Collide Magazine Issue 6: Identity by Kaitlin Schluter

GAY AND CHRISTIAN | LIFESTYLES OF OUR GENERATION | PASSION FOR PIERCING

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editor's note... A

Photo by Jill Galloway

!"!#$"%$&'(('(&")*"+,"-).#)+)/$",$0/1"2"*)3(4"+,-$5*"-'!!'(&")("!#$"6))/" of a vacant Shire modular with other students. We huddled shoulder to shoulder in a circle, wearing sweats and comfortable attire having anticipated what would be a 12-hour session of storytelling. Not just any stories either. We would be sharing our life stories with a group of strangers, who soon would become close friends. It was in that moment, during training for the Alpha program, that I realized how complex identity could be. Unlike the Cougar Walk Café menu, identity 4)$-(7!"8)+$"!0'5)/$4"'("0".0890&$")*").!')(-:";)/"4)$-"'!"$<$/"!3/(")3!"!)"%$" quite what we expect. As people began to tell their stories of hope, struggle, faith, doubt, and perseverance, their personhood became a little clearer in my eyes. I was able to make out the sharp distinctions that made them who they are. And in the process of telling my own story, the blurred parts of what made me who I am also came into focus. With the release of our theme issue on IDENTITY, our team of reporters dived into various aspects of life that contribute to identity building. These '(8534$" 0(" '(=4$.!#" *$0!3/$" )(" >?0," 0(4" @#/'-!'0(1A" !09'(&" 0" -.$8'B8" 5))9" 0!" how Christian homosexuals reconcile their faith and sexual orientation amidst <0/,'(&"/$-.)(-$-"!)"#)+)-$C305'!,"'("!#$"8#3/8#:"D)/"!#)-$"*$$5'(&"!#$"./)5'B8" pressure of ring by spring, “Singled out” discusses how a season of singleness might be considered a gift. A couple of reporters also plunge into the world of the opposite sex to bring you new perspectives about what it means to be a man 0(4"0"E)+0("'(">F$4$B('(&"!#$"F$05"G$05:A H(4")*"8)3/-$1"!#$/$7-"-)+$!#'(&")("F0,"I0("-.)/!'(&"#'.-!$/-"0(4"-9'(= 4$$."%)4,".'$/8'(&-:"2"+$0(1"/$055,J"K$"E)354(7!"*)/&$!:" L)"!09$"0"%/$09"*/)+"B(05-1")/",)3/")E("-$(')/"'4$(!'!,"8/'-'-"M'*",)37/$"5'9$" +$N1"!)"/$<0530!$"!#$"$C.$/'$(8$-"0(4"'(63$(8$-"!#0!"+09$",)3"!#$".$/-)("E#)" ()E"/$04-"!#$-$"E)/4-:"H(4"E#'5$",)37/$"0!"'!1"!3/("!#$".0&$"!)"5$0/("+)/$"0%)3!" how identity has shaped the lives of others. As always, thanks for reading. Sincerely,

Kaitlin Schluter | Journalism Editor-in-Chief

WHERE IDEAS COLLIDE & STORIES IMPACT

Collide Student Magazine !"Dec 2011 ! Issue 6 Editor-in-Chief ✳ Kaitlin Schluter | kschluter08@apu.edu Advertising Representative ✳ Adam Daley | collideads@gmail.com Art Director ✳ Jonathan Dickson | jdickson08@apu.edu Publicist & Copy Editor ✳ Emeli Warren | ewarren08@apu.edu Advisor ✳ Karen Sorensen-Lang | kslang@apu.edu

Contributing Photographers ✳ Jonathan Dickson, Jill Galloway, Caleb Dennis Contributing Writers ✳ Chelsey Barmore, Caleb Dennis, Elissa Emoto, Chelsea Johnson, Sarah Rogers, Emeli Warren

Mission Statement Collide is a publication of The Clause, a multi-media student voice of undergraduate Azusa Pacific University. Our stories seek to bring people together on our pages where our ideas collide and stories impact readers. We provide narratives, inquiries, and dialogue in a Christian academic setting that values individual's stories as well as community concerns. Our writers are student-journalists interested in crafting articles that connect with readers and challenge them to grow as people and reporters.

Like our magazine? Want to put your advertisement in our pages? Please contact: Advertising Representative ✳ Adam Daley | collideads@gmail.com

Contents . . . 5 7

When Style Speaks

Reflecting Him

Singled Out

Redefining the Real Deal

Students strut the Cougar Walk in clothing that communicates personal identity.

Separate but Together

These twins share how a season of being apart has brought them together. Now reunited, they celebrate their uniqueness as individuals and sisters.

Learning to mirror the identity of Christ begins by looking at the ultimate role model: God as human.

Feeling the pressure to get in a relationship? Learn why a season of singleness might be considered a sweet gift.

!"#$%&'(%)*"')+'$(#',,("$(#-.#(#/(0'(.(1'.,(2.)(3/"()''&(2"$+,'$(.)&(#/(0'(.( 1'.,(4/2.)(3/"()''&(#/(0'($"0$'15%')#6(7"#(#-.#8$()/#(#-'(4-/,'(91'.,:($%&'(/;( the story to gender identity.

The Face Behind Facebook

Reconciling Sexuality and Spirituality

Between Cultural Lines

<%#-(#/&.38$(#'+-)/,/=3>(#-'(#-%)=$(3/"(?/$#(/),%)'(#',,("$($/2'#-%)=(.0/"#(4-/( you really are. Or at least, who you want to be.

Being homosexual doesn't mean you have to give up your faith, according to some who believe God accepts them wholly.

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Lifestyles of our Generation

Passion for Piercing

B%&'(.(A@%'(0%C'D(E.#(/1=.)%+(?1/&"+'D(F/"G1'()/#(#-'(/),3(/)'6(H-'(#1')&$( $"11/")&%)=(/"1(?1'$')#(=')'1.#%/)(%)*"')+'(#-'(4.3(4'(,%5'6(

We all scream for piercings. Students show identity in ways that go skin deep.

Full Page AD CHECK OUT THESE OTHER STORIES: KEEPING STEADY IN A SHAKY ECONOMY Although we entered college 43/'(&")($")*"!#$"(0!')(7-"50/&$-!" /$8$--')(-1"!#$/$7-"-!'55"#).$"*)/" soon-to-be graduates. Students and faculty reveal how to maintain an economic identity without a big paycheck.

VENTURE BLOG Check our website every Friday for a new blog post on local events, food, culture, and spotlights in our community. Take the plunge and venture out. We have, will you?

When Style Hot off our own Cougar catwalk, ,/'%(./,$;5'./$-%(./-/&$/0+"'10$75,0-".=

!"#$%"$&"'$()*+(,,$&"'+$-%(./-/&$/0+"'10$,/&2(3$405/$*-(6(,$"7$&"'+$#5+%+"8($%(9.($&"'+$ 75,0-".3$:0($#5&$*("*2($%+(,,$%"(,$+(;(6/$/0($#5&$/0(-+$*(+,".52-/-(,$5+($*(+6(-<(%=$4-/0$ a deadline of 30 minutes, one Collide reporter and photographer accepted the mission /"$ 9.%$ ,/'%(./,$ ()*+(,,-.1$ /0(-+$ 75,0-".$ -%(./-/&=$ :0(&$ 7"'.%$ /0(,($ 9<($ >?@$ ,/'%(./,A$ #(5+-.1$75,0-".,$,/+5-10/$"77$/0($B"'15+$452CA$#0"$,05+(%$,/"+-(,$"7$0"#$/0(-+$,/&2($,*(5C,=$

Joshua Tait Senior - Liberal Studies

Expressive Elements:

Typically seen wearing an English Walking Cap, Tait expresses his heritage through his fashion choices. “This was my great grandpa’s hat actually,” said Tait. “I wear them because of my Scottish and Irish culture behind it.”

Consumer Identity:

Like most college students, Tait does not have a huge budget to spend on clothes. At the top of his list are Ross and various thrift stores.

Macie De Castro Sophomore - Nursing

Expressive Elements:

She described her style as classy, simple and sophisticated. “I grew up with an old-fashioned background,” said De Castro. “That’s why I don’t like to do anything too loud or anything too trendy.” De Castro believes in repurposing fashion because she sees all styles eventually being recycled from the past.

Consumer Identity:

“I love thrifting. The lesser known, the better,” said De Castro. “It’s better for me to save money on a college budget.”

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Joshua Tait

Speaks By Elissa Emoto | Communication Studies major

Kelsey Nerland

Sophomore - Communication Studies

Expressive Elements:

Spotted wearing a braided feather headband and a fringed crocheted vest, Nerland explained she chooses an outfit theme every day rather than having a set style. “I definitely like to be creative,” said Nerland. “I just try to change things up and express my creativity through dressing.”

Consumer Identity:

With a constantly evolving style, Nerland can be found shopping at Nordstrom’s Brass Plum department and Urban Outfitters.

Jason Jones

Brian Terada

Kelsey Nerland Brian Terada Junior - Psychology

Jason Jones Organizational Leadership Major in the School of Adult and Professional Studies

Expressive Elements:

Jones wakes up in the morning and allows God to dictate his outfit selection. “It may sound weird, but I dress in the Spirit,” said Jones. Choosing earth tones instead of bright colors, Jones appreciates simple clothing that comes to life on its own. “I like the look that has a story,” Jones said. “Buying shirts that look like its been loved; it adds flavor.”

Consumer Identity:

In search of those well-loved t-shirts, Jones prefers consignment stores like Buffalo Exchange and often shops at thrift stores.

Expressive Elements:

Ready-to-wear fashion has a different kind of meaning for Brian Terada, who enjoys clothes that fit his active lifestyle. “I like to be ready at anytime so usually, I’ll carry around water,” said Terada, who chooses accessible and effortless accessories instead of trendy items. “It is good to have at least 3 liters of water at anytime.” He also expressed that his style is “easy.” As for the bright blue beanie? It’s more than just a style statement. Terada admitted that it’s really meant to cover up his “out-of-control hair.”

Consumer Identity:

Terada loves a good deal. His favorite store is the Columbia employee store in Colorado where everything is always 50 percent off. He also admitted that he loves to shop at APU’s bookstore on Touchdown Tuesdays.

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Separate But Together

They may look identical, but a season of being apart has allowed these twins to discover their own individuality. By Sarah Rogers | English major

hat do you think of when you hear the term “twins”? A childhood longing to play pranks on your parents? A close sibling bond? Being a twin is a blessing and a curse, a double-edged sword. At least according to the Sadeghi twins. Forming their own identities separate from each other is a constant effort for Shada and Sherine Sadeghi. I sat down and discussed individually with Shada and Sherine their personal struggles and joys of being identical twins. Beyond the fun of always having a friend nearby to talk to, there is an effort to break away and become an individual. “We’ve been together since the womb,” said Sherine Sadeghi, a senior communication studies major. “You’re always known as Shada and Sherine.” Shada Sadeghi, a senior psychology major, agreed with her sister. “Sometimes I don’t like being a twin because everyone compares you and sees you as the same person,” said Shada. “It’s really hard to have your own identity.” Don’t misunderstand. Both of them believe being a twin has its advantages. “We always make the joke, ‘If you don’t know what you look like right now, look at me and you’ll see,” said Sherine. “You don’t need a mirror.’” Shada transferred in during their junior year because she believed APU has a better psychology program. When Shada first arrived at Azusa Pacific, Sherine’s friends would wave at her unsuspectingly. Originally, Shada thought APU students were just trying to make her feel welcomed. She realized eventually they thought she was Sherine. Sherine would joke with Shada saying she needed to wave at people who waved at her so she wouldn’t lose friends. At their separate colleges, the twins worked on forming identities apart from each other. “People would be shocked when I’d say I had a twin,” said Sherine. “I would look at them like,

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‘I thought you knew that.’ Then, I would look around and not see Shada.” For Shada, two years apart to develop their individuality was key. “Those two years of being separate was vital to our relationship,” Shada said. “It was helpful for those two years to be known as just Shada, not ‘Shada and Sherine.’” Tensions naturally arose from the comparisons people made about them in the past. In high school, they played basketball on the same team, where competition between them fostered. “There were a couple times during games where we wouldn’t pass the ball to each other because we wanted to prove that ‘hey, I can do this better than her,’” said Sherine. Questions would often be asked about which twin shot better or scored more points. Nicknames were also a part of playing high school sports. They were dubbed the “Broccoliheaded Twins” for their long tight curls. The “Twin Towers” was the one Sherine always liked. Despite the good-natured nicknames, Shada and Sherine knew they needed and wanted to be seen as two separate entities. “We may look the same, but we don’t have the exact same strengths,” said Shada. The way they approach situations, open up to people, and walk with God is completely different, according to Sherine. “We try to value our family to the best of our ability. We’re Persian and Persian culture values family,” Shada said. “It’s hard to value your sister when you’re in competition.” Despite the trials of being a twin, Sherine and Shada are best friends and currently live together off-campus. Bonds between the two are stronger than ever now that they had time apart to discover their individuality. “I’ve always had someone there,” said Sherine. “Even though I have amazing friends at APU, there’s nothing like having your sister with you.”

TWIN FACTS According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, twins can be identical and fraternal. Identical twins occur when a single fertilized egg splits in two. They share the same genes and look alike. Fraternal twins occur when two eggs fertilize separately. They do not look identical and do not share the same genes, just like siblings from two separate pregnancies. Here’s more twins facts, from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2008 Birth Data: •U.S. average—32.3 out of every 1,000 births. •California is below the national average at 29.7 out of every 1,000 births.

Reflecting Him

By Chelsea Johnson | English major

Christ followers chime in on what it really means to have identity in Christ, by mirroring the humanity of God.

e hear the phrase in chapel, in our Bible classes, and among our peers: identity in Christ. But what does this really mean? How do we maintain a Christbased identity and where does that come from? Foothill Community Church Pastor Dale Winslow said that having an identity in Christ involves looking at the life of Christ. “I will do what Christ did. I will live like Christ did,” said Winslow. “It’s like the visible expression—a pure life, a selfless life, being gentle and kind.” However, finding Christ-centered identity isn’t simply about what Christ taught, but also about who He was as a human being. To root our identity in Christ is to look at who Christ was as a human being and to try to emulate that in our own lives. “To take our life cues from the life of Christ...How did he live?” Winslow said. We should look at how Christ treated Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector. Jesus stayed at his home and dined with him, even though the crowd considered him a great sinner. As college students, we aren’t exempt from accepting the call to live as Christ did. Christ as man struggled with the same things we do. On campus, this means that we strive to show the same love and respect that Christ did. Winslow explained that as Christ followers, we don’t have the luxury of choosing our friends. “Everyone is in,” said Winslow. “It’s a good pressure that the Lord puts on people.”

To be emboldened by the life of Christ means to strive to live like He did. We are called to befriend the Zacchaeus-like of our community. A Christ-like identity is displaying “hospitality,” according to Winslow. “[Being] the kind of person that all kinds of people would feel safe around,” Winslow said. APU theology professor Heather Clements discussed the idea of not only looking to the life of Christ, but also to the Holy Spirit’s work in casting away our old selves. When we find identity in Christ, our old selves die and we are reborn. Clements explained we are “equipped to live as Christ lived. ” Clements said, “You are no longer in bondage to sin.” Clements referenced Ephesians 4 and how it encourages us to look at the identity of Christ. Often we are struck by the grandeur of the divinity of Christ (and rightly so), but we miss out on the side of Christ that we can more acutely relate to—the human decisions that Christ made. “[Paul] emphasizes the importance of learning who Christ is and what Christ did,” Clements said. “That is part of dying to yourself. You can’t really change your life and live life in Christ if you don’t know who Christ is.” God works in us individually to live a Christ-centered life. We don’t have to fit a mold or perception of Christ-likeness, we strive to do what Christ did and live as He lived.

“We don’t have to force ourselves into some cookie cutter, but we are being shaped to be able to do these things by God,” said Clements. Junior theater major Crystal Rossmann said, “Identity in Christ would be to not look for satisfaction or who you are in other people.” Rossmann explained that by looking at Christ’s example and promises, we are shown who we are meant to be. Junior psychology and business major Jeffrey Tjoa also looked to scripture as the basis for his identity in Christ. He references John 21, where Christ asks Peter to feed His sheep and to follow Him. Tjoa said this is where a Christcentered identity should be rooted. “What does it mean to feed my sheep and what does it mean to have Christ in the center [of your life]?” said Tjoa. Having an identity in Christ is not necessarily about preaching, but about how you interact with those around you. “Without having to speak the word Christ, how can you project to the world who doesn’t understand the name,” said Tjoa. Next time you read the Bible or listen to a sermon about Christ, look for the cues that point to who He was. We are unable to live exactly like Christ did, but when we accept the challenge to live as the human Christ lived as our example, God works through us to form a new identity. This identity is unique to you.

Singled Out Pressures to be in a romantic relationship fuel our fear of being alone during and after college. But what if being single wasn’t a bad thing? By Elissa Emoto | Communication studies major

ue the romantic and heartwarming theme song, a disarmingly handsome prince, and a beautiful princess with a little bit of spunk, to encourage our disillusioned images of what a love story should look like. If only life could be as simple as a fairytale plot with that desirable “happily-ever-after” ending. If only finding a princess locked up in a high tower or a prince charming whom you gallop away with on horseback was real life. Living a life of singleness in a culture full of unrealistic expectations is like this unspoken pressure that has slithered its way into our deepest insecurities. For a lot of people some overwhelming questions remain: Will I be single for the rest of my life? Will I ever find ‘the one?’ Here are some stories of hope, stories about defining your own season of singleness amidst the unreachable fairy dust and glass slippers. “In second grade I started making a list of what I wanted in my husband. He has to like gummy worms or he has to like the color green,” said sophomore marketing major Lindsay Foregger. “But as I got older, things got crossed out, and I’ve had this list that is crumpled and deteriorating from all these years.” She knows she has high expectations and worries that her list of characteristics for a suitable husband might be setting an

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impossible standard. “I’m afraid of either ending up alone or having to settle,” Foregger said. Even while disclosing her fears, Foregger also revealed her contentment with living the single life. “I’m happy,” Foregger said. “I feel like my role isn’t to be in a relationship. It’s to mentor others and really build relationships with other girls.

Redefining Relational Identity

JP Charfauros, Pastor of SHIFT Ministries at Christ’s Church of the Valley in San Dimas, Calif., firmly believes that finding contentment in singleness begins with a foundation upon God. “You have to make sure that your solitary focus is on being a son or daughter of God first,” said Charfauros. “Having your foundation in Christ alone is the only one that can be laid.” Charfauros, who graduated from APU in 2006, reflected on his own season of singleness as both a struggle and a blessing. He met Stephanie during their senior year in high school, and they dated for about a year and half before breaking up. Left with feelings of emptiness, Charfauros decided to dedicated his life to God and set out on a path to true identity. “Through that break up I knew that she

was my idol,” Charfauros said. “She was the one I put all my hope in, and the one who I put all my value in.” For a year he remained single, learning more about God everyday. Although Charfauros still felt tempted to reach out to Stephanie, he continued his journey to become the man of God he felt called to be. “I realized that family can’t become your foundation, friends can’t be your foundation, [and] the opposite sex can’t become your foundation,” said Charfauros. “The only foundation that can be laid is in Christ Jesus.” The high school sweethearts realized that God was moving them towards a reunion after months of prayer. They dated for two more years before getting married in 2006. The couple just celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter, on November 25. Today, the couple is able to appreciate what they learned during their time apart. “If I base my life off of my wife, she is still not going to sustain me and give me everything I need,” said Charfauros. “My identity has to be in God first or else everything else will crumble.” Current APU students are feeling the same. Sophomore liberal studies major, Lindsey Myers, believes in having a deep love for God before diving into a romance with anyone else. “I still need to have that romance with God,

and He needs to be my spouse,” she said. Things ended with her most recent boyfriend over the summer, which inspired Myers to reevaluate her motives for wanting a relationship. “Can you imagine not spending time with your husband everyday?” Myers said. “And if Christ is our husband, then we need to be spending time with Him everyday.”

“I think a season of singleness really provides us with such a gift.” –Allie Marie Smith Junior political science major, Zach Porter, believes that the pressure to be in a relationship comes from no one else but himself. “A lot of people talk about the idea of ‘ring by spring’ being the primary pressure to be in a relationship, but honestly that is not how I feel,” he said. “It is an internal pressure of something that

I want, rather than something that is expected of me.” Porter explained the pressure to be in a relationship as a reflection of the care that he hopes to contribute to a romantic relationship someday. Caring is a personality trait that allows Porter to value another person’s needs and not just his own.

Savoring Singleness

Allie Marie Smith is the founder of Wonderfully Made, a Christian ministry dedicated to helping young women to know their value and worth. Smith believes that once you become engaged or married you should almost feel a sense of loss for your singleness. “I think a season of singleness really provides us with such a gift,” said Smith. “I really wish it upon every single girl and guy.” According to Smith a season of singleness really pushes you to tackle your insecurities head on. “Think about the dreams that God’s given you and really guard your heart,” she said, “Take the opportunity to really grow in your true value and worth or significance without a significant other.” Now a happily married woman, Smith laughed when she admitted that she sometimes misses the freedom of being single. Some single

people can find freedom in making individual choices. She used the example of no longer being able to plan a spontaneous backpacking trip to Europe without, of course, thinking about her significant other’s approval first. “I think it is such sweet time in your life,” Smith said. “I strongly believe that the best thing a young woman or a young man can really have is that long uninterrupted season of singleness.” Even during those solitary periods of time, it is hard ignore the potential romances and what-if relationships. Being human, we will continue to make specific lists of expectations of what we seek in a future spouse. However, singleness is also a time of self-reflection and finding your individual identity in Christ. Last year, Foregger said God put it on her heart to reexamine the list she had made. Although she had focused on qualities she wanted in a man, she needed to consider another list.“When do I ever make a list of things that I should be as a wife?” said Foregger who has moved on from gummy worms and the color green to an attitude of patience and learning. “There is a man out there, and I want him to expect as much of me as I do of him,” Foregger said. “I think the best way to do that is while I’m single, to really grow in that and be mature enough to have a relationship.” $! ( 1/!ċ+.#ĥ +((% !ŏđŏŏāĀ

Redefining

Boys will not always “be boys” and girls will not always “be girls.” In today’s society, what it means to be a real man and real woman is changing. One male and one female reporter cover the issues of their opposite gender to discover how students are addressing stereotypes. By Chelsea Johnson | English major

e a man. Don’t let people know how you feel. Always be brave, strong, and courageous. Watch out for number one. Do these sayings sound familiar? Gender stereotypes and expectations run deep. What does it mean to be a real man? APU men are redefining these stereotypes and what manhood can mean. Senior marketing major and Smith Hall Resident Advisor Sean Rollolazo talked about the pressures men face today. “A lot has to do with appearance... looking like a man, looking muscular, always having a reason to have your shirt off,” Rollolazo said. Smith Hall has notoriously been known as the “manly dorm,” but there is more to manhood than muscles and sports-related stigmas. We may scoff at APU’s ‘no shirtless men’ rule, but in reality, rules like these are helping to reinforce the idea of action defining identity rather than appearance. Rollolazo said that by playing into the role that society expects of us, we lose part of our identity. “We think we are being men by doing these things, but in it, we kill parts of ourselves to be this,” said Rollolazo. “We are hiding our natural selves to be this man.” Greg Dolmage, the new Resident Director of Smith Hall, discussed the pressure of always being the best and the aspect of competition among some men. “[Among] men in general, one of the primary pressures is figuring out who you are and what your purpose is,” Dolmage said. “Tied with that is a pressure to perform well in whatever you do, a pressure to live up to what we see through media and TV.” Dolmage talked about how a sense of responsibility comes with being a man. “Responsibility is another huge aspect of being a man,” Dolmage said. So what does this look like?

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“Responsibility includes that when we screw up, we admit to it,” said Dolmage. “That we can go into a situation and fail and still move forward, that failure is an option.” Shire East Resident Director Ronnie McGee discussed how he’s seen many young men struggle with the balance between masculine identity and acceptance. “Many of them come into this school with a broken sense of what masculinity and manhood is, and what your role is as a male on this campus,” McGee said. He talked about the tendency for men to ‘love’ each other by tearing each other down. Those who don’t participate are often considered outsiders, according to McGee. But where is this coming from? “There is an epidemic of guys comparing themselves to what’s perceived as the cool guys in the dorm— the popular, extroverted, loud, just crazy mentality,” McGee said. Instead of spending four years of college trying to find their own identities, the pressure of being accepted and fitting the socially approved mold of ‘what a real man is’ takes precedence. McGee explained that men are constantly battling the balance of widely accepted social expectations and ultimately, the fear of truly knowing themselves. A ‘real man,’ or a man of worth, is firm but gentle. “Men should be able to stand up and be accountable for the things we say and the things we do,” said McGee. “But I think as men, we need to embrace this role.” So forget what you see on TV and the stigma of a ‘real man.’ Men are defined by far more than muscles and grit. When asked where men should ultimately root their identities, the answer was unanimous across the board: true identity is found in Christ.

MEN

the Real Deal By Caleb Dennis | Journalism major

e ladylike. Stop being so emotional. Always be quiet, sweet, and serve others. Do these sound familiar? Whether you are reading a magazine, watching movies, listening to music, or just walking around in public, you’re surrounded by one of the most influential voices: the media industry and its often unrealistic portrayal of women. Imran Siddiquee currently works as the Social Media and Communications Manager for “Miss Representation,” a documentary that addresses identity issues caused by gender portrayal in the mass media. The documentary was featured at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, as well as on the Oprah Winfrey Network. The Women’s Resource Center also hosted two documentary screenings on campus. Siddiquee has a major passion for feminist issues and the cultural representation of women. This issue exists in values, according to Siddiquee. “The media only really values sexuality, youth, and [outer] beauty, and this certainly puts pressure on women,” Siddiquee said. These three factors create a false representation of what it means to be a woman, which are often digitally distorted. “Technology makes it possible to look like something you’re not, and it shouldn’t be the basis for anything, because these images are fake,” Siddiquee said. Siddiquee believes that another influencing factor is a lack of women’s voice. According to the National Organization for Women (NOW), only six percent of the current market is owned and controlled by women, and only one in four hires in the communications world are to women.

STUDENTS SPEAK Go online to see what students had to say in response to this question: What makes a real man or woman?

“The point is that we aren’t hearing everyone,” said Siddiquee. Whatever the case, media images are not the only problem. “I don’t think that inherently media images are bad—it’s what we do with them,” said Elaine Walton, a professional psychologist at APU. Walton works primarily with the empowerment of women. She focuses on issues such as domestic violence, relationship concerns and women’s issues. Walton believes that from an early age, women identify and base their identities off of role models, such as parents and other family members. But as they get older and change, those influences also have to change. She believes that positive role models can be found in a college environment like APU. “At this stage in life, women have the access to women from all different places in the career world that are there to serve as these mentors of real life,” Walton said. Without redirecting one’s gaze from false influences, Walton described that culture essentially works like a ‘vacuum.’ “It is easy to suck up unproductive and unhealthy things, especially because at this age, women are finding their identity [as an adult], said Walton. “Because of that, finding these role models to help them is so crucial.” Brittany Van Eck, a graduate student in the College Counseling and Student Development program, believes that the importance of discovering self is important, but often ignored. “Women need to explore what exactly it is that they are passionate about, and they aren’t often asked to do that,” said Van Eck. There is nothing wrong with being quiet, sweet, and serving others, just as there is nothing wrong with their opposites. But the reason why women make these decisions is important. “One stereotype that exists is that being a stay-at-home mom is an escape, but it‘s all about being who you want to be and knowing why,” Van Eck said. So forget what the mass media tells you about women. They are not sexual, and they are not defined by a mold made through stereotypes. They are beautiful through finding who they are separate from the media’s idea of who they should be. The answer was unanimous: being a woman involves a process of finding true identity over a digital one.

WOMEN

Technology is turning your life into an open book with the help of one instigator: YOU.

By Kaitlin Schluter | Journalism major

facebook

he likes to listen to Bob Marley and The Civil Wars. Her hometown is Colorado Springs and as of a few months ago, she now lives in Azusa. In her spare time, !"#$""%&'#()*"'&+#&,-('+&.+/*0/&1%*2"3'*#45&'6"&"%784'&6+2*%9&)"":&/8%2"3'+#*8%5& :;+4*%9&9(*#+35&+%)&+/#*%9<&="3&3";*9*8%&*'&>?+2")<&@839*2"%<A&B65&+%)&'6"C'&'*%9;"<& Meet freshman theater arts major Mackenzie Breeden, through the lens of 6"3&@+/"!88D&:380;"<& Breeden, like over 800 million active Facebook users, is participating in an online phenomenon that is shaping the way we think about identity. Getting to D%8$& +& :"3'8%& ('")& #8& !"& ;*E*#")& #8& F+/"G#8GF+/"& *%#"3+/#*8%<& H(#& $*#6& #8)+4C'& technology, a quick round of “Facebook stalking” can make you feel nearer and closer to understanding the person standing next to you. Identity now comes :+/D+9")&*%&#6"&F83E&8F&+%&8%;*%"&:380;"5&/8E:;"#"&$*#6&:380;"&:*/#(3"'5&'#+#('"'5& #+99")&*E+9"'5&/8EE"%#'5&+%)&*%#"3"'#'&#6+#&'"32"&+'&*%)*/+#83'&8F&#6"&*%)*2*)(+;C'& personality. I(/6&;*D"&#6"&8;)&+)+9"5&)8%C#&7()9"&+&!88D&!4&*#'&/82"35&*#C'&!"/8E*%9&"+'*"3& #8&7()9"&+&:"3'8%&!4&#6"*3&@+/"!88D&:380;"<&J"C3"&!"/8E*%9&K8:"%&!88D'C&#8&#6"& world, intentionally or not, but to what extent has social media become a way we get to know each other?

!"#$%#&'()*+",(+&$#&>L&)"0%*#";4&6+2"&8%"&;+4"3&8%&@+/"!88D5A&'+*)&H3"")"%5&$68&*'&'";"/#*2"&*%& $6+#&'6"&:8'#'<&>LCE&%8#&+%&*%G)":#6&:"3'8%&8%&@+/"!88D&!"/+('"&L&$+%#&:"8:;"& to get to know me and not my Facebook. I put what I am generally to people, that F(%%4&9*3;M!(#&$6"%&#6"4&D%8$&E"5&L&F"";&;*D"&#6"4&D%8$&#6"3"C'&E83"&#8&E"&#6+%& funny faces.” Chris Adams, junior communication studies major, also utilizes Facebook #8& >E+D"& +& %+E"& F83& 6*E'";FA& $*#6& '8E"& "N/":#*8%'<& ="& )8"'%C#& :8'#& +!8(#& 6*'& religious beliefs or political stances, but merely uses Facebook as a tool to connect $*#6&F3*"%)'<&B%&6*'&:380;"5&48(C)&)*'/82"3&#6+#&,)+E'&*'&+%&O<,<&P8)9"3'&F+%&+%)& ;82"'&3"+)*%9&Q+;2*%&+%)&=8!!"'&/8E*/'<&B65&+%)&6"C'&+;'8&'*%9;"<& H(#& ,)+E'& +;'8& '""'& :"8:;"& ('*%9& '8/*+;& E")*+& #8& /3"+#"& +& F+;'"5& E8)*0")& identity. “I feel like a lot of people try, not me personally, to display themselves better than who they are,” said Adams. “They make themselves look real good and real cool. They look all put together when in reality, that may not be the case.” H+/D&*%&#6"&RSTU'5&'8/*8;89*'#&V32*%9&W8XE+%&+##"E:#")&#8&3"+'8%&#638(96& 6*'& !88D& >Y6"& .3"'"%#+#*8%& 8F& ?";F& *%& V2"34)+4& O*F"A& 68$& :"8:;"& /3"+#"& *)"%#*#4<& He described people as actors, performing on a stage before an audience that is the world. In order to sell the performance, they create a “front,” which includes 2+34*%9& )"93""'& 8F& +/#*8%'5& 8!7"/#'5& +%)& '"##*%9'<& Y8)+45& $"C2"& E8)"3%*-")& the “front” by producing witty Facebook statuses and eye-catching pictures to convince our audience of who we really are.

."/"0-(+1(%#'#/2$(#%-&/#/* V2+%&Q+338;;5&/8G+(#683&8F&>Y6"&P*9*#+;&,F#"3;*F"5A&'""'&+&>:38Z"/#*8%A&"E"39*%9& $*#6&)*9*#+;&*)"%#*#45&*%&;*"(&8F&W8XE+%C'&+%+;4'*'<&>.38Z"/#*8%A&*'&+&/8E!*%+#*8%&8F& :387"/#*%9&+%)&3"Z"/#*%9&*)"%#*#4&#638(96&#6"&*#"E'&:8'#")<& Q+338;;& $8(;)& +39("& #6+#& :380;"'& 6+2"& !"/8E"& 2+;(+!;"5& 3":;+/*%9& #6"&

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30+/-4/(5+"0( 6#'#/2$(7%-&/#/* Social media can be an expressive tool to share identity with others, but when your personal data gets in the hands of the wrong person, the consequences can be severe. Robert Sicillano, identity theft expert and proclaimed “McAfee Online Security Evangelist,” shares basic tips to protecting 48(3&8%;*%"&*)"%#*#4<&>L#C'&%8#&$6+#& data is out there, but what can be done with that data that could +X"/#& 48(3& '"/(3*#4& :8'#(3"5A& Sicillano said.

»H"&:*/D4&$*#6&48(3&F3*"%)'[&P8%C#& add a person as a Facebook friend unless you feel you can trust that person. Facebook )8"'& 8X"3& :3*2+/4& '"##*%9& #6+#& limit the amount of information #6"&:(!;*/5&F3*"%)'5&+%)&':"/*0/& people can access. If you friend random people, you open yourself up to unwanted exposure.

“We are the curator and collector of our personal collection.” –Evan Carroll

traditional means of preserving memories through scrapbooks and VHS recordings. But with technology, Carroll and co-author James Romano came upon a startling 3"+;*-+#*8%[&J6"%&$"&)*"5&$"&)8%C#&6+2"&+&9+E"&:;+%&#8&:3"'"32"&#6"'"&:"3'8%+;& artifacts. “As things are collecting online, we are really collecting ourselves,” said Carroll. “We are the curator and collector of our personal collection. And we !";*"2"&#6"3"C'&+%&8::83#(%*#4&#8&:(;;&+;;&8F&#6+#&#89"#6"35&"2"%&$6"%&48(&+'&#6"& curator is gone.” L#&$+'%C#&(%#*;&Q\\&/8%#+/#")&#6"E5&$6"%&#6"4&3"+;*-")&#6"4&E*96#&!"&8%&#8& '8E"#6*%9<&Y6"4&6+)&/3"+#")&+&!;895&/+;;")&>Y6"&P*9*#+;&H"48%)5A&$6*/6&)*'/(''")& )*9*#+;&"'#+#"&:;+%%*%95&!(#&;+#"3&#6"4&/8E:*;")&#6"'"&0%)*%9'&*%#8&#6"*3&!88D&#6+#& released in late 2010. >L#&'68$'&#6+#&$"5&+'&*%)*2*)(+;'5&+3"&'+4*%9&$"&;*2"&8(3&;*2"'&8%;*%"&+%)&#6+#C'& '8E"#6*%9&:"8:;"&'""&$*#6&+;;&#6"&'#(X&#6"4&+/#(+;;4&6+2"&8(#&#6"3"5A&'+*)&Q+338;;<& >L#C'&#6"&3"/89%*#*8%&#6+#&#6*'&*'&+&;*F"':+%&8F&+&:"3'8%<&L#C'&%8#&+&F+)<A ]"X& W*%9"3& +;'8& %8#")& #6"& 938$*%9& *%Z("%/"& 8F& #"/6%8;894& *%& :"3'8%+;& identity. As a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ginger collaborated with a team to research the impact of Facebook during its early stages. They created “The Facebook Project,” an online academic community that functioned from 2006 to 2009. Ginger, who is currently in the process of getting a .6<P<&*%&'8/*+;&+%)&/8EE(%*#4&*%F83E+#*/'5&6+'&8!'"32")&@+/"!88D&#3+%'F83E&F38E& a college student only domain to an international network. J*#6&#6"&'6*F#5&6"&'""'&#6"&L%#"3%"#&!"/8E*%9&+&)*2"3'*0")&+3"%+&$6"3"&%"$& identities can be explored in positive ways. >,& :"3'8%& $68& *)"%#*0"'& +'& 9+4& E+4& %8#& !"& +!;"& #8& )8& '8& 8:"%;4& #8& #6"*3& family, but could admit their sexuality openly to friends or communities on the Internet, and this could be quite empowering,” said Ginger, who also sees the L%#"3%"#&#4*%9&/;8'"3&#8&8^*%"&*)"%#*#4<&

8+99"&#42/#&'(:2$"-;(/<0+"'<(*+"0(=0+>$J*#6& #6"& ;+(%/6& 8F& @+/"!88DC'& %"$& #*E";*%"& )"'*9%& 8%& B/#8!"3& _`5& _URR5& a further shift is occurring to emphasize the long-term implications of digital identity. The design, which prompts users to “tell your life story with a new kind 8F& :380;"5A& )8/(E"%#'& 8F& ;*F"& +'& *#& 6+::"%'& )*9*#+;;4& F38E& !*3#6& #8& )"+#6<& I+3*& ?E*#65&'8/*+;&E")*+&"N:"3#&+%)&+(#683&8F&>Y6"&\"$&a";+#*8%'6*:&I+3D"#*%95A&'""'& @+/"!88D&$+%#*%9&#8&!"/8E"&#6"&/"%#"3&8F&8%"C'&8%;*%"&*)"%#*#4<& H(#&'6"C'&%8#&*E:3"''")< >LCE& %8#& #6+#& "/'#+#*/& +!8(#& *#& E4'";F& +%)& +E& 3"'#3*/#*%9& "%#3*"'& F38E& #6"& :+'#5A&'+*)&?E*#6<&>L&)8%C#&'""&+%4&%"")&#8&98&)8$%&E"E834&;+%"&+%)&)8/(E"%#& E4&;*F"&8%&8%"&:;+#F83E<&L#C'&+%&*%#"3"'#*%9&*)"+5&%8%"#6";"''<A Regardless of the varying implications of digital identity, the way we manage *#&E+4&F83/"&#6"&*%)*2*)(+;&#8&+'D5&KL'&*#&+;;&+(#6"%#*/bC&,#&,.15&'#()"%#&;"+)"3'&+3"& held up to a higher degree of scrutiny when it comes to online identity. Stacie Champine, director of Orientation and Transitions, says she checks every Facebook :380;"&8F&,;:6+&:3893+E&+::;*/+%#'<&?6"&3"+;*-"'&#6"3"&E+4&!"&+%&(%F+*3&+)2+%#+9"& F83&#68'"&$*#6&:3*2+#"&:380;"'5&!(#&+;'8&2+;("'&/8%'*'#"%/4&*%&+&'#()"%#&;"+)"3< >@+/"!88D& /+%& 6";:& #8& !"& 8%"& ;"%'& *%& $6*/6& $"& /+%& ;88D5& +%)& #6+#& )8"'%C#& mean that gives the full identity picture of the student,” said Champine. “But it does allow us to see one piece of what is important to that person.”

30+/-4/(5+"0( 6#'#/2$(7%-&/#/* »Avoid geographic locators:

People are easily tagging where they are and whom they are with. But with these locaters, it allows others to know where 48(C3"&%8#<&H(39;+3'&E+4&!3"+D& into your living area, knowing you are gone. On a smaller /+E:('5&3"2"+;*%9&48(3&':"/*0/& location can also let strangers D%8$&68$&#8&0%)&48(&c(*/D;4<

»Advertise family relations with

scrutiny: When you forget your password, you typically are asked to respond to knowledge-based questions. These queries ask for your E8#6"3C'&E+*)"%&%+E"&+%)&#6"& names of your pets, children, and high school. Most people advertise this information F3"";4& 8%& #6"*3& E+*%& :380;"<& Either remove or set privacy settings to who can access this information.

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GAY AND CHRISTIAN Alumni explain their journey reconciling their own faith and homosexual identities. By Sarah Rogers | English major

“I think someone can be gay and Christian.” - Rod López

“I

’ve always known I was gay,” said Rod López, a May 2010 biblical studies APU graduate. “I’ve never been sexually attracted to women ever since I was a child. I knew I was supposed to like girls, but I didn’t.” Dr. Mark Yarhouse, who was invited by APU to speak to professors on homosexuality, found in his 2009 research of gay Christian college students that they had differing understandings of their sexual preference’s origin. Yarhouse is the Endowed Chair of the School of Psychology and Counseling at Regent University and the developer of the Institute for the Study of Sexuality. Most participants for his research article, “Listening to Sexual Minorities on Christian Campuses,” believed their same-sex attraction was biological (10%), environmental (53%), or had not formed an opinion and could not answer the question (17%). According to the American Psychological Association’s website, other explanations for same-sex attraction have pointed to psychological problems. Since 1975, the organization has been attempting to remove homosexuality’s social stigma as a mental disorder. Gay and Christian: these two factors in identity, faith, and sexuality meld together amidst controversy. But what does it mean to be both?

Studying the Faith

López, who is currently a teacher through Teach for America, grew up in the Catholic church and transitioned to an evangelical one in high school. If he told people his sexual orientation, he would say he was struggling with homosexual thoughts and tendencies. But no longer does he define his homosexuality as a struggle. “I think someone can be gay and Christian,” López said. “I also think that person can be not

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only gay, as in sexual orientation, but also can be actively gay and in a same sex relationship.” He had always accepted he was called to celibacy, but some of his APU Bible classes challenged his understanding of human sexuality. According to López, the Christian academic world is not as unanimous on homosexuality as he previously believed. “In Romans 1, Paul talks about people giving themselves over to sin like same-sex lusts,” López said. “When you think about the Roman world, men of equal economic and cultural status rarely had sex with each other. Often, sex was a power dynamic and they would have sex

with younger boys and slaves.” In ancient Rome, López believes penetration was an act of power, not one of love. For two men to be in love and committed to each other was unheard of, as far as he knows. The Bible is silent on the modern version of homosexuality, according to López. “Same sex relationships now are not about power or status, but two people genuinely in love who want the best for each other,” said López. He would not say the Bible promotes homosexuality, but loving homosexual relationships did not exist and therefore are not addressed in the Bible. “The Bible doesn’t address every single thing in modernity,” said López. “Christian couples are in love, centered in Christ and want to be disciples of Christ together. I see that and I say, ‘Is that really the same thing being talked about in Romans, Deuteronomy or Philippians?’” This is not to say López discounts the Holy Bible. “The Bible is the Word of God and I think there’s life and hope to be found in Scripture, but I just don’t see it applying to the situation,” López said. “I think we need to address every part of it and figure it out.” Wrestling with biblical teachings on homosexuality also brought disagreement with his church. While at APU, López attended an evangelical church and served as a high school youth group leader. When Prop 8 was on the ballot, members of the church organized a booth in the lobby, handing out pamphlets against gay marriage. “I didn’t think it was appropriate for the church to do that,” said López. “My thing was, if a gay couple walked into church right now, they were going to feel unwelcome.” He began to bring up the subject, but as a well-known church leader, López was asked to step down. “I was there to mentor the youth. I went for the community and I wasn’t going to go if I couldn’t be involved in the high school ministry,”

“We should not allow ourselves to be distracted from the wider work of the church by allowing gay and lesbian !"#$%$&'()*(+&(),&('"-.$/-$"%(%"#+'(*!( partisan politics.” - Rev. Susan Russell said López. He started a house church with some friends instead. After he finishes his two-year commitment to Teach for America, López hopes to find a new church in California. “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a believer being with other believers,” said López. “I would never dream of doing things on my own because that’s not Christian or what the body of Christ is supposed to be.”

Losing the Faith

For some, churches have been a place of exclusion and hurt. For Abigail Cirelli, a 2010 journalism and sociology APU graduate, her conception of the world was “God is love and people are gay.” She was searching for an understanding of God that allowed for both truths to be harmonious. “I was into liberation theology for a while that teaches God is the God of the oppressed and they are His cause,” said Cirelli. “That allowed me to see the coexistence of Christianity and the acceptance of the reality of the human experience, which is a spectrum of sexuality.” Cirelli grew up in a small, blue-collar church that she always saw as a loving community. One day, her pastor mentioned they would be going through a video series on homosexuality and how to love the sinner, but hate the sin. “The first time they mentioned it, I burst into tears,” said Cirelli. “A group of people I know are good and loving people created a space that wasn’t safe for everyone.” Feeling betrayed and tricked, Cirelli couldn’t understand why her church would ask her to separate her body and soul. “You can’t love someone and hate who they are,” Cirelli said. She identifies as queer, being neither straight nor completely gay. Now, Cirelli has left the church and considers herself agnostic. Treatment of the homosexual community was not her reason for leaving. Christianity felt artificial to her. Cirelli said, “I think the most holy and sacred things are or reside in the connection between people.”

Arguing the Faith

Reverend Susan Russell is on staff at All Saints Church in Pasadena with LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) inclusion as part of her portfolio. She is also the chair of the LGBT group for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and serves on the Religion Council of the national Human Rights Campaign.

“Often, I get the question, ‘Show me in the Bible where it says homosexuality is okay,’” said Russell. “I will say, I can’t find a text that will tell me that. I also can’t find a text that will tell me we should ordain women, be against the death penalty, or abolish slavery.” Discernment is necessary to read the Bible in context, Russell believes. Texts in the Bible state stoning was the penalty for children talking back and the idea that the sun revolved around the earth. “I believe in the 21st century we have a different understanding of the psychology and biology of homosexuality,” said Russell. “There are a percentage of people who are, for lack of a better word, hard-wired to form their best, most authentic relationships in terms of emotional and sexual intimacy with partners of the same gender,” said Russell. “Given that that is a scientific given, I think as a theologian my response to that is, ‘Where is God in those relationships?’” Common arguments against homosexuality tend to be Scripture-based, but Russell believes Christians should look at the wider message of the Bible. God’s wider message, to Russell, is His love, justice, and compassion. “If you belong to a tradition that reads the Bible literally, I would challenge you to read it all literally. I think it becomes a challenge,” said Russell. “We take the Bible too seriously to take it literally.” To allow the issue of homosexuality to polarize and divide the greater church is to miss the high calling of being followers of Jesus, she said. Russell said, “Good people of deep faith reading the same Bible come to different conclusions about God’s will. But we should not allow ourselves to be distracted from the wider work of the church by allowing gay and lesbian families to be the sacrificial lambs of partisan politics.”

Note to the reader:

This article’s purpose was to look at a part of identity that is an important discussion to college-age readers and the greater church. The Collide staff chose to examine a narrow aspect of a large discussion regarding homosexuality and to answer the question, how do people identify as both gay and Christian? Most sources interviewed speak personally to this question.

CLASHES IN THE CHURCH The issue of homosexuality in the church has differed among church denominations, ranging from full acceptance to total rejection of all the O?IP"8)++3('!,"/$./$-$(!-:"H88)/4'(&" to professor of practical theology Michael I/3($/1"4'<'-')(-"05-)")883/")<$/"8#3/8#" +$+%$/-#'." 0(4" )/4'(0!')(" )*" O?IP" '(4'<'4305-:" P#$" I'%5$" -0,-" ()!#'(&" about homosexuality as an orientation, $C.50'($4" I/3($/1" E#'8#" 5$04-" -)+$" Protestant and Catholic churches to recognize celibate homosexuals as able to receive a call from God to be ordained. “Those who claim both identities typically understand their sexual orientation to be a gift from God, and interpret the texts in Scripture that express the sinfulness of homosexual behavior as addressing only Ancient ;$0/"Q0-!$/("0(4R)/"B/-!"8$(!3/,"?/$8)= Roman sexual mores and practices, which they claim are vastly different */)+" !#$" +)/$-" )*" !)40,7-" 8)++'!!$4" #)+)-$C305".0/!($/-#'.-1A"-0'4"I/3($/:" I3!"!#$"%0-'8"'--3$"+)-!"8#3/8#$-" 8)(*/)(!1" I/3($/" %$5'$<$-1" '-" E#$/$" !)" draw the line between tolerance and endorsement. >P#$" +)-!" 4'*B835!" 9'(4" )*" 5)<'(&1" in fact, often involves practicing uncomfortable discernment and setting what appear to be unloving boundaries,” -0'4"I/3($/:" I/3($/" -$$-" @#/'-!" 0-" !#$" 35!'+0!$" example of this balancing act. And the Church, on its best days, is able to both tolerate people while not endorsing +0(," )*" !#$" !#'(&-" !#$," 4):" I/3($/" believes the Church has been called to go one step further than tolerance. The Church is called to love and with conviction. “We as the Church must continue to do our best to love all those who seek to follow Jesus Christ, regardless of their sexual behavior, while at the same time not countenancing any behavior !#0!" *055-" -#)/!" )*" @#/'-!7-" #'&#" -$C305" $!#'81A" -0'4" I/3($/1" $<$(" '*" !#0!" +$0(-" that many who practice such behaviors will see this position as “patronizing and unloving.”

Between Cultural Lines

By Chelsey Barmore | English major

Students share their experiences finding identity while exploring a biracial or multiracial heritage.

or some, finding their identities as biracial or multiracial individuals can bring forth challenges. Someone born with blended ethnicities may experience the frequent question of, “What are you?” Mistaken for one race and not recognized for the other may at times create an identity crisis. There’s a pull to identify with one group or another, and sometimes, between multiple ethnicities simultaneously. This is the case for Stephen Gephart, who is German, English, and Hispanic. Gephart, a sophomore applied health major says he’s proud of his Hispanic heritage. He grew up in a Catholic household and was raised by a Spanish-speaking mother. Cooking tamales for Christmas with his family became a memorable time for him. Even though his Hispanic heritage was dominant in his home, Gephart still accepted his English and German nationalities. “My Nana would take us to operas, plays, musicals, and different classical performances growing up,” said Gephart, whose dad’s side is from England. “This culture was really apparent in my life, [too].” According to data by the U.S. Census, there’s a growing population of people over the past decade who cannot be defined by one culture. The survey, released in March 2011, reported a 50 percent increase in the multiracial population, contributing to a

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total of 4.2 million people. But identifying with their roots doesn’t happen with a simple choice. Students on campus reveal that discovering personal identity in the midst of a biracial or multiracial heritage is a process that includes multiple factors. Amanda Carmassi, a senior sociology major, found identity from her environment. Carmassi is Brazilian and Caucasian, but identifies herself as Brazilian and Italian. Adopted by an Italian father, Carmassi found comfort and identity through the dominant culture in her home. The Italian culture emphasized large meals and family unity. The fact that she passed as an Italian by her olive skin color also had an effect. “I get really mad if people call me something other than my name,” said Carmassi, which includes being called another race, like “white girl.” “I think that’s because when I grew up, the fact that my last name is Carmassi was how I identified myself. That was the only type of connection that I had with any type of ethnicity. My color is really similar to my dad’s, so I clung on to that.” Identifying with one ethnicity, yet not actually being it, created a challenge for her. Carmassi felt that she would be betraying her parents if she researched about her biological parents.

“I even now struggle with feeling comfortable with my Brazilian-ness because [my adoptive parents] don’t really understand what that means,” Carmassi said. Benjamin Bailey, contributor of the book “Multiracial Americans and Social Class” and an associate professor of communication at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, explained that several factors could influence the acceptance of personal ethnic identity: physical features, social interactions, and communities. “I think now there are a lot of people in the United States who, with large-scale immigration, don’t fit the traditional categories so there’s more flexibility now,” said Bailey. “At one point, someone could say, ‘I don’t care who you are; you’re black to me.’” Bailey explained that in the past a “one drop rule” was enforced. This rule claimed that any individual with “one drop” of African ancestry was to be considered fully AfricanAmerican. Today, individuals cannot be fully defined by one ethnicity over another. Even the way a person acts can affect the way one is identified, according to Bailey. “Now, it matters more at what the individual does, how they talk, who they hang out with, who they marry, what church they go to, etc,” said Bailey. Bailey also noted that living in an

Amanda Carmassi

Brian oliva

environment that doesn’t match a person’s culture could affect identity. Some will begin to adjust to that given culture and claim it as their own. “Anytime you don’t have a community [racially the same], it is easy to assimilate with those around you,” Bailey said. This happened to Brian Oliva, a music major at Citrus College. Oliva is Filipino, Chinese, and Hispanic, but was raised in predominantly African-American and Hispanic communities throughout his childhood. Oliva now sees himself as ‘multicultural’ and identifies closely with Hispanic culture. “My neighborhood was mostly Hispanic, so it influenced the way I acted, how I dressed, the way I presented myself, and the way I talked,” said Oliva. “Everyone thought I was Hispanic and I have a Hispanic last name, so it was easy to just say that I was.” However, Oliva would sometimes find this challenging when others labeled him as Hispanic. People who knew English would sometimes talk to him in Spanish, assuming he didn’t understand English. It wasn’t until Oliva traveled to the Philippines, that he was able to embrace the nationality that made him who he was. When he got to point where he was able to understand what being “Filipino” was, he claimed it as his identity.

“It was life changing,” said Oliva. “Seeing so many people who looked like me and hearing the language spoken all day, it was an eye opening experience.” Oliva, who is also a local spoken word artist, wrote a poetry piece entitled Identity where he discussed the challenges of growing up in a culturally diverse atmosphere. The spoken poetry also relayed the emotions that came with figuring out who he was. His piece seemed to reach and affect the many who watched it through performances and YouTube recordings. “People started calling me and said that it had really hit home,” said Oliva. “I never thought anything of it.” Oliva has now come to accept his Filipino culture and identify himself as such. “People have invited me to Asian and Pacific Islander open mic [performances],” said Oliva. “I feel a lot more comfortable talking about it.” Despite the challenges that came with finding self-identity through cultural background, these students continue to shape and create personal identity. Oliva found that accepting and realizing the experiences and attributes that make you who you are should be embraced. With that, Oliva said, “I celebrate by knowing who I am.”

“I celebrate by knowing who I am.” -Brian Oliva $! ( 1/!ċ+.#ĥ +((% !ŏđŏŏĂĂ

LIFESTYLES OF OUR By Chelsey Barmore | English major & Kaitlin Schluter | Journalism major

Each generation has its own way of doing life. Today, technology, fashion, and ideology continue to shape new subcultures.

THE MINIMALIST !" #$%$#&'$()" $(" *+,%+*" as people who own very little and live with only the bare essentials. They don’t worry about having material things, but rather focus on building relationships with the people around them. The phrase, “quality over quantity” becomes part of this lifestyle as well as sharing the little a person does have with others. Garrett Russell, a senior English and philosophy major, along with his girlfriend, Marissa Quinn, a graduate student in Fine Arts, consider themselves minimalists. Russell believes that the life of a minimalist shouldn’t be represented by someone trying to “buy that style.” It comes rather from living out a life of humbleness. “I think with minimalism, humility is implied,” said Russell. “[It’s] never really seeking the approval of people with what you’re doing. I think if it’s incredibly obvious that you are [a minimalist] then you might not be. That’s coming from someone who goes barefoot a lot.” Quinn shared how she felt about the image of living a life of minimalism.

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“Both of us by nature have a problem with categories by putting yourself in a box with a label,” said Quinn. “It’s not about quantity. It’s about the intimacy you get with less of a number usually.” Although the homes of Russell and Quinn differ, they share the same mentality. They believe people shouldn’t be wasteful, but should only use what is needed. They should also share and live $%" (&-.$,-+/" 01)" $)2(" %3)" +&(4/" Although Russell owns a small amount of clothing, Quinn’s love for art and fashion sometimes creates a struggle with this lifestyle. “It’s been challenging to not rely on fashion or materials to have an identity, but really ().155'$%5")3",%*"431."$*+%)$)4" through Christ,” said Quinn. This lifestyle must be strived for with a desire to live simplistically in order to serve God wholeheartedly, the couple said. “People become your life instead of objects or things,” said Russell. “The goal is never minimalism. We think it’s a product of following Christ.”

THE NATURALIST The naturalist is typically *+,%+*" &(" &" 6+.(3%" 783" conveys a philosophy that the world can only be understood $%" (-$+%)$,-" )+.#(/" 9%" 3)8+." words, a naturalist believes that science is the only explanation for occurrences in this world. But this generation $(" .+*+,%$%5" )8+" $*+3'354" :4" promoting an ecofriendly lifestyle. Going green and living life organically is seen as an essential way of living. On campus, the living and learning community called “Green Prints” seeks to create a positive impact on the environment by conserving water, electricity and recycling. The living area, located in I court of Shire East, started in the fall of 2010. It seeks to foster environmental stewardship. Karina Felice, sophomore nursing major, is a Green Prints resident and current weekly garden coordinator. “Being a part of the leadership group, we’ve been coming up with ideas on how to create awareness by creating recycling challenges or even [teaching] how easy it is to garden,” said Felice. On the other side of the Mods, Shire West Resident Director Emily Kirkbride shares how she lives a

‘naturalist’ lifestyle by going organic. With a new baby on the way, Kirkbride chooses to eat organically, as well as reuse passed down clothing. She is considering a cloth diaper system for her newborn in order to help the environment and save money. Living a “green” lifestyle does create some challenges, $%-'1*$%5" ,%&%-+(" )3" (1663.)" it and time to maintain it. But Kirkbride sees the intentionality that comes from making a point to eat in and recycle. “Our culture says go fast, make things quickly, do )8$%5("&(";&()"&%*"+;,-$+%)"&(" possible,” said Kirkbride. “I think sometimes this is not the way. Making a meal instead of going out to eat is harder to do than it is to take the time to sit and create and to invest in something.” But through the hard work, Kirkbride believes beauty and selfsatisfaction can come from living out this lifestyle. “Creation is a gift entrusted to us by God,” said Kirkbride. “Hopefully this generation will grow in knowledge and experience to cherish the things that we’ve been given in creation.”

GENERATION

THE HIPSTER The ‘hipster’ is best *+,%+*":4"&%"$*+3'354?".&)8+." than the stereotypical dress 3;" @&4" 0&%(?" =&%%+'?" :+&.*(?" oxfordstyle shoes, and slim cuffed jeans. They tend to go against the grain, distancing from the mainstream while leaning toward the arts and social justice. But some of the less positive views of this subculture include apathy, an elitist mentality and material consumerism. “It’s the weird cycle of, ‘you want to rebel and you want to identify yourself not through the mainstream consumption,’” said Brett McCracken, author of “Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide.” “But you end up consuming the same products that millions of other hipsters are consuming. You become a new mainstream, in a way.” McCracken, who is also the managing editor of Biola magazine, notices the traits 3;"8$6()+.*3#"=37$%5"$%)3")8+" Church. He traveled across the nation visiting ‘hipster’ churches by recommendation of friends, venues he described as leaving you feeling out of place and needing to shop at A.:&%" B1),))+.(/"C8+" DE$6()+." Christian,’ McCracken would (33%" -3#+" )3" ,%*?" $(" &" .$($%5" generation that challenges the

traditions of church operation in radical, but exciting ways. “Hipsters tend to bring with them a healthy emphasis on social justice and getting the church outside of its walls,” said McCracken. “They also bring with them a true valuing of art and culture and aesthetics. I think that’s a healthy corrective from what the evangelical church maybe was ten or twenty years ago.” Natalie Nicoles, a senior English literature major, appreciates the shift that nourishes her artistic nature. She admits to seeing traditional worship as “bland” and during her time leading Kaleo chapel, has deviated from the music norm. She’s introduced songs by folk musician Sufjan Stevens and less typical worship artists like Lovelite and Gungor. Nicoles, who has been called a ‘hipster’ before, recognizes the negative connotations but appreciates the subculture’s acceptance of all races and sexualities. This includes its drive to respond. Instead of falling to apathy, which she sees some hipsters doing, she sees the Hipster Christian taking action. “It’s this group of people that are being proactive in nurt uring their faith,” Nicoles said.

THE BLOGGER The ‘blogger’ is an online wordsmith, utilizing platforms like Blogger and WordPress to publish a digital journal for the masses. Each blog varies in content but consists of a series of “posts,” short entries that run in nonsequential order. Bloggers are thoughtful creatures, able to transform the mundane of daily life into fascinating bitesized tales. APU alumna Aimee Bidlack hosts a fashion blog, a creative venture that started by collecting style inspiration. She never intended to go public with the blog but after a friend encouraged her, doors began to open. She got a gig styling for a L.A. vintage boutique called Shareen Vintage. She also was able to start freelancing for an online magazine. Bidlack now lives in San Francisco and works as an assistant control buyer for Williams and Sonoma. Although Bidlack describes her blog, at www. aimeebidlack.com, as having “zero theme,” she emphasizes the importance of choosing a *+,%$)$3%")8&)"73.<(";3."431/ “It’s really important )3" *+,%+" 78&)" 431." :'35" $(" saying, but because mine is so personal, it’s just really .+=+-)$>+" 3;" 78&)" 92#" 53$%5" through or where I’m at in life,”

Bidlack said. Senior nursing major Renee Murphy also dived into the blogging world this last summer with her Tumblr blog, “He Makes All Things Beautiful.” The blog recorded her experiences interning with Empowering Lives International in Kipkaren, Kenya. Murphy served in both a medical clinic and hospice. The blog allowed family to get a glimpse of the work God was doing while there. “When I blogged, I tried to really be intentional about writing down the senses I was experiencing, what I was feeling, what I was smelling, and what I was seeing,” said Murphy, who admitted to writing more for science than creativity. Her most memorable post includes a time when she helped deliver a baby and met complications. Upon delivery, the baby wasn’t breathing. After twenty minutes of resuscitation, the baby’s heart started beating. Looking back at the memory, Murphy is glad to have created the blog post. “Blogging is something of our generation,” said Murphy. “It’s been something that connects people across cultural boundaries and across physical boundaries.” $! ( 1/!ċ+.#ĥ +((% !ŏđŏŏĂą

PASSION FOR PIERCING The latest trends in body piercings go skin deep, literally.

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Junior sociology major Alicia Guzman shows off her dermal piercing, an instrument that is inserted into the skin with a metal circle screwed around it. (Photo by Caleb Dennis)

iercings are a form of expression, but as junior sociology major Alicia Guzman noticed, many people see her as somewhat of a ‘deviant’ because of them. However, she sees piercings as a way of showing creativity. “It is a way of showing my artistic side,” Guzman said. For senior English major Oscar Maria, his gauges have a very similar effect. “Anything can be art,” said Maria. “[Piercings] are really just a subtopic of the tattoo culture, and they show the inner appreciation for art.” James Wisniewski, who has been piercing professionally for seven years now, claims that it’s hard to know what the next big thing is. He has been working at Body Electric Tattoo for the last five years, a trendy tattoo and piercing shop that is located on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, Calif. “It changes all the time,” said Wisniewski. “Some go up in popularity one week, and the next, go down.” He believes that sometimes people get a piercing because they see it on a celebrity, but often because it’s a form of personal expression. He definitely does recommend putting real

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consideration into what you get. Even a piercing has the power to limit you professionally and in the job hunt. “Most still don’t comply with many workplaces’ standards,” Wisniewski said. For those willing to go under the piercing gun, whether for artistic reasons or mere expression, here’s a look at two of the latest trends:

Dermal Piercing

This piercing is not for the faint-hearted. Usually, this piercing takes a few weeks to heal. But if you can withstand the pain for the visual effect, it could be worthwhile. Essentially, it is a little metal dot that only goes through one part of the skin. From there, an anchor is inserted into the skin and the little metal dot is screwed around it. Guzman has one of these placed on her right cheekbone. For her, the healing process was fast and didn’t cause many problems. Already having her belly button and ears pierced, she was looking for something that was different yet had minimal scarring. One of her favorite parts of the piercing is that people make better eye contact. “Since

having it done, people just make better eye contact with me,” said Guzman. “I don’t know if this is because they are looking at my piercing, but at least it makes me think they give better eye contact.”

Gauging

Gauging, also known as stretching, is a popular piercing in modern culture Usually, most people start with a piercing slightly bigger than your standard ear piercing at one millimeter. They then stretch them from there through the insertion of a cone-shaped rod. The rod size continues to increase. Sizes can range from the size of an M&M to the size of a quarter. Maria is in love with the look that his gauges provide. He was never a fan of the standard ring or stud. He started at a 6G, double the size of the standard piercing hole, and built his way up to have half an inch, or about the size of a nickel. His ideal size was something he could put his fingers through. Maria was in substantial pain at first, but loved the look as it “expresses his love for the hardcore/punk [music] scene.” To him, gauges are the equivalent of an old school mohawk.

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