October 18, 2019

THE GATEPOST Framingham State’s award-winning independent student newspaper since 1932

Volume 88 • Issue 6

October 18, 2019

FSUgatepost.com

LGBTQ+ elders tell younger generations to ‘learn your history’ FSU, Bay Path team up for third year to put on intergenerational banquet

By Nadira Wicaksana Editor-in-Chief In 1969, Charles D. Evans and Paul Glass were both witness to one of the most widely known uprisings by the LGBTQ+ community during a time when violent police raids on gay community gathering spaces were random and rampant - the Stonewall riots.

In 2019 - the year marking the event’s 50th anniversary - Evans and Glass have been together for almost two decades and legally recognized marriage of more than seven years.

The two men first met in New York City after coming from different directions - Evans from the south in Greensboro, North Carolina and Glass from the north in Boston.

Wanting to find more for themselves in the Big Apple, both men discovered they liked to go out and party on the weekend nights at various gay bars resplendent with dancing and drag shows.

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST

See LGBTQ+ BANQUET page 13 The Kinsey Scales, a Boston-based LGBTQ+ a capella group, perform Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” for the “Pride Across Generations” intergenerational banquet Oct. 11.

Suit Jacket Posse stands the test of time

News

How a pastime turned into a Framingham State staple

By Cara McCarthy Associate Editor When walking down State Street or sitting in the dining hall on any given day, you may notice a group of students wearing their black T-shirts, emblazoned with rainbow ties, and suit jackets.

If you have, it is likely there is an improv show happening later that night.

The Hilltop Players are known for the extravagant productions they put on every semester. But, there is

a select few from Hilltop who shine through as some of their most prominent members - the Suit Jacket Posse.

Through years of performing in front of the FSU community, hundreds of improv games, and millions of laughs - Suit Jacket Posse has given the University a sense of life.

Started in 2005 by former Hilltop Vice President and current FSU Area Director Johnny Hurley, Suit Jacket Posse has gone from a fun activity with friends, to a core sub-section of the club itself.

Hurley said he wanted to do some-

thing other than the typical musical Hilltop would perform every semester, but still wanted to be involved, as he was an eBoard member at the time.

“I was tired of main shows. I wanted to do something a little different,” Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST Hurley said.

POLICE INCIDENT pg. 3 The name of the troupe is originally based off a joke Hurley and a few of his ALCOHOL POLICY pg. 5 friends had when they were students at FSU.

Opinions

PAPER VS LAPTOP pg. 8

See SUIT JACKET POSSE page 12 AUTISM STIGMA pg. 10

Young Democrats Association invites state representatives to FSU

By Lizzy Stocks Staff Writer Yvonne Spicer, the mayor of Framingham, along with Massachusetts Reps. Jack Lewis, Maria Robinson, Carmine Gentile, and Natalie Higgins, discussed their campaign and professional experiences as well as political activism with students and faculty in the McCarthy Forum Oct. 10.

Spicer said her decision to run for office to be Framingham’s very first

mayor harkens back to the reason she came to Framingham: to teach.

Spicer said the classroom was a “launching pad to step out of her comfort zone.” She worked in administration, the Department of Education, and was the vice president for advocacy and educational partnerships at Boston’s Museum of Science.

She said she used her strong background in education, along with her non-profit experience to “start a brand-new city.”

Arts & Features KYLE “GUANTE” pg. 11 LITERARY WORKS pg. 14

Sports

Spicer said, “I didn’t know how to run a campaign, but people mobilized and said, ‘I’ll help,’ ‘I know how to do FOOTBALL pg. 17 this,’ and ‘I’ll do this,’ and really rallied behind me. In a way, all I had to COACH CASALI pg. 19 do was talk about what I needed to do, or wanted to do for the city of Framingham.”

She said it’s always “troubled” her that there are not many young people involved in Framingham’s governance.

See LEGISLATORS page 6

Courtesy of fsurams.com

INSIDE: OP/ED 8 • ARTS & FEATURES 11 • SPORTS 17

NEWS

Gatepost Interview

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Nadira Wicaksana

Anne Roberti

Assistant director of English Language Programs and community education

Associate Editors Cara McCarthy Ashley Wall News Editor Donald Halsing

By Ashley Wall Associate Editor

Asst. News Editors Leighah Beausoleil Evan Lee

What is your academic background?

I graduated from Georgetown University. I have a bachelor of science in French and linguistics. I double majored. Immediately following that, I went to Columbia University and I earned a master of arts in TESOL, which is teaching English to speakers of other languages. After I had been teaching for a while, I took a break and went to Harvard University, where I earned a certificate of advanced studies in international education. Then, I went on and earned a Ph.D. in education with a concentration in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Arts & Features Editors Brennan Atkins Robert Johnson Jr. Asst. Arts & Features Editor Jared Graf Entertainment Correspondent Noah Barnes Fashion Correspondent Caeley Whalen Opinions Editor Thomas Maye Sports Editor Liam Gambon Asst. Sports Editors Sara Senesac Carlos Silva Design Editor Kathleen Moore Interim Asst. Photos Editor Caroline Gordon Copy Editor Lauren Paolini Staff Writers Tahir Abbas Mackenzie Berube Patrick Brady Soren Colstrup Kaitlyn Cullen Dia Kilgore Lizzy Stocks Dylan Thayer McKenzie Ward Staff Copy Editor Jordan Bacci Staff Photographers Amanda Garny Amanda Martin Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Asst. 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

What is your professional background?

Once I earned my master’s degree, my very first job was in the [former] town of Framingham. I started out teaching ESL in north Framingham at the Juniper Hill School. I was a grade 5 and 6 ESL teacher. I was there for a year. I then moved on and taught in Brookline Public Schools for several years as a K-8 ESL teacher. I started working with adults around that time. Two to three years later, I started teaching at night at Bunker Hill Community College and in the summers at Boston University. I also went through an apprentice ESL teacher program that Harvard University used to hold for new teachers. I really loved working with adults. I started out thinking that I only wanted to work with children - then I realized: I like teaching everyone. I took a year and did the C.A.S. at Harvard, and then decided that I really wanted to focus on language learning, because that is really my background. After I earned my Ph.D., I did some work at Northeastern University doing teacher training online. I then moved on to MCPHS, where I directed an English program and eventually became their director of their graduate academic support in the school of pharmacy. My whole career has been dedicated to working with international students who are learning English as a second language.

How did you end up here at FSU? I am from the area and FSU has a wonderful reputation. I was looking to

year. I know what it is like having gone through being in another country and having to study in another language. I think that’s really important to have the background that I bring, to be able to understand their experiences and assess their needs, and then meet their needs. We want them to meet their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Their goals are very important to keep in mind.

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST get back into program administration for English language learners. I saw that the opportunity was open here - that they were looking for an assistant director, and I thought, “That is exactly what I would love to be doing right now.” I applied, went through the interview process, and was very fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be selected.

How has your transition to FSU been?

It has been wonderful. I have found that the students, the administrators, the faculty - everyone has been really wonderful. It is a place where people really are focused on learning, and as a new person here, that is wonderful to have people who have the same spirit, the same belief about learning. I have a couple of roles in my job. In addition to helping assist with the work that’s done in English Language Programs, I also oversee the Adventures in Lifelong Learning program, which is for elders in the community. We collaborate with the Framingham Public Library on that. So, I have not only felt welcomed by people at Framingham State, but I have also had the opportunity to connect with people in the community as well.

What are the most important aspects of your position?

We have students from over 40 different countries here, so it is really important to be culturally sensitive. It is also very important to have an understanding of what a student’s experience is learning another language. I have that. I studied abroad in Nice for a

What are some of your professional aspirations?

I would like to continue working at Framingham State. I am assisting in the development of credit-bearing courses for the English Language Programs, so students in that program can transition into programs of study here at Framingham State. That is a big aspiration.

I would like to continue to mentor professionals in my field - also, to always keep in mind that I am a person who is a lifelong learner, that I can always learn and develop and grow as a professional.

Really, I want to take any opportunities that come my way.

What do you hope to accomplish in both the short- and long-term?

I would like to work toward assisting and helping students transition from the English language program into credit-bearing courses at the University. This is a short- and long-term goal.

I would like to continue delivering the services students need to meet their educational goals, to contribute my expertise to the program so that we can continue to cultivate a really vibrant program. It is a great program with such diversity. I want to keep it going and help it grow.

What advice would you give to students?

Believe in yourself. Have courage.

Don’t be afraid to take chances on the goals that you have for your education, career, and personally. This is your time in life where you can explore where you want to go and be.

CONNECT WITH ASHLEY WALL awall1@student.framingham.edu

Police Logs Tuesday, October 15 13:54 Restricted Party Escort McCarthy Center Services Rendered

Tuesday, October 15 15:41 Larceny FSU Police Dept.

Report Taken

Tuesday, October 15 19:04 Elevator Entrapment Larned Hall Checks OK

Tuesday, October 15 21:26 Suspicious Activity North Hall Report Taken

Wednesday, October 16 04:20 Medical Horace Mann Hall Transported to MWMC

Wednesday, October 16 14:48 Well Being Check Peirce Hall Assignment Complete

Thursday, October 17 01:22 Down (Tree/Wire) Union Ave., Main St. Call Assignment Complete

Thursday, October 17 09:09 Suspicious Activity O’Connor Hall Report Taken

NEWS

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | 3

University Police respond to “disturbance” in Dining Commons Employee involved no longer works for Sodexo

By Donald Halsing News Editor

An eyewitness claimed to see an incident of racial bias involving University Police in the Dining Commons Oct. 7.

The incident occurred at the UCook station in the Dining Commons during lunch hours.

According to Molly Roach, a senior criminology major, an unnamed Black male student complained to the UCook attendant regarding the unclean conditions of the pots. A Dining Services manager and University Police were called to the scene.

She said the officers allegedly held their hands on their guns during the incident and stood over the student while he ate.

Roach said she was sitting in one of the booths along the glass wall near UCook around 12:30 p.m. She noticed “an argument” occuring in UCook.

“I could hear it happening, but also, it was the Dining Hall so I didn’t pay any attention to it [at first] because it’s loud in there,” she said.

Roach alleged the student was “upset that the pots in UCook are disgusting and rusty.”

The student complained about the condition of the pots to the UCook attendant, who called their manager, who then called University Police.

She said three officers entered the Dining Commons in response to the call.

Roach said one officer entered the UCook station where the student was and “clearly [was] just trying to intimidate him by cornering him in this tiny space.”

The student “stood up for himself” and refused to leave because “he didn’t do anything,” she said.

Roach alleged one of the other two officers “stood over him [the student] with his hand on his gun the entire time he ate.”

Aretha Phillips, general manager of Sodexo at Framingham State, said, “The student responded negatively when he felt his concerns weren’t being heard or appropriately addressed.”

She said, “Unfortunately, the pan that he grabbed had a bit of rust in it.

He did inform the cook on duty. Although she gave him a new pan, her

Weather

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST University Police responded to a “disturbance” at the UCook station in the McCarthy Dining Commons Oct. 7. response was inappropriate.”

Because the student reacted negatively when he felt his concerns were not being heard, the Dining Services supervisor was called to the station, she said.

University Police were called after the supervisor “determined that she wasn’t able to handle the situation,” said Phillips. The student continued to cook his meal at that time.

Phillips made an attempt to speak with the student after he dropped his dishes at the dish drop station. She said she apologized for not being involved during the incident and invited the student to come to her office to voice his concerns.

At that time, the student “felt offended by the way the situation was handled” and said he wasn’t in a space to discuss anything, Phillips said. She provided the student with her business card to talk when he was ready.

Phillips was later able to speak with the student about his experience. “We spent some time discussing the situation, my expectations as

director, and expectations of Sodexo as a company, and how we didn’t meet them that day.

“He also had some other ideas and concerns that he had in general.

However, all in all, he was in a good space and appreciated being reached out to by multiple faculty and staff here at FSU,” she said.

Phillips said she met with her management team to discuss what happened and her expectations of her employees. “We talked about how this, combined with cultural differences, impact the level of sensitivity in situations and how it is heightened, regardless if the intent was there or not.”

She also said she met with the cook who responded “inappropriately” to the student’s feedback. “Ironically, as of Oct. 14, she did give her notice and is no longer with us.

“Additionally, all of our team members will be receiving customer service training and all management and supervisors have been assigned trainings,” Phillips said.

According to publicly available po-

lice logs, University Police responded to a “disturbance” in the McCarthy Center at 12:50 Oct. 7.

FSUPD Sgt. Martin Laughlin told The Gatepost the incident is still under investigation. He declined to comment on the it.

Constanza Cabello, vice president of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, said she is in contact with the student involved.

She said, “In any situation involving a student, my goal is to give the student an opportunity to be heard and to provide insight on how he/she wants to proceed.

“It’s important to center the people involved so that they feel empowered in the process,” Cabello said.

She added she does not oversee Sodexo employees. “However, they are held accountable to the values and goals of the institution like any other employees.”

[Editor’s note: Phillips and Cabello were unable to offer live statements.

Their responses were sent via email.]

CONNECT WITH DONALD HALSING dhalsing@student.framingham.edu

Sunday night Partly cloudy, low near 45. Calm winds.

Monday night 30% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, low near 45. E winds around 5 mph.

Forecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov Tuesday night Wednesday night 60% chance of showMostly clear, low near ers. Mostly cloudy, 40. W winds around 5 low near 50. SE winds mph. around 5 mph.

Monday Mostly sunny, high near 65. NE winds around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday 30% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, night near 65. E winds around 10 mph.

Wednesday 50% chance of showers. Partly sunny, high near 60. S winds around 10 mph, gusting to 20.

Thursday Sunny, high near 60. W winds around 5 mph.

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

NEWS

4 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

Lack of communication from SGA leads to dissatisfaction in funding requests

By Ashley Wall Associate Editor

SGA members discussed technology and transportation issues, as well as three funding requests, during their Oct. 15 meeting.

Secretary Lexi Kays began the meeting with an open forum at which she spoke of concerns regarding the RamTram service on campus.

Kays said, “The RamTram is extremely disorganized. … This service should be more accessible and better organized as a whole.

“Seeing that I pay $500 a year to park a mile off campus, I can’t understand why I - along with multiple other students - are subjected to a faulty tram system,” she added.

Student Trustee Olivia Beverlie discussed the card system for RamCash being down. For Beverlie, not being able to load RamCash onto her student ID meant not being able to do laundry on campus, as there are no quarter machines on University property.

Beverlie said, “We already pay $3.50 to do a load of laundry. … For it to not even be accessible right now is super frustrating. I don’t have time to be going and looking off campus for a laundromat.”

Senator Samuel Houle concluded open forum by asking for clarification on Dining Services hours.

He said, “I have had multiple times where I have gone in [the Dining Commons] at 6 p.m. and they have pulled all the food, so I wasn’t able to eat anything, but they still took my swipe.”

SGA President Matty Bennet responded to Houle’s concern regarding the Dining Commons, stating he will be meeting with Dining Services during the coming days to “bring up a number of these concerns … to be able to address them now and get them fixed.”

Following open forum, Afro-Caribbean Dance Group (ACDG) presented their funding request of $1,289 for their “Mr. and Mrs. Culturefest” event. ACDG originally requested $4,747, but $3,458 was deducted, as a new SGA rule requires clubs to fundraise 20% of total promotional item

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST Fashion Club presented their funding request for the May 2020 Fashion Show. [Editor’s Note: Lauren Paolini (second from right) is the copy editor for The Gatepost.] costs.

ACDG’s primary focus was to receive funding for their promotional items, even though they were already denied their requested amount of $3,500 for T-shirts and a DJ. Additionally, they have not tried to fundraise the required 20% in order to receive promotional funding.

Bennet said, “Unfortunately, ACDG was not informed of this rule with enough time, and with the deadline of the Business Office, there is simply not enough time to fundraise even a portion [of the 20%].”

In return, ACDG President Birica Pierre-Louis said, “In our eyes, it [the T-shirts] was not a promotional item. … It brought such positivity toward FSU, instead of negative attention.

That was our point in having the shirts.”

The full amount requested was approved by SGA. Fashion Club presented their funding request of $15,147.43 for their annual Fashion Show, which will be held May 2020.

Before hearing from Fashion Club, Bennet advised senators to table their request, saying he will “insist that this request be tabled because they have not fundraised the

full amount. They are in a position where they still have time to go ask for money. … This is an incredible amount of money for us to fund.”

According to SATF Treasurer Driana LeBron, SGA only has $115,562.49 left in their unallocated budget for the rest of the school year.

Due to SGA policy, in order to receive funding, Fashion Club would need to raise 2.5% of their total requested amount before presenting their proposal again to senate, as their requested amount exceeds $10,000.

LeBron said, “I highly advise you to ask very strong questions to these clubs. It’s a lot of money.”

Beverlie agreed, advising senate to “be brutally honest. If we don’t voice our issues now, they will come back in the next couple of weeks and it [the funding request] won’t change.”

Fashion Club Vice President Lauren Paolini agreed with senate, saying, “We want to make it clear that this is an event for everyone. … We want to propose that this be tabled because we want to show you that we can do some fundraising and possibly reach out to other donors and sponsors.”

Paolini explained the funding re-

quested is the bare minimum total.

They are willing to eliminate a paid videographer, paid photographer, paid DJ, and paid setup of chairs in order to keep costs down.

However, they would prefer to not have to set up their own chairs, as Paolini pointed out, “They did it last year and it took up a lot of time and energy.”

Some of their current fundraising ideas include making and selling scrunchies, as well as holding a bake sale.

SGA granted their request to table, meaning no monetary value will be given to Fashion Club until they have fundraised and presented a new funding request.

M.I.S.S. presented the final funding request of the night of $482.00 for the M.I.S.S. “Women Crush Wednesday” events, which will take place Nov. 13 and Dec. 4.

Regarding their M.I.S.S. event, M.I.S.S. Vice President Mariah Farris said, “Once a month on Wednesdays, we meet in O’Connor Hall [for lunch] with students and faculty of color.

We hear their stories and how they got to where they are.

“It doesn’t have to be a Framingham State faculty member. It’s very important. ... We make networking connections with faculty and people in other companies who have done this,” she added.

Farris is also an SGA senator.

The full amount requested by M.I.S.S. was approved.

The meeting concluded with Kays being awarded eBoard member of the month. Paola Bilbraut was awarded senator of the month.

[Editor’s Note: Lauren Paolini is the copy editor for The Gatepost.]

ACDG members presented their funding request for their “Mr. and Mrs. Culturefest.”

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST CONNECT WITH ASHLEY WALL awall1@student.framingham.edu

NEWS

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | 5

New alcohol policy instated by University

By Leighah Beausoleil News Editor The new University alcohol policy for the 2019-20 academic year was instated this semester, according to Joy LaGrutta, coordinator of alcohol and drug education and prevention, and Jay Hurtubise, director of community standards.

During the fall 2018 semester, a committee came together to discuss potential changes to the minimum sanctions of the alcohol policy, said Hurtubise. “[We] saw opportunity for our institution’s approach to educational sanctioning for violations of the alcohol policy to align more closely with national best practices and peer institutions,” Hurtubise added.

Following President’s F. Javier Cevallos’ approval, the alcohol policy was changed for academic year 2019-20.

“The Student Affairs Committee recommended these changes to the minimum sanctions to ensure the policy remained firm in its stance to educate students on responsible decision-making and alcohol’s potential impact on the community,” Hurtubise said, “while addressing concerns of student persistence in classes during restrictions, issues of financial inequity, and the potential for impact of students with housing insecurity.”

Hurtubise added, “In the current version of the policy, typical minimum sanctions are determined by the hearing officer’s assessment of the incident and whether the student’s behavior was associated with either minimal or significant disruption.”

Change to the first violation sanctions include an option to “receive a $175 charge in lieu of restriction from residence halls. The option of paying a charge will not be available in cases where the alcohol policy violation requires intervention by [University] Police or other emergency personnel,” according to the written alcohol policy.

Other changes include the elimination of “restitution fees” associated with assessment programs.

Previously, students were required to pay for the assessment programs

Flags were placed outside Foster Hall this week as part of Alcohol Awareness Week in which they were required to enroll due to the sanctions.

The policy for first violations includes a one-week restriction from varsity or club sport athletic contests, performances or exhibits on campus or at University-sponsored events, and participation in official leadership roles in student or dorm organizations and campus governance committees.

The duration during which privileges are revoked is reduced in the current alcohol policy.

First-time violations with minimal disruption are assigned no dorm restriction, and significant disruptions are assigned two consecutive weekends - starting Friday at 6:00 p.m. and ending Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

This is to ensure “students are able to stay on campus during the academic week and reduce the likelihood that a restriction would pose any challenge to class attendance or submission of coursework,” according to Hurtubise.

Second-time violations with minimal disruption are assigned one week of dorm restriction instead of five weeks, but significant disruptions are assigned two weeks of dorm restrictions.

In addition, for first-time violations, participation in the alcohol and marijuana workshop is required.

This is an educational workshop being offered for the first time this year by LaGrutta and the Wellness Education office, and is open to all

students who may be interested in attending.

LaGrutta is running the campaign for Alcohol Awareness Week, which will be extended to allow for the showcasing of more events concerning substance awareness.

LaGrutta and the Health and Wellness Center will be hosting two events in the month of October to teach students about the use and abuse of substances.

“We are doing an alcohol ‘mocktail’ event, where we are going to have some education on alcohol and serve alcohol-free drinks,” she said.

The event will be held in Larned Hall Oct. 24 at 7:00 p.m.

LaGrutta said the second event will be a “Get Resourceful Fair” to be held Oct. 30 in the McCarthy Forum.

“We [will] have all different resources available for students, but two of the tables are going to be focused on substance use,” LaGrutta said.

Outside Foster Hall, there is a display put together by LaGrutta. The display consists of red flags, each representing a college student’s life lost to alcohol in the last year.

LaGrutta added, “One of the more disturbing facts about alcohol on college campuses is the sort of really alarming statistic - with every year, between 1,800 and 1,900 college students die of a preventable alcohol fatality,” she said.

“The visual display was just an effort to make students aware of that.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST It’s supposed to be sort of a passive program where you walk by, you see it, and maybe you think for a minute about the powerful impact that alcohol can have.”

She explained how the addition of pictures of students from the Greater Boston area who passed away from alcohol-related complications was recommended by the student peer health educators to make the message more powerful and effective.

“You’re actually looking at the faces of students who have died from alcohol-related incidences in the last 10 years,” she added.

LaGrutta also teaches a class every other Wednesday in Foster Hall.

“It’s an alcohol and marijuana education workshop. It’s a free educational workshop for all students, and really, it’s just a way for students who might want to learn more about alcohol, who want to learn about the new marijuana industry that’s coming to Massachusetts,” LaGrutta said.

On opposite Wednesdays, there is a Smart Recovery Group “that’s available for anybody who’s thinking about making some changes to their substances,” LaGrutta said, “so not necessarily just looking for abstinence, but if you’re someone who is looking to cut back on how much you use.”

CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEIL lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu

CLUB MEETING TIMES Monday Education Club, 1:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Nutrition Club, 1:30 pm, HH 111 Wildlife, 1:30 pm, HA 325 Catholic Student Group, 1:30 pm, EC101 Food Science Club, 1:30 pm, HH 227 Gatepost, 6:30 pm, MC 410 Dance Team, 6:30 pm, Aerobics Room 207/208 MISS, 7:00 pm, O’Connor CIE Tuesday Math Club, 11:30 am, HA 430 WDJM, 4:30 pm, MC Paul T. Murphy 520 Pride Alliance, 6:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Hilltop Players, 6:30 pm, HA 136 Black Student Union, 7:00 pm, O’Connor CIE SGA, 7:30 pm, MC Alumni Wednesday History Club, 1:30 pm, MA 111B

Wednesday (cont’d) Christian Fellowship, 6:30 pm, Ecumenical Center Fashion Club, 7 pm , HH 218 Young Democrats Association, 7:00 pm, MC Paul T. Murphy 520 Comic Book Club. 7:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Thursday Gatepost, 6:30 pm, MC 410 African Caribbean Dance Group, 7:30 pm, AF 207/208 African Student Association, 7:00 pm, North Hall Commons Brother to Brother, 7:30 pm, O’Connor CIE Marketing Club, 7:00 pm, HH 101 Friday African Caribbean Dance Group, 7:30 pm, AF 207/208 Gaming Club, 12:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Sunday Symphonic Band, 6 pm, DPAC

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NEWS

6 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

Legislators

Continued from pg. 1 In an effort to hear from younger constituents, Spicer created the 2030 Advisory Council, comprised of 21-35 year olds who “give an important voice on behalf of the interests of younger residents to generate improvements, support policies and social justice,” according to framinghamma.gov.

Spicer said she wants this council to inspire Framingham’s young people to get involved in government.

She also hosts regular community office hours as well as coffee sessions, and encouraged the audience to visit City Hall to engage in community conversations.

Rep. Robinson is serving her first term in the 6th Middlesex District, and represents the city of Framingham. Robinson said she ran a writein campaign to succeed the late Rep. Chris Walsh.

Robinson said, “It’s a whole different universe of campaigning. It’s not just getting people excited about you - it’s teaching them how to vote in a write-in, teaching them where to put your name. … There are all different sorts of rules to understand.”

She said once in office, she’s found there’s a “different type of relationship-building,” as responding to constituent needs ranges from storm drain issues on Route 9 to homelessness.

“It’s been a really interesting learning experience to be both a campaigner as well as an actual legislator - those two things are very different from each other,” she said.

Robinson encouraged the crowd to visit the State House as it belongs to the people, and said, “We serve you.

Please don’t ever forget that.”

Rep. Gentile is serving his third term in the 13th Middlesex District, and represents Sudbury. He said the Vietnam War sparked his political activism when he was in the ninth grade.

“I went along to Washington to advocate for the war to end, and I’ve been very, very politically active ever since,” he said. He is a member of his local Democratic town committee as well as the finance committee.

Gentile said since being elected as a representative, he has been appointed one of the 14 members of the Massachusetts commission advocating for amendments to the U.S. Constitution regarding political spending.

He added decreasing the cost of healthcare and education are his overall goals. He said, “A number of us - every representative here tonight - are working in the legislature to lower the cost of higher education.”

Rep. Lewis is serving his first term in the 7th Middlesex District, and represents Ashland. Like Gentile, war

THE GATEPOST PRESENTS A

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“I didn’t know how to run a campaign, but people mobilized and said, ‘I’ll help,’ ‘I know how to do this,’ and ‘I’ll do this,’ and really rallied behind me. In a way, all I had to do was talk about what I needed to do, or wanted to do for the city of Framingham.”

-Yvonne Spicer, mayor of Framingham sparked Lewis’ activism while he was in high school when he traveled to Cleveland to protest the Iraq invasion.

After studying in many countries, Lewis found himself at a seminary training to be a minister, where he believed he could help others, engage in social work, and provide counseling. He said, “Doing work for other people, getting other folks elected, was more my style.”

Lewis worked as a minister, but said it was adopting his son that changed his mindset and led him to politics. “Trying to navigate social services and trying to navigate state departments and just trying to figure out whether I’m meant to be a father - this little seed within me grew and I no longer think in hypotheticals. …

I told myself I just need to crack that door.”

He added he had no idea how to run his own campaign, but attending trainings and studying political science assisted him and his family.

“It’s one of those jobs where we’re all here. We’re here for the right reasons - to help people,” said Lewis.

He added, “In the MetroWest area, I can tell you we all work together. …

When it comes to FSU, remarkable things happen here and we all try to show up and support in any way we can because this is our region’s institution.”

Rep. Higgins is serving her second term in the 4th Worcester District, composed solely of the city of Leominster. She said her political involvement began in high school when she met her state representative.

Higgins said, “It was really transformative. Growing up in a working-class family, my dad dropped out of high school. My parents owned a small auto parts store - government never was accessible for my family.

“We struggled to make ends meet. … Government always felt like red tape, closed doors. It wasn’t there to help us - it was there to help other folks and we couldn’t figure out how to access those resources.”

In 2016, Higgins learned her state representative would not be running for re-election, so she called her parents and boyfriend and said, “I think I’m running for state rep. … Will you support me?”

Higgins said she and her family did not know the details of campaigning, but utilized the program Emerge, which “recruits, trains, and provides a powerful network to Democratic women who want to run for office,” according to their website.

In an effort to make government more accessible, Higgins holds weekly office hours at the public library outside of normal 9-to-5 work hours.

“I’m thankful for all 1,475 people who took a chance on someone who had never run for public office before, who believed in her community, and believed that we are stronger together,” she said.

Miranda Martin, sophomore and secretary of Young Democrats Association, which sponsored the event, said, “We are a new club on campus whose overall mission is to promote youth involvement in politics.”

In regard to youth political involvement, Dahir Hersi, a junior political science minor, said, “Honestly, I think it’s the highest it’s ever been.”

He said getting involved is easier with social media as people can share their views across platforms and encourage change.

Brendan Coleman, a senior and political science major, said, “I don’t really know how our generation compares to other generations in terms of political involvement, but through observation, people tend to only participate in things that directly affect them.”

Stephanie Bennett, a senior and president of IGNITE, said, “All politics are local and this event gave an opportunity for students to truly be emerged in local politics. IGNITE canceled our Thursday meeting last week to urge students to attend this event.”

Nuhamen Mengistu, a sophomore and treasurer of Young Democrats Association, said, “People believe politics to be dirty and complicated - and it is in today’s society, but it’s also what makes us a society - it represents us as a population, and the youth is a big part of that. We need to get involved and make our voices heard.”

CONNECT WITH LIZZY STOCKS estocks@student.framingham.edu

NEWS

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | 7

FSU allows furry friends for emotional support

By Kaitlin Burch Staff Writer

Most people are familiar with service animals and the purpose they serve, but not everyone is aware of emotional support animals and what they have to offer.

According to the Ram Student Handbook, a service animal is, “A dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.”

An emotional support animal is different, and by definition does not just have to be dogs. Many people suffer from mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, and these kinds of animals can offer a sense of comfort for many.

According to the Ram Student Handbook, students at FSU are allowed to have an emotional support animal in the dorms on campus if certain guidelines are met.

Associate Dean of Academic Success LaDonna Bridges explained the differences between service animals and emotional support animals.

She said that as far as service animals go, only two questions can be asked: “What function does your animal provide?” and “Do you have a disability?”

She added, “For an emotional support animal, you can ask for documentation,” whereas for a service animal, no documentation is needed.

Bridges said, “It has to be very explicit about the nexus between the disability and how that is mitigated by the emotional support animal.”

Unlike a service animal, an emotional support animal cannot be taken everywhere. The animal must re-

main in the dorm room of its owner unless it is being taken out for bathroom breaks.

Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life Glenn Cochran said, “We currently have six [emotional support animals living on

training that they must go through to serve their purpose.

In a sense, a household pet can be used as an emotional support animal as long as proper documentation is provided.

Bridges explained that there is no

“I would not mind my roommate having one because I know it’s there for their complete support.”

-Grace Pushor, sophomore

““Going from a very pet friendly environment to nothing at all is kind of hard academically.”

-Elizabeth Bressoud, junior campus]. There are different kinds of animals included.”

Bridges said these kinds of animals “aren’t trained to provide a function,” meaning there is no lawful

cost affiliated with having an emotional support animal, but in order for a student to have one on campus, the student must present the animal’s immunization records, as

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST FSU students are no stranger to therapy dogs, who visit campus once a semester. Residents are also able to have their own emotional support animals on campus.

well as a doctor’s note from a mental health care provider.

“Ninety-nine percent of the time, this is for something that is emotional or psychiatric, so it has to be from a mental health provider so a primary care doctor is not qualified to provide this,” she added.

Many students support the idea of having emotional support animals on campus.

Junior Cheyenne Smith said, “I feel that they are great and very necessary.”

Junior Elizabeth Bressoud agreed.

“I think it’s a very positive and beneficial thing because most students come from a home before they go to college with pets and even if they don’t have emotional needs medically, it helps them in a better working environment when they’ve survived all of high school with animals.”

She added, “Going from a very pet friendly environment to nothing at all is kind of hard academically.”

Others felt a personal connection to the idea of emotional support animals.

Junior Madeline Pimental said, “For me, I think just having my dog around comforts me and I don’t have a mental disability or depression, [and] I would like to have my dog here just to feel more comfortable.”

Bridges said due to many people having severe allergies to pet dander, in most cases of students having emotional support animals, the student lives in a single. However, it is possible for a student with an emotional support animal to have a roommate as long as the roommate is OK with it.

Sophomore Chelsea Getchell said she would be fine if her roommate had an emotional support animal. “I personally am an animal lover and would find dogs relaxing and a nice break in a stressful day.”

Sophomore Grace Pushor agreed.

“I would not mind my roommate having one because I know it’s there for their complete support.”

Sophomore Sacha Bonilla-Mena said even though she was in favor of the idea of a student owning an emotional support animal, “I personally don’t believe a dorm room is the most ideal environment for animals to be living … depending on the kind of animal.”

Freshman Isabella Kondi said, “If people are happy with them, then I’m happy with them.

“I feel like some people can’t find the same comfort in people as they do animals,” she added.

Bridges said, “Colleges and universities continue to grapple with what this means” in reference to emotional support animals because there is “no national standard,” but universities such as FSU are working to accommodate students with emotional needs.

CONNECT WITH KAITLIN BURCH kburch@student.framingham.edu

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

8 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

OP/ED

OP/ED THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Students demand more communication and accountability Over the past couple of years here at The Gatepost, many editorials and opinions have been written regarding the lack of effective and clear communication from University administrators and police.

As students, we have repeatedly heard from multiple faculty and staff members that the University operates in silos, that every department and office has difficulty communicating with each other, and subsequently, with the student body.

An incident last Monday involving a Black student and FSUPD in the Dining Commons - which has yet to be officially acknowledged or addressed by the University - was on full display in front of many students.

It’s safe to say the general consensus from other students who witnessed the altercation believe the behavior and response of FSUPD to the student to have been racially motivated.

Regardless of whether this is true, the University has neither officially confirmed nor denied this possibility, much less addressed this issue at all.

Despite the details of the situation, to elicit such a strong response from the student body, both on and off social media, begs the question: What can University staff and faculty do to have a better relationship - or any relationship at all - with the population it serves?

We continue to ask: where is the official statement? The email notification from an administrator? The notice from University Police that states there is an ongoing investigation?

There needs to be clear communication from each and every department, for the sole reason that each and every person in the University’s administrative body has a duty to the students to report with accuracy, clarity, and transparency.

We, from a journalistic perspective, understand the limitations under which police officers may be placed with regards to how much information can be released about any particular incident, especially if it is an ongoing investigation.

But we, from civilian and student perspectives, also demand that police officers be as transparent and approachable as possible.

If problems - no matter the severity of them - continue to go unaddressed with factual information, rumors and inaccuracies will continue to spread like wildfire instead.

Even if we absolutely must first get the watered-down jargony PR version because we can’t be told all the facts, we at least want to know we are worthy of being acknowledged as people who deserve to know the truth when it can be released.

When the string of racial hate crimes occurred over the past few years, there were many concerns raised regarding the release of information available to the student body. Because administrators were ineffectual in conveying the messages, misinformation spread like wildfire.

Our news article regarding the aforementioned Dining Hall incident signaled to some that The Gatepost had more information than other students, or even faculty members regardless of how incomplete or cryptic it might have been. This is only because we went sleuthing for it, as is our job.

And it’s been nearly two entire weeks since it occurred. Two weeks without notice. Two weeks, and not a word has been made publicly from those who made promises to serve the student body.

This radio silence from authority figures at this University has completely disrupted the professional, yet comfortable environment that is supposed to be our college campus.

We deserve to be updated on investigations that directly affect our campus community.

We deserve to know that FSU’s administrators, who are meant to serve us, recognize these issues.

We deserve to feel safe and respected in our community.

We are not asking for every detail, but we deserve to be heard.

We demand more communication and accountability.

As administrators and University police, you work for the students of this university. It is time you start taking your roles seriously, because for the better part of four years, we have spent our lives here.

You get to go home at night.

This is our home.

Have an opinion?

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

Anyone can submit.

We look forward to hearing from you! @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Paper vs. laptop FSU’s technology dilemma

By Donald Halsing Editorial Staff

Wasn’t technology supposed to make our backpacks lighter?

As the world becomes “paperless,” it seems some professors didn’t get the memo.

In my first semester at FSU, two of my four professors required the class to scribe their notes on paper instead of typing.

This infuriated me.

Because the school required me to purchase a laptop, I should be able to take notes with it. Is that ridiculous?

My family and I pay an exorbitant amount of money for me to attend college, not to mention purchasing a laptop that cost hundreds of dollars. If I invest in a laptop, then I should have a right to use it when I want.

My high school started a 1-to-1 technology initiative using iPads with my class. If K-12 education is diving into the waters of digital learning, why have colleges drudged their boats so slowly?

Laptops have been a part of secondary education for years.

There’s this amazing scene from NBC’s “The Office” in which Michael Scott is speaking to a class in a lecture hall. He tells the students to write something down: a symphony of keyboard clicks is then heard.

Contemporary college is synonymous with technology. Who gave professors the right to prevent students from taking notes using the method of their choice?

Offending syllabi claim cell phones, laptops, and tablets are distractions because students will use social media, play games, or complete other assignments.

One syllabus states, “You are expected to pay attention and participate during class. … Anyone using electronic devices during class when not directed to do so by the instructor will be considered to be absent from class.”

Fair enough, I understand this perspective. I remember seeing my high school valedictorian on her phone during class.

However, I am a big fan of Microsoft OneNote. It syncs among devices and allows for colorful drawings.

The syllabus in question is for a math class. You would think math is easier to write on paper, but students could also draw colorful notes on their two-in-one laptop/tablets with touch screens.

I could use OneNote with my laptop flat on the desk, drawing vibrant notes - the professor can see exactly what I’m doing, and my notes are stored and synced automatically to all my devices.

Instead, I’m carrying pounds of paper notebooks in my bag.

A science professor’s syllabus said of digital notes, “You can study during the process of rewriting your classroom notes.”

I adopted this practice, and quite enjoyed it. However, I’m no longer a freshman - I don’t have time to redundantly copy my notes!

One professor cited the “FSU Notice of Non-Discrimination and Diversity” in their syllabus.

I feel discriminated against because I can’t take notes how I choose!

Professors shouldn’t stop students from using their technology in class. It’s not the professor’s responsibility to learn - it’s the student.

Students learn their lesson when they fail a class because they were distracted. Those who took notes responsibly move more quickly through their education.

It’s not just notes either - as an English major, I read a lot of books.

I wish I had a second backpack to carry my novels.

It’s nearly 2020, and although I love reading physical novels and writing notes in the margins, I can do the same on my touch-screen computer.

My backpack is full of paper - it weighs at least 30 pounds. I’m not sure how much longer I can slog my way up the hills of FSU like a pack animal.

OP/ED

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | 9

Letter to the Editor

Toxic masculinity is no joke Being a guy is difficult.

Based on three years of data from the National Health Interview Survey, 9% of men in America have daily feelings of depression and anxiety.

That’s right - according to the study, there are more undiagnosed cases of depression in men than women.

Many men just don’t feel good enough, strong enough, or man enough - leading them into a spiral of self-consciousness.

I’ve never paid much attention to my body, but I know many people who obsess over their’s - I’m talking about you, swole gym bros. According to The Guardian, most women find muscular body types more attractive in men than others.

This is based off the results of a study conducted on male body attractiveness, in which 160 women rated the attractiveness of headless male torsos. In the study, every single woman chose the stronger body type over the weaker ones.

These sorts of experiments lead men to obsess over improving their bodies.

And when men think this way, it can lead to toxic masculinity. Toxic masculinity is when traditional masculine

norms are harmful to men, women, and society.

Sometimes, whenever a man wants to impress a woman, he tries to chisel himself up and build up his emotional walls.

But in all seriousness - toxic masculinity is no joke. With all these pressures to appear strong and macho, it can lead to men being aggressive and abusive to their partners or peers.

According to Psychology Today, there is a link between toxic masculinity and violence. Excessive drinking and aggressive behavior are toxic forms of traditional masculinity, the article stated.

The problem is that men have trouble seeking medical help if they have feelings of deep sadness or anger because they would rather keep their emotions hidden.

Men have just as many emotions as women - but to keep up the appearance of invulnerability, many don’t feel they can express these emotions openly.

That’s definitely a problem.

When this happens, the man feels awkward and often questions his own body image - either privately or in the open, with a group of friends. And

when this happens out in the open, people often overhear the man’s venomous thoughts seep through and be projected onto others.

In almost every case, toxic masculinity is what leads to the repercussions of the “battle of the sexes.”

Anger can lead to hate, which in turn could lead to violence.

But what can be done to stop this?

Men often have a lot of negative self-talk about their bodies and sense of masculinity. We need to change that conversation to something positive and more inclusive.

When I wake up, the first thing I do is my morning routine. I don’t look in the mirror and say to myself, “Where on Earth is my six-pack?”

In order to get into the non-toxic mindset, you have to be willing to accept yourself and the fact that you might never be chiseled or the most handsome guy in the world. But the best way to get people to like you is not to do what you think other people would like, but to do what you like.

Be your own version of masculinity.

In other words - always be yourself.

It’s too easy to get into the mindset that you’ll never be good enough.

But let me tell you - even if you’re

not everyone else’s ideal image of masculinity, you can still think positively. And positivity is what gets me through the day.

Patrick Brady, class of 2022

Campus Conversations Do you feel safe on campus?

By Amanda Garny and Caroline Gordon

“On some days, yes, and on others, no.

This is a very secure campus, but a very open campus, because anyone can just walk right in to the Dining Commons, for example.”

“Sometimes - not at night. I feel like there is a lack of lights.”

-Emily D’Entremont, junior

-Bara Barros, freshman

“I do not feel safe at night walking around campus. The lighting needs to be better. I don’t feel safe walking back from the RamTram to my building.”

“Yeah. I feel like if I am in danger, I have someone to go to.”

-Jose Soto, junior

-Emily Bouchard, junior

“Yes. I work late at night, usually during the week. I walk campus late all the time. I have never felt unsafe.”

-Larry Porzio, junior

“Personally, I do feel safe on campus because nobody will mess with me. I always have my boys with me.”

-Constatine Ngankum, freshman

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

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

OP/ED

10 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

I’m coming out ... from the spectrum

By Thomas Maye Opinions Editor Last Friday marked the fifth National Coming Out Day since I decided to live as openly gay - a confusing, emotional, but ultimately worthwhile struggle.

Instead of accomplishment, I felt a deep, twisting guilt in the pit of my stomach.

National Coming Out Day is often a source of great pride and redemption, a celebration of living your most authentic self. I’ve realized when it comes to my autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, though - a condition that’s impacted me long before I knew what to call it - I held the same internalized feelings of shame and secrecy I thought I’d already conquered when I came out as gay.

I can count the number of people I’ve told about my autism spectrum disorder on one hand, and at least twice, the reveal was made with the sort of whispered embarrassment that haunted me in the LGBTQ+ closet.

Progressive attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community are an encouraging sign of an increasingly tolerant society. There’s work to be done, though, when it comes to building a culture of acceptance.

It goes without saying that being gay and being autistic aren’t the same.

That said, as we grow more accepting of every color in the rainbow, let’s

make sure we’re showing the same kindness and respect to a different kind of spectrum.

I’m tired of muting my colors to make other people more comfortable.

It’s time to let some light through the closet doors.

According to the Interactive Autism Network, people with autism generally struggle with understanding unspoken, nonverbal expression like body language, social cues, connotation, and tone. In a sense, they suffer from a nonverbal language barrier.

This can lead to a lot of misunderstandings and unintentional conflict - I can’t tell you how many times my directness has been confused with sternness, a calm face has been interpreted as hostile, and taking a joke literally has been seen as a difference in intelligence rather than perception.

It’s a big emotional burden to have your actions repeatedly misinterpreted as malicious, especially considering my brain, through no fault of my own, inevitably processes the same social situations differently than the average person’s.

In fact, feelings of misunderstanding and sorrow plague the autistic community. According to a 2018 University of Bristol study, 19.8% of adults with autism in a United Kingdom study displayed depressive symptoms, com-

pared to a much slimmer 6% of the general population.

Mental illnesses aren’t the only problems from which many people with autism suffer. According to The Spectrum News, one in five adults with autism are unemployed, often in part because of misunderstandings or a lack of knowledge about autism.

All the same, there’s a significant variance in how seriously symptoms impact autistic people’s lives.

There are representations of autism in the media, but they tend to be on the extreme end of the spectrum - think “Rain Man” or Netflix’s “Atypical,” a show whose plot revolves around how much of a burden raising an autistic teen is for the rest of the family. Representations are getting better, such as the new autistic friend who moved into “Sesame Street” - but there’s definitely room for improvement.

That’s not to mention the frustrating social media trend of using the word “autistic” as an edgy insult, a habit I’ve found myself repeatedly pretending doesn’t bother me while gritting my teeth.

People with milder and high-functioning autism still go through challenges and misunderstandings. But when the immediate reaction of many people is to only think of autism as a debilitating ailment, that it should

wholly define an autistic individual’s life, black-and-white representation feels almost as bad as no representation at all.

Wanting difficulties represented does not mean we should be defined by them. I’ve long held the hesitation that in opening up about my experiences with an autism spectrum disorder, I’d simply walk straight into another all-too-suffocating box.

Social attitudes about autism aren’t exactly encouraging - the antivax hysteria over raising a child with autism didn’t form in a vacuum.

Of the few friends and loved ones I’ve told, most have reacted with surprise that I don’t fit in with the image of autism they hold, with the sort of incredulous tone that seems meant as a compliment. But the assumption of a fundamental “otherness” to people with autism - and that “passing” for non-autistic should somehow flatter me - is, at best, deeply flawed.

I am not an exception.

Nor am I a case study in autism.

I’m simply myself.

Coming out is a big accomplishment.

Sometimes, people are coming out of more closets than you might think.

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ARTS & FEATURES

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | 11

ARTS & FEATURES

Community engagement hits the big stage Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre brings his poetry to FSU

By Lauren Paolini Editorial Staff

Minneapolis native Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre stopped by the Framingham State Forum on his poetry tour Oct. 8.

After taking the stage, Tran Myhre explained that he travels around the country performing his poetry. He said he never performs the same set of poems twice and would use the following hour to use spoken word to convey his art to the audience.

Tran Myhre said his start was “very much through community.” He said his friends were doing similar work and included him in events such as open mics.

“I think the way people get into art is often the way people get into activism, too. It’s not because of an innate drive - it’s because of the people who are around you, and the relationships that you form,” he said.

“Not every poem is written for every audience. Some poems might not be for you, but my hope is that there are still things in them to pull out, whether it’s in the substance of the poem or it’s in the technique of how a poem is put together,” Tran Myhre said.

His first poem was a rhythmic piece about his first job as a cart pusher at a grocery store. The energy he put into the performance of this poem made it feel as though he was telling this story to his friends for the first time.

The poem begins, “It’s not rocket science, right? It’s a 10-foot piece of rope with a hook at the end of it.

We got three of them hanging in the equipment shed out back. One of them is thicker, but a little shorter.

One of them looks thin as shoelaces, but it’s a good half foot longer. You got first pick - pick that one. It looks flimsy but trust me, you will break before it does.”

Throughout the night, Tran Myhre emphasized poetry allows people to take big ideas and make them smaller and more understandable.

“Learn to control the fist that lives in your neck when these people just leave their cart sitting in the middle of a parking space. Swallow, when they look right through you. Swallow, when it’s 40 below and a strait jacket would be warmer than these flimsy company coats,” he continued. “You get two 15s and a half hour for lunch, right? And the breaks aren’t for your body though - they’re for your spirit.”

When he finished performing the poem, Tran Myhre explained how audience members can connect to that poem even if they haven’t worked that specific job. It is a poem about invisibility and feeling underappreci-

Tran Myhre brings spoken word to life in the McCarthy Center Forum. ated, he said.

Tran Myhre’s next poem allowed the audience to experience his perception of toxic masculinity. He incorporated his theme of shrinking big ideas by centering this poem around a handshake between two men.

The poem begins, “The weirdest thing about having your hand crushed is that the pair of eyes across from yours never stops smiling.”

The author explains through his performance that he was always taught to have a firm handshake when meeting another man, and the stereotypes that lie under that.

“There’s just so much space between us as men that sometimes we feel compelled to cram as much physical contact as we can into every touch. I know we become so comfortable with crushing, so hypnotized by our own strength, we forget how incredible it can feel to let go.”

Tran Myhre said the poem is not literally about a handshake, but the deeper understanding of the small things that go into it. He said this idea ultimately relates back to microaggressions.

As a social justice educator and activist, Tran Myhre often writes about topics such as gender stereotypes and consent.

The next poem performed was titled, “How to explain white supremacy to a white supremacist.” He used sharks in the ocean as a metaphor for racism in America.

“White supremacy is not a shark, it is the water. … Remember, sharks kill about one person each year, thousands drown. … How long do we keep pointing out the bad apples, ignoring the fact that the orchard was planted on a mass grave? And we planted it there.”

This piece explained acting as a bystander to racism is a significant part

of the problem.

The poem ends, “When trumpets sound in Ferguson and Minneapolis, when every one of our cities breaks into song, will we hear it? Will we choose to listen? Or will we just continue treading water, watching for that great white shark, not realizing that we’re drowning?”

Tran Myhre delved deeper into the role of bystanders in his next poem, which used quicksand as a catalyst to tell the story.

The speaker is contemplating whether to help a man stuck in quicksand as he sinks deeper and deeper.

By the end of the poem, the man is completely submerged in quicksand because the bystander took too much time deciding how to react.

Tran Myhre ends the poem with, “What can one person even do? I imagine my lungs filling with mud, black earth, brown water. The hike back to my hotel will be full of reflection. I offer my thoughts and my prayers. It is the least I can do.”

The poet’s inspiration was the idea that individual solutions cannot solve group problems. No one person can solve racism or any of the issues he writes about.

Tran Myhre then performed a poem inspired by his experience as an educator.

He read, “This is what it means to do direct service. We make a difference, just not enough of one.”

It is a common feeling among educators to know they are making a difference, but not seeing big changes day to day, he said.

“On my way to the office, an impossibly small boy from one of these sessions cannonballs through the crowd, hits me in the shoulder, and says, ‘Thank you’ … and I’m stuck somewhere between you’re welcome and I’m sorry.”

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST Before performing his last poem, Tran Myhre explained poetry isn’t always about convincing others. Sometimes, it is for ourselves as writers and it is still valid.

At the beginning of the poem, he sets the scene of a young boy trying to use magic to move a pen from across a table.

“It should be such a simple thing, right? To move this tiny object with the vastness of my spirit, simply lift it up a half inch or to engulf it in flames, but nothing,” he read.

The speaker explains this was not the moment he realized magic wasn’t real. He learned this through his experiences out in the world as he got older.

“The magic is not whether I pick up that pen with my hand or with my mind - the magic is what I write with it.”

Tran Myhre said although he doesn’t do it often, one of his favorite things to incorporate into his writing/ spoken word is science fiction. He also said that as an introvert, art gives him a way to engage with his peers. His biggest inspiration is people in his community.

Tran Myhre ended his performance with a verse from one of his raps.

“There is no voice willing to speak for us, so it’s a good thing we know how to yell. There is no chosen one, no destiny, no fate. There is no such thing as magic, there is no light at the end of this tunnel, so it’s a good thing we brought matches.”

He said his best piece of advice for aspiring artists is “to break out of the mindset that being a poet or being an artist has to be a solitary thing. … Every artist I know who has had any real success, it’s because they think about it as being part of a community.”

CONNECT WITH LAUREN PAOLINI lpaolini@student.framingham.edu

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

ARTS & FEATURES

12 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

Suit Jacket Posse

Cara McCarthy / THE GATEPOST

Suit Jacket Posse co-captains, Ben McGhee and Sam Wayson.

Continued from page 1 He said, “There was this group of kids who were walking around campus. They always hung out in the cafe and were really cliquey. ... And they all wore jean jackets.”

Hurley talked about how he and his friends drew the name for Suit Jacket Posse from this group of friends and wanted to create a “West Side Story” rival group theme.

“It’s kind of funny now that it’s, like, 15 years later and I don’t think some people realize the name or where it comes from,” Hurley added.

With the 15-year anniversary of the troupe fast approaching, Suit Jacket Posse and Hurley have much to reflect on - one being their evolution.

Originally, the troupe was simply a group of friends trying to stay involved with Hilltop while not having to perform that semester’s musical. However, 15 years is bound to create a significant amount of change.

The first semester, of the troupe was just for fun. They did not perform in front of an audience, there was no improv chair, and they were modeled off a Boston-based troupe, “Improv Asylum,” Hurley said.

The original Suit Jacket Posse did not perform games. Instead, they took suggestions from the audience and would act out a scene based off their ideas, Hurley said.

Now, the troupe is more organized in the way they perform their shows, using the same structure as “Whose Line is it Anyway?” - a popular improv TV show from the late ’90s - in which there is a host who runs the game and the rest of the performers act out the scene.

Fifteen years later, the troupe is

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much more consistent, putting on a show every two to three weeks, according to junior communication arts

Jacket Posse ever since.”

McGhee, on the other hand, had no prior experience with improv.

“Regardless of what you’re doing, college is stressful. Everybody is going through one thing or another.”

- Ben McGhee, SJP co-captain major and current Suit Jacket Posse co-captain Sam Wayson.

Wayson said before he joined Suit Jacket Posse, the leadership role was split into two different roles.

He said, “The manager would run rehearsals and perform in shows, and the host would host the show.

“And now, they are combined into one role, which is the captain,” Wayson said.

Suit Jacket Posse co-captains Wayson, and junior communications arts major Ben McGhee both were introduced to inprov in different ways.

Wayson started doing improv when he was a freshman in high school.

“I auditioned my freshman year, I got in, and was in it for all four years of high school,” Wayson said.

He also said after he graduated high school, he started an improv troupe with his friends from his hometown in which they performed at a local library to “make a little extra money.”

He had the same experience when arriving at Framingham State. “I auditioned, got in, and have been with Suit

He said, “My first semester, I was not in Suit Jacket Posse. I was in Hilltop. … I had friends in Hilltop who went to see the improv shows. I saw them performing, and I thought it seemed like fun.”

McGhee also said his freshman year ,he missed out on auditions. He said because of that, he and Wayson made an effort to get the word out about auditions at the beginning of this year.

Wayson and McGhee said they decided to split the role of captain this year because while they both wanted to step into the leadership role, they did not want to give up performing.

“Every show, one of us will perform and the other will host. So, we get the chance to do both roles without being locked into one position,” McGhee said.

He said he hopes one day, after he and Wayson graduate, their system of running the troupe will stick. McGhee said the way they split up the captain role between two people has “worked really well so far.”

Both co-captains said their favorite

part of being in Suit Jacket Posse is the happiness they bring people.

McGhee said, “Regardless of what you’re doing, college is stressful. Everybody is going through one thing or another.

“So, just to be that thing people can do to relax for a little bit and have a good time is what makes it really worth it,” he said.

Current and former Suit Jacket Posse members also shared their appreciation for being a part of the collective.

Junior elementary education major Alex Surro said, “Even before I joined, I would always look forward to going to their shows to lighten up my day.

“I feel so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful group of people and hopefully make people smile at least once,” he said.

FSU alum Jace Williams ‘19 said, “Auditioning for, and then being a part of Suit Jacket Posse, was a huge part of my own personal development.”

Wayson said while someone may get turned away at auditions, it does not mean they are not talented. He encourages anyone who wants to audition to give it a chance.

“We always tell people who wanna join that all you have to do is bring a pencil and a personality,” Wayson said.

While plans for the 15th anniversary may be in the early stages, Wayson and McGhee said they plan on taking advantage of Suit Jacket Posse’s alumni network.

Their next show is Wednesday, Oct. 30 and they encourage audience members to wear Halloween costumes as there will be a contest at the end of the show.

CONNECT WITH CARA MCCARTHY cmccarthy8@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | 13

LGBTQ+ Banquet Continued from page 1 They did not meet at the riots, but were very surprised to learn much later in their lives when they reconnected that they were both present in the same place at the same time.

Recounting his experience of that summer night in ’69, Glass talked about partying at a Greenwich Village club called Bonsoir. When he was leaving and walking back home, he heard commotion around the corner.

“Halfway up the block, there was Sheridan Square. Somebody comes running down the block, yelling, ‘Come on! The drag queens are fighting the cops in Sheridan Square, come on!’” Glass narrated. That night was one he’d never forget, he added.

As young gay black men during the height of both the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, they saw significant events after Stonewall - such as the AIDS crisis - Evans and Glass struggled with the racism and homophobia they experienced over their lives.

“Being a gay black man during that time - there was not the slightest inkling in my mind as to say, ‘I’m coming out,’” Evans said.

The couple urged the younger members of the audience to read “as much as they can” on LGBTQ+ history in order to dispel myths and stereotypes, but also to guarantee that younger community members understand and cherish their heritage.

“Young people, we urge you - please take the time to learn your history,” Evans said to the audience.

The men were just two of the numerous guest speakers brought to the McCarthy Forum last Friday evening Oct. 11 - National Coming Out Day. This day, for members of the LGBTQ+ community, has been an annual occasion since 1988 and aims to destigmatize LGBTQ+ identities and end the silence in the community.

For the past three years, this par-

The center pieces at the LGBTQ+ reception.

ticular banquet at FSU, purposefully held on this day, has been the “highlight of the year,” according to Julie Nowak, the LGBTQ+ initiative coordinator at Bay Path Elder Services, Inc., the organization that coordinates with FSU to host this event.

Kim Dexter, FSU’s director of equal opportunity, Title IX, and ADA compliance, organized the University’s side of the event, as she has in past years.

The Forum that night was decorated top to bottom in rainbow-colored paraphernalia and colorful light-up table toppers. On the walls were different flags representing various sexual and gender identities, and flyers on the table invited guests to try their hand at identifying what the different colors and flags signified.

The theme of the night was an emphasis not only on the LGBTQ+ community’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, but also a highlight of past events other than the Stonewall riots that contributed to the decades-long - and counting - fight for LGBTQ+ liberation.

Dexter said intergenerational spaces have always been a top priority for her, Nowak, and other organizers to create.

“We were seeing a big gap,” Dexter said, speaking of the rift between older LGBTQ+ community members and their younger counterparts. “Younger LGBTQ+ students did not really know about the shared cultural history, and so we started thinking about ways we could create a space for that gap to be bridged.”

Citing the commissions on aging that exist in the Massachusetts state government, Dexter, Nowak, and other speakers said a growing problem in the Commonwealth is the increasing number of LGBTQ+ seniors who face issues, such as isolation and alienation from typical nursing homes and senior spaces due to fear of an-

Nadira Wicaksana / THE GATEPOST

Cara McCarthy / THE GATEPOST The Kinsey Scales performing in the McCarthy Center Forum. ti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.

To start the banquet, Dexter cited 20th-century events, coalitions, and organizations that were prominent before Stonewall took place, such as the Janus Society, the Daughters of Bilitis, and the Mattachine society.

These organizations in particular, according to Dexter, operated as a unit called the East Coast Homophile Organizations, shortened to the acronym ECHO. They picketed the White House in April 1965 as part of a series called the Annual Reminders, which signaled to the U.S. government its LGBTQ+ citizens were being deprived of human rights and the pursuit of happiness.

Freshman Brandon Adams was the event’s youth panelist during the first intergenerational banquet in 2017. As a trans man who discovered his identity in high school, Adams chose FSU as the university to attend because it is an institution he believes to be open, welcoming, and accepting.

“In today’s society and today’s laws, when we’re looking at what’s going on in the Supreme Court right now at this very moment - those cases that are up are affecting each and every one of us,” he said.

Historian and gender and sexuality professor at Worcester’s College of the Holy Cross Stephanie Yuhl gave a presentation on the home-grown project she helped put together called “LGBTQ+ Worcester - For the Record,” which, according to her institution’s website, is a “chronicling of images, histories, voices and experiences of Worcester’s LGBTQ+ community over the last 50 years.”

To punctuate the evening and bring the crowd some dinner entertainment, the Kinsey Scales, who dub themselves “Boston’s premier queer-focused a capella group,” performed a medley of songs ranging from Sia to Diana Ross.

They ended their performance with the aptly titled, occasion-appropriate song, “I’m Coming Out.”

“I’m coming out / I want the world to know / I gotta let it show,” the group sang.

Dexter said in the future, she hopes the event will continue to evolve and improve.

“We’ve been trying to become more intentional in the thematic pieces and the guest speakers that we have,” she said. “In past years, one of the things we got feedback on was that we really need to have more of an intersectional conversation.”

To remedy that, she intentionally brought in more speakers of color.

Madison Bruno, president of FSU’s Pride Alliance, brought fellow members of the club to the banquet.

Bruno emphasized the importance of intergenerational friendships and connections. “The LGBTQ+ [community] of past, present, and future do not exist in a vacuum. Our presence and the effects we have on each other reach through time, and the Pride Across Generations banquet does well by this no-vacuum notion by having generations come together in order to remember our relations to the generations who came before us and how they affect the LGBTQ+ [community] in the present and future.

“Furthermore, acknowledgement is owed to the fact that every day should be celebrated in thankfulness for the [connections] the LGBTQ+ [community] have between past and future generations - not just one day or month designated for celebration,” she added.

Kayla Nett, a junior and a member of Pride Alliance, said, “I’m really proud to participate in events like these. Being a part of the [LGBTQ+] community is something that is so important to me, and I’m glad there are events on campus that celebrate that.”

CONNECT WITH NADIRA WICAKSANA nwicaksana@student.framingham.edu

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14 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

ARTS & FEATURES

Kaitlyn’s Breaking the stigma Kosmetics

By Kaitlyn Cullen Staff Writer

Of all the stigmas in the world, saying men can’t wear makeup has got to be the silliest.

Beauty standards for women are always being criticized and elevated, taking away the spotlight from the fact men also face a similar issue.

Instead of being expected to have a fully made-up face that simultaneously looks like they woke up with, men are held to a higher standard of “natural beauty.” While women are encouraged to hide their imperfections under color-correctors and blush, men are s*** out of luck if they aren’t born looking like a Greek god.

Acne and sleep deprivation are two issues for teenagers and young adults across the nation. Of course, better

habits leading to a healthier lifestyle are the best ways to combat these problems, but makeup is a quick fix.

Yet, only women are socially allowed to wear cosmetics. Men just have to splash some cold water on their face and hope for the best if they’re not happy with their morning look.

Sure, guys have cosmetics like hair products and body spray, but the one place everyone looks first is their face, and they’re not allowed to touch it unless it’s with a razor.

If women can wear makeup, why can’t men?

I see makeup as a way of expressing yourself by putting your best face forward - the face you choose to have.

Men deserve this choice, too.

And I’m not talking about just a little concealer and possibly some guyliner - I mean the whole shabang.

No one is born with sparkly purple eyelids, so why are women allowed to rock them but not men? Although social norms are being broken every day, this is still something men get ridiculed for - just being themselves.

The fashion industry has opened doors for guys to express themselves better, but we’re not quite out of the woods yet. We still have work to do.

CoverGirl hired James Charles in 2016 to be a “CoverBoy,” the company’s first male spokesperson.

This event busted open the doors for men in the makeup industry - finally they could be a face, not just the brushes making them up behind the scenes.

However, the hype died down soon enough. Although a spike in inspiration and male makeup artists’ YouTube and Instagram accounts came to light, guys in the streets largely re-

main bare faced.

While some men may not have a single shred of desire to wear makeup or paint their nails, the ones who do should not have to fear punishment for it.

The converging of gender norms is evident in recent history, but we still have a long way to go. Letting men use cosmetics as a form of self-expression is another step forward.

You don’t have to be a woman or a drag queen to wear lavish makeup.

And you don’t need to cover your face in glitter, either. But everyone should be able to express themselves through the art of cosmetics if they so choose, regardless of gender identity.

CONNECT WITH KAITLYN CULLEN kcullen1@student.framingham.edu

Wale devotes his sixth studio album to self-awareness

By Jared Graf Asst. Arts & Features Editor For years, Wale has voiced frustrations about his struggle to reach acceptance, recognition, and success in the mainstream music industry. On his sixth studio album, “Wow… That’s Crazy,” Wale is more transparent about his thoughts than ever. The album serves as a 15-song trip through the mind of one of hip-hop’s most multifaceted artists.

Despite his talent and impeccable songwriting ability, Wale has had somewhat of a mismanaged, tumultuous career. Since the 2017 release of “Shine,” a lackluster effort that sold only 28,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number 16 on Billboard charts, it seemed as though Wale’s career has been on a downward spiral. “Wow… That’s Crazy” serves as a maxim to anyone who has ever counted out the D.C. wordsmith.

“Sue me, I’m rooting for everybody that’s black,” Wale raps on the aptly titled “Sue Me” - the album’s soulful introduction. On the first verse, he delves into “polygamy problems,” difficulty being faithful, and how spending money is therapeutic.

The second verse speaks directly to people who have critiqued his past moves. “‘Ambition’ my second album, how was you sleeping? / Dropped the album with Seinfeld, they thought I was tweaking.”

Wale is fed up at the way show business treats artists with a lack of respect, as if they’re disposable. He points out how quick people are to

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forget about past accomplishments, because they’re focused on the present.

An ode to jazz legend Nina Simone puts Wale’s vulnerability on display as he addresses common issues in the black community, as well as his own feelings on “Love Me Nina / Semiautomatic.” Halfway through the song, the beat flawlessly transitions into a mellow but up-tempo, rap-dependent instrumental, which gives way to Wale’s self-analyzing commentary.

He ends by comparing himself to a gun shooting recklessly with no aim a metaphor for how he’s struggled to focus, or have an ‘aim,’ since becoming famous. “A semi-auto with a novice aim / A lot of thoughts and a lot of pain / My ammunition come from all your hate / My brain a loaded semi, I’m too offended to concentrate.”

Songs like “Debbie” and “Love & Loyalty” serve as upbeat, feel-good records - the latter of which is hard to resist dancing along to.

“Love & Loyalty” is a Latin pop record featuring rising Nigerian singer Mannywellz. The island-infused track showcases Wale’s ability to create sonically daring music as well as produce a unique sound that other American rappers try - and fail - to imitate.

With the help of Kelly Price, Wale details issues he has with alcoholism, self-love, and relationships with women on “Set You Free.” “Everybody want that crazy love / Until they find a crazy one,” Wale preaches on his brutally honest verse, before allowing Price to take listeners to church with a gospel-inspired hook of her own.

Meek Mill, Rick Ross, and Wale Wale said it best himself - “Who a connect on wax for the first time since decade or better, giving n****s deca2016, delivering the speaker-rattling dent raps?” posse cut, “Routine.” A standout track from the project, “Routine” finds the MMG honchos rapping at some of their highest collective energy to date.

“BAPE Folarin, no monkey business / Can’t H&M us, no,” Wale spits before Meek poses the question: “How many famous b*****s do I gotta f*** for the love of the culture?”

On strip club anthem “Poledancer,” Megan Thee Stallion teams up with Wale to blend her signature Southern sound with his conscious rap. Wale is one of the only artists in hip-hop who Warner Records can weave poetic bars and unconventional beats together in a way that’s easy to digest - and Megan is like the icing on “Thee” cake.

However, if you’re not a fan of bass-heavy club bangers, “BGM,” “On Chill,” and “Expectations” are more Wale exceeds “Expectalaid-back, radio-friendly cuts that cater to Wale’s R&B fanbase. tions” and breathes life The range and variety of songs on into the rap game.

“Wow… That’s Crazy” shouldn’t come as a surprise to the seasoned Wale listener, but to the average hip-hop fan, it’s a shockingly thought-provoking MENU project. Between bangers, slow jams, and Latin bops, there’s something for everyone on the album.

Complete with brilliant lyricism, fiery flows, and stimulating content, the project is difficult to dislike. Wale showed what sets him apart from other rap artists, as his contemporaries could only hope to execute at the same level of versatility and consisCONNECT WITH JARED GRAF tency he does.

Grade: A

jgraf@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

Is this a joke?

We don’t get it

By Brennan Atkins Arts & Features Editor

rative, with a strong focus on mental health as the primary plot, and it feels, for lack of a better term, jumbled at bits. The messages and themes the film tries to display end up feeling non-existent or forced. It can make the film feel quite empty.

Where this movie shines, thrives, and makes us want to scream, “More!

More!” is in Phoenix’s stellar performance of a broken man. He added a lot to the character and even said some of the interpretative dance scenes were a lot more personal than one would imagine.

Phoenix described how he used to breakdance alone in his room as a way of expressing himself - it leads to a natural transition on camera. These are important segments of the film, as they allow the viewer to interpret not only the physical motions, but also why he’s expressing himself at this point. What events have led him to this point in life, and what can possibly be going through his mind?

The cinematography and visuals are oddly breathtaking.

A lot of superhero movies today have the tendency to utilize the same color palettes, often overusing color in a way that can be downright distracting.

“Joker,” however, uses color in a more interesting fashion. The world of “Gotham City” that we see in the film is very run-down and overflowing with garbage. You can tell it’s a

By Noah Barnes Entertainment Correspondent “Joker” is a bit like a pineapple pizza.

It’s got the tomato sauce, the cheese, and the crust.

But Todd Phillips is the pineapple.

Pineapple pizza has its fans, but we’re not one of them.

“Joker” is a dramatic character study about the iconic comic book character of the same name. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, the soon-to-be “Joker” - a man with a life filled with misfortune and mental illness.

Phoenix’s unhinged performance is topped off nicely with an equally unsettling - yet very catchy - soundtrack.

On some occasions, you’ll hear some memorable ’80s jingles, which often work eerily well in the context of a man’s descent into madness. Other times, while the camera focuses on Arthur, you’ll hear this soft and slow violin melody, one you just can’t pinpoint why it sends shivers down your spine.

Todd Phillips, to be blunt, was the reason this movie wasn’t amazing.

There are so many fundamental problems with the kind of movie Phillips wants this to be. He has a very politically charged background nar-

very bleak and dirty place, filled with grey. But there’s always a coating of color somewhere to be found. It’s like you’re in a circus tent - there’s all these bright lights shining down on you, but you can always tell there’s more than just reds and blues.

There’s been a lot of controversy regarding this movie and the use of violence, and whether it’s glorifying a villain’s actions. The use of violence, while extreme, is not something to be described as “glorifying.” The audience knows right away that Arthur is not a good person, and the film does a good job of pointing out that his actions are those of a true villain.

However, the film spends so much time on how Arthur reacts to the world around him, that it spends no time thinking of how the world should react to Arthur.

Everyone besides Arthur is either idiotic, rude, or a mixture of the two.

While most wouldn’t sympathize with a murderer, it’s odd the film tries to justify it. The world is shallow and cynical to Arthur - no one really treats him as a person to a downright eye-rolling degree.

When a film tries to have a message centered on mental health care, it’s probably not the smartest call to make Arthur’s own therapist seem as though she doesn’t care.

The film tries so hard to be a real world take on the Joker, and while it handles Joker very well, almost every-

48. “Hurry up, watchmaker!”?

51. Pay attention to 52. “My bad!”

53. ___ Cheese (Doritos flavor) 55. Japanese dog 57. Request for a next-day delivery, say, and what each of 17-, 25-, 35- and 48-Across is 61. In need of sleep 62. “___ the season ...”

63. “I’m at your service” 64. Plain bagels don’t have them 65. Sault ___ Marie 66. Spy’s mission, for short

ACROSS 1. Command used with Cut and Copy 6. IV amounts 9. Not suitable 14. Bargain-basement 15. Pitching stat 16. Takes it easy 17. “Hurry up, dancer!”?

19. Happen next 20. Like some coincidences 21. Accurate statement 22. Alpine transport 25. “Hurry up, music producer!”?

29. Shady spots in gardens 31. Sleep 32. Mowgli’s bear friend 33. Celebrated 35. “Hurry up, smelter!”?

40. League members 41. Participate in, as a contest 43. Cheese gadgets 47. Huge Starbucks size

DOWN 1. Mac alternatives 2. Response to a rubdown 3. Red or Dead 4. Become entrenched 5. Blunt blade 6. Salsa singer Cruz 7. Stream 8. What old sofas do 9. Suffix for “percent” 10. Like some healthy yogurt 11. ___-Lorraine 12. Full of moxie 13. Fly with a reduplicative name 18. Triceps’ places 22. Folder projection 23. Be a blowhard 24. Partner of “ready” and “willing” 26. ___ Park, Colorado 27. “Take ___ Train” (Duke Ellington song) 28. Boat’s steering device 30. No-good 33. Meal at a palace 34. “Slippery” tree 36. Grinder, by another name 37. Small town descriptor

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | 15

one else is painfully cruel to him. A city of cruel individuals isn’t realistic - it’s nihilistic, which is ironically supposed to be “Joker’s” thing.

On top of that, the script can be, quite frankly, awful at times. The entire story is kind of all over the place.

People outside of Arthur are written as two-dimensional characters. Some of the writing is so painfully on the nose. We know that Joker lives in a society - what else do you have to say?

ADMIT ONE

Grade: C+ Joaquin Phoenix saves an otherwise uninspired tale of misery.

ADMIT ONE

CONNECT WITH BRENNAN ATKINS batkins@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH NOAH BARNES nbarnes@student.framingham.edu

38. Alternative magazine founder Eric 39. Head, in Calais 42. “Awesome!”

43. What a bad winner does 44. Novice 45. Aim 46. Tried out 47. “(I’m a) Ramblin’ Wreck From Georgia ___” 49. Language group that gave us “kayak” Puzzle solutions are now 50. Billiards shot exclusively online.

54. Eleventh ___ 56. Commercials 57. Signal boosts on Twitter, briefly 58. Mo. when Kwanzaa starts 59. Mood music?

60. “The ___ & Stimpy Show”

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16 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

ARTS & FEATURES

Arts and humanities professors showcase latest literary works

By Mackenzie Berube Staff Writer Joseph Adelman, a history professor, and David Blair, a visiting lecturer for the English department, read short excerpts from their publications during the Linda Vaden-Goad Authors and Artists series in the Heineman Ecumenical Center Oct. 15.

Angela Salas, current provost and vice president for academic affairs, hosted the event, which is named for her predecessor.

Adelman presented his work “Revolutionary Networks: The Business and Politics of Printing the News, 1763-1789.” His interest in the subject of the book came from thinking about how news traveled across different states and countries during the 1700s.

Research began during graduate school for Adelman, which eventually turned into his dissertation. After 15 years of revising and editing, it became his published book.

During the series, he said the politics of the Revolutionary era are more difficult to understand than one generally thinks.

However, the “production process for the news of the colonial times changes this,” said Adelman.

The geniuses behind politics of the

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1700s are the “master artisans who oversee printing presses and interns.”

Adelman described them as people who “existed in two worlds,” one of people who didn’t matter in society, and the other of high-up elites.

The reason we have any knowledge about the revolutionary war period is due to artisans and printers that “built connections between people,” said Adelman.

Unlike today, news was not heard instantly via the internet. Newspapers needed to collect information from manuscripts, oral reports, letters, and other papers in order to write an accurate depiction of certain events.

During a question-and-answer session, an audience member brought up the idea of “fake news” during the 1700s.

News “traveled on the same horse, the same ship” said Adelman, so there was less room for false information.

And, if there was something incorrect, they’d update the information in later articles.

However, one example of someone who attempted to stir fake news was Benjamin Franklin. Adelman said Franklin, while he was in Paris, had printed several fake Boston papers that reported British soldiers committing atrocities against Americans so as to elicit sympathy for the Amer-

ican independence movement.

Blair showcased his book “Walk Around: Essays on Poetry and Place” in the second half of the series. His work talked about the relationship between walking and writing, particularly around the Cambridge and Somerville areas.

Blair’s greatest inspiration comes from walking the streets and coming upon the sights and sounds of nature and people. He sees things such as “sailboats on the river” and feeling “that sun dutch oven” while passing “south American candy bars.”

The way he writes is one image after another, or as he described it - a “wash of images - bodies moving through space.”

An interesting element of his writing is that his primary mode of transportation was walking - up until his mid-30s, he had never driven a car. He enjoyed walking because not only did it provide a lot of variety, but it also contained a beginning and an end destination.

To Blair, walking was “an act of consciousness.” The outer world and your head space can be harmonious, almost. A walk blends together “the way we conceive a metaphor, or a simile.”

Besides walking, the best time for Blair to write is in the morning, when

everything is fresh in his mind. However, if the morning doesn’t do the trick, a nice stroll around the block will do.

Blair and Adelman captivated the audience with their short readings from their publications.

Johns Hopkins University Press Books CONNECT WITH MACKENZIE BERUBE mberube@student.framingham.edu

SPORTS

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | 17

SPORTS Rams Football blows out the Falcons 56-7

By Carlos SIlva Asst. Sports Editor Framingham took on the Fitchburg State Falcons in a MASCAC game Oct. 12.

The Rams defense shined bright as they kept the Falcons to zero points at halftime. The offense, on the other hand, seemed to be starting off slow as they had only scored 14 points by halftime.

In the second half, led by Adam Wojenski and Devaun Ford, the offense caught on fire.

Just 27 seconds into the second half, Wojenski and William Jean connected on a 62-yard pass to increase the Rams’ lead to 21 points.

On the next possession, the Falcons coughed up the football, which was then recovered by Issac Nascimento and returned 17 yards to the Falcons’ 28-yard line.

After an eight-play drive, the Rams capitalized on the opportunity with a Ford rushing touchdown to extend the lead to 28 points.

Later in the third quarter, Ford went on to score once more with a 39-yard rush up the spine of the Falcons defense.

At this point in the game, both teams knew it was over, and the Rams preceded to score three more rushing touchdowns while running out the clock for much of the fourth quarter.

Wojenski finished the game with 231 yards passing, and three total touchdowns.

The Rams’ stars of the game, however, were Ford and Nascimento.

Ford eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the first time in his young collegiate career while also scoring two touchdowns.

Nascimento finished the game with three tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery.

The Rams are now 3-0 in the MASCAC and 3-2 overall.

Gatepost Archives

Last years Rams kicker attempts a field goal.

CONNECT WITH CARLOS SILVA csilva14@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE FITCHBURG STATE

56 7

Men’s Soccer stays undefeated in the MASCAC

By Dylan Thayer Staff Writer The Framingham State Rams men’s soccer team is now 7-6-1 on the season after a win against the Westfield State Owls, and a double overtime tie with the Lions of Emerson College Oct. 14.

With the win over the Owls, the Rams improved to 4-0 in the MASCAC and remain at the top of the conference.

The first half of the game was a scoreless battle, even though the Rams were dominating the game on offense, outshooting the Owls 12-1 by halftime. Bryant Nardizzi almost connected on a goal inside the box, but Westfield State goalie Tyler Diotalevi made a good save with a diving grab to keep it 0-0.

The second half was much more successful for the Rams offense, connecting on three goals in the last 20 minutes of the game. Bryant Nardizzi was the first one to score with a shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Under two minutes later, Isaac De Souza scored his seventh goal of the season and tied the team-lead with freshman Gustavo Cassemiro.

Sherak Ayamga was able to score with a minute left to put the game completely away at 3-0.

The Rams controlled the game, outshooting the Owls 31-9. The defense was stellar and did not let the Owls have many scoring chances, with only two of their nine shots landing on goal.

Goalie Corey Davidge was able to notch his third shutout victory in net. He now has a 5-3 record on the season to go along with a great 1.35 GAA.

FRAMINGHAM STATE DEAN COLLEGE

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On Oct. 14, the Rams traveled to Boston to take on the Emerson Lions.

The game was a very stagnant one for both sides, with neither team ultimately being able to score any goals in the entire game.

The game went to double overtime, and neither team could capitalize on the chances they had to score. The shots were close to even for the game, with the Rams slightly outshooting the Lions 17-13 for the contest.

Goalie David Kemp was amazing for the Lions, making nine saves throughout the contest.

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CONNECT WITH DYLAN THAYER dthayer1@student.framingham.edu

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18 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

SPORTS

Carlos’ Call: Allen Crabbe ruined and revived the NBA

By Carlos Silva Asst. Sports Editor Going back a couple of years ago to 2016, the NBA increased its salary cap from $70,000,000 to $94,143,000.

What happened next began a state of panic among NBA general managers that no one would have ever imagined.

It started off with players like Allen Crabbe, Joakim Noah, and Nicholas Batum getting astronomical contracts that were nowhere near the correct value.

To put things into comparison, Crabbe, a player who saw approxiametly 10 to 15 minutes of game time per night, was given a fouryear $75 million contract. That is a base salary of nearly $19 million a year. In 2016, players such as Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, and Aaron Rodgers each made $18 million that year in the NFL. Now do you see the issue?

The Crabbe signing started a spiral of large contracts being given to players who had no value for their worth.

This still exists in today’s NBA, and it seems to be leading toward a huge player lockout in the foreseeable future.

Think about it like this: a lot of bad players are getting paid huge money, but not everyone on an NBA team is lucky enough to get one of those contracts.

When guys like Quinn Cook and Avery Bradley, who are getting paid under $5 million, look at a guy like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, they see a player who is not better, but is making twice the amount they are.

There are one or two situations like this on every NBA team.

One of the biggest issues in the league concerns the Charlotte Hornets, who are widely known for handing out money to bad players like it’s nothing.

The Hornets recently realized the NBA salary cap doesn’t discriminate when it comes to stupidity.

When it finally came time to pay Kemba Walker, their best player, the Hornets realistically did not have enough money to keep him.

They tried low-balling offers to him, which were quickly rejected.

Walker then opted to become a free agent and was quickly signed by the Boston Celtics - one of the only teams that does not treat money like it grows on trees.

These awful contracts have also led to super teams. Teams in big markets, such as Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Boston have a much easier time at signing big-name free agents.

The simple reason is this: who wants to live in Sacramento when Los Angeles is clearly the better choice?

All the big names in the NBA have joined forces in the big markets to create a whole new level of super team. Until this season, we had about four teams that were considered better than the rest.

One of those teams was the Golden State Warriors, who were favorites to win the title every year since they won the 2015 championship.

This season, there is a valid argument that nearly 10 teams have formed their own super teams.

This has caused people to believe that we might be on the verge of the best season we have ever seen in NBA history.

Women’s Soccer drops to 2-9-1

By Sara Senesac Asst. Sports Editor The Rams’ women’s soccer team fell to the Westfield State Owls 5-1 Oct. 12.

The Owls got things moving quickly, scoring their first goal off a corner kick just three minutes into the first half.

Less than 10 minutes later, they scored again, putting them ahead of the Rams by two at the 12-minute mark.

It seemed things were looking up for the Rams in the 40th minute when junior Casey Good was able to bury one off a free kick from senior Kaleigh Pallotta, cutting the Owls’ lead in half.

“It felt good to score. That put us down only one goal rather than down two,” Good said.

Westfield was quick to recover, though, scoring again just 25 seconds before halftime.

Early in the second half, the Owls extended their lead by three when Lydia Kinsman put away her second goal of the game.

In the 79th minute, Westfield’s Mary Kate McAleavey was able to secure their fifth and final goal of the game, also securing the first goal of her career.

Framingham did not have much scoring opportunities in the second half, being outshot by the Owls 17-7. Goalkeeper Madison Brown still totaled 12 saves by the end of the match.

“This game wasn’t one of our best. Going forward, hopefully, we can work hard and capitalize in the playoffs,” Good said.

The Rams are now 2-9-1 on the season, and 2-2 in the MASCAC. They host the Bridgewater State Bears for another MASCAC game Oct. 19.

CONNECT WITH SARA SENESAC ssenesac@student.framingham.edu

WESTFIELD STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

Emma Heintz sets up to pass.

CONNECT WITH CARLOS SILVA csilva14@student.framingham.edu

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Gatepost Archives

SPORTS

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | 19

Players of the week

Coach Richard Casali earns his 300th career win

The volleyball team celebrates with Coach Casali for his 300th career win.

Courtesy of fsurams.com

fsurams.com

Alyssa Cafarelli recorded 28 digs in Framingham’s 3-2 win against MCLA.

By Liam Gambon Sports Editor The Rams volleyball team faced off against the MCLA Trailblazers Oct. 15 on the road and collected their 13th win of the season.

While they were at it, the team also earned Coach Richard Casali his 300th career win, making him the all-time leader in wins among volleyball coaches in FSU history.

The game opened with the Trailblazers grabbing the first set 25-23, and then ceding the second set to the Rams 25-20.

The third set was controlled by both teams, until the Rams led 12-9 and scored four straight points and 13 of the last 18 points either team scored to win the set 25-14.

MCLA took an early 10-4 lead in the fourth set and scored 15 of the last 25 points, tying the game with a 25-14 win.

Both teams pulled back and forth in the final set until Framingham stretched their lead to 12-6.

With the Rams only needing three more points to secure the victory, they gave up threestraight to MCLA off errors, but bounced back with two-straight of their own to pull within one.

After the Trailblazers added in a point, freshman Hailey Sanders finished the game off with a kill, giving Framingham the 3-2 win.

Alyssa Cafarelli led the team in digs with a whopping 28.

She now averages 4.62 digs per set on the season, which is second in the MASCAC Conference. She also sits in second for total digs with 365.

FRAMINGHAM STATE 3 MCLA 2

CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON lgambon1@student.framingham.edu

Cafarelli said, “With everyone doing their jobs, it gives me the opportunity to do my job.

I enjoy working with this team and can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for us.”

Brandee Thomas, once again this season, led the team in kills, as she came away with 15.

Thomas is second in the MASCAC for kills per set with 3.14 and for total kills with 207.

“Brandee is one of our strongest hitters on the team and we know we can trust her in tough situations,” Cafarelli said. “She is smart with her placement of the ball and will put the ball over the net in critical situations.”

After the win, the team gathered with their coach to celebrate his 300th career victory with a photo of him holding a banner to honor the achievement.

Thomas said, “It was awesome to see Coach get his 300th win. He didn’t expect us to show up with a banner and was so thrilled when we did.”

Cafarelli said, “Being involved in Coach Casali’s 300th career win is a memory I will never forget. Before the game, we knew there was potential for this to happen, but the most important goal was to play our game and get a conference win.

“Coach Casali is always working his hardest to make our team be the best we can possibly be. He continuously makes us laugh, but at the same time, always pushes us to improve our play day by day. None of our success would happen without all his determination and motivation,” she said.

Framingham looks to carry the momentum from this win into Conference play against Fitchburg State Oct. 19 at home.

fsurams.com

Devaun Ford rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns in Framingham’s 56-7 win against Fitchburg State.

fsurams.com

Adam Wojenski threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns in Framingham’s 56-7 win against Fitchburg State.

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PHOTOS

20 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

: r e c c o S s ' , n m e a M e t y b d n e o i t i s s Un a p y b n e v i r d

Upcoming Men’s Soccer Games: Oct. 22 ---> 3:30pm at UMass Boston Oct. 26 --->7:00 pm at Salem State Oct. 29 ---> 7:30 pm at Eastern Conneticut State Nov. 2 ---> 12:00 pm MCLA Photographs by Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM