The Mancunion - Issue 13 by The Mancunion

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Best Student Publication in the UK & Ireland 2022

Issue 13/ 9th May 2022

www.mancunion.com

Medical Students launch the #LiveableNHSBursary campaign Read on page 6

‘People would rather take a loan and be able to eat’

Photo: @flo_roundtheworld https://flo-roundtheworld.picfair.com/

Local Elections 2022: Fallowfield has lowest turnout across Manchester Turnout has fallen across the city - here’s everything you need to know from the student wards Read on page 6

Features

Science

How teachers are making Latin more accessible

How long will we BeReal for?: The rise of trending new app

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Rumble in the Jungle: Do it like they do on the discovery channel

Opinion Taylor Swift est in horto:

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Film/TV TV Nostalgia: Our childhood favourites

Music

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Dua Lipa confirms her star power at a sold-out Manchester Arena show

The Team: Editor-in-Chief: Jess Walmsley Managing Editor News & Current Affairs: Ella Robinson Managing Editor Culture: Michal Wasilewski Student Media Coordinator: Anja Samy Online Editor: Sophie Berkley News Editor: Archie Earle News Editor: Shikhar Talwar Co-Science & Technology Editor: Sam Bronheim & Emma Hattersley Investigations Editor: Joe McFadden Opinion Editor: Annie Dabb Deputy Opinion Editor: Gemma Brown Features Editor: Serafina Kenny Music Editor: Sarah Taylor & Reece Ritchie Deputy Editors: Maddie Drake & Serena Jemmett

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Lifetsyle Editor: Erin Botten Film Editor: Benjy KaluberGriffiths

Letter from the Editor

team of editors, writers and designers who consistently create amazing reads, beautiful newspaper pages and relevant content.

e’ve reached the end of The Mancunion print editions for this academic year.

What a year it has been, from campus reopening and

We strive to be a voice to everyone on campus and hope as readers you feel we represent the views of students. We are always open to improving and hearing your stories.

then being immediately closed due to a sink hole on Oxford

An amazing achievement for this year’s team was

Road, a scary rise in spiking incidents across the city and

winning the highest student publication award ‘Best

a continued need for student voices to be amplified as

Publication in the UK and Ireland 2022’, showing just how

students campaigned for improved facilities and awareness.

brilliant the team are and how dedicated and passionate we

At The Mancunion we have had the privilege of

are about student journalism.

Deputy Film Editor: Florrie Evans

working with those at the forefront of some of the most

As Editor-in-Chief I couldn’t be prouder of the content

important campaigns, whether it be working with Resist

Fashion Editor:Alex Bikard

we have published throughout the year, it still amazes me

Rape Culture to raise awareness of on campus harrassment,

when I see students collecting their fortnightly newspaper

the UoM Feminist Collective commenting on prevalent

or message to say how much they have enjoyed reading

Deputy Fashion Editor: Zahra Mukadam

issues affecting women and non-binary students and also

their copy.

Beauty Editor: Alice Henderson Sport Editor: Arsh Asthana

working with members of the Disabled Students’ Society to

I can’t wait to see the future of The Mancunion, it is

promote improved accessibility across their university and

truly a family and anyone who feels like they need a friend

wider city.

or wants to join a community on campus, The Mancunion

We have also introduced brand new sections to the

will accept you with open arms.

newspaper, including our resident charlatan Catherine

I can’t thank everyone enough for their hard work,

Shatwell with her savage horoscopes, Agony Aunt Angela

it has been an honour to be the Editor-in-Chief of The

Food & Drink Editor:Katie Hourigan

giving advice to students in need and a new SeXion focusing

Mancunion.

Food & Drink Editor: Izzy Langhamer

around sex and relationships.

Theatre Editor: Jay Darcy

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Books Editor: Aileen Loftus Deputy Books Editor: Ava Innes Sub-editors: Elinor Burt, Katy Bray, Naziha Mardem-Bay Designers: Emily Turvey, Jonno Hadfield, Sam Bronheim, Anja Samy, Jess Walmsley, Ella Robinson, Erin Botten MarketingTeam: Lucy Pummell & Conrad Pope

Email us: mancunion.editor@gmail. com Follow us:@themancunion

on encouraging open and intersectional conversations

It has been an honour to work with such a talented

Love Jess xx

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ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Fallowfield has lowest turnout across Manchester in local elections Turnout has fallen across the city - here’s everything you need to know from the student wards

Archie Earle, Shikhar Talwar, Joe McFadden News Editors

reater Manchester, like the rest of the country, went to the polls yesterday (May 5) to vote in the 2022 Local elections. 32 seats across the city

were up for election out of a total 96 seats. In this election, candidates are elected to the Manchester City Council - comprised of the following wards: Charlestown, Cheetham, Crumpsall, Harpurhey, Higher Blackley, Anocats and Beswick, Ardwick, Clayton and Openshaw,

Deansgate, Hulme, Miles Platting and Newton Heath, Moss Side, Moston, Piccadilly, Fallowfield, Gorton and Abbey Hey, Levenshulme, Longsight, Rusholme, Whalley Range, Burnage, Chorlton Park, Didsbury East, Didsbury West, Old Moat, Withington, Baguley, Brooklands, Northenden, Sharston, and

Ardwick: Labour hold

Tarjuah Tina Hewitson has been elected the Councillor for Ardwick, representing the Labour Party. Hewitson has held the seat since a by-election in 2012 following the death of former

Lord Mayor Tom O’Callaghan, managing to gain re-election in 2018 with 72% of the vote. 2022 saw Hewiston reelected with 1936 votes - a decrease from 2018’s 2012. Turnout was also down with only 18.99% of eligible voters casting a ballot compared to 20.3% last year. Hewitson sits on multiple committees, including the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Ofsted

Subgroup. Her ward of Ardwick is located one mile south-east of Manchester city centre. The candidate closest to Hewistson was Callum Patrick Wood of the Conservative Party, who received 201 votes. The Green’s George Joshua Morris received 199 votes whilst the Liberal Democrat candidate Melvin Nii Adjei Sowah received 104 total votes.

Hulme: Labour hold

LeeAnn Igbon has been re-elected Councillor for Hulme, receiving 1902 votes from a total electorate

of 13,192. The overall turnout in Hulme was 20.09%, a decrease from 2018’s turnout of 22.3% of the electorate. Igbon’s seat was contested by the 3 other major parties with her closest rival being Green Party Candidate Chris Ogden, who received 401 votes. The Liberal Democrats and Conservative Party candidates, Gary McKenna

Labour Councillor Abid Latif Chohan keeps his seat in Longsight. He received 83% of the votes in the ward. He won against the Conservatives’ Shanana

Choudhury, who received a mere 6.3% of the vote. Chohan, from May 15 2022, will be the new Lord Mayor of Manchester. He was born in Pakistan and has helped in founding many Pakistani heritage organisations in the city. He has also sat on multiple committees in the council. This includes Children and Young People, Communities, Neighbourhoods, Environment, and the Planning and Highways

and William Watermeyer, received 173 votes and 151 votes, respectively. Interestingly, Watermeyer is the Chair of Manchester Young Conservatives. Igbon also chairs the Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee. Hulme sits directly south of the city centre.

Longsight: Labour hold Committee. He has served as the Licensing and Appeals committee’s deputy chair. This ward contains many student accommodations, as it lies in the Manchester neighbourhood of Victoria Park. Voter turnout was 23.18%. Here too turn-out has fallen as compared to previous elections. The previous elections saw a turnout of 30.17% in this ward.

Old Moat: Labour hold

Labour Councillor Suzannah Mary Reeves keeps her seat in Old Moat. She received 71.86% of the

vote in the ward. Her closest competitor was the Green Party candidate, Stace Wright. Wright received 12.2% of the vote. Reeves serves as the Labour Party Whip in Manchester. By being the Whip, her job is to ensure that all elected members of the Labour vote a certain way. Along with this she is also the Associate Principal of the

Oldham Sixth Form college. Reeves has been the elected councillor from Old Moat since 2010. She has also been a part of the Constitutional and Nomination committee, as well as the Health Scrutiny committee. Old Moat too saw a drop in voter turn-out. In 2021, the turnout was at 29.99%, however on Thursday it fell to 24.19%.

Rusholme: Labour hold

Labour Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar has kept his seat in this election. He received 86.9% of the vote in Rusholme ward.

Akbar beat out the Liberal Democrats candidate Mohamed Belal Sabbagh. Sabbagh received 6.2% of the vote. Akbar has been the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at the Manchester City Council. However, in 2021 he was suspended for this role due to allegations of ‘public disorder.’ These allegations have been suspected to be due to an internal debate within

Manchester Labour on who the leader of the council will be. Akbar has been involved in the community of his ward, along with attending many Eid celebrations. Like other wards, in Rusholme too the turnout has fallen. The turn-out this year was 22.33% which is a 4% drop from last year’s turn-out.

Woodhouse Park. The electorate was comprised of 380,735 voters, with turnout across the city varying from 44.61% in Didsbury East and Didsbury West to just 15.22% in Fallowfield. Labour held 92 of their previous 93 seats in the Manchester council, losing one to the Green Party. This means that the overall makeup

of the council is 92 seats held by Labour, 2 held by the Liberal Democrats and 2 held by the Green Party. Here’s a breakdown of the results in the ten wards with the highest concentration of student residents:

Deansgate: Labour hold Labour Councillor, Joan Davies, has managed to keep their seat for this ward. Davies kept the ward in a landslide victory. Her closest competitor was John Richard Bridges of the Liberal Democrats. Bridges, however, only got 292 votes as compared to Davies’ 1033. Davies had been first elected as the councillor of the city centre in 2012 and

re-elected in 2016. Since the wards were changed in 2018 she has been the councillor of Deansgate. She has been sitting on the Resources & Governance Scrutiny Committee and the Planning & Licensing Committee. This ward is the western half of the city centre and includes student accommodations such as River Street Tower and Vita. Here the voter turn-out was 20.05%. This was a huge fall in voter turnout as the previous elections saw 28.9% turnout.

Fallowfield: Labour hold Labour Councillor Ali Raza Ilyas has held his seat in a landslide victory as well. He won 1,157 votes, while his closest competitor Hannah Charter of the Green Party won just 245 votes. Ilyas is the assistant executive member of skills at the Manchester City Council. He has been the councillor in Fallowfield since 2017.

Ilyas has also introduced key changes to Manchester, such as stopping Manchester Christmas markets from using single-use plastics. This ward comprises of the Fallowfield Campus of the University as well as multiple private accommodations. However, the turnout in this ward was very low. Out of more than 10,000 residents who could have voted, only 15.22% actually did. This is a 4% drop in turn-out from last year.

Moss Side: Labour hold Erinma Bell has been elected for the first-time as a Labour Councillor. Bell was elected with 20.49% of the vote - a total of 2343 votes. Bell was made an Honorary Professor at the University of Salford after her charity work and

peace activism led her to receive an MBE. Partnering with her husband, Bell started the charity CARISMA (Community Alliance for Renewal, Inner South Manchester Area) to tackle gun violence in Moss Side. Moss Side is located near to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, being home to many students from both universities.

Piccadilly: Labour hold Labour party candidate Adele Nicola Douglas, won the 2022 local election. Douglas pipped the Green Party candidate who came in a distant second, 622 votes behind. Turnout was down significantly, from 28.7% in 2021 to 21.47% this year. The Liberal Democrat candidate Allison Jayne Harrison and Conservative candidate Alexander Braham, came in third and fourth respectively.

Douglas will balance becoming a councillor with her studies at MMU, studying Peterloo and collective memory. She ran on a campaign to protect the city’s heritage, tackle litter and graffiti and make the city safer for women, among other policies. In 2021, Labour’s Jon-Connor Lyons won the Piccadilly election, winning by a large margin of 957 over Green Party candidate Chris Perriam. Chris Northwood finished third and Siqi Lin finished fourth, running for the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives respectively.

Withington: Labour hold Labour candidate Angela Gartside won the 2022 Withington local council election, narrowly beating Liberal democrat April Preston, by 246 votes. Gartside’s key policies involve making Withington safer by looking to decrease anti-social behaviour and improving pavements. She is also looking to increase funding for Ladybarn Park.

There were two other candidates in the Withington local election: Sam EasterburySmith of the Green Party, Michael Charles Barnes of the Conservative party, who finished third and fourth respectively. Turnout was 29.39%, meaning the number of those who voted was down from 34.08% in the previous election. The Withington local council was previously headed by Labour Councillor Chris Willis. Willis won the 2021 election with 2146 votes, almost 900 votes more than the runner-up, Liberal Democrat April Preston.

4 News

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Students struggle to find library seats on Bank Holiday Monday

The Main Library and Ali G are both overcrowded and lines of people were left waiting outside and once inside struggled to find a study space Shikhar Talwar News Editor

tudents have been turned away from the Main Library on the week of their dissertation deadlines. Due to the Bank Holiday leaving many alternate study spots closed, a large queue formed outside the library with students waiting for around 30-40 minutes for a seat. Once inside the library, many

students had to run around for a spot in the Main Library or Ali G to find a space to study and some took longer if they were looking for a space with accessible plug sockets. One student we spoke to had to sit on a stool nestled in the bookcases in order to be in reach of a plug socket. Emily, a third-year student who spent an average of 48 hours a week in the Main Library completing her dissertation told The Mancunion, “The library is a very old building

and has a distinct issue with plug sockets which are essential to studying, particularly with hybrid learning formats.” “There are enough seats in theory but you can’t stay there all day, as laptops die or you need a break. From experience, around half the spots in Blue don’t have plug sockets and Red has very few. Our study spaces should reflect the style of learning and the resources we need to do that.” A student was refused entry

because they had a meal deal in their hands. They were asked to finish the meal outside the library before being allowed in. Inside the library, more queues had formed, the longest queues being outside the second-floor women’s bathroom. The first-floor bathrooms have also been closed for cleaning purposes for a couple of hours. Students could also be seen sharing desks and having to stand up on awkward cabinets to get some space to study. Some were also sitting down next

to the closest charging point, leaving them without a desk or a chair. A third-year student with a pressing dissertation deadline told The Mancunion, “I walked around for over 10 minutes looking for somewhere to sit, but it was extremely busy and crowded. Some of my friends were left having to sit on the floor in a corridor due to not finding a seat.” “I managed to find a spot on the ground floor but had to go all the way up to the fourth floor just to use the toilet.”

UoM confirms the end of coal, oil, and gas investments Due to the rising impacts of climate change, the University of Manchester have confirmed that they will end their investments in coal, oil and gas

Clara Margotin News Reporter

he University of Manchester has, in a recent publication of its updated policy for Responsible Investment, confirmed that it has ended investments in coal, oil, and gas in order to respond to the climate crisis. The University declared having stopped investments in fossil fuel companies, and companies producing tobacco, controversial weapons, or with poor environmental, social, and governance ratings. The University has also indicated that, towards its ‘Our Future’ strategy, it has reduced the carbon intensity of its investments by 37%. The 2020 University’s Policy for Responsible Investments set the following targets: Almost complete (99%) disinvestment in fossil fuel extraction companies, and 30% reduction in weighted average carbon intensity (Amount of electricity produced per KW hour of electricity consumed) in the public equity allocation in the

investment portfolio by 2022. Reduction in weighted average carbon intensity of the remainder of the public equity allocation in the investment portfolio to a net zero target by 2038 or earlier. In their 2021 Report, the University declared they have reached the first goal and are working towards attaining the second one. The 2021 Report confirmed that the University has exceeded its 30% reduction in weighted average carbon intensity target, by reaching a reduction of 37%. The University are still working towards the 2038 net zero target, which had been fixed in partnership with Greater Manchester Council. Professor Nalin Thakkar, VicePresident for Social Responsibility, stated: “When we set out this policy we were clear that we wanted to be more radical than simply removing our investment from fossil fuel companies. We wanted to actively tilt our investment portfolio towards more carbon-efficient companies. While there is more to do, I’m really pleased that we’ve exceeded our target in our first year.”

The University’s investment portfolio, which is principally made up of endowment funds, such as gifts from donors, currently represents more than £200 million. The University invests these endowment funds across a myriad of asset classes (groups of investments that exhibit similar characteristics and are subject to the same laws and regulations) including public equities, private equity, property, cash, diversified growth funds and pooled funds. These investments’ income is supposed to support the university’s core services, and notably services including and concerning students. The 2021 Report however also draws attention to more social-related issues. The University of Manchester is still investing in companies such as Microsoft, Barclays, Marks and Spencer, Nike and ArcelorMittal who have drawn controversy with previous records on business practices. The policy is supposed to include the consideration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) questions relating to all investment choices. The University in the 2020

Bin strikes called off after pay rise of 11-22% agreed

Rubbish mayhem has been avoided after an agreement on terms with unions Archie Earle Editor

in strikes that were set to leave 220,000 homes overflowing with rubbish have been called off after an improved pay offer was accepted by Unite and GMB members. Negotiations between the unions and refuse collection contractor Biffa had stalled, with binmen set to strike. However, an agreement has been reached that would involve a pay rise of between 11% and 22%. The improved conditions will be seen by all members including drivers of bin trucks. Initially, Biffa had offered most of its staff a pay rise of

1.75%, worth roughly 17p an hour, causing backlash from those who were working for the company.

The strikes were set to take place from May 3 and would have lasted for two weeks, with a potential further two weeks

from May 23. 94% of those who voted in both the Unite and GMB ballots opted for strike action. Sharon Graham, the general secretary for Unite, said ‘This is a great win for our members.” And praised the unity of members. Michael Clark, a regional organiser for GMB, also welcomed the support given by the Manchester City Council, highlighting that pay rates would be further reviewed in the autumn. Whilst students in halls were not likely to have been affected by the strikes, Mr Clark did suggest that “mass disruption for the people of Manchester” would have affected students in private housing.

Policy for Responsible Investment said they are “particularly concerned about the key ESG issues”, and ready to “adopt investment strategies that seek to minimise or, ideally, eliminate investments in companies with corporate behaviour leading to human rights violations, racial or sexual discrimination, the exploitation of workers”. The Policy for Socially Responsible Investment is set to be revised by the University’s Board of Governors once again this year, in 2022. A coffee-shop, bar, and well-stocked record store all in one, Wilderness was known for its extensive brand new vinyl selection and treasure trove of second-hand vinyl and cassettes, as well as its offerings of coffee, cocktails, and cakes. It also served as a venue for talks and live gigs and hosted local legends like Hacienda titan Dave Haslam, who like dozens of others shared his condolences on their Facebook page. Opened in 2019 by a team of Manchester entrepreneurs behind ventures like Escape to Freight Island and Crazy Pedros, the café had the

misfortune of opening less than a year before the COVID-19 pandemic began to threaten the livelihoods of music venues across the country. As noted in the announcement of their closing, Wilderness continued to operate through the pandemic however they could, selling toasties “when that was the only way we could reopen”, and serving beers and cocktails to a handful of outdoor tables in the early summer months of 2021. But in a comment given to the Manchester Evening News, Lyndon Higginson, one of the founders of Wilderness Records, noted that as long as people buy their “records from Amazon and coffees from Costa’’, local independent businesses like Wilderness will struggle to stay open. The closure will be a significant loss to the community - Wilderness prided itself on avoiding becoming a “stuffy music shop”, and served as a hub for the burgeoning post-punk and indie band scenes in the area.. One can only hope that the handful of other independent businesses on Withington High Street will be better supported in light of this loss.

UoM banned from transporting radioactive material

UoM banned from being a taxi for radioactive materials, but why? 6 2022. In a statement given to the

Clara Margotin News Reporter

n Thursday May 28, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) issued a Prohibition Notice to the University of Manchester, to stop the institution transporting “radioactive material pending administrative improvements”. The ONR observed “administrative shortfalls” in the transport compliance

inspection they conducted on the campus’ premises on April

A spokesperson for ONR declared that “[ONR’s] inspection found there were potential risks involving radioactive material consigned by the university, and consequently we have issued the Prohibition Notice to cease transport of radioactive material until such time as these contraventions are remedied.” The University of Manchester occasionally organises and operates the transportation of small quantities of radioactive components to other partner institutions, research centres, and laboratories. However, following ONR’s inspection, which found that the University’s transport radiation risk assessment did not fully meet all the required ONR guidance, the University has been banned from transporting radioactive material.

Manchester Evening News, the University says it is taking the matter “very seriously” and has decided to voluntarily stop transporting any kind of radioactive components. The ONR indicated that there was no harm to students, staff, nor to the public or the environment. They suggested that the University would recover the right to transport

radioactive material as soon as it would be able to meet the ONR’s guidance and notices again.

News 5

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Lemn Sissay’s main achievements as Chancellor Lemn Sissay’s term as Chancellor comes to the end on August 1

Anna Hindmarsh News Reporter

emn Sissay’s is set to finish his time as Chancellor of the University of Manchester on August 1, when he will be replaced by Nazir Afzal. Sissay has been Chancellor at the university for six years leaving behind the mark of numerous years of work. The Mancunion has taken a look at some of the changes that happened during his time. Sissay was elected as Chancellor in 2015. He has written numerous books of poetry, articles, and made records, radio documentaries, public art and plays as well as carrying out

significant charitable work. Having moved to Manchester at 18, his strong connection to the city goes back decades. When in conversation with The Mancunion (2021) he revealed that he performed at Manchester’s famous club Hacienda in the 1980s, and now his poetry is displayed across areas of Manchester including Oxford Road. His poem ‘Flags’ is also in the flagstones of Tib Street, Northern Quarter. Achievements Since becoming Chancellor he has significantly helped to shape the university for the better. In 2017, he created the ‘Lemn Sissay Law Bursaries’ to increase the number of black males studying law at the

university, addressing the underrepresentation of black males in the profession. He also helped to expand the Equity and Merit Scholarships at Manchester for funded Master’s degrees to include prospective Ethiopian students. Additionally, the Lemn Sissay Foundation organises Christmas dinners with care leavers across the UK. He has taken a handson approach to literature at Manchester, making appearances and hosting events at the university. He wrote and performed the poem ‘Making a Difference’ in 2017, which celebrated the university’s commitment to social responsibility. Also in 2017, he hosted ‘An Evening of poetry

with Lemn Sissay MBE’. It was one successful night of poetry reading among many, and he read his favourite poetry from the Canongate collection, Gold from the Stone. He also took part in the Manchester Literature Festival 2021, in conversation with Rachel Holmes. They spoke about Sylvia Pankhurst’s commitment to human rights and activism. This year he launched a climate-themed Creative Manchester Micropoetry competition, entries for which will close 21 June. During his tenure, he also achieved some major career landmarks outside the university. In 2019 he released his highly acclaimed memoir My Name Is

Why , where he shares his story of mistreatment under the British care system after being separated from his mother as an infant. This year he was also awarded with an OBE for his services in literature and charity. Legacy He had a major impact on the local community by consistently getting involved in charitable work both in Manchester and the rest of the UK. As well as this he will be remembered for his hands-on approach and clear presence at the university, leading to interesting conversations through literature and inspiring all of the students with his work.

The Grand Tour: News from Universities around the UK Archie Earle News Editor

Belfast University could have to cut 1,500 places by 2025 The University of Belfast vice-chancellor Ian Greer has said that the University may have to cut over 1,500 places at the University. The Department for the Economy re-

quired the University to make cuts of up to 15% in order to save money. Greer warned that undergraduate places would be the first to go, but that nothing is finalised.

University society receives unlikely gift from Taylor Swift The University of York SwiftSoc received a card and merchandise directly from signer Taylor Swift after the Easter Break, with her management thanking them

for their support. The society is one of 40 Universities across the UK with a society dedicated to Taylor Swift.

Durham University was forced to go back on its plans for mandatory, anti-racism training after receiving online backlash from students calling the move ‘anti-white indoctrination. The training aimed at ensuring a

safer community for people of colour was then scrapped with a spokesperson saying the workshop was not mandatory and that the intention was to make the campus more inclusive, not divisive.

Ukrainian Student at Cambridge to take course while on the front line A fresher at the University of Cambridge has decided to take up arms and fight in Ukraine, whilst simultaneously studying for his exams in the war-torn

UCL faced 60 million malicious email attacks in first months of 2022 Data from a FOI suggests that UCL was subject to 60 million spam, phishing, malware and Edge Block attacks in the first three months of 2022. The news has led

Durham University embroiled in anti-racism training scandal

country. Nikolai Nizalov, a 19-year-old natural sciences undergraduate decided to bring his lectures with him to help study in his spare time.

to concerns about cybersecurity on campus. Microsoft Office 365 was the most vulnerable software with a lack of Edge Block software blocking malicious attacks.

Get to know the university’s new Chancellor: Nazir Afzal Find out more about the life, career and background of our university’s new Chancellor

Anna Hindmarsh News Reporter

azir Afzal has been appointed as the University’s new chancellor. His very successful life and career is characterised by his devotion to causes such as gender-based violence and child protection. Here are just some of his major achievements and career landmarks. Early life Afzal was born in Birmingham as a second-generation immigrant from Pakistan. Growing up he suffered racial abuse which inspired him to use his voice and power as a male in society to make an impact in helping women

during his career. He told the New York Times in 2013, “I thought this [racial abuse] was how it was, and I put up with it […] and I think a lot of women feel the same about the abuse they suffer.” Career Within his 24 year career there have been numerous achievements, including becoming Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England in 2011. This was when he moved to Manchester and oversaw more than 100,000 prosecutions a year, and managed 800 lawyers and paralegals. He also made history by being the first Muslim chief prosecutor ever appointed. During this role, he prosecuted some of the highest-

profile cases in the UK, notably the Rochdale grooming gang and the former BBC presenter, Stuart Hall, for sexually abusing minors. He was very devoted to prosecuting cases involving violence against women. He told the New York Times in 2013 “I come from these communities [Muslim conservative communities], I understand their patriarchal nature. I can challenge them.” He stated that he uses his privilege as a man in society to generate change. “And because I am a man, the men in the community are more likely to listen to me.” In 2016, after leaving the CPS, he became Chief Executive of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. He resigned

following the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 so that he could express his views openly on Question Time. In 2017 he joined the Complaints Committee of the Independent Press Standards Organisation as its first member from an ethnic minority. In 2018 he was appointed as an advisor to the Welsh government on issues around violence against women. Since then he has taken up numerous posts in education, including being a guest lecturer in Manchester and continuing his charitable work and efforts to support the advancement of women in society. Major Achievements Afzal helped set up a national

hotline for women at risk of forced marriage, which gained so much attention that the US government contacted him to help set up a similar model in the US. He is also an independent member of Oxfam’s Safeguarding and Ethics Committee. He has also been listed in the Pakistan Power100 which ranks him among the 100 most influential people of Pakistani origin in the world today. His honourable work with the CPS and in local communities resulted in him being awarded an OBE by the Queen in 2005. If you would like to learn more about Afzal, he recently published his autobiography in 2020, The Prosecutor.

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ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

‘People would rather take a loan and be able to eat’: Medical Students launch the #LiveableNHSBursary campaign

Medical students funding halved as they hit fifth and sixth years - we’ve interviewed the founder of the #LiveableNHSBursary campaign to find out more about the problem Luke Hewitt Investigations Reporter

viral Twitter campaign has highlighted the difficulties fifth and sixth year medical students face in coping with the cost of living due to a lack of funding from Student Finance England. Medical students across the UK have joined together on Twitter to share stories of burn out and dire financial circumstances with the hashtag #LiveableNHSBursary. An unsustainable mix of multiple part-time jobs, frantic unpaid placements, study, exams, and rising living costs is slowly pushing more potential doctors away from the NHS when it needs them most. Penny Sucharitkul, Doctors Association UK rep and student at the University of Leeds, told The Mancunion how, alongside three fellow female student doctors – Michaela, Trisha and Eilidh – she started the movement: “We started a group chat on Twitter, the four of us are from widening access backgrounds and thought we need to make this change now because people are struggling to pay their rent and you’ve got student doctors using food banks.” The #LiveableNHSBursary campaign was created by Eilidh to help raise awareness about the substantial drop in funding medical students face in their fifth and sixth years and the drastic effect it is having on students across the country. Penny described how the cut comes at perhaps the most crucial part of their course: “As you’re going into your final year, your most difficult year, you’re essentially taking a £5,000 pay cut.” Currently, medical students are provided with full funding for their first four years of study, once they move into fifth and sixth year the funding plummets by half, from around £10,000 to just under £5,000. This is due to Student Finance England only fully funding students for four years of study. Once medical students progress to fifth and sixth year they transfer onto the NHS Bursary system, but, unlike most other healthcare students, they are not entitled to the same level of funding. Medical students are only allowed to take a maximum “top up” student maintenance loan of £1,975 per year, roughly £8,000 less than the standard for all other students. Medical students do, however, receive a means-tested NHS bursary which can vary from anywhere between £2,207 to £3,191 with an additional non-meanstested £1000 grant. But other healthcare

students, such as nursing students, receive a £5,000 non-means-tested NHS bursary for each academic year. This NHS bursary has proved invaluable for some and has supported them whilst they pursue their careers in healthcare. When asked about the financial support available for medical students, a University of Manchester spokesperson said: “ The University has invested in one of the most generous support packages in the UK for students in financial hardship; approximately a third of all our undergraduate UK students will receive bursaries of up to £2,000 per year. This includes the University’s Living Cost Support Fund and more information is available here and here. The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund also offers specific support to medical students.

“

I currently have two jobs to help fund Uni. This is on top of balancing placement time, academic opportunities and socialising/relaxing. I feel like I have no time to destress and my mental and physical health has suffered as a result. #LiveableNHSbursary - @alexanderjbald on Twitter The #LiveableNHSBursary campaign aims to achieve: parity between medical students and other healthcare courses, have the means test removed, and give all medical students full access to the NHS learning support fund. Medical students are also expected to complete unpaid clinical placements alongside their studies which often leads to students struggling to juggle their responsibilities. Penny explained the lengths some students are going to in an attempt to pay their bills: “You’re on placement five times a week on 9 til 5 shifts, going home and studying for three or four hours or going straight to work. Some students work night shifts and double weekend shifts just to make ends meet.” On the subject of clinical placements, a University of Manchester spokesperson said: “All clinical placements form part of a medical student’s studies; it is an essential part of learning to be a doctor and preparing to practise medicine safely. As students become more senior, they take on more tasks, safely supervised, within the clinical teams they are on placement with – this is so they are ready to start working as a doctor

The four founders of the campaign: from left to right: Penny, Michaela, Trisha, Eilidh.

when they graduate.” Penny told us the goal of the movement on Twitter “ … is about encouraging people to share their stories of living on such a small amount in their final year.” The hashtag has already garnered considerable interest on Twitter with several students’ stories going viral. She said, “we’ve already seen stories of people working two jobs, people not being able to pay their rent and people struggling to plan their jobs/lives around placement rotas.” A post shared on Twitter by a medical student confirmed the struggles faced by many students “I currently have two jobs to help fund Uni. This is on top of balancing placement time, academic opportunities and socialising/relaxing. I feel like I have no time to destress and my mental and physical health has suffered as a result. #LiveableNHSbursary”. Penny hopes the campaign can improve the funding system so future medical students don’t have to go through the same struggles, “ The main goals of the campaign is to have full access to the NHS Bursary learning support fund, access to full student finance for our final years of study, and a review on funding for travel costs”. She also reiterated that the ability to take out further maintenance loans would be invaluable to medical students – even if it adds to their already exorbitant student debt. “My debt is already at £80,000. Adding to it isn’t really going to make much of a difference, in the past there has been an argument for not wanting to add to our loans but most people would rather take a loan and be able to eat.” The British Medical Association released a press statement on 28th April 2022 backing the campaign. The co-chair of the Medical Students Committee Kadija Meghrawi said: “ The funding provided by the NHS bursary is unacceptably low and there must be a review of current funding mechanisms. Those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds cannot rely on generous friends or family, and must instead sacrifice their education and health to work long hours.” The hashtag has also received support from politicians. Debbie Abrahams MP (Oldham East & Saddleworth) told one student on Twitter that she would speak to the health secretary whilst former leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron tweeted his support: “Very Happy to back the #LiveableNHSBursary campaign. If we truly care about the future of our NHS, then we need to support medical students so they

can actually afford to do their training away from home”. Recently, The Mancunion uncovered student nurses reliant on food banks and feeling “burnt out before you’re qualified”, with the emergence of #LiveableNHSBursary campaign it is clear that problems in healthcare education aren’t confined to nursing students. Medical students face a 50% drop in funding at the most crucial part of their degree. With staff shortages in the NHS endemic, this extra financial hurdle has the potential to discourage future doctors when they are needed most.

“

How do you tell ambitious young people that the entire system is set up against them? Its the truth. #LiveableNHSBursary - @thegradmedic on Twitter On mental health, a University of Manchester spokesperson said: “Medical students have dedicated pastoral support team within their programme they are encouraged to access when they need advice and support. “ The University provides a comprehensive range of resources and support for students in relation to their mental health. All information about what’s available can be found here. The support includes a free and confidential Counselling and Mental Health Service that provides both psychological interventions and mental health assessments. In addition there is a 24/7 mental health support phone line that allows students to access support outside of core hours. “ The University has a public health framework for helping students and staff think about how to look after their mental health – the Six Ways to Wellbeing – which allows students to reflect on what helps them stay well. “And we have also partnered with the other Great Manchester universities and Greater Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Partnership (the NHS) to launch a first in the UK: a Mental Health Service for Greater Manchester students. This allows our Counselling and Mental Health Service to refer students for treatment who experience significant mental health difficulties and who currently struggle to access NHS services as they are currently configured.”

Sport 7

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Billionaire business owners: What are they doing to football? How has a working class sport become plagued by greed?

Ava Griffiths Sport Reporter

illionaire football club owners. Their investments have either brought your club unprecedented success or has left you attending protests trying to get them out. Here in the city of Manchester, this difference has been played out right in front of us. The City Football Group which owns Manchester City has completely transformed a club once in the shadow of Manchester United. Meanwhile, the relationship between the Glazers and the red side of Manchester has become a toxic one. How has a working class sport become plagued by greed and extreme wealth? Elite level football is a business. From this, we see the rise of corporate tycoons running our clubs. Of course, the investment can bring huge success to a club. Chelsea and Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003 being the most obvious example. Once a mid table club from West London down by Fulham Road, on the edge of bankruptcy, have now gone on to win the Champions League twice and have earned the status of one of the biggest clubs in the world. With the recent news that Abramovich was selling the club, most Chelsea fans had nothing but gratitude for the billionaire, whose investment led to an era o f unparalleled success. Other fans have a

more fractured relationship with their owners. The resentment between Manchester United supporters and the Glazers has been growing for many years. Yet this should come as no surprise. Before their takeover in 2005, the club was debt free and had been since 1931. The club’s debt now stands at £494.8 million. This is because in order to buy the club, the Glazers took out loans secured against Manchester United’s own assets, meaning the responsibility for paying interest on those and indeed paying off the loans entirely fell on the institution, not on the Glazers themselves. A truly crazy business move, one which has now come back to haunt the club. Fans are left feeling their beloved club is simply there for the owners profit. Clubs which are built on tradition and a solid working class community can clash with wealthy businessmen with no background in football. The takeover of West Ham is no exception. Of course they have recently found success under manager David Moyes so the

owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, made their money in the adult magazine and film industry. When they took over in 2010, they promised so much for West Ham, now banners with ‘sold a dream, given a nightmare’ are held up by supporters at matches. But it is West Ham’s move from Upton Park to the Olympic stadium in 2016 which I believe captures everything wrong with the corporate world becoming involved in football clubs. A true east London fortress built on West Ham’s rich history which stood for 112 years traded in for a multi purpose stadium three miles away, just off a Westfield shopping centre. The local businesses which made up a buzzing Green Street are simply left behind. The iconic family run, Nathan’s pie and mash shop, open for 80 years feeding hungry supporters on their way to Upton Park, is now permanently closed. This was just two years after West Ham’s move. Food trucks which also stood outside the old ground, have been denied the right to set up outside the new stadium. There has

disregard for the community built around the club. Unfortunately, protecting this community simply was not part of the business plan for David Sullivan and David Gold. Meanwhile, in Germany a model called the 50+1 model means Russian oligarchs and US hedge funds cannot muscle their way into the ownership of football clubs. Since 1998, when the 50+1 rule came into existence in German football, members have owned 50 percent of their clubs plus one share, limiting commercial investment to a minority stake. Fans are therefore more involved with off field decisions, the powers of those at the top are limited. This is unlike what we see in the UK. Whilst many fans are drawn to this 50+1 model, the ownership of clubs falling to a few wealthy individuals does not seem to be going anywhere. Recently, Newcastle United was sold by Sports Direct CEO Micheal Ashley to Saudi backed Public Investment Fund (PIF). It was a controversial deal which collapsed in 2020 as the Premier League was not convinced PIF was completely separate from the Saudi Arabian

It means Newcastle are now the world’s wealthiest football club, surpassing Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, with owners who are worth an estimated £700bn. In 2021, the proposal of the breakaway European Super League showcased the greed from the socalled ‘top six’ clubs in embarrassing fashion. Within 48 hours of the announcement, club owners were apologising to fans as the plans collapsed due to severe backlash. Businessmen with no loyalty or appreciation for the community built around the football clubs in this country, attempted to create a separate competition all for a money grab. A league with no relegation? Who thought that would be something football fans wanted? An obvious case of money and profit being put before supporters interest. The already fragile relationship between the board of clubs and fans has been damaged permanently. One thing this whole scandal did show was how even as the corporate world tightens its grip on football clubs, fans will not allow them to get their hands on everything. To

pressure on the board settled slightly. However the c l u b ’s

been a complete

government. However, in 2021 it seemed there was enough evidence to prove this wa s not the case.

owners, football is their very own profitable business. To fans, it is, and always has been far more than that. If owners fail to recognise this, supporters may feel like walking away from the club. A disaster for the sport. After all, football is nothing without fans.

h a s

and

utter

8 Features

ISSUE 13/ 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

How long will we for?: The rise of trending new app

Everyone on campus seems to have BeReal at the moment, so we explore why the app is so popular, and how long it is likely to last Maisie Outhart Features Writer

eReal is Gen Z’s latest trend, and like most opportunities to overshare online, I love it. I’m a prolific story poster for many reasons, but first and foremost because I find it fun. BeReal seems to have less negative side effects than other social media platforms, such as the compulsion to compare and the cringing that comes a couple years later. I find myself wondering, though, if we will continue using BeReal for a long time or if it will become a mocked relic of the past, like sending Snapchat streaks. The app is simple: it sends a notification to all app users at one random time every day, they take a picture with the front and back camera (with a slight delay), and those pictures get posted for your friends to see. Its other features include reacting to posts, a post map, and sharing to other social media platforms. Compared to the stories, reels, replies, direct messaging, minigames, influencers, likes, comments, and follower counts we are usually (albeit voluntarily) subject to on other apps, BeReal is welcome and enjoyable in its simplicity. Its purpose is in the name – to be real, and counter social media perfectionism to discover what people are really like in their daily lives. But this is where I start asking questions. I’m not sure if you can ever prevent, or if you should prevent, the careful cultivation of social media content. On BeReal, people wait until they’re doing something exciting and then post late, or pose

specifically for the picture. I’ve been known to wait until you can’t tell I’ve been crying (I’m a water sign), and these are just a few examples of performance that carry the risk of social comparison. I’ve had multiple conversations about this as my friends and I have tried to decide whether we care how many reactions we get compared to others, a habit of a generation chronically online. I can also admit that when I’m in bed watching Glee for the tenth time and I see someone out clubbing or even being productive in the library I can start to feel bad about myself. Perhaps the amusement I get from BeReal is what has made me overthink it, classically turning something simple and fun into relatively deep conversation and self-reflection. Overall, though, I maintain that the good outweighs the bad when it comes to BeReal, and there are several ways to ensure it remains enjoyable and doesn’t join Vine and MySpace in the social media graveyard. Maintaining it as solely a platform to interact with friends is relatively niche for a social media, and important to avoid a lot of comparison. There’s no potential to build a career on BeReal, unlike Instagram and YouTube, meaning there are no influencers with seemingly perfect lives to compare yourself with. My advice to people like me who can’t help but compare our productivity and social life to those around us is to recognise that despite its purpose, BeReal will never truly represent someone’s life. Nobody wants to post when they’re

sobbing over a break-up or even just feeling insecure (believe me), nor should they feel pressure to. I’ve become better at recognising that someone might feel the most like themselves and most ‘real’ when they are dressed up at the club, and that doesn’t make my reality less impressive. Also, there’s no one to impress if you only add the people you’re comfortable with, which I recommend if you’re an overthinker like me. I would initially shame people for posting late, but I’ve realised that if I want BeReal to last it must remain an app where people can enjoy it in their own way, and the freedom that comes with less exposure and social norms of posting maintains this. However, I think another important feature that contributes to BeReal’s potential longevity is the timed notification. Not only is it unique, but it can lead to funny posts and memories as well as building a sense of anticipation and excitement. I complain about my BeReals being boring, but a personal highlight that illustrates my point is in the week after exams when I happened to be in bed every single time BeReal sent out their notification. It’s funny in retrospect, and so I like to use the time limit feature. With that being said, I reaffirm that nobody should feel pressure to post exactly what they’re doing all of the time, so my advice is essentially to do what works for you without worrying too much about others. After all, being real doesn’t necessarily mean being on time. The time sensitivity element of

BeReal is not its only defining feature. The fact that it requires less effort than other social media will also help maintain its popularity. For years it has felt like people have been trying to create a separate social media presence for friends only, with second Instagram accounts being the main example that comes to mind. The popularity of the ‘Finsta’ or ‘spam account’ has declined, perhaps as social media platforms now have private story features to use on public accounts, but also because it is a lot of effort to maintain both a public and private presence across (on average) 3 social media platforms. I personally removed my followers from my private Instagram as I started to feel insecure about it when I moved to university, which is a whole other conversation, but overall, I couldn’t be bothered to maintain it. In contrast, BeReal requires you to post once a day, with one picture, regardless of the context. The fun element is not lost because it requires a minimum level of effort and has comparatively little room for performance even if you post late. As well as being less effort, it takes up less time due to the small amount of content to be consumed, which in turn makes it less addictive. Therefore, I would still argue that BeReal’s positive impact persists even without time sensitivity. My favourite part of BeReal is how it keeps you in touch with people. I enjoyed seeing what university friends were doing over Easter and likewise for home friends during term time. One of the key differences

between BeReal and other apps is that you have to post everyday if you want to see everyone else’s posts, so naturally you keep up to date with people. I read online (on a TikTok) about how sweet ‘Realmojis’, aka reactions to posts, are, and I have to agree. My appreciation for BeReal outweighs any social comparison I have been subject to, which is why I love the app and will defend it to the complainers. Although I have questioned it, I also think that BeReal can achieve its intended purpose of countering social media perfectionism and discovering what people are really like if that is what its users decide to share. The refreshing lack of features would make it extremely difficult to communicate a ‘perfect’ life on BeReal, but, as I said, is it also important to break the habit of associating social media with real life and to understand people will still control what they post. Whether this means people are not ‘being real,’ is open to debate. For now, though, I can safely say that a lasting enjoyment and popularity of BeReal requires a healthy mindset, detached from the habits of other social medias, that can only be maintained if the app developers keep it simple. Trends on the internet come and go, and I already find myself interacting less with BeReal than I did a month ago, but my friends and I have been posting every day for months and it doesn’t look likely to stop just yet. I think a balance needs to be found between maintaining the app’s simplicity and keeping it engaging, and I really hope developers find it.

Opinion 9

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

What’s on the menu this week? Calories. Eleanor Taylor Opinion Writer

Trigger/content warning: eating disorders, calorie counting oing out for dinner should be a fun experience. An opportunity to try new cuisines, spend time with friends and family, or celebrate special occasions. But for many of those who have suffered with any form of disordered eating, it can be a daunting experience filled with fear, guilt and anxiety – feelings which may be intensified by the recent introduction of calories on menus. As of the beginning of April, all restaurants, cafés and takeaways with over 250 employees are legally required to display calorie information on their menus. This policy has been in discussion for years and is part of a wider strategy to tackle obesity in the UK, including bans on TV and online adverts for ‘unhealthy’ food before 9pm, and bans on food high in fat, sugar and salt being prominently displayed on supermarket shelves. The government argues that the pandemic highlighted the impact that obesity can have on people’s health. It presents the new policy as an attempt to tackle the fact that two-thirds of adults in England are overweight or obese, which costs the NHS an estimated £6.1 billion each year. Sounds legit right? Except its strategy is a series of arguably paternalistic and harmful policies. Jo Churchill, the UK Public Health Minister, has said that the calorie information will “make it as easy as possible for people to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families… [and] make sure everyone has access to accurate information about the food and drink we order”. For those who do want to count their calories to help them maintain a healthy weight, I can understand how this information might be useful. This would justify the policy… if this information wasn’t already easily accessible online, or in restaurants upon request. For the majority of the population, an introduction of calories on menus without increased education surrounding diet, nutrition and the benefits of exercise will do little to curb the UK’s obesity problem. This is especially true given that the recommended daily amount is a ‘one size fits all’ approach, with little regard to height, weight, exercise levels, body composition, gender, race and so many other factors that influence the number of calories that someone should eat. Yet this is rarely discussed in policies surrounding obesity.

Adding calories to menus is more likely to exacerbate disordered eating rather than solve the UK obesity crisis

For many, the calorie information will be some numbers on a piece of paper, and who’s to say that they will actually inform people’s decision-making in restaurants? At the end of the day, a load of numbers on a piece of paper means nothing, right? Wrong. For me, and for so many others who have struggled with eating disorders, disordered eating or an obsession with calorie counting, calories on menus means a lot more than just a load of numbers on a piece of paper. It can be extremely triggering, no matter what stage of your illness or recovery you are at. It can make you feel uncomfortable, guilty or anxious. And it can make eating out – something that should be an enjoyable experience – incredibly difficult. I spoke with Gemma, a University of Manchester student who shared her own experiences with calories on menus and the effect that the policy may have on people with eating disorders. She described the way in which calories on menus encouraged people to reduce their self-worth to a number, feeding the obsession with calories or a number on a scale that people with eating disorders often experience. Gemma also recounted researching places to go for afternoon tea to celebrate completing her degree and being met with calorie information. She said that she felt unable to celebrate occasions without an overwhelming sense of guilt and pointed out that regardless of whether you struggle with an eating disorder, calorie information on menus can take the enjoyment away from eating out. She expressed an annoyance surrounding the stereotype that ‘people with eating disorders aren’t gonna go to restaurants anyways’ and therefore wouldn’t be affected by the policy. She said that she ‘loves food’ and that she used eating out as a way to challenge her eating disorder, aiding her recovery. Calorie information on menus encouraged her to choose food based on its calorific content rather than what she genuinely wanted to eat. In this way, calories on menus deprive eating disorder sufferers of the opportunity to enjoy eating, or to escape their eating disorder – the numbers reinforce feelings of guilt and control surrounding food. This stereotype is paired with ignorance and a lack of empathy towards eating disorder sufferers and their food anxieties. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, and yet people know

surprisingly little about them, their symptoms, their causes and how debilitating they can be for sufferers. Perhaps this ignorance stems from the systemic fatphobia within our society that uses weight as a proxy for ill-health, with ‘fat, unfit and unhealthy’ and ‘thin, fit and healthy’ as the only two, mutually exclusive possibilities. Government policies perpetuate a fatphobic narrative through their portrayal of fat people as a burden to the NHS, as moral failings and as irresponsible for not wanting to lose weight. Eating disorder charities such as BEAT have expressed their concerns regarding calories on menus and eating disorders. Yet perhaps because we live in a society that glamorises thinness and stigmatises fatness, these concerns were overlooked in favour of a push towards weight loss. Additionally, the paternalistic policies aimed at limiting people’s exposure to ‘unhealthy’ foods through bans on advertising suggest that people cannot make their own rational decisions about what to eat. If this is the case, why approach it through simply making ‘unhealthy’ food less visible in shops? Why not educate people, and allow them to make their own informed decisions? Furthermore, by focusing on foods with high fat, salt, sugar and calorie content as the means to achieve a ‘healthier’ nation, government policy fails to recognise the other factors that shape people’s body size and health. Most notably, social factors like the cost-of-living crisis make healthier, more balanced diets increasingly inaccessible to those on lower incomes. The solution to obesity in the UK might not be a shift towards paternalism, but instead a shift away from austerity. But, if calories are a permanent addition to menus, there are ways to make eating out a more pleasurable experience for those affected by this change. For example, a trusted friend or family member could read the menu to you, omitting the calorie information. Or, some restaurants are offering alternative menus upon request that don’t contain the calorie information. And if either of these aren’t suitable, remember that smaller, independent restaurants and cafés are not included in this policy and thus are not required to include calorie information on their menus. If you do struggle with any of the themes mentioned in this article, you can find help here: BEAT Eating Disorder Support: Helpline: 0808 801 0677 Email: help@beateatingdisorders. org.uk

Historical dramas: The new object of all our desires Dear readers, escape from your 21st century trauma to historical drama. With Jonathon Bailey in a wet shirt, it's not a bad place to be Anna Nixon Opinion Writer

as the pandemic caused our televisual desire for realism to be replaced by a taste for historical escapism? It was the first Tuesday back from Easter holiday, and in an attempt to distract myself from the abandoned bags and clothes strewn over my floor, I was listening to the Bridgerton soundtrack and looking up when the next Derry Girls episode would be out. Procrastinating from my procrastination I opened the wormhole of TikTok to see some clips of Taika Waititi’s new show about Blackbeard. Then a thought suddenly struck me. I am supposed to be in my Fleabag era. Yet instead of having post-trauma sex with charming Irish priests, I’m listening to classical music and doing Wikipedia research on a long dead pirate. But is it just me? Or have we all collectively moved from dreams of Andrew Scott in a dog collar to Jonathan Bailey in a flowy (or wet, even better when it’s wet) shirt. I put it to you, dear reader (little Bridgerton reference there – can you tell I’m a tad obsessed?) that the hyperrealist, trauma driven shows of pre and early pandemic have been replaced by escapist historical dramas in the shift out of covid riddled life. In the run up to the doom of the coronavirus takeover, Phoebe WallerBridge’s Fleabag had recently concluded its second series. The 2.5 million people who watched it were enthralled by its satirical humour, dramatic trauma narrative and Andrew Scott dressed as a priest. Shortly after lockdown began, this series was followed by Michaela Coles’ I May Destroy You and Normal People, based on the novel of the same name by Sally Rooney. These programmes, both released in mid-2020, also had themes of trauma, and expressed humour, sex, and everyday life as unromanticised and relatable to the point of cringing behind a pillow. Skip forward to the supposed end of the pandemic and we find ourselves shopping for empire waistline dresses, taking ‘Which Bridgerton are you?’ quizzes, and longing to exist in the

romanticised Georgian Period of our new favourite show. Alongside Bridgerton (do you think I’ve mentioned it enough yet?) Taika Waititi’s Our Flag Means Death is extremely popular globally; the final series of Derry Girls is taking the UK by storm, and Ghosts season 4 is highly anticipated (by me anyway). Unlike the early pandemic shows almost uncomfortable level of realism, these programmes span a wide scope of past historical periods and places, none of which are ours. So why the sudden move from realism to history? What major worldwide event could have caused such dramatic changes to our lives? Well, I hate to bring it up, but I fear it has something to do with a certain little virus. Yes, coronavirus has changed many lives worldwide and has seemingly had an effect on pretty much everything else. (Apparently, the price of Freddo’s has increased AGAIN!) It’s no wonder it has changed our televisual appetites. Who wants to watch shows about real-life trauma when the flashbacks to lockdown haircuts are still very traumatic and a little too real? A modern television show is simply not enough of an escape anymore it seems; we must now not only watch someone else’s life, but some other time of life as well. The escapism of period as well as people. To be honest, I’m not too sad about this change. Don’t get me wrong I am a huge fan of Fleabag, but it feels like my childhood obsession with Horrible Histories is finally coming to use. I feel educated as well as entertained, classy as well as comfortable and knowledgeable about more than just occasional London Street Names. Okay, that was a lie, I don’t know the street names, I’m just slightly familiar enough to spot a building and say that’s that one from that show, you know the one, the one with thingy in it. So, to conclude, it has come to my attention, dear readers, that yesterday’s tendency for realistic televisual exploits has been replaced by a rather fantastic new appetite for historical fantasies to escape to. I for one could not be happier about it.

10 Opinion

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Taylor Swift est in horto: How teachers are making Latin more accessible How Roman mythology applies to modern romance and how Taylor Swift will transform your view of Latin as its teaching becomes more accessible Libby Elliott Opinion Reporter

atin. Most people think it’s boring, dated and constantly clutching at straws to find its relevance in the modern world. It’s biggest weakness? It is grossly inaccessible. Latin is primarily taught in private schools, to classes of very few with a remarkably weak grip on how the rest of the country experience education. I mean, we were quite literally led through a pandemic by a Prime Minister with a degree in Classics from Oxford. As we can see from the shambles ensuing in the Commons, knowing Homer’s Iliad back to front doesn’t exactly prepare you for viral Armageddon. And he only got a 2:1. So, whilst I love to bore people with how truly riveting the sex, drugs, and rock and roll of the ancient world actually is, it’s important to acknowledge this ‘hot take’ comes from a very privileged position. Latin, and its exclusive field of study, is quite frankly problematic. And those who teach it or, like myself, have a lasting interest in it, need to work on decolonising the field. Don’t act like you didn’t love a bit of Percy Jackson when you were younger. How did we all go from knowing and loving the myths of the Underworld, Medusa, Zeus and Hercules as kids to our interest being completely lost? Leaving, for the most part, the suited and booted gentry on these Classics courses. Getting to Latin A Level, I realised it is quite literally full of sex (of all orientations), rebellion, politics that looks remarkably like our modern-day politics, a ton of fires and a bunch of raunchy high-profile affairs. And I wished more

people knew! Okay, so it’s in a dead language and nobody likes grammar. I’m also missing out the brutal wars, slave societies of Rome and grossly suppressed rights of women. However, it all comes together to make this fascinating, mythological, quirky, sexually explorational pocket of history. But the posh, droll teachers tend to put us off well before GCSEs. Latin has typically been taught, in its private school sphere, through Caecilius. If you don’t know him, he’s usually hanging out in horto. And if you took Latin you’ll know in book three he cheats on his wife, Metella… maybe it’s time for Taylor Swift to get involved? A Cambridge University academic has put together a new guide that suggests Latin should be taught more like a modern foreign language. Students should be encouraged to speak, sing, and write creatively – even perform. Rather than just reciting grammar tables and cheating on vocab tests for three years until they can drop Latin at GCSE. Stephen Hunt, a Latin teacher of 35 years, thinks a more open-minded and imaginative approach will widen the interest in the subject and also make it more accessible. This is perhaps the biggest challenge facing the Latin teaching community. Yes, it’s important to make sure this uniquely middle-class subject is accessible, but once it’s been made accessible, how can they be sure that there will be interest? This will involve picking apart the elitist and slightly ‘gatekeepy’ side of Classics teaching that puts so many students off. T h e r e

are currently less than 10,000 students who sit GCSE Latin and, as you can imagine, the overwhelming majority are from private schools. A recent British Council survey revealed that Latin is taught at KS3 at only 2.7% of state schools compared to 49% of independent schools. Hunt had this eureka moment that a change was long overdue, as he details in one research paper when he asked students who were struggling with Virgil’s poetry to translate a modern song instead. The Swifties among the class managed to turn ‘Bad Blood’ into ‘quod, are, nunc malum sanguinem habemus’. My little nerdy Swiftie heart might just have exploded. Other examples of this strategy include 3D models of Rome being built on Minecraft by teachers, translating ‘Let it Go’ from Frozen and even getting students to read and write fanfiction in Latin. Let me tell you now, the love poems and intermarital myths of the ancient world are remarkably similar to that Harry Styles fanfiction lying about in your Wattpad library from when you were 14. Dido and Aeneas’ relationship is almost perfectly personified in the ‘All Too Well (Ten Minute Version)’ music video. Hunt explains that Latin and its discipline have never truly been subject to “thorough academic investigation. We tend to rely on anecdotal information about what seems to work.” Upon reflection, Hunt is now horrified that he once taught Latin using texts which

didn’t truly acknowledge the horrors of slavery and stereotyped female figures. “Because the human brain is hardwired for sound, it learns by speaking, listening and using language. Some Latin teachers are realising that this is the way to learn any language – dead or alive.” The Department of Education announced the launch of a £4m scheme to encourage Latin to be taught among secondary state students, starting in 40 schools across England, as part of a fouryear scheme. I used to stay behind after school in Sixth Form to help out hosting GCSE Classical Civilisation lessons for local schools in Streatham. Don’t get me wrong, I do think £4m could be better spent on lowering the rising cost of living, and there are still some structural issues with the elitist nature of Classics in the example I just used. So, my suggestion is that teachers and students who are really passionate about expanding the discipline incentivise themselves to run creative spaces off their own backs where possible. Either in person or online. Where everybody is welcome. Still not convinced Latin has any relevance? While the language might be dead, the stories of the ancient world have a lot more in common with your uni love life than you might think. I would implore any Swiftie, former Wattpad tween, local campus ‘softboy’ to go give Dido and Aeneas’ love story a read. She literally burns all her belongings and then flings herself onto the fire

as her ex sails away. Too strong on the simp behaviour for you? Lookup a Bacchanal – groups of women would go up a mountain for a ‘holy’ ceremony, get hammered, have massive orgies and end up rioting. Basically a Wednesday night at 256. Or for the feminists on campus, read about Camilla the female warrior in Virgil’s Aeneid Book II. Don’t fancy the obvious ‘girlboss’ feminist trope? Women in antiquity are almost always portrayed as either sirens, virgins, whores, or meddling mothers by the men who wrote classical history and literature. Distractions or problems. There is so much to pick apart, and so many conversations to be had on how little we have evolved from this ancient perception in modern literature. Politics students, Plato’s Republic, is the one for you. It’s probably even on your syllabus at some point. Plato, writing around 380 B.C., describes a tyrant who would emerge from the democracy. As democracy becomes more equal, the prospect of tyranny rises. A tyrant who over-identifies with the people and tarnishes the name of those in power, whilst being perhaps the furthest removed from any sentiment of the people at all. ‘The rich try to look just like the poor for power’ is a sentiment Donald Trump often tried to play on, I would argue. There really is something for everybody in Latin. And so many interesting conversations to be had about how many similarities we still see in modern politics, literature and speechmaking. It’s just up to those who are teaching to be a little more creative, a little less elitist and a lot more accessible.

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Opinion 11

Reviewing the use of the term

‘genocide’

in European conflicts

Defining genocide in relation to Lemkin and Lauterpacht and assessing Russia’s crimes in Ukraine? Bizzy Sinclair Opinion Writer

n April 12, President Biden used the term “genocide” when describing Russia’s actions in Ukraine. He is not the first political leader to use such a term when commenting on Vladimir Putin’s actions. Indeed, Poland’s Prime Minister has declared that the killings in towns such as Bucha must be understood as genocide and “dealt with as such”. Likewise, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has remarked that Putin’s actions do not “look far short of genocide”. Whilst Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has lauded Biden’s comments, many countries have not gone so far as to label what is happening in Ukraine as “genocide”. French President Emmanuel Macron, for example, has said that he is hesitant to adopt such a term, fearing an “escalation of rhetoric”. It is clear across the geopolitical landscape, that the use of the term “genocide” is divisive and confusing. Against this backdrop, Phillippe Sands’ seminal book East West Street: On the Origins of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity is ever more relevant. To even debate whether or not Russian actions can be described as “genocide” is largely due to the work of two men: Hersch Lauterpacht, and Raphael Lemkin. Sands narrates the life and work of those of these men in his book.

He reveals how Lauterpacht (responsible for the concept of the crime against humanity) and Lemkin (who coined the term genocide) originated the ideas whilst they were law professors in the city of Lviv (then Lemberg). It is fitting that the focal point of Sands’ book is the Ukrainian city of Lviv. A city where it now feels as if history is repeating itself. In East West Street , Sands writes engaging biographical accounts of figures such as Lemkin and Lauterpacht, as well as Hitler’s personal lawyer Hans Frank. Yet alongside this, he guides readers through the establishment of the concepts which allowed the Nazis to be prosecuted. These concepts changed the course of the Nuremberg trials and international law more broadly. Despite having established the crime of genocide, Lemkin was somewhat disappointed with the outcome of the Nuremberg trials. Nazi leaders were charged with “crimes against humanity” meaning that genocide was not formally recognised in the law as a crime. As a result, following the trials Lemkin concentrated his efforts into persuading the United Nations to enter into a treaty which would recognise genocide as an international crime. Lemkin’s efforts were successful: in December 1948 the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. This defined genocide as committing certain acts “with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group”. It also acknowledges that there can be “genocide,” “conspiracy to commit genocide,” as well as “attempt to commit genocide.” Yet, it is this very definition of genocide which means (as was the case in the Nuremberg trials) that genocide is fairly subjective and certainly quite difficult to prove. There is no unanimous definition or understanding of what ‘in part’ comprises. Likewise, it is extremely difficult to categorise genocide as actual or attempted or if it is a genocidal conspiracy. Riddled with subjective considerations, it is, for this reason, so challenging to reach a consensus when it comes to genocide. The same qualms Lemkin had on the back of the Nuremberg trials are playing out again: this time, however, it is with regard to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Not only are politicians struggling in a lexical sense to speak about Ukraine in

the correct manner, but scholars are also debating how to classify Putin’s actions. It is indisputable that Russia has committed mass murder in Ukraine. Actions such as bombing Maternity Hospital No 3 in Mariupol or executing hundreds of civilians

this underscores how the use of the term “genocide” is circumstantial, used by countries how and when it suits them. In more recent times we have again seen countries deny genocide. Indeed, China has denied that the forcible detention of

Image Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

in occupied towns certainly could represent war crimes. Yet it is hard to definitively say that these actions are motivated by genocidal intent. It is blatant that Vladimir Putin is waging a war that is illegal. However, to argue that he is waging a genocide is a whole different story. Above all, the lack of consensus around legal understandings of genocide has allowed it to become somewhat of a tool for political point-scoring. Indeed, politicians have frequently made arguments about the definitions of genocide in order to reject that it was happening. This is infamously evidenced by the US denial that the mass violence in Rwanda in 1994 constituted genocide for it did not represent the “precise legal meaning” of the term. When Lemkin coined the term “genocide”, as well as referring to the Nazi massacres of Jews, he drew on the atrocities committed against Armenians primarily during the first years of WW1 between 1915 and 1916. The Armenian genocide involved the murder of somewhere between 1 million and 1.5 million Armenian people in the Ottoman empire. It represents a deliberate attempt to eradicate the Armenian people and identity. Yet whilst the experience of Armenians contributed to the establishment of the term “genocide” many, including Turkish officials, still argue that there was no organised attempt to eradicate Christian Armenians. Closer to home, a Foreign Office note from 1999, uncovered by the Freedom of Information Act stated that “Given the importance of our relationships (political, strategic, commercial) with Turkey … recognising the genocide would provide no practical benefit to the UK.” Once m o re ,

more than 1 million Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide. By the same token, we have also seen countries make genocide claims in order to justify their foreign policy. Russia attempted to frame its annexation of Crimea in 2014 as a humanitarian intervention. Moreover, in February 2022 Putin claimed that Ukrainians have been “facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by the Kyiv regime”. – He offered this as a justification for his subsequent attacks. Putin’s claims here are nothing new. As evidenced above, politicians have been playing a point-scoring game with the term genocide since its establishment in 1948. There is not enough evidence at this present moment to say decisively if Russia’s actions in Ukraine are genocidal. In the meantime, however, whilst lawyers contemplate this matter, if politicians use the term “genocide” as a rhetorical device, they must carefully think about the term’s gravitas. Britain, for example, shouldn’t rush to label Russia’s actions as genocidal – especially not before recognising p a s t atrocities, such as the Armenian genocide.

12 Science & Tech

Is Alzheimer’s disease primarily a women’s health issue?

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

There are 50 million Alzheimer’s disease patients worldwide, yet interestingly two-thirds are women Sofia Smithen Science Writer

hen we consider common women’s health issues, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) wouldn’t naturally come to mind. However, women over 60 are more likely to experience Alzheimer’s than breast cancer. Statistics have shown that women are more heavily diagnosed with this disease compared to men. In fact, in the United Kingdom the ratio of female to male Alzheimer’s patients is 2:1. Why are women so greatly impacted by this disease? Of course, a clear reason for this difference is the increased average life expectancy of approximately 4 years. But this is not the whole truth. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is the most common disorder under the umbrella term of ‘dementia’. This family of illnesses affect 850,000 nationally and costs the NHS £26.3 billion annually. Dementia is the 7th leading cause

of death globally and the rate of annual patients seems to only be increasing. Despite these alarming statistics, there is a clear lack of detailed research into the illness - this often makes diagnosis challenging. Key symptoms of the disease include: memory loss, decreased cognitive skills and difficulty carrying out daily tasks. The primary physiological feature of the illness is the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain and a loss of neuronal connectivity. Shockingly, these features can occur up to 20 years before any symptoms are displayed. These changes originate in regions such as the hippocampus – a structure associated with memory. As discussed, there is a major lack of research into Alzheimer’s sex prevalence. This is primarily due to issues with funding and diagnosis difficulties. Diagnostic issues can arise from factors such as distrust in the healthcare system, lack of awareness and shortage of specialists. This article will investigate some of

the proposed potential links between sex and this illness. Depression and menopause link Depression is very prevalent in those with AD and it is often difficult to distinguish between the two diseases as they share common features. Typically women are estimated to have a higher chance of depression than men and this is believed to increase the chance of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 70%. The onset of the menopause elevates the risk of depression due to shifts in hormone levels. It is thought that these changes in oestrogen levels alter the structure of the brain to change its function. Oestrogen impacts neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which play key roles in regulating depressive symptoms. It is believed that oestrogen acts as a protective barrier to the formation of amyloid plaques. There is a huge social pressure placed on women going through the menopause. Where this natural change

is viewed as a negative. It is often overlooked how impactful this can be on an individual’s mental health. Menopause not only affects a woman’s physiology but also their brain function. Autoimmune disease risk It has been shown that there is a strong correlation between the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain and Alzheimer’s. Autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis, cause an increase in these plaques which may be part of the brain’s response to infection. In fact, it was suggested that up to 20% of people with an autoimmune disease will experience a form of dementia later in life. It is acknowledged that women face an increased risk of having an autoimmune disease. Whilst the exact reason why is unknown, it is thought that pregnancy strengthens the individual’s immune system. Environmental causes Studies have demonstrated that the most influential factors would

include sleep patterns and socioeconomic status. Circadian irregularity is very common in AD patients. The production of peptides associated with formation of plaques are the highest when sleep disturbances occur. Further to this, the rate of education for women in the U.S. has gradually increased over the last few years and there has been a corresponding decline in cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Whilst it is impossible to distinctly say this is the cause, it could be a possible link. Hope for future research? It is impossible to definitively say why women are so disproportionately affected by this illness. However, the World Alzheimer’s Report 2021 addresses this issue in further detail. The clear findings are that awareness campaigns and sex-specific brain screenings for those over 50 could have considerable influence on the rate of illness. It is extremely encouraging that these steps are going to be taken in future healthcare and research to reduce the sex gap of Alzheimer’s disease.

A science story: Wearing glasses The prevalence of short-sightedness is increasing as we spend more time on our screens, but at least wearing glasses is becoming trendier!

Isobel Green Science Writer

How is the prevalence of short-sightedness changing? Unfortunately, short-sightedness is becoming more prevalent in the UK. British adults spend 4866 hours per year staring at a screen (laptop, phone, TVs or gaming device). This excessive screen time is putting a huge strain on our eyes. The consequently higher rate of short-sightedness is great news for glasses sellers – frames have a high mark-up (up to 1000%) so there is money to be made. Advertising has complemented the demand boom by promoting glasses as a fashion item; different styles and designs have blossomed in the last decade. But glasses never used to be trendy. Until recently, glasses were most commonly worn by those who read more books and spent time straining their eyes by focusing on small details. These people were labelled as nerdy and socially awkward, and glasses became their symbol (think of Fogell from Superbad). A social stigma. In my experience, it is now more common to be complemented or envied for your glasses - so much so they are often worn with non-prescription lenses by those who do not require a visual aid.

first went to the opticians when I was in school because I started to get headaches when staring at the board in lessons. I was prescribed glasses and told to reserve wearing them for when I really needed them, in a classroom. I ignored this invaluable advice and wore them constantly. Gradually my eyesight declined from a slight short-sighted prescription to a significant one. Eventually, I became dependent on the visual correction. How do glasses work? The eye is made up of a lot of structures which light has to pass through for images to be created. Light passes through the front of the eye (the cornea) and into the lens. The lens bends the light to focus it on the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (the retina). This tissue is made up of specialised cells (rod and cone cells) which transform the light into electrical energy so it can be processed by the brain. When you are short-sighted, your eyeball has often grown longer than normal, causing distant objects to appear blurred. Short-sightedness is often genetic but can have environmental factors, such as regular near work. When our eyes focus on close objects like books or laptop screens, they can sometimes produce a blurred image behind the retina. To correct this, our eye elongates to focus the image on the retina. This correction is counterproductive. Now when looking at distant objects, the lens bends the light incorrectly so it focuses in front of the retina. Distant objects are consequently perceived to be

blurred. Plus, it only gets worse the more we focus on near objects. It doesn’t bode well for a generation growing up on screens. Glasses correct the bending of light into the eye. In my case (I’m short-sighted), my glasses have a concave lens; they bend light outwards so it focuses on my retina – not in front of it. This makes

my blurry world clear and crisp. There is an urban myth which states that wearing glasses too much can cause our eyesight to deteriorate. In fact, we develop an intolerance of blurry vision the more we wear glasses because we become conscious of how clearly we can see with them.

How can I protect my eye health? Many modern incidences of short-sightedness are tied to our daily activities, such as excessive use of screens and close-up work. We need to reduce the amount of time we spend on our phones and take regular breaks if using a laptop for extended periods. An even simpler action to reduce the impact on our eyes is to go outside! Studies have shown a lack of daylight to be a greater risk factor for short-sightedness than close-up work.

Like this series? Check out a bonus ‘science story’ in the

on pages 16 - 17!

Science & Tech 13

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Cute and cuddly: Unpacking animal conservation bias All species should be treated equally - so why aren’t they?

Lauren Manning Science Writer

ne of the biggest impacts of human urbanisation is ecosystem degradation. Rising populations demand resources, space, food and urban spaces. The cost? Rapid decline in habitat quality, and consequently biodiversity. But habitat loss is not the only threat. Human-wildlife conflict can lead to the introduction of diseases and invasive species which threaten the survival of the native communities. In addition to all this, the illegal wildlife trade market has caused severe declines in populations of some species, such as the African elephant, rhinoceros and wild cats, as well as a variety of birds, reptiles and insects. Whilst human effects are widely accepted, our efforts around species conservation seem skewed towards a small handful, particularly mammals. But often, these aren’t the species at the most immediate risk of extinction. So why do we gravitate towards the fuzzy, cuddly ones?

We like animals like us The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorises species based on their level of threat from least concern to extinct. As of 2022, 37,480 species have been designated to be at threat of extinction. The groups with the highest number of threatened species are the fishes, amphibians, insects and molluscs. Despite this, there is a significant bias in public attention, research and conservation efforts on only 0.2% of the animal species on earth – the mammals. This disconnect between evidence and human action is most likely based on our innate preference for animals which are more ‘human-like’. The value of different animal species, and therefore our level of concern for their safety and welfare, depends not on their ecological importance or their level of endangerment, but on how we perceive them. Studies have shown that similarity to humans is a major determinant of donations to species conservation, with people giving more money on average for species which are more closely related to humans. It has been suggested this is because we think only animals like us have the cognitive complexity and awareness which merit higher moral consideration. We often attribute intentions, beliefs, and emotions to selective nonhuman species which we see as human-like. The closer a species resembles humans in their appearance and behaviour, the more people tend to project human characteristics and mental states onto them. This ‘interpretative anthropomorphism’ has significant consequences on our concern for these species – species which are thought to have awareness and experience emotions, especially the ability to feel pleasure and pain, are more likely to be given moral rights. As a result, we base a species’ worthiness of concern and protection on their resemblance to us. Aesthetic animals Our preferences are also driven largely by aesthetics. We like charismatic vertebrates, such as elephants, lions, giant pandas, whales, penguins, and polar bears. There are endless examples of these flagship species being used as conservation tools to promote the protection of the ecosystems they are a part of. The best example is the giant panda featured in the logo of the World Wildlife Fund. Studies have found that online campaigns featuring these species receive more donations than those featuring ‘unappealing’ species, such as insects. This uneven focus can result in the neglect of species under the most threat, most of which are not ideal flagship species.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2021-3.

Rumble in the Jungle Do it like they do on the discovery channel, Jess Ferguson explores animals getting jiggy with it Jess Ferguson Science Columnist

as it just me who was taught that the only animals which have sex for pleasure are humans and dolphins? Is this one of those useless facts that just every kid growing up tends to know, like if you eat too many carrots you’ll turn orange? Well in the last 8-10 years scientists have in fact been questioning this sexy fact (the sex one, not the carrot one). From an evolution standpoint, it makes little sense for humans to be one of the few animals to find sex pleasurable. Where would this feeling have come from and why is it an advantage to us? Is it really that much of a disadvantage for other animals to enjoy intimacy and that is why it no longer occurs? Of course, there are some big issues when researching this. You can’t just go up to a bear or a mouse and ask if they enjoyed that “intimate moment”. One way of looking into this would be to see if the female had an orgasm. The female orgasm has no biological relevance when it comes to reproduction, so could this be a good way of seeing if females found intercourse enjoyable? One study looked into this using rats,

using certain behavioural criteria such as positions or behaviours adopted by the female that suggest a reward state, to measure any orgasm-like responses. Whilst this study couldn’t actually prove an orgasm had taken place, they concluded that the behaviours exhibited did indicate some pleasure in females. Another study on macaques stated that females open their mouths and tense their facial muscles, referring to it as a “climax face” (yes… you read that right). But we have to question whether these scientists are simply putting certain human characteristics onto non-human entities, a term known as anthropomorphism. One way to maybe get around this would be to look at the number of times males and females copulate. It was observed that female lionesses copulate 100 times per day over a period of about a week. You might argue that this increases the female’s likelihood of becoming pregnant, which is true up to a certain point, but 100 times is actually totally unnecessary and doesn’t increase her chances from only copulating for example, 80 times a day. Therefore, would it be right to say that she chooses to do this because she gets some sort of gratification? If we back away from the actual in-

tercourse, there are plenty of other behaviours that scientists could look at to show this hypothesis. Oral sex has been observed in bears, goats and even bats, and masturbation has been observed in bonobos and African ground squirrels. For bats, it was observed that oral sex increases the length of the mating process and so this increases their likelihood of fertilisation. Other hypotheses in bears have been that oral sex reminds them of being a cub suckling on their mother – perhaps this behaviour has remained pleasurable even in adulthood? Hypotheses for masturbation are that it perhaps increases pheromone production or facilitates sperm transfer. Unfortunately, there is no direct proof in any of these studies and their validity is simply not strong enough. I think it’s fair to say that you can infer what you like from this research and that whilst I personally would say it makes sense for animals to feel sexual pleasure, you may disagree. Of course, historically speaking, nature has never been one to just “make sense”. I think that if this is to be researched further, scientists must strive to make sure that anthropomorphism is avoided at all costs.

A study on the perception of invertebrates found that people most often expressed fear and disgust towards them, with occasional positive attitudes towards species which were aesthetically appealing or useful, such as butterflies or shrimp. These invertebrates, most of which have been deemed unappealing and therefore unworthy of attention, represent 98% of the animals on the planet. Despite this, there are few regulations on their welfare and treatment. The regulations that do exist protect invertebrates proven to be sentient, such as octopi. The other invertebrates have yet to be shown to be sufficiently sentient to garner such concern. Estimated percentage of species threatened within selected groups. Source: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2021-3. Bias elsewhere This bias is present not only in public opinions but can be found in research and scientific publications as well. In 2021, the IUCN had evaluated 91% of known mammal species and 100% of known bird species, compared to 1.1% of insects and 11% of molluscs. In fact, for almost all invertebrate groups, there was insufficient coverage to estimate the percentage of threatened species within that group. From 1987-2001, 69% of articles published by the two leading conservation research journals, Conservation Biology and Biological Conservation, were on vertebrate research and only 11% on invertebrate research. Even within these groups there was taxonomic bias, with more papers on mammal research than those on fish, reptile, and amphibian research put together. The covers of ten popular nature magazines in the US over twelve years primarily featured mammals (40%), and often centred around flagship species, such as polar bears, pandas, and tigers. This reinforces the attitude of ‘mammal is animal’, and thus reinforces the bias towards mammals in conservation and protection. All animals matter The animals we find important are the focus of our scientific research, our conservation campaigns and our rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts. But we are responsible for the endangerment of many more species than just those we find appealing, intelligent or worthy of our concern. Conservation efforts should be centred around the most endangered species, which means shifting our research focus, governmental policies, and media attention. Humans are the greatest threat to the survival of all animals, and we owe all of them our attention and help.

14 Lifestyle

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UoM’s secret libraries where seats are almost guaranteed If you’ve been struggling to find a spot to study in the UoM libraries, then look no further than Ausrine Naujalyte’s helpful guide to ensure you find a seat.

ocated in the heart of Manchester’s North campus via the Sackville Street Building, Joule Library is a little out of the way. The campus’ STEM students, who typically frequent Joule, revealed that it’s mostly empty and has an abundance of seats. Top tip: sit next to the wall where plug sockets can be found at your feet. There are also printers in the library

Quiet and cosy, the Kantorowich library is located in the Humanities building on Bridgeford Street. It mainly holds collections about education, environment and development. It has a nice resting area for group study, but it can only fit a couple of groups at a time. The library has a couple of printers and some vending machines in the foyer. If you fancy a brew, there’s Arthur’s Brew – located in the Arthur Lewis Building – open until 3:30 pm.

If you think Kantorowich library is hidden, you must not know about this site found in the Mansfield Cooper building, next to the Main Library. Although this library is quite small, I have never seen more than five people there at a time. So, you’ll definitely be able to find a computer or power socket. There is a printer and five PCs in the library. The closest cafes are inside the Main Library and Ali G, plus there is a Costa nearby. You will like it if: You

for all your printing, scanning and copying needs. For at-home students, Joule is super close to Piccadilly station, making it a comfortable studying spot for those who commute. In terms of food, there’s a Starbucks nearby, and other shops at the station. Leon does amazing Mexican food, and with its 10% student discount, it won’t eat too much into your bank!

You will like it if: You can tolerate STEM students… And if you like a quiet and studious space. Drawbacks: It’s not the easiest place to find, being quite a bit out of the way. And, there are no lifts for Floor E, making it slightly inaccessible. Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 17:00

You will like it if: You prefer midsize libraries where most students sit next to each other, and you can always find a place to study. If having access to a water cooler is a priority for you, then the Kantorowich library is also ideal. Drawbacks: There is a limited number of sockets, most of them being next to the windows (aka on one side of the giant tables). Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 17:00

The Whitworth Art Gallery, next door to Denmark Road, is only a 5 minute walk from the main campus. It’s filled with hardwood furniture, making it a traditional 20th century study space. Choose from sofas and tables with easy access to plug sockets. Along with the historic surroundings, the space additionally features the Office of Arte Útil, described by the university as a new permanent public space that activates the gallery’s mission to use art for positive social change. Essentially, a workroom and common room are free of use and open to the public! In addition, just outside there’s a charming garden where you can

want to browse art books. Or if you like not following the mainstream (*cough* Main Library or Ali G). It is quiet and empty, the perfect place to get that essay done! Drawbacks: You have to take a lift or go up the stairs to find it. The door to the library is sometimes a hassle to open too, and confused me a lot at first (though I needed a card to get in). Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 17:00

This study space is located on the Lower Ground floor inside the Samuel Alexander Building, next to the now-closed Lime Cafe. The open-plan space is adorned with computer clusters, printers, vending machines, and many tonnes of tables. Bathrooms (which are always empty, compared to the ten-minute wait at the main library toilets) are also found near the entrance to the café. The closest food vendors

include Costa Coffee, Alan Gilbert café and a variety of shops on Oxford Road. You will like it if: You like knowing that you’ll always find a free space to study. Plus, if you like modern, Ikea-ish places to study. It’s cool, crisp, and clean – the perfect study place! Drawbacks: Like most parts of Sam Alex, it’s quite difficult to find. But, if you enter the building at its South entrance (opposite the Ellen Wilkinson

bask in the sun and read or study on one of the benches. The perfect spot for a study break as we enter into the summer months. Another point of interest is the beautiful Whitworth Café, which could be a delicious escape from all the studying. You will like it if: Being able to study in fresh spring air is exciting to you. Also if you love being surrounded by art. Drawbacks: As it’s not a library, it doesn’t have some of the services such as printers or computer clusters. Places are quite limited (however, it’s usually empty). Opening Tuesday to 10:00 – 17:00.

times: Sunday,

building), and take the elevator/ steps near the entrance, you shouldn’t have much difficulty locating the Lime Café. If you do manage to find your way to the back of the building from the main entrance, the receptionist will point you in the right direction. Opening times: Monday to Thursday, 9:30 – 19:00 (closes 17:00 Fridays)

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10 things to know before you take a year abroad

Embarking on your year abroad can be daunting, but with this guide you’ll definitely be ready for the year ahead! Tom Grant Lifestyle Writer

’ve lived in Amman, Jordan since August as part of my year abroad programme as I study Arabic and German at UoM. If you’re considering a year abroad as part of your degree or are going to be jetting off later this yea, here are some of my top ten tips to being prepared and making the most of your time in a new country. 1. What is the University going to be providing? It may sound boring, but check what the exchange university is providing for you. Are they providing insurance (health or property), accommodation, or your university place? It means there’s less stress on your plate when you know what’s being taken of already. Be sure to double-check the following: Does your health insurance cover everything? In UoM’s case, only over £100 in medical costs is covered. Do you definitely have

accommodation, or do you need to find your own? If so, what areas should you avoid? Are there any bursary schemes that can offer you more financial support during the year? 2. Check local customs and traditions, along with the laws Always make sure you read the laws of the land before you jet off. However, reviewing local customs is just as important. For example, in Jordan and most other Middle Eastern countries, it is customary for women to cover their legs and shoulders in the street. While it may not be illegal, it is deemed disrespectful to not do so, so be aware of other little things that may be really important for you to know. 3. It doesn’t have to be the time of your life… Everyone, and I mean everyone, will tell you that this is about to have the time of your life. But that doesn’t mean it has to be. At first, the pressure to love it can feel like too much. You may even feel as though you’re not doing enough to make the most of your time. That’s

okay. You have a lot to adjust to in the first few weeks, and if it still doesn’t stick, listen to my next point. 4. It is only temporary You’ll be back in Manchester in a year! Most placements abroad occur in third year at UoM, and you’ll be back in the city before you know it. Your placement isn’t you emigrating forever, it’s just getting a glimpse at what life is like elsewhere. If you’re not enjoying yourself, that’s alright, you’ll be back with everyone you love before you know it. 5. Sounds obvious, but research where you will live What’s it like? Who frequents the area? Does it have restaurants? Could you find a similar place for cheaper elsewhere? Is it going to be noisy and constantly filled with tourists? Are you going to be amongst other expatriates or is it going to be locals who live there? Have a look at where is also best according to your needs and interests 6. Speak to other ex-pats and students in the same place as you This is a lot easier than it may sound, as there is a Facebook group

with the name ‘Expats in [your city]’ in just about every major city on the planet. This will be filled with people in the same situation as you, and you may find it beneficial to find information in this way from people who have been through the same thing. It may also be nice to hear a familiar voice once in a while. 7. Get a Monzo or Starling card No one wants to be paying international bank fees whilst abroad. It’s an unwanted added expense. Although both banks are cost-free to open an account, I would personally recommend Starling, having had a Monzo card. Monzo only allows you to take out £200 in cash every 30 days without a withdrawal charge, whereas Starling doesn’t have a cash withdrawal cap. 8. Take home comforts with you Whether you feel homesick or not, personalising your room is a must-do when moving elsewhere, especially if you’re alone. Whether it be a beloved photo of your family, your favourite football team strip, or the LED lights from halls… Having something to make your room yours,

is always great to have. 9. Learn some simple phrases in the country’s language before you go I guess this makes sense if you’re not studying a language, as by the time you go on your year abroad you will know the simple stuff. ‘Hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘thank you’, ‘please’, and even ‘can I get the bill?’ are always great simple starts which will not only often surprise native speakers, but make you feel that little bit more at ease in your new country. Asking ‘do you speak English?’ doesn’t hurt either. 10. Always remember, you’re not alone A countless number of people have been in your position before, and a countless number will be in it in the future. Your friends and family are always a call away, and there are bound to be people you know in your country, if not in your city. Sticking together can be a great help, and if you find yourself needing serious support, learn the national emergency dial number and British Embassy number just to be safe.

The Mancunion takes on: Erin Osman Lifestyle Writer

ast Sunday night, May 1, The Mancunion took to the streets of Manchester, and headed to Bongo’s Bingo’s 80’s themed bonanza at Manchester Central. We didn’t know quite what to expect. A bit of bingo, sure. But for a bingo session lasting from 7:30pm to 12am, there had to be more … and there certainly was! The DJ stroke bingo-caller told us that, for any newcomers to Bongo’s Bingo, “it’s basically just one big massive rave”. And that pretty much sums up this crazy experience.

A perfect (if wild) blend of bingo, karaoke, dance-offs, rave intervals, and Tina Turner impersonators: I’ve never seen anything quite like Bongo’s Bingo! The night we attended was the Bongo’s Bingo XL – Back to the 80s extravaganza, the crowd were donned in shell suit jackets, neon and 80’s themed costume. Perfect attire to match the 80’s soundtrack and prizes on offer throughout the night. The actual bingo game is intense and fast-paced, especially given the fact everyone’s already at least four vodka cranberry’s down. But the prizes are worth the intensity as you’re in for a chance of winning a whole host of prizes such as: a lifetime

supply of Coco Pops; an 80s karaoke machine; a brand-new Henry Hoover; a £2000 cash prize, or even, a decapitated life-size cardboard cutout of Margaret Thatcher … The night started, quite unexpectedly, with a performance by a group of professional breakdancers. It descended, in perfect chaos, into a dance battle. Before long, we were all swept up in the rowdiness of the crowd. With ‘guest appearances’ from Freddie Mercury, Prince, Michael Jackson, and finally Tina Turner – the bingo became a fully-fledged concert, polished off with confetti, smokemachines, glow sticks and strobe lights.

A look around the benches and you can quickly tell the place is mostly filled up with hen and stagdo parties, with dildos being thrown around and men’s chests on full display. It’s chaotic, lively, and very drunken. Whether you’re 77 or 18, Bongo’s Bingo is your antidote to your classic (sometimes boring) club night out. To avoid breaking your bank I’d advise a serious pres beforehand, as drinks are pretty expensive. And, be prepared to run, no, sprint, to the toilets between bingo sessions to avoid getting stuck in a hefty queue. Coming up this June, Bongo’s have over 80 shows across 27

different locations all around the country including: Birmingham, Blackpool, Coventry, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gorleston-OnSea, Hull, Leamington Spa, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Liverpool, London Bridge, London Clapham Junction, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Norwich, Rochester, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Southampton, Stafford, Swindon, Wigan and Wolverhampton. Bongo’s Bingo describes itself as the definitive bingo experience, and, I have to agree. It’s bingo as you’ve never seen it before. So, head over to the Bongo’s Bingo website now and grab your tickets!

Sexion

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

What is the Annie Dabb SeXion Editor

ello you sexy minxes and welcome to the Mancunion’s new SeXion! (Pun very much intended) As a student paper, we want most of all to write about what’s important to students. Amidst all of the SU scandals and department drama, it felt like there was a need for a platform to talk about sex and relationships, and all

of the wonderful chaos that entails. Y’know, the personal stuff you chat about down the pub with your mates… or over breakfast…or on a 4 hour long phone call. We would love to hear about it as well! Our main focus is for this section to be wholly inclusive, and representative of all genders and bodies. This means that you can write about everything from sex to celibacy, or love to heartbreak, and everything in between!

So whether you have sex all. of. the. time. (God, get a room!), or maintain admiral abstinence, from flirtation fiascos to flat-cest faux pas, there is definitely something in this section for everyone. No one said you can’t be sexy and studious, (in fact, I’m sure some people would be very much into both) so it seemed only fair that our student paper should be as well! Know a thing or two about the science behind an orgasm? SeXion it.

Think there’s not enough representation of LGBTQ+ relationships in popular culture? SeXion it. Thinking ‘God, this girl needs to stop relentlessly banging on about sex and relationships’? You guessed it… SeXion it. The sexiest issue of The Mancunion yet will be out next academic year, with the result of the UoM survey carefully curated by yours truly. If you’ve not done so, please fill in

as much or as little of it as you’d like. It’s all anonymous - obvs! The link can be found @ TheMancunion on instagram and Facebook.

(Also feel free to message me on Facebook (I’m Annie Dabb) or Instagram @dabbinthedark for contributions or more information!)

A science story:

My experience on the combined pill Sofia Smithen Science & Tech Writer

ike many other girls my age, I was prescribed the pill by my doctor after complaining about bad acne and painful periods. In the eyes of a teenager the pill appeared magical – clearer skin, no period pains – even bigger boobs! With over 100 million women worldwide taking the combined oral contraceptive pill, it felt like a safe bet. Yet the last four years have taught me that there is a great difference between the ‘magical pill’ I was told I was being prescribed and its reality.

naturally occurring hormones in the ovaries.

Can the pill cause changes in mental health? Whilst it is impossible to say definitively that the pill causes anxiety or depression, many women notice these problems arising and it is important to address this. During my second year of being on the pill I started to notice some deeper issues forming – the most important being a change in my mental health. This was the first t i m e I had

heavily to teenagers. It has been shown that there is an 80% increased risk of depression if you take the pill between the ages of 15-19 years. This is a shockingly high number yet the pill is still heavily prescribed by doctors to teenagers. Whilst most women choose to take the pill for contraceptive reasons, many decide to go on it due to hormonal issues such as acne or painful periods. In these circumstances, the pill acts like a ‘band aid’, covering the deeper undiagnosed issue that the individual is experiencing. Many women have reported that since coming off the pill they have been diagnosed with hormone-related conditions,

heavily to teenagers is that the common symptoms of PCOS are virtually identical to changes during puberty, such as acne and oily skin. Therefore, it can be incredibly difficult to decipher whether there is a deeper health issue that needs to be treated. And, if the individual experienced acne before the pill, it is very common for that acne to reappear once the pill is stopped. So when a doctor prescribes the pill to “treat” the acne the patient is experiencing, this could be causing long-term damage.

How does the pill work? The combined pill contains synthetic versions of two hormones – oestrogen and progesterone. The hormones work to prevent the release of the egg into the fallopian tube for fertilisation. Pregnancy is also prevented by the thinning of the womb’s mucus lining and

thickening of the fallopian tubes. The artificial oestrogen and progesterone in the pill prevent ovulation by inhibiting the production of these

struggled with an issue like this. I was experiencing intense mood swings, a general lower mood and significantly higher levels of anxiety. I would feel tearful without understanding why and avoid conversations that would cause me social anxiety, even with my friends. When trying to understand why I felt this way, I discovered the hormones within the pill interact with specific receptors in the brain involved in emotional control. Depressive symptoms are among the most common reasons why women discontinue this form of contraception. A woman’s brain is said to finish maturation by the age of 21, which is highly concerning as the pill is prescribed so

Finding the right birth control

such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, it is important to say that some of these cases are women with short-term ‘pill induced’ PCOS as opposed to ‘true’ PCOS. Women with PCOS have small cysts covering their ovaries which can later lead to fertility issues and there is currently no cure. It is therefore of paramount importance to be diagnosed so that preventative steps can be taken. The issue with prescribing the pill so

It is vital to address the fact that one method of birth control will not work for everyone. Plenty of people love the pill and suffer from minimal side effects. For many of my friends, the pill has helped to improve the low mood commonly experienced during their PMS. This has led to overall improved mental health. That being said, it is not uncommon for people taking this contraception to experience some uncomfortable side effects. Either way, it is important to be fully informed so that you can make the best decision for you and your body.

Sexion

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Why I’m a

Just because someone doesn’t have sex doesn’t mean they’re judging your sexual activity

The Mancunion Anonymous Writer

’m 21 years old and I’m a virgin. This is not perhaps considered shocking, but what tends to confuse people more is that I’m deliberately celibate. I’m also planning on remaining a virgin for quite some time, as I plan to stay a virgin until (and if) I get married. Arriving at university at 18, I was expecting to feel a little out of place. I had not been raised in a cave, and knew that I would probably be in the minority amongst my friends and flatmates by not wanting to have sex. What I was not expecting was the level of discussion it would awake in strangers. I thought, perhaps naively, that given my sex life would be non-existent, there would be nothing to talk about! This was not the case. This lifestyle choice was influenced by my Christian faith, which I don’t hide, and which I was expecting to evoke questioning. However, I expected the questions to be more philosophical, or scientific: Why do I believe in God? Do I believe Jesus was historical or mythical? Do I believe in evolution? (I do, by the way) What I wasn’t expecting was the almost instantaneous question, often from complete strangers: “So, do you have sex?” I was shocked. Not in discussing sex – I don’t believe talking about it should be taboo, and I’m ok talking about why I don’t sleep with people at the moment. My friends and I chatted about relationships at school, and as some of them were having sex by Sixth Form, we’d started to talk about that too. What confused me is that I’ve never heard my sexually active friends being asked such intimate questions by a stranger. Not necessarily the initial question “do you have sex?”, but more the follow-up conversation that inevitably ensues. Random people I get talking to outside nightclubs or in university bars asking me what my sex drive is like, if I masturbate and exactly how far I would go (it’s worth noting that these, quite genuinely, were not propositions). I don’t really understand why people think those kinds of questions are appropriate. For people who have sex, I wonder how they’d feel about strangers asking after their complete sexual history, whether they’ve ever caught an STD, or even just why they have sex? If people want to talk about these aspects of their lives, they shouldn’t be shamed for it, but there’s a double standard that needs to be addressed. This is why I’ve chosen to write this article anonymously. I’m not ashamed, and those who know me well will know these words are mine. However, I’ve decided it’s time for me to start reclaiming my right to privacy around my sex life. There is unfortunately no virginity equivalent to the so-called ‘confidentiality of the bedroom’. There’s also a common assumption that I’m judging other people, even when I make no mention of their own sex life, and

only reply to questions they’ve asked. Being unashamed of living my life differently is not the same as feeling superior about it. I find that people who consider themselves incredibly liberal are still highly judgemental about my personal choice. Vegetarians are not assumed to judge meat eaters just because they don’t eat meat. Why am I assumed to judge sexually active people simply because I choose not to have sex?

Sexism and Virginity The sexism surrounding sex has also not left the virginity narrative unaffected. As a female virgin, I’m fetishized. Fortunately, that’s yet to happen to my face, but I’m not so naïve to be ignorant about the creeps who, often online, fantasise about taking someone’s virginity. I’m fortunate to have grown up in an environment where at least virginity was not paraded as a woman’s defining feature. Nonetheless, it makes me uncomfortable. Not just because it makes me feel vulnerable – I know I would often be seen as an easy target – but because it casts untrue aspersions on my sexually-active female friends. I am not better than them. My virginity doesn’t make me pure, and in contrast to sinful teachings by conservative churches, women who have had sex outside of marriage are not ‘spoilt’ or ‘lesser-than’. On the other hand, my male friends who choose to stay celibate face an equally bad, but altogether d i f f e r e n t narrative. The historical, u n t r u e assumption that women don’t want to have s e x means that men are even more likely t o

be seen as weird. They’re also less likely to be believed when they tell people it’s by choice. The representation of male virgins in the media mostly involves nerdy, incels, desperate for sex at any cost. It is interesting that male virgins are often seen as less masculine, whilst female virgins are often seen as more feminine. Both stereotypes are damaging. In addition, I don’t deny that the church has contributed to sexist narratives about sex. As in wider society, women have often been held to a higher sexual standard than men. I was fortunate enough to grow up with Christian conversations about sex that were often less sexist than those I heard elsewhere, but I know that many did not share this experience. I also know that Christian teachings on virginity have often been – and still are – abused. I can only beg to be believed when I say that the vast, vast majority of Christians I meet are horrified by religious contributions to hidden mother and baby homes, forced marriage after sex, and vicious hatred of those who engage in extra-marital sex, to name just a few examples. Power can often corrupt, and judgemental people often unfortunately seek to justify their behaviour by claiming a religious high ground.

Why do I wait? My personal desire to abstain does not come from some fear of God, or of other Christians, despite widespread public opinion. I don’t deny that I first learnt about the idea of waiting until marriage at church, but my desire to wait goes beyond this. In a doubting period during my mid-teenage years, I wasn’t sure if I even believed in God anymore, but I knew that, ideally, I’d still wait until the night of my wedding to have s e x . M y

only worry was that it would be harder without the religious ‘excuse’. So why am I waiting until marriage? Basically, I believe it will give me the best chance for joy. To me, it feels far more romantic than it does restrictive or difficult. I hope my marriage, if I choose one, will consist of two people growing to know each other more and more closely throughout their lifetime. I will learn about sex with one person, will improve at it with them, and I won’t be distracted by comparisons with exes. It will be more than physical. A way to deepen my relationship with someone I’ve chosen to commit myself to. In addition, I know the person chose me because of who I am, not just because of any initial spark of sexual attraction, which any realist knows can often fizzle out with time. I don’t have to worry about being bad at sex! My faith also means that I believe that as God created sex, he loves it and knows it better than me, and guides me to live in a way that means I get to enjoy it best. However, that doesn’t mean he loves those who choose a different path any less, and I don’t love them less either. It is difficult to get this across in an anonymous article, but I hope my friends would attest to this fact.

Am I missing out? Waiting doesn’t mean, however, that I simply hang around, miserable and lonely, desperate to marry. I’ve hinted already that I’m not even sure I want to get married – I have plenty of time to decide. I hardly think this points towards someone unfulfilled and impatient. I live a full life. I date interesting people, go clubbing with friends, and love the opportunity to dress up. These things don’t disappear without the motive of sex, which I think sometimes people forget. Sometimes I think the lack of pressure in that area improves them. There are also practical benefits that my sexually active friends laughingly envy me for. I can wear the comfiest, ugliest underwear I want; my bedroom can be left in a complete state after I get ready for a night out; all decisions about my pubic hair are left completely uninfluenced by outside opinion (as they always should be, but rarely are)! Joking aside, I find an inability to imagine a life without sex as strange as people find my lack of sex life. Sex sounds great, but I hope that if I start having it, it won’t become the most vital part of my life. I think most people would confirm that sex is not the most important thing they do, but you wouldn’t know it from my chats with strangers. I’m a virgin. I don’t put myself on a pedestal, and I don’t demand that you change the way you live your life. I simply ask that you respect the way I choose to live mine.

CULTURE

20 Music

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

CULTURE

Dua Lipa

confirms her star power at a sold-out Manchester Arena show Bringing some of the catchiest pop tunes of recent years to the Manchester Arena, Dua Lipa proved to be one of the leading pop stars in the music world

he recently reopened Contact Theatre International pop star Dua Lipa played to a sold-out crowd at Manchester’s AO Arena. The first stop on a repeatedly postponed European tour for her album Future Nostalgia, released back in 2020, featured great and carefully planned stagings and choreography. While the vast majority of the crowd were still getting their drinks, the supporting act Griff came on the stage. Although Spotify statistics suggest she is a popular artist with over 4.5 million monthly listeners, the crowd did not necessarily seem to know her repertoire. Regardless, she put on a good show to a slowly filling up arena. Some of the songs featured impressive visuals, which captured the lyrics and their atmosphere, with the performance of ‘Black Hole’ being particularly memorable. As soon as the stage became reorganised for the night’s main act,

every member of Dua Lipa’s team (mostly dancers) was introduced in a video-game fashion, with snapshots appearing on a massive LED screen. Right afterwards Dua emerged on the stage in a pink catsuit, but the outfit would be changed frequently during the following 90 minutes She opened with ‘Physical’, one of the anthems of the first coronavirus lockdown and one of Future Nostalgia‘s songs that ironically already have a nostalgic feel. With every performance from ‘Physical’ to the closing ‘Don’t Start Now’ being meticulously staged and choreographed, it was clear that the show had been in the planning for months. Disco dynamics, glamour, and a ton of sex appeal; the whole show encapsulated exactly what the world’s leading pop stars’ show should be. Although not every element of the puzzle fit in perfectly – such as the questionable decision for ‘Cool’ to feature a dance performance by two roller skaters – the power of Dua Lipa’s music and her stage presence easily overcame it. Full of memorable moments, such as an inflatable lobster appearing behind

the singer for the seasidethemed performance of ‘We’re Good’, or the pre-recorded video from Elton John appearing on the LED screen during ‘Cold Heart’, the undeniable highlight was ‘Levitating.’ Just the title of the song promises a lot for a concert performance, and the crowd was not left disappointed. The lyrical themes of the song were elevated as Dua Lipa stepped on a suspended platform, dancing her heart out above the fascinated crowd. The show on its whole was a muchneeded dance party, bringing some of the catchiest pop tunes of recent years to the big stage and delivering them with the energy they deserve. Dua Lipa cemented her place among the most successful pop stars in the music world, and her fans loved every minute she had to offer.

Photo: Shirlaine Forrest.

Michal Wasilewski Managing Editor of Culture

“I’m back in Liverpool” and so are The Wombats A review of The Wombats’ return to Liverpool by Serena Jemmett. Serena Jemmett Deputy Music Editor

rriving to The Wombats first night (of three) in Mountford Hall, Liverpool Guild of Students, I had high expectations; these expectations unfortunately dropped just short. The night was eventful to say the least – good music, but with the strong smell of dehydrated urine. The Wombats are an indie rock band formed in Liverpool in 2003 and are currenting touring All the Hits! Three of the eight shows on this tour were in their hometown. The tour was well received by the fanbase, resulting in an extension – adding dates in August and November. Their latest album Fix Yourself, Not the World reached the UK number one spot. Surprisingly this was their first number one album. The crowd was typical for an indie rock band, with fans ranging from 14 to midthirties, and of course the Radio 4 dads at the back. It was very busy, and I would argue oversold with the amount of people in the crowd. The first support was Rivia, an alt-rock band based in Liverpool. The next two Liverpool shows have supports from The Peach Fuzz and Natalie Mccool. It’s great to see The Wombats giving a platform to upand-coming artists and bands. Vistas introduced themselves early on, emphasising that they are from Scotland. They were a solid support act and kept referring to The Wombats, showing their gratitude to be on tour with the band. The

set lasted less than 40 minutes but they sounded great throughout. My one critique as such was it didn’t feel like much of a ‘performance’, with the crowd only really becoming fully engaged with Vistas towards the end of their set. Then came on The Wombats, the moment we’ve all been waiting for… but they started with ‘Flip Me Upside Down’ – a song from their latest album. This didn’t do the job of getting the crowd pumped and engaged immediately. Following on immediately with ‘This Car Drives All by Itself’, again, there was a lack of acknowledgment or engagement from the crowd. This start was a bit mediocre. After these two songs The Wombats introduced themselves and addressed the crowd before playing ‘Moving to New York.’ Immediately this song got a roar from the crowd and the atmosphere was buzzing. Without a doubt they should have started with this song. Moving onto ‘Cheetah Tongue’, this again maintained the crowd and the band had great energy on stage. Pausing after these two songs to speak to the crowd, The Wombats showed their caring nature stating, “Be careful with pushing in the crowd, if people fall over pick them up!” Plugging their fifth album, they of course dropped the subtle flex in that it reached number one. They then played ‘Ready for the High’ from this latest album; there wasn’t a huge crowd buzz until about halfway through the song. Following on Matthew Murphy, The Wombats’ frontman, revealed that he used to live in London, with an immediate boo from the crowd. The next song ‘Techno Fan’ was about Matthew’s time living in London.

This was played incredibly, sounding better live than it does on the record. The long outro was met with the introduction of ‘Pink Lemonade’ as “This is part of a twopart series on my favourite fruit… which is a lemon.” Again, the crowd was buzzing; the common theme being the older tracks being better received than the latest ones. The introduction to ‘If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming with You’ was sentimental, with Matthew telling a brief personal anecdote that this track was written about his wife who had said to him “If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming with You.” This song was performed very well, and it sounded great. The last song was ‘Greek Tragedy’, which naturally was well received by the crowd, especially given the song has gone viral on TikTok. They returned to the stage playing ‘Method to the Madness.’ Again, I think this song choice was surprising, as the crowd didn’t really get reengaged until the very end – this being due to it being a slower song. ‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division’ was massive! In my opinion they should have started with this song, OR this should have been the first encore song. Of course, I’m referring to the “I’m back in Liverpool” lyrics, and I think this could have been used and optimised better. With thanks to the fans and the supports, Matthew concluded with “it’s a pleasure to be home for three days, this is our last song called ‘Turn.’” The crowd cut him off with a scream and with a heavy drum and beat, the final song ended the night with a bang. The multi-coloured strobes and confetti were a beautiful sight to end the almost two-hour set. ‘Lemon To a Knife Fight’, the second part of the favourite fruit series, received

a huge crowd reaction beforehand, and energy remained throughout the song. This led onto an acoustic rendition of ‘Lethal Combination.’ I think acoustic versions at a live gig can sometimes be risky with the potential to lose crowd engagement, however this song didn’t fall short, and actually I think the change in tempo was beneficial to the set. The transition from this acoustic version into ‘Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)’ was seamless and the buzz from the crowd was met with intense strobe lighting. Despite the tour being called All the Hits!, I would argue not all the songs played would be regarded or defined as “hits”, but maybe I’m being picky. The set would have been just as good with a few less songs, and I think a restructure of the set list would be beneficial. I say this having still had a great night and enjoyable experience, but given it’s The Wombats, who have a reputation, I obviously had higher expectations.

6.5/10

CULTURE

ISSUE 13 / 8th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Music 21

En‘Rapture’ their Manchester audience with a spectacular set An abundance of hits, a sprinkle of rarities and the odd surprise: Blondie were on fire at the AO Arena, Manchester on 1st May Sarah Taylor Music Editor

n abundance of hits, a sprinkle of rarities and the odd surprise: Blondie were

on fire! Blondie’s tour, aptly titled Against the Odds, is a celebration of their greatest hits, and they embrace both the old and new. Initially planned to coincide with the band’s pre-90s reformation boxset of the same name, ongoing issues such as the vinyl shortage and COVID-19 pandemic have given the tour’s title new meaning. The postponed shows mark Blondie’s first UK tour in 5 years. Scottish-American rockers Garbage were initially slated to support Blondie, but due to scheduling conflicts, they were unable to make the new dates. Stepping up to the spot, native Mancunian Johnny Marr puts on an incredible show combining his superb solo material with a number of The Smiths’ singalong classics. The frolicking ‘This Charming Man’, the slow crawl of ‘How Soon Is Now?’, and the melancholy lament of ‘Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want’ all feature, and Marr achieves the often-impossible feat of getting the audience on their feet and really engaged before the headline act have even appeared. Blondie appear five minutes earlier than anticipated, and immediately have a hold on their audience. Opening with ‘X-Offender’, the band’s 1976 debut single, written provocatively (for the time) from the perspective of a prostitute, the band plunged into a series of career highlights. Effortlessly cool and oozing glamour, Debbie Harry, the ultimate It-Girl of rock music – now in her 70s – looked resplendent in a green leather get-up, her signature bleach-blonde hair and model bone structure shining. She still hits the high notes and the lower octaves with ease. Notably absent is founding member and bassist Chris Stein, who unfortunately could not join the band due to health issues. He finds a replacement in the suitably enigmatic Glen Matlock of Sex Pistols fame. Credit must be given to the newer touring members of the band, specifically the awe-inspiring guitarist Tommy

Kessler. He provides a series of riffs that would rival any guitar aficionado, leaning into the instrument and lapping up the woops and cheers from the audience. “Did you ever rip your pants doing that?” Debbie Harry jokes, in her deep New York drawl. Shimmying straight into ‘Hanging on the Telephone’, the opening track of iconic third album Parallel Lines, and soon after into ‘The Tide is High’ which invites arm-swaying aplenty, it becomes clear that Blondie are not here to prove themselves. Their legacy speaks for itself, as do the songs they play tonight and the responses they provoke from their adoring audience. ‘Atomic’ catapults across the arena, its full-throttle instrumentation sounding so precise and perfected. Its shimmering bridge – that’s the “Oh your hair is beautiful” moment – is sung in unison by some 20,000 Northern-accented attendees. Clem Burke is a force to be reckoned with on the drums, his tenacity constantly put to the test with the explosive trills of ‘Fragments’ and an exhilarating rendition of ‘Dreaming’ which many fans fondly refer to as his song, and for good reason! But its Harry’s insatiable star quality that really give this band its heart and soul. From formidable rock ‘n’ roll frontwoman to the strutting and swaggering hip-hop pro – Harry’s performance is a masterclass in showwomanship. Noting the May bank holiday and the drinks a-flowing, she declares “You can really destroy yourself tonight!” The visuals on this tour are also incredibly entertaining, and merchandise is suitably striking. Comic-book style depictions of the band flash up on the screen in varying hues of pink and gold. So, it’s somewhat fitting when Debbie Harry reappears for the encore, donning a yellow cape during rap cut ‘No Exit’ like some sort of superhero, which I guess she is in many ways. ‘Long Time’, the lead single from their most recent record Pollinator is an unexpected highlight with its blistering beat and Harry’s commanding tones. It slots perfectly into the set and provide s s o m e thing fresh, showing

Blondie still have plenty more to give and need not rely on only their older material. ‘My Monster’, penned by tonight’s support Johnny Marr is a further example of the band’s persistence. Known for their eclecticism, Blondie’s whirlwind of hits know no musical boundaries. As drummer Clem Burke told me back in February, “Our palette is immense, there’s very many colours to draw from.” ‘Rapture’ was the first number-one single in the United States to feature rap vocals and it feels timeless as ever, as Harry stalks the stage, delivering the spoken-word verses with an air of self-assuredness. It’s truly sublime. Always progressive in their music and lyricism, Blondie take the opportunity to dedicate ‘Maria’ to “Anybody who feels like they want to be a girl”, immediately making their audience aware that inclusivity is of utmost importance. And this rings true, not just in terms of gender but looking across the arena, through all social dimensions. Blondie’s music is transcendent, and this show is open to everybody. I attended the show with my mum who I hope doesn’t mind me adding has been a Blondie fan since she was 14 and of course introduced me to the band, so it was really special for me to be able to share the experience with her. The band conclude their main set with the kaleidoscopic ‘Heart of Glass’ and you get the feeling the arena has been transformed into a glitter-ball disco dancefloor. By now there’s no excuse to remain seated, its impossible to resist boogying along to the infectious beat of perhaps the most enduring song of the 1970s. A cacophony of ‘ooo’s ensue before an interspersion of Donna Summer’s ‘I Feel Love’ invites further shimmying and the band depart ever-so-briefly. Blondie save the one-two punch of ‘Call Me’ – their most streamed song on Spotify – and ‘One Way or Another’ until last. Harry’s exclamatory vocals on the former resound through the venue, along with Burke’s bombastic percussion. Meanwhile, the snarling persistence of the latter made for a triumphant conclusion to a spectacular set!

22 Books

CULTURE

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

The publishing debut by former Mancunion Books Editor Gurnaik Johal Aileen Loftus Books Editor

urnaik Johal, University of Manchester and The Mancunion alumni, is now an awardwinning short story writer. We Move, a collection of short stories, is Johal’s first book and was released in April 2022. We Move is set in Southall in West London, and maps the movement of multiple generations of immigrants. The stories show how our lives cross in surprising ways, revealing moments of human connection. I spoke to Johal about his new book, his experience at UoM, and how it helped to shape his writing. You studied at the University of Manchester - when and what did you study? I did English Literature with Creative Writing as an undergrad and graduated in 2019. Some of the oldest stories in the book were written in my second year of uni. I think there are two or three that went through the workshops in the creative writing course. One of them changed a lot so it is almost unrecognisable from when I workshopped it, but yeah, three stories from my time as a student ended up in the final product. So do you think that doing a creative writing degree and that ‘workshop’ experience was beneficial to your writing? I think so. Being in a workshop allows you to meet other writers - I didn’t know anyone who wrote or was into short stories before joining the course. And that experience of having your work edited and read is really important. I think a lot of people think writing is a very solitary thing, but it’s quite collaborative, at least for me, and so that was helpful. What was your favourite thing about being a student in Manchester? Do you think it helped shape your stories? Yeah, I think Manchester has got a thriving literary scene. I remember there were lots of events and stuff that you could get into for free as a student. So that was helpful for me to find new material. But interestingly, when I did start writing in Manchester, everything I wrote was just naturally set in London. I don’t know if it’s just that distance made it easier to see London as material for fiction. With Manchester, maybe I didn’t know the city well enough to feel like I could properly do it justice. Obviously, I do have to ask about your experience at The Mancunion! So you were the Books Editor of The Mancunion during your time as a student? Do you think reading and reviewing books was also something that was valuable or inspiring when writing? Yes I was doing your role! So this is a nice full circle moment! I think it’s super helpful because you’re reading with a close critical eye. Obviously as a reviewer you’re trying to condense the key parts of the book for a reader, and I think doing that process makes you realise how books work in a different way. You’re kind of looking under the car bonnet and seeing how the machinery of it works, and seeing what stands out to you when you’ve got however many books you could review and you’re not going to review all of them. Asking ‘what makes

a book stand out to you?’ can feed in the other way around when you’re thinking ‘how can I make my writing exciting and engaging?’. It’s definitely helpful. You were shortlisted for the 2018 Guardian 4th Estate BAME Short Story Prize while still a student - can you tell me about that? It was at the end of second year, start of third year. It was fun! One of my creative writing teachers told me to enter it. We’d sort of workshopped the story in that term, and he said ‘this is actually, you know, good, you should consider sending it out to this thing’. So I thought that since he’s told me to, and it was free to enter, I might as well. I sent it out and didn’t think much of it and then a few months later, got that email back and was like ‘whattt!?’ It was super helpful not just in terms of the positive feedback but on a practical level, there was a ceremony at the end of it, which puts you in a room full of agents and editors and then slowly those doors start opening. It was where the writing career kind of started. The first story in We Move, ‘Arrival’, recently won the Galley Beggar Short Story Prize - congratulations! Can you give a brief synopsis of that story? I read it this morning and I very much enjoyed it, but I’ll let you explain it in your own words. Thank you! Ooh brief synopsis, okay, so it’s about a couple who’ve been together for long enough that their daily routine feels slightly like a rut. They live close to an airport, close to Heathrow airport, and often their front drive gets used by family and friends for parking when they go on holiday. But one day a distant family friend leaves the car but doesn’t return after her holiday, she disappears, and during the next few weeks the couple start using the car and they find that that slight change shifts something in their relationship. It’s quite a simple story, a sort of classic setup of a catalyst for change coming into their life and disrupting the rhythm ever so slightly. But I think it’s quite a good opening story for the collection I think, because what a lot of the stories are trying to get to is interpersonal relationships shifting. Yeah, and it’s a rare happy ending too, I think… Has it always been short stories that you write? And why short stories in particular? I’m actually writing a novel now, which is essentially a collection of novellas, almost. I think, for me, writing short stories allowed me a lot of breadth, rather than sticking to one idea for one narrative. I could do smaller ones and build up a kind of patchwork narrative of the community, so that’s what We Move is essentially. And I just think they’re more fun to write. You can hold a whole short story in your head at once, and you can tinker with it that way, whereas the novel feels like a long slog. But also they were the thing that I would love reading because you just instantly slip into someone else’s mind and then you can slip out so quickly at the end of it, and you can cover a lot more ground reading ten short stories than you would reading a whole novel. We Move is 17 stories and there’s a whole bunch of characters, it offers breadth. That’s what drew me to writing them So you like reading short stories - do you have any particular

recommendations or a favourite collection or author? One author I normally recommend is Yiyun Li, she does really brilliant short stories. She’s written a book called 1000 Years of Good Prayers, which is very good. I read her story ‘Extra’ when I was a student actually and that was a real eye opener for me. After that I just devoured different short stories. The great thing about short stories too is, especially coming from the perspective of a student, there’s so many available for free online, you don’t have to be buying book after book. You can just find them online and on different magazine websites and also on podcasts as well. How do you imagine people reading We Move - do you see them dipping into one story and then coming back? Or do you think you’d like readers to sit and read it start to finish? It’s interesting, I think it really is the reader’s object now. I do imagine people almost reading it on shuffle, you don’t have to read it in the order we’ve ended up putting it in. A lot of work went into finding an order that would have a nice rhythm and stuff but really, I wasn’t seeing it as a narrative with one big narrative arc, it’s more of a web. You can navigate it in your own way, in the same way you might walk around the neighbourhood. It’s the reader’s book to read however you like to read. If you are someone who likes to sit down for a few hours and completely finish a book, then I hope it works that way. I’ve read it from start to finish many times when editing it! But also, if you’re the type of reader who will dip in and out of stories or maybe you only have time for some of the stories for a while, and then the other ones at another point, I hope it can be enjoyed that way too. I think it should hold up to all different types of reading. I’m glad you said that because I’ve already read it out of order! When did you begin writing? When I was a teenager, I actually really wanted to do visual art. I thought that was going to be my creative outlet and I wanted to do Art at university, but I didn’t get good enough grades to get where I wanted to go. So I ended up applying to English with Creative Writing as a way to get that creative aspect in some way, and I was good at English at school. For the application to the University of Manchester you had to write a short story and a poem I think. So that was the first short story I wrote. I don’t remember anything about it apart from this one scene where it opens with someone watching someone dip a biscuit in a cup of tea and they’re hoping that it’s going to break and fall into the cup, I don’t know why. But that has ended up in the book. No bit of writing is wasted as far as I see it, it all gets recycled in some way. Do you juggle your writing with working full time? What is your writing process like? I’m an editor in children’s publishing, working with books for 7 to 9 year olds mainly. I work four days a week and then I write. Now I mainly write on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but I’ve only recently gone part time, so before then I was doing a lot of evenings. I kind of fit my writing around my work, because you gotta pay the bills!

There’s so much more to children’s books than people necessarily expect, and they can be really refreshing to read. I wonder if reading work for children has influenced your writing too? I’m sure it has in ways I don’t really know. With children’s writing you have to be so attentive to the reader, you have to keep short attention spans hooked in certain ways, especially when you think of the younger stuff like picture books. They are almost these crystalline perfect things in some cases where every word has to count. They’re in that sense short stories where the form is a kind of constraint. I think the way working in publishing has helped is also that I can see the practical processes. A book is only this many pages, it’s only this many words - you can break it down in ways that are helpful I think, rather than just sitting there thinking ‘I have to create this amazing work of genius’. Does the published version look similar to that year when you had finished your first completed draft or does it look completely unrecognisable? It was a lot bigger. There were maybe 21 stories or something ridiculous. I do try and give the reader value for money! And at that point it stretched as far back in the past as it did into the future, so there was some almost speculative fiction as well as historical fiction and contemporary fiction. They were all still set in this one neighbourhood, but I had these grand visions. Thankfully my editor was like, ‘yeah, no. Why? Bring it into the present.’ So at the moment there’s historical and present day stuff. And the future is another collection yet to come! Maybe, when I can figure out how to write sci-fi! You’re still very young - what is next for you? I would love to write full time. That would be a dreamy scenario. Working towards it slowly I guess. I just want to keep writing books, that’s what I see for my future. I’m working on a novel now and I’m quite a long way through it and it’s really fun. I think trying not to lose sight of what a crazy privilege it is to kind of be able to do this kind of work and to carry on enjoying it. The book only came out two weeks ago, so especially right now I’m just trying to enjoy it. I feel very lucky. We Move is available to purchase at Blackwell’s. You can read the full interview at mancunion.com

Film 23

CULTURE

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

May the fourth be with you A love letter to Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Joe McFadden Investigations Editor

rowing up, Star Wars: The Clone Wars was perhaps ‘the show’ that defined my childhood, so much so that I can safely say I would be an entirely different person without it. Following its August 2008 film debut, Star Wars: The Clone Wars premiered on the small screen on October 3 of that year. What started out as a fun, light-hearted foray into a previously unexplored era of Star Wars would – 12 years, 7 seasons, and a fan campaign like none other later – eventually transform into one of the defining shows of the 2010s and one of the most beloved stories in Star Wars history. I still remember when I first watched The Clone Wars . The date escapes me but it would have been sometime in late 2009 when I was 7 years old and me and my twin brother, Tom, rented the DVD ‘Clone Commandos’ from the library. The first episode we watched was Season 1 Episode 5 ‘Rookies’ and the memory is still imprinted in my mind over a decade later. Watching this show was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was violent yes, but not scary, and it had a maturity to it that even as a kid I remember appreciating. The Clone Wars wasn’t a show that talked down to its audience, but instead taught them and encouraged them to grow up with it. After watching this first episode, now a firm fan favourite, I was hooked. Not just on this show but the universe it inhabited. Interestingly, I had never actually watched the Star Wars saga before. Growing up I was never forced to sit down and let the magic of George Lucas’ space opera wash over me. Instead, I discovered it on my own – or rather fittingly, with my brother – and that is why I think The Clone Wars had such an effect on my formative years. It opened my eyes to the magic of Star Wars , a franchise that has had such a defining effect on my life, and most importantly,

Photo: Saksham Gangwar @ Unsplash

formed the centrepiece of mine and my brother’s relationship for much of our later childhood.

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The Clone Wars wasn’t a show that talked down to its audience, but instead taught them and encouraged them to grow up with it. Set between the events of Star Wars Episode’s II and III , The Clone Wars follows the exploits of Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they fight the Droid forces of the evil Separatist Alliance with the aid of their valiant Clone army. Now, if you are not a Star Wars fan this will mean nothing to you but back in 2008 exploring this relatively new era of Star Wars in a mainstream TV show was a very exciting prospect. The show was structured as a loose anthology with a broader narrative focusing on the aforementioned main characters whilst other episodes were centred around supporting characters from the wider Star Wars mythos (e.g. everyone’s favourite Jedi Master Plo Koon). However, the brilliance of the show lay in its use of episode arcs – a run of three or four episodes telling one singular story that fed into the show’s wider themes like corruption, power, destiny, and the cost of war (once again this was a children’s programme…). These allowed the show to truly depict a war in the stars and gave the creators (Dave Filoni and none other than the maker himself George Lucas) a narrative freedom that few other shows on the air, both past and present, were able to exhibit. Being entirely self-funded through Lucasfilm animation, and broadcast on Cartoon Network, The Clone Wars was free from the constraints of traditional network TV. Thus, the show was far more mature in its storytelling and visuals than

literally any other show in the history of ‘children’s’ television. Key moments were clear even from the first season. The aforementioned ‘Rookies’ ended with a character blowing himself up “For the Republic” and S1 E21 ‘Innocents of Ryloth’ had the Separatists use civilians as human shields.

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But one thing that we will always have is Star Wars: The Clone Wars and those magical moments spent a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away. War crimes were not just limited to the villains however, because, as countless YouTube compilations have pointed out, the Republic broke plenty of the Geneva Conventions themselves. Indeed, in what is one of, if not the, most acclaimed arc of the show, fallen Jedi General Pong Krell ordered his troops to fire on enemy combatants disguised as Clones, only to realise they were firing at their own men. Another episode featured the revived Darth Maul decapitating the leaders of crime syndicate Black Sun after they refused his offer of an alliance. Time and again, The Clone Wars refused to pull its punches and was all the better for it. Despite its violence, the show’s core was its moral messages. Each episode would begin with an epigraph aimed at teaching its young audience a lesson. Indeed, several arcs (which some unfortunately decry as ‘boring’) were about politics and the corruptibility of our leaders. I can tell you now, 9 year old me was way too proud of himself for knowing what ‘eradicate’ and ‘cast off’ meant. For me, this is what summarises the Clone Wars best. It was a show that actually grew up with its audience and didn’t scare away from including clear messages about morality and ethics. Another reason why

it holds a special place in my heart is because I watched it with my brother. Now, some of you may be reading this and think he’s dead but I assure you that is not the case. In actual fact he is very much alive (and as irritating as ever) but as we grew up The Clone Wars was always something we bonded over. We’d build Lego together (okay he built, I destroyed), play with action figures, excitedly binge a new series in a weekend whenever Amazon had lowered its prices to a figure our Dad deemed ‘reasonable’. Brotherhood is perhaps the core tenet of The Clone Wars as, after all, the Clones are brothers, so looking back it’s extra special to me that I experienced it with my twin. As we grew up, Tom and I drifted to other interests and areas of study. He chose STEM whilst I chose Humanities. He likes Football, I like films. But one thing that we will always have is Star Wars: The Clone Wars and those magical moments spent a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away. On May 4th 2020, The Clone Wars aired its series finale ‘Victory and Death’, the epic conclusion not just to the thrilling ‘Siege of Mandalore’ arc, or the show itself, but to our childhoods. I remember waking up early and going downstairs to watch it together as if we were kids again. The Clone Wars was such a huge part of our childhood that when it ended 6 weeks after we turned 18 it only felt appropriate that our childhood should end with it. For me, this is why Star Wars: The Clone Wars was the most important show of my childhood. Not only did it awaken my love for Star Wars and subsequently cinema, but it taught me about life, politics, and morality. However, most importantly, it was something I shared with my twin brother, Tom, because without him the show would not nearly mean as much as it does to me – and that is why I will always be grateful for Star Wars: The Clone Wars .

24 Film

CULTURE

TV Nostalgia:

ISSUE 13/ 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

From Tracy Beaker to Doctor Who, we explore some of our favourite childhood shows and ask just why did we love them so much?

Our childhood favourites

Tracy Beaker Ella Robinson Managing Editor (News )

Deadly 60 Benjy Klauber-Griffiths Film Editor

eadly 60 aired at a time when social clout depended one your favourite dinosaur, whether you could do your seven times table and what snack you had in your packed lunch. When life was spent colouring maps (Geography students may still relate) and staring enviously at the year 6’s sitting on the benches in assembly there was no better show to return home to after an arduous 15:30 finish. Dubbed (by me) the Attenborough of CBBC, the show saw hunky animal enthusiast Steve Backshall travel the world searching for the deadliest creatures to pet, stroke and nuzzle. After seeking out some of the most endangered and ferocious animals in the world, Backshall would conclude by charismatically stating the obvious. “The (insert insanely dangerous animal here) is definitely deadly”. Iconic. And that was the show. Kids saw parts of the world they’d never seen before,

learnt about animals they’d maybe only see behind a glass panel, all the while creating a new generation of conservationists and eco-warriors. Pretty wholesome if you ask me. Not to mention the cult status it then received among our generation. Mention Deadly 60 to ANYONE and they will respond with awe. One of CBBC’s flagship shows it’s easy to understand why, masking important education behind awesome facts and the suggestion of carnal violence means obsessives have still managed to retain some of the niche carnivorous facts to this day. Did you know the cheetah doesn’t have retractable claws, a sign that it isn’t in fact, a ‘big cat’? At times my obsession went too far. A near complete collection of ‘Deadly 60 cards’, the shows Match Attax equivalent, is still one of my crowning achievements but also probably one of my more questionable childhood purchases. Still, if you need an unusual animal fact, you know who to come to.

racy Beaker Returns was my childhood. I remember having friends over on a Friday night to watch the new episode when it aired. Four years after The Story of Tracy Beaker ended, Tracy was back at the Dumping Ground, this time to work with the most iconic comeback episode on children’s television. When lockdown hit, and we were in need of a bit of nostalgia, we decided to rewatch Tracy Beaker Returns as a house – but I don’t think any of us had realised quite how traumatic it is. We all remember Lily falling off the roof, there’s even TikToks recreating it, but do you remember Carmen falling through the bridge? The escaped prisoner eating their spaghetti hoops? The fire caused by chilli in their face masks? I don’t think I’ve looked at a chopping board the same way since. One of my housemates isn’t from the UK so hadn’t grown up watching the show, so rewatching with her (and ten years on ourselves) really gave us a fresh perspective. I think we’ve all gone through a stage of realising Jacqueline Wilson novels were pretty dark – My Sister Jodie speaks for itself – but Tracy Beaker Returns alongside the ridiculous drama, actually tackled some pretty important issues.

Lily was on the roof because of the council cuts to care home funding. Whilst the issue was framed in a lighter way for children’s TV, with Liam selling the piano and curtains, and Tee cutting slippers “so we won’t miss the carpets”, in reality, funding per child has fallen from £571 in 2010/11 to £425 in 2018/19. Whilst Tracy Beaker certainly was more fun than the reality, focusing on these issues caused conversations in households up and down the country, about topics which may otherwise have been ignored. Tracy Beaker Returns represented a range of issues and people on screen. Frank, one of the show’s main characters, had cerebral palsy. Gus has Asperger’s Syndrome. These conditions were shown in a way that enabled children and young people to understand them, without it defining their characters’. Homelessness, refugees, gangs, and loss were all also shown and discussed in a way that was humanising as well as educational. But what I loved most about the show was the friendship and care they all had for each other – the family that had been created at Elmtree House. It was a really fun show, despite the heavy moments, with dancing, laughter and pranks, and rewatching it in lockdown, ten years after it aired – it felt like coming home.

The Wombles Florrie Evans Film Editor

h e n looking back at all the TV shows I watched as a kid, one tv show kept coming back to me, The Wombles. I must have only been about five when I watched The Wombles for the first time, but the classic theme song was the soundtrack of my very young life. You might be asking, why were you watching The Wombles when you were born in the year 2000, a reasonable q u e s t i o n considering the first episode came out in 1973. I hate to break it to everyone but it wasn’t because I was a really cool kid who felt they were born in “the wrong era”, but because The Wombles was the only thing my grandma had on video tape, yes, you heard correctly, video tape. I look back on the days when I sat in my grandma’s front room, singing along to the very famous lyrics ‘Underground, Overground, wombling free, the wombles of Wimbledon Common are we’. Now for anyone who didn’t know,

The Wombles is based on a set of children’s novels by the author Elisabeth Beresford, released in 1968, and is a story like no other. The story centred around little pointy nosed creatures, who lived in burrows on Wimbledon common. Now these weren’t just ordinary creatures, they were activists. You heard correctly, they would fit in perfectly with the Greta Thunberg’s of today. They were hard workers, and encouraged the art of upcycling, you would find them picking up the rubbish of the ‘everyday folk’ and using it in many creative ways. The only episode I really remember (I was five okay) was called, ‘Peep, Peep, Peep’, in which Wellington invents a phone using two tin cans and a piece of string. After watching this, all I wanted to do was have my own homemade telephone. Who knew that this piece of nostalgia was actually feeding me the crucial message, REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE.

Doctor Who Daniel Collins Film Writer

t is hard to imagine my childhood without the constant presence of Doctor Who, whether that be in the show itself, its spin offs or its many collectable figurines, books and models. Many of my prominent early memories revolve around it: gathering the family around to watch the Christmas special, playing Doctor Who themed top trumps in long car journeys or spending countless hours building my own TARDIS. I also distinctly remember waking up to the news that Elisabeth Saden or as I knew her, Sarah Jane, had died - I almost didn’t go to school that day. It has become somewhat of a cliché to say this but these weren’t just characters on a screen, they were people who truly mattered to me. David Tennant’s Doctor was always my favourite but I also loved the zaniness of Matt Smith and the dark underbelly of Eccleston’s first series. Perhaps this is what was so appealing to me and so many others, Doctor Who seems like it has no boundaries. Like the bedtime stories you were told as a kid, with just a bit of imagination you could’ve been taken off to far flung futures, meet William Shakespeare or battle an alien invasion. Moreover, it’s not just the setting that changes but also the genre, episodes such as ‘Blink’ or ‘The Empty Child’ were

well rooted within the horror mould whereas something like Partners In Crime is a mix of comedy and pulp adventure. Nevertheless, it always had a certain unnameable charm that kept me coming back. Overtime, my enthusiasm waned for the series. It wasn’t any one thing that made me stop but in the same way I no longer play football, I also no longer watch Doctor Who. Whilst I have watched an episode here and there and enjoyed what I’ve seen of Jodie Whittaker’s take on the character, no matter what I do, I can’t quite transpose my childhood wonder into the present. Although I understand the impulse to reject change, it is built into the generational project that is Doctor Who. In this sense, I don’t long for a lost past but think of the new wave of fans that will be born out of this reimagining. The cynic in me may want to reference the fact that this is all really just the culmination of corporate marketing but there is something to be said for a show like Doctor Who, a show that seems to rise above these pessimistic notions and finds the wonder in everyday life. Somehow it is a show that embraces nostalgia and all the problems that come with doing that but also one that looks forward and envisions futures that hold messages of hope and togetherness, even amongst the chaos or at least that’s how I remember it.

Film 25

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

NEW IN: FILM AND TELEVISION Norse mythology meets psychological horror in

The Northman

The all-star line-up includes some of Eggers’ previous collaborators such as Willem Defoe, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Ralph Ineson, as well as a largely Scandinavian cast including Alex Skarsgård, and Icelandic singer Bjork. The film also stars Nicole Kidman, as the Amleth’s mother, and Ethan Hawke as Amleth’s father. Although these may seem like unusual picks, they bring a level of grit and Hollywood acumen to the roles that are bound to have a strong effect on audiences. To add to the unbelievable story and cast, the cinematography is incredible. The large, intricate sets and the beautiful scenery of Iceland is an amazing backdrop for Eggers to tell his tale. The cinematographer, Jarin Blaschke, worked with Eggers on both previous films and it shows with a consistency to the cinematography, something we now associate as an ‘Eggers style’. The music in this movie was unlike anything used before for a film of this setting. The composers, Robert Carolan and Sebastian Gainsborough, had an undeniable challenge to create a score that matched its tone and pace. How could they mirror the hardship, the dirt, and the violence of the movie? The film has an intensive rhythm that would need to be matched for it to work. Apparently they worked tirelessly throughout lockdown to that the music could truly reach its unsettling and nightmarish melody. This film is definitely worth the watch. Although some may find scenes disturbing at times, don’t shy away from viewing this cinematic masterpiece. The cinematography, music, actors, and the story itself all come together to create an amazing cinema experience.

William Taylor Film Writer

he Northman is the third movie in Robert Eggers’ chilling debut trilogy, following in the daunting footsteps of The Witch and The Lighthouse . Like his previous movies, The Northman delivers the creepy and uneasy experience in the usual Eggers style, but on a much larger scale. The film takes place in the thrilling world of Viking epic. The tremendous battles, as well as the historically accurate and intricate set designs bring a level of realism that sits as a framework for Eggers’ to implement his mythological and Shakespearian tale. The film follows Amelth (Alex Skarsgard) on his quest to claim vengeance for the murder of his father, King Aurvandil. Through intense battles and mystical magic, the film reaches its dramatic climax and blurs the line between protagonist and antagonist. Clearly influenced by the work of Shakespeare, namely Hamlet , it doesn’t attempt to direct adapt the famous revenge tragedy and instead opts to merge all sorts of references to Macbeth , Oedipus Rex and viking mythology in its extremely layered texture. With scenes of graphic fatality, its hard to see how this film only makes the rating of a 15. Be wary if you’re the squeamish kind. Like many of the historically fictitious epics from the 60s, such as Lawrence of Arabia and Spartacus , the film doesn’t shy away from doing things on a large scale. One scene shows a huge viking raid, with ruthless killers taking a village from innocent townsfolk, a sequence supposedly filmed in a single shot.

Photocredit: The Northman

5/5

Review: The Kardashians Erin Botten Lifestyle Editor

n September 8 2021, pop culture lost one of the greats: Keeping Up With The Kardashians. It seemed like the end was nigh for the infamous family after entertaining (and infuriating) the masses since 2007. Yet, this month the family’s back with a new series, The Kardashians . But, with a Disney+ subscription costing £7.99/month, is the series worth it? The main question on critics’ minds is how is The Kardashians different from KUWTK ? The premise of the new series is to provide a fresh lens on the family, focusing on their work lives and business ventures … at least that’s what Kim claimed in interviews. Gone are the days of trivial drama. Instead, the show swapped out the petty fist fights for deeper personal issues that frame the family in a more genuine light. This stripped-back approach has meant audiences are able to better relate to the issues that shadow each family member. So far, the series has been following Kourtney’s surprise engagement to Blink-182 drummer, Travis Barker. However, this looks like it’s about to be overshadowed by the fertility struggles the couple faces. Simultaneously, we watch Kim try to maintain a healthy relationship with her ex-husband Kanye West, with the rapper still playing a significant role in her work and personal life. We’re yet to see the fallout between the pair on Instagram, or the debut of ‘Skete’ aka Pete Davidson. Unlike KUWTK , The Kardashians is far less filtered both in terms of scripting and cinematography. By season 20 of KUWTK , you could barely make out Kris Jenner behind all the smoothing and blurring.

You’re not kidding anyone Kris. Now, we actually get to see the family’s skin texture and age! More genuinely intimate moments are shared throughout the series too. We watch Kylie aggressively snacking whilst ordering In-and-Out for instance – footage that would’ve previously been burnt. The family finally appears less concerned about appearing glamorously untouchable, instead opting for moments of touching emotional support that actually feel real. However, one thing that the trailers have blatantly ignored is the Astroworld disaster. The carnage caused by that one event hugely affected the family as they desperately tried to save face. With Travis Scott (the face and founder of Astroworld) being the partner and baby-daddy to the most famous KarJenner (Kylie), the family was dragged down through association. A lot of the family members stepped back from social media, the driving force behind their success, due to the amount of outrage the fatal festival caused. For the family not to acknowledge Astroworld in their trailers says one of two things. Either the festival was so damaging to the family’s reputation that resurfacing it would only cause further backlash or, advertising the event as TV fodder would be deemed insensitive. Overall, if you’re a Kardashian fan, undoubtedly you’ll enjoy the series. You get the classic Kardashian gossip with a glimpse into their work lives. Plus their kids are adorable. Saying that though, it did take me a while to enjoy the series. Major plot lines are dragged out over a number of episodes at an excruciatingly slow rate. In the past, KUWTK would have an overarching plot over a whole series, and mini-plots in each episode. Now, we have to watch Kim do SNL for three episodes, with Kourtney’s engagement dragging across several. It’s so much slower. With that in mind, I’d only invest in Disney+ if you have an interest in pop culture and/or the family itself. Otherwise, feel free to skip this one.

‘Marshmallow’ rating: 5 Genuine rating: 3.5

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ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Musicals not to miss in Manchester Jay Darcy Theatre Editor

Passion

Manchester has been a little lacking in musical theatre as of late – in part because the city’s premiere theatre, the Palace Theatre, has been hosting Disney’s Beauty and the Beast for a 2-month residency. However, we’re now welcoming the return of musical delights, with everything from Sondheim’s Passion, starring West End legend Ruthie Henshall, to the UK tour of the Barbican’s smash-hit revival of Anything Goes, starring another West End legend, Kerry Ellis!

Beauty and the Beast

Palace Theatre Saturday 4th June)

(Thursday

31st

March

until

“Disney proudly invites you to ‘Be Our Guest’ as the most enchanted musical of all time, Beauty and the Beast, returns to the UK stage in 2022. Spectacularly reimagined using the latest theatrical innovations, this beloved ‘tale as old as time’ will be brought to life on stage like never before… Disney first debuted Beauty and the Beast on Broadway 26 years ago. Members of the original creative team have reunited on this new production that features all of the spellbinding music and lyrics of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.”

Hope Mill Theatre (until Sunday 5th June) “Olivier Award winner and Musical Theatre icon Ruthie Henshall will lead a reimagining of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s multi-award-winning Passion at the Hope Mill Theatre. Directed by Michael Strassen this revival will reenergise the tale of love, sex and obsession in a new dynamic staging. “Arguably Sondheim’s most lyrical and romantic work, Passion is a legendary musical based on Ettore Scola’s Italian film, Passion d’Amore. Situated in 19th Century Italy, the production tells the tale of a young soldier, Giorgio, who is obsessively pursued by the relation of his superior officer, Fosca – a woman prone to severe melancholy and mania. Exploring the consequences of intense passion and obsessive adoration, Passion is a ravishing and thoughtprovoking look at the lengths people go to for desire.” Passion is also based on Passione d’Amore‘s source material, Iginio Ugo Tarchetti’s novel, Fosca.

Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster

Contact Theatre (Tuesday 10th – Saturday 14th May) “Frankenstein: How To Make A Monster is a critically-acclaimed, Off West End Award Winning gigtheatre production by Battersea Arts Centre and BAC Beatbox Academy, inspired by the original monstrous tale of power and persecution. “Part electrifying gig, part thrilling theatre, Frankenstein: How To Make A Monster is a powerful and poetic show that pushes the power of the human voice to its expressive, musical and rhythmic limits. Six performers with six microphones take apart Mary Shelley’s original and reimagine a world of modern monsters – from our over stimulated digital age to the pressures to conform – while taking musical inspirations from Pachelbel to The Prodigy. “The production marks 10 years of nurturing rising talent and pushing the boundaries of sound and music with BAC Beatbox Academy; Battersea Arts Centre’s young performance collective. Frankenstein will leave you asking: Who are the monsters we fear? Who created them? And how the hell did they just do that with their voices?!”

Photocredit: Hope Mill Theatre

Photocredit: Beauty and the Beast

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

HOME (Wednesday Wednesday 11th May)

27th

April

until

‘I’m the new Berlin Wall. Try and tear me down!’ “Welcome to a euphoric night on the rock ‘n’ roll rollercoaster with singer Hedwig – a hedonistic genderqueer anti-heroine seemingly hellbent on destruction. This darkly humorous self-love story, powered by a live band, epic rock-inspired music and hard-hitting lyrics, explores gender identity, acceptance and the freedom to be whoever you want to be. Directed by Jamie Fletcher and starring divine drag queen and sensational songstress Divina De Campo, this multi-Tony award-winning musical breaks all the rules – challenging us all to create a world where everyone is valued and everyone is loved.”

Singin’ in the Rain

Opera House (Monday 9th – Saturday 14 May 2022) “Song and dance legend Adam Cooper stars as ‘Don Lockwood’ alongside Charlotte Gooch, Ross McLaren and Jenny Gayner in Jonathan Church’s critically acclaimed production of Singin’ in the Rain, making a splash in Manchester this May! “Journey back to the glamour of Hollywood during the roaring 20’s. Silent movie star Don Lockwood has it all, a string of hit films and a studio-engineered romance with the most beautiful actress in town. What Don doesn’t know is that the silver screen is about to find its voice, and a chance meeting with a talented young chorus girl set to steal his heart promises to change both Don, and Hollywood, forever. “High-energy choreography and sumptuous set design (including over 14,000 litres of water on stage every night) combine with the charm, romance and wit of one of the world’s best- loved films. Singin’ in the Rain features the glorious MGM score including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh, Moses Supposes and the legendary Singin’ in the Rain. Don’t save it for a rainy day, book your tickets now!”

Photocredit: BAC Beatbox Academy and Battersea Arts Centre

The Barricade Boys – Bring Him Home Tour Opera House (Sunday 15th May)

“Starring past performers from the global theatrical sensation that is Les Misérables, The Barricade Boys have entertained fans around the world since they formed in 2015 and now, they are back on tour in 2022. The Barricade Boys’ Bring Him Home Tour will feature music from some of the best-loved shows from the West End and Broadway stage, including Phantom Of The Opera, Miss Saigon, Jersey Boys and, of course, Les Misérables, as well as hits from some of pop and rock music’s all-time greats including Queen, Elton John, The Beatles, Ed Sheeran and Adele. “Blending powerhouse vocal harmonies and slick dance routines with a journey through the decades of musical theatre, the Boys are bound together by their shared experience of performing in the world’s longest running musical. A night at the musicals like no other, The Barricade Boys share anecdotes from the shows they have starred in, including the West End hits Mamma Mia, Wicked, Billy Elliot, The Book Of Mormon, The Sound Of Music and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience a sensational night celebrating the very best of musical theatre interspersed with your rock and pop favourites!”

Photocredit: The Barricade Boys

Photocredit: Singin’ in the Rain

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

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Theatre 27

this spring and summer The Cher Show

Opera House (Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st May)

criminal to miss it…” Also starring Sheila Ferguson (former lead singer of the Three Degrees) as Matron “Mama” Morton!

Photocredit: Chicago

“35 smash hits – one pop goddess. Get ready to TURN BACK TIME in this outrageous new musical! Six decades of stardom, over a hundred million records sold. Legend, icon, Queen. She is Cher and this is her show. Music icon turned Hollywood royalty, the Grammy, Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe awardwinning Queen of re-invention has conquered it all. It’s now time to turn back time with this fiercely fabulous kick-ass new musical, from the writer of Jersey Boys. “Three Chers is better than one! Three West End stars play Cher as we span her iconic career: Millie O’Connell (Six, Rent) as BABE, Danielle Steers (Bat Out of Hell, Six) as LADY, and the Olivier Award nominated Debbie Kurup (The Prince of Egypt, The Bodyguard) as the ultimate diva, STAR. “The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn. This HUGE new production features a fresh take on her show-stopping costumes which earned her the title of “the ruler of outré reinvention” (VOGUE). “In a dazzling glitter fest sparkling with Cher’s signature wit and style to the sounds of her biggest hits, including ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’, ‘Strong Enough’, ‘Gypsies Tramps and Thieves’, ‘The Shoop Shoop Song’, ‘I Got You Babe’, and ‘Believe’. Written by Tony award-winning Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), this brand new UK production is directed by Arlene Phillips (Grease, Starlight Express), choreographed by Oti Mabuse (double Strictly Come Dancing winner), with costumes by Gabriella Slade (Spice World Tour, SIX). Book now for a joyous party musical fit for the Queen of pop.”

Photocredit: The Cher Show

Chicago

Opera House (Monday 23rd – Saturday 28th May) “Chicago, the “sexiest musical ever” (Metro) is back in Manchester for one week, only starring Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes (Dancing On Ice, Grease, Legally Blonde) as Roxie Hart and West End star Djalenga Scott (Annie, Chicago, West Side Story) as Velma Kelly. Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts” So begins the international multi-awardwinning musical, Chicago. “Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. “Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score with one showstopping song after another includes ‘Razzle Dazzle’, ‘Cell Block Tango’, and ‘All That Jazz’. With 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations, Chicago truly is “SUPERB” (Daily Telegraph). Don’t miss out, book now! It would be

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

The Lowry (Monday 6th – Saturday 11th June)

(Evening Standard). The show will star Multi Award Winner Kerry Ellis(Wicked, We Will Rock You)as Reno Sweeney and Olivier Award Winner Denis Lawson (Bleak House, Star Wars) as Moonface Martin. Joining them on board is Oliver Award Winner Simon Callow (Art, Death in Paradise) as Elisha Whitney and Musical Theatre Royalty Bonnie Langford (EastEnders, 9 to 5) as Evangeline Harcourt. “Featuring a 50 strong cast and ensemble of the finest we have to offer on stage (including tap dancing sailors!) and a full-sized live orchestra, this uplifting production of Anything Goes features heart-warming romance, farcical fun and spectacular show stopping dance routines. Directed by the multi-awardwinning Broadway director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall, this gold plated production features Cole Porter’s joyful score, including ‘I Get A Kick Out of You’, ‘You’re the Top’ and the show stopping ‘Anything Goes’.”

“One of Britain’s greatest modern plays, The Rise & Fall of Little Voice, is embarking on a UK Tour this year. The Olivier Award-Winning comedy-drama from Jim Cartwright has earned international acclaim across the globe, including a Golden Globe winning smash-hit film starring Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine. “Meet Little Voice and Mari Hoff. A mother and daughter central to the heart of this Northern fairy-tale, but as far apart in character as can be. Little Voice leads a quiet and unassuming life, seeking companionship and joy from music’s most iconic singers, whilst Mari prefers the sound of her own voice, indulging in a life of booze, cheap thrills and seedy men. “Left to her own devices, LV starts to embody the famous divas she plays on repeat, swapping the grey backstreets of Northern England for the bright lights of Hollywood and Broadway, all from the safety of her own bedroom. When Mari starts dating small-time club owner Ray Say, LV’s astonishing impersonations of Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland to name a few, are thrust into the spotlight. Transformed and sensational, LV might just be Ray’s one and only chance to hit the big time, but what will the consequences be for mother and daughter? “Starring TV favorite Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies, Loose Women), British soap royalty Ian Kelsey (Emmerdale, Casualty) and ‘the girl of a thousand voices’ and two-time Drama Desk Award Nominee Christina Bianco, as Little Voice. Cartwright’s timeless and iconic tale explores the highs and the lows of small-town dreams, family rivalry and finding your voice in a noisy world. With humour, heart and countless powerhouse ballads all performed live on stage, featuring music from Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Billie Holliday and many more, this lifeaffirming production will rouse even the weariest of souls.”

Photocredit: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

Anything Goes

Palace Theatre (Thursday 9th – Saturday 18th June) “Anything Goes is the ‘musical equivalent of sipping one glass of champagne after another’ (The Times) and as ‘delightful, delicious, and buoyant as helium’

Photocredit: Anything Goes

Sister Act

Palace Theatre (Monday 27th June – Saturday 9th July) “Brace yourselves sisters – the habit is coming to Manchester! Don’t miss this eagerly anticipated brand new production of the Broadway and UK smash hit musical Sister Act. This hilarious musical comedy is premiering in Manchester ahead of a major London run. “All your prayers have been answered this summer with a stunning all-star cast, including national treasure and comedy legend Jennifer Saunders as Mother Superior and The Greatest Showman’s incredible Keala Settle. They are joined by TV and West End legend Lesley Joseph, Olivier Awardwinner and star of Tracy Beaker Clive Rowe, West End sensation and Hairspray favourite Lizzie Bea and Emmerdale and Waitress star Sandra Marvin as Deloris, everyone’s favourite nun on the run! “Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.” “Featuring original music by Tony and 8-time Oscar award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted) and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting in equal measures. A musical sent from above, Sister Act is the brilliant, must-see show which raises the spirits and warms the soul time after time.”

28 Fashion & Beauty

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Accounting for Style #12 : Second Hand Retail Therapy Maia Penny Fashion Writer

ccounting for Style is a series at The Mancunion Fashion & Beauty section, in which Manchester students track all of their fashion and beauty purchases over the period of a month. Get a glimpse into the way your peers spend their money on their style, the splurges, and the savings Age: 20 Degree: English Literature and Spanish Rent: About £110 per week, including bills Extra cash: I don’t currently have a part time job, but I’m embarrassingly frugal with almost everything (I only have a weakness for clothes). However, I’m a thrifty shopper, so I always manage to stay within the boundaries of my student loan. Monthly budget: I don’t do typical budgeting, but I do make sure to keep spending to a minimum. Fashion and beauty spending habits: I rarely buy brand new clothes, I’d say less than 10% of my clothes are straight from the retailer, the rest are Depop, Vinted, eBay or charity shops. I don’t like to give money to the fast fashion industry, so if I see something I love from a brand, I wait until it filters onto second hand apps. It’s cheaper (especially if, like me, you enjoy agreeing on a great bargain with sellers) and it also gives me peace of mind to know I’m not supporting a harmful industry. I only overspend when I’m having a bad day, retail therapy is the most effective way to cheer me up. The thought of having

something arriving soon makes me feel less pessimistic about the future. On the beauty side of things, I’d say I don’t spend too much. My base makeup and eyeshadows are good quality and on the pricey side, but I don’t have to repurchase them often. I’ve found my perfect product rotation, so I don’t buy many new products, I just have to replace my trusted favourites once in a while. Monthly estimated spend on fashion and beauty: I’m going to guess £60, as I’ve bought way more pieces than I usually would. My spending really varies, some months I spend nothing, and some months I majorly give into the temptation of my Depop likes. Monthly Spending: Sunday 3rd April: £50.00 – I started off the month pretty badly. I had a sad girl Sunday right after arriving home for the Easter holidays and went on Depop and Vinted for a hit of dopamine. Since its release I’ve been so close to buying the white long sleeve top from Missguided’s Ed Hardy collection. However, I did not like the price tag (£32 for one top is way out of my budget) and I didn’t feel comfortable directly giving money to Missguided. I had been scouring the second hand apps for a while, and managed to find someone selling it for £15. Not only did they have the white top, but also the black baby tee. I offered the seller £25 for both. Ka-ching. A saving of £35! On the same day I also browsed through Jaded London jeans on Vinted. I am a sucker for the graphic patterns and fit of Jaded jeans (perfect for tall

girls like me), but again, they cost upwards of £60 brand new. I found the super cute Honey Bum Print Low Rise jeans listed for £30 on Vinted, but the seller and I settled for £25 including postage. For me, a good bargain doubles the satisfaction of retail therapy. I went to sleep that night looking forward to receiving my new clothes, and knowing I hadn’t damaged my bank account too badly. Tuesday 5th April: £12.00 – Just two days later I bought another item on Depop. This is already pretty bad in comparison with my usual habits. I found this pink mini skirt during my Sunday Depop browse and managed to stave off the urge to buy it. Well, at least until Tuesday. In my defence, it is a dupe of the £40 I.AM.GIA Philomena skirt, so I made a huge saving, and even got the seller to give me a £4 discount on their original price. Even though it was an impulsive buy, I don’t regret the purchase. I have since used it to create the Paris Hilton inspired outfit of my dreams, so I think the spend has already been justified. Friday 22nd April: £12.00 – I did some real damage in the Cancer Research Superstore in Salford after a sixteen day break from any shopping. You might be thinking, real damage? For £12? But yes, I did buy five items for just over a tenner. I got four new tops and a dress. The great thing about this charity shop is that none of the clothes are over £3 and as a superstore, they’ve got a huge amount of stock. I spent a long time sorting through the racks and ended up with a big pile of possible purchases. I did some deciding and left behind a pinstripe shirt, an Effy-from-Skins-esque dress and a really interesting lace up sheer white top which I adored, but thought someone else might wear more. What I did take home

was: a white top with really cute green flower appliques, a raglan top with pink sleeves that says ‘I am a princess’ (perfect for my ironic baby tee loving self), a blue polo, a black and white plaid mesh top and a printed dress with butterflies. Monday 25th April: £8.00 – On Monday I needed some more retail therapy. My mood dipped really low again, so I went back to the pages of Vinted and Depop for some much needed comfort. I was already thinking of green corduroy trousers because I had envisioned an outfit with them when I bought the white and green top from the charity shop. As I browsed, I realised that my ideal pair, in colour and fit, were from Urban Outfitters. I found many listings for the trousers, but haven’t purchased them yet as I only found one pair in my size and am still waiting for the seller to reply. I am hoping to pay £15 for them. After I failed to buy the green cords, my shopping desire still needed to be satisfied. I browsed all my usual searches and found some flared velour Lipsy joggers on Vinted. I was over the moon as I’ve been searching for the bottoms to complete the set, of which I already have the matching hoodie, for the longest time. I bartered with the seller and ended up paying £8 for them. Total Spend: £82.00 Overall verdict: I definitely bought a lot more than I do in a normal month and spent £22 over my estimation. Despite my big spend, I’m not too upset with myself because I’ve been having a difficult time recently and I needed something to look forward to, as sad as it sounds. I’m really pleased with all of my

ISSUE 13/ 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

purchases, the things I’ve bought fit me perfectly, which can be risky when buying second hand. I also know that I will get a lot of wear out of the pieces I’ve bought as they go well with the other items in my wardrobe. I am very aware that I could be consuming less, and probably should be consuming less, but I find some comfort in knowing that I didn’t buy anything brand new from the retailer and donated through my charity shopping. Read our last edition of accounting for style: Long term broke student finally has money

Would you like to anonymously track your fashion and beauty purchases for the period of a month for Accounting for Style? Email fashion@ mancunion.com to express your interest or come along to our weekly meetings every Tuesday at 5:30pm.

Graduation style guide

Feeling blue about your university years coming to an end? Retail therapy can always help and since graduation is coming up, we browsed the internet to help you out in your search for the best graduation outfits:

E A

B D

Alex Bikard Fashion Editor A. If you’re looking for something a bit more covered up, we really love this blue dress from the modest fashion brand Louella by Ibtihaj. It’s also currently on sale for about £66! B. Not feeling like heals and a dress? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Here’s a really cool oversized three-piece suit from one of our favourite Manchesterbased brands 4th & Reckless (trousers £35, blazer £55 and waistcoat £32). C. Although high-heal

stilettos are really tempting for your graduation photos, your feet might prefer spending a day walking around on cobble stone with something similar to these (Asos, £27.99). D. For the kings who want to stand out from the sea of black and navy suits, we found this gorgeous sage green suit on Asos (Jacket £50, trousers £30). E. If you want to colour-match with one of UoM’s colours, why not go for this delicate lilac satin dress from Zara (£45.99) that will make you look like the belle of the ball. F. Can we get a commotion for

the back of the dress? Although it’s £120, it’s a dress that you’ll surely be able to wear after graduation AND the brand is sustainable so only wins here G. If you want a cute bag that won’t break the bank, why don’t you browse the website of Roop to find one of those cuties (£48). They’re made sustainably and ethically in Manchester from dead-stock materials and they look absolutely adorable H. We’re absolutely in love with this little number from Wolf & Badger which retails for £69 and will definitely make you feel like the goddess that you are.

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ISSUE 13/ 9th May 2022 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

‘A big greasy, yellowy hug’:

Manchester’s best chips and curry sauce Maddie Drake reviews Manchester’s best and worst chips and curry sauce. Maddie Drake Deputy Music Editor

his year I’ve been to many takeaways across the city, and more often than not have ordered my greasy, salty, arterysealing favourite: chips and curry sauce. Luckily for you I’ve got the memory of a very intelligent goldfish and can mostly remember them all. What follows is an in exhaustive list of the best and worst places to get chips and curry sauce in Manchester. Before I begin, let me set out some rules. I’m a scientist, or at least pretending to be one, so let’s go about this scientifically. We are looking for CHIPS and CURRY SAUCE. We are not looking for fries. And by curry sauce, I mean fish-and-chip-shop curry sauce. I don’t mean actual curry. Rankings will consider quality of chips and quality of curry sauce but will be split into two discrete sections: chips and curry sauce and not chips and curry sauce. Part one, starting from the

bottom. The contenders who didn’t get past the starting line: Khans Kebab House in Withington is skidding in dead last. Why? Fries, not chips. The curry sauce was not curry sauce, it was more like sweetened chili tomato sauce… most displeased. Failed on both requirements. Gemini Takeaway right next to Whitworth is stumbling in drunk just ahead of Khans. I was really sure this was going to be at the bottom of the pile but went to Khans last week and my disappointment hit brand new lows I didn’t know existed. Again, fries, not chips. Curry sauce was not curry sauce but actual curry, which was nice but not what I wanted. Failed on both requirements. But I do like their pizzas. Next! Turkiss and Kej’s in Fallowfield. I don’t live in Fallowfield so I don’t know if the Turkiss/Kej’s debate is real or something The Mancunion fabricated because they were running out of ideas for freshers’ week articles, but both of them sucked pretty bad. Fries, not chips, and a mostly disappointing, indistinguishable curry sauce. Failing on the chips part and barely scraping

a pass on the curry sauce. This is sadly the baseline of chips and curry sauce in this city; also in this category is the place right outside 42s and some other donner place on the way to Deansgate that was so unmemorable I can’t remember where it is enough to Google it. Now onto part two, those fortunate few that have passed my two, not-even-very-demanding-really criteria: Couch Potato Salads Subs & Spuds on Oxford road opposite Pizza Co, Johnny Roadhouse, et cetera. Succeeding on both the chips and curry sauce fronts. At last! Something that satisfies. My main hang-up with Couch Potato is that the sauce is really runny and they always put tons of it on so its more like curry sauce soup with chips in than it is chips and curry sauce. Not particularly convenient to eat in public, especially when now you have to go to your tutorial with curry sauce on your sleeves and maybe in your hair. But a great treat for when I’m walking home and my timetable has denied me lunch. V i l l a g e Chippy in G a y Village.

There’s really not much between this and first place. It hurts a bit to put it in second just because I just love this chip shop. It’s usually still open when I’m walking back from gigs in the Northern Quarter and probably does almost as much damage to my body as the amount of Lidl cider I drink whilst actually in the Northern Quarter. If I’m with someone else we’ll probably sit on the lap of the Alan Turing statue in Sackville Gardens and offer some to him (he is usually not hungry). Good chips—the best chips found in Manchester so far, perhaps—and good sauce. Decent sauce-to-chip ratio, maybe a little heavy on the sauce, but it’s smooth, golden, and delicious, so that’s okay with me. This place is a five minute walk from where I’m currently living and I’m going to miss it when I move out. Wrights Fish & Chip Shop on Cross Street. I’ve only been here once, partly because I found it by accident and don’t know if I’d be able to find it again (using Google maps destroys the mystery), and partly because I don’t want to destroy the magic of my one trip from sometime in October l a s t year. I’d dropped a

Battle of the slices: Haus vs 532

visiting friend off at the coach stop and, feeling a little bit sorry for myself, saw this establishment across the street and decided to cheer myself up. Guess what I ordered. What a great decision. A magical twenty minutes. The chips were good—maybe not as good as the Village Chippy, but the decision isn’t final—but the sauce was by far the sauce, the superior curry sauce to defeat all the other curry sauces…so far. Food is meant to make you feel great. Like a big greasy, yellowy hug from the inside. And by God did I feel great after that portion of chips and curry sauce. I might have even teared up a bit. Unforgettable sauce, serendipity, and my thing against maps have won Wrights Chip Shop first place in my Manchester chips and curry sauce rankings. Congratulations! As mentioned, this is by no means a comprehensive list. I can only hope that in the following years I spend in the city, be it for my degree or beyond, I can devote the majority of my time searching for the best chips and curry sauce Manchester has to offer.

Who will come out on top, HAUS or the Students’ Union’s 532 Bar in this battle of the pizzas?

Izzy Langhamer Food & Drink Editor

Haus and 532 bar are both currently offering pizza and wine for two deals, which are sure to impress on date night or post-exam celebrations! 532 Bar’s new menu has a variety of new deals, like 50% off veggie/vegan food on Mondays and Two-Pint Tuesdays. Most tempting though, is it’s £15 for two pizzas and a bottle of wine offer. Haus’ price is an extra fiver (although you can swap the wine for two beers), so we tried them both out to see which deal

would come out top.

HAUS Haus Pizza and a beer Atmosphere: Relaxed and intimate, HAUS is the perfect date night spot. Whether it’s Jazz Club Saturday or new ‘Get down’ Fridays, there’s always something going on. Drinks are reasonable with their 2 pints for £7 deal, and it’s chilled out and cosy vibes all night long. The pizza: Crust: 4/5 The crusts at HAUS are massive. Sometimes slightly charred, but always doughy and especially tasty with garlic mayo. Size: 5/5 You can’t go wrong with a HAUS pizza base. Ours were bigger than the plates and left us stuffed! Range of toppings: 3/5

There’s a slimmed down menu for some offers, but still something for veggies & meateaters alike. Overall taste: 4.5/5 HAUS knows pizza. I love the Pesto Speciale, which has artichokes and sundried tomatoes and just the right amount of delicious cheese. Time spent waiting: 2/5 You’re in for a long wait at HAUS. We’ve waited up to 2 hours before, so make sure you’ve got something to drink while you do.

532 - Student Union bar 532 Bar, Photo: Student Union, University of Manchester Atmosphere: Busy and chock-full of students, bring a date to 532 and they might be slightly confused. They’re in for a treat with the new menu

though, and a cheap meal out (if you can call the SU out-out). It’s probably not the most romantic setting, but you’ll probably see a few mates there and have a laugh anyway. Crust: 4/5 Soft and slightly smaller than HAUS’ but it’s all personal preference. Size: 4/5 You’re getting a lot for your money (particularly if you go on a Monday) but the pizzas fall just short in size. Still more than enough. Range of toppings: 5/5 There’s a wide range of options here. I had a goats cheese pizza which was very tasty, and there’s something for everyone on the menu. Overall taste: 4/5 My pizza had a tangy balsamic flavour mixed in with rocket, and I was

really impressed amount of toppings I received on my pizza. Time spent waiting: 3/5 Maybe it’s the Monday rushhour, but we waited 40 mins for our pizzas. Not too long for a restaurant, but for a break between seminars this was cutting it fine. Our advice is to get there early, and grab a seat fast! Overall: In a result as shocking as Brexit, HAUS has been defeated by the 532 pizza deal! I gave HAUS 18.5 points overall and 532 20, meaning that 532 is triumphant. Whilst I wouldn’t say the atmosphere’s on par, at the end of the day money talks and the SU’s deal is £5 cheaper. For such a tasty pizza that’s pretty impressive.

30 Lifestyle

ISSUE 13 / 9th May 2022 WWW. MANCUNION.COM

Agony Aunt Angela: Submit your worries, queries or quandries to Aunt Angela

Pick a side B

ail. ASAP. Usually, if I don’t know the other partner well, I would usually say give it a go. People don’t like being told to leave a romantic interest, especially when it gets serious. That sort of advice usually falls on deaf ears. In this case though, it’s the only option you really have. Not only does this sound like controlling behaviour, but also misogynistic. You get one set of rules whilst he has none. By being ‘locked’ into a relationship with him, you’d be exactly that - locked in. It may start as asking where

you went and who you were with (with an emphasis on the latter), but it could quickly escalate into demanding to see your phone, curfews, etc. This might sound extreme, but if he’s already dictating who your friends can be, then it’s a real possibility. Luckily for you, he’s not the last man on earth! There are plenty of options for partners without having to sacrifice your social freedom. You may like him now, but the risk of an abusive relationship outweighs the benefits of being with him. It’ll be easier to walk away

now than down the road when you’re more emotionally bound. If you’re still hesitant in walking away, confide in your friends and family - those you trust. Have them there with you when you finalise that decision, and then delete every last existence of him. Kisses, Aunt Angela

Submit your worries here

Examining your stress E

xam season takes its toll on people in various ways, and reaching out can be hard when you feel swamped. It’s really not easy, and there’s no quick overnight fix. But there are ways of slowly chipping away at the anxiety whilst still getting deadlines done. Firstly, take care of the basics. Cater day-to-day routine to things you enjoy and that keep you busy. Have smoothies and fruit with each meal, and try to cook up something nice for dinner. Microwave meals are meh on a good day. Tuna pasta bake, aioli chicken, huge burritos, and stew gives you the energy to face the next day and the filling comfort of home-cooked food. It can be nice to spend an hour concentrating on your cooking skills rather than revising over a stale pot noodle. Once the clock hits nine, that’s

your time to spend as you wish in the evening. Take a longggggg hot shower, catch up on some tv, FaceTime your family - whatever helps you feel at ease before bed, do it. But, try and avoid staring at a screen. If you’re prepping for deadlines, the likelihood is you spend most of the day scrolling and typing. By doing that before bed, you’re still in work mode mentally. After you cover the basics, look into mitigating circumstances. Even if you don’t need it right now, it’s a lot better to have it as a safety net than something you’re desperately waiting on. I’ve had too many occasions where I’ve submitted for M.C. the night before my deadline and obviously not got it in time. Plan ahead and be honest with yourself. Even if there’s only a small chance you might need it, it can only be worth it. Finally, look into counselling.

This can be general counselling from the university, group sessions, one-on-one therapy - there are loads of options. Sometimes it may not click straight away, and that’s fine. Sometimes we don’t always click with the counsellor or even the method, it might just mean something needs to be switched up. Overall, allow yourself to feel stressed. Don’t pent up emotions for the sake of trying to be productive. Let yourself cry or feel like shit. But, make sure you’re not doing it alone. Everyone needs someone to fall back on. Partners are usually the goto, but if they’re no longer there, what do you do? Keep talking to people and slowly let the weight fall off your shoulders. Kisses, Aunt Angela

Horoscopes 09.05.22 - 23.05.22 Fortnightly Astrological Prophecies from Catherine Shatwell (charlatan in training)

Sagittarius (23.11 - 21.12)

Capricorn (22.12 - 19.01)

One of your housemates is in love with you, but

See Cancer;

one secretly hates you. Choose wisely.

Both of your futures are just generic, endless

Aquarius (20.01 - 19.02) You prefer Main Library to Ali-G.

pointlessness because you don’t matter.

Pisces (20.02 - 20.03)

Aries (21.03 - 20.04)

Taurus (21.04 - 20.05)

Watching you eat is really weird. You just nibble

Where there’s a will, there’s not always a way.

Don’t cry because you’re single. Cry because

at everything, can’t hold a knife and fork and eat

Try harder.

you always will be.

Gemini (21.05 - 20.06)

Cancer (21.06 - 22.07)

Leo (23.07 - 22.08) Maybe if you actually did something rather

Be careful around cupboard doors.

Look, if you haven’t got the hint by now the running theme is that all Cancers and Capricorns are basically the same, copy-pasted, replaceable person.

Libra (23.09 - 22.10)

Scorpio (23.10 - 22.11)

What’s the point in crying about your

You recently bumped into your ex and yes,

dissertation? That won’t make it any less S*@!.

they are doing better without you

mushrooms. Wrong-un.

Virgo (23.08 - 22.09) No. I don’t think I will.

than sitting and moaning, you’d have fewer reasons to sit around and moan.

WORDSEARCH British Children’s TV Show Characters

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