RESOLUTIONS
D EC EM B ER 5 , 2 0 1 6
RESOLUTIONS Le Zadig
Editorial
2
Madison Haussy
Privilege
3
Anna Stonehocker
You & Your Agenda
6
Francesca Maria Reffo Day After Elections
10
Anonymous
On the Grotesquery of Mental Illness
11
Matthieu Tetart
Et quand Sciences Po entre dans le stade...
14
Amr El Saber
Thoughts of an MDL-er
18
Berke Alikasifoglu
Çözüm
22
Elias Forneris
Non, Fillon n’est pas « Trump-sur-Seine »
26
Benjamin Music
You are the next Obama!
32
Sebastian Torero
Lessons on November 9th
36
Anonymous
A Poem about the Weather
39
1
RESO LU TI O N S
Editorial RYAN ZOHAR & BERKE ALIKASIFOGLU ON BEHALF OF LE ZADIG’S EDITORIAL BOARD
Credit: Anthony Quintano As always, this issue of Le Zadig will seek to answer many of these political questions facing our generation at this time. However, other sections of this issue will reflect on more personal resolutions, and more local reflections.
As the end of this tumultuous year is approaching, we wanted to give the campus an opportunity to both reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. Selecting the theme resolution, we hoped to inspire students to write about their hopes and wishes for the year to come, as well as moments in their own lives where they have shown resolve.
When you kick back and watch the clock flash 12:00 AM (or 0:00 depending on which side of the pond you are living), we hope you will take the time to reflect on the events that have passed and the year that is to come, as the authors in this issue have done.
The past year was certainly an eventful one, and we would be remiss to say that it was not without its tests and trials. The election in the United States, primaries in France, and the referendums in the UK and Italy sent shockwaves across campus and around the world. Regardless of how students feel about the results of these votes, we feel we must all ask ourselves how we are going to proceed.
Many of us will go home, embrace our families, spend unhealthily long amounts of time sleeping and watching Netflix. This winter break will be our little respite from the cramming and stress-eating of the first semester. But come Winter School, we will all be here, ready to take on Menton again full-force. 2
RESO LU TI O N S
Privilege BY MADISON HAUSSY
Credit: Headstuff
My New Year’s resolution this January is to unequivocally examine privilege, my own and that of my communities. Privilege is taking or possessing some-
conception as it causes us to assume that
thing that is not yours, that you did not
those around us share the same privi-
work to achieve. Fundamentally, privi-
lege. Unfortunately for the majority of
lege is the warm, loving, secure home
the global population, this assumption is
you were, or were not, born into. To be
a gross misperception of society.
privileged implies being surrounded by
Like many others in my Boulder, CO,
other privileged individuals. Privilege
and Sciences Po communities who global-
shapes our prejudices and misconcep-
ism has been good to, my privileged
tions of the world, and is in itself a mis3
worldview impeded me from grasping
ing that we are the root of our society’s
the reality of the recent U.S. election. As
problems would imply our need to take
a Franco-American from an
decisive action. Instead, it is easier to
economically-booming part of the
rail against the “real” elites, the top “one
United States studying abroad at a pres-
percent,” and like cute Facebook memes
tigious university, I could not fathom the
about “Birdie Sanders.”
devastating effects the new global organi-
If I chose to ignore the realities of the ma-
zation of society has had on the majority
jority of my society, I also chose to ig-
of the population., I knew the horrifying
nore their concrete manifestations in the
“Here it is important to discuss the corollary of privilege: entitlement. Trump is just another example of the destructive sexual harassment and rape culture, rooted in entitlement, present in the U.S and Western society in general”
statistics concerning inequality in the
political, or anti-political, sphere. I as-
United States. I knew that since the
sumed that my liberal, feminist, progres-
1970s, inequality has increased in every
sive ideologies were shared by the rest of
state and that, from 2009 to 2013, the
the U.S. population. Unfortunately for
top one percent of the U.S. population ac-
me, and for the rest of the global elites
crued at least half of all income growth
who have dreamed up an image of the
in twenty-four U.S. states.1 But, sitting
U.S. in their own likeness, the other
by the warm wood-burning fire in my
Americans have made their voices heard.
ecologically-friendly bamboo-floored liv-
Their voices may not be uniform, but
ing room, my privilege impeded me from
they have unified behind a man who, de-
truly understanding how these facts
spite his numerous other flaws, has to an
translate into reality. Not only did my
extent managed to see past his own privi-
privilege impede me from grasping the
lege to gauge the anger of ordinary
daily realities of the majority of the popu-
Americans toward his class.
lation, it incentivized me and my privi-
What is most shocking about Trump’s
leged counterparts to not to understand,
election to myself and most of the other
but to ignore these realities. Understand-
women I know is his overt, crass, repre4
sentation of misogyny in the United
ity, believe they are entitled to what is
States. Here it is important to discuss
not theirs - a woman’s body, which is
the corollary of privilege: entitlement.
hers and hers alone.
Trump is just another example of the de-
Trump’s attitude toward women, the en-
structive sexual harassment and rape cul-
titlement he feels toward women’s bod-
ture, rooted in entitlement, present in
ies, highlights the paradox of his elec-
the U.S and Western society in general (I
tion. Donald Trump may be an expres-
am not particularly qualified to discuss
sion of anger at the privileged establish-
these trends elsewhere, though they un-
ment, but his own privilege and perni-
doubtedly exist). Rape culture and the in-
cious entitlement will, I strongly believe,
cessant groping, whistling, catcalling,
prevent him from solving the fundamen-
etc., stem from entitlement, the entitle-
tal problems faced by our global, deeply
ment to a woman’s body and attention
divided society. As part of the global,
that certain men seem to feel. When a
privileged elite, it is not in Trump’s inter-
man reaches out to forcibly grab a
ests to alter the broken system that cre-
woman on a train, in a bus, in a line to
ated his power. So, as the New Year ap-
buy movie tickets, in his home, he takes
proaches, I resolve to examine my own
something that is not his. When men like
privilege and the role it played in bring-
Trump use their wealth and power to co-
ing Donald Trump and his like to power.
erce women, they abuse their privilege to
I hope that you may be inclined to do the
take what is not theirs. These men, who I
same.
hope and believe constitute a loud minor1
Sommeiller, Price, and Ellis Wazeter. “Income inequality in the U.S. by state, metropolitan area, and county.” Economic Policy
Institute (2016).
Credit: Global Citizen 5
RESO LU TI O N S
You & Your Agenda BY ANNA STONEHOCKER
Credits: Sarah Stonehocker
When do you feel clear about what you're doing? How often do you feel a moment reduced to what you can accomplish in it, a day evaluated by the number of items crossed from that evergrowing to-do list in your agenda? And who sets the agenda? Resolve comes in many forms, but I
in a highly coveted position. Â But what
think the deepest is found in the people
motivates you?
who set their own agenda; they have a
Seeking external affirmation threatens
special kind of strength.
to hollow the sincerity of our intent. A
We can resolve to do many things. Our
life ruled by others' standards robs us of
successes may be a function of pure ef-
the hardest and most beautiful choices:
fort, of privilege, of chance. Maybe you
What do we really value learning? How
resolved to stay at the top of your class
to we want to spend our time? What mat-
and found yourself admitted to a well-
ters? Now especially, during these initia-
reputed institution. Maybe you'll keep
tory years of 'adulthood' and quasi-
up the effort and find yourself employed
independence, we are scavenging a path for ourselves. We search in the wreckage 6
and richness of this absurd, globalized
what damage will be caused in the mean-
world. Our generation, more than any be-
time?
fore, is subject to a million voices telling
Technology advances, media diversifies
us which way to turn, with a lack of still-
forms of creation and expression. Sys-
ness in which to reflect upon them and
tems for doing and making grow, while
make our choices our own. Continuously
traditions offering moral structures and
plugging in to social networks creates
introspective practices shrink to the pe-
"mental noise" which pervades all the
riphery of the public sphere, in the name
spaces in our day; spaces already infre-
of secularity.
quent due to the bursting schedules we make for ourselves in order to be as 'pro-
There is more and more room to do,
ductive' as we can. As a result, quietude
gain, and grow and less and less room to,
in a pure form becomes rare, along with
in the quiet of our own hearts, ask why.
solitary reflection.
To me, resolve is just this: asking your-
“An extreme lack of reflection paired with hyperactive growth paints a dystopian picture: The human race drugged on instant gratification, continuously looking for its next hit.”
This not only malnourishes our own
self why. And living by the answers. It's
sense of everyday meaning, but, on a
'setting the agenda' you live by. It's living
larger scale, is dangerous. Freedom with-
from your heart, not just in the moment
out conscience can lead to dark places.
when the clock strikes twelve on December 31st through a drunken, euphoric
Thoughtless consumption brings envi-
countdown or kiss. I mean living from
ronmental wreckage. Superficial media
your heart in the sense of believing in
spreads misunderstanding. If I may be
what you do and doing what you believe.
imaginative, an extreme lack of reflection paired with hyperactive growth
This process cannot be divorced from
paints a dystopian picture: The human
systems of education. The alleged space
race drugged on instant gratification,
for disciplined, critical thought should al-
continuously looking for its next hit...
low us to ask ourselves why. What does
Sounds kind of fun, but who's to say
resolve look like at Sciences Po? 7
Sciences Po is a name we like to live un-
curiosity, and zeal, become paler,
der, in many ways. It represents some-
marked with lines of exhaustion and
thing: high standards, rigorous academ-
stress. "I'm busy", "I'm tired", "I don't
ics, successful graduates, international,
have time", are phrases we hear too of-
interdisciplinary... [insert connotations
ten. No time to relax, to pick up a book
here]. We are rightfully grateful for a seri-
outside of mandatory readings, to hear
ous education, and the doors it may
each other's' stories like in those first
open to us in the future.
conversations that sparked our friendships.
“To me, resolve is just this: asking yourself why. And living by the answers. It's 'setting the agenda' you live by.”
But I think the danger of success, here
Amidst the barrage of deadlines and asso-
and wherever we land next, is the blind-
ciations, applications and evaluations,
ness it might create in us. We study in a
what's our aim? What are we living for?
reputable institution, but all too often be-
And who? It is all too easy to forget the
come the passive functionaries of its de-
bigger picture, to lose our sense of pur-
mands. My hope is that, through our
pose in the pursuit of meeting criteria.
own resolve, we can counter this.
Resolve is remembering our purpose. I
It has been deeply disheartening to see
see this as crucial in today's noisy world,
people around me (not excluding myself)
and our generation facing it.
shrink under academic pressure into hol-
For me at Sciences Po, it's a reminder to
“We study in a reputable institution, but all too often become the passive functionaries of its demands. My hope is that, through our own resolve, we can counter this.”
low shells of themselves; those faces
truly wonder, when the parentage of cur-
once animated with an essential vivacity,
riculums might numb us from thinking 8
for ourselves. To stay human; taking
And remembering to keep things in per-
with a grain of sand the mechanisms of
spective overall might simply encourage
grades and rankings in favor of what we
us to relax now and then, read a poem,
are actually learning.
or make a new friend. After all, what is the value of our education if it's manifes-
After all, remembering the bigger pic-
tation in us is little other than a slow and
ture is not only useful on the individual
pervasive mechanization of our lives?
level, but as a way to build a more consid-
Surely we are driven by more than a
erate community. Just like on the larger
panic against the clock to tick things off
scale of environmental carelessness or
the to-do list.
harmful media, lack of reflection can degrade the whole. At Sciences Po, a pause
My proposal for the New Year is that we
to reflect can curb habitual reactions, in
'set our own agenda'. This is my under-
situations where they may otherwise cre-
standing of the deepest resolve. That we
ate harm. Â It can remind us to look after
take the time to reflect, to discern what
one another when it's all too easy to get
we're living for, and to live by the re-
caught up in our own busy routine.
solves we set.
Credit: Sarah Stonehocker 9
RESO LU TI O N S
CARTOON BY FRANCESCA MARIA REFFO 10
RESO LU TI O N S
On the Grotesquery of Mental Illness ANONYMOUS
Credit: Sarah Stonehocker
There is nothing glamorous about mental illness. It hasn't much to do with the brilliant, tortured mind of an intellectual or an artist. It’s banality at its utmost point; it’s wallowing into your own mediocrity and losing the ability to love. You can only need, something or some-
off of anything that makes you feel the ti-
one, you do not love anymore, you no
niest of sparks, much like a predator hov-
longer love what you've done beforehand
ering over a rotting carcass.
or people from your life; you can only
Illness is losing so much weight that you
latch onto what makes the suffering de-
feel your bones protruding your own
crease, anything that numbs out the
comfort, it’s waking up 5 times a night
pain. And it feels like things won’t
desperate for the sleeping pills your doc-
change. You are stuck in a vicious cycle
tors took off you, it’s crying, sobbing, los-
of misery and desperation, you’re not liv-
ing and harming yourself. There isn’t
ing anymore, you are basically surviving 11
beauty in what I have to discuss. The
passion. The non-ill, occasionally-sad,
hardest part of mental illness is finding
will gladly throw their meditation and
hope in the ugly, and it’s possible,
self-help bullshit at your face, but only a
“Sometimes even the people that love you the most, the ones that loved your demons, will let go of you, because of how truly unsightly you become.”
through effort and much strain. Some-
few will truly understand the harsh proc-
times even the people that love you the
ess it is to go through and overcome men-
most, the ones that loved your demons,
tal illness. Only a handful will honestly
will let go of you, because of how truly
offer their support.
unsightly you become. Not everyone will experience illness, but
I am not one to call for love and compas-
a good majority of us have or will. And
sion towards the ill, or deliver you an in-
nothing hurts more, evidently, than
spirational discourse on how I overcame
chronic pain. According to the World
my illness. I am here to simply shed
Health Organization, “27% of the adult
light, as objectively as possible, on a mat-
population [in European Union (EU)
ter that only a few seem to truly care
“The non-ill, occasionally-sad, will gladly throw their meditation and self-help bullshit at your face, but only a few will truly understand the harsh process it is to go through and overcome mental illness. Only a handful will honestly offer their support.”
countries, Iceland, Norway and Switzer-
about or even acknowledge. Do as you
land] (here defined as aged 18–65) had
want and do as you wish- no one will
experienced at least one of a series of
judge you whatsoever, least of them, me.
mental disorders in the past year.” Men-
But what I would advise you to do is seek
tal illness, though we like to consider our-
help when you are in need of it, even
selves an open-minded sphere of intellec-
when you want it the least, because this
tuals (which I am not denying), is still
could potentially save you from harmful
very much a taboo and people lack com-
consequences. Do not be ashamed of 12
yourself, nor of how you feel. Let go of
do not let your issues develop into an ill-
your ego and learn to forgive care for
ness, even it takes years to happen. Give
yourself and keep trying, because giving
yourself time to heal before you are bro-
up is not an option. For the love of god,
ken.
“Do not be ashamed of yourself, nor of how you feel. Let go of your ego and learn to forgive and care for yourself and keep trying, because giving up is not an option.�
Credit: Sarah Stonehocker
13
RESO LU TI O N S
Et quand Sciences Po entre dans le stade… PAR MATTHIEU TETART
Pris entre les études, les entrainements sportifs, musicaux ou théâtraux, les réunions associatives, les événements organisés, leur vie sociale et personnelle et les rares moments qui s’offrent à eux pour réfléchir au sens de la vie, les sciencepistes néo mentonnais semblent ne pas avoir une minute à perdre. Pourtant, ils étaient une petite vingtaine
chère Marine, tante d’une Marion si ap-
d’irréductibles à s’être rendue au stade
préciée dans la région d’Estrosi, sont
en ce mardi 22 novembre, peut-être
donc assez fous pour aller voir un sport
poussés par le vent frais de ces débuts de
populaire. Ces fils à papa, issus d’une
soirées automnales. Mais que faisaient
« usine à formatage intellectuel »
donc des étudiants de Sciences Po dans
comme on peut le lire ici et là, s’étaient
un stade de football ? Ces « fils de bour-
donc rendus dans cette cathédrale à ciel
geois » comme aime à les appeler notre
ouvert qu’est le Stade Louis II à l’heure 14
où le football est religion. « L’opium du
polémique. Empêché de participer au
peuple », moyen d’aliénation collective,
« Grand Oral » par des étudiants venus
de « colonisation de la vie quotidienne »
manifester leur opposition à un parti ex-
selon les mots du sociologue Jean-Marie
acerbant la différence et les peurs, il ne
“Ces fils à papa, issus d’une « usine à formatage intellectuel » comme on peut le lire ici et là, s’étaient donc rendus dans cette cathédrale à ciel ouvert qu’est le Stade Louis II à l’heure où le football est religion.”
Brohm, les avaient donc eux aussi ren-
s’est pas fait prier pour les taxer « d’exci-
dus dépendants. Religion, drogue, foot-
tés » voulant empêcher sa « venue à Sci-
ball autant de moyens de détourner les
ences Po et la démocratie ». Après une
masses des véritables enjeux politiques.
première mi-temps sans but mais plutôt
A la solitude et l’ennui, le football
joueuse, le sujet est évoqué. Beaucoup
répond par le spectacle et la diversion so-
semblent en accord avec les mots de Ben-
ciale. « L’opium des peuples » au temps
jamin Duhamel, l’étudiant à l’origine de
des régimes autoritaires serait-il devenu
l’évènement : « vouloir combattre le
“« L’opium des peuples » au temps des régimes autoritaires serait-il devenu la drogue dure des démocraties ?”
la drogue dure des démocraties ? Tou-
Front National en les bâillonnant en en
jours est-il que sur le terrain Hugo Llo-
les empêchant de parler est absurde ».
ris, gardien français de Tottenham,
Sur le groupe Facebook de l’Institution,
arrêtait un penalty de Falcao obtenu
cette tendance est aussi majoritaire. Les
après seulement 10 minutes de jeu.
étudiants de Sciences Po ne seraient donc pas tous complètement décon-
Plus tôt dans la journée, la venue rue
nectés de la réalité ? A côté de nous, une
Saint-Guillaume du vice-président fron-
petite centaine de supporters ultras chan-
tiste Florian Philippot avait fait
tent à un intervalle régulier leur amour 15
pour le club. Guidés par trois supporters
faire plaisir à leur professeur de micro-
plus motivés que les autres, ils sont ve-
économie, ils veulent observer les réali-
nus au stade « pas pour regarder le
tés du Soccereconomics ou des travaux
match mais pour chanter ». Ils sont
du géopolitologue Pascal Boniface
peut-être de ceux qui combinent la féroc-
qu’elle évoquait lors de son premier
ité et la tendresse des loups pour repren-
cours de l’année, le dernier pour un
“Le « supporteur fanatique », homme paradoxal, combine selon cette vision cruauté à l’encontre de l’adversaire et douceur à l’égard des siens.”
dre la pensée de Konrad Lorenz. Le
grand nombre d’entre eux. A la 48ème
« supporteur fanatique », homme para-
minute de jeu, les écharpes rouges et
doxal, combine selon cette vision cru-
blanches se lèvent dans les tribunes pour
auté à l’encontre de l’adversaire et
célébrer l’ouverture du score de Sidibé à
douceur à l’égard des siens. L’autre par-
la suite d’un superbe mouvement collec-
tie du stade est remplie de spectateurs ve-
tif. Le club de la principauté mène 1 à 0
nus d’avantage pour assister à un specta-
face au club des quartiers nord de Lon-
cle que pour crier leur espoir.
dres connu pour sa rivalité avec son voisin Arsenal.
Mais que fait donc cette petite élite arrogante et bien-pensante, habituée à parti-
S’ils ne sont pas là pour faire de l’écono-
ciper à des « dîners mondains » selon
mie, peut-être est-ce alors pour faire de
les dires du chroniqueur Matthieu Buge,
la sociologie, l’une de ces cinq matières
à côté de gens qu’ils sont censés mépris-
fondamentales des sciences sociales étu-
er ? Serait-ce parce qu’au fond « le foot-
diées dans leur si brillante institution. Le
ball est un sport de gentlemen pratiqué
stade Louis II de Monaco est en réalité
par des voyous » comme le suppose le
un lieu complexe et paradoxal. Son archi-
film Invictus ? Comme si cette jeunesse
tecture ouverte sur le ciel enlève toute
dédaigneuse aimait déjà apprécier et re-
résonnance aux maigres chants des sup-
garder au plus près l’ampleur de sa domi-
porters. Comme si ici, le football n’était
nation sur le monde. Cela semble farfelu.
pas comme ailleurs. Comme si ici, il n’y
Peut-être alors, est-ce parce que, voulant
avait pas de réelle ferveur derrière cette 16
équipe parce que, pour beaucoup des
du nom de ce prince qui participa entre
gens présents au stade, le football n’est
autres au financement du Troisième
qu’un divertissement comme un autre.
Reich, pouvait laisser éclater sa joie.
Comme si ici, il n’était pas la seule
L’exceptionnel match d’Hugo Lloris (9
source des joies et des peines. Dans ce
arrêts) et sa parade d’un autre monde
paradis fiscal, le football n’est pas un des
sur une reprise du Polonais Glik (68e)
seuls éléments qui permettent une éva-
n’empêchera pas les Monégasques de se
sion de la morosité quotidienne. Il est un
qualifier pour les huitièmes de finale de
loisir comme un autre, pas une passion
la plus prestigieuse des compétions inter-
qui se vit au quotidien. Quatre minutes
clubs. A une autre époque, Henry de
plus tard, sur un penalty de Kane, les
Montherlant lui aurait sans doute
Spurs égalisent (52e) contre le cours de
consacré un poème : « Garde-but,
jeu.
garde-but, ça valait le coup quand tu fai-
Au sein de l’arène, où à l’époque de l’Em-
sais la culbute » pouvait-on lire dans son
pire romain les gladiateurs s’entre-
œuvre Les Emotions solitaires paru peu
tuaient, les nobles valeurs de
après 1920. Autour de son trio Mendy-
l’olympisme grec de l’effort pour l’effort
Fabinho-Bernardo Silva, Monaco s’est as-
semblent s’en être allées. La démocratie,
suré de finir premier du groupe E,
figure paternelle mais divertissante,
garantissant ainsi une autre soirée foot-
détourne de la pensée selon le sens que
ballistique à nos étudiants mentonnais.
donnait Pascal au mot divertissement.
Du moins à tous ceux qui, en quête des
N’en déplaise au jeune combattant Tho-
frissons que procure un match à élimina-
mas Lemar, sorti sur blessure en fin de
tion directe de Ligue des Champions, se
match (80e), son but ne changera pas le
rendront au stade. Peut-être qu’au fond,
cours de l’histoire. 39 secondes seule-
les étudiants de Sciences Po ne sont pas
ment après le penalty londonien, les
tous des petits prétentieux déconnectés
Monégasques ont pourtant réussi à re-
de la réalité. Peut-être aussi, qu’au fond,
prendre l’avantage laissant hagarde la
le football est un moyen de partage et de
centaine de supporters anglais, qui
convivialité.
croyait peut-être célébrer un match nul à
Et peut-être surtout qu’au fond, le BDS a
l’extérieur. Purgatoire des passions, ca-
géré pour – vous - avoir des places à ce
nalisateur d’émotions, le Stade Louis II,
prix-là… 17
RESO LU TI O N S
Thoughts of an MDL-er BY AMR EL SABER
Credit: Flavio Edoardo Restelli Disclaimer: This article is in no way targeted towards specific people. Nor does it address particular events. I will not talk about the ΜΔΛ page or any other issues regarding Menton Plus. This piece is not meant to tackle the problem itself, but rather how it was handled and how this shows what seems to be a fundamental difficulty on campus. I will try to describe how this issue makes me feel about Sciences Po’s policy regarding communication between students and the administration. The following is of course personal and does not reflect anything but my opinion; I do not claim to represent any of the inhabitants of Menton Plus. This is not meant to attack anybody, but hopefully to suggest a way of improving Sciences Po’s relationship with its student body. Lastly, I try –and fail sometimes- to be funny and have a casual style so that you do not die of boredom while reading. This does not indicate that I take the subject lightly or that I make fun of the issues I am discussing. 18
Sciences Po is primarily known for its
this diversity, there has to be a climate
academic teachings, but it does not only
that encourages us instead of restraining
consist of learning about linear regres-
us. Over the course of this article, I will
sion, a seemingly endless succession of
try to explain why to me this does not
Mahdis or everyone’s favorite “le consti-
seem to be the case anymore.
tutionnalisme transformiste brésilien”.
Even though I just said that I would not
Menton offers something much more
dive into any particular events, I could
valuable than that; its most important as-
not stop myself from starting this piece
set is its diverse student body. We have
by talking about what ΜΔΛ really meant
a chance to be friends with brilliant,
to some of us. I figured that since I am
unique people who all have impressive
relating a personal impression, I cannot
“The Menton campus clearly serves the purpose of solving the problems that the Middle East faces today. However, at this point I cannot see how we are supposed to do that if this is how our interaction with the school is going to be, whether it is just for a semester, or up to five years.”
cultural and personal backgrounds. Not
avoid this. On a positive note: all the
only do we get to immerse ourselves into
sleepless nights you guys spent asking
other cultures, we also get to know peo-
yourselves who these weird kids were
ple whose worldviews are completely dif-
and what they were doing have finally
ferent. Instead of insisting on our differ-
found an end. Yes… we are weird kids.
ences, we somehow find a way to coexist
Yes… we actually wrote down a constitu-
and to cherish our diversity. Menton
tion and held an election. Yes… I wore a
Plus is an example of this bizarre mix. I
cardboard box for the Halloween party
would have never thought that I would
(GO BÖXMAN). Now that this is out of
see an American and a Palestinian share
the way, we can move on to more serious
a room. Even more surprising is the fact
things. Initially, ΜΔΛ was never meant
that the American flag that hangs in the
to be more than a joke. It was a way of
very same room has not yet been
avoiding being too serious which I feel
burned. However, in order to profit from
like is a mistake a lot of people here in 19
Menton- including myself- often times
to the topic, I think that there was a glim-
make. ΜΔΛ was a way of avoiding poli-
mer of that in ΜΔΛ. We all got to know
tics and Mentonese drama to relax,
each other better and eventually created
make fun of ourselves and make people
a friendly environment which helped us
laugh.
keep our sanity in spite of the daily nuisances such as disappearing food and
Everyone knows that Menton Plus is not
endless mountains of dirty dishes.
an ideal place to live in. Again, I am not accusing anybody because that is not the
For certain reasons the administration
point of this article. Even if everything
decided to shut down our page. I am not
were ideal at Menton Plus, that does not
going to retrace the details of what hap-
change the fact that when eighteen boys
pened because it is not really relevant to
live in one house and share one kitchen,
the subject and because it is not really
there are bound to be problems. Amidst
necessary thanks to our most efficient lo-
all these problems, ΜΔΛ really brought
cal rumour mill. I am not denouncing
some positive energy into Menton Plus. I
their decision; I understand why they
think that when you have a group of peo-
deemed it necessary and it is not in my
ple spending a lot of time together in a
place to do so anyways. Furthermore, no-
very harsh environment, it really brings
body is shedding any tears about a Face-
them closer and creates something spe-
book page that barely had an audience.
cial. I spent the twelve years of my educa-
It is about much more than that. What
tion prior to Sciences Po at a catholic
frustrates me is that the school did not
school in Egypt and as much as I love my
hear us, let alone stand up for us. We felt
school, I have to admit that it was disci-
like we did not get a chance to speak up
plined and strict. The amazing thing
for ourselves, to explain how we saw
though is that sharing this more or less
things. This really struck me. You see,
unique experience that spans over a dec-
one of the reasons I left Egypt is that I
ade of your life creates bonds that are
felt like I would not be able to express
quite honestly indescribable. It does not
myself. I left because of censorship, and
only concern friends; even when I meet a
now I feel like we have been victims of it.
complete stranger and he turns out to be
Sciences Po is supposed to form free
from my school, we share some type of
minds who might be the political and eco-
mutual understanding. Now to get back
nomic leaders of tomorrow. The Menton 20
campus clearly serves the purpose of
Even though this has been made very
solving the problems that the Middle
clear by this incident, I have had this im-
East faces today. However, at this point I
pression for a long time. With each is-
cannot see how we are supposed to do
sue, the administration distances itself
that if this is how our interaction with
from the students and takes decisions
the school is going to be, whether it is
without listening to the student body.
just for a semester, or up to five years. I
The ΜΔΛ page, just like the Flags in the
find myself disappointed and doubting if
Student space, is precisely an example of
I truly belong at this establishment. I
this attitude. I feel like both of them are
wanted to go to Sciences Po for so long
misunderstandings that escalated very
and now I am just not that certain any-
quickly, despite the fact that they could
more. If this is how problems and misun-
have been easily resolved in a more inclu-
derstandings are dealt with, I am not cer-
sive way.
tain that this where I should be.
To summarize, I feel like the current way
I understand that Sciences Po is con-
of dealing with misunderstandings and
cerned about maintaining its image. I
problems related to student life alienates
am in no way implying that they should
students and makes them feel like their
not be. Maintaining a good reputation is
voices are not heard. As this really struck
crucial, but it is only one half of the is-
my motivation about being at Sciences
sue. I feel like the school is not as wor-
Po, I can see it doing the same to other
ried about its image towards the stu-
people. That is why I hope that sharing
dents as it is about how others see it.
this contributes to solving this issue.
Credit: Annexemj Blog
21
RESO LU TI O N S
Çözüm: The Odd Tale of Gloria Pritchett & Ludwig Wittgenstein BY BERKE ALIKASIFOGLU
Credits: Alchetron
I have set myself an improbable goal for next year: My New Year resolution is to prove Ludwig Wittgenstein wrong. The first time that I’ve read Wittgen-
by a slightly deranged man on the fronts
stein’s only book published during his
of World War I to soothe himself. He
lifetime, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus
wrote this book for those “who (…) al-
(1918) (TLP), I was in my last year of
ready had the thoughts that are ex-
high school, preparing to go abroad for
pressed” in it. Come on now, Ludwig, no
my studies. At first, TLP was just a com-
one is as mad as you were to think about
plicated logic book with the goal of “set-
these stuff… I mean, the book’s first sen-
ting limits to natural science (TLP, state-
tence is “The world is all that is the case”
ment 4.113)” using philosophy, written
for God’s sake! TLP, for those who 22
haven’t got the “chance” to suffer from it,
from language, and that all ends with it.
is composed only of seven statements
While his main goal was to distinguish
bearing endless sub-statements. It is a
what is natural science and what is not
weird torture of 89 pages, one that you
by defining it in a sphere of logic/illogic,
learn to love eventually. And once you
he used language to explain this, and
grasp it, you can never let go. This, my
found out one of the most important con-
friends, is my New Year resolution: I will
clusions in the history of humanity: “The
prove you wrong, Ludwig, and I will let
limits of my language mean the limits of
go of you!
my world” (5.6).
“What are you talking about, Berke?” I
It takes Wittgenstein 68 pages to get to
hear you say. “Who is this Wittgenstein
this sentence, and since it’s a book of
dude you are talking about?” Well, it
l o g i c , e ve r y s t a t e m e n t a n d s u b -
might actually be better for you not to
statement of his are somehow in a cer-
know much about him. Wittgenstein is
tain continuity. For the sake of length, I
the friend that your parents told you to
will try to cut short on how he get here
stay away from, the one who offers you
and focus more on what does he mean.
drugs and make you feel dizzy and de-
For fans of the TV show Modern Family
pressed. Only, his drug is not physical.
out there, this single image of the lovely
His drug is his words, his 7 sentences
Sofía Vergara should be enough to see
that sum up the world. TLP is an outcry
what Wittgenstein means:
of a man who realized that all was born
Credit: ABC 23
As funny as Vergara’s character Gloria
cannot think what we cannot think; so
Pritchett is, it is also the voice of a lot of
what we cannot think we cannot say ei-
the students in our campus, and millions
ther” (5.61). Humans, who take pride in
all over the world who don’t use their
distinguishing themselves from animals
mother tongue in their daily life. Gloria’s
by the way of complex communication,
comic relief has always been her lack of
fail to actually communicate sometimes.
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” (5.6)
fluency in English as she makes errors
And that precisely brings me to my
that put her in a funny situation where
point: In an environment where I have
she’s either misunderstood or not under-
to speak in my second and third lan-
stood at all. Gloria’s world in the
guage all the time, I occasionally feel like
Pritchett family is limited to her capabili-
my world gets limited. Phew, feels good
ties in the English language.
to say that!
Of course, Wittgenstein didn’t have
I know that learning a new language
Mrs Pritchett in mind when he wrote
brings up countless amounts of worlds
TLP. His concept of “world” was philo-
and all, and I completely agree with that.
sophical; he simply wanted to show that
Since I started learning English and
humans needed language to translate
French –even Arabic!-, new doors have
what they mean into words, in order to
been opened up in front of me. I tasted
communicate them to others. And only
the joy of reading great classics in their
can they do that by knowing those
own languages, and listened to
words. So, the language that one is born
Pokémon’s theme song in Arabic, and
into draws the limits of one’s world. To
I’m grateful. But limitations often start
concretize things in a way that Witto
in expression, written or oral. Simply
here would have never appreciated: If
put, I can’t find my words. Again, this is
you are thinking of an object, say a book,
an oversimplification to prove a point,
but you have never known the noun, you
Wittgenstein would kill me.
cannot make it a part of your world. “We 24
So back to my çözüm, my resolution. I
ing to work in the Academie française.
will beat Wittgenstein. My philosophy
My New Year goal is to simply extend my
teacher once told me the difference be-
limits, by reading, watching and convers-
tween speaking a language, and knowing
ing more. I want to break the language
it. Knowing a language is hard, it re-
barrier, at least I will try to. We, the for-
quires you to breach the limits that you
eigners, have to see this as an opportu-
yourself had put into it –let alone its
nity and not a curse. This year, I will
natural limits. Natural limits of a lan-
jump over this barrier and widen my
guage can’t be broken if you’re not add-
world. I will be as smart in English and
ing new words to it, and no; I’m not go-
French as I am in Turkish!
“We cannot think what we cannot think; so what we cannot think we cannot say either” (5.61).
Credits: Wikipedia
25
RESO LU TI O N S
Non, Fillon n’est pas « Trump-sur-Seine » PAR ELIAS FORNERIS
Credit: Ouest-France
Pour un débat politique sans caricature Depuis le premier tour François Fillon,
de décrédibiliser un homme qui a privé
maintenant sorti en tête de la primaire
la droite du duel Sarkozy-Juppé que les
de la droite à la surprise générale, est
mêmes médias nous annonçaient avec
l’homme à abattre. Lors de la semaine
autorité depuis des mois. Il est impor-
suivante, le candidat Fillon a fait l’objet
tant de ne pas tomber dans les pièges qui
d’un acharnement sans pareil sur les ré-
nous sont ainsi tendus et d’évaluer
seaux sociaux et dans les médias. Il est
l’homme et son programme et non les
difficile de ne pas y voir une volonté de
caricatures qui en sont dressées. 26
I - La Caricature
tique, apprécient la nette différence en qualité substantielle !
Envers M. Fillon, depuis quelques temps, tous les coups sont permis! Cer-
Il nous appartient d’être attentifs, tous à
tains l’appellent « Trump-sur-Seine », et
notre niveau, afin que la politique
d’autres raillent—plus modérément
française ne suive pas cette fâcheuse ten-
certes—son apparence de bon père de fa-
dance de la politique américaine, et que
mille, de « médecin généraliste », ou
les invectives et attaques personnelles
« Droopy ». Le slogan, facile mais non
sur les réseaux sociaux, dans les débats,
dénué d’humour, « Courage, Fillon »
ou par le biais de la « publicité néga-
fleurit sur les réseaux sociaux.
tive », ne viennent remplacer de vrais du-
“Comparer Fillon à Donald Trump n’a aucun sens. Seul l’effet de surprise est comparable.”
Essayons de raison garder. Comparer Fil-
els d’idées, où les candidats viennent con-
lon à Donald Trump n’a aucun sens. Seul
fronter leurs programmes et philoso-
l’effet de surprise est comparable. Rien
phies respectifs, tout en respectant la per-
de commun entre les deux hommes et
sonne qui leur fait face. Au vu du specta-
leur philosophie politique, si tant est que
cle auquel nous assistons depuis une se-
M.Trump en ait une. D’un côté, un
maine en France j’ai des raisons d’être in-
homme reconnu pour son sens de l’Etat,
quiet. Aux caricatures physiques - les at-
aux propos modérés et respectueux, ay-
taques sur l’apparence du candidat Fil-
ant exercé de nombreuses responsabili-
lon-, s’ajoutent les caricatures de pro-
tés publiques dont celle de Premier min-
gramme et de philosophie politique :
istre, et prônant un programme assez
ainsi on voudrait nous convaincre que
réaliste ; de l’autre un milliardaire sul-
François Fillon est islamophobe ou ho-
fureux sur bien des plans, ayant multi-
mophobe. De la même façon, il n’est pas
plié les insultes pendant sa campagne,
correct de taxer l’ex-candidat Juppé
sans aucune expérience politique, et
d’être pro-Islamiste, en l’affublant de sur-
dont on ignore toujours quel est le pro-
n o m « A l i J u p p é » .
gramme. Ceux qui, comme moi, ont
suivi les débats des deux côtés de l’Atlan-
Allons-nous encore au XXIème siècle, 27
juger un candidat à son apparence phy-
convictions religieuses. Je suis capable
sique, au fait qu’il ait trop de cheveux ou
de faire une différence entre ces convic-
pas assez de cheveux? Cela rappelle les
tions et l'intérêt général. Je considère
échanges de niveau d’école primaire en-
que l'intérêt général, ce n'est pas de rou-
tre Trump et Rubio comparant la taille
vrir ce débat». Souvenons-nous aussi
de leurs mains. Etre calme et plutôt ré-
que le 26 novembre 2014, il a fait partie
servé, ne pas faire dans la surenchère
des 27 députés UMP qui ont voté pour la
démagogique permanente, les
proposition de résolution visant à
promesses populistes, et ne pas avoir un
« réaffirmer le droit fondamental à
égo surdimensionné ne devraient pas
l’IVG ».
être des facteurs de disqualification d’un
Il en va de même pour le mariage pour
candidat. Ce sont des vertus que nous
tous. Ainsi une récente chronique poli-
devrions apprécier ! Sans vouloir acca-
tique d’Europe 1 a expliqué : “Aucun des
bler Alain Juppé, qui a souvent été un
deux candidats [Fillon et Juppé] ne
bouc émissaire pour son parti (le RPR),
compte abroger la loi ouvrant le mariage
et qui pour cela a accepté le rôle de fusi-
et l'adoption aux couples de personnes
ble pour protéger son président, recon-
de même sexe.” Fillon ne toucherait
naissons aussi que François Fillon n’a
donc ni à l’avortement, ni au mariage
pas à son passif de scandales politico-
pour tous, mais réécrirait une partie de
judiciaires.
la loi sur l’adoption plénière des couples
II - L’imprécision
du même sexe; cependant, “les parents de même sexe pourront toujours re-
À propos du mariage pour tous et de l’a-
courir aux adoptions simples”. Je
vortement, il faut impérativement dis-
concède que c’est un des points de son
tinguer les convictions personnelles de
programme où j’aurais personnellement
M. Fillon, inspirées par une foi catho-
aimé que le candidat Fillon adopte une
lique qu’il n’a jamais essayé de cacher,
position plus progressiste.
des programmes et politiques. Interrogé à ce sujet par Le Figaro le 27 octobre der-
N’oublions pas l’essentiel : la France est
nier, Fillon a déclaré pour lever toute am-
un pays progressiste sur le plan social,
biguïté : “Jamais personne, et certaine-
héritier des Lumières, qui ne reviendra
ment pas moi, ne reviendra sur l'avorte-
pas sur les droits des femmes, le mariage
ment. Je n'ai pas à m'expliquer sur mes 28
pour tous, ou autres droits fondamen-
litique, mais aussi un aveu que son pro-
taux d’une démocratie du XXIe siècle.
pre programme n’est pas suffisamment convaincant pour l’emporter. La straté-
Le même raisonnement peut être appli-
gie de communication qui consiste à
“Ainsi, créer une mauvaise polémique autour d’un candidat pour l’éliminer, est non seulement une forme de bassesse politique, mais aussi un aveu que son propre programme n’est pas suffisamment convaincant pour l’emporter.”
qué aux accusations d’Islamophobie qui
dévaloriser l’adversaire a eu du succès
se propagent à l’encontre de M. Fillon. Si
face à Sarkozy, parce que ce dernier capi-
l’on analyse avec calme et retenue les pro-
talisait contre lui des rancœurs importan-
pos du candidat Fillion, on s’aperçoit
tes. En revanche, il s’est montré dan-
que le procès en islamophobie qui lui est
gereux d’appliquer la même politique
fait repose largement sur une déclara-
contre Fillon, qui par rapport à l’électo-
tion : avoir dit que la montée de l’inté-
rat est dans une situation beaucoup plus
grisme au sein de l’Islam est une menace
neutre.
sécuritaire pour la France. C’est une évi
dence que constater ce phénomène. Nier
III - Sous estimer l’urgence de
qu’il y a un problème d’intégrisme au
réformes économiques
sein de l’Islam, et que cette religion pacifique est manipulée à des fins politiques
A part la vérité et la dignité de notre vie
par certains groupes terroristes,
publique, l’autre grande victime collaté-
relèverait de l’aveuglement au nom du
rale du barrage des attaques caricatu-
« politiquement correct ». Les actions
rales sur l’homophobie et l’islamopho-
proposées vis-à-vis de la laïcité et du ter-
bie, c’est l’économie.
rorisme par M. Juppé et M. Fillon ne di-
L’économie française est, reconnaissons-
vergent pas grandement.
le, dans une impasse et une situation con-
Ainsi, créer une mauvaise polémique aut-
sternante. Elle souffre actuellement d’un
our d’un candidat pour l’éliminer, est
taux exorbitant de chômage (10%), d’un
non seulement une forme de bassesse po-
manque de croissance (1.2% en 2015), et 29
surtout d’une rigidité institutionnelle et
Là où M. Juppé est “favorable à une
administrative qui l’empêche d’innover
hausse” des heures de travail hebdoma-
et de croître. Faisant face à une fiscalité
daires, ce qui reste assez vague, M. Fillon
et à une réglementation de plus en plus
préconise une augmentation à 39
“Nos talents fuient et la misère augmente. Difficile de ne pas voir dans cette situation la priorité numéro un. Une réforme urgente et profonde de l’économie s’impose.”
pesantes, les entrepreneurs et les jeunes
heures. Là où M. Juppé souhaite sup-
diplômés quittent le pays pour trouver
primer “200.000 à 250.000 postes de
un environnement plus hospitalier, no-
fonctionnaires”, M. Fillon souhaite en
tamment en Angleterre et aux Etats-
supprimer 500.000. Ce chiffre semble
Unis . Nos talents fuient et la misère aug-
considérable mais il ne faut pas oublier
mente. Difficile de ne pas voir dans cette
que la France a un des plus hauts taux
situation la priorité numéro un.
d’emploi dans la fonction publique de tous les pays de l’OCDE, avec 5,64 mil-
Une réforme urgente et profonde de l’é-
lions de fonctionnaires pour 66 millions
conomie s’impose. Les demi-mesures
d’habitants. A titre de comparaison, les
préconisées par M. Juppé risqueraient
États-Unis n’emploient que 3,9 millions
“Les réformes que prônent Francois Fillon sont courageuses ; il n’est pas facile de les proposer à une population d’un pays foncièrement conservateur, attaché aux avantages acquis, et hostile aux réformes.”
de ne pas suffire pour restaurer la crois-
de fonctionnaires pour « administrer »
sance et la compétitivité de la France. Il
un pays de 324 millions d’habitants .
est capital, avant de critiquer les deux
Certes, les besoins ne sont pas les
candidats et de choisir entre eux, d’avoir
mêmes, mais les proportions demeurent
lu attentivement leurs programmes en
ahurissantes.
matière d’économie.
En travaillant plus longtemps et en prenant sa retraite plus tard, en déléguant 30
moins à l’administration et en se repo-
c'est le contraire d'un conservateur ».
sant davantage sur le privé, en réduisant
Des deux candidats, c’est M. Juppé qui
les charges qui pèsent sur l’entreprise et
semblait plutôt être le conservateur--
l’innovation, nous pourrions ramener la
celui qui préconise un statu quo confort-
Ainsi qu’il le dit lui-même : « Je veux tout changer, c'est le contraire d'un conservateur ».
confiance et dynamiser notre économie,
able et une réticence aux réformes trop
et espérer retrouver un peu de notre
ambitieuses.
compétitivité perdue
Cette primaire était importante car elle a
Les réformes que prônent Francois Fil-
très possiblement désigné notre pro-
lon sont courageuses ; il n’est pas facile
chain président. J’ai le plus grand re-
de les proposer à une population d’un
spect pour Alain Juppé mais il me sem-
pays foncièrement conservateur, attaché
ble qu’avoir fait le choix du candidat le
aux avantages acquis, et hostile aux réfor-
plus conservateur, le moins à même de
mes. Dès lors il est facile d’essayer de le
changer le pays en profondeur, causerait
discréditer en l’accusant de « Thatchéris-
une grande déception au sein de la popu-
me ». Ne rien faire ou préconiser des
lation au vu des résultats ; et cette décep-
« réformettes » serait une solution de fa-
tion pourrait préparer le terrain pour la
cilité pour qui voudrait avant tout être
victoire d’un candidat plus populiste lors
élu. Reconnaissons donc à M. Fillon un
de la prochaine élection présidentielle …
certain courage.
D’autant plus que François Fillon se positionne actuellement comme le meilleur
François Fillon et Alain Juppé sou-
candidat pour battre Marine Le Pen.
haitent tous deux 85 à 100 milliards d'eu
ros d'économies sur la dépense publique
Critiquons les candidats sans les carica-
en 5 ans, notamment. Ils diffèrent essen-
turer. Osons enfin la réforme libérale en
tiellement sur l’ampleur des réformes
France, seule politique que nous n’ayons
conseillées. François Fillon semble viser
pas encore véritablement essayée, sacri-
très haut; le qualifier de candidat « con-
fions un peu de notre confort, et l’audace
servateur » n’est pas juste. Ainsi qu’il le
nous récompensera.
dit lui-même : « Je veux tout changer, 31
RESO LU TI O N S
You are the next Obama! BY BENJAMIN MUSIC
Credit: The Independent Voter Network
In the aftermath of the US election, Liberals and Democrats throughout the US felt anger and hopelessness. However, Americans are not alone. Europeans and many others around the globe crumbled in front of their television screens, putting their heads into the sand in fear of the next four years. A shockwave has put half of the US popu-
companied by a disillusioned youth, who
lation into a mental coma while using its
after eight years of liberal and progres-
democratic right of freedom of expres-
sive leadership, are trying to find their
sion for the organization of antagonistic
place in a darkening world. Their melan-
protests, hoping it was an antidote to a
choly towards the leaving president, Ba-
lethal disease in its last stage. The “I-
rack Obama, has made them forget their
don’t-give-you-my-country” fights are ac-
opportunities, responsibilities and obliga32
tions. Melancholy can easily be trans-
ferent. Looking at militarized Myanmar,
formed into inspiration, and Obama can
corrupted South Africa or the populist
and should symbolize a role model for fu-
US, there is the valid argument that their
ture political movements. His achieve-
idea has been too unachievable or too ab-
ments shouldn’t only be hailed, but en-
stract. Yet, it is necessary to see the par-
courage political action to help a West-
tial success of their leadership.
“Melancholy can easily be transformed into inspiration, and Obama can and should symbolize a role model for future political movements.”
ern world which has started to lose its en-
They came to power in times when hope
tire core of existence.
and change were needed the most. Their message was more necessary than ever
Instead of resorting to violence, waving
and their powerful speeches have
a white flag, or praying to God to en-
marked generations beyond their na-
lighten the new president-elect, new
tional boundaries. Now, the new Ameri-
doors have opened to our young genera-
can president-elect has shown us the
tion to progress. Let's not forget what
weakness of western societies in many
the last decade has taught us: that rais-
ways that don’t correspond to the ideol-
ing our voices in condemnation of the
ogy of our great leaders in the past. He
bad is easy but not as effective and pow-
spoke to an alienated part of society,
erful as planting the seeds of hope.
which felt left behind; he showed us that
Looking back at historical leaders, from
values are not merely enough, but need
Aung San Suu Kyi to Nelson Mandela to
to be carried by the right person in order
Barack Obama, we can find a common
to reach all people; he showed us how
ground in their positive rhetoric. Sur-
his lying, revolutionary rhetoric can’t be
rounded by a society that disenfran-
beaten with logical reasoning only. But
chised and discriminated vast parts of
most importantly, he, and all other popu-
the population, they came out to be a
list leaders in the West, have shown us
voice for change. Their idea was to create
how the liberal left has no powerful
unity among their people, to give them
voice.
hope, to show them how life could be dif33
There is no voice carrying modesty, sin-
One of the biggest issues for Hillary Clin-
cerity, goodwill or genuineness. There is
ton was not her qualification or exper-
no figure to rally behind. There is no fig-
tise, but her inability to spark a fire
ure to take us out of these troubles. No
among the people. Learn from her mis-
fighter, no champion. There is no figure
takes and combine her message with a
to symbolize hope and encourage society
character of hope. Being part of Sciences
to overcome the challenges to achieving
Po comes with responsibilities; you were
unity and representing the values inher-
selected from a pool of thousands of ap-
ently important to every one of us, be it
plicants, and many of you have the finan-
right or left. There is no figure who puts
cial and social capabilities to study for
his personal ambitions behind the com-
many years to broaden your knowledge
mon well-being.
and your horizons. You are the generation that millions of people are waiting
But you shouldn’t wait! It is time now to
for right now. If you are unhappy that
be this voice yourself. As Michelle
people lose their emotions and collapse
Obama said: “When they go low, we go
into despair for the future trajectory of
high”, but there is no “they”, there is now
their country, then grab these people by
only a “we”, and you should be the voice
the scruff of their neck and pull them up
for us. A major reason for the shift to the
again. Don’t join them and let your emo-
right in the Western world is a lack of
tions blind your modesty and sincerity.
leadership that can connect with the peo-
“ Sincerity, modesty, and goodwill will always triumph over racism, xenophobia, and discrimination, but we need a leader to carry these messages.”
ple, that can listen to the people, that
Don’t degrade the other side, be their
can leave its palace and put itself in the
voice. You are part of this society, thus
shoes of the people. Sincerity, modesty,
you are in the same way responsible for
and goodwill will always triumph over ra-
improving it.
cism, xenophobia, and discrimination,
Leadership is one of the most difficult
but we need a leader to carry these mes-
skills in the world. No one at Sciences Po
sages.
has perfected it and no one expects you 34
to beat Marine Le Pen during the next
When you go out there, don’t forget to
elections. Yet, the realization that your
bring your honesty. Our technological ad-
leadership can raise you to an immortal
vances promote a strong awareness
status next to Aung San Suu Kyi, Man-
amongst people of all social classes, and
dela or Obama is the first step working
empty promises as well as bullshit are no
towards a long, exhausting, but powerful
longer accepted. Populist and nationalist
vocation. Change takes time, and al-
leaders will fail with their radical rheto-
though people will rally behind you to
ric and inability to deliver nostalgia in a
push forward your dreams, there will be
changing world, and eventually experi-
opposition. But as many people in the
ence the same faith as the “establish-
past have done, it is now on us to unite
ment�. People will look for alternatives,
society and to take the next steps to-
and then your presence will be required
gether.
for the creation of a new legacy.
Credit: White House
35
RESO LU TI O N S
Lessons on November 9th BY SEBASTIAN TORERO
Credit: Top Right News Waking up today, the sun still rose. The
xenophobia, of anger and fear, of shouts
apocalypse hadn’t come, the world order
cried out and ears too high to listen to
hadn’t collapsed, the planet was still turn-
them. This election year all came crashing
ing. Yet it felt like it was spinning in a
down to this oddly spinning Earth, one real-
rather peculiar way on its axis. In one way,
ity sitting in the pit of my stomach.
it was turning far too quickly. A day I was
He won. Donald Trump is the
not prepared for had come, a day I’d never
president-elect of the United States.
expected, and it seemed as if time was approaching with unnatural haste, forcing
There are millions of Americans who can-
upon me the weight of the previous night’s
not believe what has happened. We cannot
events. And at the same time, it felt as if
fathom putting our faith in this man. We
our globe’s revolution was somehow going
cannot understand his appeal. We cannot
backwards. All I could think of was a year
comprehend how those who support him
gone by, a year of slander and satire and
don’t see that he is but a glittering statue
sanctimonious preaching, of hatred and
upon crumbling clay feet, a skyscraper with 36
no foundation. His ideas are nothing but
The second is that there is a large segment
fallacy and fantasy, this is clear from any
of the United States that many of us on my
examination whatsoever. His cry of making
side, the progressives, simply did not
America great is the cruelest joke of all.
know. There will be a Republican senate, a
Nothing he stands for will make America
Republican house, and a populist alt-right
great. Nothing he has promised to do will
president. There is a part of America
make America great.
deeply disenchanted and frustrated with the direction our country has taken in the
And yet, he will be president. As I write
past eight years. Barack Obama said there
this, Hillary Clinton in fact stands poised to
were no red states or blue states, only this
win the popular vote, but Donald Trump
country, only the United States. And now
will handily defeat her in the electoral col-
we know, it is absolutely affirmed, this was
lege, making cries of a rigged election al-
wrong. America is a nation deeply divided.
most ironic, if it weren’t so heartbreaking.
We may not be red and blue states; this is a
He will be president. And though it is hard
country in the throes of dealignment, rea-
now, all that gives me solace is thinking
lignment, and partisan affiliation seems
about the lessons we can learn, we must try
cheap. But today, there are those cheering
to learn, from this result.
and those weeping, and the chasm between
The first must be learned by my side, the
the two is wide and deep, and in these early
progressives of the United States. It is a les-
hours following this election, seemingly
son in loss. Through the past two elections,
endless.
around half the country felt the way we do
The third is that our political system is bro-
today. The only elections I can recall viv-
ken. Donald Trump winning the presi-
idly are the elections of Barack Obama,
dency should not have been the rude awak-
memories steeped in hope and victory. For
ening to make America realize this. But to-
people my age, this is our first experience
day, over 50 million citizens declared with
with utter political tragedy. Every election
their ballot that they were angry. That
season, this is the fate of half the country.
things weren’t working. That as the forces
For now, it is our turn. We must contend
of globalization and interconnected world
with this emotion, with that haze over our
were supposedly bringing the world for-
minds whispering that the nightmares that
ward, they were being left behind. That the
we never for a second entertained are now
politicians weren’t hearing them, that their
the truth of America. This pain, it is our
problems weren’t being understood. For
turn to bear it.
them, the system was broken. And for 37
those who voted for Clinton, not because of
people gave power to a man who is not
a loyalty to her and her policies but simply
good, who is not decent, who is not moral.
to oppose Trump, for them the system is
People like me must realize that this elec-
broken too. Because America cannot put
tion is a sign, a signal that things need to
up feasible third-party candidates, because
change. Fundamental, basic elements of
last night the country was forced to choose
this country need to be repaired. We need
between two of the least popular candi-
to find a way to work with those who dis-
dates of all time.
agree with us, we must work to build a bridge across the chasm that divides Amer-
And the fourth is this, the fourth is the
ica today. A strong one, a sturdy one, one
most important. This campaign season was
we can stand on.
defined by divisiveness and animosity. There was no search for common ground,
This is the responsibility of winners and los-
no civility, no chance that this night would
ers alike. If anything, I hope from this elec-
end without half of us feeling immense
tion that the people of the United States do
pain. This election ripped at the fabric of
not vilify one another, do not attack one an-
our country again and again, tearing with
other or hate one another. This seems al-
greedy hands, shredding our common iden-
most impossible in this moment, and it just
tity to scrounge the votes to win. And now
might be. But remember that this is what
we are here, some joyous, some terrified,
America signed up for when democracy be-
all Americans. This country is still one
came the law of the land. And ours is a
country, it is still our country, and we share
messy democracy, one where it appears
it. Undoubtedly, there are different visions
that the candidate who received the popu-
of this country. The man who will swear to
lar vote will not win the election. But this is
uphold the Constitution in January has ex-
our democracy. It is clear that something
pressed a future for America and a set of
has to be altered, that something has to
values for America that are utterly and to-
give. But for now, I am tired, my head is
tally different from mine. But he will be my
full of nonsense, and I want to shake off
president. For those on my side, for those
the dirt I feel caked in after such a grue-
in pain, the great lesson from this moment
some election. There is no pride in me for
should be that somehow, enough Ameri-
my country today. Only the future will tell
cans felt abandoned enough to entrust Don-
if I will feel that pride again.
ald Trump with the leadership of the free world. Not all these people are deplorable. Many of them are good people. But these 38
RESO LU TI O N S
A Poem about the Weather ANONYMOUS
Today Autumn came. In the morning, more fiery than ever. Soft orange hues embalmed everything in a haze So that it became lost In the intoxication The gradation The holiness Of fall. The sun stretched out his tired arms And yawned onto the ocean Setting it on fire. The palm trees never looked so stationary. Awe struck by how fast change came. How quickly It wiped out summer And turned the browning leaf. How suddenly It quieted the homes, Lulling them into a deep sleep.
It is warning us. Be ready For the never ending. For crystallized nights That freeze thoughts into blocks of ice. Anticipate… Stagnation.
But for now, Trip Fall into it Let yourself go insane Berke Alikaşifoğlu Ryan Zohar Zeynep Aksoy Sebastián Torero Camille Azzam Sara Elbanna
Zélie Ducret Kryštof Selucký Omar Kamel Anna Stonehocker Kaz Tomozawa Elias Forneris
Because you will need to wait for eternity To feel what fall brings again.
39
Cover Photo: Elias Forneris Back Cover Photo: Sarah Stonehocker
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