Issue 8: Stories
Women Who Chnaged the World: Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.
Men Who Dared to be Different: Billy Porter, an American Broadway theater performer, singer, and actor.
Behind the Scenes of a Creative, Cultural and Sports Society: An interview with the Disney, Latin and Korfball society.
CONTENTS
1-2
THE INSTAGRAM STORY
13-14 7-8
INTERVIEW WITH DR. SAVYASAACHI JAIN
3-4
WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD: MALALA YOUSAFZAI
5-6
MEN WHO DARED TO BE DIFFERENT: BILLY PORTER
9-10
SHORT STORY: A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
11-12
ON BEING QUEER
CREATIVE SOCIETY INTERVIEW: DISNEY AND ANIMATION
15-16
SPORTS CLUB INTERVIEW: KORFBALL
17-18
CULTURAL SOCIETY INTERVIEW: LATIN-AMERICAN
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By Nicole Rees-Williams n a world of Snapchat, Facebook and most prominently Instagram, the term ‘story’ rings a different bell compared to the traditional associations of the word. I must admit, although reluctantly, that the vast increase of social media usage is what has made the word ‘story’ seem more familiar to me. So, what is a story? Why are they so popular? And what is the defining difference a social media user must address when deciding whether to post a regular, lasting post compared to the temporary story? The Instagram story feature allows you to post candid images that last for 24 hours in an otherwise polished and posed world of social media. The feature was released in 2016, with its popularity consistently increasing since. The concept of the story was originally created on the Snapchat platform, but the main difference between the Snapchat and Instagram story is that Snapchat is often used for private conversations between friends and relatives, whereas Instagram generally reaches a much wider audience and is more frequently used by businesses, being a more public platform. Unlike Snapchat in which stories are the only way to post an image or video that all your contacts would see, Instagram lets you post lasting images anyway. So, when Instagram’s entire brand is to post images and videos, why introduce the story feature to essentially just post more images and videos? I conducted a poll, asking a group of 25 people aged 18-30 to share their personal preferences and opinions on using Instagram stories, here were the results.
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Here we can see that although Instagram’s original aim is to allow people to post lasting pictures onto their timelines, most people prefer to use the temporality of Instagram stories and often make use of this feature more than they would post a lasting image.
This result is the closest any of the questions came to a 50/50 split. When on the Instagram app, 46% of people are more likely to scroll through their timelines, and 54% being more likely to flick through Instagram stories. Again, the popularity of the story surpasses the classic post.
Instagram stories include many features including the opportunity to ask people instant questions in which they can reply to, posting polls, and including sliders. This type of interaction allows immediate results and is evidently a popular feature amongst both businesses and people who have Instagram for personal use. Many social media influencers use this feature in order to make more content, such as letting their Instagram followers decide what they do that day and using this as an entertainment point for their videos.
The final question reveals an unsurprising result. Instagram is often criticised for containing too many users who structure images to such an extent to allude to the ‘perfect’ light. Often, other existing apps such as Facetune are used before posting an Instagram image to perfect your photo before it becomes public. The authenticity of many people’s Instagram profiles is questionable, and stories allow you to see a more authentic version of themselves. People are often more likely to post their more authentic self on their story as their story is temporary. If you wanted to share funny/embarrassing images of your friend for their birthday, a stressful day of revision, or what book you’re currently reading it is often more likely that this kind of content would be posted to the story rather than the feed for the precise reason of its temporality. So, the popularity of the Instagram story over the Instagram post is essentially in the name. It allows you to post a more authentic story. An Instagram feed is very much a highlight reel and most user’s won’t post pictures when they’re feeling sad, hungover or any kind of mood other than perfectly happy. This is a source of insecurity for many people, causing them to compare their life to the extremely structured ones that are seen on their feed. This issue of the structured nature of Instagram is addressed in a lot of mainstream media such as songs like ‘Emotionless’ by Drake or films such as ‘Ingrid Goes West’ directed by Matt Spicer. In such a posed and polished world that is Instagram, the introduction of the story feature is often a breath of fresh air from the otherwise structured world of social media.
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Women Who Changed the World: Malala Yousafzai 3
“In her outstanding memoir, ‘I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban’, Malala Yousafzai states passionately; “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” Advocacy. What does such a word truly mean in the instance of Malala Yousafzai? A powerful individual advocated for the rights of many women in Pakistan; her activism exceptionally impacting lives. A resilient woman who stood strong in her convictions, brought forward an era of change. Whilst fighting for equality, Malala Yousafzai consistently continues to be a voice persistent in speaking for others. Her ardent activism, fighting for human rights and the education of young women enabled her to become the youngest recipient in history, to earn the esteemed Nobel Peace Prize. Yousafzai highlighted to the entire world that education equated to having a future; something that should not be taken for granted. She was determined to provide a future for not only herself but several other women, wanting to prevent the dominating Taliban in suppressing her strong desires to remain a woman of critical thought. Yousafzai expressed how the Taliban deemed the right to education as a luxury women were forbidden in accessing. She was determined to alter this. Thirsty to make a difference in a constrictive and frightening regime, Yousafzai blogged anonymously on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) Urdu language site. Adopting the alias “Gul Makai”, she confidently questioned the motives of terrorising Taliban, indicating her refusal to conform to the standards they were adamant on setting. What is marvellous about Yousafzai, is how despite being stripped of a once peaceful life, she did not let this deter her from fighting a crucial matter. As an internally displaced person (IDP), Yousafzai was forced to leave
her home in a quest to seek safety. Yet; she was still unwilling to cower away. Her heroism shines through in her sheer perseverance to create effect. Harnessing the media as her means to display her voice, she alongside her father, became well-known figures throughout Pakistan to give Pakistani girls a free quality education. Whilst on a bus heading home from her school, two members of the Taliban stopped the bus, seeking Yousafzai. The encounter left Yousafzai in critical state as she was shot multiple times. This occurrence changed the narrative on the meaning of education. At the age of 15, upon surviving the injuries sustained by the Taliban as a response to advocating for girls’ education, she continued to ensure young girls around the world could access good quality education. Yousafzai moved the world with her ferocity, courage and tenacity. A daring young woman, refusing to run from terrorists, determined to keep a strong grasp of what was important to her. She changed the world due to how she changed perspectives on what it means to be an activist. As a key proponent of education as a pivotal economic and social right, Yousafzai is currently studying at Oxford University, wherein she advocates for 130 million young girls, campaigning for more finance towards education, and through investing in activists. She shows individuals how young adults possess every ability to rearrange narratives to that they too have the ability to combat dictatorial power and bring forth a justice that will forever change the world and our attitudes to it. Words by By K. Akhi Uddin Illustration by Jasmine Snow
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Men Who Dared to be Different: Billy Porter 5
It is the 6th of May 2019. A much anticipated night for fashion designers, celebrities and fans alike. Thousands of eyes gaze upon the eighty or so steps which lead towards the Metropolitan Museum in New York ready to scrutinize the hundreds of outfits and costumes which some of the most important people across a range of industries wear as they ascend towards one of the most exclusive events of the year, the Met Gala. Among the throng of well established designers, singers, dancers and actors, a man appears seemingly touched by Midas himself, in a flash of gold. Entering on a sedan chair, lifted into the air by six shirtless men, Billy Porter and his entourage leave a notable impact on those who bear witness to the scene. A 24-Karat gold head piece and 10 foot long golden wings accompany the already glorious golden cat-suit which Porter wore to the event. Channelling the influences that came before him Porter’s outfit acted as an ode to both Diana Ross and iconic drag ballroom star Pepper Labeija.
ades of my career were about me trying to figure out how I could be ‘masculine enough’ to just work. To just get a pay-check.” It seems that his choice to be a more authentic version of himself in public has led to his catapult to fame. A successful Broadway career led Porter towards an iconic role on the hit HBO TV series – Pose, for which he became the first openly gay black man to win an Emmy. The show acts as a commentary on the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community during the 1980’s and 90’s with particular focus on how black men and women navigate amongst this community. Characters battle the AIDs and HIV crisis and acknowledge a community of minorities who have often otherwise been ignored.
It has now become very difficult to ignore Billy Porter’s impact on popular culture. He has solidified himself in Hollywood and beyond as a fashion icon and activist. He stands on a platform which is not often granted to people who dare to act as he does. But what is perA theme throughout Billy Porter’s public haps most important about his celeb status is appearances on the red carpet is that his out- that he refuses to leave behind the commufits are often inspired by individuals whose nity to which he belongs. He advocates for fashion choices have impacted the culture. A the LGBTQ+ community, challenges politituxedo ball-gown inspired by Hector Xtrava- cal stances which stigmatise or pigeon-hole ganza, an influence in the New York ballroom certain communities and celebrates self-love scene, for example. But what is most influen- and acceptance. He provides an image to tial about his looks is his refusal to conform the world which we rarely see allowing for to the traditions of masculinity in Hollywood more people to see somebody who looks like and the western world. There is an abundance them. Billy Porter dares to be different beof celebrities whose lives under the spotlight cause he dares to be himself, unapologetically have left an impression on the masses, but and without doubts. But more importantly, what a lot of these men don’t do is provide a through his work and position, he encourages more diverse narrative when it comes to their us to do the same. expressions of masculinity. This is what sets Billy Porter apart; this is just one significant Words by Suraya Kazzuz way in which he dares to be different. Illustration by Jasmine Snow Despite his seemingly sudden apparition as an actor and performer, Porter has in fact worked in the business for three decades as he told Vogue magazine, “The first two dec6
An Interview with Dr. Savyasaachi Jain: Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Documentary Studies To start off with, before becoming a lecturer, what did you do? I worked in a number of different countries, in a number of different capacities. I am a journalist by trade, but I studied to be an engineer. I studied in one of India’s most prestigious universities, where I focused on metallurgy. I was going to be a metallurgist, but I realised I didn’t want to work with machines. I wanted to work with people. I completed my degree, but I went straight into 7
journalism instead. I then worked in newspapers and magazines in India and in the US. I worked with current affairs in television. I have also been an independent documentary producer and I did a lot of work on media development. I used to work for an organisation called the Thompson Foundation, we did media development for different countries. I used to be the Asia Project Manager, so I used to design large projects, get funding and train journalists and have good fun. Do you have any interesting stories to share from that time? Saachi: For example, at the end of a project on informing journalists about HIV and AIDS. At the end of the project, we had some money left. So I talked to the manager for that project and said: “why don’t you let us make a rock album on HIV?”. He said fine, so we produced an album.
So you’re also a music producer! (laughs) After that, what made you transition into academia?
and meeting new people. When you’re a journalist, you travel to different parts and you meet people from all of society, you meet the lowest of the low, criminals and so on, you Saachi: I used to train journalists across the meet ordinary people, and you meet people world, in about 18-19 countries and all over who are at the top of politics. And traveling the Indian sub-continent. I then realised I the world… it is beautiful. I have not found a wanted to understand how journalism realsingle country where the people are not lovely works, what are the theoretical concepts ly. Some of the countries that are the most involved. With that in mind, I came to do a reviled internationally, let’s say Iran or Sudan. PhD in London. Even before I finished it, I Wonderful people, welcoming! Even more got a job as a lecturer, so I moved to Swansea. troubled countries, with which India has not And soon after that I moved to Cardiff, about a good relationship with, such as Pakistan. 2 and a half years ago. I have been to Pakistan, where I would be eating something in the street and they would I get the impression that you like teaching. Is ask me where was I from. When I said India, that right? If so, why? they said “right, you were meant to pay us 200 rupees. But pay us 150. Because you’re a Saachi: What I really like about teaching is friend from India!”. People are beautiful! Of that I can teach young people how to think course, there are different cultures in differabout the World. It is not only about telling ent places, but if you forget about the politics you what that academic thought or what this and the governments, any place in the world theory says, but trying to show how these is full of wonderful people. But! No place like theories are actually present in the real world, Cardiff. Cardiff or Wales. One of the beautiful what do they mean in real life. Which leads things about Wales is that you can go into a to thinking about journalism and how do you shop and within 3 minutes you will be called think like a journalist. I would say that teach- “love” 5 times. ing young people how to think in this manner is my goal. Questions by Eduardo Karas Words by Savyasaatchi Jain Do you find that your previous work expeIllustration by Jasmine Snow rience and teaching at University are very different? The difference is that I was not an academic back then, I knew about the skills needed and how to ultimately do a good job. But now I have a much broader view of what makes good journalism, for example. Can you talk about a lesson you have learnt with your experiences traveling the world and teaching? I would say that the most rewarding part of my experiences so far is that you’re going out 8
A Short Story: A Walk Down Memory Lane As soon as the train parks at Bristol Temple Mead, the familiar smell of freshly brewed coffee awaits you, alongside bustling passengers easing their way onto one of many the platforms available. This place overwhelms me with such joy, even aged eighteen years old. Each time I visit, I am reminded of the many weekend trips away with my parents, social gatherings with extended family and nights out with my friends from home; as if it’s aging alongside me. My mother and father both grew up in this city, but come from extremely diverse backgrounds, each with a slightly different story to tell. My mother grew up in the Fishponds and was adopted by my grandparents. She lived in a fairly small detached house on the same road as many of her friends and you would nearly always find her walking along Whiteladies Road, or in Uncle Sam’s Vintage Shop trying on clothes and looking ever-so cool with her tight perm (which in hindsight may have been a mistake due to her obsession with Wham!).
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Her fashion sense, however, has always been amazing. Looking back through old photographs,I now understand where I get my wacky clothing taste from, as well as my love of vintage stores. I thnk thats where my love of Urban Outfitters come from, it has the same vintage vibes as the stores across Bristol, which is why I am bound to enter every time I visit Cabot Circus. You would also catch her with a disposable camera in one hand and a new clutch bag in another, usually one she would get from many trips in the charity shops on Regent Street and Park Street. A typical Saturday afternoon would be spent at the Wimpy with her father eating a Knickerbocker Glory. Her favourite past time which usually is mentioned most Christmas’ is her insane ability for ice skating, where she would go to the main Bristol Ice Rink which used to be open all year round during weekends and school holidays to practice from the age of 14, even now aged 50, she can still skate faster than anyone on the ice expect the skating staff. She will forever show off her ability to skate backwards, whereas I will barely move away from the barrier at the Mall in Cribbs Causeway Ice Rink! My father differs in many of these aspects of my mother, although they did meet in a gym in Bristol on St. George Street around Christmas and preceding this, they plunged straight into a meal in a pub on Whitela-
dies road and became engaged 3 months later. He grew up in Almondsbury, a small village just outside of Bristol, residing with his parents and two siblings. A particularly fond spot of memory can also be depicted through my younger brother Jacob, whom is an avid football fan at Ashton Gate football stadium where both support Bristol City respectively. My dad’s father used to take him there every weekend, where in the week he would attend both football and rugby training. A fond dream of becoming a professional rugby player for Bristol became short lived after a horrendous knee sprain which caused permanent damage to the tissue therefore he became a teacher based primarily in Filton until 2012. His favourite place to visit is the top of Clifton Suspension Bridge, an extremely carefree environment despite being one of the tallest bridges in Britain with an incredible height of 331km. I can picture as I write this, a photo that was taken of my entire family right before we attended the annual Bristol Balloon Festival of August 2016 and although my family are a pain in regards to photographs, it was one that showed clear delight and happiness at the top of this bridge. He also liked to shop on Park Street just like my mother, it’s nice to imagine that they may have even passed each other when they were younger, as they seemed to spend quite some time in similar shops, cafes and bars.
The waterfront is a big landmark in Bristol, my father used to drive down to the harbour when he had first passed his driving test and would sit at the park bench and watch the boats sail away. As I sit on the same bench, I peer round and see huge buildings, restaurants and bars filling up the gaps where my father would have seen blue sky. Bristol has since become a prime location of redevelopment, but considering it is the 6th largest city in the UK, I’m not suprised. The more years pass by, the less I recognise the Bristol I knew, but it will forever hold a place in my heart; even as a Starbucks appears on every corner. My first date was at Gourmet Burger Kitchen in Cabot Circus, which I remember being advertised as the brand new shopping centre back when I was only 8 years old and so I was so excited to go. Years later, my anniversary was also in Bristol, at Za Za Bazaar; a buffet style restaurant which is one of the chains that has taken over the Harbour side. I would agree that Bristol is somewhat a romantic city in my eyes, and a place that may look different in many to come, but will always be recognised in mine and my parents’ eyes. Words by Megan Evans Illustrations by Jasmine Snow
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On Being Queer I remember a conversation I had with a close friend of mine about the term ‘queer.’ She didn’t quite understand why I would use that word to describe myself or another person. What was once a slur used to alienate and silence an entire group of people, ‘queer’ has become a word riddled with indifference, empowerment and a sense of identity in the recent decades. It’s a term that isn’t universally understood or acknowledged, and for a while I didn’t really understand it either. What initially started as a slur to shame the HIV/AIDs epidemic has been slowly but surely reclaimed by the LBGT community in the 1980s and given a status that encompassed all non-heterosexual and non-cis gender identities. An umbrella term that allows you to be a part of the LGBT community without having to pick a specific box. So, rather than identifying with one aspect of the LBGT group, the term ‘queer’ allows you to identify with the fluidity of sexual orientation, gender and relationships. To be queer to me means that I’m encouraging myself to acknowledge that identity and attraction, romantic or sexual, also exists far beyond the heteronormative sphere. Being queer means embracing that fluidity is more about the characteristics that aren’t gender specific, whilst queer is embracing fluidity and characteristics away from gender, it also refers to more than identity but a community. Queer is for all those outside of the heterosexual norm, an inclusive space that’s accepting for all identities. I often find myself wrestling with the question ‘what is the right way to come out?’ Or even challenging if any way to come out is the right way. It weighs heavily on my shoulders, lingering as a nagging reminder that no matter how comfortable I am within myself; my sexuality controls the way others perceive 11
me. It just lingers. There have been times where I have been made to feel as though my sexuality was the only defining feature of my identity, where I was reduced to nothing, disgraced and shamed or fetishized for someone else’s enjoyment. There are many examples of where my sexuality has shadowed over an evening or a conversation, I remember a date with a girl I had, we had ended our night dancing away in Live Lounge. Slightly sweaty, out of breath and needing to rest ours legs for a while, we decided to go to the smoker’s area, where we were greeted with strong whiffs of tobacco and a 6 foot something boy asking us what bought us there. “We were on a date and decided we wanted to have a little
dance” I told him to which he kept barking “No, you’re not! No, you’re lying. No!” In an attempt to prove it to him, my date and I shared a small kiss. He then proceeded to suggest that we go back to his house for a threesome. Sometimes when someone doubts my sexuality, I leave my body. I disappear into a void of self-loathing, swimming in a sea of selfdoubt, my thoughts based on the judgements of others and their lack of understanding of
my sexuality. My mind begins to overflow with questions I don’t think I have the answers to. What is the right way to come out? How do I protect myself from being degraded by a stranger, turned into a symbol of sexual desire that I’m not comfortable with? Is there a way I can tell people I am queer without having to prove it? Without having to convince others that I am not lying. Without having others view me as an attention seeker or selfish? How do I stop people from denying or refusing to acknowledge a part of who I am? It is exhausting having your sexuality questioned in a discussion that is the importance of
anyone but yourself. Despite all the questions that I ask myself which have become a secret ritual I do when the conversation comes up, I can never find the answers because there are no answers. There’s only change and acceptance. Yet, I am always reminded of how lucky and privileged I am to be able to be open about myself as I am surrounded by loving and beyond supportive people who make me feel accepted and whole. Friends and family
members who want me to be happy. How can I ever take this for granted when there are people like me living on the margins of society, unable to express themselves in fear of being getting stoned to death or put to prison for life. Purely for loving another human being. For not fitting into a heteronormative narrative. How can I be scared to live my true, authentic life without being mortified of having to explain myself like I’m an incomprehensible instruction list written in another language? Audre Lorde said in her book essays and poems taken from Your Silence Will Not Protect You “My silences had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you.” and “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own. And I am not free as long as one person of colour remains chained.” When I am tired of feeling small and crushed under the weight resting on my shoulders, I remind myself how much power there is in speaking out, reclaiming my power and identity. Sometimes, it almost feels like a political act for me to say I’m pansexual or queer. I am rebelling against a society that deems me unfit, unacceptable and unlovable based on something I can’t control; a permanent phase, an eternal experiment. I am black. I am a woman. I am queer. I’m a bigot’s worst nightmare. But, I will not be silenced or made to feel less than because gay liberation makes me feel grateful to be alive in a world where brave people paved the way for LGBTQ+ communities to provide us with voices; to reclaim our identities, against all odds. I will not be silenced because gay liberation makes me feel excited to be alive in a world where I can be myself without shame. I will not be silenced because gay liberation makes me feel free. Words by Cynthia Vera Illustrations by Jasmine Snow 12
An Interview With...
The Disney and Musical Theatre Society For those who don’t know about this wonderful society, could you give a brief description about who you are and what you do? We are a group of like-minded students who love anything Disney and Musical Theatre. We have about 45 members, 1520 of which join us at our weekly socials. We hold a social almost every Friday, these include board game nights, movie nights, cinema trips, arts and craft nights, and musical theatre workshops where students can come along and learn dance routines/sing to classic Disney songs. We also try to hold trips to see musicals and are running a trip to see Mamma Mia in Bristol in June. Do you host an event that is consistently the most popular with your members? Our board game nights are quite popular; we get anywhere between 10-24 members attending. We have a good range of games such as: Cards Against Humanity, Cards Against Disney and Disney Trivial Pursuit. Our cinema trips are also quite popular, our trip to see Frozen 2 had about 12 members attending. 13
You are currently a silver tier society but close to getting gold. What kind of standards do you have to attain in order to get these rankings and do you ever find it challenging to keep up with these standards? The Student Union have a points system in place which involves a lot of different criteria, such as hold an event suitable for children, hold a fundraising event, have a development meeting. Each criterion has number of points assigned to it ranging from 1 to 5. You need do all the basic criteria listed in the bronze tier to hit bronze tier, then you need to get 20 points to hit silver and 40 points to hit gold tier. The Disney Society currently have around 36 points. It can be quite stressful to keep up with the tier system as a lot of it involves planning and paperwork. Also, this year we have a new president and committee team, so it has been different to achieve silver or gold as none of us have been on a comitee before. The whole tier system is new to use and takes some getting used to. As well as a society which appreciates the wonderful world of Disney, you also do musical theatre workshops. Are these workshops beginner friendly and what could we expect from a workshop? The workshops we hold are for students at any ability. The president works hard to include each member who attends and creates a dance routine that suits everyone’s abilities. It is more about having fun and making friends than it is about being perfect singers or dancers.
A lot of societies focus on alcohol-based events, especially in Freshers week as they
consider alcohol a good way to break the ice. Does your society do a balance of alcoholic and non-alcoholic events for those who aren’t big drinkers? We do try and have a balance. Most of our members are non-drinkers so we mostly hold non-alcoholic events each week, but we do collaborate with other societies such as LGBT+ to hold alcoholic events in places like Kings/Pulse. We also have a sponsorship with Revolution, so we do hold events there, usually a movie night with the option to drink/dance after. And lastly, do you have any upcoming events that you’d recommend to someone who is thinking of joining the Disney and Musical Theatre Society?
And lastly, do you have any upcoming events that you’d recommend to someone who is thinking of joining the Disney and Musical Theatre Society? We have a few movie nights coming up as well as an arts and craft event and board game nights. We are also planning to see Mulan in cinema when it is released on the 27th March. Words by Megan Bishop and Jodie Leigh-Weston
We have a few movie nights coming up as well as an arts and craft event and board game nights. We are also planning to see Mulan in cinema when it is released on
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An Interview With...
We have regular socials, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. We also host Korfball-specific events, such as the Fresher’s Tournament at the start of each academic year. This is one of the most exciting events in the Korf calendar as we organise for several Korfball teams from across the country to come down to Cardiff for the weekend. For those who haven’t heard of this socie- This weekend involves a massive Korfball ty, could you give a brief description about tournament on Saturday which is directed who you are and what you do? towards newbies to the sport followed by a night out at the SU in the evening. It’s a Korfball is a fast-paced team sport which great opportunity to improve your Korfball originates from the Netherlands and is the skills in a chilled competitive environment only true mixed sport in the world! Here’s and meet other like-minded people from a quick summary of the game: different clubs! - There are 8 players from both teams on the court at one time, 4 boys and 4 girls. Do you run any trips? And if so, what kind - The court (similar size to basketball/ of trips? netball) is split into 2 zones: attack and defence. Each year, the club aims to take a couple of - 4 players from each team will attack teams to Attila: an international Korfball (shoot), and 4 will defend (stop the other tournament hosted in the Netherlands! It’s team from shooting). a weekend of playing korfball, socialising - We change zones every 2 goals and there with other Korfball clubs and enjoying the are no set positions, so we all get a chance beautiful Netherlands. to attack and defend. - We score by shooting the ball into the You are a very popular sports society. What basket (the Korf), which is mounted onto kind of standards do you have to attain in a 3.5m post. order to get this ranking and do you ever We’re a relaxed club and our top priority find it challenging to maintain them? is to ensure our members are having fun during training, matches and socials. We I think the most important standard we do have a competitive element: we have maintain as a club is friendliness. We 3 teams competing in the Welsh Korfball pride ourselves on being an inclusive, League and in the University-wide BUCS welcoming and kind sports club. We do tournaments this year! However, there is no pressure to compete in matches. If you not advocate negative sporting behavwould prefer to come to training sessions iours. There is no dissociation between seniors and new members, or between and socials, that’s absolutely fine! More competitive and social members. There information about our training days and is mutual respect and friendliness totimes are on the SU website.
KORFBALL CLUB
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wards every member which creates Do you host any events. And if so, which is the perfect environment for the club the most popular? to thrive! Our committee is made up of a passionate group of students which
of students which helps to maintain our club standards. Also, the club coach was recently a student themselves and a past-member of CUKC, and therefore understands what our members want most of our training sessions! Korfball isn’t a conventional sport, but those who try it often say that they love it. Do you provide any beginners classes etc?
The fact that Korfball is an unconventional sport is what draws most of our members to the club. The reason being: everyone is a beginner when they start! At the start of our ‘Give it a Go’ sessions in September/October, we ask how many people in the room have tried Korfball before. In a room of 40-50 people, perhaps 1 or 2 people raise their hand. Although it’s rapidly gaining popularity, Korfball isn’t a traditional sport to teach in schools and so all the training sessions at the start of the year are geared towards beginners. Then, as the year progresses, so does the coaching. Although I’ve been playing for over 2 years, I still benefit from the refresher of basic skills at the start of the year, so it works out perfectly for everyone! A lot of societies focus on alcohol-based events, especially in Freshers week as they consider alcohol a good way to break the
ice. Does your society do a balance of alcoholic and non-alcoholic events for those who aren’t big drinkers?
We host several non-alcoholic and alcoholic socials throughout the year to ensure we cater for everyone. The non-alcoholic socials we hosted this year include bowling, laser-tag, crazy golf and a club meal in both local Indian and Chinese restaurants! Non-alcoholic socials are a great way to really get to know other club members in a relaxed environment. Therefore, as a club, we strive to host a wide variety of social activities to encourage participation. And lastly, do you have any upcoming events that you’d recommend to someone who is thinking of joining Korfball
As the season is coming to an end, we unfortunately don’t have any major events organised tailored for newcomers to the sport. However, in September we will be hosting several ‘Give it a Go’ sessions for anyone who wants to try Korfball before committing to the sport! However, if anyone is eager to try Korfball this season, please get in touch via our social media pages! Words by Eleri Burd
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An Interview With...
The Latin American Society For those who don’t know about this For those who don’t know about this wonderful society, could you give a brief description about who you are and what you do? We strive to give Latin American students a place to revive Latino’s culture, history and traditions through a range of events from informal to formal. We aim to spread our essence to the international community. We are officially a cultural an International Society from Cardiff University Students’ Union. Our society invites you to try delving deeper into the understanding of Latin American culture! Do you host an event that is consistently the most popular with your members? Is it open for non-members as well? We host regularly two types of events on a monthly basis open to members and non-members. One being our ‘Latin film nights,’ and the other being a ‘Dancing social’. Both events are popular among our members but also with non-members. The attendance of each event varies considering the time of the 17
year. Do you run any trips or discussion-based events? And if so, could you give us some details of them? We try to run a trip or a discussion-based event when there is a good reason. Last year we ran a trip to Wales mining museum, since we obtained a grant to subsidize part of the costs. Last Autumn, we ran a social-political-environmental event to discuss current issues in Latin America from the perspectives of Latinos living in UK. You recently dropped to silver tier from gold. What kind of practices are you trying to implement to return to the previous level? Do you find it challenging to maintain the standards set by the Student’s Union? The gold tier is always a challenge to achieve and is scored on a cumulative basis. So far, we are (unofficially) reaching a silver tier. We are working hard to keep aiming towards the target of gold tier as we believe that we provide our members the good quality of events that we frequently organize. With the big focus of Latin America on music and dance, do you run any classes or events that focus on this aspect? Or is this something you have tried in the past? This year we are trying to run an event
based on dancing classes for the first time! We had previously been doing presentations in talent shows such as ‘Go Global’. This year we are pleased to be presenting in the ‘Variety performance night’ which is organised by Cardiff University’s Students’ Union. A lot of societies focus on alcohol-based events, especially in Freshers week as they consider alcohol a good way to break the ice. Does your society do a balance of alcoholic and non-alcoholic events for those who aren’t big drinkers? We have developed a widening access policy to be inclusive with members. We strive to get at least two to three non-alcoholic events per semester, such as informal and formal dinners, film nights, and sports days to name a few examples. Words by Carlos Azua-Gonzalez
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Editor-in-Chief: Jasmine Snow Deputy Editors: Nicole Rees-Williams Eduardo Karas Contributers: Nicole Rees-Williams Suraya Karrazz K. Akhi Uddin
Eduardo Karas Dr. Savyasaachi Jain Megan Evans Cynthia Vera Eleri Burd (Korfball Sports Club) Megan Bishop and Jodie Leigh-Weston (Disney and Animation Society) Carlos Xavier Azua (African-American Society)
Illustration: Jasmine Snow Photography: Mollie Cole Design: Jasmine Snow Nicole Rees-Williams Orlagh Turner