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
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Cut-outs: Libby Hargreaves, Unsplash, Unsplash
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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.
