Volume 47, Issue 5

The Independent Student Newspaper of the University of Toronto Mississauga since 1974

Issue 005 Volume 47 October 5 2020

themedium.ca

SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

JAHNAE JONES-HAYWOOD

UNDERDOG ATHLETICS

On September 23, the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Sustainability Office published the draft Sustainability Strategic Plan and urged students and staff to provide their input and feedback.

Jahnae-Jones Haywood is a fourth-year UTM student specializing in criminology, law and society, with a minor in ethics, law and society, who created a petition June 3, 2020, demanding an anti-racism course be implemented at the university.

Unlike many athletes coming from athletic families, Mathushan Srikannathasan started his basketball journey late at the age of 10 and professional basketball at 13.

>> SUSTAINABILITY continued on page 4

>> JAHNAE continued on page 8

>> UNDERDOG continued on page 12

NEWS

Half of all Covid-19 cases in Peel are transmitted at home Hana Khan Contributor

A

s Covid-19 cases continue to climb, we are left to wonder how the healthcare system will be impacted if this trend continues.

The Medium spoke with Dr. Lawrence Loh, the medical officer of health for the Region of Peel, and Dr. Sumontra Chakrabarti, an infectious disease specialist with Trillium Health Partners, about their first-hand experiences dealing with the resurgence of Covid-19.

>> HOME continued on page 2

ARTS

FEATURES

Book Club: Six reads for Mental Illness Awareness Week

UTM students speak on their experiences with Covid-19

Hana Khan Contributor

M

ental illness takes many dark forms. For those of us who struggle with mental illness, we know the debilitating effects it can have on everyday life. But we can find consolation in a community of similar experiences. For some, this looks like support networks or group therapy. For others, it’s connecting with the characters in our favourite books. And with Mental Illness Awareness Week fast approaching, from October 4 to October 10, we’ve collected six must-read stories that explore mental health and its existence in our worlds.

1. METAMORPHOSIS BY FRANZ KAFKA

Kafka’s Metamorphosis is a short story about Gregor Samsa, a salesman

Segen Assefa Contributor

who wakes up one day to find he’s transformed into a giant bug. Although Gregor is in this strangely tragic situation, he worries about nothing else besides getting to work on time and financially supporting his family. And once his family discovers his current state, they go into a panic and Gregor becomes isolated and alienated in his own home. Throughout the story, Gregor’s character deteriorates from a hopeful man to one steeped in feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and self-loathing.

Kafka’s conflicts within his personal life undoubtedly leaked into his writing; his strained relationship with his parents and his melancholic nature led >> M-LIST continued on page 11

*Names have been changed to allow for anonymity.

L

ife in Toronto came to a grinding halt this March when the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus to be a pandemic. A general sense of fear enveloped the Greater Toronto Area as businesses and schools closed their doors for an indefinite period. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the city became a sea of masks, hand sanitizer pumps, and panic at the slight sniffle, sneeze, or cough. While the number of infected individuals in Canada remained comparatively low, we witnessed global tragedies coming as snippets from distant acquaintances, foreign news outlets, and social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram.

Articles and infographics began to circulate on how to protect oneself from catching this novel virus. Yet, the hard truth of what contracting the virus was like remained obscured and stigmatized. As many international students found themselves away from home, grappling with financial instability and lacking support from family and friends, the fear >> COVID-19 continued on page 7

02

NEWS

Editor | Isik Vera Senel news@themedium.ca

Half of all Covid-19 cases in Peel are transmitted at home “Now is not the time to be complacent,” says Peel’s medical officer of health.

Hana Khan Contributor

>> HOME continued from page 1 There are many different factors at play with the second wave of Covid-19. One of these factors is the re-opening of in-person classes.

While the re-opening of schools may seem to be the primary cause for the increase in Covid-19 cases, with In Sauga reporting a total of 20 confirmed cases in Mississauga schools as of October 1, Dr. Lawrence Loh reveals that the opening of schools is not as big of a factor as we might think.

“Covid-19 can be controlled with a few simple rules: As cases rise, your bubble should shrink. It’s okay to interact outside of that bubble, but for all interactions following the Core Four precautions.”

When asked about the role schools and in-person classes played in the recent increase of Covid-19 cases, Dr. Loh argued that people are more likely to contract the virus from family members and colleagues.

“While we have seen cases in school-aged children and school staff […] In the past two weeks, at least half of all Peel cases continue to be related to transmissions in the home, with remaining cases acquired in social settings, private gatherings, and workplaces,” said Dr.Loh.

Dr. Sumontra Chakrabarti of Trillium Health Partners echoed some of Dr. Loh’s concerns regarding the re-opening of schools.

Dr. Chakrabarti stated that it is vital to keep classrooms as spread out as possible in accordance with social distancing measures and ensure that all school children, grade four and up, are wearing masks in the classrooms.

Moreover, Dr. Chakrabarti emphasized that the most important thing we can do to protect our students is to lower community transmission. “It’s on us to decrease the number of contacts we are having […] with thanksgiving coming up; it is not the year to have a big family reunion.”

Both Dr. Loh and Dr. Chakrabarti also stressed the significance of the upcoming flu season and the complications it will bring in with the current state of Covid-19 statistics.

Dr. Loh stated that it is absolutely vital to get the flu shot this year for three critical reasons. “[The flu shot] reduces the chances of having an illness that can be confused for Covid-19, reduces the strain on our healthcare system, reduces the chance of cross-infecting people with Covid-19, and the flu at the same time,” said Dr. Loh. “[Additionally] it also prevents outbreaks of both viruses.”

Dr. Chakrabarti stated that Covid-19 and the flu could be similar in many ways, making them “potentially identical.” Covid-19 has been generally characterized by anosmia, which is the inability to taste or smell, but anosmia can be observed among flu symptoms as well.

“If you feel unwell in any way, it is best to err on the side of caution […] and get yourself tested,” advised Dr. Chakrabarti.

However, while it is still vital for everyone to follow the precautionary Covid-19 measures, both medical professionals believe that when the second wave of Covid-19 arrives, we will be more prepared than before.

“We have our [personal protective equipment], we have our protocol for what to do with patients who are in the hospital

and contagious,” stated Dr. Chakrabarti regarding how medical professionals are prepared for a second surge in case numbers.

“If there is a wave, we will be able to deal with it better,” continued Dr. Chakrabarti. “Our testing capability is way better than it was back in March. [Moreover,] we can see it happening from far off, and we can do certain things to try to mitigate that.”

Additionally, Dr. Loh explains how we are now much more knowledgeable about the virus than during its initial emergence. However, he emphasizes the importance of social solidarity in the fight against a second wave. “We need everyone to do their part,” stated Dr. Loh. “Now is not the time to be complacent.”

Dr. Loh also offered some advice on what we can all do to control the spread of Covid-19.

“Covid-19 can be controlled with a few simple rules: As cases rise, your bubble should shrink,” explained Dr. Loh. “It’s okay to interact outside of that bubble, but for all interactions following the Core Four precautions, [which include] physical distancing, mask-wearing, hand washing, and staying home if sick, will keep you safe.”

Dr. Loh also touched upon social, institutional, and personal responsibility in stemming the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“Workplaces need to put precautions in place [and] hosts of social gatherings should limit numbers,” said Dr. Loh. In facing this unprecedented crisis, we need to readjust our mode of thinking and remember that, as Dr. Loh nicely puts it, “less is more during a pandemic.”

03

U of T launches Anti-Black Racism task force The task force will present its findings to President Gertler in March 2021.

Julia Healy/TheMedium

Square One McDonald’s employee tests positive for Covid-19 Hema Ramnarine Contributor

A

n employee at McDonald’s Square One location has tested positive for Covid-19.

On September 25, the McDonald’s location, located inside the Walmart Superstore, released a statement announcing the store will be temporarily closed for cleaning.

According to the press release, the employee tested positive on September 25 and had last worked at the location on September 20, from 7 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. Customers who visited the location on that date are urged to monitor how they feel and visit Public Health Ontario’s website for more information.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to immediately shut down the restaurant for a thorough cleaning and sanitization by a certified third party,” stated McDonald’s press release. “We are working to ensure we reopen safely; as

Sheryl Gurajada Contributor

T

he University of Toronto, through the office of the Vice President and Provost, launched the U of T Institutional Anti-Black Racism Task Force. The task force’s primary aim is described as promoting Black inclusion and excellence within the tri-campus U of T community.

The task force will review university policies, processes, and practices in place. Afterward, it will make recommendations to address racism issues within U of T. These recommendations are set to be presented by the task force to President Meric Gertler, Vice President Cheryl Regehr, Provost Kelly Hannah-Moffat, and the office of human resources and equity, by March 31, 2021.

Leading up to this date, the institutional task force will collect information on experiences Black students, faculty, staff, and other community members have faced, and try to find solutions to overcome these challenges. The task force will also be drawing from previous research conducted and try to come up with concrete recommendations and approaches to close the inequality gap.

In an interview with U of T News, Provost Hannah-Moffat discussed how racism affects everyone in a community and stated that we need to listen to marginalized voices to fight racial discrimination.

“A recognition of racism is insufficient,” said Hannah-Moffat. “Racism is not an issue for Black and racialized communities to address—it impacts everyone and it is our collective responsibility to take steps to eliminate barriers and create inclusive spaces for Black students, staff, faculty and librarians. We are committed to creating lasting, meaningful change.”

This initiative is being led by four co-chairs from the U of T community. These include Woodsworth College Chief Administrative Officer Roger Bulgin, U of T Scarborough Director of Human Resource Services Desma Charlamagne-Michel, Dean of the Factor-Inwentash faculty of social work Dexter Voisin, and OISE’s chair of the social justice education department Njoki Wane.

The task force’s website also highlights notable community members and their contributions to the Black U of T community. Recently hired by UTM’s political science department, Professor Nadège Compaoré was 19 years old

we know, our guests depend on their local McDonald’s, and we are committed to doing our part to help our communities.”

While their last day of work was on September 20, it is unknown whether the employee isolated themselves after suspecting they were sick.

McDonald’s has also stated that all team members who came into contact with the employee were asked to self-quarantine.

Upon reopening, the McDonald’s location will continue to follow the safety precautions that have been put in place. This includes having hand sanitizer available in-store, requiring employees to wear personal protective equipment, and limiting customer capacity. Stores are also encouraged to use floor markers to help guide traffic and physical distancing, and sanitize high-touch surfaces frequently.

“Maintaining the health and well-being of our crew and guests is our top priority, and we will continue to monitor and adapt measures, where necessary,” the statement reads.

While the McDonald’s closes for cleaning, Walmart Su-

when she arrived in Canada from Burkina Faso, West Africa. Compaoré did an interview with U of T News back in June to discuss the importance of Black representation in academia. She is one of the seven recipients of the Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, awarded to U of T to Black and Indigenous researchers with remarkable accomplishments in their fields.

Born and raised in Burkina Faso, Compaoré came to Canada in 2001 on a full scholarship to pursue higher education. She attended Queen’s University for a master’s in political science and observed an apparent lack of diversity amongst the study body. “I was the only Black person in my program,” said Compaoré. “I met a few Black students from other departments because we would see each other around campus, nod at each other, and start talking. We realized that we had all had the same experience with people assuming we were there because of diversity quotas.”

Compaoré also discussed the many challenges she faced in finding a job in academia, despite receiving comments on her advantage due to diverse hiring initiatives. Through her experiences, Compaoré discovered the importance of diversity and representation at higher levels of educational administration. In her interview, Compaoré argues that representation in staff goes beyond faculty members and shows students they are valued. Additionally, it demonstrates that a career in academia is possible for everyone, regardless of their race or cultural backgrounds.

“I hope that for Black students who may see me as a potential mentor, my presence affirms their belonging,” stated Compaoré. “As a [professor], I really want to approach mentorship as a community building effort, where those who do not feel represented in academia can find a space where they belong on their own terms.”

Compaoré stated that she is hopeful about the future of diversity and representation in academia.

“I know this will be challenging,” she continued. “But I also know there are others like me who are keen to build this community, as well as allies who are willing to do the hard work of learning, unlearning, and supporting.”

By supporting and making way for more people like Professor Compaoré, the task force strives to work toward a more inclusive university community. As Compaoré stated, while making the U of T more inclusive might be challenging, we are “excited about the journey ahead.”

perstore and the rest of the Square One Shopping Centre will remain open and will continue following the safety measures that have been put in place. These preventive measures include having hand sanitizer dispensers available at entrances and throughout the mall, as well as requiring customers to wear a face mask or shield upon entering.

This case follows another Square One employee testing positive for Covid-19 back in July. Following Phase Two, many stores in the mall reopened for business, and soon after, a worker contracted the virus.

While Square One could not name the store where the worker was employed or when the mall was notified of the case, a mall spokesperson had stated that the store closed for cleaning, and all employees were being tested.

The Square One Shopping Centre has remained open during both reported cases, and the McDonald’s store has since resumed operations, although no public announcements have been made.

04

Experiential Education T Unit Launches Bursaries for 2020-21

Razia Saleh Contributor

Applications for Experiential Education bursaries for the winter term will begin on November 30.

Irtaqa Arif/The Medium

Isik Vera Senel News Editor

>> SUSTAINABILITY continued from page 1 The plan was devised following an 11-month long research process by the Principal’s Sustainability Advisory Committee.

It was built around the university’s five sustainability standards as detailed on their website: Academic Programs and Curriculum, Research, Campus Engagement, Civic Engagement, and Human Resources and Infrastructure.

Three years ago, these standards were established by the Sustainability Pathways Working Group and were included in the group’s updated report, which was finalized in October 2018.

“By affiriming our culture of sustainability going forward, this Strategic Plan builds on our past efforts to realize an even better future. I look forward to realizing our goals together as we create a more sustainable campus–and a more sustainable world.”

“A culture of sustainability can be fostered only by incorporating sustainability in all aspects of UTM,” read the report.

“For UTM to truly embrace sustainability, there is a clear demand for better integration between theory and practice; UTM

he Experiential Education Unit has launched a bursary program for the University of Toronto Mississauga students seeking additional funding for their experiential learning in the 2020-2021 school year.

The establishment of this program is in response to students wishing to explore their program of study outside the classroom. This has become increasingly difficult due to the courses’ new virtual format. The unit has launched the bursary program to help students take experiential learning courses within and outside the classroom.

Michael Lettieri, the vice-dean of Academic Experience, discusses experiential learning objectives in his message on the EEU website. Lettieri argues that the enhancement of student learning can be achieved through “various types of practical learning [being] a core feature of [course] curricula.”

Experiential learning at UTM allows students to explore the practical side of learning through academic internships, research opportunities, and workplace practices, among others.

These “learning by doing” activities include research projects, community engagement in local and global platforms, academic fellowships, and practical placements.

There is a diverse choice of courses for students in their programs to search for opportunities that could provide them with future prospects. The eligible course list on the EEU website includes courses from anthropology, forensics, biology, computer science, environmental studies, and economics, among others.

Eligibility for the experiential education bursaries requires students to be enrolled in a U of T degree program and be registered for one or more experiential learning courses. The application period for the fall term bursaries ended on September 18. However, students interested in the experiential learning program have plenty of time to apply for the winter term.

The application period for the upcoming winter term will begin on November 30 and remain open until January 15. Students will be notified of their applicant status through email, and their application will be contingent on the completion of the course.

In his announcement, Lettieri stated that in addition to ex-

needs to walk the talk as well as to conduct the research and teach sustainability throughout the curriculum.”

The Sustainability Pathways Working Group (SPWG) was initially organized by Amrita Daniere, the vice-principal, academic and dean, in 2017 following the publication of UTM’s Academic Plan. Daniere, who also serves as the co-chair of the Principal’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, stated in her message that the implementation of this plan would ratify UTM’s leading position in sustainability initiatives.

“The Academic Plan, at its core, values sustainability, and it’s evident that the remaining four identities are a part of creating a sustainable institution,” said Daniere on the draft plan. “The SPWG recognized that the campus was well-positioned to develop sustainability-specific transdisciplinary information and knowledge and suggested that a comprehensive sustainability strategy was vital in creating a more environmentally conscious campus.”

This draft plan echoes UTM’s goal of becoming an international leader in sustainability and maintaining its “green reputation” as a campus. The draft emphasizes the importance of collaboration and outlines goals and initiatives for each and every administrative body, from food and dining services to transportation.

UTM Principal Alexandra Gillespie discussed her views on the draft in her message and thanked both the working group and the advisory committee for their work.

“By affirming our culture of sustainability going forward, this Strategic Plan builds on our past efforts to realize an even better future,” said Gillespie. “I look forward to realizing our goals together as we create a more sustainable campus—and a more sustainable world.”

Students and staff can submit their comments on the draft via the Sustainability Office’s online form by Friday, October 8.

periential learning’s course requirements, the program expects students to participate in academic internships and community engagement programs. This allows applicants to experience social responsibility and to respect and communicate with different communities.

Figuring out which experiential learning pathway to take can also be a challenging decision. This is why the EEU has published detailed tracks for students to determine which type of program they would like to participate in.

The academic internships provide students with work experience in their related fields and are offered in various disciplines.

Upper-year undergraduate students can get 100 to 200 hours of work placement for academic credit. These internships will allow students to explore their field of study and network with people in their discipline. Academic internships can also be counted as full or half-course credits.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the EEU has taken measures to ensure students’ safety. A message from the academic experience staff stated that “students and staff are encouraged to consult material developed from the Tri-Campus Working Group on Remote Experiential Learning,” which can be accessed via Microsoft Office’s SharePoint.

These documents contain information on how the new virtual format will impact experiential learning courses and how academic internships and practical placements will adapt to the new Covid-19 normal.

“The Centre for Community Partnerships has also drafted this document to specifically aid in the adaption of communityengaged learning courses,” read the unit’s message. “In addition, the EEU has conducted an environmental scan of remote experiential learning courses across North America, which may also be of further assistance.”

As the pandemic’s restrictions of activities have limited students’ progress outside of academics, students are encouraged to see how the experiential learning programs will benefit their field-related experience. Students will be able to practice handson learning, strengthen their studies’ focus, improve academic performance, and have professional network-building opportunities.

Students can submit their applications to the experiential learning bursaries program for the winter term starting November 30, via the EEU website.

Draft Sustainability Strategic Plan published after three years Principal’s Sustainability Advisory Committee has opened the draft for feedback from students and staff.

Julia Healy/The Medium

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05

COMMENT

Editor | Aya Yafaoui comment@themedium.ca

Stop normalizing anti-Semitism in the 21st century QAnon and political rhetoric are normalizing dangerous anti-Semitism.

Maya Super Contributor

O

n August 29, Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay reposted a video on Twitter of George Soros being interviewed by Chrystia Freeland when she was still a journalist. The tweet implied that Soros was controlling Freeland and the Liberal party, as well as the media. A few days later, on CBC’s Power and Politics show, there was a panel regarding Erin O’Toole’s recent ascent to the conservative leadership being connected to the rise of the social conservatives within the party. One of the questions asked during the panel was whether or not Findlay’s tweet should be taken seriously.

Two of the panellists said no. They believed that since it was a tweet, it was harmless. Only one panellist acknowledged the severity of the social media platform and it’s rise of hateful speech.

These two actions stood out to me as a Jewish woman living in 2020.

The panellists’ flippant reactions to the tweet represent the normalization of anti-Semitism today. This acceptance of anti-Semitism undertone messages can be linked to QAnon, that capitalizes on an old anti-Semitic myth once used by Hitler in his rise to power and in the Holocaust.

QAnon is a right-wing conspiracy theory that promotes the idea of the “Elders of Zion,” a myth that is drawn from a fraudulent document, titled Protocols of the Elders of Zion, made in 1903 that dictates the world is being run by old, rich, white, Jewish men who control the cabal of the Liberal parties. QAnon’s theory is often portrayed as President Donald Trump waging a war against pedophiles in the government, business, and media.

However, this is based on the theory of Jews being pedophiles who eat children, which can also be found in Hitler’s propaganda. The theory, started in 2017, also dictates that Hollywood actors and democratic politicians are pedophiles who run a sex trafficking ring in the U.S. This QAnon theory, however outlandish it seems, has become a staple in far-right politics. The belief has adapted to fit into 2020’s political landscape, where President Donald Trump is seen as the only person brave enough to stand up against this liberal cabal.

By not acknowledging the role that Jews have played in abolitionist movements and, instead, creating the narrative that Jews control the media, Western society is normalizing a notion that should never be normalized.

Unfortunately, this stereotype of Jews controlling the world is much more nuanced than its promotion by right-wing groups. The left has a problem with anti-Semitism too. The silence from the left when Nick Cannon made anti-Semitic comments, which implied the Jewish people controlled the world, was palpable. The severity of those remarks suggested that even QAnon’s theories are reaching the left. It might be coming in the form of Israeli politics and accusations of media control, but the left is not immune to hate speech. The left party criticizes the Israeli policies that discriminate Palestinians, the annexation of the West Bank, the illegal settlements, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption, the oppression of Muslims in Israel, and the racism that Black Jews face within Israel. These are all significant human rights issues within Israel that are warranted of political criticism. However, the criticism turns anti-Semitic when it runs along the lines of all Jews having a kinship to Israel, associating the two, and assuming that all Jews support Israel and the government.

The impact of normalizing anti-Semitism by living in silence as these despicable myths are normalized, furthers the idea that being Jewish is to be a supporter of Israeli politics. And frankly, it didn’t surprise me. A

survey published in September 2020, commissioned by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, found that “almost a quarter of respondents [Americans aged 18 to 39] (23 per cent) said they believed the Holocaust was a myth or had been exaggerated, or they weren’t sure. One in eight (12 per cent) said they had definitely not heard or didn’t think they had heard about the Holocaust.” These findings are extremely disturbing, given the Hitler-esque politics of Trump.

In an age where hateful rhetoric and injustice are being called out, we can not be silent and allow anti-Semitism practices to continue.

Furthermore, QAnon promotes the assumption that Jews, who are mainly of European descent, capitalize on power and money. This stereotype is anti-Semitic. It has its origins in the Catholic Church, which forced Jewish people to work with money. This myth stretched far back into the renaissance and can even be found in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

Hitler and many other leaders, capitalized on this stereotype and used it to justify the violent expulsion of Jews from Eastern and Western Europe, including some of my family members. This stereotype has prevailed in modern times and is present in Harry Potter through the goblin caricatures with their big noses and stinginess. This build-up of Jewish stereotypes formed through centuries gave ammunition to the idea that Jews are stingy, money-loving people. However, this stereotype remains strong today.

By not acknowledging the role that Jews have played in abolitionist movements and, instead, creating the narrative that Jews control the media, Western society is normalizing a notion that should never be normalized.

One cannot preach to standing up to injustices yet remain silent on antiSemitism. The association between Jews and Israel has become a justification for anti-Semitic slurs from both the left and the right.

While many Jewish people are successful today, it is not an understatement to say that Jewish people face hardships and discrimination too. In this age, Western society strongly opposes hate speech and hate crimes.

Every day, on Instagram, I see people supporting victims of injustices, as it should be. Yet, when an anti-Semitic event happens, the silence stings.

Keeping quiet about these injustices and minimizing hate speech to “just a tweet” fails to uphold society’s modern ethics. Twitter spreads conspiracy theories, using anti-Semitic language. Trump is a large symptom of this.

He did not create this theory but has normalized it into American politics.

He promotes the idea of Jewish people having dual loyalty to Israel. He uses anti-Semitic language, such as using the term “Shifty Schiff,” which invokes the old Jewish stereotype of Jewish people being manipulative money-lovers.

In 2020, young adults have begun speaking about the injustices faced by minority groups, influenced by the murder of George Floyd and the systemic racism seen in politics and in the daily lives of many people in the global North and South.

However, the responsibility seems to stop when anti-Semitic comments or actions take place. This might be due to the assumption that Jewish people and Israel are linked; thus, making all Jews responsible for the horrific human rights crimes committed by the Israeli government against Palestinians. Yet, one must learn to criticize Israel politically without being antiSemitic. Israel and the Jewish people are not one entity, but rather separate entities. This might be shocking, but most Jewish people do not support Prime Minister Netanyahu’s annexation of Palestine, nor do they engage in Israeli loyalty above one’s country. This not to say, however, that people can engage in hate toward those who are Zionists or that supporting Israel is to equate it with Jewish people. These are both anti-Semitic tropes and can further endanger the life of Jewish people.

In an age where hateful rhetoric and injustice are being called out, we can not be silent and allow anti-Semitism practices to continue.

06

Disney’s Mulan is another example of China’s rising power Li Yang/unsplash.com

Artur Silveira Ferreira Contributor

C

hinese theatre box office revenues are on the rise. The previous year, theatres in China saw more than nine billion dollars in revenue, a three-fold increase from 2013. In fact, Chinese box office revenue is estimated to overtake the United States by the end of this year. For this reason, Hollywood is starting to make its films appeal to both domestic and international audiences.

On September 4, Disney released the liveaction version of the beloved animated movie Mulan. Considering the Western nostalgia of its animated version and Chinese patriotism, the film was supposed to appease both Western and Chinese appetites. The latter goal was accomplished through the film’s origin story of an ancient Chinese tale about a heroine fighting foreign forces to protect her country from invaders. However, even before the live-action movie was released, it was already marred in controversy.

The main actress, Liu Yifei, a Chinese woman born in the city of Wuhan, declared support for the Hong Kong police on Weibo, a social media platform popular in Asian countries, on August 16, 2019. This action led the phrase, “#BoycottMulan,” to trend on Twitter and other social media platforms. Earlier this year in February, the young actress was absent from a Disney fan event, the D23 Expo, where the first sneak peek of the movie was released.

Disney, Hollywood, and Western governments refused to speak about Mulan’s controversies or Yifei’s support for the Hong Kong police force, which has been violent against pro-democracy protesters in the city.

China is historically known for silencing dissent. When an actor, director, or film studio does something that goes against the Chinese government’s agenda, they are banned from the country and their work is either censored or prohibited from streaming in the country.

This censorship occurred with the film Seven Years in Tibet (1997), starring Brad Pitt as the Dalai Lama, which depicted China’s invasion of Tibet. Moreover, when actor Richard Gere made a speech at the 1993 Oscars about human rights violations in Tibet, he faced the same suppression in Chinese media.

The first Asian director to win an Oscar for best director was Ang Lee, a Taiwanese director. His achievement made the front page of several Chinese newspapers, which praised the “Chinese” cinematic talent, even though Lee’s gay romantic film Brokeback Mountain (2005) was banned from the country. A more recent example is the Canadian Chinese film

star Anastasia Lin, who was banned from entering China after speaking against the regime’s human rights violations. In 2015, she tried to enter the country for the 65th Miss World pageant, flying first to Hong Kong and then attempting to board a plane to Sanya only to be barred from boarding.

Since the American film industry aims to profit from China’s large entertainment market, actors that speak out against Chinese human rights violations become less employable.

Furthermore, film producers are starting to self-censor. In other words, they are producing films that will not anger Chinese officials.

For a while now, the American film industry has avoided sensitive topics such as the Taiwan, Tibet, and Tiananmen protests.

Paramount Pictures removed a scene where the characters speculated the virus had originated from China in World War Z (2013). In another film, Pixels (2015), Sony cut a scene where the Great Wall caught on fire during the alien invasion. These edits show how the rise of China’s political and economic power is affecting the West.

After China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, many expected the country to become less authoritarian and more liberal.

Today, Western countries and companies are now adjusting their media endeavours to appease the Chinese government and take advantage of the profits from its growing market.

Any country’s censorship attempt should be stopped or followed by sanctions from other nations, primarily when censorships affect the artist’s views or intentions. In Mulan’s case, the film director’s intention was altered due to China’s censorship practices. To allow a country to have control over censorship is the first step toward the indoctrination of the population, leading to the suppression of criticism.

Filmmakers and artists should not be required to appease a country’s political leadership.

Art is a fundamental form of expression and criticism. However, hate speech or anything that encourages violence toward a group of people based on their ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation should be avoided and judged by the general population.

On June 30, 2020, following the imposition of the Draconian-like laws in Hong Kong, it became clear that Chinese officials are tightening their control, and censorship will not be relaxed anytime soon. The laws defined criminal acts like secession and subversion in vague terms, which made it easier to criminalize speeches and protests.

Now is the time that corporations, and the general public, recognize their duty to uphold fundamental and universal human rights and freedoms, especially for those who are oppressed.

The pressure to be productive can leave us exhausted and purposeless Aroni Sarkar Contributor

M

y alarm goes off at 8:55 a.m. I grab my breakfast and sit idly at my desk for the next five hours attending synchronous online classes. After my classes, I have meetings, workshops, seminars, and events to attend for various school projects, CCR goals, student clubs, and work. After dinner, I only have a few hours to get some homework done before I go to sleep exhausted and the cycle repeats the next day.

Every time I scroll through my social media accounts, I see my peers doing every possible project at their disposal. I often feel that I have to be as productive and engaged as them to make the most out of my time. And while I recognize that productivity is an elusive state during a pandemic and quarantine, I am talking about productivity as it relates to our future prospects.

In almost every one of these meetings, workshops, and seminars I attend, there is always one person that asks a question related to their resumes. Whether it’s if this event can be included in their resumes, or if they will get a reference or recommendation letter. Eventually, this attitude toward campus engagement led to student leaders addressing these concerns right at the start of workshops’ promotional stages. “Reference letters can be provided!” have been plastered on many workshop series posters.

I’ll admit, in my first year at UTM, I barely did anything. I kept my head down and only focused on my classes. As second year, and eventually third year, began, I started seeing my peers flood their resumes with all their accomplishments from the previous year. The fear of “losing time” threatened my entire perception of student life. I panicked, thinking that I only had a couple of years left to truly make my student life matter and do things that would set me apart from my peers.

So, I signed up for as many opportunities as possible without realizing that they all take place within the same few weeks. Just as I began to adjust to the workload after five months of break, I took on additional work that I wasn’t prepared for. Moreover, I only did it because I thought it was necessary to make my four years in university count.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong about making the most of your university life and joining as many clubs and projects as possible. However, you should take a moment to acknowledge why you are doing it. It is easy to become a robot, hit the self-navigate button in your brain and go through months of school without fully understanding what happened.

This pressure to compete and do everything possible to further your future prospects comes at the cost of your university experience. An experience where you should get to explore your interests, experiment with subject areas you aren’t familiar with, engage with people from different cultures, make lasting friendships, and interact with accomplished scholars.

Campus life is not a battlefield. You are not obligated to arm yourself with as much competitive advantage as possible. Take the time to consider your personal needs.

What is it that you want out of your university experience?

If you just want to attend your classes and study, there is nothing wrong with that.

Focusing on your schoolwork and avoiding overwhelming yourself with commitments is good for your GPA and mental health. On the other hand, if you enjoy and grow from doing multiple activities while also attending classes because it keeps you engaged, that is also beneficial. The bottom line is, do what is best for you and not what you think the future demands of you.

07

features

Editor | Elizabeth Provost features@themedium.ca

Covid-19 in the UTM Community Three UTM undergraduate students discuss their experiences of contracting Covid-19.

Segen Assefa Contributor >> COVID-19 continued from page 1 associated with a Covid-19 diagnosis became paralyzing, and often times, alienating.

Unlike the many Canadians unaffected by the virus, certain UTM students found themselves face-to-face with a potentially deadly infection, and the many hardships it presented.

Natalie*, a fourth-year international UTM student in the Communication, Culture, Information and Technology (CCIT) program, contracted Covid-19 in early August. “I have to pay out-of-pocket for health care [as an international student], so I was scared that my condition would worsen and I would need an ambulance, hospital bed, or anything like that,” Natalie said as she wrung her hands over the Zoom call. “Even if my parents were to send me money, it still wouldn’t be an immediate relief.”

Although many international students have access to health care through the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), it is not enough coverage for many. As a result, a majority of international students must rely on their parents’ or guardians’ private insurance, which may not be of use in Canada.

Another fourth-year CCIT student, Sarah, shared the struggles of living alone as an international student. “It was hard being by myself during Covid-19. Being an international student, you have no one to take care of you,” said Sarah. “Spending basically two weeks locked in your room can take a toll on a lot of things, such as your mental health and your financial stabil-

ity. It makes you question a lot of things, as dramatic as that may sound.”

“Personally, I was terrified,” said Alex, a fourth-year UTM student studying sociology and criminology. She had also contracted Covid-19. “My mental health deteriorated as my symptoms got worse. I had a cough, fever, and was so fatigued that I could barely get out of bed.” While suffering from her symptoms, Alex, luckily, had the least of it. Many individuals with Covid-19 experience more serious symptoms including chest pains, difficulty breathing, loss of speech and movement, as well as loss of taste or smell.

“Luckily, I was asymptomatic,” Natalie stated. “I definitely lost my sense of smell, but that wasn’t anything some spicy food couldn’t help fix after a few days.”

For these international students, and many others, the only thing worse than Covid-19 is the stigma that comes with contracting it. Called to attention by the social precautions put in place, a Covid-19 diagnosis can be seen as a sign of irresponsibility or lack of preparation.

However, the truth is that it only takes one unlucky encounter to contract the virus. When asked about how her housemates reacted and dealt with her having the novel coronavirus, Sarah replied that they were understanding. “I had to let people [who I had been in contact with] know that I was sick, but thankfully no one treated me any different.”

Unfortunately, others, including Alex, were faced with different reactions. “When I told my place of work that I had the virus, they were really hesitant about letting me come back, even after the two weeks of quarantine and a full recovery,” said Alex. “It also made communicating and socializing with others afterwards a difficult task.” Although only Natalie and Alex

had a place of employment, all three students reported wearing masks and gloves to, from, and at public places, including grocery stores, work, and public transportation. They also abstain from attending large social gatherings.

While there are no confirmed or known cures for the novel coronavirus, these students did find other methods of alleviating some of the symptoms, as well as new techniques to manage their mental and emotional health during quarantine. “I definitely got better at scheduling and managing my time,” said Natalie. “Spending all that time in my room, I had to keep busy to keep from being anxious. I realized how much I could get done in one day.”

Natalie also added more fruit, vegetables, and tea to her diet.

“I would also steam my face a lot. I feel like it really helped with my sinuses and made me feel like I was taking care of myself.”

Similarly, Alex took up yoga, claiming that waking up early and starting her day with some productive movement made her feel better and encouraged her to keep the momentum going.

After her challenges with Covid-19, Sarah began to drink water regularly, as well as taking a variety of vitamins. “Vitamin C definitely helped my healing process—and now I take it every day, just to be safe.”

The notion that contracting Covid-19 is always deadly and a sign of irresponsibility should be dispelled sooner rather than later. As science continues to try to understand where this virus originated from, how it infects humans, and the vaccine, the societal stigmas need to be addressed. Falling ill can be inevitable with the aggressive transmission rate. However, the need for community support and unity, as well as the provision of valid resources, are essential to helping our Canadian and UTM communities heal.

08

UTM student JahnaeJones Haywood initiates a petition demanding for an anti-racism course to be implemented at U of T.

May Alsaigh Associate Features Editor

>> JAHNAE continued from page 1 Currently, the petition is active on change.org, a petition website that allows individuals to create and share campaigns for change. As of October 3, Haywood’s petition has more than 17,600 signatures, not far from its 25,000 goal. The initiative calls for a change in the educational system that lacks a foundational anti-racist environment.

When asked about what motivated her to start the petition, Haywood said she was inspired by a friend who started a similar initiative at the University of Guelph. Additionally, Haywood wanted to take action of her own and use her voice to contribute to the educational curriculum as a young adult and student in society.

“At this point, I just feel like it’s necessary for anti-racism to be consistently in our lives. I think the easiest way to do that is to [implement] it into our educational system,” says Haywood. She also affirms that employing anti-racism practices should begin in elementary school but continue into post-secondary institutions. It is crucial for institutions, such as the University of Toronto, to normalize anti-racism and enforce it into students’ lives within the educational system. This cultural reset is also crucial for today and tomorrow’s leaders to enter a new working field and eliminate the societal gaps that discriminate against minorities.

“Ideally, the entire education system would take on this task of integrating anti-racism discourse into our curriculums,” continues Haywood. With this goal in mind, Haywood yearns for students to understand what anti-racism and discrimination embody, and to discover the history of various racialized groups. Anti-racism discourses must be normalised earlier in youths’ education to stimulate meaningful conversations, open perspectives, and push the boundaries of current societal norms.

Although Haywood’s petition has yet to lead to any direct change at U of T, it has sparked insightful conversations online.

She has also been contacted by many supporting individuals and organizations, including UTM’s student union and students from other U of T campuses. However, U of T staff and administration have not contacted nor cooperated with Haywood, despite releasing statements addressing the presence of racism on campus and in our communities.

Still, two faculty members in the sociology department at UTM, Professor Richer and Professor Cranford, have supported this petition and attempted to spread awareness in light of this issue. Haywood says those individuals provided plenty of support for her cause and encouraged her to reach out to them in the future.

“It’s getting into the administration that is the difficult part because they are the ones who are not listening,” says Haywood.

“Once you get to that higher part of the hierarchy, it’s radio silent.”

At times, petitions may result in adverse reactions or retaliation from individuals opposed to the cause. However, in this case, Haywood says this has yet to happen. On the contrary, she often receives questions and online inquiries instead. The majority of the questions she receives ask about the cost of the course, who will facilitate it, and how long the lectures would be, along with other logistical concerns.

In light of these concerns, Haywood states that this anti-racism course should be offered without charge and should be delivered in the form of a workshop that would only be taught for a few days, rather than an entire term. “It’s not a pass [or] fail situation, you’re here to learn and absorb information on how to be anti-racist in your daily life,” adds Haywood.

Furthermore, Haywood believes there should be specific criteria for individuals responsible for leading the course. Haywood anticipates a candidate with an educational background in anti-racism, racial history, or colonial history.

“Because it’s an anti-racism course, it would have to be a racialized person. They would have to connect with those experiences and be able to help non-racialized people understand those experiences,” Haywood explains. This way, it would be more impactful for students to learn as their facilitator can contribute a more personal and meaningful way of teaching.

Haywood notes that if a person not familiar with racial experiences were to instruct the course, there would be a “disconnect between the lived experience and what it means to engage with racism as a racialized person.” She believes the main criteria for the role is someone who has real-life experience rather than a high education level.

Moreover, Haywood believes implementing this course would aid students across the three U of T campuses. These antiracism lectures would provoke meaningful thought, ideas, and positive societal practices in all aspects of life. Haywood also states that this course can significantly benefit those who have never engaged in anti-racism experiences.

“Because of how vast U of T is, when you see where the alumni end up going and doing with their lives, [these lectures] would make an immense change [in the world].” Haywood does not doubt that this course would be very impactful in society.

U of T facilitates influential alumni in various fields. As such, if they were to carry a strong ethical foundation of anti-racism, it would undoubtedly influence generations to come and facilitate a more inclusive environment.

For the petition to reach a successful outcome, U of T must take a more significant step in speaking for this advocacy against racial issues. Haywood believes the institution must “talk with students [and] boards about what they can do moving forward.”

U of T should make a greater effort to communicate to students the power they hold as an educational institution and follow through with their promises to the community.

“We have demands. We have requests. [But] we’re just waiting for them to be heard.” Haywood stresses that U of T should engage with students, listen to their requests, and take action following those conversations.

Ultimately, Haywood hopes to continue advocating for anti-racism practices in her upcoming university years in the legal field. “These are the things that drive my career and drive me to do what I want to do for [racial] equities and rights.”

“In terms of my education and my own self-awareness, this was always very important to me, but I didn’t feel like I’ve even been in a position to put that out there,” Haywood says. “The petition gave me a voice to [share] what I’ve learned over the years and my positions.”

Photo Courtesy of Jahnae Jones-Haywood

Addressing Anti-Racism with Jahnae JonesHaywood

To sign the petition and make a difference, visit tinyurl.com/uoftantiracismpetition

09

A twist on UTM’s Snider Lecture

annual

The Snider Lecture committee at UTM prepares for its upcoming October 6 event. rawpixel.com Chakrika Burra Contributor

T

he start of a new decade swept us off our feet with unprecedented changes and events. As we begin new chapters and face personal hardships, we may have forgotten the critical societal situations around us. However, this is not the case at UTM. The Snider Lecture Committee has been hosting an annual Snider lecture for the past 46 years that addresses essential topics. The committee’s primary goal is to raise awareness and stimulate conversations on events, critical decisions, and concerns as they become relevant to the UTM community.

For the first time ever, the Snider Lecture will be delivered virtually on October 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Individuals can sign up online to watch the live stream or recording. With this new platform comes the ability to connect to a broader audience, making the lecture’s message even more powerful.

The Snider Lectures started in 1974 through the funds provided to the school by Fletcher Cameron Snider’s wife, Amelia Pauline Scheak. Snider was born in Eglinton, York, which would now be considered Eglinton Avenue in downtown Toronto. He came to be a well-established lawyer and was highly esteemed in his profession. Unfortunately, at the peak of his career, he passed away at the young age of 48. Fletcher Cameron Snider remained married to his wife Amelia until his death.

Later, when Amelia passed away, her will demanded that following the passing of her second husband and sister, the remnants of her estate would be left in the hands of the trustees of the University of Toronto.

Since the start of the annual Fletcher C. Snider Lectures, it has featured various notable speakers. Representing the committee as the current chair, Shelley Hawrychuk expressed how

grateful the committee is for all the Snider family has done.

“The Lecture Series is made possible by the generous endowment of the Snider family. The family wanted to support public lectures that enrich the intellectual and cultural life of the UTM community.” Today, the lectures have come to represent an integral part of the U of T community.

The Snider Lectures have proven to be instructional in bringing forth critical issues of interest and providing attendees with knowledge that opens perspectives on current social issues.

Shelley Hawrychuk is the head librarian at the UTM campus and served for the committee before being asked to be the chair. Regarding what she aims to achieve through the lectures, Hawrychuk said, “events such as the Snider Lecture provide a space that allows us to engage in discussions freely and respectfully about topics that challenge us—that make us think about opinions and ideas that may be different from our own.

That is what I hope to achieve.”

The committee works to organize an informational lecture year after year that brings attention to nuanced and sometimes controversial topics. “The hope is to bring in lecturers that may challenge our own opinions and attitudes, and that spark conversation,” said Hawrychuk.

When asked about the process of choosing a speaker, Hawrychuk said, “the Committee meets to discuss issues that seem relevant to us now and to share ideas for potential speakers.”

She explained how further discussion and debate narrowed down the topics and potential speakers.

Hawrychuk and the committee are excited about the firstever virtual Snider lecture. “The event this year is our first virtual lecture. It is exciting that we can reach out to our community this way.” The committee is currently working to coordinate with registrants for the October 6 lecture by Robyn Maynard on “Abolish the Police, Abolish Prisons: Black liberation in a time of revolt.”

Maynard has long been involved in community activism and advocacy. She was a part of several movements against racial profiling, police violence, and detention and deportation.

For the Snider Lectures event, Maynard will talk about how police captivity and types of surveillance processes are systemically ingrained in Canadian policies.

Over a thousand members from all over the world have already registered for this virtual lecture. These attendees include faculty, staff, librarians, students, and the wider UTM community, such as alumni. Additionally, all the registrants are also provided with a recording of the lecture to watch afterward.

The Snider Lectures have proven to be instructional in bringing forth critical issues of interest and providing attendees with knowledge that opens perspectives on current social issues. When asked what is to be expected of this year’s lecture, Hawrychuk stated, “as with all Snider lectures, I am confident that we will have an interesting and engaging speaker.

The hope is to bring in lecturers that present on issues that are timely and relevant to us now.”

To attend the lecture or watch the recording, visit: https://www.utm. utoronto.ca/sniderlecture/

10

Arts

Editor | Chris Berberian arts@themedium.ca

portrays humanity at its worst Tom Holland gets serious in this bleak tale of faith and vengeance.

Paige France Associate Arts Editor

“S

ome people were born just so they can be buried,” is the haunting line from Sebastian Stan that perfectly sums up the panoply of misdeeds and deranged retribution in The Devil All the Time. Directed by Antonio Campos, the film depicts how misery longs for company in this inescapable realm of gothic-tinged psychological thrills.

The Devil All the Time might not appeal to most, but much like gossip, we can’t help but give it our full attention. Its direness will cling to your consciousness long after the lights come on.

Waging war from within is taken literally in this film adaptation of Donald Ray Pollock’s novel of the same name. Beginning with a sympathetic view of a soldier from World War II,

Fast-rising star Millie Bobby Brown shines in this fresh take on a classic mystery.

Danica Teng Associate Arts Editor

S

herlock Holmes is a familiar name around the world. But what about Enola? If you haven’t heard the name before, you will soon with the release of Netflix’s newest romp, Enola Holmes.

The film is based on the YA novel series The Enola Holmes Mysteries, written by Nancy Springer, and follows the story of the first book: The Case of the Missing Marquess. While Enola doesn’t exist in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes novels, she does in Springer’s adapted series as the third Holmes sibling—the younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft.

Enola Holmes is played by rising actress Millie Bobby Brown, famous for her role as Eleven in Stranger Things. Enola is a young girl who lives with her mother Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter) in the sprawling Ferndell Hall. Her older brothers left long ago; leaving the mansion all to them. From a young age, Enola trained mentally and physically, neglecting the era’s typical feminine expectations. Embroidery, corsets, and manners were replaced with science, reading, and martial arts. These skills are challenged when her mother goes missing on the morning of her 16th birthday.

the film seemingly centres on Willard Russell (Bill Skarsgård), capturing the image of a PTSD, guilt-ridden man who fears that God no longer hears him.

After witnessing a live crucifixion in the Solomon Islands, Russell pleads to a wooden cross deep in the woods, a portal to bury his trauma. From there, we watch as Russell’s psyche spirals in moments of danger and grief, changing the trajectory of the once linear plot.

The eeriness intensifies after Russell’s son, Arvin (Tom Holland), receives his father’s gun, the one wedded in misfortune for torturing his father’s mind. Willard failed to teach his son much but did advocate justice through vengeance. In the Midwest town of Knockemstiff, this justice is paramount.

Soon the film spirals into multiple individual tales as characters become entangled with the Russell family. Among them, the corrupt cop Lee Bodecker (Sebastian Stan), his villainess sister Sandy (Riley Keough), a serial killer named Carl (Jason Clarke), and Preston Teagardin (Robert Pattinson), a lascivious preacher whose sermons illustrate his own brutal hypocrisy.

Mia Wasikowska and Eliza Scanlen also enter the narrative as victims of the tale’s unfortunate events, solidifying the idea that men adopt religion with a blind vengeance, and women adopt religion with deadly conformity. The film chronicles how

faith and evil intertwine through the 20 years of crime and deceit that only partially correct the evilest wrongdoings, leaving trails of blood wherever the characters go, until they meet tragically in the crooked sheriff ’s car.

In The Devil All the Time, religion is a mercurial high that eventually hits rock bottom. It’s a story of people who misconstrue the guidance of God to feel acceptance, manipulating other’s beliefs and twisting their lives to emanate that connection. While Preston Teagardin flirts in a high-pitched accent, his insecurities run deep when he meets the vengeful Arvin.

Channelling his inner-Spiderman vigilante and plagued by the misdeeds of the townspeople, Arvin confronts Teagardin with the haunting line, “Excuse me, preacher. You got time for a sinner?”

The misfortunes of the Russell family are so painstakingly frequent that they become laughable. Due to the movie’s expansive scope, there was little time spent developing many characters. As the kill count increases, so does our confusion.

We’re left searching for its relevancy in the film’s overreaching plot, the one strung together by the wind of Campos’ rapacious imagination.

As we jump from one character to the next, the story feels unavoidably episodic and never overcomes this misery. It’s tempting to say that the storyline would’ve succeeded better as a mini-series, where the characters could better convey the sprawling drama that’s rippling under the surface.

All-in-all, this movie throws predictability out the window, while its production exudes the feeling of a future cult-classic. With cheery music strumming in the most unacceptable of times and eerie whispers haunting the most light-hearted scenes, the viewer is gripped by these mysterious undertones.

The Devil All the Time religiously tiptoes between being absorbing and unbearable as characters seek God’s forgiveness for their sins.

And despite opportune times to reassure connections with their faith, they all slip into their devilish tendencies—their devilish tendencies all the time.

Enola Holmes smashes all conventions Using the clues left to her, Enola goes off to find her mother. However, she isn’t the only one looking. Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin) return home with the same goal, though the latter brother has other plans in mind.

As Enola searches for her mother, she meets the Viscount Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), the Marquess of Basilwether, who also defies common Victorian expectations.

They’re both on the run, but for different reasons. With so many obstacles and unanswered questions ahead, Enola Holmes brings back the familiar excitement of mystery, only this time with a new detective.

One of the most exciting aspects of this film is that we’re in it. From time to time, Enola breaks the fourth wall, speaking and looking and winking at us. It doesn’t happen too often to be overbearing, but just enough for a delicate balance between showing and telling the story. We get the explanation of the problem, a chance to investigate some situations ourselves, then witness Enola’s solution.

Moreover, the cinematography sets the tone for the genre very well, immersing you in the feeling that this is one giant puzzle to solve. During thrilling moments, the shot cuts quicken, and the music intensifies, moving the scenes along and building suspense. Periodic flashbacks, illustrations, and old-timey texts only add to the fast-paced amusement and adventure.

Meanwhile, the well-chosen cast was a cherry on top of this delectable mystery. Milly Bobby Brown is enthusiastic

and charismatic, endearing Enola with a believable eccentricity that steals every scene. Henry Cavill’s Sherlock differs from the aloof detective of yore but is nonetheless intriguing to watch. Sam Claflin was a pleasant surprise, expressing all of Mycroft’s contempt with his grimacing moustache. And in my eyes, Helena Bonham Carter can do no wrong. Even as she’s missing for much of the story, her implied presence lingers with us throughout the film.

Ultimately, what makes this movie so memorable is its message.

Even in its chaotic mysteries, Enola Holmes explores the fight and struggle for women’s rights and freedoms, getting personal with privilege and the lengths people will go to uphold a patriarchal society. We see Enola’s desire to live freely for who she is, not the “lady” others want her to be. But that doesn’t mean she can’t wear dresses while saving the day.

And that’s the key—choice. To choose to wear corsets. To choose to learn sports. To vote. To break free of expectations placed upon you, which applies not only to Enola, but other characters like Tewkesbury.

Seeing these characters shatter their limitations ignites a spark in those who the world continually fails to consider.

As the film concludes, “the future is up to us.”

11

The M List: Six books to read for Mental Illness Awareness Week 3. Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

Hana Khan Contributor

>> M-LIST continued from page 1 him to express his deepest worries and emotions in this story.

2. 72-Hour Hold by Bebe Moore Campbell This novel follows Keri and her 18-yearold daughter Trina, whose bipolar disorder has made her paranoid and aggressive. Keri becomes desperate to help her daughter but finds that her only option is placing Trina on a 72-hour hold, after which she’ll be released right back to where she started. Determined to get her daughter the treatment she needs, Keri discovers an illegal intervention known as The Program. Based on the Underground Railroad, The Program offers secret locations for psychiatrists to forego holding periods and involuntarily treat individuals with severe mental illness. But soon, this experience forces Keri to face a past that’s been buried deep.

Campbell was a Black novelist and teacher who focused on race relations and mental illness in her writing. Mental illness is often hidden behind closed doors within BIPOC communities. Campbell fearlessly confronts it in her novel.

TIFF

Ada was prayed into existence by her parents. As a baby, she was the source of their worries, and as she got older, she only became more volatile. It’s clear to both her parents and the reader that something is amiss with Ada. After turning eighteen, Ada moves from her home in Nigeria to America for college.

Soon, a group of alternate selves form in her mind and, after she experiences a traumatic assault, these selves take centre stage while Ada slips away into the background.

Born in Nigeria, Emezi is both an artist and writer who aims to create a space for LGBTQ2S+ characters in literature. They wrote Freshwater based on their own experiences, shaped into a fictional world.

4. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson Mary Katherine Blackwood, or “Merricat,” lives with her sister Constance and her uncle Julian in a sprawling estate. The three are the remaining members of the Blackwood family; the others were murdered six years ago. The village is convinced that Constance is the murderer who got away and, as a result, the three confine themselves at home, being treated as outsiders.

Soon, their routines are interrupted with the arrival of Charles, an estranged cousin. Merricat finds herself resentful toward Charles because of the close friendship he forms

felt

very

Maya Super Contributor

T

he Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is as Torontonian as Drake. So, when Covid-19 spread across the globe this year, local film lovers worried that the famed festival would be cancelled. Thankfully, it wasn’t. Instead, this year TIFF went primarily virtual, omitting in-person celebrity meetups, and alternatively offering virtual premiers and Q&As. I attended two events, of which one was virtual and one inperson, each having unique pros and cons.

“IN CONVERSATION WITH SAOIRSE RONAN”

For this virtual event, the four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan Zoomed in from London to chat with a Toronto-based moderator and her fans. The site where all the virtual showings took place was masterfully designed and easy to navigate.

However, rather than speaking directly with Ronan, we had to type in our questions, among which the moderator would choose a total of three.

While being online somewhat depersonalized the event, I felt that it was more successful than physically going to see a movie at TIFF this year. The rolling video camera and Ronan’s home décor in the background created a vulnerability that is often unseen at TIFF Q&A events. That being said, the divide

with her sister. As the novel unravels, we see how Merricat acts on her feelings toward Charles, and the story begins to take an unsettling turn.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle was Jackson’s last novel among a catalogue of horror masterpieces, this book being no exception.

5. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger Salinger’s classic The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, a troubled teenage boy at a treatment facility, who guides us through his tough experiences last Christmas wandering New York City’s streets. Through his latenight journey, Holden recounts his life in an isolating and detached manner. His attempts to connect with others often result in awkward conversations and more alienation.

Salinger places the story sometime in the 1950s. This is a crucial preface to consider as it displays both how Holden’s character, with his swearing and declarations of phoniness, was seen as rebellious and also made the novel rebellious for how freely it claimed these themes.

6. Death is Hard Work by Khaled Khalifa Khalifa is a Syrian novelist who sets this story within his own country’s civil war. After Abdel Latifa dies peacefully in Damascus, three siblings—Bolbol, Hussein, and Fatima—must travel through their war-torn

different

between the audience and Ronan was made more prominent because fans couldn’t ask her questions directly. Regardless, the event was a great experience, with Ronan giving honest and thoughtful answers. Needless to say, she’s an exceptional actress and person.

FALLING (2020)

Dir. Viggo Mortensen Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Laura Linney, and David Cronenberg I was lucky enough to see Falling, Viggo Mortensen’s directorial debut, in person. To do so, I had to pre-order my tickets and walked directly to a pre-assigned seat, bypassing the closed concession stand. Watching a movie without food is a foreign concept to me and, I’m sure, my fellow movie-goers.

The walk down to and from the TIFF Bell Lightbox didn’t feel as joyful and exciting as previous years. It felt like a funeral procession, a stark reminder of how Covid-19 has affected festivals and of what once was. There were no barricades when you hit Adelaide West, only the restaurant patios expanding into the street. Instead of the usual TIFF signs stretching down to King Street West, the first sign I saw was at the theatre itself.

I also couldn’t help but feel this year’s differences while watching Mortensen introduce his movie and answer questions through Skype.

Falling is about a gay man living in Los Angeles when his conservative father comes to visit. The story reflects Donald

country to fulfill their father’s last wish: To be buried in their ancestral village. Although the three siblings have become estranged for many years, their father’s death forces them to reconcile with each other. The state of Syria adds its own challenges for the three, as the terrain is destroyed by violence and fear.

Having lived in Damascus for twenty years, Khalifa writes on first-hand knowledge, resulting in a beautifully sorrowful novel.

Books are an escape from reality. They help us find comfort with the struggles we face and, to be frank, fill our minds with characters and adventures to ease the loneliness we’ve all felt at one time or another.

Although mental illness in Canada is being recognized during this one week, we must keep it in our minds at all times. Reach out to each other. Talk to each other. Ensure the people in your life know you’re there for them and ensure that you have those same supports.

For anyone who feels they are struggling and need to reach out, here is a list of helpful resources. UTM also offers My Student Support Program (MySSP), a free 24/7 support system for students facing school, health, or general life concerns.

this

year

Trump’s America, where conservative parents vote for a homophobic president, not acting in the interest of their liberal children. While the story sounded interesting, the film was far from a masterpiece. Mortensen couldn’t find the balance between social commentary and exposition. As a result, the scenes felt half-baked. While the acting was superb, the expositive scenes dragged on, allowing the audience to believe the movie was about to end.

The movie would have benefitted with a shorter run time and more profound dialogue scenes. The narrative was choppy, and there was one flashback too many, so while it was a decent film, I’d recommend saving the trip to the cinema.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE TIFF was always going to be different in 2020. This year, closing your laptop at home felt less celebratory and more mournful. Given the circumstances, TIFF adapted well with a website that was accessible and user-friendly. It also tried its best to recreate the festive feel. Without TIFF, 2020 would’ve felt even bleaker; so, although the spirit of TIFF was lacking, I’m glad I attended. Hopefully, TIFF 2021 will have fewer restrictions.

My main takeaway from TIFF is that the arts are crucial to the survival of culture in Toronto. Without our vibrant arts, Toronto feels a bit empty. We must ensure provincial and federal governments continue to fund the arts if we wish to experience diverse films in the future.

The pandemic may eventually go away one day, but the arts should not.

12

sports & health

Editor | Sarah-May Edwardo-Oldfield sports@themedium.ca

The Underdog hopes to inspire with passion and hard work Fourth-year Mathushan Sri took advantage of the lockdown to build his training business and train the future’s most talented athletes.

Sarah-May Edwardo-Oldfield Sports Editor

>> UNDERDOG continued from page 1 To this day, his parents have never seen him play. They’ve seen the trophies, the MVP awards, and his picture on UTM’s Athletic Awards Ceremony pamphlet, but have yet to attend a game. Although Srikannathasan believes his parents are very supportive, driving him to games and practices, he didn’t grow up with the athletic parental support like most peers. “I had to figure out the [basketball] side of things on my own. I didn’t have anyone telling me what to do,” says Srikannathasan. And he did, waking up at 4 a.m. multiple days a week and re-watching full basketball games over meals as a high school student.

Today, Srikannathasan is one of the greatest UTM Eagle athletic program has ever had the pleasure of developing. He’s worked at every student leader position, from official to tournament convenor, and played at every student-athlete level. The underdog from Milton, Ontario, now trains aspiring young teenage athletes, university level and Division 1 athletes, to NBA professionals.

Srikannathasan was recruited out of high school to be a part of UTM’s first-ever Men’s Basketball team, which had their inaugural season in 2017. But getting into UTM took a little more work for the young athlete. Out of grade 12, although he got into UTM, Srikannathasan missed out on attending his first choice, McMaster University, by a single grade per cent. He took the year off, went to an adult school, and upgraded his high-school marks. The following year he got into McMaster, and UTM for a second time.

However, an old high school basketball friend convinced him to give UTM a shot.

“I’d be playing with him, and he’d tell me that UTM was getting a varsity team. He offered to talk to the coach for me. I was upgrading my high-school marks, but I was still training, I was staying ready,” says Srikannathasan. The coach invited Srikannathasan out to a couple of workouts over the summer. By September, he was a member of UTM’s first Men’s Basketball team embarking on their inaugural season in the OCAA, and on his way to pursuing a double major in Biology and Psychology.

This was also Srikannathasan’s first step to becoming one of the school’s most experienced and versatile student leaders: a UTM Eagle through and through.

He was one of the few true rookies on UTM’s first varsity basketball team who had the opportunity play a decent amount, on a team with many strong upper-year athletes. But it was often difficult. He received limited playing time, came off the bench, and at times his confidence in his ability wavered. Nevertheless, Srikannathasan left it all on the court game after game. “I was a good back-up,” he says.

“I was playing 16 or 18 minutes a game. At the very least, six.”

It may not seem like much, but Srikannathasan takes pride in the fact that he never had a DNP (Did Not Play) next to his name in his rookie season. To him, this meant that even if his coach didn’t think he was good some days, he still played him—always checked him into the ball game. Some of his teammates weren’t so fortunate.

Srikannathasan’s school involvement quickly extended beyond his varsity games and practices and to a leadership role. Former Intramurals Coordinator, now Community Outreach Officer, Cameron Walker, recruited Srikannathasan to get involved with campus intramurals. Three months into his first year, he was a referee and scorekeeper. Walker saw Srikannathasan’s potential as a student leader and encouraged him to take on more responsibility. In the summer after he finished his first year at UTM, Walker approached Srikannathasan about taking on the summer League Commis-

sioner for UTM’s Summer Intramural Leagues.

After a successful first year, Srikannathasan embraced the new challenges of his second year as a university student-athlete and all of its demands. “It was a busy year. I was the Tournament Convener at UTM athletics, still playing on the Varsity team, and taking more classes. It was a heavy load, but like all students [I just] had to figure it out.” And he did, which led to his busiest summer yet and the most significant turning point in his university career.

Srikannathasan was recruited yet again by Walker, to work at UTM’s Camp U of T’s children’s summer camp as a counselor and basketball camp instructor. In addition to camp, Srikannathasan lead campus tours for regular students, student-athletes, and parents. Srikannathasan continued to be asked to take on larger roles: helping out with summer leagues, tournaments, and other commissioners for different sports. It was an amazing experience that saw Srikannathasan, in only two years at UTM, in almost every student leader athletic role.

After working with UTM Athletics and Camp U of T, Srikannathasan was inspired to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a basketball trainer. Srikannathasan feels like he’s been training since he was 13, the only difference being he was training himself and letting others jump in and workout with him. However, at a young age, Srikannathasan discovered he had a gift for teaching others, but his only focus was on himself: to be the best player he could be. As athletes who’ve trained with him will say, he’s always been one to focus on the details, editing and fixing form, and footwork of those who came out to work out with him.

In August of 2019, going into his third year at UTM, he tackled that goal. He and his friend worked together to create a logo and a page, and what had once been a “maybe someday” dream became Underdog Athletics, a basketball training business he now runs with his older brother. Srikannathasan is appreciative of the unity and support of the UTM community as he establishes his business.

“The fact that there are people that support you, that believe in you, even if a little, means so much to me.”

Srikannathasan took a year off from playing varsity during the 2019-2020 school year, deciding instead to focus on school and growing Underdog Athletics. “I started with some local UTM guys, which was good just to get my feet wet. I also took on a couple of kids from camp [Camp UofT] that I worked with during basketball camp. Towards the end of the summer camp, I continued to train two kids from the group. One of them is one of my most consistent and regular athletes. He’s going to his very first rep tryout soon.”

In addition to school, working, and participating in Intramurals, Srikannathasan trained anyone who was willing. And though traditionally a guard, he trains athletes in every position on the basketball floor. “I trained people from all over, CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport), OCAA Division 1, Division 2, and two professionals. A bunch of different kids as well, from high school kids to elementary kids, and it just started growing from there. Now I shadow NBA trainers.” Srikannathasan has also worked with the Brampton Warriors, the Junior NBA, and helped out with UTM’s women’s Varsity basketball team as a trainer and team scout. UTM has been huge help in expanding the reach of business and creating connections with established trainers he hopes to learn from.

“Through UTM, I’ve met some of the best people in my life.

There are so many opportunities out there if you look for them.

And so many people to meet, and so many connections to make,” says Srikannathasan about his experience at the university. “I’ve met some of the most important people in my life through athletics here at UTM. I’ve met people that to this day, are still reposting my stuff, people I met first year. They’re reposting my stuff, they’re sharing and commenting, which for a guy with his own business is massive.”

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic threw everyone off. For Srikan-

nathasan, it was the catalyst that cemented his future as a basketball trainer and one of the greatest UTM Eagles of all time.

“ I took two months to just stop and breathe. I worked on myself, got my mind right, and got my body right, while keeping my body in shape.” After a brief pause, he went right back to work.

While businesses stalled, Underdog Athletics flourished. With gyms closed, he took athletes outside, running small group sessions on hills, on outdoor basketball courts, and out of his garage.

As pandemic restrictions loosened, he booked indoor court space.

Under his mentor, Mississauga legendary trainer David Tyndale, Srikannathasan helps runs workouts with NBA professionals, including Dylan Brooks of the Memphis Grizzles and Corey Joseph of the Sacramento Kings. But Srikannathasan couldn’t care less about how good of an athlete you are or what what level you play at. As long as you’re willing to put in the work, he’ll be ready to work with you.

Srikannathasan sees himself as a kind of middle child, in the middle of two different generations. A generation that’s looking back for help and guidance, and a generation that’s chasing the successful road ahead of them. He’s revered by his peers as being very detailed and technical when it comes to the game of basketball. He’s relatable, personable, and patient. Moreover, his love for the game is prominent. “I love the game so much that I can’t do anything else.

If I can’t play, training and coaching is the closest thing. I’m a junkie for this stuff. I watch highlights. I watch full games over and over.

If you ask anyone that comes to my house, highlights are always playing. I watch highlights like I’m studying film.”

Once a diligent student of the game, Srikannathasan sees himself as a teacher. A teacher he wishes he had when he was younger.

Now, he wants to make players better. “I’m telling players the right things, like not to drop their heads when they miss a shot. I’m there with them, right away telling them to keep their heads up because there’s another shot coming their way.”

Covid-19 has put a hold to his plans of playing for UTM’s varsity basketball team in his final year, but Srikannathasan is determined to leave his mark in other ways. He’s continued to train UTM athletes, running his own workouts in addition to training UTM students through UTMAC. Besides training full-time when he graduates, Srikannathasan has his sights set on coaching for UTM’s Varsity basketball team as a head coach and guiding a generation of hard-working athletes.

“I think too many people settle for average. The same people will say you should enjoy your four years of university because the next 40 is going to be rough. I don’t believe that,” says Srikannathasan.

He wants his legacy at UTM to be the example he sets, by never shying away from hard work. “I wasn’t the most talented, and I wasn’t the most recruited. [However,] I worked hard, I worked smart, and made something of what I had. And I’ve had fun doing it because you also have to live life. I just hope I inspired people to do what they want, to strive for greatness not only for themselves and but for others.”