EPIGRAM
01.12.23 Issue no. 375 Est. 1989
The University of Bristol's Award Winning Page Independent Student Newspaper 5
BETWEEN THE SHEETS NEWS
Accent Prejudice at UoB? Daisy Yates First Year, Philosophy and Theology
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Prizewinning, portable period products: the story of two Bristol graduates p.5
OPINION
ARTS
Artificial Intelligence should be banned at universities p.8
Street art: Bristol as a blank canvas p.14
he University of Bristol is home to students from across the UK and around the globe. But while the institution prides itself on its inclusive environment, a significant challenge persists for a number of students: discrimination based on their accents. The issue appears to be especially pertinent for students hailing from the north of England, as highlighted by Dr Robert McKenzie in his study at Northumbria University. According to his findings, a perception exists that individuals from the north are deemed ‘less intelligent, less ambitious, and less educated.’ To gain a bet-
ter understanding of this issue here at Bristol, Epigram spoke to Amelia, a second-year Liberal Arts student. She explained that ‘it is harder for students with different accents to fit in initially.’ She went on to reflect back on her time at Wills Hall in first year, describing her initial experience as ‘quite surprising and jarring since everyone
seemed to have come from London, most people in my flat had mutual friends so formed a group together.’ Statistics show that only 40 per cent of young people in the north-east go on to higher education, compared to the 55 per cent who hail from London, making it less likely for students from outside the south of England to encounter people who sound like them during their time at university. Sammy Wright - lead commissioner for schools and higher education for the Social Mobility Commission (SMC) • The rest of this article can be found on page 11. Images courtesy of Dan Hutton, Features Co-Deputy Editor
Bristol student tasked with bringing football to the last country on earth without it
FILM & TV From video essays to Letterboxd: film criticism in the digital age p.16
Faniki Deche Second Year, Politics and International Relations
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CONTENTS Editorial News Opinion Features Wit & Wisdom Arts Film & TV Music Sci-Tech Sport
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hird year Politics and International Relations student and current goalkeeper for the University of Bristol Association Football Club (UBAFC), Max Houchin, shares how his love for football inspired him to bring the game to the last country on earth without it. 8,367 miles separate Bristol from the small Pacific nation of the Marshall Islands. Football’s ability to create international connections further justifies the sport’s uniqueness. Indeed, this showcases the result of combining a fanatic with the only UN recognized nation lacking a National Football Team. From the start, Max fell in love
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with football because of the community and escapism it brought. He said, when contacted by Epigram, '[Football] allowed me to meet people from all different walks of life and connect over a common interest… It just gives you a sense of community, a sense of place, a sense of purpose which I find really powerful. It’s great fun to play with all your mates, being able to go to socials with them and have a laugh especially when times are difficult. You always have football to fall back on as a place to relax and forget about any other stresses in life.' The combination of a unique interest towards lesser footballing nations; a desired Masters in Sports Management • The rest of this article can be found on page 23.
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