April 12, 2019

THE GATEPOST Framingham State’s independent student newspaper April 12, 2019

Volume 87 • Issue 21

FSUgatepost.com

‘Humanities: I am Because We Are’ Graphic design and illustration seniors highlight the importance of community

Hannah Coco / THE GATEPOST

Seniors Gabrielle Raposo, left, and Kayla Normand, right, bond over their senior design projects.

By Tessa Jillson Arts & Features Editor Ubuntu - an African word meaning to be one in a group of strangers.

This is the word that defines the senior graphic design and illustration class exhibition tagline, “I Am Because We Are,” said senior graphic design major Alexis Gomez.

The exhibition, “Humanities: I Am Because We Are,” held in the Mazmanian Art Gallery April 9, showcased 15 students’ portfolio work, all connecting back to two key terms - culture and community.

The students showcased were Gomez, Renee Marinone, Nathally Bastos, Samantha McQueen, Gabri-

elle Raposo, Kayla Normand, Bianca Lopes, Mark Giurguis, Chris Landry, Chris Delaney, William Pittman, Jorge Calvera, Michael Hendon, Mason Prentiss, and Dan Terrasi.

“We wanted to do something powerful, something that may bring out the FSU community within all of us, and ‘I Am Because We Are’ represents what we do in our life. … We all share something in common, and what that is, is culture. Culture is our beliefs. Culture is us. Culture is our behaviors. Culture is what we do in our lives and why we do it,” said Gomez.

He then read a poem by an unknown writer: “These interwoven veins / DNA / Double Helix / Microscopic / Binding us / All of us / Together / As one / Species / One race

/ Human / Me and you / Us / All / Through this common shared truth / All of us together / As one / Me and you / Ubuntu.”

In addition to their portfolio work, each student’s bio contains a word in a different language that represents part of their heritage.

Stephanie Grey, professor of art and the senior graphic design and illustration portfolio class, said the title “Humanities” is a “response to things that have been going on - on campus and in the world.”

During Gomez’s speech, he thanked Grey. “For all that you do, your passion and inspiration you bring into class honestly rubs off on us. Without your help, this would have been impossible,” he said.

Gomez’s portfolio consisted of a Morgan Freeman portrait, a “Peoples” magazine template of Morgan Freeman, McAuliffe Center information posters, Gomez’s religious organization app called ONECOMMUNITY, and his proudest project - his personal logo for his freelance business, AGDESIGNS. He said he wanted his portfolio to consist of “varieties of diversity in terms of designing” to showcase what he can do as a designer using Adobe and Microsoft.

Even though graphic design was at first just a hobby to Gomez, he said he “always had a passion for art.

See MAZGAL page 15

SGA speeds through changes to clubs’ constitutions Student organizations, including SGA, motion to pass multiple amendments

By Ashley Wall Photos Editor Dance Team President Sydney Chase and Treasurer Samantha Benoit gave a presentation to SGA at its weekly senate meeting April 9.

The presentation consisted of photos and anecdotes from their trip to the Jump Dance Convention in

News

New York City.

Chase said, “It was a pretty good networking event for us.”

Education Club presented proposed changes to their current constitution. The first revision was found in Article II, which modified the purpose to be more inclusive of current club practices.

Education Club President Jen-

Opinions

nie O’Leary said, “The officers and I edited the purpose to better reflect what we have been doing this semester and hopefully, what the club will continue to do in the future.

“We previously had six positions, but we narrowed that down to four,” she said. “We took away the publicity coordinator and member at-large positions because our club is very small

Arts & Features

and we don’t have enough people to have that size of an eBoard.”

The last proposed change was to Article XI. The change focused on the quorum and allows for a simple majority of members in addition to club officers at a meeting.

SGA Parliamentarian Adam Scanlon moved to approve all proposed

See SGA page 4

Sports

PROVOST CANDIDATES pg. 3

SEXETERA pg. 7

ASHLEY BENDICKSEN pg. 11

WOMEN’S LACROSSE pg. 18

MARK OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS pg. 5

ADMISSIONS SCANDAL pg. 8

BILLIE EILISH ALBUM REVIEW pg. 12

BASEBALL pg. 19

INSIDE: OP/ED 6 • ARTS & FEATURES 11 • SPORTS 16

NEWS

2 | APRIL 12, 2019

Editorial Board

Gatepost Interview

Editor-in-Chief Bailey Morrison

Kashem Chowdhury

Associate Editors Corey McFeeley Jillian Poland News Editor Nadira Wicaksana Arts & Features Editor Tessa Jillson Asst. Arts & Features Editors Brennan Atkins Robert Johnson Jr. Entertainment Correspondent Noah Barnes Opinions Editor Lizzy Stocks Sports Editor Matt Ferris Asst. Sports Editor Liam Gambon Design Editor Cara McCarthy Asst. Design Editor Kathleen Moore Photos Editor Ashley Wall Asst. Photos Editor Donald Halsing Copy Editor Gordon Rupert Asst. Copy Editor Jared Graf Staff Writers Mikael Brown Evan Lee Tom Maye Kayla Otten Lauren Paolini Patrick Peterson Sara Senesac Carlos Silva Caeley Whalen Staff Copy Editors Jordan Bacci Caroline Lee Staff Photographers Hannah Coco Ryan Feinblatt Staff Illustrator Nicholas Carlson Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks Administrative Assistant Gwenyth Swain 100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

University Police staff assistant

By Nadira Wicaksana News Editor What is your educational and professional background?

I have a diverse background - I earned a degree in electrical engineering, and then I pursued a degree in business administration and earned an MBA. I started my professional career by teaching college. When I came to the U.S., I ended up working in law enforcement in higher education institutions, such as Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York City.

I also worked as a head examiner in secondary and higher education. ... I worked for the City University of New York in one of the tough neighborhoods of Manhattan, a block away from the former Twin Towers.

How did you become interested in your discipline?

I had two ambitions in my life: one to become a teacher, and two - to work in the law enforcement field. So, in my earlier life, I worked as a college professor. I worked eight years in colleges as a teacher. ... When I came to the U.S., I noticed people work in law enforcement agencies in higher education institutions, and it was a great opportunity for me to apply to these positions. I was a classified Secret Service employee in New York City - that’s how I got started in law enforcement.

How did you come to Framingham State?

Throughout my career, I worked as faculty as well as law enforcement administration. I received my law enforcement instructor certification from DCJS, which is the Department of Criminal Justice Services. I used to teach in law enforcement in different institutions in New York City. I leveraged my engineering education and training in law enforcement by specializing in electronic and physical security ... [such as] access-controlled video surveillance [and] surveillance management systems. When I noticed the position was vacant here, I was pleased to apply and accept this position.

What responsibilities do you have in your job?

I’m an integral part of the University police department. I make sure the police personnel are getting their appropriate remuneration [salary]. I also

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST look at departmental purchases and procurements. I play an important role in inventory and budget management.

It is my duty to maintain a safe and secure environment for the University community - I make sure authorized persons are getting the right access at the right time.

How does FSU differ from the institutions in New York at which you taught?

New York City is way more diverse than FSU. The place where I used to work in downtown Manhattan is very diverse. I met several people in my workplace who came from different countries I’d never heard of before.

I spoke with lots of people and saw their passports and saw those country names for the first time. Compared to New York City, Framingham is not that largely diverse, but the school is more diverse than my original estimation. I found that every department is very diverse, and so are the students.

less crowded. You can enjoy life here, and I’ve found that everyone is very friendly.

What do you enjoy the most about working with students?

At FSU, I’ve had great interactions with students. In my department, I have student employees as well. I enjoy working with them and I enjoy supervising them. And I’ve found - at FSU - that this is a great opportunity for students that I rarely found at other institutions, that every department has work opportunities for students. ... I would like to say both the students and the University benefit from this.

What are some of your hobbies?

During my free time, I work on computer programming. I also like cooking and taking long walks.

What advice do you have for FSU students?

The present moment is the most valuable - use it wisely. Once it is gone, it will never come back. Select your major of study carefully and focus on your future career, and do it now. Do not wait for tomorrow. If you get the opportunity, do it today.

As a newcomer to Framingham, how does it differ from other places you’ve lived?

This is the first time I came to Massachusetts - when I got the opportunity to work here. I grew up in the city.

Also, New York City is a very crowded place. Compared to New York City, the atmosphere in Massachusetts - espe- CONNECT WITH NADIRA WICAKSANA cially in this neighborhood - is much nwicaksana@student.framingham.edu

Police Logs Monday, April 8 08:57 Medical Union Ave. Building Transport to Hospital

Tuesday, April 9 07:50 Traffic Post Normal Hill Parking Lot Assignment Complete

Wednesday, April 10 16:20 Panic Alarm Dwight Hall Checks OK

Thursday, April 11 08:27 Community Policing McCarthy Center Checks OK

Monday, April 8 13:19 State Parking Enforcement May Hall Fire Lane Citations Issued

Wednesday, April 10 08:20 Found Property Maynard Rd. Parking Lot Report Taken

Wednesday, April 10 19:37 Assist Motorist Athletic Field Lot 1 Services Rendered

Thursday, April 11 12:51 Alarm (Trouble) Towers Hall Referral Filled

NEWS

APRIL 12, 2019 | 3

Provost/vice president for academic affairs candidate forums continue

By Bailey Morrison Editor-in-Chief

David Callejo Pérez highlights importance of communication with students and faculty

Mark Kiselica speaks of his ‘deeply personal’ passion for higher education

David Callejo Pérez discussed the importance of finding new and creative ways of communicating with students and faculty during two open forums April 3.

Callejo Pérez, who is one of four candidates in the running for the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs, earned a Ph.D. in education from Florida International University.

He currently serves as the associate provost for academic affairs and interim dean of education at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan.

During the student open forum, Callejo Pérez discussed the best ways to convey information with the student body. “I don’t send an email unless it’s life or death.”

He said in his current role, there is a dedicated website for students to contact professors and administrators to

Mark Kiselica, the third candidate for provost and vice president for academic affairs, answered questions from the FSU community at two open forums April 8.

Kiselica has a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s in psychology from Bucknell University.

Kiselica is currently the vice provost for academic affairs and a psychology professor at Cabrini University in Pennsylvania.

During an open forum with faculty, Kiselica discussed how he was “privileged” to receive a college education after growing up in poverty with parents who did not receive “traditional formal education.”

He said he is passionate about making higher education accessible to “nontraditional” students who may lack the funds or access that make education possible.

Kiselica said his “eyes were opened” to racial inequality while completing a pre-doctoral internship in clinical child and adolescent psychology at The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1986.

He previously had “no experience” working with people of color and said

Cara McCarthy / THE GATEPOST sometimes shifts.”

“If you call yourself a liberal arts institution,” he said, there needs to be a “better connection from [students’] general education to their professional education in their respective fields.

“We are in the people business and you all are people.”

- David Callejo Pérez, provost candidate receive a swift response. In addition, a texting service is available for students to ask questions and an automated system guides them to the person or department they need to contact.

He added the best way to spread information to students is through campus clubs and organizations.

During the open forum for faculty and staff, Callejo Pérez said he wants to “reimagine the experience of education” for traditionally underrepresented groups and “really open up access for everyone.”

He said this can be done by providing both students and faculty with opportunities for academic growth.

Callejo Pérez said he wants to increase support for programs that fit the mission of the University as a “diverse” teaching institution.

He added one of the most important goals as provost would be to prioritize the work/life balance for professors.

“We are in the people business and you all are people.”

Callejo Pérez said academic affairs is responsible for “driving the culture” of student success and preparedness.

During the faculty Q&A, history professor Richard Allen asked about Callejo Pérez’s academic and institutional “vision” for the University. Allen also expressed concern regarding a “shift in focus from the liberal arts education we are said to be giving to the sciences.”

Callejo Pérez said faculty should remain “dedicated” to providing a liberal arts education as “that is at the core of what you do here, even if the focus

“The core values of liberal arts education don’t have to be thought of differently,” he said, but instead the University must find different ways to convey to students and parents how the liberal arts education translates to the job field.

Virginia Rutter, sociology professor and member of the Massachusetts State College Association bargaining team, asked Callejo Pérez how he plans to “mitigate” the damage done to the relationship between the faculty union and the administration after “three years without a raise for faculty and librarians and two years without a funded contract.”

Callejo Pérez said decisions made at t h e University need to be an “integrative” process. “Everyone needs to be a part of that.”

He said in his role he would “engage all the constituents” in an honest discussion regarding the issues at hand.

He said in his current role, during contract negotiations, the faculty and administration discussed reducing costs of graduate-level programming following decreased enrollment. “You always include the people your decision impacts along in the process. The last thing we want to do is make a promise to an external partner and not be able to deliver.”

Callejo Pérez added, “It’s about an open, honest engagement. We don’t have to agree, but we do have to come to an understanding that we are involved in something together.”

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST

- support for money for conferences.”

Lina Rincón, professor of sociology, asked Kiselica how he would support “structural change” at the University following the hate crimes over the last two years. She said, “For us to really enact this diverse mission, we need someone like yourself to be willing to support that vision.”

Kiselica said there is a “systemic emphasis” in the FSU strategic plans to “promote inclusivity and student success.” He said there has to be a continuous message sent to students that the University “celebrates diversity.”

“We must work collectively to diversify our faculty at our institution.”

- Mark Kiselica, provost candidate this inspired him to focus on “confronting racism” and “crossing cultural boundaries” in his academic work.

Virginia Rutter, professor of sociology and member of the Massachusetts State College Association bargaining team, asked Kiselica how he would “mitigate the damage” that has been done and repair the relationship between faculty and administrators after a “contentious” three years of negotiating a faculty contract.

Kiselica said he “aches” for the faculty and staff who have gone without raises for “so long.” He added, “Where would American workers be without the contribution of unions?”

He said that unions have historically made working conditions “safer and better” for all workers.

Kiselica added supporting faculty contract negotiations isn’t the only way he will support faculty. “My job is not about me. My job is about students and you. My job is to create as many opportunities to shine a spotlight on all the good work you do.”

He said, “When we come to budget decisions at an institutional level even though you haven’t had a raise there are certain things I can try to protect that do something to help people feel fulfilled in their work. For example

He said there must be a “recognition” of cultural backgrounds in the curricula and lecture series on campus.

Kiselica added, “When students consider coming here, they sense the warmth, the welcoming, and the genuineness to appreciate who they are.”

He said, “We must work collectively to diversify our faculty at our institution.”

During the student forum, Adam Scanlon, senior and SGA parliamentarian, said students are concerned with the lack of opportunities for commuters on campus and asked Kiselica how he would improve the “commuter experience.”

Kiselica said one way to alleviate the “loneliness” commuters feel from being unable to participate in events is by creating a class schedule that has specific times where no classes or student governance committees are held.

He said his former employer, the University of New Jersey, used this model to give commuters times to “participate in campus culture.”

Kiselica said, “There shouldn’t be anything preventing students from participating.”

CONNECT WITH BAILEY MORRISON bmorrison@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

NEWS

4 | APRIL 12, 2019

SGA

Continued from pg. 1

Education Club constitutional changes. The motion was unanimously passed by senate.

SGA Vice President Matty Bennet shared changes made to SGA’s constitution by its Constitution Committee. “This hopefully will be the last round of constitutional changes,” Bennet said.

The first change seen was in Article V. The change would allow the SGA secretary to chair senate meetings in the absence of both the vice president and president, rather than in the absence of the senate chair and vice president.

Constitution Committee also requested the approval of a formatting change found in section 10 of the article.

In addition to removing a line, proposed changes to Article VI stated, “The president shall now preside over senate in the absence of the vice president.”

SGA eBoard discusses changes to Education Club’s constitution.

Article IX was revised to make senator attendance mandatory at annual retreats. The revision included the removal of any senator who fails “to attend any retreat without prior approval of the SGA president.”

The last proposed constitution

BSU members present the funding requst for their Culture Show and afterparty.

revision was seen in Article XI. The article was expanded to include more details to the current policy for recall and removal proceedings.

All constitutional revisions presented were unanimously approved by senate.

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST SGA also saw two different budget requests. HerCampus and Dance Team jointly requested $570.50 for their Self-Care Social.

The requested amount would go toward prizes, catering, and promotional items. Class and Club Treasurer Lexi Kays motioned to allocate the full amount, followed by a unanimous approval from senate.

Black Student Union also requested $4,616.94 for its upcoming Culture Show and afterparty.

SGA allocated the full amount, of which $4,029.54 will be used to buy T-shirts for show attendees. A current FSU student contributed the design for the shirts.

BSU Vice President Markiyah Bullard said, “It’s an opportunity to expose the community to different cultures and celebrate different cultures as well.”

CONNECT WITH ASHLEY WALL awall1@student.framingham.edu

Campus community meets to discuss changes to alcohol policy sanctions

By Ashley Wall Editorial Staff The Student Affairs Governance Committee held an open forum to discuss FSU’s current alcohol policy and its sanctions April 9.

There were four students in attendance. The majority of the audience members - students, faculty, and staff alike - were committee members themselves.

Committee members in attendance included Director of Community Standards Jay Hurtubise, Dean of Students Meg Nowak Borrego, and Associate Dean of Academic Success LaDonna Bridges.

According to Hurtubise, the committee decided to draft changes to the policy when they received feedback from students that it was too restrictive and the sanctions were too harsh.

Hurtubise said, “It was important to recognize that there was concern.”

SGA President Ben Carrington introduced the current alcohol policy and the committee’s proposed changes. He and SGA Secretary Allie Flood also presented student feedback.

FSU’s “Alcohol Sanction Proposal Comparison Sheet” states the policy “highlights the importance of informed and responsible deci-

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

sion-making in the academic and social development of students.”

Current minimum sanctions for those involved in a first violation include restrictions from resident life, as well as from leadership activities.

Sanctions also include disciplinary warnings, a residential review, an alcohol education and assessment program, and a letter home if under age 21.

One of the proposed minimum sanctions separated “decorative containers” from other containers of alcohol. Although still categorized as a first violation, only a warning letter would be issued as opposed to complete minimum sanctions for a first violation.

Another proposed policy modification is the definition of “minimal disruption.” As stated in the proposed policy, “minimal disruption is the absence of FSUPD response, as well as the absence of violations [that] compound the egregiousness of the behavior.”

Carrington said a major concern of the current policy is that it may be “inhibiting educational success.”

Nowak Borrego also voiced her concern on this matter stating the committee is “really trying to focus on the educational component.”

However, Carrington added some

aspects of the policy are out of the hands of committee members. For example, a one-semester suspension from the University due to a third alcohol violation is a statewide policy and a higher education policy requirement.

Using feedback from faculty and students, committee members said they have looked into making sure they are following “best practices.”

Following in the footsteps of current college alcohol policies around the state, the committee has worked to ensure that students will not suffer academically or financially due to proposed sanctions.

If caught in a third violation, suspended students will risk losing financial aid and scholarships.

A major segment of policy changes is the modification of resident life restrictions. Current minimum sanctions call for a “one-week restriction from all resident halls.”

The proposed minimum sanctions would shorten the duration of the restriction to a “two consecutive weekend resident life restriction.” This allows for students to be able to attend classes during the week, rather than having to find a place to live while also commuting to class.

CONNECT WITH ASHLEY WALL awall1@student.framingham.edu

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST SGA President Ben Carrington explains proposed changes to the alcohol sanction policies.

NEWS

APRIL 12, 2019 | 5

The Gatepost staff receive eight awards from national organization ‘honoring the best of student journalism’

By Cara McCarthy Editorial Staff The Gatepost received eight Mark of Excellence (MOE) awards at the Region 1 Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) conference April 6.

SPJ is a national organization that advocates for journalists’ first-amendment rights and, according to its website, is “dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.”

The Gatepost earned MOE awards for feature writing, general column writing, sports column writing, general news photography, and editorial writing.

According to an April 8 SPJ press release, the organization “recognizes the best in collegiate journalism in Region 1 with 2018 Mark of Excellence Awards winners.”

The Region 1 conference spotlights journalists from colleges and universities in New England, New York, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania.

FSU received recognition in six of the categories in the “small schools” division. Small schools are defined as having 9,999 students or less. Colleges with 10,000 or more students are considered for recognition in a separate category, according to the SPJ website.

The awards for both editorial and sports column writing include both divisions.

Senior Tessa Jillson, Arts & Features editor, won first place for general column writing for her coverage of the Mazmanian Art Gallery showings.

Jillson said, “I think this award acknowledges all the time and effort I’ve put into writing for The Gatepost

- setting up interviews, finding the right word choices, and even staying up until 4 a.m. on some nights.

It isn’t just my award recognizing my hard work, but it’s an award for my whole staff.”

She added, “There are a lot of people behind the scenes who edit my articles and work on layout and design before they are published. I am so fortunate to have met these people and have such a phenomenal support team beside me.”

Senior Nadira Wicaksana, News editor, and senior Lizzy Stocks, Opinions editor, received finalist awards in the general column writing category.

Senior Jillian Poland, associate editor, received first place in the feature writing category for her article, “The Just-ice League: How the snow crew keeps FSU safe.”

Poland said, “I’m excited to have received a Mark of Excellence award, particularly as I’m coming to the end of my time at The Gatepost. This award is a nice way to cap off three years of working for the paper.”

She added, “The eight Mark of Excellence awards our staff was honored with are outside validation of what I already knew - that The Gatepost staff is made up of some of the most intelligent and dedicated people at Framingham State. I’ve been so lucky to work with each and every one of them.”

Cesareo Contreras, former editor-in-chief, was a finalist in the feature writing category for his piece, “Innovation Center brews new business.”

Senior Allie Gath, former Photos editor, won first place in the general news photography category for a photograph taken last year of the protests that followed a hate crime

Bailey Morrison / THE GATEPOST (From left to right) Tessa Jillson, Cesareo Conteras, Lizzy Stocks, Nadira Wicaksana, Jillian Poland, and Matt Ferris display their awards from the conference. on campus.

Senior Matt Ferris, Sports editor, received an award as a finalist in the sports column category for his weekly column, “Ferr or Foul.”

The Gatepost Editorial Board received a finalist award for editorial writing. The winner was The Daily Orange at Syracuse University, and the other finalist was Qur’an Hansford at Rider University.

Senior Bailey Morrison, editor-in-chief, said, “The editorials - authored by Jillian, Lizzy, and me are something I am incredibly proud of. I’m lucky to work with two such accomplished writers, and this recognition shows that others see the work we put into the editorials we write every week.”

Morrison added, “Everything we do at The Gatepost is a team effort we wouldn’t have received eight Mark of Excellence awards if it weren’t

for the dedication of each and every member.”

In an email, President F. Javier Cevallos said, “I take a great deal of pride in the fact that Framingham State boasts one of the best student-run newspapers in the country.

The amount of work and dedication students at The Gatepost put into producing an interesting, accurate, and reliable source of news for our campus is amazing.”

He added, “I am very grateful.

You [The Gatepost] should all feel extremely proud of this recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists.”

Jillson, Poland, and Gath will be considered for national awards and compete against first-place MOE winners from the other 11 regions.

CONNECT WITH CARA MCCARTHY cmccarthy8@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

6 | APRIL 12, 2019

OP/ED

OP/ED

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Your feelings are not facts

The release of the highly controversial film, “Unplanned,” has unsurprisingly sparked debate between anti- and prochoice advocates. And though both sides base their arguments on moral, scientific, or political beliefs, the sweeping inaccuracies and falsehoods touted by Abby Johnson, whose alleged story is portrayed in the film, have been ignored.

The R-rated Christian film performed astonishingly well at box offices around the country. The film debuted at $6.4 million, surpassing box office projections and finishing fourth on its opening weekend.

It was so successful it was added to an additional 456 theaters on its second weekend, according to Deadline Hollywood.

For the most part, staunch anti-choice advocates are taking this movie as gospel. Supporters praise the so-called reality of a scene depicting a 13-week fetus “fighting for its life” during an on-screen abortion. They think it reveals a dark truth that could change the hearts and minds of those with pro-choice beliefs.

But regardless of any personal beliefs surrounding abortion, those who champion the film are simply refusing to see the movie for what it is: a dramatized version of one woman’s largely debunked story.

While this film has resonated so deeply with the population it was meant to appeal to, the fact remains that the “true story” of the film never actually happened.

Johnson, the former Planned Parenthood employee turned anti-abortion advocate on whom the film is based, claims in her memoir that she was required to assist with the abortion depicted in the film.

This is a lie.

Texas Monthly reported Johnson never assisted with an abortion during her time with the organization. The doctor on duty at the clinic in question has confirmed that no abortions were conducted on the day she claims the incident happened.

Furthermore, according to The New York Times, gynecologists and pediatricians have overwhelmingly said a fetus in the first 13 weeks of gestation would be unable to respond to any stimuli.

Gynecologist Jennifer Villavicencio said, “Broad scientific consensus is that fetuses cannot experience pain, and therefore would not recoil from it, until well after 13 weeks.”

Anthony Levatino, a retired gynecologist and pro-life advocate, has claimed the movie is “scientifically sound.” He also plays the doctor who performs the abortion in the film, so there’s obviously no conflict of interest there.

Though this film is marketed as “based on a true story,” it is thinly veiled anti-choice propaganda.

Several organizations have already taken steps to warn viewers that the film is propaganda, not a valiant attempt to fight “one of the most powerful organizations in the world,” as it claims.

Google has the movie listed as “drama/propaganda” when viewers search the film. Planned Parenthood itself has condemned the film as “full of inaccuracies.”

Most of the film’s conflict stems from a fictitious event meant to elicit shock and horror from audiences, which creates a dangerous precedent for claiming politically motivated films are “based on a true story” when they’re really “based on factless opinions and fear mongering.”

Film is a particularly dangerous medium for propaganda because it shows what appear to be real people in what appear to be real situations. Seeing is believing, but what are viewers supposed to do when what they’re seeing are blatant lies?

This brand of fear-based propaganda is particularly dangerous at this time, when lawmakers across the nation are trying to limit access to abortion. Texas legislators recently attempted to have abortion categorized as capital murder, an offense punishable by death in that state.

This movie doesn’t just exist in the abstract, technicolor world of filmography - women’s lives and bodies could be affected if people are “converted” to an anti-choice stance by the lies in this film.

If your argument is morally or scientifically defensible, there is no need to lie or misdirect. People who make the decision to oppose abortion should do so because they’ve been swayed by truth, not emotional manipulation.

However, the focus shouldn’t be on whether your political values align with the message of the film - but rather the danger of how quickly falsehoods spread and lies become fact once on the big screen.

This isn’t a call to boycott the film or to pull it from theaters. It’s a call to viewers to meet propaganda with scrutiny instead of becoming further entrenched on one’s beliefs.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

A Swift response to anti-LGBT+ legislation

By Lizzy Stocks Opinions Editor Taylor Swift recently gained media attention after donating $113,000 to the Tennessee Equality Project, a nonprofit organization combating anti-LGBT+ legislation in Tennessee, specifically a group of bills dubbed the “slate of hate.”

Most of the media coverage surrounding Swift’s donation has largely been focused on Swift herself, rather than the hateful legislation being considered in the state which she votes.

Don’t get me wrong - as a member of the LGBT+ community, I truly admire her donation and commitment as an ally, but I would like to see more coverage and public knowledge about these bills which would affect basic human rights for citizens of Tennessee.

In the state, 12 separate bills, or six companion bills, have been introduced in both the House and the Senate during this year’s legislative session. Many of these bills died last year after failing to pass, but have been reintroduced as the state legislature would rather accept discrimination than defeat.

According to the U.S. Senate’s website, “House and Senate lawmakers who share similar views on legislation may introduce a companion bill in their respective chambers to promote simultaneous consideration of the measure.”

Tennessee lawmakers such as Sen. Joey Hensley, Sen. Mark Pody, Sen. Todd Gardenhire, Rep. John Ragan, Rep. Tim Rudd, Rep. Jason Zachary, Rep. Andy Holt, and Rep. Jerry Sexton are apparently like-minded as they have introduced the state’s anti-LGBT+ companion bills this year.

Senate Bills 848 and 1034, as well as House Bills 1152 and 836, are similar in that they would allow private adoption agencies to discriminate against prospective parents based

on the agency’s religious and moral beliefs.

Senate Bill 364 and House Bill 563 are known as “The Business License to Discriminate” bills which would prevent state government from taking action against a business with discriminatory internal policies. In other words, this bill deems businesses as the victims of discrimination, rather than the LGBT+ community.

Riiiight.

Senate Bill 1297 and House Bill 1151 specifically undermine trans and non-binary communities as they would expand the offense of indecent exposure to “include incidents occurring in a restroom, locker room, dressing room, or shower, designated for single-sex, multi-person use, if the offender is a member of the opposite sex than the sex designated for use.”

Let’s remember that many trans and non-binary folk are discouraged from using facilities aligned with their gender identity, and this bill targets them specifically.

Senate Bill 1499 and House Bill 1274 are similar to a bill introduced last year which would require the Attorney General to defend school districts that engage in anti-transgender bathroom discrimination. What’s disgusting and disheartening is this bill targets school-aged children.

Back again for another round is “The Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act” as Senate Bill 1282 and House Bill 1369, which would “defend natural marriage between one man and one woman regardless of any court decision to the contrary.”

Good to know Tennessee lawmakers disregard rulings by the Supreme Court.

While I’m happy to hear about Swift’s donation and commitment to fighting discrimination, people should be more aware and concerned about why she donated to the Tennessee Equality Project, rather than the feelgood fact that she did so.

Have an opinion?

Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Opinions should be about 500 words.

Anyone can submit.

We look forward to hearing from you!

OP/ED

APRIL 12, 2019 | 7

Measurement madness

By Evan Lee Staff Writer I recently made the mistake of buying a cheap new bicycle off eBay. When it arrived, the box’s “this side up” arrow did not point up, an axle had pierced through its side, and the only protection found within was some paper to prevent scratching.

It was scratched anyway.

But undeterred by the scratches, dents, and buyer’s remorse, I set about putting my new bike together.

A task which didn’t seem like it’d be too much of a challenge at the time - just a few nuts and bolts to tighten, right?

Wrong.

The bike, having been made outside the U.S., was manufactured to metric standards - unsurprising since most other countries use the Metric System, but problematic here as we still rely on the Imperial System.

And evidently, metric hex sockets don’t get along with imperial Allen wrenches.

While the difference is just slightly off in their measurements, it’s enough to keep my bicycle in pieces while I write this article. A rather pathetic tragedy, I guess, but one that when expanded over a global scale, leaves more than enough room for actual catastrophes to happen.

Case in point: the infamous Mars Climate Orbiter incident of 1999.

When NASA launched its orbiter in December ’98 to embark on a $327.6 million mission, it’s unlikely that anyone expected a measly metric miscalculation to lead them to complete loss less than a year later.

But, according to Arthur Stephenson of the Mars Climate Orbiter Mission Failure Investigation Board, that’s exactly what happened.

“The root cause of the loss of the spacecraft was the failed translation of [imperial] units into metric units in a segment of ground-based, navigation-related mission software,” he said in a report.

Essentially, two separate mission teams were working with two differ-

ent systems of measurement. Which is perfectly fine, until they have to share information with one another.

And apparently, when those two teams did go to share their information, they failed to convert the units they originally used, the investigation board found.

It’s a dilemma that anyone who has taken science classes may have encountered during exams.

If the conversion is done improperly in part A, then any attempts at doing parts B or C will be misguided since the information gathered to do so is wrong.

And screwing up on the test because of that is frustrating - I know from experience - but imagine how it must feel to do the same thing on a $327.6 million mission.

Probably not good.

Inevitably, the measurement error led to mission failure as the orbiter either drifted off into space or crashed somewhere it wasn’t supposed to on Mars.

An expensive mistake to say the least, but one that NASA didn’t blame on the different units involved - rather, NASA’s leadership blamed it on themselves.

“The problem here was not the error, it was the failure of NASA’s systems engineering, and the checks and balances in our processes to detect the error. That’s why we lost the spacecraft,” according to NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Science at the time, Edward Weiler.

While it’s certainly true that NASA had failed to catch that error, is it really fair not to place any blame on the difference in measurement systems?

To put it bluntly, had only one system been used, then there would have never been any risk for such an error to have occurred in the first place.

And though NASA has improved its error detection methods since 1999, so long as the Metric and Imperial systems of measurement continue their attempt to co-exist here in the U.S., the risk of another error slipping through still remains - both for NASA and suckers who buy bikes off eBay.

How to be a decent human

By Kay Ann Staff Writer Listen up.

It literally takes zero effort to call someone by their preferred pronouns.

I know some people claim it’s “so hard” to get the pronouns right, but I’m going to give you a few tips on how to act like a decent human being.

Cool?

OK - step one: when you meet someone, ask their name, and then call them by that name.

I know this may sound like common sense, but I see many people saying, “Oh, but what’s your birth name?” or, “That’s not their real name.” I care so little for these statements. You don’t get to decide what another person goes by. It has absolutely nothing to do with you. Mind your business. If I want to be called “Big Papa,” then that’s what I expect to be called.

Also, if your friend is transitioning and you refuse to call them by their preferred name because it’s “just not right,” you are the worst kind of person. It takes a lot of courage to come out and say you want to be called by a different name because you identify with it. Support your friend’s happiness, not your own comfort.

Step two: If a person wants to be called by specific pronouns, call them by those pronouns. This is another very simple thing that I see people ignoring.

I don’t care if it “feels wrong” or “makes you uncomfortable.”

If you absolutely can’t bring yourself to call someone the right pronouns and you keep misgendering them, I have a simple solution.

Cut your tongue out. Problem solved.

And honestly, I don’t care if you “don’t believe in it” or whatever, because the truth is - trans people exist. They are not some cryptid like the Loch Ness monster or big foot, you don’t get to not believe in them.

They’re here, they’re a part of the campus community, and they deserve basic respect.

That’s not an opinion. It’s mandatory.

Because our campus community shouldn’t put up with the heteronormative bullsh** hierarchy that some people think should be established.

I get it though, sometimes when a lifelong friend becomes who they truly are and changes their pronouns, you can get caught up saying the old ones out of habit.

Let me tell you, this is to be expected, and I’m sure your friend will be understanding. The best thing to do is change your wording and quickly move past it. Don’t linger on the “OMG, so so sorry it’s just this is new and I’m confused and….” Just say a quick “She - my bad - HE” and move on.

Just make a conscious effort to rename that person in your brain because you want to be supportive of your friends, and you want to make them feel comfortable in their skin.

The last thing I’m going to talk about here is people who don’t identify with gendered pronouns, and feel more like themselves being referred to in gender-neutral terms.

They/them.

This is not as complicated as people make it out to be. It’s not more challenging than calling someone by any other name - the only “difficult” part about it is that bigoted humans seem to believe that nothing can exist if they don’t explicitly approve of it.

Guess what - that’s not how any of this works.

People who like to be referred to with they/them pronouns are sometimes called agender or gender nonconforming. This simply means that they don’t feel like they fit into either the male or female gender category and fall somewhere either in the middle or outside of it. It’s not a hard concept.

If you’re going to come at me with the “It’s not correct grammar” argument then you can bippity-boppity-back the hell out of my face because the English language is a bunch of garbage that doesn’t make sense anyways.

Also, yesterday I heard you call espresso “expresso”- like a train of coffee, and you just referred to a group of humans as “all these transgendereds.” So, like ... pick a new battle.

Just go out there, be a decent person, respect people, and support trans kids.

[Editor’s note: Due to the unfortunate stigma surrounding women discussing sex, the author of this column has requested to use the pseudonym “Kay Ann.”]

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8 | APRIL 12, 2019

OP/ED

Mod it, don’t flaunt it

By Robert Johnson Jr. Editorial Staff This past week has been quite a chaotic one for those in the Fighting Game Community (FGC), particularly from the anime side of it.

On Tuesday, someone on Twitter put out a, now deleted, video featuring Naoto Shirogane from “Persona 4 Arena” in French Bread’s 2015 video game, “Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st]” (UNIST).

What then followed from a mostly harmless act of modifying a game’s PC port on Steam, was a storm of anger and disappointment from the developers and players of said game.

Kamone, the battle director of UNIST, expressed his distaste in his native Japanese on his Twitter account, telling fans of the game not to retweet or spread the use of modifications in the game, mostly because he finds it “discouraging.”

Now, that’s understandable, of course - “UNIST” is one of the finest fighting games of this past decade and I think it’s perfect as it is, and if I were in Kamone’s position, I’d say the same, too.

There is a problem with that logic, though, and it comes down to the concept of ownership.

When you purchase a game, you

have the right to do whatever you want with it - just so long as what you do isn’t illegal, malicious, or harmful to the developers and the game’s community. For example, it’s cool if you add a color-editing mode to a game, but producing a copy of it with the intent of angering the developers is a bad idea.

That latter point is especially true for French Bread, a team that since 1995 has been considered an “indie” developer of sorts, containing no more than 12 people on staff.

With that in consideration, I can understand why Kamone and the French Bread crew is angry.

A company that puts out worldclass fighting games, despite being small, is truly incredible in an ecosystem of triple-A game developers and companies, but what Kamone doesn’t get is that this is what he signed up for.

The moment he and the rest of the team put the game on Steam’s marketplace, they should’ve known this was inevitable.

“Modding,” the act of modifying a game with new content that wasn’t originally there, has been a staple of computer gaming since the ’80s, and in 2019, the market for mods hasn’t slowed down.

Sure, there are less harmful ways you can play as Naoto Shirogane in

other games, namely Arc System Works’ “BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle” from 2018, but if someone wanted to put her into another 2D fighter, they have the right to do just that.

However, there’s the bad part behind all this: modding a game that a Japanese “indie” studio made with thousands of hours of passion and drive behind it is, to put it in Kamone’s words, discouraging - especially with Japanese labor culture weighing them down at every moment.

Sure, the modded content fans have added in, such as custom colors and frame data viewers, should have been

included in the game to keep up with the other popular fighting games of the day. But, at the very least, those same fans should just keep their modifying under wraps.

As for Kamone and the French Bread crew, whining is not going to get them anywhere. They should find a way to block out mods from the PC ports of their games if that’s how they truly feel.

Or, better yet, hire those modders to ensure the next version of “Under Night” is as perfect as French Bread wants it to be. Give the FGC a “Sonic Mania” scenario and all it entails.

The college admissions scandal is more important than Aunt Becky gone wild

By Thomas Maye Staff Writer The headlines surrounding the college bribery scandal are like something out of a bargain-bin tabloid.

From “Full House” and Hallmark Channel alum Lori Loughlin, her fashion designer husband, and social media influencer daughter Olivia Jade, to “Desperate Housewives” actress Felicity Huffman, the controversy that confirmed some of our worst fears - that in many cases, America’s elite colleges really are pay-to-play - is like a rolling list of low-tier celebrities who haven’t been relevant since Blockbuster Video, if at all.

Let’s get real.

While celebrity-centric headlines may be amusing to read while waiting in the checkout line at Shaw’s, the mainstream press has a responsibility to look at wider, more serious implications beyond the off-red carpet.

The college admissions scandal is more important than a corny sitcom that can only be described as the Mormon version of spicy. It’s bigger than Target fashion designers, spoiled YouTubers, or the blue-ray DVD sets your retired aunt dusts off when she’s bored of “General Hospital.”

The controversy points to an entrenched American tradition of elit-

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ism, classism, and bribery. And though we’re all shocked to find out that Loughlin may not be as wholesome as human shoulder pad Rebecca Donaldson, we can’t let her ilk steal the spotlight from the staggering wealth inequality the scandal makes explicit.

For the ultra-wealthy, the American Dream can be bought - $500,000 bribes are nothing for the millionaires accused in Operation Varsity Blues. But let’s talk about the more important issue - all the kids they outbid. With all the complaints about affirmative action giving people of color an unfair advantage, we can’t ignore the power of a big, white check.

The poor are disproportionately disadvantaged by the admissions bribery backdoor, without the contacts or the money to buy their way into school - and according to a Vox article, “What the college admissions scandal says about racial inequality,” black and Hispanic kids are particularly at risk. Money can buy better tutors, better schools, and now, as the scandal shows, better test scores. For kids in poorer communities without as much educational funding, the odds are often daunting.

Further, a New York Times article states that in the ultra-selective Stuyvesant High School, often the training ground for families with Ivy

League ambitions, only seven black students were admitted out of 895 spots. After the story broke, a handful of black students were added - but it remains to be seen if Stuyvesant will continue its commitment to diversity once the controversy dies down.

Forgive me for not wiping my tears at Olivia Jade’s cancelled vacation in the Bahamas.

It goes without saying that better-qualified students shouldn’t be put on the sidelines just because they don’t have the money or the fame to buy their way in. But as the American public grows increasingly aware of income inequality and the injustices of

the elite, we can’t let stories of B- and C-list celebs overtake our collective memory.

It is, of course, promising that the rich and famous are being held accountable - but sensational, clickbait-style headlines distract from the bigger point.

Leave Loughlin and Huffman to the tabloids - they’ve spent enough time in the limelight. Income inequality isn’t as salacious as Becky behaving badly, but it’s a much more important, impactful story.

The media is the nation’s collective voice. Let’s hand the mic to people who can’t buy themselves a podium.

OP/ED

APRIL 12, 2019 | 9

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OP/ED

10 | APRIL 12, 2019

Can we separate music from the artist?

By Tessa Jillson Editorial Staff Music is inherently subjective. For some people, rock ‘n’ roll is satanic advocating sex, drugs, and violence.

Others consider rap music to promote bad values.

Disliking an entire genre of music is, and has always been, an absurd concept to me - everyone is different and so is music. Arguing about which genre of music is better won’t get us anywhere when there isn’t a definitive right or wrong answer - but we, as a human race, will argue about it for as long as possible. Complaining is just in our nature.

Besides genres of music, there is a constant debate, most recently concerning R. Kelly and his music, on whether musicians specifically should or shouldn’t be separated from the music they create.

Many people agree that if an artist is accused or found guilty of abuse, rape, murder, or anything morally and socially unacceptable, fans of the artist should stop supporting the artist entirely. This includes deleting the art-

ist’s music off their phones, restraining themselves from downloading new albums from the artists, unfollowing their social media pages, and calling them a scumbag on Twitter.

Yet here I am, almost three years after XXXTentacion was arrested for aggravated and domestic battery charges on his pregnant girlfriend, with all three of his albums still on my phone one I even downloaded after his death in 2018.

After reading that, you may qualify me as a bad person - please @ me on Twitter and roast the hell out of me if you’re upset. I’m not going to lie - people have called me out on this exact notion in the past. But I will always be - no matter how many times I’m called out for it - the type of person who separates the artists from their art.

I still listen to Chris Brown, David Bowie, Kanye West, and The Beatles and yes, John Lennon had a dark side.

I do understand the motivation or the concept of boycotting your former favorite artists’ music due to their violent pasts or accusations against, but in the aftermath of it all, that won’t fix the heart of the situation. The artist

will still have fans and will most likely be making more money than you ever will.

So, what is the point, other than to put your mind at ease?

The fact is, artists such as R. Kelly and Chris Brown managed to make bail even after you dropped them.

I like to think of it this way - you can choose to judge an artist based on their faults or you can choose to overlook them. The reality is, you don’t truly know that person, you don’t know how they grew up, and you don’t entirely know the whole truth behind the allegations against them.

I’m the type of person who wants to see people learn from their mistakes - not be completely exiled for them.

I think it’s important to remember that everyone, not only musicians, is flawed.

I’m not saying you should idolize a murderer or a misogynist - that is the last thing you should be doing. In fact, I, too, would love to see these artists go and stay in jail for their crimes or be subjected to some form of punishment.

What I’m saying is, you don’t have

to feel guilty about listening to their music. Music is an art form and up to interpretation. Music can be therapeutic and make you feel understood.

Depending on the artist, they also have the ability to separate themselves from their music - I don’t think the members of The Beatles actually lived on a yellow submarine, unless that is something I’m unaware of.

Context is key.

What I wonder is where we draw the line between an artist’s personal life and how people feel about their music.

If we ostracize every artist and their music due to horrendous crimes or nonsensical personal opinions, how many great artists will we have left to pick from?

Whatever you decide, I’ll still be here jamming to “Let It Be,” by The Beatles.

Campus Conversations

Do you think that scientists should continue to spend money researching black holes?

By Evan Lee and Cara McCarthy

“Hell yeah - because black holes are important to science and they can help us discover cool things like warp holes.”

-Paul Bows, junior

“Coming from a bio major, yes. But then again, I don’t really know much about black holes, so maybe no.”

-Catherine Quigly, sophomore

“At this point in time, no. But in the future, yes.”

“Without a doubt, yes. They’re mysterious and I want to know more about them.”

-Jordan Cummings Dee, freshman

-Daniel Johnson-Tatelbaum, sophomore

“Yes, because they are an integral part of the cosmos. Understanding how black holes work can help us better understand how the universe works.”

-James Longnecker, senior

“Yes! I think it’s really interesting and we need to know more about space. It would be good to know about black holes if one ever came near us.”

-Amanda Miller, senior

Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff. @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

ARTS & FEATURES

APRIL 12, 2019 | 11

ARTS & FEATURES Ashley Bendiksen shares her recovery from domestic abuse Looking into the eyes of an abuser

Ashley Bendiksen presenting to Framingham State University.

By Thomas Maye Staff Writer [Trigger Warning: This article discusses domestic and sexual abuse.]

Ashley Bendiksen thought she was going to die at her abusive ex-boyfriend’s hands, she said, piercing through the silence at an intimate gathering in DPAC Wednesday.

He’d walked a mile through the snow to her apartment in a drunken rage a week after their breakup, lunged at her, grabbed her by the hair, and strangled her with tears in his eyes. “You never loved me,” he yelled.

“I hate you, I hate you…”

But looking into the eyes of the man she thought would kill her, she felt a strange sense of guilt and longing. “He was still handsome,” she said.

“He was still the man I fell in love with.”

Bendiksen never expected the situation to go so far downhill - having

experienced a sexually, verbally, and physically abusive boyfriend in high school, she saw her new relationship as the salvation she deserved after her ordeal. “It seemed like destiny,” she said. But isolated outbursts soon became a cycle of trauma, and as her life crumbled around her, her manipulative boyfriend grew obsessed with her every move.

“No one’s an abuser on the first date,” she explained. Abuse follows a pattern - “I never would’ve believed them” if someone told her at the time he was an abuser, she said.

Starting with a “honeymoon” period of charm, a “too-good-to-be-true feeling,” the cycle of abuse soon shifts to accusations and name-calling, until exploding into a moment of tension, she said. The periods between joy and tension become shorter and shorter, resulting in a constant feeling of “walking on eggshells.”

“Things were really good at times, too,” - identifying abuse isn’t always

Courtesy of IGNITE at Framingham State University

as simple as people make it out to be, outburst, her boyfriend was finalshe said. ly charged with domestic assault.

Eventually, though, their relation- She had a long road to recovery, but ship devolved into “textbook abuse.” eventually became valedictorian at a Bendiksen said he followed her to her different college. She joined a womschool two hours away, memorizing en’s advocacy group, and now speaks the security guard schedule to avoid about her experiences at a variety of getting caught, and would constant- schools and professional conferences. ly monitor her to-and-from class. He She’s also in the process of forming once went so far as to “total” her car a website for people to anonymoustwo weeks before the fall semester in ly share their stories of abuse: bluean attempt to keep her by his side - heartsproject.org. away from the setting of countless Bendiksen stressed the power byimaginary cheating scandals. standers have in cutting the cycle It worked. She soon dropped out of short. “There were a million people the university - never to return. around me who could’ve helped,” she “At least he never hit me,” she said, said. allowing her to rationalize his emoFurther, she encouraged people to tional torment - until he punched define their own stories, and reach her in the face through glass, her face their highest potential. covered in shards and blood.

“You define your life,” she said.

She said, “It was the first time I was directly at his aggression - I realized I had to get out.”

She soon broke up with him.

CONNECT WITH THOMAS MAYE A week after his violent drunken tmaye1@student.framingham.edu

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ARTS & FEATURES

12 | APRIL 12, 2019

Billie Eilish brings her nightmares to life in ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’

By Tessa Jillson Arts & Features Editor Stuck in a nightmare full of forest fires, hell-bent archangels, hatchets, frozen limbs, stapled tongues, and copious amounts of blood - Billie Eilish unleashes her inner demons, drowning us in her sultry voice and melancholy melodies.

With help from her brother, Finneas, her debut album, “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?,” released March 29, immediately peaked at number one in the country on Billboard’s 200 chart.

At only 17 years old, Eilish has established herself as a musical prodigy, changing the meaning of “pop artist” with her alternative beats, electropop rhythm, classical voice, and tomboy-esque aesthetic.

The album opens with Eilish slurping into the mic, stating, “I have taken out my Invisalign and this is the album” before the bass drops and we are straight away led into her next track, “bad guy.” Eilish distorts her voice into a pulsating beastly growl, using high pitched synths and poppy undertones to establish that she is her own worst enemy.

Instantly following comes the song “xanny.” With minimal instrumentals, Eilish’s voice is high-

lighted throughout the slow-paced track. At the end of the song, her soft voice harmonizes in a cappella as she sings, “Come down / Hurting / Learning,” imitating a choir - going back to her roots when she first sang for her church.

Eilish continues to drag us into her subconscious and horrific dream sequence, with the song “all the good girls go to hell” - interweaving church bells and satanic sounds, while contorting her voice into an electric growl once again, singing, “My Lucifer is lonely / There’s nothing left to save now.”

The song twists Christian symbolisms, referencing climate change and natural disasters such as the wildfires in California - both her lyrics and her instrumentals set on fire.

Her nightmare continues as she sings, “For the debt I owe, gotta sell my soul / ‘Cause I can’t say no, no, I can’t say no / Then my limbs all froze and my eyes won’t close / And I can’t say no, I can’t say no” in her song “bury a friend.” The song, a monster ballad, numbs you as you are inflicted with sharp pauses in the beat and scattered heavy bass segments. Written from the perspective of a monster under the bed which Eilish can’t control. Eilish has formerly admitted to struggling with

sleep paralysis in interviews and on throughout all her songs besides, social media. “!!!!!!!,” to create a farewell. “It al“Bury a friend” directly flows most feels like an R.I.P.,” Eilish said into “ilomilo,” one of my person- in her interview with MTV. al favorites, as the beat changes This album is unlike anything from drum taps to a more delicate I’ve ever heard - captivatingly eerie rhythm, equivalent to music from in every way possible. Count your a music box. She skillfully changes blessings instead of sheep, because tempos, her voice gliding like a bal- Billie is coming. lerina over the wistful ballad as she sings, “Said I couldn’t love someone / ‘Cause I might break.” The song refers to a 2010 puzzle game where the player must unite “Ilo” and “Milo” juxtaposing her fear of separation and isolation.

You won’t be able to fall Eilish told PopBuzz that the final asleep after listening to three songs on the album were inthis album. tended to form a sentence, starting with “listen before i go,” then “i love you,” before ending with “goodbye.”

“Listen before i go,” is set in the MENU tone of a suicide note, and might evoke a surge of tears - if songs could have disclaimers, surely this one would.

Eilish then transitions into “i love you,” a soft ballad about a complex relationship. Eilish sings, “Up all night on another red-eye / We wish we never learned to fly,” as the background features a flight attendant giving a flight safety speech.

In the final song, “goodbye,” CONNECT WITH TESSA JILLSON Eilish combines different lyrics tjillson@student.framingham.edu

Grade: A

My Way

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ARTS & FEATURES

BLACKPINK falls flat again with ‘Kill This Love’

By Robert Johnson Asst. Arts & Features Editor Ever since BLACKPINK’s debut in 2016 as a female Korean Pop group with sass and flair, evident by their work on their first EP, “SQUARE ONE,” K-Pop fans around the world gravitated toward them for their energetic, powerful style, reminiscent of the now-disbanded 2NE1.

All this positivity makes what I’m about to write very unfortunate.

Three years, three extended play records, and two Japanese-exclusive re-issued compilations later, BLACKPINK makes yet another “comeback” with “Kill This Love,” and, my goodness, this comeback is dreadful to get through.

The EP starts with the title track, as most of the group’s offerings do, and everything about this song just feels odd. Teddy Park - or “Teddy” as he’s often known - returns to the producer’s seat, and, I’m not sure about you, but this is not the same Teddy I remember listening to back in 2016.

Everything about the production on this album is just weird. Delayed and awkwardly placed beat drops, weird fade-ins - the works. This is no longer Teddy’s BLACKPINK - this sounds more like a generic EDM artist’s BLACKPINK. If you look back at the initial release of “SQUARE ONE,” the production is danceable and solid. You can feel the power in your feet when you listen to the chorus of “BOOMBAYAH,” the EP’s most popular song.

With “Kill This Love,” the power is not as noticeable, and for a track that fits within their catalog of “BLACK” songs, playing greater emphasis than their softer, “PINK,” tracks, it does not really live up to the hype of what a “BLACK” song would entail.

“Don’t Know What To Do,” the second track, is a “PINK” song, with no awkwardness to it. Here, Teddy’s production is better and the singing from the group plays along with it well, at least much better than the title track was able to accomplish.

Thankfully, this song is a good “PINK” song, compared to their initial “PINK” content found in “STAY” from “SQUARE TWO,” which, to me, is still BLACKPINK’s worst song.

However, that streak of goodness instantly ends with “Kick It,” a slow jam with weird percussive elements to it.

You know something is bad when my face scrunches up when the beat drops, not even a minute and a half into the song.

Not even Lisa’s rap solo can redeem it, and Lisa is a phenomenal rapper on past BLACKPINK works.

Finally, the end of the EP is within reach with “Hope Not,” and it’s a good stopping point for an already abysmal EP, for it is actually a good, pulse-pounding “BLACK” song. You can dance to it without scratch-

ing your head about questionable production decisions!

Unfortunately, the EP didn’t end here.

The fine folks at YG Entertainment got bored enough to have someone remix “DDU-DU DDU-DU” from “SQUARE UP,” their third EP, a song that was already perfect enough as is, to cap off the EP. I didn’t even bother to stomach it. All I had to do was listen to the lazily implemented fade-in in the first 20 seconds and I was all set.

That’s enough - I am very disappointed with how this came to be.

The production value is far from Teddy’s best, the melodies are weak and uninspiring, as are the beats, and I somehow managed to find a much larger product worse than the existence of one song from their second EP alone - of course, that song being “STAY.” If this is going to be BLACKPINK’s only release this year, which I hope it is not, then, I can say with confidence that they have “lost” 2019.

YG Entertainment

Grade: D+ More like “Kill This EP,” please.

MENU

CONNECT WITH ROBERT JOHNSON JR. rjohnson10@student.framingham.edu

APRIL 12, 2019 | 13

All Hung up on incest with Koh in tow

By Robert Johnson Jr. Asst. Arts & Features Editor

Leslie Hung has been regarded in recent years as one of the finest up-and-coming artists on social media, with a hefty following on Twitter and Instagram contributing to her eventual work on Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Snotgirl” in late 2016 as lead artist.

However, fame does not equal purity, as this past Saturday has come to show fans of the disgusting-sounding comic on Twitter.

Hung acknowledged a piece of fan art of Dante and Nero from the recently released “Devil May Cry V,” but, unfortunately, it had a strange catch to it.

It was incestuous fan art, given the relationship between the two characters - uncle and nephew.

OK, so, that’s already bad at face value. Hung, then, only managed to dig her grave deeper.

“I’m proud of my input,” said Hung in a Tweet to the friend who drew the art.

The “Robbie’s Comic Corner”-patented “Yikes Meter” just went from 60 to 1,000, really quick.

“But, Robbie, what’s wrong with this? This doesn’t seem like a problem to write about.”

Well, reader, if you haven’t heard this before or live in Alabama or under a rock - let me spell it out for you: Incest is bad.

Like, really, REALLY bad. Especially bad when you have a public platform like Twitter to promote yourself on.

Unfortunately, Hung is not the only person who had their clown shoes on during the weekend - Irene Koh, another artist on the rise, outed herself as a fan of such heinous artistic depictions as well.

“I feel like enjoying fujoshi fan art is absolutely not an endorsement of real-life incest,” said Koh. “What the heck?”

Yeah, “What the heck” is awfully right, but not for the reasons you think, Koh. Being “An Old,” as you would say in the Tweet you put out on Sunday, does not excuse this in the slightest - there are old people on this planet who know better. What the actual hell is wrong with you?

Both managed to make their situations worse for themselves, somehow.

Hung began to play the victim and go back on her words, saying that she guesses that she’s “cancelled,” in a Tweet that is, surprisingly, still up. Koh just kept on rambling as the “Old” person she is, making even more excuses in her wake.

More like “playing the dumba**.”

“Robbie, you’re talking down two Asian-American women, though. Isn’t that kind of messed up, given your beliefs?”

Yes, but I would talk down anyone who supports incest, regardless of race.

But, enough about the past - let us look toward the future: in my ideal world, I would want Bryan Lee O’Malley to replace Hung, because I have a good idea of who O’Malley is as a person after all these years in the industry, and I would hope with all my heart that he doesn’t support Hung’s ideals.

A “Rat Queens”-like scenario such as that would be good to save O’Malley’s still infantile intellectual property from sinking. The only problem would come down to scrubbing Hung’s name clean off the production team of “Snotgirl,” given her role as lead artist and co-creator on the series.

As for Koh, well, I just hope that Nickelodeon and Dark Horse Comics keeps her away from working on comics related to “The Legend of Korra” with a 200-foot pole, no matter how good her art was in the “Turf Wars” miniseries.

Both Hung and Koh should be on the top of the comic art world, but, now, they’re scrambling to do damage control to save their crumbling social media queendoms, just because they had to show their nasty true colors when they could’ve just stayed quiet.

Tragic, isn’t it?

CONNECT WITH ROBERT JOHNSON JR. rjohnson10@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY'S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

ARTS & FEATURES

14 | APRIL 12, 2019

‘Stand Still, Stay Silent’ A masterclass in world building

By Gordon Rupert Editorial Staff “Stand Still, Stay Silent” (SSSS) is a comic set in the future after a devastating plague transforms almost every human and animal into unnatural abominations designed to keep the plague alive.

The only survivors to this world-ending event were in isolated areas throughout Scandinavia, along with the whole island of Iceland.

Minna Sundberg, an artist and writer from Finland, built the world of SSSS on her own and it currently sits at over 1,000 hand-drawn pages and 23 total chapters.

Ninety years passed and with new generations came new understandings of the world around them.

The world outside of Iceland and a few Scandinavian colonies, the Silent World, is synonymous with danger and ruin.

No official expeditions have been made, and all knowledge of the old world, technology, geography, culture, and even languages have become ancient lore, studied only by a few experts.

A married couple, Toberjorn and Siv Vasterstrom, hatch a get-richquick scheme to collect books from the Silent World and sell them for a massive profit as one-of-a-kind tomes of ancient knowledge.

SSSS addresses issues of religion, racism, eugenics, and more than its fair share of philosophical dilemmas throughout its story.

While the nuance and modern conversation of these issues can sometimes be skewed by the somewhat restrictive nature of the new culture of the future, Sundberg still takes an approach that is unfailing to presenting the world that is the reality of the next century.

Further, when these issues are addressed, they can sometimes take a very simplistic approach, that doesn’t leave the reader with any clearer idea of what Sundberg believes or how those beliefs might influence her writing.

The movement between old world technology and understandings of the world falls in outright conflict with the new age of mythology and the reality of danger outside the safety of society.

With beautiful and intricate il-

lustrations on each page, along with posters, maps, and language trees that build the world the characters live in, the comic sucks you into its world.

No details are left hidden for the reader - everything from demographics to character profiles and family trees fleshed out to a detail not seen in many Hollywood blockbusters.

The phrase, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” could be the best summary of this comic, with whole arcs and plot points being expressed through the artistic imaginings ever present.

The comic does have some problems maintaining tone from pageto-page, jumping from serious, sometimes harrowing, conversation and adventures to sickeningly cute cats chasing mice.

However, even the winding tone has its basis in the way the story is told and how the characters see this new world.

From horrifying to bubbly cute, the effort, love, and care poured into this story is undeniable and the primary defining trait that ties together every page.

40. Pigmented eye part 41.Carnival game skill 42. Waze output: Abbr.

44. Resonate (with) 49. De-stressing resorts 52. Mined resource 53. Khaki pants 54. Montreal-based carrier 57. Nonprofit URL ender, often 58. Rum brand 59. Baking product found in 17-, 27-, 35- and 44-Across?

63. Foes 64. Identical 65. Shepherd’s tool 66. Bitter beer 67. Title for Lancelot 68. Neither here ___ there

ACROSS 1.Uber or Lyft 4.“Thar ___ blows!”

7. State east of Wash.

10. George Gershwin’s brother 13. More severe 15. Uncharged particle 17. Desirable hold ‘em holding 18. Undesirable hold ‘em holding 19. Serious road offense, briefly 20. Kind of school for dogs 22. Comparable with 25. Gobbled up 26. Rivers, in Spanish 27. Where a delivery person might come in 30. Colony insect 31. Suffix with “Vietnam” 32. Map initials until 1991 35. Election participant who’s in it for laughs

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

DOWN 1. Penny-drop sound?

2. Campaign donation grp.

3. Relationships, e.g., for happiness 4. Like some Muslims 5. Clucking female 6. On that account 7. Still buggy, as software 8. Muffle 9. BMW competitor 10. Mashhad native 11. Veg-O-Matic maker 12. South American range 14. Stinky animal 16. British leader May 21. ___ Ladies (“One Week” band) 22. Lawyers’ org.

23. Japanese ideograms 24. Flawless reccommendation feature?

28. Airport safety acronym 29. Cow’s mouthful 33. Authoritarian leader

Grade: A+ “Stand Still Stay Silent” will leave you screaming.

for more.

Hiveworks

CONNECT WITH GORDON RUPERT grupert1@student.framingham.edu

34. Stylish again 36. PDA device?

37. “C’___ magnifique!”

38. Boggle cube 39. Desktop with a Retina display 43. Crossword clue changers: Abbr.

45. Short French poem 46. Aggressive poker words 47. Close-fitting necklace 48. Employs 49. Heavy sword Puzzle solutions are now 50. Its lowest key is on the left exclusively online.

51. Curve-shaped 55. Opera solo 56. “Hamlet” divisions 60. Tuna steak tuna 61. “This texter thinks ...”

62. Gen ___ (millennial’s predecessor)

ARTS & FEATURES

APRIL 12, 2019 | 15

MazGal Continued from page 1 I always thought that abstract shapes made people think differently. … I like to really design with the mindset of making people look at it twice and say, ‘What does this mean?’”

The portrait of Morgan Freeman was designed using a variety of inspirational words and verses mixed together. Gomez said he chose the actor because of the way he speaks and his story.

For his internship with the planetarium, Gomez said Irene Porro, director of the Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center for integrated Science Learning, wanted him to create posters for an exhibit.

“At the time, she didn’t really give me any guidelines. She just kind of gave me whatever and I went in and I designed this. I like it - not for the content, but for the designs I used. It’s very complex and very abstract. I also like that she allowed me to express myself. … I look at myself as a very contemporary modern artist. I love abstract things,” he said.

In the future, Gomez said he hopes to be an art director, run his own company and produce commercials.

Renee Marinone said she started her project in high school, creating different characters based on her mental health and what she was going through.

During therapy when Marinone was in high school, her counselor drew a picture of a sneaker stepping on a slug. “She said, ‘This is what I want you to do.’ I went from there,” Marinone said.

She started creating characters,

separating her experiences in life with different entities - depression, anxiety, nightmares, guardians of her dreams, and omens all represented through her art.

Almost eight years after she started her project, she finished her book titled “mind” using Blurb, an online book publishing site.

“I can’t really say how I made up these characters. They just kind of appeared. That’s why it’s called ‘mind.’

It was all my mind going through that,” she said.

When discussing why she created her book, she said, “I just felt like it was something I needed to do. … I think the biggest thing is just knowing that you’re not dealing with problems that are unique. It helps to know that other people are dealing with the same thing and that you can learn to combat it through art or any kind of outlet that you need.”

Marinone said when Grey first heard about the project, she wasn’t so sure, but after she saw the book, it prompted her to have a discussion with her own family about dealing with mental health issues.

“I think a lot of people … they don’t understand it at first. But then when they see some of the stuff in the book and realize they can identify with it, it helps them understand it a little bit more,” she said.

Senior Kayla Otten said, “Compositionally, the way that Renee had put the illustrations up is a lot of vertical lines, and then there’s a piece next to them that has horizontal lines, and it’s kind of an implied grid, almost like an imprisonment.”

Michael Hendon’s “B-Team” comic illustrations.

Student takes photo of Renee Marinone’s illustrations.

Mark Giurguis said when he was in and out of a children’s hospital growing up, receiving five brain surgeries throughout his life, he realized that there were certain subjects children’s illustration books avoided.

“They had no books for children about being in a children’s hospital.

I thought they should do books about that focus. … I’m also a triplet and Egyptian American, and there’s no kids’ books for that, either. So, I said, ‘I can bring my perspective into those areas,’” said Giurguis.

Although graphic design is a much better option job-wise, illustration allows more freedoms while working on projects, he said.

Giurguis said he discovered children’s books through Paul Yalowitz, published children’s illustrator/author and chair of the art department.

Giurguis’ illustrations vary from scratchboard art to regular linework scanned into Photoshop, colored and printed. He uses swirly lines and bright colors, similar to Van Gogh’s, making the image pop out from its frame.

“I want to tell a story more visually,” Giurguis said.

Some of his illustrations are influenced by children’s stories such as “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Pinocchio,” some are more abstract, and some are his own personalized projects, such as his children’s hospital illustrations.

Michael Hendon created six profiles for every one of his comic book characters using CLIP STUDIO PAINT. He said, as it stands now, the characters are 90% done - creating small Hannah Coco / THE GATEPOST tweaks here and there, changing col-

Hannah Coco / THE GATEPOST

ors and small minor details.

Hendon said he doesn’t have any pages of the comic book done just yet, but he has created most of the storyline.

“They’re characters I’ve been developing for a lot of my life, actually ever since high school. Some of these characters haven’t existed until a year or two ago when I made this into a serious project,” he said.

His drawing style for his comic book, “B-Team: Battle Stations!!” resembles Dav Pilkey’s “Captain Underpants” and the videogame “Undertale.”

“I thought about what it means to be kind and what it means to be a friend, I suppose - that’s the big thing about ‘B-Team,’” Hendon said.

For his project, Hendon knew he wanted to make character profiles.

It wasn’t until Grey pulled him aside and showed him other students’ character profiles in past semesters that Hendon said he got the idea on how to format the profiles.

Grey said, “This is the first time these particular students have to put up a show of this significance. So, in that way, it’s the first time they get to show their individual selves. They have to pay attention to things like craft, how they’re using the space in the gallery, and all of the components that are outside of making the artwork.”

[Editor’s Note: Kayla Otten is a staff writer on The Gatepost.]

CONNECT WITH TESSA JILLSON tjillson@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY'S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

SPORTS

16 | APRIL 12, 2019

SPORTS Softball remains undefeated in MASCAC after sweep of Salem State

By Carlos Silva Staff Writer Led by Grace Caughey, the Rams were able to win both their games against the Salem State Vikings by scores of 10-2 on April 9.

The first game of the doubleheader started off a little shaky for the Rams, as Salem State’s Gabryanna Cardenas singled to left field, bringing home a run.

The Rams answered back in the second inning, as Caughey drove in her first run of the day with a single up the middle to tie the game 1-1.

Lauren Salisbury then hit a beam to left field, which drove in two more runs and landed her on second base, putting the Rams up 3-1.

The Rams never looked back. They continued their dominance with help from three RBIs each from Caughey and Salisbury, and a couple of stolen bases from Mycala Moody and Laela Pepin.

The Rams went on to win 10-2 after five innings of play.

FRAMINGHAM STATE 10 SALEM STATE 2 The second game of the day was almost identical to the first, except Caughey

put up an impressive six RBIs to bring her to a total of nine on the day.

When asked about Caughey’s performance, Head Coach Lawrence Miller said, “Grace had a great day at the plate and stepped up in a big way for us.”

He added, “We knew when we were recruiting her she could be an impact player for us. As a freshman, she really stepped up late in the year for us - getting some huge hits in the biggest spots, and she in continuing to do so.”

Framingham struck early, pushing across a run in the first inning thanks to an RBI double off the bat of Salisbury.

The Rams exploded for five more runs in the second with help from a tworun double from Caughey.

She provided two more two-run doubles in the fourth and fifth innings to help extend the Rams’ lead.

Salem State struck for two runs in the fifth, but by then, it was too late. The Rams won again 10-2 over Salem State to complete the two-game sweep and push their win streak to four games.

The Rams are now 6-0 in the MASCAC and 11-11 overall on the season.

FRAMINGHAM STATE 10 SALEM STATE 2 CONNECT WITH CARLOS SILVA csilva14@student.framingham.edu

Carlos Silva/ THE GATEPOST

Camille Desrochers rounds second base and heads for third.

Carlos Silva/ THE GATEPOST Lauren Salisbury went 3-for-6 with five RBIs in a doubleheader against Salem State.

Club Meeting Times Monday Dental Club, 11:30 am, HA 352 Art Club, 1:30 pm, May Hall 407 Education Club, 1:30 pm, MC 413 Nutrition Club, 1:30 pm, HH 219 Wildlife Club, 1:30 pm, HA 325 Aspiring Health Professionals, 1:30 pm (intermittenly, check Ramlink), HA 534 Math Club (every other week), 4:30 pm, HH 402 Gatepost, 6:30 pm, MC 410 Dance Team, 6:30 pm, Aerobics Room MISS, 7 pm, CIE, O’Connor 120A WDJM, 7pm, MC 520 Tuesday Equestrian Club, 4:30 pm, MC 413 Young Democrats Association, 5 pm, MC 520 Hilltop Players, 6:30 pm, HA 136 Pride Alliance, 6:30 pm, MC 413 Black Student Union, 7 pm, CIE, O’Connor 120A SGA, 7:30 pm, MC 404

Wednesday History Club, 1:30 pm, May Hall 111B English Club, 1:30 pm, May Hall 112A SUAB, (2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month), 6:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Fashion Club, 7 pm , HH 218 LUNA, 7 pm, CIE, O’Connor 120A IGNITE, 7:30 pm, MC 520 Thursday Gatepost, 6:30 pm, MC 410 Onyx, 6:30 pm, May Hall 213 African Student Association, 7 pm, North Commons Afro Carribean Dance Group, 7 pm, Aerobics Room Anime Club, 7:45 pm, WL 221 & 222 Brother 2 Brother Meetings, 8pm, CIE, O’Connor 120A Friday Gaming Club, 12 pm, MC 413 Medical Awareness (every other week), 2:30 pm, MC 520 E-Sports, 6 pm, HA 534 Sunday Symphonic Band, 6 pm, DPAC

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

SPORTS

APRIL 12, 2019 | 17

Graphic by Kathleen Moore

the

Communication Arts Department proudly presents the Spring 2019

Senior Portfolio in Film Production world premiere screening of a JOHN MALESEVIC film

THIS ISN’T A MOVIE! DAY: Tuesday, April 16, 2019 TIME: Doors Open @ 6:30PM / 6:45PM Show PLACE: The FORUM (McCarthy Center) FREE & Open to the Public

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

18 | APRIL 12, 2019

Ferr or Foul

Antonio Brown’s antics continue

By Matt Ferris Sports Editor One of the biggest storylines so far during the NFL offseason has been the drama between Antonio Brown and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The drama dates all the way back to last year, when Brown was a member of the Steelers, and publicly voiced his disapproval of star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

It all started when Roethlisberger didn’t throw the ball to Brown, who was wide open for a touchdown early in the year against Baltimore.

Brown then threw a temper tantrum on the sideline and called out the quarterback in the media after the game.

A few weeks later, the Steelers had a good chance to come back and win the game against the Denver Broncos, but Roethlisberger threw an interception in the end zone to ice the game, sealing another loss.

What did Roethlisberger do after the loss?

Yes, you guessed it - he called out Antonio Brown in the media, stating that Brown ran the wrong route and the interception was actually his fault.

Surprisingly, Brown handled the criticism very well and accepted the blame.

Roethlisberger and Brown later came out and said there was no animosity or beef between the two of them, essentially putting an end to the rumors of drama in the Steelers’ locker room.

But after missing the playoffs, Brown came out and demanded that he be traded, claiming he felt underappreciated by the team.

A couple weeks later, the Steelers fulfilled Brown’s wishes and sent him packing to the Oakland Raiders.

After the trade, you might think the drama in Pittsburgh was finally over.

You’d be wrong.

Earlier this week, fellow wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was named the Steelers’ 2018 MVP by the team.

However, Brown took offense to this, as he thought he was the team’s MVP. He took to Twitter and called out Smith-Schuster for his costly fumble in Week 16 that ultimately cost the Steelers a spot in the playoffs, saying the team MVP would never do that.

So, what does this mean for the Oakland Raiders?

To be frank - it’s not good.

Since being traded to Oakland, Brown has been nothing but a problem and a distraction.

And in case you forgot, Oakland was one of the worst teams in the entire league last season, so they don’t need any more distractions.

Brown is proving all of his critics - who say he isn’t a team player and has too big an ego - correct.

He is showing that he is very selfish and only cares about his own statistics and awards.

If Oakland wants to turn things around from last season, it’s time for Head Coach Jon Gruden to step in and tell Brown to shut his mouth and quit being a distraction.

After trading Brown, many thought the Steelers would be much worse next season and miss the playoffs.

But to be honest, the Steelers are better off without him.

Sure, Brown has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during his time with Pittsburgh, but he has been such a distraction inside their locker room, and his lack of Super Bowl rings attests to that.

Brown has since come out and vowed to stay quiet about the Steelers and only focus on his own team.

Hopefully for the Raiders, he is serious.

But if not, then the Raiders can look forward to another abysmal record and another non-competitive season next year.

CONNECT WITH MATT FERRIS mferris2@student.framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

SPORTS

Women’s Lacrosse’s defense helps take care of Bridgewater State

By Liam Gambon Asst. Sports Editor With just a few games left in the season, the Rams took on Bridgewater State in a conference matchup.

The Saturday afternoon game showcased both teams’ abilities to score goals.

The teams scored a total of 23 goals on the 58 shots taken in the game with the Rams supplying a majority.

Head Coach James Rippey said, “Us leading in the shot column really comes down to us taking care of the ball.”

He added, “If you can limit turnovers and every possession ends in a shot, you’ll certainly lead in that statistical column. It starts with our defense limiting our opponents’ scoring chances, forcing turnovers, and transitioning the ball ahead.”

Framingham was able to force 15 turnovers in the game, most of which led to goals.

Six different Rams scored in the matchup, with Hanna McMahon leading the way with five goals of her own.

“Hanna stepped up on Saturday and played through injury to have a big game,” Rippey said. “Hanna was named Player of the Week for the conference as well. She’s the third different member of our team to win that award this year. That really speaks to our balance

and collective effort offensively.”

The Rams’ matchup against Bridgewater State marked the fifth-straight game in which six or more Framingham players netted a goal.

“Everything we run offensively is equal-opportunity driven - we want the ball to find the open player, best matchup, and rely on that player finishing for us,” Rippey said.

With the equal-opportunity mentality, the Rams were able to win their fourth-straight game by a score of 1310, making them 9-3 on the year and 2-0 in the MASCAC. It also makes Framingham a major contender for the MASCAC title in the playoffs.

“The win against Bridgewater puts us in the driver’s seat for the conference regular-season title,” Rippey said.

“But with Westfield being the defending champs, the game on Tuesday [April 16] is certainly one we’ve had circled on the calendar since the fall.”

FRAMINGHAM STATE BRIDGEWATER STATE

13 10

Gatepost Archives The Rams huddle up on the field during a timeout.

CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON lgambon1@student.framingham.edu

SPORTS

APRIL 12, 2019 | 19

Players of the week

Baseball’s walk-off single takes down Salem State

fsurams.com

Grace Caughey went 3-for-4 with three doubles and six RBIs in Softball’s 10-2 victory over Salem St.

Gatepost Archives Kyle Hodgson winds up to make a pitch for the Rams.

By Matt Ferris Sports Editor Framingham hosted the Salem State Vikings in a MASCAC game April 9.

Kyle Hodgson started on the mound for the Rams and had no trouble in the top of the first, mowing down three Salem State players and only allowing one baserunner.

Aaron Williams and Kyle Lippert led off the bottom of the first with back-to-back singles, but three straight strikeouts ended the inning before the Rams could do any damage.

The Rams’ offense struggled to get anything going during the next four innings, as only one Ram reached base.

Luckily for the Rams, Hodgson was just as dominant on the mound as the Vikings’ starter, keeping the game knotted at 0-0.

Framingham finally got another runner on base in the bottom of the sixth as Lippert ripped a one-out single, but Joe Ambrosino grounded into a double play to end the threat.

Hodgson got through the top of the seventh without allowing a run, sending the game into the bottom of the inning still tied 0-0.

Matt Fogerty led off the inning for the Rams with a walk.

After a wild pitch and a ground-ball out, Fogerty was able to advance to third base with one out.

Cory Caraher ripped a single up the middle to plate Fogerty and give the Rams the 1-0 victory.

Hodgson was steller in the win, going all seven innings, allowing zero runs, and striking out six to pick up his fifth win of the season.

With the win, the Rams move to 11-11 on the year and 5-3 in the conference.

FRAMINGHAM STATE SALEM STATE

1 0

After a rainout in the second game of the doubleheader, the Rams took on the Vikings again the next day.

Salem State jumped out to a quick lead in the top of the first. After a leadoff single, Traverse Briana ripped a one-out RBI single to put the Vikings up 1-0.

The Rams threatened to score in the bottom half of the inning, but a lineout by Fogerty ended the scoring chance and kept the game at 1-0.

The Vikings struck again in the top of the third. An RBI double by Briana after a leadoff walk pushed the Vikings’ lead to 2-0.

The Rams responded in a big way in the bottom of the third. After a leadoff single from Williams, Lippert nailed a two-run homer over the fence to tie the game at 2-2.

Framingham struck three more times in the inning with RBIs from Kyle Dembrowski and Caraher to go up 5-2.

Ambrosino stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded and delivered a sacrifice fly to extend the Rams’ lead to 6-2, the eventual final score.

Al Wallach started for the Rams and pitched all seven innings to pick up his third win of the season. He gave up just two runs and struck out eight batters.

Lippert led the Rams’ offense, going 2-for-4 with a homerun and two RBIs. Caraher went 2-for-3 at the dish with an RBI. With the win, the Rams improve to 12-11 on the season and 6-3 in the MASCAC.

FRAMINGHAM STATE SALEM STATE

Hanna McMahon scored five goals and added an assist in Women’s Lacrosse’s 13-10 win against Bridgewater St.

6 2

CONNECT WITH MATT FERRIS mferris2@student.framingham.edu

fsurams.com

fsurams.com

Kyle Hodgson threw a complete game shutout with six strikeouts in Baseball’s 1-0 win over Salem St.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

20 | APRIL 12, 2019

PHOTOS

Framingham’s Got Talent Students showcased a variety of talents at Framingham’s Got Talent hosted by FSU’s Dance Team. Students sang, danced, baton twirled, and board chopped.

The first place winner was Jenni Fonseca, who twirled batons.

Photographs by Kathleen Moore/THE GATEPOST

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM