as they are reported separately by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Ministry of Health.”

Our World in Data has been con-tacted for comment.

News | 5 RESEARCH

Friday, 30th April 2021 | Cherwell

Research shows COVID-19 poses high risk to pregnant women Beth Ranasinghe

A study observing over 2,100 pregnant women across 18 countries worldwide has revealed that COVID-19 is associated with a higher risk of severe maternal and newborn complications than previously recognised.

Research that was carried out at Nuffield Dept of Women’s & Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford was later reported in the INTERCOVID Study in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, offering, for the first time, thorough comparative information about the effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy. In the paper, published 23rdApril, they conclude that the risk posed to both babies and mothers is greater than acknowledged at the beginning of the pandemic; greater to the extent that health priority measures should in fact include pregnant women.

Co-leader of INTERCOVID, Aris Papageorghiou, Professor of Foetal Medicine at the University of Oxford said, “Women with COVID-19 during pregnancy were over 50% more likely to experience pregnancy com-

plications (such as premature birth, pre-eclampsia, admission to intensive care and death) compared to pregnant women unaffected by COVID-19.

“Newborns of infected women were also nearly three times more at risk of severe medical complications, such as admission to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – mostly due to premature birth. The good news, however, is that the risks in symptomless infected women and non-infected women were similar.”

The researchers aimed to understand the effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy by amassing robust data on pregnant women with and without a diagnosis of COVID-19. This was a vital step for a number of reasons: to ensure that families understand the risks involved, mothers and babies receive the best possible care, and so that health resources, such as vaccines may be appropriately allocated. Until the release of this paper, the quality of information available has been limited.

The paper expands on the work of over 100 researchers

that recently completed the INTERCOVID Study involving over 2,100 pregnant women form 43 maternity hospitals in 18 low, middle and high-income countries worldwide. The study was particularly unique since each woman who tested positive for COVID-19 was analytically compared to two non-infected pregnant women giving birth at the same time in hospital.

Professor Papageorghiou, continued: “Fortunately, there were very few maternal deaths; nevertheless, the risk of dying during pregnancy and in the postnatal period was 22 times higher in women with COVID-19 than in the non-infected pregnant women.”

The study also revealed that close to 10% of newborns from mothers that were test-positive for the virus also tested positive for the virus during the first few postnatal days.

Another co-leader, José Villar, Professor of Perinatal Medicine at the University of Oxford said,: “Importantly, breastfeeding does not seem to be related to this increase. Delivery by Cae-

sarean section, however, may be associated with an increased risk of having an infected newborn”.

The importance of such a study extends beyond its contents.

The study demonstrated the importance of collecting large-scale multinational data quickly during a health crisis as this was what enabled the researchers to complete the study in a quick 9 months.

Co-leader Stephen Kennedy, Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Oxford concluded: “We now know that the risks to mothers and babies are greater than we assumed at the start of the pandemic and that known health measures when implemented m u s t i n c l u d e pregnant women. The information should help families, as the

need to do all one can to avoid becoming infected is now clear.

It also strengthens the case for offering vaccination to all pregnant women.”

Image Credit: Peter Milošević / CC-BYSA 4.0

RESEARCH

Research shows significant reduction in COVID-19 infections after single dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines Anvee Bhutani

The COVID-19 Infection Survey, a partnership between the University of Oxford, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), has released data which shows the impact of vaccination on antibody responses and new infections in adults aged 16 years and older.

Researchers analysed nose and throat swabs and found that 21 days after a single dose of either Oxford-AstraZeneca or PfizerBioNTech vaccines (with no second dose), the rates of all new COVID-19 infections had dropped by 65%, symptomatic infections by 72% and infections without reported symptoms by 57%.

Dr Koen Pouwels, senior researcher in Oxford University’s Nuffield Department of Population Health, says, ‘The protection from new infections gained from a single dose supports the decision to extend the time between first and second doses to 12 weeks to maximise initial vaccination coverage and reduce hospitalisations and deaths.

‘However, the fact that we saw smaller reductions in asymptomatic infections than infections

with symptoms highlights the potential for vaccinated individuals to get COVID-19 again, and for limited ongoing transmission from vaccinated individuals, even if this is at a lower rate. This emphasises the need for everyone to continue to follow guidelines to reduce transmission risk, for example through social distancing and masks.’

The second study compared how antibody levels changed after a single dose of either OxfordAstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, or two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. In individuals who had not had COVID-19 before, antibody responses to a single dose of either vaccine were lower in older individuals, especially over 60 years.

David Eyre, Associate Professor at the Big Data Institute at the University of Oxford, says, ‘In older individuals, two vaccine doses are as effective as prior natural infection at generating antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 – in younger individuals a single dose achieves the same level of response. Our findings highlight the importance of individuals

getting the second vaccine dose for increased protection.’

Sarah Walker, Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology at the University of Oxford and Chief Investigator and Academic Lead for the COVID-19 Infection Survey added, “We don’t yet know exactly how much of an antibody response, and for how long, is needed to protect people against getting COVID-19 in the long-term - but over the next year, information from the survey should help us to answer these questions.

The group will continue to monitor the pandemic on a weekly basis to look for warning signs of infection rates rising within specific regions and groups in order to monitor the immunity against COVID-19.

Health Minister Lord Bethell said, ‘Studies like the ONS COVID-19 Infection Survey are critical to helping us build a picture of COVID-19 infections across the UK and I thank all those who took part and conducted this vital research.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said, “With over 33 million first jabs already in arms, saving lives

and cutting the risk of infection, it’s vital everyone gets their second dose when invited, to protect you and your loved ones against this disease. The vaccine programme has shown what our

country can achieve when working as one, it is our way out of the pandemic. When you get the call, get the jab.”

Image Credit: Asian Development Bank / CC BY-NC 2.0

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021 CITY

6 | News

New Round of Social Enterprise Awards launched at Oxford Hub Yan Chen

Oxford Hub, a local social action charity, is actively seeking applications for the newest round of its biannual Social Enterprise Awards.

All Oxford University students and staff are eligible to submit ideas for a social enterprise benefiting Oxfordshire, with winners receiving up to £1,000 for their proposed project. Additional support includes office space, networking and community, publicity, and Amazon Web Service credits.

The Social Enterprise Awards, co-run with the University’s Research Services, have supported over 40 social impact projects since 2013, with a stated goal of supporting individuals and teams to “take action and make the world a better place” through building businesses with a social purpose.

Applicants can choose to apply to one of two Award categories depending on which stage their enterprising idea is in. The Try It Award, which awards up to £500, enables applicants to test out ideas, even fledgling ones, on a small scale.

The Do it Award, which provides funding of up to £1,000, supports the expansion of projects that have already been tested and proven viable, with an eye to the ventures’ future financial sustainability.

Applicants for the latter Award are advised to provide accompanying evidence such as financials, a business plan, and evidence of partnerships or a customer base.

“The Social Enterprise Awards

reward creativity and risk-taking”, responds Eliza Harry, Placements Officer at Oxford Hub, when asked about what makes the Awards unique. Harry, identifying risk-averse tendencies arising from perfectionism as prevalent among university students, sees the Awards as an “antidote” to these tendencies that encourages students to “be bold, test out ideas, and embrace failure as an opportunity for learning.”

The Awards have funded a

Bodleian Library introduces new booking system including suspension policy Dealing with a chronic lack of library slots since Michaelmas, the Bodleian Library has introduced a new booking system whereby students who fail to turn up to sessions without cancelling beforehand risk being suspended from the service.

The decision comes in light of recent data provided by the Bodleian. In week 8 of Hillary term, 1,214 readers (61%) missed a reading room booking without cancelling in advance and 761 readers (37%) failed to attend more than twice. 22 readers failed to attend 10 or more times in that week alone.

A spokesperson from the Bodleian said, “This proportion of nonattendance was typical through last term, and prevented other readers from securing a study space.”

Under the new regulations, if students miss four bookings in a week or six bookings in a fortnight, they will be suspended from using Space Finder (the Bodleian’s centralised booking system) until seven days after the Friday of the following week, before being able to book slots again. Suspended students can still attend their existing bookings.

The spokesperson confirmed that “this will only count if students miss a slot completely, not if they are late”.

The Bodleian website advises readers to cancel online if they

and businesses” with the support and funding offered by Oxford Hub, Harry says. Social enterprise Carbon Codes, which uses price discounts to incentivise sustainable eating, was able to set up an Android app and website with the help of a Do It Award. A representative at the environmental startup also notes how Oxford Hub “provided us with connections and resources to help increase our knowledge base as well suggestions for potential partnerships”, includ-

ing Oxford Hub’s own non-profit refill shop, OxUnboxed, located in its Little Clarendon Street office.

Past winners of the Social Enterprise Award have scaled up their operations since receiving support from Oxford Hub. Winning the Award allowed the Oxford Accessibility Project (OAP) to build the first online accessibility guide for all Oxford colleges and permanent private halls. The work of the OAP has since then morphed into SociAbility, an app that maps the accessibility of social venues and facilities through crowdsourcing information.

Applications for the current round of Social Enterprise Awards open on 30th April 2021 and close on 29th May 2021 at 12pm, with results announced within two weeks of the deadline. A panel of University and community experts will review applications, and all applicants will receive feedback, regardless of whether they win an Award.

Oxford Hub has offered on its website a guidance document that breaks down the application process, as well as free advice sessions helping applicants tailor their idea to the Awards and providing application advice. Oxford Hub strongly encourages applicants to book a session by reaching out to Eliza Harry at eliza@oxfordhub.org.

Image credit: Oxford Hub

UNIVERSITY

Angela Eichhorst

diverse range of initiatives that run the gamut from soap recycling to eco-friendly nappies for local families. Past awardees include the well-known Common Ground Café & Social Workspace, sustainable eating-proponent Carbon Codes;, and Uncomfortable Oxford, which scrutinises overlooked inequalities and injustices embedded in Oxford history through guided tours.

Students and staff participating in the scheme have been able to “progress rapidly with their ideas

believe that they will miss their booking, which can be done up to 8am on the day of your booking.

Available slots can be booked up to half an hour before the slot starts. During a term where many students have exams, the Bodleian urges students to “book with their fellow readers in mind” with the hope that any cancelled slots can become available again for someone else.

The spokesperson told Cherwell: “We are acutely aware that this may cause some alarm but want to emphasise that we are doing so only to ensure that every student or researcher who wants to study in the library will be able to get a slot.”

According to the Bodleian, the new regulations were developed in consultation with the Student Union. The Bodleian said that Space Finder will also show readers a warning of how many slots they have missed. Students who missed their slot due to unexpected coronavirus isolation or believe they were unfairly suspended can email the Bodleian directly at admissions@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Cherwell Explained: The Impact of the Local Election Matilda Gettins

1) Sustainable travel Perhaps the most obvious way local politics affects everyday life in Oxford is mobility. Larger transport projects, including building new roads and cycling paths are the responsibility of Oxfordshire County Council. The City Council plays a role in transport as well, and can suggest emission-reducing initiatives such as pedestrianising Oxford City Centre.

2) Clean, safe and inclusive streets Making streets safe is mainly the responsibility of the County Council, who takes care of streetlighting, traffic lights and kerbs.

They can hence also play a significant role in making Oxford’s streets inclusive and accessible to all. Small street maintenance issues, such as bollards and gullies, are covered by the City Council.

The City Council also ensures streets are clean and can impose fines of 80 for dropping litter - including chewing gum.

3) Parks, and leisure and sport facilities Oxford wouldn’t be the same without its parks. Oxford City Council takes care of eight parks as well as Port Meadow. This includes keeping them clean, regulating opening hours and taking action on biodiversity, by e.g. planting only native plant types or supporting wild flower growth. The City Council can also provide or support leisure facilities, such as tennis courts, gyms or punting.

4) Housing Oxford University estimates the range for housing costs for students to be between 650 and 790 per month, significantly above the national average. The City Council is responsible for regulating housing in Oxford, and can supply social housing or support affordable housing. It also collects property-based Council tax. However, full time students are exempt from this tax, and if you are paying it, you can apply for exemption.

5) Homelessness The number of rough sleepers has increased by 400% since 2012 in Oxford. The City Council is responsible for tackling homeslessness in Oxford, by providing emergency beds, long-term support and prevention programmes.

CITY

6) Rubbish and Recycling Oxford City Council takes care of rubbish, recycling and food collections in Oxford. They are the point of contact for requesting new/ larger bins if your bins are often already full before collection, or if there are issues with bin collection. Oxfordshire County Council run recycling centres and are a key figure in supporting waste reductions schemes.

7) Markets and Shops Oxford City Council runs markets such as the Covered Market or Gloucester Green Market, working in cooperation with the stalls or organisations. The City Council is also responsible for collecting business rates (taxes on businesses) and can help support businesses during crisis as well as normal times, through financial and personal support.

8) Addressing crime in Oxford The local elections are also a possibility to vote for the Policy and Crime Commissioner of Thames Valley. The candidates policies on the much-discussed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill have been reviewed by Cherwell. Local police also address issues such as Oxford’s high number of bike thefts.

You can vote in the local elections on the 6th May 2021.

7 | Editorial

EDITORIAL

Abigail Howe | Editor-in-Chief

I

ndia’s second wave of coronavirus is devastating the country. Over 200,000 Covid-related deaths in India have now been reported while infections have passed 18 million. The figures are actually expected to be several orders of magnitude higher. There are harrowing scenes of loss and grief; fights have even broken out at hospitals due to a lack of equipment. Meanwhile, the forest department in Delhi has had to give special permission for the felling of trees as crematoriums run out of firewood.

The UK has now begun to send ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices while the US has lifted a ban of sending raw materials abroad which should enable India to produce more vaccine doses. However, vaccine hoarding from both countries has also worsened the crisis.

Suyesha Dutta, President of the Oxford South Asian Society, previously told Cherwell: “Having voluntarily immersed myself in the COVID relief effort virtually in Delhi, I’ve witnessed the catastrophe that has engulfed India. There is a critical shortage of hospital beds, ICUs, ventilators, oxygen, plasma, and medicines. It has

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021

Editor-in-Chief | Trudy Ross

I

am lucky enough to have the chance to sit down for a cheeky Zoom call every week and chat shit with four fabulous women about the ins and outs of all sorts of gender issues, from family and relationships to sustainable earring making to masturbation tips and lots more. I say chat shit, but what I really mean is listen to very interesting people talk about some of their wildly interesting interests, along with any sparkly ideas that happen to come off the top of their heads mid-convo. It’s a treat, and I always leave the call feeling excited and enriched, usually with a fun fact to tell all of my friends. They’ve recently had the pleasure of hearing: “did you know the clit is the same length as a coke can?!” and “there isn’t just cottagecore, there’s also chaoscore and spacecore and witchyacademia…”.

The main thing I’ve learned as a Cuntry Time gal, however, is more than just the fact that Alli Sebastian Wolf created a 100:1 scale model of a clitoris covered in gold glitter, named it the ‘Glitoris’ and showed it off on stage in the Sydney Opera House (although this is certainly something I was very thrilled to hear about).

It was how important it is to remind yourself to set aside time to have conversations that challenge you to think, to stretch and improve

often been the case that by the time I find a lead for a patient, they have passed on.

This is an emergency with no end in sight.”

The Oxford India Society, the Oxford South Asian Society and the Oxford Hindu Society have launched a fundraiser to contribute to Indian charities. This will help to improve of medical care, including the provision of oxygen, ventilators and medication for those ill due to the coronavirus. Hospital beds in Delhi can cost between £80 to £150 for each day a patient needs to stay there, which many cannot afford. Aditya Dabral, President of the Hindu Society told Cherwell: “We hope that this fundraiser will go some way in alleviating the plight faced by so many, and encourage all members of the Oxford community to donate however much they can in the service of a crucial cause. It can and will make a meaningful difference.”

The societies’ initial target is to raise £10,000 in the ten days following the launch of their fundraiser. As we go to print, nearly £8000 has been raised so far.

Through donating, the Oxford community can express their support for India and their fellow students during this time of crisis.

your current thinking patterns, to engage with the topics you’re passionate about, and to engage with other people. Between the small talk about essay deadlines and the pressure to get absolutely obliterated the moment you sign off work, it can sometimes be easy to forget how wonderful it is to be connected with so many other young people, all with our own sets of knowledge and beliefs and constantly developing life philosophies.

To state the ridiculously obvious, Covid has given students a rough time. Sitting in your childhood bedroom reading article after article on JSTOR is not the same learning experience as one where you are immersed in an environment of curious, exciting people.

An environment where you are all figuring out who you are together. This is one reason I am so unbelievably delighted to be back at uni, and to see other students able to make their own decisions about whether return is necessary for them. If you’ve returned, I beg of you, take advantage of the rather glorious situation we find ourselves in. Don’t shut someone down or dismiss them because they’re ‘not your type of person’. You can learn from them. If you’re at home, I beg of you, rally up a team of the coolest people you know, and start a bloody podcast.

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Cherwell Trinity 2021

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Friday, 30th April 2021 | Cherwell

8

comment

OX F O R D: A F O S S I L F O O L?

MATILDA GETTINS ARGUES THAT THE UNIVERSIT Y MUST CUT TIES WITH FOSSIL FUEL COMPANIES.

T

obacco is the cause of millions of deaths each year. The University of Oxford does not accept any gifts from the tobacco industry due to these detrimental effects of public health. The University does, however, accept donations from fossil fuel companies. This is incredibly hypocritical, given that fossil fuel companies actively and knowingly exacerbate the climate crisis, the greatest threat to global health of this century. In less than 10 years, the climate crisis will cause an additional 250 000 deaths per year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Over a third of these will be due to childhood undernutrition. If the university wishes to remain at all consistent, it must stop accepting funding from fossil fuel companies.

From 2015 onwards, Oxford has received at least £8.2 million in research grants, and at least £3.7 million in donations from fossil fuel companies. These findings were revealed on April 20th by the student-led Oxford Climate

Justice Campaign (OCJC) in the report ‘Money, People, Reputation: Oxford’s ties with the Fossil Fuel Industry’.

Naturally, not all connections between the University and the private sector are inherently bad.

The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is a joint venture which is having a massive positive impact on public health. It is a perfect example of the university using it’s research capacity to fulfill its vision of “[benefitting] society on a local, regional, national and global scale”.

The fossil fuel industry, however, has no interest in improving public health, nor in benefitting society in general. On the contrary; fossil-fuel caused air pollution causes millions of deaths each year - 8.7 million deaths in 2018 alone - despite the industry having known about these effects for over 50 years.

Fossil fuel companies knowingly perpetuate the climate crisis, which the WHO describes as “the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century”. The climate crisis amplifies the amount of urban heat waves

and water supply issues, increases the geographic range of vectorborne diseases such as malaria, and increases the frequency and intensity of drought at regional and global scale. It has disproportionate and violent impacts on those already discriminated against most, including people in the global south and indigenous peoples.

The University is not unaware of these effects. When passing it’s partial divestment resolution in April 2020, it admitted that the “growing threat of climate change to society and the environment” required that “drastic actions” be taken if the University wished to be “part of the climate-crisis solution”.

The Oxford Martin School even hosts a council on planetary health, which is dedicated to understanding the links between environmental factors and human health.

The University of Oxford has written guidelines on how to treat funding and donations it receives.

It should not accept funding deemed “unethical” or which might “seriously harm the reputation

of the collegiate University”. The climate crisis’ disproportionate effects on already disadvantaged groups, and the exploitative manner in which many fossil fuel companies operate, are sufficient grounds for denouncing the fossil fuel industry as “unethical”. Climate justice already provides sufficient grounds for rejecting funding from fossil fuels.

Another argument lies by way of precedent.

The University has banned accepting donations f r o m tobacco companies due to the “great harm to p u b l i c h e a l t h ” caused by the industry. The actions of fossil fuel companies very evidently also cause

“great harm to public health”.

In fact, these negative impacts are steadily growing with the increasingly severe climate crisis.

Back in 2013, Guardian author George Monbiot queried what the “ethical difference between taking tobacco money for cancer research and taking fossil fuel money for energy research” is.

He lamented how none of the numerous academics he asked “were prepared even to attempt an answer”. This silence marks a simple, but inconvenient t r u t h : there is no substantial difference.

Image credit: Jaime Fearer via Flickr / CC BY-NCSA 2.0

B E YO N D T H E ‘W H I T E PA L E M A L E’ CIARA GARCHA DISCUSSES WHY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT AUTISM NEED TO BE INTERSECTIONAL. CW: brief reference to eating disorders.

A

pril marks Autism ‘Awareness’ Month; an annual occasion that inspires mixed feelings in many autistic people. From wearing blue, to highlighting and platforming autistic celebrities, the month sees a variety of attempts to generate discussion and ‘recognition’ of autism as well as the more recent addition of efforts to celebrate the lives of autistic individuals. And yet, discourse around autism, and disability more generally, remains alarmingly one-dimensional. An intersectional and inclusive conversation is long overdue.

Within mainstream media, autism has often been depicted as a white, cisgender male phenomenon: “a white person’s” condition. Rain Man, The Big Bang Theory and even autism-focused programmes like The A-Word or Atypical have centred on white male characters and their personal journeys with autism. The characters with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often portrayed as slightly quirky – usually in a cute or humourous way – and socially awkward to the point of humour and discomfort.

Even discussions involving autistic individuals themselves do not tend to stray far away from the focus on white males and white people. Yet such narrowness of focus is fundamentally flawed and limiting. “The gendered and racialised nature of autism” desperately needs to be broken down.

Recent attempts have been made to highlight the prevalence of autism in those outside of the male autistic stereotype. Women with ASD often tend to be undiagnosed or diagnosed far later than men, with one girl being diagnosed to every four or five boys. Whilst many boys are diagnosed in childhood, perhaps after displaying behaviours such as avoiding eye contact or engaging in repetitive actions, autism is generally expressed differently in women, and it is not uncommon for a woman to reach far into adulthood before her autism may be recognised and appropriate support offered.

Sometimes it can even take a woman reaching crisis point before the symptoms of autism are recognised. Autistic women are, for example, more likely than their non-autistic counterparts to develop Anorexia Nervosa, a severe eating disorder associated with the controlling and rule-driven behaviour that is also so common in those with autism. Often it is only through expressing other physical or psychological difficulties that a woman’s autism is noticed and a diagnosis obtained.

Race and ethnicity play a large part in an individual’s experience of autism, including the difficulty one may face in obtaining a diagnosis, and yet this remains shamefully overlooked and downplayed. The National Autistic Society notes that “there is a lack of research about the experience of (autistic) people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic” backgrounds, which has

resulted in “autistic people in the and actions of others, in an attempt interviews when they mask their BAME community” finding it even to cover up social communication autistic behaviour. more difficult to get a diagnosis and difficulties and anxieties, or enMasking consequently means the necessary support. A 2019 study suring engagement in eye contact that autism in women and girls ofof disparities in autism diagnoses with others, even though this may ten appears very differently than of children linked belonging to a be an uncomfortable practise for in boys, as many more girls train “non-White race” to the likelihood many autistic people. themselves to suppress the beof having a clinical diagnosis (and For many women these behavihaviours that are most commonly thus not receiving the appropriate ours allow them and their autism associated with autism. The painsupport). to slip under the radar, gaining fully awkward social interactions Often, it seems, race and ethnicithem acceptance within neurotypiof The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon ty are not even factored into research seeking to understand autism and “THE PAINFULLY AWKWARD SOCIAL INTERACTIONS the autistic experience.

OF THE BIG BANG THEORY’S SHELDON COOPER OR A 2016 study analysed THE EMOTIONAL IGNORANCE OF RAIN MAN ARE 408 studies of autism and found that only OFTEN ABSENT IN THE WAY THAT MANY AUTISTIC 18% of them reported the race, ethnicity and WOMEN PRESENT THEMSELVES.” nationality of the participants. Where it was reported, of the total of 2,500 participants, 63.5% of them cal society. Countless studies have Cooper or the emotional ignoranwere white. Conceptions of autism highlighted the emotional and ce of Rain Man are often absent still often seem to be coupled with mental toll undiagnosed autism in the way that many autistic wowhiteness. and years – even decades – of mamen present themselves. As such, For many autistic women and sking can have on autistic women. symptoms of autism in women autistic People of Colour, low diagOne 2016 study noted that masking can be very different and even nosis rates are sometimes attrioften leads to “increased stress reattributed to normal character buted to a failure in recognising sponses, meltdown due to social traits, such as strict adherence particular behaviours as symptoms overload, anxiety and depression to routine, being a ‘quiet person’, of autism. Low diagnosis rates in and even a negative impact on the hyper-focused, or being emotiowomen are partially attributed to development of one’s identity”. nally reserved. the practice of ‘masking’, when a Masking and hiding autism can Often these traits can be ignoperson hides their autism by perhave a detrimental impact on the red or missed, further contribuforming actions and behaviours health and wellbeing of women and ting to low diagnosis rates. The seen as acceptable (by neurotypiyet, research has also suggested label ‘high functioning’ may also cal standards). Masking is not genthat “an individual’s ability to cabe given to autistic women, alder-specific behaviour, but women mouflage ASC (may) contribute to most in recognition of the fact with autism are four times more them achieving socially desirable that they are so good at masking likely to engage in ‘masking’ than outcomes”, making them feel more their autism in an unforgiving their male counterparts. This may able to make friends, advance their neurotypical society. involve mimicking the behaviours social status and do better in job Read the full article at cherwell.org.

9

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021

A L E AG U E O F T H E I R OW N? MATTHEW PRUDHAM SURVEYS OXFORD’S CABINET AND SHADOW CABINET REPRESENTATION.

U

sing a most likely unfair in the lesser-scoring Shadow Cabiand skewed points system, net, I tell you.Alumnus Matt HanI have ranked every Oxcock is busy as the current Health ford college based on how Secretary, whilst Theresa Villiers many Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet and Ed Davey have also chalked up members it has had amongst its a p -pearances since 2010. alumni since 2010. Three points H o t on their heels are Teddy are awarded for a Cabinet member, Hall, who, despite having had more and one for a member of the opposalumni in positions, must settle ing side. There’s no distinguishing for fourth thanks to my made-up between current and former mempoints system. The college is the bers in my points total, as that alma mater of two current shadow would get complicated – however, cabinet members: Labour Leader where there is a clear favourite to of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer; current members, I have placed and Shadow Home Secretary Nick this college above their rivals on Thomas Symonds. Sadly, though, ‘cabinet-difference’. I know, it this only gets them two points, and makes no sense whatsoever – this having David Gauke and Mel Stride is what TT21 does to you. amongst their alumni who have It’s official, Balliol College has served in Cabinet positions since had the most alumni in cabinet 2010 only raises eight points. and shadow cabinet positions LMH most benefit from ‘cabinetsince 2010. It is the alma mater of difference’, their two current alumthe Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, ni in government positions, Foreign and his Secretar y b r o t h e r, “CHR I S T CH U RC H, T EN T H D o m i n i c Raab and AS TH E Y H AV E N O F ORM E R M i c h a e l Jo JohnG o v e , PM?...S O R RY, I D O N’T son, as who’s in well as MAK E T H E RU L E S…WA I T, his fifth fellow excabinet YE S, I DO.” cabinet role as the members Chancellor Damian Green and Rory Stewart. for the Duchy of Lancaster, accuThey are joined by former shadow mulating them six points. Indeed, cabinet members Yvette Cooper LMH are the sole college who have and Stephen Twigg. more than one current Cabinet Magdalen comfortably notched office holder – so it must be quite second place, though they currentsore to finish fifth. Sorry? That’s ly have no alumni in government; still only six points. Clinging onto it’s a far cry from when the likes sixth are Somerville; the only colof Jeremy Hunt, George Osborne, lege to have alumni in both the Chris Huhne, and Dominic Grieve Cabinet and its Opposition version, worked in the same cabinet during Dr Thérèse Coffey and Nia Grifthe Conservative-Liberal Demofith, Secretary for State for Work crat coalition. They have also had and Pensions and Shadow Welsh no alums as part of the shadow Secretary, respectively. But wait cabinet since the Conservatives a minute, isn’t that four points? became the majority party in the Don’t worry, I haven’t screwed up House of Commons in 2010. my system – taking them up to Just edging it third are Jesus, ansixth are former shadow cabinet other college wholly represented in members Lucy Powell and current the Cabinet; they don’t mess about Somerville Principal Baroness

POSITION

COLLEGE

CABINET

EX-CABINET

SHADOW CABINET

EX-SHADOW CABINET

POINTS

1

BALLIOL

1

3

0

2

14

1

2

MAGDALEN

0

4

0

0

12

0

3

JESUS

1

2

0

0

9

1

4

TEDDY HALL

0

2

2

0

8

2 2

5

LMH

2

0

0

0

6

6

SOMERVILLE

1

0

1

2

6

2

7

TRINITY

1

1

0

0

6

1

=8

ST HUGH'S

0

2

0

0

6

0

=8

BRASENOSE

0

2

0

0

6

0

10

CHRIST CHURCH

0

2

0

0

6

0

11

LINCOLN

1

0

0

1

4

1 0

12

UNIV

0

1

0

1

4

13

MERTON

1

0

0

0

3

1

14

ST ANNE’S

0

1

0

0

3

1 1

=15

ST HILDA’S

0

0

1

1

2

=15

NEW

0

0

1

1

2

1

=15

CORPUS

0

0

1

1

2

1 0

18

PEMBROKE

0

0

0

2

2

19

HERTFORD

0

0

1

0

1

1

=20

ST JOHN’S

0

0

0

1

1

0

=20

WADHAM

0

0

0

1

1

0

=20

MANSFIELD

0

0

0

1

1

0

=20

KEBLE

0

0

0

1

1

0

Janet Royall (yes, I know she didn’t study at Oxford, but her position at Somerville is pretty much equivalent to being an alumni, in my opinion).

Trinity are down in seventh, with the ever-ministerial Jacob ReesMogg a graduand from 1991 (and infamously given the title “Pushy Fresher” by Cherwell in 1988…), whilst they also count Damian Hinds amongst their former students; the fact that LMH have two to their one in the current Johnson cabinet, though, and Somerville have the dual-party duo of Coffey and Griffith, though, means that they must settle for seventh.

Completing our set of six-pointers are St. Hugh’s (Nicky Morgan and former Prime Minister Theresa May), Brasenose (Claire Perry and, of course, former Prime Minister David Cameron), and Christ Church (David Willets and George Young). I decided to grant Brasenose and Hugh’s joint-eighth and Christ Church tenth just because the latter didn’t have a former PM. Sorry, I don’t make the rules…wait,

Wes Beckett on... Trashing

CABINET DIFFERENCE

yes, I do!

Lincoln just miss out on the top ten, despite the invaluable ‘cabinet-difference’ contribution of Chancellor Rishi Sunak combining with former shadow cabinet member Shabana Mahmood; trailing them with an equal four points are Univ; former MPs Phillip Hammond and Stewart Woods, the former acting as Chancellor under Theresa May and the latter serving as Shadow Minister without Portfolio, must settle for twelfth.

Merton, heralding the last Oxonian member of the Cabinet, Liz Truss, just about nab thirteenth thanks to her invaluable contribution (without which they would not be on the table at all!), whilst former Liberal Democrat MP Sir Danny Alexander nabs St. Anne’s fourteenth place, thanks to his stints as Scottish Secretary and Chief Secretary to the Treasury during the Coalition.

Cabinet difference means that Anneliese Dodds, Rachel Reeves, and Ed Miliband all manage to get their respective colleges, Hilda’s, New, and Corpus Christi into a

triple-joint fifteenth; Hilda’s has former Shadow Cabinet member Meg Hilier amongst their alumni, whilst New counts Willy Bach and Corpus David Miliband (who, yes, technically was part of a short-lived Shadow Cabinet under Harriet Harman in 2010 before the whole Miliband vs. Milband fiasco) amongst their former students.

Pembroke must settle for eighteenth, despite the best efforts of past Shadow Cabineteers Maria Eagle and Mary Creagh, thanks to a lack of current office holders.

The best of the ‘one-pointers’ in nineteenth are Hertford, thanks to the valiant Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Rachel Reeves; left looking rather sorry at the bottom of the table are joint-twentieth St John’s, Wadham, Mansfield and Keble, represented in the past in the Shadow Cabinet by Angela Eagle, Emma Reynolds, Chris Bryant and Ed Balls. At least it’s better than not being on this totally sham competition table at all, though.

Table by Matthew Prudham.

Friday, 30th April 2021 | Cherwell

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science & technology

I N D I A: W H Y A R E COV I D CA S E S R I S I N G?

T

ANTHONY SHORROCKS SPOTLIGHTS ONE OF THE COUNTRIES WORST HIT BY THE PANDEMIC.

he COVID-19 pandemic is currently exploding in India at a horrifying rate. Records are being broken with each day that passes – over 300,000 cases have been officially reported every day for the past week, accompanying roughly 2500 deaths a day for a total of 210,000 deaths since the pandemic began in the country.

However, shockingly, many public health experts suggest the actual number of cases and deaths could be as much as 4-5 times higher, putting deaths in the millions – evidence for this is the mismatch between the government reported deaths and the actual deaths registered at crematoria and burial grounds.

But what caused this catastrophe?

Despite India’s poor health infrastructure, low government assistance and high population in comparison with western counterparts such as the United

TECH TIDBITS

States, it managed to successfully manage and flatten the first wave of coronavirus in 2020 in quite an admirable fashion while countries such as the United Kingdom were dealing with second and third waves.

However, in 2021, India’s luck took a turn for the worse. The earlier victory in 2020, led to a surge in false confidence that the country would be spared a second or third wave. Epidemiologists and other experts in the country suggested that herd immunity had already come into effect. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others claimed victory against the virus and held huge election rallies where they did not wear masks. Perhaps the worst super-spreader event of all was the Kumbh Mela, where as many as 2.5 million Hindu pilgrims gathered at the Ganges River – the virus was carried back to hometowns Importantly, vaccine hoarding from

countries like the UK has also been significant. Recently, a Downing Street aide tested positive following travel to India, prompting alarmist headlines about new variants. More troublingly, he was allegedly told to get more Indian-manufactured doses of vaccines, at a time when the Indian government – for reasons now distressingly obvious – was seeking to hold back many of the doses it was previously exporting in their millions, many actually intended for developing countries. Last but not least, more virulent mutations of the virus emerged from countries such as the United Kingdom, as well as from within India itself.

The outbreak is showing no signs of stopping or slowing – in fact, it is accelerating. Hospitals across the country are being completely overwhelmed, and many are simply being left to die on the sidewalk as there aren’t nearly enough ICU

beds, ventilators, and oxygen tanks to accommodate them. This has led to a black market emerging, where vendors are price gouging desperate relatives and friends of those dying from the virus for as much as 20

N O N - F U N G I B L E TO K E N S – W H AT’S T H E H Y P E A B O U T?

times the market value of items such as oxygen tanks and tablets. These kinds of prices represent the life savings of many Indians.

Graph courtesy of Our World In Data.

SCIENCE SNIPPETS

IS THIS SUSTAINABLE, OR JUST ANOTHER BUBBLE? ASKS RICHARD LI.

NASA has successfully flown a small helicopter on Mars.

It has taken a photo of the Perserverance rover. The photo was taken by Ingenuity during its third demonstration flight on Sunday.

Apple’s new iOS 14.5 update will enable Apple Watch users to unlock their devices through face recognition even when they are wearing a face mask.

It is now a legal requirement in many countries to wear face coverings in public indoor (and some outdoor) spaces thanks to evidence suggesting that these protocols can help to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

N

FTs are a blockchain based technology that have garnered a lot of hype and news coverage in recent months by technology enthusiasts and investors alike. The NBA is using them to sell highlight videos.

Artists are using them to sell digital works. Musicians are using them to retain royalties. Twitter’s CEO is even using them to sell tweets.

But what actually is an NFT, and what does it do? NFT stands for non-fungible token, and is, in short, a unit of data stored on a blockchain that certifies a digital asset to be authentic or unique and thus not interchangeable. This is as opposed to a fungible token, such as US dollars or Bitcoin, where, for example, there is no way to distinguish one specific dollar from another in your bank account – they are all grouped together.

Simply, a blockchain is a digital ledger that allows transfers of ownership to be recorded in a way that is irreversible, such as when you transfer money to someone else – most NFTs use the Ethereum blockchain. NFTs can be used to represent many different types of digital files, such as photos, audio, or even videos. However, access to a copy of the original file is not restricted to just the owner of the NFT – anyone can easily obtain a copy, as the NFT just provides proof of ownership.

This might sound very strange, but consider the following: the original copy of a famous artists’ work, such as Guernica by Picasso,

is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This is despite the fact that there are many extremely accurate replica paintings of it available for a few hundred dollars (a tiny fraction of the original price). Proponents of NFTs argue that this shows that the vast majority of the value of an original piece of art is derived from the artists’ so-called “signature” on the work, rather than the work itself. For example, recently Christie’s auction house sold its first piece of NFT-linked digital art, which was by the digital artist Beeple. It ended up commanding a staggering winning bid of $69 million! While this may sound ludicrous as you can download an exact copy of the image on your computer for free, NFT fans maintain this is no surprise.

A key advantage of NFTs is that it’s extremely easy for anyone to create one. All you have to do is create an account on an NFT marketplace website such as OpenSea or Rarible (which are kind of like eBays for NFTs), upload a picture or other digital item, and put it up for auction. An artist can even create storefronts and collections of their art on the website to mimic a traditional art gallery or museum. You can also choose whether to “mint” just a single unique piece, or multiple copies.

Moreover, an artist can choose to set a commission for subsequent future sales. This means that if the original buyer resells the NFT to a second buyer, or the second to a third, the original artist still continues to

be paid (for example, 10% of every sale price). This means if a piece of art significantly increases in value over coming years, the original artist will still be able to benefit from this.

All of this has predictably led to a gold-rush style frenzy in recent months. New wannabe artists are emerging and churning out new NFTs at record pace, and wealthy investors are snapping them up in the hopes they explode in value in the future. The overall NFT market tripled in 2020, reaching more than $250 million. Sceptics argue there is a massive crash imminent, as NFTs are still a very niche market and thus do not warrant the very lofty valuations some of them currently hold.

Furthermore, NFT transactions have attracted increased environmental criticism. Like cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, the computation-heavy processes required to mine and run proof-of-work blockchains require massive amounts of energy that are contributing to global warming and pollution.

It should be noted, however, that solutions such as switching to a proof-of-stake blockchain (e.g. Ethereum 2.0), which do not require these computational processes, are currently in the works and aim to solve many of these carbon emissions concerns. While we may not see NFTs in the National Art Gallery any time soon, they are an exciting innovation in the world of art and collectibles, and open up that world to all sorts of previously unexplored talent.

A report from the University of Oxford has found that the risk of developing rare blood clots from a COVID-19 infection is seven times higher than the risk from vaccines. COVID-19 also increases the risk of rare blood clots by 100 times compared to normal.

Read Charlie Hancock’s article on the report at cherwell.org.

Image credit: Vacunació Professionals / CC0 1.0.

Six academics from the University of Oxford have been included on the Reuters ‘Hot List’, which aims to identify the 1000 most influential climate scientists in the world. Image credit: SalFalko / CC BY-NC 2.0

CUL

Friday, 30th April 2021| Vol.294 No.2| 1st Week

CHER

CulCher | Friday, 30th April 2021

2

CONTENTS CULCHER

page 2 | Stop worrying about anti- heroines page 3 | The enduring appeal of

adult animation

THE SOURCE

page 4 | The city

MUSIC

page 6 | Pop-classical fusion

FILM

page 7 | Dunkirk: the unknown sol- dier on screen

BOOKS

page 8 | Fantasy: medieval European influences and alternatives

STAGE

page 9 | Black Lives Playlist: track 1

FASHION

page 10 | Second hand stories

COVER ARTIST GBENGA CHESTERMAN I’m Gbenga, an undergraduate at St. Anne’s.

I have a fascination with two art forms in particular: logos, and character illustrations for arcade fighting games from the nineties and noughties.

Here I’ve used photoshop and a drawing pad to express these twin passions on the digital page. I’m not sure if my somewhat overcooked, gothic ‘CULCHER’ logo will survive the lay-in, but as to the characters, they are both ‘original’ in the sense that I made/drew them up on Tuesday morning, and heavily contrived in that I’ve deliberately aimed for the strange cocktail of simplicity, flair, and melodrama which emerged in the design choices of studios like Capcom and SNK during the golden age of fighting games (see: King of Fighters ‘99 roster).

As to the colour scheme, I’ll excuse myself for not attempting a full-colour illustration (of which I am incapable, because I never learned to colour-in as a child) by stating that the flat red behind bold black lines is intended to mimic the often sleek, arresting promo and concept art published officially by game studios such as those aforementioned.

STOP WORRYING ABOUT ANTI-HEROINES

WHEN THE REAL EVIL IS STILL AT LARGE

BY ELEANOR ZHANG

CW: sexual violence, suicide

M

ere months after the release of Promising Young Woman, the news of Sarah Everard’s murder emerged.

In the following days, there was content in many young women’s social media feeds reminding them of things they’d known for a long time. That they’ve been thinking of every night’s walk home alone as a gamble. That they assume taking a cab home instead could mean abduction. That before taking the bus instead of cab, they ready themselves for drunk men’s slurred flirtations and stumbling grabs and that, once something untoward happens, they now also have to hesitate before calling the police, knowing a predator was once among the assumed rescuers.

This newly emerged concern stemming from distrust of authority’s ability to enforce justice, makes the rise and fall of Emerald Fennell’s neon-clad avenger even more poignant. The story starts off with a typical college rape incident where Cassie’s best friend Nina, a promising medical student, was drunk and sexually assaulted by her male peers at a party. In the crime’s aftermath, Cassie witnesses Nina’s struggle with shame, trauma and humiliation, while their school and legal system fail to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators. This led to her friend’s suicide and the end of Cassie’s own academic pursuits, urging her instead into a routine of late-night performances in bars and clubs, where she’d bait men into initiating non-consensual sex by pretending to be drunk, just to scare them by revealing her sobriety. It is important to note that Cassie doesn’t troll and kill for fun, but is forced to take justice into her own hands.

If films like Promising are indeed “vicious daydreaming” and “fantasies” that “explore unpleasant sentiments and desires”, as accused by one comment piece on The Telegraph, how does one account for the eerie déjà vus? According to the numbers provided by Office for National Statistics, of victims who reported the perpetrator was a stranger, the majority (64%) reported

that they themselves were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the assault, making what happens to Nina in the film a representative scenario. Even the police’s response of not prosecuting on the ground of lacking evidence is paralleled in the records: among the reported cases of sexual assault, only 39% percent of them saw the perpetrators arrested by police. In 19% of the cases, the police took no action.

More unsettling is the realisation that the practice of initiating sex with drunk girls has been a long-standing trope in reality as well as on screen, deployed in many well-known comedy films as the ultimate solution for horny single men.

2007’s Superbad, for example, features three high-schoolers and their tenacity in finding enough booze to inebriate a crush.

Although the film gives me the creeps whenever I think of it, one review by New York Times raves about “a tickly, funny tale of three teenage boys revved up by their surging, churning, flooding hormones”.

These narratives in cinema about men preying on and hurting women are not only chronically tolerated but, like A Streetcar Named Desire and its domestic abuser, celebrated as cult classics. However, the moment a woman attempts violence towards men, voices start rattling on about the poisonous effects violent women on screen could have on future generations of girls.

What girls need to see is not a perennially beaten woman, but a woman that finds a way to fight back when no one — not their husbands, nor society, nor law and order — can protect them.

Anti-heroines are not a new invention. In the 90s, Buffy opened a generation’s eyes to an abundance of combativeness condensed in a small physique, and Tarantino’s Bride in the early noughties that swung blade at her murderous ex-boss. On the pages there was Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber, a Bluebeard tale ending on a mother decapitating her daughter’s beastly husband, and Edmund Cooper’s Who Needs Men? featuring a determined Madam Exterminator that makes it her mission to annihilate the last of the surviving men hiding in Scotland. Yet even the characters that

seem unconquerable in their own stories could easily fall victim to objectification and sexualisation by the male audience and readers, in a society where men would claim a penchant for “feisty women”, and readily pay for a dominatrix’s service.

Hence the irony in one of the red flags for problematic men my female friends and I joke about, that one should never date the boy if he has a Kill Bill poster on his bedroom wall.

The rise of anti-heroines stresses essentially the same thing every wave of feminist movement attempts to accentuate, that a woman’s refusal to be suppressed and abused by patriarchy is always less threatening, when what they’re rebelling against is still prevalent. Every time a Sarah Everard is murdered in our midst, it becomes evident again that, although our society is exposed to Fleabag’s sass and scenes of Killing Eve’s Villanelle stabbing away at her next assignment, it’s still far from granting every woman walking down a dark lane the same level of respect — let alone fear — those fictional she-warriors evoke.

That is not to say that anti-heroines should take a break from flourishing in the post-Me-Too culture. To quote Wonder Woman’s creator William Moulton Marston: “Not even girls want to be girls so long as our feminine archetype lacks force, strength, and power.” It’s important to introduce young women to the likes of Cassie, despite her not being real, as what happens on the training ground of cinema could channel encouragement just as palpably.

I personally felt grateful for having known her, as I borrowed her move against scornful onlookers and stared back at my accosters one afternoon, and felt triumphant when they retreated their gaze.

That same evening, Emerald Fennell won Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt proud and hopeful for being a woman.

Image credit: Sharon Mollerus via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Friday, 30th April 2021 | CulCher

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THE ENDURING APPEAL OF ADULT ANIMATION: BEAUTY FOUND IN ABSURDITY

BY MAEBH HOWELL

W

e’ve all, I’m sure, spent time scrolling listlessly through Netflix, trying to find something to watch: sometimes succeeding, sometimes not. This was when I first stumbled across Bojack Horseman. The colourful thumbnail, showing a smiling horse, seemed to suggest I had stumbled across the children’s section, or that my brother had, once again, been using my account. But the adult age restriction suggested otherwise.

The show, which premiered in 2014, was already in its third series by the time I started watching it. I sped through the first few episodes, drawn in by the quick pacing, catchy character design, and the question of why these talking animals were coexisting with humans, no questions asked.

Whilst initially receiving mixed reviews, with the first series having a 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the following series received scores in the high 90s, with series 2 and 3 receiving scores of 100%. Evidently there is some appeal to this tragicomic series, but how much is tied up to its cartoon form?

It is the absurdity of the cartoon form, in its sometimes weird and wonderful approach to life, that I believe facilitates its appeal. We’re all introduced to cartoons as children, and it is the form’s bright, nonsensical attitude towards storytelling that appeals to children, with one BBC article examining the impact of the ‘attentiongrabbing features’ such as ‘colour, brightness and movement’ on the ‘primitive visual system’ of children. Furthermore,

the same article highlights how children ‘process information’ differently to us, leading to our perception of what may be ‘highly engaging’ for them, to be ‘weird’ for us.

But this still doesn’t explain the enduring appeal of animation for adults. Perhaps it’s nostalgia, our sense of longing for a simpler time, when all the problems of the world could be solved within the confines of a thirty-minute time slot. But with adult cartoons such as Big Mouth, a show which revels in discomfort and awkwardness, the focus seems to be on a perversion of our expectations of the genre. Like puberty, Big Mouth is unexpected, shocking, and sometimes downright dirty, and scenes such as the one where Jay impregnates a pillow seem less nostalgic than just pure weird - even absurd.

With the host of adult animation on streaming services, the demand is evident.

I propose that we start considering animation as the art form it is: one that allows for the pushing of boundaries and the creation of beautiful nonsense. There’s something quite lovely about the way that Big Mouth, for example, conceptualises the ‘hormone monsters’, using them to personify all the weirdness of puberty. Yet, the whole concept would not have worked within a regular sitcom format, with real actors and a reliance on CGI or costumes creating a weird divide between the real and the fantasy. The brilliance of shows like Big Mouth is that creatures such as the hormone monsters are as concrete within the show as any other character, their absurdity integrated

into the show’s very fabric.

In Bojack Horseman, reality is similarly forsaken, with the art form of animation pushed to its limit; whilst most episodes follow Bojack’s life, others are complete abstractions of reality, following a drug binge, for example. My favourite episode is in a similar vein, following the character of Diane and her struggles with depression.

The episode diverts from the usual animation style, using black and white line drawings, with squiggles and crossings-out, to mirror Diane’s mental state. This change in art-style resonated with my own struggles with depression and taking antidepressants far more than any other television show. Diane’s depression becomes part of the animation style itself, her whole worldview reduced to black and white drawings which, even then, seem out of her control.

It was a refreshing take on mental illness, something so often romanticised within the media; just picture the countless TV shows or films which show beautiful women crying under duvet covers. I can say with certainty that I have never looked that beautiful or made-up during the throes of a depressive episode.

Bojack Horseman’s animation allows its initial relative innocence (look, it’s a talking horse!) to lead to an exploration of much darker themes. Although in episode one Bojack says that all anyone wants in life is to “watch a show about good, likable people who love each other”, the art of animation provides room for much, much more.

Read the full article at cherwell.org.

RETHINKING THE OSCARS

BY ARAM MASHARQA

W

ith cinemas closed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is no surprise that many typical filmgoers haven’t seen the nominated films this year. However, as Stephen King asked in 2020, “How many of the older, whiter contingent actually saw Harriet, about Harriet Tubman, or The Last Black Man in San Francisco? Just asking the question.” We have no guarantee the Academy voters watch every nominated film.

Previous Oscar winners have often been predictable. The IMDb keywords with the highest correlation with nominations are “family tragedy”, “whistleblower”, “Pulitzer Prize source”, “physical therapy”, “domestic servant”, and “Watergate”.

Hence the array of nominations for The Post (2017), a film about investigative journalism, or Marriage Story (2019), evidently a ‘family tragedy’.

The films themselves certainly merit success, yet at the same time they are films that are perfect examples of ‘Oscar Bait’.

Both films were released towards the end of the year (December 2017, November 2019); both had a limited theatrical release to begin with; both featured a star-studded

cast. The only risk taken by nominating Marriage Story was that it was a Netflix Original, and even then, the family storyline clearly shows a cushioned risk at most.

Conversely, we find that films with the keywords ‘black independent film’ are amongst the least likely to be nominated (Slate, 2014). When the main characters are black in a nominated film, the plot usually involves slavery, or a fight for freedom/ against white supremacists – see BlacKKKlansman (2018), or this year’s very own Judas and the Black Messiah (2021). When a ‘black independent film’ won Best Picture (Moonlight, 2016), there was media outcry about La La Land being snubbed. It’s clear that the films that receive nominations and awards are the ones that reinforce preconceived, structural ideas. If the Academy’s decisions challenge the status quo they are criticised. Although many supported their choice in 2016, we simply cannot ignore the volume of the voices against it.

Naturally, as in any area of culture, there is such a wealth of originality, talent, and creativity that it can be helpful to designate certain works as ‘exceptional’

or ‘outstanding’. If not to congratulate their merit, then to direct audiences to films they may have otherwise missed.

Indeed, the Academy Awards themselves state their role: ‘we recognize and uphold excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences, inspire imagination, and connect the world through the medium of motion pictures’.

Whilst they do often recognise talent in the film industry, I can’t help but feel as though the only ‘imagination’ they inspire is the imaginative marketing choices producers make. Given Parasite (2019) was the first non-English language film to win best picture, can we really say the ceremony “connect[s] the world”?

The Oscars, especially in a year like this, can be useful. When we’re all stuck watching the same three sitcoms on Netflix, it can be helpful to have a list of films that are guaranteed to be well-made, gripping, and moving. Nevertheless, we must always remain critical. We must keep in mind that the Oscars are just another fallible source.

Image credit: PrayItNoPhotography via Flickr / CC BY 2.0

CULCHER EDITORIAL Having only just arrived back at college, last week’s gloriously sunny weather whisked me away again. The smell of suncream and eating lunch al-fresco provided some semblance of a much needed summer holiday (minus the work...). So if, like me, you’ve been enjoying the sunshine far too much and are now at a loss with the current rainy weather, what better way to keep the warm holiday feeling going than with a good book that transports you somewhere else entirely?

This time we’re travelling through the crowded markets of Mexico City, the beaches of Acapulco, and the tropical forests of Oaxaca, with the help of Sandra Cisneros’ Caramelo – a gem of a book that I am extremely happy to have stumbled upon by chance. Caramelo, modelled on Cisneros’ own childhood experience, is the story of the Mexican-American Reyes family, centered around their annual journey from Chicago to Mexico City. Narrated through a series of small vignettes of different memories, Caramelo is an expertlycrafted multigenerational epic that slowly unravels the complicated threads of family history, culture, and tradition.

Caramelo is narrated by the youngest daughter of the Reyes’ family, Celaya. As a child, Celaya is able to observe – but not understand – her family’s dynamics. As the book progresses and she grows older, however, Celaya takes us through different layers of her family history, giving new meaning to old traditions. The twists and turns of this history take us through a whirlwind of lovesickness and adultery, war and immigration, Catholicism and the importance of family.

Throughout it all, Cisneros treats us to beautifully evocative descriptions of the Mexican landscape and culture. She conjures an image of Mexico that is at once typical and deeply poetic and personal, describing the street smells of “diesel exhaust...roasting coffee...hot corn tortillas along with the pat-pat of the woman’s hand making them”, but also the “unmistakable Mexico City smell” in the morning, “very cool and clean that makes you sad”.

Cisneros places consistent focus on what her characters can see, smell, taste, and hear, and expertly mixes this with what they feel. The end result is that the reader is encouraged not only to imagine the landscape, but to experience it emotionally and sensorially.

A poet by trade, Cisneros is also able to describe emotions as accurately as she can describe a landscape. She is able to narrate in that special way that only poets and children seem able to master: piercing clarity interwoven with heart-wrenching attention to detail. On every page is a cluster of sentences that capture the exact mood of a moment, such as the following: “The face of a blond, three-quarter profile, with the sun behind her and the down of her cheek ablaze. Things like this filled him with a joy akin to sadness or a sadness akin to joy, and he found himself unable to explain why he was blinking back tears with an uncontrollable desire to laugh and cry at once. –What? –I don’t know, nothing, he might’ve said. But that was a lie. He should have said, –Everything, everything, ah, everything!”

The book therefore takes us on a journey that is both scenic and emotional.

However, for all of its complicated layers of history and painful emotional truths, Caramelo remains an easy, lazy, sunshiney read: the type of book where you are happy to lie back and let the beauty of the words wash over you and warm your soul.

- Ellie-Jai Williams

4

CulCher | Friday, 30th April 2021

E H SO T Lost City Leah Stein

Wandering through the city...

U RC E

The Death of Silent Cinema Isobel Falk

The undulating sands stretch out, a vast expanse, sweltering under the gaze of the sun as it burns its way across the sky,

Animal that I was, did I require culling?

Was the close press of definition

dunes flowing like currents, tides on an endless sea

shearing off my hair really necessary?

the color of ground cumin, of cinnamon.

My barred back exposed, I cringe and spit poetry like blood.

A wall reaches toward the sky weathered and incomplete, broken.

Columns stand alone,

A fool’s transubstantiation: why can blood not just be blood?

Blood is better, more flush and dark.

lonely sentinels from a forgotten time, swallowed by ever shifting sands beside a courtyard full of chipped cobblestone and dusty mosaics, glass

My tongue curls, traitorous in invert desire, a rare snake by the side of the road swallowing itself in the afternoon.

colorless.

The ground bears deep lines, like scars etched onto its skin, from building foundations

I was nine and starving in the backseat, steamed in the car’s tight cell, making me want ice cream. I would have licked ants from the ground.

long since withered away, long since disappeared to the wind, to the unforgiving hand of time,

I would have loosed the snake’s knot and offered it my arm, closed fist, like when blood is taken for analysis.

the coarse brush of sand.

To speak now of cruelty, I would have to speak.

Beside the broken wall, between lonely columns,

You trick me. I want to only open my mouth to chew off limbs.

in the dusty courtyard, between etched lines, where footsteps once echoed where voices swelled over cracked desert sands,

But can I resist the sungilt promise of images of myself, crouched on the precipice of my own prehistory,

and fires once blew smoke into starry skies, There are only ghosts.

the word failure tasting of iron.

Friday, 30th April 2021 | CulCher

5

Testament Ella Spilling In that future time, he thought of you, For you, Blew the whistle for the train, Let genres kiss tied to its tracks.

It was just a reality, Staring out wide-eyed and panting.

He loosened the chains a little.

Broke out one night, Wild upon wires of sparkling friction,

Comes off on sweaty life-lines, palms threading knots in the hair behind your ear.

Our brains dashed, are up against the wall.

Our sex is best in dreams.

Sequins that make your eyes pop, See-through tops,

You weren’t there when the bus crashed,

Weak shots,

only when it leaked sodden ideas

Pop to the shops, Pick up the weight on your shoulders, A trunk, An Atlas,

into our hair,

Reminds me of the train I rode to you,

and we watched it turn to night outside,

too loud.

to walk home in the dark.

So what now?

I grew up to watch her leave,

Giant-fighting.

Come and go as she please, Swipe war-paint

Andromeda.

under our sleepless eyes.

Kissed her on the forehead, Said my goodbyes, A kind of reverse collision.

Only time can satisfy.

Remember that Spring you wrote, tell me this idea, still familiar, sitting on the platform, that precipice of you saying –– take me to the concert, that night you (never) kissed me.

One inverted.

Back to the start,

Ramp

living off the direction of you, that end, to begin.

Jude Willoughby In a sweet whistle of falling hours, A fiery lake of tarmac—the ramp— Throws back the lines of the half-light In antennas projecting halogen lamps

Had I seen you in the rolling fishbowl Danced into the lounge of my city I’d have driven you through the south On a blustered wing of midnight

As the wildlife ends her evensong And parakeets settle in tall recesses Your negative image greens them Like doubles a brook leaves.

Illustrations by Zoe Rhoades.

Submit your creative writing to The Source at: cherwelleditor@gmail.com

CulCher | Friday, 30th April 2021

6

music PLAYLIST EDITORS’ SUNNY SONGS For the second issue of TT21, our editors share their favourite track for BBQ weather vibes.

POP-CLASSICAL FUSION: ALEXANDER JOSEPH’S FÜR ELISE REIMAGINED

Yundi Li discusses the role TikTok and other new media play on changing dialogues of genre fusion.

F (SITTIN’ ON) THE DOCK OF THE BAY Otis Reading Cecilia Wilkins Dulanto Image credit: Alatele fr/CC-BY-SA 2.0

DAYDREAMS easy life Matthew Prudham Image credit: Joe Vozza/ CC BY-SA 4.0

KISS ME MORE Doja Cat ft. SZA Jane Keenleyside Image credit: The Knockturnal /CC BY 3.0

or many, ‘Für Elise’ is an overplayed and sensationalised piece, often understood by the general public as a superficial ‘token’ of classical music. I therefore had my reservations upon catching wind of viral TikTok composition, ‘Für Elise Reimagined’, by recent Oxford graduate Alexander Joseph.

It is prefaced: “What if Beethoven’s Für Elise… Had been written by Ludovico Einaudi?” Einaudi is a contemporary pianist and composer whose style is distinguishable by a marked sense of minimalism, repetition and quiet reflection, infused with film-like harmonies that create cinematic ambience.

‘Reimagining’ Beethoven in the style of Einwith chord VI are most idiomatic of modern-day audi would entail a translation of Beethoven’s film/video game soundtracks and were rarely ‘classical’ harmonies into the more accessible used by Beethoven and his contemporaries. language of modern film/popular music, poThe anticipated introduction of the melody tentially downsizing the role of melody and is punctuated by the interjection of a 2/8 bar musical form in favour of communicating (amidst regular 3/8 ones); rhythmic irregulara more homogeneous ‘background’ sound. ity being another modern-’classical’ hallmark.

Beethoven’s ‘Für Elise’ is written in A The melody from Beethoven’s ‘B’ section also minor, begins with serves as a point of the trademark motif “JOSEPH’S COMPOSITIONAL departure for Joseph’s of alternating E and D own melodies in the sharp semiquavers, and contrasting sections.

LANGUAGE, THOUGH follows the structure of Joseph’s compositional a Rondo form (A-B-A-Clanguage, though modMODERN, IS A), where ‘A’ marks the ern, is sophisticated: return of the opening the piece is interspersed SOPHISTICATED” motif. Other distincwith creative harmonitive features include leaping octaves shared sations of the well-known ‘Für Elise’ melody, by both hands, and modulations to various using augmented chords, suspensions and major keys, including the relative major. tertian harmony (harmony built on thirds).

Joseph’s interpretation, however, surprises.

Critically, Joseph chose the title ‘Für Elise The chosen key is B-flat minor, a semitone Reimagined’ (my own emphasis), freeing him above the original, introduced by outlining artistically from any responsibility to stay the basic three-chord progression – (VI-v(b)true to Beethoven’s musical idiom making i) – that forms the harmonic basis of the entire the music distinctly his own. Indeed, there is piece. Right off the bat, we recognise that the a long history even in the classical tradition new harmonic language is worlds away from of composers ‘borrowing’ each other’s musithe original: repeating progressions beginning cal material, something which has generally

JUSTICE: JUSTIN BIEBER’S NEW ERA OR FAMILIAR FAILINGS? Raman Handa reviews the controversial Canadian’s latest musical offering.

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ustin’s last era was something of a minor disaster. It was intended to be a pleasant, unassuming and uncontroversial pop album that critics could ignore, and the mainstream would put in adverts and “chill vibes” playlists. But when ‘Yummy’ was released, he was met with immediate scorn and derision. This only intensified as the era continued, with desperate promotional tactics (including encouragement of streaming fraud), his laughably juvenile follow up ‘Intentions’, and the widely panned album itself, with its sterile take on trap and RnB. And so just 8 short months after his last era had begun, a new one had been announced and was accompanied by a new lead single. Therefore, the question is, does Justice succeed where Changes failed?

The answer is… almost. This is almost the perfectly mediocre and unremarkable pop record and era that Justin must have wanted the first time, with singles like ‘Peaches’ even managing to get a little positive buzz. The beat is colourful, sweet, and groovy. Giveon and Daniel Caesar turn in great performances, and if Justin doesn’t outdo them, he doesn’t get

completely blown away either (though his shitty adlibs nearly derail the entire song).

This is also (unfortunately) the only good bop on this entire project. The production on most of the other songs is noticeably cheap and bad, manifesting most clearly in the bass-work (and especially the drops) across the record.

The bass is frequently ugly, weak and completely incongruous with the songs it is meant to support: this is most egregiously seen on the worst single ‘Hold On’ (no more words on this one, it just sounds like trash), but also in songs like ‘Die For You’ (whose main other character-

istic is Dominic Fike’s utterly anonymous feature), ‘Deserve You’ (which ruins one of Justin’s better vocal performances) and on the lead single ‘Holy’.

However, production is not the greatest sin ‘Holy’ commits. Indeed, I actually really like the gospel piano that kicks the song off, and Justin’s opening verse (“I know a lot about sinners/guess I won’t be a saint”) and pre-chorus (“the way you hold me… feels so holy”), while nothing special, definitely fit and set the mood. Yet, this is immediately ruined by the lyric “Oh God/ Running to the altar like a trackstar”, which, accompanied by the muddy-toomodern pop bass farting through the timeless instr umentation preceding, wrecks the song beyond all recovery.

This is not to say that it doesn’t get worse. Far from it: we are also treated to a truly heinous verse from fellow Christian wife-guy Chance the Rapper, who drops turds like, “I’m a believer my heart is fleshy/life is short with a temper

been considered acceptable, even constructive, toward the development of classical music. Coss-genre ‘borrowing’ however, faces much scrutiny, especially when moving from classical to pop or contemporary styles.

Nevertheless, I would encourage cross-genre fusions. After all, interculturalism shaped the genre of jazz as we know it, giving birth to fusion-genres such as Afro-Cuban jazz and Bossa nova. Joseph is not the first to appropriate Beethoven’s piece outside of its classical context. Nas’s ‘I Can’ (2003) looped the opening bars of ‘Für Elise’ against lyrics aimed at empowering young Black audiences, recounting African history and encouraging young people to ‘work hard’. The music video shows a young African-American girl playing ‘Für Elise’, subverting its white middle-class associations.

Aside from how well Joseph treats Beethoven’s material, more fundamentally I question the gatekeeping of cultures and promote people’s right to enjoy music. Ultimately, music is valuable for our transparent communication with people from other cultures, seeing our unique backgrounds and identities reflected, and finding like companionship.

Image credit: Jan Bommes via Flickr / CC BY 2.0 like Joe Pesci”.

Nevertheless, musical deficiencies are not the most distasteful element of the album. That would, of course, be the MLK Jr samples (a sentence that should not exist in reference to a Justin Bieber album).

A little before the halfway point Justin decides to include an interlude by Martin Luther King, a snippet of a speech where he excoriates people who refuse to stand up for what they know is right, claiming they have committed a form of spiritual suicide. On an album about racial injustice – or at least with some commentary on this issue – this could be a powerful moment. However, this is a collection of mediocre love songs by a white man who has proven himself incapable of using AAVE (“pimps and the players say don’t go crushin” – eugh) and in this context, a powerful statement about justice and the nature of the soul is about… loving your wife…The mind reels.

In summary, we have a bloated, nearanonymous album that would be a decent 5/10 with a lot of filler, but also some decent and even a couple of very good songs, and we could call it a day. Still, the thoroughly misguided attempt at “political content” seriously damaged my ability to enjoy or appreciate the few diamonds in its tedious, forgettable, and almost genreless rough.

Image credit: Budiey via Flickr & Creative Commons/CC BY-NC 2.0

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Friday, 30th April 2021 | CulCher

film

OSCARS 2021: HISTORIC WINNERS AND AN AWKWARD PRODUCTION

MUST SEE NEW RELEASES

Ella Myers discusses the subdued but consequential award ceremony.

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his was never going to be a normal Oscars. COVID restrictions have meant most of the awards season has played out over Zoom, and even the Oscars – with their ban on Zoom acceptance speeches – were a much more low-key affair than normal. The set-up, which saw nominees socially distanced in a glitzed up Union Station, did allow for some of the sense of a normal awards show, clunky comedy bits and all.

The biggest surprise of the night was the Best Actor trophy going to Anthony Hopkins, who at 83 is its oldest ever recipient, rather than to the late Chadwick Boseman for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Production seemed to have expected a Boseman victory, as the award presentation was controversially moved to cap off the evening. Instead it went to Hopkins, who played a man struggling with dementia in The Father alongside Olivia Colman, and was anticlimactically not there to accept his award. He later posted a video on Instagram thanking the Academy and expressing his shock at receiving the award, as well as paying tribute to his fellow nominee Boseman, who he said was “taken from us far too early.”

Best Picture went to bookie’s favourite Nomadland, a meditative film about a woman

living in a van in the American West after losing everything in the financial crisis. The film’s director, Chloe Zhao, also picked up the award for Best Director, making her the second woman, and first woman of colour, ever to do so. This wasn’t the only ‘first’ of the night, with Daniel Kaluuya’s win for Best Supporting Actor making him the first Black British actor to win at the Oscars and Yuh-Jung Youn’s win for Best Supporting Actress making her the first South Korean and second ever Asian to win the award. The award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling went to the team behind Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, with Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson making history as the first African Americans to ever win in the category. As Neal said of the win in her speech, “I know that one day it won’t be unusual or ground-breaking, it will just be normal.”

It certainly seems as if the changes that have been taking place in Hollywood over the last few years are continuing full steam ahead. The moment where Bong Joon Ho presented the Best Director award in Korean, with a translator, to Chloe Zhao certainly felt representative of proper change in the industry. Nevertheless, Daniel Kaluuya reminded Hollywood of how much more it has

to do, addressing the audience of nominees in his speech: “There’s so much work to do, guys, and that’s on everyone in this room.”

He wasn’t the only winner who addressed social and political issues in their speeches, with many discussing the epidemic of police brutality and racism, and winners for the film Sound of Metal (a drama about a rock drummer who loses his hearing) paying tribute to the d/Deaf community. The speeches, without the usual orchestra to nudge winners off the stage, were noticeably longer than normal, which was occasionally a good thing but often meant listening to dozens and dozens of names being reeled off in thanks. The ceremony was certainly less ‘entertaining’ than usual, with the Best Song nominee performances gone and very few clips being shown – a particular shame given that many viewers were unlikely to have seen all the films nominated. These were replaced with extremely long introductions to the nominees, which often came across as overly fawning in an already overly self-indulgent evening.

It was an Oscars night that, like many things in the time of COVID, was a little less fun and a lot more subdued than normal.

Despite this, the brilliance of the films reminds us that there are still wonderful movies being made that will soon be able to be enjoyed in cinemas. Best Actress winner Frances McDormand summed up the feelings of cinema-deprived movie-goers everywhere when talking about her film: “Please watch our movie on the largest screen possible and one day soon take everyone you know, shoulder-to-shoulder, in that dark space and watch every film that’s represented here tonight.”

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN Three months behind the US, we can finally watch the now Oscar-winning movie ourselves.

TO STREAM

MY OCTOPUS TEACHER If you enjoyed The Shape of Water, how about this?

CLASSIC

PERSONA Ingmar Bergman’s psychological drama involves a young nurse and her patient whose personalities become intertwined.

Image Credit: Axelode / CC BY-SA 3.0

DUNKIRK: THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER ON SCREEN

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Sam Trevelyan explores how Dunkirk fuses style and content in a way Nolan had never done before ... or since.

hristopher Nolan’s films confuse me.

It’s far from new for blockbusters to treat ‘character work’ as secondary to spectacle – as I’m writing this, the world’s number one film is Godzilla vs Kong – but it’s rare, and really quite special, to see a filmmaker build their style around this choice and yield some honest-to-god emotionally rousing stuff. I’m not sure I even like his films. Yet I can’t deny that when the formula works, the results get to me: they prove that a film can skimp on its characters and still be powerful and compelling. But that’s not the end of my confusion, because then there’s 2017’s Dunkirk. For his tenth film, Nolan ditched his usual formula without fixing the character problems, and yet the result doesn’t just survive – it works even better than before.

Nolan characters tend to be defined entirely by a single role: either their in-world job or their dramatic role as the embodiment of an ideal the film concerns itself with. This approach makes for flat characters – not uninteresting per se, but they don’t exactly talk about much except plot details or personal philosophies, meaning the films crumble if their thematic cores aren’t rock solid.

Another effect is that the characters don’t

typically inspire devotion from the audience.

I don’t get the impression Nolan really cares about most of his characters, which is why so few get proper epilogues, and we the viewers aren’t encouraged to fret about their struggles so much as contemplate them.

The emptiness should be engulfing.

Instead, when Nolan’s films work, they are spectacular.

Which brings us to Dunkirk: a film that keeps up the symphonic cross-cutting, but with minimal plot and with characters who have no philosophy, to the point they barely even speak. Nor are they any more fleshedout than usual – on the contrary, it can be hard to tell one baby-faced soldier from another. So we have a Nolan film without the Nolan keystone, and with no apparent substitute. Again – it shouldn’t work.

But it does – this time because a central theme in the film is how war has reduced these people in the exact same fashion.

The soldiers in Dunkirk have no soldierly goal: their situation has turned them into a logistics problem. And even given a task, they would still be reduced by it, because the goals a soldier pursues are not their own – their targets are picked by context and commanders, for whose purposes one

soldier is no different from another. The men of Dunkirk fight for their lives because they want to survive; their commanders want them to succeed partly for that alone, but also because they will be needed for the next battle. Similarly, the threats they face care nothing about their identities. It’s like how gambling expert David Sklansky describes poker: “when the cards are dealt, you are no longer a grandson, a friend, or a nice guy; you are a player.”

So unlike Nolan’s other works, where the neglect of character is a by-product of his focus being elsewhere, here his disinterest in the individual is thematically central. The whole film deals with the experience of being reduced by one’s situation to an object, a means – a character in a story that doesn’t care about you. We are reminded that the systems within which we exist do not see us the way we see ourselves. That doesn’t mean the systems are right, but it creates a friction between our personal and impersonal goals.

That, at least in my view, is at the heart of Dunkirk. It’s why the film closes with the crinkle of a newspaper as a young man looks up after reading Churchill’s iconic speech, wondering, ‘What will this mean for me?’

It’s hard to argue Dunkirk is Nolan’s

conscious commentary on his stylistic shortcomings, when his next project, last year’s Tenet, doubled down on most of them, so perhaps the alignment of style and theme in Dunkirk is a happy accident. Even if that’s true, however, I like one way it allows the film’s epilogue to be read. Much of the original literature about the angst of feeling ‘reduced’, from existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre, emphasised the role of other people’s gaze in making us feel such a way. But in Dunkirk, it takes being seen for the soldiers to remember they are human. Harry Styles’ Alex dreads the judgemental looks of his compatriots, but their quiet applause is what allows him to leave the French beaches behind. There are limits on what such gestures can do – this past year has seen the British government co-opt one, the ‘Clap for Carers’ movement, instead of doing its actual duty to essential workers – but Dunkirk, which freely admits to being a tale of colossal military failure, reminds us that treating others with dignity doesn’t need to fix our problems for it to be worthwhile.

In this, it might be one of the warmest war films ever made. And of all people, it came from Christopher Nolan. That’s a twist not even he could have written.

CulCher | Friday 30th April 2021

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books

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FANTASY: MEDIEVAL EUROPEAN INFLUENCES AND ALTERNATIVES Krystalia Karamihou examines the variety of influences on fantasy.

aeries, elves, centaurs, wizards, dragons. In its purest form, fantasy is one of the most ancient literary genres, and fantastical elements can be found in myths and folktales around the world. It is in fantasy that humankind encapsulated its need for escapism and wonder for the unknown. Despite the fantastical elements in those tales, fantasy in the form we all know differs and is much more recent. It has evolved in a more self-conscious way, encouraging individual interpretations of novelised narratives based in complex worlds. One of the most popular subgenres is what is known as “medieval fantasy” and is recognisable by its influences from the medieval European period, typically from western Europe. These influences include resemblances to western medieval monarchy, feudal system, warfare, and social structure, which are often permeated with a blend of magic and European folklore.

But why is this Medieval European setting so common in modern fantasy?

The main reasons are the legacy of the fathers of modern fantasy and cultural familiarity. The most obvious precursor to modern fantasy and its medieval subgenre is none other than J.R.R. Tolkien.

Although he is called the father of modern fantasy, a well-deserved title, it would be unfair to ignore his predecessors. Writers such as William Morris (The Well at the World’s End), Lord Dunsany (The King of Elfland’s Daughter), George MacDonald (Phantastes), and E.R. Eddison (The Worm Ouroboros), among others, borrowed heavily from the European mythical past and they had a major impact on Tolkien as well as his friend, another fantasy writer, C.S. Lewis.

It was Tolkien, though, who massively popularised the genre. The Lord of the Rings can be described as a consciously pseudo-medieval work given that Tolkien, a medievalist scholar at Oxford, drew heavily from a rich heritage of quest and adventure narratives found in north-

western European literary traditions.

He combined his own imagination with elements from literature in Old English, Welsh, Irish, Norse and, more indirectly, Middle French and German. Tolkien undoubtedly had the academic knowledge and status to elevate fantasy, a genre often not taken seriously by academic elitists. This is largely manifested in the twelve-volumed History of Middle-earth, compiled by his son, Christopher Tolkien, which tracks the meticulous literary and linguistic skill that his father employed.

Taking, for instance, the tale of Ælfwine, a fictional Anglo-Saxon credited for finding the Elven lands and telling of his adventures. Tolkien wrote Ælfwine’s accounts in Old English: “Fela bið on Westwegum werum uncúðra, wundra and wihta, wlitescéne land, eardgeard ælfa and ésa bliss.

Lýt ænig wát hwylc his langoð síe þám þe eftsíðes eldo getwæfeð.”

- Þus cwæð Ælfwine Wídlást Éadwines sunu Meanwhile, Tolkien’s Lays of Beleriand were written in poetic metres found in medieval heroic and romance poems, such as alliterative verse and rhyming couplets.

The importance of all this is apparent in the influence that Tolkien had on later authors in turn. Given the widespread success of his works, many others consequently incorporated various elements into their own books, by either employing a well-tried recipe or adding their own touches to it. So, this new generation of writers also became a link in the chain that reproduced, reworked, and consolidated certain conventions. We should also not underestimate the fact that the vast majority of those authors wrote in the English language, which certainly helped their works reach a wider readership.

Since the most famous of those fathers of fantasy came predominantly from the British Isles, they tended to focus on cultural context which they were familiar with.

Many of the successful authors that appeared towards the end of the twentieth century - including those from the USA - were familiar with old fantasy works, especially Tolkien’s. Although many attempted to deviate from his style, the resemblance to western medieval settings often remained. But this is more likely because the authors were also exposed more to the Western European medieval heritage than any other in Europe. Indeed, even Eastern Europe had been quite underrepresented in fantasy (and remains so in pop culture) until Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher rose to popularity. On the other hand, Mediterranean Europe tends to be the focus of historical fiction or classical fantasy that reworks the myths of antiquity.

So, the authors’ as well as the readers’ familiarity and continuous exposition to Western European cultural heritage over others has fuelled the popularity of this particular medieval setting in the fantasy genre.

Although a popular setting, it nevertheless overshadows other ones which deserve more recognition. It might come as a surprise to those not familiar with fantasy to see that the genre is actually vast and divided into many subgenres. This means that readers who wish to diversify their reading habits have a plethora of options to choose from.

It would be impossible to mention everything from each subgenre, but below are some worthy recommendations that focus on non-Western medieval European settings. Note that original Chinese fantasy literature is very different from Western.

For example, in Western fantasy there are often creatures like elves, dwarves, gnomes, and goblins. The most common fantasy tropes include the battle of good

versus evil, a mentor figure (usually an old man or wizard), and the “reluctant” hero who is the Chosen One and usually starts from humble origins but is secretly of royal blood. He is called to fulfill either world-endangering prophecies and grandiose battles (high fantasy), or embark on a personal quest. These goals often elevate the character to heroic status, but there are many novels that have anti-heroes as protagonists.

In contrast, Chinese fantasy revolves around the major genres of wuxia, xianxia and xuanhuan. Wuxia is often historical fiction but also contains supernatural elements of warriors possessing superhuman martial arts skills and acting within a world of martial code called jianghu. There are narratives that mix some wuxia conventions with Chinese deities, Taoism, Buddhism, martial arts, and other traditional Chinese elements which result in the popular xianxia genre. The typical xianxia protagonists have extraordinary martial arts skills and seek to become immortal beings called Xian by “cultivating” energy. Xuanhuan is somewhat similar to xianxia, but it may incorporate foreign settings and does not include Taoist elements or quests for immortality. Overall, Chinese fantasy focuses on human characters, although there might be other creatures, such as yaoguai (usually malevolent animal or plant spirits), monsters, and ghosts. Finally, there is a larger amount of love stories compared to Western fantasy. There is also the shenmo xiaoshuo subgenre (“gods and demons” fiction) which is much older — as early as the 14th century — and has its roots in traditional folktales and legends.

Important plot elements are the use of medicine and alchemy while characters include Chinese deities, immortals, and monsters of Chinese mythology.

For recommendations, visit: www.cherwell.org Art by Gbenga Chesterman.

CHERWELL RECOMMENDS

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s Trinity term opens with blue skies and sun, now is the perfect time to settle in a park or college garden to read.

While reading may have been a solo pursuit over the winter of lockdown, engaging with an inner, fictional world while surrounded by the real one can enrich both experiences. It can also be lovely to sit and talk with friends, and we hope that these books will prompt discussions from childhood stories to which of the Canterbury tales is the best to how exactly narrativium works.

The Discworld Books by Terry Pratchett Ella, Books Editor It is better to read something light enough to keep your attention around people walking, dogs barking, and all the other noise of the

park, and hopefully something which will keep you in a good mood. For something whimsical and colourful, with a sense of humour which works in tandem with fierce indignation at the injustices of the world (or worlds), look no further than Terry Pratchett’s Discworld!

From the mountains of Lance to bustling Ankh-Morpork to the rolling hills of the Chalk, the Discworld is full of stories to explore. Fans of worldbuilding will particularly enjoy his entertaining footnotes and satirical parallels of real world situation, as well as belief and magic systems which make for complex, compelling stories. The character most in tune with the seasons in the series is a hard decision, but the witch Tiffany Aching is a good bet. In her third book, Wintersmith, Tiffany must combat the embodiment of Winter in order to restore

balance to the seasons, all while taking on the powers of the Summer Lady herself.

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer Maebh, Books Editor “Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote” The infamous opening lines of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales may strike fear into the hearts of English students everywhere, but for me, it perfectly captures the emergence of the whole world into summer, with the sweet, fragrant showers of April reminding us of the hot, listless summers to come. Chaucer’s Tales capture the best of life; from love, to chivalry, to the frankly absurd, each short tale presents someting different, making for fun, and even quick, reading on a sunny afternoon.

A good place to start is with ‘The Merchant’s Tale’, which follows the old man January as he pursues the young, beautiful May, with a pear tree becoming a place for an illicit rendezvous, and the gods Pluto and Proserpina looking

down on the action from heaven.

My Garden (Book) by Jamaica Kincaid Sofie, Books Editor This collection of personal essays by the inexhaustibly original Jamaica Kincaid is one I come back to every year as the summer approaches. Kincaid regales tales of her own amateur garden in Vermont, as well as the gardens and gardeners that she has encountered throughout her life. Into the essays, she infuses stories of her childhood, familial history, and how the natural world has shaped her own self-conception. Kincaid’s writing is as much a celebration of gardening as it is a celebration of the enduring power of hard work and curiosity. It is a delightful read to bring to the park on a sunny afternoon, but also poignant enough to stay with you long after the sun sets for the day.

Image Credit: Maebh Howell.

Friday, 30th April 2021 | CulCher

9

stage

BLACK LIVES PLAYLIST: TRACK 1 James Newbery talks to Sam Spencer about the birth of his new project.

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hat inspired you to make the Black Lives Playlist?

Hilary 2020: I had written a full two-act play, Quartet.

I was so excited! It featured a live onstage jazz band throughout; it felt was a contemporary response to the hope we had for a 2020s Gatsby-era Renaissance; I had it workshopped with SOTA… And then the pandemic hit.

I wrote Track 1 this time last year.

It was born jointly as a reaction both to the pandemic and to the murders of Black Americans that rocked 2020.

It was my Lockdown Project to get me through Trinity term. Adapting to online technology was a necessity but I also felt that recent events provided a long-due kick in the backside to get narratives about Black experiences into the Oxford drama scene. Sure, we have ‘inclusive casting’, but this inclusivity isn’t currently extending into the voices being produced as far as it should.

When I showed the Track 1 script to Sruti Basak (co-founder of our production company, Strikes Back) she loved it, but we felt that there was more to be said. There was more I wanted to write about what it means to be Black – in all its complexities

and diversities – in modern Britain.

And so the Black Lives Playlist was created! The Playlist exists as an anthology series that can be added to endlessly with additional “tracks”. We want it to be creative and responsive, deploying different mediums and genres and narratives. It has so much potential!

Is there anyone who has particularly influenced your writing style?

I could list so many. Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat, Tony McNamara, Michaela Coel, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jordan Peele, Zadie Smith, Ari Aster, Armando Iannucci…

This is probably heretical for someone in OUDS, but television drama is where my heart lies! I like to draw my inspiration from all sorts of writers though. Like literary pick’n’mix. I agree with what a teacher of mine always used to say: “content dictates form”. Once I have an idea, a form will naturally present itself as the most appropriate, and from there I draw from all the different sources I have until the best style for the project emerges.

In terms of Track 1, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith’s Inside No.9 was very important. Each episode has a very theatrical quality: a tightly knit drama in one location with a limited cast, often claustrophobic as comedy descends into dark thriller. I wanted this for Track 1. Once I had a rough plot and concept established, I placed my two characters in a Zoom meeting and just let them talk.

It was such a refreshing way to write.

Usually, in my experience

of writing predominantly for television drama, everything is very methodical and broken down into beats, structure, and an ABC plot. Track 1 was very different – the beats didn’t come from plot but character, led by their conversation. It became a 27page dance between Terri and the Caller, sometimes pulling apart, sometimes stepping closer. Our actors, Kaitlin and Seun, play this fantastically!

How has working online during the pandemic affected the project? What do you think the future of theatre holds after we come out of lockdown?

The pandemic really slowed everything down and complicated the whole process.

The original plan was for the Black Lives Playlist to be a feature-length film, with three “tracks” joined into a triptych, but the pandemic stopped this from happening. In a sense though, this was a blessing in disguise. Now, we have much for freedom to approach the Playlist as an ongoing project that we can add to, rather than forcing out it as one singular unit.

As for the second question: Christ, I have no idea! Not a clue. I think the rest of 2021 will be a difficult chess match between our desperation to finally get back to normal life (and hug people again!) and acknowledging that COVID will still be here even when the government tells us we can open up again.

But I can’t wait to be back in theatres. I want cast parties. I want warm-ups to 80s disco. I want that collaborative, sparky atmosphere in the rehearsal room that Zoom just can’t replicate. And I want to hear a live orchestra in a big blockbuster musical!

Can you give us any hints about what lies beyond Track 1?

Track 2 is written and ready to go. At the time of writing, I’m hunting out a team to help produce it. Track 2 is a one-man monologue in which The Speaker jumps between past and present as a tells us his story of family tension, painful hook-ups, and closeted romance. I drew a lot from Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Michaela Coel on this – with just a touch of Lil Nas X sliding down a pole into hell. It feels very personal and very scary but very exciting.

If all goes to plan, Track 2 will be ready in time for the end of this Trinity term.

Me and Sruti are keen that the Playlist continues even after we step back from it to focus on Finals. If there are any Black creatives reading this who would be interested in creating their own “tracks”, please do get in touch as strikesbackoxford@gmail.com.

Go to Spotify playlist?

I made my own “Chill” playlist – perfect background music for a boozy but relaxed night in with mates. Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, Blondie, Etta James, Plan B. It slaps.

Black Lives Playlist in three words: Much-needed melanin.

Black Lives Playlist: Track 1 will be released on Sunday, 9th May 2021 8pm, with Track 2 following at the end of TT21. More information can be found on Facebook.

Art: Peter Miller

REVIEWS Oxford Mind Comedy Gala Jericho Comedy / NextUp Zoom comedy might not be in-person comedy, but at the Oxfordshire Mind Comedy Gala on Saturday night, it was actually kind of… fun? Stand-ups Ivo Graham, Janine Harouni, Hugh Davies, Helen Bauer, Chelsea Birkby, Rosie Jones, and Nish Kumar proved that online comedy works, and MC Alex Farrow kept an impressive crowd of over 450 concurrent viewers comfortable (though, as he joked, they were in their own homes).

The show benefited Mind UK, a charity supporting mental health initiatives headed by Stephen Fry, who spoke briefly to the crowd in a recorded address.

There were two questions heading into the night: how much money could the crowd raise, and how well have the comedians adapted their acts to fit the online format? Both questions were answered emphatically, as the audience

raised over £3000 and the comedians employed a multitude of fresh tactics.

Helen Bauer and Chelsea Birkby felt most at home on Zoom. Helen’s infectious enthusiasm and high-energy style worked well in what can be a stifling format. Her constant motion and wonderfully overthe-top delivery made it feel as though you were right there with her while she excitedly gossiped to you at a high-school lunch table.

On the other hand, Chelsea made you acutely aware that you were watching an online performance by zooming into her face for punchlines and displaying various images related to her jokes. Both of these comedians took advantage of the format, which helped them stand out in a line up crowded by bigger names.

Janine Harouni and Huge Davies chose to lean into the format less. For Janine, this worked fine; though she didn’t necessarily embrace Zoom, she certainly embraced the content of the year with funny quarantine jokes. Unfortunately, the inconsistent audio quality of Huge Davies’s keyboard combined with his deadpan delivery

couldn’t bring back the energy lost to the online format, though he still drew laughs.

The more famous comedians could rely on established personalities and crowd-work to keep the audience engaged.

Ivo Graham’s set felt less like you were watching him on-stage at the Apollo and more like he had joined your weekly family Zoom. Affable and quick-witted, he coyly lamented the hyper-active chat and charmingly engaged with the audience.

Rosie Jones, a clear fan-favorite, came prepared with perhaps the best oneliners of the night, which landed just as well on Zoom as they do on stage. Nish Kumar drew immediate laughs for his disheveled quarantine hair, and kept the laughter going through an effortless and impressive set containing mostly political humor: Boris, Tories, Paddington Bear (?), and being repeatedly branded a Marxist by the media (in the interest of making him feel better, we found him fascistic).

Though no one’s protesting a return to in-person comedy, everybody left this Zoom show smiling. As Helen Bauer noted,

although the comedians were not going to get paid, they were going to get the money back from the charity eventually.

By Owen Foster and Noah Cohen-Greenburg .

Image Credit: Index on Censorship/CC BY 2.0

Friday, 30th April 2021 | Cherwell

10

fashion

Second Hand Stories Clementine Scott

T

o grow up in my corner of East London, neatly pinpointed between Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane, was to grow up around second hand fashion. Second hand retail in all its forms is as prevalent on Brick Lane and its surrounds as curry houses and beigel shops, and nearly as important to the area’s identity.

It is an unfortunate truth that some of Brick Lane’s recent characterisation as a thrifting haven has come at a cost to local communities, especially considering the advent of glossy chain boutiques like Joy and Rokit Vintage; however, there is also a more authentic market culture (which includes the market on Brick Lane itself as well as nearby Spitalfields and Columbia Road) that predates modern gentrification by centuries – indeed, on some occasions small second hand businesses have been victims rather than byproducts of gentrification, a phenomenon exemplified by the vintage stalls inside the Truman Brewery, which is currently under threat from corporate developers and supported by the #SaveBrickLane movement.

While the chain boutiques seem appealing at a first glance, it is the markets and smaller shops where I always found the best bargains, and where my love for second hand was really born.

If Brick Lane was my introduction to second hand culture, then Dalston was one of the first ventures into the realm of the charity shop. Though charity shops are surprisingly sparse within walking distance of my home, just a short bus ride into Hackney proper is the extraordinary cluster of them nestled between trendy brunch spots and Turkish restaurants on Kingsland Road. To be honest, in my early teenage years of rebellion I gravitated away from charity shops towards the impressively palatial Dalston branch of the chain Beyond Retro, which is filled with mostly American imports of questionable quality, in opposition to my mother’s obsession with Dalston’s traditional charity shops; however, I did eventually grow out of this and start rifling through the racks in Oxfam, and especially in Traid, a newer kind of charity shop which reworks fashion waste into new items sold to benefit international development projects.

Though it was once greeted with strange looks, second hand culture has become more and more widespread, due to a three-pronged combination of East London’s advance onto the ‘trendy radar’, rising awareness of the impact of fast fashion, and the popularity of ‘retro’ trends (ranging from the flares beloved by every Depop baddie to the inexplicable Y2K revival). As someone who has bought nearly every important fashion item I’ve ever owned second hand, from prom dresses and Halloween costumes to swimwear and my go-to tutorial outfits, it’s my pleasure to reminisce about my favourite purchases over the years.

11

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021

Designer bargains There is a widespread association between thrifting and a less traditionally elegant aesthetic, and a perception that shopping ethically on a budget means compromising on style. However, you never quite know what you’re going to leave the charity shop or market with, and sometimes the thrifting gods can surprise you. One of my favourite second hand store anecdotes is the time I found my dream 1960s Yves Saint Laurent dress, with long sleeves, a high neck and a subtle slit down the torso, in St Vincent’s in Dalston, the unassuming cousin of the bigger Oxfam up the road – the punchline is that it was originally marked for £5, but was reduced to £3 by a clerk who clearly failed to realise that anything special was in front of him.

You can read the full story at cherwell. org!

There are a number of strikingly affordable designer items I’ve acquired at markets and charity shops over the years ranging from the coral Calvin Klein shirt dress that signals the approach of summer every year, to the perfect green shade of my Alice & Olivia blouse that makes me feel like Blair Waldorf whenever I wear it with a plaid skirt. Such a great variety of eras, designers and aesthetics exists in the second hand market, that no one should worry about losing their personal style and elegance while shopping sustainably.

The weird and the wacky Aside from its much-discussed ethical benefits, thrifting has always trumped high street fashion for me in part because of its randomness, and the unexpected fashion decisions to which this can lead. If I saw this tightly cropped shirt with its zany cowboy-themed print in an H&M, I’d probably dismiss it as a bizarre fad that would quickly age; however, when it sat unassumingly on a market table just off the main stretch of Columbia Road (better known for its historic flower market, this East End thoroughfare’s vintage fashion offering is underrated), I was intrigued by its whimsy and ability to catch the eye, as well as the introduction it provided to 80s American designer Betsey Johnson, whose designs are lovingly called ‘over the top’ and ‘embellished’ on her Wikipedia page. That shirt remains a go-to statement piece in my wardrobe.

This original purchase has inspired my present love of boldly patterned shirts, which I previously thought were the preserve of sleazy 1970s music execs. These shirts have ranged from the sublime (the mesmerising green-dappledwith-gold of my favourite tute blouse by Sigrid Olsen) to the…more questionable (the countryside-themed silk shirt complete with pheasants, horses and hounds, acquired at the buy-by-weight Kilo Store in Soho). This foray into a whole new style is a phenomenon that I think can only be realised in the hit-or-miss world of second hand fashion.

Thrifting goes abroad I’ll always defend East London as the thrifting capital of the world, but I also admit that going to second hand shops is one of my favourite things to do abroad. What people in other countries donate to second hand shops can be a window into national preoccupations; in Antwerp, a deeply underrated fashion destination, I found not only this wonderful safari print skirt, but also a baffling array of boldly coloured cycling jerseys, a homage to a Belgian obsession. One of my most cherished souvenirs from Tokyo is my silk haori, a garment resembling a short kimono but worn as a jacket, which provided me with a slice of Japanese authenticity at a time when faux ‘kimono-inspired’ sleeves and prints were edging back into Western fashion.

Moreover, the things we buy abroad encapsulate the mood we were in on those trips, and this is especially true in second hand shops, given how esoteric the items on sale can be. My summer in New York just before univer sity felt like a quasi-gap year for me, and I had a probably obnoxious obsession with finding freedom in an unfamiliar city after a bad breakup and the stress of A-levels. The Housing Works, a venerable NYC chain of thrift shops founded amidst the AIDS crisis to support the non-profit of the same name, was a haunt of mine; no purchase signifies the carefree attitude I had back then quite like the turquoise platform wedges I bought at the Housing Works in Gramercy. The outrageous heel, impractical style and loud colour means there are few events or outfits compatible with these shoes, but that wasn’t the point. For me, those shoes represented the ability to be myself in a brand new place, to live out Sex and the City fantasies of going to fancy dinners alone in mismatched dress and heels combos, and to buy items that I enjoyed, without worrying about such constricting questions as “well, when would you wear it?”. There’s nowhere like a thrift shop for finding the items to capture such highly specific moments in time.

11

Life | Friday, 30th April 2021

life

Why the feminists in my college still call me a whore Alice Kennedy explores her experience of slut-shaming within an apparently progressive environment.

L

CW: rape. ast month, as the United Kingdom reeled from the murder of Sarah Everard, we found ourselves once again what it means to be a woman in modern Britain. Although the viral hurt and frustration of that time was especially acute, feminism is certainly not new to social media. In Twitter threads and Tiktok trends, through the delightful orderliness of Instagram infographics, we are told which birth control to buy, taught what the Madonna/Whore complex is, and informed that “slut shaming is bullshit”. These posts become attached to our digital footprints like badges. That story, that share says: “These are my beliefs. I am a feminist.”. This is a good thing, of course. Though Instagram activism definitely has its limits, promoting these messages and attempting to educate the masses can make real change. But such public pronouncements of our beliefs also reveal where we as individuals, and as groups, fall short. I’ve spent the last month thinking a lot about the inconsistency of progressive activism, especially within the feminist movement.

Because every night I tap through brightly coloured feminism from the very same women who call me a whore.

Whore is the ultimate othering.

It conjures images of a thing not quite human, all sex and desperation and cheap eyeliner and loose morals. The “whore” is not three dimensional, she does not have thoughts or feelings or hopes or dreams. She becomes a straw man of everything the patriarchy teaches us to hate and we pretend

we don’t (but we really do). For progressive women, the making of a whore is a bonding ritual.

The world is constantly telling women to take up less space, make less noise, be more likeable. So when someone breaks that system, challenges societies rules, “sticks it to the man” - it’s inspiring and amazing but also so infuriating. I can’t count the number of times I’ve realised that my inexplicable dislike of a woman is really jealousy that she has the confidence to challenge the conventions that keep me trapped.

We tell ourselves that we are doing the right thing - we are normal, good women, and she is a whore.

Because the truth – that she intimidates us, that we are jealous of her freedom, that the patriarchy is so deeply ingrained in our thoughts and feelings that we just hate her and we can’t even explain why – that’s too dark to face.

Yet the bonding power of “whore” extends beyond womenonly circles. It works equally well as a pathway to male respect. Many people now see it as unacceptable for a man to call a woman he doesn’t like a whore. However, if the label is given by a woman, it’s suddenly safe – he’s not just hurling insults, he isn’t being a jerk, she just really is a whore. A man will tell a woman about how horrible his ex is, how low cut her tops are, how she sleeps around. He won’t say whore – he can’t, not yet – he’ll simply say everything but. This is where the woman steps in. She can say whore, if she wants to. She’s a woman, it’s hers to use! She’ll preface it with

“I’m a feminist but…” or “You know I don’t say this easily…”. Her gender and her feigned hesitancy lend validity to the label. The man is delighted – “whore” pleases his every buried misogynistic instinct.

The woman, in turn, “others” herself from the harlot. She saves the rest of womankind from being tainted by the immorality of one. “Do not associate me with her. I am woman; she is whore”.

Viewing “whore” through the lens of bonding and “othering” makes it all the clearer why women who

for the position of “whore”.

Of course, that the most “othering” thing about me is that I immigrated from an economically prosperous, English-speaking country, is an immense privilege.

The true power of “othering” is felt by women of colour, disabled women, working class women, and other groups that face harsh and consistent discrimination.

Here, sexism intersects with classism, racism, ableism, and so many other prejudices to stick ever-more blameless, powerful women with the label of “whore”.

The word is a particularly sharp blade for striking those whom society already treats as outsiders.

You may think, in the grand scheme of things, calling a woman a whore isn’t that bad. If you say it in private, to just your close friends, you’re not hurting anyone. You may think that it’s generally bad to call women whores but in this specific case it’s okay, because “she genuinely is one”. But “whore” is not a word that stays shut behind closed doors. The more we say it the less human the woman whom it describes becomes.

Except she is a person. And words do have consequences. You may think she can’t hear you, but noise travels. It wasn’t until I had the label of “whore” thrust upon me that I realised its power. There’s only so long you can brush something off, get over it, keep your head held high through the whispers.

We need to do better. It’s time to find a new way to bond. I’m not

“Every night I tap through brightly coloured feminism from the very same women who called me a whore.” already “stand out” in some way are all the more susceptible to the label. in the bastion of upper middle class British privilege that is Oxford, being North American was enough to place me in that category. In the process of labelling me “whore” I was judged to be loud, rude, annoying, incapable of understanding the rules of British society. In my romantic interactions with the middle-class, home counties men that surrounded me, I was determined to be the villain.

Overall, the judgement was that I would “just never really be one of them”. I was a prime candidate

saying that you have to say nice things about every woman. You’re allowed to dislike someone, allowed to complain about them to your friends. But whore is a low blow. It shames a woman for existing in her own skin. It labels her as not only undesirable but unlovable and toxic.

It’s irrefutable and irredeemable because, in the end, it doesn’t actually depend on anything a woman does. You can be called a whore whether you’re a virgin or a lover of sex. And yet despite it being a completely made-up label, it has very real consequences. Being called a whore not only makes you uncomfortable in your own body, but it changes the way people see you, and puts you in real danger.

You can be disrespected, objectified, because it’s assumed that’s how you want to be seen. You are not worthy of protection. You are dehumanised.

I wonder if the women posting consent infographics know that I never reported my rape because I was scared of what they would say about me?

We cannot be feminists and call each other whores. Every time that word leaves our mouths, we are propping up the patriarchy, the subjugation of women, and rape culture. I know because I am not an innocent in this. Because, to my great shame, “whore”, and its equivalents “slut” and “slag”, have left my mouth more times than I care to remember.

But that stops now. I vow, from this moment forward, never to call a woman a whore again. I hope you do the same. We all deserve better.

Read the full article at www.cherwell.org.

Image credit: freepik.

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Friday, 30th April 2021 | Life

Jill Cushen First Year Regent’s English

Cherpse

What were you hoping for from the date?

A new friend who doesn’t wear the same college puffer as me.

What did you talk about?

Food, travel, how to waffle your way into an internship.

Best thing about the other person?

The fact he loves sparkling water What was the most embarrassing moment?

[Editors’ note: Jill was too polite to comment.]

Jill and Jonah share a love of sparkling water, but did their date fall flat?

Describe the date in 3 words: NOT on Zoom (what more could you ask for).

“NOT on Zoom (what more could you ask for?)”

Horoscopes...

Precision and perfectionism can be a Libra’s worst enemy. As you ease back into work this week, remember that in five years’ time it won’t matter whether your 1st Week tute essay from 2021 contained a ‘judicious and subtle argument’. Relax.

What was the most embarrassing moment?

I dropped food on myself.

Right Taurus, we know you like to get your way but maybe, just for once, be a bit flexible? Yes you might want to head to the pub but it’s a beautiful day and your bestie wants to go punting… Trust us, they’ll appreciate it.

SCORPIO 23 Oct - 21 Nov Life’s all about networking, and this can be done in the most unlikely of places. Remember to wear your college puffer to Tesco, you never know what connections you might make.

GEMINI 21 May- 20 June We love that you’re impulsive, spontaneity can definitely be fun, but perhaps you’ve taken it too far? Impulsive shouldn’t mean unreliable and when it’s your friends who you’re letting down that’s definitely a big no.

SAGITTARIUS 22 Nov - 21 Dec

We know you can be a bit of a wildcard Sag but maybe don’t be too wild this coming week? You don’t always need to be the star of the room, so maybe take a break and let someone else share your spotlight.

CANCER 21 June - 22 July

VIRGO 23 August - 22 Sept

Cancer, being back amongst your friends has seen your positive traits thrive! We know you’re going through a rough patch right now so make sure that you give yourself some of that Cancer love that you’re famous for!

CAPRICORN 22 Dec - 19 Jan

Is a second date on the cards?

Possibly...

We know you’re the life of every party, but cool it on the indoor gatherings until 17th May. We’re so near the finish line, so it’s not worth unnecessarily spreading the virus just so you drink a disappointing homemade cocktail in your mate’s kitchen.

ARIES

23 Sept - 22 Oct

Best thing about the other person?

They like sparkling water.

23 July - 22 August

20 April - 20 May

LIBRA

What did you talk about?

A very large variety of things.

LEO

TAURUS

With cuppers, and summer eights on the horizon, Aries, it’s important to remember this week that losing gracefully is stylish; in some situations it really is the participation that counts. However, when it comes to croquet on the college lawn … take no prisoners.

What were you hoping for from the date?

Someone fun and interesting to talk to.

Describe the date in 3 words: Enjoyable, easy-going, chill.

Is a second date on the cards?

I wouldn’t mind being invited with his friends to bottomless brunch.

21 March- 19 April

Jonah First Year Worcester Maths

AQUARIUS

The sun is shining Virgo and this next week is also set to be your time to shine - finally! So let it all go and be the light in everyone’s life that we know you can be.

PISCES 19 Feb - 20 March

20 Jan - 18 Feb Collections are over Capricorn and all your stresses are but a distant memory. Take this time to relax, have some fun, it’s the first week of Trinity you deserve it!

Aquarius, let your creative spark run free this week! Whether it’s music, theatre, art or cookery indulge yourself in old favourites and new. Don’t be afraid to seek out kindred souls at Oxford’s societies!

Find your tribe!

Our astrologers predict extraordinary vibes for you this week, Pisces, so let the good times roll! However, suncream is essential - you certainly won’t get an Oxlove with burnt eyelids!

13

Life | Friday, 30th April 2021

BECOMING UNHINGED

I

’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that studying at Oxford is basically just a process of coming to terms with the fact that you’ve been lied to, multiple times, about multiple things. Punting? Terrifying. Secret societies?

Could have fooled me. Enough clout to make an English degree financially viable? Not bloody likely. Most recently added to my long List of Grievances and Mild Irritations is the whole “A member of the landed gentry will vomit through your window and you’ll end up with an ennui-filled summer of repression and champagne picnics before graduating into the army” thing. Brideshead references may be passé, and I may be outside of comfortable vomiting-range being on the second floor, but the fact that I didn’t fall madly in love before Halfway Hall is, frankly, offensive.

Never let it be said that I’m not proactive (and stunningly attractive, if anyone set to inherit land is reading), so I re-downloaded my Hinge account. I’d had it set up back home, but each of those freezing park dates ended with me being severely wronged through absolutely no fault whatsoever of my own, so it simply had to go. “A fresh start”, I thought to myself, “perhaps even a revisiting.” This is all to say that I tried, I really tried to engage with the options presented to me. Safe to say, an hour in and I’ve probably brought forwards the onset of rheumatoid arthritis by a good few months from repeatedly tapping the cross in the bottom left corner.

I imagine the prompt-thing was a backlash against the image-based swipes of Tinder, but precisely no one is doing themselves any favours

Ben Jureidini

with these answers. Take “We have to be on the same page about…”, for example. Answers range from the soul-achingly boring (“how Harry Potter is the best series of all time”, “dogs are better than people xD”) to the frightfully serious (“the emancipation of Tibet”). Again, people seem to only be able to answer, “the way to my heart is…” with either “food!” or “anal”, there is literally no middle ground. “My simple pleasure” gets you anywhere from the cringe-inducing “chocolate and cuddles” to, you guessed it, “anal”. Sure, judging people on their personality rather than their looks is nice in principle, but when it’s *these* personalities, I feel like Hinge is actually making me more superficial.

Another thing Tinder had going for it was the capacity for selfdelusion. For a brief moment as you swipe there’s the possibility that maybe this insanely attractive person has already swiped right on you. I’m sure there’s a cognitive explanation for the adrenaline rush this brings, probably something to do with gambling addiction. Hey ho.

On Hinge, however, you’re actually shown the people who liked you, in all their bland glory. “This is your league”, the app tells you, “take it or leave it.” In all likelihood I’m the problem here. I’m sure these greasyhaired, neckbearded Adonises really do just love Harry Potter and cuddles – I just don’t want anything to do with it, which is probably why they’re cozied up with each other watching Bake Off or something, and I’m writing a whiney article about Hinge at 8pm on a Wednesday evening. “The app designed to be deleted”, Hinge so proudly declares itself. Well, at least that’s not a lie.

Cherwell check-in: Professor Jennifer Wild For this edition of Cherwell check-in, we heard from Professor Jennifer Wild, author of Be Extraordinary, in which more stress-busting tips can be found.

T

he freshers’ university experience has been significantly disrupted.

What should they do if they are feeling too stressed and lost?

They have to identify what they’re stressed about and come up with a plan that’s going to be helpful for everybody. What am I stressed about? Is it not seeing friends? Is it having a lot to do for university?

Is it missing my family? How can I address those thoughts that I’ve identified, and, importantly, support my well-being? What helps us to overcome stress is making sure that we’re maintaining well-being, so we’re still sleeping, we’re eating, and we’re getting exercise, and staying in touch with friends. That gives us a base-level well-being and then helps us to problem-solve: the more we can be kind to ourselves, support our well-being, the more we increase compassion for ourselves, which activates left prefrontal cortex, which is associated with op-

timism and joy, which makes us a better p r o b lem-solve.

It’s important to reduce the s e l f- c r i t ic a l voice in our head and to increase the kind voice in our head, reminding ourselves that “everybody is doing the best that they can, and I’m doing the best that I can with all of the stuff that I got to work on, and I’m going to prioritise my well-being in the following ways, and this will help me to address the problems that I need to address.” ... We’ve done a few studies with students where we got them to continually plan their next day hour by hour and include an enjoyable activity in the plan even if it’s brief, like 7 minutes, and what we’ve been able to show with some Oxford students, was that planning ahead and including the enjoyable activity in the plan, led to significant reductions in psychological distress after two weeks, and it improved well-being after two weeks. But, you have to make the plan in the evening for the next day. ... It’s a really simple tool called “planning ahead”.

Introducing...

Cher Brilliant Don’t just do it Cherwell – do it Cher

Brilliantly.

Does anyone know any good places for yoga through the uni / in Ox?

Darling, you’ve come to the right place. I, like all of the best socialites, am a professional yogi; I mean, how else am I going to perform the worm to critical acclaim on the floor of Fever?!

Besides, it’s all about an extravagant yoga outfit. Looking the part is essential, so remember at ALL TIMES in your downwards-facing-dog, ‘yellow and green should never be seen.’

If you’re a member of Green Templeton College - I can only express my condolences. Quel désastre! I digress ... Namaste!

It is nearly first week of Trinity and I still! don’t! have my stash! Feel like pure shit just want my puffer xxx

This is a full-scale crisis. Contact your stash rep IMMEDIATELY and call the fashion police. How could one possibly be expected to leave college without at least one item of stash? How would you show everyone you go to Oxford? How would you model the college’s latest collection? No, the thought of you, my dear, entering a public place without initials emblazoned onto every body part like veritable Oxlove beacon fires… No, no, no this will not do.

Artwork by Zoe Rhoades Questions used with permission from Oxfess 3.

John Evelyn:

I

f the last fortnight is anything to go by, let us hope that Trinity’s term card is a good deal stronger than the drinks served at the Union Bar! The No-Longer Runner Up’s Vanity Beer Garden has proved a greater success than even he could have imagined with full tables and bustling crowds becoming a regular feature of the once-empty Union Courtyard.

A side effect of this has been the short staffing of the bar but rather than do the standard thing for businesses and recruit more staff, the Union has resorted to its pool of naïve freshers with teams of junior committee members shuffling from table to table, regularly spilling drinks and stopping to hack. Whilst the Triumvirate and the Binned Etonian assure them that it is better than moving chairs and tables, John Evelyn cannot help but pity those doing two hour shifts serving their friends and acquaintances drinks. John Evelyn also would have thought that with free la-

bour the Union’s drinks might be cheaper, but it turns out the price isn’t always right.

Perhaps the reason why the beer garden has been such a success is that members are flocking to the Union’s premises in anticipation of the term card release.

They say that good things come to those who wait and perhaps the Absent Etonian’s move from DC to JC will be more than worth the wait.

If John Evelyn was feeling cheeky, he might posit that the delay has been caused by the need to rig a tied election for the Secretary of the Consultative Committee; it just would not do to have only one Westminster Head of School on committee!

In the meantime, John Evelyn hopes to see you all frequenting the Largest Beer Garden in Central Oxford; may revelry and debauchery return to Frewin Court!

With much love and affection, John Evelyn xx

Life | Friday, 30th April 2021

14

food

SIPPING IN THE SUN

J. Daniels recounts the joys of sharing a summery drink with friends Though I’ve lived in England for most doesn’t encourage outdoor drinking for of my life, when I was but a small child most of the year, I had my first sip of somemy father had a mid-life crisis and moved thing in the summer. Lucky to live near the the family to Cataluña (alas, this has coast, as soon as it was warm enough, my since extended into a later-life crisis, friends and I would take to the beach with and with less exciting results). Despite portable speakers, snacks, and whatever only spending a few years there, I conform of alcohol we had been able to scare sider Cataluña my childhood home as, a up. Initially, I relied on a friend to bring handful of anomalies notwithstanding, drink for the both of us, and thus ended my earliest memories are from there. Parup with the baffling choice of Disaronno ticularly vivid are my recollections of as my first alcoholic drink. No coward the piles of empty lemonade cans when it comes to embracing we would amass during the stereotypes, I naturally drank summer months. None of us far too much and forgot most can remember the original OXFORD OFFERED of the evening, except for brand we bought (which at the now abhorrent taste of A WHOLE NEW some point was discontinDisaronno. ued and had to be replaced Drunk me has since been PERSPECTIVE ON with another) as we just known to describe it as ‘my DRINKS called them cans of ‘limo’, only weakness’, a hubristic short for the Catalan word for claim that I have successfully lemonade, ‘llimonada’. disproven on many occasions.

I will never forget the yellow Malibu is another drink I can’t during my first year. Aside from developand blue cans, with their promising bear to imbibe anymore. After the ing a real penchant for port – inspired by ‘psshh’ when you peeled back the tab. A Disaronno disaster it became my go-to the little taste offered after formals, my cool glass of limo, usually with a little ice drink for those beach binges. The coconut first encounter with the drink – I drank a to make sure it stayed cool, was an absoliqueur, which tastes of summer holidays lot of rosé and tried Pimm’s for the first lute summer staple. Perfect for sipping and goes down easy with some fizzy time when plastic cups of it were sold at an lazily during siesta time, or for gulping mixer, will now for me forever taste of outdoor student play. While the latter felt down after racing about the garden in teenage heartbreak, ill-advised games of incredibly pretentious, I couldn’t help lovthe summer heat. Once, when we had a spin the bottle, and pissing on a pebbled ing the fruity drink. A pitcher of Pimm’s became my standard Wetherspoon’s order. pile of cans about the size of an armchair, beach. my father made a game of squashing the Oxford offered a whole new Now in my final year, I am cans, ready to more easily transport to perspective on drinks. older, wiser, and poorer. I I WILL NEVER Not just because of the look forward to the end the recycling bins. My sisters tapped them flat with mallets, while my brother and I influence of the large of exams when I can FORGET THE YELLOW relished slamming the sledge-hammer as number of posh and stretch out beneath the AND BLUE CANS, WITH hard as we could and crushing each can private school types in sun in Port Meadow or in one swing. Then we moved back to the the student community, THEIR PROMISING ‘PSSHH’ University Parks with UK, where the summer holidays are almost but because my student my friends and sip from half as long and the sun is never quite as loan meant that, for the WHEN YOU PEELED BACK some cans of whatever’s on sale in Tesco. Though powerful, and limo was left behind. first time in my life, I THE TAB Like most people, I was underage the actually had a significant COVID may not permit it first time I drank alcohol. Because most amount of money to my name. that soon, the absolute best parents (including my own) aren’t happy Naturally, I splurged a lot of it summer drink is the one your friend with this tradition, and the UK weather spectacularly badly gives to you – because it’s free.

CHERWELL RECOMMENDS: TRINITY TREATS Jolly Farmers Oxford’s only LGBTQ+ pub lies just by Westgate and bolsters a generous but warm outdoor area. Despite not having a kitchen, the staff are absolute gems who are happy for customers to have their own food delivered, all whilst offering dangerously delicious drinks options at affordable prices (try the caramel rum at your own peril). Open till 11pm, its the perfect place for an outdoor pint to end the day.

Flavour by Ottolenghi Flavour is a cookbook that comes from the food-wired brains of Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage. Ottolenghi is known for his creative Middle Eastern inspired dishes, and this vegetarian (but flexible) cookbook blends this influence with a passion for putting produce in the spotlight. This cookbook is more than a cache of recipes – it also provides detailed information about the different components of flavour so home cooks can step up their understanding of food to the next level. Examples of recipes in Flavour Momofuku-inspired Corn Ribs with pumpkin seed and lime butter, the

widely loved Miso Butter Onions, and Celeriac Steak with Café de Paris sauce.

Seasonal Produce Buying local in-season produce is a great way to try out new fruits and vegetables, while also maintaining an environmentally conscious approach to grocery shopping. This week, your Food Editors recommend getting a hold of some asparagus, which is at its peak at the moment. Pop it in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, flaky salt and black pepper for around 10-15 minutes at 200 C, and you’ve got yourself a perfect springtime dish! If you’d like to bring out the sweetness, try adding a squeeze of honey too.

Springtime in the UK is also a great time for forced rhubarb from Yorkshire.

Rhubarb poached in syrup is delicious and tart in a crumble, cobbler, or even as a fruity topping for a dessert like panna cotta or a pavlova. If you’re looking for an easier way to appreciate this classic British springtime flavour, you could try the rhubarb and custard iced tea from Bird and Blend Tea, or even a rhubarb and custard yoghurt, available at M&S.

Other ways to reduce the environmental impact of your grocery shopping include buying from market stalls like in Gloucester Green or the South Oxford Farmers and Community Market, or looking into a fruit and veg subscription from a B-Corp like Oddbox, who aim to reduce food waste.

recipe

Grains for the Soul A simple and fresh salad to enjoy in the sunshine.

Ingredients Rice and quinoa mix of your choice 1 large plum tomato, diced 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped 0.5 shallot, finally chopped 1 tbsp of olive oil 0.5 tbsp of rice vinegar 1 tsp of sugar Lemon juice (to taste) 5 leaves of mint 5 leaves of basil Method 1. Heat your rice mix and pour out into a bowl to cool.

2. Finely chop your mint and basil.

3. Add the oil, vinegar, sugar, and herbs into a cup and muddle with a wooden spoon to release flavour.

4. Add the shallot and garlic to the dressing and pour into your rice mix.

5. Add the tomato and generous squeeze of lemon juice 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Can be changed with the inclusion of feta, or topped with pomegranate seeds for added freshness.

Friday, 30th April 2021 | Cherwell

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profiles

IN CONVERSATION WITH: CATHERINE COHEN William Foxton speaks to comedian Catherine Cohen about poetry, performance, and the pressures of being a woman who wants it all.

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here’s only one Catherine Cohen.

It’s something you realise about five minutes into watching her perform — she’s just burped.

“I’m sorry,” she says nonchalantly, “I literally can’t stop creating content.”

Comedian, poet and allround spectacle, Cohen has made a name for herself through her intensely personal and yet highly relatable form of comedy. It’s a dizzying display of narcissism paired with her very own brand of insecurity.

The result is something else.

Cohen is perhaps best-known for her songs, comedic observations about modern life from the perspective of a self-proclaimed “millennial renaissance woman.” With nothing but the sheer force of her charisma (and the ever-talented Henry Koperski on the keys), Cohen takes on the world, and no topic is off limits. There’s I can make myself c*m with my hand, a song about the joys of masturbation in an otherwise joyless world; Shit on The Street, an existential crisis under the guise of a droll ditty; and her seminal Look at Me, in which she recounts the struggles of an adolescence bereft of male attention. “Boys never wanted to kiss me,” she tells her audience, “so now I do comedy.” She regularly performs her creations at venues across New York, including Joe’s Pub and Club Cumming, where she hosts a weekly show.

Then there’s her podcast, Seek Treatment, co-hosted by comedian and best friend Pat Regan.

Joined by a special guest, each week the pair delve deep into conversation, tackling diverse subjects ranging from their love life to their sex life.

It’s a stream of millennial consciousness and, as their tagline goes, “it’s ultimately damaging to ourselves,

our friends, our family and our listeners…” footloose and fancy-free for our Cohen found this community in New Her most recent artistic venture is a interview…about to pop my birth control,” York, where she would regularly host collection of poetry, entitled God I Feel she laughs, a little manically. Truly, there’s and attend comedy nights with an allModern Tonight: Poems from a Gal About only one Catherine Cohen. star line-up, though with the pandemic Town. Cohen’s pithy musings range from A conversation with Cohen flits these performances moved online. Cohen the utterly silly to the truly profound, between the serious and the satirical at a recalls returning to New York, having often encompassing both within the same frustrating pace. I begin by congratulating cancelled her London shows after the line. Highlights include: “I wish I were her on her successes, listing her recent initial outbreak: “I was like…fuck. I was smart instead of on my phone”, “is it accomplishments. “That’s nice to hear supposed to do club Cumming the next possible to miss everything at once?” and because I don’t feel like a success…”And week. I thought it would be funny if “it’s insane when you ask someone to give when I press her on it: “Well I agree,” I went live on Instagram you space and then they do.” she jests, before adopting a during that time. I didn’t Each line of verse is more serious tone. “You realise you could add carefully imbued with her know, I’m so isolated other people and I characteristic sense of from the world was like…let’s try tragicomedy. Why are right now. I’ve and make this a the mothers in my forgotten lyrics show. Then it all gym class hotter to my own songs. took off from there.” than me? What’s I’ve forgotten my For a short time last it called when own jokes…I’m a year, everyone was you have a shell of myself.” doing an Instagram sixth sense She laughs again. live show; you could that your ex It’s a challenge to go online and have is engaged? keep her earnest your pick. You could Should I for long. delve into the life of i n t u i t i ve l y C o h e n ’ s Catherine Cohen feat. eat, do an performance is her really cool friends. intermittent characterised by an oldOne such show was a fast, or just school cabaret feel, which draws collaboration with comedian think about influence from her origins in musical Meg Stalter, a charity event raising money food every theatre. “It’s kind of the only thing you for Cameo Cares. second of the day can do if you’re a kid and you want to be “So Catherine’s an amazing comedian, till I pass? These singing and dancing around,” she says, beautiful singer. I’m sort of a candle are the questions of “but I loved it. I did it through college and maker…I have a button factory,” Stalter our time. And Cohen is then when I started doing comedy in New begins. asking them.

York I really missed singing. So when I “Megan’s on Etsy. She does amazing Whatever it is she’s doing, no one else is started writing songs to put in my act it things with cauliflower,” Cohen retorts. doing it quite like her. all kind of came together…” She It’s easy to understand their appeal.

And now with her award-winning also cites the Spice Girls as an With their improvisational style and Edinburgh fringe show The Twist…? important influence. “They absurd musings, the pair provide some “I want She’s Gorgeous, a handful of roles in were my first concert. much-needed escapism to their viewers. hit TV shows, such as Broad City When I was seven my Watching them perform, as they try everything to and Search Party, and a critically dad took me and some their hardest to make each other break have lots of heart. friends. We went in a character, and occasionally succeed, you acclaimed book of poetry under her belt, many are posing the limo. It was the best feel as though you’re in the room with Sometimes I read question: is Catherine night of my life… them, as though in conversation with old Cohen the voice of still. We got to stand friends. funny things and I’m her generation? up on the chairs.

I’m intrigued by Cohen’s comedic like…does that person “I’m so My parents made us stylings, curious as to how much of boring right ear plugs and her performance is a persona and how believe that? You know wear now,” she I was like…this is much is the real thing. There’s a video says at the what I mean? Some jokes art.” she recently made for Into The Gloss in beginning Also discernible which she teaches her viewers how to just feel kind of empty. is a reactionary do her signature ‘cat eye’. It begins with of our call, “all I attitude to a religious her characteristically playful narcissism, And I want mine to childhood. do is lay in “Growing describing herself as a ‘very beautiful bed in my up in Texas, all my comedian’ and a ‘feminist icon.’ Though feel true.” nightgown friends were really there’s a moment that catches me off eating takeChristian. It was the guard. Referring to her ‘millions of out.” cool thing to do. followers’, Cohen momentarily She upped her We would go on breaks character, laughing at anti-depressant ski trips and go the absurdity of what she’s “I really try not dosage the night camping. I was like… saying. to overthink anything before, she tells this is fun! We’re with “A glimmer of me,” she me, which has boys! And it was really and just operate only from says, when I bring it up, led to the worst kind of insidious in “well…it’s all me.” It’s migraine. “I just that it brainwashed a place of pure feeling.” an exaggerated persona, woke up and I’m me in many ways… I she tells me, but it’s still like…my vision was so scared of sex her. “My persona is me is still…you and stuff and now I’m if I didn’t care what people know when completely obsessed with thought about what I was saying. you just feel it. And I like talking about it and I’m just saying what I actually want in kind of just I think it’s very healing to be able to freely that moment without thinking about the like…out of talk about things that I was previously consequences or whatever. I don’t think it it?” ashamed of.” really is a separate thing. I’m just like… “ B u t I find it difficult to reconcile this time to turn on the show. I really try not to it’s cool,” with my impression of Cohen, though overthink anything and just operate only s h e she insists she’s very susceptible to the from a place of pure feeling.” insists, allure of a cult: “There’s this amazing There’s a strong element of parody to “ i t documentary on HBO about this cult that her work, with Cohen poking fun at the means took place and started in Albany, New York. joys and absurdities of healing crystals I ’ m It was a totally crazy sex cult and totally and ridiculously expensive workout misogynistic and terrible, but [watching] classes. And yet, her comedy never feels the first two episodes I’m like… this sounds unkind, mainly because the things she great. It’s all about self-improvement and parodies are all “[her] shit.” The result community. Everyone wants to feel part of is something highly personal. “I want something. As an adult just floating about everything to have lots of heart,” she tells in space, it’s hard. You want to feel like me, “sometimes I read funny things and there’s a community.”

I’m like…does that person believe that?

“I was so scared of sex and now I’m completely obsessed with it.

I think it’s very healing to be able to freely talk about things that I was previously ashamed of.”

“I’m so boring right now. All I do is lay in bed in my nightgown eating take-out.”

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021 You know what I mean? Some jokes just feel kind of empty. And I want mine to feel true.”

Her success stems from the specificity of what she says. Her creations are oddly particular (see poem I wrote after I went to Tuscany to journal about my toxic guitar teacher or poem I wrote after you ordered fried shrimp at the diner and I was like “gross” but really I was like “dang that sounds good”) and yet resonate with her readers. The singularity of these experiences is an intentional aspect of her work, she tells me.

“When I’m reading stuff, I want to feel like I’m reading someone’s secret, someone’s weird little truth.”

Cohen has exposed these truths for the world to see. She gives the impression of a woman who lives her life naked. But is it true?

“Sometimes it is. Sometimes I wear a big

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fur coat.” not worrying about jokes, just writing live events, a Q&A session about God I What wouldn’t she share? something true and seeing if people Feel Modern Tonight. Another victim of “That’s for me to know and you to find connect with it. It happened naturally. the pandemic, the event has been moved out…!”, she retorts.

I have no choice but to be online. Cohen has been robbed of the “I have a lot of fears,” she says in a vulnerable in my work—it’s mahogany podium at a Barnes & more serious tone, “not being successful, all I have. It’s the only Noble she quite rightly deserves.

“I have no issues with my body image…all the hits. thing that makes me feel And yet, she is at home in Everything everyone else worries less alone.” her apartment, greeting her choice but to be about…” “Dying,” she adds, The podcast, the attendees as old friends and “don’t want to do that. No fun performances, the basking in the glow of their vulnerable in my there.” poetry, they each offer virtual adoration. “Come on work—it’s all I have. in,” she says tantalisingly, “the She’s quick to bare a varying portrayal her emotional of the Cohen water’s warm….”

It’s the only thing nudity for persona. But As the evening draws to a the world to t h e y ’ r e that makes me feel close, I find myself posing “When I’m see, though linked by a the following question: as less alone.” reading stuff, I it’s stylised common followers of your work, as lovers to such an want to feel like I’m sentiment. of your craft, how can we aspire extent, I can’t “It’s all to be feeling modern tonight? help but wonder about being a She gasps. “What a beautiful reading someone’s if she would feel as woman who wants question…” secret, someone’s comfortable portraying everything,” she tells me.

“Being modern is all about being old,” her fears without her weird little truth.”

“And why shouldn’t I?” she says with received wisdom. “It’s about signature bells and But what does she want putting your devices away and breathing whistles. exactly? What are her ambitions deep and being like...everything is fine.

“I think I do that in the for her work? Her plans for the You know?” book,” she says, “I have poems future?

Watching Cohen perform, for a moment that are more serious. That’s a bit scary…

“Everything,” she says, “can’t get enough I feel as though I do. but also exciting. It feels totally liberating of the stuff…” to be more vulnerable in my poetry. I like A few weeks later, I attend one of her Image credit: Catherine Cohen.

“I have a lot of fears: not being successful, issues with my body image…all the hits”

Student Profiles: Zac Lumley Anvee Bhutani speaks to Zac Lumley about fighting for climate justice and the impact students can have.

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joined my Zoom call with Zac on a warm afternoon in the middle of March. The first time I came across Zac’s name was last year when I wrote on how he proposed the motion to replace meat eating with vegetarianism as the default diet at his college. At the time, little did I know that this was just a drop in the bucket in terms of the impact he made towards climate change efforts.

Zac is a second year Biologist at Christ Church and an environmental activist who protests and engages in direct action alongside organisations across the UK and Ireland to encourage the government to respond to the climate crisis and has made local and national press as a result of his work. I sat down to understand how he got involved, his thoughts on the current crisis and how more young people can join the movement.

How did you get involved in activism?

“I’ve known about the climate and ecological crisis for quite a long time. I first learned about it when I was about 10 through kids’ magazines. It was like ‘the planet is dying’, ‘turn off the taps while you clean your teeth’, and ‘turn off the lights’. Through reading about the extinction of species and projections for six major cities being underwater, I was terrified, because I was 10 and I was like, ‘why is this happening?’

I managed to park it for a while, because I was kind of like, ‘ll become a scientist and I’ll fix it.’ I worked hard and got into Oxford to do biology.

And then I had another awakening where I realised that there’s so much science here, but that doesn’t really seem to matter. It’s a lack of political action and political willpower that’s causing the climate crisis, not that there’s not enough information about it, which was really depressing.

I had a bit of a relapse in mental health issues at the start of my second year, from general stress of the workload but also having this information in the back of my mind. I ended up suspending for a year, and during that year I recovered a bit, but I also did a lot of reading and

a lot of learning about the political situation, activism, the climate, and ecological science.

That led me to get involved in activism. I’m from Cork in Ireland, and I got involved with Extinction Rebellion Cork and Animal Rebellion Ireland. With Animal Rebellion, I did a protest at the Department of Agriculture, where I climbed up onto a mini roof above the door with another activist and we did a banner drop. That was my first direct action.”

Why climate issues? Why is that the most important thing?

“Social justice movements are all really about the same thing: preventing harm and empowering people. I think the climate emergency is what needs to be focused on at the moment just because of how urgent it is.

We’re currently headed for four degrees of global heating and that’s been said to be incompatible with an organised global community and to be beyond adaptation. We’re in a really crucial point, because we’re in a zone where we could start to trigger irreversible climate tipping points and feedback loops.

Back in 2015 when we had the Paris Agreement, they finally said we’d try and limit warming to two degrees.

But that was non-binding. And ever since the Paris Agreement in 2015, we’ve just seen increasing emissions and accelerating loss of biodiversity. Even if every country did meet their climate targets under the Paris Agreement, we’d still be headed for three degrees of warming anyway.

Quite frankly it’s terrifying, and we’re already seeing the effects across the world, particularly in the Global South. We’re destroying the very system that is keeping us alive.”

The climate emergency is a massive, sprawling problem. If you could have one tangible step be taken, what would you like to see happen?

“I’m a really big proponent of direct democracy, specifically citizens’ assemblies. Citizens’ assemblies have been used here in Ireland successfully, and the general idea is that you select people from the population randomly, ensuring that it’s representative of the population.

That citizens’ assembly meets for a couple of months and they get talks on particular issues from e x perts. Then, there’s debates, discussion and more education. Eventually, the citizens’ assembly comes out with policy resolutions.

The reason I really like citizens’ assemblies is they’re more representative of the population than representative democracy, which tends to select for a certain type of person. Because of that, the decisions are usually really well thought out and they account for people who are marginalised or disproportionately affected by things like austerity.

Personally, I describe myself as a leftist, and inherently, direct democracy is a leftist idea because it grants more power to people.

You’ve faced criminal charges in the past for your work. What’s that been like?

It’s been an important learning curve for me.

If we look at history, nonviolent civil disobedience is the most effective method for effecting change. Think about the suffragettes, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Quit India Movement.

All these involved just lawbreaking. And essentially, using that sort of political understanding of political theory, I’ve incorporated that into my activism.

So, for example, in previous protests, I used a green dye called fluorescent. It’s the same stuff that they use to dye the Chicago River green for St. Patrick’s Day. I covered a monument in that green fluorescent material and was arrested for that. That’s actually coming up in court.

Another example took place on the global Friday’s for Future day on the 19th of March this year. My friend Orla Murphy, who is a climate activist with Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion, engaged in protests against the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. The reason for this was because Ireland has recently been elected to the Security Council of the UN Security Council.

Image Credit: Zac Lumley.

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Friday, 30th April 2021 | Cherwell

features

THE PROSECUTOR’S FALLACY HOW FLAWED STATISTICAL EVIDENCE HAS BEEN USED TO JAIL INNOCENT PEOPLE.

JOSHUA MITCHELL CW: discussion of murder and infanticide, mentions of rape and alcoholism

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n the 24th October 2003, Kathleen Folbigg was sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder and manslaughter of her 4 young children. Branded as ‘Australia’s worst female serial killer’, she has spent 18 years incarcerated. The prosecution’s theory was that Folbigg had smothered all 4 children, despite the lack of any medical evidence to assert this.

The case was made that the likelihood of all 4 children dying of natural causes was so statistically improbable as to render it impossible. Unfortunately, this used a line of logic known as ‘Meadow’s

Law’, which has cost the freedoms of several innocent women, and is also part of a wider story about the misuse of statistics and the misuse of science generally in the courtroom.

Meadow’s Law, coined by paediatrician Sir Roy Meadow, states that ‘one sudden infant death is a tragedy, two is suspicious and three is murder, until proved otherwise’. This now discredited “law” was extremely influential and used by child protection agencies in the U.K to assess child abuse. However, its statistical reasoning is fundamentally flawed and has been rebuked by

the Royal Statistical Society, but not before ruining several lives.

Meadow’s Law was used most infamously in the trial of Sally Clark, an English woman who was convicted of murdering both her infant sons in 1999. The defence argued both children died of cot death, a fact which wasn’t confirmed until years later. Sir Roy Meadow was called as an expert witness on the case and asserted that the probability of both children dying of cot death in the same family was 1 in 73 million, hence a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt for double murder could be obtained. This figure was

obtained by assuming that both deaths were statistically independent (i.e. one death isn’t connected or influenced by another), neglecting the glaring problem that cot deaths within the same family aren’t independent events, and genetic and environmental factors both contribute. There are several other problems with this figure as well which we will come back to. This statistical evidence was challenged at her second appeal and Clark was eventually released from prison, having served more than 3 years behind bars. She never recovered from her wrongful conviction and loss

of her two sons. She died of acute alcohol poisoning in 2007.

The story doesn’t end there for Roy Meadow. In 2002 he was again used as an expert witness at the trial of Angela Cannings.

Cannings tragically lost 3 of her 4 children to cot death a few years prior, and was tried and convicted of smothering 2 of them, with Meadow’s Law once again the main driver of conviction. She spent a year in prison before being released following an appeal in 2003. Many more women still fell victim to false murder convictions after cot deaths as a result of Meadow’s testimony, namely

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021

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Donna Anthony, who spent more claim that only 1 in 3 million was eventually found not guilty in tal issue of abuse of statistical and work that way. To publish a scienthan 6 years in prison before her random people would have the 2010 after review of the statistical scientific evidence. Generally, ex- tific paper, other academics have release after the death of her 2 same DNA profile as the rapist, evidence, as well as other flawed pert witnesses, who are allowed to to check that work in a process children, as well as Trupti Patel, so there was only a 0.00003% he medical evidence used to convict give scientific evidence and their called peer review before it enters who was thankfully acquitted at was innocent. This was a classic her. She spent 4 years in prison in own “expert” opinion in court, are the scientific literature. This can her murder trial. prosecutor’s fallacy, which was total. admitted at the discretion of the take months, not to mention the It isn’t just mothers who are thankfully overruled on appeal, This exact scenario is scarily judge. fact that the body of knowledge victims of misuses of statistics in as it once again assumes that the common. And several medical is always evolving as new the courtroom. More generally, probability of a DNA match given professionals have been evidence emerges.

Meadow’s Law is an example of the Brown was innocent equalled the charged when a “They let Further‘Prosecutor’s fallacy’. This assumes probability of innocence given string of unexmore, if that the probability a defendant is a DNA match. Given that the plained deaths their biases of seeing a potentially t h e r e innocent given the evidence that other evidence was circumstantial occur in a are two we observe, is equal to the proba- and not particularly strong, and hospital setsuspicious cluster of cases overcome the actual scientists bility of seeing that same evidence depending on how many other ting. Tragically g i v i n g given the defendant is guilty. possible suspects there were, the some, like English data.” opposing Perhaps this sounds minor, but it chance of his innocence could be nurse Ben Geen, are opinions on can have profound effects, and is as high as 25%, which is of course still in prison. Geen was either side, who does best illustrated with an example: certainly not grounds for a crimi- arrested in 2004 over the deaths the jury believe? The jury simSay a man is accused of a robbery nal conviction. of several patients over the course However, a huge problem with ply won’t know who has the better he didn’t commit. There was blood Another tragic miscarriage of of a year. At trial, the prosecution this approach is: how is a judge facts and is giving a more honest found at the scene which matches justice occurred in the Netherlands argued there had been an “unusual expected to know whether the assessment of the situation, the defendant, and this particular in 2003, this time, to a nurse named pattern” that had emerged, and credentials of an academic or so they’re essentially going to blood type is only present in 1% of Lucia De Berk who worked at a was branded as the “the nurse medical professional are credible? favour whichever expert who laid the population. The prosecution children’s hospital. After a series who killed for kicks”. After it And how is a judge supposed to out their argument in the most argues that the chance that this of unexplained deaths at the hos- seemed like this “unusual pattern” know whether a particular witness convincing manner, regardless of blood matches the defendant, giv- pital that occurred while she was of deaths under Geen’s care was is actually an expert in the field whether their argument is factual en that the man innocent, is just on shift, De Berk was charged and occurring, many more incidents of which they’re being used? or not. A resolution here would be 1% and therefore he’s very likely sentenced to life in prison. Once started to be attributed to him, For example, in the De Berk case for a report compiled by leading to be guilty. While this seems again, a problematic but shocking and with little exploration of nat- involving the Dutch nurse, the er- experts in whichever particular to make sense, this analysis is statistic was front and centre in ural causes being explored. This roneous figure of 1 in 342 million field should be prepared ahead of incorrect. What is relevant here is is known as diagnostic was admitted to the court via Henk the trial. For example, if a group of the probability that the man suspicion bias. Elffers, who was a law psycholo- respected statisticians produced a is innocent, given that He was gist, and not an expert in the field report summarising the statistical his blood matches “One sudden infant death is of statistics. Also, Roy Meadows evidence, which was prepared the blood at the who gave evidence in the Sally ahead of any of the previously scene. This order a tragedy, two is suspicious and three is murder, Clark case as well as many others, mentioned cases, and checked by switching seems while an esteemed paediatrician, the wider statistical community, subtle, but it can until proved otherwise.” was not an expert in the field of I think it’s fair to say none of the have drastic effects statistics nor was his ‘Meadow’s false imprisonments would’ve on the outcomes. If charged Law’ an established truth in the occurred. there’s 1000 people in the with 2 murders medical community. So perhaps So is ‘Australia’s worst female city that all could’ve committed and intentional grievous the best solution is that for an serial killer’ Kathleen Folbigg the robbery, 10 people’s blood the case. An expert witness, a bodily harm against 15 patients. expert scientific witness to be really guilty of filicide? An inquiry types match with the crime scene, law psychologist, found that the However, the prosecution had permitted to give their expertise of her case commenced in 2018, meaning that the probability this chance of De Berk being present at failed to consider the likelihood in court, they should have to be with the judge finding no doubt specific man is innocent is not 1%, so many unexplained deaths was of a string of these incidents sponsored by several of their peers of her guilt. An assertion that but 90%!

1 in 342 million, hence De Berk occurring compared with the back- in the scientific community, or at was based on Meadow’s Law, and This is obviously an idealised must have played some sinister ground rate. They let their biases least have several academics edu- by interpretation of Folbigg’s diexample, but very real-world cases role in these fatalities. This, like of seeing a potentially suspicious cate the judge in which members ary entries, in the absence of any have been litigated with this logic. all the other previously mentioned cluster of cases overcome the ac- are credible witnesses in a partic- evidence of smothering. However, In 2010, a man named Troy Brown probabilities, was erroneously tual data and disregarded any natin March 2021, a letter signed was convicted in the U.S for the calculated, and made sweeping, ural explanations for some by 90 eminent scientists rape of a young girl. The compel- unrealistic assumptions, leading of the incidents and to the governor of ling factor for to such an inflated probabil- disregard just “The judge is New South Wales the jury ity. For context, sub- how uncomdemands her was the sequent analysis mon this type essentially guessing at who’s actually immediate reby prominent of cluster was. lease based on statisticians, After the trial, qualified.” new evidence. It f a c t o r i n g taking this all into was found that 2 in all the account, a number of the children had a p o s s i b l e of prominent statisticians specific gene mutation, known b i a s e s , analysed the data, and found that ular field.

O t h e r w i s e , to cause cot death in infants, and c o n - this “unusual pattern” simply isn’t the judge is essentially guessing at likely caused cardiac arrythmia c l u d e d there, and that Geen was prosecut- who’s actually qualified. in the 2 girls. Furthermore, that the ed on completely foundationless Another reason why so many world-leading experts in patholop r o b - grounds. In 2020 a further wave of miscarriages of justice have gy have collectively given medical a b i l i t y statisticians came out in support occurred thanks to the misuse of explanations for the deaths of all of this of Geen, but he unfortunately statistics and medical evidence is 4 children. If released, it will be s e q u e n c e remains in prison to this day. that science isn’t really meant to the biggest miscarriage of justice of events All the examples presented here be practised in a courtroom. In in Australia’s history. happening to are tragic, with most incidents oc- a trial, quick, definitive evidence a nurse at any curring in the late 90s/early 2000s, is desirable, and the ability for a hospital was ap- but there haven’t been many good single witness to be able to sum up proximately 1 in 9. Af- remedies put in place in the legal all the data and make a conclusion. ter subsequent appeals, she system to address this fundamen- Unfortunately, science doesn’t Artwork by Rachel Jung.

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sport Cherwell sport contributors

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ews came out in the last two weeks that a ‘European Super League’ had been set up by a cartel of 12 “Founding Clubs”, of which England’s ‘Big Six’ were a part. The new competition format meant that the clubs taking part in The Super League would leave the UEFA Champions League and be exempt from relegation from the competition. The Founding Clubs would also receive a money package in excess of 3 billion euros by the investment bank J.P. Morgan for creating the competition. The owners of the football clubs who took this decision received widespread backlash from broadcasters, football pundits, Boris Johnson, Prince William and football fans across the world. As a result, England’s ‘Big Six’, of which 3 are owned by Americans — the Glazer family at Manchester United, FSG at Liverpool and KSE at Arsenal — decided to withdraw from the project, having already put their plans for ‘Project Big Picture’ to bed earlier in the year.

Most of the 6 clubs have already expressed their regret for joining the competition, while J.P. Morgan have also released a statement saying they “misjudged how this deal would be viewed by the wider football community”.

Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid are still members of the project. Florentino Perez, the current president of Real Madrid, has promised that the project is only on standby, and that it will eventually happen. Cherwell asked a number of students from Oxford University to offer their reactions to what the last two weeks have meant for football.

Friday, 30th April 2021| Cherwell

Oxford students react to European Super League

do. We’ve seen what power governance can have if it also puts its foot down on the pedal.

Let’s all not take our foot off the accelerator now. The European Super League must be the trigger for all football fans to draw arms and take on the cowardly oligarchs.

Luke Bennell (football fan): This entire project comes down to hubris. The executives who planned this were convinced they would get their way yet again and that there was nobody capable of holding them accountable, least of all the fans, players and managers who were not consulted on the decision. They did not expect fans to support their proposals, and they did not care. They likely expected fans to simply fall in line eventually, out of a nihilistic resignation. This would explain the complete lack of an effective PR campaign.

Fans did not roll over and accept these changes as the inevitable. They voiced their opposition, both online and outside stadiums.

Managers and players also began to express

Matthew Cogan (Derby fan and Cherwell Deputy Sport Editor): The rollercoaster of the European Super League saga in the last week is a warning to all football fans. It is an incredibly inauspicious development in the long running saga of Europe’s largest clubs focussing only on themselves and their pockets. As a fan of Derby County, a team that relies on the money brought in by the Premier League, this is a proposal that worries me. It is a signal of intent that I believe could be the beginning of the end of football as we know it. The sport is one that so many people across the world love, and the fans like me that do not support one if these ‘big’ teams are the ones that will be hit the hardest. So many clubs ranging from semi-professional right up to teams steeped in history such as my beloved Derby County, rely so heavily on the money that the Premier League brings in that such a proposal as the ESL, or anything similar, threatens the whole footballing society. Therefore, I am glad to see the huge response from the fans so that, for the time being at least, such plans have been shelved.

Mauricio Alencar (Chelsea fan and Cherwell Sport Editor): I am a Chelsea fan, a member of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and Chelsea Pitch Owners, and was a protestor at Stamford Bridge ahead of the home game against Brighton.

Despite his mistakes, Abramovich has given us everything: multiple trophies, a fantastic women’s team, a world class academy, efforts to fight against antisemitism and other forms of discrimination which were rife within the Chelsea fanbase, and investment in grassroots football and in the community (like opening the Milen“IN SEEKING AN EVEN LARGER SLICE OF nium hotel for NHS staff over the Caitlin Murray (Arsenal fan): pandemic). However, those on our THE PIE, THE SO-CALLED ‘BIG SIX’ MONUI’m not shocked by Stan Kroenke’s board have unforgivably let down behaviour. He eroded the club’s core their guard; the last 18 years have MENTALLY OVERPLAYED THEIR HAND.” values the day he made over fifty-five been put to waste. loyal Arsenal staff members reOver the course of Roman’s tenure, dundant in the middle of a we’ve set a dangerous precedent where rich their disapproval, just one in a growing list of pandemic. All the while, siowners buy clubs, but then have the ability to cases where players are increasingly willing to multaneously engaging leech on to other clubs, however small (Bury, engage with political issues. In the face of this in discussions about Bolton, and Wigan come to mind), and suck PR disaster the resolve of the clubs involved the development out the living soul from them. We can yapper began to unravel and the plan itself collapsed. of a European around in the same spot and blame Sky, the Super League creation of the Premier League in 1992, and Ciara Garcha (Man Utd fan) and the share other historic moments, like the introduction Should we really have been surprised by the of $3.5BN of the Bosman rule in 1995, for wobbling the clearly elitist, greed-driven plans for the he would be financial or political structures in the game.

Super League, which flew in the face of the pocketing.

Many of the off-field shifts in the game across spirit of football? There seems to be a strong My pride the last 30 years are irreversible. The deciargument that the spirit of football has been in being sions the football community takes from now under attack for a while. The ESL was merely an Arsemust be for the fans and they must be just as the latest in a long line of attempts to comnal supirreversible as those of the last 30 years. As mercialise and gentrify the game, dragging porter football-messiah Gary Neville, also part of the it even further away from its working-class has now campaign group ‘Saving the Beautiful Game’, community-based roots. b e e n points out, we now have to team together to With million-pound contracts, sponsorship replaced stop the revenue-driven businessmen from deals and broadcasting rights, football is no w i t h future coups regardless of what has happened. longer a working-class game. Though fans embarEveryone is on the same page now. Jeopardy, were victorious in defeating the ESL proposals, rassment competitiveness and equal opportunity for all the English game has not belonged to the fans and disgust. teams is what we care about as football fansfor some time. Unlike German football, where Perhaps, not endless, inevitable success. The football clubs are effectively under public ownership, as Arsenal pyramid needs a desperate recalibration: put English football is run on greed and capitalist fans, we must fans on the board, re-distribute income so that principles - and has been for some time. finally accept that teams and communities of lower divisions get Defeating the ESL was only the first step.

‘Victoria Concordia their fair share, stop with the UEFA coefficient Fans should continue to fight to get our game Crescit’ is no more nonsense, stop owners from reaping profits back and restore football to its roots. than a trademark to from winless teams. We’ve seen what fans can the owners. I envisage the

#KroenkeOut protests are just the beginning.

Millie Wood (Man Utd fan): Had those English clubs just accepted the expansion of the Champions League from 32 teams to 36, including two spots reserved for ‘historically significant’ teams which would have all but guaranteed them a permanent place in it, the backlash would have been minor. But in seeking an even larger slice of the pie, the so-called ‘big six’ monumentally overplayed their hand.

There is a wider lesson in that than football.

If we do not react to the little injustices, they quickly morph into larger ones. If fans had accepted the Super League, the next step would have been games abroad. In ten year’s time we would not have cringed at ‘Inter Miami vs Liverpool’ on the fixture list.

The fable of a frog boiling to death in water heated up slowly is often recounted. Then inevitably someone notes that in the famous experiment which gave rise to the tale, the frog was lobotomised before being put into the pot, because the frog with an intact brain jumped out.

I wouldn’t be surprised if in five years, once the anger of today has subsided, the clubs try this again, rebranded and with rules toned down, just enough to sneak their proposals through. Let us not be the lobotomised frog.

ON THIS DAY ON APRIL 30TH, 1993, WORLD

NUMBER ONE TENNIS PLAYER

MONICA SELES WAS STABBED BY

A FAN DURING A QUARTER FINAL Image credits: Mauricio Alencar, Steve Burns / CC BY 2.0

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS TRIUMPHS AT THE MONTE - CARLO MASTERS

Ariana Rubio

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orld number five Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-3 to cinch his first Masters 1000 title at the 2021 MonteCarlo Masters. Currently the youngest player ranking in the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) top ten, Tsitsipas had previously defeated Karatsev, Garin, Fokina and Evans to advance to the final of the prestigious competition.

This victory is all the more notable in the context of the pandemic. As in the French and Australian Open, players were required to undergo extensive quarantine and testing regiments, and spectatorship, like so many things, was confined to a screen. The sight of empty stadiums no doubt affects the players, who draw energy and vitality from the cheers (or sometimes boos, if one thinks of the likes of the audacious Nick Kyrgios) of the audience. Despite this, the rising tennis star persevered to obtain perhaps his most impressive victory yet.

This win follows a stream of successes for the young player. Tsitsipas also secured a win over Dominic Thiem at the 2019 ATP Finals, which made him the youngest winner of the tournament in eighteen years.

Despite playing in a number of Grand Slam tournaments, including reaching the Australian Open semi-final twice (2019 and 2021) and the French Open semifinal once (2020), Tsitsipas has yet to win such a major tournament. After his string of recent successes, he no doubt has his eyes on this prize, and will likely compete in Wimbledon and the US Open later this year.

Tsitstipas was born in 1998 in Athens to

Greek and Russian parents, both of whom are familiar with the game. His mother, for example, was a world number one junior who represented the Soviet Union in the Fed/Billie Jean King Cup. Tsitsipas would later follow in her footsteps when he became a world number one junior himself.

Both parents, who had met at a tennis tournament, had worked as tennis instructors.

The family’s interest in sport is not confined to tennis, however: his grandfather on his mother’s side, Sergei Salnikov, won an Olympic gold medal while playing for the Soviet national football team. It should be noted, as Tsitsipas himself is always careful to do, that his mother’s twin sister, herself a professional tennis player, is to thank for financially supporting his junior career. With such a family background, it is no wonder that Tsitsipas grew into the

S P O R T S

player he is today. The star continues to train at the Tennis Club Glyfada where he had his first formal lessons at the age of six, and his father is his coach. Outside of tennis, his childhood hobbies included football and swimming, and he can speak English, Greek and Russian. Currently, he vlogs his sporting travels to his fans on Youtube, and is focused on promoting tennis in Greece, which is not among the most popular sports.

Tsitsipas’ junior career arguably peaked when he reached the quarter final of the junior Australian Open semi-finals in 2015, but his doubles win with Estonian player Kenneth Raisma at Wimbledon (the only event offered for juniors) was also a hefty achievement that laid the groundwork for his professional career.

Looking beyond this, Tsitsipas nar-

After a remote Hilary, Cherwell asked Oxford University’s sports clubs about their plans for reopening.

“You can’t really get close to someone while you’re on a horse,” says President of Oxford University Equestrian Club Charlotte Stuart. “It’s a very COVID safe sport, “which, I think the first time around while we were trying to get approval for training, it just took a bit longer than it needed to.”

The team’s training grounds are 40 minutes away near Pangbourne where “a lot of us can transport ourselves individually, so it’s been so nice to be able to continue some sport and keep going.”

However, even for an outdoor sport like

horse riding, lockdown has taken its toll.

While the Equestrian Club has typically only registered their first two teams for competition in the past, “this year we were hoping to register the threes to compete at BUCS [British Universities and Colleges Sport],” which unfortunately didn’t happen.

“We haven’t had many matches to look forward to,” Stuart says. “so I’d say it’s probably knocked motivation down a little bit.”

Coronavirus decisions for Oxford’s sports clubs has been made by the Sport Federation, which students generally say has been forthcoming with its support.

Image courtesy of OUEC.

rowly missed out on victory when fellow rising upstart Alexander Zverev defeated him in the final of the Mexican Open in late March. Earlier this month, Hubert Hurkacz bested the Greek player in the quarter-final of the Miami Open earlier this month. Excitingly, Tsitsipas is currently competing in the Barcelona Open.

He defeated Spanish player Munar on his home ground, Minaur, Auger Aliassime and Sinner to advance to the final of the prestigious event. Tsitsipas will face Rafael Nadal in the next few days.

Nadal, the so-called ‘King of Clay’, is in formidable shape, having celebrated his 1,000th singles ATP Tour wins earlier this year. While the tennis mogul’s reputation, heightened by his incredible 20 Grand Slam singles titles, makes it tempting to dismiss Tsitsipas as an underdog, he is certainly in with a fighting chance. Indeed, Tsitsipas defeated Nadal in the quarterfinals of the 2021 Australian Open, despite the Spaniard’s early two set lead. Nadal was also defeated by Andrey Rublev at the Monte Carlo Masters, whom Tsitsipas later went on to defeat to secure victory at the championship. The world of tennis (albeit, again, from While clearly the underdog, the world of tennis (the 100,000 in-person spectators who usually attend the tournament are confined to television coverage) will watch with eager eyes. Evidenced by his performance thus far, Tsitsipas, along with Zverev and Cori Gauff, is one of the most exciting new male players of the game, and the world of tennis awaits his future performances.

Image credit: Carine06 / CC BY-SA 2.0

S H O R T S

UNI RETURN TO SPORT PART 1 – OUEC Angela Eichhorst

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UNI RETURN TO SPORT PART 2 – OUWC Angela Eichhorst

In the rush to find COVID friendly activities, the Oxford University Walking Club experienced a huge spike in interest during Michaelmas term. President Isabel Creed describes the club as usually running “a very chilled walking system” with local walks open to anyone who gets themselves to the starting point on time as well as multi-day trekking trips around the UK that require more advance planning. When the lockdowns came, “we weren’t allowed to use minibuses and putting loads of people in a hostel was not really appropriate, so we haven’t really been able to operate [those longer trips]” Creed says.

As lockdown measures tightened further, Oxford University Walking Club had to move to

1:1 hikes and, with a mailing list of over 1,000, people were inevitably disappointment when they were unable to book a place.

While Creed says “a lot of people [got] frustrated”, she is hopeful things will be better this term. For Trinity “we’ve managed to kind of get some more leaders doing stuff and we’ve worked out a way of getting more people to be able to come on a trip because regulations are slightly different.”

Creed is recruiting members for a Pennine Way trip that was rescheduled to this summer after being cancelled last year, and she hopes that their other events this term will be successful at raising money for the charities Mind and Beat.

Image credit: Steve Daniels / CC BY-SA 2.0

Cherwell | Friday, 30th April 2021

21

puzzles

Weekly quiz The crossword answers will be released online a week after the publication of this edition, and the first person to email in the correct answers will be named in the next edition. Anyone who can prove that the answers to one of my quiz questions is wrong will get a full-page apology letter publicly released for all to see.

Happy Puzzling! W. A. Whitten 1. Aside from the Blue Whale, what is the largest whale?

2. What century was the Radcliffe Camera built in?

3. What county disappeared with the creation of greater London?

4. Who came third in the 20112012 Premier League?

5. What 1999 film starred both Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger?

6. Dennis Skinner was known as the beast of what constituency?

7. What was the largest unit within a Roman legion?

8. What chain of Tea shops was founded in 1886, with the first store being in Fleet street?

9. In what city is da Vinci’s Last Supper?

10. What country is bordered

by China to the north and India to the south, but is east of Nepal?

11. Which pope declared Charlamagne to be the Holy Roman Emperor?

12. What on the 30th of July 1966 was watched by 32.30 million people?

13. What is the only planet to spin clockwise?

14. Who played the ‘StarSangled Banner’ at Woodstock in 1969?

15. What is the second tallest building in the world?

CROSSWORDS

No. 1 - By Kian Moghaddas Down 1. Huge person or thing (8).

2. Nevertheless (15).

3. Think again (8).

4. Oppose (6).

5. Money (5).

10. How one looks (10).

12. Easily spread (10).

14. Surround (8).

15. Repeated patterns (7).

21. Work out, come to know (6).

22. Lower (6).

Across 1. To do with secret planning, often nefarious (13).

6. Yellowing (8).

7. Referee’s instrument (7).

8. Prisoner (7).

9. Humorous criticism, usually political (6).

13. Empire State (10).

16. Captures moments (6).

17. A strong desire, a longing (9).

18. Driving License, e.g. (14).

19. Movement, usually from one country to another (9).

20. Sorry, my dog ate it (6).

No. 2 - By Jenson Devonport.

Down 1. Cancel or reverse the effects of an action (4).

2. City in North Dakota featured in the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name (5).

4. Person breathing with a whistling or rattling sound in the chest (6).

5. Down or shown openly (5).

6. Inspiring or permeating with a feeling or quality (7).

7. Presential Candidate Al ____ (4).

8. Woman who is the superior of a community of nuns (6).

12. Highly explosive (3).

13. Support, of either a financial or practical nature (3).

15. Room or cell where prisoners are held (7).

17. Reuse old ideas without change (6).

18. Town in South Wales known for its mountain range (6).

20. Attractive sights of natural scenery (5).

21. Latin word to mean “reason” (5) .

22. A major artistic work (4).

23. 6th letter of the Greek alphabet (4).

Across 1. Governing body of European football (4).

3. Overcoming with admiration, adoration or other strong emotion (7).

9. Able to withstand wear, or damage (7).

10. Glowing coal in a dying fire (5).

11. 14th Century Sienese painter known for his Allegory of Good and Bad Government (10).

14. Practice of wearing no clothes in a belief that it benefits health (6).

16. Italy’s ‘Super Mario’ politician (6).

19. Urban fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman featuring Door and Mr Croup (10).

24. American actor and director known in both comedy and horror (5).

25. Victor Hugo character that is rescued as a child by Jean Valjean (7).

26. An informal gathering for singing (8).

27. Spanish painter known for his disturbing Black Paintings (4).

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Fin Whale.

2. 18th Century (construction started in 1737).

3. Middlesex.

4. Arsenal.

5.10 Things I Hate About You. 6. Bolsover.

7. Cohort.

8. Whittards’.

9. Milan.

10. Bhutan.

11. Pope Leo III. 12. 1966 FIFA World Cup Final: England v West Germany.

13. Venus.

14.Jimi Hendrix.

15. Shanghai Tower.

Image credit: Leonardo da Vinci/CC BY-SA 4.0

Image credit: Soerfm via

Send solutions to Wikimedia/ CC BY-SA 3.0. puzzlescherwell@gmail.com.