The official student newspaper of the University of East Anglia | Established 1992 | 92 | 14th February 2022
Senior management integrity questioned
£23 staff
pg. 5
Louise Collins & Matthew Stothard
Venue Editor & Concrete Deputy-Editor
UEA has recently announced that staff redundancies will likely be made as it faces significant financial challenges. On 17 January, an email was sent out to all university staff from Vice-Chancellor David Richardson, explaining that UEA faces “a budget deficit of £23m for 2023/2024 rising to £37m in three years time,” putting them at risk of breaching agreements on bank loans. As such, Richardson outlined the need for faculties to “prioritise their spending” and for Directors of Professional Services to “consider options for a 10 – 20% budget cut,” concluding, “it is unlikely we can make all the savings without compulsory redundancies.” These savings are to be made through an acceleration of the ongoing Strategic Review Programme, which plans to create “a more streamlined educational offer.” In a later staff email seen by Concrete, suggestions to limit redundancies included a “temporary reductions in hours scheme” (staff working less than their contracted hours), an unpaid “career break scheme”, or a voluntary temporary “reduction in salary scheme”. The 17 January email was sent out hours before an article was published by the Eastern Daily Press, with some staff finding out via the article, the announcement came as a surprise to many. Michael Kyriacou, Chair of UEA UCU, informed Concrete staff were previously told UEA was in “good financial health,” whilst,
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million held in
to be in this situation. It’s to manage the institution appropriately at the time, so you don’t end up in this situation, and that’s not a criticism of the people we have in charge; it’s just a statement of fact.” He suggests falling numbers were caused by ineffectively targeting competitors, saying, “I think my colleagues in ARM [Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing] do a fantastic job, but what we’ve lacked is a strategy to deal with, effectively, the Russell Group,” additionally pointing towards the raising of tariffs. For instance, in When considering why this situation 2022 the listed entry requirements has arisen, one area UEA has for BA (Hons) English Literature were focussed heavily on is the falling ABB and for BA (Hons) History were student numbers, with a failure to BBB, which have both risen to AAB reach intake targets. In 2022, UEA for 2023 entry. Kyriacou also points fell short by 8% of their entry targets towards expenditure on projects, (following a 17% shortfall in 2021) - such as Sky House, the cancelled which had, according to their most Arts and Humanities building, which recent financial report, an “adverse UEA’s 2018-19 financial statement financial impact of £6.4 million.” shows £2.2m had already been paid The report states this resulted from towards, and a “failure to maintain a lack of open days throughout the Lasdun Wall,” which in his view Covid-19, as well as “increased have eroded UEA’s financial cushions. competition” in the sector due to Teacher Assessed Grades leading to One concerned staff member - who higher tariff universities attracting also wished to remain anonymous more students. Rising energy costs - refuted UEA’s citation of “pay were also stated as a reason for the and pensions” among the causing telling Concrete, “All debt, standing at “circa £5m in the factors, last year.” UEA has taken some action universities have to pay their staff. It against this, having “fixed the price is remarkable that UEA management on 80-100% of estimated usage seems to be saying that it is an through to Spring 2024 to provide enormous inconvenience that they certainty of costs.” They have also have to pay the people who give the stated the debts were exacerbated lectures, who teach the seminars, by “tuition fees frozen at £9,250 since who look after the estate, who make 2017,” “inflationary pressures on pay,” and cook our food, the researchers and “pensions.” Concrete reached producing this world-class research out to UEA’s Finance Director for that they keep going on about, comment but, at the time of printing, the staff who run our schools and no response was provided. institutes – the people who keep the University going.” Mr Kyriacou argues other universities are facing the same issues and UEA’s Students’ Union Full Time points instead to inappropriate Officer team have responded to management, stating that, “to the situation saying, “We were very handle it differently, properly, is not saddened to hear the news regarding during Covid-19, the view was that “we have a deficit, but long-term recovery is expected.” This outlook is reflected in UEA’s 2021-22 financial statement, which asserted that “There is currently headroom in both our forecast cash balances and banking covenant compliance before additional mitigations would be required”. However, the report did admit that UEA had not been producing the 3% surplus expected from Higher Education institutions for “many years.”
Venue: The evolution of the nude
2023 sex survey results!
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deficit: suspense
the UEA’s financial situation, and we are going to meet with the University to discuss this further,” offering to support both staff and students.
preference should be the flesh and blood of staff over the steel and glass of other initiatives.” He expects UEA to make no compulsory redundancies. For now, he suggests that “a lot of people are quite shocked, a lot of people are very scared, very sad,” while Prentoulis told us, "Some colleagues are already looking for other jobs.”
Meanwhile, Nathan Wyatt, a student, SU Non-Portfolio Officer, and President of UEA Labour, told Concrete that he was “calling for the Vice Chancellor to either resign from his position or take a 30% pay cut.” The BBC reported UEA UCU voted When approached for comment, towards having no confidence in UEA told us “The University has UEA senior leadership. In an all staff worked hard to safeguard roles by meeting, Richardson stated he would reducing non-pay related budgets, be taking an "unspecified voluntary but this is no longer sustainable. pay cut", one staff member reported. Unfortunately, this means that it Staff were also told there would be is unlikely all savings can be made no pay cap for staff members earning without compulsory redundancies. over £100,000 a year, of which there Work is currently taking place to identify where savings can be made are over 50. and to ensure plans are in place by Many are concerned about the wide- our next financial year (August/ reaching effect the potential scale September 2023). The University will of redundancies could have on staff continue to keep our staff informed and students. Kyriacou suggested during this period, as well as provide and professional that “if you get rid of the amount of confidential academic staff that I fear they might support to anyone who needs it." there is going to be a tangible impact They also said they would “work on every student on this campus closely with campus trade unions.” because everybody is overworked. Additionally, the Vice Chancellor said There is no fat on the bone to cut.” “UEA is a world-leading institution Marina Prentoulis, Vice Chair of UEA with an international reputation for UCU, also highlighted the risk that research and teaching, but we need “Courses and modules will have to to adapt and change to the world close down,” whilst one Associate around us. As a University, I know Tutor pointed to fears resulting we will work together to evolve and from “a trend of universities cutting grow through these difficult times back on staff, and decimating their to ensure we have securer financial Humanities departments.” Despite foundations and a positive vision for the suspected target areas, one our future success.” member of staff says there has been an increased union of departments, As more meetings are held between stating, the university “expected it to staff and UEA executives, suggestions to avoid mass redundancies may divide us and it did the opposite.” come to fruition. However, with staff When considering the next steps anxieties high and no concrete plan for UEA UCU, Kyriacou told us that of action, the future of UEA jobs “we have to explore all modes of remains uncertain. mitigation, but the employer also needs to understand that their
Editorial
14th February 2023
Proving our worth Matthew Stothard Deputy Editor
This issue feels different to the others. I’m proud of everything we’ve published, but this time it seems especially significant. So, I’m going to take this opportunity to talk about something that really matters to me – the arts and humanities. Photos (all): Unsplash
Sensuality amid strikes? Talking about sex is important, even now. Libby Hargreaves Editor-in-Chief
Valentines, ‘Gal’entines or ‘Pal’entineswhichever you celebrate, I hope this issue finds you well and enjoying breakfast in bed or a new vase of flowers. The joy it brings me to present this year’s sex survey results on such a fitting day has infected the pages of both Concrete and Venue. You’ll find the results of this year’s sex survey on pages 12 and 13, I hope you’re able to learn something valuable, amongst the humour. Of course, there were so many more questions we could have asked, had we had the space, but I believe we chose a wide selection of not only interesting but also important topics. We cover the definition of sex, UEA's favourite positions, porn habits and its affects, consent, medical experiences, financial impact on sex,
self-love and more! Talking about sex, identity and relationships is incredibly importantno matter which stage of life you're at. As a community, we have to encourage healthy attitudes towards sex, an open dialogue about what we can all do better to make one another comfortable and of course education to ensure the next generation of parents and leaders make safe, equitable choices. It is easy to look overseas for examples of sex disparity, but period poverty, transphobia and sexual violence occur all too often not only in this country, but as Concrete has reported in issues past, in our own University. We've entered a new year and a new semester, but it is clear students and staff alike are struggling to find that fresh feeling; our News section certainly didn't have to look far for stories this issue, and we are particularly proud of our
independent coverage of the UEA debt, redundancies and strike action. The overwhelming amount of critical University news can make it difficult to find the brighter side of student life. We've all got our individual troubles (you'll read a vulnerable Features piece from me this issue) and suddenly the collective seems to be going through a tough patch too, but we're here to remind you to find the fun. Take a glance at our What's On page to find upcoming events perfect for reuniting your housemates, that society social or to take yourself on a solo date. Whatever your opinions on what's happening at the University currently, it's important to make the most of your time here and remember why you started this journey in the first place. If nothing else, I hope you can find the time to feel a little bit sexy.
A bit of a whirlwind, isn't it? Badriya Abdullah
Deputy Editor
I flopped onto my bed one Friday evening and thought “phew, that was one hell of a semester”. Then I checked my planner. It was the end of week one. Life has been crazy, a whirlwind, and bunch of other things which are not appropriate to say in a newspaper. But one thing I know for certain is that everyone is feeling the same. It feels like the world decided to take a much needed break for Christmas, and then 2023 decided to sucker punch us all in the jaw with a whole slew of events. A lot of said events are being covered this time, and I won’t choose now to elaborate (the News Section had a lot to write about this issue in particular). In other news, I’ve been thinking about how so much has changed throughout the past few months (and I feel like
a broken record for saying so but, oh well). I’ve also been thinking about how it won’t be long until Libby, Matthew and I start thinking about who will be continuing the Concrete heritage and lead the team next year, but my brain can only handle so much large decisions before it implodes. Speaking of changes, how are those new years resolutions going? I won’t judge at all, one of my resolutions was to fix my sleep schedule and…it’s a work in progress. However, I’ve started taking the time to write in the mornings, even if it does mean being awake at *gulp* 8am to do so. London Writing Hour, I thank you for single handily saving my sleep schedule. I just realised I forgot to wish you all a happy Valentines Day! Or if you happen to be reading this after, happy Day! That being said, I have beef with Valentines Day – or rather I have a strong disdain for the emphasis on romantic love over different forms of love. Maybe
my singleness is rearing its ugly head, but please tell a friend that you love them today, whether it’s the 14th of Feb or not. If love is a strong word, at least say you appreciate them. Show some kindness to others, and most importantly, show some kindness to yourself. I’ve realised my forms of selflove are not going to work all of the time, and that is ok. Sometimes I need to take an evening off to do some embroidery (I’ve only stabbed myself with the needle once so far thank god), sometimes it’s playing video games (ok, one video game I play Genshin Impact), and other times I need to take a bath and watch a Barbie movie (which was much needed after the aforementioned Friday). All forms of self-love are valid and which the rollercoaster of a January it’s been so far, we all need it. Stay safe all of you, and see you soon.
Throughout my educational career the lack of value placed in the arts and humanities by our country has been blindingly obvious. At school, we were given countless talks about STEM subjects and the value of future careers in science and technology (which to be clear are very valuable), but never about why the humanities matter and where they can take you, even though they open up a wide range of opportunities. English is clearly seen as worthwhile enough to be compulsory until you are 16, so why does it seem to lose that importance afterwards? Cultural views on university education largely appear to support this perspective that the humanities are less valuable as degrees, but the reality of my experience both as a History student and working on Concrete have proven this so wrong. As for the arts, I’d simply ask what the point of being able to live the longer, healthier lives provided by some who go into STEM areas is, if they can’t be fulfilled by art, music, drama and literature? I’m immensely proud to be a History student. People might think we’re stuck in the past, but issues at the forefront of current research, particularly those around questioning national myths and uncovering lost voices, are so relevant to our lives today. In examining how we look at the past, we can really challenge the ways we think and conceptualise our own world. Now tell me how that lacks value. To every single person who’s worked on this issue (our best so far I think!), I’m so proud of you all. Whether your degree is in English Literature or Chemistry, in producing this amazing work you are proving the value of the arts and humanities to our community. Whatever may happen in the coming months and years, I hope that value never fades.
The University of East Anglia’s Official Student Newspaper since 1992 Tuesday 14th February 2023 Issue 392 Union House University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ 01603 593466 www.concrete-online.co.uk
Editor-in-Chief Libby Hargreaves concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Deputy Editors Badriya Abdullah & Matthew Stothard News Jamie Bryson Senior Writer: Eleanor Radford Home of the Wonderful Ronaldo Martins Senior Writer: Alexandra Ashby Global Emma Darlington Features Sienna Norris Comment Eve Attwood Science George Barsted Travel & Lifestyle Finlay Porter Senior Writer: Emily Goodwin Sport Dan Laughlan Senior Writer: Drew Murphy Social Media Jess Blissitt Charlotte Guillick Bethan Rush Online Editors Kanon Higashi Ore Adeyoola Yashika Mathur Concrete Photographer Prakrita Rahman Venue Team Louise Collins Lily Boag Ray Khawaja
concrete-online.co.uk
ConcreteUEA ConcreteUEA
Rosie Kyrin-White Silver Constantinides Clem Hailes Tshequa Williams Tabi Fielding Jessica Clifford Tom Porteus Millie Smith-Clare Alexandra Ashby Rory Kettle
Cut-outs: Libby Hargreaves, Unsplash, Unsplash
Editorial Enquiries, Complaints & Corrections concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk
No part of this newspaper may be reproduced by any means without the permission of the Editor-in-Chief, Libby Hargreaves. Published by the Union of UEA Students on behalf of Concrete. Concrete is a UUEAS society, but retains editorial independence as regards to any content. Opinions expressed herein are those of individual writers, not of Concrete or its editorial team.
News
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concrete-online.co.uk/news/ | @ConcreteUEA
"We want a national s o l u t i o n ." UEA faces 18 days of strike action over six weeks Badriya Abdullah & Ray Khawaja Deputy Editor & News Writer
Once again, UCU (Universities and College Union) members at UEA and around the country are striking to demand a better deal from UCEA (Universities & Colleges Employees Association) regarding pay, working conditions and the decrease of pensions in real terms. At the time of writing, industrial action took place on the 1st, 9th and 10th of February.
Some members may notify students of their strike action beforehand, but they are not obligated to. Thus, classes and lectures may not be announced as cancelled in advance. Disruption to study can be expected should all of the strike days go ahead; however, some staff may not be striking this semester. The Chair of the UEA branch of UCU, Michael Kyriacou, gave more insight into the reasons for the strikes: “There is currently too much work for academics and administrative staff. I’ve had members tell me they’re doing one and a half people’s jobs. That means universities get half a staff member for free. We want a national solution to this.”
Other scheduled strike dates in February are the 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 27th and 28th. In March, industrial action is planned for the 1st, 2nd, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st and 22nd, totalling 18 strike days before the Easter break. He then goes into detail concerning the casualisation of staff members. “Chances are, across your degree, you will have been taught by someone who is casualised. Often, associate tutors and PhD students are working, so they get enough money to eat some staff members are on 1-2 year contracts. This is a national issue. We don’t think it’s appropriate as a sector to rely on casual labour.”. Finally, when asked about the matter of pay,
"We don't think it's appropriate for the sector to rely on casual labour"
Michael replied, “Locally and nationally, we’ve seen about 3% in In addition, some staff may opt to terms of pay increase. The private partake in ‘action short of strike’ sector has seen a 7% increase. This (ASOS), which for students most is not professors on hundreds of likely means the refusal to cover any thousands of pounds; this is for junior cancelled lectures or classes that colleagues and those less than that. have been affected by the strikes. If you’re getting paid below inflation, that’s a problem.”
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Concrete/ Jamie Bryson to strike, and if he does, I could miss about three weeks worth of lectures and seminars. I wouldn’t be able to do that assignment to the best of my ability, and I don’t think that’s fair.”
“80.4% of UCU voted to Conversely, an reject the last pay offer” LDC Postgraduate
"No one wants to strike, but that doesn't mean we won't take action"
anonymous student told Concrete, “For those saying they support the strikes in theory but don’t think they are effective, consider all the worker's rights On the 3rd of February, 80.4% of the that have been fought for and UCU voted to reject the last pay offer won, from a 5-day work week to from UCEA, indicating that (at the time minimum wage to mandatory of writing) the furthered scheduled breaks.” These strikes are unlikely to be the dates of striking will continue unless last teaching and learning disruption a “much-improved pay offer is made In response to concerns about we have this academic year, and alongside commitments on workload disruption to learning, David Michael urges students to start a and casualisation.” Nowell-Smith, the Teaching conversation with their lecturers Director for LDC, has stated should they have any more questions. In response to UCU’s statement, UCEA that “the last time there was Alternatively, he is happy to respond has stated, “UCEA’s final offer is an a strike that really impacted to any questions students may have uplift of 8 per cent, with a minimum students, we didn’t have a lot of and can be reached by email at of 5 per cent for anyone earning the asynchronous material that between £31,000 and £65,000.” UCU we now have. I can’t speak for all michael.kyriacou@uea.ac.uk. states this offer would be “equating schools, but I’d like to think that to another significant real-terms pay it does give students something to Unsure of how the strikes will affect cut” as “Over a decade of low pay be getting on with and hopefully you? Please see the all-student email awards from employers have caused minimise the disruption to you.” ' Update regarding upcoming UCU staff pay to fall 25% behind inflation.” strike action' of 25/01/23 or speak to When asked if there was anything lecturers directly he’d like to say to students, Michael Molly Warner, a PPL Academic replied, “No one wants to strike, but Representative, commented that she that doesn’t mean we won’t take is generally in favour of the right to action. What we want is the employer strike, but “I don’t think 18 days is to recognise the situation that the right. Some of the girls I live with sector is in and seriously sit down commute to uni. I think for those and negotiate.” people; it’s impacting them because they’re spending more money they might not have. Personally, I have a summative due on the 26th of March. I don’t know if my lecturer is going
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Cross-party support for city's threatened NHS walkin centre Jamie Bryson News Editor
A popular NHS walk-in centre in Norwich is under threat of closure as its contract enters its final year. In a recent review, the region's health commissioners have suggested locals could gain better value for money through alternative care means. The facility - located on Roen Road - provides various services, including sexual health care, contraceptive advice, and minor injury, infection and illness treatments. Following the suggestion, a survey by Healthwatch Norfolk revealed that more than two-thirds of the facilities users regard their experience as positive. While the service continues to operate at a loss, the report states the facility offers "excellent value for money", going on to highlight, “Feedback from existing service users and walk-in centre staff show that the centre fulfils an essential role in easing pressure on other NHS services, such as A&E and local GP practices, at a critical time for public health provision”. The report concludes with several recommendations for potential improvements in the service's value for money. These include the consideration of an emergency dentist and a mental health clinic, along with creating telephone and virtual appointments for those in remote areas. The issue has attracted crossparty support amongst local politicians, with Norwich North MP - the Conservative, Chloe Smith, stating, "Walk-in centre services in Norwich have served thousands of people over many years. When A&E and GP services are particularly under pressure, it would seem like a strange time to stop a simple way for people to see a doctor when they need to”.
Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Norwich North, Alice Macdonald, said, “At a time when the NHS is in crisis and patients are facing record waiting times, we need to preserve the Walk-in Centre, which provides essential services to so many people in our area” and added, “A recent survey I carried out on GP and dentist access showed many people are already struggling to get GP appointments when they need them. Closing the centre would only increase the pressure on GP practices as well as on A&E. I’ve already been contacted by people in Norwich North who are really concerned about the threat looming over this invaluable service.” The debate comes as the region’s NHS services continue to experience significant pressures - not only in patient demand but also in staff retention.
County Council to explore eco ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’ Cameron Noble News Writer
Norfolk county council has agreed to work with authorities and transport leads to exploring the creation of modern, 20-minute neighbourhoods. The idea that anyone in a neighbourhood can access services within a 20-minute walk, with no need to get into a car, has already gained popularity in the USA, Australia, and Scandinavia. Those living in the community should be able to walk just 10 minutes to their nearest shops, schools, healthcare, and parks, with another brisk 10-minute walk back home. Scotland is looking to implement these neighbourhoods on a national scale. In Australia, the Victorian government wants to make these neighbourhoods a reality for everyone by the year 2050. 20-minute neighbourhoods focus on improving infrastructure, where well-functioning public transport services, cycling and walking routes and green spaces are prioritised. The concept also recommends a range of
affordable, modern and diverse housing options. Lana Hempsall, Conservative County councillor for Acle, Norfolk, initially proposed the idea of 20-minute neighbourhoods, which saw the support of 48 councillors, with none voting against it. She stated, "Typically, a 20-minute neighbourhood approach should help to disperse investment, jobs and services more widely across a town or city rather than just focusing on the centre. Making sure that neighbourhoods are compact and fully accessible, as well as containing a mix of different shops, services and amenities, will make it easier for more people to move around on foot, by wheelchair, by bike, by bus or other non-car means.” Whilst cars are not banned from the neighbourhoods, the idea is
being. Twenty minutes of exercise a day is widely considered to improve your general mood and bring down the risk of diseases such as heart disease; with the neighbourhood's design allowing for all essential services to be within a walkable or cyclable distance, members of the communities could be more active.
that they will not be needed for everyday life. 24% of UK emissions were from the exhaust pipes of vehicles in 2020. The reduction in car usage would inevitably have a positive effect on the environment, the concept suggests.
Areas of Norfolk where major development is planned, where the 20-minute neighbourhood concept could be explored, include a proposed 'railway village' near North Elmham and in Attleborough, Thetford or the Rackheath area North East of Norwich.
Furthermore, it has been suggested the policies would also encourage enhanced human health and well-
Heated over East devolution Eleanor Radford Senior News Writer
Newly released figures published by NHS Digital reveal that around 320 staff resigned from Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust in 2021-22 - the highest figure since records began ten years ago. Nationally, 140,000 staff members resigned in 2022 – an increase of 41,000
The issue of devolution - the transfer of power from central government to a local or regional administration - has been a heavily debated topic in recent years.
from 2021. Industry trade unions have suggested poor pay and a lack of mental and physical support are to blame for the sudden shortage, with Pat Cullen - general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, stating, "Staff are leaving, realising they can get similar or better pay in supermarkets and retail without the stress of the job, and poor pay is creating severe staff shortages and making patients unsafe”. The report on the future of the walk-in centre by Healthwatch Norfolk can be accessed via their website at www. healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk/ reports/. If you are a Norwich North constituent (check at parliament.uk/constituencies), you can complete Alice Macdonald’s survey on Doctor and Dentist Access at www. alicemacdonald.org/survey/.
as Norfolk, more of a say over spending and decision-making via a locally elected mayor. However, this has caused tension for some local councillors.
Over the past decade, the Westminster government has wanted to give local areas, such
When a mayor was first due to be elected for East Anglia, six years ago, local councils in Norfolk and Suffolk didn’t want to give over some of their powers, so only Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ended up taking on the new mayor. Even when a compromise of having devolution for a single county, along with a council leader instead of a mayor being put forward, some councils in Norfolk still rejected it. The four councils against the proposed devolution are South Norfolk, Broadland, Breckland and North Norfolk. They argue that having a directly elected council leader means Norfolk would have Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Dr Rosalind Bark, UEA professor in the school of Environmental Sciences, told Concrete: “It is exciting that the idea of a 20-minute neighbourhood is being discussed in Norfolk. Arguably, Norwich is already a 15-minute city for those residents living in the city. The popularity of the concept of the 20-minute neighbourhood around the world suggests that many people would like to live in such communities.”
debate Anglia proposals
less power and money than it would the Labour parliamentary Candidate if it had a newly elected mayor of a for Norwich North, Alice Macdonald, new separate authority. told us, “We have heard a lot of talk from the Government about John Fuller, leader of the South levelling up. Norfolk council, argued that “ The directly elected leader is very But, as a recent report highlighted, much second best without any real in the East, there is a very long powers for planning, housing, the way to go. The East of England has environment, or the integration of received the third lowest amount health and social care benefits or of levelling up money in the growth. A directly elected leader country...We must stop this ‘Hunger places all the executive powers of Games’ style system of pitching community against community. the county council and its budgets What we need is real devolution of in the hand of one individual. We power and sustainable investment want the best deal for Norfolk." This in local Government. The current disagreement between the county devolution deal promises £20 and local level councils has led to million a year for Norfolk, yet this the four local councils threatening year alone, Norfolk County Council legal action. However, despite this is facing a £60 million budget gap. threat of legal action, the county Even Conservative councillors have council have continued with the said this is a poor deal. In contrast, Westminster deal, with council Labour has set out radical proposals leader Andrew Proctor stating, “We for the biggest-ever transfer of ought to be excited about it for our power from Westminster to the residents, not trying to stop it from British People. We will give people happening.” He, and others on the the resources and backing to make county council, believe pursuing their full contribution, make sure this deal is just the first step- “You communities don’t have to go don’t get a utopia on a plate.” The cap-in-hand to Whitehall for small Council agreed, 37 to 22, that the crumbs of their own money back and cabinet would proceed with the build tailored economic strategies deal and that arrangements would for each area of the country”. be considered around December 2023. If the deal is agreed upon, the first election for a directly elected Photo: Pixabay Speaking exclusively to Concrete, council leader will be held in May 2024.
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concrete-online.co.uk/news/ | @ConcreteUEA
Integrity of UEA executive team questioned Libby Hargreaves
on “arts” at The Gallery, Cromer, and a myriad of business trips to locations including Tokyo, costing hundreds of pounds which included Professor David Richardson, the lavish meals expensed. Vice-Chancellor (and President) of UEA, has come under intense His total expenses from 2014 to scrutiny in recent weeks- with some 2018 are £51,880. From July 2018 even calling for him to resign. to January 2020, his expenses amounted to around £15,000. He has Amidst the University deficit however, reimbursed the University and redundancies news, the for his consistent use of the mini bar Vice-Chancellor's pay has been and some bottles of wine. The full questioned. His official salary is list can be found at FOI_20-031 and £283,000, though he has stated FOI_19_091 on the UEA website, he will be taking a “voluntary paycut" of an unspecified amount, in light of the debt. He took a similar voluntary pay cut post-pandemic; Concrete has created this timeline of his pay since he assumed the position in 2014. In addition to this salary, the Vice-Chancellor receives an expenses allowance and has previously resided in a University expensed house worth £1.7 million. Editor-in-Chief
A Freedom of Information request found University expenditure on Professor Richardson’s premisesWood Hall- to include nearly £32,000 worth of garden maintenance work. Other expenses include 10p spent on two sachets of soy sauce, a £63.25 trip to Kofra coffee, Snappy Snaps passport photo, £130 simply
whilst some information was found One student expressed their in 2017 and has since expired from frustration at these figures, stating the website. it “frankly seems ridiculous”, whilst UCU describe pension cuts as a In addition to his salary, expenses reason for the current strikes: “ The and Wood Hall, the University also package of cuts made last year will provided the Vice-Chancellor with a see the average member lose 35% of £60,000 contribution to his pension their guaranteed future retirement in 2021/22, an increase of £7,000 income. For those at the beginning from the previous year. “As part of of their career the losses are in the the decision to cease using Wood hundreds of thousands of pounds.” Hall...SORC confirmed that the value of the taxable benefit in kind should Professor Richardson’s wife, be added to the Vice-Chancellor's Andrea Blanchflower, also works base salary ”. for the University- in addition to being a Governer for City College Norwich. She is on the Governance Committee for UEA, which ensures “the University follows best practice in governance matters including maintaining an over-arching view on corporate governance of the University, considering recommendations from the Committee of University Chairs and commissioning independent Photo: Pixabay reviews of governance at least every three years” amongst other duties.
Cnossen, was previously named in a 2016 vote of no confidence at Thompson Rivers University. Just under half of the faculty voted, amounting to an overwhelming 81% in support of a lack of confidence in the senior management team. This followed the suspension of Derek Pyne, after he spoke up about his colleagues’ role in publishing for “predatory publications”. It was reported that Bovis-Cnossen's response to the outcry and request for more information on the reasons for Pyne’s suspension was that the University “can’t divulge personal information” about him “without his prior written consent”, to which Pyne responded with his written permission. History could repeat itself for the Provost as UEA UCU have already released its “don’t destroy UEA” campaign which calls for a “no confidence” vote in the UEA executive team”.
The Guardian ranked UEA as the Other members of senior 14th best UK University in 2015, and management have also had their the 41st in 2022. integrity questioned. Concrete has discovered the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Christine Bovis-
New study: Sex drive and antidepressents Plum Bristow
difficult to t alk about.
News Writer
Content warning: antidepressents.
depression,
Student life can be difficult; moving away from home for the first time, pressures of exams and deadlines, and coping with financial difficulties - it’s no surprise that many students are vulnerable to depression and other mental health struggles. According to the student support organisation, Ranstad, over a quarter of students experience a decline in their mental health during their journey through university. There are different approaches to treating depression, including talking therapy, mindfulness and exercise, but sometimes a doctor might prescribe antidepressants. Antidepressants can help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression, lifting mood and enabling a person to regain focus and begin to engage better with their studies. Whilst these drugs can be a highly effective way of improving symptoms and overall functioning, there are some side effects which some people might be embarrassed about or find
dysfunction, specifically reporting Temple, who told us, “Reduced libido difficulty around orgasms or (and sexual dysfunction more widely) A recent study involving the completing orgasms. can be a symptom of depression. Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience Institute in Cambridge examined the This is not the first study to highlight It is true that sexual dysfunction effects of the antidepressant drug a link between difficulties with could impact mental well-being, escitalopram, revealing that one orgasm and taking antidepressants. but the more salient point is potential side effect of the drug was Sexual dysfunction is often listed as that being depressed is likely to difficulty experiencing a full orgasm. one of the side effects within impact sexual functioning too, so The study involved 66 volunteers, the information that comes with the leaving it untreated can be equally placed randomly into two groups, medication, but many recipients have detrimental” 32 receiving the active drug and 34 reported being unaware of these. Dr Temple felt it was important receiving a placebo. to talk openly about sexual To understand how this may impact functioning and mental health, students, Concrete started as this might enable people by talking to a student who has experiencing difficulties with experienced depression. The student their sex life or struggling with - who opted to remain anonymous their mental health to speak up - described how antidepressants and seek appropriate support. helped her through her depressive He went on to emphasise how anyone illness but did have side effects, experiencing difficult side effects including a reduction in her sex drive. from antidepressants should not simply stop taking them but instead She described feelings of frustration talk to their doctor. This is because around the changes in her libido but suddenly stopping medication balanced this out with the longer- can cause unpleasant withdrawal term gains to her mental health. It symptoms, including trouble was clear from her how much the sleeping, stomach problems, and medication had helped her through feelings of irritability, confusion, or The volunteers were then tested her recovery through a difficult time, anxiety, which can last several weeks. using a range of measures, including even suggesting it saved her life by cognition, mood and a questionnaire stating, “if I hadn’t been on the There is help here at the UEA; you examining changes in sexual I mage: Pixabay can self-refer to a number of support functioning. The questionnaire services, including talking therapy, results were compared for the medication, I don’t think I’d be via the UEA medical centre. Other active drug and placebo group, and here today”. sources of support include Mind it was found that the active group To gain a medical perspective, (www.mind.org.uk) - a mental health scored significantly lower in sexual Concrete spoke to NHS Psychiatrist Dr charity that can provide support and
"Dr Temple felt it was important to talk openly about sexual functioning and mental health"
information on managing student life, well-being and understanding more about mental health treatment. Most importantly, there is your GP; they will be in the best position to listen and guide you through your options so that you can decide the best way forward.
Photo: Unsplash
6
14th February 2023
Home of the wonderful
Valentine’s What’s Lily Taylor
Home of the Wonderful Writer
The day of love is once again approaching: whilst flowers will be sent, cards will be written and chocolates will be given, perhaps you are feeling stuck with how to make the most of the day. Whether you have a partner, you’re single (or perhaps, it’s complicated!), fear not, for UEA have a range of events planned for a variety of interests. Are you a bit of a games nerd? Perhaps you would enjoy an evening at Valentines Game Night! Hosted by the International Students Society, this event is open to all. There will be a variety of valentinesthemed activities to get involved in, so if you fancy a laugh on this Valentines, why not head over?
Day
The event will be held on Monday 13th February, 6pm-8pm in New Sciences Building 0.06. Tickets for ISS members are £2, general tickets are £3. It is a great opportunity to make new friends or even to find your Valentines! Prefer something a bit more relaxing? Why not treat yourself to a Valentine’s Day Massage! Do Something Different have organised a massage session in Bookable Room 4 on the 14th of February. Between 10am and 3pm, you can get yourself a head and shoulder massage for only £2! No tickets are needed, just show up on the day. DSD make sure to make their events as accessible to everyone as possible, so this event will be wheelchair accessible, there will be access to a disabled toilet, there will be no flash photography and a quiet space will be available. Whether
at
UEA: On?
with a partner, a friend or even solo, give yourself a break and destress from your university work with this relaxing event.
every Tuesday from 12pm-2pm at the Student Information Zone. Allow yourself to spend a few hours getting creative and meeting some likeminded individuals! Come along with a partner, a friend or by yourself to create something amazing. The next session will be Tuesday 14th February. No tickets are needed, just show up and start building!
Enjoy your arts and crafts? Do Something Different will also be hosting an event in which they will be making floral heart hanging decorations. If you fancy doing something wholesome with your partner or friend, make sure to buy a free ticket on the UEA SU website today. This event will take place on the 14th February in the Exhibition Space (in The Hive), so head down from 2pm-4pm to make your very own floral heart. Not interested in events centred around Valentines but still want to do something fun with your partner or friend? Why not schedule a Lego date into your diary? Lego Club takes place
UEBaes returns: Campus love stories Content Warning: mention of sexual assault “I came to uni in a toxic long-distance relationship that ended in the first lockdown. After this, I was threatened with sexual assault by one of my best friends and then sexually assaulted by someone who I thought I could trust. So, this piece is to show you it can get so much better. We matched on Tinder in January 2022. We began messaging and all I could think was how familiar you looked. I went on Messenger and saw you active and instantly sent you a message saying, ‘omfg I knew I recognised you.’ We had sent each other about 5 messages because of a Concrete Confession about a lesbian wanting to meet more lesbians. But you were in a relationship, so nothing ever came from it. I promised I wasn’t a creep, and we had an instant connection, so we went to spoons for our first date. We have just celebrated our one-year anniversary with a huge Pizza Hut date. We fit together like jigsaw pieces. You make me so happy. You are my best friend and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I am the luckiest and most grateful woman in the world. I love you. See, Tinder works sometimes! Rebecca Patchett
As you can see, UEA are offering many events this Valentine’s Day. If you fancy staying on campus, why not consider making one of these a date with your partner? They are easy, cheap, and fun activities that you can enjoy together. Don’t miss out, write that date in your diary, or buy your tickets now on the SU website.
Image credit: Unsplash
Ronaldo Martins
Home of the Wonderful Editor
Every year at universities across the world, multitudes of perfect strangers come together from all over to an unfamiliar place. In the midst of all this,
I had been through too much love and loss in my teenage years that the idea of being in a stable and loving relationship wasn’t even on my list of priorities when I moved to Norwich in September of 2021. I was doing my foundation year at INTO UEA, and I had booked accommodation for the INTO building. When I arrived on campus, I was told by the INTO front desk that my accommodation moved to Crome Court. I found out the night I arrived, so I had to find Crome Court and carry all my bags. Not to mention I had to quarantine for 5 days. We met at the smoking area of Crome Court the night my quarantine ended. I wasn’t even meant to live in Crome and the night I could finally leave he was the first person I met. He came up to me after he heard my foreign accent amid all the British accents and asked me if I was new and what my name was. After I told him he told me to “look after myself” then walked off trying to be mysterious. It didn’t work because I thought it was the weirdest interaction of my life. I even said to myself, “that was weird but, I’ll probably never see him again so it’s fine”. First thing the next day I ran into him, and we managed to have a proper conversation and instantly clicked. We hung out for hours every day and the more I got to know him the more I started to like him. We recently celebrated our oneyear anniversary, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Looking back, I have really learned how to trust and to accept true love. Anonymous
relationships can blossom and if the stars align, people find their soulmate. This year for Valentine’s Day, a few students from across UEA are telling their stories of love how they came to find the loves of their lives.
Before university, I had always promised myself that I wouldn’t get into a relationship until I graduated and found a job. There were flings here and there, but nobody really swept me off my feet quite like he did. I got myself into a pleasant if predictable routine in my first semester at university. We met crossing paths on a night out to a nightclub in the city centre, and he offered to buy me a drink in the smoking area. Our friends clear off and by the end of the night, we were in each other’s arms. He came home with me that night. I hesitated for such a long time, worried about all the possibilities for this to change my life. I told my friends, and they assured me that even though it was my right to choose, this one was far nicer than any of the others they had met. I plucked up the courage to ask him where he’d take me on a date – come the weekend, we were at the restaurant he suggested. We didn’t stop seeing each other since then. He always calls me in the morning to ask if I’ve slept well and whether I have something to eat for breakfast and I am always ready to pick up the phone. I brought him to my hometown with me and he struck up an immediate rapport with my family. We told each other “I love you” for the first time a few weeks ago. I feel like I’ve found the one. Anonymous
7
14th February 2023
Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month at UEA Louise Collins
Home of the Wonderful Writer
February marks LGBTQ+ History Month, and here at UEA, there’s a true feeling of celebration in the air. From club nights, to workshops, UEA is hosting a number of events to mark the occasion. ‘What is LGBTQ+ History Month?’ you might ask. Well, I’ll tell you! LGBTQ+ History month celebrates the abolition of Section 28, a ruling which prohibited the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality. To fight back against years of suppression, this month dedicates itself to increasing LGBTQ+ visibility, detailing the vast histories of LGBTQ+ fights and joy. It’s all about celebration and education – and what better place for it than a university, especially a one as beautiful and queer as UEA! There’s already been a colourful collection of events, from a UV Zumba night to a talk all about sexual health and finding local support networks. Don’t fear, though, because there’s still some events you can go to!
On the 15th of February, a Keith Haring Inspired Art Workshop is taking place in Bookable Room One. Haring was a pop-art social activist whose work emerged in the 1980s in New York. His work was dedicated to advocating for safe sex and AIDs awareness before he died in 1990. The workshop will help you celebrate this incredible artist, whilst allowing you to try something new. Tickets are free but must be booked via the SU. If you’re anxious about living with unaccepting housemates next year, the SU has your back! On the 16th of February, head to Bookable Rom Six at 3pm for welfare(su)’s LGBTQ+ Housing Social. It’s a relaxed atmosphere where you can find your very own safe space and a friendly group of queer folks – a true opportunity for an LGBTQ+ household.
joy, and everyone is invited to the LCR. Tickets are only £8! The last event of LGBTQ+ History Month is a screening of Pride – a film based on a true story of LGBTQ+ heroes who helped save a miner’s village during the strikes. Sink into some comfy bean bags and bring along as many snacks as you want. The secretary of the LGSMiners will also be there for a quick Q&A and the chance for you to buy some merch. Tickets are free but must be ‘bought’ in advance, and the event is in Bookable Room One at 1pm, on the 27th of February. Outside of UEA, Queer Fest are hosting several events to celebrate all things queer. Whether you want to view queer art, experience queer cabaret, or take part in the community day, there truly is something for everyone.
A second Spectrum event is happening on the 24th for any of you who missed the first. In collaboration with Jodie Harsh, the legendary music producer and Drag Queen DJ, this club night won’t be one to miss. It’ll be a true celebration of queer
So, have fun this LGBTQ+ history month, and take the time to celebrate the roads which led us here. There’s still a long way to go, but for now, breathe, and find joy in the rainbow.
More from the 2023 sex survey!
“romantic attraction is when a person feels like home”
“sexual attraction normally occurs towards many different people whereas romantic, for me, only happens toward one “they are intertwined, sex person at a time.” without romance is horrible,
but romance without sex is also How does romantic lesser.” and
tattoos
sexual attraction differ for you?
hair shoulders
bum!!
Image credit: Prakrita Rahman for Concrete
everything :)
boobs!
eyes
Self Love <3
legs
Which part of your body do you like the most? these were the most common responses
Did you ever feel pressure to have sexual and/or romantic experience before coming to uni?
Yes- 53% No- 40% I don’t know- 7%
Have you ever felt pressure to lie about your sexual and/or romantic experience or lack thereof?
Yes- 52% No- 44% I don’t know- 4%
8
Home of the wonderful UEA Sport semester Ronaldo Martins
Home of the Wonderful Editor
As the UEA get into the groove of a new semester, a handful of the University’s resident sports societies are gearing up to offer a fresh round of free taster sessions for students looking to take part in something new. From archery to trampolining, there is bound to be something for anyone wanting to find a new social group, get some exercise or just find some direction to balance the stress of their academic career. As known by many involved in the sports societies across UEA, the benefits to taking part are plentiful; there are
clubs kick taster
the obvious advantages of physical exercise, but on top of that, you are brought out of your comfort zone. You meet new people who you have to establish coordination and teamwork with, who can become close friends, and any long-standing commitment or leadership roles can provide good cannon fodder fowr a CV. Mia Pepperdine, media representative for the UEA Netball Society, spoke to me about the importance of getting involved and the benefits of taster sessions and the opportunity that they bring: “As a club, we believe it is so important to give students another chance to try netball… as we know that in September,
Image: Ronaldo Martins for Concrete
particularly for freshers, there is so much going on and so
“When students are more settled and confident... the opportunity is there!” many different things to get involved in that some people may have missed the sessions. We also understand that when joining university, it can be extremely overwhelming and daunting to attend events where you might not know anyone there. Therefore in
The new
the second semester, when students are more settled and confident to attend our sessions, the opportunity is there!” The Netball Society are particularly interested in promoting men’s netball, reporting a higher than ever interest from male students at UEA. They are keen for new members, regardless of previous experience and partake in a variety of drills and exercises in their sessions, as well as the opportunity for match play. For any further questions about the Netball Society, reach out to them at ueanetball on Instagram or uea. netball@uea.ac.uk via email. On the 15th of February, the Kayaking Society will be
second sessions
offering a taster session from 12 noon to 2:30 pm from Suffolk Terrace. If water sports aren’t particularly your thing, the Trampolining Society will be offering an introductory session between the 16th and 20th of February at the Sportspark, both of which are free. For more information, check out the events tab on ueasu.org, the UEA Student Union website. All of February’s taster events are offered from the 7th to the 19th of February. Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend, but all are free, courtesy of the sports societies offering them. Follow the University’s spirit… and do something different!
Warren: the “organic
Silver Constantinides
Home of the Wonderful Writer
I write this article in a new setting—UEA’s latest social space, The Warren. Upon entering for the first time, the atmosphere is welcoming. Friends cuddle on brown armchairs with coffees, chatting as they study. Readers curl up in the corner against art from a UEA featured artist. Most importantly, there are a cluster of students avidly making their mark on the already colourful chalkboard. Immediately, I can see the appeal of a new social space at UEA. As a second year who lives too far from campus to justify going home during the hours in between my lectures, it makes sense for me to stay and get some work done. The Hive is constantly too busy for me to find a seat, let alone focus. The weather is too unforgiving for a lake reading session. The library
Image: Prakrita Rahman for Concrete
off
14th February 2023
forbids a hot meal, too strict on their rules for those wanting a more informal study session with friends. Now, students can bring food and drink from anywhere and spend time how they please in a warm room until 11pm. Although lots can be said on the fact that students are resorting to stay on campus for warmth, unable to heat their own homes, I like that UEA have offered The Warren as a small solution. I am fortunate enough to speak to Alice Ladbrooke, a staff member who spearheaded the opening of The Warren. “We always knew The Warren was going to be social space but how this develops going forwards is really a collaborative process.” she tells me. We have seen a fantastic response to The Warren since it opened, and going forth, we want to encourage student clubs, societies and groups to get in touch to book The Warren for their own needs too! Why not hire a projector
UEA’s space”
from SIZ and book a movie night with your course mates?” However, not every student is on board with this new development. I spoke to a student who wishes to remain anonymous. They comment “It seems a bit lazy, as after all, the library and The Hive are both open until late. I know the motivation is to have a warm space, but it’s ironic that UEA are enticing students to stay late so they’re more likely to spend more on campus. How does that save us money?” The Warren has been promised spaces for activities and guests, features of more UEA artists and creatives and sales. Personally, I look forward to seeing what how this new space develops over the years. But for now? I’m off to draw on the chalkboard! You can follow the Warren’s development and what they’re doing on Instagram at thewarren_uea.
What’s on? 9
14th February 2023
Week commencing 13th February 2022
The Last Voyage of the Gloucester: Norfolk’s Royal Shipwreck - Head on over to Norwich Castle to explore the discovery of the great sunken warship. Learn about the ongoing research, and discover more about the discovered hidden gems. The exhibition will run until
Find a Housemate: Housing Social - a chance to find people you choose to live with, as not everyone gets on with their first year flatmates. A chance to meet new people in a relaxed environment, and maybe playing some board games. Tickets are free, but to be booked via the SU website. 2pm in the Exhibition Space in Union House. 14th Feb.
September. Free entry but booking is advised. 25th Feb Flat and the Curves - A comedy cabaret, with songs which celebrate sex and sisterhood. With hilarity and vulgarity, it won’t be a show to miss. Tickets at £17.50, at Norwich Playhouse, 7:30pm.25th Feb.
Keith Haring Inspired Art Workshop - a celebration of queer pop art, with Haring’s works being viewed as social activism of safe sex and AIDS awareness. Free tickets, to be booked via the SU website. 3pm in Bookable Room 1. 15th Feb.
Week commencing 27th February 2022
Spotlight Festival - join the Sainsbury Centre in their last round of ‘spotlight’ sessions. It’s a chance to get a guided tour of a specific area
Samantha Shannon in Conversation with Tasha Suri - Celebrate 10 years of The Bone Season and the release of A Day of Fallen Night. Tickets available on the Waterstones website from £8. Event at Blackfriars Hall at 6:30pm. 27th Feb.
of interest, with coffee and cake available to enjoy in the Terrace Cafe. Head over to their website to find out specific dates and interests. Booking is required, with a fee of £6 (inc. refreshments). 15th Feb - 25th Feb.
Film screening of ‘Pride’ & LGSMiners Q&A - head to room 1 in
Queer East Art Exhibition - A Queer Fest Event celebrating a
Union House to watch ‘Pride’, the film based on a true story of LGBT
curation of artwork by LGBTQIA+ Norfolk artists. There will be a closing
activists in their fight to help the families affected by the miner’s strike,
ceremony on the 19th. 12pm - 6pm at The Shoe Factory. 1th Feb - 19th
followed by a Q&A with the secretary of the LGSMiners. Free event,
Feb.
with tickets to book from the SU site, event starting at 1pm. 27th Feb.
Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy Day at Norwich Science UEA Burlesque presents Cupid’s Cabaret - Head to Norwich Arts
Festival - explore the world of science in The Forum’s Atrium. A free
Centre to watch Burlesque soc present a belated gift for Valentines,
drop-in event from 10:30am. 16th Feb.
hosted by the iconic drag queen Liv. At 7:30pm with tickets from £7.50. Clutter City Night Market - join a collective of local makers, with over
2nd March
25 stalls of the best creatives. Music, drinks, and pop up food will also be available. Free entry. 5pm-9pm, at Norwich Arts Centre. 17th Feb.
Week commencing 6th March 2022
Lissie - Norwich Arts Centre - the American rock artist comes to Norwich with her songs telling of personal expression and persevering against pain. Tickets from £28.50, standing event, with show beginning
Constanza Casati in Conversation with Isabelle Schuler - Join Costanza as she discusses her book Clytemnestra, as well as the dialogue around the infamous character. Event at Waterstones, at 7pm. Tickets from £4. 7th March
at 8pm. 18th Feb. Human Library - head over to Norwich Arts Centre where you can have a no-judgement conversation with a Book, or even just find out more about the concept. Free event, 3pm-5pm. 19th Feb.
The Cher Show - Follow the life and career of the iconic singer, featuring three actors throughout her life. It’s a huge new production
Week commencing 20th February 2022
featuring show-stopping costumes. Tickets from £10, at Norwich Theatre Royal. 7th March - 11th March.
Wish You Were Dead - based on the bestselling crime book. A
Film Works #2 - Sainsbury Centre - An event exploring queerness
couple’s time from work soon turns chilling, starring Giovanna Fletcher.
within the Sainsbury Centre collection. This will include a film screening
Tickets from £10 at Norwich Theatre Royal. 20th Feb - 25th Feb
and the presentation of a new baroque lyric essay. 5pm-7pm, free but booking is required through their website. 9th March
Bookbinding - the beginning of a very interesting four part course of Doing Something Creative. Have a go at Japanese Stab Binding,
ABBA Disco Wonderland - wear your sparkliest outfit, your floatiest
creating a handbound book. A free event, tickets to be ‘bought’ via the
flares, or your biggest pair of heeled boots, and boogie away to ABBA’s
SU, in the SIZ from 10am-noon. 20th Feb.
greatest tribute club night. Tickets are £10 from the SU site. Event at Nick Rayns LCR at 10pm. 10th March.
Harsh House Party with a Spectrum Room 2 takeover - celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with the iconic Drag Queen DJ Jodie Harsh.
Words and Songs from Women in Norwich - celebrate
It’ll be a raucous night where everyone is invited - and you won’t want
International Women’s Day at Norwich Arts Centre, with a series of
to miss out! Tickets at £8 from the SU site. Nick Rayns LCR from 10pm.
women writers and poets. Event starts at 7:30pm, with a ‘pay what you
24th Feb
can afford’ from £6.50 to £12.50. 12th March. Source: All images from Unsplash
6
14th Febuary 2023
Global
Comment: Kashmir, an oblivion Syed M Hamza, MILT (UK)
Global Writer
“ Wh e re a s strateg y is only co n ce r ne d winning militar y vi c to r y, gra nd strategy must t a k e t he lo ng e r v iew – for its p ro b l e m is the winning peace” B.H . L i dd ell Ha r t. As p e r Vox - Ad il Ahmed, a 1 9-ye a r- old K a shmir i car r ied out a s ui c i d e atta ck o n an I ndian m i l i t a r y co nvoy k illing 40 I ndian s o l d i e r s o n the 14th o f Februar y 2 019 i n K a shmir. I n response, t h e I n d ia n a ir force conduc ted a i r s t r i k es in Pa k ista n within 12 days. Accord ing to Al Jazeera, Pa k i s t a n’s Air fo rce re taliated by s h o o t i n g d own 2 I nd ian aircraf ts a n d c a ptu r ing o ne I ndian air fo rce pilot, Wing Commander Ab h i n a nd a n. BBC confir med Pa k i s t a ni po lic yma kers handed ove r t he ca ptu re d pilot to the I n di a n g over nme nt a s a “peace g e s t ure”. This cr itical point co u l d h ave wa ged a nuclear war, h a d Pa k ista n no t re tur ned the p i l o t. Why have bo th countr ies f a i l e d at winning peace? To co m p rehend this, a look back at K a s hmir ’s histo r y is vital. Wi t h t he Br itish d epar ting the s u b co ntine nt in 1947, the states t h at h ad a M u slim maj or it y b e c a m e pa r t o f Pa k istan whilst n o n - M u slim ma jor it y states b e c a m e pa r t of I nd ia. K ashmir wa s r uled by a H ind u M onarch at t h e time, Ha r i Sin gh, who wa nte d a n ind e pend ent state of K a s h m i r a s he d e sire d to have an a uto n o mo u s a u tho r it y over the re gi o n . Albeit M u slims were, and s t i l l a re, the ma jor it y in K ashmir,
I ndians also claim ed t h e regi o n as it was being ru l ed by a H i n d u in 1947. Stephen P. We s tco t t wr i tes, “ K ashmir was a p p rox i m ately 77% M uslim”. During the decolonisation p er i o d, Hari Singh signed th e “I n s t r u m ent of Accession” to I n d i a a s t h e H indu monarch n eed ed m i li t a r y suppor t from he r b u t w i t h o n e condition. The co n d i t i o n wa s that a plebiscite wo u ld later t a k e place to ascer ta i n t h e s t at u s of K ashmir as S in gh wa s u n d er pressure from bot h Pa k i s t a n a n d I ndia to declare h i s a llegi a n ce. Af ter the first wa r, o u t o f fo u r wars bet ween Pak i s t a n a n d I n d i a over K ashmir, U n i ted Nat i o n s passed a resoluti o n . The resolution s t ates “ Th e G over nment of I n d i a s h o u ld under take that t h ere w i ll be established in Jammu and K ashmir a Pleb i s c i te Administration to h o ld a plebiscite as soo n a s p o s s i b l e on the question of t h e a cces s i o n of the State to I nd i a o r Pa k i s t a n” [ S/RE S/47( 1948) ] . H owever, t h e I ndian G over nm ent d u b i o u s l y rej ec ts this propo s a l wh i l s t t h e Pak istani gover nm ent i s a s t ro n g proponent of t h e p leb i s c i te. Pak istan’s For m er Fo rei gn M inister, S hah M eh m o o d Q ureshi, had also requ es ted to revamp the numb er o f Un i ted N ations obser ver m i s s i o n s i n t h e region dur ing his a d d res s to t h e UN . On the 5th of Au gu s t 2019, K ashmir wa s l ef t i n a detr imental state wi t h Ar t i c l e 370 being revoked by t h e I n d i a n gover nment. Ar t i c le 3 7 0 gi ves
t h e p r i vi lege to J a m m u a n d K a s h m i r to h ave t h ei r ow n fla g, co n s t i t u t i o n a n d i n d ep en d en ce wh i c h wa s a d d ed to t h e I n d i a n co n s t i t u t i o n i n 1 9 4 9 . Ar t i c l e 3 5 A , u n d er a r t i c l e 3 7 0 , ent a i ls t h at o u t s i d er s w h et h er I n d i a n s o r Pa k i s t a n i s c a n n ei t h er ow n la n d n o r get c i t i zen s h i p i n K a s h m i r. Acco rd i n g to t h e H o u s e o f co m m o n s li b ra r y, t h e I n d i a n s u p rem e co u r t h a s p revi o u s ly d ec l a red, “a r t i c l e 3 7 0 h a s a p er m a n ent s t at u s i n t h e I n d i a n Co n s t i t u t i o n”. Even t h o u gh a r t i c l e 3 7 0 a c ted a s a h u ge d eter rent, t h e I n d i a n Pres i d ent i l l ega lly a s k ed t h e G over n o r o f K a s h m i r to revo k e i t at t h e requ es t o f Pr i m e M i n i s ter Na ren d ra M o d i i n 2 0 1 9 . I t i s p er t i n ent to m ent i o n , d i s s ent vo i ced by K a s h m i r ’s G over n o r o ffi ce c a n ea s i ly b e s u p p res s ed a s h e o r s h e i s a p p o i nted by t h e I n d i a n Pres i d ent. Th e ves ted i nteres t b eh i n d revo c at i o n o f a r t i c le 3 7 0 i s t h at t h e I n d i a n G over n m ent i s i l l ega lly ex p elli n g i n n o cent Muslim K a s h m i r i s o u t o f t h ei r h o u s es a n d a l l o t t i n g t h at l a n d to n o n M u s li m s. Th i s i s b ei n g d o n e to en s u re t h at i f a p leb i s c i te ever t a k es p la ce, I n d i a w i n s. Cu r rent ly t h e s i t u at i o n i n I n d i a n O cc u p i ed K a s h m i r ( I O K ) wi t h a p o p u lat i o n o f m o re t h a n 1 0 m i lli o n p eo p le, a cco rd i n g to a H u m a n R i ght s Watc h rep o r t, i s n o t h i n g b u t s o m b er. I O K i s i n co m p l ete lo c k d ow n s i n ce 5 t h Au gu s t 2 0 1 9 . K a s h m i r i s d o n o t h ave a cces s to n eces s i t i es i . e. fo o d a n d co m m u n i c at i o n . A rep o r t by t h e O ffi ce o f t h e Un i ted Nat i o n s H i gh Co m m i s s i o n er fo r H u m a n R i ght s i s s u ed o n 8 t h J u ly
Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Pixabay
Photo: Wikimedia Commons 2 0 1 9 n ote s, “ 1 , 0 8 1 c i v i l i a n s h ave b e e n k i l l e d by s e c u r i t y fo rces i n ex t ra ju d i c i a l k i l l i n g s b et wee n 2 0 0 8 a n d 2 0 1 8 i n Indian O cc u p i e d K a s h mi r ”. I n d i a n s e c u r i t y force s cont i n u e to m a s s a c re K a s h m i r i s u s i n g p el l et- f i r i n g s h otg u n s. Th e comm i s s i on a l s o con f i r m e d, “Acco rd i n g to i n for m at i on f rom S r i n a g a r ’s Sh r i M a h a ra ja H a r i S i n gh H os p i t a l, w h e re mos t p el l et s h otg u n i n ju re d a re t reated, 1 , 2 5 3 p e op l e h ave b e e n b li n d e d by t h e m e t a l p e l l e t s u s ed by s e c u r i t y force s f rom m i d -2 0 1 6 to t h e e n d of 2 0 1 8 ”. Vox co n f i r m e d – Ad i l Ah me d - t h e i n d i v i d u a l m e nt i on e d at s t a r t of t h e a r t i c l e - h a d b e e n s to p p e d a n d h u mi l i ate d by I n d i a n p ol i ce of f i c i a l s i n 2 0 1 6 by fo rc i n g h i s f a ce i nto t h e grou n d. Th e s ame ye a r Ah m e d wa s s h ot i n t h e l e g at a p rote s t. Th es e e ve nt s took p l a ce b e fore t h e I n di a n g ove r n me nt re vok e d a r t i c le 3 7 0 . Th u s, n ow, t h e s i t u at i on i s m u c h g l oom i e r. N ot o n l y doe s t h e I n d i a G ove r n me nt s h ow di s d a i n for K a s h m i r i s b u t fo r t h e K a s h m i r i Le a d e r s a s well. A . S. D u l at, For me r C h i e f of I n d i a n Spy a g e n c y, e l a b orate s i n h i s b ook “ Va jp aye e ye a r s” on h ow Fa rooq Ab d u l l a h , For me r Ch i ef M i n i s te r of J a mm u a n d K a s h mi r, wa s b e t raye d by t h e Indian g ove r n me nt. D u l at
d e s i gn ate d a n e nt i re c h a p te r c a l l e d “ Va jp aye e’s B e t raya l of Fa rooq Ab d u l l a h” for exp l a i n i n g t h i s m at te r. Th e on l y t i m e a s ol u t i on for t h i s con f l i c t wa s c l os e to h a p p e n i n g wa s w h e n G e n e ra l Pe r ve z M u s h a r ra f of Pa k i s t a n m a d e h u g e e f for t s to re s ol ve t h e con f l i c t b e t we e n 2 0 0 1 - 2 0 0 8 . D u l at re i te rate s i n t h e s a m e b ook h ow For m e r Pr i m e M i n i s te r M a n moh a n Si n g h of I n d i a cou l d h ave u t i l i s e d t h at m ome nt. D u l at w r i te s “ Th e s ol u t i on to t h e I n d i a - Pa k i s t a n - K a s h m i r G ord i a n k n ot wa s gi ve n to D r. M a n m oh a n Si n g h on a p l at te r i n 2 0 0 4 . Wh e n h e l e f t of f i ce i n 2 0 1 4 , h e h a d n ot a ccomp l i s h e d w h at wa s w i t h i n h i s gra s p”. Fi n a l l y, on l y t wo s ol u t i on s n ow s e e m to b e v i a b l e. Fi r s t l y, t h e U N t a k i n g s e r i ou s a c t i on by h ol d i n g a p l e b i s c i te i s t h e s i n e q u a n on . S e con d l y, b ot h cou nt r i e s re s u mi n g to h ave d i a l og u e s i s n e e d of t h e h ou r. For n ow, i t s e e m s t h at on ce col on i s e d, I n d i a , h a s n ow b e com e a b l at a nt col on i s e r for t h e K a s h m i r i s.
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14th Febuary 2023
concrete-online.co.uk/global/ | @ConcreteUEA
India awaits Supreme Court’s EU ban on deforested verdict on LGBTQ marriage commodities Declan Cobain Global Writer
Emma Darlington Global Editor
On December 6th, 2022, the EU launched an agreement for an ambitious law which prevents companies from placing commodities which are related to deforestation on the EU market. Deforestation is pushing biodiverse lands towards an irreversible tipping point. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), 420 million hectares an area larger than the EU was lost from deforestation from 1990 to 2020. Global Witness estimates that the EU contributes 16% of deforestation associated with international trade. It is about time some form of responsibility is taken. The specific commodities targeted are palm oil, cattle, soy, coffee, cocoa, timber, and rubber (this includes any material as well which is derived from these products). As things stand, consumers have no exact way of quantifying which of their purchased commodities are linked to deforestation. However, this is all about to change. Once final approval has been agreed upon by the EU commission, “operators and traders will have 18 months to adhere to the new regulation and smaller companies 24 months”. In order for companies to sell their products, they will have to generate a due diligence statement requiring data on the geolocation of their commodity, information of the time period of production, supplier name, buyer name and verifiable evidence that the product is deforestation free. Evidence must also prove that human rights were “respected”, particularly indigenous people’s rights within the guidelines of the particular country.
With an increase in transparency and accountability, this is a fundamental step in reforming the supply chain model, towards a just and sustainable direction. China is one of the largest, contributors to deforestation, without its cooperation real change will never be achieved. Companies have to comply with national human right laws from where their product was derived. However, what of countries where indigenous rights merely do not exist? How can one ensure enforcement? Should it really be left up to the state? Why are rights not upheld to an international standard? The Brazilian Indigenous leader Dinaman Tuxa believes the ban is not ambitious enough, failing to protect deforestation from wetlands, semi-arid forests and savannahs which are vital carbon sinks. Despite ecosystems being at high risk, more needs to be done in the protection of indigenous communities who are also facing the mounting consequences of unstainable supply chains. The “Deforestation” ban is a tremendous attempt to reach zero deforestation by 2030, however it lacks the ambition to be really effective.
The 13th of March 2023 will mark the Indian Supreme Courts decision on whether same-sex marriage should be legalised in India. If this ruling succeeds it would go against the views of the the Conservative Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu Nationalist Party Bhartiya Janata. According to the Human Rights Campaign, same-sex marriage is legalised in 32 countries including for example, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Norway. Twenty-two countries legalised this nationally through legislation, such as Switzerland. Two countries legalised through enacted legislation after a court mandate in South Africa and Taiwan. A further 10 countries legalised it nationally through the country ’s court decisions in which India is set on following the same path. The current legal situation in India has changed vastly since 2008. The first milestone change was in 2014 when India legally recognised the “third gender ”; three years later made sexual orientation a vital attribute of
people’s privacy. The historic milestone was in 2018, which removed the colonial-era law with the decriminalisation of homosexual sex, which was a landmark victory for LGBTQ rights in India. Now, in 2023 the Supreme Court faces the decision to legalise samesex marriage. Suppose this ruling is favourable to the LGBTQ Community, it will make India the largest democracy with such rights for the community.
The government has an anti-LGTBQ stance, opposing the court ruling. The head of Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh, which is a Hindu nationalist group that is the ideological parent of Modi’s party, stated that LGBTQ people are “a part of the Indian society” It appears more common that the older generation and more religious people tend to have more anti-LGBTQ views, opposed to the younger generations. According to an online research study, 30% agree with this, 20% have no opinion, and 50% disagree that being a part of the LGBTQ+ community should be a crime.
The right to marry is fundamental and should be recognised as a human right. With the LGBTQ communities being barred from marriage, they face many negative implications. Not only does it impact personal liberties such as owning and inheriting property, but also in terms of adoption and economic constraints. LGBTQ couples are not allowed to have children born with the help of an Indian surrogate mother and can only apply for adoption as single parents. If this ruling succeeds, it would be a huge step towards the acceptance and recognition of the LGBTQ community. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Unsplash
Did You Miss it? World Economic Forum 2023 Leo Henry Global Writer
Around halfway through January, a group of government representatives and business magnates as well as a handful of other highprofile guests such as Keir Starmer, Elon Musk, and Greta Thunberg, (the latter calling on the energy industry to stop obstructing the path to clean energy along with a group of protestors) all of whom congregated in an alpine resort town in Switzerland for four days of discussions, meetings, pitches, and presentations. At the time, it generated some attention in the mainstream press and on social media, but as the media cycle moved
on the attention of many shifted to other things. But the 53rd Annual Meeting of the WEF in Davos had ramifications beyond being just another news story about a group of wealthy individuals toasting their good fortune with champagne and cigars. The World Economic Forum is a meeting of key heads of state and governments, various geo-political deliberation groups, and foremost business committees, gathering in one place at one time to look at the global economy and using their collective insight to see if it couldn’t use a bit of tweaking. To clarify, this isn’t some sort of hyper-financial UN-like body, such as the I nternational Monetar y Fund or the World Bank – the WEF is more akin to, well, a forum - ideas
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
are presented and discussed, information is exchanged and lines of communication between parties are forged or facilitated, with the end goal of driving some sort of action by getting enough people on the same page at the same time. The list of challenges the Forum
took upon themselves to tackle was not for the faint-hearted. A summary of the key issues begins with the war in Ukraine and its ramifications, and continues on to tackling global inflation, and top of the agenda, climate change and energy transition.
But what was the result? Surprisingly positive, with the final panel wrapping up the conference by concluding 2023 won’t be quite as bad as previously thought for the global economy, hallelujah for small victories. Ukraine’s allies renewed their commitment to delivering funds and financial backing to Kiev, as well as acknowledgement of the pressures and necessary restructuring of economies in the aftermath of Covid-19. Again, the full discussions are quite interesting and a good deal less pessimistic than you might think so I urge you to check them out – only a bit of it is indecipherable.
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14th February 2023
Sex Survey 2023 What do we mean when we talk about sex? 48% of you answered in relation to “penetration”. 18% answered “intimacy”. 18% mentioned “stimulation of sexual organs”. 11% featured an intent to “orgasm”. 5% of you had other thoughtsa particular favourite in the media centre was “When Two Become One - The Spice Girls”
You
d n a r st
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en e u Q Mc
hting g i L ny Iy ke d.” i n l u ’ f so use m howfinishe g c n a i k th e beca e to e m nce said ‘ after I o d s ut of m ait for m i a o s I “ o to w rtnero shot h a p y ild . We a.d” m d x y ly).” e s nd m hing uing e t f a o r epa s ddlehing, a m laug contin ( i n m g he fro before ir so ere e w h t “In tt stop laruacting w e and nd wHe n’ cont lm do n r a e d l h y u t co e was ca a fa s gued out. lug i h h t r t i o c w ith it popp good ply ept w l p s u e v ookgg y and’t a very basical n while h “I ha t s r fi in do wasn y ass yself i y m as oing it but it A nd m ked m ith himoor. w t I “ ere g ck in ase!) d loc er w he d ng e w ed it baf lares b oom anhe showrough t miliati W . th hu plug push good bathr me in t
Who did we survey? 64% were women 25% were men 8% were non-binary 2% selected ‘other’ or ‘would prefer not to say’
Yes No I don’t know Have you ever felt pressure your romantic/sexual
42% were heterosexual 38% were bisexual 5% were lesbian 5% were gay 1% were asexual 9% selected ‘other’ 86% were undergraduate students 12% were postgraduate students 2% were staff
Sc a to n th vie e Q w the the R co res res de ult t o s! f
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14th February 2023
concrete-online.co.uk/ | @ConcreteUEA
58
Which contraceptives do you use (as many as apply)?
Under 16 53
16 17
48 None
63
18
Condom
44
19
Other
20
20
At what age did you first have sex (by your own definition)?
IUD/IUS ‘The Pill’ n ctio Inje lisation i Ster
29
6
21 4
I haven’t had sex
utt ally b s ea s v a a c l i h t g s sia ga hey usiner enthue sure tto the ded up rathays makit. I ran v ice. En’ (alwllowed gling add coughd swa as goo quat an inful an he wuting ‘smost pa life.” sho of the s of my Oneperience ex
Did you ever feel pressure to have sexual and/or romantic experience before coming to uni??
- 52% - 44% - 4% to lie about
Yes- 54%
No- 40%
Doggy
Speed bump
24
None
58
1
Scissoring Spread eagle Spooning
42
2 3/4
Cowgirl Missionary
54 37
5/6
8+
Other/ None
How many sexual partners have you had?
experience?
7/8
I don’t know- 6%
14 96
What is your favourite sex position?
21+
14
Features The Jess Blissitt Features Writer
I’m s t a r i n g at a p l a s t i c c u p , swirling the liquor i n s i d e. Eve r yo n e e l s e s at a g a i n s t t h e m e t a l ra i l i n g s s l i g ht l y b o b b i n g to t h e h e av y gr i m e m u s i c. S h e’s l o o k i n g at m e, ex p e c t i n g a n a n s we r to t h e q u e s t i o n , “ S o… h ave yo u d o n e i t ? ” N o o n e n e e d e d to d e te r m i n e w h at ‘i t ’ wa s, we a l l k n e w. Th i s wa s t h e o n e q u e s t i o n t h at b o n d e d yo u w i t h fe l l ow f re s h e r s. Wh o’s d o n e i t ? Wh o’s d o i n g i t, w h o’s d o n e i t w i t h to o m a ny p e o p l e, a n d w h o’s n o t d o n e i t a l l. I wa s i n t h e m i d d l e o f a s ex u a l h i at u s, b e t te r k n ow n a s t h e s e co n d l o c k d ow n , a n d t h e a n x i e t i e s o f ‘ l o s i n g i t ’ b e fo re u n i ve r s i t y h a d d w i n d l e d a l o n g w i t h my s o c i a l i nte ra c t i o n s. M y l o gi c wa s f l aw l e s s - i f I co u l d n’t h i g h f i ve my f r i e n d s, h ow wa s I m e a nt to b e h av i n g s ex ? I
14th February 2023
Virginity
wa s n’t p at h e t i c, I wa s fo l l ow i n g t h e l o c k d ow n p ro ce d u re ! An d ye t, w h e n a gro u p o f f i r s t ye a r s a re t h row n i nto a f l at to g e t h e r w i t h l i t t l e s h a re d ex p e r i e n ce a n d e ve n l e s s i n co m m o n , o u r co nve r s at i o n i n e v i t a b l y d r i f t s to s ex . I t h a d n’t o cc u r re d to m e to b e a n x i o u s a b o u t t h i s, b e c a u s e I i n n o ce nt l y a s s u m e d e ve r yo n e h a d h a d t h e s a m e i s o l ate d ex p e r i e n ce a s mys e l f, a n d t h at n o o n e h a d b ro k e n r u l e s fo r a c h e e k y s h a g. Tu r n s o u t, I wa s w ro n g, s o I l i e d. Wi t h t h e wo r r y o f m e e t i n g n e w p e o p l e we i g h i n g o n m e, I d e c i d e d to t r y a n d re p re s s my a c t u a l p e r s o n a l i t y i n f re s h e r s. Wh e n a s k e d a b o u t my v i rgi n i t y my a n s we r wa s s i m i l a r to t h e o t h e r p a r t s o f m e t h at h a d b e e n p e r fe c t l y c ra f te d fo r u n i ve r s i t y, “ Ye s, o f co u r s e. Wi t h my ex , o n l y o n ce.” Lo o k i n g b a c k , I’m n o t a n n oye d I l i e d b u t rat h e r t h e f a c t I fe l t I h a d to l i e. Wa s t h e t r u t h re a l l y s o aw f u l ?
I’m n o t g o i n g to te l l yo u my v i rgi n i t y s to r y, b e c a u s e t r u t h f u l l y, d o n’t we h ave a b i l l i o n o f t h e m ? Wh at i s co n s i d e re d l o s i n g my i n n o ce n ce a n d p u r i t y ? S h o u l d I h ave h e l d o nto my v i rgi n i t y m o re t i g ht l y ? I re a d Lo s i n g I t by S o p h i a S m i t h G a l e r, a n d t h i s s e nte n ce s t r u c k m e, “ I n E n g l i s h [ l a n g u a g e ] , v i rgi n i t y i s l o s t o r t a k e n fo r o n e time use - a perishable good” s h e a rg u e s t h at v i rgi n i t y i s n’t a s
Myth n o t h i n g to yo u, t h e wo r l d ’s f i x at i o n h a s n o t h i n g to d o w i t h o u r b o d i e s. Th e re’s n o a g e l i m i t a s to w h e n yo u s h o u l d l o s e yo u r v i rgi n i t y, i t ’s a l l a b o u t p e r s o n a l p re fe re n ce, s o i t ’s t i m e to va n q u i s h t h i s my t h a n d b u t t o u t o f p e o p l e’s b u s i n e s s.
Image: Unsplash
s i m p l e a s t h at, a n d grow i n g u p w i t h t h e co n ce p t i o n t h at i t ’s n o t a b i g d e a l i s a m a s s i ve p r i v i l e g e. ‘ Lo s i n g i t ’ m e a n s d i f fe re nt t h i n g s to d i f fe re nt p e o p l e. Th e t r u t h i s, w h e n I d i d l o s e i t, I fe l t u n c h a n g e d, t h e o n l y t h i n g t h at h a d c h a n g e d wa s t h e i nt i m a c y b e t we e n m e a n d my p a r t n e r. S o w hy wa s I s o e a g e r to s ay t h at I wa s n’t a v i rgi n i n f re s h e r s ? N ow I c a n s ay t h at to m e, v i rgi n i t y i s a my t h , i t c a n b e w h ate ve r yo u wa nt i t to b e. O r i t c a n b e
Lesbians are more than just your sexual fantasy which holds such sexualised connotations? What is it about lesbians that people on Por nHub seem to find so fascinating?
Eve Attwood Features Writer
l o t w i t h their sexualit y,
People talk a about being ‘c o m f o r t a b l e ’ claiming
they
eventually reach a per iod of liberation from any associated feelings of shame and embar rassment. I definitely feel more comfor table in my sexualit y than I did when I was fif teen, but to say that in ever y aspec t, I feel ‘comfor table’ would be a lie. Even to this day, I, as a lesbian, struggle with inter nalised homophobia. I struggle with telling people “ This is who I am” or “ This is who I choose to date”. I struggle with the fear of being rejec ted by those who view my sexualit y as sinful, as offensive, or even invalid. Ever yone in the LGBTQ+ communit y will understand these feelings, but it is arguable that there are cer tain stereot ypes and stigmas par ticular ly sur rounding lesbians. What is it about the word ‘ lesbian’
I think beginning with the word itself is a good place to star t. ‘Lesbian’ as a word is more of ten than not used in a sexualised contex t. I t is used on countless por n sites, with many having whole sec tions dedicated to lesbian por n, par ticular ly for men who have sexual fantasies about having a threesome with t wo women. I n 2022 alone, ‘ lesbian’ was Por nHub’s most viewed categor y globally. ‘Lesbian’ was also the second most-searched ter m on Por nHub in the UK . Lesbians are rendered sexual objec ts for men, their individualit y and identit y discarded. We are presented as devoid of the capacit y for romance, instead por trayed as nymphomaniacs or ultra-masculine. One of the reasons I struggled so much to come out as lesbian and first came out as bisexual because I had negative and frank ly, prejudiced views, about lesbians. I thought of lesbians as all being shor t-haired, masculine -look ing women who wore dungarees or biker jackets and probably drank lager. I didn’t identify with
them because I felt I didn’t look like this stereot ype, nor did I have an interest in dating this stereot yped image. I liked gir ls who were more feminine, and as a result, I took this as a sign I wasn’t a lesbian at all, that I was just confused. I f I as a lesbian even held these homophobic views, I can’t imagine what k ind of stereot ypes the rest of the wor ld holds too. There is a fundamental problem with people categor ising lesbians into one box and disregarding our different personalities and st yles The lack of lesbians in T V shows, films and books also definitely had an impac t on my perception of what lesbians in real life looked like. Even now, many lesbian films are either over ly sexual or end unhappily. When I saw Look ing for Her– a lesbian Chr istmas film which looks just the r ight amount of cheesy – I can’t tell you how happy it made me. To some, it might seem insignificant, but to me I was being seen. I t felt nor mal, just for one minute, because it is nor mal. There’s nothing abnor mal about being a lesbian, being someone who loves someone else. S o why should we not be represented better? Just because we are not the major it y
“Just because we are not the majority doesn’t mean we don’t exist.” doesn’t mean we don’t exist. Heterosexual relationships have always been viewed as inherently romantic. The same can’t be said for LGBTQ+ relationships. There is always the sense that as a lesbian, I have to prove to others that my relationship is “real ” and not just a fr iendship. There is always the sense that people believe, because there is no man involved, it is somehow a phase I will grow out of. I remember when I came out, a boy at my school told me that lesbian sex wasn’t real because it didn’t involve male penetration. I’m not sure if I’m missing something, but as far as I’m aware, sex is sex, whether there’s a man involved or not.
Image: Unsplash I’ll finish by saying this: You’re not a ter r ible person if you’ve consumed lesbian por n, or if you’ve made the odd stereot ype about lesbians. But I am saying this: consider that not all lesbians are the same, we are more than just por nographic sexual fantasies, and we just want the same things you want – love.
“We just want the same things you want - love.”
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14th February 2023
concrete-online.co.uk/category/features/ | @ConcreteUEA
40% of you have seen a doctor based on ovarian or uterine related issues. Just 7% have seen a doctor based on testicular or penile related issues.
Enduring healthcare Libby Hargreaves Editor-in-Chief
Gynecology is the department everyone with a uterus dreads visiting, b u t we can’t avoid. T h e f r a n t i c frenzy to hide your pants in a pile of crumpled clothing, the cold chill of the speculum and that awkward waiting period before the doctor explains your examination results. These moments alone are enough to make anyone dread returning, but the added stress of an incurable disorder? I think most people with periods have heard the term endometriosis floating about, not quite sure what it means, but as someone who had always experienced heavy and painful periods, it was something I had researched at several points in my life. Despite this, I simply
What trans Josh Richardson
Features Writer
Back in 2017, I came out as trans and started medically transitioning in 2019. While my medical transition was basically complete, I’m still discovering things about myself and becoming more confident in who I am. Becoming a drag king has certainly helped this growth. The first few years of transitioning were tough, as I’m sure it is for most people. I was constantly second guessing myself and worried about if I was “passing”. “Passing” means you look and act like a cisgender person, and your transness is not identifiable. For a lot of trans people, being able to pass affords you safety and a freedom to interact in society with less anxiety. For me, the fear of not passing caused me a great deal of stress which led me to develop mental health issues. For the first three years of my transition, I was in Surrey, a place that isn’t particularly open-
50% of those surveyed have visited the doctor for sexual related issues.
When asked if you believed these medical professionals took you seriously, a quatre (25%) of you said no, with 21% answering ‘I don’t know’ and just 54% having confidence that their doctor took them seriously.
endometriosis: gynaecological is endlessly traumatic
didn’t think I could have it- my pain wasn’t bad enough, everyone experiences the same so why am I complaining? From my mum telling me to simply ‘go for a walk’ to resolve the ‘aches’, to hearing my classmates in school could go a whole day with only a small tampon without leaks; I knew my experience was different, but thought somehow it was my fault, that I was doing something wrong. It wasn’t until late last summer that I saw a GP. I had noticed a few new symptoms, that I didn’t actually connect with endometriosis until a few appointments later- my GP thought I may have a cyst in my abdomen as I had woken up several times in the early hours screaming in pain, clutching my side. Nothing I did could resolve the pain, it simply calmed down after a while. If you know me, it’s probably clear I like a certain level of control in all aspects of my life, so to have no control over
my own body was especially scary. A few appointments later, I find myself in the emergency gynecology department. I had become feverish and my pain had worsened, my GP was worried it was a sign of infection. What ensued was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life; the sounds of women in pain, extensive personal questioning, the male doctor putting his hands on me without giving me time to object, a trans-vaginal ultrasound I was under the impression was going to be external...it’s safe to say I cried. The sonographer empathised with me as she gave me the diagnosis, understanding the complex emotion involved in the hospital visit. The male doctor then came into my room seemingly with the sole purpose of invalidating my experiences and emotions and gave me several packs of codeinean addictive opiate. You can imagine my distress when I
booked a follow-up consultation and was told all 12 specialists were male. I felt it would be an endless cycle of this initial awful experience. I left feeling confused, but somewhat relieved. We finally had an answer. I could do more research, find the best diets, lifestyle changes and get specialist consultations. The reality hit me a few days later: half of those with endometriosis experience fertility issues. Early menopause, ovarian cancer and a whole host of comorbidities such as PMDD were suddenly real risks. It put me face to face with choices I should be able to make much later in life. I knew then, that I wanted to carry children...but what if I never got the chance? The maths didn’t add up; I’m 20, suddenly being advised to conceive before my egg quality decreases (at around 30), but that leaves just 10 years to kick-start the career of my dreams, become financially stable enough to care
for an infant and be sure my partner is someone I want to raise a child with. A rejuvenating weekend away led me to a tough truth- I had to change my choice in career. Though I want to believe women can have it all, a young female journalist on changeable shifts chasing the next big story simply isn’t who I want to be when I raise my children. I don’t want to worry what my career will look like when I return from maternity leave, I need it there waiting for me. Despite it being huge, the choice was an easy one and I’m already feeling the benefits to my mental health. Now, I’ve come to terms with my diagnosis and carry a Tenns machine with me to keep my pain to a minimum at work or in lectures. I’m on the waiting list for surgery and feel much more at peace with the future, though I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone.
it’s like being a male drag king
minded - it’s a place where your only option as a queer person is to move somewhere elsewhere when you’re old enough. I was part of a LGBT+ choir in my hometown, but I was only out as gay, not trans. At this point in my transition, my voice had dropped and my face looked more masculine, allowing me to pass as cisgender. There were times in the choir where the people I’d sing with would whisper transphobic comments to me about the other trans members of the choir, not realising that I was also trans. When the choir went on holiday for Christmas, I didn’t return; I didn’t feel safe.
When I was applying for universities, going to a city that was queer-friendly was one of my top priorities. After being accepted into UEA, I was very excited to slot myself into Norwich’s queer community and finally feel accepted. My boyfriend, who’s a drag queen, had been following the Norwich drag scene for a while, so from what I’d heard, I would feel at home here. From attending my first Norwich drag show in 2021, I never thought it would be me up on that stage
one day. I’d enjoyed watching Drag Race but it was my perception that you had to be a drag queen to be a successful artist, and the dragrelated media didn’t help lessen that view. My dysphoria at that time wouldn’t have allowed me to wear feminine clothing, so I settled for just being a fan of drag - performing as a drag king didn’t even cross my mind. It wasn’t until I started going to local drag shows that I realised just how encompassing drag can be because everyone can do it. My “drag awakening” if you will, came from seeing Prinx Chiyo in 2021. He started his performance wearing a rhinestone chest binder and finished the performance proudly displaying his top surgery scars. When I saw this, I realised that could be me up there. Cut to the present day, I now perform as Blue Monday, an eighties, goth inspired drag king, with my transness playing an important role. To me, and I’m sure many others, drag is political; by its very nature, drag is a way for queer people to break out of heteronormative
“I get to celebrate myself and how uniquely awesome it structures and be free from the pressures of behaving in a certain way. With this in mind, drag shows are one of the only places I’m able to witness unapologetic queerness take centre stage and be celebrated. The societal view on trans people unfortunately becomes more hostile with each passing day; it’s terrifying to see how much some people hate your very existence, but drag gives me a space to be authentically me. I try to use the little platform I do have to make statements about trans issues whilst embracing my trans body and playing with ideas of masculinity that I find hard to express elsewhere. I get to celebrate myself and how uniquely awesome it is to be trans. With Ru Paul’s Drag Race being so mainstream, people are more aware of drag now - but only specific
types of drag. Drag Race is still yet to cast a drag king, which is surprising considering its success. Ru Paul moulds his contestants to fit within his ideals of drag favouring those with long luscious wigs, pretty makeup and feminine silhouettes etc. These ideals have seeped into the audience’s minds and created the illusion that drag kings aren’t as interesting as drag queens. So, drag kings, especially those that are trans or non-binary, aren’t given the same opportunities and must work harder just to be visible in their own community.
I am so grateful for the Norwich drag scene who see the value and importance of drag kings. They’ve taken me under their wing and I feel so safe and so cherished here. As queer people, we often must find where we belong and people who are like us. There are people in the Norwich drag scene who I consider my chosen family and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. There seems to be a drag king “revolution” happening in Norwich, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
16
Comment
We The
14th February 2023
are who we say fight for trans
gender for two or more years. Such amendments made to the act show Comment Writer consideration for the harsh reality that many trans people cannot safely live as their “acquired” gender and may The recent passing of the Gender have access to gender dysphoria Recognition Bill by Scotland’s “If Sunak wholeheartedly cared not diagnoses. Additionally, many trans government is a major step forward people do not even experience for the progression of trans rights, consequently stirring up much about wellbeing and safety, he gender dysphoria, since being trans isn’t necessarily defined by a specific controversy in both the public and physical transition in terms of one’s political eye. The bill’s main intent is to improve the process whereby would understand that passing sex. Therefore, enacting this bill is extremely important for the health trans individuals can receive and wellbeing of many trans people gender recognition certificates (GRC). GRCs allow trans people to this bill would protect women and across the country. have their gender identity legally acknowledged, to some extent, this undemanding providing them with the simple right kids; Gender trans women and kids.”Bill Nevertheless, The Recognition right to be seen for who one is has to self-identify. implements changes to the act by been called into question by many, lowering the requirement age from 18 including Prime Minister Rishi However, since the original Gender to 16, removing the need for a medical Sunak. Sunak stated that whilst Recognition Act was implemented diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and decisions were made about the bill, in 2004, this legislation is naturally lived experience in one’s “acquired” he was taking into consideration
Megan Butt
outdated, making these certificates incredibly difficult to obtain.
we are: recognition
the “concerns for women and children’s safety” and how the bill could potentially threaten this. If Sunak wholeheartedly cared about wellbeing and safety, he would understand that passing this bill would protect women and kids; trans women and trans kids. He would also treat immigrants with less hostility and more compassion. He might even consider wearing his seatbelt from time to time. Ultimately, many people justify their transphobia under the guise of concern for women and children, as if the controversy over this very bill does not go to show that trans people are the most at risk. First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, supported the bill based on the understanding trans people already face so much adversity, insisting she will not apologise for attempting to improve the quality of trans peoples’ lives.
It seems many people assume that as a result of this bill, trans people will dominate all public spaces, despite trans people making up less than 3% of the UK’s population. It is not trans people the government nor the public should be concerned about in this case, it is those who could potentially abuse bills such as this in order to cause harm to others. The matter of whether someone can assault or harm another person is not hindered nor helped by someone acquiring a GRC. For trans rights to progress, the trans existence must be depoliticized. Cis peoples’ intentions aren’t met with scepticism based on their identity, so why is this the case for trans people? Why is it always assumed trans people are predators, instead of victims themselves?
Image: Unsplash
UImage: Unsplash
Is
our
Lily Taylor
sex-ed a series of laws which prevented schools from embracing the LGBTQ+ community. Scotland repealed the laws in 2000, with the UK following in 2003. Despite the repeals, the progress made to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools has been slow. According to a 2017 study by Stonewall, 40% of participants had not received education on samesex relationships. Such a large number of children and young adults being denied access to LGBTQ+ sex education emphasises how it has not been prioritised, even after Section 28 has been overturned.
Comments Writer
Sex is not an easy subject to talk about, especially amongst a classroom of giggling teenagers. Yet, it is the responsibility of schools to provide a sex education which promotes safe sexual practices for later in life. However, sex education for those who know they are part of the LGBTQ+ community from an early age is not always straightforward. LGBTQ+ sex education is often dismissed by schools whose teachers and curriculum lack information on how it works, and are afraid to The impacts this lack of education get it wrong or to come across as could have on LGBTQ+ youths are homophobic. profound. Without the appropriate knowledge to help them understand It is true that society has come a long sex, they are more likely to struggle way since the 1980s when Margaret maintaining healthy relationships. As Thatcher introduced Section 28 – a result of this, the probability of them
inclusive
having sex at an early age, engaging in unsafe sex or experiencing dating violence is much higher than that of heterosexual people. This leaves the LGBTQ+ community vulnerable to a large number of physical and mental health issues. For example, nonheterosexual individuals have been identified as having higher levels of anxiety than heterosexual people. In a 2017 study, the Office for National Statistics found that bisexual people experienced the highest rates of anxiety at around 0.76%, whilst heterosexual people experienced -0.01%. As a bisexual woman myself, these figures do not surprise me. I have struggled with anxiety for a long time, and I believe my lack of knowledge surrounding my identity did not help. Realising that my primary and secondary school sex education was
enough?
minimal and non-LGBTQ+ inclusive, I felt scared and naïve, spending hours researching more about my bisexual identity. We shouldn’t have to turn to the internet for our sex education. We deserve the same quality of education as everyone else.
“We shouldn’t have to turn to the internet for our sex education.” It was only three years ago that the UK government made LGBTQ+ sex education compulsory in education curriculums. Is it enough? Not yet. It is progress, but it has come rather
late for a country that repealed Section 28 in 2003. Many young people will have missed out on the chance to grow up understanding themselves and feeling like a valid part of society. Also, the flexibility the curriculum allows could produce both positive and negative consequences. The way in which a teacher chooses to teach LGBTQ+ sex education can affect the quality of the education; whilst one teacher might go into great depth with the teaching, another might attempt to skim the surface of the matter. Census revealed that more than 1.3 million people in England now identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. More must be done by the government to ensure the health and safety of our community in the years to come.
What did your sex education include? Should universities provide sex education?
Yes No Maybe
67% 9% 24%
Consent
213 Contraception 281 STIs 251 Menstrual cycles 229 Lifelong hormonal changes 43 Puberty 266 Penetrative heterosexual sex 253 Non-penetrative sex Identity 38 LGBTQ+ safe sex 30 Other 5 I did not have a sex education 11
51
14th February 2023
17
concrete-online.co.uk/category/comment/ | @ConcreteUEA
Fancy
a
cuppa?
Tea
&
consent
Plum Bristow Comment Writer
I grew up with ver y confusing messages about sexual consent, there were strange rules about saying yes or no – say yes and you are “easy ”, say no and you’re a prude. So when I watched the “cup of tea” video, I was so happy! This video clarifies sexual consent by using the analogy of being offered a cup of tea. I t describes how people have the right to say yes or no to a cup of tea, the right to change their mind about drink ing the tea and most impor tantly, how it ’s never ok ay to force someone to drink a cup of tea. This is a clear enough message, but with the fuzz y boundaries I was raised with,
I felt like there was more that needed to be said. My first sexual relationship was not consensual, and it took me many years to understand the damage this
“Say yes and you’re ‘easy’, say no and you’re a prude.” caused. The word “No” was seen as an oppor tunit y to persuade, to keep tr ying until I gave in. There was a feeling of entitlement, like he had a need he could not control and
by denying said need, I was the one being cruel. Even worse, I was expec ted to per form and provide, and if I did not meet this standard, I was made to feel guilt y and inadequate. This influenced my sex life for many years. I didn’t see myself as someone who had the right to say no. I felt the need to per form to be “good enough” , to tr y and get things finished as quick ly as possible; rushing through and never being present. This meant I couldn’t connec t with my sexualit y. I never really connec ted with a lover, even good men, k ind men, who would have never hur t me in that way. There was a barrier that no one could get past. The tea analogy the person mak ing
covered the tea,
but what I needed was an analogy to cover the drinker. I needed to be educated about my power to choose. I spent too many years having sex that I didn’t really want, not k nowing I had the choice
“Sexual partners can be kind, respectful, and listen carefully to your likes and dislikes.” to say no, even if it didn’t please others. Am I using the tea analogy because I feel shy about talk ing about sex, or is it because it gives a contex t in which guilt, shame and fear do not
apply? I mean, who ever felt guilt y enjoying a cup of tea? Whoever worried that they were not good enough at drink ing tea? And the idea of drink ing tea you don’t want to please someone else, is quite frank ly ridiculous. Since then I have discovered that not all tea makers, or sexual par tners, are the same. That sexual par tners can be k ind, respec tful, and listen carefully to your likes and dislikes. So if you find yourself having sex you don’t ac tually want or enjoy, I want to empower you to say stop. Sex with the right person done in a safe way is one of life’s most amazing pleasures, and in this modern world, there is nothing stopping you enjoying sex alone too!
Unsplash
Unsplash
120
days
Leo Henry
Comments Writer Many years ago, back during the time my wife and I embarked on our Carnival Cruise of the Caribbean, people believed in something many of the younger generations are more than happy to spit on – National Pride. Once, we Britons – at least the civilised ones south of Cambridge – had pride in our country. This is a phrase which has become all but tantamount to treason admit this craze of woke culture (at least I assume so – I haven’t had a conversation with a young person for more than five seconds since 1996, so naturally I am well equipped to dismiss their grievances).
of
Returning from Benidorm to see honest energy providers having no choice but resorting to breaking and entering to fit prepayment meters to make ends meet breaks my heart. If common British folk had advanced degrees in macroeconomics, they’d understand the importance of handing over one of the necessities of life to price-gougers on the free market. When a former Prime Minister warns us of an international anti-British economic syndicate which scuppered her economic genus (I ask you, whatever happened to Audentes fortuna iuvat?), her very reasonable explanation that her downfall was precipitated by the communist-controlled financial markets is somehow mocked. Clearly, this country needs a reality check if they’re willing to take the
Sunak: word of the International Monetary Fund, the Bank of England, Goldman Sachs, and the OECD over Mrs Truss and her former chancellor who did his PhD in hazing and the recoinage crisis of 1695. Regardless of what anyone smarter than me says, I believe the anti-growth coalition, the left-wing economic establishment, and the Guardianreading-tofu-eating wokerati will be the downfall of the nation. These are far more likely to contribute to the country’s downfall than the UK plunging to its lowest-ever position on the Corruption Perception Index, and forecasts predicting our economy will stagnate even more than Russia’s. As for this whole cost-of-living crisis, whilst I do my best to sympathise with those who seem
A
parody
unable to put a jumper on, with all these strikes no one seems to take my views into account, the hardworking retired British taxpayer. I remember I had to wait three hours in the ER a couple of years ago when I tried to burn down one of those 5G towers and ended up in the hospital with second-degree burns. These essential workers: nurses, ambulance drivers, firefighters and the like, are nothing short of sociopaths who should be locked up for treason. Should the nightmarish hours, stagnating wages and inadequate support warrant their right to strike every fortnight?
anti-strike regulation, which in my humble opinion, is the best thing to come out of Westminster since good old Boris. Yes, Boris Johnson – the same Prime Minister who solicited a secret £800,000 loan from, among others, the head of the BBC.
Thankfully, the government is smart enough to scrap any attempt at negotiation and kneecap the longsuffering public sector with this new
Yours Sincerely,
In conclusion, dear reader, I would like to say I still remember the glory days when we triumphed in World War Two. Where is that version of Great Britain now? And despite what the Home Secretary may feel on that particular front, I trust I have made my own feelings clear: Britain is broken, but we all know who really is to blame.
Martin A. Brexit.
14th February 2023
Science
18
Say Goodbye to the Pen and H e l l o t o C h a t G P T: T h e A I Ta k i n g O v e r E s s a y s , J o b s , and Everything In-Between ikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
I t ’s run by Open A I , a tea m o f researchers based o u t o f Ca li fo r n i a Science Editor who are now val u ed at a ro u n d £25 billion. They wa nt to m a k e Th e r i s e o f a r tificia l intelligence in their words AI, “ t h at i s ea s y ha s b ro u g ht with it numerous to use, and ben efi t s h u m a n i t y advancements, including power ful l a n g ua g e mo d els like ChatGPT.
George Barsted
Th i s te c hno lo g y is ma k ing waves in e d uc ation a nd the wor k place, challenging the way we think about in fo r m at io n, wo r k , a nd even j obs. C h at G P T a nd A I a re mak ing a not i ce a b le impa c t - from the ta k e ove r o f essay- ba se d subj ec ts, to t h e i s su e o f pla gia r ism, and the p o te nt i a l re pla cement of humans.
“AI, “that is easy to use, and benefits humanity as a whole.”
ex i s tent i a l r i s k to t h e p o p u lat i o n . S i n ce t h e e s s ays a re ra n d oml y Ex p er t s a rgu e b o t h o f t h es e gen erate d f rom the wide s cen a r i o s a re ver y u n li k ely. d at a b a s e t h at C h at G PT t a k e s fro m , pl a gi a r i s m d e te c tor s of te n O p en A I a i m s fo r t h e even es t h ave t rou b l e i d e nt i f y i n g t h os e distribution of a r t i fi c i a l w h o h ave u s e d s u c h s of t wa re. i ntel l i gen ce a c ro s s h u m a n i t y, a n d w h i ls t i t s eem s l i k e a M u c h l i k e e s s ay m i l l s, t h e lo f t y go a l t h e tec h n o lo gy s o u s e o f A I i s for b i d d e n for fa r h a s h a d va r i ed rea c t i o n s. u n i ver si t y a s s e s s me nt but ex p er t s a re wa r n i n g i t i s g e t t i n g Ch at G P T i s h owever a wo r r y fo r a c a d em i c s. Wi t h t h e a b i li t y to wr i te co h erent es s ays a n d a r t i c l es, j u s t li k e t h i s i nt ro d u c t i o n , t h ere a re co n cer n s a s s es s m ent s m ay b eco m e ea s i er to c h eat o n .
“Artificial intelligence isn’t going away.”
as a whole.” Whils t t h i s s eem s a Th e s e d e ve lo pments have far- fair ly noble pursui t, s o m e p eo p l e re a c h i n g co nse q u ences and it ’s aren’t par ticular l y co nvi n ced. impor tant for students and workers to un de rsta nd the implications. S ince its incept i o n i d ea s o f ar tificial intelli gen ce h ave Both the title and the been seen as s i m u lt a n eo u s ly int ro d uc tio n a bove in this piece utopian and d ys to p i a n . we re w r itten v ia prompts in C h at G P T, a n AI la ng u age model I t could solve som e o f t h e b i g th at i s cu r re ntly in a testing problems humani t y fa ces o r i n p h a s e b ut o pen to public use. more pessimistic v i ews, p rove a n
“ChatGPT is however a worry for academics.”
h a rd er a n d h a rd e r to d e te c t. Th e s ol u t i on for a s s e s s m e nt s, is li k e l y a re t u r n to inp er s o n , h a n d w r i t te n exa m s to m a i nt a i n s t a n d a rd s of i nte gr i t y.
away w h i c h i s w hy s ome t h i n k h u ma n s n e e d to a d a p t to wor k a l on g s i d e i t i n s te a d of a g a i n s t i t. Vi e w i n g i t a s a n e w k i n d of i n d u s t r i a l re vol u t i on t h at c a n s p e e d u p p roce s s e s b u t s t i l l re q u i re s h u ma n i n p u t me a n s t h at job s p rob a b l y a re n’t g oi n g to b e on t h e c h op p i n g b l oc k . S om e h op e t h at t h e d e ve l op me nt of t h e s e t y p e s of s of t wa re w i l l m e a n we wor k a l on g s i d e n ot against artificial i nte l l i g e n ce. Th e ju r y i s s t i l l ou t on w h at the f u t u re h ol d s for i t. M i c ros of t d e c i d e d to p l a ce a 1 0 b i l l i on d ol l a r i nve s t m e nt i nto t h e s of t wa re. A s h ow of f a i t h i n a comp a ny t h at t h e y b e l i e ve w i l l b e p rof i t a b l e for t h e m at s ome p oi nt d ow n t h e roa d. Wh e t h e r i t ’s g oi n g to m a k e t h at m on e y by re p l a c i n g h u ma n s or enhancing their skills re ma i n s to be seen.
Ar t i fi c i a l i nte l l i g e n ce i s n’t g oi n g
Bizarre Science: How slow can you go? Sloth sex is speedier than you might think. Libby Hargreaves
Editor-In-Chief
Sloths are notoriously slow creatures, due to their low metabolic rate, limited diet and low muscle mass. A variety of sources claim the average speed of a sloth to be between 0.12 and 0.20 mph, in comparison to other creatures such as snails (0.02 mph), or jaguars (up to 60 mph). You could be forgiven if you would therefore assume a sloth’s sexual habits are equally as slow-paced. The reality is, sloth intercourse is one of the quickest in the animal kingdom: a measly ten seconds. One of the only activities a sloth speeds up for, sloth sex begins with the female mating call; a highpitched screech announces to the male that she’s ‘in the mood’.
Soon a male (or even a couple of them) will approach, ready to service her desires. A kind of sloth tinder ensues, as they are known to be quite picky in regard to their mates, though their preferences remain unclear- perhaps the criteria is different for every female sloth, in much as similar way to humans.
“Snack, sleep,sex; sloths seem to have it all.” The competition can be fierce and many males have been found to have scars as a result of this battle for the heart. Not only do female sloths have
males lining up to mate with them, they may also be in for second helpings! Unlike most human men, the male sloth is likely to request a post-coital round (and who can blame them, when the experience is so quick!). Despite this short period of intimacy, sloths have also been known to experiment with multiple positions, with both some sort of sloth missionary having been reported, and of course the classic mammal technique of taking her from behind! Snack, sleep, sex; sloths seem to have it all.
Source :Unsplash
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Tel -a - lie -a - gram Zak Steventon-Barnes Science Writer
Telegram is perhaps the most surprising success story in online messaging. It has successfully pitched itself as a privacy-centric messenger, even though it lacks E2EE (end-to-end encryption) by default, one of the most important technologies of recent years which is rapidly becoming standard. E2EE by default is already found on WhatsApp, Snapchat, iMessage, and Android Messenger (as well as security-focused options like Signal, Wire, Session, and Matrix) with Facebook planning to roll it out for Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs by the end of this year. Even when Telegram does use E2EE (for example for secret chats), the system it uses is regarded by most cryptographic experts as abnormal and potentially unreliable. Messages without the protection of E2EE can be viewed by Telegram and by anyone it shares this data with, such as governments. Telegram has long sought to reassure users by stating in its FAQ and Privacy Policy that it has high standards for handing over data to governments, and both state clearly that Telegram had never done this. But in separate cases in Germany and India, Telegram has reportedly been handing over user data to police and courts. Despite this, Telegram’s privacy policy and FAQ remain
unchanged, raising the question And that Telegram channel still As a result, the court directed Telegram point when handing over data ‘can we really trust Telegram?’ appears to be empty, in the words to hand over the “phone numbers, either to the Indian court or to the The German government has had a of one privacy commentator, “that’s IP addresses, email addresses” of German police that they would long-running struggle to remove what what makes it a transparency report: the creators and operators of the need to update either their FAQ or it views as extremism on Telegram. it is transparent, there is nothing channels Manish Singh said were Privacy Policy. That would seem to However, according to information there.” Indeed, it is usual to publish distributing his study materials. me to be dishonesty by inaction. seen by Der Spiegel, a German a transparency report even when Next is the question of why did weekly magazine described by the nothing has been disclosed, just to Telegram appears to have complied Telegram first disclose user data New York Times as “the standard- show that you’re keeping up with where possible with a court order in Germany and India, which are bearer for investigative reporting in letting users know what’s going on. (published by Live Law India) stating not exactly at the top of the list Germany”, Telegram has been doing “the data as was available with Telegram of nations that privacy advocates more than just removing channels. Furthermore, I do think Telegram has been handed over in a sealed cover”. are concerned about, and in the should comply in cases of child Indian case over something as Der Spiegel wrote “Contrary to what abuse, Telegram’s privacy policy only Some of the data appears to not minor as a copyright violation, has been publicly stated so far, the says they would hand over data of have been available as Telegram hardly the terrorism that Telegram operators of the messenger app terror suspects and then only with limited the time for which it kept had said it would share data over. Telegram have released user data a court order, which Der Spiegel the data. However, the data handed to the Federal Criminal Police Office does not mention being required. over contains, according to the order, This is especially notable when (BKA) in several cases. According to “the names of the admins, the phone Telegram was based for several years SPIEGEL information, this was data When asked for comment numbers, and IP addresses of some in the UK, listed by Reporters Sans from suspects in the areas of child by Der Spiegel and Android of the channels [listed by Singh].” Frontières as an ‘enemy of the internet’ abuse and terrorism. In the case of Central, Telegram did not reply. While there was a court order in this for its surveillance capabilities. violations of other criminal offences, it case, the targets weren’t accused An optimist might suggest that it was is still difficult for German investigators In India, the case revolves around the of terrorism but rather copyright because Telegram was more confident to obtain information from Telegram, piracy of study materials created by infringement, a far less serious offence. the requests were legitimate. A according to security circles.” Neetu Singh, who is suing the people When asked for comment by pessimist might suggest that it was distributing them as well as Telegram. TechCrunch, Telegram replied that because requests from the UK and I’m not saying that this is the wrong Telegram attempted to argue that they “can’t confirm that any private USA are generally made in secret. decision, I myself would rather Telegram it was unable to provide the court data has been shared in this instance.” Another question is whether message complied with lawful police orders. My with IP addresses as it would violate contents are safe. The report by Der problem is that Telegram continues its privacy policy and the laws of An obvious question is whether this Spiegel did not state what data was to say that this has never happened. Singapore, where the data was located. is deliberate dishonesty, or simple shared, and the case in India listed As of time of writing, the FAQ still This lines up with Telegram’s claims failure to update its FAQ and privacy only phone numbers and IP addresses. states “to this day, we have disclosed in its FAQ that it protected user data policy. At the minimum, it would seem 0 bytes of user data to third parties, by splitting it between jurisdictions. that they are not doing what they said If they are handing over data in a case including governments.” While the they would, by handing out user data they said they wouldn’t and, to an privacy policy still says “If Telegram It appears, however, not to have been in a copyright case and by failing to organisation they said they wouldn’t, receives a court order that confirms very protected. The court decided that disclose this in a transparency report. what’s to stop them from handing you’re a terror suspect, we may “merely because Telegram chooses to Giving assurances that you over data they said they wouldn’t? And disclose your IP address and phone locate its server in Singapore, the same do not keep, despite being given that we have only heard cases number to the relevant authorities. cannot result in the Plaintiffs’ – who are clearly able to in the case of the that have come out in spite of Telegram, So far, this has never happened. copyright owners of course materials transparency report, is dishonesty. not because of it, how do we know When it does, we will include it in a – being left completely remediless that they haven’t already done so? semi-annual transparency report.” against the actual infringers.” Furthermore, I struggle to think that it has not occurred to them at some
Climate Change Corner: UEA praised for action on climate Becca Patchett
Science Writer
In January, Sir James Bevan, the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, delivered a lecture at UEA called ‘Facing the fear of fear itself – the case for climate optimism.’ I was fortunate enough to be at this event and found it incredibly interesting. It was so nice to see a leading member of the environmental science community giving a talk at the UEA.
insufficient for our existing targets and that these are only possible with clear, stable, and well-designed policies. He said that the delivery of these policies, to meet targets such as net zero by 2050, is of far greater urgency than previously thought.
He discussed the need for clear leadership within the current government and that the issues surrounding the climate emergency cannot only be left to energy and The main message from Sir James’ environmental departments but to lecture was that we can be optimistic the government as a whole. Sir James about the current situation as we considered four main areas that the can achieve our targets with known government needs to confront which technology and through improvements are not being looked at currently. The in people’s lives and economic costs. first of these was that industry as a He went on to say that the costs, whole needs to be decarbonised. He although huge, are manageable then went on to discuss how heavy but need to be fairly distributed. goods vehicles need low-carbon He stated that the current policy is fuel sources. His third point was that
stakeholders such as the government cannot just ignore aviation and shipping emissions which are currently being less heavily focused on. His final point was the need for afforestation, biomass production, and peatland restoration. Sir James Bevan’s takeaway message was that we are currently in a better position to deal with climate change now – which he wouldn’t have said five years ago. He said this is thanks to organisations and research such as UEA and the Tyndall centre which he praised for their role as a producer of world-class analysis and as one of the early pioneers of climate research. Sir James also praised everyone at the talk by saying we were all leading to a better future to fight the climate crisis by just being there and being interested in the lecture.
Source :Unsplash h
Travel & Lifestyle
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14th February 2023
Wild Camping Banned in Dartmoor National Park Concrete Writer
Located in the moorlands of Devon, the Dartmoor National Park hosts wild ponies, rushing rivers, and protected ancient woodland. It has been a place of both comfort and importance for those who seek to wild camp in England. Until recently, Dartmoor was the only place in England where wild camping (defined as camping in the countryside rather than a campsite) was legal. Towards the end of 2022, prominent landowner, Alex Darwall, went to court looking to ban wild
camping across Dartmoor, effectively banning it nationwide. Darwall, who owns a 3,450-acre estate in Dartmoor, has argued that wild camping was never legal as “open air recreation” doesn’t include camping. However, both campaign groups, such as Right2Roam and the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) have fought back against this. A spokesperson for the park pointed out that the 1985 Dartmoor commons act, from which Darwall has used the phrase “open air recreation”, was made to be as open as possible, therefore including wild camping. Groups, such as Right2Roam, held protests by the royal courts of justice and group hikes, for wild camping to be upheld and expanded. Right2Roam actively seeks to promote activities like wild camping and demand greater and more equitable access to the countryside for all. They state that access to our land and nature is a right, and that “the stars are for everyone”. They look to Scotland as an example of how laws on trespassing and wild camping can be undone. In 2003, the Scotland Land Reform Act restored the right to wild camp, roam and swim across Scotland. They also look to show
the benefits of enjoying and being in nature. For example, access to nature brings benefits to mental and physical health as well as supporting positive behaviour towards the environment. This issue of wild camping goes hand in hand with the issue of roaming across England, as ninety-two per cent of the land is privately owned. This means that those who walk on this land without permission can be fined up to £2,500 and forcibly removed from the land. This, now total, ban on wild camping will inevitably backfire on landowners, protest groups argue, as there is a growing momentum across the nation for the right to wild camp.
"Right2Roam actively seeks to promote activities like wild camping and demand greater and more equitable access" A final decision was reached on 13th January, in favour of Alex Darwall, leading to an outright ban of wild camping across England. This has created anger among many, with protest groups such as Right2Roam seeking to overturn this decision, stating that any deal made would not be accepted. One of the group’s leaders said ‘This is a very real example of how, if we don’t fight for our right to access nature, it
Photo: Concrete
Words from the Road Emily Goodwin
Travel and Lifestyle Senior Writer
I cannot speak Italian. Don’t get me wrong – I downloaded Duolingo and spent most evenings repeating phrases like ‘ho una mela” (I have an apple) and “sono una nonna” (I am a grandma) – but conversational Italian? No chance. Nevertheless, I insist on speaking in another language, no matter how incoherent I am. This is often met with frustrated sighs or sideways smirking, and then a stilted conversation in English. The problem is that British people have a reputation for their poor linguistic skills. Colombare sits on the banks of Lake Garda and the outskirts of popular tourist hotspot Sirmione. Thousands of people pass through this quaint village without stopping, their eyes set on snapping shots for their Instagram, or swimming in the waters around Jamaica Beach.
We chose to eat at the local fish restaurant in Colombare on the first night. A waiter approached our terrace table and asked, in English, what we would like to eat. I launched into my food order: “vorrei il ragù di pesce di lago, per favore” (“I would like the lake fish ragu, please.” Sidenote: was delicious).
"You don't have to be fluent in a language to feel welcomed, but making an effort goes a long way" The waiter physically stepped back, a huge smile on his face. And then … asked something in Italian.
Photo: Concrete
Eleanor Radford
Duolingo had not prepared me for an interaction. But when I physically panicked, he asked, “Where are you from?” Again, we proceeded to have a conversation in English. This time, however, he was teaching us new words, evidently excited by our attempts to learn his native language. All night we had drink refills, food recommendations, conversations about Northern Italy: where we had been and where we were heading next. This was the trend that we noticed throughout our travels. As soon as we spoke in Italian, people were friendlier, more generous with their time and services. Extra pizza?
mushrooms No problem,
on my no charge.
You don’t have to be fluent in a language to feel welcomed, but making an effort goes a long way. Photo: Concrete
will be stripped away… We will not back down. We will not let Darwall’s entitled, misanthropic behaviour destroy the only remaining scrap of land where we are permitted to sleep freely under the sky’. On the 21st, they led a mass demonstration across the land owned by Darwall, in the form of a group hike. This demonstration saw thousands in attendance in support of the right to wild camp and the wider right to roam across the country. The right to roam doesn’t just
allow for access to nature, but also allows for people to join hiking groups, connecting with others, and learning more about folklore and the countryside itself. For instance, local groups such as Hike Norfolk and UEA clubs and societies such as Mountaineering and Day Walks. With wild spaces rapidly diminishing, and the effects of climate change becoming ever more visible, it is essential that we are able to maintain an appreciation of the value of biodiversity and of natural landscapes such as Dartmoor.
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Vienna: Emily Goodwin
Travel and Lifestyle Senior Writer
Tucked near the borders of Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary rests Vienna, Austria. The Danube River slips through, a blue ribbon across the map of the country. Many people pass through Austria’s capital, en route to a winter skiing holiday in the northern mountains or briefly stopping for a river cruise on a summer’s afternoon. A lucky few properly witness the majesty of this central European city. Recently, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released their rankings of the best cities to live in. They analyse economic and political developments globally, identifying trends, opportunities, and risks on a global and national scale. This is a scientific approach to defining the best cities in the world to live in, comparing financial stability with healthcare, culture, education, the environment, and infrastructure. Vienna scored 100% in all categories, bar one, easily cementing the firstplace ranking. The city is known as the ‘City of Music,’ owing to its classical legacy (Beethoven and Mozart both lived here) and the ‘City of Dreams,’ as psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud called it home. It is the land of imperial palaces, gilded cafes that make the Ritz look squalid, pink Manner wafers, and horse-drawn carriages. The city is probably most famous for
City
of
My
Dreams
its Christmas markets, which flood every square and street during the winter months; the regal neutrality of the white buildings reflecting the kaleidoscope of colourful polyester stalls. It is easy to fall in love with this city.
when you’re in that situation. Every visit I made was jam-packed with wandering around the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace, or ice skating in the shadow of the Rathaus, or watching the dancing horses at the Hofburg’s riding school.
However, Vienna means more than this to me. Early on in our relationship my fiancé moved to Vienna for a year to work. Neither of us had been there before. It is only a two-and-a-half-hour flight to Austria’s capital, but the gulf that opened between us felt vaster than the 1,000-mile distance.
If I hadn’t gone to Vienna, perhaps I would have begun to hate the city and see it as the place that stole my boyfriend from me; somewhere cold, far away, and expensive to visit. I think that when you associate a place with a person that you love then you view everything in a rosier hue. It became impossible to hate this city. Like palaces and history? There are the Hofburg, Belvedere, and Schönbrunn Palaces. Museums and art? Hit the MuseumsQuartier, the district of the city named for the number of galleries and museums. Music? The Musikverein sells £5 standing tickets. Coffee and cake? Viennese culture centres around traditional cafes. Shopping? Mariahilfer Straße is a 1.6km long shopping street in the centre of the city. There were always new places to go, cultural differences to experience, cakes to eat … and my boyfriend was there, too.
"Every second with each other matters when you're in that situation" Long distance relationships are really difficult. There is no tiptoeing around that fact. But there is also no denying how much stronger our relationship is now – not because of the long time we spent apart, but because of the fleeting time we spent together. Eight weeks after our (quite frankly) traumatic farewell at Stansted airport, I landed in the ‘City of Dreams’ for the first time. I didn’t realise then how it would become the city of my dreams. Every second with each other matters
So that was the pattern we fell into; eight weeks apart, a few days together, in an amazing city. It was the first place we travelled to when the lockdown restrictions were lifted, and a city we will visit and cherish for the rest of our lives. Photo: Concrete
The Perks and Paranoia of Open Relationships Joseph Collins Concrete Writer
I think to most people, the pros and cons of an open relationship are obvious. There are several reasons as to why people enjoy open relationships, such as freedom from external influences or just the joy of getting to know new people. Still, the main reason people opt for open relationships is simple: sex with new people is very fun. Likewise, the cons of an open relationship are self-explanatory. Most people are probably far too jealous to let their partner sleep around. A close friend once suggested that you cannot love someone if you want to sleep with someone else. In truth, I believed this, at least a little, before being in an open relationship. Wanting to sleep around suggests a lot of possible things about someone, but it does not necessarily mean they don’t love their partner. The experience of learning what it means to love someone, that sex and
love are not always the same thing, is a useful and emotionally maturing aspect of open relationships. Some people could not imagine wanting to sleep with someone else besides their partner. But, for those who choose to opt for a more open framework, there is, in fact, a difference between loving someone, and sleeping with someone.
"That sex and love are not always the same thing, is a useful and emotionally maturing aspect of open relationships" We go to a fairly open-minded university, but I can imagine previous work colleagues or old school friends jeering at the idea of an open relationship; “you let her sleep with other men?” they might say. Not everyone will accept your personal choices, and so, certain people might be put off being in an
my experience, these people seem to have rather a lot to say. Such an experience may be slightly jarring at best, and seriously uncomfortable at worst; it’s not always pleasant for people to make broad assumptions about your life choices. Jealousy is a normal part of the human condition. open relationship, due to wanting to avoid social stigma.
Are you in a relationship?
I think people in open relationships are probably less jealous than the average person, but all the same, I have known issues of jealousy arise in open relationships.
Yes- 53% No- 37% A friend once said to me: “she was quite jealous of who I’d been It's complicated- 10% sleeping with, so I asked her if she wanted to be exclusive.” The Surve2023 Se I asked – “well, what did y said x she say?” They replied – Would you describe yourself as ... “that she’d prefer to stay might monogomous? open, and try and work choose to
Additionally, critics, sometimes close friends, sometimes mere acquaintances, have been quick to suggest as to why I
Yes- 77% No- 11% Maybe- 12%
be in an open relationship. And while they are of course, free to make their own judgement, from
through such feelings”.
That’s a perspective many people could learn from.
14th February 2023
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Sport
Pelé: The Godfather of football (1940-2022) Alfie Green
best ever, he was two footed, great header of a ball, could’ve even played in goal if he wanted to” (the latter point is no hyperbole, Pelé was a great keeper and was supposed to be the goalkeeper in the film ‘Escape to Victory’ but Silvester Stallone’s football ability meant he had to switch roles with Pelé).
Sports Writer
The world of sport was greatly saddened on the 29th of December with the death of ‘O Rei’, the great Pelé. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on the 23rd of October 1940, Pelé was widely accepted as the best player in the world during his playing career and debate has Pelé was born in Tres Corações, Brazil. raged on about whether he is the His life was already surrounded by football with his father, Dondinho, greatest of all time. playing for Fluminense. Having not been alive to see Pelé play live, I went to the only source I He came from humble beginnings, felt I could to accurately get insight growing up in poverty and learning into Pelé, my grandfather. A keen to play football with a sock filled football fan, my grandad is always with newspapers. From an early age prepared to give a lecture on football he showed promise and signed for of yester-year. You can only imagine Santos aged 15, with his local team how glad he was when I came with coach telling the club’s directors questions about the great Brazilian. that he would be the greatest in the world. Pelé began well, making his “If someone scores over 1,000 first team debut and scoring at age goals… he couldn’t have been that 15. bad could he?” As a nine-year-old boy, he had I think that probably summarises seen his father’s tears as Brazil lost the awe that he spoke about Pelé the 1950 World Cup final against with. He also described him as “the Uruguay, and he allegedly promised
performed well, and his world cup triumphs cannot be disputed. Pelé was no doubt one of the alltime greats. My grandad puts him, and Argentines Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, as the best he’s ever seen with Pelé edging it as his ‘GOAT’. This debate will continue to rage for hundreds of years to come but it cannot be doubted the effect Pelé had on the beautiful game, he was an ambassador for football his entire life, and he will live on through football. Photo: Wikimedia Commons his dad that he would win the world cup. In Sweden in 1958 he did just that. The 17-year-old Pelé was a revelation in the tournament, scoring two in the final as Brazil triumphed over the hosts 5-2.
1970 world cup. This was the first world cup broadcast in colour and Brazil stormed to the title, Pelé’s and Brazil’s third title. This gave the world a chance to see Pelé, albeit at the end of his illustrious career.
Pelé would continue to win many trophies in Brazil, with another world cup for Brazil in 1962, but the crowning moment that lives longest in collective memory is that of the
It’s true Pelé never played in Europe, a fact that is regularly held against him in the ‘GOAT’ debates. Santos did however tour Europe on a regular basis and by all accounts he
Every time someone pulls on a yellow Brazil shirt, every time someone wears a 10 on the back of their shirt, and even every time someone kicks a ball. Pelé will be there, intrinsically linked with football forever.
Russian anti-doping agency rules on Kamila Valieva case Ross Gower Sports Writer
The Russian Anti-Doping Agenc y has ruled that K amila Valieva was at ‘no fault ’ and did not commit an offence for a doping scandal that rocked the figure sk ating world last year. Valieva, who was 15 at the time, tested positive for a banned substance k nown as trimetazidine right af ter she had won a Gold with Russia in the Winter Olympic team event, and just before she was due to sk ate in the women’s singles. The result came from a test she took in December 2021 during the Russian nationals that came back late due to the laborator y
Does
testing the sample being affec ted that Vaileva was at ‘no fault.’ They by Covid. declared that she did not commit a doping offence, and that the Despite receiving strong only sanc tion that will be taken condemnation from the figure is stripping her of the gold she sk ating community, the Cour t won at the 2021 Russian Nationals of Arbitration for Spor t allowed where the test was taken. The gold Vaileva to sk ate in the Winter now goes to Alexandra Trusova, Olympic singles event, arguing the first of her senior career. that barring her at such a young age would cause ‘irreparable The World Anti-Doping Agenc y harm.’ Vaileva placed four th in the in response said it has ‘concerns’ singles event, just missing out on about the decision. The WADA a medal. wished to impose a four-year ban on Valieva and argues that Since then, the Vaileva case has the RADA sanc tions are far more been investigated by various lenient than what is usually bodies to determine who was at imposed on athletes who commit fault and what sanc tions should doping offences. be implemented. Travis Tygar t, head of the US AntiOn the 13th of Januar y, the Russian Doping Agenc y, was even Anti-Doping Agenc y completed their investigation and announced stronger in his condemnation of
sport
Dan Laughlan
strengthen
athletes was around 70%. This can be attributed to the complications sport can add to Competitiveness can get the a relationship. better of everyone. Watching a partner get overly competitive Performing at elite levels and letting their bad side show brings stress and pressure so over a game of Monopoly great, an athlete can find it would be more than enough to hard to switch off and relax turn some people off. away from it. Sports Editor
However, the intensity of professional sport can bring the best and worst out of people which can typically spill over and effect relationships. A study found that the divorce rate among professional
or
can damage, once strong, relationships. For example, Tom Brady (can’t get enough of him this issue) and Gisele Bündchen’s recent divorce. A committed relationship that has seen the pair ‘grow apart’ which could be linked to Brady ’s want to continue playing American Football and Bündchen’s desire There is also fame and fortune for him to stop. to deal with. As more doors open and new possibilities However, there are also many arise, someone can become a examples where a couple’s very different person to who relationship has strengthened they used to be. This as well whilst one or both competed as lots of time spent travelling professionally. Jason Kenny and being away from home and Laura Trott were two of
the decision. I n a statement Tygar t said that the RADA decision was self-ser ving, and that the world cannot accept it. To determine its nex t course of ac tion, the WADA has requested a copy of the full reasoned decision. The organisation will review this to determine whether the ruling is in line with the World Anti-Doping Code. I f it does not, the saga will likely continue, with the WADA saying that it will not hesitate to appeal the decision at the Cour t of Arbitration for spor ts.
Photo: Unsplash
ruin
relationships?
Britain’s best cyclists already before getting married. Combined they have won 15 Olympic medals, making them the most successful married couple in Olympic history, and have both gone on to become ‘Sir ’ and ‘Dame’ respectively. Moreover, Alex Morgan and her husband Servando Carrasco are both footballers who play for teams which are located at opposite ends of the US. Carrasco stated that ‘it’s far from ideal to be that far from your wife’ but that ‘this is temporary’, that their careers will only last for a few
more years and then ‘we’ll be together ’. Both Morgan and Carrasco have enjoyed successful careers despite the added complications to their marriage proving sport and relationships can co-exist. What is important to note is that every situation and person is different. There is no formula to making relationships work and that’s per fectly fine. It is also natural for relationships to be strengthened in the aftermath of it being tested, but it is true that the effect of sport can be both positive and negative on relationships.
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concrete-online.co.uk/sport/ | @Concrete_UEA
Tom Brady retires from American Football, ‘for good’ Dan Laughlan Sports Editor
‘Don’t be a sheep when you can be the goat’, lyrics from a song by Avelino which may be more applicable to Tom Brady than any other athlete. And no, I’m not saying Brady resembles a physical goat more than any other sportsperson. Goat is commonly used as an acronym for ‘Greatest of all Time’ and Tom Brady is unequivocally the ‘goat’ of American Football.
to become the Patriots go-to-guy. Brady led the Patriots to 11 wins in the 14 remaining games to the season, securing a place in the playoffs. The Patriots went on to win theirPhoto: first UEA twoRugby play-off games, as Brady led his side to the Super Bowl. The Superbowl would be tied with 1:30 left to play in the game. With the commentators suggesting Brady should simply let the clock Photo: Wikimedia Commons
only the second team to secure three championships in four years. In 2014, Brady once more led the Patriots to the Super Bowl and Yet, in a time where many this time to a win. They beat the where celebrating in exultation Seahawks, 28-24 and Brady had following the rarity of the Patriot’s his fourth championship. However, achievement, Brady himself in the wake of this win, the NFL didn’t. He was tired, mentally and published a report regarding physically. As his success grew, so ‘deflation of footballs’ in one of did the expectations set on him. He the Patriots play-off games, better was the leader to his teammates, known as ‘deflategate’ which would and someone admired by the fans forever tarnish Brady’s career. The NFL accused Brady and his team of deliberately deflating the ball in order to gain an advantage on the opposition. The advantage gained by deflating the ball allows the quarterback to throw it more easily. Each team uses their own balls for a game so only the Patriots gained the advantage. Eventually, Brady would accept a four-game suspension after dropping his appeal.
Almost a year ago to the day, Tom Brady announced he was retiring from NFL putting an end to the greatest career the game had ever seen. However, just 40 days later he decided he had another year in him. A year on Brady has announced his retirement again but this time, ‘for good’. He started his journey being doubted, even called not particularly ‘athletic looking’. He was the 199th pick in the draft meaning 198 players were chosen before him and the overarching theme around Brady was that he would be a useful backup quarterback. The underestimation was precisely the spark Brady needed to start the fire within himself. When introduced to owner Robert Kraft, the ‘skinny beanpole’ told Kraft that he was the best decision the organisation had ever made. This mindset would be key to Brady becoming the player he would be. By the end of his first season, Brady had worked his way to being second choice quarterback and just two games into his second season, starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe suffered an injury which gave Brady the chance he needed
The 2016 season would start with Brady serving his four-game ban, but would culminate in the Patriots, yet again, in the Super Bowl. However, Photo: Wikimedia Commons it would see them down 28-3 in the third quarter to the Atlanta Falcons. Normally, an unassailable lead. With 17 minutes left to play, Brady run down and try and win the and those around him. With all of and his team, miraculously, went game in overtime, Brady led a drive that combined, Brady thought to on to score 25 unanswered points down the pitch and set up kicker himself, ‘when is this gonna end’. and took the game to overtime. Adam Vinatieri for a field goal. With seconds remaining, Vinatieri The following eight years saw Brady’s family would always be would score the field goal and individual success for Brady, in attendance for every game he Brady would win his first Superbowl. winning two MVP’s, but changes to played. However, this season his personnel within the team as well mother was diagnosed with cancer The 2002 season saw Brady officially as injuries, including to Brady, saw and was not able to attend. This become the Patriots starting the Patriots go eight years without was the first game she was able quarterback, but it wasn’t until Super Bowl success. 2007 saw the to attend in-person. Brady won 2003 that the Patriots would be Patriots complete the first ever the coin toss, and the Patriots had back in the Super Bowl. They would invincible regular season which the ball to start overtime. The defeat the Titans and Colts before resulted in them making the Super next team to score would win. defeating the Panthers in nearly Bowl, but the perfect season failed the exact same circumstances as to have the perfect ending, and for Brady, with his mother watching Brady’s first, to win his second. the first time, Brady was defeated in on, drove his side down the field The 2003 win was followed up a Super Bowl. 2011 also witnessed and scored the touchdown which with another Super Bowl victory the Patriots make the Super Bowl, completed the greatest comeback in 2004 making Brady’s Patriots but yet again, Brady was second best. in the history of the game as
well
as
his
fifth
championship.
Brady would spend three final years with the Patriots which saw him win his sixth Super Bowl and pick up his third MVP before he and the Patriots went their separate ways. Brady would sign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and this would give Brady the chance to silence the critics who pinned his success to the Patriots setup rather than his own ability. Brady led the Buccaneers to a 15win season and their second ever Super Bowl. Brady was up against Patrick Mahomes, the man to take over from Brady, who was looking to win back-to-back Super Bowls. Brady went on to throw three touchdowns in a 31-9 win to secure his seventh championship and proved he was still the best and could win without the Patriots. This would be the last stand for Brady as his final two years with the Buccaneers and in the NFL would see time catch up with him, ultimately resulting in retirement. Brady retires as the player to win the most games, have the most division titles, career passing yards, touchdown passes, Pro Bowl selections, fourth quarter comebacks, game-winning drives and NFL championships, to name only a few accomplishments. Tom Brady was the ultimate underdog, considered only good enough to be a backup, just there to be a number within a team, a sheep. Yet, through dedicating himself to the sport and not letting critics decide what he could achieve, he became the greatest of all time.
The best of the ‘Six ’ at the Six Nations Drew Murphy Senior Sports Writer
With the Six Nations Championship already underway I thought it would be a great idea to have a look at each of the ‘Six’s’ best moments of the tournament.
to Diego Dominguez. He scored 29 of Italy’s 34 points, including six penalties, a conversion, and a hat trick of drop goals.
There have to be a couple of honourable mentions for Ireland as they have provided some iconic moments throughout the history of the Six Nations. These include Brian Yachvili Scores Grand Slam Decider O’Driscoll announcing himself in For France: international rugby with a hat trick Earlier in the November of 2003, and Johnny Sexton’s last-minute England had beaten France in drop goal in 2018. the Semi-finals of the World Cup, which they would go on to win. So However, their most remarkable when England and France met in moment came in 2009. Ireland had the Six Nations, France had only to go through Wales in Cardiff to one thing on their mind, revenge. win a Grand Slam.
Italy’s Six Nations Debut To Remember: Before 2000, the Six Nations were Five Nations until Italy were admitted into the tournament. They were tasked with opening the A moment of brilliance from 2000 Six Nations against defending Dimitri Yachvili gave France the champions Scotland in Rome. revenge they had been seeking. An ingenious grubber kick and Perhaps it was the home chase try was the highlight of his advantage, as to the surprise of incredible performance that night many spectators, Italy pulled off an as he also kicked the goals to secure emphatic win against Scotland. The France’s 4th Grand Slam in eight game ended 34-20 and became one years. of the greatest opening matches the Six Nations has seen to this date. Ronan O’Gara’s Late Drop Goal To Italy’s impressive win was all down Secure Ireland’s Grand Slam:
It was a very close game; fans would have thought it was over when Stephen Jones kicked a drop goal to take the lead for Wales. But with two minutes left, Ronan O’Gara scored a drop goal to take Ireland ever closer to winning the Grand Slam. A last-minute penalty to Wales was just short of the posts meaning Ireland had won their first grand slam since 1948.
Wales’ Magical Comeback Against Scotland In 2010: Up until the 75th minute, Scotland had outplayed Wales. Scotland was leading by 10 points at 24-14. However, in the last five minutes, Wales’ Leigh Halfpenny scored a try, and Stephen Jones kicked a penalty to level the scores. Then marvellously, in the 81st minute, winger Shane Williams scored the winning try in front of an ecstatic crowd in Cardiff.
the match-winning try. Daly’s try enabled England to defend their Six Nations title successfully. Scotland Comeback 31-0 In 2019 To Retain The Calcutta Cup For The First Time Since 1984: Scotland had not won at Twickenham since 1983, and it looked to continue as England went 31-0 ahead. However, Scotland did not give up and produced something magical as Stuart McInally, Darcy Graham (2), Magnus Bradbury, and Finn Russell all scored to level it at 31-31. Then a Sam Johnson try was converted, giving Scotland a 38-31 lead with three minutes to go.
Daly’s Match-Winning Try Enabling England to Defend Their Title: In 2017, defending champions England found themselves trailing 16-14 against Wales in Cardiff. But with only five minutes to go, the game was turned on its head. Heartbreakingly, George Ford salvaged a draw for England right George Ford caught a punt and at the very end. However, it was played an excellent pass to Owen Scotland who rejoiced as a draw Farrell, who threw a perfect pass meant they retained the Calcutta out to the winger Elliot Daly who cup for the first time since 1984. sprinted into the corner and scored
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UEA M en’s remains Drew Murphy Senior Sports Writer
Fo l l ow i n g the su cce ss of UE A M e n’s B a d minton, we caught up w i t h t h em to see how they faired i n t h e i r la st ou ting. Th o m a s M a r sha ll – President and MENS B U C S Ca pta in gives his m atc h repo r t: Wa r w i c k 3s V S U EA Th e m atch sta r te d with our singles p l aye r s lining u p, with M ichael a n d Th o ma s winning their first m atc h e s re latively e a si ly.
Anthony and Ch a r l i e fo l l owed suit in their fi r s t d o u b l es, mak ing it 3-0 to UEA . D es p i te a strong per for man ce, Ab d u l a n d Tom lost to the 1 s t p a i r i n t h e doubles. Howeve r, t h ey p l ayed an exceptional ga m e, es p ec i a l l y seeing as this wa s t h ei r fi r s t match together.
Badminton undefeated
wa s a c lo s e o n e, b u t h e m a n a ged to co m e o u t o n to p i n t h e t h i rd en d.
Ch a r li e a n d Ant h o ny h eld t h ei r n er ve i n t h e c lo s e s eco n d en d to wi n i t i n s t ra i ght s et s, a n d Ab d u l a n d To m i m p roved o n t h ei r p revi o u s m atc h a ga i n , s h ow i n g t h e p o tent i a l b o t h p l ayer s h ave The second roun d o f m atc h es go i n g fo r wa rd. was similar ly star ted by M i c h a el, who breezed th ro u gh h i s n ex t O vera ll a great m atc h s h owc a s i n g singles, continuin g h i s reco rd o f t h at t h e b a d m i nto n c lu b h a s not dropping a set t h i s yea r a n d o p p o r t u n i t i es fo r a l l s t a n d a rd s o f remaining the on ly p l ayer o n t h e p layer s. We h o p e to h ave s i m i l a r team to accompli s h t h i s feat t h i s s u cces s es i n t h e s em i -fi n a ls o f t h e season. Thomas’s s eco n d s i n gl es c u p a ga i n s t Ox fo rd 2 s i n t h e n ex t ro u n d.
Photo: Pixabay O n e o f t h e s t a n d ou t s t h i s we e k wa s t h e H oc k e y M e n’s B U C S 1 XI, wh o b e at H a r p e r Ad a m s 3 - 1 . Th e y s i t to p of t h e M e n’s M i d l a n d s Ti e r 3 l ea gue a n d h ave won s i x g a m e s i n s i x . I f t h e y w i n t h e i r n ex t g a m e, t h ey w i l l b e c row n e d l e a g u e c h a m p i on s.
Th e y comfor t a b l y b e at D e r by 5 1 0 , s e n d i n g t h e m to t h e s e mi - f i n a l s of t h e M e n’s M i d l a n d s Con fe re n ce Cu p, w h e re t h e y w i l l p l ay Oxford B rook e s 1 s.
Cont i n u i n g w i t h t h e c u p fe ve r, t h e M e n’s Foot b a l l 1 s t te a m a re t h rou g h to t h e Al d i M e n’s Con fe re n ce Cu p UEA s p o r t s c lu b s h a d a n o t h er An o t h e r exce l l e nt p e r for ma n ce M i d l a n d s co m es f rom t h e M e n’s Ta b l e q u a r te rf i n a l s a f te r a n ex t ra t i me s u cces s fu l few week s a s m a ny c lu b s p l ayed great m atc h es a n d Ten n i s te a m, w h o a re a l s o top of w i n n e r a g a i n s t Lou g h b orou g h 5 s. t h ei r l e a g u e i n B U C S. N ex t, t h e y w i l l p l ay N ot t i n g h a m co nt i n u ed p u s h i n g h a rd. 3 s for a p l a ce i n t h e f i n a l. A ro u n d u p fro m t h e res t o f UEA :
Photo: Unsplash
‘Park run is for absolutely ever ybody’- Why you should spend your Saturday mornings at parkrun Zoë Johnson Sports Writer
One in five 17 to 24-yearolds have a diagnosed mental health problem, according to the NHS, and that number is on the rise. Mental health charity, Student Minds, say the stresses of going to university can put students at higher risk of developing mental health problems. This means that looking after our mental wellbeing is crucial, and experts suggest that being more active can help maintain positive mental health. Naturally, this will mean different things for everyone, and it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you’re not feeling well. Studies show that spending time outdoors can also benefit mental wellbeing, so if you’d like to get out in the fresh air, then parkrun could be the thing for you.
countries around the world. On the first weekend of 2023, more than 18,000 people laced up their trainers and headed to their first parkrun. Amongst the first-timers, completing her parkrun debut at Colney Lane, Norwich, was Tanya Collins.
“Just do it, don’t overthink it, be kind to yourself, you’ll be so glad once you’ve actually done it. And it’s not about succeeding or failing, it’s about doing the best you can.”
has on mental wellbeing.
according to Ian.
“Research shows that parkrun really benefits people’s mental and physical health, particularly coming out of lockdown.”
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, or whether you’re a walker or runner, what your background is, it doesn’t matter, we’ll all come together.”
Colney Lane parkrun is a For Ian, parkrun helps him to get 15-minute walk from the centre of up, get outside and get together After suffering from long covid, campus. The event is organised with people on a Saturday morning. Tanya was unable to run for two years, which she described as “really disabling”. She had to learn how to breathe again at Norfolk and Norwich hospital, and then began walking in August 2022, with her sights set on running the first parkrun of the New Year.
Ian is keen to emphasise that running experience is not necessary, saying, “it’s not about speed” and “it’s not a race”.
Madeline likes to volunteer to “give something back”. As a keen runner, she feels it’s important to give up her time, so that others can enjoy it.
As well as regaining her physical health, Tanya also spoke about the mental health benefits of parkrun. “Mentally [I feel] absolutely brilliant, I feel wonderful. I think I was probably one of the last ones in, but you know I did it, and that in itself is encouraging.”
Tanya was initially nervous to Parkrun is a free 5k run, jog come to her first parkrun, and or walk that takes place every gave some advice for anyone Saturday morning at 9am, with who wants to give it a try: more than 2,200 events in 20
If running isn’t for you, you can always volunteer, like Madeline Heppell who cheered runners, walkers and joggers along as a marshal on the first p a r k r u n o f 2023.
“Parkrun is for absolutely everybody” is the key message that co-event director Dr Ian Edwards wants to spread, and it couldn’t be easier to get involved. Simply head to www. parkrun.org.uk to register!
Photo: Pixabay by a team of volunteers led by Professor Grant Wheeler (BIO) and Dr Ian Edwards (LAW ). As someone who has experienced depression, Ian was keen to speak about the effect parkrun
He says that being in a community “really helps people to deal with the stresses of life.” Inclusivity is the key message which is “right at the heart of parkrun”,
