Epigram 355 by Epigram

Reclaiming film's female gaze

Art spotlight: the voice behind Blue Lights

Hop on the ‘bedroom DJ' bandwagon

Film & TV discuss how a director's gender can shape artistic direction and content of film

This issue's Art Spotlight comes from student artist, Charlotte Pigott, featuring her depictions of some rather famous faces

Warts ‘n all on the world behind student DJing, from Bristol's very own DJ Soc

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The University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper Fortnightly | 09 March 2021 | Issue 355

Over 100 MPs and Peers sign cross party letter registering concern over David Miller Guy Taylor

Investigations Editor

ore than 100 MPs and Lords across seven politcal parties have signed a letter calling on the University for action on Antisemitism. Published on 4 March by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism (APPG), the letter addresses the University of Bristol’s Vice-Chancellor, Hugh Brady. The letter is targeted towards the University’s handling of the recent

International Women's Day 2021 #ChooseToChallenge: University pays tribute the first woman whose human cells survived outside the body in new art commission, page five

Petition gains ground calling for international students to be reimbursed this year Filiz Gurer News Editor

he petition stresses that it is ‘vital for the UK Government to provide at least partial compensation.’ Initiated by International Students’ Officers from Russell Group universities, the petition calls on the Government to compensate international students studying in the UK. After receiving approval from the Petitions Committee, the petition went live on 2 March and within two days had received the support of over 10,000 signatories.

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Calling on the Government to issue refunds of academic fees, the petition cites that international students' contribution to the UK economy is over £20billion every year. The petition notes that ‘lockdowns have had a massive impact on the quality of teaching and student experience of International students.’ It states that, ‘due to abrupt changing UK Government guidelines,’ which have meant that ‘international students could not return/arrive to campus,’ the university experience of international students has been ‘severely impacted.’ Continued on page four...

complaints against Professor David Miller, who the APPG claim has been ‘inciting hatred against Jewish students on [Bristol’s] campus.’ According to the letter, the University’s failure to act has ‘precipitated more heartache and fear for the young Jewish people you are supposed to care for, and others across the country.’ Since the incident involving Professor Miller on 13 February, an open letter supporting him has been signed by over 290 academics worldwide. Continued on page three...

Your vote counts! Voting opens for Bristol SU elections Epigram News

ristol SU voting has opened today, allowing students to vote for course reps, faculty reps, full-time officers, network chairs and a student trustee. 18 students are running for seven

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full time roles, including Ruth Day, who is running to be re-elected as Student Living Officer, a role which she is the sole runner for. There are due to be two virtual election hustings, both of which will be chaired by Teddy Coward, Epigram's co-Editor-in-Chief and will take place this evening at 5pm, followed by the second at the same

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time tomorrow. The link for voting will then close at 9pm on 11 March and results will be announced on the Bristol SU Instagram page (@Bristol_SU). The link for voting can be found HERE. Meet the candidates running for full-time officer roles from page six...

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Editorial

Co-Editor-in-Chief Co-Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor Deputy Digital Editor The Croft Editor

editor@epigram.org.uk

Robin Connolly Teddy Coward Georgiana Scott Siavash Minoukadeh Orin Carlin

Write for Epigram: We exist in our most radically political forms when we can see that there is something fundamental to who we are at stake Before I came to university, I had a slightly unrealistic expectation that all students at Bristol, or any university for that matter, were innately political. As a wide-eyed, little 18-yearold, packing my bags to leave home for the first time, I fantasised of seminars full of intellectual and challenging discussion; I dreamed of evenings sat up debating philosophy and current affairs over a bottle of (cheap) merlot; I speculated that at every whiff of discontent, students would take to the streets with banners and placards, voicing their dissatisfaction with some dystopian-style autocracy that I visualised university management to impersonate. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my fair share of all three, however, perhaps because of the pandemic, or maybe because of my own naivety, I have been forced over the last year or so to challenge my perceptions of what it means to be political at university. The lesson I have come to learn, maybe over any other, is that the personal really is political. I don’t necessarily mean this in line with its original feminist connotations (although, on that note, happy International Women’s Day for yesterday, everyone), but instead that people, perhaps students especially, become the most politically charged about the things which correlate most directly to their everyday lives. Namely, we exist in our most radically political forms when we can see clearly that there is something fundamental to who we are at stake. However, that being said, the last couple of weeks have also shown the power of student solidarity and allyship, which I have witnessed both over the united front many students have shown against David Miller and

also, notably for us at Epigram, during the Anti-Racism Webinars we ran in collaboration with the Be More Empowered for Success Programme and the BAME network. The SU elections, which voting for opened today, are maybe the biggest chance students get to ‘have their say’ on campus matters. My Facebook is currently full of notifications requesting me to like campaign pages and I have no doubt that my Twitter feed would be too, if I hadn’t (tried) to give it up for lent – yes, I relapsed and tweeted yesterday, no I won’t be adding a day on at the end. Casting your vote allows you the chance to decide who will be representing you on all those matters that are ‘fundamental to who we are’ as students – rent payments and tuition fees this year, minority representation, our curriculums. I encourage anyone reading this to add their vote to the ballot – it takes max. 5 minutes to do, compared to the whole year in which officers hold their roles to try to represent you. And after all, you can read concise versions of the manifestos of all those running for fulltime officer roles in this issue of Epigram, and can follow that up by trying your hand at our SU themed crossword! Also in this issue, Opinion look at the ongoing impacts and handling of the pandemic, a student who won her first round of the infamous BBC Mastermind tells Film&TV all about her experiences on the show and sport showcase the nostalgia students are experiencing over playing their favourite sports. So, (not to be demanding), but I recommend you spend your afternoon reading our SU election guide, popping on to the website to cast your vote, and then settling down to peruse this virtual issue of the paper!

Epigram is the independent student newspaper of the University of Bristol. The views expressed in this publication are not those of the University or the Students’ Union. The design, text and photographs are copyright of Epigram and its individual contributors and may not be reproduced without permission. Printed by: Newsquest Media Group, 4th Floor, Queens House, 55/56 Lincolns Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LJ

Each section of the newspaper has a Facebook group where editors post commissions. You can also join our Creatives group where we commission artwork, poetry and illustration. For more information email: getinvolved.epigram@ gmail.com

Subeditors Chief Proofreader Joe Marshall News Megan Evans Features Flossie Palmer Opinion Flossie Palmer Film&TV Layla Nathan Arts Stephanie Kelly Music Lauren Paddison SciTech Sarah Dalton Puzzles ‘Susan Doku' Sport James Dowden Correspondents and Contributers Climate Correspondent Billy Stockwell BAME Correspondent Tia Bahia SU Correspondent Eve Bentley-Hussey Investigations Correspondents Joe Green, Guy Taylor, Holly Beaumont, Lily Farrant Features Collumnist Fergal Maguire Opinion Collumnist Lowri Lewis Arts Critic Bamidele Madamidola Business Team Managing Director Edward Fraser Deputy Director Maggie Knox Head of Marketing Olivia Tapper Head of Finance Maduka Karunatilaka Head of Ads and Sales Joshua Ang Head of Alumni Anthony Duncalf

Clarifications & Corrections Epigram strives to be as accurate and impartial on student news as possible. However, should you wish to raise any editorial, commercial or legal issues please email editor@epigram.org.uk with the problem, addressed to the Editors-in-Chief. Please be sure to include the issue number and article headline if the article was in print, or the URL if the article was online. We endeavour to correct any inaccuracies as soon as they are raised with us.

News

Editor Filiz Gurer Digital Editor Emilie Robinson Deputy Editor Eve Bentley-Hussey

Got a story for the newsteam? Email newsteam.epigram@gmail.com

Parliamentarians write to Bristol University calling for action over David Miller

Guy Taylor

Investigations Editor Continued from front page.... he Parliamentary letter criticises the academics who have, in the opinion of the APPG, ‘disgraced [their] professions, shaming themselves by signing a factually inaccurate letter, supporting a man who has undermined the safety and security of Jewish students under the pretence of free speech.’ It continues: ‘We, the undersigned, wish you to know that we stand against hatred. We want the young Jewish people at your institution and across the country to know that we

do not accept this behaviour. ‘We know hate speech when we see it and we will stand together with them [Jewish students] to protect and salute the honour, dignity, and decency they embody and with which they have been conducting themselves.’ The Union of Jewish Students yesterday confirmed that their own open letter condemning Professor David Miller’s actions has been signed by over 600 academics. UJS and Bristol JSoc last week issued an update stating that their representatives met with Senior Management from the University. A tweet from the Union of Jewish Students reads: ‘They told us they are unable to publicly condemn the abuse Jewish students are receiving, in order to remain neutral.’ The letter from Parliamentarians represents a significant increase in pressure on the University to act against Miller, who has received criticism from Bristol JSoc, the Community Security Trust and other groups in recent weeks. On 5 March Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said in an interview that antisemitism has ‘absolutely no place in our universities.’

Speaking to Bristol Live, she stated that she ‘really can’t comment on an individual case,’ saying she ‘wasn’t there when these [comments] have been said and done. A spokesperson for the University of Bristol has said that they are ‘unable to comment on complaints made about individual members of staff.’ On 5 March The University of Bristol published a statement regarding freedom of expression and free speech, stating that it ‘supports the view of the European Court of Human Rights that freedom of expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and that such freedom applies not only to information or ideas that are favourably received, but also to those that have the potential to offend, shock or disturb the listener.’ The statement issued by UoB said: ‘We take all allegations of discrimination, racism and hate speech very seriously. If, as an employer, we take action against any employee in relation to such allegations, we would do so in line with our internal procedures, which involve a full investigation of relevant facts and circumstances.’

Twitter/APPGAntisemitismTikTok |

• The cross party letter has received the support of over 100 MPs and Lords • The Universities Minister stated on Friday that antisemitism has ‘absolutely no place in our universities'

11 Bristol Uni subjects rank in world top 50 in QS World University Rankings

• The rankings assess subject performance against four criteria • The University’s success follows its ranking last summer as ninth best university in the UK Sophie Downes News Reporter

he University of Bristol has 11 subjects placed in the global top 50 in the latest

QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2021. Published on 3 March, the global survey has shown that 40 courses offered at the University of Bristol are ‘among the very best in the world.’ The QS World University Rankings reveal that out of the 1,440 universities surveyed worldwide across 51 subjects in five broad subject areas, 32 subjects at Bristol Uni are in the top 100, while 11 made the top 50. Veterinary Science at Bristol was rated 13th world-wide, whilst other subjects at the University such as Geology, Geophysics, Earth & Marine Sciences and Social Policy & Administration all featured in the

top 50. The QS World University Rankings by Subject uses four criteria to assess each University’s standing: A survey of academics, a survey of employ-

tivity of published work by academics. Commenting on the University’s placement in the global rankings Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chan-

Veterinary Science at Bristol was rated 13th world-wide whilst other subjects at the featured in the top 50 ers, research impact by number of citations, and the ‘H-index’ - which takes into consideration the produc-

cellor of the University of Bristol, said: ‘It is hugely rewarding that many of our courses have once

again been named among the best in the world. ‘After what has been a difficult year for many, every single University of Bristol professor, academic and student should be proud of this fantastic achievement. ‘Without their hard-work, creative drive and boundless intelligence we would not be where we are today.’ Bristol Uni’s performance in the newly published survey follows the University of Bristol’s successful ranking in QS World Rankings last June, when it placed as the ninth best university in the United Kingdom, the 14th best in Europe and the 58th best in the world.

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Unite Students announces Student who could a further rent reduction not read until aged 13 graduates with for March 2021 • Eligible students will receive a 50 per cent rent reduction in their rent until 28 March • The announcement marks the third set of rent reductions implemented by Unite Megan Evans News Subeditor

ipated that this will be Unite Students’ last rent discount relating to COVID-19.’ Students will be contacted directly in the next week if eligible for the reduction, and do not need to take any action to apply. Students will receive their discount in the form of a cash refund upon checking out of their accommodation at the end of their tenancy. Unite Students state that they have provided rent rebates ‘in excess of £100million throughout the pandemic,’ with the average student receiving approximately £1,300 in rental discounts in 2021. Richard Smith, Chief Executive of Unite Students, said: ‘Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have strived to play our part and do the right thing for our students in a fair and proportionate way.'

Epigram/ Patrick Sullivan

rivate student accommodation company Unite Students has announced a three week 50 per cent rent reduction for students who have not been able to live in residences during lockdown. Unite Students announced that

eligible students would receive a reduction for half of their rent during the period 8-28 March. This will be the third rent reduction period of 2021 for Unite tenants, with 50 per cent reductions being granted from 18 January to 14 February, and 15 February to 7 March. This will therefore total 10 weeks of rent reductions for eligible students. Unite Students own and manage a number of University of Bristol halls, including Unite House, Orchard Heights, Brunel House, and Riverside. The decision was made following the announcement of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, which stated that the stay-at-home rule will end on 29 March. The Unite Group states that ‘subject to no further major changes in Government guidelines, it is antic-

first class honours

• The student is now studying for a PhD on a prestigious Fulbright scholarship Megan Evans News Subeditor

illiam Carter, a 22 year-old Bristol University graduate with severe dyslexia, has been awarded a first-class degree and is now studying for a PhD on a prestigious Fulbright scholarship. William Carter’s severe dyslexia and dyspraxia caused him to struggle a great deal in his early years of school. Despite this, his academic career has been one of remarkable success. Throughout primary school, and in early secondary school, Carter was placed in the lowest sets for all subjects. His inability to keep up with peers in lessons led to a referral to children’s mental health services for ‘deep feelings of isolation and loneliness.’ However, as his dyslexia went undiagnosed, Carter recalls feeling like a ‘second-class learner.’ This resulted in a significant drop

in his attendance, in response to which he was sent on courses on ‘how to avoid a criminal life.’ Carter then went on to study Politics and International Relations at the University of Bristol. While attending the University, he attended numerous international conferences, spoke at the European Parliament, and received several University awards for his academic performance, before graduating with a first-class degree. He was also named one of the top ten undergraduate students in the country at the UK Social Mobility Awards, having grown up in inner London on free school meals. During his time at Bristol, William and his academic advisor Dr Jonathan Floyd began planning a new initiative to get political theory taught more widely in secondary schools. They met with Lords, MPs, educators and government officials to gain support for the scheme, which they hope to launch soon. William is now studying for a PhD in Political Geography at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is currently investigating the origins of radicalisation in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. He is the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship.

Petition calling for international students to be financially compensated passes 15,000 signatures Having surpassed 10,000 signatures, the petition is due to H receive a governmental response • The petition had passed the 10,000 signatures mark within two days of launching • It calls on the governemnt to financially compensate international students in the UK Filiz Gurer News Editor

Continued from front page... aving passed the 10,000 signatures mark, the petition is, in line with petition standards, due to receive a response from the government. Roy Kiruri, Bristol SU’s International Students’ Officer, was one of within two days we’ve managed to the 18 International Students' Ofget the number of signatures needed ficers from Russell Group universifor the government to give us a reties, to have worked on the petition. sponse. Now let’s see what they have On the success of the petition to say! reaching its first target mark by ‘Thank you to everyone who 4 March, Roy has signed and International Students sent shared the peKiruri told Epigram: ‘I’m real- an open letter lobying for tition so far. I reimbursements in Feb ly pleased that would really en-

courage you to do so if you haven’t yet – the more signatures, the more momentum behind the campaign.’ In February, Russell Group International Students' Officers sent an open letter to the Chair of the Russell Group and the Vice Chancellors of their respective universities, lobbying them for a 30 per cent reimbursement of international students’

tuition fees. The letter highlighting the challenges faced by international students, outlined the additional costs international students incurred in ‘creat[ing] learning environments in their home countries,’ as a result of their ‘lack of access to learning facilities.’ The open letter also stressed the challenges faced by international students reliant on part-time work in the UK, as well as the effects of the ‘pressures of undertaking international education’ remotely, on the ‘overall wellbeing’ of international students.

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epigram 09.03.2021

• Henrietta Lacks was a Black American woman whose human cells were the first ever to survive and multiply outside the body • The unveiling of the sculpture will be accompanied by an exhibition in October Eve Bentley-Hussey Deputy News Editor

he University of Bristol has commissioned local artist Helen Wilson Roe to create a sculpture of Henrietta Lacks. It follows the exhibiting of two of

Helen’s portraits of Henrietta Lacks and Cllr Cleo Lake, Bristol’s first Black female Lord Mayor, which have been on display in the Wills Memorial Building since October last year. Henrietta Lacks was   a young mother  who  died of cervical cancer. During surgery, a sample of cells was taken from the tumour and sent to a laboratory where they were found to be the  first living human cells ever to survive and multiply outside the human body. Henrietta's cells, known as HeLa cells, formed the first scientifically defined ‘immortal’ human cell line, opening the door to all kinds of experiments and research on cell behaviour. Henrietta's cells have made possible some of the most important medical advances of all time including the development of the polio vac-

cine, chemotherapy, gene-mapping, IVF and cloning. They are also currently being used in COVID-19 research  at the University of Bristol. The unveiling of the sculpture will be accompanied by an exhibition in October of portraits by Helen Wilson-Roe featuring Henrietta Lacks and her family called ‘A Brush with Immortality.’ Artist Helen Wilson Roe said: ‘This is the University offering more than lip service or tokenistic gestures, but actually committing to supporting a Black female artist by sustaining my art and recognising Henrietta Lacks.’ 2021 marks the centenary year since Henrietta's birth and 70 years of use of HeLa cells. Helen Wilson-Roe is working in collaboration with the Lacks family. Jeri Lacks, Henrietta Lacks’ Granddaughter, said: ‘As the world celebrates Henrietta Lacks’ centennial,

University of Bristol / Karen Brett

Bristol University commissions sculpture of Henrietta Lacks on International Women’s Day

my family eagerly anticipates the unveiling of this tribute to Henrietta Lacks the woman - and her phenomenal HeLa cells. It is incredible to see our Hennie rightfully honoured for her worldwide impact.’ Professor Jeremy Tavaré, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Bristol, said: ‘The unveiling of the sculpture will coincide with an educational plan that will

mark the start of the Faculty of Life Sciences working on the decolonisation of our curriculum which will include an acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions Black people have made to science over the years.’ A widening participation education project and a Henrietta Lacks Masters Scholarship are also being planned.

‘Attenborough’s Life in University of Bristol Colour’ features research tech incubator raises by Bristol Uni academics £40.2 million in

• Research from the University of Bristol's Camo Lab featured in the episode on Sunday evening • The series was produced by Bristol-based TV production company Humble Bee Films Joe Green

Investigations Editor

ttenborough’s Life in Colour, produced by Bristol-based TV production

company Humble Bee Films, aired on 7 March on BBC One, focussing on the role played by colour within the animal kingdom. The episode included the findings of several University researchers on how colour affects a number of species ranging from tigers to mantis shrimps. Research by the University of Bristol’s Camo Lab, led by Dr Laszlo Talas and Dr John Fennell found that the colour blindness of sambar deer allows Bengal tigers to remain virtually invisible to their prey despite their orange stripes. Also involved in the series were Bristol academics Dr Martin How, Dr Nick Roberts and former Bristol PhD student Sam Smithers, who were part of an international group of scientists that developed a camera

enabling the series to show the world from the perspective of fiddler crabs. The new camera technology allowed the program to reveal the perspective of the mantis shrimp, and how the species uses the polarisation of light to spot predators and communicate. Dr How said that the ‘new polarisation cameras help us get a step closer to getting this animal’s perspective and it was great to be able to share this with viewers of the series.’ Bristol’s involvement in the series is not limited to research and academics. The series is produced by Bristol-based TV production company Humble Bee Films. Founder Stephen Dunleavy and Series Producer Sharmila Choudhury are both Bristol alumni.

• Over half of SETsquared’s 80 members secured funding in 2020, a record figure for the incubator Roya Shahidi News Reporter

ETsquared Bristol, a University of Bristol-led technology incubator, has announced that its members raised a combined £40.2million in 2020. Over half of Setsquared’s 80 members secured funding in 2020, a record figure for the incubator. These include six student start-ups and spin-outs from the University of Bristol. Forming part of an enterprise collaboration between five universities,

the aim of SETsquared Bristol is to support founders who want to grow their own businesses. Kaedim, a University of Bristol spin-out which develops AI technology to make it simpler, faster and cheaper to create digital 3D assets, is one of the investment successes. Despite an overall decline in investment in the South West as a result of COVID-19, the SETsquared Bristol incubator members created 225 new jobs in the city's region. With a combined £40.2 million raised by its members, for the third year in a row, over 10 of the total investment raised by per cent of the South West region was contributed by SETsquared Bristol. The incubator is also a proponent of initiatives that aim to make technology more inclusive. University of Bristol / SETsquared

University of Bristol / BBC

2020

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Meet the candidates running to be your

Union Affairs Officer

he Union Affairs Officer is responsible for setting out how the Students' Union is run internally, developing SU-run spaces such as the SU Living Room and managing communication between the SU, students and University management. With voting now open in the Bristol SU elections, students have the chance to elect their new full-time officers, including their Union Affairs Officer. Four candidates are in the race to take over from Julio Mkok, who has held the post for the last two years.

Fergus

longside being a Physics student, Fergus has been President of UoB Lib Dems, co-captain of the mental health group, Talk Club and co-founder of Zero Suicide England. His campaign has three priorities: helping societies survive COVID-19, reforming SU democracy and adding extra mental health structures for students and societies. His policies include: automatically reaffiliating all societies this year as a result of the pandemic, creating a mental fitness award to celebrate societies with good mental health policies, reforming Student Council and conducting it five times a year instead of two and making future SU elections paperless to reduce waste.

Student Living

he Student Living Officer is responsible for student’s experiences at the university outside of academia, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing provision, housing and student finances, sustainability and community outreach.

Ruth

Pippa

Charles

fourth year Chemistry student who has been on the committees of Chemistry Society, Opera Society and an A Cappella group, Charles’ three major priorities are increasing student input into the SU, opening up more SU facilities for student groups to make us of and connecting students and societies with the wider Bristol community. Some proposed policies include: creating an app and online platform for SU democracy, extending Balloon Bar opening hours, providing society presidents with a mental health first aid kit and creating an advertising platform for societies to find student photographers, designers and other similar roles.

frah is a final year Politics and IR student and has served as the SU's Chair of Student Council for the last year, overseeing the SU's democratic processes and meetings. Her main priorities are making campus and the SU more accessible for students, keeping student life cheap and increasing support for students. To get all of this done, some of Ifrah's policies include extending the U1 bus to Coombe Dingle and Temple Meads with a free three-year pass, introducing a University app, keeping prices low at Stoke Bishop shops and the new Senate House food court and reviewing the purpose and role of the AMM.

and continue where they left off. Their manifesto pledges going forward include: Mental health: -Ensuring Tutors are given comprehensive mental health training for students. -Increasing wellbeing support around assessments. -Continuing to make a range of services accessible for students from liberation backgrounds and offering a translated medical terms glossary on the University website. Private sector: -Creating an Ethical Lettings Charter to identify ‘dodgy’ landlords and establishing a student tenants’ union to stand up against them.

-Increasing hardship funding for Home and International students. Halls: -Having free washing in halls and completing the rent reduction strategy to increase affordable beds. -Tackling the issues faced by students from liberation backgrounds and student parents. Climate Emergency -Keeping Bristol University committed to carbon neutrality by 2030 and establishing a zero-waste Freshers’ Fair. -Making greener spaces across campus with more plants in study spaces and having more sustainable, cheaper food options in Source cafes.

ver the last three years, Pippa has been part of the Hiatt Baker JCR, Burst Radio's Head of Visual content and Live Sports Coordinator and the Marketing Director and President of Fuze Her campaign has three priorities: making the SU more appealing to students, improving the SU's communications and supporting more student inclusion. Her policies include increasing career support, making the SU the social hub of the University, reforming SU and University communication with students to be shorter, more accessible and more relevant and introducing more financial support to help students with society fees. uth Day is the incumbent Student Living Officer who made a name for themself in pre-pandemic protests against housing, and mental wellbeing provision. Since entering student politics as a full-time Bristol SU Officer last year, Ruth has spearheaded the campaign on rent rebates for first year students and launched a free drug testing kit program at Bristol – a first among UK universities. In addition, Ruth has worked with other Officers to establish the Covid Impact Fund for students facing financial difficulty. As the only candidate running for SU Living Officer this year, Ruth is almost guaranteed to be re-elected

Ifrah

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2021 Students' Union full-time Officers Sport and Student Development Officer

he Sport and Student Development Officer is responsible for providing support to University sports clubs and any physical activity students take part in. The role also supports to students to develop skills outside academic studies. They also lead on ensuring that students have opportunities for personal development. Four candidates are in the race to take over from Rushab Shah, who has held the post for the last year. Here are the candidates running to be your next Sport and Student Development Officer.

Sammy

ver the last two years, Sammy has been UoB Basketball club captain and is advocating for inclusion, education and positive well-being. His policies include holding termly focus-groups with disabled student network and LGBT+ and Trans Networks, promoting the Activity Hardship Fund to students experiencing financial hardship and increasing the fund’s maximum from £100 to £250, launching Inter-club sustainability challenges such as Zero-plastic and Veganuary, strengthening the sporting community by extending university gym opening hours and livestreaming home fixtures and promoting mental health by making mental Health first aid mandatory for coaches, captains and 2 committee members.

International Students Officer

he International Students’ Officer represents international students to the University and Bristol SU on all aspects of the international student experience. They champion the inclusion of international students and campaign against discrimination and barriers within both the University and the Union that impact international students.

Obafemi

ver the last year Jenny has been Chair of the Sports Network and was Women’s Waterpolo Captain in her second year. She has also enjoyed playing UoB rugby. Her campaign will focus on mental health, representation in University sport, rebuilding sporting structures at Bristol, evolving sporting opportunities and creating an exciting sports culture. Some of her policies include: encouraging and working with Club Leaders and Social Secretaries to organise responsible socials, ensuring there are representatives from all student groups, including postgraduates in the Sports Network committee, training to help clubs build their memberships and secure income stability and bringing back sports nights, score and student deals to the SU balloon bar.

ternational students who were promised ‘blended learning’ from Bristol Uni, though who, owing to national lockdowns and the pandemic, ‘did not get the chance to have face-toface teaching’.

delve deeper into the difficulties experienced by people like me, from different cultures, to integrate into a completely new environment.’ Muaz’ policies take a ‘five-pronged approach’, aimed at creating ‘a more accepting, representative, healthier environment that feels like a Home away from Home.’ Some of his policies include: -Creating a Council of Ambassadors with elected country ambassadors to promote global citizenship. -Providing workshops aimed at preparing incoming students for their university experience. -Allocating wellbeing resources for international students to mitigate against cultural shock and restructuring wellbeing to provide a separate, 24/7 wellbeing provision.

Aatmikaa

atmikaa Pal says there are ‘various aspects’ of the International Students’ Officer role ‘which need to be addressed’ and that she would like to resolve in her following manifesto commitments. These include: The annual fees for international students. Aatmikaa outlines that international fees are around twice the amount for Home student fees and that not everyone is able to get a scholarship. ‘For a university that boasts about its diversity,’ Aatmikaa says, ‘treating international students as mere cash cows is quite unethical.’ Aatmikaa is also standing to gain a rebate for in-

Jenny

third year Mechanical and Electrical Engineering student who served as sports representative of ACS, Obafemi is a UoB boxer and co-founded a business to connect football and community engagement. His campaign focusses on six different areas: communication, widening participation, transport, intramural sports, representation in uni sport and uni gyms. His policies include: holding bi-monthly feedback forums with club captains to discuss society needs, encouraging societies and clubs to accommodate all their members, e.g. by holding non-alcoholic socials, introducing referees for all intramural sport matches, launching Black History Month sport related events and advocating for reduced fees and 24/7 access to the Uni gym.

Muazam

uazam Ali Tahir (Muaz) is a first-year Economics and Politics student from Pakistan. Muaz says that although ‘it might sound scary for a first-year student to be running for this position, it is the first-year that frames our university experience’. He also says that being away from home throughout the pandemic has allowed him ‘to

Nikki

ikki Vora is currently a volunteer at the Global Lounge for teaching English and says: ‘Vote for me and chat with me. You lot wouldn’t regret it.’

Ben

ourth year International Relations MSc student Ben is Men’s Performance Captain of Badminton and a qualified RFU referee. His priorities include: offering affordable, accessible sports; exercise and wellbeing; a sport environment that ensures equal inclusion and opportunities and career development through sport. Some policies he proposes are: reducing sports, exercise and health (SEH) membership prices by 10 per cent, removing charges on SEH members for court bookings, extending U1 bus services to provide transport to Coombe Dingle, collaboration with BAME, LQBT+, and Disabled Students’ Networks to push inclusion and participation and developing international outreach to encourage international students to get involved in sport.

For Nikki, the role would see her ‘champion the inclusion of international members and campaign against discrimination and barriers within both the University and the Students’ Union that impact international students.’ Nikki says she will hear the views of international students and ‘mediate and negotiate’ in order to communicate them to the University and carry out initiatives. She says she views the role as being ‘responsible for representation in all aspects of the international student experience’.

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Undergraduate Education Officer T

he Undergraduate Education Officer is responsible for overseeing and improving the experience of undergraduates at the University. Specifically, the Undergraduate Education Officer leads and empowers undergraduate academic elected representatives (Course and Faculty Reps). It will be a two-horse race for Undergraduate Education Officer, with both Dave Jones and Seb Key keen to win the role, which has been held by David Ion for the past year.

Seb

eb’s manifesto focuses on putting health and wellbeing at

the centre of education. He wants to address the flaws in the university’s existing wellbeing systems, which he believes will increase engagement and academic success. Academic Welfare -Make the Extenuating Circumstances (EC) system more transparent, and more responsive to pandemic-related issues. -Make sure that personal tutors are trained in wellbeing concerns, and that they are approaching this element of their role appropriately. -Lobby for assessment deadlines and formats to be published before term begins, and for deadlines to be realistically spaced. -Push for the safeguarding of time off by ensuring there is a time gap between assessment deadlines or exams and the start of the next teaching block. Mental Health -Increase the availability of counselling, and reduce waiting times for it by expanding its budget. -Implement communication struc-

Postgraduate Education Officer

akhtawar is a Master of Science (MSc) student who has experience in taking a leading role in managing, co-ordinating and representing in group work.Bakhtawar states that she demonstrates further leadership and communication skills through her previous role as a course representative. She asks for your support for her to create a better and improved Postgraduate experience at the University.

tudying for an MPhil Lu states that she understands first-hand the issues facing postgraduate students. She wants to make that the experience of University is safer, happier and easier and she hopes this also benefit Undergraduate students. She lists three main policy priorities for her candidacy, including wellbeing and community, accessibility and attainment and equality and equity in learning and teaching. Some of her policies include: working alongside the Wellbeing Services to increase and raise awareness of support for Postgraduates, ensuring every Postgraduate is equipped for future employment once leaving university and creating online Job Boards for Postgraduates to find teaching positions within each Faculty.

Dave

ave Jones is finishing his fourth year in Music with Innovation. Having been a course rep over the last four years and as the current Arts Faculty Rep, Dave says he has ‘seen some fundamental issues with education here at Bristol.’ As a result, he would like to address the following ‘with your collaboration’: COVID Safe Return -Collaborate with the university on the safe return to campus for all degrees when safe and sensible and work with Library Services and the University hardship fund to support access to online learning through adequate study spaces and home support. -Have the university commit to

the equality of all practical subjects in decision-making. Students’ Mental Health -Have a student-led approach to reviewing and reorganising how academic work affected by mental health flare-ups is mitigated. -Work alongside the Student Living Officer to review mental health support provision and make the university commit to relevant changes. Emergency Assessment Mitigations Policy -Work with students and the university to develop robust policies for the future provision of emergency academic mitigations and have the university commit to a set of conditions that will trigger this policy. Quality Education -Get a university commitment on guaranteed synchronous teaching hours and commit to course-level quality assurance statements. Decolonise the Curriculum -Get the university to commit to top-down decolonisation policy. -Develop a ‘Bristol’s colonial history’ course with Bristol Futures.

Equality, Liberation and Access Officer

wo hopefuls are running for the role, which is responsible for ensuring an equal, supportive and inclusive University environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity. With incumbent Jason Palmer due to end his term as Equality, Liberation and Access Officer, two students are in the run to replace him.

he role of the Postgraduate Education Officer is to ensure that Postgraduate students are fairly represented in all aspects of University life at Bristol. Two candidates are in the race to take over from Leah Martindale, who has held the post for the last year. Here are the candidates running to be your next Postgraduate Education Officer.

Bakhtawar

tures between staff and students that better recognise and support struggling students. An immediate focus will be on addressing difficulties for students in the medical and veterinary schools. Curriculum -Further decolonise the curriculum, with an emphasis on overlooked subjects like medicine. Follow the Keele University guide on decolonisation. -Move away from the emphasis on Western ideals and the patterns of privilege that they reinforce. -Work with the ELA Officer to increase inclusivity for marginalised and minority students. Fees - Lobby for the introduction of different tuition fees for different levels of academic engagement. Encourage the university to compare the quality and engagement of its programmes. Digital library - Ensuring online library content for all students to support their virtual learning.

hird year English student Ru has focused their manifesto on helping students from liberation backgrounds, supporting those affected by the pandemic and raising awareness of consent and drug harm reduction on campus. Their policies to support students from liberation backgrounds on campus include: working to expand and increase the University’s outreach and en-

Leah

urrent Postgraduate Education Officer Leah is looking to move role this year, to a position that focuses on liberation groups. Leah has focused her manifesto on tackling hate on campus, achieving attainment for all and increasing staff diversity. To achieve her aims of tackling hate and creating a more welcoming campus, Leah will ensure that staff Liberation champions have regular consulations with students from liberation backgrounds, bring student voices from liberation backgrounds into meetings with University management and defend students against academic attacks on their identity. Alongside this, she plans to introduce a zero-tolerance policy towards hatred in every society, club and

JCR. A particular focus is ensuring that students from East Asian backgrounds are protected given the rise of anti-Asian hatred during the pandemic. To ensure students from all backgrounds can access campus resources and work to the best of their ability, Leah intends to introduce reviews of attainment gaps for every liberation group, ensuring that the University provides financial support for online and distance learners and students who are carers, parents or mature students. University and SU staff hiring practices will also be reformed to make the staff more representative of the diversity of the student body.

gagment with students from widening participation (WP) backgrounds, increasing the number of gender-neutral bathroom spaces across campus and making the labelling of them more inclusive and introducing more comprehensive training available around issues of equality, diversity and inclusion for committee members of societies and networks. Ru also wants to raise awareness around issues including mental health, consent and drug usage and

to do that they plan on implementing a range of policies including the introduction of drug-testing kits in Halls, establishing a more holistic and comprehensive policy around sex education with a greater focus on consent, sex work and ethical porn consumption and increasing the provision of mental health staff trained in LGBT+ and BME experiences, with a greater focus on collaboration with external charities and mental health groups to do so.

Features Twitter: @EpigramFeatures

Editor Jack Charters Digital Editor Noa Blane Damelin Deputy Editor Freddie Grover

Epigram / Grace Kirby

The University's vanguard role fighting antivax conspiracies in Bristol and beyond

Why are people refusing the vaccine? How is the University combating this? Grace Kirby

Second Year Ancient History & Features Writer

accine hesitancy — the delay or refusal of vaccination without medical exemption— has been cited as a serious threat to global health by the World Health Organization (WHO). Bristol University is at the forefront in aiming to tackle it. Following findings in a study by the University of Bristol and King’s College London, it was revealed 15% of the population (equivalent to 3.5 million adults) believe the Government, scientists and journalists are plotting to cover up crucial information about Coronavirus. Speaking to the anti-vaxxers blocking recent filming for the BBC'S ‘The Offenders' on College

Green, it is clear conspiracy theothreat to public health.’ ries are shaping opinions. Arti, an ‘This is a real challenge for the advocator of such theories, has been campaign to ensure the highest posspreading anti-lockdown messages sible Covid-19 vaccination rates.’ throughout Bristol by chalking in Further attempts led by the Uniprominent areas such as Park Street versity of Bristol to stop the spread and hosting small scale demonstraof such conspiracies come from the tions. When asked whether or not £2.7m research project, funded by he believed refusing the vaccine the European Union’s Horizon 2020 would affect the health of others he programme, which systematically claimed: ‘Government institutions investigates attitudes towards vacare locking people up which in turn cinations among healthcare workers is more detrimental’ and claimed ‘the and arguments made by anti-vaccivaccine would be nation activists. a new form of Professor It is important healthcare governmental Stephan Lecontrol, we are workers communicate the w a n d o w s k y , benefits of vaccinations to Chair in Cognifree people.’ Dr Siobhan tive Science at the general public McAndrew, a the University of senior lecturer in Quantitative Social Bristol, who is heading the taskforce, Science at the University of Bristold Epigram: ‘this is vital work, tol, has said: ‘Willingness to report which will play a key role in fighting agreement with conspiracy suspithe deadly virus and other infectious cions and beliefs is related to low diseases. Vaccine hesitancy is a sigtrust in traditional authority sources nificant issue across the world, in– to the point that it constitutes a cluding in the UK, and concerted ef-

forts are needed to understand more Organisation European Technical about its origins and find effective Advisory Group on Immunisation, ways to reduce fear and uncertaintold Epigram: ‘although great strides ty, and build confidence in vaccines are being made with COVID-19 vacwhich are our best cination proshot out of the Research shows 3.5 million grammes across pandemic.’ the world, the UK adults think the ‘It is important spread of misthat healthcare Government is covering up i n f o r m a t i o n aspects of Covid-19 workers are vacciposes a signifnated and commuicant threat to nicate the benefits of vaccinations, this progress. That’s why this is such especially given their close contact an important research project, which with vulnerable patients and how could hold the key to improving their attitudes and actions may be vaccine uptake and reducing health followed by others. Ultimately, we inequalities.' need them fully on board with the Despite the University’s best efvaccination programme to keep forts, it is still evident people within themselves and the wider communiBristol, outside the University, are ty safe and protected.’ hesitant to get the vaccine. Although The guidance will be deployed by the number of students who also the WHO and the United Nations agree with these conspiracies is unInternational Children’s Emergency known, with all over-18's expected Fund (UNICIF) for worldwide benefit. to have received the first vaccine by Professor Adam Finn, Professor of June, the efforts of the University to Paediatrics at the University of Brisstop false information spreading will tol and Chair of the World Health no doubt ensue again.

10 Features

epigram 09.03.2021

The possibility for a new Bristolian music scene post COVID-19 Has Bristol's live music industry changed irreversibly? Freddie Grover

Deputy Features Editor Epigram / Flossie Palmer

he Coronavirus pandemic has decimated the music scene, with clubs, venues and streaming all feeling the brunt of its force. In light of this, Epigram examines the ways in which the Bristol music scene has been impacted, but also the wave of hope taking over some in the city with regards to where Bristol’s thriving music scene could go when the inevitable return to normal comes. Bristol is well-known for its thriving, independent music scene and the speculation surrounding its future has reached a fever pitch with venues such as Leftbank closing down on a permanent basis whilst others, including The Exchange, have used government funds to upskill staff and start new projects designed to reinvigorate their audience and provide a new platform to otherwise struggling artists. A saddening reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the ev-

er-widening disparity between local, independent, typically smaller venues and large corporations and companies. Larger music venues and clubs have been able to cope with the dramatic shift in demand due to greater amounts of government funding available to them; this, coupled with continuing revenue streams, including the sale of tickets for future events, has led to larger companies being able to weather the storm in a much sturdier ship. This is not to say that it has not been difficult for these larger venues and clubs. However, the problems they faced have been massively different from venues that were already experiencing a greater level of pre-

carity than ever before with the increasing popularity of music streaming services. Losing these previously struggling, independent venues that Bristol is so well-known and loved for will have a dramatic impact on local artists and groups, as these venues have given so many their first taste of performing. These grassroots venues are the lifeblood of a thriving Bristol music scene. The fundamental problem with the closure of these smaller, grassroots venues is that it works disproportionately against new emerging artists that do not have the option to play larger venues. This could create a downward spiral whereby new tal-

ent does not get the stage to express itself, thus leading to a lack of new music and a stagnation of not only the Bristol music scene but also stagnation on a broader, industry-wide level. Despite the huge uncertainty surrounding the Bristolian music industry, there are those who claim that there may be hope. Lockdown and the lack of more traditional activities has given many people the time to pick up previously forgotten hobbies including those of a musical nature. This has to led to a resurgence of people creating music which many have said could lead to a new, COVID-inspired wave of sound — much like the resurgence in music simi-

lar to the one seen after the Second World War. In addition, there are already new mediums being used to create music such as the multitrack format used by many University of Bristol music societies. Throughout October the attendance and quality at Mr Wolf’s and other similar clubs was immense, suggesting that the return to normal will come and these independent venues will once again be cherished as they were before the pandemic. With the closure of some of Bristol’s most loved music venues there is still an air of optimism around the city. The adoration of Bristol’s small, independent music venues mean that there will, hopefully, be a resurgence when we are able to meet again with new talent and maybe a few new venues as well. The extent to which COVID has and will continue to shape the Bristol music scene remains to be seen. However, the overall question remains — with the potential for musical creativity to have flourished throughout COVID, will there be a platform for these new creatives to be heard? Within Bristol, it certainly appears to be the case. They will indeed be heard, but in what form remains unknown.

Flickr / Kelly Sikkema

Long distance-relationships in the pandemic, three lockdowns later

How have relationships fared in rocky times like these? Holly Beaumont Investigations Editor

ong-distance relationships are difficult at the best of times. However, with the pandemic’s one-year anniversary approaching, some relationships have endured long-distance through not one lockdown, but three. ‘I think saying you miss them is a bit of a cliché, like of course you fucking miss them’, said Sarah Jones from her dorm room in France. Six months into her year-abroad

in Toulon, she has to contend with over 600 miles between herself and her partner, who remains in Bristol. While lockdown rules make all forms of travel difficult, having to rely on flights, contend with Brexit and navigate the lockdown rules of two countries have also made their situation that much more challenging. ‘It’s the unpredictability of it all’, she said. ‘We had a date set and then it gets cancelled. It’s the having to get used to the disappointment of that happening over and over again and it just being so out of your control.’ Third year student, Lowri HafJones, also opened up about the challenges posed by the distance

between herself and her boyfriend, Prentice. ‘It feels like everyone's been feeling so anxious and struggling with university lately, and for my friends who aren’t doing long-distance they can just go and have cuddles and I’m just here’, she said. Having previously successfully done long-distance from London to Bristol last year, she dwells on how the pandemic makes it considerably more challenging. ‘When it’s not a pandemic, you can come up with these really nice things to do and you make the weekend really lovely’, she said. 'And then obviously when it’s a pandemic you just go there to chill. It’s like: how do you make it special?’

In spite of the difficulties, both ‘Talking about him helps actually’, find positives in their challenging said Lowri. seasons. ‘Also, his family lives in Bristol ‘I think trying to do nice things and I've seen them which is really over FaceTime is important. Like we nice. It almost feels like you get a watched the whole of The Crown part of him from them.’ series over FaceTime and that was While both talk about the enorlovely’, said Lowri. mity of the challenges of long-dis‘And even though you don't speak tance, they are able to make light of it's just nice to have them there if it, and see a brighter future ahead. that makes sense? Gosh, you're gon‘It’s definitely a good thing we na make me cry!', she said. can’t talk all-day. I have so much ‘Talking about the dumb things work to do and he is the biggest disthat happened in your day, like what traction’, Lowri joked. you had for lunch. Even if that’s I ask Lowri when she hopes to not particularly exciting for you, next see Prentice and she excitedly the other person wants to feel like remembers ‘well, his placement acthey’re there living it with you’, Satually finishes at the end of Feb so... rah told me. less than a month?!’ ‘I think being able to have phoIronically, the pandemic benetographic evidence of everything is fits Lowri when she recalls that she really useful.’ doesn’t actual“If there’s something I ask them both ly have to be in pissing you off, say it. about ways that Bristol. They’re not able to read they cope with While the next the challenges visit might be your body language” of long-distance less certain for and what advice they would give to Sarah, she remains hopeful that it is others in their position. not too far away. ‘If there’s something pissing you ‘It should be in Easter. I should get off, say it. They’re not going to be about two weeks in Easter. I hope so’, able to read your body language she said. because they can’t see you’, Sarah With lockdown in the UK projectlaughed. ed to begin easing this month, we ‘And random little presents. Just can have hope that for long-distance feeling like you’re being prioritised’, couples, most of their tests are beshe added. hind them.

Features 11

epigram 09.03.2021

The history behind Bristol's drum and bass scene Unpacking the diverse history and international impact behind Bristol's renowned DnB scene Jack Jacob

Second Year Liberal Arts & Features Writer

experienced racial discrimination in the job market, in housing, and in the entertainment sector throughout the 1950s and beyond. Bristolian DnB pioneer DJ Suv said in an interview: ‘we grew up

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spirit of the cultural melting pot – people came together to enjoy the art of music. Markee Ledge, DnB and Dubstep DJ, added: ‘Jamaican sound system guys, nerdy white techy guys every-

Epigram / Flossie Palmer

t’s Friday night in Bristol. After a long week of university, it’s time to find a night out with your mates befitting of the laborious week gone by. You arrive home to see your flatmates dressed in tracksuits, bucket hats and bumbags — not exactly the attire for Gravity or Lounge. You discover they’re going to Motion for a Drum and Bass night featuring the headline act ‘Kings of the Rollers.’ Having never been to Motion or listened to the genre, you wonder what a roller is and who the kings of them might be. Nevertheless, your flatmates seem elated that they are in town and demand your attendance. Upon entry, you find yourself in a sea of people, sweat, and laser lights, jumping up and down to music much faster than you’re used to. You wonder why do students in this in a very racist environment. Skincity pay the equivalent of a week’s heads with Doc Martens telling us to Tesco shop to bounce around in a go back home. My dad’s generation, crowded warehouse until the early the Windrush, they arrived to “no hours of the mornblacks, no Irish, no ing? Why are there ‘It really was a cultural dogs.”’ so many venues The new migrant melting pot' here for nights like community held this? Do other cit‘blues parties’ beies have this culture? cause they weren’t welcome in pubs Answering these questions reand bars. In contrast to the outright quires a look back at the cultural segregation history of Bristol since the Second taking place World War. Caribbean immigrants elsewhere, came to the UK in response to postthese parwar labour shortages, making up the ties emWindrush generation. They brought bodied with them Jamaican Soundsystem t h e culture – collectives of ‘deejays', enBristogineers and MCs who got together to lian play reggae, dub, and ska music. In the 80s, this sound co-evolved with genres like hip-hop, UK garage, and acid house. In Bristol, these i mmigrant s and their children

one was accepting and appreciative Publications like Knowledge Magaand it’s not hard to see why. Sofa of each other.’ zine blew up to an international levSound resident Mako said: ‘having a DJ Die, another jungle heavyel from Bristol’s serious Drum and city like this with so many inspiring weight from the era, stated: ‘it realBass scene. Vinyl shops all over the people opens up all kinds of opporly was a melting pot. You had this city like Breakbeat Culture on Park tunities for collaborations.’ massive black Jamaican community Street acted as community hubs, and I spoke to Mark Gaunt, aka Serum, here mixing with finally, Bristol a DJ and producer who has been a the hippies and had the venues to consistent leader in DnB for the best The audience were the cider drinkers hungry. Jungle had all the accommodate the part of 10 years, to get a better idea and the soundgenre’s roaring of what sets the Bristol scene apart sounds the youth need men. We came up popularity. in his perspective. with a mad little Clipz, an in‘In Bristol there's a big history of vibe here in the late '80s and earfluential jungle DJ and producer DnB and Jungle so the crowd just ly '90s. Loads of DJ crews, hip-hop, grew up in Bristol as this cultural seems to get it and I'm heavily inacid house.’ movement took place, and relayed fluenced by the artists from the area By the time the 90s came, the his experience: ‘it was everywhere too' he said. ‘The crowd are very open movement had grown out of its un– free parties on Feeder Road, Lakoto new things so you can always do derground roots. Free parties, raves ta, Thekla, Trinity Centre, Flynn & your thing how you want to. Bristol and club nights were plentiful, BrisFlora’s night Versatility and Apex at is very multicultural and there have tol-based labels like Full Cycle and Easton Community Centre. The Dealways been good artists from there Dope Dragon had taken off, and pot. You couldn’t avoid it; everyone but, more recently, as London got London’s V Recordings I knew at school or in college was too expensive a lot of people moved. had Brislistening to it or raving. We were imThere are loads of good venues and mersed in it.’ promoters in the area and it's quite While the genre has gained worldan eclectic scene too.’ wide appeal with It seems to It was everywhere. festivals, tours, come down to and venues ap- Everyone I knew at school the vibrant sense pearing around of community was listening to it or the globe, Bristol and acceptance raving tol remains a vital Bristol has culticollective Drum and Bass HQ. vated since the blues parties of the Reprazent as their Labels boasting Bristolian roots 80s – the ‘hippies’, ‘cider drinkers’, frontmen. As Bristol legend like Sofa Sound and Born on Road and ‘soundmen’ DJ Die mentioned Krust said: ‘the audience were hunare releasing some of today’s most are now joined by university stugry. Jungle had all the sounds the exciting music, consistently topping dents, international expats, working youth need.' charts and raising the bar. parents, and everyone in between. Bristol was the perfect city for junBeyond commercial successes, So, when our beloved Motion, gle to take off in – small enough to Drum and Bass icons like Randall, Lakota, HighRise, and Black Swan form a close-knit, die-hard followDigital, and Break moved to Bristol reopen, you’ll know you’re particiing, but big enough to make a sigin the past few years, S.P.Y. came all pating in the ongoing history of one nificant impact on UK music culture. the way from Sao Paolo to be here, of Bristol’s greatest exports.

12 Features

epigram 09.03.2021

Providing pandemic Celebrating the Black Bristol women pro-bono advice who have enacted significant change

difficulties ethnic minorities faced in accessing affordable housing. Her involvement in the community continued up until her death in 2015, speaking at schools around Bristol, with the aim of helping young people to reach their full potential. She received an MBE in 2011 as well as an honorary degree as a Doctor of Law from Bristol University in 2014. Black women continue to have a profound impact over Bristol today. Cleo Lake was appointed Bristol’s Lord Mayor in 2018, becoming the first ever Black woman to take up this position. The former activist and member of the Green Party spoke out against the Colston statue last year, arguing ‘change could not wait for social reform and action to be granted or signed off by administrations, but had to be taken and forced by the collective will of the people.’ In her she spearheaded the Bristol Bus Boy- role as Mayor, she fought relentlessly A look at the massively cotts and was one of the co-founders for social justice, with particular inimportant legacies of of St Paul’s Carnival. Arguably Bris- volvement in the Windrush Scandal tol’s most prominent celebration of and Countering Colston movement. Bristol's leading Black Afro-Caribbean culture, it celebrated Peaches Golding is another notable ladies its 50th anniversary in 2018 and is figure in the long list of Bristol’s keyHelen March now one of Bristol’s biggest attrac- stone women. Her involvement with First Year, English & History tions, drawing in thousands of peo- a vast number of Bristol’s organisaple from across the UK. tions including the North Bristol NHS 8 March is International Women’s However, this is not her only leg- trust and the Ethnic Minority BusiDay and Bristol has been defined by acy, she was also Bristol’s first Com- ness Forum, as well as many others, the vast number of prominent wom- munity Development Officer, and a led to her being awarded an OBE in en who have had a lasting effect on midwife. As a re2009, for services the city and the country more widely; sult of her comto ethnic minorThese are only a few of from suffragettes such as Annie Ken- munity work, ity people in the many names that could ney, to the award-winning author, Beckford became South West. have been included Helen Dunmore. the first Black She was apWhilst some of these women are recipient of an pointed High celebrated for their impact, all too MBE in the South West. In 2020, Sheriff of Bristol in 2010, a role that often their stories are overlooked, Bristol University students voted to dates back 1000 years to the Norman with focus instead directed towards name the new SU bar in senate house period. Despite the long history assomen such as Isambard Kingdom ‘The Beckford’ which is set to open ciated with this role, she was the first Brunel. This is especially the case of this year. She is also commemorated Black woman and second ever Black women involved in the Civil Rights in the ‘Seven Saints of St Pauls’ art person to be chosen for the position, Movement and campaigns for racial installation, which celebrates prom- the first having been Nathaniel Wells, justice. inent Black Bristolians, with murals over 200 years ago in 1818. Bristol’s past is inextricably linked on buildings along the carnival’s Alongside these prestigious apto racial inequality and discrimina- procession route. pointments, she was also given the tion, having ties to both the slave An equally prominent figure in role of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutentrade through figures such as Ed- the fight against discrimination in ant of the County and City of Brisward Colston, but also the Civil Bristol is Princess Campbell. Camp- tol in 2017. Her goal in this role is Rights Movement, with the Bristol bell came to England from Jamaica to advocate for the improvement of Bus Boycott having a profound in- in 1962, having heard an advertise- access to opportunities for those in fluence over the ment for workers disadvantaged sectors of society. In They helped create the progression of over the radio. an interview with the Bristol Magaracial equality vibrant and diverse culture She was routine- zine, Golding praised the role, saying in the UK. With that Bristol is known for. ly discriminated ‘it gives cause for unity and celebrathe prominence against, both in tion - creating stories we pass from of Black Lives Matter and the contro- the workplace and when accessing generation to generation.’ versy of Bristol’s Colston statue last housing. Despite this, she became Whilst all of these women have year, it felt appropriate to focus on the first Black ward sister in Bristol, evidently had an enormous impact some of the incredible Black women having been overlooked two years on Bristol and its involvement in who have had influence over Bristol’s previously. race relations, these are only a few of culture and heritage. As a result of the discrimination many names which could have been It is impossible to discuss the many that she faced, she worked tirelessly included in the ever-growing list of influential Black women from Bristol, to improve race relations in the city, inspiring women fighting for change without acknowledging the work of playing a key role in setting up the and social justice, helping to create Carmen Beckford (pictured above). A United Housing Association in the the vibrant and diverse culture which figurehead of Bristol’s race relations, 1980s, formed in response to the Bristol is so well-known for.

Epigram / Teddy Coaward

and commitment of both current and outgoing students has enabled the Clinic to meet its goal to ‘provide a professional and year-round service’ for clients. Of course, the Clinic has also faced the inevitable challenges that come First Year, Law with remote working and social distancing. When asked about the genhe economic and social eral experience of volunteering at the damage caused by the pan- Law Clinic, Ryan noted it has been demic has undeniably pre- a particular challenge to maintain a sented challenges to individuals and sense of community. business as they navigate lockdown However, the Law Clinic has imrestrictions. As a result of econom- plemented several measures such as ic hardship caused by the recession, online events, weekly bulletins and many individuals have been con- Zoom drop-in sessions to facilitate fronted with uncertainty surround- regular communication amongst ing legal issues, including their em- members, which mitigates the chalployment rights or their rights as a lenges that come with the absence of tenant. Thus, they have found them- a common work space. selves in a position where they need Those who cannot access technololegal advice and yet they are not in gy and the internet from their homes a position to be able to afford access will inevitably find it difficult to acto it. cess legal advice provided remotely. This points to the integral role of The past few months have highlightpro-bono work in providing vulner- ed the digital divide across society, able individuals with access to free whereby digital poverty concerning legal advice, parcompetency and Student's are currently ticularly during access to devices working on 232 active this critical time. has unfortunately cases, on track to exceed hindered access Ryan MacMahon, Student Dito justice, as oplast year's case load rector of the Unierations become versity of Bristol Law Clinic confirms increasingly digitalised out of necesthat the Law Clinic has successfully sity. stepped up to the challenges posed To rectify this issue, the Law Soby the pandemic, thanks to the ef- ciety has supported the implemenforts of all staff, including Louise tation of innovative software which Chalice and Liz Brealey. increases engagement amongst those Remote collaboration and virtual with lower technical competencies. engagement with clients have not Such measures may potentially bechanged the fundamental principles come more prevalent across a wider of volunteering at the Law Clinic. range of pro-bono law centres in the When asked about the nature of en- coming months and years. quiries, Ryan drew attention to the However, the opportunities proincrease in housing and employment vided by remote working cannot be cases. Regarding the volume of en- overlooked. Ryan pointed out that quiries, Ryan added that students are geographical distance is no longer currently working on 232 active cas- a significant barrier to being able to es, meaning the take on a client’s Clinic is on track case. Members The Clinic has to meet and posimplemented innovative have benefited sibly exceed last from the flexisoftware to help clients year’s case load, bility that comes facing digital poverty which is particuwith remote larly impressive, working, having given the altered working conditions been able to work on cases from anthat staff and students have had to ywhere in the world, including places adapt to. such as Hong Kong. The possibility The Clinic has retained the pro- of referrals has given the Clinic the vision of a year-round service for opportunity to deepen its collaboraits clients, providing the most vul- tion with its partners across Bristol, nerable in the community with the including Mind, Clic Sargent and the security that they can access legal Wellspring Settlement project. advice throughout the year. To faRemote working has presented cilitate a year-round service, 122 of challenges but also opportunities, the 232 active cases are being car- and the Law Clinic has adapted acried on from the previous academic cordingly. In times of uncertainty, it year and around 45 cases were being is certain that pro-bono legal advice processed by outgoing third years will remain an essential service as we over the summer. The dedication process the fallout of the pandemic.

University of Bristol Law Clinic continues to give support despite current circumstances Jasmine Cundiff

Opinion

Editor Fiorenza Dell'Anna Digital Editor Jack Crockford Deputy Editor Edward Crowson

Twitter: @EpigramOpinion

Gavin Williamson's Free The pandemic’s Speech policies fail to impact on understand the problem students may still be yet to come with campus culture no means a surprise, the extent of it may be. A struggling economy is a worry for students in any situation. The difficulties of securing a job following university even in a stable economic climate have been well publicised and criticised over the last few Third Year, History years. The adjustment process that businesses will now have to go through he handling of the Covid-19 after the pandemic, and the growing pandemic could be a definpains that come with it, are justifiaing issue for our generation bly cause for concern among those along with setting the course of our entering the job market. nation for the next several years. While this relates to the more imWhile we can venture a guess at mediate problems we expect to face, what that future might entail, what with each pandemic relief policy inseems undeniable is that our nationtroduced by the government, the naal response will continue to affect tional debt continues to loom largour lives long after the vaccines are er and larger in administered, and lockdowns An illusion of stability has the background. However, the lifted. been created by govern- news is not all Understandment loans bad. ing and having a The speed with voice in this nawhich the vactionwide crisis is cine has been rolled out has encouressential for students because, while aged many to be cautiously optimiswe may emerge from this pandemic tic that the UK economy may be on comparatively unscathed, we may be the upswing. the ones shouldering the future ecoI’m certain that everyone apprenomic burden. ciates the immediate and desperThe current government has rightate needs of all of our family and fully tried to navigate this difficult friends, which period by investThe GDP in 2020 faced its the government ing in healthcare and vaccines as worst annual decline since has tried to address in their well as offering 1709 response. The public support pandemic has through proplaced a responsibility on all of us to grams such as the furlough schemes. support the vulnerable in our socieHowever, this may have created an ty and keep this country afloat in a illusion of stability, precariously time of crisis. maintained by government loans, But that does not mean that we which threatens to come crashing should be unaware of the potential down when we are forced to tackle repercussions this deficit in the that this may coming years. It is of vital importance We are now that students be aware of have. Given the beginning to the current situation long-term efunderstand the fects that the damage that this government’s actions may have on pandemic has caused. A recent anour society, it is of vital importance nouncement showed that the 2020 that students be aware of the current GDP was down 9.9 percent making situation and voice their concerns as it the worst annual decline since the the nation considers its future. year 1709. While a recession is by

Epigram / Emilie Robinson

Students will likely bare the brunt of COVID-19's economic consequences in a post-pandemic world Emmanuel Sebbag

Campus culture versus cancel culture; the culprits behind issues of freedom of speech at university Jules Chan Second Year, Law

t some point since I arrived at university, I stopped speaking openly about my conservative political beliefs and started half-heartedly laughing along to demeaning jokes about the ‘Tory Scum’ on campus. I imagine it was this culture that was on the Education Secretary’s mind when he proposed an office that would oversee and sanction universities and unions accused of infringing on freedom of speech. Conservative rhetoric has a complex relationship with free speech. For a party that is increasingly drawn towards right-wing populism, the balance between securing freedom of expression and preventing hate speech is often contentious within the party. Who gets to dictate this balance is an even more difficult question to answer. Yet, a common misconception is that the right to be heard is a universal and absolute right, which still permeates argument and policy. Gavin Williamson’s insistence on tackling what he calls the ‘chilling

effect’ of no platforming is a prime doesn’t come from universities or example. The ‘war on woke' narraunions. A polarisation of political tive presents unions and universities discourse is underway, and its manias ground zero for political censorfestation in student culture is organship, but this simply isn’t the case. ic. The homogeneity of the student Research conducted by YouGov in population, being predominantly 2018 found that student opinions young, educated and riddled with on when freedom of speech should debt, causes an echo chamber. This be restricted corresponded to those makes the community particularly of the general public - a sign that a vulnerable to a small minority of good balance had been struck. The bad faith actors, misinterpreting the Conservatives support of their seem perfectly peers as justifiSelf-censorship is happy to point cation to push detrimental to mental to attempts of the boundaries health no platformof acceptable ing or cancelling as evidence of an discourse into the territory of peroverwhelming attempt to undermine sonal attacks, bullying and threats. freedom of expression and silence The normalisation of comments such debate whilst directly ignoring the as those frequently seen on Brispush-back and debate that these intruths, claiming there is humour in stances provoke. getting Tories to cry, for example, Problems with the government’s essentially encourages an intolerant proposals go far beyond the esand hostile culture of self-censorship tablishment it seeks to monitor. Its that is detrimental to mental health. influence is also detrimental to stuThese issues require nuanced condent efforts looking to address actuversation, yet there is little in the al issues with university discourse. government’s plan to suggest any Humouring the fictitious belief that interest in stopping this ‘culture war' there is an elaborate institutionalrather than winning it. ised conspiracy to silence those who The issues with Gavin Williamaren’t woke makes it difficult for son’s policies stem from a fundaConservatives to be taken seriously mental misunderstanding of how when genuine transgressions and student discourse is conducted in our hostility takes place on a personal universities, and apathy towards the level. What the Education Secretary actual insidious problems with camdoesn’t seem to understand is that pus culture, but perhaps this was to the problem with campus culture be expected.

14 Opinion

epigram 09.03.2021

The University’s handling of the pandemic has left students depleted and disappointed

The New Bristolian: Lecturers ought to make the effort to pronounce their students' names correctly Lowri Lewis

Opinion Columnist

Epigram / Lucy O'Neill

This year has been rife with unpleasant surprises from the University and students are tired of adapting Alex Berry Third Year, Ancient History

t is a widely felt and frequently expressed view that most students in the UK are, at present, struggling. Many of us are feeling unmotivated about our degrees, desperate to socialise properly (we mean a night out – not another walk on the Downs) and somewhat let down by our institution. For a university that is so vocal on student’s mental health and wellbeing, many students believe that the way the University of Bristol has handled these ‘unprecedented times’ has been nothing short of appalling. Now let’s not be naïve, we are fully aware that many of the measures implemented by the University have been beyond their control. We are living through a public health crisis, and there is no denying that we were caught off-guard by this pandemic. These are unusual times, for which our institution was clearly ill-prepared. However, the issue arises in the communication (or lack thereof) between students and the University. It seems as though for the last six months there has been nothing but a slow trickle of formality emails, aggressive warnings about rule-break-

ing and sanctions, and the insensiand robotic email, along with the littive delivery of disappointing news. tle messages of bad news we receive It should be noted that this does not every few months, feel like continuinclude the emails of some individous punches in the face. uals, particularly those of faculty Nevertheless, we waited patiently members who have been kind, unin anticipation to see what the goldderstanding and generous. en mitigation packet would entail. Let us cast our minds back to AuNeedless to say, many of us were gust 2020 when many students were disappointed upon its release. left stressed and anxious about the It’s true that what we ended up refinal year of their degree. This only ceiving was more generous than preworsened after the School of Humanvious years. However, it doesn’t even ities axed four of our available units. come close to repaying the building This was particularly disheartening financial costs, disappearing life exgiven the nature of the remaining periences and draining mental health list. Many students were forced to we are enduring. The best three years change the options they had already of our lives are being extinguished chosen and tried one email at a to awkwardly time. The best three years of excite themHow many our lives are being extin- more ‘we unselves about modules they guished one email at a time derstand this is had purposefully a challenging rejected. time for all of It’s clear the Department had its us' emails will there be before people reasons for doing so, and it’s not start to give up? That is, withdraw something that a petition or a few from their degree, spiral mentally, or angry emails could solve – this was facilitate the brewing protest against out of everyone’s hands. It was, the system? With the stress of ashowever, the lack of empathy and signments, the cold and dark weaththe suggestion that if you truly find er and the severe lack of hope, it can one of the unavailable options that only be a matter of time before this interesting, you should focus on it in all comes to an ugly head. your dissertation instead. For £9,250, Our desperate hope for a long hot this is simply not good enough. summer of celebrations, relaxation A more universally experienced and freedom can only get us so far anoyance among the student body, as we desperately hold on to the and a rightful cause for protests and ounce of motivation and positivity petitions, was the safety net saga. As we’ve got left. Every day comes with to be expected, the University let us the fear of receiving another disapknow that they fully supported the pointing email and students have Russell Group’s position. This cold had enough.

erhaps it’s because lecturers rotate students every few months, rather than every academic year, that they seem to make less of an effort to pronounce students' names correctly than the teachers we had in school. Of course, I’m used to correcting people on the pronunciation of my name. But when I do this at University, it feels like many lecturers don’t even try to remember it. Whilst my Welsh teachers would normally double check whether they’d used the correct pronunciation of my name, I’ve noticed that lecturers in England tend to simply guess the pronunciation and leave it at that. Some guess correctly, thankfully – but those who guess wrongly, and proceed to mispronounce my name in every seminar, leave me cringing internally every time I’m called on. I had expected, since I was moving from a country where my name is common to one in which it’s seen as a little more unusual, to have to correct people on its pronunciation. But when I do, most lecturers forget what I’ve told them, and are calling me L-ah-oo-ree again by the next week. It must be difficult to remember students' names, especially uncommon ones, when the students you teach change so often. But even in a pre-pandemic world, before online classes gave everyone name badges under their faces, that’s not much of an excuse. As I have just demonstrated, it’s perfectly easy to spell names phonetically. This can be noted next to names on a class list, to ensure that they’re pronounced right every time. Of course, it can be argued that I should just be correcting lecturers every time they get my name wrong. However, as a result of their position of authority, calling them out every time feels almost like an act of insubordination. And, quite honestly, I

would rather not waste time in seminars by repeatedly going over the pronunciation of my name. But an uncomfortable consequence of mispronunciation, when it comes from lecturers, is that everyone else in the seminar group thinks that then is my name. When a lecturer fails to take the time to find out what it actually is, that means there’s now twenty other people who think that’s what I'm called. The morale boost that I get on the rare occasions that everyone says my name right, because a lecturer asks me how to pronounce my name and remembers that going forward, indicates that this plays an important role in ensuring that all students are comfortable in seminars. Anyone with a name that is uncommon in England will know this feeling, but I know that if you have not experienced it, it can seem like I’m overstating the significance of this. ‘What’s so great about people saying your name right?’ you might ask. I think it just shows that our feelings have been considered. Moreover, I do not think it is a lot to ask of lecturers: respecting students enough to call us by our actual name, rather than one they have decided to call us by. That being said, I appreciate that the situation I find myself in when it comes to the pronunciation of my name is very different than that of those whose names are mispronounced not simply because of a lack of regard for their feelings, but as a result of worser forms of discrimination, too. It is a privilege for this to just be an annoying part of life, rather than a microaggression. Lecturers do not seem to realise the extent to which something which can seem small to them, like the pronunciation of a name, can impact their students. It’s about time they made an effort to ensure that students with less common names are comfortable in seminars, not wincing every time our name is said.

Opinion 15

epigram 09.03.2021

Toxic positivity needs to stop during lockdown

Tuition fees are still worthwhile

tion fees, especially when the UK has a shortage of homegrown medical graduates. Commonly perceived as one of the most intense degrees at university, the idea that a medical student requires a part-time job on the side to help fund their degree seems farcical – and the fact that some have to seems unfair, and a barrier to success Third Year, Economics for everyone. few questions short of the Should the government pursue a top prize, and the private policy of a reduction in tuition fees island in the Caribbean where graduates go on to fill a role she had her sights set on, Bristol of which there is a shortage of workUniverisity student Mainga Bhima ers in the country? Few people would walked away with a cool £64,000 argue with tuition fee support in the from ITV’s Who Wants To Be A Milform of another student loan for stulionaire. When asked what she would dents on their second undergradube spending the winnings on, howate degree, who would fill those key ever, Bhima announced it would go jobs where there are shortages. The to towards repaying her tuition fees. counterpoint to a reduction in fees But what question does this raise is that industries with a shortage of about the cost of university tuition workers, including STEM degrees, and the student loan system? tend to have a higher likelihood of In truth, stuearning above dent loans are It feels morally wrong for a median income far more like upon graduamedical student contribut- tion; thereby bea graduate tax than a loan – es- ing to our NHS should pay ing more likely tuition fees pecially as the to pay off their loan is written loan, and being off 30 years after the first repaylikely to see a return on their ‘investment. ment’ in higher education. A level In our game show context, it is playing field, then, seems like the worth pointing out that Bhima is best option. undertaking her second undergradUltimately the current tuition fees uate degree, and was ineligible for system isn’t broken, and doesn’t government tuition fee support for a need fixing. second undergraduate degree. Students who undertake a degree, These circumstances do not align although subject to some daunting with the vast majority of university compound interest, will only pay off students, who are entitled to a tuithe loan in full if they earn enough tion fee loan to fund their first unmoney, above a minimum threshold dergraduate degree. These students over a 30 year period – and most may think twice about spending a don’t. five-figure game show haul on payStudents that do manage to pay ing off tuition off their student fees, whereas loan for tuition The current tuition fees it is completely fees can be said system isn't broken understandable to have gained to see why Bhia significant rema has chosen to pay off tuition turn on their ‘investment’ in their fees with her winnings. A reasoneducation; and those that haven’t able question that could be asked gained such a return see their loan though, is why should a medical stuwritten off. dent, who is contributing to our NHS University tuition isn’t generally throughout their study, be required a barrier to entry for potential stuto self-fund their degree, despite the dents, (in the way that maintenance fact that it is a second degree? loans can be), as shown by the yearIt feels morally wrong that a medon-year rise of students in higher ical student, putting in so many education this century. With record hours of unpaid placement service UCAS acceptance last summer, stuto our NHS throughout their years dents clearly still see these fees as a at university should be paying tuiprice worth paying.

The ongoing tuition fees debate takes a nuanced turn as Bristol student uses competition prize money to repay student debt Joe Andrews

Alice Proctor

It's all about perspective: both positivity and emotional struggle are equally valid Alice Clarke

Epicartoon: ‘Stay positive!'

damaging and unfortunately is more These things can be done, but commonplace than one would hope. clearly the implications of national Sentiments like ‘it could be worse’, lockdowns are more complex than ‘just don’t focus on negativity’, that. Many have lost loved ones, ‘have you tried making your bed and their jobs, their homes; any semdrinking more water?’ really overblance of normality or even posisimplify the complex times we are tivity seems very far removed from living in and the complex emotions these circumtsances. Second Year, History that tend to emerge. You don’t have to be productive Trying to be positive and encourThe first UK lockdown felt very and working on your peak perforaging others to do the same isn't different to the one we are in now. mance during times like this, though toxic in itself, however it leans into Last year’s lockdown for many was it seems employers and universities toxicity when it invalidates and characterised by sun, iced coffee, are struggling to appreciate this. minimises peoples’ very real, diffiwalks and hair dye. Being in lockIt is okay if you didn’t learn that cult experiences and emotions. down in the depths of winter in Jannew language you said you would, Suppressing negative emotions is uary and February, there certainly if you're behind on university work, not conducive to feeling better. They are less positive if the days feel should be felt without the implicaaspects to cling pointless. We It is easy for some to tion they are preventable or extreme. onto. With over simply shouldn’t see lockdown through a An environment of toxic positivi120,000 deaths be expected to rose-tinted lens ty promotes shame and pressure in caused by COVthrive in times struggling. In recent years, with the ID-19 nationallike these. push for better awareness of mental ly, understanding and dealing with Many people are also locked down health, toxic positivity feels reducgrief and upheaval is more compliin environments that are far from tive and shallow. The ability to pull cated than spreading ‘good vibes’. ideal. Many have spent the last year oneself out of a slump is great but Though it can be well-intentioned, alone. Many have their daily walks also a lucky privilege. mindless optimism needs to be reby busy, barely scenic roads, not the It is not an indication of being placed with a normalisation of bad luscious countryside. stronger or better adjusted than emotions. Allowing these feelings in It is easy for some to see lockothers. It encourages people to keep a time like this is completely natural down through a rose-tinted lens but quiet about their feelings and feel aland understandable. After a year of the reality is more difficult and this ienated when it appears that everydeath and isolation, people are sure should be recognised. Feelings that one around you is coping or even to be mentally worn down. are natural in times of stress, change thriving. Important questions need to be and pressure are Trying to hold asked about how individuals, comnot self-inflictToxic positivity over-simon to the good munities, and the country as a ed, or unfoundplifies the complex times things in life, whole, will be able to process the ed. We have we are living in hope for the fuscale of the loss experienced. Many been in and out ture and generhave suggested that from COVID-19 of lockdowns for ally being positive is not a bad thing. will come a collective trauma, somea year now and the toll of isolation It can be really helpful in getting thing that cannot be remedied with and uncertainty is measurable on through times like these. However, toxic positivity. people’s mental health. the acceptance of negative emotions Lockdowns have been promoted Though it is difficult to stay posigiven we are living through a panby positive influencers as simply tive, it can of course, help. However, demic is vital, and these emotions ‘more free time’ to be productive, try the relentless pursuit of positivity need to be universally understood. new things and reorganise your life. without nuance or context is only

16 Opinion

epigram 09.03.2021

During our online classes, seeing faces rather than black screens, helps students engage Joe Marshall Chief Proofreader

ialling in to a Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate session to be greeted with a sea of black screens, bar the seminar tutor, isn’t the stuff of university prospectuses, but that’s become the reality of term two for many of us. Unlike last term, almost all of us are now learning exclusively online. With in-person teaching not set to return for the majority of students until at least after Easter, turning our cameras on in seminars would be to the benefit of our learning experience, whatever reservations we might have about them. There are of course cases where it might not be possible to turn on your camera. WiFi can be temperamental, but not at the level it’s used as an excuse for not turning cameras on. Given that most of us are Skyping, Zooming or staying connected with friends and family through video calls outside university, it seems unlikely that such a small minority in

some online classes are the only ones whose internet connection can maintain voice and video. This term, one of my module tutors insisted in an email that we turn our cameras on when on Zoom, advising us to contact him if there was a legitimate reason we couldn’t do so. There is a clear difference between the number of people using cameras in this unit compared to others, suggesting that it’s more a case of attitude than of any genuine excuse in people’s decisions to have their camera on or off. For many, turning off their cameras provides a layer of security – something that is tempting to rely on in the mental haze of a 9am seminar. But, given we are going to seminars to learn and get live teaching – something which I, a social sciences student, only have four hours of each week – we might as well go with a contributory mindset, if not in the intimidating arena of the main room, then at least in breakout rooms. By not turning our cameras on, the only connection we have with other students is seeing their name superimposed on a black screen and their voice every now and then, creating an unresponsive, unengaging – and poor value-for-money – learning environment. Indeed, the fact we are

Unsplash/ Kari Shea

Students should turn on their cameras in online classes

arguably not getting our money’s always kept my camera on during worth this academic year means we seminars – rolling out of bed to face should take any opportunity that a Zoom with 20 other students isn’t might improve the quality of our the most attractive of propositions, academic expeparticularly for rience. Further- Without cameras, students those who suffer more, it is more face a name super-imposed with anxiety. likely we’ll feel a Then again, on a black screen greater sense of it is likely that student community with the camer- people are going to be looking mainas on, something that’s been sorely ly at the tutor over the duration of lacking this year. a seminar, rather than exclusively at I’d be a hypocrite to say that I’ve you, so don't be intimidated to put

your camera on. If anything, I often find myself looking more at my own picture during seminars, something I think many people do (or maybe I'm just a complete narcissist?). As for the tutor, I'm sure they’d prefer to see an engaged cohort with their cameras on. It’s still a new way of teaching for many of them, and it’s a matter of respecting the effort they’ve put into preparing and teaching by engaging with them in whatever way we can. Turning your camera on encourages us to speak, and takes the pressure off of the tutor in driving a stagnant, faceless discussion. I think the decision for turning on cameras is one that is significantly influenced by what other people are doing. The greater number of students that have their cameras on in the first place, the more other students will feel empowered to turn their own cameras on. It is, dare I say, an infectious phenomenon. Although there are situations I’ve outlined where turning your camera on might not be possible, I do not believe these are universal issues. If you want to get the most out of your learning experience, avoid the awkward breakout rooms and build a greater sense of student community: turn your camera on!

Lecturers should not be reusing old lecture recordings for this year's teaching

pletely online, the number of differences were few. Both relied heavily on video recordings, both covered very similar content, and both (to my surprise) provided feedback on assessments. Differences became even more scarce when I compared it to degrees where professors make their students watch lectures from years First Year, Religion and Theology past. he Internet is a wonderful As opposed to providing their stuplace for those who wish dents with new educational content to learn, and with many through live Zoom meetings or rewebsites being dedicated to procently made asynchronous lectures, viding people with free educational some lecturers have opted to recycle courses (The Open University, Courold recordings instead. Had any of sera, Google Digital Garage…) I’ve my own professors done this, I would been left wondering if my degree’s have been outraged. £27,750 price tag is worth it. After all, £1,579 of our tuition fees Just 30 are spent on minutes into Lecture recordings hardly differ teaching, so a 43-hour I do not feel from free online courses long, free it is unreacourse on sonable to the history of Christianity, I began expect professors to fulfil their job to play spot-the-difference between descriptions. This includes providing it and my BA in Religion and Theus with content that is up-to-date ology. with modern academia. With lectures having moved comA lot can change in a year in the

Amidst debate about fee reductions and reusing lecture recordings, live lectures are a good solution Lily Morris

Epigram / Rosie Angel-Clark

world of research – my theology lectures often reference theories and events from just a few months ago. It is a professor’s job to keep up-todate with the happenings of their subject and share these updates with their students. Posting old lecture recordings does the opposite, denying students a proper education. The fact that 79 per cent of undergraduates struggle to make ends meet makes

this dilemma all the more frustrating. With financial stress on their shoulders, students deserve to receive the education they are paying for. Furthermore, every lecturer has access to Zoom, and hosting online lectures takes no more time out of a professor’s day than in-person lectures used to. There is no excuse for releasing dated content. Not to mention, Zoom meetings

enable students to ask questions and interact with each other. Professors only have so many contact hours, and sometimes students just don’t have time to write countless emails or attend numerous 15 minute sessions just to ask simple questions about one part of an old lecture recording. Live lectures kill two birds with one stone. Overall, I feel that the pandemic has made university teaching all too similar to the free courses that can be found online. The one thing that has allowed it to be distinctly different is the personal touch of engaging with professors and students alike. This aspect has been kept alive, to the best of its ability, through live online lectures. To replace them with old lecture recordings is to reduce one’s degree to something that can be attained through a Google search. Universities should do one of two things to compensate those who have been educated through reused content: reduce their fees or start giving them what they paid for.

Film&TV

Editor Maddy Raven Digital Editor Katya Spiers Deputy Editor Sam Vickers

Twitter: @Epigramculture

How has the female protagonist evolved? Are you a Rachel or a Monica? Molly examines the evolution of the female protagonist in TV Molly Downham Third Year, English Literature

hether you consider yourself to be a ‘Rachel’ or a ‘Monica’ is a question that has confronted women for twenty-six years, since Friends (1994-2004) first aired. Imposed identification with the girl-nextdoor or a grounded control freak. Throughout the 1990s, female protagonists took to our TV screens with gusto. From the cast of Friends to Sabrina the Teenage Witch (19962003), these women were authentic but archetypal. Beautiful but supernatural. Liberated but sexualised. ‘Girl power’ saw the rise of thirdwave feminism, but also rampant sexism. Within the complicity of a permissive society, the female image was able to be distorted and reinstated through popular culture. The supermodel era advocated white beauty norms and the singular body type to fit all through Kate Moss – the symbol of heroin chic that came to define the early-90s. Music videos – whether in RnB or the Spice Girls – casually pornified the female body. Meanwhile, ‘90’s b*tch’ is an idiom that continues to disparage women in popular culture. Yet, we adore the shows. Sex and the City (1998-2004) has been on repeat for decades and awaits a revival. The grainy camera quality captures the iconic Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda in designer couture, running around the streets of New York City to fulfil careers and desires. The premise is enchanting and advocates ambition – but the characters are elitist and whitewashed. Carrie Bradshaw is constantly miserable without a man, and despite running a successful sex column, is deeply biphobic. Bisexuality is dubbed as the ‘layover to gay town’ rather than a legitimate identity. Outmoded dialogue seeps over as friends in minority groups fall into simplistic stereotypes. The social pressure of marriage are continually enforced. But despite these immense faults, the women are complex, relatable, and we learn from their strengths as well as flaws. Carrie Bradshaw defied social destiny by

claiming autonomy over her fertility. Samantha fought breast cancer and Charlotte overcame infertility. Miranda showed that despite the strenuous realities of a career and motherhood, women can have it all. Their lives can also be validated and celebrated. Into the 2000s, Gossip Girl (20072012) became a rite of passage for teenage girls in the digital age. The show presented that women can also be powerful and promiscuous – but this is distorted through the male gaze. Within minutes of the pilot, the camera pans to D a n in-

tently watching Serena, who becomes an object of desire. As the series progresses, cyber-bullying and sexual exploitation become more rigorous. In 2007, the plot was intended to be highly uncomfortable to watch, as the pull-in was viewing Serena and Blair overcome and rise above. What can be taken from the show is how significantly society has shifted. #MeToo has held the show accountable and we can watch retrospectively in the knowledge this is inadvertently an acc u - rate portrayal of victim-

hood. The shortcoming is we had to steadfast and striking transition. In wait a decade for justice to occur off the past five years, Villanelle apthe screen. peared on Killing Eve (2018-). She Next, the 2010s saw Lena Dunis authentically intelligent, multiham’s Girls (2012-2017) premier to lingual and driven with desire. The critical acclaim. The series reflected creator, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, also the struggling writer, Hannah Horwrote Fleabag (2016-2018). It tells vath, alongthe story of a 90's b*tch is an idiom that woman who side millennial flatmates continues to disparage women lucidly articuwaiting for lates the dark in popular culture their lives to thoughts we begin. The series gained acclaim for cannot – or are simply ashamed – to gritty realism but remains defenceexpress. less against intersectional criticism. Doctor Foster (2015-2017) was The requirement of wealth and a robust education in female anwhiteness within feger. Normal People (2020) explored male protagonists the delicate nuances of attraction signified litthrough the female gaze with an evtle change er-evolving female lead, Marianne. within In the summer of 2020, Michela tradiColes’ I May Destroy You (2020) portional trayed the complexity of consent, broadrace and hook-up culture. The jourcasting ney of Arabella navigating sexual productrauma was a masterpiece that fortition since fied the importance of Black British the 1990s. female voices. However, the But breaking away from tradiBBC is a rare tional broadcasting and the establishment’s hold, digital streaming platforms have mobilised young creatives to evolve the female protagonist from the ground up. Orange is the New Black (2013-2018) is Netflix’s most watched (as well as longest) original show. The series is universally acclaimed for humanising female prisoners and depicting a range of ages, sexualities, body types, and nationalities through revolutionary female leads. The development of female protagonists in television is a political signifier. Their stories and complexities are constantly accessible and streaming in the background of our everyday lives. Such intense cultural commentary should be met with a critical eye. We should ask why Emily in Paris (2020-) has been nominated for an Emmy when I May Destroy You lost out. Who is writing the scripts, casting the leads – and with what intenextion? amWe shouldn’t erase the past. Inple stead, we can appreciate how every of a failure to pass the test of time suggests a modern reckoning has occurred. Women are on-screen have always had a degree of complexity: a glimmer of wit, humour, and relatability. Slowly, protagonists are becoming more complete. Women are shown to be heterogeneous, mulImages (top to bottom): courtesy of HULU, Lillies Films, Fox, Jason Bell, Netflix, Black Bear Pictures, BBC ti-faceted, and deeply fascinating.

18 Film&TV

epigram 09.03.2021

Reclaiming the female gaze, one film at a time It's empowering to watch a film intent on centralising the sapphic experience as a queer woman Ellie Spenceley Second Year, English Literature

oes the gender of a director affect a film’s vision? In a society that so heavily caters to male desire and filters female experience through the male gaze, it is imperative that we are critical of the ways in which lesbian desire is presented on screen. Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2020) is a beautiful example of the female gaze on film – a subversion of the concerningly common expectation of sapphic desire as having to be visually appealing to men. Sciamma, a lesbian herself who previously dated one of the lead actresses, Adèle Haenel, is personally familiar with the essences of queer desire that she illustrates with such beauty on screen. The same cannot be said for Abdellatif Kechiche, who made his directorial debut with iconic lesbian film Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013). The film, whilst well-renowned in discussions about queer cinema, was subject to a number of controversies surrounding the process of production and subsequent promotion, with concerns arising about the way in which Kechiche approached the filming of sex scenes between Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux. As a bisexual woman who watched this film at an impressionable 15-years-of-age, still uncertain

about her sexuality, the amount of sex was definitely striking, but having not yet had my own experiences, considerably dangerous in retrospect. Was I building up an understanding of how romantic relationships between women rise and fall based on the ideas presented to me by a heterosexual man? Having had time to come into my own and understand my attraction to women on my own terms, Blue is The Warmest Colour feels voyeuristic. Whilst sex is, of course, an element of female homosexual relations as much as it is a feature within heterosexual relationships, Kechiche’s presentation of sexuality within a lesbian dynamic feels reductive and objectifying. I worry about younger queer women, who are less aware of film discourse, watching a film like Blue is the Warmest Colour and feeing as though their emergence into same-sex attraction must be rooted in immediate hypersexuality. The sexuality spectrum is diverse, nuanced and accommodating, and films that claim to depict queer experience that reduce it to its sexual elements do not seem authentic nor

do they seem to embrace the sapphic experiences that I, and my queer friends, are familiar with. Whilst Blue is the Warmest Colour was undoubtedly a formative film for me, knowing how controversial it is and how problematic its production was causes me to step back and reflect upon the extent to which our society fetishises lesbianism for the benefit of cisgender heterosexual men. Both Exarchopoulos and Seydoux remarked upon how Kechiche made them film the sex scenes many times – a fact that makes me uncomfortable as a queer woman who knows how intimate and individualistic a sexual encounter with another woman is. Questions like these make me consider whether or not it is important for lesbian stories to be told by lesbian women as long as they remain marginalised in a heteronormative

society. Why is ‘lesbian’ such a popular porn category when the majority of people who consume porn are male, for example? Why are presentations of lesbianism in pornography so performative and catered to male sex drive, making the feelings of women in the presented situations secondary to what the dominant male sex drive desires? Céline Sciamma’s directorial vision with Portrait of a Lady on Fire is therefore important, and a strong indicator, perhaps, of how lesbian cinema is to be created in years to come. A male character is not even introduced until the final act of the film, and this does not feel unusual until you are forced to confront the lack of male presence. So many films in the Western canon neglect the idea that women and female experience have the capability to be central, so watching Portrait as a queer woman felt like a forceful confrontation of this imbalance. It is em-

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powering to watch a film so intent on centralising sapphic experience, but disempowering to know that in the grand scheme of things, such a film is considered anomalous. In Portrait of a Lady on Fire, no men are present in the presentation of lesbian desire, either inside or outside of the film’s frame. The film contains a lot less sex than Blue is the Warmest Colour, but the intimacy it does present seems true to life and representative of the non-linear, non-categorisable essence of a real sapphic relationship. Whilst both films, despite their directorial vision, can provide a viewer with insight into female queer desire, Portrait is successful in manipulating nuance to explore complexity, where Blue feels the need to use obnoxious displays of desire to assert itself as valid in the realm of queer cinema. Whether this is related to the gender of the director is perhaps down to individual interpretation. Regardless, I feel there is an urgency to give female directors the front seat where female stories are concerned, in the same way that I view queer stories as having a necessity to be told by queer individuals who have personal experience they can reflect into their fiction. Whilst fiction is fundamentally creation, there is no doubt of the importance of prioritising the voices that have gone through the experiences presented, in order to make the stories told as realistic as possible.

Amanita from Sense8 is an LGBT icon - here's why Her character is never reduced to a tool for the writers to fulfil Nomi's storyline Wyn Turner Third Year, Theatre & French

he Wachowski Sisters-led sci-fi show Sense8 (20152018) premiered in 2015 and I still think of it to this day when asked about my favourite shows. The series concerns the evolution of empathy in a new kind of human, ‘homo sensorium’, who form an eight-part cluster with those they communicate with, and ‘visit’. The members of the cluster share the same mind, so they experience pain, memories, thoughts and kickboxing skills as a collective. Amanita Caplan is the girlfriend and eventual wife of Nomi Marks, one

member of the cluster that the series tracks, as they work to liberate themselves from the control of BPO, a corporation dedicated to eradicating all homo sensorium. Amanita believes her girlfriend completely when Nomi admits she’s seeing people who aren’t there and hearing thoughts that aren’t hers, and she’s one of the few characters outside of the cluster to do so. Other cluster members never disclose their identity to their friends and family, yet Nomi trusts Amanita with this enormous secret. Throughout the events of the program we see exactly why: Amanita is curious, sensitive and brave, and, I would argue, proves herself to be one of the best characters in the entire show and a genuine heroine. Amanita Caplan is full of the traits that are emblematic of Sense8; love, acceptance, celebration, intelligence,

creativity, and empathy. Colourful and kind, her dreads are streaked with blue, purple and pink (reminiscent of the bi flag colours). She so purely represents the best qualities of humans while never being reduced to an archetype. And considering she’s one of the few Black gay women to be represented well in the Western canon, Neets is a groundbreaking character for the real-life communities she belongs to. She gets to reclaim the colonising line from the Pride flashback scene. She has three dads – none of whom know (or want to know) which one is her biological father – and independent mother, Grace, a Jewish woman who raised Amanita in a commune. Not to mention, she’s played beautifully by Freema Agyeman, whose interviews about her character and the show provide some truly heart-warming content which I cannot recommend

highly enough. Throughout the course of the show, Neets shows nothing but open-mindedness and acceptance of the increasingly bizarre things that dominate her life with Nomi. She delights in breaking into a bad guy’s place and when she notices a Nancy Drew book, she pouts and says ‘maybe he isn’t all that bad.' She protects Nomi fiercely and lies confidently to various authorities in order to keep her safe. Her character is never reduced to a tool for the writers to fulfill Nomi’s storyline. She has her own arc and her own moments of development as she builds bravery in the face of mounting dangers, and through it all loves Nomi honestly and simply. She embraces the weirdness of her girlfriend’s situation and she extends friendship and connection to the members of Nomi’s cluster. She and

Amanita are so in sync that they propose to each other at the same time, both having bought rings for the other and the last episode chronicles their wedding as they finish the show as wife and wife. Amanita and Nomi’s relationship proves to us that although the ‘homo sensorium' has abilities beyond homo sapiens' wildest dreams, they are by no means superior. Their connection is just as magical as Nomi’s connection with her cluster. Their names even mirror the roles they occupy in their relationship; ‘amanita’ is a kind of poisonous mushroom, a defensive organism; Nomi is a play on the phrase ‘know me’, a reference to the Ancient Greek tattoo she dons on her arm that reads ‘know thyself.' The cluster we grow to love throughout Sense8 may be homo sensorium - Amanita and Nomi are homo symbiote. Wink.

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epigram 09.03.2021

Bristol student Briony Havergill takes on BBC's Mastermind ‘The relief I felt after answering the first question was unparalleled' my experience on Mastermind Briony Havergill Second Year, Film & Television

experiences of being interrogated by the Gestapo. The set-up of the show was created to intimidate its contestants, and take my word for it, it does. Just when I thought I couldn’t get any more nervous, and then John Humphrys walked in. He is a polite man, direct but genuine, and altogether quite terrifying. He introduced himself, then asked us to do the same. When I told him that I was a Film and Television student, one of the production crew joked that I was angling after his job, which seemed to amuse him. He asked why I had chosen Greek Mythology for my specialist subject and I pieced together an answer about how much I enjoyed A-Level Classics and how inspiring my teachers were. Then he was called away to address some minor notes, and I could relax for a second. I was the second contestant to sit in the chair, and as I crossed the floor to approach it, I had a bit of a vain crisis. What if I walk weirdly, or my hair looks strange, or I look hideous from that camera angle? But most

importantly, what if I answer every question wrong? I needn’t have worried. The relief I felt after answering the first question was unparalleled. I got the highest score in the specialist subject round. My second round in the chair was more intimidating than the first. I was last to face the general knowledge questions and I knew that I was at a disadvantage. My fellow contestants had the benefit of age and experience on their side; I was still just hoping that I wouldn’t come last.

BBC

Last year I decided to partake in something that was vastly outside of my comfort zone. The days were long, hot and empty; I had no routine and nothing to do, just like every other student I know. I was struggling with my mental health, too. The hours and hours spent sat on my sofa, sat on my bed, sat outside, gave me too much time to sit and overthink. One of the only things I looked forward to was the weekly quiz that my neighbours, Rodney and Tracey, would host over Zoom. My family and I have a rare relationship with all of our neighbours – we live in a close of eight houses and all of us get on absurdly well. Since we couldn’t all go to the local pub every Friday, Rodney decided to host a weekly quiz to keep us all sane in lockdown. My parents and I just kept winning. At first, it was just a bit of fun, but very quickly my dad and I started to take it a little too seriously. That is when the ‘you should apply for Mastermind' joke appeared. I took that a little too seriously, too. I applied for BBC Mastermind in the last week of casting. I sat a video call interview, answered a few questions, discussed my specialist subjects and then received a phone call that af-

ternoon telling me that the producers were interested. Two days later, I was shortlisted for the competition, followed by a confirmation of my place a week after. Now all I had to do was learn 171 Greek myths in a month. It was a Herculean effort. I was still revising on my flight out to Belfast. It was the first time I’d ever been to Northern Ireland, and the first time I’d ever travelled without my parents. I felt quite alone and overwhelmed. I reached the hotel late, checked in, ate dinner, and then somehow managed to fall asleep. The next morning, we were taken across to the studio and put into the groups that we would be competing against. My three fellow contestants were friendly: one was a lecturer and so we discussed university for a while to keep ourselves distracted. They all seemed intimidatingly smart. The youngest was perhaps just under double my age. By that point, I was just hoping that I wouldn’t embarrass myself on national television. The next few hours passed by in a blur. I can remember enjoying my lunch, then being hurried off to wardrobe to pick up my clothes for the show, then to hair and makeup for final touch-ups. The makeup artist was lovely; she told me that I was the youngest contestant there for filming that day. After that, it was time to start the show. Stepping into that vast, dark, freezing cold studio was one of the scariest things I have ever done. The lighting is harsh, and they actually play the theme music (appropriately titled ‘Approaching Menace') whilst filming. The creator of the show, Bill Wright, took inspiration from his wartime

Somehow, by the end of the round, I was drawn for first with sixteen points. Not the highest of scores by any means, but a noble effort. I left the chair and returned to my seat with the others, fidgeting, waiting to hear a result that I didn’t really believe. I had won. It was the last thing I had expected. In a daze, I accepted congratulations from everyone, asked for a cup of water, and then hurried over to film a short Q&A at the edge of the set. The entire experience had been surreal, it was only when John Humphrys congratulated me again in the corridor as I was leaving that the reality of the day sank in. Unfortunately, I was never going to make it back to Belfast for my semi-final. After revising my second specialist subject intently (Aardman Animations), I received a self-isolation alert from track-and-trace less than a week before I was due to fly out. I was devastated, but there was no way I would or could risk the safety of the airport staff, hotel staff, production crew, contestants, or John Humphrys. So, I phoned up the producers, told them what had happened, and wished my best to whoever would replace me. Since then, I’ve just been waiting for my episode to air, equally excited and terrified. Perhaps in a few years, I’ll return to the chair to settle my unfinished business. I wonder if I’d be lucky enough to achieve a place in the semi-finals twice.

Our recommendations for Women's History Month my o

ick Productio ns t Tr a H

Two of Us (2021)

Widows (2015) Steve McQueen's female-fronted heist movie is Ocean's 8's bigger, better, older sister. Helmed by Viola Davis, it tells the story of Veronica, who comes into contact with three other women. What do they have in common? Only that all four of their husbands and partners were killed in a botched bank robbery. Left destitute, the four women decide to embark on a bigger, better heist, against the backdrop of Chicago politics.

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Derry Girls (2018-)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer is widely held up as a landmark piece of feminist culture for its subversive take on the victimisation of women in the horror genre. It depicts a tender lesbian relationship without fetishising it, and includes one of the first on-screen queer woman kisses.

Coming of age dramas are rarely done with as much honesty, humanity and hilarity as Derry Girls. The show captures the time just before womanhood, where everything is both very important but also very difficult and awkward, in the setting of 1990s Northern Ireland.

Half-romance, half-psychological thriller, Two Of Us tells the often agonising story of Mado and Nina (Martine Chevallier and Barbara Sukowa), two 70-something women in a decades-long secret love affair. When Mado has a stroke and loses the ability to speak, Nina is shut out of her life, rejected by Mado's family as no more than a nosy neighbour. Two Of Us is an intense portrayal of how love can provide the strength to communicate, even when physical ability is denied.

Arts

Editor Anjuli Vadera Digital Editor Dulcie Godfrey Deputy Editor Katie Chalk

Twitter: @EpigramCulture

Why do arts degrees have more female participation? Wellbeing and Travel Subeditor

t is a truth almost universally acknowledged that a female pursuing Higher Education is more likely to choose an arts degree than a male. According to the Higher Education Student Statistics (HESA) 2019/20, 6,545 students out of 9,310 studying Humanities and Liberal Arts (non-specific) were female compared to 2755 male students. Following this trend, the Creative Arts and Design degrees had 118,535 female students compared to 67,600 male students. Comparatively, there are far fewer women who participate in STEM subjects. In January 2021, STEM women reported that, though the STEM gap is closing, only 35 per cent of STEM students in Higher Education are women. The most common explanation put forward to explain this trend revolves around career aspirations. Unfortunately, from the very beginning of childhood, we are socialised

into patriarchal norms. Boys are encouraged to play and construct things such as train sets while girls are encouraged to nurse dolls. It could provide some indication as to why boys would be inclined towards STEM careers and not girls. For it is the young girls who either internalise the notion they are suited to supposedly ‘softer’ careers

disproportionate number of male students in STEM subjects, I believe there is another more positive and empowering conversation to be had about female participation in the arts and the value of arts subjects in general. Discussing this question with friends revealed some brilliant insights into how this topic is viewed

Does this simply mean that more women studying arts degrees is a result of continued patriarchal socialisation and misogyny within career education? such as hairdressing and nursing or the notion that they will become the homemaker. Consequently, you could argue that women decide to pursue a degree that is perceived as less career-orientated because...well, that's for the man to worry about. Or so it seems. Does this vast subject gap simply mean that more women studying arts degrees is a result of continued patriarchal socialisation and misogyny within career education? Is it just because women are “limiting” themselves? While there are valid issues that need addressing surrounding gendered career stereotypes and the

by female students who are studying arts degrees. My course-mate Hannah Evans answered: ‘The arts attracted me mostly because I’ve always loved reading, so it made sense to study English Literature at university. I enjoy looking at and learning about what a text can tell you about what was important to a culture or time period.’ Hannah added that she especially liked how an English Literature degree encourages us to probe difficult questions about society’s values through a framework of a text and to think critically about the details of each text.

Kiran Megone, a second year History student, added that she chose her degree because it interested her more than maths and science rather than because she felt dissuaded from STEM subjects. Neither felt like their choices were informed by notions of womanhood but Hannah commented that: ‘I actually felt more “pressure”, when I was younger, to do a science in order to go against stereotypes but in the end, I just do prefer arts subjects.’ Kiran also felt that while she did not feel her choice to study History was conventionally ‘female,' she was sure that others, such as extended family members, may have assumed it. Another course-mate, Mia Smith, suggested that this was because ‘there is a definite correlation between STEM subjects being more ‘‘respected.’' Humanities and arts subjects are constantly belittled, and I can’t help feeling this is because they are female dominated.’ Eva Bailey, who is hoping to begin studying French and English at Oxford University this September, concurred with this saying: ‘Although it is a stereotype for women to study arts degrees, I don’t think women should be discouraged from pursuing an Arts degree just for the sake of it.’ Indeed, while arts subjects are perceived as less career-orientated, they are anything but that. Harriet Barnes, summarising a report by the

British Academy, said that: ‘Humanities, social science and arts graduates have always been as employable as STEM graduates.’ Barnes added that the versatile nature of these degrees meant that individuals with these degrees are more likely to find new jobs in economic downturns and made redundant because they are equipped with a flexible set of skills. Furthermore, creative industries substantially contribute to the economy. The Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport reported that the Creative Industries contributed £11.7 billion to the UK economy in 2018. Certainly, there needs to be a shift in attitudes towards available career aspirations for women so that women feel confident that they belong in a STEM environment if they want to be there. However, there also needs to be a shift in attitudes towards women who choose arts degrees. For many women, it is not because they see these degrees as conventionally female or because they do not have career aspirations but because they see these degrees as the best pathway into the working world for them. The women I have met during my time in the arts faculty have all been equally as driven, hardworking, and career focussed as my friends who study STEM and I know that when the time comes, they will all be showing the world what they can do.

Epigram Arts

Recent years have seen a push for more female participation within STEM subject degrees. But why do the arts still have an overwhelmingly more female demographic? Sanjana Idnani

Arts 21

epigram 09.03.2021

Review: City Killed the Stars

Deputy Arts Editor

City Killed the Stars is an impressive achievement. The Spotlights’ original radio play, written by Hannah Morgan and produced by Anna Sharp, pushes the boundaries of traditional performance to a new medium. The play tells the understated tale of Clem and Michael, student best friends and flatmates, about whom there have been rumours of romance ‘since first year’ which never, until now, came to fruition. Their authentic relationship evokes the same warmth and tenderness of Marrianne and Conell’s relationship in ‘Normal People’, and the same frustration of cruel circumstances. Carrying the narrative was Ella Hughes-Reeder’s Clem who was undoubtedly the standout performance. Hughes-Reeder conveys a vulnerable dependency on male affection believably and sympathetically, while animating Hannah Morgan’s bewitching poetic monologues, maintaining her energy throughout.

Rohan Chopra’s Michael is Clem’s opposite: sociable and confident, though we see (or rather, hear) tantalizing glimpses of family anxieties leading to the main obstacle in their friendship — he has to leave. This monumental shift triggers already bubbling romantic tensions between the pair. They contend with Clem’s palpably awful, abusive boyfriend Hugo (Henry Thorpe-Spinks), and a parade of Michael’s seemingly shallow ex-girlfriends, though Kitty Daniels’ Anna was an unexpected, refreshing addition who subverted the ‘bitchy love-rival’ stereotype. Through this, the entangled duo explore the boundaries of physical closeness, emotional support and the many

COVID-19. It is a stripped-back, timeless narrative which, given its intimate concentration on just two individuals in one location, makes this a well-judged and apt creation. Although it may not specifically concern itself with COVID-19, it can plausibly fit into the locked-down world in which we find ourselves. Familiar feelings of social isolation and the craving for intimacy and human contact are still portrayed but in a subtle way. The writing is simply beautiful. Morgan’s ability to convey the widest spectrum of human emotion from agony to elation using such simple, even ordinary, images is something really special. A simple line such as ‘I want to see you duck under beams

to shine through as her language is enough to replicate the rich visual experience of a live show. The experience also retains the same qualities of immersiveness and immediacy which are characteristic of live theatre. This is achieved through Angus Cooke’s haunting music, atmospheric and immersive sound effects and intricate editing of individually recorded lines into flowing dialogue by the immensely talented sound editors Thomas Dug-

gan, Cam Macgregor and Maddy Raven. For any lover of theatre, this radio-play is not just a replacement but an invigorating experience to be appreciated in its own right: one which is sure to captivate, pull on the heartstrings, but also restore hope for personal resilience in the face of a cruel world. You can listen to City Killed the Stars through the Bristol SU website here.

City Killed The Stars is sure to captivate, pull on the heartstrings, but also restore hope for personal resilience in the face of a cruel world different kinds of love between two people. It is a stark but simple portrayal of vulnerability and loss, but one that also carries the important message of independence, self-sufficiency and self-fulfilment. Refreshingly, it is not a play about

in a little house that's only ours’ is a tiny snippet of a moment which conveys so much. It resonates with the desire for tenderness quaint domesticity, comfort and escape that so many of us share. In this way, the radio-play medium allows her skill

Spotlights

City Killed the Stars is an example of the resilience of theatre and the determination of students to keep on creating Katie Chalk

★★★★★

22 Arts

Charlotte Pigott

epigram 09.03.2021

ART SPOTLIGHT If you would like us to feature your art please contact us on facebook on the Epigram Arts Writers 2020-21 page.

Second year, Biology

To purchase prints visit @etsy.com/pigottprints @pigott_prints/

Isabel Allende's Feminist Protagonists

often read that what feminism seeks is that women are granted the same rights, power, and opportunities as men. But reading several of Isabel Allende’s novels, I realised that a deeper analysis of gender differences demonstrates the need for not just equality, but a reformation of the system. Her magical realism in novels such as The House of the Spirits (1982) seems to reflect this unique interpretation of feminism, with characters like Clara del Valle devising a universe of her own through her spiritual encounters. Because she cannot secure the same opportunities as her male counterparts, Clara develops a private world in

which she is in control of her destiny. Her mysticality reaches its climax after marrying Esteban Trueba, the epitome of toxic masculinity. Clara combats the latter through the female community which only she is sensible of and devises a form of collective sovereignty that conflicts with Esteban’s tyranny. Female autonomy is visible in other of Allende’s narratives, but I find Clara’s particularly powerful, as it thrives in an environment in which characters like Esteban cannot enter, let alone govern, and emanates into the story’s future generations. This innovative and unmistakably female leadership challenges conventional conceptions of power and make Allende’s female characters pioneers in feminist theories. What’s more, it encourages read-

ers to acknowledge and be inspired by surrounding women that might not be visibly celebrated, but have a world of spirits, waiting to be uncovered.

Soul of A Woman Isabel Allende

My most recent encounter with Allende was with The Soul of a Woman (2020), a piece of non-fiction where she explores what it is to be a woman and how this can improve the way our world operates.

Waterstones

Second Year, English Literature and Philosophy

Waterstones

Sara Espinosa Rastoll

BOOK

CORNER

Music

Editor Subeditor Digital Editor Deputy Editor

Twitter: @EpigramCulture Spotify: epigram_music

Lucas Arthur Lauren Paddison Greg Evans Flora Pick

The ultimate guide to student DJing With a return to nightclubs finally on the horizon, Epigram asks UoB's DJ Society how to claim the stage Lucas Arthur Music Editor

great beginner equipment. I’ve used all three and they all have their pros and cons.’ For headphones, ‘it’s Sennheiser’s only.’ For monitors speakers, ‘Presonus Eris is a good place to start.’ Getting a feel for equipment before you buy is important, if possible; ‘try to borrow a friend’s gear or try them in store to find one you

mixing with. You’ll quickly learn that songs have a common structure with the first drop around 00:55 (or 00:28) - a similar rule applies in D&B. House and techno are deceptively harder to mix, with much more varied structures and tempos; ‘tracks with a standard 1-3 2-4 kick/snare pattern are good to start with from a beat matching point of view but look

f you’ve ever wondered why you’ve never seen a miserable DJ, it’s because being behind the decks is really, really fun. It’s a fact that almost goes without saying – ‘DJing and then playing back your own mixes is like listening to a favourite playlist’ says Anastasia Maryukhta, president of the University’s DJ Society and, under Nas DnB, a formidable DJ. Like most societies, DJ Soc has been dormant for much of the year, forced to cancel its weekly give-it-a-go sessions, socials and club residencies. Yet, faced with another two months of evenings spent indoors, there’s never been a better time to join the bedroom DJ bandwagon - or to reignite a faded ambition - and start practising, before such opportunities return. Nas and other members of the society gave Epigram their best tips for amateurs looking to get started, and those wanting to improve and develop their DJing. Software and Equipment ‘I think if you’re starting out, you should be able to get a full setup for like £300’ – that will include a decent DJ controller, some monitor like - the way DJ gear feels to touch speakers and a reliable pair of headand press matters a lot.’ phones. Paying for better equipment DJ Software is a little less diverse. has advantages, but it’s likely not ‘Serato is easy and intuitive, but worth overspending. A limit of £500 Rekordbox has compatibility with a should suffice, with ‘at least £100 on wider variety of DJ equipment.’ As a headphones’ since they’ll get plenty result, the latter is worth using now of use over the years. if you’ve ambitions in nightclubs, Brand wise, there’s much to since ‘you’ll often encounter Piochoose from: for DJ controllers, ‘Pineer’s Rekordbox at venues.’ ‘Traktor oneer is the industry standard: their isn’t great – I can’t really recomequipment is solid and the layout mend it.’ will be pretty much identical in any club, though Music genre, their equipment People generally don't sourcing and comes at a cost. format care about the small Entry-level allPerhaps the mistakes: your biggest only prerequiin-one controlcritic when playing is site to DJing is lers are a great starting point, a passion for yourself from brands like music. Though Roland, Traktor and Pioneer; ‘Denon dance and electronica are what many DJ provides much better value for expect to be spinning, ‘dubstep, trap, money for intermediate to advanced and grime beats (around 140 BPM) level equipment, while Hercules does are an easy group of genres to learn

want to hear.' The next step is to source the music itself. Beatport, Juno and Soundcloud are great for browsing new music – ‘they have some very good recommendation algorithms that I enjoy getting lost in.’ YouTube Music specifically has a lowkey amazing amount of underground dance music,’ while ‘Bandcamp is good for sourcing tracks: your money goes directly to the artists themselves, so you can easily support smaller artists that you’re a fan of. Keeping up on artists, labels and social

UoB DJ Society out for off-beat hats and percussion that can catch you out!’ Drum and bass is another favourite. It features structured, predictable tracks making for easier mixing. Ultimately, all contributors stressed how important it is to pick a genre that you enjoy. ‘Fun should always be the priority,’ like any other instrument, success in DJing derives from sustained practice. To remain enthusiastic, ‘it’s so important to mix the music that you

accounts that you rate will help you build up a library quickly. Look for tunes from artists you already enjoy, and those they’ve collaborated with.' Digital downloads bring technical jargon: ‘320kbps MP3 files or WAV files are the ideal standard – the latter are lossless, guaranteeing the best sound quality,’ though the drop-off in quality between the two isn’t likely to matter unless you’re playing a main room set. ‘Trust your ears: if it

sounds like crap or there’s no bass, look for better audio.’ Building Confidence / Reputation For Nas, it was almost a year before she played in front of a crowd of strangers. Before that, put the practice in on your own or with close friends: ‘focus on a banging selection of tunes and the skillful blends/ mixing will come with time.’ Once lockdown ends, DJ Soc will offer weekly sessions at Basement 45 for low stakes practicing alongside other students. ‘Having a place where clangs are laughed off and others can explain how equipment works is invaluable experience. It’s also great for your confidence to have people vibing off of each other at the Basement sessions – everyone grows from each other.’ Crucially, DJing is a social occasion as much as it is a performance: ‘Play at parties, mix with peers… be a good person to work with. Show up on time, be well prepared, friendly and good to chat with.’ Social media helps, so be sure to promote the mixes you create and create a presence online. ‘It’ll all help to get your confidence up. People generally don’t care about the small mistakes. Your biggest critic when playing is yourself.’ Getting Booked ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’ once you’ve built up the confidence and ambition to play at events, the best way to build connections with promoters is to message them on social media. ‘Promoters tend to make themselves known – in normal times, they’re always looking for student DJs. The worst that can happen is that you get turned down, but it’s not as though you’ll hear from them again!’ The connections to be gained through DJ Soc itself were just as valuable as any initiate taken online: ‘I’ve gotten opportunities to play sets that I’d never have had otherwise!’. Though sets are often unpaid, they’re certainly worth doing for the exposure and experience (and maybe drinks tokens, too). Until nightlife returns, livestreaming is a good alternative. ‘You can mix great tracks in your flat, sure – but you can’t see the audience – you finish a set, turn off the music and it feels so weird,’ says Nas. ‘There’s no dancefloor to go back to, no congratulatory shots at the bar…’ For all of us on either side of the decks, normality can’t come soon enough.

24 Music

epigram 09.03.2021

In conversation with Jane Beese, Head of Music at Manchester International Festival As someone at the heart of the UK culture industry, Epigram spoke to Jane Beese about the trials faced and the future ahead

level. For Beese ‘prioritisation of culture and arts has always been sadly lacking in this country.’ With the shutdown of live music in March last year, even the most prestigious institutions in the industry were hung out to dry. ‘The Roundhouse has had to make redundancies; The South-

know. As the live events industries, we were the first to shut down and will be one of the last to reopen.’ This funding saw larger venues across Bristol like Motion and Trinity Centre receive their share of £1.57 billion. It is quickly becoming apparent that this isn’t enough: The Night

vast majority of people the arts have offered some kind of respite from the difficulties of the last year. The re-emergence of an earlier government backed campaign ‘Fatima’s next job could be in cyber’ received particular backlash for its discrediting and philistine approach to the

Greg Evans

Digital Music Editor

‘T

hings don’t change on a weekly basis, they change on a daily basis,’ Jane Beese admits as she sits down for the first of many Zoom meetings that day. There are not many people in the British music industry with the expertise of Beese. As the former Head of Music at London’s Roundhouse and Head of Contemporary Music at the Southbank Centre, Beese took on her current role as Head of Music at Manchester International Festival in April 2020. Beese is chatty as we natter about how much we miss jumping around in a sweaty gig, but her wealth of experience is commanding as talk turns to how the government have dealt with the music industry during this crisis. Under successive Conservative governments over the last decade, the music sector has been chronically underfunded on a national and local

Pete Woodhead bank Centre has made 67 per cent redundancies. I recognise a lot of my friends and colleagues are really suffering… everyone’s had a really difficult year. ‘The Cultural Recovery Fund has gone some way to help certain organisations to survive for a period of time, at the same time, we don’t

Time Industries Association revealed earlier this month that 80 per cent of UK club venues could close if action isn’t taken by government immediately — a stark warning given that the night-time economy accounts for eight per cent of all UK employment. Even without live music, for the

performing arts. To Beese, there is a ‘lack of understanding within certain government departments of what we do, and what the live music sector brings to the UK. We are at the forefront of many of these things and globally known for it.’ This is especially true of Bristol, with venues like Lakota and Motion

being globally renowned stages for innovation in electronic music. With Lakota set to close and become offices and flats following a meeting of Bristol Council’s planning committee last April, as well as Motion under near constant threat from residential planning applications, immediate profit over long-term cultural impact seems to be the priority for both local and national governments. With more optimism, talk turns to live music events in a post socially-distanced world, ‘people talk about audience confidence and how long that will take to come back, some people have another version of that — people will be so desperate to get back that there’ll be some kind of hedonistic roaring 20s scenario.’ With the government announcement that all social distancing restrictions could potentially be lifted by 21 June, Beese confirms that she prefers the latter outcome: ‘That sounds fun to me.’ As the country navigates the next few months, the government's 'exit plan' lifting of lockdown maps the road to recovery for all affected industries. With cultural sectors taking some of the biggest financial hits, and that has carried us through lockdown after lockdown, it is clearly a sector that needs as much support from us as it can get.

Sia: Music - Album Review words have been written about the movie, so I’m going to focus on the soundtrack which frankly would merit Sia’s cancellation on its own. For what is ostensibly a celebraPostgraduate English tion of music and what it can offer By now you might have heard everyone, Music is one of the most of Sia’s new film, Music (2021), for textureless, empty albums I’ve ever which this is the soundtrack. You heard. It is quite literally background might have heard about how it ‘re- music. What we have on offer here is duces disability to mannerisms that 49 minutes of Ivy League dancehall, look indistinguishable from mockery' engineered to represent the most unin the words of The New York Times. assertive sound palettes ever put to Maybe you saw record. Every sinThe Hollywood reYou've heard every gle sound, every porter describe it note of this album in single chord on as ‘a sentimental another Top 40 song this album sounds atrocity.' by a veteran pop familiar, but you Music is a musinger, trying to get can’t put your sical, naturally, with a mainstream finger on it - that and this is the they no longer is, until you realsoundtrack, conunderstand ise you’ve heard taining 13 origievery note of this nal songs performed by Sia and what album in another Top 40 song by a would have been 2012’s best guest veteran pop singer trying to get with lineup, boasting names like David a mainstream they no longer unGuetta, Pink and Labrinth. In Music, derstand. We listen to music to get the main character is called Music some kind of emotion, whether it’s and she loves music. Thousands of sadness, excitement or even fury.

‘It made me want to give up.' Hamish Chapman

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard something like Music, which doesn’t even seem like it’s trying to do this. Occasionally you’ll get a track with pounding drums and slow strings, but every note, every chord seems arbitrary, like they’re b e i n g played because Sia needs another track for a big dance number, not because she genuinely wants to convey anything other than hollow motivational platitudes. Sia’s voice is powerful, but she’s using that power for no discernible reason. Notice how I haven’t mentioned any tracks yet. I tried my best with

this album - I listened to it five times! Hold your applause please. I hope that says a lot about how little I retained of this album after I walked away, defeated. The single track worth mentioning is ‘Beautiful Things Can Happen,' a subdued, j a z z y n u m ber that seems at odds with the other material because of how genuinely inventive the chord progressions are. Sia’s lyrics are still pointless, but the music at least seems to convey some sort of mystique, fitting for a movie which seems to have been unknowingly written about a well-meaning neurotypical not un-

derstanding one iota of the diverse human experience. I’m sure it’s a fascinating well to stare into. I ended up talking about the movie, but the truth is that they’re linked in ways we can’t ignore; the dark implications of the visuals cannot be fully cast aside when listening to the audio, although I tried my best and still hated the album. And yet, they present an inherent contradiction: Sia refused to compromise her personality and aesthetic with such fervour that she made her film actively damaging for any viewers from the community she was trying to represent. Despite this, the album is devoid of any personality. It confirms what I’ve always suspected - the strangeness, the surrealism exclusively lies in the marketing for her. It’s all a gimmick. I got nothing from this album. You might get worse than nothing. It’s quite a feat to make a piece of music that will be traumatising for a large number of people, though I’m sure Sia would be horrified if she heard that. I know I was horrified when I heard Music.

Music 25

epigram 09.03.2021

Composition subscription services: A worrying trend for young composers The livelihoods of young, innovative composers are now less certain than ever Greg Evans

Digital Music Editor

hen a composer graduates out of the University of Bristol's Victoria Rooms, an industry in flux lies before them. If they can fight their way onto the books of an established music publishing house, they will likely lose the copyright to their own work, 50 per cent of the royalties and around 90 per cent of the RRP on their printed music. If they choose to go it alone, the mission of self-publishing begins – taking on the role of composer, publicist, networker, marketing agent and printer. Looking to fill the gap between that rock and hard place, Universal Edition, a music publishing house with 120 years of experience as an industry leader, has launched Scodo – a subscription-based service for composers to publish their works online. In a venture advertised as an ‘easy-to-use and flexible web tool,’ composers pay an initial €49 ‘evaluation cost’ then up to €50 a month to publish works into an online catalogue. Before the composer’s music has even been put up for sale, they are down €99, and their work will sit on the shelf among hundreds of others in the hope of an ensemble manager scrolling past and clicking ‘add to cart.’

Universal Edition has led the way with publishing progressive music throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, claiming on their website: ‘We don't just let the future pass: we actively mould and shape it.’ Therefore, their latest project sets a worrying precedent for the future of music composition, with several other major publishing houses trialling subscription services online in the last year. With the likes of Mahler and Bartók on the books, it’s difficult to imagine any contemporary composer with a €50 subscription is going to get the attention needed to get ensembles paying for their work. Professor Michael Ellison, Professor of Composition at the University of Bristol's Music Department noted: ‘It's hard not to see this more as

Editors' Picks

a way for the publishers to make money off composers instead of the other way around… most publishers actively promote a handful of their best-known composers even within their catalogues, and the rest just are there, not receiving much, if any publicity.’ Perhaps most problematically, this further marketisation and digitisation of music publishing has real implications for the future of music more generally. The nature of subscription-based publishing means that more marketable works will inevitably receive the most attention, putting more progressive, experimental works at risk. Oscar Ridout, Chair of The Chimera Ensemble, the largest student-run contemporary ensemble in the UK, highlighted that ‘those composers

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, L.W.

and music-makers deemed more traction needed to turn even a frac“marketable” will inevitably bentional profit against the hours of efit. Trickier, larger-scale, more labour of composing surmounted confrontational and perhaps more with the subscription fee to pubexciting music – lish.’ the kind of music For many comThe nature of that drives music posers entering subscription-based the industry inforward – will publishing means be left on the creased marketithat more marketable sation serves as a (virtual) shelf, un-championed.’ works will inevitably real threat to the As a young future of publishreceive the most composer likeing. Louie Taylor, attention, putting ly to be hit hard third year Music more progressive, by the changing and Composition nature of pubexperimental works Network Officer lishing, Ridout of Bristol Univerat risk. charges that sity’s Music Soci‘composers who operate on even a ety argues ‘we are living in a new slightly deviated wavelength from era, and we don’t want to be writthis market-friendly-vein – will ing the same stuff that Beethoven most likely be unable to gain the or Chopin wrote. Progression is an important aspect of composition Renata Raksha because it has always been progressing and pushing forward.’ It would seem that for the young composer the music publishing industry has never been more precarious. The rollout of Scodo sets a worrying trend for how new music is consumed at a market level and this creates very real implications for young music makers trying to break into the industry. The knockon effects for young composers in generations to come from such a big industry shift is left to be discovered. Given that the vast majority of ensembles have been unable to rehearse or perform live and newmusic in the last 12 months, there has never been a more important time to champion young ambitious composers.

Cassandra Jenkins, An

Grimes, Miss Anthropocene

Julien Baker

Overwiew on Phenomenal Nature

(Rave edition)

Little Oblivious

Greg Evans Flora Pick Lauren Paddison Lucas Arthur Digital Editor Deputy Music Editor Subeditor Music Editor Everyone’s favourite Byzan- Explore new spaces in a In perhaps the most ill-timed A drone of desolation runs tine doom metal band from idyllic soundscape crafted album release in recent mem- through Julien Baker’s Litdown unda bring us anoth- by Jenkins. Whispered vo- ory, Grimes introduces us tle Oblivions, a reflection on er collection of intriguing cals on a backdrop of soft to the new rave identity of reaching the top and findpsychedelia. Some 20 albums sax and pure ambiance, there Miss Anthropocene. With the ing yourself worse off than deep, the band continues to is an invitation to meet new likes of BloodPop® and Âme when you started. Stewed in rework their sound – intor- people through honest and behind the desks, new life is addiction and pre-emptive ducing funky clavs, tantric intimate narratives. The New slashed into the ‘anthropo- guilt for the loved ones that chimes, Sabbath-y grunge – York storyteller weaves a morphic Goddess of climate will inevitably be let down, and embellish their standout blanket of grief, loneliness, change’ with pummelling there’s no avoidance of the microtonal riffs and gleeful- nostalgia and happiness. The drum loops and psychedelic unerring hurt that haunts the ly chaotic arrangements. It’s perfect accompaniment to bass lines. Sometimes Grimes album. This album will not a trip down the garden path sun-filled spring walk, pro- seems to be operating on make you feel good. In fact, of what rock still has to of- pelled by lyrics like: ‘Oh dear a plane of reality impossi- it will make you feel very fer the world, the band dead I can see you've had a rough bly out of reach, but on this bad, but the delicacy with set on spinning heads while few months / But this year stormer, her vision is crys- the tracks are handled recksounding groovier than ever. is going to be a good one.' tal. Get me to the club ASAP. ons it a worthwhile pang...

Discover all of our recommedations on our Spotify @Epigram_Music

SciTech

Editor Julia Riopelle Digital Editor Edward Deacon Deputy Editor Delhi Kalwan

Twitter: @EpigramSciTech

Diversity in STEM: In conversation with Ridhi Bansal

Edward speaks to Robotics PhD student Ridhi about her research experiences Edward Deacon SciTech Digital Editor

iversity in STEM seeks to highlight the experiences, research and successes of people belonging to the BAME community at the University of Bristol. In this interview, I spoke to Ridhi Bansal, a second year Indian PhD student who is researching robotics. Before coming to the University of Bristol, Ridhi did an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham. When did you first become interested in pursuing engineering at university? As a carefree teenager, my conscience was jolted when I heard the startling news of a sewer cleaner's death because of asphyxiation by poisonous gases. The lack of safety gear extinguished a precious life and being a teenager with a naive, mellow, and sensitive mind, I was inspired to invent a gadget to help people in risky jobs. This accident moulded my future. I also came across a science journal on artificial intelligence powered robots that gave me a direction to follow with

my aim to invent. At the University of Nottingham, I automated the process of cutting off dried human amniotic membranes which are used to hasten eye wound healing. I did this project in collaboration with NuVision which is a company that is developing regenerative medical therapies for eyes. Compared to your undergraduate degree, have you noticed a difference in the level of diversity of students whilst doing your PhD? What have your experiences been like at Bristol as a BAME student? I feel there is less representation of BAME students in STEM and BAME students were better represented at undergraduate lev-

involve myself in various be used for the exploration of Mars. co-curricular activities to These cell-bots can access small, promote robotics to younger dingy, and hard to reach areas and generations. I serve as STEM hence can also be used in other haza m b a s s a d o r, ardous and dancohort repreIn the future, I hope to gerous environsentative, and ments like nuclear EDI (equality, work on more projects power plants and to uplift mankind diversity, and places affected by inclusion) repnatural calamities. resentative. Being a BAME I am also working on a different student motivates me to project to build artificial muscles to make a positive difference. I support the independence of elderly try to engage as many peoand physically challenged people. I ple as possible to deliver a have four publications to my credit, positive message of racial and I got the opportunity to speak equality and to support miabout my research at the Internanority ethnic students. tional Conference on Automation What have you been reand Computing (ICAC). searching in your Robotics In the future, I hope to work on PhD? Have there been any more projects to uplift mankind. highlights in your experiWhat are your aspirations for ence so far? the future? Do you plan to continAt Bristol, I feel privileged ue being a researcher of new techEpigram / Ridhi Bansal to work in one of the world's nologies? Doing a PhD in robotics increases my ability to conquer my goal of repaying society by designing and programming robots to substitute humans in life-threatening jobs. My life goal is to program and design robots to support humans in against BAME students. The atmosbest robotics lab. I am working on a risky work areas such as space, biphere at the University of Bristol is swarm of soft cellular robots which omaterial, nuclear power plants and very supportive irrespective of ethcombine into the most advantageous chemical zones. I plan to either work nic background and nationality. shape to move across different terin research and development or creOutside of doing my PhD, I try to rains. These are specially designed to ate a start-up company.

I try to engage as many people as possible to deliver a positive message of racial equality and to support minority ethnic students el than at PhD level now. At both Bristol and Nottingham, there are lecturers of different ethnicities and cultures and I haven’t felt that there has been any bias

Could a new treatment for diabetic eye disease be on the horizon? An innovative new medication to treat sight loss is in development Delhi Kalwan SciTech Deputy Editor

cademics from the University of Bristol have contributed to the development of a potential treatment for Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO), an eye condition affecting more than 20 million diabetes patients. This potentially game-changing drug has now reached the clinical trial stage and will be tested on 48 patient volunteers. DMO is one of the lesser-known diseases that can affect diabet-

ic patients, even though it is the – effective. leading cause of blindness amongst Over the last 15 years, countthis group of people. DMO occurs less studies have contributed to our when blood vessels begin to leak current knowledge of how DMO fluid into the retina of the eye. This may occur. The work that has been causes swelling, which can lead to conducted by academics, including symptoms such as Professor Dave alterations in colour Bates (formerly of Diabetic Macular vision and blurring Bristol’s School of Oedema is the leading of sight. If left unPhysiology and cause of blindness treated, the individPharmacology), amongst diabetics ual may suffer from has culminated in complete vision loss. the discovery of a Current treatments for DMO inpotential new treatment. volve intravitreal injections, meanIn the field of pharmacology, a ing the drug, which is aimed to redrug such as this is known as a ‘lead lieve swelling, is administered via compound.’ During a randomised a needle directly into the eye. New multicentre trial, currently taking treatment routes are being explored place in Australia, patients may eiin the hopes of finding alternative ther be given a placebo or a dose of drugs that are just as – if not more the lead compound (called EXN 407).

This will help researchers determine whether the drug is truly having a positive effect on the patients and remove any biases. The compound was developed by the biopharmaceutical company: Exonate. In the first phase of trials, 48 patients will be given gradually increased dosages of the drug. The following phase will have a larger group of patients be treated by the drug for an extended period of time. EXN 407, thankfully, has been designed to be given topically in the form of eye drops. This is down to a property of the drug that allows it to enter the desired area without having to be injected. Professor Dave Bates highlighted that: ‘A great many scientists have contributed along the way.' He

named a few of the contributors, including Bristol’s team: Steve Harper, Lucy Donaldson and colleagues who identified a specific drug target known as SRPK1. Others mentioned were the novel chemistry techniques of Jonathan Morris at UNSW, and the development of pre-clinical programmes by the Exonate team. Professor Bates added: ‘To be a part of medical research from the lab bench all the way through to the clinic is a rare privilege.’ Dr Catherine Beech, Chief Executive of Exonate, expressed that: ‘this is a unique opportunity to create a drug that may transform the lives of those suffering from vision loss.’ With clinical trials underway, the initial results are expected as early as 2022.

SciTech 27

epigram 09.03.2021

Tech Tips Building a PC on a student budget All you need to build your own PC is YouTube and a screwdriver Ian Tsang Third Year, Biology

imilar to most other kids, I spent a large majority of my childhood playing various video games, ranging from Call of Duty to Gran Turismo. I always envied my friends who were able to afford a gaming PC while they were in school. When I first discovered people could build their own PCs, I never thought I'd one day be able to build one too.

the purposes of 3D modelling, video editing, streaming and more. Additionally, despite the initial cost of purchasing the components required to build a PC, a properly built PC can easily last ten or more years of daily use, whilst most modern laptops begin to slow after two years of use. As a result, I believe that building your own PC, for whatever purpose, is among one of the best investments you can make as a young adult. PCs are modular, meaning you can constantly swap out components for upgrades or repair, thus extending the lifeline of your PC. This article will not be a ‘How to build a PC’ guide but will instead, inform you of the key things you need to look

YouTube is an absolute goldmine of PC building knowledge There are numerous benefits to building your own PC. A powerful PC not only provides a premium gaming experience but is often required for

out for when building your first PC. I hope my advice will be of assistance to anyone hoping to start. A PC consists of a few integral

components. Firstly, the motherboard acts as a central unit, where all other components are connected to. The CPU (central processing unit) fits into the motherboard, along with your RAM (random access memory), CPU Cooler, Storage and GPU (graphical processing unit). All the components in a PC are connected to and powered by your PSU (Power supply unit). The motherboard and PSU are secured in a PC Case. When budgeting for a PC, how much you are willing to spend will be critical. Your budget will dictate how well your PC performs; the more money you spend, the more powerful PC you will have. Once you have a firm budget set, you then need to figure out whether you have the existing peripherals required to use a PC. These include a monitor, keyboard and mouse. If you already have access to these peripherals, you can invest more in your PC. When budgeting, a general rule of thumb is to spend around 50 per cent of your budget on the CPU and GPU. Your CPU and GPU are the most important components in a PC build and will largely dictate how well your PC performs. You should aim to spend as much as you can on your CPU and GPU, while compromising less important components, such as your CPU cooler or PC Case. For example, I spent £1200 on my PC build, with my CPU (Ryzen 5 3600) and my GPU (Palit GeForce RTX 2060S) totalling approximately £570. Once you have your CPU and GPU sorted, there are a few other factors to consider.

Unsplash / Olivier Collet

as SSDs significantly decrease boot and loading times. Hard Drives are pretty cheap, approximately £40 for

the best deal possible. Furthermore, pcpartpicker.com helps identify any potential issues that can occur with

A properly built PC can easily last ten or more years of daily use one terabyte of storage. Finally, your PSU is another key component of your PC build. When choosing a PSU, you should choose one that can comfortably power your PC (by over 100 watts). I would not

your build, such as incompatibility. Other useful resources include the subreddits r/buildapc and r/buildmeapc, where the global PC building community bonds over giving and receiving advice. Finally, You-

I sincerely believe that building your own PC, for whatever purpose, is among the best investments you can make as a young adult

Epigram / Ian Tsang

There are two major CPU manufacturers, Intel and AMD. Intel and AMD CPUs have different sockets, so a compatible motherboard with the right socket is required to function properly. Your RAM specifications will vary depending on your remaining budget (I chose 16GB DDR4 RAM). Storage can be split into Hard Drives and SSD (Solid State Drives). Although SSDs are optional, I would highly recommend investing in one,

recommend purchasing a PSU from an unknown supplier, as should a PSU fail, it could fry the rest of your PC components. There are plenty of resources available online to guide you through your PC building journey. One resource is pcpartpicker.com. This website enables you to browse and create custom builds, with real time pricing of all components from multiple retailers, ensuring you get

Tube is a goldmine of PC building knowledge. YouTubers such as JayTwoCents and LinusTechTips offer valuable advice on all aspects of PC building, to name a few. Hopefully, I have managed to inspire or motivate some of you into researching to build your own PC. You will end up with a device that should hopefully last and serve you well for many years to come. It can be done regardless of your budget

28 SciTech

epigram 09.03.2021

A new path to reducing deaths from HIV/ AIDS in South Africa

Bristol research examines the effect of HIV interventions in South Africa Alejandro Ortega

Third Year, Physics & Philosophy

he recent popular television series It’s a Sin (2021) depicts the horrific effects of the 1980s HIV/AIDS crisis on the gay community in London. Since then a lot has changed. New drugs have made it possible to live a near-normal life and new diagnoses have been steadily dropping since 2005. HIV no longer receives much attention in the UK.

However, HIV/AIDS is still highly prevalent in many countries around the world. South Africa is one of the worst affected and in 2017 nearly 25 per cent of all deaths in South Africa were attributed to AIDS. Since the virus emerged in the 1980s, South Africans have increased their use of condoms and HIV medicine. Historically, South Africa’s public health campaigns on HIV have focussed on the whole population, for example on increasing general condom use. The authors of the study used a mathematical model to show that these changes have prevented millions of deaths. Researchers additionally exam-

Epigram / Alejandro Ortega

ined the role played by different sub-groups within the population, such as female sex workers and men who have homosexual intercourse. Researchers created the model by first obtaining relevant information about each of the subgroups being studied. For example, they estimated the number of commercial sex clients in South Africa, how often on average they have sex, what proportion of the time they use condoms and what proportion of them use HIV medicine etc. All of this information from each group was fed into a series of mathematical equations, which collectively modelled how HIV infections spread between all these groups. The authors then used this model to check how different interventions reduce HIV infection. For example, consider a scenario where condom use among clients increases by five per cent. By making

female sex workers. That is, when men who engage with sex workers go on to have non-commercial sex with other women. This means that to give a year’s supply of HIV medication to a client of a sex worker, would reduce small changes to the model, the renew HIV infections much more searchers can predict if fewer peothan giving it to the average adult ple would be infected with HIV. . The study suggests that clients They found that these subcould be targeted for HIV intervengroups made disproportionate contions by sex worker referral or by tributions to new HIV infections in stationing public health officials in the last ten years. For example, fesex work venues. male sex workers made up just 0.8 Professor Peter Vickerman, who per cent of the population, but they supervised the study, stated that: contributed to 6.9 per cent of new ‘South Africa, and indeed othHIV infections in the last 10 years. er countries, may not be focusing In the past five years, the South new initiatives on those who most African government need them, which, has launched stratin South Africa, egies to target HIV are the paying cliFemale sex workers interventions at femade up just 0.8 per ents of female sex male sex workers cent of the population, workers.’ Overall, and members of the the researchers but they contributed have LGBT community. vindicatThe study results to 6.9 per cent of new ed the strategy of clearly vindicate HIV infections in the targeting specific that approach. Howgroups and make last 10 years ever, researchers a compelling case found that there was for the future tara particularly large contribution geting of clients of sex workers. to HIV infections from non-comIf followed through, this approach mercial sex involving clients of will save many lives.

ing similar to one another, the two species have higher chances of scaring off any common predators they may share. Dr Montgomery explains: ‘This is also associated with convergence in ecology – so these species which look the same also hang out in sim-

lives on the edges of forests where light is plentiful. The brains of these butterflies were studied using fluorescent dyes, which are able to highlight different structures under the microscope. While the rest of the brain architecture remained the same, the structures

‘[South Africa] may not be focusing new initiatives on those who most need them’

Light drives the evolution of new butterfly species Scientists have found differences in butterfly brains based on light in their environment Alex Lawrence Masters, Palaeobiology

he new study was led by Dr Stephen Montgomery of the University of Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences, along with researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and LMU Munich. Their findings highlight the interplay between ecology, behaviour, and changes in the anatomy of the brain. What exactly defines one species from other organisms that appear very similar? This is

LMU Munich / Rich Merrill

a much-debated concept in biology. The most commonly accepted definition is that individuals of the same species can create fertile offspring. Organisms like Heliconius butterflies are the reason for this debate. Different species of butterflies can have fertile offspring; this contradicts the generally agreed upon definition from above. Butterflies are classified into different species due to how specialised they are to their own habitat. So, although hybrid offspring of different butterfly species can be fertile, they tend to not be fully adapted to either of their parents’ habitats. This makes their chances of survival limited and leads to extremely low numbers of hybrids in the wild. What makes butterflies so specialised to different habitats? Heliconius butterflies are renowned as examples of Müllerian mimicry, a phenomenon where two or more toxic species have evolved to ‘mimic’ each other’s looks. By look-

the range of visual requirements of cydno butterflies from different places is probably smaller. The scientists also explored the potential that these brain structure changes were shaped by the environment the butterflies grew up in. This is a phenomenon called de-

Müllerian mimicry is a phenomenon where two or more toxic species have evolved to ‘mimic’ each other’s looks ilar parts of the forest. We’re interested in whether or not exposure to similar environmental conditions leads to similar shifts in brain architecture, which would suggest these butterflies are solving the problems imposed by their environments in similar ways.’ The study examined two species of Heliconius butterflies, that live in the same forests of Costa Rica, Panama, Peru and French Guiana. Heliconius Cydno, the cydno longwing, lives in deep forests where the canopy blocks out most of the light. Heliconius Melpomene, the postman butterfly,

related to vision were distinctively different for cydno and melpomene butterflies. The researchers could reliably identify the species from the visual brain structures. Further analysis showed that the expression of genes related to vision was also found to differ between the two species. There was more variation in visual brain structure of melpomene butterflies, likely due to more variation in light levels at the edge of forests from different geographic locations. In contrast, deep forest light levels are relatively uniform, which means

velopmental plasticity. They raised butterflies from both species in the same conditions, in order to see if they had the same visual brain architecture as each other as adults, or whether they retained the different structures found by their respective relatives in the wild. The researchers found that the differences were retained, meaning the change is genetic and can be inherited by their offspring regardless of where they grow up. This is an abridged article. To read the full version, visit our website epigram.org.uk

Puzzles

Editor Fergus Ustianowski

If you need any help, contact the editor by email or through social media epigram.puzzles@gmail.com

AMM & SU Themed Credit: Patrick Sullivan, Digital Editor

With AMM passed and elections forthcoming, brush up your SU democracy knowledge with this themed

Across

2) Keen (4) 5) Full-time or part-time, you choose (8) 9) Anger; state of some debate (3) 10) Archaically, I; sometimes massaged (3) 11) A motion this year was to create a students _______ union (7) 12) Affirmative (3) 14) Food usually free at AMM (5) 16) Required number of attendees to pass motions (7) 17) Narrative (5) 18) The majority needed (3) 19) Persecution of the oldest monotheistic religion (12)

Set Square

Down

1) What all motions become if passed (6) 3) Campaigners’ desire (5) 4) A system where the population elects representatives (9) 6) Price, e.g. referring to tuition (3) 7) Network created after 2019 AMM (4,7) 8) Register (4-2) 13) As quickly as possible (7) 15) Site of 2021’s meeting (4) 16) E.g. limit private school students to 7% of UoB (5) 17) Apple’s assistant (4)

Insert the numbers 1 through 9 in the empty squares to complete the calculations resulting in the values in the red squares. BIDMAS does not apply and each number can only be used

Credit: Fergus Ustianowski, Editor

Chain Reaction Credit: Fergus Ustianowski, Editor

SENATE

Just like in the game show "Chain Reaction", the next word in the sequence forms a two-word phrase with the prior word. Examples below:

H____

BOMB

LITTER

P____

SITE

TRAY

C____ L______ S____ TEASE

We are putting all these puzzles on the website and there will be extra puzzles just to keep everyone entertained over the next few week. Please go to the website and enjoy :)

Solutions will be posted online at: epigram.org.uk/tag/puzzles facebook.com/epigrampaper If you would like to submit ideas for Puzzles, email epigram.puzzles@gmail.com

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epigram 09.03.2021

University of Bristol Boat Club

Out of this world: The Boat Club's phenomenal fundraiser

The UoB Boat Club are fundraising by travelling to the International Space Station 40 times Lexi Bothamley-Dakin Second Year, History

ver February, the University of Bristol Boat Club (UBBC) has been running, rowing, and cycling to the International Space Station 40 times (yes you did read that right) to raise money for an adaptive single scull. The goal is to make rowing more accessible to students with disabilities, as well as provide some much-needed distractions from lockdown. In order to complete the stagger-

ing distance of 16,000km, each of the club’s members would have had to take on 300km if the distance was shared equally. That equates to just over ten kilometres each, every single

studying medicine at the University. Van der Poll, an aspiring GB para-rower, is aiming to compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Van der Poll stated that ‘Rowing allows

The staggering distance of 16,000km would require each member to take on 300km day throughout February! The main motivation is raising money to buy the adaptive single scull. Rowing is often criticised as an elitist sport, with only those with access and good financial standing able to participate. However, UBBC is hoping to change this assumption by making the club more accessible. This year the club was joined by Xander Van der Poll who is currently

me to feel an inexplicable freedom. Developing UBBC as a centre for para-rowing will not only be an asset to the club but will grow a sport that can change lives.’ Inspired by Xander’s story, UBBC hope to facilitate a place for para-rowing within the University as well as the wider community. This sentiment was emphasised by Club Captain Hugo Clark who said

‘This fundraiser will allow people to join our club and enter the sport who simply wouldn’t have been able to do so otherwise.’ Though the club has raised money in the past to make small improvements to the experience of current rowers, it is impor-

tively and with some imagination we can reach outer space. Although the third lockdown has certainly dampened the appetite for university sport, it cannot put an end to our achievements. Many of us have found it hard to motivate ourselves and reasons

UBBC hope to create a place for para-rowing at the University and in the wider community tant to understand that that this is even more exciting for the club. As Clark points out, ‘The key to understanding this fundraiser is that we are providing the opportunity for people to kickstart their rowing experience.’ Raising money to fund the £1,500 adaptive single scull for the club will provide more access to other students with disabilities. These boats differ slightly as they have a fixed seat and stabilising pontoons, therefore a completely separate boat needs to be funded. Not only will it make the club more accessible, but it will also help to create a hub for adaptive rowing within the south west of the country. With strong connections to other clubs such as Bath, Monkton and Avon, this could certainly be a great project for the future and provide more access to disability sports within the area. In addition to raising money for the scull, the challenge was chosen to prove that, even though we cannot travel far at the moment, collec-

to continue training because of the incessant lockdowns. However, the University of Bristol Boat Club has strived to keep calm and carry on as normal and many of its members continue to take on the task of full training despite the pandemic. At the time of writing, the club had raised a total of £1,395, as well as having completed a distance of over 12,000km. There have also been some impressive achievements by club members as part of the challenge. For example, Orlando Kitto-Lloyd completed a marathon on the rowing machine in a time of just two hours and 48 minutes. The sheer distance of the project is incredibly tough for members right now as they are all scattered over the country. However, it is allowing the group to join together and find some cohesion despite the continuation of lockdown.

If you want to support the fundraiser, click the link here

UoB's Capoeira Society is next under the combat sports spotlight as the series continues James Dowden Deputy Sports Editor

pigram Sport's Deputy Editor, James Dowden, continues to interview representatives from the University's combat sports societies. This week, he speaks to Hannah Gleed, the Capoeira Society's Social Secretary to find out more about the unique martial art that combines dance, music and acrobatics. What is capoeira? Capoeira is really hard to describe! It is an Afro-Brazilian Martial art that

combines fight with acrobatics, playfulness and dance. It was developed by slaves in Brazil and was even outlawed until the 1930s! What is a weekly schedule like in capoeira? As a Society we can't hold student classes at the moment, but the wider Bristol Capoeira group still trains on Mondays and Wednesdays (6-7:15) and Saturday (2-3:30) and beginners are always welcome. Who are your coaches and what are they like? Our coach is Mestre Claudio Campos. Mestre is the highest belt in capoeira and Claudio has been training for around 30 years, teaching in Bristol since 2003! He is awesome, always encouraging us to learn the different aspects of capoeira and to improve!

How is the social side of capoeira? The social side of capoeira is awesome! Normally we have two festivals a year with Brazilian parties as well as regular socials such as pancake day, ice skating, Freedog and more. We also like to hang out and chat after training which is great to get to know members more. Obviously, this year is a bit different but we have already teamed up with the Portuguese Speaking Society to host an online pub quiz, we have an online boardgames social coming soon and more being planned! What would your dream season be? My dream capoeira session is a hard one! I think any session where the energy was high, all my friends were there and we were able to have a proper roda (circle in which capoeira is played) would be awesome!

University of Bristol Capoiera Society

Combat sports profile: Capoeira

Sport 31

epigram 09.03.2021

UBT varsity in the Stravasphere Multiple Bristol societies have been raising awareness and funds for breast cancer Charlotte Carver

tol by the Bristol Uni Boob Team. have smashed their target by com19 other UK universities are also pleting 2295 kilometres and are curparticipating in the varsity challenge rently in ninth position against the including, Bath, Cardiff, Exeter, Dur- other universities. So far, the comham, Liverpool bined distance and Sheffield. The Bristol Uni Boob Team of all the uniThere are also versities is over have completed 2295km Match Day Reporter a number of 100,000 kilohe ‘Bristol Uni Boob Team’ University of metres and have are currently partaking in a Bristol societies taking part. These raised £3,235. Bristol have raised varsity challenge being held include Tennis, Gymnastics, Athlet- over £800 but are hoping to raise on Strava against other university ics and Cross Country, Rowing, Lat- more money towards the end of the boob teams across the country. The in and American Ballroom, Boxing, challenge. aim of the challenge is to clock as Women’s Cricket Club, Sailing, WomEpigram spoke to Jasmine Murmany kilometres on Strava as possi- en’s Football, American Football, doch, a member of the Bristol Uni ble. It is all in a bid to raise aware- Badminton, Medics Hockey, Swim- Boob Team. When asked how the ness about CoppaFeel!, the breast ming, and Cheer. varsity challenge came about, Murcancer awareness charity, as well as The varsity challenge is running doch said, ‘I got together with the raising some money for the charity. throughout the whole month of Feb- UBT leader at Bath back in October The Bristol Uni Boob Team are also ruary. To end, they have organised a and discussed how we could help offering the chance for the best Bris- regenerative yoga session for partic- each other this year as we were strugtol athlete to win a Myga CoppaFeel! ipants from all of the universities to gling to think of engaging activities yoga mat. take part in. and we came up with the idea. We CoppaFeel! are ‘the first breast The Bristol Uni Boob Team have decided to ask the other unis if they cancer charity in the UK to solely set themselves the personal goal wanted to get involved and it grew create awareof achieving from there.’ One of their aims was to get 800km ness amongst and Murdoch also described the benyoung people, people feeling like their best raising £800 efits of keeping fit and healthy and with the aim for charity. how one of their aims this year selves of instilling the They selected was ‘to get people feeling their best knowledge and tools they need to get the number 8 because they like to selves,’ so she thought the challenge to know their bodies.’ CoppaFeel! are call it the ‘boob number.' At the time fitted nicely with this goal. represented at the University of Bris- of writing, the Bristol Uni Boob Team Organising multiple groups across

University of Bristol Boob Team

different universities does come with challenges, however. Murdoch said, ‘The most difficult thing has been coordinating all the other universities, setting up a Strava group proved a bit challenging for some of them!’ although, there have not been many other issues to overcome. For Murdoch, the most important take away from the challenge is ‘the

importance of getting out and about for mental and more general health during lockdown, and to remember to check their boobs at once a month!’ Epigram wishes the Bristol Uni Boob Team good luck for the remainder of the varsity challenge! To sign up for monthly reminders to check yourself from CoppaFeel! text ‘UBTBRS’ to 7050.

Sporting nostalgia corner: Playing Epigram / Alice Proctor

tion? Picture this: you have just escaped the clutches of Wednesday’s 12 pm lecture and are quickly scranning some pasta and pesto as your prematch fuel. You arrive at Coombe Dingle with the Bristol sun on your face and the noise of camaraderie flowing from the changing rooms. It’s gameday, a momentary escape from that summative due on Friday, a midweek reprieve from lectures, an opportunity to stretch your legs. Stepping onto the pitch only serves to build the excitement; the feel of your studs sinking into the mud, the organised exercise after three lock- sound of the ball hitting your stick, downs and a lottery of tiers, so here’s the beads of sweat running down a trip down memory lane! your temple. Technically, we can leFor anyone who is remotely sporty, gally do all this as part of our sinthe past two months will have been gle sortie for exercise, but competipretty challenging. Sure, there is tion adds a certain spark that can’t plenty of telbe replicated by evised rugFor now, all we can do is the mediocre by, football, lockdown altersit tight and wait for that native. cricket, golf (I glorious 29 March date to could go on) Playing our roll around but something preferred sports, is still missing. be it at training There is a sporting itch that just or matches, is full of tiny little things cannot be scratched by watching that we didn’t realise we’d miss until from home or meeting up with a sol- they were gone. As a rugby player, I itary friend to go for a run Where is have found myself reminiscing about the pre-game build-up, the pumping playing every time it is ‘perfect rugby adrenaline, the post-match exhaus- weather’ because it brings back good

Remember when Wednesdays used to mean more than just hump day? Eddie McAteer Sports Editor

ince the start of the pandemic, most forms of exercise have been limited in some way or another. With the vast majority of us having not played since 5 January, a light at the end of the tunnel has appeared in the form of legally permitted outdoor sport as of 29 March. Nonetheless, we are all feeling pretty sentimental about

memories. today's FC Barcelona being a prime That said, sporting nostalgia isn’t example. limited to outdoor sports; indoor Competitive sport also has a sports have been some of the hard- knock-on effect on our academic est hit by COVID restrictions. Maddy lives. Epigram’s Digital Sports Editor, Russell, social secretary of the Pole Daniel Dyson, described the ‘motivaand Aerial Arts society, explained tion to work’ that comes from playthat training ing sport. Dein particular Stepping onto the pitch only spite the fatigue is a bonding that comes with serves to build the excitement exercising, there experience because ‘you is undoubtedget to know the people stopping you ly a burst of motivation that somefrom falling several metres.’ how stems from tiring yourself out. Training might be where those Trudging home after a tiring session bonds are created but it is competi- brings with it a sense of achievement tions/matches where they are tested. that, somewhat strangely, propels us Regardless of your sport, competi- to accomplish even more outside the tion is integral because it provides world of sport. Even though your the high-pressure situations in which body is tired, often your mind is all these links are forged. Without com- the sharper for having exercised. petitive sport, those links are weaker Organised sport isn’t just about exand can cause you to feel disconnect- ercise, it’s about experiences. Experied from teammates. ences of friendship that are intensiIn team sports such as rugby, fied by winning, losing and training football and hockey, every player together. How can we get those exmust connect with their teammates periences without physically being to achieve a common goal. As they there? face off against another group of I am sure that I speak for every teammates, you could argue that the sportsperson when I say, ‘I will nevstrength of the bond between team- er take organised sport for granted mates is what wins the game, not the again.’ None of us can wait for it to skill of the players. Even though hav- return but, for now, all we can do is ing skillful players helps, they don't sit tight and wait for that glorious 29 necessarily make a winning team - March date to roll around.

Sport

Editor Digital Editor Deputy Editor Match Day Reporter

Twitter: @EpigramSport

Eddie McAteer Daniel Dyson James Dowden Charlotte Carver

Epigram / Patrick Sullivan

Is lockdown a sporting blessing in disguise?

Lockdown doesn't have to mean binging Netflix between every lecture Connor O'Sullivan Third Year Ancient History

he recent national lockdown has swept a wave of boredom across university students; no meeting friends, no pubs, and no sport. Although it is frustrating to have sports taken away from us just as they were starting to get going again, look at this situation as a chance to get ahead of the curve. Just because gyms and organised sports are not available right now does not mean that you have to stop. University sport will return – according to Boris Johnson’s latest an-

become better than you were before. You can turn the lockdown sports hiatus into a blessing in disguise by using this new-found time to get ahead of your competitors. As Mike Tyson said, ‘No one wants to get up at four and run when it’s pitch-dark, but it has to be done. The only reason why I do it so early is because I believe that the other guy isn’t doing it and it gives me a little edge.’ Now, I am not saying get up at four (fudge that), but his point still stands, and is now more relevant than ever. In lockdown, it is easy to simply relax. If you put in a bit of effort now, you will be gaining an advantage over ‘the other guy', who is likely in bed watching Netflix. When sports return, this effort will pay dividends and the results will be clear to see.

Exercise is key in maintaining not only your physical health but also your mental health nouncement it could be back as soon as 29 March. So rather than transforming into a couch creature, take this lockdown by the scruff of the neck and use it as an opportunity to

You can approach this in a number of ways. For work on your fitness, go for a run every other day, testing yourself on your best times and furthest distances. You don't have to go

Now, I am not saying get up at four (fudge that), but the point still stands crazy to start with, rather see what your fitness level is and work on improving it from there; apps such as Strava or Nike Run Club can help with this (I'm not sponsored… yet). You could also choose to work on your body strength – aim to do 50 push-ups or sit-ups a day, and gradually increase the number as you go on. Everyone will be at different fitness levels, so see how you do and adjust your aims accordingly. There are plenty of home fitness sessions and tutorials online which can help you with this. Alternatively, you can focus on improving your skills in your preferred sport. If you are a footballer, aim to beat your kick-ups record, which will undoubtedly improve your first touch. Or even better, if you have a housemate who is keen, head to the Downs and practice your long-range passing. If you are a basketball player, there are outside courts in Bristol where you can practice your three-pointers and free throws. Try learning a new shot that

you are less confident with – practice your step back jump shots or your layups. These are the things that will make a difference, as sport is all about fine margins. Putting in that extra practise is what will get you ahead of the competition. When sports return you will feel so much sharper than those around you who have not kept active.

runs every couple of days and I do not regret it one bit. Sometimes all you need is to see what routine works best for you. I like to go as soon as I wake up, whack on an album or a podcast I like and even just a light jog for 15-20 minutes in the morning does wonders. I return home ready to start my day already feeling like I have accomplished something. Exercise helps to maintain not only your physical health but also your mental health, which cannot be overlooked. The stresses of lockdown and university can easily get to you, but with just a bit of exercise your

If you put in effort now, you will be gaining an advantage on ‘the other guy' Days can easily pass by in lockdown without feeling like you have done much. Just going for a run or doing a small workout will give you a massive sense of accomplishment – even 15 minutes is far better than no exercise at all. If you can do more, even better! Try to incorporate it into your routine. Recently, I have been going for

mind can clear almost instantaneously. This will undoubtedly benefit you in other aspects of life too, such as your studies, as you will be in a much better headspace to approach your work. Regular exercise is key to a healthy life, and I can guarantee that if you follow these some of these steps then you will not regret it.