Impact Magazine - Issue 215 - March by Impact Magazine

EDITORIAL University prospectuses are inevitable romanticisations of higher education; tongues must have been boring holes into cheeks when the masterminds behind our own university’s ad campaign decided to depict our beloved institution as an Edenic, permanently sun-dappled ivory tower, where everyone smiles, pretends to read a textbook, and smiles some more. So, perhaps it is only fitting that our writers for this issue have exposed some uncomfortable home truths about our ever-so-popular university. Sarah Murphy and Jennifer Newbold valiantly draw our attention to the divisions between international and home students that said prospectuses are all too happy to gloss over, while Sam Mustafa points to a strange, new problem that has arisen amongst some corners of Nottingham’s LGBT nightclub scene. Additionally, Izzy Scrimshire and Lucy Kenderdine ask a question many of us are simply too stubborn to even consider: Is there racism on our campus? Discrimination has apparently become a thing of the past, something that only staunch, non-meat-eating, The-Guardianreading leftists are refusing to shut up about. Yet, even if racial and cultural

issues are a bit too old hat for today’s allaccepting progressives, when it comes to class, Nottingham reveals its shamefully Dickensian side. As Varsity fever once again grips the student community, ugly anecdotes of our peers loudly ridiculing anything from a Trent student’s grades to their socioeconomic status are bubbling to the surface, casting familiar aspersions upon the rest of us ‘snooty, middle-class brats’. Discrimination and segregation evidently don’t make for light, in-between lectures reading. Nevertheless, these are issues which we need to raise awareness of. After all, it is only by opening people’s eyes to these problems that we can actually move toward finding a solution. Furthermore, for anyone who is genuinely tormented by a feeling of social exclusion, I suggest getting involved with a society or a studentrun-service. The university experience might not be as perfect as the prospectus will have you believe, but extra-curricular activities go a long way to bring together like-minded people of various cultural backgrounds, who would otherwise have avoided each other’s gazes on the bus. With three new additions to our editorial team, Impact has become even more of an

eclectic mix than it was in the beginning, and this can only be a positive thing. All of us have at some point felt like just another indistinct face amongst a sea of indistinct faces, so doing something valuable with our spare time has truly made a difference to our lives. If you too want to meet new people outside of your lectures and seminars, and use your time at university a little more effectively, it’s never too late to get involved. Please visit our website at www.impactnottingham.com/getinvolved/ to find out more. Thank you very much and enjoy,

E.J.

WE WROTE, YOU RESPONDED ‘Wen Jie – Ex DemComms’ on What actually happened to the ‘Big Ask’? Pretty shocking that as the mandate for change you have a turnout the size of the NUS Elections... and less than 1 in every 18 students voting. There’s definitely something wrong with the proposals as people just aren’t excited about putting bureaucratic levels between decision making and submitting an idea.

‘Holly’ on Oscars 2012 – The Snubs

‘Sedef ’ on Dispelling the Myths of Paris: The Ultimate Valentine’s Getaway?

Seems to have been an America backlash against British nominees this year. Maybe they are worried that UK actors really are bagging all the interesting work. Clooney shouldn’t even be nominated for his acting. Then there’s that appalling Loud and Close Hanks film. How many favours got called in for that to make the short list.

There are so many great things to do and see in Paris, but I agree that it’s unsuitable for Valentine’s Day! Some of the defensive comments here are pretty amusing. I personally couldn’t think of anything less romantic than queuing in the cold for hours amidst the chaotic mass of other couples that have flocked to do exactly the same activities as each other. Also, you are so right about French service. I have the highest admiration of France but having lived in Lyon for four months I can say that they have, without a doubt, the worst service out of every nation I’ve been to. Definitely service bad enough to ruin a Valentines dinner…

Join the discussion at www.impactnottingham.com...

ISSUE 215

CONTENTS 215 SPORT

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SPORT

FIRST CLASS OR CLASS CLOWN? Paul Scholes is a nice person. Seriously, read his autobiography. He uses words like “lovely”, and describes Steven Gerrard as a “nice guy”. Apparently, winning the FA cup for the first time was “fantastic”. But despite all this sweetness, and his prowess on the pitch, it’s hard not to find him a bit drab.

On the other hand, everyone loves the story of a roguish celebrity getting caught up in abnormal media headlines. Take the enigma of Mario Balotelli. Whether you’re a red or a blue, Geordie or Brummie, it’s hard to ignore him. Within his illustrious portfolio of hijinks and tomfoolery are tales that have achieved an almost mythical renown amongst avid fans and the most staunch football haters alike. We love to support a professional footballer who doesn’t let fame and money stand between him and the public, and whose notoriety has been earned through wacky and hilarious incidents rather than the sex scandals and bar fights, which litter the Premier League’s elite, earning Balotelli at least our respect if not our affection. Balotelli isn’t the only loveable rogue out there. More of a loose cannon than

a modern day Robin Hood, Sean Avery of the New York Rangers ice hockey team has flirted with the roles of hero and villain on multiple occasions, both within and outside the confines of the game. The outspoken, hard-hitting, fashion-loving maverick is generally hated for his unsportsmanlike conduct on the ice, which has most recently

involved him scoring a goal and then proceeding to punch an opposing defender instead of celebrating. However, his frank and controversial comments in live television interviews have earned him a large group of supporters who might dislike him as an ice hockey player, but love him for his off-the-ice shock factor. For example, prior to a game against the Calgary Flames, Avery approached reporters in the dressing room and informed them that he was about to make a statement. He proceeded to comment on the then Flames’ defenceman Dion Phaneuf, who had recently become involved with Avery’s ex-girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert. With all frankness, he stated, “I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [league] for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don’t know what that’s about, but

enjoy the game tonight.” Hilarious! No? Well, I laughed. In American sports, perhaps due to more lenient legislation, these characters are much more frequent; from Terrell Ownes’ outlandish celebrations including signing and giving the match ball to his financial advisor after a touchdown in 2002 to Michael Vick’s bizarre social life including dog-fights and ‘All White’ parties, referring to the theme but doing nothing for delicate race relations. In a country where confidence and ego are so often blurred, it is not surprising that they have produced the most mavericks in a sport littered with them: boxing. Whether Mike Tyson is appearing in The Hangover or biting ears in the boxing ring, there was never a dull moment. It’s hard to understand these mavericks. Why aren’t they content to simply dwell quietly atop the pedestal onto which fame and fortune has elevated them? Why do they feel the need to clown around and get in their colleagues faces? Some may argue that it is a question of ego; getting tied up in media situations keeps them in the headlines and therefore reassures them of their own self-generated hype. But is that such a bad thing? In professional sports, having confidence is intrinsically linked to performance, and different personalities gain this in different ways. Scholes gains his sense of importance from his stellar performances on the pitch, but sadly for us that ends after ninety minutes. He offers us nothing outside of the game. Personally, I’d take Scholes on the pitch, but without a doubt Balotelli in the classroom.

Peter Klein

A CURSE OF THE STRONG In his compelling documentary, The Hidden Side of Sport, Freddie Flintoff recently revealed that despite a career of some unequivocal highs, “you’d never think the lows would turn into depression”. What is interesting yet disturbing in sport is how exhilarating successes can inexplicably transform into abject despair. This has been demonstrated by recent revelations by footballers, rugby players and cricketers, coming forward with private stories of unnoticed illnesses. It takes a brief glance over the sporting headlines in recent months to recognise the transformation in interpretations of the mind-set in professional sport. But why is depression so widespread amongst current and former sporting professionals? Depression in sport is not uncommon. In fact, sporting history is replete with cases of extremely highprofile, successful sportsmen who have become victims of the galling condition; a curse of the strong. I call it this because the sportsmen we have seen, and will see, who admit that they suffer from this ‘curse’ all have the same attributes and expectations. An elite athlete undoubtedly has the desire to succeed, to push themselves to the highest limits, and will be conditioned to display and represent physical and mental toughness. Admitting they have a problem, and in doing so showing vulnerability, is something that sportsmen aim to avoid. Even knowing they are ill doesn’t suffice because on the whole the illness is largely invisible and there is nothing evident to others to show that they need help. Neil Lennon, the controversial Celtic manager, movingly supports this assertion, explaining how he has been “in a room full of people and felt like the loneliest guy in the world”. Michael Yardy flew home from the Cricket World Cup nearly a year ago after deciding to seek help for depression and, unlike

In most cases, depression occurs when the neurotransmitters in the brain fail. This failure can begin due to biological and social reasons, one being the ‘washing machine effect’ when a person is accustomed to repetitive lifestyle to the point where deviating from their rigorous routine is difficult. The failure of the neurotransmitters results in the breakdown of the limbic system, which controls mood as well as, directly or indirectly, every hormone in the body. Taking into account this simplified scientific side of depression, it should come as no surprise to learn that many sportsmen also suffer physically, highlighting that depression is not a simple mental illness, and its manifestations can be as varied and nuanced as the people it effects. The All Blacks legend John Kirwan details how his heart used to race frequently and he experienced several panic attacks. Marcus Trescothick echoes Kirwan, saying how he wouldn’t eat or sleep properly, and found concentrating for extended periods of time impossible, a worrying effect for an opening international batsman who should regard that as second nature.

MARCH 2012

Although the phrase “a truly global university” is almost forcibly imprinted into our memories by the university, in reality it seems that the overwhelming majority of Nottingham students are woefully

seem unwilling or unable to mix. There is an “unspoken but seen line between the local and international students, present in every aspect of university life”, writes Pryanka Bogheri, of Voice, our university’s international student magazine –

“‘We came here to learn more about English language and culture”, said a student from Germany, “Instead we are picking up French, Swiss and Italian accents, because all our friends are international.” international counterparts; of the home students surveyed, many seem to be unaware of the multicultural nature of their student community. This raises the question – how can the university claim to be a “globalised” institution, when this is evidently not something reflected within the student consciousness? Why is it, that students are not aware that they are part of a diverse and multicultural community? Perhaps it is integration; the act, not just of putting together, but most importantly, of combining, this diverse mix of nationalities, which is the issue at hand. Clearly, integration of international students into the home student community is far from complete. The Nottingham campus is a melting pot for a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and religious identities, yet despite this, these disparate elements

an assertion, which in many ways perfectly encapsulates the problems of integration on campus. This line between home and international students is not merely a notional but also a physical divide of custom, culture and language. “In lectures”, one home student admitted, “we sit at the back, while they (international students) sit at the front” – further evidence, not only of the divide in the student population but also powerfully demonstrative of the ‘us’ and ‘them’ attitude prevalent in many aspects of student life. It is clearly a contentious issue; chatting to students around campus, we couldn’t avoid the tensions that arose when we asked about integration. Home students mentioned problems of language and cultural differences, which makes it difficult to work effectively with international students in seminars and workshops, and the

apparent reluctance of international students to integrate. Meanwhile, several international students have felt unwelcomed by the ‘unfriendly’ British: “I don’t expect everyone to warmly smile at you if you greet them, but at least do give some response. I did meet some people who totally ignored greetings.” The evidence seems to suggest that integration really is an issue, but if there is a divide in the student population, is it just something that everyone’s thinking, but no one’s saying? Thankfully, there is another happier and far more positive side to our story. It seems that the overwhelming majority of home students we spoke to felt that working with international students has been a

the international students questioned felt that they had. Outside academic life, international students also play an active role in the SU and make up a large and active proportion of society membership. Various societies, ranging from caving and gliding, to Catholic society and Bandsoc, reported that international students made up 50% or more of their total membership. These experiences all evoke a university-prospectusworthy example of the benefits of welcoming international students into this university; however, it still remains to be seen if these positive moves towards integration are visible on a wider scale.

Because of the difficulties of coming to study in a country far away from your own, supporting international students as they embark upon what can be an uneasy transition into life here at Nottingham is essential. International Welcome Week runs the week before term starts in September, aiming to introduce international students to the university and British culture before the mayhem of Freshers’ Week. In many ways, this week forms an essential part of the university’s support system in attempting to smooth the transition of overseas students into British university life. Despite all the benefits that this effort undoubtedly reaps, it can also be seen to be counter-productive. By the end of this intensive week, international students form

Home students seem shamefully unaware of the contribution that

international students bring to the community here at Nottingham – a sense echoed in the upper echelons of the student hierarchy, the Students’ Union. Despite making up almost one third of the student population, international students remain underrepresented within the SU. The position of International Officer for the SU was left vacant for

ISSUE 215

MARCH 2012

A MISGUIDED HATE

“Only 67.1% of people believe that it is wrong to refuse a heterosexual person entry to a ‘gay’ nightclub.” A new form of discrimination is on the rise, which is threatening the incredible progress made towards equality by LGBT campaigners. In a survey conducted in 2011, to which over 400 people responded, ‘heterophobic’ incidents were reported to have occurred from Blackpool to Brighton, including the LGBT Meccas of London and Manchester as well as our very own Nottingham, which in the past few years has developed a thriving gay scene around the Lace Market and surrounding areas. Heterophobia can be defined as discrimination towards those that identify themselves as heterosexual. But is this just a case of tit-for-tat – a backlash against a heteronormative

to persist. Derogatory terms such as “breeders”, which are used to describe straight people, are commonplace jibes thrown around carelessly. Similar to any offensive homophobic term, it perpetuates a damaging attitude of disgust, which is arguably what the LGBT community has been trying to escape with its fight for equal rights. Now, these hypocritical sentiments have

FOR THE STRAIGHT

In a survey conducted by Impact, 78.6% of people stated that it is wrong to refuse an LGBT person entry to a ‘straight’ or ‘mainstream’ nightclub. However, in comparison, only 67.1% of people believe that it is wrong to refuse a heterosexual person entry to a ‘gay’ nightclub. This 11.5% difference in these figures would paradoxically suggest that heterosexuals are more tolerant of LGBT sexualities rather than the other way round. But what is the reasoning behind this?

heterosexuals. Jane* told Impact that she and her boyfriend had gone to Propaganda with a group of gay friends. “When my boyfriend and I shared a kiss on the dance floor, the bouncer approached us and said that if we were drunk enough to do that, we were drunk enough to leave.” Propaganda also operates a ‘membership only’ policy, which some people believe to be a device used to exclude

Other bars have asked customers “to prove they are gay” on entrance. This highlights how an unhealthy and exaggerated obsession with segregation has caused conflicts between people from within the LGBT community. Ironically, the concept of asking someone to prove their sexuality gives rise to a new form of homophobic self-mockery, as it is based on the archaic notion that LGBT individuals fit conventional gay stereotypes. In short, the heterophobic anxiety of certain bars causes them to internalise homophobic traits and not celebrate the individuality and difference of their clientele; be they gay or straight.

“Other bars have asked customers “to prove they are gay” on entrance.”

Elliott Reed, the University of Nottingham’s LGBT Officer, believes that there needs to be “an exclusivity to some [LGBT] events” in order to create safe spaces for “individuals who only feel comfortable being themselves around other gay people.” He recognises the fine line between protecting Nottingham’s gay students from homophobia and the exclusivity of LGBT events to the extent of becoming heterophobic. Hence, he has implemented events such as the Not-so-queer Café, an informal forum for students of all sexual orientations that allows them to socialise and learn about others’ sexualities, bridging the gulf of understanding and symbolising the importance of integration.

manifested themselves in bars and nightclubs. Propaganda in Nottingham’s chic Lace Market area has gone from strength to strength since opening over two years ago. Yet, some people have labelled the bar’s clientele as “really heterophobic” and that certain bouncers there “regularly refuse entry to people because they’re straight.” Arguably, if the situation were reversed, it would have provoked mass criticism from the LGBT community and in an age of putative equality, the same should apply to

However, a double standard does seem

heterosexuals from known gay bars. Representatives for Propaganda were unavailable to comment and did not respond to numerous requests for interview. Louise Kelly, Information Officer for the LGBT charity Stonewall, states that, “The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination on the basis of their sexuality and this includes heterosexual people,” suggesting that methods such as membership schemes could be a façade implemented to evade the nitty-gritty of the law.

Fortunately, not all ‘gay’ venues take this approach. Former employee of gay nightclub NG1, Joshua Matthews*, says that during his time there “somebody was employed to ask every person on the door their orientation and the results showed that between 11pm and 2am around 80% of customers were LGBT and then from 3am-6am around 70% were straight.” Despite this odd method, no one was refused entry. The exercise was simply carried out to assess NG1’s audience. As the most popular and successful gay venue in Nottingham, NG1 profits from its attempts at cohesion and takes advantage of over 80% of people surveyed who said that, regardless of their sexuality, they would be happy to have a night out at a gay club. Nevertheless, Joshua points out that he

Is Balotelli Bonkers?

14 International Students

24 Racism on UK Campuses

17 Burglars in a House Trap

26 Is White Right?

18 Hate for the Straight

27 UK v. US

20 Identity Theft

28 The Big Question

Are We Doing Enough to Include Them?

Why Ignorance Really Isn’t Bliss The Colour-coded Perception of Beauty

Groundbreaking New Police Tactics

IMPACT’S SAM MUSTAFA INV ESTIGATES HETEROPHOBIA You’re in a queue, tiptoeing towards the main entrance of a bar. As the door opens to permit entrance to the gaggle ahead, you catch a glimpse of green lasers and a few lines of the latest track. “ID please”. You know the drill. You retrieve it from your pocket and gingerly pass it to the bouncer, who stares at the photo that had been taken when you were 17. The bouncer’s eyes glance over your 21-year-old self like razors. An awkward silence is broken by a snigger escaping from the corner of his mouth. “Do you know where you are? Have you been here before? Your type isn’t welcome here.”

10 Sport

Church Law Takeover

FEATURES

“Home students seem shamefully unaware of the contribution that international students bring to the community here at Nottingham.” positive experience, despite the inevitable difficulties that differences of culture or maybe even language, may present. Likewise, the majority of home students, according to the results of a student survey, also count international students amongst their close friends. Furthermore, when asked whether they had felt welcomed by home students, 68% of

4 News 13

The Global University ignorant of the high proportion of foreign students studying here (asking around in Portland, we received answers ranging from 5 percent to 60 percent). This lack of awareness is powerfully indicative of the ignorance of some home students towards their

8 Comment

Michael Timbs

ISSUE 215

“The nearest Britain has to a truly global university.” It’s a catchy phrase, one we’ve all seen plastered across websites and buildings alike. Described by The Sunday Times University Guide 2011 as “the embodiment of the modern international university”, Nottingham’s global pedigree is undeniable. With two campuses abroad and overseas students making up approximately 26 percent of the student population, Nottingham was ranked third amongst the top twenty recruiters of international students in the UK. The number of international students studying at Nottingham is set to rise in the coming years, as the university aims to “increase the flow” of international students studying at the Nottingham campus. Next year, it is predicted that the proportion of international students at this university will reach 30 percent – almost one third of the total student population. The facts and figures are certainly impressive, but is the multicultural nature of the student populace truly reflected in everyday life on campus? Impact investigates.

2 Editorial Notts the Best?

Kelly Holmes, Frank Bruno, Johnny Wilkinson, and in the sadder cases, Robert Enke, Dale Roberts, Gary Speed. The list of sportsmen who suffer seems endless, but this is still as much a testament to the fact that depression is a widespread, silent illness amongst all people. As Frank Bruno perfectly summarises, “Top sports people may have more money than you, more cars than you, but they’ve still got to go to the toilet, brush their teeth, put on their clothes…You’re only human at the end of the day”.

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM

doesn’t think the employment process “was always particularly fair” and that during his time working at the club “two straight guys came and left” and were “mocked” for their sexuality, which implies that heterophobic attitudes have disturbingly started to seep into the workplace as an accepted form of ‘office banter’. Nearly 70% of people surveyed believe that bars should not cater towards a clientele of any specific sexuality and it is important that we rid ourselves of this illusory construct that prevents us from mixing and understanding others’ lifestyles. Heterophobia as a reaction to homophobia only serves to widen the gap between people of different sexual orientations, which is counter-intuitive to the progress made for balance and peace. Heterophobia will only serve as another obstacle for us to overcome in the accession of equal human rights. Integration and acceptance are key and whilst many may currently be of the opinion that this is too idealistic or even unrealistic, in my book, two wrongs don’t make a right. *Pseudonyms have been used to protect the privacy and anonymity of those interviewed.

Sam Mustafa

Is American Politics More Interesting?

Is Heterophobia on the Rise?

ISSUE 215

MARCH 2012

Start Shredding

STYLED & DIRECTED BY: HANNAH DONALD & EMMA-JANE STEELE ASSISTED BY: LAUREN SANDERS, LUCY BRAMLEY & HANNAH WILKINSON HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY: LAUREN SANDERS & EMILY JANE CRAIG. MODEL: CHLOE SANDERS

Are Arts as Valuable as Sciences?

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MATTHEW WHITELY & JAMES BOUCHER

22 A Day With the VC 29 Wave Your Rave/ Is He Earning His Paycheck? Vent Your Spleen JACKET; VINTAGE ADIDAS, DRESS; AMERICAN APPAREL, SHOES; NIKE.

TOP AND TROUSERS; AMERICAN APPAREL, SHOES; ASOS.

ISSUE 215

MARCH 2012

REGULARS PLANK ING |VERB| TO PLANK - TO LAY HORIZONTALLY IN A STRANGE OR UNUSUAL PLACE GET YOUR CAMERA, WE’RE GOING PLANKING.

31 Style

58 Music

34 Film&TV

55 Science

38 Exposure

58 Food

40 Travel

62 Are you Sur-Real?

Sweating Sweatshops

ISSUE 215

MARCH 2012

MUSIC

To a certain extent, I have a lot of sympathy for touring bands; with nonstop travelling and an endless stream of anonymous venues, touring isn’t quite the road trip many would like to think it is. That said, many artists do seem to have an overly provocative approach to touring. Morrissey famously had his fans search for meat before a gig last year. Guns N’ Roses are notorious for their erratic nature and Axl Rose’s tendency to overreact to the slightest bit of crowd aggression. Infamously, Kanye West threatened to have an entire section of the crowd ejected when one fan - presumably applying for a job - threw his business card on stage. This friction between the crowd and performer can result in a ruined evening for both and create resentment between the two. However, there can at times be an underlying enjoyment to aggressive crowd participation; it can liven up a

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/MUSIC

stale concert and apply some necessary pressure to encourage a performer to pull out all the stops and truly deliver a magnificent performance. Bottlings – perhaps a source of hilarity, for the crowd at least – have come to define the Reading and Leeds Festival ever since Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler were bottled off stage in 1989. Daphne and Celeste, Good Charlotte, 50 Cent; the list goes on for bottling casualties at this event. As unfortunate as this may be for the artist, you cannot help but find these instances to be at least somewhat entertaining, especially when witnessing the artists’ reaction. Perhaps one of the strangest, yet appropriate examples of aggressive crowd participation comes in the Punk genre, especially Hardcore Punk. Punk shows are infamous for their bratty and vehement nature; the crux of these shows is made up of volatility that is intended to churn up momentum and energy. At times, this means that the audience and the performer get involved in fights and storm the stage, leading to all manner of other violence. However, I should highlight that going to gigs isn’t all bottlings, stroppy stage exits and gratuitous violence. Jeff Mangum, who has recently returned to performing, is well known for encouraging the entire crowd to sing along as loud as possible, no matter how off-key they may be. An interesting example of crowd interaction is Minehead’s All Tomorrow’s Parties, the fringe

festival, which is revered by artists as a weekend of interaction with their core fans. This can lead to some tremendous moments of spontaneity. For instance, mid-performance, No Age invited two members of the crowd to come on stage and sing two impromptu Black Flag covers. Flying Lotus decided to end his set with a requested remix of Waka Flocka Flame’s ‘Hard In Da Paint’. In this sense, the individual nature of the shows make them feel far more like a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience rather than the same tired set-list a band have been endlessly playing for months. Overall, crowd participation is that unpredictable element that can make or break a gig; it breaks up the monotony of conventional live shows and adds a level of excitement to the evening. At times, the stagnancy of gigs can make the whole performance feel rather redundant and crowd participation can serve to remind both the crowd and artist of the reason why there are gigs in the first place: to entertain - whether this is through an inventive live style, discord between the artist and crowd, or by involving the audience. It’s this impulsiveness, which continually attracts me to gigs and is second to none when it comes to visceral entertainment.

Ben James

Crowds Gone Wild

Urban Loneliness

WITNESS ACCOUNTS OF CROWDS GONE WILD THE ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2011 The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra has been dogged by controversy over the last few years because of its close association with Brand Israel, the initiative set up by the Israeli government, which is seen by many as a form of cultural propaganda. This controversy gained widespread media coverage when the orchestra appeared at the BBC Proms last summer. Aside from the demonstrations outside the Royal Albert Hall, groups of protesters continuously interrupted the concert itself by booing, waving banners and singing and shouting pro-Palestinian chants. This was by no means the first time the Israel Philharmonic had had a concert disrupted. In our case though, the orchestra continued to play, ignoring the disruptions. The BBC, however, showed far less resolve and stopped the live broadcast of the concert. It was a victory for the anti-Israel protesters - politics had won out over music.

Jamie Njoku-Goodwin

PANIC! AT THE DISCO: READING 2006 Way back in the summer of 2006, I got my GCSE results and immediately headed off to Reading festival to properly celebrate never having to do maths again. You probably remember Panic! At The Disco, if only because they were perhaps the only band ever to use punctuation to generate a reaction. They were everywhere in 2006, with ‘I Write Sins, Not Tragedies’ riding high on the emo-pop wave. There was a certain anti-emo atmosphere at the time (“I wish my lawn was emo so it would cut itself” etc…) and before they even came onstage, missiles were being thrown. They managed to play perhaps two notes of their first song, when frontman Brendan Urie was hit in the eye with what turned out to be a golf ball. He went down immediately and appeared to be unconscious. After he came round, they finished their set with only slightly more flinching and to an extent, I think he won the crowd over by ignoring the issue. They certainly fared better than My Chemical Romance, who, later that same weekend, responded to their bottling by yelling, “Your hate only makes us stronger!” Somewhat of a stand-up-to-the-bullies response in line with parental recommendations, but not terribly effective when you’re being accused of being too emo.

Kat Rolle TRIVIUM: 2008 Having played the guitar for a gigging band not too long ago, I can safely say that getting up on stage is one of the most exhilarating and exciting thrills around. I’m sure the vast majority of performing musicians would agree with this statement. However, does this experience take a knock when a band is faced with bottles being launched at them? This is something American metallers Trivium had to deal with in early 2008, when supporting the famous Iron maiden at London’s Earls Court. It makes you wonder – who would fill a bottle up with urine and then throw it at a band they paid to see? Trivium’s vocalist Matt Heafy certainly did not see the funny side, shouting something close to, “if you do that, you’ll be thrown outside and beaten up”. Regardless of whether the beating happened, kicking out the culprit from the venue seemed symbolic of removing such repulsive behaviour from the music scene altogether.

Planking

Josh Levy

PLAIN WHITE TS: READING 2008 Sometimes a band can simply be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was Sunday at Reading Festival 2008, famously the heavy day, and the third act in the lineup was Plain White Ts. They were a popular, softer band with a hit ‘Hey There Delilah’. Unfortunately for them, it had just been announced that Slipknot had to pull out due to the drummer breaking his ankle during a show. Putting it lightly, the crowd was not happy. The poor Plain White Ts ploughed on as they were booed, yelled at and thoroughly bottled during the entire forty minute set by angry metal fans taking out their annoyance on an innocent pop rock band. Understandably, the band has not been to Reading since. It is just the misfortune of being the odd one out Gamon in a heavy Tom lineup when Slipknot’s aggressive performances get the better of them.

Drugs Are Bad, Mmmkay

Best Takeaways in Nottingham

Emily Shackleton

ISSUE 215

MARCH 2012

SCIENCE

FOOD

FROM AN ALL-TIME HIGH TO AN ALL-TIME LOW Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal substance amongst teenagers. For the overly suspicious psychonaut, it may involve a hasty lung-full at a house party, followed by nauseating paranoia that your own skin is trying to digest you. The more mentally durable teenager might enter a hazy smog for a few years, before emerging seemingly unblemished. However, despite the herb’s affable image, a growing body of evidence suggests that cannabis may contribute to serious psychiatric problems. Recently, a group of Canadian scientists found that frequent use of the drug during adolescence might increase the likelihood of developing mood disorders, such as

synapses are implicated in mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and many antidepressant drugs work by increasing these levels. Cannabis contains a molecule called THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which enters the brain and activates CB1 receptors, specialised receptor sites on neurons. While the activation of such receptors usually causes transient changes in the behaviour of neurons (such as the temporary sensation of being ‘high’), repeated exposure to a specific molecule, such as THC, can cause permanent alterations in the behaviour of neurons and their receptors. Could prolonged exposure to THC during

Emma Charalambous anxiety and depression, in later life. The adolescent brain is in a state of development and reorganisation. The surly teenage caricature, with emotional eruptions, body insecurities and a proclivity for slamming the door, actually reflects major underlying changes in the structure and chemistry of the brain. A significant outcome of these changes is the development of healthy emotional control. Emotional stability is thought to depend upon establishing a delicate balance of signalling chemicals, called monoamines, at synapses (the junctions between neurons). Low levels of certain monoamines at these

ISSUE 215

adolescence cause such permanent changes in monoaminergic neurons, leading to emotional disturbances in adulthood? To explore this possibility, the team of researchers developed a rat-based model of adolescent cannabis abuse. For three weeks, rats were dosed with a chemical, which has the same effects as THC. The animals were split into two groups: one group of adolescents and one group of adults. Once the adolescents reached adulthood, both groups entered behavioural testing. These tests looked for signs of anxiety, such as the decreased exploration of unfamiliar environments, and symptoms of depression

like a reduced interest in a sugar-water reward. The results were interesting. Rats exposed to the drug during adolescence demonstrated symptoms of anxiety and depression in three out of five behavioural tests. No such effects were observed in the rats given the drug during adulthood. Furthermore, measurements with electrodes revealed abnormal electrical activity in the monoaminergic neurons of rats dosed during adolescence, but not adulthood. It seemed that, in adolescent rats at least, cannabis use did interfere with monoaminergic neurons and emotional control. So how does this effect on our whiskered, little cousins translate to us? Population studies have established a firm association between heavy cannabis use and depression. Furthermore, a number of studies have identified associations between early cannabis use, and subsequent depression in later life. However, humans are complex creatures, and such causative links are often hard to establish; in this case, somebody might be likely to both use cannabis and suffer from depression. It is also possible that the coincidence of depression and cannabis-use stems from self-medication; people who are already depressed might seek relief in the drug. Unfortunately, some proponents of cannabis exploit this lack of causation to declare the drug innocuous. Nevertheless, a number of animal studies directly compliment the research team’s findings. Furthermore, animal work is allowing neuroscientists to elucidate possible mechanisms by which cannabis may be affecting the adolescent brain on a cellular level, as exemplified by the unusual monoaminergic neuron activity observed in the current study. There is little to suggest that these effects cannot be seen in humans. Teenagers getting high today should know that they might be risking painful lows in the future.

Niall Hill

The Grand Tour

RESTAURANT SAT BAINS Whether you’ve heard of Sat Bains or not, everyone knows what a Michelin star is and this place is the only one in Nottingham that holds two. The longawaited trip to my first haute cuisine dining experience led me on an uninspiring journey past an industrial estate and up a deserted lane. At first I thought the taxi driver was lost, but as we drew closer, an appeasing sign read ‘Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms’. We advanced upon an attractive courtyard and a well-kept, ivy-covered cottage. I felt like I had been transported into a modern day scene of Hansel and Gretel. Upon arrival, a polished-looking member of staff opened a large, bold oak door and I was greeted by a very welcoming hostess. So far so good! None of the pretentious approach I was expecting from a restaurant holding the ‘Restaurant of the Year’ award. Booking confirmed and seated in the traditionally styled bar area, the hostess took me through the dining experience. There were two menus to choose from, both taster menus of either seven or ten courses, which followed similar arrangements of exciting fish, meat, and desert courses and curious palate cleansers carefully placed in between. But that wasn’t all! There was then the choice of an

additional course - the Sat Bains onehour duck egg. It was recently given 10/10 by all three judges when it premiered on The Great British Menu. Concluding simply that it would be rude not to, the extra course was greedily supplemented to my intriguing 10 course dinner. From preview to the main event, I was seated at a table in the conservatory area of the restaurant. Exposed brick work with stone tiled floors and low lighting gave it a warm, comfortable feel whilst crisp, white table clothes and significant amounts of silverware made it clear that they meant business. The first course to arrive was a prestarter of unusual canapés with all the ingredients foraged from the grounds of the restaurant. A deliciously clever tactic to draw the diner into their atypical surroundings and a nod to those guests who shared my previous apprehension towards location. The duck egg then came next. Just wow. With 10 courses still to go, I felt giddy at what further delights lay in store. The following courses, including scallops, Cornish plaice, celeriac and duck were each as delectable as their predecessors. The delicate

Girls, Are You Faking It?

portions were all that was necessary to invigorate my taste buds and convey an array of flavours, layer by layer. However, the pinnacle of the menu had to be the wild hare with quince chocolate sauce. The meat was rich yet tender and the sauce was a velvety indulgent compliment that had me smiling throughout. Service was of an impeccably high standard. Each course was presented with a story, detailing its influence, flavours and components, the tale of which kept me thoroughly engaged in the evening’s performance. The attentive sommelier ensured my education in oenology was similarly nurtured, launching into the highlights and suitability of every wine choice. The deserts were progressively wonderful and innovative, with my favourite being the finale of sea buckthorn; a sharp, bitter thick briquette, softened by glossy, sweet, baby meringue peaks.

44 Arts

After settling the bill (and then recovering from a small panic attack), I left again through that great oak door, settled into another taxi and departed down the deserted lane and past the industrial estate, back into the real world.

Kate O’Mahony MARCH 2012

The Dickens Edition

MARCH 2012

NEWS

NOTTINGHAM IS THE UK’S MOST POPULAR UNIVERSITY The University of Nottingham has been declared the UK’s most popular university after receiving the most applications this year. Recent statistics show that the university has experienced an increase in applications in 2012, despite a national downturn in the number of overall applications. The statistics released in late January by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show a 0.3% rise in applications to the university, from 49,278 in 2011 up to 49,441 this year, whereas the national average saw a decline of 8.7%. The rise in tuition fees and decreased government funding have been blamed for the fall in applications nationally as uncertainty surrounds the future of higher education. However, the statistics released show that the University of Nottingham has overcome these new challenges and even increased its popularity amongst applicants despite plans to charge £9,000 in tuition fees next year. Dr Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University of Nottingham, said: “We are absolutely delighted by this news and that Nottingham is bucking the national trend, which appears to be affecting the recruitment figures of so many of our competitors.” Dr. Greatrix cites the “quality” and “student experience” that the university is able to offer as the overriding factors contributing to the success of Nottingham in the number of applications. This student experience includes the award-winning campus, student opportunities and the improvement of

ISSUE 215

facilities in recent years. Other aspects attracting the interest of potential students are the international nature of the university, with its campuses in Malaysia and China. In the current economic climate, the high graduate employment record of Nottingham may have contributed the most to the application increase. Nottingham boasts only a 5.6% unemployment rate, well below the 2011 national average graduate unemployment rate of 20%. The University of Nottingham has also continued to promote itself within the region and across the country by recently launching a new campaign, Nottingham Potential, to support wider access to the university. This campaign intends to highlight the amount of bursaries and loans that

are available to students in order to dispel any financial worries potential applicants may have. However, the East Midlands experienced one of the biggest drops in applications by region in the UK, setting the figures of the University of Nottingham as an even more unusual increase. Applications dropped by

10.3% in the region this year, with only the South West and North East regions seeing more substantial drops. The university’s city neighbour, Nottingham Trent University, has experienced a drop in applications above the national average after announcing plans to charge £8,500 in tuition fees. UCAS reported a decline of 17.3% from 2011, falling from 40,364 to 33,391 applications, although Nottingham Trent still remains a popular university. The city universities of Manchester and Leeds followed Nottingham as the second and third most popular universities in the UK according to the figures released by UCAS. Overall, the statistics did not come as a shock to many universities as a drop was expected this year following the

exceptionally high figures in 2011. Application figures last year reached such high levels due to many students opting to avoid the tuition fees rise by not taking a gap year.

Lucy Kenderdine

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/NEWS

LESS THAN A QUARTER OF STAFF TURN OUT FOR N30 STRIKES

Figures obtained by Impact under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that less than 25% of University of Nottingham staff eligible to take part in the strikes on the 30th November 2011 did so. The N30 strike, where 2 million public sector workers were due to strike, was to be “the biggest strike in a generation” according to the TUC (Trades Union Congress). The records of the University’s Academic Services Division show that 929 members of staff were eligible to strike. Of those, 228 members did so. These figures actually show a marked improvement on the previous University and College Union strikes earlier in the year, which saw just a 6% turnout of eligible staff reporting to the University as officially striking.

The increased turnout, however, could simply have come down to the greater awareness and media coverage of the latter event. Despite the increase in strike action taken, both at the University and across the country during the day of protests, the N30 was described by David Cameron as something of a “damp squib”, reflecting much of the mainstream media’s thoughts. Jeremy Clarkson’s subsequent comment live on TV the following day - “I would take [the strikers] outside and execute them in front of their families” - became arguably the most memorable aspect of strike action that failed to capture the public’s imagination in the same manner as the London riots of the summer and the NUS Demolition of the year before.

at the University compared to other organisations, the staff members present on the day were generally positive about the improvement in numbers of picketers. Nick Stevenson, a Reader in Cultural Sociology at the University told Impact, “We weren’t linking with other workers last time we were taking action… so [the N30] is probably more important in that respect”.

Ben McCabe and Dave Jackson Check out our videos of the N30 strikes at http://www.youtube.com/ user/impactnottingham01.

Despite the relatively low turnout

MARCH 2012

NEWS

GRADE ADJUSTMENTS FOR CONTROVERSIAL ECONOMICS EXAM

A second year Economics exam in Microeconomic Theory, sat on 18th January, incited anger among students who launched formal complaints to their department. As soon as the exam finished, a barrage of comments were published on an unofficial Facebook group, with several receiving over a hundred likes. One student speculated that 60-70% of the year believed that they had failed, with many concerned that “some of the content was new” and others arguing that it was considerably more difficult than pastpaper material and practice questions. One student claimed, “lectures and tutorials were irrelevant”. Demands were made through the course reps for either the moderation of marks or for the opportunity to resit a revised exam script for the module. Results issued on 10th February were accompanied by an official statement from the head of school, Professor Chris Milner. The response was in line with the University’s policy on the “normalisation” of marks, which gives autonomy to individual schools: “Any adjustment of module marks...should

only be made where inconsistencies are believed to result from a flaw in some element of the assessment, for example the inappropriate formulation of a question.” Professor Milner’s statement acknowledged the efforts of students to actively pursue the alteration of grades: “Students were concerned that some of the questions were more challenging than those asked in previous years. This was recognised by the examiners who marked these (and the other) questions according to their level of difficulty.” As a result, the “overall mean was almost identical to previous years”.

student commented that “you can’t expect them to give high grades to everyone”. Education Officer, Elizabeth ‘Egg’ Goddard, advises any group of students facing the same problems to always “go to their course reps”.

Oscar Williams

Students are mostly pleased with the department’s solution. One student, who prefers to remain anonymous, commented: “I got 60, which I definitely didn’t get in the exam, but deserved.” The mean grade remains the same as previous years, but the number of students who allegedly failed has tripled from eight to twentyfour. While there is a consensus that results are somewhat polarised, one

THE SINKING LIBRARY OF JUBLILEE Q: Is the Djanogly Library sinking into the lake? A: Rumour has it that when they built the bowl-shaped library on Jubilee campus, the architect only accounted for the weight of the people, and not for the weight of the books. The library allegedly sinks by a few centimetres every year. However, the library isn’t actually sinking. The myth of the ‘sinking library’ is found all over the world, and usually it follows the same story of an architect failing to accommodate for the weight of the books. There are rumours of sinking libraries in Southampton, Indiana and Ontario. You’ll also find alternatives: sinking swimming pools that didn’t account for the weight of the water, or sinking halls of residence that didn’t account for the weight of the residents. Although there have been reports of genuine sinking libraries, Jubilee is not one of them!

Fiona Crosby

ISSUE 215

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/NEWS

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS GOOD NEWS FOR.... NASA Since the end of the Space Shuttle Program last August, it would seem that NASA’s interstellar ambitions were finally put to rest. However, there must have been much jubilation when Republican Presidential nominee Newt Gingrich declared that “by the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon and it will be American”−how humble of him. Amazingly, this is not the most outlandish statement to come from Mr. Gingrich; he has previously described Spanish as “the language of the ghetto” and said that Palestinians are an “invented people” who are all “terrorists”. However, this seems to appeal to the American electorate, who, at the time of writing, still view Gingrich as a credible candidate for the Presidency. We can only hope that Americans have some overly ambitious dreams of living on the moon, rather than reducing all of Spain to a ghetto and telling an entire nation of people that they don’t exist.

Ben James

BAD NEWS FOR… AMERICAN GEOGRAPHERS As the leading news channel CNN has proven, the USA may be one of the most powerful nations in the world, but it never fails to amuse. The channel has issued an apology after making a spectacular geographical faux pas by locating London in Norfolk on a map of the UK. When one particularly observant viewer detected CNN’s teeny 120-mile displacement, he quickly uploaded it onto Twitter and the image went viral; whether this was the work of a geographically challenged intern or a graphics artist playing a prank on his last day is unknown. CNN’s apology for the blunder fits an apparent trend of map-related gaffes across American news networks. Other recent geographical offenders include Fox News, which replaced Iraq with Egypt (how better to eliminate the likelihood of any new conflicts than to remove the country entirely?), and Chicago’s WGN, which relocated South Africa to South America (which is an easy mistake to make, right?). Such geographical haziness is hardly surprising; a survey conducted in 2005 revealed that one in ten Americans aged between 18 and 24 could not even find their own country on a map, and only half were able to locate New York City. Either way, Norfolk residents may have to watch out this summer as they could be faced with hordes of disorientated American Olympics enthusiasts wandering around The Broads.

Katie Dolamore

AND IN OTHER NEWS…THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT Who says the little guy (or girl) never triumphs? Indeed, February saw Sainsbury’s officially rename its tiger bread loaf as giraffe bread, following the actions of one very observant toddler. Three year old Lily Robinson sent in a letter to the supermarket chain, suggesting that the blotches on the previously named tiger bread better resembled the markings of a giraffe than the stripes of a jungle cat. Sainsbury’s customer manager Chris King was kind enough to write back to Lily, agreeing with her interpretation and stating that, “I think renaming the bread giraffe bread is a brilliant idea”. King went on to describe the original bakers’ title for the bloomer loaf as “a bit silly” and included a three pound gift voucher with which Lily could buy some tiger bread and, if it was okay with her parents, some “sweeties too!”. Mr King’s letter sparked a Facebook campaign spearheaded by Lily’s mother to officially change the name of the loaf. With the campaign gaining over 150,000 ‘likes’, Sainsbury’s decided to act on the advice of their young customer and giraffe bread officially hit the shelves. As a final part to this endearing tale, after being inundated with compliments for his thoughtful response, Mr King has decided to undergo training to become a primary school teacher.

Malcolm Tom Remedios Gamon MARCH 2012

COMMENT

THE INTERNET: WHEN DOES REGULATION BECOME CENSORSHIP? Since the early years of the millennium, file-sharing websites such as Megaupload or Rapidshare have become synonymous with online piracy and the authorities’ powerlessness towards the anarchy of the Internet. It was hugely surprising then, that on the 19th January, the FBI struck hard at Megaupload. com, just one day after the widespread protest of the Stop the Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect the IP Act (PIPA), which were working their way through the American Congress.

So just how did the U.S. Justice Department close down the 73rd most popular website in the world? Though Kim Dotcom, the founder of the site, was of Dutch nationality, and the servers hosting the overwhelming majority of Megaupload’s content were situated in Europe and Asia, investigators discovered that a small number of Internet servers had been leased by Megaupload in Virginia, America. Within 24 hours, the FBI seized Megaupload, removing it from the Internet, taking $50 million in assets and arresting four of the company’s key players, including its founder Dotcom. It was revealed in a federal Virginia court that the website had made approximately $172 million in profit since it was founded in 2005, most of which stemmed from copyright infringement, and was responsible for more than $500 million in lost revenue from pirated films, music and other content. The implications of this are staggering; if this case is considered to be under US jurisdiction, then there is very little that isn’t. Even more alarming is the case of Richard O’Dwyer, a British computer

ISSUE 215

science student at Sheffield Hallam University, who created the TVShack website, and in early 2012 lost the battle against his extradition to the United States for trial; this was made possible by an extradition treaty that was designed to combat terrorism. The site, which made almost a quarter of a million dollars through advertising revenue, was found by US authorities to be hosting links to copyrighted television shows and pirated films. However, O’Dwyer’s lawyers argued that the website simply pointed users to the locations on the Internet where they could watch specific content, in the same way that a legitimate search engine such as Google would. They also made the case that the creation of the website was not illegal in Britain, so there is no precedent in which O’Dwyer could be extradited to the US, where the existence of the site would have been in contention of the law. The case, if successful, is likely to result in more extraditions and court cases for copyright infringement.

their aftermath, the US government’s intervention in the situations involving Megaupload and TVShack demonstrates a newer and much harder attitude of the authorities towards lawbreakers in cases of intellectual property. Laws that encourage heavy regulation of the Internet will always be opposed by the larger, more well known technology firms that seem to be driving the US economy in modern times, but a more efficient and targeted bill against online piracy will secure even their support.

Though the recent protests and blackouts against SOPA and PIPA were largely successful, removing masses of congressional support for the bills in

Aatish Thakerar

Perhaps the best way to illustrate the attitude towards future Internet regulation, and the laws of international extradition accompanying it, is to quote The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an organisation that defends free speech and digital rights online. An official spokesperson stated of the Megaupload case that it set “a terrifying precedent. If the United States can seize a Dutch citizen in New Zealand over a copyright claim, what is next?”

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/NEWS

HAS CHURCH LAW TAKEN PRECEDENCE OVER CIVIL LAW IN THE LAND OF THE ‘FREE’? The separation between Church and State has been a staple of American Law since it was written into the First Amendment of the US Constitution; “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Supreme Court and startlingly, the Supreme Court ruled 9 to 0 that Perich could not sue the Church. This means that anyone who works in any capacity for the Church or other religious institutions has no legal recourse if they were to be abused at work. The Americans United for Separation of Church and State highlighted that, “A pastor who objected to being sexually

Equality and Freedom, whereas Islam, when it becomes the law of the country, such as in Iran, is seen to promote the discrimination of women, homosexuals and non-Muslims. As such, the two are at odds with one another and the US is adamant not to challenge the stability of the Christian faith in this time of heightened tensions between Iran and the US.

So it is curious that the Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that in the case of Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that “ministers” cannot sue their churches under federal employment discrimination laws. This means that the highest court in ‘the Land of the Free’ has declared that Church Law takes precedence over Civil Law. There has been minor fanfare regarding this case, many asserting the painfully obvious fact that this is a direct breach of the US Constitution, but given the dire implications of this ruling, the protests have been surprisingly muted. The case involves Cheryl Perich, a teacher at Hosanna-Tabor, a Lutheran Church-run school in Michigan, who went on disability leave in December 2004, due to a case of diagnosed narcolepsy. Her doctor expected her to be able to return to full-time work in two to three months; the following month the school changed its health insurance policy, hired another teacher and suggested that Perich resign. When she refused and threatened to sue under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), she was fired. As the school fired her in retaliation, it breached the ADA; however, it maintains that as Perich was a minister of the Church, it was free to do so since church doctrine asserts that such disputes must be resolved within the Church. The case was taken to the

harassed, for example, could be fired for raising that issue and have no recourse in the courts.” Thus, the Church holds more legal significance over the citizens of the US, which raises the question: why are Americans – a people famous for their love of liberty and civil rights – not up in arms about the damage this is doing to their justice system? This could be a result of the US wanting to uphold an image of integrity on the international stage. The US can be seen to put forward Christianity as morally superior to Islam, Christianity being a religion, which promotes Liberty,

So, on the one hand, you have the US, a country whose most powerful court has ruled that Church Law is of more importance than Civil Law. On the other, you have Iran, a country that puts Religious Law ahead of Civilian Law. While this ruling doesn’t come close to the human rights abuses in Iran, it certainly dents America’s moral superiority. The Church and the US Supreme Court have both failed in their respective roles and have shown that the autonomy of the Church from the State takes precedence over the rights of individual citizens.

Ben James MARCH 2012

SPORT THE BRITISH ONLOOKER AND ‘VALIANT FAILURE’ There is a perception within more cynical British sporting circles that our nation has grown accustomed to accepting, and even championing a socalled ‘valiant failure’ from top athletes on the world stage. One need look no further than SW19 and the endeavours of Tim Henman and Andy Murray as prime examples; year upon year, the British public have congratulated them on yet another semi-final exit from their home grand slam. However, whether this school of thought can actually be considered a national characteristic is questionable. Is it a realistic assessment of our country’s sporting profile? It would seem that in Britain there is at best scepticism, and at worst resignation to the fact that we are not the best at anything anymore, so as a result we commend our top sportsmen for merely reaching the business end of sporting tournaments. In last year’s

Six Nations, no one seemed fussed that England had blown a golden opportunity for a Grand Slam in World Cup year; emphasis instead was placed on England’s first Championship win since 2003 – their collapse against Ireland was irrelevant until defeat by France in the World Cup quarterfinal. An even better example is that of Jessica Ennis’ silver medal at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Daegu. Despite being the clear favourite, Ennis did not leave the Korean Republic with the gold, but again, the British onlooker seemed grateful that she had won any medal at all. In countries like Australia, the United States and Germany, until a sport offers international success, it is relatively neglected in the national consciousness (although admittedly across the pond, this is because the

most popular sports are all American anyway). In Britain, however, we tend to neglect a sport until just before success might be achieved, thus applying the utmost pressure on the athlete involved and giving them, if anything, the greatest chance of failure. Initially, I viewed the acceptance of valiant failure in British sports as more of a chronic disease, than what I would now in fact term as ‘acceptance of our place in the world’. We are a nation of sixty million people, not the hundreds of millions that the likes of China, the United States and Russia can boast. We have the twenty-second largest population in the world yet finished fourth in the medals table in Beijing in 2008. Our sporting achievements are generally a product of our small nation status. Arguments that imply that our status as a wealthy nation should fasttrack us to success are invalid: you can have all the money in the world, but if you do not have talent you will not succeed. Do you really think that Usain Bolt, Muttiah Muralitharan and Novak Djokovic have been showered with gold since infancy? Britain has learned to accept its position within the sporting world as also-rans in the higher echelons of sporting life. We accept valiant failure when the odds of ultimate success are slim anyway, as has been the case in tennis for the last decade and a half, and in Formula 1 since the rise of Red Bull. In this sense, it is not valiant failure but performing as we should. What we as a nation need to do is figure out how the likes of Australia and the Netherlands punch so far above their weight. Until that day, the stereotype of perennial underachiever is British destiny.

William Cook

ISSUE 215

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SPORT

THE PROBLEMS FIFA MUST SOLVE

FIFA’s complaints box in their Zurich head office must be getting pretty full lately. An on-going reputation for unfulfilled promises and glaring blemishes in football seem to call the attention of all but those that wield the wand of power. Amongst calls for goal line technology stretching way back to Wembley 1966, gamesmanship has reared its ugly head once again. It is an aspect that is unfortunately part and parcel of the modern game, with players diving, playacting, and feigning injury, and certain managers even encouraging it. The Swindon manager Paulo Di Canio is the latest to admit encouraging his players to take a tumble in the box under the lightest of touches. What game would be complete without a mob of players surrounding the referee or the infamous invisible card gesticulation? While some transgressions are more notorious than others and some occur on a more regular basis, all must go, and it is FIFA’s job to do that. A culture has developed where rules are being allowed to stretch to breaking point, with no repercussions for those who offend. Gamesmanship is not illegal and thus utilised by anyone and everyone when the time suits in order to gain an

upper hand over an opponent. Fans are just as responsible for its persistence, violently denouncing it when their team is the victim, but averting their gaze in indifference if their side offends and benefits accordingly. There should be no distinctions. No classes of offence. All must go. Recently playacting has hit new heights. Take this years Africa Cup of Nations where Equatorial Guinea midfielder Narcisse Akanga fell to the ground after a nothing challenge and after looking left and right to see a free kick has not been awarded, throws his head back, screaming and rolling around on the floor. No gunshot had been fired. He was fine and succeeded in embarrassing himself and the sport. Similarly, the recent El Classico was reflective of how dire the situation is. Praised and marketed as supposedly the greatest game on the planet, both Barcelona and Real Madrid continue to showcase everything that is wrong with football. In no fixture is a referee more shamefully pressurised than when these two meet. They must be reminded who is in charge. Amongst the diving and persistent fouling, it was Madrid’s

Pepe who took the spotlight, erupting in agony at a gust of wind. In a tussle with Fabregas, the Catalonian’s apparent touching of Pepe’s chest caused the defender to go down holding his face. Either this shows that his nervous system is completely different to all humans, or he is a shameful cheat, attempting to get a fellow professional dismissed. FIFA must assert itself and remind the football super powers that they are not the law. It appears at present that the governing bodies take no definitive stance on the issue. UEFA banned Arsenal’s Eduardo for two Champions League games in 2009 for diving against Celtic, but this was an anomaly, with most infringements going unpunished. The sceptics will say that it is impossible to punish all cases; however, the punishment of the few will lead to the realisation of the many. A mandatory three game ban for all acts of gamesmanship, from diving to surrounding the ref, would quickly remove the problem. Whilst appearing harsh, it is a necessary step FIFA must take to bring pride and respect back to the game.

Tom TomGamon Mellor MARCH 2012

SPORT

ISSUE 215

Peter Klein

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SPORT

A CURSE OF THE STRONG In his compelling documentary, The Hidden Side of Sport, Freddie Flintoff recently revealed that despite a career of some unequivocal highs, “you’d never think the lows would turn into depression”. What is interesting yet disturbing in sport is how exhilarating successes can inexplicably transform into abject despair. This has been demonstrated by recent revelations by footballers, rugby players and cricketers, coming forward with private stories of unnoticed illnesses. It takes a brief glance over the sporting headlines in recent months to recognise the transformation in interpretations of the mind-set in professional sport. But why is depression so widespread amongst current and former sporting professionals? In most cases, depression occurs when the neurotransmitters in the brain fail. This failure can begin due to biological and social reasons, one being the ‘washing machine effect’ when a person is accustomed to repetitive lifestyle to the point where deviating from their rigorous routine is difficult. The failure of the neurotransmitters results in the breakdown of the limbic system, which controls mood as well as, directly or indirectly, every hormone in the body. Taking into account this simplified scientific side of depression, it should come as no surprise to learn that many sportsmen also suffer physically, highlighting that depression is not a simple mental illness, and its manifestations can be as varied and nuanced as the people it effects. The All Blacks legend John Kirwan details how his heart used to race frequently and he experienced several panic attacks. Marcus Trescothick echoes Kirwan, saying how he wouldn’t eat or sleep properly, and found concentrating for extended periods of time impossible, a worrying effect for an opening international batsman who should regard that as second nature.

Depression in sport is not uncommon. In fact, sporting history is replete with cases of extremely highprofile, successful sportsmen who have become victims of the galling condition; a curse of the strong. I call it this because the sportsmen we have seen, and will see, who admit that they suffer from this ‘curse’ all have the same attributes and expectations. An elite athlete undoubtedly has the desire to succeed, to push themselves to the highest limits, and will be conditioned to display and represent physical and mental toughness. Admitting they have a problem, and in doing so showing vulnerability, is something that sportsmen aim to avoid. Even knowing they are ill doesn’t suffice because on the whole the illness is largely invisible and there is nothing evident to others to show that they need help. Neil Lennon, the controversial Celtic manager, movingly supports this assertion, explaining how he has been “in a room full of people and felt like the loneliest guy in the world”. Michael Yardy flew home from the Cricket World Cup nearly a year ago after deciding to seek help for depression and, unlike

many other athletes, conceded that seeking help “was the only sensible option for me.” His former captain, Michael Vaughan, backed up Yardy, again working to emphasise that depression should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but a physical illness. This somewhat surprising statement is true: sportsmen, being the type of people they are, find it very difficult to take a break and stop working, and this results in several physical changes. Kelly Holmes, Frank Bruno, Johnny Wilkinson, and in the sadder cases, Robert Enke, Dale Roberts, Gary Speed. The list of sportsmen who suffer seems endless, but this is still as much a testament to the fact that depression is a widespread, silent illness amongst all people. As Frank Bruno perfectly summarises, “Top sports people may have more money than you, more cars than you, but they’ve still got to go to the toilet, brush their teeth, put on their clothes…You’re only human at the end of the day”.

Michael Timbs

MARCH 2012

The Global Uni “The nearest Britain has to a truly global university.” It’s a catchy phrase, one we’ve all seen plastered across websites and buildings alike. Described by The Sunday Times University Guide 2011 as “the embodiment of the modern international university”, Nottingham’s global pedigree is undeniable. With two campuses abroad and overseas students making up approximately 26 percent of the student population, Nottingham was ranked third amongst the top twenty recruiters of international students in the UK. The number of international students studying at Nottingham is set to rise in the coming years, as the university aims to “increase the flow” of international students studying at the Nottingham campus. Next year, it is predicted that the proportion of international students at this university will reach 30 percent – almost one third of the total student population. The facts and figures are certainly impressive, but is the multicultural nature of the student populace truly reflected in everyday life on campus? Impact investigates. Although the phrase “a truly global university” is almost forcibly imprinted into our memories by the university, in reality it seems that the overwhelming majority of Nottingham students are woefully

ISSUE 215

ignorant of the high proportion of foreign students studying here (asking around in Portland, we received answers ranging from 5 percent to 60 percent). This lack of awareness is powerfully indicative of the ignorance of some home students towards their

iversity apparent reluctance of international students to integrate. Meanwhile, several international students have felt unwelcomed by the ‘unfriendly’ British: “I don’t expect everyone to warmly smile at you if you greet them, but at least do give some response. I did meet some people who totally ignored greetings.” The evidence seems to suggest that integration really is an issue, but if there is a divide in the student population, is it just something that everyone’s thinking, but no one’s saying? Thankfully, there is another happier and far more positive side to our story. It seems that the overwhelming majority of home students we spoke to felt that working with international students has been a

many months. Meanwhile, the society specifically aimed at international students, the International Students’ Bureau (ISB), has been disbanded and amalgamated with the Nottingham University Exchange Society (NUSEX), a society primarily designed to bring together home students who have studied abroad for a semester and therefore unsuited to international student populace. Additionally, Voice magazine, in contrast to Impact, remains relatively unpublicised. Because of the difficulties of coming to study in a country far away from your own, supporting international students as they embark upon what can be an uneasy transition into life here at Nottingham is essential. International Welcome Week runs the week before term starts in September, aiming to introduce international students to the university and British culture before the mayhem of Freshers’ Week. In many ways, this week forms an essential part of the university’s support system in attempting to smooth the transition of overseas students into British university life. Despite all the benefits that this effort undoubtedly reaps, it can also be seen to be counter-productive. By the end of this intensive week, international students form

MARCH 2012

friendships amongst themselves, leaving them with less incentive to befriend the British Freshers when they arrive. This, in many ways, compounds the problem already experienced by a great number of international students, who feel cut off from the rest of the student population. Forced to live in accommodation with only other international students for company, they are unable, rather than unwilling, to fully immerse themselves in English culture. “We came here to learn more about English language and culture”, said a student from Germany, “Instead we are picking up French, Swiss and Italian accents, because all our friends are international. We want to spend more time with English students, but we don’t know where they hang out.” Thus, it seems that despite the fact that the university and SU have made a visible attempt to welcome and support international students, there is evidence to suggest that a re-assessment is needed. Evidently, any action which inhibits the ability of international students to fully integrate within the student community here at Nottingham runs contrary to the university’s aim to create an internationalised student body. Still, to what extent is it up to the university to ensure that international students are integrated within the wider student community? The responsibility for creating “a truly global university” cannot rest entirely with the SU or university alone. There is a sense, amongst home students, that it is up to international students to make the effort; it is up to ‘them’ to integrate themselves within the student community, not ‘us’.

ISSUE 215

Yet, it must be said that it is up to home students too. The effort must be there on both sides, or, as history has shown, it just doesn’t work. As aforementioned, certain home students feel that working alongside someone for whom English is not their first language inevitably slows down the working process. Are home students being held back in their studies by this? Contrary to popular

“Whilst 62% of the international students we spoke to felt welcomed by their fellow British students, only 17% felt strongly that they are integrated within the student community.” belief, applicants from overseas do need to attain a high level of spoken and written English in order to study here at the University. Although the exact level of English required does vary from department to department, the overall standard is extremely high. All of the international students studying at Nottingham have passed the official entry tests and consequently, the majority of overseas students questioned felt adequately prepared to take a course taught solely in English. Perhaps, these students are sometimes not given enough of a chance. There is also a sense that the cultural barrier between home and international students plays a role in preventing the forming of close friendships. What is sometimes forgotten, however, is that to be the type of person willing to travel to a different country, a different continent, to a culture that could be totally different from your

own, you’ve got to be an adventurous and open-minded person. Globalisation is not just about getting international students over to Nottingham so that the university can brag its way up the league tables. Both the university and its students need to do more to welcome and support international students once they are over here. The bottom line is, whilst 62% of the international students we spoke to felt welcomed by their fellow British students, only 17% felt strongly that they are integrated within the student community. A large number of international students still feel like ‘international students’, a section of the student body set apart from everyone else. Our world is becoming more international and multicultural by the day, and our attitudes towards one another at our university should reflect this. If we want to be a truly globalised university, we need to rid ourselves of the unspoken line.

Sarah Murphy & Jenny Newbold

BURGLARS IN A HOUSE TRAP

NOTTINGHAM POLICE PIONEERING ‘CAPTURE HOUSES’ In the UK, there are over one million burglaries and attempted burglaries every year, with Nottingham reported as having some of the highest rates in the country. Last term, there were nearly 50 instances of burglary in Lenton alone. Students who are victims of burglary often lose irreplaceable belongings, university coursework and the sense of security and privacy in their homes.

But the situation is improving. In January, it was reported that burglaries in the city had fallen by 36% – one of the biggest drops in the country. This success is in part owed to the controversial introduction of ‘Capture Houses’ in 2008. In February, the BBC broadcast Burglar in the House, a documentary, which focused on Lenton and revealed the use of these pioneering police tactics. ‘Capture Houses’ are set up in burglary hot spots throughout the city and on University Park with the aim of attracting thieves. These trap rooms are fitted with decoy possessions such as laptops and TVs, and hidden cameras and alarms that notify the police of a break-in within minutes. The oblivious criminal is sprayed with SmartWater, a forensic liquid invisible

to the naked eye, which will then later identify and link them to the specific crime. As Inspector John Woodward, local area commander for Clifton, puts it, “Capture Houses look just like any other residential address. The difference is, they are set up by the police and are equipped with state of the art technology to help us identify criminals, gather evidence and put them before the courts”.

Since the scheme was implemented in 2008, thirty burglars have been caught, with the captured evidence leading to conviction. The initiative appears to be a success story, helping Nottingham’s neighbourhoods to become better protected through advances in technology. However, there are concerns over its use. Some argue that the initiative is verging on entrapment and that these normal-looking front rooms are “‘too easy” to burgle, enticing and tempting opportunistic individuals who would not otherwise engage in the crime. Conversely, the BBC documentary demonstrated that it was predominantly re-offenders who were caught out by the trap; the police often recognised them from camera footage. Arguably, there is ample opportunity for easy crime

in everyday life that people do not engage in. If people were to steal unattended coats at a bar, or laptops in Hallward, we would not dismiss the reprehensibility of the crime because it was “easy”. As with any other crime, the criminal has to make a calculated choice to commit the offence. Another police documentary set in Nottingham, Coppers, recently revealed how the local police were regularly unable to convict criminals because they lacked hard evidence. The use of SmartWater in ‘Capture Houses’ is a significant step forwards in forensics, because it provides unequivocal proof of criminality. As such, the scheme serves to reduce the number of false convictions. A growing awareness of the initiative amongst criminals will hopefully lead to a decrease in the number of attempted burglaries. Signs declaring the use of SmartWater in the area and knowledge of the police tactic will not undermine the scheme but will instead have a positive effect, challenging criminals to question the option of robbery before they commit it. If potential burglars think that the risk of capture and detection is too great, the likelihood that the property will be broken into will be significantly reduced. This will eventually be the real value of the already-successful ‘Capture Houses’: making Nottingham a more secure area for students and residents alike. Nevertheless, a few criminals will inevitably continue to ignore the warnings. On February 2nd, the day after Burglar in the House was broadcast, a man was caught burgling a ‘Capture House’ in St Anne’s. D.S. Craig Luckett commented: “Obviously Clarke didn’t heed the warning in the BBC documentary that we are using ‘Capture Houses’ to catch burglars in the act. Either that, or he was simply pushing his luck.”

Tanya Rosie

MARCH 2012

A MISGUIDED HATE

IMPACT’S SAM MUSTAFA INV You’re in a queue, tiptoeing towards the main entrance of a bar. As the door opens to permit entrance to the gaggle ahead, you catch a glimpse of green lasers and a few lines of the latest track. “ID please”. You know the drill. You retrieve it from your pocket and gingerly pass it to the bouncer, who stares at the photo that had been taken when you were 17. The bouncer’s eyes glance over your 21-year-old self like razors. An awkward silence is broken by a snigger escaping from the corner of his mouth. “Do you know where you are? Have you been here before? Your type isn’t welcome here.”

ISSUE 215

society that has barraged the LGBT community with homophobic abuse? Or does heterophobia constitute something more – another wedge, which serves to segregate communities, perpetuate an ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality and prevent mutual understanding and accession of equal rights for all? Or does a hate for the straight simply not exist? In a survey conducted by Impact, 78.6% of people stated that it is wrong to refuse an LGBT person entry to a ‘straight’ or ‘mainstream’ nightclub. However, in comparison, only 67.1% of people believe that it is wrong to refuse a heterosexual person entry to a ‘gay’ nightclub. This 11.5% difference in these figures would paradoxically suggest that heterosexuals are more tolerant of LGBT sexualities rather than the other way round. But what is the reasoning behind this? Elliott Reed, the University of Nottingham’s LGBT Officer, believes that there needs to be “an exclusivity to some [LGBT] events” in order to create safe spaces for “individuals who only feel comfortable being themselves around other gay people.” He recognises the fine line between protecting Nottingham’s gay students from homophobia and the exclusivity of LGBT events to the extent of becoming heterophobic. Hence, he has implemented events such as the Not-so-queer Café, an informal forum for students of all sexual orientations that allows them to socialise and learn about others’ sexualities, bridging the gulf of understanding and symbolising the importance of integration. However, a double standard does seem

FOR THE STRAIGHT

ESTIGATES HETEROPHOBIA heterosexuals. Jane* told Impact that she and her boyfriend had gone to Propaganda with a group of gay friends. “When my boyfriend and I shared a kiss on the dance floor, the bouncer approached us and said that if we were drunk enough to do that, we were drunk enough to leave.” Propaganda also operates a ‘membership only’ policy, which some people believe to be a device used to exclude

“Other bars have asked customers “to prove they are gay” on entrance.”

Sam Mustafa

MARCH 2012

THE INVISIBLE CRIMINAL IDENTITY THEFT:

A R E YO U N E X T ? In the UK, it is estimated that identity crime affects nearly 1.8 million people every year. In 2010, over 102,500 cases of identity fraud were recorded by the members of CIFAS (The Fraud Prevention Service), which averages out as 11 cases being reported every hour. Identity crime is estimated to cost the British economy roughly £2.7 billion a year in reparations. Back in 2005, a PRCI (Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International) study concluded that the most likely victims of identity theft were people aged 3140 and the findings highlighted that Manchester and Nottingham had a higher rate of impersonation fraud per 1000 population than London. But more recently, some fraudsters have turned their attention towards the student community. Known for having large injections of cash throughout the year, and making it unwittingly easy to obtain personal information, students have become the new victims for identity thieves. With the increased access of social networking sites, along with the common use of

Students are only gradually waking up to the perils of social networking, with more and more stories like “Teenage office worker sacked for moaning on Facebook about her job” hitting the headlines. One survey suggests that 42% of students are concerned that personal information they post online could affect their future employment prospects. So, whilst we are becoming a little more hesitant about posting about last night’s chunder fest, it seems that we might not be aware about how the most simple personal information can be used to forge our identity. Facebook’s new privacy settings have gone some way to cutting down on unauthorised access to personal information, but many students are still not taking enough precautions. From one Facebook profile, it is possible to find out private contact information, as well as details about family members and recent activities. It may sound harmless, but it has been reported that many fraudsters look for information that may portend to security questions. Mother’s maiden names, first pets and

‘‘Identity crime is estimated to cost the British economy roughly £2.7 billion a year in reparations.’’ smartphones, many students are overly forthcoming when it comes to their private details, making them prime targets for identity fraud.

ISSUE 215

names of primary schools are all pieces of information that can be obtained from various posts and apps on social networking sites.

And with the infiltration of the smartphone on campus, we have entire hubs of personal information all stored in one handy mobile device. How many of us have lost our phones to the depths of the dance floor? It isn’t just social networking sites, but our e-mails, contact numbers and often even our bank details that can be found on our phones. One fraud prevention website proposes that 17% of smartphone owners are now using their mobiles for money matters. Checking bank balances on your mobile, or even having account updates sent to your mobile makes it far too easy for anybody to access your information. Our new technological capabilities certainly provide fraudsters with new and quick ways of finding out personal information, but most identity fraud is still committed using information obtained from paper documents. How many students shred their bank statements, student loans letters or NHS documents before throwing them out? How many students remember to change addresses on all their mail when they move house? Not many. Living in a stereotypical student abode on Derby Road, we regularly receive student loans notifications, credit card statements and various marketing mail for ex-students who never left a forwarding address. This makes it exponentially easier for anybody to obtain personal information. Most students wouldn’t even realise that they were still getting mail sent to their old address.

Feeling particularly proactive in my research, I decided to rifle through a friend’s bin (a glamorous highlight of my student experience) and see how much information I could ascertain from her rubbish. Worryingly, I came across an old debit card that hadn’t been thrown out, a photocopy of a passport and an invoice from play.com. Needless to say, I confronted my friend to find out why she had been so careless. An old debit card, with enough other information, can be used to obtain a new card or at

method. It appears that students make it relatively easy for people to acquire a lot of very personal information. I spoke to Ryan, a Nottingham student who unfortunately experienced identity theft first-hand. Ryan received a notification from his bank, demanding payment on a credit card he wasn’t even aware he had. After visiting his bank, it was discovered that somebody else had signed up for a credit card in his name and had run up a big balance

“I was mortified when I realised what had happened. I was gutted. I suddenly owed a lot of money that I didn’t have, and had no idea how it had happened.” least change details on the account. As and when your card expires, it is important that you cut up the old one. The photocopy of the passport was part of a graduate application, which made me realise just how much information my friends and I had been willingly giving to any company that showed a remote interest in us. Your passport obviously contains a lot of private information, including your place of birth, which again can be used against you. Finally, we seem to have parcels arriving on a daily basis: books, CD’s, video games, clothes, all of which come with invoices that have personal information and often even some details about the payment

on it. Ryan said, “I was mortified when I realised what had happened. I was gutted. I suddenly owed a lot of money that I didn’t have, and had no idea how it had happened.” One study suggests that in 50% of identity theft cases, victim’s details were most likely to be used to obtain credit cards. In these instances, it can take quite a while for people to realise that debt is being run up in their name. Ryan continued, “It turned out that this person had been using the credit card for over a month. It wasn’t until I received a statement that I even realised a credit card had even been set up.”

Interestingly, an American study indicates that it takes 18 to 24 year olds twice as long to find out that they have been the victims of identity fraud. Ryan explained that it was difficult to prove he hadn’t set up the credit card, but once the bank were convinced he had been a victim of identity theft, they tried to help as much as possible. He concluded, “It was such a stressful thing to go through, and there was so little help available to me. I never even worried about identity theft before now, but now I realise just how easy it is to get caught out.” According to Crimestoppers, “Identity theft can be an upsetting experience for the victim. It can be months before the fraudster’s actions are discovered and it can take several months more to sort out the problems created as a result.” Ryan’s experience highlights just how important it is for students to be very careful about their personal information. Think twice about the privacy of social networking sites, be vigilant when you bank online (especially if you are using shared computers), and make sure you don’t throw confidential personal information in the bin without destroying it first. If you are concerned about identity theft, more information and help can be found at www.stop-idfraud.co.uk

Samantha Owen

MARCH 2012

THE SECRET LIFE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR IMPACT SPENDS A DAY IN THE LIFE OF PROFESSOR DAVID GREENAWAY Professor David Greenaway is a prominent figure on the landscape of British higher education. He was a proponent of raising tuition fees, has sat as Chair of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and is consistently one of the highest paid Vice-Chancellors in the country, earning a massive £340,000 salary for looking after the university’s half a billion pound annual turnover. So I turn up at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office (VCO) at 8:40 on Monday 27th February, “a normal Monday”, finding myself torn in two directions. The journalist inside me half hopes I’ll stumble upon something scandalous. But the student within me wants the Vice-Chancellor to live up to expectations. I want to see an impressive leader, steering Nottingham in a positive direction. And yet I’m afraid of coming away from the day feeling uncomfortable with the prospect of next year’s students spending £9,000 a year on an institution that might be being run by a businessman, without a care in the world for transformative education. Fortunately, my journalistic desires are let down. As a student, only time will tell. 8:50 and we’re walking to Keighton Auditorium for a lecture on globalisation. The VC still starts his week teaching; he was a Professor of Economics before assuming a place in Senior Management. As we walk past Portland, I’m asked a few questions about my course and my time at university, but we both know this day is his, so I ask a few of my own. He talks enthusiastically about his roles. On Keighton Hill, I comment, “I don’t

ISSUE 215

suppose it’s an accident that you get the best lecture hall on campus.” “I did put in a request,” he smiles, “but you can never guarantee anything.” 9:00 and the lecture starts with a promisingly healthy turnout. His lecturing style is smooth, energetic and self-assured; he makes eye contact rather than scanning the back wall as so many speakers do and darts around the front of the hall, minus notes. After the lecture concludes, a number of students stay back to discuss deadlines and specifics with him. One is willing to call him up on a statistic.

“Everyone agrees that £2.5m is a small fee...” It’s 9:50 and we head back to Trent with Helen (our photographer for the day). She asks, “do you read Impact?” “When I can. But I struggle to get hold of a normal newspaper.” Later he adds, “I try my best to get involved with Impact, URN and NUTS.” He makes an effort to wave and smile at people around campus and seems to know every member of staff we pass. I consider whether this is all for show, but everyone waves back as if it’s athenormal procedure. However, most students don’t take much notice of him. 10:00 and I’m sitting in the VCO in Trent. Oak panelling, a widescreen TV for conference calls, books on economics (and one on the recent Lowry exhibition – he’s written the foreword) line the interior of a luxurious room. The focal point is the conference table around which the Management Board are sitting. The Pro Vice-Chancellors, the Chief Financial Officer and the Registrar had turned up moments after

we’d returned. “You don’t have much time to breathe,” I suggest. “No, I don’t”, he replies. Management Board or ‘MB’ is the most senior meeting at this university, and takes place every Monday rounding up the previous week’s events and acting as a forum for making decisions for the following few days. It’s a true insight into the enormously complex workings of a university. Each member of staff offers a brief speech on their speciality before opening up discussion. The VC, as a good chair should, says few words and remains mostly impartial. 11:00 and the meeting continues – it’s three hours in total. That might sound like a long time but when you consider that this is a summary of the most important events from the previous week, it’s actually pretty quick. So there’s not much room for explanation. It’s not easy keeping up with the jargon. Imagine a seminar where your prep consumes your entire life and the end result isn’t a piece of coursework but East Asia’s food security. I’m not exaggerating. Before I’m ushered from the room at 12:00, there is talk of a new biosciences project, which could produce research that has the capacity to “affect food supply in China and Malaysia”. Significant stuff. Without hesitating, everyone agrees that £2.5m is a small fee in light of its potential. I can’t help but wonder whether this is Nottingham’s next MRI scanner. When they discuss finance, it’s obvious that money is liberating rather than constraining. I puzzle over how many universities you could say that about right now. An academic tells me later in the day that Nottingham is in the top 5 financially. I leave at 12:00 so that the meeting can go on in private. Among other things, the opportunity to open up a campus in Shanghai is to be discussed. I ask the VC later whether it’s something he wants to keep quiet. “Not at all. If we do go ahead with it, I’ll want everyone to know.”

As soon as 13:00 passes, we head to Trent’s east wing. It’s a working lunch. The VC chairs the debate once again. This time it’s on Nottingham Potential, the university’s plan to increase aspirations of primary and secondary school students throughout Nottinghamshire. Before we enter, I ask whether this is the university’s attempt to improve its relationship with the local community in anticipation of the hike in tuition fees. He responds precisely, “No, it’s more profound than that.” Again, his leadership isn’t overbearing. When guests direct a question to him, he pauses before answering; his responses are short and succinct. Perhaps surprisingly for a competent public speaker, he’s actually soft-spoken. And yet the attention in the room regularly hangs off the breaks in his sentences. The meeting lasts till 15:00 at which point his “logistics people” plan his month ahead. I say logistics people: there’s one for domestic affairs, one for foreign meetings and so forth. The list is innumerable. In the next four weeks, there is talk of visiting Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Sweden. His foreign diarist suggests potential flights back from the East. “You could take Virgin, BA or Aeroflott (a Russian airline) but you might not be able to get your normal fare because of the Grand Prix.”

“In the next four weeks, there is talk of visiting Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Sweden.” “Not Aeroflott...Only BA or Virgin.” He adds, “I try to travel abroad no more than once a month. I have to travel to Ningbo or Malaysia at least once a quarter for ceremonial purposes.” I ask him whether he has much free time at the weekend. “Saturday I usually spend editing the journal and Sunday I like to spend in here (the VCO) when it’s quiet.” I’ve noticed a shower downstairs and ask whether it’s for him. He assures me that it’s not. At 16:00, we head off in a plush but discreet chauffeur-driven Volvo, complete with TVs and leather seats, to the opening of the first Into University community centre in Britain. It’s in Bilborough, north Nottingham, one of the most deprived wards in the city. Guests include James Lambert, founder of Into University and owner of Bicester Village and David Ross, Nottingham

alumnus, director of Into University and co-founder of The Carphone Warehouse. On the way there, I get the rare chance to ask the VC a couple of questions in private. He discusses the expansion of Jubilee Campus, briefly, after which I ask about the recovery of the university’s reputation following the report into Nottingham’s gun crime in 2003. In terms of applicants, “it’s better than where it was.” But he’s open about his frustration with how the original report was conducted. The evening carries on until 18.00. He gives a speech and mills around the room. At 18:00, I depart and he goes home before two private meetings from 20:00 to 22:00. He’s a busy man, regularly working 14-hour days and seven days a week. He has three weeks off a year. But more important than his workload is his attitude to university as a vehicle for social mobility. He went to a grammar school and then a polytechnic, and it’s obvious with his role in Nottingham Potential that he wants to offer others the break he had. As a student, I leave reassured.

Oscar Williams Tom Gamon

MARCH 2012

RACISM ON UK CAMPUSES

WHY IGNORANCE REALLY ISN’T BLISS Ethnic minorities at British universities are discriminated against. What is wrong with this statement? Factually, nothing. For one, direct testimony affirms it – saying nothing of corroborative evidence in the form of witnesses, notes, conversation logs etc. Though perhaps one ought to preface it with the perfunctory disclaimer: ‘some’. It is true that not all ethnic minorities encounter or even perceive racism, and a long history of inter-sectarian conflict shows that bigotry is hardly the preserve of the powerful. ‘Some ethnic minorities at British universities are discriminated against.’ This is good enough for now.

and social advancement on a broader level. That is, that majority populations are accorded a degree of privilege in societies where whiteness continues to be recognised as the norm. Even more alarming, there appears to be an undercurrent of suspicion within some student communities over the education boards’ ability to tackle incidents of racial discrimination. In other words, some students suspect leading universities of promoting institutional racism.

Racism is common. A controversial BBC survey conducted in 2008 revealed some uncomfortable home truths about British attitudes toward race, with 25%-40% of participants saying that they would discriminate against ethnic minorities. A later poll showed that, when provided a list of BNP policies, including the option of repatriating second and third generation immigrants, two thirds of the participants expressed some favour.

In 2011, The Guardian, surveying a broad spectrum of students from non-autochthonous backgrounds, “found that almost one in three students... did not trust their institution to deal with complaints fairly.” Students expressed concern over whether an administrative body would acknowledge an incident as racist, regardless of the victim having perceived it as such.

Racism on campus is also common. 1 in 6 ethnic minority students encounter racism while in higher education, according to an NUS report. Black students are also statistically less likely to receive a first class degree, despite entering the university with the same qualifications as their white peers. These findings – the upshot of a two year study into minority experiences in British universities – reflect salient features of the debate surrounding race

ISSUE 215

These preconceptions that the Union and the University would not be a reliable means of following-up incidents of racial abuse has led some victims to take action for themselves. While studying in Hallward Library, 3rd Year student Emily Davenport experienced racist abuse over her BBM network. In the space of a few minutes, she received multiple messages later described as “appalling and hurtful”. Davenport raised awareness of the incident by setting up a campaign on Facebook. The page entitled ‘Hate Racists? Name and Shame’ accumulated over a

WHAT IRANIAN THREAT? hundred members from the student community in just a few hours. The matter was eventually solved when Nottinghamshire police were contacted the following week. Not meaning to gainsay incidents such as these, they might better be seen as outliers of a more insidious effect. Racism in British universities is often non-deliberate. Ethnic minority students recount feeling isolated and adrift in leading UK universities, without being the object of any overt discrimination. The aforementioned report revealed that minority students believe that they are more likely to encounter racism or face being ostracised in a Russell Group institution because of the predominantly white student body. Indeed, marginalization – while not manufactured with intent – is ubiquitous across universities. The report also demonstrated that these students at times feel ill equipped to contribute in seminars because of the ‘Eurocentric focus’ of university syllabuses. Most participants strongly agreed when asked if they believed they would benefit instead from subject choices that correlate with their own cultural experience. Nevertheless, we must be vigilant so as not to allow ‘institutional racism’ and ‘Eurocentricity’ to become meaningless cant words. While the venerable English university was once a staunch votary of the establishment, lately it has served as a bulwark against it, with the Student Union and student societies at the forefront of countless liberal developments, including the LGBT rights and Palestinian movements. This year’s tailored prospectuses, with their promises of cosmopolitanism, will no doubt belie the unfortunate ‘some’ who experience discrimination within or at the hands of educational institutions. One might even be resigned to the view that education may never be extricated from its firmly traditional roots. However, the robust internationalism of Nottingham is a monument to a community dedicated at all stages to contending with this. And while racism in modern Britain is often to do with a mistaken belief in the fixity and singularity of identity, the diversity of the student body provides an opposition to these relict institutions too great to be ignored.

Izz y Scrimshire & Lucy Kenderdine

Iran has been in US sights for a while now. The oilrich state has long been viewed as a serious threat to stability in the Middle East because of its steadfast refusal to bow to what President Ahmadinejad calls “arrogant and hegemonic” Western powers. Despite the threat of US-imposed sanctions, the Islamic state continues to produce enriched uranium and heavy water – not for an atom bomb it says, but for cheap energy and for cancer medication. Israel and the US do not believe any of it and maintain their pointedly hawkish stance. But who is right in all this? It’s often hard for us to grapple with the changeability of the situation, especially given the mainstream media’s never-ending salvo of Iran-related stories, which tend to merely broaden the situation’s subtext by featuring US/Israeli pronouncements on what it calls “the Iranian threat.” So what exactly is the Iranian threat? Looking at intelligence reports from various agencies, we can clearly see that all of them agree on one thing: Iran does neither have any weaponised nuclear material, nor does it possess facilities for the development of such. Iran even claims to denounce the procurement and manufacture of nuclear weapons based on the tenets of Islam. Suspicion, it seems, arises despite most countries having clandestine or obfuscated activities for basic safe-guarding of nuclear research. Of course, no sane person would want Iran, a nation in the grip of an unquestionably unhinged dictator, to develop nuclear weapons. But why should it accede to demands to stop its civilian nuclear programme? Ratcheting up further pressure by imposing sanctions, US actions against Iran are tantamount to a declaration of war. A stable, peaceful prosperous Middle East is in everyone’s interest – but a war with Iran would only wreak further destruction and havoc on the region. To avoid this, it behoves the US to finally do away with its typical Eurocentric condescension and simply let Iran be.

Tom Clements, Impact Columnist

MARCH 2012

WHITE RIGHT?

COSMETIC PERFECTION ISN’T BLACK & WHITE Society today is unapologetically obsessed with physical appearance. Our vision of what is conventionally ‘beautiful’ is skewed and influenced by the digital enhancement that dominates our television screens, billboards and shop windows. This doesn’t stop at pursuing size zero, or longing for that perfectly proportioned nose; the latest strive for perfection is skin whitening, predominately by Asian and AfroCaribbean individuals, in order to obtain a lighter complexion. The desire to bleach the skin stems from the Asian cultural perception that to be white is to be beautiful and affluent, most likely as a result of the British colonisation of India in the early 19th century. This perception has carried on into the 21st century, with famous Bollywood actresses favouring distinctly Caucasian blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin, and black, female icons such as Beyoncé Knowles and Rebecca Ferguson being similarly digitally transformed to look paler. So, what are the obvious problems with this perception? Primarily, it encourages more Asian and AfroCaribbean people to use skin-whitening products. Ethical and racial issues aside for one moment, the health risks are pertinent. Sky News recently reported the unlicensed selling of illegal, toxic creams, particularly one containing a prescription-only steroid that is used to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. Illegal products have more rapid whitening effects, yet are not without consequence; they can cause uneven colour loss and permanent skin bleaching, amongst other side effects.

ISSUE 215

If, however, safe products are being used, then do we still have a significant problem on our hands? I spoke to 3rd year student Amin Patel about the potential positive implications of using creams: “The reasons for someone to want to use such products can be quite serious on a psychological level…if someone is constantly insulted growing up with a dark complexion, or has dark marks from scarring that makes them feel that they look less attractive, then this can have quite a negative impact on their lifestyle. Skin whitening products can be a great confidence boost which will give the user greater self-esteem for all areas in their life.” However, skin whitening is not always a personal decision; for some celebrities, it is a marketing strategy enforced on them by others. In 2010, renowned Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was enraged after her complexion was digitally whitened on the front cover of Elle magazine without her prior consent. Removing the element of personal choice, surely we are left with a case of racial prejudice and an out-dated stereotype of beauty that despite our multicultural society, seems little advanced from the colonial past. Another third year student, Kavita Patel, tells me: “…the fact that [celebrities] want to use skin whitening products may give the impression that fair skin is more attractive, which could potentially have an effect on the self-esteem and self-perception of darker skinned women.” This societal pressure to aspire to look a certain way could lead to said individuals using skin whitening creams, which could potentially have a psychologically or

physically detrimental effect on them, hence triggering a violent cycle of self-disapproval. Kavita goes on to say, however, that, “Surely [skin whitening] is just the same as the thousands of people who fake tan every day? And even worse, those who use sun beds and severely increase their risk of cancer.” Hence, the desire to lighten the skin can be seen as an example of the deeply embedded, clever advertising strategy to convince the individual that they simply are not good enough, and must strive for change in order to achieve perfection, i.e. “Your eyelashes aren’t long enough, so buy this volumising mascara.” Cosmetic perfection is something that dominates our consumerist society today. Although there is nothing wrong with adhering to cosmetic trends such as skin whitening if it is done safely, and the advantage of building self confidence is evident, there is no denying that this outdated stereotype of beauty stifles ethnic individualism. In a country that claims to encourage ethnic diversity, perhaps advertisers should celebrate and appreciate this merit, rather than turning the contrast up on Adobe in a white-wash frenzy.

Sarah Dawood

TWO NATIONS DIVIDED BY A COMMON LANGUAGE I’ve always been fascinated by America It’s a country that seems so romantic in many ways and equally frustrating in others. At times, I feel more responsive to American culture than British. For the most part, this is due to the permeating nature of the former over the latter; American films, music, television are as ubiquitous on our shores as they are in the States. Our city centres are saturated with American companies, McDonalds, Starbucks, none of which are new: global consumerism isn’t reserved to Britain. However, as US culture bleeds into our own, I find myself oddly drawn to US politics, perhaps more so than British politics. I can comfortably name all of the Presidents from the last century and could probably have a good stab at the centuries preceding it. But, I couldn’t tell you who the Prime Ministers were in the 1930’s or the 1950’s for that matter. As the Republican candidacy has gathered momentum over the past months, I find myself being drawn in once again. My primary source for the goingson in US politics is The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Comedy Central’s resident news satire show. Stewart’s show superbly dissects news stories, adding punch lines where necessary, but for the most part letting them flow naturally. Lampooning the style of CNN and other major news networks in the US, Stewart taps into what I see as an underlying sense of absurdity within US politics. If The Daily Show is the perfect parody of CNN, than The Colbert Report (pronounced “col-bare re-pour”) is the perfect parody of Fox News. Hosted by Stephen Colbert, who adopts a deadpan take of Fox News pundits such as Bill O’Reilly, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity, The Report

masterfully turns the Republican propaganda machine’s warped view of reality in on itself for sublime comedic effect. Both shows take developments within American politics and, at times, express their despair at how those in positions of considerable power can be so incompetent.

This has inspired me to wonder why we don’t have an equivalent over here, especially when Stewart is often named the “most trusted name in US news”. Despite the presence of shows such as 10 O’clock Live, we don’t have a daily equivalent which is odd when Charlie Brooker and David Mitchell seem to be the transatlantic heirs of Stewart and Colbert. The broad conclusion I’ve come to is that, for the most part American politics is far more eccentric and British politics too insular and rather dull. American leaders need to be above all things charismatic, but at times are extremely obtuse; British leaders are for the most part intelligent, but rather oddball characters.

Things seem to be clearer in the US. You have the right-wing and the leftwing – or rather centre right – the Republicans and the Democrats, Big Business and the Working Man. However, even this clear division still seems baffling to many in American society. Fox News endlessly complains of the ‘liberal’ bias in the media that elected Obama, a cunning scheme which in reality has encouraged the progressive shift to the right. It all seems so surreal, you can’t help but feel frustratingly drawn in. In comparison, British politics seems positively dull; broadly speaking, the Conservatives represent the UpperMiddle Class, Labour represent the Lower-Middle Class and the Liberals are somewhere in-between. Our political scandals involve MP’s bending the rules ever so slightly, cooking the books; compared to US political scandals, The Lewinsky Trial, Cheney’s hunting ‘accident’, Katrinagate, British scandals hardly seem to qualify. As the American political system so ardently focuses on the needs of the people, it feels fascinatingly intimate, whereas British politics is so distant and removed from people’s everyday lives it feels totally uninspiring. I feel at times that I romanticise US politics. The charisma of the leaders and the unbelievable nature of the whole entity often disguises that the system is also dysfunctional and easily manipulated. I even feel disloyal to British politicians, who, mostly, are intelligent and competent in their jobs. Nonetheless, I think I’ll always be more drawn to US politics than British.

Ben James

MARCH 2012

THE BIG

QUESTION

The value of studying science at university is blindingly obvious. Graduates can heal people, discover the universe, and tell us exactly how our world works. How can mere bachelors of the arts hope to match this? With the rise of tuition fees, arts students will pay more for fewer contact hours compared to science students, indicating the government’s perception of the arts. And yet, the majority of graduate entry jobs simply require a degree – so surely there must be something valuable about an arts degree? Looking at the bigger picture, science alone is not enough. Yes, research is crucial for solutions to problems such as climate change, but humans are not rational robots; we are creatures of emotion. And it is in articles, books, art, music and films that the fruits of these emotions lie.

YES

What was science fiction only a few decades ago is now available with a range of covers and accessories. This is possible because of new generations of scientists that have studied long and hard, probed and examined, pushing

ISSUE 215

This self-reflection also acts as a balance to scientific developments. With cognitive scientists asserting that the mind is simply a computing device, a counterbalancing interpretation is desperately needed to remind us of who we are. During the Cold War, it was only knowledge of the essence of human nature that saved the world from destruction at the hands of ‘scientific progress’, in the form of nuclear weapons.

Grand progress aside, arts offer a unique kind of pleasure; there is not much room for original thinking in science degrees, where all assessments have ‘right answers’. Arts students are taught to think differently, seeing truth in different phenomena. Neither view is superior, but both are necessary. Those studying arts degrees are paying for far more than merely the “privilege of reading textbooks”. If we cannot ponder as well as empirically prove, we commit ourselves to a closeminded, one-sided, and incomplete study of the world; hardly something conducive to the healthy progression of humankind.

Chloe Wenman

ARE THE ARTS SUBJECTS AS VALUABLE AS THE SCIENCES?

Do you like the Internet? Have you ever watched TV? I thought so. The world around us is dominated by technology. Walk down any high street and the wonders of the modern age will tease and tempt you with their ‘faster processors’ and ‘Higher Definition’. We are living in an age of gadgets, the smartphone and Facebook; we take for granted things that one hundred years ago people accepted as impossible. And who invented it all? That’s right; it was the scientists.

How can we appreciate progress if we don’t know what’s come before? And more to the point, why do we even want progress? Arts satisfy the human urge to understand our own experiences. In an age of globalisation and multiculturalism, this is crucial; it is only through empathy that we can be responsible citizens.

the limits of what is possible. Yet, this debate goes beyond what you study at university. Here, we are talking about society’s general view of the worlds of science and art. Art tries to recreate some truth, some meaning of the world around us. But our masterpieces, our greatest novels and sonatas will always be constrained by human limitations. Literature, no matter how exquisitely written, can never escape semantics. Science, on the other hand, lets us understand what creates the beauty in the first place. The English writer Alan Moore once said, “Artists use lies to tell the truth” – in turn, scientists simply find the truth.

The idea that art has some particular elegance that science lacks is wrong; Einstein’s famous equation E = mc2 has had a greater effect on the world with only three letters than most authors have had with a thousand pages. Its simplicity produces an elegance that cannot be matched by art. Don’t get me wrong. Art for art’s sake is one of the greatest accomplishments of the human race; it is one of the hallmarks of a civilised, creative society, but the scope of science quite literally knows no bounds. Scientists will always have something to strive for: a purpose. And that is the most valuable thing there is.

Ben Mcgeorge-Henderson

WAVE YOUR RAVE Marmite, you either love it…or you’re obsessed with it. Not a day passes without a taste of that lusciously rich, treacle brown elixir on my lips. Its thick glistening texture running off the blade of a knife is enough to moisten even the most stubborn pallets and for me marks the start of almost every day. Having munched, spooned and spread my way through over two pots of the stuff this term, it would be of no surprise to find that this yeasty extract is by now exuding from my pores. But this might not necessarily be a bad thing. It has been claimed that eating a spoonful of Marmite a day while in mosquito prone areas, could actually lessen the occurrence of bites, due to Marmite’s high concentration of vitamin B, a mosquito repellent. True or not, this is an idea I relish (or should I say, spread) and one I regularly advocate when on holiday. Discovered in 1886, Marmite has gone on to become a mainstay of the British home, and it is easy to see why. As a selfconfessed addict and pioneer of Marmite-infused recipes, my repertoire now includes such delicacies as ‘Marmite mash’, ‘Marmite pasta’ and my favourite post-night-out snack ‘Marmite peas’. But for those a little less adventurous who may be sitting on the precariously unstable fence (as, after all, you really love it or hate it), Marmite does have some incredibly useful applications. Packed full of vitamins and minerals and completely vegetarian, it fits easily into a healthy diet. Its salty taste can compliment many types of sauces and gravy. For me, however, its most useful trait is its hangover-curing propensity. Whether spread on toast or mixed into something more unconventional, the salt and minerals help to replace that lost through dehydration, lessening that lingering headache. All that is left to say it that Marmite is most definitely my favourite and should be yours too!

Claudia Baxter

VENT YOUR SPLEEN Let’s put it out there, shall we? I hate clubbing. Hate it. And you know what – I hate alcohol too. There, I’ve said it. I know uni’s the time for big nights out, but I cannot for the life of me understand the appeal. Why such hatred? The music is hideously loud (and mostly awful), it’s stuffy, seemingly full of persistent perverts, the fancy dress themes are dreadful (nympho nurses, anyone?), and my dancing looks like I’m directing traffic. And of course clubs and drinking go together. I hate the taste, the price, the way it makes people think it’s hilarious to wake up with a migraine and covered in sick. Plus the oh-so-hallowed drunk student stereotype…why promote such a self-degrading image? I recall with horror my first and only ‘night out’; needless to say, it was grim. Maybe because I was back home in Norfolk, a county full of fields and tractors. Or maybe because in every club, where I had to scream at my friends over the music, we were surrounded by orange-faced, barely-dressed girls, and self-professed Casanovas (i.e. louts from the farming college) kept trying to ‘work their magic’. Here, in Nottingham, it’s inescapable – I hear about “pre-drinks”, “lashes” and “coming home absolutely Jeremy Kyled” daily. And each time, I die a little more inside. The worst thing, far worse than all these atrocities, is this: why do I feel shunned for not going out like this? Why, when I say I don’t drink or club, do I feel my companion looking at me like I’ve just announced I’m a helicopter? The partying side of student life is so highly publicised, you’d be hard pressed not to feel that it’s what you have to do. Without my societies, I’d be curled up in a corner every night grumbling; thank heavens for them. And whatever happened to a good old-fashioned night in? For me, there’s nothing better than baked goods and a trashy makeover show. And an hour of Gok Wan calling me “girlfriend” and showing me dresses is infinitely better than six hours of ear-bursting music I can’t even dance to.

Charlotte Hickling MARCH 2012

STUDENTS’ UNION

WWW.SU.NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COMING UP AFTER EASTER? We know when you come back after Easter youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have coursework and exams to think about, but fear not; your Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union has organised plenty of exciting events for you to mark the end of exams and the start of Summer:

FRIDAY 4TH MAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SOCIETIES BALL SATURDAY 9TH JUNE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SUMMER PARTY WEDNESDAY 13TH JUNE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SOUNDS ON THE DOWNS THURSDAY 14TH JUNE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GRAD BALL Keep up to date with us: @UoNSU

University of Nottingham Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union UoNstudentsUnion Visit su.nottingham.ac.uk

YOUR VIEWS MATTER: LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! The team at the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union is currently working on a variety of projects which are focused on what students think of the commercial services on campus. We will be asking for your opinions in a variety of ways; through mystery shopper !

Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union website. If you would like any more information at this stage, if you have some suggestions or you simply want to help out or get involved, you can email the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union Research Co-ordinator directly: keri.johnson@nottingham.ac.uk In May weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also be launching our Student Satisfaction Survey. This is your chance to tell us how well the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union ! possible so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really important that you tell us what you think! Please take a few minutes to complete this survey, it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long and we really do listen to your opinions. Look out for more information about the Survey on the Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union website.

PLANK ING |VERB| TO PLANK - TO LAY HORIZONTALLY IN A STRANGE OR UNUSUAL PLACE GET YOUR CAMERA, WE’RE GOING PLANKING.

ISSUE 215

MARCH 2012

FILM&TV

URBAN LONELINESS ISOLATED FIGURES IN CITYSCAPES For every Stallone or Schwarzenegger, the late 70s and 80s were littered with dark, complex cityscapes and morally ambivalent protagonists, who typified the noir genre and the concept of urban loneliness. The city becomes a character in itself, dark and vast, the enemy of the anti-hero who walks the thin line between doom and redemption, sanity and madness. The cult classic Blade Runner paints a caliginous, nihilistic view of the world to come. The stark contrast between the black city backdrop and the glaring neon lights makes the dystopian Los Angeles seem alienating yet somehow thrillingly alive. Filming techniques such as the inclusion of lens flare add a sense of realism, yet create the feeling of being dwarfed and disorientated by the dystopian cityscape and our urban future. Interestingly, although the city on the outside is washed with rain and swathed in darkness, inside the rooms are pale, sensual and almost archaic in style; men are trying to cling on to softer, more womblike surroundings in a world so stark and stifling. JF Sebastian, the main character, embodies the concept of loneliness as a sympathetic and isolated character who literally ‘befriends’ his slave replicants. His kindness is offset by his assumed superiority over the replicants, but he seems to want what humanity has lost in its technological advancement and social decay; he seeks community and companionship in a world that strives

ISSUE 215

only for individualism. It reiterates the human desire to be noticed in our fleeting existence when we are surrounded by millions of others, even if it means sacrificing something more meaningful with other human beings. Angel Heart is another stellar film that illustrates unforgivingly what loneliness can do to people. Set in 1955, and fully embracing the Gothic Noir style, director Alan Parker draws the light and colour from every shot. The opening sequence in Harlem shows a city that has fallen from grace with its smoky, faded aura. The movie is sewn together with shadowy scenes down narrow corridors, light deprived rooms and alienating long-distance shots. This is also typical of David Lynch’s Blue Velvet, where horror and beauty are merged together completely during Beaumont’s investigation into the seedy, sadomasochistic underbelly of his idyllic town. The city becomes the perfect counterpart to the protagonist of Angel Heart, Harry Angel (portrayed by Mickey Rourke); the greyed architecture around him with its maze of pipes, twisted stairways and traces of ruin illustrates perfectly Angel’s pull away from his rational mind, and foreshadows his bleak and paranoid descent into the dark underworld of mysticism and satanic capture. Harry Angel is one of the characters within this genre to not be redeemed at the end of the film, and he

epitomises metaphorical concepts that were rife in film noir decades before: crime, urban loneliness and paranoia. The character of the driver is also one that is prevalent all the way through American film folklore, but became a true vessel for isolation in an urban scape in the 70s. In Taxi Driver, Scorsese’s direction focuses relentlessly on Travis Bickle, a troubled, psychotic war veteran and his lone, obsessive task to clear the city’s streets of lowlifes, paired elegantly with Herrmann’s moody and noir-esque score. Bickle encompasses the driver archetype entirely: “Loneliness has followed me all my life, everywhere… There’s no escape.” Rain, as in Blade Runner, adds a biblical edge to Bickle’s mission - for as long as there is abuse of power and corruption lining the streets, the water will try to wash away the people’s sins. Dystopian cities can leave us wallowing in the recesses of our minds; these films of the 70s and 80s understood completely that there is nothing more isolating than questioning your own humanity. For every individual case of redemption that we witness, from Bickle to Beaumont, we’re still left with the question - is mankind ultimately doomed?

Isabel Davies

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SECTION/FILM-AND-TELEVISION

A MODERN PERSPECTIVE While urban isolation is by no means a modern condition in cinema, perhaps now more than ever it has become thematically relevant to the times we live in. Shame, released at the beginning of this year, harnessed the idea of an individual isolated by an overreliance on technology. Brandon, Shame’s protagonist, suffers from sex addiction, but the technology he uses in his everyday life exists as an enabler. Brandon’s laptop plays an important character in the film – it is his entry point to the world of gratification, without which he would surely lose himself to his addiction. This reliance is reminiscent of the ending of The Social Network – Jesse Eisenberg’s character ends with more money and power than he can comprehend, but closes the film sitting alone, refreshing his Facebook page on his laptop and waiting for a social interaction.

the stigma attached to his job, he lives a sparse existence, refusing to allow anyone aside from himself into his small apartment and never admitting to owning a telephone.

The idea of technology acting as a barrier between people and the real world takes us back to Francis Ford Coppola’s outstanding 1972 tale of guilt and paranoia, The Conversation. “A world of two-way mirrors, a world where nothing is private.” This quote from the theatrical trailer for The Conversation represents the paranoia of privacy. The film stars Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a man plagued by insecurities related to his field of work. He is a wire-tapper, an audio surveillance expert who is hired to spy on people with secrets. To distance himself from

It is notable that in many cinematic cases the condition of loneliness ultimately leads to mental instability. Travis Bickle descends into a visual psychosis as Taxi Driver reaches its final climactic scenes, Harry Caul ends The Conversation by having a breakdown in his apartment and Trevor Reznik in The Machinist begins experiencing delusions so severe he completely loses his grasp on reality. Perhaps one of the most disturbing examples of this fact is Christian Bale’s turn as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. Like Shame’s depiction of a New York filled

Like Brandon also, Harry Caul’s apartment is his bubble of isolation. When they step outside of their comfort zone and walk the city streets (New York and San Francisco respectively) they seem to be completely separate from the constant buzz of activity surrounding them, akin to Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver. Another character whose apartment cuts them off from the rest of the world is Trevor Reznik in The Machinist, played by Christian Bale. Like Harry Caul, there’s an overriding feeling of guilt to Reznik’s isolation, which has seen him lose so much weight that he has almost ceased to exist as a human being.

with sexually troubled individuals, American Psycho’s Big Apple is a cocktail of insane people. While you would expect Bateman’s homicidal tendencies to make him the standout character, as the film descends into madness it becomes apparent that its focus, the business world of Manhattan, is one gigantic hub of insanity with little to distinguish the murderers from the stockbrokers. Isolation and loneliness in urban landscapes has long been a mindset in many of the most prominent filmmakers. Whether it’s the fear of losing one’s privacy, like The Conversation, or a sheer destruction of self, like The Machinist, these movies represent the inward paranoia of humanity. Whilst loneliness will never be cured as a condition of cinema until the world fixes its insecurities, the shift to the fear of technological isolation will only become more prominent as social media networks such as Facebook continue to imprint so heavily on our social lives.

Tom Grater

MARCH 2012

FILM&TV

A FILM OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS? medieval mystery plays. Perhaps Gods and Kings will resolve this; will Spielberg emphasise the personal struggle of Moses or rather his role within a deeply religious retelling of the Torah?

The Easter story: a divine epic in which the tragic hero not only prevails over a totalitarian regime and a devious villain but the entirety of human sin. Regardless of whether one accepts the events to be true, the story is ingrained in contemporary culture, either as a cinematic retelling, such as in Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ, or as the backdrop for an individual’s struggle with the truth as seen in the former preacher turned alien survivor in Signs. Films have never shied away from religion and it seems none are prepared to buck the trend; least of all, Steven Spielberg who has apparently been in talks with Warner Brothers to revive the age-old story of princes, prophets and plagues as a biopic of Moses entitled Gods and Kings. So, can religion truly inspire the production of great films? This won’t be the first time the Israelite revolutionary has received a big screen adaptation, most notably in The Ten Commandments starring Charlton Heston. In the late 50s, when major studios were competing fiercely over the distribution of television, films such as The Ten Commandments, Samson and Delilah and Ben-Hur provided

ISSUE 215

larger-than-life action along with the period drama that allowed certain studios to gain the upper hand. A more contemporary example is the Sunday School favourite The Prince of Eg ypt, which re-imagines the biblical classic in typical Disney song and dance form. It would seem at first glance that the stories of the Bible could inspire not only great films but also musicals, something modern directors seem to have forgotten. Perhaps it’s a symptom of modernity’s focus on the individual that films have often been unwilling to draw from scripture directly, but rather use religious allegory as the context for personal struggle and metamorphosis. In Signs, a former preacher is forced to reconcile his faith in God with his own personal suffering; in Million Dollar Baby, the church is a site of Frankie Dunn’s personal struggle and indecision over both his absentee daughter and his female boxing protégé. Currently, films seem to be doing what literature went through several hundred years ago when the individualism of works such as Doctor Faustus, The Pilgrim’s Progress and Jane Eyre contrasted against earlier

Having considered scripture’s realised potential for film adaptations and the religious struggle that has become so featured in Hollywood characterisations, we must wonder why Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ was received so badly by critics. The crucifixion of Jesus is a powerful ideology, both emotionally and spiritually; the prophetic leader of a community of believers is tortured and killed whilst his disciples are scattered, dejected, hopeless and lacking in guidance. However, by focusing purely on the death of Jesus, the film is far removed from that context of community and authority, which makes the death so tragic. By simplifying Jesus’ multi-faceted character of love, anger, authority and personal struggle to basic physical suffering, Gibson robbed Christ of the features that make him so provoking a religious figure. Religion and film have an irrevocable relationship and whilst I’ve focused on Christianity, this relationship expands far beyond the parameters of the Abrahamic faiths. One need only look at the many incarnations of the Hindu epic The Ramayana to see that the role of religion in film is one that transcends cultural borders and, in spite of modern secularism, can inspire great films.

Thomas Mackay To read more from Thomas Mackay, please visit his Video Games blog at www.impactnottingham.com/section/ gamers-guide/

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SECTION/FILM-AND-TELEVISION

STAFF SCRAPBOOK: POST-APOCALYPTIC MOVIES FOR THE 2012 OPTIMISTS 28 DAYS LATER

Infected by ‘rage’, fuelled by bloodlust and rampaging around the English countryside at will, the creatures of Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later are not your traditional zombies. Gone are the days of the groaning and shuffling that we so often see in the movies of George A. Romero; instead, the creatures of this worldwide epidemic are an agile and intelligent race more suited to violence than their slow-marching predecessors. This is a brilliant post-apocalyptic film; you know a cure can’t possibly be found and so the only option is to somehow survive, bringing out a darker, more primitive side of human nature that hasn’t been seen before in films of this kind.

Felix Taylor

NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND

Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Nausicaä takes an animated, fantasy approach to the post-apocalyptic genre. Earth, now inhabited by giant insects, is steadily becoming consumed by the poisonous ‘Sea of Decay’ after a cataclysmic war. Nestled away in the Valley of the Wind, Princess Nausicaä and her citizens are caught between two warring nations and the instability of the dying planet. With a striking resemblance to the ‘sand-scapes’ of Frank Herbert’s novel Dune, Miyazaki’s imaginative vision of a desolate panorama is an enchanting and fascinating one. Commenting on themes of environmentalism and militarism, Miyazaki intricately blends an engaging narrative and compelling characters with beautiful animation and Joe Hisaishi’s mesmerising musical score.

Jack Singleton CHILDREN OF MEN

Alfonso Cuarón’s post-apocalyptic, dystopian masterpiece is by far one of the most disturbing and insightful films within the genre, breath-taking in its creation of a world that is so profoundly alien, yet uncannily familiar. Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale and set in early 21st Century Britain, the world has been plunged into chaos following a worldwide spread of infertility. The last generation of mankind has descended into social unrest and Britain has become a police state. In the midst of this, Theo (Clive Owen) is approached by his ex-wife, Julian (Julianne Moore) with the prospect of restoring order to society. The movie offers a superb use of film language and one of the most unsettling, yet touching narratives I’ve ever seen.

DELICATESSEN

Ben James

Simply: a cannibalism comedy. Food shortages stalk southern France. The currency is lentils, or a nice pair of shoes if you have them. An ex-clown (Dominique Pinon) finds work with a perturbing landlord, a disquieting figure who doubles as the local butcher. Living on a knife-edge and awkwardly in love with the butcher’s daughter, our hero struggles to find peace as the tenants collude for another unusual roast. Co-written and directed by the creator of Amelie (Jean-Pierre Jeunet), Delicatessen is visually enchanting and darkly brilliant. Black humour mixes with absurdity and childlike wonder for a captivating watch in the gloom and decay of foggy French streets. Not your average post-apocalyptic film, this surreal piece brings laughter to the strangest scenarios.

Tom Gamon

Kat Dixon

MARCH 2012

WWW.IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM

FINISHED READING OUR LATEST ISSUE?

ISSUE

212

SEPTEMBER

2011

213

NOVEMBER

2011

WWW.IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM

ISSUE

214

JANUARY

2012

WWW.IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM

THE SECRET OF THE STREETS BRIGHT, YOUNG PEOPLE

TODAY’S STUDENTS, TOMORROW’S CEOS

IMPACT EXPLORES THE CHANGING FACE OF PROSTITUTION

See where you’re going. Be where it’s at.

EXPLICIT CONSENT

SHOULD WE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE SEX?

THE REAL BNOCS

THE WHO’S WHO OF NU

SMILE FOR THE JURY

Elevating viewpoints. Expanding horizons. Exceeding expectations.

SEXISM SELLS

Graduate leadership careers and selected internships in Retail and Business Banking, Human Resources, Marketing & Products, Marketing Analytics, Credit Risk Analytics, Credit Risk Delivery & Information Management, Technology – Product & Process Development, Finance and Tax.

FROM COURTROOM

IS IT Prepare for OK a futureTO at theMAKE top of the financial services world.

TO CELEBRITY

Visit seemore-bemore.com to learn more. FUN OF MEN

@barclaysgrads

THROUGH THEIR EYES IMPACT INVESTIGATES THE PLIGHT OF YOUNG REFUGEES

BLAME IT ON THE ALCOHOL

A BANKER’S TALE

ARE LICENCING LAWS SPOILING OUR FUN?

ALL ABOUT SEX AND MONEY

Barclays Graduates

VISIT IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM FOR THE NEWEST ARTICLES FROM YOUR FAVORITE IMPACT WRITERS

ISSUE 215

STYLE

ST YLE CLOSET From Stella McCar tney to Alexander Wang, and Vera Wang to Isabel Marant, the ‘spor ty style’ is a well known look and S/S 12 appears to be ready to embrace it with open arms, just in time for the London Olympics. Unlike Team GB, we do not have Stella McCar tney adding a touch of glamour to our summer spor ty essentials; however, we have selected a few key pieces to get you star ted.

Topshop; Black Jumpsuit with Gold trim, £80

Topshop; Green satin vest top, £28

H&M; Sheer black crop top, £9.99

Miss Selfridge; Dress, £39.00

Miss Selfridge; Pink Denim Hot Pants

Office; Aztec Nike High tops; £74.99

Asos; Yellow cut out dress, £25

Asos; Mid length skirt

Topshop; Double Zip Undershorts, £18

Zara, Wedge Jelly Shoe, £39.99

15 14

Miss Selfridge; Pink T-Shirt, £25

Dorothy Perkins; Golden Metallic Skinny Jeans, £35

boohoo.com; £12.00, boohoo.com; scallop vest top

CREDIT: PRSHOTS.COM & FASHIONGPS.COM

Zara; Sunglasses, £17.99

H&M; Bag, £9.99

Tom Gamon MARCH 2012

JACKET; VINTAGE ADIDAS, DRESS; AMERICAN APPAREL, SHOES; NIKE.

ISSUE 215

STYLED & DIRECTED BY: HANNAH DONALD & EMMA-JANE STEELE ASSISTED BY: LAUREN SANDERS, LUCY BRAMLEY & HANNAH WILKINSON HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY: LAUREN SANDERS & EMILY JANE CRAIG. MODEL: CHLOE SANDERS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MATTHEW WHITELY & JAMES BOUCHER

TOP AND TROUSERS; AMERICAN APPAREL, SHOES; ASOS.

MARCH 2012

STYLE ARE WE STILL SWEATING OVER SWEATSHOPS? Throughout the noughties, awareness was raised, and paranoia spread about the employment of ‘sweatshop’ style labour by many British High Street stores. In 2008, BBC Three aired the documentary Blood, Sweat and T-Shirts, which spurred a wave of interest into how factories all over the world are filled with garment workers struggling to survive on a life of extremely low pay, despicable working conditions, and an absolute lack of trade union representation. When Kate Moss launched her line at Topshop in 2007, a newspaper investigation suggested that Sir Phillip Green was using Third World sweatshops, where workers would work for 70 hours a week at 40p an hour, so as to maximise profits. His name was pulled through the mud once again in 2010. Channel 4’s Dispatches sent a reporter to work for three months in Leicester,

stitching garments in factories for retail chains, including BHS, which is part of Sir Phillip Green’s Arcadia Group, along with Topshop. Throughout the investigation, the Dispatches reporter found the factory environment to be “dangerous” and to contain “pressurised sweatshop conditions”. In a separate report issued in 2010, Taking

ISSUE 215

Liberties: The story behind the UK high street, it is mentioned that Arcadia is not a member of the Ethnic Trading Initiative. While the report goes onto explain that members of the initiative, like Debenhams, Monsoon and Next do not take the initiative seriously enough, we must ask ourselves why Sir Phillip Green and his Empire have made the decision not to enlist in the initiative at all. We asked a representative from the Arcadia Group to comment on the on-going problem, wanting to know if the High Streets of Britain were still being clothed by sweatshops in 2012. We were directed to the ‘Fashion Footprint section’ of Arcadia’s website, and instructed to read the ‘Responsibilities Report for 2012’. The report is encouraging, and while it does not mention the word ‘sweat’ at any point, there are extensive listings of

every charitable project that Arcadia is embarking upon in 2012. Still, it is pretty telling that many of Arcadia’s stores have at some point carried an overpriced, Fairtrade line. Are we really supposed to be impressed that the shops, which clothe a great majority of the British public, are kind

enough to make a few items fair for the workers? Surely, if these stores had left the sweatshop horrors in the past, their bosses would be preaching from the mountaintops by now. Obviously, it is near impossible to find an actual list of stores that exploit their workers, but one thing is for certain: anti-sweatshop stores are incredibly proud of their ethical status. American Apparel, for example, boasts being ‘100% sweatshop free’. But of course, they have the off-putting price tag to match. Like it or not, the option of wholesome clothing raises a question more horrifying than the issue itself: do we even care? Or have we as a nation become so desensitised to the amount of shit that happens, that we’ve all just developed an all-round ‘shit happens’ attitude? Kate Middleton’s decision to step out in Reiss’ ‘Shola’ design dress, was the most recent sweatshop shame to hit the British press. Despite the widely publicised revelation that the garment had been manufactured in Romanian factories by workers being paid 90p an hour, the dress sold out within 24 hours. The fact that even today, Fairtrade clothing is a great novelty is enough to prove that workers are still being extorted by retail monsters. And although the majority of us may shudder and adopt some pretend political views when we are forced to think about where our wardrobes originate from, we then most likely start mindlessly browsing the web and daydreaming about new purchases. It would seem that today’s fash-fans are widely apathetic-istas, and until this changes, the heads of the High Street will continue to pull the wool over our eyes and the rug from beneath their workers’ feet.

Jessica Newsome

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/STYLE

THE METROSEXUAL MAN

According to new research, the modern day ‘lad’ is actually not so lad-ish, but instead more lady. Results from the ‘Body Talk’ survey conducted by the YMCA and Bristol University in January showed that a lot of men are now more body conscious than women, with many taking longer to get ready and spending more time in the bathroom. In a not-so-distant past, the metrosexual man was only available in the media; on your television, in your magazine and on the catwalk. Prime examples of this are David Beckham for his clear love of beauty products and ever-changing hairstyles, Russell Brand for his selfadornment with eyeliner and painfully tight skinny leather trousers, and nearly every male in The Only Way is Essex for their love of fake tan. The metrosexual man can now be found walking amongst us more than ever before, even on your very own University campus. Male students are now pulling off the fantastical “I’ve spent two hours creating my just-got-out-of-bed-hair look to match my Barbour jacket” on an everyday basis. I know a number of boys that

regularly use make up (mainly concealer), dye their hair, spend a considerable amount on hair styling products, have a skin care routine, and make a conscious effort to be wearing popular brands. I no longer give it a second thought when my brother borrows my straighteners or my male housemate uses my hairdryer. It’s becoming more and more commonplace for boys to come and ask us girls for advice on which of their many pairs of Topman skinny jeans goes with one of their many Topman checked shirts. How far will the boundaries of the metrosexual male be pushed, I hear you ask? At Paris Fashion Week, Bernhard Willhelm unveiled male models dressed in ripped overalls and sporting headbands emblazoned with ‘I love black c*ck’. Although this extreme fashion statement might not catch on for the everyday male, a number of others already have. With the rise of the metrosexual have come some inevitable (and laughable) trends. A personal favourite of mine is ‘meggings’, i.e. male leggings. It seemed

unlikely enough that skinny jeans would become so popular amongst boys a few years ago, but this is a trend I really hope won’t catch on. I just can’t see male leggings becoming a wardrobe staple anytime soon; however, we’ll have to wait and see. The more alarming cosmetic trend of ‘boy tox’ (botox for men) has also started to take off, predominantly in the States. With men becoming rapidly more conscious of their image, perhaps the gap in beauty regimes between men and women is soon going to disappear completely. I know it’s a bit hypocritical, but boys, are you really commodifying and objectifying yourselves this readily? Haven’t you witnessed how much effort it is for us girls to keep up our detailed, expensive, and time-consuming regimes? Oh, and a heads-up for if they ever try to come into fashion – only male ballet dancers should wear tights.

Hannah Donald

MARCH 2012

TRAVEL THE GRAND TOUR: A SEVENTEENTH CENTURY GAP YEAR Nowadays, interrailing through Europe has become a well-worn path, with many Brits crossing multiple borders, hopping through a huge diversity of cultures and experiencing some of the richest histories in the world. However, whilst soaking up the romance of Paris and exploring the antiquities of Rome, some of the hidden history of these continental treasures has been lost. Travellers both young and old are unaware of whose footsteps they are following in, as they pass through ancient cities, driven by an inexplicable urge to travel. This urge, however, is actually an echo to one of the most decadent, prestigious and exciting aspects of history: the Grand Tour. The Grand Tour was the playground of the young aristocracy, a travelling route that centred around Paris and the provincial towns of Italy. Historians have generally accepted that the tour began in the seventeenth century and spanned until the nineteenth century, by which time it was the set

itinerary for foreign travel. Although we may now take a year out to travel, many of these tours would last up to two or three years, largely due to the long periods of time spent thoroughly investigating European cities and the slow modes of transport that prevailed at the time. However, while some adventurers, like our very own D.H. Lawrence, walked to Italy, for most the introduction of the railway in the mid to late nineteenth century radically changed the Grand Tour and the way that people experienced travel. Much like today, the time spent away was dramatically reduced as people embarked on whirlwind tours of the continent. With less time now allocated for travel, many needed a more concise plan to see what were considered the most ‘important’ sights; and so the guidebook was born. These new books gave tourists an easy option while they were herded through the fashionably accepted histories and sights of different cities.

Nicely polished, convenient, and package-like, these holidays were not, however, to everyone’s taste. Like today, many were still left wondering what they were missing. The countries on the Grand Tour were rich and diverse and many Romantics in the 19th century rejected the idea of a set path, taking an anti-tourist stance and advocating the unknown and the dangerous. Still, while there were disputes about the execution of travel, the tourist and the anti-tourist were ultimately there for the same reason as their ancestors were. Even since the sixteenth century, the traveller went to the continent to learn, through wide and constantly evolving means. Some simply experienced the continent; they drank, talked to people, ate the indulgent foods and dabbled in the forbidden (courtesans can be found in many a young man’s travel diary). Others joined academic institutions like the prestigious one in Padua and immersed themselves in Italy’s vast knowledge of arts, philosophy and science. The tour became the pinnacle of education, the ultimate learning curve and an opportunity to improve one’s position at home. While interrailing today might not have the same prestigious values that the Grand Tour had at its heart, it still shares similarities. In all of us, there is a bit of an anti-tourist, following in the Romantic footsteps of Byron and Dickens, that wants to ditch everyone else, embark on an adventure and live like a local. And while newly gained knowledge of European history might do no more than help win a pub quiz, the experience of travel and the sense of freedom it provides helps us all learn how to handle independence. The Grand Tour is the grandfather of the gap year and we all have to thank it for our travelling roots.

Sarah Hughes

ISSUE 215

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/TRAVEL

AN INDIAN SLUM TOUR

During a visit to Mumbai last year, I embarked on a tour of ‘Asia’s biggest slum’, the slum that hit the screens in the blockbuster Slumdog Millionaire and shocked the world – Dharavi. This infamous settlement is home to over a million people who live, work and play in a square mile of land, and juxtaposes the rich and the poor of India to a startling extent. I have never witnessed anything more thought-provoking than the binary oppositions within this slum. One moment you’ll smell freshly made naan bread and the next you will literally be gagging on the stench of the open sewers. A child will then run past in rags, barefoot, and next a woman dressed in jewellery and a brightly coloured sari will glide past like an Indian Princess. It is for this reason that I left the slum tour utterly baffled. What kind of place was this? The sights seen in the film Slumdog Millionaire are true to the reality. The dark, narrow passages wind around, maze-like; the cramped housing with corrugated tin roofs are too small for the large families and the indescribable stench from the limited toilets would make any slum tour unforgettable. However, Westerners imagine that this slum is miserable and sickening

and of course, to us, it is. We cannot imagine ourselves living somewhere like Dharavi. However, the people living here count themselves as the lucky ones. While walking around Mumbai, it is easy to see how 50% of it’s 12 millionstrong population are classed as living in ‘informal settlements’. Families set up camp on the edge of roads covered only by a sheet of tarpaulin and do not have access to the water, toilets and electricity that the homes in Dharavi do. The slum is a massive business hub. Young men stitching sequins to dresses, or sweating over hot machinery while women sit creating hundreds of pots out of red clay, can be seen to all that pass through. The business can be surprisingly ‘green’ too – one warehouse I visited was for recycling. The economic statistics for Dharavi are amazing: it has an annual turnover of US$665 million and is the second largest exporter of leather in the whole of India. Dharavi is a booming city within a city. The most important thing to remember about Dharavi is that it is a home to these people. To them it is not just a dirty, smelly slum but also a place where their families have lived, often for several generations. There they have brought up their children, earned money and made a home for them-

selves. This therefore, raises the question: should foreigners be allowed to walk around ogling at these people’s homes and livelihoods? Perhaps not. But many tourists, including myself, fall into this trap. Some companies play on tourists’ fascination with the slums as a way to simply rake in the cash. They turn slums like Dharavi into a form of ‘poverty porn’ – they can exploit the people in order to make money. How would you feel if tourists came walking around your home, your street, your workplace, taking photos and pointing? Nevertheless, I believe that there is a right way to take part in a slum tour whether it is in India’s slums, or South Africa’s shantytowns. Pick a slum tour agency that is respectful of the people who live there, which often are recommended by guides such as the Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide. Credible organisations like this allow tourists to see the slum sights as well as help the community. Despite the controversies, I would recommend a tour of Dharavi for anyone visiting Mumbai. Standing on a warehouse rooftop overlooking the entire slum, in the pouring monsoon rain, gives you a large insight into a crucial part of India.

Victoria McDowall MARCH 2012

TRAVEL

MADAGASCAR (NOT THE MOVIE) bride phenomenon; it is a common practice for older, comparatively wealthy Frenchmen to arrive and marry young, local women. Within the cities, prostitution is rife and HIV is a growing problem.

The name Madagascar has a ring of sheer exotica, conjuring thoughts similar to those of Timbuktu. I suppose a lot of people probably think of movies with escaped zoo animals or maybe David Attenborough’s latest series, but insanely, it is the fourth biggest island in the world and thanks to its early split from Africa, 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on earth. Whilst living in the Indian Ocean last year, I arrived in Madagascar with fairly inaccurate preconceptions, namely hoping for swimming pools and air-conditioning. I experienced a Madagascan 5-star hotel – one in fact, where Prince Phillip and Sir David Attenborough had previously stayed. It had electricity for a few hours in the evening and we discovered a grasshopper the size of my forearm in the bedroom. Madagascar is the one of the poorest countries in the world and its people are subject to shocking poverty. There’s a high incidence of malaria, almost no electricity outside of the big cities and most of the population are subsistence farmers. Begging is the norm, and

despite official recommendations of giving presents to the children, rather than money, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore blind, crippled children, who’s only French is the repetitious “Madame, Monsieur?”. On the country’s ‘Routes Nationales’ – one of the only upsides left by France’s colonial occupation – you see all the evidence of grinding poverty. Oxen and bicycles, never occupied by fewer than two people, dominate the roads, with only police and tourists in cars. Locals travel mostly by ‘taxi-brousse’, stripped down lorries crammed with as many passengers as possible – normally along with their livestock. Where there’s poverty, there’s corruption, and Madagascar is no exception. There are many separate police forces, all of whom need frequent bribes. Whilst staying in a hotel run by a French expat, we were surrounded by policemen armed with AK-47s, who had thrown him in jail the previous week. They were arrogant in their unchecked control, and flaunted both their guns and their power. Equally alarmingly, an armed guard is customary at cash-points. Elsewhere, the country faces a Thai-

While from this, Madagascar may sound like somewhere to avoid, it does have one big asset – its incredibly beautiful and largely unique flora and fauna. Lemurs (all one hundred and one known subspecies – with the last one discovered only in the 1990s) are abundant and distractingly cute. The island is also home to about half the world’s species of chameleon. The weird, eyes-facing-different-directions, colour-changing lizards range hugely in size, from thumb-sized pygmies to dinosaur-like ones the size of cats that don’t change colour for camouflage, but instead to convey their emotions. Sadly, the good, old Madagascan way of life is in danger of disappearing, as the island undergoes its own version of the Industrial Revolution and the traditional tribal dress is being infiltrated by battered Manchester United shirts. Despite protection, the countryside is endangered by the encroaching towns and all-consuming rice-paddies, which require huge areas if a profit is to be made. As the shantytowns, beggars and homeless demonstrate, the Madagascans are attempting to escape the dire poverty of the villages by flocking to cities, but the problem is unresolved. Naturally, with such poverty, Madagascar is incredibly cheap to visit (a litre of beer is about 50p, a meal perhaps a pound) and it is strikingly different from both mainland Africa and the neighbouring Indian Ocean islands. With beaches, mountains, jungles, wildlife and tribal culture – there is little that it can’t offer.

Kat Rolle

ISSUE 215

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/TRAVEL

THE REALITIES OF CAPE TOWN Cape Town, South Africa: a thriving urban metropolis complete with beach, mountain and blue sky. The city’s reputation for exquisite scenery is well founded, with its vivid cerulean sea and bright green trees. It is also home to Table Mountain, Cape Town’s largest natural landmark, which, to no one’s surprise, is named after its flat-top and has a plethora of indigenous plants and animals including the elusive and fiercely territorial African wild cat, the Rooikat. Further to these wonders is Boulders Beach, a warm sandy shore complete with giant granite boulders and bizarrely, a large colony of penguins; and the botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch on the slopes of the mountain, host to an incredible array of African plants often accompanied by classical, jazz and African musical concerts. It is not only natural beauty which tempts tourists to chose Cape Town as a destination; it is a buzzing metropolis offering a huge range of five star hotels, eateries, galleries, markets and museums, both inside the heart of the city and the surrounding countryside. The wealth of the city can be seen around the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, an extensive shopping centre with a hub of designer

shops, cinemas and seafood restaurants built on the harbour and surrounded by yachts, cruise-liners and overzealous seals. However, it is difficult to ignore the fact that Cape Town is a city of discrepancies between poverty and affluence and too often, between black and white. Just outside the airport are the shantytowns, known as the Cape Flats, filled with makeshift homes created from cardboard and corrugated iron; most have no running water or electricity. On the side of the street and at most junctions, friendly faces sell a variety of homemade goods to make a living: baskets, miniature models of African animals and jewellery made from beads or wood. The bubble protecting the privileged in South Africa is constantly permeated by tragic stories from the other side, stories that invariably involve poverty, AIDS, crime, racism, and violence. Behind high walls, with electric fences and beautiful gardens, those with the means can escape from the more sinister aspects of South Africa. However, many chose not to. There is a growing community in Cape Town who use their privileged positions not to escape but to help those surrounding them. Small non-profit organisations and charities have been established by locals to protect those citizens at

risk, providing them with education, food, water, medicine and shelter. The diverse range of charities, tackling issues including AIDS, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, rape, cruelty to children, women, and animals gives an insight into the widespread mix of socio-economic problems in Cape Town. It is all too easy to characterise Cape Town as a thriving consumer city and to forget that it is part of Africa and the developing world. As a result, it has many of the same social issues, which are associated with all societies that have such polar opposites in wealth and social standing. However, Cape Town’s somewhat unsettling reputation should not dissuade would-be travellers from exploring the city’s vibrant history, natural landscapes and man-made achievements. While huge divisions between those who have and those who have not still exist, affirmative action, charity and governmental legislation ensure that the gap is increasingly closing and along with it, crime rates are falling. All travel comes with the possibility of danger, especially in Africa, but tourists and travellers should not let their fears convince them against experiencing the city of a lifetime.

Hannah Pupkewitz Megan Jolley

MARCH 2012

ARTS THOMAS DEMAND’S: MODEL STUDIES Thomas Demand’s current exhibition at the Nottingham Contemporary displays a selection of abstract style photographs, taken of small-scale design models by the acclaimed architect John Lautner. Lautner’s models, which were discovered by Demand at the Getty Research Institute, are captured in an intense close-up format that highlights the corroded models and detracts from the unique space-age style buildings as a whole. Highlighting the significance of space and light, Model Studies also shows appreciation for the beauty of mistakes and imperfections that were particularly inevitable in Lautner’s work; Demand points out that he was a poor draftsman and that Model Studies was in no way a homage to the architect,

ISSUE 215

but more of a starting point. The contrast between Thomas Demand’s past work and this exhibition is clear in several ways. Firstly Demand’s previous models were on a 1:1 scale and often depicted a whole room, area or object. This meant that the settings were in no way distorted and the viewer knew what was depicted. However, in Model Studies the close-up captions of small-scale models make the viewer question what the subject matter is. Another shift in artistic style occurred as a result of the circumstances in which Demand photographed Model Studies, as his interaction with the models was very much controlled; a method that was foreign to him. The Getty Research Institute

did not allow him to touch Lautner’s models or use unnatural light during the process. This meant that he only had two to three hours a day to capture the models in daylight. For Demand, this meant that his work was more spontaneous and fun than anything else he had produced and that the clinical and forced aspect to it had changed to embrace the human errors that were apparent in both Demand’s photographs and Lautner’s models. This use of close-up creates something very interesting that his previous work did not. The selection of shapes and their positioning in the pictorial space creates a very satisfying relationship between the contours on the flat plain of the photographic surface and results in a visual that reflects abstract expressionist art.

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/ARTS

@ NOTTINGHAM CONTEMPORY In an image from Marina Fine Arts, the abstract mode of the images creates a frame within a frame; the linear shapes correspond to the actual framed space, creating an aesthetically pleasing piece that adds to Demand’s specific and limited colour palette. In more literal and physical terms, the significance of the frame and display is very important to Demand (as said in the Film shown in a separate room of the exhibition), because he chose the size of the prints, after long deliberation, to be doorsized. This means that not only do the pieces consume the viewer, but they also act as an architectural element of the gallery environment. Demand’s past work was extremely clinical and focused on

a perfected moment. By creating these hauntingly human-less environments, he points out that these spaces were meant for human activity. The sculptures he created to photograph were usually destroyed straight after. This added a banal aspect to his work, leading me to ask whether Demand’s change in artistic direction is a reflection of consumerist society and how rapidly changing styles leads us to believe that decomposition is inevitable. It is hard for me to acknowledge if this is an intentional message that Thomas Demand wanted to portray. However, by not discussing this issue in the interview with the curator, I am led to believe that he had a less political angle on his work and a more primarily

aesthetic stance, which was based on seeing the beauty of effects over time, not a single moment of purposely forced perfection. The limiting effects of photographing Lautner’s models encouraged more of a celebration of time and decomposition than a critique of it. Thomas Demand’s Model Studies is on display until the 15th April 2012. On Thursday 12th April 2012 at 7pm, Demand will be talking to Joseph Grima, the Editor-in-Chief of Domus Magazine, at Nottingham Contemporary.

Philippa Mead Images by Charlotte Albert

MARCH 2012

ARTS

The Dickens Dickens for Hard Times The more things change, the more they stay the same. The enduring veracity of this proverb is the bridge between modern readers and any writer that has ever written on the human condition and the social world it inhabits. But it is Dickens, arguably more than any other English novelist, who offers us both a hotline to the concerns of his world whilst simultaneously holding up a mirror to our own. Perhaps there has been no better time than now, in the year of his 200th birthday, to reflect on the endurance of Dickens’ work and its relation to both his and our societies.

“I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free. Mankind will surely not deny to Howard Skimpole what it concedes to the butterflies!” We don’t need to read far into any of his novels before being confronted with chilling doppelgangers, inhabiting a class-conscious world. Oliver Twist gives us the Artful Dodger, who has never known a decent meal but knows his rights. He demands pocketwatches and liberties in equal measure from the classes who do everything to keep him in his place. There’s also the eponymous Scrooge, a man whose love for money isolates him from the world outside his damp counting house. Nowadays, any business page in bonus season will feature stories of financiers blind to the world outside of the Square Mile. Bleak House has Mr. Merdle, a banking magnate, whose careless investments lead to suicide and the collapse of his bank, with dire consequences. Here, the parallel draws itself.

ISSUE 215

Dickens constantly makes us do a double take. The Victorians conceived some outlandish theories about crime, without realising that most of the disproportionate levels of crime amongst the lower classes were economically driven. Dodger’s plea from the dock, “I am an Englishman! Where are my rights?”, therefore has a resonance beyond the courtroom. His rights exist only in the theoretical world of the law – not on the streets of London. Mr. Merdle is not a faceless monolith, but a man tortured by his instinct for power; he complains of an illness, which eludes his doctor but is later explained as being “simply, Forgery and Robbery”. Dickens teases us repeatedly, with the conscience manifesting itself under the guise of greed and deceit. It is this recurrent separation of the human from the label, to “take nothing on its looks” in Mr. Jaggers’ words, that makes Dickens’ characters more than the archetypes they sometimes seem to be. Scrooge serves to show that sometimes only the external and eternal spectre of death can re-ignite

own ethics have long been questioned. But if he has one leitmotif running through his works, it is that external problems and obstacles can only be overcome by the humanity that lies within us all. This message is delivered time and again in accessible and acrobatic prose. Thus, the carnival of characters in his London, the bankers, bailiffs, merchants, orphans, prostitutes, destitutes and down-and-outers, are rendered unforgettably. In this landmark year, and in these uncertain times, we could do worse than dust off Dickens and remind ourselves in spec-

“Perhaps there has been no better time than now, in the year of his 200th birthday, to reflect on the endurance of Dickens’ work and its relation to both his and our societies.” one’s deep-seated humanity. Not all of Dickens’ characters are so memorable. Workhouses, colonies, and exiles to Australia are grossly Victorian, as is his ornamental prose. But despite this, the fact that his stories have been passed down through generations and shared across the world is a tribute to his ability to highlight timeless social concerns. Dickens, although concerned with the moral implications of actions, is no didactic moralist. Indeed, Dickens’

tacular style that if the more ignorant side of human nature never changes, neither does the capacity for common sense and liberty: “I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free. Mankind will surely not deny to Howard Skimpole what it concedes to the butterflies!”

Matthew Purchase

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/ARTS

Edition ‘Dickens & London’ Exhibition @ The Museum of London It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. On the bicentenary of Dickens’ birth one enters the Museum of London arrested by scenes very much like A Tale of Two Cities. In the first U.K. exhibition for over forty years, Victorian London is brought to life in homage to the greatest urban chronicler of his era.

Visitors of this Old Curiosity Shop are greeted by William Powell Frith’s 1859 portrait of the author; a wistful if somewhat morose look etched across his face, perhaps contemplating the plight of the poor and destitute that are the subject of so many of his works. Alex Werner, the curator, is quick to de-emphasise the interactive nature of the exhibit. Instead, one feels as though they are rummaging through a hodgepodge of miscellaneous artefacts buried in the backroom of an antiques dealer’s. This effect is deliberate

and adds to the mise-en-scène. A full representation of Dickensian London is evident through paintings, photographs and costumes strewn across the room. The exhibition also displays original manuscripts including Great Expectations, Dombey and Son, and David Copperfield, which give a fascinating insight into how Dickens worked creatively. Particularly of note are his almost illegible chicken-scratch scrawl and the various amendments, illustrating his close attention to detail. What becomes apparent throughout the course of the exhibition is the extent to which Dickens and London are intrinsically tied together; the ghostly fog that envelops London in the opening description to Bleak House is present once again around the Barbican. One wall is decorated with a detailed nineteenth century street map, which reminds visitors of the infamous midnight excursions that inspired much of Dickens’ work. The desk and chair Dickens sat at to compose his many masterpieces is also an awe-inspiring site. The most notable part of the exhibition is undoubtedly the specially commissioned film by one of the U.K.’s leading documentary filmmakers, William Raban, which explores the similarities between London after dark today and during Dickens’ time. The great social questions of the nineteenth century including those of wealth, poverty and prostitution are disturbingly echoed in this depiction of modern London. It seems that two hundred years on, Dickens’ role as a social commentator is no less relevant than it was in his own time.

Shyam Kumar

MARCH 2012

ARTS

blaggers guide to... dickens quotes Charles Dickens: father of some of the most iconic characters of English literature. This year marks the big two-double-zero for him, and, as part of our birthday celebrations for dearest Charles, we thought we’d provide you with a handy Blagger’s Guide on a few of his most celebrated quotations and how to neatly drop them into conversation…

Oliver Twist (1838)

A Christmas Carol (1843)

Great Expectations (1860)

“Please, sir, I want some more!” This is a perfect one for the typical dining hall scenario where the dear, kind hospitality staff simply haven’t put enough on your plate again.”

“Bah, humbug!” Classically about Christmas, this can always be adopted to shoot down an opponent in an argument. Always.

“A young gentleman of great expectations!” Hopefully others will say this about you when you’ve finally submitted your KPMG application.

“Darkness is cheap” can be adopted when justifying to visitors why the lights should be kept off. Those £2 saved could easily buy you a vodka lemonade.

“Take another glass of wine, and … turn it bottom upwards with the rim on one’s nose” A good one for your next pre-lash…

“The night is waning fast, and it is precious time to me, I know. Lead on, Spirit!” To be used in dire taxi situations, just in case the driver isn’t grasping the fact that your nightclub ticket expires at 10.30!

Bleak House (1952)

“Don’t cry into your gruel; that’s very foolish”, basically translates to, “Stop crying into your cheerios; it won’t solve the fact that you got with him”.

A Tale of Two Cities (1859) “It is a far, far better thing I do, that I have ever done…” When you’ve finally dragged yourself away from Fifa/Facebook/Topshop.com and have started your essay. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” – University in a nutshell.

ISSUE 215

“Fog everywhere.” Pretty much speaks for itself… “It is a melancholy truth that even great men have their poor relations.” A casual remark that could be adopted when your housemate has brought home a partner you don’t approve of. And lastly, upon his death-bed, the great man himself is rumoured to have uttered: “Be natural my children. For the writer that is natural has fulfilled all the rules of art.” Make of that what you will.

Lisa Neiss

MUSIC FORGOTTEN CLASSIC:

BRIGHT EYES - I’M WIDE AWAKE ITS MORNIING The year was 2005, and indie rock and roll ruled the world. But amidst the impossibly tight jeans and grinding Sheffield accents, Conor Oberst and his idiosyncratic folk collective, Bright Eyes, made an album, which did not attain the grand reception it deserved. ‘I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning’ begins with a spoken monologue of a plane crash before Oberst erupts into the upbeat tune of ‘At the Bottom of Everything.’ The title of this song epitomises the nature of the album. It delves into the most powerful emotions of life, love and death, and with an overtly powerful voice, Oberst is largely able to pull it off. At times, he goes into direct criticism of modern American life, with attacks on Bush’s foreign policy a recurring feature throughout; while at others, he wanders into tales of heartbreak, love

and despair. ‘Land Locked Blues’ is a prime example of his prowess to ply at heartstrings, and lyrically there are few who can rival his insight into the great poles of love and loss. “So let the poets cry themselves to sleep” is a line which is emblematic of his sentimental outpourings, yet the overarching and triumphant finale of hope within ‘Road to Joy’ compensates for the morbid nature of much of the record. You may well recognise ‘First Day of My Life,’ from that Halifax advert, but ‘I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning’ should be remembered as a modern day American folk classic, and not just for a catchy acoustic guitar riff. For anyone who is young and has been in love, this is an album which you must listen to. While some may say that it wallows in its own grandiose self-pity, I say that there have

been few records made in recent history with as emotive a resonance as ‘I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning.’

Jack Gilbert

IMPACT’S SPRING GIG GUIDE Saturday, March 24th: University Philharmonia Orchestra and Choir @ Albert Hall, Nottingham University orchestra and choir combine forces to perform Mahler’s epic second symphony. This very special concert requires enormous orchestral and choral forces and will bring together current students and alumni. Saturday, 28 April: Ladyhawke @ Rescue Rooms The multi-talented Kiwi singersongwriter Ladyhawke is making bigger and bigger waves with her brand of effortlessly catchy electro-pop. Her live show is bursting with energy and is filled with an upbeat sound reminiscent of the likes of La Roux and The Rapture. th

Sunday, 6th May: Detonate Indoor Festival 2012 @ Rock City , Rescue Rooms, Stealth & The Forum

As the biggest night on the calendar for the dub-step/ drum and bass collective in Nottingham, this show is invariably an orgy of beats and bass like no other. With a line up offering the best in the industry and almost too much to choose from, tickets are sure to be in high demand.

concert of John Williams’ very greatest themes, including music from Star Wars, Harry Potter and Jaws. Apply for a free ‘Go Classics’ card and go for just £5!

Tuesday, 8th May: Tribes

Line up will be announced soon, but with previous guests such Wild Beasts, Ed Sheeran and We Are Scientists, we are sure that this year, it will continue to be a fantastic and varied event. Get your early bird tickets online now for £20.

With rumours of Hollywood girlfriends and the typical antics of an indie rock band hailing from Camden, Tribes are certainly not breaking any stereotypes. However, their debut album ‘Baby’ is a quality record and this is a chance to see the band at a small venue before they inevitably move on to bigger and better things. Saturday, May 12th: ‘John Williams Blockbusters’ @ Theatre Royal, Nottingham World-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra plays a blockbuster

Sunday, June 3rd: Dot to Dot festival @ various venues around Nottingham

Sunday, June 10th: Green Festival @ Arboretum Park, Nottingham Immersing guests in a wholly natural atmosphere of live music and dance, re-cycled arts and Organic and natural food, this festival is the perfect way to celebrate the end of exams – and it’s free!

Rebecca Hutter & Jack Gilbert MARCH 2012

MUSIC

CROWDS GONE WILD! In a never-ending tsunami of culture, films, books and music, it’s easy to feel lost and for your most beloved art forms to still seem indiscriminate and distant. As such, in an evening of mutual participation, live music offers a more intimate experience between artist and fan. However, with this comes a certain amount of idealisation; we expect to go to a gig, see the whites of the eyes of our idols and listen in awe as we witness pure creativity come alive before our eyes. Inevitably, artists fall short of our expectations and friction can arise from this dissatisfaction. To a certain extent, I have a lot of sympathy for touring bands; with nonstop travelling and an endless stream of anonymous venues, touring isn’t quite the road trip many would like to think it is. That said, many artists do seem to have an overly provocative approach to touring. Morrissey famously had his fans search for meat before a gig last year. Guns N’ Roses are notorious for their erratic nature and Axl Rose’s tendency to overreact to the slightest bit of crowd aggression. Infamously, Kanye West threatened to have an entire section of the crowd ejected when one fan - presumably applying for a job - threw his business card on stage. This friction between the crowd and performer can result in a ruined evening for both and create resentment between the two. However, there can at times be an underlying enjoyment to aggressive crowd participation; it can liven up a

ISSUE 215

Ben James

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/MUSIC

Jamie Njoku-Goodwin

Josh Levy

Emily Shackleton MARCH 2012

SCIENCE

DETOX DEBUNKED challenges. Alcoholic liver diseases like cirrhosis (scarring and hardening) and hepatitis (swelling) happen gradually — that’s why it’s a bad idea to abstain for a month, then drink heavily or on a daily basis for the rest of the year. Moreover, there are few nerve endings in your liver, so you can’t feel damage and disease occurring. It’s more likely that you won’t know about damage until it is irreparable, and this is why prevention is key.

Adrian Barrow WHY LIFE DEPENDS ON THE LIVER The New Year is now well under way. In a British custom practiced nearly as much as Christmas itself, many of us have shuffled guiltily on to the alcohol detox bandwagon after reflecting on the festive season’s excesses. As I write, a quick look on Facebook tells me at least a dozen friends have proudly reached their third week of abstinence: a status-consuming trend that I can confidently predict will have all but vanished within a month. However, a recent study from the British Liver Trust published early this year has dismissed this gung-ho strategy as futile, proposing instead two to three alcohol free days a week. What provoked the sudden scientific interest in our drinking habits, and how did this mass misconception of a healthy attitude to alcohol arise? Before we can answer these questions, it’s important to know the basics about how the liver works. Since adolescence, we’ve known that the liver has something to do with alcohol consumption, evident in the timeless “The liver is evil and must be punished” t-shirt slogan favoured

ISSUE 215

by gawky teens nationwide. Despite this, most know little else about this remarkable organ, but with an estimated 500 functions, the body would shut down completely within 24 hours of losing it. About 60% of the liver is made up of hepatocytes, cells that absorb nutrients and remove toxic substances, including alcohol, from the blood supply the liver receives from your gut. The liver also stores glucose from digested carbohydrates as glycogen, a substance that can be readily converted back to glucose when your body needs a quick energy boost. Additionally, over 50% of the body’s Kupffer cells are in the liver; these cells are a vital part of the immune system, destroying harmful bacteria and preventing nasty infections. To fulfil all these vital demands, your all-singing, all-dancing digestive organ can function with only 30% of its mass, and takes just 24 hours to repair itself after minor damage. Far from being a reason to drink as much as you like, this astonishing regenerative capacity is the crux of the argument for allowing a two to three day break from alcohol per week, ensuring your liver stays fighting fit to face all kinds of

The incidence of alcoholic liver disease has increased by 11% since 2005, and sufferers are getting younger. Early this year, one worrying BBC news article reported the case of Matt Maden, who was diagnosed with cirrhosis at 21 and is now on the liver transplant waiting list at 26. Ultimately, these trends suggest we’re ill informed about the impact alcohol has on our health. This isn’t surprising: a news report in early January pointed out that the government’s alcohol consumption guidelines haven’t been reviewed since 1995. In the interim, studies that should have informed these guidelines haven’t been translated into public advice. Without evidence-based advice in plain English, it’s easy to see how the public can fall into the detox trap. Quick-fix solutions are more attractive than longterm strategies that require planning, but are often ineffective too. This isn’t helped by media obsession with detox in the UK and US, through which celebrities publicise their bizarre health regimens; though fashionable, these are scientifically, a load of bunk. So, the latest advice seems like the best. Although it might seem restrictive, think of it with your glass half full: four or five days a week, we’re free to have a pint down the pub. I’ll drink to that!

Emma Saxon

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/SCIENCE

THE BULLET PROOF HUMAN

CLUB MED BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT... OBSTETRICS

Have you been watching too many movies like me, wishing you could have the superhuman power of cushioning the blow of bullets? Or even just becoming Neo from The Matrix and dodging them completely? Well the former is becoming much more of a reality….

Obstetrics, or the management of pregnant women, comes from the Latin word ‘obstare’, meaning ‘to stand by’ and in a normal pregnancy that is all that is required – the midwife is there to support the woman in doing all the hard work. It is no small task, pushing a rather large object out of a considerably smaller orifice. The doctor only steps in when things go wrong…

Dutch artist Jalila Essaïdi and researchers from America, Germany, the Netherlands and South Korea are investigating the prospect of creating a ‘bullet proof human’. Kevlar vests provided inspiration for Essaïdi’s project, 2.6g/329m/s, which is the weight and speed of material that the vest can resist…catchy. Kevlar is made of silkworm fibres that can be strengthened by introducing spider genes into the fibres to form a mighty hybrid. Stephen Fossey from the Natick Army Research Center explained that Kevlar “can elongate up to 4 percent before breaking, while spider silks can stretch by as much as 15 percent before breaking”.

There can be any number of complicating factors in a pregnancy, but I noticed a reoccurring theme of obesity during my time in clinic. I met a young lady aged 25, who was very overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 32, compared to the normal range of 18.5-24.9. She seemed oblivious of the potential problems her weight might pose to her pregnancy and I was shocked when the consultant casually dismissed her weight with a wave of the hand because he had seen much larger ladies. If doctors are making it acceptable to be overweight, then it’s no wonder we have an obesity epidemic on our hands. Obesity is a massive health problem, in more ways than one and is devouring the funds of the NHS.

Essaïdi’s project involves layering spider silk between synthetic human skin and then firing a load of bullets at it to see the effects. She found that a bullet travelling at half its normal speed did not penetrate the material; however at full speed (329 m/s), it did reach breaking point. Although my superpower dreams may be a long way off yet, Essaïdi is continuing to look into using this creation for artificial skin and brain transplants and even artificial corneas... Oh the possibilities.

It was during the end of the attachment that I had my week on the labour ward. All my previous knowledge of childbirth was based on an irrational and desperate Rachel from Friends. It wasn’t far wrong, except the whole process was much longer and significantly messier; I saw one baby born on what I can only describe as a tidal wave of amniotic fluid. I needn’t have bothered with the gloves and apron really as they were as useful as a bikini at the North Pole. After witnessing a number of births, I finally delivered my first baby near the end of the week. As I sent messages round to family and friends, I felt almost like a new mother myself, beaming with pride and joy. Whilst delivering a baby was undoubtedly a very special and intimate experience, I remained disappointed at the end of my labour week – my secret hope was to have a child named after me. Despite trying desperately and shamelessly and after dropping several subtle hints to a number of families and relatives, I was unsuccessful. I would even have been satisfied with a middle name, but alas, no luck. I had to settle for a picture with the family and new baby. However, 12 deliveries, 13 babies, and copious amounts of bodily fluids…what a week!

Bethany Moos, Impact Science Columnist

Bonnie Brown MARCH 2012

SCIENCE FROM AN ALL-TIME HIGH TO AN ALL-TIME LOW Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal substance amongst teenagers. For the overly suspicious psychonaut, it may involve a hasty lung-full at a house party, followed by nauseating paranoia that your own skin is trying to digest you. The more mentally durable teenager might enter a hazy smog for a few years, before emerging seemingly unblemished. However, despite the herb’s affable image, a growing body of evidence suggests that cannabis may contribute to serious psychiatric problems. Recently, a group of Canadian scientists found that frequent use of the drug during adolescence might increase the likelihood of developing mood disorders, such as

ISSUE 215

Niall Hill

FOOD

Kate O’Mahony MARCH 2012

FOOD

CHOCOLATE SWIRL CHEESECAKE This cheesecake is so simple and is one of my auntie’s favourite desserts to make for family get-togethers; it always goes down a treat wherever it is served and there are very rarely any leftovers. This unfortunately isn’t a secret family recipe, but was originally found on the Good Food website. Regardless, I am going to share with you the delights of this amazing dessert.

Start by breaking up the digestives until they resemble breadcrumbs (this can be easily done in a blender) then melt the butter and mix with the crumbled digestives. This mixture must then be packed into the base of a greased 20cm springform tin.

Next, melt the milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Make sure you melt them separately; you don’t want to mix them just yet. They can be melted in the microwave but make sure you keep an eye on it as the chocolate can easily burn using this method. Personally, I prefer to melt the chocolate by placing a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering (not boiling) water, ensuring that the bowl does not touch the water and using the heat of the steam to melt the chocolate. Make sure you don’t get any water in the chocolate though as this can lead to a lumpy mixture.

As the chocolate is melting, mix the creamed cheese and mascarpone, then fold in the melted milk chocolate. Once completely folded in, stir in the melted dark chocolate. You want the mixture to have a streaky appearance, so don’t over-mix it.

This streaky mixture can then be spooned into the springform tin, onto the digestive base and then put into the fridge to cool for at least two hours, preferably overnight.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: > 175 grams digestive biscuits > 50 grams of unsalted butter > 300 grams creamed cheese > 200 grams mascarpone > 300 grams milk chocolate > 100 grams dark chocolate (try to get a cocoa percentage greater than 70%)

Carmel Bevan

ALTERNATIVELY...

There are some variations to the recipe if you are feeling adventurous; I know that some people replace the butter and digestive biscuits with crumbled Oreos or Bourbon biscuits as the base of the cheesecake. Similarly you can use different chocolates to produce different effects; I have seen white chocolate used with a dark chocolate swirl and milk chocolate with a white chocolate swirl. It is a matter of personal preference and you can play around with any chocolates you like; especially now that companies like Green and Blacks provide such a wide range. Give it a go. You won’t regret it!

A QUICK BITE So you think that box of fish fingers lurking ominously at the back of the freezer is hazardous? Think again. Probably the most dangerous marine dinner you can have is ‘Fugu’; or puffer fish. It carries Tetrodoxin, a powerful neurotoxin; just 25 milligrams of the stuff will kill you. Unsurprisingly, the sale of puffer fish is greatly restricted across the world, but it is readily available in Japan, where puffer fish is a delicacy. Chefs who are licenced to serve it here must undergo at least two years of apprenticeship followed by a written and practical exam on the fish. However, there is still unregulated procurement and preparation of Fugu in Japan, and on average 30 people a year are admitted to hospital with puffer fish poisoning. Sushi, anyone?

William Robertson

ISSUE 215

Miles Harrison

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM/FOOD

THE BEST TAKEAWAY IN NOTTINGHAM A big task. But we think we’ve done it. Below is a selection of the finest takeaways in town, followed by (drumroll please) the ones that we think deserve to be on everyone’s favourites list. All these restaurants were found by using the website hungryhouse.co.uk, so if you want a quick and easy way to order your takeaway online, check it out!

Indian Takeaways Mumbai Flavours

be something unique to the pasanda I ordered, but I reckon that any curry you may order from here will be ‘visually potent’. Despite the psychedelic colour scheme, the meat was tasty, and the sauce was both smooth and satisfying. This is probably the best value for money of the Indian takeaways reviewed. As for sundries, the samosa was crisp and generously filled, and the poppadum was…round. Value for money Speed of delivery Food quality Overall score

Currylicious

This takeaway house produced a pretty standard curry, made good by an assortment of goodies in pots, such as a cool yogurt dip. I would suggest that you avoid the suspicious-looking complimentary salad that arrives in a plastic bag. The poppadum was slightly burnt, and I deeply regret ordering a chapatti (although it might just be that I don’t like them). However, despite the slightly extended wait, the portions were very generous and the meat was good and tender. Value for money Speed of delivery Food quality Overall score

Bombay Style The most colourful produce of the three, with rainbow-coloured rice and curry that was, well, pink. That could

The crowning glory! The menu is extensive, and all of the food was great - as close to a curry restaurant as you can get from a takeaway; it is definitely worthy of the top spot in the curry category. The ingredients are very clearly of a high quality. The delivery was quick and friendly. A word of caution, however - if you decide to order the Hot and Spicy Rice, your tongue is likely to melt. Aside from that, you can’t go wrong with Currylicious. Value for money Speed of delivery Food quality Overall score

Chinese Takeaways Best Food When I opened the containers, they were full to the brim with tender meat and crisp vegetables, which couldn’t have made me happier after how hungry I was. The dishes were great with each one fairly priced; however, my main complaint would be that your order had

to be above £15.00 to get it delivered and then you were charged for delivery, meaning the minimum you could spend was £16.00. The beef in black bean sauce was very good from here though, so I’d say Best Food is worth a try. Still, due to the large minimum spend you would need to make sure there are a few of you ordering together; otherwise it could run into quite a large and expensive meal. Value for Money (due to the high minimum spend)

Speed of delivery Food quality Overall score

Chasing Dragon

The first thing you notice is the very generous portion sizes, which was great value for money, and easily filled me up. Yet, the dishes were very ‘saucy’ and could have done with a little more meat and veggies, but they did taste great so I decided to let them off. I would particularly recommend the sweet green curry, which went down very well in our house. All in all, Chasing Dragon is a top Chinese takeaway with a great menu including a few popular Thai dishes; if I were you I would leave Fortune Boy for a night and give this place a try. Value for Money Speed of delivery Food quality Overall score

William Robertson & Miles Harrison MARCH 2012

GRATIS

OVERHEARD IN HALLWARD What’s the full thing for ‘OCD’? Obsessive compulsory disorder? I’ve got a 12” meat feast with your name on it. This baguette isn’t big enough for the both of us. You worked in McDonald’s? That is so passé. I like walking up the Radford side, it’s such a less hill…I don’t do science, you know what I mean. Imagine if every student was given an iPad. How do staplers even work?! It’s ok. I brought paprika just in case. I can’t do this; I might just transfer to Trent. He loves dressing up. Do you think he’s really kinky in bed? He actually looks like a real lad in some of these pictures! Do cats have ribs? That’s literally not even a haiku. I am sick of hearing about your digestive system all the time. I’d rather he watch pornography than me, sometimes. I’m worried that it’s Alzheimer’s rather than youthful abandon. What’s a hypothesis? I want to put a picture of Richard Nixon on my desk. I like Richard Nixon. Not sexually. If you’ve overheard something funny on campus and would like to get it featured, don’t hesitate to email editor@impactnottingham.com or to post it on the ‘Heard in Hallward’ Facebook group.

ARE YOU SUR-REAL?! Feigning Feminism I am a strong, independent woman. Now buy me dinner. I expect to have a career and a family. What do you mean the first drink’s on me?! I want somebody who will engage me in intelligent, stimulating conversation and treat me as an intellectual equal. If he dares walk through that door before me without holding it open behind him, I might have an aneurysm. What a massive, stingy, Neanderthal GOON. Feigning feminism: an eternal struggle that many young women of the 21st century battle with. Gone are the days of the Jane-Austen-type female, guffawing along in the wind to Mr Darcy’s hilarious quips, holding daintily onto her bonnet with her right hand whilst trying desperately not to expose her ankles with her left, for fear the horse-and-carriage driver might catch a cheeky glimpse. This is all before realising that her corset is too tight, that she’s contracted consumption as a result of her innately weak female immune system, and so consequently says “Heavens!” and faints, etc. However, although women of today want to eradicate this outdated, sexist assumption of the feeble, dependent, subservient female, there is no denying

ISSUE 215

that we do not want chivalry to be eradicated with it. Essentially, we want the best of both worlds. I want to have my cake and eat it too. Or more suitably, I want to offer to pay for the cake, for you to insist that this is ridiculous and that you’ll get this one, for me to go “No, no, honestly, this is on me.”, for you to go “Don’t be silly, you get it next time ok?”. Then eat it. But don’t assume that we want you to simply buy our love. A great musician once said, my love don’t cost a thing. Also something about being from the block, but that’s irrelevant. Anyway, birthday and Christmas presents are expected to be thoughtful and of emotional value rather than of monetary value. We expect you to have pondered long and hard. A hand-made card full of in-jokes, a symbol of my intellectual integrity such as a novel by my favourite author (you definitely know who that is) or a mix-tape with lots of music you think I might like on it. But still, you should buy the cake. Similarly, we want to attract the attention of the male sex, but a nonchalant bumgrope/ non-consensual behind-grind is strictly prohibited. What do we expect?! A Shakespearean gallant named Florizel appearing in a feathered hat and stockings to swan up to you, offer you

his hand and say “Most ingenuous lady, merely glancing at thee across the… Crisis dancefloor hath pierced mine heart. I think I love thee. May I have this dance?”, shortly followed by a Jacobean court jig, a banquet and an elopement without your parents’ consent?! No. It just ain’t gonna happen. Unless El Paso Grill is your banquet-of-choice and your elopement includes a quick stop off on Derby Road. Good luck fulfilling our warped expectations, guys. If you would like me to rant about something, please feel free to email me with ideas at editor@impactnottingham. com.

Sarah Dawood

IMPACTNOTTINGHAM.COM

EDITORIAL TEAM THANKS

EDITORIAL

SECTIONS

Editor-in-chief Eric John Editor Sarah Dawood Associate Editor Victoria Urquhart

Managing Editor Daniel Gadher Associate Managing Editor Antonia Paget PR, Distribution & Social Secretaries Deborah Murtha Nicola Murray Advertising Manager Oliver Elia

News Editors Fiona Crosby Daniel Fine Helen Trimm Sports Editors Jake Batty Matt Williams Features Editors Settit Beyene Samantha Owen Oscar Williams Film&TV Editors Tom Grater James McAndrew Style Editors Hannah Donald Emma-Jane Steele

DESIGN & IMAGES

CONTRIBUTORS

Design Editors Elise Silsby Luke Taylor Associate Design Editors Alix Blankson Sophia Hall Image Editors Emma Charalambous Troy Edige Helen Miller

Lucy Kenderdine, Dave Jackson, Ben James, Katie Dolamore, Malcolm Remedios, Aatish Thakerar, William Cook, Tom Mellor, Peter Klein, Michael Timbs, Sarah Murphy, Jenny Newbold, Sam Mustafa, Tom Clements, Tanya Rosie, Chloe Wenman, Ben McGeorgeHenderson, Charlotte Hickling, Isabel Davies, Thomas Mackay, Felix Taylor, Jack Singleton, Kat Dixon, Jessica Newsome, Sarah Hughes, Victoria McDowall, Kat Rolle, Hannah Pupkewitz, Matthew Purchase, Shyam Kumar, Lisa Neiss, Philippa Mead, Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, Josh Levy, Emily Shackelton, Niall Hill, Emma Saxon, Bethany Moos, Kate Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mahony

MANAGEMENT

WEBSITE Web Editor Ben McCabe Associate Web Editor Divya Bhatia Associate Website Editor Izzy Scrimshire Website Developer Matt Styles

Published by The University of Nottingham Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union

Art Editors Rosie English Melanie Solomon Travel Editors Claudia Baxter Ellis Schindler Music Editors Jack Gilbert Rebecca Hutter Science Editors Daniel Anderson Bonnie Brown Food Editors Miles Harrison William Robertson

COVER DESIGN Troy Edige, Elise Silsby, Luke Taylor

To everyone who is or has been contributing to our coverage of SU Elections and Varsity 2012.

APOLOGIES To Tuhin Choudry, for misspelling his name.

CONTACT Please contact us via email, at magazine@impactnottingham.com. Impact Magazine Portland Building University Park University of Nottingham Nottingham, NG7 2RD Tel: 0115 8468716 Email:

chief@impactnottingham.com editor@impactnottingham.com managingeditor@impactnottingham.com website@impactnottingham.com features@impactnottingham.com images@impactnottingham.com design@impactnottingham.com news@impactnottingham.com sports@impactnottingham.com style@impactnottingham.com arts@impactnottingham.com travel@impactnottingham.com food@impactnottingham.com music@impactnottingham.com science@impactnottingham.com film@impactnottingham.com prdistribution@impactnottingham.com

Our office is on the first floor of Portland, Room C40. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

MARCH 2012