DePaulia
The
Volume #101 | Issue #8 | October, 31, 2016 | depauliaonline.com
GEOFF STELLFOX | THE DEPAULIA
AIN’T AFRAID OF NO GOAT
DePaul Indians fans reflect on their fandom in a Cubs-crazed town
M
STORY BY JACK HIGGINS Assistant Sports Editor
oving away from a home city can be tough on sports fans. Fans no longer get to watch their home team play on local networks and must look to unconventional means in order to watch their team play. Yet, this isn’t a problem this year for Indians’ fans living in Chicago. “Of all the Cleveland teams, the Indians have been the one I’ve been following the longest,” DePaul student Seth Pae said. “When I was a kid, the first thing I really knew was Indians baseball. My dad was an Indians fan, my grandpa was an Indians fan and they passed that onto me.” Pae is as big of an Indians fan as they come. When he was growing up, he would take his personal radio into bed with him to listen to the end of the game when the Indians played west coast teams. “I’ve basically always been an Indians fan and the fact that I’m actually alive to see them play in a World Series is huge,” Pae said. “When the (Cavaliers) won this summer, (. . . it was) incredible that we finally ended our drought, but if the Indians ever won a World Series, I don’t know if I could put into words what that would mean to me.” After moving to Chicago three years ago, Pae and other Indians’ fans in Chicago are caught in a battle between the team they grew up watching and the team of their current city. The Cleveland Indians have struggled to win a championship since 1948 and they have the Staff writer Geoff Stellfox was at game 2 in second-longest championship drought in baseball, behind only Cleveland. For his take on Indians fans and the the Cubs. However, Cleveland city of Cleveland, see the back page fans have no remorse for the Cubs and Chicago fans. Before the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA finals this year, the city’s major league professional sports teams had a 52-year championship drought, something Chicago fans have not had to deal with because of the recent success of the Blackhawks and the Bulls. “Cleveland is the butt of every joke,” DePaul senior Hope Herten said. “We’re just trying to prove that Cleveland is a great place and people from Cleveland are winners. Chicago (doesn’t) need a championship to make people stop making fun of them.”
Herten grew up in Cleveland, and she is sick of her city being a joke. She believes an Indians’ championship would be more than a win for a team; it would be a win for the people of Cleveland. As a Cubs fan living in or around Wrigleyville, it’s sometimes hard to remember that not everyone in the neighborhood is a fan. For some, Wrigleyville is often a tough place to live in, especially when the Cubs are winning. “(Living in Wrigleyville locked down: page 3 Wrigleyville) has painted Commuting a nightmare: page 6 a negative portrait of the Cubs for me,” Herten said. “Especially on game nights, people would be ringing my doorbell in the middle of the night just because they were drunk and my doorbell was there. I was kind of bitter about living in Wrigleyville (and . . .) I was getting tired of the crazy Cubs fans.” Like Herten, Pae also lived in Wrigleyville when he first moved to the city. Pae could hear games from his window and ended up hating the Cubs’ rally song “Go Cubs Go.” Wrigleyville and Cubs’ fans are wild. When Clevelanders move to Chicago, many are taken aback by the raucous nature of the area and its residents, which they believe are much different than the average Cleveland fan. “I think a lot of Cubs fans act like this is their year,” DePaul sophomore and Indians’ fan Ellie Thorman said. “We’ve made it to championships before and we’ve never acted like we deserve it.” Aside from the differences between the fans, Indians’ fans respect Cubs’ fans’ dedication to the team. Fandom is easy when a team is good, and both the Cubs and Indians have struggled. This year’s World Series is a huge moment for each team, so most interactions between the fans are respectful. “My friends (and I) have been pretty good about giving each other space,” Pae said. “They know how die-hard of a Cleveland fan I am, and I know that they they’re die-hard (Cubs’ fans) as well. I want to keep a positive vibe.” When there is heckling between fans, it’s mostly pretty lighthearted. However, when Herten wore her Indians gear for a dentist appointment in Wrigleyville last week, she wasn’t completely let off the hook.
See FANDOM, page 27
2 | The DePaulia. Oct. 31, 2016
First Look CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT DEPAULIAONLINE.COM The DePaulia is the official student-run newspaper of DePaul University and may not necessarily reflect the views of college administrators, faculty or staff. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Jessica Villagomez eic@depauliaonline.com MANAGING EDITOR | Rachel Hinton managing@depauliaonline.com POLITICAL EDITOR | Brenden Moore politics@depauliaonline.com NEWS EDITORS | Danielle Harris, Emma Krupp news@depauliaonline.com NATION & WORLD EDITOR | Jackson Danbeck nation@depauliaonline.com OPINIONS EDITOR | Yazmin Dominguez opinion@depauliaonline.com ARTS & LIFE EDITOR | Pat Mullane artslife@depauliaonline.com FOCUS EDITOR | Maddy Crozier focus@depauliaonline.com SPORTS EDITOR | Ben Gartland sports@depauliaonline.com ASST. SPORTS EDITOR | Jack Higgins DIGITAL EDITOR | Deni Kamper digital@depauliaonline.com DESIGN EDITORS | Kaitlin Tamosiunas, Jacqueline Lin design@depauliaonline.com PHOTO EDITOR | Josh Leff photo@depauliaonline.com
Check out our campus crime database, Crime Watch. This map is updated on a weekly basis with data made available to The DePaulia from the City of Chicago data portal and DePaul’s Office of Crime Prevention.
DePaul men’s soccer team pulled a win from the Butler Bulldogs in double overtime during their final home game of the season.
In a special general body meeting on Oct. 27, DePaul’s Student Government Association (SGA) hosted expert DePaul administrators for an update on tuition, budgeting and enrollment at the university.
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News. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 3
HOME, OVERRUN World Series brings crowds and chaos for Wrigleyville residents
JOSH LEFF | THE DEPAULIA
Security surrounds Wrigley Field during Game 4 of the World Series on Saturday night. CPD deployed more than 1,000 officers to the community over the weekend.
By Emma Krupp News Editor
When DePaul junior Colin Macones tried to come home to his apartment in Wrigleyville on Saturday night, he was stopped by the police at the front of his street. It was getting late, and they wanted to see some ID. “I don’t have an ID saying I live here, since I’m just renting the place. I’m not even from Chicago. Then they asked me for a bill in my name,” Macones said. “Why would I have a bill in my name on me? I don’t know. So eventually they just walked me to my door and watched me go inside.” Macones’ experience is just one of the many challenges of living in Wrigleyville during the Chicago-hosted Games 3, 4 and 5 of the World Series. In a notable effort to clamp down on crowds, more than 1,000 Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers were deployed throughout the neighborhood, checking for identification and proof of residence and confiscating alcohol from entrees. Residents were notified of the requirement during the week leading up to the games. “We got a note on our doors (on Wednesday) that basically said we have to carry around a piece of mail and a photo ID to prove that we live in our houses or they’re not going to let us through our streets,” DePaul senior Aileen Lewis said. “It’s kind of annoying.”
In addition to the ID checkpoints, parking restrictions stretching swaths of Clark, Kenmore, Seminary and Clifton streets — among many others — were enforced from Oct. 28 at noon until Oct. 31 at 4 a.m. DePaul senior Alan Jacek Mlotkowski has a car and usually drives home from class, taking Sheffield Avenue from Lincoln Park up to Wrigleyville. But last weekend, he opted to keep the car safely stowed away in a garage on campus, saying he “didn’t even want to try.” “I mean, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” he said. Mlotkowski also worried that his car might get vandalized if it were left out, a concern that 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney echoed during a press conference with law enforcement and Cubs officials on Thursday. “I recommend you do not bring your car anywhere near the ballpark,” he said. Tunney’s chief of staff Bennett Lawson added that bars would only be allowed to serve liquor in plastic cups to avoid glass pileups in the streets. Despite tightened security measures, residents still had to contend with massive crowds spilling into the streets surrounding Wrigley Field. Lewis lives near Clark Street — close to the bars — and said she would often see people drunk, peeing in alleyways and vomiting on the streets during baseball season. “It’s just super-duper crowded, and there are people always outside and hanging out on our front stoop. They
just don’t have a place to go because everybody’s trying to get into these bars,” Lewis said. “The lines are out the door and around the block, so they don’t have a place to go.” Macones said the World Series crowd was unlike anything he had ever experienced living in the neighborhood, with anxious fans glued outside the field and completely unaware of the needs of people trying to make their way back to their apartments. “During the series with the Dodgers, it wasn’t so bad because everyone was out there having a good time and just kind of hoping (for a win),” Macones said. “But for the World Series, it’s absolutely insane and everybody is here all the time. I can never walk on the streets or on the sidewalks, and people refuse to let you through because they want to stare at this giant brick building from a closer angle than I want to stare at the giant brick building.” Some fans are merely hapless, standing in people’s way and obstructing public transportation. Mlotkowski had to take the ‘L’ home from class during the weekend while his car was stowed away, and found himself consistently frustrated with people who didn’t seem to know how to embark and disembark upon Red Line trains. “People just don’t know how to use the CTA,” Mlotkowski said. “A lot of Cubs fans are from the suburbs, and they just don’t understand the unwritten rules of the CTA and how to handle getting onto a train and where to stand and whatnot.” He described waiting for a train on his
way home and watching a horde of Cubs fans attempting to get on a single packed train car. Meanwhile, the cars up ahead remained nearly empty. “I just try to give myself more patience,” he said, sighing a little. Still, others are more rowdy — even unsettling, at times. Macones said that tensions swelled when the Cubs weren’t doing well, and that angry fans would “get pissed and yell” when he would ask them to move out of the way during his commute home. In a more sinister instance, Lewis said she was walking to a nearby friend’s house when she noticed a drunk and leering man trailing behind her. “It wasn’t cat-calling, it was a little bit more than that,” Lewis said. “A guy started following me and it was really creepy, so I tried to get in with a family and walk with them. But honestly, would that even do anything?” Even though incidents like that may slip through the cracks, Macones said the police did “a really great job” of suppressing unrest amongst the crowd. For her part, Lewis said she’s glad for CPD’s enhanced — albeit inconvenient — methods of security. “It’s annoying. Me and my roommates were talking, and we were like, ‘If we have to leave our house, what are we going to do?’” Lewis said. “But honestly, with how sketchy some people are and the amount of drunkenness going on, I definitely am happier that (the police took extra precautions).”
4| The DePaulia. News. Oct. 31, 2016.
MEGAN STRINGER | THE DEPAULIA
Storytelling for social justice
Students create poems, raps and beats at interactive workshop By Megan Stringer Contributing Writer
DePaul University’s Center for Identity, Inclusion and Social Change hosted a hip-hop and social justice workshop with Aisha Fukushima last Tuesday morning, Oct. 25. In Student Center 120AB, there was plenty of room for attendees to get up and participate, and they did just that. Fukushima is the founder of a program called Raptivism, a hip-hop project that spans ten countries and four continents “highlighting the ways culture can contribute to universal efforts for freedom and justice by challenging oppression with expression,” according to Fukushima’s website. Fukushima hosted the event as both a lecture and a workshop. For the first half of the event, she had everyone up and out of their seats to join a “cipher circle,” where attendees created beats and rhymes of their own. For the middle portion of the event, everyone returned to their seats. Only this time, attendees all sat in front of the lecture hall and next to strangers, rather than scattered across the room as they were before the cipher circle. By the end, Fukushima had attendees creating and sharing their own poems and stories over hip-hop beats. “Today I saw a lot of emotion that was bubbling beneath the surface, and would come out in different forms of poetry or different forms of song, people taking some courageous choices that I thought was really exciting,” Fukushima said. “I saw a huge evolution from the beginning to the end of the workshop, people opening up and sharing. I think that was really inspiring.” The event was just one of the Center’s many events per quarter, which all focus on social justice and storytelling. Johnny LaSalle, the programming coordinator at the Center, is in charge of
the cultural programming component for event planning. This year’s theme for cultural programming is “Envisioning A New Beginning.” “I am tasked with finding innovative, transformative individuals in the form of speakers and artists that are connected to the theme that we’re putting on every year,” LaSalle said. “We really wanted the opportunity to showcase how spoken word artistry can be put to transformative use for social change.” LaSalle particularly wanted to bring Fukushima in to speak because of her global awareness. As an African -American Japanese woman who has traveled outside the country many times for performance, Fukushima’s work and talks are influenced by her experiences around the world. Fukushima’s workshop even brought in non-DePaul attendees for the event. Gerald Guevarra, 26, graduated from Loyola University but heard about the event from his girlfriend. Both are fans of Fukushima’s work and how she involves people in social justice discussion through artistic mediums. “It’s good for me to be reminded of the different degrees of where people are at within social justice and in the context of hip-hop,” Guevarra said. “It made me feel grateful for my undergrad years, and being exposed to spaces similar to this and to other like-minded people that are compliments to what I’m thinking.” With tensions building in our country’s current political realm, some feel spaces and discussions such as these are more important than ever. They can offer a chance to reflect with a group of people, and step away from the tumultuous atmosphere out in the world. “I think spaces like this provide creative alternatives to what’s possible for grounded debate, discussion and reflection. My reflection of the workshop this morning was more of an opportunity for people to just reflect,” Guevarra said.
MEGAN STRINGER | THE DEPAULIA
MEGAN STRINGER | THE DEPAULIA
Pictured, above: Speaker Aisha Fukashima stands onstage during the lecture portion of the event. Below: Shirts available for purchase. “I think sometimes in moments of silence there’s a powerful presence of people just needing time to unpack, and I think in reference to what’s happening in this country, there’s a lot of emotion there that people are still processing. I think spaces like this provide an outlet.”
Fukushima also believes that with all the political tension, people are more and more curious about workshops such as these. It’s a way for people to channel their activist work and feelings in a peaceful manner, and come together in the process.
News. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 5
Express yourself: Panelists discuss issues surrounding free speech and expression By Tariqah Shakir Contributing Writer
Last week, four expert panelists came together at the Lewis Center on 25 E. Jackson to speak at DePaul’s Inclusive Speech and Expression Panel, which parsed how the two elements of speech come together on college campuses across America. Jennifer L. Rosato Perea, the dean of DePaul University College of Law, conducted the 30-minute Q&A session with the audience, which led to healthy, constructive debates about how to involve other people such as faculty members in free speech deliberation. Four distinctive professionals, all of whom held a variety of opinions about free speech law, served as panelists: David L. Hudson Jr., a law professor at Vanderbilt University and First Amendment expert; Alexander Tsesis, a professor of constitutional law at Loyola University Chicago; Derald Wing Sue, a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University; and Stephanie Shonekan, chair of the department of black studies and associate professor of ethnomusciology and black
studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The first half of the discussion touched on racial issues and their prevalence in society and, specifically, on college campuses. “While we talk about the fact that the First Amendment is our blueprint for personal liberty, and the default position is protection of free speech, there is less free speech protection if you are a public school student, if you are a public employee, if you’re a member of the military or if you’re an inmate,” Hudson said. “The court has carefully crafted separate bodies of law in these areas.” Tsesis, who teaches courses on both constitutional law and the First Amendment, said that speech issues derive from using the amendment to the extent of harassment and denouncement of certain social groups. He has also written a book catered to the discussion entitled “Destructive Messages: How Hate Speech Paves the Way for Harmful Social Movements” from the New York University Press. He emphasized the implication of “trigger warnings” and “safe spaces” for students that might perceive certain subjects as sensitive and potentially
offensive. Sue said microaggressions are rampant throughout American culture and oftentimes negate the objective of free speech, specifically for some marginalized groups of students. “I hear the African proverb that says that ‘the true tale of the lion hunt will never be told as long as the hunter tells the story,” he said. “And this is what I think that we are failing to see — a big clash of racial realities. “When the Black Lives Matter statements come on and when people talk about TARIQAH SHAKIR | THE DEPAULIA it, and I hear politicians say Derald Wing, a professor of psychology and education at Columbia that ‘all lives matter’, to me that University, listens to questions from the audience during the Inclusive fits perfectly the definition of a Speech and Expression panel. racial microaggression.” Microaggressions are, speech, was a primary example concerns a particular culture, so according to Sue, brief and of microaggressions, according the audience can have a greater commonplace daily verbal, to Sue. depiction of the current state of behavioral or environmental Shonekan commented on American society. indignities, whether intentional or the importance of incorporating Final commentaries were unintentional, that communicate diverse material into curriculum. about including educators in hostile, derogatory or negative “I think as professors, we advocating free speech and racial slights and insults toward should be giving some context expression, and that there people of color. to the books we are teaching,” should be an obligation to The case of Milo she said, citing examples such elaborate on what is considered Yiannopoulos, who made a as “Between the World and Me” offensive to marginal groups controversial appearance on by Ta-Nehisi Coates. She also who are exercising their freedom DePaul’s campus, provoking a noted that materials should be of speech. “hostile environment” which updated, specifically that which lead to his ban for a second
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6| News. The DePaulia. Oct. 31, 2016
AVOIDING THE RUSH How students navigate the CTA during the World Series By Seth Smith Contributing Writer
People living in Chicago know the rarity of the Cubs in the World Series. They also know the usual pace of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) during rush hour. Now combine these two and what you get is excitement and thrill followed by slow moving, cramped and, in some cases, urine-smelling transportation. DePaul students commuting to and from school during this time are always looking for ways to deal with these Cubfanatic trains and get to their destination as soon as possible. Some students have developed their own method of avoiding these trains. Senior Adam Chalifoux said he has certain techniques for getting around crowds, whether he’s going to class or heading home to Wrigleyville. “I always try and take the Brown Line by default, because it doesn’t smell like urine. But even then it gets pretty packed, like how the Red Line does,” he said. “When the Cubs are playing, a lot of people get off at Southport, (which is) my stop because it’s only a few blocks from Wrigley Field.” Chalifoux said this is a strategy he sees
others using when it comes to avoiding the Addison Red Line stop during Cubs games. “It can get really congested if people are getting on and off the train in that area, but it clears up so much once your past that,” he said. “If you want to avoid getting wedged between two random people who may not particularly smell well, I’d recommend taking the Brown Line.” Students who live on campus may not struggle as much as those living offcampus when taking the CTA. Yet those commuting from the Lincoln Park and Loop campuses for class may still find it hard to avoid the Cubs frenzy and the CTA trains and buses that slow down because of it. Sophomore Emma Day said she relies more on trains than buses when commuting between campuses. “I’m scared to take the bus system, because I hear it’s pretty complicated,” Day said. “It’s on a set (route), this is the route it’s (going to) go, it’s either above ground or below ground. The bus system, I know it’s not 100 percent always on time. I know the ‘L’ has its days but, for the most part you know what intervals it’s (going to) come at.” Day added she prefers the comparative
Young Voices blog Seven young writers share thoughts about spirituality and current events
cleanliness of the ‘L’ trains. “I think the ‘L’ may be a little cleaner,” she said. “I know the Brown Line isn’t as new as the Red Line, but at least it’s not as gross. There is an obvious difference between taking the Brown Line as opposed to taking the Red Line.” Day also said she has ways of avoiding heavy rush hours and getting around slow CTA times during sporting events. “I feel people think the Red Line is faster than the Brown Line,” she said. “I just think the ‘L’ is busy for any sporting event going on. I was in Wrigley when the Cubs won the game to get into the World Series. They had CTA workers letting only a few individuals through the guardrails at a time so the platform didn’t overload. It made it a lot easier for people to get on the train, but it backed up the entrance of the station a lot.” CTA public affairs spokeswoman Irene Ferradaz explained CTA protocol on events such as the Cubs games. “As CTA does with many major events, we will have extra staff at our rail stations to assist with (an) expected high volume of customers,” Ferradaz said in a written statement. “On the Red Line, additional train service will be provided leading up
to (the) first pitch through the end of the game.” She added that train service between Howard and Skokie was extended until 2 a.m. on the Yellow Line. Additional bus service on the 80 Irving Park and the 152 Addison was available starting about three hours before the game begins, and there was extra service available after the game for about one hour. Ferradaz also gave her tips on how to avoid such a traffic jam on CTA trains and buses. “We encourage customers to plan ahead and buy transit fare or load their Ventra cards well in advance to decrease travel time and avoid long lines at rail station vending machines,” she said. No matter how packed the trains and buses are during the Cubs season, there are always ways to avoid being trapped by the crowds, herded away onto the train hoping to get home on time. Whichever way people prefer to reach their final destination, taking advice from fellow students as well as CTA officials is always helpful. This is especially true during a time where the CTA and riders anticipate a party and a loss of time never seen before.
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News. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 7
NEWSbriefs Vote early at the Lincoln Park Library
of Thanksgiving, with a total of 45 to 47 inches of snow expected throughout the entire season. Temperatures are also projected to be below normal during the months of January and February. Williams assured those present at the hearing that the city has taken steps to prepare for the wild weather ahead. “We’re ready. We’re gonna be starting the season with about 370,000 tons of salt,” he said. “Our equipment is ready. Our crews are ready. Our communications are ready.”
DePaul students and faculty registered to vote in Lincoln Park’s 43rd Ward can vote early at the Lincoln Park Library, 1150 W. Fullerton Ave. The polls will be open from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning Oct. 31. They will remain open until Nov. 7. Other nearby early voting locations include: the Merlo Library, 644 W. Belmont Ave (44th Ward); Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave. (46th Ward); Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. (47th Ward); the Edgewater Library, 6000 N. Broadway (48th Ward); and the Bucktown-Wicker Park Library, 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave. (32nd Ward). These locations will also be open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Minimum wage raised in suburban Cook County The Cook County Board voted last Wednesday to incrementally raise the minimum wage in the suburban area of the county to $13 by July 2020, according to reports from the Chicago Tribune. The first increase, which raises the current suburban wage from $8.25 to $10, will go into effect July 1, 2017. Later increases will bring the wage to $11 in 2018 and $12 in 2019 before hitting the $13 mark in 2020. The City of Chicago began the first phase of a minimum wage increase last year after voting in 2014 to raise the minimum wage to $13 by July 2019. Legislative Committee Chairman John Daley, called the legislation “the moral and right thing to do” during a Tuesday
Officials forecast cold, snowy Chicago winter Chicago is in for an exceptionally extreme winter, Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Charles Williams said during City Council budget hearings last Wednesday. Though last winter proved to be mild by Chicago standards, Williams said snow will start falling by the week
meeting by the board’s Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.
New community policing tactics for CPD The roughly 500 new officers set to be hired by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) over the next two years will be assigned to community policing positions, Supt. Eddie Johnson said last Thursday during a City Council meeting. Officers will work with residents to focus on community-specific policing — a practice that has fallen by the wayside in the wake of budget cuts and an increased emphasis on making arrests. The new officers are set to be assigned to neighborhoods based on a statistical analysis currently being assembled by a consultant. The analysis will be based on crime data, calls for services and district geography, Johnson said. This “strategic plan” is meant to restore trust between communities and the police department, and to better fight crime within the city. The plan was developed by experts, department leaders and residents, Johnson said. “The job of every officer is to reduce crime and help restore trust,” he said. The department is set to expand by 970 total positions: 516 police officers, 200 detectives, 112 sergeants, 50 lieutenants and 92 field training officers, according to
DNAInfo. The city will enroll 100 new recruits per month through 2018 in its six-month training academy to meet this goal, city officials said.
Acquitted cop seeks disability pay A former Chicago Police Officer is seeking disability pay after being acquitted of the fatal 2012 shooting of 22-year-old Rekia Boyd, according to the Chicago Tribune. Former Detective Dante Servin, 48, alleges that he suffers post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from the shooting. Servin was off-duty near his Douglas Park home when he fired into a crowd, claiming he saw a person point a gun at him — though prosecutors say the gun was actually a cellphone. Boyd was shot and killed in the process. If a pension board decides Servin qualifies for disability pay, he could reap tens of thousands of dollars in compensation before his pension kicks in. Servin resigned from the force earlier this year, just days before a hearing was to be held to determine whether he should be fired. He was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter. Compiled and written by Emma Krupp
CAMPUS CRIME REPORT : Oct. 19 - Oct. 25, 2016 LOOP CAMPUS LINCOLN PARK CAMPUS
14
990 W. Fullerton 11 1 3
12
Richardson Library
9
6 2
Centennial Hall
5
7
Sanctuary Hall
8
University Hall
15
Daley Building
4
Munroe 16 15
13
DePaul Center
Ray Meyer Fitness & Recreation Center
6
LINCOLN PARK CAMPUS
Assault & Theft
Drug & Alcohol
OCT. 19 7) A smell of marijuana was reported 1) A theft report was filed for items taken from Sanctuary Hall. No drugs were found. the second floor of the Richardson Library.
OCT. 20 2) A smell
of marijuana was reported in Sanctuary Hall. No drugs were found. 3) A possession of cannabis report was filed outside of University Hall. The person was taken into custody by Chicago police. 4) A criminal sexual assault occurred in Munroe Hall. Chicago police were notified and a safety alert was distributed to the campus community. 5) A theft report was filed for a bicycle taken from a rack near 2345 N. Sheffield Ave. 6) An illegal possession of alcohol by a minor report was filed for a person in Centennial Hall.
in
OCT. 21 8) A possession of cannabis report was filed for
a person in University Hall. Chicago Police issued the offender a ticket. 9) An illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor report was filed for a person in Sanctuary Hall. Person taken to Illinois Masonic by Chicago EMT.
OCT. 23 10) An illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor
report was filed for a person near Chalmers Place. The person was transported to Illinois Masonic by Chicago EMT.
Other
OCT. 24 11) A burglary report was filed for a room at
Sanctuary Hall.
LOOP CAMPUS OCT. 19 15) A Burglary report was filed for items taken
from an office in the Daley Building.
OCT. 25 OCT. 20 12) A battery report was filed for fight in the 16) A theft report was filed for a missing phone
Richardson Library. 13) A theft from building report was filed for items taken from Ray Meyer Fitness Center. 14) A theft from building report was filed for an item taken from 990 W. Fullerton.
at the DePaul Center.
OCT. 24 17) A theft report was filed for a jacket taken from the DePaul Center.
8| The DePaulia. News. Oct. 31, 2016
SAIL panel addresses Syrian refugee crisis By Taylor Ashmore Contributing Writer
The Syrian Civil War has displaced more than 4.7 million of the country’s citizens, forcing them to seek asylum in neighboring countries or European states such as Germany and the United Kingdom. SAIL, the Society for Asylum and Immigration Law, hosted a panel on Oct. 27 to talk about the importance of lawyers’ intervention in the current refugee crisis. The panelists, including Lisa Koop, Craig Mousin and Duane F. Sigelko, talked extensively about their time in Greece working as probono lawyers in an increasingly tumultuous environment. Koop, the associate director of legal services for the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is currently an adjunct professor at Notre Dame Law School. She participated in this program and represented clients fleeing the Syrian government. Koop also is currently working on Central American immigration cases. The NIJC works to advocate for immigrants and refugees through policy reform and public education. They work with more than 10,000 people each year consisting of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. “Many refugees have been stranded in Greece because the European Union has faced
refugee fatigue,” Koop said. “There has to be a mechanism through which (immigrants) can apply for protection. “Lesbos is such an appealing escape route from Turkey,” she said, explaining the significance of Greece’s location for struggling refugees. “You can even see Lesbos from the coast of Turkey. (Refugees) come across in zodiacs, these inflatable boats. The Turkish coast guard often tries to puncture their boats.” Mousin, a professor in the DePaul College of Law since 1990, spoke passionately about the refugee crisis and the desperate need for legal action. “We shouldn’t let them sit in no-person’s land,” Mousin said. One major issue with the immigration program within countries apart of the European Union is the definition of a “safe country.” When a refugee passes through a “safe country” on their way to seek safety in a country besides their own, they are determined to be inadmissible. On March 20, it was determined that Turkey was determined to be a safe country. According to the European Commission Press Release Database, the EU-Turkey Refugee Deal states “All new irregular migrants crossing from Turkey to the Greek Islands as of 20 March 2016 will be returned to Turkey.” “Countries no longer offer asylum if the refugees have
previously gone through a safe country,” Mousin said. “Safe country is a legal and factual question. The domestic asylum laws now only protect Europeans facing prosecution in Turkey.” Sigelko also sees the importance of law intervention within European countries involved with granting asylum to refugees. As a partner at Reed Smith LLP, he also works as a pro-bono lawyer to assist immigrants and refugees seeking help. “There are currently 50,000 refugees stranded in Greece,” Sigelko said. He also explained that Greece is “not in a good economic system” to be able to handle the influx of refugees. “What can we do to make this process closer to the international legal laws?” he asked. The three lawyers all agreed about the difficulty of performing legal actions within Greece. The U.S., however, is not doing its part to help the refugees either. “Many of these issues are so similar to what’s happening in the U.S.,” Sigelko said. “We are only taking in a miniscule amount of refugees. The only real resolution (to the crisis) is if all countries step up. Most country’s populations are willing to do more than the government is.” “The state of Texas is no longer accepting funds to
KAITLIN TAMOSIUNAS | THE DEPAULIA
resettle refugees,” Koop said. “Only 13,000 Syrian refugees were accepted into the U.S. last year. However, Chicago has been a leader in Syrian refugee resettlement.” It is clear the world’s most powerful nations could do more, as the refugee camps set up in Greece and other countries have been proven unsafe. “The camps are like powder kegs. You have people from all areas of the Middle East. There were riots, rock-throwing, fires,” Koop said. “This has to be intended to deter refugees from coming to Europe.” Mousin also noted the large amount of children stranded inside the refugee camps. He personally witnessed more than 100 unaccompanied minors
during his time in Greece. “The youngest I interviewed was 15,” Mousin said. “One walked through the mountains for three months between Iran and Iraq.” Mousin also provided his phone to the children, some talking to their mothers and fathers for the first time in months. Oftentimes many people are under the impression that “as long as the problem stays over there, I don’t have to worry about it,” Sigelko said. “But there’s always so much more to do.” Students were urged to help by donating money to organizations helping the Syrian refugees, such as the NIJC, UNICEF.
Student body most racially diverse in DePaul history By Danielle Harris News Editor
The face of the United States is changing as the population becomes increasingly
racially and ethnically diverse. According to the Pew Research Center, if this trend continues, the “U.S. will not have a single racial or ethnic majority” by the year 2055. Much like the nation as a whole, the DePaul student body is
KAITLIN TAMOSIUNAS | THE DEPAULIA
becoming increasingly diverse. The university’s student population for the fall 2016 quarter is the most diverse in DePaul’s history, with students of color — those who self-identify as AfricanAmerican, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, multiracial/non-Hispanic, Asian and Hispanic/Latino — making up 36 percent of the overall student body. DePaul’s Office of Institutional Diversity & Equity has openly cited diversity as a core institutional value of the university and celebrated the historically diverse fall 2016 student body in an official statement. “We are very proud that DePaul has achieved record-breaking diversity in our student enrollment this fall,” the statement said. “This success was achieved by deliberate intent based on DePaul’s mission and commitment to diversity.” DePaul’s student body has more Hispanic students than ever with 3,501 Hispanic students, or 15.1 percent of the overall student body. This number is even higher for undergraduate students with the 2,820 Hispanic students constituting 18.3 percent of DePaul’s undergraduate population. There are 2,110 African-American
students enrolled at DePaul, making up 9.1 percent of the university’s student body. This is the second largest proportion of African-American students at DePaul in the university’s history. Additionally, there are 1,902 Asian DePaul students enrolled at DePaul this quarter. Asian students make up 8.2 percent of the fall 2016 student body, more than any other quarter in recent history. The fall 2016 student body is about as racially diverse than the nation as a whole. According to the United States Census Bureau, white Americans make up 61.6 percent of the United States population as of July 2015. This quarter, 64 percent of DePaul students identify as white. Asian Americans currently make up 5.6 percent of the country’s population, but 8.2 percent of the DePaul student body self-identify as Asian. However, DePaul is behind national demographics in representation of Hispanic and African American students. The United States Census Bureau reports that 13.3 percent of the population is Black or African-American and 17.6 percent of the American population is Hispanic. At DePaul, only 9.1 percent of students are African-American and 15.1 percent are Hispanic.
News. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 9
FEATURED PHOTO
EMMA KRUPP | THE DEPAULIA
Shruti Parikh takes part in a puja ceremony at the DePaul Indian Students Association’s Diwali Celebration on Oct. 28. The group celebrated the Hindu festival of lights with food, dancing and diya lighting in Munroe Hall.
10 | The DePaulia.Oct. 31, 2016
Nation &World
Kerry speaks in Chicago Secretary of State stresses importance of optimism By Jack Chelsky Contributing Writer
John Kerry has been busy as Secretary of State. Since succeeding Hillary Clinton in February 2013, Kerry has been at the table for several notable deals including the Paris Climate Summit and the Iran nuclear deal. The challenges in his remaining months at State include creating a ceasefire in the Syrian Civil War and maintaining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. Kerry spoke about his international objectives in a changing world last Wednesday to about 1,500 people at the Hilton Chicago at the event “American Leadership in an Era of Opportunity and Risk.” Kerry first addressed the criticism of the government's supposed “aloof ” position on global issues. Kerry said the U.S. is deeply engaged in affairs with more countries than ever before in its history. Yet in these endeavors, the U.S. cannot rely on global institutions like the United Nations to do the heavy lifting — the U.S. will have to continue its role as an engaged and global hegemon, he said. To illustrate the nation’s expanding role in foreign affairs, Kerry noted measures taken to prevent nuclear proliferation, the world and increased negotiations with Vietnam that would have seemed “unimaginable” a few years ago. “Optimist is another name for American,” Kerry said of America’s recent efforts internationally, quoting former president Ronald Reagan. One controversial topic Kerry talked at length about was the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Agreed to in February 2016, the TPP is the largest regional trade deal in history that sets rules and regulations for better trade and investment between the U.S. and 11 other nations in the Pacific Rim, excluding China. The total gross domestic product (G.D.P.) of those nations reaches nearly $28 billion — 40 percent of global G.D.P. and one-third of the world’s trade. It has been a hot button issue since it was drafted in 2015, and was fiercely debated by Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders at the time, and now between Clinton and her Republican counterpart, Donald Trump.
Trump declared his potential presidency as the “only way to stop the TPP catastrophe,” Kerry said. Trump has taken many opportunities to criticize TPP, often drawing comparisons to the trade deal North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which Trump says was an utter failure. In many ways, TPP is an upgrade of NAFTA, the brain child and legacy of the Bill Clinton presidency, Kerry said. Kerry acknowledged skepticism of TPP and worked to convince his audience by presenting the deal as a “race to the top, not a race to the bottom” between the partnering countries, Kerry said. The trade deal will likely improve the global G.D.P. by 40 percent, Kerry said. Kerry also said TPP included “unprecedented labor and environmental protection” for workers across the Pacific Ocean and will abolish tax sanctions that would make it easier for American businesses to export more goods. One of Kerry’s major initiatives as Secretary of State is to end carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. In 2015, Kerry played the important role of representing the U.S. in the Paris Climate Summit negotiations, producing commitments by 188 countries to reduce carbon emissions. The goal, Kerry said, is to reduce the average of global temperature to “well below two degrees above pre-industrial levels.” The two crucial nations participating in the climate summit deal are the U.S. and China, Kerry said. The U.S. is hoping to cut 26 to 28 percent of its carbon emissions by 2025. If not for “painstaking diplomacy,” the climate summit could have ended in disarray, Kerry said. He stressed the importance of future leaders to value the severity of climate change by saying the fight is a “generational effort.” During the event, Lora Chamberlain, a member of Frack Free Illinois and Illinois Progressive Democrats, criticized the Kerry and Barack Obama administration for not taking a more active stance with the North Dakota pipeline controversy. “We are really fighting for our land and water, and the Obama administration is not doing enough,” she said. “It’s unconscionable he has not been more vocal about this issue.”
JACK CHELSKY | THE DEPAULIA
At an event last week at the Hilton Chicago, Secretary of State John Kerry discussed his past and present diplomatic deals, and that American optimism and determination will ke the key to solve future issues.
Chamberlain also criticized Kerry’s support for TPP because she said it undermines the environmental regulations Obama “promised not to break when taking office.” Kerry stressed the importance of how both past and present reveal the power and possibilities of diplomacy. Kerry mentioned that when HIV/AIDS was the death sentence 15 years ago, nobody wanted to talk about it. But through cooperation and diplomacy, the U.S. was able to establish an initiative that helped bring the first AIDS-free generation in more than three decades. Other issues are similarly beatable, Kerry said. For the first time, less than 10 percent of the world is living in extreme poverty. The Zika virus can be irradiated with the same determination and cooperation. “American greatness is not an entitlement,” Kerry said. “It is earned, and the world will be watching if we are up to that challenge.”
Kerry's Biggest Deals: • Helped create the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal • Represented the U.S. during Paris Climate Summit negotiations • Took part in the P5+1 summit and the Iran nuclear deal • Implemented ceasefires for ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Syria
Nation & World. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 11
Russian hacks Opinion divided if Russia aims to get Trump elected or just cause political instability By Jackson Danbeck Nation & World Editor
Just over a week from the election, there is good reason to expect more inflammatory releases of hacked documents from WikiLeaks, according to the site’s founder Julian Assange. The dumps so far have revealed controversial dealings within the Democratic Party, resulting in resignations by top Democratic officials and protests by concerned citizens. Intelligence agencies have confirmed suspicions by many that the Russian government is behind the hacks. But what remains unclear, if claims of Russian interference are true, is why Russia would be meddling in an American election. Since the revelation of the hacks earlier this year, the American public seems to be divided on why Russia would do such a thing. Some claim that Russia aims to help elect Republican candidate Donald Trump. The WikiLeaks dumps have only damaged the Democratic Party and its presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and have not released anything on the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Trump may be an ideal American president for Russia because he has promised to force NATO members to pay their fair share for the alliance’s maintenance, and has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump’s lack of foreign policy experience may also lead him into blunders on the international stage, another reason Russia may favor him. Larry Bennett, a political science professor at DePaul, said Russia may have more to gain from a Trump presidency. Clinton has expressed her intention to take a harder line on Russia internationally, something Russia wants to avoid. Russia might also be targeting Clinton and the Democrats because they are most vulnerable and easiest to penetrate. “There is an opportunistic quality to the hacks,” Bennett said. Others say that Russia may be aiming higher: to create general disillusionment in the American political system. If Americans believe elections to be illegitimate, they
GRAPHICS BY KAITLIN TAMOSIUNAS
may be far less compliant to the American the public that their systems had been government. Such instability might penetrated by the Russian government. preoccupy policy makers from their ability In July, on the eve of the Democratic to respond internationally, where Russia convention, WikiLeaks made their move: seeks to maneuver without American they released some 19,000 emails and interference. 8,000 attachments from the DNC dated Wayne Steger, a political science from January 2015 to May 2016. Many of professor at DePaul who specializes in the emails pointed to Democratic officials the American presidency, said if there is a favoring candidate Clinton during the Russian connection, their goal might not primary race, a break in their nonbiased be to affect the election’s outcome. policy of electing candidates. “I don’t even think it’s necessarily an The news astonished many effort to be pro-Trump, as much as it is to supporters of Democratic presidential create uncertainty and instability in the candidate Bernie Sanders, leading some United States,” he said. into the streets to protest the DNC’s Hacking of government and company actions. The resignations of top DNC systems has been a officials soon followed, long-standing practice most prominently by states since the late Chairwoman Debbie 1990s, and espionage an “I don't even think it's Wasserman Schultz. even longer one, played If the Russian necessarily an effort to government by the American and is behind the Russian governments at be pro-Trump as much as hacks, this would have least since World War been the first time that II. But recent foreign it is to create uncertainity Russia both collected and involvement in the and instability in the released huge amounts American election — of stolen files, seemingly the most publicized United States." to influence the U.S. yet — seems to trace its election, according to Wayne Steger Esquire. roots to late last year. In the fall of 2015, Political Science professor Then, by August, the FBI contacted the at DePaul and expert the FBI had announced Democratic National in American politics it had found evidence Committee (DNC), the of Russian hackers in party’s leadership, to the voting registration warn them to take a look systems in Illinois and at the networks where many of their files Arizona. The federal government has and emails are stored. offered aid to help strengthen states’ voting By early 2016, the DNC started to systems, but many states have pushed back, notice unusual signs in their systems. fearing federal influence of their obligation These irregularities propelled the DNC to run voting booths as protected by the in May to hire a cybersecurity company U.S. Constitution. to look over their systems for any signs of By October, WikiLeaks again entered hacking by foreign governments. the spotlight when it started to publish The cybersecurity company soon thousands of emails written by Clinton’s identified two groups, going by the names campaign chairman, John Podesta. Their Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear, who had been content exposed his relationship with the stealing documents from the DNC since Clinton family and their associates. 2015, and found links between them and Later that month, the U.S. intelligence the Russian government. However, the community officially accused Russia cybersecurity company also concluded of attempting to interfere in elections, the two groups did not seem to be aware satisfying calls from many to name the of each other as they hacked the DNC’s perpetrator. systems. The Russian government has denied In June, the DNC announced to any involvement, saying U.S. allegations
are simply “whipping up” anti-Russia rhetoric. Steger said that at this point it would be difficult for the public to know who is really behind the hacks and what the hackers aim to accomplish. There simply isn’t enough hard evidence to answer such questions. Everything the public knows about the hacks stem from statements by the U.S. government or the DNC. They aren’t going to show how they came to their conclusions. “If you release the evidence, you’re going to reveal a whole lot about how you gathered the information,” Steger said. These methods would certainly be beneficial to rival nations’ intelligence agencies. Brian Boeck, a history professor at DePaul specializing in Russia, said that he is not convinced WikiLeaks would be Russia’s avenue of attack to disrupt the U.S. elections. “The Podesta emails appear to be lowhanging fruit,” Boeck said. “Based on the little that is known for certain, one would have to posit that the Russian security services have access to more damaging materials that they have chosen not to reveal." Perhaps what is most clear is that the hacks have become politicized, consistently being used by both Trump and Clinton to defame each other. Trump, Clinton has said, hasn’t been targeted by hacks because Russia sees him as a pawn and a soft leader, Steger said. Clinton says she has been targeted because she is most threatening to Russian interests abroad. Trump, on the other hand, continues to spur WikiLeaks and Russia to release more dumps that might damage Clinton’s reputation. However, in the end the hacking episode hasn’t helped Trump much at all, Bennett said. Trump’s calls for Russia and WikiLeaks to continue to release more hacked information have been interpreted by many as a stamp of approval for Russia to influence the election. “I would have to guess it would have harmed him,” Bennett said.
Timeline of hacks Fall 2015
May 2016
June
July
August
October
FBI warns DNC of its system's vulnerabilities
DNC hires cybersecurity firm to look at its systems
DNC says Russians hacked its systems
WikiLeaks releases hacked DNC documents
FBI says Illinois registration hacked
U.S. government says Russia is behind hacks
12 | The DePaulia. Oct. 31, 2016
Opinions
Soaring pains
Metra's price hikes leave commuters with empty wallets By Yazmin Dominguez Opinions Editor
DePaul prides itself in being a commuter friendly school. According to DePaul’s commuter services, 90 percent of DePaul students commute or live off campus. For the majority of students, this means riding the CTA within city limits. But, for others, commuting means taking Metra to Chicago from the suburbs every day. These price hikes may not seem like a big deal for one time metra riders, but for DePaul commuters who consistently board trains, price increases put a major dent in their wallets. DePaul students who decide to opt out of DePaul’s culture of either on-campus living or apartment renting do so for financial reasons. Commuting is an alternative for many to save a couple hundred bucks per month, but Metra’s price hikes are causing a counterintuitive case for many commuters. With this hike, DePaul's commuting students will be paying an average of 5.8 percent in fare increases compared to prices in 2015. This means that students will be paying $2.75 more for a 10-ride ticket. The price of a one-day pass will increase by 25 cents. Monthly passes will increase by $11.75. Price hikes will go into effect on February 1, 2017 as part of Metra’s 10-year plan to increase fares annually as a method to self-fund train upgrades and maintenance. DePaul senior and commuter, Hajirie Kolijma travels from Orland Park in the southwest suburbs to DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus. Kolijma frequently rides either the Rock Island District or Southwest Service, where she pays an average of $55.75 for a 10 ride ticket. It lasts her an average of two weeks. “It’s ridiculous,” Kolijma said. “I thought the prices were already exploitative and to raise them indiscriminately does not seem reasonable.” A discount for college students only seems fair for college students. Unlike high school students, who receive discounted fares through a statewide program, it is nonsensical to not have reduced prices for college students, who often use Metra services more frequently. DePaul senior and past commuter, Hami Arian said high prices turned him off from utilizing Metra. As an alternative, Arian rather drive to school from his
hometown, west suburb Westmont. "I would take the BNSF railway line from Westmont and would usually buy a 10-ride pass or a monthly. I also had to pay for a parking spot at Westmont, which was getting expensive for something I can do for cheap," Arian said. "As a student, I think the Metra is great if you want to go to the city for a day and want to walk or Uber whereever you go. But taking it all the time, while its convenient, it's really pricey." Shortly after Metra announced its 10year price hike plan in 2014, DePaul's Office of Adult, Veteran and Commuter Services along with the Student Government Association (SGA) worked together to create a letter, which would call for reduced ticket prices for students. "A little less than two years ago, we assisted in coordinating with SGA to have our vice president of student affairs and several other Chicago area university administrations and student government presidents to sign a letter asking Metra to consider a college student discount," said James Stewart, the interim director in the Adult, Veteran and Commuter Student Affairs office. "We would be happy to assist SGA or students in similar efforts again." But, the Metra Board declined to take the issue up at the time leaving students to continue to pay the annual price hikes. As Metra spokesperson Michael Gillies explained, for college students to receive discounted fares, all DePaul students would need to be charged a Metra fee on their tuition package, similar to how Ventra is charged. “I feel like the whole thing is exploitative in a sense, I understand why the system is the way it is, but I just think there should be more funding from the state on something so essential as food,” Kolijma said. “Still having to pay $12 a day on a college student’s budget to go to and from school seems wrong. There should definitely be an honors system for students if they do well in school.” As an alternate solution, Stewart explains how the Office of Adult, Veteran and Commuter Services offers support to commuter students. "We offer a number of services and work on community building efforts for students that live off campus," Stewart said. "For example, this last summer we launched an off campus housing site and we are planning with SGA a first-ever Commuter Appreciation Week for Winter." Although, alternate services for commuter students are necessary, what
Proposed Metra Fares for 2017 From Zone A to M: A
H
B
I
C
J
D
K
E
M
Monthly: $107.00 Ten Ride: $33.75 One Way: $3.75 Monthly: $114.00 Ten Ride: $36.00 One Way: $4.00 Monthly: $149.75 Ten Ride: $47.25 One Way: $5.25 Monthly: $171.00 Ten Ride: $54.00 One Way: $6.00 Monthly: $185.25 Ten Ride: $58.50 One Way: $6.50
Monthly: $228.00 Ten Ride: $72.00 One Way: $8.00 Monthly: $249.50 Ten Ride: $78.50 One Way: $8.75 Monthly: $263.75 Ten Ride: $83.25 One Way: $9.25 Monthly: $278.00 Ten Ride: $87.75 One Way: $9.75 Monthly: $306.50 Ten Ride: $96.75 One Way: $10.75
F
Monthly: $199.50 Ten Ride: $63.00 One Way: $7.00
G
Monthly: $213.75 Ten Ride: $67.50 One Way: $7.50
*Zones A through M are used by Metra to represent the distance from boarding platforms downtown (zone A) to the suburbs. KATIE TAMOSIUNAS | THE DEPAULIA
would be most beneficial to commuter students would be reduced prices. Metra services are utilized by such a large percent of the student body, leaving Metra prices to annually increase without a measurable solution taking place would be a disservice to a large demographic of DePaul's student body. Before Metra continues to annually increase prices, DePaul students need to demand administrators to work with
Metra in determining a price reduction or calling for a petition letter to be signed by all university officials for Metra to consider. For students to continually pay price increases along with the high price of education is not fair. Raising prices for the next coming years with no reduction will cause difficulty within DePaul's commuting student body, a price modification needs to be achieved.
JACQUELINE LIN| THE DEPAULIA
Opinions. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 13
"All politics is local"
JACQUELINE LIN | THE DEPAULIA
If you want political change, local voting matters By Yazmin Dominguez Opinions Editor
For some DePaul students, this may be the first election they participate in. For others, the first time they voted was during the primary elections. DePaul senior, Amanda Weinper was one of those students. She voted for her first time in March's primary. She knew exactly who she would vote for in the general election, but when it came to local candidates running for office, she needed more of an aid to help her make the final decisions. “I had seen the names before on signs on people’s lawns and in store windows, but I didn’t know their policies,” Weinper said. So when it came to local politics, she ultimately decided to print out a recommended list from the Chicago Tribune. It was a “cheat sheet” like resource she pulled out of her pocket while she was voting at her designated polling place. With early voting having already begun and election night nearly a week away, it is important for all voters to become familiar with local candidates on the ballot. The Nov. 8 election does not only have presdential and statewide election candidates on the ballot, local elections will also be voted on. But they are less recognized by the media, thus receiving less attention. It is important to have knowledge of candidates running in local elections since local voting has more of a direct impact on citizen’s lives. With presidential nominees Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton running the main stage and garnering most of the media’s attention, local elections can easily be over looked. But for those voters who are not convinced by Trump’s flamboyance or Clinton’s dubiousness, deciding to opt out of voting this election should not be an option. Their vote can go a long way when it comes to local races. “One example, in 2015, there was a super-close election for the aldermanic seat that represents DePaul University, the 43rd Ward. The incumbent ald. Michele Smith won by around 100 votes,” said Zachary Cook, a DePaul political
science professor. “If DePaul students had been active and engaged in that election, who knows what they could have been offered in exchange for turning out and voting? The bottom line is voting does give you power but often elected officials are not in a hurry to remind you of that.” The logic that “my one vote doesn’t matter,” “my vote can’t possibly make a difference,” or "I don't agree with either candidate, so I won't vote in this election" is indubitably false. For the past several years, a poll from Governing, a state and localities magazine, displays a slow decline in voter turnouts for local elections. In 2011, the same year Mayor Rahm Emanuel was elected into office, there was only a 42 percent voter turnout. Local elections can make a direct difference in issues such as education, infrastructure development, environmental issues and the quality of transportation. “State and local candidates affect all kinds of issues governing our quality of life. Are schools well funded? That's fundamentally a state and local issue. Are our streets safe? Local issue. Is higher education funded? Same thing,” Cook said. “State and local politics do not attract the same press as Trump versus Clinton, but (a local election) is very important for anyone planning on staying in Illinois after graduating from DePaul.” Not only is not voting detrimental, but casting a blind ballot for local candidates can impact the condition of the neighborhood you are living in. It is crucial for students to be informed of who is on their local ballot and what their policies are. "There can be drastic consequences if you (cast blind votes)," Weinper said. "You could end up voting for, and help electing, someone you have completely different views than you. That's almost worse than throwing away or not voting at all." DePaul senior Kyle Morrell, whose first time voting was also in the primaries, had a different voting experience. He describes his lack of knowledge on local candidates as an auto-pilot vote. “I was uninformed and went with my gut. Like a lot of
people at DePaul this is the first presidential election I get to vote in,” Morrell said. “It’s important to know what one can do to maximize the effectiveness of their vote." Unfortunately, the trend of first time voters not being aware of who is on their ballot ultimately leads to frustration. Either votes aren't made or voters fill out their ballot as if they are guessing answers on a scantron test. It is important for first time voters and students to study up on all candidates down the ballot. For students who are curious what exactly is on their ballot, online resources such as the Chicago Board of Elections website allow registered voters to type in their address prompting them to see who exactly will be on their ballot. From state representatives to commissioners, the sample ballot is a good tool for voters to glance at who is running locally. Ballotready.com is a bipartisan source which offers voters a guide to different candidates and their political stance. In terms of judges running for reelection on the ballot voteforjudges.com is an online tool which provides judicial evaluation results. "Many voters don't know how to assess candidates in judicial elections," said Sara Baum, director of DePaul's croak Legal Services. "Many bar associations evaluate judicial candidates and judges who will appear on the ballot, so that voters can educate themselves on these races." There are many online websites, which offer voters the opportunity to research their federal, state and local candidates before voting. It is up to the voter to express their democratic right and do their homework before casting a ballot. If political change wants to be seen on a national level, the process begins from the ground up. Making informed votes, not just voting, is part of the social responsibility that comes with being a voter and it ultimately leads to the political change many voters are restless to see.
The opinions in this section do not necessarily reflect those of The DePaulia staff.
14 | The DePaulia. Oct. 31, 2016.
Focus
Students and faculty vote for t By Maddy Crozier Focus Editor
Radio Free GOP’s host Mike Murphy “tears into campaign 2016 with topical rants, informed and merciless analysis and key player interviews,” according to the podcast. “Occasionally I listen to Radio Free GOP to hear a non-Trump Republican try to make sense of the implosion of the Republican Party,” DePaul Democrats President Jack McNeil said.
"Ben Shapiro is a well-known cons intellectual who always provides very good r to topics," DePaul College Republican and f Mert Gursoy said. While this podcast appears on Sou YouTube and iTunes also provide ways to podcasts. Political science professor Ben recommends an app called "Stitcher" fo more direct access to podcasts.
The Ben Shapiro Show
"My favorite political podcast to (listen to) would be Louder with Crowder. It is the one I have been listening to for quite some time, and I watch/listen to it every week on YouTube. I find Steve Crowder to be informative, but most of all, entertaining. He is, after all, a comedian by trade," Gursoy said. He also listens to portions of podcasts on YouTube run by Milo Yiannopolous and Gavin McInnes because “they always have something colorful to say about current events,” he said.
On The Media
Louder with Crowder
Radiolab Presents: More Perfect
Radio Free GOP
NPR Politics Podcast “By far, my favorite and the best one is the NPR Politics Podcast. That is the best show around. With how the election has been going, they’ve been putting out a new episode every three days or so. So much happens within the span of a few days,” Klain said. “The NPR Politics Podcast is my personal favorite. It’s updated so much. I think they cover politics in a very balanced way. It’s primarily election focused right now, but it will broaden out after that. I’m constantly impressed with their reporting,” Epstein said.
“The thing that this show set out to do was make a thing of the Supreme Court, which we hear about, but don’t really understand what actually goes on with it or the nuance of it. That’s something podcasts in general have done well with, finding something that isn’t as well understood and finding a way to break it down,” one of Radio DePaul’s news directors and podcast producers Doug Klain said. Political science professor and pre-law adviser Joe Mello said, “I listen to More Perfect and Life of the Law which are both about courts. I like them because they take an interdisciplinary approach and do a good job mixing in interviews with real people and commentary from academics.”
“On The Media is probabl think that we all consume so m different ways (...) but we rarely th consumers of it. On The Media d that," Epstein said. "This election cycle, they have b and outspoken critics of frank Donald Trump for a very long t issue, it’s a journalistic issue. The insightful work on how politics an should be covered and talked abo
Focus. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 15
their favorite political podcasts
servative responses freshman
undcloud, listen to n Epstein or easier,
“The focus of this show is that it is an economic-based show. Very frequently, they will take the economics that are involved in our political system and figure out how to explain that to people. There are a lot of economic terms that got thrown around at the debate that people might not necessarily understand. They’ll take just these terms that people don’t really get and explain here’s how you understand it. Here’s how you make sense of all these things that are being thrown around,” Klain said.
“Fivethirtyeight’s Election podcasts keeps up with the hard data this volatile election, as well as with the senate races,” McNeil said. “The Fivethirtyeight Election podcast is great. Fivethirtyeight, I’ve been a fan of for a long time, and they have recently ventured into podcasting and they’ve done a really nice job. They also have another podcast called What’s the Point. Sometimes it’s about politics but not necessarily. It’s sort of about data-driven journalism in general, but they do a really nice job,” Epstein said.
Fivethirtyeight's Election Podcast
The Weeds
Political podcasts can be laughable as well as informative. Sometimes McNeil listens to Morning Joe in order “to get a sensationalized version of the election. It’s a guilty pleasure,” he said. Overall, podcasts are “good audio storytelling,” Epstein said.
Keeping It 1600
Morning Joe
Planet Money
ly my favorite one. I much media in so many hink about being critical does a really nice job of
“The two hosts are former big-time staffers for the Obama administration. It’s definitely onesided and it’s definitely insider politics. It’s really well done and interesting, but as opposed to NPR, they’re not trying to be neutral. But they are really knowledgeable. I learn a ton listening to it,” Epstein said “I love listening to Keeping It 1600 to be reminded why I’m a Democrat constantly by the former Obama advisers who are the hosts of the podcast,” McNeil said.
Another podcast curated by Vox, called The Weeds, “is the podcast for people who follow politics because they love thinking about health care, economics and zoning,” according to the podcast. “Vox is a really interesting and important news source, but The Weeds is exactly what it sounds like, it dives into the weeds. It takes a deeper dive into a specific topic. They do a really nice job,” Epstein said.
been the most consistent kly false statements by time. It’s not a partisan ey continue to do really nd how important issues out,” Epstein said. GRAPHICS BY KAITLIN TAMOSIUNAS | THE DEPAULIA
16 | The DePaulia. Oct. 31, 2016
Arts & Life
For your Election Day viewing Four films to watch to get you in the spirit for Nov. 8 By Pat Mullane Arts & Editor
While it may be hard to think of a more entertaining political cycle than today’s election, there are still some fictional and biographical films that depict a U.S. presidency that are just as an engaging and shockingly informative in its presentations.
The American President
From the 19th Century to the late 1960’s to everything between yesterday and tomorrow, movies have always proved to be an artistic outlet for people to either reanimate, reflect, or critical portray the mechanical workings behind Washington, D.C. and the White House. However serious the presidency of the United States is, there are many humorous moments in between. These four films capture the seriousness and comedic elements that par together with leading the free world. These films are some of the most essential presidential flicks for this election season.
Mitt Photo courtesy of COLUMBIA PICTURES
Photo courtesy of NETFLIX
Before his political hit television series “The West Wing” premiered, the quickquipped master of dialogue writer, Aaron Sorkin, took his first dabble into the White House life with his screenplay of “The American President.” Directed by Rob Reiner, “The American President” is a comedic drama about a widowed U.S. president, played by Michael Douglas, who pursues a relationship with D.C.’s newest environmental lobbyist, Annette Bening, while simultaneously trying to win the passage of a crime control bill. Up there with “Charlie Wilson’s War,” this film is not only one of Aaron Sorkin’s funniest but also one of the best presidential films that portray just how bizarre the White House life is when it comes to personal matters versus the public matters.
The only documentary on the list, “Mitt” gives an in depth look into the life of the 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. The film, which takes place over a long period of six years, captures one of the most human depictions of a modern political figure on screen. The film is no more bias than HBO’s” By The People,” a 2008 documentary on Obama’s presidential campaign and then election, yet still they are both worthy in the sense of portraying the exhausting and timeconsuming experience of real-life presidential campaigns. The documentary is nowhere as engagingly exciting as any fictional political drama film or television series out today, but what “Mitt” does offer is a window into the reality of what was once a normal U.S. election season.
Lincoln
The Best Man Photo courtesy of 20th CENTURY FOX
Photo courtesy of UNITED ARTISTS
Much like the documentary “Mitt,” Steven Spielberg’s biographical drama “Lincoln” portrays the realities behind the slow moving and monotonous progress of politics. Though “Lincoln’s” realism and historical accuracy should not be mistaken with dullness or boringness, as Daniel Day-Lewis’s immersive performance as Abraham Lincoln lifts the film beyond that of anything ordinary. The story of the 16th U.S. President and his struggle to abolish slavery during the Civil War is not only a tale of historical importance but one that dwells deep into complexity and patience behind the ideas in the Oval Office.
A little older than the previous films on the list, but just as relevant in today’s world of presidential elections, “The Best Man” is phenomenal depiction of behind the scenes poltical maneuvering. Written by the intellectually brilliant Gore Vidal and directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, “The Best Man” paved the brick for the compelling dialogue driven (Aaron Sorkin-esque) political dramas of today, whether that being the television shows “West Wing,” “House of Cards,” or the films such as the “Ides of March” or “Recount.” Though while connecting and comparing “The Best Man” to other modern political entertainment, the film remains leagues above the modern era’s political dramas in its ability to think critically about the time’s own political climate.
CUBBY
FAN FARE
Arts & Life. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia. | 17 By Taylor Ashmore Contributing Writer
It’s hard to ignore the overwhelming amount of bright blue Cubs hats that are not only filling DePaul’s campus, but also the entire city of Chicago. World Series fever has spread, and people from all over the United
States are rooting for the Cubs to break their 108 year-long drought. Students at DePaul University are finding their own ways to express their love for the Cubs, whether it be through baseball caps and t-shirts or through their own unique ways.
ANNETTE BANKS
MATTHEW LOPEZ
MEGHAN LLOYD
CAM GARRETT
Annette Banks, a senior at DePaul University, is excited to spend her last year at DePaul rooting for her favorite team, the Cubs. “I’ve been a Cubs fan pretty much all my life,” Banks said. “My father has been a fanatic since before he moved to Chicago. Even at my softball games he’d always do voice impersonations of Harry Carrey.” Banks bought a Cubs-inspired Phi Mu shirt to express her love for both her sorority and her favorite team. She was able to find it by browsing on Etsy for cute attire, stumbling upon a shirt that represented two of her favorite things. “I was a new member in the organization, and baseball season was just around the corner,” Banks explained. “Whenever game day landed on a Wednesday – typically known as ‘Wear Your Letters Wednesday’ – I was able to support both on campus.” Banks is also the proud owner of a 1989 Eastern League Division shirt. “The eastern division shirt represents a memory my dad got to experience by being able to watch the Cubs move onto the NLCS to play the San Francisco Giants for an opportunity to play in the World Series, pretty much what we saw 27 years later here,” she said.
Cheering for the Cubs is also nothing new for Illinois-native Matthew Lopez. Growing up in Gilberts, Illinois instilled in him a love for the Cubs from an early age. “I was born into it, I guess,” Lopez said. “The Cubs were both of my grandpas’ favorite team.” His grandpas are obviously extremely important to him, shown through his most prized Cubs possession: his Chicago Cubs jersey. His jersey, passed on from his grandfather, serves as a memory of both his grandfather and his love for the Cubs. “It was my grandpa’s,” Lopez explained about the jersey. “He gave it to me before he passed away. It’s a reminder of him.” Lopez is clearly rooting for the Cubs to win, with a love fostered by both his family members and his proximity to Wrigley Field. Lopez is hoping to see the Cubs win. “If the Cubs win I’m going to get something for my gramps and put it on his grave,” Lopez said, reminiscing. Lopez would love to see a win not only for himself and the city of Chicago, but also for his grandpa.
Dressed head to toe in Cubs gear, it is clear that Chicago Cubs baseball is no game for Meghan Lloyd. Though Lloyd is originally from Toledo, Ohio, her love for the Cubs began at an early age. “My family has been coming to Chicago since I was six years old,” Lloyd explained. Though her family has a love for baseball, she is the biggest fan in the family. Her love of the sport is obvious from her large selection of spirit wear, ranging from socks, a necklace, jersey, and a homemade skirt. “My mom’s friend made (the skirt) for me as a surprise,” she said, showing it off as she posed for the camera. “I want to be at Wrigleyville if they win,” Lloyd said. “I was there when they won (the National League pennant) before.” The game between the Cubs and Indians may cause some rivalry amongst her family members, however, with Toledo and Cleveland being a mere two-hour drive away from each other. “My grandpa is a big fan of the Indians,” Lloyd mentioned. Being from Toledo has never deterred her from being a Cubs fan, though. “I love baseball,” she said. “I love the Cubs.”
Cam Garrett, a freshman originally from Monee, Illinois, has been rooting on the Cubs since he was seven years old. “My first Little League team I played on was the “Chicago Cubs,” Garrett recalled. He instantly fell in love with the team and has been rooting for them ever since. He owns plenty of spirit-wear, but his most prized Cubs possession is his jacket, proudly displaying “Chicago Cubs” on the front. “It has a way of exuberating style while also getting the point across that I am a Chicago Cubs fan. It’s a mix of old school and new,” Garrett said, explaining his love for his jacket. Garrett has been anxiously watching all of the Cubs games and has been hoping for a chance to go to the World Series for years. “I might breakdown in tears,” Garret said. “It would feel like a dream and take awhile to sink in. It’d be unbridled joy.” Garrett’s excitement reflects the feelings of Chicagoans throughout the city, who have been waiting for this chance ever since 1945. These games offer a renewed hope for Cubs fans all across the United States.
TAYLOR ASHMORE | THE DEPAULIA
18 | The DePaulia. Oct. 31, 2016
Actress tours country in Broadway production, “Fun Home” By Pat Mullane Arts & Life Editor
As far back as she could remember, Abby Corrigan, 18, always had a profound interest in acting. With her parents working in the talent industry, coupled with her attendance at an arts middle school and high school, it seems as if Corrigan had always been destined for a place on the theater stage. Now as Corrigan prepares for her national tour debut in the new production of “Fun Home,” a Tony Award-winning musical, she reflects on just how rapidly her career and life have fastforwarded. “I’ve been acting my whole life. I’ve always wanted to be an actress. Since I was a kid, since I was in art school, this is what I wanted to do,” Corrigan said. “This experience has been amazing, and it’s just hard to believe that I’m here right now, in this production.” Adapted from Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir of the same name, “Fun Home” details the life of Bechdel in three different stages of her life as she goes through the discovery of her own sexuality, her relationship with her dysfunctional family and explores the other mysteries of her childhood. Playing the role of
Middle Alison, Corrigan has not only landed a role in a Broadway production, but quite possibly the leading role of a lifetime that may open many doors to come. Corrigan, who recently graduated from high school, has already realized just how different her life has become because of her role in the play. She planned to pursue theater through a college or university program, but that plan was thrown out the window once Corrigan was offered the role of Middle Alison for “Fun Home.” “It’s crazy to say that this is my first professional job but it is, and that’s unreal,” Corrigan said. “It was between this or attending a theater school somewhere. I chose this in a heartbeat, because this is what I’d be attending college for: to get to this moment and be in a theater production like this. ‘Fun Home’ is my college.” As Corrigan adapts to her new life working in a Broadway production, the realities behind the work and pressure that a national theater tour requires, has finally hit her. As she prepares for her debut role as Middle Alison, Corrigan knows she’ll have to give it everything she’s got. “One thing that’s funny is that no matter the size of the production, the size of the audience in the theater, I still always have that nervous feeling
Photo courtesy of FUN HOME
Charlotte actress, Abby Corrigan (Left) as Middle Alison, in her first national tour of “Fun Home.” before we open. I think that’s a good thing though, because I’m ready,” Corrigan said. “It feels like I’ve been preparing for this role for a long long time, research is important. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read Alison Bechdel’s memoir, in order to really understand this character.” Corrigan prepared and studied for her role as Middle Alison but to her surprise, she connected to the role more than she initially thought.
“It’s funny cause my character Middle Alison is going through similar things in the play, that I’m going through in my real life,” Corrigan said. “Every scene that my character is in, is important in how her life is going to turn out. From discovering her sexuality, changing majors and everything in between, it’s really a role of discovery just for myself.” “Fun Home” premieres in Chicago this week for part of its national tour. Corrigan reflected
on just how different her life has become. “It’s still hard to believe everything that’s happening, but I can’t tell you how amazing it is to work with everyone and travel with them across the country doing this production,” Corrigan said. “I’ve never been to Chicago, so I’m looking forward to our premiere a lot. It’s going to be really exciting to do all of this.”
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Arts & Life. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia. | 19
The right fit
Our picks for best shoes to wear in the fall By Jessica Villagomez Editor-in-Chief
Loafers
Though flats are the greatest alternative in formal events where high heels rule supreme, a light drizzle of rain will immediately make flats go from the more comfortable choice to the worst decision you could have made. Modernly designed loafers are the way to avoid all of this. Loafers are thicker, well-designed and structured to protect your feet while giving you a classic look.
Rain boots Rain boots, also known as “wellies”, are not only perfect for rain and stormy weather but ideal for snow and ice. With grips at the bottom and thick platforms to give your foot weight and leverage against nature’s toughest elements, rain boots will make sure that you don’t trip or fall on black snow. Wellies are perfect for those that commute far distances and want to avoid wet feet.
Clogs Not quite heels and not quite flats, clogs are the middle ground for those that desire the look of a heel but can’t survive the feel of one. Though wedges have claim over spring and summer seasons, clogs are the perfect almost-heel for the fall season. A variety of designs make clogs ideal for eccentric styles that desire a shoe that can be worn with socks or tights.
Chunky heels Few footwear is less universally uncomfortable than a pair of sky-high stiletto heels. Historically seen as the most formal and popular shoe that adds a couple of inches to your height and an aura of sophistication to any outfit, heels have been worn for effect rather than comfort. Luckily, chunky heels or block heels, have saved generations of people from the struggle of worrying about falling over or tripping on pencil thin heels. Chunky heels are thick, more structured and an overhaul modern day approach to the classic high heel. KATIE TAMOSIUNAS | THE DEPAULIA
20 | The DePaulia. Oct. 31, 2016
Exploring masculinity in “Moonlight”
Photos courtesy of CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Told through three chapters of a young man’s life, director Barry Jenkins explores masculinity and sexuality in his new film, “Moonlight.”
By Matt Koske Staff Writer
Based on an unproduced, shelved play, “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue” written by DePaul grad Tarell Alvin McCraney, comes the critically acclaimed film “Moonlight.” Written and directed by Barry Jenkins (his second feature following “Medicine for Melancholy” in 2008), “Moonlight” follows a three-part story that spans the 16-year life story of Chiron, from a bullied elementary school student to well into his adulthood. The genuine character study of “Moonlight” discusses African-American experiences, sexual identity and drug use in the south of Florida. “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins — who also penned the expressive script — and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney spoke with The DePaulia about their imperative work of art that opened Oct. 28. “The play was never written or performed. So if you’re looking for it, you won’t find it. It was written as a story/script with lots of visual queues. Unlike my other work, which is written in play format, it came to me visually,” McCraney said. “There was no event that took place in terms of the writing of it. This was something much more introspective and character driven. Even though it does have an arc, Barry adheres to it in a way that is sublime. It was something that was personal to me and that I was trying to meditate on those demons.” Told in three distinct sections (“Little”, “Chiron” and “Black”) with three different actors, is A24’s next installment of their everlasting effect of quality storytelling. “Moonlight” opens with Chiron, called “Little,” at 10 years old, being chased by his bullying, rock-throwing peers as he flees to a hidden Miami crack den. Coming to his rescue is Juan (an exquisite, loving role portrayed by Mahershala Ali) the drug king who literally shines bright, discovering the reticent schoolboy. “Whatcha doin’ little man?” he reluctantly asks. Little’s refusal to speak get to Juan, who sympathizes with him. Juan’s humanity feeds him, so he teaches Chiron how to swim on the Miami
Photos courtesy of CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Ashton Sanders, a DePaul University student, stars in “Moonlight.” Opens: October 21 Director: Barry Jenkins Producer: Adele Romanski shorelines and ultimately becomes the role model Little never had. Little’s hint at homosexuality arises with his interactions with his friend Kevin (Jaden Piner). A flourishing aspect of “Moonlight” is the accurate portrayal of the aesthetics. The second act “Chiron” — played by The DePaul Theatre school student Ashton Sanders — escalates the characterization and plays off of supreme stereotypes, but never does the film fall into them; the directors and actors utilize them and challenge their qualities. “One of the ways that I describe the original work is that it really was an investigation of my life up to that certain point. I was at a crossroads, I just graduated from DePaul — go Blue Demons — and I was still living in Chicago and was about to go off to grad school. I had been writing plays but I wanted to find a poetic way to show, ‘If I made a turn here, what would my life be?’ My mother had just passed away; there was no one to answer questions about me as a child,” Tarell said. “Simple questions about who
Starring: Trevante Rhodes, Andre Holland, Ashton Sanders you are as a person, ‘Did you have high blood pressure?’ ‘Did your parents have high blood pressure? ‘Do you have a history of Leukemia?’ I did not know the answers to those questions.” “I was trying to put a narrative together, ‘Okay, if I take a left at this point, what would my life look like?” Then of course, there are parts where Barry brought aspects to the narrative that were absolutely authentic.” The technicalities behind the production of “Moonlight” create a crisp, fresh look of beloved Miami locations. The shoreline and others shown in the film are an integral part of the plot and the story and characters themselves. Using these images to their disposal, the beachfront and ocean are utilized throughout the film to offer a break from the real world. Throughout the production, Jenkins and McCraney used simple, direct detail in each of the three parts to create this everlasting ladder, continuously building on each aspect of Chiron and the idea of masculinity. “Tarell and I are from this place
(Miami), and the cool thing is that the swimming scene, Alex R. Hibbert (‘Little’ at age 10) actually learned how to swim in that scene, and he did. It was a combination of the budget and the Miami ocean,” Jenkins said. “I also didn’t let the Kevin’s and the Chiron’s (three of each) to meet either. The first time André Holland and Trevante Rhodes hear each other is the phone call. He’s actually listening to André Holland’s voice and they are reconnecting. There is that realism and that authenticity that you asked about.” The final chapter is “Black” which takes place 10 years later than “Chiron”. Now well into his adulthood, Black (a subtle but strong Trevante Rhodes) revisits past characters and defining moments of his staggered life. Resonating with real emotion, the final act meshes many of the tangible thematic values that “Moonlight” deservingly portrays with clemency. “What ‘Moonlight’ says about black masculinity, I am not 100 percent sure,” McCraney said. “I wish I had some sort of language for it, what I do know is that I’m watching a kid perform the masculinity that he wishes he saw in his life. He’s not living it, he is not inhabiting it, he’s performing it in a way that is cutting him off.” McCraney also said that the language of the film, the way characters communicate with each other is also important for understanding the film’s narrative. “What I do know is that I’m watching a kid perform the masculinity that he wishes he saw in his life. He’s not living it, he is not inhabiting it, he’s performing it in a way that is cutting him off. Just like his sensitivity towards his sexuality, so I don’t think he is doing it in an active form of repression. I think he’s saying, ‘I have to survive this world, I will now put that on and perform it the best I can.’ And then at some point he is allowed to unlock that,” McCraney said. “I used to have an abandoned house about a mile from me. I would walk that mile, climb the fence, get me a grapefruit, and that was so much joy. Now what was going on in that house? God only knows,” Jenkins said.
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22| The DePaulia. Oct. 31, 2016
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Arts & Life. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia. | 23
Nada Tea offers cozy spot for students By Rachel Mann Contributing Writer
Located just a few blocks off of DePaul’s campus at the intersection of Ashland and Fullerton, Nada Tea and Coffee House functions as a spot to quickly grab tea or coffee, or as a spot to stay for a while to enjoy soothing ambiance after a hectic day. Founded in 2006, Nada is the original Japanese-style tea house in Chicago, as cited on their website. The restaurant has an extensive tea menu including green teas, black teas, herbal teas and tea lattes. Nada is named after a place in Japan that is famous for its pure spring water. “’Nada Tea & Coffee House’ was named after the Nada district of City of Kobe, Japan, famous for sake-brewing using pure spring water from Mt. Rokko (called Miyamizu, water of shrine),” the Nada website states. “We were inspired by a popular local café in the city where coffee is brewed with the water of Nada.” Matcha, a powdered green tea, is used in some of their most popular tea drinks. The Matcha Latte is a favorite of those who frequent the restaurant and is recommended to newcomers. The beverage was served in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
While the drink’s green hue may be offsetting to some, the milk foam swirled nicely at the top. Additionally, the dark wooden tray was organized neatly with my mug of tea, a glass of ice water, and a napkin and silverware set. I noticed this attention to artful visual presentation with everything I ordered. The restaurant owner provides the customer with more things than they even originally ordered — a glass of water, a napkin, a spoon. All were simple additions for the customer. I found this to be a nice touch. By the time I was done with my visual analysis, the drink was looking frothy, warm, and ready for consumption. Upon sampling, my taste buds were invigorated by the smooth, subtly sweet flavor. For contrast, I also tried the Assam black tea. Again, I felt taken care of by the way it was served. Without me asking, she also included a container of cream and one of honey. This tea was a bit different than the last because it was not a latte, therefore it was hot water-based instead of milkbased. As steam hovered over the rim of the mug, its full body and malty flavor pleased my palate. Another highlight of the menu is the food items. Nada has bakery items including scones, muffins and cookies. Their sandwiches, rice bowls and udon noodle bowls make for a perfect
Photo by of RACHEL MANN
Chicago’s Nada Tea serves as a perfect and cozy tea spot for DePaul students. lunch option. I sampled the Nada-style udon noodle soup with Kitsune fried tofu. This flavorful dish contains a hearty sea food broth, scallion, soy sauce, udon noodles, and fried tofu. The dish was simple, yet tasty. I added a bit more soy sauce to my bowl to give it a bit more flavor. Apart from the food, the
interior design of the tea house provided a sense of peace. According to the Nada website, “with an imaginative combination of materials, such as bamboo and aluminum, an internationally renowned architect, Douglas Garofalo, created an inviting and spiritual atmosphere.” Nada is also study-friendly,
with WiFi and outlets near the tables. Classical music played during the duration of my visit. So next time you need a spot to study, sip, or snack, consider Nada. Its address is 552 W. Fullerton Avenue, and their business hours are Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; closed weekends.
what’sFRESH R. Kelly “12 Nights of Christmas” Oct 21 Yes, R. Kelly has made his first holiday Christmas album and it isn’t half bad. While the whole idea of the album is incredibly odd, it seems as if R. Kelly has embraced that thought as each song channels this weird vibe of his. The album itself was produced over the past two years, and while it’s release date seems a bit odd, there’s no doubt that R. Kelly enjoyed making this and is more than proud that it’s finally out. It’d be nice to think his songs “I’m Sending You My Love for Christmas” and “Mrs. Santa Claus” will be worthy of competition with Michael Bublé, but my guess is R. Kelly isn’t going to get the reaction he wanted with this album.
Empire of the Sun “Two Vines” Oct. 28 “Two Vines,” the third album from the Australian electronic music duo Empire of the Sun, features classic and upcoming featured artists from all over the world. Fleetwood Mac singer-guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, along with Wendy Melvoin, an American guitarist best known for her work in Prince’s band The Revolution, bring an overwhelmingly fresh sound to Empire of the Sun’s songs. With their previous two albums, 2008’s “Walking on a Dream – which essentially put the duo on the map – and “Ice on the Dune” which was a solid step outside their normal tunes, Empire of the Sun has proven themselves to be worthy duo artists in the electronic music genre.
LIVE Nov 4 Timflies Bottom Lounge 1375 W. Lake St.
Nov 6 SURVIVE The Empty Bottle 1035 N. Western Ave.
Nov 4 Yellowcard House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn St.
Nov 9 Bishop Briggs Double Door 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.
24 | The DePaulia. Oct. 31, 2016
St.Vincent’s
D e JAMZ “Spinning fresh beats since 1581”
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Find this and all our DeJamz playlists on depauliaonline.com and on our spotify account By Pat Mullane Arts & Life Editor
Beep beep beep. Your phone chimes its usual tune. It could be a text, possibly a news alert or perhaps just another Facebook notification. It doesn’t matter, you’re at breakfast and you’ll check it later. Food’s good, coffee’s strong, it’s a nice final meal before you depart home from Atlanta. Beep beep beep. It rings again. This time you take a glance and you check to see what all the noise is about. Your heart drops and your jaw follows as you read the tiny-fitted words “Flight Canceled” across your phone
screen. The unthinkable and unexpected has become a reality. Your city and home has never felt further away than now, and what was once your golden ticket back to Chicago is now worthy of a spare Kleenex. Sign the check, grab your luggage and hail the cab because it’s time to find a way back to Chicago. Pop those headphones in because we’re in no mood to talk to anyone until we reach that airport. 1. “X Gon Give It To Ya” - DMX You’re impatient, there’s no sign of a cab anywhere. Uber’s too long of a wait, and who uses Lyft anyway. Just when all hope seems
Crossword
lost, a black SUV drifts up on the hotel’s concourse and Jason Staham from “Transporter” pops open his door for you. Did it happen that way? Of course not but let’s throw the luggage in and continue. DMX’s “X Gon Give It To Ya” is playing as you keep rereading the cancellation notice on your phone. You’re thinking about what to say to the flight’s help desk. DMX has already decided how pissed you should be, you’re both furious. The vulgarity and explosiveness behind the lyrics scare you a bit. You’re mad but you’re no DMX, and repeating these lyrics will only cause trouble. You’ve arrived at the
Across 1. It may be rigged 5. Like some humor 10. Three of a kind 14. “May I get you anything __?” 15. Slow tempo 16. Chicken part 17. Roll the dice 20. Napkin’s place 21. Aces, sometimes 22. Follow on the heels of 23. “Idylls of the King” character 24. Wall Street news items 26. Entangling quagmire 29. Confronts 30. Andy’s radio partner of old 31. Even if, briefly 32. Vientiane citizen 35. What gamblers hope for 39. Before-time link 40. Carry away, in a way 41. Length x width,
airport. 2. “Airplanes” - B.O.B. The mood has changed entirely as you walk through the automatic doors of the airport. Suitcases traveling left and right as children in leashes follow, it’s a busy mess. Being stuck at the airport might be worse than being stuck in Atlanta. As the flight representative looks up alternative planes traveling home, you start to pray to yourself. B.O.B.’s hit single “Airplanes” starts to play, you haven’t heard it since 2009 but it’s everything you need. You mumble the words with him, you know you “really need a wish right now,” and
for a rectangle 42. Sports figures 43. Inexpensive diner 45. Fingernail polish remover 48. It’s behind the alter 49. Harbor structure 50. Much 51. What a wife is called 54. It could be a lifesaver 58. Employs 59. Blood-loving worm 60. Biblical birthright seller 61. Microscope component 62. Aquarium structures 63. Chinese secret society Down 1. Unload, as stock 2. “Guilty” e.g. 3. “... and make it fast!”
B.O.B. is your last hope. They’ve found a later flight; you now have got two hours to spare. 3. “X” - Ed Sheeran Grab a Coke, a snack and find yourself a seat at your gate because it’s time to chill. Nothing’s more relaxing than an Ed Sheeran album so whether it’s “X” or “+,” tune into the English singer-songwriter and just chill. 4. “I Believe I Can Fly” - R. Kelly You’ve made it. You’re on your flight and it’s time to shut your eyes and enjoy the smooth ride. Pull up the “Space Jam” soundtrack on iTunes and kick the flight off with R. Kelly’s 1996 hit single, “I Believe I Can Fly.”
4. Clerical nickname 5. Some pancakes 6. Judged, as a film 7. Food scraps 8. In times past 9. Grumpy’s comrade 10. Jew’s-harp sounds 11. Shampoo bottles’ final dictum 12. Acquire, as expenses 13. S-Shaped moldings 18. Millions of years 19. “... upon reciept __” 23. One way to go 24. Photo choice 25. It has the last word 26. Sudanese Republic, now 27. Don’t keep in 28. Decomposes 29. Imitates Tinker Bell 31. Decrease in intensity 32. Finishing bait 33. Slam-bang tennis
server 34. “I’ll go along with that” 36. Acquit 37. Enthusiastic flair 38. When repeated, like some shows 42. Kind of fracture 43. Particular periods of history 44. ___ Spumante 45. More than bad 46. Persue wild geese 47. Consumed 48. Smart ___ (wise guy) 50. Words before “of thieves” 51. Japanese soup 52. Horse color 53. Like a bug in a rug 55. Final (abbr.) 56. Somewhat vast grassy area 57. Collector’s collection
Sports ATHLETES, continued from back page
talks about how it’s more important for us to have good team chemistry than the very best players because she wants everyone to like each other and get along. This year, our team chemistry is really awesome and we’re doing really well right now, so I think that shows that’s really important.” Alvarez noticed a significant improvement in his running times from freshman to sophomore year and attributes it to having good team chemistry as well. “I 100 percent believe that because my teammates were so accepting and so welcoming that I definitely improved throughout my entire sophomore year,” Alvarez said. “(…) my times had dropped and I think it was correlated really with the fact that I was happier. I also was competing with a team that I wanted to support and supported me.” Despite what Alvarez and Johnson have experienced at DePaul, they still believe a lot of work needs to be done so people are more accepting of the LGBTQ community. They both agree the removal of the NBA All-Star game and the seven NCAA championship games from North Carolina was a good start. The events were removed from the state back in September, after North Carolina passed House Bill 2, which prevents cities and counties from passing protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Alvarez was proud to see both organizations taking a stand and Johnson believes more heads of major sports organizations need to take note. “I think that’s a huge step that like the national organizations won’t stand for this type of discrimination,” Johnson said. “I think there needs to be more heads of the NBA, NFL, general managers, coaches coming out and saying they don’t care who’s in their locker room, as long as the person has a good work ethic and they’re a good person, and that their orientation won’t change the judgment and they won’t accept poor treatment towards these individuals.” To help make a change, Johnson writes a blog for Out Sports, a sports news website that focuses on “LGBT issues and personalities in amateur and professional sports.” After the Orlando shootings that killed 49 people and
Sports. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 25
injured dozens more at a gay nightclub, Pulse, Johnson wrote a blog along with other Out Sports college athletes to respond to the tragic event. DePaul men’s track and field sophomore hurdles runner Kyle Decker believes this type of commentary helps create more equality for the LGBTQ community. “I think we’re on the right path, definitely,” Decker said. “But just in general, underrepresented minorities in sports all through the LGBTQ community should be more publicized. Maybe ads or commercials (or) any type of solid feedback that we can give the community that is positive and (being openly gay) is okay would help. But I think the most important thing is really addressing it in any way we can, so I mean (stories) like this, putting people on the radar.” Michael Sam is not only a minority, but was also the first openly gay football player within the NFL. Decker says when Sam came out, it was a step forward in changing the way people perceive gay athletes in athletics. However, he also believes Sam is just one football player and more steps should be taken. “If you think about it, (Sam) is just one football player in the whole NFL,” Decker said. “More people should feel more comfortable (…) with themselves, brave enough to come out in sports.” Because Decker felt brave enough to come out at DePaul, he has some advice for those who are struggling to express that part of themselves. “I think (they) should just talk to a teammate (they) feel close with first and that response, I’m assuming it would be very positive,” Decker said. “People aren’t just going to leave you and if they are, then they weren’t your friends in the first place.” Alvarez says people should never be sorry for who they truly are and in the end, it was worth the experience, especially at DePaul. "I truly believe everybody should be themselves at all times and should be very unapologetic about it," Alvarez said. "I never felt like I was hiding myself by any means at DePaul and that was something I was always trying to carry forward whenever I conversed with friends or teammates that came out later or to me first. It was always the same conversation ‘don’t worry, it’s going to be great.’”
Sophomore Kyle Decker runs hurdles for DePaul.
Photo courtesy of DEPAUL ATHLETICS
Women's soccer shares Big East title By Ben Gartland Sports Editor
DePaul women's soccer didn't win the Big East regular season title outright, but their work throughout the season gave them enough cushion to share the title with Marquette. The Blue Demons were ahead of Marquette by three points going into their match Friday evening in Milwaukee. DePaul had already clinched a first round bye in the Big East tournament, and only needed a win or a draw to clinch the top seed and the Big East title. Marquette needed a win to grab a share of the Big East title, but a win would have given them the top seed in the Big East tournament. DePaul struck first in their match at Marquette. Senior defender Taylor Schissler, despite being on the ground, was still able to tap the ball into the net for the opening goal of the match in the 38th minute. It would only be a few more minutes,
however, before the Golden Eagles equalized with a goal from senior defender Morgan Proffitt in the 42nd minute. The two teams would carry this score into halftime. The Blue Demons got another boost early in the second half when senior forward Abby Reed scored in the 47th minute to put DePaul ahead once again. The Blue Demons' back line held for a good majority of the second half, but it was Proffitt again to draw the Golden Eagles level. This would be the score at the end of regulation, leading the two teams into a golden goal overtime. It would be the home side that came out victorious in overtime when junior midfielder Eli Beard put the winning goal in the net less than a minute into over time and gave Marquette the win, and the title. Marquette earned the top seed in next week's Big East tournament, while DePaul retained a share of the Big East title and the second seed in the Big East tournament.
CAROLINE STACEY | THE DEPAULIA
Women's soccer reacts to a goal in a September match against Creighton.
26 | Sports. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME
World Series brings out baseball fandoms COMMENTARY By Jack Higgins Asst. Sports Editor
The first baseball game I ever saw live was a Cubs-Brewers game when I was six years old. Yet, the first sports team apparel I ever wore was a toddler-sized Indians’ jersey. I have lived in the Chicago suburbs my entire life, and I have taken the city’s teams as my own. However, because I was born to two parents born and raised just outside of Cleveland, I’ve always reserved a soft spot in my heart for Cleveland sports. Unless the team was playing the Cubs, I’ve always rooted for the Indians as my second team. Due to both teams’ history, I never thought I’d have to take sides in a World Series. Well, I was wrong. At the beginning of the MLB playoffs this year, my dad semiseriously texted me “Looking forward to a Cubs-Indians World Series this year!” I was excited and conflicted by the idea, but I was sure it wouldn’t happen. At the very least, one of the teams would find a way to exit the playoffs early. Three weeks later, the impossible happened. Both teams I grew up rooting for are playing for the title of World Series Champion. Though I’m conflicted, this is by far the most fun I’ve had watching a World Series in my life. I went home to watch Game 1 and 2 with my dad. It was great to watch each team win, and even when I was upset when the Cubs fell 6-0 in the first game, it was worth it to see my dad’s reaction when the Indians won. I’ve also had a lot of fun by messing with my extended family — most of them still live in Cleveland. Before the series began
Tuesday, my cousin and I heckled each other all day in a series of Snapchat videos where he tried to get me to wear my Kluber shirt. Aside from my personal connection, the teams share a troubled past with one another and have struggled for success. In the 2003 National League Championship Series (NLCS), the Cubs played the then Florida Marlins and went up three games to one in five with the final two games to be played at Wrigley Field. With five outs needed to win Game 6, Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached out for a foul ball, preventing outfielder Moisés Alou from catching the ball cleanly. The Cubs ended up letting the Marlins score eight runs in the inning and the Marlins won the game and, ultimately, the Series. Likewise, in the 2007 American League Championship Series (ALCS), the Indians played the Boston Red Sox, and were also up three games to one. Boston ended up taking the Series to Game 7 and winning. The teams hold the number one and two spots of the longest World Series Champion droughts. The Cubs last won in 1908 and the Indians won their last in 1948. Both streaks are currently ongoing, one of which will conclude this season. My dad, unsurprisingly, is the biggest Indians fan I know. Like myself, he has had to sit through the ups and, specifically, downs of his team. He was born in 1954, the same year the Indians ended the regular season with 111-43 which, at the time, was the American League's best regular season record. The Indians concluded that year by being swept in the World Series by the then New York Giants. The Indians didn’t see much success until the 1990s when the team had two World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997, but lost both. The Cubs haven’t had as much success. Before this Series, the Cubs had never made it past the NLCS and have struggled before and during my lifetime. In 2012 it was especially hard to watch the Cubs. A year after signing exBoston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein as president of Baseball Operations, the Cubs ended their 2012 season with a 61101 record. The hardships, no matter how hard, have made the success all the more sweeter for each team. Although this World Series has made me root against the team of my forefathers, it is the most fun I’ve had watching baseball in years. In the end, I still have to say… “Go Cubs.” ALL PHOTOS BY DAVID J. PHILLIP | AP
Sports. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 27
CLEVELAND, continued from back page an hour to try to get the game in before heavy storms roll through, and the outlook is already pretty bleak. It’s been raining for the better part of the afternoon and there’s a 50 percent chance of precipitation at game time. I look out the window at the scenery and I see cornfields all the way up to the horizon. It’s been this way for two hours across Ohio and another three in Indiana. "In 2015, Cleveland was the fifth most dangerous City in the USA," according to the FBI. In 1952, the Cuyahoga River caught on fire due to over pollution. This is just too easy. The silhouette of buildings eventually breaks up the flat horizon. “Hey, abandoned factories, we must be here,” I quip. We’re staying outside the city, hoping to get partway home tonight, so we head straight to Progressive Field. I’m handed my ticket, and just as we hop out of the car, the weather begins to break. Not quite sunlight, but there’s no rain, and I’m assuming this is the best Cleveland gets in terms of weather. Along the two-block walk to the stadium, the streets, businesses and bars are covered with images and the logos of the Indians and Cavaliers. I’ve experienced the crosstown classic, which has traditionally been rife with parking lot skirmishes and heavy drinking to forget just how bad our respective teams have been. I’ve suffered Cardinals fans, the self-titled “best fans in baseball,” who believe that they are the baseball God’s chosen people and that World Series glory is their divine right – saying we’re merely peasants usurping their throne. T h e n t h e r e’s Brewers fans, most of whom are more passionate about Miller Lite and encased meat than their team (who could blame them), Dodgers fans, whom I’m pretty sure are just a myth, and those random Royals fans, like my editor, who are sprinkled around Chicago, leaving us wondering “how the hell did you get here?” But I’m admittedly inexperienced when it comes to the finer points of Cleveland Indians fans. I feel a tap on my shoulder. “Excuse me, but you dropped this.”
I t u r n around and standing behind me is a little boy, probably around ten years old, holding a grey mitten. It must’ve fallen out of my pocket. His eyes wander up and he notices my royal blue Cubs hat. “Go tribe!” he says as he tosses me my glove and runs off to join his parents. Ok, not all Indians fans can be that polite, right? I’ve still got plenty of reasons to hate them. The atmosphere around Progressive Field is surprisingly muted, but the stadium is impressive nonetheless. We enter through the outfield and are greeted by a panorama view of the stadium and diamond. Instead of the mayhem that is Wrigleyville on game days, this scene is quiet and orderly. There’s a surprising amount of Cubs fans, but no animosity as of yet. We’re passed by a group of fans wearing headdresses. “Casual racism everywhere, yet the name o f t heir stadium is Progressive field. I need to write that one down. Classic Cleveland.” I’m so clever. We wander around the outfield seats, past the Fox Sports World Series broadcast. We see Frank Thomas, ARod, Pete Rose, along with the rest of the team and a small group of fans has gathered around the stage. They’re two distinct factions here, and you can tell where each individual falls by what they’re shouting. Half are telling Rose that he should be in the Hall of Fame; the other half are asking him for the betting lines on the game. There is no middle ground. As we head to our seats, I’m struck by the quality of food available. I saw authentic tacos, steak sandwiches and a grilled cheese called the ‘parmageddon’ which is apparently stuffed with sauerkraut, caramelized onions and pierogi, along with two types
of
cheese. This, I could get used to. They even have wine glasses with lids on them so you can cheer and not spill. While in line for tacos, an Indians fan not wearing a headdress strikes up a conversation with me. We don’t support the same team, so this is a foreign concept for me. “How was the drive? Sorry this is such a rotten day to be out here.” We continue our small talk, and I ask what he thinks about Cubs fans and their chances in the series. I mentally prepare my comeback for the trash talk that’s inevitably on it’s way. Finally, I get to test out the zingers I’ve been saving up for my article. “Man, we know what it’s like to wait for so long to win. I feel your pain,” he says, laughing. “I’d hate to break your hearts, but I think we’ve got a great chance to win the Series. At the end of the day though, we’re just happy to have the chance to win two titles in a year.” The worst part is that he says this without an ounce of sting or malice. It’s coming from a place of empathy; this guy has felt the pain of being a Cleveland Sports fan his whole life and knows what failing to live up to expectations feels like. He’s making me feel like a bad person. When the game finally starts, they don’t even boo our players. Silence. One run in the first, again, no boos, just silence.
FANDOM, continued from front page “My dentist was like ‘are you sure you wanted to wear that today?’” Herten said. “‘I’m going to be drilling into your mouth.’” After the appointment, the office posted a picture to their Facebook page of Herten with her mouth drooping open due to the Novocain with the caption “Converting our favorite Cleveland patient into a Cubbies fan.” When a team goes half a century or, in the Cubs’ case, a full century without success, some
“Please, give me something to hate you for.” In my head I’m trying to figure a way to make this Cleveland sucks piece work out. Even after a threerun fifth inning, there’s very little hate coming from the fans. There's just mostly silence, despite loud cheers from the surprisingly large Cubs following in the stadium. When the camera pans t o the fans between innings, the operator struggles to find shots without any Cubs fans in the background. "Go Tribe Go" chant are constantly getting hijack into becoming pro-Chicago. By the eigth inning, the stadium has started to empty and the Indians are getting crushed on home turf. Designated hitterKyle Schwarber has almost completed his hostile takeover of the city and has all but declared himself mayor of Cleveland. Bottom of the ninth, two
outs and Roberto Perez grounds out to short, game over. Suddenly the sea of royal blue still in stadium becomes a mass of white W flags and you can hear faint renditions of "Go Cubs Go.” The Indians fans aren’t putting up much of a fight. As we make our way down from the nosebleeds, a few fans behind us tell us to have a safe trip home. “So, do you feel like a jerk yet?” my sister asked. She obviously doesn’t comprehend my lack of conscience, however I have rethought what I’m going to write. I won’t endorse Cleveland, or say it’s a cool city and I’m definitely not going on vacation there. But the fans were brilliant, the food and stadium are amazing and J.R. Smith is a national treasure. I’m excited to be back in Chicago, but I will say that Cleveland doesn’t suck, too much.
fans attribute the lack of success to a curse. In fact, both the Cubs and the Indians have had a curse on the team. This has caused Indians’ fans like Pae to develop superstitions of their own. “Before every game, I drink a cherry Dr. Pepper,” Pae said. “Game 1 against the Red Sox in the division series, someone was passing them out on the street. I drank it and they ended up winning that night. (After that) it became a playoff ritual.” Pae is very meticulous about his rituals. He ran five miles before game five of the World Series, makes sure to wear his away jersey
when the team is out of town and he chugs a Guinness after every game his team wins. “You could say I’m a little bit superstitious,” Pae said. At the end of the series, one team will continue the familiar adage of “maybe next year”, but both Cleveland and Chicago fans alike are almost content just to watch their team make it as far as the World Series. “Cubs fans are loyal,” Pae said. “They’re almost as good of fans as Cleveland fans. I’ll give them that. It’s going to be a good series for both teams.”
Sports
Sports. Oct. 31, 2016. The DePaulia | 28
LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD Gay athletes find home at DePaul Photo courtesy of DEPAUL ATHLETICS
Junior midfielder and defender for the women’s soccer team Sonia Johnson is one of the openly gay athletes who has made DePaul her home.
By Danielle Church Copy Editor
Within his first week attending Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, Herald Alvarez heard about a fellow classmate being sexually assaulted for being gay. Alvarez stayed in the closet from that point on. Even his teammates on the university’s track and field team would never know Alvarez was gay. They would instead continue to throw gay slurs around the locker room and say things such as “being really grateful and happy no gay athletes were on the team because they wouldn’t feel comfortable in the locker rooms.” Not being able to express a part of his identity led Alvarez to ultimately be unhappy during his time at Campbell.
“None of my teammates, none of my teachers, none of my classmates knew,” Alvarez said. “I feel like that really took away from enjoying my experience at the school along with you know, being open and meeting people.” This all changed when he decided to transfer to DePaul his sophomore year. Within two months of being there, he met someone and decided to tell the entire track and field team his secret. Now a DePaul alumnus, he is very thankful for the experience he had. “They accepted me with open arms,” Alvarez said. “From that day forward, I can tell you that my college experience, especially with my teammates, was significantly better and I constantly miss it.”
In fact, a few other DePaul athletes have felt the university has been a place where being openly gay was never a problem. DePaul women’s soccer junior defender and midfielder Sonia Johnson was never openly gay in her conservative hometown of Woodlands, Texas. She was in a similar situation as Alvarez, where her friends would say something such as “if one of our friends were to come out, I’d be so uncomfortable because we’re all girls and they’d be looking at me.” “I was just not going to say anything that could hint at (me being gay) so that kept me from coming out,” Johnson said. When she got to DePaul, Johnson met someone within the first month. After having some openly gay teammates and noticing
people had an open-minded type of attitude towards them, she felt comfortable enough to tell her teammates she was gay as well. She says they really didn’t care about her sexuality. Instead, they just cared if the person she would be dating was a good person. Johnson believes part of the reason her teammates have this mentality comes from what women’s soccer head coach Erin Chastain looks for when recruiting players. It makes Johnson’s team have better chemistry, which helps them have a better season. Right now, the team has a record of 10-6-2. “The coaches really put the (player) being a good person in front of being a good athlete,” Johnson said. “Being a good athlete just comes along with it. I know Erin always
See ATHLETES page 25
A partisan opinion of Cleveland COMMENTARY By Geoff Stellfox Contributing Writer
I hate Cleveland. It’s a depressing city in the second worst state in the U.S. (behind Florida). Calling their football team a dumpster fire would be offensive to dumpsters, and all of their sports teams combined have won one title since 1964. Worse yet, they’re playing the Cubs in the World Series. It’s a perfect storm of sports hatred, but I need more. I need to bury this place. “I don’t like saying mean things, but I used to drive through Cleveland in college on my way back home to Buffalo,” my mom
said. “Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the sun there.” Even my mom can get on the ‘I hate Cleveland’ bandwagon. My family somehow managed to get tickets to Game 2 in Cleveland and we headed there to see the Cubs play the World Series. As my mom predicted, the streak of grey and depression continues — Game 2’s starting time has been moved up wroll through, and the outlook is already pretty bleak. It’s been raining for the better part of the afternoon and there’s a 50 percent chance of precipitation at game time. I look out the window at the scenery and I see cornfields all the way up to the horizon. It’s
See CLEVELAND page 27
GEOFF STELLFOX | THE DEPAULIA
Indians’ and Cubs’ fans meet before Game 2 of the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
depauliaonline.com | @depauliasports