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Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
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UWE’S STUDENT VOICE
WesternEye
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INSIDE ISSUE 04 WESTERNEYE UWE’s Student Voice
COMMENT
SCIENCE & TECH
FEATURE ARTICLE
SPORT
Discussing paedophilia Crime or disease
2014 lookahead Through a glass, expensively
Guantánamo Bay 12 years on
Homosexuality in sport Issues of homophobia
Continues on page 7
Continues on page 13
Continues on pages 16 & 17
Continues on page 22
EDITOR’S MESSAGE. WESTERNEYE AGM ELECTIONS.
Want my job? this month has been hectic, need of graphic designers, proof especially with the Christmas readers, contributors, and of break. We’ve released some very course section editors and assisinteresting and controversial arti- tants for: News, Comment, Music Entertainment, Science cles this month, both online and and and Technology, Sports and within this print issue. Most importantly this month, Westworld. Section Editors are we are offering you all the oppor- responsible for coming up with tunity to take over our roles for ideas for articles for the print issue, emailing contributors to the next academic year! During February, we’re going organise who will write what, and to be holding our WesternEye ensuring that they get their artiagm (Annual General Meeting) for cles in on time. Assistant Section all of our members, at which we Editors must support their will be electing our replacement Section Editors in this role, and Editors. I cannot put into words also gather content for online. how much of an honour it has been to hold the post of Editor of The Editor A successful candidate for the the WesternEye, I only wish that I Editor role will need to have good could continue for another year! Make no mistake, this is a communication skills, as a close relationship with the challenging role. It is other editors, advisors, time consuming and No experience is graphic designers, stressful at times, but necessary, only columnists, contribit is also more rewardpassion and utors, the university ing than anything else dedication and the Students’ I’ve ever done. Before Union (especially being elected to the the five elected su team last year, I had only ever written one article for Presidents) is essential. You must be able to organise the WesternEye — no experience is necessary, only passion and people, keep to deadlines (and ensure other people do too!) and dedication. There are many different make important decisions about vacancies, the four main of which the content of the newspaper. are: Editor, Assistant Editor, These decisions will be difficult Online Editor and Assistant to make, and at times you will Online Editor. We will also be in face pressure from all sides about Editor Kaytie McFadden editor@westerneye.net
Science & Tech Editor James Riley scitech@westerneye.net
Online Editor Ginny Faulkner online.editor@westerneye.net
Science & Tech Assistant Antony Poveda assistantscitech@westerneye.net
Assistant Editor George Gill assistanteditor@westerneye.net
Music & Entertainment Editor Jayde Smyth music@westerneye.net
News Editor Ollie Hicks news@westerneye.net
Music & Entertainment Assistant Sophie Seddon assistantmusic@westerneye.net
Comment Editor Janeeth Devgun janeeth.comment@westerneye.net
Lifestyle Editor Olivia Garner lifestyle@westerneye.net
up to date, communicating with section editors about articles for online. They work very closely with the Editor in helping to make important editorial decisions. An ideal candidate would have experience of using wordpress, and good knowledge of social media tools and of course — good knowledge of grammar and spelling, as they will be responsible for the proofing of online articles.
articles. It is very important that you make the decision which you believe to be best for the future A touch of Hollywood of the newspaper and the public in Bristoland interest. The WesternEye exists The Assistant Online Editor The Assistant Online Editor is mysterious 8ft tall white letters to serve uwe Students, providing them with a source of news in charge of columnists, ensuring have appeared in the Avon Gorge, about both the University, the that their columns are submitted south of the Clifton Suspension on time, and uploaded bridge, spelling out the word Students’ Union, and to the website. Other ‘Bristoland’ in the style of the the wider Bristol area. Our independence duties include assist- Hollywood sign. Our independence is our greatest asset, and is our greatest asset, ing the Online Editor it must be protected at it must be protected in general website at all times maintenance, and Helping Bristol’s all times. promoting both the aspiring musicians The Assistant Editor website and the indiA successful Assistant Editor vidual articles using various social uwe has teamed up with Bristol Institute of Modern Music (bimm) must coordinate and liaise with media. to offer free legal advice to local section editors in order to ensure that all of their content for the We have a lovely office which is musicians. The Bristol Music print issue is submitted in a timely always stocked up with tea and Advice Service (bmas) is staffed manner, and help them with any coffee (sometimes even biscuits!) by uwe law students and led by issues. They manage communi- so drop us an email and we can Alistair Maxwell of the Bristol Live cations between the editor and arrange a time for you to come Music Society. The first monthly section editors, ensuring that up the office (Room 5F6 above drop-in advice clinic happened at information regarding deadlines Escape and Red bars on Frenchay bimm last week. Described by bimm tutor Jon and meetings are passed on to all campus) for a chat, or ask any Harper, former drummer with the involved. They also organise and questions you have via email. manage a team of proofreaders Contact details for each alternative rock bang The Cooper to come along for proofreading member of the Editorial Temple Clause, as “a wonderful sessions, where the articles for Committee are featured on thi opportunity to ensure local musiprint are spelling and grammar page. Regardless of whether or cians are not being ripped off ”, checked before being sent to our not you have experience in jour- the quality of advice was praised graphic design team. nalism, everyone is welcome to as being cutting edge. Amongst those seeking advice get involved, no question is silly, The Online Editor and we’ll be here every step of the are local rising stars ‘The Phoenix Club’, whose new ep was launched Our Online Editor ensures way to support you. at the O2 Academy on the 10th that the WesternEye website is January. Uwe law lecturer Marcus Keppel-Palmer said “I am very proud of the students who gave Sports Editor Finance Assistant professional and current advice”. George Beard George Lewis The Bristol Music Advice Service sports@westerneye.net assistantfinance@westerneye.net has recently launched its own website and is hosting the next Sports Assistant Marketing Manager drop-in clinic on Wednesday 26th Tom Williams Lauren Conen February at bimm. assistantsport@westerneye.net marketing@westerneye.net Artists such as the Stone Roses, Elton John, George Michael and Westworld Editor Head Graphic Designer Holly Johnston of Frankie Goes Dulcie Horn Matt D Woodman to Hollywood, have all in the past westworld@westerneye.net design@westerneye.net had to go to court to challenge over copyright issues with their Westworld Assistant Graphic Designers intellectual material. Chaneen Salako Esther Akinola For more information on the westworldassistant@westerneye.net Emma Brown Bristol Live Music Society’s battle James Barrett of the bands keep an eye on: Finance Manager design@westerneye.net www.westerneye.net/music. Dan Kitchin finance@westerneye.net
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Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
NEWS
Sexual Health, Awareness and Guidance Week DATE
TIME
LOCATION
EVENT
DETAILS
Sunday 9th February
20.00
Escape Bar
Quiz Night
Sexual Health themed quiz
Monday 10th February
9.00 – 11.00
Escape Bar (outside)
Pop Quiz on Sexual Health
Bucket and ball selection
14.30 – 15.30
Escape Bar
Health Centre Focus Group
Services at Health Centre
20.00
Escape Bar
Comedy Night
—
Tuesday 11th February
17.00 – late
Escape Bar/Red Bar/St.Matt’s
Lock In — School Disco
—
Wednesday 12th February
15.00 – 17.00
Revolution
LGBTea
LGBT Sexual Health Services
20.00 – 23.00
St.Matt’s SU
St.Matt’s Quiz
Sexual Health themed quiz
22.00 – late
Revolution
Societies/Networks Night
—
22.00 – late
Mbargo
Traffic Light Party
—
Thursday 13th February
18.00
Frenchay Campus
Consent Talk
—
Friday 14th February
20.00
City Centre
Sports Fundraiser
—
19.30
St.Matt’s Campus
Valentines Event
Valentine themed event
anyone can run for election! It’s an awesome experience and a great opportunity to develop your leadership and communication skills. There are many benefits that come with becoming a Students Elected Officer or President; you will be involved with working with uwe on decisions that affect students, you will gain essential communication, leadership and team-working skills. It also looks great for future employment prospects. President of the Students’ Union
The role of the President will require you to act as the figurehead of uwe Students’ Union, which will involve coordinating, supporting and ensuring that the elected officers, the Executive, fulfil their responsibilities. The President will also act as the primary contact for the University, the National Union of Students and Media, a student member of the Board of Governors and co-chair of the student Governor Forum. Each year the President will attend the National Union of Students Annual Conference as delegate leader, and together with the General Manager, implement the strategic plan for the Union. Vice President of Education
The role of Vice President of Education will require you to provide support to the Student Rep Department, Forum Chairs and contribute to the ongoing developments of Student Rep Training. To develop union policy relating to the academic experiences of students and coordinate the Quality Assurance Agency’s Student Written Submissions on behalf of the student body.
ANNUAL ELECTIONS 2014. YOUR VOTE.
UWE Students’ Union Elections In exactly one month time uwe Students’ Union nominations will open for the annual elections to vote for the students that you think should be elected for the Students’ Union full-time Presidents and part-time officers Furthermore, this role will require you to work in the Representation and Community Team and represent the learner voice through the University’s Academic Structures. Every year the role of vp Education is to act as secretary to the Student Union’s Annual General Meeting and be responsible for policy and resulting action in the Union. Vice President Community & Welfare
The role of Vice President Community & Welfare will require you to lead and support community and welfare campaigns and develop, support and promote student communities and networks within the university. Furthermore, this role will require you to develop, support
and promote the Halls Reps system and work in the Representation and Community Team with Vice President of Education. Vice President Societies & Comms.
The role of Vice President Societies and Communication will require you to develop, support and promote over 40 different student societies within the university, including developing the annual training plan, developing policy relating to the non-academic experiences of university students. Included in this role is the responsibility of developing the communication strategic plan for the Union, comprising of supporting student focussed communication methods and
news@westerneye.net
Communication, teamwork and leadership skills are essential for future employment
tools in collaboration with the Students’ Union media centre. Vice President Societies and Communication will work in the Sports and Activities Team and Media Centre with Vice President Sport and Health. Vice President Sport & Health
The role of Vice President Sports and Health will require you to act as the primary contact for matters relating to student led sports at uwe. The role includes the responsibility to support and represent students active within student led sports, including leading the formation of annual Sports Development Plans and represent uwe students through bucs (British Universities and College Sport). Vice President Sports and Health will also develop union policy relating to the student sporting experience of students and oversee the annual Varsity programme. This role will be positioned working in the Sports and Activities Team with Vice President Societies and Communications. Each of the Vice Presidents will have a part-time Officer position available to any student wishing to gain valuable experience in teamwork, project management and communication skills. When nominations close, a candidate’s brief will be held where candidates will be informed about the next steps, campaigning and campaign rules. With 16 positions available, 5 paid full-time and 11 part-time voluntary positions, the nominations open at 12:00 on Thursday 6th February 2014.
Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
NEWS
The Only Way is Wessex? Charlie Roper, President said: “I’ve heard and received lots of feedback on buses, and I’m january will see the start listening. I believe working in of a ‘The Only Way is Wessex?’ partnership with Steve West will campaign, a joint consultation ensure we can provide evidence run by uwe Students’ Union’s based on your voice to influence President, Charlie Roper, and and lobby the transport operators uwe’s Vice Chancellor, Steve West. to deliver a service that prioritises After the “shear the needs of all of amount of feedback Wessex buses are uwe’s students.” related to buses” that not only expensive The campaign is the Students’ Union but often late and set to pick up speed has had in regards to completely unreliable on the 21st January Wessex Red being an — with the launch of unreliable method BARNEY REEVES a feedback hub for of transport to get to Y3 POLITICS STUDENT you to input what uwe, it is important to you think of the bus address it. This consultation will service. Additionally there are allow the Students’ Union and opportunities for all students to uwe to listen to you through the get involved in the campaign. use of surveys, user groups and student committees. The feedTO GET ON BOARD back will be used effectively to SUPRESIDENT@UWE.AC.UK pressure change to the service. OLLIE HICKS
news@westerneye.net
CHARLIE ROPER AND STEVE WEST KOD NGUYEN ©
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Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
COMMENT
COMMENT — OPINION AND TOPICAL DEBATE HIGHER EDUCATION. THE VALUE OF DIALOGUE AND PEER DISCOURSE.
The courage to speak. The courage to listen. LIANNE BARNARD
comment@westerneye.net
i’m sure many of you have been in this situation. A lecture theatre or small seminar room, it’s late afternoon, the artificial light and the grey dusk from outside is making your eyes heavy with tiredness and you’re watching the second hand twitch relentlessly. The lecturer is trying with all his might to seek some kind of response, asking questions, any questions to try and engage. He asks a terrifyingly obvious question, that harks back to your years of A levels, you look around the room and everyone has remained ignorant to the most simplest of queries. Even with your shock you remain silent and bury your gaze in something completely out of the view of the lecturer’s searching eyes. You doodle biro flowers in the corner of your notebook, you wonder why you bothered, and long for the early finish that even the lecturer is willing. As you read that horrifying image you might have tried to think that wasn’t you, or you’d never experienced that, but the truth is that you most likely have,. You’ve more than likely been that individual who knows the answer time and time again or has a response but remains silent like a naughty child. The truth is you probably all are, after two years at university I can safely say, I have come across less than five examples
of individuals that aren’t. It’s a baffling problem, that has no explanation in my view. What I find worrying is the whole understanding that university should be built on has changed. University isn’t something you attend on a compulsory basis, it isn’t something you have to sit through and endure like the drudgery of your school days. It’s a personal choice that should not only be undertaken because of ambitions in a particular career but a staunch interest in your field of study. University is about broadening the way you think, understanding the way you think, indulging in
Lianne Barnard states that students should take a more participatory role in collective learning University is about broadening the way you think, immersing yourself in education and establishing a dialogue with peers
comfortable speaking in front of large groups but I find it difficult to believe that a lecture theatre of thirty plus students, who have the ability to attend university in the first instance, have difficulty in small seminar groups. Some may read this and find it an irritant. Some may greet it with the same animosity that they greet the individual that they and their course mates mock because they seek in a small way to develop themselves through debating in seminars and asking questions in lectures. But hopefully some may see this as food for thought, and go into their next lecture with an open mind and open vocal cords. Rather this than damning the girl who sits at the front apathetically nodding at the lecture. Take your university career into your own hands and see it for all its value.
the luxury of immersing yourself class debate with the lecturer. in your chosen subject and being This is a worrying reality, and able to listen and speak with like even though remarks and back minded peers. I feel particularly, biting don’t stop me, personally, nowadays ,the normalisation of from what I feel is development, undertaking a degree and attend- students who are less confident ing university, has bred university in public speaking may find this alumni that are not aware of the completely debilitating. extreme luck they have to be Of course not everyone is there in the first place. Apart from the current third year the entire uwe student CAMPUS INCIDENT RAISES SECURITY CONCERNS body is paying the higher level of tuition fees, fees which hundreds of students, including students at our own institution, rebutted in the incident which occurred enhance safety. Whilst acknowllast summer on Frenchay Campus edging for some this may appear protests which lasted weeks. Why then do students seeks does raise concern around how intrusive, I believe this to be to waste this massive extortion we best maintain safety and secu- an appropriate response given by half engaging in their stud- rity measures. We are a seat of the concerns raised by the ies? Why do we sit in lectures and learning that wants to encourage WesternEye newspaper. University Security are presseminars day after day, aware of inclusivity and connection with the massive financial and personal our local community and citizens. ent on Frenchay, Glenside, Bower This incident requires us as a Ashton and St Matthias campuses strain university life puts on all of us, and not grasp the time we university community to be vigi- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, have to broaden our minds and lant and alert to the possibility every day of the year. They can capabilities through discussion of inappropriate behaviours and be contacted any time on 0117 32 actions on Campus from those 86404 — please save this number and debate? What makes this issue worse who have no business to be on to your mobile so that you are is the animosity students have Campus. We need to support one able to contact Security when and towards others on their course another to be confident to chal- if you need to. who do intend to involve them- lenge or bring to the attention of selves vocally in seminars and security services concerns about lectures. I have spoken to count- anything we think is suspicious or less people who damn the more ‘not quite right’ on Campus. To help us do that we would like vocal of their peers for the fact to encourage all staff and students they speak in any capacity. I have personal experiences, to wear their university identity tag being someone who wishes to visibly at all times and be willing get my money’s worth out of the to be challenged when they’re not thousands of pounds I am invest- wearing their identity tag. We will also be reviewing the ing in education. I have heard peers openly voicing their disgust use of cctv on Campus and the at my involvement in a friendly levels of security and policing to VICE CHANCELLOR STEVE WEST
A message from the Vice Chancellor
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Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
As high profile cases of paedophilia dominate the national media with increasing fervour writer Sophie Evans asks: Why is the issue synonymous with crime rather than health conditions?
We need to talk about paedophilia. DISEASE
SOPHIE EVANS
comment@westerneye.net
in december 2013, former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins was sentenced to 35 years in prison for a variety of child sex offences; including the possession of child sex abuse images and shockingly the attempted rape of a baby. Alongside him, the mothers of the children he abused were sentenced to 14 and 17 years for their involvement in the abuse. Child sex abuse, much present in the media with Watkins’ conviction and the fallout from the Operation Yewtree investigation, is rightly widely revulsed. These crimes caused public outcry, unsurprisingly, and a crime of this horrific nature indisputably deserves to be punished. However, given that the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases includes paedophilia (‘a sexual preference for children, boys or girls or both, usually of pre-pubertal or early pubertal age’) as a disorder of sexual preference, are we doing enough to treat paedophilia as a disease? The individuals involved undoubtedly deserved to be punished for their crimes and to have their reputations damaged as a result of the harm they caused to children, young people and their families. The widely publicised nature of these cases has brought paedophilia into conversation more often, however, and it is time we considered how we treat paedophiles before they commit crimes (if they do, as a proportion do not ever commit physical child abuse). What would you do if a friend approached you, feeling wretched and disgusted, asking for your help because they have found themselves attracted to children? Would you shun them and recommend them to the police as a future arrest, or would you offer to support them in finding help? The majority of people would likely choose the latter option. Current treatment for paedophiles is minimal in the United Kingdom. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is ‘the only uk-wide
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COMMENT
child protection charity dedicated solely to reducing the risk of children being sexually abused’. They work with victims and adult male and female child abusers, as well as young people with inappropriate sexual behaviours and the families of all of these. They provide support through different media, from the ‘Stop it Now’! confidential helpline which offers advice about which steps to take, to educational services for paedophiles and health professionals alike. Circles uk, a charity which aims to reduce sexual offending, creates circles of volunteers in the community which support the ‘core member’ (the offender) in recognising and dealing with their own urges to assist in the control of their behaviour. In Canada, this approach saw a 70% reduction in reoffending, which is significant
CRIME
as criminals before they have even committed a crime. Polemically, Tom O’Carroll, the former director of the Paedophile Information Exchange, adamantly believes that not all paedophilic relationships are inherently harmful. Stating that ‘if there’s no bullying, no coercion, no abuse of power, if the child enters into the relationship voluntarily … the evidence shows there need be no harm’. Others have even called for paedophilia to be an accepted sexual preference in society, as homosexuality has been accepted from a previously condemned sexual identity. Obviously, this is not a widely held view, given that a child cannot be considered to have the ability to make an informed decision regarding consensual sex, and an intimate homosexual relationship is one consisting of two
JIMMY SAVILE MAXIMILIAN SCHÖNHERR ©
considering the large percentage of recidivism in paedophiles. The only previous technique seen to have a similarly widespread preventive effect was surgical castration in the 1950s which halved reoffending rates. There is only one centre, the Portman Clinic in London, which offers treatment for paedophilia on the nhs. If the, admittedly changeable, pathological definition and treatment plan in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual is to be honoured; we must be willing to treat paedophiles as people who need help, rather than simply
consenting adults (or two young people no more than 5 years apart in age). Admittedly, there is no absolute evidence confirming that non-abusive paedophilic relationships are harmful to the child, but this could be due to a lack of research into the area. The widespread public awareness of and discussions about the recent child abuse scandals ought to be put to more use than just condemnation of the crimes committed; it also needs to be put into strategic discussions for how to prevent this abuse occurring in the first place.
JANEETH DEVGUN
janeeth.comment@westerneye.net
in a sane person’s mind, there is no doubt that paedophilia is a shocking and disgusting sexual preference. It is a notion that preys on the vulnerable and the weak, and those who have no real ability to defend themselves. The thought of any individual looking at a child in a sexual manner, whether pre-pubertal or not, is repulsive and the majority of cultures advocate capital punishment for those who act on being sexually attracted to children. It is clear that adults, both male and female, that hold this partiality suffer from an obvious psychological problem, but I am of the opinion that this is not enough of justification for the actions they commit. Some recent figures from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre show that there has been a steep rise in paedophilia-related arrests – up from 83 arrests in 2006/2007 to 513 in 2010/2011. Sexual child predators are dangerous, manipulative and meticulous and it is worrying how many new cases have been brought to the forefront of public attention, particularly involving prominent male celebrities such as Jimmy Saville and Ian Watkins. It is true that the Oxford English Dictionary simply defines a paedophile as ‘a person who is sexually attracted to children’ and that there is no mention of a crime having been committed. Contradicting this, the legal definitions of paedophilia in the uk are more stringent; defining paedophilia as a sexual relationship between an ‘adult’ (over the age of 18) and a ‘child’ (under the age of 16). This speaks of paedophilia as an action, through a sexual relationship where the minor is exploited. I would strongly argue against the statement made by Tom O’Carroll where he adamantly believes that not all paedophilic relationships are harmful. In any relationship where consent is not given by one side, there is no evidence that someone has not been manipulated in the process.
In July 2010, Harvard Health Publications said ‘Paedophilia is a sexual orientation and unlikely to change. Treatment aims to enable someone to resist acting on their sexual urges’. Research studies have shown that a large proportion of paedophiles do not offend, and are in fact tormented by their disturbing thoughts. Perhaps it is these people that would benefit most from treatment rather than those who have already committed the most horrific of crimes. There is one place in Britain, the Portman Clinic in London, which is a highly specialist forensic psychiatry clinic which provides treatment for sexual compulsions on the nhs. This raises another question; should this treatment be free? Alongside this, the recent call by some Canadian psychologists to call paedophilia a sexual orientation just like heterosexuality and homosexuality is a step too far. Through using the same tactics used by ‘gay’ rights activists, paedophiles have begun to seek a similar status stating that their desire for children is no different than heterosexual or homosexual desires. The difference between the two though, is the issue of consent. Whilst an adult heterosexual or homosexual can offer consent to sexual activity, a child cannot consent and as a result will always be an innocent victim. Homosexuality became accepted in society through the recognition that the social stigma attached to it for generations could be eliminated. Treatment was not used because the battle for social acceptance has been won. Sex with children will never become accepted, and as a result its perpetrators will have to be treated where possible, as well as being restrained if they commit or attempt to commit offences. It is important that we do acknowledge the health perspective on paedophilia as has been outlined in the article by Sophie Evans, but it is also imperative to remember that when action is taken upon this sexual preference, it is inexcusable.
Janeeth Devgun argues that any form of paedophilia is damaging and inherently immoral Without consent how can there be definitive evidence for a lack of manipulation?