Issue 53 | Spring 2013 by InterActivist

Only Skin Deep: Tattoo Discrimination in Athens

issue 53 | spring 2013 athensinteractivist.com

Writing for Progressive

n Cha

the

R E T IN

SPRING 2013

THE INTERACTIVIST IS A LOCAL, PROGRESSIVE,

cation does not limit itself to “hot button” political issues, but also

NONPROFIT PUBLICATION IN ATHENS, OHIO, and

brings light to socio-economic, gender and racial inequalities; en-

has been serving as a local alternative to right-wing, commercial

vironmental injustices; humanitarian efforts and other socially and

and corporate-owned media for almost 10 years. The InterActiv-

politically conscious topics often ignored by mainstream media.

ist staff publishes the magazine independently with participation from the Ohio University student group InterAct along with funds from the Ohio University Student Activities Commission, the Campus Progress division of the Center for American Progress, reader donations, advertising revenue and fundraising events. The InterActivist features independent reporting and politically

Cameron Price

progressive commentary on a wide range of underreported social justice issues and draws attention to the work of local and regional grassroots activists, groups, campaigns and events. The publi-

Sit on your ass... ...and we’ll bring you food. WE DELIVER!

Monday – Friday 4-9

Call (740) 593-3838

27 S. Court • View our full menu at: athensbagels.com

2 | T H E I N T E R A C T I V I S T | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

Although the InterActivist staff reserves the right to reject submissions, the views expressed in The InterActivist belong to individual authors and do not necessarily coincide with the positions of its publications or co-sponsors, the members of these organizations, the magazine’s staff, or its contributors. For information on joining our staff or supporting work, please email theinteractivist@gmail.com or visit us at www.athensinteractivist.com.

INTER

with us!

In this issue... 4

OU InterActivist

PAINTING THE TOWN INDIGO The new campus voice for women’s and gender studies.

SUPERPOWERS OF THE WORLD What it takes to rule the world in the 21st century.

@OUInterActivist

TWO ACADEMES The growing pay and power gap between university

THE STAFF

faculty and administration.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sam Flynn

ONLY SKIN DEEP Tattoos as an art form.

MANAGING EDITOR Elizabeth Cychosz

1 2 IN TRANSITION

FUNDING COORDINATOR Alice Ragland

A student’s journey from female to male.

PUBLIC RELATIONS Ashley Weingard Jake Schwartz Sean King Sophie Kruse

1 4 AMMUNITION IN AMERICA A commemoration of 2012’s violent legacy.

WRITERS

1 6 POEM

Sam Flynn Elizabeth Cychosz Alice Ragland Olivia Harlow Hashim Pashtun Sophie Kruse Emily Votaw Lindsey O’Brien Mayuri Mei Lin Rachel Haas

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Brooke Baldi

DESIGNERS

Emily DuGranrut Jordan Wilson Kent Harris Lindsay Citraro

20-NOTHINGS Students’ thoughts on attending college in today’s economy.

ABOUT THE STAFF

Some articles were removed or modified from the online version.

HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY Olivia Harlow

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jesse Estler Eli Hiller

CARTOONIST Peter Zeisler

Cover Design by BROOKE BALDI 3

Painting the town

INDIGO written by EL IZABETH CY CH O SZ

new voice has been given to feminists on campus, thanks to the birth of the new student journal Indigo. The journal is the brainchild of Lindsey Brenkus, a sophomore journalism major with a focus in women’s and gender studies and political science. Brenkus decided she wanted to combine her passions last fall, when she took her first WGS class. “I was so drawn to this,” she said. “I was like, ‘Why is this not more popular?’” She approached Lynette Peck, associate director and faculty adviser for WGS, with a proposal to redesign The Awakening, the former WGS student journal, which ran from 1979 to 2011. Knowing she could access past articles from the online archives of The Awakening, Brenkus proposed that she rename and restructure The Awakening and put it online. When discussing this with Peck, however, they decided against this in favor of creating a separate identity. “We tip our hats to them and thank them for all the work that they did, but we want to be free to go in any direction that we want to with this,” Brenkus said. The Awakening had been a once-a-semester publication with dozens of pages of submissions. Instead, Brenkus wanted to post a steady stream of one article each week. The name “Indigo,” according to its website, refers to the combined colors of the combinations colors of the United States’ original suffragette movement: white, purple and green. And thus Indigo Magazine was born. Because the journal is affiliated with the WGS department, Brenkus said she hopes that all aspects of feminism, especially gender studies, will be represented. People are encouraged to submit creative projects, class papers – anything relevant to WGS issues. “We’re a platform for students to express their work and apply what they’re learning inside and outside the classroom to a publication,” Brenkus said. Feminism is defined by the Encyclopaedia Brittanica as “the belief in the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes,” but that is only the denotation of the word. The history of feminism is rife with external judgment and confusion about what it means, and that, Brenkus said, makes it controversial and misunderstood. Indigo is a way for people to discuss those differences. “For me, feminism is having the freedom to

4 | T H E I N T E R A C T I V I S T | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

choose what you want to do with your future, your body – all aspects of your life,” Brenkus explained. This discussion extends not only into differing definitions of feminism but also into why feminism has existed and if it still needs to exist. Many families are now shifting toward a dynamic where the mother works and the father stays at home, and equal rights for women are being codified through such legislation as the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Because of this, some people may think that the activism associated with feminism is irrelevant. “I think feminism, the movement and the term itself, is still necessary,” said Katie Conlon, a freshman history major who recently submitted a paper to Indigo. “While the term has been twisted and politicized in recent years, it is vital for unifying the fight for equality. It’s not about exalting women over men. It’s about creating a more egalitarian society for everyone.” “Our society likes to categorize and stereotype people, because it’s very easy to understand people then,” Brenkus said. “We live in such a dichotomous society, where if men are strong then women are weak. Everything’s so black and white.” She said Indigo exists to spread awareness of these continuing issues on the OU campus, and students and professors of all fields are en-

couraged to submit pieces. Brenkus has spread the word in WGS classes as well as through the purple fliers scattered throughout campus. “I hope Indigo in the future can become a much more well known journal on campus,” said Lindsey O’Brien, a sophomore journalism major who writes for Indigo. “If more people knew about and read Indigo, more people could become aware and educated about these issues that are typically seen as nonexistent since the first wave of feminism ended.” Those at Indigo are reaching out to all demographics on campus, believing that “feminist” is an identity that can extend across all walks of life. “I find the most unlikely people interested,” Brenkus said. “I can’t really pinpoint one type of person that would be passionate about this.” That diversity spans across fields, and Brenkus is quick to mention that she is not looking for submissions from solely English or journalism majors. She said she hopes it to be like Thought Catalogue, where people can submit thoughts about anything – here, anything pertaining to WGS in any format. “There are probably so many things that I haven’t even thought of yet!” she laughed. “I want as many student voices to be heard as possible.”

comic by P E T E R Z E I S L E R

Superpowers… Old Body, New Avatar written by M . H AS H IM PAS H TU N

reate a large chain of industries, form higher trade exchanges, increase the population, build an outstanding army, use heavy machinery, grow an economy, and develop a nation that is influential in the world. That is a series of colonial rules, made to suppress some countries and invade others. By ruling over other nations and controlling most global political affairs, the superpower nation is said to be responsible for the entire world. That is the ultimate definition of a so-called “superpower country” in the 20th century’s point of view. Enjoying that graceful status, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, Germany and Italy dealt all over the globe. As if dividing other countries between themselves, the aforementioned superpowers were active players in both of the world wars. Toward the end of the 20th century, the United States took over this superpower title and enjoyed it while it lasted. Stepping into the 21st century, it seems like the criteria in selecting and naming a superpower has changed. The U.S. is still known as a superpower, but by altering the principles and acquiring a new avatar of “superpower,” the country makes more of an impact on this planet. The heavy weapons of the past have now culminated into the frightening nuclear weapons, which carry more destruction then any known material weapon on the face of the planet. And today, biological weapons such as VEE (Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus) are also used as a way to create panic among rivals. Huge armies have now upgraded to well-equipped and welltrained soldiers. Spy agencies are given more right-of-way to compete in any war, active or cold. Today’s intelligence agencies are the main players — that’s why they prefer quality over quantity in armed forces. Another parameter that hasn’t been overlooked during the 20th century is the media

industry. Today it is one of the main factors in promotion of individuals. The media also plays a vital role in offering a government’s messages to its citizens. The media may alter the spin of a message from positive to negative and vice versa by any way they present it. Therefore support from and for the active media is very important in order to be seen as a superpower. The media’s agenda should reflect the superpower’s agenda, and only information desired to be spread among active citizens should be presented.

The U.S. is still known as a superpower, but by altering the principles and acquiring a new avatar of ‘superpower,’ the country makes more of an impact on this planet.” High-tech machinery is one of the main pillars on which the superpowers are residing. According to historians, the Israeli Army used mobile phone technology for the first time in the 1970s. Later on, when the technology was exposed, it was publicized, and, from then on, has been used all over the world. Innovated technology is primarily used as a tool for defense, and after a while, it is commercialized to the public. So now intelligence agencies are working on new technologies, weapons and tools that will be exposed to the world in about 10 years. Because the U.S. is currently facing major problems with its economy, its foreign

policies and the war on terrorism, one may believe that the country might descend the rank at which it used to stand. Other probable contenders in the race of power – such as China, Russia, Brazil, India, South Africa and the UK – could overtake the U.S. someday. All of those nominees, however, have their own issues of poverty, population, inconsistent performance, absence of cultural and social exchange, and have only a small amount of vital support from the rest of the world in gaining the title of “superpower.” After all the U.S. has been going through, what makes it still a standing superpower? It is the deep foundation of its development, based on the democratic system, its efficient educational system, and its sustainable economy that make it a superpower. Even though its economy has its ups and downs, it will not fail, because of the sources of its economy. Human resources make it sustainable, unlike unsustainable sources of economy — such as the oil and mineral industries, real estate, and others — which cannot last forever. The educational system, specifically the research and analysis sector, is very efficient. The best aspect is that scientists, professors and intellectuals from around the world move to live in the U.S. and to contribute to that efficiency. The social and cultural diversity in the U.S. also makes it easier for any foreigner from any caste, race, sex or religion to settle there. The U.S. has been the land where dreams come true for others outside. The U.S. has and will maintain the status of superpower as long as it is standing on its core foundations — its own human resources, cultural diversity and rule of law as one of the older democratic states. 

Two Academes:

The Battle within Higher Education written by S A M F LY N N illustrated by E M I LY D U GRAN RU T

to Nigeria, in addition to an $80,000 salary for his “First Lady.” OU is no stranger to such absurdity. According to the Faculty and Administrative Salary Record, James Christian, OU’s new men’s basketball coach will be the highest paid employee of the university at $425,000, which is $10,000 more than President McDavis. McDavis’ wife Deborah’s official title is First Lady. She earns $30,000 a year, up from the $28,144 she earned in 2009. Perhaps the most glaringly emblematic pay increase is that of Jimmy Burrow, an assistant football coach whose 2009 earnings of $94,620 were nearly doubled in 2013 to become $188,954. The explosion of bureaucracy has caused an explosion of odd job titles, such as John Brose’s title of Vice Provost for Health Affairs and Special Assistant to the Executive Provost and Vice President. He earned $215,000 for the 20122013 academic school year. It is well-known that OU’s Appalachian hometown of Athens is poor and its titular county worse. According to city-data.com, 94.4 percent of Athens residents were below the poverty line in 2009 and 48.5 percent were 50 percent below that. Almost 90 percent of those below the poverty line are students. These pay raises for administrative personnel also hide other statistics, such as how much

Adminis at

F a cu lt y

ion

n ts re

that when the public looks at an extravagant bonus an administrative receives, they lump faculty in with the bureaucracy. “You’re seeing the explosion of bureaucracy at the top while the faculty flat lines,” said Mattson, who petitioned for collective bargaining rights in collaboration with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), of which he is a member. “More and more teaching is done by non-faculty,” Mattson said. According to OU’s Faculty and Administrative Salary Records, onethird of the professors at OU are on the non-tenure track and one-fifth are part-time. Mattson has been a professor at OU since 2001. His experience with the issue of stagnant faculty salaries and skyrocketing administrative salaries is first-hand, having co-written with Joseph Bernt the 2008 article “Two Cultures of Academe” published in Academe, Vol. 94. The article draws partial inspiration from the now-infamous case of Benjamin Ladner, former president of American University, who was publicly derided for his decadence and lavishness. He was unsatisfied with his $633,000 salary and $181,000 in benefits and demanded a 1.12 million dollar bonus and 5 million dollars in retirement benefits. Of course, this was before an audit of his private expenses revealed elaborate parties and trips

t was barely a blip on the social psychic radar in September 2012. Current Ohio University President Roderick McDavis was ceremoniously (or unceremoniously, depending on who you’re talking to) awarded a 6.3 percent pay raise, bringing his total salary to $415,000 as of 2013. There was a flare of outrage, a rash of concern, but it was snuffed quickly enough. Eventually, even on a campus populated by aspiring journalists, it was just a memory. Unfortunately it is neither the first nor the worst offense in the rising tide of exorbitant administrative compensation. College debt seems to be stepping forward as the next great economic hurdle. In November 2012, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York publicized that student-loan debt delinquency had eclipsed credit card debt for the first time in history. The reality is that the effect of debt on the American youth is the occupying interest of both citizens and representatives. But very little attention is given to the other side of college, and now higher education in general: the growing gap between the faculty and the administration. It’s the Heart of Darkness for most universities and colleges in America. It purposely encapsulates what many professors and teachers both at OU and nationally perceive: the corporatization of American universities. Kevin Mattson, a history professor at OU, explained

comic by P E T ER Z EI SL ER 6 | T H E I N T E R A C T I V I S T | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

the portion of the administration that actually interacts with the students — through learning communities and outreach programs — makes. Wendy Rogers, the assistant director of Learning Communities and Virginia Martin, the program coordinator for the Women’s and LBGT Centers both earned $38,000 for the 2012-2013 school year. International Student Advisor Edward Muldoon earned $33,181. These earnings roughly equate to raises each of the previously named personnel received over the past four years. John Curtis is a doctor of sociology and the director of research and public policy at the AAUP. He worked with Mattson in the 2008 petition for faculty collective bargaining within the AAUP. “There’s been a development of a separate career track,” Curtis said. “It used to be the faculty who would become administrators.

2013

Faculty first, administrative second. But they’ve branched off into two things now and the growth is disproportionate. A lot of that has to do with state support in the public sector declining.” One of these separate career tracks is headhunting. Over the last decade, universities have developed a dependence on headhunters in acquiring new administrative talent, effectively cutting the faculty out of hiring decisions even within their own ranks. “We’re continuing to move on in this direction where degrees are a commodity to be viewed by consumers. And universities are markets,” Curtis said. Mattson and AAUP’s attempted petition for collective bargaining in 2008 failed to get the signatures of more than 50 percent of the faculty required to be recognized. It’s been an upward battle against bias and the rising tide.

“It’s a little of both, the administration gaining ground and the faculty unable or unwilling to work against it,” said Curtis. “My concern is that at public institutions, you are prone to political attacks,” Mattson said. “There are stereotypes outside of academia, a confusion of administrative and faculty members, and it has been detrimental, I think.” Increasing numbers of faculty at various universities have cast votes of no confidence in their presidents. The divide is growing and both Curtis and Mattson agree that a serious conversation needs to be had about higher education before any kind of change can occur. “I’ve never seen the material awards to the president decline,” Mattson said. “McDavis is quoted as saying, ‘I am loyal to the people who hired me.’ And I don’t think truer words have been spoken.” 

Faculty vs. Administrastion

A comparison of wages at Ohio University. 2009 vs. 2013 figures. Yellow represents the year 2009 and orange represents the year 2013

2009 $94,620

$188,954

Jimmy Burrow ASST. FOOTBALL COACH

$28,155

$30,000

Deborah McDavis FIRST LADY

$38,000

$33,181

Wendy Rogers

Edward Muldoon

ASST. DIR. OF LEARNING COMMUNITIES

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISOR

SOURCE | The Offical Ohio Faculty and Administrative Wages Records

$390,000

$415,000

Roderick McDavis PRESIDENT

$200,000

$425,000

James Christian John Groce HEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH

$217,444

$248,050

Richard Irwin

DEAN OF ENG. & TECH.

t e g , n o come

ACTIVE! are you passionate about progressive change?

work with the INTERACTIVIST!

designers, photographers, writers and copy editors are all welcome!

OUInterActivist

@OUInterActivist

Only Skin Deep The Right to Artistic Expression

written & photographed by E L I H ILLER

Trevor Fisher, a tattoo artist and co-owner of Thunder Bunny tattoos, displays the equipment he would normally use to line and detail his clients. He tries to keep his work environment as clean and sterile as possible when tattooing people.

The old mentality of tattoos was bikers and criminals. My mission statement was to squash that mentality. I’m going to put real art on people and not let them just pick stuff off the wall.”

Race, ethnicity and heritage do not define someone’s someone’s personality, and the stereotype of who has tattoos is ultimately changing.” - ALEX ANDREWS, tattoo artist

- TREVOR FISHER, tattoo artist C O N T I N U E S O N T H E N E X T PA G E 9

F R O M T H E L A S T PA G E

These tattoos are to remind people that although these individuals have killed many people, religious and political wars have cost the lives of many more.â&#x20AC;? - ALEX ANDREWS, tattoo artist

(top) Alex Andrews, a tattoo artist and co-owner of Thunder Bunny tattoos, relaxs in his work studio after long hours of tattooing clients. (right) Alex Andrews reveals his left arm that has several faces of well-known mass murders. (bottom) Megan Schlang, a Hocking College student, shows her tattoo of a dead and lightning-struck tree she used to sit under during her late teenage years.

Trevor Fisher, a tattoo artist and co-owner of Thunder Bunny Tattoos, relaxes in his workspace in Thunder Bunny Tattoos on Stimson Ave. in Athens, Ohio. Orginally from Southeast Ohio, Trevor has studied and practiced many forms of art thoughout his life but eventually settled on people's skin.

Trevor Fisher shows his tattoos on his arms that are inspired by a range of interests, including past pets, Star Wars and abstract art.

â&#x20AC;&#x192;11

In Transition from “Lindsey” to “Landon” written & photographed by O L I V I A H ARL OW

Junior Landon Cohen has recently begun shaving his face. Within the next few months of testosterone injections, Cohen expects to see drastic changes in facial hair.

here comes a day when every mother learns the sex of her child. Before we are even born, expectations are put on us based off of our gender. Family and friends start to plan which color bibs to buy, assume what types of sports we will join, and what toys we will play with. Prior to our entering the world, the world has already formed opinions of us based off of our sex organs. This is sexism at its finest. And it is sexism that drives people away from being understanding towards transgendered individuals. 1 2 | T H E I N T E R A C T I V I S T | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

Many people see being trans as being unnatural and manipulative of one’s body. But those who are trans see it quite the opposite — that they were born into a body that is a distortion of who they truly are inside. One such student is Landon Cohen. Formerly known as “Lindsey — although he preferred nicknames “LJ” or “Juice” — is currently transitioning from female to male. Cohen was born as a female, but he has always felt like a man inside. For transgendered individuals, their gender

on the outside simply does not match who they are on the inside. Instead of feeling like their body is a home, they feel like they are imprisoned or trapped inside of themselves. For his entire life, Cohen has felt like he was trapped inside a woman’s body. Now it’s time to be free. Her senior year of high school, LJ came out as a lesbian. In February 2011, LJ cut her hair short. In October 2012, LJ came out as trans and began identifying as a male. The following month, he started binding his breasts. On

Roommate, Trevor Patton, usually talks with Landon when he Landon’sfrom roommate, Trevor Patton, talks with Landon18, when he returns home from eturns home classes. Onusually Monday, March the two discuss classes. On Monday, March 18, the two discuss taking care of their cat, Lucy, and how she aking care cat,soon. Lucy and to close get spade needsof to their get spayed Patton andhow Cohenshe haveneeds been been friends since their freshman year, and Patton has been very supportive of Landon’s oon.Patton and Cohen have been been close friendstransition. since their reshman year, and Patton has been very supportive of Landon’s ransition. Landon has been making and selling bracelets for $8 to

Landon been making andhis selling fo start savinghas up for top surgery. To remove breasts,bracelets he will need between $6000 and $8000. $8 to start saving up for top surgery. To remove his breasts, he will need between $6,000 and $8,000.

Cohen injects testosterone semiweekly at Hudson Campus Care under the care of registered nurse Lillian Collins. On Monday, March 18, Collins supervises Cohen as he sets up the shot and does the injection himself for the first time. From now on Cohen will give himself the injection at home.

January 28, 2013, Landon began testosterone injections. He now uses the male restroom and shaves his face. For several months now, Landon has been a boy. He is transitioning similarly to a teenager going through puberty, with a cracking voice and the birth of facial hair. Like most 20-year-old college males, Landon grows armpit hair, enjoys a hearty burger from time to time and crushes on girls. His personality is well-liked by men and women, and he is a friendly and very sociable individual. Those who don’t know his past as a female would never

It’s vital for people to reach out to the LGBT community and embrace equality. We are all human beings.” know nor care. And that fact shouldn’t change anyone’s perception of who he is as a person. This may be hard for some people to understand. It’s a difficult concept for many to grasp. And although the lesbian, gay and bisex-

ual community is much more accepted nowadays than ever before, the T in LGBT is still regularly ostracized. Transgendered people are generally misunderstood and many Americans fail to respect the true gender and sexuality of trans individuals. It’s vital for people to reach out to the LGBT community and embrace equality. We are all human beings. We all have a story and we all deserve to be loved. Seek to understand transgendered people, and realize that they are really just like you. 

a c i r e m A ition in

Ammun

There are more than

written by A L I C E R A G LAN D illustrated by BRO O K E BALDI

315,400,411 people living in the United States. — U.S. Census Bureau

There are more than

300,000,000

civilian guns in the United States. — Al Jazeera

. 0 people 1 r e p s n — Al Jazeera t’s 9 gu

Tha This is the highest rate of gun ownership in the world. — The Guardian

62 mass shootings in

There have been at least the United States since 1982.

— Mother Jones

Mass Shootings in 2012: February 27 — A student shot and killed three other students at Chardon High School in Chardon, Ohio. March 31 — A gunFebruary 22 — A man man opened fire in a opened fire in a Korean funeral home in Miami, health spa in Norcross, Ga. Fla. Five people were killed. Two people were killed and 12 were injured.

February 26 — Multiple gunmen opened fire in a nightclub crowd in Jackson, Tenn. One person was killed and 20 were injured.

1 4 | T H E I N T E R A C T I V I S T | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

March 8 — A gunman opened fire in a psychiatric hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. Two people were killed and seven were injured.

April 2 — A gunman entered Oikos University in Oakland, Calif. and shot people “execution style.” Seven people were killed and three were wounded.

April 6 — Two men in Tulsa, Okla. randomly shot at black pedestrians in an attack that was seen by many as a hate crime. Three people were killed and two were wounded.

May 29 — A man fired shots in a coffee shop in Seattle, Wash. The gunman killed five people and himself.

firearm homicide rates in the United States were 42.7 times higher For 15- to 24-year-olds,

than in the other high-income countries.

— pubmed.gov: National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

In 2011, there were at least 12,664 murders in the United States. 8583 of those deaths were caused by firearms. In 2011, 68 percent of murder weapons used in the United States were firearms. —Center for Disease Control and Prevention

31 school shootings

There have been in the United States since the shooting at Columbine in 1999. —ThinkProgress

July 20 — A gunman opened fire in a movie theater during the midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” in Aurora, Colo. 12 people were killed and 58 were wounded.

July 9 — Multiple gunmen opened fire at a soccer tournament in Wilmington, Del. Three people were killed, including the 16-year-old organizer of the event.

August 14 — A gunman killed three people near Texas A&M University.

August 5 — A man shot and killed three people inside a Sikh temple in Milwaukee, Wis. He also killed himself.

October 21 — A man shot and killed three people at a spa in Brookfield, Wis., before killing himself.

September 27 — A man who was fired from Accent Signage Systems in Minneapolis, Minn., opened fire in his former workplace. He killed six people and injured three others before killing himself.

December 14 — After shooting his mother to death, a man opened fire in an elementary school in Newton, Conn. He killed 26 people, 20 of whom were children, before killing himself.

December 11 — A gunman opened fire in a mall near Portland, Ore., killing two people and himself.

SOURCE | The Nation

REBEL written by SA M F LYN N

Here’s how a rebel is born; not with a two-set of horns But from a broken heart; lovelorn and hoping art Will at least form a crowd that would swarm and justify the abnormAliities by making them conform. A paradox no doubt Like wearing socks without shoes in the winter, trying to find yourself Began as a mindless whelp and before the night even fell Why am I here? Determined it was to write and give help But what can I do that won’t be erased by time? Religion means raised on lies and wasted lives I don’t have the patience for white guys who exclude women and gays Saying that “sinners” will pay for the “mistakes” that they made In an underworld of fire and hate and they’re surprised When we wonder what God would create such a terrible place Simply for liars and thieves. An all-powerful being? A life wrought with sorrow and misery; to some it’s hollow without the imaginary Friend but when I imagine, I do it instead like Lennon Every rebel is destined to become that which he hates most: Nietzsche’s Ubermensch Becoming Hitler’s ghost as the dogma grows and only your dog truly knows You and your flaws so don’t become that guy more enraptured by Himself than interested in capturing the why

1 6 | T H E I N T E R A C T I V I S T | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

Have story, photos or art you’d like to see published in The InterActivist? Contact us, and your ideas could be published in our next issue. FREELANCE SUBM I SSI O N G UI DELI NE S » Briefs: Briefs must consist of a brief summary of an event or news item, told concisely and completely. Minimum of one human source, preference is three. Source is not required to

unique questions for the person. The staff will decide whether the spotlight merits feature or department status based on the person being spotlighted and the quality of their responses. Spotlights should be about 1,600 to 2,500 words.

be local. Length should be at least 350 words, no more

» Poetry: All poetry submitted should be contained to a

than 850.

single page and should have a theme of concern to the

» Commentary: Commentaries are opinions pieces about a

progressive community.

specific topic of interest to the progressive community. The

» Photography, Graphic Art & Political Cartoons: Photo

word limit for commentary is a minimum of 800 words and a

essays or stand-alone photos, which illustrate issues of par-

maximum of 1,600. Commentary must be supported by some

ticular concern to progressives, are considered for publica-

checkable fact, with a minimum of three sources, at least one

tion, as are other forms of graphic artwork, including

of which should be local.

political cartoons.

» Features: Features include in-depth investigative reporting,

» Letters to the Editor: Reaction pieces to articles or local is-

commentary and feature coverage of topics that require more

sues are also accepted. Any local person or group criticized

coverage including special coverage that merit additional

will be given space to respond in the same issue. Letters

coverage. These should be a minimum of 1,500 words and a

should be between 200 and 400 words.

maximum of 2,000 words. These pieces require a minimum of three human sources, at least one of which must be local. At least five sources are preferred.

Please email all submissions to: theinteractivist@gmail.com Please be sure to include a title, a short biography and any pictures that may accompany your text.

» Spotlights: Spotlights are pieces featuring a specific activist or activist group in the community. These pieces include a brief introduction (who this person or group is and why they are important) and a transcript of an interview the writer con-

FOOTNOTE POLICY: PLEASE REFER TO SOURCES IN THE BODY OF THE ARTICLE AND PROVIDE A FACT-CHECKING MEMO SEPARATE FROM THE TEXT. ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR SOURCES MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR A SIDEBAR.

ducts with that person or group. It’s best to have at least 10

20-nothings photographed by AU D REY K EL LY

Turning 20 once meant new horizons, an official end to adolescence, and the prospect of prosperity and independence. But today, with exponentially increasing tuition and imprisoning student loans, the promise of a happy future is becoming less realistic for even the most optimistic 20-something’s.

I have a college degree, but I am not sure how I want to apply to the ‘real’ world. My fear is not finding a job that I really love doing. I know money is important but I want to be at to make money and have meaning whole doing it.”

I fund my education completely on my own. I had thoughts about dropping out twice already just because of the worry of paying back loans, or if I even need this education to work in the industry I want to get into.”

SENECA, 22 Granville, Ohio

MYRANDA, 20 Cleveland,Ohio

To see more of Kelly’s work visit audreykellyphoto.com

1 8 | T H E I N T E R A C T I V I S T | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

What I’ve learned is that most employers aren’t even familiar with my major, let alone impressed by it, while more employable fields like business have always been hard for me. My parents are sometimes embarrassed to tell people that their son graduated college but still works in a dairy plant.” ERIC, 23 Cincinnati, Ohio

I have spent so much money, so much energy, and so much time getting a degree. I have to push all my insecurities about not being ‘the best’ or possibly not finding a job or having stability behind me and enjoy the path in front of me.” SAM, 20 Chantilly, Va.

Most of the issues I have faced finishing school have been related to monetary reasons. I don’t have great a support system or anyone to fall back on. Every decision I make feels as if it carries so much weight.” TRAVIS, 23 Dayton, Ohio

I feel that our generation is pressured to always be looking ahead — to know what we want to study or do for the rest of our lives, not allowing us to explore the options we have or the opportunities in front of us.” CAT, 21 Cleveland, Ohio

about the staff BROOKE BALDI I am a sophomore multimedia student. This is my first semester as the creative director (and I can proudly say, looking good, IA). I enjoy my life with a healthy amount of cynicism and debauchery. I also try to make the world better one design at a time.

LINDSAY CITRARO HI, I’m a junior studying creative writing and graphic design. I like bright colors and trees. I don’t like to wear shoes but I love buying them. I have a serious addiction to pasta.

ELIZABETH CYCHOSZ Hi, I’m Lizy Cychosz. I’m not funny. If you’re looking for comedy, move on to the next bio. But srsly (those there be my editin’ skillz), I write and edit like a boss and I don’t think anything should ever be torn down.

EMILY DUGRANRUT I’m Emily. I’m a junior journalism major; I attempt to make the magazine look pretty, and sometimes rant about our government.

SAM FLYNN I am a junior studying journalism. This is my first semester as editor-in-chief of the InterActivist and I couldn’t be prouder of where we’ve come. Being a leader means nothing if you have nobody to back you up and I am thankful to our wonderful staff who make this magazine happen. I’d like to thank Lindsay Boyle, my predecessor, mentor, and true friend. As for me, I don’t take life too seriously, if I were an emotion, I would be Passion, I’m a Libra and a proud Bobcat.

OLIVIA HARLOW Hi. I’m Olivia. I’m a junior double majoring in journalism and photojournalism. I believe in unicorns. I’m obsessed with lions, Buddha, and pineapple pizza. My guilty pleasure jam is Selena Gomez. And one day, I will write a book called “Holy Shit!” with interviews of people’s best poop stories. I like sunshine and rainbows. The End.

KENT HARRIS I am a sophomore double majoring in interactive multimedia design and media and social change. I am a designer for the InterActivist and also work on the PR team. My dream is to become a documentary filmmaker.

ELI HILLER I am a freshman at Ohio University studying photojournalism and environmental geography with a certificate in environmental studies. I was born and raised in Athens, Ohio, but have extensively traveled to Central America. I plan to document how humans’ natural resources and cultural tendencies affect local and global environments.

SEAN KING I am a sophomore strategic communication major. I do public relations for the InterActivist, meaning I post stuff on Twitter and Facebook. Sometimes my name is Patrick when Jake is around.

SOPHIE KRUSE I’m a freshman journalism major. I’m interested in human rights and social justice issues and I’m passionate about writing. I love music animals, purple things, Cleveland, and pizza. I am a vegetarian and I believe in Bigfoot, Nessie, and ghosts.

RACHEL HAAS I'm Rachel. Junior journalism major. Aspiring world traveler. Writer for the InterActivist

2 0 | T H E I N T E R A C T I V I S T | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

LINDSEY O’BRIEN I am a sophomore studying journalism. I joined the InterActivist because I am passionate about social change and am specializing in women and gender studies.

ASHLEY WEINGARD I am a senior communication studies major. I have lead the P.R. department for the past two years and I’ll be sad to leave the magazine. InterActivist has been like a family to me and I have loved watching the magazine grow. I wish the best for the future of the magazine.

M. HASHIM PASHTUN I am an Afghani student doing my masters in environmental engineering. Neither is my native language Arabic nor do I own a machine gun. I am socially quite friendly and I love music.

JORDAN WILSON I’m Jordan. I am an interactive multimedia major; I am a designer, triathlete, and overall good time.

PETER ZEISLER I’m an art major in the painting and drawing program. I’m a sophomore right now. ALICE RAGLAND I’m a senior studying English and journalism and I’ve been writing for the InterActivist since my freshman year. I’ll be attending grad school at Ohio University in the fall of 2013. I was compelled to compile facts about gun violence because of the Sandy Hook shooting and I wanted to shed light on the politically taboo topic of gun violence in the United States without the baggage the normally accompanies this subject. My main interests include environmental and social justice activism, anti-poverty work, writing, poetry and playing the flute.

JAKE SCHWARTZ I don’t actually write for the magazine. No one actually knows what I do for the magazine. I’m at all the meetings though.

EMILY VOTAW I am an aspiring music journalist with progressive political views. If I am not listening to music, I am writing about it for ACRN, Rascal Magazine, or WOUB Public Media.

Want to join

T? S I V I T C A INTER

theinteractivist@gmail.com OU InterActivist

@OUInterActivist

ACTIVIST

agenda SPRING 2013

April 25 | FREE SCREENING OF TRASHED

May 18 | ANNUAL SUE APPLE MEMORIAL 5K RUN/

The Athena Cinema This event is FREE and open to the public! Free refreshments will also be served during the screening. In celebration of Earth Month, join College Green Magazine at the Athena Cinema on Court Street to watch Trashed, an environmental documentary. Film starts at 7p.m.

WALK

April 27 | O’BLENESS HEALTH SYSTEM RACE FOR A REASON Peden Stadium/Tailgate Park Join hundreds of Ohio community members in the largest charity- based race event in Athens to raise funds and awareness for your cause! In 2012, the 5K, Mud Run and Sprint Triathlon races had over 700 people registered and raised over $30,000 for local and national charities. For more information and to register visit: http://www. sportsad.ohio.edu/events/raceforareason/

April 30 |

Outside of Peden Stadium/Bike Path Sue Apple was an amazing person who touched many lives. She always had words of encouragement and support for anyone who needed it. Her love for life and others was palpable. At any given time Sue could be seen running through the streets of Athens, especially up the dreaded Madison Avenue hill. Running was a major part of her life, as well as the rest of her family’s. Because of this, the Sue Apple Memorial 5k is a great way to honor such an amazing woman. It is a worthy cause for an extraordinary lady. Cost: $20 for runners/walkers (on day of race). special group rate for groups of six or more.

Every Thursday |

FREE SUPPER/VOLUNTEER

United Campus Ministries, Lower Level Come enjoy a free weekly meal every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Volunteers and donations are welcome. Come at 3:30 p.m. if you would like to volunteer. Call 740-593-7301 for more information.

FREE INFO SESSION ON HOW TO LOWER

UTILITY BILLS Baker Center Room 240 Bring a lunch and stop by from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for an educational session outlining cost effective home upgrades and simple habit changes that can help lower utility bills. The Office of Sustainability will feature a video explaining home energy audits and affordable efficiency tips. Participants will be entered into a raffle for a free home energy audit (a $500 value).

Every First and Third Monday of the Month| ATHENS CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 8 East Washington Council meetings are held on the third floor in the Council Chambers room. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. Come and observe what’s going on in Athens politics.

Every Saturday |

ATHENS FARMERS MARKET

1000 East State Street Athens Local farmers and distributors gather together to provide the Athens community with fresh and local food. Find fresh, homegrown vegetables, fruits, and meats. Also find fresh flowers, teas and more. The Athens Farmers Market is a community gathering place that supports sustainable agriculture and the local economy. The Farmers Mvarket takes place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Every Saturday | FREE LUNCH/VOLUNTEER United Campus Ministries, Lower Level Come enjoy a free weekly lunch while OU is in session at 1 p.m. every Saturday. Or arrive by 10:30 a.m. if you would like to volunteer. For more information call 740-593-7301.