The McGill Tribune Vol. 40 Issue 11

The McGill Tribune TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020 | VOL. #40 | ISSUE #11

Published by the SPT, a student society of McGill University

McGILLTRIBUNE.COM | @McGILLTRIBUNE

EDITORIAL

FEATURE

STUDENT LIFE

University should not be financially debilitating

Strings and other things

How to combat digital eye strain

PGs. 8-9

PG. 11

PG. 5

(Tristan Sito / The McGill Tribune)

The Creative Supplement: Fall 2020 see insert

Kasia Van Schaik’s literary talents bridge separate spheres The ‘Poetry Matters’ poet explores emotions through ecology Lowell Wolfe Staff Writer Kasia Van Schaik, also known by her pen name Kasia Juno, is a McGill doctoral candidate whose work focusses on environmentalism, feminism, and physical spaces. Her writing has been featured in popular journals, including

The Los Angeles Review of Books and The Best Canadian Poetry Anthology. Currently, Van Schaik straddles the line between academic and creative writing, simultaneously writing her dissertation on American postwar women writers and preparing a short story collection for publication, tentatively entitled We Have Never Lived on

Earth.

“I feel like my creative and my academic work are quite related,” Van Schaik said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “I do find [that] when I focus more on one, the other one suffers. So, at this moment, I just try to squeeze in the creative work where I can.”

PG. 14

Fictionalizing science: How culture Team building is essential to the success of first-year athletes has shaped modern technology

Science fiction is a reflection of the present, not a prophecy for the future

McGill sports teams must ensure first years do not lose the social aspect of athletics

Shafaq Nami Staff Writer

Reza Ali Staff Writer

Science fiction has always focussed primarily on imagining the future and coming up with inventions far beyond what was possible at the time. Whether science fiction directly inspired inventors or be-

cause writers were able to predict the future, several technologies first featured in fiction are now part of everyday life.

Science fiction first emerged as a genre in the late 19th century as a result of the Industrial Revolution. At the time, many people, including authors,

were apprehensive about the rapid innovations of the industrial age and their effect on society.

In an email to The McGill Tribune, Jana Perkins, a recent master’s graduate in the Department of English at McGill, explained the early origins of science fiction.

PG. 10

Team building is often regarded as trivial and little more than a way to “get to know people.” Sure, icebreakers can become repetitive, but there is a valid reason for the constant emphasis on team synergy,

especially in sports. The reason is pretty simple: Teams that know and understand each other play better as a cohesive group.

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, team building has become more difficult—trust falls cannot exactly be done over Zoom.

As a result, 2020’s first-year

athletes at McGill have been forced to find new ways to build the necessary bonds with their new teammates. Jamie Gunter, U0 Management, and goalkeeper for the McGill Men’s Varsity Soccer team says team bonding is one of the main reasons he reached out to the McGill men’s soccer this Fall.

PG. 15

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NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

Senate and BoG discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the McGill community Mental health and online learning were issues at the top of the agenda Ronny Litvack-Katzman Science & Technology Editor McGill’s annual joint Senate and Board of Governors (BoG) meeting, which took place virtually on Nov. 12, addressed the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and future challenges of remote learning and in-person instruction.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier began the meeting by acknowledging the toll that the pandemic and the transition to online classes has taken on McGill’s sense of community.

“It has been eight months to the day since we had to restrict access to our campus,” Fortier said. “There has been a tremendous effort given to that task by everybody at the university […] to help us achieve our

academic mission despite this very large crisis.”

After her opening remarks, Fortier yielded the discussion to Dr. Timothy Evans, director of the School of Population and Global Health, who presented an update on the state of COVID-19 in Canada and the work of McGill scientists in combatting the pandemic.

Evans speculated that a vaccine for COVID-19 may become available sometime in 2021 and discussed its implications for teaching, such as the possible return of in-person classes.

Evans pointed to other schools, such as Tufts University in Massachusetts, that have remained open despite pandemic restrictions on large gatherings.

“What they have done, in a very remarkable way, is create a

Associate Provost Christopher Buddle reported that 10,000 students filled out McGill’s COVID-19 Student Impact Survey. (ville.montreal.qc.ca/)

testing system that will keep on top of the situation on their campus and allow them to remain open without jeopardizing the safety of their students or staff,” Evans said.

Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Arts and Science senator drew attention to Concordia and other Canadian universities’ decisions to extend winter break amidst growing student concerns about academic burnout. The Arts and Science senator questioned Associate Provost (Teaching and Academic Programs) Christopher Buddle on whether the administration is considering such measures given that McGill’s winter 2020 holiday is four days shorter than previous years.

“Although it seems like a fairly simple decision […] to extend the start of the winter term, as you may have realized, the Concordia situation means that students will be studying into May, which has other implications [for] the end [of the school year],” Buddle said.

“It takes time to look into this. It is not something that we can decide or make decisions on quickly […], and we [first] have to look at all the factors.”

Following a short open question period, senators and Board members moved into breakout rooms where each group was tasked with summarizing the semester’s successes and challenges and speculating on issues that may arise

in the long term.

Arts Senator Darshan Daryanani commented that the pandemic warrants greater attention to addressing McGill’s history of failing to provide adequate mental health services to their students.

“COVID-19 has really proven the inequities [students face] and exacerbated them when we think about learning,” Daryanani said.

“One of the key challenges is students’ mental health. I think McGill really needs to step up when thinking about student’s mental health. You say, ‘Zoom fatigue is

a real thing,’ but the solutions are slightly lacking from the students’ perspective.”

Daryanani expressed his concerns about the impact of the online winter semester on student enrollment numbers.

“We need to be aware that our [enrollment] number may decrease for the coming term,” Daryanani said. “This semester, it was very sudden for many students to say ‘yes, I’m willing to take an online class even though it is my final year’ […], but I think moving forward, students will reconsider these opportunities.”

MOMENT OF THE MEETING Principal Fortier quoted Winston Churchill, the wartime prime minister of the United Kingdom, who said that one should “never let a good crisis go to waste.” It appears that Fortier was referring to the pandemic and how McGill may use the crisis to take stock of necessary institutional changes.

SOUNDBITE “There are many stakeholders, and everyone is working in good faith. I think tensions can be high, and people can be quick to judge, but we need to remember that people are doing the best they can.” — Associate Provost (Teaching and Academic Programs) Christopher Buddle

Panellists discuss human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in China Speakers call on students to boycott brands that use China’s forced labour camps Nina Russell Managing Editor McGill’s Muslim Law Students’ Association hosted a panel titled “What’s happening to China’s Uyghurs?” on Nov. 11 to discuss the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) imprisonment of the minority Muslim group in the Xinjiang province in northeastern China. The discussion featured Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) Garnett Genius, who currently sits on the House of Commons Special Committee on Chinese-Canadian relations; McGill law professor Jérôme Beaugrand-Champagne; and Rukiye Turdush, president of the East Turkistan Information Centre.

While historical tensions between the Han Chinese and Uyghur Muslims are deep-rooted, the CCP’s recent crackdown on Uyghurs began in 2009, when Uyghurs protested the murder of a migrant Uyghur worker. Although the CCP justified its oppression on the basis of Uyghurs being a perceived “security threat,” members of the international community have yet to define the measures—which include concentration and forced labour camps, forced sterilization, and the elimination of Uyghur cultural identity— as genocide.

Turdush described the CCP’s actions as

part of a larger process of cultural genocide by which the CCP is systematically destroying Uyghur culture.

“Uyghur language textbooks have been removed from all schools in the region, Uyghur bookstores have been closed, and all geographic Uyghur names, including street and city names, have been changed to Han Chinese,” Turdush said. “Anything we can use for a sense of belonging with each other [has been] destroyed with the aim of exterminating [...] the whole Uyghur nation as a group.”

The panellists called on students to support Uyghurs by boycotting brands like Nike, which profits off of the labour of enslaved Ugyhurs, and other products, like the 2020 film Mulan, which was partially filmed in Xinjiang and whose leading actress voiced support for the CCP’s brutal repression of Hong Kong protestors.

“When we buy products made by slave labour, they make more,” Turdush said.

Beaugrand-Champagne, who spent much of his career working on infrastructure projects in China, connected the CCP’s ability to commit such massive human rights violations without challenge to the expansion of its influence through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI, which seeks to develop infrastructure in low-income countries, has enabled the CCP to entrench the narrative that

Human rights organizations estimate that up to 1.5 million Uyghurs have been detained in concentration camps. (bbc.com / Getty Images) its oppression of Uyghurs is part of a fight against terrorism.

“When I was working in Africa on some infrastructure projects, some state-owned enterprises [forced] the local government to recognize the fight against terrorism that would, of course, support their claim on Xinjiang,” Beaugrand-Champagne said. “And that’s where we need to do more and fight [the CCP] every time they use those terms, to confront them.”

Various nations, including Canada, have been reluctant to term the human rights abuses

occurring in Xinjiang as a “genocide” due to the international legal obligations that the word triggers. In addition to applying targeted sanctions and disconnecting supply chains from forced labour camps, Genius argued that officially recognizing the CCP’s actions as “genocide,” constitutes one of the most significant actions the federal govenrment could take to address the situation.

“The point of the doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect is that if we solidify that a genocide is taking place, then you have to do something about it,” Genius said. “But unfortunately, the link between recognition and the necessary action has simply led, in many cases, to a failure to recognize.”

Despite the CCP’s human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims, the Canadian government has yet to take significant action.

Genius pointed out that divesting funds from the Canadian Pension Plans that are currently invested in Chinese state-owned corporations is a concrete step that the government could take to address the issue instead of deferring to verbal platitudes.

“The [government’s] response is, ‘We are very concerned, we are deeply disturbed about these events,’” Genius said. “And my response back is that people that are victims of modern-day mass atrocities do not care how you feel. They care what you do.”

NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

3

MEDLIFE McGill hosts talk on ageing in the modern world

Panellists highlighted the effects of trauma, dementia, and cancer on the elderly Kate Addison News Editor Over 20 people tuned in on Nov. 12 for MEDtalks 2020: Aging in Today’s World, a lecture series hosted by MEDLIFE McGill. First held in 2012, MEDtalks is an annual event intended to provide the McGill community with an opportunity to learn about current medical issues on both a local and global scale.

Gabrielle Belloir, U2 Kinesiology and co-vice president Informational Outreach at MEDLIFE McGill, explained that the unique challenges the world’s increasingly elderly population present were selected as this year’s MEDtalk topic because they are not discussed as much as necessary.

“As of today, the ageing population is the highest it’s ever been in human history,” Belloir said. “With [that] comes various problems, like lack of proper healthcare and retirement aid [....] As young people, we associate ageing [with] our grandparents, and many of us don’t think of it as something that is relatable. [However], whether it’s a societal or individual level, ageing is an issue we all face.”

First to speak was Myra Giberovitch, a social worker, adjunct professor at McGill’s school of social work, trauma consultant, and author of the book, Recovering From Genocidal Trauma: An Information and Practice Guide for Working with Holocaust Survivors. Giberovitch spoke about the impact of loss experienced by elderly.

“There are significant losses [experienced by] older people, a loss of financial security, their spouses [and] family members die, they lose their autonomy, and they may need to relocate,” Giberovitch said, “So there are losses that they’re going through which may cause vulnerability and a sense of

70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in people over the age of 65.

(SSMU.ca) helplessness.”

Giberovitch elaborated on the impact that isolation caused by loss of friends and family members can have on the elderly, particularly those who have experienced trauma.

“We know that when people are isolated, they reflect on the past, and that’s a significant difference between survivors of war, [...] and the older adult population in general,” Giberovitch said. “[Survivors] go back to traumatic experiences [...] whereas older adults who didn’t experience trauma, they have positive memories, happy memories that they go back to.”

Next to speak was Dr. Howard Bergman, a professor of geriatric medicine and oncology in McGill’s Faculty of Medicine. During his talk, Bergman summarized his work, which includes creating the Canadian team for health care services, as well as improving the system to better serve patients in dementia care. He highlighted the importance of

this initiative due to the impact that Alzheimer’s disease has on both individuals and the community. “[Alzheimer’s] is a complex disease, requiring interest both inside and outside the health care system,” Bergman said.

“It’s complex because it’s medical [and] biological [and] it’s a problem [of] mental health. [Alzheimer’s] has an impact on the immediate caregiver in the family and it has a tremendous societal impact. It requires mobilization of different sectors of our healthcare system and social care system.”

Dr. Celena Scheede-Bergdahl, faculty lecturer for McGill’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education and member of the Department of Anesthesiology at the Montreal General Hospital, closed the evening with a discussion on the prevalence of cancer in the ageing population, as well as possible intervention strategies.

“We have a [large] ageing population right now, and as the population ages, there are more chronic diseases that take place,” Scheede-Bergdahl said. “We have to really think about what these patients are going through. We can’t treat them all on a one-size-fits-all prescription. We have to take a look at cancer now, not just as a question of treating cancer, but [...] in terms of survivorship after that.”

Belle Pan, U2 Science and co-vice president Informational Outreach with Belloir, summarized the goals that MEDLIFE McGill had for this year’s online lecture series in a message to The McGill Tribune.

“We hope that [this talk] will help raise awareness of the need for adequate care and support for our ageing population, as ‘care’ and ‘support’ are very vague terms,” Pan said. “It is our hope that everyone was able to learn something new and gain awareness of the challenges we are or will eventually face in caring for our elders.”

Webinar discusses impacts of COVID-19 on mobility policy in the EU

Dr. Iris Goldner Lang debates the legality of COVID-19–related travel bans in Europe Shelby Deegan Contributor The McGill Journal of Sustainable Development Law hosted a webinar on the impacts of COVID-19 on mobility policy in the European Union (EU) on Nov. 12. The featured speaker was Iris Goldner Lang, a professor of EU Law at the University of Zagreb in Croatia.

Emma Sitland, 2L Law and executive editor of the McGill Journal of Sustainable Development Law, hoped the event would give students a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts.

“Through these short webinars, we hope to create spaces where students can engage with experts in the field, learn new perspectives, and explore their passion for sustainability and development law,” Sitland said.

Lang began the talk by highlighting some of the restrictive measures the EU has put in place to contain COVID-19.

“In March 2020, almost all EU member states unilaterally imposed mobility-related measures, drastically restricting cross-border movement in the EU,” Lang said. “[They] enforced lockdowns, which included restrictions on intrastate non-essential movements, and closed their external borders

towards third [world] countries for most non-residents.”

Lang explained that these restrictions were accompanied by a range of measures that restrict migrant and refugees’ rights, leading to a substantial decrease in the number of asylum claims. “[Asylum claims] hit the lowest levels since 2008 and represented an [...] 87 per cent decrease in comparison to the numbers that were present [...] before the [COVID-19] crisis,” Lang said.

By implementing these travel bans and restrictions, Lang said, the EU is invoking the “precautionary principle,” an approach that has been controversial in the past. “[Invoking the] precautionary principle enables decision-makers to adopt and legitimize restrictive measures where potentially dangerous effects, deriving from a phenomenon, product, or process, have been identified for human health, and scientific evidence about the risk is insufficient, inconclusive or uncertain,” Lang said.

According to Lang, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the interaction between science and politics. The precautionary principle allows scientists to assess risks.

Then, decision-makers and politicians carry out risk management and communication.

“The first step, scientific risk

assessment, was at the EU level performed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),” Lang said. “Interestingly, when advocating which measures should be used to mitigate the

impact of the pandemic, neither the ECDC nor the World Health Organization encouraged the use of border closures and travel bans.”

She also questioned the legality of the EU’s policies from the view

Several members of the EU have closed their borders to citizens from high-risk countries amid the second wave of COVID-19. (New York Times)

of the necessity test, which states that the desired results of a certain policy cannot be achieved through less restrictive means.

“At a time when most EU member states decided to introduce travel bans and close their external borders towards third countries, the level of knowledge about COVID-19 was not sufficient and conclusive enough to know with certainty that no alternative [with] less restrictive measures would protect public interest and public health just as effectively,” Lang explained.

Carla Arbelaez, 1L Law and associate managing editor for the McGill Journal of Sustainable Development Law, felt the talk was particularly important to bring attention to an impact of COVID-19 that is, in her opinion, not widely discussed.

“The event reminded its audience that, even amidst the uncertain times of a pandemic, we cannot forget our humanity when assessing EU migration policy,” Arbelaez said. “Strict border closures are not necessarily the best solution to addressing the risks of COVID-19. [Professor] Goldner Lang presented compelling evidence that there may be better options that allow people to pursue their asylum rights while still prioritizing public health.”

4

NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

McGill Policy Association hosts virtual post-presidential election panel McGill professors discuss the implications of Joe Biden’s victory Ella Milloy Staff Writer The McGill Policy Association (MPA) hosted an hour-long virtual panel on Nov. 13 to discuss the implications of the 2020 U.S. presidential election on Canada and the world. MPA events usually focus on domestic policy, but given the importance of the recent election, the independent student group decided to host a talk addressing the ramifications of Joe Biden’s victory.

Matthew McLaughlin, U3 Arts and co-executive director of the MPA, moderated the panel alongside Michelle Marcus, U1 Arts. The two moderators guided the event’s panellists, McGill Law professor Andrea Bjorklund and Max Bell School of Public Policy professor David Shribman, through a list of students’ questions. With expertise in international and commercial law, public policy, and journalism, the two professors analyzed the results of the election in relation to their fields of study.

In an email to the McGill Tribune, McLaughlin discussed why the MPA covered the U.S. election.

“We decided that this year’s U.S. presidential election was simply so important [that] it made sense for us to host an event discussing its potential policy ramifications,” McLaughlin wrote.

“Canada and the U.S. are each other’s largest trading partners.

Canada depends on the U.S. for military protection, [and] our economy is intrinsically tied to the fate of the American economy

[....] Our bilateral relationship is immensely important.”

Hosted on Zoom, the event was divided into a 40-minute discussion panel, followed by a 20-minute Q&A session with audience members.

Following brief introductions, the panellists shared their opinions on Trump and Biden’s campaigns, the presidential debates, election day, and the extended vote counting process. Applying his experience

Several members of the EU have closed their borders to citizens from high-risk countries amid the second wave of COVID-19. (New York Times)

working as a national political correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Shribman provided students with a summary of his observations of the 2020 election. “[The election] was nasty, brutal, and not short,” Shribman said. “It was horrifying in many elements. [The first debate] was absolutely the worst presidential debate in American history. At least one of the candidates was rude and intemperate, while the other was barely visible [....] There are even more difficulties ahead.”

Bjorklund and Shribman covered additional topics, including the role of the Electoral College and the popular vote, voter turnout, and polarization in American politics.

The second half of the discussion panel focussed more heavily on Biden’s approach to domestic and foreign policy. In explaining what Canadians can expect from the new administration, Professor Bjorklund discussed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in contrast to the outgoing Trump administration. “[There will be] more coordination and cooperation about things like the border, and about

what should happen to protect people on each side [of the border] from the virus from getting ill,” Bjorklund said. “I think [we will see] more co-operation generally [....] The whole tone of the [new] administration is going to be so different, and it seems like such an anodyne thing to say [that] they’ll be positive, they’ll be pleasant, they’ll be easy to deal with, [so] that will be different.”

Students who attended the panel prepared enough questions to fill the allocated one-hour time slot. McLaughlin explained in the email to the Tribune what he hopes students who attended the panel will have gained.

“Our goal for the panel [was] to delve into the policy implications of Joe Biden’s win, with a special focus on how those implications will affect Canada,” McLaughlin said. “Hopefully, the audience members [left] with a better grasp on what the next four years have in store, public policy-wise.”

Students interested in the McGill Policy Association can find out more about future events via the student group’s Facebook page and website.

McGill students host a ‘Fight Night,’ violating red zone restrictions

Night’s events spark a social media frenzy, drawing sharp criticism and many memes Sequoia Kim News Editor Just after 8:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, a group of students gathered on Forbes Field— the sports field behind McConnell Hall— to engage in planned, and spontaneous, wrestling matches. The event, which later moved to Parc Jeanne-Mance, drew first-year students from several of McGill’s residences, and even some non-McGill students.

Jordan*, who was present and who participated in the fighting, estimated that there were around eight fights and 30–40 people present throughout the night, while passersby accounts claimed they saw alcoholic beverages, and that there were 50–60 people. Another person who fought estimated that there were over 10 fights throughout the night. While punching was prohibited during the wrestling matches, Jordan alleged that one participant pulled their calf, but recovered quickly. Video evidence of the night that shows students circling and cheering on the fighters revealed that many attendees were not wearing masks, and not socially distanced. Jordan recalled the timeline of the night’s events.

“The police or the McGill security shut it down probably around 8:45 [p.m.] on Forbes Field and didn’t fine anyone,” Jordan wrote in a message to The McGill Tribune. “They stayed parked behind [Jeanne Mance] while people took the fight to [Jeanne Mance]. The police stayed, and I am almost 100 per cent sure [they] knew what was going on and seemed okay with it as they didn’t get out of

their car and [instead] stayed between [Jeanne Mance] and Forbes field for the entire fight, which lasted [until] just before 10:00 [p.m.].”

In an email to the Tribune, Marisa Albanese, the Senior Director of Student Housing and Hospitality Services stated that the university’s administration was made aware of a possible gathering before Monday, but that they could not confirm the event took place.

“Security Services were dispatched on site, but did not witness any gathering,” Albanese wrote. “There were additional patrols that evening, and no incidents or gatherings were reported.”

Although the invitation graphic reads, “betting will be organized by [Royal Victoria College residences’] floor 11 casino,” multiple witnesses attest that no betting actually occurred at the night.

Awareness of the event was contained to small social circles in student residences before Monday, but after Instagram meme accounts picked up the story, the news spread quickly across social networks, reaching the McGill poll party group, Twitter, Reddit, the Students’ Society of McGill University, MTL Blog, CTV Montreal, and the Montreal Gazette. Jordan believes that the internet’s reaction to the fight night was misconstrued and overblown.

“This was not the infamous ‘fight club’ that major Montreal news sources are claiming it to be,” Jordan said. “This was a few guys wrestling in a park while people watched, and while it was [definitely] not the best call for Montreal’s red zones, the real

One student present said that “fight night” was never referred to as “fight club” amongst students and organizers. (Chloe Rodriguez / The McGill Tribune) story is, unfortunately, much more boring than the internet has made it out to be.”

While much of the coverage of the event has revolved around memes, tweets, and jokes, others, like Simon Kidd, U3 Arts, felt that the event was no laughing matter.

“The event demonstrated why some people were concerned when we learned that [residence] was going to reopen during COVID[-19],” Kidd said. “Even though the majority of students won’t participate in these sorts of events, 50 students did during [the red zone] [....] This is a global pandemic, and a lot of students are suffering socially by keeping themselves at home for the greater good of society.”

McGill’s COVID-19 tracker, which counts cases on campus and in residence,

has reported zero cases since Nov. 1.

Matthew Oughton, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Jewish General Hospital, said that gatherings like the fight night pose a risk of COVID-19 transmission through prolonged and direct physical contact.

“If someone had heavily contaminated themselves and their clothes, and someone else is wrestling with them, then it’s conceivable [that] there’s some degree of risk through that direct physical contact,” Oughton said. “I would not recommend that this kind of activity continue, especially while [Montreal] is at this plateau [....] We are running almost one new case of COVID-19 every minute.”

OPINION

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

T

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Helen Wu editor@mcgilltribune.com Creative Director Aidan Martin amartin@mcgilltribune.com Managing Editors Katia Lo Innes kinnes@mcgilltribune.com Nina Russell nrussell@mcgilltribune.com Kaja Surborg ksurborg@mcgilltribune.com

News Editors Maya Abuali, Kate Addison & Sequoia Kim news@mcgilltribune.com Opinion Editors Jonah Fried & Kennedy McKee-Braide opinion@mcgilltribune.com Science & Technology Editors Sophia Gorbounov & Ronny Litvack-Katzman scitech@mcgilltribune.com Student Life Editors Alaana Kumar & Leyla Moy studentlife@mcgilltribune.com Features Editor Kevin Vogel features@mcgilltribune.com Arts & Entertainment Editors Vanessa Barron & Jonathan Giammaria arts@mcgilltribune.com Sports Editors Adam Burton & Sarah Farnand sports@mcgilltribune.com Design Editors Ruobing Chen & Chloe Rodriguez design@mcgilltribune.com Photo Editor Caroline Shelton photo@mcgilltribune.com Multimedia Editors Sarah Ford & Alexandre Hinton multimedia@mcgilltribune.com Web Developers Benjamin Alexandor & Sasha Njini webdev@mcgilltribune.com Copy Editor Jackie Lee copy@mcgilltribune.com Social Media Editor Marie Saadeh socialmedia@mcgilltribune.com

University should not be financially debilitating The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) is one of many university student unions taking part in Debt-Free Degree, a campaign organized by the University Students’ Council at Western University and the Undergraduates of Canadian Research-Intensive Universities coalition.

The campaign’s goal is to advocate for financial accessibility within post-secondary institutions.

According to its website, 54 per cent of Canadian graduates finish their degrees with student debt, and 45 per cent end up owing $25,000 or more. Student debt can be stressful and at times debilitating, and can impact things like one’s credit score.

In turn, the campaign calls for doubling government investment in the Canada Student Grant program and changing the Canadian student loans grace period from six months to two years.

The statistics provided by the campaign are abhorrent, especially when social pressures paint university as necessary to succeed in one’s career, leaving students with seemingly no choice but to take on debt, which can be debilitating for those with

OFF THE BOARD

Business Manager Marilie Pilon business@mcgilltribune.com Publisher Chad Renolds

TPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Helen Wu, Caitlin Kindig, McEan Taylor, Tara Alami, Yara Shaheen-Abuelreish, Deana Korsunsky, Sequoia Kim, Kennedy McKee-Braide, Shreya Rastogi, Marilie Pilon, Heela Achakzai

STAFF Maya Abuali, Jasmine Acharya, Sepideh Afshar, Reza Ali, Margaret Askey, Zoe Babad-Palmer, Eve Cable, Rory Daly, Ella Fitzhugh, Defne Gurcay, Signy Harnad, Lucy Keller, Deana Korsunsky, Erika MacKenzie, Maya Mau, Madison McLauchlan, Adam Menikefs, Ella Milloy, Naomi Mirny, Matthew Molinaro, Shafaq Nami, Respina Rostamifar, Brian Schatteman, Noah Vaton, Josephine Wang, Xiaotian Wang, Margaret Wdowiak, Lowell Wolfe, Wendy Zhao

CONTRIBUTORS Dominic Chan, Shelby Deegan, Camille Delagrave-Ajduk, Zoe Karkossa, Namrata Rana, Kyle Tsang, Ellie Wand, ET Wu

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The McGill Tribune is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the Société de Publication de la Tribune, a student society of McGill University. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of The McGill Tribune and the Société de Publication de la Tribune, and does not necessarily represent the views of McGill University. Letters to the editor may be sent to editor@mcgilltribune.com and must include the contributor’s name, program and year and contact information. Letters should be kept under 300 words and submitted only to the Tribune. Submissions judged by the Tribune Publication Society to be libellous, sexist, racist, homophobic or solely promotional in nature will not be published. The Tribune reserves the right to edit all contributions. Editorials are decided upon and written by the editorial board. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the McGill Tribune, its editors or its staff.

Ruobing Chen Design Editor It is easy to believe that everyone who falls victim to a scam is uneducated or foolish until you are trying not to cry while informing your parents that you have lost $4,000 in your first year of university.

I received a call from the Montreal Police Department as I was leaving the lobby of the Carrefour Sherbrooke residence, and, astonished, I picked it up. Claiming to be the police,

or without parental support. This phenomenon should no longer be normalized. Therefore, McGill students should call for better government policies, including those proposed by Debt-Free Degree, and McGill must do more to make itself accessible to students regardless of their financial background.

Between tuition costs, extra fees in certain specialized programs, and the cost of rent, groceries, and other necessities, university is staggeringly unaffordable.

While not mandatory in first year, McGill housing is typically seen as a rite of passage and generally costs far more than an average apartment in Montreal. All of these costs are on the rise—McGill’s recent international student tuition hike and rising costs of living in the city are indicative of an upward trend that threatens to force even more students into debt to finance their studies.

McGill’s complicity in this crisis goes beyond raising costs.

On top of requiring students to pay exorbitant amounts of money to access the institution, the university also fails to provide students with sufficient means to ease their financial burden.

The university’s scholarship opportunities almost exclusively reward those with extremely high grades.

Perhaps such high standards would be more permissible if McGill’s need-based initiatives offered more security, but this is not the case. Work study positions require students to be receiving all possible government aid, generally meaning that they have already taken on the highest possible debt level.

Further, many scholarships and aid programs require students to have a certain GPA or take a certain number of classes to be eligible. All of these restrictions make accessing aid extremely difficult, and force students into precarious or emotionally taxing positions before they can receive support.

While Canadian tuition prices are comparatively less expensive than the United States’ exorbitant ones, this argument allows Canadian post-secondary institutions to justify education costs that are nevertheless inaccessible and unaffordable.

For this reason, the success of the Debt-Free Degree campaign is crucial. Expanding awareness of the issue, especially when it

5

EDITORIAL comes to policymakers, is the first step, and the campaign’s proposed policy changes is a move in the right direction.

However, achieving substantive long-term change requires a collective rethinking of the entire notion of student debt. It should not be normal for students to have to sacrifice financial security before they even start their careers to gain access to that career in the first place. This attitude is dangerous, and debt will continue to pile on unless governments and post-secondary institutions enact change. More radical policy proposals like universal student debt cancellation are dismissed as unrealistic, but popular support and government pressure can eventually make them a reality.

It is not normal that so many must deal with overwhelming debt at such a young age. Students can benefit from demanding better from McGill and advocate for policies that help alleviate the financial burden of attending university. Students are more than just funding opportunities for post-secondary institutions, and it is time that policy reflects that.

A piece of wisdom worth four thousand dollars they told me that someone had accessed my bank account and that this person was using the funds for illegal drug purchases.

They also said that they would move my money into a protected account while they were investigating the case. I asked them whether I should tell my parents, but was told that I would put anyone I informed in danger of conspiring with me in possible illegal wrongdoing should I be found guilty. And so, I could not.

I did not want anyone else to go to prison for something I did not do.

After a visit to withdraw funds from the bank and an Uber ride to the address the scammers gave me, I transferred my assets, in cash, into a bitcoin machine.

It took two hours of waiting for the bitcoin transfer receipt to arrive for me to realize that I had been scammed and would not be getting my “safeguarded” $4,000 back.

When I recount this story, the plot holes appear, and I am overcome with the feeling that I should have known better. However, it was not my naivete that led me to become

$4,000 poorer; rather, it was the circumstances I was put in. I know to tell people when I need help and had little understanding of bitcoin at the time. But once I thought that I had been caught up in a deep, legal mess, fightor-flight mode kicked in. Judging those who have fallen for scams is unfair. Some people are simply more susceptible, and some may believe that the world has more saints than evil-doers.

Those who fall victim to scams are not just grandparents targeted for their lack of understanding of newly developing technology and criminal methods, but other individuals who are vulnerable in different ways. This includes many first-year students, who have, in many cases, been sent out into the world to live as liberated, functional adults for the first time. Receiving the gift of independence was a heavier burden than I realized, and I was perhaps not prepared for the consequences of my actions to be as large as $4,000.

A few things I have picked up, although too late, have equipped me to defend my financial assets should scammers attempt to

abuse them again. Caller ID is not a reliable source of whether the call is a fraud: I had been called from what was stated as the Montreal Police Department, but it was only after I spoke to the real police that I found it was a fake ID. More importantly, in dangerous situations, sometimes it is not enough to trust one’s initial judgement: Stopping for a moment to breathe, thinking through the situation, and talking about it to someone you trust could spare you from tumbling down a rabbit hole of irrational choices. Scammers sometimes isolate their victims, rushing them in the hope that they will not realize that they have been robbed until it is too late. Besides financial judgements, first year is a time in which many students are outside their depth of experience and must adjust to making decisions that result in serious consequences. Consulting others is not a sign of weakness— it is a step to adjusting in an unpredictable society.

Being wary of these lowprofile scams could save you from paying a hefty price. Trust me, the non-refundable knowledge was not worth it.

6

OPINION

COMMENTARY

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

Don’t expect much from in-person courses this winter semester

Camille Delagrave-Ajduk Contributor Despite announcing earlier in the semester that the Winter 2021 semester will mostly take place remotely, on Nov. 4, McGill sent an email describing its intention to expand in-person teaching for Winter 2021. The news broke while COVID-19 outbreaks continued to rise within primary schools and high schools, and alongside growing evidence that the educational sector had become the main driver of transmission in Montreal. With winter approaching and new daily coronavirus cases plateauing at a high number, concerns about classroom ventilation are amplifying, and schools are scrambling to find alternative ways of preventing further outbreaks. Clearly, in-person teaching has been difficult to manage and has exacerbated the pandemic in Quebec.

Given the current situation in Montreal and my own experience with attending in-person classes, McGill’s decision is unreasonable. The school should be cautious when promoting it and students should not expect a high quality learning experience.

In their email outlining McGill’s plan for the winter semester, Associate Provost (Teaching & Academic Programs) Christopher Buddle and Deputy Provost (Student Life & Learning) Fabrice Labeau shared a link to a FAQ page that summarized the health precautions and tiers of academic activities to be implemented. However, the page did not mention or elaborate enough on important issues like ventilation and the use of

COMMENTARY

masks. Indeed, the school has yet to disclose much about its COVID-19 ventilation plan.

Although masks are mandatory when commuting indoors, once students are seated, they are not, and instructors cannot require students to wear them. Having been inside a socially-distanced classroom, I can attest that students are seated closer than one would expect and that there remains a significant health risk. Aerosols, such as those produced by sneezes, can reach distances over two meters, and students may forget to put their masks on when moving around. The school should reconsider the spacing of seats, or enforce the wearing of masks in classrooms.

Furthermore, although McGill’s administration has recognized that students prefer in-person teaching, it cannot expect most of them to show up. Many students have already decided to stay away from campus for the winter.

Ensuring that these students are able to participate equally can add additional strain to professors and TAs, who will need to balance two very different teaching formats this upcoming semester.

Beyond the specifics of in-person courses, the pandemic is unpredictable, and students may not even have the opportunity to come to school. McGill moved ongoing courses that would be classified under the “Tier 2” category online when Montreal entered the red zone in early October, and they have yet to be held in person again. Tier 2 teaching, which consists of seminars, conferences, tutorials, and lectures, will be moved back online this winter if the city remains or re-enters the red zone—a highly likely scenario. Sudden switches in course delivery can

Nov. 13 marked eight months since McGill was first forced to restrict access to its campuses.

(Defne Gurcay / The McGill Tribune)

be burdensome and confusing for faculty and students alike. The evidence shows clearly that there is uncertainty regarding the progression of COVID-19, and students’ learning will be impacted by new developments.

Although the prospect of attending inperson courses is exciting for many students, expanding them may not be realistic. This is due in part to concerns regarding the school’s ventilation systems, the lack of information on the health measures that will be implemented, the low number of students that will be able to

attend, and the possibility of remaining in a red zone. Although McGill has reported few cases of COVID-19 transmission on McGill’s campus, the school needs to be more explicit about its plan for Winter 2021 and must reconsider some of the measures it put into place previously. In the meantime, students must demand more information from McGill and, unfortunately, not get their hopes up about having a quality experience on campus next semester.

Switch banks: It may save the planet

Ellie Wand Contributor The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) recently became Canada’s first major financial institution to refuse to invest in fossil fuel drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). RBC’s new policy comes after the U.S. government’s controversial decision to open some of the refuge for oil and gas development, to the objection of many environmental organizations.

RBC’s policy is a good one. Without drastic mitigation efforts, experts warn, climate change will become irreversible. Action needs to be taken soon, and banks, universities, and other corporations must do their part.

Accordingly, corporations need to be held accountable, and students, in particular, can play a key role in this. Today’s students will be the next generation of employees and employers.

At a crucial point in the climate crisis, they have the power to influence corporations’ policies— and it all comes down to where they put their money.

While RBC’s new policy is an important start, it does not appear to be particularly groundbreaking. The bank is not divesting from any of its current oil investments or refusing to invest in oil development in other locations. All RBC is doing is promising not to invest in drilling in the ANWR in the future. The policy, it seems, costs the bank very little. In fact, it may help them—it is good for public relations. RBC’s decision, therefore, is likely not a moral one, despite what the company might like the public to believe, but a strategic one.

Still, RBC remains the first and only Canadian financial institution to publicly affirm it will not invest in oil and gas development in ANWR. Consumers ought to take note of this. In a capitalist society, one of the few things consumers have power over is which

and social movements, such as ethical veganism, the fair-trade movement, the push against anti-fast fashion, and the zero-waste campaign. If demand decreases, companies are forced to take action to improve their practices.

As a result of consumers’ boycotting products

RBC recently became the first major Canadian bank to refuse to invest in Arctic fossil fuel drilling.

(Brian Schatteman / The McGill Tribune)

companies and businesses they support with their money. If consumers want to demonstrate that climate change is important to them, they need to support companies that reflect their values and, on the flip-side, refuse to support companies that do not.

This strategy is behind many environmental

and companies that do not reflect their values, companies have made changes or have suffered as a result. There has been a rise in mainstream plant-based products, with popular fast-food chains now offering plant-based alternatives.

Likewise, some restaurants and grocery stores now supply compostable bags, second-hand

shopping has become popular, and, in the changing market, companies that have failed to adapt have suffered. Voting with dollars does affect change.

Students have a unique ability to create change. They have the drive: Generation Z— who make up 55 per cent of today’s university students—is more concerned with climate change than any previous generation. Students also have the means: Gen Z contributes $44 billion in annual purchasing power and is on track to become the largest generation of consumers. If students can carry this drive and concern over to their spending habits, then companies will be forced to take action if they wish to attract and maintain their business.

At the university, Divest McGill has been demanding that the administration divest from fossil fuels since 2012. And just last year, students participated in the largest march in Quebec history to protest climate change. If McGill students can funnel this drive into another area where it counts—where they spend their money—then they have the power to enact meaningful change.

Students should be aware of their power over the market, and ought to use it. This needs to extend to every institution that profits from their money, including banks. It is likely that RBC’s intentions behind their no-drilling policy are not as pure as they claim, but if their policy is supported, and it results in more business (and more profit), they may implement further climate-friendly policies in the future.

This is capitalism—if it pays for a company to combat climate change, then the company is incentivised to do so.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

7

With tumours, it’s what’s on the inside that counts

Using expanding hydrogels, McGill researchers identify breast cancer ‘hot spots’ Namrata Rana Contributor For the first time, McGill researchers have detected regions of high rigidity within the developing tumour microenvironment (TME) of breast cancer tumours. These findings, published in Nature Communications, suggest new possibilities for mapping the progression of invasive tumours based on the physical properties of the TME, including tissue stiffness.

The TME, the area surrounding cancer cells, is enriched with several different cell types, blood vessels, and components of the extracellular matrix. The TME can impact tumour progression, determining whether a primary tumour will metastasize and spread to another site within the body, remain dormant, or be terminated.

Stephanie Mok, first author of the study and Ph.D candidate in the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, spoke to the //The McGill Tribune// about the aims of her research and its potential implications for breast cancer treatment.

“It can be hard to predict when tumours become aggressive, [so] we wanted [to put] a physical biomarker within tumours that can experience what a cell does,” Mok said.

Smart hydrogels are stimuli-responsive gels that rapidly change their shape in response to alterations in pH, temperature, and in the presence of specific chemicals. The first

hydrogels used within human tissues were proposed in 1960, after which they became popularized for biomedical applications such as drug delivery. A variety of materials, both naturally derived and synthetic, can be used to make hydrogels.

Mok and her team developed injectable thermo-responsive hydrogels that remain intact at body temperature and expand at lower temperatures. The degree to which these gels can expand is a direct indication of the “stiffness” of surrounding tissues.

“The goal of making a sensor system to measure internal stiffness within tumours was done because we didn’t know what physical profiles looked like in tumours,” Mok said.

Mok explained that hydrogels must be functionalized with a tag, such as a simple peptide sequence. This tag ensures that the immune system will not consider the hydrogel a foreign invader, a complication that could lead to rejection.

“We were excited to see that the hydrogel probes remained in animals for a whole month without creating any adverse effects,” Mok said. “Hydrogels must be made to look more ‘native,’ allowing binding to neighbouring cells, similar to how a cell senses its environment. Any hydrogel material without functionalization looks like a blank space [to surrounding] cells, and [they] won’t react with it.”

Mechanobiology, the study of the physical forces that act on cells and tissues, is an emerging field in medicine that has recently

Hydrogels can retain water at high capacities, which allows them to swell up to thousands of times their dry weight, making them a great tool for directed drug delivery within the body.

(Eve Cable / The McGill Tribune) been applied to oncology. Once cancer cells have spread successfully, secondary tumours must continue mutating to adapt to their new environment. Their ability to rapidly adapt to changing microenvironments is what makes cancer cells so difficult to eliminate.

Research shows tumour penetration in two-dimensional models are incapable of capturing the complex cellular dynamics that occur in vivo, meaning within a living organism. By culturing cells in a three-dimensional matrix, scientists have demonstrated that cells do not continuously proliferate as they do on two-dimensional cell plates. In three-

dimensional models, cells form higher order structures that more accu- rately depict the formation of real tumours.

The McGill team of researchers hopes their study will open doors for understanding the effect of the local mechanical microenvironments on the complex processes of cancer progression.

“We are hopeful [that] in the future these findings can improve the mapping of progression in invasive cancers,” Mok said. “However, the goal of our study was to emphasize the importance of asking basic questions from a multidisciplinary perspective.”

What machines cannot learn, and what they should not be taught Modern AI suffers from the same biases as the people who design it Zoe Karkossa Contributor Artificial intelligence (AI) developers are no longer satisfied with programs that play checkers and optimize search engine results, and have moved toward loftier ambitions such as diagnosing leukemia and probing the creators’ inner emotions. Humans often perceive AI as being inherently superior to their own minds, completely free of earthly flaws and fallacies. However, according to Meredith Broussard, author of Artificial Unintelligence, all technology is fundamentally imbued with the beliefs and biases of those who design it—for better or worse.

Broussard presented her critical look at contemporary media’s infatuation with AI at an event for the Feminist and Accessible Publishing and Communications Technologies’ Speaker and Workshop Series. She emphasized the important distinction between “real AI,” or technologies that currently exist, and those of science-fiction fantasies.

The ultimate goal of AI research is to create a general intelligence that can adapt to a broad variety of situations, which some scientists argue may not even be pos-

sible. Building a sentient computer with this type of intelligence is a far cry from even the most cuttingedge computer programs being developed today. Current applications of AI, such as machine learning, are all forms of narrow AI focussed on mastering very specific tasks.

“Narrow AI is just math,” Broussard said. “It’s computational statistics on steroids.”

This form of AI is not transcendental, but rather a program that, when fed copious amounts of data, improves itself. All of its al-

gorithms are produced by humans, and people inevitably build their own biases into the code they write.

Broussard describes “technochauvinism,” a term she coined in 2018, as the tendency to place computers and their decision-making prowess above human intelligence.

The concept originates from the select group of white male mathematicians educated at prestigious universities who started developing the field of AI in the 1950s. According to Broussard, these men embedded their own biases in the technologies

Modern AI requires lots of data to function, but it also requires the extraction of mineral resources and massive amounts of human labour. (Forbes: Getty Images)

they imagined.

Technochauvinism also affects which researchers and projects receive funding. Renowned AI expert Marvin Minsky, who was part of a group of early advocates for space elevators, is just one of the privileged scientists benefitting from this system. His hypothetical technology has managed to stay relevant in intellectual circles despite the billions of dollars in funding it would require and the fact that it will likely never be realized.

The technochauvinism that benefits Minsky, according to Broussard, is also responsible for male students and faculty members in STEM-related disciplines continuing to harass their female peers at alarming rates, making these fields discriminatory towards women, as well as inherently more dangerous. This is a fact Broussard sees reflected in current technologies.

“The computer is not inherently liberating,” Broussard said.

“Just because we use technology does not mean that we are furthering the cause of justice. In fact, the opposite is true. Many times when we’ve used technology, what we’re doing is embedding existing biases in code, and we are perpetuating existing social injustices.”

Broussard presented a number of techniques that can be used to repudiate the obsession with AI. Foremost, Broussard advised the audience to understand what AI really is: A machine designed by primarily male scientists that only knows as much as it is taught. Next, governments should establish a federal consumer protection agency to audit and regulate the algorithms that regulate everything from social media feeds to decisions in healthcare.

Broussard concluded by recommending that consumers assume discrimination is the default in all automated systems and learn to recognize the impact these technologies have on labourers. She gave the example of “ghost workers,” the people who perform the often traumatizing job of filtering content posted on some of the internet’s most popular sites.

“When you flag something horrific on Facebook, it [first] gets evaluated by an algorithm, but if the algorithm fails [...] then that piece of horrific content goes to a person for evaluation,” Broussard said.

“We need to recognize that ghost work is happening, that there are people who are operating these machines behind the scenes, and make better working conditions.”

Strings and other things

Appreciating Montreal’s classical music community Adam Burton Sports Editor Growing up, my favourite movie scene was the wand-shop sequence from Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone.

The scene opens with Harry entering Olivander’s wand shop, surrounded by towering shelves of wands and surfaces cluttered with tools and scraps of parchment. After trying an array of wands, he settles on one that feels just right. Olivander explains, “The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. It's not always clear why. But I think it is clear that we can expect great things from you.”

To me, this scene offered a parallel fantasy to picking out a string instrument— an experience every string musician has in their life. A luthier—a maker of stringed

instruments—brings out an array of instruments, and lines them up on a counter for you to play. After what can be a multi-day selection process, the musician picks the instrument they will play for dozens of hours a week, for what will hopefully be the rest of their life. Montreal’s classical music community is tightly-knit, and musicians at all levels—students, teachers, and amateurs— have been facilitating musical collaboration and connection before and during the pandemic. The amount of love and labour that goes into music making and crafting instruments is important, broadening horizons and encouraging people to pursue

their passions.

LILI SAINT-MICHEL

Lili Saint-Michel manages sales, rentals, and institutional relations at Jules Saint-Michel Luthier, a string instrument shop in downtown Montreal. Saint-Michel studied biochemistry at the University of Montreal, but when she developed tendinitis in her hand 25 years ago, she decided to start working at her father’s violin shop.

“The relationship with customers is very diversified,”

Saint-Michel said. “You never get bored because the violin is

something you can always learn more about [....] Repairs are very interesting. Sometimes, we may have a violin in the family that hasn't been played for a long time and we put it back in playable condition, and it can be very emotional [....] It’s very nice to see the connection between people and their instruments through the restoration process.”

The store’s journey began with Saint-Michel’s father,

Jules Saint-Michel, a Hungarian immigrant who fled Budapest during the 1956 revolution against Soviet-imposed rule. He went on to study medicine in France, and eventually moved to Montreal, where he practiced medicine until opening his own stringed instrument shop in 1970, solidifying his lifelong passion for violin-making.

The shop has come a long way since its single storefront, expanding to include the neighbouring shops, and the top floor, where they now house a violin-making museum and spaces for lessons. Saint-Michel emphasizes the shop’s role as a community space for people looking to learn and discover a love for classical music. For this reason, Saint-Michel has collaborated with Economusée, an international organization that offers public workshops and gives artisans a chance to share their work.

“We often have group tours to show people how the violin is made and the history of instruments before the violin was made,” Saint-Michel said.

“We have string instruments from different centuries and different continents. My father’s hobby was to collect instruments from all around the world, so we have displayed them in our museum. [Economusée] gives us a way to show our modern and old collections.”

SIMON GIDORA

Simon Gidora is a U2 student at McGill pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree for violin performance. He started playing violin at the age of five after fiddling around on his older brother’s instrument and immediately falling in love with it.

Gidora picked out his first violin when he was in middle school at a violin shop in Seattle.

“The current violin that I own, my parents bought when I was 13,” Gidora said. “We took a trip down to Seattle to look at some violins and a few different violin shops and I brought three violins to try at home in British Columbia. One of them was a new Italian violin, and one of them was an old French violin, which was the one that I ended up buying [....] I spent a couple weeks playing on all of them. I really loved the French one. It was warm, it was easy to play. It spoke to me. It felt comfortable with my body.”

After eight years with his violin, Gidora feels a bond with his instrument, which was built in 1862, that is difficult to put into words.

“Every time I pick it up, I think about the fact that this violin has lived through so much,” Gidora said. “It's been alive longer than any person walking this Earth right now, it’s seen things and none of us have seen. I can't even imagine all the people that have played on it. It will probably outlast me, it will probably have people a hundred years from now playing it [....] It's really cool to be able to connect with an instrument that connects you to a whole lineage as well as the history of classical music and the performers that make it happen.”

incredible people who supported them, whether it be orchestra members or teachers or luthiers.”

After over 15 years of classical training, Moir-Gayle has come to realise that his favorite part of music is the chamber music ensemble—a group of three to eight musicians.

Making music with a small group of musically inclined peers allows for a level of artistic fluidity unmatched in other musical settings.

“Playing in an orchestra or as a soloist is great, but there is nothing like the satisfaction that comes with creating something personal with others on a small, intimate scale,” Moir-Gayle said.

Perfecting a piece of chamber music is an experience like no other. Coordinating rhythm and intonation is only the first step in creating an honest rendition of a classical work. Deciding on what emotions to convey and honing an ensemble’s communication skills is essential in perfecting the living and breathing entity that is a chamber group.

Forming this bond with similarly inclined musicians is enthralling; many spend their lives developing and maintaining these unique connections. “[Chamber music] shows you who you are and how you work with others and what is important to you when you create art,” Moir-Gayle said. “You come to know people on such an individual level that you can interpret what a glance means in an instant. You could tell whether your first violinist is breathing to calm themselves down or to send a message. When you perform together, your bodies, and your instruments as an extension of them, move and pulse and retreat and rise and fall as one fluid system that’s constantly fighting for a direction.”

JOSIE THOMPSON

SAMUEL MOIR-GAYLE

Samuel Moir-Gayle, U3 Arts, has continued to pursue classical cello into his university degree. Born into a musical family, Moir-Gayle doesn’t remember a time when music wasn’t part of his life. After years of honing his skills on the cello, Moir-Gayle has come to know his instrument quite well. “[Your instrument] starts as an extension of your body physically, like your brain giving your mouth and tongue instructions on how to speak a new language, but for someone who dives into the musical community, especially the classical community, it becomes a part of your identity,” Moir-Gayle said. “As you mature in life, your music and craft matures with you.”

Connecting and forming a bond with their instruments does not only make musicians more technically proficient, it also provides an emotional outlet. Playing an instrument gives one a voice that they otherwise would not have access to: It can express emotions you cannot put in words. Everybody’s voice is unique on their instrument, and every voice has something different to say. Moir-Gayle has come to realize that perfection isn’t something you should be striving for; honesty of expression is far more valuable.

“If the relationship between musician and instrument has taught me anything, it’s that perfection and being the best is only as important as the value you place on it,” MoirGayle said. “I think that nowadays when people create classical music, we are so focussed on becoming the next Rostropovich or Heifetz or Horowitz that we often forget about the

Josie Thompson, U2 Psychology, has continued to pursue her passion for music through the various music clubs and organizations offered at McGill. At first, classical music was forced upon her by her parents, but in high school she managed to find value in the therapeutic nature of playing an instrument.

“My violin just became such an outlet,” Thompson said. “[Whenever I felt down], I would just come home and just rail on the violin like crazy, with double stops [and] super passionate parts [....] You take that energy when you're performing, and you can share how you're feeling with an audience. It's just the best feeling.”

Since enrolling at McGill, Thompson has had less time and opportunity to practice and perform, and has experienced a sense of loss for not pursuing a career in music.

“It's tricky,” Thompson said. “I still have doubts about not [training in music professionally], and I do regret that I don't play as much anymore. I was never intending to pursue it, [but] halfway through high school I just fell in love with it. [Practicing music is] so personal. You are expressing your emotions and months of hard work through it and then getting it right is like a rush that I can’t describe.”

To make up for that loss, Thompson has delved into extracurriculars, including School of Music Montreal (SoMM), an organization that matches student volunteers with local schools to provide one-on-one music lessons to those seeking extra training.

Thompson has taught piano and violin at SoMM for three years, and is now the head of human resources. Teaching is a cathartic outlet for many who have held music as a passion and want to pass it on.

“My students have all been really excited to learn their favorite songs on the piano,” Thompson said. “My first semester teaching, I had this one student who was so shy, she wouldn't talk to me. After maybe six weeks, she finally talked to me. It was just the biggest win. But at the same time, she was improving really quickly on the song we were doing and you could tell she was really dedicated and loved what we were doing. It's very fulfilling.”

Fostering a positive and supportive community is crucial, especially during current public health restrictions. Musicians everywhere have been working together to further the arts and make music more accessible for everybody. Thompson reflected on her volunteer work with SoMM. “Giving back to our community in any way is really important,” said Thompson. “I’m really thankful that I’m able to do that through my instrument.”

Whether a professional or an amateur, classical music is a craft that binds people from all walks of life. Being able to pour time and energy into perfecting your own voice on your instrument is a gift that sticks with you your entire life. Making bonds with other classical musicians and music lovers is important now more than ever.

Design by Ruobing Chen, Design Editor

10

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

Fictionalizing science: How culture has shaped modern technology Science fiction is a reflection of the present, not a prophecy for the future Shafaq Nami Staff Writer Continued from page 1.

Science fiction first emerged as a genre in the late 19th century as a result of the Industrial Revolution. At the time, many people, including authors, were apprehensive about the rapid innovations of the industrial age and their effect on society.

In an email to The McGill Tribune, Jana Perkins, a recent master’s graduate in the Department of English at McGill, explained the early origins of science fiction.

“There were those for whom these changes were almost beyond comprehension,” Perkins wrote.

“And so, at a time when relatively little had been achieved in the way of advanced technology, there was a lot of room for writers to be able to depict the possible futures that could be brought about by either the invention or the widespread adoption of a particular gadget they believed might one day exist.”

Recently, science fiction has pivoted away from discussing new technologies, with an updated goal of analyzing how technology affects society. In questioning its existence, it also asks how current innovations can be better put to use.

“Take, for example, a show like Black Mirror,” Perkins wrote.

“An episode of Black Mirror isn’t seeking to wow audiences by introducing some never-beforeimagined technology—it’s inviting viewers to explore the kinds of everyday challenges that would arise from even relatively minor improvements to existing technologies. It’s a shift in focus from the what to the why.”

While the approach of using the impacts of technology on society as a focal point has become increasingly popular, it is most certainly not new. The plots of classic sci-fi shows like Star Trek have largely followed the dynamics of crew members and their interactions with extraterrestrial beings, rather than highlighting futuristic space technology itself.

Another example is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which is often cited as the first science fiction novel and is thought to have inspired organ transplantation. As Dr. George Zogopoulos, assistant professor in McGill’s Department of Surgery, suggested, it is possible that Frankenstein merely reflected the goals of 19th-century medical practice.

“I have not considered the relationship of Mary Shelley’s classic novel with organ transplantation more than a myth,” Zogopoulos wrote in an email to the Tribune. “My impressions have been

that representations of transplant and organ donation in popular culture [...] reflect myths and societal challenges surrounding organ donation and transplantation.”

It should be noted that Shelley never delved into the scientific details of creating Frankenstein’s monster, leaving many plot holes that later movie adaptations attempted to fill in for themselves.

to examine the issue from every angle.”

It appears that fiction has long served to warn scientists about the consequences of technology, especially those in fields that regularly face ethical dilemmas, such as organ transplantation. Many of these warnings are merely a result of misplaced technophobia, inspired by baseless fears that hu-

The film’s warnings have proved eerily relevant, with the rise of DNA testing companies and their decision to sell consumer data to insurance companies with malicious intent.

“I wouldn’t say that we necessarily take our cautionary tales from fiction, but fiction does serve to remind us perhaps of our limitations, and this is useful,” Dr. Ste-

Some inventions that featured in science fiction before they were made possible by technology include cell phones, 3D printers, voice controlled technology, and credit cards. (New Atlas) “Shelley seeks to address such moral questions as whether the ability to imbue inanimate matter with life is a technology that should exist,” Perkins wrote. “And so, for much of the novel, we’re presented with responses to this question from a variety of sources [....] It’s a brilliant narrative structure that expertly invites readers

mans could be enslaved by robots, for instance.

While the most terrifying of science fiction’s predictions have yet to materialize, some of their more realistic warnings have come true. A prime example is Gattaca, a 1997 dystopian film that predicted the use of genetic information to assess a person’s status in society.

ven Paraskevas, a transplant surgeon at McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and assistant professor in McGill’s Department of Surgery, wrote in an email to the Tribune. “Sometimes, I think fiction may remind us of how public perception of what we do can be negative or misunderstanding. Life in a hospital isn’t exactly like it

appears in ER or Grey’s Anatomy, but it’s informative to see how [physicians and scientists] are perceived.”

This dignified portrayal of scientists in the media has often inspired people to pursue STEM careers. Unfortunately, science fiction frequently portrays science incorrectly or completely ignores its basic laws in an attempt to stretch the realm of possibility.

“Fictionalized role models inspire people, and may lead young people to see themselves in a certain career,” Paraskevas wrote.

“At the same time, I doubt people become disillusioned when things in reality don’t quite happen the way they do in a movie or novel, or worse, the 60-minute time frame of a series episode. The truth is, science and medicine are so much more complex than they are depicted in pop culture, and discovering this complexity is part of the fun.”

Careers in science are also often glamourized in fiction and popular media, omitting details about the gruellingly long hours, failures, or dead ends. This is partly because some science fiction writers have no background in STEM-related fields, along with the fact that the mundane aspects of scientific practice are less interesting to audiences.

The relationship between science and fiction is complex and oftentimes difficult to reconcile.

Although science fiction does not foretell the future or directly influence the invention of new technologies, it can be an interesting reflection of society’s dreams and aspirations. Science in literature and film gives authors and audiences a chance to see beyond the current limits of their age and presents an outlet for non-scientists to express their concerns about technology.

In most cases, scientists’ aims do not revolve around the dreams of fiction writers of previous centuries. Rather, they invent because of an inherent curiosity to push the boundaries of science: To discover new and better ways to do the things humans already do, such as communication, travel, and the many jobs that have now been automated.

“I don’t think there is a conscious effort to bring fiction to life, as far as science is concerned,” Paraskevas wrote. “We don’t really develop or invent the worlds depicted in science fiction, so much as validate them [....] If we ever develop huge starships that travel at incredible speeds, it will not be because they were dreamed by 20th-century filmmakers, but rather because of the enduring wish to see what’s out there beyond our world.”

STUDENT LIFE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

11

How to combat digital eye strain

Simple tips for improving eye health during the remote semester Josephine Wang Staff Writer

Blink more

With the new reality of remote learning, many students are constantly staring at screens. Spending the day focussed on Zoom classes and meetings may leave some students feeling extra tired or dizzy. Although extended use of digital devices will not permanently damage your eyes, they can still cause bothersome symptoms such as eye discomfort, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. Digital eye strain is a common condition which has been exacerbated with the recent uptick in remote school and work. Thankfully, simple changes to your work station and daily habits can have small but impactful effects on your eye health.

Below, The McGill Tribune has compiled some simple ways to relieve digital eye strain. However, prolonged eye strain may be a sign of something more serious that should be discussed with an ophthalmologist.

One simple way to minimize eye problems is by blinking more frequently. When staring at a screen, people tend to blink only half as much as normal, which can lead to evaporative dry eyes. Blinking helps to flush the eyes in their natural fluids.

Another option is to use moisturizing eye drops to refresh the eyes when they feel dry.

20-20-20

While staring at screens will not permanently damage your eyes, it can cause some short-term discomfort. (iristech.com) installing an anti-glare screen on the display.

Correct positioning

Adjust your settings

The top of the computer screen should be at eye level.

Additionally, the screen should be placed approximately an arm’s length away from one’s face to protect the eyes and alleviate neck and shoulder pain: Placing a laptop a comfortable distance away minimizes eye strain and allows your entire screen to be viewed without head and neck twisting. If possible, the screen should be slightly tilted back to avoid glare from ceiling lights, as too much glare can make it difficult to see objects on your laptop. Glare can also be reduced by placing blinds over nearby windows or

McGill’s Indian Student Association moves Diwali celebrations online Diwali, the festival of lights, is a major cultural event for Indian communities around the world. During the fiveday celebration, families illuminate their households with oil lamps and candles and come together to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Traditionally, the McGill Indian Student Association (ISA) would host a Diwali party as a means to kick off the Indian New Year. The event is important to McGill’s Indian community, and the inability to host an in-person gathering is undoubtedly a major disappointment.

Starting on Nov. 8, the ISA began hosting a week of virtual events to bring people together despite the physical setbacks.

Sannah Ratra, U2 Arts and ISA Vice-President Communications, commented on the importance of Diwali as a social event that connects those who celebrate it. For university students who have moved away from their families, the virtual event provided a unique opportunity to embrace their culture with new people.

“Diwali to us means celebration and time with our loved ones,” Ratra wrote in a message to The McGill Tribune. “Even though most of us are so far away from home, we have tried to make our members feel closer to home by hosting these events.”

The virtual Diwali celebrations included trivia, cooking, and a Bhangra workshop. (Taja de Silva / The McGill Tribune)

Night mode

Changes in brightness, text size, and colour temperature can make a world of difference. Try adjusting screen brightness to be approximately the same brightness as the surrounding workstation.

Turning down the brightness level of screens reduces exposure to blue light, especially during the night. When reading or writing long documents, increase the text size and keep contrast moderate to avoid eye strain. Lastly, reduce the screen’s colour temperature to lower blue light emission for better long-term viewing comfort.

A virtual festival of lights

E.T. Wu Contributor

Taking breaks from staring at a screen is important. One trick is to keep in mind the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, try looking at something 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. It is also recommended to take more extended breaks from digital devices.

Every two hours, take a longer 15 minute break and set a recurrent timer as a reminder of when to look away.

The ISA faced a new set of challenges while attempting to offer the full experience of Diwali virtually. Crucially, they considered time zones and Zoom fatigue in their decision to break up what is usually a longer event.

“This year we decided to host [a] Diwali week where we had a bunch of events all through the week,” Ratra said.

“We started on Sunday with Bollywood Trivia on Zoom, we had ‘Cook with ISA’ on Monday on Zoom where we made chickpea curry (Chole) and Rasmalai shots. On Tuesday we had a live Zoom where we did a Bhangra workshop and today [Nov. 13] we hosted a Yoga workshop also through Zoom.”

The ISA’s virtual celebration for Diwali provided an impressive range of activities to make students feel welcome, especially as many Indian students can feel homesick during this time of the year. Notably, the decision to include a cooking workshop as a part of their itinerary was true to the traditions of the festival and gave students a chance to enjoy the food they may have eaten at home with their loved ones. A Diwali celebration by tradition involves family feasts, and any Diwali week would not have been complete without a warm meal.

The Bhangra workshop was similarly important because Bhangra, a traditional form of dance popular in India, is an integral part of Indian party culture. The workshop reminded students of the energy of an in-person party and also gave participants a chance to blow off steam and move their bodies.

With prolonged hours spent indoors, a few minutes dedicated to moving around can be a good way to relieve stress and bring joy. This is especially important for students during Diwali as no New Year’s celebration feels complete without dancing among friends and family. The ISA did a great job in bringing together the Indian community at McGill, giving students the opportunity to start the new year with some new friends.

The ISA has shown that even though students may be far apart during these difficult times, we can be close together in spirit. The virtual Diwali celebration was a stellar example of maintaining unity during the holidays, despite the tough circumstances.

Photos of the event can be found on the ISA’s instagram page (@isamcgillu).

It is well known that digital devices emit blue light, which is linked to poor sleep quality. Although blue light is not damaging to the eyes, it suppresses melatonin, a hormone that influences circadian rhythms and helps you sleep. Consider turning on night mode on devices in the evening to decrease the blue light exposure.

Switching off devices one hour before going to bed or wearing glasses with a blue light-blocking filter are also good options for reducing blue light exposure.

C ARTOON

What to wear to your Zoom classes

Eve Cable / Staff Illustrator

12

STUDENT LIFE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

Okapi Cocktail Club offers premium at-home mixed drinks A fun and easy way to spruce up students’ evenings Lucy Keller Staff Writer After nearly two months in the red zone, Montreal’s nightlife seems like a faint and distant memory. However, some students are continuing to find ways to stay lively and drink with their friends. While some have turned to learning how to make cocktails and mixed drinks, many students have simply accepted White Claws and PBR as their quarantine drinks of choice. While this is an easy option for drowning out Zoom University and the chaos of the world, there is no better time to explore the world of mixology. Okapi Cocktail Club is a cocktail delivery service offering innovative drinks for students missing the bars.

Founded by Kimberly Martin, a Montreal intervention and social worker, Okapi Cocktail Club came to be when Martin realized in June that many of her friends were craving their favourite cocktails but were having a hard time learning how to make them. Prior to becoming a social worker, Martin worked in the entertainment industry and loved experimenting at the bar.

“I noticed during the first quarantine that people were missing that element of their life,” Martin said. “I began to think about how we could create a way for people to have barquality drinks at home without the unnecessary effort.”

Okapi Cocktail Club offers premium bar drinks while remaining accessible and eco-

In December, Martin is unveiling a holiday-themed menu that incorporates festive flavours like maple syrup and pine. (Okapi Club MTL / Facebook.com) friendly. The service’s menu lists a wide array of ever-changing drinks. Ranging from cranberry, hibiscus, and basil martinis to green tea and orange bitters spritzers, the selections are far from your average mixed drinks. Drink orders come in brown paper bags and every part of the kit is sustainable, including mason jars containers and biodegradable instruction

manuals. Martin focusses on shopping local and has pledged to maintain a zero-waste business model.

“Unfortunately, the bar industry is responsible for too much waste and so one of our goals was to try to make a unique ecofriendly version of a bar,” Martin said. “We do not use any plastic in our packaging, and I

strive to shop at markets with little to no plastic.”

For customers seeking a more hands-on experience, Martin is currently working on a second, more interactive phase of Okapi Cocktail Club. While some of her customers simply want to sip their drinks and call it a day, others have expressed interest in learning how to make the many intricate beverages offered on her menu. Because of city-wide social distancing measures, Martin has been unable to launch in-person workshops, but is planning to host Zoom workshops and inperson events once Montreal is out of the red zone.

“The workshops we will be launching will teach customers what elements there are in a cocktail,” Martin said. “[We will teach] how there is an acidic base, a sweet base, and of course the liquor. We will have customers try different mixes and maybe even creating a cocktail of their own.”

With classes entirely online and assignments piling up, student life in Montreal can seem bleak and exhausting. Ordering in cocktails to share with roommates can be a way to break up the monotonous student schedule and add a little joy to the school week. On Dec. 1, Martin is launching a new holidaythemed menu featuring traditional holiday flavours like maple syrup and pine, which will surely spruce up student holiday celebrations.

To order and learn more about Okapi Cocktail Club, check out their Facebook page.

Ask Ainsley: How do I heal from a pandemic breakup?

Moving on from a relationship during a global crisis Dear Ainsley, As if dealing with the current state of the world wasn’t hard enough, I’m now newly single and left to cope with my pandemic breakup. Before, I’d usually get dressed up and spend the night dancing away my pain with my closest friends. Now, all I can do is use my seemingly endless time to ruminate over what happened with barely any distractions aside from online assignments, which have begun to feel more and more overwhelming. What should I do?

Sincerely, Single Amidst Disaster (SAD) Dear SAD, I’m so sorry you’re having such a tough time! The present moment is a particularly difficult time to be going through a breakup, since most traditional breakup recovery advice revolves around going out, letting loose, and processing emotions in the company of friends. You should be gentle with yourself as you heal. Although the conditions of online learning can encourage a skewed school-life balance, allow

yourself to disconnect from work if you feel it would help. It is okay to do the minimum for a while as you cope with emotional turmoil.

As difficult as breakups may be, there is one key advantage to the pandemic breakup: A clean break. You likely won’t run into them at parties or gatherings with mutual friends, giving you some much-needed space while you gather your emotions and take care of yourself. Similarly, you likely won’t have to fight off the temptation to jump into a rebound relationship. Try to reframe your newfound alone time as an opportunity to focus on cultivating your individual interests and passions. Many people have rediscovered a new enthusiasm for old hobbies while in quarantine, which can help to rebuild the fractured sense of identity that sometimes follows a breakup. However cliché, nurturing these interests can help strengthen your sense of self: You were whole before this person, and you are equally whole without them.

Alongside acknowledging your grief, therapist Anisah Milley recommends replenishing oxytocin, a hormone that is

Seeking out (remote) connections with friends and family can help you heal.

(Weheartit.com) related to connection and touch, post-breakup. While this is more difficult amidst the pandemic, there are remote options: Connecting with friends and family over video chat is a great way to remind yourself of the platonic love you still have while combatting loneliness. Though quarantine limits the options for comforting touch, it’s not

impossible—try out self-massage or self-pleasure.

We can all agree that breakups suck, but healing is different for everyone. If you find yourself needing someone to sit with you as you process your emotions, reach out to family, trusted friends, or a counsellor.

Sometimes talking about your situation can help you process the

pain. McGill-specific resources include the Peer Support Centre, the Wellness Hub, and Keep.meSAFE. Additionally, meditation or journaling can be useful forms of expression.

Although it’s difficult, isolation can serve as a time to reflect on your past relationship and what you learned about yourself in the process. Prolonged alone time can allow for some much-needed introspection, and can ultimately help you grow as an individual. Taking some time to understand what worked and didn’t work with your previous partner can strengthen your future relationships—and yes, there will be future relationships.

The current crisis does not need to keep you from practicing healthy coping methods. Get dressed up anyway, put on your favourite playlist and dance away the pain in your living room.

Although things are a little more complicated, the one thing that hasn’t changed is the notion that time will heal your post-breakup blues. Keep focussing on you, and eventually it won’t hurt so much.

Best of luck, Ainsley

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 13

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

Femme Fatale demonstrates the resilience of femme-identifying filmmakers Online version of grassroots film festival reaches international filmmakers and audiences Erika MacKenzie Staff Writer From narrative films to political documentaries to abstract and surrealist productions, the Femme Fatale Film Festival has something for every type of film lover. The festival offers young women and femme-identifying filmmakers a means to showcase their work in an inclusive and empowering space.

Festival director Astrid Mohr, U2 Arts, explained that in her final year at Etobicoke School of the Arts, she envisioned starting a film festival designed for femme-identifying and women filmmakers as her final project for an Arts Management course. Mohr spoke with The McGill Tribune about how Femme Fatale started and grew since its conception in 2018.

“I remember being in grade 12 [...] and [feeling] that there weren’t a lot of spaces for women to gather in film,” Mohr said. “I wanted to create a space where women could […] celebrate each other’s work [....] We held [the first festival] at the Revue [cinema] in Toronto [and] it was mostly films from other

The online film festival featured shorts by women filmmakers across the globe. (femmefatalefilmfestival.com) filmmakers at the school. The first year, we had like maybe 35 people come.”

Since its first year, Femme Fatale has grown and expanded its film submissions beyond Mohr’s high school. Mohr explained that she had plans to sell out the Revue and host an after-party for this year’s festival, but the pandemic forced her to shift course. Despite the drawbacks of hosting the festival online, Mohr described the shift as a blessing in

disguise as it allowed her to expand Femme Fatale’s scope.

By collecting submissions online through FilmFreeway, Femme Fatale received over 1,700 submissions from filmmakers across the globe.

“When I first realized we wouldn’t be able to host it in person, I was pretty down about that, especially because I [...] want to build a community and being able to physically gather in a space [...] feels so important to

that,” Mohr said. “But I realized [that] it’s more [about] having people in conversation with each other.”

By hosting a virtual afterparty with the film directors, Mohr explained that her team could engage with the filmmakers more closely than in previous years. Mohr also started a podcast to increase Femme Fatale’s yearround programing.

“I’ve been interviewing female filmmakers,” Mohr said.

“I think that was something we wouldn’t have done if we didn’t have this [...] online platform [....]

I’m really grateful to be able to have those conversations with all of those ladies because they are all just fascinating and super talented people.”

Mohr also discussed the effect that the pandemic has had on the topics filmmakers decide to explore.

“For some people, it [felt] like documentaries [became] so much more relevant because it feels really important to document the world right now,” Mohr said. “For some [...] it makes so much more sense to do something completely fantastical and separate from everything that’s going on. ”

Italian filmmaker Livia Oya Proto directed a short called Mutations for the festival, which followed a woman living alone in her apartment during the COVID-19 lockdown. Other highlights from the festival included a satirical short by Canadian filmmaker Céline Floyd called Museum, which commented on rape culture by walking the viewer through various stereotypical scenes of gendered sexual harassment. In their film, Outgrowing my shoes, directors Grace Conley and Kaya Trefz highlighted the experience of a young woman growing up and learning how to say goodbye to childhood without completely abandoning the lessons it taught her.

Although this year has certainly had its fair share of challenges, Femme Fatale demonstrates that creatives are resilient and willing to adapt to the new circumstances by continuing to use their craft to bring people joy and entertainment. The festival offers women and femmeidentifying filmmakers a space to showcase their work for a wide audience and discuss their experiences in the film industry.

Our friend, Alex Trebek

Trebek was not just a game show host, he was an instigator of life-long learning Matthew Molinaro Staff Writer Every weekday at 7:30 p.m., Jeopardy!’s title credits flash across the television screen. Three contestants and a family friend walk out onto the floor to an enticing crescendo, their names announced by legendary narrator, Johnny Gilbert, as they receive a well-deserved standing ovation from the studio and at-home audiences. Half an hour later, viewers go their separate paths, feeling a bit better and richer than 30 minutes prior. On Nov. 8, 2020, the world said its final goodbye to the host of Jeopardy!, Alex Trebek.

At 80, Trebek died from complications of pancreatic cancer.

A testament to his spirit, Trebek continued to film episodes two weeks up to his death, which will air until Christmas Day. Having spent 37 seasons as host, Trebek left his podium empty for the first time since Jeopardy’s revival in 1984. But Trebek was not just a game show host: He was devoted to life-long learning, and in this respect, he was in a league of his own.

Born in Sudbury, Ontario on July 22, 1940 to a Ukrainian fa-

ther and Franco-Ontarian mother, Trebek grew up in a bilingual household. His Northern Ontario roots grounded him, instilling a hard-working mentality—a “Canadianness” he would later claim made him brave in the face of cancer. He graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in philosophy and with his heart set on a career in broadcast news.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) was the starting

point for this dream: Here, Trebek hosted different shows, ranging from a teen music program, Music Hop, to covering curling and other sports. But it was on game shows that Trebek developed the passion that viewers know him by today. His Canadian trivia shows included Strategy, an afternoon program, and the classic high school competition, Reach for the Top. Over the next several years, he flourished, taking the reins of

Alex Trebek’s graciousness, work ethic, and character were vital to generations of viewers. ( Jeopardy.com)

both American and Canadian quiz shows, and eventually landed his role as host of the newly revived Jeopardy!.

Jeopardy!’s concept is straightforward: Three contestants, three rounds; answer right, win money; answer wrong, lose money. Trebek, as host, read the answers and verified whether contestants were right or wrong in their questions. This simple concept made for an intriguing competition. Contestants like Brad Rutter, Ken Jennings, and James Holzhauer dominated the game. The first female winner of the Tournament of Champions, Rachael Schwartz, 20-time champion Julia Collins, and the first winner of both the Teachers’ Tournament and Tournament of Champions, Colby Burnett, changed public perceptions of who could compete in trivia.

These contestants, among the plethora of Jeopardy!’s fantastic competitors, established personal bonds with Trebek, making the mid-round conversations during the show more entertaining. In fact, in his memoir, The Answer Is…, Trebek recalled having tears in his eyes seeing Jennings leave after his historic 74-game run.

In his 36 years, Trebek extended past the question-answer format. He was known to contribute comments after the questions and in discussion, adding his insights and connecting pieces of knowledge together. In doing so, Trebek pushed trivia beyond the sphere of right-or-wrong and into an interactive experience of sharing knowledge and learning from each other. His fashion became something of note, as he switched up his facial hair and wore consistently fantastic suit and tie combinations. His factual accuracy, due to his collaboration with researchers, mixed with his witty humour and ability to connect with people, made him into a beloved icon. Trebek embodied what Jeopardy! strived to do—favour the positives, emphasize the importance of knowledge, and have some fun along the way.

Alex Trebek’s graciousness, work ethic, and character were vital to generations of viewers.

Trebek was never the star of the show, nor did he want to be; he was a friend who made us feel less alone in loving trivia. He was a champion of life-long learning and for that, the world is eternally grateful.

14 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

Kasia Van Schaik’s literary talents bridge separate spheres The ‘Poetry Matters’ poet explores emotions through ecology Lowell Wolfe Staff Writer

CUTV Fall Workshop Series

Continued from page 1.

In her upcoming collection, Van Schaik uses narrative structure to explore the connection between ecological change and human emotions.

For instance, one story features a world threatened by the possibility of Montreal skyscrapers floating up the Saint Lawrence Seaway, while in another, women are legally prohibited from sitting in front of mirrors for more than 10 minutes.

“Together, the stories in We Have Never Lived on Earth suggest that love, like water or oxygen, is a resource easily polluted by greed,” Van Schaik said. “Balancing hope, fear, and a nostalgia for the present, the stories in this collection portray [our] struggle to understand what it means to live on Earth.”

Ecological writing is not a novel topic for Schaik: Her poetry chapbook, Sea Burial Laws According to Country (2018), received the Mona Adilman Prize at McGill for the best collection of poems relating to environmental concerns and was adapted into a concert performed by the Montreal Music Labs in 2019.

“I’m really interested in defamiliarizing the everyday,” Van Schaik said. “Sea Burial Laws According to Country is made up of found poetry. I found certain sea burial laws from all over the world, and I’ve used those as prose poems throughout the book [....] I was interested in thinking about the arbitrariness of ocean borders, these huge bodies of water that we divide up, and [how] our different cultures have laws about how we interact with them.”

Concordia University Television presents their Fall 2020 workshop series!

Nov. 19, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Online Free for Concordia Students and $20 for community members

MAPP 2020 In her upcoming collection, Schaik uses narrative to explore the connection between ecological change and human emotions. (Mike Kingdon / kasiajuno.weebly.com)

Van Schaik’s fascination with literature and writing began in her youth when she moved from her birthplace of South Africa to Western Canada.

“I’ve always loved reading,” Van Schaik said. “I remember being a total bookworm when I was a kid. You know how it is when you move somewhere new, it takes a while to get to know people and to know a culture. For a while, I built my world in books.”

Van Schaik’s literary passions continued into her post-secondary education. While at Concordia University, her short story, “The Fox,” won the Quebec Writers’ Federation Short Story Prize in 2009. The story’s publication helped her realize how her work had the potential to reach and affect a wider audience.

“There’s something magical about that process, something inside you, your perceptions and ways of seeing the world, and then it’s on a page

and other people are able to see the world in the same way,” Van Shaik said. “After that [story], I took writing more seriously and did an M.A. in English and Creative Writing [at the University of Toronto] and decided to pursue that in quite a more formal way.”

As a member of Poetry Matters, a university-based group that facilitates workshops and conversations surrounding poetry, and as a teaching assistant at McGill, Van Schaik encourages students and writers to embrace self-expression and appreciate art.

“I really think that learning how to observe the world around us, both in a political and a creative way, is another way to engage,” Van Schaik said. “Whether it means writing about it, singing about it, or creating art in some other way, for me, the most important thing is to teach myself to listen and to perceive and to see the world around me and to find what is unique and beautiful.”

Micro-mapping exhibition presents new creative approaches to projection mapping Nov. 21-28, 12:00-5:00 p.m Online Free

Art as Rebellion

The McGill Students’ Visual Arts Society’s annual conference explores the connection between art and rebellion.

Nov. 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Online Free

Figure Drawing Montreal

Intro to figure drawing with Montreal’s top figure models at Place Des Arts.

Mon. and Wed. in Nov and Dec, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Tickets $16.93 264 Rue Sainte-Catherine O

RIDM filmmakers return to their roots to heal wounds from the past Filmmakers follow intimate stories of people in search of home and community Naomi Mirny Staff Writer This year, the Rencontres Internationales du Documentaire de Montréal (RIDM) documentary film festival looks a little different. Tuning in from home, viewers pay for a pass to view a series of documentaries, running from Nov. 12 to Dec. 2. RIDM has curated a catalogue of eight distinct sections, each featuring 11 different films. Until Nov. 18, RIDM is streaming a set of three sections—“Disrupting History”, “Exploring Nature”, and “Seeking Communities”—each responding to different concerns of contemporary society.

In the “Seeking Communities” section, three films in particular stood out as tender explorations of returning to one’s geographical and personal roots to gain a deeper understanding of one’s history and self.

Ndagukunda déjà dir. Sebastien Desrosiers and David Findlay Sébastien Desrosiers and David Findlay’s Ndagukunda déjà, translated as I love you still, is a beautiful ode to a Desrosiers family history and personal past. In the film, Desrosiers travels to Rwanda in an attempt to find his father, who disappeared from his life at a young age, and to understand the impact of the Rwandan Genocide on his life. Amidst the search for his father, he finds himself as well.

“My father wasn’t on Facebook nor in the yellow pages,” Desrosiers said. “So how do you go about finding him? This [was] a person who left no trace.”

All Desrosiers knew was his father’s name.

Light acoustics hum as the film opens in vibrant, gossamer shots of Rwanda, the camera following Desrosiers’ boyish

gait down mud roads and up clay steps in the blooming of a yellow sun. There, Desrosiers rekindles his connection with estranged family, as they lead him through landmarks and recall the genocide that killed 45 members of his paternal family, forcing his father to migrate to Quebec. Ultimately, Ndagukunda déjà is a spectacular short film, with delicate, earnest cinematography, and a story of intergenerational healing after tragedy. The film touches every heart through its unshakeable belief in the power of unthreading the sutures of shared history.

In the Shadow of the Pines dir. Anne Koizumi In the Shadow of the Pines by Anne Koizumi is a masterfully crafted claymation film that packs a non-linear punch to the gut, as an eight-year-old Koizumi runs through a forest of mossy pines, asking for one more memory from a father no longer there. Ultimately, the film is an apology that Koizumi never got to make.

Her father, a Japanese immigrant who worked as a janitor at her Canadian elementary school, made Koizumi feel ashamed as a child for their poverty and for reminding her of her Japanese identity. As an adult, Koizumi is able to contextualize her father’s difficulty of assimilation with his strenuous upbringing as a neglected child in an extremely impoverished Japan.

In the Shadow of the Pines explores similar themes as other selections in the “Seeking Communities” section. Notably, Koizumi and Desrosiers remember the embarrassment they felt as children aboutwhen thinking of their parents. Both tried to ignore their fathers when they were younger, thinking that by acknowledging their fathers’ roles in their lives, they would have to come to terms with their “otherness” in their predominantly white, middle-income classrooms.

In the “Seeking Communities” section, three particular films stood out as tender explorations of returning to one’s geographical and personal roots to gain a deeper understanding of history and self. (Ridm.ca)

Monologues du Paon dir. Matthew Wolkow Matthew Wolkow’s Monologues du Paon (Peacock’s Monologues) acts as a love letter to two cities: Montreal and Lisbon. Through his care of carrier pigeons, Wolkow explores his relationship with his Portuguese neighbour Orlando, who immigrated to Quebec in 1960. Interspersing clips of the two cities, flying carrier pigeons, and tales of Portugese emmigrés, Wolkow effortlessly crafts a semi-fantastical dialogue between tales of human and avian migration.

“One must sometimes go far in order to better return, to remember. This attachment to their birthplace homing pigeons owe [...] to their instinct,” Wolkow said. “Every departure was not the object of arrival but of an eternal return.”

SPORTS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

15

Team building is essential to the success of first-year athletes

McGill sports teams must ensure first years do not lose the social aspect of athletics Reza Ali Staff Writer Continued from page 1.

“I emailed [Coach Mounicot] around the end of March,” Gunter said in an interview with The McGill Tribune. “I had a friend of mine [that] I played with a couple [of] years ago who’s a year up and he’s on the team right now, so I just mentioned [in my email], ‘Hey I know someone on the team looking to try out’ and [Coach Mounicot] emailed back ‘Keep you posted.’”

Gunter’s first practice was somewhat unconventional, as it was completely non-contact, but it was successful nonetheless.

“I ended up emailing [Coach Mounicot] again to figure out what was happening, and he said, ‘We will actually be practicing, non-contact,’” Gunter said. “I ended up being given the okay to come and I went and practiced with them, and now we’re here.”

Gunter’s bond with a former teammate helped him in this case, but that bond was developed prior to their arrival at McGill. Monty Weatherall, U1 Arts and 2020’s RSEQ Men’s Rugby Rookie of the Year, emphasized the importance of team bonding, especially at McGill.

“Being part of the rugby team was so crucial to how I fit in here [at McGill],” Weatherall said in an interview with the Tribune. “I came from the UK and knew one person here, but except for that, I knew nobody. You come into the rugby team environment, and it’s the same with every Jamie Gunter, U0 Management, joined the McGill Men’s Varsity Soccer team this year thanks to a bond with an old teammate. ( Jamie Gunter) before our Zoom calls. Also, we have split ourselves in groups of six or seven for senior players making sure the younger lads, especially the first years in [residence], have someone to talk to.

It’s like a buddy group, people checking in on each other making sure that everyone is coping with school and the red zone.”

The rookie season plays a critical role for many athletes in finding their places within their team’s dynamic, but sports teams provide more than just exercise for athletes. “[The team is a] breath of fresh air from being stuck in your room doing school work,” Gunter said.

Tennill pointed to the communal aspect of baseball and the family that his team has

Monty Weatherall, U1 Arts, RSEQ’s 2019 Men’s Rugby Rookie of the Year. (McGill Athletics) sports team, and you go in there and you’ve instantly got 50 friends.”

The effects of Weatherall’s integration into the team were noticeable, as he was named not only RSEQ Men’s Rugby Rookie of the Year but was also one of four McGill rugby players to be named to the All-Star First Team.

“We have a great balance on the rugby team,” Weatherall said. “We performed really well, coming sixth in Nationals last year, and we also have a great social life in a normal year, going out and seeing each other.”

Being around like-minded teammates is something Sophia Monahan, U0 Arts, places great value in as a member of dance groups Mosaica and United Groove.

“Being around dancers who are just as passionate, but also have different inspirations [is my favourite part of dance],” Monahan said in an interview with the Tribune. “It’s really nice to be around people that are passionate about the same thing.”

Monahan elaborated on the importance of shared experiences in dance, especially now with the added emotional and mental burden of virtual rehearsals.

“I find [online rehearsals] a lot harder,” Monahan said. “The main aspect of [dance] is going into the studio and dancing with other people [....] Specifically, I find it a lot harder to remember my choreography when not in the studio.”

First-year athletes need to foster new bonds between teammates, but with seasons being cancelled, this team building is becoming increasingly difficult. The success Gunter experienced with making the soccer team was the product of a bond formed on a previous team, and now Monahan is already noticing that the virtual nature of practices is making training more difficult.

Some organizations, like the Varsity Council, have done their best to create solutions to this problem. However, replicating a normal first-year experience is difficult, and the results are understandably imperfect. Braden Tennill, U0 Engineering and pitcher for the men’s baseball team, explained the efforts his team has made to create bonding experiences.

“There’ve been a couple of varsity bonding events that [McGill Baseball] joined in on,” Tennill said in an interview with the Tribune. “[But as for] that formative experience of being a first-year on a sports team, I kind [of] don’t have it this year.”

The negative impacts of this loss for first-years is undeniable. Luckily, Weatherall’s experience from being on the team last year allows him to be a mentor for newcomers struggling to adapt.

“We meet every other Monday for ‘Hat Monday’ on Zoom,” Weatherall said. “In a normal season, every Monday practice is a ‘Hat Monday’ where you turn up in a funny hat for practice. It’s super awesome as some people will turn up in crazy stuff.”

The men’s rugby team has made efforts to host activities to specifically welcome firstyears. These traditions existed in the past, but have been adapted so they can be continued on biweekly Zoom meetings.

“We also have a tradition on the team that one first-year takes the role of ‘The Weatherman,’ so before every game they put out a weather report, and also the ‘Riddlemaster’ puts out a riddle,” Weatherall said. “We have people doing that again this year, but obviously they do it

Sophia Monahan, U0 Arts, picture from the Mosaica photoshoot. (Sophia Monahan) become. “[My favorite part of the team is] having a group of people you can rely on at McGill.”

Weatherall builds on Tennill’s sentiment, linking his team’s synergy specifically to their performance.

“Our togetherness definitely makes us pretty successful as a team,” Weatherall said.

“When it comes down to it, we are all very willing to put our bodies on the line and fight for each other on the pitch.”

Team building is critical to a team’s success. Having unquestionable trust in one’s teammates allows athletes to perform their best out on the pitch, in the dance studio, or anywhere in between. Despite the circumstances, sports teams at McGill are attempting to create healthy and cohesive team environments, especially with their new first years—a task that, however challenging, will be vital to their future success.

16

SPORTS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 2020

NBA teams and players forced to adjust to early start

With a new start date of Dec. 22, the NBA must adapt to unique circumstances

Kyle Tsang & Dominic Chan Contributors The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and NBA League officials reached an agreement on Nov. 4 for a 72-game season starting on Dec. 22, 2020. The implications of this decision are significant for players, franchises, and fans alike. The McGill Tribune examines the biggest consequences teams and players will face as a result of the early season start.

Title Contenders: Lakers, Heat, Nuggets, Celtics With just 74 days between the end of the 2020 Finals and the start of the 2020-21 season, the Heat and Lakers will be facing the shortest offseason in American sports history.

With less time to recuperate from their respective playoff runs, both teams face advantages and disadvantages from the

early start. Given the relatively weak free -agent pool and both teams’ desire to save cap space for 2021, they will likely maintainfeature the same rosters as seen in the 2020 Finals.

The shortened training camp will thus likely have minimal impact on the play of both teams; the chemistry and rhythm built during those gruelling playoff runs should carry on to the first few months of the season. However, this shortened off-season will surely fatigue both teams in the later stages of the season, particularly for an ageing Lakers roster. Fans can expect both teams to frequently load-manage their key players throughout the season. Other title contenders such as the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics will likely face similar durability issues from their deep runs in their respective conferences Conference Finals.

The 2020 Rookie Class: Rookies often have a tough time adjusting to the NBA style of play, as transitioning from a slower and less physically demanding game in college is challenging. As such, this year’s rookies will face the toughest introduction to the NBA in history. With a shortened training camp and the absence of a summer league, even star prospects such as Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball could struggle to adapt to the NBA.

Free Agents:

Rookie Lamelo Ball will face a shortened training camp coming into the league. (ESPN)

This year presents a difficult transition period for veteran free agents hoping to sign with new teams. With only a 12-day turnaround between the start of free agency and training camp, free agents not re-signing with their respective organizations will have little time to adjust to their new teams. Players will have to scramble to find new homes, and those with children will also have to arrange their schooling under short notice.

To alleviate these difficulties, teams and players can come to

an agreement well before the start of free agency. However, uncertainty regarding free agency and the risk associated with making multi-year commitments to new teams means that many veterans won’t be making decisions until the later stages of free agency.

Teams absent from the Bubble: These teams will have had more than 200 days of rest as they were not invited to the 22-team Orlando Bubble in June.

While the abbreviated training camp and transition period for new signings will hinder team cohesion, these teams will be the most rested coming into the season. The Golden State Warriors in particular will benefit the most from this early start. The team’s core of Curry, Thompson, and Green, who have played together since 2012, should have no trouble resuming play under Head Coach Steve Kerr’s system and re-establishing the Warriors as a clear contender.

Teams making Major Adjustments: Rockets, 76ers, Pacers, Pelicans, Clippers, Thunder With all of these teams planning major coaching and player changes, it will be difficult for new coaches to integrate new players into their systems during a shortened training camp before the early start. For the Rockets and Pacers, both of whom face uncertain futures and trade rumours with their star players, this early start will be particularly difficult as new coaches need time to establish which players to build their systems around. This season will truly test coaches’ ability to motivate their players to commit to their offensive and defensive schemes and ensure all players accept their team roles as quickly as possible without the intervention of unnecessary egos and tensions.

The wild world of the balisong

Balisong flipping is growing as an art form, sport, and community Zoe Babad-Palmer Staff Writer The terms “bite handle,” “live blade,” “aerials,” “Loctite,” or “Squid Industries” mean very little to most people. For enthusiasts of balisong—the art of manipulating butterfly knives in different tricks and combinations—however, they are key vocabulary.

A butterfly knife, also known as a balisong or a Batangas knife, is a folding knife with two handles that can be rotated around to open and close. Balisongs originated in the Philippines, with versions of butterfly knives also existing in France for centuries. “Live” butterfly knives, or butterfly knives with sharp blades, hold varying legal statuses around the world: Some regions restrict ownership depending on the length of the blade, or allow collecting but not carrying. All livebladed butterfly knives are prohibited in Canada. Instead, Canadian balisong enthusiasts use “trainers,” which are blunted or plastic butterfly knives, and are completely legal.

While people have been flipping butterfly knives for centuries, the sport only began to develop in the 21st century. Informal competitions among friends took place at knife shows like BLADE Show West in Oregon, which hosted its first live competition, the Bali Royal Showdown, in 2017.

Corbin Lovins, 2019 Bali Comp Champion, started taking flipping seriously in 2016 and has watched the competition scene grow since then.

“When I first got on the scene of flipping in 2016, competitions were strictly online,” Lovins wrote in an email to The McGill Tribune. “The online forums often had battles as well as the Facebook group [Balisong Flippers And Butterfly Knives] having Fliptober. Every

year now it seems we have more competitions popping up.”

Lovins’s favorite part of competitions and the world of butterfly knives is the community he has found there.

“I fell in love with the community, the competitions, the constant progression [and] the [camaraderie] before the competition,” Lovins wrote. “[I have a] love of knives to where I have started to make my own. Every flipper [comes] together bonded by one interest: Balisongs.”

I first started flipping in the summer of 2019, when I stumbled across some YouTube tutorials. I ordered a

While butterfly knives have been around for centuries, the sport only recently began to develop a following. (Kumafilms)

cheap trainer, watched more videos, and immediately started practicing when it arrived. My knuckles quickly blistered from using improper form in vertical openings, I accidentally flung the trainer across the room trying to do fans, and I drove my parents crazy flipping at all hours. In short, I was hooked.

When purchasing new equipment, I stick with trainers even though butterfly knives are legal in my home state of New York because I’m not comfortable switching to the live blades—something very few people in the community judge me for. I absentmindedly practice my thumb rollovers and full twirls in Zoom lectures. I am by no means a naturally coordinated person, so landing my first basic aerial after working on it for hours was immensely satisfying and exhilarating.

Although I am an amateur flipper and have never been to a blade show or entered a competition, I’ve found the same community online. Experienced flippers are happy to give advice on which trainer to buy, applaud beginners’ first tricks, and commiserate over injuries acquired. The “gore” tag of the balisong subreddit is not for the faint of heart.

YouTube is a great place to start for anyone interested in balisongs. When learning how to flip, committing to tricks is crucial—hesitation is the best way to mess up.

Lovins also suggests that beginners get involved in the community.

“Just sit back [and] learn the craft from the people who you notice are in that top tier division of flippers,” Lovins wrote. “Asking questions isn’t bad. Most [flippers] are always willing to answer questions and help you learn the art we have such a passion for.”

Balisong flipping truly is an art, and people who can overcome the initial intimidation of flipping around a knife for fun will discover just how captivating it can be.